U.S. patent application number 15/116781 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-01 for dual-layered bag with fines separator.
The applicant listed for this patent is EXOPACK, LLC. Invention is credited to S. Cory Blanton, Morris Brown, Lani Craddock, Kara DeBorde, Barry Grant, Dave Long, Cory VanLoocke.
Application Number | 20160347508 15/116781 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53778446 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160347508 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
VanLoocke; Cory ; et
al. |
December 1, 2016 |
DUAL-LAYERED BAG WITH FINES SEPARATOR
Abstract
A bag or package which can separate and retain fines or
particles filtered from the contents of the bag or package is
disclosed. The bag or package may be dual-layered. The inner layer,
or second layer, may include one or more grates, holes, mesh
portions, openings, perforations, or slits disposed in one or more
surfaces of the second layer. The openings can filter fines or
particles from the contents of the second layer into a gap or
pocket formed between a portion of the inner layer and the outer
layer, or first layer. Alternatively, the bag or package may be
single layered and include a septum in its interior. The septum can
have one or more openings that filter fines or particles from the
contents of the bag into a gap or pocket.
Inventors: |
VanLoocke; Cory;
(Spartanburg, SC) ; Blanton; S. Cory;
(Spartanburg, SC) ; Brown; Morris; (Spartanburg,
SC) ; Craddock; Lani; (Spartanburg, SC) ;
DeBorde; Kara; (Spartanburg, SC) ; Grant; Barry;
(Spartanburg, SC) ; Long; Dave; (Spartanburg,
SC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
EXOPACK, LLC |
Spartanburg |
SC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53778446 |
Appl. No.: |
15/116781 |
Filed: |
February 5, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
February 5, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2015/014635 |
371 Date: |
August 4, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61936212 |
Feb 5, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 33/01 20130101;
B65D 31/04 20130101; B65D 31/10 20130101; B65D 33/004 20130101;
B65D 31/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 33/01 20060101
B65D033/01; B65D 33/00 20060101 B65D033/00; B65D 30/18 20060101
B65D030/18; B65D 30/08 20060101 B65D030/08; B65D 30/20 20060101
B65D030/20 |
Claims
1. A dual-layered bag, comprising: a first layer comprising a first
wall, and a second wall, wherein the first wall and the second wall
cooperate to define at least a portion of a first cavity; a second
layer comprising a first wall, and a second wall, wherein the first
wall and the second wall cooperate to define at least a portion of
a second cavity, wherein the second layer is disposed within the
first cavity, wherein the second layer is coupled to the first
layer, and wherein a bottom portion of the second layer comprises a
plurality of openings.
2. The dual-layered bag of claim 1, further comprising: a pocket
positioned between an outside surface of the bottom portion of the
second layer and an inside surface of a bottom portion of the first
layer.
3. The dual-layered bag of claim 2, wherein the pocket is
configured to capture fines that pass from the second cavity
through the plurality of openings.
4. The dual-layered bag of claim 1, wherein the openings comprise
one-way perforations.
5. The dual-layered bag of claim 4, wherein the one-way
perforations are substantially V-shaped.
6. The dual-layered bag of claim 4, wherein the one-way
perforations are substantially semicircular.
7. The dual-layered bag of claim 1, wherein the openings comprise
slits.
8. The dual-layered bag of claim 1, wherein the bottom portion of
the second layer comprises a mesh portion.
9. A dual-layered bag, comprising: a first layer and a second
layer, wherein both the first layer and the second layer comprise:
a first wall comprising a first end, a first lateral end, and a
second lateral end, wherein the first end is coupled to a first end
of a third wall; a second wall comprising a first end, a first
lateral end, and a second lateral end, wherein the first end is
coupled to a second end of the third wall; a first gusset extending
from the first lateral end of the first wall to the first lateral
end of the second wall; and a second gusset extending from the
second lateral end of the first wall to the second lateral end of
the second wall, wherein the first wall, the second wall, the first
gusset, the second gusset, and the third wall cooperate to define
at least a portion of a cavity in the interior of both the first
layer and the second layer; wherein the third wall of the second
layer comprises a plurality of openings, wherein the second layer
is coupled to the first layer, and wherein the second layer is
disposed within the cavity of the first layer.
10. The dual-layered bag of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of
dimensions of the second layer are smaller than at least a portion
of dimensions of the first layer.
11. The dual-layered bag of claim 9, further comprising: a pocket
between an outside surface of the third wall of the second layer
and an inside surface of the third wall of the first layer.
12. The dual-layered bag of claim 11, wherein the pocket is
configured to capture fines that pass through the plurality of
openings in the third wall of the second layer from the cavity of
the second layer.
13. The dual-layered bag of claim 9, wherein the openings comprise
one-way perforations.
