WO2009095806A2

WO2009095806A2 - Bag with handle

Info

Publication number: WO2009095806A2
Application number: PCT/IB2009/050157
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marco Reggi
Original assignee: Bordi Carlo S.R.L.
Priority date: 2008-01-28
Filing date: 2009-01-16
Publication date: 2009-08-06
Also published as: WO2009095806A3; ITBO20080054A1

Abstract

A bag (10) for containing a product (P), in particular a food product, has a bag body, preferably made of flexible material, such as plastic film, and comprises a front wall (12), a rear wall (14) and opposite side walls (16, 18) where corresponding pleats are preferably made, and means for gripping and handling the bag. The grip means are in the form of a handle (120) which can be gripped by the user for handling the bag.

Description

Bag with handle

Technical Field

This invention relates to a bag for containing a product.

The bag is preferably, but not exclusively, suitable for containing a food product, even a pet food, that is preferably in the form of a granular product or a product in pieces.

Moreover, the bag is preferably made from a corresponding film, in particular consisting of a flexible film, especially in the form of a plastic film, such as a layered plastic film.

The present invention also relates to a process for obtaining such bags.

Background Art

There are prior art bags for containing a product which have a respective bag body, preferably made of flexible material, such as plastic film, and which comprise a front wall, a rear wall, opposite side walls, where pleats are formed, and means for gripping and handling the bag.

However, according to the prior art, bags do not have grip means which allow them to be easily gripped and/or handled, the grip means being formed by simple holes made in the bag body in which the user can insert one or two fingers.

When using said prior art bags, there is the risk of unwanted bag dropping or of excessive effort by the user, who could even injure the fingers used to grip and support the bag, in particular when the bag is big and heavy.

Another disadvantage of the prior art bags is that when using said grip holes it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to handle bags, or sacks, which are big and/or heavy. Moreover, according to the prior art, the grip means made in conventional bags risk weakening the structure, tending to break easily, and/or requiring difficult film processing during the bag preparation steps.

Moreover, it would also be desirable to have available bag grip means which, in any event, do not have excessive dimensions, for example excessive thickness for the bag, in particular when it is in the flat and empty condition, before filling, all intended to allow, in particular, easy and convenient transportation and storage from the bag production area to the area where it will be filled with the respective product.

Disclosure of the Invention Therefore it has been provided a bag for containing a product, in particular for containing a food product, preferably in the form of a granular product or a product in pieces. Said bag has a bag body, preferably made of flexible material such as plastic film, and comprises bag grip means. The bag is characterised in that the grip means are in the form of a handle which can be gripped. In this way, the bag can easily be gripped and handled by the user without excessive effort and the risk of injury.

The present invention also relates to an advantageous process and composite film for making an advantageous bag, as described in the corresponding claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

These and other advantageous features of the bag are clearly described in the claims below and its advantages are more apparent from the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments provided merely by way of example without restricting the scope of the inventive concept, and in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective schematic view of a first preferred embodiment of the bag according to the invention in a bag full and handle not gripped condition;

Figure 2 is a perspective schematic view of the first preferred embodiment of the bag according to the invention in a transportation or handling condition;

Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the first preferred embodiment of the bag according to the invention in a flat condition;

Figure 4 is a schematic cross-section according to the line FV - FV in Figure 3; - Figure 5 is a schematic plan view showing a first preferred embodiment of a handle for the bag according to the invention, in the condition for application to the supporting film;

Figure 6 is a schematic cross-section, according to the line VI - VI in Figure 5, of the first preferred embodiment of a handle for the bag according to the invention;

Figure 7 is a schematic top plan view of an area of the film used in a first preferred process for making the bag; Figure 8 is a perspective schematic view of a second preferred embodiment of the bag, using a second preferred embodiment of a handle according to the invention, in a bag full and handle not gripped condition;

Figure 9 is a perspective schematic view of the second preferred embodiment of the bag in a transportation or handling condition;

Figure 10 is a schematic side view of the second preferred embodiment of the bag in a bag empty and flat condition;

Figure 11 is a schematic plan view showing the second preferred embodiment of a handle for the bag, in the condition for application to the film for making the bag;

Figure 12 is a schematic cross-section, according to the line XII - XII in Figure 11, of the second preferred embodiment of a handle for the bag;

Figure 13 is a schematic top plan view of an area of the film used in a second preferred process for making the bag; - Figure 14 is a schematic side view of a third preferred embodiment of the bag according to the invention, in a bag flat condition, with the handle positioned on the upper part of the bag;

Figure 15 is a schematic side view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the bag according to the invention, in a bag flat condition, with the handle positioned on the lower part of the bag.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

As will become clearer as this description continues, the bag is preferably made by folding a web of film, in particular flexible layered plastic film. It should be noticed that, in the context of this description, the term bag may also be considered suitable for indicating containers with larger dimensions, such as sacks, or the like, or, if necessary, also other containers, in particular made of a material which can be folded, in the form of a respective sheet or film, in particular in the form of a flexible film. hi particular, for making a bag according to the preferred embodiments described, it is contemplated the use of a web of plastic or plasticised film, where said film has a sealable face, in particular heat-sealable, and an opposite face which is not sealable and which is printed with appropriate writing, colours and images on predetermined areas of it, corresponding to predetermined parts of the front, rear and side faces of the finished bag.

As shown in the drawings, in particular Figures 1 to 4, the first embodiment 10 of the bag comprises a front wall 12, a rear wall 14 and opposite side walls 16, 18, made in such a way as to form respective pleats having a V-shaped cross- section and comprised of respective flaps or portions of film.

As illustrated, said pleats, or side walls, 16 and 18 consist of respective first and second longitudinal portions or flaps 16a, 16b and 18a, 18b, which extend from the respective side edges 12a, 14a and 12b, 14b of the front and rear walls 12 and 14, and are indented in the outline formed by the side edges of the front and rear walls 12, 14 of the bag, in particular when the bag is in the empty condition illustrated in Figure 3, with the flaps 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b in a condition in which they are opposite and in contact, or substantially in contact, with each other. The numerals 16c and 18c denote the longitudinal folding or separating edges between the pleated flaps or panels 16a, 16b and 18a, 18b.

