US20060215941A1

US20060215941A1 - Twin support aperture side tear bag pack

Info

Publication number: US20060215941A1
Application number: US11/089,490
Authority: US
Inventors: Allen Golbert
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: IPS INDUSTRIES Inc
Priority date: 2005-03-24
Filing date: 2005-03-24
Publication date: 2006-09-28

Abstract

T-shirt style and open mouth grocery or merchandise bag packs includes a plurality of plastic bags, each having a central tab located above the bag mouth. The bag pack is suspended from a dispensing rack by a pair of support apertures through the central tab. The tab is designed to rupture at the support apertures when the bag is dispensed from the rack. The tab may have a flattened top and a pair of opposed lateral sides or may have a rounded top. The weakened area may take the form of a cut or a notch. These weakened areas may begin at the support apertures or one of the lateral sides of the flattened top tab or at points below the top most point of the rounded tab. The weakened areas may also be perforations or single openings. The open mouth bags may have a handle opening through the tab.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention pertains to plastic grocery, produce and merchandise bags. More particularly, the invention relates to T-shirt style and other handle bags manufactured in registered stacks for dispensing from racks having twin central support arms. The bags are dispensed without leaving a torn remnant of the bag on the dispenser.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

T-shirt style bags were developed to provide a strong, low-cost, high capacity bag for groceries or merchandise that incorporates strong, integral handles. This is accomplished by creating a gusseted polyethylene tube, sealing it at both ends and cutting out a “mouth section.” The result is a bag that includes a pair of strong handles formed from the side gussets and the bag's upper seam. While such bags are very useful for transporting heavy loads, they can be difficult to load as they lack the means to stand upright while empty, as does a square-bottomed paper bag.
For this reason, racks have been developed to hold and dispense registered packs of t-shirt style bags. In order to be dispensable from such racks, the bag packs typically have a pair of apertures through the bag handles to fit on side arms of the dispenser and a central tab. The central tab includes an opening or slit designed to fit over a hook or protrusion at the center of the dispenser. Instead of apertures through the bag handles, the present invention incorporates a pair of apertures through a central portion of the bag adjacent the bag mouth. A variant of the invention is an open mouth bag without t-shirt style handles. Rather, the bag has a pair of handle openings in the upper region of the bag walls below the bag mouth and apertures for the pair of central supporting rods. Both bags may be removed from their supporting racks without leaving any torn bag remnants on the rack. Various designs for such “remnant free” systems have been developed.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,188,235, issued to Pierce et al., discloses a bag formed of multiple stacked handle bags having aligned mounting apertures defined through the handle portions of the bags for reception of mounting rods therethrough. The mounting apertures are formed as elongated, generally vertically extending, slots having curved upper and lower portions. Elongated mounting slots make possible the use of shorter handles for the bags without sacrificing either the size of the mouth opening during loading or the carrying capacity of the bags. A central mounting tab on the multiple stacked bags has a vertical perforation extending between a generally horizontal central mounting aperture and the bag mouth, thus permitting the bag to be removed from a cooperating bag rack without leaving any portion of the central mounting tab on the bag rack.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,378, issued to Baxley et al., is directed to bag pack formed of multiple stacked handle bags having aligned mounting apertures defined through the handles thereof for reception of mounting rods therethrough. The apertures are formed by partially severed flaps which are bonded together to maintain aperture alignment. The flaps are integral with the bags along minor easily severed areas for a freeing of the bags upon a severance of the flaps simultaneous with or subsequent to reception of the mounting rods through the apertures.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,098, issued to Tseng et al., discloses method for manufacturing automatic consecutively opened thermoplastic T-shirt bags for dispensing from a conventional supporting rack. The method involves providing a continuous flattened tube of thermoplastic film and applying adhesive solution using a printing press to form adhesion regions on the outside of the tube. The adhesive solution can be applied using a flexo or gravure printing process.
The method then involves forming side gussets in the tube and making traverse seals in the tube, thereby dividing the tube into pillowcases. The pillowcases are separated at the seals to form a series of end-sealed gusseted pillowcases which are stacked to form a bag pack. Next, the bag pack is cut along a bag-mouth contour to from a plurality of T-shirt bags. The bag-mouth contour forms a set of laterally spaced handles each having a receiving aperture for a conventional support rod of a dispensing rack, a central tab having a mounting aperture, and an open mouth region. The adhesion regions are optimally located below the receiving apertures and above the lowest point of the bag-mouth contour. Finally, slight pressure is applied to the proximate area of the adhesion regions of each bag in the bag pack to form a disengageable link between consecutive bags. The invention also relates to the T-shirt bags and the bag packs produced from this method.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,480,750, issued to Dancy, is directed to a thermoplastic bag having front and rear walls with smooth upper edges defining an open bag mouth. A pair of laterally spaced integral loop handles extends upward from the bag mouth and include detachable mounting tabs projecting laterally inward from the handles at an intermediate point along the height thereof. The tabs are remote from the bag mouth and, in a bag pack, form the securing area for the bags.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,938, issued to Benoit, Jr. et al. discloses a tab-free thermoplastic T-shirt bag system. Emanating from the bag mouth is a raised area with a support cut having first and second ends. Relative to the support cut is a laterally situated dispense cut having first and second ends. The application of light pressure to a medial edge of the support cut causes a rupture at the space between the edge and the second, bottom tip of the dispense cut, the rupture communicating with the dispense cut, releasing the bag from the support tab.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide a T-shirt style and other handled grocery or merchandise bag that will not leave any remnant of the bag on a dispensing rack. It is a further objective to provide such bags that can be easily and reliably manufactured and that can be stored in registered alignment for ease in placing into a dispensing rack. It is a still further objective of the invention to provide a bag stack that includes weakened areas at the hanging apertures permitting the areas to rupture at a point below the top of the bag mouth. Finally, it is an objective to provide bags incorporating self-opening features.
