Reinforced thermoplastic bag with elongated flared skirt

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to 2-ply drawstring trash bags that implement a J-flap extended hem to provide increased bag top strength. In one or more embodiments, the J-flap extended hem includes a 2-ply web that is folded back on itself (e.g., to enclose a drawstring within a hem channel during a hem folding operation). In one or more embodiments, a hem seal secures the 2-ply web to an inner surface of the trash bag. At least one ply of the 2-ply web flap extends beyond the hem seal and is additionally secured to the inner surface of the trash bag via one or more hem skirt seals. In certain embodiments, to reduce material consumption, the J-flap extended hem of the present disclosure uses only one ply of the 2-ply web flap to impart additional strength. In some embodiments, at least one ply of the 2-ply web flap includes a ring-rolled portion to increase bag top strength.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 136,307, filed January 12, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0003] background

[0004] In many applications, thermoplastic bags are used as liners for garbage or waste containers. Waste containers with such liners can be found in a wide range of locations, from small household kitchen trash cans to larger multi-gallon bins in public places and restaurants. Bags designed for use as liners for such waste storage containers are typically made of low-cost, flexible thermoplastic materials. When the container is full, the thermoplastic liner holding the waste can be removed and replaced with a new liner.

[0005] The increasing manufacturing cost of thermoplastic liners has led to a trend toward reducing material usage (e.g., by manufacturing thinner webs). Consequently, some conventional thermoplastic liners are prone to tearing, rupture, and other problems at the top of the bag. For example, when gripping a conventional thermoplastic liner by the top, the gripping hand (e.g., fingers) can puncture or overstretch the liner (leading to subsequent failure). These overstretched areas can be further damaged (e.g., reaching a failure point in some cases) when the liner is pulled upwards or lifted and pulled out or removed from the waste container, for example, after the fingers have stretched the liner during the gripping motion. Consequently, this damage to the top of the bag can lead to waste spillage, requiring adjustments to / clumsy handling postures or methods, etc.

[0006] Additionally or alternatively, for some conventional thermoplastic liners, the reduction in material consumption can also lead to undesirable intuitive implications (e.g., less material used, and therefore the thermoplastic liner must be thin or cheaply manufactured). Regardless of the actual material properties, these conventional thermoplastic liners may intuitively convey material characteristics indicating low durability and usability.

[0007] Brief Overview

[0008] This disclosure relates to multilayer reinforced thermoplastic bags with improved top strength properties. Specifically, one or more embodiments of the reinforced thermoplastic bag include an extended hem skirt applied to the grab-zone, which a user grips when lifting or carrying the reinforced thermoplastic bag. In these or other embodiments, the extended hem skirt is formed by extending one or more layers (e.g., an inner layer, an outer layer, or both) of the reinforced thermoplastic bag over the grab-zone. Furthermore, the extended hem skirt may optionally be secured to the sidewalls via one or more seals. Because the extended hem skirt distributes the applied load over the area affected by stress / strain caused by gripping fingers (e.g., during the grabbing motion of lifting or carrying), the extended hem skirt reinforces the thermoplastic bag and provides a more robust top.

[0009] In addition to the foregoing, methods for forming reinforced thermoplastic bags may include discontinuously laminating portions and / or layers of the reinforced thermoplastic bag together. In one or more embodiments, an extended ruffle skirt is discontinuously laminated to multiple portions of the gripping area of ​​the reinforced thermoplastic bag. Examples of discontinuous lamination include adhesive bonding, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, embossing, ring rolling, structured elastomeric molding (SELFing), combinations of applying pressure and tackifiers embedded in one or more films, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, the method may include joining corresponding side edges of the first and second sidewalls to form a bag configuration. The method may also include forming a bottom fold or closed bottom edge to join the first and second sidewalls at the bottom of the reinforced thermoplastic bag.

[0010] Additional features and advantages of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are outlined in the following description. Brief description of the attached diagram

[0012] The detailed description provides additional specificity and detail to one or more embodiments using the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described below.

[0013] Figure 1 A reinforced thermoplastic bag according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0014] Figures 2A-2G Cross-sectional views of various sidewalls of an extended ruffled skirt according to one or more embodiments are shown.

[0015] Figures 3A-3C Various films in discontinuous laminated structures for thermoplastic films are shown according to one or more embodiments.

[0016] Figure 4 A discontinuous laminated structure of a thermoplastic film according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0017] Figure 5 Another reinforced thermoplastic bag according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0018] Figure 6 Another reinforced thermoplastic bag according to one or more embodiments is shown.

[0019] Figure 7 An example manufacturing process for forming a reinforced thermoplastic bag is shown according to one or more embodiments.

[0020] Detailed description

[0021] This disclosure describes one or more embodiments of a reinforced multi-layer thermoplastic bag with increased strength. Specifically, the reinforced thermoplastic bag may include a multi-ply trash bag (e.g., sidewalls comprising multiple layers), wherein sidewall extensions are positioned across gripping areas of the trash bag (e.g., areas where the trash bag is typically gripped when removed from a container, and particularly in the area directly below the pleated seal). In these or other embodiments, the sidewall extension is the top of a sidewall folded inwards, and the sidewall extension is secured to the inner surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag. For example, the sidewall extension is positioned between discrete laminated portions (e.g., a pleated seal and a pleated skirt seal positioned below the pleated seal) and secured to the reinforced thermoplastic bag by the discrete laminated portions (e.g., a pleated seal and a pleated skirt seal positioned below the pleated seal). In one or more embodiments, the sidewall extension comprises multiple layers of multi-layer sidewalls folded to the inner surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag. In other embodiments, the sidewall extension includes only one of a plurality of sidewall layers folded into the inner surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag.

[0022] For illustration, in one or more embodiments, the reinforced thermoplastic bag utilizes an extended ruffled skirt of the first sidewall layer to reinforce a portion of the gripping area extending below the ruffled skirt, formed by the second sidewall layer. Using an extended ruffled skirt comprising only one of the two sidewall layers uses less material. In particular, the reinforced thermoplastic bag can provide additional reinforcement material in the gripping area having only one sidewall layer in a more resource-efficient manner, rather than using two sidewall layers in the extended ruffled skirt.

[0023] More specifically, reinforced thermoplastic bags may include an extended ruffle skirt in which a first or second sidewall layer extends beyond the ruffle skirt of the other sidewall layer. For example, in some embodiments, the outer sidewall layer of the reinforced thermoplastic bag forms an extended ruffle skirt that extends several inches beyond the ruffle skirt for the inner sidewall layer. In other embodiments, the inner sidewall layer of the reinforced thermoplastic bag forms an extended ruffle skirt by extending several inches beyond the ruffle skirt for the outer sidewall layer. By flexibly allowing either sidewall layer to form an extended ruffle skirt, reinforced thermoplastic bags further increase manufacturing flexibility by allowing the use of conventional bag-making machines.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the reinforced thermoplastic bag utilizes an extended ruffled skirt comprising both a first sidewall layer and a second sidewall layer to reinforce the gripping area. This approach also has at least several advantages. First, the reinforced thermoplastic bag can further increase (e.g., double) the amount of reinforcement applied to the gripping area. By increasing the amount of reinforcement, the reinforced thermoplastic bag can better withstand the applied load from the gripper's fingers. Second, the reinforced thermoplastic bag can apply different (e.g., complementary) material properties to the gripping area of ​​the reinforced thermoplastic bag via multiple sidewall layers. For example, the first sidewall layer can impart increased puncture toughness, while the second sidewall layer can impart improved directional strength to the reinforced thermoplastic bag.

[0025] Additionally or alternatively, in one or more embodiments, the reinforced thermoplastic bag utilizes an extended ruffled skirt including ring-stitching. By utilizing the ring-stitched portion in the extended ruffled skirt, the reinforced thermoplastic bag can improve strength properties at the gripping area. Furthermore, ring-stitching specific film portions allows the reinforced thermoplastic bag to be formed from down-gauged film, facilitating reduced manufacturing costs without sacrificing strength or durability.

[0026] Furthermore, one or more embodiments include forming an extended ruffle skirt by circumferencing the top edges of one or more sidewall layers to extend the ruffle skirt toward the bottom fold beyond the ruffle seal by at least two inches or more. In some embodiments, this approach also increases manufacturing friendliness. For example, in some embodiments where only one of the multiple sidewall layers forms an extended ruffle skirt, the disclosed reinforced thermoplastic bag avoids reconfiguring the manufacturing components to perform multiple / different ruffle folding operations or extrusion processes to form an extended ruffle skirt with one sidewall layer and a conventional ruffle skirt with another sidewall layer. Thus, one or more embodiments can advantageously extrude the film equally, circumferentially fold one of the sidewall layers to form a corresponding extended width that will form the extended ruffle skirt, and then perform a conventional ruffle folding operation involving both sidewall layers during conversion.

[0027] Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the extended ruffle skirt is colored or patterned to visually impart or enhance the sense of strength and durability at the gripping area of ​​the reinforced thermoplastic bag. In these or other embodiments, one or more layers of the reinforced thermoplastic bag are translucent to allow the extended ruffle skirt to be seen through the outer and / or inner surfaces of the reinforced thermoplastic bag. For example, when the translucent outer layer of the reinforced thermoplastic bag is superimposed on one or more colored portions of the extended ruffle skirt, the reinforced thermoplastic bag can visually show that the gripping area is the reinforced region. Optionally, each sidewall layer can be colored to impart a different color at the gripping area via the extended ruffle skirt, which provides one or more additional material layers.

