U.S. patent application number 14/218342 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-17 for bulk bag with perforated sections.
This patent application is currently assigned to North American Salt Company. The applicant listed for this patent is North American Salt Company. Invention is credited to Kurt Strater, Kevin Thimmesch.
Application Number | 20140197201 14/218342 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49113163 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140197201 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thimmesch; Kevin ; et
al. |
July 17, 2014 |
BULK BAG WITH PERFORATED SECTIONS
Abstract
A novel bag for holding, transporting, and pouring a bulk
product is provided. In one embodiment, the bag comprises a curved,
perforated section at one corner. The section can be removed by
tearing along the perforation, thus forming a spout for pouring the
product from the bag. In another embodiment, the bag further
comprises a second perforated section extending the majority of the
way (and preferably the entire way) horizontally across the bag. In
this embodiment, the bag could alternatively, or additionally, be
opened by tearing along the second set of perforations and
separating the resulting two sections of the bag. The bag is
typically formed of plastic, and can be used for salt, animal food,
and other pourable products.
Inventors: |
Thimmesch; Kevin; (Overland
Park, KS) ; Strater; Kurt; (Plattsburgh, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
North American Salt Company |
Overland Park |
KS |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
North American Salt Company
Overland Park
KS
|
Family ID: |
49113163 |
Appl. No.: |
14/218342 |
Filed: |
March 18, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13787093 |
Mar 6, 2013 |
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14218342 |
|
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61607321 |
Mar 6, 2012 |
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61607274 |
Mar 6, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
222/105 ;
383/207; 383/6; 383/7 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 75/5816 20130101;
B65D 75/566 20130101; B65D 33/065 20130101; B65D 33/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/105 ;
383/207; 383/6; 383/7 |
International
Class: |
B65D 35/56 20060101
B65D035/56; B65D 33/10 20060101 B65D033/10; B65D 33/06 20060101
B65D033/06 |
Claims
1. A bag for holding a pourable product, said bag comprising front
and back panels each comprising: first and second end portions
presenting respective outermost edges; first and second side
portions presenting respective outermost edges, said front and back
panels and said end and side portions cooperating to form a chamber
for holding the pourable product, said first end portion and said
first side portion cooperating to form a first corner; a seam
extending between the first and second side portion outermost
edges; and perforations at said first corner, said perforations
extending in a non-linear fashion from the outermost edge of said
first end portion, to the outermost edge of said first side
portion, said perforations having a radius of curvature of from
about 3 inches to about 4 inches when measured from a point that is
about 0.25 inches to about 2 inches from said seam and about 0.1
inches to about 0.75 inches from the outermost edge of said first
side portion.
2. The bag of claim 1, said bag further comprising a handle
adjacent at least one of said first and second end portions.
3. The bag of claim 2, wherein said handle is at said first end
portion.
4. The bag of claim 2, wherein said handle is integrally formed
with said bag.
5. The bag of claim 1, wherein said chamber includes therein a
quantity of pourable product, said product being selected from the
group consisting of salt, animal food, flour, sugar, cement, seed,
fertilizer, ice, sand, rice, spices, soil, pesticides, industrial
chemicals, mortar, plaster, marble dust, and stones.
6. A method of dispensing a pourable product from a bag, the method
comprising: providing a bag comprising: front and back panels each
comprising: first and second end portions presenting respective
outermost edges; first and second side portions presenting
respective outermost edges, said front and back panels and said end
and side portions cooperating to form a chamber for holding the
pourable product, said first end portion and said first side
portion cooperating to form a first corner; a seam extending
between the first and second side portion outermost edges; and
perforations at said first corner, said perforations extending in a
non-linear fashion from the outermost edge of said first end
portion, to the outermost edge of said first side portion, said
perforations having a radius of curvature of from about 3 inches to
about 4 inches when measured from a point that is about 0.25 inches
to about 2 inches from said seam and about 0.1 inches to about 0.75
inches from the outermost edge of said first side portion; and a
quantity of the pourable product in said chamber; tearing said
first corner at said perforations to form an opening; and causing
said pourable product to exit the bag through the opening.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein said tearing comprises removing
said first corner.
8. The method of claim 6, said bag further comprising a handle
adjacent at least one of said first and second end portions.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein said handle is at said first end
portion.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein said handle is integrally formed
with said bag.
11. The method of claim 6, wherein said pourable product is
selected from the group consisting of salt, animal food, flour,
sugar, cement, seed, fertilizer, ice, sand, rice, spices, soil,
pesticides, industrial chemicals, mortar, plaster, marble dust, and
stones.
