Easy -open heat- shrinkable packaging article.

(54) Title: SHRINKABLE CONTAINER, OPENS EASY.

(54) Title: EASY -OPEN HEAT- SHRINKABLE PACKAGING ARTICLE.

(57) Summary

A container (404) is described consisting of a heat shrinkable, multilayer film having a first heat seal extending down a length of the container along the longitudinal margins of the film, a second heat seal extending to across the width of the container and providing a bottom of the internal volume within the container, a third heat seal that extends across the width of the container and provides a high portion of the internal volume. The package also consists of a skirt (408, 410) between the second heat seal and the bottom edge of the article. The skirt has first and second tear initiators (423, 425) which are cut through the skirt, the first and second initiators each having one end inward and one end outward. The inward ends are closer to the first heat seal and the second heat seal than the outward ends; and the outward ends are closer to the bottom margin than the inward ends. Tear initiators are positioned relative to the first heat seal such that an overlapping straight line extends through the ends in and out of each initiator.

(57) Abstract

A packaging article (404) comprises a heat - shrinkable multilayer film having a first heat seal extending down a length of the packaging article along longitudinal edges of the film, a second heat seal extending across a width of the packaging article and providing a bottom of the internal volume within the packaging article, and a third heat seal extending across the width of the packaging article and providing a top of the internal volume. The packaging article also comprises a skirt (408,410) between the second heat seal and the bottom edge of the article. The skirt has first and second tear initiators (423,425) which are cuts through the skirt, with each of the first and second tear initiators having an inward end and an outward end. The inward ends are closer to both the first heat seal and the second heat seal than are the outward ends, and the outward ends are closer to the bottom edge than are the inward ends. The tear initiators are positioned relative to the first heat seal so that a superimposed straight line extending through the inward and outward ends of each tear initiator intersects a superimposed straight line extending through the ends of the first heat seal at a lesser included angle of from 25 degrees to 55 degrees, with the inward end of each the first and second tear initiators terminating at a location which is from 3 to 30 millimeters from the first heat seal and 3 to 50 millimeters from the second heat seal. The heat - shrinkable film exhibits an Elmendorf tear strength of from 0.7N to 2N after shrinking.

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PATENT TITLE NO. 343092 _SE_

MMBARIA OI tCONOMY

Institute

Mexican Property

Industrial

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Owner (s): CRYOVAC, INC.

Address: 100 Rogers Bridge Rd „Post Office Box 464, Duncan, South Carolina, 29334.

E.Ü.A.

Name: SHRINKABLE CONTAINER, OPENS EASY.

Classification: lnt.CI.8: B29C47 / 06; B65B9 / 06; B65D75 / 00; B65D75 / 58

Inventor (s): DANIELA GARAVAGLIA; TIZIANO SCAPOLI; MASSIMO ALQUATI

IOUCit

International presentation date «October 2012

-to go

MúmoflK |

MX / a / 2Ol4 / O043Í9

Country:

US AND PRIORITY

Date:

October 2011

Number:

13/271,362

Time: Twenty 2 ios

I »cha de Vencii íentctt 11 &lt;| &amp; $ ctubre de 2032

The reference latent straightens with

D in accordance with e! Article 123 of the cetada as of the date. of presentation of X sd of schos.

The present title is signed by the investigators of the Pi

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1st, 2nd fraction V, 6th fraction III, and 59 of the Industrial Property Law.

This patent has a validity of twenty interchangeable years, I and will be subject to the payment of the tax to keep people the

Industrial Pity (Daily

Official of

2f 11/2004, 06/16/2005, 25í 1/2006, ío a), 4 ° and 12 ° fraction

0 '17/2002, 07/15/2004, 28 /' / 2004 and ropledadj with fundameflüaftjo dlspWí ^ by the articles 6 ° fracaooee'ffl and 7 ° bis 2 of the Law of the Federation (DOF ^ JBUMJflai. Amended on 02 / 08 / Ιββή, JBrtO / 1996, 12/26/1997, »/ 05/1999, t'05 / 2009,06 / 01/2010, 18ΜΗ $ &amp; ^ ΗΒ8 &amp; 91 Β; 27 / B1JZI&gt;« tT 0 &amp; / O4 / 2O12); articles 1, 3fraction V

I Regulations of the Mfflheikftb.rtF Institute ife ^ SfiS ^ Tindustrial (DOF 12/14/1999, Armed 09/2007); Articles 1, 3, 4, 5, section a), 16 sections I and III and 30 of the Organic Statute | 07), 1, 3 and 5, section a) of the Agreement that delegates powers to the Directors General Deputies, Coordinator, Divisional Directors, Head of the Regional Offices, Divisional Deputy Directors, Departmental Coordinators and other subordinates of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property. (DOF 12/15/1999, amended on 02/04/2000, 07/29/2004, 08/04/2004 and 09/13/2007).

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Issue Date: October 25, 2016

DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF PATENTS

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NAHANNY CANAL REYES

Arenas No 550. Floor 1 Coi. PuePío Santa María Tepepan. Xacriimilco. C P. 16020 Mexico City

Tel. (55; 53 34 07 00 www.irnpi gob.mx

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MX / 2016/86772 (

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MtXICANl 'INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY

SHRINK CONTAINER, OPEN FÁ-e ^ ír

Countryside

The present invention pertains to heat shrinkable containers that are easy to open, particularly containers for packaging food as end use.

Antecedent

Heat shrink packaging has been used to pack a variety of products. Food, particularly meat, has been vacuum packed in those containers. Heat shrink packaging has developed higher impact resistance and higher seal resistance, while being easier to seal, has improved moisture and oxygen barrier properties, and has higher total free shrink at lower temperatures. High resistance to sealing, high resistance to impact and high resistance to puncture are particularly important for the packaging of fresh meat products, since leaking packages reduce shelf life by allowing atmospheric oxygen and microbes to enter the package.

As a result, vacuum-packed products, particularly food packages packed in

ΙΜΡΙ

INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA PROPIEDAD INDUSTRIAL empty, are often difficult to open. ^ 'übmúñm'eht'fe', knives and scissors are used to open containers that have been evacuated, sealed around and shrunk against the food product in the container. The use of knives and scissors to open these rigid packages increases the risk of injury for consumers and retail sellers. Furthermore, opening that rigid container requires more time and effort due to the hardness of the shrunk container, and can also result in damage to the product within the container. The market wants a rigid, heat-shrinkable container that can be easily and quickly removed without the need for knives and scissors, so that the product can be easily separated from the container, without damaging the product or injuring a person who opens the container.

