Patent attributes
A thermoformed package can be easily opened when it is comprised of a first enclosing section, an intermediate section, and a second enclosing section. The first enclosing section and second enclosing section are each bonded to the intermediate section about the periphery of the intermediate section to form the package. The package can have a hinge at the base of the first enclosing section and the second enclosing section. The intermediate section can be a plastic, a plastic containing laminate, a paper material such as a paperboard, or a paper containing laminate. The strength of the bond of at least one of the first enclosing section and the second enclosing section to the intermediate section being less than the shear strength of the material of the first enclosing section and the second enclosing section. Further when the intermediate section is a paper or a paper containing laminate the shear strength of the paper or the paper containing laminate is less than the shear strength of the first enclosing section or the second enclosing section. On an upper part of the package there is an area where the first enclosing section and the second enclosing section can be gripped to open the package. The package is easily opened by breaking the bond of the first enclosing section or second enclosing section to the intermediate section, or in the alternative when the intermediate section is a paper or paper containing material, delaminating the paper containing material.