12. The method of claim 8, further comprising gripping said handle
while causing said product to exit said bag.
13. The method of claim 6, wherein said causing comprises tilting
said bag.
14. A bag for holding a pourable product, said bag comprising front
and back panels each comprising: first and second end portions
presenting respective outermost edges; first and second side
portions presenting respective outermost edges, said front and back
panels and said end and side portions cooperating to form a chamber
for holding the pourable product, said first end portion and said
first side portion cooperating to form a first corner; perforations
at said first corner, said perforations extending in a non-linear
fashion from the outermost edge of said first end portion to the
outermost edge of said first side portion; and a handle adjacent at
least one of said first and second end portions and integrally
formed with said bag.
15. The bag of claim 14, wherein said handle is at said first end
portion.
16. The bag of claim 14, wherein said chamber includes therein a
quantity of pourable product, said product being selected from the
group consisting of salt, animal food, flour, sugar, cement, seed,
fertilizer, ice, sand, rice, spices, soil, pesticides, industrial
chemicals, mortar, plaster, marble dust, and stones.
17. A method of dispensing a pourable product from a bag, the
method comprising: providing a bag comprising: front and back
panels each comprising: first and second end portions presenting
respective outermost edges; first and second side portions
presenting respective outermost edges, said front and back panels
and said end and side portions cooperating to form a chamber for
holding the pourable product, said first end portion and said first
side portion cooperating to form a first corner; and perforations
at said first corner, said perforations extending in a non-linear
fashion from the outermost edge of said first end portion to the
outermost edge of said first side portion; a handle adjacent at
least one of said first and second end portions and integrally
formed with said bag; and a quantity of the pourable product in
said chamber; tearing said first corner at said perforations to
form an opening; and causing said pourable product to exit the bag
through the opening.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein said tearing comprises removing
said first corner.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein said handle is at said first
end portion.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein said pourable product is
selected from the group consisting of salt, animal food, flour,
sugar, cement, seed, fertilizer, ice, sand, rice, spices, soil,
pesticides, industrial chemicals, mortar, plaster, marble dust, and
stones.
21. The method of claim 17, further comprising gripping said handle
while causing said product to exit said bag.
22. The method of claim 17, wherein said causing comprises tilting
said bag.
23. A bag for holding a pourable product, said bag comprising front
and back panels each comprising: first and second end portions
presenting respective outermost edges; first and second side
portions presenting respective outermost edges, said front and back
panels and said end and side portions cooperating to form a chamber
for holding the pourable product, there being a width "W," defined
as the shortest distance between the respective outermost edges of
said first and second side portions, said first end portion and
said first side portion cooperating to form a first corner; a first
set of perforations at said first corner, said first set of
perforations extending in a non-linear fashion from the outermost
edge of said first end portion, or from a seam or area near to said
outermost edge of said first end portion, to the outermost edge of
said first side portion; and a second set of perforations extending
from one of said respective outermost edges of said first and
second side portions a distance of at least about 50% of "W"
towards the other of said respective outermost edges of said first
and second side portions.
24. The bag of claim 23, said second set of perforations extending
a distance of at least about 75% of "W.".
25. The bag of claim 23, said second set of perforations extending
a distance of about 100% of "W.".
26. The bag of claim 23, said second set of perforations forming a
linear pattern that is substantially parallel to at least one of
said respective outermost edges of said first and second end
portions.
27. The bag of claim 23, said bag further comprising a handle
adjacent at least one of said first and second end portions.
28. The bag of claim 27, wherein said handle is at said first end
portion.
29. The bag of claim 27, wherein said handle is integrally formed
with said bag.
30. The bag of claim 23, wherein said chamber includes therein a
quantity of pourable product, said product being selected from the
group consisting of salt, animal food, flour, sugar, cement, seed,
fertilizer, ice, sand, rice, spices, soil, pesticides, industrial
chemicals, mortar, plaster, marble dust, and stones.
31. The bag of claim 23, said front and back panels further
comprising a seam extending between the first and second side
portion outermost edges, and said first set of perforations having
a radius of curvature of from about 3 inches to about 4 inches when
measured from a point that is about 0.25 inches to about 2 inches
from said seam and about 0.1 inches to about 0.75 inches from the
outermost edge of said first side portion.
