BAG WITH INTEGRAL CLOSURE MECHANISM INCLUDING PERFORATED LINES WITH END APERTURES

Abstract

A bag having an integral closure mechanism includes perforated lines along which the bag is torn to form handles, wherein each of the perforated lines includes an aperture at opposite ends thereof for inhibiting tearing of the bag beyond the perforated lines. The handles are used to tie the bag closed. Finger apertures along the perforated liens in-between opposite ends thereof for facilitating tearing of the bag along the perforated lines to form the handles. Methods of making and using the bag are similarly disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/058,906, filed Jun. 4, 2008, which provisional patent application is incorporated by reference herein.

Each of the following patent applications, as well as any application publication thereof, are incorporated herein by reference:

• • (1) International patent application serial number PCT/US08/55049, filed Feb. 26, 2008;
  • (2) International patent application serial number PCT/US08/65829, filed Jun. 4, 2008
  • (3) U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 12/050,914, filed Mar. 18, 2008
  • (4) Provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/895,473, filed Mar. 18, 2007.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a bag having a closure mechanism, and more particularly, to a bag having an integral closure mechanism including handle members that can be tied together. Bags-and in particular plastic bags-are commonly used by consumers. Often it is desirable to be able to securely close these plastic bags. Therefore, a bag having a simple, integral closure mechanism would be beneficial to consumers. In addition, it would be further advantageous if the simple, integral closure mechanism better enabled lifting and carrying of the bag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes many aspects and features.

In an aspect of the invention, a bag includes at least two separate lines of perforations located near a top portion of the bag; and an aperture (or opening) located at each end of each line of perforations for inhibiting tearing of the bag after separation of the bag along each line of perforations.

In features of this aspect: a top portion of the bag is reinforced in strength compared to another portion of the bag; and/or the top portion of the bag comprises a two-ply layer.

In another aspect of the invention, a bag includes tie members for use in sealing the bag that are joined to the bag and that are configured to be partially torn away from the bag along at least two separate and distinct lines of perforations, wherein each line of perforations includes an aperture at each end thereof for inhibiting tearing of the bag after separation of the bag along the line of perforations. Each tie member is defined by separating the bag along one of the lines of perforations formed in the bag. Furthermore, the bag may include at least one aperture formed therein that can be used to initiate separation of the bag along the line of perforations. After separation of the bag along the line of perforations, the tie member remains attached to the bag, i.e., the tie member is not completely separated from the bag. Indeed, the tie member preferably includes an elongate portion, each end of which remains integrally formed with the remainder of the bag, and the tie member preferably consists of the same material as the bag.

In another aspect of the invention, a method of sealing a bag comprises tearing the bag along lines of perforations formed proximate a top of the bag to form handles of the bag; and using the handles to seal the bag, wherein each line of perforations includes an aperture at each end thereof.

In features of this aspect: the handles are configured to support lifting of the bag when the bag is weighted down by contents; the bag has at least one aperture located proximate the top of the bag, the aperture being sized to allow a user to insert a digit through the aperture to assist in lifting of the bag and tearing of the bag along the line of perforations; and/or the aperture is located proximate a midpoint of one of the lines of perforations.

In still yet another aspect of the invention, a bag includes: two parallel side panels; and a closure mechanism including two lines of perforations, one located in each side panel; wherein each perforated line is located near a top of the bag and each line is configured such that tearing thereof forms a handle member in the side panel in which the perforated line is located whereby two handle members, one from each side panel, are formed; wherein each handle member has opposite ends that remain integral with the side panel from which it is formed; and wherein each line of perforations includes an aperture located at opposite ends thereof.

In features of this aspect, each perforated line is generally centrally disposed in its side panel; each perforated line is offset a predetermined distance from the top edge of its side panel; the bag further includes a two-ply top section located at the top of the bag; the bag further includes two apertures, one disposed in each perforated line; the bag further includes two pluralities of apertures, each plurality located along each perforated line between opposite ends thereof, and/or the bag further includes two pluralities of apertures, each plurality located along each perforated line between opposite ends thereof and located at least partially within a two-ply top portion of the bag; the bag further includes two pluralities of apertures, each plurality located at least partially within a two-ply top portion of the bag, and wherein the perforated lines are located below the two-ply top portion of the bag.

