Plural Patents (Class 383/37)
  • Patent number: 6478156
    Abstract: A headerless pack of thermoplastic film bags having weak bag to bag seals to make said pack and a teardrop like shaped supporting opening whereby said pack is supported on a dispenser rod through said opening and a single bag can easily be removed by pulling down on said bag thereby breaking said seals and tearing through said opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: TC Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Terry D. Gebhardt
  • Publication number: 20020164089
    Abstract: A method of forming a plurality of interconnected bulk bags or with an interconnecting section of material between adjacent bags on a roll or blank of flexible material to permit the blank of material to be advanced for subsequent processing. The interconnecting section is defined at least in part by a separation line that permits scrap or waste material to be removed from the blank without removing the interconnecting section. This permits the bags to remain interconnected after they are formed so that they may be disposed on a roll or folded in a box for convenient shipping and handling of a plurality of bags. Desirably, perforations maybe provided between adjacent bags to facilitate removal of an individual bag from the remainder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Inventors: Lee LaFleur, R. Daniel Brumm, Aaron W. Bryan, James E. Rozmarek, Jeffrey D. Wright
  • Patent number: 6470551
    Abstract: A slider-operated fastener comprises first and second opposing tracks including respective first and second interlocking profiles and respective first and second fins extending downward from the respective first and second profiles. The first and second fins are sealed to each other by a plurality of spaced preseals. After generating each preseal, a notch is formed in the profiles and upper portions of the fins at the generated preseal. To install a slider onto the fastener, the slider is initially positioned within the respective notch and then threaded onto the fastener in response to relative movement of the slider and the fastener. Either before or after the steps of forming each preseal and respective notch and installing the respective slider, the fastener is attached to a moving web of plastic film. The fastener-carrying web is later folded and sealed to form individual plastic bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander R. Provan, Thomas L. Coomber, Toby R. Thomas, Nathan A. Kolovich
  • Publication number: 20020141663
    Abstract: A standup bags made of a flexible material and methods of producing these standup bags. In particular, the standup bags have at least one substantially flat surface which is free of seams and folds. When the bag is filled with a flowable substance, the pressure exerted by the fluid upon the flat surfaces allows the bag to be self-standing. Additionally, the standup includes at least one contour structure that defines the geometry of the bag and also contributes to the standup bag's ability to be self-standing when even partially filled with a flowable substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: Scholle Corporation
    Inventors: Simon P. Edwards, Benjamin A. Gianneschi, Nancy Lu, Joe Hsu
  • Publication number: 20020130060
    Abstract: A packaging system includes a chain of imbricated, taped bags; and a shipping container into which the chain of imbricated, taped bags are disposed, the shipping container including a cover, the cover adapted to function, when in an extended position, as a loading platform for the chain of imbricated, taped bags. A packaging system includes a chain of imbricated, taped bags, wherein the chain of bags includes a pair of tapes, and an adhesive, such that each bag is adhesively but releasably attached to the pair of tapes; and a shipping container into which the chain of imbricated, taped bags are disposed, the shipping container including a cover, the cover adapted to function, when in an extended position, as a loading platform for the chain of imbricated, taped bags.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: John P. Carson, Gregory E. McDonald, John R. Underwood, Robert A. Odabashian
  • Publication number: 20020130058
    Abstract: A roll of bags includes a spool; and a chain of imbricated taped bags mounted on the spool. A roil of bags includes a container having a curved bottom portion; and a chain of imbricated taped bags disposed on the curved bottom portion of the container. A roll of bags includes a spool having a first and second end; and a chain of imbricated taped bags mounted on the spool, the chain of bags having first and second lateral sides, wherein the chain of bags includes a pair of tapes, and an adhesive, such that each bag is adhesively but releasably attached to the pair of tapes. A method of packaging a chain of imbricated taped bags includes providing a spool; and winding the chain of imbricated taped bags on the spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: John P. Carson, Gregory E. McDonald, John R. Underwood, Robert A. Odabashian
  • Publication number: 20020121455
