Abstract: A cassette for dental instruments includes a tray having bottom and a plurality of walls extending to a particular plane, the walls defining first and second generally opposing slots. A lid having a generally planar configuration is adapted to mount on the tray with its outer surface disposed in the particular plane. A fixed tab on the lid is adapted to register with the first slot, while a moveable tab on the lid is slidable between a retracted position and an extended position wherein the moveable tab registers with the second slot.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a surgical instrument transport tray for handling, moving, sterilizing and storing wrapped instrument sterilization pans. With the tray there is less risk of the wrapping being torn or otherwise breached after sterilization of the contents. Without the tray, the wrapping used to maintain the sterility of the contents is sometimes damaged, thereby necessitating the removal of the damaged wrap followed by rewrapping and re-sterilizing the pan and its contents. The risk of such damage, increased cost and lost time are reduced by way of the present invention.

Abstract: A unitary tray base (10) includes a first region (20) and a second region (22) which are separated by a demarcation zone (16). Medical products (30) are received in pockets (32) of the first tray region. An ethylene oxide permeable lid portion (40) seals the first tray portion from the second tray portion and the ambient atmosphere. The tray and received medical products are sterilized with ethylene oxide or other sterilizing procedures. After the sterilization, a vial (50) of contrast agent, which cannot be present during the sterilizing, is placed in a pocket (50a) of the second tray portion. A second lid portion (52) seals the vial in the second tray portion. The lid portions are marked (60-68) to indicate that the contents of the first region are sterile and the contents of the second region are not.

Abstract: Packaging for medical catheters is provided which includes a flexible tip tray that is made of a material having a hardness value significantly less than that of medical catheters to be packaged within the sterilizable packaging. The flexible tip tray includes a flexible groove having a cross-sectional size which accomodates medical catheters of different French sizes. The flexible tip tray does not damage the catheter of any such size when the catheter is removed from the packaging by sliding same out of the flexible tip tray, which remains within the packaging during this procedure in order to avoid handling of the flexible tip tray by a member of the surgical team using the medical catheter.

Abstract: Packaging such as a blister pack is provided for at least one element such as a catheter having a thin, elongated portion. The packaging comprises at least two elongated, flexible sheets adhered to each other, which form between them a space for receiving the element such as the catheter. By this invention, the space is formed by a pressed-out or outwardly projecting portion generally corresponding to the shape of the element in at least one of the sheets. The sheet, in the part of the pressed-out portion corresponds with the thin, elongated portion of the element, has an at least partly corrugated profile. Also, the catheter packaged herein may have a distal end curved in a predetermined shape, in which the part of the pressed-out portion corresponding with the curved distal catheter end is locked within the pressed-out portion, to prevent distortion of the catheter tip out of the particular shape.

Abstract: The specification discloses a medical instruments sterilization container (10) which includes a housing (12) and a removable lid (14). A removable tray (16) is adapted to hold various medical instruments to be sterilized. The container is formed of a polymer of relatively low thermal conductivity, with a material having a relatively high thermal conductivity being added thereto in order to substantially increase the overall thermal conductivity of the container to absorb radiant heat and rapidly conduct that heat throughout the container to reduce condensate within the container.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for housing radioactively and biologically contaminated waste materials during treatment thereof to inactivate the biological contaminants and render the wastes more suitable for disposal in a solid landfill. The apparatus is nonporous and thermally resistant. Additionally, the apparatus features at least one opening within which is disposed a filter for entrapping any radioactive compounds contained in gases exiting the apparatus during the treatment. The apparatus is used in conjunction with an autoclaving procedure which inactivates the biological contaminants while preventing volatile radioactive compounds from escaping into the environment.

Abstract: A method of filling, sealing and sterilizing a pharmaceutical package including a polypropylene bottle containing a balanced salt solution includes the steps of filling each bottle to maximum capacity to exclude residual air, the introduction of a silicone rubber gasket into the bottle cap to absorb pressure and prevent leakage during a steam sterilization procedure, and the enclosure of the filled bottles in a blister pack before steam sterilizing. The blister packs have Tyvek.TM. lids and are placed blister-side-up during the sterilization process to eliminate deformation of the blister during sterilization. Maximum filling of the bottle with liquid and the substantial elimination of air prevents dimpling of the bottle.

