Polymeric bags with narrowing seals

Abstract

A polymeric film bag having first and second panels that are joined to each other along a pair of opposing sides and a closed bottom bridging the opposing sides. Each of the first and second panels has an original width. A first narrowing seal extends inwardly from near or at one of the pair of opposing sides. The first narrowing seal seals the first and second panels together such that a second width of the first and second panels is created that is smaller than the original width of the first and second panels.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to polymeric bags and, more particularly, to polymeric bags having a narrowing seal feature that enables the bag to fit to upper portions of various size containers when used as a liner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sealable polymeric packages, such as trash bags, are a common household item. Some bags come to the consumer in the form of a roll of interconnected bags or as pre-separated bags housed in a dispensing box. The bags are often sized and sold to correspond to a particular size container or trashcan. Some trash bags are designed so that a user may fold a top end of the bag over the top of the trashcan, thus lining the can with the bag. With this design, a piece of trash disposed in the trashcan will fall in the bag. If the top of the trash bag does not snugly fit the top of the trashcan, problems may arise. For example, if the perimeter of the top of the trash bag is either too small or too big, the bag may slip and fall into the trashcan. This may result in the trash missing the bag, which is undesirable and may cause customer dissatisfaction during removal of the trash from the trashcan. Therefore, it is desirable that the top of the trash bag fit snugly and remain over the top of the trashcan.

In an attempt to address this problem, trash bags are often marked by their size and/or which size trashcan the bag is intended to fit. Most bags are labeled by the lay flat (half the perimeter) size, the diameter size, or the volume of the trashcan. Many consumers, however, do not know the lay flat, diameter, or volume size of the trashcan for which they are purchasing bags. Thus, in these situations, it is not helpful to list this information on the trash bag packages. To alleviate this problem, some bags are sold with an identification as to the type of trashcan the bag fits (i.e., tall kitchen bags). There are different sizes, however, even for “tall kitchen” trashcans. Some tall kitchen trashcans have a perimeter of 48 inches, while others may only have a perimeter of 41 or 42 inches. Thus, some consumers may still purchase the wrong size trash bags even when focused on purchasing tall kitchen bags.

Therefore, there is a need for a trash bag that can be adjustable to fit a variety of containers or trashcans while overcoming the above-described problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment, a polymeric bag comprises a first panel and a second panel that join each other along a pair of opposing sides and a closed bottom bridging the opposing sides that create an open top. The first and second panels each have an original width. A first narrowing seal extends inwardly and downwardly from near or at one of the opposing sides before extending back to the bag sides. The first narrowing seal seals the first panel to the second panel such that a second width of the first and second panels is created that is smaller than the original width of the first and second panels. A second narrowing seal extends inwardly and downwardly from near or at one of the opposing sides before extending back to the bag sides. The second narrowing seal seals the first panel to the second panel such that a third width of the first and second panels is created that is smaller than the original width and the second width of the first and second panels.

According to another embodiment, a polymeric bag comprises a first panel and a second panel that join each other along a pair of opposing sides and a closed bottom bridging the opposing sides that create an open top. The first and second panels each have an original width. A first narrowing seal extends generally parallel to one of the opposing sides. The first narrowing seal is spaced inwardly a distance from one of the pair of opposing sides. The first narrowing seal seals the first panel to the second panel such that a second width of the first and second panels is created that is smaller than the original width of the first and second panels. A second narrowing seal extends generally parallel to one of the opposing sides. The second narrowing seal is spaced inwardly a distance from one of the pair of opposing sides. The second narrowing seal seals the first panel to the second panel such that a third width of the first and second panels is created that is smaller than the original width and the second width of the first and second panels.

According to a further embodiment, a polymeric bag comprises a first panel and a second panel that join each other along a pair of opposing sides and a closed bottom bridging the opposing sides that create an open top. The first and second panels each have an original width. At least a first narrowing seal seals the first panel to the second panel such that the seal creates a second width, a third width, and a fourth width of the first and second panels. The at least a first narrowing seal comprises at least a first narrowing seal section, a second narrowing seal section, a third narrowing seal section, a fourth narrowing seal section, and a fifth narrowing seal section. The first narrowing seal section extends generally parallel to the to one of the pair of opposing sides. The first narrowing seal section is spaced inwardly a first distance from one of the pair of opposing sides. The first narrowing seal section seals the first panel to the second panel such that a second width of the first and second panels is created that is smaller than the original width of the first and second panels. The second narrowing seal section extends generally parallel to the first narrowing seal section. The second narrowing seal section is spaced inwardly a second distance from one of the pair of opposing sides. The second distance is less than the first distance. The second narrowing seal section seals the first panel to the second panel such that a fourth width of the first and second panels is created that is smaller than the original width, but larger than the second width, of the first and second panels. The third narrowing seal section extends generally parallel to the first narrowing seal section. The third narrowing seal section is spaced inwardly a third distance from one of the pair of opposing sides. The third distance is greater than the first distance. The third narrowing seal section seals the first panel to the second panel such that a third width of the first and second panels is created that is smaller than the original width, the second width, and the fourth width of the first and second panels. The fourth narrowing seal section extends outwardly and downwardly form the first narrowing seal section to the second narrowing seal section. The fifth narrowing seal section extends inwardly and downwardly from the second narrowing seal section to the third narrowing seal section.

