BAG WITH A POCKET FOR A THERMAL INSULATING MATERIAL AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME

Abstract

A flexible, reclosable bag includes a first bag web, a second bag web, and a pocket-forming web, which form a flexible, reclosable bag having a pocket for inserting a thermal influencing material. The pocket-forming web may contain a cut, thereby forming an opening in the pocket. The pocket and/or the flexible, reclosable bag may include a fastener, such as a zipper tape fastener or a zipper slider fastener. Additionally, a method for making a flexible, reclosable bag having a pocket for receiving a thermal influencing material is disclosed.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to a flexible bag and more specifically to a reclosable, flexible bag having features useful for, among other things, influencing the temperature of the contents of the bag.

BACKGROUND

The packaging industry provides packaging products that are capable of serving various functions. For example, the packaging industry provides simple, flexible bags in which items can be shipped. The bags may serve various functions, such as, for example, providing a means for keeping counted items separate; easily transporting smaller or numerous items; providing protection from dirt, dust, and the like; and serving any other suitable purpose as recognized by one skilled in the art.

The food industry often uses reclosable, plastic bags to ship food products. As such, reclosable plastic bags have evolved to cater towards this use. For example, because fasteners do not always provide an airtight seal, especially if the fastener becomes disengaged during product shipment, food products may become lose freshness or even become ruined. The packaging industry has thus developed bags often containing a permanently sealed, airtight portion in addition to a reclosable portion capable of maintaining an airtight seal when closed. The permanently sealed, airtight portion is generally not reclosable but is less likely to become disengaged or otherwise compromised or tampered during shipping. Once the end user removes the more permanently sealed, airtight portion, the user may then use the reclosable portion to still maintain the freshness of the contents of the bag.

Another problem facing many industries, such as the food industry, is temperature control. During shipping, bags containing goods may often be temperature regulated to maintain a desired temperature. For example, food products may be filled in reclosable bags and shipped in a temperature controlled shipping container. Once at the final destination, the reclosable containers containing potentially perishable goods can be placed in a refrigerator. End consumers, as well as others, however, sometimes desire to transport reclosable bags under circumstances where more standard means for temperature control is not available. Additionally, there is sometimes a need to control the temperature of a reclosable bag that is filled by the end user. For example, consumers can buy reclosable bags, e.g., sandwich bags, at grocery stores. Consumers may then place items in the bag that they wish to have some temperature control over, such as fruit, sandwiches, or even non-food items.

Thus, various solutions have been developed to conveniently influence the temperature of items, often placed in reclosable bags. Often times, users wish to keep things cool, but there are times when users desire to influence the temperature to keep something warm or even hot. For example, coolers are common items, often filled with ice or ice packs, that maintain a cool environment in which a user may place items to keep them in a cool environment. Coolers, however, can be heavy, bulky, and difficult to transport in some situations. Therefore, other solutions have been developed. For example, cooler bags or backpacks have been developed that, instead of being made out of a hard, plastic insulation material, contain a flexible thermal layer, thereby making the cooler easier to transport.

These solutions, however, are not without problems. For example, some coolers that are of a more flexible type are difficult to properly clean and dry, which may lead to the growth of mold. Even with coolers that are easier to clean and dry, improper cleaning or storing, e.g., storing the cooler before it is entirely dry, may lead to mold or, at a minimum, undesirable musty smells. Furthermore, none of these solutions are disposable, i.e., after using the cooler to bring the desired goods to the final destination, the user must carry the cooler back. While this may be desirable, for example, if some items still remain in the cooler, this may be undesirable in other situations. For example, hikers and backpackers are often concerned with the weight that they carry. As such, they need lightweight solutions that they do not have to continue to carry longer than necessary.

In light of the above, a need exists to provide a solution for influencing the temperature of items, i.e., keeping them cooler or warmer, that is lightweight and easy to carry. Furthermore, a need exists for a solution that is cheap to produce and that is disposable, thereby preventing, among other things, problems associated with the growth of mold and undesirable smells often associated with current solutions.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A flexible, reclosable bag may include at least a first bag web and a second bag web in an opposed relationship, wherein the first and second bag webs each have a first edge, a second edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge. The flexible, reclosable bag may additionally include a first bag side connecting the first edge of the first bag web with the first edge of the second bag web and a second bag side connecting the second edge of the first bag web with the second edge of the second bag web. Furthermore, a bag bottom connects the bottom edge of the first bag web with the bottom edge of the second bag web. A pocket-forming web, having a top pocket edge, a bottom pocket edge, a first pocket edge, and a second pocket edge, is sealingly connected to the first bag web along at least the top pocket edge, the first pocket edge, and the second pocket edge, thereby forming a pocket between the pocket-forming web and the first bag web.

