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: One package for photographic film (PF) has five cassettes (3), which respectively contain the photographic film (PF). Five cylindrical watertight cases (2) respectively contain the cassettes (3). Heat shrinkable film (7, 25, 30, 57) is disposed around the five watertight cases (2), and shrunken by heat for collectively covering the five cassettes (3). The shrinkable film (7, 25, 30, 57) has shrinkability from 40 to 63% when heated at 140.degree. C. for 10 seconds, and has thickness from 35 to 50 .mu.m.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for shrinking portions of a shrinkable film beneath leading and trailing transverse end seams of a film wrapped product. First and second controllable sources of heated fluid are connected to first and second nozzles positioned beneath a conveyor on which the film wrapped product is conveyed. The nozzles are arranged to travel back and forth below the conveyor and their travel is timed such that the heated fluid from the first nozzle heats only the leading seam and the heated fluid from the second nozzle heats only the trailing seam.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for cutting and heat sealing a film with a smooth seam which extends substantially the transverse width of a wrapped package utilizes a mechanism having a cool clamping portion and a hot sealing portion which are sequentially actuated. The clamping portion, with segments upstream and downstream of a sealing position, is activated to firmly hold the film against a base plate. The sealing portion is located between the upstream and downstream segments of the clamping portion. The heated sealing portion is brought into contact with the film as a cutting member cuts the film. The sealing head is retracted as the clamping portion holds the film to allow longitudinal film shrinkage and prevent transverse film shrinkage of the film. The clamping portion separates and the next package in a succession of film-enclosed packages is moved downstream of the sealing position.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) is disclosed including a web of film (20) extending between first and second pairs of pinch rollers (12-15) and onto a vacuum table (18). A rotary cutter (46) positioned before the first pair of pinch rollers (12, 13) includes laterally extending and spaced knives (52) for creating cuts (54, 58) in the film (20) which expand into vent openings (54') positioned over the sides (68) of the product (72) when the film (20) is wrapped around and shrunk upon the product (72). A further rotary cutter (30) positioned between the pairs of pinch rollers (12-15) includes a cut-off knife (36) and first and second blades (44). The cut-off knife (36) creates a cut (60) in the film (20) to form a single sheet of film (20) and includes notches (38) in its cutting edge to form tie strips (62) connecting the single sheet to the web of film (20).

Abstract: A casing for a disc cartridge includes first and second halves and a pair of holding means. The first half includes a plate portion, a pair of sidewall sections formed parallel to the parallel sides of the plate portion and a wall section between the sidewall sections. The second half includes a plate portion, a pair of sidewall sections formed parallel to the parallel sides of the plate portion and a wall section between the sidewall sections. Each of the sidewall sections is formed with a protrusion and a groove. The first and second halves are connected together by having the protrusion engaged in the groove. A holding unit is provided in an inner portion of the second half.

Abstract: The invention provides an endless conveyor having a pair of gaps in its product conveying surface. As a film-wrapped product is conveyed across the gaps, a sensor aligned with the second gap signals the initiation of a shrinking sequence by which a pair of upwardly directed nozzles impinge hot air on the portion of film below and inboard of the transverse film seals. As the flow of hot air begins, a pair of magnetic clutches are activated to transmit power from a drive to a pair of shafts on which each clutch is respectively mounted. The drive, through the clutches, causes each of the nozzles to rotate about an axis so that the stream of hot air follows the travel of the wrapped product to maximize the time of hot air exposure without slowing the speed of product travel. At the end of the arc through which the nozzle is pivoted, the hot air flow is shut off, the magnetic clutches are deactivated, and a biasing spring causes the nozzles to return to their respective starting positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for shrinking a heat-shrinkable film around a product. The apparatus has a first heating stage which heats a portion of the underside of the package to properly position the shrink film and a second heating stage which further shrinks the film. Side heating jets can optionally be used to heat the sides of the package between the first and second heating stages. The top of the package can also be heated after the second heating stage.

