Abstract: A plastic sheet for packaging meat products such as bacon that consists essentially of a laminate of first and second sheet substrates. The first substrate is a coextruded polystyrene substrate that consists of a non-foam layer and a foam layer that is thinner than the non-foam layer. The second substrate is a coextruded polystyrene substrate that consists of a non-foam layer and a foam layer that is thicker than the non-foam layer. The first and second substrates are secured to each other with the foam layers facing each other. The first substrate provides toughness and a smooth surface for printing information to be visible within the meat product package, and the second substrate provides stiffness at light weight.

Abstract: A carrier and container assembly that includes a plurality of containers of identical size and geometry, and having identical labels with UPC indicia identically positioned thereon. A carrier of one-piece as-made plastic composition has a top flat wall with openings into which the containers are fastened such that the containers depend from the top wall, and a skirt that extends entirely around the periphery of the top wall and depends therefrom for a distance sufficient at least partially to cover the UPC indicia on the labels of the containers. UPC indicia associated with the carrier and container assembly is externally positioned on the carrier skirt.

Abstract: A multilayer sheet, which is particularly well adapted for use as as a label sleeve on carbonated beverage containers, includes first and second coextruded unfoamed layers of polymer compositions each consisting essentially of polyolefin, polystyrene and a compatibility agent. The polyolefin and polystyrene are in a weight ratio in the range of about 30/70 to 70/30, and the compatibility agent is in the amount of about 5% to 10% by total weight. A pigment in the amount of about 10% to 15% by total weight may be included in one or both of the coextruded layers. The polyolefin preferably is selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene and mixtures thereof, and the compatibility agent preferably comprises a styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer. One of the unfoamed layers preferably is thicker and of higher strength than the other layer, while the other layer has a smooth uniform exterior surface.

Abstract: A multiple-container package that includes a plastic tray having a base with an integral peripheral wall, a plurality of pockets in the base and flange portions extending along opposite sides of the peripheral wall. A plurality of filled and closed containers, such as beverage containers, each has a lower end received in one of the tray pockets in an upper end spaced above the tray. A canopy in the form of a thin plastic sheet engages the upper ends of the containers, and is stretched taut over the containers. The side edges of the canopy sheet are secured to the undersides of the flange portions of the tray in such a way that residual stresses in the canopy sheet, which hold the containers in the tray pockets, exert shear stresses on the securement bond between the sheet and the tray flanges. A handle in the form of a thin flexible plastic strip is secured at opposite ends to lateral ends the tray and extends over the canopy for manually carrying the tray and package in horizontal orientation.

Abstract: A coextruded label material is provided which comprises a styrenic unfoamed layer and a styrenic foam layer wherein the styrenic unfoamed layer is the predominant portion as contrasted to the styrenic foam layer. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an additional clear or translucent unfoamed plastic layer is adhered to the unfoamed layer with printing interposed between the unfoamed layers. Printing is provided on the unfoamed layer of the coextruded material or other side of the additional clear or translucent unfoamed layer. A container package is provided wherein a label is cut from the label material and wrapped about a hollow container.

Abstract: A method wherein a strip of flat plastic carriers having openings therein for application to groups of containers is moved from a source to a feed drum for delivering a strip of carriers to an applicator apparatus, a trough interposed between the source and the feed drum. Electrical heaters are provided beneath the trough. A strip of carriers is moved through the trough such as to heat the carriers from the underside thereof. The temperature of the heaters is controlled such that the strip of carriers is conditioned to compensate for ambient temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for forming clear shrinkable film material for use as labels on containers. A blend of general purpose polystryene and styrene-butadiene or styrene butyl acrylate is extruded from an annular extruder die orifice to form a frustoconical tube which is stretched before cooling air is applied to form a clear film that has machine direction orientation and cross direction orientation that can be used as a shrinkable label on containers. As the tube is extruded, it is shielded from cooling air which is applied downstream from the extruder die orifice. The apparatus shields the hot annular extruded material adjacent the die orifice. The air is supplied downstream from an annular air orifice which is designed with a taper that allows ambient air to be freely drawn in and eliminates what would be a negative pressure zone immediately downstream of the air orifice while eliminating air turbulence and improving cooling.

Abstract: A multiple bottle package including a plastic tray including a base wall, an integral peripheral wall extending upwardly from the base wall, and an integral peripheral flange extending radially outwardly from the upper edge of the peripheral. The base wall has a plurality of bottle receiving recesses for receiving the bases of bottles. A plurality of bottles corresponding in number with the number of recesses are placed in the recesses with each bottle having a base received in a recess in the base wall of the plastic tray. Each bottle has a body portion extending upwardly from said base of said bottle, a tapered shoulder portion and a neck portion. The recesses are positioned such that the portions of said body portions of said bottles are in abutting relationship. The peripheral wall of the tray has generally vertical undulations engaging the bottles along the peripheral wall. A canopy overlies and is bonded to the tray.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a strip of carriers for delivery to an apparatus for applying a can carrier to successive groups of cans from a strip of carriers on a roll where the strip is fed from the roll to an applicator comprising a cleaning device interposed between the roll and the applicator. The cleaning device includes opposite cleaning brushes between which the strip of carriers is moved such that dirt, dust and material plate-out is removed from the surfaces of the strip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for forming clear shrinkable film material for use as labels on containers. A blend of general purpose polystryene and styrene-butadiene or styrene butyl acrylate is extruded from an annular extruder die orifice to form a frustoconical tube which is stretched before cooling air is applied to form a clear film that has machine direction orientation and cross direction orientation that can be used as a shrinkable label on containers. As the tube is extruded, it is shielded from cooling air which is applied downstream from the extruder die orifice. The apparatus shields the hot annular extruded material adjacent the die orifice. The air is supplied downstream from an annular air orifice which is designed with a taper that allows ambient air to be freely drawn in and eliminates what would be a negative pressure zone immediately downstream of the air orifice while eliminating air turbulence and improving cooling.