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United States Patent Application	20060000731
Kind Code	A1
Hayne; Cheryl A. ;   et al.	January 5, 2006

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Claims

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1. A system for packaging at least one abrasive article comprising: an inner wrapper comprising a first portion comprising at least one vent and a second portion absent vents; and at least one outer wrapper in contact with at least a portion of said inner wrapper, said outer wrapper comprising a first portion comprising at least one vent and a second portion absent vents; wherein said first portion of said inner wrapper is proximate said second portion of said outer wrapper.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said inner wrapper is in contact with at least a portion of said abrasive article.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein said at least one abrasive article comprises at least one of an abrasive belt, an abrasive sheet, or an abrasive disc.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein said first wrapper and said second wrapper each comprise a shrink wrap film.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein said shrink wrap films comprise at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, and copolymers thereof

6. The system of claim 1 wherein said at least one abrasive article comprises a plurality of abrasive discs.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein said plurality of abrasive discs comprises a plurality of fibre discs comprising: a backing comprising cellulose fibers, and an abrasive layer comprising a phenolic resin and abrasive particles.

8. The system of claim 6 wherein said plurality of abrasive discs comprises a first quantity of abrasive discs facing a first direction, and a second quantity of discs facing a second direction, wherein said first direction is opposite said second direction.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein said first quantity of abrasive discs and said second quantity of abrasive discs are commingled.

10. The system of claim 8 wherein said first quantity of abrasive discs and said second quantity of abrasive discs are divided.

11. A method for packaging at least one abrasive article comprising: providing an inner wrapper comprising a first portion comprising at least one vent and a second portion absent vents; sealing said at least one abrasive article within said inner wrapper; heating said inner wrapper to shrink said inner wrapper; providing an outer wrapper comprising a first portion comprising at least one vent and a second portion absent vents; sealing said abrasive article within said outer wrapper with said first portion of said inner wrapper proximate said second portion of said outer wrapper; and heating said outer wrapper to shrink said outer wrapper.

12. The method of claim 11 further comprising perforating said first portion of said inner wrap to create said vent, and perforating said first portion of said outer wrapper to create said vent.

13. The method of claim 11 wherein said inner wrapper is in contact with at least a portion of said abrasive article.

14. The method of claim 11 wherein said at least one abrasive article comprises at least one of an abrasive belt, an abrasive sheet, or an abrasive fibre disc.

15. The method of claim 11 wherein said first wrapper and said second wrapper each comprise a shrink wrap film.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein said shrink wrap films comprise at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, and copolymers thereof.

17. The method of claim 11 wherein said at least one abrasive article comprises a plurality of fibre discs comprising: a backing comprising cellulose fibers, and an abrasive layer comprising a phenolic resin and abrasive particles.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising positioning a first quantity of said fibre discs to face a first direction and positioning a second quantity of said fibre discs to face second direction, wherein said first direction is opposite said second direction.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein said first quantity of fibre discs and said second quantity of fibre discs are commingled.

20. The method of claim 18 wherein said first quantity of fibre discs and said second quantity of fibre discs are divided.

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Description

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BACKGROUND

[0001] Abrasive articles, such as fibre-backed abrasive discs, are generally manufactured with a substantially flat abrasive surface. During shipment and storage, changes in environmental conditions can cause the abrasive article, including its abrasive surface, to deform. For example, a change in humidity level has been observed to cause some abrasive articles to develop a twist or curl if left unrestrained. In some instances, the deformation becomes substantially permanent and negatively impacts the utility of the abrasive article.

[0002] Shrink wrap has been used to package a variety of abrasive articles to help reduce packaging costs and reduce exposure to environmental conditions. When shrink wrap is used, the abrasive articles to be packaged are typically enclosed in the shrink wrap. The enclosure is then subjected to an environment with an elevated temperature that causes the shrink wrap to shrink around the abrasive articles to produce a tight wrapping that closely conforms to the outer contour of the abrasive articles. Vents, such as a series of pinholes, are usually provided in the shrink wrap to allow the enclosed air to evacuate during the shrinking process. After wrapping, the vented shrink wrap allows air and moisture to transfer through the shrink wrap and subjects the packaged abrasive article to environmental fluctuations.

