WO2022087372A1 - Perforated shrink wraps and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure provides easy open containers having perforated shrink wrap coverings. The wraps described herein include a first horizontal perforation, a second horizontal perforation, a first vertical perforation extending from a first end of the wrap and ending at the first horizontal perforation, and a second vertical perforation extending from the first end of the wrap and to the first horizontal perforation and the second horizontal perforation. The perforations can define a tear strip removable from the wrap. By tearing the tear strip, the wrap can be separated into a first wrap portion and a separate second wrap portion, and the first wrap portion is removable from the container to access the contents therein.

Description

PERFORATED SHRINK WRAPS AND METHODS

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This Application claims priority, and benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/104,116, filed October 22, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to packaging and, more particularly, to easy open containers having perforated shrink wrap coverings.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Perforated shrink wraps for sealing and/or decorating products are used by many industries to protect the contents of a container (such as a bottle or other container) while also providing branding opportunities. Traditionally, bottles, tubes, or other containers that have a twist-top or pull-off lid are sealed and decorated with wraps that have a perforated portion around a perimeter of the container. For the twist-top or pull-off lid designs, the user can twist or pull the lid, thereby breaking the shrink wrap perforation to access the product. Other containers having one or more openings on the top of the container, such as a flip-top lid, may use a traditional “T” perforation shrink wrap design having one vertical perforation crossing with a horizontal perforation to form a “T” shape. The traditional “T” perforation designs can be difficult to remove and often result in the consumer tearing the perforation beyond the cross of the “T” shape when accessing the product, which tears away some or all of the bottom label. Flip-top lid designs also may require separate labels and shrink wraps for sealing, securing (providing evidence of tamper), and decorating the container. The increased number of labels and wraps can be difficult for the consumer to remove and can increase cost in tolling and/or assembling of the containers and/or labels. In some cases, a container with a difficult-to-remove label may become less recyclable. These and other concerns exist.

SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure address these concerns as well as other needs that will become apparent upon reading the description below in conjunction with the drawings. Briefly described, embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to packaging and, more particularly, to easy open containers having perforated shrink wrap coverings. [0005] The wraps described herein can include a first horizontal perforation, a second horizontal perforation, a first vertical perforation extending from a first end of the wrap and ending at the first horizontal perforation, and a second vertical perforation extending from the first end of the wrap and to the first horizontal perforation and the second horizontal perforation. The perforations can define a tear strip removable from the wrap. By tearing the tear strip, the wrap can be separated into a first wrap portion and a separate second wrap portion. The first wrap portion can be removable from the container to access the contents therein.

[0006] In some examples, the vertical perforations can be placed on each side of a seam that is created when the shrink wrap is wrapped into a sleeve for placing on the container. The seam section of the wrap can provide a thicker portion of material at the tear strip for the consumer to pull away. Some examples described herein also include additional “spot glue areas” of adhesive around the perforations. These areas of adhesive can be placed between the wrap and the container in areas not covered by the tear strip, and the adhesive areas can thicken specific areas around the perforation to aid in preventing over-tearing or tearing in directions not intended. Method of tearing the wraps are also described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate multiple embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter and serve to explain the principles of the presently disclosed subject matter. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter in any manner.

[0008] FIGS. 1A and IB show prior art containers having perforated shrink wraps.

[0009] FIGs. 2A-2C provide prospective views of a container having a perforated shrink wrap, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a perforated shrink wrap, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for opening a container protected by a perforated shrink wrap, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Although certain embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated. Accordingly, it is not intended that the disclosure is limited in its scope to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Other embodiments of the disclosure are capable of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, in describing the embodiments, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each term contemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

[0013] It should also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. References to a composition containing “a” constituent is intended to include other constituents in addition to the one named.

[0014] Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” or “substantially” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” or “substantially” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, other exemplary embodiments include from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value.

[0015] Herein, the use of terms such as “having,” “has,” “including,” or “includes” are open- ended and are intended to have the same meaning as terms such as “comprising” or “comprises” and not preclude the presence of other structure, material, or acts. Similarly, though the use of terms such as “can” or “may” are intended to be open-ended and to reflect that structure, material, or acts are not necessary, the failure to use such terms is not intended to reflect that structure, material, or acts are essential. To the extent that structure, material, or acts are presently considered to be essential, they are identified as such.