14. The dual-layered bag of claim 13, wherein the one-way
perforations comprise distal portions, wherein the distal portions
are configured to extend below the plane of the third wall of the
second layer forming the openings in the third wall of the second
layer.
15-16. (canceled)
17. A dual-layered package, comprising: a first package; and a
second package disposed within the first package, wherein the
second package is configured to filter particles of less than a
predetermined size from contents of the second package, and wherein
the first package is configured to capture the filtered
particles.
18. The dual-layered package of claim 17, wherein upon pouring of
at least a portion of the filtered contents from the second
package, the first package is configured to retain the filtered
particles.
19. The dual-layered package of claim 18, wherein both the first
package and the second package are substantially flexible.
20. The dual-layered package of claim 18, wherein both the first
package and the second package are substantially rigid.
21. The dual-layered package of claim 18, wherein the first package
is substantially flexible and the second package is substantially
rigid.
22. The dual-layered package of claim 18, wherein the first package
is substantially rigid and the second package is substantially
flexible.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/936,212 entitled DUAL-LAYERED BAG WITH
FINES SEPARATOR, filed on Feb. 5, 2014, which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to bags, and more
particularly to bags, including dual-layered bags, that may filter
fines from contents of the bags, as discussed more fully
herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The written disclosure herein describes illustrative
embodiments that are non-limiting and non-exhaustive. Reference is
made to certain of such illustrative embodiments that are depicted
in the figures, in which:
[0004] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a
dual-layered bag.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first layer of the
dual-layered bag of FIG. 1 in an open or unsealed
configuration.
[0006] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second layer of the
dual-layered bag of FIG. 1 in an open or unsealed
configuration.
[0007] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a bottom portion of the
second layer of FIG. 3.
[0008] FIG. 5 is a perspective detail view of a portion of the
second layer of FIG. 4 taken through line 5.
[0009] FIG. 6 is a perspective detail view of a portion of another
embodiment of a second layer, similar to that illustrated in FIG.
5.
[0010] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment
of a dual-layered bag.
[0011] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a second
layer and a first layer prior to disposition of the second layer
into a cavity of the first layer.
[0012] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the second layer and the
first layer of FIG. 8A subsequent to disposition of the second
layer into the cavity of the first layer.
[0013] FIG. 8C is a perspective view of the first layer and the
second layer of FIG. 8B during formation of a seam.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
dual-layered bag.
[0015] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a bag
comprising a septum layer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Embodiments of the disclosure may be best understood by
reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by
like numerals throughout. It will be readily understood that the
components of the present disclosure, as generally described and
illustrated in the drawings herein, could be arranged and designed
in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following
more detailed description of the embodiments is not intended to
limit the scope of the disclosure, but is merely representative of
possible embodiments of the disclosure. In some cases, well-known
structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in
detail. While the various aspects of the embodiments are presented
in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless
specifically indicated.
[0017] As further discussed below, certain features, apparatus, and
methods disclosed herein can be applied suitably to various bag or
packaging formats. For example, a variety of bag formats or styles
may be used. In certain embodiments, the bag may comprise a
gusseted pinch-bottom bag configuration, a non-gusseted
pinch-bottom bag configuration, a flat bottom, a folded bottom,
other various pinch bottom configurations, a non-pinch straight
heat-sealed bottom, and various self-opening sack (SOS)
configurations. In various embodiments, the bag may also be
described as having a pouch configuration.
[0018] FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a dual-layered bag 100,
according to the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the bag
100 can comprise a first layer 110 and a second layer 120. Both the
first layer 110 and the second layer 120 can each comprise a bottom
portion 112, 122, respectively. The bottom portion may also be
referred to as a third wall in some embodiments. The bottom portion
112 of the first layer 110 can be configured as a bottom of the bag
100. Directional terms, such as "front," "rear," "bottom," etc.,
are used herein with respect to the orientation shown in FIGS.
1-10. The terms are used for the sake of convenience and are not
necessarily intended to be limiting.
[0019] The first layer 110 can comprise a first wall 114, a second
wall 115, a first gusset 116, and a second gusset 117. The first
wall 114, second wall 115, first gusset 116, and second gusset 117
can cooperate to define at least a portion of a first cavity 111 in
the interior of the first layer 110. Likewise, the second layer 120
can comprise a first wall 124, a second wall 125, a first gusset
126, and a second gusset 127; wherein the first wall 124, second
wall 125, first gusset 126, and second gusset 127 cooperate to
define at least a portion of a second cavity 121 in the interior of
the second layer 120. The second cavity 121 may be configured to
receive and retain a loose bulk product, such as a pet food
product. Other contents of the second cavity 121 are also within
the scope of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the first layer
110 may be comprised of a material suitable to act as a barrier
layer to preserve the contents retained within the bag 100. In
other embodiments, the first layer 110 and/or the second layer 120
may be comprised of a material that does not serve as a barrier
layer. Embodiments wherein the first layer 110 comprises a
different material than that of the second layer 120 are also
contemplated.
