Abstract: A machine for filling bags with a granular product includes a filling station. The machine further includes a supporting device for supporting bags below the filling station. The supporting device includes an assembled supporting surface pivoting on a pivot shaft, and actuating means. The actuating means are a motor the angular position of which is controlled by control means. The supporting surface has a first end, arranged upstream of said filling station in the forward movement direction of the bags, and a second end, arranged downstream of said filling station in the forward movement direction of the bags. The supporting surface can pivot in an alternating manner around said pivot shaft for moving the base of the bag which is located in the filling station in operation during filling. A method for filling said bag can also be employed.

Abstract: A device (5) is provided for the mechanical handling of a flexible bag (6) placed in a holder (7), the bag having a mouth with at least one flap (6a) that can close or open the mouth of the bag. The device comprises a brush wheel (8) that is mounted in rotation about a shaft (9), the brush wheel comprising fins (10) each consisting of a curved flexible portion (11) which extends from the shaft, and a straight end portion (12) which extends in continuation of the curved portion, the set of straight portions substantially forming a rim, and the brush wheel being arranged in such a way that, when it is rotated close to the mouth of the bag, centrifugal force straightens the curved portions, thus increasing the radius of the rim in order to allow the straight portions to rub against the flap of the bag.

Abstract: A bag applicator assembly for a stationary packer assembly comprising a plurality of filling nozzles for filling valve bags wherein a valve bag comprising a valve selectively movable between a closed and an open configuration; the bag applicator comprising: a bag feeding device comprising a supporting plane configured for receiving a valve bag having the valve in a closed configuration; a valve opening device configured for cyclically moving between a first configuration of keeping the valve bag from the supporting plane and a second configuration of opening the valve and keeping the valve in the open configuration; a bag applicator device configured for picking up the valve bag from the valve opening device, for travelling from the valve opening device to a filling nozzle in a travelling configuration for avoiding bag interference with the filling nozzles and for releasing the bag at the filling nozzle.

Abstract: An article storage and dispensing apparatus and method in which articles made by series production are distributed from an article supplier into a storage compartment of predetermined dimensions for storage of articles in front and rear rows of article storage positions. An article distributor in the storage compartment has a carriage, a carriage drive which is configured to drive the carriage in a reversible horizontal carriage drive direction across at least part of the width of the storage compartment, and an article support mounted on the carriage and configured to receive articles from the article supplier above the support when the carriage is in a start position. An article dispenser is associated with the article support to dispense articles selectively in opposite horizontal dispensing directions transverse to the carriage drive direction off the front and rear ends of the support to drop into front and rear article rows.

Abstract: A floating platen system for use in connection with a packaging system that processes tube stock continuous film media to form bags that are filled with product. The floating platen system includes a floating platen that is maintained in a substantially stationary position by use of magnetic forces acting on the floating platen.

Abstract: An article storage and dispensing apparatus and method in which articles made by series production are distributed from an article supplier into a storage compartment of predetermined dimensions for storage of articles in front and rear rows of article storage positions. An article distributor in the storage compartment has a carriage, a carriage drive which is configured to drive the carriage in a reversible horizontal carriage drive direction across at least part of the width of the storage compartment, and an article support mounted on the carriage and configured to receive articles from the article supplier above the support when the carriage is in a start position. An article dispenser is associated with the article support to dispense articles selectively in opposite horizontal dispensing directions transverse to the carriage drive direction off the front and rear ends of the support to drop into front and rear article rows.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus includes a control unit, a loading station that positions a tubular film around a product to be packaged, a sealing station, a control unit that controls the sealing station to create one or more seals on the tubular film, an evacuation assembly that includes a first member and a second member arranged opposite the first member, and a means for moving the product relative to and from the evacuation assembly. The first member includes a deformable portion. The first and second members are relatively movable between: a first configuration, in which the first and second members are spaced apart from one another, a second configuration, in which the deformable portion contacts at least part of the second member and/or part of the tubular film, and a third configuration in which the deformable portion is compressed in a compression direction towards the second member.

