U.S. patent application number 10/280759 was filed with the patent office on 2003-05-01 for flexible wrap kit and methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Jackson, Beverly Julian, Keeter, William Ernest III, Rahl, Stephen Richard, Toussant, John William, Wahl, Kent Robert.
Application Number | 20030080005 10/280759 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23345445 |
Filed Date | 2003-05-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030080005 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Toussant, John William ; et
al. |
May 1, 2003 |
Flexible wrap kit and methods
Abstract
Flexible wrap kits comprise a flexible film and an adhesive
component wherein the adhesive component is adapted for application
to the flexible film or an article for adhering the flexible film
and the article upon contact therebetween, and wherein the kits are
suitable for use in methods for adhering an article with the
flexible film. In specific embodiments, the flexible film comprises
plastic films, wax papers or metallic foil wraps.
Inventors: |
Toussant, John William;
(West Chester, OH) ; Rahl, Stephen Richard; (West
Chester, OH) ; Wahl, Kent Robert; (Cincinnati,
OH) ; Jackson, Beverly Julian; (Hamilton, OH)
; Keeter, William Ernest III; (Mason, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIVISION
WINTON HILL TECHNICAL CENTER - BOX 161
6110 CENTER HILL AVENUE
CINCINNATI
OH
45224
US
|
Assignee: |
The Procter & Gamble
Company
Cincinnati
OH
|
Family ID: |
23345445 |
Appl. No.: |
10/280759 |
Filed: |
October 25, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60343282 |
Oct 26, 2001 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/225 ;
156/212; 206/232; 206/568 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 85/672 20130101;
Y10T 156/1028 20150115; B65H 37/04 20130101; B65H 35/004
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/225 ;
156/212; 206/568; 206/232 |
International
Class: |
B65D 071/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A plastic wrap kit comprising: (a) a flexible plastic film; and
(b) an adhesive component; wherein the adhesive component is
adapted for application to the flexible plastic film or an article
for adhering the flexible plastic film and the article upon contact
therebetween.
2. A plastic wrap kit according to claim 1 wherein the flexible
plastic film has a thickness in the range of from about 0.1 mil to
about 10 mil.
3. A plastic wrap kit according to claim 1 wherein the adhesive
component comprises a first adhesive and a second adhesive.
4. A plastic wrap kit according to claim 3 wherein the first
adhesive is adapted for adhering under a hot condition and the
second adhesive is adapted for adhering under a cold condition.
5. A plastic wrap kit according to claim 3 wherein the first
adhesive is adapted for adhering under a moist condition and the
second adhesive is adapted for adhering under a dry condition.
6. A plastic wrap kit according to claim 3 wherein the first
adhesive and the second adhesive are provided in a single
composition.
7. A plastic wrap kit according to claim 3 wherein the first
adhesive and the second adhesive are packaged apart from one
another.
8. A plastic wrap kit according to claim 1 wherein at least one of
the flexible plastic film and the adhesive component comprises a
colorant adapted to provide a visible color expression upon
adhering the flexible plastic film to an article.
9. A plastic wrap kit according to claim 1 wherein the flexible
plastic film and the adhesive component each individually comprise
a color component which together are adapted to provide a color
expression upon adhering the flexible plastic film to an
article.
10. A plastic wrap kit according to claim 1 wherein the adhesive
component further comprises an application guiding device.
11. A plastic wrap kit according to claim 1 wherein the adhesive
component is in the form of a plurality of single use portions.
12. A plastic wrap kit according to claim 1 wherein the adhesive
component is dispensable from a device selected from the group
consisting of sticks, tubes, spray devices, bottles, pens, brushes,
sponges and combinations thereof.
13. A plastic wrap kit according to claim 1 wherein the kit is a
food storage wrap product and wherein the adhesive component is a
food safe adhesive component.
14. A plastic wrap kit according to claim 13 wherein the flexible
plastic film is arranged on a roll and wherein the food safe
adhesive component is provided in stick form.
15. A plastic wrap kit according to claim 1 further comprising
instructions for use of the kit, wherein the instructions comprise
an illustrated nonverbal cue.
