WEB OF MULTI-COMPARTMENT BAGS

A web of separable bags includes first and second sheet members. First lines of weakness are constructed to promote tearing for separating a bag assembly from the web. Second lines of weakness are constructed to promote tearing of the first and second sheet members into a first bag and a second bag. The first and second bags having openings along opposite longitudinal edges of the bag assembly. The first longitudinal edge margin of at least one of the first and second sheet members is movable into engagement with the other of the first and second sheet members for closing the opening associated with the first bag, and the second longitudinal edge margin of at least one of the first and second sheet members is movable into engagement with the other of the first and second sheet members for closing the opening associated with the second bag.

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Description
FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to disposable plastic bags, and more particularly to bags that have multiple compartments.

BACKGROUND

It is common to provide plastic bags used for containing items that come in the form of a roll of bags. The bags are all joined together with each other in the roll. Perforations are provided to allow each individual bag to be separated from the roll for use in containing the items. One common example is the provision of a roll of bags in a supermarket for containing produce that is individually picked by the customer from a bin or other storage area.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the present invention, a web of separable bags generally comprises a first sheet member of polymeric material having opposite first and second longitudinal edges and first and second longitudinal edge margins, and a second sheet member of polymeric material generally underlying the first sheet member. The second sheet member includes opposite first and second longitudinal edges and first and second longitudinal edge margins. First lines of weakness extending transversely of the web at locations spaced apart from each other along the length of the web are constructed to promote tearing of the first and second sheet members along the first line of weakness for separating a bag assembly from the web. Each bag assembly is defined between an adjacent pair of first lines of weakness. Second lines of weakness are each located within a respective bag assembly and constructed to promote tearing of the first and second sheet members along the second line of weakness for separating the bag assembly into a first bag and a second bag. The first bag has a first opening along the first longitudinal edge of the first sheet member, and the second bag having a second opening along the second longitudinal edge of the first sheet member. The first and second openings are constructed to receive material through the opening into the respective bag. The first longitudinal edge margin of at least one of the first and second sheet members are movable into engagement with the other of the first and second sheet members for closing the opening associated with the first bag, and the second longitudinal edge margin of at least one of the first and second sheet members are movable into engagement with the other of the first and second sheet members for closing the opening associated with the second bag.

In another aspect of the present invention, a web of multi-compartment bags generally comprises a first sheet member of polymeric material having opposite first and second longitudinal edges, the first sheet member further including opposite first and second longitudinal edge margins, and a second sheet member of polymeric material generally underlying the first sheet member. The second sheet member has opposite first and second longitudinal edges extending along a length of the web. The second sheet member further includes opposite first and second longitudinal edge margins adjacent respective ones of the first and second longitudinal edges thereof. First seal lines joining the first and second sheet members to each other extend transversely of the web at locations spaced apart from each other along the length of the web. The first seal lines are constructed to promote tearing of the first and second sheet members along the first seal line for separating a bag assembly from the web while maintaining a connection of the first and second sheet members in the bag assembly and in an adjacent bag assembly that remains connected to the web. Each bag assembly is defined between an adjacent pair of first seal lines. Second seal lines are each located within a respective bag assembly and join the first and second sheet members to each other along the second seal line. The second seal line separating the bag assembly into a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment has a first opening along the first longitudinal edge of the first sheet member, and the second compartment has a second opening along the second longitudinal edge of the first sheet member. The first and second openings are constructed to receive material through the opening into the respective compartment. A first fastener element is connected to the first sheet member and a second fastener element is connected to the second sheet member generally in alignment with the first fastener element for selective connection and disconnection of the first and second fastener elements with each other. The first and second fastener elements being configured to selectively open and close the first opening of the first compartment. A third fastener element is connected to the first sheet member and a fourth fastener element is connected to the second sheet member generally in alignment with the third fastener element for selective connection and disconnection of the third and fourth fastener elements with each other. The third and fourth fastener elements are configured to selectively open and close the second opening of the second compartment. The first longitudinal edge margin of one of the first and second sheet members is movable into engagement with the other of the first and second sheet member for covering the first opening of the first compartment at a location different from the location of the first and second fasteners, and the second longitudinal edge margin of one of the first and second sheet members is movable into engagement with the other of the first and second sheet member for covering the second opening of the second compartment at a location different from the location of the third and fourth fasteners.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective a roll of multi-compartment bags of a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a fragmentary section of a web of the bags from the roll;