Abstract: The present invention relates mainly to a wrapping method and to apparatus for implementing the method. The invention provides a method of wrapping a palletized load, the method comprising a step of depositing one or more plastic films around the palletized load, thereby covering the palletized load and closing the inlets to the pallet, the method including a step that consists in disengaging permanent passages in the film where it obstructs the inlets of the pallet for passing the forks of handling equipment. The present invention is particularly applicable to wrapping palletized loads. A main application of the present invention lies in wrapping loads that are palletized on standard pallets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enclosing a product in a tray having an outwardly extending flange is provided. A permeable web is secured to an inner periphery of flange and the secured portion is severed from the web to form a permeable lid. An impermeable web is then secured to an outer periphery of the flange and then severed from the web to form a peelable, impermeable lid. The outer periphery of the flange is protected from damage when the permeable lid is severed from the permeable web by elevating the permeable web above the outer periphery of the flange and severing the web at the elevated portion.If a fresh red meat product is to be packaged, the tray may be at least partially evacuated and then at least partially filled with a gas which is lower in oxygen content than air. Prior to retail sale, the impermeable lid may be removed to cause the packaged meat product to bloom to a red color.

Abstract: A band application machine for transferring to containers heat-shrinkable bands. The band application machine includes a band feed system for feeding band supply material to a cutting system which cuts a band from the band supply. A transfer system transfers cut bands to containers conveyed past a banding point, and includes a band gripping mechanism and a plunger. Band gripping mechanism includes opposed suction cups that are movably mounted for gripping and positioning a cut band. The suction cups are laterally moveable from a position where a closed band is gripped on opposing sides by the suction cups to a position where the band is open and aligned with the stroke of the plunger. The plunger is positioned over the opened band at an angle with respect to the band. The plunger presses and drives the band onto a container as the gripper apparatus releases the open band.

Abstract: A process for shrinking a package having a top, end seals, and bottom includes heating water until the water reaches a temperature of between 180.degree. F. and 210.degree. F., applying a first portion of the heated water to the bottom and end seals of the package, mixing a second portion of the heated water with water having a temperature lower than the heated water to provide cooled water, and applying the cooled water to the top of the package. An apparatus for shrinking a package having a top, end seals, and bottom includes means for heating water until the water reaches a temperature of between 180.degree. F. and 210.degree. F.; means for applying a first portion of the heated water to the bottom and end seals of the package; means for mixing a second portion of the heated water with water having a temperature lower than the heated water to provide cooled water; and means for applying the cooled water to the top of the package.

Abstract: A casing for a disc cartridge includes first and second halves and a pair of holding means. The first half includes a plate portion, a pair of sidewall sections formed parallel to the parallel sides of the plate portion and a wall section between the sidewall sections. The second half includes a plate portion, a pair of sidewall sections formed parallel to the parallel sides of the plate portion and a wall section between the sidewall sections. Each of the sidewall sections is formed with a protrusion and a groove. The first and second halves are connected together by having the protrusion engaged in the groove. A holding unit is provided in an inner portion of the second half.

Abstract: A method for heat sealing a film with a smooth seam which extends the transverse width of a wrapped package utilizes a mechanism having a cool clamping portion and a hot sealing portion which are sequentially actuated. The clamping portion, with segments upstream and downstream of a sealing position, is activated to firmly hold the film. The sealing portion is located between the upstream and downstream segments of the clamping portion. The heated sealing portion is brought into very brief, instantaneous contact with the film and retracted, leaving the clamping portion in contact with the film for a comparatively long time to allow longitudinal film shrinkage and prevent transverse film shrinkage of the film. Lastly, the clamping portion separates and the next package in a succession of film-enclosed packages is moved downstream of the sealing position.