16. A kit comprising: (a) an adhesive component; and (b)
instructions for applying the adhesive component to a flexible
plastic film or an article for adhering the flexible plastic film
and the article upon contact therebetween.
17. A plastic wrap kit comprising: (a) a flexible plastic film; and
(b) instructions for applying an adhesive component to the flexible
plastic film or an article for adhering the flexible plastic film
and the article upon contact therebetween.
18. A plastic wrap kit according to claim 17 wherein the kit
further comprises a container housing the flexible plastic
film.
19. A plastic wrap kit according to claim 18 wherein the kit
further comprises an adhesive component and wherein the flexible
plastic film is arranged on a roll and the adhesive component is
located on a surface of the container.
20. A method for adhering an article with the plastic wrap kit of
claim 1, comprising the steps of: (a) coating an area of at least
one of the article and the flexible plastic film with the adhesive
component; and (b) contacting the article with the flexible plastic
film at the coated area to form an adherence between the flexible
plastic film and the article.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/343,282, filed Oct. 26, 2001.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed to flexible wrap kits and
methods for adhering an article with the same. More specifically,
the present invention relates to flexible wrap kits comprising a
flexible film and an adhesive component.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Over a number of years, flexible plastic film wrappings have
become increasingly popular with many consumers, particularly for
preserving and storing food-related products. A substantial part of
this popularity can be attributed to the desirable properties
associated with the wrappings. More particularly, most flexible
plastic film wrappings allow consumers to preserve or store
products for extended periods of time while exhibiting low levels
of water vapor transmission, high levels of oxygen permeability,
and resistance to chemical and mechanical deterioration and
temperature fluctuation. However, despite the above advantages,
formulating flexible plastic film wrappings having superior
adherence, clinging and/or sealing properties has been
difficult.
[0004] Accordingly, there is a desire for providing an improved
adherence and/or seal between flexible plastic film wrappings and
storage articles. Additionally, it is desirable for these
improvements to be applicable to the safe storage of food.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to
plastic wrap kits comprising: (a) a flexible plastic film; and (b)
an adhesive component; wherein the adhesive component is adapted
for application to the flexible plastic film or an article for
adhering the flexible plastic film and the article upon contact
therebetween.
[0006] In a further embodiment, the invention is directed to kits
comprising: (a) an adhesive component; and (b) instructions for
applying the adhesive component to a flexible plastic film or an
article for adhering the flexible plastic film and the article upon
contact therebetween.
[0007] In another embodiment, the invention is directed to plastic
wrap kits comprising (a) a flexible plastic film; and (b)
instructions for applying an adhesive component to the flexible
plastic film or an article for adhering the flexible plastic film
and an article upon contact therebetween.
[0008] In still further embodiments, the invention is directed to
methods for adhering an article with the plastic wrap kits
described herein, the methods comprising coating an area of at
least one of the article and the flexible plastic film with an
adhesive component; and contacting the article with the flexible
plastic film at the coated area to form an adherence between the
flexible plastic film and the article.
[0009] Accordingly, the present invention provides novel plastic
wrap kits and methods for adhering an article with such plastic
wrap kits which overcome one or more disadvantages of the prior
art.