While some of the objectives of the present invention are disclosed in the prior art, none of the inventions found include all of the requirements identified.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses all of the deficiencies of prior art tabless T-shirt style and open mouth bag pack inventions and satisfies all of the objectives described above.
(1) A twin support aperture side-tear bag pack providing the desired features may be constructed from the following components. A plurality of registered polyethylene bags is provided. Each of the bags has front and rear walls joined at their substantially parallel first and second side edges. The front and rear walls are joined at their substantially parallel upper and lower edges. The front and rear walls have a U-shaped cut-out commencing at a first point on the upper edge spaced inwardly from the first side edge, extending downwardly toward the lower edge and returning upwardly to a second point on the upper edge spaced inwardly from the second side edge. The U-shaped cut-out forms an open bag mouth, a pair of bag handles and at least one front or rear central tab extending upwardly from a central point on the bag mouth.
The central tab has a top edge, first and second lateral edges extending downwardly from the top edge. The central tab is penetrated by first and second support apertures for suspending the bag pack on support arms of a dispensing rack, the apertures are located below the top edge. The central tab has a weakened area between each of the first and second apertures and one of the first and second lateral edges. When one of the bags is pulled from the dispensing rack, the weakened areas of the central tab will rupture, thereby causing the central tab to remain with the dispensed bag.
(2) In a variant of the invention, the bags include at least one side gusset. The side gusset extends from the upper edge to the lower edge and inwardly from at least one of the first and second side edges for a first predetermined distance.
(3) In another variant, the weakened area comprises a perforation line extending from each of the support apertures to one of the first and second lateral edges.
(4) In still another variant, the weakened area comprises an opening. The opening is located between each of the support apertures and one of the first and second lateral edges.
(5) In yet another variant, the weakened area comprises a first cut. The first cut extends from each of the support apertures toward one of the first and second lateral edges.
(6) In a further variant, the weakened area comprises a second cut, the second cut extends from each of the first and second lateral edges toward one of the support apertures.
(7) In another variant of the invention, the weakened area comprises a first notch. The first notch extends from each of the support apertures toward one of the first and second lateral edges.
(8) In yet another variant, the weakened area comprises a second notch. The second notch extends from each of the first and second lateral edges toward one of the support apertures.
(9) In still another variant, means are provided for releasably adhering a rear surface of the rear wall of a first bag in the bag pack to a front surface of the front wall of a subsequent bag in the bag pack, thereby causing the subsequent bag to open upon dispensing of the first bag from the dispensing rack.
(10) In a further variant, the means for releasably adhering a rear surface of the rear wall of a first bag in the bag pack to a front surface of the front wall of a subsequent bag in the bag pack is selected from the group consisting of glue spotting, hot pinning, cold staking, corona treatment, pressure and corona treatment combined with pressure.
(11) In still a further variant, the means for releasably adhering a rear surface of the rear wall of a first bag in the bag pack to a front surface of the front wall of a subsequent bag in the bag pack is applied to rear surfaces of the bag handles of the first bag and front surfaces of the bag handles of the subsequent bag.
(12) In another variant, the means for releasably adhering a rear surface of the rear wall of a first bag in the bag pack to a front surface of the front wall of a subsequent bag in the bag pack is applied to rear surfaces of the central tab of the first bag and front surfaces of the central tab of the subsequent bag.
(13) In yet another variant of the invention, a twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, includes a plurality of registered polyethylene bags. Each of the bags has front and rear walls joined at their substantially parallel first and second side edges. The front and rear walls are joined at their substantially parallel upper and lower edges. The front and rear walls have a U-shaped cut-out commencing at a first point on the upper edge spaced inwardly from the first side edge, extending downwardly toward the lower edge and returning upwardly to a second point on the upper edge spaced inwardly from the second side edge. The U-shaped cut-out forms an open bag mouth, a pair of bag handles and at least one front or rear central tab extending upwardly from a central point on the bag mouth.
The central tab has a rounded, peripheral edge. The peripheral edge has an uppermost point. The central tab is penetrated by first and second support apertures below the uppermost point. The apertures suspend the bag pack on support arms of a dispensing rack. The central tab has a weakened area between each of the support apertures and one of third and fourth points below the uppermost point. When one of the bags is pulled from the dispensing rack, the weakened areas of the central tab will rupture, thereby causing the central tab to remain with the dispensed bag.
(14) In still another variant, the bags include at least one side gusset. The side gusset extends from the upper edge to the lower edge and inwardly from at least one of the first and second side edges for a first predetermined distance.
(15) In a further variant, the weakened area comprises a perforation line extending from each of the support apertures to one of the third and fourth points.
(16) In still a further variant, the weakened areas comprise an opening. The opening is located between the each of the support apertures and one of the third and fourth points.
(17) In yet a further variant, the weakened areas comprise a first cut. The first cut extends from each of the support apertures toward one of the third and fourth points.
(18) In another variant of the invention, the weakened areas comprise a second cut. The second cut extends from each of the third and fourth points toward one of the support apertures.
(19) In still another variant, the weakened area comprises a first notch. The first notch extends from each of the support apertures toward one of the third and fourth points.
(20) In yet another variant, the weakened area comprises a second notch. The second notch extends from each of the third and fourth points toward one of the support apertures.
21) In still another variant, means are provided for releasably adhering a rear surface of the rear wall of a first bag in the bag pack to a front surface of the front wall of a subsequent bag in the bag pack, thereby causing the subsequent bag to open upon dispensing of the first bag from the dispensing rack.
(22) In a further variant, the means for releasably adhering a rear surface of the rear wall of a first bag in the bag pack to a front surface of the front wall of a subsequent bag in the bag pack is selected from the group consisting of glue spotting, hot pinning, cold staking, corona treatment, pressure and corona treatment combined with pressure.
(23) In still a further variant, the means for releasably adhering a rear surface of the rear wall of a first bag in the bag pack to a front surface of the front wall of a subsequent bag in the bag pack is applied to rear surfaces of the bag handles of the first bag and front surfaces of the bag handles of the subsequent bag.