SUMMARY

[0003] The present invention provides a system for packaging abrasive articles. In one aspect, the present invention provides a system for packaging abrasive articles that includes an inner wrapper and an outer wrapper. The inner wrapper has a first portion that has at least one vent for the passage of air. The inner wrapper also has a second portion absent vents. The outer wrapper is in contact with at least a portion of the inner wrapper. The outer wrapper has a first portion that has at least one vent and a second portion absent vents. The first portion (i.e., vented portion) of the inner wrapper is positioned proximate the second portion (i.e., no vent portion) of the outer wrapper. By aligning the vented portion of the inner wrapper and the vented portion of the outer wrapper so that they do not overlap, the transfer of air and moisture through the packaging system is restricted.

[0004] In some embodiments, the inner wrapper is positioned so that it is in contact with at least a portion of the abrasive article. In certain embodiments, the abrasive article to be packaged is at least one of an abrasive belt, an abrasive sheet, or an abrasive disc. In some embodiments, the packaging system of the present invention is used to package a plurality of abrasive discs comprising abrasive particles adhered to a sheet-like backing with a binder. The abrasive discs can be provided, for example, in a stack with each of the abrasive discs facing the same direction. Alternatively, the abrasive discs can be stacked, for example, with a first quantity of the abrasive discs facing one direction and a second quantity of the abrasive discs facing a second direction. The abrasive discs facing the first direction can be commingled or divided from the abrasive discs facing the second direction.

[0005] In one aspect, the packaging system of the present invention is used to package a plurality of abrasive discs comprising a backing comprising cellulose fibers, and an abrasive layer comprising a phenolic resin make coat.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first wrapper and second wrapper each comprise a shrink wrap film. In other embodiments, the shrink wrap films for the inner and outer layers comprise at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene, and copolymers thereof.

[0007] The present invention also provides methods for making an abrasive article packaging system according to the present invention.

[0008] Packaging systems of the present invention have been observed to be effective at reducing deformation caused by changing environmental conditions. Packaging systems of the present invention are generally compatible with conventional shrink wrap systems used to package abrasive articles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0009] The drawing is a perspective view of a quantity of abrasive discs in an exemplary packaging system of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] As shown in the drawing, a quantity of abrasive discs 24 are wrapped with two-layers of packaging film to form an abrasive article package 8 with an inner wrapper and an outer wrapper 10. Each of the inner wrapper and outer wrapper 10 is sufficiently clear such that the abrasive discs 24 and center holes 26 of the abrasive discs 24 are visible through the packaging films. In other embodiments, the packaging films used for the inner and outer wrappers can be opaque, semi-opaque, clear, or combinations thereof.

[0011] The abrasive article package 8 has a top side 16, a bottom side 18, and a sidewall 20. The outer wrapper 10 of packaging film has a first portion 28 having three vents 14 and a second portion 30 absent vents. Similar to the outer wrapper 10, the inner wrapper of packaging film has a first portion with at least one vent and a second portion absent vents. The vents 14 in the first portion 28 of the outer wrapper 10 expose the second portion 12 of the inner wrapper of packaging film.

[0012] In the embodiment shown in the drawing, the vents in the outer wrapper are positioned on the opposite sides of abrasive article package 8 when compared to the vents in the inner wrapper. The vents in the first portion of the inner wrapper are positioned on the bottom side 18 such that they are a maximum distance from the vents in the first portion of the outer wrapper on the top side 16. Likewise, the vents in the first portion of the outer wrapper are positioned in a manner such that they are a maximum distance from the vents in the first portion of the inner wrapper.

[0013] Also shown in FIG. 1 is a sealing line 22 formed in the outer layer 10 of packaging film. Sealing lines, such as sealing line 22, are formed when the planar shrink wrap film is transformed from a sheet or tube to a sealed pouch.

[0014] The packaging system of the present invention can be used to protect a variety of abrasive articles from environmental conditions, including for example, coated abrasive articles, nonwoven abrasive articles, and bonded abrasive articles.