In another example, the bottom pocket edge may also be sealingly connected to the first bag web. Alternatively, the bottom pocket edge may be sealingly connected to the second bag web.

In one example, the flexible, reclosable bag may have the first pocket edge sealingly connected to the first bag web along the first bag side and the second pocket edge sealingly connected to the first bag web along the second bag side.

In another example, the first bag web and the second bag web may be formed from a continuous web. The pocket-forming web may also be formed from this continuous web.

In yet another example, the pocket-forming web contains a cut, thereby forming an opening into the pocket. Thus, one may insert a thermal influencing material into the pocket. This cut may, for example, contain a fastener. The bag itself may also contain a fastener. In either case, the fastener may be, for example, a zipper tape fastener or a zipper slider fastener.

A method for forming a flexible, reclosable bag having a pocket for receiving a temperature influencing material includes selecting a bag web to be used for forming the flexible, reclosable bag; selecting a pocket-forming web having a top pocket edge, a bottom pocket edge, a first pocket edge, and a second pocket edge; cutting the pocket-forming web to a predetermined length; placing the pocket-forming web adjacent the bag web; and attaching the top pocket edge, the bottom pocket edge, the first pocket edge, and the second pocket edge to the bag web to form a pocket.

In another example, the method may further include forming a cut in the pocket-forming web, thereby allowing the insertion and removal of a temperature influencing material.

The method may also include folding the bag web to form a fold such that the fold divides the bag web into a first bag web and a second bag web, each in an opposed relationship to each other; sealingly connecting the first edge of the first bag web with the first edge of the second bag web to form a first bag side; and sealingly connecting the second edge of the first bag web with the second edge of the second bag web to form a second bag side. The fold may be along the bag web such that, for example, the pocket is only on the first bag web.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be better understood with reference to the following drawings wherein. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

FIG. 1 shows one example of a zipper tape fastener.

FIG. 2 shows one example of a zipper slider fastener.

FIG. 3 shows one example of a flexible, reclosable bag having a pocket.

FIG. 4 shows one example of a flexible, reclosable bag having a pocket.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a sectional view of the flexible, reclosable bag shown in FIG. 3, taken along line 5-5.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a sectional view of the flexible, reclosable bag shown in FIG. 4, taken along line 6-6.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a sectional view of the flexible, reclosable bag shown in FIG. 3, taken along line 7-7.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a sectional view of a flexible, reclosable bag.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a sectional view of a flexible, reclosable bag.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a sectional view of a flexible, reclosable bag.

FIG. 11 shows an example of a sectional view of a flexible, reclosable bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reclosable, plastic bags, for example, may include a fastener. Various types of fasteners are known in the art. For example, an example of a zipper tape fastener 100 is shown in FIG. 1. Briefly, zipper tape fastener has two strip portions 102, 104 of flexible material Strip portion 102 contains a male mating portion 106, and strip portion 104 has a female mating portion 108. The two strip portions 102, 104 may be joined together at the ends. For example, end 110 shows strip portions 102 and 104 fused together, which may further include broadening and flattening the two strips 102, 104, along with the male mating portion 106 and female mating portion 108. It is understood, however, that other variations of zipper tape fasteners are known in the art.

Another example of a fastener known in the art is shown in FIG. 2. This fastener is often called a zipper slider fastener 200. Briefly, this fastener contains two mating portions 202 and 204. A zipper slider 206 slidably moves across the top edges of mating portions 202, 204, thereby causing the mating portions 202, 204 to either engage or disengage (depending on the direction the slider zipper 206 is moved), as known in the art. It is recognized, however, that reclosable plastic bags may contain any other suitable fastener as known in the art.