<img file="MX343092B_D0011.tif" />

Short description

The inventive packaging has tear initiators placed on the skirt of the article, tear initiators are in close proximity to a longitudinal heat seal. The application of manual tearing force from the tear initiators produces a tear of the film in the direction of the machine along the longitudinal seal, so that the container opens and the product is easily separated from the container, without the

<img file="MX343092B_D0012.tif" />

need for sharp implements for dbTI'T'ei packaging, and with the use of relatively low manual force.

A first aspect is directed to a flexible, heat-shrinkable package consisting of a heat-shrinkable multilayer film. The package has an outer surface and an inner surface, an upper margin, a lower margin, a first longitudinal margin, a second longitudinal margin, and an internal volume to contain a product to be packaged. The package further comprises a first heat seal that extends along the first and second longitudinal margins from the top margin to the bottom margin a length down the container. The first heat seal is a heat seal from a first region of the inner surface to a second region of the inner surface, or a heat seal from the first region of the inner surface to a first region of the outer surface.

The container further comprises a second heat seal that extends across the width of the container. The second heat seal provides a bottom of the internal volume within which the product is placed. The second heat seal is a heat seal from a third region of the inner surface to the fourth region of the inner surface. The second heat seal passes through (i.e., intersects) the first heat seal.

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF FROFIEDAD

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX343092B_D0015.tif" />

The package also contains a third heat seal that also extends across the width of the package. The third heat seal provides a high part of the internal volume within which the product is placed. The third heat seal is a heat seal from a fifth region of the inner surface to a sixth region of the inner surface. The third heat seal also passes through the first heat seal.

The container also has a skirt between the second heat seal and the bottom margin. The skirt is out of the second heat seal. The skirt has the first and second tear initiators on it. The first tear initiator consists of a first cut through the skirt and the second tear initiator consists of a second cut through the skirt. Each of the first and second tear initiators has one end inward and one end outward. The inward end is closer to the first heat seal and the second heat seal, both, than the outward end. The extreme

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE M LA rROrtSDAO

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX343092B_D0017.tif" />

outward it is closer to the 'bile I chose' quti margin - extreme inward.

The first and second tear initiators are positioned relative to the first heat seal so that a superimposed straight line extends through the ends in and out of each tear initiator that intersects an overlapping straight line that extends through the ends of the first heat seal at a minor angle included from 25 degrees to 55 degrees. The inward end of each of the first and second tear initiators terminates at a location that is from 3 to 30 millimeters from the first heat seal and from 3 to 50 millimeters from the second heat seal. The heat shrinkable film exhibits an Elmendorf tear strength in a machine direction from 0.7 Newtons to 2 Newtons before shrinkage.

In one embodiment, the multilayer film is free of any marked lines that weaken the film along the tear line extending from the first tear initiator or along a tear line extending from the second tear initiator. tear initiator.

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE SAY THE PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL

In one modality, the initiators of ....... T '&lt;3 STfd cliT¹ 'tí S'fáTT positioned so that a tear extending from there passes through the second heat seal but not through part or all of the first heat seal. In another embodiment, the tear passes through the second heat seal and the first heat seal.

In one embodiment, the second heat seal is a curved seal. For example, a second transverse heat seal that curves outward to provide a larger interior volume in the center of the bag is a preferred transverse seal for packaging products such as a full turkey.

In one embodiment, no portion of the inner surface of the film seals to itself along the margins of the film that define the first and second tear initiators. That is, the inward and outward ends of the first and second tear initiators are between the second and fourth heat seals. In one embodiment, the first and second tear initiators pass through the fourth seal and to the bottom edge of the container.

Ί

5.1 ρ JL 1

MEXICAN INSTITUTE Dt LA PKIPIF.DAU

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX343092B_D0020.tif" />

In one embodiment, the bottom edge of the package is out of the fourth heat seal. In another embodiment, the fourth heat seal includes the bottom margin of the container.

In one embodiment, the first heat seal is placed within an inch of a centerline running down the middle of the first flattened side of the container.

<td>In one modality,</td><td>the</td><td>first</td><td>initiator</td><td>of</td><td>torn is a</td>

<td>curved cleft and</td><td>the</td><td>second</td><td>initiator</td><td>of</td><td>torn is a</td>

<td>curved cleft.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

In one embodiment, the first tear initiator is a slot having a first stress concentration point and the second tear initiator is a slot having a second stress concentration point.

In one embodiment, the multilayer film has a total thickness of from 0.7 to 9 mils, before shrinkage. In another embodiment, the multilayer film has a total thickness of from 1 to 6 mils, before shrinkage. In another embodiment, the multilayer film has a total thickness of from 1.5 to 4 mils, before shrinkage. In

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF THE ΡΤ.'ΙΠ.ίΟΑΡ

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX343092B_D0021.tif" />

another modality, the multilayer film Irteme ¹ my total eapcsog from 1.7 to 2.2 mils, before shrink.

In one embodiment, the first and second heat stamps intersect at ninety degrees.

In one embodiment, an overlapping straight line extending through the outward and inward ends of the first tear initiator passes through an intersection of the first heat seal and the second heat seal, an overlapping straight line extending to Through the outward and inward ends of the second tear initiator it also passes through an intersection of the first heat seal and the second heat seal.

In one embodiment, a superimposed straight line extending through the outward and inward ends of the first tear initiator passes through the first heat seal within a distance of 1 to 15 millimeters outward from an intersection of the first seal. heat seal and the second heat seal, and an overlapping straight line extending through the outward and inward ends of the second tear initiator passes through the first heat seal within a distance of 1 to 15 millimeters out from the intersection of the first heat seal and the second heat seal

ΙΜΡϊ

INSTITUTO MEXICANO Dí LA FXOHT.bAD INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX343092B_D0022.tif" />

In one embodiment, the container further has a fourth heat seal from a seventh region of the inner surface to an eighth region of the inner surface, the fourth heat seal being on the skirt.

In one embodiment, the fourth heat seal extends across the full width of the container. In another embodiment, the fourth heat seal has at least two short heat seals, each of which extends through only part of the width of the container.

In one embodiment, the first heat seal is a heat seal from the first and second regions of the inner surface thereof.

In one embodiment, the first and second tear initiators are coincident with each other.

In one embodiment, the outward ends of the first and second tear initiators are at the bottom edge of the container.