Abstract: A method of producing a truss plate bundle package including a plurality of bundles of interconnected truss plates begins with the step of conveying a predetermined number of truss plate bundles onto an accumulating stage in a row. Each truss plate in each bundle of the bundle package is arranged and interconnected so that each of the backing members of each of the truss plates is substantially parallel to each of the other of the backing members. The peripheries of the backing members are substantially aligned. The next step is transporting the accumulated row to a predetermined position upon a pallet. These accumulating and transporting steps are repeated to form a stacked array of truss bundles. The stacked array includes a plurality of layers, each arranged in rows. The bundles on each layer are in contact with the bundles of adjacent rows and are positioned above bundles on adjacent layers.

Abstract: The present invention is a tamper evident container sealing system for sealing a cap to a container. The system includes a shrink band, shrinkable at a shrink temperature, positioned about the cap and container circumferentially, a colorant bonded to the shrink band and an adhesive bonded to the colorant. The adhesive is thermally activatable at the shrink temperature. The adhesive is in contact with the container.

Abstract: A procedure for winding a wrapper (1) around a piece of goods (2) includes the steps of pulling a shrinkable film (5) over the upper part of the goods, winding the wrapper around the goods so that the film is partly impacted under the wrapper, and cutting off and seaming the wrapper. The wrapper is unshrinkable relative to the film. Only the film is heated, and it shrinks and becomes tightened around the upper part of the goods. An apparatus includes assembly for pulling a shrinkable film over the upper part of the goods, assembly for winding a relatively unshrinkable wrapper around the goods, assembly for cutting off and seaming the wrapper, and a heating device for heating only the film wherein the heating device is disposed above the film whereby a hot air is blown against the film. The tightened film supports the upper part of the goods so that the goods cannot fan out during transport or delivery.

Abstract: A solid ink jet nugget is contained in a first sleeve having opposite open ends and a flap at one open end movable into the sleeve towards the other open end. A second sleeve is placed about the first sleeve with its opposite ends directed generally at right angles to the direction of the open ends of the first sleeve. The second sleeve is then heat-shrunk on the first sleeve to close the open ends of the first sleeve. Prior to loading into an ink jet apparatus, the second sleeve is removed and the flap is pushed into the first sleeve against the nugget to discharge the nugget from the open end and into the ink jet apparatus.

Abstract: A method and material for shrink wrapping articles includes wrapping the article with a shrink wrapping material having a shrink/stretch film outer layer and an inner layer of a non-woven fabric. The shrink/stretch film responds to heat by shrinking around the article being wrapped, while the non-woven material aerates to form bubbles thus acting as a cushion between the shrink/stretch film outer layer and the article being wrapped. Accordingly, the article being wrapped is protected during the shrinking process, and is also protected from hurled objects while the article is being transported. The nonwoven layer may be treated with chemical additives to control the environment in which the article is wrapped and/or to indicate tampering.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for encapsulating small articles such as medicines in caplet or cylindrical form are disclosed. Gelatin half capsules are formed on the pins of pin blocks and are delivered to a station at which they are trimmed and fitted over the opposite ends of the product to be encapsulated. The capsule halves are first dried to a condition in which they have about 20 wt. % moisture and are thereafter press fitted over the ends of the caplets and allowed to dry to shrink fit tightly onto the caplets making it virtually impossible to remove them from their gelatin coverings without leaving visible evidence of tampering. The finished product has a smoother outer surface which lends itself to overprinting.

Abstract: A method and a an apparatus for the exterior packaging of a palletized load supported by a platform (2) and by at least two lateral sliding supports (11, 12) contiguous with two longitudinal edges (7) of a lower face (3) of the deck (2) of the palletized load (1)is disclosed. The lower face (3) has two transverse sides (6) for taking up the load by means of a handling device. The method includes a preliminary step of covering the palletized load with a film (20) made of a heat-shrinkable material, followed by a step of heat-shrinking the material. According to the invention, the heat-shrinking step involves, on the one hand, shrinking a return portion (23) of the film beneath the lower faces (9) of the lateral sliding supports (11, 12) and conforming the film (20) along the transverse sides (6) in order to conform the lower edge of the film so as to be substantially level with the platform (2)with is a central region (26).

