Combination sealing and opening strip for packages

Abstract

A combination sealing and opening strip for various types of packages comprises a three-layer laminate strip having a centrally-located, high strength membrane with pressure-sensitive adhesive on both sides of the membrane. The membrane comprises a material, such as MYLAR.RTM. flexible synthetic film, polyester, other polymeric films, fiberglass, or fibrous or non-fibrous materials of various compositions with a strength greater than that of the package material. This provides for a controlled tearing of the package material. During strip manufacture, the adhesive-coated strip is laminated in precise registration onto a differentially-coated release liner. The combination strip and release liner are applied to the package material in a location such as the flap of a common overnight envelope. When sealing the package, the user peels the release liner from the strip. The flap is folded down such that the exposed adhesive-coated side of the strip contacts the package material in a desired location, which seals the package. Preferably, the strip is narrower in width than the release liner. This creates a 'finger lift dry edge' or overlap of the release liner, which makes it easier to grasp and remove the release liner from the strip when sealing the package. The package has die-cut areas which provide user convenient points to grasp the combination of package material and opening strip, thus providing a convenient method to open the package.