[0015] Coated abrasives typically comprise a plurality of abrasive particles bonded to a backing in one or several layers. In some embodiments, the coated abrasive product comprises a flexible backing material having an abrasive layer thereon comprised of abrasive particles and a cured binder material. Coated abrasives can be made, for example, by applying a make coat of a binder precursor to the backing, applying abrasive particles to the make coat while it is sufficiently tacky to adhere to the abrasive particles and then coating the make coat containing the abrasive particles with a size coating. Thereafter, the coated abrasive material can be converted into various abrasive products by cutting the material into a desired shape. Coated abrasives are often utilized where the abrasive article needs to conform to the workpiece surface.

[0016] A variety of backing materials are useful in the manufacture of coated abrasive products. The selection of backing material is typically made based upon the intended use of the product. Suitable backings include those known in the art for making coated abrasive articles.

[0017] Typically, the backing has two opposed major surfaces. The thickness of the backing of the abrasive article that can be packaged using the packaging system of the present invention generally ranges from about 0.02 to about 5 millimeters. In some coated abrasives, the backing thickness ranges from about 0.05 to about 2.5 millimeters. In other coated abrasives, the thickness of the backing ranges from about 0.1 to about 0.4 millimeter.

[0018] The backing may be flexible or rigid, and may be made of any number of various materials including those conventionally used as backings in the manufacture of coated abrasives. Examples include paper, fabric, film, polymeric foam, vulcanized fiber, woven and nonwoven materials, combinations of two or more of these materials. The backing may also be a laminate of two materials (e.g., paper/film, cloth/paper, film/cloth).

[0019] Exemplary flexible backings include polymeric film (including primed films) such as polyolefin film (e.g., polypropylene including biaxially oriented polypropylene, polyester film, polyamide film, cellulose ester film), metal foil, mesh, foam (e.g., natural sponge material or polyurethane foam), cloth (e.g., cloth made from fibers or yams comprising polyester, nylon, silk, cotton, and/or rayon), paper, vulcanized paper, vulcanized fiber, nonwoven materials, and combinations thereof. Cloth backings may be woven or stitch bonded.

[0020] Examples of more rigid backings include metal plates, ceramic plates, and the like. The coated abrasive backings may also comprise two or more backings laminated together, as well as reinforcing fibers within a polymeric material.

[0021] The backing may be a treated backing having one or more treatments applied thereto such as, for example, a presize, a backsize, a subsize, and/or a saturant. A pressure sensitive adhesive can be laminated to the nonabrasive side of the backing. Likewise, a foam substrate can be laminated to the backing. A mechanical mounting system may also be affixed to the backing.

[0022] Typically, the make layer of a coated abrasive is prepared by coating at least a portion of the backing (treated or untreated) with a make layer precursor. Abrasive particles are then at least partially embedded (e.g., by electrostatic coating) to the make layer precursor comprising a first binder precursor, and the make layer precursor is at least partially, cured.

[0023] Next, the size layer is prepared by coating at least a portion of the make layer and abrasive particles with a size layer precursor comprising a second binder precursor (which may be the same as, or different from, the first binder precursor), and at least partially curing the size layer precursor. In some coated abrasive articles, a supersize is applied to at least a portion of the size layer. If present, the supersize layer typically includes grinding aids and/or anti-loading materials.

[0024] Useful first and second binder precursors are well known in the abrasive art and include, for example, free-radically polymerizable monomer and/or oligomer, epoxy resins, phenolic resins, melamine-formaldehyde resins, aminoplast resins, cyanate resins, or combinations thereof.

