DUAL-LAYERED BAG WITH FINES SEPARATOR

Abstract

A bag or package which can separate and retain fines or particles filtered from the contents of the bag or package is disclosed. The bag or package may be dual-layered. The inner layer, or second layer, may include one or more grates, holes, mesh portions, openings, perforations, or slits disposed in one or more surfaces of the second layer. The openings can filter fines or particles from the contents of the second layer into a gap or pocket formed between a portion of the inner layer and the outer layer, or first layer. Alternatively, the bag or package may be single layered and include a septum in its interior. The septum can have one or more openings that filter fines or particles from the contents of the bag into a gap or pocket.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/936,212 entitled DUAL-LAYERED BAG WITH FINES SEPARATOR, filed on Feb. 5, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to bags, and more particularly to bags, including dual-layered bags, that may filter fines from contents of the bags, as discussed more fully herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The written disclosure herein describes illustrative embodiments that are non-limiting and non-exhaustive. Reference is made to certain of such illustrative embodiments that are depicted in the figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a dual-layered bag.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first layer of the dual-layered bag of FIG. 1 in an open or unsealed configuration.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second layer of the dual-layered bag of FIG. 1 in an open or unsealed configuration.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a bottom portion of the second layer of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective detail view of a portion of the second layer of FIG. 4 taken through line 5.

FIG. 6 is a perspective detail view of a portion of another embodiment of a second layer, similar to that illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of a dual-layered bag.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a second layer and a first layer prior to disposition of the second layer into a cavity of the first layer.

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the second layer and the first layer of FIG. 8A subsequent to disposition of the second layer into the cavity of the first layer.

FIG. 8C is a perspective view of the first layer and the second layer of FIG. 8B during formation of a seam.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a dual-layered bag.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a bag comprising a septum layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the disclosure may be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. It will be readily understood that the components of the present disclosure, as generally described and illustrated in the drawings herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but is merely representative of possible embodiments of the disclosure. In some cases, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail. While the various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated.

As further discussed below, certain features, apparatus, and methods disclosed herein can be applied suitably to various bag or packaging formats. For example, a variety of bag formats or styles may be used. In certain embodiments, the bag may comprise a gusseted pinch-bottom bag configuration, a non-gusseted pinch-bottom bag configuration, a flat bottom, a folded bottom, other various pinch bottom configurations, a non-pinch straight heat-sealed bottom, and various self-opening sack (SOS) configurations. In various embodiments, the bag may also be described as having a pouch configuration.

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a dual-layered bag 100, according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the bag 100 can comprise a first layer 110 and a second layer 120. Both the first layer 110 and the second layer 120 can each comprise a bottom portion 112, 122, respectively. The bottom portion may also be referred to as a third wall in some embodiments. The bottom portion 112 of the first layer 110 can be configured as a bottom of the bag 100. Directional terms, such as “front,” “rear,” “bottom,” etc., are used herein with respect to the orientation shown in FIGS. 1-10. The terms are used for the sake of convenience and are not necessarily intended to be limiting.

The first layer 110 can comprise a first wall 114, a second wall 115, a first gusset 116, and a second gusset 117. The first wall 114, second wall 115, first gusset 116, and second gusset 117 can cooperate to define at least a portion of a first cavity 111 in the interior of the first layer 110. Likewise, the second layer 120 can comprise a first wall 124, a second wall 125, a first gusset 126, and a second gusset 127; wherein the first wall 124, second wall 125, first gusset 126, and second gusset 127 cooperate to define at least a portion of a second cavity 121 in the interior of the second layer 120. The second cavity 121 may be configured to receive and retain a loose bulk product, such as a pet food product. Other contents of the second cavity 121 are also within the scope of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the first layer 110 may be comprised of a material suitable to act as a barrier layer to preserve the contents retained within the bag 100. In other embodiments, the first layer 110 and/or the second layer 120 may be comprised of a material that does not serve as a barrier layer. Embodiments wherein the first layer 110 comprises a different material than that of the second layer 120 are also contemplated.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the second layer 120 can be disposed or positioned within the first cavity 111. Additionally, the second layer 120 may be coupled to the first layer 110. As stated above, the second layer 120 can further comprise a bottom portion 122, or third wall, wherein the bottom portion 122 comprises at least one opening 130, and in many embodiments, a plurality of openings 130.

