U.S. patent application number 10/218048 was filed with the patent office on 2003-02-13 for reclosable bags.
Invention is credited to Clune, William, Shepard, William H..
Application Number | 20030031386 10/218048 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31714482 |
Filed Date | 2003-02-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030031386 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shepard, William H. ; et
al. |
February 13, 2003 |
Reclosable bags
Abstract
A reclosable bag has a closure including first and second
fastener strips. The first fastener strip includes a strip form
base having an array of discrete hook fastener elements integrally
molded with and extending from the base. The second fastener strip
includes loop elements engageable by the hook fastener elements.
The polyethylene bases of the fastener strips are welded directly
to the body of the mailer, which is formed of a coextrusion of
polyethylene materials. One of the fastener strips is unattached to
the bag body along most of its length, so as to avoid undesired
opening by shifting of bag contents. The bag is useful as an
interoffice mailing envelope, for example.
Inventors: |
Shepard, William H.;
(Amherst, NH) ; Clune, William; (Concord,
NH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FISH & RICHARDSON PC
225 FRANKLIN ST
BOSTON
MA
02110
US
|
Family ID: |
31714482 |
Appl. No.: |
10/218048 |
Filed: |
August 12, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10218048 |
Aug 12, 2002 |
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09718002 |
Nov 21, 2000 |
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09718002 |
Nov 21, 2000 |
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09187389 |
Nov 6, 1998 |
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6202260 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
383/61.1 ;
383/206; 383/67; 383/86; 383/95 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 27/06 20130101;
B29C 43/222 20130101; B65D 2313/02 20130101; B29L 2031/729
20130101; B65D 33/24 20130101; B65D 2313/04 20130101; A44B 18/0084
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/61.1 ;
383/95; 383/206; 383/67; 383/86 |
International
Class: |
B65D 033/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 10, 2001 |
WO |
US01/28279 |
Oct 11, 2001 |
WO |
US01/31689 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A reclosable bag comprising: a body having a first opposing side
wall and a second opposing side wall, the first and the second side
walls having edges, the edges being joined to form therebetween a
pouch having an open end; a closure including first and second
elongated fastener strips each having a longitudinal upper region
and a longitudinal lower region, the first fastener strip including
a strip form base having an array of discrete first fastener
elements integrally molded with and extending from the base, the
second fastener strip including a plurality of second fastener
elements, wherein one of the first and the second fastener strips
is permanently attached at both its upper region and its lower
region to an inner surface of the second opposing side wall and
another of the first and the second fastener strips is permanently
attached at its upper region to an inner surface of the first
opposing side wall and is free at its lower region along at least a
central portion of the first opposing sidewall, and wherein the
first fastener elements and the second fastener elements are
adapted to releasably engage one another to close the open end of
the bag.
2. The reclosable bag of claim 1, wherein the body is comprised of
polyethylene.
3. The reclosable bag of claim 1, wherein one of the edges of the
first opposing side wall and one of the edges of the second
opposing side walls are joined by a fold in a single sheet of bag
material forming both side walls.
4. The reclosable bag of claim 3, wherein the fold is located
opposite the open end of the bag.
5. The reclosable bag of claim 1, wherein the strip form base is
formed of resin contiguous with the fastener elements and
permanently adhesively attached to the inner surface of one of the
first and second side walls.
6. The reclosable bag of claim 5, wherein the strip form base is
welded to the inner surface of one of the first and second side
walls.
7. The reclosable bag of claim 6, wherein the strip form base and
the inner surface are comprised of compatible resin.
8. The reclosable bag of claim 7, wherein the strip form base and
the inner surface are comprised of polyethylene.
9. The reclosable bag of claim 1, wherein the first fastener
elements are hooks and the second fastener elements are loops.
10. The reclosable bag of claim 9, wherein the hooks have a height
of between 0.010 and 0.020 inch.
11. The reclosable bag of claim 10, wherein the hooks have a height
of 0.015 inch.
12. The reclosable bag of claim 10, wherein the hooks are in the
form of J-hooks.
13. The reclosable bag of claim 9, wherein the loops are in the
form of a non-woven material.
14. The reclosable bag of claim 13, wherein the loops are
encapsulated in and thereby permanently secured to the second
fastener strip.
15. A reclosable bag comprising: a body having a first opposing
side wall and a second opposing side wall, edges of the side walls
being joined to form therebetween a pouch having an open end; a
closure including first and second elongated fastener strips, the
first fastener strip including a strip form base having an array of
discrete first fastener elements integrally molded with and
extending from the base, the second fastener strip including a
plurality of second fastener elements engageable by the first
fastener elements, the fastener strips being permanently attached
to the body and positioned to releasably engage one another to
close the open end of the bag.
16. The reclosable bag of claim 15, wherein the strip form base is
formed of resin contiguous with the fastener elements and
permanently adhesively attached to the inner surface of the first
side wall.
17. The reclosable bag of claim 16, wherein the strip form base is
welded to the inner surface of the first side wall.
18. The reclosable bag of claim 17, wherein the strip form base and
the inner surface of the first side wall are comprised of
compatible resin.
19. The reclosable bag of claim 18, wherein the strip form base and
the inner surface of the first side wall are comprised of
polyethylene.
20. The reclosable bag of claim 15, wherein the first fastener
strip is attached to an inner surface of the first side wall and
the second fastener strip is attached to an inner surface of the
second side wall.
21. The reclosable bag of claim 20, wherein one of the first and
second fastener strips is attached at both an upper region and a
lower region to the inner surface of one of the first and second
side walls and the other fastener strip is attached at an upper
region to another of the first and second side walls and free at a
lower region along at least a central portion of another of the
first and second side walls.
22. The reclosable bag of claim 21, wherein the second fastener is
attached at both an upper region and a lower region to the second
side wall.
23. The reclosable bag of claim 15, wherein the body includes a
flap extending from one of the first and second side walls.
24. The reclosable bag of claim 23, wherein one of the fastener
strips is permanently attached to an inner surface of the flap.
25. The reclosable bag of claim 15, wherein the body is comprised
of polyethylene.
26. The reclosable bag of claim 15, wherein the first and second
opposing side walls are joined along at least one edge by a fold in
a single sheet of bag material.
