BAGS WITH TEAR LINES

TECHNICAL FIELD

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The written disclosure herein describes illustrative embodiments that are non-limiting and non-exhaustive. Reference is made to certain of such illustrative embodiments that are depicted in the figures, in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a front of an embodiment of a bag including a tear line.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a rear of the bag of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A is a detail view of a portion of another embodiment of a bag including a tear line in a closed configuration.

FIG. 2B is a detail view of the bag of FIG. 2A in an open configuration.

FIG. 3 is a front view of another embodiment of a bag including a tear line.

FIG. 4 is a detail view of a portion of another embodiment of a bag including a tear line.

FIG. 5 is a detail view of a portion of another embodiment of a bag including a tear line.

FIG. 6 is a detail view of a portion of another embodiment of a bag including a tear line.

FIG. 7 is a detail view of a portion of another embodiment of a bag including a tear line.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a bag including a tear line.

FIG. 9A is a detail view of a portion of another embodiment of a bag including a tear line in a closed configuration.

FIG. 9B is a detail view of the bag of FIG. 9A in an open configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates generally to bags, and more particularly to bags including tear lines. The tear lines can include a series of perforations having alternating cut segment and uncut segments. The characteristics of the tear lines can be varied to alter their properties. For example, the strength or force required to separate the tear line (i.e., the tear strength) can be modified or otherwise selected as desired.

As further detailed below, in some embodiments the tear line includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the tear line can extend along at least a portion of a bag flap, a region of the bag that can include a handle disposed therein. The second portion of the tear line can extend along at least a portion of the bag body. In certain of such embodiments, the tear strength of the first portion is lower than the tear strength of the second portion, such that the force required to separate the tear line is lower in the flap than in the body of the bag. Such a configuration can provide easy-open characteristics without substantially increasing the risk of bag failure. Additional embodiments and details are further discussed below.

Embodiments of the disclosure may be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. It will be readily understood that the components of the present disclosure, as generally described and illustrated in the drawings herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but is merely representative of possible embodiments of the disclosure. In some cases, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail. While the various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of a front and rear of a bag 100, respectively. As shown therein, the bag 100 includes a first or front wall 114 and a second or rear wall 115. The bag 100 can further include first and second side walls 116, 117. The first wall 114 and second wall 115 (and first and second side walls 116, 117) can also cooperate to define at least a portion of a cavity 111 in the interior of the bag 100.

In certain embodiments, the bag 100 may be formed from a tubular structure. For example, the bag 100 may be extruded as an elongated tubular structure. The elongated tubular structure can thereafter be cut to form smaller tubular structures from which individual bags 100 may be formed. For example, a first end 119 of the bag 100 can be coupled (e.g., sealed with a heat seal, etc.), and one or more products (e.g., salt, etc.) may be disposed in the cavity 111 of the bag 100. After the one or more products are disposed in the bag 100, an intermediate region 131, 133 of the bag 100 can be coupled (e.g., sealed) to enclose the one or more products in the cavity 111 of the bag 100. A second end 118 of the bag 100 can thereafter be coupled (e.g., sealed), resulting in the bag 100 depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

In some of such embodiments, the first wall 114 and the second wall 115 (and the first and second side walls 116, 117) may be described as being integral with one another, or formed from a single portion of material. Accordingly, while the disclosure herein may reference a first wall 114, a second wall 115, a first side wall 116, and a second side wall 117, it will be appreciated that such reference may be in relation to first face, second face, first side and second side of a tubular structure from which the bag 100 may be formed. In other embodiments, the first and second walls 114, 115 (and optionally, side walls 116, 117) may be made from separate panels that are adhered or otherwise joined together. In yet other embodiments, a single piece of material is folded and joined to form a tubular structure from which the bag 100 may be formed.

In some embodiments, the first wall 114 can be described as having a top end 161 and a bottom end 162. Likewise, the second wall 115 can be described as having a top end 166 and a bottom end 167. As used herein, directional terms, such as “front,” “rear,” “top,” “bottom,” etc., are used with respect to the orientation shown in FIGS. 1A-9B. However, such terms are used for the sake of convenience and are not intended to be limiting. For example, it will be understood that a top end 161 could be referred to as a first end 161, and a bottom end 162 could be referred to as a second end 162, etc.

The top ends 161, 166 and bottom ends 162, 167 of the walls 114, 115 can also correspond with the top and bottom ends 118, 119 of the bag 100. For example, at least a portion of the top end 161 of the first wall 114 can be coupled (e.g., sealed) to at least a portion of the top end 166 of the second wall 115, thereby forming the top end 118 of the bag 100. Similarly, at least a portion of the bottom end 162 of the first wall 114 can be coupled (e.g., sealed) to at least a portion of the bottom end 167 of the second wall 115, thereby forming the bottom end 119 of the bag 100.