    Abstract: Tapered bags are dispensed singly from a nested configuration. They may be made of plastic, paper, aluminum foil, or aluminum foil laminated with plastic. The bags are connected at the top by a strip that has a row of perforations between the strip and the top of each bag, the strips in turn attached to each other by conventional fasteners such as staples. The taper may be formed by folding the bags so that a dispensed bag may be unfolded to have a bottom as wide as the top. A row of closely spaced perforations along the connecting portion between any two bags allows a single outermost bag to be separated by pulling and tearing along the row of perforations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventors: Dennis R. Smith, Philip G. Malone, Charles A. Weiss
  • Patent number: 6435350
    Abstract: A pack of self-opening plastic bags adapted for use with a bagging rack. Each plastic bag preferably has an extension portion extending above an open mouth of the bag. At least one bag pack suspension aperture is formed at an upper region of the bag and is adapted for use in suspending the bag pack on a bagging rack. A carrying handle aperture is formed through an upper region of the bag pack. Areas of compression bonds are formed adjacent upper regions of the bag pack, the handle carrying apertures, and/or the suspension aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Durabag Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Frank F. J. Huang, Daniel Huang
  • Publication number: 20020110291
    Abstract: A standup bags made of a flexible material and methods of producing these standup bags. In particular, the standup bags have at least one substantially flat surface which is free of seams and folds. When the bag is filled with a flowable substance, the pressure exerted by the fluid upon the flat surfaces allows the bag to be self-standing. Additionally, the standup includes at least one contour structure that defines the geometry of the bag and also contributes to the standup bag's ability to be self-standing when even partially filled with a flowable substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: Scholle Corporation
    Inventors: Simon P. Edwards, Benjamin A. Gianneschi, Nancy Lu, Joe Hsu
  • Patent number: 6422753
    Abstract: Separable beverage receptacle packaging 10 for potable and freezable liquids, as well as a method of fabricating the same wherein the packaging 10 comprises a plurality of individual beverage receptacle units 11 aligned in a side by side fashion relative to one another. Each beverage receptacle unit 11 has an interior fluid chamber 60 defined by a lower heat weld 40, an upper heat weld 42, and two vertical heat welds 41 that are formed on opposed sheets of plastic 20, 30 and wherein the heat welds 41 between the intermediate beverage receptacle units 11 are provided with perforated strips 45 and the upper end of each receptacle unit 11 is provided with an upper horizontal heat weld 42 disposed above a tapered crimp 70 having a gap 71 that defines an integral drinking spout 48 when the tear strip above the perforated line 49 is removed from the individual beverage receptacle units 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: Peggy L. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20020094923
    Abstract: A standup bags made of a flexible material and methods of producing these standup bags. In particular, the standup bags have at least one substantially flat surface which is free of seams and folds. When the bag is filled with a flowable substance, the pressure exerted by the fluid upon the flat surfaces allows the bag to be self-standing. Additionally, the standup includes at least one contour structure that defines the geometry of the bag and also contributes to the standup bag's ability to be self-standing when even partially filled with a flowable substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Applicant: Scholle Corporation
    Inventors: Simon P. Edwards, Benjamin A. Gianneschi, Nancy Lu, Joe Hsu
  • Publication number: 20020094922
    Abstract: A standup bags made of a flexible material and methods of producing these standup bags. In particular, the standup bags have at least one substantially flat surface which is free of seams and folds. When the bag is filled with a flowable substance, the pressure exerted by the fluid upon the flat surfaces allows the bag to be self-standing. Additionally, the standup includes at least one contour structure that defines the geometry of the bag and also contributes to the standup bag's ability to be self-standing when even partially filled with a flowable substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Applicant: Scholle Corporation
    Inventors: Simon P. Edwards, Benjamin A. Gianneschi, Nancy Lu, Joe Hsu
  • Patent number: 6419392
    Abstract: A web of serially positioned pre-opened sterile bags adapted for implementation with an automatic bagging machine is presented. The web of bags is defined by a polyester sheet selectively bonded to a paper backing sheet, with the bags being separable from each other by perforations. The webs of bags conducive for implementation with automated packaging equipment are devised by slitting columns of bags from an existing matrix and separating the bags within the columns from each other by means of perforations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Advanced Poly-Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Tony D. Baker