27. The reclosable bag of claim 26, wherein the fold is located at
the edge opposite the open end of the bag.
28. The reclosable bag of claim 15, wherein the first fastener
elements are hooks and the second fastener elements are loops.
29. The reclosable bag of claim 28, wherein the hooks have a height
of between about 0.010 and about 0.020 inch.
30. The reclosable bag of claim 29, wherein the hooks have a height
of about 0.015 inch.
31. The reclosable bag of claim 29, wherein the hooks are in the
form of J-hooks.
32. The reclosable bag of claim 28, wherein the loops are in the
form of a non-woven material.
33. The reclosable bag of claim 32, wherein the loops are
encapsulated in and thereby permanently secured to the second
fastener strip.
34. A reclosable mailer comprising: a body having first and second
opposing side walls, edges of the side walls being joined to form
therebetween a pouch having an open end, wherein the first and
second opposing side walls have a width and length sufficient to
allow the pouch to accommodate an unfolded 8.times.11 inch piece of
paper, and wherein an outer surface of at least one of the side
walls includes an area markable with ink for identifying an
intended recipient of the mailer; and a closure including first and
second fastener strips, the first fastener strip including a strip
form base having an array of discrete first fastener elements
integrally molded with and extending from the base, the second
fastener strip including a plurality of second fastener elements
engageable by the first fastener elements, the fastener strips
being permanently attached to the body and positioned to releasably
engage one another to close the open end of the pouch.
35. The reclosable mailer of claim 34, wherein the first fastener
strip is permanently attached to one of the first and second side
walls and the second fastener strip is attached to another of the
first and second side walls.
36. The reclosable mailer of claim 35, wherein the first fastener
strip is attached to an inner surface of the first side wall and
the second fastener strip is attached to an inner surface of the
second side wall.
37. The reclosable mailer of claim 36, wherein the fastener strips
are welded to the inner surfaces of the first and second side
walls.
38. The reclosable mailer of claim 37, wherein the welds have a
height of between about 0.030 and about 0.040 inch.
39. The reclosable mailer of claim 34, wherein the body includes a
flap extending from one of the side walls.
40. The reclosable mailer of claim 39, wherein one of the fastener
strips is permanently attached to an inner surface of the flap.
41. The reclosable mailer of claim 34, wherein the body is
comprised of polyethylene.
42. The reclosable mailer of claim 34, wherein the side walls are
joined along at least one edge by a fold in a single sheet of bag
material.
43. The reclosable mailer of claim 42, wherein the fold is located
opposite the open end of the bag.
44. The reclosable mailer of claim 34, wherein the side walls have
a width between about 8 and about 12 inches and a height between
about 12 and about 16 inches.
45. The reclosable mailer of claim 44, wherein the side walls have
a width of about 10 inches and a height of about 141/8 inches.
46. The reclosable mailer of claim 34, wherein the side walls are
opaque.
47. The reclosable mailer of claim 34, wherein at least one of the
side walls includes viewing holes for viewing contents within the
bag.
48. The reclosable mailer of claim 47, wherein the viewing holes
have a radius of between about 1/4 and about 1/2 inch.
49. The reclosable mailer of claim 34, wherein the markable area is
comprised of a markable ink printed on the body.
50. The reclosable mailer of claim 34, wherein the markable area
includes a grid suitable for inscribing at least a name and a
location of an intended recipient of the mailer.
51. The reclosable mailer of claim 34, wherein the fastener strips
have heights of between about 1/4 inch and about 1 inch.
52. The reclosable mailer of claim 51, wherein the fastener strips
have heights of about 3/8 inch.
53. The reclosable mailer of claim 34, wherein the first fastener
strip is attached to an inner surface of the first side wall and
the second fastener strip is attached to an inner surface of the
second side wall.
54. The reclosable mailer of claim 53, wherein one of the first and
second fastener strips is attached at both an upper region and a
lower region to one of the first and second side walls and the
other fastener strip is attached at an upper region to another of
the first and second side walls and free at a lower region along at
least a central portion of another of the first and second side
walls.
55. The reclosable mailer of claim 34, wherein the first fastener
elements are in the form of hooks and the second fastener elements
are in the form of loops.
56. The reclosable mailer of claim 55, wherein the hooks have a
height of between about 0.010 and about 0.020 inch.
57. The reclosable mailer of claim 56, wherein the hooks have a
height of about 0.015 inch.
58. The reclosable mailer of claim 56, wherein the hooks are in the
form of J-hooks.
59. The reclosable mailer of claim 34, wherein the loops are in the
form of a non-woven loop material.
60. A method of delivering mail in a mailer having a body and first
and second fastener strips, the method comprising: depositing
documents within a pouch of the body, the body having first and
second opposing side walls joined along three edges to form
therebetween the pouch having an open end, wherein the first and
second opposing side walls have a width and length sufficient to
allow the pouch to accommodate an unfolded 8 x 11 inch piece of
paper, and wherein an outer surface of at least one of the side
walls includes an area markable with ink for identifying an
intended recipient of the mailer; releasably engaging the first and
the second fastener strips, the first fastener strip including a
strip form base having an array of discrete first fastener elements
integrally molded with and extending from the base, the second
fastener strip including a plurality of second fastener elements
engageable by the first fastener elements and positioned to
releasably engage one another to close the open end of the bag; and
transporting the mailer from a first location to a second
location.
61. The method of claim 60, further comprising viewing the contents
within the pouch through a viewing hole defined in at least one
side wall.
62. The method of claim 60, further comprising marking a name of an
intended recipient of the mailer on the markable area prior to
transporting the mailer.
63. A reclosable tamper evident bag comprising: a body having a
first opposing side wall and a second opposing side wall, the first
and the second side walls having edges, the edges being joined to
form therebetween a pouch having an open end and an closure end,
wherein the open end is capable of being permanently sealed closed
by a user; and a closure including first and second elongated
fastener strips each having a longitudinal upper region and a
longitudinal lower region, the first fastener strip including a
strip form base having an array of discrete first fastener elements
integrally molded with and extending from the base, the second
fastener strip including a plurality of second fastener elements,
wherein the first fastener strip is permanently attached to an
inner surface of one of the first and second side walls and the
second fastener strip is permanently attached to an inner surface
of another of the first and second side walls, and wherein the
first fastener elements and the second fastener elements are
adapted to releasably engage one another to close the closure end
of the bag.
