Abstract:
A heat-shrinkable holder is disclosed for securing a plurality of articles. The holder may include a first sheet formed of heat-shrinkable material, and a second sheet formed of heat-shrinkable material and joined to the first sheet. The first sheet and the second sheet each have a substantially equal pre-shrinking length, and are joined so as to create at least two openings therebetween. Each of the openings is sized larger than one of the articles. The first and second sheets are heat-shrinkable to an extent to shrink the openings sufficiently to secure two of the articles together into a unit. Various modifications and additions are possible, including use of more than three sheets, providing for the reading of printed indicia on the articles or holder, providing a handle. Numerous orientations and collections of articles are possible. Related packages including a holder and articles are also disclosed, as well as related methods of manufacture of the holder and package.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part application of application Ser. No. 11/384,031, filed on Mar. 17, 2006, and which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to a heat-shrinkable holder for securing articles, a package securing such articles using heat-shrinkable sheets, and a method of securing such articles using heat-shrinkable sheets. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Articles such as beverage containers are often secured together using thermoplastic ring-type carriers. Some such carriers are sometimes known as “six-pack” carriers, although carriers for holding various numbers of containers have been used. Typically, such carriers comprise a flexible plastic, for example made from a low-density polyethylene. The carriers have openings formed smaller than the containers. The carriers are stretched over a suitably positioned group of the containers. When released, the openings conform to the sides of the containers, thereby unitizing the containers into a package. 
         [0004]    The characteristics of the plastics used in such stretch-loaded carriers are such that it can be difficult to remove individual containers or groups of containers together due he the amount of force required. In particular, the complexity of manufacture and use of such carriers increases substantially with the number of containers being held by the carrier. Also, the carriers used are generally small strips, located around the top portion of the containers, for example along a ridge at the top of a can. The plastics are thus not susceptible to carrying printed indicia, and are typically not sufficiently transparent or translucent so as to allow the view of any indicia on the containers being held. Also, a fair amount of force and complicated machinery is required to stretch the carriers so as to place them over the containers. Therefore, although stretch-loaded carriers have been used for many years, various drawbacks do exist with regard to stretch-loaded carriers. 
         [0005]    In conventional shrink-wrapping, a load is fed to a wrapping zone in which a shrink-wrap film is placed on the load in some fashion. The film is cut into pieces or sheets before or during the placement on the load. Typically, the film makes a complete revolution around the load so that two cut ends overlap. The load and film are then passed into a heating tunnel causing the film to shrink and compress against the load. Typically, the film is cut into sheets large enough to allow for some overlap between edges when placed on the load. During the heating process, the edges may therefore be sealed together forming a unitary package. 
         [0006]    Groups of articles such as containers have been wrapped with shrink-wrap in such fashion previously. However, due to the nature of conventional shrink-wrapping, the film extends only around the outside of the articles. Therefore, individual articles may not be removed without compromising the integrity of the entire package, and individual articles may contact each other while packaged, possibly leading to damage. To address issues such as thee, sometimes, articles are even placed in a first container such as a box or a stretch wrap carrier, and then shrink-wrapped. Such packaging adds cost and wastes material. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, an improved holder for articles such as containers, an improved package of unitized containers, and improved methods of packaging would be welcome, addressing one or more of the above drawbacks of conventional packaging technology, and/or other disadvantages of currently available technology. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    According to certain aspects of the invention, a heat-shrinkable holder is disclosed for securing a plurality of articles, the holder including a first sheet formed of heat-shrinkable material and having a pre-shrinking length, and a second sheet formed of heat-shrinkable material substantially equal to the first sheet pre-shrinking length, the second sheet being joined to the first sheet. The first sheet and the second sheet are joined so as to create at least two openings therebetween, each of the openings sized larger than one of the articles, the first and second sheets being heat-shrinkable to an extent to shrink the openings sufficiently to secure two of the articles together into a unit. Various options and modifications are possible. 
