Patent Application
20250197068
The present disclosure relates to a plastic carrier bag which can be reused and recycled many times.
Plastic carrier bags are normally highly advantageous from an ecological and economic point of view compared with carrier bags made of paper material if they can be reused frequently and recycled without further ado. Reusable plastic carrier bags have to meet particular stability criteria, especially since they are frequently dimensioned to be larger and are provided with carrier loops at the front and rear wall. Conventional loop bags are described, for example, in DE 101 16 920 A1, WO 01/51372 A1 and DE 40 12 897 A1. These loop bags of the prior art regularly lack sufficient mechanical stability for the repeated carrying of heavy loads.
In some cases, it has proven difficult to satisfy, in some cases, the increasing demand for larger-dimensioned reusable plastic carrier bags by way of substantially automated mass production processes and, in addition, to meet the very high requirements of commercial customers of loop carrier bags, such as department stores and wholesale market chains, for the quality of such bags. Among these requirements, it is not uncommon to be able to fill even unfilled carrier bags with both hands without other aids or separate devices. In other words, even the empty, in some cases larger-dimensioned, carrier bag has to be able to stand permanently unfilled and at the same time to ensure unhindered access.
Thus there is accordingly a need to provide carrier bags made of plastic, in some cases large-dimensioned reusable plastic carrier bags, which are not afflicted with the disadvantages of the carrier bags of the prior art and which are suitable, in some cases, for the repeated reliable transport even of heavy loads and which, in addition, can be produced in a simple and cost-effective manner in mass production by machine. In some cases, there is also a need to make available reusable plastic carrier bags which, even in the unfilled state, can be filled with both hands without other aids or separate devices.
Accordingly, a plastic carrier bag having a bottom end and an opposite opening end has been found, comprising a front wall and a rear wall, in each case having a first side edge and an opposite second side edge as well as an opening edge, as well as a first and an opposite second side wall, in each case having a first and an opposite second side edge and an opening edge, wherein the first and the second side wall are configured single-layered or multi-layered, in some cases single-layered, as well as at least one holding loop connected to the front wall and/or, in some cases and, at least one holding loop connected to the rear wall, in each case having a first and a second connecting region; wherein the front and the rear wall are configured single-layered or in some cases multi-layered, expediently double-layered; wherein the front and the rear wall are formed continuously, in some cases in one piece, and merge into one another at the bottom end by way of folding over, in some cases form a bottom fold in this transition; wherein the transition, in some cases the bottom fold, extends laterally from a first to an opposite second end; wherein, in the case of front and rear wall abutting one another up to the transition (also referred to as “stackable storage state”), in some cases the bottom fold, the lateral extension of the transition, in some cases of the bottom fold, between the first and second end is smaller than the extension of the front and the rear wall between the respective first and the second side edge at the opening end; wherein the extension of front and rear wall between the respective first and second side edge tapers in the region of the lower third, in some cases the lower quarter, with respect to the extension between opening end and bottom end, in the direction of and in some cases up to the transition, in some cases to the bottom fold (also referred to as “taper/bottom surface region”); wherein the lateral extension of the first and the second side wall in the taper/bottom surface region in each case decreases, in some cases in a corresponding manner, corresponding to the region in which the extension of front and rear wall tapers between the respective first and second side edge; wherein the first side wall in the taper/bottom surface region is welded in the region of its first side edge to the front wall, in some cases along the first side edge thereof, and in the region of the second side edge to the rear wall, in some cases along the first side edge thereof, and wherein the second side wall in the taper/bottom surface region is welded in the region of its first side edge to the front wall, in some cases along the second side edge thereof, and in the region of the second side edge to the rear wall, in some cases along the second side edge thereof, wherein the opening edge of the first side wall and the opening edge of the second side wall are in each case present, with respect to the opening end, below the opening edges of front wall and rear wall, in some cases below the first and second connecting regions of the holding loops of front wall and/or, in some cases and, rear wall.
The disclosures relating to the plastic carrier bag according to the present disclosure relate, unless expressly stated otherwise, to a state in which the front and rear wall abut one another flat on a flat base. In this state, the plastic carrier bags according to the present disclosure can be stacked one above the other in a flat state. This state can also be referred to as “stackable storage state.” The bottom fold in the plastic carrier bags according to the present disclosure in the stackable storage state highly expediently constitutes an outwardly directed bottom fold. By moving the front and rear wall apart, the plastic carrier bag according to the present disclosure passes into an erected filling state, while forming the bottom region.
With the plastic carrier bag according to the present disclosure described above, plastic carrier bags with a large capacity volume are accessible by way of large-scale industrial production technology. This is also achieved, inter alia, by the side walls being incorporated into the front and rear wall tapering up to the transition, in some cases up to the bottom fold, and, during the filling operation, in each case becoming a constituent part of a, in some cases substantially rectangular or square, bottom surface. Surprisingly, this, in some cases substantially rectangular or square, bottom surface can also already be obtained in the unfilled state by simply reaching into the interior of the bag and moving the front and rear wall apart. In this filling state, the plastic carrier bag according to the present disclosure is advantageously self-standing with an open opening cross section, so that it can be filled with both hands. In an expedient embodiment, these advantageous properties also arise, in some cases, by the first and the second side wall in each case having a, in some cases inwardly pointing, side fold. These side folds expediently begin at the opening end of the plastic carrier bag. The side folds expediently extend up to the transition, highly expediently up to the bottom fold.