  • Publication number: 20020090265
    Abstract: If the sandbags are used for protective walls in the case of fire or for protection against chemical substances, it is also necessary that the bags as well as the fastening and sealing devices withstand the heat of fire and chemical substances such as acids without disengagement from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: HELMUT-WOLFGANG MERTEN
  • Patent number: 6398030
    Abstract: Plastic, paper, aluminum foil, or aluminum foil laminated with plastic bags are dispensed, one at a time, from a bag dispenser. In a first embodiment, bags are provided in rolls, connected top-to-top and bottom-to-bottom. Each bag is tapered towards its bottom such that its top-to-top connection with the next bag is wider than the bottom-to-bottom connection. Each bottom-to-bottom connection has sealed seams, which ensure that the bags are closed at their bottoms, and a row of closely spaced perforations on a connecting portion between two seams, which allow adjacent bags to be separated by pulling and tearing along the row of perforations. In an alternate embodiment of this invention, a plurality of tapered bags is nested with one bag inside the next adjacent bag. The bags are tapered at both sides such that their bottoms are narrower than their tops. At their tops, they are attached to strips of materials that are in turn attached to each other by conventional means such as staples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America Army Corps of Engineers as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Dennis Ray Smith, Charles Arthur Weiss, Jr., Philip Garcin Malone
  • Patent number: 6394652
    Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible bag comprising at least one sheet of flexible sheet material assembled to form a semi-enclosed container having an opening defined by a periphery. The opening defines an opening plane, and bag is expandable in response to forces exerted by contents within the bag to provide an increase in volume of the bag such that said the accommodates the contents placed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Eric Walter Meyer, John Thomas Cooper, Daniel Raymond Cerone, Charles John Berg, Jr., Barry Jay Anderson, Beverly Julian Jackson
  • Patent number: 6390154
    Abstract: A portable levee system includes a bag having a preselected geometric shape. The bag is continuous in that it has a length at least equal to its width, and is preferably many times as long. A top portion of the bag is open for receiving fill material. A preferred geometric shape is a trapezoid. The bag is removably mounted to a dispenser and the dispenser dispenses the bag from a rear portion of the dispenser. A preferred dispenser is towed behind a tractor or truck and the bag is filled within the dispenser and deposited onto the ground. A method of providing a portable levee is taught wherein a levee is created in a fraction of the time required to build an equivalently-sized levee utilizing current emergency levee construction systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Westwind Levee Systems, LLC
    Inventor: David K. Hall
  • Patent number: 6367975
    Abstract: A packaging web is disclosed. The web is an elongate, flattened plastic tube having face and back sides delineating the faces and backs of a set of side by side bags. The tube includes an elongated top section and spaced sets of side seals each extending transversely from the bottom to a location near the top section. The side seals of each set delineate sides of adjacent bags such that the sides and bottoms delineate the perimeters of a set of open top bags. The top section is essentially a bottom open tube for providing bag support when the web is fed into a bag loading machine. The web includes superposed, spaced lines of weakness in each of the face and back sides delineating tops of the bags. Each such spaced line of weakness extends substantially across an associated bag top and terminates in spaced relationship with an associate one of the spaced lines of weakness to leave solid sections in the face and back sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Cronauer, Bernard Lerner
  • Publication number: 20020031284
    Abstract: A mail case system includes facilitates sequence-sorting various types of mail together into individual bags that each represent unique delivery points. The mail case uses multi-bag inserts so that the bags for several stops can be set up quickly for sorting. At the end of the sorting operation, the entire insert may be pulled down from the case as a single unit to maintain the established delivery point sequence. This eliminates the carrier's need to find separation points or to combine selections from multiple sequenced stacks of mail during the delivery operation. This results in a dramatic improvement in delivery efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: James M. Pippin, Gerald A. Isaacs, Floyd W. Worth
  • Publication number: 20020020648