FIG. 3 is a schematic, transverse section of the web;

FIG. 4 is a schematic, end view of the web of separable bags folded into a box; and

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary section of a web of separable, multi-compartment bags of a second embodiment.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Written Description

Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to FIGS. 1-3, a web 10 of bag assemblies 12 is shown to comprise a first sheet member 14 and a second sheet member 16. The web 10 extends along a web axis WA (FIG. 2) as it is fed out to dispense bag assemblies 12, as will be described more fully hereinafter. The first and second sheet members 14, 16 are formed of a suitable material, such as a polymeric material of the type used to make plastic bags. Each of the first and second sheet members 14, 16 has opposite, first and second longitudinal edges 18, 20 extending parallel to the web axis WA. The second sheet member 16 underlies the first sheet member 14, and the first and second longitudinal edges 18, 20 of the second sheet member are offset outwardly from the first and second longitudinal edges 18, 20 of the first sheet member. Accordingly, the second sheet member 16 has opposite, first and second longitudinal edge margins 21, 22 that extend outward from the respective first and second longitudinal edges 18, 20 of the first sheet member 14. The description of the second sheet member 16 as lying “under” the first sheet member 14 is for convenience in the description and claims. It will be understood, that no particular orientation of the components is required.

First seal lines 24 join the first and second sheet members 14, 16 to each other. The first seal lines 24 extend transversely of the web 10. As shown in the embodiments of the drawings, the first seal lines 24 extend perpendicular to the first and second longitudinal edges 18, 20 of the first and second sheet members 14, 16, and to the web axis WA. The first seal lines 24 are located at spaced apart positions along the length of the web 10 (e.g., along the web axis WA). In the illustrated embodiments, the first seal lines 24 also form first lines of weakness that promote tearing of the first and second sheet members 14, 16 along the first seal lines to separate the bag assembly 12 from the remainder of the web 10, and in particular from the adjacent bag. Thus within the web 10, each bag assembly 12 is defined between an adjacent pair of first seal lines 24 or “first lines of weakness.” The first seal lines are formed so that even after the first seal lines 24 are torn, the first and second sheet members 14, 16 remain joined to each other on opposite sides of the tear. In this way the integrity (e.g., the seal) of the bag assemblies 12 can be maintained after separation from the web 10. The first seal lines 24 that incorporate a line of weakness can be formed in any suitable manner. For example, they may take the form of a wide seal with a cut or line of perforations down the middle of the seal (or at least spaced from either longitudinal edge) so that the seal remains after the perforations are torn. In another example, the first seal lines 24 can be formed by two parallel, spaced apart seal lines. In that case, the cut or perforations would be in the first and second sheet members 14, 16 between the spaced apart lines. It will be appreciated that other ways of forming a line of weakness may be used besides a cut or perforations. The first seal lines 24 extend all the way to the first and second longitudinal edges 18, 20 of the second sheet member 16. Although in the first and second longitudinal edge margins 21, 22, the first and second sheet members 14, 16 do not face each other so are not sealed with each other, the first seal line 24 (including a line of weakness) runs through the first and second longitudinal edge margins so that the bag assembly 12 can be completely separated from the remainder of the web 10.

