U.S. patent application number 11/089490 was filed with the patent office on 2006-09-28 for twin support aperture side tear bag pack.
Invention is credited to Allen Golbert.
Application Number | 20060215941 11/089490 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37035251 |
Filed Date | 2006-09-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060215941 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Golbert; Allen |
September 28, 2006 |
Twin support aperture side tear bag pack
Abstract
T-shirt style and open mouth grocery or merchandise bag packs
includes a plurality of plastic bags, each having a central tab
located above the bag mouth. The bag pack is suspended from a
dispensing rack by a pair of support apertures through the central
tab. The tab is designed to rupture at the support apertures when
the bag is dispensed from the rack. The tab may have a flattened
top and a pair of opposed lateral sides or may have a rounded top.
The weakened area may take the form of a cut or a notch. These
weakened areas may begin at the support apertures or one of the
lateral sides of the flattened top tab or at points below the top
most point of the rounded tab. The weakened areas may also be
perforations or single openings. The open mouth bags may have a
handle opening through the tab.
Inventors: |
Golbert; Allen; (Cerritos,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BELASCO, JACOBS & TOWNSLEY LLP;HOWARD HUGHES CENTER
6100 CENTER DRIVE
SUITE 630
LOS ANGELES
CA
90045
US
|
Family ID: |
37035251 |
Appl. No.: |
11/089490 |
Filed: |
March 24, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/8 ; 206/554;
383/120; 383/37; 383/9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 33/001 20130101;
A47F 13/085 20130101; B65D 33/065 20130101; B65D 33/14
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/008 ;
383/037; 383/009; 383/120; 206/554 |
International
Class: |
B65D 33/10 20060101
B65D033/10; B65D 30/00 20060101 B65D030/00; B65D 30/20 20060101
B65D030/20; B65D 1/34 20060101 B65D001/34 |
Claims
1. A twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, comprising: a
plurality of registered polyethylene bags, each of said bags having
front and rear walls joined at substantially parallel first and
second side edges thereof; said front and rear walls being joined
at substantially parallel upper and lower edges thereof; said front
and rear walls having a U-shaped cut-out commencing at a first
point on said upper edge spaced inwardly from said first side edge,
extending downwardly toward said lower edge and returning upwardly
to a second point on said upper edge spaced inwardly from said
second side edge; said U-shaped cut-out forming an open bag mouth,
a pair of bag handles and at least one of front and rear central
tabs extending upwardly from a central point on said bag mouth;
said central tab having a top edge, first and second lateral edges
extending downwardly from said top edge; said central tab being
penetrated by first and second support apertures for suspending
said bag pack on support arms of a dispensing rack, said apertures
being disposed below said top edge; said central tab having a
weakened area between each of said first and second apertures and
one of said first and second lateral edges; and whereby, when one
of said bags is pulled from said dispensing rack, said weakened
areas of said central tab will rupture, thereby causing said
central tab to remain with said dispensed bag.
2. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 1, further comprising at least one side gusset, said side
gusset extending from said upper edge to said lower edge and
inwardly from at least one of said first and second side edges for
a first predetermined distance.
3. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 1, wherein said weakened area comprises a perforation line
extending from each of said support apertures to one of said first
and second lateral edges.
4. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 1, wherein said weakened area comprises an opening, said
opening being disposed between each of said support apertures and
one of said first and second lateral edges.
5. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 1, wherein said weakened area comprises a first cut, said
first cut extending from each of said support apertures toward one
of said first and second lateral edges.
6. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 1, wherein said weakened area comprises a second cut, said
second cut extending from each of said first and second lateral
edges toward one of said support apertures.
7. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 1, wherein said weakened area comprises a first notch, said
first notch extending from each of said support apertures toward
one of said first and second lateral edges.
8. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 1, wherein said weakened area comprises a second notch, said
second notch extending from each of said first and second lateral
edges toward one of said support apertures.
9. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 1, further comprising means for releasably adhering a rear
surface of said rear wall of a first bag in said bag pack to a
front surface of said front wall of a subsequent bag in said bag
pack, thereby causing said subsequent bag to open upon dispensing
of said first bag from said dispensing rack.
10. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 9, wherein said means for releasably adhering a rear surface
of said rear wall of a first bag in said bag pack to a front
surface of said front wall of a subsequent bag in said bag pack is
selected from the group consisting of: glue spotting, hot pinning,
cold staking, corona treatment, pressure and corona treatment
combined with pressure.
11. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 9, wherein said means for releasably adhering a rear surface
of said rear wall of a first bag in said bag pack to a front
surface of said front wall of a subsequent bag in said bag pack is
applied to rear surfaces of said bag handles of said first bag and
front surfaces of said bag handles of said subsequent bag.
12. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 9, wherein said means for releasably adhering a rear surface
of said rear wall of a first bag in said bag pack to a front
surface of said front wall of a subsequent bag in said bag pack is
applied to rear surfaces of said central tab of said first bag and
front surfaces of said central tab of said subsequent bag.
13. A twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, comprising: a
plurality of registered polyethylene bags, each of said bags having
front and rear walls joined at substantially parallel first and
second side edges thereof; said front and rear walls being joined
at substantially parallel upper and lower edges thereof; said front
and rear walls having a U-shaped cut-out commencing at a first
point on said upper edge spaced inwardly from said first side edge,
extending downwardly toward said lower edge and returning upwardly
to a second point on said upper edge spaced inwardly from said
second side edge; said U-shaped cut-out forming an open bag mouth,
a pair of bag handles and at least one of front and rear central
tabs extending upwardly from a central point on said bag mouth;
said central tab having a rounded peripheral edge, said peripheral
edge having an uppermost point; said central tab being penetrated
by first and second support apertures below said uppermost point,
said apertures suspending said bag pack on support arms of a
dispensing rack; said central tab having a weakened area between
each of said support apertures and one of third and fourth points
below said uppermost point; and whereby, when one of said bags is
pulled from said dispensing rack, said weakened areas of said
central tab will rupture, thereby causing said central tab to
remain with said dispensed bag.
14. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 13, further comprising at least one side gusset, said side
gusset extending from said upper edge to said lower edge and
inwardly from at least one of said first and second side edges for
a first predetermined distance.
15. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 13, wherein said weakened area comprises a perforation line
extending from each of said support apertures to one of said third
and fourth points.
16. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 13, wherein said weakened areas comprise an opening, said
opening being disposed between said each of said support apertures
and one of said third and fourth points.
17. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 13, wherein said weakened areas comprise a first cut, said
first cut extending from each of said support apertures toward one
of said third and fourth points.
18. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 13, wherein said weakened areas comprise a second cut, said
second cut extending from each of said third and fourth points
toward one of said support apertures.
19. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 13, wherein said weakened area comprises a first notch, said
first notch extending from each of said support apertures toward
one of said third and fourth points.
20. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 13, wherein said weakened area comprises a second notch, said
second notch extending from each of said third and fourth points
toward one of said support apertures.
21. The side twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described
in claim 13, further comprising means for releasably adhering a
rear surface of said rear wall of a first bag in said bag pack to a
front surface of said front wall of a subsequent bag in said bag
pack, thereby causing said subsequent bag to open upon dispensing
of said first bag from said dispensing rack.
22. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 21, wherein said means for releasably adhering a rear surface
of said rear wall of a first bag in said bag pack to a front
surface of said front wall of a subsequent bag in said bag pack is
selected from the group consisting of: glue spotting, hot pinning,
cold staking, corona treatment, pressure and corona treatment
combined with pressure.
23. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 21, wherein said means for releasably adhering a rear surface
of said rear wall of a first bag in said bag pack to a front
surface of said front wall of a subsequent bag in said bag pack is
applied to rear surfaces of said bag handles of said first bag and
front surfaces of said bag handles of said subsequent bag.
24. The side twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described
in claim 21, wherein said means for releasably adhering a rear
surface of said rear wall of a first bag in said bag pack to a
front surface of said front wall of a subsequent bag in said bag
pack is applied to rear surfaces of said central tab of said first
bag and front surfaces of said central tab of said subsequent
bag.
25. A twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, comprising: a
plurality of registered polyethylene bags, each of said bags having
front and rear walls joined at substantially parallel first and
second side edges thereof; said front and rear walls being joined
at substantially parallel lower edges thereof to form a sealed bag
bottom and an open bag mouth; said bag mouth having a central
hanging tab extending upwardly therefrom; said central tab having a
top edge, first and second lateral edges extending downwardly from
said top edge; said central tab being penetrated by first and
second support apertures for suspending said bag pack on support
arms of a dispensing rack, said apertures being disposed below said
top edge; said central tab having a weakened area between each of
said first and second apertures and one of said first and second
lateral edges; and whereby, when one of said bags is pulled from
said dispensing rack, said weakened areas of said central tab will
rupture, thereby causing said central tab to remain with said
dispensed bag.
26. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 25, further comprising at least one side gusset, said side
gusset extending from said upper edge to said lower edge and
inwardly from at least one of said first and second side edges for
a first predetermined distance.
27. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 25, wherein said weakened area comprises a perforation line
extending from each of said support apertures to one of said first
and second lateral edges.
28. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 25, wherein said weakened area comprises an opening, said
opening being disposed between each of said support apertures and
one of said first and second lateral edges.
29. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 25, wherein said weakened area comprises a first cut, said
first cut extending from each of said support apertures toward one
of said first and second lateral edges.
30. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 25, wherein said weakened area comprises a second cut, said
second cut extending from each of said first and second lateral
edges toward one of said support apertures.
31. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 25, wherein said weakened area comprises a first notch, said
first notch extending from each of said support apertures toward
one of said first and second lateral edges.
32. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 25, wherein said weakened area comprises a second notch, said
second notch extending from each of said first and second lateral
edges toward one of said support apertures.
33. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 25, further comprising means for releasably adhering a rear
surface of said rear wall of a first bag in said bag pack to a
front surface of said front wall of a subsequent bag in said bag
pack, thereby causing said subsequent bag to open upon dispensing
of said first bag from said dispensing rack.
34. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 33, wherein said means for releasably adhering a rear surface
of said rear wall of a first bag in said bag pack to a front
surface of said front wall of a subsequent bag in said bag pack is
selected from the group consisting of: glue spotting, hot pinning,
cold staking, corona treatment, pressure and corona treatment
combined with pressure.
35. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 33, wherein said means for releasably adhering a rear surface
of said rear wall of a first bag in said bag pack to a front
surface of said front wall of a subsequent bag in said bag pack is
applied to rear surfaces of said central tab of said first bag and
front surfaces of said central tab of said subsequent bag.
36. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 25, further comprising a handle opening, said handle opening
penetrating at least one of said front and rear walls of said bag
below said top edge of said central tab.
37. A twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, comprising: a
plurality of registered polyethylene bags, each of said bags having
front and rear walls joined at substantially parallel first and
second side edges thereof; said front and rear walls being joined
at substantially parallel lower edges thereof to form a sealed bag
bottom and an open bag mouth; said bag mouth having a central
hanging tab extending upwardly therefrom; said central tab having a
rounded peripheral edge, said peripheral edge having an uppermost
point; said central tab being penetrated by first and second
support apertures below said uppermost point, said apertures
suspending said bag pack on support arms of a dispensing rack; said
central tab having a weakened area between each of said support
apertures and one of third and fourth points below said uppermost
point; and whereby, when one of said bags is pulled from said
dispensing rack, said weakened areas of said central tab will
rupture, thereby causing said central tab to remain with said
dispensed bag.
38. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 37, further comprising at least one side gusset, said side
gusset extending from said upper edge to said lower edge and
inwardly from at least one of said first and second side edges for
a first predetermined distance.
39. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 37, wherein said weakened area comprises a perforation line
extending from each of said support apertures to one of said third
and fourth points.
40. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 37, wherein said weakened area comprises an opening, said
opening being disposed between said each of said support apertures
and one of said third and fourth points.
41. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 37, wherein said weakened area comprises a first cut, said
first cut extending from each of said support apertures toward one
of said third and fourth points.
42. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 37, wherein said weakened area comprises a second cut, said
second cut extending from each of said third and fourth points
toward one of said support apertures.
43. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 37, wherein said weakened area comprises a first notch, said
first notch extending from each of said support apertures toward
one of said third and fourth points.
44. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 37, wherein said weakened area comprises a second notch, said
second notch extending from each of said third and fourth points
toward one of said support apertures.
45. The side twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described
in claim 37, further comprising means for releasably adhering a
rear surface of said rear wall of a first bag in said bag pack to a
front surface of said front wall of a subsequent bag in said bag
pack, thereby causing said subsequent bag to open upon dispensing
of said first bag from said dispensing rack.
46. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 45, wherein said means for releasably adhering a rear surface
of said rear wall of a first bag in said bag pack to a front
surface of said front wall of a subsequent bag in said bag pack is
selected from the group consisting of: glue spotting, hot pinning,
cold staking, corona treatment, pressure and corona treatment
combined with pressure.
