Easy opening packaging article made from heat-shrinkable film exhibiting directional tear.

(54) Title: EASY OPENING PACKAGING ARTICLE MADE OF THERMALLY SHRINKABLE FILM THAT EXHIBITS DIRECTIONAL RIP.

(54) Tltle: EASY OPENING PACKAGING ARTICLE MADE FROM HEAT-SHRINKABLE FILM EXHIBITING DIRECTIONAL TEAR.

(57) Summary

A heat shrinkable packaging item has one or more tear initiators to initiate a manual tear that can propagate to open a package and allow a product to be easily removed from it, without the use of a knife or scissors or any other implement. Tear initiators are present on a skirt and / or protrusion of the article. The skirt and / or projection has a first side and a second side. In one embodiment, some or all of the first side of the skirt and / or protrusion may be heat hardened to reduce shrinkage and curl of the skirt and / or protrusion. This improves the identification and utilization of tear initiators by a consumer during shrinkage of the packaged item around the product. In another embodiment, the skirt and / or protrusion has a plurality of pairs of tear initiators to allow portions of the package to be torn to expose a portion of the product that can then be sliced ​​off while the rest of the packaged product remains covered by a remainder of the film.

(57) Abstract

A heat-shrinkable packaging article has one or more tear initiators for initiating a manual tear that can be propagated to open a package and allow a product to be readily removed therefrom, without the use of a knife or scissors or any other implement. The tear initiators are present in a skirt and / or header of the article. The skirt and / or header has a first side and a second side. In one embodiment, some or all of the first side of the skirt and / or header can be heatset in order to reduce the shrink and curling of the skirt and / or header. This improves Identification and utilization of the tear initiators by a consumer upon shrinking the packaging article around the product. In another embodiment, the skirt and / or header has a plurality of pairs of tear initiators to allow portions of the package to be torn off to expose a portion of the product that can then be sliced ​​off while the remainder of the packaged product remains covered by a remainder of the film.

EASY OPENING PACKAGING ITEM MADE OF FILM

THERMALLY SHRINKABLE THAT EXHIBITS DIRECTIONAL RIP

This application claims the benefit of the provisional application USSN 12 / 133,396, filed on November 20, 2008, and PCT / US2009 / 003023 application filed on May 15, 2009, each of which is incorporated, in its entirety, by reference to them.

Countryside

The present invention pertains to thermally shrinkable packaging articles, which are easy to open, particularly packaging articles for food packaging end use.

Background

For several decades, thermal shrink packaging items have been used for the packaging of a variety of products. Food, particularly meat, has been vacuum packed in such packaging items. Over the years, these thermally shrinkable packaging items have developed superior impact resistance and higher seal strength, while simultaneously becoming easier to seal, having improved oxygen and moisture barrier properties, and having free shrink total higher at lower temperatures.

High seal strength, high impact resistance, and high puncture resistance are particularly important for packaging fresh meat products, as leaky packaging is less desirable to consumers and retailers alike. In addition, leaky packages reduce shelf life by allowing atmospheric oxygen and microbes to enter the package.

As a result, packaging items used for food packaging, particularly meat packaging, have evolved to be quite strong, and therefore difficult to open. Typically, knives and scissors are used to open packaging items that have been evacuated, sealed around, and shrunk against the food product in the packaging. Using knives and scissors to open these sturdy packaging items increases the risk of harm to consumers and retailers. In addition, opening such a resistance packaging requires more time and effort due to the toughness of the shrunk packaging article. For many years, the market has desired a robust, heat shrinkable packaging item that can be opened quickly and easily, without the need for knives and scissors, so that the product can be easily removed from the packaging item.

Compendium

The heat shrinkable packaging article of the invention has tear initiators for manually initiating a manual tear that opens the packing article and allows the product to be easily removed from the torn packing article, without the use of a knife or scissors or any other implement. A first aspect is directed to a heat shrinkable packaging article comprising a heat shrinkable multilayer film having an internal seal layer self-sealing in a heat seal. The packaging article further comprises a first side, a second side, and a skirt or protrusion outward of the heat seal. The skirt or shoulder comprises an article edge and a first tear initiator. The first rip starter is on the first side of the article. The article skirt or boss further comprises a second tear initiator on the second side of the article. The article is capable of having a first manually initiated tear, manually propagated on the first side, and a second manually initiated and manually propagated tear on the second side, with the first tear and the second tear each being capable of being propagated in one machine address from the respective first and second tear initiators, with each tear being propagated in the machine direction through the heat seal and down the length of the article, or through the article, with each tear being capable of being manually propagated through an opposite article edge, so that by using the multilayer film to make a packaged product by providing a product within the article with the article being sealed around the product so that a package is formed, and then shrink the film around the product, the resulting packaging can be manually opened and the product easily removed from the article, manually initiating machine-directed tears from the first and second tear initiators, with the tears being manually propagated through the seal and towards the opposite edge of the article. The multilayer film exhibits a Peak Load Impact Strength of at least 50 Newtons per thousandth measure using ASTM D 3763-95³. The multilayer film has at least one layer containing at least one incompatible polymer blend selected from the group consisting of:

(A) a mixture of from 90 to 30 weight percent of ethylene homopolymer and / or ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer with from to 70 weight percent of unsaturated ester copolymer of at least 10 weight percent; (b) a mixture of ionomer resin with ethylene / unsaturated ester copolymer, and / 9 polybutadiene, and / or propylene homopolymer and / or propylene copolymer.

(C) a homogeneous blend of ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer with recycled polymer blend comprising ethylene homopolymer, propylene homopolymer, ethylene copolymer, k polyamide, ethylene / vinyl alcohol copolymer, resin of ionomer, anhydride / alpha-olefin modified ethylene copolymer, and antiblocking agent; (D) a mixture of ethylene / unsaturated ester copolymer with polypropylene and / or propylene / ethylene copolymer, and / or polybutylene, and / or modified ethylene / alpha olefin copolymer, and / or styrene homopolymer, and / or copolymer styrene / bitadiene;

(E) a blend of ethylene / norbornene copolymer with ethylene / unsaturated ester and / or polypropylene and / or polybutylene copolymer; (F) a mixture of ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer with polypropylene and / or polybutylene and / or ethylene / nornornene;

(G) a blend of homogeneous propylene homopolymer and / or homogeneous propylene copolymer with homogeneous ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer and / or ethylene / unsaturated ester copolymer;

(H) a blend of propylene homopolymer and / or propylene / ethylene and / or polybutylene copolymer with ethylene / methylacrylate copolymer and / or ethylene / acrylic acid copolymer and / or ethylene / butyl acry81ate copolymer;

(I) a blend of polyamide with polystyrene and / or ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer and / or ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer and / or styrene / butadiene copolymer; and (J) a blend of polyamide 6 and polyamide 616T.

In one embodiment, the packaging article can be torn in the machine direction after the product is placed inside the article and the atmosphere evacuated from the packaging article before the article is sealed around the product and the film to then shrunk around the product.

A second aspect is directed to a thermally shrinkable packaging article as in the first aspect, except that instead of the multilayer, thermally shrinkable film having at least one layer containing an incompatible polymer blend, at least one layer of the multilayer film contains (A) at least one member selected from the group consisting of ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer, polypropylene, propylene / ethylene copolymer, polybutylene, polystyrene 7-bitadiene copolymer, ionomer resin, ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene / butylacrylate copolymer, ethylene / methylacrylate copolymer, ethylene / acrylic acid copolymer, polyester, and polyamide, and (} B) an inorganic filler selected from group consisting of silicates, silica, siloxane, silicone resin, zinc sulfide, wollastonite, microspheres, fiberglass, metal oxide calcium carbonate, sulfate, aluminum trihydrate, feldspar, perlite, gypsum, iron, fluoropolymer, crosslinked polymethylmethacrylate, talc, diatomaceous earth, zeolites, mica, kaolin, carbon black, and graphite. The inorganic filler is present in the at least one layer in an amount of at least 5 weight percent, based on the layer weight.

A third aspect is directed to a heat shrinkable packaging article as in the first aspect, except that instead of at least one of the film layers comprising an incompatible polymer blend, at least one of the one layer of the multiple film layers comprises a polymer having a Young's modulus of at least 5,608 kg / cm² (80,000 psi), the polymer comprising at least one polymer + selected from the group consisting of high-density polyethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, styrene copolymer polypropylene, ethylene / norbornene copolymer, polycarbonate, and polyester.

A fourth aspect is directed to a plurality of heat shrink bags in a continuous strip. Each of the bags is connected to an adjacent bag along a weakened rip line. Each bag is a packaging item in accordance with the aspects, first, second and third above.

A fifth aspect is aimed at a process to make an easy packed April product. The process comprises (A) inserting a product into a flat lay packaging article having at least one layer comprising an incompatible polymer blend according to the first aspect or an inorganic filler according to the second aspect or a modulus polymer elevated in accordance with the third aspect; (B) sealing the sealed packaging article with at least one heat seal, thereby forming a packaged product in which the packaging article surrounds or substantially surrounds the product, with the packaging article having at least a portion of protrusion between the at least one heat seal and at least one edge of the packing; (C) making a first tear initiator at a first location of the packaging article that is, or subsequently becomes, the protrusion portion of a first side of the packaging article, and a second tear initiator at a second location of the packaging item that is, or subsequently becomes, the protruding portion of a second side of the packaging item, wherein the first side of the packaging article corresponds to the first flat-laying side of the packaging article, and the second side of the packaging article corresponds to the second flat-laying side of the packaging article, and (D) heating the film thermally shrinkable to shrink the packaging around the product. The thermally shrinkable multilayer film exhibits a

Peak Load Impact Resistance, determined using

ASTM D 3763-95³, of at least 50 Newtons per thousandth of a millimeter. While this process can be carried out using a packaging item that is a bag or sack, it can also be carried out using a flat lay pipe that is seamless or sewn on the back, where the product is inserted into the pipe, a first heat seal is made through the pipe at a first end of the product and a second heat seal is made through the pipe at a second end of the product.

A sixth aspect is directed to a process of making a package and manually opening the package, which comprises: (A) placing a product within a heat shrinkable packaging article in accordance with the first, second, or third aspects above; (B) sealing the sealed bag so that a package is formed; (C) shrink the film around the product; and (D) manually start and manually propagate a first tear on the first side of the page, and a second tear on the second side of the package, the first tear and the second tear each being manually propagated from the first and second tear initiators. respective, with each tear being manually propagated through the heat seal and through the package, or down the length of the bag, with the first and second tears being manually propagated to an opposite edge of the packaging item, so that the product can be easily removed from the packaging.

In one embodiment, the atmosphere is evacuated from the packaging article before the packaging article is sealed with the product therein. The packaging item used in the process is a packaging item in accordance with the first aspect and / or the second aspect and / or the third aspect set forth above.

<td>A seventh</td><td>aspect is</td><td>addressed to a</td><td>Article</td><td>of</td>

<td>pack thermally</td><td>shrinkable that</td><td>comprises a</td><td>movie</td><td>of</td>

heat shrinkable multi-layer having an inner seal layer protrusion self-sealing in a heat seal, with the article having a first side and a second side, a skirt or protrusion outward of the heat seal. The skirt or boss comprises an article edge and a plurality of pairs of tear initiators. Each pair of tear initiators having a first tear initiator and a second tear initiator, with the first tear initiator being on the first side of the article, and the second tear initiator being on the second side of the article. Each pair of tear initiators is in one location to generate a first manually started, manually propagated tear on the first side of the article, and a second manually initiated and manually propagated tear on the second side of the article. The first tear and the second tear are each capable of being propagated in a machine direction from the respective first and second tear initiators. Each tear is capable of being propagated in the machine direction through the heat seal and down the length of the article, or through the article.

Each tear is capable of being manually propagated in the machine direction through and to an opposite article edge, so that when using the multilayer film to make a packaged product by providing a product within the article with the article being sealed around the product of a package is formed, and then shrink the film around the product, the resulting package can be opened manually. Ripping from one or more of the tear initiator pairs allows a portion of the package to be removed from the packaged product so that an uncovered portion of the product can be separated from the rest of the product, leaving a remainder of the package around at least one portion of the rest of the product, initiating first and second machine direction rips from at least one pair of rip initiators, with tears being propagated through the seal and to the opposite edge of the article. Multilayer film exhibits Load Impact Resistance

Peak of at least 50 Newtons per thousandth measurement using

ATM D 3763-95^to. At least one layer of the multilayer film containing at least one incompatible polymer blend selected from the group set forth in the first aspect described above, which is discussed further below.

The heat shrinkable packaging item may be a flat lay side seal bag made of a seamless pipe, the side seal bag having an open top, a folded bottom edge, and first and second side seals with first and second skirts respective bag ends outward from the respective first and second side seals, with the plurality of pairs of tear initiators being spaced along the first bag skirt, with each tear being able to be manually spread across the full width of the side seal bag through both side seals and through the second skirt.

In the thermally shrinkable packaging article, at least a portion of the skirt or protrusion comprising the plurality of tear initiators may be thermally attached, in order to reduce shrinkage of the skirt or protrusion during shrinkage of the film around the product

In the heat shrinkable packaging article, at least a portion of a first side of the skirt or protrusion may be heat sealed to the second side of the skirt or protrusion in at least one heat seal.

In the heat shrinkable packaging article, the first side of the skirt or boss can be heat sealed to the second side of the skirt or boss on a plurality of knit seals.

In the heat shrinkable packaging article, the first side of the skirt or shoulder can be heat sealed to the second side of the skirt or shoulder in a heat seal along an outer edge of the skirt or shoulder.

In the heat shrinkable packaging article, the plurality of pairs of tear initiators can be placed at intervals of 2.54 to 7.62 cm (1 to 3 inches), at intervals of 2.54 to 5.08 cm (1 to 2 inches).

In the heat shrinkable packaging article, each of the first tear initiators may be coincident or substantially coincident with the second tear initiator with which it is paired, and each of the first tear initiators may be slit through the first side of the article, and each of the second tear initiators may be slit through the second side of the article, and each of the slits can be oriented in the machine direction.

In the heat shrinkable packaging article, each of the slits may be oriented within 20 degrees of the machine direction, or within 10 degrees of the machine direction.

In the heat shrink packaging item, the multilayer film may have been biaxially oriented in the solid state and may have a total free shrink, as measured by ASTM D2732, of 20 percent to 105 percent at 85 ° C (185 ° F), or a total free shrink of 40 percent to 100 percent at

85 ° C (185 ° F).

In the heat shrinkable packaging article, the thermally shrinkable multilayer film can exhibit a Peak Load Impact Strength, determined using ASTM D 3763-95³, 50 to 250 Newtons per thousandth, and the multi-layer film may have a total thickness, before shrinkage of 0.038 mm to 0.127 ,,) 1-5 to 5, or = = In the heat shrinkable packaging article, the film multilayer can comprise an O barrier layer₂, and can exhibit an oxygen transmission rate of 1 to 20 cc / m² day atmosphere at 23 ° C and 100% relative humidity.

In the heat shrinkable packaging article, the multilayer film may comprise: (A) a first layer which is an external food contact layer and which also serves as a seal layer, the first layer comprising a mixture of copolymer of homogeneous ethylene / alphaolephine and linear low-density polyethylene; (B) a second layer comprising a mixture of heterogeneous ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer and ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer; (C) a third layer comprising ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer; (D) a

<td>quarter</td><td>cap</td><td>than</td><td>understands</td><td>chloride</td><td>of</td><td>polyvinylidene; €</td><td>a</td>

<td>fifth</td><td>cap</td><td>than</td><td>understands</td><td colspan="2">copolymer</td><td>ethylene / acetate</td><td>of</td>

<td>15 vinyl;</td><td>(F)</td><td>a</td><td colspan="2">sixth layer that</td><td colspan="2">comprises a mixture</td><td>of</td>

heterogeneous ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer and ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer; (G) a seventh layer comprising a blend of homogeneous ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer and linear low-density polyethylene. The layers can be present in the order of first / second / third / fourth / fifth / sixth / seventh.

An eighth aspect is directed to a heat shrinkable packaging article comprising a thermally shrunk multilayer film having an internal seal layer heat sealed to itself in a heat seal, with the article having a first side and a second side. The item has a skirt or protrusion out of the heat seal. The skirt or shoulder comprises an article edge and a pair of tear initiators, each pair of tear initiators having a first tear initiator and a second tear initiator. The first tear-off initiator for the pair is on the first side of the article, and the second tear-off initiator for the pair is on the second side of the article. The article is capable of having a manually started, manually propagated first tear on the first side of the article, and a manually initiated and manually propagated second tear on the second side of the article. The first tear and the second tear are each capable of being propagated in a machine direction from the pair of first and second tear initiators, with each tear being propagated in the machine direction through the heat seal and down the length of the article, or through the article.

Each tear is capable of being manually propagated in the machine direction through and to an opposite edge of the article, so that when using the multilayer film to make a packaged product by placing a product within the article with the article being sealed around the product so that a package is formed, and then shrink the film around the product, the resulting package can be opened manually, and the product is easily removed from the package, manually initiating machine-direction tears from the first and second tear initiators, with the tears being manually propagated through the seal and to the opposite edge of the article. Multilayer film exhibits a Peak Load Impact Strength of at least 50

Newtons per 0.0254 m (thousand) measured using STM D 3763-95^to.

At least one layer of the multilayer film containing at least one incompatible polymer rock selected from the group set forth in the first aspect described above, and as discussed further below. At least a portion of the skirt or protrusion is thermally hardened, so that by forming the package and shrinking the film around the product, the shrinkage and curl of the skirt or protrusion is reduced. The protrusion or skirt further comprises at least one gripping aid to assist in holding the multilayer film during manual tearing.

In the thermally shrinkable article a portion of the skirt or protrusion on the first side of the article can be thermally hardened, and a corresponding portion of the skirt or protrusion on the second side of the article can also be thermally hardened.

The heat shrinkable packaging article may be an end seal bag and the first and second tear initiators may be present on the bag skirt, and a heat seal may be present within the thermally hardened portion of the first and second sides. from the article.

In the thermally shrinkable article, the first tear initiator may be aligned on the second tear initiator, and the heat seal present within the thermally hardened portion may be a perimeter seal, and the skirt may further comprise a first grip assistant between the pair of tear initiators, and a first end of the skirt, and a second grip assistant between the pair of tear initiators and a second end of the skirt.

In the thermally shrinkable article, a first portion of a first side of the skirt or protrusion can be spot sealed to the second side of the skirt or protrusion on a first point seal, and a second portion of the first side of the skirt or protrusion can be sealed per point on the second side of the skirt or protrusion on a second seal per point.

In the thermally shrunk article, the heat-hardened portions of the first and second sides of the skirt and boss may comprise a perimeter seal on the skirt or boss.

In the thermally shrunk article, the first tear initiator may be aligned directly over the second tear initiator, and the skirt or shoulder may further comprise a first point seal within 2.54 cm (1 inch) of the first and second tear initiators. and a first end of the skirt, and a second point seal within 2.54 cm (1 inch) of the first and second tear initiators and a second end of the skirt or protrusion.

In the thermally shrinkable article, the protrusion or skirt may further comprise a first grip assistant between the first point seal and the first end of the protrusion or skirt, and a second grip assistant between the first and second tear initiators and a second end of the projection or skirt.

The thermally shrinkable article may be a side seal bag or pouch having a skirt comprising a plurality of pairs of first and second tear initiators, with each first tear initiator being directly aligned on the second tear initiator with which it is located. paired up.

The heat shrinkable article may be a side seal pouch having a skirt comprising, for each pair of first and second tear initiators, a first point seal within 2.54 cm (1 inch) of the pair of tear initiators, the first knit seal between the pair of rip starters and a first end of the skirt, and a second knit stamp within 2.54 cm (1 inch) of the pair of rip starters, with the second point seal being between the pair of tear initiators and the second end of the skirt.

The thermally shrinkable article may comprise a multi-layer film having an oxygen transmission rate of at least 50 cc / m² day ambient pressure and 100% relative humidity, or at least 100 cc / m² day at ambient pressure and 100% relative humidity, or at least 150 cc / m² day at normal pressure and 100% relative humidity.

The heat shrinkable packaging article may comprise a multilayer film having a non-symmetrical polymeric layer arrangement.

Brief Description of Drawings

Figure IA is a schematic of a first heat-shrinkable end seal bag in a flat lay configuration.

Figure IB is a schematic of a second heat-shrinkable end seal bag in a flat lay configuration.

Figure 1C is a detailed, enlarged view of a portion of the bag of Figure IB.

Figure ID is a detailed, enlarged view of a less desirable first embodiment of an otherwise corresponding bag with the bag of Figure IB.

Figure 1E is an enlarged, detailed view of a less desirable second embodiment of a bag otherwise corresponding to the bag of Figure IB.

Figure 1E is a detailed, enlarged view of a third less desirable embodiment of an otherwise corresponding bag with the bag of Figure IB.

Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of a heat shrinkable end seal bag of the

Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a schematic of a first, heat shrinkable side seal bag in a flat lay configuration.

Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of the heat shrinkable side seal bag of the

Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a schematic of a second, heat shrinkable side seal bag in a flat lay configuration.

Figure 6A is an enlarged detailed view of the tear-starting feature of the heat-shrinkable end seal bag of Figure 1.

Figure 6B is an enlarged detailed view of an alternate tear start feature for use in an alternative, thermally shrinkable, end seal pouch.

Figure 6C is an enlarged detailed view of an alternate tear start feature for use in another alternative heat shrinkable end seal pouch.

Figure 6D is an enlarged detailed view of an alternate tear start feature for use in another alternative heat shrinkable end seal pouch.

Figure 6E is an enlarged detailed view of an alternate tear start feature for use in another alternative, heat shrinkable end seal bag.

Figure 6F is an enlarged detailed view of an alternative tear start feature for use in another alternative, heat shrinkable end seal bag.

Figure 6G is an enlarged, detailed view of an alternate tear start feature for use in another alternative, heat shrinkable end seal pouch.

Figure 6H is a detailed, enlarged view of an alternate tear start feature for use in another alternative, heat shrinkable end seal pouch.

Figure 61 is an enlarged, detailed view of the tear start feature of the ball of Figure 1, with the added addition of a hand grip improver.

Figure 6J is an enlarged, detailed view of the tear onset feature of the bag in Figure 1, with the additional addition of another hand grip improver.

Figure 6K is a detailed, enlarged view of the tear start feature of the pouch.

Figure 1, with the extra addition of another hand grip improver.

Figure 6L is a detailed, enlarged view of the tear initiation feature of the bag of the

Figure 1, with the added addition of another manual gripper speaker.

Figures 6M, 6N, 60, 6P, 6Q, 6R, 6S, 6T, 6U, 6V,

6W, 6Y, 6Z, 6AA, 6BB, 6CC, 6DD, 6EE and 6FF are magnified detailed views of several alternative rip start features, some of which include a better hand grip speaker.

Figure 7A is a schematic view of a first embodiment of a continuous strip of bags connected by a line of grooves.

Figure 7B is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a continuous strip of bags connected by a line of grooves.