Abstract: A foil cutting device is disclosed to be used in a packing machine for applying a heat-shrinkable plastic capsule and/or a heat-shrinkable plasti-shield and/or a heat-shrinkable plastic wrap onto a package. The cutting device comprises a rotatable disk defining a hollow portion, a die barrel extending through the hollow portion of the disk and defining a gap with the disk for a foil to be cut to extend therethrough, a cutting unit fixedly mounted on the disk, a manipulating unit pivotably mounted on the disk to control the operation of the cutting unit, a first cam unit used to act on the cutting unit and a second cam unit used to act on the manipulating unit.

Abstract: A Minimal Container, made of pre-cut corrugated cardboard strips fastened together at overlapping surfaces and folded to form a rectangular frame, without generating any scrap corrugated cardboard. The Minimal Container is intended to protect contents for one shipping application. Each side and top and bottom ends of the rectangular frame have an open area. Plastic film is wrapped around the Minimal Container, enclosing it and being connected to it, not only for dust and weather protection, but also to enhance structural rigidity of the Minimal Container. A method of constructing the Minimal Container includes gluing or stapling the corrugated cardboard strips together to form a ladder structure; scoring, slitting, and folding the ladder structure to form the rectangular frame; fastening the rectangular frame together; loading contents in to the rectangular frame; enclosing the rectangular frame with a flexible plastic film wrap; and connecting the flexible plastic film wrap to the rectangular frame.

Abstract: A process for packaging a product on a receptacle includes advancing a film tubing on a conveyor, the tubing having therein a product on a receptacle, the film having a forward end which is sealed; sending a gaseous mixture into the tubing; blowing heated air onto an outer surface of the forward sealed end region of the tubing to pre-shrink this end of the tubing and to expel gas rearwardly from the forward region; applying a vacuum inside the tubing from a rearward portion of the tubing of film, to facilitate the welding of the tubing of film at the rear portion of the container; heat sealing the tubing in an area rearward of the receptacle, so that the receptacle having the product thereon is surrounded by the film; separating the sealed tubing film portion from a remainder of the tubing film; and heat-shrinking the sealed portion of the film. The process of the invention solves a problem in the packaging of products of the "bloody offals type," i.e.

Abstract: A package and a method for making a package which allows for the central processing of fresh red meat is disclosed which includes a tray, a first film enclosing the product within the tray and a second film, which is removed at retail, enclosing the first film. The first film and the second film are sealed to the inner periphery and the outer periphery, respectively, of the single flange of a conventional foamed or nonfoamed tray. The first film is a heat shrinkable film which is sealed to the inner periphery of the flange forming a first seal, trimmed outboard of the first seal, thereby forming an excess portion of the first film outboard of the first seal, and then subjected to a sufficiently high temperature to shrink the excess portion and thereby expose a sealing area on the outer periphery of the flange. The second film is then sealed to the sealing area on the outer periphery of the flange, forming a second seal such that the second film encloses the first film.

Abstract: A shrink bag having an integral carrying handle is provided that includes an extended skin portion of the bag of a heat shrinkable thermoplastic material and having a carrying hole in the skirt portion with an essentially continuous heat seal around its margin, the carrying hole having a configuration which helps to distribute stress and substantially eliminates tear propagation. The bag is particularly adapted for packaging whole turkeys and the like and, to this end, the integral carrying handle is preferably located at the breast containing end of the bag.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the invention provide a heat source adapted to direct heated air for shrinking a heat-shrinkable film wrapped around a package primarily to end seams of the package to avoid discoloration and distortion of printed central portions of film. The package is received by the apparatus with the end seams oriented transverse to the direction of travel. An arcuate conveyor section rotates the package 90.degree. and onto a shrink tunnel conveyor. A pair of upwardly directed long nozzles which are oriented parallel to the travel direction of the shrink tunnel conveyor blow hot air at the end seams only, leaving the top and bottom central film portions to shrink slowly by contact with warm ambient air in the tunnel.

