Bag With Detachable Coupon Portions and Foldable Pattern Therefor

Abstract

A foldable bag pattern includes a body having two longitudinal edges, top and bottom transverse edges running between the longitudinal edges, and elongate body panels arranged side-by-side between the longitudinal edges. Longitudinal fold lines extend between the transverse edges. Each longitudinal fold line is disposed between an adjacent pair of body panels. A top transverse fold line and a bottom transverse fold line extend between the longitudinal edges. The body also includes a top margin defined between the top transverse edge and the top transverse fold line, and a bottom margin defined between the bottom transverse edge and the bottom transverse fold line. The top margin has at least one detachable coupon portion. The body panels are foldable along the longitudinal and transverse fold lines to form a bag having an open top bag portion with at least one detachable coupon portion disposed adjacent thereto.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to bags and patterns therefor, and in particular, to bags with detachable coupon portions and foldable patterns therefor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Paper shopping bags are typically formed from a foldable bag pattern (also sometimes referred as a “blank”). The foldable bag pattern is a unitary piece of paper stock that is folded over itself and glued at specific locations to form a bag. The bag usually carries on one or more of its outer faces branding, advertising or other promotional indicia.

Many retailers distribute coupons which feature special promotional offers or discounts, to their clients as part of their promotional offering. Often retailers will furnish such coupons using home-delivered or in-store promotional flyers or brochures. Other times, coupons may be provided to consumers during checkout or may be stuffed loosely into the shopping bags holding the purchased goods. More recently, coupons have been provided to clients via e-mail.

With the recent economic downturn, many consumers have turned to redeeming coupons to save money on their purchases. This has spawned the “extreme couponing” trend whereby certain consumers attempt to purchase many of their household goods or groceries at very deep discounts using coupons. However, this activity requires organization and can be time-consuming because the coupons must be collected from multiple sources and then brought to a specific store for redemption. Consumers often complain about not having the coupons on hand and available for redemption when needed. As a result, in many cases, coupons are lost or thrown out and are thus never redeemed resulting in a double loss to the consumers and the retailers. The clients do not get to benefit from the promotional offering featured on the coupons and the retailers do not obtain the benefit of driving sales by incentivizing their customers to buy their products using coupons.

In light of the foregoing, it would be desirable to have a way of providing coupons to consumers in a manner which encourages their redemption by the consumers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a broad aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a foldable bag pattern includes a body. The body has a pair of first and second longitudinal edges, and a pair of top and bottom transverse edges running between the first and second longitudinal edges. A plurality of elongate body panels are arranged side-by-side between the first and second longitudinal edge. A plurality of longitudinal fold lines extend between the top and bottom transverse edges. Each longitudinal fold line is disposed between an adjacent pair of body panels. A top transverse fold line extends between the first and second longitudinal edges. A bottom transverse fold line extends between the first and second longitudinal edges. The body also includes a top margin and a bottom margin. The top margin is defined between the top transverse edge and the top transverse fold line. The top margin has at least one detachable coupon portion. The bottom margin is defined between the bottom transverse edge and the bottom transverse fold line. The body panels are foldable along the longitudinal and transverse fold lines to form a bag having a base bag portion formed by the bottom margin, an open top bag portion, and the at least one detachable coupon portion disposed adjacent the top bag portion.

In one feature, the body further includes at least one perforated line extending along the boundary of the at least one detachable coupon portion to facilitate detachment of the coupon portion from the body.

In another feature, the at least one detachable coupon portion depends from the top bag portion when the bag is formed. In a further feature, the body includes an intermediate portion disposed between the top margin and the bottom margin. The at least one detachable coupon portion overlies the intermediate portion of the body when the bag is formed.

In yet another feature, the at least one detachable coupon portion is contained within the interior of the bag when the bag is formed. The body has an inner face and an outer face. The inner face defines at least partially the boundaries of the interior of the bag, when the bag is formed. The at least one detachable coupon portion is arranged opposite the inner face when the bag is formed. In additional feature, at least part of the at least one detachable coupon portion is retained against the inner face when the bag is formed.

In an alternative feature, the body has an inner face and an outer face. The inner face defines the boundary of the interior of the bag, when the bag is formed. The at least one detachable coupon portion is arranged opposite the outer face when the bag is formed. In addition, the at least one detachable coupon portion is retained against the outer face when the bag is formed.

In a further feature, the at least one detachable coupon portion includes a plurality of detachable coupon portions arranged in at least one of a row and a column. In one feature, the at least one detachable coupon portion includes a plurality of detachable coupon portions arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. Optionally, the body may have a perforated line extending between each adjacent row of detachable coupon portions and a perforated line extending between each pair of adjacent columns of detachable coupon portions, to facilitate detachment of the coupon portions.