According to yet another embodiment, a polymeric bag comprises a first panel and a second panel that join each other along a pair of opposing sides and a closed bottom bridging the opposing sides that create an open top. The first and second panels each have an original width. A first narrowing seal extends inwardly and downwardly from near or at one of the opposing sides before extending back to the bag sides. The first narrowing seal seals the first panel to the second panel such that a second width of the first and second panels is created that is smaller than the original width of the first and second panels. The second width is adapted to be stretched over the bag-engaging periphery of a trashcan and allows the bag to grip the bag-engaging periphery of the trashcan. A drawstring extends around the a periphery of the open top of the bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a polymeric bag according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a polymeric bag according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a polymeric bag according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a polymeric bag according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 illustrates a polymeric bag 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The polymeric bag 10 may be used in combination with a trashcan or container. The container includes a fixed-shape frame and a bag-engaging periphery. The polymeric bag 10 lines the trashcan or container, and a top portion of the bag engages the periphery of the trashcan or container. The polymeric bag 10 has a first panel 12 and a second panel 14. The first and second panels 12, 14 each have an original width and an original length. In this embodiment, the original length L₀ of the first panel 12 is about the same as the original length L₀ of the second panel 14. Similarly, the original width W₀ of the first panel 12 is about the same as the original width W₀ of the second panel 14. The first and second panels 12, 14 are joined to each other along a pair of opposing sides 16a, 16b and a bottom 18 bridging the opposing sides 16a, 16b. The first and second panels 12, 14 are open along a top end 20 formed opposite the bottom 18. The first and second panels 12, 14 may each include an optional tying flap 22, 24 at the top end 20, as shown in FIG. 1. The tying flaps 22, 24 may be used to tie the top end 20 closed after use and/or to lift the bag 10 out of the trashcan or container after use. The top end 20 of the bag 10 may also be flat (i.e., generally perpendicular to the sides), or include a drawstring as depicted in FIG. 4. It is contemplated that the top end may be configured differently than depicted in FIGS. 1 and 4.

The first and second panels 12, 14 may comprise a wide range of polymeric materials that have a desired elasticity to expand to the original size of the bag, such as linear low density polyethylenes (LLDPE), low density polyethylenes (LDPE), high density polyethylenes (HDPE), polyesters, polystyrenes, or combinations thereof. Other polymeric materials are contemplated to be used to form the first and second panels 12, 14. The first and second panels 12, 14 may be made of coextruded films having two or more layers. Each of the first and second panels 12, 14 generally has a thickness ranging from about 0.4 mil to about 2 mils.

The first and second panels 12, 14 may be formed of one polymeric sheet of film that is folded to create the bottom 18. The non-folded opposing sides 16a, 16b would then be sealed, leaving the top end 20 open. In another embodiment, the polymeric sheet of film may be folded to create one of the opposing sides. The bottom and the other opposing side would then be sealed, leaving the top end open.

Alternatively, the first and second panels 12, 14 may be formed from two separate sheets of polymeric film that are sealed together at both of the pair of opposing sides 16a, 16b and the bottom 18. The top end 20 remains open to create the bag 10.

The first and second panels 12, 14 include a first narrowing seal 26, a second narrowing seal 28, a third narrowing seal 30, and a fourth narrowing seal 32. The first, second, third, and fourth narrowing seals 26, 28, 30, and 32 seal the first and second panels 12, 14 together. The first, second, third, and fourth narrowing seals 26, 28, 30, and 32 may be formed by heat sealing the first and second panels 12, 14 together. Alternatively, the first, second, third, and fourth narrowing seals 26, 28, 30, and 32 may be formed by using an adhesive to adhere the first and second panels 12, 14 together. It is contemplated that the narrowing seals 26, 28, 30, and 32 may be formed from other methods, such as ultrasonics.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first and second narrowing seals 26, 28 are located below the top end 20 at or near the respective sides 16a, 16b. The third and fourth narrowing seals 30, 32 are located below both the top end 20 and the first and second narrowing seals 26, 28 at or near the respective sides 16a, 16b. The third and fourth narrowing seals 30, 32 are located at a different vertical location on the bag 10 than the first and second narrowing seals 26, 28. The narrowing seals 26, 28, 30, and 32 initially extend inwardly from at or near the respective sides 16a, 16b, and extend generally downwardly before returning to or near the respective sides 16a, 16b. In this embodiment, the narrowing seals 26, 28, 30, and 32 are generally arcuate in shape. It is contemplated, however, that other shapes may also be utilized.

The first and second narrowing seals 26, 28 create a second width W₂ that is less than the original width W₀ of the first and second panels 12, 14. The third and fourth narrowing seals 30, 32 create a third width W₃ that is less than both the original width W₀ and the second width W₂ of the first and second panels 12, 14. The second and third widths W₂, W₃ enable the bag 10 to be used with containers or trashcans of multiple sizes. The top edges 20, 22 have original width W₀, and may be placed over the tops of one size trashcan. At the first and second narrowing seals 26, 28, however, the bag 10 has the second width W₂. The user may insert the bag 10 into a smaller trashcan, and fold the top end 20 down to the first and second narrowing seals 26, 28. Since the first and second narrowing seals 26, 28 create a smaller second width W₂, the bag 10 can fit snugly over the top of a smaller trashcan.

For use in an even smaller trashcan, the user may fold the top end 20 down past the first and second narrowing seals 26, 28 to the third and fourth narrowing seals 30, 32. Because the third and fourth narrowing seals 30, 32 create a width W₃ that is smaller than the second width W₂, the bag 10 can fit snuggly over the top of an even smaller trashcan. Thus, the present embodiment allows a single bag 10 to be used with multiple trashcan sizes. In one embodiment, the width W₀ of the first and second panels 12, 14 is about 24 inches, the width W₂ between the first and second narrowing seals 26, 28 is about 21 inches, and the width W₃ between the third and fourth narrowing seals 30, 32 is about 19 inches. It is also contemplated that the original width W₀ and the second and third widths W₂, W₃ may have other sizes to fit other sized trashcans, such as outdoor trashcans. Thus, the present embodiment allows a single bag 10 to be used with multiple sizes of trashcans. In one embodiment, the width W₀ of the first and second panels 12, 14 is about 24 inches, the width W₂ between the narrowing seals 26, 28 is about 21 inches, and the width W₃ between the narrowing seals 30, 32 is about 19 inches. It is also contemplated that the original width W₀ and the second and third widths W₂, W₃ may have other sizes to fit other size trashcans, such as outdoor trashcans.

Although two narrowing seals are shown on each of the opposing sides 16a, 16b in this drawing, in some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2-4, it is further contemplated in an alternate embodiment that there may only be narrowing seals used on one of the opposing sides 16a, 16b. For example, a bag may exist that only contains two narrowing seals, such as, for example, the narrowing seals 26, 32. The narrowing seals may be located on either side of the panels and operate in a similar manner as the narrowing seals on each side of the panels. The narrowing seals on one side of the panels creates the second width W₂ and the third width W₃, both W₂ and W₃ being less than the original width W₀.

Thus, in these embodiments, the bag works with trashcans or containers of three different sizes, enabling consumers to purchase the bag without knowing the exact size of their container. The narrowing seals may be formed with little or no increased processing time or cost, since the narrowing seals may be formed at the same time as other seals using the similar machinery in a modified manner.

Turning now to FIG. 2, another embodiment of a trash bag 110 according to the present invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the trash bag 110 is similar to the trash bag 10 of FIG. 1, except the number of narrowing seals and the shape of the narrowing seals have been modified. The bag 110 has the original width W₀ between first and second opposing sides 116a, 116b. A first narrowing seal 126 is spaced inside of the first opposing side 116a. The first narrowing seal 126 runs generally parallel with the first opposing side 116a and creates the second width W₂ on the bag 110. A second narrowing seal 128 is also spaced inside of the first opposing side 116a and the first narrowing seal 126. The second narrowing seal 128 runs generally parallel with the first opposing side 116a to create the third width W₃ on the bag 110. The second narrowing seal 128 is located at a different vertical location on the bag 110 than the first narrowing seal 126. The second width W₂ and the third width W₃ are the same as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. It is contemplated that the first and second narrowing seals may be located at different distances than shown in FIG. 2, resulting in different widths. The bag 110 operates with a trashcan identically to the operation of the bag 10 of FIG. 1.

Referring now to the embodiment of FIG. 3, a trash bag 210 according to the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the trash bag 210 comprises first and second opposing sides 216a, 216b, a bottom 218, a top end 220, and a seal 226. The trash bag 210 has the original width W₀ between the opposing sides 216a, 216b. The seal 226 may be divided into five seal portions 226a-226e. A first seal portion 226a extends generally parallel to the first opposing side 216a. The first seal portion 226a creates the second width W₂ that is less than the original width W₀. A second seal portion 226b extends inside of the first opposing side 216a and outside of the first seal portion 226a, and is generally parallel to the first opposing side 216a. The second seal portion 226b creates a fourth width W₄ that is less than the original width W₀, but greater than the second width W₂. A third seal portion 226c extends generally parallel to the first opposing side 216a inside of the first opposing side 216a and the first seal portion 226a. The third seal portion 226c creates the third width W₃ that is less than the original width W₀, the second width W₂, and the fourth width W₄. A fourth seal portion 226d extends outwardly and downwardly from the first seal portion 226a to the second seal portion 226b. A fifth seal portion 226e extends inwardly and downwardly from the second seal portion 226b to the third seal portion 226c. The seal 226 allows the bag 210 to be used with the trashcan as in the embodiments discussed above. The seal 226 allows the bag 210 to be securely attached to a trashcan even if the trashcan periphery is slightly different in size than a typical trashcan periphery.

A trash bag 310 of FIG. 4 is shown according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The bag 310 comprises a top portion 320, opposing sides 316a, 316b, and a bottom 318. The top portion 320 comprises a drawstring 334 that is accessible via a drawstring opening 336. The drawstring 334 allows the bag 320 to be more easily removed from a trashcan, and allows the top portion 320 of the bag 310 to be securely tied shut. Additional details regarding drawstrings are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,059,458, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The bag 310 further comprises a first narrowing seal 326. The first narrowing seal 326 is located below the top end 320 at or near the opposing side 316a. The narrowing seal 326 initially extends inwardly from at or near the side 316a and extends generally downwardly before returning to or near the side 316a. In this embodiment, the narrowing seal 326 is generally arcuate in shape. It is contemplated, however, that other shapes may also be utilized. The narrowing seal 326 creates the second width W₂ that is less than the original width W₀ between the opposing sides 316a, 316b. The bag 310 operates with a trashcan similar to the operation of the bag 10 of FIG. 1.

While particular embodiments and applications of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise construction and compositions disclosed herein and that various modifications, changes, and variations may be apparent from the foregoing descriptions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A polymeric bag comprising: a first panel; a second panel, the first and the second panels being joined to each other along a pair of opposing sides and a closed bottom bridging the opposing sides creating an open top, the first and second panels each having an original width; a first narrowing seal extending inwardly and downwardly from near or at one of the pair of opposing sides before extending back to the bag sides, the first narrowing seal sealing the first panel to the second panel such that a second width of the first and second panels is created that is smaller than the original width of the first and second panels; and a second narrowing seal extending inwardly and downwardly from near or at one of the pair of opposing sides before extending back to the bag sides, the second narrowing seal sealing the first panel to the second panel such that a third width of the first and second panels is created that is smaller than the original width and the second width of the first and second panels, the second narrowing seal being located in a different vertical position on the bag than the first narrowing seal.

2. The bag of claim 1, further comprising a third narrowing seal, and a fourth narrowing seal, the third narrowing seal extending inwardly and downwardly from near or at the other pair of opposing sides as the first seal, the third seal being located at substantially the same vertical position on the bag as the first seal, the fourth narrowing seal extending inwardly and downwardly from near or at the other pair of opposing sides as the second seal, the fourth seal being located at substantially the same vertical position on the bag as the second seal.

3. The bag of claim 1, wherein the first and second narrowing seals are arcuate.

4. The bag of claim 1, wherein the first and second narrowing seals are formed by heat sealing the first and second panels.

5. The bag of claim 1, wherein the first and second narrowing seals are formed by adhering the first and second panels.

6. The bag of claim 1, wherein the bottom of the bag is formed by folding the first and second panels.

7. The bag of claim 1, wherein one of the pair of opposing sides of the bag is formed by folding the first and second panels.

8. The bag of claim 1, wherein the first and second panels are formed from two separate polymeric sheets.

9. The bag of claim 1, wherein the original width is about 24 inches, the second width is about 21 inches, and the third width is about 19 inches.

10. The bag of claim 1 further comprising a drawstring.

11. The bag of claim 1 in combination with a bag-engaging periphery.

12. A polymeric bag comprising: a first panel; a second panel, the first and the second panels being joined to each other along a pair of opposing sides and a closed bottom bridging the opposing sides creating an open top, the first and second panels each having an original width; a first narrowing seal extending generally parallel to one of the pair of opposing sides, the first narrowing seal being spaced inwardly a distance from one of the pair of opposing sides, the first narrowing seal sealing the first panel to the second panel such that a second width of the first and second panels is created that is smaller than the original width of the first and second panels; and a second narrowing seal extending generally parallel to one of the pair of opposing sides, the second narrowing seal being spaced inwardly a distance from one of the pair of opposing sides, the second narrowing seal sealing the first panel to the second panel such that a third width of the first and second panels is created that is smaller than the original width and the second width of the first and second panels, the second narrowing seal being located in a different vertical position on the bag than the first narrowing seal.

13. The bag of claim 12, wherein the first and second narrowing seals are formed by heat sealing the first and second panels.

14. The bag of claim 12, wherein the first and second narrowing seals are formed by adhering the first and second panel.

15. The bag of claim 12, wherein the bottom of the bag is formed by folding the first and second panels.

16. The bag of claim 12, wherein one of the pair of opposing sides of the bag is formed by folding the first and second panels.

17. The bag of claim 12, wherein the first and second panels are formed from two separate polymeric sheets.

18. The bag of claim 12, wherein the original width is about 24 inches, the second width is about 21 inches, and the third width is about 19 inches.

19. The bag of claim 12 further comprising a drawstring.

20. The bag of claim 12 in combination with a bag-engaging periphery.

21. A polymeric bag comprising: a first panel; a second panel, the first and the second panels being joined to each other along a pair of opposing sides and a closed bottom bridging the opposing sides creating an open top, the first and second panels each having an original width; and at least a first narrowing seal, the at least a first narrowing seal sealing the first panel to the second panel such that a second width, a third width, and a fourth width of the first and second panels are created that are smaller than the original width of the first and second panels, wherein the at least a first narrowing seal comprises at least a first narrowing seal section, a second narrowing seal section, a third narrowing seal section, a fourth narrowing seal section, and a fifth narrowing seal section, the first narrowing seal section extending generally parallel to one of the pair of opposing sides, the first narrowing seal section being spaced inwardly a first distance from one of the pair of opposing sides, the first narrowing seal section sealing the first panel to the second panel such that a second width of the first and second panels is created that is smaller than the original width of the first and second panels, the second narrowing seal section extending generally parallel to the first narrowing seal section, the second narrowing seal section being spaced inwardly a second distance from one of the pair of opposing sides, the second distance being less than the first distance, the second narrowing seal section sealing the first panel to the second panel such that a fourth width of the first and second panels is created that is smaller than the original width of the first and second panels, but larger than the second width, the third narrowing seal section extending generally parallel to the first narrowing seal section, the third narrowing seal section being spaced inwardly a third distance from one of the pair of opposing sides, the third distance being more than the first distance, the third narrowing seal section sealing the first panel to the second panel such that a third width of the first and second panels is created that is smaller than the original, second, and fourth width of the first and second panels, the fourth narrowing seal section extending outwardly and downwardly from the first narrowing seal section to the second narrowing seal section, and the fifth narrowing seal section extending inwardly and downwardly from the second narrowing seal section the third narrowing seal section.

22. The bag of claim 21, wherein the at least a first narrowing seal is formed by heat sealing the first and second panels.

23. The bag of claim 21, wherein the at least a first narrowing seal is formed by adhering the first and second panel.

24. The bag of claim 21, wherein the bottom of the bag is formed by folding the first and second panels.

25. The bag of claim 21, wherein one of the pair of opposing sides of the bag is formed by folding the first and second panels.

26. The bag of claim 21, wherein the first and second panels are formed from two separate polymeric sheets.

27. The bag of claim 21, wherein the original width is about 24 inches, the second width is about 21 inches, and the third width is about 19 inches.

28. The bag of claim 21 further comprising a drawstring.

29. The bag of claim 21 in combination with a bag-engaging periphery.

30. A polymeric bag comprising: a first panel; a second panel, the first and the second panels being joined to each other along a pair of opposing sides and a closed bottom bridging the opposing sides creating an open top, the first and second panels each having an original width, the first narrowing seal extending inwardly and downwardly from near or at one of the pair of opposing sides before extending back to the bag sides, the first narrowing seal sealing the first panel to the second panel such that a second width of the first and second panels is created that is smaller than the original width of the first and second panels, the second width being adapted to be stretched over a bag-engaging periphery of a trashcan to allow the polymeric bag to grip the bag-engaging periphery of the trashcan; and a drawstring extending around a periphery of the open top of the bag.