Abstract: A bag supply device used in a rotary bag-filling packaging machine and including: an empty-bag holding member for holding a bag, a reciprocating mechanism for moving the empty-bag holding member back and forth between a bag receiving position and a bag delivery position, a first turning mechanism for turning the empty-bag holding member around a first axis parallel to a bag width direction thereof upon operation of the reciprocating mechanism and orienting the holding face of the empty-bag holding member vertically in the delivery position, and a second turning mechanism for turning the empty-bag holding member around a second axis parallel to a bag length direction thereof and causing the bag held by the empty-bag holding member in the delivery position to be directly across from the pair of grippers stopped in the empty bag supply position.

Abstract: A packaging system employs a cartridge having moveable walls such that the cartridge discharges or inducts one or more items into a cavity of a package, such as a film that is sealed into a pouch or mailer. A bottom wall of the cartridge is retracted relative to an end panel of the cartridge during the induction process.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device and method for reefing a portion of tubular film, the reefing device having at least one reefing finger and at least one drive unit. The drive unit has advancing means, which, for reefing the portion of tubular film, is brought into operative connection with the reefing finger at least at the height of a point of engagement, while enclosing the portion of tubular film, and moves the portion of tubular film in relation to the reefing finger. The device according to the invention and the method according to the invention are distinguished in particular in that the position of the at least one point of engagement can be changed along the reefing finger as reefing progresses or the position of the point of engagement on the reefing finger is changed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for distributing articles is arranged to deliver articles to selected stacking positions in two or more storage units. An article is dispensed to a first article transport and distribution section in a main storage unit, and then either delivered to a stacking position in the main unit or transported through a connecting window onto a second transport and distribution section in a satellite storage unit for delivery to a stacking position in that unit. The procedure is repeated to distribute subsequent bags of ice to selected stacking positions in each unit. Additional satellite storage units may be provided and included in the delivery sequence for distributing bags of ice throughout the units. The storage units may be refrigerated, merchandizing units for bagged ice, with the main storage unit associated with an ice bagged ice supply unit which dispenses bags of ice into the unit.

Abstract: An elongate flattened thermoplastic tube has an inflation edge and an opposite edge. The tube includes spaced transverse seals that define sides of pouches. The tube includes lines of weakness that allow adjacent dunnage units to be separated. A frangible line of connection is disposed in one two superposed layers of the tube proximate to the inflation edge. This frangible connection may be broken to permit inflation of the inflatable pouches.

Abstract: Ice bagging assemblies comprising an ice bag merchandiser, an ice bag diverter positionable between first and second positions to drop ice bags into different first and second regions within the ice bag merchandiser. Methods of stacking ice bags in an ice bag merchandiser comprising receiving an ice bag in an ice bag diverter and dropping the ice bag to a first region of the ice bag merchandiser when the ice bag diverter is in a first position and dropping the ice bag to a second region of the ice bag merchandiser when the ice bag diverter is in a second position.

Abstract: A method for filling at least one thin-walled transport container with at least one article of value, in which a frame having an opening is contacted by a part of the outside surface of a transport container, which outside surface is turned inside. A part of the transport container is moved through the opening of the frame in the feeding direction of the article of value during filling so that at least a part of the inside surface of the transport container that is turned outside is turned inside.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling valve bags with dry bulk goods including a supporting construction and a filling spout extending laterally from the supporting construction for filling a valve bag provided with a bag body and a valve. A bag holder for guiding the valve bag is provided. For filling, the valve bag is placed onto the filling spout by its valve, hanging from the filling spout during the filling process. The bag holder is displaceable during the filling process from a filling position to a closing position after discharge. An expansion device is provided at the bag holder to expand the valve of the valve bag prior to closing. The bag holder is attached to the supporting construction. During the filling process the expansion device is at least partially inserted into the valve of the valve bag hanging from the filling spout.

Abstract: A film-supporting device is used with a waste-disposal unit. The device comprises an annular body. The annular body has an annular wall. The inward radial surface of the wall defines a central opening of the body. The outline of the central opening in a transverse plane of the device has variable diametrical dimensions with a first diameter of greater dimension than the second diameter. The outline has two of the first diameter of generally equal dimension and two of the second diameter of generally equal dimension. The device has tubular film about an outward radial surface of the annular body. A free annular end is dispensed outwardly from the annular wall. The free annular end is closed to form a bag. The opening of the bag is accessible through the central opening and is of optimized shape via the central opening for the disposal of waste. A method for disposing of waste on a scooping tool is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for continuously bagging pellets. The pellets can be formed from a tacky and/or polymer-containing formulation. Other embodiments relate to systems for continuously bagging pellets. Still other embodiments related the individual components of the processes and systems for continuously bagging pellets.

