WO2008018835A1

WO2008018835A1 - Bag pack with improved tab structure

Info

Publication number: WO2008018835A1
Application number: PCT/SG2006/000228
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bin Leong Chua
Original assignee: Bee Lian Plastic Marketing Private Limited; Chua, Song Ru
Priority date: 2006-08-11
Filing date: 2006-08-11
Publication date: 2008-02-14

Abstract

A bag pack formed of multiple stacked handle bags with an improved tab system is disclosed herein. A pack of plastic bags is traditionally used in the retail industry. The bag pack is placed on a rack such that a single bag can be opened to accept items. The rack holds the pack at each of the two handles of the bag pack and at a central tab portion, through a central mounting aperture. The tab portion of the bag pack is constructed such that a central mounting aperture is offset within the tab. The result is that when a bag is removed from the rack, the tab tears such that the tab is removed from the rack along with the bag when the bag is removed from the bag stand.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

Bag Pack With Improved Tab Structure

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A) FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to thermoplastic shopping bags of the type used at retail store checkout counters. More particularly, the present invention relates to such bags that are packaged together in a manner that enables the simultaneous mounting of multiple bags, as a unit or bag pack, on a mounting rack where the bags are individually opened and loaded while on the rack and subsequently removed therefrom such that tabs are removed from the mounting rack when the bag is removed from the mounting rack.

B) DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Plastic bags are often used at the checkout of retail establishments, such as grocery stores, to enable customers to easily carry the merchandise that they purchased. Typically, the bags are provided in bag packs for suspension on racks with the individual bags dispensed therefrom. The bag packs typically have apertured tear-off tabs mounted on a portion of the rack, with the entire tab being severed from the bag when the bag is removed from the rack. Such a construction results in tab waste remaining on the rack after all the bags have been dispensed. It is desirable to have a bag pack structure where the tab waste is removed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a plastic bag pack containing a plurality of plastic bags. There is a central mounting tab on the plastic bag pack with a central mounting aperture associated with the central mounting tab. The central mounting aperture is adapted for cooperation with a tab receiving element of a rack for mounting the bag pack. The first end of the central mounting aperture is a distance A from one side of said central mounting tab and the second end of the central mounting aperture is a distance B from a second side of said central mounting tab. The distance A is greater than the distance B such that when a bag is removed from the rack, the tab tears between the second end of the central mounting aperture and the second side of said central mounting tab. The result is that the central mounting tab is removed from the rack along with the bag. In one embodiment of the invention, the ratio of distance A to distance B is 1.75:1.

A plastic bag pack of the present invention may be formed by first providing a flattened tube of thermoplastic material oriented in a generally longitudinal direction. Then forming a cutout in the bag, thereby defining a mouth of the bag and a central mounting tab. The tab contains a central mounting aperture associated with said central mounting tab. The tab is adapted for cooperation with a tab receiving element of a rack for mounting the bag. The first end of the central mounting aperture is a distance A from a first side of the central mounting tab and the second end of the central mounting aperture is a distance B from a second side of the central mounting tab. The distance A is greater than the distance B such that when a bag is removed from the rack, the tab tears between the second end of the central mounting aperture and the second side of said central mounting tab such that the central mounting tab is removed from the rack when the bag is removed from the rack. In one embodiment, the tab is approximately centered within said plastic bag pack. In another embodiment, the central mounting aperture is approximately centered within said plastic bag pack.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood more fully from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings of various embodiments of the invention, which, however, should not be taken to limit the invention to the specific embodiments, but are for explanation and understanding only.

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a bag pack; FIG.2 is a partial perspective view illustrating a bag pack mounted on a rack with the handles engaged with the pair of mounting rods and the central mounting tab engaged with the tab receiving element;

FIG.3 is a front view of a bag pack of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a more detailed view of a central mounting tab of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the steps in manufacturing a plastic bag of the present invention; and FIGs 6A-6M illustrate alternative shapes for the central mounting tab and central mounting aperture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details may not be required to practice the present invention. In the following description of the embodiments, substantially the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. With reference to Figs 1-2, bag pack 10 is made up of individual bags 12.