The walls 114, 115 can be coupled in various ways. In some embodiments, for example, the walls 114, 115 are coupled by one or more seals 132, 134, 136. Illustrative types of seals include, but are not limited to, adhesive seals, mechanical seals (e.g., sewing, stitching, etc.), and heat seals (e.g., made with hot bar sealers, ultrasonic welding, etc.). Other types of seals and/or coupling mechanisms can also be used. In some embodiments, one or more of the seals 132, 134, 136 extend along a width of the bag 100 (e.g., from one lateral side or edge 102 to another lateral side or edge 104). In such embodiments, the seals 132, 134, 136 can be referred to as transverse seals. In certain embodiments, the seals 132, 134, 136 can also be referred to as seams.

The seals 132, 134, 136 or seams can be applied at various stages in the manufacturing process. For example, a manufacturer may apply a lower seal 136 at the bottom end 119 of the bag 100 prior to providing the bag 100 to a customer or downstream user. The customer or downstream user may then fill the bag 100 with one or more products and apply the intermediate seal 132 to enclose the one or more products in the cavity 111 of the bag 100. If desired, the customer or downstream user may further apply an upper seal 134 at the top end 118 of the bag 100.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, it will also be understood that the first wall 114 and second wall 115 need not be coupled (e.g., sealed) at their outermost peripheral edges. For example, at least a portion of the first and second walls 114, 115 can be coupled (e.g., sealed) at a location on the top ends 161, 166 and/or bottom ends 162, 167 that is inside of or adjacent to their peripheral edges, resulting in a skirt 163, 164 (or unsealed region) at the top 118 and/or bottom 119 peripheral edges of the bag 100.

It will also be understood that the upper seal 134 need not extend the width of the bag 100. For example, in some embodiments the upper seal 134 extends along only a portion of the width of the bag 100. In further embodiments, a tack seal (or series of tack seals) is used to form the upper seal 134. In yet other embodiments, the upper seal 134 extends the width of the bag 100.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, in some embodiments the bag 100 is formed such that it includes a flap 140. The flap 140 can also be described as a header region or a handle region. As previously discussed, after receiving one or more products, the first wall 114 and second wall 115 can be coupled (e.g., sealed) at an intermediate region 131, 133 that is between the filled region of the cavity 111 (which can also be referred to as the bag body 105) and the top ends 161, 166 of the walls 114, 115. For instance, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, an intermediate seal 132 can be applied to the first wall 114 and second wall 115 at a distance that is below or spaced from the top ends 161, 166 of the walls 114, 115.

In some embodiments, a length or height of the flap 140 (i.e., the distance between the top bag end 118 and the intermediate seal 132) may be between about 1.5 inches and about 5 inches, between about 2 inches and about 4.5 inches, between about 2.5 inches and about 4 inches, or between about 3 inches and about 3.5 inches. Other suitable lengths or heights are also contemplated. If desired (e.g., such as in a dual-handled bag), the bag 100 can also include a second flap disposed at an opposite end of the bag 100.

The flap 140 can be advantageous in many ways. For example, in some embodiments, a handle 120 is disposed in the flap 140 such that the bag 100 can be carried, handled, and/or otherwise manipulated by a user. As can be appreciated, the contents of the bag 100 are not disposed in the flap 140. The flap 140, including the handle 120, can thus be easily grasped by a user without obstruction from the contents of the bag 100. Additionally, the intermediate seal 132 (which can extend along a width of the bag 100) can inhibit or prevent the contents of the bag 100 from spilling out through the handle 120 (or another region at the top end 118 of the bag 100).

In the illustrated embodiment, the bag 100 includes a single handle 120 in the flap 140. However, it will be understood that more than one handle 120 could be included. For example, the bag 100 can include two or more handles disposed in the flap 140. Additionally, it will generally be understood that the shape and/or size of the handle 120 can vary as desired. Indeed, any variety of handles 120 can be cut or otherwise disposed on or formed in the flap 140 (or the region of the bag 100 that is formed into the flap 140 via the application of the intermediate seal 132). Further, the handle 120 can be disposed in the bag 100 before or after the intermediate seal 132 is applied. For example, the handle 120 can be cut into the bag 100 prior to sealing and/or filling the bag 100 with one or more products.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the bag 100 also includes a tear line 150. The tear line 150 can aid a user in opening the bag 100. For example, a user may open or tear the bag 100 along the tear line 150 to form an opening in the bag 100 through which the contents of the bag 100 can be accessed.