In another embodiment of a dual-layered bag, the bag may be non-gusseted. For example, a dual-layered bag may comprise a first layer, similar to first layer 110, wherein the first layer comprises a first wall, similar to first wall 114, and a second wall, similar to second wall 115, and wherein the first wall and the second wall may cooperate to define at least a portion of a first cavity, similar to first cavity 111. The dual-layered bag may further comprise a second layer, similar to second layer 120, wherein the second layer comprises a first wall, similar to first wall 124, and a second wall, similar to second wall 125, and wherein the first wall and the second wall may cooperate to define at least a portion of a second cavity, similar to second cavity 121. Further, the second layer may be disposed or positioned in the first cavity, and the second layer may be coupled to the first layer.

In certain embodiments, a bottom portion of the second layer, similar to bottom portion 122, may comprise one or more openings, similar to openings 130. The openings may be arranged in a series of substantially evenly-spaced rows that extend over substantially the entire area of the bottom portion. Alternatively, the openings may be disposed only on a part of the bottom portion, and/or the openings may be arranged in arcs, circles, waves, irregular or substantially random patterns, and/or other suitable formats or patterns. In some embodiments, openings of uniform size and/or shape may be present, or alternatively, openings of various sizes and/or shapes may be present in a mixture. Additionally, the position of the openings may not be limited or restricted to the bottom portion. For example, the openings may also be disposed on at least a portion of one or more of the first wall, second wall, first gusset, and/or second gusset. In another example, the openings may be disposed on at least a portion of one or more of the first wall, second wall, first gusset, and/or second gusset instead of the bottom portion. The openings may be a series of one-way perforations, wherein the perforations are substantially semicircular or U-shaped, V-shaped, square, rectangular, or otherwise suitably shaped. In other embodiments, the openings may comprise a series of grates, holes, and/or slits. The openings may also comprise one or more mesh portions.

In yet another embodiment, a dual-layered bag may comprise a first layer, similar to first layer 110, and a second layer, similar to the second layer 120, wherein the first layer and the second layer share one or more walls, similar to first and second walls 114, 115, 124, 125, and/or one or more gussets, similar to first and second gussets 116, 117, 126, 127. For example, the first layer may comprise a first wall, a second wall, a first gusset, and a second gusset that cooperate to define at least a portion of a first cavity, similar to first cavity 111, in the interior of the first layer. The second layer, however, may only comprise a first wall, a first gusset, and a second gusset that cooperate with the second wall of the first layer to define at least a portion of a second cavity, similar to second cavity 121, in the interior of the second layer. The second layer may be coupled to an inside surface of the second wall of the first layer, or the second layer may be integrally formed with the second wall of the first layer. Additionally, a bottom portion of the second layer, similar to bottom portion 122, may comprise one or more openings, similar to openings 130.

Dual-layered bags, wherein the first layer and the second layer share one or more walls may also be non-gusseted or adapted for other suitable bag or package formats. In another example, the second layer may share a first wall and a first gusset with the first layer. Other combinations wherein the first and second layers share more than two walls and/or gussets are also contemplated. Such embodiments may require the use of less starting material and/or may be easier to manufacture than other dual-layered bag embodiments wherein the first and second layers do not share one or more walls and/or gussets.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the bag 100 can also include a pocket or gap 140 disposed or positioned between an outside surface of the bottom portion 122 of the second layer 120, and an inside surface of the bottom portion 112 of the first layer 110. A non-gusseted bag, as described above, may also comprise a similar pocket or gap. The disclosed pocket may be smaller or larger than the pocket 140 illustrated in FIG. 1. Pockets or gaps of various shapes and/or sizes are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the dimensions of the first layer 110 and the second layer 120 may be substantially similar such that only a narrow or small pocket 140 is formed upon disposition of the second layer 120 within the first layer 110. In other embodiments, the pocket may be disposed at a position other than between the outside surface of the bottom portion 122 of the second layer 120, and an inside surface of the bottom portion 112 of the first layer 110. For example, the pocket may be disposed between two walls and/or two gussets. In yet other embodiments, the pocket may be configured to stabilize or support the first layer 110 and/or the second layer 120. For example, the pocket 140 may comprise one or more rigid and/or stiff support members (not shown) that may act to maintain a gap between the first layer 110 and the second layer 120 at the position of the pocket 140.