47. The side twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described
in claim 45, wherein said means for releasably adhering a rear
surface of said rear wall of a first bag in said bag pack to a
front surface of said front wall of a subsequent bag in said bag
pack is applied to rear surfaces of said central tab of said first
bag and front surfaces of said central tab of said subsequent
bag.
48. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in
claim 37, further comprising a handle opening, said handle opening
penetrating at least one of said front and rear walls of said bag
below said peripheral edge of said central tab.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The invention pertains to plastic grocery, produce and
merchandise bags. More particularly, the invention relates to
T-shirt style and other handle bags manufactured in registered
stacks for dispensing from racks having twin central support arms.
The bags are dispensed without leaving a torn remnant of the bag on
the dispenser.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] T-shirt style bags were developed to provide a strong,
low-cost, high capacity bag for groceries or merchandise that
incorporates strong, integral handles. This is accomplished by
creating a gusseted polyethylene tube, sealing it at both ends and
cutting out a "mouth section." The result is a bag that includes a
pair of strong handles formed from the side gussets and the bag's
upper seam. While such bags are very useful for transporting heavy
loads, they can be difficult to load as they lack the means to
stand upright while empty, as does a square-bottomed paper bag.
[0003] For this reason, racks have been developed to hold and
dispense registered packs of t-shirt style bags. In order to be
dispensable from such racks, the bag packs typically have a pair of
apertures through the bag handles to fit on side arms of the
dispenser and a central tab. The central tab includes an opening or
slit designed to fit over a hook or protrusion at the center of the
dispenser. Instead of apertures through the bag handles, the
present invention incorporates a pair of apertures through a
central portion of the bag adjacent the bag mouth. A variant of the
invention is an open mouth bag without t-shirt style handles.
Rather, the bag has a pair of handle openings in the upper region
of the bag walls below the bag mouth and apertures for the pair of
central supporting rods. Both bags may be removed from their
supporting racks without leaving any torn bag remnants on the rack.
Various designs for such "remnant free" systems have been
developed.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,188,235, issued to Pierce et al., discloses
a bag formed of multiple stacked handle bags having aligned
mounting apertures defined through the handle portions of the bags
for reception of mounting rods therethrough. The mounting apertures
are formed as elongated, generally vertically extending, slots
having curved upper and lower portions. Elongated mounting slots
make possible the use of shorter handles for the bags without
sacrificing either the size of the mouth opening during loading or
the carrying capacity of the bags. A central mounting tab on the
multiple stacked bags has a vertical perforation extending between
a generally horizontal central mounting aperture and the bag mouth,
thus permitting the bag to be removed from a cooperating bag rack
without leaving any portion of the central mounting tab on the bag
rack.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,378, issued to Baxley et al., is
directed to bag pack formed of multiple stacked handle bags having
aligned mounting apertures defined through the handles thereof for
reception of mounting rods therethrough. The apertures are formed
by partially severed flaps which are bonded together to maintain
aperture alignment. The flaps are integral with the bags along
minor easily severed areas for a freeing of the bags upon a
severance of the flaps simultaneous with or subsequent to reception
of the mounting rods through the apertures.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,098, issued to Tseng et al., discloses
method for manufacturing automatic consecutively opened
thermoplastic T-shirt bags for dispensing from a conventional
supporting rack. The method involves providing a continuous
flattened tube of thermoplastic film and applying adhesive solution
using a printing press to form adhesion regions on the outside of
the tube. The adhesive solution can be applied using a flexo or
gravure printing process.
[0007] The method then involves forming side gussets in the tube
and making traverse seals in the tube, thereby dividing the tube
into pillowcases. The pillowcases are separated at the seals to
form a series of end-sealed gusseted pillowcases which are stacked
to form a bag pack. Next, the bag pack is cut along a bag-mouth
contour to from a plurality of T-shirt bags. The bag-mouth contour
forms a set of laterally spaced handles each having a receiving
aperture for a conventional support rod of a dispensing rack, a
central tab having a mounting aperture, and an open mouth region.
The adhesion regions are optimally located below the receiving
apertures and above the lowest point of the bag-mouth contour.
Finally, slight pressure is applied to the proximate area of the
adhesion regions of each bag in the bag pack to form a
disengageable link between consecutive bags. The invention also
relates to the T-shirt bags and the bag packs produced from this
method.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,480,750, issued to Dancy, is directed to a
thermoplastic bag having front and rear walls with smooth upper
edges defining an open bag mouth. A pair of laterally spaced
integral loop handles extends upward from the bag mouth and include
detachable mounting tabs projecting laterally inward from the
handles at an intermediate point along the height thereof. The tabs
are remote from the bag mouth and, in a bag pack, form the securing
area for the bags.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,938, issued to Benoit, Jr. et al.
discloses a tab-free thermoplastic T-shirt bag system. Emanating
from the bag mouth is a raised area with a support cut having first
and second ends. Relative to the support cut is a laterally
situated dispense cut having first and second ends. The application
of light pressure to a medial edge of the support cut causes a
rupture at the space between the edge and the second, bottom tip of
the dispense cut, the rupture communicating with the dispense cut,
releasing the bag from the support tab.
[0010] It is an objective of the present invention to provide a
T-shirt style and other handled grocery or merchandise bag that
will not leave any remnant of the bag on a dispensing rack. It is a
further objective to provide such bags that can be easily and
reliably manufactured and that can be stored in registered
alignment for ease in placing into a dispensing rack. It is a still
further objective of the invention to provide a bag stack that
includes weakened areas at the hanging apertures permitting the
areas to rupture at a point below the top of the bag mouth.
Finally, it is an objective to provide bags incorporating
self-opening features.
[0011] While some of the objectives of the present invention are
disclosed in the prior art, none of the inventions found include
all of the requirements identified.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention addresses all of the deficiencies of
prior art tabless T-shirt style and open mouth bag pack inventions
and satisfies all of the objectives described above.
[0013] (1) A twin support aperture side-tear bag pack providing the
desired features may be constructed from the following components.
A plurality of registered polyethylene bags is provided. Each of
the bags has front and rear walls joined at their substantially
parallel first and second side edges. The front and rear walls are
joined at their substantially parallel upper and lower edges. The
front and rear walls have a U-shaped cut-out commencing at a first
point on the upper edge spaced inwardly from the first side edge,
extending downwardly toward the lower edge and returning upwardly
to a second point on the upper edge spaced inwardly from the second
side edge. The U-shaped cut-out forms an open bag mouth, a pair of
bag handles and at least one front or rear central tab extending
upwardly from a central point on the bag mouth.