Abstract: A machine for sealing epoxy sticks has a conveyor belt system and a heating chamber. The speed of the conveyor belt is adjustable. The heating chamber has heating elements which can be spatially adjusted to be nearer to or farther from the sticks to be sealed. The temperature of the heating elements can also be adjusted. A method of using the machine includes a step of the orienting the grain of plastic wrapping used to wrap the epoxy sticks.

Abstract: A method is provided for wrapping a plastic bag about a piece of luggage to leave the handle grip exposed. A heat shrinkable plastic bag is used with the luggage being loosely enclosed and the edge of an open top of the bag being folded over the top surface of the luggage around the sides of the grip to leave the grip exposed. The bag may be dispensed from a roll and may be in the form of a flat bag having an open top or in the form of a flat tube having an open top and bottom. A hot air gun is employed to seal the folded over edges and the loosely enclosing bag to a tight seal around the luggage. A pressure sensitive tape may be employed to tack together the folded over edges. Measurements are taken along the length, width and height of the luggage to provide a formula for the size of the plastic bag to be employed. The shrink wrapped luggage is used to prevent theft and provide visual signs of breaking into and also to provide protection against marring or scuffing.

Abstract: A shrink wrap packaging system has an ultrasonic side sealer. The ultrasonic side sealer contemporaneously slits and welds together at least two separate layers of shrink wrap film. The ultrasonic side sealer is useful in in-line shrink wrap packaging equipment in which a continuous side seal or weld is required to wrap shrink wrap completely around one or more packaged items.

Abstract: According to the present invention, in overwrapping an object to be packaged, the object is wrapped with a packaging material in such a manner as to form a tubular shape, which packaging material is heat-sealable on both sides thereof and, as required, has heat shrinkability or gas-barrier properties; the overlap portion of the packaging material is heat-sealed in a lap seal fashion: and an opening portion formed at each end of the lap seal line is heat-sealed. The lap-heat-sealed portion of the package thus obtained has a satisfactory strength with liquid leakage prevented, and the unevenness of this portion is inconspicuous. Further, respective sealed portions at both ends of the package exhibit a good appearance because of the absence of a folded portion. The resulting package is excellent in seal strength and appearance and hence highly valuable on a commercial basis.

Abstract: A device for heat shrinking thin film onto open-topped containers to form spill-resistant covers is shown. A radiant energy source is intermittently energized in association with timers to direct radiant energy towards the thin film. An energy absorbing body is associated with the thin film to absorb energy and create heat adjacent to the film which in turn causes the thin film to shrink. The energy absorbing body can be the adaptation of the thin film to be opaque to the radiant energy by either being coated with an energy absorbing coating such as printing, or being made partially opaque by means of tinting. The container can also be adapted to absorb energy by including a darkened band adjacent the upper edge of the rim. The device can also interpose an energy absorbing body, such as a darkened aluminum screen adjacent to the film to be heated to cause the thin film to shrink.

Abstract: Method for encapsulating small articles such as medicines in caplet or cylindrical form are disclosed. Gelatin half capsules are formed on the pins of pin blocks and are delivered to a station at which they are trimmed and fitted over the opposite ends of the product to be encapsulated. The capsule halves are first dried to a condition in which they have about 20 wt. % moisture and are thereafter press fitted over the ends of the caplets and allowed to dry to shrink fit tightly onto the caplets making it virtually impossible to remove them from their gelatin coverings without leaving visible evidence of tampering. The finished product has a smoother outer surface which lends itself to overprinting.

