JP2018523614A - Upright plastic storage bag - Google Patents

Abstract

The storage bag includes first and second side walls that are directly connected without creases between the side walls at the bottom of the bag. The bag includes a plurality of shift regions at the bottom portion of the side wall. The bag is shiftable between a flat configuration in which the first and second side walls are disposed adjacent to each other and an upright configuration in which the first and second side walls are spaced apart from each other. Can be moved with respect to the shift region. In the upright configuration, the bag is shifted with respect to the shift region such that a substantially flat base is formed for the bag. Thereby, an upright configuration is achieved without providing creases between the side walls at the bottom of the bag. The bag further includes a cuff region disposed below the top of the bag for folding the top of the bag.
[Selection] Figure 1A

Description

[Cross-reference of related applications]
This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending US patent application Ser. No. 14 / 204,075 filed on Mar. 11, 2014, co-pending application filed Nov. 7, 2014. US patent application Ser. No. 14 / 535,667, which is a continuation-in-part of these applications, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

  The present invention relates to a storage bag. More particularly, the present invention relates to a plastic storage bag that can be shifted between a flat configuration and an upright configuration that allows the bag to be easily filled.

  Storage bags made of flexible plastic materials are well known. Such plastic storage bags are provided in a variety of sizes and can be used to house a variety of items including food, utensils, clothing, tools and the like. These storage bags often include a zipper-like closure mechanism for removably sealing the interior of the bag. The assignee of the present application sells plastic storage bags with various types of closure mechanisms under the name ZIPLOC®.

  It is desirable to configure the plastic storage bag so that the bag can be set up in the open position without the user having to stand the bag upright and hold it over the bag. That is, it is desirable that the plastic storage bag stands upright without the user holding the bag with the closure mechanism opened. In such a straight open position, the user's hand is free to fill the bag with the article. However, at other times, it is desirable that the plastic storage bag be as flat as possible. For example, a flat bag may be more compact when the bag is not in use.

  In order to provide a plastic storage bag that allows the user to stand straight without holding on top of the bag, folds or gussets may be added to the bottom of the bag. “Fold” or “gusset” means a crease formed by doubling over itself the additional material provided between other parts of the bag, for example, the material forming the bag. An example of such a fold / gusset arrangement for a bag can be found in US Pat. No. 3,738,565. In addition to folds, the storage bag can be thicker across its sides and bottom to better support itself in a straight position. However, both pleats and thicker bags require the use of additional materials to form the bag, thereby increasing the costs associated with the manufacture of the bag. Further, the folds and additional materials reduce the ability to flatten the bag, for example, when not in use and when stored.

  In one aspect, the invention is directed to a storage bag that includes a first sidewall, the first sidewall including at least one shift region provided in a bottom portion of the first sidewall, and a cuff line. To form the interior of the bag with an opening, the second side wall is directly connected to the first side wall along the three sides of the bag, the second side wall being the bottom of the second side wall. At least one shift region provided in the portion, and a cuff line. A cuff region is disposed below the top edge of the first sidewall and the top edge of the second sidewall, the cuff region from a point below each of the top edges of the first and second sidewalls. , Extending to the cuff line of each of the first and second sidewalls. The bag has (i) a flat configuration in which the first side wall and the second side wall are disposed adjacent to each other, and (ii) an upright configuration, wherein at least one shift region and the first side of the first side wall Shiftable with respect to at least one shift region of the two sidewalls. In the upright configuration, a substantially flat base is formed for the bag. The bag is further shiftable with respect to the cuff line so that the bag can be folded over the cuff line and the bag can be shifted to a folded position where the cuff region forms an opening to the bag.

  In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a storage bag that includes a first sidewall, the first sidewall including at least one shift region provided in a bottom portion of the first sidewall. To form the interior of the bag with an opening, the second side wall is directly connected to the first side wall along the three sides of the bag, the second side wall being the bottom of the second side wall. Including at least one shift region provided in the portion. A cuff region is disposed below the top edge of the first sidewall and the top edge of the second sidewall, and the cuff region includes at least one shift region. The bag has (i) a flat configuration in which the first side wall and the second side wall are disposed adjacent to each other, and (ii) an upright configuration, wherein at least one shift region and the first side of the first side wall Shiftable with respect to at least one shift region of the two sidewalls. In the upright configuration, a substantially flat base is formed for the bag. The bag is folded over the at least one shift region, and the bag can be shifted to a folded position where the cuff region forms an opening to the bag, so that at least one cuff region of the cuff region. Can be shifted.

  These and other advantages and features will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the drawings.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a bag according to the present invention in a flat configuration. 1B is a detailed view of section A of the bag shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 1 is an end view of a bag according to the present invention in a flat configuration. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a side of a bag according to the present invention in an upright configuration. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a side of a bag according to the present invention in an upright configuration. It is a side view of the bag by other embodiment of this invention. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a bag according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a bag according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a bag according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a bag according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a bag according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a bag according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a bag according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. It is a side view of the bag by other embodiment of this invention. FIG. 6 is a side view of a bag according to a further embodiment of the present invention. It is a partial side view of the bag by other embodiment of this invention. It is a partial side view of the bag by other embodiment of this invention. It is a partial side view of the bag by other embodiment of this invention. It is a partial side view of the bag by other embodiment of this invention. It is a partial side view of the bag by other embodiment of this invention. FIG. 9B is a perspective view of a bag according to the embodiment of FIG. 9A in an upright configuration. FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the bag shown in FIG. 10A with the top of the bag folded. It is a side view of the bag by other embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the bag by other embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the bag by other embodiment of this invention.

  The present invention relates to a plastic storage bag including features for shifting the bag between a flat configuration and an upright configuration. In the upright configuration, the bag stands on a substantially flat base without being gripped by the user so that the bag can be easily filled.

  As is apparent from the description herein, the terms “bag” and “storage bag” encompass a wide range of structures designed to contain articles. Such a bag structure may also be referred to as a pouch, envelope, wrap, and the like. In general, the terms “bag” and “storage bag”, as used herein, are somewhat flexible with an opening so that the bag can carry any number of articles. It means a container with sex. Storage bags can be tailored for specific applications, for example, in some embodiments, bags can be used to store food in a refrigerator, or in other embodiments, food can be stored in a freezer. A bag can be used to store.

