Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a protective device that is adapted for use with a container in order to inhibit ingress of unwanted materials through a handhold opening in a wall of the container. The method includes a first step of advancing a first strip of material in a longitudinal direction from an upstream location to a downstream location. As this first strip of material is advanced, it is longitudinally scored after which a second strip of material is secured to the first strip of material such that the second strip is sealed around a discrete consecutive portion of the scoring. Thereafter, an adhesive material is applied to a side surface of the first strip opposite the second strip. The joined first and second strips are then cut into individual units with portions of the first and second strips in each unit being sealed completely around the periphery thereof.

Abstract: A protective device for use with a container inhibits ingress of unwanted materials into the container's handhold opening while permitting insertion of a hand for grasping the handhold opening. The protective device comprises a mounting panel sized greater than the handhold opening and having a portal formed therein. A first adhesive material is located on a first side surface of the mounting panel and secures the mounting panel in a secured state to a wall in the interior of the container with the portal positioned over the handhold opening. A deadening material is disposed on a selected area of the first adhesive material to inhibit the adherence of the mounting panel to a portion of the wall which confronts the deadening material, and an exclusion panel has a surrounding outer peripheral margin portion and is sized and configured to have a panel size greater than the size and configuration of the handhold opening. A container having such a protective device is also provided.

Abstract: A protective device is adapted for use with a handhold opening of a container to inhibit ingress of unwanted materials into the interior while permitting insertion of a hand for grasping the handhold opening. The protective device comprises a panel piece having a surrounding peripheral edge and a surrounding peripheral margin adjacent to this edge. A panel piece is sized and configured to have a panel size greater than the selected size and configuration of the handhold opening so that the margin portion is securable to the container wall to position and secure the panel piece in a secured state with the panel piece positioned over the handhold opening. A first adhesive material secures the margin portion to the wall in an area surrounding the handhold opening. Preferably, a second adhesive material is disposed proximately to the peripheral edge and spaced-apart from the first adhesive material.