WO2014150442A1

WO2014150442A1 - Easy-to-open, resealable food product packaging, systems and methods

Info

Publication number: WO2014150442A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/023279
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tereza STRYJOVA; Bruce Hannant; Matthew Wright; John Macdonald; Duncan COLQUHOUN
Original assignee: Mars, Incorporated
Priority date: 2013-03-15
Filing date: 2014-03-11
Publication date: 2014-09-25
Also published as: MX2015011356A; BR112015021303A2; CN105143060A; HK1212959A1

Abstract

A food product package (200) may include two side fin seals (202) (204) and a bottom fin seal (206). The two side fin seals (202) (204) may be substantially parallel to one another. The bottom fin seal (206) may be substantially perpendicular to at least one of the side fin seals. The bottom fin seal (206) may form a tab that is large enough for a user to grip and use to open the food product package (200). The food product package (200) may have a weakened access area to allow for easy opening of the food product package (200). The food product package (200) may include adhesive (210) that may be used to re-seal an opened food product package (200). The adhesive(210) may be covered by a removable strip (212).

Description

EASY-TO-OPEN, RESEALABLE FOOD PRODUCT PACKAGING, SYSTEMS AND

METHODS

BACKGROUND

[0001] Generally, the present invention relates to packaging for food products. In particular, the present invention relates to packaging for food products using fin seals.

[0002] In prior art candy bars, the candy bar typically has a longer longitudinal axis and a shorter lateral axis. Under typically processing, packaging is placed around the candy bar, and as a first step, it is fin-sealed under the candy bar to form a fin seal along the longer longitudinal axis of the candy bar. As a second step, the candy bar is end- sealed. In many prior art applications, fin seals typically run the entire length of a candy bar package, and end seals are intermittent and made by clamping the packaging.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a food product package, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0004] Figures 2A and 2B illustrate another embodiment of the food product package, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0005] Figures 3 A and 3B illustrate another embodiment of the food product package, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0006] Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of a system for making the food product package, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0007] Figure 5 is a flowchart of a method for making the food product package, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 6 is a flowchart of a method for opening the food product package, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustration, certain embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the claims are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Figure 1 illustrates a food product package 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The food product package 100 may include a first side fin seal 102, a second side fin seal 104, or a bottom fin seal 106. The first side fin seal 102 may be located at one end or side of the food product package 100. The second side fin seal 104 may be substantially parallel to the first side fin seal 102. The second side fin seal 104 may be located at one end or side of the food product package 100 that is different from the end or side of the food product package 100 where the first side fin seal 102 may be found. The bottom fin seal 106 may be substantially perpendicular to the first side fin seal 102 or the second side fin seal 104. The bottom fin seal 106 may extend transversely across the food package from the first side fin seal 102 to the second side fin seal 104.

[0011] In another embodiment, the first side fin seal 102 may have substantially straight edges. Alternatively, the first side fin seal 102 may have non-serrated edges. Alternatively, the first side fin seal 102 may have serrated edges. In another embodiment, the second side fin seal 104 may have substantially straight edges. Alternatively, the second side fin seal 104 may have non-serrated edges. Alternatively, the second side fin seal 104 may have serrated edges. In another embodiment, the bottom fin seal 106 may have substantially straight edges. Alternatively, the bottom fin seal 106 may have non- serrated edges. Alternatively, the bottom fin seal 106 may have serrated edges.

[0012] In another embodiment, the bottom fin seal 106 may be offset from the center of the food product package 100. For a food product package 100 that has a longer longitudinal axis and a shorter lateral axis, the bottom fin seal 106 may be substantially parallel to the shorter lateral axis or substantially perpendicular to the longer longitudinal axis of the food product package 100. Alternatively, the bottom fin seal 106 may be located along the center of the food product package 100. Alternatively, the bottom fin seal 106 may be offset from the center of the food product package 100.