Second seal lines 26 are each located within the boundary of one of the bag assemblies 12 of the web 10. The second seal lines 26 join the first sheet member 14 and the second sheet member 16 to each other over the full lengths of the second seal lines. As shown, each second seal line 26 begins at an intersection with a respective one of the first seal lines 24. The location of the intersection of the second seal line with the first seal line can be essentially anywhere between the free ends of the flaps 50, 52. The second seal line 26 extends at an angle to the first and second longitudinal edges 18, 20 of the first and second sheet members 14, 16, and at an angle to the web axis WA. The second seal line 26 defines a portion of a boundary between a first bag or compartment 30 of the bag assembly 12 and a second bag or compartment 32 of the bag assembly. Third seal lines 34 are each located within the boundary of one of the bag assemblies 12 of the web 10. The third seal lines 34 join the first sheet member 14 and the second sheet member 16 to each other over the full lengths of the third seal lines. The third seal line 34 begins at an intersection with the first seal line 24 that is opposite the first seal line from which the second seal line 26 begins. The second and third seal lines 26, 34, both lie entirely within a single bag assembly 12. The third seal line 34 also makes an angle with respect to the web axis WA, and ends to an intersection with the second seal line 26. The location of the intersection is positioned toward the web axis WA from the free ends of respective flaps 50, 52 (described hereinafter) of the first sheet member 14. The interior edges of the flaps 50, 52 are illustrated by the broken lines that are located most inwardly toward the web axis in FIG. 2.

A fourth seal line 37 has a terminal point at the same intersection of the second and third seal lines 26, 34. Thus, the second, third and fourth seal lines 24, 34, 37 all intersect in the same place. The fourth seal line 37 extends from the intersection to the longitudinal edge 18 of the second sheet member 16. The fourth seal line 37 extends through the fastener elements 40, 42 (described hereinafter) to the longitudinal edge 18 of the second sheet member 16. The fourth seal line 37 (like the first, second and third seal lines 24, 26, 34) takes the form which allows the fourth seal line to be torn along its length while maintaining a sealing connection of the first and second sheet members 14, 16. The third seal line 34 is arranged with respect to the second seal line 26 so that the second and third seal lines form a generally “V” shape. It will be understood that other arrangements are possible. Moreover, additional seal lines could be provided to create additional compartments. The third seal line 34 defines a portion of a boundary between the second compartment 32 of the bag assembly 12 and a third bag or compartment 36 of the bag assembly 12.

The first, second and third compartments 30, 32, 36 of the bag assembly 12 each have a shape which tapers in width toward the sealed bottom of the respective compartment. The first compartment 30 is defined by the first seal line 24, the second seal line 26 and the fourth seal line 37 within the bag assembly 12. The second compartment 32 of the bag assembly 12 is defined by the second seal line 26, the third seal line 34 and portions of the first seals 24 at opposite ends of the bag assembly 12. The third compartment 36 of the bag assembly 12 is defined by the third seal line 34, other first seal line 24 of the bag assembly, and the fourth seal line 37. In the illustrated embodiments, the first, second, third and fourth seal lines 24, 26, 34, 37 remain intact after tearing so that they form a solid barrier of the compartment. Thus, compartments 30, 32 and 36 of the bag assembly 12 can be separated into smaller individual bags when desired. The first compartment 30 further includes a first opening located along the first longitudinal edge 18 of the first sheet member 14. As oriented in FIG. 2, the first opening opens downward. The second compartment 32 has a second opening located along the second longitudinal edge 20 of the first sheet member 14. As shown, the second opening opens upward. Similarly, the third compartment 36 has a third opening along the first longitudinal edge 18 of the first sheet member 14. Like the first opening, the third opening is shown to open downward as the web 10 is arranged in FIG. 2.