FIG. 3 shows a flexible, reclosable bag 300 having a pocket 302. Although the pocket 302 may serve other purposes, it is contemplated that the pocket 302 may be used to contain a temperature influencing material. For example, the pocket 302 may contain ice to cool the contents of the bag 300 and/or other surrounding items. Ice, however, is disadvantageous for various reasons. For example, ice is often bulky, but furthermore, melting ice turns to water, which may leak out of pocket 302. Therefore, other thermal influencing materials are desirable. For example, Maxwell Chase Technologies, LLC manufactures and sells Ice Wrap™ pads. These pads are inexpensive, lightweight, easy to handle, and take up little storage space. Furthermore, Ice Wrap™ pads do not release water when thawed and may additionally absorb additional moisture. Of course, it is understood that Ice Wrap™ pads are just but one thermal influencing material and that the thermal influencing material may alternatively be used to warm, rather than cool, the contents of bag 300.

Turning back to bag 300, the bag 300 contains a first bag web 304 and a second bag web 306 in an opposed relationship with each other. As described below, the first bag web 304 and second bag web 306 may both be formed from a continuous web folded to form bag 300. Alternatively, first bag web 304 and second bag web 306 may each be separate pieces of flexible material, i.e., webs, sealed together.

Additionally, pocket 302 is formed between pocket-forming web 308 and the first bag web 304. Similar to the first bag web 304 and the second bag web 306, the pocket-forming web 308 may be formed from a continuous web. Alternatively, the pocket-forming web 308 may be a separate piece of flexible material sealed to bag 300. It is understood that the scope of this disclosure also includes other variations of a bag 300 with a pocket 302. For example, first bag web 304 and pocket-forming web 302 may be a continuous web while second bag web 306 may be a separate piece sealed to form bag 300.

Each web section has a first edge, a second edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge. Note, however, that these terms are used only for explanatory purposes. As such, for example, a top edge could be the bottom edge or a side edge. In other words, no meaning as to orientation, function, or otherwise should be placed into these terms.

For example, first bag web 304 has first edge 312, second edge 314, top edge 316 (sealed to fastener 310), and bottom edge 318. Similarly, second bag web 306 has a first edge 320, a second edge (not shown), a top edge (not shown), and a bottom edge (not shown). Pocket-forming web 308 has a top pocket edge 322, a bottom pocket edge 324, a first pocket edge 326, and a second pocket edge 328. Note that bag 300 contains several of these webs sealed together. As such, for example, the second edge 314 of the first bag web 304, the second edge (not shown) of the second bag web 306, and the second pocket edge 328 are all sealingly connected along seal 330 in example bag 300.

Bag 300 contains a first bag side 332 connecting the first edge 312 of the first bag web 304 with the first edge 320 of the second bag web 306. Similarly, bag 300 contains second bag side 334 connecting the second edge 314 of the first bag web 304 with the second edge (not shown) of the second bag web 306. Bag bottom 336 connects the bottom edge 318 of the first bag web 304 with the bottom edge (not shown) of the second bag web 306. The above described connections, such as those forming first bag side 332, second bag side 334, and bag bottom 336, may be formed by any suitable means. For example, two separate web portions may be welded or fused together as known in the art. This may be accomplished, for example, by applying heat and or pressure to melt the different layers of flexible material together. Alternatively, the different webs may be formed from a continuous web. For example, the continuous web may be folded, with or without a crease, such that a bag is formed.

It is noted that bag 300 contains a fastener 310 that is similar to the zipper slider fastener 200 of FIG. 2, but it should be understood that any other suitable fastener, such as zipper tape fastener 100 of FIG. 1, may be used on bag 300. Fastener 310 allows a user to reclosably connect the top edge 316 of the first bag web 304 to the top edge (not shown) of the second bag web 306. In some embodiments, the fastener 310 may allow the bag to be closed in an airtight fashion.

