US5059481A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Biaxially stretched, heat shrinkable VLDPE film
Assignee: Curwood Inc
•
Filing: 1990-03-28
•
Granted: 1991-10-22
•
Expires: 2010-03-28
Abstract
Abstract Heat-shrinkable films suitable for packaging food articles such as frozen poultry, primal meat cuts, and processed meat products. In one embodiment, the film may be a biaxially stretched monolayer film of a very low density polyethylene copolymer. In another embodiment, the film may be a biaxially stretched multilayer film comprising a first outer layer of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, a core layer of a barrier film such as a polyvinylidene chloride copolymer or an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, and a second outer layer comprising a blend of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and a very low density polyethylene copolymer. The multilayer film is preferably made by coextrusion of the layers. The films are fabricated into bags useful for the aforementioned purposes. The bags have improved toughness.
Inventors
- 👤 Stanley Lustig
- 👤 Nancy M. Mack
- 👤 Jeffrey M. Schuetz
- 👤 Stephen J. Vicik
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 17:24
CPC Classifications
B; B32; B32B; B32B27/00; B32B27/06; B32B27/08; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T428/00; Y10T428/13; Y10T428/1328; Y10T428/1331; Y10T428/31504; Y10T428/31855; Y10T428/31909; Y10T428/31913; Y10T428/3192; Y10T428/31928
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 105
Claim 1
Independent Claim
87 words
A heat-shrinkable, flexible film comprising a biaxially stretched very low density polyethylene (VLDPE) which is a linear copolymer of ethylene and at least one alpha-olefin selected from the group of butene-1, pentene-1, hexene-1, 4-methyl pentene-1, heptene-1 and octene-1, said copolymer having a density of from about 0.86 g/cm 3 to about 0.91 g/cm 3 and a 1% secant modulus below about 140,000 kPa, said biaxially stretched film having a shrinkage value of from about 30% to about 50% percent at 90° C. in at least one direction.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
87 words
A heat-shrinkable, flexible film comprising a biaxially stretched very low density polyethylene (VLDPE) which is a linear copolymer of ethylene and at least one alpha-olefin selected from the group of butene-1, pentene-1, hexene-1, 4-methyl pentene-1, heptene-1 and octene-1, said copolymer having a density of from about 0.86 g/cm 3 to about 0.91 g/cm 3 and a 1% secant modulus below about 140,000 kPa, said biaxially stretched film having a shrinkage value of from about 30% to about 50% percent at 90° C. in at least one direction.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said alpha-olefin comprises butene-1.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said alpha-olefin comprises pentene-1.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said alpha-olefin comprises 4-methyl-pentene-1.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said alpha-olefin comprises hexene-1.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said alpha-olefin comprises heptene-1.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said alpha-olefin comprises octene-1.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said alpha-olefin consists essentially of butene-1.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said alpha-olefin consists essentially of hexene-1.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said alpha-olefin consists essentially of octene-1.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said density is from about 0.86 g/cm 3 to about 0.90 g/cm 3 .
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said density is from about 0.90 g/cm 3 to about 0.91 g/cm 3 .
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said density is about 0.906 g/cm 3 .
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said 1% secant modulus is from about 600 KPa to about 100,000 KPa.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said 1% secant modulus is from about 100,000 KPa to about 140,000 KPa.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
16 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said shrinkage value is in the machine direction.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said shrinkage value is in the transverse direction.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
19 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said shrinkage value is in both the machine and transverse direction.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
16 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said shrinkage value is at least 50 percent.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
23 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said VLDPE has an M w /M n of from about 2.7 to about 6.5.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
23 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said VLDPE has an M w /M n of from about 2.9 to about 4.8.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
22 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said VLDPE has a melt flow ratio of from about 22 to about 40.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
22 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said VLDPE has a melt flow ratio of from about 26 to about 35.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
21 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said film has an elongation at break value of at least about 400%.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
24 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said film has a tensile strength of at least about 7650 psi (537 Kg/cm 2 ).