Further features and advantages of the present disclosure emerge from the following description, in which expedient embodiments of the present disclosure are explained by way of example with reference to schematic drawings. In the figures:
In an expedient embodiment of the plastic carrier bag according to the present disclosure, it is provided that the first and the second side edge of the first side wall approach, in some cases continuously, in the taper/bottom surface region and converge, in some cases, in the region of the transition, expediently the bottom fold, and that the first and the second side edge of the second side wall approach, in some cases continuously, in the taper/bottom surface region and converge, in some cases, in the region of the transition, expediently the bottom fold.
In the portion which is not the taper/bottom surface region, in expedient configurations, the first side wall is welded in the region of its first side edge to the front wall, in some cases along the first side edge thereof, and in the region of the second side edge to the rear wall, in some cases along the first side edge thereof. Furthermore, it can be provided here that, in the portion which is not the taper/bottom surface region, the second side wall is welded in the region of its first side edge to the front wall, in some cases along the second side edge thereof, and in the region of the second side edge to the rear wall, in some cases along the second side edge thereof.
A highly expedient configuration of the plastic carrier bag according to the present disclosure is also produced in that adjacent to or in the region of the first end of the transition, in some cases the bottom fold, the first side wall, the front wall and the rear wall are welded to one another in a first area, expediently with omission of a portion for the passage of air in the region of the transition, in some cases in the region in which the extension of the weld of the first side wall, front wall and rear wall leads into the transition, and/or, in some cases and, in that adjacent to or in the region of the second end of the transition, in some cases the bottom fold, the second side wall, the front wall and the rear wall are welded to one another in a second area, expediently with omission of a portion for the passage of air in the region of the transition, in some cases in the region in which the extension of the weld of the second side wall, front wall and rear wall leads into the transition.
The omission efficiently prevents the bag bottom, due to a vacuum effect, being detachable only with difficulty from a flat base, for example a transport box, as is used in the area of e-commerce, without the robustness of the reusable plastic carrier bag being reduced as a result.
Here, it can be provided that in the first area and in the second area in each case five, six, seven or eight layers, in some cases six or eight layers, are welded to one another. Embodiments in which the front wall tapers in a straight line from the beginning, facing the opening end, of the tapering/bottom surface region at the first side edge to the first end of the transition, in some cases the bottom fold, and/or, in some cases and, in which the front wall tapers in a straight line from the beginning, facing the opening end, of the tapering/bottom surface region at the second side edge to the second end of the transition, in some cases the bottom fold, and in which the rear wall tapers in a straight line from the beginning, facing the opening end, of the tapering/bottom surface region at the first side edge to the first end of the transition, in some cases the bottom fold, and/or, in some cases and, in which the rear wall tapers in a straight line from the beginning, facing the opening end, of the tapering/bottom surface region at the second side edge to the second end of the transition, in some cases the bottom fold, are highly advantageous.
Alternatively, it can be provided that the front wall tapers concavely from the beginning, facing the opening end, of the tapering/bottom surface region at the first side edge to the first end of the transition, in some cases the bottom fold, and/or, in some cases and, in that the front wall tapers concavely from the beginning, facing the opening end, of the tapering/bottom surface region at the second side edge to the second end of the transition, in some cases the bottom fold, and in that the rear wall tapers concavely from the beginning, facing the opening end, of the tapering/bottom surface region at the first side edge to the first end of the transition, in some cases the bottom fold, and/or, in some cases and, in that the rear wall tapers concavely from the beginning, facing the opening end, of the tapering/bottom surface region at the second side edge to the second end of the transition, in some cases the bottom fold.
According to a further alternative embodiment, it can be provided that the front wall tapers convexly from the beginning, facing the opening end, of the tapering/bottom surface region at the first side edge to the first end of the transition, in some cases the bottom fold, and/or, in some cases and, in that the front wall tapers convexly from the beginning, facing the opening end, of the tapering/bottom surface region at the second side edge to the second end of the transition, in some cases the bottom fold, and in that the rear wall tapers convexly from the beginning, facing the opening end, of the tapering/bottom surface region at the first side edge to the first end of the transition, in some cases the bottom fold, and/or, in some cases and, in that the rear wall tapers convexly from the beginning, facing the opening end, of the tapering/bottom surface region at the second side edge to the second end of the transition, in some cases the bottom fold.
In a further alternative embodiment, it can likewise be provided that the front wall tapers in a first portion at the beginning, facing the opening end, of the tapering/bottom surface region at the first side edge in the direction of the opposite second side edge and tapers less strongly or no longer in the portion adjoining the first end of the transition, in some cases the bottom fold, and/or, in some cases and, in that the front wall tapers in a first portion at the beginning, facing the opening end, of the tapering/bottom surface region at the second side edge in the direction of the opposite first side edge and tapers less strongly or no longer in the portion adjoining the second end of the transition, in some cases the bottom fold, and in that the rear wall tapers in a first portion at the beginning, facing the opening end, of the tapering/bottom surface region at the first side edge in the direction of the opposite second side edge and tapers less strongly or no longer in the portion adjoining the first end of the transition, in some cases the bottom fold, and/or, in some cases and, in that the rear wall tapers in a first portion at the beginning, facing the opening end, of the tapering/bottom surface region at the second side edge in the direction of the opposite first side edge and tapers less strongly or no longer in the portion adjoining the second end of the transition, in some cases the bottom fold.
For example, it is likewise possible for the tapering to assume an irregular profile up to the folding over.
The first and the second side wall are expediently each based on separate material blanks. These material blanks can be individually adapted to the size and shape of front and rear wall or to the design of the bag main body formed from front and rear wall, respectively.