(24) In yet a further variant, the means for releasably adhering a rear surface of the rear wall of a first bag in the bag pack to a front surface of the front wall of a subsequent bag in the bag pack is applied to rear surfaces of the central tab of the first bag and front surfaces of the central tab of the subsequent bag.
(25) In another variant of the invention, a twin support aperture side-tear bag pack includes a plurality of registered polyethylene bags. Each of the bags has front and rear walls joined at their substantially parallel first and second side edges. The front and rear walls are joined at their substantially parallel lower edges to form a sealed bag bottom and an open bag mouth. The bag mouth has a central hanging tab extending upwardly from it. The central tab has a top edge, first and second lateral edges extending downwardly from the top edge. The central tab is penetrated by first and second support apertures for suspending the bag pack on support arms of a dispensing rack, the apertures are disposed below the top edge. The central tab has a weakened area between each of the first and second apertures and one of the first and second lateral edges. When one of the bags is pulled from the dispensing rack, the weakened areas of the central tab will rupture, thereby causing the central tab to remain with the dispensed bag.
(26) In a further variant, the bags include at least one side gusset. The side gusset extends from the upper edge to the lower edge and inwardly from at least one of the first and second side edges for a first predetermined distance.
(27) In still a further variant, the weakened area comprises a perforation line extending from each of the support apertures to one of the first and second lateral edges.
(28) In another variant, the weakened area comprises an opening. The opening is located between each of the support apertures and one of the first and second lateral edges.
(29) In still another variant, the weakened area comprises a first cut. The first cut extends from each of the support apertures toward one of the first and second lateral edges.
(30) In yet another variant, the weakened area comprises a second cut. The second cut extends from each of the first and second lateral edges toward one of the support apertures.
(31) In a further variant, the weakened area comprises a first notch. The first notch extends from each of the support apertures toward one of the first and second lateral edges.
(32) In still a further variant, the weakened area comprises a second notch. The second notch extends from each of the first and second lateral edges toward one of the support apertures.
(33) In yet a further variant, means are provided for releasably adhering a rear surface of the rear wall of a first bag in the bag pack to a front surface of the front wall of a subsequent bag in the bag pack, thereby causing the subsequent bag to open upon dispensing of the first bag from the dispensing rack.
(34) In another variant, the means for releasably adhering a rear surface of the rear wall of a first bag in the bag pack to a front surface of the front wall of a subsequent bag in the bag pack is selected from the group consisting of glue spotting, hot pinning, cold staking, corona treatment, pressure and corona treatment combined with pressure.
(35) In still another variant, the means for releasably adhering a rear surface of the rear wall of a first bag in the bag pack to a front surface of the front wall of a subsequent bag in the bag pack is applied to rear surfaces of the central tab of the first bag and front surfaces of the central tab of the subsequent bag.
(36) In yet another variant, a handle opening is provided. The handle opening penetrates at least one of the front and rear walls of the bag below the top edge of the central tab.
(37) In another variant of the invention, a twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, includes a plurality of registered polyethylene bags. Each of the bags has front and rear walls joined at their substantially parallel first and second side edges. The front and rear walls are joined at their substantially parallel lower edges to form a sealed bag bottom and an open bag mouth. The bag mouth has a central hanging tab extending upwardly from it. The central tab has a rounded peripheral edge. The peripheral edge has an uppermost point. The central tab is penetrated by first and second support apertures below the uppermost point. The apertures suspend the bag pack on support arms of a dispensing rack. The central tab has a weakened area between each of the support apertures and one of third and fourth points below the uppermost point. When one of the bags is pulled from the dispensing rack, the weakened areas of the central tab will rupture, thereby causing the central tab to remain with the dispensed bag.
(38) In still another variant, the bags further include at least one side gusset. The side gusset extends from the upper edge to the lower edge and inwardly from at least one of the first and second side edges for a first predetermined distance.
(39) In yet another variant, the weakened area comprises a perforation line extending from each of the support apertures to one of the third and fourth points.
(40) In a further variant of the invention, the weakened area comprises an opening. The opening is disposed between the each of the support apertures and one of the third and fourth points.
(41) In still a further variant, the weakened area comprises a first cut. The first cut extends from each of the support apertures toward one of the third and fourth points.
(42) In yet a further variant, the weakened area comprises a second cut. The second cut extends from each of the third and fourth points toward one of the support apertures.
(43) In still a further variant, the weakened area comprises a first notch. The first notch extends from each of the support apertures toward one of the third and fourth points.
(44) In another variant, the weakened area comprises a second notch. The second notch extends from each of the third and fourth points toward one of the support apertures.
(45) In still another variant, means are provided for releasably adhering a rear surface of the rear wall of a first bag in the bag pack to a front surface of the front wall of a subsequent bag in the bag pack, thereby causing the subsequent bag to open upon dispensing of the first bag from the dispensing rack.
(46) In yet another variant, the means for releasably adhering a rear surface of the rear wall of a first bag in the bag pack to a front surface of the front wall of a subsequent bag in the bag pack is selected from the group consisting of glue spotting, hot pinning, cold staking, corona treatment, pressure and corona treatment combined with pressure.
(47) In a further variant, the means for releasably adhering a rear surface of the rear wall of a first bag in the bag pack to a front surface of the front wall of a subsequent bag in the bag pack is applied to rear surfaces of the central tab of the first bag and front surfaces of the central tab of the subsequent bag.
(48) In a final variant, the bags include a handle opening. The handle opening penetrates at least one of the front and rear walls of the bag below the top edge of the central tab.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the t-shirt style embodiment of the invention including a bag pack disposed upon a dispensing rack;
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the t-shirt style bag of the FIG. 1 embodiment;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bag of the FIG. 1 embodiment bag partially cut-away to illustrate an ungusseted bag edge;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bag of the FIG. 1 embodiment bag partially cut-away to illustrate a gusseted bag edge;