The bag also has an upper end 15 and a lower end 17.

At the top there is a transversal seal which connects, in particular, the front and rear walls 12, 14 of the bag and which is not shown in detail in the accompanying drawings.

The bottom of the bag 10 is defined by a transversal strip made, in particular, by joining or sealing opposite lower transversal ends 12c, 14c, of the front and rear walls 12, 14.

As shown in Figure 1, when the bag is full, the lower parts or areas of the front and rear walls 12, 14 contribute to forming the bottom of the bag.

As illustrated, there are longitudinal seals or joins, labelled 31s, 33s, 35s, 37s, at the edges 12a, 14a, 12b, 14b for respectively connecting the front wall 12 and the rear wall 14 with the portions, or flaps, 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b forming the bag side pleats. The product comes out of the bag through a special opening, not illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings, which may, in any case, be positioned at the upper edge 15 of the bag, or on a side part of it, in particular at the side opposite that on which the handle is placed. Getting the product out of the bag could be facilitated by gripping the bag using the grip means, or handle, 20 described in more detail below.

The bag may also comprise opening and resealing means at the opening where the product comes out of the bag, which may, in particular, consist of a zip, located inside the bag and having corresponding elements which can be coupled to each other. Said zip could be made and, in particular, applied to the bag, for example as illustrated in international patent application WO 2006/067617 in the name of the same Applicant and whose contents are incorporated herein by reference. The bag could be of the type having a flat upper area, without side pleats, in which the front wall is directly sealed to the rear wall, for example as illustrated in international patent application WO 2006/067617 in the name of the same Applicant and whose contents are incorporated herein by reference. To reseal the upper end of the pleats, one could proceed as illustrated in international patent application WO 2006/067617 or as described in Italian patent application BO2007A000230 in the name of the same Applicant and whose contents are incorporated herein by reference. hi particular, the bag 10 for containing a product has a bag body 10' and advantageously comprises bag grip means, in the form of a handle which can be gripped 20, allowing the bag to be handled easily.

Advantageously, the bag grip means 20 can be moved, to a position for suitable gripping by the user, respectively illustrated in Figure 2, from a home position, respectively illustrated in Figure 1. As Figure 2 shows, the grip means 20, in the gripping position, extend from the bag body 10' so that they are substantially perpendicular to the surface 18a, 18b to which the handle is connected, that is to say, they are configured in such a way that they form an angle relative to said surface.

As illustrated, the grip means 20 are positioned at a bag pleat 18, that is to say, they are located at a corresponding side wall 18 of the bag. hi practice, as illustrated, in the gripping condition, the grip means 20 are raised relative to the surface 18a, 18b of the bag and extend from a corresponding edge, or surface, 18a, 18b, of the bag body.

In practice, as shown in Figure 2, in the condition for use the grip means 20 extend so that they project from a corresponding side wall 18 of the bag.

As illustrated in particular in Figure 1, advantageously, in the home position the grip means 20 are located at the surface 18a, 18b of the bag, to which the handle disclosed is connected, in such a way that they are parallel and in contact, or substantially in contact, with said surface. Advantageously, the grip means 20 may, in particular, be moved to an operating, or gripping, position, by means of a general rotary movement, through a suitable angle in any case substantially equal to 90°, or, as illustrated, slightly greater than 90°.

Moreover, the grip means 20 also adopt another position, in addition to said operating or gripping position, and the home position when the bag is in the full condition. This additional position is a folded position, which the handle 20 adopts when the bag is in the flat and not filled condition, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4.

Advantageously, in the folded position shown in Figure 3, the grip means

20 are inside the outline, or within the corresponding edge, in particular a side edge, of the bag body 10' in the bag folded and flat condition, with the grip means 20 housed between the opposite portions 18a, 18b of the pleat 18 and, as may be inferred in particular from Figure 4, the grip means are parallel and in contact with the respective flaps 18a, 18b of the pleat 18.

In practice, the grip means 20 may be configured according to a folded and recessed position, when the bag is in the corresponding folded, or flat, position in which the pleat means 16, 18 have the respective faces opposite and in contact, or substantially in contact, with each other and the front and rear walls 12, 14 have their inner faces opposite and in contact, or substantially in contact, with each other and with the corresponding inner faces of the opposite flaps 16a, 16b, 18a,

18b of the pleats. In particular, as illustrated, the grip means 20 have a first and a second part

20a, 20b, which, in the folded condition of Figure 3, are opposite each other, that is to say, parallel and in contact, or substantially parallel and in contact, with each other.

Moreover, said first and second parts 20a, 20b of the handle body are, in the folded condition, delimited by a corresponding creasing or folding line 20c, at the edge 18c connecting the flaps 18a, 18b of the pleat 18.

As may be inferred in particular from Figure 1, in the home condition said first and second parts 20a, 20b of the grip means 20 are substantially aligned with each other, or coplanar, being fixed to corresponding flaps 18a, 18b of the pleat which are substantially coplanar with each other in the bag full condition.

As may be inferred in particular with reference to Figure 1, the grip means

20 are located substantially at the longitudinal centre line of the bag 20, that is to say, at the centre line of the respective side wall 18, thus allowing the bag to be transported in a substantially "balanced" condition. Moreover, as may be inferred in particular with reference to Figure 1, the grip means 20 are located substantially at the transversal centre line of the corresponding wall of the bag 20.

Advantageously, the grip means 20 are applied, in particular glued, or fixed using adhesive, to the bag body. As illustrated, the grip means 20 have a first and a second grip element 22,

24, in turn comprising a respective handgrip portion 22a, 24a, which are in the form of respective extended portions, extending longitudinally to the bag, parallel with the corresponding surface 18a, 18b of the bag.

In the gripping condition illustrated in Figure 2, said first and second handgrip portions 22a, 24a are substantially parallel and in contact with each other, whilst in the home condition illustrated in Figure 1, the handgrip portions 22a, 24a are transversally spaced from each other.

