METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A PACKAGE WITH AN EASY OPEN FEATURE

Abstract

An apparatus and method is provided to create a package with an easy open feature that has a fin seal spanning between opposing end seals. Flow-wrapping material utilized to form the package includes first and second opening feature portions. The first and second opening feature portions are disposed adjacent to opposing lateral edges of the flow-wrapping material. A plurality of laterally-disposed scribed lines are disposed at least partially with the first opening feature portion and a tear initiation element is disposed laterally aligned with the pluralyt of laterally-disposed scribed lines. The tear initiation element is disposed such that it is closer to the second opening feature portion than the first opening feature portion.

Description

FIELD

The invention relates generally to apparatus and methods to create a package with an easy open feature.

BACKGROUND

It is known in the art to wrap articles for sale. In one known package, a continuously-flowing film of wrapping material is manipulated around the articles and sealed to enclose individual (or multiple) articles therein. This type of package can include laterally-disposed end seals and a fin seal that extends between the end seals in the flow-stream direction. Areas between adjacent flow wrapped articles are then cut to form the final separated packaged articles.

A package so formed, using a traditional flow wrap process, can be created on a commercial scale, but can also be difficult to open. For example, a consumer can pull the sides of the package generally apart to separate one of the end seals, but an undesirable and uncontrollable tearing across one or more sides of the package can occur when the force applied overcomes the joints of the end seal. This uncontrollable tearing can undesirably render the package unable to be reclosed and can even more undesirably spill the contents of the package.

A user can also open such a package by tearing downward from a top edge of the package. The user then directs the tear to an adjacent lateral edge of the package. This method, however, can disadvantageously result in an opening that is too small for the contents of the package or that extends too far down the height of the package so that the package is unable to be reclosed or spills the contents of the package.

This type of package can further include a hang hole designed to provide an opening in a top seal of the package to hang the package on display for sale. A consumer can open this type of package by initiating a tear at an edge of the hang hole, but this method can also result in an uncontrolled and undesirable tear across the middle of the package. A force is required to overcome the edge of the hang hole, which can be reinforced due to the hang hole formation process, and upon breakage of the edge, the resulting tear will propagate in the direction of the force, which may not be in a desirable direction, such as generally upward or downward along the package.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above needs are at least partially met through provision of the method and apparatus to wrap a plastic container described in the following detailed description, particularly when studied in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 comprises a perspective view of a package as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 comprises a perspective view of an opened package as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3 comprises a sectional view of an opening feature disposed on a package as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4 comprises a cross-sectional view of an opening feature disposed on a package as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 5 comprises a front elevation view of an opening feature disposed on a web of material as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 6 comprises a front elevation view of an opening feature disposed on a web of material as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 7 comprises a front elevation view of an opening feature disposed on a web of material as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 8 comprises a front elevation view of an opening feature disposed on a web of material as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 9 comprises a front elevation view of an opening feature disposed on a web of material as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 10 comprises a front elevation view of an opening feature disposed on a web of material as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 11 comprises an enlarged perspective sectional view of an opening feature disposed on a package as configured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments. It will further be appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. It will also be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Generally speaking, pursuant to these various approaches, apparatus and methods as provided herein describe a package configured for controlled opening using an opening feature, various forms of which are illustrated in FIGS. 1-11. The exemplary forms described herein include an easy-open feature configured to facilitate opening a package having a longitudinal fin seal spanning between opposing end seals. The easy-opening feature is disposed at least partially within one or more of the seals of the package to allow a user to more easily tear through the seal area when opening the package to remove a portion of the package.

By one approach, the opening feature includes a plurality of scribed lines, created, for example, by a laser, which facilitate tearing across the package, and specifically facilitate tearing through the fin seal of the package. The fin seal is formed by sealing opposing side edge portions of a web of material together. The plurality of scribed lines are formed on at least one of the side edges such that at least two of the plurality of scribed lines extend from the fin seal at least slightly onto a wall of the package forming a sealed body. A second plurality of scribed lines can optionally be disposed on the other of the side edges, so that the lines generally align with creation of the fin seal.