The pocket 140 may be configured to capture fines or grains that pass from the second cavity 121 through the plurality of openings 130. As used herein, the term “fines” may refer to crushed, granulated, or powdered material. In some embodiments, “fines” may comprise small bits, grains, or particles in a mixture of various sizes. For example, the contents of the bag 100 may comprise a pet food product. The pet food product may at least partially break, break down, chip, or crumble, generating small grains or fines. These fines may be small enough to pass through the openings 130 while the non-granulated pet food product may be too large to pass through the openings 130. A pet food product consumer may desire that the fines remain captured or retained in the bag 100 so as to decrease mess creation during pouring and/or to avoid feeding the fines to a pet.

In some embodiments, the bag 100 may be configured to stand upright. In other words, the bag 100 may be capable of standing on its own. The bag 100 may also be substantially capable of maintaining its structural conformation. In certain embodiments, the bottom portion 112 of the first layer 110 may serve as a base on which the bag 100 rests. The first wall 114, second wall 115, first gusset 116, and second gusset 117 may extend upwardly from the bottom portion 112. The first wall 114, second wall 115, first gusset 116, and second gusset 117 may also be attached or otherwise directly coupled to the bottom portion 112. In other embodiments, one or more of the first wall 114, second wall 115, first gusset 116, and second gusset 117 may be integrally formed with the bottom portion 112. Similar arrangements and configurations may also apply to the second layer 120 (e.g., the first wall 124, second wall 125, first gusset 126, and second gusset 127 may extend upwardly from the bottom portion 122).

It may be appreciated that the gussets 116, 117, 126, 127 may serve various functions. For example, the gussets 116, 117, 126, 127 may comprise a creased, folded, or pleated piece of material that is configured to transition from a flattened state to an expanded state. The gussets 116, 117, 126, 127 may also be configured to permit portions of the walls 114, 115, 124, 125 to be spaced apart from each other as shown in the configuration depicted in FIG. 1. The gussets 116, 117, 126, 127 may also provide structural integrity to the bag 100. For example, in FIG. 1, the first and second gussets 116, 117 extend from the first wall 114 and the second wall 115. Stated otherwise, the first and second gussets 116, 117 can be attached or otherwise directly coupled with each of the first and second walls 114, 115. The attachment of the first and second gussets 116, 117 to the first and second walls 114, 115 may provide relative rigidity and assist in maintaining the structural integrity of the bag 100.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first layer 110 of the dual-layered bag. As depicted, the first layer 110 can comprise a first wall 114, a second wall 115, a first gusset 116, and a second gusset 117. The first wall 114, second wall 115, first gusset 116, and second gusset 117 can cooperate to define at least a portion of a first cavity 111 in the interior of the first layer 110. As illustrated, the first layer 110 is in an open or unsealed configuration and the second layer is not disposed in the cavity 111 of the first layer 110. The open or unsealed first layer 110, as illustrated, may be formed during assembly or manufacture of the dual-layered bag 100 such that the second layer may be disposed within at least a portion of the first cavity 111 of the first layer 110. In other embodiments, a first layer may be non-gusseted. For example, a first wall and a second wall may cooperate to define at least a portion of a first cavity in the interior of the non-gusseted first layer. Other configurations of a first layer of a dual-layered bag may also be used.

