Abstract: One or more patches adhered to a bag have a first-patch-overhang-region and a second-patch-overhang-region, wherein at least a portion of said first-patch-overhang-region is adhered to said second-patch-overhang-region. The overhang regions are preferably present on separate patches adhered to the bag. The patches can extend completely around the bag, eliminating uncovered regions, thereby providing protection against puncture by a bone-in meat product packaged within the bag. This “full width patch bag” has been discovered to be particularly beneficial in reducing punctures in the packaging of whole bone-in pork loins. Other bag embodiments without patch overhangs are also disclosed, for solving the bone puncture problem by providing alternative full width patch bags.

Abstract: Disclosed is an oriented, heat shrinkable, thermoplastic vacuum bag having a protective heat shrinkable patch attached thereto such that said heat shrinkable patch covers substantially all area exposed to bone, thereby protecting the bag from puncture by sharp protruding bones in bone-in cuts of meat which are vacuum packaged within the bags. The protection is especially directed to prevention of bag puncture by, bone-in cuts of both fresh and smoked or processed meat. The bag produced by this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an oriented, heat shrinkable, thermoplastic vacuum bag having a protective heat shrinkable patch attached thereto such that said heat shrinkable patch covers substantially all area exposed to bone, thereby protecting the bag from puncture by sharp protruding bones in bone-in cuts of meat which are vacuum packaged within the bags. The protection is especially directed to prevention of bag puncture by, bone-in cuts of both fresh and smoked or processed meat.