[0020] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the second layer 120 can be
disposed or positioned within the first cavity 111. Additionally,
the second layer 120 may be coupled to the first layer 110. As
stated above, the second layer 120 can further comprise a bottom
portion 122, or third wall, wherein the bottom portion 122
comprises at least one opening 130, and in many embodiments, a
plurality of openings 130.
[0021] In another embodiment of a dual-layered bag, the bag may be
non-gusseted. For example, a dual-layered bag may comprise a first
layer, similar to first layer 110, wherein the first layer
comprises a first wall, similar to first wall 114, and a second
wall, similar to second wall 115, and wherein the first wall and
the second wall may cooperate to define at least a portion of a
first cavity, similar to first cavity 111. The dual-layered bag may
further comprise a second layer, similar to second layer 120,
wherein the second layer comprises a first wall, similar to first
wall 124, and a second wall, similar to second wall 125, and
wherein the first wall and the second wall may cooperate to define
at least a portion of a second cavity, similar to second cavity
121. Further, the second layer may be disposed or positioned in the
first cavity, and the second layer may be coupled to the first
layer.
[0022] In certain embodiments, a bottom portion of the second
layer, similar to bottom portion 122, may comprise one or more
openings, similar to openings 130. The openings may be arranged in
a series of substantially evenly-spaced rows that extend over
substantially the entire area of the bottom portion. Alternatively,
the openings may be disposed only on a part of the bottom portion,
and/or the openings may be arranged in arcs, circles, waves,
irregular or substantially random patterns, and/or other suitable
formats or patterns. In some embodiments, openings of uniform size
and/or shape may be present, or alternatively, openings of various
sizes and/or shapes may be present in a mixture. Additionally, the
position of the openings may not be limited or restricted to the
bottom portion. For example, the openings may also be disposed on
at least a portion of one or more of the first wall, second wall,
first gusset, and/or second gusset. In another example, the
openings may be disposed on at least a portion of one or more of
the first wall, second wall, first gusset, and/or second gusset
instead of the bottom portion. The openings may be a series of
one-way perforations, wherein the perforations are substantially
semicircular or U-shaped, V-shaped, square, rectangular, or
otherwise suitably shaped. In other embodiments, the openings may
comprise a series of grates, holes, and/or slits. The openings may
also comprise one or more mesh portions.
[0023] In yet another embodiment, a dual-layered bag may comprise a
first layer, similar to first layer 110, and a second layer,
similar to the second layer 120, wherein the first layer and the
second layer share one or more walls, similar to first and second
walls 114, 115, 124, 125, and/or one or more gussets, similar to
first and second gussets 116, 117, 126, 127. For example, the first
layer may comprise a first wall, a second wall, a first gusset, and
a second gusset that cooperate to define at least a portion of a
first cavity, similar to first cavity 111, in the interior of the
first layer. The second layer, however, may only comprise a first
wall, a first gusset, and a second gusset that cooperate with the
second wall of the first layer to define at least a portion of a
second cavity, similar to second cavity 121, in the interior of the
second layer. The second layer may be coupled to an inside surface
of the second wall of the first layer, or the second layer may be
integrally formed with the second wall of the first layer.
Additionally, a bottom portion of the second layer, similar to
bottom portion 122, may comprise one or more openings, similar to
openings 130.
[0024] Dual-layered bags, wherein the first layer and the second
layer share one or more walls may also be non-gusseted or adapted
for other suitable bag or package formats. In another example, the
second layer may share a first wall and a first gusset with the
first layer. Other combinations wherein the first and second layers
share more than two walls and/or gussets are also contemplated.
Such embodiments may require the use of less starting material
and/or may be easier to manufacture than other dual-layered bag
embodiments wherein the first and second layers do not share one or
more walls and/or gussets.
[0025] Referring again to FIG. 1, the bag 100 can also include a
pocket or gap 140 disposed or positioned between an outside surface
of the bottom portion 122 of the second layer 120, and an inside
surface of the bottom portion 112 of the first layer 110. A
non-gusseted bag, as described above, may also comprise a similar
pocket or gap. The disclosed pocket may be smaller or larger than
the pocket 140 illustrated in FIG. 1. Pockets or gaps of various
shapes and/or sizes are within the scope of this disclosure. For
example, the dimensions of the first layer 110 and the second layer
120 may be substantially similar such that only a narrow or small
pocket 140 is formed upon disposition of the second layer 120
within the first layer 110. In other embodiments, the pocket may be
disposed at a position other than between the outside surface of
the bottom portion 122 of the second layer 120, and an inside
surface of the bottom portion 112 of the first layer 110. For
example, the pocket may be disposed between two walls and/or two
gussets. In yet other embodiments, the pocket may be configured to
stabilize or support the first layer 110 and/or the second layer
120. For example, the pocket 140 may comprise one or more rigid
and/or stiff support members (not shown) that may act to maintain a
gap between the first layer 110 and the second layer 120 at the
position of the pocket 140.