A perspective view of the second layer 120 of the dual-layered bag is depicted in FIG. 3. As illustrated, the second layer 120 can comprise a first wall 124, a second wall 125, a first gusset 126, and a second gusset 127. The first wall 124, second wall 125, first gusset 126, and second gusset 127 can cooperate to define at least a portion of a second cavity 121 in the interior of the second layer 120. The second layer 120 is shown in an open or unsealed configuration and the second layer 120 is not disposed in the first layer. The second layer 120 can further include a bottom portion 122, wherein the bottom portion 122 comprises one or more openings 130. As described above, a variety of openings 130 arranged in different patterns and of different configurations, shapes, and/or sizes are within the scope of this disclosure. The open or unsealed second layer 120 may be formed during assembly or manufacture of the dual-layered bag so that the second layer 120 may be disposed within at least a portion of the first cavity of the first layer, and/or so that the second layer 120 is configured to receive and retain contents or products. In other embodiments, a second layer may be non-gusseted. For example, a first wall and a second wall may cooperate to define at least a portion of a second cavity in the interior of the non-gusseted second layer. As disclosed above, in some embodiments, the first and second layers may also share one or more walls and/or gussets.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second layer 120 of the bag showing the bottom portion 122, or third wall, of the second layer 120. As depicted, the bottom portion 122 may comprise a plurality of openings 130. The number of openings 130 may vary from that depicted in the illustrated embodiment. For example, there may be more or fewer openings 130 than are depicted in FIG. 4. Further, the pattern of openings 130 may vary from that depicted in the illustrated embodiment. For example, the openings 130 of FIG. 4 are arranged in a series of substantially evenly-spaced rows that extend over substantially the entire area of the bottom portion 122. In certain embodiments, the openings may be disposed only on a part of the bottom portion, and/or the openings may not be arranged in rows (e.g., the openings may be arranged irregularly, or in a substantially random pattern). Additionally, the size and/or shape of the openings 130 may vary from that depicted in the illustrated embodiment. For example, the openings may comprise V-shaped, U-shaped, square, rectangular, or otherwise suitably shaped perforations. Alternatively, the openings may comprise grates, holes, slits, and/or mesh portions. Openings of various sizes and/or shapes may also be present in a mixture on the bottom portion 122. In certain embodiments, the position of the openings may not be limited or restricted to the bottom portion. For example, the openings may be additionally disposed on at least a portion of one or more of the first wall, second wall, first gusset, and/or second gusset. Alternatively, the openings may be disposed on at least a portion of one or more of the first wall, second wall, first gusset, and/or second gusset instead of the bottom portion.

FIG. 5 is a perspective detail view of a portion of the second layer 120 of FIG. 4 taken through line 5. The openings 130 in the bottom portion 122 of the illustrated embodiment are depicted as a series of one-way perforations that are substantially V-shaped. The one-way perforations, as depicted, comprise a flap 134 coupled to the bottom portion 122 via a hinge 136. The hinges 136 are configured to dispose or fold the flaps 134 in one direction. The described configuration may make it easier for fines to travel through the one-way perforations in a first direction (i.e., from the second cavity to the pocket) than in a second direction (i.e., from the pocket to the second cavity). As shown, the openings 130 can comprise distal portions 132, wherein the distal portions 132 are configured to extend below a plane of the bottom portion 122 of the second layer 120. As shown, the distal portions 132 may appear to extend above the plane of the bottom portion 122 of the second layer 120; however, this is due to the orientation of the perspective view depicted in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 is a perspective detail view of a portion of a second layer 220, similar to second layer 120. In the illustrated embodiment, a bottom portion 222 comprises a plurality of openings 230. As shown, the openings 230 are a series of one-way perforations, wherein the perforations are substantially semicircular or U-shaped. Other embodiments of the openings are also within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the openings may comprise a series of slits. In other embodiments, at least a part of the bottom portion of the second layer may comprise a mesh or mesh portion. The openings may be configured such that passage of fines of less than a predetermined size are allowed or permitted passage through the openings, while particles of greater than a predetermined size are restricted or not allowed passage through the openings. The size of the openings may be determined or designed according to the intended contents of the bag.

FIG. 7 depicts a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a dual-layered bag 300 that can resemble the dual-layered bag 100 described above in certain respects. Accordingly, like features are designated with like reference numerals, with the leading digits incremented to “3.” Relevant disclosure set forth above regarding similarly identified features thus may not be repeated hereafter. Moreover, specific features of the bag 300 may not be shown or identified by a reference numeral in the drawings or specifically discussed in the written description that follows. However, such features may clearly be the same, or substantially the same, as features depicted in other embodiments and/or described with respect to such embodiments. Accordingly, the relevant descriptions of such features apply equally to the features of the bag 300. Any suitable combination of the features and variations of the same described with respect to the bag 100 can be employed with the bag 300, and vice versa. This pattern of disclosure applies equally to further embodiments depicted in subsequent figures and described hereafter, wherein the leading digits may be further incremented.