[0014] The central tab has a top edge, first and second lateral
edges extending downwardly from the top edge. The central tab is
penetrated by first and second support apertures for suspending the
bag pack on support arms of a dispensing rack, the apertures are
located below the top edge. The central tab has a weakened area
between each of the first and second apertures and one of the first
and second lateral edges. When one of the bags is pulled from the
dispensing rack, the weakened areas of the central tab will
rupture, thereby causing the central tab to remain with the
dispensed bag.
[0015] (2) In a variant of the invention, the bags include at least
one side gusset. The side gusset extends from the upper edge to the
lower edge and inwardly from at least one of the first and second
side edges for a first predetermined distance.
[0016] (3) In another variant, the weakened area comprises a
perforation line extending from each of the support apertures to
one of the first and second lateral edges.
[0017] (4) In still another variant, the weakened area comprises an
opening. The opening is located between each of the support
apertures and one of the first and second lateral edges.
[0018] (5) In yet another variant, the weakened area comprises a
first cut. The first cut extends from each of the support apertures
toward one of the first and second lateral edges.
[0019] (6) In a further variant, the weakened area comprises a
second cut, the second cut extends from each of the first and
second lateral edges toward one of the support apertures.
[0020] (7) In another variant of the invention, the weakened area
comprises a first notch. The first notch extends from each of the
support apertures toward one of the first and second lateral
edges.
[0021] (8) In yet another variant, the weakened area comprises a
second notch. The second notch extends from each of the first and
second lateral edges toward one of the support apertures.
[0022] (9) In still another variant, means are provided for
releasably adhering a rear surface of the rear wall of a first bag
in the bag pack to a front surface of the front wall of a
subsequent bag in the bag pack, thereby causing the subsequent bag
to open upon dispensing of the first bag from the dispensing
rack.
[0023] (10) In a further variant, the means for releasably adhering
a rear surface of the rear wall of a first bag in the bag pack to a
front surface of the front wall of a subsequent bag in the bag pack
is selected from the group consisting of glue spotting, hot
pinning, cold staking, corona treatment, pressure and corona
treatment combined with pressure.
[0024] (11) In still a further variant, the means for releasably
adhering a rear surface of the rear wall of a first bag in the bag
pack to a front surface of the front wall of a subsequent bag in
the bag pack is applied to rear surfaces of the bag handles of the
first bag and front surfaces of the bag handles of the subsequent
bag.
[0025] (12) In another variant, the means for releasably adhering a
rear surface of the rear wall of a first bag in the bag pack to a
front surface of the front wall of a subsequent bag in the bag pack
is applied to rear surfaces of the central tab of the first bag and
front surfaces of the central tab of the subsequent bag.
[0026] (13) In yet another variant of the invention, a twin support
aperture side-tear bag pack, includes a plurality of registered
polyethylene bags. Each of the bags has front and rear walls joined
at their substantially parallel first and second side edges. The
front and rear walls are joined at their substantially parallel
upper and lower edges. The front and rear walls have a U-shaped
cut-out commencing at a first point on the upper edge spaced
inwardly from the first side edge, extending downwardly toward the
lower edge and returning upwardly to a second point on the upper
edge spaced inwardly from the second side edge. The U-shaped
cut-out forms an open bag mouth, a pair of bag handles and at least
one front or rear central tab extending upwardly from a central
point on the bag mouth.
[0027] The central tab has a rounded, peripheral edge. The
peripheral edge has an uppermost point. The central tab is
penetrated by first and second support apertures below the
uppermost point. The apertures suspend the bag pack on support arms
of a dispensing rack. The central tab has a weakened area between
each of the support apertures and one of third and fourth points
below the uppermost point. When one of the bags is pulled from the
dispensing rack, the weakened areas of the central tab will
rupture, thereby causing the central tab to remain with the
dispensed bag.
[0028] (14) In still another variant, the bags include at least one
side gusset. The side gusset extends from the upper edge to the
lower edge and inwardly from at least one of the first and second
side edges for a first predetermined distance.
[0029] (15) In a further variant, the weakened area comprises a
perforation line extending from each of the support apertures to
one of the third and fourth points.
[0030] (16) In still a further variant, the weakened areas comprise
an opening. The opening is located between the each of the support
apertures and one of the third and fourth points.
[0031] (17) In yet a further variant, the weakened areas comprise a
first cut. The first cut extends from each of the support apertures
toward one of the third and fourth points.
[0032] (18) In another variant of the invention, the weakened areas
comprise a second cut. The second cut extends from each of the
third and fourth points toward one of the support apertures.
[0033] (19) In still another variant, the weakened area comprises a
first notch. The first notch extends from each of the support
apertures toward one of the third and fourth points.
[0034] (20) In yet another variant, the weakened area comprises a
second notch. The second notch extends from each of the third and
fourth points toward one of the support apertures.
[0035] 21) In still another variant, means are provided for
releasably adhering a rear surface of the rear wall of a first bag
in the bag pack to a front surface of the front wall of a
subsequent bag in the bag pack, thereby causing the subsequent bag
to open upon dispensing of the first bag from the dispensing
rack.
[0036] (22) In a further variant, the means for releasably adhering
a rear surface of the rear wall of a first bag in the bag pack to a
front surface of the front wall of a subsequent bag in the bag pack
is selected from the group consisting of glue spotting, hot
pinning, cold staking, corona treatment, pressure and corona
treatment combined with pressure.
[0037] (23) In still a further variant, the means for releasably
adhering a rear surface of the rear wall of a first bag in the bag
pack to a front surface of the front wall of a subsequent bag in
the bag pack is applied to rear surfaces of the bag handles of the
first bag and front surfaces of the bag handles of the subsequent
bag.
[0038] (24) In yet a further variant, the means for releasably
adhering a rear surface of the rear wall of a first bag in the bag
pack to a front surface of the front wall of a subsequent bag in
the bag pack is applied to rear surfaces of the central tab of the
first bag and front surfaces of the central tab of the subsequent
bag.
[0039] (25) In another variant of the invention, a twin support
aperture side-tear bag pack includes a plurality of registered
polyethylene bags. Each of the bags has front and rear walls joined
at their substantially parallel first and second side edges. The
front and rear walls are joined at their substantially parallel
lower edges to form a sealed bag bottom and an open bag mouth. The
bag mouth has a central hanging tab extending upwardly from it. The
central tab has a top edge, first and second lateral edges
extending downwardly from the top edge. The central tab is
penetrated by first and second support apertures for suspending the
bag pack on support arms of a dispensing rack, the apertures are
disposed below the top edge. The central tab has a weakened area
between each of the first and second apertures and one of the first
and second lateral edges. When one of the bags is pulled from the
dispensing rack, the weakened areas of the central tab will
rupture, thereby causing the central tab to remain with the
dispensed bag.