A first fastener element 40 connected to the first sheet member 14 and a second fastener element 42 connected to the second sheet member 16 extend along the web 10 parallel to the web axis WA and are generally aligned with each other as can be seen in FIG. 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the first fastener element 40 is a female component located nearer to the first longitudinal edge 18 of the first sheet member 14 than to the second longitudinal edge 20 of the first sheet member. The second fastener element 42 is a male component also located nearer to the first longitudinal edge 18 of the second sheet member 16 than to the second longitudinal edge 20 of the second sheet member. Similarly, a third fastener element 44 comprises a female component connected to the first sheet member 14 nearer to the second longitudinal edge 20 than to the first longitudinal edge 18 of the first sheet member. A fourth fastener element 46 comprises a male component connected to the second sheet member 16 nearer to the second longitudinal edge 20 of the second sheet member than to the first longitudinal edge 18 of the second sheet member. The third and fourth fastener elements 44, 46 also extend along the web 10 parallel to the web axis WA and are generally aligned with each other. The female and male components of the first and second fastener elements 40, 42, and third and fourth fastener elements 44, 46, respectively, can be pushed together so that the male component is received in the female component and resists withdrawal from the female component to connect the first and second sheet members 14, 16. However, the resistance can be overcome by application of sufficient force to cause the male component to move out of the female component, disconnecting the first and second sheet members 14, 16 from each other. Segments of the first and second fastener elements 40, 42 operate to open and close the openings of the first and third compartments 30, 36. Segments of the third and fourth fastener elements 44, 46 operate to open and close the opening of the second compartment 32. Fastening systems of this type are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, other types of fastening systems such as those used to open and close plastic bags can be used. The female and male components can be co-extruded with their respective first and second sheet members 14, 16, or formed separately and applied to the first and second sheet members. As shown, the female and male components extending within the web 10 continuously along its length. However, other (e.g., discontinuous) arrangements can be used. Moreover, the location of the female and male fastener elements on the first and second sheet members 14, 16 could be reversed.

The female and male components of the first and second fastening elements 40, 42 are arranged for selectively opening and closing the first opening of the first compartment 30 and the third opening of the third compartment 36. The female and male components of the third and fourth fastener elements 44, 46 are arranged for selectively opening and closing the second opening of the second compartment 32. In this way, the first, second and third compartments 30, 32, 36 each have a separate opening for inserting items into the compartment and removing items from the compartment. The first and third openings are on an opposite longitudinal side of the web 10 from the second opening. Accordingly, the first, second, third and fourth fastener elements 40, 42, 44, 46 are selected so that they will not open under the weight of items placed in a particular compartment when the opening of that compartment must support the weight of the items. The first seal line 24 (including a line of weakness) extend through the fastener elements 40, 42, 44, 46. Thus, when the bag assembly 12 is torn away from the web 10, a segment of the fastener elements 40, 42, 44, 46 within the perimeter of the bag assembly is separated from the fastener elements remaining on the web. The first seal line 24 also permanently seals the female and male components of the fastener elements 40, 42, 44, 46 to each other where the first seal line crosses the female and male components.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the first sheet member 14 comprises first and second flaps 50, 52. Each of the first and second flaps is folded back upon an upper surface of the first sheet member 14. The first flap 50 is located adjacent to the first longitudinal edge 18 of the first sheet member 14 and the second flap 52 is located adjacent to the second longitudinal edge 20 of the first sheet member. A first adhesive strip 54 is disposed on the upwardly facing surface (as oriented in FIG. 3) of the first flap 50. The first flap can be unfolded so as to make contact with the upwardly facing surface of the first longitudinal edge margin 21 of the second sheet member 16. This provides for sealing of the first opening of the first compartment 30 and the third opening of the third compartment 36 that is in addition to the closure provided by the respective first and second fastener elements 40, 42. In one embodiment, the first adhesive strip 54 is capable of permitting releasable and re-sealable connection with the first longitudinal edge margin 21 of the second sheet member 16 to allow repeated covering and uncovering of the first and third openings. As one option, the first flap 50 may be unfolded over and the first longitudinal edge 18 of the second sheet member 16. The edges of the flap 50 are each secured to the opposed upper surface of the first sheet member 14 and to the second sheet member 16 by the remnants of the first seal lines 24. Thus, when the flap 50 is unfolded, it essentially everts and forms a pocket that receives the first longitudinal edge margin 21 of the second sheet member. The adhesive strip 54 on the first flap 50 engages and adheres to a bottom surface of the second sheet member 16 (as oriented in FIG. 3). However, in this option the first flap 50 will hold the first longitudinal edge margin 21 of the second sheet member 16 in the pocket formed by the everted first flap even without the presence of the adhesive strip 54. Thus, in some embodiments, the adhesive strip 54 may be removed. It will be understood that in other embodiments the first adhesive strip 54 could be placed on the edge margin 21 of the second sheet member 16 rather than on the first sheet member 14. Moreover, some adhesive could be present on both the first sheet member 14 and the first longitudinal edge margin 21 of the second sheet member 16.