32. A method of dispensing a pourable product from a bag, the
method comprising: providing a bag comprising: front and back
panels each comprising: first and second end portions presenting
respective outermost edges; first and second side portions
presenting respective outermost edges, said front and back panels
and said end and side portions cooperating to form a chamber for
holding the pourable product, there being a width "W," defined as
the shortest distance between the respective outermost edges of
said first and second side portions, said first end portion and
said first side portion cooperating to form a first corner; a first
set of perforations at said first corner, said first set of
perforations extending in a non-linear fashion from the outermost
edge of said first end portion, or from a seam or area near to said
outermost edge of said first end portion, to the outermost edge of
said first side portion; and a second set of perforations extending
from one of said respective outermost edges of said first and
second side portions a distance of at least about 50% of "W"
towards the other of said respective outermost edges of said first
and second side portions; and a quantity of the pourable product in
said chamber; tearing said first corner at said first set of
perforations to form a first opening, at said second set of
perforations to form a second opening, or at both said first and
second sets of perforations to form first and second openings; and
causing said pourable product to exit the bag through the opening,
or through the first and second openings.
33. The method of claim 32, wherein said tearing comprises removing
said first corner.
34. The method of claim 32, said second set of perforations
extending a distance of at least about 75% of "W.".
35. The method of claim 32, said second set of perforations
extending a distance of about 100% of "W.".
36. The method of claim 32, said second set of perforations forming
a linear pattern that is substantially parallel to at least one of
said respective outermost edges of said first and second end
portions.
37. The method of claim 32, wherein said bag comprises a first half
at said first end portion and a second half at said second end
portion, said first set of perforations being at said first end
portion and said second set of perforations being on said second
half.
38. The method of claim 32, said bag further comprising a handle
adjacent at least one of said first and second end portions.
39. The method of claim 38, wherein said handle is at said first
end portion.
40. The method of claim 38, wherein said handle is integrally
formed with said bag.
41. The method of claim 32, wherein said pourable product is
selected from the group consisting of salt, animal food, flour,
sugar, cement, seed, fertilizer, ice, sand, rice, spices, soil,
pesticides, industrial chemicals, mortar, plaster, marble dust, and
stones.
42. The method of claim 38, further comprising gripping said handle
while causing said product to exit said bag.
43. The method of claim 32, wherein said causing comprises tilting
said bag.
44. The method of claim 32, said front and back panels further
comprising a seam extending between the first and second side
portion outermost edges, and said first set of perforations having
a radius of curvature of from about 3 inches to about 4 inches when
measured from a point that is about 0.25 inches to about 2 inches
from said seam and about 0.1 inches to about 0.75 inches from the
outermost edge of said first side portion.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/787,093, entitled BULK BAG WITH PERFORATED
SECTIONS, filed Mar. 6, 2013. U.S. application Ser. No. 13/787,093
claims the priority benefit of provisional applications entitled
BULK BAG WITH MULTIPLE PERFORATED SECTIONS, Ser. No. 61/607,321,
filed Mar. 6, 2012, and BULK BAG WITH CURVED PERFORATION, Ser. No.
61/607,274, filed Mar. 6, 2012. Each of these applications is
incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention is broadly concerned with the field of
bags for holding pourable products such as salt. More particularly,
the inventive bags have a curved, perforated section at one corner
and, in some embodiments a second perforated section that extends
substantially, and preferably entirely, horizontally across the
bag, for removal and pouring of the product from the bag.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Bag are commonly used to hold and transport pourable
products (i.e., products comprising numerous small pieces). Such
products include salt cubes or pellets, animal food, flour, and
sugar, to name a few. These pourable products are typically sold in
large quantities (e.g., 30-50 lbs.) and in bulk sizes that are
difficult for the average person to handle. Even more difficult
than carrying these bags is pouring the product from the bulky bag.
That is, the consumer must open the bag, attempt to pick up the
very heavy bag, and carefully pour the product in a controlled
manner. This often results in spilling of the product, which goes
from not coming out at all to rapidly falling from the bag and
outside of the target area. There is a need for a bag that can be
more easily opened at the point of use, as well as more easily
poured with minimal or no spillage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one embodiment, the invention provides a bag for holding
a pourable product. The bag comprises front and back panels
comprising first and second end portions presenting respective
outermost edges, and first and second side portions presenting
respective outermost edges. The front and back panels and the end
and side portions cooperate to form a chamber for holding the
pourable product, with the first end portion and the first side
portion cooperating to form a first corner. The panels further
comprise a seam extending between the first and second side portion
outermost edges. The front and back panels comprise perforations at
the first corner, and the perforations extend in a non-linear
fashion from the outermost edge of the first end portion to the
outermost edge of the first side portion. The perforations have a
radius of curvature of from about 3 inches to about 4 inches when
measured from a point that is about 0.25 inches to about 2 inches
from the seam and about 0.1 inches to about 0.75 inches from the
outermost edge of the first side portion.