Abstract: Banknote processing equipment is disclosed, which comprises a chamber having an open end for insertion of a bag into the chamber and an extractor adapted to establish a lower ambient pressure between the chamber and the bag to that within the bag to cause the bag to expand into an open configuration during a banknote filling operation, whereby the banknote processing equipment can deposit banknotes in the bag.

Abstract: A continuous web of closed, preformed end-to-end bags for enclosing bales of material are made by forming an elongate sheet into a helix tube, flattening the tube into first and second elongate bag walls and securing the bag walls at closure seams located along the flattened helix tube. The helix tube is formed by nesting the elongate sheet side edges into U-shapes and sewing. The bag walls are secured to one another by nesting them into U-shapes and sewing. Bales are enveloped by severing the web and thereby providing a bag with an open end, separating the bag walls, inserting a bale therein, closing the bag and severing from the remaining web. Each bag is located along the web with a pair of sensors which provide a locating signal responsive to the bag closure seams.

Abstract: A method for handling bags (10), in particular wicketed bags, combined into bundles (13) and for feeding the bags (10) to a packaging machine (11), and a corresponding apparatus. In the method and apparatus, the bags (10) are supplied in a plurality of bundles (13) in a magazine (14) arranged upstream of the packaging machine (11); the bundles (13) are arranged on bag carriers (15) in each case such that the bag carriers (15) extend through suspension holes (12) of the bags (10); the bag carriers (15) with the bags (10) located thereon are fed from the magazine (14) to the packaging machine (11); and the bundles (13) are transferred from the bag carriers (15) directly to appropriately arranged receiving pins (28) of a cyclically driven conveying device (29) of the packaging machine (11) and are then filled in the packaging machine (11).

Abstract: A conveyor system pre-inserts a portion of the web into a first belt before the portion is gripped between the first belt and a second belt. In one exemplary embodiment, a pair of lips of a web are inserted into a corresponding first pair of belts and then the pair of lips are secured in the first pair of belts by inserting a second pair of belts into the first pair of belts over the pair of lips.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bag stand including at least three side panels, each side panel having a top end, a bottom end, a left end, a right end, an inner surface, and an outer surface, each side panel having two adjacent side panels, each right end of each side panel connected to the left end of one of the adjacent side panels and each left end of each side panel connected to the right end of the other adjacent side panel, thereby forming a substantially continuous bag stand having a top end and a bottom end and a plurality of panel tabs, each panel tab hingedly connected to the top end of the bag stand, each panel tab having at least one interfacing end for connection to at least one other of the plurality of panel tabs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for drawing a tubular film (1) over a stack of goods (2), wherein the tubular film is first gathered on a gathering device (R/Ü). The gathered tubular film is then drawn over the stack of goods using a covering device, in that the covering device is moved along the stack of goods and the tubular film is thereby ungathered. After reaching an end region of the stack of goods, the covering device is moved along a segment of the stack of goods (?) opposite the covering direction, so that a first tubular film segment (15) is laid on the tubular film already contacting the stack of goods. The covering device is then moved along at least part of the segment of the stack of goods in the covering direction again, so that a second tubular film segment (16) is laid on the first tubular film segment.

Abstract: A novel enclosure is used to prevent health-care-associated infections caused by contamination of devices such as cellular telephones, laptops, tablet computers, purses, and briefcases. Such a device is placed into the enclosure and is carried into a disinfected or clean environment, such as an operating room. The enclosure prevents infectious agents or other contaminants on the surface of the device from contaminating the clean environment. The enclosure also protects the environments outside the operating room from contaminants within the operating room. The enclosure is inexpensively manufactured and disposable. The enclosure may include an effective amount of antibacterial, antifungal, and/or antiviral compounds. The enclosure may be used in the residence of an individual with a compromised immune system. The enclosure may be used to bring a device into and out of a home or room of an individual who is extremely neat or is inflicted with an obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Abstract: A support structure for a sealable plastic bag, the structure comprises a receptacle having a top and a bottom, the bottom of the receptacle adapted to contact a surface so that the receptacle is capable of standing in an upright position, the top of the receptacle comprising an elliptically-shaped opening, the elliptically-shaped opening being defined by a rim of the receptacle and having two opposing narrower ends at the rim; the rim of the elliptically-shaped opening having at least two notches, wherein one of the said two notches is disposed at the first of the two narrower ends of the elliptically-shaped opening, and wherein a second of the said two notches is disposed at the second of the two narrower ends of the elliptically-shaped opening in the receptacle. A method of filling a sealable plastic bag utilizing the support structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for retarding oxidation of paint that only partly fills a container, comprising a body, a flexible liner, a movable bottom plate, an attachable lid with a filler port through which the paint can be poured, and a removable filler cap. The movable bottom plate is adjusted up or down, thereby expanding or compressing the flexible liner and changing the volume of the container. After paint is added to the container, excess air is forced out of the container via the filler port by moving the bottom plate up towards the top of the container. When all extra air is expelled, the movable bottom plate is locked into position and the filler port is closed with the removable filler cap. Using this device allows paint to be stored in an air-free environment, reducing oxidation and resulting in greatly improving the shelf life of the stored paint.

