Including Reinforcement Or Stress Distribution Means Attached To Or Adjacent Element Patents (Class 383/17)
  • Patent number: 6502882
    Abstract: A handle and strap for use with a tool storage bag is disclosed. The handle is uniquely formed into the strap and is made for carrying heavy loads. The strap includes first and second ends each including a first and a second leg. The first leg is folded generally in half over itself and placed within and affixed to the second leg which is also folded generally in half over itself to form an overlap. A covering material is wrapped around the overlap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Black & Decker, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Scott Snider, James Pangerc, Matthew J. Holland
  • Patent number: 6374461
    Abstract: A thin flexible handle for carrying a bag in which the gripping portion of the handle is separated from respective legs by a gap having a surface having a radius of curvature sufficient to provide the handle with resistance to tearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Exopack, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Gober, Doug Turner
  • Patent number: 6353215
    Abstract: The invention relates to a soft-sided carrying case and a method of manufacture thereof. The carrying case is made from moisture-impermeable, flexible, stretchable material, particularly adapted for outdoor use. A main body of the bag is secured by dielectric welding with a pair of drop-shaped end panels to form the carrying case. The main body, being cut on a bias, allows stretching of narrow ends of the main body to substantially conform to the drop-shaped end panels and form a wrinkle-free attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Inventors: Eric Revels, James Diaz
  • Patent number: 6338180
    Abstract: An assemblable handle includes two elements made of synthetic material, each element connected to a strap that forms a loop. A male element has the general shape of an inverted “T” in cross section and includes a sole and a lengthwise rib. A female element has the general shape of an inverted “U” in cross section with an inside cavity capable of fitting elastically onto the lengthwise rib of the male element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Janisset SA
    Inventor: Gilles Massard
  • Patent number: 6216305
    Abstract: A washing apparatus for golfers, comprises: a flexible container for containing washing liquid and for receiving objects to be washed therein, a handle connected to the container for manipulating same; and a support mechanism for suspending the container and the handle from a golf bag and for restricting movement of the container relative to the golf bag when suspended therefrom. The container includes an access opening defined therein through which objects such as golf club heads may be inserted, a closure for selectively sealing the opening, at least one flap extending away from the closure, a brush disposed within said container for scrubbing against objects inserted into the container during a washing operation, and (optionally) a baffle for baffling movement of the washing liquid toward the opening after the liquid is placed in the container. The handle is operatively connected to the container flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: William K. Joh
  • Patent number: 6139186
    Abstract: A tie bag having improved tie features is provided by increasing the thickness of the tie features as compared to the bag thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: First Brands Corporation
    Inventor: Robert W. Fraser
  • Patent number: 5993062
    Abstract: The invention is a bulk container having at least one lifting strap for lifting and transporting the container, a lifting strap for use with a bulk container and a method for producing a lifting strap. The lifting strap is generally planar, defines a strap plane and is comprised of a material. The lifting strap has first and second ends, a length extending therebetween, first and second edges and a width extending therebetween. Further, the lifting strap is comprised of at least one longitudinal rib extending along a portion of the length of the lifting strap such that the rib urges the lifting strap to raise to an upstanding position for acceptance of a lifting member therein, wherein the rib is comprised of a fixed discontinuity in the material such that the rib extends outside the strap plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: William Shackleton
  • Patent number: 5865540
    Abstract: A process of manufacturing a bulk bag begins with a tubular blank of woven polypropylene material which is cut along first transversely extending lines 64 to form the upper edges of lift sleeve portions 76, cut along longitudinally extending lines 66 to form the side edges of the lift sleeve portions 76, and cut along substantially transversely extending lines 68 situated at the midpoint of the lines 66 to form opposed top wall halves 72 and opposed bottom wall halves 74. The top wall halves and the bottom wall halves are then sewn together along sew lines 82 and 84, respectively. Sidewalls 70' are joined to the bottom wall halves 74 along sew lines 86, and the top wall halves 72 are joined to the sidewalls 70' along sew lines 88. The lift sleeve portions 76 may be configured to provide lift sleeve, lift rope, or single point lift construction. The top and bottom walls may be provided with a fill chute and discharge chute, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Super Sack Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Norwin C. Derby, Craig A. Nickell, Bobby Glenn Brown
  • Patent number: 5842789