64. The reclosable tamper-evident bag of claim 63, wherein the
closure end is adapted to be permanently heat-sealed closed.
65. The reclosable tamper-evident bag of claim 63, wherein the
closure end is adapted to be permanently pressure-sealed
closed.
66. The reclosable tamper-evident bag of claim 63, wherein the body
is comprised of polyethylene.
67. The reclosable tamper-evident bag of claim 63, wherein the side
walls are joined along at least one edge by a fold in a single
sheet of bag material.
68. The reclosable tamper-evident bag of claim 63, wherein the
closure end is located opposite the open end.
69. The reclosable tamper-evident bag of claim 63, wherein the
pouch is capable of accommodating an unfolded 8.times.10 inch piece
of paper.
70. The reclosable tamper-evident bag of claim 69, wherein an outer
surface of at least one of the side walls includes a markable are
capable of being marked with ink.
71. The reclosable tamper-evident bag of claim 63, wherein the
fastener strips have a height of about 3/8 inch.
72. The reclosable tamper-evident bag of claim 63, wherein one of
the first and second fastener strips is attached at both an upper
region and a lower region to one of the first and second side walls
and the other fastener strip is attached at an upper region to
another of the first and second side walls and free at a lower
region along at least a central portion of another of the first and
second side walls.
73. The reclosable tamper-evident bag of claim 63, wherein the
first fastener elements are hooks and the second fastener elements
are loops.
74. A method of handling and delivering articles, the method
including: inserting contents into a pouch of a reclosable,
tamper-evident bag, the bag including a body having a first
opposing side wall and a second opposing side wall, the first and
the second side walls having edges, the edges being joined to form
therebetween the pouch having an open end and an closure end,
wherein the open end is capable of being permanently sealed by a
user, the bag further including a closure including first and
second elongated fastener strips, the first fastener strip
including a strip form base having an array of discrete first
fastener elements integrally molded with and extending from the
base, the second fastener strip including a plurality of second
fastener elements, wherein the first and the second fastener strips
are permanently attached to inner surfaces of the first and second
side walls, and wherein the first fastener elements and the second
fastener elements are adapted to releasably engage one another to
close the closure end of the bag.; permanently sealing the open
end; transporting the bag and its contents to an intended
recipient; unsealing an closure end of the bag; removing the
contents from the pouch; replacing the contents and/or inserting
new contents into the pouch; engaging first and second fastener
elements to reclose the closure end; and reusing the bag to contain
and organize the replaced contents and/or new contents.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/718,002,
filed Nov. 21, 2000, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.
09/187,389, filed Nov. 6, 1998 and now U.S. Pat. No. 6,202,260.
This application also claims priority from co-pending,
US-designating PCT applications US01/28279 and US01/31689, which
claim priority from U.S. provisional patent applications 60/231,377
filed Sep. 8, 2000, and 60/240,288 filed and Oct. 13, 2000,
respectively. The entire contents of each of these related
applications are incorporated by reference as if fully set
forth.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to reclosable bags.
BACKGROUND
[0003] In recent years, the usage of reclosable bags has become
more and more prevalent. From the home to the largest commercial
enterprises, reclosable bags have become an invaluable resource.
Recosable bags come in many different sizes and styles allowing
users to organize the bags and their contents in an organized and
efficient manner.
[0004] In addition, advances in manufacturing technology have
enabled the production of reclosable bags that are disposable. This
provides further convenience to the user, because it eliminates the
need for cleaning the bag or taking other steps to allow for future
use of the bag.
[0005] The present invention improves upon previously existing
reclosable bags by providing a reclosable bag with a closure that
can be more easily and, in certain circumstances, more reliably
closed.
SUMMARY
[0006] In one aspect of the invention, a reclosable bag includes a
body and a closure. The body has a first opposing side wall and a
second opposing side wall, and the first and second side walls have
edges that are joined to form a pouch having an open end. The
closure includes first and second elongated fastener strips that
each have longitudinal upper and lower regions. The first fastener
strip includes a strip form base having an array of discrete first
fastener elements integrally molded with and extending from the
base, and the second fastener strip includes a plurality of second
fastener elements. One of the first and second fastener strips is
permanently attached at both its upper and lower regions to an
inner surface of the second opposing side wall and another of the
first and second fastener strips is permanently attached at its
upper region to an inner surface of the first opposing side wall
and is free at its lower region along at least a central portion of
the first opposing sidewall. The first and second fastener elements
are adapted to releasably engage one another to close the open end
of the bag.
[0007] In some cases, the body is comprised of polyethylene.
[0008] One of the edges of the first opposing side wall and one of
the edges of the second opposing side walls are joined by a fold in
a single sheet of bag material forming both side walls, in some
instances. The fold, in many cases, is located at the edges
opposite the open end of the bag.
[0009] In some instances, the strip form base is formed of resin
contiguous with the fastener elements and permanently attached to
the inner surface of the corresponding side wall. The strip form
base is welded to the inner surface of the corresponding side wall
in many cases. In some cases, the strip form base and the inner
surface of the corresponding side wall, in another embodiment, are
comprised of compatible resin. In some instances, the strip form
base and the inner surface of the corresponding side wall are
comprised of polyethylene.
[0010] In many preferred embodiments, the first fastener elements
are hooks and the second fastener elements are loops. In some
cases, the hooks have a height of between about 0.010 and 0.020
inch (0.25 and 0.5 millimeter). In some instances, the hooks have a
height of about 0.015 inch (0.38 millimeter). The hooks, in many
instances, are in the form of J-hooks. The loops, in many cases,
are in the form of a non-woven material. Further, the loops are
preferably encapsulated in and thereby permanently secured to the
second fastener strip.
[0011] In another aspect of the invention, a reclosable bag
includes a body and a closure. The body has a first opposing side
wall and a second opposing side wall. Edges of the side walls are
joined to form a pouch having an open end. The closure includes
first and second elongated fastener strips. The first fastener
strip includes a strip form base having an array of discrete first
fastener elements integrally molded with and extending from the
base. The second fastener strip includes a plurality of second
fastener elements engageable by the first fastener elements. The
fastener strips are permanently attached to the body and positioned
to releasably engage one another to close the open end of the
bag.