[0010] These and additional objects, advantages and novel features
of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in
the art from the following detailed description, which is simply,
by way of illustration, various modes contemplated for carrying out
the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of
other different obvious aspects all without departing from the
invention. Accordingly, the drawings and specification are
illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] While the specification concludes with claims particularly
pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, it is
believed that the same will be further understood from the
following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic view of a first embodiment of a
packaged kit according to the invention and comprising a roll of
flexible plastic film and an adhesive component stored within the
core of the roll;
[0013] FIG. 2 depicts a schematic view of the roll and the adhesive
component stored therein, as shown in FIG. 1, removed from the
package shown in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 depicts a schematic view of an adhesive component
provided in stick form according to the invention and provided with
a first embodiment of an application guiding device in the form of
a v-notch guide;
[0015] FIG. 4a depicts a schematic view of a tube of an adhesive
component according to the invention and provided with a second
embodiment of an application guiding device in the form of an edge
guide;
[0016] FIG. 4b depicts a schematic view of a tube of an adhesive
component according to the invention and provided with a third
embodiment of an application guiding device in the form of a
flexible tip grip guide;
[0017] FIG. 5a depicts a schematic view of a stack of individually
packaged adhesive wipes according to the invention;
[0018] FIG. 5b depicts a schematic view of a packaged adhesive wipe
removed from a stack as shown in FIG. 5a; and
[0019] FIG. 6 depicts a schematic view of a packaged press-on
adhesive according to the invention and comprising a peelable
backing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The present invention is directed to plastic wrap kits and
methods of using such kits. More particularly, the plastic wrap
kits comprise a flexible plastic film, an adhesive component and
optionally instructions for use of the kit. In one embodiment, the
kits are used for the storage of food products.
[0021] As used herein, "comprising" means that other steps and
ingredients can be added. This term encompasses the terms
"consisting of" and "consisting essentially of". The phrase
"consisting essentially of" means that the kits may include
additional ingredients, but only if the additional ingredients do
not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the
claimed kits or methods.
[0022] As used herein, "kit" refers generally to a set of articles
or implements which may be used in conjunction with one another to
achieve a specific purpose. The kits according to the present
invention are directed specifically to plastic wrap kits. In one
embodiment, the plastic wrap kits comprise the combination of one
or more of a variety of conventional plastic wrap products and one
or more of a variety of adhesives wherein an improved adherence is
desired between the flexible plastic film and an article to be
adhered by such films. As will be described in further detail
below, in one embodiment, the plastic wrap kits of the invention
comprise a flexible plastic film and an adhesive component wherein
the adhesive component is adapted for application to the flexible
plastic film or an article for adhering the flexible plastic film
and the article upon contact therebetween. In an alternate
embodiment, the plastic wrap kits of the invention comprise a
flexible plastic film arranged on a roll; a food safe adhesive
component provided in stick form; and instructions for use of the
kit. These embodiments are described in further detail below.
[0023] Flexible Plastic Film
[0024] The plastic wrap kits of the present invention comprise a
flexible plastic film. As used herein, "flexible plastic film"
refers generally to a bendable, wrappable plastic sheet of material
which is comparatively thin in relation to its breadth and width
and is used primarily for packaging, preserving and/or storing
articles in solid, semi-solid and/or liquid form.
[0025] Various materials and compositions, particularly polymeric
compounds, are useful for the manufacture of the flexible plastic
films according to the present invention. As used herein, "polymer"
refers generally to naturally occurring or synthetic based
compounds consisting of large molecules made up of a linked series
of repeated simple monomers. Furthermore, it should be understood
that "polymer" is intended to encompass any homopolymers and/or
copolymers of the indicated monomers or compositions, and/or blends
of such polymers. Specific polymers capable of forming the flexible
plastic films include, but are not limited to, polymers selected
from the group consisting of polyethylenes (PE), polypropylenes
(PP), polystyrenes (PS), polyvinyl chlorides (PVC), polyvinylidene
chlorides (PVDC), polyvinyl acetates (PVAC), polyamides, including
nylons, polyesters and mixtures thereof. In a specific embodiment,
the plastic wrap is formed, at least in part, of a vinylidene
chloride-vinyl chloride copolymer.
[0026] The flexible plastic films according to the present
invention may further comprise one or more additional components to
enhance the characteristics of the product. For instance, in a
specific embodiment the flexible plastic film further comprises an
additional component selected from the group consisting of
aliphatic hydrocarbons, olefinic hydrocarbons, plasticizers,
antioxidants, mold release agents, processing aids, ultraviolet
light stabilizers, additives, colorants, heat stabilizers, gel
scrubbing agents, organic fillers, inorganic fillers and mixtures
thereof.