In still another feature, the at least one detachable coupon portion has a first face and a second face. The at least one of the faces of the at least one detachable coupon portion displays an item selected from the group consisting of: (a) text; (b) graphics; (c) logos; (d), branding; (e) barcodes; (f) coupon identification numbers; and (g) coupon verification identifiers.

In an additional feature, the plurality of body panels includes first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh body panels. The plurality of longitudinal fold lines includes first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth fold lines. The first longitudinal fold line is disposed between the first body panel and the second body panel. The second longitudinal fold line is disposed between the second body panel and the third body panel. The third longitudinal fold line is disposed between the third body panel and the fourth body panel. The fourth longitudinal fold line is disposed between the fourth body panel and the fifth body panel. The fifth longitudinal fold line is disposed between the fifth body panel and the sixth body panel. The sixth longitudinal fold line is disposed between the sixth body panel and the seventh body panel.

In yet another feature, the body has a shape selected from the group consisting of: (a) substantially rectangular; and (b) substantially square.

According to another broad aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a bag formed from a foldable bag pattern. The bag includes a base, an open top and an intermediate sleeve portion extending between the base and the top. The intermediate sleeve portion having a margin adjacent the top. The margin is formed in part by a folded portion. The folded portion includes at least one detachable coupon portion.

In one feature, the at least one detachable coupon portion lies inside the bag. Alternatively, the at least one detachable coupon portion lies outside the bag.

In another feature, the folded portion includes at least one perforated line extending along the boundary of the at least one detachable coupon portion to facilitate detachment of the coupon portion from the folded portion.

In yet another feature, the open top has a rim, and the at least one detachable coupon portion is carried below the rim.

In an additional feature, the bag includes a pair of handles connected to the intermediate sleeve portion at locations below the rim. The at least one detachable coupon portion is carried below the locations where handles connect to the intermediate sleeve portion.

In one feature, the at least one detachable coupon includes a plurality of detachable coupon portions. The intermediate body portion includes a plurality of sides. The folded portion includes a plurality of parts corresponding to the plurality of sides. Each part of the folded portion overlies one side of the plurality. At least two parts of the folded portion include detachable coupon portions.

In a further feature, the plurality of sides includes first, second, third and fourth sides. The plurality of parts of the folded portion includes first, second, third and fourth parts. The first part of the folded portion overlies the first side. The second part of the folded portion overlies the second side. The third part of the folded portion overlies the third side. The fourth part of the folded portion overlies the fourth side. Each of the parts of the folded portion include at least one detachable coupon portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of the present invention shall be more clearly understood with reference to the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an end view of a foldable bag pattern in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention showing the outer face thereof; and seven longitudinal body panels intersected by top and bottom transverse fold lines and six longitudinal fold lines;

FIG. 2 is another end view similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1 showing the inner face of the foldable bag pattern;

FIG. 3 is another end view similar to that illustrated in FIG. 2 showing the top margin of the foldable bag pattern folded along the top transverse folding line onto the intermediate portion of the foldable bag pattern;

FIG. 4 is another end view similar to that illustrated in FIG. 3 showing a pair of first and second handles affixed to the handle receiving portions of the top margin;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the foldable bag pattern illustrated in FIG. 4 showing first, second, third and fourth panels being folded along the first and fourth longitudinal fold lines;

FIG. 6 is an end view of the outside face of the foldable bag pattern of FIG. 5 showing the second, third and fourth body panels collapsed onto the fifth, sixth and seventh body panels with the first body panel lying between the second body panel and the seventh body panel;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the foldable bag pattern of FIG. 6 showing the handles aligned but spaced apart from each to define a mouth of the bag, and the second and fifth panels being urged to collapse onto each other as the foldable bag pattern is folded along the third and sixth longitudinal fold lines;

FIG. 8 is an end view of the foldable bag pattern of FIG. 7 showing a part of the bottom margin and a part of the intermediate portion of the foldable bag pattern being folded along an intermediate transverse fold line;

FIG. 9 is an end view of the foldable bag pattern of FIG. 8 showing the second and fourth bottom margin portions being folded inwardly;

FIG. 10 is an end view of the foldable bag pattern of FIG. 9 showing the third bottom margin portion being folded along the bottom transverse fold line to come to overlie the second and fourth bottom margin portions;