A second adhesive strip 56 is disposed on the upwardly facing surface (as oriented in FIG. 3) of the second flap 52. The second flap can be unfolded so as to make contact with the upwardly facing surface of the edge margin 22 of the second sheet member 16. This provides for sealing of the second opening of the of the second compartment 32 that is in addition to the closure provided by the third and fourth fastener elements 44, 46. In one embodiment, the second adhesive strip 56 is capable of permitting releasable and re-sealable covering and uncovering of the second opening. As one option, the second flap 52 may be unfolded over and the second longitudinal edge 20 of the second sheet member 16. The edges of the second flap 52 are each secured to the opposed upper surface of the first sheet member 14 and to the second sheet member 16 by the remnants of the first seal lines 24. Thus, when the second flap 52 is unfolded, it essentially everts and forms a pocket that receives the second longitudinal edge margin 22 of the second sheet member 16. The adhesive strip 56 on the second flap 52 engages and adheres to a bottom surface of the second sheet member 16 (as oriented in FIG. 3). However, in this option the second flap 52 will hold the second longitudinal edge margin 22 of the second sheet member 16 in the pocket formed by the everted second flap even without the presence of the adhesive strip 56. Thus, in some embodiments, the adhesive strip 56 may be removed. In other embodiments, the second adhesive strip 56 could be placed on the second longitudinal edge margin 22 of the second sheet member 16 rather than on the first sheet member 14. Some adhesive could be present on both the first sheet member 14 and the second longitudinal edge margin 22 of the second sheet member 16.

In some versions of the embodiments illustrated herein, the first, second and third compartments 30, 32, 36 of the bag assembly 12 can be further separated from each other to become their own independent container or bag. In that event, the second seal line 26 also includes a second line of weakness and the third seal line 34 includes a third line of weakness. The second and third lines of weakness promote tearing along the line of weakness while maintaining a sealing connection of the first and second sheet members 14, 16 on opposite sides of the tear. The configuration of the second and third lines of weakness 26, 34 can be the same as described above for the first seal line 24.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a web 110 includes individual bag assemblies 112 connected together in the web. The web of this embodiment closely corresponds in construction to the web of FIGS. 1-3 and so corresponding parts of the web will be given the same reference numeral, plus “100.” Parts of the web of bag assemblies 112 not described in detail can be assumed to be the same as for the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3. The first seal lines 124 each include a line of weakness having extending from one longitudinal edge of the web 110 to the other. The first seal line 124 extends through first, second, third and fourth fastener elements 140, 142, 144, 146.

The second seal line 126 and the third seal line 134 can be formed with a line of weakness that is the same over the entire length of the second or third seal line. For example, the seal line can be perforated to create a line of weakness or cut through to form a line of weakness. Even when a cut is used, as described above, the compartments 130, 132, 136 are connected together by the segment of the first seal line 124 that permanently joins the first and second fastener elements 140, 142, and the third and fourth fastener elements 144, 146 together. A fourth seal line 137 includes perforations or another form of a line of weakness that initially retains the connection between portions of the bag assembly 112 forming the first compartment 130 and the third compartment 136. It is noted that the web 110 of FIG. 5 does not include flaps corresponding to the flaps 50, 52 of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3. Of course, flaps could be included within the scope of the present invention.