[0028] As discussed above, this disclosure utilizes various terms to describe the features and benefits of reinforced thermoplastic bags. Additional details regarding the meaning of these terms are now provided. For example, as used herein, the term "grip area" refers to a portion of the thermoplastic bag that bears an applied load (e.g., a lifting force that lifts or carries the thermoplastic bag). Specifically, the grip area includes the top of the thermoplastic bag (e.g., above and / or below the pleated seal). For example, the grip area extends from a first side edge to an opposing second side edge and extends a first distance from near the top opening (e.g., immediately adjacent to the top opening or within a threshold distance) toward the bottom pleat. As another example, the grip area extends from the first side edge to the opposing second side edge and extends a second distance (equal to or different from the first distance) from the pleated seal toward the bottom pleat. As yet another example, the grip area extends from the first side edge to the opposing second side edge and extends a third distance (equal to or different from the first and second distances) from the pleated seal toward the bottom pleat to the pleated skirt seal.

[0029] As used herein, the terms “laminate,” “laminate,” and “laminate film” refer to a process of combining two or more layers of film or other materials together to form a final product. The term “laminate” also includes co-extruded multilayer films comprising one or more tie layers. The term “bond,” when used to refer to the bonding of multiple layers, may be used interchangeably with “laminate” of layers. As a verb, “laminate” refers to attaching or adhering two or more separately made film articles to each other (by means of, for example, adhesive bonding, pressure bonding (e.g., ring rolling, embossing, structured elastomeric molding, bonding due to tackifiers in one or more films), ultrasonic bonding, corona lamination, etc.) to form a multilayer structure. For example, in one or more embodiments, sealing involves applying heat and pressure to a sidewall comprising one or more layers (at least one of which includes an extended ruffle skirt). To illustrate this sealing method, the system for forming the disclosed reinforced thermoplastic bag can perform metal-to-metal embossing or rubber-to-metal embossing in one or two tightly coupled units. In one or both cases, the system can preheat one or more films and / or preheat the outer surface of the drive roller. As a noun, "laminate" refers to a product produced by attachment or adhesion via one or more of the above embodiments.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the lamination or bonding between the bag and the reinforcing feature (e.g., the extended ruffled skirt of this disclosure) may be discontinuous (i.e., discontinuous or partially discontinuous). As used herein, the terms "discontinuous bonding" or "discontinuous lamination" refer to a lamination of two or more layers wherein the lamination is discontinuous in the machine direction and discontinuous in the transverse direction. More specifically, discontinuous lamination refers to a lamination of two or more layers having a repeating bonding pattern that is broken by repeating unbonded areas in the machine direction and transverse direction of the film (or alternatively, random bonding areas are broken by random unbonded areas). In one or more embodiments, discontinuous lamination includes patterned lamination.

[0031] As used herein, the term "partially discontinuous bonding" or "partially discontinuous lamination" refers to a lamination of two or more layers, wherein the lamination is substantially continuous in the machine direction or lateral direction, but discontinuous in the other direction. Alternatively, partially discontinuous lamination refers to a lamination of two or more layers, wherein the lamination is substantially continuous in the width of the article, but not continuous in the height of the article. Alternatively, partially discontinuous lamination may include two or more layers that are substantially continuous in the height of the article but discontinuous in the width of the article. More specifically, partially discontinuous lamination refers to a lamination of two or more layers, wherein repeating bonding patterns are broken in the machine direction or lateral direction by repeating unbonded areas. In one or more embodiments, partially discontinuous lamination includes patterned lamination.

[0032] As used herein, the term “machine orientation” or “MD” refers to the direction along the length of the membrane, or in other words, the orientation of the membrane as it is formed during extrusion and / or coating. As used herein, the term “transverse orientation” or “TD” refers to the direction across the membrane or perpendicular to the machine orientation.

[0033] As used herein, the term "flexible" refers to a material that is capable of flexing or bending (particularly repeatedly flexing or bending) such that these materials are pliable and yieldable in response to externally applied forces. Therefore, "flexible" is essentially the opposite in meaning to the terms inflexible, rigid, or unyieldable. Thus, flexible materials and structures can change shape and structure to accommodate external forces without sacrificing integrity. Similarly, flexible materials and structures can conform to the shape of a contacting object without sacrificing integrity. For example, the thermoplastic bags disclosed herein may include web material that exhibits "elastic-like" properties in the direction of applied strain, rather than using additional conventional elasticity. As used herein, the term "elastic-like" describes the properties of a web material that, when subjected to applied strain, stretches in the direction of applied strain. When the applied strain is released, the web material recovers to some extent to its pre-strain state.

[0034] Film material

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the bags and / or extended ruffled skirts of this disclosure comprise thermoplastic films. First, one or more layers of such a film may comprise any flexible or resilient material, including thermoplastic materials, and may be formed or drawn into webs or films. Each individual film layer may itself comprise a single layer or multiple layers. Additives (e.g., pigments, antislip agents, anti-caking agents, tackifiers, or combinations thereof) may also be included, as desired. The thermoplastic material of the film in one or more embodiments may include, but is not limited to, thermoplastic polyolefins, including polyethylene, polypropylene, and copolymers thereof. In addition to ethylene and propylene, exemplary copolymer olefins include, but are not limited to, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA), and ethylene acrylic acid (EAA), or blends of these olefins. Various other suitable olefins and polyolefins will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0036] Other examples of polymers suitable for use as membranes according to the invention include elastomeric polymers. Suitable elastomeric polymers may also be biodegradable or environmentally degradable. Suitable elastomeric polymers for use as membranes include poly(ethylene-butene), poly(ethylene-hexene), poly(ethylene-octene), poly(ethylene-propylene), poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene), poly(styrene-isoprene-styrene), poly(styrene-ethylene-butene-styrene), poly(ester-ether), poly(ether-amide), poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate), poly(ethylene-methacrylate), poly(ethylene-acrylic acid), poly(ethylene-butyl acrylate), polyurethane, poly(ethylene-propylene-diene), ethylene-propylene rubber, and combinations thereof.

[0037] In at least one embodiment of the invention, the film may comprise linear low-density polyethylene. As used herein, the term "linear low-density polyethylene" (LLDPE) is defined as a copolymer of ethylene and a small amount of an olefin containing 4 to 10 carbon atoms. Additionally, LLDPE comprises approximately 0.910 to approximately 0.926 g / cm³. 3 The density and melt index (MI) are from about 0.5 to about 10. For example, one or more embodiments of the invention may use octene copolymers, solution-phase LLDPE (MI = 1.1; ρ = 0.920). Alternatively, other embodiments of the invention may use fumed LLDPE, specifically hexene fumed LLDPE formulated with slip / AB (MI = 1.0; ρ = 0.920). It should be understood that the invention is not limited to LLDPE and may include "high-density polyethylene" (HDPE), "low-density polyethylene" (LDPE), and "very low-density polyethylene" (VLDPE). In fact, films made from any of the aforementioned thermoplastic materials or combinations thereof may be suitable for use with the invention.

[0038] As will be understood from the disclosure herein, manufacturers can use a variety of techniques to form individual films or webs discontinuously bonded together to provide improved strength properties. For example, manufacturers can form precursor mixtures of thermoplastic materials including any optional additives. Manufacturers can then use conventional flat extrusion or cast extrusion or co-extrusion to form films from the precursor mixture to produce single-layer, bilayer, or multilayer films. In any case, the resulting film can be discontinuously bonded to another film in a subsequent stage to provide the benefits associated with this invention.

[0039] Instead of conventional flat extrusion or cast extrusion processes, manufacturers can use other suitable processes to form films, such as blown film processes, to produce single-layer, double-layer, or multi-layer films. These layers are then discontinuously bonded to another film layer in subsequent stages. If required for a given end-use, manufacturers can orient the film using bubble trapping, tenter frame, or other suitable processes. Additionally, manufacturers can optionally anneal the film.

[0040] The extruders used in one or more embodiments comprise conventional designs that utilize dies to provide the desired specifications. Several useful extruders are described in U.S. Patents 4,814,135, 4,857,600, 5,076,988, and 5,153,382; each of these U.S. Patents is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Examples of various extruders that can be used to produce the films of the present invention include single-screw types modified with blown film dies, air ring types, and continuous take-off equipment.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, the manufacturer can use multiple extruders to supply different melt streams, and the feed block can sequentially place these melt streams into different channels of a multichannel die. Multiple extruders can allow the manufacturer to form multilayer films with multiple layers of different compositions. Such multilayer films can subsequently be laminated discontinuously with another film to provide the advantages of the present invention.

[0042] In blown film processing, the die can be an upright cylinder with a circular opening. Rollers pull molten plastic upwards away from the die. As the film travels upwards, an air ring cools it. An air outlet forces compressed air into the center of the extruded circular profile, creating air bubbles. The air can enlarge the extruded circular cross-section by a multiple of the die diameter. This ratio is called the "blow-up ratio." When using blown film processing, manufacturers can fold the film to double the number of layers. Alternatively, manufacturers can cut and fold the film, or cut and leave it undone.

[0043] Additional details regarding reinforced thermoplastic bags will now be provided in conjunction with illustrative drawings depicting exemplary embodiments and implementations of reinforced thermoplastic bags. For example, Figure 1 A reinforced thermoplastic bag 100 according to one or more embodiments is shown. The reinforced thermoplastic bag 100 can be used as a liner for a trash can or similar waste storage container. The reinforced thermoplastic bag 100 may include a first thermoplastic sidewall 102 and an opposing second thermoplastic sidewall 104, which together provide an internal volume 106. The first thermoplastic sidewall 102 and the second thermoplastic sidewall 104 may be joined along a first side edge 110, an opposing second side edge 112, and a closed bottom edge 114. The bottom edge 114 may extend between the first side edge 110 and the second side edge 112. In one or more embodiments, the first thermoplastic sidewall 102 and the second thermoplastic sidewall 104 are joined along the first side edge 110 and the second side edge 112 and along the closed bottom edge 114 by any suitable process (e.g., heat sealing). In an alternative embodiment, one or more of the closed bottom edge 114 or the first side edge 110 and the second side edge 112 may include a fold.