  1A, 1B and FIGS. 2-4 are views of a storage bag 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The bag 100 includes a first sidewall 102 and a second sidewall 104 that are connected along the side edges 106 and 110 and along the bottom edge 108. At the top of the bag 100 is formed an opening 112 through which articles can be placed inside the bag 100. In particular, the bag 100 does not include folds or gussets in the bottom portion 118 between the first sidewall 102 and the second sidewall 104. That is, the first side wall 102 and the second side wall 104 can be aligned with each other along the bottom edge 108 of the bag 100 without any type of folding or expandable structure provided between the side walls 102 and 104. Connected directly. Also, the first side wall 102 and the second side wall 104 are directly connected along the side edges 106 and 110 without any crease or gusset connecting the two side walls 102 and 104.

  Opening 112 may be sealed by interlocking closure structures 114A, 114B, 116 and 116B. Interlock closure structures for plastic storage bags are well known in the art and examples of various shapes and configurations of interlock members that can be used with the storage bag 100 of the present application are disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,070,584, U.S. Patent No. 7,784,160, U.S. Patent No. 7,886,412, U.S. Patent No. 7,946,766, and U.S. Patent No. 8,061,898, As well as in US Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0324141, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. As an alternative to the closure structures 114A, 114B, 116A and 116B, in other embodiments, to seal the opening 112 of the bag 100 along the top edges of the first sidewall 102 and the second sidewall 104, A slider-type closure structure may be used. Examples of slider-type closure structures can be found in US Pat. No. 5,664,299, US Pat. No. 5,836,056, and US Pat. No. 7,052,181, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. As incorporated herein.

  Exemplary plastic materials that can be used to form the bag 100 include, for example, polyolefin plastomers, and combinations and blends thereof, such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), metallocene polyethylene (mPE), low density polyethylene. (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), ultra low density polyethylene (ULDPE), biaxially stretched polyethylene terephthalate (BPET), high density polyethylene (HDPE), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Still other materials that may be used include styrene block copolymers, polyolefin blends, elastomeric alloys, thermoplastic polyurethanes, thermoplastic copolyesters, thermoplastic polyamides, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymers and copolymers, polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), Examples include Saran polymer, ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymer, cellulose acetate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ionomer, polystyrene, polycarbonate, styrene acrylonitrile, aromatic polyester, chain polyester, and thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohol. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of other materials can be used to form the storage bag 100. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the storage bag 100 can be made with a range of colors and transparency by using the plastic materials described above.

  Various manufacturing techniques can be used to form the plastic storage bag 100. As one specific example, the side walls 102 and 104 of the bag 100 can be extruded together as a single sheet, for example, using a portion of the first side wall 102 and the first side using thermoplastic welding techniques. A bag structure is formed by joining a part of the two side walls 104 together. As another example, the first sidewall 102 and the second sidewall 104 can be formed as separate structures joined together along three edges 106, 108 and 110. In accordance with these contexts, when the sidewalls 102 and 104 are referred to herein as being “connected” to one, the sidewalls may be integrally formed, or alternatively, The side walls 102 and 104 may be separate structures joined together at the connection. The configuration of certain additional features of the bag 100 will be described later.

  The storage bag 100 according to the present invention can be shifted between a flat configuration as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2 and an upright configuration as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The bag 100 maintains an upright posture even when it does not include folds or gussets adjacent to the bottom edge 126. Instead, the pouch 100 stands upright due to the inherent configuration of the bottom portions 118 of the side walls 102 and 104, described below.

  As shown in FIGS. 1A and 3, a plurality of shift regions 122A, 122B, 123A, 123B, 124A, 124B, 124C, 124D, 126, and 128 are formed in the bottom portion 118 of the first side wall 102. FIG. 1B shows details of region A of FIG. 1A, including additional shift regions 125A, 125B, and 125C. The shift area is configured to allow the bag to be easily shifted between a flat configuration and an upright configuration, as described in detail below. In some embodiments, the shift regions 122A, 122B, 123A, 123B, 124A, 124B, 124C, 124D, 125A, 125B, 125C, 126 and 128 allow the bag 100 to easily shift with respect to that region. Slight indentations, scores or crimps formed in the side walls 102 and 104 of the bag 100, made to a great depth. However, the shift regions 122A, 122B, 123A, 123B, 124A, 124B, 124C, 124D, 125A, 125B, 125C, 126, and 128 are not deep enough to substantially weaken the integrity of the bag 100. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the shift regions 122A, 122B, 123A, 123B, by using various techniques such as cutting the bag 100 using a mechanical structure, or by using ultrasonic cutting as another example. It will be appreciated that 124A, 124B, 124C, 124D, 125A, 125B, 125C, 126 and 128 can be formed. As yet another example, the shift regions 122A, 122B, 123A, 123B, 124A, 124B, 124C, 124D, 125A, 125B, 125C, 126 and 128 have sidewalls that permanently deform a portion of the shape of the shift region. It can be formed by deforming portions of the side walls 102 and 104 of the storage bag 100 by compressing 102 and 104.

  Using the shift regions 122A, 122B, 123A, 123B, 124A, 124B, 124C, 124D, 125A, 125B, 125C, 126, and 128, the bag 100 has a flat configuration as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2. It is possible to shift between upright configurations as shown in FIGS. In the flat configuration, the first side wall 102 and the second side wall 104 are arranged adjacent to each other. In the upright configuration, the first side wall 102 and the second side wall 104 are spaced apart from each other. In order to separate the first side wall 102 and the second side wall 104, the bottom portion 118 of the bag is formed so that the bottom portion 118 forms a substantially flat base to straighten the bag 100. Move with respect to the shift regions 122A, 122B, 123A, 123B, 124A, 124B, 124C, 124D, 125A, 125B, 125C, 126 and 128. By shifting in this manner, the ends of the bottom portion 118 adjacent to the corners 120 and 121 expand outward in a triangular configuration. Thereby, the bottom portion 118 of the bag 100 is outlined by the shift regions 124A, 124B, 124C, 124D, 126 and 128. When shifting from a flat configuration to an upright configuration, the bag 100 also moves with respect to the shift regions 122A and 122B, so that a portion 130A and 130B of the first side wall 102 is moved to another portion 128A and 128B of the first side wall 102. Shift up. Shifting to an upright configuration is facilitated by gripping bag 100 with portions 130A and 130B that actually act as hinges that naturally cause the bag 100 to shift to an upright configuration.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-4, shift regions are provided in both the bottom corners of the side walls 102 and 104 of the bag 100. Specifically, as can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, a plurality of shift regions 124C on the second sidewall 104, corresponding to the shift regions 124A, 124B and 126 provided on the first side 104, 124D and 128 are provided. It should be noted that “correspondingly” means that the shift region is in the same relative position of the first sidewall 102 and the second sidewall 104. However, in other embodiments, fewer shift regions may be provided. For example, a shift region may be provided only at one corner of one of the side walls 102 and 104. In yet other embodiments, a shift region may be provided at the bottom corner of one of the side walls 102 and 104 and not provided on the other of the side walls 102 and 104. In still other embodiments, a shift region may be provided at the bottom corner of one of the sidewalls 102 and 104 and another shift region may be provided at the bottom corner on the other side of the other sidewall 102 or 104. Thus, the shift area on one side of the bag 100 does not correspond to the shift area on the other side of the bag 100.