Abstract: A sterile disposable frustoconically-shaped plastic cover or cap adapted to fit over and be releasably and frictionally secured to the corresponding surfaces of a tonometer tip, having a planar lens portion at its smaller circumference adapted to lie against both the lens of the tonometer tip and against the cornea of the eye of a patient being examined with the tonometer, the lens portion of the cover being of optical clarity so as not to interfere with readings obtained with the tonometer, is disclosed. The cap includes peripheral slits for frictional and releasable securement of the cover about the surfaces of various-sized tonometer tips and external flanges for gripping the cover without contact with its lens portion, and is preferably constructed as a unitary device from a single plastic of optical clarity and packaged in the well of special packaging in which it is sterlized.

Abstract: A porous material, e.g. a paper, has pores with a range of sizes. A pore modifying agent comprising particles of a narrow size range is selectively incorporated within the larger pores to provide zones of high surface area. These greatly reduce the penetrability of the material, e.g. by mirco-organisms, while having relatively little effect on its air-permeability. The modifying agent may be incorporated by creating a pressure difference across the material, and treating it with a dispersion, e.g. an aerosol, of the modifying agent, under conditions of low inertia, and incorporating only a small amount of the agent, e.g. not more than 1% w/w.

Abstract: A sterilizing tray for holding objects while they are being sterilized in a sterilizing solution. At least one end of the sterilizing tray is equipped with a top pivoting end door whose latch can be released by tipping the end of the sterilizing tray against the work surface. Once the latch is released, the weight of sterilized objects in the tipped sterilizing tray pushes the end door open, thereby depositing the sterilized objects neatly on the work surface without their ever having been touched by the user.

Abstract: A method of filling, sealing and sterilizing a pharmaceutical package including a polypropylene bottle containing a balanced salt solution includes the steps of filling each bottle to maximum capacity to exclude residual air, the introduction of a silicone rubber gasket into the bottle cap to absorb pressure and prevent leakage during a steam sterilization procedure, and the enclosure of the filled bottles in a blister pack before steam sterilizing. The blister packs have Tyvek.TM. lids and are placed blister-side-up during the sterilization process to eliminate deformation of the blister during sterilization. Maximum filling of the bottle with liquid and the substantial elimination of air prevents dimpling of the bottle.

Abstract: A cassette for dental instruments includes two substantially identical trays with each tray having a hinge to permit removable assembly of the tray to the other tray to form the cassette or enclosure. Each tray has apertures or holes wherethrough liquid cleansing agents can be sprayed into and can be drained out of the tray. Ribs are removably mounted into the trays and are held in spaced substantially parallel positions therein. At least one of the ribs has a clamping device for holding dental instruments in positions substantially transverse to the ribs. An intermediate locking plate is removably mounted into each tray above the ribs to further secure the dental instruments in their clamped positions in the tray. The two trays when assembled together as a cassette are readily washed, autoclaved, stored and transported together, while each tray can contain a separate set of dental instruments.

Abstract: A sealed package contains a glove of the type worn by medical practitioners when one or more fingers must be inserted into openings in a patient's body and also contains a supply of lubricant for the glove in a separate sealed compartment. The package is formed by sheets of material bonded along zones that define two compartments, the bonding being weaker than the material itself enabling one sheet to be peeled away from the other to open both compartments with one motion of the hands. The package further contains a glove holder which spreads the cuff of the glove to facilitate entry of a hand and which also protects the outer surface of the glove from contamination during the process of putting the glove on.

Abstract: A bag construction is provided. In the preferred embodiment, the bag construction or arrangement comprises first and second side panels, and first and second edge gusset members. The gusset members are peelable from between the side panels; peeling being facilitated by positioning of end tab extensions at both ends of each gusset member. In a preferred embodiment, both side gusset members comprise a gas-permeable material of sufficient density to act as a contaminant filter, so that contents within the bag arrangement can be sterilized by a gas sterilization procedure.

Abstract: A retaining device for receiving the curved distal end of a catheter to maintain the catheter in its curved configuration and to prevent straightening of the curved catheter is formed from a pair of flexible sheets face-to-face and sealed to each other along a line conforming to the periphery of the curve of the catheter, the pocket having an opening therein to receive the curved distal end of the catheter. The sheets are permeable to sterilizing agent and may be torn apart to separate them and permit easy removal of the catheter when the catheter is to be used.