IMPI

<img file="MX343092B_D0023.tif" />

INSTITINO MEXICANO nt IA PROPERTY

<td>In a</td><td>modality, the first</td><td>stamp</td><td>thermal</td><td>is</td><td>a seal</td>

<td>thermal</td><td>straight and the second</td><td>stamp</td><td>thermal</td><td>is</td><td>a seal</td>

<td>thermal</td><td>straight.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>In a</td><td>modality, the line</td><td>straight</td><td colspan="2">superimposed</td><td>That</td>

extends through the ends outward and inward of each tear initiator intersects the overlapping straight line that extends through the ends of the first heat seal at a minor angle included from 35 degrees to 55 degrees, and the end inward each of the first and second tear initiators ends at a location that is from 5 to 20 millimeters from the first heat seal and from 5 to 40 millimeters from the second heat seal.

In one embodiment, the overlapping straight line extending through the ends outward and inward of each tear initiator intersects the overlapping straight line extending across the ends of the first heat seal at a minor angle included from 40 degrees up to 50 degrees, and the inward end of each of the first and second tear initiators terminates at a location that is from 7 to 15 millimeters from the first heat seal and from 7 to 30 millimeters from the second heat seal.

In one embodiment, the first tear initiator is a

IMPI

ICυΤΟ MEXICANO DE LA FRORIEDAD INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX343092B_D0024.tif" />

straight indentation and the second tear initiator is a

<td colspan="2">straight cleft.</td><td rowspan="2">In in in</td><td colspan="2">a modality, the first</td><td rowspan="2">initiator initiator</td><td rowspan="2">of of</td>

<td>ripped 5 torn</td><td>consists consists</td><td>a a</td><td>slot and the second groove.</td>

<td>In a</td><td colspan="2">modality,</td><td>the</td><td>packaging consists of</td><td>A layer</td><td>of</td>

<td>sealed</td><td>internal,</td><td>a</td><td colspan="2">i oxygen barrier layer,</td><td>A layer</td><td>of</td>

outer skin, a first tie layer between the sealing layer and the barrier layer, and a second tie layer between the barrier layer and the outer skin layer.

In another embodiment, the multilayer film consists of an inner sealing layer, an oxygen barrier layer, an outer skin layer, a first tie layer between the seal layer and the barrier layer, and a second tie layer between the barrier layer and outer skin layer.

In one embodiment, the film has total free shrinkage (ie, longitudinal plus transverse) at 85 ° C from 20 percent to 120 percent. In one embodiment, the film has a total free shrink at 85 ° C from 30 percent to 105 percent. In one embodiment, the film has a total free shrink at 85 ° C from 40 percent to 100 percent. Free shrink is measured according to ABIWtJ 'standard

2732, which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, for reference.

<img file="MX343092B_D0025.tif" />

λ γλ »«. a »» -— *; ··· ί industrial

In one embodiment, the first heat seal is from a first region of the inner surface to a first region of the outer surface.

In one embodiment, no layer of the multilayer film has a mixture of incompatible polymers. In another embodiment, at least one layer of the multilayer film has a mixture of incompatible polymers.

Brief Description of the Drawings Fig. 1 is a schematic of a preferred process for preparing a heat shrinkable film for use in packages according to the invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic of an alternative preferred process for preparing a heat shrinkable film for use in packages according to the invention.

Fig. 3 is a schematic of a film horizontally and the sealing packaging process for

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF industrial FROFIEDAD

<img file="MX343092B_D0026.tif" />

used when preparing a packaged product that includes the package of the invention.

<td>Fig.</td><td> 4</td><td>is</td><td>a perspective view</td><td>of</td><td>a</td><td>product</td>

<td>packed</td><td>in</td><td>the</td><td>packaging of the invention.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td>

<td>Fig.</td><td> 5</td><td>is</td><td>a perspective view</td><td>of</td><td>a</td><td>product</td>

<td>packed</td><td>in</td><td>the</td><td colspan="2">packaging of the invention, with</td><td>the</td><td>container in</td>

the process for opening by manual tearing so that the product can be separated.

Fig. 6 is a schematic of the container in a flattened configuration without a product inside.

Fig. 7 is a schematic of the container of Fig. 6, with added lines establishing the smallest included angle between tear initiators and the first heat seal.

Fig. 8 is a schematic of a first comparative package in a flattened configuration without a product inside.

Fig. 9 is a schematic of a second comparative package in a flattened configuration without a product inside.

Fig. 10 is a schematic of a third comparative package in a flattened configuration without a product inside.

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX343092B_D0028.tif" />

Detailed description

As used herein, the term "film" is inclusive of the plastic veil, regardless of whether it is film or sheet. The film can have a total thickness of 0.25 mm or less, or a thickness from 1 to 10 mils, or from 1 to 5 mils, or from 1.2 mils to 3 mils, or from 1.5 to 2.5 mils.

As used herein, the term heat seal refers to a heat seal from a region of a first film (or a first portion of a film) to a second film (or a second portion of the film). Heat seals are generally made by applying enough heat with enough pressure for enough time to cause the film regions to fuse, i.e. bond together. Heat seals can be made using equipment and processes such as those described in, for example, Canadian Patent No. 2,296,387, US Pub. No. 2007/0227102, US Patent No. 4,229,244, and US Patent No. 7,262,389, each of which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, for reference.

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF MONEDAD INWISTMAL

<img file="MX343092B_D0029.tif" />

As used herein, the phrase 'Üéllo¹ from aieta^jrrefers to a film-to-film heat seal from a first region of the inner surface of a flexible package to a second region of the internal surface of the flexible package. The film-to-film heat seal can be a unitary piece of the film itself, or a heat seal from a first piece of film to a second piece of film.

As used herein, the phrase "flap seal" refers to a film-to-film heat seal from a region of an internal surface of a flexible package to a region of an external surface of the flexible package. The film-to-film seal can be a unitary piece of the film itself, or a heat seal from a first piece of film to a second piece of film.

As used herein, the phrase "machine direction" refers to the direction in which the film emerges from the nozzle. Of course, this direction corresponds to the direction in which the extrudate advances during the film production process. The phrase machine direction corresponds to the longitudinal direction. Machine direction and direction

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX343092B_D0030.tif" />

longitudinal are abbreviated as h'MB. · And ....... LD ,.

respectively. However, as used herein, the phrase machine direction includes not only the direction along a film that corresponds to the direction in which the film travels as it passes over the drive rollers in the process of Film production also includes directions that deviate up to 44 degrees from the direction the film travels as it passes over the drive 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 travels as it passes over the drive rollers in the production process.

