MULTI-HANDLED BAGS AND RELATED METHODS OF USE

Abstract

A multi-handled bag is provided. The multi-handled bag may include a first wall, a second wall, a first gusset, and a second gusset that cooperate to form at least a portion of a cavity. The multi-handled bag may also include one or more intermediate seals that extend along the full width of the bag. A variety of end seals can also be used, including tack seals and seals that only extend along a portion of the width of the bag.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/521,208, filed on Jun. 16, 2017 and titled “Multi-Handled Bags and Related Methods of Use,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to bags, and more particularly to multi-handled bags and related methods of use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 is a front view of a bag material, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the bag material of FIG. 1 taken along the view line 1A-1A.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a multi-handled bag, such as a multi-handled bag made from the bag material of FIG. 1, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a multi-handled bag, such as a multi-handled bag made from the bag material of FIG. 1, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a front view of a multi-handled bag, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a multi-handled bag, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a multi-handled bag, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a multi-handled bag, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates generally to bags, and more particularly to multi-handled bags and related methods of use. In some embodiments, the multi-handled bag comprises a first wall, a second wall, a first gusset, and a second gusset, wherein the first wall, the second wall, the first gusset, and the second gusset cooperate to define at least a portion of a cavity. In some of such embodiments, the multi-handled bag further comprises a first flap comprising a first handle; a first intermediate seal disposed at a first end of the first flap, wherein the first intermediate seal consists of a single transverse seal that extends along a full width of the bag; and a first end seal that extends along only a portion of a second end of the first flap. Similarly, the multi-handled bag can also comprise a second flap comprising a second handle; a second intermediate seal disposed at a first end of the second flap, wherein the second intermediate seal consists of a single transverse seal that extends along a full width of the bag; and a second end seal that extends along only a portion of a second end of the second flap. In certain of such embodiments, the multi-handled bag is devoid of additional seals. Additional embodiments and details are further discussed below.

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

FIGS. 1 and 1A depict various views of a bag material 100 (or a bag precursor 100), according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. More particularly, FIG. 1 is a front view of the bag material 100, and FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the bag material 100 of FIG. 1 taken along the view line 1A-1A. It will also be appreciated that FIG. 1 can be representative of a rear view of the bag material 100, as the front and rear of the bag material 100 can be substantially the same.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A, the bag material 100 comprises a first or front wall 110, and a second or rear wall 120, each of which can comprise a first lateral edge 116, 126 and a second lateral edge 118, 128. The bag material 100 also comprises a first gusset 130 and a second gusset 140. The first wall 110, second wall 120, first gusset 130, and second gusset 140 can cooperate to define at least a portion of a cavity 102 in the interior of the bag material 100.

In certain embodiments, the first wall 110 can be described as having a top end 114 and a bottom end 112. Likewise, the second wall 120, the first gusset 130, the second gusset 140, and/or the bag material 100 generally can also be described as having a top end and a bottom end. As used herein, directional terms, such as “front,” “rear,” “top,” “bottom,” etc., are used with respect to the orientation shown in FIGS. 1-7. However, such terms are used for the sake of convenience and are not intended to be limiting. For example, it will be understood that a top end 114 could be referred to as a first end 114, and a bottom end 112 could be referred to as a second end 112, etc.

In various embodiments, the bag material 100 comprises a tubular structure. For example, the bag material 100 may be extruded as an elongated tubular structure. The elongated tubular structure can thereafter be cut to form smaller tubular structures (such as the structure depicted in FIG. 1) from which individual bags may be formed. In some of such embodiments, the various walls 110, 120 and/or gussets 130, 140 of the bag material 100 can be described as being integral with one another, or formed from a single portion of material. Accordingly, while the disclosure herein may reference a first wall 110, a second wall 120, a first gusset 130, and a second gusset 140, it will be appreciated that such reference may be in relation to a first face, second face, first side, and second side of a tubular structure from which the bag or bag material 100 may be formed. In other embodiments, one or more of the walls 110, 120, and/or gussets 130, 140 may be made from separate panels that are adhered or otherwise joined together. In yet other embodiments, a single piece of material is folded and joined to form a tubular structure from which the bag material 100 may be formed.