As shown in FIG. 7, the bag 300 can comprise a first layer 310 and a second layer 320. Both the first layer 310 and the second layer 320 can comprise a bottom portion 312, 322, respectively. The first layer 310 can comprise a first wall 314 and a second wall 315. The first wall 314 and second wall 315 can cooperate to define at least a portion of a first cavity 311 in the interior of the first layer 310. Likewise, the second layer 320 can comprise a first wall 324 and a second wall 325, wherein the first wall 324 and the second wall 325 can cooperate to define at least a portion of a second cavity 321 in the interior of the second layer 320. The second cavity 321 may be configured to receive and retain a loose bulk product 350, such as a pet food product. Other contents of the second cavity 321 are also within the scope of this disclosure.

As illustrated, the second layer 320 can be disposed within at least a portion of the first cavity 311. Additionally, the second layer 320 may be coupled to the first layer 310. The second layer 320 can further comprise the bottom portion 322, wherein the bottom portion 322 comprises a plurality of openings 330. As shown, the openings 330 comprise a plurality of one-way perforations configured to allow or permit passage of fines 355 of less than a predetermined size. As noted above, a variety of openings 330 comprising different shapes and/or sizes and arranged in a variety of patterns are also within the scope of this disclosure.

With continued reference to FIG. 7, the bag 300 can also include a pocket or gap 340 disposed or positioned between an outside surface of the bottom portion 322 of the second layer 320 and an inside surface of the bottom portion 312 of the first layer 310. The pocket 340 may be configured to capture and or retain fines 355 that pass from the second cavity 321 through the plurality of openings 330. The openings 330 may be further configured such that the fines 355 captured or retained in the pocket 340 are to some degree, or to a substantial degree, prevented or restricted from passing from the pocket 340 through the openings 330 and into the second cavity 321.

FIGS. 8A-8C show various views of an embodiment of a method of assembly or manufacture of the dual-layered bag 400. FIG. 8A depicts the first layer 410 and the second layer 420 prior to the disposition of the second layer 420 within at least a portion of the first cavity 411. As shown, at least a portion of dimensions of the second layer 420 can be smaller than at least a portion of dimensions of the first layer 410. For example, both a width W₂ and a height H₂ of the first wall 424 of the second layer 420 may be less than both a width W₁ and height H₁, respectively, of the first wall 414 of the first layer 410. The arrow indicates that the second layer 420 may be disposed or positioned into at least a portion of the first cavity 411. FIG. 8B depicts the second layer 420 disposed in at least a portion of the first cavity 411. As shown, the bottom portion 422 of the second layer 420 may not extend completely to or adjacent to the bottom portion 412 of the first layer 410. Such a configuration can allow for the formation or maintenance of a pocket 440, wherein the pocket 440 is configured to capture and/or retain fines that filter from the second cavity 421 through the plurality of openings 430. FIG. 8C is a perspective view of the dual-layered bag 400. The second layer 420 can be coupled to the first layer 410 at an upper portion of the first layer 410. The arrow indicates that upper portions of the first and second layers 410, 420 may be folded and/or wrapped around one another so as to generate a seam or seal. In certain embodiments, the second layer may be coupled to the first layer at another position, for example, at a middle portion of the first and/or second layers. The first and second layers 410, 420 may also be coupled at multiple positions. The first and second layers 410, 420 may be coupled by a variety of mechanisms, for example, by a seam. The seam may comprise a seal, such as a heat seal. In other embodiments, the seals may be formed via adhesive, ultrasonic welding, or any other suitable method. The seals may be configured to close the dual-layered bag 400, and the seals may or may not be airtight, liquid-tight, and/or hermetic.

Any variety of materials may be used to form the bag 400. For example, in some instances, it may be desirable to select materials that are relatively stiff such that the bag 400 is sufficiently rigid to hold or maintain its structure or conformation. It may also be desirous to form a bag 400 that is relatively flexible.

