U.S. patent application number 13/267197 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-11 for sealable bag.
This patent application is currently assigned to INTEPLAST GROUP, LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is Jerry Hsu, Ter-Hai Lin, Ben Tseng, Joe Wang. Invention is credited to Jerry Hsu, Ter-Hai Lin, Ben Tseng, Joe Wang.
Application Number | 20130089280 13/267197 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48042125 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130089280 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tseng; Ben ; et al. |
April 11, 2013 |
Sealable Bag
Abstract
A sealable plastic bag has a first panel and a second panel. The
first panel and second panel are joined along three edges to define
a bag interior and an opening to permit access to the bag interior.
A permanent sealing structure is configured to permanently seal the
first and second panels to close the opening and prevent access to
the bag interior. A release liner strip overlies the permanent
sealing structure to prevent the permanent sealing structure from
sealing the first and second panels until activation by a user. A
resealable sealing structure is configured to repeatedly and
nondestructively seal the first and second panels to close the
opening and prevent access to the bag interior.
Inventors: |
Tseng; Ben; (East Brunswick,
NJ) ; Lin; Ter-Hai; (Sugar Land, TX) ; Wang;
Joe; (Roseland, NJ) ; Hsu; Jerry; (Closter,
NJ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tseng; Ben
Lin; Ter-Hai
Wang; Joe
Hsu; Jerry |
East Brunswick
Sugar Land
Roseland
Closter |
NJ
TX
NJ
NJ |
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
INTEPLAST GROUP, LTD.
Livingston
NJ
|
Family ID: |
48042125 |
Appl. No.: |
13/267197 |
Filed: |
October 6, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/204 ;
383/209; 383/61.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 75/5805 20130101;
B65D 33/20 20130101; B65D 33/2533 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/204 ;
383/61.1; 383/209 |
International
Class: |
B65D 33/16 20060101
B65D033/16 |
Claims
1. A plastic bag comprising: a first panel having four edges; a
second panel having four edges, the first panel and second panel
defining a bag interior and an opening to permit access to the bag
interior; a permanent sealing structure configured to permanently
seal the first and second panels to close the opening and prevent
access to the bag interior such that the bag cannot be re-opened
without destruction of the bag; a release liner strip overlying the
permanent sealing structure to prevent the permanent sealing
structure from sealing the first and second panels until activation
by a user; and a resealable sealing structure configured to
repeatedly and nondestructively seal and unseal the first and
second panels to close the opening and prevent access to the bag
interior.
2. The plastic bag of claim 1, wherein the permanent sealing
structure comprises pressure sensitive adhesive.
3. The plastic bag of claim 1, wherein the resealable sealing
structure comprises pressure sensitive adhesive.
4. The plastic bag of claim 1, wherein the resealable sealing
structure comprises a zippered seal.
5. The plastic bag of claim 1, further comprising an opening
structure configured to allow removal of a portion of the first and
second panels to permit access to the bag interior after the
release liner strip has been removed and the first and second
panels have been sealed by the permanent sealing structure.
6. The plastic bag according to claim 5 wherein the opening
structure comprises lines of perforations extending through the
first and second panels.
7. The plastic bag according to claim 1, wherein the release liner
strip includes a silicone coating.
8. The plastic bag according to claim 1, wherein the resealable
sealing structure provides a leak-proof seal of the bag
interior.
9. The plastic bag according to claim 1, wherein the permanent
sealing structure and the resealable sealing structure are both
located proximate a top portion of the first and second panels.
10. The plastic bag according to claim 1, wherein the resealable
sealing structure is located closer to a bottom portion of the
first and second panels than the permanent sealing structure.
11. A plastic bag comprising: a first panel having a bottom edge,
first and second side edges, and a top edge; a second panel having
a bottom edge, first and second side edges, and a top edge, the
first and second panels being joined at the respective bottom edges
and first and second side edges to define a bag interior, the first
and second panels defining an opening between the respective top
edges permitting access to the bag interior; a permanent adhesive
layer extending continuously between the first and second side
edges of at least one of the panels, the permanent adhesive layer
being configured to permanently seal the top edges of the first and
second panels together to prevent access to the bag interior; a
first release liner strip extending continuously between the first
and second side edges of one of the panels and overlying the
permanent adhesive layer, such that the permanent adhesive layer
cannot seal the top edges of the first and second panels until the
first release liner strip is removed; a resealable sealing
structure extending continuously between the first and second side
edges of at least one of the panels at a location closer to the
bottom edge than the permanent adhesive layer, the resealable
sealing structure being configured to repeatedly and
nondestructively seal and unseal the first and second panels
together to prevent access to the bag interior; and a perforation
line extending between the first and second side edges of the first
and second panels between the permanent adhesive layer and the
resealable sealing structure, the perforation line configured to
allow removal of a portion of the panels to permit access to the
bag interior after the first release liner strip has been removed
and the panels have been sealed by the permanent adhesive layer;
the resealable sealing structure, permanent adhesive layer and
first release liner strip being configured to permit repeated and
nondestructive access to the bag interior before the first release
liner strip has been removed and the panels have been sealed by the
permanent adhesive layer.