  Similarly, the bag 100 may include some but not all of the illustrated shift regions 122A, 122B, 123A, 123B, 124A, 124B, 124C, 124D, 125A, 125B, 125C, 126 and 128. For example, in one embodiment, the bag 100 may include shift regions 122A, 122B, 124A, and 124B, while other illustrated shift regions 123A, 123B, 124C, 124D, 125A, 125B, 125C, 126, and 128 May not include any of them. In such an embodiment, the shift regions 122A, 122B, 124A and 124B function independently to shift the bag 100 from a flat configuration to an upright configuration. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the shift regions 122A, 122B, 123A, 123B, 124A, 124B, 124C, 124D, 125A, 125B, 125C, 126, and 128 are shown as extending in solid lines. However, in other embodiments, the shift regions 122A, 122B, 123A, 123B, 124A, 124B, 124C, 124D, 125A, 125B, 125C, 126, and 128 may not be continuous. For example, any one of the shift regions can be formed as a plurality of separate line segments, dots, or the like. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the number and continuity of shift regions provided to the bag according to the present invention can be adjusted to make bag shifting somewhat easier, or the number of shift regions And continuity can be adjusted based on other factors such as the aesthetics and cost of manufacturing the bag. In accordance with these contexts, in some embodiments, the bag is only one of the shift regions 122A, 122B, 123A, 123B, 124A, 124B, 124C, 124D, 125A, 125B, 125C, 126, and 128. May be provided.

一般に、角度α及びβが式（１）の関係により定義されるとき、袋１００をフラット構成から直立構成へと簡単にシフトすることができる。ただし、式（１）を必ずしも満たさなければならないわけではなく、αもβも、袋１００がフラット構成から直立構成へと簡単に動くことを依然として可能にしながら、その関係からわずかに変動することができる。たとえば、特定の角度αを仮定すると、角度βは、式（１）から算出される角度βの値から約±２度未満変動し得る。特定の角度βを仮定すると、角度αは、式（１）から算出される角度αの値から約±４度未満変動し得る。たとえば、特定の実施形態では、角度αは約１４度から約１６度であり、角度βは約３７度から約３９度である。ただし、袋１００は、必ずしも任意の特定の角度α及び角度βには限定されないことを同じく留意されたい。 As can be seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the shift regions 122A, 122B, 124A, 124B, 124C, 124D, 126, and 128 provide two angles α and β is formed. In addition, areas 128A, 128B, 132A and 132B are defined using reference lines 134A and 134B. It should be noted that the reference lines 134A and 134B are provided in FIGS. 1A and 1B for understanding the present invention, but are not actually the structure of the bag 100. As is apparent from the figure, the magnitudes of the angles α and β determine the relative magnitudes of the areas 128A, 128B, 132A and 132B. Generally speaking, it has been found that sections 128A and 128B must be approximately equal to sections 132A and 132B to facilitate shifting movement from a flat configuration to an upright configuration. Furthermore, it has been found that the shift is greatly facilitated when the angles α and β satisfy the following formula (1).

In general, when the angles α and β are defined by the relationship of equation (1), the bag 100 can be easily shifted from a flat configuration to an upright configuration. However, equation (1) does not necessarily have to be satisfied, and both α and β may vary slightly from that relationship while still allowing the bag 100 to move easily from a flat configuration to an upright configuration. it can. For example, assuming a specific angle α, the angle β may vary less than about ± 2 degrees from the value of the angle β calculated from equation (1). Assuming a specific angle β, the angle α can vary by less than about ± 4 degrees from the value of the angle α calculated from equation (1). For example, in certain embodiments, angle α is about 14 degrees to about 16 degrees, and angle β is about 37 degrees to about 39 degrees. However, it should also be noted that the bag 100 is not necessarily limited to any particular angle α and angle β.

  The horizontal shift areas 126 and 128 extend to a height H above the bottom edge 108 of the bag 100. This height H actually determines the width of the flat base of the bag 100 when the bag 100 is in an upright configuration. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the width of the bottom of the bag 100 is about 2H in the central region of the bag. In an embodiment of the present invention, the height H is from about 1 inch to about 3.5 inches, more particularly from about 1.5 inches to about 3 inches, and more particularly from about 2 inches to about 2.5 inches. It is. The width of the base of the bag is about twice these heights, ie, from about 2 inches to about 7 inches, more specifically from about 3 inches to about 6 inches, and more specifically from about 4 inches to about 5 inches. Will be. In a particular embodiment, the height H is about 2 inches, and therefore the width of the base of the bag is about 4 inches. Generally speaking, in such a range, a standard sized storage bag, such as one for storing food, can stand upright.

  In the configuration of the bag 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-4, the bag 100 can be made to stand upright without the need for additional structural features. For example, unlike other bags known in the art, the bag 100 need not include folds or gussets between the bottom portion of the first sidewall 102 and the bottom portion of the second sidewall 104. Further, since no pleats or gussets are required, the side walls 102 and 104 of the bag 100 can be made with a relatively uniform thickness. In line with these contexts, in some embodiments, the thickness of the sidewalls 102 and 104 may be as little as about 1.6 mils to about 2.6 mils. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a thickness of about 1.6 mils is substantially less than the thickness of many types of upright plastic storage bags.

  Bag 100 remains in an upright configuration when sidewalls 102 and 104 are of uniform thickness, but in other embodiments, certain portions of bag 100 are made thicker to further facilitate the upright configuration. . In one example, the region of the bottom portion 108 of the side wall 102 and 104 of the bag 100 is made thicker than the rest of the bag 100. Specifically, the bottom portion 108 is about twice as thick as the other portions of the sidewalls 102 and 104. In other embodiments, the area of the bottom portion 108 is about 1 mil thicker than the other portions of the sidewalls 102 and 104. When manufacturing the bag 100 using an extrusion technique, for example, the bottom portion 108 is about 1 mil thick by adjusting the amount of material used to form the bottom portion 108 relative to the other portions. On the other hand, the bottom portion 108 can be made thicker by adjusting the extrusion process so that the thickness of the other portions of the sidewalls 102 and 104 is reduced by about 0.1 mil.