Figure 7C is a schematic view of a third embodiment of a continuous strip of bags connected by a line of grooves.

Figure 8 is a schematic view of the process used to make various heat shrinkable seamless film pipes exposed in several of the examples below, this pipeline below being converted into end seal and side seal pouches by heat sealing operations and cut (not illustrated).

Figure 9 is a schematic of a packaged product made from a vacuum packed meat product in a shrink end seal pouch having the tear start feature in the pouch skirt.

Figure 10 is a schematic of the packaged product of Figure 9, after the tear has started, but as the tear remains in an intermediate state, the tear proceeds down the bag film in the machine direction .

Figure 11 is a schematic of the packaged product of Figures 8 and 9, after the tear is complete.

Figure 12 is a schematic of a comparative packaged product exhibiting a tear character that does not allow tearing for the entire length of the bag.

Figure 13 is a schematic of an alternative, heat shrinkable end seal bag in a flat lay configuration.

Figure 14 is a schematic of an alternative heat shrinkable side seal bag in a flat lay configuration.

Figure 15 is a schematic of another alternative side seal bag in a flat lay configuration.

Figure 16 is a schematic of yet another side seal bag in a flat lay configuration.

Figure 17 is a schematic of an apparatus for carrying out the process of placing tear initiators in the protrusion region of a packaging article.

Figure 18 illustrates a schematic of an easy open package in which the easy open feature is similar to the feature in Figure 6J, but is designed for automated package opening.

Figure 19 illustrates a schematic of a heat-shrinkable, easy-to-open side seal bag having a plurality of pairs of tear initiators at intervals along one of the bag flaps.

Figure 20 illustrates a schematic of a portion of a heat-shrinkable, easy-to-open end seal bag 370 having a pair of tear initiators at intervals along the bag skirt.

FIG. 21 is a detailed, enlarged view of a portion of a protrusion or skirt having a pair of tear initiators with bonded, heat-hardened regions on each side of the pair of tear initiators.

Figure 22 is a detailed, magnified view of a portion of a protrusion or skirt having a pair of tear initiators with bonded, heat-hardened regions and grip aids.

Figure 23 is a detailed, enlarged view of a portion of a protrusion or skirt having a plurality of pairs of tear initiators, with a pair of bonded, heat-hardened regions associated with each pair of tear initiators and a pair of Grip assistants associated with each pair of rip starters.

Figure 24 is a partial perspective view of a packaged product made of a shrink end seal bag around a product, with shrink skirt curling obscuring tear initiators and grip aids.

Figure 25 is a perspective view of a packaged product as in Figure 24, but with two point seals on the skirt itself.

<td></td><td>The figure</td><td>26 is</td><td>a</td><td>view</td><td>in perspective</td><td>of a</td>

<td>product</td><td>packed</td><td>like in</td><td>the</td><td>Figure</td><td>24, but with</td><td>four</td>

<td>stamps</td><td>point of</td><td>skirt</td><td>So</td><td>same.</td><td></td><td></td>

<td> 5</td><td>The figure</td><td>27 is</td><td>a</td><td>view</td><td>in perspective</td><td>of a</td>

Product packaged as in Figure 24, but with a perimeter seal of the skirt itself.

Figure 28 illustrates a schematic of a heat-shrinkable, easy-to-open side seal pouch having a plurality of pairs of tear initiators at intervals along one or the pouch flaps, as well as an elongated heat-hardened area on either side of each pair of rip starters.

Detailed description

As used herein, the term film is inclusive of plastic screen, regardless of whether it is film or sheet. The film can have a total thickness of 0.25 mm or less, or a thickness of 0.038 mm to 0.254 mm (1.5 to 10 mil) or 0.038 to 0.127 mm (1.5 to 5 mils, or 0.046 mm to 0.102 mm (1.8 to 4 mils), or from 0.051 mm to 0.076 mm (2 to 3 mils).

The multilayer, thermally shrinkable film from which the packaging article is made exhibits a

Peak Load Impact Resistance, determined using ASTM

D 3763-95³, of at least 50 Newtons per 0.0254 mm (thousand).

ASTM D 3763-95³ is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference thereto. Thermally shrinkable film may have a Peak Load Impact Strength, determined using ASTM 3763-95³, from 50 to 250 Newtons per

0.0254 mm, or 60 to 200 Newtons per 0.0254 mm, or 70 to 70

Newtons for 0.0254, or 80 to 150 Newtons for 0.0254; or from 85 to 140 Newtons per 0.0254 mm; or 95 to 135 Newtons per 0.0254 mm. In one embodiment, the thermally shrinkable multilayer film exhibits an Impact Strength of

Peak Load, determined using ASTM D 3763-95®, 50 to 250

Newtons by 0.0254 mm and the multilayer film has a total thickness, before shrinkage, of 0.038 to 0.127 mm (1.5 to 5 mils).

The multilayer film has a seal layer and at least one additional layer. At least one layer of the multilayer film contains a mixture of incompatible polymers.

As used herein, the phrase machine direction refers to the direction in which the film exits the die. Of course, this address corresponds to the direction in which the extrudate is shipped during the film production process. The phrase machine direction2 corresponds to longitudinal direction. Machine direction and longitudinal direction are abbreviated as MD and

LD, respectively. However, as used herein, the phrase machine direction includes not only the direction along a film that corresponds to the direction the film moved as it passed over the idler rollers in the production process. film also includes directions that deviate up to 44 degrees from the direction the film moved as it passed over idler rollers in the production process.

As used herein, the phrase "transverse direction" refers to a direction perpendicular to the machine direction. The transverse direction is abbreviated as TD ,. The cross direction also includes directions that deviate up to 44 degrees from the direction the film moved as it passed over the idler rollers in the production process.

As used herein, the phrase packaging item is even for end seal bags, side seal bags, L-seal bags, U-seal bags (also referred to as sacdos), pouch bags, stitched pipes on the back, and seamless housings, as well as packages made from such articles by placing a product in the article and sealing the article so that the product is substantially surrounded by the thermally shrinkable multilayer film from which the packaging article is made.

As used herein, the packaging items have two sides. Generally, one side of a packaging item corresponds to half of the item.

For example, an end seal bag is a flat lay bag and has two sides (in this case two flat lay sides), with each side corresponding to a flat laid side of the seamless pipe from which the bag is made. end seal. Each flat lay side is a seamless pipe is constrained by wrinkles formed as the pipe folds into its flat laid configuration between gripping rollers. Each side of an end seal bag is limited by the top edge of the bag, the bottom edge of the bag, and the two folds that run the length of the bag. Likewise, a side seal bag also has two sides, with each side also being a flat lay side, with each side of the side seal bag being limited by the bag side edges, a bag top edge, and a part. matching bag top with a pleat of tubing. A housing, either seamless or postsealed, also has two sides, with each side being limited by the ends of the housing and by pleats formed as the housing is configured into its flat lay configuration. While corner bags or other packaging items may not be completely flat in their structure because they have more than two flat sides, they nevertheless have sides limited by pleats and edges.

As used herein, the term package refers to packaging materials configured around a product that is being packaged. As such, the term package includes all the packaging around the product, but not the product itself.

As used herein, the phrase "packaged product" refers to the combination of a product and the packaging that surrounds or substantially surrounds the product. The packaged product can be made by positioning the product towards a packaging article made of the thermally shrinkable multilayer film, with the article then being sealed so that the multilayer film substantially surrounds or surrounds the product. The film can then shrink around the product.

As used herein, the term "bag" refers to a packaging article that has an open top, side edges, and a bottom edge. The term bag encompasses flat lay bags, sacks, housings (seamless housings and backseam housings, including edge-sealed housings, flap-sealed housings, and back-sealed butt-sealed housings that have rear seam tape over the same). Various housing arrangements are described in USPN 6,764,729 B2, to Ramesh et al, entitled Post Seam and Product Housing

Packaging Incorporating The Same, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety, by reference to it. Various bag configurations, including L-seal bags, backseam bags, and U-seal bags (also referred to as bags), are described in USPEN 6,970,468 to Mize et al, entitled Patch Bag and Process for Making

The same, which is hereby incorporated, in its entirety, by reference to it. While the pouch configurations illustrated in the '468 patent have a patch thereon, for purposes of the present invention, the patch is optional.

In one embodiment, the packaging article is a flat lay end seal bag made of a seamless pipe, the end seal bag having an open top, first and second folded side edges, and an end seal. around a bottom of the bag, with the first and second tear initiators being on the bag skirt that is out of the end seal, with the first tear being in a machine direction of the film, and the second tear being a machine direction tear of the film, with each tear being capable of being manually propagated

<td>toward</td><td>under</td><td>the length</td><td>of</td><td>the seal bag</td><td>extreme</td>

<td colspan="2">to the opposite edge</td><td>from the bag</td><td>of</td><td>end seal.</td><td></td>

<td></td><td>In a</td><td>modality,</td><td>the</td><td>packaging item</td><td>is a</td>

<td>bag</td><td>stamp</td><td colspan="3">side, flat lay made of a</td><td>pipeline</td>

seamless, the side seal pouch having a flattened top, a folded bottom edge, and first and second side seals with respective first and second pouch skirts out of the respective first and second side seals, with the tear initiators first and second being in the first bag skirt and out of the first side seal, with the first tear being a machine direction tear and the second tear being a machine direction tear, with each tear being capable of being manually propagated across the full width of the side seal bag to the opposite edge of the bag side seal.

In one embodiment, the packaging item is a flat lay side seal bag made of a seamless pipe, a side seal bag having an open top, a folded bottom edge, a first side seal with a first skirt. of bag out of it, a second side seal with a second flap of bag out of it, and a third seal extending from the first side seal to the second side seal, the third seal being at an opposite end of the open top pouch, the third seal having a third pouch skirt comprising the first and second tear initiators, with the first tear being a transverse direction tear and the second tear being a transverse direction rip, with the first and second rips each being capable of being manually propagated below the length of the side seal bag and to the opposite edge of the side seal bag.

In one embodiment, the packaging article is a flat lay sack made by heat sealing two flat films to each other, the sack having an open top, a first side seal with a first pouch skirt out of the same, a second seal lateral with a second bag skirt out of the same, a lower seal with a third bag skirt out of the same, the lower seal extending from the first lateral seal to the second lateral seal, the bottom seal being at an opposite end of the open top pouch, with at least one of the pouch flaps having first and second tear initiators to tear each of the two flat films in the machine direction.

End seal bags, side seal bags, L-seal bags, T-seal bags (also referred to as back-sewn bags), and U-seal bags all have an open top, closed sides, a bottom closed, and at least a heat seal. Each of these heat seals is referred to as a factory seal because these seals are made at the bag manufacturing factory, rather than a packaging factory where the bag is used to package a product. Each of the heat seals illustrated in Figures 1A-1F., 3,

4, 5, 6A-6FF, 7A-C, and 13-16 is a factory seal. Each of the factory seals is generally made a short distance inward from the edge of the article, so that a relatively small amount of the film remains outside the heat seal, that is, on the other side of the seal from the film that wraps the product, A corner bag can also be made with a bottom seal that has a skirt, and one housing (sewn back or seamless) can have a cross heat seal with a skirt, As used herein, the term skirt refers to that portion of the film that is outside of any one or more of the factory seals. The length of a skirt is the distance corresponding to the length of the seal inward of the skirt, and the width of the skirt is the distance taken perpendicular to from this seal, through the skirt, to the edge of the article. The length and width of a ledge (described below) are determined in the same way. The length of a skirt or ledge ends at the ends of the skirt or ledge.

In contrast, only one of the packaged product heat seals in Figures 9-12 is a factory seal. The other stamp is made after the product is placed on the packaging item, and is referred to herein as a empadadores stamp or as an applied stamp or as a customer stamp. While the film out of the factory heat seal is referred to as a skirt, the film out of a customer seal is referred to as a glue or seal of the packaging item.

In the packaged product illustrated in Figures 9-12 and 18, one of the heat seals on a factory seal and the other heat seal is a customer seal. If the tear initiator 53 in Figure 9 is on the skirt, then the heat seal 51 is the factory seal and the heat seal 55 is the customer seal. While a tear initiator may be in a skirt, it may also be in a protrusion region of the bag. If the tear initiator 53 is on the projection, then the heat seal 51 is the customer seal and the heat seal 55 s the factory seal.

Usually, the overhang is larger (i.e., longer) than the skirt.

The term bag also includes that portion of a package that is derived from a bag. That is, once a product is placed inside a bag, the bag is sealed sealed so that it surrounds the product. The excess bag length (i.e. bag glue or bag protrusion) can optionally be cut along a line near the seal made through the bag to enclose the product within the bag, and then optionally the film can shrink around the product. The portion of the bag that remains is configured around the product herein is also within the term bag. The phrase "opposite edge of the packaging article" refers to the edge of the bag that is directly across from the edge of the packaging article that has the tear initiator. For example, a top bag edge is opposite the bottom bag edge; a first bag side edge is opposite the second bag side edge. As used herein, the phrase "one side of the bag2" is used with reference to each of the first and second sides of a bag held flat, as well as each of the two main flat sides of a bag with a corner.

As used herein, the phrase skirt2 refers to that portion of the packaging item that is outside of a heat seal, v. gr., the excess length or width on the unproducted side of any factory heat seal on the packing item. In an end seal bag, the bag skirt is short in the machine direction and long in the cross direction. In a side seal bag, the bag skirt is long in the machine direction and short in the cross direction. In either case, the width of the bag skirt is the shortest dimension of the skirt, and the length of the bag skirt is the longest dimension of the skirt. A bag skirt (or any skirt of any packaging item) may have a width, before the film shrinks, of at least 5 millimeters, or at least 10 millimeters, or at least 15 millimeters, or at least 20 millimeters , or at least 215 millimeters, or at least 30 millimeters.

Alternatively, the skirt may have a width of 5 to

100 millimeters, or 10 to 50 millimeters, or 15 to 40 millimeters, or 20 to 35 millimeters.

As used herein, the phrase "flat lay bag" 2 refers generically to non-corner bags used for the packaging of a variety of products, particularly food products. More specifically, the phrase flat lay bag includes side seal bag, end seal bag, L-seal bag, U-seal bag (also referred to as a sack), and backseam bag (also referred to as a T-stamp). The back seam can be a flap seal, a flap seal, or a butt seal with a back seam tape.

Before the bag shrinks, I could have a length to width ratio of 1: 1 to 20.1; or 1.5: 1 a

8: 1; or from 1.8: 1 to 6: 1, or from 2: 1 to 4: 1.

The tear initiator can be cut at the skirt or shoulder of the packing article. As used herein, the term "cut" refers to penetration through the film, or cut through the film, with a cutting medium or rimmed instrument. Preferably the cut is made through both sides of the packaging article. The term cut is inclusive of both indentations and notches. As used herein, the term "slit" refers to a cut through the film without the removal and removal of a piece of film from the packaging article. A slit may be from the edge of the packaging article (i.e., an edge slit) or internal, i.e., not extending to an edge (i.e., internal slit is also referred to as a slit hole).

The slit can be straight or curved or wavy.

The term hole, as used herein, includes both an internal perforation (i.e., internal hole) or internal cut 8 (i.e., an internal indentation) through the packing article, as well as an internal cut that removes a piece of article film. The hole can use a straight cut or a curved cut. The hole can be round or square or rectangular or irregular in shape.

A notch is formed by a cut that removes a piece of film along an otherwise straight or curved edge of an article or article glue®, producing a point for stress concentration during subsequent manual application of tearing.

A notch can be V-shaped or round or rectangular or oval or of any regular or irregular profile.

<td></td><td>Cleft</td><td>or notch</td><td>or hole</td><td>in</td><td>the skirt</td><td>or tail</td>

<td>can</td><td colspan="3">spread through at least</td><td> 10</td><td colspan="2">percent of the</td>

<td colspan="3">skirt width before</td><td>the bag</td><td>I know</td><td>shrink or</td><td>when</td>

<td>less</td><td>20 percent,</td><td>or when</td><td>minus 30</td><td>by</td><td>hundred or</td><td>when</td>

<td>less</td><td>40 percent,</td><td colspan="3">or at least 50 for</td><td>hundred or</td><td>when</td>

<td>less</td><td>60 percent,</td><td colspan="3">or at least 70 for</td><td>hundred or</td><td>when</td>

<td>less</td><td>80 percent,</td><td>or when</td><td>minus 90</td><td colspan="2">percent,</td><td>of the</td>

<td colspan="2">skirt width or</td><td>tail. The</td><td>cleft</td><td>or</td><td>notch or</td><td>hole</td>

<td>they can</td><td>agulate towards</td><td>indoors,</td><td>to him</td><td colspan="3">article center</td>

packaging.

In end seal and side seal bags, as well as other packaging items, a portion of the skirt is on a flat first side of the item (eg, bag), and a portion of the same skirt is on a second flat side of the article (eg, bag). The first flat lying side of the skirt may have a first tear initiator, and the second flat lying side of the skirt may have a second tear initiator.

The first tear initiator may overlap the second tear initiator when the end seal or side seal bag (or any other packing item) is in its flat lay configuration, as well as shrink packing. Overlapping improves the ease of simultaneously starting and spreading rips on the first and second sides of the packaging item. In addition, the first tear initiator may coincide (i.e., be placed directly on and correspond in length and shape) to the second tear initiator when the packaging article is in its flat lay configuration.

The packaging article can be provided with both a first tear initiator that is overlapping or coincident with the second tear initiator, and a third tear that is overlapping or coincident with a fourth tear initiator. The first and second tear initiators may be placed on a skirt or protrusion portion of the article to make a manual tear in a machine direction with the third and fourth tear initiators being positioned to make a manual tear in a transverse direction. The third and fourth rip starters can be placed on a skirt or ledge.

As used herein, the verb tear refers to pulling a separate object by force. The name tear refers to the resulting break in the object that is tearing. Tearing of the film results from placing the film under sufficient tension that it is pulled apart by force. The tensile force is concentrated by the tear initiator, which allows a lower tensile force to pull apart the film, i.e. tear the film. Thermally shrinkable films of high impact resistance are not capable of being manually torn without the presence of the tear initiator. In the heat shrinkable packaging article, the high impact resistant multilayer film is subjected to tearing from the tear initiator to the opposite edge of the packaging article.

The phrase tear initiator, as used herein, refers to any one or more of a variety of media that can be placed on the skirt or shoulder of a packaging article. The tear initiator allows the manual tear force to be concentrated in a small spot or region of the film so that tear initiation and tear propagation can occur manually. A slit in the pouch skirt, as illustrated in Figure 6A, can serve as the tear initiator. Alternatively, the tear initiator can be a V-shaped notch in a bag skirt (see

Figure 6B) or a rounded notch in the bag skirt (see Figure 6C), or a rectangular notch in the bag skirt (see Figure 6D), or a slit hole in the bag skirt (see Figure 6E ) or a round hole in the bag skirt (see Figure 6F), or a pointed oval hole in the bag skirt (see Figure 6G), or a rectangular hole in the bag skirt (see Figure 6H).

As used herein, the terms overlap and coincident are used with respect to the relative placement of paired tear initiators both when the article is in its flat lay configuration and / or after a product is placed on the article and the closure article sealed around the product. The term coincident refers to two paired rip initiators that are directly on top of each other. The term overlapping refers to two paired tear initiators that are close enough to each other that an effort to manually tear one side of the packing article into one of the tear notches results in tearing both sides of the article, i.e. from each one of the paired rip starters. The phrase substantially coincident is used interchangeably with the term overlapping. Typically, tear initiators within 12.7 millimeters (one-half inch) of being coincident with each other are considered to be overlapping.

As used herein, the phrase manual and the term manually are both used with reference to ripping with bare hands, i.e. without the need for a knife, scissors, or any other implement to assist with initiation or spread ripping film. The term manual is used with respect to the onset of ripping, i.e. the manual initiation of the ripping action, as well as with respect to the propagation of ripping, i.e., the manual continuation (i.e., extension) of a rip that it has been started manually.

<td>Besides of</td><td>initiator of</td><td>tear,</td><td>the</td><td>Article</td>

<td>packing can</td><td>provides</td><td>with assistant</td><td>of</td><td>grip,</td>

<td>also referred to in</td><td>the present</td><td>as a breeder</td><td>of</td><td>grip.</td>

The grip assistant can improve the ease with which the film can be torn. The gripper may be on one flat side of the packaging item or on both flat sides of the packaging item. The grip assist can be a hole in the skirt (and / or overhang), an integral extension of the skirt or overhang, or a separate film tab attached to the skirt or overhang. The separate film tab can be made of a thermoplastic polymer, paper, or other material, and can be thermally shrinkable or thermally non-shrinkable. The packaging item can be provided with the combination of a rip starter and a grip assistant. By

<td>example,</td><td>the</td><td>skirt can</td><td>to have</td><td>a cleft like</td><td>the</td>

<td>initiator</td><td>of</td><td>ripping and a</td><td colspan="2">hole like wizard</td><td>of</td>

<td>15 grip.</td><td>See</td><td>Figures 61</td><td>. The</td><td>skirt can have</td><td>a</td>

slit as the rip starter and two holes that provide service as the grip wizard. See the

Figure 61. Alternatively, the grip wizard can be

<td>a tongue like</td><td>illustrated in</td><td>the figure</td><td>6K,</td><td colspan="2">this figure</td>

<td>20 further illustrating</td><td>the tongue</td><td>That</td><td>this</td><td>using</td><td>in</td>

<td>combination with a</td><td>cleft.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td colspan="2">Regarding tearing</td><td colspan="2">of the movie</td><td>from which</td><td>the</td>

article of packaging is made, as used herein the phrase tear is capable of being propagated ... refers to the way the film tends to propagate tear when the bag is subjected to ordinary manual opening of it, that is, the packaging article can be fastened and broken or fastened and torn in the ordinary course of opening. The packaging article exhibits substantially linear tear. Usually, the linear tear is substantially in line with the machine direction, or substantially in line with the transverse direction. Tearing is carried out after shrinking the thermally shrinkable film.

If the tear is being made in the machine direction of the film, the tear may be within 0 to 44 degrees of the actual machine direction of the film, i.e., as long as the tear can spread to and to the edge opposite side of the bag; or the tear may be within 0 to 2 degrees, or within 0 to 15 degrees, or within 1 to 20 degrees, or within 0 to 10 degrees; or within 0 to 5 degrees, or within 0 to 2 degrees of the machine direction of the film. The same remains true of tear in the transverse direction, that is, the tear may be within 0 to 44 degrees of the actual transverse direction of the film; or the tear can be within 0 to 20 degrees, or within 1 to 20 degrees, or within 0 to 10 degrees; or within 0 to 5 degrees, or within 0 to 2 degrees of the transverse direction of the film.

As used herein, the phrase "easily removed" applies to the removal of a product from a packaging article that surrounds or substantially surrounds the product. As used herein, the phrase "easily removed" refers to the manual removal of the product from within the confines of the packaging article without any additional substantial amount of tear, and without any further substantial permanent deformation of the film. As used herein, the phrase "substantial tear in the film" refers to tear greater than or equal to 2 millimeters in length. As used herein, the phrase "substantial permanent film deformation2" refers to a permanent film stretch greater than or equal to 2 millimeters at any location on the film.

