Resealable package with tamper-evident structure and method for making same

Abstract

A resealable package with a tamper-evident structure and methods for making the same are disclosed. The resealable package includes a front panel joined at respective opposite side edges to a rear panel to form a package having an exterior; a reclosable fastener assembly joined to the exterior of the package and including a first fastening member and a second fastening member respectively joined to the rear panel and the front panel, so that at least one marginal portion of the rear panel can be folded over in the direction of said front panel and the first fastening member can be releasably connected to the second fastening member; and a tamper-evident structure joined to the front panel and a folded over marginal portion of the rear panel.

1 . A bag having a primary seal and a tamper evident structure, comprising:
 a front panel;   a rear panel;   the front panel and the rear panel having respective side edges thereof;   the front panel and the rear panel being joined directly at said side edges thereof or being joined by respective side gussets joining said side edges;   the bag having a distal portion of the bag being rolled or folded in a direction of the front panel, and the bag having a crease comprising a primary seal of an opening of the bag;   the bag having a penultimate portion adjacent the distal portion of the bag, wherein the penultimate portion is rolled or folded in a direction of the front panel such that the crease is over the front panel; and   a tamper evident structure comprising a tape and a tear strip under the tape, wherein the tape is over the front panel and over the penultimate portion and directly over the crease, and the tear strip under the tape being substantially near the crease.   
     
     
         2 . The bag of  claim 1  wherein the tape comprises an adhesive tape. 
     
     
         3 . The bag of  claim 1  wherein the tape is transparent or translucent, and the tear tape has a color that is visible through the tape. 
     
     
         4 . The bag of  claim 1  wherein the bag has the penultimate portion being rolled in the direction of the front panel. 
     
     
         5 . The bag of  claim 1  wherein the bag has the penultimate portion being folded in the direction of the front panel, and the bag has another crease. 
     
     
         6 . The bag of  claim 1  wherein the bag has the distal portion being rolled in the direction of the front panel. 
     
     
         7 . The bag of  claim 1  wherein the bag has the distal portion being folded in the direction of the front panel. 
     
     
         8 . The bag of  claim 1  wherein the tape is notched or sliced at the tear strip for the tear strip to be accessible. 
     
     
         9 . The bag of  claim 1  wherein the bag includes a polymeric woven mesh layer, and the front panel and the rear panel being joined by the respective side gussets joining said side edges. 
     
     
         10 . The bag of  claim 1  wherein the bag includes a polymeric woven mesh layer and an outside layer of solid film, wherein the solid film is printed or unprinted. 
     
     
         11 . A method of making a primary seal and a tamper evident structure on a bag, comprising:
 rolling or folding a distal portion of the bag in a direction of a front panel of the bag, and providing a crease across the bag to provide a primary seal of an opening of the bag;   rolling or folding a penultimate portion of the bag in the direction of the front panel such that the crease is over the front panel; and   applying a tamper evident structure comprising, a tape and a tear strip under the tape, wherein the tape is over the front panel and over the penultimate portion and directly over the crease, and the tear strip under the tape being substantially near the crease.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , including rolling the distal portion of the bag in a direction of a front panel of the bag, and providing said crease across the bag to provide the primary seal of an opening of the bag. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , including folding the distal portion of the bag, and providing said crease across the bag to provide the primary seal of an opening of the bag. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , including applying the tamper evident structure comprising, a transparent or translucent tape over the penultimate portion, over the front panel and directly over the crease, and the tear strip having a color visible through the tape.