Abstract: At least one seal for a sterilization container system, wherein the sterilization container system comprises a base, a lid, and a gasket for providing a microorganism proof seal between the lid and the base. The seal comprises a belt of shrinkable material having an anchor at each end. Corresponding anchor openings are provided in the base of the sterilization container system for the seal's anchors. The seal is installed by engaging one of its anchors in a corresponding anchor opening on one side of the sterilization container system's base, passing its belt over the lid of the sterilization container system, and then securing its other anchor in a corresponding anchor opening on the opposite side of the sterilization container's base.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical instruments sterilization container (10) which includes a housing (12) and a removable lid (14). A removable tray (16) is adapted to hold various medical instruments to be sterilized. The container is formed of a polymer of relatively low thermal conductivity, with a material having a relatively high thermal conductivity being added thereto in order to substantially increase the overall thermal conductivity of the container to absorb radiant heat and rapidly conduct that heat throughout the container to reduce condensate within the container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid-impermeable, gas-permeable nonwoven material comprising a thermally consolidated blend of (1) 5% to 30% of a first polyolefin pulp, (2) 15% to 90% of a second polyolefin pulp having a melting point at least 20.degree. C. higher than the first polyolefin pulp, and (3) 5% to 55% of a staple fiber. Also disclosed is a wet forming method for making such a nonwoven material without the use of surfactants.

Abstract: An indicator sheet for an autoclave test pack wherein a pair of porous masses (10) are held in close superimposed relationship by means of a clamp (13) with the indicator sheet (12) sandwiched between them. The indicator sheet (12) has printed thereon a pattern of markings (14) formed from one or more substances which are adapted under steam sterilizing conditions to provide an indication of the presence of air and/or excessive moisture such that each is evident and individually identifiable.

Abstract: A medical instruments sterilization container (10) includes a housing (12) and a removable lid (14). A removable tray (16) is adapted to hold various medical instruments to be sterilized. The container is formed of a polymer of relatively low thermal conductivity, with a material having a relatively high thermal conductivity being added thereto in order to substantially increase the overall thermal conductivity of the container to absorb radiant heat and rapidly conduct that heat throughout the container to reduce condensate within the container.

Abstract: A package to be gas-sterilizable comprises a lower foil composed of a thermoplastic material and having an edge, an upper gas-permeable foil having an edge, the lower foil and the upper foil being connected with one another in the region of the edges, an intermediate gas-permeable foil arranged to protect the upper foil from a content of the package, located between the upper and lower foils and loosely extending over the upper foil, the intermediate foil being perforated and formed of thermoplastic material, the intermediate foil having an edge and upper and lower sides and being simultaneously connected by welding at the lower side with the lower foil and at the upper side with the upper foil only in the region of the edges so that a gas distributing chamber is formed between the upper foil and the intermediate foil, and means for connecting the intermediate foil with the upper foil and means for connecting the intermediate foil with the lower foil, the connecting means being formed so that the connection o

Abstract: A sterilizable pouch for holding items during sterilization and for storing such items in a sterile condition following sterilization. The pouch includes a first member and a second opposing member. The first member extends outwardly beyond one edge of the second member to define a flap. An opening is defined between the one edge of the second member and the flap. The remaining edges of the first and second members are sealed to one another to define the pouch. An adhesive backed strip having a removable liner over the adhesive is connected along one edge to the second member adjacent to or spaced from the opening and is dimensioned to cover the opening and the flap when the liner is removed and the adhesive backed strip is pressed against the opening and the flap.

Abstract: The present invention provides a package for and method of packaging a sterilizable calibratable medical device including a hydratable sensor component. The device is maintained in a sterile environment during storage and in a clean environment during the calibration procedure. The package includes a manifold connected to the sensor component by plumbing. The plumbing establishes fluid communication between the manifold and the sensor component and/or between the sensor component and the ambient environment of the plumbing. The manifold, plumbing and medical device are sealed in a wrap including a gas-permeable surface. The wrap and its contents, including the interior surfaces of the components, are sterilizable by exposing the wrap to a gaseous sterilization solution and appropriately adjusting the plumbing. The medical device is hydratable by directing the hydration solution to the sensor component by means of the plumbing.

Abstract: Medical and surgical procedure packs for carrying out the surgical removal of bone and connective tissue and packaging means for storing and transporting said bone and connective tissue.