         [0009]    For example, the holder may include two of the first sheets and two of the second sheets joined together in a unit, and the holder may be configured with a plurality of openings arranged in to rows and/or with six openings for securing six articles in a two-by-three arrangement. 
         [0010]    The articles may be arranged so that they do not contact each other directly when secured. At least one of the first or second sheets may include printed indicia relating to the article. The first and second sheets are may be joined via at least one of heating or an adhesive. The openings may have an internal circumference larger than an outer circumference of the article to be placed therein. The holder may be formed in a group of separable holders formed sequentially from the first and second sheets, and perforations may be provided for separating adjacent holders formed from the first and second sheets. The holder may further include a handle extending from at least one of the first and second sheets, and the articles may be containers. At least one of the first or second sheets may include perforations configured for allowing an article to be removed from the unit after heat shrinking. 
         [0011]    According to other aspects of the invention, a package of articles is disclosed including a plurality of articles, a first sheet formed of heat-shrinkable material and having a pre-shrinking length, and a second sheet formed of heat-shrinkable material substantially equal to the first sheet pre-shrinking length, the second sheet being joined to the first sheet. The first sheet and the second sheet are joined so as to create at least two openings therebetween, each of the openings sized larger than one of the articles, the first and second sheets being heat-shrinkable to an extent to shrink the openings sufficiently to secure two of the articles together into a unit. As above, various options and modifications are possible. 
         [0012]    According to other aspects of the invention, a package of articles is disclosed including a plurality of articles, and at least four sheets of heat-shrunken material having substantially equal pre-shrinking lengths, the sheets being joined at a plurality of discrete joinder portions thereby forming a plurality of openings arranged in at least two rows, each opening sized to secure an article therein, the heat-shrunken material and articles thereby forming a unitary heat-shrunken package configured with a plurality of articles arranged in at least two rows. As above various options and modifications are possible. 
         [0013]    For example, the package may be configured so that the articles are drawn together in two perpendicular directions by the shrinking, and/or with the openings arranged in a two-by-four arrangement or a two-by-three arrangement. The package may be configured so that articles do not contact each other directly when secured. 
         [0014]    According to certain other aspects of the invention, a heat-shrinkable holder is disclosed for securing a plurality of articles, the holder including at least four sheets of heat-shrunken material having substantially equal pre-shrinking lengths, the sheets being joined at a plurality of discrete joinder portions thereby forming a plurality of openings arranged in at least two rows, each of the openings sized larger than one of the articles, the sheets being heat-shrinkable to an extent to shrink the openings sufficiently to secure two of the articles together into a unit having at least two rows of articles. Again, various options and modifications are possible. 
         [0015]    According to other aspects of the invention, a method of packaging articles is disclosed including providing a first sheet of heat-shrinkable material, the first sheet defining a plurality of pre-shrinking holder lengths; providing a second sheet of heat-shrinkable material, the second sheet defining a plurality of pre-shrinking holder lengths substantially equal to those of the first sheet; joining the first sheet to the second sheet at discrete joinder portions spaced along the first and second sheet so as to form a plurality of openings, each opening located between each adjacent pair of joinder portions, the joinder forming a plurality of holders each having the pre-shrinking holder lengths of the first and second sheets; inserting an article into each of the openings; and heating the first and second sheets to shrink the first and second sheets thereby forming a unitary package of the sheets and the inserted articles. Various options and modifications are possible with this method as well. 
         [0016]    For example, the method may further include cutting the first and second sheets to form an article holder of the pre-shrinking holder length before the heating step. Also, the method may further include providing two of the first and second sheets of heat-shrinkable material. The method may involve joining the first and second sheets so as to form a plurality of openings arranged in two rows. Also, the method may include forming perforations in at least one of the first or second sheets to allow removal of individual articles. The joining step may be achieved by at least one of applying an adhesive or applying heat. The method may further include opening the openings before the inserting step. The opening step may include one of blowing a gas, applying suction, or using one or more mechanical fingers to open the openings. The articles may be containers, and the first and second sheets are sized so that during the heating step the articles are drawn together in two perpendicular directions. The method may include providing a handle for the package. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective schematic view of one possible line configuration of a line for manufacturing heat-shrinkable holders according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. 