[0044] At least a portion of the corresponding first thermoplastic sidewall 102 and second thermoplastic sidewall 104 may remain unconnected to define an opening 124 positioned relative to the closed bottom edge 114. The opening 124 can be used to store items into the internal volume 106. Furthermore, the reinforced thermoplastic bag 100 can be placed into a waste container. When placed in a waste container, the tops of the first thermoplastic sidewall 102 and second thermoplastic sidewall 104 can be folded over the edge of the container.

[0045] As in Figure 1 As shown, the first thermoplastic sidewall 102 and the second thermoplastic sidewall 104 are folded into the internal volume 106. For example, the first thermoplastic sidewall 102 can be folded and attached to the inner surface of the first thermoplastic sidewall 102 via a folded seal 145a, thereby forming a first folded channel disposed within the first fold 142. Similarly, the second thermoplastic sidewall 104 can be folded and attached to the inner surface of the second thermoplastic sidewall 104 via a folded seal 145b, thereby forming a second folded channel disposed within the second fold 144.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, the first and second pleated channels receive the pull strap 140 to close or reduce the opening 124. For example, as Figure 1As shown, the pull strap 140 extends loosely through the first and second pleat channels of the respective first pleat 142 and second pleat 144. For access to the pull strap 140, a first notch 146 and a second notch 148 can be configured to pass through the respective first pleat 142 and second pleat 144. Pulling the pull strap 140 through the notches 146 and 148 will cause the first pleat 142 and second pleat 144 to contract, thereby closing or reducing the opening 124. The pull strap closure mechanism can be used with any embodiment of the reinforced thermoplastic bag described herein.

[0047] To reinforce the thermoplastic bag 100 (e.g., to reduce tearing or perforation), the thermoplastic bag 100 may include thermoplastic reinforcement features positioned within the gripping area 105 of the reinforcing thermoplastic bag 100. Specifically, Figure 1 The thermoplastic bag 100 includes extended ruffled skirts 130a and 130b (collectively referred to as extended ruffled skirts 130), which cover at least a portion of the gripping area 105. In these or other embodiments, the extended ruffled skirts 130 may include one or more material layers (e.g., sidewall layers of the thermoplastic film as described above) attached to the thermoplastic bag 100 within the gripping area 105. Figures 2A-2G Various embodiments of the extended ruffled skirt 130 and patterns for attaching the extended ruffled skirt 130 to the reinforced thermoplastic bag 100 are shown. Additionally or alternatively, in one or more embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the extended ruffled skirt portions 130a and 130b (e.g., via a plurality of discontinuous joints 150) are discontinuously joined to the respective first thermoplastic sidewall 102 and second thermoplastic sidewall 104. Additionally or alternatively, the extended ruffled skirt portions 130a and 130b are attached to the respective first thermoplastic sidewall 102 and second thermoplastic sidewall 104 via side seals, the side seals connecting the first thermoplastic sidewall 102 and second thermoplastic sidewall 104 along the first side edge 110 and the second side edge 112.

[0048] To form the corresponding extended ruffled skirts 130a, 130b, at least one of the first top edges 120a, 120b of the first thermoplastic sidewall 102 and at least one of the second top edges 122a, 122b (not shown) of the second thermoplastic sidewall 104 extend toward the closed bottom edge 114 beyond the corresponding ruffled seals 145a, 145b. Specifically, at least one of the first top edges 120a, 120b and at least one of the second top edges 122a, 122b are secured to the corresponding ruffled skirt seals 147a, 147b (not shown). Additionally or alternatively, the first top edges 120a, 120b and / or the second top edges 122a, 122b may be attached to the thermoplastic bag 100 via side seals (e.g., at the first side edge 110 and the second side edge 112).

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the extended ruffle skirts 130a and 130b each comprise a single layer. For illustration, forming the extended ruffle skirt 130a for the first thermoplastic sidewall 102 includes securing a first top edge 120b to the inner surface of the first thermoplastic sidewall 102 via a first ruffle skirt seal 147a. The first ruffle skirt seal 147a is positioned below a ruffle seal 145a, in which case the ruffle seal 145a secures the first top edge 120a to the inner surface of the first thermoplastic sidewall 102. Similarly, forming the extended ruffle skirt 130b includes securing a second top edge 122b to the inner surface of the second thermoplastic sidewall 104 via a second ruffle skirt seal 147b. The second ruffle skirt seal 147b (although not in...) Figure 1 (As shown in the diagram) is positioned below the pleated seal 145b, in which case the pleated seal 145b secures the second top edge 122a to the inner surface of the second thermoplastic sidewall 104. In these or other embodiments, the first top edges 120a, 120b may be unconnected or unattached to the second top edges 122a, 122b.

[0050] In alternative embodiments, the extended ruffled skirts 130a, 130b may include multiple layers in the respective first thermoplastic sidewall 102 and second thermoplastic sidewall 104. For example, the first top edge 120a and the first top edge 120b for the first thermoplastic sidewall 102 are both at least partially attached to the inner surface of the first thermoplastic sidewall 102 via a first ruffled skirt seal 147a. Similarly, in one or more embodiments, the second top edge 122a and the second top edge 122b for the second thermoplastic sidewall 104 are both at least partially attached to the inner surface of the second thermoplastic sidewall 104 via a second ruffled skirt seal 147b.

[0051] In an alternative embodiment, the extended ruffled skirt portions 130a, 130b may comprise a single layer, but have the same characteristics as... Figure 1 The different constructions shown here. To illustrate the difference between... Figure 1 In contrast to the example configuration described herein, in one or more embodiments, the extended ruffle skirt 130a can be formed by securing a first top edge 120a to the inner surface of the first thermoplastic sidewall 102 via a first ruffle skirt seal 147a. In this case, the first top edge 120b substantially does not extend beyond the ruffle seal 145a secured to the inner surface of the first thermoplastic sidewall 102. Similarly, in one or more embodiments, the extended ruffle skirt 130b can be formed by securing a second top edge 122a to the inner surface of the second thermoplastic sidewall 104 via a second ruffle skirt seal 147b. Thus, in this example, the second top edge 122b substantially does not extend beyond the ruffle seal 145b secured to the inner surface of the second thermoplastic sidewall 104.

[0052] Additionally or alternatively, in one or more embodiments, a plurality of ruffle skirt seals may attach the extended ruffle skirts 130a, 130b to the respective first thermoplastic sidewall 102 and second thermoplastic sidewall 104. For example, the reinforced thermoplastic bag 100 may include one or more additional ruffle skirt seals for the first thermoplastic sidewall 102, which are positioned between the ruffle seal 145a and the first ruffle skirt seal 147a that secures the extended ruffle skirt 130a to the inner surface of the first thermoplastic sidewall 102. As another example, the reinforced thermoplastic bag 100 may include one or more additional ruffled skirt seals for the first thermoplastic sidewall 102, which are positioned below the first ruffled skirt seal 147a (e.g., for securing the first top edge 120b to the inner surface of the first thermoplastic sidewall 102 at a location closer to the closed bottom edge 114).

[0053] In one or more embodiments, the gripping area 105 for each of the first and second thermoplastic sidewalls spans between the adjustable gripping area boundary 132 and the tops of the corresponding first pleat 142 and second pleat 144 (e.g., near the opening 124). Furthermore, the gripping area 105 may span between the first side edge 110 and the second side edge 112. Thus, in one or more embodiments, the extended pleated skirt 130 extends between the first side edge 110 and the second side edge 112 and extends concurrently with at least a portion of the gripping area 105 (e.g., near the adjustable gripping area boundary 132). In alternative embodiments, the extended pleated skirt 130 does not extend the entire length between the first side edge 110 and the second side edge 112 and / or does not span the entire height of the gripping area 105. In any case, the extended pleated skirt 130 may provide additional material in the potentially vulnerable gripping area 105 of the thermoplastic bag 100.

[0054] For illustration, the extended ruffled skirt portion 130 can extend a distance 139 on either the first thermoplastic sidewall 102 or the second thermoplastic sidewall 104. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the distance 139 of the extended ruffle skirt 130a of the first thermoplastic sidewall 102 extends from the ruffle seal 145a to a position near the adjustable gripping area boundary 132 at or below the first ruffle skirt seal 147a. In other embodiments, for example, the distance 139 of the extended ruffle skirt 130a extends from directly below the ruffle seal 145a (e.g., near the first top edge 120a) to a position near the adjustable gripping area boundary 132 at or below the first ruffle skirt seal 147a. Of course, in other embodiments involving longer extended ruffle skirts and / or multiple ruffle skirt seals, the distance 139 may extend further (e.g., closer) toward the closed bottom edge 114.

[0055] In these or other embodiments, the extended ruffle skirt 130b may extend along the second thermoplastic sidewall 104 by the same distance 139 as the extended ruffle skirt 130a extends along the first thermoplastic sidewall 102. In alternative embodiments, the extended ruffle skirts 130a and 130b may extend different distances along the first thermoplastic sidewall 102 and the second thermoplastic sidewall 104. In any case, in some cases, the distance 139 is between approximately 5% and 25% of the height 138 of the reinforced thermoplastic bag 100, wherein the height 138 is measured from the closed bottom edge 114 to the opening 124. For example, in one or more embodiments, the extended ruffle skirt 130 extends approximately 20% of the height 138 of the reinforced thermoplastic bag 100.

[0056] More specifically, distance 139 may have a first range of approximately 1 inch (2.54 cm) to approximately 10 inches (25.4 cm), a second range of approximately 3 inches (7.6 cm) to approximately 8 inches (20.3 cm), a third range of approximately 4 inches (10.2 cm) to approximately 6 inches (15.2 cm), and a fourth range of approximately 10 inches (25.4 cm) to approximately 30 inches (76.2 cm). In one implementation, distance 139 may be 5 inches (12.7 cm). In another implementation, distance 139 may be shorter or longer than the examples listed above.

