U.S. patent application number 11/384064 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-20 for shrink-wrap packaging incorporating reinforced integral handle.
Invention is credited to Terry D. Walker.
Application Number | 20070215504 11/384064 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38516658 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070215504 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walker; Terry D. |
September 20, 2007 |
Shrink-wrap packaging incorporating reinforced integral handle
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.
Inventors: |
Walker; Terry D.;
(Westminster, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHERIDAN ROSS PC
1560 BROADWAY
SUITE 1200
DENVER
CO
80202
US
|
Family ID: |
38516658 |
Appl. No.: |
11/384064 |
Filed: |
March 17, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/432 ;
206/497 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2571/0045 20130101;
B65D 2571/00679 20130101; B65D 2571/00814 20130101; Y02W 90/10
20150501; B65D 71/10 20130101; B65D 2571/00456 20130101; B65D
2571/00493 20130101; Y02W 90/11 20150501 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/432 ;
206/497 |
International
Class: |
B65D 65/00 20060101
B65D065/00 |
Claims
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.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to packaging used to package
consumer goods, and more particularly, to shrink-wrap packaging
incorporating a reinforced integral handle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] For beverage containers, one traditional method of packaging
includes the use of paperboard or cardboard packages. For beverage
cans, it is common to find 12 or 24-pack arrangements of the
containers packaged in a paperboard or cardboard container. For
bottles, the most typical arrangement is a 6-pack container made of
a paperboard material.
[0003] More recently, shrink-wrap packaging has been used to
package many types of beverage containers, such as 12 or 24-pack
arrangements of beverage cans and plastic beverage containers. For
example, it is well known to provide shrink-wrap packaging for
24-pack arrangements of bottled water and soft drinks.
[0004] In a packaging operation, the group of containers to be
packaged are wrapped with shrink-wrap material and then the group
of containers pass through a heat tunnel or heat station causing
the shrink-wrap film to shrink around and tightly hold the group of
containers together. Prior to heat treatment, the shrink-wrap film
is dispensed from a roll of shrink-wrap material that is sized to
cover the particular group of containers. Typically, the opposite
sides or ends of the package each have an opening where the
shrink-wrap material does not completely enclose the
containers.
[0005] Shrink-wrap packaging has many advantages over traditional
paperboard/cardboard packaging. Shrink-wrap film is typically made
from polyethylene. Polyethylene is a durable material that costs
considerably less than paperboard/cardboard. Polyethylene readily
accepts printing or other forms of coloration or shading that is
desired to be placed on the packaging. However, one disadvantage of
shrink-wrap material is that there is no inherent feature in the
material itself which leads itself for providing a handle or
grasping means. It is known that consumers will often attempt to
carry a shrink-wrapped package by grasping the openings formed by
the shrink-wrap material that does not completely enclose the
opposite ends of the package. Because of the irregular shape of
these openings, as well as the non-reinforced nature of the
shrink-wrap material surrounding the openings, grasping the
shrink-wrap material through the openings can cause the material to
tear, thus destroying the package and causing the containers to
separate from the package.
[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an integral handle or
grasping structure that allows the shrink-wrap package to be easily
carried by the consumer, without the concern of breaking the
package open by tears caused by the weight of the package
concentrated at the point where the package is grasped.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with the present invention, shrink-wrap
packaging is provided that incorporates a reinforced integral
handle. The handle is formed by providing a reinforced area around
the opening in the shrink-wrap material that does not completely
cover the containers, typically located on opposite sides or ends
of the package.
[0008] The reinforced area is provided in accordance with various
embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment, the
reinforced area is provided by an additional layer of the
shrink-wrap film. This additional layer of material may be provided
by folding the lateral edges of the sheet of shrink-wrap material
to form strips of doubly reinforced material. The folded edges may
be secured to the sheet of shrink-wrap material in any number of
ways to include adhesive or heat-treating the shrink-wrap material
at that location so the layers adhere to one another. In another
embodiment of the invention, the reinforced areas may be formed by
applying separate second layers of material to each lateral edge of
the sheet of shrink-wrap film. These second layers of material may
include precut strips of shrink-wrap film or other materials such
as various types of paper/fiber composites, or other types of
thermoplastic material.
[0009] It is preferable that heat treating of the shrink-wrap
material, results in creation of openings at opposite ends of the
package that are uniform in size, and that are symmetrical. Also,
it is preferable that these openings are substantially round or
oval, and centered on ends of the package so that a consumer can
insert their fingers through one or both openings to effectively
grasp and carry the package at many different angles.