FIG. 4 is a detailed partial plan view of the bag of the FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating a tab having a top edge, lateral side edges and weakened areas disposed at 90 degrees and 270 degrees to the vertical axis of the bag;
FIG. 5 is a detailed partial plan view of the tab of the FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating weakened areas consisting of perforation lines extending between the support apertures and the lateral sides of the tab;
FIG. 6 is a detailed partial plan view of the tab of the FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating weakened areas consisting of openings extending between the support apertures and the lateral sides of the tab;
FIG. 7 is a detailed partial plan view of the tab of the FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating weakened areas consisting of cuts extending from the support apertures toward the lateral sides of the tab;
FIG. 8 is a detailed partial plan view of the tab of the FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating weakened areas consisting of cuts extending from the lateral sides of the tab toward the support apertures;
FIG. 9 is a detailed partial plan view of the tab of the FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating weakened areas consisting of notches extending from the support apertures toward the lateral sides of the tab;
FIG. 10 is a detailed partial plan view of the tab of the FIG. 1 embodiment illustrating weakened areas consisting of notches extending from the lateral sides of the tab toward the support apertures;
FIG. 11 is a detailed partial plan view of a second embodiment illustrating a tab having a rounded peripheral edge with an uppermost point and weakened areas impinging on the peripheral edge below the uppermost point;
FIG. 12 is a detailed partial plan view of the tab of the FIG. 11 embodiment illustrating weakened areas consisting of perforation lines extending from each of said support apertures to one of said third and fourth points;
FIG. 13 is a detailed partial plan view of the tab of the FIG. 11 embodiment illustrating weakened areas consisting of openings between the support apertures and one of the third and fourth points;
FIG. 14 is a detailed perspective view of a tab of the FIG. 11 illustrating weakened areas consisting of a first cut extending from each of the support apertures toward one of the third and fourth points.
FIG. 15 is a detailed perspective view of a tab of the FIG. 11 illustrating weakened areas consisting of a second cut extending from each of the third and fourth points toward one of the support apertures;
FIG. 16 is a detailed perspective view of a tab of the FIG. 11 illustrating weakened areas consisting of a first notch extending from each of the support apertures toward one of the third and fourth points;
FIG. 17 is a detailed perspective view of a tab of the FIG. 11 illustrating weakened areas consisting of a second notch extending from each of the third and fourth points toward one of the support apertures;
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an open mouth embodiment of the invention having a central tab with a top edge and two lateral side edges, including a bag pack disposed upon a dispensing rack;
FIG. 18A is a perspective view of the open mouth bag of the FIG. 18 embodiment;
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a bag of the FIG. 21 embodiment partially cut-away to illustrate an ungusseted bag edge;
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a bag of the FIG. 18 embodiment partially cut-away to illustrate a gusseted bag edge;
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an open mouth embodiment of the invention having a central tab with a rounded peripheral edge, including a bag pack disposed upon a dispensing rack;
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a bag of the FIG. 21 embodiment illustrating a handle opening through the central tab;
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a bag pack being hot pinned to provide self-opening features;
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a bag pack being cold-staked to provide self-opening features;
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a bag pack being glue spotted at the central tab and illustrating corona treatment and printing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(1) FIGS. 1 and 1-A illustrate a twin support aperture side-tear bag pack 10 providing the desired features that may be constructed from the following components. A plurality of registered polyethylene bags 15 is provided. Each of the bags 15 has front 20 and rear 25 walls joined at their substantially parallel first 30 and second 35 side edges. The front 20 and rear 25 walls are joined at their substantially parallel upper 40 and lower 45 edges. The front 20 and rear 25 walls have a U-shaped cut-out 50 commencing at a first point 55 on the upper edge 40 spaced inwardly from the first side edge 30, extending downwardly toward the lower edge 45 and returning upwardly to a second point 60 on the upper edge 40 spaced inwardly from the second side edge 35. The U-shaped cut-out 50 forms an open bag mouth 65, a pair of bag handles 70 and at least one front 75 or rear 80 central tab extending upwardly from a central point 85 on the bag mouth 65.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the central tab 75, 80 has a top edge 90, first 95 and second 100 lateral edges extending downwardly from the top edge 90. The central tab 75, 80 is penetrated by first 105 and second 110 support apertures for suspending the bag pack 10 on support arms 115 of a dispensing rack 120, the apertures 105, 110 are located below the top edge 90. The central tab 75, 80 has a weakened area 125 between each of the first 105 and second 110 apertures and one of the first 95 and second 100 lateral edges. When one of the bags 15 is pulled from the dispensing rack 120, the weakened areas 125 of the central tab 75, 80 will rupture, thereby causing the central tab 75, 80 to remain with the dispensed bag 15.
(2) In a variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the bags 15 include at least one side gusset 130. The side gusset 130 extends from the upper edge 40 to the lower edge 45 and inwardly from at least one of the first 30 and second 35 side edges for a first predetermined distance 132.
(3) FIG. 5 illustrates another variant, where the weakened area 125 comprises a perforation line 135 extending from each of the support apertures 105, 110 to one of the first 95 and second 100 lateral edges.
(4) In still another variant, illustrated in FIG. 6, the weakened area 125 comprises an opening 140. The opening 140 is located between each of the support apertures 105, 110 and one of the first 95 and second 100 lateral edges.
(5) In yet another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the weakened area 125 comprises a first cut 145. The first cut 145 extends from each of the support apertures 105, 110 toward one of the first 95 and second 100 lateral edges.
(6) In a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the weakened area 125 comprises a second cut 150. The second cut 150 extends from each of the first 95 and second 100 lateral edges toward one of the support apertures 105, 110.
(7) In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the weakened area 125 comprises a first notch 155. The first notch 155 extends from each of the support apertures 105, 110 toward one of the first 95 and second 100 lateral edges.
(8) In yet another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the weakened area 125 comprises a second notch 160. The second notch 160 extends from each of the first 95 and second 100 lateral edges toward one of the support apertures 105, 110.