As used herein, the phrases "seal layer, sealant layer, heat seal layer, and sealant layer" refer to an outer film layer, or layers, involved in heat sealing the elicle to itself, other film layer of the same or another film, and / or another article that is not a film. Heat sealing can be performed in any one or more of a variety of ways, such as fusion count sealing, heat sealing, impulse sealing, ultrasonic sealing, hot air sealing, hot wire sealing, infrared radiation sealing, UV radiation sealing, electronic beam sealing, etc.). A heat seal usually on a relatively narrow seal (see. gr., 0.508 mm (0.02 inch&gt;) to 2.54 cm (1 inch) wide) through film. A particular heat seal medium is a heat seal made using an impulse sealer, which uses a combination of heat and pressure to form the seal, with the heating medium providing a brief pulse of heat while the pressure is being applied to the film by a seal bar or seal wire, followed by rapid cooling.

In some embodiments, the seal layer may comprise a polyolefin, particularly an ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer and / or an ionomer resin. For example, the seal layer might contain a polyolefin that has a density of 0.88 g / cc to 0.917 g / cc, or 0.90 g7cc to 0.917 g7cc. More particularly, the seal layer may comprise at least one member selected from the group consisting of very low density polyethylene and homogeneous ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer. Very low density polyethylene is a kind of heterogeneous ethylene / ALPHAOLEFINE copolymer. Heterogeneous ethylan / alpha-olefin (eg, very low density polyethylene) can have a density of 0.900 to 0.917 g / cm³. The homogeneous / alphaolefinic ethylene copolymer in the seal layer can have a density of 0.880 g / cm³ a 0.910 g / cm³, or 0.880 g / cm³ a 0.917 g / cm³. Useful homogeneous ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymers in the seal layer include catalyzed metallocene-ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymers having a density of 0.917 g / cm³or less, as well as very low density polyethylene having a density of 0912 g / cm³, these polymers providing excellent optics. Plastomer type metallocene sealants with densities less than 0.910 g / cm³they also provided excellent optics.

As used herein, the term barrier, and the phrase barrier layer, as applied to films and / or film layers, are used with reference to the ability of a film or film layer to serve as a barrier to one or more gases. The thermally shrinkable multilayer film used to make the article may optionally comprise a barrier layer. In the packaging industry, oxygen barrier layers (i.e. O₂ gas) may comprise, for example, at least one member selected from the group consisting of hydrolyzed ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer (designated by the abbreviations

EVOH and HEVA, and also referred to as saponified ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer and ethylene / vinyl alcohol copolymer), polyvinylidene chloride, amorphous polyamide, MXD6 polyamide (particularly MXD6 / MXDI copolymer), polyester, polyacrylonitrile, etc. , as is known to experts in the field. In addition to the first and second layers, the thermally shrinkable film may further comprise at least one barrier layer.

Thermally shrinkable film can exhibit

<td>regime</td><td>transmission</td><td> 0₂</td><td>of</td><td> 1</td><td>to</td><td> 20</td><td>cc / m²</td><td>day</td><td>atm</td><td>to</td><td>23 ° C</td><td>and</td>

<td>15 100% of</td><td>RH,</td><td>or</td><td>of</td><td> 2</td><td>to</td><td> 15</td><td>cc / m²</td><td>day</td><td>atm</td><td>to</td><td>23 ° C</td><td>and</td>

<td>100% of</td><td>RH,</td><td>or</td><td>of</td><td> 3</td><td>to</td><td> 12</td><td>cc / m²</td><td>day</td><td>atm</td><td>to</td><td>23 ° C</td><td>to</td>

<td>100% of</td><td>RH,</td><td>or</td><td>of</td><td> 4</td><td>to</td><td> 10</td><td>cc / m²</td><td>day</td><td>atm</td><td>to</td><td>23 ° C</td><td>and</td>

100% relative humidity. Alternatively, the thermally shrinkable film may exhibit a transmission rate of O₂ 21 cc / m² day atm at 15,000 cc / m² atm day, or 500 cc / m² atm day at 10,000 cc / m² atm day, or 2000 cc / m²day atm at 6,000 cc / m² atm day The transmission rate of O₂It can be measured in accordance with ASTM-D-3985.

As used herein, the phrase tie coat refers to any inner layer that has the primary purpose of bonding two layers together. The tie layers may comprise any polymer having a polar group grafted thereon. These polymers adhere to both non-polar polymers such as polyolefin, as well as polar polymers such as polyamide and ethylene / vinyl alcohol copolymer. The tie layers may comprise at least one member selected from the group consisting of polyolefin (particularly homogeneous ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer), anhydride modified polyolefin, ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer, and anhydride modified ethylene copolymer. vinyl acetate, ethylene / acrylic acid copolymer, and ethylene / methylacrylate copolymer. Typical tie coat polymers comprise at least one member selected from the group consisting of anhydride-modified linear low-density polyethylene, anhydride-modified low-density polyethylene, anhydride-modified polypropylene, anhydride-modified methylacrylate copolymer, butylacrylate copolymer anhydride modified, homogeneous ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer, and anhydride / vinyl acetate modified ethylene copolymers.

As used herein, the phrases "inner layer" and "inner layer" refer to any layer, of a multi-layer film, having both of its major surfaces directly adhered to another layer of the film.

As used herein, the phrase "outer layer" refers to any layer of film that has less than two of its major surfaces directly adhered to another layer of the film. A multi-layer film has two outer layers, each of which has a main surface adhered to only one other layer of the multi-layer film.

As used herein, the term "adhered" is inclusive of films that are directly adhered to each other using a heat seal or other means, as well as films that adhere to each other using an adhesive that is between the two films. This term is also inclusive of layers of a multi-layer film, the layers of which are then adhered to each other without an adhesive between them. The various layers of the multi-layer film may be directly adhered to each other (ie, no layers between them) or indirectly adhered to each other (ie, one or more layers therebetween).

Once a multilayer film is heat-sealed to itself or another member of the packaging being produced (i.e., it becomes a packaging item, eg, a bag, sack, or seal), one outer layer of the film is an inner layer of the packaging article and the other outer layer becomes the outer layer of the packaging article. The inner layer can be referred to as an inner heat seal / product contact layer, because this layer of film that is sealed to itself or another article, and is the film layer closest to the product, relative to the other layers of the film. The other outer layer can be referred to as the outer layer and / or as the outer abuse layer, or outer skin layer, as it is the film layer furthest from the product, relative to the other layers of the multiple film layers. Also, the outer surface of a packaging article (i.e., bag) is the remote surface of the product being packaged within the article.

While the thermally shrinkable multilayer film can self-seal to form a packaging article, optionally a thermally shrinkable patch film can be adhered to the article (particularly a bag). The patch film may be thermally shrinkable, and may have a total free shrink at 85 ° C (185 ° F) of at least 35 percent, measured in accordance with ASTM D-2732. The bag film and patch film may have full free shrink at 85 ° C (185 ° F) that is within 50 percent of each other, or within 20 percent of each other, or with one hundred to the other, or within 5 percent of one to the other, or within 2 percent of one to the other. The patch may or may not cover the heat seal. If the patch covers the heat seal, the heat seal can optionally be made through the patch. If the tear is to be made through the bag and through the patch, the patch must cover a heat seal, and the 'tear initiator must be through both the bag film and the patch film. The pouch may have a curved seal and the patch may extend into and through the curved seal region and through and beyond the curved seal. If the bottom edge of the bag is curved, a bottom edge of the patch may also be curved.

The patch bag can have any desired patch bag configuration as described in any one or more of US Patent Nos .: 4,755,403, 5,540,636,

5,454,319, 6,196,886, 56,383,537, 6,663,905 and 6,790,468, each of which is hereby incorporated, in its entirety, by reference thereto.

End seal bags with curved heat seals, and end seal patch bags with curved heat seals, can be designed to have manual tear start and manual directional tear propagation. While the end seal may be curved, the bottom edge of the bag may be straight through the pipe, or it may also be curved. A curved bottom heat seal and a straight one across the bottom pouch edge leave more room in the bottom corners of the pouch skirt to provide tear initiators as well as grip assistants. Patch bags with curved end seals are described in US Patent No.

6,270,819, to Wiese, which is hereby incorporated, in its entirety, by reference thereto.

The term polymer, as used herein, is inclusive of homopolymer, copolymer, terpolymer, etc.

Copolymer includes copolymer, terpolymer, etc.

Incompatible polymer blends in one or more layers of film can improve tear initiation, tear propagation, and linear tear properties of the film, including the ability to manually tear down the full length or across the full width of a package made of a packaging article comprising a multilayer packaging film, ie, tearing through a seal and through and to an opposite edge of the package. For a package made from an end seal bag, a machine steering tear can be manually started on the bag skirt, and the machine steering tear can be manually propagated through the seal and down the length of the bag , for a distance to the full length of the package, that is, to that portion of the package that corresponds to the opposite edge of the package after the packaging item is used to make the package. For a package made from a side seal bag, the machine steering tear can be manually started on a bag skirt, and the machine steering tear can be manually propagated through the skirt and through the associated heat seal, with the tear below being propagated in the machine direction, across the full width of the packing, i.e. to that portion of the package that corresponds to the opposite edge of the side seal bag after the bag is used to make the package.

As used herein, the phrase "incompatible polymers" refers to two polymers (i.e., a mixture of at least two polymers) that are incapable of forming a stable two-phase solution or even mixture, and that tend to separate after to mix. When mixed, the incompatible polymers are not miscible with each other, and phase separate into a continuous domain and a finely dispersible discontinuous domain. The presence of one or more layers of film comprising a mixture of incompatible polymers can help, improve, or even cause the linear tear property of the thermally shrinkable multilayer film used to make the bag thermally shrinkable.

The incompatible polymer blend comprises at least one blend selected from the group of (A) to (I) set forth above under the first aspect of the invention. In the above blend (A), the ethylene homopolymer and / or ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer may be present in an amount of from 80 to 40 weight percent, or from 70 to 50 weight percent, based on the total mix weight. The ethylene / unsaturated ester can be present in an amount of from 20 to 60 percent by weight, or from 30 to 50 percent by weight, based on the total weight of the mixture. The ethylene / unsaturated ester copolymer can have an unsaturated ester content of 10 to 85 weight percent, or 10 to 50 weight percent, or 10^to 30 percent by weight, or 12 to 30 percent by weight, based on the weight of the ethylene / unsaturated ester copolymer.

In the above blend (D), the ethylene / unsaturated ester copolymer may be present in an amount of 10 to 75 percent by weight, 20 to 50 percent by weight, or 40 percent by weight, or 25 to 35 percent. weight percent, based on total mix weight. Polypropylene and / or propylene / ethylene and / or polybutylene copolymer and / or modified ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer, and / or styrene homopolymer, and / or styrene-7-betadiene copolymer can be present in the mixture in an amount of 90 to 15 percent by weight, or from 80 to 50 percent by weight, or from 75 to 60 percent by weight, or from 75 to 65 percent by weight, based on the total blend weight.

In blend (F) above, the ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer may be present in the blend in an amount of 90 to 15 percent by weight, based on the total blend step, or 80 to 50 percent in weight, or 75 to 60 percent by weight, or 25 to 65 percent by weight, based on total blend weight, with polypropylene (particularly propylene / ethylene copolymer) and / or polybutylene and / or ethylene / norbornene in an amount of 10 to percent by weight, or 20 to 50 percent by weight, or 40 weight percent, or 25 to 35 weight percent, based on total mix weight.

In the above blend (G), the homogeneous popylene homopolymer and / or homogeneous propylene copolymer may be present in the blend in an amount of from 90 to 25 percent by weight, or 85 to 50 percent by weight, or 80 to 60 weight percent, or 75 to 65 weight percent, based on total blend weight, with homogeneous ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer and / or ethylene / unsaturated ester copolymer in an amount of 10 to 75 percent by weight, or 50 percent by weight, or 20^to 40 percent by weight, or 25 to 35 percent by weight, based on the total mix weight.

In one embodiment, the film comprises an incompatible ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer blend and ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer having a vinyl acetate content of 10 to 50 percent by weight based on the weight of the copolymer, the blend containing the ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer in an amount of 80 to 35 percent by weight based on the weight of the blend and ethylene / unsaturated ester copolymer in an amount of 20 to 65 percent by weight based on the weight of mixture, with the multilayer film containing the blend in an amount of 95 percent by weight, based on the weight of the multilayer film, where the multilayer film has been biaxially oriented in the solid state and has shrinkage total free, as measured by ASTM D 2732, or 15 percent to 120 percent at 85 ° C (185 ° F).

In another embodiment, the film may comprise an incompatible mixture of ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer and ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer having a vinyl acetate content of 10 to 30 percent by weight based on the weight of the copolymer, the blend containing the ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer in an amount of 75 to 45 percent by weight based on the weight of the blend and ethylene / unsaturated ester copolymer in an amount of 25 to 55 percent by weight based on the weight of blending, with the multilayer film containing the blend in an amount of 30 to weight percent, based on the weight of the multilayer film, where the multilayer film has been biaxially oriented in the solid state and has full free shrinkage, as measured by ASTM D 2732, or 20 percent to 105 percent at 85 ° C (185 ° F).

In another embodiment, the film may comprise an incompatible ethylene / alpha olefin copolymer blend and ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer having a vinyl acetate content of 12 to 30 percent by weight, the blend containing the ethylene copolymer. / alpha-olefin in an amount of 70 to 50 percent based on blend weight and unsaturated ethylene-7-ester copolymer in an amount of 30 to 50 percent by weight based on blend weight, the multilayer film containing the blend in an amount of 30 to 70 weight percent, based on the weight of the multilayer film, and wherein the multilayer film has been biaxially oriented in the solid state and has a total free shrinkage, as measured by ASTM D 2732 from 40 percent to 100 percent at

85 ° C (185 ° F). Shrinkage is typically carried out by immersion in hot water, such as 85 ° C (185 ° F) water, for a period of 2 to 60 seconds.

If any one or more of the incompatible blends comprises an ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer, the ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer may comprise at least one member selected from the group consisting of: 8i) ethylene / hexene copolymer having a density of about from 0.90 g / cc to about 0.925 g / c, and (ii) ethylene / octene copolymer having a density of about 0.90 g / cc, to about 0.925 g7cc.

Other incompatible polymer blends that can be used include the following: (i) a 50 weight percent mixture of cyclic define copolymer with 50 weight percent propylene homopolymer; (ii) a 70 weight percent polystyrene blend with 30 weight percent ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer having a vinyl acetate content of 9 percent or 15 percent; (iii) a blend of 70 weight percent very low density polyethylene and 30 weight percent cyclic olefin copolymer; (iv) a blend of 70 weight percent ethylene / propylene copolymer and 30 weight percent homogeneous / alpha-olefin copolymer; (v) a blend of 70 weight percent ethylene / propylene copolymer and 30 weight percent ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer having a vinyl acetate content of 9 percent or 15 percent, (vi ) a mixture of 70 weight percent ethylene / propylene copolymer and 30 weight percent ethylene / methylacrylate copolymer; (vii) a mixture of 70 weight percent polystyrene with 30 weight percent amorphous nylon; (viii) a mixture of 70 weight percent ionomer resin with 30 weight percent ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer having a vinyl acetate content of 4 percent; (ix) a mixture of 70 weight percent polyamide with 30 weight percent low-density polyethylene; (x) a 65 weight percent blend of amorphous polyamide with 35% styrene / butadiene / styrene block copolymer.

The tear onset, tear propagation, and linear tear property of a thermally shrinkable multilayer film can also be improved by providing one or more layers of the film with a filler material, such as an inorganic filler. Polymeric systems incorporating high filler concentrations can also improve linear tear behavior. Depending on the particle size and dispersion, a filler concentration as low as 5 weight percent filler (i.e. based on total coat weight) in ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer, polypropylene, propylene / ethylene copolymer , polybutylene, polystyrene / butadiene copolymer, ionomer resin, ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer, ethylene / butylacrylate copolymer, ethylene / methylacrylate copolymer, ethylene / acrylic acid copolymer, polyester, polyamide, etc., can contribute to linear tear behavior.

More particularly, the presence of filler in an amount of 5 to 95 percent by weight, or in an amount of 5 to 50 percent by weight, or in an amount of 10 to 40 percent by weight, or 20 to 35 weight percent, can be used.

Suitable fillers include silicates (particularly sodium silicate, potassium silicate, and aluminum silicate, alkali aluminum silicate), silica (particularly amorphous silica C), siloxane, silicone resin, zinc sulfide, wollastonite, microspheres, fiberglass , metal oxide (particularly titanium, zinc, antimony, magnesium, iron and aluminum oxides), calcium carbonate, sulfate (particularly barium sulfate and calcium sulfate), aluminum trihydrate, feldspar, perlite, gypsum, iron, fluoropolymer, crosslinked polymethylmethacrylate, talc, diatomaceous earth, zeolites, mica, kaolin, carbon black, and graphite.

The concentration of filler required to achieve low tear onset force depends on the particle geometry, particle size, relationship between particle dimensions, and compatibility of the filler and the polymer matrix. Some fillers are chemically treated to improve the compatibility of the particle and the polymer it disperses into.

The tear onset, tear propagation, and linear tear property of a thermally shrinkable multilayer film can also be improved by providing one or more layers of the film with a polymer that provides the film with a relatively high Young's modulus, v . gr., a polymer that has a Young's modulus of at least 5608 kg / cm² (80,000 psi). These polymers can comprise at least one member selected from the group consisting of high density polyethylene, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, polypropylene (particularly propylene homopolymer), styrene copolymer (particularly styrene / butadiene block copolymer), copolymer of ethylene / norbornene, polycarbonate, and polyester. Thermally shrinkable multi-layer film can have a Young's Modulus of at least 5,608 kg / cm² (80,000 psi). Young's modulus can be measured according to one or more of the following ASTM procedures: D638, D882; D5026-95a;

D4065-89, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The film may have a Young's modulus of at least about, and / or at most about, any of the following: 7,030; 9,139; 10,545,

14,060; 17,575; 21,090; 24,605; and 28,120 kg / cm² (100,000;

130,000; 150,000; 200,000; 250,000; 300,000; 350,000; and

400,000 pounds / square inch) measured at a temperature of

23 ° C (73 ° F =). The film may have any of the above Young's modulus scales in at least one direction (eg, in the machine direction or in the transverse direction9, or in both directions (i.e., the machine (i.e., longitudinal) ) and cross directions).

As used herein, terms such as polyamide, polyolefin, polyester, etc. are inclusive of homopolymers of the genus, copolymers of the genus, terpolymers of the genus, etc. as well as graft polymers of the genus and substituted polymers of the genus (eg, polymers of the genus having substituent groups therein).

As used herein, the phrase "propylene / ethylene copolymer" refers to a copolymer of propylene and ethylene where the propylene polymer content is greater than the ethylene polymer content.

The propylene / ethylene copolymer is not a kind of ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer.

The phrase ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer2 is particularly directed at heterogeneous copolymers such as linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), very low-density and ultra-low-density polyethylene (VLDPE and ULDPE), as well as homogeneous polymers such as polymerized catalysts. metallocene such as EXACT® resins available from Exxon Chemical Company, and TAFMER® resins available from Mitsui Petrochemical Corporation.

All of these latter copolymers include copolymers of ethylene with one or more comonomers selected from C4 to Cio alphaolefin such as butene-1 (i.e. 1-butene), hexene-1, octene-1, etc. wherein the copolymer molecules comprise long chains with relatively few side chain branches or branched structures.

This molecular structure is to be contrasted with conventional low or medium density polyethylenes that are more highly branched than their respective counterparts. Heterogeneous ethylene / alpha-olefins commonly known as

LLDPEs have a density usually on the scale of about 0.91 grams per cubic centimeter to about

0.94 gamos per cubic centimeter. Other ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymers, such as long-chain branched homogeneous ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymers available from the Dow Chemical Company, known as AFFINITY® resins, are also included as another type of homogeneous / alpha-ethylene copolymer. useful olefin in the

<td colspan="2">film and process</td><td>described</td><td>in</td><td>the present.</td>

<td>How</td><td>I know</td><td>use in</td><td>the</td><td>present, the phrase polymer</td>

<td>heterogeneous</td><td>I know</td><td>refers</td><td>to</td><td>reaction products of</td>

<td>polymerization</td><td>of</td><td colspan="2">variation</td><td>relatively wide in weight</td>

molecular and relatively wide variation in composition distribution, ie typical polymers prepared, for example, using conventional Ziegler-Natta catalysts. Heterogeneous copolymers have a molecular weight distribution (Mw / Mn) of more than 3.0.

As used herein, the phrase "homogeneous polymer" refers to polymerization reaction products of relatively narrow molecular weight distribution and relatively narrow compositional distribution.

Homogeneous polymers are useful in various layers of the thermally shrinkable multilayer film. Homogeneous polymers are structurally different from heterogeneous polymers, in that homogeneous polymers exhibit a relatively uniform comonomer sequence within a chain, a mirror image of sequence distribution across all chains, and a similarity in length of all. chains, that is, a narrower molecular weight distribution. Furthermore, homogeneous polymers are typically prepared using metallocene, or other single site catalysis, rather than using Ziegler's catalysts.

Natta. The homogeneous ethylene-7-olefin copolymer can have a Mw / Mn of &lt;3.0.

As used herein, the term polyamide refers to a polymer that has amide linkages, more specifically synthetic polyamides, either aliphatic or aromatic, in either a semi-crystalline or amorphous form. It is intended to refer to both polyamides and copolyamides. Pliamides can be selected from approved nylon compounds for use in producing articles intended for use in food processing, handling and packaging, including homopolymers, copolymers, and blends of the nylon materials described in 21 CFR 177.1500 and seq, which is incorporated herein by reference. Examples of such polyamides include nylon homopolymers and copolymers such as those selected from the group consisting of nylon 4,6 (poly (tetramethylene adipamide)), nylon 6 (polycaprolactam), nylon 6,6 (poly (hexamethylene adipamide)), nylon 6.9 (poly (hexamethylene nonanodiamide)), nylon 6.10 (poly (hexamethylene sebacamide)), nylon

6, 12 (poly (hexamethylene dodecanediamide)), nylon 6/12 (poly (caprolctam-co-laurallactam)), nylon 6,6 / 6 (poly (hexamethylene adipamide-co-caprolactam)), nylon 6/66 (poly (caprolactam-co-hexamethyleneadipamide)), nylon 66/610 (v., gr., manufactured by the condensation of mixtures of nylon 66 salts and nylon 610 salts), nylon 6/69 resins&gt; (v.

gr., manufactured by the condensation of apsiulon-caprolactam, hexamethylenediamine and 'acetic acid), nylon 11 (polyundecanolactam), nylon 12 (polyaurillactam), nylon

MXD6, nytlon MXDI, nylon 61 / 6T, and copolymers or mixtures thereof. Unless otherwise indicated, the phrase "semi-crystalline polyamide" includes all polyamides that are not considered to be amorphous polyamides. All semi-crystalline polyamides have a measurable melting point.

