PLASTIC SHIPPING BAG AND USE OF THE PLASTIC SHIPPING BAG

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a plastic shipping bag and its use for shipping food, in particular chilled food.

[0002] Shipping bags and mailing pouches have been manufactured and used in a variety of shapes and from a wide range of materials for a long time.

[0003] EP 1 382 542 A1 relates to a thermally insulating plastic carrier bag comprising two flexible plastic walls, to the inner sides of which a thermal insulation layer is attached, consisting of a flat film and a corrugated layer arranged on top of it. In this way, a thermally insulating plastic carrier bag is to be provided that is cost-effective to manufacture and whose raw materials require little space during storage and transport.

[0004] WO 2005 / 092713 A2 discloses a carrier bag for food, in particular for frozen food, consisting of two side panels joined at their edges, forming a common base and an upper opening, and each equipped with a handle on its inner surface. One side panel has a slot above the attachment point of the two handles. One side panel is taller than the other. This overhang is designed as a flap, with the slot incorporated into this flap and designed to accommodate both handles. Furthermore, the flap is connected to the outer surface of the other side panel by a closure element extending across the entire width of the carrier bag. These carrier bags are intended to provide improved load distribution and insulation.

[0005] GB 2549207 is directed to a container for the transport of consumer goods which is sealable and which has one or more internal handles, so that the container can be used as a carrier bag in an unsealed configuration.

[0006] Unlike standard carrier bags and packaging bags, shipping bags and mailing bags often have to meet specific requirements during packaging, transport, and delivery to ensure consistently smooth and trouble-free handling. They must also regularly function flawlessly on conveyor belts or other transport systems. Special demands and particular care are required for shipping bags that, due to the more fragile goods they contain, have a more complex design. Numerous attempts have been made to find suitable solutions for specific challenges. Nevertheless, shipping bags, especially those equipped with handles, still leave something to be desired.

[0007] The present invention was therefore based on the objective of making shipping bags available that are no longer burdened with the disadvantages of the prior art and that are in particular easy to manufacture and easy to handle, yet still ensure a safe and reliable transport of sensitive or high-value goods, especially foodstuffs, even when equipped with holding loops or handles.

[0008] Accordingly, a plastic shipping bag with a closed or substantially closed bottom end and an opposite open end was found, comprising a front wall with an inside and an outside and a back wall with an inside and an outside, each with a first side edge and an opposite second side edge as well as an opening edge and a bottom edge, wherein the front wall and the back wall are connected to each other at least partially directly or via side walls and / or side folds and / or a bottom fold in the area of ​​their first and second side edges and their bottom edges, wherein the front wall and optionally the back wall, in particular the front and the back wall, as well as optionally the side walls, are designed at least partially, in particular in each area from the bottom edge to the opening end, as multi-layered, in particular double-, triple-, four- or five-layered,comprising an inner layer and an outer layer, and optionally at least one intermediate layer, as well as at least one handle or loop attached to the opening edge, the inside or the outside, in particular the inside, of the front wall, and / or at least one handle or loop attached to the inside of the back wall at or below the opening edge, wherein the front wall has a first length corresponding to the mean distance between the opening edge and the bottom edge of the front wall, and wherein the back wall has a second length corresponding to the mean distance between the opening edge and the bottom edge of the back wall, wherein the first length is shorter than the second length, so that the back wall projects beyond the front wall at the opening end, and this section projecting beyond the front wall (also called the "closing flap") can be folded onto the outside of the front wall, wherein the closing flap is located, in particular substantially in the middle,a passage opening, in particular a handle or punch hole or an opening slot, designed and configured for the passage of the retaining loop or handle through the front wall and / or back wall, in particular through the front and back walls, and wherein the closing flap between the opening edge of the back wall and the passage opening has at least one fastening means, designed and configured to close the opening end after the closing flap is folded over to the outside of the front wall. These plastic shipping bags according to the invention allow foodstuffs to be transported safely and reliably, even via a shipping service or shipping company, without compromising their quality or freshness. Furthermore, the plastic shipping bags according to the invention ensure that transported foodstuffs are protected from contamination and that the recipient can recognize thatwhether unauthorized access to the transported goods might have occurred.

[0009] In a suitable embodiment, the front and rear walls may be designed with at least three, four, or five layers only in the area near the bottom, for example, in their respective lower thirds, particularly including the floor area, e.g., the bottom fold. The sections of the front and rear walls adjoining these sections may then be designed, for example, with two layers.