    Abstract: A continuous roll of plastic bags are joined “mouth to mouth” and “bottom to bottom”. The bags are separated by sealed seams and perforations at their bottoms and by non-coinciding perforated lines at their mouths. The non-coinciding perforated lines may be sinusoidal inverses of each other in one embodiment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Richard Lam, Bridget Lam
  • Publication number: 20020015537
    Abstract: A reclosable bag for filling with at least one food product. The reclosable bag generally includes at least one sheet of web material having at least two areas of structural weakness. At least one fold structure is located between and defined by the two areas of structural weakness. An opening is located generally opposite the fold structure. The reclosable bag further includes a reclosable fastener structure having an integral skirt structure of skirt web material extending therefrom. The integral skirt structure includes a distal margin. The distal margin is coupled to the web material at, at least one location between the areas of structural weakness and the opening. The reclosable fastener structure extends past the areas of structural weakness and into the fold structure. The reclosable bag capable of being filled with at least one food product through the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Applicant: Sargento Foods Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Strand, Karl L. Linck, Judy Fischer, Thomas J. Spaeth, Jerry D. Kolbe
  • Patent number: 6334709
    Abstract: A set of at least three consecutive bags in a succession, each bag having two closure strips and a cursor situated at a respective distance (d1, d2) from one end of the strips, the strips and the cursor being identical between the bags. Between the bags in each pair of adjacent bags, the distances (d1, d2) are different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Flexico-France
    Inventor: Henri Georges Bois
  • Patent number: 6325214
    Abstract: A stack of plastic T-shirt type bags for use with a dispenser. Each bag in the stack has a pair of handles with aligned apertures for receiving the prongs of the dispenser. The stacks are retained in alignment by a releasable flap on the periphery of the aperture in each aperture integral with the bag. The stack provides for the releasable securement of adjacent flaps together for retention of bags in overlying aligned relation in the stack. Each bag has at least one discrete region of weakness between each aperture and the inward side of the respective handle stack which can be broken for detachment of a bag from the dispenser. The stack is adapted to dispensers with prongs carrying surface projections (i.e. transverse ridges) to restrict unwanted sliding of the stack along the prongs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Cascade Dispensers Limited
    Inventor: Martin Dominic Smithson
  • Patent number: 6283633
    Abstract: A series of interconnected bags (3) and a method and apparatus for the manufacturing and charging thereof. A series of bags (3) are blow formed from plastics film tube (5) which integrally incorporates the recloseable elements (6) adjacent what will become a top (8) of each bag (3). The plastic film tube (5) is longitudinally slit opposite the recloseable elements (6) to provide connecting strips (12) extending along each side of what also becomes open bottoms (10) of the bags (3). Support rails (7) are provided, preferably integrally, on each strip (12). The recloseable elements (6) are engaged with one another prior to transverse seals (13) and severing cuts (14) being formed at bag forming intervals along the film material (5). The seals (13) and cuts (14) extend from the tops (8) of the bags (3) to the strips (12). The engaged recloseable elements (6) are thus enclosed and cutting the top (8) of a bag (3) is necessary to access the recloseable elements (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Minigrip Flexible Packaging Limited
    Inventors: Neill Peter Gillespie, Malcolm Alexander Crowe
  • Publication number: 20010015054
    Abstract: The present invention relates to sealed pouches, and apparatus and processes for producing the same. The pouch includes contoured first and second lateral edges, with each lateral edge having concave and convex surfaces. The concave surface of the first lateral edge is substantially opposite the convex surface of the second lateral edge and the convex surface of the first lateral edge is substantially opposite the concave surface of the second lateral edge. Accordingly, a distance between the first and second lateral edges is substantially the same for all elevations of the pouch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventor: Timothy G. Caudle
  • Publication number: 20010005435
    Abstract: A bank deposit plastic bag made with two separable compartments, one for checks identifying the depositor, and the other for cash using as an insert a depositor-identifying flap, in the manufacture of which different heat seals, strategically located lines of perforations and an adhesive deposit cooperate to accommodate a range of banking needs of the user, characterized by the use of components and parts of the bag, as exemplified by the noted depositor-identifying flap, and adhesively sealable closure flaps for the two compartments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Inventor: Hikmet Harmanoglu
