Gusset bag

Abstract

The present invention provides a gusset bag in which a sufficient area for indication can be retained on flat surfaces, paying attention to the structure of the gusset bag. The gusset bag 1 of the invention comprises flat surfaces 2 and 2 opposed to each other; and side surfaces 3 and 3 capable of being tucked in at creases by connecting the both ends of the flat surfaces 2 and 2; wherein a part of the side surfaces 3 and 3 is made transparent to form windows 9 and 9. Since windows 9 and 9 are provided on the side surfaces 3 and 3, it is possible to retain a sufficient area for indication in the flat surfaces 2 and 2, and observe the contents from outside.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a gusset bag having portions known as gores in sides thereof.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] There is conventionally known a gusset bag having flat surfaces opposite to each other and side surfaces capable of being tucked in at creases by connecting the both ends of the flat surfaces. This gusset bag is formed by heat-sealing a plastic film or the like. The gusset bag is filled with contents such as food, and the commercial product name, features, raw materials, uses, quantity of contents, precautions for use, and the use-by date are indicated thereon. In general, this indication is made on a flat surface of the gusset bag forming the front surface thereof and standing out when displayed on a merchandise shelf.

[0005] However, the gusset bag poses problems in that it is necessary to provide a window for observing the contents from outside, that it is necessary to use a straw for sucking up a charged liquid, or that it is necessary to indicate a barcode representing the amount of the contained product. If a window, a straw, or a barcode is provided carelessly on the gusset bag, the area for indicating the product name of the content would be reduced, or hidden, thus preventing retaining a necessary area on the flat surface of the gusset bag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide, taking notice of the structure of the gusset bag, a gusset bag permitting retaining a sufficient area for indication in the flat surface.

[0007] The present invention will now be described. For the purpose of solving the aforementioned problems, the present inventor paid attention to the fact that the gusset bag has gores on the sides thereof, and the gores do not attract general attention on a shelf displaying merchandise, and obtained the following findings. By providing a window in a gore, there is available a gusset bag in which it is possible to retain a sufficient area for indication in the flat surface, and also to observe the contents from outside. More specifically, the present invention provides a gusset bag comprising flat surfaces opposite to each other; and side surfaces capable of being tucked in at creases by connecting the both ends of said flat surfaces; wherein at least a part of said side surfaces is made transparent to form a window, thus solving the aforementioned problems.

[0008] According to this aspect of the present invention, in which at least a part of the side is made transparent to form a window, there is provided a gusset bag in which it is possible to retain a sufficient area for indication on the flat surfaces and to observe the contents from outside.

[0009] The aforementioned problems are solved in the present invention by a gusset bag comprising flat surfaces opposite to each other; side surfaces capable of being tucked in at creases by connecting the both ends of the flat surfaces; and a flat bottom surface closing the bottom of a hollow body formed by the flat surfaces and the side surfaces; wherein at least a part of the bottom is made transparent to form a window.

[0010] According to this aspect of the invention, the flat bottom makes it possible to obtain a highly self-standing gusset bag. Since this self-standing gusset bag is displayed on a merchandise shelf in the upright posture, the bottom surface thereof does not attract attention. Providing a window in the bottom therefore gives a gusset bag which permits retaining a sufficient area for indication on the flat surfaces, and observation of the contents from outside.

[0011] The invention solves the aforementioned problems by providing a gusset bag comprising flat surfaces opposite to each other; and side surfaces capable of being tucked in at creases by connecting the both ends of the flat surfaces; wherein a straw is attached to the side surface.

[0012] According to this aspect of the invention, in which a straw is attached to the side surface, a sufficient area for indication can be retained on the flat surfaces with the indication on the flat surface not hidden. The side surfaces of the gusset bag are tucked in at the creases and folded inward. By attaching the straw on this side surface, the straw can be provided at a position inside a plane formed by connecting the ends of the side. When displaying the gusset bags together with the other goods on the shelf, it is possible to prevent the straw from falling.

[0013] The present invention furthermore provides a gusset bag wherein the flat surfaces and the side surfaces comprise plastic films, and the flat surfaces and the side surfaces are heat-sealed.

[0014] According to this aspect of the invention, the heat-sealed portions of the flat surfaces and the side surfaces form the build of gusset bag, and the straw is attached within the build. It is therefore possible to more certainly prevent the straw from falling.

[0015] The invention solves the aforementioned problems by providing a gusset bag comprising flat surfaces opposite to each other; side surfaces capable of being tucked in at creases by connecting the both ends of the flat surfaces; and a flat bottom surface closing the bottom of a hollow body formed by the flat surfaces and the side surfaces; wherein a POS mark is affixed to the bottom surface.