[0010] In one embodiment, the closure flap can be a separate single- or multi-layered, particularly double-layered, film layer that is connected to the outer layer and / or the inner layer, particularly the outer layer, of the back panel, for example by gluing or welding. Preferably, the closure flap is an integral part of the outer layer of the back panel and is therefore formed integrally with it. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the closure flap is double-layered and is expediently formed by folding the section of the outer layer of the back panel that extends beyond the opening edge of the front panel onto itself, preferably forming a fold at the point of inversion. This embodiment saves material and simultaneously provides a very stable, securely closable bag.

[0011] In an advantageous embodiment of the plastic shipping bag according to the invention, the closure flap has at least one first weakening zone in the section opposite the opening edge of the closure flap with respect to the fastening means. This first weakening zone extends from or away from the first side edge towards or to the second side edge, and preferably extends from the first side edge to the second side edge. This first weakening zone can, for example, be a perforation line. According to the invention, a first weakening zone or perforation line is still present in the closure flap even if it is located in the area or at the level of the opening edge of the front wall, and in particular if it is substantially congruent with the course of the opening edge of the front wall.In a preferred embodiment of the plastic shipping bag according to the invention, the closure flap has at least one first weakening zone in the section opposite the fastening element with respect to the opening. This first weakening zone extends from or away from the first side edge towards or to the second side edge, and in particular extends from the first side edge to the second side edge. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the first weakening zone, in particular the perforation line, extends in a first section from or away from the first side edge towards or to the opening, preferably from the first side edge to the opening, and in a second section from or away from the opening towards or to the second side edge, preferably from the opening to the second side edge.In this embodiment, the passage opening is therefore part of the first weakening zone. In other words, in this embodiment, the first weakening zone is divided into two subsections, the first subsection of the first weakening zone extending at a distance from or from the first lateral edge towards or to the adjacent section of the passage opening, and the second subsection of the first weakening zone extending at a distance from or from the second lateral edge towards or to the adjacent section of the passage opening. A passage opening within the meaning of the present invention is understood to be an opening, including a slot, through which the retaining loop or handle of the front and / or rear wall, in particular of the front and rear walls, can be passed.

[0012] In the embodiment described above, the first weakening zone is preferably designed such that, in the first section, it has the shortest possible extent from the first side edge to the penetration opening and / or, preferably, that in the second section, it has the shortest possible extent from the penetration opening to the second side edge. In a further advantageous embodiment, this first weakening zone, in particular the perforation line, runs in the closure flap essentially at the same level as, or essentially parallel to, the opening edge of the front wall, or, in particular, spaced up to 2.5 cm or up to 1.5 cm apart from it in the direction of the opening edge of the closure flap.

[0013] For many applications, it has proven particularly advantageous that the plastic shipping bag according to the invention is equipped in one embodiment with a closure flap which, in the section extending from the opening to the fastening element, has at least one second weakening zone, in particular a perforation line, which extends from or away from the first side edge, preferably from the first side edge, towards or to the second side edge, preferably to the second side edge. The second weakening zone is located closer to the fastening element than the first weakening zone. Preferably, the first and the second weakening zones run substantially parallel to each other.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the plastic shipping bag according to the invention, the closure flap has at least one second weakening zone in the section extending between the opening and the fastening element. This second weakening zone extends from or away from the first side edge towards or to the second side edge, and in particular extends from the first side edge to the second side edge. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the second weakening zone, in particular a perforation line, extends in a first section from or away from the first side edge towards or to the opening, preferably from the first side edge to the opening, and in a second section from or away from the opening towards or to the second side edge, preferably from the opening to the second side edge.In this embodiment, the passage opening is therefore part of the second weakening zone. In other words, in this embodiment, the second weakening zone is divided into two subsections, wherein the first subsection of the second weakening zone extends at a distance from or from the first lateral edge towards or to the adjacent section of the passage opening, and wherein the second subsection of the second weakening zone extends at a distance from or from the second lateral edge towards or to the adjacent section of the passage opening.

[0015] In the embodiment described above, the second weakening zone is preferably designed in such a way that in the first section it has the shortest possible extent from the first side edge to the passage opening and / or, preferably, that in the second section it has the shortest possible extent from the passage opening to the second side edge.

[0016] The opening in the closure flap is preferably designed as a handle hole, punched hole, or opening slot. The opening is preferably arranged and oriented in the closure flap such that the first handle or loop and / or the second handle or loop can be passed through this opening when the closure flap is folded over to the outside of the front panel, thus sealing the opening end of the plastic mailing bag. If the closure flap is multi-layered, particularly double-layered, the circumferential edge of the handle hole, punched hole, or opening slot can be partially or completely welded or glued.

[0017] Particularly preferred in the plastic shipping bags according to the invention is the double-layered design of the front wall and also the back wall.