As shown in FIG. 1A, in some embodiments, the gussets 130, 140 can be formed by folding or otherwise tucking in one or more sides of the bag material 100. Without limitation, the gussets 130, 140 can serve various functions. For example, the gussets 130, 140 may include a creased, folded, or pleated piece of material that is configured to transition from a flattened state to an expanded state (e.g., such as when the cavity 102 is filled with one or more products). The gussets 130, 140 may also be configured to permit portions of the first and second walls 110, 120 to be spaced apart from each other. In other embodiments, the bag material 100 does not include one or more gussets 130, 140.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, in some embodiments the bag material 100 can be coupled in various regions 152, 154, 156, 158 (also known as seal regions 152, 154, 156, 158). For example, one or more walls 110, 120 of the bag material 100, such as the first wall 110, second wall 120, first gusset 130, and second gusset 140, can be coupled together to form a bag (such as the bag 101 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). As shown in the illustrated embodiment, for example, the bag material 100 can be coupled at a first intermediate region 154 (which can also be described as a lower intermediate region 154), and at a second intermediate region 156 (which can also be described as an upper intermediate region 156). In such embodiments, the portion of the bag material 100 disposed between the first and second intermediate regions 154, 156 can be described as the bag body 104. As detailed below, the bag body 104 can be configured to retain one or more products within the cavity 102 of the bag. In further embodiments, the bag material 100 can also optionally be at least partially coupled at a first end region 152 (also known as a lower or bottom end region 152), and can optionally be at least partially coupled at a second end region 158 (also known as an upper or top end region 158).

The various regions 152, 154, 156, 158 of the bag material 100 can be coupled in various ways. In some embodiments, for example, the walls 110, 120 at the various regions 152, 154, 156, 158 can be coupled by one or more seals. Illustrative types of seals include, but are not limited to, adhesive seals, mechanical seals (e.g., sewing, stitching, etc.), and heat seals (e.g., made with hot bar sealers, ultrasonic welding, etc.). Other types of seals and/or coupling mechanisms can also be used. In certain embodiments, the seals can also be referred to as seams.

In some embodiments, one or more of the seals are applied such that they extend along an entire or full width of the bag material 100 (e.g., from one lateral edge 116 to another lateral edge 118). In such embodiments, the seals can be referred to as transverse seals. One or more seals can also be applied across only a portion of the width of the bag material 100. In such embodiments, the seals can be referred to as partial seals. In yet further embodiments, one or more tack seals can be used.

As can be appreciated, and as further detailed herein, the seals or seams can be applied at various stages in the manufacturing process. For example, a manufacturer may apply a seal at a first intermediate region 154 prior to providing the bag to a customer or downstream user. The customer or downstream user may then fill the bag with one or more products and apply a seal at the second intermediate region 156 to enclose the one or more products in the cavity 102 of the bag. If desired, the manufacturer, customer, and/or downstream user may further apply a seal at a first and/or second end region 152, 158 (e.g., to hold the walls of the flaps 160, 162 together).

In some embodiments, the bag material 100 is coupled such that it forms a flap 160 on either end of the bag material 100. For example, the bag material 100 can be coupled at a first intermediate region 154 such that a first flap 160 is formed at one end 112 of the bag material 100. The bag material 100 can also be coupled at a second intermediate region 156 such that a second flap 162 is formed at another end 114 of the bag material 100. The flaps 160, 162 can also be described as header regions or handle regions 160, 162.

In some embodiments, a length or height of the flaps 160, 162 is defined by the location of the intermediate seals or seal regions 154, 156. For example, the length or height of the flaps 160, 162 can be described as the distance between the bag end 112, 114 and an intermediate seal or seal region 154, 156. In certain embodiments, the length or height of the flaps 160, 162 is between about 1.5 inches and about 5 inches, between about 2 inches and about 4.5 inches, between about 2.5 inches and about 4 inches, or between about 3 inches and about 3.5 inches. Other suitable lengths or heights are also contemplated.