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
33 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said VLDPE has a melt index (M.I.) as measured by ASTM D-1238, condition E of greater than 0 g/10 minutes to about 25.0 g/10 minutes.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
22 words
A film, as defined in claim 26, wherein said melt index is from about 0.2 g/10 minutes to about 4.0 g/10 minutes.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
22 words
A film, as defined in claim 26, wherein said melt index is from about 0.14 g/10 minutes to about 0.92 g/10 minutes.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
35 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said VLDPE has a high load melt index (HLMI) as measured by ASTM D-1238, condition F, of greater than 0 g/10 minutes to about 1000 g/10 minutes.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
16 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said film consists essentially of said VLDPE copolymer.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
18 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said VLDPE has a melting point of about 116° C.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
19 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said VLDPE has a melting point of at least 116° C.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
29 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said VLDPE has 6 mole percent or more of its polymer units derived from a C 4 to C 8 alpha-olefin.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
17 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said VLDPE is blended with an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
17 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said VLDPE further comprises a residual amount of titanium.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
12 words
A film as defined in claim 1, wherein said film is cross-linked.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
26 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said film has been irradiated to a dosage level of between about 1 megarad and about 5 megarads.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
26 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said film has been irradiated to a dosage level of between about 2 megarad and about 3 megarads.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
15 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said film is heat sealable to itself.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
16 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said film was biaxially stretched as a tube.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
14 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said film is a monolayer film.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
20 words
A film, as defined in claim 41, wherein said film has a thickness of from 1.5 to about 2.75 mils.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
20 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said film was biaxially stretched below the melting point of the VLDPE.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
30 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said VLDPE is biaxially stretched at a temperature of from about 15°-50° F. (8°-28° C.) below the melting point of the VLDPE.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
21 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said VLDPE is biaxially oriented at a temperature between 88° and 108° C.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
18 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said VLDPE has a melting point higher than 104° C.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
14 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said film comprises a multilayer film.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
15 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said film comprises a heat-shrinkable poultry bag.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
14 words
A film, as defined in claim 1, wherein said film comprises a heat-sealable bag.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
91 words
A heat-shrinkable flexible film comprising a biaxially stretched film of a copolymer of ethylene and at least one alpha-olefin selected from the group of propylene, butene-1, pentene-1, hexene-1, 4-methylpentene-1, heptene-1, and octene-1, said copolymer having a density of from about 0.86 g/cm 3 to about 0.90 g/cm 3 , a melting point of at least about 116° C., a 1% secant modulus value less than 140,000 KPa, and said biaxially stretched film having a shrinkage value of from about 30% to about 50% at 90° C. in at least one direction.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
91 words
A heat-shrinkable flexible film comprising a biaxially stretched film of a copolymer of ethylene and at least one alpha-olefin selected from the group of propylene, butene-1, pentene-1, hexene-1, 4-methylpentene-1, heptene-1, and octene-1, said copolymer having a density of from about 0.86 g/cm 3 to about 0.90 g/cm 3 , a melting point of at least about 116° C., a 1% secant modulus value less than 140,000 KPa, and said biaxially stretched film having a shrinkage value of from about 30% to about 50% at 90° C. in at least one direction.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
21 words
A film, as defined in claim 50, wherein said 1% secant modulus value is from 100,000 KPa up to 140,000 KPa.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
21 words
A film, as defined in claim 50, wherein said 1% secant modulus value is from 600 KPa to about 100,000 KPa.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
97 words
A heat-shrinkable flexible film comprising a biaxially stretched very low density polyethylene (VLDPE) which is a linear copolymer of ethylene and at least one alpha-olefin selected from the group of propylene, butene-1, pentene-1, hexene-1, 4 methylpentene-1, heptene-1, and octene-1, said copolymer having a density of from about 0.90 g/cm 3 to about 0.91 g/cm 3 , a melting point of at least about 116° C., a 1% secant modulus value below 140,000 KPa and said biaxially stretched film having a shrinkage value of from about 30% to about 50% at 90° C. in at least one direction.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
97 words
A heat-shrinkable flexible film comprising a biaxially stretched very low density polyethylene (VLDPE) which is a linear copolymer of ethylene and at least one alpha-olefin selected from the group of propylene, butene-1, pentene-1, hexene-1, 4 methylpentene-1, heptene-1, and octene-1, said copolymer having a density of from about 0.90 g/cm 3 to about 0.91 g/cm 3 , a melting point of at least about 116° C., a 1% secant modulus value below 140,000 KPa and said biaxially stretched film having a shrinkage value of from about 30% to about 50% at 90° C. in at least one direction.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