Moreover, the handgrip portions 22a, 24a are in contact, or substantially in contact, with each other in the folded position illustrated in Figure 3.

Moreover, as illustrated, in the home condition, the first and second grip elements 22, 24 extend in opposite directions. In particular, of said grip means 20, it is only the first and second grip elements 22, 24 which extend, in practice, from the corresponding surface 18a, 18b of the bag, to which the handle is connected.

As may be inferred in particular from Figure 5, said grip elements 22, 24 have corresponding portions 22b, 22c, 24b, 24c joining the respective handgrip portion 22a, 24a to the respective connecting portion.

For this purpose, as illustrated the grip means 20 have a respective portion 25 for connection to the bag, from which the grip elements 22, 24 extend.

As already indicated, the connecting portion 25 is fixed to the bag body, in particular it is glued to the bag body 10'. In practice, as may also be inferred with reference to Figure 6, said connecting portion 25 has a lower surface 25', on which there is an adhesive suitable for fixing to the corresponding surface 18a, 18b of the bag.

In practice, the grip elements 22, 24 are made in a single body with the connecting portion 25. As may be clearly inferred, in particular with reference to Figures 5 and 6, said grip means 20 connecting portion 25 has an intermediate pre-creasing line 20c, dividing the connecting portion, respectively, into a first and a second part 25a, 25b, from which the corresponding grip elements 22, 24 extend.

As illustrated in Figure 5, the respective grip element 22, 24 projects beyond a corresponding edge of the connecting portion 25, in particular projecting beyond a corresponding side edge 25'a, 25'b of the connecting portion 25.

Moreover, the connecting portion 25 extends, longitudinally, beyond the respective grip element 22, 24.

Moreover, advantageously, the connecting portion 25 has opposite incisions 26a, 26b, 28a, 28b, 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b, which are curved and indented relative to the respective edge 25'a, 25'b, between which a corresponding part of the joining portions 22b, 22c, 24b, 24c of the grip elements 22, 24 is formed. In the connecting portion 25 there is also a corresponding longitudinal incision 33a, 33b, separating the handgrip portion 22a, 24a from the corresponding part of the connecting portion.

Said connecting portion 25 also has corresponding longitudinal folding lines 27, separating the connecting portion 25 from the corresponding grip elements 22, 24, in particular from the joining portions 22b, 22c, 24b, 24c of the grip elements 22, 24.

On the continuation of the folding lines 27 there are corresponding and opposite curved incisions 27a, 27b, directed towards the side edges of the connecting portion 25.

As illustrated, the adhesive face 25' of the connecting portion 25 is covered by, or supported on, a backing layer 23. Said layer is in the form of a backing tape for corresponding handles 20, from which the handles 20 are suitably separated at the moment when they are connected to the film used to make the bags. In practice, the grip means 20 are in the form of a thin element or layer, preferably made from the corresponding film, in particular in the form of a flexible film.

To render the lower surface of the grip elements 22, 24 non-adhesive, a separating material is inserted beneath them, labelled 29 in Figure 6, allowing said grip elements 22, 24 to be lifted relative to the connecting portion 25 and relative to the surface of the bag to which the handle is fixed.

Figure 7 illustrates a process for making a bag of the type referred to above. According to the process, means 20 forming bag grips means, in particular a handle, are applied to the film 51 used to make the bag. However, means 20 forming bag grip means could also be applied directly to the bag.

As illustrated, the grip means 20 are applied at a longitudinal portion 58 of the film, where a bag side pleat 18 will be made, by folding the film according to the longitudinal lines illustrated with dashed lines. The numeral 56 denotes the longitudinal area, or portion, of the film where the other bag side pleat 16 will be made, again by folding the film according to the longitudinal lines illustrated with dashed lines.

The transversal dashed lines correspond to the line for cutting and separating the respective bag, whilst the quadrangular cutting lines 55, 57 are made in the film, in case an upper area of the bag without pleats is required.

Obviously, a plurality of grip means 20 will be applied to the corresponding film being fed, the grip means 20 being longitudinally spaced out according to a distance corresponding to the length of the respective bag.

As already indicated, preparing the handle 20 involves gluing said grip means 20 to the film 51, in particular to the flat or extended film, thanks to the fact that the grip means have a predetermined adhesive layer for engaging with the film 51, at a suitable portion 25 of the grip means.

Therefore, the process advantageously comprises removing the grip means

20 from the protective and backing layer 23 and applying the grip means 20 with the respective lower face 25', illustrated in Figure 6, to the corresponding portion of film 51 or, according to another process not illustrated in the accompanying drawings, directly to the body 10' of the ready-formed bag.

In practice, as illustrated in Figure 7, the handles 20 could be applied to the film 51 after, or even before, the quadrangular punched out areas 55 and 57 have been formed and before folding the film 51 according to the longitudinal dashed lines, forming the side pleats and labelled 16', 16c, 18', 18", 18c, and, therefore, before closing the film to form a longitudinal tubular film and before forming the corresponding bag, for example as described in international patent application WO 2006/067617 in the name of the same Applicant and whose contents are incorporated herein by reference. In practice, the grip means 20 are applied to the film from which the whole bag is obtained, the grip means being spaced out longitudinally, according to distances, or at intervals, corresponding to the length of the respective bag.

Figures 8 to 10 illustrate a second preferred embodiment 100 of the bag. In this second embodiment of the bag, the body of the bag, with the respective means in particular for opening and closing, is identical to, and coincides with, the first embodiment of the bag.

In the second preferred embodiment of the bag, the components corresponding to those of the first embodiment are labelled with the same reference numerals and, for brevity, will not be described again in detail.

