Abstract: Multi-layer bags may be formed to include first and second sidewalls joined along a first side edge, an opposite second side edge, and a closed bottom edge. The first and second layers may be non-continuously laminated together in discrete sections to include bonded regions in which the layers are bonded and unbonded regions in which the layers are not bonded. Such a bag may be described as a “bag-in-a-bag” type configuration in which the inner bag is non-continuously bonded to the outer bag. The inventors have surprisingly found that such configurations of non-continuous bonding provides increased and unexpected strength properties to the multi-layer films and bags.

Abstract: Multi-layer bags may be formed to include first and second sidewalls joined along a first side edge, an opposite second side edge, and a closed bottom edge. The first and second layers may be non-continuously laminated together to include bonded regions in which the layers are bonded and unbonded regions in which the layers are not bonded. Such a bag may be described as a “bag-in-a-bag” type configuration in which the inner bag is non-continuously bonded to the outer bag. The inventors have surprisingly found that such configurations of non-continuous bonding provides increased and unexpected strength properties to the multi-layer films and bags.

Abstract: Multi-layer bags may be formed to include first and second sidewalls joined along a first side edge, an opposite second side edge, and a closed bottom edge. The first and second layers may be non-continuously laminated together in discrete sections to include bonded regions in which the layers are bonded and unbonded regions in which the layers are not bonded. Such a bag may be described as a “bag-in-a-bag” type configuration in which the inner bag is non-continuously bonded to the outer bag. The inventors have surprisingly found that such configurations of non-continuous bonding provides increased and unexpected strength properties to the multi-layer films and bags.

Abstract: Methods for creating multi-layered incrementally-stretched and incrementally-laminated bags with increased or maintained strength are described herein. An increased level of strength is achieved by bonding adjacent layers of a multi-layer film together in a manner that the bond strength of the laminated layers is less than a strength of a weakest tear resistance of the individual first and second film layers. The inventors have surprisingly found that such a configuration of light bonding provides increased and unexpected strength properties to the multi-layer film as compared to a monolayer film of equal thickness or a multi-layer film in which the plurality of layers are tightly bonded together.

Abstract: Methods of stretching thermoplastic films in the machine direction include elongating the films in the machine direction without significantly reducing the films' machine-direction tear resistance. In one or more implementations, methods of stretching thermoplastic films include reducing the gauge of the films while substantially maintaining the films' machine-direction tear resistance. The methods can involve uniformly cold stretching the films by stretching the films to a draw of about one hundred and eighty percent, or less, of the films' original length.

Abstract: Methods of stretching thermoplastic films in the machine direction include elongating the films in the machine direction without significantly reducing the films' machine-direction tear resistance. In one or more implementations, methods of stretching thermoplastic films include reducing the gauge of the films while substantially maintaining the films' machine-direction tear resistance. The methods can involve uniformly cold stretching the films by stretching the films to a draw of about one hundred and eighty percent, or less, of the films' original length.

Abstract: Multi-layer bags may be formed to include first and second sidewalls joined along a first side edge, an opposite second side edge, and a closed bottom edge. The first and second layers may be non-continuously laminated together to include bonded regions in which the layers are bonded and unbonded regions in which the layers are not bonded. Such a bag may be described as a “bag-in-a-bag” type configuration in which the inner bag is non-continuously bonded to the outer bag. The inventors have surprisingly found that such configurations of non-continuous bonding provides increased and unexpected strength properties to the multi-layer films and bags.

Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-layered bag with reinforced seals include an outer layer or bag and an inner layer or bag positioned within the outer layer or bag. The multi-layered bag further includes a draw tape positioned near the opening of the multi-layered bag. The draw tape can allow a user to at least partially close the multi-layered bag by drawing the layers of the bag together. The multi-layered bag further includes one or more tape seals that bond the draw tape to layers of the bag. The tape seals can be reinforced and include at least seven plies bonded together. One or more implementations further include methods of forming multi-layered bags with reinforced seals.

Abstract: Methods of increasing the perceived thickness and strength of a thermoplastic film include incrementally stretching thermoplastic films in the machine direction. In one or more implementations, methods of incrementally stretching thermoplastic films include reducing the gauge of the films while increasing a loft of at least a portion of the film. The methods can involve cold stretching the films and imparting rib patterns and alternating peaks and valleys into the film. The linear ribs can have alternating thick and thin gauges.

Abstract: Methods of increasing the perceived thickness and strength of a thermoplastic film include incrementally stretching thermoplastic films in the machine direction. In one or more implementations, methods of incrementally stretching thermoplastic films include reducing the gauge of the films while increasing a loft of at least a portion of the film. The methods can involve cold stretching the films and imparting rib patterns and alternating peaks and valleys into the film. The linear ribs can have alternating thick and thin gauges.

Abstract: Methods of increasing the perceived thickness and strength of a thermoplastic film include incrementally stretching thermoplastic films in the machine direction. In one or more implementations, methods of incrementally stretching thermoplastic films include reducing the gauge of the films while increasing a loft of at least a portion of the film. The methods can involve cold stretching the films and imparting rib patterns and alternating peaks and valleys into the film. The linear ribs can have alternating thick and thin gauges.

Abstract: Polymer films may be discontinuously laminated by processes such as adhesive bonding, ultrasonic bonding, embossing, ring rolling, and strainable network formation. The films may be prestretched under cold process conditions before lamination. The laminates have superior properties such as tear strength. The laminates may be incorporated into bags, such as trash bags.

Abstract: Methods of increasing the perceived thickness and strength of a thermoplastic film include incrementally stretching thermoplastic films in the machine direction. In one or more implementations, methods of incrementally stretching thermoplastic films include reducing the gauge of the films while increasing a loft of at least a portion of the film. The methods can involve cold stretching the films and imparting rib patterns and alternating peaks and valleys into the film. The linear ribs can have alternating thick and thin gauges.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, a laminated film includes an extruded ribbed first film portion that includes multiple ribs, where consecutive ribs are separated by webs that are integral with the ribs. The laminated film also includes an un-ribbed second film portion, and a region of discontinuous lamination between the first film portion and the second film portion. The region of discontinuous lamination includes multiple regions where the first and second film portions are bonded together, and multiple regions where the first and second film portions are not bonded together.

Abstract: Trash bags may be formed to include first and second sidewalls joined along a first side edge, an opposite second side edge, and a closed bottom edge to form an outer bag. A second inner bag may be inserted within the first bag to form a “bag-in-a-bag” type configuration in which the inner bag is bonded to the outer bag along side seals. When the outer and inner bags are formed primarily from LLDPE thermoplastic resin using a blown film process, the inventors have surprisingly found that such configurations provide increased and unexpected strength properties while using less material.

Abstract: Trash bags may be formed to include first and second sidewalls joined along a first side edge, an opposite second side edge, and a closed bottom edge to form an outer bag. A second inner bag may be inserted within the first bag to form a “bag-in-a-bag” type configuration in which the inner bag is bonded to the outer bag along side seals by a continuous process. The bags may also be bonded together along the hem and the draw tape. When the side seals of the inner bag and the outer bag are sealed together by a continuous rather than a reciprocating process, the inventors have surprisingly found that such seals require carefully controlled process conditions to prevent inadequate seals.

Abstract: A microwavable material having a structure that may be used to enhance the browning and crisping, and thus improve the taste and appearance, of a food item cooked therein. The material may be in the form of a sheet material or formed as a container such as a bag, pouch, or other suitable structure. The material may have one or more features that help bring the material into close contact with the food item and help conform the bag around the food item. Furthermore, the material may have a structure that avoids substantial contact with liquid released by a food item, may have a venting system suitable for the exiting of moisture, may have a coating, a transparent surface, and when formed as a container, may have a gusseted surface.

Abstract: Thermoplastic films include intermittent stretched regions that are visually distinct from un-stretched regions. The stretched regions can be white, opaque, and non porous. The thermoplastic films with visually-distinct stretched regions can be formed into bags for use as trash can liners or food storage. Additionally, methods of stretching thermoplastic films to create non-porous, white, and opaque stretched regions include incrementally stretching a film of a thermoplastic material and a voiding agent.

Abstract: Multi-layered thermoplastic films include intermittent stretched regions that are visually distinct from un-stretched regions. The stretched regions can be white, opaque, and non porous. The multi-layered thermoplastic films with visually-distinct stretched regions can be formed into bags for use as trash can liners or food storage. Additionally, methods of stretching thermoplastic films to create visually distinct stretched regions include incrementally stretching a plurality of film layers, at least one of which includes a thermoplastic material and a voiding agent.

Abstract: Multi-layered bags include an outer layer or bag and an inner layer or bag that is shorter than the outer layer or bag. The shortened inner layer or bag can stretch or expand to the outer layer or bag when loaded with objects or otherwise strained. Such multi-layered bags can allow for a reduction in thermoplastic material without compromising the strength of the multi-layered bag. In various implementations, the inner layer or bag may be non-continuously laminated, continuously laminated, or joined only along one or more edges to the outer layer or bag. Implementations including non-continuous bonds securing the inner layer or bag to the outer layer or bag can provide additional strength to the bag. Methods of forming multi-layered bags with a shortened inner layer including inserting an inner layer within an outer layer and then joining the layers to form a bag.