[0013] The bottom fin seal 106 may form a bottom fin that is large enough for a consumer to grip and use to open the food product package 100. The bottom fin formed by the bottom fin seal 106 may have serrated edges. The bottom fin formed by the bottom fin seal 106 may have non-serrated edges. The bottom fin formed by the bottom fin seal 106 may have substantially straight edges. [0014] In an embodiment, the food product package 100 may be made of plastic or mylar.

[0015] The process for a user to open the food product package is further described below.

[0016] Figures 2A and 2B illustrate a food product package 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The food product package 200 according to this embodiment may include a first side fin seal 202, second side fin seal 204, a bottom fin seal 206, an adhesive structure 208 that includes an adhesive layer 210, and an adhesive cover 212. The adhesive layer 210 may be used to re-seal the food product package 200 after it has been opened.

[0017] The adhesive cover 212 may cover the adhesive layer 210 so that the adhesive layer 210 does not adhere to any surface (including any portion of the food product package 200) until the adhesive cover 212 has been removed to expose the adhesive layer 210.

[0018] In an embodiment, the adhesive structure 208 may be located on the surface of the food product package 200 under the bottom fin seal 206 so that when the fin formed by the bottom fin seal 206 is folded down, the adhesive structure 208 may be hidden or obscured. Alternatively, the adhesive structure 208 may be located on the bottom fin formed by the bottom fin seal 206, preferably on a side so that the adhesive structure 208 may be hidden or obscured when the bottom fin formed by the bottom fin seal 206 is folded down.

[0019] In an embodiment, the adhesive structure 208 may extend transversely across the food product package 200 from the first side fin seal 202 to the second side fin seal 204. In an embodiment where a food product package 200 has a longer longitudinal axis and a shorter lateral axis, the adhesive structure 208 may be substantially parallel to the shorter lateral axis or substantially perpendicular to the longer longitudinal axis of the food product package 200.

[0020] In an embodiment where the adhesive structure 208 does not come pre- applied to the food product package 200, the adhesive structure 208 may be applied to the food product package 200 after the first side fin seal 202, second side fin seal 204, or bottom fin seal 206 have been formed. In an embodiment, the adhesive cover 212 may be applied over the adhesive layer 210 after the adhesive layer 210 has been applied to the food product package 200.

[0021] In an embodiment, the adhesive cover 212 may include a grasping tab for a user to grasp to remove the adhesive cover 212 and expose the adhesive layer 210. Alternatively, the adhesive cover 212 may include multiple grasping tabs for a user to grasp to remove the adhesive cover 212 and expose the adhesive layer 210.

[0022] In operation, a user grasps a grasping tab of the adhesive cover 212. The user then pulls the adhesive cover 212 away from the adhesive layer 210 to expose the adhesive layer 210. The user may then push the fin formed by the bottom fin seal 206 against the adhesive layer 210 to adhere the fin to the adhesive layer 210. In an alternative embodiment where the adhesive cover 212 has multiple grasping tabs, a user may grasp a first grasping tabs to pull the adhesive cover 212 away from the adhesive layer 210, and then the user may release the first grasping tab and grasp a second grasping tab on the adhesive cover 212 to pull the adhesive cover 212 away from the adhesive layer. The user may grasp and pull as many grasping tabs as are available on the adhesive cover 212.

[0023] Figures 3A and 3B illustrate a food product package 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The food product package 300 according to this embodiment may include a first side fin seal 302, second side fin seal 304, bottom fin seal 306, a separation area 308, and a weakened access area 310. The weakened access area 310 may provide a weakened area on the food product package to improve the ease of opening the food product package without tearing the food product package. Alternatively, the weakened access area 310 may facilitate cleanly opening the food product package by reducing the number of jagged edges created when the food product package is opened.

[0024] In an embodiment, the weakened access area 310 may be formed by scouring the food product package 300. Alternatively, the weakened access area 310 may be formed by a laser. Alternatively, the weakened access area 310 may be formed by perforating the outer layer of the food product package 300.