           [0018]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective schematic view of one possible line configuration of a line for placing articles in heat-shrinkable holders so as to create a package. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of one example of an empty heat shrinkable holder. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of the heat shrinkable holder as in  FIG. 2A , with articles located within the openings of the holder, before heat-shrinking. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2C  is a perspective view of the holder and articles as in  FIG. 2B , after heat-shrinking. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a top view of a heat-shrunken holder as in  FIG. 2C , with the articles removed for clarity. 
           [0023]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of an alternate heat-shrunken holder and articles, as in  FIG. 2C , wherein the holder includes perforations for assisting in removing individual articles. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of an alternate heat-shrunken holder and articles, as in  FIG. 2C , wherein the holder has a smaller vertical dimension. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4C  is a perspective view of an alternate heat-shrunken holder and articles, as in  FIG. 2C , wherein the articles are held by two holders as in  FIG. 4B . 
           [0026]      FIG. 4D  is a perspective view of an alternate heat-shrunken holder and articles, as in  FIG. 2C , wherein the holder is smaller and centrally located vertically along the articles. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4E  is a perspective view of an alternate heat-shrunken holder and articles, as in  FIG. 2C , wherein the holder includes printed indicia thereon. 
           [0028]      FIG. 4F  is a perspective view of an alternate heat-shrunken holder and articles, as in  FIG. 2C , wherein printed indicia on the articles may be seen through at least a portion of the holder, and including an optional handle. 
           [0029]      FIG. 4G  is a perspective view of an alternate heat-shrunken holder and articles, as in  FIG. 2C , wherein the holder extends along the entire side surfaces and at least partially onto the top and bottom surfaces of the articles. 
           [0030]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of an alternate heat-shrunken holder and articles, as in  FIG. 2C , wherein the holder holds more articles in a two by six arrangement. 
           [0031]      FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of an alternate heat-shrunken holder and articles, as in  FIG. 2C , wherein the holder holds more articles in a three by four arrangement. 
           [0032]      FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of an alternate empty heat-shrinkable holder. 
           [0033]      FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of the heat shrinkable holder as in  FIG. 6A , with articles located within the openings of the holder, before heat-shrinking. 
           [0034]      FIG. 6C  is a perspective view of the holder and articles as in  FIG. 6B , after heat-shrinking. 
           [0035]      FIG. 7  is a top view of a heat-shrunken holder as in  FIG. 6C , with the articles removed for clarity. 
           [0036]      FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of an alternate heat-shrunken holder and articles, wherein the holder includes an optional handle. 
           [0037]      FIG. 8B  is a perspective view of an alternate heat-shrunken holder and articles, wherein the holder includes an alternate optional handle. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0038]    Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, and not meant as a limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield still a third embodiment. It is intended that the present invention include these and other modifications and variations. In discussing various embodiments, like or similar reference numerals are used below with like or similar parts of various embodiments. 
         [0039]    As described herein, a shrink-wrapping material may be used to form holder for articles. Preferably, the holder is formed from at least two sheets of the heat shrinkable material for holding at least one row of articles. However, more sheets and various configurations could be employed. For example, three sheets could be used for two rows of articles, as in a conventional six-pack (two by three) arrangement. If desired the sheets may have different properties, and all sheets need not be heat-shrinkable. For example, one of two sheets may be heat shrinkable, or two of three sheets may be heat shrinkable, as discussed below. The non-shrinkable sheets may be provided for structural stability (for example, use as a center sheet or a handle), for carrying printed indicia, or for other purposes. The present disclosure also includes various packages for holding articles, and methods for creating such holders and packages. 
         [0040]      FIGS. 1A through 3  disclose one possible method for manufacturing such holders and creating such packages. The example used therein is for a conventional six-pack of cans. It should be understood also that the present invention has utility with various articles, not just containers, and with various containers, not just cans, as shown. 