[0016] According to this aspect of the invention, in which a POS mark is affixed onto the bottom surface, there is available a gusset bag in which it is possible to retain a sufficient area for indication in the flat surfaces. By passing the self-standing gusset bag while keeping the upright posture through a register, the register reads the POS mark affixed to the bottom surface, thus facilitating read operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a gusset bag of a first embodiment of the present invention in use;

[0018] FIG. 2 is a front view of the gusset bag shown in FIG. 1 (the same applies also to the rear elevation);

[0019] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a method of forming the gusset bag shown in FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the gusset bag shown in FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the gusset bag shown in FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 6 is a center-enlarged sectional view of the gusset bag shown in FIG. 1;

[0023] FIG. 7 is a left side view of the gusset bag shown in FIG. 1 (the same applies also to the right side);

[0024] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of FIG. 3 cut along the line A-A;

[0025] FIG. 9 is a left side view of an unfolded state of the gusset bag shown in FIG. 1 (the same applies also to the right side);

[0026] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a gusset bag without a bottom surface;

[0027] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a gusset bag of a second embodiment of the invention;

[0028] FIG. 12 is a front view of the gusset bag of the second embodiment;

[0029] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a gusset bag of a third embodiment;

[0030] FIG. 14 is a front view of the gusset bag of the third embodiment (the same applies also to the rear elevation);

[0031] FIG. 15 is a broken perspective view of a gusset bag having a window on the bottom surface;

[0032] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a gusset bag of a fourth embodiment of the invention; and

[0033] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a gusset bag of a fifth embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] FIG. 1 shows a gusset bag of a first embodiment of the present invention. The gusset bag 1 comprises flat surfaces 2 and 2 opposite to each other; side surfaces 3 and 3 capable of being tucked in at crases by connecting the both ends of the flat surfaces 2 and 2; and a flat bottom surface 4 closing the bottom of a hollow body formed by the flat surfaces 2 and 2 and the side surfaces 3 and 3. This gusset bag 1 has gores on the sides and a flat bottom. It can therefore contain a larger quantity of contents and is excellent in self-standing property. The window 9 may be one of the side surfaces 3 and 3.

[0035] FIG. 2 shows a method of forming the gusset bag 1. The method comprises connecting the side surfaces 3 and 3 to the both ends of the flat surfaces 2 and 2 opposite to each other, and connecting the bottom surface 4 to the bottom of the hollow body comprising the flat surfaces 2 and 2 and the side surfaces 3 and 3, thereby forming the gusset bag 1.

[0036] A method of forming the bottom surface 4 will now be described. The method comprises the steps of first preparing a rectangular sheet for forming the bottom surface, forming a bottom crease 5 by folding the sheet along the longitudinal center line, providing base points P and P at arbitrary positions near the both ends of the bottom crease, folding the portion of the bottom crease from the base points P and P to the sheet ends in a direction counter to the original tucking direction, thereby forming creases 6 and 6, and tucking in, at the same time, the lines connecting the two corners Q and Q at the both ends of the sheet to the base points P and P as four edge lines 7 protruding inward in the bag, thereby forming open surfaces 8 corresponding to pleats of the side surfaces 3 and 3. The thus tucked bottom forming sheet is inserted into the bottom of the hollow body comprising the flat surfaces 2 and 2 and the side surfaces 3 and 3.

[0037] The other bottom edges of the tucked sheet are heat-sealed to the inner surfaces of the flat surfaces 2 and 2 and the inner surfaces of the side surfaces 3 and 3, respectively (heat-sealed surfaces R are indicated by oblique lines in the drawing). The flat surfaces 2 and 2 and the side surfaces 3 and 3 are heat-sealed (heat-sealed surfaces S are indicated by oblique lines in the drawing). By heat-sealing, four heat-sealed surfaces S are formed with a prescribed width on the both sides of the flat surfaces 2 and 2. When the gusset bag 1 is filled with contents, the tucked bottom surface 8 becomes flat, and the gusset bag 1 can stand up in the self-standing manner. The heat-sealed surfaces S play the role of build for the self-standing gusset bag 1. The gusset bag 1 after putting the contents in it is reinforced by the heat-sealed surfaces S. After charging the contents, the mouth of the gusset bag 1 is heat-sealed again to seal up the interior of the bag.

[0038] FIGS. 3 to 9 show the gusset bag prior to filling the same with contents. FIG. 3 is a front and rear views of the gusset bag 1; FIG. 4 is a plan view of the gusset bag 1; FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the gusset bag 1; FIG. 6 is a center-enlarged sectional view of the gusset bag 1; FIG. 7 is a left or right side view of the gusset bag 1; FIG. 8 is a sectional view of FIG. 3 cut along the line A-A; and FIG. 9 is a left or right side view of a state in which the sides of the gusset bag 1 are unfolded.