  In some embodiments, the bottom portion 108 of the first sidewall 102 and the second sidewall 104 can be visually different from other portions of the first sidewall 102 and the second sidewall 104. . For example, a visually different texture may be formed on the bottom portion 108 between the horizontal shift region 126 of the first sidewall 102 and the horizontal shift region 128 of the second sidewall 104. Such texture can assist the user in identifying the bottom portion 108 to shift. Further, the texture can increase the friction of the base when the bag 100 is in an upright configuration, thereby further stabilizing the bag 100.

  To further facilitate the upright configuration of the bag 100, other portions of the sidewalls 102 and 104 above the bottom portion 108 may be made more rigid. Examples of such harder portions are the areas labeled 140, 142, 144, and 146 on the first sidewall 102 of FIG. 1A. Although not shown, a corresponding harder area can be formed in the second sidewall 104. The harder portions 140, 142, 144 and 146 provide structural support to the sidewalls 102 and 104 to help maintain the bag in a straight upright configuration. The harder areas 140, 142, and 146 extend into the side wall 102, while the harder areas 144 extend from the edge 106 to the edge 110 of the side wall 102. By extending over the entire length of the sidewall 102 and being positioned adjacent to the opening 112 of the bag 100, the harder area 144 is such that the bag 100 is in an upright configuration and the closure structures 114A, 114B, 116A and 116B are sealed. When not, along with a corresponding harder area on the second sidewall 104, helps maintain the opening 112 in the open position. At the same time, the vertical harder areas 140 and 142 and the corresponding harder areas on the sidewall 104 help to push the sides of the bag in an upright configuration. Therefore, the bag 100 can be maintained in a straight posture so that the user can easily fill the bag.

  Extrude the side walls 102 and 104 of the bag so that the areas 140, 142, 144 and 146 on the first side wall 102 and corresponding parts on the second side wall 104 are thicker than the other side walls 102 and 104. By molding, the harder areas 140, 142, 144 and 146 can be formed. Alternatively, more rigid areas 140, 142, 144, and 146 can be formed by applying additional material on the sidewalls 102 and 104.

  In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the upper portion of the bag is made more rigid to help maintain the opening 112 in the open position. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the lip is the area of the bag above the closure structure (ie, the area between the closure structure 116A / B and the top edge of the bag shown in FIG. 1A). In some embodiments, one or both of the lips of the bag is made more rigid so that the opening 112 stays in the open position more easily.

  Those skilled in the art will recognize many different ways in which the bag lip can be made more rigid. For example, additional material may be added to the lip area in a manner similar to the method of adding additional material to form the areas 140, 142, 144, and 146 described above. That is, the lip can be made more rigid by providing additional material in the lip area so that the lip is thicker than the rest of the bag. In this regard, making the lip thicker has the additional benefit of making the lip easier to grip, for example when the bag is open. In a particular example, the lip is 20% harder than the rest of the bag, thereby making it easier for the bag to stay in the open position and making the lip easier to grip.

  The additional material provided to make the lip more rigid can be the same material used to form the other parts of the bag. Alternatively, different materials may be used to harden the lip. For example, a bag can be made of PE and HDPE can be added to the lip area to make the lip more rigid. In other embodiments, the lip itself may be at least partially formed of a harder material than the other parts of the bag. For example, when the bag is mainly made of PE, the lips can be formed separately with HDPE, with higher density HDPE making the lip harder than the rest of the bag. Of course, the material used to form the lip added to the lip area, or the additional material added to the lip, is any material compatible with other materials used to form the bag. There may be.

  As described above, one or more closure structures of the bag are disposed near the opening. Thus, in addition to or as an alternative to making the lip harder, one or more closure structures of the bag can be formed of a material that is harder than the rest of the bag, thereby The bag will more easily stay in the open position (when the closure structure is not functioning to close the opening). In embodiments that include a more rigid closure structure, the closure structure is made of HDPE while the remainder of the bag is made of PE.

  FIG. 5 is a side view of a bag 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The bag 200 includes some of the features provided in the embodiments described above, including sidewalls 202 and 204 and closure structures 224A, 224B, 226A and 226B. However, in the bag 200, the shift regions 222A, 222B, 224A, and 224B do not extend to the entire corner portions 220 and 221. Instead, the shift regions 222A, 222B, 224A, and 224B extend from positions that are close to the corners 220 and 221 but not directly adjacent. In this regard, the shift region in the embodiment of the present invention is the same as the shift region, as shown in the bag 100 of FIG. And the shift region can extend from a position “close to” the corner at a point extending from a position proximate to the corner as shown in FIG.

  Shift regions 222A, 222B, 224A and 224B of bag 500 are not straight, but instead have a curved shape. The bag 200 is shifted from the flat configuration to the upright configuration by shifting about the curved shift regions 222A, 222B, 224A, 224B and 226 in the same manner as the bag 100 is shifted between the flat configuration and the upright configuration as described above. Shiftable between configurations. Using the shift areas 222B and 224B on the curve, the angle α is measured between the side 210 and the line T1, which is tangent to the middle point of the shift area 222B, and the angle β is measured between the bottom 208 and the shift area 224B. Between the line T2 that is a tangent to the middle point of Although not shown, similar angles α and β can be measured between the line contacting the shift regions 222A, 224A and the side edge 206 and bottom edge 208. As described above, the angles α and β may have the relationship of the expression (1).

  In the embodiment described above, the bag according to the present invention is described as comprising a shift region formed as a recess in the bag. However, in other embodiments, the location where the bag shifts between a flat configuration and an upright configuration can be formed in different ways, such as by providing additional polymeric material on the sides of the bag. For example, polyethylene may be provided on the side of the bag at the same position as the aforementioned shift region of the bag. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the various techniques that can be used to apply such additional materials, for example, nozzles that turn on and off to quickly deposit material in the pattern of shift regions. In other embodiments, the location where the bag can shift relative thereto is provided as an area that varies thickness, height, etc. on the sides of the bag. In this regard, FIGS. 6A-6G are cross-sectional views of a portion of a bag according to an embodiment of the present invention, where the cross-section includes different shift regions 600A-600G. Any of the shift areas 600A-600G may be provided where the bag can be shifted relative to it between a flat configuration and an upright configuration, such as the position of the shift area in the embodiments described above. Thus, the shift regions 600A-600G provide a bottom when the bag is in an upright configuration, and the bag need not include folds or gussets formed between the sidewalls at the bottom of the bag.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of how a shift region as generally shown in FIG. 6B can be used in a bag according to the present invention. Bag 700 includes shift regions 727A, 727B, 724A, 724B, 726, and 728 (region 728 is provided on sidewall 704 that is opposite sidewall 702 as shown). In this embodiment, shift regions 726 and 728 have a bead-like configuration. Note that bead-type shift regions 726 and 728 correspond to shift regions 126 and 128 of bag 100 shown above at those locations. Thus, the shift region forms the base edge of the bag 700 when the bag is shifted to an upright configuration.

