US20140131242A1 - Package Handles - Google Patents
Package Handles Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140131242A1 US20140131242A1 US13/675,282 US201213675282A US2014131242A1 US 20140131242 A1 US20140131242 A1 US 20140131242A1 US 201213675282 A US201213675282 A US 201213675282A US 2014131242 A1 US2014131242 A1 US 2014131242A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- shrink wrap
- cover
- product
- wrap cover
- forming member
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D75/002—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers in shrink films
- B65D75/004—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers in shrink films with auxiliary packaging elements, e.g. protective pads or frames, trays
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B53/00—Shrinking wrappers, containers, or container covers during or after packaging
- B65B53/02—Shrinking wrappers, containers, or container covers during or after packaging by heat
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D71/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D71/06—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers
- B65D71/08—Wrappers shrunk by heat or under tension, e.g. stretch films or films tensioned by compressed articles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D75/002—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers in shrink films
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
- B65D75/52—Details
- B65D75/54—Cards, coupons, or other inserts or accessories
- B65D75/56—Handles or other suspension means
- B65D75/563—Integral handles or suspension means
Definitions
- the subject matter disclosed herein relates to product packaging and packaging handles.
- Packaging for products often includes a shrink wrapped cover that envelopes or partially envelopes the product or a plurality of products.
- the shrink wrapped cover often includes a plastic or polymer film that is exposed to heat to shrink the cover to conform to the product disposed therein.
- FIG. 1 illustrates prior art example of a product 100 that is wrapped in a shrink wrap cover 102 .
- the shrink wrap cover 102 defines orifice regions 104 that are defined by edges 106 of the shrink wrap cover 102 .
- a product package includes a shrink wrap cover at least partially enveloping a product, the shrink wrap cover having a first portion that compressively conforms at least partially to an outer three-dimensional profile of the product, and a second portion that does not compressively conform to the outer three-dimensional profile of the product, and a handle portion formed from the second portion of the shrink wrap cover, wherein the handle portion extends outward beyond the outer three-dimensional profile of the product.
- a method for fabricating a product package includes forming a shrink wrap cover having an inner surface and an opposing outer surface around a product, the shrink wrap cover defining a first orifice and a second orifice, portions of the inner surface of the shrink wrap cover contacting portions of the product, inserting a first portion of a handle forming member into the first orifice, engaging a portion of the inner surface of the shrink wrap cover with the first portion of the handle forming member, and engaging an opposing portion of the outer surface of the shrink wrap cover with a second portion of the handle forming member, applying a compressive force to the shrink wrap cover with the first portion of the handle forming member and the second portion of the handle forming member, applying heat to the shrink wrap cover that is operative to reduce the surface area of the shrink wrap cover such that the shrink wrap cover substantially conforms to the product, and disengaging the first portion and the second portion of the handle forming member from the shrink wrap cover.
- FIG. 1 illustrates prior art example of a product 100 that is wrapped in a shrink wrap cover.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a product that is wrapped in a cover.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the product of FIG. 2 that includes the cover and the handle portion.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a cut-away view of the product along the line 4 of FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 5A illustrates a detailed view of the region 5 of FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 5B illustrates another detailed view of the region 5 of FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 6 illustrates an alternate arrangement of the cover.
- FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a product.
- FIG. 8 illustrates a detailed view of the region 8 of FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a product.
- FIG. 10 illustrates a detailed view of the region 10 of FIG. 9 .
- FIG. 11 illustrates another alternate embodiment of a product that includes a handle portion.
- FIG. 12 illustrates another alternate embodiment of a product that includes a handle portion.
- FIG. 13A illustrates a portion of a wrapping machine.
- FIG. 13B illustrates a cover loosely formed around the product.
- FIG. 13C illustrates a handle form apparatus.
- FIGS. 14A-14F illustrate a side view of an exemplary method and apparatus for fabricating some of the embodiments described herein.
- FIG. 15 illustrates a portion of a wrapping machine.
- FIG. 16A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a straight edge of the cover.
- FIG. 16B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an edge that includes an edge member.
- FIG. 16C illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an edge that includes a loop.
- FIG. 16D illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an edge that includes layer or strip of material.
- FIG. 16E illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an edge that includes layer or strip of material that is formed over an edge member.
- FIG. 16F illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an edge that includes a cover having a greater thickness in a region proximate to the edge.
- FIG. 16G illustrates another exemplary embodiment of an edge.
- FIG. 16H illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment of an edge.
- FIG. 17 illustrates a detailed frontal view of region 17 of FIG. 15 of an alternate embodiment of an edge of the cover.
- FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a product that is wrapped in a cover.
- FIG. 19 illustrates another detailed frontal view of region 17 of FIG. 15 of another alternate embodiment of an edge of the cover.
- Product packaging may include a shrink wrapped cover that envelopes or partially envelopes a product or a plurality of products.
- the products may be grouped as a plurality of products that are enveloped in the shrink wrap.
- Shrink wrap may include, for example, any type of plastic or polymer material that is placed around a product or plurality of products.
- the shrink wrap may be exposed to heat to shrink the shrink wrap material such that the material conforms to the shape of the product or plurality of products disposed therein.
- the shrink wrap material is formed in a tubular fashion such that the product may be inserted into an end of the tube of sheet product.
- tubular is not limited to having a cylindrical cross section, but may include any hollow elongated shape.
- the packaged products are intended to be carried by, for example, a consumer or retail employee. Due to the weight, size, and shape of the packaged products, one or more carrying handles may be desired to ease the lifting and carrying of the packaged products.
- Previous packaged products that included shrink wrap may have open ends defined by the shrink wrap that result from the use of a tubular arrangement of shrink wrap. The open ends, or orifices are defined by edges of the tube of sheet product. The orifices' edges have a relatively small surface area, and are often uncomfortable when used to lift a packaged product.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a product 200 that is wrapped in a cover 202 .
- the product 200 and other products described herein may include portions of the packaging of a product as well as the product or products themselves.
- a product may include a plurality of packages of sheet products that are disposed in a corrugated sheet material that is formed into a carton.