In another aspect, a bag includes a closure mechanism integrally formed therewith and defined by a plurality of lines of perforations located near a top of the bag; wherein two handles are formed when the bag is torn along the lines of perforations, the two handles being configured for lifting of the bag when weighted by contents therein and being configured to tie off the bag when the handles are tied together; and wherein each line of perforations includes an aperture at opposite ends thereof.

In another aspect, a method of manufacturing includes manufacturing any portion of any bags that includes one or more of the foregoing aspects and features.

In another aspect, a roll of bags is secured to each other, end-to-end, by a respective line of perforations such that each bag may be individually separated from the other bags. Each bag in the roll corresponds to one of the bags of the foregoing aspects and features. Another aspect includes the method of making such a roll of bags.

Preferably, bags in accordance with one or more of the aforementioned aspects are lightweight, pliable, and inexpensively made of plastic. Each bag may be utilized as a garbage bag or trash bag, which would include use of such bag as a trashcan liner for a trashcan.

In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the present invention, it should be noted that the present invention further encompasses the various possible combinations of such aspects and features, including the aspects and features of the incorporated priority application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the present invention now will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bag in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the bag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partial view of the bag of FIG. 1, showing a top portion thereof.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the bag of FIG. 1 with a finger inserted through apertures thereof.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the bag of FIG. 1 with perforated sections thereof torn by the finger having pulled upwardly.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a partial view of the bag of FIG. 5, showing a top portion thereof.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 5 with hands of a person holding the handle members in preparation for tying thereof.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 5 with the handle members having been tied together.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a roll of bags, each bag having been formed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a bag detached from the roll of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 11 held by a user and placed in a position ready to be torn along perforated lines, wherein the bag is weighted down with contents.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 12, with the bag being torn along the perforated lines to form handles of the bag, which handles serve as tie members.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 13, showing an example of sealing the bag by wrapping the tie members about a thumb of the user to arrive at the position shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 14, after the tie member has been wrapped about a thumb of a user and also showing via directional arrow “B” how the tie member is inserted through the loop portion formed in a neck of the bag that is wrapped about the user's thumb in order to tie off the bag.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 15 in a tied position resulting from the sequence of FIGS. 12-15.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a roll of bags, each bag having been formed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a bag detached from the roll of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a roll of bags, each bag having been formed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a bag detached from the roll of FIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a roll of bags, each bag having been formed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a bag detached from the roll of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a roll of bags, each bag having been formed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a bag detached from the roll of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a roll of bags, each bag having been formed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a bag detached from the roll of FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a roll of bags, each bag having been formed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a bag detached from the roll of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a roll of bags, each bag having been formed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a bag detached from the roll of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a roll of bags, each bag having been formed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a bag detached from the roll of FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a roll of bags, each bag having been formed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a bag detached from the roll of FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 is a front elevational view of a bag in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 36 is a front elevational view of a bag in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 37 is a front elevational view of a bag in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 38 is a front elevational view of a bag in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified herein should be understood as a “preferred” embodiment and considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Some may be discussed for illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention and may not necessarily be preferred with respect to commercialization and consumer preferences in the marketplace. Indeed, variations between embodiments disclosed herein very well may have corresponding advantages and disadvantages arising from such variations. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple.”

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.”

Referring now to the drawings, one or more embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses.

FIGS. 1 to 3 show a bag 10 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The bag 10 comprises two parallel rectangular side panels 12 that form the body of the bag 10. The panels 12 are connected at bottom edges 14 and side edges 16 thereof. Top edges 18 of the side panels 12 are not connected in order to leave an opening 20 at a top 22 of the bag 10 for items to be placed therein. The side panels 12 are constructed of a pliable, lightweight material such as plastic. The side panels 12 may be of any shape that allows for side edges 16 and bottom edges 14 thereof to be connected to form the body of the bag 10. The side panels 12 further may be elastic in order to reduce the possibility of side wall failure during moderate expansion of the bag.

The bag 10 includes a closure mechanism 24 comprising two perforated lines 26 located near the top 22 of the bag 10, with one perforated line 26 in each of the side panels 12. More specifically, each perforated line 26 is generally located centrally between the side edges 16 and is disposed in a generally parallel orientation relative to the top edge 18 of its respective panel 12. The perforated lines 26 are spaced a predetermined distance from the top edges 18 of the side panels 12. Furthermore, the perforated lines 26 are generally horizontally and vertically aligned with one another when the panels 12 are laid flat in a parallel orientation. The length of the perforated lines 26 does not extend the entire width between the side panels 12, whereby areas of the side panels 12 on either side of the perforated lines 26 are not perforated.

