Abstract: The invention is directed to an improvement in flexible side-sealed taped bags having an extended lip rear panel. The external surface of the rear panel is releasably secured, at least at one point, to at least one tape (preferably two tapes) whereby a plurality of the bags may be advantageously presented in imbricated form. The improvement includes extension of the side seals of the front bag panel to the rear bag panel. The length of the extended side seals being such that their termination points are extended beyond the bag mouth so that the forces imposed on the bag mouth during loading of a product into the bag, while the bag is secured to the tape(s), act on the side seals below the side seal termination points. During product loading, the bag preferentially releases or separates from the tape(s) rather than tearing or delaminating at the side seal termination points.

Abstract: A wicketed bags packet is provided that comprises a stack of flattened, flexible plastic bags having two wicket holes therethrough; wicket shanks extending through said wicket holes respectively; and elongate, flexible binding members crossed in an under-to-over pattern between said shanks and forming a handgrip for said packet, each said binding member being affixed to a shank, respectively, at the rear of said stack and extending to and being removably and reclosably affixed to the other of said shanks at the front of said stack. An associated method for dispensing wicketed bags is also provided.