TITLE: RECLOSEABLE PACKAGE

Cross Reference to Related Application

This application claims priority from provisional application U.S. Serial No. 60/884,298 filed January 10, 2007. The provisional application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

The disclosed technology relates to recloseable rigid or semi-rigid packages. In particular, the disclosed technology relates to rigid or semi-rigid containers having a recloseable opening in a cover and a resealable label disposed about the recloseable opening.

Background

Various rigid or semi-rigid packages have been developed for packaging items such as, for example, batteries, cotton swabs, and the like. Such packages typically include a body having a tray- or cup-like portion, and a flange or lip adjacent to the upper edge of the tray portion. The contents to be stored in the package are disposed in the tray portion, and a cover is sealed to the tray such as by sealing a cover member to the flange along the upper edge of the tray. The cover is often cardboard but may also be a rigid or semi-rigid plastic.

In some packages, the cover is a solid member with no designated access points. Consequently, to gain access to the package's interior, the cover must be torn away from the body along a sealed edge or must be punctured, torn, ripped, or cut to create an opening in the cover. Where the cover is plastic, and particularly a hard or rigid plastic, tearing may be difficult to do by hand especially in the region where the cover is sealed to the tray body. Further, tearing or cutting a plastic backing member often produces rough or jagged edges. Regardless of the material used for the cover, ripping or tearing the cover prevents the package from being fully recloseable and

leaves the package's interior and any products stored therein exposed to dirt, dust, or other airborne contaminants in the storage environment. Additionally, the contents are susceptible to falling out during storage or when the package is moved. One solution to this has been to provide an opening in the cover formed by a shaped punch line that is perforated or partially die-cut. The punch line is often configured to provide one or more flaps defined on the cover within the interior of the punch line; the cover may be torn along the punch line to pull the flap(s) away from the cover and uncover the opening. Even if the flaps are not completely removed from the cover, these configurations are not completely recloseable and still leave the package's interior exposed to the atmosphere, dust, dirt, etc. Often, the die-cut opening is not significantly large, and the cover must still be torn to sufficiently access the package's contents. The cover typically serves as the back side of the container, with the tray forming the front of the package. Trays are often substantially transparent to allow the product contained in the package to be seen or viewed. Since the cover is torn and/or not recloseable, the package may not be able to be stored on its back, as the contents of the package may fall out when the package is lifted off a storage surface. If the package cannot be stored on its back, quick visual observation of the product and quantity of product cannot be had. Further, companies may lose desirable brand and visual product reinforcement if the product or brand advertising on the front of the package cannot be readily observed during storage. Despite improvements in and different designs available for accessing the interior of a rigid or semi-rigid package, there is still a need to provide a rigid or semi-rigid package that is recloseable and resealable.

Summary The disclosed technology relates to a recloseable rigid or semi-rigid package having a compartment or region for housing one or more items. Access to the items within the compartment is provided through a cover disposed about the compartment. The cover includes an opening that is formed by detaching a section of the cover along a punch line. The detached

section of the cover serves as a reclosure section for re-covering the opening. The package includes a resealable label at least partially overlying the reclosure section and the opening to assist in opening and closing the package. The package may contain items that are used individually or in a limited number such as, for example, batteries, cotton swabs, light bulbs, food items, etc., where every item contained in the package does not necessarily need to be removed the first time the package is opened. The package is not limited to the above items. Examples of other uses include, but are not limited to, arts and craft supplies, fishing tackle, hardware items, office supplies, etc. In one embodiment, the disclosed technology relates to a recloseable package comprising: a rigid or semi-rigid body defining an interior region for housing one or more discrete articles; a rigid or semi-rigid cover overlying the interior region of the body, the cover comprising (i) an opening formed by a shaped punch line, and (ii) a reclosure section defined by an area of the cover interior a perimeter of the shaped punch line; and a resealable label comprising a releasable adhesive releasably adhered to the cover, the label overlying at least a portion of the reclosure section, wherein the reclosure section is at least partially detachable from the cover to expose the opening, and the reclosure section is at least partially detached from the cover upon peeling the label away from the cover for the first time.