The film is a thermally shrinkable film.

The film can be produced by carrying out only monoaxial orientation, or by carrying out biaxial orientation.

As used herein, the phrase thermally shrinkable is used with reference to films that exhibit total free shrinkage (i.e., the sum of free shrinkage in both machine and cross directions) of at least 105 to 85 ° C (185 ° F), as measured by ASTNM

D 2732, which is hereby incorporated, in its entirety, by reference thereto. All films exhibiting less than 10% total free shrink at 85 ° C (185 ° F) are referred to herein as being non-thermally shrinkable. Thermally shrinkable multilayer film can have a total free shrink at 85 ° C (| 85 ° F) of 10 percent to 150 percent, or percent to 120 percent, or 20 percent to 100 percent, or 45 to 95 percent, or 40 to 90 percent, or 30 percent to 80 percent, or 35 percent to 60 percent, as measured by ASTM D 2732.

Thermal shrinkability can be achieved by performing orientation in the solid state (i.e., at a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the polymer). The total orientation factor employed (i.e., stretched in the transverse direction multiplied by attraction in the machine direction) can be any desired factor, such as at least 2X, at least 3X, at least 4X, at least 5X, at least 6X, at least 7X, at least 8X, at least 90X, at least 10X, at least 16X, or from 1.5X to

20X, 2X to 16X, 3X to 12X, or 4X to 9X.

In packaging a product in a thermally shrinkable film that subsequently shrinks around the product, the protrusion and / or skirt of the packaging article tends to shrink and curl. This is because the shrinkage of the protruding film and / or skirt is relatively unrestricted during the period when it is heated to induce shrinkage. Since tear initiators are present in the protrusion and / or skirt, the relatively unconstrained shrinkage and curling of the protrusion and / or skirt makes it more difficult for a consumer to detect the presence and location of tear initiators, as well as make it more difficult. manually (or automatically) hold and use the tear initiators to tear open the package or to tear a portion of the package.

Heat hardening of at least a portion of the protrusion and / or skirt reduces unrestricted and curled shrinkage of the protrusion and / or skirt as the film shrinks around the product. As used herein, the term "thermal cure" refers to reheating the film under restriction, that is, so that it cannot undergo substantial shrinkage during reheating. Thermal curing is accomplished by heating the film (while under restriction) to a temperature, and for a time, such that the resulting heat-hardened portion of the film exhibits full free shrinkage to 85 ° C (185 ° F ) of not more than 49% of the total free shrinkage of 85 ° C (185 ° F) of the film before the start of the thermal hardening process. Overheating may be from the full skirt and / or overhang, or from one or more regions of the skirt and / or overhang. Small regions can be heat hardened, including isolated points or lines, or even elongated regions through the skirt or shoulder, such as heat seal lines and areas extending outward from them. Heat hardening of at least a portion of the protrusion and / or skirt allows the packaging article to subsequently shrink around the product while leaving the protrusion and / or skirt more apparent and accessible for consumer use.

Thermal hardening can be carried out in a variety of ways. For example, the skirt and / or protrusion (or any portion thereof) can be subjected to heat and pressure by contact with a hot stage, such as applying heat and pressure using a hot plate, a heated stage press, or even a seal bar, such as an impulse sealer. Heat seal devices, such as a spot sealer or impulse sealer that uses a hot wire or hot seal bar, inherently hot with heat from that portion (i.e. region) of the film being heat sealed during the heat sealing process, so that the amount of heat required to heat cure is less than the amount of heat required to seal the film to itself or another component in the package. Heat sealing uses enough heat that regions that extend out of the seal are also heat-hardened. The size of these outward regions of the seal depends on the way the heat seal is made, and the characteristics of the film being heat sealed. The processes used for heat curing generally cause both flat lay sides of a packaging article to heat heat in corresponding areas or portions or regions, i.e. areas or portions or regions of substantially equal size that are in contact with each other but that are on opposite sides of the article.

Heat hardening reduces the total free shrinkage exhibited by the heat hardened portion of the thermally shrinkable film. While heat setting can be carried out to any desired degree, the heat setting film can exhibit total free shrink at 85 ° C (185 ° F) of up to 50 percent; or up to 40%, or up to 30%, or up to 20%, or up to 10%, or up to 0 to 5%. Heat heating of a skirt or protrusion of a package, or regions of the skirt or protrusion, reduces unrestricted shrinkage of at least the heat-hardened regions of the skirt or protrusion during heating of the package to shrink the film against the product within of the package. Reducing unrestricted shrinkage of even a portion of the skirt or protrusion allows the skirt and / or protrusion to remain closer to its initial size and shape after the rest of the film shrinks around the product, particularly when heat setting It is carried out by heat sealing a first side of the skirt and / or protrusion to the second side of the skirt and / or protrusion. Reductions in unrestricted shrinkage and unrestricted curl of the skirt and / or boss make it easy for a consumer to detect and use tear initiators located on the skirt and / or boss.

As used herein, the term spot is used with reference to heat sealing and heat setting, the term referring to any discrete area of ​​a packaging article in which (i) the film on one or both sides of the article heat harden in the discrete area, or (ii) a first side of the article is heat sealed and a second side of the article in the discrete area. The term point is used with reference to both a point seal as well as a point heat-hardened area. Knit seals from a first side of a skirt to the second side of the skirt have been made using a soldering station

HAKIO 936 adjusted for 100 ° C, fixed to which is the HAKO 907 soldering iron designated as being 24V / 50W.

As used herein, the phrase "perimeter seal" refers to a seal on a skirt or protrusion of an article, the seal extending to the lake of at least percent of the length of the skirt or protrusion, the seal being toward outside of any tear initiators and grip assistants present on the skirt or boss.

In one embodiment, the film does not comprise a crosslinked polymer network. In another embodiment, the film comprises a network of crosslinked polymer. Optionally, the film can be irradiated to induce crosslinking of polymer, particularly polyolefin in the film. The film can be irradiated using an energy radiation treatment, such as corona discharge, plasma, flame, ultraviolet, X-ray, gamma-ray, beta-ray, and high-energy electronic treatment, which induces crosslinking between molecules of the irradiated material . The irradiation of polymeric films is described in

US Patent No. 4,064,296, to BORNSTEIN, et al., Which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference thereto. BORNSTEIN et al describe the use of ionization radiation to crosslink polymer present in the film.

Radiation dosages are referred to herein in terms of the RAD radiation unit, with one million RADS, also known as one megarad, being designated MR, or, in terms of the kiloGray (kGy) radiation unit, with 10 kiloGray representing 1 MR, as is known by those with experience in the field. An appropriate radiation dosage of high energy electrons is on the scale of up to about 16 to 166 kGy, more preferably around 30 to 90 kGy, and even more preferably, 30 to 50 kGY. Preferably irradiation is carried out by means of an electron accelerator and the dosage level is determined by conventional dosimetry processes. Other accelerators such as a van der Graaf or resonant transformer can be used. Radiation is not limited to electrons from an accelerator since any ionizing radiation can be used.

The multilayer, thermally shrinkable film on the packaging article may be fully co-extruded, or prepared using an extrusion coating process. Optionally, an annular extrudate (also referred to herein as a tape) can be irradiated before additional layers are extrusion coated onto the substrate tape. Irradiation produces a stronger polymer network by crosslinking the polymer chains.

Extrusion coating allows a portion of the final multilayer structure to be crosslinked by irradiation (and thus reinforced), in combination with avoiding irradiation, for example, of a layer of polyvinylidene chloride, applied to the substrate through extrusion coating. Irradiation of polyvinylidene chloride is undesirable because irradiation can cause degradation of polyvinylidene chloride. Extrusion coating and irradiation are described in US Patent No. 4,278,738, to Brax et al., Which is hereby incorporated, in its entirety, by reference thereto.

In the thermally shrinkable multilayer film, all film layers can be arranged symmetrically with respect to the polymer composition of each film layer. Furthermore, all the film layers can be arranged symmetrically with respect to both composition and thickness. In one embodiment, the seal layer is thicker than the second outer layer. The seal layer may have a thickness of 110% to 300% of the thickness of the second outer layer, or 150% to 250% of the thickness of the second outer layer.

A thermally shrinkable multilayer film from which the packaging article can be made comprises seven layers in the order: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7. The first layer is an external food contact layer and seal layer, and comprises homogeneous ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer. The second layer comprising ethylene / methylacrylate copolymer. The third layer comprises a blend of polyamide 6 with polyamide 61.6] T. The fourth layer comprises

EVOH. The fifth layer comprises a blend of polyamide 6 with polyamide 61,6T. The sixth layer comprises ethylene / methylacrylate copolymer. The seventh layer comprises a blend of low-density polyethylene and linear low-density polyethylene. See Example 16, below.

Another thermally shrinkable film from which the packaging article can be made has the structure: seal / tie / barrier / blend of polyamide 7 and / or polyamide 6/66 with polyamide 616T / bar / external abuse layer. The seal layer may contain ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer or other polymer suitable for use in a seal layer. The tie layers may contain an anhydride / alpha-olefin modified ethylene copolymer or other polymer suitable for use in a tie layer. The barrier layer may contain EVOH or any other polymer suitable for use in a barrier layer. The external abuse layer may contain polyester or any other polymer suitable for use in an external abuse layer, v. gr., polyolefin or polyamide, particularly high-density polyethylene or linear low-density polyethylene.

Another thermally shrinkable multilayer film from which the packaging article can be made comprises three layers in the order: 1/2/3. The first layer is an external food contact layer that also serves as a seal layer. The first layer composes a blend of ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer, linear low-density polyethylene, and homogeneous ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer. The second layer comprising polyvinylidene chloride. The third layer comprises a blend of ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer, linear low density polyethylene and homogeneous ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer. See Example 12 below.

Another thermally shrinkable multilayer film from which the packaging article can be made comprises seven layers in the order: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7. The first layer 3 is an external food contact layer and it also serves as a seal layer. The first layer comprises a blend of homogeneous ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer and linear low-density polyethylene. The second layer comprises a mixture of heterogeneous ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer and ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer. The third layer comprises ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer. The fourth layer comprises polyvinylidene chloride. The fifth layer comprises ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer. The sixth layer comprises a mixture of heterogeneous ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer and ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer. The seventh layer comprises a blend of homogeneous ethylene / alphaolefin copolymer and linear low density polyethylene. See them

Examples 1 and 2 below.

Figures IA and 2 together illustrate a schematic of end seal bag 10, in a flat lying position. The end seal bag 10 can be made from a seamless film pipe. Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of the end seal bag 10 of the

Figure IA, taken through section 2-2 of Figure

IA. Seeing Figures IA and 2 together, the end seal bag 10 comprises the heat shrinkable bag film 11, the bag top edge 12 defining an open top, first folded side edge 13, second folded side edge 14 , bottom edge 15, and end seal 16. End seal 16 is commonly referred to as a factory seal because it is a seal made at the bag-making factory, rather than at the site where the bag is used to pack a product. The end seal bag 10 further has first side 17 lying flat, second side 18 lying flat, and bag skirt 19.

Bag flap 19 is out of the end seal (i.e. out in that bag flap 19 is farthest from the center of the end seal bag 10, and outside of the product-containing cavity within the bag End Seal 10). The bag skirt 19 includes a flat lay first side portion 17 and a flat lay second side portion 18. The bag skirt 19 further comprises first tear initiator 20 on the first side 17 lying flat, and second tear initiator 21 (illustrated by a dashed line because it is below the first flat laying side 17) on the second side. 18 flat lay.

Figure IB illustrates a schematic of a bag

10 'of alternate end seal, in a flat lay position. The end seal bag 10 'can be made from a seamless film pipe. Each end seal bag 10 'comprises heat shrinkable bag film 11', top bag edge 12 'which defines an open top, first folded side edge 13', second folded side edge 14 ', bottom edge 15', and 16 'curved end seal. The end seal bag 10 'further has first flat lay side 17', second flat lay side 18 ', and bag skirt 19'. The bag skirt 19 'is out of the curved end seal 16'. The bag skirt 19 'comprises first tear initiator 20' on the first flat lay side 17 ', and second tear initiator 21' (illustrated by a dashed line because it is below the first side

17 'flat lay) on the second side 18' flat lay.

Both the first tear initiator 20 'and the second tear initiator 21' are indentations even when the bag does not extend to any curved end seal or bottom 15 'of the bag. The end seal bag 10 'also has a clamping aid hole 35 in the first

<td>side 17 '</td><td>of</td><td>laying flat</td><td>and</td><td>second hole</td><td>help from</td>

<td>5 clamping</td><td>(not</td><td>illustrated) in</td><td>the</td><td>second side 18</td><td>laying</td>

<td colspan="2">flat. These</td><td>holes of</td><td colspan="2">clamping aid</td><td>facilitate the</td>

bag grip for manual tear start and manual tear spread.

The gripping aid holes can be sized to allow a user's finger to be inserted through them to aid in gripping the film. Grip assist holes work in conjunction with tear initiators, providing a secure manual grip of the bag in a designed location

<td>15 to help</td><td>to generate force</td><td>Of start</td><td>of</td><td>ripping it</td>

<td>length of a</td><td>tear line</td><td>that emanates</td><td>of</td><td>the initiators</td>

<td>ripping.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>The</td><td>help hole</td><td>grip</td><td>in</td><td>a first side</td>

flat lay of the packing article may overlap or coincide with the grip assist hole on a second flat lay side of the packing article. While the grip aid holes can have any desired shape (see. gr., round, rectangular, square, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc.), preferably the holes are round, or any corners in the holes are rounded, to reduce the presence of stress concentration points that could cause a tear to start from the grip assist hole, as an object to have the tear started from the tear initiator, with the tear running to an opposite side edge of the bag.

In one embodiment, the gripping aid holes can be made by cutting through both flat lay sides of the packing article to remove a piece of film to form the holes. However, this process is more difficult to carry out, and produces small, loose pieces of film corresponding to the size of the hole cut. These pieces of film can be accommodated within the packaging article and subsequently adhered to a food product placed in the packaging article, which is of course an undesirable result. In order to prevent the production of small, loose pieces of film, a cut can be made in the film in a way that corresponds to a partial hole cut, i.e. a cut through the film to make a portion of the gujero , the cut not being complete so that a hole is formed. Said cut leaves a hanging tab so that no separate small pieces of film are produced by cutting.

Figure IB and Figure IC each illustrate the hanging tab 36 formed by the partial hole cut made in bag 10 '. As illustrated in Figure IC, the cutting tab 36 is formed by a cut having end points 63 and 64. It has been found that leaving the hanging tab 36 connected to the film 11 'via the cut end points 63 and 64 connecting 1 film results in a tear emanating from the tear start cuts 20' and 21 ', with the tear running through the seal 16 'and through the length of the bag 11. On the other hand, if a hanging tongue is formed by a cut as illustrated in Figure ID, or Figure 1E or Figure

1F, the use of the partial hole cut as gripping aids results in a tear that is not likely to emanate from the tear start cuts 20 'and 21', but rather is likely to initiate the tear of the partial hole cut toward its edge 13 'to the side or towards the edge 15' below, as illustrated by the dashed lines in each of Figure ID, 1E and 1F.

The cutting tab 36 can also be made so that it is connected to the film 11 'in a region facing the tear-starting cuts 209' and 21 ', as illustrated in Figure IB and Figure IC. The cut which forms the hanging tongue 36 may have end points which, if connected by a line, provide a line which is parallel to the edge 13 'on the side and / or parallel to the cut-off cuts 20' and 21 ', or by a line within plus or minus 30 degrees of being parallel to the edge 13 'on the side and / or cuts 20' and 21 'of tear initiation, or by aligning within plus or minus 25 degrees of being parallel to the edge 13 'on the side and / or cuts 20' and 21 'from tear start, or by a line within plus or minus 20 degrees of being parallel to edge 13 'lateral and / or cuts 20' and 21 'of tear start, or by means of a line I enter more or less 15 degrees to be parallel to the latral edge 13' and / or cuts 20 'and 21' of tear start, or by a line within plus or minus 10 degrees of being parallel to the edge 13 'on the side and / or cuts 20' and 21 'from tear start, or by a line of plus or minus 5 degrees from being parallel to the edge 13' side and / or rips start 20 'and 21', or by a line within plus or minus 2 degrees of edge 13 'side and / or rips start 20' and 21 '.

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a schematic of the side seal bag 22, in a flat lying position. The side seal bag 22 can be made from a seamless film pipe. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the side seal bag 22 of Figure 3, taken through section 4-4 of Figure 3. The side seal bag 22 comprises the heat shrinkable bag film 23, top edge 24 defining an open top, folded bottom edge 25, first side seal 26, and second side seal 27. The side seal bag 22 has first side 28 lying flat, second side 29 lying flat, first bag skirt 30, and second bag skirt 31. The first bag skirt 30 is out of the first side seal 26 and the second bag skirt 31 is out of the second side seal 27. The first bag skirt 30 includes a flat lay first side portion and a flat lay second side portion 29. The first bag skirt 30 further comprises first tear initiator 31 on the first flat lay Ido 28, and second tear initiator 33 (illustrated by the dashed line because it is below the first flat lay side 28) on the second side 29 laying flat

Figure 5 illustrates a schematic of the alternate side seal bag 70, also in a flat lying position.

The alternate side bag 70 thereof can be made from a seamless film pipe. The alternate side seal bag 70 comprises the heat shrinkable bag film 71, the upper edge 72 defining an open top, folded bottom edge 73, first side seal 741, second side seal 75, and bottom seal 76. The alternate side seal bag 70 has first side 77 lying flat, second side 78 lying flat, first skirt 79, second bag skirt 80 and third bag skirt 81. The first pouch skirt 79 is out of the first side seal 74. The second bag skirt 80 is out of the second side seal 75. The third bag skirt 81 is out of the lower seal 76. The third bag skirt 81 includes a flat-lying first side portion 77 and a flat-lying second side portion 78. The third bag skirt further comprises the first tear initiator 82 on the first side 77 lying flat, and the second tear initiator 83 (illustrated by a dashed line because it is below the first side 77 lying flat) on the second side. 78 laying flat.

Figures 56A through 6L illustrate amplified cut-away portions of various modalities for a thermally shrinked end seal bag such as the bag illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure 2.

In Figure 6A, bag 10A has an end seal 16A and bag skirt 19A on the first and second flat out sides of bag 10A. The first flat lying side 17A of the bag 10A has the slit 20A, and the second flat lying side 18A of the bag 10A has the matching slit 21A.

In Figure 6B, bag 10B has bag end seal 16B and bag skirt 19B on first and second flat lay sides of bag 10B, First flat lay side 17B of bag 10B has V notch 20B, and second Flat lying side 18B of bag 10B has a matching V-notch 21B.

In Figure 6C, bag 10C has bag flap end seal 16C 19C on first and second flat lay sides of bag 10C. The first flat lay side 17C of the bag 10C has the round 20C wrist, and the second flat lay side 18C of the bag 0C has the notch

Matching round 21C.

In Figure 6D, bag 10D has the end seal 16D and bag skirt 19 on the first and second flat sides of bag 10D. The first flat lay side 17D of the bag 10D has the rectangular notch 20D, and the second flat lay side 18D of the bag 10D has the matching rectangular notch 21D.

In Figure 6E, bag 10E has an end seal 16E and bag skirt 19E on the first and second flat lay sides of bag 10E. The first flat lying side 17E of the bag 10E has the slit hole 20E, and the second flat lying side 18E of the bag 10E has the matching slit hole 21E.

In Figure 6F, bag 10F has an end seal 16F and bag flange 19F on first and second flat lay sides of bag · 10F. The first flat lying side 17F of the bag 10F has the round hole 20F, and the second flat lying side 18F of the bag 10F has the matching round hole 21F.

In Figure 6G, the bag 10G has a 16G end seal and a bag skirt 19G on the first and second flat sides of the 10G bag. The first 17G flat lay side of the 10G bag has the pointed oval 20G hole, and the second 18G flat lay side of the bag

10G has the matching pointed oval 21G hole.

In Figure 6H, bag 10H has the end seal 16H and bag skirt 19H on the first and second flat sides of bag 10H. The first flat lying side 17H ​​of bag 10H has rectangular hole 20H, and the second flat lying side 18H of bag 10H has matching rectangular hole 21H.

In Figure 61, the bag 101 has the end seal 161 and the bag skirt 191 on the first and second flat lay sides of the bag 101. The first flat lay side 171 of the bag 101 has the slit 201 and hole 351 of grip aid, and second side 181 flat lay of the bag

101 it has the matching slit 211 and the matching grip assist hole 361.

In Figure 6J, bag 10J has the end seal 16J and bag skirt 19J on the first and second flat lay sides of bag 10JH. The first flat lay side 17J of the bag 10JU has the slit 20J and grip assist holes 35J and 37J, and the second flat lay side 18J of the bag 10J has the matching slit 21j and the aid assist holes 36J and 38J matching grip.

In Figure 6K, the 10K bag has the 16K end seal and the 19K bag bag on the first and second flat lay sides of the 10K bag, The first 17K flat lay side of the 10K bag has the 20K slit and 39K tab grip aid, and the second flat lying 18K side of the 10K bag has the matching 21K slit and matching grip assist tab 40K.

In Figure 6L, the bag 10L has the end seal 16L and the bag skirt 19L, on the first and second flat side of the bag 10L. The first flat lying side 17L of the bag 10L has the slit 20L and the

<td>reeds 39L</td><td>and 41L</td><td>of help</td><td>grip, and</td><td>the second side</td><td>18L</td>

<td>laying flat</td><td>of</td><td>the bag</td><td>10L has</td><td>the cleft</td><td>21L</td>

<td>coincident and</td><td>The</td><td>reeds</td><td>40L and 42L</td><td colspan="2">grip aid</td>

<td>matching.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>The</td><td colspan="2">Figures 6M, 6N,</td><td>60, 6P, 6Q,</td><td>6R, 6S, 6T, 6U,</td><td>6V,</td>

<td>6W, 6Y, 6Z,</td><td>6AA,</td><td>6BB, 6CC</td><td>, 6DD, 6EE</td><td colspan="2">and 6FF are seen</td>

Detailed amplifications of various alternative modalities including tear initiator, with most of these modalities also including a grip assistant. The grip assistant is illustrated as a hole without a tongue

<td>in</td><td>the</td><td>Figures 6M, 6Q,</td><td>6U,</td><td>6BB, 6CC and 6DD. The</td><td>assistant</td><td>of</td>

<td colspan="2">grip</td><td>illustrated as</td><td>a</td><td>hole with tongue</td><td>pendant</td><td>in</td>

<td>the</td><td colspan="2">Figures 6N, 6 °, 6P,</td><td>6R,</td><td colspan="2">6S, 6T, 6V, 6W, 6X, 6Y, h 6FF.</td><td></td>

<td> 20</td><td></td><td colspan="2">Has been found</td><td>that the beginning of</td><td>ripping</td><td>I know</td>

can generate less force if the tear initiator is an angled indentation relative to the side edge of the packing article, ie, toward the packing article, as illustrated, for example, in Figure 6M. The slit may be angled 1 to 45 degrees out of machine direction, or angled 3 to 30 degrees, or angled 5 to 25 degrees, or angled 10 &lt;20 degrees, or angled about degrees.