[0007] In a further embodiment, the bag comprises front and back
panels each comprising first and second end portions presenting
respective outermost edges, and first and second side portions
presenting respective outermost edges. The front and back panels
and the end and side portions cooperate to form a chamber for
holding the pourable product, with the first end portion and the
first side portion cooperating to form a first corner. The panels
further comprise perforations at the first corner, with the
perforations extending in a non-linear fashion from the outermost
edge of the first end portion to the outermost edge of the first
side portion. Finally, the panels comprise a handle adjacent at
least one of the first and second end portions and integrally
formed with the bag.
[0008] In another embodiment, a method of using the above inventive
bags is provided. The method comprises tearing the front and back
panels at the perforations to form an opening, and causing the
pourable product to exit the bag from the opening, preferably by
tilting the bag.
[0009] In a further embodiment, the invention provides a bag for
holding a pourable product. The bag comprises front and back panels
comprising first and second end portions presenting respective
outermost edges, and first and second side portions presenting
respective outermost edges. The front and back panels and the end
and side portions cooperate to form a chamber for holding the
pourable product. The bag has a width "W," defined as the shortest
distance between the respective outermost edges of said first and
second side portions, and the first end portion and the first side
portion cooperate to form a first corner. The front and back panels
comprise a first set of perforations at the first corner, and the
first set of perforations extend in a non-linear fashion from the
outermost edge of the first end portion, or from a seam or area
near to said outermost edge of said first end portion, to the
outermost edge of the first side portion. The front and back panels
further comprise a second set of perforations extending from at
least one of the respective outermost edges of the first and second
side portions a distance of at least about 50% of "W," towards the
other of the respective outermost edges of the first and second
side portions.
[0010] In yet a further embodiment, a method of using the above
inventive bag is provided. The method comprises tearing the first
corner at the first set of perforations to form a first opening, or
at the second set of perforations to form a second opening, or at
both the first and second sets of perforations to form first and
second openings. The pourable product is then caused to exit the
bag from the opening or the first and second openings, preferably
by tilting the bag.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of one embodiment of a bag
according to the invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of the bag of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view illustrating the dimensions
of the bag of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of an alternative
embodiment of the bag according to the invention;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the bag of FIG. 4;
and
[0016] FIG. 6 is a front elevation view illustrating the dimensions
of the bag of FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Bag with Curved Perforations Only
[0017] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, a bag 10 is illustrated. Bag 10
includes a front panel 12 and a back panel 14. As shown, front and
back panels 12,14 are flat to demonstrate their respective shapes
before being filled with product. Front panel 12 and back panel 14
share a first end portion 16 and a second end portion 18.
[0018] Front panel 12 and back panel 14 further share a first side
portion 20 and a second side portion 22. First and second end
portions 16, 18 and first and second side portions 20, 22 present
respective outermost edges 24a-d, which define an outer boundary or
periphery 26 of the bag 10. Outermost edges 24a and 24b oppose, and
are substantially parallel to, one another, while outermost edges
24c and 24d oppose, and are substantially parallel to, one another.
Furthermore, outermost edges 24c and 24d are substantially
perpendicular to outermost edges 24a and 24b.
[0019] Each of the first and second end portions 16, 18 intersects
with first and second side portions 20, 22 at corners 28a-d. Front
and back panels 12, 14, first and second end portions 16, 18, and
first and second side portions 20, 22 cooperate to form a chamber
for holding a pourable product.
[0020] First end portion 16 comprises a first horizontal seam 30
spaced apart from outermost edge 24a, thus forming a flap 32 in
first end portion 16. First horizontal seam 30 has a thickness of
from about 1/16 inch to about 1/4 inch (and more preferably about
1/8 inch) and is substantially parallel to outermost edge 24a. Flap
32 comprises a handle 34 formed therein. Handle 34 comprises a
patch 36 that is heat-sealed to the flap 32. Patch 36 could be
heat-sealed on either side of the flap 32 (i.e., on front panel 12
or on back panel 14), or on both sides if extra strength is
required. Patch 36 can be any material typically used for bags
carrying bulk products, including plastics such as linear low
density polyethylenes (LLPDE). A C-shaped grip 38 is formed through
patch 36 and flap 32 to form an opening, through which a user may
place his or her fingers during carrying, pouring, etc.
[0021] Outmost edge 24a of first end portion 16 is bisected by
centerline 40 (see FIG. 3). In a preferred embodiment, handle 34 is
positioned such that some portion of the grip 38 falls upon the
centerline 40. Also, while it will be appreciated that the handle
34 is integrally formed with the bag 10 (and particularly with flap
32) as described above, one may also substitute an integrally
formed handle with a separately formed handle that is then
physically attached to the bag 10. Also, flap 32 could include a
small opening (not shown) in or around corner 28b to provide a
place for the user to place his or her finger during pouring to
assist with that process.
