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

"The invention is a strap handle for a package that is designed to improve comfort and reduce pressure on the user's hand during lifting and transport. The handle is made using a process that generates less material to be sealed, making it more comfortable and less likely to leak or infest. The handle can be applied during the manufacturing of the package or pre-applied to the material. The package includes a gusseted panel with the handle sealed at the edges, and the handle can be positioned along a panel or spanning between two panels for easier handling and manipulation. The handle can be made from flexible, semi-rigid, rigid, or shape-molded materials."

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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