Abstract: A heat shrinkable film package and a method for packaging food and non-food products is disclosed which includes a valve through which the package is evacuated during the heat shrinking step of the packaging process. Employing the valve of the present invention precludes the need for puncturing the film prior to heat shrinking. Thus, a wide variety of food products may be packaged in a manner more typically reserved for non-food products.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shrink-wrapped package comprising at least one article shrink-wrapped with a polyester film containing an ethylene terephthalate unit, the shrink-wrapped package having a portion of sealing and cutting whose starting point has a movement distance of 10 &mgr;m or less.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed package comprises an substantially rigid base(3; 22), preferably a tray, a product (2; 23) to be packaged, which in a preferred embodiment is higher than the tray side walls (5), supported on the tray (3; 22), and a stretch film (8; 15) welded to the substantially rigid base (3; 22) along a sealing line so as to form a hermetically sealed enclosure for the product. In a method and a machine for manufacturing a hermetically sealed package (1; 101) a stretch film (8; 15) is stretched by means of a stretching frame (17) against a base (3; 22) along a pressure line and is heat welded by means of a sealing frame (18) to the base (3; 22) along a sealing line so as to form a hermetically sealed enclosure for a product (2; 23). (FIG.

Abstract: A method of finishing an enclosure formed from sheet metal includes the step of providing a tube formed from a film of a heat shrink polymer. The enclosure is inserted into the tube. Heat is applied to shrink the tube about the enclosure. Another method of finishing the enclosure includes the step of providing a sheet of a heat shrink polymer. The sheet is wrapped about the enclosure. The wrapped sheet may be affixed to the enclosure mechanically, chemically, or some combination thereof. Heat is applied to shrink wrap the sheet about the enclosure. In various embodiments the heat shrink polymer comprises at least one of the following polymers: irradiated low density polyethylene (LDPE), polyolefin, poly-ethylene terephthalate (PET), poly-vinyl chloride (PVC), and fluoropolymers such as poly-tetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), poly-vinylidene di-fluoride (PVDF), fluoroethylenepropylene (FEP), and perfluoroalkoxy (PFA).

Abstract: The present invention provides a wrapping device for welding a stretch film to a tray, and particularly a wrapping device that can provide a good appearance after the wrapping, and can suppress disadvantages in a transporting operation. A wrapping device 1 covers a top opening of a tray T with a stretch film Fm, welds the stretch film to the tray T, and thermally cuts it. The wrapping device 1 includes a stretch mechanism 9, a control portion and a film winding portion 53. The stretch mechanism 9 stretches the stretch film Fm. The control portion controls the stretch mechanism 9 to stretch the stretch film Fm at least before welding the stretch film Fm to the tray T. The film winding portion 53 winds up the stretch film Fm after the thermal cutting.

Abstract: Machine for manufacturing consumable goods containers, including a structure in which four modules are located, two supply modules (1) and (2), one dosage module (3) and the other a cutting module (4). It includes thermo-plastic material reels (5) and (6) of a variable band width, provided with winding means (7) and (21) and heating means (8) and (22), as well as shaping matrixes (9) and (23) that function when heated under pressure and result in concave shapes on the bands applicable as halves of the containers to be obtained.

Abstract: A combined shrink wrap gift wrap in which decorative indicia is applied to a shrink wrap film and the film is shrink wrapped onto a package using conventional shrink wrapping machinery.

Abstract: An energy-saving machine for packaging products with heat-shrinking film comprises a structure (11) consisting of a cover or dome (13), or upper part of the machine, which is arranged on a tank (12), or lower part, to define a chamber (15, A, B), said chamber being equipped with at least one heat source (21A, 21B), one fan (20, 20A, 20B) for circulating the air heated by said heat source and one transportation and support group (22, 22A, 22B) of a product (23) to be packaged, moreover being foreseen means for cutting and heat-sealing said film. According to the invention said machine foresees a dividing wall (17, 18) arranged in said dome (13) and/or said tank (12) to define at least two separate zones (A, B) which can be used together or separately.