[0018] The at least one fastening element located between the opening edge and the through-hole preferably comprises an adhesive area or, in particular, an adhesive strip. In a suitable embodiment, this adhesive area or adhesive strip can be covered with a removable protective layer, for example, in the form of silicone-coated paper. To close the plastic shipping bag, this protective layer must be removed before the closure flap containing the adhesive area or adhesive strip is folded over to the outside of the front wall and the closure flap forms an adhesive bond with this outside of the front wall, thus closing the opening.

[0019] The inner layer of the front and / or back wall, in particular of the front and back wall, of the plastic shipping bag according to the invention expediently comprises or constitutes a foamed plastic film or bubble wrap film, preferably a foamed polyolefin film, particularly preferably a foamed polyethylene film, and especially a foamed LD polyethylene film. For many applications, it has proven advantageous to use a closed-cell foamed plastic film when employing a foamed plastic film.

[0020] Especially when using at least one intermediate layer in the front and / or back wall, this layer can be made of a foamed plastic film, particularly a closed-cell foamed film, or of bubble wrap plastic film. Preferably, a foamed polyolefin film, and especially a foamed polyethylene film, is used.

[0021] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the outer layer of the front and / or back wall, in particular of the front and back wall, does not comprise or constitute any air-cushioned plastic film, nor any foamed plastic film, preferably not a foamed polyolefin film, particularly preferably not a foamed polyethylene film, and in particular not a foamed LD polyethylene film. In a further particularly preferred embodiment, the outer layer of the front and / or back wall, in particular of the front and back wall, comprises or constitutes a plastic film, preferably a polyolefin film, particularly preferably a polyethylene film, and in particular an LD polyethylene film.

[0022] The plastic shipping bag according to the invention does not have side walls or side gussets for many uses.

[0023] The handles of the plastic shipping bags according to the invention are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). According to the invention, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is used simultaneously as the material for both the inner and outer layers of the front and back walls. This ensures a reliable bond between the handles and the front and back walls.

[0024] Such plastic shipping bags according to the invention have proven particularly advantageous, in which the handle of the front panel and the handle of the back panel form a reversibly connectable pair of handles. In many cases, it has proven particularly advantageous for the bag according to the invention to connect the handle of the front panel with a weld-on strip. Advantageously, the handle or the retaining loop of the front panel, in particular the weld-on strip of the handle of the front panel, is welded to the inside of the front panel, especially to the folded-over continuation edge section, and particularly preferably in the overlapping section of the inner layer and the continuation edge section, as well as optionally to the at least one intermediate layer. Alternatively, and preferably additionally, the handle of the back panel is also connected with a weld-on strip.In particular, the handles of the front and rear walls are each integrally formed with the corresponding welded-on strip. Preferably, the handle or retaining loop of the rear wall, especially the welded-on strip of the handle of the rear wall, is welded to the inside of the rear wall, particularly to the folded-over continuation edge section, and most preferably to the overlapping section of the inner layer with the folded-over continuation edge section and optionally to the at least one intermediate layer.

[0025] The welding of the handle or retaining loop on the front panel preferably extends in the overlapping section to the outer layer of the front panel. Alternatively, and particularly additionally, it can be provided that the welding of the handle or retaining loop on the rear panel extends in the overlapping section to the outer layer of the rear panel.

[0026] The weld-on strips of the plastic shipping bags according to the invention are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE). According to the invention, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is used as the material for both the inner and outer layers of the front and back panels. This ensures a reliable weld-on bond between the strips and the front and back panels. For many applications, it has proven advantageous to make the width of the weld-on strips smaller than the width of the front and back panels. This allows the weld-on strips to be connected to the inner layer of the front and back panels particularly easily and reliably.

[0027] The problem underlying the invention is also solved particularly reliably with such plastic shipping bags according to the invention, in which the outer layer of the layer forming the front wall has a continuation edge section in the area of ​​the opening edge, which is folded over onto the outside of the inner layer of the front wall and forms an overlapping section with this inner layer, wherein the continuation edge section and the inner layer are connected to each other in the overlapping section, in particular welded. The area in which the connection or welding of the aforementioned layers takes place within this overlapping section is also called the "first connection area".In an embodiment that solves the problem underlying the invention particularly satisfactorily, the continuation edge section, the inner layer, and the outer layer, or the continuation edge section, the inner layer, the at least one intermediate layer, and the outer layer, are advantageously connected, in particular welded, to one another in this first connection area. Preferably, the folded-over continuation edge section of the front wall overlaps substantially completely with the inner layer of the front wall. The welding of adjacent layers is preferably designed to be overlapping, i.e., the weld extends through all layers present in this area in a uniform region. Alternatively, it is also possible that the inner layer and the at least one intermediate layer, or the at least one intermediate layer and the outer layer, are connected, in particular welded, to one another in the overlapping section.