[0025] In an embodiment, the weakened access area 310 may form a line that is substantially parallel to the bottom fin seal 306. Alternatively, the weakened access area 310 may form a rectangle that is substantially parallel to the bottom fin seal 306. Alternatively, for a food product package 300 that has a longer longitudinal axis and a shorter lateral axis, the weakened access area 310 may form a line or a rectangle that is substantially parallel to the shorter lateral axis and substantially perpendicular to the longer longitudinal axis of the food product package 300. Alternatively, the weakened access area 310 may extend transversely across the food product package 300 from the first side fin seal 302 to the second side fin seal 304. Alternatively, the weakened access area 310 may form a semi-circle.

[0026] In an embodiment, the weakened access area 310 may be located under the bottom fin seal 306 so that when the fin formed by the bottom fin seal 306 is folded down, the weakened access area 310 is hidden or obscured. In an embodiment, the weakened access area 310 may be located at the junction where the bottom fin seal 306 meets the face of the food product package 300. Alternatively, the weakened access area 310 may be offset from the junction where the bottom fin seal 306 meets the face of the food product package 300.

[0027] In an embodiment, the separation area 308 may be located under the bottom fin seal 306 so that when the fin formed by the bottom fin seal 306 is folded down, the separation area 308 is hidden or obscured. In an embodiment, the separation area 308 may be located at the junction where the bottom fin seal 306 meets the face of the food product package 300. Alternatively, the separation area 308 may be offset from the junction where the bottom fin seal 306 meets the face of the food product package 300. In an embodiment, the separation area 308 may extend transversely across the food product package 300 from the first side fin seal 302 to the second side fin seal 304.

[0028] In an embodiment, the weakened access area 310 may form part of the separation area 308.

[0029] In operation, first, a user grasps the fin created by the bottom fin seal 306. Second, the weakened access area 310 is engaged. Third, the user pulls the fin away from the food product package 300 to initiate separation at the separation area 308. Alternatively, the user may apply pressure to the weakened access area 310 to initiate separation at the separation area 308.

[0030] Figure 6 shows a flowchart 600 for a method of opening and re-sealing the food product package, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart is shown to have various steps. Some steps may be omitted, and/or may be performed in a different order. The steps may be performed with a food product package having a first side fin (such as first side fin 102 in Figure 1), a second side fin (such as second side fin 104 in Figure 1), a bottom fin (such as bottom fin 106 in Figure 1), an adhesive structure with an adhesive layer and adhesive cover (such as adhesive structure 208, adhesive layer 210, and adhesive cover 212 in Figure 2A), a weakened access area (such as weakened access area 310 in Figure 3 A), and a separation area (such as separation area 308 Figure 3A), substantially as described above.

[0031] At step 602, a user may grasp the bottom fin created by the bottom fin seal on the food product package. In an embodiment, the bottom fin created by the bottom fin seal is large enough for a user to comfortably grasp the bottom fin. In another embodiment, the bottom fin may be offset from the center of the food product package, to improve grip and product handling when the user is opening the package to reveal the food product.

[0032] At step 604, the user may then pull the bottom fin away from the food product package to engage the weakened access area. In an embodiment, the bottom fin may be folded down onto the food product package, and the user may need to fold the bottom fin up from the food product package to properly engage the weakened access area. When the user pulls the bottom fin away from the food product package and engages the weakened access area with enough force, the weakened access area may begin to break, come apart, separate, and/or detach, and the separation area may form. When the separation area forms as the user pulls the bottom fin away from the food product package, the food product may be revealed to the user. The weakened access area may provide a weakened area on the food product package to improve the ease of opening the food product package without tearing the food product package. Alternatively, the weakened access area may facilitate cleanly opening the food product package by reducing the number of jagged edges created when the food product package is opened.

[0033] At step 606, the user may then grasp a pull tab on the adhesive cover that covers the adhesive layer on the food product package. In an embodiment, the adhesive cover may have multiple pull tabs.