Abstract: A packaging assembly, and method of packaging a plurality of products, for economically and safely shipping and displaying the plurality of products. The packaging assembly includes a display stand, a plurality of display packs holding the plurality of products, and a shipping cover. The display stand is constructed from a single sheet of cardboard, and includes a rectangular base panel, a front panel having a gap for viewing, and two parallel side panels with slots that correspond between the side panels. A cross-brace extends between the side panels. Each display pack is an approximately planar assembly formed from front and rear portions of transparent, vacuum-molded plastic. The front and rear portions are each configured with a flange and a frame. The display pack includes a product chamber configured to hold the product, and further contains a product display card.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for shrinking a foil (2) onto an object (1) are in particular used for packaging a stack of goods with a foil hood. Herein, a heating means (4) is moved with a distance to the foil (2) for shrinking said foil (2) onto the object (1) under the influence of heat. In accordance with the invention, at least sectionally the temperature of the foil (2) is measured in order to optimally regulating the heat emission of the heating means (4) to the foil (2). For this purpose, the apparatus is provided with a means (6) for measuring the temperature of the foil (2) and with a means for regulating the temperature of the foil (2). This provides the advantage that the apparatus can be used for different objects independently from their contour, size and position.

Abstract: The invention provides an adhesive/sealant compound having an outer surface including a coating of substantially regularly shaped particles so as to reversibly detackify the outer surface. In one embodiment of the invention, an adhesive/sealant compound is provided having an outer surface comprising a coating of substantially spherical particles so as to reversibly detackify the outer surface. In another embodiment of the invention, an adhesive/sealant compound is provided having an outer surface comprising a coating of substantially spherical glass microballoons so as to reversibly detackify the outer surface wherein the spherical glass microballoons have diameters in the range of 0.2 millimeters to 0.6 millimeters. A process for packaging an adhesive/sealant compound is also disclosed.

Abstract: A protective covering for a lumber stack is constructed by providing an appropriately sized sheet of heavy duty heat shrinkable plastic material, folding the side edges of the plastic sheeting material inwardly along spaced apart longitudinally extending lines to form top and bottom layers and joining the ends of the top and bottom layers to define a top layer which is imperforate throughout its entire length and width and a bottom layer which is imperforate throughout its entire length and width except for an opening extending the longitudinal center line of the bottom wall from end to the other. A lumber stack is received through the opening in the bottom wall thereby forming initially upwardly extending rectangularly shaped panels which are folded downwardly and secured to the ends of the lumber stack. The portions of the plastic sheeting extending adjacent the ends and the corners of the lumber stack are then heated to shrink the plastic sheeting into secure engagement with the lumber stack.

Abstract: A package cover for packaging a lens-fitted photo film unit includes two side sheets covering two side faces of the lens-fitted photo film unit and an outer sheet covering front, rear, top and bottom faces thereof. The outer sheet is provided with edge portions formed of a plastic sheet which has heat-shrinkable property. After the side sheets are adhered to the lens-fitted photo film unit, the outer sheet is wrapped around it. The edge portions are shrunken by blowing a hot air thereon and fixedly stuck to edges of the side sheets.

Abstract: A protective covering for a lumber stack is constructed by providing an appropriately sized sheet of heavy duty heat shrinkable plastic material, folding the side edges of the plastic sheeting material inwardly along spaced apart longitudinally extending lines to form top and bottom layers and joining the ends of the top and bottom layer to define a top layer which is imperforate throughout its entire length and width and a bottom layer which is imperforate throughout its entire length and width except for an opening extending along the longitudinal center line of the bottom wall from one end to the other. A lumber stack is received through the opening in the bottom wall thereby forming initially outwardly extending triangularly shaped panels which are folded downwardly and secured to the ends of the lumber stack. The portions of the plastic sheeting extending adjacent the ends and the corners of the lumber stack are then heated to shrink the plastic sheeting into secure engagement with the lumber stack.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus has hot air supply mechanisms disposed in association with light-shielding shrinkable films wound on a rolled photosensitive material sheet, for ejecting hot air locally to the light-shielding shrinkable films, and a drive mechanism for relatively rotating the hot air supply mechanisms along an outer circumferential surface of the rolled photosensitive material sheet.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method and apparatus for packaging fruits or vegetables. The package comprises a reusable plastic food container, a lid for such container, and a layer of breathable transparent film. The container is placed on top of the lid, the fruits or vegetables are placed in the container, the assembly is wrapped with the transparent film, such that the edges overlap underneath the lid, and the overlapping edges of the film are heat sealed together. Once the package is unwrapped and the contents are used, the container can be used to store leftovers or other food products in a refrigerator, etc. The clear breathable transparent film allows prospective customers to clearly view the product inside. The film also allows ethylene and other gases emitted from the fruits or vegetables contained therein to escape, thereby maintaining freshness.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for shrinking a foil (2) onto an object (1) are in particular used for packaging a stack of goods with a foil hood. Herein, a heating means (4) is moved with a distance to the foil (2) for shrinking said foil (2) onto the object (1) under the influence of heat. In accordance with the invention, at least sectionally the temperature of the foil (2) is measured in order to optimally regulating the heat emission of the heating means (4) to the foil (2). For this purpose, the apparatus is provided with a means (6) for measuring the temperature of the foil (2) and with a means for regulating the temperature of the foil (2). This provides the advantage that the apparatus can be used for different objects independently from their contour, size and position.