Abstract: A biological test pack adapted for use in testing the efficacy of an ethylene oxide sterilization process is described. The test pack is a clear plastic tray containing an sterilization sensitive ink which has been imprinted on a card which faces out of the bottom of the plastic tray. In addition, the tray contains a plastic syringe which holds a biological indicator. On top of the plastic syringe, absorbent paper is placed. The entire pack has a Tyvek sheet which seals it until it is used. The plastic tray is molded into a shape for holding the various items in particularly desirable locations. Accordingly, a disposable test pack which is uniformly manufactured and which should yield consistent results, is described. It can be used either as a general purpose routine test pack or as a validation challenge test pack.

Abstract: A sterilization, storage, and presentation container, the container including a tray and a cover which can be inverted to form a second tray. Instrument support means are provided through insert boards, dividers, clip retainers and open-cell, synthetic foam devices. The insert boards include holes for the passage of the sterilizing medium and the holes in the lower insert board can receive pegs to further support the instruments.

Abstract: A sterilization container system for sterilizing surgical instruments, having a lid secured to a base by latches. The latches are automatically disengaged when the latches' release arms are raised to form handles by which the lid can be easily and securely manipulated; while the latches are automatically engaged when the latches' release arms are lowered, sealing the lid to the base. The base is provided with an outer safety wall, which is lower than and which extends around the base's inner wall, in order to help protect the top of the base's inner wall from inadvertent contamination when the lid is removed. Disposable paper filters are sealed over the vents inside the lid and base by cooperating filter paper sealing flanges provided in the filter papers' retainers, lid and base, in order to maintain the sterility of the contents of the sterilization container system after sterilization.

Abstract: A container for a number of sealed packages for individual contact lenses. The individual lenses are packed in a sealed container in water and must be steam sterilized. Each individual package is stacked in the container of this invention during sterilization and drains are provided in the container for excess water resulting from the sterilization process. When sterilization is completed the container may be closed and sealed. The container has tamper resistant and tamper evident features.

Abstract: A package for sterile articles, comprising a paper part and a plastic part connected to the paper part along longitudinal and transverse lines. The plastic part comprises a linearly oriented plastic film material which can be torn in its direction of orientation. This direction of orientation is parallel to those longitudinal lines, and tear indications on the plastic part at one end of the package are parallel to and disposed between but closely adjacent those longitudinal lines. The paper part has edge portions that are folded over toward each other. The longitudinal lines secure the plastic part to the outer sides of those folded-over portions, said folded-over portions having free edges that are between and spaced a substantially distance from the tear indications. There is a sterile article in the package, those edge portions being folded over the edges of the sterile article.

Abstract: A medical instruments sterilization container (10) includes a housing (12) and a removable lid (14). A removable tray (16) is adapted to hold various medical instruments to be sterilized. The container is formed of a polymer of relatively low thermal conductivity, with a material having a relatively high thermal conductivity being added thereto in order to substantially increase the overall thermal conductivity of the container to absorb radiant heat and rapidly conduct that heat throughout the container to reduce condensate within the container.

Abstract: A medical instruments sterilization container (10) includes a housing (12) and a removable dome-shaped lid (14) having a filtered inlet port (18) disposed therethrough for permitting the passage of gas or steam into housing (12). A removable tray (16) is adapted to be disposed within housing (12) to hold various instruments to be sterilized and includes apertures (24) formed on the bottom of the tray for permitting condensate to drain therefrom. The bottom surface of housing (12) is sloped to two locations centered on opposite sides thereof and includes filtered outlet ports (40, 42) positioned at the two locations to permit discharged air and condensate to exit housing (12). Pedestals (30) are secured on the bottom surface of housing (12) to facilitate stacking of a plurality of sterilization containers.

Abstract: A container comprises a first and second wall parts to be heat bonded together along respective sealing portions from thermoplastic resin layers having a polyethylene chain, at least one wall part being a laminated structure comprising a thermoplastic resin inner wall layer with a plurality of minute holes and a paper outer wall layer which is permeable to gases but is impervious to microorganisms, at least one thermoplastic layer of a sealing portion, prior to being heat bonded, being irradiated with ionizing radiation rays to introduce thereinto a crosslinked structure. By seal packaging a medical supply commodity with this container and sterilizing the same with a gas or steam, a readily unsealable, sealed package can be produced for ready use at any time and place.