[0040] (26) In a further variant, the bags include at least one
side gusset. The side gusset extends from the upper edge to the
lower edge and inwardly from at least one of the first and second
side edges for a first predetermined distance.
[0041] (27) In still a further variant, the weakened area comprises
a perforation line extending from each of the support apertures to
one of the first and second lateral edges.
[0042] (28) In another variant, the weakened area comprises an
opening. The opening is located between each of the support
apertures and one of the first and second lateral edges.
[0043] (29) In still another variant, the weakened area comprises a
first cut. The first cut extends from each of the support apertures
toward one of the first and second lateral edges.
[0044] (30) In yet another variant, the weakened area comprises a
second cut. The second cut extends from each of the first and
second lateral edges toward one of the support apertures.
[0045] (31) In a further variant, the weakened area comprises a
first notch. The first notch extends from each of the support
apertures toward one of the first and second lateral edges.
[0046] (32) In still a further variant, the weakened area comprises
a second notch. The second notch extends from each of the first and
second lateral edges toward one of the support apertures.
[0047] (33) In yet a further variant, means are provided for
releasably adhering a rear surface of the rear wall of a first bag
in the bag pack to a front surface of the front wall of a
subsequent bag in the bag pack, thereby causing the subsequent bag
to open upon dispensing of the first bag from the dispensing
rack.
[0048] (34) In another variant, the means for releasably adhering a
rear surface of the rear wall of a first bag in the bag pack to a
front surface of the front wall of a subsequent bag in the bag pack
is selected from the group consisting of glue spotting, hot
pinning, cold staking, corona treatment, pressure and corona
treatment combined with pressure.
[0049] (35) In still another variant, the means for releasably
adhering a rear surface of the rear wall of a first bag in the bag
pack to a front surface of the front wall of a subsequent bag in
the bag pack is applied to rear surfaces of the central tab of the
first bag and front surfaces of the central tab of the subsequent
bag.
[0050] (36) In yet another variant, a handle opening is provided.
The handle opening penetrates at least one of the front and rear
walls of the bag below the top edge of the central tab.
[0051] (37) In another variant of the invention, a twin support
aperture side-tear bag pack, includes a plurality of registered
polyethylene bags. Each of the bags has front and rear walls joined
at their substantially parallel first and second side edges. The
front and rear walls are joined at their substantially parallel
lower edges to form a sealed bag bottom and an open bag mouth. The
bag mouth has a central hanging tab extending upwardly from it. The
central tab has a rounded peripheral edge. The peripheral edge has
an uppermost point. The central tab is penetrated by first and
second support apertures below the uppermost point. The apertures
suspend the bag pack on support arms of a dispensing rack. The
central tab has a weakened area between each of the support
apertures and one of third and fourth points below the uppermost
point. When one of the bags is pulled from the dispensing rack, the
weakened areas of the central tab will rupture, thereby causing the
central tab to remain with the dispensed bag.
[0052] (38) In still another variant, the bags further include at
least one side gusset. The side gusset extends from the upper edge
to the lower edge and inwardly from at least one of the first and
second side edges for a first predetermined distance.
[0053] (39) In yet another variant, the weakened area comprises a
perforation line extending from each of the support apertures to
one of the third and fourth points.
[0054] (40) In a further variant of the invention, the weakened
area comprises an opening. The opening is disposed between the each
of the support apertures and one of the third and fourth
points.
[0055] (41) In still a further variant, the weakened area comprises
a first cut. The first cut extends from each of the support
apertures toward one of the third and fourth points.
[0056] (42) In yet a further variant, the weakened area comprises a
second cut. The second cut extends from each of the third and
fourth points toward one of the support apertures.
[0057] (43) In still a further variant, the weakened area comprises
a first notch. The first notch extends from each of the support
apertures toward one of the third and fourth points.
[0058] (44) In another variant, the weakened area comprises a
second notch. The second notch extends from each of the third and
fourth points toward one of the support apertures.
[0059] (45) In still another variant, means are provided for
releasably adhering a rear surface of the rear wall of a first bag
in the bag pack to a front surface of the front wall of a
subsequent bag in the bag pack, thereby causing the subsequent bag
to open upon dispensing of the first bag from the dispensing
rack.
[0060] (46) In yet another variant, the means for releasably
adhering a rear surface of the rear wall of a first bag in the bag
pack to a front surface of the front wall of a subsequent bag in
the bag pack is selected from the group consisting of glue
spotting, hot pinning, cold staking, corona treatment, pressure and
corona treatment combined with pressure.
[0061] (47) In a further variant, the means for releasably adhering
a rear surface of the rear wall of a first bag in the bag pack to a
front surface of the front wall of a subsequent bag in the bag pack
is applied to rear surfaces of the central tab of the first bag and
front surfaces of the central tab of the subsequent bag.
[0062] (48) In a final variant, the bags include a handle opening.
The handle opening penetrates at least one of the front and rear
walls of the bag below the top edge of the central tab.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0063] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the t-shirt style embodiment
of the invention including a bag pack disposed upon a dispensing
rack;
[0064] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the t-shirt style bag of
the FIG. 1 embodiment;
[0065] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bag of the FIG. 1
embodiment bag partially cut-away to illustrate an ungusseted bag
edge;
[0066] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bag of the FIG. 1
embodiment bag partially cut-away to illustrate a gusseted bag
edge;
[0067] FIG. 4 is a detailed partial plan view of the bag of the
FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating a tab having a top edge, lateral
side edges and weakened areas disposed at 90 degrees and 270
degrees to the vertical axis of the bag;
[0068] FIG. 5 is a detailed partial plan view of the tab of the
FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating weakened areas consisting of
perforation lines extending between the support apertures and the
lateral sides of the tab;
[0069] FIG. 6 is a detailed partial plan view of the tab of the
FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating weakened areas consisting of
openings extending between the support apertures and the lateral
sides of the tab;
[0070] FIG. 7 is a detailed partial plan view of the tab of the
FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating weakened areas consisting of cuts
extending from the support apertures toward the lateral sides of
the tab;
[0071] FIG. 8 is a detailed partial plan view of the tab of the
FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating weakened areas consisting of cuts
extending from the lateral sides of the tab toward the support
apertures;
[0072] FIG. 9 is a detailed partial plan view of the tab of the
FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating weakened areas consisting of notches
extending from the support apertures toward the lateral sides of
the tab;
[0073] FIG. 10 is a detailed partial plan view of the tab of the
FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating weakened areas consisting of notches
extending from the lateral sides of the tab toward the support
apertures;
[0074] FIG. 11 is a detailed partial plan view of a second
embodiment illustrating a tab having a rounded peripheral edge with
an uppermost point and weakened areas impinging on the peripheral
edge below the uppermost point;
[0075] FIG. 12 is a detailed partial plan view of the tab of the
FIG. 11 embodiment illustrating weakened areas consisting of
perforation lines extending from each of said support apertures to
one of said third and fourth points;
[0076] FIG. 13 is a detailed partial plan view of the tab of the
FIG. 11 embodiment illustrating weakened areas consisting of
openings between the support apertures and one of the third and
fourth points;
[0077] FIG. 14 is a detailed perspective view of a tab of the FIG.