[0022] First end portion 16 also comprises a pouring spout 42,
preferably at corner 28a. In the preferred embodiment, the spout 42
comprises perforations 44, which allow for easy opening of the
spout 42 at the time of use.
[0023] As shown in the figures, perforations 44 are in the foam of
a curved (i.e., non-linear) pattern rather than a straight line as
found in prior art bags. Perforations 44 intersect outermost edge
24a at point 45a and outermost edge 24c at point 45b approximately
(+5.degree., preferably)+2.degree. a 90.degree. angle. The radius
of curvature "R" (see FIG. 3) is preferably from about 3 inches to
about 4 inches, and more preferably about 3.5 inches. Furthermore,
the radius of curvature "R" is measured at a point that is set in
from the corner of the bag, at distances D.sup.6 and D'. This
non-linear pattern allows product to be more easily poured from
open spout 42 as the opening is less prone to closing up on itself.
Furthermore, the offset radius of curvature shifts the opening
created by spout 42 downwardly towards the pourable product, making
the product more flowable from the bag. Advantageously, this design
results in an opening at spout 44 that has a cross-sectional area
of from about 4 in.sup.2, to about 31 in.sup.2, preferably from
about 9 in.sup.2 to about 28 in.sup.2, and more preferably from
about 13 in.sup.2 to about 19 in.sup.2. This design yields a bag
that can be emptied 15-20% more quickly than prior art bags.
[0024] The perforation 44 also preferably includes a "starter
split" 43 through first horizontal seam 30. Starter split 43 is an
area of weakness that renders perforation 44 easier to tear. Unlike
prior art bags, starter split 43 is actually integral within first
horizontal seam 30 so that the seam 30 does not hinder tearing due
to the inherent perforation weakness.
[0025] Finally, the bag 10 preferably has a side panel 46. Side
panel 46 is essentially a lay-flat fold whose width is defined by a
turn axis 48. Side panel 46 allows for expansion of the bag upon
filling with the pourable product.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 3, several dimensions of the inventive bag
10 have been defined. The ranges for those dimensions are shown in
Table 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Preferred Bag Dimensions Dimension Broad
Range Preferred Range Most Preferred Range from FIG. 3 (inches)
(inches) (inches) L about 20 to about 35 about 24 to about 30 about
26 to about 28 W about 10 to about 24 about 14 to about 20 about 15
to about 18 D.sup.1 about 5 to about 8 about 5.5 to about 7.5 about
5.8 to about 7 D.sup.2 about 4.5 to about 7 about 5 to about 6.5
about 5 to about 6 D.sup.3 about 2 to about 3.5 about 2.2 to about
3 about 2.4 to about 2.8 D.sup.4 about 2.5 to about 5.5 about 3 to
about 5 about 3.7 to about 4.5 D.sup.5 about 2 to about 4 about 2.5
to about 4.5 about 2.9 to about 3.2 D.sup.6 about 0.25 to about 2
about 0.75 to about 1.25 about 1 D.sup.7 about 0.1 to about 0.75
about 0.2 to about 0.5 about 0.375 L.sup.1 about 17 to about 30
about 20 to about 28 about 22 to about 26 D.sup.1/D.sup.2* about
0.8 to about 1.7 about 1 to about 1.5 about 1.1 to about 1.3
L/D.sup.1* about 2 to about 5 about 3 to about 4.5 about 3.5 to
about 4 W/D.sup.2* about 1.5 to about 5 about 2 to about 4 about
2.5 to about 3 *Unitless
[0027] This embodiment of the inventive bag 10 can be manufactured
by various methods, but the preferred method is described herein.
First, a tube or sleeve of plastic is cut to the desired length
(represented by "L" in FIG. 3). The plastic of which the inventive
bag is formed can be any material typically used to form bags
carrying bulk products. The plastic should be flexible and
stretchable so that the bag collapses as the bulk product is poured
from the bag. Preferably, the plastic of which the bag is formed
stretches from about 1 to about 2 times at yield, and more
preferably about 1.5 times at yield. Furthermore, it is preferred
that the bag be formed of a plastic that stretches at least about 4
times, preferably at least about 5 times, and more preferably from
about 5 to about 7 times at its break point. Thus, the preferred
plastic has an ASTM D882 percent elongation of from about 200% to
about 800%, preferably from about 400% to about 700%, and more
preferably from about 500% to about 650%. The thickness of the
preferred plastic is from about 2 mil to about 14 mil, preferably
from about 4 mil to about 10 mil, and more preferably from about 6
mil to about 8 mil. The most preferred material is LLDPE.
