Easy-open container having directionally-oriented label tear

摘要

An easy-open container (10) has a spirally-wound paperboard bodywall layer (17), interior barrier liner layer (22) and outer label layer (25) forming an easy-open seam (20) extending spirally between the ends (14,16) of the container (10). A feature is provided for directionally-orienting tearing of the label layer (25) to remove either the entire label layer (25) or just that portion (25a) of the label layer (25) which is in bridging relationship to the easy-open spiral seam (20) to allow opening of the container (10) along the spiral seam (20). The directionally-orienting tear feature is preferably provided by a reinforcing and tear strip (28) having directionally-orienting tear incorporated therein and which is positioned under the outer longitudinal edge portion (25a) of the label layer (25) and over the easy-open spiral seam (20) along with desired positioning of low strength and high strength bonding between the label layer (25), reinforcing and tear strip (28) and bodywall layer (17) to ensure tearing of the label layer (25) in the proper direction and removal of a desired portion (25a) of the label layer (25) when the container (10) is opened. The directionally-oriented tear feature may also include a directionally-orienting tear (30) incorporated in the label layer (25) itself to orient tear in the desired direction. <IMAGE>