Abstract: An apparatus for shaping and holding a bag in an open condition, and holding the bag in this condition during loading of the bag with a product, includes an inner stationary ring; a plurality of finger assemblies, each finger assembly comprising a finger adapted to press against the interior of the bag mouth, and a force-transferring member to which the finger is operatively connected; an outer rotatable ring, concentric with the inner ring; a push rod operatively connected to each respective finger assembly; and a motive device adapted to cause rotation of the outer ring relative to the inner ring to effect coordinated radial movement of the fingers relative to the interior surface of the bag. A method of shaping and holding a bag in an open condition, and holding the bag in the shaped, open condition during loading of the bag with a product, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for containing a bale of compressible material includes compressing the bale of compressible material to form a compressed bale having a plurality of grooves in at least one side thereof. The grooves are recessed from an outer surface of the compressed bale. The compressed bale is transferred to a flexible container. The container conforms to a shape of the compressed bale such that at least some portions of the flexible container take the shape of the grooves to define container portions recessed from the outer surface of the compressed bale. A containerized bale made by the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bagging machine having a uniquely configured rotor that can be operated with a grill, enables removal or injection of fluid materials when filling a bag. In one mode, the rotor enables the removal or draining of an effluent created from the bagging process such as from silage. In another mode, the rotor enables the injection of a treatment agent such as an antifungal agent as material is bagged.

Abstract: A web of expandable bags, a method for forming a web of expandable bags, and a method of forming an expandable bag containing a product is provided. The web of expandable bags includes a plurality of connected bags. Each bag includes a front ply and a back ply, and each bag is connected to an adjacent bag by a perforated connection. The front and back plies are joined to define a compartment that includes a first side, a second side, a third side that extends between the first side and the second side, and a bag opening that is configured to be closed. The front and back plies include a plurality of slits, and the plurality of slits are arranged in a plurality of spaced apart rows. The plurality of slits allows the compartment to expand in a direction that is perpendicular to the arrangement of the plurality of slits.

Abstract: A package for an article (1) comprises a pressurized outer bag (5) having gas-tight seals (7) at opposite ends, and an inner web for supporting the article within the outer bag. The web extends along the length of the outer bag and is secured to the outer bag only at the gas-tight seals (7). The web is maintained under sufficient tension by the pressure within the outer bag to suspend the article within the bag and to maintain a space between the article and the outer bag on all sides of the article.

Abstract: Provided are a bag mouth opening method and apparatus capable of surely and stably opening into a desired shape the mouth of a spout bag having a spout attached to an upper edge-side portion thereof. A spout tilting relative to a bag is corrected into a non-tilting position and pinched with spout pinching members opened and closed by a first air cylinder of a spout holding device. The first air cylinder is held in an initial position in the width direction of the bag by a second air cylinder through a quadric link comprising a connecting rod mounting plate, a connecting rod, a connecting plate, and a second support arm. The interior of the second air cylinder is opened to the atmospheric pressure in synchronism with the start of movement away from each other of a pair of suction cups of a bag mouth opening device and movement toward each other of a pair of gripping members gripping the laterally opposite side edges of the bag.