In another embodiment, the disclosed technology relates to a recloseable package comprising: a rigid or semi-rigid body defining an interior region; a rigid or semi-rigid cover disposed about the interior region of the body so as to cover the interior region, the cover comprising (i) a die-cut opening formed by a shaped punch line and communicating with the interior region of the body, and (ii) a reclosure section defined by an area interior the perimeter of the shaped punch line, the reclosure section being at least partially detachable from the cover to expose the opening; and a resealable label disposed about the cover and overlying the reclosure section, the resealable label comprising a first end, a second end distal the first end, a pull tab adjacent the first end, and a releasable adhesive, the releasable adhesive disposed on a surface of the label that lies adjacent to an outer surface of the cover.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a recloseable package having a rigid or semi-rigid body and a resealable closure in accordance with the disclosed technology; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the package of FIG. 1 having the closure partially opened;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the package of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4A is a rear plan view of a back cover and one embodiment of a recloseable label in accordance with the disclosed technology; FIG. 4B is a rear plan view of a back cover and one embodiment of a recloseable label in accordance with the disclosed technology;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views of a recloseable package having a resealable closure in accordance with the disclosed technology;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a recloseable package having a resealable closure in accordance with the disclosed technology;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a releasable package having multiple compartments and resealable labels in accordance with the disclosed technology; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a recloseable package having a resealable closure in accordance with the disclosed technology and a tamper evident tape.

Detailed Description

As used herein, the terms package and container may be used interchangeably. The disclosed technology relates to recloseable rigid or semi-rigid packages comprising a resealable label. In particular, the disclosed technology relates to rigid or semi-rigid packages having a rigid or semi-rigid body that defines an interior region for storing a product and a rigid or semirigid cover disposed about the body and covering the body's interior region. The cover includes at least one die-cut opening formed by a perforated, die- cut, or partially die-cut punch line. The cover section within the punch line region defines a reclosure section that may be displaced from the opening when the package is opened, and returned to cover the opening when the package is closed. The package also includes a resealable label disposed

about the reclosure section/die-cut opening. At least the first time the label is peeled away from the cover, the reclosure section detaches from the cover along the punch line to expose the opening, thereby allowing access to the package's interior. FIGS. 1 -3 illustrate one embodiment of a rigid or semi-rigid package in accordance with the disclosed technology. Package 100 includes a rigid or semi-rigid body 110, a cover 120 disposed about body 110, and a resealable label 130 disposed on the cover 120. Body 110 includes a cup or tray 112 that defines an interior region 1 14. The tray may generally be defined by a base, and a generally upstanding sidewall adjacent to and surrounding the base. In one embodiment, the sidewall may be integral with the base. The sidewall may have one or more side edges depending on the shape of the base. The surface of the base may be configured for a particular purpose or intended use. In one embodiment, the base may have a generally planar surface. In another embodiment, the surface of the base may be curved, angled, or configured to generally conform to a shape of the articles contained in the package. Body 110 includes a lip or flange 116 along the upper edge 1 18 of tray 1 12. Body 1 10 also includes a cut-out 1 19 that may be used for hanging the package on a rack for display or storage purposes. In the embodiment in FIGS. 1-3, cover 120 is made of cardboard and adhered to body 110 along the top surface of flange 116.

Cover 120 includes die-cut opening 126 formed by a pre-punched, perforated, die-cut, or partially die-cut section 122 along a punch line 124. Opening 126 is in at least partial communication with interior 1 14 of body 1 10 to allow the interior to be accessed through the cover. Section 122 defines a flap that is formed by detachment from the cover along punch line 124. Section 122 may also be referred to as a reclosure section, as this section is returned toward the cover and recloses or re-covers opening 126 when the label is resealed to the cover. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, punch line 124 is generally continuous along edges 124a, 124b, and 124c, and generally non-continuous between end points 125a and 125c of edges 124a and 124c, respectively. As such, in this embodiment reclosure section 122 does not have a defined end, except to the extent the cover may crease between end points 125a and 125c. If desired,

reclosure section 122 could be provided with a more defined end or shape. For example, in one embodiment, the cover could be hinged between edges 124a and 124c of punch line 124 to provide a more defined flap. The hinge could be provided by a mechanical hinge or by pre-creasing a section of the cover. The hinge may be provided adjacent the terminal ends (e.g., ends 125a and 125c) of the punch line or may intersect the punch line at a suitable location. In one embodiment, an end or hinge point for a reclosure section may be provided by an edge line formed by permanently sealing a portion of the resealable label to the cover. For example, in one embodiment (e.g., FIGS, 1 , 2, and 4A) label 130 may be sealed to the cover along sealed edge 138 such as by, for example, heat sealing or by a region of the label comprising a permanent adhesive adhered to the cover. In FIG. 4A, the sealed edge 138' extends between two sides of the label and intersects punch line edges 124a and 124c of punch line 124. The location of a sealed edge may be selected as desired to provide a particular hinge point or opening size.

