Bag construction with flat bottom having removable layer

A bag construction for use to distribute flowable material is provided. The bag construction generally includes a first and second panel sections and one or more side gusset panel sections. An internal gusset member is positioned inside the bag construction, between the first and second panel sections. The internal gusset member includes at least one aperture therein for distribution of flowable materials. In preferred embodiments, a bag construction includes an openable and reclosable closure arrangement and an anti-tamper arrangement.

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Description
FIELD

The present invention relates to a bag or pouch construction. Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a bag construction having side gussets and an internal gusset with an aperture. The bag construction may be filled with dispersible materials, wherein the arrangement allows a convenient way of distributing the dispersible materials. The present disclosure also relates to a bag construction which allows a convenient way of storing dispersible materials.

BACKGROUND

A wide variety of items comprise materials which, in use, are dispersed or spread over an area. Many of these items include dry powder or particulate materials. The term “dispersible material” as used herein is intended at least to include pellets, grains, powders, gels, liquids and any combinations thereof. Examples of these include, but not limited to: deicing salts; seeds; insecticides; and chalk. Some improved arrangements for spreading particulate materials have been disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,882,120 and 5,709,479. The prior art bag constructions may be difficult to store and arrange because the bottom portion does not have an arrangement which allows the prior art bag constructions to stand upright. A storage bag which stands upright for product storage and at point-of-sale is desirable because such a bag construction may provide an easier method of storing and/or stacking of the bag constructions to the distributors and retail merchants. It is also advantageous to have a bag construction that is capable of standing upright at the retail level because it may provide a simplified arrangement. It is again desirable for bag constructions to stand upright at a point-of-sale so that a consumer may readily view the bag constructions for contemplating the purchase thereof. Additionally, filling the prior art bag constructions by machines may be difficult because the prior art bag construction lacks expandability along the sides or the bottom portion. This may result in difficulties in filling the prior art bag constructions and/or less volume amount of materials being filled into the prior art bag constructions. Furthermore, the rib-and-trough closure system of the prior art bag constructions may be difficult to operate after using the prior art bag construction to distribute materials because particulate materials may get stuck inside the trough portion of the closure system. Undesirably, this may cause a lack of a good seal which can lead to leaks of the particulate materials and/or contamination of the particulate materials during storage.

Accordingly, improved arrangements for distributing dispersible materials is desirable.

SUMMARY

Bag construction arrangements are disclosed herein. An embodiment of a bag construction includes first and second opposed panels or panel sections. In one embodiment, each of the panel sections has a first end edge, a second end edge, and a first side edge and a second side edge. The first end edge opposes the second end edge. The first side edge opposes the second side edge. The first side edge extends from the first end edge to the second end edge. The second side edge extends from the first end edge to the second end edge. Thus, first and second end edges and first and second side edges form a plane which generally defines a panel section of the embodiment.

The embodiment also includes at least one side gusset panel section. The side gusset panel section has a first end edge, a second end edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. The first end edge opposes the second end edge. The first side edge opposes the second side edge. The first side edge extends from the first end edge to the second end edge. The second side edge extends from the first end edge to the second end edge. At least a portion of the first side edge of the first panel section is secured to at least a portion of the second side edge of the side gusset panel section. At least a portion of the first side edge of the side gusset panel section is secured to at least a portion of the second side edge of the second panel section. This arrangement generally defines a bag construction interior.

The embodiment includes an internal gusset member, which is positioned inside the bag construction interior. The internal gusset member has at least one distribution aperture, which may be one or more holes, slits, or any combination of these and other apertures.

In another embodiment, it is preferred that the side gusset panel sections have a fold line extending, at least partially, between the first and second side edges of the first and second panel sections.

Another embodiment includes a transverse seal.

A still further embodiment includes an anti-tamper arrangement. The anti-tamper arrangement may include a tear member sealed to each of the first and second panel sections. The anti-tamper arrangement may be positioned inside the bag construction interior. Preferably, the anti-tamper arrangement is positioned between the first and second panel sections and also between the second end edge of the first panel section and the internal gusset member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bag construction of an embodiment disclosed herein.