Abstract: A method of covering a pot wherein the cover is a flattened sleeve which comprises a base portion tapered to fit a pot and may have a skirt having an edge and having a lower end having excess material therein for forming a bottom. The cover may be bondingly connected to or crimped about the pot.

Abstract: A heat shrinkable film laminate contains (a) a heatable shrinkable film, (b) a solventless adhesive and (c) a film having a heat shrinkage of at least 5% less than the heat shrinkable film (a). Preferably the laminate also contains (d) a barrier layer adjacent (a).

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for packaging an object, like a stack of goods (1) disposed on a pallet (2), with a shrinkable foil (8, 20) a foil hood (20) is formed out of a foil hose (8). Said foil hood (20) subsequently is opened by a first gripper means (10, 11), is gripped and is moved to the object. Subsequently, said foil hood (20) is pulled over said object to be packaged and simultaneously shrunk onto said object. Therein, the heating means (17) during pulling over of said foil hood (20) is disposed with a fixed distance above a gripper means (16) for pulling over said foil hood (20) over said object. By the method in accordance with the present invention and by the corresponding apparatus, the output of the plant can be increased, wherein said foil hood (20) is shrunk onto said object essentially without creating folds, without the foils of the good itself or the hood pasting together.

Abstract: A packaging film which shrinks to form at least part of a package when exposed to heat. The packaging film includes a thin film substrate that contracts or shrinks when heated and which is substantially transparent to radiant energy. The film also includes a susceptor material carried by the film that is sufficiently opaque to radiant energy to absorb and transfer to the substrate enough heat energy to cause the substrate to shrink, when the film is exposed to a source of radiant energy. In one embodiment the packaging film takes the form of lids of beverage containers.

Abstract: Cardboard packing case for transporting a load with a base and at least four walls, a film made from heat-shrinkable plastic material, and a horizontal added board for pressing down and holding the heat-shrinkable film flat on the inner face of the base of the case, the board having a median line parallel to two walls for longitudinal folding of the board into a tent shape, the median line having a ridge facing towards the top of the case, wherein the film is in the form of a rectangular curtain in a single piece emerging on either side of two opposite edges of the board parallel to the median folding line and extending from those edges over a length sufficient to cover over one another, such that the film envelopes the load and immobilizes it by heat shrinking of the film, and a process and device for producing such a packing case.

Abstract: A method is provided in which two or more products are packaged together by wrapping a wrapper of, preferably, a heat-shrinkable plastic sheet material around them. The wrapper is applied so that its opposite edges either overlap and bond together by a contact adhesive, or both bond to one of the products. Optionally, the wrapper is of a heat-shrinkable plastic material, in which case heat may then be applied so as to shrink the wrapper so that the contained products are more firmly held together. It is then an easy matter for the consumer to remove the wrapper, by peeling apart the areas which are held by the contact adhesive. Instead of being positioned side-by-side, the products may be stacked one-on-top-of-the-other, and the wrapper applied around the two products where they meet.

Abstract: A perforating apparatus for use in the formation of shrink film packages is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a bottom seal tool with a plurality of peninsula regions forming a plurality of window areas. Each pair of window areas has a knife receiving area to receive a knife retaining block. The retaining block contains a perforation knife that extends beyond the surface of the sealing tool a sufficient distance to perforate the packages. At least one screw member extends through the peninsula, contacting the retaining block and securing the retaining block within the retaining channel. A change plate, having slots dimensioned and located to receive the knife blades is placed over the sealing tool surface. The packages are placed on the change plate and sealed by contacting the package with the upper platen. The upper platen is provided with a nonconductive material positioned to receive the knife blade.