Very practicable configurations of the plastic carrier bags according to the present disclosure also provide, in some cases, that the extension from the first to the second side edge of the first side wall substantially corresponds, in some cases corresponds, to the sum of the extension of the taper/bottom surface region of the front wall, calculated from the transition, in some cases the bottom fold, and the extension of the taper/bottom surface region of the rear wall, calculated from the transition, in some cases the bottom fold.
Alternatively and in some cases additionally, it can be provided that the extension from the first to the second side edge of the second side wall substantially corresponds, in some cases corresponds, to the sum of the extension of the taper/bottom surface region of the front wall, calculated from the transition, in some cases the bottom fold, and the extension of the taper/bottom surface region of the rear wall, calculated from the transition, in some cases the bottom fold.
In a very expedient embodiment of the plastic carrier bag according to the present disclosure, it can be provided that in the case of front and rear wall abutting one another up to the transition, in some cases the bottom fold (also called “stackable storage state”), the taperings of front and rear wall run substantially congruently, in some cases congruently.
In yet another, likewise very expedient embodiment of the plastic carrier bag according to the present disclosure, it can be provided that the first and the second side wall are configured triangular, semicircular, rectangular or square, in some cases triangular, in the taper/bottom surface region.
Furthermore, those embodiments of the plastic carrier bags according to the present disclosure are also possible in which the extension from the first to the second side edge of the first side wall and/or, in some cases and, the extension from the first to the second side edge of the second side wall is greater than the extension from the first to the second side edge of the front wall and/or, in some cases and, the extension from the first to the second side edge of the rear wall. In an expedient embodiment, the extension from the first to the second side edge of the first side wall and/or, in some cases and, the extension from the first to the second side edge of the second side wall corresponds at most to the extension from the first to the second side edge of the front wall and/or, in some cases and, the extension from the first to the second side edge of the rear wall. Very highly expediently, the extension from the first to the second side edge of the first side wall and/or, in some cases and, the extension from the first to the second side edge of the second side wall corresponds to the extension from the first to the second side edge of the front wall and/or, in some cases and, the extension from the first to the second side edge of the rear wall.
In a highly expedient embodiment of the plastic carrier bags according to the present disclosure, it can be provided that the front wall and the rear wall have, in the region of the opening end, a reinforcing region, in some cases extending up to or comprising the opening end, containing at least one single-layered or in some cases multi-layered, expediently double-layered, plastic film strip fastened to the front wall on the inside or on the outside, in some cases on the inside, and at least one single-layered or in some cases multi-layered, expediently double-layered, plastic film strip fastened to the rear wall on the inside or on the outside, in some cases on the inside, and extending in each case from or at a distance from the first side edge in the direction of or up to the second side edge. Here, in an expedient embodiment, the single-layered or multi-layered plastic film strip of the reinforcing region of the front wall is fastened from or at a distance from the first side edge in the direction of or up to the second side edge by way of a first weld present below the opening edge, in some cases in the form of a first continuous longitudinal weld. Alternatively and in some cases additionally, it can be provided here that the single-layered or multi-layered plastic film strip of the reinforcing region of the rear wall is fastened from or at a distance from the first side edge in the direction of or up to the second side edge by way of a second weld present below the opening edge, in some cases in the form of a second continuous longitudinal weld.
A highly pronounced case of handling also arises with such embodiments of plastic carrier bags according to the present disclosure in which the opening edge of the first side wall and the opening edge of the second side wall are respectively present at the level of and expediently below the first and the second weld, in some cases the first and the second continuous longitudinal weld. With the preceding embodiment, the highly problem-free filling of even unfilled, even large-size plastic carrier bags according to the present disclosure is achieved. It has been shown that in this way the holding loops connected to the upper regions, in some cases the reinforcing regions, of front and rear wall contribute to this upper region being able to be folded over to the outside, as a result of which a large opening cross section is reliably ensured.
Highly expedient embodiments of the plastic carrier bags according to the present disclosure are distinguished in that the front wall and the rear wall are configured multi-layered, in some cases double-layered, comprising at least one inner layer, in some cases one inner layer, and one outer layer, wherein the at least one inner layer, in some cases the inner layer, of the front wall and the at least one inner layer, in some cases the inner layer, of the rear wall are formed continuously, in some cases in one piece, and wherein the outer layers of front and rear wall are formed continuously, in some cases in one piece.
The plastic carrier bag according to the present disclosure described above is distinguished here in some cases also in that the at least one inner layer, in some cases the inner layer, of the front wall and the at least one inner layer, in some cases the inner layer, of the rear wall are formed in one piece, in that the outer layers of front and rear wall are formed in one piece, and in that the front wall and the rear wall merge into one another at the bottom end by way of folding over, in some cases form a bottom fold in this transition.
Surprisingly, it has been found that the plastic carrier bags according to the present disclosure have a pronounced mechanical stability and stability even if the first and the second side wall are configured single-layered. Of course, it is likewise possible to configure the first and the second side wall multi-layered, in some cases double-layered. As a result, the stability can be increased once again. In many cases, however, even single-layered first and second side walls are already associated with a further increased stability and in some cases increased stability in that they have a scam at the opening end. This seam can comprise or constitute, for example, a reinforcing region which can be obtained in some cases with the aid of a continuing section adjoining the side wall. Here, it has proven to be sufficient for many applications that this continuing section is folded over simply, i.e., forming only one layer, onto the inner side or outer side, in some cases the inner side. The seam can also be formed by a separate plastic material strip. Continuing section and also plastic material strips are expediently connected to the inner side or outer side of first and second side wall by way of welding.