[0034] At step 608, the user may then pull the pull tab on the adhesive cover away from the adhesive layer to expose the adhesive layer on the food product package. In an embodiment where the adhesive cover has multiple pull tabs, the user may grasp and pull a first pull tab and then grasp and pull another pull tab, and may grasp and pull as many pull tabs as are available on the adhesive cover.

[0035] At step 610, the user may then re-seal the food product package by folding the bottom fin back over the separation area and pushing the bottom fin against the exposed adhesive layer to engage the adhesive layer and adhere the bottom fin to the adhesive layer.

[0036] In an embodiment, the food product package may be re-opened and re-sealed repeatedly.

[0037] Figure 4 is a block diagram that illustrates an embodiment of a system 400 for making the food product package. The system 400 may include a conveyor belt 402, a packaging dispenser 404, a packaging former 406, a bottom fin sealer 408, a cutter 410, a side fin sealer 412, and a weakened access area former 414.

[0038] In operation, individual food products are supplied by the conveyor belt 402 to the packaging former 406, and food product packaging is supplied by the packaging dispenser 404 to the packaging former 406. The food product packaging supplied by the packaging dispenser 404 may be used to package the individual food products. In an embodiment where the food product is in the shape of a rectangle with a longer longitudinal axis and a shorter lateral axis, the food product may be positioned on the conveyor belt 402 such that the longer longitudinal axis of the food product may be substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the conveyor belt 402 is moving. In an embodiment, the food product having a longer longitudinal axis and a shorter lateral axis may enter into packaging former 406 with the longer longitudinal axis at a 90-degree angle to the direction in which the conveyor belt 402 is moving. This is different than most prior art systems, where the longer longitudinal axis of the food product is substantially parallel to the direction in which the conveyor belt 402 is moving.

[0039] The packaging former 406 may receive a continuous strip of food product packaging from the packaging dispenser 404 and may receive the food product being moved by the conveyor belt 402. The packaging former 406 may shape the food product packaging around the food product. The packaging former 406 shapes the food product packaging around the food product so that two opposite ends abut one another to form a fin under the food product. After the ends of the food product package wrapper have been abutted together to form a fin by the packaging former 406, the food product may be passed to the bottom fin sealer 408. In an embodiment, the fin formed by the packaging former 406 may be in the center of the food product packaging formed around the food product. Alternatively, the fin formed by the packaging former 406 may be offset from the center of the food product packaging formed around the food product. The fin may be offset from the center of the food product packaging to improve a user's grip and product handling when opening the package to reveal the food product. Alternatively, the fin formed by the packaging former 406 may extend transversely across the width of the food product.

[0040] The bottom fin sealer 408 may receive the food product with food product packaging shaped around it from the packaging former 406. The bottom fin sealer 408 adheres the two abutting ends formed by the packaging former 406 together to form a bottom fin seal. In an embodiment, the bottom fin seal formed by the bottom fin sealer 408 may be in the center of the food product packaging formed around the food product. Alternatively, the bottom fin seal formed by the bottom fin sealer 408 may be offset from the center of the food product packaging formed around the food product. Alternatively, the bottom fin seal formed by the bottom fin sealer 408 may extend transversely across the width of the food product. The food product may then be passed to the cutter 410.

[0041] The cutter 410 may receive the food product with a food product package wrapper having a bottom fin seal from the bottom fin sealer 408. The cutter 410 cuts the food product packaging in between the food products to form an individual food product package for the food product. The individual food product packages may then be passed to the side fin sealer 412.

[0042] The side fin sealer 412 may receive the individual food product package from the cutter 410. The side fin sealer 412 may press the edges of the individual food product package together and adhere them together to form two side fin seals (one on each side of the individual food product package). The two side fin seals on the individual food product package may be substantially parallel to one another. After the two side fins have been formed by the side fin sealer 412, the individual food product package is passed to the weakened access area former 414.