- the cover 202 defines orifices 204 that are defined by edges 206 of the cover 202 . Portions of the cover 202 form a handle portion 208 .
- the handle portion 208 has a curved or up-turned shape such that a portion of the edge 206 of the shrink wrap cover 202 extends outwardly from the product 200 .
- the cover 202 and handle portion 208 are formed from a shrink wrap or shrink film material that may include, for example, a polyolefin or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymer plastic film.
- PVC polyolefin or polyvinyl chloride
- FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the product 200 that includes the cover 202 and the handle portion 208 .
- FIG. 4 illustrates a cut-away view of the product 200 along the line 4 (of FIG. 3 ).
- FIG. 5A illustrates a detailed view of the region 5 (of FIG. 4 ) that includes the handle portion 208 .
- the handle portion 208 partially defines a portion of the orifices 204 .
- the edge 206 of the cover 202 has a curved profile.
- the cover 202 has an inner surface 501 and an outer surface 503 .
- the cover 202 conforms to the shape of the product 200 such that portions of the inner surface 501 of the cover 202 are in contact with the outer surface 201 of the product 200 .
- the handle portion 208 extends outwardly from the outer surface 201 of the product 200 such that a portion of the inner surface 501 of the cover 202 is exposed and defines a convex contact portion or surface 502 of the handle portion 208 .
- the outward extension of the handle portion 208 results in a concave contact portion or surface 504 of the handle portion that includes the outer surface 503 of the shrink wrap cover that opposes the contact portion or surface 502 .
- the edge 206 of the cover 202 that partially defines the handle portion 208 defines a substantially arcuate, curved, or parabolic shape.
- the shape of the handle portion may vary in alternate embodiments due to any number of factors including, for example, the shape and size of the product 200 , the shape of the tubular cover 202 (prior to the shrinking of the cover 202 ) the profile of the edge of the cover 202 , and the fabrication process that will be described in further detail below.
- FIG. 5B illustrates another detailed view of the region 5 (of FIG. 4 ) that shows a person's hand 550 engaging the handle portion 208 .
- the fingers 554 of the hand 550 contact the convex portion of the inner surface 501 of the cover 202 that partially defines the handle portion 208 .
- the thumb 552 may contact the concave outer surface 503 of the cover 202 .
- a portion of the hand 550 may contact a portion of the edge 206 of the cover 202
- the fingers 554 of the hand 550 in contact with the substantially smooth inner surface 501 of the cover 202 bear the load of the product 200 , which is supported by the cover 202 .
- the large surface area of the exposed portion of the inner surface 501 of the cover 202 spreads the load of the product 200 more evenly across the supporting portions of the hand 550 as opposed to the relatively small surface area of the edge 206 , thus providing a comfortable lifting arrangement for a user.
- the line 530 illustrates the direction of the lifting force that is applied to the handle portion 208 .
- FIG. 6 illustrates an alternate arrangement of the cover 202 with a handle portion 208 that partially envelopes a plurality of products 602 .
- a support member or members such as, for example, a corrugated sheet product, or tensioned bands (not shown) may be arranged with or around the plurality of products 602 to provide rigidity or support to the plurality of products 602 .
- FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a product 700 that may be wrapped in a cover 702 .
- the edges 706 of the cover 702 define an orifice 701 that exposes portions of the product 700 .
- the product 700 includes a carton 704 having a lid portion 708 and a lower portion 709 .
- FIG. 8 illustrates a detailed view of the region 8 (of FIG. 7 ).
- a portion of the lid portion 708 is cut and bent inwardly to form a folded edge 710 that is exposed by the orifice 701 .
- the folded edge 710 provides a greater surface area as opposed to the relatively smaller surface area of an exposed edge of the lid portion 708 .
- the orifice 701 allows a user to access the handle portion 712 defined by the folded edge 710 and bear the load of the product 700 more comfortably.
- FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a product 900 that may be wrapped in a cover 702 .
- the edges 706 of the cover 702 define an orifice 701 that exposes portions of the product 900 .
- the product 900 includes a carton 904 having a lid portion 908 and a lower portion 909 .
- FIG. 10 illustrates a detailed view of the region 10 (of FIG. 9 ). A portion of the lid portion 908 is cut and bent outwardly to form a folded edge 910 that is exposed by the orifice 701 .
- the folded edge 910 provides a greater surface area as opposed to the relatively smaller surface area of an exposed edge of the lid portion 908 or the edge 706 of the cover 702 .
- the orifice 701 allows a user to access the handle portion 912 defined by the folded edge 910 and bear the load of the product 900 more comfortably.
- the handle portion may be formed substantially around the edge 706 of the cover 702 so the cover 702 bears the load of the product 900 directly, or if the handle portion is substantially separated from the edge 706 , the load may be borne indirectly from the lid portion 908 which is substantially bound by the cover 702 which in turn bears the load of the product 900 .
- FIG. 11 illustrates another alternate embodiment of a product 1100 that includes a handle portion 1150 .
- the edges 706 of the cover 702 define an orifice 701 that exposes the handle portion 1150 .
- the handle portion 1150 is formed from a substantially planar body portion 1152 that is in contact with side portions 1102 and a bottom portion 1104 of the product 1100 .
- the body portion 1152 may be connected to the product 1100 with an adhesive, or a mechanical connection arrangement to the side portions 1102 and/or the bottom portion 1104 .
- the body portion 1152 may only be attached to and in contact with the side portions 1102 .
- the planar body portion 1152 is in the form of an uninterrupted continuous strip of material that extends from an orifice 701 on one end of the product 1100 , passing under the product 1100 , to an opposing orifice 701 (not illustrated in FIG. 11 , but understood with reference to FIG. 4 ) on an opposing end of the product 1100 .
- the line 1130 illustrates the direction of the lifting force that is applied to the handle portion 1150 .
- FIG. 12 illustrates another alternate embodiment of a product 1200 that includes a handle portion 1250 .
- the edges 706 of the cover 702 define an orifice 701 that exposes the handle portion 1250 .
