Abstract: The bag for receiving refuse may include a bag body, the bag body including an inside surface, an outside surface, and a rim defining a mouth. The bag may also include a first strip of material disposed on the inside surface of the bag body proximate the rim. The strip may include an inside surface, an outside surface that faces the inside surface of the body, a top edge, and a bottom edge. The bag may also include a front wall, a back wall, and a hem, the hem including a drawstring. The strip may include a printed design. The design could be letters, numbers, pictures, writing, or any other design. When the bag is inserted into a trash receptacle such that the rim of the bag is folded over the rim of the receptacle, the printed design is visible from outside the receptacle.

Abstract: A tie bag for storing refuse or garbage includes an undulating top edge defining an opening to the bag. The top edge may include two flaps and two valleys. In one embodiment, the valley may include a flat portion at the bottom of the valley. The flaps may be tied together to at least partially close the bag. The bag further may include a first seam that intersects the flat portion of the valley. The flat portion reduces the possibility of tearing the seam. In another embodiment, the valley may include a slit. In an additional embodiment, the valley may include two secondary valleys and a center valley. In another embodiment, the seam may intersect the top edge at a point other than the lowest point in the valley.

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: One or more implementations of a multi-layered bag with reinforced seals include an outer layer or bag and an inner layer or bag positioned within the outer layer or bag. The multi-layered bag further includes a draw tape positioned near the opening of the multi-layered bag. The draw tape can allow a user to at least partially close the multi-layered bag by drawing the layers of the bag together. The multi-layered bag further includes one or more tape seals that bond the draw tape to layers of the bag. The tape seals can be reinforced and include at least seven plies bonded together. One or more implementations further include methods of forming multi-layered bags with reinforced seals.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing one or more physical properties of a thermoplastic film include incrementally stretching thermoplastic films in the machine direction and/or transverse direction. In one or more implementations, methods of incrementally stretching thermoplastic films include reducing the gauge of the films while maintaining or increasing a ratio of the machine direction to transverse direction resistance to tear. The methods can involve cold stretching the films and imparting rib patterns into the film. The linear ribs can have alternating thick and thin gauges.

Abstract: The flexible bag includes overlaying first and second sidewalls that provide an internal volume that can be accessed via an opening. To evacuate air from the internal volume after the open top edge has been closed, the bag includes a one-way valve element attached to the first sidewall. The bag is configured to prevent objects from clogging the valve element during evacuation. In one embodiment, the bag may include a plurality of ridges formed along the inner surface of at least one sidewall that can maintain separation of the sidewalls and contents from the valve element. In another aspect, the valve element is beneficially located at a top corner of the bag where the valve element is spaced apart from those locations in the bag where contents are likely to collect.

Abstract: A thermoplastic food wrap film including a plurality of parallel ribs formed therein. To produce the film, a thermoplastic web may be directed between opposing first and second rollers having ridges. The formation of the ribs may increase the width of the web. The film may be formed into a roll and inserted into a box having a cutting strip.

Abstract: A vacuum storage system can have a storage container such as a semi-rigid bowl or a flexible thermoplastic bag and an evacuation device for evacuating the container. To draw air from the storage container, the container can be equipped with a one-way valve element attached to an exterior sidewall of the container. The valve element can interface with a nozzle of the evacuation device. The valve element is adaptable between a normal condition in which the valve element is closed, and an altered position in which the valve element is opened. To alter the valve element, the evacuation device includes a contact feature that can contact and displace the valve element.

Abstract: A plastic bag may include flexible thermoplastic sidewalls that have a pattern of ribs alternating between thinner areas. The ribs may also be alternating between two types of ribs having different lengths and shapes. The bag may also include a network pattern above the pattern of ribs.

Abstract: The bag for receiving refuse may include a bag body, the bag body including an inside surface, an outside surface, and a rim defining a mouth. The bag may also include a first strip of material disposed on the inside surface of the bag body proximate the rim. The strip may include an inside surface, an outside surface that faces the inside surface of the body, a top edge, and a bottom edge. The bag may also include a front wall, a back wall, and a hem, the hem including a drawstring. The strip may include a printed design. The design could be letters, numbers, pictures, writing, or any other design. When the bag is inserted into a trash receptacle such that the rim of the bag is folded over the rim of the receptacle, the printed design is visible from outside the receptacle.