[0028] A heat seal is then applied at first end portion 16 in order
to form horizontal seam 30. A film (typically having a 10-mil
thickness) is heat-sealed to flap 32 to form patch 36. C-shaped
grip 38 is then cut (e.g., die-cut) through the patch 36 and flap
32, thus forming handle 34, which serves as the primary carrying
handle. The perforations 44 can be added at this time according to
conventional methods in order to form pouring spout 42.
[0029] The manufactured bag can then be stored until needed, or
immediately filled and sealed. Either way, after the bag 10 is
filled to the desired level, a final heat seal is applied at second
end portion 18 to create second horizontal seam 50, making the
filled bag 10 ready for distribution. It will be appreciated that
the inventive bag 10 can be used to transport and store numerous
types of pourable products, including cubes, pellets, tablets,
powders, compacted pieces, and/or granules of those selected from
the group consisting of: salt (e.g., water softening, pool
treatment, deicing, etc.); animal food (e.g., bird seed, grain, dog
or cat food); bulk flour or sugar; cement; seed (e.g., grass seed)
and other lawn and garden products; fertilizers; ice; sand; rice;
spices; soil (including soil mixtures); pesticides (e.g., fire ant
treatments); industrial chemicals; mortar; plaster; marble dust;
stones (including pebbles and gravel); and constructions products.
Such products will typically cause the bags to weigh from about 20
lbs. to about 100 lbs., and more typically from about 40 lbs. to
about 60 lbs.
[0030] In use and before pouring, a user would tear corner 28a at
perforations 44 in order to remove (or at least partially remove)
corner 28a at spout 42. This forms an opening at spout 42,
rendering spout 42 ready for pouring. This controlled pouring
allows for fairly exact dispensing of the product, while preventing
spillage and waste of the product.
Bag with Curved and Full Perforations
[0031] FIGS. 4-6 show an alternative embodiment of the invention.
In this embodiment, a bag 10a is illustrated, with like numbering
being used to show like parts from FIGS. 1-3. Bag 10a includes a
front panel 12 and a back panel 14. As shown, front and back panels
12,14 are flat to demonstrate their respective shapes before being
filled with product. Front panel 12 and back panel 14 share a first
end portion 16 and a second end portion 18.
[0032] Front panel 12 and back panel 14 further share a first side
portion 20 and a second side portion 22. First and second end
portions 16, 18 and first and second side portions 20, 22 present
respective outermost edges 24a-d, which define an outer boundary or
periphery 26 of the bag 10a. Outermost edges 24a and 24b oppose,
and are substantially parallel to, one another, while outermost
edges 24c and 24d oppose, and are substantially parallel to, one
another. Furthermore, outermost edges 24c and 24d are substantially
perpendicular to outermost edges 24a and 24b.
[0033] Each of the first and second end portions 16, 18 intersects
with first and second side portions 20, 22 at corners 28a-d. Front
and back panels 12, 14, first and second end portions 16, 18, and
first and second side portions 20, 22 cooperate to form a chamber
for holding a pourable product.
[0034] First end portion 16 comprises a first horizontal seam 30
spaced apart from outermost edge 24a, thus forming a flap 32 in
first end portion 16. First horizontal seam 30 has a thickness of
from about 1/16 inch to about 1/4 inch (and more preferably about
1/8 inch) and is substantially parallel to outermost edge 24a. Flap
32 comprises a handle 34 formed therein. Handle 34 comprises a
patch 36 that is heat-sealed to the flap 32. Patch 36 could be
heat-sealed on either side of the flap 32 (i.e., on front panel 12
or on back panel 14), or on both sides if extra strength is
required. Patch 36 can be any material typically used for bags
carrying bulk products, including plastics such as linear low
density polyethylenes (LLPDE). A C-shaped grip 38 is formed through
patch 36 and flap 32 to form an opening, through which a user may
place his or her fingers during carrying, pouring, etc.
[0035] Outmost edge 24a of first end portion 16 is bisected by
centerline 40 (see FIG. 4). In a preferred embodiment, handle 34 is
positioned such that some portion of the grip 38 falls upon the
centerline 40. Also, while it will be appreciated that the handle
34 is integrally formed with the bag 10a (and particularly with
flap 32) as described above, one may also substitute an integrally
formed handle with a separately formed handle that is then
physically attached to the bag 10a. Also, flap 32 could include a
small opening (not shown) in or around corner 28b to provide a
place for the user to place his or her finger during pouring to
assist with that process.