In some embodiments, the first layer 410 and/or the second layer 420 may comprise a single-layer film. In other embodiments, the first layer 410 and/or the second layer 420 may comprise a multi-layer film. As used herein, the term “film” refers to the material of which the first layer 410 and/or the second layer 420 of the bag 400 may be formed, and may comprise both polymeric and paper components as disclosed herein. The term “film” comprises laminate, single-layer and multi-layer polymeric products, and may comprise a fiber product. The first layer 410 and/or the second layer 420 may also comprise a laminate or a coextruded material. Exemplary materials that may be used in forming the first layer 410 and/or the second layer 420 include polyethylene polymers and copolymers, polypropylene polymers and copolymers, polyester polymers and copolymers, and/or polyamide polymers and copolymers. In some embodiments, the first layer 410 and/or the second layer 420 may comprise paper and/or cardboard materials alone or in combination with films, laminates, or coextruded materials. In other embodiments, the first layer 410 and/or the second layer 420 may not include paper and/or cardboard materials. In some embodiments, the first layer 410 and/or the second layer 420 may comprise polylactic acid (PLA). In yet further embodiments, the first layer 410 and/or the second layer 420 may include cellulose materials such as cellophane. Other materials are also contemplated.

In some embodiments, the material forming the first layer 410 and/or the second layer 420 can be chemically treated such as to be grease-resistant. In further embodiments, the first layer 410 and/or the second layer 420 may comprise a substantially grease-proof layer.

If desired, the bag 400 may also include printed indicia 405 of any suitable variety. The printed indicia 405 may be disposed on any portion of the bag 400, such as the first wall 414, the second wall 415, the first gusset 416, the second gusset 417, and/or the bottom portion 412 of the first layer 410. In other embodiments, the first layer may be substantially clear or transparent such that printed indicia, similar to indicia 405, may be disposed on the first wall, the second wall, the first gusset, the second gusset, and/or the bottom portion of the second layer.

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of a bag or package 500 of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 9, the package 500 can comprise a first layer 510 and a second layer 520. Both the first layer 510 and the second layer 520 can comprise a third wall 512, 522, respectively. The third wall 512 of the first layer 510 can be configured as a bottom of the package 500.

The first layer 510 can comprise a first wall 514, a second wall 515, a first lateral wall 516, and a second lateral wall 517. The first wall 514, second wall 515, first lateral wall 516, and second lateral wall 517 can cooperate to define at least a portion of a first cavity 511 in the interior of the first layer 510. Likewise, the second layer 520 can comprise a first wall 524, a second wall 525, a first lateral wall 526, and a second lateral wall 527; wherein the first wall 524, second wall 525, first lateral wall 526, and second lateral wall 527 cooperate to define at least a portion of a second cavity 521 in the interior of the second layer 520. The second cavity 521 may be configured to receive and retain a loose bulk product. As described above, other contents of the second cavity 521 are also within the scope of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the first layer 510 may comprise a different material than does the second layer 520.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the second layer 520 can be disposed within at least a portion of the first cavity 511. Additionally, the second layer 520 may be coupled to the first layer 510. The second layer 520 can further comprise a third wall 522, wherein the third wall 522 comprises a plurality of openings 530. The illustrated openings 530 comprise a plurality of holes. In some embodiments, the openings 530 may comprise a variety of configurations, sizes, and/or shapes, as disclosed above.

The package 500 can also include a pocket or gap 540 disposed or positioned between an outside surface of the third wall 522 of the second layer 520 and an inside surface of the third wall 512 of the first layer 510. The pocket 540 may be configured to capture fines that pass from the second cavity 521 through the plurality of openings 530.

In certain embodiments, a dual-layered package 500 may comprise a first layer 510, or first package, and a second layer 520, or second package, disposed within the first layer 510, wherein the second layer 520 is configured to filter fines or particles of less than a predetermined size from contents of the second layer 520. Further, the first layer 510 may be configured to capture and/or retain the filtered fines or particles. In some embodiments, upon pouring of at least a portion of the filtered contents from the second layer 520, the first layer 510 may be configured to retain the filtered fines or particles. In various embodiments, both the first layer 510 and the second layer 520 may be substantially flexible. In other embodiments, both the first layer 510 and the second layer 520 may be substantially rigid. In yet other embodiments, one layer may be substantially rigid and the other layer may be substantially flexible. For example, in the package 500, the first layer 510 may be substantially rigid and the second layer 520 may be substantially flexible, or vice versa.