[0026] The pocket 140 may be configured to capture fines or grains
that pass from the second cavity 121 through the plurality of
openings 130. As used herein, the term "fines" may refer to
crushed, granulated, or powdered material. In some embodiments,
"fines" may comprise small bits, grains, or particles in a mixture
of various sizes. For example, the contents of the bag 100 may
comprise a pet food product. The pet food product may at least
partially break, break down, chip, or crumble, generating small
grains or fines. These fines may be small enough to pass through
the openings 130 while the non-granulated pet food product may be
too large to pass through the openings 130. A pet food product
consumer may desire that the fines remain captured or retained in
the bag 100 so as to decrease mess creation during pouring and/or
to avoid feeding the fines to a pet.
[0027] In some embodiments, the bag 100 may be configured to stand
upright. In other words, the bag 100 may be capable of standing on
its own. The bag 100 may also be substantially capable of
maintaining its structural conformation. In certain embodiments,
the bottom portion 112 of the first layer 110 may serve as a base
on which the bag 100 rests. The first wall 114, second wall 115,
first gusset 116, and second gusset 117 may extend upwardly from
the bottom portion 112. The first wall 114, second wall 115, first
gusset 116, and second gusset 117 may also be attached or otherwise
directly coupled to the bottom portion 112. In other embodiments,
one or more of the first wall 114, second wall 115, first gusset
116, and second gusset 117 may be integrally formed with the bottom
portion 112. Similar arrangements and configurations may also apply
to the second layer 120 (e.g., the first wall 124, second wall 125,
first gusset 126, and second gusset 127 may extend upwardly from
the bottom portion 122).
[0028] It may be appreciated that the gussets 116, 117, 126, 127
may serve various functions. For example, the gussets 116, 117,
126, 127 may comprise a creased, folded, or pleated piece of
material that is configured to transition from a flattened state to
an expanded state. The gussets 116, 117, 126, 127 may also be
configured to permit portions of the walls 114, 115, 124, 125 to be
spaced apart from each other as shown in the configuration depicted
in FIG. 1. The gussets 116, 117, 126, 127 may also provide
structural integrity to the bag 100. For example, in FIG. 1, the
first and second gussets 116, 117 extend from the first wall 114
and the second wall 115. Stated otherwise, the first and second
gussets 116, 117 can be attached or otherwise directly coupled with
each of the first and second walls 114, 115. The attachment of the
first and second gussets 116, 117 to the first and second walls
114, 115 may provide relative rigidity and assist in maintaining
the structural integrity of the bag 100.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first layer 110 of the
dual-layered bag. As depicted, the first layer 110 can comprise a
first wall 114, a second wall 115, a first gusset 116, and a second
gusset 117. The first wall 114, second wall 115, first gusset 116,
and second gusset 117 can cooperate to define at least a portion of
a first cavity 111 in the interior of the first layer 110. As
illustrated, the first layer 110 is in an open or unsealed
configuration and the second layer is not disposed in the cavity
111 of the first layer 110. The open or unsealed first layer 110,
as illustrated, may be formed during assembly or manufacture of the
dual-layered bag 100 such that the second layer may be disposed
within at least a portion of the first cavity 111 of the first
layer 110. In other embodiments, a first layer may be non-gusseted.
For example, a first wall and a second wall may cooperate to define
at least a portion of a first cavity in the interior of the
non-gusseted first layer. Other configurations of a first layer of
a dual-layered bag may also be used.
[0030] A perspective view of the second layer 120 of the
dual-layered bag is depicted in FIG. 3. As illustrated, the second
layer 120 can comprise a first wall 124, a second wall 125, a first
gusset 126, and a second gusset 127. The first wall 124, second
wall 125, first gusset 126, and second gusset 127 can cooperate to
define at least a portion of a second cavity 121 in the interior of
the second layer 120. The second layer 120 is shown in an open or
unsealed configuration and the second layer 120 is not disposed in
the first layer. The second layer 120 can further include a bottom
portion 122, wherein the bottom portion 122 comprises one or more
openings 130. As described above, a variety of openings 130
arranged in different patterns and of different configurations,
shapes, and/or sizes are within the scope of this disclosure. The
open or unsealed second layer 120 may be formed during assembly or
manufacture of the dual-layered bag so that the second layer 120
may be disposed within at least a portion of the first cavity of
the first layer, and/or so that the second layer 120 is configured
to receive and retain contents or products. In other embodiments, a
second layer may be non-gusseted. For example, a first wall and a
second wall may cooperate to define at least a portion of a second
cavity in the interior of the non-gusseted second layer. As
disclosed above, in some embodiments, the first and second layers
may also share one or more walls and/or gussets.
