TITLE: RECLOSEABLE CONTAINER

Cross Reference to Related Application

This application claims priority from provisional application U.S. Serial No. 60/884,292 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 recloseable rigid and semi-rigid packages where the package's interior is accessible through a surface of the package.

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 or must be punctured and 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 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. 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 also 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 product reinforcement if the product itself or any brand advertising on the front of the package cannot be readily and/or quickly observed.

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 interior region for housing one or more items. Access to the items within the compartment is provided through the body of the package, e.g., through a surface of a tray. The package's body includes an opening that is formed by detaching a section of the body along a punch line. The detached section of the body 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 batteries, cotton swabs, light bulbs, food items, etc., 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 having and defining an interior region for housing one or more discrete articles, the body comprising (i) an opening in a surface of the body, the opening formed by a shaped punch line, and (ii) a reclosure section defined by an area of the body surface interior to a perimeter of the punch line, the reclosure section being at least partially detachable from the body to expose the die-cut opening; a rigid or semi-rigid cover overlying the interior region of the body; and a resealable label overlying at least a portion of the reclosure section, wherein the resealable layer comprises a releasable adhesive releasably adhered to the body and the reclosure section is at least partially detached from the body upon peeling the label away from the body for the first time. In another embodiment, the disclosed technology relates to a recloseable package comprising: a rigid or semi-rigid body having a tray, the tray having a base, a sidewall adjacent to and extending around the base, and an interior region defined by the base and the sidewall, the tray comprising (i) an opening in a surface of the tray formed by a shape punch line, and (ii) a reclosure section defined by an area of the tray interior to a perimeter of the punch line; a rigid or semi-rigid cover disposed about the interior region of the tray; and a resealable label comprising a releasable adhesive releasably adhered to the tray, the label overlying at least a portion of the reclosure section, wherein the reclosure section is (i) at least partially detachable from the tray to expose the opening, and (ii) is at least partially detached from the tray upon peeling the label away from the tray for the first time.

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 side elevational view of the package of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the package of FIG. 1 having the reclosure section partially opened;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the package of FIG. 1 ; FIG. 5A is a top plan view depicting a package having one embodiment of a recloseable label in accordance with the disclosed technology;

FIG. 5B is a top plan view depicting a package having one embodiment of a recloseable label 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 recloseable 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 structure.

Detailed Description

The disclosed technology relates to recloseable rigid or semi-rigid packages or containers 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 semi-rigid cover disposed about the body and covering the body's interior region. The body may be a tray-like structure having a base and a generally upstanding sidewall adjacent to and extending around the base, where at least one of the base or the sidewall has at least one opening formed by a punch line. The area of the tray intermediate or interior to the perimeter of the punch line defines a reclosure section that is detachable from the body to expose the opening in the body. The package also includes a resealable label disposed on the exterior surface of the tray and about the reclosure

section. The label includes a releasable adhesive that is releasably adhered to the body. Upon peeling back the label from the tray surface, the reclosure section of the body is detached and pulls away from the body to expose the opening, thereby allowing access to the package's interior. As used herein, the terms package and container are used interchangeably. As used herein, the term "tray surface" refers to a surface of the base or the sidewall of a tray.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate one embodiment of a rigid or semi-rigid package in accordance with the disclosed technology. Package 100 has a rigid or semi- rigid body 110, a cover 130 disposed about body 110, and a resealable label 140 disposed on the body 110. Body 110 includes a cup or tray 112 that defines an interior region 114. Tray includes a base 116, a generally upstanding sidewall 118, and an upper edge 120 along the top of the sidewall. Sidewall 118 is adjacent to and extends around the base 116. In one embodiment, the sidewall is integral with the base. As shown in FIGS. 1-4, sidewall 118 has four sides. It will be appreciated that the sidewall may generally have any number of sides, and may have a number of sides equal to the number of sides of the base. For a circular or oval tray, for example, the sidewall may be generally continuous with no defined sides. The sidewall and the base each have an interior surface and an exterior surface. Body 110 includes an upper edge such as lip or flange 120. It will be appreciated that the upper edge of the tray does not have to include a flange. Rather, in one embodiment, for example, the upper edge could be defined by the upper edge of the sidewall and have a thickness similar to the thickness of the sidewall. Body 110 also includes a cut-out 117 that may be used for hanging body 110 on a rack or display.

