Package with handle

Abstract

A package comprising a package body. The package body comprises a polymeric shell defining at least one side and a package volume is disclosed. The polymeric shell comprises a polymeric film having a thickness between at least about 0.6 mils and about 4 mils. The package contains product, the product having a weight of between 2 and 20 pounds. The package body comprises a handle joined to the side, the handle comprising polymeric film and an elongated grip portion having an elongated grip portion width and an elongated grip portion length. The elongated grip terminates at and gradually widens into two end portions, each of the end portions having an end portion width which is greater than the elongated grip portion width. The end portions are each adhered to the polymeric shell on the side; and wherein the package has a Handle Ratio (Side Area to Handle Area) of at least about 5.

1 . A package comprising:
 a. a package body, said package body comprising a polymeric shell defining at least one side and a package volume, said polymeric shell comprising a polymeric film having a thickness between at least about 0.6 mils and about 4 mils;   b. the package containing product, said product having a weight of between 2 and 20 pounds;   c. said package body comprising a handle joined to said side, said handle comprising polymeric film and an elongated grip portion having an elongated grip portion width and an elongated grip portion length;   d. said elongated grip terminating at and gradually widening into two end portions, each said end portion having an end portion width which is greater than said elongated grip portion width;   e. wherein said end portions are each adhered to said polymeric shell on said side; and   f. wherein the package has a Handle Ratio (Side Area to Handle Area) of at least about 5.   
     
     
         2 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the peel strength of the adhesive between said end portions and said polymeric shell is greater than 1.6 lbs. 
     
     
         3 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the width of the end portions is greater than 1.5 inches and less than 7 inches. 
     
     
         4 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the radii of the handle-to-end-portion transition radius is greater than 0.75 inch. 
     
     
         5 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein said package comprises a corner edge, and a centerline, parallel to said corner edge, and wherein said handle is positioned at a location between said corner and said centerline. 
     
     
         6 . The package of  claim 5 , wherein said handle is located from a distance from said centerline equal to from 1 to 50% of a dimension of a side perpendicular to said corner edge. 
     
     
         7 . The package of  claim 5 , wherein said handle is disposed on a corner of said package. 
     
     
         8 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein end portions each are less than 30% of the length of said handle. 
     
     
         9 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of said handle further comprises a layer of cellulosic web material laminated to a side of said handle. 
     
     
         10 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein said handle is located on said package in a location adjacent to a package seal, the handle adding structural integrity to said seal. 
     
     
         11 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein said package comprises lines of weakness at an opening region, and said handle is located remote from said lines of weakness. 
     
     
         12 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein said handle is joined in a releasable and re-sealable manner, and said handle is joined at an opening region, said handle being re-sealable over said opening region. 
     
     
         13 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein said package encloses a volume of between about 1,728 cubic inches and about 12,000 cubic inches.