The bags 12 are preferably constructed of a lightweight, highly flexible, and strong thermoplastic material, and are conventionally fabricated from a continuous plastic tube that is gusseted, flattened and heat sealed at opposed upper and lower ends. The mouth 14 of bag 12 is formed by a portion that is cut- out through the upper portion of the bag. This cutout defines a central mounting tab 15 and a pair of laterally spaced upwardly extending handles 16. The multiple individual bags may be held together in any manner now known, or developed in the future. Figs 1-2 show one possible embodiment, where the multiple individual bags are maintained in the pack 10 by cold pin 44.

With reference to Fig 2, bag pack 10 is placed on a support rack 24 for both the selective dispensing of the individual bags 12 and the support and suspension of the individual bags by the handles with the open mouth upwardly directed for a loading of the bag. A rack contains a pair of laterally spaced support arms 28 positioned vertically above the base of the rack at a distance sufficient to accommodate a fully expanded bag with the handles 16 engaged with the support arms 28. Support arms 28 hold bag pack 10 via holes 36. A transverse member 29, extending between the support arms 28, supports a tab receiving element 30 for engagement through the central mounting aperture 150 as illustrated. The bag pack 10 may normally be accommodated generally rearward on the rack 24 toward transverse member 29, allowing for support rods 28 to accommodate a bag for loading purposes. The rack 24 may also normally include upturned forward ends 32 on the laterally spaced horizontal support rods 28.

Fig 3 shows a single bag in more detail. Bag 12 comprises handles 16, holes 36, central mounting tab 15, and central mounting aperture 150. As seen in comparison with Figs 1 and 2, hole 36 may be a variety of different shapes to accommodate support arms 28.

Central mounting aperture 150 is offset within central mounting tab 15 such that central mounting aperture 150 is not centered within central mounting tab 15. For example, central mounting aperture 150 may be closer to the right side of central mounting tab 15 than to the left side of central mounting tab 15. As explained in more detail below, this placement creates a thin region of central mounting tab 15 at the right side of central mounting tab 15. When bag 12 is removed from rack 24, tab 15 tears at the thin region of central mounting tab 15. Such a placement of central mounting aperture 150 facilitates the removal of central mounting tab 15 when bag 12 is removed from rack 24. It should be understood that central mounting aperture 150 may also be offset such that central mounting aperture 150 is closer to the left side of central mounting tab 15 than to the right side of central mounting tab 15. The direction to which central mounting aperture 150 is offset does not affect the operation of the present invention.

Fig 4 shows the placement of central mounting aperture 150 within central mounting tab 15 in greater detail. The width of central mounting tab 15 may vary in different embodiments. Typically, the width of central mounting tab 15 is between 35 mm and 80 mm. The height of central mounting tab 15 may range from 8 mm to 20 mm. The length of central mounting aperture 150 may be from 20 to 50 mm. Distance A represents the distance from one end of central mounting aperture 150 to the end of central mounting tab 15. Distance B represents the distance from the other end of central mounting aperture 150 to the other end of central mounting tab 15. In one embodiment of the present invention, Distance A may range from 14 to 39 mm and Distance B may range from 1 to 8 mm. The offset of central mounting aperture 150 within central mounting tab 15 means that Distance A is greater than Distance B. A thin region of central mounting tab 15 is created in the direction towards Distance B, with a thick region being created in the direction towards Distance A. Central mounting tab 15 is easier to tear in the thin region than it is in the thick region. When bag 12 is removed from the rack, central mounting tab 15 tends to break or tear in the thin region. In such a manner, no portion of central mounting tab 15 remains on tab receiving element 30 when bag 12 is removed from the rack and central mounting tab 15 will be removed along with bag 12. In one embodiment of the present invention, the ratio of Distance A to Distance B is greater than or equal to 1.75:1.

It should be understood that the illustrations of Figs 3-4 is merely illustrative. The actual shape of central mounting tab 15 is not restricted to that shown in Figs 3-4. Indeed, the shape of tab 15 is not relevant to the operation of the present invention. Moreover, the shape of central mounting aperture 150 is also not limited to that shown in Figs 3-4. Any shape of central mounting aperture 150 that allows tab receiving element 30 to pass through the aperture is acceptable.