[0012] In some instances, the strip form base being formed of resin
contiguous with the fastener elements and permanently adhesively
attached to the inner surface of the first side wall. In some
instances, the strip form base is welded to the inner surface of
the first side wall. In many cases, the strip form base and the
inner surface of the first side wall are comprised of compatible
resin. In some instances, the strip form base and the inner surface
of the first side wall are comprised of polyethylene.
[0013] In some embodiments, the first fastener strip is attached to
an inner surface of the first side wall and the second fastener
strip is attached to an inner surface of the second side wall. In
many cases, one of the first and second fastener strips is attached
at both an upper region and a lower region to a corresponding side
wall and the other fastener strip is attached at an upper region to
a corresponding side wall and free at a lower region along at least
a central portion of the corresponding side wall. The second
fastener, in some cases, is attached at both an upper region and a
lower region to the second side wall.
[0014] The body includes a flap extending from one of the first and
the second side walls in some instances. In many cases, one of the
fastener strips is permanently attached to an inner surface of the
flap.
[0015] In many instances, the body is comprised of
polyethylene.
[0016] The first and second opposing side walls, in many
embodiments, are joined at one edge by a fold in a single sheet of
bag material. In some instances, the fold is located at the edge
opposite the open end of the bag.
[0017] In yet another aspect of the invention, a reclosable mailer
includes a body and a closure. The body has first and second
opposing side walls. Edges of the side walls are joined to form a
pouch having an open end. The first and second opposing side walls
have a width and length sufficient to allow the pouch to
accommodate an unfolded 8.times.11 inch (20 by 28 centimeter) piece
of paper. Further, an outer surface of at least one of the side
walls includes an area markable with pencil and/or ink for
identifying an intended recipient of the mailer. The closure
includes first and second fastener strips. The first fastener strip
includes a strip form base having an array of discrete first
fastener elements integrally molded with and extending from the
base, the second fastener strip including a plurality of second
fastener elements engageable by the first fastener elements. The
fastener strips are permanently attached to the body and positioned
to releasably engage one another to close the open end of the
pouch.
[0018] In many cases, the fastener strips are permanently
adhesively attached to the first and second side walls. In some
instances, the first fastener strip is attached to an inner surface
of the first side wall and the second fastener strip is attached to
an inner surface of the second side wall. In some cases, the
fastener strips are welded to the inner surfaces of the first and
second side walls. The welds, in some instances, have a height of
between about 0.030 and 0.040 inch (0.76 and 1.0 millimeter).
[0019] In many cases, the body includes a flap extending from one
of the side walls. One of the fastener strips is permanently
attached to an inner surface of the flap in some cases.
[0020] The body, in many instances, is comprised of
polyethylene.
[0021] In some cases, the side walls are joined at one edge by a
fold in a single sheet of bag material. The fold, in many
instances, is located at the edge opposite the open end of the
bag.
[0022] The side walls preferably have a width of between 8 and 12
inches (20 and 30 centimeters) and a height of between 12 and 16
inches (30 and 40 centimeters). In some instances, the side walls
have a width of about 10 inches and a height of about 13 inches (33
centimeters) to the inner edge of the closure.
[0023] The side walls are preferably opaque for security of the
contents of the mailer.
[0024] At least one of the side walls may include viewing holes for
viewing contents within the bag. The viewing holes preferably have
a radius of between about 1/4 and 1/2 inch (6 and 12
millimeters).
[0025] In some embodiments, the markable area is comprised of a
markable ink printed on the bag body. In many cases, the markable
area includes a grid suitable for inscribing at least a name and a
location of an intended recipient of the mailer.
[0026] Preferably, the fastener strips have heights between about
1/4 inch and 1 inch (6 and 25 millimeters), as measured
perpendicular to the bag opening. The fastener strip heights are
more preferably about 3/8 inch (9.5 millimeters).
[0027] The first fastener strip, in many instances, is attached to
an inner surface of the first side wall and the second fastener
strip is attached to an inner surface of the second side wall. In
some instances, one of the first and second fastener strips is
attached at both an upper region and a lower region to a
corresponding side wall and the other fastener strip is attached at
an upper region to a corresponding side wall and free at a lower
region along at least a central portion of the corresponding side
wall.
[0028] The first fastener elements are, in many cases, in the form
of hooks and the second fastener elements are in the form of loops.
In many instances the hooks have a height of between about 0.010
and 0.020 inch (0.25 and 0.5 millimeter), preferably about 0.015
inch (0.38 millimeter). For example, the hooks may be in the form
of J-hooks and the loops in the form of a non-woven loop
material.
[0029] In another aspect of the invention, a method of delivering
mail in a mailer includes depositing documents within a pouch of a
body of the mailer, relaeasably engaging the first and second
fastener strips, and transporting the mailer from a first location
to a second location. The body of the mailer has first and second
opposing side walls which are joined along three edges to form the
pouch. The pouch has an open end. The first and second opposing
side walls have a width and length sufficient to allow the pouch to
accommodate an unfolded 8.times.11 inch (20 by 28 centimeter) piece
of paper. An outer surface of at least one of the side walls
includes an area markable with ink for identifying an intended
recipient of the mailer. The first fastener strip includes a strip
form base having an array of discrete first fastener elements
integrally molded with and extending from the base. The second
fastener strip includes a plurality of second fastener elements
which are engageable by the first fastener elements. The first and
second fastener strips are positioned to releasably engage one
another to close the open end of the mailer.
[0030] In many cases, the method includes viewing the documents
within the pouch through a viewing hole defined in at least one
side wall.
[0031] In some instances, the method includes marking a name of an
intended recipient of the mailer on the markable area prior to
transporting the mailer.