[0028] In a further advantageous embodiment, alternatively or, in particular, additionally to the variant described above, it can be provided that the layer forming the outer layer of the back wall has a continuation edge section in the area of ​​the opening edge, which is folded over onto the outside of the inner layer of the back wall and forms an overlapping section with this inner layer, wherein this continuation edge section and the inner layer, and in particular also the inner layer and the outer layer, as well as optionally the inner layer and the at least one intermediate layer and the at least one intermediate layer and the outer layer, are connected to each other in the overlapping section, in particular by welding. The area in which the connection or welding of the aforementioned layers takes place within this overlapping section is also called the "second connection area".

[0029] Alternatively, and especially additionally, the outer layer of the back panel has a continuation edge section in the area of ​​the opening edge, which is folded over onto the outside of the inner layer of the back panel and forms an overlapping section with this inner layer, wherein the continuation edge section and the inner layer are connected to each other in the overlapping section, in particular welded. The folded-over continuation edge section of the back panel preferably does not overlap with the inner layer of the back panel in the area of ​​the passage opening for the closure flaps.

[0030] In the plastic shipping bags according to the invention described above, in which the outer layer of the layer forming the front wall has a continuation edge section in the area of ​​the opening edge and / or in which the layer forming the outer layer of the back wall has a continuation edge section in the area of ​​the opening edge, the extension of the inner layer of the front wall towards the opening end and the extension of the inner layer of the back wall towards the opening end preferably correspond substantially when used in accordance with the generic design.

[0031] In particularly suitable embodiments, the handle or retaining loop of the front wall, in particular the welded strip of the handle of the front wall, is connected, in particular welded, to the area of ​​the inside of the front wall in a connecting area, which is formed by that section of the folded-over continuation edge section which does not overlap with the inner layer, in particular an overlap exclusively with the outer layer of the front wall (also called "third connecting area").Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the handle or retaining loop of the back panel, in particular the welded strip of the handle of the back panel, is connected, in particular welded, to the area of ​​the inside of the back panel in a connecting area formed by that section of the folded-over continuation edge section which does not overlap with the inner layer, in particular an overlap exclusively with the outer layer of the back panel (also called "fourth connecting area").

[0032] Particularly preferably, the first and third connection areas are separated from each other to achieve very good mechanical stability. Preferably, the second and fourth connection areas are also separated from each other.

[0033] Surprisingly, the plastic shipping bags according to the invention enable the flawless and uncomplicated shipping of foodstuffs, especially chilled ones. Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment of the invention with reference to a schematic drawing, without thereby limiting the invention. The drawing shows: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective top view of a first embodiment of a plastic shipping bag according to the invention without a perforation line in the open state; Figure 2 is a schematic top view of the front of the plastic shipping bag according to the invention. Figure 1 in the closed state; Figure 3 a schematic cross-sectional view of the plastic shipping bag according to the invention Figure 1in the open state; Figure 4 a schematic perspective top view of a second embodiment of a plastic shipping bag according to the invention with a perforation line in the open state; Figure 5 a schematic top view of the front of the plastic shipping bag according to the invention. Figure 4 in the closed state; Figure 6 a schematic cross-sectional view of the plastic shipping bag according to the invention Figure 4 in the open state; Figure 7 a schematic perspective top view of a modification of a plastic shipping bag according to the invention with a perforation line in the open state; Figure 8 a schematic top view of the front of the plastic shipping bag according to the invention Figure 7 in the closed state; Figure 9 a schematic cross-sectional view of the plastic shipping bag according to the invention Figure 7in the open state; Figure 10 a schematic perspective top view of a third embodiment of a plastic shipping bag according to the invention with two perforation lines in the open state; Figure 11 a schematic top view of the front of the plastic shipping bag according to the invention Figure 10 in the closed state; Figure 12 a schematic cross-sectional view of the plastic shipping bag according to the invention Figure 10 in the open state; Figure 13 a schematic perspective top view of a modification of a plastic shipping bag according to the invention with two perforation lines in the open state; Figure 14 a schematic top view of the front of the plastic shipping bag according to the invention Figure 13 in the closed state, Figure 15 a schematic cross-sectional view of the plastic shipping bag according to the invention Figure 13in the open state, Figure 16 a schematic cross-sectional view of a further modification of a plastic shipping bag according to the invention, Figure 17 a schematic cross-sectional view of a further modification of a plastic shipping bag according to the invention and Figure 18 a schematic cross-sectional view of a further modification of a plastic shipping bag according to the invention.