FIG. 2A is a front plan view without showing a facing panel section of the bag construction of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the bag construction as shown in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken generally along line 3-3, FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a portion of a perspective cross-sectional view of the bag construction shown in FIG. 3, with a transverse openable and reclosable closure mechanism opened and anti-tamper seal arrangement intact.

FIG. 4B is the portion of a perspective cross-sectional view of the bag construction as shown in FIG. 4A, with the anti-tamper seal arrangement opened.

FIG. 4C is a portion of a cross-sectional side view of a bag construction showing an embodiment of an openable and reclosable closure mechanism, and an embodiment of an anti-temper seal arrangement.

FIG. 4D is a portion of a cross-sectional side view of another bag construction showing an embodiment of an openable and reclosable closure mechanism with an embodiment of an anti-temper seal arrangement.

FIG. 4E is a portion of a cross-sectional side view of a bag construction showing an embodiment of an openable and reclosable closure mechanism with a further embodiment of an anti-temper seal arrangement.

FIG. 4F is a portion of a cross-sectional side view of a bag construction showing an embodiment of an openable and reclosable closure mechanism with a still further embodiment of an anti-temper seal arrangement.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a bag construction being filled with dispersible materials.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a bag construction positioned to an upright standing position after being filled with dispersible materials.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a bag construction disclosed herein after a step of opening a transverse openable and reclosable closure mechanism for distributing dispersible materials.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another bag construction disclosed herein after a step of opening a transverse openable and reclosable closure mechanism for distributing dispersible materials.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another bag construction disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A bag construction 10 according to one embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B and 3. The bag construction 10 is preferably made from substantially transparent materials. FIGS. 2A and 2B are illustrated without showing a facing first panel section 12 such that the internal details may be seen clearly. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1, generally along line 3-3 to show the internal details of the bag construction 10. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that non-transparent materials may also be utilized to make bag constructions. Accordingly, in other embodiments, a bag construction may be made from substantially nontransparent materials. Generally, many different types of materials may be used to construct the bag construction 10. Some examples of materials include, but are not limited to, polymers, cloth, metal, paper, composites, and any combinations thereof. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many other materials may also be utilized, in combinations and/or in layers.

Referring to FIG. 1, the bag construction 10 is shown as it would generally appear prior to use. The bag construction 10 shown in FIG. 1 is shown without any material contained inside to facilitate viewing of internal detail. Positioning of material to be distributed will be apparent from descriptions below.

Still referring to FIG. 1, bag construction 10 comprises first panel section 12 opposed to second panel section 14; first side gusset panel section 16 opposed to second side gusset panel section 18; and internal gusset member 20 positioned inside the bag construction 10. It is preferable that the first or second side gusset panel sections include a fold line 21 (see FIGS. 2A and 2B).

Still referring to FIG. 1, the first panel section 12 comprises a first end edge 22, a second end edge 24, a first side edge 26, and a second side edge 28. The first end edge 22 opposes the second end edge 24. The first side edge 26 opposes the second side edge 28.

The second panel section 14 comprises a first end edge 32, a second end edge 34, a first side edge 36, and a second side edge 38. The first end edge 32 opposes the second end edge 34. The first side edge 36 opposes the second side edge 38.

The first side gusset panel section 16 comprises a first end edge 42, a second end edge 44, a first side edge 46, and a second side edge 48. The first end edge 42 opposes the second end edge 44. The first side edge 46 opposes the second side edge 48.

The second side gusset panel section 18 comprises a first end edge 52, a second end edge 54, a first side edge 56, and a second side edge 58. The first end edge 52 opposes the second end edge 54. The first side edge 56 opposes the second side edge 58.