Abstract: The invention is a packaging case made of cardboard for transporting a load, a method and a device for packaging such a case. The case includes a lateral band (2, 3, 4, 5) and a horizontal base (6) integral with the band via joining lines, and a heat shrinkable plastic film material (7, 8, 9) for packaging and holding the load securely. The case also includes at least one rigid mounted plate (11), pressing the heat shrinkable film on the internal face of the base of the case leaving free strips of material arranged for blocking the load by shrinking on the film, the plate being inserted between at least two first vertically opposite walls of the case such that the edges of the plate are in contact via the plastic film with at least part of the joining lines of the first walls. The case further includes structure for blocking the plate against the base.

Abstract: A temporary packaging method and a resultant package are provided for comprising temporarily bonding containers on a flat base member to stabilize the containers for further packaging, the method comprising the steps of providing a base member, providing containers, temporarily bonding the containers to the base member with a hot melt adhesive, advancing the base member with containers through the packaging or handling system so that further processing of the containers may optionally be effected, encapsulating the base member and bonded containers with a plastic shrink film to complete the package, followed by release of the containers from the bond to base member within minutes after shrink wrapping, with the adhesive remaining bonded to the base member.

Abstract: A light-shielding packaging for a roll of continuous photosensitive web wound on a core having on its both ends a light-shielding flange disc has at its leading end a heat-shrinkable light-shielding leader sheet having a thickness of 30 to 200 &mgr;m which shows a heat shrinkage ratio of 5 to 30% in the longitudinal direction of the web at a temperature in the range of 60 to 140° C. and a heat shrinkage ratio of less than 5% in its width direction at the same temperature. The leader sheet has a length larger than the length of the outermost convolution of the roll and a width larger than the distance between the outer face of one flange disc and the outer face of another flange disc, and each side portion of the leader sheet is light-tightly attached by heat shrinkage to the outer face of the flange disc at least at a portion adjacent to the periphery of the flange disc.

Abstract: A storage container for semiconductor objects is disclosed. The invention has a mounting structure having an inner frame, a temperature sensitive adherent film and an outer frame. Semiconductor objects are placed on the temperature sensitive adherent and covered. The cover does not touch the semiconductor objects because it has a spacer made of non-stick material. The invention stores semiconductor objects for a relatively long period of time in a safe and secure manner with minimal threat of breakage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the size and shape of a shrink film envelope around an article or a package to prevent the formation of wrinkles and bunching of the film when it shrinks. The apparatus comprises a hot air shrink tunnel having a conveyor for moving the article on packages through the tunnel. An assembly is position within the tunnel a preadjusted distance away from the article forming a fixed boundary to which the film envelope expands and is restricted, causing the air within the film envelope to be directed to areas around the article to keep the film from touching the article until the film shrinks. The assembly comprises material of low thermal conductivity such as a plurality of wooden wheels for contacting the film envelope.

Abstract: A packaging assembly, and method of packaging a plurality of products, for economically and safely shipping and displaying a plurality of products. The packaging assembly includes a display stand, a plurality of display packs holding the plurality of products. Display stands with display packs can be stacked on a pallet. The display stand includes two parallel side panels having a plurality of slots. Each display pack is made of transparent, vacuum-molded plastic, having front and rear portions, flanges, and a product chamber configured to hold the products. The corresponding pairs of slots are configured to receive the display pack flanges to support and display the products in the product chamber. The front and rear portions also include frames configured to adjoin with the frames of adjacent display packs to provide structural support to each succeeding display pack.

Abstract: A method of achieving extended shelf life for a food includes enclosing the food in a discrete container of flexible or foldably formable material, wherein the shape of the container includes predefined crease lines for enabling the formation of the container into at least the following two container positions: a) a first container position obtained by the formation of folds along predefined crease lines such that opposing side wall panels of the container are arranged in relation to one another such that the distance between the side wall panels defines a first distance and b) a second container position obtained without the formation of folds along the predefined crease lines such that opposing side wall panels of the container are arranged in relation to one another such that the distance between the side wall panels defines a second distance. The first distance between the side wall panels is less than the second distance between the side wall panels.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and an apparatus for sorting cylindrical articles such as dry cells and certainly cutting and heat-sealing a cylindrical film of thermal shrinkage resin at a boundary between a film portion enclosing one group and a film portion enclosing the next group in the course of carrying the article groups while keeping each interval between the two adjacent groups. Front side and rear side carrying conveyor belts disposed in front of and behind the upper and lower end sealers in the carrying direction are taken as holding conveyor belts capable of pressing from above the articles. At least one of the holding conveyor belts is movable forwardly and rearwardly relative to the other.