Abstract: A storage system (10) includes an interior envelope (12) and an exterior envelope (14). Tissue or other material to be stored may be placed in interior envelope (12), sealed and placed in exterior envelope (14). Exterior envelope (14) is sealable in a first sealed position that allows gas sterilization of the interior of exterior envelope (14) and the contents contained therein. After sterilization, exterior envelope (14) is sealed in a gas impermeable position. Each of interior and exterior envelopes (12, 14) have one side which is transparent. A grid (22) may be provided on the transparent side of interior envelope (12) for sizing tissue contained therein.

Abstract: A container for sterilizing, and storing and presenting surgical instruments and materials in a sterilized condition has a container base member with a cover and bottom and side apertures for passage of a sterilizing agent; a sealing gasket between the container cover and the base member provides a seal and a tortuous path constituting a probability filter is provided exteriorly of the seal; a removable tray for instruments to be sterilized is carried within the container; a removable filter element commensurate in shape to the container base member is located intermediate the removable tray and the bottom of the container base member; the filter element may be of a soft formed element or may have a frame and is located with a portion extending outwardly between the base member and cover past the sealing gasket; the filter element provides a filter path permitting passage of sterilizing agent received through the bottom and side apertures into the container while the filter element inside the container and th

Abstract: Openings are provided in the walls of a sterilization container, particularly one for surgical instruments, to allow for the introduction of a sterilant gas, and a filter element is provided internally of these openings. To prevent external objects from entering the openings in the surface and penetrating the filter element, a relatively stiff perforate sheet, preferably formed of metal, is placed between the surface of the container and the filter element, the perforations in the sheet being offset from the openings in the container wall.

Abstract: Multi-layer sterilization package and process for sterilizing equipment wherein items are placed in the multi-layer sterilization package which is adapted for use with a snorkel-type gas treatment apparatus; substantially all gas is withdrawn from the interior of the package; sterilization gas is injected into the interior and retained for a time sufficient to sterilize the equipment; sterilization gas is withdrawn from the package; and a cushioning gas is introduced into the package. The package is sealed to retain the cushioning gas, providing for effective gas leak detection.

Abstract: A water-impervious, smooth-surfaced, gas-permeable, bacterial barrier, repellent treated, laminated material is described. A preferred embodiment comprises a ply of hydrophobic microfine fibers fuse bonded to a layer of conjugate fibers having a low melting sheath and a high melting core. The ply of hydrophobic microfine fibers is low melting. The sheaths of the conjugate fibers have been fuse bonded to the hydrophobic microfine fibers at a temperature below the melt temperature of the cores of the conjugate fibers so that the cores retain their initial fiber-like integrity. The laminated material is preferably impregnated with both a repellent binder and a repellent finish to secure good repellency, lamination and peelability.

Abstract: A container particularly adapted to sterilize and use for disposal of contaminated or infectious waste in hospitals, industrial laboratories, and the like. One embodiment of the container is illustrated in the form of a bag constructed from a nonwoven web of thermoplastic fibers. The web is pervious to sterilants but impervious to bacteria and may comprise a laminate of webs of spunbonded and microfibers thermoplastic polymers. The container may be in the form of a bag and contains an impervious section which may be formed by coating or coextruding a polymer film and a pervious section comprising the nonwoven web. In addition to sealing at both ends, the container is capable of being sealed by means of heat, adhesives, or the like between the two sections. In a particularly useful application, infectious or contaminated waste is positioned within the pervious section and the impervious section folded underneath.

Abstract: An assembly for permitting a sterile person to control adjustable equipment in a sterile field without contamination to the person or the field. The assembly includes a cover having two halves which can be folded together over the handle of the equipment in a closed position to isolate the handle from the sterile field. A flap on the cover isolates a control panel on the equipment from the sterile field. The assembly also includes a container in which the cover is sterilized and with which the cover is so applied to the handle following sterilization that the container provides a barrier against contamination of the exterior of the cover during such application. The container is structured to maintain the cover in a partially closed position and is adapted to be so deformed that the container can move the cover from the partially closed position to a closed position around the handle.

Abstract: A disposable sterilizer mechanical air removal test pack comprising an outer container in the form of a box having a definite shape and being formed of a relatively air and steam permeable material coated with a form-stabilizing layer of a relatively air and steam impermeable material, and a body of relatively air and steam permeable material enclosed in the box. An indicator means is arranged in the body of material for indicating when contact with steam has taken place. The box includes a plurality of closure flaps which provide interruptions which control and direct the flow of steam into and air out of the interior of the body of material with the flow of steam and air occurring predominantly in a lateral direction through the body of material.