- the handle portion 1250 is formed from a substantially planar body portion 1252 that is in contact with side portions 1202 and a top portion 1206 of the product 1200 .
- the body portion 1252 may be connected to the product 1200 with an adhesive, or a mechanical connection arrangement to the side portions 1202 and/or the top portion 1206 .
- the body portion 1252 may only be attached to and in contact with the side portions 1202 .
- the planar body portion 1252 is in the form of an uninterrupted continuous strip of material that extends from an orifice 701 on one end of the product 1200 , passing over the product 1200 , to an opposing orifice 701 (not illustrated in FIG. 12 , but understood with reference to FIG. 4 ) on an opposing end of the product 1200 .
- the line 1230 illustrates the direction of the lifting force that is applied to the handle portion 1250 .
- FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary method and apparatus for fabricating some of the embodiments described herein.
- FIG. 13A illustrates a portion of a wrapping machine 1350 that includes a first roll of cover material 1352 and a second roll of cover material 1354 .
- the cover material of the first roll of cover material 1352 is bonded, joined, or connected to the cover material of the second roll of cover material 1354 to form a first seam portion 1303 .
- the first seam portion 1303 may be formed by a compressive, thermal, vibratory, acoustic, or adhesive joining process.
- the product 200 may be moved relative to the first seam portion 1303 such that the first seam portion 1303 or portions of the material proximate to the first seam portion 1303 contact portions of the product 200 .
- a cover 202 is loosely formed around the product 200 , joined at a second seam portion 1305 , and severed from the first roll of cover material 1352 and the second roll of cover material 1354 .
- the a second seam portion 1305 may remain connected to the first roll of cover material 1352 and the second roll of cover material 1354 , thus becoming a first seam portion for the next product 200 (not shown) that will be packaged subsequently.
- the cover 202 is substantially tubular, though the shape of the cover 202 may depend on the shape of the product 200 , and is not limited to a cylindrical shape, but rather forms a continuous elongated hollow arrangement of cover 202 material having open opposing orifices 1304 defined by the edges 206 .
- the edges 206 of the cover 202 are shown prior to forming an orifice 204 (of FIG. 2 ).
- FIG. 13C illustrates a handle form apparatus 1380 that includes a concave engagement surface 1382 and a convex engagement surface 1384 .
- a portion of the cover 202 is disposed between the concave engagement surface 1382 and the convex engagement surface 1384 by passing a portion of the edge 206 of the cover 202 between the concave engagement surface 1382 and the convex engagement surface 1384 .
- the illustrated embodiment includes a handle form apparatus 1380 that includes a concave engagement surface 1382 and a convex engagement surface 1384
- the engagement surfaces of the handle form apparatus 1380 may have alternate shapes arranged in any alternate orientation relative to the product 200 .
- the use of the terms concave engagement surface and convex engagement surface is a non-limiting exemplary embodiment.
- FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of an exemplary method and apparatus for fabricating some of the embodiments described herein.
- a portion of the cover 202 is disposed between the concave engagement surface 1382 and the convex engagement surface 1384 in a similar manner as described above in FIG. 13C .
- FIG. 14B illustrates the relative motion of the concave engagement surface 1382 and the convex engagement surface 1384 that are operative to engage and apply a compressive force on a portion of the cover 202 disposed therebetween.
- FIG. 14C illustrates the positioning of the concave engagement surface 1382 and the convex engagement surface 1384 prior to shrinking of the cover 202 by the application of heat that is operative to reduce the surface area of the cover 202 such that the cover 202 substantially conforms to the outer surface of the product 202 .
- the compressive force of the concave engagement surface 1382 and the convex engagement surface 1384 is operative to begin the formation of the handle portion 208 (of FIG. 2 ).
- the engaged concave engagement surface 1382 and the convex engagement surface 1384 may be moved relative to the product 200 to be positioned in substantially the location where the resulting orifice 701 of FIG. 9 will be located after the heating process.
- the engaged concave engagement surface 1382 and the convex engagement surface 1384 may be moved relative to the product 200 during the heating process in a direction and at a rate of motion that corresponds to the shrinking of the cover 202 .
- FIG. 14D illustrates the position of the concave engagement surface 1382 and the convex engagement surface 1384 and the formation of the handle portion 208 in the cover 202 during the heating process. Once the handle portion 208 has been formed, and the cover 202 is shrunk a desired amount, the cover 202 may be allowed to cool.
- FIG. 14E illustrates the relative motion of the concave engagement surface 1382 and the convex engagement surface 1384 as the concave engagement surface 1382 and the convex engagement surface 1384 disengage from the handle portions 208 of the cover 202 .
- FIG. 14F illustrates the resultant product 200 , cover 202 and handle portions 208 .
- FIG. 15 illustrates a portion of a wrapping machine 1350 that includes a first roll of cover material 1352 and a second roll of cover material 1354 as shown above in FIG. 13 .
- the edges of the first roll of cover material 1352 and the second roll of cover material 1354 may be formed into a variety of exemplary profiles that may facilitate different edges 206 of the cover 202 .
- FIG. 16 illustrates cut away views along the line 16 (of FIG. 15 ) of exemplary profiles of the edges 206 (of FIG. 2 ) of the first roll of cover material 1352 (and/or the second roll of cover material 1354 ) that may be incorporated into any of the embodiments described herein and partially define the orifice 204 and a portion of the handle portion 208 .
- FIG. 16A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a straight edge 206 of the cover 202 .
- FIG. 16B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an edge 206 that includes a member 1602 that contacts the cover 202 and may include a different material than the cover 202 material.
- the member 1602 may be formed from, for example, a plastic, or pulp product and may be connected to the cover 202 with for example a joining or bonding process that may include a mechanical connection, a welded, or bonded connection, or an adhesive connection.
- FIG. 16C illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an edge 206 that includes a loop 1604 that is formed by the connection of an end of the cover 202 to a surface of the cover 202 in a region 1606 using, for example, mechanical connection, a welded, or bonded connection, or an adhesive connection.
