Method for forming reclosable access portals in film packaging

Abstract

The present invention is directed to means for forming frangible, reclosable access portals in various types of film packaging, and specifically, to means for forming reclosable access portals that exhibit improved uniformity in the presentation of the access port beneficial for forming an effective reclosable seal, while substantially reducing the potential of deleterious tearing of the film packaging. The access port is formed from a region of the film packaging, which has been subjected to mechanical weakening of the film substrate, wherein the weakened regions include frangible, failure elements and force directing elements. Failure elements of the weakened region induce the film substrate to preferentially fail (i.e. tear) continuously in the general direction and bounds of the element.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for forming access portals in film packaging, comprising the steps of: 
 a. providing a film substrate,    b. providing a means for imparting a weakened region in the film substrate, wherein said weakened region includes at least one failure element and at least one force directing element, and    c. inducing said weakened region into said film substrate wherein said force directing element deviate from the failure element by an incident angle of at least 10 degrees as defined by the failure element.    
     
     
         2 . A method for forming access portals as in  claim 1 , wherein said film substrate is of heterogeneous formation.  
     
     
         3 . A method for forming access portals as in  claim 1 , wherein said means for imparting a weakened region are selected from the group consisting of mechanical knives, laser ablation, roll embossing, hydraulic energy, and the combinations thereof.  
     
     
         4 . A method for forming access portals in film packaging as in  claim 1 , wherein said failure elements are formed from full-depth perforations.  
     
     
         5 . A film package for products comprising of a film substrate, wherein said film substrate comprises at least one access portal, said access portal formed in the surface of the film substrate so as to create a weakened region, said weakened region including at least one failure element and at least one force directing element, wherein said force directing element deviates from the failure element by an incident angle of at least 10 degrees as defined by the failure element.