A plurality of heat shrinkable end seal bags can be supplied individually in a container, or as a set of individual bags in staggered relationship on one or more tapes in accordance with US Patent No. 4,113,139, incorporated herein, in its entirety, by reference to it.

Alternatively, a plurality of bags can be provided as a continuous strip of ribbed bags, as illustrated in Figures 7A, 7B and 7C. The continuous strips of bags in these figures are end seal bags connected to each other end to end, with a tear line of perforations being present so that the bags can come off the strip. Figure 7A illustrates a portion of an elongated strip comprised of a large number of end seal bags 65 made from a continuous seamless film pipe. Each end seal bag has first side edge 67, second side edge 69, bottom seal 71, and bottom edge connected to the top edge of the adjacent bag along the brittle tear line formed by perforations through both sides running planes of seamless film pipe. Each end seal bag 65 is also provided with tear initiator 75 and grip assistant 77, in the form of a hole through each flat lay side of the bag. One or both holes can be made with a hanging tab on it, as described above.

Figure 7B illustrates an alternative set of bags

65 'also made from seamless film tubing continues. Each end seal bag 65 'has a first edge 67, second side edge 69, curved bottom seal 71', a curved bottom edge connected to a curved top edge of the adjacent bag along curved tear line 73 ' formed by perforations through both flat lay sides of the seamless film pipe. Each end seal bag 65 'is also provided with tear initiator 75, tear assist 77 in the form of a hole through each flat lay side of the bag.

Figure 7C illustrates an alternate set of bags also made from continuous seamless film tubing. Each end seal bag 65 has first side edge 671, second edge 69 side, curved bottom seal 71 ', and straight bottom edge connected to a straight top edge of the adjacent bag along the straight tear line 73 formed by the perforations. through both flat lay sides of the seamless film pipe. Each end seal bag 65 is also provided with tear initiator75, tear assist 77 in the form of holes through each flat lay side of the bag.

The combination of the straight tear line 73 and the curved bottom seal 71 'on the ribbed bag strip illustrated in Figure 7C, provides extra space for the tear initiators and hand grip assistants while at the same time providing a curved seal to better fit a variety of meat products to be packed in shrink bags. Otherwise, rip starters and hand grip assistants require longer pouch skirt length (eg, pouches in Figure 7A and 7B) to provide the same amount of space for rip starters and rips. grip assistants. Additionally, the straight tear line 73 provides pockets that prevent bending at the end

100 open top of the bag. The curved top edge of the packaging items of a curved edge bag top pate as in the bags in Figure 7B can cause problems in various commercial automated bag loaders that will use air pressure inflation to open the bag, such as Pointed edge regions of the bags tend to fold inward. Also, the pointed edge of a curved edge bag top may come out of alignment required for use with commercial suction cup style bag bag opening devices.

Figure 8 illustrates a schematic of a preferred process for producing the multilayer thermally shrinkable film from which the packaging article could be made. In the process illustrated in Figure 8, the solid polymer beads (not illustrated) are fed to a plurality of extruders 120 8 for simplicity, only one extruder is illustrated). Within extruders 120, the polymer beads are shipped, melted, and degassed after which the resulting bubble-free melt is shipped to the die head 122, and extruded through an annular die, resulting in tubing 124 which is from 0.254 to

0.076 mm (10 to 30 mils) thick, more preferably 0.381

101 0.635 mm thick (15 to 25 mils) thick.

After cooling or rapid cooling by sprinkling water from the cooling ring 126, the pipe

124 it is lowered by the gripping rollers 128, and then fed through the irradiation vault 130 surrounded by shields 132, where the pipe 124 is irradiated with high-energy electrons (i.e. radiation by ionization) from the accelerator 134 of iron core transformer. Pipe 214 is guided through irradiation vault 130 in coils

136. Preferably, tubing 124 is irradiated at a level of about 4.5 MR.

After irradiation, the irradiated line 138 is routed through gripping rollers 140, after which line 138 is slightly inflated, resulting in trapped bubble 142. However, in the trapped bubble 142, the tubing is not stretched longitudinally significantly, since the surface speed of the gripping rollers 144 is about the same as the speed of the gripping rollers 140. In addition, the pipe

138 Irradiated is inflated only enough to provide a substantially circular pipeline without significant cross-orientation, i.e., no stretch.

102

Slightly inflated, the irradiated tubing 138 is passed through vacuum chamber 146, and then sent through die liner 148. The second tubular film 150 is melt extruded from the coating die 148 and lined with the slightly inflated, irradiated tube 138 to form two-layer tubular film 152. The second tubular film 150 preferably comprises an O barrier layer₂, which does not pass through radiation by ionization. Additional details of the above described coating step are generally set forth in

US Patent No. 4,278,738, to BRAX et al., Which is hereby incorporated, in its entirety, by reference thereto.

After irradiation and coating, the two-layer tubing film 152 is wound onto the take-up roll 154. The reel roll 154 is then removed and installed as the unwind roll 156, in a second step in the process of making the pipe film as ultimately desired. The two-layer tubular film 52 of the unwinding roller 156 is unwound and passed over the guide roller 158, after which the two-layer tubular film 152 passes into the hot water bath tank 160 containing water 162 heats. Tubular film 152, coated, irradiated,

103 now dejected it is immersed in hot 162 water 8 (which has a temperature of around 99 ° C (210 ° F) for a retention time of at least about 5 seconds, that is, for a period of time in order to carry the film to the desired temperature for biaxial orientation The irradiated tubular film 152 is then routed through the gripping rollers 164, and the bubble 166 is blown, thereby transversely stretching the tubular film 152. Furthermore, while being blown, ie, stretched transversely, the grip rollers 168 attract tubular film 152 in the longitudinal direction, as the grip rollers 168 have a surface speed greater than the surface speed of the grip rollers 164. As a result of transverse stretching and longitudinal stretching, the irradiated, coated biaxially oriented blown pipe film 170 is produced, this blown pipe preferably having been stretched in a ratio of about 1: 1.5 - 1: 6, and stretched in a ratio of about 1: 1.5-1: 6. More preferably, the stretching and pulling are each performed in a ratio of about d 1: 2 - 1: 4. The result is a biaxial orientation of about 1: 2.25 - 1:36, more preferably 1: 4 - 1:16. While bubble 166 is

104 held between the holding rollers 164 and 168, the blown pipe film 170 is folded down by the rollers

172, and then transferred through the rollers

168 grip and through guide roller 174, and then

<td>5 rolls</td><td>in</td><td>winding roll 176.</td><td>The</td><td>roller 178 crazy</td>

<td>ensures</td><td>a</td><td>good rolling.</td><td></td><td></td>

<td></td><td colspan="2">Figure 9 illustrates a view</td><td>in</td><td>perspective of</td>

<td>package</td><td> 50</td><td>made by placing a product</td><td>of</td><td>meat towards a</td>

end seal bag having the end seal 51, evacuating the atmosphere from within the bag, and sealing the closed bag with the packing seal 55, and then excess bag length is trimmed and discharged. The bag skirt 652 has the slot 53 therein as the tear initiators to initiate manual opening of the package 50. The slot 53 extends in the machine direction, toward the end seal 51 from the bottom edge 54 of the bag .

Figure 10 illustrates the package 50 'in an intermediate stage of the manual opening process, that is, after the bag has been torn for a distance of

<td>around</td><td>of</td><td>25% of the</td><td>bag length,</td><td>revealing</td><td>the</td>

<td>product</td><td> 58</td><td>of meat.</td><td>Ripping 56 of</td><td>direction</td><td>of</td>

machine, linear has been manually propagated through the

105 End seal 51 and below the length of the end seal bag. Note that the machine direction tear 56 does not end up being propagated to the side edge 57 of the package 50.

Figure 11 illustrates the 50 ° package at a final stage in the manual opening process, i.e. after the end seal pouch has been ripped a corresponding distance over 90% of its length, toward the opposite edge of the packaging article of the package, exposing enough of the length of the product 58 and meat that the product can be easily removed from the package 50. The linear machine direction tear 56 'has been manually propagated through the end seal 51 and down the length of the end seal bag.

Figure 12 illustrates a perspective view of the comparative package 60 after the tear has started and spread almost to completion, i.e. near completion at the side edge 61, about 15 to 20 percent below the length of the package. Package 60 is representative of most thermally shrinkable bags on the market today that, if provided with a rip starter on the pouch skirt, undergo this type of ripping and 62 manual

106 dog paw at its start and spread the side edge 61, whereby the meat product 58 cannot be easily removed from the torn package 60.

Figure 13 illustrates a schematic of a bag

10 alternative heat-hardenable end seal, in a flat lay position. End seal bag 10 comprises heat shrinkable bag film 11, upper bag edge 12 defining an open top, first folded side edge 13, second folded side edge 14, bottom edge 15, and end seal 16. The end seal bag 10 further has the bag skirt 19 out from the end seal 16. The end seal bag has the slit 20 which is a tear initiator on a first flat lying side of the bag, and the slit 51 which is a tear initiator on the second flat lying side of the bag. The end seal bag also has hole 120 which is a grip assistant on the first flat lying side of the bag and hole 123 which is a grip assistant on the second flat lying side of the bag. The tear initiator and the grip assistant are positioned near the top edge 12 of the bag. When a product is placed in the bag and the bag is sealed sealed so that it surrounds the product, the

107 Tear initiator and claw assist will then be positioned on the excess length of the bag known as the bag tail or bag protrusion.

Frequently, the bag glue provides more area for inclusion of the tear initiator and the grip assistant than the bag skirt 19.

Figure 14 illustrates a schematic view of the alternative side seal bag 22 in a flat lay configuration. Side seal bag 22 comprises upper edge 24 defining an open top, folded lower edge 25, first lateral seal 26, and second lateral seal 27, transverse lower seal 34, first side lying flat, second side 29 lying flat, first skirt 30 in the bag, and second skirt 31 in the bag and third skirt 204 in the bag. The first bag skirt 30 is out of the first side seal 26, the second bag skirt 31 is out of the second side seal 27, and the third bag skirt 204 is outside of the bottom seal 34.

The third bag skirt 204 comprises the first initiator

201 tear and first grip assistant 203, each of which is present on both flat lay sides of the bag 22. The first bag skirt 30 comprises the second tear initiator 202 and second grip assistant 204,

108 each of which are present on both flat lay sides of the bag 22. After a product is placed in the bag, and the bag is sealed sealed, the side seal bag can be opened by making a first rip propagated from the first initiator 201 d tear, the tear being spread over the entire length of bag 22, thereby opening the bag for product removal. The side seal bag 22 can then be subjected to a second tear propagated from the second tear initiator 202, the second tear being propagated across the full remaining width of the bag 22, improving the ease of product removal from the open package.

Figure 15 illustrates a schematic view of the alternative side seal bag 22 'in a flat lay configuration. Bag 22 'has upper edge 245 defining an open top, folded bottom edge 25, first side seal 26, and second side seal 27, the transverse bottom seal, first side 28 lying flat, second side 29 lying flat, first bag skirt 30, second bag skirt 31, and third bag skirt 204. The first bag skirt 30 is out of the first side seal, the second bag skirt 31 is out

109 of the second side seal 27, and the third bag skirt 204 is outside the bottom seal 34. The third pouch skirt 3204 comprises the first tear initiator 201 and first grip assistant 203, each of which is present on both flat lay sides of the pouch 22. The first pouch skirt 30 buy the second tear initiator 206. and second grip assistant 208, each of which is present on both flat lay sides of the bag 22 '. After a product is placed in the bag, and the bag is sealed, the package made from the bag

22 'can be opened by making a first tear propagated from the first tear initiator 201, the tear being propagated over the full lengths of the bag

22'1 in this way opening the bag for product removal. The bag 22 'can then be subjected to a second tear propagated from the second tear initiator 2306, the second tear being propagated through the entire remaining groove of the bag 22', thereby improving the easy removal of the product from the package. Unlike bag 22 in Figua 14, the order in which you rip first is not important in opening bag 22 '.

Figure 16 illustrates a schematic view of the

110 Alternate Side Seal Bag 22 in flat lay configuration. Bag 22 has top edge 24 defining an open top, bottom edge 25 folded, first side seal 26, and second side seal 27, transverse bottom seal 34, first side 28 lying flat, second side 29 lying flat, first bag skirt 30, second bag skirt 31 and third bag skirt 204. The first bag skirt 30 is out of the first side seal 26, the second bag skirt 31 is out of the second side seal 27, and the third bag skirt is out of the bottom seal 34. Near the top edge 24 of bag 22, in a region intended to be a bag glue after a product is placed in bag 22 and a seal is made through bag 22 so that the product is completely enclosed Inside the bag are the first tear initiator 207 and first grip assistant 209, each of which is present on both flat lay sides of the bag 22. The first bag skirt 30 comprises the second tear initiator 211 and second grip assistant 213, each of which is present on both flat lay sides of the bag 22. After a product is placed in the bag 22, and the bag is

111 closes sealed, the package made of bag 22 can be opened by making a first tear propagated from the first tear initiator 207, the tear being propagated over the full length of bag 22, thereby opening the bag for product removal. The bag 22 can then be subjected to a second tear propagated from the second tear initiator 211, the second tear being propagated across the full remaining width of the bag 22, thereby enhancing the easy thrill of the product from the open package.

Figure 17 is a schematic of an apparatus for carrying out the process of placing tear initiators in the protrusion region of the heat shrinkable end seal bag, with the tear initiators being made on the protrusion during the packaging process. . Tear initiators (and optional grip assistants) can be made in the bag either before or after the product is placed in the packaging item, either before or after the bag is evacuated, and either before or after the heat seal is made to close the bag. Placing the tear initiators in the bag after the product is placed in the bag

112 Eliminates the potential for the tear initiator to cause the bag to tear during loading. Even though the packaging item in Figure 17 is an end seal bag, the packaging item could be any packaging item in accordance with one or more of the various aspects of the invention described above.

Figure 17 illustrates a portion of the vacuum chamber packaging machine 300, such as an 8600 series automated rotary chamber vacuum packaging machine from Cryovac, Inc. After the end seal bag 302 having the product 304 in it is placed in the open vacuum chamber, the vacuum chamber cover 306 is lowered to close the vacuum chamber and hold the upper portion (protrusion) of bag 302, so that bag 302 is clamped between chamber lid 306 and vacuum chamber base 308. For simplicity, only small portions of the camera cap 306 and camera base 308 are illustrated in the

Figure 17. For more detailed information on this machine, see US Patent No. 4,550,548, which is hereby incorporated by reference, in its entirety.

Once bag 302 is held in place and closed chamber lid 306, one or more holes are drilled through both sides of the protrusion portion of

113 bag 302 by downward movement of perforating blade 310, which is subsequently retracted to the illustrated position. These holes allow the atmosphere to easily evacuate bag 302 as the atmosphere is evacuated from the closed vacuum chamber. After atmospheric evacuation is complete, the seal grip 312 moves downward (i.e., toward the position illustrated in Figure 17) so that the bag 302 is clamped between the heat seal wires 314 and the platen 316 heat seal. The heat seal wires 314 are heated to produce a heat seal through the bag 3021, resulting in the closure of the bag 302 and the formation of a packaged product. Shortly thereafter, the tear initiator blade 318 is activated downward and then retracted, with the tear initiator blade 318 piercing both sides of the bag 302 to produce machine steering tear initiators on each side of the protrusion of the the bag

302. Optionally, a separate grip assistant blade (not illustrated, but preferably positioned along the side and spaced a short distance from blade 318) is activated downward and then retracted, so that it cuts through both sides of the shoulder of the bag 302, to form a grip assistant on each side of

114 bag 302. The cutting blade 320 is then down-activated to cut the excess length of the shoulder of bag 302. The chamber is then opened and the now easy-to-open packaged product is removed from the chamber.

While the process described above with respect to Figure 17 could be used to make a packaged product easy to open, alternatively the process could be carried out on vertical filling and sealing machines or horizontally filling and sealing machines. , to produce easy-to-open packaged products. Typically, vertical and horizontal filling and sealing processes are not carried out under vacuum. Such equipment, packaging, and processes are set forth in USPN 4,905,452,

USPN 4,861,414 and USPN 4,768,411, each of which is hereby incorporated, in its entirety, by reference thereto.

Rip starters (and optional grip wizards) can also be designed to facilitate automated opening, as well as being designed to facilitate manual ripping to open the package. Automated ripping devices include hooks actuated by pneumatic actuators (air

115 hydraulic or electrical), diverging hooks on chain conveyors, motorized hooks, and clamps instead of hooks.

Figure 18 illustrates a product schematic

330 packaging in which the product 332 is packaged within the article 334 of packaging that has seal 336 of factory and seal 338 of customer. Packing item 334 includes projection 340 with tear initiator 342 through each

<td>side of the</td><td>package and</td><td colspan="2">with pairs</td><td>of assistants</td><td> 344</td><td>and 34 6</td><td>of</td>

<td>grip,</td><td>each to</td><td>being</td><td>to</td><td colspan="2">through both</td><td>sides</td><td>of the</td>

<td>package,</td><td>with a pair</td><td>being</td><td>in</td><td>a first side</td><td>of the</td><td colspan="2">initiator</td>

<td colspan="2">342 ripping, and</td><td>the other</td><td>pair</td><td>being in the</td><td colspan="2">other side</td><td>of the</td>

<td>initiator</td><td colspan="2">342 ripping.</td><td>Of</td><td>this way,</td><td>the</td><td>pairs</td><td>of</td>

Hooks or clamps can hold the package using the grip wizards 344 and 346 and then automatically open the packing item 334. A robot, or other device that holds and tears the package by opening it, or hanging the packaged product on hooks on diverging tracks, could be used to automatically open package 334.

Figure 19 illustrates the side seal bag 350 having first side seal 352, second side seal 354, skirt sides 356 and 357 facing outward from the first

116 Side seal 352, outboard skirt sides 358 and 359 of the second side seal 354, open top 360, and folded bottom edge 362. The skirt side 356 has a plurality of tear initiators 364 therein, the skirt side 357 has a plurality of tear initiators 366 therein (illustrated with dotted lines). The plurality of tear initiators 364 are positioned at intervals along skirt side 356, and the plurality of tear initiators 366 are positioned at intervals along skirt side 357.

Each individual tear initiator 364 on the skirt side 356 is paired with an individual tear initiator 366 on the skirt side 357, so that paired sets of tear initiators 364 and 366 are provided. In the embodiment of Figure 19, bag 350 is shown in a flat lay configuration, with each initiator

364 of individual tear by alienating directly onto each individual tear initiator 366.

By packing a product in bag 350 and sealing closed bag 350 and shrinking bag 350 around the product inside, a ripping force is exerted on a paired set of individual tear initiators 364 and 366 simultaneously initiating two rips at

117 machine direction, each tear passing through the heat seal 352 and then spreading through the film along a line running through a portion of the film corresponding to what was once a flat lay side of the bag 350 before of shrinking the film around the product. Tears propagate through skirt sides 356 357, through heat seal 352, through pqeute, through seal 354, and then through skirt sides 358 and 359, so that a portion The film can be separated from the rest of the film in order to expose a portion of the product and / or allow the product to be removed from the package. Of course, if the film has shrunk tightly around the product, removal of a portion of the film leaves the rest of the film tightly wrapped around the product, thereby preserving freshness. As is also evident from Figure 19, initiators 364 and

366 Tear can be oriented grooves perpendicular to seal 352. As such, tear initiators 364 and 366 are oriented directly in line with the machine direction the film was produced.

In Figure 19, skirt sides 356 and 357 are each provided with a plurality of

118 ripping so that by packing a product into bag 350 and shrinking the film around the product, two rips can be started from a first paired set of rip starters 364 and 366, i.e. a pair of rip starters near either the folded bottom edge 362 or the transverse heat seal (not shown) made through the top of the bag

350 to seal bag 350 after the product is placed inside bag 350. The two tears can be propagated through the film into tears corresponding to the width of the package. Each tear is made through what was originally a flat lying side of bag 350. The result of tearing all the way through the package is that a portion of the film that forms the package is removed to expose a portion of the product, while leaving a remainder of the product covered by the remaining portion of the film that forms the package. .

In this way, most or substantially all of the unused portion of the product can remain covered by the film, with the rest of the product thus retaining greater freshness than if exposed to the environment, including handling.

119

If desired, the now exposed end of the rest of the product can be covered with a separate cover, such as a piece of separate film, such as stretched film, or the like. As more product is desired for consumption, the next pair of individual tear initiators in the sequence can be used to make another tear through the entire package, one more product to be removed, and the process repeats, until all the product is consumed.

Figure 20 illustrates a portion of an end seal bag 370 having the end seal 372, first folded side edge 374, second folded side edge 376, bottom edge 378, skirt 379, a plurality of first tear initiators 380 in the first side of the skirt

379, a plurality of tear second initiators 382

8 illustrated with dotted lines) on a second side (not shown) of skirt 379, with the plurality of tear first initiators 380 being positioned at intervals along the first skirt side 379, and the plurality of tear second initiators 382 being positioned at intervals along the second side skirt 37 9. Each individual tear initiator 380 on the first skirt side 379 is paired with a tear initiator 382

120 Individual on the back of skirt 379, to together provide a matched set of two rip starters. When the end seal bag 370 is in the flat lay configuration, each of the first tear initiators 380 is directly aligned on a corresponding second tear initiator 382. After placing a product in the bag and sealing it by closing under vacuum and shrinking the bag around the product, a manual tear action at the location of a single pair of 380 and 382 tear initiators causes the simultaneous start of two machine direction tears below e the length of each flat side of bag 350. In the embodiment of Figure 20, the end seal bag 370 is shown in a flat lay configuration, with each individual tear initiator 384 lining up directly over each individual tear initiator 386. Each tear passes through heat seal 372 and then spreads down the length of bag 370 along a line through a portion of the film that corresponds to what was a single flat side of bag 370 before shrinkage of the bag around the product. Tears pass through the upper seal (not shown) like this

121 as through the protrusion (not shown) above the top seal, so that a portion of the film can be separated from the rest of the film, exposing a portion of the product and / or allowing the product to be removed from the package. As in Figure 19, in Figure 20 skirt 379 is provided with a plurality of tear initiators for use in a manner analogous to the manner described above for Figure 19.

Figure 21 is an enlarged detailed view of a portion of the side seal bag 390 having the seal

392 outward side of which a skirt 391 having first tear initiator 396 on first side 394 and second tear initiator 400 on second side 398, with knit heat seals 402 and 404 on which first skirt side 394 391 is heat sealed to a second side 398 of skirt 391. Those portions of skirt 391 within knit seals 402 and 404 are heat hardened.