[0016] It is also to be understood that the mention of one or more method steps does not preclude the presence of additional method steps or intervening method steps between those steps expressly identified. Moreover, although the term “step” may be used herein to connote different aspects of methods employed, the term should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly required. The components described hereinafter as making up various elements of the disclosure are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable components that would perform the same or similar functions as the components described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of the disclosure. Such other components not described herein can include, but are not limited to, for example, similar components that are developed after development of the presently disclosed subject matter. Additionally, the components described herein can apply to any other component within the disclosure. Merely discussing a feature or component in relation to one embodiment does not preclude the feature or component from being used or associated with another embodiment.

[0017] To facilitate an understanding of the principles and features of the present disclosure, various illustrative embodiments are explained below. The components, steps, and materials described hereinafter as making up various elements of the embodiments disclosed herein are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable components, steps, and materials that would perform the same or similar functions as the components, steps, and materials described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of the disclosure. Such other components, steps, and materials not described herein can include, but are not limited to, similar components or steps that are developed after development of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0018] As descried above, prior designs for shrink wrapping containers and other products typically incorporated one of two designs. For containers with a twist-top lid, the shrink wrapping material can include a horizontal perforation located proximate the location that the lid connects to the container, and the perforation can be broken by twisting or pulling the lid. FIG. 1 A shows a container body 10 with protective shrink wrap 20. The perforation 30 can be broken by twisting or pulling the lid 40 relative to the container body 10. These designs, however, are of little value for containers that have flip top style lids. Another design can include a “T” perforation design, as illustrated in FIG. IB. The container body 50 in FIG. IB is wrapped in a protective shrink wrap 60 that includes a vertical perforation 70 and a horizontal perforation 80. The consumer can begin by tearing the vertical perforation 70 until the tear reaches the horizontal perforation 80, and then the shrink wrap 60 can be torn around the lid to enable the lid to be removed. As can be seen in the image on the right in FIG. IB, traditional “T” perforation designs can be difficult to remove and often result in the consumer tearing the perforation beyond the cross of the “T” shape when accessing the product.

[0019] The present design provides a solution to the issues with wraps on flip-top containers. The perforation lines described herein for the shrink wraps provide a defined area to tear open the wrap proximate the lid. The perforations can define a tear strip, which can for example take an “L” shape, that can be tom to release a first wrap portion (an upper portion proximate the lid, for example) from a second wrap portion (a lower portion proximate the container body, for example). Once released, the first wrap portion can be removed separately from the second wrap portion, and the second wrap portion can remain undisturbed.

[0020] FIG. 2 A provides three prospective views of a container 100 having a perforated shrink wrap 102, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. According to some embodiments, containers for use with the disclosed technology can include a container body 104 with a bottom surface 106, a container lid 108, and a container top surface 110. The container lid 108 can be a twist-top lid, pull-top, or a flip-top lid. As further depicted in FIG. 2A, the container lid 108 can have one or more openings 112 on the container top surface 110. In some examples, the circumference of the container body 104 can have circumferential variations along the vertical axis of the container 100. For example, the container 100 need not be a perfect cylinder, and in some embodiments, the cross-sectional geometry of the container 100 is not necessarily round or partially round. Perforated shrink wrap 102 can provide a surface for graphics such as decorations, logos, branding, product descriptions, product instructions, and the like.

[0021] In some embodiments, the perforated shrink wrap 102 can be covering, connected to, or partially adhered to the container body 104. Perforated shrink wrap 102 can additionally cover at least a portion of container top surface 110, including the one or more container openings 112 when the container is a flip-top container. By providing at least partial covering of the container top surface 110, the lid 108 (e.g., flip-top, twist-top, etc.) can be secured by the wrap 102 to prevent tampering of the contents within the container 100. In some examples, the wrap 102 covering a portion of the container top surface 110 can also cover over a seam located between container body 104 and container lid 108.