Referring still to FIG. 1, at least a portion of the first panel section's first side edge 26 is secured to at least a portion of the first side gusset panel section's second side edge 48. At least a portion of the first side gusset panel section's first side edge 46 is secured to at least a portion of the second panel section's second side edge 38. At least a portion of the second panel section's first side edge 36 is secured to at least a portion of the second side gusset panel section's second side edge 58. And, at least a portion of the second side gusset panel section's first side edge 56 is secured to at least a portion of the first panel section's second side edge 28. Some examples of securing methods that can be utilized include, but are not limited to: heat sealing, glues, sewing, and/or any combinations there of. Conventional seals for the formation of pouch construction as those illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,059,036; 5,147,272; and 5,254,073 are incorporated herein by reference. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many different methods of securing the aforementioned panel sections in the aforementioned configuration to form the bag construction according to the present invention.

In FIGS. 2A and 2B, the internal gusset member 20 can be seen to be perforated and has at least one distribution aperture 60. In FIGS. 2A and 2B, the distribution aperture 60 is shown to be a hole, but other forms and shapes may also be utilized. Preferably, shapes, sizes, and forms of distribution aperture 60 will be selected to allow for desirable passage of dispersible materials 62 in a desirable manner. Desirable manner may include the rate of flow of dispersible materials 62, size of a surface area formed by distribution of dispersible materials 62, or shape formed of dispersible materials 62 when distributed onto a surface. Preferably, the internal gusset member 20 is made, in part, of a flexible material. Examples of flexible material that may be suitable include, but not limited to: polymers, cloth fabric, paper, weaved synthetic materials, weaved natural materials, and sheet of organic material.

FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 3, 4A and 4B illustrate an openable and reclosable closure arrangement wherein the openable and reclosable closure arrangement extends substantially from one side of the bag construction to an opposing side. The illustrated openable and reclosable closure arrangement is a sliding zipper 64 type of an arrangement. This particular arrangement provides a first panel section 12 and second panel section 14 of the bag construction 10 to be closed or opened by movement of a slidable tab 66 positioned along the sliding zipper rails 68, 69. In FIG. 1, a closed state of the sliding zipper 64 is illustrated. In FIG. 4A, an open state of the sliding zipper 64 is illustrated.

Such arrangements are available, for example, from Pactive Corporation. The sliding zipper rails 68, 69 may be secured to the bag construction 10 by a variety of appropriate means, for example by mechanical means, heat sealing, with an adhesive, or other convenient manners.

FIGS. 7 and 8 also illustrate different embodiments of an openable and reclosable closure arrangement.

Alternatively, a bottom gusset panel section 200 which includes an openable and reclosable closure arrangement 202 may be sealed to second ends of first and second panel sections 12, 14, as illustrated in FIGS. 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F.

In FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F, various embodiments of openable and reclosable closure arrangements and anti-tamper arrangements are illustrated.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C. In FIGS. 4A and 4B, closer perspective views of an example of an anti-tamper arrangement 70 are illustrated. In FIG. 4C, a side sectional view of an example of an anti-tamper arrangement 70 is illustrated. FIG. 4A illustrates a transverse openable and reclosable closure mechanism 64 in an opened state wherein the anti-tamper arrangement 70 remain intact to keep the interior of a bag construction 10 substantially separated from the outside. The anti-tamper arrangement 70 may have a pre-determined tear-line 82. The pre-determined tear-line 82 may provide a readily openable seal such that a user may open the anti-tamper arrangement 70 simply by pulling it apart or with a quick pull. FIG. 4B illustrates the anti-tamper arrangement 70 having been torn or opened to allow access to and from the interior of the bag construction 10 to the outside. Advantageously, the anti-tamper arrangement 70 may help protect the dispersible material 62 from degradation which may result from contact with outside environments. Also advantageously, the anti-tamper arrangement 70 may help in giving assurance to a consumer that the product is new and/or unused.

In FIG. 4C, the anti-tamper arrangement 70, as illustrated, is positioned between the first panel section 12 and the second panel section 14, along the second end edges 24, 34, of the first and second panel sections, 12, 14. The anti-tamper arrangement 70 may be positioned between the second end edges 24, 34 and the internal gusset member 20. The anti-tamper arrangement 70 as illustrated is attached at least partly to the first panel section 12 and also attached at least partly to the second panel section 14.