The bag 10 further includes two apertures 28 formed in the side panels 12, with one aperture 28 defined by a cutout in the material of the side panel at a location that is generally located centrally between the side edges 16. Moreover, in the bag 10 in accordance with this particular embodiment, the aperture 28 is formed such that the perforated line 26 of the panel 12 intersects the aperture 28 as perhaps best shown in FIG. 3. As such, each of the panels 12 has an aperture 28 disposed therein. Each aperture 28 furthermore preferably is configured to receive a finger therethrough, and is sometimes referred to herein as a “finger aperture.”

Additionally, each of the perforated lines 26 of the bag 10 includes an aperture 9 (sometimes referred to herein as an “end aperture”) at each opposite end thereof. Each aperture 9 is believed to inhibit further separation or tearing of the bag 10 as the bag 10 is separated and torn along the perforated lines 26.

The bag 10 also includes a two-ply area 30 at the top 22 defined between the top edge 18 and the line shown in phantom in each panel 12. The two-ply area 30 is formed by a top portion 32 of each side panel 12 being folded over inwardly at the top 22 of the bag 10. In the bag 10 in accordance with this particular embodiment of the invention, the height of the two-ply area 30 is slightly less than the offset distance of the perforated lines 26 from the top edges 18 of the side panels 12; therefore, the folded over portions 32 of the side panels 12 do not overlap the perforated lines 26. On the other hand, the folded over portions 32 do intersect the apertures 28 of the side panels 12 (but not the end apertures 9) in this particular embodiment.

It will also be understood that, in alternative constructions, the two-ply area 30 may be formed by the top portion 32 of each of the side panels 12 being folded over outwardly at the top 22 of the bag 10.

The two-ply area 30 additionally may be secured in place by any of various methods, including for example, but not limited to, heat sealing, thermowelding, ultrasonic welding, and use of adhesives.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the perforated lines 26 may be torn by a person using the bag 10 to form handle members 34 in the side panels 12 of the bag 10. A person simply inserts one or more fingers through the apertures 28 and pulls upwardly, thereby tearing the bag 10 along the perforated lines 26 to form the handle members 34, with one handle member 34 in each side panel 12 of the bag 10. As the handle members 34 are formed, the end apertures 9 are believed to contain and inhibit further tearing or separation of the bag 10 beyond the perforated lines 26, which is undesired.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a single finger of one hand being inserted through both apertures 28 to pull and tear the bag 10 along the perforated lines 26. It will be understood that, after the bag 10 is torn along the perforated lines 26, the reference to 26 in the drawings is intended to indicate the resulting torn edges of the bag 10. Furthermore, it will be understood that there are numerous ways in which the bag 10 may be torn along the perforated lines 26 including for example, but not limited to, inserting one finger from each hand through an aperture 28 so that both hands are used; inserting a tool of some sort through both apertures 28 so that no fingers are inserted through the apertures 28; or simply pulling on the two-ply areas 30 at the top 22 of the bag 10 without inserting any fingers or tools through the apertures 28.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show the bag 10 after having been torn to form the handle members 34. Because the perforated lines 26 have fixed lengths that do not extend the entire width of the side panels 12, the handle members 34 resulting from the tearing of the bag 10 along the perforated lines 26 have opposite ends 36 that remain untorn and integral with the side panels 12 from which the handle members 34 are formed. It is contemplated that a person may use the handle members 34 to lift and carry the bag 10. It is further contemplated, and intended, that a person will use the handle members 34 to securely close the bag 10 by tying the handle members 34 in one of a variety of ways, as now described below.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show an example of how the handle members 34 may be tied to secure the bag 10 closed. In FIG. 8, a person is grasping one handle member 34 in each hand in preparation for tying the handle members 34 together. In FIG. 9, the handle members 34 have been tied together to form a knot.

After the bag 10 has been securely closed by tying handle members 34 together, a person may lift and carry the bag 10 by the handle members 34. For instance, if the bag 10 is a garbage bag that has been filled with trash, a person may secure the garbage bag closed by tying the handle members 34 together and then the person may conveniently lift and carry the garbage bag to a proper disposal site.