Obviously, like the first embodiment of the bag, the bag 100 is also preferably obtained by suitably folding a film, in particular a flexible layered plastic film. In particular, to make the bag 100, it is contemplated the use of a web of plastic or plasticised film, where said film has a sealable face, in particular heat-sealable, and an opposite face which is not sealable and which is printed with appropriate writing, colours and images on predetermined areas of it, corresponding to predetermined parts of the front face 12, rear face 14 and side faces 16, 18 of the bag. hi particular, like the first preferred embodiment, the second preferred embodiment of the bags comprises pleats, or side walls, 16 and 18 consisting of respective first and second longitudinal portions or flaps 16a, 16b and 18a, 18b, which extend from the respective side edges 12a, 14a and 12b, 14b of the front and rear walls 12 and 14, and are indented in the outline formed by the side edges of the front and rear walls 12, 14 of the bag, in particular when the bag is in the empty condition illustrated in Figure 10, with the flaps 16a, 16b, 18a, 18b in a condition in which they are opposite and in contact, or substantially in contact, with each other.

In particular, the bag 100 for containing a product has a bag body 10' and advantageously comprises bag grip means, in the form of a handle which can be gripped 120, allowing the bag to be handled easily.

Advantageously, the bag grip means 120 can be moved, to a position for suitable gripping by the user, respectively illustrated in Figure 9, from a home position, respectively illustrated in Figure 8. In particular, the grip means 120 can be moved to an operating or gripping position by an advantageous movement perpendicular to the bag, that is to say, perpendicular to the surface 18a, 18b of the bag to which the handle 120 is connected.

As illustrated, the grip means 120, in the gripping position, extend from the bag body 10' so that they are substantially perpendicular to the surface 18a, 18b to which the handle is connected, that is to say, they are configured in such a way that they form an angle relative to said surface, as shown in Figure 9.

In practice, as illustrated, in the gripping condition, the grip means 120 are raised relative to the corresponding surface 18a, 18b of the bag and extend from a corresponding edge, or surface 18a, 18b of the bag body, at bag pleat means 18, that is to say, they are located at a side wall 18 of the bag.

In practice, as illustrated, in the condition for use the grip means 120 extend so that they project from the corresponding side wall 18 of the bag.

As illustrated, advantageously, in the home position the grip means 120 are located at the respective surface 18a, 18b of the bag, to which the handle is connected, lying parallel and in contact with said surface, similarly to the situation in the first preferred embodiment.

Moreover, the grip means 120 also adopt another position, in addition to said operating or gripping position, and the home position, illustrated in Figures 8 and 9. Said additional position, as illustrated in Figure 10, is a folded position, which the handle adopts when the bag is in the flat and not filled condition, as in the previous preferred embodiment, whilst, as illustrated, the home and operating or gripping positions are adopted by the handle when the container is in the full condition.

In particular, as illustrated in Figure 10, the grip means are inside the outline, or edge, in particular a side edge, of the bag body 10' in the bag folded condition, with the grip means 120 having a first and a second part 120a, 120b housed between the opposite indented portions 18a, 18b of the pleat 18 and the grip means are parallel and in contact with the flaps 18a, 18b of the pleat 18. hi practice, the grip means 120 may be configured according to a folded and recessed position, when the bag is in the corresponding folded, or flat, position in which the pleat means 16, 18 have the respective faces opposite and in contact, or substantially in contact, with each other and the front and rear walls 12, 14 have their inner faces opposite and in contact, or substantially in contact, with each other and with the corresponding inner faces of the opposite flaps 16a, 16b, 18a,

18b of the pleats. The grip means 120 are divided into a first and a second part 120a, 120c, by a longitudinal pre-creasing folding line 120c. hi the folded condition of Figure 10, the parts 120a, 120b are opposite each other, that is to say, parallel and in contact, or substantially parallel and in contact, with each other. Said first and second parts 120a, 120b of the handle body are, in the folded condition, delimited by the corresponding longitudinal creasing or folding line 102c, positioned at the edge 18c connecting the flaps 18a, 18b of the pleat 18.

The grip means 120 of this second preferred embodiment, like the grip means 20 of the first preferred embodiment, can be folded according to a corresponding longitudinal creasing line 120c.

As illustrated, the respective grip portion 120, like the grip portion 20 of the first embodiment, has a first and a second part 122 'a, 122"a both longitudinal and positioned alongside each other, which are opposite each other in the folded condition. The respective grip portion 120, like the grip portion 20 of the first embodiment, has a first and a second part 122 'a, 122"a, lying on opposite flaps

18a, 18b of the pleat.

For this purpose, the respective grip portion 120 has an intermediate pre- creasing line 120c, dividing the grip portion into a first and a second part 122'a, 122"a, forming a single grip body. Said intermediate pre-creasing line 120c, which divides the grip portion into a first and a second part 122'a, 122"a is a longitudinal folding line. In this way, the handle can easily be folded in the folded pleat condition. Moreover, the respective connecting portion 125a, 125b, like the connecting portion 25 of the first embodiment, has a first and a second part 125'a, 125"a, 125'b, 125"b, longitudinal and positioned alongside each other, which are opposite each other in the folded condition.

In particular, the respective connecting portion 125a, 125b, like the connecting portion 25 of the first embodiment, has a first and a second part 125'a, 125"a, 125'b, 125"b, lying on opposite flaps 18a, 18b of the pleat.

As illustrated, the respective connecting portion 125a, 125b, like the connecting portion 25 of the first embodiment, has an intermediate pre-creasing line 120c, dividing the grip portion into a first and a second part 125'a, 125"a,

125'b, 125"b, the intermediate pre-creasing line consisting of a longitudinal folding line.

In practice, the longitudinal handgrip 122a is divided into two longitudinal portions 122'a, 122"a as are the respective widened connecting portions 125a, 125b, which are divided into respective longitudinal portions 125'a, 125 "a and 125'b, 125"b, also divided by the longitudinal folding line 125c. hi the folded condition of Figure 10, said portions 122'a, 122"a of the handle are opposite and in contact, or substantially in contact, with each other, like the portions 125'a, 125"a and 125'b, 125"b of the connecting portions. Similarly, in the condition shown in Figure 10, the respective oblique joining portions 122b, 122c and 122d, 122e are opposite and in contact, or substantially in contact, with each other.

With the bag empty and flat, the handle is advantageously in a recessed position. This allows the bag to be placed, without interference from the handle, in corresponding packing boxes, or in any event to be handled without problems.