21 words
A film, as defined in claim 53, wherein said 1% secant modulus value is from 600 KPa to about 100,000 KPa.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
22 words
A film, as defined in claim 53, wherein said 1% secant modulus value is from about 100,000 KPa up to 140,000 KPa.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
118 words
A heat-shrinkable flexible film comprising a biaxially stretched very low density polyethylene (VLDPE) which is a linear copolymer of ethylene and at least one alpha-olefin selected from butene-1, hexene-1 and octene-1, said copolymer having a density of from about 0.90 g/cm 3 to about 0.91 g/cm 3 , a melting point of at least 116° C., a 1% secant modulus of from about 600 KPa to about 100,000 KPa, a standard melt index of from about 0.2 g/10 minutes to about 4.0 g/10 minutes, a melt flow ratio of from 26 to about 35, and said biaxially stretched film having a shrinkage value of from about 30% to about 50% at 90° C. in at least one direction.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
118 words
A heat-shrinkable flexible film comprising a biaxially stretched very low density polyethylene (VLDPE) which is a linear copolymer of ethylene and at least one alpha-olefin selected from butene-1, hexene-1 and octene-1, said copolymer having a density of from about 0.90 g/cm 3 to about 0.91 g/cm 3 , a melting point of at least 116° C., a 1% secant modulus of from about 600 KPa to about 100,000 KPa, a standard melt index of from about 0.2 g/10 minutes to about 4.0 g/10 minutes, a melt flow ratio of from 26 to about 35, and said biaxially stretched film having a shrinkage value of from about 30% to about 50% at 90° C. in at least one direction.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
12 words
A film, as defined in claim 56, wherein said alpha-olefin comprises butene-1.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
12 words
A film, as defined in claim 56, wherein said alpha-olefin comprises hexene-1.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
12 words
A film, as defined in claim 56, wherein said alpha-olefin comprises octene-1.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
100 words
A heat-shrinkable multilayer flexible film wherein at least one layer of said multilayer film comprises a biaxially stretched very low density polyethylene (VLDPE) which is a linear copolymer of ethylene and at least one alpha-olefin selected from the group of butene-1, pentene-1, hexene-1, 4 methylpentene-1, heptene-1 and octene-1, said copolymer having a density of from about 0.86 g/cm 3 to about 0.91 g/cm 3 and a 1% secant modulus below about 140,000 KPa, said multilayer film being a biaxially stretched film having a shrinkage value of from about 30% to about 50% at 90° C. in at least one direction.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
100 words
A heat-shrinkable multilayer flexible film wherein at least one layer of said multilayer film comprises a biaxially stretched very low density polyethylene (VLDPE) which is a linear copolymer of ethylene and at least one alpha-olefin selected from the group of butene-1, pentene-1, hexene-1, 4 methylpentene-1, heptene-1 and octene-1, said copolymer having a density of from about 0.86 g/cm 3 to about 0.91 g/cm 3 and a 1% secant modulus below about 140,000 KPa, said multilayer film being a biaxially stretched film having a shrinkage value of from about 30% to about 50% at 90° C. in at least one direction.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
27 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 60, wherein said film comprises three layers including a first outer layer, a core layer and a second outer layer.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
22 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 60, wherein at least one layer of said film comprises an oxygen barrier film layer.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
18 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 60, wherein multiple layers of said film are formed by coextrusion.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
13 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 60, wherein said film is cross-linked.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
26 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 60, wherein said film has been irradiated to a dosage level of between about 1 megarad and 5 megarads.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
22 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 60, wherein said film further comprises at least one layer comprising an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
22 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 60, wherein said film further comprises at least one layer comprising a polyvinylidene chloride copolymer.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
22 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 67, wherein said polyvinylidene chloride copolymer comprises a copolymer of vinylidene chloride and vinyl chloride.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
21 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 67, wherein said polyvinylidene chloride copolymer comprises a copolymer of vinylidene chloride and acrylonitrile.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
23 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 67, wherein said polyvinylidene chloride copolymer comprises a copolymer of vinylidene chloride and an acrylate ester.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
22 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 67, wherein said polyvinylidene chloride copolymer comprises a copolymer of vinylidene chloride and methyl methacrylate.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
21 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 67, wherein said polyvinylidene chloride copolymer comprises at least 65 weight percent vinylidene chloride.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
28 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 67, wherein said polyvinylidene chloride copolymer comprises at least 70 weight percent and not more than 95 weight percent vinylidene chloride.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
30 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 60, wherein at least one biaxially stretched layer of said multilayer film comprises a blend of VLDPE and an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA).