[0032] According to another aspect of the invention, a reclosable
tamper evident bag includes a body and a closure. The body has a
first opposing side wall and a second opposing side wall. The first
and the second side walls have edges, which are joined to form a
pouch having an open end and a closure end. The open end is capable
of being permanently sealed by a user. The closure includes first
and second elongated fastener strips each having a longitudinal
upper region and a longitudinal lower region. The first fastener
strip includes a strip form base having an array of discrete first
fastener elements integrally molded with and extending from the
base. The second fastener strip includes a plurality of second
fastener elements. The first and the second fastener strips are
permanently attached to inner surfaces of the first and second side
walls. The first fastener elements and the second fastener elements
are adapted to releasably engage one another to close the closure
end of the bag.
[0033] In many instances, the closure end is adapted to be either
permanently heat-sealed or permanently pressure-sealed.
[0034] The body is comprised of polyethylene in many cases.
[0035] In some instances, the side walls are joined at one edge by
a fold in a single sheet of bag material. The closure end, in some
cases, is located opposite the open end.
[0036] The pouch is preferably capable of accommodating an unfolded
8.times.10 inch (20 by 28 centimeter) piece of paper.
[0037] In some cases, at least one side wall includes a markable
area capable of being marked with ink.
[0038] One of the first and second fastener strips, in some cases,
is attached at both an upper region and a lower region to a
corresponding side wall and the other fastener strip is attached at
an upper region to a corresponding side wall and free at a lower
region along at least a central portion of the corresponding side
wall.
[0039] In many embodiments, the first fastener elements are hooks
and the second fastener elements are loops.
[0040] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for
using a reclosable, tamper-evident bag includes inserting contents
into a pouch, permanently sealing the open end, transporting the
bag and its contents to an intended recipient, unsealing a closure
end of the bag, disengaging fastener strips, removing the contents
from the pouch, replacing the contents and/or inserting new
contents into the pouch, and reusing the bag as a folder to contain
and organize the contents and/or new contents. The bag includes a
body having a first opposing side wall and a second opposing side
wall. The first and second side walls have edges, which are joined
to form the pouch having the open end and the closure end. The open
end is capable of being permanently sealed by a user. The bag
further includes a closure including first and second elongated
fastener strips. The first fastener strip includes a strip form
base having an array of discrete first fastener elements integrally
molded with and extending from the base. The second fastener strip
includes a plurality of second fastener elements. The first and the
second fastener strips are permanently attached to inner surfaces
of the first and second side walls, and the first fastener elements
and the second fastener elements are adapted to releasably engage
one another to close the closure end of the bag.
[0041] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are
set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below.
Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the description and drawings, and from the
claims.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0042] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a reclosable bag.
[0043] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 in
FIG. 1.
[0044] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a composite touch fastener
in the form of a unitary closure.
[0045] FIG. 4 shows a method for forming an anti-peel weld
pattern.
[0046] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a reclosable bag having a
flap.
[0047] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5A-5A in
FIG. 5.
[0048] FIG. 6 shows hook-to-hook or self-engaging fastener
engagement.
[0049] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view, taken along line 7-7 in
FIG. 6.
[0050] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a first reclosable
mailer.
[0051] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in
FIG. 8.
[0052] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second reclosable
mailer.
[0053] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a reclosable,
tamper-evident bag.
[0054] FIGS. 11A and 11B are cross-sectional views, taken along
lines 11A-11A and 11B-11B in FIG. 11, respectively.
[0055] FIG. 12 shows a cross-section of a closure end of an
alternate tamper-evident bag construction.
[0056] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like
elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0057] Referring to FIG. 1, reclosable bag 600 includes a body 602
and a closure 604. Body 602 includes a first opposing side wall 606
and a second opposing side wall 608, each of which has respective
right edges 650, 651, left edges 652, 653, bottom edges 654, 655,
and top edges 656, 657. In a preferred embodiment, top edges 656,
657 are not joined together in at least a central portion 642 of
side walls 606, 608 and bottom edges 654, 655 are joined at a fold
660 in a single sheet of bag film. This configuration results in
open end 614 being located at the top of bag 600 opposite fold 660.
However, any suitable arrangement capable of forming a pouch having
an open end may be used. For example, bag 600 may be formed from
two separate sheets of bag material sealed at selected
corresponding edges.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 2, closure 604 includes a hook fastener
strip 618 and a loop fastener strip 620. Hook fastener strip 618
includes a strip form base 622 and an array of hook fastener
elements 624 integrally molded with and extending from base 622.
Loop fastener strip 620 includes a band of non-woven material
forming engageable loop fastener elements 626 secured to a resin
base. Hook and loop fasteners 618, 620 are arranged such that
fastener elements 624, 626 engage one another to close open end
614. Fastener elements 624 are preferably J-hooks having a height
between about 0.010 inch and about 0.020 inch (most preferably
about 0.015 inch) and loop elements 626 are of a non-woven fiber
material encapsulated in fastener strip 620. Suitable loop
materials also include woven and knit loop materials.
[0059] Preferably, hook fastener strip 618 is attached to an inner
surface 628 of side wall 606 and loop fastener strip 620 is
attached to an inner surface 630 of side wall 608. More
particularly, hook and loop fastener strips 618, 620 are preferably
attached to inner surfaces 628, 630 in a configuration which
provides anti-peel advantages. Hook fastener strip 618, is attached
along its entire length at both its upper region 638 and its lower
region 640 to first side wall 606. Loop fastener strip 620, on the
other hand, is attached at its upper region 639 and remains free at
its lower region 641 along at least a central portion 642 (shown in
FIG. 1) of second side wall 608. For many applications, it will be
suitable that either the hook fastener strip 618 be attached at its
upper region 764 and its lower region 766 and the loop fastener
strip be attached at only its upper region 770, or vice versa.
Therefore, other suitable configurations may be preferred.
[0060] For example, an anti-peel configuration with the hook
fastener strip unattached along its lower edge allows users to more
easily disengage fastener strips 618, 620 while maintaining
resistance to peel forces originating within the bag.
Alternatively, the loop fastener strip may be attached at its upper
region 639 and free at its lower region 641, with the hook fastener
strip attached at both its upper region 638 and its lower region
640, as shown.
[0061] Methods of attaching the closure to the bag include, but are
not limited to, welding (e.g., heat sonic or RF means), gluing, or
stitching. One preferable method of attaching a closure to a bag of
a compatible resin is by directly welding the resin of the closure
substrate to the resin of the bag, as discussed below. In this
manner, a polyethylene closure may be readily welded to a
polyethylene bag.