(9) In still another variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 23-25, means 165 are provided for releasably adhering a rear surface 170 of the rear wall 25 of a first bag 15 in the bag pack 10 to a front surface 175 of the front wall 20 of a subsequent bag 15 in the bag pack 10, thereby causing the subsequent bag 15 to open upon dispensing of the first bag 15 from the dispensing rack 120.
(10) In a further variant, the means 165 for releasably adhering a rear surface 170 of the rear wall 25 of a first bag 15 in the bag pack 10 to a front surface 175 of the front wall 20 of a subsequent bag 15 in the bag pack 10 is selected from the group consisting of glue spotting 180 (FIG. 25), hot pinning 185 (FIG. 23), cold staking 190 (FIG. 24), corona treatment 195 (FIG. 25), pressure 200 and corona treatment 195 combined with pressure 200 (FIG. 25).
(11) In still a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 24, the means 165 for releasably adhering a rear surface 170 of the rear wall 25 of a first bag 15 in the bag pack 10 to a front surface 175 of the front wall 20 of a subsequent bag 15 in the bag pack 10 is applied to rear surfaces 210 of the bag handles 70 of the first bag 15 and front surfaces 215 of the bag handles 70 of the subsequent bag 15.
(12) In another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 25, the means 165 for releasably adhering a rear surface 170 of the rear wall 25 of a first bag 15 in the bag pack 10 to a front surface 175 of the front wall 20 of a subsequent bag 15 in the bag pack 10 is applied to rear surfaces 220 of the central tab 75, 80 of the first bag 15 and front surfaces 225 of the central tab 75, 80 of the subsequent bag 15.
(13) In yet another variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 1-A, a twin support aperture side-tear bag pack 10, includes a plurality of registered polyethylene bags 15. Each of the bags 15 has front 20 and rear 25 walls joined at their substantially parallel first 30 and second 35 side edges. The front 20 and rear 25 walls are joined at their substantially parallel upper 40 and lower 45 edges. The front 20 and rear 25 walls have a U-shaped 50 cut-out commencing at a first point 55 on the upper edge 40 spaced inwardly from the first side edge 30, extending downwardly toward the lower edge 45 and returning upwardly to a second point 60 on the upper edge 40 spaced inwardly from the second side edge 35. The U-shaped cut-out 50 forms an open bag mouth 65, a pair of bag handles 70 and at least one front 75 or rear 80 central tab extending upwardly from a central point 85 on the bag mouth 65.
The central tab 75, 80, as illustrated in FIG. 11, has a rounded peripheral edge 230. The peripheral edge 230 has an uppermost point 235. The central tab 75, 80 is penetrated by first 105 and second 110 support apertures below the uppermost point 235. The apertures 105, 110 suspend the bag pack 10 on support arms 115 of a dispensing rack 120. The central tab 75, 80 has a weakened area 125 between each of the support apertures 105, 110 and one of third 240 and fourth 245 points below the uppermost point 235. When one of the bags 15 is pulled from the dispensing rack 120, the weakened areas 125 of the central tab 75, 80 will rupture, thereby causing the central tab 75, 80 to remain with the dispensed bag 15.
(14) In still another variant (not shown), the bags 15 include at least one side gusset 130. The side gusset 130 extends from the upper edge 40 to the lower edge 45 and inwardly from at least one of the first 30 and second 35 side edges for a first predetermined distance 132.
(15) In a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the weakened area 125 comprises a perforation line 135 extending from each of the support apertures 105, 110 to one of the third 240 and fourth 245 points.
(16) In still a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the weakened areas 125 comprise an opening 140. The opening 140 is located between the each of the support apertures 105, 110 and one of the third 240 and fourth 245 points.
(17) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the weakened areas 125 comprise a first cut 145. The first cut 145 extends from each of the support apertures 105, 110 toward one of the third 240 and fourth 245 points.
(18) In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the weakened areas 125 comprise a second cut 150. The second cut 150 extends from each of the third 240 and fourth 245 points toward one of the support apertures.
(19) In still another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the weakened area 125 comprises a first notch 155. The first notch 155 extends from each of the support apertures 105, 110 toward one of the third 240 and fourth points 245.
(20) In yet another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the weakened area 125 comprises a second notch 160. The second notch 160 extends from each of the third 240 and fourth 245 points toward one of the support apertures 105, 110.
21) In still another variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 23-25, means 165 are provided for releasably adhering a rear 170 surface of the rear wall 25 of a first bag 15 in the bag pack 10 to a front surface 175 of the front wall 20 of a subsequent bag 15 in the bag pack 10, thereby causing the subsequent bag 15 to open upon dispensing of the first bag 15 from the dispensing rack 120.
(22) In a further variant, the means 165 for releasably adhering a rear surface 170 of the rear wall 25 of a first bag 15 in the bag pack 10 to a front surface 175 of the front wall 20 of a subsequent bag 15 in the bag pack 10 is selected from the group consisting of glue spotting 180 (FIG. 25), hot pinning 185 (FIG. 23), cold staking 190 (FIG. 24), corona treatment 195 (FIG. 25), pressure 200 and corona treatment 195 combined with pressure 200 (FIG. 25).
(23) In still a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 24, the means 165 for releasably ID adhering a rear surface 170 of the rear wall 25 of a first bag 15 in the bag pack 10 to a front surface 175 of the front wall 20 of a subsequent bag 15 in the bag pack 10 is applied to rear surfaces 210 of the bag handles 70 of the first bag 15 and front surfaces 215 of the bag handles 70 of the subsequent bag 15.
(24) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 25, the means 165 for releasably adhering a rear surface 170 of the rear wall 25 of a first bag 15 in the bag pack 10 to a front surface 175 of the front wall 25 of a subsequent bag 15 in the bag pack 10 is applied to rear surfaces 220 of the central tab 75, 80 of the first bag 15 and front surfaces 225 of the central tab 75, 80 of the subsequent bag 15.
(25) In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 18, 18A and 20, a twin support aperture side-tear bag pack 10 includes a plurality of registered polyethylene bags 15. Each of the bags 15 has front 20 and rear 25 walls joined at their substantially parallel first 30 and second 35 side edges. The front 20 and rear 25 walls are joined at their substantially parallel lower edges 45 to form a sealed bag bottom 250 and an open bag mouth 255. The bag mouth 255 has a central hanging tab 75, 80 extending upwardly from it. The central tab 75, 80 has a top edge 90, first 95 and second 100 lateral edges extending downwardly from the top edge 90. The central tab 75, 80 is penetrated by first 105 and second 110 support apertures for suspending the bag pack 10 on support arms 115 of a dispensing rack 120, the apertures 105, 110 are disposed below the top edge 90. The central tab 75, 80 has a weakened area 125 between each of the first 105 and second 110 apertures and one of the first 95 and second 100 lateral edges. When one of the bags 15 is pulled from the dispensing rack 120, the weakened areas 125 of the central tab 75, 80 will rupture, thereby causing the central tab 75, 80 to remain with the dispensed bag 15.