         [0041]    More particularly,  FIG. 1A  is a perspective schematic view of one possible line configuration of a line for manufacturing heat-shrinkable holders, an example of which is shown in  FIG. 2A . As shown in  FIG. 1A , line  10   a  includes film supply rolls  12 ,  14 ,  16  at one end and take up roll  18  at the other. Between the rolls lies a forming zone  20 , where film from rolls  12 ,  14 ,  16  is formed into holders for articles. 
         [0042]    Forming zone  20  includes spreaders  22  and sealers  24 . As shown in  FIG. 1A , spreaders  22  are rods inserted between films  26 ,  28 ,  30  to create openings  32 . At the rightmost end of forming zone  20 , spreaders  22   a  are being inserted between the films  26 ,  28 ,  30 , closely adjacent to film  28 . Spreaders  22  generally travel along direction D with the films once inserted. By the time spreaders  22   a  move along direction D and reach the position of spreaders  22   b , spreaders  22   a  will have moved outward from film  28  in the directions of arrows O. Simultaneously sealers  24  are sealing films  26  and  30  to film  28 . As illustrated, sealers  24  are heat-sealing devices, although other devices could be used to seal the films together, such as adhesive applying devices. Sealers  24   a  hold and seal the films  26 ,  28 ,  30  together thereby forming joinder portions while spreader  22   a  moves to the position of spreader  22   b . Then, another sealer  24  (not shown) will contact films  26 ,  28 ,  30  and seal them together to create another opening (not shown) upstream from opening  32   a.    
         [0043]    As shown, each opening  32  is formed by one spreader  22  and two sealers  24 . It is also possible to form adjacent openings utilizing common sealers  24  between them. Therefore, only one sealer set  24  could be provided above and below the films between openings  32   a  and  32   b , for example. Such sealer set could make a single point contact, thereby changing the shapes of the openings a bit to widen them, or could extend along direction D between openings  32   a  and  32   b  and seal the entire area between sealers  24   b  and  24   c . All openings  32  need not be the same size. For example, the outermost openings may be larger than the center opening in a common six pack arrangement (not different sizes of openings being formed in  FIG. 1A ). Thus, the loops of film  26  may have different sizes along a given holder. Making the central loops smaller may help pull the resulting package together more tightly during heat-shrinking. 
         [0044]    Spreaders  22  and sealers  24  should remain in contact with films  26 ,  28 ,  20  long enough to reliably seal them together to form a blank  42 . The amount of contact time may vary according to line speed, sealer type (heat versus adhesive), sealer temperature, film properties, etc.  FIG. 1A  shows only one of the possible arrangements of spreader  22  and sealer  24  contact ranges. 
         [0045]    Spreaders  22  and sealers  24  may be moved laterally, vertically, pivotally, or some combination, into and out of place, by suitable motors, drives, etc. For example, the spreaders and sealers may be mounted on a rotating device that places the elements in the upstream position, drives them in direction D, removes them in the downstream position, and then returns them to the upstream position. A programmable logic controller, motors and sensors can be used to control such movement as desired. Various guide rollers  34 , which may be driven or idlers, may be provided to guide the films thorough line  10   a . The films may be paid off rolls  12 ,  14 ,  16  at different speeds to account for the different lengths of films used in forming zone  20 . That is, more of films  26  and  30  is needed than of film  28 , as configured in  FIG. 1A . Some or all of the film supply rolls  12 ,  14 ,  16  may therefore be driven, and other flow controlling structures such as gimballing rollers or the like may be used. 
         [0046]    Perforating devices  36 ,  38 , and  40 , schematically shown in  FIG. 1A , may also be employed, if desired. As shown, perforating device  36  perforates all three films  26 ,  28 ,  30 , so as to allow for division of the films into separate holders. Perforating device  38  perforates film  26 , and perforating device  40  perforates film  30 . These latter perforations allow individual articles to be removed from the formed holders later. Perforating devices  36 ,  38 ,  40  may be linearly or rotationally moving knife devices. Controllers and servomotors and the like may cause the perforating devices to operate at desired times, to achieve perforations where desired in the films. 