The flaps 160, 162 can be advantageous in many ways. For example, in some embodiments, a handle is disposed in each of the flaps 160, 162 (as is shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2) such that the bag can be carried, handled, and/or otherwise manipulated by a user. As can be appreciated, the contents in the cavity 102 of the bag or bag material 100 are also not disposed in the flaps 160, 162. The flaps 160, 162, including the handles, can thus be easily grasped by a user without obstruction from the contents of the bag. Additionally, transverse seals disposed at the intermediate regions 154, 156 (which can extend along a full width of the bag material 100) can inhibit or prevent the contents of the bag from spilling out through the handles (or another region at the top or bottom end 114, 112 of the bag).

FIG. 2 depicts a front view of a multi-handled bag 101 formed from a bag material, such as the bag material 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, one or more of the regions 152, 154, 156, 158 can be sealed or otherwise coupled. For example, in the illustrated embodiment a first intermediate region 154 has been coupled (e.g., sealed with a heat seal, etc.) to form a first intermediate seal 174 that defines a first end 103 of the bag cavity 102. One or more products (e.g., salt, etc.) may thereafter be disposed in the cavity 102 of the bag 101. After the one or more products are disposed in the bag 101, a second intermediate region 156 of the bag 101 can be coupled (e.g., sealed), enclosing the one or more products in the cavity 102 of the bag 101 and forming a second end 105 of the bag cavity 102 (resulting in a bag 101 such as the bag depicted in FIG. 3).

As further shown in FIG. 2, the first intermediate seal 174 extends along an entire or full width of the bag 101. In such embodiments, the one or more products can be described as being retained at least partially by the first intermediate seal 174. Further, in some embodiments, the first intermediate seal 174 consists of a single seal or seam.

Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, an end seal 172 has also been applied at an end seal region 152. As shown in FIG. 2, in certain embodiments, the end seal 172 extends along an entire width of the bag 101, forming a transverse seal or seam. As detailed further below, in other embodiments, the end seals 172 need not extend along the entire width of the bag 101.

As further shown in the illustrated embodiment, a handle 164, 166 has been disposed in each of the bag flaps 160, 162. The handles 164, 166 may be formed in various ways, such as by a laser or a blade (or other mechanical implement), or by another suitable mechanism or method. In some embodiments, the handles 164, 166 may be formed in the bag 101 by cutting one or more slits and/or apertures 168 into the bag 101. For example, one or more apertures 168 can be cut or otherwise disposed through each of the first wall 110 and the second wall.

If desired, a reinforcement member 161 can also be disposed in the flap 160, 162, and the handle 164, 166 can also be cut or otherwise disposed through the reinforcement member 161. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, a reinforcement member 161 can be disposed on an outer face of the first wall 110. In other embodiments, a reinforcement member 161 is disposed on an inner face of the first wall 110, or on an inner and/or outer face of the second wall.

In some embodiments, the reinforcement members 161 may reinforce, strengthen, and/or support the handles 164, 166. For example, the reinforcement members 161 may inhibit or prevent the handles 164, 166 from tearing through a portion of the first wall 110 and/or the second wall. During use, a user may grasp the handle 164, 166 to lift or carry the bag 101. The contents of the bag 101 may be heavy such that during lifting or carrying of the bag 101 substantial pressure is applied to at least a portion of the bag 101 at or adjacent the handles 164, 166. For example, in some embodiments the bag 101 may be configured for heavy-duty applications. For instance, the bag 101 may be configured to retain one or more products like salt (e.g., salt pellets), rocks (e.g., gravel), bark, fertilizers, etc. The bag 101 may also be configured to retain at least 5 lbs, 10 lbs, 15 lbs, 20 lbs, 25 lbs, 30 lbs, 35 lbs, 40 lbs, 45 lbs, 50 lbs, or 55 lbs, or more of the product. In such embodiments, the reinforcement member 161 may act to reinforce, strengthen, and/or support the handles 164, 166, minimizing the risk of bag failure. In various embodiments, the handles 164, 166, the reinforcement member 161, and/or the handle 164, 166 in combination with the reinforcement member 161 may be substantially tear-resistant.