FIGs 6A - 6M illustrate other exemplary shapes of central mounting tab 15 and central mounting aperture 150. Central mounting aperture 150 may be one of a variety of shapes. For example, central mounting aperture 150 may be a straight line (as shown in Fig 6C, Figs 6E - 6J, and Figs 6L-6M). In the alternative, central mounting aperture 150 may have some curvature (as shown W

in Figs 6A, 6B₁ and 6D). The shape of the curve may be elliptical, circular, parabolic, hyperbolic, or any other type of curve or combination of curves. The amount of curvature is limited only by the size and shape of central mounting tab 15. One end of central mounting aperture 150 may also have some curvature, forming a hook shape (as shown in Figs 6A-6C, 6E-6F, 6I, 6J, 6K). In alternative embodiments, both ends of central mounting aperture 150 may be formed in a hook shape (as shown in Figs 6D, 6L, and 6M) or both ends of central mounting aperture 150 may be straight (as shown in Figs 6G, 6H). It should be understood that the amount and shape of the curvature of the hook shape is not limited. The hook may be elliptical, circular, parabolic, hyperbolic, or any other type of curve or combination of curves. It should also be understood that the direction of the curvature of the hook shape is not limited. For example, Fig 6L and Fig 6M show the hook shape pointing in directions that are opposite to each other. In another alternative embodiment, central mounting aperture 150 may be jagged instead of a straight line (as shown in Fig 6K). In such a situation the ends of central mounting aperture may have a hook shape, or they may be a straight. Fig 6F shows another embodiment for central mounting tab 15. In Fig 6F, central mounting tab 15 is angled such that the height of central mounting tab 15 is not constant. In one exemplary embodiment, the height of central mounting tab 15 changes from 8 mm at the short end to 20 mm at the tall end. Figs 6G - 6J illustrate different heights of central tab 15. In FIGs 6H and 6J, a shorter height of central mounting tab 15 is shown to contrast with FIGs 6G and 6I, which show a central mounting tab with a taller central mounting tab.

Central mounting aperture 150 can be created in a variety of different manners. In one embodiment, bag 12 is constructed in a traditional manner with central mounting tab 15 in a traditional, centered location. In this situation, central mounting aperture 150 would be placed slightly to one direction of the geometric center of bag 12, such that Distance A is greater than Distance B.

In another embodiment, bag 12 is made with central mounting tab 15 slightly offset from the center. In this situation, central mounting aperture 150 could be placed at the geometric center of bag 12. By offsetting central mounting tab 15, central mounting aperture 150 is still offset with respect to central mounting tab 15 such that Distance A is greater than Distance B, creating a thick region and a thin region of central mounting tab 15. The tolerances to which bag 12, support arms 28, and tab receiving element 30 are typically constructed would allow the use of either of the above- described methods to be used.

In use, a user (such as an employee at a retail store) places a bag pack on a rack. This is accomplished by mounting handles 16 on support arms 28 by threading support arms 28 through curved portion 36. Central mounting tab 15 is mounted by placing central mounting aperture 150 on tab receiving element 30. Then a single bag 12 is pulled forward on the rack. Support arms 28 hold bag 12. With bag 12 open, objects can be placed in bag 12 through mouth 14. When bag 12 is filled to the desired level, bag 12 is removed from the rack.

Removing bag 12 from the rack entails grabbing handles 16 and pulling bag 12 forward, removing handles 16 from support arms 28. As bag 12 is pulled forward, central mounting tab 15 tears in the thin region. When bag 12 is fully pulled off of the support arms 28, central mounting tab 15 is removed along with bag 12 and no portion of central mounting tab 15 remains on tab receiving element 30. The next bag in the bag pack can then be pulled forward and filled and the above process can be repeated. A bag pack of the present invention can be made by a variety of different methods. A flowchart illustrating the steps of the manufacture of one embodiment is shown in Figure 5. The raw materials are mixed for approximately one hour (step 502). The raw materials include the plastic resins, colorings, and other additives. After mixing, the raw materials are extruded using extrusion machines (step 504). During this process, the raw materials are melted down and blown into a film form. Thereafter, the film will be rolled over a printing cylinder so that artwork can be printed on the film, (step 506). The film is then ready for cutting. The film is reeled into a roller for processing by the cutting machine. Using a template, the cutting machine cuts the bags in the desired shape, including the tabs, apertures, handles, and the like (step 508). A cutout is formed in the bag, creating a mouth and a central mounting tab. The central mounting tab is constructed as described above, with the aperture offset within the tab. A cold pin may also be formed at this step to hold the bags together into a bag pack. The bags are then packed into cartons and shipped to the intended destination (step 510). Typically, the cartons are stacked onto pallets, and the pallets are shipped so that the plastic bags can be used by a retail store.