[0036] First end portion 16 also comprises a pouring spout 42,
preferably at corner 28a. In the preferred embodiment, the spout 42
comprises a first set of perforations 44, which allow for easy
opening of the spout 42 at the time of use.
[0037] As shown in the figures, perforations 44 are in the form of
a curved (i.e., non-linear) pattern rather than a straight line as
found in prior art bags. Perforations 44 intersect first horizontal
seam at point 45a and outermost edge 24c at point 45b approximately
(.+-.5.degree., preferably .+-.2.degree.) a 90.degree. angle. The
radius of curvature "R" (see FIG. 6) is preferably from about 3
inches to about 4 inches, and more preferably about 3.5 inches.
Furthermore, the radius of curvature "R" is measured at a point
that is set in from the corner of the bag, at distances D.sup.6 and
D.sup.7. This non-linear pattern allows product to be more easily
poured from open spout 42 as the opening is less prone to closing
up on itself. Furthermore, the offset radius of curvature shifts
the opening created by spout 42 downwardly towards the pourable
product, making the product more flowable from the bag.
Advantageously, this design results in an opening at spout 44 that
has a cross-sectional area of from about 4 in.sup.2, to about 31
in.sup.2, preferably from about 9 in.sup.2 to about 28 in.sup.2,
and more preferably from about 13 in.sup.2 to about 19 in.sup.2.
This design yields a bag that can be emptied 15-20% more quickly
than prior art bags.
[0038] As was true with bag 10, perforation 44 of bag 10a also
preferably includes a "starter split" 43 through first horizontal
seam 30. Starter split 43 is an area of weakness that renders
perforation 44 easier to tear. Unlike prior art bags, starter split
43 is actually present within first horizontal seam 30 so that the
seam 30 does not hinder tearing due to inherent perforation
weakness.
[0039] The bag 10a further comprises a second set of perforations
52 in front and back panels 12, 14. Perforations 52 provide an area
where the front and back panels 12, 14 can be separated, creating
an alternative, or additional, opening for pouring of product from
the bag 10a. Ideally, perforations 52 form a pattern that is linear
in nature, and substantially parallel to outermost edges 24a, 24b
and substantially perpendicular to outermost edges 24c, 24d. The
figures depict perforations 52 extending from outermost edge 24c to
outermost edge 24d, however, in some embodiments, the perforations
52 do not extend entirely across the width "W" of the front and
back panels 12, 14. However, it is preferred that the perforations
52 extend at least about 50% of "W," preferably at least about 75%
of "W," and more preferably about 100% of "W." Furthermore,
although the figures show the perforations 52 at a distance "D"
from outermost edge 24b, it will be appreciated that the
perforations 52 can be positioned anywhere along the length
"L.sup.1" of the front and back panels 12, 14, provided
perforations 52 are at least about 0.5 inches, and preferably at
least about 1 inch, from first horizontal seam 30 and outermost
edge 24b. The second set of perforations 52 provide a "total dump"
option to the user, when a spout 42 is not needed or desired.
[0040] The bag 10a also preferably has a side panel 54. Side panel
54 is essentially a lay-flat fold whose width is defined by a turn
axis 56. Side panel 54 allows for expansion of the bag upon filling
with the pourable product.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 6, several dimensions of the inventive bag
10a have been defined. The ranges for those dimensions are shown in
Table 2.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Preferred Bag Dimensions Dimension Broad
Range Preferred Range Most Preferred Range from FIG. 3 (inches)
(inches) (inches) L about 20 to about 35 about 24 to about 30 about
26 to about 28 W about 10 to about 24 about 14 to about 20 about 15
to about 18 D.sup.1 about 5 to about 8 about 5.5 to about 7.5 about
5.8 to about 7 D.sup.2 about 4.5 to about 7 about 5 to about 6.5
about 5 to about 6 D.sup.3 about 2 to about 3.5 about 2.2 to about
3 about 2.4 to about 2.8 D.sup.4 about 2.5 to about 5.5 about 3 to
about 5 about 3.7 to about 4.5 D.sup.5 about 2 to about 4 about 2.5
to about 4.5 about 2.9 to about 3.2 D.sup.6 about 0.25 to about 2
about 0.75 to about 1.25 about 1 D.sup.7 about 0.1 to about 0.75
about 0.2 to about 0.5 about 0.375 D.sup.8 about 0.5 to about 10
about 2 to about 8 about 4 to about 7 L.sup.1 about 17 to about 30
about 20 to about 28 about 22 to about 26 D.sup.1/D.sup.2** about
0.8 to about 1.7 about 1 to about 1.5 about 1.1 to about 1.3
L/D.sup.1** about 2 to about 5 about 3 to about 4.5 about 3.5 to
about 4 W/D.sup.2** about 1.5 to about 5 about 2 to about 4 about
2.5 to about 3 L.sup.1/D.sup.8* about 2 to about 15 about 2 to
about 10 about 3 to about 7 **Unitless
[0042] As was true with the first embodiment (bag 10), the
inventive bag 10a can be manufactured by various methods, but the
preferred method is described herein. First, a tube or sleeve of
plastic is cut to the desired length (represented by "L" in FIG.
