Packaging and method of opening

Abstract

A crack-propagation line is separate from a seal joining two shells of a confectionery packaging. The confectionery packaging is opened by separating the packaging along the crack-propagation line such that a portion of at least one of the parts of the confectionery packaging is broken to form an opening through which the packaged confectionery can be removed. Consequently, there is provided a method of forming a confectionery packaging and a method of packaging a confectionery product wherein two shells of a confectionery packaging are sealed together and a crack-propagation line is formed in a portion of at least one of the parts of the confectionery packaging. Suitably, the crack-propagation line extends away from the seal joining the two parts. The confectionery packaging is opened by separating at least one of the parts of the confectionery packaging, leaving the seal substantially unaffected. The additional step of forming a separate crack-propagation line rather than intending the confectionery packaging to be opened by separating the two parts through the seal provides improved opening characteristics.

Claims

1. Packaging for a confectionery product, including a confectionery product packaged within the packaging, the packaging comprising: a first part; a first flange extending at an angle from the first part; a second part; and a second flange extending at an angle from the second part, wherein the first and second parts substantially conform closely to the shape and contour of an outer surface the confectionery product to be packaged in the packaging such that the confectionery product substantially fills the first and second parts of the packaging; an opening-propagation line formed in at least a portion of at least one of the parts, the opening-propagation line being arranged to break to form an opening to the confectionery packaging, wherein the first flange is sealed to the second flange to form a seal between the first part and the second part, wherein at least a part of the opening-propagation line is separate from the seal, such that the packaging is openable while leaving the seal substantially unaffected, wherein the opening-propagation line is a weakening in at least a portion of at least one of the parts, and wherein the part including the opening-propagation line is formed from a first layer and a second layer, and the opening-propagation line is not formed in one of the layers.

2. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the opening-propagation line extends away from the seal.

3. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the first and second parts are thermoformed shells.

4. The packaging of claim 1, wherein a opening-initiation means is formed in the seal area and the opening-propagation line extends from or through the opening-initiation means.

5. The packing of claim 1, wherein the opening-propagation line extends through at least a portion of both the first part and at least a portion of the second part.

6. The packaging of claim 5, wherein a portion of the opening-propagation line in the first part mirrors a portion of the opening-propagation line in the second part.

7. The packaging of claim 5, wherein the opening-propagation line is arranged so that when broken, one side of the opening-propagation line includes a portion of the first part sealed to a portion of the second part, and the other side includes a further portion of the first part sealed to a further portion of the second part.

8. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the opening-propagation line forms a continuous band around the confectionery packaging.

9. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the opening-propagation line terminates in at least two ends.

10. The packaging of claim 9, wherein first and second pieces formed either side of the opening-propagation line are pliable and able to bend along a fold line formed or formable between, and connecting, the two ends of the opening-propagation line.

11. The packaging of claim 9, wherein the two ends allow a flexible crease to be formed between the two ends in order to allow a piece to be folded out of the way to enable packaged confectionery to be removed.

12. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the opening-propagation line includes at least one branch.

13. The packaging of claim 1, wherein at least one tab is provided, wherein the tab provides a grip for a consumer to use to open the packaging.

14. The packaging of claim 13, wherein two tabs are provided spaced in a direction of the seal's plane, wherein each tab provides a grip for a consumer to use, the tabs being arranged so that the packaging is opened by parting the tabs.

15. The packaging of claim 1, wherein an exterior shape of the confectionery packaging is substantially ovoid.

16. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the continuous opening-propagation line allows a piece of the packaging to be completely broken off.

17. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the opening-propagation line comprises a crack-propagation line.

18. The packaging of claim 1, wherein the opening propagation line extends across the seal at the first flange and the second flange.

19. Packaging for a confectionery product, the packaging comprising: a first part; a first flange extending at an angle from the first part; a second part; and a second flange extending at an angle from the second part, wherein the first flange is sealed to the second flange to form a seal between the first part and the second part, wherein the first and second parts substantially conform closely to the shape and contour of an outer surface of the confectionery product to be packaged in the packaging such that the confectionery product substantially fills the first and second parts of the packaging; an opening-propagation line, wherein at least a part of the opening-propagation line is separate to the seal; and a first tab along the first flange and a second tab along the second flange, the first tab and the second tab being spaced in a direction parallel to a plane of the seal, wherein the opening-propagation line extends away from the seal, wherein the seal is where the first part and the second part initially separate to one another, have been joined to one another, and the opening-propagation line is a weakening in at least a portion of at least one of the parts, and wherein the part including the opening-propagation line is formed from a first layer and a second layer, and the opening-propagation line is not formed in one of the layers.

20. The packaging of claim 19, wherein the opening propagation line is present in both the first part and the second part.

21. A method of forming packaging for a confectionery product, the method, comprising: forming a first part and a first flange extending at an angle from the first part; forming a second part and a second flange extending at an angle from the second part; creating an opening-propagation line in at least a portion of at least one of the parts; and sealing the first flange to the second flange to create a seal between the first part and the second part, wherein the first and second parts substantially conform closely to the shape and contour of an outer surface of the confectionery product such that the confectionery product substantially fills the first and second parts, wherein the seal is where the first part and the second part initially separate to one another, have been joined to one another, and the opening-propagation line is a weakening in at least a portion of at least one of the parts, and wherein the part including the opening-propagation line is formed from a first layer and a second layer, and the opening-propagation line is not formed in one of the layers.

22. The packaging of claim 21, wherein the opening propagation line extends across the seal at the first flange and the second flange.

23. A method of packaging a confectionery product, the method comprising: forming a first part and a first flange extending at an angle from the first part; forming a second part and a second flange extending at an angle from the second part; creating an opening-propagation line in at least a portion of at least one of the parts; arranging the confectionery product in the first part such that the first and second parts substantially closely conform to the shape and contour of an outer surface of the confectionery product such that the confectionery product substantially fills the first and second parts; and sealing the first flange to the second flange to form a seal between the first part and the second part, wherein the seal is where the first part and the second part initially separate to one another, have been joined to one another, and the opening-propagation line is a weakening in at least a portion of at least one of the parts, wherein the opening propagation line is present in both the first part and the second part, and wherein the part including the opening-propagation line is formed from a first layer and a second layer, and the opening-propagation line is not formed in one of the layers.

24. The packaging of claim 23, wherein the opening propagation line extends across the seal at the first flange and the second flange.

25. A method of producing packaging for a confectionery product, the method comprising: forming a first part and a first flange extending at an angle from the first part; forming a second part and a second flange extending at an angle from the second part; arranging a confectionery product in the first part; sealing the second flange to the first flange to provide a closed package with a seal between the first part and the second part; wherein one of the first or second parts includes an opening-propagation line formed therein; and wherein the first and second parts substantially conform closely to the shape and contour of an outer surface of the confectionery product such that the confectionery product substantially fills the first and second parts, wherein the seal is where the first part and the second part initially separate to one another, have been joined to one another, and the opening-propagation line is a weakening in at least a portion of at least one of the parts, wherein the opening propagation line is present in both the first part and the second part, and wherein the part including the opening-propagation line is formed from a first layer and a second layer, and the opening-propagation line is not formed in one of the layers.

26. The packaging of claim 25, wherein the opening propagation line extends across the seal at the first flange and the second flange.

27. Packaging for a confectionery product, including a confectionery product packaged within the packaging, the packaging comprising: a first part; a first flange extending at an angle from the first part; a second part; and a second flange extending at an angle from the second part, wherein the first and second parts substantially conform closely to the shape and contour of an outer surface the confectionery product to be packaged in the packaging such that the confectionery product substantially fills the first and second parts of the packaging; an opening-propagation line formed in at least a portion of at least one of the parts, the opening-propagation line being arranged to break to form an opening to the confectionery packaging, wherein the first flange is sealed to the second flange to form a seal between the first part and the second part, wherein at least a part of the opening-propagation line is separate from the seal, such that the packaging is openable while leaving the seal substantially unaffected, wherein the opening-propagation line is a weakening in at least a portion of at least one of the parts, wherein the opening-propagation line terminates in at least two ends, and wherein first and second pieces formed either side of the opening-propagation line are pliable and able to bend along a fold line formed or formable between, and connecting, the two ends of the opening-propagation line.