         [0047]    Take up roll  18  may be eliminated if desired, and line  10   a  of  FIG. 1A  may lead directly to line  10   b  of  FIG. 1B . Alternatively, take up roll  18  may be replaced by a box or the like, with the film material being fan folded in place. Use of a box may provide easier splicing and changeout opportunities, while use of a roll may provide more secure control and denser packaging. Either is an acceptable modification of that shown. 
         [0048]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective schematic view of one possible line configuration of a line  10   b  for placing articles in heat-shrinkable holders so as to create a package. As stated, lines  10   a  and  10   b  may be merged into one line, eliminating the need for use of take up rolls  18 , if desired. As shown, roll  18  supplies blank  42  material, comprising in  FIG. 1B  adjacent six-pack holders  100  separated by perforations  44  formed by device  36 . Blank  42  travels to an opening station  46 , where an opener such as a blower  48 , a suction device  49 , or a mechanical finger device  50 , or some combination of both opens the openings  32  of holders  100 . Articles  102  are then loaded into openings  32  (see arrow L). As shown, six cans are vertically moved into the openings  32 . However, the articles may instead be vertically stationary and the blank material may be placed over the articles from above or below, if desired. Blank  42  is then separated at perforations  44  by a divider  52  to form individual loaded holders. It is possible to not make the perforations where illustrated in line  10   a , and to simply cut the blank  42  when indicated in line  10   b . The loaded holders  100  are then passed into a heating device  54  such as a heat tunnel. Any of the films within the holders  100  that are heat-shrinkable will then contract, forming unitary packages  200 . 
         [0049]    If desired, packages  200  may be further combined in various ways, such as by heat sealing or shrinking or adhesives to create still larger packages. For example, two six packs could be combined to create a twelve pack (see  FIG. 5B ); four six packs could be combined to create a case, etc. Also, packages  200  may be connected vertically. 
         [0050]    It should be understood that the representations of  FIGS. 1A and 1B  are not intended to be to scale and are schematic illustrations only. It should also be understood that the line  10   a  need not use three films; any number of films greater than two may be employed with modification of the line. For example, two films could be used to create a linear collection of articles. Four or five films could be used to create a grouping of articles three across (as opposed to two across). Modifications to the heat sealing and possible use of adhesives, whether heat activated, heat cured, contact adhesives, or otherwise, could be used to create larger arrays of openings and larger packages. 
         [0051]      FIGS. 2A-2C  show enlarged views of a holder  100  and articles  102 , in this case cans.  FIG. 2A  shows a holder  100 , as separated along perforations  44 . It would be possible to separate the holders  100  before filling them with articles  102 , if desired.  FIG. 2B  shows six articles  102  in openings  32  of holder  100  before heat shrinking.  FIG. 2C  shows unitized package  200  after heat shrinking.  FIGS. 2B and 2C  illustrate that heat-shrinking can beneficially cause the articles  102  to be pulled together in two perpendicular dimensions, that is along the line of central film  28  and perpendicular to it. This shrinking helps ensure a solid unitized package  200 . Adjacent articles  102  all have film between their sides to the will not “clank” into each other, possibly damaging the articles during handling or shipping. This is especially useful if the articles are containers, such as glass bottles. Also, the heat shrinking maintains the articles in a solid formation, as opposed to certain container holders where the bottoms of the containers may swing out from the tops when moved about. Again, the disclosed holder  100  prevents such swinging, and potentially prevents damage resulting therefrom. Articles are unlikely to slip out of holder  100  due to the tensions caused by heat shrinking, making them easy to handle and carry. Also, the resulting unitary package can be readily stacked and or used in displays. Because each article is packaged in its own heat-shrunken opening, individual containers are readily removed without damaging the integrity of the rest of the package. 