In some embodiments, the tear line 150 includes a first portion 152 that extends along at least a portion of the flap 140, and a second portion 154 that extends below the intermediate seal 132 and into the body 105 of the bag 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 152 can be described as extending between a first position 156a at or adjacent a top end 118 of the bag 100 and a second position 156b at or adjacent the intermediate seal 132. And the second portion 154 can be described as extending between the second position 156b at or adjacent the intermediate seal 132 to a third position 156c that is below the intermediate seal 132. In some embodiments, the second portion 154 extends towards and/or to a lateral side 102, 108 of the first and second walls 114, 115. In other embodiments, the second portion 154 extends continuously from the first wall 114 to the second wall 115 of the bag 100. For example, the second portion 154 can extend from the second position 156b on a first wall 114, across a side wall 117, and to a second position 156b on the second wall 115 of the bag 100, as is shown in FIG. 1B. In yet other embodiments, the second portion 154 extends to an intermediate location on the side wall 117.

The shape and/or pathway of the tear line 150 can be varied as desired. For example, in some embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 152 is substantially straight (or linear). The first portion 152 may also comprise a linear (i.e., non-curved), or substantially linear, series of perforations. In certain embodiments, the first portion 152 may also be disposed substantially perpendicular to the top bag end 118. In other embodiments, the first portion 152 is not disposed in a substantially perpendicular manner (such as is shown in FIG. 3).

As further illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the second portion 154 may comprise a curved, arcuate, or non-linear series of perforations. For example, in some embodiments, the second portion 154 comprises a radius of curvature R₁of between about 2 inches and about 6 inches, between about 3 inches and about 5 inches, between about 3.5 inches and about 4.5 inches, or about 4 inches. In such embodiments, the radius of curvature R₁can be measured from a corner 122a of the bag 100. As shown, the corner 122a can be disposed at or adjacent an intersection of an end of the intermediate seal 132 and a lateral side 102 of the bag 100. It will be appreciated, however, that the second portion 154 need not comprise a radius of curvature, as the second portion 154 can extend along a pathway that is non-circular in nature. For example, the second portion 154 can extend along any arcuate path, such as an ellipse-like path. Other types of arcuate or arc-like paths are also contemplated. For instance, the second portion 154 can extend along any longitudinal or transverse distance that is desired. For example, the second portion 154 can extend further towards the bottom 119 of the bag 100 before curving outward. The tear line 150 can also be disposed further toward the center of the bag 100, or closer to the side 102 as desired. The second portion 154 can also be larger or smaller depending on the desired use of the bag 100.

In some embodiments, the tear line 150 includes a series of perforations. The perforations may be formed in various ways, such as by a laser, a blade (or other mechanical implement), or by another suitable mechanism or method. In some embodiments, the perforations may extend through an entire thickness of the bag 100. In other embodiments, the perforations may be disposed or extend through an entire thickness of a given layer (e.g., the first wall 114, the second wall 115, etc.). In yet other embodiments, the perforations may extend only partially through the thickness of the bag 100, or the thickness of the given layer of the bag 100.

The characteristics of the perforations, or the characteristics of the tear line 150, can also be varied and/or otherwise selected to provide a tear line 150 with desired properties. Further, the characteristics of the tear line 150 can vary between the first portion 152 and the second portion 154. The characteristics of the tear line 150 can also be varied within a given portion, such as within the first portion 152, or within the second portion 154. In some embodiments, the characteristics of the perforations are selected such that the strength or force required to separate or otherwise tear the tear line 150 may vary between the first portion 152 and the second portion 154. For example, tearing the first portion 152 may require less force than tearing the second portion 154. Further, the force required to separate or otherwise tear the tear line 150 may gradually increase from the first portion 152 to the second portion 154 (or along the first portion 152 and/or along the second portion 154).

Developing a tear line 150 with particular properties can be advantageous in many ways. For example, a flap 140 that is easily torn may be more user-friendly. For instance, the initial tear force can be reduced such that less force or strength may be required to tear open the bag 100. In some embodiments, the bag 100 may also be configured for heavy-duty applications. For instance, the bag 100 may be configured to retain one or more products like salt (e.g., salt pellets), rocks (e.g., gravel), bark, fertilizers, etc. The bag 100 may also be configured to retain at least 15 lbs, 20 lbs, 25 lbs, 30 lbs, 35 lbs, or 40 lbs or more of the product. In some of such instances, it may be desirous to create a bag 100 in which the tear strength in the first portion 152 of the tear line 150 is relatively low such that the flap 140 is easily torn and the product can be accessed. As discussed above, the contents of the bag 100 are not disposed within the flap 140, and thus the tear line 150 disposed along the flap 140 may not need to provide the same level of tear resistance as the body 105 of the bag 100. For example, products will not push against or tear through the tear line in the region of the flap 140. Products will also not fall out of the bag 100 if the flap 140 is torn prematurely.