    Abstract: A process of manufacturing a bulk bag begins with a tubular blank of woven polypropylene material which is cut along a first transversely extending line 64 to form the upper edges of lift sleeve portions 76, cut along longitudinally extending lines 66 to form the side edges of the lift sleeve portions 76, and cut along substantially transversely extending lines 68 situated at the midpoint of the lines 66 to form opposed top wall halves 72 and opposed bottom wall halves 74. The top wall halves and the bottom wall halves are then sewn together along sew lines 82 and 84, respectively. Sidewalls 70' are joined to the bottom wall halves 74 along sew lines 86, and the top wall halves 72 are joined to the sidewalls 70' along sew lines 88. The lift sleeve portions 76 may be configured to provide lift sleeve, lift rope, or single point lift construction. The top and bottom walls may be provided with a fill chute and discharge chute, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Super Sack Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Norwin C. Derby, Craig A. Nickell, Bobby Glenn Brown
  • Patent number: 5782562
    Abstract: A resealable container including a body portion with front and rear panels on which interlocking closure strips are mounted to facilitate opening and resealing the container. A handle is formed by a pair of handle pieces, one of the handle pieces being secured to each of the resealable closure strips such that application of force to the handle pieces for lifting the container does not result in application of forces of sufficient magnitude for separating the closure strips which would result in opening the container. One or more handles are formed on the bottom of the container to facilitate pouring contents of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Richard B. Anspacher
  • Patent number: 5758971
    Abstract: A container made of flexible material, in particular of the so-called bellows type, obtained by successive folding and welding of a sheet material provided with a handle system at its top edge (5), consisting of a cut (9) made in the central part (10) of said edge, in which to insert the fingers, said central part (10) of the edge (5) being reinforced by carrying over onto it material from the outer ends (8) of this edge itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Goglio Luigi Milano Spa
    Inventors: Franco Goglio, Giorgio Bottini, Luigino Bianconi
  • Patent number: 5749657
    Abstract: A flexible package includes first and second opposed panel sections, a header section having a hanghole, and a tear string. The header section is positioned adjacent the first and second panel sections and encloses a portion of the package. The tear string is enclosed and arranged in the header section to provide hanging support at the hanghole and to tear open the enclosed portion in response to a pulling force at an end of the tear string. A method and apparatus for making the flexible package are also featured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy J. May
  • Patent number: 5738443
    Abstract: A flexible fabric container having stiffening webbing attached to the outside thereof. At least one bottom flap is releasably attached to the bottom and is attached to the container by a quick release buckle that has a free portion, not attached to the container, to allow free movement of the quick release buckle upon actuation to release the bottom flap and allow the container to discharge the contents thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Jean-Jacques Renaud
  • Patent number: 5649767
    Abstract: A liner for use in flexible bulk containers includes a tubular body section with at least one continuous baffle strip extending around the interior circumference of the body section, with the baffle strip attached to the body section at spaced apart intervals to form baffles defining four triangular shaped corners in the body section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Super Sack Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Craig Alan Nickell, David D. Kellenberger, Norwin C. Derby
  • Patent number: 5611626
    Abstract: A bag with a corner tear-away pour spout opening is provided with a detachable reenforcing patch adhered to the area of a slit near the top of the bag which serves as a carry handle to provide enhanced strength to the handle area. The patch can be removed from its position over the handle slit and used to reseal the bag for storage after some of the contents have been dispensed through the pour spout opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Rex-Rosenlew International Incorporated
    Inventor: Charles J. Warr
  • Patent number: 5607237
    Abstract: A generally cubical collapsible bag with six generally rectangular walls of a flexible woven fabric material. Lift straps attached adjacent two opposed top edges of the bag, are connected by a pair of substantially inextensible linking members. Preferably, each linking member connects two corner lift straps and an intermediate lift strap between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Custom Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee LaFleur
  • Patent number: 5576037
    Abstract: A shrink bag having an integral carrying handle is provided that includes an extended skin portion of the bag of a heat shrinkable thermoplastic material and having a carrying hole in the skirt portion with an essentially continuous heat seal around its margin, the carrying hole having a configuration which helps to distribute stress and substantially eliminates tear propagation. The bag is particularly adapted for packaging whole turkeys and the like and, to this end, the integral carrying handle is preferably located at the breast containing end of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: Donald B. Moore, Jr., Jeffrey D. Gebauer, John P. Carson