[0027] Additionally, the flexible plastic films of the present
invention may comprise a cling additive. There are numerous cling
additives well known in the art to provide the cling characteristic
of polymeric films. Some of these cling additives include, but are
not limited to, glycerol, mono- or di-oleate, glycerol isostearate,
polyisobutylene, polyethylene oil, low molecular weight
polyethylene, low molecular weight ethylene vinyl acetate,
polypropylene glycol, fatty esters and vegetable oils.
[0028] The flexible plastic films will typically have an average
thickness of from about 0.1 mil to about 10 mil, although one
skilled in the art will appreciate that flexible plastic films
having a thickness outside of this range may also be suitable for
providing the desired plastic wrap kits. In a more specific
embodiment, the flexible plastic films have a thickness of from
about 0.2 mil to about 3 mil, preferably from about 0.2 mil to
about 2 mil, more preferably from about 0.3 mil to about 2 mil.
[0029] One skilled in the art will appreciate that the flexible
plastic wraps of the present invention may comprise a monolayer,
or, alternatively, may comprise multiple layers. Thus, for example,
a first flexible plastic film layer comprising one or more polymers
may be used together with a second flexible plastic film containing
one or more polymers. Furthermore, these films can be prepared by
any conventional process, and their properties designed to
accommodate any particular end use. Typically, the plastic films
are provided in roll form on a cardboard tube. However, the plastic
wraps may easily be provided in any of a variety of other forms,
including precut sheet form or the like. Additionally, it should be
understood that the flexible plastic films as described are
exemplary only and those skilled in the art will recognize other
films and materials are suitable for manufacturing the kits of the
present invention. For instance, one skilled in the art will
appreciate that similar food wrap materials including, but not
limited to, wax papers, metallic foil wraps (such as aluminum foil)
and other food wrap materials may be formulated according to the
present invention without departing from the spirit of the
invention.
[0030] Adhesive Component
[0031] The plastic wrap kits of the present invention also comprise
an adhesive component in addition to the flexible plastic film. As
used herein, "adhesive component" refers generally to a sticky,
tenacious substance that unites, bonds or adheres two surfaces
together. It should be understood that the adhesive components of
the present invention may comprise natural or synthetic adhesives
and may be prepackaged either together or independently from the
flexible plastic film.
[0032] Adhesive components suitable for use in the present
invention include, but are not limited to animal glue, casein glue,
blood albumen glue, starch, dextrin, natural gum or a mixture
thereof. Other useful adhesive components include, but are not
limited to contact cement, structural adhesive, hot-melt adhesive,
pressure-sensitive adhesive, ultraviolet-cured adhesive, permanent
adhesive, temporary adhesive, semi-permanent adhesive,
solvent-based adhesive, water-based adhesive, waterborne adhesive,
electronic beam (e-beam) adhesive, two-part adhesive, two-part
reactive adhesive, peelable adhesive, refastenable adhesive,
resealable adhesive or mixtures thereof. Furthermore, in specific
embodiments, the adhesive components may be provided in the form of
a food safe adhesive component, particularly wherein the kit is a
food storage wrap product.
[0033] The adhesive components of the present invention are
intended to be compatible with both the flexible plastic film as
well as the article desired to be adhered by the film. Accordingly,
the adhesive components are not intended to be limited to any given
adhering situation. For instance, one skilled in the art will
appreciate that the present adhesive components may create either a
temporary, permanent or semi-permanent adherence and that they may
adhere to a variety of materials. Some of the materials appropriate
for adherence according to the present invention include, but are
not limited to, glass, wood, plastic, metal, ceramic, paper and any
other materials commonly used around the kitchen and/or home.
Furthermore, the adhesive components are intended to be applicable
to a variety of environmental conditions and/or temperatures. For
instance, the adhesive components are not limited to any given wet,
dry, hot or cold application. Similarly, two or more adhesive
components may also be applied together to accommodate varying
conditions.
[0034] In one specific embodiment, an adhesive component comprises
a flexible plastic film, a first adhesive and a second adhesive.
According to a further embodiment, the first adhesive is adapted
for adhering under a first specific condition, and the second
adhesive is adapted for adhering under a second specific condition.