In certain of such embodiments, the tear strength in the second portion 154 of the tear line 150 can be relatively high (or higher than the tear strength in the first portion 152). Having a relatively high tear strength in the second portion 154 can aid in retaining the contents of the bag 100. For example, a higher tear strength in the second portion 154 can reduce the likelihood of the tear line 150 failing at an undesired time (e.g., such as while the bag 100 is being carried, moved, stacked, or otherwise manipulated).

Exemplary characteristics of the perforations that can be varied to alter the properties of the tear line 150 include, but are not limited to, the depth of the perforations, the length and/or shape of the perforations, and the ratio of cut segments 157 to uncut segments 159. For instance, less force (e.g., tear force) may be required to separate a portion of a tear line 150 comprising deeper perforations, or perforations that extend through the bag walls 114, 115.

Less force (e.g., tear force) may also be required to separate a portion of a tear line 150 where the cut segments 157 are longer than the uncut segments 159 as compared to a portion where the cut segments 157 are shorter than the uncut segments 159. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, for example, a series of perforations can include a plurality of cut segments 157 and uncut segments 159 (for clarity, only a portion of the cut and uncut segments are labelled in the figures). The cut and uncut segments 157, 159 can each have a length. In some embodiments, a given cut segment may be longer than an adjacent uncut segment. In other embodiments, a given cut segment may be shorter than an adjacent uncut segment. In yet other embodiments, a length of a given cut segment may be substantially equal to a length of an adjacent uncut segment. As can be understood, the lengths of adjacent cut and uncut segments may vary (e.g., the cut and uncut segments may be formed in any number of patterns). For example, a first cut segment may be longer than an adjacent first uncut segment, the first uncut segment may be longer than a second adjacent cut segment, and so on. Any combination of lengths of adjacent cut and uncut segments can be within the scope of this disclosure. In certain embodiments, the cut segments 157 can also get sequentially closer along the tear line 150 or a portion 152, 154 of the tear line 150.

As set forth above, the ratio of the cut segments 157 to the uncut segments 159 (e.g., perforations) along a length of the tear line 150 (e.g., a ratio of the total length of a given portion of the tear line 150 that is cut to the total length of the given portion of the tear line 150 that is uncut) can also be varied. For example, in embodiments where the tear strength of the first portion 152 is less than the tear strength of the second portion 154, the ratio of cut segments 157 to uncut segments 159 in the first portion 152 can be greater than that of the second portion 154. In certain embodiments, for instance, the first portion 152 may include a ratio of between 90% cut segments to 10% uncut segments and 30% cut segments to 70% uncut segments. In some embodiments, the first portion 152 may include between 85% cut segments to 15% uncut segments and 40% cut segments to 60% uncut segments, 80% cut segments to 20% uncut segments and 45% cut segments to 55% uncut segments, or any other suitable ratio of cut segments to uncut segments. The ratio of cut segments 157 to uncut segments 159 along the first portion 152, as illustrated, may ease separation or tearing along the top flap 140, the intermediate seal 132, and/or the upper seal 134.

As stated above, the ratio of cut segments 157 to uncut segments 159 in the second portion 154 can be less than that of the first portion 152. Furthermore, the ratio can vary along the portion 154. For example, an upper portion 155a of the second portion 154 can include longer uncut segments 159 than a lower portion 155b of the second portion 154. Accordingly, the upper portion 155a may include between 10% cut segments to 90% uncut segments and 70% cut segments to 30% uncut segments. In some embodiments, the upper portion 155a of the second portion 154 may include between 15% cut segments to 85% uncut segments and 60% cut segments to 40% uncut segments, 20% cut segments to 80% uncut segments and 45% cut segments to 55% uncut segments, or any other suitable ratio of cut segments to uncut segments.

The lower portion 155b of the second portion 154 may also include between 70% cut segments to 30% uncut segments and 30% cut segments to 70% uncut segments. In some embodiments, the lower portion 155b of the second portion 154 may include between 65% cut segments to 35% uncut segments and 35% cut segments to 65% uncut segments, 60% cut segments to 40% uncut segments and 40% cut segments to 60% uncut segments, or any other suitable ratio of cut segments to uncut segments. As illustrated, the length of the cut and uncut segments 157, 159 may be substantially equal in the lower portion 155b of the second portion 154. Furthermore, the uncut segments 159 in the lower portion 155b may be shorter than the uncut segments 159 in the upper portion 155a of the second portion 154. In yet further embodiments, the second portion 154 includes additional intermediate sections or portions that vary along the tear line 150. Other combinations of lengths of the cut and uncut segments 157, 159 along the length of the tear line 150 are also within the scope of this disclosure.