[0057] In contrast, height 138 can have a first range of approximately 20 inches (50.8 cm) to approximately 48 inches (121.9 cm), a second range of approximately 23 inches (58.4 cm) to approximately 33 inches (83.8 cm), and a third range of approximately 26 inches (66 cm) to approximately 28 inches (71.1 cm). In one embodiment, height 138 can be 27.375 inches (69.5 cm). In alternative embodiments, height 138 can be shorter or longer than the examples listed above.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, each of the first thermoplastic sidewall 102 and the second thermoplastic sidewall 104 (including or excluding the extended ruffle skirt 130) may have the following specifications or thicknesses (e.g., the average distance between the main surfaces): approximately 0.1 mil to approximately 10 mil, suitably from approximately 0.1 mil to approximately 4 mil, suitably in the range of approximately 0.1 mil to approximately 2 mil, suitably from approximately 0.1 mil to approximately 1.25 mil, suitably from approximately 0.9 mil to approximately 1.1 mil, suitably between approximately 0.2 mil and approximately 0.9 mil, and suitably between approximately 0.3 mil and approximately 0.7 mil. In these or other embodiments, the first thermoplastic sidewall 102 and the second thermoplastic sidewall 104 may have a greater thickness than the extended ruffle skirt 130. In alternative embodiments, the first thermoplastic sidewall 102 and the second thermoplastic sidewall 104, as well as the extended ruffle skirt 130, have the same thickness. In another embodiment, the extended ruffled skirt portion 130 may be thicker than the first thermoplastic sidewall 102 and the second thermoplastic sidewall 104.

[0059] Additionally or alternatively, in one or more embodiments, each of the first thermoplastic sidewall 102, the second thermoplastic sidewall 104, and the extended ruffle skirt 130 may have uniform or consistent specifications. In alternative embodiments, one or more of the first thermoplastic sidewall 102, the second thermoplastic sidewall 104, or the extended ruffle skirt 130 may be uneven or non-uniform. Furthermore, the specifications of one or more of the first thermoplastic sidewall 102, the second thermoplastic sidewall 104, and the extended ruffle skirt 130 do not need to be consistent or uniform. Therefore, the specifications of one or more of the first thermoplastic sidewall 102, the second thermoplastic sidewall 104, or the extended ruffle skirt 130 may vary due to product design, manufacturing defects, tolerances, or other processing issues.

[0060] In these or other embodiments, one or more layers of the extended ruffle skirt 130 may include various thicknesses relative to each other. For example, see the following reference... Figures 2A-2G The first and second sidewall layers forming the extended ruffle skirt portion are described above, wherein the first layer may be thicker than the second layer, and vice versa. Alternatively, the first and second extended ruffle skirt portions may have the same thickness.

[0061] In one or more embodiments, one or more of the first thermoplastic sidewall 102, the second thermoplastic sidewall 104, and / or the extended ruffle skirt 130 are progressively stretched. For example, in one or more embodiments, one or more of the first thermoplastic sidewall 102, the second thermoplastic sidewall 104, and / or the extended ruffle skirt 130 are progressively stretched by one or more of the following: MD ring rolling, TD ring rolling, structured elastic forming, or other methods as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 273,384, filed October 14, 2011, entitled “NON-CONTINUOUSLY LAMINATED MULTI-LAYERED BAGS”, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. Incremental stretching of one or more of the first thermoplastic sidewall 102, the second thermoplastic sidewall 104, and / or the extended ruffle skirt 130 can increase or otherwise alter one or more of the tensile strength, tear resistance, impact resistance, or elasticity of the membrane (while also reducing the basis weight of the membrane).

[0062] The first thermoplastic sidewall 102, the second thermoplastic sidewall 104, and the extended ruffle skirt 130 may each comprise a plurality of thermoplastic material films. Specifically, the first thermoplastic sidewall 102, the second thermoplastic sidewall 104, and the extended ruffle skirt 130 may comprise any of the aforementioned thermoplastic materials or combinations thereof. In one or more embodiments, the first thermoplastic sidewall 102 and the second thermoplastic sidewall 104 may comprise the same thermoplastic material as the extended ruffle skirt 130. In alternative embodiments, the extended ruffle skirt 130 may comprise a material different from that of the first thermoplastic sidewall 102 and the second thermoplastic sidewall 104. For example, the material of the extended ruffle skirt 130 may have higher tensile strength, tear resistance, puncture resistance, elasticity, and / or abrasion resistance than the materials of the first thermoplastic sidewall 102 and the second thermoplastic sidewall 104. An extended ruffled skirt 130, made of a stronger and / or tougher material, can help further protect the thermoplastic bag 100 from tearing and / or puncture.

[0063] In addition to the foregoing, in one or more embodiments, other portions of the extended ruffle skirt 130 and / or the first thermoplastic sidewall 102 and the second thermoplastic sidewall 104 may include visual features, such as color. In some cases, the extended ruffle skirt 130 and the first thermoplastic sidewall 102 and the second thermoplastic sidewall 104 may have the same color as their visual features. In alternative embodiments, the extended ruffle skirt 130 and the first thermoplastic sidewall 102 and the second thermoplastic sidewall 104 may have different visual features (e.g., color). For example, in one or more embodiments, the extended ruffle skirt 130a includes one or more outer layers of the first thermoplastic sidewall 102, which comprises a white, translucent thermoplastic material. In this example, one or more additional layers (e.g., a second inner layer) of the first thermoplastic sidewall 102 may include a colored (e.g., non-white or colored) material, such as a black material. One or more additional layers of the first thermoplastic sidewall 102, including coloring material, may also extend to form part of the extended ruffle skirt 130 (e.g., below one or more outer translucent layers of the first thermoplastic sidewall 102).

[0064] In these or other embodiments, the area of ​​the reinforced thermoplastic bag 100 including the extended ruffle skirt 130a may appear gray when viewed from the inside and / or outside of the reinforced thermoplastic bag 100. Therefore, the different colors of the areas of the reinforced thermoplastic bag 100 including the extended ruffle skirt 130a can be used to inform consumers that these areas of the reinforced thermoplastic bag 100 are provided with additional strength. For example, the inner surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag 100 is visible inside the container and / or when flipped over to the top edge of the container when the reinforced thermoplastic bag 100 is placed inside the container. In this configuration, the corresponding visual characteristics (e.g., different colors) of the layers of the first thermoplastic sidewall 102 forming the extended ruffle skirt 130a and / or other layers of the first thermoplastic sidewall 102 can provide a visual signal of increased strength / durability through the inner surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag 100. Similarly, the outer surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag 100 is visible when it is held outside the container or viewed from the outside of the container. In some embodiments, the corresponding visual features (e.g., different colors) of the layers of the first thermoplastic sidewall 102 forming the extended ruffle skirt 130a and / or other layers of the first thermoplastic sidewall 102 can provide a visual signal of increased strength / durability through the outer surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag 100.

[0065] Of course, the extended ruffle skirt 130, like the reinforced thermoplastic bag 100, can include many other material / visual properties. For example, in one or more embodiments, the extended ruffle skirt 130 includes odor-controlling additives, fragrance additives, etc., to improve and / or reduce the amount of unpleasant odors, particularly improving and / or reducing the amount of unpleasant odors in the gripping area 105 near the opening 124 of the reinforced thermoplastic bag 100. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the reinforced thermoplastic bag 100 includes one or more patterned portions (e.g., patterned ruffle seals, patterned ruffle skirt seals, patterned sidewalls, patterned and / or patterned extended ruffle skirts of multiple discontinuous joints 150). The patterned portions (e.g., cross-hatching patterns) can be used to inform consumers that these areas of the reinforced thermoplastic bag 100 are provided with additional strength.

[0066] As previously mentioned, the extended ruffled skirt 130 can be discontinuously laminated to the reinforced thermoplastic bag 100. For example, Figure 1The reinforced thermoplastic bag 100 is shown to include a plurality of discontinuous joints 150 for securing an extended ruffled skirt 130a to the reinforced thermoplastic bag 100. Specifically, the plurality of discontinuous joints 150 may include a plurality of discontinuous adhesive joints. In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of discontinuous joints 150 may include ultrasonic joints or pressure joints (e.g., joints formed by one or more of the following: ring rolling, structured elastomeric molding, embossing, or including an adhesive in one or more films). Furthermore, the plurality of discontinuous joints 150 may be compared to those according to... Figure 1 The positional configuration or design pattern shown has additional or alternative positional configurations or design patterns. For example, in one or more embodiments, in addition to (or alternatively) multiple discontinuous joints 150 positioned across the extended ruffle skirt 130, multiple discontinuous joints 150 are positioned above the ruffle seals 145a, 145b.

[0067] In one or more embodiments, the plurality of discontinuous joints 150 may have a bond strength less than the weakest tear resistance of each of the reinforced thermoplastic bag 100 and the extended ruffle skirt 130. In this way, the plurality of discontinuous joints 150 may be designed to fail before the reinforced thermoplastic bag 100 or the extended ruffle skirt 130 fails. In practice, one or more embodiments include a plurality of discontinuous joints 150 that release before any partial tear in the reinforced thermoplastic bag 100 or the extended ruffle skirt 130. For example, the plurality of discontinuous joints 150 between the reinforced thermoplastic bag 100 and the extended ruffle skirt 130a may absorb force first via the breaking of the plurality of discontinuous joints 150 before allowing the same force to cause the reinforced thermoplastic bag 100 or the extended ruffle skirt 130a to fail. In this way, the plurality of discontinuous joints 150 may provide increased strength to the reinforced thermoplastic bag 100.

[0068] This is beneficial because thermoplastic films have been found to typically exhibit strength properties approximately equal to the strength of the weakest layer. Surprisingly, it has been found that providing a relatively weak bond between the reinforced thermoplastic bag 100 and the extended ruffle skirt 130 significantly increases the strength provided by the extended ruffle skirt 130. As more explicitly covered in U.S. Patent Application No. 12 / 947,025, filed November 16, 2010, entitled “DISCONTINUOUSLY LAMINATED FILM” (which is incorporated herein by reference), according to one or more embodiments, discontinuous laminates can exhibit significantly improved strength properties in terms of MD and TD tear values, despite reduced dimensions. In particular, the individual values ​​of impact strength (Dynatup), MD tear resistance, and TD tear resistance in discontinuous laminates of one or more embodiments are unexpectedly higher than the sum of the values ​​of the individual layers. Therefore, the discontinuous lamination of the reinforced thermoplastic bag 100 and the extended ruffle skirt 130 can provide a synergistic effect.