Body 110 also includes a die-cut opening 122 formed by a shaped punch line that may be pre-punched, perforated, die-cut, or partially die-cut line 126. Punch line 126 defines a section 124 in an area interior to the perimeter of the punch line. A section interior the perimeter of the punch line is also referred to herein as reclosure section. Opening 122 is in at least partial communication with interior 114 of body 110 to allow the tray interior to be accessed through the tray body itself. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4, section 124 defines a flap that is formed by partial detachment from the

surface of tray 112 along punch line 126. Punch line 126 is generally continuous along edges 126a, 126b, and 126c, and generally non-continuous between end points 127a and 127c of edges 126a and 126c, respectively. As such, in this embodiment, reclosure section 124 does not have a defined end, except to the extent the tray may crease between end points 125a and 125c as reclosure section 124 is opened or bent. If desired, a reclosure section could be provided with a more defined end or shape. For example, in one embodiment, the tray could be hinged between edges 126a and 126c of punch line 126 to provide a more defined flap. The hinge could be provided by a mechanical hinge or by pre-creasing a section of the tray. The hinge may be provided adjacent the terminal ends (e.g., ends 127a and 127c) of the punch line or may intersect the punch line at a suitable location. In one embodiment, an end or hinge point may be provided by permanently attaching a portion of the resealable label to the tray. For example, in one embodiment (e.g., FIGS. 1 , 3, and 5A) label 130 may be attached to the tray along sealed edge 138. Sealed edge 138 may be provided by heat sealing or by a region of the label comprising a permanent adhesive, which permanently adheres to the tray. FIG. 5A shows the sealed edge 138' at a location that intersects the punch line and, more particularly, intersects the reclosure section. The location of a sealed edge may be selected as desired to provide a particular hinge point or opening size.

In one embodiment (FIG. 5B), punch line 126' may be substantially continuous and include another edge 126d to define a reclosure section 124' that is completely detachable from the surface of the tray upon peeling back the label. Generally, section 124' registers with the opening (not shown) upon resealing the label to the tray.

The shape and dimensions of the die-cut opening, reclosure section, and/or punch line is not limited to any particular shape or size and may be selected as desired for a particular purpose or intended use. The shape of the opening, reclosure section, and/or punch line may be any shape including, but not limited to, rectangular, square, circular, semi-circular, oval, triangular, diamond, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, and the like.

Other die-cut opening/punch line configurations are also contemplated. For example, a double reclosure section (flap) could be provided by providing

first and second punch lines generally parallel to one another and a third punch line disposed intermediate the ends of the first and second punch lines and generally perpendicular to the first and second punch lines. Generally, one flap is opened in the same direction in which the label is peeled from the tray. The flaps/sections share the third punch line. As the label is peeled away from the tray, the flap that opens in the same direction in which the label is peeled away from the tray detaches from the punch line and the adjacent flap such that an opening is partially uncovered. The adjacent flap opens in a direction opposite the direction in which the label is peeled away from the tray, and may be manually detached from the tray such as by tearing or pulling.

With reference to FIG. 6, container 300 includes body 310, cover 320, and label 330. Label 330 includes a releasable adhesive on the surface adjacent the surface of tray 312 that allows the label to be releasably adhered to surface 313 of tray 312. Tray 312 includes an opening defined along punch line 316. Label 330 is sealed to the surface of tray 312, such as by heat sealing, for example, 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 318 and 320. Label 330 may be removed by pulling either or both of pull tabs 336a, 336b. Referring back to FIGS. 1-4, a cover 130 is disposed along the upper edge 120 of the tray. As shown in the embodiment in FIGS. 1 -4, cover 130 is adhered to body 1 10 along the surface of flange 120. Cover 130 need not be in complete registry with flange 120, as the cover could overhang any edge of flange 120. The package further includes a resealable label that may assist in initially detailing the reclosure section from the tray and for uncovering the opening. In FIGS. 1-4, resealable label 140 is disposed on tray 112 and generally covers section 124. Label 140 includes adhesive surface 142 disposed adjacent the surface of tray 1 12. Label 140 also includes a pull tab 146. The adhesive may generally comprise a releasable adhesive that may be releasably adhered to the surface of try 1 12. In one embodiment, the releasable adhesive may have a bond strength sufficient to pull section 124 away from the tray surface. The first time that label 140 is removed or peeled back, section 124, which remains substantially adhered to label 140, is

separated from the tray surface along punch line 126 to uncover opening 122. When access to the package's interior is no longer desired, label 140 can be resealed to the surface of tray 112, and section 124 (and label 140) re-covers opening 122. In one embodiment, the at least partially detached reclosure section sufficiently adheres to the label and is pulled away from the opening by the label during a subsequent opening of package.