[0034] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective top view of a plastic shipping bag 1 according to the invention, with a closed bottom end 2 and an opposite open end 4. The plastic shipping bag 1 has a front wall 6 with an inner surface 8 and an outer surface 10, and a back wall 12 with an inner surface 14 and an outer surface 16. The front wall 6 and the back wall 12 are each equipped with a first side edge 18, 18' and an opposite second side edge 20, 20', as well as an opening edge 22, 22' and a bottom edge 24, 24'. In the illustrated embodiment, the front wall 6 and the back wall 12 are connected to each other in the area of ​​their first and second side edges 18, 18' and 20, 20', as well as via a bottom fold 26.

[0035] The front wall 6 and the rear wall 12 are designed as double layers in the illustrated embodiment, each comprising a foamed (not shown) inner layer 28, 28' and a single-layer, non-foamed outer layer 30, 30'. In the case of the plastic shipping bag 1 according to Figure 1In the area of ​​the opening edge 22 of the front wall 6, a handle 32 is located on the inside. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 32 is integrally connected to a weld-on strip 40, which in turn rests against and is welded to the outside of the inwardly folded outer layer of the front wall of the plastic shipping bag 1 according to the invention. Similarly, in the area of ​​the opening edge 22' of the rear wall 12, a second handle 34 is integrally connected to a weld-on strip 42 on the inside, the weld-on strip 42 also being connected to the rear wall by welding over the outside of the inwardly folded outer layer. The front wall 6 has a length that is shorter than the length of the rear wall 12. Accordingly, the rear wall 12 projects beyond the front wall 6 at the opening end 4.This section 36, which projects beyond the front wall 6 (also called the "closing flap"), can be folded over to the outside of the front wall 6, thus closing the opening end 4. In the illustrated embodiment, this closing flap 36 is located essentially centrally above a passage opening 38 (see also ). Figure 2 The handles 32 and 34 of the front 6 and rear 12 can pass through this opening 38. The closure flap 36 of the plastic shipping bag 1 according to Figure 1 Furthermore, it has at least one fastening element in the form of an adhesive strip 48 between the opening edge 22, 22' and the passage opening 38. After folding the closure flap 36 over to the outside of the front wall 6, the opening end 4 can be closed in this way, thus ensuring safe and reliable transport.

[0036] Figure 2Figure 1 shows the previously described plastic shipping bag 1 according to the invention in a side view of the front wall 6 in its closed state. The handle 32 of the front wall 6 and the handle 34 of the rear wall 12 are connected to each other. The closure flap 36 is folded over onto the front wall 6. The closure flap 36 can be attached to the front wall 6 using the fastening element in the form of the adhesive strip 48, with the connected handles 32 and 34 being inserted through the opening 38.

[0037] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the previously described plastic shipping bag 1 in its open state. Figure 3Figure 1 shows that both the front wall 6 and the rear wall 12 are provided with an inner surface 8, 14 and an outer surface 10, 16, and that in the illustrated embodiment these are each designed as double layers with an inner layer 28, 28' and an outer layer 30, 30'. The welding of the weld strips 40 and 42 takes place on the outer layer 30 of the front wall 6, which is folded to the inside at the opening end, and on the outer layer 30' of the rear wall 12, which is folded inwards at the opening end and forms the closing flap. Accordingly, the weld strips 40 and 42 of the front and rear walls are located on the inside of the shipping bag according to the invention shown.

[0038] Regarding the plastic shipping bag according to Figure 3The inner layer 28' of the back wall 12 extends into the lower area of ​​the locking flap 36, thereby forming an overlapping area. Within this overlapping area, the inwardly folded outer layer 30' of the back wall 12, forming the locking flap, the inner layer 28' of the back wall 12, and the outer layer 30' of the back wall 12, which is not folded inwards and is located on the outside, are adjacent in sections. In this overlapping area, in the illustrated embodiment, the three aforementioned overlapping layers are sectionally completely welded together. As shown in Figure 3As shown, the upper end of the inner layer 28' terminates above the welding area. Above this welding area, and also above the aforementioned upper end of the inner layer 28', the handle 34 of the back wall 12 is welded to the inside of the back wall 12. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, the welding areas described above do not overlap, but are separated from one another. The embodiment of a plastic shipping bag 1 according to the invention is shown. Figure 3The front wall 6 is further characterized by the fact that it is provided with a corresponding overlap area in which the inner layer 28 of the front wall 6, the outer layer 30 of the front wall 6, and the outer layer 30 of the front wall 6, which is folded inwards at the opening end 4, are welded together. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner layer 28 again does not extend into the area where the handle 32 of the front wall 6 is welded to the inside of the front wall 6. The aforementioned welded areas of the front wall are also separated from one another. The in Figure 3 The illustrated embodiment of a plastic shipping bag 1 according to the invention is characterized by particularly high stability with minimal material usage. It allows even large loads to be transported without complications over extended periods.