[0039] The flat surfaces 2 and 2 comprise plastic films, on which printing can be accomplished by a known printing method such as gravure printing or flexography. The commercial name of contents, features, raw materials, uses, quantity of contents, precautions for use, use-by data and the like are printed on the flat surfaces 2 and 2. For this indication, importance is placed on design taking account of sales promotion. The side surfaces 3 and 3 comprise transparent plastic films.

[0040] A part of the side surfaces is made transparent to provide a window 9 (see FIGS. 1 and 9). This window 9 is formed by printing information on portions of the side surfaces 3 and 3 other than the window 9. The window 9 is rectangular in shape and formed right-left symmetrically with the crease as a center. The contents inside is observed through this transparent window 9 from outside the gusset bag 1. When the window 9 is provided on any of the side surfaces 3 and 3, it is not necessary to provide a window on any of the flat surfaces 2 and 2, and it is possible to retain a sufficient area for indication on the flat surfaces 2 and 2. The window 9 may be provided, not on a part of the side surfaces 3 and 3, but over the entire area of a side.

[0041] In the above embodiment, the gusset bag 1 has the bottom surface 4, and however a window 50 may be provided on a side surface 3 on a gusset bag without a bottom surface.

[0042] A material for the plastic films of the flat surfaces 2 and 2 and the side surfaces 3 and 3 is, for example a multi-layer film laminating an OPP film (biaxially drawn polypropylene), a polyester film, a nylon film, a straight-chain low-density polyethylene film, and a non-drawn polypropylene film. A material is appropriately selected, depending upon the kind of contents such as a solid, powder, liquid, retort, milk or an outer wrapping of a small package. A multi-layer film laminating, for example, a nylon film and a straight-chain low-density polyethylene film may be used as a material for the plastic film forming the bottom surface 4. A material is appropriately selected, in this case also, in accordance with the kind of contents such as a solid, powder, liquid retort or milk. The plastic films of the flat surfaces 2 and 2 and the side surfaces 3 and 3 may be requested in some cases to have barrier property against gases such as oxygen, or even pinhole resistance.

[0043] FIGS. 11 and 12 show a gusset bag 11 of a second embodiment of the invention. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the gusset bag; and FIG. 12 is a front view thereof. The rear elevation, the plan view, the bottom view, the left or right side view, and the sectional view are the same as those of the gusset bag of the above-mentioned first embodiment. The gusset bag of the second embodiment of the invention has a window 9 on one of the side surfaces 3 and 3, and has another window 12 also on the front side flat surface 2. A part of the front side flat surface 2 is made transparent to form the window 12. The window 12 of the flat surface 2 is formed in the same manner as the windows 9 and 9 on the above-mentioned side surfaces 3 and 3. According to this gusset bag 11, the front and sides of the contents can be observed from outside, thus further facilitating confirmation of the contents. Because the windows 9 and 9 are provided also on the side surfaces 3 and 3, the necessity to enlarge the window 12 on the flat surface 2 is eliminated to such an extent, thus enabling to retain a sufficient area for indication on the flat surface 2.

[0044] FIGS. 12 and 13 show a gusset bag 13 of a third embodiment of the invention. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the gusset bag 13; and FIG. 13 gives front and rear views thereof. The front view, the bottom view, the left or right side view and the sectional view are the same as those of the gusset bag 1 of the first embodiment. This gusset bag 13 of the third embodiment has a window 9 on the side surface 3, and in addition, windows 12 on the front flat and rear flat surfaces 2 and 2. More specifically, windows 12 and 12 are provided on portions made transparent of the flat surfaces 2 and 2. The windows of the flat surfaces 2 and 2 are formed in the same manner as the windows 9 and 9 of the side surfaces 3 and 3. As shown in FIG. 14, at least a part of the bottom surface 4 of the gusset bag may be made transparent to provide a window 40. By providing the window 40 on the bottom surface 4 of the gusset bag, the bottom of the contents can be confirmed. It is not necessary to provide a window on the flat surface 2, while retaining a sufficient area for indication on the flat surface 2. Further, a window may be provided on the bottom surface 4 in each of the first and second embodiments.

[0045] According to this gusset bag, the contents can be observed from front, side and back from outside, thus further facilitating confirmation of the contents. Because the windows 9 and 9 are provided on the side surfaces 3 and 3, it is not necessary to provide large-sized windows 12 and 12 on the flat surfaces 2 and 2, still retaining a sufficient area for indication on the flat surfaces 2 and 2.

[0046] FIG. 14 illustrates a gusset bag 15 of a fourth embodiment of the invention. A straw 16 is detachably attached to the side surface of this gusset bag 15. The gusset bag 15 has the same configuration as the gusset bag 1 of the first embodiment mentioned above except that no window is provided on the side surface 3. The straw 16 is attached near the crease 17 of the side surface 3 by a bonding means such as hot melt after filling the gusset bag 15 with a liquid so as to extend along the crease 17. A straw inserting hole 18 is formed in the side surface 3. This hole 18 is formed, for example, by piercing an opening hole at a prescribed position of the outside plastic film layer composing the side surface, and placing this plastic layer on top of the inside plastic film layer not having an opening hole pierced therein. The liquid inside is sucked by breaking through the straw inserting hole 18 with the straw 16. This embodiment may be applied to a gusset bag without a bottom surface as shown in FIG. 10.