In one exemplary embodiment, for instance, the first adhesive is
adapted for adhering under a hot condition and the second adhesive
is adapted for adhering under a cold condition. In another
exemplary embodiment, the first adhesive is adapted for adhering
under a moist condition and the second adhesive is adapted for
adhering under a dry condition. In yet another exemplary
embodiment, the first adhesive is aqueous based and adapted for
adhering under conditions wherein an aqueous based adhesive is
effective, while the second adhesive is oil based and adapted for
adhering under conditions wherein an oil-based adhesive is
effective. According to the present embodiments, the first adhesive
and the second adhesive may be provided in a single composition,
for example to form a heterogeneous mixture. As used herein,
"single composition" is intended to encompass any combination of
necessary parts or elements which together provide a whole
substance and which may exist in a form such as, but not limited
to, a mixture, a layering of components, an intermixing of
ingredients and the like. Alternatively, the first adhesive and the
second adhesive may be packaged apart from one another.
Additionally, it is envisioned that color coding of the first
adhesive and the second adhesive may be desired when more than one
adhesive component is utilized according to the present invention.
For instance, it may be desirable to individually assign the first
and second adhesive component, and/or their respective packages, a
specific color designation which the user can identify prior to
using such component. According to this embodiment, the user will
be able to easily identify which given adhesive is appropriate for
the specific adhering activity by matching the color of the
component and/or package with a predetermined color coding
instruction guide or other similar identification device.
[0035] In one embodiment, the adhesive component is adapted to
provide the flexible plastic film with a semi-permanent adherence
and/or bond to a surface. In this embodiment, the adhesive
component is adapted to adhere the flexible plastic film to, for
example, a glass surface such as the rim of a glass bowl, with a
bond sufficiently strong to resist unsealing of the flexible
plastic film and to prevent the contents of the bowl from breaking
the adherence if the bowl is tipped or overturned, yet sufficiently
weak to allow removal of the flexible plastic film from the surface
by firm pulling by the consumer when so desired. More particularly,
the flexible plastic films of the present invention are designed to
exhibit an adhesion property sufficient to survive the likely
degree of handling the adhered article or enclosed container is
likely to encounter in use while maintaining the desired level of
adherence with the item, with itself, or with the accompanying
semi-permanently enclosed container such that preservation or
storage of the targeted item is ensured.
[0036] One way to measure or quantify this adhesion property is in
terms of an adhesion peel force value which is preferably measured
by Pressure Sensitive Tape Council Method PSTC-1. According to this
method, a 12-inch (30.5 cm) by 1-inch (2.5 cm) strip of film is
rolled once against a smooth stainless steel surface at a rate of
12 inches (30.5 cm) per minute using a 4.5 pound (2.04 kg) roller
and then tested as having a peak adhesion peel force value ranging
from about 1 to about 50 ounces/inch (0.012 to 0.600 kg/cm), more
preferably from about 1 to about 2.5 ounces/inch (0.012 to 0.027
kg/cm) of strip width. In general, minimum adhesion which maintains
an adherence is desired for a flexible plastic wrap, so that the
wrap is easily peeled open for access to the stored item(s).
[0037] In one embodiment, at least one of the flexible plastic film
and the adhesive component comprises a colorant adapted to provide
a visible color expression upon adhering the flexible plastic film
to an article. As used herein, "colorant" generally refers to a
substance that colors or modifies the hue of another substance.
According to this embodiment, a color expression is provided by the
adhesive component once the flexible plastic film is adhered to an
article thereby confirming to the user whether a sufficient
adherence has been established. Moreover, in further embodiments,
the flexible plastic film and the adhesive component may each
individually comprise a color component which together are adapted
to provide a color expression upon adhering the flexible plastic
wrap to an article.
[0038] In another embodiment, the adhesive component comprises an
encapsulated pigment adapted to provide a visible color expression
upon application of pressure to the adhesive component. As used
herein, "encapsulated pigment" generally refers to an encased or
enclosed substance of color. More particularly, it is envisioned
that upon applying pressure to the adhesive component, the casing
or enclosure is ruptured or otherwise altered and a visible color
expression will be provided thereby confirming the sufficiency of
the adherence between the article and the flexible plastic film.