[0010] Optionally, desired shading may be applied to the reinforced
area in order that a consumer can more easily recognize the
openings in the shrink-wrap as designated handles. The term
"shading" as used herein shall be understood to encompass any
method by which the reinforced area surrounding an opening is
distinguished from the remaining shrink-wrap material. The shading
may include ink or other coloring agents that may be applied to the
reinforced area prior to heat treatment of the shrink-wrap
material, or shading applied after heat treatment. One preferred
way in which to apply the shading is by printing the reinforced
areas with ink prior to heat treatment.
[0011] The integral handle of the present invention may be used
with any number of different types of packaging arrangements. For
example, the handle may be provided on 6, 12, or 24-pack container
arrangements. Additionally, the handle may be incorporated in
packaging that includes only shrink-wrap material, or packaging
that also incorporates a cardboard/paperboard element, such as a
paperboard tray or u-board that supports the bottoms of the
containers.
[0012] Although a single layer of reinforcement is contemplated for
the reinforced areas, it shall also be understood that the handle
of the present invention may include additional layers as necessary
to provide proper reinforcement for ensuring that the shrink-wrap
material does not inadvertently tear or break when the consumer
grasps the handle. The size of the reinforced areas as well as the
size of the openings in the shrink-wrap material may be adjusted to
best accommodate grasping by the consumer.
[0013] Although it is preferable to provide two handles at opposite
ends of the package, the present invention also contemplates one or
more than two handles located at various positions on the
package.
[0014] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the
integral handle is created by use of a paperboard element that is
preferably placed on the top edges of the containers, and the
paperboard element has at least one opening formed therein. The
shrink-wrap material covers the paperboard element. A perforation
or slit is formed in the shrink-wrap material at the location of
the opening in the paperboard element. The consumer places the
fingers through the shrink-wrap material and through the opening in
the paperboard element in order to carry the container.
[0015] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from a review of the following detailed
description, taken in conjunction with the corresponding
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of
the present invention incorporated in a 6-pack can package;
[0017] FIG. 1B illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 1A in a reverse
perspective view;
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention
incorporated in a 12-pack can package, and wherein a
paperboard/cardboard element is used for additional support;
[0019] FIG. 3 shows a 6-pack bottle package incorporating the
handle of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a 12-pack bottle package with a
paperboard/cardboard element incorporating the handle;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a sheet of shrink-wrap
material used in a packaging operation;
[0022] FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the sheet of material
showing the lateral edges being folded over thus creating the
reinforced areas in accordance with one preferred embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates one step in a packaging operation wherein
the shrink-wrap material is wrapped around the package; and
[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention incorporating a cardboard/paperboard element with the
handle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a shrink-wrap packaging
arrangement incorporating the reinforced integral handle of the
present invention in a first embodiment. More specifically, these
Figures illustrate a 6-pack arrangement of containers C, wherein
the package 10 covers the containers, except for openings 20 formed
at opposite ends of the package. Preferably, each of the opposite
ends of the package includes a handle 14 including respective
reinforced areas 15 having inner peripheral edges 16 and outer
peripheral edges 18. Also, the reinforced areas 15 are preferably
substantially round or oval in shape, and have a uniform width. The
openings 20 are sized so that the fingers F of the hands H may be
inserted therethrough for grasping the package. As also shown, the
handles H have shading which distinguishes them from the remaining
shrink-wrap material 12 which encloses the container C.
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention wherein the package 10 is used to package a 12-pack
arrangement of containers. In this embodiment, a u-board support 22
is provided which provides support to the bottom edges of the
containers. The u-board includes a pair of side extensions 24 that
extend upwards from the support a desired distance along opposite
sides of the package. As with the first embodiment, the second
embodiment also incorporates the handles 14 including openings 20
that are sized to receive the fingers of the hand. Depending upon
the additional support required as provided by the u-board support
22, the most upper edge 25 of the side extensions 24 may intersect
with the openings 20, or may only extend to a position below the
openings 20. In both embodiments, the locations of the openings 20
are shown as being substantially centered on the opposite ends of
the packaging. However, it shall be understood that the openings 20
may be modified in size and/or positioned at other locations on the
ends of the package in order to best accommodate grasping based on
the particular group of containers that are packaged. Furthermore,
the thickness and construction of the reinforced area 15 may also
be modified to accommodate the particular packaging arrangement.
For packages including a greater number of containers, it may be
necessary to provide extra reinforcement for the reinforced areas
15 by increasing the thickness of the reinforced areas, and/or by
providing additional layers of material.
[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention that is used with a 6-pack bottle arrangement. As
illustrated, the handles 14 in this embodiment are also preferably
centered on the ends of the package, and positioned so that the
fingers of the hands may be conveniently placed through the
openings 20.
