Easy open package

Abstract

An easy open package comprises a tray ( 3 ) having a rim ( 5 ) to which a lidding film can be sealed. A line of weakness ( 15 ) is formed at the underside of a corner of the tray to allow the foam material ( 19 ) of the tray to be broken to form a tab which facilitates peeling of the lidding film ( 21 ) from the remainder of the tray perimeter. The tray 3 includes a liner film 17 bonded thereto and severed at the line of weakness 15.

1 . A package comprising a foam support having a film liner attached thereto, and a lidding film peelable from the liner film, characterised by a predetermined line of weakness formed in the foam support to facilitate breaking away of a marginal portion of the foam support to which the liner film and lidding film are attached.  
     
     
         2 . A pack according to  claim 1  having a substantially rectangular planform wherein said line of weakness extending diagonally across a corner of the foam support.  
     
     
         3 . A pack according to  claim 2 , wherein the lidding film is heat shrinkable and is sealed to the liner along a line inboard of the line of weakness and also outboard of said line of weakness.  
     
     
         4 . A pack according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the liner film and the lidding film is treated to impart peelability from the other.  
     
     
         5 . A pack according to  claim 1 , wherein the foam support is in the form of a thermoformed tray having a base and an upstanding side wall defining a rim to which the lidding film is attached when the pack is sealed, said liner film being applied to the side of the foam support which is the concave side of the tray.  
     
     
         6 . A pack according to  claim 1 , wherein the line of weakness is formed by cutting or perforating the liner film and the foam support after application of the liner film thereto.  
     
     
         7 . A foam support for packaging comprising a foam layer having attached to one side thereof a liner film, and including means for defining a location for sealing to a lidding film, characterized by a predetermined line of weakness extending inboard of the perimeter of said support, at which line of weakness the liner film is cut and the foam is weakened, and in that said predetermined line of weakness lies outside the extent of said seal-defining means.  
     
     
         8 . A support according to  claim 7 , wherein said means defining a location for sealing a holding film consists of a raised rim portion of said support.  
     
     
         9 . Apparatus for forming a foam support for a package, comprising means for attaching a liner to a foam support sheet, means for cutting said liner and for defining a line of predetermined weakness in said foam support sheet at a location which will become a marginal region of a finished foam support, and means for shaping the pre-cut liner and foam sheet as a support for a package.  
     
     
         10 . Apparatus according to  claim 9  wherein said means for shaping the pre-cut liner and the foam sheet to form said finished foam support comprises means for cutting out a shape from the liner and foamed sheet assembly and/or means for thermo-forming said assembly.  
     
     
         11 . Apparatus according to either of claims  9  and  10  wherein said means for cutting the liner and defining a line of predetermined weakness in the foam sheet comprises a blade having first cutting means for severing the liner and second cutting means for defining said line of predetermined weakness in the foam support sheet.  
     
     
         12 . Apparatus according to  claim 11 , wherein said first cutting means comprises first teeth having a height such that they are able to cut said liner in register with said line of predetermined weakness, and said second cutting means comprises longer second teeth having a length sufficient to penetrate said foam sheet to define perforations therein.