Abstract: A system for indicating that a container has been subjected to tampering includes a container having an outer surface with at least one central depressed region defined by opposed upstanding ledges extending sharply transverse to a plane of the depressed region and a continuous band of heat shrinkable material in general alignment with the central depressed region initially loosely encircles the container which, when heated, becomes shortened and congruently conforms to the outer surface of the container and is restrained against lateral movement beyond the upstanding ledges when removal from the container is attempted. The composition and dimensions of the band of heat shrinkable material are selected such that removal from the container cannot be accomplished without causing visibly apparent deformation or fracturing of either the band or of the container.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for shrinking a shrink film cover covering a stack of goods and having a free edge thereof located beneath the stack bottom, which method and apparatus includes providing a shrink frame, movable vertically along the stack, for applying hot air to the shrink film cover to provide from below upwards thermal energy necessary for shrinkage of the shrink film cover, providing an arrangement for inflating the shrink film cover with hot air to form a space closed by the shrink film cover, with overpressure being maintained in the closed space until application of the thermal energy ends, and delivering hot air from the shrink frame to a lower region of the shrink film cover into a collecting compartment located beneath a stack bottom and, thereafter, from the collecting compartment into the space closed by the shrink film cover.

Abstract: A band application machine for transferring to containers heat-shrinkable bands. The band application machine includes a band feed system for feeding band supply material to a cutting system which cuts a band from the band supply. A transfer system transfers cut bands to containers conveyed past a banding point, and includes a band gripping mechanism and a plunger. Band gripping mechanism includes opposed suction cups that are movably mounted for gripping and positioning a cut band. The suction cups are laterally movable from a position where a closed band is gripped on opposing sides by the suction cups to a position where the band is open and aligned with the stroke of the plunger. The plunger is positioned over the opened band at an angle with respect to the band. The plunger presses and drives the band onto a container as the gripper apparatus releases the open band.

Abstract: A stack of logs (40) is inhibited from staining as it is stored in open air by being sheltered with an air pervious plastic material (16). The plastic material has a material to air density of greater than 70% to restrict sunlight, wind and rain and less than 90% to allow adequate ventilation.

Abstract: A method and material for shrink wrapping articles includes wrapping the article with a shrink wrapping material having a shrink/stretch film outer layer and an inner layer of a non-woven fabric. The shrink/stretch film responds to heat by shrinking around the article being wrapped, while the non-woven material aerates to form bubbles thus acting as a cushion between the shrink/stretch film outer layer and the article being wrapped. Accordingly, the article being wrapped is protected during the shrinking process, and is also protected from hurled objects while the article is being transported. The non-woven layer may be treated with chemical additives to control the environment in which the article is wrapped and/or to indicate tampering.

Abstract: An apparatus for shrinking a heat-shrinkable hood over a stack of goods has an upright guide adjacent the hooded stack of goods, an upper frame vertically displaceable on the guide and provided with a heater capable of shrinking the hood and a lower frame below the upper frame, vertically displaceable on the guide below the upper frame, and provided with a heater capable of shrinking the hood. Respective upper and lower drives connected to the frames vertically displace same on the guide independently of each other. First the stack of goods is positioned in a treatment station with the hood pulled down over the goods, a lower end edge of the hood hanging down below a lower end of the stack of goods, and an upper closed end of the hood on an upper surface of the stack of goods. Then to secure the hood in place the hanging-down lower end edge of the hood is heated to shrink it in under the lower end of the stack of goods.

Abstract: A display package for a circular saw blade or similar article having an aperture including a paperboard display card upon which is mounted the blade or article by means of a deformable connecting member which is reusable so that the package is also used for storage of the blade or article. The display card is provided with a pocket or pouch in which a portion of the blade or article is inserted such that an area of descriptive information is visible to a perspective purchaser. A length of protective material such as clear split plastic tubing is wrapped around the periphery of the blade or article to cover at least a portion of the saw blade teeth, and a layer of shrink-wrap is applied over the entire package.

Abstract: A method to form and package stacked article groups utilizing flexible packaging materials. The method provides first and second streams of article groups which are directed to a supply of flexible packaging material, such as shrink or stretch film, to form stacked article groups.

Abstract: A compact disc package and a method of assembling the same wherein a generally rectangular envelope is formed to contain a slidable carrier sheet which is capable of holding a compact disc thereon. The carrier sheet includes a protruding tab which extends through a predefined slit in the retaining envelope to restrict movement of the carrier sheet so that the carrier sheet is only partially removable from said envelope. The novel compact disc package can be formed from a single series of rectangular sections assembled to create an envelope and a carrier sheet having movement restricted within the open area of the envelope.