FIG. 10 depicts another embodiment of a bag 600. As shown in FIG. 10, the bag 600 can comprise a first wall 614, a second wall 615, a first gusset 616, and a second gusset 617. The first wall 614, second wall 615, first gusset 616, and second gusset 617 can cooperate to define at least a portion of a cavity 611 in the interior of the bag 600. The bag 600 may be configured to receive and retain a loose bulk product, such as a pet food product. As stated above, other contents of the bag 600 are also within the scope of this disclosure. The bag 600 can further comprise a septum layer 645, wherein the septum layer 645 comprises a plurality of openings 630, similar to the variety of openings described above. The septum layer 645 may be attached or directly coupled to at least one of the first wall 614, second wall 615, first gusset 616, and second gusset 617. In some embodiments, the septum layer 645 may be integrally formed with at least one of the first wall 614, second wall 615, first gusset 616, and second gusset 617. Rigid or flexible septum layers 645 are also contemplated.

In another embodiment of a bag comprising a septum layer, like septum layer 645, the bag may be non-gusseted. For example, the bag may comprise a first wall, like first wall 614, and a second wall, like second wall 615, wherein the first wall and the second wall may cooperate to define at least a portion of a first cavity, like cavity 611.

Referring again to FIG. 10, the bag 600 can also include a pocket or gap 640 disposed or positioned between a lower surface of the septum layer 645 and an upper surface of a bottom portion 612 of the bag 600. A non-gusseted bag, as described above, may also comprise a similar pocket or gap. The pocket 640 may be configured, as described for other embodiments, to capture fines or grains that pass from the cavity 611 through the plurality of openings 630. In certain embodiments, a septum layer, similar to septum layer 645, may be disposed along one or more of the walls and/or gussets of a bag, similar to bag 600. For example, the septum layer may be attached or integrally formed with one or more of the first wall 614, the second wall 615, the bottom portion 612, and/or a top portion 613 to form a pocket or gap, similar to pocket 640, disposed or positioned between a first surface of the septum layer and an inner surface of the first or second gusset 616, 617.

As can be appreciated, the bag can be shorter than what is depicted in FIGS. 1-10. For example, in some embodiments, a ratio of the height of a bag to its width can be less than, or greater than, what is shown in FIGS. 1-10. Other relative configurations are also contemplated.

In various embodiments, the bag may be configured as a stand-alone package. For example, the bag may be capable of standing on its own, and may be presented independently or individually on a market shelf. In other embodiments, multiple bags may be packaged together, such as in shrink-wrap packaging. In still other or further embodiments, one or multiple bags may be packaged in a box.

Although much of the foregoing disclosure is discussed in the context of packaging for loose bulk items, it should be appreciated that embodiments of bags disclosed herein may be used for other items. The bags may be formed in a variety of sizes and configurations. In some instances, some variations in addition to size may exist between the smaller and larger format bags. For example, in some embodiments, larger format bags may be formed of a stiffer material. The stiffer material may aid in maintaining the bag shape and allowing the bag to stand on its own. The stiffer material also may aid in maintaining the opening in an open state, as a width of the opening can be bigger for the larger format packages. Other alterations are also possible, such as omitting or including various seams or seals and/or, where seams or seals are present, increasing or decreasing a width of each seam or seal.

Any methods disclosed herein comprise one or more steps or actions for performing the described method. The method steps and/or actions may be interchanged with one another. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of the embodiment, the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified.

References to approximations are made throughout this specification, such as by use of one or more of the terms “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” and “generally.” For each such reference, it is to be understood that, in some embodiments, the value, feature, or characteristic may be specified without approximation. For example, where such a qualifier is used, the term includes within its scope the qualified word in the absence of the qualifier.

Reference throughout this specification to “an embodiment” or “the embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the quoted phrases, or variations thereof, as recited throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description of embodiments, various features are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any embodiment requires every feature shown in a particular drawing.

Unless otherwise noted, the terms “a” or “an” are to be construed as meaning “at least one of.” In addition, for ease of use, the words “including” and “having” are interchangeable with and have the same meaning as the word “comprising.” Recitation of the term “first” with respect to a feature or element does not necessarily imply the existence of a second or additional such feature or element.