Abstract: A bag for containing articles to be sterilized is automatically sealed by means responsive to a sterilizing environment applied to the bag. One or more actuators are releasably attached to the bag to automatically close one or more valves at the appropriate point in a sterilizing cycle to result in a vacuumized sterile package.

Abstract: A tissue specimen processing capsule is provided which includes a pair of interlocking frames each having a porous web spread across its central openings for holding specimen in a region defined between the webs. The porous webs permit access to the specimen by processing and impregnating liquids. After the tissue specimen is processed, it is removed from the capsule and placed in a mold depression, and the empty capsule is placed over the depression. Molten casting material is poured into the mold to fill the depression and to cover the porous material. The molten casting material solidifies to form a tissue block with the capsule serving as a clampable base for an outwardly extending, tissue-containing portion. The capsule may be formed in a single operation in an injection molding process using a press that includes a pair of mold blocks that together define frame-forming cavities and between which is sandwiched a segment of an elongated web of porous material.

Abstract: A container for use in sterilization of medical items is made entirely of resin-treated, fluid repellent, semi-rigid nonwoven material. The container includes a bottom or receptacle having extending side wall or side walls and a cover having depending side wall or side walls. The material is readily permeable to gas or steam, yet is resistant to the transmission of bacteria. The container and its contents may be retrieved from a sterilizing vessel almost immediately after sterilization without special procedures or devices and without fear of being burned. Because of its low cost, the container is disposable and may be molded to a particular shape for use in shipping prosthetic devices, implants or delicate instruments in sterilized condition.

Abstract: A strip of detachably connected bags for receiving and containing medical supplies and the like includes a plurality of substantially identical bags which are detachably connected in end-to-end relation. Each of the bags includes a seamless tubular wall portion which is sealed at one end thereof and open at the opposite end thereof and has an elongated longitudinally extending slit therein, and an access strip which is preferably made of a semipermeable material is adhered to the exterior of the wall portion for covering the slit. The bags are only connected along one side of the wall portions thereof so that they can be filled while they are still connected utilizing an automated feeding apparatus.

Abstract: A sterilizable, preferably fiber-free, perforated packaging material which can be utilized to make a package to hold an item which can be sterilized while it is inside the package comprising a first layer of perforated thermoplastic film, preferably extruded film, and having at least one heat-sealable surface, and a second layer of perforated thermoplastic film, preferably extruded film and having at least one heat-sealable surface, the first layer being oriented relative to the second layer so that the perforations in both of the layers are mis-aligned and at least one of the heat-sealable surfaces of one of the layers contacts at least one of the heat-sealable surfaces of the other layer; a package made from the packaging material; and a method of sterilizing an item in a package.

Abstract: This invention provides medical procedure packages comprising a pre-sterilized kit within an outer package wrap, the packages being so designed that all components of the package are sterilized using sterilization methods which are compatible with the chemical compositions of the components and their stability to such sterilization methods, and wherein the internal sterility of the package is maintained from final package sealing until the package is delivered to a sterile operating room environment.

Abstract: There is described a double sterile package for packaging medical articles in a sterile condition which can be sterilized in one ethylene oxide sterilization cycle.

Abstract: A multiwall bag having an interior plastic pouch formed from a sealed plastic tube having a longitudinal seam comprising overlapping tube margins sealed together by two spaced seals to provide a channel, one of the tube margins being formed with openings providing communication between the interior of the tube and the channel to permit escape of air from the tube. A strip of material is disposed along the length of the channel to prevent the overlapping tube margins from adhering to each other between the spaced seals.

Abstract: A pouch comprises two opposed webs having respective side and bottom portions sealed together thereby leaving an unsealed end whereat one of the opposed webs extends beyond the free edge of the other of the opposed webs to form a flap. The flap is foldable onto over an edge portion of the other web. An area of pressure sensitive adhesive, which is disposed on the flap, extends through a position for normal folding of the flap, so that the flap is foldable within the area covered by the adhesive to bring that latter into direct sealing contact at the flap fold.The flap is foldable along a rupturable portion which extends across the width of the flap. The relatively readily rupturable portion, which defines a fold line, comprises a perforated line of weakness or a scored line of weakness.