The handle members 34 may also be used to secure the bag 10 closed by collectively looping them around a neck of the bag 10 and then tying them off. More particularly, a person may hold the neck of the bag 10 in one hand and then use the other hand to wrap the handle members 34 underneath and around the neck and then insert ends of the handle members 34 through the loop created by the underneath-and-around wrapping, thereby forming a knot securing the bag 10 closed. As mentioned previously, the bag 10 may be secured closed with the handle members 34 in a number of different ways. The disclosure contained herein of ways in which to secure the bag 10 closed are exemplary only.

To further explain the utility of the bag 10, an exemplary use of the bag 10 as a garbage bag will be described. The bag 10, in its complete, untorn configuration may be placed in a garbage can, thereby forming a garbage can liner of sorts. Once the garbage bag is full, a person may remove the garbage bag from the garbage can, tear the bag 10 along the perforated lines 26 thereby forming the handle members 34 as described above, and secure the garbage bag closed by tying the handle members 34 as described above. Alternatively, once the garbage bag is full, a person may tear the bag 10 along the perforated lines 26, thereby forming the handle members 34 as described above while the garbage bag is still in the garbage can; secure the bag closed by tying the handle members 34 while the garbage bag is still in the garbage can; and then use the tied handle members 34 to lift the garbage bag out of the garbage can. After the garbage bag has been securely closed with the handle members 34, it may be taken to a proper disposal site.

It will be appreciated that a plurality of bags, each in accordance with an embodiment of the invention or made in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, may be supplied in a roll with successive bags being connected to one another by a perforated edge that enables the bags to be individually separated from one another as needed. In particular, the bags may be trash bags, which are supplied to consumers in rolls. It will be appreciated that there are numerous convenient, compact ways in which a plurality of bags may be supplied to consumers.

FIG. 10 illustrates a roll 102 of bags, wherein each bag of the roll 102 is represented by the bag 104 in FIG. 11. Each bag of the roll 102 has been formed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In particular, each bag 104 includes a two-ply top portion 106, which two-ply top portion 106 preferably has been formed during manufacturing of the bag 104 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention by folding an edge 108 of the bag 104 (which edge is indicated by a dashed and dotted line) downwardly against an inside or outside of the bag 104. Optionally, the layers of the two-ply top portion 106 may be secured together by any of various methods during manufacturing of the bag 104, such as by heating in specific spots or areas.

The bag 104 includes a first perforated line 110 extending along a section of the top portion 106 of the bag 104. The perforated line 110 only extends partially about the top portion 106 of the bag 104, and not all the way around the bag 104. In addition, a second perforated line 110 is provided on a directly opposite side of the bag 104, as perhaps best seen in FIG. 12 (which drawing illustrates the bag 104 containing material and being held by a user).

Furthermore, each side of the bag 104 includes an aperture 112, positioned proximate a midpoint of the perforated line of that side of the bag 104. The aperture 112 preferably is sized to allow a user to insert a finger through the aperture 112 on one side of the bag 104 and out through the corresponding aperture 112 on the other side of the bag 104, as perhaps best seen again with reference to FIG. 12.

After inserting a finger through the apertures 112, a user simply pulls upwardly in the direction of arrow “A” in FIGS. 12 and 13, thereby tearing the bag 104 along each perforated line 110 as best seen in FIG. 13. The tearing of the bag results in handles 114 that may be used as tie members to seal the bag 104.

Each perforated line 110 includes an aperture 109 located at each of its opposite ends. The apertures 109 are believed to be beneficial in inhibiting separation and tearing of the bag beyond the ends of the perforated lines 110 when the handles 114 are formed.

With reference to FIG. 14, a method of using the handles 114 to seal the bag 104 includes a user holding the bag 104 in a first hand 116, and using the other hand (not shown) to wrap the handles 114 underneath and around a thumb 118 of the first hand 116, in a direction as illustrated by arrow “B” resulting in a loop 120 being formed in the bag 104 that is wrapped around the thumb 118 of the first hand 116, as perhaps best seen in FIG. 6. Thereafter, the user utilizes the second hand in pulling the handles 114 through the loop 120 in order to tie off and seal the bag 104, thereby resulting in the closed and sealed bag 104 of FIG. 16 having knot 121.