FIG. 11 is an end view of the foldable bag pattern of FIG. 10 showing the first bottom margin portion being folded along the bottom transverse fold line to come to overlie the second, third and fourth bottom margin portions;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a bag formed by folding the foldable bag pattern shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the bag similar to that illustrated in FIG. 12, except one of the body panels has been partially cut-away to better reveal details of the detachable coupon portions within the bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The description, which follows, and the embodiments described therein are provided by way of illustration of an example, or examples of particular embodiments of principles and aspects of the present invention. These examples are provided for the purposes of explanation and not of limitation, of those principles of the invention. In the description that follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and the drawings with the same respective reference numerals.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a foldable bag pattern designated generally with the reference numeral 20, which may be folded to form a bag 22. In the preferred embodiment, the foldable bag pattern 20 is made from a unitary (or single) sheet of die-cut paper stock (or card stock). A portion or the entirety of the paper stock may be composed of virgin materials or post-consumer recycled materials. In this embodiment, the paper stock employed to make the foldable bag pattern 20 has a grammage or basis weight of 148 g/m², selected for enhanced durability, folding characteristics and weight bearing capacity. In other embodiments, a greater or less basis weight for the paper stock may be used to suit a particular application.

In other embodiments, the foldable bag pattern may be made of other suitable non-paper materials, for instance, synthetic papers, plastic materials or the like. Moreover, while it is generally preferred that the foldable bag pattern be a unitary sheet of paper stock, this need not be the case in every application. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to fabricate the foldable bag pattern with a plurality of sheets laminated, glued or otherwise attached to each other. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the foldable bag pattern may be a multi-piece construction assembled from a plurality of portions attached to each other.

The foldable bag pattern 20 has an outer face 24 (shown in FIG. 1) and an opposed inner face 26 (shown in FIG. 2). As will be apparent from the drawings, the outer face 24 is that face which forms the outside of bag 22 when the foldable bag pattern 20 is folded, while the inner face 26 forms the interior of bag 22 when formed. The inner and outer faces 26 and 24 may be textured or smooth, and/or laminated, and/or have a variety of finishes (e.g. glossy or matt) depending on the aesthetic effect sought to be achieved. Portions of the inner and outer faces may have printed (or otherwise affixed) thereon graphics, logos, advertising, marketing; or promotional messages, or the like.

In this embodiment, the foldable bag pattern 20 is generally rectangular when completely unfolded. However, in other embodiments, the dimensions of the foldable bag pattern could be modified to impart a generally square shape to the foldable bag pattern. The boundaries of the generally rectangular foldable bag pattern 20 are defined by a pair of first and second longitudinal edges 28 and 30, and a pair of transverse, top and bottom edges 32 and 34 that run between the first and second longitudinal edges 28 and 30.

The foldable bag pattern 20 includes a plurality of body panels. In this embodiment, the plurality of body panels includes first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh elongated body panels 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 disposed side by each between the first and second longitudinal edges 28 and 30. The body panels 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48 extend between the top and bottom edges 32 and 34. In other embodiment, the foldable bag pattern 20 may be configured with a greater or lesser number of body panels.

The body panels 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 and 48 are not all sized equally. More specifically, the second body panel 38 and the fifth body panel 44 are sized wider than any of the other body panels 36, 40, 42, 46 and 48 because it is the intermediate portions of these body panels 38 and 44 that define the front and back body panels of the bag 22 formed by folding the foldable bag pattern 20 (as best shown in FIG. 12). The body panels 40, 42, 46 and 48 all are similarly sized. When the bag 22 is formed, the intermediate portions of these body panels 40, 42, 46 and 48 define the gusseted sides of the bag 22. Lastly, the first body panel 36 is the narrowest body panel; its purpose being to overlap, and attach to, the seventh body panel 48, as described below.

A plurality of fold (or crease) lines (represented in the drawings by long stippled) intersect the body panels 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 and 48. The major fold lines run longitudinally and transverse of the foldable bag pattern 20. More specifically, there are top and bottom transverse fold line 50 and 52 which extend between the first and second longitudinal edges 28 and 30; and first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth longitudinal fold lines 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, and 64 which extend between the top and bottom transverse fold line 50 and 52. Other minor fold lines also exist; but these are described later in the specification.

The top and bottom transverse fold lines 50 and 52 can be seen to divide the foldable bag pattern 20 into three portions—a top margin 66, a bottom margin 68 and an intermediate portion 70 disposed between the top margin 66 and the bottom margin 68. The top Margin 66 is defined by those portions of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh body panels 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 and 48 that extend between the top edge 32 and the top transverse fold line 50. In this embodiment, the top transverse fold line 50 is disposed roughly 30% of the way down the body panels from the top edge 32. In other embodiments, the top transverse fold line may be arranged differently, closer or further away from the top edge.

The bottom margin 68 is defined by those portions of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh body panels 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 and 48 that extend between the bottom edge 34 and the bottom transverse fold line 52. In this embodiment, the bottom transverse fold line 52 is disposed roughly one sixth of the way up the body panels from the bottom edge 34. In other embodiments, the bottom transverse fold line could be arranged differently, closer or further away from the bottom edge.