The initiators include a cut to can be in the used in the packaging of the film. Cuts slits or grooves. The tear through shape of slit tear initiators can be straight or

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX343092B_D0031.tif" />

curved, with or without inflection points. A slit can be continuous or present as a line of cuts or discontinuous perforations. A tear initiator can also be provided by cutting only a portion through the thickness of the film, providing a line of weakness along which the remainder of the film thickness can be manually tear through. Tear initiators are to be positioned at a minor angle included from 25 to 55 degrees with respect to the first longitudinal heat seal (i.e., machine direction), as explained later particularly with reference to Figs. 7, 8 and 9.

Slot-type tear initiators differ from slit-type tear initiators in that a piece of the film separates from within the slot, whereby no film separates if a slit is made. Grooves can be made from the intersection of two straight line cuts through the films, two curved line cuts through the film, or a straight line cut and a curved line cut. At least one of the intersecting cuts that form the slot are placed at a minor included angle from 25 to 55 degrees from the first longitudinal heat seal.

IMPI

MSX'CANC INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX343092B_D0032.tif" />

In one embodiment, the container was also piupóf cióha '~ with one or more grippers as shown in USSN 12 / 313,396, published as USA 2009/0116768 Al, which is hereby incorporated, in its entirety, for reference .

In one embodiment, the package does not have a weakening line along a tear path emanating from the tear initiator. In this way, the film remains strong throughout the entire region in which the manual tear is to take place. Contrary to the tear path down the length of the container, the one or more tear initiators or one or more portions of the tear initiators may contain a line of weakness.

As used herein, tear propagation is measured in accordance with the Elmendorf Tear Strength Test - ASTM D 1922 Plastic Standard Test, which is hereby incorporated by reference, in its entirety, the test measures the average force required to spread tear through a specified length of plastic film.

il /

I Ml pi

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

W LA FMOWEÜAO INDUSTRIAL

Heat shrinkable film may have, before shrinkage, a machine direction tear spread of at least 0.7 Newton, or 0.7 Newton to 2 Newtons, or 0.7 Newton to 1.5 Newtons, or 0.9 Newton to

1.3 Newtons, or from 1 Newton to 1.2 Newtons, or from 0.95 Newtons to 1.15 Newtons. Alternatively, the heat shrinkable film may have, after shrinkage against the product, a tear spread. In one embodiment, the shrinkable film has, after shrinkage, an Elmendorf tear strength of at least 0.7 Newton (N), or 0.7 N to 2 N, or 0.7 Na 1.5 N, or 0.9Na

1.3 N, or from 1 N to 1.2 N, or from 0.95 N to 1.15 N.

In one embodiment, the heat shrinkable multilayer film has a Maximum Load Shock Resistance, determined using ASTM D 3763-95A, of at least 50 Newtons per thousand; in another modality from 50 to 250 Newtons per thousand. Maximum Load Shock Resistance was measured using ASTM D 376320 95A, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In one embodiment, the multilayer film has a total thickness, before shrinkage, of from 1 to 10 mils, or from 1.5 to 5 mils.

In one embodiment, no layer of the heat shrinkable multilayer film has an incompatible polymer blend.

In another embodiment, one or more layers of the multilayer film have an incompatible polymer blend.

Mexican Institute of Industrial Property

<img file="MX343092B_D0033.tif" />

Incompatible polymer blends include, but are not limited to, the following:

(A) A mixture of from 90 to 30 weight percent of ethylene homopolymer and / or ethylene / alpha olefin copolymer with from 10 to 70 weight percent of ethylene / unsaturated ester copolymer having an unsaturated ester content of at least 10 percent by weight; (B) a mixture of ionomeric resin with ethylene / unsaturated ester copolymer, and / or polybutylene, and / or propylene homopolymer and / or propylene copolymer; (C) a mixture of homogeneous ethylene / alpha olefin copolymer with recycled polymer blend containing ethylene homopolymer, propylene homopolymer, ethylene copolymer, polyamide, ethylene / vinyl alcohol copolymer, ionomer resin, copolymer of anhydride / alpha olefin modified ethylene, and / or antiblock; (D) a blend of from 10 to 75 percent by weight of ethylene / unsaturated ester copolymer with from 90 to 15 percent by weight of polypropylene and / or copolymer of

IMPI

Mexican Institute of Industrial Property

<img file="MX343092B_D0034.tif" />

propylene / ethylene, and / or polybutylene, and / or modified ethylene / alpha copolymer, and / or styrene homopolymer, and / or styrene / butadiene copolymer; (E) a blend of ethylene / norbornene copolymer with ethylene / unsaturated ester and / or polypropylene and / or polybutylene copolymer; (F) a mixture of from 90 to 15 weight percent of ethylene / alpha olefin copolymer with from 10 to 75 weight percent of polypropylene and / or polybutylene and / or ethylene / norbornene; (G) a blend of from 90 to 25 weight percent of homogeneous propylene homopolymer and / or homogeneous propylene copolymer with from 10 to 75 weight percent of homogeneous ethylene / alpha olefin copolymer and / or ethylene / ester copolymer unsaturated; (H) a mixture of propylene homopolymer and / or propylene / ethylene and / or polybutylene copolymer with ethylene / methyl acrylate copolymer and / or ethylene / acrylic acid copolymer and / or ethylene / butyl acrylate 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. Incompatible polymer blends are described in USSN 12 / 313,396, published as US 2009/0116768 Al, incorporated above for reference.

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF. LA FROFI'.OAU

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX343092B_D0035.tif" />

Tearing through a first seal and then dp ... asJt-o.

tearing along a second seal but not through the second seal.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a preferred first process for preparing films according to the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the solid polymer beads (not shown) are fed to a plurality of extruders 28 (for simplicity, only one extruder is shown). Inside the extruders 28, the polymer beads are sent forward, melt and degas, after which the resulting bubble-free melt is sent to the blow head 30, and extruded through an annular nozzle, resulting in pipe 32 which is preferably approximately 10 to 20 mils thick.

After cooling or quenching with water sprayed from the cooling ring 34, the pipe 32 is collapsed by the drive rollers 36, and thereafter is fed through the irradiation dome 38 surrounded by the shield 40, where the pipe 32 is irradiated with high energy electrons (i.e. ionizing radiation) from the accelerator

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF FROFIEDAD

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<img file="MX343092B_D0036.tif" />

copper core transformer 42. Line 32 is guided through irradiation dome 38 onto rollers 44. Preferably line 32 is irradiated at a level from about 40 kGy to about 120 kGy.