(26) In a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the bags 15 include at least one side gusset 130. The side gusset 130 extends from the upper edge 40 to the lower edge 45 and inwardly from at least one of the first 30 and second 35 side edges for a first predetermined distance 132.
(27) In still a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the weakened area 125 comprises a perforation line 135 extending from each of the support apertures 105, 110 to one of the first 95 and second 100 lateral edges.
(28) In another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the weakened area 125 comprises an opening 140. The opening 140 is located between each of the support apertures 105, 110 and one of the first 95 and second 100 lateral edges.
(29) In still another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the weakened area 125 comprises a first cut 145. The first cut 145 extends from each of the support apertures 105, 110 toward one of the first 95 and second 100 lateral edges.
(30) In yet another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the weakened area 125 comprises a second cut 150. The second cut 150 extends from each of the first 95 and second 100 lateral edges toward one of the support apertures 105, 110.
(31) In a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the weakened area 125 comprises a first notch 155. The first notch 155 extends from each of the support apertures 105, 110 toward one of the first 95 and second 100 lateral edges.
(32) In still a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the weakened area 125 comprises a second notch 160. The second notch 160 extends from each of the first 95 and second 100 lateral edges toward one of the support apertures 105, 110.
(33) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 23-25, means 165 are provided for releasably adhering a rear surface 170 of the rear wall 25 of a first bag 15 in the bag pack 10 to a front surface 175 of the front wall 20 of a subsequent bag 15 in the bag pack 10, thereby causing the subsequent bag 15 to open upon dispensing of the first bag 15 from the dispensing rack 120.
(34) In another variant, the means 165 for releasably adhering a rear surface 170 of the rear wall 25 of a first bag 15 in the bag pack 10 to a front surface 175 of the front wall 20 of a subsequent bag 15 in the bag pack 10 is selected from the group consisting of glue spotting 180 (FIG. 25), hot pinning 185 (FIG. 23), cold staking 190 (FIG. 24), corona treatment 195 (FIG. 25), pressure 200 and corona treatment 195 combined with pressure 200 (FIG. 25).
(35) In still another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 25, the means 165 for releasably adhering a rear surface 170 of the rear wall 25 of a first bag 15 in the bag pack 10 to a front surface 175 of the front wall 20 of a subsequent bag 15 in the bag pack 10 is applied to rear surfaces 220 of the central tab 75, 80 of the first bag 15 and front surfaces 225 of the central tab 75, 80 of the subsequent bag 15.
(36) In yet another variant (not shown), a handle opening 260 is provided. The handle opening 260 penetrates at least one of the front 20 and rear 25 walls of the bag 15 below the top edge 90 of the central tab 75, 80.
(37) In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 19, 21 and 11, a twin support aperture side-tear bag pack 10, includes a plurality of registered polyethylene bags 15. Each of the bags 15 has front 20 and rear 25 walls joined at their substantially parallel first 30 and second 35 side edges. The front 20 and rear 25 walls are joined at their substantially parallel lower edges 45 to form a sealed bag bottom 250 and an open bag mouth 255. The bag mouth 255 has a central hanging tab 75, 80 extending upwardly from it. The central tab 75, 80 has a rounded peripheral edge 230. The peripheral edge 230 has an uppermost point 235. The central tab 75, 80 is penetrated by first 105 and second 110 support apertures below the uppermost point 235. The apertures 105, 110 suspend the bag pack 10 on support arms 115 of a dispensing rack 120. The central tab 75, 80 has a weakened area 125 between each of the support apertures 105, 110 and one of third 240 and fourth 245 points below the uppermost point 235. When one of the bags 15 is pulled from the dispensing rack 120, the weakened areas 125 of the central tab 75, 80 will rupture, thereby causing the central tab 75, 80 to remain with the dispensed bag 15.
(38) In still another variant (not shown), the bags 15 further include at least one side gusset 130. The side gusset 130 extends from the upper edge 40 to the lower edge 45 and inwardly from at least one of the first 30 and second 35 side edges for a first predetermined distance 132.
(39) In yet another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the weakened area 125 comprises a perforation line 135 extending from each of the support apertures 105, 110 to one of the third 240 and fourth 245 points.
(40) In a further variant of the invention, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the weakened area 125 comprises an opening 140. The opening 140 is disposed between the each of the support apertures 105, 110 and one of the third 240 and fourth 245 points.
(41) In still a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the weakened area 125 comprises a first cut 145. The first cut 145 extends from each of the support apertures 105, 110 toward one of the third 240 and fourth 245 points.
(42) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the weakened area 125 comprises a second cut 150. The second cut 150 extends from each of the third 240 and fourth 245 points toward one of the support apertures 105, 110.
(43) In still a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the weakened area 125 comprises a first notch 155. The first notch 155 extends from each of the support apertures 105, 110 toward one of the third 240 and fourth 245 points.
(44) In another variant, as illustrated in FIG. 17, the weakened area 125 comprises a second notch 160. The second notch 160 extends from each of the third 240 and fourth 245 points toward one of the support apertures 105, 110.
(45) In still another variant, as illustrated in FIGS. 23-25, means 165 are provided for releasably adhering a rear 170 surface of the rear wall 25 of a first bag 15 in the bag pack 10 to a front surface 175 of the front wall 20 of a subsequent bag 15 in the bag pack 10, thereby causing the subsequent bag 15 to open upon dispensing of the first bag 15 from the dispensing rack 120.
(46) In yet another variant, the means 165 for releasably adhering a rear surface 170 of the rear wall 25 of a first bag 15 in the bag pack 10 to a front surface 20 of the front wall 175 of a subsequent bag 15 in the bag pack 10 is selected from the group consisting of glue spotting 180 (FIG. 25), hot pinning 185 (FIG. 23), cold staking 190 (FIG. 24), corona treatment 195 (FIG. 25), pressure 200 and corona treatment 195 combined with pressure 200 (FIG. 25).
(47) In a further variant, as illustrated in FIG. 25, the means 165 for releasably adhering a rear surface 170 of the rear wall 25 of a first bag 15 in the bag pack 10 to a front surface 175 of the front wall 20 of a subsequent bag 15 in the bag pack 10 is applied to rear surfaces 220 of the central tab 75, 80 of the first bag 15 and front surfaces 225 of the central tab 75, 80 of the subsequent bag 15.
(48) In a final variant, as illustrated in FIG. 22, the bags 15 include a handle opening 260. The handle opening 260 penetrates at least one of the front 20 and rear 25 walls of the bag 15 below the peripheral edge 230 of the central tab 75, 80.