Alternatively, an anti-tamper arrangement may be an integral part of a bottom gusset panel section 200 which also includes a transverse openable and reclosable closure arrangement 204, as disclosed below.

In FIG. 4D, a bottom gusset panel section 200 includes an anti-tamper arrangement 206 and also includes an openable and reclosable closure arrangement 204. First panel section 212 and second panel section 214 are attached or sealed to the bottom gusset panel section 200.

FIG. 4E illustrates another embodiment wherein a bottom gusset panel section 300 includes multiple fold lines, an anti-tamper arrangement 302 at one of the fold lines, and an openable and reclosable closure arrangement 304. First panel section 312 and second panel section 314 are attached or sealed to the bottom gusset panel section 300.

FIG. 4F illustrates yet another embodiment wherein a bottom gusset panel section 400 includes multiple fold lines, an anti-tamper arrangement 402 at one of the fold lines, and an openable and reclosable closure arrangement 404. First panel section 412 and second panel section 414 are attached or sealed to the bottom gusset panel section 400.

As illustrated in FIG. 4E, the embodiment has an anti-tamper arrangement 302 that may extend beyond the second end edges 324, 334, of the first and second panel sections, 312, 314, and towards an openable and reclosable closure arrangement 304.

Also illustrated in FIG. 4F, the embodiment has an anti-tamper arrangement 402 that may extend beyond the second end edges 424, 434, of the first and second panel sections, 412, 414, and towards an openable and reclosable closure arrangement 404.

Closure arrangements including an anti-tamper arrangement are available, for example, under the trademark Slide-Rite® from Pactive Corporation.

It is preferable, as shown in FIGS. 1, and 5-8, that a bag construction include a handle aperture 72. The handle aperture 72 may help facilitate in the use of a bag construction to distribute the dispersible materials 62. The handle aperture 72 may also help facilitate in the transport of and storage of a bag construction according to the present invention.

Attention is now directed to FIGS. 5-8. From a review of these figures, a method of filling and operation of bag construction will be understood.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, bag construction 100 is depicted as it is being filled with dispersible material 62. After a bag construction is filled with dispersible material 62, preferably, a transverse seal 101 is sealed.

FIG. 6 illustrates the up-right standing position possible with a bag construction 100 after filling. From the bag construction 100 illustrated in FIG. 6, those skilled in the art will appreciate the advantages of such bag construction 100 for storage and/or product placement at point-of-sale.

Referring to FIG. 7, a bag construction 100 being used to distribute dispersible materials 62 is illustrated. FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment wherein an openable and reclosable arrangement 106 is shown at an open state. When in this open state, both a first end tab 102 and a second end tab 103 saddles the first rail 104 and the second rail 105 of an openable and reclosable arrangement 106. Therefore, the first panel section 112 and the second panel section 114 are held in close proximity. A user may hold onto the handle aperture 72 of the bag construction 100 as dispersible materials 62 flow and fall out from the internal compartment of the bag construction 100. After use, the openable and recloseable arrangement 106 may be closed and the bag construction 100 may be stored for further future use. In this regard, FIG. 6 illustrates a possible positioning when such bag construction 100 is stored for future use. Alternatively, the bag construction 100 may be stored on its side or any other position desired by a user.

Referring to FIG. 8, a bag construction 120 being used to distribute dispersible materials 62 is illustrated. An openable and reclosable closure arrangement 122 is shown at an open state. FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment wherein a first end tab 124 saddles a first rail 126 and a second rail 128 and thereby positioning the first panel section 130 and the second panel section 132 in close proximity at the location of the first end tab 124. A second tab 134 saddles the first rail 126 and is attached or sealed to the first panel section 130. A third tab 136 saddles the second rail 128 and is attached or sealed to the second panel section 132. Thus, when in the open state, this embodiment of an openable and reclosable closure arrangement 122 may allow for a larger opening than the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7. When in the closed state, this embodiment may resemble the embodiment illustrated to be in a closed state as shown in FIG. 6.

Referring to FIG. 9, another embodiment of a bag construction 500 is shown as it would generally appear prior to use without any material contained inside to facilitate viewing of internal detail. The bag construction 500 comprises first panel section 502 opposed to second panel section 504; a side gusset panel section 506; and internal gusset member 508 positioned inside the bag construction 500.

Still referring to FIG. 9, the first panel section 502 comprises a first end edge 512, a second end edge 514, a first side edge 520, and a second side edge 522. The first end edge 512 opposes the second end edge 514. The first side edge 520 opposes the second side edge 522.

The second panel section 504 comprises a first end edge 526, a second end edge 528, a first side edge 530, and a second side edge 532. The first end edge 526 opposes the second end edge 528. The first side edge 530 opposes the second side edge 532. The side gusset panel section 506 comprises a first end edge 534, a second end edge 536, a first side edge 538, and a second side edge 540. The first end edge 534 opposes the second end edge 536. The first side edge 538 opposes the second side edge 540.

Referring still to FIG. 9, at least a portion of the first panel section's first side edge 520 is secured to at least a portion of the second side edge 532 of the second panel section 504. At least a portion of the second side edge 522 of the first panel section 502 is secured to at least a portion of the first side edge 538 of the side gusset panel section 506. At least a portion of the first side edge 530 of the second panel section 504 is secured to at least a portion of the second side edge 540 of the side gusset panel section 506.

FIG. 9 illustrates the second end edges 514, 528, of the first panel section 502 and the second panel section 504 as being at least partly sealed. Accordingly, prior to use, the second end edges 514, 528 of the bag construction 500 may be cut or torn transversely across the bag construction 500. To aid in tearing or cutting of the second end edges 514, 528, a tear-line may be provided with or without a notch to ease the beginning of the tearing process. Alternatively, other securing means may be utilized at the second end edges of a bag construction, including, but not limited to, openable and reclosable closure arrangements disclosed herein. Furthermore, examples of bottom panel gusset panel sections illustrated in FIGS. 4C, 4D, 4E, and 4F may also be included at the second end edges 514, 528, of the bag construction.

The internal gusset member 508, as illustrated in FIG. 9, can be seen to be perforated and has at least one distribution aperture 542. Securing methods that can be utilized to secure the edges include, but are not limited to: heat sealing, glues, sewing, and/or any combinations there of, as well as any other conventional seals that are used for the formation of bag construction.

Bag constructions may be manufactured from a variety of materials. It is particularly advantageous, however, that they be constructed, at least partly, from relatively thin, strong material such as polyester biaxially oriented nylon liner low density polyethylene (PET/BON/LLDPE) film. Preferred embodiments which are particularly useful, and which include advantages according to the present invention, may be constructed wherein the first and second panel sections comprises first and second sheets of PET/BON/LLDPE 3-ply. Alternatively, a combination of PET/BON/LLDPE layer with one or more layer of different melting temperature may also be used. Similar materials may be utilized for the internal gusset member (with appropriate aperture or slit therein). Preferably heat sealable film is utilized, so that the means for securing the panel sections to another, securing the closure means and panel sections, and securing the internal gusset member in place, is by heat seals without the need for additional adhesive.

The film materials are available in three substrates and may be laminated together in a conventional adhesive lamination process. The polyester substrate has an adhesive applied, then the nylon substrate is applied. The polyester substrate and nylon substrate are laminated together. This resulting layer is coated with the liner low density polyethylene substrate, and then laminated together.

The first substrate, polyester, is available from DuPont. The second substrate, biaxially oriented nylon, is available from Allied Signals. The third substrate, linear low density polyethylene, is available from Consolidated Thermoplastics of Chippewa Falls, Wis.

A preferred embodiment has been described for illustrative purposes. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed and disclosed, including the full scope of equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A bag construction comprising:

(a) first and second panel sections, each comprising: (i) a first end edge, a second end edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge; (ii) wherein the first end edge oppose the second end edge; (ii) wherein the first side edge oppose the second side edge; (iii) wherein the first side edge extends from the first end edge to the second end edge; and (iv) wherein the second side edge extends from the first end edge to the second end edge;
(b) a first side gusset panel section comprising: (i) a first end edge, a second end edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge; (ii) wherein the first end edge opposes the second end edge; (ii) wherein the first side edge opposes the second side edge; (iii) wherein the first side edge extends from the first end edge to the second end edge; and (iv) wherein the second side edge extends from the first end edge to the second end edge;
(c) said panel sections and said side gusset panel section being secured in the following manner to define a bag construction interior: (i) at least a portion of the first panel section's first side edge being secured to at least a portion of the first side gusset panel section's second side edge; (ii) at least a portion of the first side gusset panel section's first side edge being secured to at least a portion of the second panel section's second side edge; and
(d) an internal gusset member; (i) said internal gusset member positioned inside said bag construction interior, (ii) said internal gusset member including at least one distribution aperture therein.

2. A bag construction according to claim 1, further including:

(a) a second side gusset panel section comprising: (i) a first end edge, a second end edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge; (ii) wherein the first end edge opposes the second end edge; (ii) wherein the first side edge opposes the second side edge; (iii) wherein the first side edge extends from the first end edge to the second end edge; (iv) wherein the second side edge extends from the first end edge to the second end edge; and
(b) said panel sections and said side gusset panel sections being further secured in the following manner: (i) at least a portion of the second panel section's first side edge being secured to at least a portion of the second side gusset panel section's second side edge; and (ii) at least a portion of the second side gusset panel section's first side edge being secured to at least a portion of the first panel section's second side edge.

3. A bag construction according to claim 2, further including:

a bottom gusset panel section comprising: (i) a fold line; (i) an anti-tamper arrangement including a tearable portion situated at least partly along said fold line; and (ii) a transverse openable and reclosable closure arrangement;
wherein said bottom gusset panel section is sealed at least partly to said first and second panel sections at said second end edges of said first and second panel sections.

4. A bag construction according to claim 2, further including:

a transverse openable and reclosable closure arrangement extending between said first and second panel sections at said second end edges of said first and second panel sections.

5. A bag construction according to claim 4, further including:

an anti-tamper arrangement; (i) said anti-tamper arrangement including a tear member sealed, at least partly, to each of said first and second panel sections; and (ii) said anti-tamper arrangement being positioned between said transverse openable and reclosable closure arrangement and said internal gusset member.

6. A bag construction according to claim 1, further including:

(a) said internal gusset member being constructed of a flexible material;
(b) a transverse seal oriented to seal at least a portion of said first and second panel sections to each other; (i) said transverse seal being positioned to extend transversely across said bag construction at a location between said first end edges of first and second panel sections and said internal gusset member;
(c) a transverse openable and reclosable closure arrangement extending between said first and second panel sections at said second end edges of said first and second panel sections; and
(d) an anti-tamper arrangement; (i) said anti-tamper arrangement positioned, at least partly, inside said bag construction interior; (ii) said anti-tamper arrangement including a tear member sealed, at least partly, to each of said first and second panel sections; and (iii) said anti-tamper arrangement being positioned between said transverse openable and reclosable closure arrangement and said internal gusset member.