  The bead-shaped shift regions 726 and 728 may be formed by, for example, extruding the material that forms the sidewalls 702 and 704 such that the shift regions 726 and 728 are formed in a bead shape. Can be made of the same material. Alternatively, bead-type shift regions 726 and 728 form sidewalls 702 and 704 at the same time as different materials are used to form shift regions 726 and 728 and different materials are used to form the sidewalls of the bag. Alternatively, after forming the sidewalls 702 and 704, different materials can be added to form the shift regions 726 and 728. In this regard, shift regions 726 and 728 can be formed of any of the plastic materials discussed above. As another example, the material used to form bead-type shift regions 726 and 728 can be an adhesive, ink, or wax material. In some cases, the additional material used to form the bead-type shift regions 726 and 728 is not directly attached to the side walls 702 and 704 of the bag, but rather the bead-type shift regions 726 and 728 and the side walls 702. And 704 are formed with one or more intermediate layers. In yet other embodiments, the bead regions 726 and 728 themselves are formed of multiple layers of one or more materials.

  The bead-type shift regions 726 and 728 can be formed to any thickness so that the regions facilitate bag shifting as described above. However, in some embodiments, the bead-type shift regions 726 and 728 are about 2 to about 20 times thicker than the bag sidewalls 702 and 704. In a more specific embodiment, bead-type shift regions 726 and 728 are about 2 to about 10 times thicker than bag sidewalls 702 and 704. And in certain embodiments, bead-type shift regions 726 and 728 extend about 15 mils from the surfaces of sidewalls 702 and 704.

  Bead-type shift regions 726 and 728 are shown on the outer surface of sidewalls 702 and 704, but as with all of the shift regions described herein, one or both of bead-type shift regions 726 and 728 are Note that it may be provided on the inner surface of side walls 702 and 704 (ie, within the bag). Also, the bead-type shift regions 726 and 728 have a generally rounded shape as shown in FIG. 6B, but the bead-type shift regions 726 and 728 may be rounder than shown. Note that it does not have to be rounded. In practice, the bead-type shift regions 726 and 728 may not be rounded and may be formed in any shape, for example, a square, a rectangle, or a triangle.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the bead-type shift region 726 of the side wall 702 is such that the bead-type shift regions 726 and 728 are positioned immediately adjacent to each other when the bag 700 is in a flat configuration. Slightly offset from the corresponding bead-type shift region 728. Although this offset is not necessary, the offset can minimize the generation of leaks and the shift regions 726 and 728 touch the bag sides 106 and 110. Of course, as generally described above, in some embodiments, the bead-type shift regions 726 and 728 do not extend to the sides 106 and 110 and span only a portion of the length of the bag sidewalls 702 and 704. It extends. Further, as generally described above, bead-type shift regions 726 and 728 may or may not be continuous.

  A further embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. This embodiment includes additional shift regions in the lower and upper portions of the side walls 804 and 804 of the bag 800. With respect to the bottom portion, a pattern of seven shift regions 822A, 824A, 826A, 828A, 830A, 832A and 834A is provided near one of the bottom corners of the sidewall 804, and the seven shift regions 822B, 824B, Similar patterns of 826B, 828B, 830B, 832B, and 834B are provided at the other corner of the sidewall 804. These shift regions 822A, 824A, 826A, 828A, 830A, 832A, 834A, 822B, 824B, 826B, 828B, 830B, 832B, and 834B have any of the above-described forms, for example, dents, scores, beads, and the like. Can do. In particular, the pattern of these shift regions is such that some of the shift regions intersect with one or more of the other shift regions. For example, shift region 828A intersects with shift region 830A and shift region 832A. As another example, shift region 824A intersects shift regions 826A, 828A, and 830A. It has been found that a pattern in which at least one shift region intersects another shift region facilitates the shifting function, thereby facilitating movement of the bag between a flat configuration and an upright configuration. In addition, the shift function is improved by crossing a plurality of shift regions with two or more shift regions. Note that although not shown in FIG. 8, a similar pattern of shift regions can be formed at the two bottom corners of opposing sidewalls 804 of bag 800. In addition, any combination of such shift regions can be formed at the corners of the bag, for example, a shift region is provided only at one corner of the side wall 802 and one corner of the side wall 804. The Also, the illustrated pattern may be modified to omit one or more of the shift regions or provide one or more additional shift regions.

  With respect to the upper portion of bag 800, shift regions 836 A and 838 A are provided below closure structures 814 A / B and 816 A / B on sidewall 804, and shift regions 836 A and 836 B extend from side 806 of bag 800. Similarly, shift regions 836B and 838B are provided extending from side 810. Additional shift regions 836A, 836B, 838A and 838B open the bag opening 812 by deflecting a portion of the bag 800 along the shift regions 836A, 836B, 838A and 838B when the bag 800 is opened. To help maintain. These shift regions 836A, 836B, 838A, and 838B can take any of the forms of shift regions described above, such as dents, scores, beads, and the like. Also, shift regions 836A, 836B, 838A and 838B may be provided anywhere in the overall area of the upper portion near sides 806 and 808. However, in certain embodiments, the shift regions 836A and 836B are measured about 1 inch below the closure structure 814A / B, measured along the sides 806 and 810, and the shift regions 838A and 838B are the sides 806 and 810. , About 1/2 inch below shift regions 836A and 836B (about 1.5 inches below closure structure 814A / B). In certain embodiments, the shift regions 836A, 836B, 838A, and 838B extend about 1 inch along the sidewall 804 as measured by the perpendicular from sides 806 and 810.

  In some embodiments, a shift region corresponding to the shift regions 836A, 836B, 838A and 838B is provided on the second sidewall 804 of the bag 800. One skilled in the art will recognize that more or fewer shift regions may be provided on either of the upper portions of sidewalls 804 and 804 as well as 836A, 836B, 838A and 838B.

  Any of the shift regions provided in the bag 800 can be combined with any of the other embodiments of the bag of the present application as described herein. For example, shift regions 836A, 836B, 838A and 838B may be provided in the bags 100 and 200 described above. In addition, the bag 800 can be provided with features according to other embodiments described herein. For example, if desired, the visually different texture described above may be provided on the bottom portion of the bag 800. More generally, as fully appreciated by those skilled in the art, any of the features described herein with respect to a particular embodiment may be combined with, or combined with features of another particular embodiment. It may be replaced. For example, a bag according to the present invention may be (1) a harder portion 140, 142, 144 and 146 as described in connection with bag 100, (2) a curvilinear shape as described in connection with bag 200. Shift regions 222A, 222B, 224A and 224B, (3) bead-type shift regions as described in connection with bag 700, and (4) shift regions 836A, 836B as described in connection with bag 800. , 838A and 838B.

  FIG. 9A is a partial side view of a bag 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The bag 300 includes the sidewalls 302 and 304 connected along the side edges 306 and 310, and the interlock closure structures 314A, 314B, 316A and 316B, of the features provided in the embodiments described above. Including some. Although not shown in FIG. 9A, the bottom of the bag 300 of this embodiment has a plurality of shifts that allow the bag 300 to be shifted between a flat configuration and an upright configuration, according to various above-described embodiments. Region (not shown). The bag 300 maintains an upright posture even when it does not include folds or gussets adjacent to the bottom edge. Instead, the bag 300 stands upright due to the unique configuration described above, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1A-8.

  The bag of the embodiment of FIG. 9A extends from the cuff line 322 to a point at or below the top edge 324 of the bag 300, eg, below or below the interlocking closure structures 314A, 314B, 316A and 316B. It further includes a cuff region 320 extending to the point. The cuff line 322 of the cuff region 320 is formed on the side walls 302 and 304 of the bag 300, such as that used to form the shift region of the above-described embodiment, so that the bag 300 can be easily folded with respect to the cuff line 322. With a slight dent, score line or crimp of such depth. However, the cuff line 322 will not be deep enough to substantially compromise the integrity of the bag 300, as those skilled in the art may use various techniques such as cutting the bag 300 using a mechanical structure, or ultrasonically. It will be appreciated that the cuff line 322 can be formed by using cutting. Alternatively, the cuff line 322 may be a dashed line (eg, see 322 ′ in FIG. 9B), a curve (eg, see 322 ″ in FIG. 9C), or a partial line that does not extend the entire length of the bag 300 (eg, 322 ′ ″ of FIG. 9D). The cuff region 320 further includes a plurality of shift regions or bend regions (eg, see 323A-323G in FIG. 9E), such as those described in the above-described embodiments, to assist in initiating cuffing by the user. Can be provided.

  The cuff region 320, the cuff lines 322, 322 ′, 322 ″, 322 ′ ″ and / or the shift regions 323A to 323G can be selected by the user using the cuff region 320, cuff lines 322, 322 ′, 322 ″, 322 ′ ″ and Allows the bag 300 to be easily folded or folded with respect to the shift regions 323A-323G, so that it is easier to fill, especially when the bag 300 is in an upright configuration (see, eg, FIGS. 10A and 10B); Furthermore, the bag is provided with a wide opening that prevents the zipper from becoming dirty when filling the bag and the ability to easily drain the contents out of the bag. The cuff lines 322, 322 ′, 322 ″, 322 ″ ″ can be placed along the bag at a desired location for the user to fold or fold the bag 300. In one embodiment, the cuff lines 322, 322 ', 322 ", 322" "are located about 1/8" to about 2 "below the lower closure structures 314A and 314B. In one preferred embodiment, the cuff lines 322, 322 ', 322 ", 322" "are located about 5/8 inch below the lower closure structures 314A and 314B.

  As also shown in FIG. 9A, the cuff region 320 comprises a pattern band 326 provided between the interlock closure structures 314A, 314B, 316A and 316B and the cuff line 322. The pattern strip 326 can comprise print patterns formed by various printing techniques. The pattern strip 326 may also include various alternatives including, for example, embossing, extrusion, ultrasonic forming and blasting using sand jets or water jets, surface scratching using lasers or other means, etc. Textures can be provided that can be formed by techniques. The pattern strip 326 can cover the cuff line 322 as well as any shift or bend area that assists in initiating a cuffing action by the user. The pattern band 326 can also add some rigidity to the cuff region 320, for example, to assist in maintaining the wide opening 300 of the bag when the bag 300 is folded (see FIG. 10B). The pattern strip 326 may further provide a user with a mark as to where to fold along the cuff region 320 and where to fold the bag 300 along the cuff line 322. The pattern strip 326 can be of any width and can extend further above the cuff line 322, below the cuff line 322, or above the cuff line. In one particular embodiment, the pattern band extends from the lower closure structures 314A and 314B (or from a point just below the lower closure structures 314A and 314B) to the cuff line 322. The bag 300 of FIG. 9A further includes a graphic area 350 that displays to the user a landmark such as a message or image indicating that the bag 300 can be folded along the cuff area 320 and / or the cuff line 322. be able to. The graphics area 350 can be formed by various printing techniques.

  FIG. 10A shows the bag 300 of the embodiment of FIG. 9A in an upright configuration. As described above with respect to FIG. 3, when the bag 300 is in an upright configuration, the first sidewall 302 and the second sidewall 304 are spaced apart from each other. As also shown in FIG. 10A, the interlocking closure structures 314A, 314B, 316A and 316B are also spaced from each other, so that an opening 312 providing access to the interior of the bag 300 is provided at the top of the bag 300. It is formed along the edge 324. To separate the first sidewall 302 and the second sidewall 304, the bag bottom portion 318 is shifted so that the bottom portion 318 forms a substantially flat base for the straight bag 300. Move with respect to the region (eg, 122A, 122B, 123A, 123B, 124A, 124B, 124C, 124D, 125A, 125B, 125C, 126 and 128 in FIG. 3). Thereby, the bottom portion 318 of the bag 300 is outlined by shift regions (eg, 124A, 124B, 124C, 124D, 126 and 128 in FIG. 3). As discussed above, the shift of the bag 300 to the upright configuration is a portion of the bottom portion of the bag 300 that actually acts as a hinge that naturally causes the shift of the bag 300 to the upright configuration (eg, 130A in FIG. 3). And 130B) to facilitate the gripping of the bag 300. However, the bag 300 of FIG. 10A has an upright configuration, but has not yet been folded back by the user. In other words, the cuff region 320 of FIG. 10A is located below the interlocking closure structures 314A, 314B, 316A and 316B, and the opening 312 of the bag 300 is still formed along the top edge 324 of the bag 300. ing.