12. The plastic bag of claim 11, wherein the resealable sealing
structure comprises pressure sensitive adhesive.
13. The plastic bag of claim 12, further comprising a second
release liner strip extending continuously between the first and
second side edges of one of the panels and overlying the resealable
sealing structure, such that the resealable sealing structure
cannot seal the first and second panels until the second release
liner strip is removed
14. The plastic bag of claim 11, wherein the resealable sealing
structure comprises a zippered seal.
15. The plastic bag of claim 11, wherein the permanent adhesive
layer and the resealable sealing structure are both proximate the
top edges of the panels.
16. The plastic bag according to claim 11 wherein the release liner
strip includes a silicone coating.
17. The plastic bag according to claim 11, wherein the resealable
sealing structure provides a leak-proof seal.
18. The plastic bag according to claim 11 wherein the perforation
lines include perforations extending through the thicknesses of the
panels.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to sealable bags,
and more specifically, a plastic bag that includes both permanent
and temporary sealing structures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Sealable bags are used for many different applications, such
as shipping, food packaging, biohazard disposal, etc. Sealable bags
generally include a permanent or a temporary sealing structure,
depending on the application. Some sealable bags include a peelable
seal, or a permanent seal that must be unsealed before the bag can
be used. Other sealable bags include a permanent seal or fusion
seal that must be removed from the bag to permit access to the
interior of the bag. However, an initially sealed bag may not be
preferable, because repeated use of the bag before permanent
sealing may be desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In one aspect of the present invention, a plastic bag
generally comprises a first panel having four edges, and a second
panel having four edges. The first panel and second panel define a
bag interior and an opening to permit access to the bag interior. A
permanent sealing structure is configured to permanently seal the
first and second panels to close the opening and prevent access to
the bag interior such that the bag cannot be re-opened without
destruction of the bag. A release liner strip overlies the
permanent sealing structure to prevent the permanent sealing
structure from sealing the first and second panels until activation
by a user. A resealable sealing structure is configured to
repeatedly and nondestructively seal and unseal the first and
second panels to close the opening and prevent access to the bag
interior.
[0004] In another aspect of the present invention, a plastic bag
generally comprises a first panel having a bottom edge, first and
second side edges, and a top edge, and a second panel having a
bottom edge, first and second side edges, and a top edge. The first
and second panels are joined at the respective bottom edges and
first and second side edges to define a bag interior and an opening
between the respective top edges permitting access to the bag
interior. A permanent adhesive layer extending continuously between
the first and second side edges of at least one of the panels is
configured to permanently seal the top edges of the first and
second panels together to prevent access to the bag interior. A
first release liner strip extends continuously between the first
and second side edges of one of the panels and overlies the
permanent adhesive layer, such that the permanent adhesive layer
cannot seal the top edges of the first and second panels until the
first release liner strip is removed. A resealable sealing
structure extends continuously between the first and second side
edges of at least one of the panels at a location closer to the
bottom edge than the permanent adhesive layer. The resealable
sealing structure being configured to repeatedly and
nondestructively seal and unseal the first and second panels
together to prevent access to the bag interior. A perforation line
extends between the first and second side edges of the first and
second panels between the permanent adhesive layer and the
resealable sealing structure. The perforation line is configured to
allow removal of a portion of the panels to permit access to the
bag interior after the first release liner strip has been removed
and the panels have been sealed by the permanent adhesive layer.
The resealable sealing structure, permanent adhesive layer and
first release liner strip are configured to permit repeated and
nondestructive access to the bag interior before the first release
liner strip has been removed and the panels have been sealed by the
permanent adhesive layer.