7. A bag construction comprising:

(a) first and second panel sections, and first and second side gusset panel sections, each comprising: (i) a first end edge, a second end edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge; (ii) wherein the first end edge oppose the second end edge; (ii) wherein the first side edge oppose the second side edge; (iii) wherein the first side edge extends from the first end edge to the second end edge; (iv) wherein the second side edge extends from the first end edge to the second end edge;
(b) said panel sections and said side gusset panel sections being secured in the following manner to define a bag construction interior: (i) at least a portion of the first panel section's first side edge being secured to at least a portion of the first side gusset panel's second side edge; (ii) at least a portion of the first side gusset panel section's first side edge being secured to at least a portion of the second panel's second side edge; (iii) at least a portion of the second panel section's first side edge being secured to at least a portion of the second side gusset panel's second side edge; (iv) at least a portion of the second side gusset panel section's first side edge being secured to at least a portion of the first panel's second side edge;
(c) said first and second side gusset panel sections having a fold line extending at least partially between said first and second side edges of said first and second panel sections;
(d) an internal gusset member; (i) said internal gusset member positioned, at least partly, inside said bag construction interior; (ii) said internal gusset member including at least one distribution aperture therein; (iii) said internal gusset member being constructed of a flexible material; and
(e) a means for sealing transversely across said bag construction at a location between said second edges of first and second panel sections and said internal gusset member.

8. A bag construction according to claim 7, further including:

a bottom gusset panel section comprising: (i) a fold line; (i) an anti-tamper arrangement including a tearable portion situated at least partly along said fold line; and (ii) a transverse openable and reclosable closure arrangement;
wherein said bottom gusset panel section is sealed at least partly to said first and second panel sections at said second end edges of said first and second panel sections.

9. A bag construction according to claim 7 further including:

an anti-tamper arrangement; (i) said anti-tamper arrangement positioned inside said bag construction interior, (ii) said anti-tamper arrangement including a tear member sealed to each of said first and second panel sections; and (iii) said anti-tamper arrangement being positioned between said second end edge of said first panel section and said internal gusset member.

10. A bag construction according to claim 7 wherein:

said side gusset panel sections are formed of at least two different layers of polymers.

11. A bag construction comprising:

(a) first and second panel sections, and first and second side gusset panel sections, each comprising: (i) a first end edge, a second end edge, a first side edge, and a second side edge; (ii) wherein the first end edge oppose the second end edge; (ii) wherein the first side edge oppose the second side edge; (iii) wherein the first side edge extends from the first end edge to the second end edge; (iv) wherein the second side edge extends from the first end edge to the second end edge;
(b) said panel sections and said side gusset panel sections being secured in the following manner to define a bag construction interior: (i) at least a portion of the first panel section's first side edge being secured to at least a portion of the first side gusset panel section's second side edge; (ii) at least a portion of the first side gusset panel section's first side edge being secured to at least a portion of the second panel section's second side edge; (iii) at least a portion of the second panel section's first side edge being secured to at least a portion of the second side gusset panel section's second side edge; (iv) at least a portion of the second side gusset panel section's first side edge being secured to at least a portion of the first panel section's second side edge;
(c) said first and second side gusset panel sections having a fold line extending at least partially between said first and second side edges of said first and second panel sections;
(d) an internal gusset member; (i) said internal gusset member positioned inside said bag construction interior between the first and second panel sections; (ii) said internal gusset member including at least one distribution aperture therein; (iii) said internal gusset member being constructed, at least in part, of a flexible material;
(e) a transverse seal oriented to seal at least a portion of said first and second panel sections to each other, (i) said transverse seal being positioned to extend transversely across said bag construction at a location between said first end edges of first and second panel sections and said internal gusset member;
(f) a transverse openable and reclosable closure arrangement extending between said first and second panel sections at said second end edges of said first and second panel sections; and
(g) an anti-tamper arrangement; (i) said anti-tamper arrangement positioned at least partly inside said bag construction interior; (ii) said anti-tamper arrangement including a tear member sealed to each of said first and second panel sections; and (iii) said anti-tamper arrangement being positioned between said transverse openable and reclosable closure arrangement and said internal gusset member.

12. A bag construction according to claim 11 wherein:

said side gusset panel sections are formed of at least two different layers of polymers.
Patent History
Publication number: 20080240622
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 30, 2007
Publication Date: Oct 2, 2008
Inventor: Gary Michael Bell (Crystal, MN)
Application Number: 11/731,754
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Tamper Indicating (383/5); Pleated Or Gusseted (383/120); Rib And Groove (383/63)
International Classification: B65D 33/00 (20060101); B65D 30/20 (20060101); B65D 33/16 (20060101);