The longitudinal boundaries of each body panel in the intermediate portion 70 are demarcated from the longitudinal boundaries of adjacent body panels by the longitudinal fold lines. More specifically, the longitudinal boundaries of the first body panel 36 are defined by the first longitudinal edge 28 and the first longitudinal fold line 54. The first body panel 36 is separated from the second body panel 38 by the first longitudinal fold line 54. The second longitudinal fold line 56 separates the second and third body panels 38 and 40. The third and fourth body panels 40 and 42 are separated by a third longitudinal fold line 58. The fourth and fifth body panels 42 and 44 are separated by a fourth longitudinal fold line 60. The fifth longitudinal fold line 62 separates the fifth and sixth body panels 44 and 46. Lastly, the sixth and seventh body panels 46 and 48 are separated by the sixth longitudinal fold line 64. The longitudinal boundaries of the seventh body panel 48 are defined by the sixth longitudinal fold line 64 and the second longitudinal edge 30.

While in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, there can be seen six longitudinal fold lines extending between the top and bottom transverse fold lines 50 and 52, this need not be the case in every embodiment. In other embodiments, where a greater or lesser number of body panels are used, the number of longitudinal fold lines may be adjusted accordingly.

The major fold lines 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 and 64 (as well as other minor fold lines described below) may be scored into the sheet of paper stock during the die cutting process. Alternatively, the fold lines may be defined into the sheet of paper stock using other arrangements or techniques.

Having described the general configuration and layout of the foldable bag pattern 20, a more detailed description of the top and bottom margins 66 and 68 now follows. The top margin 66 can be seen to include first, second, third, and fourth top margin portions 72, 74, 76, 78, disposed side by each between the first longitudinal edge 28 to the second longitudinal edge 30. The first top margin portion 72 includes the uppermost portion of the second body panel 38. The second top margin portion 74 includes the uppermost portions of the third and fourth body panels 40 and 42. The third top margin portion 76 includes the uppermost portion of fifth body panel 44. Lastly, the fourth top margin portion 78 includes the uppermost portion of the sixth and seventh body panels 46 and 48. As will be explained in greater detail below, when the bag 22 is formed the top margin portions 72, 74, 76 and 78 will find themselves folded over toward (or against) the inner face 26.

The first top margin portion 72 is connected to the second top margin portion 74 only along a short attachment site 80 (also known as a nick) located adjacent the top edge 32, the remainder of the first and second top margin portions 72 and 74 being separated by a narrow elongate gap or slit 82. Similarly, the second top margin portion 74 is attached to the third top margin portion 76 only along a short attachment site 84 located adjacent the top edge 32. A narrow elongate gap or slit 86 divides the remainder of the second top margin portion 74 from the remainder of the third top margin portion 76. In like fashion, a short attachment site 88 located adjacent the top edge 32 joins the third top margin portion 76 to the fourth top margin portion 78. The remainder of the third and fourth top margin portions 76 and 78 are separated by a narrow elongate gap or slit 90.

Gaps 82, 86 and 90 are provided to reduce paper bulk in the corners when the foldable bag pattern 20 is folded to form the mouth of the bag 22 (as shown in FIG. 7), thereby facilitating further handling and folding by the bag folding machine employed for this purpose. Attachment of the adjacent top margin portions at the attachment sites or nicks 80, 84 and 88 tends to improve the stability of the bag pattern during the folding process and tends to prevent the top margin portions from catching, on each other or on another sheet of paper stock. Additionally, the nicks also serve to retain the detachable coupon portions against the inner face 26 of the body when the bag 22 is formed. In other embodiments, the gaps or slits may be made narrow than shown in the drawings and/or additional nicks may be provided to reduce the length of the slits, to enhance stability of the sheet of paper stock and/or discourage catching or snagging of the top margin portions.

The second and fourth top margin portions 72 and 76 each have a handle receiving section 92 and 94, respectively, which is disposed immediately adjacent the top transverse fold line 50. Each section 92 and 94 has defined therein an elongate rectangular slot 96 configured to receive therethrough a portion of a handle.

Preferably, each of the top margin portions 72, 74, 76, 78 includes at least one detachable coupon portion identified generically with reference numeral 98. In the in FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the top margin portions 72, 74, 76 and 78 has a plurality of detachable coupon portions 98 arranged in one or more columns and rows. More specifically, the first and third top margin portions 72 and 76 each have three columns disposed side by each and three rows of detachable coupon portions 98 for a total of nine detachable coupon portions each. The second and fourth top margin portions 74 and 78 each have a single column and four rows of detachable coupon portions 98 for a total of four detachable coupon portions each. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments one or more of the top, margin portions may be provided with a greater or lesser number of detachable coupon portions to suit a particular Application. Additionally, in some cases, it may be desirable for only some of the top margin portions to have no detachable coupon portions.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the detachable coupon portions 98 have a rectangular shape and are all of substantially the same size. The boundaries of the detachable coupon portions are defined by a plurality of perforated lines (represented by short dotted lines in the drawings) formed in the foldable bag pattern (preferably, at the time the sheet of paper stock is die cut into shape). The provision of these perforated lines tends to be preferred because it create lines of weakness within the paper stock, making it easy for a user to detach (or tear) the detachable coupon portion 98. Conveniently, the arrangement of the detachable coupon portions 98 into rows and columns conveniently allows the detachable coupon portions 98 to be detached one by one, or several at a time.