[0062] Preferably, the resin of the closure is compatible with the
resin of the bag body, to enable direct welding of the two
together. In some cases, the resin of the closure bases and the bag
body are both polyethylene.
[0063] Although the embodiments discussed above include a closure
having two separate fastener strips, a unitary closure may also be
used. Referring to FIG. 3, a lengthwise-continuous closure 100,
such as for sealing a bag, consists of a thin, sheet-form resin
substrate 102 with lengthwise-continuous, parallel bands 106, 104
having hook and loop fastener elements 196,194 on its front face
108. Bands 104, 106 are equally spaced from the center "C" of the
closure, such that when the closure is folded longitudinally at "C"
to cover front face 108, hook fastener elements 196 engage and
retain loop fastener elements 194 to form a releasable fastening.
Hook fastener elements 196 are integrally molded with and extend
from front face 108. In this embodiment, hook fastener elements 196
are in the form of J-hooks that extend, in rows, along the length
of the closure. One example of a suitable fastener element shape is
the CFM29 hook shape (of about 0.015 inch or 0.38 millimeter in
height), available in various products sold by Velcro USA in
Manchester, N.H.
[0064] Band 104 consists of a preformed, non-woven web of polymer
fibers, which may include a stabilizing binder, and which are
bonded to front face 108 of substrate 102 at various points across
the width and length of the web. Thus, in this embodiment, loop
fastener elements 194 are loops. Suitable loop materials include
those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,342,285 and 6,329,016, the
entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference as
if fully set forth.
[0065] Preferably, the non-woven loop material in band 104 is very
thin, such as less than about 0.040 inch (1.0 millimeter) thick
(more preferably, less than about 0.020 inch or 2 millimeters
thick), with web fibers held in a laterally stretched condition and
freestanding loop structures extending from its exposed surface. As
discussed in the above-referenced patents, the loop structures
extend from associated knots in the stretched web, which may be
stabilized by liquid binder wicked into the knots and cured.
Between knots, the thin fiber mat is not very dense and is sheer
enough to permit images to be readily seen through it. Overall, the
loop material has a basis weight (in its preformed state, including
any pre-applied binder) of less than about 4 ounces per square yard
(136 grams per square meter), preferably less than about 2 ounces
per square yard (68 grams per square meter). Other details of this
loop material may be found in the above-referenced applications.
For applications in which the loop material is partially penetrated
by resin of the substrate as the substrate is formed (as discussed
below), the needled loop material is preferably only stretched in a
transverse direction only about 22 percent to leave a fair amount
of loft and avoid total penetration.
[0066] In some instances, loop material of band 104 is partially
encapsulated directly in resin of the substrate as the substrate is
formed in a continuous molding process. In other cases, it is
bonded to the formed substrate, either by ultrasonic bonding,
welding, or adhesives.
[0067] Some lightweight knits are also suitable loop materials for
certain applications. Examples of such knits are Product 19902 from
Guilford Knits in Greenville, S.C., which is of polyester fibers
and has a basis weight of only about 1.6 ounces per square yard (54
grams per square meter). For a heavier knit, we prefer Guilford's
Product 19029, a nylon knit of about 3.3 ounces per square yard
(112 grams per square meter). Lightweight knit products are also
available from TYBOR (e.g., part number 4211A) in Spain, and MIZARD
in Italy.
[0068] Referring back to FIG. 2, a unitary closure 604 (shown in
dashed lines), rather than a closure including two separately
formed fastener strips, may be attached at the upper end of a bag
600. Unitary closure 604 is attached at the upper end of a bag 428.
Unitary closure 604 has a band of hook fastener elements extending
from its outer surface and exposed for engaging loop fibers.
Unitary closure 604 may include a grasping rib and be configured to
tear above the band of hook fastener elements such that the outer
hooks remain on the opened bag. The outer hooks may be useful, for
instance, for hanging bag 600 from a display rack covered with loop
material.
[0069] The welding pattern shown in FIG. 2 provides the anti-peel
advantages discussed above, as the lower region of hook fastener
strip 618 of closure 604 remains unattached to inner surface 630 of
side wall 608. One method of forming such a weld pattern is shown
in FIG. 4, in which closure 604 is simultaneously welded to side
walls 606, 608 by heated jaws 472 and 474, respectively.
Advantageously, loop fastener elements 626 are arranged on closure
604 to overlap both upper and lower region weld zones, inhibiting
any permanent welding together of hook and loop fastener strips
618, 620. For applications in which a small amount of bonding
between hook and loop fastener strips 618, 620 is acceptable (or
desirable), a chilled jaw 476 against second side wall 608 adjacent
the lower weld zone prevents any undesirable bonding of lower
region 641 of loop fastener strip 620 to side wall 608. The method
of forming an anti-peel attachment discussed above may also be used
where the closure includes two separate fastener strips rather than
a unitary closure.
[0070] As an alternative to positioning hook and loop fastener
strips on opposing inner faces of the bag, as shown in the
embodiments discussed above, the fastener strips may be permanently
adhered to the bag body in any suitable manner capable of allowing
releasable engagement between fastener strips to close the open end
of the bag. Referring to FIG. 5, for example, body 602a includes a
flap 632 which extends from first side wall 606. Hook fastener
strip 618 is permanently attached to an inner face 634 of flap 632.
In this embodiment, loop fastener strip 620 is attached to outer
surface 637 of second side wall 608. Thus, hook and loop fastener
elements 624, 626 of fastener strips 618, 620 may engage one
another when flap 632 is folded over towards outer surface 637.
While flap 632 extends from first side wall 606, hook fastener
strip 618 is attached to flap 632, and loop fastener strip 620 is
attached to second side wall 608, other suitable configurations may
be used.
