Embossed Drawtape for Polymeric Bags

Abstract

The present invention is directed to an embossed drawtape embossed with an enhanced gripping pattern. The enhanced gripping pattern features one or more embosses which enhance the ability of a person to grip the drawtape of a drawstring trash bag when gripping the drawtape in the direction of the width of the drawtape.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 12 / 190,856 filed Aug. 13, 2008.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to improvements in the construction and manufacture of polymeric bags. In particular, the present invention relates to improvements to the drawtape used in drawstring-type polymeric bags, especially polymeric trash bags.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Polymeric bags are ubiquitous in modern society. As a natural result of the widespread adoption and use of polymeric bags, the bags are available in a countless number of combinations of capacities, thicknesses, dimensions and colors. Polymeric bags may be used in numerous ways including for long-term storage, food storage and trash collection. In response to consumer demand, manufacturers of polymeric bags have also developed several innovations over the years to improve the utility and performance of...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]The present invention is directed to a drawtape for drawstring polymeric bags. The drawtape is manufactured from polyethylene and is imprinted with an embossing pattern comprised of a plurality of embosses. In certain embodiments, the plurality of embosses may be substantially circular or elliptical in shape, substantially uniform in size, and distributed evenly within the embossing pattern. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the plurality of embosses may have a substantially uniform depth and be imprinted so as to extend from the base of the drawtape in a single direction. It is contemplated that the present invention may be manufactured with at least 20% high-density polyethylene. In certain embodiments, the drawtape has a width of between 0.5 inches and 2 inches with a thickness of between 1.5 and 3 mils. In certain embodiments, the width may be 1 inch with a thickness of 2.25 mils. In certain embodiments, the polyethylene drawtape is a three-ply, co-extruded drawtape.

Problems solved by technology

When considering the utility of polymeric trash bags, one issue of primary concern to both consumers and manufacturers is how the consumer can securely close and carry the trash bag after filling it with debris.

However, outdoor yard gloves can also negatively affect the dexterity of a person's fingers when the gloves are worn, making it difficult to grasp smooth, slippery surfaces such as the drawtapes of trash bags.

This problem is further compounded as oils, dirt, and other contaminants accumulate on the surfaces of the gloves making gripping even more difficult.

This gripping challenge is highlighted by the difficulty in certain circumstances to quickly and easily grip the drawtapes of a lawn and leaf bag while wearing outdoor yard gloves.

For example, it may be difficult to grasp the drawtapes contained in a drawstring lawn and leaf bag due to the relatively small exposed area of the drawtapes, the decreased dexterity associated with wearing outdoor gloves, and contaminants which may accumulate.

Furthermore, this same problem may also be present with respect to drawstring kitchen bags where liquids and oily cleansers may make it moderately more difficult to grip the drawstring.

Specifically, it is known that drawtapes used in connection with drawstring bags have a tendency to “rope” when a force is applied such as when the drawtapes are pulled to close the trash bag.

Since the ribs are in the same direction as a force applied by a person pulling on the drawtape, the vertical ribs do not facilitate in making the drawtape easier to grip.

Again, this does not substantively facilitate a person's ability to grip the drawtape.

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