         [0052]      FIG. 3  is a top view of a heat-shrunken holder  100  as in  FIG. 2C , with the articles removed for clarity. As seen, shrinking along the central line followed by film  28  helps draw the six containers in to form a unitized shape, with all adjacent containers having at least one buffering piece of film between them for protection. As can be seen, the amount of film used from films  26  and  30  is much greater than from central film  28 , and the outermost openings  32  are larger than the central openings. Based on the size and shape of the articles to be packaged, the operation of forming zone  20  can be readily designed so as to achieve a desired resulting configuration. The amount of film used for outer films  26  and  30  may thus be two times more than that of film  28 , and could be as much as four or more times greater as well, depending on the application. 
         [0053]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of an alternate package  210  including heat-shrunken holder  110  and articles  102 , as in  FIG. 2C , wherein the holder includes additional perforations  112  for assisting in removing the individual articles. Perforations  112  are made by devices  38  and  40  in line  10   a , as discussed above. As shown, two perforations  112  are provided for each article  102 , but more or fewer may be provided. Also, the area of film  114  between the perforations may be bonded to the article  102 , if desired, for example, by an adhesive that could be applied to the film or article, or activated during heat shrinking or otherwise. Thus, the holder  100  would provide a label for the article  102  via film piece  114 , eliminating the necessity of separately labeling the article. (See  FIG. 4E  below for printed indicia on film). 
         [0054]      FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of an alternate heat-shrunken package  220  including holder  120  and articles  102 , as in  FIG. 2C , wherein the holder has a smaller vertical dimension. If desired, holder  120  may thus cover less of the articles, but the protective abilities may be lessened at some point with a smaller holder. Also, the holder may be placed around a bottle neck or along a can ridge, if desired. 
         [0055]      FIG. 4C  is a perspective view of an alternate heat-shrunken package  230  including holder  120  and articles  102 , as in  FIG. 2C , wherein the articles are held by two holders  120  as in  FIG. 4B . Use of two smaller holders  120  requires less film than holder  100  and addresses protection issues noted above, although assembly of the package  230  may be more complex. 
         [0056]      FIG. 4D  is a perspective view of another alternate package  240  including a heat-shrunken holder  120  and articles  102 , as in  FIG. 2C , wherein the holder is smaller and centrally located vertically along the articles. Central location of a smaller holder may also address protection issues while reducing material used. 
         [0057]      FIG. 4E  is a perspective view of an alternate package  250  including a heat-shrunken holder  150  and articles  102 , as in  FIG. 2C , wherein the holder  150  includes printed indicia  152  thereon. The printed indicia  152  may be individual elements or a common element across the various articles or across multiple packages, as desired. Thus all article labeling or supplemental article labeling may be accomplished via the package holder portion. 
         [0058]      FIG. 4F  is a perspective view of an alternate package  260  including a heat-shrunken holder  160  and articles  102 , as in  FIG. 2C , wherein printed indicia  162  on the articles  102  may be seen through at least a portion of the holder, and including an optional handle  164 . In this embodiment, the outer films  26  and  30  would be at least partially translucent or transparent in whole or part. If such a handle  164  were provided, it could be part of a film, such as central film  28  as shown, or an entirely separate piece attached in some way, such as via heat or adhesive. Handle  164  could need to be made of a more robust and/or less or non-shrinkable film or other material, depending on the size and weight of the package. 
         [0059]      FIG. 4G  is a perspective view of an alternate package  270  including heat-shrunken holder  170  and articles  102 , as in  FIG. 2C , wherein the holder extends along the entire side surfaces and at least partially onto the top and bottom surfaces of the articles. Thus, as shown, the articles  102  are substantially wrapped and secured in three dimensions using holder  170 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of an alternate package  280  including a heat-shrunken holder  180  and articles  102 , wherein the holder holds articles in a two by six arrangement. Thus, it should be understood that various arrangements of articles is possible. For example, as further shown in  FIG. 5B  alternate package  290  includes a heat-shrunken holder  190  and articles  102 , wherein the holder holds articles in a three by four, twelve-pack arrangement. Such arrangement can be achieved in various ways, and in various steps as mentioned above. As shown herein, the package  290  is essentially equivalent to two side-by-side six pack packages  200 , with an added film layer  292  therebetween. Layer  292  could be applied via heat and/or adhesive. Alternatively, the entire twelve article holder  190  could be constructed in one pass on a modified version of line  10   a.    