[0071] Referring to FIG. 6, a closure 590 has two mating bands of
hook-shaped fastener elements 592. In one band, extending from one
side 594 of the closure strip, the fastener elements all face to
the left, while from the other side 596 of the closure strip the
fastener elements all face to the right. As the bands of fastener
elements 592 are pressed further together from the position shown,
the tips of the hook-shaped fastener elements interlock to engage
the two bands of elements. When pulled apart, the flexible tips
extend to clear the tips of the other band of elements and then
snap back to their original hook shape. This is one example of what
is known in the closure industry as "self-engaging"
fasteners--those in which the engaging fastener elements are of a
similar structure. Other forms of self-engaging fastener elements
include mushrooms, for example, such as the "DUAL-LOCK" fastener
product marketed by Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing, Inc. With
self-engaging hook-shaped fastening, we prefer to mold the hooks to
have a greater thickness "Th" than the spacing "Sr" between
adjacent rows of elements (as shown in FIG. 7), such that the bands
cannot be separated by moving one side of the closure strip
laterally across the rows of fastener elements of the other side of
the closure strip. The CFM-15 and CFM-29 hook shapes marketed by
Velcro USA in Manchester, N.H., can be useful for self-engaging
fasteners. The hook-shaped fastener elements should be spaced along
their rows so as to provide sufficient clearance for the tips of a
mating row of hooks to extend between adjacent hooks of the row.
The optimal spacing will depend upon the selected hook shape and
the strength of engagement desired. With mating arrays of
mushroom-type fastener elements, the mushroom density of the
opposing arrays should be different to avoid "dead-heading" the
mushrooms (i.e., forcing the mushroom heads to deform rather than
causing their stems to bend). One array may have, for example, a
fastener element density on the order of about 50 to 200 fastener
elements per square inch (8 to 31 per square centimeter), while the
density of fastener elements in the other array is of the order of
about 500 to 2000 per square inch (78 to 310 per square
centimeter). Optimal density matches will depend upon the desired
engagement and disengagement loads, among other things. Suitable
sizes and patterns of self-engaging mushroom-shaped hook element
arrays can be found in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/050,669, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference. Self-engaging bands of fastener elements may be
substituted for the loop and hook bands of any of the
above-described closure strips to form self-engaging closures for
various applications.
[0072] Preferably, whether hook and loop bands or self-engaging
fastener bands are employed, the mating bands of the closure are
advantageously configured to be engaged with a very low engagement
force. We measure engagement force by measuring the facial load
required between mating halves of a one-inch long (25 millimeter
long) length of closure strip to engage the closure. Disengagement
peel force is measured as the load required to peel such a one-inch
(25 millimeter) strip of closure apart. The closure can provide an
advantageously low engagement force of, for instance, less than
about one pound over a lineal inch of the closure (11 Newtons per
lineal centimeter), and a low disengagement peel force of less than
about two pounds per lineal inch (23 Newtons per lineal
centimeter). Preferably, practically no engagement force is
required, the bags being essentially "self-closing." In many cases,
we have found that the bags can be closed simply by grasping
opposite edges of the bag near the closure and pulling them apart.
This can provide significant advantage for those suffering with
arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome over profile strip closures,
for example. In industrial bag-loading processes, bags may be
loaded and stacked without manually closing the closures, the
entire stack of bags closed either by their combined weight or by a
quick press on the whole stack. The combination of the CFM29 hook
and the TYBOR knit loop discussed herein can provide an average
disengagement peel resistance of only about 0.15 pounds per inch of
width (1.7 Newtons per centimeter of width) and an average shear
resistance of only about 9.0 pounds per square inch (6.2 Newtons
per square centimeter).
[0073] Materials other than polyethylene, such as polypropylene,
polyester, nylon, and other thermoplastics and their co-polymers,
may be employed. For example, laminated or co-extruded bag films
can have inner surfaces of a material weld-compatible with the
material of the closure base or substrate, and an outer surface of
a material chosen for other properties, such as durability or
impermeability.
[0074] As evident from the embodiments described above, these
reclosable bags are useful in many applications. By "bag", we mean
to include all packages with flexible sides, including but not
limited to standable pouches and flexible cartons.
[0075] As shown in FIG. 8, reclosable mailer 700 includes a body
702 and a closure 712. Body 702 includes a first opposing side wall
704 and a second opposing side wall 706 each having respective
right edges 740, 741, left edges 742, 743, bottom edges 744, 745,
and top edges 746, 747. Edges 740-747 may be joined in accordance
with any of the methods discussed above, or any other suitable
method, to form a pouch 710 having an open end 711. In a preferred
embodiment, top edges 746, 747 are not joined together but are
slightly offset in height to enable ease of opening, and bottom
edges 744, 745 are joined at a fold 750 in the bag film, which
results in open end 711 being located at the top of bag 700
opposite fold 750. However, as noted above, other suitable
arrangements capable of forming a pouch having an open end may be
used.
[0076] Opposing side walls 704, 706 have a width and length
sufficient to allow pouch 710 to accommodate an 8.times.11 inch (20
by 28 centimeter) piece of paper. Preferably, side walls 704, 706
have an overall width "W" of between about 8 and 12 inches (20 and
30 centimeters) (more preferably, about 10 inches or 25
centimeters) and an overall length of between about 12 and 16
inches (30 and 40 centimeters) (more preferably, a length "L" of
about 13 inches or 33 centimeters to the inner edge of the closure,
as shown), with radiant bead seals of no more than about {fraction
(1/64)} inch (0.4 millimeter) width along the side edges.
[0077] Additionally, the outer surface of at least one of side
walls 704, 706 preferably includes a markable area 718, which is
capable of being marked with pencil lead and/or ink for identifying
an intended recipient of mailer 700. Preferably, area 718 is
markable with common inks found in ballpoint and felt tip pens.
Area 718 is preferably printed with a markable ink, such as Jannel
Inprint White No. 8632, printed onto outer surface 714 of first
side wall 704 and/or outer surface (not shown) of second side wall
706.
[0078] Markable area 718 preferably includes a grid 732 with
multiple designated locations on which to write a name and location
of an intended recipient of mailer 700. Additionally, designated
locations for other relevant information may be provided on grid
732. Similar to markable area 718, grid 732 may be applied to
markable area 718 or to one or both of outer surfaces 716, 718
themselves using markable ink. Alternatively, other suitable
methods may be used.