In one embodiment (FIG. 4B), punch line 124' may be substantially continuous and include another edge 124d to define a reclosure section (122') that is completely detachable from the cover (120) upon peeling back the label. Generally, section 122' registers with opening 126 upon resealing. The shape and dimensions of the die-cut opening, reclosure section, and/or punch line are not limited and may be selected as desired for a particular purpose or intended use. The shape of the die-cut opening, reclosure section, and/or punch line may be any shape including, but not limited to, rectangular, square, circular, oval, semi-circular, triangular, diamond, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, and the like.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate another embodiment of a punch line configuration to form an opening in the cover. In FIGS. 5A and 5B, container 200 comprises a body 210, a cover 220, and a label 230 disposed about cover 220. Cover 220 includes die-cut opening 229 defined by reclosure sections 222 and 224, which are formed along punch lines 221 , 223, and 225. Punch lines 223 and 225 are spaced apart and disposed generally parallel to one another. Punch line 221 is disposed generally perpendicular to punch lines 223 and 225 and intermediate the ends 223a, 223b and 225a, 225b, of punch lines 223 and 225, respectively, to provide a double flap configuration.

Label 230 includes a pressure sensitive adhesive along a surface of the label adjacent to cover 220 such that label 230 is releasably adhered to cover 220. In the embodiment in FIGS. 5A and 5B, label 230 has a sufficient bond strength such that reclosure section 222 is separated from cover 220 along sections 223a and 225a of punch lines 223 and 225 and is separated from section 224 along punch line 221. Label 230 may be peeled back up to heat- sealed edge 238. Upon detaching section 222 from cover 220, opening 229 is partially uncovered. Opening 229 may be further uncovered by manually detaching section 224 from the cover, such as by tearing or pulling along punch lines 223b and/or 225b.

In another embodiment (FIG. 6), a container 300 includes body 310, cover 320, and label 330. Label 330 includes a pressure sensitive adhesive on the surface adjacent the cover 320 that allows the label to be releasably adhered to cover 320. Cover 320 includes an opening defined along punch line 326. Label 330 is heat sealed to the cover along an edge 338 disposed intermediate edges 332a and 332b of label 330. Heat sealed edge 338 serves as a hinge, and punch line 326 therefore defines flaps/reclosure sections 322 and 324. Label 330 may be removed by pulling either or both of pull tabs 336a, 336b. Label 330 includes an adhesive with a sufficient bond strength to overcome the attachment of sections 322 and 324 to the cover 320 when the label is peeled back for the first time.

The package also includes a resealable label disposed about the reclosure section. Referring back to FIGS. 1-3, resealable label 130 is disposed on cover 120 and generally covers section 122. Label 130 includes an upper surface 132, a bottom, adhesive surface 134, and a pull tab 136. Surface 134 comprises a region comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive, which is disposed adjacent the cover surface such that at least a portion of label 130 is releasably adhered to cover 120. Generally, the adhesive may have a bond strength sufficient to pull section 122 away from the cover as the label is peeled away from the cover. In particular, the adhesive may have a sufficient bond strength such that the first time that label 130 is removed or peeled back from the cover, reclosure section 122 is separated or detached from cover 120 along punch line 124 to uncover opening 126. When access to the package's interior is no longer desired, label 130 can be resealed to

cover 120, and reclosure section 122 (and label 130) recovers opening 126. The bond strength of the adhesive that is to be adhered to the cover in at least a region of reclosure section 122, including the resealable adhesive, may also be sufficient to pull section 122 away from the cover upon subsequent openings and closings.

In another embodiment, a lacquer could be printed in areas of the label where lower adhesion may be desired. For example it may be desirable to lower the adhesion in areas around the perimeter of the punch line. If lower adhesion is desired on these areas, a lacquer could be printed in the area around the perimeter of the punch line and not printed in the area intermediate the punch line, i.e., the area forming the reclosure section.

Depending on the configuration of section 122 and/or the label 130, the label may be peeled back as far as desired to sufficiently uncover opening 126 and allow access to the interior 1 14 of body 1 10. In one embodiment, the label may be completely removable from the cover. However, unless a punch line defines a fully detachable reclosure section (e.g., section 122' in FIG. 4B), completely removing the label would likely result in tearing the cover. Completely removing the label may also make it difficult to return a reclosure section to full registry with the opening in the cover. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the label is permanently or irremovably attached to the cover. As previously described, a portion of the label may be permanently attached to the cover by heat sealing or by a region of permanent adhesive on the label. Where at least a portion of the label is attached to the cover by a permanent adhesive, the label may generally comprise a first adhesive zone comprising a resealable label and a second adhesive zone comprising a permanent adhesive. The permanent adhesive zone may be substantially uniform or may be a spot permanent zone comprising regions of permanent adhesive separated by regions comprising no adhesive or a releasable adhesive. The permanent adhesive zones may serve as a hinge point for the label and/or the reclosure section.