For many (if not most) application settings, it may be appropriate to further include a tear-initiation element to the opening feature configured to provide a user with a convenient tear-initiation point to open the package. In one form, the tear-initiation element includes a scored line or notch that contacts or is positioned on an edge of the package and is generally aligned with the plurality of scribed lines laterally across the package. So positioned, a tear started at the tear-initiation element can propagate laterally across the package to intersect with the plurality of scribed lines, which then ease the tear through the fin seal. The tear initiation element is disposed on the sealed body of the package, and to preserve the integrity of the package, the tear-initiation element preferably does not compromise the integrity of the seal, such as by not extending entirely through the package material or by sealing edges of the notch or creating a sealed portion within which the notch is formed.

By a further approach, the fin seal is folded over after formation, which produces an inner fin seal wall adjacent the sealed body of the package and an outer fin seal wall. In this form, the plurality of scribed lines are disposed on the inner fin seal wall, with at least two of the plurality of scribed lines extending at least slightly onto the wall of the sealed body. The tear-initiation element contacts or is positioned on an edge of the package adjacent the outer fin seal wall. So configured, a tear can be initiated on one side of a package and the plurality of scribed lines can facilitate tearing through the fin seal wall on the other side of the package.

So configured, an article, such as a food product, may be economically and efficiently disposed and sealed within a package having the opening feature as described herein to thus provide a new design configuration allowing a consumer to easily, reliably, and consistently open the package while exerting a force substantially smaller than would be required to tear through an otherwise intact fin seal. The opening feature allows a top portion of the package to be easily removed to provide full access to articles within the package. This can create goodwill with consumers by increasing ease and predictability of use. It can further increase goodwill by avoiding uncontrolled tears across the package that impact the ability of the package to be reclosed and/or spill the contents of the package and avoiding openings that are inconvenient or inconveniently sized. The easy-open package described herein can provide the same protection to the wrapped article provided by traditional packages, such as an article requiring a hermetic seal. These teachings may be implemented using existing deployed technology and hence can greatly leverage the value and use of such equipment. These teachings may also be readily scaled to accommodate single or multiple portions, and varying sizes of articles. These teachings will provide an apparatus to create a package with an easy open feature as described herein while also being able to support advertisements or the like, and create brand recognition while still providing the protection of a sealed package.

These and other benefits may become clearer upon making a thorough review and study of the following detailed description. Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, an exemplary package 100 formed from a web 104 of flexible material, such as flow-wrapping material, is illustrated. The package 100 described herein includes a fin seal 102 disposed longitudinally between, and generally transverse to, opposing end seals 106. The web 104 includes two lateral edge portions 114 that are utilized to form the fin seal 102 extending longitudinally along the package 100. The seals 102, 106 combine to form an interior sealed portion 107 of the package 100. The package 100 further includes an opening feature 110 configured to facilitate opening of the package. These teachings are generally applicable for use with a product or article 108, which may be formed of any material, including, for example, plastic, metal, organic, or some combination thereof. One example product 108 is a food item. For the sake of illustration, but with no intention of suggesting any limitations with respect to these teachings, this food item will be assumed to comprise a food product, such as peanuts, that can be introduced or otherwise deposited into the package 100 during formation thereof.

The opening feature 110 includes a plurality of scribed lines 112 contained within a first opening feature portion 113 disposed at least partially within one of the lateral edge portions 114 of the web 104. These scribed lines 112 are shown as solid lines in FIG. 3. The opening feature 110, however, can be expanded to include three, four, five, or more lines 122 disposed within the first opening feature portion 113. The lines 122 in excess of two within the first opening feature portion 113 are shown as broken lines in FIG. 3. These optional lines 122 provide a user with a greater longitudinal range over which to open the package 100 and still benefit from the ease of use provided by the opening feature 110. The additional lines 122 also provide a larger target for a tear initiated elsewhere on the package 100 and propagating towards the fin seal 102. Further, the scribed lines 112, 122 may be spaced from lateral edges 116 of the web 104 by bridge portions 118. The bridge portions 118 act to reduce breakage of the web 104 due to the scribed lines 112, 122 as the material is fed through machinery, transported, handled, and so forth.

By another approach, the opening feature 110 further includes a second set of scribed lines 123 contained within a second opening feature portion 117 disposed at least partially within the other lateral edge portion 114 of the web 104. As shown in FIG. 5, the second set of scribed lines 123 can include two or more lines to, for example, match the number the scribed lines 112, 122 provided in the first opening feature portion 113. Preferably, the second set of scribed lines 123 are disposed such that after the fin seal 102 is formed, the first and second opening feature portions 113, 117 generally overlap.

As illustrated, the scribed lines 112, 122, 123 are generally transverse to a longitudinal axis L running the length of the package 100 in the feed direction. Additionally, in this form, the scribed lines 112, 122, 123 are generally parallel and spaced from each other in a range of about 1/16 inch to about ¼ inch. In one form, each of the scribed lines 112, 122 can further be coaxial with lines in the second set of scribed lines 123 across the web 104. So configured, an opening tear along one of the scribed lines 112, 122 would propagate generally transverse to the longitudinal axis L. Accordingly, by one approach, a user can grip the package 100 by the fin seal 102 and apply a separating force on the fin seal 102 in the area of the lines 112, 122, 123. As one or more of the bridge portions 118 break, the scribed lines 112, 122, 123 separate and/or generally direct an opening tear laterally across the package 100 to remove a top portion 115 of the package 100.

In one form, the portions of the scribed lines 112, 122, 123 spaced from the edges of the fin seal 102 can extend through the web 104 because cutting through the fin seal 102 will not compromise the integrity of the sealed interior of the package 100. In another form, the scribed lines 112, 122, 123 are scored and can have a depth of between about 20% and about 90%, preferably between about 60% and about 80%, and more preferably about 70% of the thickness of the package film or laminate. By one approach, the scribed lines 112, 122, 123 can be formed in a multi-ply material and, if scored, the lines do not extend through all plys of the multi-ply material. Preferably, the scribed lines do not penetrate through a barrier material of the package 100.

The scribed lines can be formed by any suitable mechanism, including, for example, a laser, a die, a rotary die, or the like. The scribed lines 112, 122, 123 can be formed on the web of material 102 prior to formation of the package 100, during formation of the package 100, or after formation of the package 100, as desired. In one example, they are formed using a Rofin laser with 300 Watt laser heads. Additionally, by one approach, the web 104 is a non-metalized laminate. In the instance of using a laser to score the web 104, a non-metalized film or laminate requires greater laser control because the material is lacking a metal layer that would otherwise impede the laser.

By a preferred approach and referring now to FIGS. 6-11, the opening feature 110 includes a tear-initiation element 130, various examples of which are illustrated. Each tear-initiation element 130 includes structure intermediate of the lateral edge portions 114 on the web 104 that allows a user to more easily initiate an opening tear laterally across the package 100. These tear-initiation elements 130 are at least partially disposed in or on the sealed portion 107 of the package 100 and therefore require structure that keeps the seal intact, such as only weakening the packaging material or sealing around a cut through the packaging material.

As shown in FIG. 4, in one form, the tear-initiation element 130 can utilize scoring that does not extend all of the way through the web 104. In this form, the tear-initiation element 130 includes a scored line 132 positioned on the web 104 so that after the package 100 is formed, the scored line 132 contacts a side edge 134 of the package 100. Preferably, the scored line 132 extends over the side edge 134 and is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis L of the package 100, so that the scored line 132 is generally coincident with itself on either side of the side edge 134. The scored line 132 may be in a range of about ¼ inch (about 0.635 centimeter) to about 1 inch (about 2.54 centimeters), and preferably about ½ inch (about 1.27 centimeters).

As discussed above, the fin seal 102 may be folded over so that a fin seal bottom wall 125 lies adjacent the sealed portion 107 of the package 100 and a fin seal top wall 127 generally faces outwardly from the package 100. In one form and as shown best in FIG. 4, the scribed lines 112, 122 are preferably disposed partially on the bottom wall 125 of the fin seal 102 and extend at least partially onto the sealed portion 107 of the package 100. Preferably, the scored line 132 is disposed on the side edge 134 of the package 100 that the fin seal 102 is folded away from. So positioned, a tear initiated at the scored line 132 would travel transversely across the package 100 and propagate through the fin seal top wall 127. Advantageously, the scribed lines 112, 122 disposed on the bottom wall 125 of the fin seal 102 facilitate transferring the opening tear from the top wall 127 to the bottom wall 125. So configured, the opening tear easily separates the fin seal 102 along the scribed lines 112, 122 without having to alter the fold position of the fin seal 102 and removes the top portion 115 of the package 100.

By another approach, as shown in FIG. 4, a second scored line 136 can be disposed so that the line 136 contacts the other side edge 134 of the package 100. As stated above with respect to the first scored line 132, preferably, the second scored line 136 extends over the side edge 134 and is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis L of the package, so that the second scored line 136 is generally coincident with itself on either side of the side edge 134. In this form, the package 100 can then further include the second set of scribed lines 123 disposed partially on the top wall 127 of the fin seal extending partially onto the sealed portion 107 of the package 100. By this approach, a user would not have to look for the side edge 134 containing the single scored line 132, instead being able to open the package 100 from either side edge 134 and still receive the benefit of scribed lines on a side of the fin seal opposite from the tear path.

In another form as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, one or both of the scribed lines 112 can be extended to be a discontinuous or broken scored line 200 transversely extending across the package 100. The broken scored lines 200 can extend across the center portion of the web 104 to join with lines in the second set of scribed lines 123 or alternatively can end before intersecting the second opening feature portion 117. FIG. 7 illustrates the example where one of the scribed lines 112 includes the discontinuous scored line 200 and FIG. 6 illustrates the example where both of the scribed lines 112 include the discontinuous scored line 200. The discontinuous scored line 200, however, could also be included with the additional scribed lines 122 to form three or more discontinuous lines across the package 100. By another approach, single or multiple discontinuous scored lines 200 could be slightly offset from the scribed lines 112, 122, 123.

Similarly, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, one or both of the scribed lines 112 can be extended to be a continuous scored line 300 transversely extending across the package 100. The continuous scored line 300 can extend across the center portion of the web 104 to join with lines in the second set of scribed lines 123 or alternatively can end before intersecting the second opening feature portion 117. The continuous scored line 300 could also be included with the additional scribed lines 122 to form three or more continuous lines across the package 100. By another approach, single or multiple continuous scored lines 200 can extend across the center portion of the web 104 slightly offset from the scribed lines 112, 122, 123.

In the forms illustrated in FIGS. 7-10, a user can grip the package 100 virtually anywhere along the perimeter of the package at a height even with the line(s) 200, 300, whether continuous or discontinuous, and apply a separating force to open the package 100 along the line 200, 300. The line 200, 300 advantageously directs an opening tear to the scribed lines 112, and the optional scribed lines 122, 123 if included, in the fin seal 102, which then facilitate tearing through the fin seal 102.

Another form for the tear-initiation element 130 is illustrated in FIG. 11. In this form, the tear-initiation element 130 includes a notch 400 cut from or formed in or adjacent the side edge 134 of the package 100. Similarly as discussed above, when the fin seal 102 is folded over and the scribed lines 112, 122 are partially disposed in the fin seal bottom wall 125 the notch 400 is preferably positioned on the side edge 134 of the package 100 that the fin seal 102 folds away from. The notch 400 can take any suitable tear-initiation shape, including, for example, generally triangular, generally circular, or other regular or irregular polygons, curvilinear lines, or combinations thereof. Because the notch 400 is formed on the sealed portion 107 of the package 100, by one approach, sides 402 of the notch 400 are sealed to preserve the integrity of the sealed package 100. For example, a heated cutting tool or a laser can be utilized to cut the notch 400 so that the heat utilized to cut the notch 400 also seals the cut edges together. By another approach, a sealed region 404 is disposed around a portion of the side edge 134 of the package 100. The notch 400 can then be formed in this sealed region 404, so that forming the notch 400 does not compromise the sealed portion 107 of the package 100.

As discussed above with respect to the scored line 132, preferably the notch 400 is generally transversely aligned with the scribed lines 112, 122 so that a tear initiated at the notch 400 propagates laterally across the package 100 to the scribed lines 112, 122 so that the tear can separate the top portion 115 of the package 100 more easily. The benefit provided by having two or more scribed lines is that a tear that slightly deviates from perpendicular with the package edge 135 will still intersect with a scribed line in the fin seal 102.

By another approach and as shown in FIG. 6 in broken lines, a second notch 406 can be disposed on the other side edge 134 of the package 100 that functions and is created similar to the notch 400 discussed above. In this form, the package 100 can then further include the second set of scribed lines 123 disposed partially on the top wall 127 of the fin seal 102 extending partially onto the sealed portion 107 of the package 100. By this approach, a user could open the package 100 from either side edge 134 and still receive the benefit of scribed lines on the opposite side of the fin seal 102 to facilitate the tear through the fin seal 102.

The fin seal 102 and the opposing end seals 106 are created utilizing a suitable adhesive or technique to create a cold seal, a hot seal, or an induction seal as desired. After the opening feature 110 is formed in the web 104 and the adhesive is applied, the package 100 is formed. By one approach, the package 100 is formed utilizing vertical form, fill, and seal machinery. In this process, the web 104 is formed into a tubular shape by manipulating the web 104 about the longitudinal axis L in the feed direction so that the lateral edge portions 114 generally align. Once aligned, pressure is applied to the lateral edge portions 114, thereby pressing the adhesive on these opposing surfaces together to longitudinally seal the package 100 and form the fin seal 102. By one approach, the opening feature portions 113, 117 are at least partially aligned in the fin seal 102, and if utilized, preferably the second set of scribed lines 123 are generally aligned with the scribed lines 112, 122 in the first opening feature portion 113 after formation of the fin seal 102. Even if the scribed lines 112, 122, 123 are slightly offset from one another, however, a tear propagating through the fin seal 102 in the area of the opening feature 110 will find a path of least resistance and utilize one of the scribed lines 112, 122, 123 to more easily tear through the fin seal 102. This is one benefit provided by utilizing two or more of the scribed lines 112, 122, 123.

A similar process is performed to create one of the end seals 106. Due to the tubular shape, the web 104 is doubled over in the area of the end seals 106. Accordingly, applying pressure along a line transverse to the fin seal 102 forms the end seal 106 and partially forms an interior cavity 120 of the package. The other end seal 106 is not yet created so that the interior cavity 120 is left open to receive the food product 108. After the food product 108 is deposited into the interior cavity 120 of the package 100, the other of the end seals 106 is created in a similar manner as described above.

An alternative process forms the package 100 around the food product 108, such as within a horizontal form, fill, and seal process. In such a process, as the food product 108 is horizontally conveyed, the web 104 is manipulated around the food product 108 and the fin seal 102 is formed, encircling the food product 108 within the formed tubular package. The end seals 106 are then formed and cut on either side of the food product 108 by suitable mechanisms, such as by dies or rotary dies. The combination of the end seals 106 and the fin seal 102 creates a hermetically sealed package 100, which can be utilized to store, transport, and display food product 108 for sale. Although generally continuous-manufacturing processes are described, the processes can be discontinuous, with some of the steps occurring on different equipment or even in different facilities. For example, pre-formed pouches could be produced that can be filled from an open end, and which then can be sealed.

As discussed above, the package 100 can be formed as part of a generally continuous manufacturing process utilizing form, fill, and seal machinery, including a vertical or horizontal process. This process utilizes a continuous roll of web film that is then singulated into individual webs 104 to form the package 100. Due to the various conveyors and feed rolls, torque and tensile force is applied to the web during the process of forming the package 100. The bridge portions 118 spacing the scribed lines 112, 122, 123 from the lateral edges 116 of the package 100 minimizes or prevents these forces from separating the scribed lines 112, 122, 123 and/or creating an undesirable tear across the package 100 during processing.

In one example package 100, the web 104 is a non-metalized flexible multi-ply material, including such materials as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), which may or may not be oriented, linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), and/or polyethylene (PE). In this example, the web 104 has a width of about 5⅜ inches (about 13.65 centimeters) and the fin seal has a width of about ⅞ inch (about 2.222 centimeters). The scribed lines 112, 122 can then be in the range of approximately ¼ inch (approximately 0.635 centimeter) to approximately ¾ inch (approximately 1.905 centimeters) and the bridge portion can be in the range of approximately 1/16 inch (approximately 0.1588 centimeter) to approximately ¼ inch (approximately 0.635 centimeter). Additionally, packages are commonly formed so that there is a given amount of headspace 131 above the product 108. Accordingly, the scribed lines 112, 122 are preferably located in the fin seal 102 at a height that laterally aligns with a portion of the headspace 131 so that the package 100 is not opened in an area storing the food product 108. In this example, the scribed lines 112, 122 are spaced from a top edge 133 of the package 100 in the range of about ½ inch (about 1.27 centimeters) to 1½ inch (3.81 centimeters), and preferably about 1 inch (about 2.54 centimeters).

In this example, the scribed lines 112, 122, 123 can be scored. The scores can have a width in the range of about 50 microns to about 300 microns and a depth as described above. The scribed lines 112, 122, 123 can be formed by a laser while corresponding machinery holds the material with a tensile force of between about 5 ft·lb/in and about 15 ft·lb/in, and more preferably between about 8 ft·lb/in and about 11 ft·lb/in.

A person of ordinary skill in the art, however, will recognize that the above described process could be performed in any combination of steps and at different times. For example, scored and/or scribed lines can be created prior to running the material on the package formation machinery or can be formed in-line. Similarly, the tear initiation elements can be formed on the material prior to formation of the package, during formation of the package, or after formation of the package.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive concept. For example, the method and apparatus has been described above utilizing the opening feature in the fin seal of the package, however, the teachings herein can be equally applied to end seals of a package, which can include disposing the scribed lines on each end seal so that a lateral edge of the package can be easily removed. Additionally, a package formed from a single web of material is described, however, a package can also be formed from two webs of material having top, bottom, and two side edge seals. In this package, the opening feature can be disposed in any combination of the seals to remove a portion of the package more easily.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

flow-wrapping material configured to be disposed about an item to form a package having a fin seal spanning between opposing end seals, the flow-wrapping material having first and second opening feature portions disposed adjacent opposing lateral edges of the flow-wrapping material;

a plurality of laterally-disposed scribed lines disposed at least partially within the first opening feature portion; and

a tear-initiation element disposed on or in the flow-wrapping material laterally aligned with the plurality of laterally-disposed scribed lines and closer to the first opening feature portion than to the second opening feature portion.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the plurality of laterally-disposed scribed lines do not intersect the lateral edges of the flow-wrapping material.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the plurality of laterally-disposed scribed lines extend at least slightly from the fin seal onto a sealed portion of the package.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the tear-initiation element is disposed on the sealed portion of the package.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the tear-initiation element is disposed on the flow-wrapping material so that after formation of the package, the tear initiation element at least contacts an edge of the package.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the flow-wrapping material comprises a multi-ply material and the plurality of laterally-disposed scribed lines do not extend through all plys of the multi-ply material.