Abstract: A light-tight packaging entity includes rigid side covers (4) and a flexible light-tight covering film (3), which envelops the curved surface of a file roll (1) and is shrunk onto outer edges (5) of the side covers (4) to keep incident light away. This packaging entity makes it possible to achieve reliable protection from light with a packaging entity of small size, ensures unimpeded rewinding of the film, and enables the light-sensitive material to be handled in daylight. The present packaging entity is space-saving, capable of being rewound, leaves no packaging residues in the processing device after opening and unrolling have taken place, and in addition is simple and cost-effective.

Abstract: A reinforced container, particularly of thin gauge metal, is encircled by a thermoplastic sleeve which is shrunk thereabout for applying a radial squeezing force to give the container adequate axial strength for withstanding the axial compressive pressures of conventional filling and closing machines.

Abstract: A protective wrapping for a vehicle seat includes a separate protective wrapping for the backrest cushion and a separate protective wrapping for the seat cushion. The backrest cushion wrapping includes a protective bag that loosely encloses the backrest cushion from above on all sides the backrest cushion to the level of the seat surface. By means of a closing tongue that reaches around the backrest underside from the front to the rear, the protective bag is fixed on the backrest cushion. The seat cushion wrapping includes a protective hood that encloses the seat cushion from above on all sides. The sides are gathered in a circular manner, particularly shrunk, below the seat cushion, so that the seat cushion wrapping rests under pre-stress laterally on the seat cushion.

Abstract: The method for forming a packaging (1) for a plurality of containers (2) arranged in lines and rows involves wrapping the group of containers with a section of heat-sealable plastic film (3), the two end flaps of which overlap so as to be able to be heat-sealed with one another. Pre-cut lines (5), parallel to the direction in which the film itself extends, are formed beforehand in the film. The pre-cut lines are positioned at a distance from one another and, in the finished packaging, each pre-cut line is arranged between two adjacent rows of containers. One side of the film used is provided, in the position where a longitudinal pre-cut lines is already present or is to be formed, with a strip-shaped area which is not heat-sealable when it comes into contact with the film itself. The width of the strips which are not heat-sealable is chosen so as to cover the maximum overlapping imprecision due to the packaging machines.

Abstract: A method for packaging a hot melt adhesive mass comprises providing a hot melt adhesive having a predetermined viscosity and finite size and shape, and encapsulating the hot melt adhesive in a polymeric shrink wrap which forms a hermetic seal thereon. An packaged adhesive mass comprises a hot melt adhesive having a predetermined viscosity and a finite size and shape; and a polymeric shrink wrap film which encapsulates the hot melt adhesive. The hot melt adhesive is hermetically sealed.

Abstract: In order to improve a process for producing plastic packaging, particularly using plastic sheets, lateral sections (14) projecting beyond goods to be packaged being at least partly shrunk by heat supply, so that heat-sensitive goods also can be packaged in an economical and visually attractive way, it is proposed that the heat supply be interrupted as soon as the shrinking process starts in an area of plastic packaging subjected to heat, and that mechanical pressure be exerted on the heated areas of plastic immediately afterwards. An apparatus for carrying out the process for producing plastic packaging has an uptake area, a heat supply device and pressure members (15).

Abstract: Clothing apparel is vended by forming the clothing apparel into a compact shape, inserting the clothing apparel and a container, and vending the clothing material and container from a standard beverage vending machine.

Abstract: A method for packaging bulk goods into an intermediate bulk container including the steps of placing an inner package made of a flexible resilient material onto a base, providing the inner package with a reinforcement structure in an interior thereof, filling the interior of the inner package with bulk goods whereby the inner package obtains substantially the shape of a parallelepiped, and then surrounding the inner package and at least a portion of the base with an outer package made of a plastic material to firmly secure the inner package to the base via the outer package.