Abstract: A plastic bag for retaining a food product is formed of first and second plastic sheets sealed along the bottom and sides. The bag has an exterior increased friction surface section proximate the mouth. The bag is used in combination with a glove having an exterior increased friction surface portion. The exterior increased friction portion of the glove engages the increased friction section of the bag to facilitate opening of the mouth of the bag. Preferably, aligned increased friction sections are formed on the exterior surface of opposite sides of the bag and the glove has exterior increased friction portions on the tips of the finger stalls. When the bag is held between the thumb and index finger of the glove user, movement of the thumb and index finger of the glove in opposite directions facilitates opening of the bag.

Abstract: A wicket bag dispenser for holding flexible bags is suitable for transferring flexible bags into the loading station of a bag filling machine. An apparatus includes an interacting wicket bag dispenser and a holder pin of a loading station. A method includes transferring flexible bags from a wicket bag dispenser to the loading station of a bag filling machine. The wicket bag dispenser comprises a stack of flexible bags, each bag having at least one aperture, and at least one wicket spool positioned through the apertures, wherein the wicket spool has an free end, the free end comprising a spool head, so that each flexible bag from the stack of flexible bags is conveyed along the spool in order to transfer to the loading station. The spool head is free to move in an axial direction relative to the wicket spool.

Abstract: A method of forming and filling a pouch, comprises forming opposing walls of a film; sealing the opposing walls of film together to form at least one pouch; filling an interior section of the at least one pouch through an opening in an upper portion of the at least one pouch with a flowable material; forming a top sealed expressing-shaped region to close the opening in the at least one pouch; and cradling the pouch with a foldable flat that is more rigid than the pouch that can be folded or rolled to compress the pouch to express the flowable material through the expressing shaped region.

Abstract: A flexible funnel positioned at a filling station of a fill machine. The flexible funnel directs a product dispensed at the filling station of the filling machine into a pouch. The flexible funnel having a rigid upper portion and a plurality of fingers. The rigid upper portion includes an open top end and an open bottom end. Each of the plurality of elongated fingers hingedly connected to the upper portion. The rigid upper portion has a regular polygon shape having a plurality of sides, and each of the plurality of fingers is individually articulatable with respect to one of the plurality of sides of the upper rigid portion.

Abstract: A convenient disposable container with holder is provided that includes a sheet of material with an inner and outer surface comprised of central and secondary folds seamed at the ends and material edges to create an expandable pocket at the bottom, having a tab to accommodate opening to accept embarrassing waste and having bonding surface areas to form a seal closing the container's contents from site or touch.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device and method for reefing a portion of tubular film, the reefing device having at least one reefing finger and at least one drive unit. The drive unit has advancing means, which, for reefing the portion of tubular film, is brought into operative connection with the reefing finger at least at the height of a point of engagement, while enclosing the portion of tubular film, and moves the portion of tubular film in relation to the reefing finger. The device according to the invention and the method according to the invention are distinguished in particular in that the position of the at least one point of engagement can be changed along the reefing finger as reefing progresses or the position of the point of engagement on the reefing finger is changed.

Abstract: A flexible film package for storing food products comprises a body with a side wall, a closed bottom end, and a closed top end. The body includes a primary line of weakness and a pair of secondary lines of weakness formed in the side wall. Each of the primary and secondary lines of weakness includes a plurality of score lines spaced apart by non-scored portions of the side wall. The score lines of the primary line of weakness have a greater length, width, and depth than the score lines of the secondary lines of weakness. The non-scored portions between the score lines of the primary line of weakness are longer than the non-scored portions between the score lines of the secondary lines of weakness.

Abstract: A packaging device is provided for highly-compacted compressed bales (2), which are provided with a fixation (3). The packaging device (1) has a sheathing device (16) for applying a shrink wrapping, which has at least one prepared and diverted stretching hood (4), to the compressed bales (2). A bale compression facility is also provided having at least one bale press (6) for generating highly compacted compressed bales (2), which are provided with a fixation (3), and having at least one packaging device (1) according to the invention. A process is provided for packaging highly-compacted compressed bales (2), which are provided with a fixation (3), wherein said compressed bale (2) is provided with a shrink wrapping, wherein at least one prepared and diverted stretching hood (4) is applied to said compressed bale (2) using a sheathing device (16).

