Abstract: A thermoplastic bag may include a sidewall that may have a plurality of first and second ribs formed therein. The first ribs may be longer in length but shorter in height than the second ribs. The second ribs may be arranged in discrete networks that appear superimposed over the first ribs. The second ribs may normally remain in a bent-over configuration. When a force is applied, the second ribs may expand the area of the sidewall so that the bag may easily accommodate large objects. To produce the bag, a thermoplastic web may be directed between opposing first and second rollers. One of the rollers may include ridges that may have first and second segments of differing heights that correspond to the differing heights of the first and second ribs. The formation of the first ribs may increase the width of the web.

Abstract: A retaining element for use with elastic sheet material is disclosed. In one form, the sheet material can be provided as a bag (100) having first and second sidewalls (102,104). The retaining element can be in the form of an elastic strip attached to one of the sidewalls. The retaining strip (120) can comprise a heat-unstable activatable material such that it can be applied to the bag in a deadened condition wherein the strip is set and subsequently heated to transition to an activated condition wherein the retaining element is elasticized to provide an elasticized article which can have a shirred appearance. The retaining element can have various configurations and can be activated by various methods.

Abstract: The present invention consists of an inexpensive tight sealing plastic container suited for microwave cooking, top-shelf dishwashing and freezer use. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the container is provided with two compartments, one large and one small. The container utilizes a dual cut-back closure device of which the retaining bead of the container bottom maintains the container top in a secure position. The inside dimensions of the container top are slightly larger than the container bottom in both compartments. The difference in sizes provides an interference fit and forms a substantially leak proof seal along the inside perimeter of both compartments of the container. The container top provides at least one gripping tab, which facilitates the separation of the container top from the container bottom and permit container venting.

Abstract: The present invention consists of an inexpensive tight sealing plastic container suited for microwave cooking, top-shelf dishwashing and freezer use. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the container is provided with two compartments, one large and one small. The container utilizes a dual cut-back closure device of which the retaining bead of the container bottom maintains the container top in a secure position. The inside dimensions of the container top are slightly larger than the container bottom in both compartments. The difference in sizes provides an interference fit and forms a substantially leak proof seal along the inside perimeter of both compartments of the container. The container top provides at least one gripping tab, which facilitates the separation of the container top from the container bottom and permit container venting.

Abstract: A plastic draw tape bag includes a non-destructive hem seal which runs along the width of the bag to secure the draw tape. The seal is created by bonding two layers of film by using an adhesive, a hot seal, or a coextruded film. When stressed by adequate forces, the seal will partially open without tearing the film. However, it will open only to the extent that the load exceeds the seal strength. Once the film absorbs the load and the stress is relieved, the seal will stop opening and the remaining portion of the seal will remain intact. Thus, the stress concentration is dissipated without tearing the film at or near the seal. As a result, the bag will fail only when the forces on the bag exceed the load bearing limit of the film.

Abstract: The plastic container includes a container top and a container bottom. The container utilizes a cut-back closure device which maintains the container top in a secure position relative to the container bottom and also forms a nearly leak proof seal. The container top includes gripping tabs which facilitate the separation of the container top from the container bottom and permit container venting. The plastic container is suited for microwave cooking, top-shelf dishwashing and freezer use.