- air that is trapped within the loop 1604 forms a cushioned handle when the surrounding cover material 202 shrinks during the heating process.
- FIG. 16D illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an edge 206 that includes a layer or strip of material 1608 that is formed by the connection of the strip of material 1608 to a surface of the cover 202 in a region 1610 using, for example, mechanical connection, a welded, or bonded connection, or an adhesive connection.
- FIG. 16E illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an edge 206 that includes layer or strip of material 1614 that is formed over a member 1612 and is connected to the cover 202 in regions 1616 using a suitable connection process.
- Member 1612 may include a different material than the cover 202 and may be formed from, for example, a plastic, pulp, or fiber product such as string.
- FIG. 16F illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an edge 206 that includes a cover 202 having a greater thickness (t 1 ) in a region 1618 proximate to the edge 206 and a relatively lesser thickness (t 2 ) in interior regions of the cover 202 .
- FIG. 16G illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an edge 206 that is formed by combining a material 1622 that may include, for example, a plastic, polymer, composite, paper, or pulp product while maintaining the same thickness as the rest of cover 202 .
- the material 1622 may be bonded with the of the cover 202 by using, for example, co-extrusion of different raw materials, or mechanically bonding or welding abutting edges. It is also understood that the different embodiments presented herein may be combined.
- FIG. 16H illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment that includes the layering of a strip of material 1626 represented with a filler strip 1624 of a similar material as the cover 202 such that the final cover 202 has a substantially uniform thickness.
- the strip of material 1608 in FIG. 16D or the material 1614 and member 1612 of FIG. 16E may be compressed to a similar thickness as the rest of the cover 202 by using, for example, the application of a set of rollers to compress the material into a substantially uniform thickness.
- FIG. 16A-H may be used to form a handle portion 208 around the entire length of edge 206 of the orifice 204 (of FIG. 2 ). These methods could be modified, by for example, staggering the arrangement of the features on the edge, or removing portions of the edge features following the wrapping of the product 200 , to create a handle at an upper or top of the orifice 204 .
- FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary detailed frontal view of region 17 (of FIG. 15 ) of an alternate embodiment of an edge 206 of the cover 202 .
- the material 1702 applied at or proximate to the edge 206 of the cover 202 provides a region of the cover 202 that when indexed to a portion of the product 200 is arranged as a handle portion on the product 202 .
- FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the material 1702 applied to cover 202 arranged on the product 200 that includes a handle portion 1802 partially defined by the material 1702 .
- FIG. 19 illustrates an alternate exemplary embodiment of a cover 202 similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 17 , where the material 1902 is applied as a continuous strip of material having an undulating or scalloped profile that provides a handle portion similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 18 .
- the material 1702 may be used alone or in conjunction with any of the embodiments described above including the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 16 . Though the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 17 shows the material 1702 proximate to the edge 206 , alternate embodiments may include any alternative profile. In an alternative embodiment, the embodiments represented by FIG. 16A-G above may be applied to the first roll of cover material 1352 of FIG. 13A , thereby creating a handle portion 208 on the top half of the edge 206 of orifice 204 .
- the technical effects and benefits of the embodiments described above include the formation of a handle portion in the cover of a product package that offers a greater surface area to more evenly distribute the weight of a product to provide a more comfortable lifting means for a user.
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- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
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Abstract
A product package includes a shrink wrap cover at least partially enveloping a product, the shrink wrap cover having a first portion that compressively conforms at least partially to an outer three-dimensional profile of the product, and a second portion that does not compressively conform to the outer three-dimensional profile of the product, and a handle portion formed from the second portion of the shrink wrap cover, wherein the handle portion extends outward beyond the outer three-dimensional profile of the product.
Description
- The subject matter disclosed herein relates to product packaging and packaging handles.
- Packaging for products often includes a shrink wrapped cover that envelopes or partially envelopes the product or a plurality of products. The shrink wrapped cover often includes a plastic or polymer film that is exposed to heat to shrink the cover to conform to the product disposed therein. Some previous packaging included handles formed from a cardboard sheet product that pass through the shrink wrapped cover.
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FIG. 1 illustrates prior art example of aproduct 100 that is wrapped in ashrink wrap cover 102. Theshrink wrap cover 102 definesorifice regions 104 that are defined byedges 106 of theshrink wrap cover 102. - According to one embodiment of the present invention, a product package includes a shrink wrap cover at least partially enveloping a product, the shrink wrap cover having a first portion that compressively conforms at least partially to an outer three-dimensional profile of the product, and a second portion that does not compressively conform to the outer three-dimensional profile of the product, and a handle portion formed from the second portion of the shrink wrap cover, wherein the handle portion extends outward beyond the outer three-dimensional profile of the product.
- According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for fabricating a product package includes forming a shrink wrap cover having an inner surface and an opposing outer surface around a product, the shrink wrap cover defining a first orifice and a second orifice, portions of the inner surface of the shrink wrap cover contacting portions of the product, inserting a first portion of a handle forming member into the first orifice, engaging a portion of the inner surface of the shrink wrap cover with the first portion of the handle forming member, and engaging an opposing portion of the outer surface of the shrink wrap cover with a second portion of the handle forming member, applying a compressive force to the shrink wrap cover with the first portion of the handle forming member and the second portion of the handle forming member, applying heat to the shrink wrap cover that is operative to reduce the surface area of the shrink wrap cover such that the shrink wrap cover substantially conforms to the product, and disengaging the first portion and the second portion of the handle forming member from the shrink wrap cover.
- These and other advantages and features will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.