[0022] The perforated shrink wrap 102 can include horizontal perforations 116 located along the perimeter of the container body 104, for example, above, below, or along the seam between the container body 104 and the container lid 108. In some embodiments, perforated shrinkwrap 102 can include more than one horizontal perforation 116, such as, for example, two or more horizontal perforations (e.g., first horizontal perforation 116a and second horizontal perforation 116b). As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, one or more horizontal perforations 116 can align along or near a seam between the container lid 108 and container body 104 to allow for removal of a first wrap portion 202 from a second wrap portion 204 and/or for separation of container lid 108 and container body 104. The horizontal perforations 116 can be parallel, converge, or diverge as they extend around the perimeter of the container 100. [0023] According to some embodiments, perforated shrink wrap 102 can include one or more vertical perforations 114 located along the vertical axis of container 100. In some embodiments, perforated shrink wrap 102 can have more than one vertical perforation 114, for example two, three, or more vertical perforations (e.g., first vertical perforation 114a and second vertical perforation 114b). As further depicted in FIG. 2A, vertical perforations (e.g., first vertical perforation 114a and second vertical perforation 114b) can intersect one or more horizontal perforations (e.g., first horizontal perforation 116a and/or second horizontal perforation 116b). Vertical perforations 114 can be parallel, converge, or diverge as they extend from the edge of container top surface 110 towards container bottom surface 106. When reference is made herein to “vertical” and “horizontal” perforations, it will be understood that these terms are being used to differentiate a perforation placed in one direction from a perforation placed in a second direction. In many scenarios, the wraps described herein can be used on containers having a lid, and the lid can be placed at the top of the product — thus vertical perforations will extend up and down on the container, and horizontal perforations will extend around the perimeter of the container (e.g., circumferentially around the container when the container has a circular cross section). However, this disclosure is not intended to limit the disclosed wraps to be used on containers wherein the lid is on the “top” of the container. When reference is made to “vertical” therefore, it will be understood to be a direction along the axis from the lid 108 to the container body 104.

[0024] In certain embodiments, vertical perforations 114 and horizontal perforations 116 can create a tear strip 200 portion between the perforations. For example, referring to the perspective view in FIG. 2B, the first vertical perforation 114a can extend along the wrap 102 from proximate the container lid 108 (e.g., at a first end of the wrap 102) to the first horizontal perforation 116a. The second vertical perforation 114b can extend along the wrap 102 (e.g., parallel to the first vertical perforation 114a) from proximate the container lid 108, past the first horizontal perforation 116a, and to the second horizontal perforation 116b. In this manner, the tear strip 200 can have a vertical section defined by the first vertical perforation 114a and the second vertical perforation 114b, and a horizontal section defined by the first horizontal perforation 116a and the second horizontal perforation 116b. This can enable a consumer to grasp the tear strip 200 proximate the container lid 108, pull outward and downward to release the vertical section of the tear strip by tearing the first vertical perforation 114a and second vertical perforation 114b, and continue pulling to release the horizontal section of the tear strip by tearing the first horizontal perforation 116a and second horizontal perforation 116b. FIG. 2C shows a partially-torn tear strip 200. Once fully torn, the tear strip 200 can be fully removed from the remainder of the wrap 102, and the absence of tear strip 200 will cause the wrap 102 to be separated into a first wrap portion 202 (e.g., an upper portion) and a second wrap portion 204 (e.g., a lower portion). The second wrap portion 204 can remain intact, while the first wrap portion 202 can include a slit made by the vertical section of the tear strip 200. This slit can help facilitate the removal of the first wrap portion 202 so that the lid 108 can be removed and/or container openings 112 can be opened.

[0025] Referring again to the tear strip 200 formed by the various perforations, the tear strip 200 can be substantially “L” shaped, as shown. The tear strip 200 can have many different widths, variable based on the distance between vertical perforations 114. One of skill in the art will recognize that a tear strip 200 of greater width can provide a greater surface area for the consumer to grab. In some examples, the section of the wrap 102 that includes the tear strip 200 portion can comprise a thicker material, such that the tear strip 200 is more rigid than the remainder of the wrap 102 to facilitate tearing the strip. In some examples, and as will be described in greater detail below, the vertical perforations (e.g., first vertical perforation 114a and second vertical perforation 114b) can be positioned on either side of a wrap seam (e.g., seam 118) to provide the consumer a thicker portion of material to peel away. In some examples, a reinforcing material, such as a plastic strip, string, and the like can be added to (e.g., adhered to or formed within layers of) the wrap 102 proximate the tear strip 200 portion. [0026] Vertical perforations 114 can begin from many different locations along perforated shrink wrap 102, such as the edge of container top surface 110, or the edge of container bottom surface 106, for example. Accordingly, in some embodiments, vertical perforations 114 can begin at the edge of container top surface 110 and extend the entire vertical axis of container body 104 and terminate at or near container bottom surface 106. As will be appreciated, vertical perforations 114 along the entire vertical axis of container body 104 can allow for easier tearing to remove some or all of the perforated shrink wrap 102.