After such application, the user can visually identify which
portions, if any, of the resultant adherence are lacking sufficient
bondage by comparing the areas exemplifying a positive color
expression to the areas lacking such a color expression. As used
herein, "application of pressure" refers generally to the exertion
of force to the desired material.
[0039] Depending on the desired use, the adhesive components of the
present invention may be dispensed from a variety of devices. These
devices include, but are not limited to, sticks, tubes, spray
devices, bottles, pens, brushes, sponges and combinations
thereof.
[0040] In another embodiment, the plastic wrap kits further
comprise instructions for use of the kit, for example, for
achieving an adherence between the flexible plastic film and an
article. The instructions may comprise written instructions and/or
one or more illustrated nonverbal cues. As used herein, "nonverbal
cue" generally refers to a communication signal without the use of
vocabulary. Furthermore, it should be understood that the
instructions are not limited to uses associated with adhering the
flexible plastic film and the article. Alternatively, the
instructions may provide optional uses for the plastic film and/or
the adhesive component in other embodiments. It should be
understood that use of the plastic wrap kits disclosed herein are
not limited to any one application. For instance, an adhesive
component may be applied to only a portion of an article desired to
be covered. Alternatively, a complete application of adhesive may
be necessary. In still other embodiments, the application of an
adhesive component may be unnecessary altogether. As a result, it
should be understood that the plastic wrap kits according to the
present invention are intended to be flexible in their nature of
application, wherein the individual user will decide the exact
method of application necessary for each given situation.
[0041] In one specific embodiment, the plastic wrap kit comprises
(a) a flexible plastic film arranged on a roll; (b) a food safe
adhesive component provided in stick form; and (c) instructions for
use of the kit. This embodiment provides for consumer convenience.
In those embodiments wherein the adhesive component and the
flexible plastic film are prepackaged together, the packaging can
be of any conventional arrangement. For instance, the adhesive
component could be independently placed within the container
housing the flexible plastic film. Similarly, the adhesive
component could be located within the core of a roll type product
or placed within any other void space surrounding or within the
roll. For instance, the flexible plastic film and adhesive
component can be packaged together in a kit such as depicted by
FIGS. 1 and 2. In accordance with these embodiments, a container 10
made of any suitable packaging material, for example cardboard,
includes a roll 15 wrapped with a flexible plastic film 40 (not
shown in FIG. 1). A core 35 of the roll 15 is adapted to house a
stick 20 of an adhesive component. The stick 20 is arranged within
the core 35 by a holding piece 25. The container 10 may optionally
be provided with instructions 30 to explain the use of the
components. Furthermore, as depicted in FIG. 2, the adhesive
component stick 20, together with the holding piece 25, may be
easily inserted into and removed from the core 35 of the roll
15.
[0042] One skilled in the art, however, will appreciate that other
arrangements of the plastic wrap kit in accordance with the present
invention may be formulated, as FIGS. 1 and 2 are not intended to
be limiting thereof. For instance, the adhesive component may be
attached to the outside of a container housing the flexible plastic
film or, alternatively, independently packaged altogether.
Additionally, the individual components of the plastic wrap kits
according to the present invention may also exist in a variety of
product forms. For instance, in one exemplary embodiment, the
adhesive component is in the form of a ribbon or chain-like
structure which may be stored or located within the core of the
plastic wrap roll. The ribbon or chain may, for example, comprise a
plurality of individually packaged adhesive portions. In yet
another embodiment, a heterogeneous adhesive bar, or an adhesive
bar comprising one or more adhesive strips, is located within the
plastic wrap kit in a position such that removal of the flexible
plastic film causes the film to be coated with the adhesive
component. In further embodiments, a reservoir of an adhesive
component, or a mixture of one or more adhesive components, is
provided and may, for example, be located within the lid of the kit
such that the adhesive component is sprayed upon the desired
surface of the flexible plastic film upon dispensing. As a result,
the physical arrangement, as well as the product form of the
components, namely the flexible plastic film, adhesive component
and optionally instructions, according to the invention, can exist
in any arrangement within the kit.