[0031] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second layer 120 of the
bag showing the bottom portion 122, or third wall, of the second
layer 120. As depicted, the bottom portion 122 may comprise a
plurality of openings 130. The number of openings 130 may vary from
that depicted in the illustrated embodiment. For example, there may
be more or fewer openings 130 than are depicted in FIG. 4. Further,
the pattern of openings 130 may vary from that depicted in the
illustrated embodiment. For example, the openings 130 of FIG. 4 are
arranged in a series of substantially evenly-spaced rows that
extend over substantially the entire area of the bottom portion
122. In certain embodiments, the openings may be disposed only on a
part of the bottom portion, and/or the openings may not be arranged
in rows (e.g., the openings may be arranged irregularly, or in a
substantially random pattern). Additionally, the size and/or shape
of the openings 130 may vary from that depicted in the illustrated
embodiment. For example, the openings may comprise V-shaped,
U-shaped, square, rectangular, or otherwise suitably shaped
perforations. Alternatively, the openings may comprise grates,
holes, slits, and/or mesh portions. Openings of various sizes
and/or shapes may also be present in a mixture on the bottom
portion 122. In certain embodiments, the position of the openings
may not be limited or restricted to the bottom portion. For
example, the openings may be additionally disposed on at least a
portion of one or more of the first wall, second wall, first
gusset, and/or second gusset. Alternatively, the openings may be
disposed on at least a portion of one or more of the first wall,
second wall, first gusset, and/or second gusset instead of the
bottom portion.
[0032] FIG. 5 is a perspective detail view of a portion of the
second layer 120 of FIG. 4 taken through line 5. The openings 130
in the bottom portion 122 of the illustrated embodiment are
depicted as a series of one-way perforations that are substantially
V-shaped. The one-way perforations, as depicted, comprise a flap
134 coupled to the bottom portion 122 via a hinge 136. The hinges
136 are configured to dispose or fold the flaps 134 in one
direction. The described configuration may make it easier for fines
to travel through the one-way perforations in a first direction
(i.e., from the second cavity to the pocket) than in a second
direction (i.e., from the pocket to the second cavity). As shown,
the openings 130 can comprise distal portions 132, wherein the
distal portions 132 are configured to extend below a plane of the
bottom portion 122 of the second layer 120. As shown, the distal
portions 132 may appear to extend above the plane of the bottom
portion 122 of the second layer 120; however, this is due to the
orientation of the perspective view depicted in FIG. 5.
[0033] FIG. 6 is a perspective detail view of a portion of a second
layer 220, similar to second layer 120. In the illustrated
embodiment, a bottom portion 222 comprises a plurality of openings
230. As shown, the openings 230 are a series of one-way
perforations, wherein the perforations are substantially
semicircular or U-shaped. Other embodiments of the openings are
also within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the openings
may comprise a series of slits. In other embodiments, at least a
part of the bottom portion of the second layer may comprise a mesh
or mesh portion. The openings may be configured such that passage
of fines of less than a predetermined size are allowed or permitted
passage through the openings, while particles of greater than a
predetermined size are restricted or not allowed passage through
the openings. The size of the openings may be determined or
designed according to the intended contents of the bag.
[0034] FIG. 7 depicts a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment
of a dual-layered bag 300 that can resemble the dual-layered bag
100 described above in certain respects. Accordingly, like features
are designated with like reference numerals, with the leading
digits incremented to "3." Relevant disclosure set forth above
regarding similarly identified features thus may not be repeated
hereafter. Moreover, specific features of the bag 300 may not be
shown or identified by a reference numeral in the drawings or
specifically discussed in the written description that follows.
However, such features may clearly be the same, or substantially
the same, as features depicted in other embodiments and/or
described with respect to such embodiments. Accordingly, the
relevant descriptions of such features apply equally to the
features of the bag 300. Any suitable combination of the features
and variations of the same described with respect to the bag 100
can be employed with the bag 300, and vice versa. This pattern of
disclosure applies equally to further embodiments depicted in
subsequent figures and described hereafter, wherein the leading
digits may be further incremented.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 7, the bag 300 can comprise a first layer
310 and a second layer 320. Both the first layer 310 and the second
layer 320 can comprise a bottom portion 312, 322, respectively. The
first layer 310 can comprise a first wall 314 and a second wall
315. The first wall 314 and second wall 315 can cooperate to define
at least a portion of a first cavity 311 in the interior of the
first layer 310. Likewise, the second layer 320 can comprise a
first wall 324 and a second wall 325, wherein the first wall 324
and the second wall 325 can cooperate to define at least a portion
of a second cavity 321 in the interior of the second layer 320. The
second cavity 321 may be configured to receive and retain a loose
bulk product 350, such as a pet food product. Other contents of the
second cavity 321 are also within the scope of this disclosure.
