Abstract: In one example embodiment, a laminated film includes an extruded ribbed first film portion that includes multiple ribs, where consecutive ribs are separated by webs that are integral with the ribs. The laminated film also includes an un-ribbed second film portion, and a region of discontinuous lamination between the first film portion and the second film portion. The region of discontinuous lamination includes multiple regions where the first and second film portions are bonded together, and multiple regions where the first and second film portions are not bonded together.

Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-layer film include a first substantially un-pigmented layer non-continuously bonded to a second pigmented layer. The multi-layer film includes an unexpected appearance differing from the appearance of the pigmented layer. In one or more embodiments, the multi-layer film includes a metallic appearance despite the pigmented layer being devoid of metallic pigment. The multi-layer film also includes areas that are visually distinct from areas of the film with the unexpected appearance. The visually-distinct areas comprise areas in which the first substantially un-pigmented layer non-continuously bonded is in intimate contact with the second pigmented layer. The visually-distinct areas have the appearance of the pigmented layer. One or more implementations also include methods of making multi-layer films and bags with an unexpected appearance and visually-distinct areas.

Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-layer film include a first substantially un-pigmented layer non-continuously bonded to a second pigmented layer. The multi-layer film includes an unexpected appearance differing from the appearance of the pigmented layer. In one or more embodiments, the multi-layer film includes a metallic appearance despite the pigmented layer being devoid of metallic pigment. The multi-layer film also includes areas that are visually distinct from areas of the film with the unexpected appearance. The visually-distinct areas comprise areas in which the first substantially un-pigmented layer non-continuously bonded is in intimate contact with the second pigmented layer. The visually-distinct areas have the appearance of the pigmented layer. One or more implementations also include methods of making multi-layer films and bags with an unexpected appearance and visually-distinct areas.

Abstract: Multi-layered bags include an outer layer or bag and an inner layer or bag that is shorter than the outer layer or bag. The shortened inner layer or bag can stretch or expand to the outer layer or bag when loaded with objects or otherwise strained. Such multi-layered bags can allow for a reduction in thermoplastic material without compromising the strength of the multi-layered bag. In various implementations, the inner layer or bag may be non-continuously laminated, continuously laminated, or joined only along one or more edges to the outer layer or bag. Implementations including non-continuous bonds securing the inner layer or bag to the outer layer or bag can provide additional strength to the bag. Methods of forming multi-layered bags with a shortened inner layer including inserting an inner layer within an outer layer and then joining the layers to form a bag.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, a film includes a coextruded structure having both an extruded ribbed skin layer that includes a plurality of ribs, and a core layer. The ribs are spaced apart by a web that is integral with the ribs. The film also includes a coloring agent that is substantially more apparent in the ribs than in the web, such that a contrast in color and/or color intensity between the ribs and the web is visible.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, a film includes a coextruded structure having both an extruded ribbed skin layer that includes a plurality of ribs, and a core layer. The ribs are spaced apart by a web that is integral with the ribs. The film also includes a voiding agent in the ribs of the skin layer.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, a film includes a coextruded structure having both an extruded ribbed skin layer that includes a plurality of ribs, and a core layer. The ribs are spaced apart by a web that is integral with the ribs. The film also includes a coloring agent that is substantially more apparent in the ribs than in the web, such that a contrast in color and/or color intensity between the ribs and the web is visible.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, a film includes a coextruded structure having both an extruded ribbed skin layer that includes a plurality of ribs, and a core layer. The ribs are spaced apart by a web that is integral with the ribs. The film also includes a voiding agent in the ribs of the skin layer.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, a laminated film includes an extruded ribbed first film portion that includes multiple ribs, where consecutive ribs are separated by webs that are integral with the ribs. The laminated film also includes an un-ribbed second film portion, and a region of discontinuous lamination between the first film portion and the second film portion. The region of discontinuous lamination includes multiple regions where the first and second film portions are bonded together, and multiple regions where the first and second film portions are not bonded together.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for creating multi-layered lightly-laminated provide films with increased or maintained strength. An increased level of strength is achieved by bonding adjacent layers of the multi-layer film together in a manner that the bond strength of the laminated layers is less than a strength of a weakest tear resistance of the individual first and second film layers. The inventors have surprisingly found that such a configuration of light bonding provides increased and unexpected strength properties to the multi-layer film as compared to a monolayer film of equal thickness or a multi-layer film in which the plurality of layers are tightly bonded together.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for creating multi-layered lightly-laminated provide films with increased or maintained strength. An increased level of strength is achieved by bonding adjacent layers of the multi-layer film together in a manner that the bond strength of the laminated layers is less than a strength of a weakest tear resistance of the individual first and second film layers. The inventors have surprisingly found that such a configuration of light bonding provides increased and unexpected strength properties to the multi-layer film as compared to a monolayer film of equal thickness or a multi-layer film in which the plurality of layers are tightly bonded together.

Abstract: Incrementally-stretched adhesively-laminated films include two or more film layers adhesively bonded together. At least one of the two or more film layers is incrementally stretched. The incrementally-stretched adhesively-laminated films can have maintained or increased strength parameters despite a reduction in gauge. The incrementally-stretched adhesively-laminated films can be formed into bags for use as trash can liners or food storage. Methods of forming incrementally-stretched adhesively-laminated films include cold stretching one or more of the first and second film layers and adhesively bonding the film layers together.

Abstract: Multi-layered bags include an outer layer or bag and an inner layer or bag that is shorter than the outer layer or bag. The shortened inner layer or bag can stretch or expand to the outer layer or bag when loaded with objects or otherwise strained. Such multi-layered bags can allow for a reduction in thermoplastic material without compromising the strength of the multi-layered bag. In various implementations, the inner layer or bag may be non-continuously laminated, continuously laminated, or joined only along one or more edges to the outer layer or bag. Implementations including non-continuous bonds securing the inner layer or bag to the outer layer or bag can provide additional strength to the bag. Methods of forming multi-layered bags with a shortened inner layer including inserting an inner layer within an outer layer and then joining the layers to form a bag.

Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-layer film include a first substantially un-pigmented layer non-continuously bonded to a second pigmented layer. The multi-layer film includes an unexpected appearance differing from the appearance of the pigmented layer. In one or more embodiments, the multi-layer film includes a metallic appearance despite the pigmented layer being devoid of metallic pigment. The multi-layer film also includes areas that are visually distinct from areas of the film with the unexpected appearance. The visually-distinct areas comprise areas in which the first substantially un-pigmented layer non-continuously bonded is in intimate contact with the second pigmented layer. The visually-distinct areas have the appearance of the pigmented layer. One or more implementations also include methods of making multi-layer films and bags with an unexpected appearance and visually-distinct areas.

Abstract: Laminated multi-ply films where one film layer is substantially unpigmented and the other film layer is substantially pigmented can provide a metallic appearance when the substantially unpigmented film layer is cold stretched either prior to lamination or during the lamination step. This surprising result provides an inexpensive way to produce films with a metallic appearance. Trash bags having an inner bag and an outer bag laminated together may be formed according to this process.

Abstract: Laminated multi-ply films where one film layer is substantially unpigmented and the other film layer is substantially pigmented can provide a metallic appearance when the substantially unpigmented film layer is cold stretched either prior to lamination or during the lamination step. This surprising result provides an inexpensive way to produce films with a metallic appearance. Trash bags having an inner bag and an outer bag laminated together may be formed according to this process.