- The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
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FIG. 1 illustrates prior art example of aproduct 100 that is wrapped in a shrink wrap cover. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a product that is wrapped in a cover. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the product ofFIG. 2 that includes the cover and the handle portion. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a cut-away view of the product along theline 4 ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 5A illustrates a detailed view of the region 5 ofFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 5B illustrates another detailed view of the region 5 ofFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 6 illustrates an alternate arrangement of the cover. -
FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a product. -
FIG. 8 illustrates a detailed view of the region 8 ofFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a product. -
FIG. 10 illustrates a detailed view of the region 10 ofFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 11 illustrates another alternate embodiment of a product that includes a handle portion. -
FIG. 12 illustrates another alternate embodiment of a product that includes a handle portion. -
FIG. 13A illustrates a portion of a wrapping machine. -
FIG. 13B illustrates a cover loosely formed around the product. -
FIG. 13C illustrates a handle form apparatus. -
FIGS. 14A-14F illustrate a side view of an exemplary method and apparatus for fabricating some of the embodiments described herein. -
FIG. 15 illustrates a portion of a wrapping machine. -
FIG. 16A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a straight edge of the cover. -
FIG. 16B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an edge that includes an edge member. -
FIG. 16C illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an edge that includes a loop. -
FIG. 16D illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an edge that includes layer or strip of material. -
FIG. 16E illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an edge that includes layer or strip of material that is formed over an edge member. -
FIG. 16F illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an edge that includes a cover having a greater thickness in a region proximate to the edge. -
FIG. 16G illustrates another exemplary embodiment of an edge. -
FIG. 16H illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment of an edge. -
FIG. 17 illustrates a detailed frontal view of region 17 ofFIG. 15 of an alternate embodiment of an edge of the cover. -
FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a product that is wrapped in a cover. -
FIG. 19 illustrates another detailed frontal view of region 17 ofFIG. 15 of another alternate embodiment of an edge of the cover. - The detailed description explains embodiments of the invention, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings.
- Product packaging may include a shrink wrapped cover that envelopes or partially envelopes a product or a plurality of products. In many instances, the products may be grouped as a plurality of products that are enveloped in the shrink wrap. Shrink wrap may include, for example, any type of plastic or polymer material that is placed around a product or plurality of products. The shrink wrap may be exposed to heat to shrink the shrink wrap material such that the material conforms to the shape of the product or plurality of products disposed therein. Often the shrink wrap material is formed in a tubular fashion such that the product may be inserted into an end of the tube of sheet product. The term “tubular” is not limited to having a cylindrical cross section, but may include any hollow elongated shape. Once the product is disposed in the tube of shrink wrap the shrink wrap may be exposed to heat, which shrinks the shrink wrap about the product and reduces the size of the openings of the tube.
- In many instances, the packaged products are intended to be carried by, for example, a consumer or retail employee. Due to the weight, size, and shape of the packaged products, one or more carrying handles may be desired to ease the lifting and carrying of the packaged products. Previous packaged products that included shrink wrap may have open ends defined by the shrink wrap that result from the use of a tubular arrangement of shrink wrap. The open ends, or orifices are defined by edges of the tube of sheet product. The orifices' edges have a relatively small surface area, and are often uncomfortable when used to lift a packaged product.
-
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of aproduct 200 that is wrapped in acover 202. For the purposes of describing the embodiments disclosed herein, theproduct 200 and other products described herein may include portions of the packaging of a product as well as the product or products themselves. For example, a product may include a plurality of packages of sheet products that are disposed in a corrugated sheet material that is formed into a carton. Thecover 202 definesorifices 204 that are defined byedges 206 of thecover 202. Portions of thecover 202 form ahandle portion 208. Thehandle portion 208 has a curved or up-turned shape such that a portion of theedge 206 of theshrink wrap cover 202 extends outwardly from theproduct 200. Thecover 202 and handleportion 208 are formed from a shrink wrap or shrink film material that may include, for example, a polyolefin or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymer plastic film. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of theproduct 200 that includes thecover 202 and thehandle portion 208. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a cut-away view of theproduct 200 along the line 4 (ofFIG. 3 ). -
FIG. 5A illustrates a detailed view of the region 5 (ofFIG. 4 ) that includes thehandle portion 208. Thehandle portion 208 partially defines a portion of theorifices 204. Theedge 206 of thecover 202 has a curved profile. Thecover 202 has aninner surface 501 and anouter surface 503. Thecover 202 conforms to the shape of theproduct 200 such that portions of theinner surface 501 of thecover 202 are in contact with theouter surface 201 of theproduct 200. Thehandle portion 208 extends outwardly from theouter surface 201 of theproduct 200 such that a portion of theinner surface 501 of thecover 202 is exposed and defines a convex contact portion orsurface 502 of thehandle portion 208. The outward extension of thehandle portion 208 results in a concave contact portion orsurface 504 of the handle portion that includes theouter surface 503 of the shrink wrap cover that opposes the contact portion orsurface 502. In the illustrated embodiment, theedge 206 of thecover 202 that partially defines thehandle portion 208 defines a substantially arcuate, curved, or parabolic shape. The shape of the handle portion may vary in alternate embodiments due to any number of factors including, for example, the shape and size of theproduct 200, the shape of the tubular cover 202 (prior to the shrinking of the cover 202) the profile of the edge of thecover 202, and the fabrication process that will be described in further detail below. -
FIG. 5B illustrates another detailed view of the region 5 (ofFIG. 4 ) that shows a person'shand 550 engaging thehandle portion 208. In this regard, thefingers 554 of thehand 550 contact the convex portion of theinner surface 501 of thecover 202 that partially defines thehandle portion 208. Thethumb 552 may contact the concaveouter surface 503 of thecover 202. Though a portion of thehand 550 may contact a portion of theedge 206 of thecover 202, thefingers 554 of thehand 550 in contact with the substantially smoothinner surface 501 of thecover 202 bear the load of theproduct 200, which is supported by thecover 202. The large surface area of the exposed portion of theinner surface 501 of thecover 202 spreads the load of theproduct 200 more evenly across the supporting portions of thehand 550 as opposed to the relatively small surface area of theedge 206, thus providing a comfortable lifting arrangement for a user. Theline 530 illustrates the direction of the lifting force that is applied to thehandle portion 208. -