  • Patent number: 5558438
    Abstract: A bag with a corner tear-away pour spout opening is provided with a detachable reenforcing patch adhered to the area of a slit near the top of the bag which serves as a carry handle to provide enhanced strength to the handle area. The patch can be removed from its position over the handle slit and used to reseal the bag for storage after some of the contents have been dispensed through the pour spout opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Rex-Rosenlew International Incorporated
    Inventor: Charles J. Warr
  • Patent number: 5542765
    Abstract: A collapsible container for carrying flowable materials includes a bag made of a plurality of layers of rubber-coated fabric and at least one lift assembly for lifting the container onto or out of a transport vehicle such as a railcar, truck or the like. The lift assembly is attached to straps or cords vulcanized into the plurality of layers of rubber-coated fabric. These straps or cords distribute the weight of the flowable materials within the container to other parts of the container, thereby providing the container with a suitable lifting capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Engineered Fabrics Corporation
    Inventors: Charles S. Smith, Hancel R. Wright
  • Patent number: 5468528
    Abstract: A bulk material transport bag has a plurality of sidewalls, a lower end wall, and an upper wall, defining a bulk material space therewithin. The surrounding sidewalls are formed by a panel of fabric, positioned at each corner of the bag, the panel of fabric formed into a right triangle, so that the first and second legs of the triangle form the outer wall of the bag at each corner, and the third leg (or hypotenuse) of the triangle forms the internal baffle wall of the bag. Each corner triangle is stitched to a flat panel of fabric, defining the remaining central portion of each sidewall, so that when the eight portions of fabric are joined, there is defined the enclosed wall of the bag, together with the baffles formed in the interior of the bag. The bag includes a plurality of rectangular or triangular shaped openings in each of the baffle walls for allowing bulk material to flow therethrough in order to completely fill the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Inventors: Daniel R. Schnaars, Randall H. Curtis
  • Patent number: 5435647
    Abstract: Flexible bag handle(s) that is constructed of a non-porous, flexible membrane filled with a gaseous substance. The membrane encapsulates the gaseous substance to form a gas-filled pocket(s) that comprises a bag handle(s). The gas-filled pocket(s) that comprises the Gas-Filled Handle(s), can be of various size(s), shape(s) and arrangement(s) depending upon the desired load-bearing characteristics and desired length of the handle(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Inventor: David A. Oliver
  • Patent number: 5340217
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a construction for flexible intermediate bulk containers which provides additional strength along the upper periphery, to preclude the tearing out of the material when a loaded container is lifted by a single lifting loop. By folding the upper portion of the container over upon itself, two layers of material are provided along the upper periphery, effectively doubling the strength of that portion of the container to which the lifting loops are attached. The second layer of material is extended downwardly along the side of the container at least a distance equal to the length of the lifting loop legs to be attached thereto. The lifting loop web straps are then sewn through the two layers of material, preferably with a series of box stitches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Inventor: Herbert B. Rothman
  • Patent number: 5338118
    Abstract: A plastic bag having an aperture serving as a handle which has a contour of peaks and valleys. The peaks fold in an accordion-like manner when pressed by fingers to cushion the fingers. A T-shirt style bag has strap handles whose juncture with the mouth of the bag has a wave form configuration of peaks and valleys. A dispensing rack having two support arms which hold open a plastic bag either by notches, bends or sleeves. The plastic bag has opposing pairs of aligned apertures whose contour has peaks and valleys. The support arms are inserted each through are respective pair of aligned apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Inventor: Robert B. DeMatteis
  • Patent number: 5328267
    Abstract: A bulk container of flexible fabric having a substantially rectangular base and four walls with four corners at the junctions of the walls has four interior bridging panels extending between adjacent walls across the corners, the bridging panels each being formed of fabric which is integral with part of said adjacent walls. In one embodiment, the four bridging panels and the four wall center panels are formed of a single main piece of fabric, and the corners are formed by corner pieces attached to the main piece of fabric at the junctions between the bridging panels and the wall center panels. The corner pieces each comprise a folded strip of fabric which forms a lifting device. Holes are cut through the bridging panels by laying the main piece of fabric in doubled condition and cutting two layers in one operation. The container has a pyramid shaped top cover with a central filing chute, and an outlet chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Inventors: Christopher C. Cuddy, Thomas Noor
  • Patent number: 5244280
