Abstract: A method of forming plastic film bag bodies with draw strips comprises the steps of providing a continuous length of plastic film once folded to provide superposed panels and two free longitudinal edges opposite a fold edge, folding the two longitudinal free edges inwardly between the adjoining panels to provide a pair of longitudinal inwardly turned hems of double thickness, inserting a continuous material draw strip into each hem, joining together longitudinally the double layer thicknesses of each hem to form a channel along a longitudinal edge of each panel containing one of the continuous strips and transversely severing the material and strips at regular intervals to separate individual bag body lengths from the continuous web of material. Holes are punched along the folded hems of the bag before the draw tapes are inserted so as to allow access to the inserted tapes in the manufactured bag.

Abstract: An improved former and method of forming superposed hems in superposed panels forming a continuous pliable and foldable web, especially thin plastifilm panels for forming plastic bags includes a first turning edge for turning at least an intermediate portion of the superposed panels from a first direction to a second direction, a second turning edge adjoining one side of the first turning edge for turning superposed free side edge portions of the web transverse to the intermediate portions and third and fourth turning edges spanning both the turned intermediate portions and turned side edge portions of the web for turning a separate one of the side edge portions against the turned intermediate portion thereby forming the hem.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the extrusion of thermoplastic film which comprises extruding a melt of thermoplastic through an annular orifice to form a bubble or tube and while the tube is still in a semi-molten condition, passing the tube through a cooling and stabilizing means which surrounds the tube and is characterized by having a variable diameter to accommodate varying sizes of tubing.

Abstract: A thermoplastic bag characterized by having handles formed on opposite ends of the bag mouth which is characterized by having structural features immediately adjacent the mouth of the bag to provide stress relief at those positions on the bag mouth where maximum stress is concentrated when such bags are being filled with product and eventually carried by the user. The stress redistribution feature is characterized by an area or areas, immediately adjacent the mouth portion of the bag and the base of the handle members, which are characterized by having a plurality of narrow pleats which are impressed into the bag structure by die members during formation of the individual bag.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermoplastic bag constructions capable of standing in an open and erect position without the extraneous support means normally employed with such bags. The bag is characterized by having a bottom gusset and heat sealed side seams which form the lateral bag edges. The individual walls of the bottom gusset are sealed to the adjacent bag walls utilizing a plurality of spaced apart vertical heat seals which are arranged in a predetermined pattern whereby when the bag is open the bag bottom assumes an elliptical configuration and is self-supporting as a result of the stiffening effect of the vertical heat seals.

Abstract: A thermoplastic bag characterized by having handles formed on opposite ends of the bag mouth which is characterized by having structural features immediately adjacent the mouth of the bag to provide stress relief at those positions on the bag mouth where maximum stress is concentrated when such bags are being filled with product and eventually carried by the user. The stress redistribution feature is characterized by an area or areas, immediately adjacent the mouth portion of the bag and the base of the handle members, which are characterized by having a plurality of narrow pleats which are impressed into the bag structure by die members during formation of the individual bag.