The web 10, 110 formed according to any embodiment disclosed herein can be wound into a roll R as shown in FIG. 1. The web 10, 110 can be pulled from the roll R so that individual bag assemblies 12, 112 can be separated from the web by tearing along the first seal line 24, 124 connecting the bag assembly to the remainder of the web. Another way of storing the web 10, 110 and dispensing bag assemblies 12, 112 from the web is shown in FIG. 4. In that configuration, the web 10, 110 is accordion folded into a box B. The box has an opening O at the top through which the web 10, 110 can be pulled from the box. An edge E of the box opening O or a separate structure (not shown) can be provided to facilitate tearing along the first seal line 24, 124 to separate one bag assembly 12, 112 from the remainder of the web 10, 110.

As various changes could be made in the above products and methods without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the preferred embodiments(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the disclosure are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

Claims

1. A web of separable bags comprising:

a first sheet member of polymeric material having opposite first and second longitudinal edges and first and second longitudinal edge margins;
a second sheet member of polymeric material generally underlying the first sheet member, the second sheet member including opposite first and second longitudinal edges and first and second longitudinal edge margins;
first lines of weakness extending transversely of the web at locations spaced apart from each other along a length of the web, the first lines of weakness being constructed to promote tearing of the first and second sheet members along the first line of weakness for separating a bag assembly from the web, each bag assembly being defined between an adjacent pair of first lines of weakness;
second lines of weakness, each second line of weakness being located within a respective bag assembly and constructed to promote tearing of the first and second sheet members along the second line of weakness for separating the bag assembly into a first bag and a second bag, the first bag having a first opening along the first longitudinal edge of the first sheet member, and the second bag having a second opening along the second longitudinal edge of the first sheet member, the first and second openings being constructed to receive material through the opening into the respective bag;
the first longitudinal edge margin of at least one of the first and second sheet members being movable into engagement with the other of the first and second sheet members for closing the opening associated with the first bag, and the second longitudinal edge margin of at least one of the first and second sheet members being movable into engagement with the other of the first and second sheet members for closing the opening associated with the second bag;
the first longitudinal edges of the first and second sheet members being offset from one another in the transverse direction, and the second longitudinal edges of the first and second sheet members being offset from one another in the transverse direction.

2. The web of bags as set forth in claim 1 further comprising third lines of weakness, each third line of weakness being located within a respective bag assembly and constructed to promote tearing of the first and second sheet members along the third line of weakness for separating a third bag from the bag assembly.

3. The web of bags as set forth in claim 2 wherein the third bag has a third opening constructed to receive material through the opening into the third bag.

4. The web of bags as set forth in claim 3 further comprising a first adhesive on at least one of the first sheet member and the second sheet member, the first adhesive being positioned to connect the first longitudinal edge margin of one of the first and second sheet members to the other of the first and second sheet members upon to the folding of the first longitudinal edge margin of the one of the first and second sheet members onto the other of the first and second sheet members.

5. The web of bags as set forth in claim 4 further comprising a second adhesive on at least one of the first and second sheet members, the second adhesive being positioned to connect the second longitudinal edge margin of one of the first and second sheet members to the other of the first and second sheet members upon folding of the second longitudinal edge margin of the one of the first and second sheet members onto the other of the first and second sheet members.

6. The web of bags as set forth in claim 5 wherein the first sheet member comprises first and second flaps, each flap being disposed along one of the first and second longitudinal edges, each flap being formed by folding the respective first and second longitudinal edge margin of the first sheet member back upon the first sheet member, the first and second adhesives being disposed at least partially on respective ones of the first and second flaps.