Claims

1. A twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, comprising:

a plurality of registered polyethylene bags, each of said bags having front and rear walls joined at substantially parallel first and second side edges thereof;

said front and rear walls being joined at substantially parallel upper and lower edges thereof;

said front and rear walls having a U-shaped cut-out commencing at a first point on said upper edge spaced inwardly from said first side edge, extending downwardly toward said lower edge and returning upwardly to a second point on said upper edge spaced inwardly from said second side edge;

said U-shaped cut-out forming an open bag mouth, a pair of bag handles and at least one of front and rear central tabs extending upwardly from a central point on said bag mouth;

said central tab having a top edge, first and second lateral edges extending downwardly from said top edge;

said central tab being penetrated by first and second support apertures for suspending said bag pack on support arms of a dispensing rack, said apertures being disposed below said top edge;

said central tab having a weakened area between each of said first and second apertures and one of said first and second lateral edges; and

whereby, when one of said bags is pulled from said dispensing rack, said weakened areas of said central tab will rupture, thereby causing said central tab to remain with said dispensed bag.

2. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 1, further comprising at least one side gusset, said side gusset extending from said upper edge to said lower edge and inwardly from at least one of said first and second side edges for a first predetermined distance.

3. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 1, wherein said weakened area comprises a perforation line extending from each of said support apertures to one of said first and second lateral edges.

4. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 1, wherein said weakened area comprises an opening, said opening being disposed between each of said support apertures and one of said first and second lateral edges.

5. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 1, wherein said weakened area comprises a first cut, said first cut extending from each of said support apertures toward one of said first and second lateral edges.

6. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 1, wherein said weakened area comprises a second cut, said second cut extending from each of said first and second lateral edges toward one of said support apertures.

7. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 1, wherein said weakened area comprises a first notch, said first notch extending from each of said support apertures toward one of said first and second lateral edges.

8. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 1, wherein said weakened area comprises a second notch, said second notch extending from each of said first and second lateral edges toward one of said support apertures.

9. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 1, further comprising means for releasably adhering a rear surface of said rear wall of a first bag in said bag pack to a front surface of said front wall of a subsequent bag in said bag pack, thereby causing said subsequent bag to open upon dispensing of said first bag from said dispensing rack.

10. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 9, wherein said means for releasably adhering a rear surface of said rear wall of a first bag in said bag pack to a front surface of said front wall of a subsequent bag in said bag pack is selected from the group consisting of:

glue spotting, hot pinning, cold staking, corona treatment, pressure and corona treatment combined with pressure.

11. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 9, wherein said means for releasably adhering a rear surface of said rear wall of a first bag in said bag pack to a front surface of said front wall of a subsequent bag in said bag pack is applied to rear surfaces of said bag handles of said first bag and front surfaces of said bag handles of said subsequent bag.

12. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 9, wherein said means for releasably adhering a rear surface of said rear wall of a first bag in said bag pack to a front surface of said front wall of a subsequent bag in said bag pack is applied to rear surfaces of said central tab of said first bag and front surfaces of said central tab of said subsequent bag.