  FIG. 10B is an upright configuration and shows the bag 300 of FIG. 10A after the user has folded back, with the cuff region 320 folded over the cuff line 322. 10B, the cuff region 320 and the pattern band 326 of the bag 300 are located at the top of the bag 300. As also shown in FIG. 10B, when the bag 300 is in the folded position, the cuff region 320 is folded over the cuff line 322 so that the cuff line 322 now provides access to the interior of the bag 300. The final edge of the top of the bag 300 forming the opening 312 is formed. When the cuff region 320 is folded over the cuff line 322, the interlock closure structures 314A, 314B, 316A, and 316B are located along the exterior of the bag 300, and thus the interlock closure structure 314A, while filling the bag. The contamination of 314B, 316A, and 316B can be prevented. Further, when the bag 300 is folded by folding the cuff region 320 on the cuff line 322, a wide opening 312 that is easier to fill, and the ability to pour the contents from the bag 300 are created.

  FIG. 11A illustrates that a first pattern area 360 (eg, pattern strip 326) is provided between the interlock closure structures 314A, 314B, 316A and 316B and the cuff line 322, and the first sidewall 302 and the second sidewall. FIG. 10 shows one embodiment of a bag 300 in which a second pattern area 370 is provided in the bottom portion 318 of 304. The pattern areas 360, 370 may be first formed by, for example, printing techniques, embossing, extrusion, ultrasonic forming and blasting using sand jets or water jets, surface scratching using lasers or other means, and the like. The other side wall 302 and the other part of the second side wall 304 can be visually different. In one embodiment, such as that shown in FIG. 11A, the first pattern area 360 comprises a pattern that is the same or substantially the same as the pattern of the second pattern area 370. Alternatively, the first pattern area 360 and the second pattern area 370 may comprise different patterns, for example (see 360 'and 370 in FIG. 11B).

  As discussed above, the first pattern area 360 may include (i) to cover the cuff line 322, (ii) to add some rigidity to the cuff region 320, and / or (iii) to the cuff region 320. Are provided between the interlock closure structures 314A, 314B, 316A and 316B and the cuff line 322 to provide a user with an indication of where the bag 300 should be folded along the cuff line 322. As also discussed above with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the second pattern area 370 or texture is the first sidewall 302 and the first sidewall 302 between the first sidewall 302 and the second sidewall 304 horizontal shift region. Can be formed on the bottom portion 318 of the second side wall 304. Such a pattern area 370 or texture can assist the user in identifying the bottom portion 318 to shift. Further, the pattern area 370 or texture can increase the friction of the base when the bag 300 is in an upright configuration, thereby further stabilizing the bag 300.

  FIG. 11C shows an alternative embodiment of the bag 300 in which the pattern area 380 extends over the majority of the bag 300. Specifically, in the embodiment of FIG. 11C, the pattern area 380 extends from below the interlocking closure structures 314A, 314B, 316A, and 316B to the bottom edge 308 of the bag 300, and the shift area of the cuff line 320 and the bottom portion 318. It covers both. As discussed above, the pattern area 380 can be formed by, for example, printing techniques, embossing, extrusion, ultrasonic forming and blasting using sand jets or water jets, surface scratching using lasers or other means. Etc., so that the first side wall 302 and other parts of the second side wall 304 can be visually different.

  With respect to the various pattern areas discussed above (eg, 326, 360, 360 ', 370, 380), various patterns and / or textures may be used to generate these areas. Further, the pattern area can be, for example, parallel lines, intersecting lines, intermittent lines, cross hatching, curves, diagonal lines, diamond shapes, circular shapes, triangular shapes, X shapes, S shapes, cloud shapes, flower shapes, star shapes, etc. Various designs and / or shapes may be included, including heart shapes, etc., and any combination thereof. The pattern area (e.g., 326, 360, 360 ', 370, 380) may further comprise raised portions generated by, for example, ultrasonic embossing or embossing using a die press. Further, the pattern areas (eg, 326, 360, 360 ', 370, 380) may have the same or substantially the same thickness as the sidewalls 302 and 304 of the bag 300. In other embodiments, the pattern area (eg, 326, 360, 360 ′, 370, 380) of the bag 300 is an upright configuration (eg, as shown in FIG. 10B), as well as easier folding of the bag 300. To be thicker.

  The bag according to the invention is very functional because it can stand upright without the user holding it. Thereby, the said bag can be set on a plane and can be easily filled by the user. This upright configuration is achieved without the use of folds, gussets or other additional structures in the bottom portion of the bag. Thus, the bag is substantially flat when not in use, thereby allowing it to be stored compactly. Furthermore, by not including additional structures in the bottom portion, the bag can be made of substantially less material than other upright bags known in the art. Those skilled in the art will recognize a number of other advantages of the bag of the present application based on the above description.

  While the invention has been described in certain specific exemplary embodiments, many additional modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above description, but is Should be determined by any claim that may be supported by and its equivalents.

The invention described herein can be used in the commercial production of storage bags. Such storage bags have a wide variety of uses, such as use for storing food, drugs or other substances.

Claims (33)

