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. Other embodiments include handles formed by use of a paperbound element in combination with openings in the shrink-wrap material, and webbing secured to a plurality of the containers along with a handle loop integral with the webbing that is orientated to extend through the opening in the shrink wrap material.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the present invention incorporated in a 6-pack can package;

FIG. 1B illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 1A in a reverse perspective view;

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;

FIG. 3 shows a 6-pack bottle package incorporating the handle of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a 12-pack bottle package with a paperboard/cardboard element incorporating the handle;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a sheet of shrink-wrap material used in a packaging operation;

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;

FIG. 7 illustrates one step in a packaging operation wherein the shrink-wrap material is wrapped around the package;

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention incorporating a cardboard/paperboard element with the handle;

FIG. 9 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention including plastic webbing that interconnects a plurality of the containers, and a handle loop that extends away from the plastic webbing; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 9 incorporated in a twelve-pack can package, the handle loop being used in conjunction with the handle of the embodiment of FIG. 2.

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;an opening formed in said film layer;a reinforced area formed by a second layer of material substantially surrounding said opening; andwebbing secured to a plurality of the containers, and a handle loop extending from the webbing and through the opening.

2. 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.

3. A package, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said opening is substantially round shaped.

4. A package, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said reinforced area has a substantially uniform width and is substantially ring shaped.

5. A package, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said reinforced area is folded by folding an edge of said film layer and securing the folded edge to said film layer.

6. 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.

7. A package, as claimed in claim 6, wherein: said second layer of material comprises a film material.

8. A package, as claimed in claim 6, wherein: said second layer of material is a separate piece of material.

9. A package, as claimed in claim 6, wherein: said second layer of material is a different material than said film layer.

10. A package, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said film layer comprises polyethylene film.

11. A package, as claimed in claim 2, wherein: said shading is formed by printing a shading on said reinforced area.

12. A package, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said webbing includes a plurality of container rings that secure a corresponding plurality of containers.

13. A package, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said handle loop contacts the reinforced area.

14. A package, as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said handle loop is spaced from said reinforced area and not in contact with said reinforced area.

15. A package comprising: a film layer surrounding a plurality of containers therein, said film being heat treated to shrink said film around said containers;an opening formed in said film layer; andwebbing secured to a plurality of the containers, and a handle loop extending from the webbing and through the opening.

16. 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; andapplying 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.

17. A method, as claimed in claim 16, 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.

18. A method, as claimed in claim 16, further including the step of: applying a shading to said film material.

19. A method, as claimed in claim 16, wherein: said shading is applied at the location of the reinforced area.

20. A method, as claimed in claim 18, wherein: said shading is applied adjacent the reinforced area.

21. A method, as claimed in claim 16, wherein: said creating step includes applying a second layer of material on said at least one lateral edge of said film material.

22. A method, as claimed in claim 17, wherein: said double layer of said film material is secured by adhesive.

23. A method, as claimed in claim 17, wherein: said double layer of said film material is secured by applying heat to said double layer.

24. 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; anda shading applied to said reinforced area to distinguish said reinforced area from said film layer.

25. A package, as claimed in claim 24, wherein: said opening is substantially round shaped.

26. A package, as claimed in claim 24, wherein: said reinforced area has a substantially uniform width and is substantially ring shaped.

27. A package, as claimed in claim 24, wherein: said reinforced area is formed by folding an edge of said film layer and securing the folded edge to said film layer.

28. A package, as claimed in claim 24, wherein: said reinforced area is formed by applying a second layer of said film on an edge of said film layer.

29. A package, as claimed in claim 24, wherein: said film layer comprises polyethylene film.

30. A package, as claimed in claim 24, wherein: said shading is formed by printing on said reinforced area.