Package with strap handle

Abstract

A package, and method of manufacturing the same, the package having an attached strap handle for ease in carrying and pouring of the contents. In one embodiment, the package includes a pair of panels separated by a gusseted panel portion. Each end of the strap handle is attached to the package through slits that are formed at the confluence of the gusset panel portion and a respective one of the panels. Seams or seals may be formed to effectively seal the slits and may bond the handles to the package. The handle may additionally include first and second strap handles, and a strap or member spanning between the first and second strap handles.

Description

PRIORITY APPLICATIONS [0001]This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 050,816, filed May 6, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002]The present invention relates generally to flexible packaging and, more particularly, to flexible packaging having at least one strap handle.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003]Flexible and / or disposable packaging including handles for ease of handling and transport are known. For heavier packages, certain handle designs cause discomfort to the user because the handles are too narrow, thus causing the lifting and handling forces to be concentrated over a small area on the palm of the user's hand.[0004]U.S. Patent Publication No. 2008 / 0080794 discloses a strap style handle. The strap handle is disposed within an elongated hole cut out of the center of a gusset panel. The strap is comprised of a heat sealable film. The ends of the strap are adhered t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]Various embodiments of the invention include a strap handle having sufficient width to spread the pressure of the lifting force over a large area of the user's hand for reduced local pressures, thus enhancing comfort to the user during lifting and transport. Certain embodiments utilize substantially less material and process than existing handle systems, as no patch is required. The present invention also offers less potential for leakage or infestation into the package than existing handle systems because the process generates substantially less perimeter to be sealed than the elongated hole of existing handle systems. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the strap handle is placed generally transverse to the side gusset seals, enabling the consumer to easily pour the product from the package. An end of the strap handle is sandwiched between panel portions of the package at edge seals to further increase stability and reduce manufacturing steps and costs.

[0010]In other embodiments, the package can include two or more strap handles. In those employing a dual handle configuration, a first and second strap handle can be positioned along a panel portion of the package, generally adjacent or proximate one another. Alternatively, a spanning strap can be provided to span between the first and second strap handles to provide another stable and pressure-distributing means of carrying and handling the package. Such dual handle embodiments can provide easier handling, manipulation, pouring and other use of the package by end users. Any of the handles can be constructed wholly, or in part, of flexible, semi-rigid, rigid, shape molded, curved, and like materials, configurations and designs.

Problems solved by technology

For heavier packages, certain handle designs cause discomfort to the user because the handles are too narrow, thus causing the lifting and handling forces to be concentrated over a small area on the palm of the user's hand.

The above-mentioned process requires many steps, each posing not only added expense in production but also a probability of loss of integrity of the package.

Also, the orientation of the handle is not conducive to pouring out the contents of the package, particularly for a heavily loaded package.

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