[0043] In still other embodiments, the food wrap kit comprises a
flexible food wrap material arranged on a roll, a container housing
the flexible food wrap material, and an adhesive component located
on a surface of the container. For instance, in one specific
embodiment, the adhesive component may be located under a removable
opening tab located on the surface of the container. Upon a user
removing the opening tab during the initial opening of the
container, the adhesive component will be exposed and thereby
available for application onto flexible food wrap materials.
According to this embodiment, the user may drape the flexible food
wrap material over the adhesive component and subsequently apply
pressure (such as with the user's finger) to the wrap material such
that the material comes into contact with the adhesive component
and is coated with such adhesive.
[0044] In similar embodiments, it is envisioned that one or more
adhesive component may be positioned at various locations upon the
surface of the container such that during the dispensing of the
flexible food wrap material, the one or more adhesive component is
applied to predetermined and specifically targeted locations of the
wrap material. For instance, in one specific embodiment, at least
two adhesive components may be positioned parallel to each other
and at opposite ends of the container. Upon dispensing the flexible
food wrap material from the container, the adhesive components will
independently come into contact with the wrap material at the
corresponding locations positioned adjacent to such components so
that the surface of the wrap material is coated with adhesive.
Further according to this embodiment, the application of the one or
more adhesive component may be applied either uniformly or
intermittently to the wrap material during the coating stages, as
it should be understood that the physical arrangement of the
adhesives on the surface of the container is not intended to be
limiting herein. Accordingly, one skilled in the art will
appreciate that these arrangements are exemplary and other
arrangements may be formulated and utilized while still keeping
with the spirit of the present invention.
[0045] Moreover, the device for dispensing the adhesive component
may further comprise an application guiding device, such as
depicted by FIGS. 3, 4a and 4b, for allowing easy and/or controlled
application of adhesive to a surface. According to FIG. 3, for
instance, a dispensing device for an adhesive component provided in
stick form may comprise a notch application guiding device to
assist the user in placing the adhesive component on the article to
be adhered or on the flexible plastic film. More particularly, an
adhesive stick 50 comprises an adhesive component 45 together with
an application guiding device 55 in the form of a v-notch located
in a rim of the stick container. The v-notch application guiding
device 55 is adapted to provide easy application of the adhesive
component onto a desired surface of an article to be adhered or
onto the flexible plastic film. According to this embodiment, a
user can adjust the amount of adhesive component 45 to be applied
to the desired surface by turning a dispenser dial 60 and then
placing the v-notch shaped application guiding device 55 against
the surface of the desired article to be adhered or the flexible
plastic film and subsequently guiding the application guiding
device 55 along such.
[0046] Similarly, FIGS. 4a and 4b depict tubes 65a, 65b of an
adhesive component comprising differing types of application
guiding devices 70a, 70b attached to a dispensing tip 75a, 75b.
Upon applying pressure to the tube, the adhesive component will
exit a dispensing hole 80a, 80b in the dispensing tip such that the
application guiding device 70a, 70b can be placed against the
article to be adhered or the flexible plastic film for assisting
and guiding application of the adhesive component. In the
embodiment of FIG. 4a, application guiding device 70a comprises a
protrusion on the dispensing tip 75a, which protrusion will act as
a guide for contacting the tip along a surface to be coated. In the
embodiment of FIG. 4b, the application guiding device 70b comprises
a pair of flexible tips which form a grip adapted to grip an edge
to which the adhesive is to be applied. The application guiding
devices of FIGS. 3, 4a and 4b, respectively, may exist in various
forms, as the figures are not intended to be limiting thereof.
Suitable application guiding devices include, but are not limited
to, edge guides, v-notches, tracking devices, ball devices,
flexible tip gripping devices and other guiding devices adapted to
provide easy application of an adhesive component.