7. The web of bags as set forth in claim 6 further comprising first, second, third and fourth fastener elements, the first fastener element being disposed on the first sheet member nearer to the first longitudinal edge of the first sheet member than to the second longitudinal edge of the first sheet member, the second fastener element being disposed on the second sheet member nearer to the first longitudinal edge of the second sheet member than the second longitudinal edge of the second sheet member, the first and second fastener elements being aligned for releasable connection to each other, the third fastener element being disposed on the first sheet member nearer to the second longitudinal edge of the first sheet member than to the first longitudinal edge of the first sheet member, the fourth fastener element being disposed on the second sheet member nearer to the second longitudinal edge of the second sheet member than the first longitudinal edge of the second sheet member, the third and fourth fastener elements being aligned for releasable connection to each other.

8. The web of bags as set forth in claim 7 wherein the first and second fastener elements are configured to selectively close and open the first opening of the first bag, and the third opening of the third bag, and wherein the third and fourth fastener elements are configured to selectively close the second opening of the second bag.

9. The web of bags as set forth in claim 8 wherein the first, second and third lines of weakness each comprise a seal line connecting the first sheet member to the second sheet member and a zone of weakness arranged so that upon tearing of the first, second or third line of weakness the first and second sheet members remain joined to each other on both sides of the zone of weakness.

10. The web of bags as set forth in claim 2 wherein the first line of weakness extends into the first and second longitudinal edge margins of the second sheet member.

11. A web of multi-compartment bags, the web comprising:

a first sheet member of polymeric material having opposite first and second longitudinal edges, the first sheet member further including opposite first and second longitudinal edge margins;
a second sheet member of polymeric material generally underlying the first sheet member, the second sheet member having opposite first and second longitudinal edges extending along a length of the web, the second sheet member further including opposite first and second longitudinal edge margins adjacent respective ones of the first and second longitudinal edges thereof;
first seal lines joining the first and second sheet members to each other, the first seal lines extending transversely of the web at locations spaced apart from each other along the length of the web, the first seal lines being constructed to promote tearing of the first and second sheet members along the first seal line for separating a bag assembly from the web while maintaining a connection of the first and second sheet members in the bag assembly and in an adjacent bag assembly that remains connected to the web, each bag assembly being defined between an adjacent pair of first seal lines;
second seal lines, each second seal line being located within a respective bag assembly and joining the first and second sheet members to each other along the second seal line, the second seal line separating the bag assembly into a first compartment and a second compartment, the first compartment having a first opening along the first longitudinal edge of the first sheet member, and the second compartment having a second opening along the second longitudinal edge of the first sheet member, the first and second openings being constructed to receive material through the opening into the respective compartment;
a first fastener element connected to the first sheet member and a second fastener element connected to the second sheet member generally in alignment with the first fastener element for selective connection and disconnection of the first and second fastener elements with each other, the first and second fastener elements being configured to selectively open and close the first opening of the first compartment;
a third fastener element connected to the first sheet member and a fourth fastener element connected to the second sheet member generally in alignment with the third fastener element for selective connection and disconnection of the third and fourth fastener elements with each other, the third and fourth fastener elements being configured to selectively open and close the second opening of the second compartment;
the first longitudinal edge margin of one of the first and second sheet members being securable with the other of the first and second sheet member, independent of the first and second fastener elements, for covering the first opening of the first compartment at a location different from the location of the first and second fasteners, and the second longitudinal edge margin of one of the first and second sheet members being securable with the other of the first and second sheet members, independent of the third and fourth fastener elements, for covering the second opening of the second compartment at a location different from the location of the third and fourth fasteners.

12. The web of bags as set forth in claim 11 further comprising a first adhesive on at least one of the first sheet member and the second sheet member, the first adhesive being positioned to secure the first longitudinal edge margin of the second sheet member to the first sheet member upon folding of the first longitudinal edge margin of the second sheet member onto the first sheet member.

13. The web of bags as set forth in claim 12 further comprising a second adhesive on at least one of the first sheet member and the second sheet member, the second adhesive being positioned to secure the second longitudinal edge margin of the second sheet member to the first sheet member upon folding of the second longitudinal edge margin onto the first sheet member.