In another embodiment, a lacquer could be printed in areas of the label where lower adhesive 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 those areas and not printed in the area intermediate the punch line, i.e., the area forming the reclosure section.

Depending on the configuration of section 120 and/or the label 140, the label may be peeled back as far as desired to sufficiently uncover opening 122 and allow access to the interior 114 of body 110. In one embodiment, the label may be completely removed from the cover. However, unless section 122 forms a fully detachable section, completely removing the label would likely result in tearing the surface of the tray. In an embodiment where the label is completely removable, it may be difficult to return section 124 to full registry with opening 122.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the label is permanently or irremovably attached to the tray. As previously described, a portion of the label may be permanently attached to the tray 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 tray 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 (i) a substantially uniform zone or, (ii) 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 tray 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. In FIG.

7, container 400 includes rigid or semi-rigid body 410 having a tray 412 with interior regions 414 and 422. Interior regions 414 and 422 are separated by partition 420. It will also be appreciated that a container may be formed having separate trays or regions that do not share a common partition or wall.

Separate openings may be provided in communication with a separate interior or tray region. For example, die-cut openings 419, 425 are formed by punch lines 418 and 428, respectively, which communicate with openings 419 and

425, respectively. Openings 419 and 425 are uncovered when one of the respective sections in communication with the opening (e.g., sections 416 and

426, respectively) are detached from the tray along punch lines 418 and 428, respectively. Resealable labels 430 and 440 are disposed about sections 416 and 426, respectively. Labels 430 and 440 include pull tabs 432 and 442, respectively, at one end, and are adhered to the tray at an edge distal the pull tabs, such as by, for example, heat sealing along edge 436 and 446, respectively. Labels 430 and 440 comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive on a surface adjacent the tray. The adhesive of labels 430 and 440 may have a bond strength such that sections 416 and 426 are detached or pulled from tray 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 that communicates with each interior region/ component.

Containers with multiple trays may be desirable to provide "variety packs," e.g., packages containing different items, items of different size, etc. For example, FIG. 7 illustrates a battery "variety pack" containing batteries of varying sizes, such as AA batteries 460 and AAA batteries 470.

In some situations, it may be desirable to provide a tamper evident structure to indicate whether the package has been previously opened or tampered with. 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 one embodiment of tamper evident structure used 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 140. Tape 150 is scored or perforated, and when label 140 is peeled away from the surface of tray 112, portion 152 of tape 150 remains attached to the surface. This indicates that label 140 has previously been removed and the package opened. Similarly, the pull tab could be scored and have a section adjacent a score line that is permanently adhered to the tray after the pull tab is used to peel back the label. Other suitable tamper evident structures include, but are not limited to, the tamper evident structures described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,411 ,295; 5,876,816; 6,294,236; and 6,918,532.

The container's rigid or semi-rigid body may be made from any material to suit a particular need 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 container's body may be substantially transparent to facilitate viewing the interior of the container's body. In an another embodiment, the container's body is substantially opaque. The level of transparency or opacity may be selected as desired for a particular purpose or intended use. Generally, some level of transparency is desirable in containers to more easily identify or visually observe the type of product(s) in the container and or the quantity of product in the container. The shape and size of the tray may be selected as desired for a particular purpose or intended use. For example, the tray 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. In another embodiment, the base may be curved,

angled or have a configuration that generally conforms to a shape of the article(s) contained in the package.

While the embodiments described herein have described the die-cut opening being positioned in the base of the tray, it will be appreciated that an opening could also be provided in the sidewall of the tray or package body. Cover/Backing

As previously described with respect to the various exemplary embodiments, the cover/backing may be a rigid or semi-rigid material. In one embodiment the cover may be a cardboard or 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.

The cover is generally attached to the body by adhering or sealing the cover layer to the body adjacent an upper edge of the sidewall 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 back 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 resealable 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 resealable 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 otherwise must be moved to access the package interior to the product. In accordance with the disclosed technology, the resealable label could be printed with the same information 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 body of the package to facilitate opening and re-closing 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 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 one or more zones comprising a permanent adhesive. Zones of permanent adhesive may be substantially uniform or may be spotted or patterned zones of a permanent adhesive. 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, the label could include a (i) first adhesive region comprising a releasable 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 an area or region of the reclosure section. In another embodiment, the adhesive comprises a releasable adhesive and a lacquer could 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 may have 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.

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 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 the body (e.g., the tray). In one embodiment the releasable adhesive may be selected or designed to provide a desired level of releasable and/or resealing adhesion to the material used to form the body.

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, for example, 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 pyrrolidone 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 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.