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
24 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 74, wherein said blend comprises 5 to 25 percent VLDPE based upon the weight of the blend.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
24 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 74, wherein said blend comprises at least 10 percent VLDPE based upon the weight of the blend.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
26 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 61, wherein said first outer layer comprises an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), and said second outer layer comprises VLDPE.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
34 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 77, wherein said EVA has a vinyl acetate content of from about 9 weight percent to about 15 weight percent, based on the weight of said copolymer.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
55 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 74, wherein said EVA comprises blend of a least two ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers wherein said EVA blend of said at least two ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers has a vinyl acetate content of from about 3 to about 18 weight percent based on the total weight of said EVA copolymers.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
25 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 74, wherein said EVA blend has vinyl acetate content of from about 10 to about 15 weight percent.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
26 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 60, wherein said film has a thickness between about 1.75 mils (44.5 microns) to about 3.0 mils (76.2 microns).
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
28 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 77, wherein said second layer has a thickness of from about 0.4 mil (10 microns) to about 1.0 mil (25 microns).
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
16 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 60, wherein said film is fabricated as a bag.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
25 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 60, wherein said film comprises a heat-sealable bag adapted for packaging fresh red meat or processed meat products.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
20 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 60, wherein said VLDPE has a melting point of at least 116° C.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
23 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 60, wherein said VLDPE has a 1% secant modulus between about 600 KPa and 100,000 KPa.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
23 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 84, wherein said VLDPE has a 1% secant modulus between about 600 KPa and 100,000 KPa.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
108 words
A heat-shrinkable multilayer flexible film, comprising a first outer layer, a core layer, and a second outer layer, wherein at least one of said layers comprises a biaxially stretched very low density polyethylene (VLDPE) which is a linear copolymer of ethylene and at least one alpha-olefin selected from the group of butene-1, pentene-1, hexene-1, 4 methylpentene-1, heptene-1 and octene-1, said copolymer having a density of from about 0.86 g/cm 3 to about 0.91 g/cm 3 and a 1% secant modulus below about 140,000 KPa, said biaxially stretched multilayer film having a shrinkage value of from about 30% to about 50% at 90° C. in at least one direction.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
108 words
A heat-shrinkable multilayer flexible film, comprising a first outer layer, a core layer, and a second outer layer, wherein at least one of said layers comprises a biaxially stretched very low density polyethylene (VLDPE) which is a linear copolymer of ethylene and at least one alpha-olefin selected from the group of butene-1, pentene-1, hexene-1, 4 methylpentene-1, heptene-1 and octene-1, said copolymer having a density of from about 0.86 g/cm 3 to about 0.91 g/cm 3 and a 1% secant modulus below about 140,000 KPa, said biaxially stretched multilayer film having a shrinkage value of from about 30% to about 50% at 90° C. in at least one direction.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
37 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 88, wherein said first outer layer comprises an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, said core layer comprises a polyvinylidene chloride copolymer and said second outer layer comprises at least 10 percent VLDPE.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
16 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 89, wherein said film consists essentially of three layers.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
20 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 89, wherein said VLDPE has a melting point of at least 116° C.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
18 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 91, wherein said VLDPE comprises a copolymer of ethylene and octene-1.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
18 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 91, wherein said VLDPE comprises a copolymer of ethylene and hexene-1.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
18 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 91, wherein said VLDPE comprises a copolymer of ethylene and butene-1.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
18 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 91, wherein at least one layer of said film is cross-linked.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
38 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 91, wherein said VLDPE has a standard melt index of from about 0.2 g/10 minutes to about 4.0 g/10 minutes and a melt flow ratio of from 26 to about 35.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
13 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 89, wherein multiple layers are coextruded.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
24 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 89, wherein said core layer is coextruded in direct contact with said second outer layer containing VLDPE.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
29 words
A multilayer film, as defined in claim 92, wherein said second outer layer comprises at least 10 percent VLDPE and at least one layer of said film is cross-linked.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-10-21 | 1995-04-22 | 1995-10-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-10-21 | 1999-04-22 | 1999-10-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-10-21 | 2003-04-22 | 2003-10-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |