Patent ID: 6042862
Filing Date: 2000-03-28
Classification: B32B,B65B,B65D,Y10T

Abstract:
A packaging method, comprising:a. positioning a web of film over a support member having a product thereon, said film being at least partially heat-shrinkable;b. securing a portion of said web to said support member by forming a heat-seal between said support member and said web, said heat-seal extending substantially continuously about the product to enclose the product between said support member and the secured portion of said web; andc. severing a segment of said web in a substantially closed geometrical shape that encompasses the secured portion of said web with a cutting element having a heated portion and a relatively cooler portion so that a first peripheral portion of the severed web segment adjacent the heated portion of said cutting element is heat-contracted toward said heat-seal to a greater degree relative to a second peripheral portion of the severed web segment adjacent the relatively cooler portion of said cutting element, whereby said second peripheral portion provides a tab which can be manually grasped.