FIG. 6 illustrates an alternate arrangement of thecover 202 with ahandle portion 208 that partially envelopes a plurality ofproducts 602. In alternate embodiments, a support member or members, such as, for example, a corrugated sheet product, or tensioned bands (not shown) may be arranged with or around the plurality ofproducts 602 to provide rigidity or support to the plurality ofproducts 602. -
FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate embodiment of aproduct 700 that may be wrapped in acover 702. Theedges 706 of thecover 702 define anorifice 701 that exposes portions of theproduct 700. Theproduct 700 includes acarton 704 having alid portion 708 and alower portion 709.FIG. 8 illustrates a detailed view of the region 8 (ofFIG. 7 ). In this regard, a portion of thelid portion 708 is cut and bent inwardly to form a foldededge 710 that is exposed by theorifice 701. The foldededge 710 provides a greater surface area as opposed to the relatively smaller surface area of an exposed edge of thelid portion 708. Theorifice 701 allows a user to access thehandle portion 712 defined by the foldededge 710 and bear the load of theproduct 700 more comfortably. -
FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of aproduct 900 that may be wrapped in acover 702. Theedges 706 of thecover 702 define anorifice 701 that exposes portions of theproduct 900. Theproduct 900 includes acarton 904 having alid portion 908 and alower portion 909.FIG. 10 illustrates a detailed view of the region 10 (ofFIG. 9 ). A portion of thelid portion 908 is cut and bent outwardly to form a foldededge 910 that is exposed by theorifice 701. The foldededge 910 provides a greater surface area as opposed to the relatively smaller surface area of an exposed edge of thelid portion 908 or theedge 706 of thecover 702. Theorifice 701 allows a user to access thehandle portion 912 defined by the foldededge 910 and bear the load of theproduct 900 more comfortably. The handle portion may be formed substantially around theedge 706 of thecover 702 so thecover 702 bears the load of theproduct 900 directly, or if the handle portion is substantially separated from theedge 706, the load may be borne indirectly from thelid portion 908 which is substantially bound by thecover 702 which in turn bears the load of theproduct 900.FIG. 11 illustrates another alternate embodiment of aproduct 1100 that includes ahandle portion 1150. Theedges 706 of thecover 702 define anorifice 701 that exposes thehandle portion 1150. Thehandle portion 1150 is formed from a substantiallyplanar body portion 1152 that is in contact withside portions 1102 and abottom portion 1104 of theproduct 1100. In alternate embodiments, thebody portion 1152 may be connected to theproduct 1100 with an adhesive, or a mechanical connection arrangement to theside portions 1102 and/or thebottom portion 1104. In yet another alternate embodiment, thebody portion 1152 may only be attached to and in contact with theside portions 1102. In an embodiment, theplanar body portion 1152 is in the form of an uninterrupted continuous strip of material that extends from anorifice 701 on one end of theproduct 1100, passing under theproduct 1100, to an opposing orifice 701 (not illustrated inFIG. 11 , but understood with reference toFIG. 4 ) on an opposing end of theproduct 1100. Theline 1130 illustrates the direction of the lifting force that is applied to thehandle portion 1150. -
FIG. 12 illustrates another alternate embodiment of aproduct 1200 that includes ahandle portion 1250. Theedges 706 of thecover 702 define anorifice 701 that exposes thehandle portion 1250. Thehandle portion 1250 is formed from a substantiallyplanar body portion 1252 that is in contact withside portions 1202 and atop portion 1206 of theproduct 1200. In alternate embodiments, thebody portion 1252 may be connected to theproduct 1200 with an adhesive, or a mechanical connection arrangement to theside portions 1202 and/or thetop portion 1206. In yet another alternate embodiment, thebody portion 1252 may only be attached to and in contact with theside portions 1202. In an embodiment, theplanar body portion 1252 is in the form of an uninterrupted continuous strip of material that extends from anorifice 701 on one end of theproduct 1200, passing over theproduct 1200, to an opposing orifice 701 (not illustrated inFIG. 12 , but understood with reference toFIG. 4 ) on an opposing end of theproduct 1200. Theline 1230 illustrates the direction of the lifting force that is applied to thehandle portion 1250. -
FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary method and apparatus for fabricating some of the embodiments described herein. In this regard,FIG. 13A illustrates a portion of awrapping machine 1350 that includes a first roll ofcover material 1352 and a second roll ofcover material 1354. The cover material of the first roll ofcover material 1352 is bonded, joined, or connected to the cover material of the second roll ofcover material 1354 to form afirst seam portion 1303. Thefirst seam portion 1303 may be formed by a compressive, thermal, vibratory, acoustic, or adhesive joining process. Theproduct 200 may be moved relative to thefirst seam portion 1303 such that thefirst seam portion 1303 or portions of the material proximate to thefirst seam portion 1303 contact portions of theproduct 200. Referring toFIG. 13B , acover 202 is loosely formed around theproduct 200, joined at asecond seam portion 1305, and severed from the first roll ofcover material 1352 and the second roll ofcover material 1354. The asecond seam portion 1305 may remain connected to the first roll ofcover material 1352 and the second roll ofcover material 1354, thus becoming a first seam portion for the next product 200 (not shown) that will be packaged subsequently. Thecover 202 is substantially tubular, though the shape of thecover 202 may depend on the shape of theproduct 200, and is not limited to a cylindrical shape, but rather forms a continuous elongated hollow arrangement ofcover 202 material having open opposingorifices 1304 defined by theedges 206. Theedges 206 of thecover 202 are shown prior to forming an orifice 204 (ofFIG. 2 ). -
FIG. 13C illustrates ahandle form apparatus 1380 that includes aconcave engagement surface 1382 and aconvex engagement surface 1384. In operation, a portion of thecover 202 is disposed between theconcave engagement surface 1382 and theconvex engagement surface 1384 by passing a portion of theedge 206 of thecover 202 between theconcave engagement surface 1382 and theconvex engagement surface 1384. Though the illustrated embodiment includes ahandle form apparatus 1380 that includes aconcave engagement surface 1382 and aconvex engagement surface 1384, the engagement surfaces of thehandle form apparatus 1380 may have alternate shapes arranged in any alternate orientation relative to theproduct 200. Thus, the use of the terms concave engagement surface and convex engagement surface is a non-limiting exemplary embodiment. -
FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of an exemplary method and apparatus for fabricating some of the embodiments described herein. In this regard, referring toFIG. 14A , a portion of thecover 202 is disposed between theconcave engagement surface 1382 and theconvex engagement surface 1384 in a similar manner as described above inFIG. 13C .FIG. 14B illustrates the relative motion of theconcave engagement surface 1382 and theconvex engagement surface 1384 that are operative to engage and apply a compressive force on a portion of thecover 202 disposed therebetween. -
FIG. 14C illustrates the positioning of theconcave engagement surface 1382 and theconvex engagement surface 1384 prior to shrinking of thecover 202 by the application of heat that is operative to reduce the surface area of thecover 202 such that thecover 202 substantially conforms to the outer surface of theproduct 202. The compressive force of theconcave engagement surface 1382 and theconvex engagement surface 1384 is operative to begin the formation of the handle portion 208 (ofFIG. 2 ). The engagedconcave engagement surface 1382 and theconvex engagement surface 1384 may be moved relative to theproduct 200 to be positioned in substantially the location where the resultingorifice 701 ofFIG. 9 will be located after the heating process. In an alternate embodiment, the engagedconcave engagement surface 1382 and theconvex engagement surface 1384 may be moved relative to theproduct 200 during the heating process in a direction and at a rate of motion that corresponds to the shrinking of thecover 202.FIG. 14D illustrates the position of theconcave engagement surface 1382 and theconvex engagement surface 1384 and the formation of thehandle portion 208 in thecover 202 during the heating process. Once thehandle portion 208 has been formed, and thecover 202 is shrunk a desired amount, thecover 202 may be allowed to cool. -
FIG. 14E illustrates the relative motion of theconcave engagement surface 1382 and theconvex engagement surface 1384 as theconcave engagement surface 1382 and theconvex engagement surface 1384 disengage from thehandle portions 208 of thecover 202.FIG. 14F illustrates theresultant product 200,cover 202 and handleportions 208. - Instead of using a
handle form apparatus 1380, a similar end result may be achieved by changing the composition of the material used to wrap the product.FIG. 15 illustrates a portion of awrapping machine 1350 that includes a first roll ofcover material 1352 and a second roll ofcover material 1354 as shown above inFIG. 13 . The edges of the first roll ofcover material 1352 and the second roll ofcover material 1354 may be formed into a variety of exemplary profiles that may facilitatedifferent edges 206 of thecover 202. - In this regard,
FIG. 16 illustrates cut away views along the line 16 (ofFIG. 15 ) of exemplary profiles of the edges 206 (ofFIG. 2 ) of the first roll of cover material 1352 (and/or the second roll of cover material 1354) that may be incorporated into any of the embodiments described herein and partially define theorifice 204 and a portion of thehandle portion 208.FIG. 16A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of astraight edge 206 of thecover 202.FIG. 16B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of anedge 206 that includes amember 1602 that contacts thecover 202 and may include a different material than thecover 202 material. Themember 1602 may be formed from, for example, a plastic, or pulp product and may be connected to thecover 202 with for example a joining or bonding process that may include a mechanical connection, a welded, or bonded connection, or an adhesive connection.FIG. 16C illustrates an exemplary embodiment of anedge 206 that includes aloop 1604 that is formed by the connection of an end of thecover 202 to a surface of thecover 202 in a region 1606 using, for example, mechanical connection, a welded, or bonded connection, or an adhesive connection. In one exemplary embodiment, air that is trapped within theloop 1604 forms a cushioned handle when thesurrounding cover material 202 shrinks during the heating process.FIG. 16D illustrates an exemplary embodiment of anedge 206 that includes a layer or strip of material 1608 that is formed by the connection of the strip of material 1608 to a surface of thecover 202 in aregion 1610 using, for example, mechanical connection, a welded, or bonded connection, or an adhesive connection.FIG. 16E illustrates an exemplary embodiment of anedge 206 that includes layer or strip of material 1614 that is formed over amember 1612 and is connected to thecover 202 inregions 1616 using a suitable connection process.Member 1612 may include a different material than thecover 202 and may be formed from, for example, a plastic, pulp, or fiber product such as string.FIG. 16F illustrates an exemplary embodiment of anedge 206 that includes acover 202 having a greater thickness (t1) in aregion 1618 proximate to theedge 206 and a relatively lesser thickness (t2) in interior regions of thecover 202.FIG. 16G illustrates an exemplary embodiment of anedge 206 that is formed by combining amaterial 1622 that may include, for example, a plastic, polymer, composite, paper, or pulp product while maintaining the same thickness as the rest ofcover 202. Thematerial 1622 may be bonded with the of thecover 202 by using, for example, co-extrusion of different raw materials, or mechanically bonding or welding abutting edges. It is also understood that the different embodiments presented herein may be combined. -
FIG. 16H illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment that includes the layering of a strip of material 1626 represented with afiller strip 1624 of a similar material as thecover 202 such that thefinal cover 202 has a substantially uniform thickness. Alternatively, the strip of material 1608 inFIG. 16D or thematerial 1614 andmember 1612 ofFIG. 16E may be compressed to a similar thickness as the rest of thecover 202 by using, for example, the application of a set of rollers to compress the material into a substantially uniform thickness. - The alternative embodiments represented by
FIG. 16A-H above may be used to form ahandle portion 208 around the entire length ofedge 206 of the orifice 204 (ofFIG. 2 ). These methods could be modified, by for example, staggering the arrangement of the features on the edge, or removing portions of the edge features following the wrapping of theproduct 200, to create a handle at an upper or top of theorifice 204. -
FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary detailed frontal view of region 17 (ofFIG. 15 ) of an alternate embodiment of anedge 206 of thecover 202. In this regard, thematerial 1702 applied at or proximate to theedge 206 of thecover 202 provides a region of thecover 202 that when indexed to a portion of theproduct 200 is arranged as a handle portion on theproduct 202. -
FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of thematerial 1702 applied to cover 202 arranged on theproduct 200 that includes ahandle portion 1802 partially defined by thematerial 1702. -
FIG. 19 illustrates an alternate exemplary embodiment of acover 202 similar to the embodiment shown inFIG. 17 , where thematerial 1902 is applied as a continuous strip of material having an undulating or scalloped profile that provides a handle portion similar to the embodiment shown inFIG. 18 . - The
material 1702 may be used alone or in conjunction with any of the embodiments described above including the embodiments illustrated inFIG. 16 . Though the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 17 shows thematerial 1702 proximate to theedge 206, alternate embodiments may include any alternative profile. In an alternative embodiment, the embodiments represented byFIG. 16A-G above may be applied to the first roll ofcover material 1352 ofFIG. 13A , thereby creating ahandle portion 208 on the top half of theedge 206 oforifice 204. - The technical effects and benefits of the embodiments described above include the formation of a handle portion in the cover of a product package that offers a greater surface area to more evenly distribute the weight of a product to provide a more comfortable lifting means for a user.
- While the invention has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. A product package comprising:
a shrink wrap cover at least partially enveloping a product;
the shrink wrap cover having a first portion that compressively conforms at least partially to an outer three-dimensional profile of the product, and a second portion that does not compressively conform to the outer three-dimensional profile of the product;
a handle portion formed from the second portion of the shrink wrap cover, wherein the handle portion extends outward beyond the outer three-dimensional profile of the product.
2. The package of claim 1 , wherein an edge of the shrink wrap cover defines a first orifice.
3. The package of claim 2 , wherein the first orifice is partially defined by the handle portion.
4. The package of claim 2 , wherein the shrink wrap cover defines a second orifice that is partially defined by a second handle portion.
5. The package of claim 4 , wherein the first orifice and the second orifice are arranged on opposing sides of the product.
6. The package of claim 1 , wherein the shrink wrap cover includes an inner surface with portions of the inner surface substantially in contact with the product, and an outer surface.
7. The package of claim 6 , wherein the handle portion has a convex profile that includes a portion of the inner surface of the shrink wrap cover.
8. The package of claim 2 , wherein a portion of the edge of the shrink wrap cover partially defines the handle portion.
9. The package of claim 1 , wherein the shrink wrap cover includes a cylindrical portion connected proximate to an edge of the shrink wrap cover.
10. The package of claim 1 , wherein the shrink wrap cover includes a loop of shrink wrap cover material connected proximate to an edge of the shrink wrap cover.
11. The package of claim 1 , wherein the shrink wrap cover includes a strip of material connected proximate to an edge of the shrink wrap cover.
12. The package of claim 1 , wherein the shrink wrap cover includes a strip of shrink wrap cover material securing a member connected proximate to an edge of the shrink wrap cover.
13. The package of claim 1 , wherein the shrink wrap cover has a first thickness proximate to an edge of the shrink wrap cover and a second thickness proximate to a medial portion of the shrink wrap cover, wherein the first thickness is greater than the second thickness.
14. A method for fabricating a product package, the method comprising:
forming a shrink wrap cover having an inner surface and an opposing outer surface around a product, the shrink wrap cover defining a first orifice and a second orifice, portions of the inner surface of the shrink wrap cover contacting portions of the product;
inserting a first portion of a handle forming member into the first orifice;
engaging a portion of the inner surface of the shrink wrap cover with the first portion of the handle forming member, and engaging an opposing portion of the outer surface of the shrink wrap cover with a second portion of the handle forming member;
applying a compressive force to the shrink wrap cover with the first portion of the handle forming member and the second portion of the handle forming member;
applying heat to the shrink wrap cover that is operative to reduce the surface area of the shrink wrap cover such that the shrink wrap cover substantially conforms to the product; and
disengaging the first portion and the second portion of the handle forming member from the shrink wrap cover.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the forming the shrink wrap cover around the product comprises:
joining a distal end of a first roll of shrink wrap material to a distal end of a second roll of shrink wrap material to join a portion of the first roll of shrink wrap material to a portion of the second roll of shrink wrap material;
wrapping a portion of the first roll of shrink wrap material and a portion of the second roll of shrink wrap material around the product;
joining a portion of the first roll of shrink wrap material to a portion of the second roll of shrink wrap material to form a continuous layer of shrink wrap material around the product; and
severing the continuous layer of shrink wrap material about the product from the first roll of shrink wrap material and the second roll of shrink wrap material.
16. The method of claim 14 , wherein the first portion of the handle forming member includes a concave surface that is operative to engage the inner surface of the shrink wrap material.
17. The method of claim 14 , wherein the second portion of the handle forming member includes a convex surface that is operative to engage the outer surface of the shrink wrap material.
18. The method of claim 14 , wherein the method further comprises changing the relative position of the first portion and the second portion of the handle forming member to the product prior to applying the heat.
19. The method of claim 18 , wherein the changing the relative position of the first portion and the second portion of the handle forming member to the product includes reducing a distance between the first portion and the second portion of the handle forming member relative to the product.
20. The method of claim 14 , wherein prior to applying the heat, the method further comprises:
inserting a first portion of a second handle forming member into the second orifice;
engaging a portion of the inner surface of the shrink wrap cover with the first portion of the second handle forming member and an opposing portion of the outer surface of the shrink wrap cover with a second portion of the second handle forming member; and
applying a compressive force to the shrink wrap cover with the first portion of the second handle forming member and the second portion of the second handle forming member.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US13/675,282 US20140131242A1 (en) | 2012-11-13 | 2012-11-13 | Package Handles |
CA2831644A CA2831644A1 (en) | 2012-11-13 | 2013-11-01 | Package handles |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US13/675,282 US20140131242A1 (en) | 2012-11-13 | 2012-11-13 | Package Handles |
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US13/675,282 Abandoned US20140131242A1 (en) | 2012-11-13 | 2012-11-13 | Package Handles |
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Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20180222610A1 (en) * | 2008-10-22 | 2018-08-09 | Khs Gmbh | Method and device for producing a packaged unit |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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CA2831644A1 (en) | 2014-05-13 |
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