11 illustrating weakened areas consisting of a first cut extending
from each of the support apertures toward one of the third and
fourth points.
[0078] FIG. 15 is a detailed perspective view of a tab of the FIG.
11 illustrating weakened areas consisting of a second cut extending
from each of the third and fourth points toward one of the support
apertures;
[0079] FIG. 16 is a detailed perspective view of a tab of the FIG.
11 illustrating weakened areas consisting of a first notch
extending from each of the support apertures toward one of the
third and fourth points;
[0080] FIG. 17 is a detailed perspective view of a tab of the FIG.
11 illustrating weakened areas consisting of a second notch
extending from each of the third and fourth points toward one of
the support apertures;
[0081] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an open mouth embodiment of
the invention having a central tab with a top edge and two lateral
side edges, including a bag pack disposed upon a dispensing
rack;
[0082] FIG. 18A is a perspective view of the open mouth bag of the
FIG. 18 embodiment;
[0083] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a bag of the FIG. 21
embodiment partially cut-away to illustrate an ungusseted bag
edge;
[0084] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a bag of the FIG. 18
embodiment partially cut-away to illustrate a gusseted bag
edge;
[0085] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an open mouth embodiment of
the invention having a central tab with a rounded peripheral edge,
including a bag pack disposed upon a dispensing rack;
[0086] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a bag of the FIG. 21
embodiment illustrating a handle opening through the central
tab;
[0087] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a bag pack being hot pinned
to provide self-opening features;
[0088] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a bag pack being
cold-staked to provide self-opening features;
[0089] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a bag pack being glue
spotted at the central tab and illustrating corona treatment and
printing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0090] (1) FIGS. 1 and 1-A illustrate a twin support aperture
side-tear bag pack 10 providing the desired features that may be
constructed from the following components. A plurality of
registered polyethylene bags 15 is provided. Each of the bags 15
has front 20 and rear 25 walls joined at their substantially
parallel first 30 and second 35 side edges. The front 20 and rear
25 walls are joined at their substantially parallel upper 40 and
lower 45 edges. The front 20 and rear 25 walls have a U-shaped
cut-out 50 commencing at a first point 55 on the upper edge 40
spaced inwardly from the first side edge 30, extending downwardly
toward the lower edge 45 and returning upwardly to a second point
60 on the upper edge 40 spaced inwardly from the second side edge
35. The U-shaped cut-out 50 forms an open bag mouth 65, a pair of
bag handles 70 and at least one front 75 or rear 80 central tab
extending upwardly from a central point 85 on the bag mouth 65.
[0091] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the central tab 75, 80 has a top
edge 90, first 95 and second 100 lateral edges extending downwardly
from the top edge 90. The central tab 75, 80 is penetrated by first
105 and second 110 support apertures for suspending the bag pack 10
on support arms 115 of a dispensing rack 120, the apertures 105,
110 are located below the top edge 90. The central tab 75, 80 has a
weakened area 125 between each of the first 105 and second 110
apertures and one of the first 95 and second 100 lateral edges.
When one of the bags 15 is pulled from the dispensing rack 120, the
weakened areas 125 of the central tab 75, 80 will rupture, thereby
causing the central tab 75, 80 to remain with the dispensed bag
15.
[0092] (2) In a variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 3,
the bags 15 include at least one side gusset 130. The side gusset
130 extends from the upper edge 40 to the lower edge 45 and
inwardly from at least one of the first 30 and second 35 side edges
for a first predetermined distance 132.
[0093] (3) FIG. 5 illustrates another variant, where the weakened
area 125 comprises a perforation line 135 extending from each of
the support apertures 105, 110 to one of the first 95 and second
100 lateral edges.
[0094] (4) In still another variant, illustrated in FIG. 6, the
weakened area 125 comprises an opening 140. The opening 140 is
located between each of the support apertures 105, 110 and one of
the first 95 and second 100 lateral edges.
[0095] (5) In yet another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the
weakened area 125 comprises a first cut 145. The first cut 145
extends from each of the support apertures 105, 110 toward one of
the first 95 and second 100 lateral edges.
[0096] (6) In a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the
weakened area 125 comprises a second cut 150. The second cut 150
extends from each of the first 95 and second 100 lateral edges
toward one of the support apertures 105, 110.
[0097] (7) In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in
FIG. 9, the weakened area 125 comprises a first notch 155. The
first notch 155 extends from each of the support apertures 105, 110
toward one of the first 95 and second 100 lateral edges.
[0098] (8) In yet another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the
weakened area 125 comprises a second notch 160. The second notch
160 extends from each of the first 95 and second 100 lateral edges
toward one of the support apertures 105, 110.
[0099] (9) In still another variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 23-25,
means 165 are provided for releasably adhering a rear surface 170
of the rear wall 25 of a first bag 15 in the bag pack 10 to a front
surface 175 of the front wall 20 of a subsequent bag 15 in the bag
pack 10, thereby causing the subsequent bag 15 to open upon
dispensing of the first bag 15 from the dispensing rack 120.
[0100] (10) In a further variant, the means 165 for releasably
adhering a rear surface 170 of the rear wall 25 of a first bag 15
in the bag pack 10 to a front surface 175 of the front wall 20 of a
subsequent bag 15 in the bag pack 10 is selected from the group
consisting of glue spotting 180 (FIG. 25), hot pinning 185 (FIG.
23), cold staking 190 (FIG. 24), corona treatment 195 (FIG. 25),
pressure 200 and corona treatment 195 combined with pressure 200
(FIG. 25).
[0101] (11) In still a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 24,
the means 165 for releasably adhering a rear surface 170 of the
rear wall 25 of a first bag 15 in the bag pack 10 to a front
surface 175 of the front wall 20 of a subsequent bag 15 in the bag
pack 10 is applied to rear surfaces 210 of the bag handles 70 of
the first bag 15 and front surfaces 215 of the bag handles 70 of
the subsequent bag 15.