As set forth above, less tear force may be needed to separate or tear a tear line 150 having longer cut segments 157 than uncut segments 159 in comparison to a tear line 150 having cut and uncut segments 157, 159 with substantially equal lengths. For example, the tear force needed may be about 15% less, about 20% less, about 25% less, about 30% less, about 35% less, about 40% less, about 45% less, or about 50% less.

The tear line 150 may also include cuts or partial cuts through the upper and/or intermediate seals 132, 134. Furthermore, a starter cut may be disposed at the first position 156a of the tear line 150. The starter cut may aid a user in initiating a tear in the bag 100 along the tear line 150. The starter cut may be a cut which extends to the top bag end 118, or the outermost peripheral edge of the bag 100. In some embodiments, a segment (e.g., a triangular segment) may be removed from the bag 100 at the first position 156a to form at least a portion of the starter cut. In other embodiments, the outermost peripheral edge is not cut. For example, the skirt region 163 may not include a cut. Rather, the first cut can be disposed at or adjacent to the upper seal 134.

In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the tear line 150 is disposed adjacent to the second lateral side 102, 108. In some embodiments, the tear line 150 may be disposed adjacent the other lateral side 104, 106 or along any other suitable portion of the bag 100. This pattern of disclosure applies equally to further embodiments depicted in subsequent figures and described hereafter.

In some embodiments, the bag 100 may be configured to stand upright. In other words, the bag 100 may be capable of standing on its own. The bag 100 may also be substantially capable of maintaining its structural conformation. In certain embodiments, a bottom portion 112 of the bag 100 may serve as a base on which the bag 100 rests. The first wall 114 and the second wall 115 may extend upwardly from the bottom portion 112.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are detail views of a portion of a bag 200 that can resemble the bag 100 described above in certain respects. Accordingly, like features are designated with like reference numerals, with the leading digits incremented to “2.” Relevant disclosure set forth above regarding similarly identified features thus may not be repeated hereafter. Moreover, specific features of the bag 200 may not be shown or identified by a reference numeral in the drawings or specifically discussed in the written description that follows. However, such features may clearly be the same, or substantially the same, as features depicted in other embodiments and/or described with respect to such embodiments. Accordingly, the relevant descriptions of such features apply equally to the features of the bag 200. Any suitable combination of the features and variations of the same described with respect to the bag 100 can be employed with the bag 200, and vice versa. This pattern of disclosure applies equally to further embodiments depicted in subsequent figures and described hereafter, wherein the leading digits may be further incremented.

Analogous to the bag 100, the bag 200 can include a first wall 214 and a second wall 215. The first and second walls 214, 215 can cooperate to define at least a portion of a cavity 211. FIG. 2A illustrates the bag 200 in an unopened configuration and FIG. 2B illustrates the bag 200 in an opened configuration. As illustrated, a first portion 252 of a tear line 250 can extend from a position at or adjacent a top bag end 218, along a length of a top flap 240 and to a position at or adjacent an intermediate seal 232. Additionally, a second portion 254 of the tear line 250 can extend from the position at or adjacent the intermediate seal 232 to a position at or adjacent a lateral side 202 of the bag 200. The tear line 250 can further extend across a side 217 of the bag 200 if desired.

Upon tearing or separating the tear line 250 (i.e., from a position along the top bag end 218) a corner or removable portion 258 may be at least partially uncoupled from the bag 200. In some embodiments, the tear line 250 may be shaped such that a spout 279 is shaped and formed to enhance pouring of the contents of the bag 200 from within the cavity 211. In certain embodiments, the portion 258 is completely removed. In other embodiments, the portion 258 is not completely removed from the bag 200. For example, the perforations need not extend from the first wall 214 through the side 217 and to the second wall 215. In such embodiments, the portion 258 may only be partially removed when the opening is formed.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a bag 300 including a tear line 350. The tear line 350 can include a first portion 352 and a second portion 354. In contrast to the first portions 152, 252 described above, however, the first portion 352 can be disposed at an angle relative to a top bag end 318. As illustrated, the first portion 352 may extend from the first position 356a along a top flap 340 toward a second position 356b at or adjacent an intermediate seal 332 at an angle A₁. The first position 356a can be disposed more proximal to a lateral side 302 of the bag 300 than the second position 356b. Stated another way, the second position 356b may be disposed more proximal to a midline M₁of the bag 300 than the first position 356a. The first portion 352, while disposed at an angle relative to the top bag edge 318, may be linear or substantially linear. In other embodiments, the first portion 352 is angled from a position that is closer to the center of the bag 300 towards the side 302 of the bag 300.