[0025] Suitable abrasive particles for abrasive articles that can be packaged using the packaging system of the present invention can be any known abrasive particles or materials commonly used in abrasive articles. Examples of useful abrasive particles for coated abrasives include, for example, fused aluminum oxide, heat treated aluminum oxide, white fused aluminum oxide, black silicon carbide, green silicon carbide, titanium diboride, boron carbide, tungsten carbide, titanium carbide, diamond, cubic boron nitride, garnet, fused alumina zirconia, sol gel abrasive particles, silica, iron oxide, chromia, ceria, zirconia, titania, silicates, metal carbonates (such as calcium carbonate (e.g., chalk, calcite, marl, travertine, marble and limestone), calcium magnesium carbonate, sodium carbonate, magnesium carbonate), silica (e.g., quartz, glass beads, glass bubbles and glass fibers) silicates (e.g., talc, clays, (montmorillonite) feldspar, mica, calcium silicate, calcium metasilicate, sodium aluminosilicate, sodium silicate) metal sulfates (e.g., calcium sulfate, barium sulfate, sodium sulfate, aluminum sodium sulfate, aluminum sulfate), gypsum, aluminum trihydrate, graphite, metal oxides (e.g., tin oxide, calcium oxide), aluminum oxide, titanium dioxide) and metal sulfites (e.g., calcium sulfite), metal particles (e.g., tin, lead, copper), plastic abrasive particles formed from a thermoplastic material (e.g., polycarbonate, polyetherimide, polyester, polyethylene, polysulfone, polystyrene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, polypropylene, acetal polymers, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethanes, nylon), plastic abrasive particles formed from crosslinked polymers (e.g., phenolic resins, aminoplast resins; urethane resins, epoxy resins, melamine-formaldehyde, acrylate resins, acrylated isocyanurate resins, urea-formaldehyde resins, isocyanurate resins, acrylated urethane resins, acrylated epoxy resins), and combinations thereof. The abrasive particles may also be agglomerates or composites that include additional components, such as, for example, a binder. Criteria used in selecting abrasive particles used for a particular abrading application typically include: abrading life, rate of cut, substrate surface finish, grinding efficiency, and product cost.

[0026] In another exemplary embodiment of a coated abrasive article that can be packaged using the packaging system of the present invention, the abrasive layer is made by coating a slurry comprising abrasive particles dispersed in a binder precursor onto a major surface of the backing, and then at least partially curing the binder precursor. Suitable binder precursors and abrasive particles include, for example, free-radically polymerizable monomer and/or oligomer, epoxy resins, phenolic resins, melamine-formaldehyde resins, aminoplast resins, cyanate resins, or combinations thereof.

[0027] Coated abrasives can further comprise optional additives, such as, abrasive particle surface modification additives, coupling agents, plasticizers, fillers, expanding agents, fibers, antistatic agents, initiators, suspending agents, photosensitizers, lubricants, wetting agents, surfactants, pigments, dyes, UV stabilizers, and suspending agents. The amounts of these materials are selected to provide the properties desired. Additives may also be incorporated into the binder, applied as a separate coating, held within the pores of the agglomerate, or combinations of the above.

[0028] Coated abrasive articles may be converted, for example, into belts, rolls, discs (including perforated discs), and/or sheets. For belt applications, two free ends of the abrasive sheet may be joined together using known methods to form a spliced belt.

[0029] One form of a coated abrasive useful in metalworking is a fibre disc. Fibre discs have an abrasive layer affixed to a vulcanized fibre backing and are often used for the maintenance and repair of automotive bodies. The discs can be configured for use with a variety of tools, including, for example, electric or air grinders. The fibre discs typically have a hole in their center for attachment to the tool. Fibre discs are available from 3M Company, St. Paul, Minn., and marketed under various trade designations, including, for example, "3M REGALITE GRINDING DISCS 785C"; "3M TYPE C DISCS 381C"; and "3M TYPE C FIBRE DISC 281C".

[0030] An exemplary fibre disc suitable for packaging with the system of the present invention comprises a durable backing made from cellulose fibers. The durable backing is coated on one side with an abrasive layer comprising a phenolic resin make coat and abrasive particles.

[0031] In some embodiments, the fibre disk suitable for packaging with the system of the present invention has a backing having a basis weight of at least about 200 grams per square meter. In other embodiments, the backing of the fibre disk has a basis weight of at least about 500 grams per square meter. In yet further embodiments, the backing of the fibre disk has a basis weight of at least about 900 grams per square meter. In some embodiments, the backing of the fibre disk has a basis weight of less than about 2000 grams per square meter. In other embodiments, the backing of the fibre disk has a basis weight of less than about 1500 grams per square meter. In yet further embodiments, the backing of the fibre disk has a basis weight of less than about 1300 grams per square meter.