[0102] (12) In another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 25, the
means 165 for releasably adhering a rear surface 170 of the rear
wall 25 of a first bag 15 in the bag pack 10 to a front surface 175
of the front wall 20 of a subsequent bag 15 in the bag pack 10 is
applied to rear surfaces 220 of the central tab 75, 80 of the first
bag 15 and front surfaces 225 of the central tab 75, 80 of the
subsequent bag 15.
[0103] (13) In yet another variant of the invention, as illustrated
in FIGS. 1 and 1-A, a twin support aperture side-tear bag pack 10,
includes a plurality of registered polyethylene bags 15. Each of
the bags 15 has front 20 and rear 25 walls joined at their
substantially parallel first 30 and second 35 side edges. The front
20 and rear 25 walls are joined at their substantially parallel
upper 40 and lower 45 edges. The front 20 and rear 25 walls have a
U-shaped 50 cut-out commencing at a first point 55 on the upper
edge 40 spaced inwardly from the first side edge 30, extending
downwardly toward the lower edge 45 and returning upwardly to a
second point 60 on the upper edge 40 spaced inwardly from the
second side edge 35. The U-shaped cut-out 50 forms an open bag
mouth 65, a pair of bag handles 70 and at least one front 75 or
rear 80 central tab extending upwardly from a central point 85 on
the bag mouth 65.
[0104] The central tab 75, 80, as illustrated in FIG. 11, has a
rounded peripheral edge 230. The peripheral edge 230 has an
uppermost point 235. The central tab 75, 80 is penetrated by first
105 and second 110 support apertures below the uppermost point 235.
The apertures 105, 110 suspend the bag pack 10 on support arms 115
of a dispensing rack 120. The central tab 75, 80 has a weakened
area 125 between each of the support apertures 105, 110 and one of
third 240 and fourth 245 points below the uppermost point 235. When
one of the bags 15 is pulled from the dispensing rack 120, the
weakened areas 125 of the central tab 75, 80 will rupture, thereby
causing the central tab 75, 80 to remain with the dispensed bag
15.
[0105] (14) In still another variant (not shown), the bags 15
include at least one side gusset 130. The side gusset 130 extends
from the upper edge 40 to the lower edge 45 and inwardly from at
least one of the first 30 and second 35 side edges for a first
predetermined distance 132.
[0106] (15) In a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the
weakened area 125 comprises a perforation line 135 extending from
each of the support apertures 105, 110 to one of the third 240 and
fourth 245 points.
[0107] (16) In still a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 13,
the weakened areas 125 comprise an opening 140. The opening 140 is
located between the each of the support apertures 105, 110 and one
of the third 240 and fourth 245 points.
[0108] (17) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 14,
the weakened areas 125 comprise a first cut 145. The first cut 145
extends from each of the support apertures 105, 110 toward one of
the third 240 and fourth 245 points.
[0109] (18) In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in
FIG. 15, the weakened areas 125 comprise a second cut 150. The
second cut 150 extends from each of the third 240 and fourth 245
points toward one of the support apertures.
[0110] (19) In still another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 16,
the weakened area 125 comprises a first notch 155. The first notch
155 extends from each of the support apertures 105, 110 toward one
of the third 240 and fourth points 245.
[0111] (20) In yet another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the
weakened area 125 comprises a second notch 160. The second notch
160 extends from each of the third 240 and fourth 245 points toward
one of the support apertures 105, 110.
[0112] 21) In still another variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 23-25,
means 165 are provided for releasably adhering a rear 170 surface
of the rear wall 25 of a first bag 15 in the bag pack 10 to a front
surface 175 of the front wall 20 of a subsequent bag 15 in the bag
pack 10, thereby causing the subsequent bag 15 to open upon
dispensing of the first bag 15 from the dispensing rack 120.
[0113] (22) In a further variant, the means 165 for releasably
adhering a rear surface 170 of the rear wall 25 of a first bag 15
in the bag pack 10 to a front surface 175 of the front wall 20 of a
subsequent bag 15 in the bag pack 10 is selected from the group
consisting of glue spotting 180 (FIG. 25), hot pinning 185 (FIG.
23), cold staking 190 (FIG. 24), corona treatment 195 (FIG. 25),
pressure 200 and corona treatment 195 combined with pressure 200
(FIG. 25).
[0114] (23) In still a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 24,
the means 165 for releasably ID adhering a rear surface 170 of the
rear wall 25 of a first bag 15 in the bag pack 10 to a front
surface 175 of the front wall 20 of a subsequent bag 15 in the bag
pack 10 is applied to rear surfaces 210 of the bag handles 70 of
the first bag 15 and front surfaces 215 of the bag handles 70 of
the subsequent bag 15.
[0115] (24) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 25,
the means 165 for releasably adhering a rear surface 170 of the
rear wall 25 of a first bag 15 in the bag pack 10 to a front
surface 175 of the front wall 25 of a subsequent bag 15 in the bag
pack 10 is applied to rear surfaces 220 of the central tab 75, 80
of the first bag 15 and front surfaces 225 of the central tab 75,
80 of the subsequent bag 15.
[0116] (25) In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in
FIGS. 18, 18A and 20, a twin support aperture side-tear bag pack 10
includes a plurality of registered polyethylene bags 15. Each of
the bags 15 has front 20 and rear 25 walls joined at their
substantially parallel first 30 and second 35 side edges. The front
20 and rear 25 walls are joined at their substantially parallel
lower edges 45 to form a sealed bag bottom 250 and an open bag
mouth 255. The bag mouth 255 has a central hanging tab 75, 80
extending upwardly from it. The central tab 75, 80 has a top edge
90, first 95 and second 100 lateral edges extending downwardly from
the top edge 90. The central tab 75, 80 is penetrated by first 105
and second 110 support apertures for suspending the bag pack 10 on
support arms 115 of a dispensing rack 120, the apertures 105, 110
are disposed below the top edge 90. The central tab 75, 80 has a
weakened area 125 between each of the first 105 and second 110
apertures and one of the first 95 and second 100 lateral edges.
When one of the bags 15 is pulled from the dispensing rack 120, the
weakened areas 125 of the central tab 75, 80 will rupture, thereby
causing the central tab 75, 80 to remain with the dispensed bag
15.
[0117] (26) In a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the
bags 15 include at least one side gusset 130. The side gusset 130
extends from the upper edge 40 to the lower edge 45 and inwardly
from at least one of the first 30 and second 35 side edges for a
first predetermined distance 132.
[0118] (27) In still a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 5,
the weakened area 125 comprises a perforation line 135 extending
from each of the support apertures 105, 110 to one of the first 95
and second 100 lateral edges.