    Abstract: A flexible woven fabric bulk container made of four panels with vertical selvage sides, vertical warps and cut edges in the direction of the weft at the top and bottom, with diagonally extending interlocking hemmed corners with upper portions splayed or flared in a counter-clockwise direction and overlaid with inner and outer depending legs of inverted "U"-shaped loops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: Megasack Corporation
    Inventors: Clavin M. Porter, Jack D. Pierce, Sidney Cawyer, Colin L. Talbot
  • Patent number: 5232148
    Abstract: A protective wrapper is provided that is especially well suited for packaging heavy products held by gripping elements during a packing phase. The protective wrapper is completely closed on three sides and is partially open on a fourth side that includes a passage means, e.g., a simple cut. The passage means makes it possible to first insert the product to be packaged into the wrapper while the product is held by a gripping element, and then to release the gripping element once the wrapper is in place around the product. The protective wrapper also includes a gripping means that facilitates extraction and holding of the wrapped product during its unpacking. A method for packaging that employs the wrapper is provided which can easily be automated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Bull S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Vilas-Boas
  • Patent number: 5222812
    Abstract: A bulk container of flexible fabric having a substantially rectangular base and four walls with four corners at the junctions of the walls has four interior bridging panels extending between adjacent walls across the corners, the bridging panels each being formed of fabric which is integral with part of said adjacent walls. In one embodiment, the four bridging panels and the four wall centre panels are formed of a single main piece of fabric, and the corners are formed by corner pieces attached to the main piece of fabric at the junctions between the bridging panels and the wall centre panels. The corner pieces each comprise a folded strip of fabric which forms a lifting device. Holes are cut through the bridging panels by laying the main piece of fabric in doubled condition and cutting two layers in one operation. The container has a pyramid shaped top cover with a central filing chute, and an outlet chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Inventors: Christopher C. Cuddy, Thomas Noor
  • Patent number: 5203633
    Abstract: A spread strap flexible bulk container comprises a flexible bulk container having a plurality of panels seamed together to form a substantially square container with vertical seams connecting the panels located equidistant between adjacent corners of the container as opposed to the seams being located at the corners. Lift straps for supporting the container are attached at opposed ends to the container beginning at adjacent seams and extending diagonally upwardly to loop over the corners of the container. Bridge panel may be inserted into the container and each bridge panel attached to a single panel or a portion of a single panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: Super Sack Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Norwin C. Derby
  • Patent number: 5186542
    Abstract: A handle for use with a container such as a flexible bag structure. The handle includes first and second handle members that reinforce each other as the handle is grasped to manipulate the bag structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Thomas W. Seabold
  • Patent number: 5165802
    Abstract: A spread strap flexible bulk container comprises a flexible bulk container having a plurality of panels seamed together to form a substantially square container with vertical seams connecting the panels located equidistant between adjacent corners of the container as opposed to the seams being located at the corners. Lift straps for supporting the container are attached at opposed ends to the container beginning at adjacent seams and extending diagonally upwardly to loop over the corners of the container. Bridge panel may be inserted into the container and each bridge panel attached to a single panel or a portion of a single panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1992
    Assignee: Super Sack Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Norwin C. Derby
  • Patent number: 5161853
    Abstract: A flexible bulk container including a bag portion comprised of a top wall, an encircling side panel and a bottom wall. The top wall has a filling spout therethrough for access to the bag interior. The flexible bag is cube-shaped having four corners. At each corner a loop member extends above the top wall. The loop member is comprised of a straight section and a loop section. The straight section extending below the top wall is sewn to the side wall adjacent to each corner. Pockets are similarly sewn to an area adjacent each corner and cover the straight portion of the loop members. Semi-rigid tubular members with open ends enclose the straight portion of the loop members and extend downward into the pockets and upward above the top wall. The loop portions of the loop members extend above the top open end of the tubular members. A continuous elongated hoop passes freely through each loop and is the means for a lifting mechanism to engage the flexible bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Inventor: Walter J. Polett
  • Patent number: 5158367
