Easy-open handle bag for medium to heavy duty applications

Abstract

A bag for carrying medium to heavy loads comprising a body formed from a flexible thermoplastic film, such that the body comprises a first panel and an opposing second panel, a receptacle cavity formed the first and second panels, an integral handle opening, and an easy-open feature which extends longitudinally from a top seal to an opposing bottom seal and positioned adjacent to a first side seal of the body. The easy-open feature comprises at least one of (i) at least one line of structural weakness in the thermoplastic film, (ii) a reclosable fastener adhered to the thermoplastic film, or (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention generally relates to thermoplastic handle bags suitable for storing and transporting medium to heavy loads, e.g., frozen foods such as chickens, turkeys, and the like comprising an easy-open feature, and more particularly, to thermoplastic handle bags having an easy-open feature adapted for the removal of large or bulky medium to heavy loads contained therein. [0002] Thermoplastic bags having a handle opening and / or an easy-open feature which support heavy granulated items such as salt pellets, pet food, fertilizer, etc. are known in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,232 to Warr is directed to synthetic bags primarily for granulated contents which are capable of carrying loads of from 10 to 50 pounds and which include a hand-insertion slit below the top seal of the bag that may serve as a handle. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,482,376 and 5,601,369, both to Moseley et al. also disclose bags adapted to hold pourable contents from 20 to 150 pounds...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004] The present invention provides flexible bags that resists tearing or bursting during the storage and transportation of medium to heavy duty loads which may range in weight from about five pounds to about fifty pounds or more. The present invention also provides flexible bags formed from thermoplastic films which include a handle opening and an easy-open feature. The present invention further provides flexible bags suitable for supporting medium to heavy duty loads which include an easy-open feature suitable for removing large or bulky items contained therein.

[0009] In one embodiment of the invention, the easy-open feature may include at least one line of structural weakness in either the inner surface or the outer surface of the thermoplastic film. Preferably, the at least one line of structural weakness further includes a tear-initiation feature. A tear-initiation feature may be formed as a cut, notch or surface-roughening area and the like, in the external surface of film positioned above the at least one line of structural weakness. In this regard, the bag can be easily opened by a relatively weak manual force at the tear-initiation feature and in combination with the at least one line of structural weakness obviating the need to cut the bag with a knife, scissors or any other sharp implement.

[0011] Preferably, the reclosable fastener comprises a first interlocking member and a second interlocking member. Preferably, the first and second interlocking members each have an attachment flange for securing each member to the inner surface of the thermoplastic film forming the body of the bag. Preferably, the reclosable fastener further comprises a slider device which facilitates the manual operation of the fastener by engaging and dis-engaging the first interlocking member with the second interlocking member.

Problems solved by technology

While these bags are capable of carrying medium to heavy load and are easy to open, they are not suitable for large or bulky items contained therein which require a different means of removal from the package.

While these bags allow for easy removal of relatively bulky contents, they will neither separately support medium to heavy loads nor will the perforated tear lines of the easy-open feature resist tearing or bursting during transportation or storage of medium to heavy loads.

Images