[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates yet another preferred embodiment of the
present invention used with a 12-pack bottle arrangement. As with
the previous embodiments, the handles 14 are preferably centered on
the ends of the package, and while two handles placed at opposite
ends of the package are shown, only one handle is required. As also
shown in FIG. 4, the most upper edges 25 of the side extensions 24
in this embodiment do not intersect the openings 20.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 5, a roll of shrink-wrap material 30 is
illustrated, the roll having opposite lateral edges 32, and
respective designated fold or tear lines 34. Lines 34 simply
represent areas on the shrink-wrap material 12 where the material
will be manipulated to form the respective reinforced areas 15 of
the handles 14.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 6, in a packaging operation, elements 36
generally represent a folding or a cutting and folding station
wherein the lateral edges 32 are rotated inwards towards the
central axis A-A of the sheet of material, and the resulting doubly
reinforced areas represent the reinforced areas 15 that are
incorporated in the handles 14. Depending upon the type of
shrink-wrap material used, it may be advantageous to perforate or
pre-fold the shrink-wrap material along the designated fold lines
34 in order to better facilitate creation of the reinforced
areas.
[0031] It is also contemplated that the reinforced areas 15 of the
handles 14 can be provided by applying separate strips of material
on the lateral edges of the sheet of shrink-wrap material, and then
attaching the separate strips as by adhesive, or by applying heat
to the lateral edges thereby causing the shrink-wrap material to
adhere to the strips of added material. The strips of material may
comprise one or more than one layer of material depending upon the
amount of reinforcement required in the package. Additionally, the
strips of material may comprise shrink-wrap material, other
thermoplastic material, paperboard or other paper products, or
combinations thereof.
[0032] FIG. 7 generally illustrates another step in a packaging
operation wherein the shrink-wrap material 12 has been wrapped
around the group of containers C, yet the shrink-wrap material has
not yet passed through a heat tunnel to form the final package
including the preferably symmetrical, round/oval, and uniform
handles formed at opposite sides of the package. In the packaging
operation, it may be necessary to manipulate the shrink-wrap
material at the ends where the handles are formed in order to
ensure that the handles are correctly positioned and sized. For
example, it may be necessary to perform one or more additional
folding or heat-treating steps on the shrink-wrap material at the
ends of the package in order to best preposition the reinforced
areas prior to heat treatment in the heat tunnels. Accordingly, the
reinforced areas 15 shown in FIG. 7 are not yet formed in their
final shapes.
[0033] FIG. 8 illustrates yet another embodiment in the present
invention wherein an additional handle 40 is formed on the upper
edges of the containers. This additional handle 40 includes a
fiberboard or paperboard element 41 that is placed on the upper
surfaces of the container C. This element 41 extends across a
majority of the length and width of the upper surfaces of the
containers, but preferably does not extend beyond the upper
peripheral edge of the package as defined by the exposed outside
upper edges of the containers. A pair of openings 42 is formed in
the element 41, and the openings are sized to receive the fingers
of the hand. A pair of corresponding slits or perforations 44 is
formed in the shrink-wrap material 12 over the openings 42. In use,
the user places the fingers of the hand downward through one of the
openings 42, and wraps the fingers around the central support 46 of
the element 41 in order to carry the container. In a packaging
operation, the element 41 is first placed upon the upper surfaces
of the container prior to wrapping the shrink-wrap material.
[0034] FIG. 8 also illustrates the handles 14 formed on opposite
ends of the package. It shall be understood that with respect to
the embodiment of FIG. 8, the present invention contemplates either
use of only the handle 40, or use of the handle 40 in combination
with at least one handle 14. Also, it should be understood that the
handle 40 could be incorporated within any of the other packaging
arrangements shown in the prior figures.
[0035] In accordance with the method of the present invention, the
method comprises providing a layer of film material, creating a
reinforced area on at least one lateral edge of the film material,
wrapping containers with the film material, and applying heat to
the film material in order to shrink the film material around the
containers, wherein a handle is formed by the reinforced area.
Preferably, the reinforced area has a continuous arcuate shape,
such as a circle or oval shape. The method also contemplates
various ways in which to create reinforced area, one method being
folding lateral edges of the film material, while another method
contemplates applying respective separate pieces of material to the
lateral edges of the film material. Additionally, the method
contemplates applying appropriate shading to the film material in
order to distinguish the handle area from other areas on the
packaging.
[0036] There are many advantages to the shrink-wrap packaging
incorporating the reinforced integral handle of the present
invention. Shrink-wrap packaging provides an economical, yet
reliable means for packaging containers. The integral handle
provides a user with a convenient way to carry the package and
without destroying the continuity of the package prior to opening
the package. The integral handle may be placed at any convenient
location along the package, and the size and construction of the
handle may be easily modified to best accommodate the type of
package being used.
[0037] While the present invention has been set forth above with
respect to preferred embodiments in both an apparatus and method,
it shall be understood that other changes and modifications can be
made within the spirit and scope of the invention commensurate with
the scope of the claims appended hereto.
* * * * *