  • Patent number: 6224258
    Abstract: A storage system for objects includes a reclosable bag. A hole is provided in the bag, with a hole reinforcing structure, such as a grommet, provided to reinforce the hole. A fastener is attached to the bag via the grommet. A securing device is provided that is attachable to a structure such as a boat support member, a tree branch, or the like, and the bag can be selectively attached to and removed from the structure directly or via the securing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Inventor: Darren W. Dodson
  • Patent number: 6196717
    Abstract: A method of forming a plurality of easy to open handle bags including the steps of providing a flattened tube of thermoplastic material oriented in a generally longitudinal direction. The flattened tube has a first longitudinal side edge and a second longitudinal side edge, a transverse lower heat seal, and a transverse upper heat seal. The tube also has first, second, and third sections. The second section being disposed between the first and third sections. The first section is joined to the second section along a generally longitudinal first fold line. The second section is joined to the third section along a generally longitudinal second fold line. The second section is cut along a generally transverse first cut line extending between the first and second fold lines. The first section is folded over the second section along the first fold line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: William P. Belias, Robert T. Maddock
  • Patent number: 6193058
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing bag has a sealed concentrate pouch and a mixing pouch, the concentrate pouch having a fluid tight seal separating the concentrate pouch from the mixing pouch, and the concentrate pouch containing a base material at a first concentration. Upon the introduction of diluent into the mixing pouch, and upon the rupturing of the fluid tight seal, the concentrate pouch and the mixing pouch will be in communication with each other, and the diluent and the base material can mix to form a solution in which the concentration of the base material will be at a second, lesser concentration than the first concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Canberra Corportion
    Inventors: R. Bruce Yacko, Jeffrey C. Gayer, Edward L. Mueller, John A. Wiegand
  • Patent number: 6183132
    Abstract: A roll of plastic refuse bags comprises a fully gussetted, tubular form folded longitudinally to form a star seal configuration. The individual bags are separated by separation lines which form the open ends of the bags and welds which form the closed ends of the bags. A tie cut-out region is formed in each bag along one of the longitudinal edges beneath the separation line so that when an individual bag is separated from the roll and opened, four ties are formed which can be used to tie the bag closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Ebrahim Simhaee
  • Patent number: 6159136
    Abstract: A method of forming a plurality of easy to open handle bags is provided. The method includes providing a flattened tube of thermoplastic material oriented in a generally longitudinal direction. The flattened tube has a first longitudinal side edge, a second longitudinal side edge, and a transverse heat seal. The tube has first, second, and third sections. The second section is disposed between the first and third sections. The first section is joined to the second section along a generally longitudinal first fold line. The second section is joined to the third section along a generally longitudinal second fold line. A generally rectangular hole is cut through the second section. The generally rectangular hole has a top edge and a bottom edge. The generally rectangular hole is contained transversely between the first and second fold lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: William P. Belias, Michael L. Bohn, Clifford H. Patridge
  • Patent number: 6146017
    Abstract: Easy open, plastic bags for dispensing from either a roll or a carton that include a plurality of easy open, plastic bags formed by a pair of overlying sheets. Each bag has an expandable gusset near one end thereof. The one end of each bag is respectively connected to a filling end of the next bag, by detaching perforations. Each bag further has a plurality of throughbores that are aligned and extend thereacross for facilitating opening thereof. The plurality of throughbores in each bag are disposed parallel to, and slightly inward of, the detaching perforations of a respective bag. The plurality of throughbores in each bag extend through either only one sheet of the pair of sheets, both sheets of the pair of sheets and in alignment with each other, both sheets of the pair of sheets and offset from but touching each other, or both sheets of the pair of sheets and offset from and not touching each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: William S. Hodges
  • Patent number: 6135281