[0069] More specifically, the tear resistance (TD) of a discontinuous laminate can be greater than the sum of the TD tear resistances of its individual layers. Similarly, the tear resistance (MD) of a discontinuous laminate can be greater than the sum of the MD tear resistances of its individual layers. Along this line of reasoning, the peak impact load of a discontinuous laminate can be greater than the sum of the peak impact loads of its individual layers. Therefore, discontinuous laminates can provide a synergistic effect. In addition to the foregoing, one or more embodiments of the extended ruffle skirt 130 of the discontinuous laminate provide a reduction in basis weight (e.g., by weight). In some cases, the reinforced thermoplastic bag 100 achieves a 50% reduction in basis weight in these areas while still providing enhanced strength parameters.

[0070] As described above, the gripping area reinforcement structure can reinforce one or more thermoplastic sidewalls, including reinforcing one or more layers of the thermoplastic bag and / or different bags (e.g., in the case of a bag-in-bag). For example, Figures 2A-2G A corresponding cross-sectional view of the upper portion of the sidewalls 200a-200g, including the extended ruffled skirt 206, is shown according to one or more embodiments. For clarity, the sidewalls opposite to the sidewalls 200a-200g (such as the portion of the reinforced thermoplastic bag below the gripping area 220, for example) are omitted. Figure 1 The closed bottom edge 114 is shown. Furthermore, as... Figures 2A-2G As shown at each top, the sidewalls 200a-200g show the exterior of the reinforced thermoplastic bag to the interior of the reinforced thermoplastic bag from left to right.

[0071] Specifically, Figures 2A-2GThe diagram illustrates the positional relationship of the first layer 202 and the second layer 204 of the sidewalls 200a-200g at the pleat channel region 216 and the gripping area 220. In one or more embodiments, the pleat channel region 216 includes a portion of the sidewalls 200a-200g above the pleat seal 210. Conversely, the gripping area 220 includes another portion of the sidewalls 200a-200g extending a distance below the pleat seal 210 toward the bottom fold (not shown). Specifically, the pleat seal 210 secures the fold-over of the first layer 202 and the second layer 204 of the sidewalls 200a-200f to the inner surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag, thereby forming the pleat channel 214. In some cases, the pleat seal 210 secures the fold-over of the first layer 202 and the second layer 204 of the sidewalls 200a-200f to the outer surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag to form the pleat channel 214 (e.g., as shown in...). Figure 2G (As shown). A pull strap 212 is provided within the pleated channel 214 (e.g., as described above regarding...). Figure 1 (The same or similar closing mechanism as the pull belt 140).

[0072] For example, as shown in the pleated channel region 216 of the sidewalls 200a-200g, the first layer 202 and the second layer 204 form the pleated channel 214 by extending around the pull strap 212. Specifically, the first layer 202 extends around the pull strap 212 between attachment points 208b and 208c at the pleated seal portion 210. In this case, the first layer 202 forms the first innermost layer defining the pleated channel 214, such that the first layer 202 is positioned close to the pull strap 212 between attachment points 208b and 208c at the pleated seal portion 210. Furthermore, the second layer 204 forms the second outer layer, defining the pleated channel 214 between attachment points 208a and 208d at the pleated seal portion 210.

[0073] Regarding the gripping area 220, the sidewalls 200a-200g include various constructions forming a first layer 202 and a second layer 204 that create an extended ruffle skirt 206, thereby imparting additional strength and durability to the gripping area 220. In one or more embodiments described below, one or both of the first layer 202 or the second layer 204 form the extended ruffle skirt 206, which extends at least from the ruffle seal 210 to the ruffle skirt seal 222, which secures the extended ruffle skirt 206 to the inner surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag (or as shown). Figure 2G (The outer surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag shown). That is, the pleated skirt sealing portion 222 secures at least one of the top edges 205a or 205b of the corresponding first layer 202 and second layer 204 that are folded onto the inner or outer surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag to the inner or outer surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag.

[0074] Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the extended ruffle skirt 206 (e.g., via the side seal and / or above regarding) Figure 1 The multiple discontinuous joints 150 discussed are secured to the inner or outer surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag. Additionally or alternatively, at least a portion of the extended ruffle skirt 206 is not secured to the inner or outer surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag. For example, in one or more embodiments, at least one of the top edges 205a or 205b is secured to the ruffle skirt seal 222 to form a ruffle channel 224 positioned between the ruffle seal 210 and the ruffle skirt seal 222. In these or other embodiments, the ruffle channel 224 is at least partially surrounded by the extended ruffle skirt 206 and the inner or outer surface of the first layer 202.

[0075] Specific direction Figures 2A-2B In an example embodiment, the sidewalls 200a-200b at the gripping area 220 include an extended ruffle skirt 206 formed by a first layer 202 extending from attachment point 208c at the ruffle seal 210 to attachment point 218c at the ruffle skirt seal 222. The top edge 205a of the first layer 202 extends below the ruffle skirt seal 222, which secures the top edge 205a to the inner surface of the first layer 202 at attachment point 218c. Attachment point 218c is the innermost attachment point along the ruffle skirt seal 222 and is positioned near the attachment points 218b, 218a (in this order) of the corresponding first layer 202 and second layer 204 at the ruffle skirt seal 222. Conversely, the top edge 205b of the second layer 204 does not extend substantially beyond the ruffle seal 210, wherein the top edge 205b is secured to the inner surface of the first layer 202 at the attachment point 208d. Thus, in one or more embodiments, the extended ruffle skirt 206 includes the first layer 202 but not the second layer 204.

[0076] Furthermore, as described above, the first layer 202 and the second layer 204 may include various thicknesses. In one or more embodiments (e.g., for sidewall 200a), the first layer 202 is thicker than the second layer 204 due to different extrusion amounts.

[0077] In one or more embodiments, the first layer 202 (e.g., as...) Figure 2BThe sidewall 200b (shown) includes a ring-stitched portion at the gripping area 220 and the pleat channel area 216. Other embodiments of the sidewall 200b may include a first layer 202 that includes a ring-stitched portion only at the gripping area 220 or only at the pleat channel area 216. Additionally or alternatively, one or more embodiments of the sidewall 200b may include a first layer 202 that includes a ring-stitched portion only inside or outside the reinforced thermoplastic bag. Additionally, in one or more embodiments, the ring-stitched portion of the first layer 202 includes a TD ring-stitch. Alternatively, the ring-stitched portion of the first layer 202 includes an MD ring-stitch for diagonal DD ring-stitching.

[0078] Reference Figures 2C-2D The sidewalls 200c-200d, and the extended ruffle skirt 206 include a second layer 204 extending from attachment point 208d at the ruffle seal 210 to attachment point 218c at the ruffle skirt seal 222. The top edge 205b of the second layer 204 extends below the ruffle skirt seal 222, and the ruffle skirt seal 222 secures the top edge 205b to the inner surface of the first layer 202 at attachment point 218c. Here, attachment point 218c is the innermost attachment point along the ruffle skirt seal 222 and is positioned near attachment points 218b, 218a (in this order) at the ruffle skirt seal 222 (with respect to the corresponding first layer 202 and second layer 204). Conversely, the top edge 205a of the first layer 202 does not extend beyond the pleated seal 210, wherein the top edge 205a is secured to the inner surface of the first layer 202 at the attachment point 208c. Therefore, with Figures 2A-2B In contrast, in one or more embodiments, the extended ruffled skirt 206 includes a second layer 204 but does not include the first layer 202.

[0079] Furthermore, as described above, the first layer 202 and the second layer 204 may include various thicknesses. In one or more embodiments (e.g., for the sidewall 200c), the second layer 204 is thicker than the first layer 202 due to different extrusion amounts.

[0080] In one or more embodiments, the second layer 204 (e.g., as...) Figure 2DThe sidewall 200d (shown) includes a ring-stitched portion at the gripping area 220 and the pleat channel area 216. Other embodiments of the sidewall 200d may include a second layer 204 that includes a ring-stitched portion only at the gripping area 220 or only at the pleat channel area 216. Additionally or alternatively, one or more embodiments of the sidewall 200d may include a second layer 204 that includes a ring-stitched portion only inside or outside the reinforced thermoplastic bag. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the ring-stitched portion of the second layer 204 includes TD ring-stitching. Alternatively, the ring-stitched portion of the second layer 204 includes MD ring-stitching.

[0081] Figures 2E-2F The diagram shows sidewalls 200e-200f including an extended ruffle skirt 206 formed by both a first layer 202 and a second layer 204, which extend from corresponding attachment points 208c, 208d at the ruffle seal 210 to corresponding attachment points 218c, 218d at the ruffle skirt seal 222. The top edges 205a, 205b of the first layer 202 and the second layer 204 extend below the ruffle skirt seal 222, which secures the two top edges 205a, 205b to the inner surface of the first layer 202 at the corresponding attachment points 218c, 218d. Therefore, in one or more embodiments, the extended ruffle skirt 206 includes a first layer 202 and a second layer 204.

[0082] Furthermore, as described above, the first layer 202 and the second layer 204 may include various thicknesses. In one or more embodiments (e.g., for sidewalls 200e, 200f), the first layer 202 has the same (or substantially the same) thickness as the second layer 204.