28. Packaging for a confectionery product, including a confectionery product packaged within the packaging, the packaging comprising: a first part; a first flange extending at an angle from the first part; a second part; and a second flange extending at an angle from the second part, wherein the first and second parts substantially conform closely to the shape and contour of an outer surface the confectionery product to be packaged in the packaging such that the confectionery product substantially fills the first and second parts of the packaging; an opening-propagation line formed in at least a portion of at least one of the parts, the opening-propagation line being arranged to break to form an opening to the confectionery packaging, wherein the first flange is sealed to the second flange to form a seal between the first part and the second part, wherein at least a part of the opening-propagation line is separate from the seal, such that the packaging is openable while leaving the seal substantially unaffected, wherein the opening-propagation line is a weakening in at least a portion of at least one of the parts, wherein the opening-propagation line terminates in at least two ends, and wherein the two ends allow a flexible crease to be formed between the two ends in order to allow a piece to be folded out of the way to enable packaged confectionery to be removed.

29. Packaging for a confectionery product, the packaging comprising: a first part; a first flange extending at an angle from the first part; a second part; and a second flange extending at an angle from the second part, wherein the first flange is sealed to the second flange to form a seal between the first part and the second part, wherein the first and second parts substantially conform closely to the shape and contour of an outer surface of the confectionery product to be packaged in the packaging such that the confectionery product substantially fills the first and second parts of the packaging; an opening-propagation line, wherein at least a part of the opening-propagation line is separate to the seal; and a first tab along the first flange and a second tab along the second flange, the first tab and the second tab being spaced in a direction parallel to a plane of the seal, wherein the opening-propagation line extends away from the seal, wherein the seal is where the first part and the second part initially separate to one another, have been joined to one another, and the opening-propagation line is a weakening in at least a portion of at least one of the parts, wherein the opening-propagation line terminates in at least two ends, and wherein first and second pieces formed either side of the opening-propagation line are pliable and able to bend along a fold line formed or formable between, and connecting, the two ends of the opening-propagation line.

30. Packaging for a confectionery product, the packaging comprising: a first part; a first flange extending at an angle from the first part; a second part; and a second flange extending at an angle from the second part, wherein the first flange is sealed to the second flange to form a seal between the first part and the second part, wherein the first and second parts substantially conform closely to the shape and contour of an outer surface of the confectionery product to be packaged in the packaging such that the confectionery product substantially fills the first and second parts of the packaging; an opening-propagation line, wherein at least a part of the opening-propagation line is separate to the seal; and a first tab along the first flange and a second tab along the second flange, the first tab and the second tab being spaced in a direction parallel to a plane of the seal, wherein the opening-propagation line extends away from the seal, wherein the seal is where the first part and the second part initially separate to one another, have been joined to one another, and the opening-propagation line is a weakening in at least a portion of at least one of the parts, wherein the opening-propagation line terminates in at least two ends, and wherein the two ends allow a flexible crease to be formed between the two ends in order to allow a piece to be folded out of the way to enable packaged confectionery to be removed.

31. A method of forming packaging for a confectionery product, the method, comprising: forming a first part and a first flange extending at an angle from the first part; forming a second part and a second flange extending at an angle from the second part; creating an opening-propagation line in at least a portion of at least one of the parts; and sealing the first flange to the second flange to create a seal between the first part and the second part, wherein the first and second parts substantially conform closely to the shape and contour of an outer surface of the confectionery product such that the confectionery product substantially fills the first and second parts, wherein the seal is where the first part and the second part initially separate to one another, have been joined to one another, and the opening-propagation line is a weakening in at least a portion of at least one of the parts, wherein the opening-propagation line terminates in at least two ends, and wherein first and second pieces formed either side of the opening-propagation line are pliable and able to bend along a fold line formed or formable between, and connecting, the two ends of the opening-propagation line.

32. A method of forming packaging for a confectionery product, the method, comprising: forming a first part and a first flange extending at an angle from the first part; forming a second part and a second flange extending at an angle from the second part; creating an opening-propagation line in at least a portion of at least one of the parts; and sealing the first flange to the second flange to create a seal between the first part and the second part, wherein the first and second parts substantially conform closely to the shape and contour of an outer surface of the confectionery product such that the confectionery product substantially fills the first and second parts, wherein the seal is where the first part and the second part initially separate to one another, have been joined to one another, and the opening-propagation line is a weakening in at least a portion of at least one of the parts, wherein the opening-propagation line terminates in at least two ends, and wherein the two ends allow a flexible crease to be formed between the two ends in order to allow a piece to be folded out of the way to enable packaged confectionery to be removed.

33. A method of packaging a confectionery product, the method comprising: forming a first part and a first flange extending at an angle from the first part; forming a second part and a second flange extending at an angle from the second part; creating an opening-propagation line in at least a portion of at least one of the parts; arranging the confectionery product in the first part such that the first and second parts substantially closely conform to the shape and contour of an outer surface of the confectionery product such that the confectionery product substantially fills the first and second parts; and sealing the first flange to the second flange to form a seal between the first part and the second part, wherein the seal is where the first part and the second part initially separate to one another, have been joined to one another, and the opening-propagation line is a weakening in at least a portion of at least one of the parts, wherein the opening propagation line is present in both the first part and the second part, wherein the opening-propagation line terminates in at least two ends, and wherein first and second pieces formed either side of the opening-propagation line are pliable and able to bend along a fold line formed or formable between, and connecting, the two ends of the opening-propagation line.

34. A method of packaging a confectionery product, the method comprising: forming a first part and a first flange extending at an angle from the first part; forming a second part and a second flange extending at an angle from the second part; creating an opening-propagation line in at least a portion of at least one of the parts; arranging the confectionery product in the first part such that the first and second parts substantially closely conform to the shape and contour of an outer surface of the confectionery product such that the confectionery product substantially fills the first and second parts; and sealing the first flange to the second flange to form a seal between the first part and the second part, wherein the seal is where the first part and the second part initially separate to one another, have been joined to one another, and the opening-propagation line is a weakening in at least a portion of at least one of the parts, wherein the opening propagation line is present in both the first part and the second part, wherein the opening-propagation line terminates in at least two ends, and wherein the two ends allow a flexible crease to be formed between the two ends in order to allow a piece to be folded out of the way to enable packaged confectionery to be removed.

35. A method of producing packaging for a confectionery product, the method comprising: forming a first part and a first flange extending at an angle from the first part; forming a second part and a second flange extending at an angle from the second part; arranging a confectionery product in the first part; sealing the second flange to the first flange to provide a closed package with a seal between the first part and the second part; wherein one of the first or second parts includes an opening-propagation line formed therein; and wherein the first and second parts substantially conform closely to the shape and contour of an outer surface of the confectionery product such that the confectionery product substantially fills the first and second parts, wherein the seal is where the first part and the second part initially separate to one another, have been joined to one another, and the opening-propagation line is a weakening in at least a portion of at least one of the parts, wherein the opening propagation line is present in both the first part and the second part, wherein the opening-propagation line terminates in at least two ends, and wherein first and second pieces formed either side of the opening-propagation line are pliable and able to bend along a fold line formed or formable between, and connecting, the two ends of the opening-propagation line.

36. A method of producing packaging for a confectionery product, the method comprising: forming a first part and a first flange extending at an angle from the first part; forming a second part and a second flange extending at an angle from the second part; arranging a confectionery product in the first part; sealing the second flange to the first flange to provide a closed package with a seal between the first part and the second part; wherein one of the first or second parts includes an opening-propagation line formed therein; and wherein the first and second parts substantially conform closely to the shape and contour of an outer surface of the confectionery product such that the confectionery product substantially fills the first and second parts, wherein the seal is where the first part and the second part initially separate to one another, have been joined to one another, and the opening-propagation line is a weakening in at least a portion of at least one of the parts, wherein the opening propagation line is present in both the first part and the second part, wherein the opening-propagation line terminates in at least two ends, and wherein the two ends allow a flexible crease to be formed between the two ends in order to allow a piece to be folded out of the way to enable packaged confectionery to be removed.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) For a better understanding of the disclosure, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

(2) FIGS. 1a and 1b are front and end views of a confectionery packaging according to an exemplary embodiment;

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective front view of an opened confectionery packaging of FIG. 1;

(4) FIGS. 3a, 3b, and 3c show an opening sequence of the confectionery packaging of FIG. 1;

(5) FIGS. 4a and 4b show front and side views of a confectionery packaging according to a second exemplary embodiment;

(6) FIG. 5 shows a front perspective view of a confectionery packaging according to a third exemplary embodiment;

(7) FIG. 6 shows an opening step to open the confectionery packaging of FIG. 5; and

(8) FIG. 7 shows an opened confectionery packaging of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(9) Referring to FIG. 1 an exemplary confectionery packaging 10 is shown. A first part 12 is sealed to a second part 14 at seal 20. The first part 12 is shown as an upper part 12 and the second part 14 a lower part 14. However, this is not necessarily limiting and the confectionery packaging may be formed from three or more parts for instance. The parts are sealed together to enclose a packaged confectionery 40. The parts substantially conform to the shape of the packaged confectionery. A crack-propagation line 30 is formed in at least one of the parts. At least a part of the crack-propagation line 30 is separate to the seal and preferably, substantially all of the crack-propagation line is separate to the seal 20, as would be the case when the crack-propagation line extends through or starts at or partially along the seal. In other words, the crack-propagation line 30 is not substantially formed within the seal 20. In the exemplary embodiments, the crack-propagation line 30 extends away from the seal 20.

(10) Forming the confectionery packaging from first and second parts enables graphics and the like to be printed or applied to the outside of the parts. This enables repeatable and clear graphics to be used. For instance, words and logos can be correctly formed even when the outside of the packaging is contoured. In contrast, when wrapping a packaged confectionery in foil, often words and logos are not easily distinguishable. In addition, because the packaging is completely sealed and cannot be opened without breaking, a tamper evident wrapping is provided.

(11) The exemplary embodiments will be described in relation to a packaged confectionery being egg-shaped. Here, the confectionery packaging is formed from two shell-parts, where each shell-part forms substantially a half-egg. However, it will be appreciated that any shape applicable for the packaged product may be employed. Each shell-part may have a substantially constant thickness and may suitably be formed from casting, moulding, injection moulding, pressing or any other suitable technique, though thermoforming is particularly suitable particularly for food packaging. It will though be appreciated that constant thickness may include variations in thickness caused by manufacturing tolerances. The shell-parts 12, 14 are joined to form a sealed enclosure for the packaged confectionery. Typically, the confectionery is placed in one shell-part with the other being applied as a lid to close the packaged confectionery and subsequently sealed in place. The sealing may be via ultrasonic welding, cold welding, adhesive or any other suitable sealing means. In the exemplary embodiments, a face-to-face seal is used by providing a flange 16, 18 on each first and second shell-part 12, 14 respectively. The flanges 16, 18 can be formed as part of the moulding of the shell-parts. The flange extends around the open mouth of each shell part and substantially orthogonal to the direction of closure. The flanges 16, 18 can therefore be brought into face-to-face contact and sealed more easily, for instance by running an ultrasonic welding head and anvil along the top and bottom of the brought together flanges. In some instances it is preferable to conform the shape of the packaging 10 closely to the shape of the packaged confectionery 40. For instance, it may be preferable to reduce the size of the flanges 16, 18. Therefore, although the exemplary embodiments show the seal 20 between the shell-parts as being between a peripheral flange brought together face-to-face, in an extreme case, the flanges can be reduced to a substantially zero extension from the shell-parts with the edges of the opening about the shell-parts being sealed in an edge-to-edge relationship.

(12) The crack-propagation line 30 is formed in at least a portion of one of the parts of the confectionery packaging. For instance, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the crack-propagation line 30 extends through one part only. Also, whilst the crack-propagation line 30 in FIG. 4 may form a continuous band about the first part in order to separate the first part in to two sides, the crack-propagation line 30 may terminate in ends. Alternatively, in FIG. 1 for instance, the crack-propagation line 30 is shown as suitably being formed in both first and second shell-parts. Preferably, the crack-propagation line 30 extends away from the seal 20. In any case, the packaging is opened by breaking at least a portion of one of the parts along the crack-propagation line 30. For instance, in FIG. 1, the crack-propagation line 30 forms a band around the waist of the egg-shape so that when broken, one side of the packaging breaks completely from the other. As shown in FIG. 2, when the crack-propagation line 30 forms a band about the waist of the egg, a lower piece formed by a lower side 12a and a lower side 14a that remain sealed together at seal 20, provides a holder for the packaged confectionery.

(13) The crack-propagation line 30 may take any suitable path to form an opening to remove the packaged confectionery from the packaging. Moreover, the crack-propagation line 30 may form a substantially straight path or a single substantially curved or arcuate path. In the exemplary embodiments, the crack-propagation line 30 is shown as taking a complex path made up of a plurality of path sections 32, 33. Each path section 32, 33 may be substantially straight or curved. Path sections 32, 33 are joined at an angle to form a zigzag or back and forth path. The zigzag path propagates in a general direction. The zigzag nature of the break line gives a more aesthetic break than, for example, separation along a seal, and is envisaged as being particularly relevant where the broken packaging resembles an actual fracture in an egg or rock for example. In the exemplary embodiments, the crack-propagation line 30 is continuous between each path section 32, 33. However, it is envisaged that breaks or interruptions in the crack-propagation line 30 may be provided between path sections, wherein the break would propagate across the interruption and continue to follow the crack-propagation line 30.

(14) The crack-propagation line 30 may be formed by die-cutting or other mechanical abrasion technique. However, laser ablation has been found to be particularly effective. The mechanical abrasion or laser ablation can be used to weaken a score line in the material. However, it is preferable if the score does not penetrate completely through the shell-part in order to maintain a seal. In a particularly useful embodiment, a multi-layer material, such as a dual-layer material is used. The laser ablation or mechanical abrasion machines one or more of the layers but leaves one or more of the layers unaffected.

(15) The properties and characteristics of the material or layer that is not or only partially machined is selected to break when an opening force is applied either side of the crack-propagation line 30. The material is encouraged to break along the crack-propagation line 30 because the thicker material elsewhere provides greater resistance to shearing than the thinned area at the crack-propagation line 30. In the exemplary embodiments, the material is designed not to break under normal forces except in the crack-propagation line 30. That is, when the break reaches the end of the crack-propagation line 30, under typical opening forces, the break is arranged to stop. Preferably, the material characteristics are selected so that the material breaks with an audible crack. That is, the material may be brittle so that a crack sound is heard when the material is broken. Additionally or alternatively, an audible crack may be produced from edges on opposed sides of the crack-propagation line moving past each other. The audible crack not only allows the consumer to know when the packaging has been opened, but also provides an enhanced opening ritual as it may encourage consumers to crack the packaging by tapping it on a surface, which is envisaged as being pertinent particularly for the egg-shaped packaged confection as it more closely mimics the opening of an actual fresh egg.

(16) Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary opening method of the confectionery packaging is depicted. The confectionery packaging 10 is provided having a first shell sealed to a second shell wherein a crack-propagation line 30 is provided separately to the seal 20. A consumer cracks the first and second shells along the crack-propagation line 30 by tapping the confectionery packaging on a surface. If the material is sufficiently brittle, an audible crack may be heard. Once the shells are broken along the crack-propagation line 30, one side of the confectionery packaging is separated from another side. One, for instance the top side, can be discarded and the second side used to hold the packaged confectionery 40. As alternative opening methods, it is envisaged that the consumer may grip the packaging either side of crack-propagation line and break the packaging along the crack-propagation line by a twisting action or snapping action. Additionally or alternatively, the consumer may push a part of the packaging inwards to cause a portion of the crack-propagation line to break before peeling backwards, twisting or snapping the packaging to cause the crack to propagate along the crack-propagation line. For instance, the consumer may push a portion of a side or the packaging. Here the portion may be at or near the seal. A crack-initiation means such as a notch or area may be formed in the packaging so as to provide a convenient are for a consumer to push their fingers or thumbs in order to part the packaging. Advantageously, and particularly when the packaging has a substantially ovoid exterior shape, the opening method is designed to mimic the opening of an actual egg.

(17) FIG. 4 shows an alternative exemplary embodiment. Here, as mentioned, the crack-propagation line 30 is formed in one part only. Also, the crack-propagation line 30 extends in a general direction substantially parallel to the seal 20. In this case the packaging can be opened by breaking through the crack-propagation line 30 or by peeling one side away from the other. To improve the ease of opening, at least one tab 22 may be formed. The tab 22 extends from the first shell-piece 12. The tab extends from close proximity to the crack-propagation line 30 so that by pulling the tab 22, the shell piece can be separated into two sides. The breaking of the material along the crack-propagation line 30 may also make an audible crack when initially broken, for instance, the initial break can be made by tapping the packaging on a surface or by pulling two sides of crack-propagation line 30 apart. As mentioned, the crack-propagation line 30 may extend around the first shell-piece 12, in which case a side is completely broken off, or the crack-propagation line 30 may terminate in ends. Here, a crease between the two ends of the crack-propagation line 30 may be flexible to allow the side to fold out of the way to enable the packaged confectionery 40 to be removed.

(18) Preferably, as shown in FIG. 4, two tabs 22, 24 are formed. The second tab 24 remains attached to one side of the crack-propagation line 30 and the first tab 22 attached to the other so that the tabs can be pulled apart to easily initiate opening. Consequently, the tabs are off-set from each other. Each tab may form an enlarged portion of the peripheral flange that extends about the mouth of each shell part.

(19) FIG. 5 shows a particularly exemplary embodiment of the confectionery packaging 10. The confectionery packaging is formed from a first shell-part 12 and a second shell part 24 sealed together at seal 20. A separate crack-propagation line 30 is provided. The packaging is arranged to open by breaking along the crack-propagation line 30.

(20) As shown in FIG. 5, the shell-parts are sealed in a face-to-face relationship between respective flanges 16, 18 that extend about the periphery of the open shell-part. Although the extension of the flanges from the shell-piece may be kept to a minimum, two tabs may be provided. For instance, in FIG. 5, a tabs 22 and 24 are provided. Here, the tabs are formed in the seal and each tab included a portion of the first shell-part and a portion of the second shell-part. The crack-propagation line 30 extends away from the seal 20. In FIG. 5, the crack-propagation line 30 is shown in the first shell part, but it will be appreciated that the crack-propagation line 30 continues and is mirrored in the second shell-part. The two tabs are separated by the crack-propagation line 30 such that by pulling the tabs apart, the shell-parts can be broken along the crack-propagation line 30. Again, the break may be initiated by tapping the packaging 10 on a surface and the break may make an audible crack.

(21) As will be appreciated, the crack-propagation line 30 shown in FIG. 5 may be any path and may be continuous around the packaging or, as shown may terminate in ends so that the two sides of the crack-propagation line 30 do not entirely separate. In addition, suitably as shown in FIG. 5, the crack-propagation line 30 may include at least one branch so that the crack-propagation line 30 terminates in at least three ends. Here, the branch may form a substantially Y shape, as shown. That is, both branches may be angled to the general direction of a trunk. As will be described, the branch in the crack-propagation line 30 encourages the packaged confectionery to move through the formed opening.

(22) FIG. 6 shows an opening step of the packaging shown in FIG. 5. A consumer grasps both tabs, typically between a thumb and forefinger. By pulling apart the tabs in a direction parallel to the plane of the face-to-face seal, the crack-propagation line 30 can be broken. Because each tab is formed from portions of both shell parts, by gripping the tabs, a squeezing force is applied across the seal and acts to encourage the seal to stay intact. Also, because the tabs are pulled apart parallel to the plane of the seal, the force acting to separate the seal is minimal. Typically, the break occurs between the tabs, which is around the centre of the crack-propagation line 30 and propagates outwardly along the trunk and each branch of the crack-propagation line 30. When the break reaches the ends of the crack-propagation line 30, the sides of the packaging tend to fold outwardly as the two tabs are moved further apart. Suitably, either the consumers remaining fingers that automatically come together under the packaging, or, as the sides of the packaging fold, pressure from the packaging cause the packaged confectionery to move through the opening relative to the packaging. Suitably, the crack-propagation line 30 extends from the tip of the egg-shape and past a waist of the egg-shape. For instance, in the exemplary embodiments, the crack-propagation line 30 extends over half or over two thirds of the distance from one side of the packaging to the other.

(23) In the exemplary embodiments, a crack-initiation means may be provided. For instance, referring to FIG. 5, an optional crack-initiation means 38 is shown in dotted line. The crack-initiation means 38 may be any suitable form, but is shown in FIG. 5 as being a notch. The notch is substantially wedge shaped with the convergent edges directed to or terminating at the crack-propagation line.

(24) The exemplary embodiments provide an improved confectionery packaging. However, the exemplary embodiments are not restricted to confectionery packaging and may prove suitable for other edible food products such as meats or cheeses or the like. Also, for the sake of clarity, although the exemplary embodiments have been described in relation to an egg-shaped packaging, other shapes are envisaged. For instance, square, rectangular, circular, triangular or any other geometric shape may be employed to suit the given requirements. Also, the sides may be substantially straight rather than curved or contoured.

(25) The exemplary embodiments provide shaped packaging formed from two or more sealed shells that can be opened in an easy and fun method. For instance, because the packaging is arranged to open by breaking the shells along the crack-propagation line whilst leaving the seal substantially unaffected, the material may be selected to emit an audible crack when the material breaks. Also, because the crack-propagation line may extend away from the seal, the packaging is arranged to open in an easy and convenient manner.

(26) Although preferred embodiment(s) of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.