The claims following this written disclosure are hereby expressly incorporated into the present written disclosure, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. This disclosure includes all permutations of the independent claims with their dependent claims. Moreover, additional embodiments capable of derivation from the independent and dependent claims that follow are also expressly incorporated into the present written description.

Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can use the preceding description to utilize the invention to its fullest extent. The claims and embodiments disclosed herein are to be construed as merely illustrative and exemplary, and not a limitation of the scope of the present disclosure in any way. It will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, with the aid of the present disclosure, that changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the disclosure herein. In other words, various modifications and improvements of the embodiments specifically disclosed in the description above are within the scope of the appended claims. The scope of the invention is therefore defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A dual-layered bag, comprising:

a first layer comprising a first wall, and a second wall, wherein the first wall and the second wall cooperate to define at least a portion of a first cavity;

a second layer comprising a first wall, and a second wall, wherein the first wall and the second wall cooperate to define at least a portion of a second cavity, wherein the second layer is disposed within the first cavity, wherein the second layer is coupled to the first layer, and wherein a bottom portion of the second layer comprises a plurality of openings.

2. The dual-layered bag of claim 1, further comprising:

a pocket positioned between an outside surface of the bottom portion of the second layer and an inside surface of a bottom portion of the first layer.

3. The dual-layered bag of claim 2, wherein the pocket is configured to capture fines that pass from the second cavity through the plurality of openings.

4. The dual-layered bag of claim 1, wherein the openings comprise one-way perforations.

5. The dual-layered bag of claim 4, wherein the one-way perforations are substantially V-shaped.

6. The dual-layered bag of claim 4, wherein the one-way perforations are substantially semicircular.

7. The dual-layered bag of claim 1, wherein the openings comprise slits.

8. The dual-layered bag of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion of the second layer comprises a mesh portion.

9. A dual-layered bag, comprising:

a first layer and a second layer, wherein both the first layer and the second layer comprise: a first wall comprising a first end, a first lateral end, and a second lateral end, wherein the first end is coupled to a first end of a third wall; a second wall comprising a first end, a first lateral end, and a second lateral end, wherein the first end is coupled to a second end of the third wall; a first gusset extending from the first lateral end of the first wall to the first lateral end of the second wall; and a second gusset extending from the second lateral end of the first wall to the second lateral end of the second wall, wherein the first wall, the second wall, the first gusset, the second gusset, and the third wall cooperate to define at least a portion of a cavity in the interior of both the first layer and the second layer; wherein the third wall of the second layer comprises a plurality of openings, wherein the second layer is coupled to the first layer, and wherein the second layer is disposed within the cavity of the first layer.

10. The dual-layered bag of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of dimensions of the second layer are smaller than at least a portion of dimensions of the first layer.

11. The dual-layered bag of claim 9, further comprising:

a pocket between an outside surface of the third wall of the second layer and an inside surface of the third wall of the first layer.

12. The dual-layered bag of claim 11, wherein the pocket is configured to capture fines that pass through the plurality of openings in the third wall of the second layer from the cavity of the second layer.

13. The dual-layered bag of claim 9, wherein the openings comprise one-way perforations.

14. The dual-layered bag of claim 13, wherein the one-way perforations comprise distal portions, wherein the distal portions are configured to extend below the plane of the third wall of the second layer forming the openings in the third wall of the second layer.

15-16. (canceled)

17. A dual-layered package, comprising:

a first package; and

a second package disposed within the first package, wherein the second package is configured to filter particles of less than a predetermined size from contents of the second package, and wherein the first package is configured to capture the filtered particles.

18. The dual-layered package of claim 17, wherein upon pouring of at least a portion of the filtered contents from the second package, the first package is configured to retain the filtered particles.

19. The dual-layered package of claim 18, wherein both the first package and the second package are substantially flexible.

20. The dual-layered package of claim 18, wherein both the first package and the second package are substantially rigid.

21. The dual-layered package of claim 18, wherein the first package is substantially flexible and the second package is substantially rigid.

22. The dual-layered package of claim 18, wherein the first package is substantially rigid and the second package is substantially flexible.