6). The plastic of which the inventive bag is formed can be any
material typically used to form bags carrying bulk products. The
plastic should be flexible and stretchable so that the bag
collapses as the bulk product is poured from the bag. Preferably,
the plastic of which the bag is formed stretches from about 1 to
about 2 times at yield, and more preferably about 1.5 times at
yield. Furthermore, it is preferred that the bag be formed of a
plastic that stretches at least about 4 times, preferably at least
about 5 times, and more preferably from about 5 to about 7 times at
its break point. Thus, the preferred plastic has an ASTM D882
percent elongation of from about 200% to about 800%, preferably
from about 400% to about 700%, and more preferably from about 500%
to about 650%. The thickness of the preferred plastic is from about
2 mil to about 14 mil, preferably from about 4 mil to about 10 mil,
and more preferably from about 6 mil to about 8 mil. The most
preferred material is LLDPE.
[0043] A heat seal is then applied at first end portion 16 in order
to form horizontal seam 30. A film (typically having a 10-mil
thickness) is heat-sealed to flap 32 to form patch 36. C-shaped
grip 38 is then cut (e.g., die-cut) through the patch 36 and flap
32, thus forming handle 34, which serves as the primary carrying
handle. The perforations 44 and 52 can be added at this time
according to conventional methods.
[0044] The manufactured bag can then be stored until needed, or
immediately filled and sealed. Either way, after the bag 10a is
filled to the desired level, a final heat seal is applied at second
end portion 18 to create second horizontal seam 58, making the
filled bag 10a ready for distribution. It will be appreciated that
the inventive bag 10a can be used to transport and store numerous
types of pourable products, including cubes, pellets, tablets,
powders, compacted pieces, and/or granules of those selected from
the group consisting of: salt (e.g., water softening, pool
treatment, deicing, etc.); animal food (e.g., bird seed, grain, dog
or cat food); bulk flour or sugar; cement; seed (e.g., grass seed)
and other lawn and garden products; fertilizers; ice; sand; rice;
spices; soil (including soil mixtures); pesticides (e.g., fire ant
treatments); industrial chemicals; mortar; plaster; marble dust;
stones (including pebbles and gravel); and constructions products.
Such products will typically cause the bags to weigh from about 20
lbs. to about 100 lbs., and more typically from about 40 lbs. to
about 60 lbs.
[0045] It will be appreciated that the present invention provides
the user for more than one option for removing the product from the
bag. In use and before pouring, one option allows a user to tear
corner 28a at perforations 44 in order to remove (or at least
partially remove) corner 28a at spout 42. This forms an opening at
spout 42, rendering spout 42 ready for pouring. This controlled
pouring allows for fairly exact dispensing of the product, while
preventing spillage and waste of the product.
[0046] Another option allows a user to tear the front and back
panels 12, 14 at perforations 52 in order to separate (or at least
partially separate) strip 60 from the remainder 62 of bag 10a. It
will be appreciated that this allows for easy pouring of the
product from the bag 10a. This controlled pouring allows for fairly
exact dispensing of the product, while preventing spillage and
waste of the product. This type of opening is particularly
advantageous in situations where the bag is being poured into a
large opening. The user can just lay the bag on top of the large
opening and use both hands to tear perforations 52 and separate
strip 60 from remainder 62, thus avoiding the need to hold and tilt
a heavy bag during product removal.
[0047] As yet a further option, the user could tear both the
perforations 44 and the perforations 52 to form two openings, and
use both openings to remove the product from the bag. It will be
appreciated that these options allow the end user to select the
best option for his/her particular use, environment, strength,
etc.
[0048] Regardless of whether the inventive bag is provided as bag
10 or bag 10a, it should include a number of features and
properties that give it advantages over the prior art. For example,
perforations 44 and 52 should tear easily at the time of use, but
at the same time should be sufficiently strong that they do not
tear before desired, thus allowing spilling of the product.
[0049] Additionally, the inventive bags 10, 10a must be sturdy
enough not to be damaged upon dropping. More specifically, the bags
10, 10a should pass a six-sided drop test.
* * * * *