Of course, another method of using the handles to seal the bag 104 includes simply tying the handles 114 together, which method was described above with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 17 illustrates a roll 122 of bags, wherein each bag of the roll 122 is represented by the bag 124 in FIG. 18. Each bag of the roll 122 has been formed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the bag 124, like the bag 104, includes the two-ply top portion as well as the perforated lines. Furthermore, the perforated lines of the bag are formed in the two-ply top portion. Unlike the bag 104, the bag 124 includes a plurality of apertures on each side of the bag, wherein the apertures extend in series along the perforated line between opposite ends thereof, as shown in FIG. 18. In contrast, the bag 104 includes only a single aperture 112 on each side located along the perforated line 110 between opposite ends thereof. Each of these apertures of the bag 124 is intended to accommodate a digit of a user for facilitating the tearing of the bag along the perforated line. Each perforated line also includes, at each opposite end thereof, an aperture for inhibiting further tearing or separation of the bag beyond the perforated line. The other side of the bag 124 includes corresponding structure, with the plurality of apertures on the other side preferably aligning with the plurality of apertures shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 19 illustrates a roll 132 of bags, wherein each bag of the roll 132 is represented by the bag 134 in FIG. 20. Each bag of the roll 132 has been formed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the bag 134 includes the two-ply top portion and perforated lines formed below the two-ply top portion. The bag 134 includes an aperture on each side of the bag that is located along and in-between opposite ends of the perforated line, as shown in FIG. 20. The aperture is intended to accommodate a digit of a user for facilitating the tearing of the bag along the perforated line. Each perforated line also includes, at each opposite end thereof, an aperture for inhibiting further tearing or separation of the bag beyond the perforated line. The other side of the bag 134 includes corresponding structure, with the aperture on the other side of the bag 134 preferably aligning with the aperture shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 21 illustrates a roll 142 of bags, wherein each bag of the roll 142 is represented by the bag 144 in FIG. 22. Each bag of the roll 142 has been formed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the bag 144 includes the two-ply top portion and perforated lines formed below the two-ply top portion. The bag 144 also includes a plurality of apertures on each side of the bag, wherein the apertures extend in series along and in-between opposite ends of the perforated line, as shown in FIG. 22. Each aperture of the bag 144 is intended to accommodate a digit of a user for facilitating the tearing of the bag along the perforated line. Each perforated line also includes, at each opposite end thereof, an aperture for inhibiting further tearing or separation of the bag beyond the perforated line. The other side of the bag 144 includes corresponding structure, with the plurality of apertures on the other side preferably aligning with the plurality of apertures shown in FIG. 22.

FIG. 23 illustrates a roll 152 of bags, wherein each bag of the roll 152 is represented by the bag 154 in FIG. 24. Each bag of the roll 152 has been formed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the bag 154 includes the two-ply top portion and perforated lines formed below the two-ply top portion. The bag 154 includes a finger aperture on each side of the bag that is located along and in-between the perforated line and that partially extends in, and is partially defined by, the two-ply top portion, as shown in FIG. 24. The aperture is intended to accommodate a digit of a user for facilitating the tearing of the bag along the perforated line. The perforated line also includes, at each opposite end thereof, an end aperture below the two-ply portion for inhibiting further tearing or separation of the bag beyond the perforated line. Alternatively, the end aperture may partially extend in, and be partially defined by, the two-ply top portion, just like the finger aperture. The other side of the bag 154 includes corresponding structure, with the aperture on the other side of the bag 154 preferably aligning with the aperture shown in FIG. 24.

FIG. 25 illustrates a roll 162 of bags, wherein each bag of the roll 162 is represented by the bag 164 in FIG. 26. Each bag of the roll 162 has been formed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the bag 164 includes a two-ply top portion and perforated lines formed below the two-ply top portion. The bag 164 also includes a plurality of apertures that extend in series along and in-between opposite ends of the perforated line as shown in FIG. 26. Furthermore, each aperture of the bag 164 partially extends into, and is partially defined by, the two-ply top portion of the bag, as shown in FIG. 26. Each aperture also is intended to accommodate a digit of a user for facilitating the tearing of the bag along the perforated line. The perforated line also includes, at each opposite end thereof, an end aperture below the two-ply portion for inhibiting further tearing or separation of the bag beyond the perforated line. Alternatively, the end aperture may partially extend in, and be partially defined by, the two-ply top portion, just like the finger aperture. The other side of the bag 164 includes corresponding structure, with the plurality of apertures on the other side preferably aligning with the plurality of apertures shown in FIG. 26.