Also depicted in FIG. 3 is a cut 338, which forms an opening 340 into the pocket 302. Although referred to as a “cut,” cut 338 may be formed in any suitable manner. For example, the cut 338 may be formed by a knife or may be formed by melting the pocket-forming web 308 to form opening 340, leaving a first pocket-forming web 342 and second pocket-forming web 344. Alternatively, pocket-forming web 308 may actually consist of two webs—a first pocket-forming web 342 and a second pocket-forming web 344—both placed in near abutting relation to each other to form opening 340. As shown in FIG. 3, cut 338 is nearly the width of the pocket-forming web 308. Cut 338 may, however, be of any desired width. Although not shown, it is also contemplated that a fastener may be used to reclosably seal the opening 340 in the pocket 302. For example, a zipper tape fastener, such as zipper tape fastener 100, or a zipper slider fastener, such as zipper slider fastener 200, may be used to reclosably seal opening 340. It is also contemplated that opening 340 may be sealed such that it is permanently sealed. In such an embodiment, a user may place a temperature influencing material into pocket 302 and then permanently seal opening 340. Alternatively, one edge of pocket-forming web 308 may not be sealed to the bag 300, and that edge could then be permanently sealed after placing a temperature influencing material into pocket 302.

FIG. 4 shows another example of a flexible, reclosable bag 400 having a pocket 402. Pocket 402 is similar to pocket 302 in that, although it may serve other purposes, it is contemplated that pocket 402 may be used to contain a temperature influencing material, as described above with reference to pocket 302. Bag 400 contains a first bag web 404and a second bag web 406 in an opposed relationship with each other. As described below, the first bag web 404 and second bag web 406 may both be formed from a continuous web folded to form bag 400. Alternatively, first bag web 404 and second bag web 406 may each be separate pieces of flexible material, i.e., webs, sealed together.

Additionally, pocket 402 is formed between pocket-forming web 408 and the first bag web 404. In this example bag 400, the pocket-forming web 408 is a separate piece of flexible material sealed to bag 400. Pocket-forming web 408, in this example, has a width and a length that is less than the width and length of the first bag web 404.

Each web section has a first edge, a second edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge. Note, however, that these terms are used only for explanatory purposes. As such, for example, a top edge could be the bottom edge or a side edge. In other words, no meaning as to orientation, function, or otherwise should be placed into these terms.

For example, first bag web 404 has first edge 412, second edge 414, top edge 416 (sealed to fastener 410), and bottom edge 418. Similarly, second bag web 406 has a first edge 420, a second edge (not shown), a top edge (not shown), and a bottom edge (not shown). Pocket-forming web 408 has a top pocket edge 422, a bottom pocket edge 424, a first pocket edge 426, and a second pocket edge 428. Note that bag 400 contains several of these webs sealed together. As such, for example, the second edge 414 of the first bag web 404 and the second edge (not shown) of the second bag web 406 are sealingly connected along seal 430 in example bag 400.

Bag 400 contains a first bag side 432 connecting the first edge 412 of the first bag web 404 with the first edge 420 of the second bag web 406. Similarly, bag 400 contains second bag side 434 connecting the second edge 414 of the first bag web 404 with the second edge (not shown) of the second bag web 406. Bag bottom 436 connects the bottom edge 418 of the first bag web 404 with the bottom edge (not shown) of the second bag web 406. The above described connections, such as those forming first bag side 432, second bag side 434, and bag bottom 436, may be formed by any suitable means, as described above with respect to bag 300.

Bag 400 contains fastener 410, which is similar to the zipper tape fastener 100 of FIG. 1, but it should be understood that any other suitable fastener, such as zipper slider fastener 200 of FIG. 2, may be used on bag 400. Fastener 410 allows a user to reclosably connect the top edge 416 of the first bag web 404 to the top edge (not shown) of the second bag web 406. In some embodiments, the fastener 410 may allow the bag to be closed in an airtight fashion.

Also depicted in FIG. 4 is a cut 438, which forms an opening 440 into the pocket 402. Although referred to as a “cut,” cut 438 may be formed in any suitable manner. For example, the cut 438 may be formed by a knife or may be formed by melting the pocket-forming web 408 to form opening 440. Unlike cut 338 shown in FIG. 3, cut 438 is not nearly the width of the pocket-forming web 408. Cut 438 may, however, be of any desired width. As discussed above with respect to bag 300 and although not shown, it is also contemplated that a fastener may be used to reclosably seal the opening 440 in the pocket 402.