[0036] As illustrated, the second layer 320 can be disposed within
at least a portion of the first cavity 311. Additionally, the
second layer 320 may be coupled to the first layer 310. The second
layer 320 can further comprise the bottom portion 322, wherein the
bottom portion 322 comprises a plurality of openings 330. As shown,
the openings 330 comprise a plurality of one-way perforations
configured to allow or permit passage of fines 355 of less than a
predetermined size. As noted above, a variety of openings 330
comprising different shapes and/or sizes and arranged in a variety
of patterns are also within the scope of this disclosure.
[0037] With continued reference to FIG. 7, the bag 300 can also
include a pocket or gap 340 disposed or positioned between an
outside surface of the bottom portion 322 of the second layer 320
and an inside surface of the bottom portion 312 of the first layer
310. The pocket 340 may be configured to capture and or retain
fines 355 that pass from the second cavity 321 through the
plurality of openings 330. The openings 330 may be further
configured such that the fines 355 captured or retained in the
pocket 340 are to some degree, or to a substantial degree,
prevented or restricted from passing from the pocket 340 through
the openings 330 and into the second cavity 321.
[0038] FIGS. 8A-8C show various views of an embodiment of a method
of assembly or manufacture of the dual-layered bag 400. FIG. 8A
depicts the first layer 410 and the second layer 420 prior to the
disposition of the second layer 420 within at least a portion of
the first cavity 411. As shown, at least a portion of dimensions of
the second layer 420 can be smaller than at least a portion of
dimensions of the first layer 410. For example, both a width
W.sub.2 and a height H.sub.2 of the first wall 424 of the second
layer 420 may be less than both a width W.sub.1 and height H.sub.1,
respectively, of the first wall 414 of the first layer 410. The
arrow indicates that the second layer 420 may be disposed or
positioned into at least a portion of the first cavity 411. FIG. 8B
depicts the second layer 420 disposed in at least a portion of the
first cavity 411. As shown, the bottom portion 422 of the second
layer 420 may not extend completely to or adjacent to the bottom
portion 412 of the first layer 410. Such a configuration can allow
for the formation or maintenance of a pocket 440, wherein the
pocket 440 is configured to capture and/or retain fines that filter
from the second cavity 421 through the plurality of openings 430.
FIG. 8C is a perspective view of the dual-layered bag 400. The
second layer 420 can be coupled to the first layer 410 at an upper
portion of the first layer 410. The arrow indicates that upper
portions of the first and second layers 410, 420 may be folded
and/or wrapped around one another so as to generate a seam or seal.
In certain embodiments, the second layer may be coupled to the
first layer at another position, for example, at a middle portion
of the first and/or second layers. The first and second layers 410,
420 may also be coupled at multiple positions. The first and second
layers 410, 420 may be coupled by a variety of mechanisms, for
example, by a seam. The seam may comprise a seal, such as a heat
seal. In other embodiments, the seals may be formed via adhesive,
ultrasonic welding, or any other suitable method. The seals may be
configured to close the dual-layered bag 400, and the seals may or
may not be airtight, liquid-tight, and/or hermetic.
[0039] Any variety of materials may be used to form the bag 400.
For example, in some instances, it may be desirable to select
materials that are relatively stiff such that the bag 400 is
sufficiently rigid to hold or maintain its structure or
conformation. It may also be desirous to form a bag 400 that is
relatively flexible.
[0040] In some embodiments, the first layer 410 and/or the second
layer 420 may comprise a single-layer film. In other embodiments,
the first layer 410 and/or the second layer 420 may comprise a
multi-layer film. As used herein, the term "film" refers to the
material of which the first layer 410 and/or the second layer 420
of the bag 400 may be formed, and may comprise both polymeric and
paper components as disclosed herein. The term "film" comprises
laminate, single-layer and multi-layer polymeric products, and may
comprise a fiber product. The first layer 410 and/or the second
layer 420 may also comprise a laminate or a coextruded material.
Exemplary materials that may be used in forming the first layer 410
and/or the second layer 420 include polyethylene polymers and
copolymers, polypropylene polymers and copolymers, polyester
polymers and copolymers, and/or polyamide polymers and copolymers.