Additionally, a small area of ​​film surrounding the dot seals also hardens with heat, as the heat from the seal operation generally radiates outward, heat-hardening more film than just the bonded areas. After placing a product inside the bag

390 and evacuate the atmosphere from within bag 390 and

122 sealing through the top of the bag 390 to seal the product within the package the packaged product is typically passed through a hot air tunnel to shrink the film around the product. Heat setting reduces the tendency of skirt 391 to shrink during shrinkage of the rest of the film surrounding the product. Thermal hardening will also reduce curling of the skirt sides 394 and 398 during shrinkage of the film. The decreased curl and decreased shrinkage resulting from heat hardening of portions of skirt 391 provides improved identification and utilization of tear initiators 396 and 400 by a consumer of the package.

Figure 22 is an enlarged detailed view of a portion of side seal bag 406 having outward side seal 408 of which is skirt 410 having tear initiator 4121 and skirt 414 having tear initiator 416, with Knit heat seals 418 and 420 where skirt 410 is heat sealed to skirt 4145. As with the embodiment of Figure 21, those portions of the film within the knit stamps 418 and 420 are heat-cured, as well as the small areas of film surrounding the knit stamps. In addition, the modality

123 Figure 22 has grip assist holes having edges 422 and 424 on first skirt 410, and respective grip assist holes having edges 426 and 428 on skirt 414. Grip assist holes bounded by edges 422 , 424, 426, and 428 provide locations that are easier to fasten for the purpose of initiating tears from tear initiators 412 and 416.

Figure 23 is an enlarged detailed view of a portion of bag 430 and side seal having top 431 open, bottom edge 433 folded, seal

432 outward side of which is skirt 434 having a plurality of tear initiators 436, skirt 438 having a plurality of tear initiators 440, and a plurality of 442, and 444 point heat seals on either side of each of the initiators 436 and

440 tear, where skirt 434 is heat sealed to skirt 438. As with the modality of

Figure 21, those portions of the films within the knit seals 442 and 444 are heat cured, as well as the small areas of film surrounding the knit seals 442 and 44. Furthermore, the embodiment of Figure 23 has gripping aid holes having edges 446 on either side of each tear initiator 436 in the first skirt 434, and

124 the respective gripping aid holes that have edges

448 on either side of each tear initiator 440 d in skirt 438. The embodiment of Figure 23 provides multiple locations of paired tear initiators 436 and 440 so that portions of the package may come off, leaving a remainder of the film around the product. in the bag. For simplicity purposes only two pairs of tear initiators are illustrated in Figure 23.

Figure 24 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a comparative packaged product 450 made by placing a product into an end seal bag, after which the atmosphere is evacuated from the bag and the bag is sealed sealed with heat seal made through the top of the bag (not shown), with the film having been shrunk tight against the product. The bag has a skirt (452) below the end seal 8454), with the skirt 8452) having two sides lying flat, with each side lying flat being provided with a tear starter (456) therethrough. While the end seal pouch is provided with tear initiators in the form of indentations through each flat lay side of the pouch skirt, during shrinkage of the film the tear initiating indentations take on somewhat

125 Sharp oval of rip tear-off starters 456, as illustrated in Figure 24. The excess bag length has been cut from the protrusion (not illustrated) and the packaged product run through a shrink tunnel in which the film is heated and shrunk around the product. During film shrinkage, skirt 452 undergoes substantially unrestricted and curled free shrinkage, thereby partially or completely obscuring the tear initiators from direct view, making it more difficult to find and use tear initiators.

Figure 25 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a packaged product 460 also made using an end seal bag from which the atmosphere is evacuated and the bag is sealed sealed with a heat seal made through the top of the bag (not illustrated) with the film having been shrunk tight against the product. Skirt 462 extends below end seal 464, with skirt 462 having two flat sides, with each side lying flat being provided with a tear initiator &lt;8466 and 468, respectively).

During shrinkage of the film, transverse shrinkage causes the tear-starting grooves to take a somewhat pointed oval shape from the

126 Tear initiators 466 and 468 of Figure 25. The gripping aid holes defined by the edges 470 and

474 they are placed on either side of the tear initiator 466, and the gripping aid holes defined by orders 472 and 476 are placed on either side of the tear initiator 468. The two flat out sides of the 462 skirt are also heat sealed together with the seals

478 and 480 point. In addition to providing a mechanical bond on the flat sides of each other to resist curling, the film is heat-hardened in the seal region.

470 and point 472, and an area that extends radially outward a short distance around each of point seals 470 and 472 is also heat-hardened. Heat-hardening of these portions of skirt 472 reduces shrinkage of the skirt during shrinkage of the film, causing skirt 472s to undergo less shrinkage and curl than would otherwise occur without heat-hardening. As a result, it's evident from the

Figure 25 shows the tear initiators 466 and 468, as well as the edge-defined grip aid holes

<td> 470,</td><td>472, 474 and 476</td><td>they are more</td><td>easily</td><td>identified</td><td>and</td><td>used</td>

<td>by</td><td>a consumer,</td><td>due</td><td>to the minor</td><td>shrinkage</td><td>and</td><td>less</td>

curly, making it easy to find and use 466 primers and

127

468 than for the modality of Figure 24.

Figure 26 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a packaged 490 product also made using an end seal bag from which the atmosphere is evacuated and the bag is sealed sealed with a heat seal made through the top from the bag (not shown), with the film having been shrunk pressed against the product. As in the package of Figure 25, the packaged product 490 of Figure 26 has skirt 492 extending below end seal (494, with skirt (492) having two flat lay sides, each of which is provided with a tear initiator (496 and 498, respectively). The gripping aid holes defined by the edges 500 and 502 are placed on either side of the tear initiator 496, and the gripping aid holes defined by the edges 504 and 506 are placed on either side of the tear initiator 498. The two flat lay sides of skirt 462 are heat sealed together in four discrete point seals: 508, 510, 512, and 514, each of which heat-hardens the film in the seal region as well as a region that extends radially outward a short distance around each of the point seals . Heat hardening of these

128 Portions of skirt 492 reduce skirt shrinkage during film shrinkage, causing skirt r62 to undergo less free and curled shrinkage than would occur without heat setting. As a result, it is evident from Figure 26 that the initiators

496 and 498, as well as the gripping aid holes defined by edges 470, 472, 474 and 476, are even more readily apparent than in Figure 25, making them even easier to find and use tear initiators 466 and 468 than for the modality of Figure 25.

Figure 27 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of an alternative packaged product 520 also made using an end seal bag from which the atmosphere is evacuated and the bag is sealed sealed with a heat seal made through the top of the bag (not illustrated), with the film having been shrunk tight against the product. As in the package of Figure 25, the packaged product 520 of Figure 27 has skirt 522 extending below end seal (524), with skirt (522) having two flat sided sides, each of which is provided with a tear initiator &lt;8526 and 528, respectively). The gripping aid holes defined by edges 530 and 532 are positioned at

129 either side of the tear initiator 526, and the gripping aid holes defined by edges 534 and 536 positioned on either side of the tear initiator 528.

The two flat lay sides of skirt 522 are heat sealed together at the perimeter of heat seal 38 which extends the full width of skirt 522 and is positioned near the bottom edge 540 of packaged product 520. The perimeter heat seal 54p heat-hardens the portion of the film in the seal region as well as a region that extends slightly outward in both directions from the seal itself.

Heat-hardening of this portion of skirt 522 reduces shrinkage of the skirt during shrinkage of the film, causing skirt 522 to undergo less shrinkage and curl free than would occur without heat-hardening. As a result, it is evident from Figure 27 that the tear initiators 526 and 528, as well as the grip assist holes defined by edges 530, 532, 534, and 536, are in a configuration to be more easily seen by a consumer, and more easily used by a consumer.

It also helps a consumer to distinguish the design and intended use of the package. Less curly, along with the opening

130 right up to the tear start slits, makes it easier to fit the dice through the gripping aid holes. Less curling and opening to the tear start slits makes it easy to use automated machinery to open the package. Heat hardening makes it easy to detect, find, and use tear initiators 526 and 528 if like the gripping aid holes defined by edges 530, 532, 534, and 536. Heat hardening of particular areas prevents the tongue from shrinking, making it easier to grip, and allowing the notches to open into an easily seen oval hole.

Figure 28 illustrates a flat lay schematic view of an alternate embodiment of a side seal bag 550 having the first side seal 552, second seal 554 hardware, skirts 556 and 558 out from the first side seal 5562, skirts 560 and 562 toward Outside second side seal 554, top 564 open, and bottom edge 566 folded. Skirt 556 has a plurality of first tear initiators 568 and skirt 5568 has a plurality of second tear initiators (not illustrated), with the plurality of first tear initiators 568 being positioned at intervals along skirt 556 , and the plurality of second initiators of

131 rip (not illustrated) being placed at intervals along skirt 558. Each individual rip initiator 568 in skirt 556 is paired with an individual rip initiator (not shown) in skirt 558. Each initiator rip 568 individual in skirt 556 is paired with a single rip starter (not shown) on skirt 558, to together provide a set of matched rip starters. In the figure

28, bag 550 is shown in a flat lay configuration, with each individual tear starter 568 in the skirt.

556 being placed directly over each individual tear initiator (not illustrated) on skirt 558. The film is heat-hardened along the striped perimeter area 570 of skirt 556 as well as a corresponding area (not illustrated) of skirt 558. In addition, the film is heat hardened in areas 672 and 574 scratched along each side of each tear initiator 568, as well as in corresponding areas (not illustrated) along each side of each corresponding tear initiator (not illustrated) on skirt 558. While heat-hardened areas 570, 572 and h 574 of skirt 556, as well as the corresponding heat-hardened areas (not illustrated) of skirt 558 can be heated only sufficiently to

132 reduce shrinkage of areas, areas 570, 572 and

574 Heat-hardened skirt 556 and corresponding areas of skirt 558 can further be heat-sealed to each other. Heat hardening (also any heat seal) results in reduced shrinkage of the heated regions, thereby making it easier to detect, find, and use tear initiators.

In addition, skirts 556 and 558 can be provided with grip assist holes (not shown) on one or both sides of the tear initiators.

Resins Used in the Examples

Unless otherwise indicated, the following resin list identifies the various resins used in Examples 1-35 below.

133

<td>Resin code</td><td>Name commercial</td><td>Generic Resin Ncinbrp (additional information)</td><td>'Xmsídad (g / cc)</td><td>index of fusion idq / min)</td><td>Provide- dor</td>

<td>ION 1</td><td>Surlyn® 1702-1</td><td>Zinc neutralized ethylene copolymer. Methacrylic acid</td><td> 0.940</td><td> 14</td><td>DuPont</td>

<td>ION 2</td><td>Surlyn® 1650 SB</td><td>Zinc neutralized ethylene copolymer, methacrylic acid + slip additive</td><td> 0.950</td><td> 1.55</td><td>Ι'λιΡοηι</td>

<td>SSPE 1</td><td>AfFinity® 1280G</td><td>Homogeneous ethylene / alpha-olefin copolymer</td><td> 0.900</td><td> 6.0</td><td>Dow</td>

<td>SSPE 2</td><td>Añinily ”PL 1281GI</td><td>Homogeneous ethylene / oethene copolymer</td><td>0.900 g / CC</td><td> 6.0</td><td>Dow</td>

<td>SSPE3</td><td>Affiníty® PL 18S0G</td><td>Tamogeneous / Oclene Ethylene Polymer</td><td> 0.902</td><td> 3.0</td><td>Dow</td>

<td>SSPE4</td><td>Aflfinily® PF 1140G</td><td>Hcmogeneous / octene ethylene copolymer</td><td>Q.89 or 5g / DC</td><td> 1.6</td><td>Dow</td>

<td>SSPB5</td><td>DPF 1150.03</td><td>Homogeneous / Oclene Ethylene Copolymer</td><td> 0.901</td><td> 0.9</td><td>Dow</td>

<td>SSPE6</td><td>Excced¹* 4518 PA</td><td>Homogeneous ethylene / hexene cofmlimer</td><td> 0.918</td><td> 4.5</td><td>Exxon Mobile</td>

<td>VLDPE 1</td><td>xus 61520.15b</td><td>Very low density polyethylene</td><td>0.9U3</td><td> 0.5</td><td>Dow</td>

<td>VLDPE 2</td><td>Allane '³ 4203</td><td>very low density polyethylene</td><td> 0.905</td><td> 0.80</td><td>Dow</td>

<td>VLDPE 3</td><td>Rexell V3401</td><td>very low density polyethylene</td><td> 0.915</td><td> 6.6</td><td>Huntsma n</td>

<td>VLDPE 4</td><td>ECD 364</td><td>VIDPE (ethylene / hexpno copolymer</td><td> 0.912</td><td>THE</td><td>ExxonM obi!</td>

<td>LLDPE1</td><td>Dowlex®</td><td>linear low density</td><td> 0.920</td><td> 1.0</td><td>Dow</td>

134

<td></td><td> 2045.03</td><td>Pylk'UlvfiQ ...............................</td><td colspan="2">JL</td><td></td>

<td>LLDPE2</td><td>LL 3003.32</td><td>Heterogeneous ethylene / hexene copolymer</td><td> 0.9175</td><td> 3.2</td><td>Exxon Mobile</td>

<td>HDPE</td><td>Fortiílex® T60-500-I19</td><td>High density polyethylene i</td><td> 0.961</td><td> 6.0</td><td>Ineos</td>

<td>lon &amp; Eva &amp; Pb</td><td>Appcl 72D799</td><td>Mixture of onomer, EV A, and pofibutrlene</td><td> 0.932</td><td> 3.7</td><td>DuPont</td>

<td>KVA &amp; PP</td><td>Verstfy XUR-YM 2006268985</td><td>EVA and Polypropylene blend</td><td> 0.89</td><td> 3.0</td><td>Dow</td>

<td>RECLAIM</td><td>TO35B</td><td>Recycled multilayer film containing a wide variety of polymers, eluting innumerable resin, ethylene tomo and copolymers, propylene tomo- and copolymers, F: VOH, pnliamide. jolímerlos modified with jndhidrrido, ionoméio, antibloqueo, etcl.</td><td></td><td></td><td>Sealed AirCorp</td>

<td>('Pl</td><td>Inspire 112</td><td>Propylene homopnimer</td><td> 0,9</td><td> 0.4</td><td>D &lt;«v</td>

<td>PP2</td><td>Basell ProFax PH835</td><td>Propylene homopolymer</td><td> 0.902</td><td> 34</td><td>Basell Pulyolefí ns</td>

<td>PP3</td><td>PP3155</td><td>Propylene homopolymer</td><td> 0.900</td><td> 36</td><td>Exxon Mobile</td>

<td>PP4</td><td>Escorcne * PP 3445</td><td>Propylene homopolymer</td><td> 0.900</td><td> 36.0</td><td>Exxon Mobile</td>

<td>PB</td><td>PB864OM</td><td>Butene homopolymer</td><td> 0.908</td><td> 1</td><td>Basell Polycleli ns</td>

<td>ssPP</td><td>F.ltex^and. PKS4O9</td><td>Propylene / ethylene copolymer</td><td> 0.900</td><td> 5.5</td><td>Ineos</td>

<td>znPP</td><td>Escorcnc * PP9012EI</td><td>Propylene / ethylene copolymer</td><td> 0.902</td><td> 6.00</td><td>Ineos</td>

<td>EPC1</td><td>Pro-Fas SA 861</td><td>Propylene / ethylene copolymer (catalyzed single site</td><td> 0.902</td><td> 6.5</td><td>Lyondell -basell</td>

<td>Et-PrTKR</td><td>Vísjalon 7800</td><td>Ethylene-propylene diene torpolyorn</td><td> 0.870</td><td> 1.5</td><td>Exxon Mobile</td>

<td>MA-LLD 1</td><td>Tynw^s1223B</td><td>Mottifyan polyethylene with maleate anhydride (mixed with poly! Low density linear wood)</td><td> 0.921</td><td> 2.0</td><td>Rohm &amp; Hitan</td>

<td>MA-LLD 2</td><td>PX 3227</td><td>Maleted anhydride modified polyethylene (mixed with linear low density polyethylene)</td><td> 0.913</td><td> 1.7</td><td>Equist &amp; r Division of Lyondell</td>

<td>MA-LLD 3</td><td>PX3236</td><td>Maleted anhydride modified polyethylene (mixed with linear low density polyethylene)</td><td> 0.922</td><td> 2.00</td><td>Equitar Division of Lyondell</td>

135

<td>MA-EVA</td><td>Bynel '3101</td><td>Acid / Acrylate Copolymer of (fileno Modified with Anhydric / vinyl acetate</td><td> 0.943</td><td> 3.2</td><td>DuPont</td>

<td>modPP</td><td>Admer * QB510A</td><td>Maleic anhydride modified polypropylene</td><td> 0.900</td><td> 3.2</td><td>Mitsui</td>

<td>modEVA</td><td>SPS-33C-3</td><td>Polymer blend (VA modified compound</td><td> 0.92</td><td> 1.0</td><td>M: YES Tcchnolo hey</td>

<td>Fi-Norb 1</td><td>Topas * 9506X1</td><td>Ethylene copolymer nofborneix)</td><td> 0.974</td><td> 1.0</td><td>Topas Advancc d Holynwra Inc.</td>

<td>ET-Noit&gt; 2</td><td>Topas * 8007 F-04</td><td>Norbomen ethylene copolymer</td><td> 1.02</td><td> 1.7</td><td>Topas Advance d Polymers Inc.</td>

<td>Nylon 1</td><td>Last * B40</td><td>Polyamide 5</td><td> 1.13</td><td> —</td><td>BASE</td>

<td>Nylon 2</td><td>Vltramid * B401JÍ01</td><td>Polyamidrtfi</td><td> 1.14</td><td> —</td><td>BASE</td>

<td>Nylon 3</td><td>Ulframtd® C33 01</td><td>Polyamide 6/66</td><td> 1.13</td><td> ...</td><td>BASF</td>

<td>Nylon 4</td><td>Oritemid XS 1392</td><td>Polyamide 6/12 and Polyamide 12 mix</td><td> 1.03</td><td></td><td>KMS- Grivory</td>

<td>EVA 1</td><td>Escorene * LD 713.93</td><td>Ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer (14% VA)</td><td> 0.933</td><td> 3.5</td><td>Exxon Mobile</td>

<td>EVA 2</td><td>Scorene LD 318.92</td><td>Ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer (8.7% VA)</td><td> 0.93</td><td> 2.0</td><td>Exxon Mobile</td>

<td>EVA 3</td><td>Close me * LD 761.36</td><td>Ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer (26.7% VA)</td><td> 0.950</td><td> 5.75</td><td>Exxon Mobile</td>

<td>EVA 4</td><td>Escorcae® LD 705.MJ</td><td>Vinyl label / vinyl acetafo (12t..8% VA)</td><td> 0.935</td><td> 0.4</td><td>Exxon Mobile</td>

<td>EVA 5</td><td>Escorene * ID 721.ΓΚ.</td><td>Ethylene / Vinyl AcetAte Copolymer (18S% VA)</td><td> 0.942</td><td> 2.55</td><td>Exxon Mobile</td>

<td>EVA 6</td><td>Elvax® 3175</td><td>Ethylene / Vinyl Acetate Copolymer (2836V)</td><td> 0.950</td><td> 6</td><td>DuPoirt</td>

<td>EVA 7</td><td>PE 1651</td><td>Ethylene / vinyl acctate copolymer (&amp; 5% VA)</td><td> 0.928</td><td> 0.5</td><td>Flint HiíU Resources LP</td>

<td>EBA</td><td>SP 1802</td><td>Copolymer of eltlRno / ut rilato dt kitilo (22.5% BA)</td><td> 0.928</td><td> 6</td><td>Eastman Chemical</td>

<td>F.VOH</td><td>Soamol® ET3803</td><td>Hydrolyzed vinyl acetate ethylene copolymer (CVOI I with 38¾ molar ethylene)</td><td> 1.17</td><td> 3.2</td><td>Nippon Oohsci</td>

<td>PVdC</td><td>Saran® 806</td><td>Vinylidene Chloride / Methyl Acrylate Copolymer</td><td> 1.69</td><td></td><td>Dow</td>

136

<td>Sty-But</td><td colspan="2">StyrolttX kopolymer laughs styrene / 656C (butadiienf)</td><td> 1.02</td><td> 99</td><td>BASF</td>

<td>AOX</td><td colspan="2">10555 Antinxidantc en polict&gt; l «no lineo! low density</td><td> 0,032</td><td> 2.5</td><td></td>

<td>SL1P 1</td><td>FSt'93E</td><td>sliding and anti-blocking in low-density polyethylene</td><td> 0.975</td><td> 7.5</td><td>Schulma n</td>

<td>SLIP2</td><td>1062 Ingenia</td><td>Slipper Master Batch Amide Ora (Enicamide) in Linear Polyethylene b. density</td><td> 0,92</td><td> 2</td><td>Ingenuity Pülymcrs</td>

<td>WCC</td><td>IISS3</td><td>corw.entratio white color in linear low density polyethylene</td><td>I.S13</td><td> 2.90</td><td>Ampacet</td>

<td>ccc</td><td> 130374</td><td>Cream-colored concentrate in low-density polyethylene</td><td></td><td></td><td>Protects</td>

<td>acc</td><td>16417-81 Wuc</td><td>blue concentrate master batch</td><td> 0.951</td><td></td><td>CokffKtb</td>

<td>ABGonc</td><td>18042 antiblock enneentrute</td><td>Optical brightener in low density polyethylene</td><td> 0.92</td><td></td><td>Tcknot Colour</td>

<td>procAlD!</td><td> 100458</td><td>PrrK'esamiento aid: (luoropolymer in polyethylene</td><td> 0.93</td><td> 2.3</td><td>Ampacet</td>

<td>proc AI D2</td><td colspan="2">IP 1121 Processing aid: Bluoropotimer in linear low density polyethylene</td><td> 0.92</td><td> 2</td><td>Ampacet</td>

Example 1 (work)

One end seal bag of approximately

17.78 to 20.32 cm (7 to 8 inches) wide (laying flat) and approximately 40.64 cm (16 inches) long was made from a co-extruded, multi-layer, thermally shrinkable film produced using the apparatus and process set forth in Figure 8 , described above. The multilayer film had a total of 7 layers, in the following order, with the thickness of each layer of the film shown in thousandths of an inch in the bottom row of each column representing one layer of the multilayer structure. The composition of each layer is provided in the second row, with each

137 code corresponding to the composition in the resin box above.