14. The web of bags as set forth in claim 13 wherein the first sheet member comprises first and second flaps, each flap being along one of the first and second longitudinal edges of the first sheet member, and the first longitudinal edge margin of the first sheet member being folded back upon the first sheet member to form the first flap and the second longitudinal edge margin of the first sheet member being folded back upon the first sheet member to form the second flap, the first and second adhesives being disposed at least partially on respective ones of the first and second flaps.

15. The web of bags as set forth in claim 14 further comprising lines of weakness, each line of weakness being located within a respective bag assembly.

16. The web of bags as set forth in claim 15 wherein the lines of weakness each extend transversely of the web.

17. The web of bags as set forth in claim 14 further comprising a third seal line, each third seal line being located within a respective bag assembly and joining the first and second sheet members to each other along the third seal line, the third seal line separating a third compartment.

18. The web of bags as set forth in claim 17 wherein the third bag compartment has a third opening constructed to receive material through the opening into the third compartment.

19. The web of bags as set forth in claim 18 wherein the first and second fastener elements are configured to selectively close and open the third opening of the third compartment.

20. The web of bags as set forth in claim 1 wherein:

the first longitudinal edge of the first sheet member is offset inward, toward the second longitudinal edge of the first sheet member, of the first longitudinal edge of the second sheet member; and
the second longitudinal edge of the first sheet member is offset inward, toward the first longitudinal edge of the first sheet member, of the second longitudinal edge of the second sheet member.

21. The web of bags as set forth in claim 1 wherein one second line of weakness of the second lines of weakness extends at a non-parallel angle to the length of the web and extends at a non-perpendicular angle to the length of the web.

22. The web of bags as set forth in claim 1 wherein each second line of weakness extends at a non-parallel angle to the length of the web.

23. The web of bags as set forth in claim 14 wherein the first adhesive is disposed on an upwardly facing surface of the first flap, and the second adhesive is disposed on an upwardly facing surface of the second flap.

24. The web of bags as set forth in claim 14 wherein the first and second flaps are attached to a reminder of the first sheet member, and wherein the first and second flaps overlie the remainder of the first sheet member and overlie the second sheet member.

25. The web of bags as set forth in claim 14 wherein the first adhesive is offset inward, toward the second longitudinal edge of the first sheet member, of the first opening, and the second adhesive is offset inward, toward the first longitudinal edge of the first sheet member, of the second opening.

26. A web of separable bags comprising:

a first sheet member of polymeric material having opposite first and second longitudinal edges and first and second longitudinal edge margins;
a second sheet member of polymeric material generally underlying the first sheet member, the second sheet member including opposite first and second longitudinal edges and first and second longitudinal edge margins;
first lines of weakness extending transversely of the web at locations spaced apart from each other along a length of the web, the first lines of weakness being constructed to promote tearing of the first and second sheet members along the first line of weakness for separating a bag assembly from the web, each bag assembly being defined between an adjacent pair of first lines of weakness;
second lines of weakness, each second line of weakness being located within a respective bag assembly and constructed to promote tearing of the first and second sheet members along the second line of weakness for separating the bag assembly into a first bag and a second bag, the first bag having a first opening along the first longitudinal edge of the first sheet member, and the second bag having a second opening along the second longitudinal edge of the first sheet member, the first and second openings being constructed to receive material through the opening into the respective bag;
the first longitudinal edge margin of at least one of the first and second sheet members being movable into engagement with the other of the first and second sheet members for closing the opening associated with the first bag, and the second longitudinal edge margin of at least one of the first and second sheet members being movable into engagement with the other of the first and second sheet members for closing the opening associated with the second bag;
wherein one second line of weakness of the second lines of weakness extends at a skew angle to the length of the web.
Patent History
Publication number: 20240217705
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 30, 2022
Publication Date: Jul 4, 2024
Inventors: Pai-Mei Tseng (Somerset, NJ), Jyh-Yao Raphael Li (Parsippany, NJ)
Application Number: 18/148,927
Classifications
International Classification: B65D 33/00 (20060101);