As may be inferred in particular with reference to Figure 9, the grip means 120 are located substantially at the longitudinal centre line of the bag 120, that is to say, at the centre line of the respective side wall 18, thus allowing the bag to be transported in a substantially "balanced" condition.

However, the handle 120 could also be located closer to one or the other of the longitudinal ends of the bag, to facilitate use by the user. For example, the handle 120 could be located closer to the upper part of the bag (as shown in the third preferred embodiment 200 in Figure 14) to facilitate holding and angling of the mouth of the bag towards a precisely defined target area. Alternatively, the handle 120 could be located closer to the bottom of the bag (as illustrated in the fourth preferred embodiment 300 in Figure 15) to facilitate bag lifting for tipping the product out of the mouth which is at the upper edge 15 of the bag. Obviously, the bags in these third and fourth embodiments are, in other aspects, identical to the previous second embodiment and are not described again in detail.

Advantageously, the grip means 120 are applied, in particular glued, to the bag body using an adhesive or an adhesive layer.

As illustrated, the grip means 120 comprise a first grip element 122, in turn comprising a respective handgrip portion 122a, which is in the form of a respective extended portion, extending longitudinally to the bag and parallel with the corresponding surface 18a, 18b of the bag. There are also advantageous joining means 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e between the handgrip portion 122a and the respective connecting portion 125a, 125b, the joining means 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e extending in a diverging fashion from the handgrip portion 122a, widening relative to the handgrip portion 122a, that is to say, extending to the sides of the handgrip portion 122a, beyond the side edges of the handgrip portion 122a.

As illustrated, the respective connecting portion 125a, 125b is wider than the joining means 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, in particular at the area for connection to the corresponding connecting portion.

This gives an advantageous distribution of the stresses from the handgrip portion 122a to the connecting portions 125a, 125b.

As illustrated, said grip element 122 has corresponding portions 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e joining the respective handgrip portion 122a to the respective connecting portion.

For this purpose, as illustrated the grip means 120 have a first and a second portion 125a, 125b for connection to the bag, said portions being longitudinally spaced from each other.

As illustrated, the respective handgrip portion 122a extends between the first and the second connecting portions 125a, 125b, projecting beyond the corresponding transversal edge 125 'a, 125'b of the corresponding connecting portion 125a, 125b, said transversal edge being towards the other connecting portion 125b, 125a.

As illustrated, from the respective longitudinal ends of the handgrip portion 122a there extend corresponding joining means in the form of means for extension and joining to the respective connecting portion 125a, 125b, comprising respective first and second extension and joining portions 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e diverging from each other transversally or diverging towards the connecting portion 125a, 125b. In practice, said means for extension and joining to the respective connecting portion 125a, 125b comprise a respective extension and joining portion 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, extending at an angle, or obliquely, relative to the handgrip portion 122a, or to the longitudinal direction, being at an angle to the latter.

As illustrated, the connecting portion 125a, 125b is wider than the handgrip portion 122a .

This configuration of the extension and joining means 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e advantageously distributes the stress of the handgrip portion 122a, positioned centrally relative to the connecting portions, substantially over the whole width of the connecting portion.

As already indicated, the connecting portions 125a, 125b are fixed to the bag body, in particular glued to the body, or fixed to the bag body 10' using adhesive. In practice, the respective connecting portion 125a, 125b has a lower surface 125', on which there is an adhesive layer "A" suitable for fixing to the corresponding surface 18a, 18b of the bag.

Alternatively, the grip element 122 does not have any adhesive layer under it and therefore is not connected to the corresponding bag surface or film. In practice, the grip element 122 is made in a single body with the connecting portions 125a, 125b.

Advantageously, the handle 120, and in particular the corresponding connecting portion 125a, 125b, is wider than more than half the width of the respective pleat. The respective connecting portion 125a, 125b has a general quadrangular shape and in the respective connecting portion there are opposite angled incisions 126a, 126b, 128a, 128b, 130a, 130b, 132a, 132b, which are substantially indented relative to the respective edge 125'a, 125'b, between which a corresponding part of the joining portion 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e of the grip elements 22, 24 is formed. hi said connecting portions 125a, 125b, there are corresponding curved incision portions 127a, 127b on the continuation of the incision lines 126a, 126b, 128a, 128b, 130a, 130b, 132a, 132b, extending to the sides of the latter. hi the condition for use, the handgrip portion 122a remains connected to the connecting portions 125a, 125b by the corresponding longitudinal folding lines or areas 127, schematically illustrated with dashed lines in Figure 11.

As Figure 11 shows, the adhesive face of the connecting portion 125a, 125b is covered with a backing layer 23, similar to that of the first preferred embodiment. Said backing layer 23 may be in the form of a backing tape of corresponding handles 120, from which the handles are suitably separated at the moment when they are connected to the film used to make the bags, or to the bag itself.

In practice, the grip means 120 are in the form of a thin element or layer, preferably made from the corresponding film, in particular in the form of a flexible film.

Figure 13 illustrates a second or additional preferred process for making a bag of the type referred to above. According to the process, grip means, or a handle, 120 are applied to the film 51 used to make the bag.

As illustrated, said grip means 120 are applied at the longitudinal portions 56, 58 of film, where the side pleats 16, 18 for the bag will be made.

Obviously, a plurality of grip means 120 will be applied to the corresponding film being fed, the grip means 120 being longitudinally spaced out according to a distance corresponding to the length of the respective bag.

Advantageously, successive grip means 120, 120 are applied alternately at respective longitudinal portions 56, 58 of the same film 51 where pleats 16, 18 for the respective bag will be made. As already indicated, preparing the handle 120 involves gluing said grip means 120 to the film 51, thanks to the fact that the grip means have a predetermined adhesive layer at their appropriate end portions 125a, 125b.

Therefore, the process advantageously comprises removing the grip means

120 from the protective and backing layer and applying the grip means 120 with the respective adhesive lower face to the corresponding portion of film 51, or, according to another embodiment, not illustrated in the accompanying drawings, directly to the body 10' of the bag 100.