Abstract: An ice bagging system and method according to which ice is automatically disposed in respective bags provided from a first source of bags, and ice is automatically disposed in respective bags provided from a second source of bags.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for distributing articles is arranged to deliver articles to selected stacking positions in two or more storage units. An article is dispensed to a first article transport and distribution section in a main storage unit, and then either delivered to a stacking position in the main unit or transported through a connecting window onto a second transport and distribution section in a satellite storage unit for delivery to a stacking position in that unit. The procedure is repeated to distribute subsequent bags of ice to selected stacking positions in each unit. Additional satellite storage units may be provided and included in the delivery sequence for distributing bags of ice throughout the units. The storage units may be refrigerated, merchandizing units for bagged ice, with the main storage unit associated with an ice bagged ice supply unit which dispenses bags of ice into the unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing pockets containing a napkin (5). To this end, two web-shaped layers (1, 2) of a flat, flexible material are moved along a transport path and held at a distance apart from one another in one section of the transport path. Napkins (5) are individually picked up from a stack and placed between the layers (1, 2). Only then, downstream of the section in the web direction, are adjacent regions of the layers (1, 2) placed in contact with one another and joined to one another. The pockets formed in this manner are cut from the web-shaped layers (1, 2). In the section, a respective napkin (5) is moved in a direction essentially at a right angle to the web direction and placed between the layers (1, 2) in a position oriented essentially parallel with the web direction.

Abstract: This apparatus relates to ice-bagging apparatuses with an ice maker and a hopper for receiving ice from the ice maker. The apparatus utilizes rotating drums designed for delivering ice into a bag. The apparatus also possess bagging and drop mechanism which fills and mechanically seals each bag of ice and drops it into a freezer for storage. The apparatus has an electronic operating system that has been greatly simplified using infrared technology and/or laser technology. The operating system is connected with the internet and a central processing center to allow for complete managing and monitoring of the system.

Abstract: A spool (10) for storing film for a waste storage device includes a core (12) and a flared funnel portion (14). Film is stored on the core (12) and can be retained in place by shrink-wrapping (34) as a result of which the core can be formed without an outer wall or base, reducing material and molding costs.

Abstract: An ice bagging system and method according to which ice is automatically disposed in respective bags provided from a first source of bags, and ice is automatically disposed in respective bags provided from a second source of bags.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping a stack of objects with a film has first and second supplies of films and a pull-down device shiftable vertically along the stack of objects. A film-feed head has a drive roller rotatable about an axis in the film feed head and first and second pairs of counterrollers angularly offset from each other relative to the drive-roller axis. The drive roller and the pairs of counterrollers are relatively shiftable between end positions in each of which one of the pairs is spaced from the drive roller and the other pair is engaged with the drive roller. The first and second films pass between the respective first and second pairs and the drive roller. An actuator can shift the first and the second pairs of rollers relative the drive roller for pinching the films against the drive roller and, on rotation of the drive roller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the portioned packaging of a food mass that is at least substantially incompressible, in particular of processed cheese, and that is filled as a flowable mass into a tubular sleeve comprising a thermoplastic plastic film, wherein the thermoplastic plastic film of the sleeve enclosing the food mass is deformed in a mold into individual units each defining a portion by forcing the food mass out of sealing areas, such that the units arranged one behind the other are delimited with respect to each other by means of sealing in the sealing area and are subsequently separated from one another.

Abstract: Provided are pouches with rigid handles and/or internal supports and methods of making such pouches. In one aspect, a pouch with internal support includes a flexible pouch including a fitment coupled to a flexible pouch body and at least one inner support piece coupled to the fitment and extending into the inside of the pouch through the interior of the fitment. The fitment includes a fitment inner engagement feature and the at least one inner support piece includes an inner support engagement feature and at least one inner support extending from the inner support engagement feature. The fitment inner engagement feature and inner support engagement feature are interlocked to keep the at least one inner support piece from falling into or out of the flexible pouch body.

Abstract: Flexible film packages having a body defining an interior contents cavity and having a first and second end seal (36, 38) and a longitudinal fin seal (40) extending from the first to second end seal; the body having a first side portion (40) having the longitudinal fin seal and a second side portion (30) opposite the first side portion; a score (24) formed in the flexible film at the second side portion defining an opening upon initial rupturing; a closure layer (26) covering the score and a portion of the second side portion around the score and extending on to at least a portion of the first side portion; and the closure layer on the second side portion being capable of at least partial removal from the flexible film to rupture the score and form an opening; and the closure layer on the first side portion resisting further removal of the closure layer from the flexible film