Additionally, in one embodiment, the label could include an adhesive region or zone that is to be adhered to a location on the cover that is interior to the punch line such that the label remains adhered to the reclosure section upon peeling back the label. Such an adhesive region could include (i) an

adhesive having a bond strength greater than the bond strength of the releasable adhesive, and/or (ii) a permanent adhesive.

In one embodiment, the container may comprise a plurality of interior regions and/or a plurality of trays. In one embodiment, for example, a container may be partitioned and define a plurality of interior regions. FIG. 7 illustrates a container 400 including a rigid or semi-rigid body 410 having interior regions 412, 414, and 416. Interior regions 414 and 416 are separated by partition 413, and interior regions 412 and 416 are separated by partition 415. It will be appreciated that a container may be formed having a plurality of separate trays or regions that do not share a common partition or wall. Container 400 includes a cover 420 disposed about body 410. Individual openings are formed in communication with each tray region. For example, die-cut openings are formed by perforating or die-cutting a desired shape along punch lines 423, 425, and 427, which communicate with interior regions 412, 416, and 414, respectively. Openings are uncovered when sections 422, 424, and/or 426 are detached from cover 420 along punch lines 423, 425, and 427, respectively. Resealable labels 430, 440, and 450 are disposed about sections 422, 424, and 426, respectively. Labels 430, 440, and 450 include pull tabs 432, 442, and 452, respectively, at one end, and are adhered to cover 420 at an edge distal the pull tabs, such as by, for example, heat sealing along edge 438, 448, and 458, respectively. Labels 430, 440, and 450 comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive on a surface adjacent the cover. The adhesive of labels 430, 440, and 450 may have a bond strength such that sections 422, 424, and 426 are detached or pulled from cover 420 along their respective punch lines as the respective labels are peeled away from the cover.

While the embodiment in FIG. 7 has individual reclosure sections, openings, and labels that correspond to a separate interior region, it will be appreciated that, in another embodiment, a single reclosure section, opening, and label could be provided where the single opening communicates with each interior region/compartment.

Packages with multiple trays may be desirable to provide "variety packs," e.g., packages containing different items, similar items of different sizes, etc. For example, FIG. 7 illustrates a battery "variety pack" containing

batteries of varying sizes, such as C batteries 460, 9-volt batteries 470, and AA batteries 480.

A package in accordance with the disclosed technology may include a tamper evident structure to indicate whether the package has been previously opened or tampered with. Tamper evident structures are known to those skilled in the art. Generally, the tamper evident structure is not limited to any particular structure or design, and may be selected as desired for a particular purpose or intended use. FIG. 8 illustrates a tamper evident structure in a container as exemplified in FIGS. 1-3. In FIG. 8, a tamper evident structure includes a tape 150 placed along one or more portions of the perimeter of label 130. Tape 150 is scored or perforated, and when label 130 is peeled away from cover 120, portion 152 of tape 150 remains attached to cover 120. This indicates that label 130 has previously been removed and the package 100 opened. In another embodiment, the pull tab may be scored or perforated and a section of the pull tab permanently attached to the cover. When the label is peeled back, the section of the pull tab that is permanently attached remains attached to the cover, and the broken tab indicates the label has previously been removed. Other suitable tamper evident structures include, but are not limited to, those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,411 ,295; 5,876,816; 6,294,236; and 6,918,532. Bodv/Trav

The package's rigid or semi-rigid body may be made from any material to suit a particular purpose or intended use. Suitable materials for the body include, but are not limited to, polyesters, polystyrenes, polypropylenes, polycarbonates, polyvinyl chloride, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, and the like. The body may be made by any suitable method including, for example, thermoforming.

In one embodiment, the package's body may be substantially transparent to facilitate viewing the tray's interior. In another embodiment, the package's body may be substantially opaque. The degree of transparency or opacity may be selected as desired for a particular purpose or intended use. In one embodiment, the body may exhibit at least some degree of transparency to allow for the interior to be visually observed to identify the

type of product(s) in the container and or the quantity of product(s) in the container.

