Package handle

Abstract

A package having a handle portion is disclosed. The package generally includes opposing panel portions that at least partially define an interior cavity therebetween accessible through an access opening. The handle is generally formed by two or more openings or apertures punched or cut into a portion of the package. The handle can be further defined by a cut or slit line extending between and in communication with the apertures to provide a hingeable flap.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 001,246, filed Oct. 31, 2007 and entitled “PACKAGE HANDLE,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to flexible packaging and, more particularly, to packages, and methods for forming and using packages, having a handle generally defined by two or more punched or cut handle openings or apertures, and a cut or slit extending between the apertures.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Conventional flexible packages generally include external or integrated sliding means or other devices designed to allow a user to selectively gain access into the pouch or package. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,913,561, 5,692,837, 6,186,663 and 7,040,810 disclose such packaging. Other closeable devices to provide access into the pouch or package are known as well.[0004]In general, there are two common handles incor...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The present invention solves many of the problems facing the flexible packages and packaging industry. Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a package generally including at least one front and back panel joined at least partially together to define an interior accessible through an access opening. The interior is capable of storing and dispensing product and other objects or materials. The package further includes two or more openings such as punch or cut apertures and a slit or cut line that extends between and in communication with the apertures. Additional apertures can be utilized as well. In addition, the apertures can be aligned and sized in a myriad of shapes and configurations to provide the package handle. Generally, the slit line extending between the apertures traverses a central portion of the holes so that a flap is created. The flap is hingeable during use to provide a level of protection for the hand of the end user.

[0008]By utilizing the at least two openings or apertures and a slit configuration of the present invention in defining the package handle, many of the inherent problems of conventional package handles are eliminated. First, it is relatively easy to punch or cut defined apertures in a package, even those portions of the package formed of thicker or multiple layers of material. This in turn reduces energy, tooling costs and reduces manufacturing costs in general when compared to the costs associated with punching a larger conventional oval handle in the package. For instance, tooling used to punch or cut holes with larger radii is easier to use and less expensive than tooling used to punch larger oval handles. Second, the slit line is relatively easy to cut into the package. Further, the traversal of the cut line with the spaced apertures can create a protective hingeable flap that is generally cupped in the hands of the package user during pouring and handling, reducing discomfort normally associated with the jagged or sharp edges or cut surfaces of traditional packages.

Problems solved by technology

First, it is relatively easy to punch or cut defined apertures in a package, even those portions of the package formed of thicker or multiple layers of material.

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