[0043] The weakened access area former 414 may receive the individual food product package from the side fin sealer 412. The weakened access area former 414 creates a weakened access area on the individual food product package. In an embodiment, the weakened access area former 414 may include a scourer or scorer to form the weakened access area. Alternatively, the weakened access area former 414 may include a laser to form the weakened access area. Alternatively, the weakened access area former 414 may perforate the outer layer of the individual food product package to form the weakened access area.

[0044] In an embodiment, the weakened access area may form a line that is substantially parallel to the bottom fin seal. Alternatively, the weakened access area may form a rectangle that is substantially parallel to the bottom fin seal. Alternatively, for a food product package that has a longer longitudinal axis and a shorter lateral axis, the weakened access area may form a line or a rectangle that is substantially parallel to the shorter lateral axis and substantially perpendicular to the longer longitudinal axis of the food product package. Alternatively, the weakened access area may extend transversely across the food product package from the first side fin seal to the second side fin seal. Alternatively, the weakened access area may form a semi-circle.

[0045] In an embodiment, the weakened access area may be located under the bottom fin seal so that when the fin formed by the bottom fin seal is folded down, the weakened access area is hidden or obscured. In an embodiment, the weakened access area may be located at the junction where the bottom fin seal meets the face of the food product package. Alternatively, the weakened access area may be offset from the junction where the bottom fin seal meets the face of the food product package.

[0046] In an embodiment, to form a weakened access area near the junction where the bottom fin seal meets the face of the food product package, the fin created by the bottom fin seal may need to be folded back or held away from the food product package to allow the weakened access area former 414 to form the weakened access area.

[0047] In an embodiment where the adhesive structure does not come pre-applied to the food product packaging, the individual food product package is passed from the weakened access area former 414 to an adhesive applicator. The adhesive applicator may receive the individual food product package from the weakened access area former 414. The adhesive applicator applies an adhesive layer to the individual food product package, which may be used to re-seal the food product package after it has been opened, substantially as described above. [0048] In an embodiment, the adhesive applicator may also apply an adhesive cover over the adhesive layer to prevent the adhesive layer from adhering to any other surface. The adhesive cover may be in substantially the same shape as the adhesive layer.

[0049] In an embodiment, the adhesive structure may be located on the surface of the food product package under the bottom fin seal so that when the fin formed by the bottom fin seal is folded down, the adhesive structure is hidden or obscured. Alternatively, the adhesive structure may be located on the fin formed by the bottom fin seal, preferably on a side so that the adhesive structure may be hidden or obscured when the fin formed by the bottom fin seal is folded down. In an embodiment where the adhesive structure is applied by the adhesive applicator, the adhesive structure is applied in the direction of the adhesive applicator.

[0050] In an embodiment, the adhesive structure may extend transversely across the food product package from the first side fin seal to the second side fin seal. In an embodiment where a food product package has a longer longitudinal axis and a shorter lateral axis, the adhesive structure may be substantially parallel to the shorter lateral axis or substantially perpendicular to the longer longitudinal axis of the food product package.

[0051] Figure 5 shows a flowchart 500 for a method of packaging a food product, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart is shown to have various steps. Some steps may be omitted, and/or may be performed in a different order. The method may be performed with a packaging dispenser 402, conveyor belt 404, packaging former 406, bottom fin sealer 408, cutter 410, side fin sealer 412, or weakened access area former 414, substantially as described above.

[0052] First, at step 502, a conveyor belt may convey food products to be packaged. In an embodiment, the food products may be in the shape of a rectangle and may have a longer longitudinal axis and a shorter lateral axis. Alternatively, the food products may be placed on the conveyor belt such that the longer longitudinal axis may be substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the conveyor belt is moving. Alternatively, the food product having a longer longitudinal axis and a shorter lateral axis may be placed on the conveyor belt with the longer longitudinal axis at a 90-degree angle to the direction in which the conveyor belt is moving. This is different than most prior art systems, where the longer longitudinal axis of the food product is substantially parallel to the direction in which the conveyor belt is moving. [0053] Then, at step 504, food product packaging to be formed around the food product may be dispensed. In an embodiment, the food product packaging may be continuously dispensed using a packaging dispenser.