In some embodiments, the angle A₁may be between about 50° and about 130°, about 60° and about 120°, about 70° and about 110°, about 80° and about 100°, about 90°, or another suitable angle. The tear line 350 may also include the second portion 354. The second portion 354, as illustrated, may be substantially analogous to the second portions 154, 254 described above.

FIG. 4 depicts a portion of a bag 400 including a tear line 450. The components and/or shapes of the tear lines as described herein and depicted in the figures may be combined or interchanged with each other in various configurations. For example, the tear line 450 may resemble the tear lines 150, 250. In some other embodiments, however, the tear line 450 may resemble tear line 350. In yet some other embodiments, the tear line 450 may be otherwise suitably shaped, for example, analogous to the tear lines described below.

As shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the bag 400 may also include an aperture or knockout hole 451. The aperture 451 can be disposed in a flap 440 of the bag 400 at a position between the intermediate seal 432 and upper seal 434. Furthermore, the tear line 450 may extend across or along at least a portion of the aperture 451. A perforated or scored aperture line 453 may form a circumference of the aperture 451. In some embodiments, the material disposed within the aperture line 453 may be absent or removed (e.g., the material may be removed when the aperture 451 is formed by the manufacturer). In some other embodiments, the material disposed within the aperture line 453 may remain within the aperture 451. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a user may remove or “knock out” the material disposed within the aperture line 453.

The aperture 451 can be substantially circular. In some embodiments, the aperture 451 may be substantially oval, substantially rectangular, substantially square, or substantially triangular. Any other suitable shape can also be used. For example, the shape of the aperture 451 can be irregular (i.e., not a traditionally defined shape). In various embodiments, a user may dispose one or more fingers through the aperture 451. The aperture 451 may be configured to further ease or enhance opening of the bag 400 at the tear line 450. For example, the aperture 451 may be configured such that the user can grasp a portion of the bag 400 (e.g., a portion of the top flap 440) and remove a removable portion 458 of the bag 400. In certain embodiments, the aperture 451 may aid a user in opening the bag 400 along the tear line 450. For example, the user may be able to maintain momentum while opening or tearing the bag 400 along the tear line 450 due at least in part to the presence of the aperture 451. In certain embodiments, the aperture 451 aids in reducing the tear strength of the first portion 452, while not substantially affecting the tear strength of the second portion 454.

FIG. 5 depicts a portion of a bag 500 including a tear line 550. As illustrated, the tear line 550 can include a first portion 552 and a second portion 554. The second portion 554 may extend between a second position 556b at or adjacent the intermediate seal 532 and a third position 556c at or adjacent a lateral side 502 of the bag 500.

As depicted, an upper portion 555a of the second portion 554 can include one or more angled or canted cut segments 557. The angled cut segments 557 may be disposed at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the tear line 550. In some embodiments, the film or material forming the bag 500 (e.g., the film forming a front wall 514 of the bag 500) may have a propensity or tendency to tear downward and not laterally. Accordingly, the one or more angled cut segments 557 may guide the tearing of the bag 500 along the tear line 550. In various embodiments, the one or more angled cut segments 557 may inhibit or prevent the bag 500 from being torn or opened substantially away or distal from the tear line 550.

FIG. 6 depicts a portion of a bag 600 including a tear line 650. As illustrated, an adhesive member 642 may be coupled to the bag 600 such that the adhesive member 642 covers or protects at least a portion of the tear line 650 (e.g., a first portion 652). In some embodiments, the adhesive member 642 may cover a second portion 654 of the tear line 650, or any other suitable portion of the tear line 650. For example, the adhesive member 642 may be configured such that it covers substantially the entire tear line 650.

The adhesive member 642 may be peelable, such that it may be removed or uncoupled from a surface of the bag 600. For example, a user may grasp at least a portion of the adhesive member 642 and uncouple the adhesive member 642 from the bag 600. During handling and/or shipment of the bag 600, for example, the adhesive member 642 may inhibit or prevent the tear line 650 from opening or tearing. Stated another way, the adhesive member 642 may secure the bag 600 in a closed configuration (e.g., at the tear line 650) until the adhesive member 642 is uncoupled from the bag 600. The adhesive member 642 may be formed from a tape, label, or any other suitable material.