After irradiation, the irradiated pipe 46 is routed through the drive rollers 48, after which the irradiated pipe 4 6 is slightly inflated, resulting in trapped bubbles 50. However, in the trapped bubble 50, the pipe it is not substantially drawn longitudinally, since the surface speed of the stretching rollers 52 is almost the same speed as the stretching rollers (sic) 48. Furthermore, the irradiated tubing 46 is inflated only enough to provide a substantially circular tubing without significant cross-orientation, ie, without stretching.

The slightly inflated, irradiated tubing 46 is passed through vacuum chamber 54, and thereafter is sent through coating nozzle 56. Annular coating stream 58 is melt extruded from coating nozzle 56 and it is coated on the irradiated tube, slightly inflated 50, to

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX343092B_D0037.tif" />

forming a two-layer tubular film 60. The coating stream 58 preferably contains a barrier layer of 0₂, which does not pass through radiation by ionization. Other details of the above described coating step are generally set forth in Pat. USA No. 4,278,738, for BRAX et. al., which is incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety.

After irradiation and coating, the two-layer tubular film 60 is wound onto the take-up roll 62. Thereafter, the take-up roll 62 is separated and installed as take-off roll 64, in a second step in the process of preparing the film tubular as desired last. The two-layer tubular film 60, from the unwinding roller 64, is unwound and passed over the guide roller 66, after which the two-layer tubular film 60 passes into the hot water bath tank 68 containing hot water 70 . The now collapsed, irradiated, coated tubular film 60 is immersed in hot water 70 (preferably, at a temperature of from about 185 ° F to 210 ° F) for a period of from about 10 to about 100 seconds, i.e., for a period of time in order to bring the film to the desired temperature for biaxial orientation. Then

IMPIC ~

INSTITUTE »MEXICAN

FROM «TO INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX343092B_D0038.tif" />

From this, the irradiated tubular film is diluted through the stretching rollers 72, and the bubble 74 is blown, transversely stretching the tubular film.

60.

Furthermore, while being blown, i.e., stretched transversely, the stretch rollers 76 stretch the tubular film 60 in the longitudinal direction, since the stretch rollers 76 have a higher surface speed than the surface speed of the stretch rollers 72. As a result of transverse stretching and longitudinal dragging, the irradiated, coated, biaxially oriented, blown tubular film 78 is produced, this blown pipe preferably having been stretched in a ratio from about 1: 1.5 to about 1: 6, and drawn in a ratio from about 1: 1.5 to about 1: 6; more preferably each of the stretching and pulling are performed in a ratio of from about 1.2 to about 1: 4. The result is a biaxial orientation from about 1: 2.25 to about 1:36, more preferably, from about 1: 4 to about 1:16. While the bubble 74 is held between the drive rollers 72 and 76, the pipe

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE ·

FROM blown INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY 78 is collapsed by rollers 80, and thereafter conveyed by drive rollers 76 and through guide roller 82, and then wound onto winder roller 84. Driving roller 86 ensures good winding.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic of a second preferred process for preparing a film according to the present invention. In Fig. 2, the solid polymer beads (not shown) are fed to a plurality of extruders (for simplicity only extruder 88 is shown). Inside extruders 88, the polymer beads are sent forward, melt and degas, after which the resulting bubble-free melt is sent to blow head 90, and is extruded through an annular nozzle, resulting on pipe tape 92 which is preferably from about 10 to 20 mils thick, and preferably has a width in the flattened state of from about 2 to 10 inches.

After cooling or spraying the cooling ring 94 with water spray, the pipe tape 92 is collapsed by the pinch rollers 92 and thereafter fed to the irradiation vault 98 surrounded by the

<img file="MX343092B_D0039.tif" />

IMPI

MtXICANO INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX343092B_D0040.tif" />

shield 100, where line 92 is 'radiated 0' '' high energy electrons (ie, radiation by ionization) from the copper core transformer accelerator 102. Line 92 is guided through irradiation vault 98 on the rollers 104.

Preferably, pipe 92 is irradiated at a level from about 40 to about 20 kGy, resulting in irradiated pipe 106, which is then passed over guide roller 116, after which irradiated pipe 106 is passed into and through the tank. hot water bath 118 containing hot water

120.

The irradiated pipe 106 is immersed in hot water 120 (preferably at a temperature of from about 185 ° F to about 210 ° F) for a period of from about 10 to about 100 seconds, i.e., for a period of time long enough to carry the film to the desired temperature for biaxial orientation. Thereafter, the resulting heated, irradiated tubing 122 is routed through stretch rollers 124 and bubble 126 is blown, thereby transversely stretching the irradiated, hot tubing 122 so that an oriented film tube 128 is formed .

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE OE THE PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX343092B_D0041.tif" />

Furthermore, while it is being blown, it is daoir ^ cuLirudíT * transversely, the stretching rollers 130 have a higher surface speed than the surface speed of the stretching rollers 124, thereby resulting in a longitudinal direction. As a result of transverse stretching and longitudinal pulling, oriented film tube 128 is produced, this blown pipe preferably having been stretched in a ratio from about 1: 1.5 to about 1: 6, and drawn in a ratio of about 1: 1.5 up to about 1: 6, both. More preferably, each of the stretching and pulling are performed in a ratio of from about 1: 2 to about 1: 4. The result is a biaxial orientation from about 1: 2.25 to about 1:36, more preferably, from about 1: 4 to about 116. While bubble 126 is held between pinch rollers 124 and 130, the oriented film tube 128 it is collapsed by rollers 132, and thereafter transported by drive rollers 130 and through guide roller 134, and then wound on winder roller 136. The drive roll 138 ensures good winding. This process can be carried out continuously in a single

<img file="MX343092B_D0042.tif" />

«STITUTO MÍXICANO D» LA ΓΛΟηϊϋΑΠ industrial

<img file="MX343092B_D0043.tif" />

operation, or intermittently, by running a two-stage process, in which the extruded, irradiated tape is wound after irradiation, and, after a period of storage, unwound and heated and orientation in order to reach the oriented film pipe 128.

Referring to Fig. 3, the heat shrinkable film in Table 1 (below) is used to pack the products 302 using a horizontal fill sealer to prepare a pillow-type container. Although product 302 can be any product to be packaged, a preferred product is a meat product, such as roast beef, strips, chops, ribs, etc. Each product 302 can be a single piece or a series containing a plurality of pieces of meat.