[0047] In another embodiment, the adhesive component is provided in
the form of a plurality of single use portions. Without being
limited by theory herein, it is envisioned that during some
adhesion applications it may be possible to contaminate the
adhesive component with bacteria and/or other similar pathogenic
material. For instance, during the adhering of meat-related
products, it is envisioned that the meat may come into contact with
the surface and/or rim of the container or article to be adhered
thereby contaminating the item's surface with bacteria. During the
application of the adhesive component to the now contaminated
surface and/or rim, the bacteria or similar pathogenic material may
transfer onto the adhesive component thereby placing subsequent
adhesion applications at risk of also becoming contaminated. As a
result, it may be desirable to use single use portions of the
adhesive component during these or similar applications. According
to this embodiment, the single use portions may comprise a
separated layer portion or an individually wrapped portion.
[0048] As depicted by FIG. 5a, for instance, stacked adhesive wipes
85 are provided. The stack may be positioned inside or attached to
a container comprising the flexible plastic wrap for individual
application of an adhesive component according to the invention. As
can be seen from FIG. 5b, an individual packaged adhesive wipe 90
may be removed from the stack 85 and an adhesive component layer
100 can be exposed by peeling away a backing material 95. Once the
adhesive layer is exposed, the adhesive component may be wiped upon
the desired surface of the article to be adhered or the flexible
plastic film thereby layering the item with the adhesive component
100 for easy adhesion.
[0049] In still other embodiments, a press-on adhesive pack, such
as a blister pack, may be included with the plastic wrap kits of
the present invention. For instance, FIG. 6 depicts an individually
packaged press-on adhesive in accordance with the present
invention. An adhesive component 110 is housed within an adhesive
pocket 105 and may be exposed upon peeling away a backing material
115 attached to the adhesive pack. Upon removing such backing
material 115, the adhesive component 110 is available to apply to a
desired article to be adhered or the flexible plastic film by
applying pressure or force to the back of the adhesive pocket 105
and thereby forcing the adhesive component 110 to exit the adhesive
pack and onto the desired item.
[0050] The invention is further directed to additional kits. For
instance, in one embodiment the plastic wrap kits comprise (a) a
flexible plastic film, and (b) instructions for applying an
adhesive component to the flexible plastic film or an article for
adhering the flexible plastic film and the article upon contact
therebetween. In another embodiment, a kit comprises (a) an
adhesive component, and (b) instructions for applying the adhesive
component to a flexible plastic film or an article for adhering the
flexible plastic film and the article upon contact therebetween.
Still other embodiments comprise a food wrap kit comprising (a) a
flexible food wrap material; and (b) an adhesive component wherein
the adhesive component is adapted for application to the flexible
food wrap material or an article for adhering the flexible food
wrap material and the article upon contact therebetween. It should
be understood, however, that the embodiments described above are
not intended to be limiting thereof.
[0051] Methods for Adhering an Article with a Flexible Plastic
Film
[0052] The present invention also relates to methods for adhering
an article with a flexible plastic film. As used herein, "article"
refers generally to any substrate to which is desirable to adhere
or seal a flexible film, and can include a portion of the flexible
film itself. In one specific embodiment, article refers to a
container suitable for storage. As used herein, "adhere" refers
generally to the formation of a temporary, semi-permanent or
permanent barrier, seal and/or barricade that combines or otherwise
attaches the surfaces of two respective objects. It should be
understood, however, that the kits according to the present
invention can be used to form devices such as pouches, envelops, or
bags.
[0053] In one embodiment, methods for adhering an article with a
flexible plastic film comprise: (a) coating an area of at least one
of the article and the flexible plastic film with an adhesive
component; and (b) contacting the article with the flexible plastic
film at the coated area to form an adherence between the flexible
plastic film and the article. According to this embodiment, the
flexible plastic film and the adhesive component are prepackaged
together in a kit.
[0054] The examples and specific embodiments set forth herein are
for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the
scope of the methods and kits of the invention. Additional methods
and kits within the scope of the claimed invention will be apparent
to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings set
forth herein.
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