In the storage bag,
A first sidewall comprising: (i) at least one shift region provided at a bottom portion of the first sidewall; and (ii) a cuff line;
A second sidewall connected directly to the first sidewall along three sides of the bag to form an interior of the bag having an opening, the second sidewall being (i ) At least one shift region provided at the bottom portion of the second sidewall; and (ii) a second sidewall comprising a cuff line;
A cuff region disposed below the top edge of the first side wall and the top edge of the second side wall, wherein the cuff region is the top edge of the first and second side walls. A cuff region extending from a point below each of the cuff line to each of the first and second sidewalls,
The bag
(a) (i) a flat configuration in which the first side wall and the second side wall are disposed adjacent to each other; and (ii) an upright configuration, wherein the bag is substantially flat in the upright configuration. The first side wall and the second side wall are spaced apart from each other so that a base is formed so that the bag can be shifted between upright configurations. Shiftable with respect to the at least one shift region of the side wall and the at least one shift region of the second side wall,
(b) the bag can be folded over the cuff line and can be shifted with respect to the cuff line so that the bag can be shifted to a folded position where the cuff region forms the opening to the bag;
storage bags.   The first side wall further includes a first interlocking closure structure, the second side wall further includes a second interlocking closure structure, and the first interlocking closure structure includes the first interlocking closure structure. The storage bag of claim 1, wherein the storage bag is configured to interlock with the second interlocking closure structure to seal the opening of the bag.   The cuff region comprises: (i) the first interlock closure structure of the first sidewall and (ii) the second interlock closure structure of the second sidewall; The storage bag of claim 2, extending to the cuff line on each of the sidewalls of the storage bag.   The first side wall further includes a third interlock closure structure disposed below the first interlock closure structure, and the second side wall includes the second interlock closure. And further comprising a fourth interlock closure structure disposed below the structure, wherein the third interlock closure structure is adapted to seal the opening of the bag. The storage bag of claim 2, wherein the storage bag is configured to interlock with the closure structure.   The cuff region comprises: (i) the third interlock closure structure of the first sidewall and (ii) the fourth interlock closure structure of the second sidewall. The storage bag of claim 4, extending to the cuff line on each of the sidewalls of the storage bag.   The storage bag of claim 1, wherein the cuff line on each of the first and second side walls comprises a straight line extending from a first edge to a second edge of the corresponding side wall.   The storage bag of claim 1, wherein the cuff line on each of the first and second sidewalls comprises a dashed line extending from a first edge to a second edge of the corresponding sidewall.   The storage bag of claim 1, wherein the cuff line on each of the first and second side walls comprises a curve extending from a first edge to a second edge of the corresponding side wall.   The storage bag according to claim 1, wherein the cuff region comprises a pattern band to provide a user with a mark as to where the bag should be folded and where it should be folded.   The storage bag according to claim 9, wherein the pattern band is formed by embossing.   The storage bag of claim 9, wherein the bottom portion of each of the first and second sidewalls comprises a pattern area.   The storage bag according to claim 11, wherein at least one of the pattern band and the pattern area is formed by embossing.   The storage bag according to claim 11, wherein the pattern band comprises the same pattern as the pattern of the pattern area.   The storage bag according to claim 11, wherein the pattern band comprises a pattern different from the pattern of the pattern area.   Each of the first sidewall and the second sidewall is at least a bottom of each of the first and second sidewalls from a point below each of the top edges of the first and second sidewalls. The storage bag of claim 1, comprising a pattern area extending to a portion.   The storage bag according to claim 15, wherein the pattern area is formed by embossing. The first sidewall includes: (i) a shift region extending from near a first corner of the first sidewall; and (ii) a shift region extending from a second corner of the first sidewall. Including
The second sidewall includes: (i) a shift region extending from near a first corner of the second sidewall; and (ii) a shift region extending from a second corner of the second sidewall. Including,
The storage bag according to claim 1. The first sidewall is (i) a first shift region extending from a first corner of the first sidewall; and (ii) a second extending from the first corner of the first sidewall. (Iii) a third shift region extending from the second corner of the first sidewall, and (iv) a fourth shift extending from the second corner of the first sidewall. Including areas,
The second sidewall is (i) a first shift region extending from near the first corner of the second sidewall; and (ii) near the first corner of the second sidewall. A second shift region extending from, (iii) a third shift region extending from near the second corner of the second sidewall, and (iv) the second corner of the second sidewall. A fourth shift region extending from near
In the upright configuration, with respect to the first, second, third and fourth shift regions of the first sidewall, such that the substantially flat base is formed in the bag, and the first Shifting the bag with respect to the first, second, third and fourth shift regions of the two side walls;
The storage bag according to claim 1. In the storage bag,
A first side wall comprising at least one shift region provided in a bottom portion of the first side wall;
A second sidewall directly connected to the first sidewall along three sides of the bag to form an interior of the bag having an opening, the second sidewall being the second sidewall A second sidewall comprising at least one shift region provided in the bottom portion of the sidewall;
A cuff region disposed below a top edge of the first side wall and a top edge of the second side wall, the cuff region comprising at least one shift region. ,
The bag
(a) (i) a flat configuration in which the first side wall and the second side wall are disposed adjacent to each other; and (ii) an upright configuration, wherein the bag is substantially flat in the upright configuration. The first side wall and the second side wall are spaced apart from each other so that a base is formed so that the bag can be shifted between upright configurations. Shiftable with respect to the at least one shift region of the side wall and the at least one shift region of the second side wall,
(b) folding the bag over at least one shift region so that the bag can be shifted to a folded position where the cuff region forms the opening to the bag. Shiftable with respect to the at least one cuff region;
storage bags.   The first side wall further includes a first interlocking closure structure, the second side wall further includes a second interlocking closure structure, and the first interlocking closure structure includes the first interlocking closure structure. The storage bag of claim 19, wherein the storage bag is configured to interlock with the second interlocking closure structure to seal the opening of the bag.   21. The cuff region extends from below (i) the first interlock closure structure of the first sidewall and (ii) the second interlock closure structure of the second sidewall. Storage bag as described in.   The first side wall further includes a third interlock closure structure disposed below the first interlock closure structure, and the second side wall includes the second interlock closure. And further comprising a fourth interlock closure structure disposed below the structure, wherein the third interlock closure structure is adapted to seal the opening of the bag. 21. The storage bag of claim 20, configured to interlock with a closure structure.   23. The cuff region extends from below (i) the third interlock closure structure of the first sidewall and (ii) the fourth interlock closure structure of the second sidewall. Storage bag as described in.   20. A storage bag according to claim 19, wherein the cuff region comprises a pattern band to provide a user with a mark as to where the bag should be folded and where it should be folded.   The storage bag according to claim 24, wherein the pattern band is formed by embossing.   25. The storage bag of claim 24, wherein the bottom portion of each of the first and second sidewalls comprises a pattern area.   27. The storage bag according to claim 26, wherein at least one of the pattern band and the pattern area is formed by embossing.   27. The storage bag of claim 26, wherein the pattern strip comprises the same pattern as the pattern in the pattern area.   27. The storage bag of claim 26, wherein the pattern strip comprises a pattern that is different from the pattern in the pattern area.   Each of the first sidewall and the second sidewall is at least a bottom of each of the first and second sidewalls from a point below each of the top edges of the first and second sidewalls. 20. A storage bag according to claim 19, comprising a pattern area extending to a portion.   The storage bag according to claim 30, wherein the pattern area is formed by embossing. The first sidewall includes: (i) a shift region extending from near a first corner of the first sidewall; and (ii) a shift region extending from a second corner of the first sidewall. Including
The second sidewall includes: (i) a shift region extending from near a first corner of the second sidewall; and (ii) a shift region extending from a second corner of the second sidewall. Including,
The storage bag according to claim 19. The first sidewall is (i) a first shift region extending from a first corner of the first sidewall; and (ii) a second extending from the first corner of the first sidewall. (Iii) a third shift region extending from the second corner of the first sidewall, and (iv) a fourth shift extending from the second corner of the first sidewall. Including areas,
The second sidewall is (i) a first shift region extending from near the first corner of the second sidewall; and (ii) near the first corner of the second sidewall. A second shift region extending from, (iii) a third shift region extending from near the second corner of the second sidewall, and (iv) the second corner of the second sidewall. A fourth shift region extending from near
In the upright configuration, with respect to the first, second, third and fourth shift regions of the first sidewall, such that the substantially flat base is formed in the bag, and the first Shifting the bag with respect to the first, second, third and fourth shift regions of the two side walls;
The storage bag according to claim 19.

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