US2007215504A1PendingUtilityA1

Shrink-wrap packaging incorporating reinforced integral handle

49
Individually held — no corporate assignee on recordPriority: Mar 17, 2006Filed: Mar 17, 2006Published: Sep 20, 2007
Est. expiryMar 17, 2026(expired)· nominal 20-yr term from priority
Inventors:Terry D. Walker
B65D 2571/00493B65D 2571/0045Y02W90/10B65D 2571/00814B65D 2571/00679B65D 71/10B65D 2571/00456
49
PatentIndex Score
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Claims

Abstract

Shrink-wrap packaging is provided with at least one reinforced integral handle. Each handle is formed by an opening formed in the shrink-wrap material, and a reinforced area that surrounds the opening. Preferably two handles are located at opposite ends or sides of the package. The reinforced areas include an additional layer of the shrink-wrap film, or may include other material such as other types of thermoplastics, paper/fiber composites, or combinations thereof. Shading may be applied to the reinforced areas in order that a consumer can more easily recognize the openings in the shrink-wrap as designated handles.

Claims

exact text as granted — not AI-modified
1 . A package comprising: 
 a film layer surrounding a plurality of containers therein, said film being heat treated to shrink said film around said containers;    at least one handle having an opening formed in said film layer, said handle further including a reinforced area formed by a second layer of material substantially surrounding said opening.    
     
     
         2 . The package, as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said at least one handle comprises two handles, said handles being formed at opposing sides of said beverage package.    
     
     
         3 . The package, as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said reinforced area has a shading that is different from a shading of said film layer surrounding the containers.    
     
     
         4 . A package, as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said opening is substantially round shaped.    
     
     
         5 . A package, as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said reinforced area has a substantially uniform width and is substantially ring shaped.    
     
     
         6 . A package, as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said reinforced area is formed by folding an edge of said film layer and securing the folded edge to said film layer.    
     
     
         7 . A package, as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said reinforced area is formed by applying said second layer of material on an edge of said film layer.    
     
     
         8 . A package, as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein: 
 said second layer of material comprises a film material.    
     
     
         9 . A package, as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein: 
 said second layer of material is a separate piece of material.    
     
     
         10 . A package, as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein: 
 said second layer of material is a different material than said film layer.    
     
     
         11 . A package, as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said film layer comprises polyethylene film.    
     
     
         12 . A package, as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein: 
 said shading is formed by printing a shading on said reinforced area.    
     
     
         13 . A package comprising: 
 a film layer surrounding a plurality of containers therein, said film being heat treated to shrink said film around said containers;    at least one means for gripping said package having an opening formed in said film layer, said means for gripping including a reinforced area formed by a second layer of material substantially surrounding said opening.    
     
     
         14 . The package, as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein: 
 said at least one means for gripping said package comprises two means for gripping said package that are formed at opposing sides of said beverage package.    
     
     
         15 . The package, as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein: 
 said reinforced area has a shading that is different from a shading of said film layer surrounding the containers.    
     
     
         16 . A package, as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein: 
 said opening is substantially round shaped.    
     
     
         17 . A package, as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein: 
 said reinforced area has a substantially uniform width and is substantially ring shaped.    
     
     
         18 . A package, as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein: 
 said reinforced area is formed by folding an edge of said film layer and securing the folded edge to said film layer.    
     
     
         19 . A package, as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein: 
 said reinforced area is formed by applying said second layer of material on an edge of said film layer.    
     
     
         20 . A package, as claimed in  claim 19 , wherein: 
 said second layer of material comprises a film material.    
     
     
         21 . A package, as claimed in  claim 19 , wherein: 
 said second layer of material is a different material than said film layer.    
     
     
         22 . A package, as claimed in  claim 13 , wherein: 
 said film layer comprises polyethylene film.    
     
     
         23 . A package, as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein: 
 said shading is formed by printing on said reinforced area.    
     
     
         24 . A method of packaging a plurality of containers, said method comprising the step of: 
 providing a layer of film material;    creating a reinforced area on at least one lateral edge of said film material;    wrapping said containers with said film material; and    applying heat to said film material to shrink said film material around said containers, wherein a handle is formed by said reinforced area, said reinforced area having a continuous arcuate shape and having an opening.    
     
     
         25 . A method, as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein: 
 said creating step includes folding said at least one edge of said film material and securing the folded edge to said film material resulting in a double layer of said film material extending along said lateral edge.    
     
     
         26 . A method, as claimed in  claim 24 , further including the step of: 
 applying a shading to said film material.    
     
     
         27 . A method, as claimed in  claim 26 , wherein: 
 said shading is applied at the location of the reinforced area.    
     
     
         28 . A method, as claimed in  claim 26 , wherein: 
 said shading is applied adjacent the reinforced area.    
     
     
         29 . A method, as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein: 
 said creating step includes applying a second layer of material on said at least one lateral edge of said film material.    
     
     
         30 . A method, as claimed in  claim 25 , wherein: 
 said double layer of said film material is secured by adhesive.    
     
     
         31 . A method, as claimed in  claim 25 , wherein: 
 said double layer of said film material is secured by applying heat to said double layer.    
     
     
         32 . A package comprising: 
 a film layer surrounding a plurality of containers therein, said film being heat treated to shrink said film around said container;    a reinforced area formed on said film layer, said reinforced area including an additional layer of said film layer, said reinforced area substantially surrounding an opening in said film layer; and    a shading applied to said reinforced area to distinguish said reinforced area from said film layer.    
     
     
         33 . A package, as claimed in  claim 32 , wherein: 
 said opening is substantially round shaped.    
     
     
         34 . A package, as claimed in  claim 32 , wherein: 
 said reinforced area has a substantially uniform width and is substantially ring shaped.    
     
     
         35 . A package, as claimed in  claim 32 , wherein: 
 said reinforced area is formed by folding an edge of said film layer and securing the folded edge to said film layer.    
     
     
         36 . A package, as claimed in  claim 32 , wherein: 
 said reinforced area is formed by applying a second layer of said film on an edge of said film layer.    
     
     
         37 . A package, as claimed in  claim 32 , wherein: 
 said film layer comprises polyethylene film.    
     
     
         38 . A package, as claimed in  claim 32 , wherein: 
 said shading is formed by printing on said reinforced area.

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