In other embodiments, the perforated lines may be omitted, leaving the boundaries of the detachable coupon portion to be delineated solely by the graphic, logo, advertising, marketing or promotional message carried on the face of the detachable coupon portion. In such cases, the detachable coupon portion could simply be torn along such boundaries to detach the coupon portion from the top margin portion, or alternatively, scissors could be used to detach the coupon portion.

Additional modifications to the detachable coupon portions 98 are possible. For instance, the coupon portions could be sized differently with some of the top margin portions having coupon portions sized larger than the coupon portions belonging to other top margin portions.

The arrangement and/or orientation of the detachable coupon portions within the top margin portions could also be modified. For example, in FIGS. 1 and 2, the coupon portions are arranged in a plurality of rows and columns with the long sides of their rectangular shape oriented parallel to the top edge 32. In an alternative embodiment; the coupon portions could be oriented with the long sides of their rectangular shape perpendicular to (or askew) the top edge 32. Where the coupon portions are oriented with the long sides of their rectangular shape perpendicular to the top edge, the coupon portions could be arranged along the top margin portions in strips.

Moreover, it is possible that the detachable coupon portion could be configured to have a shape other than rectangular. It could be another geometric shape (e.g. circular, square, oval or, triangular) or an irregular shape. In such cases, where perforated lines are used, such perforated lines could be disposed in such a manner as to define the desired shape of the coupon portion.

The detachable coupon portion 98 may display on one or both of its faces, text, graphics, logos, branding, or other indicia including, but not limited to, scannable or PDA (or smart phone)-readable barcodes, coupon identification numbers, seals or watermarks or other coupon, verification identifiers for preventing fraud, or a combination of any of the foregoing. Preferably, the coupon portion features a promotional offer in connection with certain products or services. This promotional offer can be store-specific or manufacturer-specific, and can take a variety of forms including rebates or discounts, free shipping, buy-one get-one, first-time customer coupons, and free giveaways. For instance, the coupon portion may feature a promotional offer for a one dollar ($1) rebate on a jar of branded mayonnaise. While it is contemplated that the detachable coupon portion will feature promotional offers, this need not be the case in every application. In other embodiments, the detachable portions need not feature a financial discount or rebate. They could feature useful information or messages, or advertising.

Turning now to the bottom margin 68, it can be seen to include first, second, third, third and fourth bottom margin portions or tabs 100, 102, 104 and 106 disposed next to each other between the first longitudinal edge 28 to the second longitudinal edge 30. The first bottom margin portion 100 includes the lowermost portion of the second body panel 38. The second bottom margin portion 102 includes the lowermost portions of the third and fourth body panels 40 and 42. The third bottom margin portion 104 includes the lowermost portion of fifth body panel 44. Lastly, the fourth bottom margin portion 106 includes the lowermost portion of the sixth and seventh body panels 46 and 48. As will be explained in greater detail below, when the bag 22 is formed the bottom margin portions 100, 102, 104 and 106 will be folded onto themselves to cooperatively form the base portion of the bag 22.

Each of the bottom margin portions 100, 102, 104 and 106 has a generally trapezoidal shape, whose base in each case is disposed along the bottom transverse fold line 52. A first triangular gap 108 separates the first bottom margin portion 100 from the second bottom margin portion 102. A second triangular gap 110 separates the second bottom margin portion 102 from the third bottom margin portion 104. Lastly, a third triangular gap 112 separates the third bottom margin portion 104 from the fourth bottom margin portion 106.

With reference to FIGS. 2 to 13, an exemplary method of folding the foldable bag pattern 20 into a bag 22 will now be described. An adhesive is applied at spaced apart locations 114 on the handle receiving portions 92 and 94 situated between the slots 96 and the top transverse fold line 50. The top margin 66 of the foldable bag pattern 20 is then folded along the top transverse fold line 50 onto the inner face 26 as indicated by arrows 116 (visible in FIG. 2) and fixed in place by virtue of the gluing action of the adhesive. While in the preferred embodiment, adhesive is applied only on the handle receiving portions 92 and 94 and at three locations 114, in other embodiments, adhesive could be applied at a greater or lesser number of locations on the handle receiving portions. The adhesive could also be applied onto the inner face of the top margin as well as on the handle receiving portions. In a further alternative, the adhesive could be applied on the inner face of the top margin only.