[0039] The second embodiment of the plastic shipping bag 1 according to the invention in Figure 4 Compared to the plastic shipping bag 1, according to Figure 1 a first weakening zone in the form of a perforation line 44, which runs parallel to the upper opening edge 22' and is located centrally between the upper opening edge 22' of the back wall 12 and the passage opening 38. When closing the plastic shipping bag 1 according to the invention Figure 5 The closure flap 36 can be folded over the perforation line 44, and is attached to the front wall 6 using an adhesive strip 48. Figure 6 shows the corresponding cross-sectional view of the in Figure 4 shown plastic shipping bag 1.

[0040] The alternative embodiment of the plastic shipping bag 1 according to the invention with a perforation line according to Figure 7 This differs from the plastic shipping bag according to Figure 4, that the first weakening zone in the form of a perforation line 44 extends in a first subsection from the first side edge 18 to the middle of the nearest short side of the rectangular passage opening 38 and in a second subsection from the middle of the opposite short side of the rectangular passage opening 38 to the second side edge 18'. The Figure 8 and 9 show the respective associated plastic shipping bag 1 according to Figure 7 in the closed position in side view or in cross-sectional view.

[0041] Figure 10 A third embodiment of the plastic shipping bag 1 according to the invention is shown in a perspective top view. This embodiment has, in addition to the features of the one described in Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment of the plastic shipping bag 1, a further perforation line 46 is provided on the back wall 12, which is located between the opening 38 and the adhesive strip 48. The plastic shipping bag 1 according to the invention, which is closed by means of the adhesive strip 48, can be opened by separating the first perforation line 44 or by separating the second perforation line 46 in order to remove the goods being transported. Subsequently, the remaining section 50 can be separated by separating the second perforation line 46 or the first perforation line 44, respectively. When using a plastic shipping bag with only one perforation line, regardless of where this line is arranged, i.e.,On either side of the opening 38, a section 50 remains attached to the bag, either as an upward-protruding section of the adhesive strip or as an upward-protruding section of the back panel. This section could obstruct the filling process when the opened plastic shipping bag is reused as a carrier or cooler bag. Furthermore, this protruding section, still attached to the bag body, could increase the risk of damage to the bag. For example, the protruding section could snag or become trapped on other objects during handling and / or transport. Additionally, an upward-protruding section would create an appearance that would be detrimental to the bag's reuse as a carrier or cooler bag.Alternatively, it is of course also possible to detach the first and second perforation lines 44, 46 essentially simultaneously by pulling on the outer edge of section 50, in order to remove it in one operation. By carrying out the execution variant according to . Figure 10 The ease with which the protruding section 50 can be detached facilitates the reuse of the plastic shipping bag 1.

[0042] Figure 11 shows the plastic shipping bag 1 according to the invention. Figure 10 In closed state, shown in a side view. After opening the plastic carrier bag 1 by cutting through the first perforation line 44, the superfluous section 50 can be separated via the second perforation line 46. Figure 12 shows the corresponding cross-sectional view of the in Figure 10 already described plastic carrier bag 1.

[0043] The design variant of the plastic shipping bag according to Figure 13 This differs from the plastic shipping bag according to Figure 10, that the first weakening zone in the form of a perforation line 44 extends in a first subsection from the first side edge to a first corner point of the rectangular passage opening, which is at a greater distance from the fastening means than the second corner point, which together with the first corner point spans the first short side of the rectangular passage opening 38, which is adjacent to the first side edge 18, and extends in a second subsection from the third corner point of the rectangular passage opening 38, which together with the first corner point spans the first longer side of the rectangle, to the second side edge 18', and that, moreover, the second weakening zone in the form of a perforation line 46 extends in a first subsection from the first side edge 18 to the second corner point of the rectangular passage opening 38 and extends in a second subsection from the fourth corner point of the rectangular passage opening 38,which spans the second shorter side of the rectangular opening 38 with the third corner point, extending to the second side edge 18'. With this embodiment, it is particularly convenient and reliable to open the plastic shipping bag 1 according to the invention, which is closed by the fastening means 48, by pulling on the partial sections located between the first and second weakening zones 44 and 46, and simultaneously to bring it into a state in which it can be easily reused as a carrying or cooling bag. The , Figure 14 and 15 The corresponding views show the product in a closed state in a side view or cross-sectional view.

