Abstract: A method of forming a handle on a plastic bag comprising forming an opening in the top of the bag by heat cutting the opening, said heat cutting removing a portion of the front wall and rear wall of the bag and heat sealing the front wall to said rear wall at the opening. A purchased commodity is placed in the bag before the handle is formed and the heat cutting operation serves the function of forming the handle and sealing the top of the bag closed.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a handle on a plastic bag while at the same time sealing the mouth of the plastic bag. The apparatus includes a housing having an opening into which the bag is inserted. A reciprocating heating means is provided for producing a pair of laterally extending, spaced parallel heat seals. Second heating means is provided for cutting an opening between the spaced parallel heat seals. The cutting heating means also seals the plies of the plastic bag at the point where cutting takes place.The apparatus and method of this invention also form a novel plastic bag, which comprises a front wall, a rear wall and a sealed bottom. A purchased commodity is placed in the bag and the opened top of the bag is closed by the spaced laterally extending parallel heat seals. An opening is formed between the spaced parallel heat seals, and a hand can be inserted in this opening for carrying the bag. The edge of the opening comprises a continuous heat sealed bead formed from the front and rear walls.