The drawings and description are not intended to represent the only form of the invention in regard to the details of this construction and manner of operation. In fact, it will be evident to one skilled in the art that modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Although specific terms have been employed, they are intended in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for the purpose of limitation, the scope of the invention being delineated in the claims that follow.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A plastic bag pack with a plurality of plastic bags comprising: s a central mounting tab on said plastic bag pack; and a central mounting aperture associated with said central mounting tab and adapted for cooperation with a tab receiving element of a rack for mounting said bag pack, with a first end of the central mounting aperture being a distance A from a first side of said central mounting tab and said second end of the centralo mounting aperture being a distance B from a second side of said central mounting tab, wherein said distance A is greater than said distance B, such that when a bag is removed from said rack, said tab tears between said second end of the central mounting aperture and said second side of said central mounting tab such that5 said central mounting tab is removed from said rack along with said bag.

2. The plastic bag pack of claim 1 wherein: the ratio of distance A to distance B is greater than or equal to 1.75:1. 0

3. The plastic bag pack of claim 1 wherein: said central mounting aperture is approximately horizontal.

4. The plastic bag pack of claim 1 wherein: distance A is in the range of 14 to 39 mm.

5. The plastic bag pack of claim 1 wherein: distance B is in the range of 1 to 8 mm.

6. The plastic bag pack of claim 1 wherein: said central mounting aperture is curved.

7. The plastic bag pack of claim 1 wherein: one end of said central mounting aperture is hook-shaped.

8. The plastic bag pack of claim 1 wherein: both said first end and said second end of said central mounting aperture are hook-shaped.

9. The plastic bag pack of claim 1 wherein: said central mounting aperture is jagged.

10. In a bag construction of the type comprising front and rear bag walls, a closed bottom, and a top portion, said top portion having a pair of laterally spaced handles, said handles comprising integral extensions of said front and rear bag walls, said front and rear bag walls, between said handles, defining an open bag mouth, each said handle extending above the bag mouth from a lower handle portion defining the lateral extent of said bag mouth to an upper handle portion defining a hand grip, an improvement comprising: front and rear central mounting tabs formed integrally with said front and rear bag walls and extending upwardly from the lower portion of said open bag mouth; and a central mounting aperture associated with each of said front and rear central mounting tabs and adapted for cooperation with a tab receiving element of a rack for mounting said bag, with a first end of the central mounting aperture being a distance A from a first side of said central mounting tab and said second end of the central mounting aperture being a distance B from a second side of said central mounting tab, wherein A is greater than B; wherein when said bag is mounted on said rack with said tab receiving element of said rack engaging said mounting aperture, said central mounting tabs will tear between said second end of the central mounting aperture and said second side of said central mounting tab, so that said bag may be removed from said bag rack without leaving any portion of said central mounting tabs on said tab receiving element.

11. The bag of claim 10 wherein: the ratio of distance A to distance B is greater than or equal to 1.75:1.

12. The bag pack of claim 10 wherein: said central mounting aperture is approximately horizontal.

13. The bag of claim 10 wherein: distance A is in the range of 14 to 39 mm.

14. The plastic bag pack of claim 10 wherein: distance B is in the range of 1 to 8 mm.

15. The plastic bag pack of claim 10 wherein: said central mounting aperture is curved.

16. The plastic bag pack of claim 10 wherein: one end of said central mounting aperture is hook-shaped.

17. The bag of claim 10 wherein: both said first end and said second end of said central mounting aperture are hook-shaped.