[0027] Referring again to FIG. 2 A, vertical perforations (e.g., first vertical perforation 114a and second vertical perforation 114b) can begin at a first end of the wrap 102 that can be positioned proximate the top surface 110 of the container 100, and can terminate at or near intersecting horizontal perforations (e.g., first horizontal perforation 116a and second horizontal perforation 116b). Accordingly, vertical perforations 114 extending partially along container body 104 and terminating at intersecting horizontal perforations 116 can allow for control when tearing along vertical perforations. For example, a consumer tearing along one or more vertical perforations 114 that terminate at or near the intersection of one or more horizontal perforations 116 may tear only where a perforation exists along the vertical axis and perimeter of container body 104. In another example, a consumer tearing along one or more vertical perforations 114 that extend the entire length of container body 104 and do not terminate at or near intersecting horizontal perforations (e.g., first horizontal perforation 116a and second horizontal perforation 116b) can tear beyond horizontal perforations 116 of container body 104.

[0028] As will be appreciated, shrink wrap over-tearing or tearing in a direction not intended by the consumer can be frustrating or annoying to a consumer and can diminish brand recognition. As further will be appreciated, tearing all or some of perforated shrink wrap 102 can result in risks associated with important brand information removal, such as, for example, loss of product information (i.e. instructions, ingredients, warnings) and/or increased likelihood that the container will not be refilled by the consumer. Aspects of the disclosed technology address such concerns. The present disclosure provides a solution to inadvertent over-tearing of the main section (e.g., second wrap portion 204) of the wrap 102 by providing a definitive lower tear line (e.g., the second horizontal perforation 116b), which can be tom by grasping and pulling the tear strip 200 portion of the wrap 102.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a perforated shrink wrap 102, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As will be appreciated, when a wrap is applied to a container, the wrap can be manufactured as a flat sheet. The flat sheet can then be wrapped into a sleeve and overlapped at a seam 118 along a longitudinal axis of the sheet. The overlapped seam 118 can be heat sealed together and/or joined together via an adhesive. As described above, the location of the vertical perforations 114 can be placed adjacent to this seam 118, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0030] In some examples, the perforated shrink wrap 102 can include areas of adhesive 120 for bonding the perforated shrink wrap 102 to the container 100. In some embodiments, an adhesive 120 can be positioned in specific areas on the container 100 and/or on the wrap 102. The spot-glued areas of adhesive 120 can, for example, be applied in areas around the perforations, e.g. vertical perforations 114 and/or horizontal perforations 116. Accordingly, when adhesive 120 is positioned in areas around one or more perforations, adhesive 120 can prevent the perforated shrink wrap 102 from over-tearing or tearing in a direction not intended by the consumer (e.g., beyond the perforations). As shown in FIG. 2A, adhesive 120 can be positioned in specific areas on the container 100 such that after removal of part of perforated shrink wrap 102, for example, a first wrap portion 202, the remaining portion of perforated shrink wrap 102 can be maintained thereon.

