Multiple container package

Claim 2

In a package comprising a plurality of containers arranged in a substantial wall-abutting relationship with one another whereby void spaces are formed within container groupings and an overwrap of heat shrunken thermoplastic tubular film whose tubular axis is perpendicular to the direction of the axes of the containers, said overwrap arranged in a contour conforming configuration with the containers wherein the improved overwrap comprises: a web of thermoplastic film formed into a sleeve; a band on the top of the package formed by at least two overlapping layers of said web, said band having at least one finger hole substantially aligned with the void space formed within the container groupings; and a bond between the overlapping layers of said band.

Claim 3

The package of claim 1 wherein said band comprises three overlapping layers of said web.

Claim 4

The package of claim 1 wherein said band comprises four overlapping layers of said web.

Claim 5

The package of claim 1 wherein said bond is a layer of adhesive.

Claim 6

The package of claim 1 wherein said bond is a heat seal bond.

Claim 7

The package of claim 1 wherein said bond consists of at least two heat seal joints substantially parallel to the axis of said sleeve.

Claim 8

The package of claim 1 wherein said bond consists of two continuous linear heat seal joints substantially parallel to the axis of said sleeve.

Claim 9

The package of claim 1 wherein the thermoplastic film is heat-shrinkable polyethylene.

Claim 10

The package of claim 1 wherein the containers are arranged in two abutting rows.

Claim 11

A package comprising a grouping of cans arranged in two adjacent linear rows each consisting of at least two cans and an overwrap formed from a web of thermoplastic film enclosing said grouping of cans, said web being formed into a tubular sleeve whose tubular axis is perpendicular to the direction of the axes of the cans and said web having its overlapping edges sealed together to form a band comprising at least two layers of film, said cans being arranged in abutting relationship with each other and forming a void space within a grouping of any four grouped cans and said band being positioned between said rows of cans and having means defining at least one finger hole therein substantially aligned with a said void space within a said grouping of four grouped cans.

Claim 12

A package comprising a grouping of cans arranged in two adjacent linear rows each consisting of at least two cans and an overwrap formed from a web of thermoplastic film enclosing said grouping of cans, said web being formed into a tubular sleeve whose tubular axis is perpendicular to the direction of the axes of the cans and said web having its overlapping edges sealed together to form a band comprising at least two layers of film, said cans being arranged in abutting relationship with each other and forming a void space within a grouping of any four grouped cans and said band being positioned between said rows of cans and having means defining at least one finger hole therein substantially aligned with a said void space within a said grouping of four grouped cans.