FIG. 7 illustrates a bag 700 including a tear line 750. As shown, the tear line 750 can include an upper portion 772 and a lower portion 774. In some embodiments, the upper portion 772, or at least a portion of the upper portion 772, can be curved. For example, the upper portion 772 can extend from a first position 756a disposed at or adjacent a lateral side 702 of the bag 700 to a second position 756b disposed at or adjacent the intermediate seal 732. As shown, the first position 756a may be disposed below the upper seal 734. In some other embodiments, the first position 756a may be disposed above the upper seal 734 or at another suitable portion of the bag 700.

In certain embodiments, the lower portion 774, or at least a portion of the lower portion 774, can also be curved. For example, the lower portion 774 can extend from the second position 756b to a third position 756c disposed at or adjacent the lateral side 702 of the bag 700. As shown, the third position 756c may be disposed below the intermediate seal 732. In some embodiments, the third position 756c may be disposed at or adjacent the intermediate seal 732 or at another suitable portion of the bag 700. The tear line 750 may be substantially C-shaped. In some embodiments, the tear line 750 may be substantially U-shaped or substantially V-shaped. Any other suitable shape can also be used. For example, the shape of the tear line 750 can be irregular (i.e., not a traditionally defined shape).

In various embodiments, a user may open the bag 700 at the tear line 750. For example, the user may grasp the bag 700 at or adjacent the first position 756a. The user may then tear the tear line 750 away from the lateral side 702 of the bag 700 toward a midline of the bag 700. The user may continue tearing the tear line 750 around a first curve 773 and downward away from a top bag end 718 and across or through the intermediate seal 732 (i.e., at the second position 756b). Continuing on, the user may tear the tear line 750 around a second curve 775 and toward the third position 756c (e.g., in a direction away from the midline of the bag 700).

FIG. 8 depicts another bag 800 including a tear line 850. As shown, the bag 800 includes a top flap 840 having a fold-over configuration. As such, while a first wall 814 and the second wall (not shown) of the bag 800 may be formed from single layers of material, the top flap 840 may be formed from four or more layers of material (i.e., due to the fold). The tear line 850 can include an first portion 852 and a second portion 854. The first portion 852 can include a series of perforations, wherein cut segments 857 of the series of perforations are disposed through each of the layers of material forming the top flap 840.

As illustrated, the cut segments 857 of the first portion 852 of the tear line 850 may be longer than the cut segments 857 of the second portion 854 of the tear line 850. Such a configuration in the first portion 852 (i.e., the presence of longer cut segments 857) may decrease a tear force needed to tear through the top flap 840 having the fold-over configuration. In some of such embodiments, the tear strength in the first portion 852 is less than the tear strength in the second portion 854.

As further shown in FIG. 8, in some embodiments, the bag 800 includes side gussets 813. The side gussets 813 may serve various functions. For example, the side gussets 813 may include a creased, folded, or pleated piece of material that is configured to transition from a flattened state to an expanded state. The gussets 813 may also be configured to permit portions of the first and second walls 814, 815 to be spaced apart from each other.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are detail views of a portion of a bag 900 that can resemble the bag 800 described above in certain respects. Analogous to the bag 800, the bag 900 can include a first wall 914 and a second wall 915. The bag 900 can also include gussets 913. The first and second walls 914, 915 (and gussets 913) can cooperate to define at least a portion of a cavity 911. FIG. 9A illustrates the bag 900 in an unopened configuration and FIG. 9B illustrates the bag 900 in an opened configuration. As illustrated, a first portion 952 of a tear line 950 can extend from a position at or adjacent a top bag end 918, along a length of a top flap 940, and to a position at or adjacent an intermediate seal 932. Additionally, a second portion 954 of the tear line 950 can extend from the position at or adjacent the intermediate seal 932 to a position at or adjacent a lateral side 902 of the bag 900. As depicted, the tear line 950 can also extend along and through at least a portion of a gusset 913.

The tear line 950 can include cut segments 957 that extend through the first wall 914, the second wall 915, and/or the gusset 913. When the bag 900 is in a flat or unfilled configuration, the gusset 913 may be folded between at least a portion of the first and second walls 914, 915. Accordingly, when the tear line 950 is formed it may extend through the gusset 913 (depending, e.g., on the position of the tear line 950).

Upon tearing or separating the tear line 950 (i.e., from a position along the top bag end 918) a corner or removable portion 958 may be uncoupled from the bag 900. Uncoupling of the removable portion 958 may also apply a force on the gusset 913 such that at least a portion of the gusset 913 is pulled laterally away from the bag 900 (i.e., away from a midline of the bag 900) such that a spout 979 is formed (see FIG. 9B). In some embodiments, the tear line 950 may be shaped such that the spout 979 is shaped to enhance pouring of the contents of the bag 900 from within the cavity 911.