As a result of the top margin 66 being folded over the top transverse fold line 50, the fold line now defines an edge 118 which will form the rim (or mouth) of the bag 22 once the bag is formed. In this position, the detachable coupon portions 98 depend downwardly, overlying the intermediate portions 70 of the body panels 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46 and 48, and will be wholly contained within the interior of the bag 22 once the bag is formed. It is conceivable that in other embodiments the detachable coupon portions could be folded to extend upwardly toward the rim. In such cases, the detachable coupon portions could be wholly contained within the interior of the bag, or only partially so with a part of the detachable coupon portions protruding above the rim of the bag once formed. In other embodiments, the top margin could be folded onto the outer face 26 such that the detachable coupon portions are wholly contained outside the bag once the bag is formed.

Adhesive is applied to the sites 120 along the handle receiving editions 92 and 94 (see FIG. 3) and the straight portions 122 of the generally D-shaped handles 124 are affixed to the foldable bag pattern 20 with the curved portions 126 thereof projecting beyond the edge 118 (as shown in FIG. 4). While in the preferred embodiment, adhesive is applied only to the on the handle receiving portions 92 and 94 and at sites 120, in other embodiments, adhesive could also be applied onto the straight portions of the handles. In a further alternative, the adhesive could be applied on the straight portions of the handles only.

While it is generally preferred that bag 22 be provided with handles to facilitate carrying of the bag by a user, in certain applications, it may be desirable to have a bag with no handles. In such cases, the handle affixing step described above would be omitted from the bag forming method. In other applications, it may be possible to incorporate the handles into the bag pattern itself, for instance, by forming apertures below the rim of the bag sized to permit grasping fingers to extend therethrough.

Next, a strip of adhesive 128 is applied along the outer face 24 of the first body panel 36. The foldable bag pattern 20 is folded along the first longitudinal fold line 54 and the fourth longitudinal fold line 60 (as indicated by arrows 130 shown in FIG. 5), such that the second, third and fourth body panels are urged to collapse onto the fifth, sixth and seventh body panels with the first body panel lying between the second body panel and the seventh body panel (see FIG. 6). The strip of adhesive 128 secures the first body panel 36 to the seventh body panel 48 to thereby form a bag sleeve 132. In other embodiments, a bead or strip of adhesive could be applied to the inner face 26 adjacent the longitudinal edge 30 as well as on the first body panel 36. In a further alternative, the adhesive could be applied only to the inner face 26 adjacent the longitudinal edge 30.

The bag sleeve 132 is manipulated in such a way that the handles 124 are aligned but spaced apart from thereby forming a mouth of the bag (corresponding to an opening of the bag sleeve). Thereafter, the second and fifth panels are urged to collapse onto each other (thereby closing the mouth of the bag) as the foldable bag pattern is folded along the third and sixth longitudinal fold lines as indicated by arrows 136 and 138 (see FIG. 7). Contemporaneously, the second bottom margin portion 102 is folded outwardly along a relatively short transverse fold line 133 (shown in FIG. 7 and forming a portion of the transverse fold line 52) and the fourth bottom margin portion 106 is folded outwardly along a relatively short transverse fold line 135 (visible in FIG. 8 and forming a portion of the transverse fold line 52).

As a next step, the first bottom margin portion 100 and the portion 139 of the second body panel 38 immediately adjacent the first bottom margin 100 are folded along the relatively long transverse fold line 140 such that bottom margin portion 100 and body panel portion 139 are collapsed onto the remainder of the second body panel 38. Optionally, at this stage, a rectangular reinforcing panel (not shown) made of cardboard or other suitable material may be placed within a station 142 centrally disposed between, the first, second, third and fourth bottom margin portions 100, 102, 104 and 106.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the second and fourth bottom margin portions 102 and 106 are folded inwardly toward the station 142 (as indicated with the arrows 144). Adhesive is then applied in patches 134 to the outer face 24 of the second bottom margin portion 102 and the outer face 24 of the fourth bottom margin portion 106. Thereafter, the third bottom margin portion 104 is folded along the bottom transverse fold line 52 and comes to overlie the second and fourth bottom margin portions 102 and 106 (see FIG. 10). The third bottom margin portion 102 is held fast against the second and fourth margin portions 102 and 106 by virtue of the gluing action of the adhesive patches 134. Similarly, the first bottom margin portion 100 is folded along the bottom transverse fold line 52 and comes to overlie the second, third and fourth bottom margin portions 102, 104 and 106 (see FIG. 11). The first bottom margin portion 100 is held fast against the second, third and fourth margin portions 102, 104 and 106 by the adhesive patches 134. In other embodiments, additional beads, strips or patches of adhesive may be applied on the first and third bottom margin portions. It will thus be appreciated that the overlapping arrangement of first, second, third and fourth bottom margin portions 100, 102, 104 and 106 forms the base portion 146 of the bag 22.