FIG. 27 illustrates a roll 172 of bags, wherein each bag of the roll 172 is represented by the bag 174 in FIG. 28. Each bag of the roll 172 has been formed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the bag 174 includes the two-ply top portion and perforated lines formed below the two-ply top portion. The bag 174 includes an aperture on each side of the bag that is not located along the perforated line but, instead, is located in the two-ply top portion, as shown in FIG. 28. The aperture is intended to accommodate a digit of a user for facilitating the tearing of the bag along the perforated line. Each perforated line also includes, at each opposite end thereof, an aperture for inhibiting further tearing or separation of the bag beyond the perforated line. The other side of the bag 174 includes corresponding structure, with the aperture on the other side of the bag 174 preferably aligning with the aperture shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 29 illustrates a roll 182 of bags, wherein each bag of the roll 182 is represented by the bag 184 in FIG. 30. Each bag of the roll 182 has been formed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the bag 184 includes the two-ply top portion and perforated lines formed below the two-ply top portion. The bag 184 also includes a plurality of apertures extending in series on each side of the bag that is not located along the perforated line but, instead, is located in the two-ply top portion, as shown in FIG. 30. Furthermore, each aperture is intended to accommodate a digit of a user for facilitating the tearing of the bag by the user along the perforated line. Each perforated line also includes, at each opposite end thereof, an aperture for inhibiting further tearing or separation of the bag beyond the perforated line. The other side of the bag 184 includes corresponding structure, with the plurality of apertures on the other side preferably aligning with the plurality of apertures shown in FIG. 30.

FIG. 31 illustrates a roll 192 of bags, wherein each bag of the roll 192 is represented by the bag 194 in FIG. 32. Each bag of the roll 192 has been formed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the bag 194 includes the two-ply top portion and perforated lines formed in the two-ply top portion. Unlike prior bags, however, the bag 194 does not include a “finger” aperture on either side of the bag, as shown in FIG. 32. In use, the two-ply top portion of the bag is grasped and pulled upwardly to tear the bag along the perforated lines, thereby forming the handles for lifting and/or tying off of the bag. Each perforated line also includes, at each opposite end thereof, an aperture for inhibiting further tearing or separation of the bag beyond the perforated line. The other side of the bag 194 includes corresponding structure, with the perforated line on the other side of the bag 194 preferably aligning with the perforated line shown in FIG. 32, just as in the previous describe bags herein.

FIG. 33 illustrates a roll 202 of bags, wherein each bag of the roll 202 is represented by the bag 204 in FIG. 34. Each bag of the roll 202 has been formed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the bag 204 includes the two-ply top portion and perforated lines formed below the two-ply top portion rather than in the two-ply top portion. Furthermore, like bag 194, the bag 204 does not include a finger aperture on either side of the bag, as shown in FIG. 34. Each perforated line does include, at each opposite end thereof, an aperture for inhibiting further tearing or separation of the bag beyond the perforated lines.

In use, a top portion of the bag-which top portion includes and extends beyond the two-ply top portion and ends at the perforated lines-is grasped and pulled upwardly to tear the bag along the perforated lines, thereby forming the handles for lifting and/or tying off of the bag. The other side of the bag 194 includes corresponding structure, with the perforated line on the other side of the bag 194 preferably aligning with the perforated line shown in FIG. 34, just as in the previous describe bags herein.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing description relates to bags with ties, and in particular, to a trash bag with an integral tie formed as part of the bag itself. As will be appreciated, however, various types of plastics or other materials may be used. Furthermore, the bags may be used as trash bags for waste or as bags used for other than waste.

Still yet, it will be appreciated that recitation of a “perforated line” herein may refer to a linear line, curved line, or other line of perforations and is intended to mean that the perforations are generally aligned in sequential order for propagation of a single tear in the bag. The use of “line” thus does not require that the perforations be perfectly aligned in a straight line.

Additional embodiments of the invention are illustrated in FIGS. 35-38.

In FIG. 35, a front elevational view of another bag 350 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The bag 350 is similar in structure to bag 10 of FIG. 2, which similarities are not described in the interests of brevity. A noted distinction between the bags 350,10 includes the perforated line 352 which, in the illustrated side panel, includes downwardly turned curved end segments that terminate proximate the end apertures 354.