[0005] Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in
part pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a sealable bag with parts
broken away to show internal construction;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary cross section of the sealable bag of
FIG. 1;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a cross section of the sealable bag of FIG. 1,
illustrating the bag as sealed by the resealable sealing structure
before the release liner strip has been removed;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary perspective illustrating removal of
the release liner strip of the sealable bag of FIG. 1; and
[0010] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective illustrating removal of
a top portion of the sealable bag of FIG. 1.
[0011] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0012] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a sealable bag is shown
generally at 10. The sealable bag 10 includes coextensive front and
panels 12 and 14, respectively (broadly, first and second panels).
The panels 12, 14 are joined at the bottom and sides of the bag 10.
In one embodiment, the panels 12, 14 are formed as a single sheet
of material that is folded at the bottom of the bag 10 along a
linear fold 16. The side edges are joined together by fusion lines
18 and 20. The panels 12, 14 can be joined in other manners within
the scope of this invention. For example, the panels may be formed
as separate sheets and fused together along the bottom and side
edges. Whether the panels are formed as one piece and folded over,
or formed as two pieces, the edges are considered to be "joined"
together for purposes of this description. Furthermore, in some
embodiments, the panels 12, 14 may not be coextensive. For example,
the top of one of the panels can extend above the top of the other
panel.
[0013] The joined panels 12, 14 define a bag interior 22 for
receiving items placed in the bag 10. The top edges 24, 26 of the
panels 12, 14 are initially unsecured along their length to define
an opening 28 permitting access to the bag interior 22 and its
contents. In the illustrated embodiment, a continuous band or layer
of pressure sensitive adhesive 30 extends along the inner surface
of the back panel between the sides thereof, near the top edge 26
of the back panel. Other configurations of the band of pressure
sensitive adhesive are within the scope of the present invention.
For example, the band of pressure sensitive adhesive can extend
along the front panel 12, or both panels can include a band of
pressure sensitive adhesive.
[0014] A release liner strip 32 initially separates the adhesive
band 30 from the inner surface of the front panel 12. The release
liner strip 32 extends continuously along the entire length of the
adhesive band 30, e.g. continuously between the side edges of the
back panel 14. In the illustrated embodiment, a bottom edge 34 of
the release liner strip 32 extends below the adhesive band 30, and
a top edge 36 of the release liner strip extends above the top edge
26 of the back panel 14. Other configurations of the release liner
strip are within the scope of the present invention.
[0015] Preferably, the adhesive band 30 is a type of adhesive that
adheres strongly on contact with the material of the panels 12, 14.
Thus, once the panels 12, 14 are sealed to each other by the
adhesive band 30, they cannot be unsealed without destruction of
the bag. Preferably, the adhesive band 30 is arranged so that the
panels are sealed from side-to-side such that the bag interior is
air and/or liquid tight. The adhesive band 30 is a permanent
adhesive layer that permanently adheres the panels 12, 14 to each
other. In one embodiment, the panels 12, 14 are formed of a
thermoplastic sheet material, such as polyethylene or
polypropylene, and the adhesive band 30 includes an adhesive that
adheres strongly on contact with thermoplastic sheet material. An
example of such an adhesive is a hot melt glue marketed by National
Starch and Chemical Corporation, New York, N.Y., under the
registered trademark "DURO-TAK."
[0016] In one embodiment, the connection of the panels 12, 14 along
the side edges of the bag 10, represented by the fusion lines 18,
20, terminate at or are discontinued at the bottom edge 34 of the
release liner strip 32, so that the release liner strip delimits an
unconnected or free top marginal portion in both panels. As a
result, the front panel 12 can be folded away from the release
liner strip 32 and the back panel 14 at the top of the bag 10 for
easy access to and removal of the release liner strip. In order to
form the bag 10 with this feature, the release liner strip 32 is
preferably formed of a material that is both easily releasable from
the adhesive band 30 and prevents the formation of the fusion lines
18 and 20 during formation of the bag 10. For example, the release
liner strip 32 can be formed from high density polyethylene coated
with silicone on one surface to enable its release from the
adhesive band 30, and the release liner strip can additionally
include a silicone coating on the side facing the front panel 12.
As a result of the silicone coating on both sides, heat fusion of
the panels 12, 14 is prevented over the width of the release liner
strip 32. Alternatively, the strip 32 can be formed of paper coated
with silicone on only one side to enable release of the strip from
the adhesive band 30. A material such as paper will also prevent
the formation of a fusion line through both layers of the plastic
material forming the panels 12, 14. It is understood that this
feature may be omitted, and the side edges of the panels may be
fused along their entire lengths within the scope of the present
invention.