[0032] In addition to disc shapes, coated abrasive articles can be configured in other ways, including, for example, sheets, rolls, belts, flap discs, and flap wheels. Coated abrasive sheets are available from 3M Company, St. Paul, Minn., and marketed under various trade designations, including, for example, "3M BLUE GRIT UTILITY CLOTH SHEETS"; "3M PRODUCTION PAPER SHEETS"; "3M TRI-M-ITE FRE-CUT PAPER SHEETS"; and "3M WETORDRY ABRASIVE SHEETS". Coated abrasive rolls are available from 3M Company, St. Paul, Minn., and marketed under various trade designations, including, for example, "3M BLUE GRIT UTILITY CLOTH ROLLS"; and "3M.TM. THREE-M-ITE ELEK-TRO-CUT CLOTH UTILITY ROLLS". Coated abrasive belts are also available from 3M Company, St. Paul, Minn., and marketed under various trade designations, including, for example, "3M PUMP SLEEVE 200D"; "3M REGALITE BELTS"; and "3M THREE-M-ITE CLOTH BELTS".

[0033] The packaging system of the present invention can be used to protect a single abrasive article or a plurality of abrasive articles. For example, a large belt may be packaged independently. Alternatively, a plurality of fibre discs or abrasive sheets may be packaged together.

[0034] In certain embodiments for packaging abrasive discs, such as, for example, fibre discs, the abrasive discs are stacked such that the outer edge of each abrasive disc is aligned with the outer edges of the other abrasive discs in the stack. In some embodiments, each of the abrasive discs in the stack faces the same direction (i.e., the abrasive side of one abrasive disc is proximate the back surface of an adjacent abrasive disc). In other embodiments, at least one of the abrasive discs may face the opposite direction of the other abrasive discs in the stack. The adjacent abrasive discs facing opposite directions may be positioned with their back surfaces proximate one another. Alternatively, the adjacent abrasive discs facing opposite directions may be positioned with their abrasive surfaces proximate one another.

[0035] In certain embodiments, approximately 50 percent of the abrasive discs face a first direction and the remaining abrasive discs face an opposite direction. The abrasive discs facing the first direction can be positioned proximate one another such that there is one group of abrasive discs facing a first direction and a second group of abrasive discs facing an opposite direction. This configuration is referred to as a divided stack.

[0036] Alternatively, the abrasive discs facing the first direction can be commingled with the abrasive discs facing the opposite direction. For example, every other abrasive disc in a stack can face the opposite direction of the remaining abrasive discs. In other embodiments, every other group of abrasive discs (e.g., five consecutive abrasive discs) can face the opposite direction of the adjacent two groups of abrasive discs.

[0037] Other substantially planar abrasive articles, such as, for example, abrasive sheets, can also be stacked in a similar manner to the abrasive discs described above. Varying the direction of abrasive articles within a stack may facilitate stacking and reduce disc curl caused by changes in environmental conditions. Although not wanting to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that varying the direction of abrasive articles within a stack reduces disc curl by having forces associated with the environmentally-induced disc curl of one abrasive disc opposed by the substantially equal, but opposite, forces of an abrasive disc facing the opposite direction.

[0038] In other embodiments, the abrasive articles within the packaging system of the present invention are not stacked. The abrasive articles can be positioned proximate one another, for example, in a random or patterned arrangement. In other embodiments, such as, for example, abrasive belts, the abrasive articles are placed within one another prior to packaging.

[0039] Packaging films useful in the packaging system of the present invention include shrink wrap films, such as, for example, linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) shrink-wrap film available from Bemis Clysar, Oshkosh, Wis., and marketed under the trade designation "CLYSAR ABL". Shrink wrapping is well known and appropriate films and processes for shrink wrapping are described in the Wiley Encyclopedia of Packaging Technology 2.sup.nd ed., Films, Shrink, ed. Jolley, Charles R., and George D. Wofford, 431-34, New York: Wiley, 1997, which pages are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0040] Heat shrinkable material useful for the packaging system of the present invention may comprise any of the uniaxially or biaxially oriented polymeric films that upon application of heat are shrunk to a decreased surface area. Suitable films include, for example, oriented polyolefinic films such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyisopropylethylene, polyisobutylethylene, and copolymers thereof. Other films that may be useful are polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terepthalate, polyethylene-2,6-napthalate, polyhexamethylene adipamide, as well as polymers of alpha mono-olefinically unsaturated hydrocarbons having polymer producing unsaturation such as butene, vinyl acetate, methylacrylate, 2-ethyl hexyl acrylate, isoprene, butadiene acrylamide, ethylacrylate, N-methyl-n-vinyl acetamide, and the like. In certain embodiments, polyolefin, preferably biaxially oriented polyethylene, is used. Many other films may be successfully employed as well, such as, for example, multilayer films, wherein the individual layers comprise either the same or different compositions.