FIGS. 5-11 are sectional views illustrating different examples of how bags such as bag 300 or bag 400, may be constructed and formed. For example, FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken of bag 300 across line 5-5 in FIG. 3. This figure shows, for example, pocket 302, pocket-forming web 308, first bag web 304, second bag web 306, first edge 312 of the first bag web 304 and the first bag edge 320 of the second bag web 306 to sealingly form first bag side 332. In this example, first pocket edge 326 is also sealingly connected along the first bag side 332. FIG. 3 also shows the second edge 314 of the first bag web 304, the second edge 520 of the second bag web 306, and the second pocket edge 328, all sealingly connected along the second bag side 334. It is understood, however, that the first bag side 332 and/or the second bag side 334 could be formed by folding a continuous web instead of sealingly connecting two separate webs.

Turning now to FIG. 6, a sectional view of bag 400 taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 4 is shown. This figure shows, for example, pocket 402, pocket-forming web 408, first bag web 404, second bag web 406, first edge 412 of the first bag web 404 and the first bag edge 420 of the second bag web 406 to sealingly form first bag side 432. In this example, first pocket edge 426 and second pocket edge are sealingly connected to first bag web 404. It is understood, however, that one pocket edge 426, 428 could be sealingly connected to first bag web 404 while the other pocket edge 426, 428 could be sealingly connected at a bag side. FIG. 4 also shows the second edge 414 of the first bag web 404 and the second edge 620 of the second bag web 406 sealingly connected along the second bag side 434. It is understood, however, that the first bag side 432 and/or the second bag side 434 could be formed by folding a continuous web instead of sealingly connecting two separate webs.

FIG. 7 shows an example sectional view of bag 300 taken along line 7-7 as shown in FIG. 3. It is understood, however, that bag 300 could be formed in any suitable manner, such as those shown in the other sectional views. As shown in FIG. 7, first bag web 304 and second bag web 306 are formed from a continuous web. Thus, bag bottom 336 may be formed by a gentle curve, a crease (a crease), or by a seal (even though a seal may not be necessary since the two sections are continuous). In this particular example, pocket-forming web 308 and first bag web 304 are not shown as being from a continuous web, although it is contemplated that they could have been a continuous web that was separated during the manufacturing process. Pocket-forming web 308 is sealingly connected, however, to first bag web 304 at seals 702 and 704. For example, bottom pocket edge 324 is sealingly connected to first bag web 304. It is understood that any suitable sealing technique known in the art may be used to form seals 702 and 704. For example, heat may be applied to form seals 702, 704. Furthermore, seals 702 and 704 may be hermetic seals, although this is not required. It is further noted that the sectional view shown in FIG. 7 could also be a sectional view of bag 400.

FIGS. 8-11 show sectional views of flexible, reclosable bags, which are similar to bag 300 and bag 400. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that these sectional views show other examples of how one may form a flexible, reclosable bag having a pocket within the spirit of this disclosure. It is understood, however, that these examples are not limiting to each particular example and that features of one example may be combined with features shown in other examples.

In FIG. 8, for example, an example sectional view of a reclosable bag 800 having a pocket 802 is shown. Bag 800 contains a first bag web 804 and a second bag web 806 in opposed relationship to each other. In this particular example, top pocket edge 807 of pocket-forming web 808 is sealingly connected to first bag web 804 at seal 810. Pocket-forming web 808 also contains a cut 812 to form an opening 814 into pocket 802, which is similar to cut 338 and opening 340 of bag 300. Unlike the example sectional view shown in FIG. 7, however, first bag web 804 and second bag web 806 are not formed from a continuous web. Instead, bag bottom 816 is formed by sealingly connecting the bottom pocket edge 818 of the pocket-forming web 808, the bottom edge 820 of the first bag web 804, and the bottom edge 822 of the second bag web 806. Thus, it is recognized that one difference between the example shown in FIG. 7 and the example shown in FIG. 8 is how the bag bottoms 336 and 816 are formed.

Turning now to FIG. 9, another example of a sectional view of a flexible, reclosable bag 900 having a pocket 902 is shown. Bag 900 contains a first bag web 904 and a second bag web 906 in opposed relationship to each other. In this particular example, top pocket edge 907 of pocket-forming web 908 is sealingly connected to first bag web 904 at seal 910. Additionally, the bottom pocket edge 911 of pocket-forming web 908 is also sealingly connected to second bag web 906 at seal 912. Similar to the other examples, bag 900 contains a cut 914 to form an opening 916 into pocket 902. Bag bottom 918, in this particular example, is formed by first bag web 904 and second bag web 906 being a continuous web section, but it is understood that bag bottom 918 could be formed by sealingly connecting a first bag web 904 to a separate second bag web 906 or by using any other suitable method known in the art.