[0054] Then, at step 506, the food product packaging may be formed around the food product when the food product and food product packaging are received. To form the food product packaging around the food product, two opposite ends of the food product packaging may abut one another to form a fin under the food product. In an embodiment, the fin formed when the food product packaging is formed around the food product may be in the center of the food product packaging formed around the food product. Alternatively, the fin formed when the food product packaging is formed around the food product may be offset from the center of the food product packaging formed around the food product. In an embodiment, a packaging former may be used to form the food product packaging around the food product.

[0055] Then, at step 508, a bottom fin seal is formed on the food product packaging with the fin formed by adhering the two opposite ends of the food product packaging that have been abutted together. In an embodiment, a bottom fin sealer may form a bottom fin seal using the fin formed by adhering the two opposite ends of the food product packaging that have been abutted together. The bottom fin seal may form a bottom fin on the food product packaging. In an embodiment, the bottom fin formed by the bottom fin sealer may be in the center of the food product package wrapper formed around the food product. Alternatively, the bottom fin formed by the fin sealer may be offset from the center of the food product packaging formed around the food product.

[0056] Then, at step 510, the food product packaging is cut in between each food product to form individual food product packages. In an embodiment, a cutter may be used to cut the food product packaging in between each food product to form individual food product packages.

[0057] Then, at step 512, side fin seals are formed on the individual food product package. In an embodiment, a side fin seal may be formed by adhering together two opposite ends of the individual food product package. Two side fin seals may be created on the individual food product package. In an embodiment, the two side fin seals may be substantially parallel to each other. In an embodiment, the bottom fin seal may be substantially perpendicular to at least one of the two side fin seals. [0058] Then, at step 514, a weakened access area may be formed on the individual food product package. In an embodiment, the weakened access area may be formed by a weakened access area former. The weakened access area may be formed in a predetermined location on the individual food product package. In an embodiment, the weakened access area may be formed by a scourer or a scorer or a laser. In an embodiment, the weakened access area is formed by continuous scouring or scoring of the individual food product package. In another embodiment, the outer layer of the individual food product package may be perforated to form the weakened access area.

[0059] In an embodiment, the weakened access area may form a line that is substantially parallel to the bottom fin seal. Alternatively, the weakened access area may form a rectangle that is substantially parallel to the bottom fin seal. Alternatively, for a food product package that has a longer longitudinal axis and a shorter lateral axis, the weakened access area may form a line or a rectangle that is substantially parallel to the shorter lateral axis and substantially perpendicular to the longer longitudinal axis of the food product package. Alternatively, the weakened access area may extend transversely across the food product package from the first side fin seal to the second side fin seal. Alternatively, the weakened access area may form a semi-circle.

[0060] In an embodiment, the weakened access area may be located under the bottom fin seal so that when the bottom fin formed by the bottom fin seal is folded down, the weakened access area is hidden or obscured. In an embodiment, the weakened access area may be located at the junction where the bottom fin seal meets the face of the food product package. Alternatively, the weakened access area may be offset from the junction where the bottom fin seal meets the face of the food product package.

[0061] In an embodiment, to form a weakened access area near the junction where the bottom fin seal meets the face of the food product package, the fin created by the bottom fin seal may need to be folded back or held away from the food product package to allow the weakened access area former 414 to form the weakened access area.

[0062] In an embodiment where the adhesive structure does not come pre-applied to the food product packaging, an adhesive structure may be applied to the individual food product package, which may be used to re-seal the individual food product package after it has been opened, substantially as described above. The adhesive structure may include an adhesive layer and an adhesive cover. The adhesive applicator may apply adhesive to a predetermined location on the individual food product package. In an embodiment, the adhesive structure may be applied by an adhesive applicator. In an embodiment, the adhesive applicator may also apply an adhesive cover over the adhesive layer to prevent the adhesive layer from adhering to any other surface. The adhesive cover may be in substantially the same shape as the adhesive layer.