The product 302 to be packed is shipped on a conveyor 304, with a pusher (not shown) that pushes the product 302 into and through a forming horn 306. The continuous film strand 308 (supplied from a roll of film , not shown) is sent to, below, around, above, and after the forming horn 306 as a stream of products 302 passes through the forming horn 306.

302 products are shipped via '¹ tHe shaping nut 306 at the same speed as film 308 passes around and after shaping horn 306.

JL JL ιτΜΓίτυτα méxicant DE LA «OnSDALl INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX343092B_D0044.tif" />

Film 308 folds as it passes around and over forming horn 306, so that as product 302 emerges from forming horn 306, film 308 folds around product 302, with product 302 now within a tube 312 of film 309. Before shoe 306 is formed, the margins of film 308 are folded upward and a sealing apparatus (not shown) forms a continuous flap-type heat seal 310 along the upwardly folded longitudinal margins of film 308, at As products 302 continue to be shipped (on a conveyor, not shown) while they are inside pipe 312 that has been formed from film 308.

The product stream 302 and the film tubing 312 are sent together to a cross cut sealer and cutter having a top cut / seal member 314 and a bottom cut / seal member 316 that work together to make the cross seals between products 302 and to cut pipe from film 312

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL EROFIEDAD

<img file="MX343092B_D0045.tif" />

separating it to produce individual, sealed, packaged products 318 after each container has been sealed. The top and bottom bars of sealer / cutter 312, 314 swing up and down as film tubing 312 is shipped. After sealing and free cutting of the pipe, the result is the packaged product 318. The shrink film portion of packaged product 318 shrinks tight against product 302 by passing packaged product 318 through a hot air tunnel or through a hot water bath.

If it is desired that the atmosphere be evacuated from the packages, the form of the film sealing process can be performed in a vacuum chamber (not shown). The 304 products can be sent to an upstream end of the antechamber which is periodically closed and the atmosphere is evacuated so that the products in it can thereafter enter the sealing process for filling without atmosphere and be vacuum packed, resulting in improved shelf life and tighter packaging after shrinkage. Vacuum packaging can also be obtained by leaving one end of the container open and placing the open container in a vacuum chamber to evacuate the

ΙΝΓΠΤυΤΟ M2X1CA NOT FROM THE INDUSTRIAL PRONSOm

<img file="MX343092B_D0046.tif" />

atmosphere from inside the container and closing the containermaking the third seal while the container remains in a vacuum.

The upper and lower sealer / cutter members 314, 316 can also be designed to pack the products according to the container 402 of Fig. 4, in which an extra seal and an extra transverse seal 404 can be made, as well as cut slits tear initiation 406 (see FIG. 4) by providing the sealer / cutter members 314, 316 with a cutter to make the tear initiation slit 406.

Packaged product 402 (see Fig. 4) is a member of a general type of package known as a pillow type package. FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a preferred packaged product 402 in which container 404 surrounds product 406. Container 404 is made of a heat shrinkable film that is sealed in the machine direction to form a pipe that has the product inside, and after this it is transversely sealed and shrinks around the product at the same time that the atmosphere is evacuated from inside the container, as described above.

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF LA MOHEDA »INBUSTXIAL

<img file="MX343092B_D0047.tif" />

Container 404 has a first flap 400 ..... which extends outwardly from a first end of product 406, a second flap 410 extends outwardly from a second end of product 406. Container 404 has the longitudinal heat seal 412 running the length of the container, with the longitudinal heat seal 412 running in the machine direction, that is, the film manufacturing direction. Longitudinal heat seal 412 is a fin seal, with the first and second longitudinal film margins aligned 413 and 415 being coincident with one another along longitudinal heat seal 412. Packaged product 402 has the first transverse heat seal 414 inward of the bottom edge 420 (i.e., the lower end 420) of the container 404, and the second transverse heat seal 416 inward of the upper edge 422 (i.e., the upper end 422) of container 404, and a third transverse heat seal 418 on the first skirt 408, outward from the first transverse heat seal 414 and inward of the lower margin 420.

The first faldiila 408 extends from the first transverse heat seal 414 to the bottom margin 420 of the container 404. The second faldiila 410 extends to

<img file="MX343092B_D0048.tif" />

<img file="MX343092B_D0049.tif" />

ί

INSTITUTE M * ICA.NO OF INDUSTRIAL FROFITNESS from the second transverse seal 416 n ^ g-ι-Α a1 upper mark 422 of the container 404. The heat-shrinkable film is wrapped around the product 404 with the film piping being larger than product 406. As a result, the first skirt 408 consists of two components, i.e., an upper film skirt extending outwardly from that portion of the film covering the top of the product 406, and a lower film skirt that extends outward from that portion of the film covering the bottom surface of product 406. The upper film skirt is sealed to the lower film skirt at the first transverse heat seal 414 and the third transverse heat seal 418. Similarly, the second skirt 410 consists of these two components: an upper film skirt extending outward from that portion of the film covering the top of the product 406, and a lower film skirt that extends outward from that portion of the film covering the bottom surface of product 406. In the second skirt 410, as with the first skirt 408, the upper skirt of the film is heat sealed to the lower skirt of the film in the second transverse heat seal 416.

<img file="MX343092B_D0050.tif" />

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX343092B_D0051.tif" />

The first skirt 408 can be wider than it normally is for a pillow pack, and wider than the second skirt 410, as the first skirt 408 is provided with the first and second matching tear initiators 423 and 425 (it is say, directly on top of each other). The first tear initiator 423 is a slit through the top skirt of the film of the first skirt 408, and the second tear initiator 425 is a slit through the bottom skirt of the first skirt 408. Because the first and second tear initiator slits 423 and 425 through the top and bottom film flaps are coincident with each other, i.e. directly on top of each other, and considerably the same size and position relative to the seal Longitudinal 412 and first transverse seal 414, both the first and second tear initiator slits 423 and 425 are designed with a single guide line in Fig. 4.

Tear initiators 423 and 425 are straight grooves that extend inward toward container 404 and toward longitudinal seal 412. Tear initiators 423 and 425 are positioned at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the seal

IMPI

M &amp; XICAN INSTITUTE · Dt LA PKOriEBA ·

INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX343092B_D0052.tif" />

Longitudinal 412 as well as 45 degrees from the first transverse seal 414. Tear initiators 423 and 425 pass through the third transverse heat seal 418, which extends outwardly of the bottom edge 420 of container 404. Tear initiators 423 and 425 extend inwardly along a line toward the intersection of longitudinal heat seal 412 and first transverse heat seal 414, with tear initiators 422 terminating approximately 10 millimeters from seal intersection 427 longitudinal heat seal 412 and the first transverse heat seal 414. Tear initiators 423 and 425 have inward ends 429 and 431, respectively, and outward ends 433 and 435, respectively. The inward ends 429 and 431 are approximately 7 millimeters from the longitudinal heat seal 412 and approximately 7 millimeters from the first transverse seal 414, each of these distances being the closest point along the heat seal to the inward ends of tear initiators.