[0083] In one or more embodiments, the first layer 202 and the second layer 204 (e.g., as...) Figure 2F The sidewall 200f (shown) includes circumferentially rolled portions at the gripping area 220 and the pleat channel area 216. Other embodiments of the sidewall 200f may include a first layer 202 and a second layer 204, which include circumferentially rolled portions only at the gripping area 220 or only at the pleat channel area 216. Additionally or alternatively, one or more embodiments of the sidewall 200f may include a first layer 202 and a second layer 204, which include circumferentially rolled portions only inside or outside the reinforced thermoplastic bag. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the circumferentially rolled portions of the first layer 202 and the second layer 204 include TD circumferentially rolled portions. Alternatively, the circumferentially rolled portions of the first layer 202 and the second layer 204 include MD circumferentially rolled portions.

[0084] ReferenceFigure 2G In one embodiment, the sidewall 200g at the gripping area 220 includes an extended ruffle skirt 206 formed on the outer surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag. Specifically, the extended ruffle skirt 206 is formed by a first layer 202 extending from attachment point 208b at the ruffle seal 210 to attachment point 218a at the ruffle seal 222. The top edge 205a of the first layer 202 extends below the ruffle seal 222, which secures the top edge 205a to the outer surface of the first layer 202 at attachment point 218a. Attachment point 218a is the outermost attachment point along the ruffle seal 222 and is positioned near the attachment points 218b, 218c (in this order) of the corresponding first layer 202 and second layer 204 at the ruffle seal 222. Conversely, the top edge 205b of the second layer 204 does not extend substantially beyond the ruffle seal 210, wherein the top edge 205b is secured to the outer surface of the first layer 202 at attachment point 208b. Thus, in one or more embodiments, an extended ruffle skirt 206 is formed on the outer surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag and comprises the first layer 202 instead of the second layer 204.

[0085] As described above, each individual film layer of a reinforced thermoplastic bag may comprise a single layer or multiple layers. For example, see the reference above.

[0086] Figures 2A-2G Each of the first layer 202 and / or the second layer 204 described may consist of a single layer or multiple layers.

[0087] Figures 3A-3C Various films in discontinuous laminated structures for thermoplastic films are illustrated according to one or more embodiments. In these or other embodiments, Figures 3A-3C Membranes can include different material compositions and functional material properties. Specifically, Figure 3A A single-layer membrane 302 is shown as 300a. In another embodiment, such as Figure 3B As illustrated, membrane 300b may have two layers (i.e., a double-layer membrane). Specifically, membrane 300b may include a first layer 302a and a second layer 302b. The first layer 302a and the second layer 302b may optionally include different grades of thermoplastic materials or include different additives, including polymer additives.

[0088] In yet another implementation, such as Figure 3C As shown, membrane 300c may include three layers (i.e., a three-layer membrane). For example, Figure 3CThe diagram illustrates that membrane 300c may include a first layer 302c, a second layer 302d, and a third layer 302e. Membrane 300c (a three-layer membrane) may include an A:B:C configuration, wherein all three layers differ in one or more aspects of specifications, composition, color, transparency, or other properties. Alternatively, membrane 300c (a three-layer membrane) may include an A:A:B structure or an A:B:A structure, wherein two layers have the same composition, color, transparency, or other properties. In an A:A:B or A:B:A structure, layer A may include the same specifications or different specifications. For example, in an A:A:B or A:B:A structure, the membrane may include layer ratios of 20:20:60, 40:40:20, 15:70:15, 33:34:33, 20:60:20, 40:20:40, or other ratios.

[0089] The example control membrane comprises a three-layer B:A:B structure, wherein the layer ratio can be 20:60:20. The outer B layer (i.e., 302c, 302e) may comprise a mixture of hexene LLDPE with a density of 0.918 and metallocene LLDPE with a density of 0.920. The inner A core layer (302d) may comprise a mixture of hexene LLDPE with a density of 0.918, butene LLDPE with a density of 0.918, and resin recycled from garbage bags.

[0090] In another example, membrane 300c is a co-extruded three-layer B:A:B structure, wherein the layer ratio is 15:70:15. The B:A:B structure may also optionally have a B:A ratio greater than 20:60 or less than 15:70. In one or more embodiments, LLDPE may constitute more than 50% of the total thermoplastic material in membrane 300c.

[0091] As previously described, one or more embodiments of the reinforced thermoplastic bags disclosed herein include a discontinuous laminated structure forming thermoplastic films with different material compositions and functional material properties. For example, the reinforced thermoplastic bags of this disclosure may include multiple films having different functional benefits provided by different material compositions. For example, according to one or more embodiments, Figure 4 Discontinuous laminated structures of thermoplastic films with different material compositions and functional material properties are shown. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the discontinuous laminated structure 400 with different material compositions and functional material properties includes a first membrane 402 and a second membrane 404. Each of the first membrane 402 and the second membrane 404 may include any one of the membranes 300a-300c described above or a membrane having more than three layers.

[0092] The first membrane 402 includes a membrane having a first material composition, and the second membrane may include a second material composition different from the first material composition. For example, the first membrane 402 may include one of the following: a control membrane, an abrasion-resistant membrane, a tough membrane, a stretchable membrane, an impact-resistant membrane, a high tensile strength membrane, a membrane providing different functional benefits, or a membrane providing a combination of the aforementioned functional benefits. The second membrane 404 may include another of the following: a control membrane, an abrasion-resistant membrane, a tough membrane, a stretchable membrane, an impact-resistant membrane, a high tensile strength membrane, a membrane providing different functional benefits, or a membrane providing a combination of the aforementioned functional benefits (i.e., a membrane different from the first membrane 402).

[0093] As described above, the first film 402 and the second film 404 of the discontinuous laminated structure 400 may comprise discontinuously bonded thermoplastic films. For example, Figure 4 The discontinuous laminate structure 400 is also shown where the first film 402 is discontinuously bonded to the second film 404. Specifically, the discontinuous laminate structure 400 may include a bonding portion or bonding region 406 and an unbonded region 408. For example, Figure 4 The diagram shows a discontinuous laminated structure 400 where a first film 402 and a second film 404 are laminated together at a bonding region 406. Furthermore, the bonding region 406 is separated by unbonded regions 408, as shown in... Figure 4 The gap between the first membrane 402 and the second membrane 404 is shown.

[0094] Furthermore, the first membrane 402 and the second membrane 404 can be stretched incrementally (although) Figure 4 Only the first membrane 402 is shown being stretched incrementally. For example... Figure 4 The first membrane 402 is shown to include an alternating series of thinner webs 410, each web including stretched (or more stretched) regions adjacent to thicker ribs 412, the thicker ribs 412 including unstretched (or less stretched) regions. As explained in more detail below, the manufacturer may use one or more ring rolls or structured elastomeric forming processes to incrementally stretch the first membrane 402.

[0095] In particular, Figure 4 The diagram shows the joining region 406 aligned with and extending along with the thicker rib 412. Based on the disclosure herein, it will be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the joining region 406 is aligned with the thicker rib 412 but does not extend along with it. In a further embodiment, the joining region 406 may intersect or otherwise intersect with the thicker rib 412, but may not be aligned with or extend along with it. In other embodiments, the joining region 406 may not intersect with the thicker rib 412.

[0096] As described above, the reinforced thermoplastic bag of this disclosure may include incrementally stretched and discontinuously bonded portions (and non-incrementally stretched and discontinuously bonded portions). Figure 5 A reinforced thermoplastic bag 500 is shown according to one or more embodiments, implementing an extended ruffled skirt 502. For example, Figure 5 A reinforced thermoplastic bag 500 comprising thermoplastic films with different material compositions and functional material properties is shown, wherein the upper portion 504 and the lower portion 506 are not incrementally stretched or discontinuously bonded. Therefore, the average size or thickness of the upper portion 504 and the lower portion 506 can be greater than the average size or thickness of the intermediate portion comprising macroscopic and microscopic bonded patterns 505, 507.

[0097] Additionally or alternatively, the extended ruffle skirt 502 provides additional material at the upper portion 504 between the ruffle seal portion 501 and the ruffle skirt seal portion 503 (e.g., such that the average specification or thickness of the upper portion 504 is greater than that of the middle and / or lower portion 506). In these or other embodiments, the extended ruffle skirt 502 can be combined with... Figure 1 The extended pleated skirt 130 and / or Figures 2A-2G The extended ruffled skirt portion 206 is the same as or similar to the original. In one or more embodiments, the height of each of the upper portion 504 and the lower portion 506 is between 1 / 16 inch and 8 inches, and the length extends from the side seal portion 508 to the side seal portion 510. In other embodiments, the height of both the upper portion 504 and the lower portion 506 is between 1 inch and 4 inches. In one or more embodiments, the heights of the upper portion 504 and the lower portion 506 are equal. In alternative embodiments, the heights of the upper portion 504 and the lower portion 506 are not equal.

[0098] In addition, such as Figure 5As shown, in one or more embodiments, the ruffle skirt seal 503 includes a patterned seal. For example, in one or more embodiments, instead of a conventional heat seal, the ruffle skirt seal 503 includes one or another method for securing the end of the ruffle skirt 502 to the interior of the sidewall. For example, the ruffle skirt seal 503 may include a pattern of contact areas, such as those described in PCT / US2020 / 24143, filed March 23, 2020, and PCT / US2020 / 24143 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In such embodiments, the patterned ruffle skirt seal 503 includes a pattern of visually distinct contact areas between the extended ruffle skirt 502 and the sidewall of the bag. When viewed from the first thermoplastic film side of the multi-film thermoplastic bag, the pattern of the visually distinct contact areas has a second appearance different from the unbonded portion of the extended ruffle skirt 502. Furthermore, the visually distinct contact areas are configured to separate before the first or second thermoplastic film fails under peel force. Furthermore, the extended pleat 502 is flat and undeformed in the contact area.

[0099] In alternative embodiments, the ruffled skirt seal 503 may include a cold-formed joint, such as a joint formed by a combination of ring rolling, structured elastic forming, embossing, or pressure and an adhesive embedded in one or more films. Furthermore, the ruffled skirt seal 503 may include a joint formed via one or more of adhesive bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, corona lamination, etc. In further embodiments, the ruffled skirt seal 503 may include a pattern of discrete heat-sealed portions. In any case, in one or more embodiments, the ruffled skirt seal 503 may include a different bonding mechanism than the ruffled seal 501.