    Abstract: A spread strap flexible bulk container comprises a flexible bulk container having a plurality of panels seamed together to form a substantially cylindrical container with vertical seams connecting the panels. Lift straps for supporting the container are attached at opposed ends to the container beginning adjacent the seams and extending diagonally upwardly to loop over the top panel of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: Super Sack Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventor: Norwin C. Derby
  • Patent number: 5108196
    Abstract: A flexible bulk container comprises a side wall structure (1), a base (3) closing a lower open end of the side wall structure and a plurality of lifting loops (5 to 8) at the upper end of the side wall structure. The fabric of the side wall structure is folded to form a multi-layer band (4) extending circumferentially around at least the upper part of the side wall structure. Each lifting loop comprises a bight and two spaced legs, each leg being stitched to the multi-layer band by stitching comprising at least two substantially parallel rows (12, 13) of chain stitching extending circumferentially around the upper part of the side wall structure. The needle yarn used for the stitching is of not less than 4000 denier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: Bowater Packaging Limited
    Inventor: James F. J. Hughes
  • Patent number: 5104236
    Abstract: A reinforced collapsible bag and method of making it from blanks of a flexible woven material which are cut from an elongate web substantially without wasting any material between adjacent blanks with pairs of reinforced strips extending along the side edges and through the central portion of the sides and top and bottom of the bag, thereby reinforcing the bottom, top, sides and corners of the bag. Each blank has a circumferentially continuous central portion and four isosceles triangular portions at each end of the blank. Adjacent sides of adjacent triangular portons are connected together to provide, when the bag is exapnded or filled, generally square ends which are interconnected by generally rectangular side walls. Lifting sstraps can be attached to the reinforced strips along the side edges of the bag. An access opening is provided in an end of the bag by terminating the connections of its triangular portions short of their apexes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Custom Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee LaFleur
  • Patent number: 5073035
    Abstract: A large bulk bag has an internal load-distributing and wall-shaping chain network which maintains the general quadrangular shape of the bag so that a maximum number of such bags can be loaded or stored over a given surface. The internal chain network can also be shaken to de-aerate the bulk content of the bag or break any caking of the material to expedite its unloading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Williams
  • Patent number: 5031808
    Abstract: A receptacle for the collection of litter or the storage of loose items in a vehicle interior is disclosed. The receptacle comprises a container with an integrally formed flap for suspending the container from a vehicle door for convenient access by a vehicle occupant to the container interior. The flap includes a tab which engages the vehicle door window slot and which provides a wedged attachment within the door when supporting heavier loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Plasticolor Molded Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Theodore Dolenc
  • Patent number: 4989993
    Abstract: A bottom filled, top gusset plastic bag (10, 106) includes a pair of flexible ear handles (24, 26 or 130, 132). The handles include circular hand-receiving openings (76 or 134) and have circular outlines and circular transition regions (78, 80 or 136, 138) are provided between the ear handles (24, 26 or 130, 132) and attached base portions of the handles. The circular hand-receiving openings (76 or 134) and the curved transition regions (78, 80 or 136, 138) function to distribute weight forces substantially across the full width of each side of a filled bag (10, 106).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Inventor: Delbert J. Barnard
  • Patent number: 4971453
    Abstract: A portable bag formed from a tubular blank of stitchable material includes an upper part provided with a carrying member, such as a carrying aperture or the like, a mantle and a bottom. In one embodiment, the upper part of the bag is formed by placing a reinforcing patch on an upper end region of the blank and folding the upper end region of the blank over itself as least one time to form at least two overlying fold regions with the reinforcing patch interposed between the at least two fold regions, and stitching a seam across the overlying fold regions and the reinforcing patch interposed therebetween to close the upper part of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: Oy W. Rosenlew AB
    Inventor: Keijo Rantanen
  • Patent number: 4953708
    Abstract: A flexible tubular package having a longitudinal axis and formed from flexible sheet material. The package comprising first and second panels disposed opposite each other and connected on laterally opposite sides. The upper end portion of the package terminates in a free edge and is folded over itself along a transverse fold line to form a flap with the portion of the first panel between the free edge and the fold line abutting the contiguous portion of the first panel below the fold line. The abutting portions are releasably secured to each other by adhesive. The flap includes at least one opening extending through the first and second panels to form a handle. A first permanent seal line extends transversely across the panels adjacent the fold line from one of the sides to an intermediate point, while a second peelable seal line extends transversely across the panels adjacent the fold line from the intermediate point to the other of the sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 4, 1990