The longitudinal heat seal 412, the first transverse heat seal 414, the second transverse heat seal 416, and the third transverse heat seal

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IMPI

INSTITUTO M * lCANO Di LA PROPIEDAD • SOUSTPIAL

<img file="MX343092B_D0053.tif" />

118, all are hermetic heat seals from the inner surface of the film to itself. Each of these heat seals is of a type generally referred to as a fin seal. Although the longitudinal heat seal 412 is described above as a flap seal with the first and second longitudinal margins 413 and 415 aligned, in an alternative embodiment (not shown) the longitudinal heat seal 412 may be a hermetic external surface heat seal from the film to the inner surface of the film, that is, a seal of a type known as a lapel seal.

The film is wrinkled, ie not smooth, on the entire first skirt 408 and second skirt 410. This is because the film has been shrunk by the application of heat from the heat sealing operation as well as from the heat of the Packaged product that passed through a hot air tunnel or through a hot water bath to shrink the heat shrink film tightly against product 406.

The third heat seal increase the stiffness to preserve the transverse portions of the first upper

418 serves for skirt 408 and lower of the

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IMPI

MEXICAN HSTITUTE OF THE «INDUSTRIAL OPI1TY

<img file="MX343092B_D0054.tif" />

skirt 408 together during and after shrinkage of the film, particularly in the area of ​​the first and second tear initiators 423 and 425. The third transverse heat seal 418 serves to make the first skirt 408 less flexible and more consistent, thereby serving to make the first and second tear initiators more easily visible and making the first skirt 408 more easily graspable during manual tear opening of the container 404. Although the third transverse heat seal 418 of FIG. 4 is a continuous seal across the entire width of the container 404, in an alternative embodiment (not shown) the third transverse heat seal is a series of discrete, discontinuous elongated heat seals , or a plurality of dot seals, which can extend only across a portion of the width of container 404. Different seals or seal points can be applied to the first skirt 408, or air can be trapped between the first and third transverse heat seals, to further improve both the squeeze during opening of the package and the appearance of the package.

In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first skirt 408 is heat-fixed, so that after forming the package and shrinking the film around the product,

ΙΜΡΪ η * τπυτο Mexican D »LA WO PIEDAD. INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX343092B_D0055.tif" />

shrinking and curling of the skirt eliBtni'wuye ·. '»· Βι» one modality, the skirt 408 further consists of at least one multi-layer film gripping assistant during manual tearing, as described in Pub. USA 2009/0116768 Al.

Although the heat shrinkable film from which the container 404 is manufactured is a rigid film, the container 404 is designed to be opened using a manual tear operation. Fig. 5 shows the container 404 in a state to be opened by manual tearing from the matching tear initiators 423 and 425. As is evident in Fig. 5, tear 502 runs along longitudinal heat seal 412, with tear 502 exiting first and second tear initiators 423 and 425. Of course, longitudinal seal 412 is not present on the underside of container 404. However, tearing proceeds at the same time down the sides of the top and bottom of container 404, resulting in opening of container 404 so that product 406 can be manually separated from container 404 after completion of tearing, without the use of a sharp implement such as a knife or scissors.

ΙΜΡΙ

<img file="MX343092B_D0056.tif" />

industrial

The manual tearing of the container is performed by holding the left side of the excess bag tight, the longitudinal heat seal being in a vertical position with the bottom margin 420 up, the longitudinal tearing down being made to the seal 412. As shown shows, preferably tear initiators 423 and 425 are located on the left side of the first heat seal, that is, for a skilled individual to tear. A printed indication (not shown) can be provided to tell the consumer the tear direction to produce tear 502 down along the longitudinal seal

412.

Fig. 6 is a schematic of the container 404 of Fig. 4, except that Fig. 6 shows the container in a configuration in the flattened state, without a product inside, and before shrinkage. Fig. 6 shows first longitudinal 412 heat seal, second transverse 414 heat seal, third transverse 416 heat seal, optionally (but preferred) fourth transverse 418 heat seal, and matching tear initiators 423 and 425, which are indentations lines through both the upper and lower portions of the first skirt 408.

<img file="MX343092B_D0057.tif" />

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE ·? of the eeofif.dad industrial

Fig. 7 is a schematic of the container 404 dé * ”lá T'lLJ. &amp;&gt; pgw * the dotted line 7 02 that passes through and extends from the matching tear initiators 423 and 425, and the dotted line 704 that passes through and extends from the first longitudinal heat seal 412 Dotted lines 702 and 704 establish the angle between tear initiators 423 and 425 and the first longitudinal heat seal 412. The smallest included angle between lines 702 and 704 is represented by the symbol a in Fig. 7. As shown in Fig. 7, the smallest included angle o is approximately 45 degrees. In contrast, the largest included angle between lines 702 and 704 is represented by the symbol β in Fig. 7. As shown in Fig. 7, the largest included angle β is approximately 135 degrees.

Fig. 8 is a schematic of a comparative first package 804 in a flattened configuration without a product inside, prior to shrinkage. In FIG. 8, the dotted line 802 passes through and extends from the matching tear initiators 823 and 825, and the dotted line 808 passes through and extends from the first longitudinal heat seal 412. The smallest angle included between the

IMPI ί® ||&gt; 3

IWSTITUTíJMBKlCANlj Ot LA ΓΚΟΠΚΧΛΟ INDUSTRIAL lines 802 and 808 is approximately 6 ~ 0 grade. b'X largest included angle β is approximately 120 degrees. Tear initiators 823 and 825 of Fig. 8 do not perform as well as tear initiators 423 and 825 (sic) of Fig. 7, in that more frequently tearing of the container of Fig. 8 results in a transverse tear spread through the package just after the second transverse heat seal 414, or a break in a gripper (not shown) prior to opening.