[0119] (28) In another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the
weakened area 125 comprises an opening 140. The opening 140 is
located between each of the support apertures 105, 110 and one of
the first 95 and second 100 lateral edges.
[0120] (29) In still another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the
weakened area 125 comprises a first cut 145. The first cut 145
extends from each of the support apertures 105, 110 toward one of
the first 95 and second 100 lateral edges.
[0121] (30) In yet another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the
weakened area 125 comprises a second cut 150. The second cut 150
extends from each of the first 95 and second 100 lateral edges
toward one of the support apertures 105, 110.
[0122] (31) In a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the
weakened area 125 comprises a first notch 155. The first notch 155
extends from each of the support apertures 105, 110 toward one of
the first 95 and second 100 lateral edges.
[0123] (32) In still a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 10,
the weakened area 125 comprises a second notch 160. The second
notch 160 extends from each of the first 95 and second 100 lateral
edges toward one of the support apertures 105, 110.
[0124] (33) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 23-25,
means 165 are provided for releasably adhering a rear surface 170
of the rear wall 25 of a first bag 15 in the bag pack 10 to a front
surface 175 of the front wall 20 of a subsequent bag 15 in the bag
pack 10, thereby causing the subsequent bag 15 to open upon
dispensing of the first bag 15 from the dispensing rack 120.
[0125] (34) In another variant, the means 165 for releasably
adhering a rear surface 170 of the rear wall 25 of a first bag 15
in the bag pack 10 to a front surface 175 of the front wall 20 of a
subsequent bag 15 in the bag pack 10 is selected from the group
consisting of glue spotting 180 (FIG. 25), hot pinning 185 (FIG.
23), cold staking 190 (FIG. 24), corona treatment 195 (FIG. 25),
pressure 200 and corona treatment 195 combined with pressure 200
(FIG. 25).
[0126] (35) In still another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 25,
the means 165 for releasably adhering a rear surface 170 of the
rear wall 25 of a first bag 15 in the bag pack 10 to a front
surface 175 of the front wall 20 of a subsequent bag 15 in the bag
pack 10 is applied to rear surfaces 220 of the central tab 75, 80
of the first bag 15 and front surfaces 225 of the central tab 75,
80 of the subsequent bag 15.
[0127] (36) In yet another variant (not shown), a handle opening
260 is provided. The handle opening 260 penetrates at least one of
the front 20 and rear 25 walls of the bag 15 below the top edge 90
of the central tab 75, 80.
[0128] (37) In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in
FIGS. 19, 21 and 11, a twin support aperture side-tear bag pack 10,
includes a plurality of registered polyethylene bags 15. Each of
the bags 15 has front 20 and rear 25 walls joined at their
substantially parallel first 30 and second 35 side edges. The front
20 and rear 25 walls are joined at their substantially parallel
lower edges 45 to form a sealed bag bottom 250 and an open bag
mouth 255. The bag mouth 255 has a central hanging tab 75, 80
extending upwardly from it. The central tab 75, 80 has a rounded
peripheral edge 230. The peripheral edge 230 has an uppermost point
235. The central tab 75, 80 is penetrated by first 105 and second
110 support apertures below the uppermost point 235. The apertures
105, 110 suspend the bag pack 10 on support arms 115 of a
dispensing rack 120. The central tab 75, 80 has a weakened area 125
between each of the support apertures 105, 110 and one of third 240
and fourth 245 points below the uppermost point 235. When one of
the bags 15 is pulled from the dispensing rack 120, the weakened
areas 125 of the central tab 75, 80 will rupture, thereby causing
the central tab 75, 80 to remain with the dispensed bag 15.
[0129] (38) In still another variant (not shown), the bags 15
further include at least one side gusset 130. The side gusset 130
extends from the upper edge 40 to the lower edge 45 and inwardly
from at least one of the first 30 and second 35 side edges for a
first predetermined distance 132.
[0130] (39) In yet another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the
weakened area 125 comprises a perforation line 135 extending from
each of the support apertures 105, 110 to one of the third 240 and
fourth 245 points.
[0131] (40) In a further variant of the invention, as illustrated
in FIG. 13, the weakened area 125 comprises an opening 140. The
opening 140 is disposed between the each of the support apertures
105, 110 and one of the third 240 and fourth 245 points.
[0132] (41) In still a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 14,
the weakened area 125 comprises a first cut 145. The first cut 145
extends from each of the support apertures 105, 110 toward one of
the third 240 and fourth 245 points.
[0133] (42) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 15,
the weakened area 125 comprises a second cut 150. The second cut
150 extends from each of the third 240 and fourth 245 points toward
one of the support apertures 105, 110.
[0134] (43) In still a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 16,
the weakened area 125 comprises a first notch 155. The first notch
155 extends from each of the support apertures 105, 110 toward one
of the third 240 and fourth 245 points.
[0135] (44) In another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the
weakened area 125 comprises a second notch 160. The second notch
160 extends from each of the third 240 and fourth 245 points toward
one of the support apertures 105, 110.
[0136] (45) In still another variant, as illustrated in FIGS.
23-25, means 165 are provided for releasably adhering a rear 170
surface of the rear wall 25 of a first bag 15 in the bag pack 10 to
a front surface 175 of the front wall 20 of a subsequent bag 15 in
the bag pack 10, thereby causing the subsequent bag 15 to open upon
dispensing of the first bag 15 from the dispensing rack 120.
[0137] (46) In yet another variant, the means 165 for releasably
adhering a rear surface 170 of the rear wall 25 of a first bag 15
in the bag pack 10 to a front surface 20 of the front wall 175 of a
subsequent bag 15 in the bag pack 10 is selected from the group
consisting of glue spotting 180 (FIG. 25), hot pinning 185 (FIG.
23), cold staking 190 (FIG. 24), corona treatment 195 (FIG. 25),
pressure 200 and corona treatment 195 combined with pressure 200
(FIG. 25).
[0138] (47) In a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 25, the
means 165 for releasably adhering a rear surface 170 of the rear
wall 25 of a first bag 15 in the bag pack 10 to a front surface 175
of the front wall 20 of a subsequent bag 15 in the bag pack 10 is
applied to rear surfaces 220 of the central tab 75, 80 of the first
bag 15 and front surfaces 225 of the central tab 75, 80 of the
subsequent bag 15.
[0139] (48) In a final variant, as illustrated in FIG. 22, the bags
15 include a handle opening 260. The handle opening 260 penetrates
at least one of the front 20 and rear 25 walls of the bag 15 below
the peripheral edge 230 of the central tab 75, 80.
* * * * *