[0044] The plastic shipping bag according to the invention Figure 16This version differs from the embodiments shown in the preceding figures in that the inner layer 28' of the rear wall 12 extends beyond the welding area of ​​the handle. That is, the inner layer 28' is fixed at the opening end by two successive welding areas. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner layer 28 of the front wall 6 is also fixed by two welding areas in a corresponding manner.

[0045] The plastic shipping bags according to the Figures 17 and 18 differ from the version according to Figure 16 , that the inner layer is fixed by two adjacent welding areas only on the front side ( Figure 17 ) or only on the reverse side ( Figure 18 ) is executed, i.e., the remaining inner layer of the rear or front wall is as in the embodiments of the Figures 1 to 15 fixed only via a welding area

Claims

1. Plastic shipping bag (1) with a closed or substantially closed bottom end (2) and an opposite opening end (4), comprising a front wall (6) with an inner side (8) and an outer side (10) and a rear wall (12) with an inner side (14) and an outer side (16), each with a first side edge (18, 18') and an opposite second side edge (20, 20') as well as an opening edge (22, 22') and a bottom edge (24, 24'), wherein the front wall (6) and the rear wall (12) are connected to each other in the region of their first and second side edges (18, 18', 20, 20') and their bottom edges at least in sections directly or via side walls or side folds and / or a bottom area (26), wherein the front wall (6) and the rear wall (12) as well as optionally the side walls are at least in sections multi-layered, comprising an inner layer (28, 28') and an outer layer (30, 30'), as well as at least one handle (32) attached to the opening edge (22, 22') of the inner side (8) of the front wall (6) and at least one handle (34) attached to the inner side (14) of the rear wall (12) below the opening edge (22, 22'), wherein the front wall (6) has a first length which corresponds to the average distance between opening edge (22, 22') and bottom edge (24, 24') of the front wall (6) and wherein the rear wall (12) has a second length which corresponds to the average distance between opening edge (22, 22') and bottom edge (24, 24') of the rear wall (12), wherein the first length is shorter than the second length so that the rear wall (12) at the opening end (4) projects beyond the front wall (6) and this portion (also called "closure flap") projecting beyond the front wall (6) can be folded onto the outer side of the front wall (6), wherein the closure flap (36) has a passage opening (38), configured and designed for the passage of the handle (32, 34) from front and rear wall (6, 12), wherein the closure flap (36) between the opening edge (22, 22') of the rear wall (12) and the passage opening (38) has at least one fastener (48), configured and designed to close the opening end (4) after folding the closure flap (36) onto the outer side (10) of the front wall (6), characterized in that the closure flap (36) in that portion which is opposite the fastener (48) with respect to the passage opening (38) has at least one first weakened zone (44) which extends at a distance from or from the first side edge (18, 18') in the direction of or up to the second side edge (20, 20'), wherein the handle (32) of the front wall (6) formed from HD-polyethylene is integrally connected to a welding strip (40) formed from HD-polyethylene and wherein the handle (34) of the rear wall (12) formed from HD-polyethylene is integrally connected to a welding strip (42) formed from HD-polyethylene, wherein the welding strip (40) of the handle (32) of the front wall (6) is welded to the inner side (8) of the front wall (6) and wherein the welding strip (42) of the handle (34) of the rear wall (12) is welded to the inner side (14) of the rear wall (12), wherein the inner and the outer layer of front and rear wall (6, 12) are formed from LD-polyethylene.

2. Plastic shipping bag (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first weakened zone (44) comprises or represents at least one perforation line.

3. Plastic shipping bag (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the front wall (6) and the rear wall (12) are at least in sections, in particular each in the region from the bottom edge (24, 24') to the opening end (4), double-, three-, four- or five-layered.

4. Plastic shipping bag (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure flap (36) in that portion which extends from the passage opening (38) up to the fastener (48) has at least one second weakened zone (46) which extends at a distance from or from the first side edge (18, 18') in the direction of or up to the second side edge (20, 20'), wherein the second weakened zone (46) preferably represents a perforation line.

5. Plastic shipping bag (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner layer of front and / or rear wall (12) comprises or represents an, in particular closed-pore, foamed LD-polyethylene film, and wherein preferably the outer layer of front and / or rear wall (12) does not represent or comprise an air cushion plastic film or a non-foamed plastic film, preferably a non-foamed LD-polyethylene film.

6. Plastic shipping bag (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front wall (6) and the rear wall (12) as well as optionally the side walls are at least in sections multi-layered and comprise an inner layer, an outer layer and at least one intermediate layer.