A highly pronounced degree of load capacity even in the case of repeated use is obtained in that the holding loop connected to the front wall and the holding loop connected to the rear wall is welded in each case in its first and second connecting regions to the single-layered or in some cases multi-layered plastic film strip of the reinforcing region and also to the front wall or the rear wall, in some cases to the at least one inner layer, in some cases the inner layer, and the outer layer of front wall or rear wall, respectively.
Such plastic carrier bags according to the present disclosure achieve the object on which the present disclosure is based in a highly reliable manner, in which the single-layered or in some cases multi-layered plastic film strip of the reinforcing region of the front wall is fastened by way of all its layers to the inner layer from or at a distance from the first side edge in the direction of or up to the second side edge by way of the first weld, in some cases in the form of the first continuous longitudinal weld, forming a first connecting region, in some cases first connecting strip, and/or, in some cases and, in which the single-layered or in some cases multi-layered plastic film strip of the reinforcing region of the rear wall is fastened by way of all its layers to the inner layer from or at a distance from the first side edge in the direction of or up to the second side edge by way of the second weld, in some cases in the form of the second continuous longitudinal weld, forming a second connecting region, in some cases second connecting strip; wherein the first and second connecting regions of the holding loop connected to the front wall and the first and second connecting regions of the holding loop connected to the rear wall are present on the inner side of the front or rear wall, respectively, in the region of the single-layered or multi-layered plastic film strip of the reinforcing region; wherein the outer layer of the front and rear wall is adjoined in each case by a continuing section; wherein the continuing section of the front and rear wall forms or comprises the plastic film strip of the reinforcing region; wherein the continuing section of the front and rear wall extends in each case at least in sections along the inner layer and abuts against it; wherein the outer layer of the front and rear wall, in some cases in the transition to the continuing section, comprises or forms the opening edge; wherein the at least one inner layer, in some cases the inner layer, extends with its upper edge up to the opening edge or at a distance therefrom; wherein the outer layer and the continuing section of the front wall and the outer layer and the continuing section of the rear wall are each formed in one piece; wherein the first connecting region, in some cases first connecting strip, is present closer to the lower edge of the reinforcing region of the front wall than to the upper edge thereof, in some cases at or adjacent to the lower edge of the reinforcing region; wherein the second connecting region, in some cases second connecting strip, is present closer to the lower edge of the reinforcing region of the rear wall than to the upper edge thereof, in some cases at or adjacent to the lower edge of the reinforcing region; wherein the outer layer of the front wall is welded to the outer side of the at least one inner layer, in some cases the inner layer, along the extension from or at a distance from the first side edge in the direction of or up to the second side edge, in some cases by way of a continuous longitudinal weld, forming a third connecting region, in some cases third connecting strip; wherein the outer layer of the rear wall is welded to the outer side of the at least one inner layer, in some cases the inner layer, along the extension from or at a distance from the first side edge in the direction of or up to the second side edge, in some cases by way of a continuous longitudinal weld, forming a fourth connecting region, in some cases fourth connecting strip; wherein these third and fourth connecting regions, in some cases third and fourth connecting strips, are each present closer to the lower edge of the reinforcing region than to the upper edge thereof, in some cases at or adjacent to the lower edge of the reinforcing region; wherein the first and second connecting regions, obtained by way of welding, of the holding loops connected to the front wall and/or, in some cases and, to the rear wall are present at a distance from the first, second, third and fourth connecting regions, in some cases the first, second, third and fourth connecting strips, in some cases do not have an overlap with the first, second, third and fourth connecting regions; and wherein the holding loop connected to the front wall and/or the rear wall on the inner side is welded in each case in its first and second connecting regions, directly or indirectly, to the single-layered or in some cases multi-layered plastic film strip of the reinforcing region and to the at least one inner layer, in some cases the inner layer, and the outer layer.
The first and third connecting regions highly expediently overlap in each case with the second and fourth connecting regions, in some cases forming uniform connecting regions.
In the abovementioned embodiment of a plastic carrier bag according to the present disclosure, the continuing section present at the inner layer is expediently configured at least double-layered, in some cases double-layered, at least in regions by way of folding over.
Highly suitable plastic carrier bags according to the present disclosure are also distinguished in that the opening edge of the first side wall and the opening edge of the second side wall, with respect to the opening end, are in each case present at the level of as well as in some cases below the first, second, third and fourth connecting regions. In this way, the bag opening can highly reliably ensure a very large opening cross section even in the unfilled state, in that the bag sections present above the connecting regions, at which the holding loops are also present, can easily be folded over to the outside.
Highly expedient plastic carrier bags according to the present disclosure are also characterized in that the holding loop connected to the front wall and the holding loop connected to the rear wall are each welded in their first and second connecting regions to the single-layered or multi-layered, in some cases multi-layered, plastic film strip of the reinforcing region and also to the at least one inner layer, in some cases the inner layer, and the outer layer, and wherein the single-layered or multi-layered, in some cases multi-layered, plastic film strip of the reinforcing region of the front wall is fastened by way of welding to the inner or outer layer from or at a distance from the first side edge in the direction of or up to the second side edge, and wherein the single-layered or multi-layered, in some cases multi-layered, plastic film strip of the reinforcing region of the rear wall is fastened by way of welding to the inner or outer layer from or at a distance from the first side edge in the direction of or up to the second side edge, wherein the first and second connecting regions of the holding loop connected to the front wall and the first and second connecting regions of the holding loop connected to the rear wall are present on the inner side of the front or rear wall, respectively, in the region of the single-layered or multi-layered, in some cases multi-layered, plastic film strip of the reinforcing region, wherein the outer layer is in each case adjoined by a continuing section, wherein the continuing section forms the plastic film strip of the reinforcing region, wherein the continuing section extends at least in sections along the inner side of the at least one inner layer, in some cases the inner layer, and abuts the latter, wherein this continuing section is welded, in some cases by way of a continuous longitudinal weld, along an extension from or at a distance from the first side edge in the direction of or up to the second side edge, to the inner side of the at least one inner layer, in some cases the inner layer, and wherein the outer layer of the front and rear wall, in some cases in the transition to the continuing section, comprises or forms the opening edge, and wherein the at least one inner layer, in some cases the inner layer, extends with its upper edge up to the opening edge or at a distance therefrom, wherein the outer layer and the continuing section of the front wall and the outer layer and the continuing section of the rear wall are each formed in one piece, and wherein the single-layered or multi-layered, in some cases double-layered, plastic film strip of the reinforcing region of the front and rear wall is welded in each case by way of all its layers to the inner side of the at least one inner layer, in some cases the inner layer, along the extension from or at a distance from the first side edge in the direction of or up to the second side edge, in some cases by way of a continuous longitudinal weld, forming a first connecting region, in some cases connecting strip, wherein this first connecting region, in some cases connecting strip, in each case is present closer to the lower edge of the reinforcing region than to its upper edge, in some cases is present at or adjacent to the lower edge of the reinforcing region, wherein the outer layer of the front and rear wall is welded in each case to the outer side of the at least one inner layer, in some cases the inner layer along the extension from or at a distance from the first side edge in the direction of or up to the second side edge, in some cases by way of a continuous longitudinal weld, forming a second connecting region, in some cases second connecting strip, wherein this second connecting region, in some cases second connecting strip, in each case is present closer to the lower edge of the reinforcing region than its upper edge, in some cases is present at or adjacent to the lower edge of the reinforcing region, wherein the first and second connecting regions, obtained by way of welding, of the holding loops connected to the front wall and/or to the rear wall are present at a distance from the first and second connecting regions, in some cases the first and second connecting strips, in some cases have no overlap with the first and second connecting regions, wherein the holding loop connected to the front wall and/or to the rear wall on the inner side is welded in each case in its first and second connecting regions, directly or indirectly, to the single-layered or multi-layered, in some cases multi-layered, plastic film strip of the reinforcing region and to the at least one inner layer, in some cases the inner layer, and the outer layer. In the embodiment specified above, the continuing section present at the inner side of the at least one inner layer, in some cases the inner layer, is configured at least double-layered at least in regions by way of folding over.
With the embodiment of a plastic carrier bag according to the present disclosure described above, a highly pronounced reinforcement is made available, in some cases also in the upper edge region, which withstands mechanically strong loads and provides a very effective basis for the connection of holding loops. The plastic carrier bag provided with such a reinforcing region can also be opened comfortably and without problems.
The plastic carrier bags according to the present disclosure are expediently manufactured from thermoplastics, polyolefinic thermoplastics, in some cases polyethylene, being expedient. The connection by way of welding in these cases regularly constitutes a thermoplastic weld. Accordingly, the plastic carrier bags according to the present disclosure are highly expediently manufactured completely from thermoplastics, in some cases polyolefinic thermoplastics such as polyethylene. In this way, single-type plastic bags are obtained which can be recycled in a highly sustainable manner.
The outer layer of front and rear wall of the plastic carrier bag according to the present disclosure regularly constitutes an individual layer. If a further layer is present on the inside and adjacent to the outer layer, this is to be counted among the inner layers or constitutes the inner layer, respectively. If the continuing section is present in one piece with the outer layer, this continuing section also necessarily has to be single-layered. The single-layered configuration of the outer layer of front and rear wall does not rule out the possibility of the outer layer being multi-layered and being present, for example, as a coextrusion film. A single-layered outer layer can also have a laminated layer on the inside and/or on the outside, without losing the character of a single-layered configuration. In the case of multi-layered systems, the layers are accordingly present in a close bond. The outer layer and the inner layer or the plurality of inner layers, respectively, are accordingly connected to one another in an expedient embodiment only via the welding along their side edges. Alternatively, it can also be provided that the outer layer and the inner layer or the plurality of inner layers, respectively, are partially connected to one another, for example via individual welding or adhesive points, in some cases welding points.
In an expedient embodiment of the plastic carrier bag specified above, it can be provided here that the holding loop connected to the front wall via its first and second connecting regions and the holding loop connected to the rear wall via its first and second connecting regions have, in the region from the respective first to the second connecting region, at least in sections, a first flexible, in some cases tubular, hollow body and/or a single-layered or multi-layered material strip, in some cases plastic material strip, which does not form a hollow body and is encased at least in sections, in some cases substantially completely, by a second flexible, in some cases tubular, hollow body.
With regard to the holding loops of the plastic carrier bags according to the present disclosure, those are expedient in which the first flexible, in some cases tubular, hollow body is formed from a first flexible plastic material strip with opposite first and second longitudinal side edges, the opposite first and second longitudinal side edges of which are welded and/or adhesively bonded to one another in an overlapping region and/or, expediently and, in which the second flexible, in some cases tubular, hollow body is formed from a second flexible plastic material strip with opposite first and second longitudinal side edges, the opposite first and second longitudinal side edges of which are welded and/or adhesively bonded to one another in a second overlapping region.
A highly high degree of strength also arises here in some cases in that the first plastic material strip of the first flexible, in some cases tubular, hollow body and the second plastic material strip of the second flexible, in some cases tubular, hollow body are welded to one another at least in sections, in some cases along the first and second overlapping regions.
The first and second flexible plastic material strips, for example in the form of polyolefin film strips, in some cases polyethylene film strips, can have a rectangular shape in an expedient configuration, if spread out over a large area. The longitudinal edges of these material strips can then be moved towards one another and connected to one another in the overlapping region, forming the first or second, in some cases tubular, hollow body, respectively. Here, the first longitudinal side edge can come to bear against the second longitudinal side edge both above and below the latter in an overlapping region.
It has often proven expedient to carry out the welding of first and second plastic material strips in the first or second overlapping region, respectively, in a single method step, i.e., substantially simultaneously. As a result, a uniform weld seam extending along the, in some cases tubular, holding loop is produced. This embodiment has the further advantage that the first and the second flexible hollow body are connected to one another in the region of this uniform weld seam, as a result of which a further increased mechanical strength results. Alternatively, the first and the second, in some cases tubular, hollow body can also be connected to one another in regions or continuously along their entire length, in some cases along a connecting strip, without the first and second overlapping regions themselves overlapping in this connecting region.
A further advantageous configuration, in some cases also of the preceding embodiments, provides that, in the first and/or second connecting region of, in some cases pressed over a large area, first and/or second holding loop, that side of the, in some cases pressed over a large area, holding loop is the connecting side which does not have the overlapping regions of the opposite first and second longitudinal side edges of first and second flexible plastic material strips of the first and second flexible hollow bodies. Surprisingly, it has been shown that in this way a highly good mechanical stability and tear strength is achieved.
Furthermore, within the meaning of the present disclosure, it can be provided that the outer layer of front and/or rear wall is based on or consists of a plastic material, in some cases polyethylene, which is transparent at least in sections and which can be printed or is printed on the inside at least in sections, in some cases by way of reverse printing methods. Furthermore, the plastic carrier bag according to the present disclosure alternatively or additionally comprises at least one inner layer, in some cases the inner layer, of front and/or rear wall, which can be printed or is printed on the outside at least in sections and wherein the outer layer is based on or consists of a plastic material, in some cases polyethylene, which is transparent at least in sections.
A highly high degree of stability and tear strength is also achieved in that, in the abovementioned embodiments, a non-foamed plastic film, expediently a non-foamed polyolefin film, highly expediently a non-foamed polyethylene film and in some cases a non-foamed LD polyethylene film, is used for an outer layer of a plastic carrier bag according to the present disclosure. The combination of a foamed plastic inner layer and a non-foamed plastic outer layer leads here surprisingly to plastic carrier bags which can be subjected to highly mechanical loads and are permanently stable. The same applies to those expedient configurations of the holding loop in which the second flexible, in some cases tubular, hollow body, in some cases the second flexible plastic material strip, is based on or is formed from a non-foamed plastic film, expediently a non-foamed polyolefin film, highly expediently a non-foamed polyethylene film and in some cases a non-foamed LD polyethylene film.
Accordingly, in a very expedient configuration, it can be provided that the outer layer, the single-layered or multi-layered, in some cases double-layered, plastic film strip of the reinforcing region, in some cases the continuing section of inner or outer layer, and the at least one inner layer, in some cases the inner layer, of front and rear wall, the first and the second side wall as well as optionally the holding loops connected to the front wall and to the rear wall, in some cases the first and/or second flexible plastic material strip thereof or the single-layered or multi-layered material strip thereof, which does not form a hollow body, are formed or consist of polyethylene, in some cases LD-polyethylene, wherein the at least one inner layer, in some cases the inner layer, of front and rear wall constitutes a foamed polyethylene film, in some cases a foamed LD polyethylene film, and wherein the outer layer of front and/or rear wall, and optionally the single-layered or multi-layered, in some cases multi-layered, plastic film strip of the reinforcing region, constitutes a non-foamed polyethylene film, in some cases a non-foamed LD polyethylene film. In this context, those plastic carrier bags are highly expedient in which the first flexible, in some cases tubular, hollow body or the single-layered or multi-layered material strip, which does not form a hollow body, of the holding loop of front and/or rear wall, in some cases the first flexible plastic material strip, is formed or consists of foamed polymer material, expediently foamed polyethylene, and highly expediently foamed LD-polyethylene, and wherein expediently the second flexible, in some cases tubular, hollow body of the holding loop of front and/or rear wall, in some cases the second flexible plastic material strip, is formed or consists of non-foamed polymer material, expediently non-foamed polyethylene, and highly expediently non-foamed LD polyethylene.
Within the meaning of the present disclosure, the outer layer, the single-layered or multi-layered, in some cases double-layered, plastic film strip of the reinforcing region, in some cases the continuing section of inner or outer layer, and/or the at least one inner layer, in some cases the inner layer, of front and/or rear wall are expediently present in film form.
A highly high degree of stability and tear strength is also achieved in the abovementioned embodiments of a plastic carrier bag according to the present disclosure in that the first and second connecting regions, obtained in some cases by way of welding, of the holding loops connected to the front wall and/or to the rear wall are present at a distance from the first and/or second connecting strip, in some cases have no overlap with the first and/or second connecting strip.
In the plastic carrier bag according to the present disclosure, it is expediently provided that the outer layer, the single-layered or multi-layered, in some cases double-layered, plastic film strip of the reinforcing region, in some cases the continuing section of inner and/or outer layer, and the at least one inner layer, in some cases the inner layer, of front and/or rear wall as well as optionally the holding loops connected to the front wall and/or to the rear wall, in some cases the first and/or second flexible plastic material strip thereof and/or the single-layered or multi-layered material strip, which does not form a hollow body, are formed or consist of polyolefins, in some cases polyethylene. As an alternative to polyethylene, polypropylene can also be used. Copolymers with ethylene or propylene are likewise possible as main component, wherein for the further comonomers, for example, propylene or ethylene and/or butene, for example 1-butene, or butadiene can be used.
It is highly expediently provided that the outer layer, the single-layered or multi-layered, in some cases double-layered, plastic film strip of the reinforcing region, in some cases the continuing section of the outer layer, and the at least one inner layer, in some cases the inner layer, of front and rear wall as well as the holding loops connected to the front wall and to the rear wall, in some cases the first and/or second flexible plastic material strip thereof and/or the single-layered or multi-layered material strip, which does not form a hollow body, as well as the first and the second side wall are formed or consist of polyolefins, expediently polyethylene, highly expediently HD- or LD-polyethylene, in some cases LD-polyethylene.
Expediently, a uniform plastic material, for example polypropylene or polyethylene, expediently polyethylene and highly expediently LD-polyethylene, is used continuously for all components of the plastic carrier bag according to the present disclosure, for example for the inner and outer layer of front and rear wall and for the holding loops of front and rear wall as well as for the first and second side wall. As a result, a single-type plastic carrier bag is obtained which can be recycled as such without problems.
Furthermore, among the plastic carrier bags according to the present disclosure, those are highly suitable in which the at least one inner layer, in some cases the inner layer, of front and/or, in some cases and, rear wall comprises or constitutes a foamed plastic film, expediently a foamed polyolefin film, highly expediently a foamed polyethylene film and in some cases a foamed LD polyethylene film. As a result, a textile-like appearance in the handling, for example during folding, of the plastic carrier bag according to the present disclosure can be reinforced. In a corresponding manner, the first flexible, in some cases tubular, hollow body or the single-layered or multi-layered material strip, which does not form a hollow body, can also comprise or consist of a foamed plastic film, expediently a foamed polyolefin film, highly expediently a foamed polyethylene film and in some cases a foamed LD polyethylene film.
Highly expediently, among the polyethylenes, LD-polyethylene is used.
In an expedient configuration of the plastic carrier bag according to the present disclosure, it can be provided that the holding loop connected to the front wall and/or the holding loop connected to the rear wall, in some cases on the inner side, is welded in each case in its first and second connecting regions, directly or indirectly, to the single-layered or multi-layered, in some cases multi-layered, plastic film strip of the reinforcing region, and to the at least one inner layer, in some cases the inner layer, and the outer layer, wherein, in these first and second connecting regions, at least the inner side of the second hollow body of the holding loop, in some cases the inwardly facing side of the second flexible plastic material strip, is welded to the outer side of the first hollow body or the facing side of the single-layered or multi-layered material strip, which does not form a hollow body, in some cases the outwardly facing side of the first flexible plastic material strip.
If the first and second connecting regions of the holding loop directly abut the plastic film strip of the reinforcing region, the connection to the at least one inner layer, in some cases the inner layer, and the outer layer regularly takes place indirectly, i.e., via the respectively abutting adjacent layer. In a corresponding manner, if the first and second connecting regions of the holding loop directly abut the outer layer or the inner layer, the connection to the at least one inner layer, in some cases the inner layer, or the outer layer, respectively, as well as the layer(s) of the plastic film strip of the reinforcing region can respectively take place regularly indirectly, i.e., via the respectively abutting adjacent layer. In some configurations, for example, a mixing of the melted material of the layers involved can occur during the welding, so that an assignment of the material to the layers is no longer unambiguously possible.
In some cases for producing a pleasant feel which comes close to that of textile holding loops, it has proven advantageous for the first flexible, in some cases tubular, hollow body, in some cases the first flexible plastic material strip, or the single-layered or multi-layered material strip which does not form a hollow body and/or the second flexible, in some cases tubular, hollow body, in some cases the second flexible plastic material strip, of the holding loop of front and/or rear wall to have an embossing pattern at least in sections, in some cases over the entire surface. Such embossing patterns can be produced reliably and permanently, for example when using thermoplastics, for example polyolefins, by the action of heat and pressure.
For many embodiments of the plastic carrier bags according to the present disclosure, it has proven pragmatic to form the opening edge by a folding at the upper end of the outer layer or in the transition region from the outer layer to the continuing section.
A connection or welding, respectively, of the plastic film strip or of the continuing section, respectively, of front and/or rear wall to the at least one inner layer, in some cases the inner layer, for example the inner side of the inner layer, expediently includes the connection of all layers which here abut one another. The same generally applies to the connection of the plastic film strip or of the continuing section, respectively, of front and/or rear wall to the outer layer.
The plastic carrier bag according to the present disclosure, in some cases the single-type plastic carrier bag according to the present disclosure, can be configured in such a way that the outer layer, the single-layered or multi-layered, in some cases double-layered, plastic film strip of the reinforcing region, in some cases the continuing section of inner or outer layer, and/or the at least one inner layer, in some cases the inner layer, of front and/or rear wall, the first and the second side wall as well as the holding loops connected to the front wall and/or to the rear wall, in some cases the first and/or second flexible plastic material strip thereof or the multi-layered material strip, which does not form a hollow body, contain or consist of recycled plastic material, in some cases recycled polyolefins, for example polyethylene.
Furthermore, the present disclosure also comprises such plastic carrier bags with a bottom end and an opposite opening end, comprising a front wall and a rear wall, each with a first side edge and an opposite second side edge as well as an opening edge, as well as a first and an opposite second side wall, each with a first and an opposite second side edge and an opening edge, wherein the first and the second side wall are configured as single-layered or multi-layered, in some cases single-layered, as well as at least one holding loop connected to the front wall and/or, in some cases and, at least one holding loop connected to the rear wall, each with a first and a second connecting region; wherein the front and the rear wall are configured as single-layered or in some cases multi-layered, expediently double-layered, wherein the front wall and the rear wall are formed continuously, in some cases in one piece; wherein the front wall and the rear wall merge into one another at the bottom end by way of folding over, in some cases form a bottom fold in this transition; wherein the transition, in some cases the bottom fold, extends laterally from a first to an opposite second end; wherein the lateral extension of the transition, in some cases of the bottom fold, between the first and the second end is substantially identical, in some cases identical, to the extension of the front and the rear wall between the respective first and the second side edge at the opening end; wherein the first and the second side wall have a square, rectangular or trapezoidal blank; wherein the front wall and the rear wall are welded in the region of their first side edges to the first side wall; and wherein the front wall and the rear wall are welded in the region of their second side edges to the second side wall, in some cases forming a square or rectangular bottom surface in the erected filling state; and wherein the opening edge of the first side wall and the opening edge of the second side wall, in relation to the opening end, are each present below the opening edges of front wall and rear wall, in some cases below the first and second connecting regions of the holding loops of front wall and/or, in some cases and, rear wall.
Furthermore, the present disclosure also comprises such plastic carrier bags with a bottom end and an opposite opening end, comprising a front wall and a rear wall, respectively with a first side edge and an opposite second side edge, an opening edge as well as a bottom edge opposite the opening edge, a first and an opposite second side wall with respectively a first and an opposite second side edge and an opening edge, wherein the first and the second side wall are configured single-layered or multi-layered, in some cases single-layered, and a bag bottom with a first side edge and an opposite second side edge as well as at least one holding loop connected to the front wall and/or, in some cases and, at least one holding loop connected to the rear wall with respectively a first and a second connecting region; wherein the front and the rear wall are configured single-layered or in some cases multi-layered, expediently double-layered; wherein the first side wall, the bag bottom and the second side wall are formed continuously, in some cases in one piece; wherein the first side wall is welded in the region of its first side edge to the front wall, in some cases along the first side edge thereof, and in the region of the second side edge to the rear wall, in some cases along the first side edge thereof; wherein the second side wall is welded in the region of its first side edge to the front wall, in some cases along the second side edge thereof, and in the region of the second side edge to the rear wall, in some cases along the second side edge thereof; wherein the bag bottom is welded in the region of the first side edge to the front wall, in some cases along the bottom edge thereof, and in the region of the second side edge to the rear wall, in some cases along the bottom edge thereof; and wherein the opening edge of the first side wall and the opening edge of the second side wall, with respect to the opening end, are respectively present below the opening edges of front wall and rear wall, in some cases below the first and second connecting regions of the holding loops of front wall and/or, in some cases and, rear wall.
The plastic carrier bags according to the present disclosure are associated with the surprising finding that they are suitable not only for the repeated use even when carrying heavy loads, but that they are also highly user-friendly. This also applies in some cases to those embodiments in which the opening edges of first and second side wall are respectively present below the opening edges of front and rear wall. Here, such embodiments have proven to be highly suitable in which the opening edges of first and second side wall are respectively arranged below the first and second connecting regions of the holding loops of front and rear wall. A very highly high degree of case of handling also arises in that the opening edge of the first side wall and the opening edge of the second side wall are respectively present below the first and the second weld, in some cases the first and the second continuous longitudinal weld, and in some cases also below the first, second, third and fourth connecting regions. This also applies in some cases if the holding loops of front and rear wall are fitted on the inside, expediently in the region of the reinforcing portion. By folding the holding loops, including the portions of front and rear wall lying above the opening edges of first and second side wall, to the outside, not only is unhindered access to the bag volume to be filled ensured, but rather a further stabilization of the open unfilled plastic carrier bag also arises in this way. It is no longer to be feared that, as a result of a slight movement, for example of the shopping trolley in which the plastic carrier bag is located, the walls thereof collapse in themselves and make filling with both hands impossible. Finally, the plastic carrier bags according to the present disclosure have proven to be highly practicable, in some cases also in the area of what is known as c-commerce, where the plastic carrier bags are prefilled by the supplier for order and are picked up by the end customer. Here, the plastic carrier bags according to the present disclosure can also be temporarily stored in the transport boxes usually used for protecting the filling material against mechanical influences. Removal from these transport boxes is highly unproblematical here; adhesion can be ruled out, for example, by providing the omissions in the bottom region.
The features of the present disclosure disclosed in the above description, in the claims and in the drawings can be essential both individually and in any desired combination for the realization of the present disclosure in its various embodiments.
The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the patents, applications, and publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary to employ concepts of the various patents, applications, and publications to provide yet further embodiments.
These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23216763.5 | Dec 2023 | EP | regional |