The shape and size of the tray or body may be selected as desired for a particular purpose or intended use. For example, the tray shape may be, but is not limited to, rectangular, square, circular, oval, diamond, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, and the like. In one embodiment, the tray may have a generally planar base surface. In another embodiment, the base surface may be cured or angled. Cover/Backing As previously described with respect to the various exemplary embodiments, the cover may be a rigid or semi-rigid material. In one embodiment the cover may be a cardboard or any other generally rigid or semi-rigid paper product. In another embodiment, the cover may be formed from a rigid or semi-rigid plastic material. Suitable plastic materials include but are not limited to polyesters, polystyrenes, polypropylenes, polycarbonates, polyvinyl chloride, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, and the like. When the cover comprises a plastic material, the cover may, similar to the body, be generally transparent or opaque.

The cover is generally attached to the body by adhering or sealing the cover to the body adjacent an upper edge or surface of the body. The cover may be adhesively sealed to the body or may be heat sealed to the body.

The cover may have any shape or configuration as desired for a particular purpose or intended use. For example, in one embodiment, the cover may have a shape and size that substantially registers with the shape and size of the upper edge of the container body. In another embodiment, the cover may have a size and shape similar to, but slightly smaller than the size and shape of the back edge of the container. In another embodiment, the back cover may have dimensions greater than the dimensions of the perimeter of the container's back edge. Resealable Label

The resealable label comprises a facestock having an upper surface and a lower surface, and an adhesive layer applied to a surface of the facestock. The construction or configuration of the label is generally not limited, and may be selected as desired for a particular purpose or intended

use. The resealable label may have any shape or size as desired for a particular purpose or intended use. In one embodiment, the resealable label may have a shape that is similar to the shape of the reclosure section. In one embodiment, the label may have a shape different than the shape of the reclosure section. In one embodiment, the resealable label may have a shape similar to the general shape of the reclosure section and may be dimensioned slightly larger than dimensions of the reclosure section.

In one embodiment, the resealable label may be substantially transparent. In another embodiment, the label may be substantially opaque. The degree of transparency or opacity may be selected as desired for a particular purpose or intended use. For example, a label with greater transparency may be desirable where the cover layer includes printed material and the label overlies at least a portion of the printed material.

In one embodiment, the resealable label, and in particular the facestock, is adapted or suitable for receiving printed matter. A printed label may be desirable in package constructions employing clear plastic covers. In conventional packages employing a clear plastic cover, a separate insert is often disposed between the product(s) in the package and the cover layer. Such inserts usually include instructions, branding, advertising, or other information related to the product. Such inserts are often discarded or must otherwise be moved to access the package's interior and/or the product(s). In accordance with the disclosed technology, the resealable label could be printed with the same information as typically printed on the inserts and, if desired, the inserts could be completely eliminated. At least a portion of the adhesive layer comprises a releasable adhesive such that the label is releasably adhered to the cover to facilitate opening and reclosing the package. The releasable adhesive may be disposed on a surface of the facestock in any suitable manner to suit a particular purpose or intended use. For example, in one embodiment, the releasable adhesive may be substantially uniformly disposed on a surface of the facestock. In another embodiment, the releasable adhesive may be disposed on the surface in a pattern. In embodiments where a section of the label is to be substantially permanently or irremovably adhered to the cover of the package, the label may include at least one adhesive comprising a

permanent adhesive. Zones of permanent adhesive may be substantially uniform, may be patterned, or may be random zones. As previously described, zones of permanent adhesion may be employed to prevent the label from being completely removed from a package and/or to provide a hinge line for a reclosure section on the cover.

Additionally, the adhesive layer could be patterned to provide a greater level of adhesion in the area of the reclosure section. For example, in one embodiment the label could include (i) a first adhesive region comprising a resealable adhesive, where the first adhesive region corresponds to the area or region external to the perimeter of the reclosure section, and (ii) a second adhesive region comprising an adhesive having an adhesive strength greater than the resealable adhesive, where the second adhesive region is located for adhering to at least a region of the reclosure section. The adhesive in the second region may be another releasable adhesive or a permanent adhesive. In another embodiment, the adhesive comprises a resealable adhesive and a lacquer may be printed in the area surrounding or external to the perimeter of the reclosure section to provide a zone of relatively low adhesion in an area external to the perimeter of the reclosure section.