7. Plastic shipping bag (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one intermediate layer of front and / or rear wall (12) comprises or represents an, in particular closed-pore, foamed plastic film or an air cushion plastic film, preferably a foamed polyolefin film, particularly preferably a foamed polyethylene film and in particular a foamed LD-polyethylene film.

8. Plastic shipping bag (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the layer forming the outer layer of the front wall (6) has in the region of the opening edge (22, 22') a extended edge portion which is turned over onto the outer side (10) of the inner layer of the front wall (6) and forms an overlapping portion with this inner layer, wherein the extended edge portion and the inner layer and in particular also the inner layer and the outer layer as well as optionally the inner layer and the at least one intermediate layer and the at least one intermediate layer and the outer layer are connected to each other, in particular welded, in the overlapping portion (also called "first connection area") and / or that the layer forming the outer layer of the rear wall (12) has in the region of the opening edge (22, 22') an extended edge portion which is turned over onto the outer side (16) of the inner layer of the rear wall (12) and forms an overlapping portion with this inner layer, wherein this extended edge portion and the inner layer and in particular also the inner layer and the outer layer as well as optionally the inner layer and the at least one intermediate layer and the at least one intermediate layer and the outer layer are connected to each other, in particular welded, in the overlapping portion (also called "second connection area").

9. Plastic shipping bag (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the turned-over extended edge portion of the front wall (6) substantially completely overlaps with the inner layer of the front wall (6) and / or that the folded-over extended edge portion of the rear wall (12) has no overlap with the inner layer of the rear wall (12) in the region of the passage opening (38) of the closure flap (36).

10. Plastic shipping bag (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that in generic use the extension of the inner layer of the front wall (6) in the direction of the opening end (4) and the extension of the inner layer of the rear wall (12) in the direction of the opening end (4) substantially coincide.

11. Plastic shipping bag (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the welding strip (40) of the handle (32) of the front wall (6) is welded to the folded-over extended edge portion, preferably in the overlapping portion of inner layer and extended edge portion as well as optionally the at least one intermediate layer, and / or that the welding strip (42) of the handle (34) of the rear wall (12) is welded to the folded-over extended edge portion, preferably to the overlapping portion of inner layer and the folded-over extended edge portion as well as optionally the at least one intermediate layer.

12. Plastic shipping bag (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the welding strip (40) of the handle (32) of the front wall (6) is connected, in particular welded, to the region of the inner side (8) of the front wall (6) in a third connection area which is formed by that portion of the folded-over extended edge portion which has no overlap with the inner layer, in particular an overlap exclusively with the outer layer of the front wall (6), and / or that the welding strip (42) of the handle (34) of the rear wall (12) is connected, in particular welded, to the region of the inner side (14) of the rear wall (12) in a fourth connection area which is formed by that portion of the folded-over extended edge portion which has no overlap with the inner layer, in particular an overlap exclusively with the outer layer of the rear wall (12).

13. Plastic shipping bag (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the first and the third connection area are present separated from each other and / or that the second and the fourth connection area are present separated from each other.

14. Plastic shipping bag (1) according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the welding of the welding strip (40) of the front wall (6) in the overlapping portion extends up to the outer layer of the front wall (6) and / or that the welding of the welding strip (42) of the rear wall (12) in the overlapping portion extends up to the outer layer of the rear wall (12).

15. Plastic shipping bag (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure flap (36) represents an integral or separate single- or multi-layered, in particular double-layered, film layer, which is connected to the outer layer and / or the inner layer, in particular the outer layer, of the rear wall (12) or is integrally formed, or that the closure flap (36) is an integral component of the outer layer of the rear wall (12) and is in particular double-layered.

16. Plastic shipping bag (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the first weakened zone (44), in particular perforation line, extends in a first portion from or at a distance from the first side edge (18, 18') in the direction of or up to the passage opening (38), preferably from the first side edge (18, 18') up to the passage opening (38), and in a second portion from or at a distance from the passage opening (38) in the direction of or up to the second side edge (20, 20'), preferably from the passage opening (38) up to the second side edge (20, 20'), and / or that the second weakened zone (46), in particular perforation line, extends in a first portion from or at a distance from the first side edge (18, 18') in the direction of or up to the passage opening (38), preferably from the first side edge (18, 18') up to the passage opening (38), and in a second portion from or at a distance from the passage opening (38) in the direction of or up to the second side edge (20, 20'), preferably from the passage opening (38) up to the second side edge (20, 20').

17. Plastic shipping bag (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the fastener (48) represents an adhesive strip.

18. Use of the plastic shipping bag (1) according to one of the preceding claims for shipping food, in particular refrigerated food.