[0031] A method of assembling container 100 having a perforated shrink wrap 102 can be approached in multiple ways, including, but not limited to, assembly manufacturing. Perforated shrink wrap 102 can be applied as a heat shrink sleeve, and then heated into its final form covering the container 100. In some embodiments, the heat shrink sleeve can be perforated in a design described herein using a perforating tool such as a perforator, micro perforator, or a custom perforator. In some embodiments, the heat shrink sleeve can be nearly transparent, fully transparent, or translucent. The heat shrink sleeve can be made of a number of natural or synthetic materials, including, but not limited to polyolefin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate (PETG), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG LV), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP) (oriented and biaxially oriented polypropylene), polyethylene (PE), polylactic acid (PLA), expanded polystyrene (EPS) and the like. According to some implementations, the heat shrink sleeve can be made of materials that are recyclable alone or with the container. To accommodate container shape irregularities, the heat shrink sleeve can have a shrinkage ratio around 2: 1. In some embodiments, the heat shrink sleeve can be placed over at least a portion of the container. Heat can be applied in order to secure the heat shrink sleeve in place on the container. In some embodiments, heat can be applied to the heat shrink sleeve by means of a hot air gun or any other sealing methods consistent with the industry including, but not limited to cold sealing, heat sealing, steam sealing, high frequency sealing, and the like. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, perforated shrink wrap 102, as described herein, can minimize the number of heat shrink sleeves and/or seals needed for a container 100.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method 400 for opening a container 100 protected by a perforated shrink wrap 102, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Method 400 can begin by grasping 402 a tear strip 200 on the perforated shrink wrap 102 proximate a lid 108 of the container 100. Method 400 can include pulling 404 outwardly and downwardly on the tear strip 200 to tear a first vertical perforation 114a and a second vertical perforation 114b on the perforated shrink wrap 102. Upon (i) a first tear in the first vertical perforation 114a reaching a first horizontal perforation 116a and (ii) a second tear in the second vertical perforation 114b reaching a second horizontal perforation 116b, method 400 can include pulling 406 the tear strip 200 around a perimeter of the container 100 to tear the first horizontal perforation 116a and the second horizontal perforation 116b. Method 400 can include detaching 408 the tear strip 200 from the perforated shrink wrap 102 such that a first wrap portion 202 of the perforated shrink wrap 102 is separated from a second wrap portion 204 of the perforated shrink wrap 102. Method 400 can include removing 410 the first wrap portion 202 of the perforated shrink wrap 102 from the lid 108 of the container 100.

[0033] Method 400 can end after step 410. In other examples, additional steps can be performed according to the examples described herein. For example, when the container 100 is a flip-top container (as shown in FIGs. 2A-2C), method 400 can include flipping open the container opening 112 on the lid 108 of the container 100 once the first end of the perforated shrink wrap 102 is removed from the top of the lid 108.

[0034] While certain embodiments of the disclosed technology have been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosed technology is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. [0035] This written description uses examples to disclose certain embodiments of the disclosed technology, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice certain embodiments of the disclosed technology, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of certain embodiments of the disclosed technology is defined in the claims, and can include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

[0036] Examples of the present disclosure can be implemented according to at least the following clauses:

[0037] Clause 1 : A wrap for a container comprising: a first horizontal perforation; a second horizontal perforation; a first vertical perforation extending from a first end of the wrap and ending at the first horizontal perforation; and a second vertical perforation extending from the first end of the wrap and to the first horizontal perforation and the second horizontal perforation, wherein the first horizontal perforation, the second horizontal perforation, the first vertical perforation, and the second vertical perforation define a tear strip detachable from the wrap.

[0038] Clause 2: The wrap of Clause 1, wherein the tear strip is detachable from the wrap to form a first wrap portion and a second wrap portion separate from the first wrap portion.

[0039] Clause 3 : The wrap of Clause 2, wherein the first wrap portion includes a vertical slit formed by a vertical section of the tear strip when the tear strip is detached from the wrap.

[0040] Clause 4: The wrap of any one of Clauses 1 to 3, further comprising a seam joining two sides of the wrap into a sleeve, wherein the first vertical perforation and the second vertical perforation are positioned such that the seam is placed between the first vertical perforation and the second vertical perforation.

[0041] Clause 5: The wrap of any one of Clauses 1 to 4, further comprising an adhesive disposed on the wrap between the wrap and the container, the adhesive being disposed adjacent to at least one of the first horizontal perforation or the second horizontal perforation.

[0042] Clause 6: The wrap of Clause 5, wherein the tear strip is detachable from the wrap to form a first wrap portion and a second wrap portion separate from the first wrap portion, and wherein the adhesive is disposed on at least one of the first wrap portion or the second wrap portion.

[0043] Clause 7: The wrap of any one of Clauses 1 to 6, wherein, when detached from the wrap, the tear strip is “L” shaped defined by a vertical section and a horizontal section.

[0044] Clause 8: The wrap of any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein the first end of the wrap extends to and at least partially covers a lid of the container.

[0045] Clause 9: A system comprising: a container comprising a lid and a container body; a wrap disposed on the container body, a first end of the wrap extending at least partially over the lid, the wrap comprising: a first horizontal perforation; a second horizontal perforation; a first vertical perforation extending from the first end of the wrap and ending at the first horizontal perforation; and a second vertical perforation extending from the first end of the wrap and to the first horizontal perforation and the second horizontal perforation. [0046] Clause 10: The system of Clause 9, wherein the first horizontal perforation, the second horizontal perforation, the first vertical perforation, and the second vertical perforation define a tear strip detachable from the wrap.

[0047] Clause 11 : The system of Clause 10, wherein the tear strip is detachable from the wrap to form a first wrap portion adjacent to the lid and a second wrap portion separate from the first wrap portion covering at least a portion of the container body.

[0048] Clause 12: The system of Clause 11, wherein the first wrap portion includes a vertical slit formed by a vertical section of the tear strip when the tear strip is detached from the wrap. [0049] Clause 13: The system of Clause 10, wherein, when detached from the wrap, the tear strip is “L” shaped defined by a vertical section and a horizontal section.

[0050] Clause 14: The system of any one of Clauses 9 to 13, wherein the lid is a flip top lid comprising a container opening, and wherein the first end of the wrap extending at least partially over the lid is configured to secure the container opening.

[0051] Clause 15: The system of any one of Clauses 9 to 14, wherein the wrap further comprises a seam joining two sides of the wrap into a sleeve, wherein the first vertical perforation and the second vertical perforation are positioned such that the seam is placed between the first vertical perforation and the second vertical perforation.

[0052] Clause 16: The system of any one of Clauses 9 to 15, further comprising an adhesive disposed between the wrap and the container, the adhesive being disposed adjacent to at least one of the first horizontal perforation or the second horizontal perforation.

[0053] Clause 17: The system of Clause 16, wherein the first horizontal perforation, the second horizontal perforation, the first vertical perforation, and the second vertical perforation define a tear strip detachable from the wrap; and wherein the tear strip is detachable from the wrap to form a first wrap portion adjacent to the lid and a second wrap portion separate from the first wrap portion covering at least a portion of the container body, and wherein the adhesive is disposed on at least one of the first wrap portion or the second wrap portion.

[0054] Clause 18: The system of any one of Clauses 9 to 17, further comprising an adhesive disposed between the wrap and the container, the adhesive being disposed adjacent to the first horizontal perforation, the second horizontal perforation, the first vertical perforation, and the second vertical perforation at locations uncovered by a, “L”-shaped tear strip defined by the first horizontal perforation, the second horizontal perforation, the first vertical perforation, and the second vertical perforation. [0055] Clause 19: A method for opening a container protected by a perforated shrink wrap, the method comprising: grasping a tear strip on the perforated shrink wrap proximate a lid of the container; pulling outwardly and downwardly on the tear strip to tear a first vertical perforation and a second vertical perforation on the perforated shrink wrap; upon (i) a first tear in the first vertical perforation reaching a first horizontal perforation and (ii) a second tear in the second vertical perforation reaching a second horizontal perforation, pulling the tear strip around a perimeter of the container to tear the first horizontal perforation and the second horizontal perforation; detaching the tear strip from the perforated shrink wrap such that a first wrap portion of the perforated shrink wrap is separated from a second wrap portion of the perforated shrink wrap; and removing the first wrap portion of the perforated shrink wrap from the lid of the container.

[0056] Clause 20: The method of Clause 19, wherein removing the first wrap portion of the perforated shrink wrap from the container removes a first end of the perforated shrink wrap from the lid, the method further comprising: flipping open the container opening on the lid of the container.

Claims

1. A wrap for a container comprising: a first horizontal perforation; a second horizontal perforation; a first vertical perforation extending from a first end of the wrap and ending at the first horizontal perforation; and a second vertical perforation extending from the first end of the wrap and to the first horizontal perforation and the second horizontal perforation, wherein the first horizontal perforation, the second horizontal perforation, the first vertical perforation, and the second vertical perforation define a tear strip detachable from the wrap.

2. The wrap of Claim 1, wherein the tear strip is detachable from the wrap to form a first wrap portion and a second wrap portion separate from the first wrap portion.

3. The wrap of Claim 2, wherein the first wrap portion includes a vertical slit formed by a vertical section of the tear strip when the tear strip is detached from the wrap.