FIG. 11 shows the bag 22 fully formed, but partially folded (i.e. the base 146 is collapsed against side of the bag) to allow the bag to be compactly stored and shipped. In FIG. 12, the base portion 146 is shown unfolded; the base portion now serving as a support for the upstanding bag 22. The folding lines 141 (shown in FIG. 8) can be used to fold the bag 22 in a position different from the one shown in FIG. 11.

Preferably, the bag forming method described above is performed by one or more automated machines (not shown) which are capable of folding and applying adhesive. For example, the folding steps may be performed by a “knives and ploughs” arrangement known to those skilled in the art. Other arrangements could also be used to similar advantage. However, in alternative embodiment, some or all of the steps of the method could be performed manually.

It is further preferred that the bag forming method be implemented by performing each of the steps described above in the sequence set forth above. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, one or more of the method steps may be varied or omitted altogether, or the sequence of the steps performed may be altered, without departing from the principles of the present invention. For instance, instead of affixing the handles to the foldable bag pattern prior to the pattern being formed into a bag sleeve, the handles could be attached to the pattern after the bag sleeve has been formed. Additionally, the steps of applying adhesives at various locations along the bag pattern could be carried out in a different order or sequence.

Preferably, the adhesive used to attach portions of the bag pattern to each other is a hot melt adhesive. However, in other embodiments, cold melt adhesives or other types of adhesives could be employed to similar advantage. The adhesive may be applied in a variety of forms (e.g. beads, strips, patches, etc.) and at a variety of locations.

As best shown in FIG. 13, when the bag 22 is fully formed the detachable coupon portions 98 depend downwardly into, and are wholly contained within the interior of the bag 22. More specifically, it can be seen that at a location below the rim, the interior of the bag is lined on all sides with detachable coupon portions. The coupon portions 98 tend to be retained against the inner face 26 of the bag 22 by the reason of the attachment sites 80, 86 and 88 (now positioned in the corners of the bag) which join the first, second, third and fourth top margin portions to each other. Thus positioned, the coupon portions are easily accessible to the user and conveniently within reach of the user who can grasp and detach the coupon portions as required. The coupon portions tend not to get interfere with or impede putting items in the bag or taking items out of the bag. Having the coupon portions disposed within the interior of the bag also tends to protect them from the elements or from being accidentally torn away and lost. In the current arrangement, if the coupon portions do get accidentally detached they would tend to fall to the bottom of the bag 22 and can be recovered by the user. Advantageously, the placement of the coupon portions within the interior of the bag does not detract from the aesthetic features of the bag 22 or otherwise interfere with the placement of branding, advertising, text or graphics on the outer face of the In other embodiments, the interior of the bag could be lined with detachable coupon portions on only some or one of the sides.

To detach a coupon portion 98 from the margin portions 72, 74, 76 and 78, the user tears or rips the coupon portion 98 along the perforated lines. If the user wishes to manipulate or otherwise move a particular set of coupon portions 98 disposed on a top margin portion, the user can tear the bag at the attachment site(s) 80, 86 and/or 88 (as the case may be) connecting that particular top margin portion to the other top margin portions.

A further advantage of the bag 22 lies in the fact that the tearing off of the detachable coupon portions tends not to weaken the structural integrity of the bag. Accordingly, even when all the coupon portions have been detached the bag 22 may continue to be used.

Although the foregoing description and accompanying drawings relate to specific preferred embodiments of the present invention as presently contemplated by the inventor, it will be understood that various changes, modifications and adaptations, may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. A foldable bag pattern comprising: a body having: a pair of first and second longitudinal edges, and a pair of top and bottom transverse edges running between the first and second longitudinal edges;a plurality of elongate body panels arranged side-by-side between the first and second longitudinal edges;a plurality of longitudinal fold lines extending between the top and bottom transverse edges; each longitudinal fold line being disposed between an adjacent pair of body panels;a top transverse fold line extending between the first and second longitudinal edges;a bottom transverse fold line extending between the first and second longitudinal edges;a top margin defined between the top transverse edge and the top transverse fold line; the top margin having at least one detachable coupon portion;a bottom margin defined between the bottom transverse edge and the bottom transverse fold line; andThe body panels being foldable along the longitudinal and transverse fold lines to form a bag having a base bag portion formed by the bottom margin, an open top bag portion, and the at least one detachable coupon portion disposed adjacent the top bag portion.