The label may also include a pull tab. The pull tab may be integral with the face stock or may be a separate construction attached to a portion of the face stock. The pull tab may have any shape or configuration suitable for providing a point or area for gripping the pull tab to peel the label away from the cover surface. In one embodiment, the pull tab may have a length that is at least half the length of the side of the label on which the pull tab is positioned. In another embodiment, the pull tab has a length that is substantially equal to the length of the side of the label on which the pull tab is positioned. In another embodiment, a pull tab may comprise a slot or hole such that the pull tab may be gripped by inserting a finger or object through the hole. The facestock is not limited and may be made from any suitable facestock material including, but not limited to, paper, foil, or a polymeric material. A wide variety of polymer film materials are useful in preparing the facestocks useful with the disclosed technology. For example, the polymer film material may include polymers and copolymers such as at least one

polyolefin, polyacrylate, polystyrene, polyamide, polyvinyl alcohol, poly(alkylene acrylate), poly(ethylene vinyl alcohol), poly(alkylene vinyl acetate), polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile, polyester, polyester copolymer, fluoropolymer, polysulfone, polycarbonate, styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, ionomers based on sodium or zinc salts of ethylene methacrylic acid, cellulosics, polyacrylonitrile, alkylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, or mixtures of two or more thereof.

The polyolefins which can be utilized as the polymer film material include polymers and copolymers of olefin monomers containing 2 to about 12 carbon atoms such as ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, etc., or blends of mixtures of such polymers and copolymers. In one embodiment the polyolefins comprise polymers and copolymers of ethylene and propylene. In another embodiment, the polyolefins comprise propylene homopolymers, and copolymers such as propylene-ethylene and propylene-1-butene copolymers. Blends of polypropylene and polyethylene with each other, or blends of either or both of them with polypropylene-polyethylene copolymer also are useful. In another embodiment, the polyolefin film materials are those with a very high propylenic content, either polypropylene homopolymer or propylene-ethylene copolymers or blends of polypropylene and polyethylene with low ethylene content, or propylene-1-butene copolymers or blend of polypropylene and poly-1-butene with low butene content.

Various polyethylenes can be utilized as the polymer film material including low, medium, and high density polyethylenes, and mixtures thereof. An example of a useful low density polyethylene (LDPE) is Rexene 1017 available from Huntsman. An example of a useful high density polyethylene (HDPE) is Formoline LH5206 available from Formosa Plastics. In one embodiment the polymer film material comprises a blend of 80 to 90% HDPE and 10-20% of LDPE.

The propylene homopolymers which can be utilized as the polymer film material for the facestock, either alone, or in combination with a propylene copolymer as described herein, include a variety of propylene homopolymers such as those having melt flow rates (MFR) from about 0.5 to about 20 as determined by ASTM Test D 1238. In one embodiment, propylene homopolymers having MFR's of less than 10, and more often from about 4 to

about 10 are particularly useful. Useful propylene homopolymers also may be characterized as having densities in the range of from about 0.88 to about 0.92 g/cm ³ . A number of useful propylene homopolymers are available commercially from a variety of sources, and some useful polymers include: 5A97, available from Union Carbide and having a melt flow of 12.0 g/10 min and a density of 0.90 g/cm ³ ; DX5E66, also available from Union Carbide and having an MFI of 8.8 g/10 min and a density of 0.90 g/cm ³ ; and WRD5-1057 from Union Carbide having an MFI of 3.9 g/10 min and a density of 0.90 g/cm ³ . Useful commercial propylene homopolymers are also available from Fina and Montel.

Examples of useful polyamide resins include resins available from EMS American Grilon Inc., Sumter, SC. under the general tradename Grivory such as CF6S, CR-9, XE3303 and G-21. Grivory G-21 is an amorphous nylon copolymer having a glass transition temperature of 125 ⁰ C, a melt flow index (DIN 53735) of 90 ml/10 min and an elongation at break (ASTM D638) of 15. Grivory CF65 is a nylon 6/12 film grade resin having a melting point of 135 ⁰ C, a melt flow index of 50 ml/10 min, and an elongation at break in excess of 350%. Grilon CR9 is another nylon 6/12 film grade resin having a melting point of 200 ⁰ C, a melt flow index of 200 ml/ 10 min, and an elongation at break at 250%. Grilon XE 3303 is a nylon 6.6/6.10 film grade resin having a melting point of 200 ⁰ C, a melt flow index of 60 ml/ 10 min, and an elongation at break of 100%. Other useful polyamide resins include those commercially available from, for example, Union Camp of Wayne, New Jersey under the Uni-Rez product line, and dimer-based polyamide resins available from Bostik, Emery, Fuller, Henkel (under the Versamid product line). Other suitable polyamides include those produced by condensing dimerized vegetable acids with hexamethylene diamine. Examples of polyamides available from Union Camp include Uni-Rez 2665; Uni-Rez 2620; Uni-Rez 2623; and Uni-Rez 2695. Polystyrenes can also be utilized as the polymer facestock material and these include homopolymers as well as copolymers of styrene and substituted styrene such as alpha-methyl styrene. Examples of styrene copolymers and terpolymers include: acrylonitrile-butene-styrene (ABS); styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers (SAN); styrene butadiene (SB); styrene-

maleic anhydride (SMA); and styrene-methyl methacrylate (SMMA); etc. An example of a useful styrene copolymer is KR-10 from Phillips Petroleum Co. KR-10 is believed to be a copolymer of styrene with 1 ,3-butadiene.