In some embodiments, the first layer 410 and/or the second layer
420 may comprise paper and/or cardboard materials alone or in
combination with films, laminates, or coextruded materials. In
other embodiments, the first layer 410 and/or the second layer 420
may not include paper and/or cardboard materials. In some
embodiments, the first layer 410 and/or the second layer 420 may
comprise polylactic acid (PLA). In yet further embodiments, the
first layer 410 and/or the second layer 420 may include cellulose
materials such as cellophane. Other materials are also
contemplated.
[0041] In some embodiments, the material forming the first layer
410 and/or the second layer 420 can be chemically treated such as
to be grease-resistant. In further embodiments, the first layer 410
and/or the second layer 420 may comprise a substantially
grease-proof layer.
[0042] If desired, the bag 400 may also include printed indicia 405
of any suitable variety. The printed indicia 405 may be disposed on
any portion of the bag 400, such as the first wall 414, the second
wall 415, the first gusset 416, the second gusset 417, and/or the
bottom portion 412 of the first layer 410. In other embodiments,
the first layer may be substantially clear or transparent such that
printed indicia, similar to indicia 405, may be disposed on the
first wall, the second wall, the first gusset, the second gusset,
and/or the bottom portion of the second layer.
[0043] FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of another embodiment of a
bag or package 500 of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 9,
the package 500 can comprise a first layer 510 and a second layer
520. Both the first layer 510 and the second layer 520 can comprise
a third wall 512, 522, respectively. The third wall 512 of the
first layer 510 can be configured as a bottom of the package
500.
[0044] The first layer 510 can comprise a first wall 514, a second
wall 515, a first lateral wall 516, and a second lateral wall 517.
The first wall 514, second wall 515, first lateral wall 516, and
second lateral wall 517 can cooperate to define at least a portion
of a first cavity 511 in the interior of the first layer 510.
Likewise, the second layer 520 can comprise a first wall 524, a
second wall 525, a first lateral wall 526, and a second lateral
wall 527; wherein the first wall 524, second wall 525, first
lateral wall 526, and second lateral wall 527 cooperate to define
at least a portion of a second cavity 521 in the interior of the
second layer 520. The second cavity 521 may be configured to
receive and retain a loose bulk product. As described above, other
contents of the second cavity 521 are also within the scope of this
disclosure. In some embodiments, the first layer 510 may comprise a
different material than does the second layer 520.
[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the second layer 520 can be
disposed within at least a portion of the first cavity 511.
Additionally, the second layer 520 may be coupled to the first
layer 510. The second layer 520 can further comprise a third wall
522, wherein the third wall 522 comprises a plurality of openings
530. The illustrated openings 530 comprise a plurality of holes. In
some embodiments, the openings 530 may comprise a variety of
configurations, sizes, and/or shapes, as disclosed above.
[0046] The package 500 can also include a pocket or gap 540
disposed or positioned between an outside surface of the third wall
522 of the second layer 520 and an inside surface of the third wall
512 of the first layer 510. The pocket 540 may be configured to
capture fines that pass from the second cavity 521 through the
plurality of openings 530.
[0047] In certain embodiments, a dual-layered package 500 may
comprise a first layer 510, or first package, and a second layer
520, or second package, disposed within the first layer 510,
wherein the second layer 520 is configured to filter fines or
particles of less than a predetermined size from contents of the
second layer 520. Further, the first layer 510 may be configured to
capture and/or retain the filtered fines or particles. In some
embodiments, upon pouring of at least a portion of the filtered
contents from the second layer 520, the first layer 510 may be
configured to retain the filtered fines or particles. In various
embodiments, both the first layer 510 and the second layer 520 may
be substantially flexible. In other embodiments, both the first
layer 510 and the second layer 520 may be substantially rigid. In
yet other embodiments, one layer may be substantially rigid and the
other layer may be substantially flexible. For example, in the
package 500, the first layer 510 may be substantially rigid and the
second layer 520 may be substantially flexible, or vice versa.
[0048] FIG. 10 depicts another embodiment of a bag 600. As shown in
FIG. 10, the bag 600 can comprise a first wall 614, a second wall
615, a first gusset 616, and a second gusset 617. The first wall
614, second wall 615, first gusset 616, and second gusset 617 can
cooperate to define at least a portion of a cavity 611 in the
interior of the bag 600. The bag 600 may be configured to receive
and retain a loose bulk product, such as a pet food product. As
stated above, other contents of the bag 600 are also within the
scope of this disclosure. The bag 600 can further comprise a septum
layer 645, wherein the septum layer 645 comprises a plurality of
openings 630, similar to the variety of openings described above.
The septum layer 645 may be attached or directly coupled to at
least one of the first wall 614, second wall 615, first gusset 616,
and second gusset 617. In some embodiments, the septum layer 645
may be integrally formed with at least one of the first wall 614,
second wall 615, first gusset 616, and second gusset 617. Rigid or
flexible septum layers 645 are also contemplated.