Abstract: A rope package designed and configured with a self-contained hanger for display in retail stores. The rope is designed to be coiled into a number of uniform coils. In coiling the rope, one coil is pulled away from the uniform coils to create a loop between the one coil extending outwardly and the other uniform coils. The coiled configuration is then wrapped tightly with a membrane to hold the coiled configuration together. The resulting rope package contains a self-contained hanger, through use of the loop, that is suitable for hanging for display in its individual capacity in retail stores.

Abstract: A bone cap device for use over a meat cut having at least one exposed bone is provided. The meat cut is positionable inside a separate outer bag with the bone cap device cushioning the exposed bone from piercing the separate outer bag. The bone cap device comprises a first bone cap positionable over the first exposed bone. A second bone cap is positionable over the second exposed bone. A connection member connects the first bone cap to the second bone cap wherein the first bone cap and the second bone cap inhibits the first exposed bone and second exposed bone, respectively, from piercing the separate outer bag.

Abstract: A packaging film which shrinks to form at least part of a package when exposed to heat. The packaging film includes a thin film substrate that contracts or shrinks when heated and which is substantially transparent to radiant energy. The film also includes a susceptor material carried by the film that is sufficiently opaque to radiant energy to absorb and transfer to the substrate enough heat energy to cause the substrate to shrink, when the film is exposed to a source of radiant energy. In one embodiment the packaging film takes the form of lids of beverage containers.

Abstract: The present invention has several aspects. One aspect relates to a method of wrapping a package containing a food product which is attractive and serves to present the food product in an appealing setting. The package includes a preformed tray and a heat sensitive transparent film sheet which is attached at at least one attachment region to the tray without wrinkles in the film sheet. A packaging machine, a cutting and heating assembly and the package itself comprise the other aspects of the invention. In each case, the transparent film sheet is wrinkle free.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat shrinking of a heat-shrinkable thermoplastic film that is used to package a product by passing the product packaged in the film through a rotatable shrink tunnel with a heated transfer medium passing through the tunnel to cause the shrinkage of the wrap material.

Abstract: A method of improving security of a luggage wrapping system. Firstly, apply at least one band around a piece of luggage. Secondly, apply a polymer plastic wrap to the luggage.

Abstract: A method of packaging a product by heat shrinking a low gauge, low shrink force, polyester shrink film to a rigid container. The lidding film engages around the outside of the container, thereby protecting the contents and providing evidence of tampering. The packaged product can be heated and will generally vent steam, while maintaining tamper resistance.

Abstract: When packing articles, particularly sheet stacks, such as computer lists, for transportation and dispatch purposes in a film, thick stacks should be tightly enveloped with a shrink film envelope, so as to increase their transportation stability, whereas the envelope of thin stacks is to remain unshrunk, so as not to deform the stack. It is proposed that both types of articles be passed in the packing line through the shrinkage tunnel, but in the case of articles not to be shrunk by increasing the passage speed and/or decreasing the circulating air speed, the heat transfer conditions are reduced in such a way that no shrinkage occurs. It is also proposed to so control the welding dies or jaws of a longitudinal welding station as a function of the thickness of the articles that thinner packs are more tightly enveloped than thicker packs.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with apparatus and methods for packing and handling articles of produce and the like. The apparatus includes a uniquely designed produce basket and rack combination. The basket comprises a framework containing a basket opening. A flange is detachably attached to the framework and surrounds the basket opening. A pair of lugs extend out from the flange, and function as handles for carrying the basket or for pulling the flange to detach it from the basket framework. An air-permeable barrier is heat sealed to the flange to create a closure to the basket opening. The closure is first opened by detaching at least a portion of the basket flange from the framework and is closed by pulling the detached flange portion down around the opening of the framework and engaging a spur. The rack comprises a rack framework which includes a top end containing a plurality of rack openings.

Abstract: A package (10) is disclosed including stacked, lower and upper trays (12, 14) each including end walls (22, 122) extending on opposite sides of a base panel (16, 116). The handgrips (26) of the end walls (22) of the lower tray (12) are aligned with the handgrips (126) of the end walls (122) of the upper tray (14) when it is stacked on the lower tray (12). The openings (38) in the ends of a shrunk film wrapper (36) are at least partially coincident with the upper peripheries of the handgrips (26, 126) for providing extra strength. Side walls (18, 118) are integrally connected to the base panels (16, 116) about fold lines (20, 120) and are secured to the end walls (22, 122) by tabs (28, 34, 128, 134). The trays (12, 14) are formed of paperboard and/or corrugated from one or more blanks.