[0100] Although Figure 5 A reinforced thermoplastic bag with a single bonding pattern between the layers of the sidewalls is shown, but other embodiments include multiple different bonding patterns. In particular, manufacturers can customize different areas of the bag with different properties by providing different bonding patterns between the films in different areas of the bag. For example, Figure 6 A reinforced thermoplastic bag 600 is shown that achieves an extended ruffled skirt 502 according to one or more embodiments. Figure 6 The reinforced thermoplastic bag 600 comprises thermoplastic films with different material compositions and functional material properties. Specifically, the reinforced thermoplastic bag 600 comprises a thermoplastic film arranged in a first bonding pattern (fence-style diamond pattern) in a first region 602 and a thermoplastic film arranged in a second bonding pattern (e.g., a bulbous pattern with nested diamonds) in a second region 604. Furthermore, with... Figure 5Like the reinforced thermoplastic bag 500, the reinforced thermoplastic bag 600 includes an unbonded upper portion 504 and a lower portion 506.

[0101] In one or more embodiments, Figure 6 The reinforced thermoplastic bag 600 includes an extended ruffle skirt 502 that provides additional material at an upper portion 504 between the ruffle seal portion 501 and the ruffle skirt seal portion 503. For example, the extended ruffle skirt 502 provides additional material at the upper portion 504 such that the average size or thickness of the upper portion 504 is greater than that of the first region 602, the second region 604, and / or the lower portion 506.

[0102] like Figure 6 As shown, the sidewall includes a first plurality of raised rib-like elements 606a in a macroscopic pattern (e.g., a bulb pattern) and a second plurality of raised rib-like elements 606b in a microscopic pattern (e.g., four rhombuses). As shown, the second plurality of raised rib-like elements 606b in the microscopic pattern are nested within the macroscopic pattern. Furthermore, the reinforced thermoplastic bag 600 includes web regions 608a, 608b.

[0103] The fence-like diamond pattern may include raised rib-like elements arranged in a diamond pattern, wherein the intersections of the diamond sides are rounded rather than ending at corners. As mentioned above, the fence-like diamond pattern may also include web areas in which the first and second layers are separate, independent layers (e.g., within a single layer).

[0104] like Figure 6 As shown, in one or more embodiments, the ruffle skirt seal 503, which secures the end 505 of the ruffle seal 501 to the sidewall of the bag 600, may include a joint formed by raised ribs arranged in a diamond pattern, which hold the layers of the sidewall together in a first region 602. In other words, at the ruffle skirt seal 503, the first and second layers of the sidewall are secured to the end 505 of the ruffle skirt by the joint of the raised ribs arranged in a diamond pattern. Furthermore, the pattern of the raised ribs may extend below the extended ruffle skirt 501 and hold the layers of the sidewall together below the extended ruffle skirt 502.

[0105] One or more embodiments of the present invention may further include a method for forming a discontinuous laminated bag with an extended ruffled skirt of thermoplastic film. According to one or more embodiments, Figure 7 The accompanying description describes such a method. Of course, as a preamble, those skilled in the art will recognize that the method explained in detail herein can be modified. For example, various actions of the described method can be omitted or expanded, additional actions can be included, and the order of the various actions of the described method can be changed as needed.

[0106] One or more embodiments of the present invention may further include a method for forming a discontinuous laminated bag with an extended ruffled skirt of thermoplastic film. According to one or more embodiments, Figure 7 The process 700 and accompanying description in this document describe such a method. Of course, as a preamble, those skilled in the art will recognize that the method explained in detail herein can be modified. For example, various actions of the described method can be omitted or expanded, additional actions can be included, and the order of various actions of the described method can be changed as needed.

[0107] like Figure 7 As shown in process 700, production can be initiated by unwinding a first continuous web or film 704 of the first thermoplastic material from roll 702 and advancing the film 704 along the machine direction. The film 704 may have a width 706 perpendicular to the machine direction. In other manufacturing environments, the film 704 may be provided in other forms, or even extruded directly from the thermoplastic forming process.

[0108] Additionally, process 700 is shown to include unwinding a second continuous web or film 710 of a second thermoplastic material from roll 708 and advancing film 710 along the machine direction. In some embodiments, the second thermoplastic material of film 710 is the same as or similar to the first thermoplastic material of film 704. In other embodiments, films 704, 710 include different material compositions and / or different material properties (both functional and / or aesthetic aspects).

[0109] Before the film 710 is advanced through the annular roller 714, the film 710 comprises an initial width 712. After an annular rolling operation is performed via the annular roller 714, the film 710 comprises a width 716. The width 716 is greater than the initial width 712 because the annular roller 714 incrementally stretches a portion of the film 710 (e.g., the portion that subsequently becomes the top edge of the sidewall layer in the thermoplastic bag). In one or more embodiments, the width 716 is increased by approximately 2 inches, approximately 4 inches, approximately 6 inches, approximately 10 inches, or another suitable width relative to the initial width 712.

[0110] In one or more embodiments, the ring rollers 714 are intermeshing rollers, including a specific design that imparts a bonding pattern (e.g., as described with respect to the foregoing figures). In this case, the ring rollers 714 include intermeshing portions at opposite ends separated by a flat middle portion. To facilitate the bonding mode, the ring rollers 714 may be pressed together or guided against each other by, for example, a hydraulic actuator. The pressure at which the ring rollers 714 are pressed together can be in a first range of 30 PSI (2.04 atm) to 100 PSI (6.8 atm), a second range of 60 PSI (4.08 atm) to 90 PSI (6.12 atm), and a third range of 75 PSI (5.10 atm) to 85 PSI (5.78 atm). In one or more embodiments, the pressure can be about 80 PSI (5.44 atm).

[0111] After the ring rolling operation is performed on film 710, both film 710 and film 704 are fed into a folding mechanism for performing the folding operation 718. In the folding operation 718, films 704 and 710 are folded (e.g., in half) to form a bottom fold and two multi-layered sidewalls for reinforcing the thermoplastic bag. Figure 7 As shown, a multi-layered sidewall of the reinforced thermoplastic bag includes a top edge 720 corresponding to film 710 and a top edge 722 corresponding to film 704. The top edge 722 is indicated by dashed lines, and film 704 becomes the inner layer of the reinforced thermoplastic bag after the folding operation 718. Furthermore, the opposing sidewalls (not shown) have the same or similar construction.

[0112] In operation 724, a hem fold is performed, in which the top edge of each multi-layer sidewall is folded onto the corresponding inner surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag, thereby forming a hem channel and enclosing the pull strap. Therefore, the width of the reinforced thermoplastic bag is reduced due to the hem fold. For illustration, Figure 7 The top edges 720, 722 are shown folded inwards onto the inner surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag. Once folded, the top edge 720 of the film 710 extends beyond the top edge 722 of the film 704 (e.g., a few inches).

[0113] Furthermore, in operation 724, one or more pleated seals secure the top edges 720, 722 when they are folded over. Specifically, a pleated seal closure pull tab is disposed within the pleated channel. In this way, the pleated seals attach the two top edges 720, 722 to the inner surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag. A portion of the top edge 722 extends outward from the pleated seals, forming a pleated skirt approximately 1 / 4 inch, 1 / 2 inch, 1 inch, or 2 inches in length. Below the end of the pleated skirt (e.g., towards the bottom fold), the pleated skirt seal attaches the top edge 720 of the film 710 to the inner surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag. In this way, an extended pleated skirt is formed by extending the top edge 720 beyond the pleated skirt formed by the top edge 722 (e.g., several inches, such as three to seven inches).

[0114] In these or other embodiments, the ruffle seal and the ruffle skirt seal can be formed via one or more of the following: adhesive bonding, pressure bonding, a combination of pressure and an adhesive embedded in one or more membranes, ultrasonic bonding, corona lamination, etc. Furthermore, although not required, multiple ruffle skirt seals can be formed (e.g., depending on the desired length of the extended ruffle skirt). Additionally, in some embodiments, the ruffle skirt seal and / or the ruffle seal can be constructed according to a specific pattern or aesthetic design (e.g., to visually indicate enhancement of the gripping area).

[0115] In operation 726, a side seal is produced perpendicular to the machine direction in the same or similar manner as the production of the pleated seal and the pleated skirt seal. Specifically, the side seal connects multiple layers of sidewalls, including membranes 704 and 710. In one or more embodiments, the side seal also secures the pleated skirt formed by the respective top edges 722 and 720, and the extended pleated skirt.

[0116] Subsequently, the reinforced thermoplastic bag can be wound into roll 728 for packaging and dispensing. In these or other embodiments, the reinforced thermoplastic bag can be perforated (e.g., by a perforation device) to facilitate easier separation of the reinforced thermoplastic bag. Additionally or alternatively, the reinforced thermoplastic bag can be completely separated by a cutting device and wound in an interlaced manner into roll 728 for packaging and dispensing.

[0117] Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the embodiments shown and described with reference to the accompanying drawings without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, in one or more embodiments, additional or alternative thermoplastic films, extended ruffle skirt layers, ruffle skirt seals, etc., are implemented with any suitable construction in other different embodiments that may be explicitly shown or described. Furthermore, in some embodiments, both top edges of the film are circumferentially rolled, rather than as... Figure 7Only one membrane is shown. In other embodiments, none of the membranes are ring-rolled. Similarly, additional or alternative processes, such as discontinuous lamination processes, may be performed, including adhesive bonding, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, embossing, ring rolling, structured elastomeric forming, pressure bonding, and combinations of tackifiers embedded in at least one of the first or second thermoplastic membranes, and combinations thereof.