[0049] In another embodiment of a bag comprising a septum layer,
like septum layer 645, the bag may be non-gusseted. For example,
the bag may comprise a first wall, like first wall 614, and a
second wall, like second wall 615, wherein the first wall and the
second wall may cooperate to define at least a portion of a first
cavity, like cavity 611.
[0050] Referring again to FIG. 10, the bag 600 can also include a
pocket or gap 640 disposed or positioned between a lower surface of
the septum layer 645 and an upper surface of a bottom portion 612
of the bag 600. A non-gusseted bag, as described above, may also
comprise a similar pocket or gap. The pocket 640 may be configured,
as described for other embodiments, to capture fines or grains that
pass from the cavity 611 through the plurality of openings 630. In
certain embodiments, a septum layer, similar to septum layer 645,
may be disposed along one or more of the walls and/or gussets of a
bag, similar to bag 600. For example, the septum layer may be
attached or integrally formed with one or more of the first wall
614, the second wall 615, the bottom portion 612, and/or a top
portion 613 to form a pocket or gap, similar to pocket 640,
disposed or positioned between a first surface of the septum layer
and an inner surface of the first or second gusset 616, 617.
[0051] As can be appreciated, the bag can be shorter than what is
depicted in FIGS. 1-10. For example, in some embodiments, a ratio
of the height of a bag to its width can be less than, or greater
than, what is shown in FIGS. 1-10. Other relative configurations
are also contemplated.
[0052] In various embodiments, the bag may be configured as a
stand-alone package. For example, the bag may be capable of
standing on its own, and may be presented independently or
individually on a market shelf. In other embodiments, multiple bags
may be packaged together, such as in shrink-wrap packaging. In
still other or further embodiments, one or multiple bags may be
packaged in a box.
[0053] Although much of the foregoing disclosure is discussed in
the context of packaging for loose bulk items, it should be
appreciated that embodiments of bags disclosed herein may be used
for other items. The bags may be formed in a variety of sizes and
configurations. In some instances, some variations in addition to
size may exist between the smaller and larger format bags. For
example, in some embodiments, larger format bags may be formed of a
stiffer material. The stiffer material may aid in maintaining the
bag shape and allowing the bag to stand on its own. The stiffer
material also may aid in maintaining the opening in an open state,
as a width of the opening can be bigger for the larger format
packages. Other alterations are also possible, such as omitting or
including various seams or seals and/or, where seams or seals are
present, increasing or decreasing a width of each seam or seal.
[0054] Any methods disclosed herein comprise one or more steps or
actions for performing the described method. The method steps
and/or actions may be interchanged with one another. In other
words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for
proper operation of the embodiment, the order and/or use of
specific steps and/or actions may be modified.
[0055] References to approximations are made throughout this
specification, such as by use of one or more of the terms "about,"
"approximately," "substantially," and "generally." For each such
reference, it is to be understood that, in some embodiments, the
value, feature, or characteristic may be specified without
approximation. For example, where such a qualifier is used, the
term includes within its scope the qualified word in the absence of
the qualifier.
[0056] Reference throughout this specification to "an embodiment"
or "the embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or
characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the quoted phrases, or
variations thereof, as recited throughout this specification are
not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Similarly, it
should be appreciated that in the above description of embodiments,
various features are sometimes grouped together in a single
embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of
streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure, however, is
not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any
embodiment requires every feature shown in a particular
drawing.
[0057] Unless otherwise noted, the terms "a" or "an" are to be
construed as meaning "at least one of." In addition, for ease of
use, the words "including" and "having" are interchangeable with
and have the same meaning as the word "comprising." Recitation of
the term "first" with respect to a feature or element does not
necessarily imply the existence of a second or additional such
feature or element.
[0058] The claims following this written disclosure are hereby
expressly incorporated into the present written disclosure, with
each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment. This
disclosure includes all permutations of the independent claims with
their dependent claims. Moreover, additional embodiments capable of
derivation from the independent and dependent claims that follow
are also expressly incorporated into the present written
description.
[0059] Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled
in the art can use the preceding description to utilize the
invention to its fullest extent. The claims and embodiments
disclosed herein are to be construed as merely illustrative and
exemplary, and not a limitation of the scope of the present
disclosure in any way. It will be apparent to those having ordinary
skill in the art, with the aid of the present disclosure, that
changes may be made to the details of the above-described
embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the
disclosure herein. In other words, various modifications and
improvements of the embodiments specifically disclosed in the
description above are within the scope of the appended claims. The
scope of the invention is therefore defined by the following claims
and their equivalents.
* * * * *