Exemplol

<td>CauÓ 1</td><td></td><td>Layer 3</td><td>JAPA 4 J</td><td>Layer 6</td><td>L —...........—.</td><td> 7....... ,</td>

<td>ao% SSPEl 20% LLDPE2</td><td>70½ VIDPÍ? 30% EVAl</td><td>100% EVAl</td><td>PVt »C</td><td>lOWi EVAS</td><td>70% VLÜPfel 30% EVAl</td><td>85% SSPE3 fifteen% LLDPE 1</td>

<td>0.42 thousand</td><td>0.76 rai!</td><td>0.08 thousand</td><td>0.18 thousand</td><td>0.13 thousand</td><td>0.25 thousand</td><td>.QJUjnüs_-</td>

Both flattened sides of the skirt under the end seal were cut manually (using scissors) about 2.54 to 5.08 cm (one to two inches) from a side edge of the bag, the slit being in the machine direction, the slit extending from the bottom edge of the bag and through about 30 to 50 percent of the 3.81 cm (1-1 / 2 inch) bag skirt, to produce matching first and second tear initiators. The bag was then used to package a simulated product, after which it was tested for machine direction linear tear after shrinkage by immersion in 85 ° C (185 ° F) water. 1 simulated product was a meat product, that is, simulated by a sealed bag of water, the bag of water containing about 1300 milliliters of water in a thermally shrinkable bag having a flat lay width of about 13.97 cm (5138

1/2 inch) and a length of about 22.86 cm (9 inches), this bag having been closed sealed with water in it (and minimal air) and then immersed in water at 90 ° C (195 ° F) and tightly shrunk around the water to result in a simulated product that has a substantially round cross-sectional area. The water bag was placed in the heat shrinkable end seal bag being tested, with the bag and simulated product then being placed in a vacuum chamber, and the atmosphere evacuated. The bag was then closed sealed and the resulting packaged product was removed from the vacuum chamber and immersed in 85 ° C (185 ° F) water for about 5 seconds, during which the bag shrunk tightly around the simulated product . After removal of the hot water, the bag was allowed to stand for a period of at least 5 minutes, and then a manual test was performed by holding the shrunken skirt portion of the article on either side of the tear initiators. The results of the manual machine direction tear test are set forth in the table below, after the examples.

A plurality of side seal bags were produced using the film of Example 1. The bags

139 they had a flat lay length of 34.29 cm (13.5 inches) and a flat lay width of 15.875 cm (6.25 inches). Each of the skirts had a width of 2.54 cm (1 inch). Pairs of tear initiators were made at intervals of 3.81 cm (1.5 inches) below the full length of one of the skirts. Each of the tear initiators was a 15.87 mm (5/8 inch) long slit in the machine direction.

Example 2 (work)

An end seal bag was made from a co-extruded, multilayer, thermally shrinkable film produced using the apparatus and process set forth in Figure 8 above. The multilayer film had a total of 7 layers, with the order, thickness, and composition being set forth in the table below in a manner corresponding to the description in Example 1, above. The end seal bag was tested for tear as set forth in Example 1.

Example 2

<td>Layer 1</td><td>Layer 2</td><td>Layer 3</td><td>Cilfid -1</td><td>C¡i (M 6</td><td>Layer 6</td><td>Layer 7</td>

<td>60% SSPE2 twenty% LLDPE2</td><td>704¾ VLDPF.I 30% KYAI</td><td>100% EVE!</td><td>PVDC</td><td>100% EVA3</td><td>ZfZ% VI.ÜGH. 3 (W » EAV1</td><td>ΒΟλ ssm twenty% u.npfi,</td>

<td>0.43 thousand</td><td>0.7 * thousand</td><td>0.09 thousand</td><td>0.18 thousand</td><td>0.09 thousand</td><td>(126 thousand</td><td>017 thousand</td>

Example 3 (Comparative)

140

An end seal ball was made from a multi-layered, heat shrinkable, coextruded film produced using the apparatus and process set forth in Figure 8, described above. The multilayer film had a total of 4 layers, with the order, thickness, and composition set forth in the table below in a manner corresponding to the description in Example 1 above.

The end seal bag was tear tested as set forth in Example 1.

Example 3 (Comparative)

<td>Layer 1</td><td>Layer 2</td><td>Layer 3</td><td>Layer 4</td>

<td> 100%</td><td> 100%</td><td> 100%</td><td> 100%</td>

<td>VLDPE3</td><td>EVA2</td><td>PVDC</td><td>EVA2</td>

<td>0.26 thousand</td><td>1.26 mils</td><td>0.18 thousand</td><td>0.6 thousand</td>

Example (Comparative)

An end seal bag was made from a co-extruded, multilayer, thermally shrinkable film produced using the apparatus and process set forth in Figure 8, described above. The multilayer film had a total of u layers, with the order, thickness, and composition as set forth in the table below in a manner consistent with the description in Example 1 above.

141

The end seal bag was tear tested as set forth in Example 1

Example 4 (comparative)

<td>Cap</td><td>Cap;</td><td>Layer 3</td><td>Layer 4</td><td>Layers</td><td>Cup 6</td><td>Layer 7</td>

<td>$ 90 ssfeí 10% SLfPl</td><td>VLDPE2 twenty% LLDPF.I</td><td>100% EVE!</td><td>PVDC</td><td>100% EVA3</td><td>70% VL0PE2 one% AOX</td><td>85% SSPE3 fifteen% U.DPE l</td>

<td>0.44 thousand</td><td>0.71 mi)</td><td>0.09 mi)</td><td>~ 0.18 thousand</td><td>0.09 aü</td><td>0.27 thousand</td><td>O.IS mih</td>

Example 5 (Comparative)

An end seal bag was made from a coextruded, multilayer, thermally shrinkable film using the apparatus and process set forth in

Figure 8, described above. The multilayer film had a total of 7 capable, with the order, thickness, and composition set forth in the table below in a manner consistent with the description in Example 1 above.

The end seal bag was tear tested as set forth in Example 1

Example 5 (comparative)

<td>Layer 1</td><td>Layer 2</td><td>C.ipj 3</td><td colspan="2">Layer 4 and Layer 5</td><td>Layer 0</td><td>Cap ! |</td>

<td>80% SSPC2 ΛΙ% IIOPF?</td><td>80% VLDPEl twenty% VLDFE4</td><td>100% F.VAI</td><td>PVDC</td><td>100% EVAS</td><td>80% VLDPEl twenty% VLDPE4</td><td>80% SSPE3 20% 1 LLDPÉ 1</td>

<td>0.45 thousand</td><td>Ll thousand</td><td>0.09 thousand</td><td>0.18 thousand</td><td>0.09 thousand</td><td>0.28 thousand</td><td>0.111 mi the |</td>

Example 6 (Comparative)

An end seal bag was made from a co-extruded, multilayer, thermally shrinkable film produced using the exposed apparatus and process

142 in Figure 8, described above. The multi-layer film had a total of 7 layers, with the order, thickness, and composition set forth in the table below in a manner corresponding to the description in Example 1 above.

The end seal bag was tear tested as set forth in Example 1.

Example 6 (comparative)

<td></td><td></td><td>Layer .1</td><td>Layer 4</td><td>Layer 5</td><td>Layer 6</td><td>~ ......... " Layer 7</td>

<td>90% SSPFíI to% SUP 2</td><td>90% " SSPE5 10% Ct-Pr'IER</td><td>100% EVE*</td><td>PVDC</td><td>100% 6VA3</td><td>80% 1 SSPE5 twenty% VLDPE1</td><td>10 (W SSP1-3</td>

<td>0.49 thousand</td><td>0.89 thousand</td><td>0.1 thousand</td><td>0.19 thousand</td><td>0.1 tnit</td><td>026 thousand</td><td>0.18 tnils</td>

Example 7 (Comparative)

An end seal bag was made from a co-extruded, multilayer, thermally shrinkable film produced using the apparatus and process set forth in Figure 8, described above. The multilayer film had a total of 7 layers, with the order, thickness and composition set forth in the table below in a manner corresponding to the description in Exampleq, above. The end seal bag was tear tested as set forth in Example 1.

Example 7 (comparative)

143

<td></td><td> 1.</td><td>Ciipu 3</td><td>Layer 4</td><td>CipaS</td><td>Layer 6</td><td>Layer 7</td>

<td>100% ION 1</td><td>100% HVAl</td><td>100% EVE!</td><td>PVDC</td><td>100% EVA3</td><td>100¾¾ SSPE4</td><td>SSft SSPE3 fifteen% LLDPBI</td>

<td>0.3 ?. one thousand</td><td>0.87 thousand</td><td>0.16 thousand</td><td>0.18 ml</td><td>0.08 thousand</td><td>0.21 thousand</td><td>0.12 raite</td>

Example 8 (Comparative)

An end seal bag was made from a co-extruded, multilayer, thermally shrinkable film produced using the apparatus and process set forth in Figure 8, described above. The multilayer film had a total of 4 layers, with the order, thickness, and composition set forth in the table below in a manner corresponding to the description in Example 1, above.

Example 8

<td>Layer 1</td><td>Layer 2</td><td>Layer 3</td><td>Layer 4</td>

<td> 100%</td><td>84% LLDPE1</td><td>85% EVA2</td><td>85% EVA2</td>

<td>SSPE6</td><td>16% CCC</td><td>15% LLDPE1</td><td>15% LLDPE1</td>

<td>0.25 thousand</td><td>1.09 thousand</td><td>0.76 thousand</td><td>0.25 thousand</td>

Example 9 (Comparative)

An end seal bag was made from a heat shrinkable, multilayer, coextruded film produced using the apparatus and process set forth in Figure 8, described above. The multiple movie

144 layers had a total of 6 layers, with the order, thickness, and composition set forth in the table below in a manner corresponding to the description in Example 1, above.

Example 9

<td>Layer 1</td><td>Layer 2</td><td>I Layer3</td><td>Layer 4</td><td>Cipa 5</td><td>j Chapter 6</td>

<td>100% SSPI.-6</td><td>100% VLDPE2</td><td>'Γ' - ¡ EVA2</td><td>l (W% £ VA2</td><td>100% VT..DPE2</td><td>85% EVA2 fifteen% 1 L1.DPE1</td>

<td>0.31 thousand</td><td>0.8 thousand</td><td>1 0.09 thousand</td><td>0.13 thousand</td><td>0.4 thousand</td><td>1 0.27 mils</td>

Example 10 (Comparative)

An end seal bag was made from a co-extruded, multilayer, thermally shrinkable film produced using the apparatus and process set forth therein. Figure 8, described above. The multi-layer film had a total of 3 layers, with the order, thickness and composition set forth in the table below in a manner corresponding to the description in the Example

1, above.

Example 10

<td>Layer 1</td><td>Layer 2</td><td>Layer 3</td>

<td>80% SSPE1</td><td>100% EBA</td><td>85% SSPE3</td>

<td>20% ÑÑDÉ2</td><td></td><td>15% LLDPE1</td>

<td>0.08 thousand</td><td>1.84 thousand</td><td>0.08 thousand</td>

Example 11 (work)

145

An end seal bag was made from a fully coextruded, heat shrinkable, multilayer film produced using the apparatus and process set forth in FIG. 8, described above, but without the extrusion coating step. The multilayer film had a total of 3 layers, with the order, thickness, and composition set forth in the table below in a manner corresponding to the description in the Example

1, above. The end seal bag was tested for tear as set forth in Example 1.

Example 11 (work

<td>Layer 1</td><td>Layer 2</td><td>Layer 3</td>

<td>100% EVA 6</td><td>75% VLDPE2</td><td>75% VLDPE2</td>

<td></td><td>25% ÑLDPE1</td><td>16.5% LLDPE1</td>

<td></td><td></td><td>8.5% ABConc</td>

<td>0.68 thousand</td><td>3.08 thousand</td><td>1.24 thousand</td>

Example 12 (work)

An end seal bag sold commercially by Curwood, Inc., under the name PProtite^MR3. 4 was obtained from the market. Analysis of the bag from which the multilayer film was made revealed the following layers, with the order, thickness, and composition set forth in

146 the box below. A small cut was made in the bag skirt, that is, as illustrated in Figure 4A. The end seal bag was tear tested as set forth in the

Example 1.

Example 12 (work)

<td colspan="2">Layer 1</td><td colspan="2">Layer 2</td><td colspan="2">Layer 3</td>

<td>EVA mix</td><td> (3%</td><td>Chloride</td><td>of</td><td>EVA mix</td><td> (3%</td>

<td>acetate</td><td>of</td><td>polyvinylidene</td><td></td><td>acetate</td><td>of</td>

<td>vinyl), LLDPE,</td><td>and</td><td></td><td></td><td>vinyl), LLDPE,</td><td>and</td>

<td>copolymer</td><td>of</td><td></td><td></td><td>copolymer</td><td>of</td>

<td colspan="2">catalyzed ethylene</td><td></td><td></td><td colspan="2">catalyzed ethylene</td>

<td>with</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>with</td><td></td>

<td>metallocene / alpha-</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>metallocene / alpha-</td><td></td>

<td>olefin</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>olefin</td><td></td>

<td colspan="2">1.53 thousand</td><td colspan="2">0.21 thousand</td><td colspan="2">0.74 thousand</td>

Example 13 (comparative)

An end seal bag commercially sold by Curwood, Inc. was obtained from the market under the name 10 Cleartite.^MR 52. Analysis of the bag from which the multilayer film was made revealed the following layers, with the order, thickness, and composition set forth in the table below. A small cut was made in the skirt of

147 bag, that is, as illustrated in Figure 4A. The end seal bag was tested for tear as set forth in the

Example 1.

Example 13 (comparative)

<td colspan="2">Layer 1</td><td colspan="2">Layer 2</td><td colspan="2">Layer 3</td>

<td>EVA mix</td><td> (4%</td><td>Chloride</td><td>of</td><td>EVA mix</td><td> (4%</td>

<td>acetate</td><td>of</td><td>polyvinylidene</td><td></td><td>acetate</td><td>of</td>

<td>vinyl), LLDPE,</td><td>and</td><td></td><td></td><td>vinyl), LLDPE,</td><td>and</td>

<td>copolymer</td><td>of</td><td></td><td></td><td>copolymer</td><td>of</td>

<td colspan="2">catalyzed ethylene</td><td></td><td></td><td colspan="2">catalyzed ethylene</td>

<td>with</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>with</td><td></td>

<td>metallocene / alpha-</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>metallocene / alpha-</td><td></td>

<td>olefin</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>olefin</td><td></td>

<td colspan="2">1.39 thousand</td><td colspan="2">0.23 thousand</td><td colspan="2">0.68 thousand</td>

Example 14 (comparative)

<td colspan="2">Layer 1</td><td colspan="2">Layer 2</td><td colspan="2">Layer 3</td>

<td>EVA mix</td><td> (4%</td><td>Chloride</td><td>of</td><td>EVA mix</td><td> (4%</td>

<td>acetate</td><td>of</td><td>polyvinylidene</td><td></td><td>acetate</td><td>of</td>

<td>vinyl), LLDPE,</td><td>and</td><td></td><td></td><td>vinyl), LLDPE,</td><td>and</td>

<td>copolymer</td><td>of</td><td></td><td></td><td>copolymer</td><td>of</td>

<td colspan="2">catalyzed ethylene</td><td></td><td></td><td colspan="2">catalyzed ethylene</td>

148

<td>with</td><td></td><td>with</td>

<td>metallocene / alpha-</td><td></td><td>metallocene / alpha-</td>

<td>olefin</td><td></td><td>olefin</td>

<td>1.54 thousand</td><td>0.19 thousand</td><td>0.63 thousand</td>

Example 15 (comparative)

An end seal bag sold commercially by Asahi Corporation was obtained from the market under the name

SN3. Analysis of the bag from which the multilayer film was made revealed the following layers, with the order, thickness, and composition set forth in the table below. A small cut was made in the bag skirt, that is, as illustrated in Figure 4A. The end seal bag was tested for tear as set forth in Example

1.

Example 15 (comparative)

<td>r. „„ i</td><td>1 Layer 2.</td><td>Cap }</td><td>Layer 4</td><td>1 CapaS</td>

<td>Polyethylene blend</td><td>Snowflake letvinium / Jvinyl acetate drip, containing il&gt;% by weight of vinyl acetate polymer |</td><td>Polyvinylidene chloride</td><td>Ethylene / wine acetate copolyte containing 15% by weight of vinyl acetate polymer</td><td>j Low Polyethylene jOensictad ¡(possibly a ¡mix)</td>

<td>0.39 orii</td><td></td><td>0.35 thousand</td><td> 0.66</td><td>0.63 thousand</td>

Example 16 (work)

An end seal bag sold commercially by Pechiney Plastic Packaging, Inc., was obtained from the market under the name Clearshield.^MR. Analysis of the stock market

149 The multi-layer film that was made revealed the following layers, with the order, thickness, and composition set out in the table below. A small cut was made in the bag skirt, that is, as illustrated in Figure 4A.

The end seal bag was tested for tear as set forth in Example 1.

Example 16 (work)

<td>C¡) | » one</td><td>Opa 2</td><td>Cúm 3</td><td>Chap." 4</td><td>Layer 5</td><td></td><td>9e ?.¹.. J</td>

<td>Cupohineio (te etilei kj</td><td> 100%</td><td>Mix of</td><td>[VOH</td><td>Mix of</td><td>100% &lt;l «?</td><td>Mix of</td>

<td>fdlaliMrtotoi)</td><td colspan="2">Copolytwo of · jxitidmkh íí</td><td>(27 mol%. »</td><td>jMlMniid,] 6</td><td>In-house of</td><td>pulieiileoo de lxij &lt;ii</td>

<td>mwaioaw.'últd-</td><td colspan="2">ethylenox i. oo | Kilt.nni &lt;to</td><td>ethileiKi)</td><td>&lt;: &lt;») Polianttda</td><td>ethylene/</td><td>delicacy and;</td>

<td>oieliiu (jjosiblemenie</td><td colspan="2">Riettbcrlkito [61.61</td><td></td><td> 61,61</td><td>meltlaciilatu</td><td>jxjljflik'no linear de.</td>

<td>&lt;&lt;onlDPBoum&gt;</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>one i</td><td></td><td>ixija density 0.57 mi) |</td>

<td>í 1 58 go, 8</td><td>• 0.27 triti</td><td>0 9 thousand</td><td>Cf. What i mü</td><td>t η K5 thousand</td><td>0.16 thousand</td><td></td>

<td></td><td> 5</td><td> .............</td><td> ................</td><td></td><td> ----------------------</td><td> —...—.—~...·... — ·</td>

Example 17 (work)

An end seal bag was made from a heat shrinkable, multi-layer coextruded film using the apparatus and process set forth in Figure 8, described above. The multilayer film had a total of 7 layers, with the order, thickness, and composition set forth in the table below, in a manner corresponding to the description in Example 1, above. The end seal bag was tear tested as set forth in Example 1.

Example 17 (work)

150

<td>Layer i</td><td>Cipa?</td><td>Layer 3</td><td>Layers 4</td><td>Layer 5</td><td>CapaG</td><td>Layer 7</td>

<td>'WtSSPU 10% SllP2</td><td>100% tony Eva yPB</td><td>50% EVA 4 50% ΙΛΟΡΗ</td><td>100% PVdC</td><td>100% i-va.1</td><td>80% vi dpi: i twenty% VIDP14</td><td>80% SSW3 20% IL0PE1</td>

<td>3.0 thousand *</td><td>3.7 thousand *</td><td>ll.inj^-</td><td>2.2 thousand '</td><td>1 mrf</td><td>t .5 mib '</td><td> 1.5'</td>

¹frame thickness represents extrudate thickness before solid state orientation and trapped bubble stage in the process.

An end seal bag was made of the multi-layered, heat shrinkable, coextruded films of each of Examples 18 to 35, below, using the apparatus and process set forth in Figure 5, described above. Each of the multi-layer films had a total of 7 layers, with the order, thickness, and composition set forth in the tables below in a manner corresponding to the description in Example 1, above. The end seal bags were tested for tear as set forth in Example 1.

An end seal bag made of fully co-extruded, thermally shrinkable films was made from each of Examples 36-42, below, using the apparatus and process set forth in Figure 8, above, except that all Layers were extruded from die head 122, and no extrusion coating was employed. Each of the multi-layer films of

151 Examples 36-42 had the order, thickness, and composition set forth in the corresponding table below. The end seal bags were tested for tear as set forth in Example 1.

Ten bags made from the film of Example 40 were filled with water and closed. Before filling some of the bags with water, the projection and the bags were sealed by spot. The bags were placed in a smoke box for 12 hours at 91 ° C (195 ° F). After 12 hours one of the bags had experienced a seal failure. Some bags had 2 knit stamps and some had 4 knit stamps. The point seals are improved in appearance of the projection, preventing the extreme curl of the projection. The 4 seal pouches per point had a better overall appearance, making it easier to see the holes and indentation of the projection.