7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the tear-initiation element comprises at least one laterally-disposed scored line that is laterally intermediate of the opening feature portions.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein at least one of the plurality of laterally-disposed scored lines is located such that the at least one laterally-disposed scored line is at least partially coincident with itself on both sides of the edge of the package.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the tear-initiation element comprises at least one discontinuous scored line extending between the opening feature portions.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the tear-initiation element comprises a notch formed through the flow-wrapping material.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the plurality of laterally-disposed scribed lines comprise three laterally-disposed generally-parallel scribed lines.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the plurality of laterally-disposed scribed lines comprise five laterally-disposed generally-parallel scribed lines.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a second plurality of laterally-disposed scribed lines disposed at least partially within the second opening feature portion.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the plurality of laterally-disposed scribed lines are at least substantially coaxial with the second plurality of laterally-disposed scribed lines.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a second tear-initiation element disposed on the flow-wrapping material, wherein the first and second tear-initiation elements are spaced from one another and disposed on the flow-wrapping material so that after formation of the package, the first and second tear-initiation elements each contact an edge of the package.

16. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the flow-wrapping material comprises a non-metalized material.

17. An apparatus comprising:

flow-wrapping material configured to be disposed about an item to form a package having a fin seal spanning between opposing end seals, the flow-wrapping material having opposing lateral edges, each lateral edge having an opening feature portion adjacent thereto;

a first and second plurality of laterally-disposed scribed lines disposed at least partially within the opening feature portions respectively, wherein the plurality of laterally-disposed scribed lines do not extend to an adjacent lateral edge of the flow-wrapping material; and

wherein the flow-wrapping material is configured to be manipulated along a longitudinal axis thereof so that the lateral edges generally overlap to form the fin seal and wherein the opening feature portions at least partially overlap within the fin seal.

18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein at least a portion of at least one of the plurality of laterally-disposed scribed lines extends fully through the flow-wrapping material.

19. The apparatus of claim 17 further comprising at least one tear-initiation element disposed on the flow-wrapping material so that after formation of the package, the tear-initiation element at least contacts an edge of the package, the tear-initiation element being generally laterally aligned with and intermediate of the first and second plurality of laterally-disposed scribed lines.

20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the tear-initiation element comprises at least one laterally-disposed scored line that is laterally intermediate of the opening feature portions and is located such that the laterally-disposed scored line will contact an edge of the package.

21. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the tear-initiation element comprises at least one notch that is laterally intermediate of the opening feature portions and is located such that the at least one notch will contact an edge of the package.

22. A package comprising:

flow-wrapping material disposed about an item to form a fin seal spanning between opposing end seals, the flow-wrapping material having opposing lateral edges, each lateral edge having an opening feature portion adjacent thereto;

a first and second plurality of laterally-disposed scribed lines disposed at least partially within the opening feature portions respectively, wherein the plurality of laterally-disposed scribed lines do not extend to an adjacent lateral edge of the flow-wrapping material; and

wherein the lateral edges generally overlap to form a fin seal and wherein the opening feature portions at least partially overlap within the fin seal.

23. A method for forming a package having an opening feature, the method comprising:

providing a web of material having opposing lateral edge portions having at least two laterally-disposed scribed lines in at least one of the lateral edge portions of the web of material and a tear-initiation element disposed on the web of material so as to be laterally aligned with the at least two laterally-disposed scribed lines and intermediate of the lateral edge portions;

manipulating the web of material generally in half so that the lateral edge portions generally align;

sealing the lateral edge portions together to form a fin seal, the at least two laterally-disposed scribed lines at least partially disposed within the fin seal.

24. The method of claim 23 wherein providing the web of material further comprises providing a web of material having at least two laterally-disposed lines in each of the lateral edge portions of the web of material.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein manipulating the web of material generally in half so that the lateral edge portions generally align comprises manipulating the web of material generally in half so that the at least two laterally-disposed lines in the lateral edge portions generally overlap one another.