Advantageously, the grip means 20, 120 are applied to the face of the flat, extended film 51 being fed below. Said face is not heat-sealable. In practice, as illustrated in Figure 13, the handles 120 could be applied to the film 51 after, or even before, the quadrangular punched out areas 55 and 57 have been formed and before folding the film 51 according to the longitudinal dashed lines, forming the side pleats and labelled 16', 16c, 18', 18", 18c, and, therefore, before closing the film to form a longitudinal tubular film and before forming the corresponding bag, for example as described in international patent application WO 2006/067617 in the name of the same Applicant and whose contents are incorporated herein by reference. In practice, the grip means 20 are applied to the film from which the whole bag is obtained, the grip means being spaced out longitudinally, according to distances, or at intervals, corresponding to the length of the respective bag.

According to another advantageous aspect, the composite film 151 obtained in this way, consisting at least of the film 51 and the handles 20, 120 ready-fixed to it or supported by it, could be rewound on a reel, or could be conveniently folded for use in a different plant for making such bags.

In practice, the composite film 151 could be used in a special factory for making bags for containing a product, in particular a food product, preferably a granular product or a product in pieces. The film 51 is preferably made of flexible material such as multi-layered plastic film.

In particular, with the second preferred embodiment of the composite film, in which the successive handles 120 are applied alternately at the two longitudinal areas 56, 58 of the film for making the bag, there is the advantage of improved distribution of the increase in thickness which the handles cause on the film once the film has been rewound or folded.

In practice, successive longitudinal handles 120, 120, unlike the handle 20 of the previous embodiment of the composite film, and process, which are longitudinally aligned with each other, are located in different longitudinal areas 56, 58. hi practice, successive longitudinal handles 120, 120 are transversally spaced from each other to the extent that they are located in respective areas 56, 58 of the film where the pleats will be made.

The handle disclosed allows easy gripping and handling, without the risk of unwanted bag dropping or excessive effort by the user, or the risk of unwanted injury to the fingers holding the bag.

With this handle applied, bags or sacks which are large and relatively heavy can easily be handled.

As illustrated, the handle 20, 120 is also located at the transversal centre line of the corresponding pleat.

Moreover, as illustrated, the handle 120 has connecting portions 125a, 125b projecting transversally beyond the edges of the handgrip portion 122a and the joining or extension portions 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e, extending at the sides of the longitudinal folding line 120c and designed to join to a respective longitudinal part 122'a, 122"a of the handgrip portion 122a.

Moreover, the grip means disclosed do not risk weakening the structure of the bag and are not easily broken. Also, difficult and expensive processing of the film during the steps for preparation of the bag are not necessary.

In addition, the bag grip means disclosed have compact dimensions, in particular in the bag flat condition, allowing easy transportation and storage of the bag, from the production area to the area where the bag will be filled with the respective product.

However, it shall be understood that this handle is such that it has a grip element 22, 24 and 122 whose length is such that it is enclosed, as illustrated, by the four fingers of the hand extending from the palm and opposing the thumb of the user's hand. hi practice, this provides a web of handles comprising a plurality of grip means, or handles, 20, 120 which are supported on a corresponding backing layer 23.

The invention described above is susceptible of industrial application and may be modified and adapted in several ways without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by technically equivalent elements.

Claims

1. A bag (10) for containing a product, in particular a food product, preferably in the form of a granular product or a product in pieces; said bag having a bag body (10'), preferably made of flexible material such as plastic film, and comprising bag grip means; the bag being characterised in that the grip means are in the form of a handle which can be gripped (20, 120).

2. The bag according to claim 1 or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises a front wall (12), a rear wall (14) and opposite side walls (16, 18).

3. The bag according to either of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises pleat means (16, 18).

4. The bag according to claim 3, characterised in that the pleat means comprise a respective pleat (16, 18) forming a corresponding side wall of the bag.

5. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the grip means (20, 120) can be moved to an operating or gripping position.

6. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the grip means (20, 120) can be moved from a home position.

7. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the bag adopts a folded position, in which the pleat means (16, 18) have their respective faces opposite and in contact, or substantially in contact, with each other.

8. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the grip means (20, 120) can be configured in a folded position.

9. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the grip means (20, 120) can be configured in a gripping position, in which the grip means (20, 120) extend from the body (10') of the bag.

10. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the grip means (20, 120) can be configured in a home position, in which the grip means (20, 120) are located at the corresponding surface (18a, 18b) of the bag.

11. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the grip means (20, 120) can be configured in a home position, in which the grip means (20, 120) are parallel with the corresponding surface (18a, 18b) of the bag.

12. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the grip means (20, 120) can be configured in a home position, in which the grip means (20) are in contact with the corresponding surface (18a, 18b) of the bag.

13. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the grip means (20) can be configured in a folded position, in which the grip means (20) are within the outline of the body (10') of the bag.

14. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the grip means (20, 120) can be configured hi a folded position, hi which the grip means (20, 120) are housed between opposite portions (18a, 18b) of the bag body.

15. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims from 5 to 14, characterised in that the grip means (20, 120) in the gripping condition are raised relative to the corresponding surface (18a, 18b) of the bag.

16. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the grip means (20, 120) are provided at a corresponding side wall (18) of the bag.

17. The bag according to claim 16, characterised in that when in use the grip means (20) extend beyond the corresponding side wall (18) of the bag.

18. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the grip means (20, 120) are at respective bag pleat means (18).

19. The bag according to claim 18, characterised in that in the folded condition the grip means (20) extend between the opposite flaps (18a, 18b) of the pleat (18).

20. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that in the folded condition the grip means (20, 120) extend parallel with the flaps (18a, 18b) of the pleat (18).

21. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims from 8 to 20, characterised in that in the folded condition the grip means (20) extend in contact with the respective flap (18a, 18b) of the pleat (18).

22. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the grip means (20, 120) can be folded according to a corresponding creasing line (20c, 120c).

23. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the grip means (20) have a first and a second part (20a, 20b, 120a, 120b).

24. The bag according to claim 23, characterised in that the grip means (20, 120) have a first and a second part (20a, 20b, 120a, 120b) which are separated by a corresponding creasing line (20c, 120c).