[0041] Typically, film thicknesses useful in the present invention have an average thickness of at least about 1 micrometer. In certain embodiments, the film thickness is at least about 5 micrometers. In yet further embodiments, the film thickness is at least about 20 micrometers. Typically, film thicknesses useful in the present invention have an average thickness of less than about 200 micrometers. In certain embodiments, the film thickness is less than about 100 micrometers. In yet further embodiments, the film thickness is less than about 60 micrometers.

[0042] Again, as shown in the drawing of an exemplary embodiment, vents 14 are made in the first portion 28 of the outer layer 10. The second portion 30 of the outer layer does not have vents. Similarly, the inner layer 12 has vents in its first portion and no vents in its second portion.

[0043] In some embodiments, the vents are created in the first portion of the inner and outer wrappers by punching substantially circular holes in the packaging film. The round disks of punched film are then discarded leaving the vents. Alternatively, for example, the punch can be used to create a circular hole without punching the entire perimeter of the circle. In such an embodiment, round disks of punched film remain attached to the packaging film but allow fluids, such as air, to pass. In yet further embodiments, the vents comprise a series of pinholes or slits. The vent holes in the shrink wrap can also be created using a heated pin or rod.

[0044] The dimensions of each vent and the quantity and location of vents can vary depending on a variety of factors, including, for example, the abrasive article to be packaged and the operating conditions of the packaging equipment. For example, the location, size, and quantity of vents can affect the rate at which air escapes the package during the packaging process and limit the throughput of the packaging operation. In certain embodiments, the overall area of the vents is minimized to reduce the potential for air and moisture to pass through the wrapper after packaging.

[0045] In other embodiments, the quantity of vents is minimized to allow the distance between vents of the inner wrapper and vents of the outer wrapper to be maximized. In some embodiments, there are less than 20 vents in each of the inner and outer wrappers. In other embodiments, there are less than 5 vents in each of the inner and outer wrappers. In yet further embodiments, there is one vent in each of the inner and outer wrappers. The quantity of vent holes in the inner wrapper can be the same or more or less than the quantity of vent holes in the outer wrapper.

[0046] In certain embodiments, the vents in the first portion of the inner wrapper are positioned in a manner such that they are a maximum distance from the vents in the first portion of the outer wrapper. In some embodiments, the vents in the inner and outer wrappers are positioned on opposite sides of the packaged abrasive article or articles.

[0047] In addition to varying the quantity, type, and location of vents in each of the inner and outer wrappers, the quantity of packaging layers can vary. For example, additional shrink wrap layers can be provided in addition to the inner and outer wrappers of the present invention. The additional layers can be located proximate the inner wrapper, proximate the outer wrapper, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the inner wrapper contacts at least a portion of the abrasive article, the outer wrapper is proximate the inner wrapper, and any additional packaging layers, if present, surround the outer wrapper.

[0048] Although not wanting to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that in addition to reducing the potential for air and moisture to pass through the packaging system, the present invention also provides improved mechanical support for abrasive articles due to the additional layer of shrink wrap. The additional mechanical support for the abrasive articles can further reduce the level of distortion caused by changes in environmental conditions.