13. A twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, comprising:

said central tab having a rounded peripheral edge, said peripheral edge having an uppermost point;

said central tab being penetrated by first and second support apertures below said uppermost point, said apertures suspending said bag pack on support arms of a dispensing rack;

said central tab having a weakened area between each of said support apertures and one of third and fourth points below said uppermost point; and

14. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 13, further comprising at least one side gusset, said side gusset extending from said upper edge to said lower edge and inwardly from at least one of said first and second side edges for a first predetermined distance.

15. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 13, wherein said weakened area comprises a perforation line extending from each of said support apertures to one of said third and fourth points.

16. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 13, wherein said weakened areas comprise an opening, said opening being disposed between said each of said support apertures and one of said third and fourth points.

17. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 13, wherein said weakened areas comprise a first cut, said first cut extending from each of said support apertures toward one of said third and fourth points.

18. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 13, wherein said weakened areas comprise a second cut, said second cut extending from each of said third and fourth points toward one of said support apertures.

19. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 13, wherein said weakened area comprises a first notch, said first notch extending from each of said support apertures toward one of said third and fourth points.

20. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 13, wherein said weakened area comprises a second notch, said second notch extending from each of said third and fourth points toward one of said support apertures.

21. The side twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 13, further comprising means for releasably adhering a rear surface of said rear wall of a first bag in said bag pack to a front surface of said front wall of a subsequent bag in said bag pack, thereby causing said subsequent bag to open upon dispensing of said first bag from said dispensing rack.

22. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 21, wherein said means for releasably adhering a rear surface of said rear wall of a first bag in said bag pack to a front surface of said front wall of a subsequent bag in said bag pack is selected from the group consisting of:

23. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 21, wherein said means for releasably adhering a rear surface of said rear wall of a first bag in said bag pack to a front surface of said front wall of a subsequent bag in said bag pack is applied to rear surfaces of said bag handles of said first bag and front surfaces of said bag handles of said subsequent bag.

24. The side twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 21, wherein said means for releasably adhering a rear surface of said rear wall of a first bag in said bag pack to a front surface of said front wall of a subsequent bag in said bag pack is applied to rear surfaces of said central tab of said first bag and front surfaces of said central tab of said subsequent bag.

25. A twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, comprising:

said front and rear walls being joined at substantially parallel lower edges thereof to form a sealed bag bottom and an open bag mouth;

said bag mouth having a central hanging tab extending upwardly therefrom;

26. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 25, further comprising at least one side gusset, said side gusset extending from said upper edge to said lower edge and inwardly from at least one of said first and second side edges for a first predetermined distance.

27. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 25, wherein said weakened area comprises a perforation line extending from each of said support apertures to one of said first and second lateral edges.

28. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 25, wherein said weakened area comprises an opening, said opening being disposed between each of said support apertures and one of said first and second lateral edges.

29. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 25, wherein said weakened area comprises a first cut, said first cut extending from each of said support apertures toward one of said first and second lateral edges.

30. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 25, wherein said weakened area comprises a second cut, said second cut extending from each of said first and second lateral edges toward one of said support apertures.

31. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 25, wherein said weakened area comprises a first notch, said first notch extending from each of said support apertures toward one of said first and second lateral edges.

32. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 25, wherein said weakened area comprises a second notch, said second notch extending from each of said first and second lateral edges toward one of said support apertures.

33. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 25, further comprising means for releasably adhering a rear surface of said rear wall of a first bag in said bag pack to a front surface of said front wall of a subsequent bag in said bag pack, thereby causing said subsequent bag to open upon dispensing of said first bag from said dispensing rack.

34. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 33, wherein said means for releasably adhering a rear surface of said rear wall of a first bag in said bag pack to a front surface of said front wall of a subsequent bag in said bag pack is selected from the group consisting of:

35. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 33, wherein said means for releasably adhering a rear surface of said rear wall of a first bag in said bag pack to a front surface of said front wall of a subsequent bag in said bag pack is applied to rear surfaces of said central tab of said first bag and front surfaces of said central tab of said subsequent bag.

36. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 25, further comprising a handle opening, said handle opening penetrating at least one of said front and rear walls of said bag below said top edge of said central tab.

37. A twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, comprising:

said bag mouth having a central hanging tab extending upwardly therefrom;

38. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 37, further comprising at least one side gusset, said side gusset extending from said upper edge to said lower edge and inwardly from at least one of said first and second side edges for a first predetermined distance.

39. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 37, wherein said weakened area comprises a perforation line extending from each of said support apertures to one of said third and fourth points.

40. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 37, wherein said weakened area comprises an opening, said opening being disposed between said each of said support apertures and one of said third and fourth points.

41. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 37, wherein said weakened area comprises a first cut, said first cut extending from each of said support apertures toward one of said third and fourth points.

42. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 37, wherein said weakened area comprises a second cut, said second cut extending from each of said third and fourth points toward one of said support apertures.

43. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 37, wherein said weakened area comprises a first notch, said first notch extending from each of said support apertures toward one of said third and fourth points.

44. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 37, wherein said weakened area comprises a second notch, said second notch extending from each of said third and fourth points toward one of said support apertures.

45. The side twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 37, further comprising means for releasably adhering a rear surface of said rear wall of a first bag in said bag pack to a front surface of said front wall of a subsequent bag in said bag pack, thereby causing said subsequent bag to open upon dispensing of said first bag from said dispensing rack.

46. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 45, wherein said means for releasably adhering a rear surface of said rear wall of a first bag in said bag pack to a front surface of said front wall of a subsequent bag in said bag pack is selected from the group consisting of:

47. The side twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 45, wherein said means for releasably adhering a rear surface of said rear wall of a first bag in said bag pack to a front surface of said front wall of a subsequent bag in said bag pack is applied to rear surfaces of said central tab of said first bag and front surfaces of said central tab of said subsequent bag.

48. The twin support aperture side-tear bag pack, as described in claim 37, further comprising a handle opening, said handle opening penetrating at least one of said front and rear walls of said bag below said peripheral edge of said central tab.