[0047] According to the gusset bag 15 of this embodiment, the straw 16 is attached to the side surface 3. The indication on the flat surfaces 2 and 2 is not therefore hidden by the straw 16, retaining a sufficient area for indication on the flat surfaces 2 and 2. The side surface 3 of the gusset bag 15 is depressed as the surface is tucked in at the crease 16. By attaching the straw 16 to this side surface 3, the straw can be located at a depressed position relative to a plane connecting the ends of the side surface 3. As a result, it is possible to prevent the straw from falling even when the gusset bag 15 is displayed on a shelf in line with the other goods. In addition, the heat-sealed surfaces 5 of the flat surfaces 2 and 2 and the side surfaces 3 and 3 form the build of the gusset bag 15, and the straw 16 is attached within this build. The straw 16 is therefore protected by the build, thus further preventing the straw 16 from falling. The straw 16 can be housed in a small bag so as to ensure hygiene.

[0048] FIG. 15 shows a gusset bag 19 of a fifth embodiment of the invention. In this gusset bag 19, a POS mark 20 is affixed to the bottom surface 4. The gusset bag 19 has the same configuration as that of the gusset bag of the above-mentioned first embodiment except that no window is provided on the side surface 3. The POS mark 20 is printed by a known printing method. The barcode of the POS mark expresses the item code of the good and the price code. The POS mark is read in by an optical automatic reading register, and automatically calculates the product price.

[0049] According to the gusset bag 19 of this embodiment, the POS mark 20 is affixed to the bottom surface 4. It is therefore possible to retain a sufficient area for indication on the flat surfaces 2 and 2. By causing the upright self-sustained gusset bag 19 to pass through the register, the register reads in the POS mark affixed onto the bottom surface 4, thus facilitating read operation of the barcode.

[0050] The bottom 4 as a component may be made of the same material as the main body comprising the flat surfaces 2 and the side surfaces 3, or may be formed by inserting a different material into the main body.

[0051] According to the present invention, as described above, there is provided a gusset bag comprising flat surfaces opposite to each other; and side surfaces capable of being tucked in at creases by connecting the both ends of the flat surfaces; wherein at least a part of the side is made transparent to form a window. It is therefore possible to retain a sufficient area for indication on the flat surfaces, and to observe the contents from outside.

Claims

1. A gusset bag comprising:

flat surfaces opposite to each other; and side surfaces capable of being tucked in at creases by connecting the both ends of said flat surfaces; wherein:

at least a part of said side surfaces is made transparent to form a window.

2. A gusset bag comprising:

flat surfaces opposite to each other; side surfaces capable of being tucked in at creases by connecting the both ends of said flat surfaces; and a flat bottom surface closing the bottom of a hollow body formed by said flat surfaces and said side surfaces; wherein:

at least a part of said bottom surface is made transparent to form a window.

3. A gusset bag comprising:

flat surfaces opposite to each other; side surfaces capable of being tucked in at creases by connecting the both ends of said flat surfaces; and a flat bottom surface closing the bottom of a hollow body formed by said flat surfaces and said side surfaces; wherein:

at least a part of said side surfaces is made transparent to form a window.

4. A gusset bag comprising:

flat surfaces opposite to each other; side surfaces capable of being tucked in at creases by connecting the both ends of said flat surfaces; and a flat bottom surface closing the bottom of a hollow body formed by said flat surfaces and said side surfaces; wherein:

at least one of the flat surfaces is made transparent to form a window.

5. A gusset bag according to claim 4, wherein at least a part of said side surfaces is made transparent to form a window.

6. A gusset bag comprising according to claim 2, wherein at least a part of said side surface is made transparent to form a window.

7. A gusset bag according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the flat surfaces is made transparent to form a window.

8. A gusset bag comprising:

flat surfaces opposite to each other; and side surfaces capable of being tucked in at creases by connecting the both ends of said flat surfaces; wherein:

a straw is attached to said side surface.

9. A gusset bag according to claim 8, wherein said flat surfaces and said side surfaces comprise plastic films, and said flat surfaces and said side surfaces are heat-sealed.

10. A gusset bag comprising:

flat surfaces opposite to each other; side surfaces capable of being tucked in at creases by connecting the both ends of said flat surfaces; and a flat bottom surface closing the bottom of a hollow body formed by said flat surfaces and said side surfaces, wherein:

a POS mark is affixed to said bottom surface.