Composite film bag for packaging bulk products

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multi-layered composite bag used to store bulk type products such as pet food, seeds, fertilizer, cereals, grains, charcoal, sand, gravel, and other bulk products, including without limitation bulk products intended for human and non-human consumption, and provides a more efficient manufacturing process than using a paper / plastic structure. The present invention provides a bag comprising a middle layer of woven mesh tubing to which an outer layer of solid plastic film is adhered using polypropylene or other polylaminates.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11 / 244,691, filed Oct. 6, 2005.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a composite bag suitable for packaging bulk products, including bulk food items, pet food, grains and cereals, seeds, fertilizers and other bulk articles. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Conventional bags used to package bulk products, such as dog food, cereals, seeds and fertilizers are composed of multiple layers of paper and solid plastic films. The outer ply typically includes a polymer-coated paper with a smooth printing surface. The paper may be laminated to a layer of film and another paper layer. One drawback of such bags used for bulk products is the difficulty of incorporating several composite layers of film and paper, in order to achieve adequate strength. Another drawback of such bags is the worn appearance of bags comprised of printed paper structures. [0004] In ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The present invention relates to a multi-layered composite bag used to store bulk type products such as pet food, seeds, fertilizer, cereals, grains, charcoal, stones, sand and other bulk products, including without limitation bulk products intended for human and non-human consumption, and provides a more efficient manufacturing process than using a paper / plastic structure. The present invention provides a bag comprising a middle layer of woven mesh tubing to which an outer layer of solid plastic film is adhered using polypropylene or other polylaminates.

[0008] In accordance with the present invention, the outside layer of film (comprising the outside of the bag) may be printed or reverse-printed with graphics and product labeling. Solid films are utilized, which provide excellent printability and strength, and meet or exceed performance standards dictated by the marketplace.

[0009] The present invention uses films that are treated or coated to prevent slippage of bags during manufacturing, packaging, transport and storage. The materials to be used may partially or wholly comprise compostable, degradable or recyclable materials. The present invention also incorporates the use of alternative films and woven mesh materials.

Problems solved by technology

One drawback of such bags used for bulk products is the difficulty of incorporating several composite layers of film and paper, in order to achieve adequate strength.

Another drawback of such bags is the worn appearance of bags comprised of printed paper structures.

A disadvantage of mesh / film polypropylene bags used overseas is that the outer film layer is overly smooth and slippery, causing problems on packaging equipment and in warehousing the bagged product.

Because of the slipperiness of the outer film layer, the bags do not stack well and slide when stacked and stored on warehouse shelves, and / or when transported on pallets.

The slickness of the film may also cause problems on high-speed packaging equipment.

Another common problem associated with mesh / film polypropylene bags used overseas is inconsistent adhesion between the film and woven mesh layers, which often leads to frequent separation of the laminated structure and deterioration of the strength and integrity of the bag.

Moreover, the print quality of overseas bags is highly inconsistent and usually involves solvent-based inks, making the packaging incompatible with bulk products intended for human consumption.

Overseas and domestic bags also lack performance integrity to withstand outside storage, making the print vulnerable to deterioration when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light.

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