         [0061]      FIGS. 6A-6C  show enlarged views of an alternate holder  300  and articles  302 , in this case bottles. Holder  300  is made from four sheets of film,  324 ,  326 ,  328 ,  330 . Holder  300  may be formed from a blank holding a plurality of such holders, separable along perforations, such as perforations  44  discussed above. Separation of holders  300  results in two edges  322  at each end of the holder. As shown, holder  300  has eight openings  332  for receiving the articles  302 , although as discussed above, practically any number could be employed. Other openings  333  are created by the manufacturing process, but these are not necessarily sized to accept articles  302 , or at least articles of the same size.  FIG. 6B  shows eight articles  302  in openings  332  of holder  300  before heat shrinking.  FIG. 6C  shows unitized package  400  after heat shrinking. As with  FIGS. 2B and 2C  above, heat-shrinking can cause the articles  302  to be pulled together in two perpendicular dimensions, helping ensure a solid unitized package  400 . Adjacent articles  302  all have film between their sides, as above, and each article is again packaged in its own heat-shrunken opening so that individual containers are readily removed without damaging the integrity of the rest of the package. 
         [0062]    Holder  300  beneficially includes sheets of substantially equal length between edges  322 . Such equal sheet length allows holder  300  or a blank of multiple holders to lie flat or be readily rolled. In some applications, such abilities may be desirable, as compared to the holders described above. 
         [0063]    It should be understood that although holder  300  is illustrated as having four sheets and eight openings, various different sizes are possible. For example, holder  300  could have two sheets holding a linear grouping of articles, or could have six or eight sheets, holding wider groupings. 
         [0064]      FIG. 7  is a top view of a section through heat-shrunken holder  300 , with the articles removed for clarity. As seen, shrinking helps draw the eight containers in to form a unitized shape, with all adjacent containers having at least one buffering piece of film between them for protection. Since the amount of film used from films  324 - 330  is somewhat equal, the resulting package is somewhat symmetrical. 
         [0065]    Based on the size and shape of the articles to be packaged, the operation of forming zone as shown in  FIG. 1A  and the filling zone in  FIG. 1B  can be readily modified to form holder  300 . For example, an even number of film supply rolls could be used, and the spreaders and sealers could be arranged as needed to form the desired configuration. It would be possible to first join two films to form an initial blank having one row of openings for articles, and then to join two or more of those blanks so as to create a package having more than one row. It would also be possible to join the films using a heat sealer while joining the blanks using an adhesive, or vice versa. The ultimate processes and machinery will depend on the desired package shape. 
         [0066]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  show two modifications to package  400  including handles. In  FIG. 8A , package  410  includes a handle  464 , similar to that shown above. Handle  464  may extend from one of the sheets forming holder  300 ′ or may be an added sheet. In  FIG. 8B , handle  564  of package  420  is attached to an outer sheet of holder  300 ″. Handle  564  may be attached at any location via heat sealing or adhesive. Either handle may be made of shirnkable or nonshrinkable plastic or other materials, as desired. Handle  564  may also extend further around package for a more secure hold, if desired. 
         [0067]    Various types of films may be used for the holders&#39; films and handles, such as commercially available heat-shrink films, such as polyethylene (LLDPE, LDPE, HDPE), PVC, polypropylene, styrene copolymer, or the like. The ultimate material selected and its properties can be selected to achieve the needs of the size, shape, weight, and number of the articles being packaged, the method of shipment, sale and use, etc. 
         [0068]    Therefore, it should be understood that the types of holders, packages, and articles utilized with the teachings of the present disclosure should not be limited to those embodiments shown herein. It should also be understood that features of the various embodiments above may be recombined in other ways to achieve still further embodiments within the scope of the present invention.