In FIG. 10, an example of a sectional view of a flexible, reclosable bag 1000 having a pocket 1002 is shown. Bag 1000 has a first bag web 1004 and a second bag web 1006 in opposed relationship to each other. In this example, first bag web 1004, second bag web 1006, and pocket-forming web 1008 are formed from a continuous web. Although not necessary, top pocket edge 1007 of pocket-forming web 1008 may be sealingly connected to first bag web 1004 at seal 1010. This example figure also shows cut 1012 forming an opening 1014 into pocket 1002. Furthermore, bottom pocket edge 1016 is sealingly connected to first bag web 1004 at seal 1018. It is understood that pocket 1002 may be formed other ways, however. For example, bottom pocket edge 1016 could be sealingly connected to second bag web 1006, to form a seal similar to seal 912 shown in FIG. 9.

It is understood that a reclosable, flexible bag having a pocket may be formed in a number of ways and that different features of each example disclosed here with may be combined with features from other examples. In other words, these example figures are illustrative of some contemplated features but do not show all combinations. For example, another example of a sectional view of a flexible, reclosable bag 1100 is shown in FIG. 11. This example bag 1100 is similar to bag 1000 in that it contains a pocket 1102, a first bag web 1104, a second bag web 1106, and a pocket-forming web 1108 with a cut 1109 forming an opening 1110 into pocket 1102. Furthermore, it is noted that first bag web 1104 and pocket-forming web 1108 are formed from a continuous web, and the two are optionally sealed at seal 1112. Thus, as shown in this example, top pocket edge 1111 is sealingly connected to first bag web 1104 at seal 1112. Furthermore, first bag web 1104 and bottom pocket edge 1114 of pocket-forming web 1108 are also sealingly connected at seal 1116. Unlike the example shown in FIG. 10, however, the second bag web 1106 is not necessarily formed from the same continuous web as first bag web 1104. Instead, first bag web 1104 and second bag web 1106 form bag bottom 1118 by being sealingly connected at seal 1120. In other words, the bottom edge 1122 of the first bag web 1104 and the bottom edge 1124 of the second bag web 1106 are sealingly connected at seal 1120. Although not shown, it is also understood, for example, that bottom pocket edge 1114 could also be sealingly connected at the bag bottom 1118 instead of seal 1116 as shown.

A method is also disclosed for forming a flexible, reclosable bag having a pocket for receiving a temperature influencing material, such as bag 300 or bag 400. It is understood that the steps of the below-described method may be done in any suitable order and may include additional steps before, after, and/or between the disclosed steps. The method includes, for example, selecting a bag web to be used to form the flexible, reclosable bag. The bag web may be, for example, on a spool or roll. Next, the method includes selecting a pocket-forming web, such as pocket-forming web 308. Similar to the bag web, the pocket-forming web may be on a continuous roll or spool. The method then includes cutting the pocket-forming web to a predetermined length, thereby yielding a pocket-forming web having a top pocket edge (such as top pocket edge 322), a bottom pocket edge (such as bottom pocket edge 324), a first pocket edge (such as first pocket edge 326), and a second pocket edge (such as second pocket edge 328) the pocket-forming web 308 to be used for forming the pocket for receiving the temperature-influencing material. The method then includes placing the pocket-forming web adjacent the bag web, and then attaching the top pocket edge 322, the bottom pocket edge 324, the first pocket edge 326, and the second pocket edge 328 to the bag web to form a pocket 302. The attaching may be done by sealingly connecting the pocket-forming web 308 to the bag web, as is described above. As noted, the method may include additional steps. For example, it may include forming a cut in the pocket-forming web 308, thereby allowing the insertion or removal of a temperature influencing material. This cut may be made, for example, before the pocket-forming web is attached to the bag web.

The method may continue by folding the bag web to form a fold such that the fold divides the bag web into a first bag web 304 and a second bag web 306, each in an opposed relationship to each other, wherein the first bag web 304 and the second bag web 306 each have a first edge 312, 320, a second edge 314, 620, a top edge 316 (on first bag web 304), and a bottom edge 318 (on first bag web 304). The bottom edge 318 of the first bag web 304 and the bottom edge of the second bag web 306 are along the fold to form a bag bottom 336. This folding of a bag web to form a bag is known in the art and may be done, for example, by a machine to form, fill, and seal a bag. The bag may thus be formed by sealingly connecting the first edge 312 of the first bag web 304 to the first edge 320 of the second bag web 306 to form a first bag side 332 and sealingly connecting the second edge 314 of the first bag web 304 to the second edge (not shown) of the second bag web 306 to form a second bag side 334.

The folding of the bag web may occur at any suitable location along the bag web. For example, FIG. 7 shows a sectional view of an example flexible, reclosable bag having a pocket for receiving a temperature influencing material where the bag web is folded such that the pocket 302 is on only the first bag web 304. In another example, FIG. 9 shows a sectional view of an example flexible, reclosable bag having a pocket for receiving a temperature influencing material where the bag web is folded such that the pocket-forming web 908 is sealing connected to both the first bag web 904 and the second bag web 906. It is further envisioned, for example, the fold could be at a middle location of the pocket-forming web 908 such that an equal-sized pocket is formed on each side of the bag.

It is understood that the above-described method may include any additional steps and may be performed by any suitable device. For example, a device similar to that described in U.S. Patent Publication Number 2004/0167003, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, may perform the above-described method. It is also understood, however, that the flexible, reclosable bag described throughout may be formed by any suitable method, not just the method described within.

In a preferred embodiment, bag 300, shown in FIG. 3 is 7″ in height by 8″ in width ±1″. Pocket 302 is 7″ high by 7″ wide ±1″. Although not shown in the drawings, in a preferred embodiment ICE WRAP™ pads are used to provide a thermal influencing material. Thermal influencing materials are shown as pad 2000 in FIG. 3. In a preferred embodiment, they are 2.25″ square ±0.25. However, any size bag, pouch and thermal influencing material may be utilized.

As described above and shown in the associated drawings, the present disclosure relates to, among other things, flexible, reclosable bags having a pocket for inserting a thermal influencing material and method of making the same. While particular examples have been described, it will be understood that the disclosure is not limited thereto, since modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings. It is, therefore, contemplated for the following claims to cover any such modifications that incorporate those features or those improvements that embody the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flexible, reclosable bag comprising:

at least a first bag web and a second bag web in an opposed relationship, wherein the first and second bag webs each have a first edge, a second edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge;

a first bag side connecting the first edge of the first bag web with the first edge of the second bag web;

a second bag side connecting the second edge of the first bag web with the second edge of the second bag web;

a bag bottom connecting the bottom edge of the first bag web with the bottom edge of the second bag web;

a pocket-forming web, having a top pocket edge, a bottom pocket edge, a first pocket edge, and a second pocket edge, the pocket-forming web sealingly connected to the first bag web along at least the top pocket edge, the first pocket edge, and the second pocket edge, thereby forming a pocket between the pocket-forming web and the first bag web.

2. The flexible, reclosable bag of claim 1, wherein the bottom pocket edge is also sealingly connected to the first bag web.

3. The flexible, reclosable bag of claim 1, wherein the bottom pocket edge is sealingly connected to the second bag web.

4. The flexible, reclosable bag of claim 1, wherein the first pocket edge is sealingly connected to the first bag web along the first bag side and the second pocket edge is sealingly connected to the first bag web along the second bag side.

5. The flexible, reclosable bag of claim 1, wherein the first bag web and second bag web are formed from a continuous web.

6. The flexible, reclosable bag of claim 5, wherein the pocket-forming web is formed from the continuous web.

7. The flexible, reclosable bag of claim 1, wherein the pocket-forming web has a cut, thereby forming an opening into the pocket.

8. The flexible, reclosable bag of claim 1 further comprising a fastener to reclosably connect the top edge of the first bag web and the top edge of the second bag web.

9. The flexible, reclosable bag of claim 8, wherein the fastener is a zipper tape fastener.

10. The flexible, reclosable bag of claim 8, wherein the fastener is a zipper slider fastener.

11. The flexible, reclosable bag of claim 7, further including a fastener to reclosably seal the cut in the pocket.

12. The flexible, reclosable bag of claim 11, wherein the fastener is a zipper tape fastener.

13. The flexible, reclosable bag of claim 11, wherein the fastener is a zipper slider fastener.

14. A flexible, reclosable bag comprising:

at least a first bag web and a second bag web in an opposed relationship, wherein the first and second bag webs each have a first edge, a second edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge;

a first bag side connecting the first edge of the first bag web with the first edge of the second bag web;

a second bag side connecting the second edge of the first bag web with the second edge of the second bag web;

a bag bottom connecting the bottom edge of the first bag web with the bottom edge of the second bag web;

a pocket-forming web, having a top pocket edge, a bottom pocket edge, a first pocket edge, and a second pocket edge, the pocket-forming web sealingly connected to the first bag web along at least the top pocket edge, the first pocket edge, and the second pocket edge, thereby forming a pocket between the pocket-forming web and the first bag web; and

a temperature influencing material within the pocket formed by the pocket-forming web and first bag web.

15. The flexible, reclosable bag of claim 14, wherein the temperature influencing material is a pad.

16. The flexible reclosable bag of claim 1 and further comprising a temperature influencing pad constructed, sized and arranged to be substantially the same size as said pocket so as to be easily inserted into said pocket while at the same time maximizing temperature influence on the contents of said reclosable bag.

17. The flexible reclosable bag of claim 14, wherein said bag is 7 inches long by 8 inches wide, ±1 inch, said pocket is 7″ long by 7″ wide ±1 inch, and said pad is 2.25″ long by 2.25″ wide ±0.25″ so as to comfortably fit in said pocket.

18. The flexible, reclosable bag of claim 14, wherein the bottom pocket edge is also sealingly connected to the first bag web.

19. The flexible, reclosable bag of claim 14, wherein the bottom pocket edge is sealingly connected to the second bag web.

20. The flexible, reclosable bag of claim 14, wherein the first pocket edge is sealingly connected to the first bag web along the first bag side and the second pocket edge is sealingly connected to the first bag web along the second bag side.

21. The flexible, reclosable bag of claim 14, wherein the first bag web and second bag web are formed from a continuous web.

22. The flexible, reclosable bag of claim 19, wherein the pocket-forming web is formed from the continuous web.

23. The flexible, reclosable bag of claim 14, wherein the pocket-forming web has a cut, thereby forming an opening into the pocket.

24. The flexible, reclosable bag of claim 14 further comprising a fastener to reclosably connect the top edge of the first bag web and the top edge of the second bag web.

25. The flexible, reclosable bag of claim 22, wherein the fastener is a zipper tape fastener.

26. The flexible, reclosable bag of claim 22, wherein the fastener is a zipper slider fastener.

27. The flexible, reclosable bag of claim 21, further including a fastener to reclosably seal the cut in the pocket.

28. The flexible, reclosable bag of claim 25, wherein the fastener is a zipper tape fastener.

29. The flexible, reclosable bag of claim 25, wherein the fastener is a zipper slider fastener.

30. A method for forming a flexible, reclosable bag having a pocket for receiving a temperature influencing material, the method comprising:

selecting a bag web to be used for forming the flexible, reclosable bag;

selecting a pocket-forming web;

cutting the pocket-forming web to a predetermined length such that the pocket-forming web has a top pocket edge, a bottom pocket edge, a first pocket edge, and a second pocket edge, the pocket-forming web to be used for forming the pocket for receiving the temperature-influencing material;

placing the pocket-forming web adjacent the bag web; and

attaching the top pocket edge, the bottom pocket edge, the first pocket edge, and the second pocket edge to the bag web to form a pocket.

31. The method of claim 28 further including forming a cut in the pocket-forming web, thereby allowing the insertion and removal of the temperature influencing material.

32. The method of claim 28 further including:

folding the bag web to form a fold such that the fold divides the bag web into a first bag web and a second bag web, each in an opposed relationship to each other, wherein the first bag web and the second bag web each have a first edge, a second edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge, the bottom edge of the first bag web and the bottom edge of the second bag web being along the fold to form a bag bottom;

sealingly connecting the first edge of the first bag web with the first edge of the second bag web to form a first bag side; and

sealingly connecting the second edge of the first bag web with the second edge of the second bag web to form a second bag side.

33. The method of claim 30 further comprising inserting a temperature influencing material into the pocket.

34. The method of claim 30 wherein the folding includes folding the bag web such that the pocket is on only the first bag web.