[0079] Preferably, body 702 is formed of polyethylene. In one case,
the body is of a coextrusion of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and
high-density polyethylene (HDPE). For example, the two materials
can be coextruded in layers, with the LDPE on the inner surface of
the bag for ease of attaching the fastener strips, and the HDPE on
the outer surface of the bag for increased toughness, wear
resistance and writability. We have found that HDPE may be
sufficiently markable that no imprintable ink is necessary in the
markable area of the mailer. Homogenized coextrusions are also
useful. As noted above, other suitable materials such as
polypropylene or a combination of the two materials may be
used.
[0080] Side walls 704, 706 are preferably opaque. The opacity of
the side walls helps to ensure confidentiality of the bag contents.
In some instances, first and/or second side walls 704, 706 have at
least one viewing hole 730 to allow a user of mailer 700 to
determine whether there are any contents within pouch 710. Viewing
holes 730 preferably have a radius of between about 1/4 and about
1/2 inch. However, any suitable size and shape capable of allowing
a user to detect contents within pouch 710 without unreasonably
diminishing confidentiality of the contents may be used.
[0081] Closure 712 includes hook and loop fastener strips 618, 620
as described above. Preferably, hook and loop fastener strips are
between about 1/4 and 1 inch (6 and 25 millimeters) in width (more
preferably, about 3/8 inch or 9.5 millimeters).
[0082] Referring to FIG. 9, hook and loop fastener strips 618, 620
are preferably attached to inner surfaces 760, 762 of side walls
704, 706 in a configuration which provides anti-peel advantages.
More specifically, hook fastener strip 618 is attached at its upper
region 764 while it remains free at its lower region 766 along at
least a central portion 768 (shown in FIG. 8) first side wall 704.
Loop fastener strip 620, on the other hand, is attached along its
entire length at both its upper region 770 and its lower region 772
to second side wall 706.
[0083] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, a mailer 700a is
formed of similar construction to the bag of FIG. 5. Body 702
includes a flap 736, which extends from first side wall 704. Hook
fastener strip 618 is attached to inner face 738 of flap 736. In
this embodiment, hook and loop fastener strips 618, 620 would
engage one another when flap 736 is folded over towards outer
surface 716 of second side wall 706 to which loop fastener strip
620 is attached. Flap 736 may extend from either first side wall
704 or second side wall 706. Further, the configuration of fastener
strips 618, 620 may be reversed such that hook fastener strip 618
is attached to outer surface 716 and loop fastener strip is
attached to inner face 738. If hook engageable materials are to be
placed on the envelope, for example, the hook strip should be
placed on outer surface 716.
[0084] Referring to FIG. 11, a reclosable, tamper-evident mailer
800 includes a body 802 and a closure 822. Body 802 includes a
first opposing side wall 804 and a second opposing side wall 806,
each of which has respective right edges 808, 809, left edges 810,
811, bottom edges 812, 813, and top edges 814, 815. Edges 808-815
may be joined in accordance with any of the methods discussed
above, or any other suitable method, to form a pouch 816 having an
open end 818. One pair of opposing right edges 808, 809, left edges
810, 811, bottom edges 812, 813, and top edges 814, 815 is
preferably joined by a fold 825 in a single sheet of bag material.
Fold 825 is preferably located opposite open end 818.
[0085] Open end 818 is capable of being permanently sealed.
Preferably, open end 818 is capable of being heat-sealed, such as
with a sealing iron, or pressure-sealed. For example, as shown in
FIG. 11A, opposing bands 860 of pressure-sensitive adhesive are
carried on the inner faces of the mailer and covered with
respective release liners 862.
[0086] One pair of opposing right edges 808, 809, left edges 810,
811, bottom edges 812, 813, and top edges 814, 815 is joined in a
manner to form an closure end 820. Preferably, closure end 820 is
formed at fold 825 by providing perforations through both side
walls 804, 806 to allow a user to remove the bottom portion of bag
800 containing fold 825. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 11B,
closure end 820 may be comprised of a unitary closure 822 attached
to each opposing side wall 804, 806, as discussed above.
[0087] In some cases, as shown in FIG. 12, side walls 804, 806 may
be joined at closure end 820. Side walls 804, 806 may be torn at
perforations 875 to allow access to closure 822 such that closure
end 820 may be opened and releasably closed. Hang holes (not shown)
may also be provided through the side walls below the perforations,
for hanging the filled bag from a display rack.
[0088] Closure 822 includes a hook fastener strip 850 and a loop
fastener strip 852, attached to respective inner surfaces of
opposing side walls 804, 806 and positioned to allow releasable
engagement of one another to close closure end 820. Further,
fastener strips 850, 852 are preferably attached to inner surfaces
of side walls 804, 806 in an anti-peel configuration as discussed
above.
[0089] In this embodiment, contents are inserted into pouch 816 and
then open end 818 is permanently sealed. The contents may only then
be removed by irreparably tearing closure 822. This enables one to
detect upon reasonable inspection whether the bag has been opened.
Further, after the seal at closure end 820 has been broken, bag 800
may be used to store contents as closure 822 enables a user to open
and close closure end 820 and open end 818 remains permanently
sealed.
[0090] For example, tamper-evident mailer 800 may be used to
transport sensitive or confidential papers to an initial recipient,
and then used by that recipient to store the transported materials
or to forward the papers to another recipient. Such mailers may be
particularly suited for transporting evidence from a crime scene to
a secure area, or for transporting vials of body fluid and tissue
samples to a laboratory for testing, or for bank deposits or
medication packaging.
[0091] Body 802 is preferably formed of polyethylene.
Alternatively, polypropylene or a combination of the two materials
may be used. Further, side walls 804, 806 are preferably sized to
enable pouch 816 to accommodate an unfolded 8.times.10 inch (20 by
28 centimeter) piece of paper, so as to accommodate standard letter
and A4 sizes. At least one of side walls 804, 806 preferably
includes a markable addressing area 834 capable of being marked as
discussed above.
[0092] Other bag constructions, and suitable bag making methods,
are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,202,260, PCT Application No.
PCT/US99/26261, and U.S. patent application Nos. 60/228,819 and
60/159,489, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
[0093] A number of embodiments of the invention have been
described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. For example, bag bodies may be formed of
non-resin film, or cellophanes, or closure strips may be adhered to
bag bodies with adhesives. Accordingly, other embodiments are
within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *