Abstract: A copolymer blend having improved extrusion performance comprising from 90 to 50% by weight of vinylidene chloride-vinyl chloride copolymer and from 10 to 50% by weight of a vinylidene chloride-methyl acrylate copolymer wherein the weight percentage of vinyl chloride in the blend is greater than 12% and the weight percentage of methyl acrylate in the blend is less than 2.8%.

Abstract: A multiple layer film useful in moisture barrier packaging applications has at least one layer comprising a blend of propylene polymer or copolymer, and a hydrocarbon resin; and two additional layers comprising a propylene polymer or copolymer, ethylene alpha olefin copolymer, ionomer, polybutene, or blends thereof. A core layer of ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer or other oxygen barrier material, or high density polyethylene, can be included in some embodiments. A preferred embodiment of the multi-layer film exhibits excellent moisture barrier and optical properties, and shrink properties as well if the film has been oriented. High oxygen barrier is also a feature in embodiments including EVOH or other oxygen barrier materials.

Abstract: A pasteurizable and/or cook-in multilayer shrink film, which is characterized in that the innermost sealing layer comprises an ethylene-butyl acrylate-maleic anhydride copolymer.

Abstract: Films of thermoplastic material may be sealed together by application of a radio frequency field through a pair of oppositely positioned electrodes. Preferred thermoplastic materials have a low dielectric dissipation factor, and such materials include polyethylene. The sealing apparatus includes a circuit having compensation and matching circuits for providing resonant operation and minimizing the amount of reflected energy from the electrodes. Through the use of this invention effective RF sealing is produced-between films of thermoplastic material having a low dielectric dissipation factor. Further the sealing apparatus preferably includes at least one electrode coated with a ceramic and a release material for providing thermal conduction to the films, thereby enhancing the sealing effectiveness of the apparatus.

Abstract: A bag and a method and apparatus for forming an easy open bag wherein a said bag is formed of thermoplastic heat shrinkable film is disclosed. Specifically, an easy open thermoplastic heat shrinkable bag having a heat shrinkable thermoplastic tear strip panel sealed without adhesives or heat seals is disclosed. A method of making said easy open bag is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for loading bone-in meat products into flexible receptacles such as thermoplastic bags. The apparatus comprises a bag loading table having a hopper and bag holder comprising metal rods such that the bone-in product does not contact the bag during loading and thereby eliminates bag failure caused by bone damage.

Abstract: A method for packaging a product includes the steps of providing a composite film including a non-barrier layer and a peelable barrier layer; providing a bottom web having the product supported thereon; removing a strip of the non-barrier layer from an edge of the composite film so as to provide an extending portion of the barrier layer which extends beyond the non-barrier layer; and sealing the composite film over the product to the bottom web so that the non-barrier layer overwraps the product and is sealed to the bottom web wherein the extending portion of the barrier layer forms a pull tab for peeling the barrier layer from the non-barrier layer.

Abstract: A multi-layer film useful in food packaging comprising a first core layer comprising VLDPE or LLDPE; optionally a second core layer comprising VLDPE or LLDPE; two outer layers each comprising an ionomer; and further core layers between the first core layer and the outer layer and between the second core layer and the outer layer the further core layers comprising an olefin polymer or copolymer. The film may also include an oxygen barrier layer and may be oriented to provide a heat shrinkable film.

Abstract: Devices for packaging selected items. More particularly, the present invention relates to devices for continuously packaging selected items in a controlled atmosphere enclosure. Further, the present invention relates to devices for continuously sealing containers containing selected items in a controlled atmosphere.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermoplastic flexible film suitable for wrapping static sensitive devices such as electronic circuit boards. The film is made of an inherently hydrophilic polyether block amide copolymer in blend with a compatible polymer. Compatible polymers typically are amide polymers or are acid copolymers, such as the nylons or ionomers. The film does not have a degree of hydrophilicity unsuitable for packaging static sensitive devices. Yet the film is antistatic without requiring the addition of an antistatic agent.

Abstract: A vacuum skin package for packaging fresh red meat and like articles is produced by using a composite, multilayer, oxygen barrier, vacuum skin packaging forming film in which the impermeable film can be manually separated from the non-barrier, oxygen permeable film. After the vacuum skin package is formed to enclose a fresh red meat product in a vacuum the meat will have a purplish color. Then, after storage, the impermeable film can be removed so that the remaining permeable film can admit oxygen to impart the desirable red bloom to the fresh meat. The oxygen permeable film preferably includes a core having enhanced permeation properties. The impermeable film preferably includes an EVOH layer sandwiched between ionomer layers for improved barrier properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a thermoplastic packaging bag having a carrying handle and relates specifically to a packaging bag having a separate carrying handle. After the bag is loaded with product and closed, the closure securely attaches the handle to the bag.

Abstract: This invention relates to a packaging method and device utilizing heat-shrinkable thermoplastic film for bundling a plurality of prepackaged containers which allows for access to a carrying means on the prepackaging. The packaging method and device forms a means of bundling a plurality of containers which have been prepackaged into units. Further, the heat-shrinkable thermoplastic film device forms a protective shielding for the prepackaged containers so bundled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of heat sealing fitment tubes to pouches or bags of flexible film using a pair of hot bars. Also disclosed is the use of warm bars or cold bars to cool the hot bar seal. An apparatus for producing pouches with fitment tubes sealed thereto as well as the pouches so produced is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-layer heat shrinkable film not confined to but including at least three layers, one outside layer being of a blend of EVA and VLDPE, the other outside layer being VLDPE or a blend of VLDPE and EVA and an internal layer being EVA or primarily EVA.Such a multi-layer heat shrink film has good resistance of abuse. The film may include the optional barrier film and optionally two of the two contiguous co-extruded layers can be irradiated prior to the third or further layers. Such a precursor is then stretched into the film thickness required. The invention covers the method of treatment of such a film and a container or package including such a film.

Abstract: Multiple layer cook-in films are disclosed from which packages such as bags or casings can be made. The films have a first food contact layer with a core layer adhered thereto which includes a blend of a polymeric material having a high molecular weight and a fractional melt index and an ethylene alpha-olefin copolymer. The film further includes an abuse layer which has, at least, a polymeric material having a high molecular weight and a fractional melt index. Improved hold cold seal strength fresh and over time, improved orientation processing and lower shrink temperatures are obtained with the present core layer. The abuse layer and core layer adds to the processability of the material and improves optics.

Abstract: A multilayer laminate comprises a first perforated film of propylene homopolymer or copolymer, oriented heat set polyester or oriented heat set polyamide and a second film bonded to the first film and including a bonding layer of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer or chemically modified ethylene unsaturated ester copolymer, a core layer of a heat resistant, breathable polymeric material, and an outer heat sealable layer. One or more filler layers may be included in the structure, located between the outer heat sealable layer and a polymeric adhesive layer.

Abstract: A multi-compartment flexible package is provided for filling with products which are to be stored separately from each other. A multi-compartment package made from flexible thermoplastic material heat sealed at the peripheral edges is provided. The compartments are formed by rupturable partition strips heat sealed in place between the sheets of thermoplastic material forming the package. The partition strips are comprised of at least one layer of heat sealable material which is different from the thermoplastic material and which can be ruptured under pressure allowing the products in the compartments to mix.

Abstract: Apparatus for atmosphere-modifying and sealing individual trays includes a film disposing roller disposed closely adjacent the top of the tray to define a nip region and an elongated gas injection nozzle spanning the nip region for injecting gas through the nip region between the film and the tray. A split conveyor belt advances the trays past the film disposing roller to a sealing unit utilizing band sealers for the longitudinal tray edges and reciprocal "hot bar" sealer for the leading and trailing tray edges. The gas injection nozzle injects the gas substantially perpendicular to the advancing direction, down and into the individual trays. An optional second gas nozzle provides a gas flow curtain across the tray leading edge.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable, oriented film having two layers of different very low density polyethylenes is disclosed. The melt index of the polyethylenes differs by about 1 or more decigrams/minute. The films have good shrink and good puncture resistance.