[0063] In an embodiment, the adhesive structure may be located on the surface of the food product package under the bottom fin seal so that when the bottom fin formed by the bottom fin seal is folded down, the adhesive structure is hidden or obscured. Alternatively, the adhesive structure may be located on the bottom fin formed by the bottom fin seal, preferably on a side so that it the adhesive structure may be hidden or obscured when the fin formed by the bottom fin seal is folded down.

[0064] In an embodiment, the adhesive structure may extend transversely across the food product package from the first side fin seal to the second side fin seal. In an embodiment where a food product package has a longer longitudinal axis and a shorter lateral axis, the adhesive structure may be substantially parallel to the shorter lateral axis or substantially perpendicular to the longer longitudinal axis of the food product package.

[0065] Although the term "food product" has been used above, it should be understood that other products may be used. In other embodiments, alternative products may include, for example, candy bars, confectionary products, tablets, or other similar edible material, or other non-edible materials or products.

[0066] Although the terms "food product package" and/or "food product packaging" have been used above in one more embodiments of the invention, the products may be packaged using product packaging material, product wrapping, wrapping material, product packaging, or any other material or wrapping suitable for packaging products.

[0067] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the inventions disclosed in this application. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the inventions without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that they will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A food product package comprising:

a first side fin seal;

a second side fin seal substantially parallel to said first side fin seal;

a bottom fin seal substantially perpendicular to said first side fin seal and said second side fin seal; and

a weakened access area.

2. The food product package of claim I, further comprising an adhesive structure.

3. The food product package of claim 2, wherein said adhesive structure includes an adhesive layer and an adhesive cover.

4. The food product package of claim 3, wherein said bottom fin seal forms a bottom fin.

5. The food product package of claim 4, wherein said adhesive structure and said weakened access area are obscured by said bottom fin.

6. The food product package of claim 4, wherein said bottom fin is used to open said food product package.

7. The food product package of claim I, wherein said weakened access area is formed by continuously scoring said food product package.

8. The food product package of claim 1, wherein said weakened access area is formed by a laser.

9. The food product package of claim 1, wherein said bottom fin seal is offset from the center of said food product package.

10. The food product package of claim 1, wherein at least one of said first side fin seal and said second side fin seal have substantially straight edges.

1 1. A system for packaging a food product in a food product package, said system comprising: a packaging former receiving a product packaging material from a packaging dispenser to form said product packaging material around a food product;

a bottom fin sealer forming a bottom fin seal on the product packaging material formed around said food product;

a cutter cutting said product packaging material to form an individual food product package;

a side fin sealer forming a first side fin seal and a second side fin seal on said individual food product package; and

a weakened access area former forming a weakened access area on said individual food product package.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein said first side fin seal is substantially parallel to said second side fin seal.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein said bottom fin seal is substantially perpendicular to said first side fin seal and said second side fin seal.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein said weakened access area is formed by continuously scoring said individual food product package.

15. The system of claim 11, wherein said weakened access area is formed by a laser.

16. The system of claim 11, wherein at least one of said first side fin seal and said second side fin seal have substantially straight edges.

17. A method of packaging a food product in a food product package, said method comprising:

dispensing food product packaging material;

forming said food product packaging material around a food product; forming a bottom fin seal on said food product packaging material;

cutting the food product packaging material to form an individual food product package;

forming a first side fin seal and a second side fin seal on said individual food product package; and

forming a weakened access area on said individual food product package.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein said weakened access area is formed by continuously scoring said individual food product package.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein said weakened access area is formed by a laser.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein said forming a bottom fin seal on said food product packaging forms a bottom fin seal that is offset from the center of said food product packaging.

21. The method of claim 17, wherein at least one of said first side fin seal and said second side fin seal have substantially straight edges.