Polyurethanes also can be utilized as the polymer film material, and the polyurethanes may include aliphatic as well as aromatic polyurethanes.

The polyurethanes are typically the reaction products of (A) a polyisocyanate having at least two isocyanate (--NCO) functionalities per molecule with (B) at least one isocyanate reactive group such as a polyol having at least two hydroxy groups or an amine. Suitable polyisocyanates include diisocyanate monomers, and oligomers.

Useful polyurethanes include aromatic polyether polyurethanes, aliphatic polyether polyurethanes, aromatic polyester polyurethanes, aliphatic polyester polyurethanes, aromatic polycaprolactam polyurethanes, and aliphatic polycaprolactam polyurethanes. Particularly useful polyurethanes include aromatic polyether polyurethanes, aliphatic polyether polyurethanes, aromatic polyester polyurethanes, and aliphatic polyester polyurethanes.

Examples of commercial polyurethanes include Sancure 27107 and/or Avalure UR 4457 (which are equivalent copolymers of polypropylene glycol, isophorone diisocyanate, and 2,2-dimethylolpropionic acid, having the International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient name "PPG-17/PPG- 34/IPDI/DMPA Copolymer"), Sancure 8787, Sancure 8157, Sancure 13017, Sancure 27157, Sancure 18287, Sancure 20267, and Sancure 124717 (all of which are commercially available from BFGoodrich, Cleveland, Ohio), Bayhydrol DLN (commercially available from Bayer Corp., McMurray, Pa.), Bayhydrol LS-2033 (Bayer Corp.), Bayhydrol 123 (Bayer Corp.), Bayhydrol PU402A (Bayer Corp.), Bayhydrol 110 (Bayer Corp.), Witcobond W-320 (commercially available from Witco Performance Chemicals), Witcobond W- 242 (Witco Performance Chemicals), Witcobond W-160 (Witco Performance Chemicals), Witcobond W-612 (Witco Performance Chemicals), Witcobond W-506 (Witco Performance Chemicals), NeoRez R-600 (a polytetramethylene ether urethane extended with isophorone diamine commercially available from Avecia, formerly Avecia Resins), NeoRez R-940 (Avecia Resins), and NeoRez R-960 (Avecia Resins).

Examples of such aliphatic polyether polyurethanes include Sancure 27107 and/or Avalure UR 4457, Sancure 8787, NeoRez R-600, NeoRez R- 966, NeoRez R-967, and Witcobond W-320.

In one embodiment, the facestocks comprises at least one polyester polyurethane. Examples of these urethanes include those sold under the names "Sancure 2060" (polyester-polyurethane), "Sancure 2255" (polyester- polyurethane), "Sancure 815" (polyester-polyurethane), "Sancure 878" (polyether-polyurethane) and "Sancure 861" (polyether-polyurethane) by the company Sanncor, under the names "Neorez R-974" (polyester- polyurethane), "Neorez R-981" (polyester-polyurethane) and "Neorez R-970" (polyether-polyurethane) by the company ICI, and the acrylic copolymer dispersion sold under the name "Neocryl XK-90" by the company Avecia.

Polyesters prepared from various glycols or polyols and one or more aliphatic or aromatic carboxylic acids also are useful film materials. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and PETG (PET modified with cyclohexanedimethanol) are useful film forming materials which are available from a variety of commercial sources including Eastman. For example, Kodar 6763 is a PETG available from Eastman Chemical. Another useful polyester from duPont is Selar PT-8307 which is polyethylene terephthalate. Acrylate polymers and copolymers and alkylene vinyl acetate resins

(e.g., EVA polymers) also are useful as the film forming materials in the preparation of the constructions of the invention. Commercial examples of available polymers include Escorene UL-7520 (Exxon), a copolymer of ethylene with 19.3% vinyl acetate; Nucrell 699 (duPont), an ethylene copolymer containing 11 % of methacrylic acid, etc. lonomers (polyolefins containing ionic bonding of molecular chains) also are useful. Examples of ionomers include ionomeric ethylene copolymers such as Surlyn 1706 (duPont) which is believed to contain interchain ionic bonds based on a zinc salt of ethylene methacrylic acid copolymer. Surlyn 1702 from duPont also is a useful ionomer.