    Abstract: A continuous web of bags formed of a plurality of layers to be separated along a line of perforations that extends through all of the layers transverse of the web, in which at least one of the outermost layers is detached from the web at the separation line. Apparatus accomplishes this detachment in a moving web by engaging the outermost layer outer surface and exerting a force in a manner to produce the detachment from the separation line. Both the outermost upper and lower web layers can be detached at the separation line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Ebrahim Simhaee
  • Patent number: 6102239
    Abstract: An improved material packaging system having a plurality of nested liners that are removably attached to each other to form a unitary liner structure. A receptacle having a first attachment device for detachably securing the unitary liner structure to the receptacle is set forth. The unitary liner structure has a second attachment device for detachably securing the second attachment device to the first attachment device of the receptacle. Each of the liners has a pull grip for gripping the liner to remove the liner from the unitary liner structure and perforations disposed between the pull grip and the second attachment device for tearing the liner when a tearing force is applied thereto. An uppermost liner of the plurality of liners can thus be removed from the unitary liner structure without substantially disturbing the positioning of underlying liners by gripping and pulling the pull grip of the uppermost liner to apply the tearing force to the perforations of the uppermost liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Abraham Wien
  • Patent number: 6098806
    Abstract: A pack of merchandise bags is provided in a closed storage and dispensing unit. A portion of the unit is removable to provide a window through which the bag pack is exposed. Each bag in the pack is provided with a front and rear tab at the top, with the rear tab of a bag being attached to the front tab of the next bag. In addition, the rear tabs are formed together in a stack which is secured inside the unit, and each rear tab is attached to its respective bag through a relatively weak perforation. Thus, when a bag is withdrawn from the back pack by means of the front tab, the bag is opened, because the rear tab is retained to the stack of tabs. However, as additional force is exerted on the bag, the rear tab is torn free at the perforation. Since this rear tab is attached to the front tab of the next bag, the next bag is automatically opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Trinity Packaging Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel J. Mills
  • Patent number: 6089753
    Abstract: A method of forming a plurality of easy to open handle bags is provided. The method includes providing a flattened tube of thermoplastic material oriented in a generally longitudinal direction. The flattened tube has a first longitudinal side edge, a second longitudinal side edge, and a transverse heat seal. The tube has first, second, and third sections. The second section is disposed between the first and third sections. The first section is joined to the second section along a generally longitudinal first fold line. The second section is joined to the third section along a generally longitudinal second fold line. A generally rectangular hole is cut through the second section. The generally rectangular hole has a top edge and a bottom edge. The generally rectangular hole is contained transversely between the first and second fold lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Tenneco Packaging Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Belias, Michael L. Bohn
  • Patent number: 6036363
    Abstract: A device for sorting litter, household refuse or the like in a container, a holder device or the like, and for disposing of the refuse separately. The device comprises at least two separably interconnected sack-like chambers which are formed from foil material and are interconnected in their upper regions such that they merge into a common region (2) in the manner of a pair of tights. A gusset (6, 7) is formed in each case between adjacent chambers (3,4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Florian Behnk
  • Patent number: 6033112
    Abstract: A universal flexible packaging bag is provided that contains a stack of products, such as a plurality of disposable absorbent training pants, in which each product has a component, such as a graphic on a front panel of a training pant, that is to be visually perceived through a window in the bag. The bag is uniquely designed to accommodate differently designed bagging machines, such as a right-handed bagging machine and a left-handed bagging machine, so that a stack of products can be positioned in the bag such that the component is visible through the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse Paul Sorenson, Jack Lee Couillard, William Joseph Meyer, Gregory Allen MacDonald, Michael Andrew Machurick, Glenn Chance Dunlap, III, Aric Anton Melzl
  • Patent number: 6012843
    Abstract: Apparatus for holding plastic bags includes a fabric tube having an open top and an open bottom of reduced diameter, and a loop for hanging the fabric tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Inventors: Catherine Brooks, Robert L. Jones
  • Patent number: 6007244