    Assignee: Fes-co System USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Beer, Michael D. Gracie, Sr., Tullio U. Vigano
  • Patent number: 4944604
    Abstract: A flexible intermediate bulk container includes at least two lifting loops which are integral extensions of a side wall structure and a base structure. The extensions are folded and joined to adjacent side wall panels such that each lifting loop connects with or is an integral part of two or three side wall panels and all fibers of the lifting loops have the same lifting height. The wall structure can have double layer walls such that each lifting loop is connected to or is integral with both layers and the ends of each lifting loop are displaced circumferentially relative to each other. Both wall structure and lifting loops can have integrally woven or stitched on reinforcing bands. The container can have an upper closure including a top lid, a filling spout and a wall structure with an open lower end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1990
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro a.s.
    Inventors: Eirik Myklebust, Odd F. Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 4923436
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bag including a front wall and a rear wall and having an open mouth portion in which the front wall and rear wall are joined by pleated portions or gussets. The bag is manufactured so that a longitudinal, thermally welded seam is placed inside a portion of at least one of the gussets at a point other than the central fold. The bag preferably includes handles which are integral extensions of the front and rear walls and the gussets. The bag manufactured according to the principles of the present invention thus eliminates or minimizes failure of thermally welded seams.Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing the bags and an apparatus for manufacturing the bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Sonoco Products Company
    Inventor: Edward Gelbard
  • Patent number: 4911872
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for making a tubular structure formed by a film of extruded synthetic matter whose walls are at least partially perforated, including the steps of extruding from an annular die a tubular film having gaps or voids obtained in manner known per se by teeth which temporarily obturate the outlet of said die, and extruding and forming the film on leaving the die after flow of matter in the plastic state, upstream of the die, in a ring-shaped passage of which the outlet constitutes the die, this passage being of constant thickness equal to the width of the extrusion slot and consequently to the final thickness of the film, the flow of plastic material in this ring-shaped passage causing an effect of lamination of the matter ensuring dimensional stability, particularly the thickness of the film obtained at the outlet of the die, and in particular avoiding the formation of excess thickness or surface roughness on the film thus extruded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Inventors: Jean C. M. Hureau, Jacques Hureau
  • Patent number: 4877335
    Abstract: A bottom filled, top gusset plastic bag (10, 106) includes a pair of flexible ear handles (24, 26 or 130, 132). The handles include circular hand-receiving openings (76 or 134) and have circular outlines and circular transition regions (78, 80 or 136, 138) are provided between the ear handles (24, 26 or 130, 132) and attached base portions of the handles. The circular hand-receiving openings (76 or 134) and the curved transition regions (78, 80 or 136, 138) function to distribute weight forces substantially across the full width of each side of a filled bag (10, 106).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: Cello Bag Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Delbert J. Barnard
  • Patent number: 4867575
    Abstract: A handle web (14) is heat sealed to the gusset end of a bag web (10). The bag is a bottom filled top gusset bag which assumes a carton shape when filled. The handle web (14) has a central portion which extends over the gusset (18). Substantially D-shaped hand openings (16, 18) are formed in the handle web (14). These openings (16, 18) have inwardly-directed arcuate sides (60, 62) and substantially flat outwardly-directed sides (64, 66). Rounded corners (68, 70, 72, 74) are formed where the arcuate sides (60, 62) meet the flat sides (64, 66). This construction results in a four-sided stretching of the handle web when under load, along smoothly curving arcuate paths, providing good stress distribution in the handle web material and the elimination of tear-inducing stress concentrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: Cello Bag Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry W. Wood
  • Patent number: 4832506
    Abstract: A flexible container is formed of a single piece of material and includes a bottom, a top and side walls, with two opposite openings in top portions of the side walls below the top. The material of the top is folded or gathered from the opposite openings toward the center of the top, thereby forming an integral lifting loop formed of integral extensions of the side walls. The lifting loop extends over the center of the container between the opposite openings. The thus folded or gathered material is joined at an uppermost lifting area of the lifting loop, thereby forming a permanent lifting handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: Norsk Hydro a.s.