Polycarbonates also are useful, and these are available from the Dow Chemical Co. (Calibre) G. E. Plastics (Lexan) and Bayer (Makrolon). Most commercial polycarbonates are obtained by the reaction of bisphenol A and carbonyl chloride in an interfacial process. Molecular weights of the typical

commercial polycarbonates vary from about 22,000 to about 35,000, and the melt flow rates generally are in the range of from 4 to 22 g/10 min. Releasable Adhesive

The releasable adhesive may be selected from any suitable adhesive capable of resealing to a cover material. In one embodiment the releasable adhesive may be selected or designed to provide a desired level of releasable and/or resealing adhesion to the cover material.

In one embodiment, the releasable adhesive may be an acrylate or methacrylate polymer, a rubber-based material, an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, or others, such as silicones, etc. In one embodiment, the releasable adhesive may be a pressure sensitive adhesive. Any suitable pressure sensitive adhesive material may be used including, but not limited to, polyisobutylene, butyl rubber, polyacrylates, polyurethanes, silicone gum, natural gum rubber, SBR rubber, polyvinyl ether, thermoplastic elastomers, or mixtures of two or more thereof. Additionally, the releasable adhesive may be a hot melt adhesive, such as a hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive.

In one embodiment, the releasable adhesive is an acrylic emulsion pressure-sensitive adhesive polymer. The acrylic emulsion pressure-sensitive adhesive polymers may contain on a percent by weight basis from 30% to about 98% percent by weight of one or more alkyl acrylates containing about 4 to about 12, or from about 4 to about 8 carbon atoms in the alkyl group. In one embodiment, the total alkyl acrylate concentration is from about 60 to about 95% by weight based on the total weight of the monomers. Useful monomers include alkyl acrylate esters containing from about 4 to about 10 carbon atoms in the alkyl group. Exemplary alkyl acrylate esters include isooctyl acrylate, 2-ethyl hexyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, sec-butyl acrylate, methyl butyl acrylate, 4-methyl 2-pentyl acrylate and the like. Comonomers which can be used include unsaturated mono and dicarboxylic acids such as methacrylic acid, acrylic acid, fumaric acid and the like, dibutyl fumarate, dioctyl maleate and the like. Other comonomers include methacrylates such as methyl methacrylate, isodecyl methacrylate and the like; styrene, vinyl acetate, vinyl pyrrocoverone and the like.

In one embodiment, the releasable adhesive includes an acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive. In another embodiment, the releasable adhesive includes an acrylic emulsion pressure sensitive adhesive. In one embodiment, the releasable adhesive is an inherently tacky, infusible, elastomeric, pressure-sensitive adhesive microsphere polymer. In one embodiment, the releasable adhesives are referred to herein as "tacky microspheres". Adhesives comprising tacky microspheres have been referred to as "ultrareleasable adhesives" due to the relative ease with which they are separated from suitable release surfaces, "ease" being defined as including a quiet, smooth opening or release from adhering contact with the release surface, as well as adhering to the release surface with the disclosed peel strengths. Such adhesives are described in Published Application US 2003/0099827, which is incorporated herein by reference.

In one embodiment, the pressure sensitive adhesive composition comprises a copolymer prepared by emulsion polymerization of a monomer mixture comprising (a) at least one alkyl acrylate monomer, the alkyl group of which has from about 4 to about 12 carbon atoms, present in an amount of from about 90% to about 96% by weight, based on the total weight of the monomer mixture; (b) at least one unsaturated carboxylic acid monomer containing from about 3 to about 5 carbon atoms, present in an amount of about 1% to about 5% by weight of the monomer mixture; (c) at least one hard monomer, present in an amount of about 1% to about 5% by weight of the monomer mixture; and (d) at least one external crosslinker.

In one embodiment, the adhesive comprises a hot-extrudable pressure sensitive hot melt adhesive that is resealable. Such adhesives may comprise block copolymers. Hot melt block copolymer adhesives are disclosed in published application US 2004/0077759, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

In one embodiment, the releasable adhesive is applied in a discontinuous film. In such an embodiment, the releasable adhesive may be in the form of adhesive strips or islands separated by areas of no adhesive. In another embodiment in which the releasable adhesive is adhered in a discontinuous film, the releasable adhesive film includes strips or islands of

adhesive-free areas separated by areas to which the adhesive has been applied.

While the disclosed technology has been described in relation to various exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that various modifications thereof may become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the specification. Therefore, it is to be understood that the technology disclosed herein is intended to cover such modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.