Various types of reinforcement members 161 can be used, including, but not limited to one or more of a tape (e.g., an adhesive tape), a film, a fabric, or a reinforcement material. The reinforcement members 161 may include a polymeric material (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.), fibers, another suitable reinforcement material, or any combination thereof. As shown, a width and/or a height of the reinforcement members 161 can be greater than a width and/or a height of the handle 164, 166. In other words, the reinforcement members 161 may surround the handle 164, 166.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, various types of handles 164, 166 can be used. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the handles 164, 166 comprise a plurality of apertures or openings 168 (e.g., two or more apertures 168). More particularly, the handles 164, 166 comprise three apertures 168. Without limitation, a user may extend a finger through each of the three apertures 168 when grasping, moving, or otherwise manipulating the bag 101. For example, a user may extend an index finger though a first aperture, a middle finger through a second aperture, and a ring finger through a third aperture. Similar grasping may also be done by both hands, with each of the handles 164, 166 simultaneously. In other embodiments, the user may extend only one, two or more fingers through the apertures 168.

Additionally, it will generally be understood that the shape and/or size of the handle 164, 166 and/or apertures 168 can vary as desired. Indeed, any variety of handles 164, 166 and/or apertures 168 can be cut or otherwise disposed on or formed in the flap 160, 162. Further, the handle 164, 166 and/or apertures 168 can be disposed in the bag 100 before or after the one or more intermediate seals are applied. The handles 160, 162 can be also cut or otherwise disposed into the bag 101 or bag material prior to sealing and/or filling the bag 101 with one or more products.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a multi-handled bag 101 formed from a bag material, such as the bag material 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments a second intermediate region 156 can be sealed or otherwise coupled after filling the cavity 102 with one or more products. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the second intermediate region 156 has been coupled (e.g., sealed with a heat seal, etc.) to form a second intermediate seal 176 that defines a second end 105 of the bag cavity 102. As can be appreciated, the one or more products can be retained within the bag cavity 102 by the first and second intermediate seals 174, 176. Further, in certain embodiments, each of the first and/or second intermediate seals 174, 176 consists of a single transverse seal or seam.

In certain embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment, the ends 112, 114 of the bag 101 are also at least partially sealed. In further embodiments, it will be understood that the first wall 110 and second wall 120 need not be coupled (e.g., sealed) at their outermost peripheral edges. For example, at least a portion of the first and second walls 110, 120 can be coupled (e.g., sealed) at a location on the top ends 114 and/or bottom ends 112 that is inside of or adjacent to their peripheral edges, resulting in a skirt 119, 117 (or unsealed region) at the top 114 and/or bottom 112 peripheral edges of the bag 101.

As further shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments the upper and/or lower seals 178, 172 (also known as end seals) extend the entire width of the bag 101. In other embodiments, the upper and/or lower seals 178, 172 need not extend the width of the bag 101. For example, in some embodiments the upper and/or lower seals 178, 172 extend along only a portion of the width of the bag 101. In further embodiments, a tack seal (or series of tack seals) is used to form the upper and/or lower seals 178, 172.

Further, in some embodiments, the bag 101 is devoid of additional seals. For example, the bag 101 need not include seals in addition to the first intermediate seal 174, the second intermediate seal 176, the upper seal 178 (e.g., a first end seal), and the lower seal 172 (e.g., a second end seal).

FIG. 4 depicts a front view of a multi-handled bag 201 that can resemble the bag 101 described above in certain respects. Accordingly, like features are designated with like reference numerals, with the leading digits incremented to “2.” Relevant disclosure set forth above regarding similarly identified features thus may not be repeated hereafter. Moreover, specific features of the bag 201 may not be shown or identified by a reference numeral in the drawings or specifically discussed in the written description that follows. However, such features may clearly be the same, or substantially the same, as features depicted in other embodiments and/or described with respect to such embodiments. Accordingly, the relevant descriptions of such features apply equally to the features of the bag 201. Any suitable combination of the features and variations of the same described with respect to the bag 101 can be employed with the bag 201, and vice versa. This pattern of disclosure applies equally to further embodiments depicted in subsequent figures and described hereafter, wherein the leading digits may be further incremented.

