Easy open thermoformed package

Abstract

The invention is directed to the problem of opening packages and in particular thermoformed packages. The package is comprised of a first section and a second section. Each section has a peripheral edge that extends substantially around each section. On at least one area the peripheral edge of each section is extended, the extensions including an aperture. The peripheral edge of the first section and the second section are bonded together except for the extensions of the peripheral edges. In order to open the package a finger is placed through the aperture of each extended peripheral edge and pulled in opposite directions. The peripheral edge of each section yields to open the package. Essentially any item can be packaged in the package, with soap bars being a preferred item.

1 . A package for an article comprising a body portion having a first section and a second section, a peripheral edge on the first section and the second section and substantially surrounding the body portion, an extension of the peripheral edge of the first section and the second section on at least one part thereof, the extension of the peripheral edge of the first section and the second section having an aperture therein.  
   
   
       2 . A package as in  claim 1  wherein the aperture in the extension of the peripheral edge of the first section and the aperture in the extension of the peripheral edge of the second section are in alignment.  
   
   
       3 . A package as in  claim 2  wherein the extension of the peripheral edge of the first section and the extension of the peripheral edge of the second section are separate.  
   
   
       5 . A package as in  claim 2  wherein the extension of the peripheral edge of the first section and the extension of the peripheral edge of the second section are splayed in opposite directions.  
   
   
       6 . A package as in  claim 1  wherein the extension of the peripheral edge of the first section and the extension of the peripheral edge of the second section are separate.  
   
   
       7 . A package as in  claim 6  wherein the extension of the peripheral edge of the first section and the extension of the peripheral edge of the second section are splayed in opposite directions.  
   
   
       8 . A package as in  claim 1  wherein the first section and the second section have similar shapes.  
   
   
       9 . A package as in  claim 1  wherein the first section and the second section are thermoformed sections bonded together at the peripheral edge of the first section and the second section, except at the extension of the peripheral edge of the first section and the second section.  
   
   
       10 . A package as in  claim 1  wherein the aperture in the extension of the first section and the second section are of a size to accept fingers of a person.  
   
   
       11 . A package as in  claim 2  wherein the aperture in the extension of the first section and the second section are of a size to accept fingers of a person.  
   
   
       12 . A package as in  claim 1  wherein the article is a soap bar.  
   
   
       13 . A package as in  claim 5  wherein the article is a soap bar.  
   
   
       14 . A package as in  claim 1  wherein the first section and the second section are comprised of a thermoplastic.  
   
   
       15 . A thermoformed package for an article comprising a body portion having a first section and a second section, a peripheral edge on the first section and the second section and substantially surrounding the body portion, an extension of the peripheral edge of the first section and the second section on at least one part thereof, the extension of the peripheral edge of the first section and the second section having an aperture therein.  
   
   
       16 . A thermoformed package as in  claim 15  wherein the aperture in the extension of the peripheral edge of the first section and the aperture in the extension of the peripheral edge of the second section are in alignment.  
   
   
       17 . A thermoformed package as in  claim 16  wherein the extension of the peripheral edge of the first section and the extension of the peripheral edge of the second section are separate.  
   
   
       18 . A package as in  claim 16  wherein the aperture in the extension of the first section and the second section are of a size to accept fingers of a person.  
   
   
       19 . A package as in  claim 17  wherein the extension of the peripheral edge of the first section and the extension of the peripheral edge of the second section are splayed in opposite directions.  
   
   
       20 . A package as in  claim 16  wherein the article is a soap bar.