As can be appreciated, certain features, apparatus, and methods disclosed herein can be applied suitably to various bag or packaging formats. For example, a variety of bag formats or styles may be used. In addition to the bags depicted herein, the bag may include a gusseted pinch-bottom bag configuration, a non-gusseted pinch-bottom bag configuration, a flat bottom, a folded bottom, other various pinch-bottom configurations, a non-pinch straight heat-sealed bottom, and various self-opening sack (SOS) configurations. In various embodiments, the bag may also be described as having a pouch configuration.

Any variety of materials may also be used to form the bag or the components of the bag. For example, in some instances, it may be desirable to select materials that are relatively stiff such that the bag is sufficiently rigid to hold or maintain its structure or conformation. It may also be desirous to form a bag that is relatively flexible.

In certain embodiments, the bag may be formed from one or more sheets (e.g., a polyolefin sheet), tube stock (e.g., polyethylene tube stock), or another suitable material. In certain embodiments, the tube stock may have a thickness between about 2 mils and about 12 mils, between about 4 mils and about 10 mils, between about 6 mils and 8 mils, or another suitable thickness. The sheet or tube stock may be one or more of a coextruded, monoextruded, single-ply, and/or multi-ply material. For example, a multi-ply material may include multiple thicknesses of the same sheet or tube stock. In another example, a multi-ply material may include different materials to provide particular characteristics, such as, but not limited to, strength, flexibility, UV resistance, and/or color. The sheet or tube stock may also be one or more of a woven, non-woven, synthetic, and/or non-synthetic material.

In some embodiments, the bag may include a single-layer film. In other embodiments, the bag may include a multi-layer film. As used herein, the term “film” refers to the material of which the bag may be formed, and may include both polymeric and paper components as disclosed herein. The term “film” includes laminate, single-layer, and multi-layer polymeric products, and may include a fiber product. The bag may also include a laminate or a coextruded material. Exemplary materials that may be used in forming the bag include polymeric materials such as polyethylene polymers and copolymers, polypropylene polymers and copolymers, polyester polymers and copolymers, and/or polyamide polymers and copolymers. Other materials are also within the scope of this disclosure. In various embodiments, the material may be reverse printed.

As can be appreciated, the bag can be shorter or taller than what is depicted in FIGS. 1A-9B. For example, in some embodiments, a ratio of the height of a bag to its width can be less than or greater than what is shown in FIGS. 1A-9B. Other relative configurations are also within the scope of this disclosure.

The bags provided herein may be formed in a variety of sizes and configurations. In some instances, some variations in addition to size may exist between the smaller and larger format bags. For example, in some embodiments, larger format bags may be formed of a stiffer material. The stiffer material may aid in maintaining the bag shape and allowing the bag to stand on its own. The stiffer material also may aid in maintaining the opening in an open state, as a width of the opening can be bigger for the larger format bags. Other alterations are also possible, such as omitting or including various seams or seals and/or, where seams or seals are present, increasing or decreasing a width of each seam or seal.

Any methods disclosed herein include one or more steps or actions for performing the described method. The method steps and/or actions may be interchanged with one another. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of the embodiment, the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified.

References to approximations are made throughout this specification, such as by use of one or more of the terms “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” and “generally.” For each such reference, it is to be understood that, in some embodiments, the value, feature, or characteristic may be specified without approximation. For example, where such a qualifier is used, the term includes within its scope the qualified word in the absence of the qualifier.

Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “the embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the quoted phrases, or variations thereof, as recited throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description of embodiments, various features are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any embodiment requires every feature shown in a particular drawing.

Unless otherwise noted, the terms “a” or “an” are to be construed as meaning “at least one of.” In addition, for ease of use, the words “including” and “having” are interchangeable with and have the same meaning as the word “comprising.” Recitation of the term “first” with respect to a feature or element does not necessarily imply the existence of a second or additional such feature or element.

The claims following this written disclosure are hereby expressly incorporated into the present written disclosure, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. This disclosure includes all permutations of the independent claims with their dependent claims. Moreover, additional embodiments capable of derivation from the independent and dependent claims that follow are also expressly incorporated into the present written description.

Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can use the preceding description to utilize the invention to its fullest extent. The claims and embodiments disclosed herein are to be construed as merely illustrative and exemplary, and not a limitation of the scope of the present disclosure in any way. It will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, with the aid of the present disclosure, that changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the disclosure herein. In other words, various modifications and improvements of the embodiments specifically disclosed in the description above are within the scope of the appended claims. The scope of the invention is therefore defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

BAGS WITH TEAR LINES

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