4. The wrap of Claim 1, further comprising a seam joining two sides of the wrap into a sleeve, wherein the first vertical perforation and the second vertical perforation are positioned such that the seam is placed between the first vertical perforation and the second vertical perforation.

5. The wrap of Claim 1, further comprising an adhesive disposed on the wrap between the wrap and the container, the adhesive being disposed adjacent to at least one of the first horizontal perforation or the second horizontal perforation.

6. The wrap of Claim 5, wherein the tear strip is detachable from the wrap to form a first wrap portion and a second wrap portion separate from the first wrap portion, and wherein the adhesive is disposed on at least one of the first wrap portion or the second wrap portion.

7. The wrap of Claim 1, wherein, when detached from the wrap, the tear strip is “L” shaped defined by a vertical section and a horizontal section.

8. The wrap of Claim 1, wherein the first end of the wrap extends to and at least partially covers a lid of the container.

9. A system comprising: a container comprising a lid and a container body; a wrap disposed on the container body, a first end of the wrap extending at least partially over the lid, the wrap comprising: a first horizontal perforation; a second horizontal perforation; a first vertical perforation extending from the first end of the wrap and ending at the first horizontal perforation; and a second vertical perforation extending from the first end of the wrap and to the first horizontal perforation and the second horizontal perforation.

10. The system of Claim 9, wherein the first horizontal perforation, the second horizontal perforation, the first vertical perforation, and the second vertical perforation define a tear strip detachable from the wrap.

11. The system of Claim 10, wherein the tear strip is detachable from the wrap to form a first wrap portion adjacent to the lid and a second wrap portion separate from the first wrap portion covering at least a portion of the container body.

12. The system of Claim 11, wherein the first wrap portion includes a vertical slit formed by a vertical section of the tear strip when the tear strip is detached from the wrap.

13. The system of Claim 10, wherein, when detached from the wrap, the tear strip is “L” shaped defined by a vertical section and a horizontal section.

14. The system of Claim 9, wherein the lid is a flip top lid comprising a container opening, and wherein the first end of the wrap extending at least partially over the lid is configured to secure the container opening.

15. The system of Claim 9, wherein the wrap further comprises a seam joining two sides of the wrap into a sleeve, wherein the first vertical perforation and the second vertical perforation are positioned such that the seam is placed between the first vertical perforation and the second vertical perforation.

16. The system of Claim 9, further comprising an adhesive disposed between the wrap and the container, the adhesive being disposed adjacent to at least one of the first horizontal perforation or the second horizontal perforation.

17. The system of Claim 16, wherein the first horizontal perforation, the second horizontal perforation, the first vertical perforation, and the second vertical perforation define a tear strip detachable from the wrap; and wherein the tear strip is detachable from the wrap to form a first wrap portion proximate the lid and a second wrap portion separate from the first wrap portion covering at least a portion of the container body, and wherein the adhesive is disposed on at least one of the first wrap portion or the second wrap portion.

18. The system of Claim 9, further comprising an adhesive disposed between the wrap and the container, the adhesive being disposed adjacent to the first horizontal perforation, the second horizontal perforation, the first vertical perforation, and the second vertical perforation at locations uncovered by a, “L”-shaped tear strip defined by the first horizontal perforation, the second horizontal perforation, the first vertical perforation, and the second vertical perforation.

19. A method for opening a container protected by a perforated shrink wrap, the method comprising: grasping a tear strip on the perforated shrink wrap proximate a lid of the container;

16 pulling outwardly and downwardly on the tear strip to tear a first vertical perforation and a second vertical perforation on the perforated shrink wrap; upon (i) a first tear in the first vertical perforation reaching a first horizontal perforation and (ii) a second tear in the second vertical perforation reaching a second horizontal perforation, pulling the tear strip around a perimeter of the container to tear the first horizontal perforation and the second horizontal perforation; detaching the tear strip from the perforated shrink wrap such that a first wrap portion of the perforated shrink wrap is separated from a second wrap portion of the perforated shrink wrap; and removing the first wrap portion of the perforated shrink wrap from the lid of the container.

20. The method of Claim 19, wherein removing the first wrap portion of the perforated shrink wrap from the container removes a first end of the perforated shrink wrap from the lid, the method further comprising: flipping open the container opening on the lid of the container.

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