In FIG. 36, a front elevational view of another bag 360 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The bag 360 is similar in structure to bag 10 of FIG. 2, which similarities are not described in the interests of brevity. A noted distinction between the bags 360,10 includes the perforated line 362 which, in the illustrated side panel, includes upwardly turned curved end segments that terminate proximate the end apertures 364.

In FIG. 37, a front elevational view of another bag 370 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The bag 370 is similar in structure to bag 10 of FIG. 2, which similarities are not described in the interests of brevity. A noted distinction between the bags 370,10 includes the perforated line 372 which, in the illustrated side panel, includes downwardly curved segments that extend from the centered finger aperture 373 and terminate proximate the end apertures 374.

In FIG. 38, a front elevational view of another bag 380 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The bag 380 is similar in structure to bag 10 of FIG. 2, which similarities are not described in the interests of brevity. A noted distinction between the bags 380,10 includes the perforated line 382 which, in the illustrated side panel, includes upwardly curved segments that extend from the centered finger aperture 383 and terminate proximate the end apertures 384.

The four bags 350,360,370,380 may or may not include the two-ply section of bags 102,122,132,142,152,162,172,182,192,202; moreover, the perforated line, finger aperture, and end apertures each may or may not be located entirely or partially in the two-play section, as desired.

Additionally, it is noted that, of the four bags 350,360,370,380, the perforated lines and apertures of bag 350 are believed to perform the best in inhibiting tearing and separation of the bag beyond the perforated lines due the structure arrangement and geometry.

Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An improved bag comprising

(a) a bag; and,

(b) a closure mechanism including at least two separate perforated lines located near a top portion of the bag;

(c) wherein each perforated line is configured such that tearing thereof forms a tie member configured for sealing the bag; and

(d) wherein each perforated line includes an aperture at opposite ends thereof for inhibiting tearing of the bag beyond the perforated lines.

2. The improved bag of claim 1, wherein the top portion of the bag is reinforced in strength compared to another portion of the bag.

3. The improved bag of claim 1, wherein the top portion of the bag comprises a two-ply layer.

4. The improved bag of claim 1, further comprising at least one aperture formed along each perforated line.

5. The improved bag of claim 1, further comprising at least one aperture formed along each perforated line, wherein the aperture in each perforated line is substantially centered along a length of the respective line.

6. The improved bag of claim 1, further comprising at least one plurality of apertures, each plurality being disposed in a perforated line.

7. The improved bag of claim 1, further comprising at least one plurality of apertures, each plurality being located along each perforated line and located at least partially within a two-ply top portion of the bag.

8. The improved bag of claim 1, further comprising at least one plurality of apertures, each plurality being located at least partially within a two-ply top portion of the bag; and

wherein each perforated line is located below the top two-ply portion of the bag.

9. The improved bag of claim 1, wherein the tie member is integrally formed as part of the bag.

10. The improved bag of claim 1, wherein the bag comprises two parallel side panels; and at least one perforated line is located in each side panel.

11. The improved bag of claim 1, wherein the bag comprises two parallel side panels; and at least one perforated line is located in each side panel; and each perforated line is generally centrally disposed in its side panel.

12. The improved bag of claim 1, wherein the bag comprises two parallel side panels; and at least one perforated line is located in each side panel; and each perforated line is offset a predetermined distance from the top edge of its side panel.

13. The improved bag of claim 1, wherein at least one perforated line is configured such that at least one tie member formed is configured for lifting of the bag when weighted by contents therein.

14. The improved bag of claim 1, wherein the improved bag is one in a roll of bags secured to each other, end to end, by a respective perforated line such that each bag may be individually separated from the other bags.

15. A method of sealing a bag comprising the steps of tearing the bag along perforated lines formed proximate a top of the bag, in a layer of material of the bag, to form handles of the bag; and using the handles to seal the bag; wherein each perforated line includes two apertures, each proximate one of two opposite ends thereof for inhibiting tearing of the bag beyond the perforated lines.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the handles are configured to support lifting of the bag when the bag is weighted down by contents.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the bag has at least one aperture located proximate the top of the bag, the aperture being sized to allow a user to insert a digit through the aperture to assist in lifting of the bag and tearing of the bag along the perforated line.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the aperture is located proximate a midpoint of one of the perforated lines.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the bag comprises at least one aperture formed along each perforated line, the aperture being dimensioned for receipt therethrough of a digit of a person's hand.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein each handle comprises a portion of the layer of material in which the perforations are formed.