Package

Abstract

A package has generally congruent front and back panels having upper and lower edges and first and second side edges extending vertically between the upper and lower edges. The upper, side, and bottom edges of each panel are connected to the upper, side, and bottom edges of the other panel. The panels are formed with a first weakened tear line extending continuously from the connected first side edges to the connected upper edges and with a second weakened tear line extending continuously below the upper edges between the connected first and second side.

1 . In a package comprising generally congruent front and back panels having upper and lower edges and first and second side edges extending vertically between the upper and lower edges wherein the upper, side, and bottom edges of each panel are connected to the upper, side, and bottom edges of the other panel, the improvement wherein the panels are formed with:
 a first weakened tear line extending continuously from the connected first side edges to the connected upper edges, and   a second weakened tear line extending continuously below the upper edges between the connected first and second side.   
     
     
         2 . The package defined in  claim 1  wherein the second tear line extends in a generally straight line between the side edges and generally parallel to the upper edges. 
     
     
         3 . The package defined in  claim 2  wherein the first tear line crosses the second tear line. 
     
     
         4 . The package defined in  claim 3  wherein the first tear line extends in an arc from the second tear line to the first side edges and as a generally straight line from the second tear line to the upper edges. 
     
     
         5 . The package defined in  claim 3  wherein the first tear line crosses the second tear line at an angle of at least 45°. 
     
     
         6 . The package defined in  claim 2  wherein the first tear line has a first section extending coextensively with a portion of the second tear line from the first side edges and a portion extending from the second tear line to the upper edges. 
     
     
         7 . The package defined in  claim 2  wherein the first and second tear lines are spaced from and do not touch or intersect each other. 
     
     
         8 . The package defined in  claim 7  wherein the first tear line is arcuate. 
     
     
         9 . The package defined in  claim 1  wherein the package further comprises first and second gussets extending between rit respective first and second side the front and back panels. 
     
     
         10 . The package defined in  claim 9  wherein the first and second tear lines are also formed in the gussets directly between the respective tear lines of the front and back panels. 
     
     
         11 . The package defined in  claim 9  wherein the first tear line terminates at the upper edges between the gussets. 
     
     
         12 . The package defined in  claim 9  wherein the first tear line crosses the first gusset and the second gusset is provided with a carry handle. 
     
     
         13 . The package defined in  claim 1  wherein the edges are connected by respective side, upper, and bottom welds. 
     
     
         14 . The package defined in  claim 13  wherein the panels are formed at one end of each of the lines in the respective weld with an outwardly open notch. 
     
     
         15 . The package defined in  claim 14  wherein one of the notches is formed in the upper edge and the other of the notches is formed in the second side edges. 
     
     
         16 . The package defined in  claim 15  wherein the front and back panels are welded together to each side of the first tear line adjacent the upper edge and between the upper-edge weld and the second tear line. 
     
     
         17 . The package defined in  claim 1  wherein the tear lines are formed by respective rows of perforations. 
     
     
         18 . The package defined in  claim 1  wherein the tear lines are formed by thickness-reduced weakened strips. 
     
     
         19 . The package defined in  claim 1  further comprising an adhesive strip on the front panel by means of which the upper edge can be secured to the front panel after being folded over.