[0017] The bag 10 also includes a resealable sealing structure
extending continuously between the side edges of the bag along one
or both of the panels 12, 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the
resealable sealing structure is a second continuous band or layer
of pressure sensitive adhesive 40. However, other resealable
sealing structures are within the scope of the present invention,
such as a zippered seal (e.g., a Zip-Loc.RTM. type sealing
structure).
[0018] The second continuous band or layer of pressure sensitive
adhesive 40 extends along the inner surface of the back panel 14
between the sides thereof, below the first adhesive band 30 but
still located near the top edge 26 of the back panel. Other
configurations of the band of pressure sensitive adhesive are
within the scope of the present invention. For example, the band of
pressure sensitive adhesive 40 can extend along the front panel 12,
or both panels can include a band of pressure sensitive
adhesive.
[0019] The second adhesive band 40 provides a temporary and
releasable seal between the panels 12, 14. Preferably, the second
adhesive band 40 is arranged so as to provide a temporary air
and/or liquid tight seal of the interior space 22 when sealed. The
panels 12, 14 can be sealed, unsealed, and resealed by the second
adhesive band 40 repeatedly and nondestructively. Accordingly, a
release liner strip is not required for the second adhesive band
40. However, a release liner strip similar to the strip 32
described above can be provided to overlie the second adhesive band
40 within the scope of the present invention. In one embodiment,
the adhesive band 40 includes an adhesive that repeatedly and
releasably adheres on contact with thermoplastic sheet material. An
example of such an adhesive is a double-coated clear polyester film
tape marketed by International Tape Company, Windham, N.H., as
Product 6342XL.
[0020] The bag 10 further includes an opening structure for
removing a top portion 42 of the bag to open the bag after it has
been sealed by the permanent adhesive band 30, as will be described
in more detail below. In the illustrated embodiment, the opening
structure comprises a perforation line 44 extending between the
side edges of both panels 12, 14, defining a tear line to allow a
user to remove the portion of the bag 10 above the perforation line
that includes the permanent adhesive band 30. The perforation line
44 is located between the permanent adhesive band 30 and the
temporary adhesive band 40. Other opening structures are within the
scope of the present invention, such as a score line, a notched
line of weakness, intermittent perforation, or partial slitting.
However, cuts extending through the entire thicknesses of the
panels 12, 14 are desirable because they make the bag 10 easier to
tear and a controlled direction.
[0021] Use of the bag 10 will now be described with reference to
FIGS. 3-5. The panels 12, 14 can be sealed and unsealed repeatedly
before the release liner strip 32 is removed to permit sealing by
the permanent adhesive band 30. The bag interior 22 is configured
to receive items, and the temporary adhesive band 40 can be
activated to sealingly close the panels 12, 14 to retain the items
in the bag 10. The temporary adhesive band 40 preferably provides
as leak-proof seal to prevent any leaking. The perforation line 44
is easy to tear, but need not be leak-proof. The temporary adhesive
band 40 provides a leak-proof seal to ensure items placed in the
bag interior 22 cannot escape.
[0022] As seen in FIG. 4, to permanently seal the panels 12, 14,
the release liner strip 32 is removed from the adhesive band 30.
The panels 12, 14 may then be sealed by applying pressure across
the adhesive band 30, which, as described above, is a pressure
sensitive adhesive. When the panels 12, 14 are permanently sealed
by the adhesive band 30, it is preferable to also seal the panels
with the temporary adhesive band 40 to ensure a leak-proof seal.
Once the bag 10 has been sealed by the permanent adhesive band 40,
it cannot be unsealed without destruction of the bag.
[0023] To open the bag 10 after it has been sealed by the permanent
adhesive band 30, a user tears the bag along the perforation line
44, as shown in FIG. 5. After the top portion 42, which includes
the permanent adhesive band 30, has been removed, the bag 10 can
once again be opened to permit access to the bag interior 22. After
removal of the top portion 42, the bag 10 can still be repeatedly
and nondestructively sealed and unsealed by the temporary adhesive
band 40.
[0024] Having described the invention in detail, it will be
apparent that modifications and variations are possible without
departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended
claims.
[0025] When introducing elements of the present invention or the
preferred embodiments(s) thereof, the articles "a", "an", "the" and
"said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the
elements. The terms "comprising", "including" and "having" are
intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional
elements other than the listed elements.
[0026] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several
objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous
results attained.
[0027] As various changes could be made in the above products
without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended
that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the
accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not
in a limiting sense.
* * * * *