Tube multi-pack

Abstract

This invention relates to a generally tube shaped multi-pack that includes multiple containers positioned within two layers of welded plastic sheet having an integral handle, resulting in a package of two or more containers and a flexible plastic handle extending therefrom.

1 . A multi-pack of containers comprising:
 a flexible plastic sheet formed in a tube having a first opening and an opposite second opening;   an integrated handle formed along one longitudinal edge of the flexible plastic sheet;   a pair of welds, an upper weld of the pair of welds positioned along the one longitudinal edge and a lower weld of the pair of welds positioned opposite the upper weld along a lower edge of the tube;   a plurality of containers inserted within the tube; and   a seal formed across each of the first opening and the second opening.   
   
   
       2 . The multi-pack of  claim 1  further comprising:
 an end tab extending outwardly from the first opening or the second opening to form sealable portions at each end of the tube.   
   
   
       3 . The multi-pack of  claim 1  wherein the handle is formed within the flexible plastic sheet and extends entirely across a length of the tube. 
   
   
       4 . The multi-pack of  claim 1  where in the flexible plastic sheet is formed of a low density polyethylene polymer. 
   
   
       5 . The multi-pack of  claim 1  wherein a perimeter of the tube is generally rectangular to accommodate a plurality of generally rectangular containers. 
   
   
       6 . The multi-pack of  claim 1  wherein the upper weld and the lower weld join two or more layers of the flexible sheet. 
   
   
       7 . The multi-pack of  claim 1  wherein the pair of welds each comprise a lamination joining two layers of the flexible sheet. 
   
   
       8 . The multi-pack of  claim 1  wherein the containers are stacked in pairs across a length of the tube. 
   
   
       9 . A multi-pack for carrying containers comprising:
 a flexible plastic sheet formed in a tube having a first opening and an opposite second opening;   an integrated handle formed along one longitudinal edge of the flexible plastic sheet;   a pair of welds, one weld positioned along the one longitudinal edge and another weld positioned along a lower edge of the tube; and   an end tab extending outwardly from each of the first opening and the second opening to form sealable portions at each end of the tube.   
   
   
       10 . The multi-pack of  claim 9  further comprising:
 a pair of end tabs extending outwardly from each of the first opening or the second opening.   
   
   
       11 . The multi-pack of  claim 9  wherein the integrated handle is formed within the flexible plastic sheet and extends entirely across a length of the tube. 
   
   
       12 . The multi-pack of  claim 9  wherein the pair of welds join two or more layers of the flexible sheet. 
   
   
       13 . The multi-pack of  claim 12  wherein the pair of welds each comprise a lamination joining the two or more layers of the flexible sheet. 
   
   
       14 . The multi-pack of  claim 9  further comprising:
 a line of weakness formed along the plastic sheet.   
   
   
       15 . A method of forming a multi-pack of containers comprising the steps of:
 providing two layers of a flexible plastic sheet;   welding the two layers of flexible plastic sheet along a top and a bottom;   forming a flexible plastic sheet into a tube having a first opening and an opposite second opening;   integrating a handle along one longitudinal edge of the flexible plastic sheet;   inserting a plurality of containers within the tube; and   forming seals across each of the first opening and the second opening.   
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising the step of:
 inserting multiple stacks of containers within the tube.   
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising the step of:
 punching the two layers of flexible plastic sheet to form the handle.   
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising the step of:
 forming a line of weakness into the flexible plastic sheet.