    Abstract: A plastic film bag assembly includes a recloseable plastic film bag made up of a front wall and back wall joined together and having complementary detachably attachable zipper profiles at the bag opening. A lip extends from the front wall above the zipper profiles. A header extends above the back wall above the zipper profiles. A hole is provided through the header at a distance from the header perimeter edge and defining a severable header portion between the hole and the perimeter edge. A slit or perforation may be provided at the severable header portion for controlling the strength thereof. The bags are supported on a stop member which extends through the header holes. The bags are manually individually dispensed by gripping the lip and pulling for at least partially separating the zipper profiles and, thereafter, causing the severable header portion to be severed and thereby causing the bag to be ripped off of the stop member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Packaging Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Dinder
  • Patent number: 5971155
    Abstract: A quickly accessible and fillable plastic bag unit includes a spacer unit having two layers, and a plastic bag having front and back walls which are joined together, and a pair of complementary separable zipper halves which are provided respectively on the front and back walls and which are spaced apart from the spacer unit at a predetermined distance. The plastic bag unit has an aperture unit formed through an intermediate portion of the spacer unit, two narrower outer uncut spaces which are respectively adjacent to the longitudinal sides of the plastic bag and which connect the spacer unit to the front and back walls, and two wider inner uncut spaces which are respectively adjacent to the aperture unit and which connect the spacer unit to the front and back walls. Each of the outer uncut spaces and an adjacent inner uncut space cooperatively define therebetween a slit line having a length which is longer than those of the uncut spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Chen-Chi Chen
    Inventor: Ching-Chung Liang
  • Patent number: 5967663
    Abstract: A thermoplastic bag structure and method for making and packaging thermoplastic bags such that their tops are easily identified and the bags are easily opened. The method for producing these bags begins with cutting a flattened thermoplastic tube into two portions. At least one of the two portions is then collapsed to form a sheet of material having a pair of thermoplastic layers, a straight folded bottom edge and a pair of top edges, at least one of which has a skewed-cut. Bag side structures are formed in the sheet of material at about bag-width distances apart. The bags are then folded a predetermined number of times, in a direction transverse to the bag side structures, so that the skewed-cut top edge(s) of each of the bags remains exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Tenneco Packaging Inc.
    Inventors: Edward A. Vaquero, William P. Belias
  • Patent number: 5967662
    Abstract: A stack of plastic T-shirt bags and method of making the same wherein the bags of the stack have been subjected to two corona treatments to increase the adhesion between the back wall of each bag and the front wall of the next ensuing bag with a row of pressure points being provided at the base of the central mounting tab in order to enable each bag as it is pulled open on the rack arms to initiate opening of the next ensuing bag. The mounting tab is cut to provide not only a central mounting slit, but also with a wave-like cut below the mounting slit to enable the mounting tab to be torn for removal from the central mounting element without the tear extending down into the bag walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Inteplast Group, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yook-Meng Chew
  • Patent number: 5954432
    Abstract: A double pouch package and method of making it in which a pair of stand-up pouches, each with a supporting base and front and rear panels extending from opposite sides of the base are closed at their upper ends to form a flat band in each pouch. The rear panels of a pair of pouches are positioned adjacent to each other and the front panels have portions at the upper edges of the bands which are fused together to form a unitary double pouch package. Holes are formed in the upper band for receiving support members for transporting the pouches during manufacture or for displaying the filled pouches at the market place. Also, the holes can form part of a handle for carrying the double pouch package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Profile Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernd Laudenberg
  • Patent number: 5944155
    Abstract: A luggage piece having a detachable tote bag is provided. The luggage piece includes a plurality of sides that enclose a main luggage compartment. The tote bag is secured to the exterior of one of the sides by a zipper. One half of the zipper is secured to a portion of the outer perimeter of the luggage piece side while the other half of the zipper is secured to the outer perimeter of a portion of the tote bag. The top of the tote bag remains unzipped to defining an opening, and can be secured by a snap. A pair of loop handles are located at the opening and can be stowed inside the tote bag when it is attached to the luggage piece. A removable hook is provided to a top side of the luggage piece for hanging the handles therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: The Gem Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Rebecca T. Geary