25. The bag according to claim 23 or 24, characterised in that the grip means (20, 120) have a first and a second part (20a, 20b, 120a, 120b) which in the folded condition are opposite each other.

26. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims from 23 to 25, characterised in that the grip means (20, 120) have a first and a second part (20a, 20b, 120a, 120b) which in the home condition are substantially aligned or coplanar with each other.

27. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the grip means (20, 120) are at the centre line of the bag (10).

28. The bag according to claim 27, characterised in that the grip means (20, 120) are at the centre line of the respective side wall (18) of the bag.

29. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the grip means (20, 120) are applied to the body of the bag.

30. The bag according to claim 29, characterised in that the grip means (20, 120) are fixed by adhesive to the body of the bag, in particular to the outer surface of the bag.

31. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the grip means (20, 120) have at least one grip element (22, 122).

32. The bag according to claim 31, characterised in that the grip means (20) have a second grip element (24).

33. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the respective grip element (22, 24, 122) has a respective handgrip portion (22a, 24a, 122a).

34. The bag according to claim 33, characterised in that the respective handgrip portion is in the form of an extended handgrip portion (22a, 24a, 122a).

35. The bag according to claim 33 or 34, characterised in that the respective grip element has a respective handgrip portion (22a, 24a, 122a) extending longitudinally to the bag.

36. The bag according to any of the claims from 31 to 35, characterised in that when in use the respective grip element (22, 24, 122a) extends from the surface of the bag (18, 18b) to which it is connected.

37. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the grip means (120) can be moved to an operating or gripping position by a movement perpendicular to the bag.

38. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the grip means (20) have at least a first portion for connection to the bag.

39. The bag according to claim 38, characterised in that the grip means (20) have a first and a second portion (125a, 125b) for connection to the bag.

40. The bag according to claim 39, characterised in that the first and second portions (125a, 125b) for connection to the bag are longitudinally spaced from each other.

41. The bag according to claim 39 or 40, characterised in that the respective grip element (122) extends between the first and second connecting portions (125a, 125b).

42. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims from 38 to 41, characterised in that the connecting portion (25, 125a, 125b) is fixed to the body

(10') of the bag.

43. The bag according to claim 42, characterised in that the connecting portion (25, 125a, 125b) is glued, or fixed by means of adhesive, to the body (10') of the bag.

44. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the respective grip element (22, 24, 122) is made in a single body with the corresponding connecting portion (25, 125a, 125b).

45. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims from 31 to 44, characterised in that the grip portion (20, 120) has a first and a second part (22a, 24a, 122 'a, 122"a) which are longitudinal and positioned alongside each other.

46. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims from 31 to 45, characterised in that the respective grip portion (20, 120) has a first and a second part (22a, 24a, 122 'a, 122"a) which in the folded condition are opposite each other.

47. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims from 31 to 46, characterised in that the respective grip portion (20, 120) has a first and a second part (22a, 24a, 122'a, 122"a) which lie on opposite flaps (18a, 18b) of the pleat.

48. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims from 31 to 47, characterised in that the respective grip portion (120) has an intermediate pre- creasing line (120c) dividing the grip portion into a first and a second part (122'a, 122"a).

49. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims from 31 to 48, characterised in that the respective grip portion (120) has an intermediate pre- creasing line (120c) dividing the grip portion into a first and a second part (122'a, 122"a).

50. The bag according to claim 49, characterised in that the respective grip portion (120) has an intermediate pre-creasing line (120c) in the form a longitudinal folding line.

51. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims from 38 to 50, characterised in that the respective connecting portion (25, 125a, 125b) has a first and a second part (25a, 25b, 125'a, 125"a, 125'b, 125"b) which are longitudinal and positioned alongside each other.

52. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims from 38 to 51, characterised in that the respective connecting portion (25, 125a, 125b) has a first and a second part (25a, 25b, 125'a, 125"a, 125'b, 125"b) which in the folded condition are opposite each other.

53. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims from 38 to 52, characterised in that the respective connecting portion (25, 125a, 125b) has a first and a second part (25a, 25b, 125 'a, 125"a, 125'b, 125"b) which lie on opposite flaps (18a, 18b) of the pleat.

54. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims from 38 to 53, characterised in that the respective connecting portion (25, 125a, 125b) has an intermediate pre-creasing line (20c, 120c) dividing the grip portion into a first and a second part (25a, 25b, 125'a, 125"a, 125'b, 125"b).

55. The bag according to claim 54, characterised in that the respective connecting portion (25, 125a, 125b) has an intermediate pre-creasing line (20c, 120c) in the form a longitudinal folding line.

56. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims from 38 to 55, characterised in that it comprises joining means (122b, 122c, 122d, 122e) between the handgrip portion (122a) and the respective connecting portion (125a, 125b).

57. The bag according to claim 56, characterised in that the joining means (122b, 122c, 122d, 122e) between the handgrip portion (122a) and the respective connecting portion (125a, 125b) extend in such a way that they diverge from the handgrip portion (122a).

58. The bag according to claim 56 or 57, characterised in that the joining means (122b, 122c, 122d, 122e) widen relative to the handgrip portion (122a).

59. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims from 56 to 58, characterised in that the respective connecting portion (125a, 125b) is wider than the joining means (122b, 122c, 122d, 122e).

60. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims from 38 to 59, characterised in that in the connecting portion there are opposite incisions between which a corresponding part of the joining means or portions of the grip elements (22, 24 122) is formed.

61. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims from 38 to 60, characterised in that in the connecting portion (25) there is a corresponding longitudinal incision (33a, 33b) separating the connecting portion from the grip elements (22, 24).

62. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims from 38 to 61, characterised in that in said connecting portion (25, 125a, 125b) a corresponding folding line (27) is formed, from which the respective joining portion (22b, 22c, 24b, 24c) extends.

63. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims from 38 to 62, characterised in that the connecting portion (25, 125a, 125b) has corresponding curved incision portions (27a, 27b) at the sides of the incisions for forming the joining portions.

64. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the grip element (22, 24) has a general

"U" shape.

65. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims from 38 to 64, characterised in that the respective grip element (122) projects beyond the corresponding edge (125'a, 125'b) of the corresponding connecting portion (125a, 125b), said edge being towards the other connecting portion (125b, 125a).

66. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims from 38 to 65, characterised in that from the respective end of the handgrip portion (122a) there extend corresponding means (122b, 122c, 122d, 122e) for extension and joining to the respective connecting portion (125a, 125b), comprising a first and a second extension and joining portion (122b, 122c, 122d, 122e).

67. The bag according to claim 66, characterised in that the means for extension and joining to the respective connecting portion (125a, 125b) comprise a first and a second extension and joining portion (122b, 122c, 122d, 122e) diverging towards the connecting portion (125a, 125b).

68. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims from 38 to 67, characterised in that there are means for extension and joining to the respective connecting portion (125a, 125b) comprising a respective extension and joining portion (122b, 122c, 122d, 122e) which extends at an angle, or obliquely, relative to the handgrip portion (122a).

69. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims from 38 to 68, characterised in that the respective connecting portion (125a, 125b) has a general quadrangular shape.

70. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the grip means (20, 120) are in the form of a thin layer preferably made from a corresponding film, in particular made from a flexible film.

71. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the grip element (22, 24, 122) of the grip means has a face facing the corresponding surface (18a, 18b) of the bag which will not adhere to said surface of the bag.

72. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the grip means (120) are close to one longitudinal end of the bag.

73. The bag according to claim 72, characterised in that the grip means (20, 120) are close to a bottom end (17) of the bag.

74. The bag according to claim 72, characterised in that the grip means (20, 120) are close to a top end (15) of the bag.

75. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims from 38 to 74, characterised in that the respective connecting portion (125a, 125b) is wider than the handgrip portion (122a).

76. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims from 38 to 75, characterised in that the connecting portion (25, 125a, 125b) is wider than half the width of the respective pleat.

77. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims or according to the preamble to claim 1, characterised in that the grip means (20) can be moved to an operating or gripping position by a rotary movement.

78. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that in the gripping condition the grip means (20) are substantially perpendicular or form an angle relative to the corresponding surface (18a, 18b) of the bag.

79. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims from 32 to 78, characterised in that in the home condition the first and second handgrip portions (22a, 24a) extend in such a way that they are spaced from each other.

80. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims from 32 to 79, characterised in that in the operating condition the first and second handgrip portions (22a, 24a) extend in contact with each other.

81. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims from 32 to 80, characterised in that in the home condition the first and second grip elements (22, 24) extend in opposite directions.

82. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims from 32 to 81, characterised in that the respective grip element (22, 24, 122) has a respective handgrip portion (22a, 24a) connected to the bag by corresponding extension portions (22b, 22c, 24b, 24c, 122b, 122c, 122d, 122e).

83. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims from 38 to 82, characterised in that the grip means (20) comprise a large longitudinal portion (25) for connection to the bag.

84. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims from 38 to 83, characterised in that the respective grip element (22, 24) projects beyond the connecting portion (25).

85. The bag according to claim 84, characterised in that the respective grip element (22, 24) projects beyond a corresponding side edge (25'a, 25'b) of the connecting portion (25).

86. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims from 38 to 85, characterised in that the connecting portion (25) extends longitudinally beyond the respective grip element (22, 24).

87. The bag according to any of the foregoing claims from 38 to 86, characterised in that the connecting portion (25) is fixed to the film (51) in the flat condition.

88. A process for making a bag for containing a product, in particular a food product, preferably in the form of a granular product or a product in pieces; the process involving making the bag from a film (51), preferably made of flexible material, such as plastic film, the process being characterised in that it comprises applying corresponding grip means (20, 120) to the film (51) for the bag.

89. The process according to claim 88, characterised in that the grip means (20, 120) are applied to the film (51) at the portion (58) where a bag (10) pleat (18) is made.

90. The process according to claim 89, characterised in that the grip means (20, 120) are applied in such a way that they are longitudinally aligned at the longitudinal portion (58) of the film (51) where a longitudinal pleat (18) is made.

91. The process according to claim 89, characterised in that successive grip means (120) are applied alternately at different longitudinal portions (56, 58) of the same film (51) where corresponding pleats (16, 18) are made.

92. The process according to any of the foregoing claims from 88 to 91, characterised in that the grip means (20, 120) are applied to the film at areas which are longitudinally spaced from each other by a distance corresponding to the length of the bag.

93. The process according to any of the foregoing claims from 88 to 92, characterised in that the grip means (20, 120) are applied to the face of the film 51 below them.

94. The process according to any of the foregoing claims from 88 to 93, characterised in that the grip means (20, 120) are applied to the face of the film (51) which is not heat-sealable.

95. A process for making a bag for containing a product, in particular a food product, preferably in the form of a granular product or a product in pieces; the bag having a bag body (10'), preferably made of flexible material, such as plastic film, and comprising means for gripping and handling the bag; the process being characterised in that it comprises applying corresponding grip means (20, 120) to the body (10') of the bag.

96. The process according to any of the foregoing claims from 88 to 95, characterised in that the grip means (20, 120) are glued, or fixed by means of adhesive, to the film or to the bag.

97. The process according to any of the foregoing claims from 88 to 96, characterised in that the grip means (20, 120) comprise a predetermined adhesive layer.

98. A composite film (151) for making bags for containing a product, in particular a food product, preferably in the form of a granular product or a product in pieces; comprising a film (51), preferably made of flexible material, such as multi-layered plastic film; the composite film being characterised in that it comprises bag grip means (20, 120), which are ready-fixed to the film (51).

99. The composite film (151) according to claim 98, characterised in that the grip means (20, 120) are applied to the film (51) at the portion (58) where a corresponding bag (10) pleat (18) is made.

100. The composite film (151) according to claim 98, characterised in that successive grip means (120) are applied alternately at different longitudinal portions (56, 58) of the same film (51) where corresponding pleats (16, 18) are made.

101. A web of handles, characterised in that it comprises grip means (20, 120) supported on a backing layer (23).