[0118] Additional or alternative land, although in Figure 7 Not shown herein, films 704 and 710 can be extruded in various ways (e.g., before or after winding rolls 702 and 708). In some embodiments, films 704 and 710 are extruded to have equal widths. In other embodiments, one of films 704 and 710 is extruded to have a greater film width than the other. In some cases, one of films 704 and 710 may subsequently be ring-rolled to match or exceed the film width of the other film. Therefore, many suitable combinations of films 704 and 710 for manufacturing reinforced thermoplastic bags are contemplated herein.

[0119] In accordance with conventional practice, the various features shown in the figures may not be drawn to scale. The illustrations presented in this disclosure do not imply an actual view or method of any particular device (e.g., apparatus, system, etc.), but are merely idealized representations used to describe various embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the dimensions of various features may be arbitrarily scaled up or down for clarity. Furthermore, some figures may be simplified for clarity. Consequently, the figures may not depict all components of a given device (e.g., apparatus) or all operations of a particular method.

[0120] The terms used herein, particularly in the appended claims (e.g., the body of the appended claims), are generally interpreted as “open-ended” terms (e.g., the term “comprising” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to”, the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least”, the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to”, etc.).

[0121] Furthermore, if the intention is to express a specific number of introduced claim statements, this intention will be explicitly stated in the claim, and without such a statement, the intention does not exist. For example, to aid understanding, the appended claims may include the use of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce the claim statement. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed as implying that introducing a claim statement with the indefinite article “a” or “an” would limit any specific claim containing such an introduced claim statement to an embodiment containing only one such statement, even when the same claim includes the prepositions “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and / or “an” should be interpreted as meaning “at least one” or “one or more”); the same applies to the use of definite articles to introduce claim statements.

[0122] Furthermore, even when a specific number of introduced claim statements are explicitly stated, those skilled in the art will recognize that such statements should be interpreted as meaning at least the number stated (e.g., the most basic recitation of "two statements" without other modifiers means at least two statements, or two or more statements). Moreover, in the use of conventions such as "at least one of A, B, and C" or "one or more of A, B, and C," this structure is generally intended to include a single A, a single B, a single C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together, etc. For example, the use of the term "and / or" is intended to be interpreted in this manner.

[0123] Furthermore, any extractive term or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the specification, claims, or drawings, should be understood to include the possibility of including one, any one, or both of the terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" would be understood to include the possibility of including "A" or "B" or "A and B".

[0124] However, the use of such phrases should not be construed as implying that introducing a claim statement with the indefinite article “a” or “an” would limit any specific claim containing such an introduced claim statement to an embodiment containing only one such statement, even when the same claim includes the prepositions “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and / or “an” should be interpreted as meaning “at least one” or “one or more”); the same applies to the use of definite articles to introduce a claim statement.

[0125] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first," "second," and "third" in this document does not necessarily imply a specific order or quantity of elements. Typically, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used as general identifiers to distinguish different elements. The absence of terms such as "first," "second," and "third" that indicate an implied specific order should not be interpreted as implying a specific order. Additionally, the absence of terms such as "first," "second," and "third" that indicate a specific number of elements should not be interpreted as indicating a specific number of elements. For example, a first widget can be described as having a first side, while a second widget can be described as having a second side. The use of the term "second side" regarding the second widget may be to distinguish that side of the second widget from the "first side" of the first widget, rather than implying that the second widget has two sides.

[0126] All examples and conditional language described herein are intended for educational purposes to help the reader understand the inventions and concepts contributed by inventors in the art and should be construed as not being limited to these specifically described examples and conditions. Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made to this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

Claims

1. A reinforced thermoplastic bag, comprising: A first multilayer sidewall of thermoplastic material includes a first side edge, an opposing second side edge, and a first pleated sealing portion, wherein the first pleated sealing portion creates a first pleated channel by fixing a folded portion of the first multilayer sidewall to the inner surface of the first multilayer sidewall. A second multilayer sidewall of thermoplastic material, comprising a first side edge, an opposing second side edge, and a second pleated sealing portion, wherein the second pleated sealing portion creates a second pleated channel by fixing a folded portion of the second multilayer sidewall to the inner surface of the second multilayer sidewall. The top opening is formed by the first multi-layer sidewalls and the second multi-layer sidewalls, wherein: - The second multilayer sidewall is connected to the first multilayer sidewall at the bottom fold; - The first multi-layer sidewall and the second multi-layer sidewall each include a gripping area extending from the first side edge to the opposite second side edge and extending a first distance towards the bottom fold from the corresponding first and second pleated sealing portions; and - At least a portion of the folded portion of the first multi-layer sidewall extends within the reinforced thermoplastic bag from the first pleated seal across the gripping area of ​​the first multi-layer sidewall, thereby forming an extended pleated skirt; and A pleated skirt sealing portion is positioned below the first pleated skirt sealing portion, which secures the extended pleated skirt portion to the first multi-layer sidewall. The folded portion of the first multi-layer sidewall forming the extended ruffle skirt portion comprises only one layer of the first multi-layer sidewall, which is fixed to the inner surface of the first multi-layer sidewall by both the ruffle sealing portion and the ruffle skirt sealing portion.

2. The reinforced thermoplastic bag according to claim 1, wherein, The folded portion of the first multi-layer sidewall includes a first layer and a second layer.

3. The reinforced thermoplastic bag according to claim 2, wherein, The portion of the first multilayer sidewall that forms the extended pleated skirt includes the first layer.

4. The reinforced thermoplastic bag according to claim 2, wherein, The portion of the first multi-layered sidewall that forms the extended pleated skirt portion includes the second layer.

5. The reinforced thermoplastic bag according to claim 2, wherein, At least one of the first layer and the second layer is circumferentially rolled in a transverse direction perpendicular to the bottom fold.

6. The reinforced thermoplastic bag according to claim 2, wherein, The first layer comprises a first material, and the second layer comprises a second material different from the first material.

7. The reinforced thermoplastic bag according to claim 2, wherein: The first layer includes a first color; The second layer includes a second color; and The extended ruffled skirt portion includes a third color different from the first and second colors.

8. The reinforced thermoplastic bag of claim 1, further comprising one or more additional ruffle skirt seals, the one or more additional ruffle skirt seals securing the extended ruffle skirt to the first multilayer sidewall.

9. The reinforced thermoplastic bag according to claim 1, wherein, The pleated skirt sealing portion includes a patterned sealing portion; and / or The reinforced thermoplastic bag further includes multiple discontinuous joints for securing the extended ruffled skirt to the reinforced thermoplastic bag.

10. The reinforced thermoplastic bag according to claim 1, wherein, The pleated skirt sealing portion secures the portion of the folded portion to the first multilayer sidewall via a process selected from the group consisting of: adhesive bonding, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, embossing, ring rolling, structured elastic forming, a combination of pressure and an adhesive embedded in one or more membranes of the first multilayer sidewall, and a combination of the above processes.

11. A multilayer thermoplastic bag, comprising: An outer first thermoplastic bag includes opposing first and second sidewalls joined together along a first side edge and opposing second side edge, an open first top edge, and a closed first bottom edge; A second thermoplastic bag is positioned inside the first thermoplastic bag. The second thermoplastic bag includes opposing third and fourth sidewalls joined together along a third side edge and an opposing fourth side edge, an open second top edge, and a closed second bottom edge. The pleated sealing part fixes the folded parts of the outer first thermoplastic bag and the inner second thermoplastic bag, thereby forming a pleated channel; The outer first thermoplastic bag and the inner second thermoplastic bag each include a gripping area, which extends from the first side edge and the third side edge to the opposite second side edge and the fourth side edge, and extends a first distance from the pleated sealing portion toward the closed first bottom edge and the closed second bottom edge; and Wherein, at least a portion of the folded portion of the outer first thermoplastic bag and the inner second thermoplastic bag extends from the pleated sealing portion across the gripping area to the inner surface of the inner second thermoplastic bag, thereby forming an extended pleated skirt; and A ruffled skirt sealing portion is positioned below the ruffled skirt sealing portion, which secures the extended ruffled skirt to the inner surface of the second thermoplastic bag. Wherein, the portion of the folded portion of the outer first thermoplastic bag and the inner second thermoplastic bag that forms the extended ruffle skirt portion includes only one of the outer first thermoplastic bag or the inner second thermoplastic bag that is fixed to the inner surface of the inner second thermoplastic bag by both the ruffle sealing portion and the ruffle skirt sealing portion.

12. The multilayer thermoplastic bag according to claim 11, wherein, The outer first thermoplastic bag or the inner second thermoplastic bag, which does not form the extended ruffle skirt portion, terminates between the ruffle sealing portion and the ruffle skirt portion sealing portion.

13. The multilayer thermoplastic bag according to claim 11, wherein, Both the outer first thermoplastic bag and the inner second thermoplastic bag are fixed to the inner surface of the inner second thermoplastic bag by the pleated sealing portion.

14. The multilayer thermoplastic bag according to claim 11, wherein, The portion of the folded portion of the outer first thermoplastic bag or the inner second thermoplastic bag that forms the extended pleated skirt is circumferentially rolled in a transverse direction perpendicular to the machine direction.

15. The multilayer thermoplastic bag according to claim 11, further comprising a drawstring disposed within the pleated channel; and / or The multilayer thermoplastic bag further includes multiple discontinuous joints for securing the extended ruffled skirt to the multilayer thermoplastic bag.

16. The multilayer thermoplastic bag according to claim 11, wherein, The pleated skirt sealing portion forms a second pleated channel that is at least partially closed by the extended pleated skirt and the inner surface of the inner second thermoplastic bag.

17. The multilayer thermoplastic bag according to claim 11, wherein, The extended ruffled skirt includes one or more visual features that are different from at least one of the outer first thermoplastic bag and the inner second thermoplastic bag.

18. The multilayer thermoplastic bag according to claim 17, wherein, The one or more visual features of the extended ruffled skirt are at least partially visible through the outer surface of the outer first thermoplastic bag.

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