  • Patent number: 5944424
    Abstract: A packaging machine and process for loading bags of a novel web of side connected bags are disclosed. The web is fed through a bagger section by a pair of grooved main transport belts and a pair of lip transport belts each disposed in the groove of the associated main belt to trap bag lips in the grooves. Adjustable belt spreaders space reaches of the transport belts as they move through a load station whereby to sequentially open the bags into rectangular configurations. A closure section in the form of a novel and improved heat sealer is releasably connectable to the bagger section. The sections are adjustable together between horizontal and vertical orientations. Processes of opening, closing and sealing side connected bags are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Hershey Lerner, Dana J. Liebhart
  • Patent number: 5938033
    Abstract: A pack of self-opening plastic T-shirt bags for use with a bagging rack. Each plastic bag in the pack of bags has a mouth tab portion between its two upwardly extending handles, which are at the sides of the mouth of the T-shirt bags. The mouth tab portion is located on the front and rear walls in the mouth region of the plastic bags. The mouth tab portion has an aperture for receiving a retaining projection of a bagging rack. Frangible pressure bonding is formed along the perimeter of said mouth aperture. Flapless handle apertures are also formed in the handles, with frangible pressure bonds formed along their perimeter edges. Due to the frangible bonding formed between adjacent bags, as a frontmost bag is removed from the pack of bags on the bagging rack, the next bag in the pack of bags will automatically self-open into a open position for loading with merchandise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Durabag Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Feng Jung Huang, Daniel C. Huang
  • Patent number: 5927660
    Abstract: A bag holding system includes a stand, such as a header A-frame stand, or a beltboard. The stand includes a slot for receiving a tab defined on a bag assembly adapter. The bag assembly adapter also includes at least one first connector member for connecting with a second connector member defined on a bag assembly such as a saddle pack. The saddle pack is formed from a number of stacked polymeric sheets each including a first bag, a second bag, and a center strip portion having a first edge connected to the first bag and a second edge connected to the second bag. The second connector member includes an aperture extending through the center strip portions. The at least one first connector member of the bag assembly adapter may include a leg portion having a nub projecting through the aperture of the bag assembly so as to secure the bag assembly to the bag assembly adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: The Unger Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. McNerney, Daniel J. Kump, Joseph P. Kosir
  • Patent number: 5924573
    Abstract: A bag dispensing system for suspending and dispensing plastic bags such as T-shirt bags and merchandise bags comprises a bag dispenser constructed to be mounted underneath counters of checkouts. The bag dispensing system comprises relatively short bag engaging hooks which are inserted through apertures formed in T-shirt bags. The apertures are positioned to enable downward removal of the T-shirt bags from the bag dispenser by applying a small downward force. The bag dispensing system further comprises removably detachable bag supporting members to simultaneously support different sized merchandise bags. Merchandise bag engaging hooks provided on the bag dispenser, and slits formed through the merchandise bag panels and gussets, assist in the opening of the bags during dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Orange Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Carmelo Piraneo, Salim Bana, Gary A. Woodruff, Richard S. Petrie
  • Patent number: 5921390
    Abstract: A multi-ply plastic bag from a continuous strip of bags on a roll is supplied to a user with the top of the bag partially opened. A tear line between the bottom of a leading bag and a top of a subsequent bag separates the individual bags. A broad slit centrally located in the tear line passes through all but one ply of the strip of bags. The bag dispenser has an upwardly projecting tongue which engages the slit in the tear line when a user draws a bag from the dispenser. The tongue impedes the subsequent bag from moving forward. The adjacent bags separate along the tear line. The ply which does not have a slit rides over the tongue and pulls apart the plies at the opening of the subsequent bag before the leading bag completely separates from the subsequent bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Ebrahim Simhaee