18. The bag of claim 10 wherein: said central mounting aperture is jagged.

19. A method of forming a plastic bag pack, comprising: providing a flattened tube of thermoplastic material oriented in a generally longitudinal direction; forming a cutout in the bag, defining a mouth of the bag and a central mounting tab; wherein, said tab contains a central mounting aperture associated with said central mounting tab and adapted for cooperation with a tab receiving element of a rack for mounting said bag, with a first end of the central mounting aperture being a distance A from a first side of said central mounting tab and said second end of the central mounting aperture being a distance B from a second side of said central mounting tab, wherein A is greater than B such that when a bag is removed from said rack, said tab tears between said second end of the central mounting aperture and said second side of said central mounting tab such that said central mounting tab is removed from said rack along with said bag; and further wherein, said tab is approximately centered within said plastic bag pack.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein: the ratio of distance A to distance B is greater than or equal to 1.75:1.

21. The method of claim 19 wherein: said central mounting aperture is approximately horizontal.

22. The method of claim 19 wherein: distance A is in the range of 14 to 39 mm.

23. The method of claim 19 wherein: distance B is in the range of 1 to 8 mm.

24. The method of claim 19 wherein: said central mounting aperture is curved.

25. The method of claim 19 wherein: one end of said central mounting aperture is hook-shaped.

26. The method of claim 19 wherein: both said first end and said second end of said central mounting aperture are hook-shaped.

27. The method of claim 19 wherein: said central mounting aperture is jagged.

28. A method of using a plastic bag pack comprising: placing said bag pack on a rack, where first handle of said bag pack is mounted on a first arm of said rack, a second handle of said bag pack is mounted on a second arm of said rack, and a central mounting tab is mounted on a central tab receiving element, and wherein said bag pack comprises multiple plastic bags; and removing a first bag from said rack in a manner such that said central mounting tab is removed with the first bag; wherein, said central mounting tab contains a central mounting aperture associated with said central mounting tab and adapted for cooperation with a tab receiving element of a rack for mounting said bag, with a first end of the central mounting aperture being a distance A from a first side of said central mounting tab and said second end of the central mounting aperture being a distance B from a second side of said central mounting tab.

29. The method of claim 28 wherein: the ratio of A to B is greater than or equal to 1.75:1.

30. The method of claim 28 wherein: said central mounting aperture is approximately horizontal.

31. The method of claim 28 wherein: distance A is in the range of 14 to 39 mm.

32. The method of claim 28 wherein: distance B is in the range of 1 to 8 mm.

33. The method of claim 28 wherein: said central mounting aperture is curved.

34. The method of claim 28 wherein: one end of said central mounting aperture is hook-shaped.

35. The method of claim 28 wherein: both said first end and said second end of said central mounting aperture are hook-shaped.

36. The method of claim 28 wherein: said central mounting aperture is jagged.

37. A method of forming a plastic bag pack, comprising: mixing raw materials including plastic resins; extruding the mixed raw materials, creating a flattened tube of thermoplastic material oriented in a generally longitudinal direction; and forming a cutout in the thermoplastic material, defining a mouth of a bag and a central mounting tab; wherein, said tab contains a central mounting aperture associated with said central mounting tab and adapted for cooperation with a tab receiving element of a rack for mounting said bag, with a first end of the central mounting aperture being a distance A from a first side of said central mounting tab and said second end of the central mounting aperture being a distance B from a second side of said central mounting tab, wherein A is greater than B such that when a bag is removed from said rack, said tab tears between said second end of the central mounting aperture and said second side of said central mounting tab such that said central mounting tab is removed from said rack along with said bag; and further wherein, said central mounting aperture is approximately centered within said plastic bag pack.

38. The method of claim 37 wherein: distance A is in the range of 14 to 39 mm.

39. The method of claim 37 wherein: distance B is in the range of 1 to 8 mm.

40. The method of claim 37 wherein: said central mounting aperture is curved.

41. The method of claim 37 wherein: one end of said central mounting aperture is hook-shaped.

42. The method of claim 37 wherein: both said first end and said second end of said central mounting aperture are hook-shaped.

43. The method of claim 37 wherein: said central mounting aperture is jagged.

44. The method of claim 37 further comprising: printing artwork on said thermoplastic material.

45. The method of claim 37 further comprising: said central mounting aperture is approximately horizontal.

46. The method of claim 37 further comprising: creating a cold pin to hold said bags together into a bag pack.