[0049] Advantages and other embodiments of this invention are further illustrated by the following examples, but the particular materials and amounts thereof recited in this example, as well as other conditions and details, should not be construed to unduly limit this invention. For example, the type of abrasive article wrapped and the particular packaging geometries used to create the inner and outer wrappers and their vents can vary. All parts and percentages are by weight unless otherwise indicated.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

[0050] A roll of 0.9 meter (36 inches) wide.times.32 micrometers (0.00125 in) thick linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) shrink-wrap film available from Bemis Clysar, Oshkosh, Wis., and marketed under the trade designation "CLYSAR ABL" was folded widthwise to present a top and bottom layer of film that was 0.46 meter (18 inches) wide. As the folded film entered the packaging apparatus, the two layers were separated to allow a 6.4 millimeters (0.25 inch) vent opening to be punched in the top layer at about the center of the 0.46 meter dimension of the film and every 30.5 centimeter (12 inches) along the length of the top layer.

[0051] Two adjacent open edges of the folded sheet were then sealed using a model "A-26 Automatic" L-sealer available from Shanklin Corporation, Ayer, Mass. The L-sealer was set at 193.degree. C. (380.degree. F.) and actuated to 551.6 kPa (80 psi) pressure for 0.7 second to create an open-ended pouch. A stack of twenty-five 17.8 centimeter (7 inches) diameter abrasive discs marketed under the trade designation "281C FIBRE DISCS", available from 3M Company, St. Paul, Minn., was inserted into the open-ended pouch. Within the stack, the top 12 fibre discs were oriented with their abrasive side up and the bottom 13 fibre discs were oriented with their abrasive side down. The open end of the pouch was then sealed using the L-sealer set at 193.degree. C. (380.degree. F.) and actuated at 551.6 kPa (80 psi) pressure for 0.7 second. The sealed pouch containing the stack of abrasive discs was then transported through a 1.12 meters (44 inches) model "853" tunnel oven available from Clamco Corporation, Cleveland, Ohio. The oven was set at 160.degree. C. (320.degree. F.) and operated at a speed of 7.3 meters/minute (24 feet/minute). The resulting shrink-wrapped stack of abrasive discs was then wrapped a second time with an outer wrapper using the identical sealing, wrapping, and shrinking technique just described, except that the vent for the second wrapping procedure was purposefully disposed in the bottom layer rather than the top layer such that the vent of the first wrapper and the second wrapper were on opposite sides of the stack.

Example 2

[0052] Example 2 was prepared as described for Example 1, except the abrasive side orientation was not reversed within the stack of 25 abrasive discs.

Comparative Example A

[0053] Comparative Example A was prepared as described for Example 1, except the wrapping process was terminated before the second layer of shrink wrap was applied.

Comparative Example B

[0054] Comparative Example B was prepared as described for Comparative Example A with the exception that the abrasive side orientation was not reversed within the stack of 25 abrasive discs.

Comparative Example C

[0055] Comparative Example C was prepared as described for Comparative Example B, except the shrink wrap film used was a LLDPE film 0.9 meter (36 inches) wide.times.32 micrometer (0.00125 inch) thick available from Cryovac/Sealed Air Corporation, Duncan, S.C., and marketed under the trade designation "IMPACT #38". Also, the packaging process was modified to provide a continuous linear array of pinholes (imparted by a spiked wheel) covering all surfaces of the film rather then providing a single vent on the top side.

[0056] The resulting packages were tested for their response to changes in environmental conditions.

[0057] The wrapped abrasive disc packages from each of the examples were preweighed and placed in an environmental test chamber "Model SM-32C" available from Thermotron, Holland, Mich. Each of the examples was exposed to a sequential series of seven sets of environmental conditions as shown in Table 1, below. TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Percent Relative Temperature, .degree. C. Humidity Time, hours First Condition -23 10 65 Second Condition 10 42 48 Third Condition 25 55 48 Fourth Condition 40 80 72 Fifth Condition 25 55 48 Sixth Condition 10 42 48 Seventh Condition -23 10 72

[0058] After each step in the series of conditions, each wrapped abrasive disc package was again weighed and the change in weight recorded. After weighing the wrapped abrasive disc packages following the final step of the series of conditions, the weight changes for each example was summed and recorded as indicated in Table 2. TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Example Total weight change, grams 1 5.4 2 15.9 Comparative A 22.7 Comparative B 17.7 Comparative C 29.51

[0059] It is to be understood that even in the numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention set forth in above description and examples, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only. Changes can be made to detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of the abrasive article packaging and methods of making within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed and the equivalents of those structures and methods.

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