Analogous to the bag 101 as described above, the bag 201 can include a first wall 210, a second wall (not depicted), a first gusset 230, and a second gusset 240. The first wall 210, second wall (not depicted), first gusset 230, and second gusset 240 can cooperate to define at least a portion of a cavity 202. The bag 201 further includes a first and second flap 260, 262, each of which is defined at least in part by an intermediate seal 274, 276. Each flap 260, 262 also includes a handle 264, 266. As shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, the bag 201 need not include an upper and/or lower seal at the ends 212, 214 of the bag 201. Rather, the flap 260, 262 may only be coupled by the intermediate seals 274, 276.

FIG. 5 depicts a front view of a multi-handled bag 301 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, the bag 301 can include a first wall 310, a second wall (not depicted), a first gusset 330, and a second gusset 340. The first wall 310, second wall (not depicted), first gusset 330, and second gusset 340 can cooperate to define at least a portion of a cavity 302. The bag 301 further includes a first and second flap 360, 362, each of which is defined in part by an intermediate seal 374, 376. Each flap 360, 362 also includes a handle 364, 366.

As further shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments the end seals 372, 378 include one or more tack seals. In other words, tack seals can be used to hold the materials of the flaps 360, 362 together. The number of tack seals can vary as desired, for example, depending on the width of the bag 301 and/or the width of the handle 364, 366. At least partially coupling the ends 312, 314 in such a manner can aid a user in grasping the handle 364, 366 of the bag 301. For example, at least partially coupling the ends 312, 314 can reduce the likelihood of a user grasping a single ply (e.g., a first or a second wall) of the bag 301.

As further illustrated in FIG. 5, various types of handles 364, 366 can be used. For example, in FIG. 5 the handles 364, 366 include a slit 380 extending between first and second apertures 382 (or knock-out regions). As illustrated, the first and second apertures 382 can be substantially circular. In other embodiments, the shape of the first and second apertures 382 can be substantially oval, substantially rectangular, substantially square, or substantially triangular. Any other suitable shape can also be used, including irregular shaped openings.

Likewise, as depicted, the slit 380 can be substantially linear. In other embodiments, the slit 380 may be curved, wavy, or zig-zag shaped. Any other suitable shape can also be used. As shown, the slit 380 can also be disposed such that it is substantially parallel with the top and/or bottom ends 314, 312 of the bag 301. The slit 380 can also include a series of perforations, or can be a continuous cut out region, as desired.

Other types of handles are also contemplated. For example, handles having other shapes and/or sizes may also be used with any of the bags disclosed herein. Illustrative handles that can be used are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,231,232, entitled “BAG WITH TEAR-RESISTANT HANDLE,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIG. 6 depicts a front view of a multi-handled bag 401 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, the bag 401 can include a first wall 410, a second wall (not depicted), a first gusset 430, and a second gusset 440. The first wall 410, second wall (not depicted), first gusset 430, and second gusset 440 can cooperate to define at least a portion of a cavity 402. The bag 401 further includes a first and second flap 460, 462, each of which is in part defined by an intermediate seal 474, 476. Each flap 460, 462 also includes a handle 464, 466.

As further shown in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the end seals 472, 478 extend only partially along a portion of the width of the bag 401. In such embodiments, a full intermediate seal or seam need not be required. Partially coupling the ends 412, 414 in such a manner can aid a user in grasping the handle 464, 466 of the bag 401. For example, at least partially coupling the ends 412, 414 can reduce the likelihood of a user grasping a single ply (e.g., a first or a second wall) of the bag 401.

As further shown in FIG. 6, in some embodiments, the handles 464, 466 comprise a slit 484 that includes a middle slit portion 486 extending between first and second end slit portions 488. As depicted, the first and second end slit portions 488 can be arcuate or curved in shape. The slit 484 can include perforations (e.g., a series of perforations) or the slit 484 can include a continuous cut out region, as desired.

FIG. 7 depicts a front view of a multi-handled bag 501 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7, the bag 501 can include a first wall 510 and a second wall (not depicted). The first wall 510 and second wall can cooperate to define at least a portion of a cavity 502. The bag 501 further includes a first and second flap 560, 562, each of which is in part defined by an intermediate seal 574, 576. Each flap 560, 562 also includes a handle 564, 566.

