A FLEXIBLE PACKAGE HAVING AN EASY OPENING FEATURE

摘要

A flexible package (10) is disclosed having an easy opening feature. The opening feature includes a gusset (32) formed in at least one side wall (16). The gusset (32) is aligned inward of the side wall (16) and forms a pocket (40) having an internal panel and an external panel (44). An aperture (56) is formed through the external panel (44) and is sized to receive at least one human finger. The package (10) also has a line of weakness (57) formed in the side wall (16) containing the external panel (44) with the aperture formed therethrough. The line of weakness (57) has two portions (58, 60), each located on an opposite side of the aperture (56) and each extending from the first end of the gusset to a point spaced apart therefrom. The line of weakness (57) also has a third portion which extends across the side wall and connects with the first two portions of the line of weakness. The combination of the gusset (32), the aperture (56) and the line of weakness (57) create a structure which allows the package to be easily opened.