2. The foldable bag pattern of claim 1 wherein the body further includes at least one perforated line extending along the boundary of the at least one detachable coupon portion to facilitate detachment of the coupon portion from the body.

3. The foldable bag pattern of claim 1 wherein the at least one detachable coupon portion depends from the top bag portion when the bag is formed.

4. The foldable bag pattern of claim 3 wherein: the body includes an intermediate portion disposed between the top margin and the bottom margin; andthe at least one detachable coupon portion overlies the intermediate portion of the body when the bag is formed.

5. The foldable bag pattern of claim 1 wherein the at least one detachable coupon portion is contained within the interior of the bag when the bag is formed.

6. The foldable bag pattern of claim 1 wherein: the body has an inner face and an outer face; the inner face defining at least partially the boundaries of the interior of the bag, when the bag is formed; andthe at least one detachable coupon portion is arranged opposite the inner face when the bag is formed.

7. The foldable bag pattern of claim 6 wherein at least part of the at least one detachable coupon portion is retained against the inner face when the bag is formed.

8. The foldable bag pattern of claim 1 wherein: the body has an inner face and an outer face; the inner face defining the boundary of the interior of the bag, when the bag is formed; andthe at least one detachable coupon portion is arranged opposite the outer face when the bag is formed.

9. The foldable bag pattern of claim 8 wherein at least, part of the at least one detachable coupon portion is retained against the outer face when the bag is formed.

10. The foldable bag pattern of claim 1 wherein the at least one detachable coupon portion includes a plurality of detachable coupon portions arranged in at least one of a row and a column.

11. The foldable bag pattern of claim 1 wherein the at least one detachable coupon portion includes a plurality of detachable coupon portions arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns.

12. The foldable bag pattern of claim 11 wherein the body has a perforated line extending between each pair of adjacent rows of detachable coupon portions to facilitate detachment of the coupon portions.

13. The foldable bag pattern of claim 11 wherein the body has a perforated line extending between each pair of adjacent columns of detachable coupon portions to facilitate detachment of the coupon portions.

14. The foldable bag pattern of claim 1 wherein the at least one detachable coupon portion has a first face and a second face; at least one of the faces of the at least one detachable coupon portion displaying an item selected from the group consisting of: (a) text; (b) graphics; (c) logos; (d) branding; (e) barcodes; (f) coupon identification numbers; and (g) coupon verification identifiers.

15. The foldable bag pattern of claim 1 wherein: the plurality of body panels includes first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh body panels; andthe plurality of longitudinal fold lines includes first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth fold lines; the first longitudinal fold line being disposed between the first body panel and the second body panel; the second longitudinal fold line being disposed between the second body panel and the third body panel; the third longitudinal fold line being disposed between the third body panel and the fourth body panel; the fourth longitudinal fold line being disposed between the fourth body panel and the fifth body panel; the fifth longitudinal fold line being disposed between the fifth body panel and the sixth body panel; and the sixth longitudinal fold line being disposed between the sixth body panel and the seventh body panel.

16. The foldable bag pattern of claim 1 wherein the body has a shape selected from the group consisting of: (a) substantially rectangular; and (b) substantially square.

17. A bag formed from a foldable bag pattern, the bag comprising: a base;an open top; andan intermediate sleeve portion extending between the base and the top; the intermediate sleeve portion having a margin adjacent the top; the margin being formed in part by a folded portion; the folded portion including at least one detachable coupon portion.

18. The bag of claim 17 wherein the at least one detachable coupon portion lies inside the bag.

19. The bag of claim 17 wherein the at least one detachable coupon portion lies outside the bag.

20. The bag of claim 17 wherein the folded portion includes at least one perforated line extending along the boundary of the at least one detachable coupon portion to facilitate detachment of the coupon portion from the folded portion.

21. The bag of claim 17 wherein the open top has a rim, and the at least one detachable coupon portion is carried below the rim.

22. The bag of claim 21 wherein: the bag includes a pair of handles connected to the intermediate sleeve portion at locations below the rim; andthe at least one detachable coupon portion is carried below the locations where handles connect to the intermediate sleeve portion.

23. The bag of claim 17 wherein: the at least one detachable coupon includes a plurality of detachable coupon portions;the intermediate body portion includes a plurality of sides;the folded portion includes a plurality of parts corresponding to the plurality of sides; each part of the folded portion overlying one side of the plurality;at least two parts of the folded portion include detachable coupon portions.

24. The bag of claim 23 wherein: the plurality of sides includes first, second, third and fourth sides;the plurality of parts of the folded portion including first, second, third and fourth parts; the first part of the folded portion overlying the first side; the second part of the folded portion overlying the second side; the third part of the folded portion overlying the third side; the fourth part of the folded portion overlying the fourth side;each of the parts of the folded portion include at least one detachable coupon portion.