Abstract: A continuously operating machine is provided for wrapping articles with a heat shrinkable plastic film automatically and sequentially. Articles are continuously, transferred along a horizontal pathway to a plurality of processing stations. At a first station, articles are tubularly overwrapped and sealed by a lap sealer or side sealer. Next, the articles are separated one from the other at a second station and at a last succeeding station, the resulting wrapped articles are subjected to thermal film shrinking. The second station comprises a cross head sealer unit which includes a skip seal mechanism thereon for overriding mechanical synchronization of the cross head sealer to the remainder of the machine through a predetermined number of sealings, allowing for packages of greater length to be accommodated, the skip seal mechanism further including a shock absorbing subassembly for smoothing action of the cross head sealer unit, increasing functional longevity of the cross head sealer unit.

Abstract: A process is provided for packaging a product, particularly one with sharp protrusions or discrete fragile regions. The process includes the steps of applying a polymeric material to an exterior surface of an outer packaging container, in the region covering sharp protrusions, thereby providing a protective cushion against rupture or tearing of the container surrounding the product during shipping and storage. The liquified polymeric composition containing a microcrystalline wax is applied at a point-of-contact temperature between about 75.degree. F. and about 160.degree. F.; the applied material is then allowed to solidify in the form of a flexible resilient coating. The polymeric material used in the process consists essentially of a polymer, a synthetic or naturally occurring tackifying resin, a microcrystalline wax, and an antioxidant stabilizer.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat shrinking an envelope of heat shrinkable film into close conformity to a product enclosed within the film envelope includes a housing; a first assembly disposed within the housing for directed heated air to at least a first portion of the film envelope; a second assembly disposed with the housing and operable subsequent to the first assembly for directing heated water onto at least a second portion of the envelope, both causing the envelope to shrink into conformity with the product; an arrangement for drying the product after water has been applied thereto; and an arrangement for circulating the hot water into heat transfer relation with a moving stream of the hot air for enhanced water heating prior to its application to the product.

Abstract: The invention is a package including a bundle of shirred casing sticks disposed and held together by a container which completely encloses the bundle. The container is formed insitu about the bundle from a heat shrink film which stiffens on heat shrinking to provide a self-supporting container conforming in shape generally to the bundle shape. During heat shrinking, portions of the film are insulated to prevent welding of these portions so they provide flaps which open to permit removal or replacement of sticks.

Abstract: A package consisting in an article packaged by a packaging film exhibiting heat shrinkability is disclosed. The packaging film has its wrapping terminal end formed with a protuberant tearing tab, and a severing tape is bonded to the inner surface of the film for extending from the distal end of the tearing tab along the entire length of the film along the article wrapping direction. The severing tape has a width lesser than the width of the tearing tab and is formed of a material having heat shrinkage percentage lower than that of the film. The tearing tab has its distal end reduced in width for reducing the allowance for heat fusion. For reducing the allowance for heat fusion, the distal end of the tearing tab is semi-circular in contour. The distal end of the severing tape substantially in register with the center sealing region of the film is designed as a non-fusing region to facilitate the exfoliation of the severing tape.

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: An improved shrink tunnel having an upper secondary conveyor in spaced relation to a lower main conveyor adapted to compress a wrapped product during an initial period of the product's journey through the shrink tunnel. In the preferred embodiment an outer drive roller is suspended over the main conveyor by an adjustable actuator arm with an inside idle roller being rotatably attached to the outside drive roller. Thus, the weight of the idle roller and side frame bars provide the compression. In operation a wrapped product is delivered to the main conveyor which conveys the product through the shrink tunnel. Prior to entering the shrink tunnel the upper surface of the wrapped product comes in contact with the secondary conveyor. The weight of idle roller and the side frames compress the package. During this time, the shrink wrap on the sides of the package is being shrunk by the heat. Upon leaving the secondary conveyor the shrink wrap on the top and bottom is exposed to the heat and is shrunk.

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.