152

Example 18 (work)

<td>Layer 1</td><td>Box »2</td><td>Layer 3</td><td>Layer 4</td><td>Layer S</td><td>Layer 6</td><td>Layer 7</td>

<td>90% SSPEl 10% SLIP2</td><td>100% ÉVAYPI »</td><td>50% EVA4 50% LLDPtl</td><td>100% IAZíIC</td><td>IW * EVA3</td><td>WfcVlOTCJ. 2W6VII7PE4</td><td>80% SSWÍ3 20% LlDPEl</td>

<td>3.0 mil '</td><td>17 Sf</td><td>11.4 Wed¹</td><td>2.2 thousand '</td><td>1000^:</td><td>1.5 raiis¹</td><td> 1.5¹</td>

• the thickness in the table represents that of extruded before ·; solid state orientation in trapped bubble stage process

Example 19 (work)

<td>Cup 1</td><td>Caá</td><td>Chap3 3</td><td>Layer 4</td><td>Layer 5</td><td>Layer 6</td><td>Layer 7</td>

<td>90% SSPf.1 10% SIIP2</td><td>75% EVA? 25% modEVA</td><td>50% EVA4 50% LtDPEl</td><td>100% PVdC</td><td>100% r: vAJ</td><td>80% VLDPCl 20% VIDPE4</td><td>80% SSPE3 20% lid peí</td>

<td>3.0 mil '</td><td>3 7 m</td><td>11.4 thousand *</td><td>2.2 thousand '</td><td>1000'</td><td>1.5 miU '</td><td> 1.5'</td>

the thickness in the box represents thickness of extrudate before solid state orientation in trapped bubble stage of process

Example 20 (work)

<td>Layer 1</td><td>Layer 2</td><td>I Layer 3</td><td>Layer 4</td><td>Layer 5</td><td>Layer 6</td><td>Cap?</td>

<td>90% SSPE1 10% YOUR P2</td><td>100% Et-Norb</td><td>| 50% EVA * Í I SOKUDPEL i i</td><td>100% PVdC</td><td>100% EVA3</td><td>80% VLDPEl 20% VlDP £ 4</td><td>80% SSPE3 20% LlDPEl</td>

<td>3.0 mil '</td><td>W'rnü¹</td><td>| ΗΛαιίΙ * l</td><td>2.2 thousand *</td><td>1000*</td><td>1.5 thousand¹</td><td> 1.5'</td>

frame thickness represents extrudate thickness before solid state orientation in trapped bubble stage of process

Example 21 (work)

<td>Layer 1</td><td>Layer 2</td><td>Layer 3</td><td>Layer 4</td><td>Layer 5</td><td>Layer 6</td><td>Layer 7</td>

<td>90% SSPE1 «WSUP2</td><td>300% etNotbl</td><td>50% ÍVÁ » 50% LlDPEl</td><td>100% PVdC</td><td>100% ÍVA3</td><td>80% VC.LDPEl 20% VI.DPF4</td><td>80% SSPF3 20% lLDPll</td>

<td>3.0 ηοΓ</td><td>3.7YES?</td><td>Π.4 mif</td><td></td><td>1000¹</td><td>t .5 inilb *</td><td>1.5 ' L</td>

1 * Thickness in the box represents thickness of extruded before solid state orientation in trapped bubble stage of process

Example 22 (comparative)

153

<td>O | M 1</td><td>Layer 2</td><td>Layer 3</td><td>Layer 4</td><td>Layer 5</td><td>Layer 6</td><td>Cap »7</td>

<td>90% SSK1 10% S11P2</td><td>100% Sti-But</td><td>SO * CVA4 50% tlDPfl</td><td>100% pvdc</td><td>100% F.VA3</td><td>80% VlÜPfcl 20% FPV</td><td>WfcS $ PC3 20% l.lDPU</td>

<td>3.0 mi?</td><td>3.7 mil '</td><td></td><td>2.2 thousand¹</td><td>I mif</td><td>1.5 Thousands'</td><td>t.5¹</td>

thickness in the box represents thickness of extruded before solid state orientation in bubble stage trapping process

Example 23 (work)

<td>Opal</td><td>Ca [u 2</td><td>Ciijw 3</td><td>CiifU 4</td><td>Layer 5</td><td>Layer C</td><td>Layer 7</td>

<td>90% SStl V% SAO7</td><td>100 * PP1</td><td>50% CVA4 505 11ÜPÍ1</td><td>100% PVdC</td><td>100% CVA3</td><td>80% Vl.DPH 20% VLÜPM</td><td>80% SSPE3 20 *&gt; i LU3PE1</td>

<td>3.0 rail '</td><td>3.7 mi?</td><td>11.4 mi?</td><td>2.2 thousand '</td><td>Indi¹</td><td>1.5 mils'</td><td> 1.5*</td>

frame thickness represents extrudate thickness before solid state orientation in trapped bubble stage of process

Example 24 (work)

<td>Box&gt; to 1</td><td>Layer 2</td><td>Layer 3</td><td>Layer 4</td><td>Layer 5</td><td>Caps t&gt;</td><td>Layer 7</td>

<td>90% SSPBI 10% SLIP2</td><td>70% Sty «But 30% EVA5</td><td>fifty% F.VA4 fifty% LLDFRl</td><td>too% PVdC</td><td>100% EVA3</td><td>80% VLOPBI twenty% VLDPB4</td><td>80% SSPE3 twenty% LLDPEI</td>

<td>3.0 mil '</td><td>3.7 miT^-</td><td>11.4 thousand¹</td><td>2.2 aúl '</td><td>1000*</td><td>1.5 mils'</td><td> 1.5'</td>

frame thickness represents extrudate thickness before solid state orientation in bubble stage _{caught in p},_event

Example 25 (work)

<td>Capal</td><td>Cap?</td><td>Layer 3</td><td>Layer 4</td><td>Layer 5</td><td>Layer 6</td><td>Layer 7</td>

<td>»0% SSPE1 10% SLIP2</td><td>70% Sty-Bui 30% RVA2</td><td>fifty% EVA4 fifty% LLDPEi</td><td>100% PVdC</td><td>100% EVA3</td><td>80% VLDPEl twenty% VLDPE4</td><td>--η ί ”&amp; Η ΐ ¡</td>

<td>3.0 thousand¹</td><td>3.7 mi?</td><td>11.4 thousand¹</td><td>2.2 thousand^r</td><td>i 5?</td><td>1.5 mils *</td><td> 1.5'</td>

frame thickness represents extrudate thickness before solid state orientation in bubble stage traps of the process

Example 26 (work)

154

<td>Copal</td><td>Type 2</td><td>Opa 3</td><td>Chapter 4</td><td>Caua 5</td><td>Cup 6</td><td>Z layer</td>

<td>90% SSPE1 10% SUP2</td><td>70% VWPE2 30% ET-Nori&gt; 2</td><td>50 * íí » EVA4 fifty% LLDPEI</td><td>100% PVdC</td><td>100% EVA3</td><td>80% VLDPRl twenty% VLDPB4</td><td>80% SSPF3 twenty% LLDPEI</td>

<td>3.0 mil '</td><td>3.7 nnf</td><td>11.4 thousand *</td><td>ΓΓπυί</td><td>1 miT</td><td>1.5 thousand »'</td><td> 1.5'</td>

thickness in the box represents thickness of ^βχ1^Γυ· ^ Ο before solid state orientation in trapped bubble stage process

Example 27 (work)

<td>Chapter 1</td><td>Layer 1</td><td>Layer .3</td><td>Bonnet 4</td><td>CapaS</td><td>Layer 6</td><td>Layer 7</td>

<td>90% SSPfcl 10% SUP2</td><td>70% MPP 30% SSPE3</td><td>fifty% EVA4 fifty% LLDPEI</td><td>100% PVdC</td><td>100% EVA3</td><td>80% VLDPEl twenty% VLDPE4</td><td>80% SSPE3 twenty% LLDPEI</td>

<td>3.0miY “</td><td>3.7 thousand *</td><td>11.4 thousand *</td><td>27 thousand *</td><td>1 nuT ^Ί</td><td>1.5 thousand »'</td><td> 1.5'</td>

frame thickness represents extrudate thickness before solid-state orientation in trapped bubble stage of process

Example 28 (work)

<td>Layer .1.</td><td>Able</td><td>Layer 3</td><td>C.ffK »4</td><td>Layer 5</td><td>Cap 6</td><td>C «J (W 1</td>

<td>90% SSPEl 10% SLIP2</td><td>70% 50PP 30% EVA2</td><td>$ 0% EVA4 fifty% LLDPEI</td><td>100% PVdC</td><td>100% EVA3</td><td>80% VLDPE » twenty% VLDPE4</td><td>m&gt; SSPE3 twenty% LLDPEI</td>

<td>3.0 thousand *</td><td>37'mtf</td><td>11.4 thousand^1-</td><td>2.2 raiF</td><td>1000'</td><td>1.5 laugh</td><td> 15'</td>

in-box thickness represents extruded thickness before solid-state orientation in trapped bubble stage of process

Example 29 (work)

<td>Layer 2</td><td>Cap?</td><td>Layer 3</td><td>Layer 4</td><td>Layer 5</td><td>Layer 6</td><td>Chapter 7</td>

<td>90% SSPEl J0% SI.1P2</td><td>MT / · S5PE3 twenty% wcc</td><td>fifty% EVA4 fifty% LLDPEI</td><td>100% PVdC</td><td>100% EVA3</td><td>80% VLDPfcl twenty% VLDPE4</td><td>80% SSPE3 twenty% LLDPEI</td>

<td>3.0 thousand *</td><td>3.7 thousand *</td><td>11.4 thousand '</td><td>2.2 thousand</td><td>1000'</td><td>1.5 mils'</td><td> 1.5’</td>

thickness in the box represents thickness of extrudate before process trapped bubble stage solid state orientation

Example 30 (work)

155

<td>Layer 1</td><td>Layer 2</td><td>Layer 3</td><td>I Layer 4</td><td>Layer S</td><td>CapaC</td><td>Opa 7</td>

<td>90% SSPE1 10% SLIP2</td><td>100% ION 2</td><td>fifty% EVA4 fifty% LLDPE1</td><td>100% I PVdC</td><td>100% EVA3</td><td>80% VLDPEl twenty% VLDPJ54</td><td>m ^c S *</td>

<td>3. (1 rail '</td><td>3.7 mil '</td><td>11.4 thousand *</td><td>j 2.2 thousand¹</td><td>1000¹</td><td>1.5 tnilj '</td><td>LS '</td>

that is in the box represents that of extrudate before solid state orientation in the process trapped bubble stage

Example 31 (work)

<td>Caixi 1</td><td>Layer 2</td><td>Opa 3</td><td>, ςιΐΜίΐ</td><td>Layer 5</td><td>Layer 6</td><td>Layer 7</td>

<td>1 i</td><td>100%, EVA6</td><td>fifty% EVE* fifty% LLDPE1</td><td>100% PVdC</td><td>100% EVE?</td><td>80% VLDPEl 20® /. VLDPf-4</td><td>80% SSPF.3 twenty% LI.DPE1</td>

<td>3.3 mil '</td><td>3.7 η, ίΓ</td><td>11.4 thousand¹</td><td>2.2'roÍ͹</td><td>1000*</td><td>1.5 myth '</td><td>L?</td>

frame thickness represents extrudate thickness before solid state orientation in trapped bubble stage of process

Example 32 (work)

<td>Layer 1</td><td>Cap </td><td>Layer 3</td><td>Layer 4</td><td>Layers</td><td>G layer</td><td>Layer 7</td>

<td>90% SSPE1 10% SLIP2</td><td>100% PB</td><td>fifty% EVA4 505. LLDPEI</td><td>100% PVdC</td><td>100% EVA3</td><td>80% VLDPEl twenty% VLDPE4</td><td>80% SSPE3 twenty% LLDPFJ</td>

<td>3.0 rail '</td><td>3.7 ιηίΓ</td><td>11.4 thousand '</td><td>2.2 miT ™</td><td>í mil ·</td><td>1.5 mils *</td><td> 1,5'</td>

that in the box represents extrudate that is before process entrapped bubble stage solid state orientation Example 33 (work)

<td>Cil | M t</td><td>Layer 2</td><td>Layer 3</td><td>Layer 4</td><td>Layer 5</td><td>Layer 6</td><td>Layer 7</td>

<td>90% SSPEI 10% SLIP2</td><td>85% SSPEI fifteen% RECIJUM</td><td>fifty% EVA4 fifty% LLDPEl</td><td>100% PVdC</td><td>100% EVA3</td><td>80% VLDPEl twenty% V1.DPE4</td><td>80% SSPK3 twenty% LLDPE1</td>

<td>3.0nui^r</td><td>3.7 nñF '</td><td>11.4 thousand</td><td>2.2 thousand '</td><td>1000·</td><td>1.5 mils'</td><td> 1.5'</td>

frame thickness represents extrudate thickness before solid state orientation in trapped bubble stage of process

Example 34 (work)

156

<td>Layer 1</td><td>Layer 2</td><td>Layer 3</td><td>Layer 4</td><td>Layers</td><td>Layer 6</td><td>Layer 7</td>

<td>90% SSPEl 10% SLIP2</td><td>70% SSPEI 30% KIIOKMAR</td><td>fifty% BVA4 50% LLDPE1</td><td>100% pvdc</td><td>100% EVA3</td><td>80% VLDPLU twenty% VLDPE4</td><td>80% SSPE3 twenty% IJ.DPEI</td>

<td>3.0 mil '</td><td>3.7 mil '</td><td>il / mi?</td><td>2.2 «¿Γ</td><td>1000*</td><td>1.5 Thousands'</td><td> 1.5'</td>

frame thickness represents extrudate thickness before solid state orientation in trapped bubble stage of process

Example 35

<td>Caprr 1</td><td>Layer 2.</td><td>Layer 3</td><td>Layer 4</td><td>Layer S</td><td>Layer 6</td><td>Layer 7</td>

<td>90% SSPCÍ 10% SUP2</td><td>55% SSPEI Four. Five% RITÚRMAR</td><td>fifty% EVA4 fifty% LLDPE1</td><td>PVdC</td><td>10074 EVA3</td><td>80% VLDPE1 twenty% VLDPE4</td><td>80% SSPEJ $ 207 LLDPE1</td>

<td>.70 thousand '</td><td>3.7 mil '</td><td>i Ü'míF</td><td>2.2 mif</td><td>IM f</td><td>1.5 thousand · * '</td><td>ls'</td>

thickness in the box represents thickness of exempted before solid state orientation in trapped bubble stage of process

Example 36

<td>Opa l</td><td>Caps 2.</td><td>Layer 7</td><td>Layer 4</td><td>Cap »5</td>

<td>SSPK</td><td>70% VLbPE4 30% EVAt</td><td>EVA2</td><td>70% VI.DPE4 30% EVA1</td><td>85% EVA2 fifteen% LLDPE 1</td>

<td> 3.5</td><td> 9</td><td> 0.22</td><td> 4.5</td><td> 3</td>

that in the box represents extrudate that is before solid state orientation in process entrapped bubble stage

Example 37

<td>Layer l</td><td>Layer 7</td><td>Layer 3</td>

<td>EPC t</td><td>70% VLDPE4 30% EVA 1</td><td>80% EVA-7 20% HDPE</td>

<td> 5</td><td> 12</td><td> 5.5</td>

thickness in the box represents thickness of extrudate before solid state orientation in trapped bubble stage of process

157

Example 42

Example 38

<td>Layer 1</td><td>yesterday</td><td>LaycrS</td>

<td>98% EPCI</td><td>7QUVI.DWH</td><td>80% BVA-7</td>

<td>2% bcx:</td><td>3irtiHVAt</td><td>20% HDPE</td>

<td> 5</td><td> 12</td><td> 5.5</td>

The esor in the table represents extruder esor of solid state orientation entities in trapped bubble stage of process.

Example 39

<td>Layer t</td><td>Cap?</td><td>Layer 3</td>

<td>EPC-l</td><td>to * vu&gt; ny ISttBVAI</td><td>80% EVA-7 7.0% HDPB</td>

<td> 5</td><td> 12</td><td> 3.5</td>

frame thickness represents extrudate thickness before solid state orientation in trapped bubble stage of process

Example 40

<td>Layer l</td><td>Cap?</td><td>Layer 3</td><td>Layer 4</td>

<td>Nytou 1</td><td>MAIXD-2</td><td>70% VLDPE « SWfcBVAI</td><td>tíQ% EVA- 7 twenty% HDPE</td>

<td> 2.00</td><td> 1.00</td><td> 10,00</td><td> 3.50</td>

that in the box represents extrudate that is before solid state orientation in process entrapped bubble stage

Example 41

<td>Ca | M 1</td><td>Cap?</td><td>Cap&gt; 3</td><td>Layer 4</td>

<td>98% Nylon 3 2% BCC</td><td>MALLQ-2</td><td>0HVLDPE4 35% EVA 1</td><td>80% EVA- 7 twenty% HDPE</td>

<td> 2</td><td>I</td><td> 10</td><td> 3.5</td>

frame thickness represents extrudate thickness before solid state orientation in trapped bubble stage of process

158

Example 42

<td>Layer 1</td><td>Layer 2</td><td>Layer 3</td><td>Layer 4</td>

<td>Nylon 3</td><td>MALLD-2</td><td>70% VLDPE4</td><td>80% eva-7</td>

<td></td><td></td><td>29% EVAl</td><td>20% hdpe</td>

<td></td><td></td><td>2% BCC</td><td></td>

<td> 2</td><td> 1</td><td> 10</td><td> 3.5</td>

thickness in the box represent thickness of extruded before

<td>orientation of</td><td>state</td><td>solid on stage</td><td>of</td><td>bubbled</td><td>trapped</td><td>of</td>

<td>process.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>A</td><td>pipeline</td><td>film without</td><td colspan="2">sewing of</td><td>each</td><td>of</td>

<td>the movies</td><td>of the</td><td>Examples 1-35</td><td>I know</td><td>short and</td><td colspan="2">seals for</td>

form an end seal bag. A small cut was made in the bag skirt, about 1 to 3 inches (2.54 to 5.08 cm) from the side edge of the folded bag. The bag skirt had a width of about 3.81 cm (1.5 inches). A product was placed in the bag, and the bag was sealed and shrunk around the product. The resulting end seal bags exhibit the following characteristics:

Table: Stock Market Test Results

159

<td>K&gt; lsa's! tjvmylo MO.</td><td>Total Film Caliber (müs)</td><td>Free EiKoyi · ment at 85'C qas f) (% MD /% TO)</td><td>Redo, Full length Manual IbiSíjaduia MO after shrinking in water to SS⁴C (MST)</td><td>Rasgaduial D Propagation Drop Maximum (gmf, estii, force in winks</td><td>TraitAnaTO Propagation Energy to Rehira igml-in)</td><td>Cough resistance 10 Charge Maximum (gmf)</td><td>Impact Resistance Drop Peak per thousand, through ASTM 0 376395A (N / mif)</td>

<td> 1</td><td> 2.0</td><td> 32/45</td><td>Yes (94.4%) ***</td><td> 31</td><td></td><td> 545</td><td> 98</td>

<td> 2</td><td> 2.0</td><td> 35/51</td><td>yes (90.5%) ···</td><td> 23</td><td> 31</td><td> 598</td><td> 114*</td>

<td> 3</td><td> 23</td><td></td><td>No (5%)··*</td><td> 22</td><td> 36</td><td> 673</td><td> 54.9·</td>

<td> 4</td><td> 1.96</td><td> ...</td><td>No (0%) ***</td><td> 31</td><td> 39</td><td> 566</td><td> 102.6·</td>

<td> 5</td><td> 2.4</td><td></td><td>No (0%) '· *</td><td> $4</td><td> 58</td><td> 791</td><td>too 114.3 ' 137.2 *</td>

<td> 6</td><td> 2,2</td><td></td><td>No (0%) ···</td><td> 61</td><td> 68</td><td> 625</td><td> 138.7* 104.5·</td>

<td> 7</td><td>t.9</td><td></td><td>No (0%) * '·</td><td> 28</td><td> 34</td><td> 659</td><td> 102·</td>

160

<td> 8</td><td> 2.35</td><td> 17/28</td><td> ...</td><td> 24.8</td><td> ...</td><td></td><td> 113*</td>

<td> 9</td><td> 2.1)</td><td> 26/42</td><td> ...</td><td></td><td> ...</td><td> *</td><td> 110*</td>

<td>to</td><td> 2.0</td><td></td><td></td><td> ...</td><td> ...</td><td> ...</td><td> ...</td>

<td>you</td><td> 5.0</td><td></td><td>Yes</td><td> 50</td><td> 86</td><td> 1470</td><td> 105*</td>

<td> 12</td><td> 3.18</td><td> 32/40</td><td>Yes</td><td> 20</td><td> 38</td><td> 840</td><td> 116.3</td>

<td>n</td><td> 2.03</td><td> 35/39</td><td>No</td><td> 22</td><td> 35</td><td> 732</td><td> 73.9</td>

<td> 14</td><td> 2.18</td><td> 22/30·</td><td>No</td><td> 23</td><td> 44</td><td> 732</td><td></td>

<td> 15</td><td> 2.47</td><td> 50.50</td><td>No</td><td> 279</td><td> 330</td><td>68S</td><td> 71.9</td>

<td> 16</td><td> 4.6</td><td></td><td>Yes</td><td> 284</td><td> 440</td><td> 3110</td><td> 155.0</td>

<td> 17</td><td> 2.42</td><td> 24/36</td><td>Yes (wxHbr</td><td> 35</td><td></td><td> 747</td><td> ...</td>

<td> 18</td><td> 2.48</td><td> 19/36</td><td>Yes (100%) **</td><td> 205</td><td> ...</td><td> 797</td><td></td>

<td> 19</td><td> 2.48</td><td> 20/35</td><td>Yes (100%) »*</td><td> 23</td><td></td><td> 817</td><td></td>

<td> 20</td><td></td><td></td><td>Yes</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td> ...</td>

<td> 21</td><td> 2.56</td><td> 23/33</td><td>Yes (100%) **</td><td> 21</td><td> 30</td><td> 676</td><td></td>

<td> 22</td><td> 2.53</td><td> 24/36</td><td>Yes (100%) **</td><td> 40</td><td></td><td> 726</td><td></td>

<td> 23</td><td> 2,53</td><td> 20/33</td><td>Yes t'100%) **</td><td> 21</td><td> 29</td><td> 724</td><td></td>

<td> 24</td><td> 2.5</td><td> 23/34</td><td>Yes (100%) * ·</td><td> 32</td><td> 47</td><td> 848</td><td></td>

<td> 25</td><td> 2.5</td><td> 22/34</td><td>Yes (100%) · *</td><td> 22</td><td> 35</td><td> 707</td><td></td>

<td> 26</td><td> 2.51</td><td> 24/32</td><td>Yes (100%) **</td><td> 20</td><td> 27</td><td> 723</td><td></td>

<td> 27</td><td> 2.39</td><td> 18/32</td><td>Yes (100%) ··</td><td> 13</td><td> 23</td><td> 843</td><td></td>

<td> 28</td><td> 2.36</td><td> 15/34</td><td>Yes</td><td> 21</td><td> ...</td><td> 820</td><td> ...</td>

161

<td></td><td></td><td colspan="2"> | (100%)··</td><td></td><td colspan="2">........ r</td><td></td>

<td> 29</td><td> 2.39</td><td> 17/34</td><td>Yes (100%) * ·</td><td> 17</td><td> 30</td><td> 643</td><td></td>

<td> 30</td><td> 2,29</td><td></td><td>Yes ooo%&gt; * &lt;</td><td> 71.0</td><td> 31</td><td> 551</td><td></td>

<td> 3)</td><td> 2.31</td><td></td><td>Yes {100%) ··</td><td> 15.3</td><td></td><td> 557</td><td></td>

<td>n</td><td> 2.18</td><td></td><td>Yes Oco%&gt; ** ^{*** ****}</td><td> 113.0</td><td> 140</td><td> 693</td><td></td>

<td> 33</td><td>2J5</td><td></td><td>Yes (100%) ··</td><td> 55.0</td><td> 50</td><td> 427</td><td></td>

<td> 34</td><td> 2.41</td><td></td><td>Yes (100%) ··</td><td> 57.3</td><td> 55</td><td> 477</td><td></td>

<td> 35</td><td> 2.45</td><td></td><td>Yes (100%) * '</td><td> 40.2</td><td> 46</td><td> 638</td><td></td>

<td> 36</td><td> 2.0</td><td> 26/3?</td><td>Yes. ····₍iu0%)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>j</td>

<td> 37</td><td> 2.34</td><td> 14/26</td><td>yes ···· U «Ü%)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td> 38</td><td> 2.4</td><td> 19/32</td><td>Yes * · ♦ * (lithium%)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td> 39</td><td> 2.4</td><td> 19/29</td><td>Yes · ♦ · * (100%)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td> 40</td><td> 2.4</td><td> 17/33</td><td>Yes. ···· (10056)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td> 41</td><td> 2.4</td><td> 19/32</td><td>Sf— (100%)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td> 42</td><td> 2.4</td><td> 19/28</td><td>Yes** X100%)</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

* Impact resistance tested on different film sample with the same designation ** 5-sample tear-based test results *** 20-sample tear-based test results **** 10-sample tear-based test results

The various preferred features in preferred embodiments of the invention as set forth above are useful in combination with each other. Any of the

162 Various preferred film compositions (eg, ethylene / hexene copolymer blend and ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer) are preferred in combination with any one or more of the various preferred film properties (eg, thickness 1.5 to 5 mils, peak load impact resistance 50 to 250 Newtons, etc.) and / or in combination with any one or more preferred types of packaging items (eg, end seal bag, etc.).

163