Cling wrap

Abstract

Methods of enhancing one or more physical properties of a thermoplastic film include incrementally stretching thermoplastic films in the machine direction and/or transverse direction. In one or more implementations, methods of incrementally stretching thermoplastic films include reducing the gauge of the films while maintaining or increasing a ratio of the machine direction to transverse direction resistance to tear. The methods can involve cold stretching the films and imparting rib patterns into the film. The linear ribs can have alternating thick and thin gauges.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A cling wrap film, comprising:
 a thermoplastic material comprising low density polyethylene and polyisobutylene;   a plurality of three-dimensional geometric deformations impressed into the cling wrap film that displace portions of the cling wrap film from a planar configuration, the three-dimensional geometric deformations reducing a tendency of the cling wrap film to stick to itself;   wherein the cling wrap film, when in a relaxed state, has a first height; and   wherein the cling wrap film, when in an activated state with the three-dimensional geometric deformations depressed, has a second height that is at least a degree of magnitude less than the first height.   
     
     
         2 . The cling wrap film as recited in  claim 1 , wherein an upper side and a lower side of the cling wrap film are both tacky so as to be able to seal to an object. 
     
     
         3 . The cling wrap film as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the cling wrap film is a mono-layer film. 
     
     
         4 . The cling wrap film as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the cling wrap film has a uniform gauge. 
     
     
         5 . The cling wrap film as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the gauge is between 0.3 mils and 0.6 mils. 
     
     
         6 . The cling wrap film as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the three-dimensional geometric deformations are arranged in a diamond pattern. 
     
     
         7 . The cling wrap film as recited in  claim 1 , wherein each of the three-dimensional geometric deformations extend in a machine direction. 
     
     
         8 . The cling wrap film as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the three-dimensional geometric deformations have a V-shape. 
     
     
         9 . The cling wrap film as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the thermoplastic material further comprises linear low density polyethylene. 
     
     
         10 . The cling wrap film as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the cling wrap film satisfies Food and Drug Administration direct food contact regulations. 
     
     
         11 . A cling wrap film, comprising:
 a thermoplastic material comprising low density polyethylene and polyisobutylene;   a plurality of ribs impressed into the cling wrap film;   wherein the cling wrap film, when in a relaxed state, has a first height and a first cling level; and   wherein the cling wrap film, when in an activated state with the ribs depressed, has a second height that less than the first height and a second cling level greater than the first cling level.   
     
     
         12 . The cling wrap film as recited in  claim 11 , wherein an upper side and a lower side of the cling wrap film are both tacky so as to be able to seal to an object. 
     
     
         13 . The cling wrap film as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the first height is between 0.0008 inches and 0.10 inches. 
     
     
         14 . The cling wrap film as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the cling wrap film has a uniform gauge between 0.3 mils and 0.6 mils. 
     
     
         15 . The cling wrap film as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the ribs are arranged in a diamond pattern. 
     
     
         16 . The cling wrap film as recited in  claim 11 , wherein each of the ribs extend in a machine direction. 
     
     
         17 . The cling wrap film as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the ribs have a V-shape. 
     
     
         18 . The cling wrap film as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the thermoplastic material further comprises linear low density polyethylene and a release agent. 
     
     
         19 . The cling wrap film as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the cling wrap film satisfies Food and Drug Administration direct food contact regulations. 
     
     
         20 . The cling wrap film as recited in  claim 11 , wherein the thermoplastic material is a cast material.