As further shown in FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the bag 501 does not require gussets. Accordingly, it will thus be appreciated that the principles of the disclosure herein can be applicable to a variety of different types of bags, including gusseted and non-gusseted bags. Other styles and/or bag formats can also be used.

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

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

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

As can be appreciated, the bags can be shorter or taller than what is depicted in FIGS. 1-7. For example, in some embodiments, a ratio of the height of a bag to its width can be less than or greater than what is shown in FIGS. 1-7. Other relative configurations are also within the scope of this disclosure.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claims

1. A multi-handled bag, comprising:

a first wall, a second wall, a first gusset, and a second gusset, wherein the first wall, the second wall, the first gusset, and the second gusset cooperate to define at least a portion of a cavity;

a first flap comprising a first handle;

a first intermediate seal disposed at a first end of the first flap, wherein the first intermediate seal consists of a single transverse seal that extends along a full width of the bag;

a first end seal that extends along only a portion of a second end of the first flap;

a second flap comprising a second handle;

a second intermediate seal disposed at a first end of the second flap, wherein the second intermediate seal consists of a single transverse seal that extends along the full width of the bag; and

a second end seal that extends along only a portion of a second end of the second flap.

2. The multi-handled bag of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first handle or the second handle comprises a plurality of apertures, wherein each aperture is configured to receive a finger of a user.

3. The multi-handled bag of claim 2, wherein at least one of the first handle or the second handle comprises two or more apertures.

4. The multi-handled bag of claim 3, wherein at least one of the first handle or the second handle comprises three apertures.

5. The multi-handled bag of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first handle or the second handle comprises a slit and one or more of an arc or an aperture.

6. The multi-handled bag of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first end seal or the second end seal comprises a tack seal.

7. The multi-handled bag of claim 1, wherein the first intermediate seal is disposed between the cavity and the first flap, and the second intermediate seal is disposed between the cavity and the second flap.

8. The multi-handled bag of claim 1, further comprising a reinforcement member disposed in at least one of the first flap or the second flap, wherein the reinforcement member is formed from at least one of tape, film, or fabric.

9. The multi-handled bag of claim 1, wherein the first handle is disposed between the first intermediate seal and the first end seal, and wherein the second handle is disposed between the second intermediate seal and the second end seal.

10. The multi-handled bag of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first intermediate seal or the second intermediate seal comprises a heat seal.

11. The multi-handled bag of claim 1, wherein the bag is devoid of any additional seals.

12. A multi-handled bag, comprising:

a first wall and a second wall, wherein the first wall and the second wall cooperate to define at least a portion of a cavity;

a first flap comprising a first handle;

a first intermediate seal disposed at a first end of the first flap, wherein the first intermediate seal consists of a single transverse seal that extends along a full width of the bag;

a first end seal that extends along only a portion of a second end of the first flap;

a second flap comprising a second handle;

a second intermediate seal disposed at a first end of the second flap, wherein the second intermediate seal consists of a single transverse seal that extends along a full width of the bag; and

a second end seal that extends along only a portion of a second end of the second flap.

13. The multi-handled bag of claim 12, wherein at least one of the first handle or the second handle comprises a plurality of apertures, wherein each aperture is configured to receive a finger of a user.

14. The multi-handled bag of claim 13, wherein at least one of the first handle or the second handle comprises two or more apertures.

15. The multi-handled bag of claim 12, wherein at least one of the first handle or the second handle comprises a slit and one or more of an arc or an aperture.

16. The multi-handled bag of claim 12, wherein at least one of the first end seal or the second end seal comprises a tack seal.

17. The multi-handled bag of claim 12, wherein the first intermediate seal is disposed between the cavity and the first flap, and the second intermediate seal is disposed between the cavity and the second flap.

18. The multi-handled bag of claim 12, further comprising a reinforcement member disposed in at least one of the first flap or the second flap, wherein the reinforcement member is formed from at least one of tape, film, or fabric.

19. The multi-handled bag of claim 12, wherein the first handle is disposed between the first intermediate seal and the first end seal, and wherein the second handle is disposed between the second intermediate seal and the second end seal.

20. The multi-handled bag of claim 12, wherein the bag is devoid of any additional seals.