FIG. 9 is a schematic of a comparative second package 904 in a configuration in the flattened state with no product inside, prior to shrinkage. In FIG. 9, the dotted line 902 passes through and extends from the matching tear initiators 923 and 925, and the dotted line 908 passes through and extends from the first longitudinal heat seal 412. Line 902 is parallel to line 908 and therefore there is a 0 degree minor angle included (ie no minor angle included) between lines 902 and 908. Tear initiators 923 and 925 in Fig. 9 do not perform as well as tear initiators 423 and 425 of Fig. 7, where more frequently tear of the container of Fig. 9

IMPI results in a transverse tear spread through the container just after the second transverse 414 heat seal, or a break in a gripper assist (not shown) prior to opening.

<img file="MX343092B_D0058.tif" />

FIG. 10 is a schematic of a third comparative package 954 in a configuration in the flattened state with no product inside, prior to shrinkage. In FIG. 10, the dotted line 952 passes through and extends from the matching tear initiators 953 and 955, and the dotted line 958 passes through and extends from the first longitudinal heat seal 412. Line 952 is parallel to line 958 and as such there is no 0 degree minor angle included (ie no minor angle included) between lines 952 and 958. Clasp shaped heat seals 957 and 959 are on each side tear initiators 953 and 955, the bracket-shaped heat seals 957 and 959 extending from the first transverse heat seal 414 to the third transverse heat seal 418. The tear initiators 953 and 955 of FIG. 10 they do not perform as well as tear initiators 422 in Fig. 7, in that the resulting manual tear of the package after shrinkage around a product does not produce a longitudinal tear along the first

IMPI '

Mexican Institute of Industrial Property

<img file="MX343092B_D0059.tif" />

longitudinal heat seal 412, all the¹ I saw u¹ «Haoia abaj.Ob of the length of the container 954.

The invention is illustrated by the following example, which is provided for the purpose of representation, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Unless otherwise mentioned, all percentages, parts, etc. they are by weight.

A preferred six layer heat shrinkable multilayer film for use in preparing a package according to the present invention is produced in a manner shown in Fig. 2, as described above. The composition of this film, referred to herein as Film No. 1, is described below and is provided in Table 1. The first layer was an outer film layer that served as the outer layer of the bag. The second layer was a tie layer between the first layer and the third layer. The third layer was a barrier layer of 0₂. The fourth layer was a tie layer. The fifth layer was a core layer. The sixth layer was an outer film layer that served as the inner layer of the container and as a sealant layer.

ΓΜΡΙ • ATI r_JTt Mexican iA NDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

<img file="MX343092B_D0060.tif" />

TABLE 1

<td>Cap Desig nation</td><td>Chemical Identity of the Layer</td><td>Cap Thickness (microns)</td>

<td>First</td><td>100 *? «CaproiU CA95 WP polyamide</td><td>2.S</td>

<td>(Exterior)</td><td></td><td></td>

<td colspan="2">Second IÜ0&gt; ¡\ Jmer \ 1 AM AND LOPE modified with anhydride</td><td>s. one</td>

<td>Third ⁽'^S'hall</td><td>524 cop i vinylidene chloride / vinyl chloride</td><td> 6.7</td>

<td>'11' · IxmÍ 'F</td><td>9 H9tcqp. irinylidene chloride / methylc acrylate</td><td></td>

<td></td><td>DrupCX 591 soybean oil epox ± given</td><td></td>

<td>Quarter</td><td>100% choose? FL O00N Ultra EVA</td><td>7.X</td>

<td>Fifth.</td><td>209 «Escorenc FL (» 014 Ultra EVA</td><td>7.X</td>

<td></td><td>X (l0, .bou: &lt;\ 2045S</td><td></td>

<td>Sixth</td><td>100 ,, Aífiniu 'PI. 12S0</td><td> 14.5</td>

<td>(inside) i</td><td></td><td></td>

The resins identified in Table 1 have the following properties:

Capron® CA95 WP polyamide 6/66: density 1,128 g / cc, melting point 196 ° C, obtained from BASF Corporation.

Admer® NF 538E Anhydride-Modified Very Low Density Polyethylene 10: Density 0.91 g / cc, Melt Index 4.1, obtained from Mitsui Chemicals America.

<img file="MX343092B_D0061.tif" />

Ixan® PV324 vinyl chloride copolymer of vi ni 1 i den σ Arí gyr σ rp vinyl: density 1.68 g / cc, 21-24% by weight of vinyl chloride, obtained from Solvay Plastics.

Ixan® PV891 vinylidene chloride / methyl acrylate copolymer: density 1.73 g / cc, methyl acrylate 8.1% by weight, obtained from Solvay Plastics.

Drapex® 392 epoxidized soybean oil: density of 0.995 g / cc, obtained from Chemtura Corporation.

Escorene®FL 00014 Ultra ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer: density 0.937 g / cc, vinyl acetate content 14% by weight, melt index 0.25 g / 10 min, melting point 91 ° C, obtained from ExxonMobil

Chemical.

Dowlex®2045S linear low-density polyethylene: heterogeneous ethylene / octane copolymer, catalyzed Ziegler Natta, density 0.92 g / cc, melt index 1.0 g / 10 min, melting point 124 ° C, obtained from The Dow Chemical Company.

Affinity®PL 1280 considerably linear, single-site catalyzed ethylene / octene copolymer: 0.900 g / cc,

IMPI. .

w ------.-- '.' 'I _ ^rNST1TUTO Mexican »E LA PROPIEDAD INDUSTRIAL Melting index 6.0 g / 10 min, melting point y9^JC, obtained from The Dow Chemical Company.

The heat shrinkable film had a total thickness of 45 microns. The film exhibited a free shrink at 85 ° C (= 185 ° F) of 27% in the machine direction and

33% in the transverse direction. The film presented a tensile strength of 750 Kg / cm² in the direction of the machine and 460 Kg / cm² in the transverse direction. The film featured a tear initiation of 550 grams in the machine direction and 680 grams in the cross direction. The film exhibited a tear spread of 110 grams in the machine direction and 200 grams in the cross direction.

The self-shrink film tubing was wound onto a roll, which was unwound and supplied to a process as shown in Fig. 3, as described above, to prepare a container and packaged product according to Fig. 4 The resulting container was torn to open manually, as shown in Fig. 5, with longitudinal tearing proceeding along the first longitudinal heat seal.

η ^ΤΟ MEXICAN,

OWN »'C« e.-wei ^ «- / &lt;^ -PDU3TRIAL

Although the present invention is to be! With reference to preferred embodiments, it should be understood that modifications and variations of the invention exist without departing from the principles and scope of the invention, as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. Accordingly, those modifications are in accordance with the claims set forth below.

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF THE FXSFIEDAO INDUSTRIAL

<img file="MX343092B_D0062.tif" />