    Inventors: Anders Juel, Bjarne Omdal
  • Patent number: 4822179
    Abstract: Semi-bulk transport bags having wide lifting members, each lifting member formed from a plural layer folded strip of plain fabric woven from flat ribbon tape, of the same type as used for the bodies of the bags; these relatively stiff lifting members are anchored at the tops of the bags, and are positioned to distribute lifting stresses across wide segments of the side panels. One construction uses four lifting loop members, one at each corner of a rectangular bag; the edges of the ends of each loop are overlapped and tacked into the bag corner by the corner seams that join the side panels of the bags, without folding the side panels over the lifting members, materially reducing manufacturing costs. In another construction, using only two lifting members, the ends of each lifting member are anchored into wide vertical hems on just two side panels of a rectangular bag, allowing use of a lighter weight plain fabric material for the other two side panels without sacrifice of bag strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Assignee: Bulk Lift International Incorporated
    Inventor: Peter J. Nattrass
  • Patent number: 4821883
    Abstract: A foldable apparatus for holding post-type earrings, medals and any other jewelry equipped with a post-type connecting means. The apparatus having a sheet of aida cloth and a sheet of craft foam bonded together and in which said aida cloth approximates a mesh screen containing a plurality of apertures. Said post earrings and the like are inserted through the combination of the aida cloth and craft foam and are held in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Inventor: Kathern M. Miller
  • Patent number: 4819793
    Abstract: Disclosure herein is a beverage carrier having two basic embodiments. The first embodiment includes flexible water-resistant container having a flexible container with a bottom and upstanding walls and a top opening. The container further includes a removable flooring for supporting beverages in the container, nesting in the container adjacent the bottom. A separator is provided for spacing apart beverages in the container from one another. Another embodiment provides a like structure with the flooring having a coolant for cooling the beverages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: Charles, Fong and Associates
    Inventors: Charles Willard, Roy Fong
  • Patent number: 4813792
    Abstract: A hand-grip for thermoplastic draw tape handles for thermoplastic bags and method of making the same is disclosed. The hand-grip is produced by perforating each hem of the thermoplastic bag at a center section thereof with a substantially U-shaped perforation extending from the mouth of the bag to a location below the bottom of the hem whereby the center section of each hem is separable from the bag along the U-shaped perforation to provide a hand-grip surrounding each draw tape when the bag is lifted by the draw tapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Kirk E. Belmont, Edward M. Bullard, Daniel J. DiBiasi, Edward W. Forman, Jr., David E. McIntyre
  • Patent number: 4813793
    Abstract: A padded reinforced handle for thermoplastic draw tape bags and method of making the same is disclosed. The padded hand-grip reinforcement for the draw tape handle is produced by folding a thermoplastic draw tape longitudinally into a V-shaped cross-section and inserting a predetermined quantity of padding material into the V-shaped cross section of the tape to provide a padded tape area at predetermined spaced intervals corresponding to the width of the draw tape bag. The padded tape section has a length adequate to provide a padded hand-grip reinforcement. The padded tapes are inserted into the hems of the draw tape bag with the padded tape section aligned with a central cut out opening intermediate the ends of the hems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Kirk E. Belmont, Edward M. Bullard, Daniel J. DiBiasi, Edward W. Forman, Jr., David E. McIntyre