Abstract
A woven laminated plastic bag having features that further prevent leakage of contents out of the bag, or infestation of organisms into the contents of the bag is provided. In various aspects the bag can be fabricated from woven polypropylene and/or polyethylene layer which can be laminated with a film layer, can form a pinch bottom bag, and can have one or both sides include graphics and/or printing. The bag can also provide a top end and/or a bottom end either or both of which provide a discrete area which may contain discrete graphics and/or printing.
Claims
1. A bag comprising: a front wall, a back wall having a first portion and a second portion, a first side wall having a first portion proximal to the first portion of the back wall and a second portion proximal to the front wall, a second side wall having a first portion proximal to the second portion of the back wall and a second portion proximal to the front wall, an interior surface, an exterior surface, a top end, a bottom end, a first layer and a second layer, each of the front wall, back wall, first side wall and second side wall having an interior surface, an exterior surface, a top end and a bottom end, wherein the first layer comprises a woven polymer and the second layer comprises a polymer laminated to the first layer, wherein the back wall projects further than the bottom end of the first portion of the first side wall and the bottom end of the first portion of the second side wall, the bottom end of the first portion of the first side wall and the bottom end of the first portion of the second side wall projects further than the bottom end of the second portion of the first side wall and the bottom end of the second portion of the second side wall, and the bottom end of the second portion of the first side wall and the bottom end of the second portion of the second side wall projects further than the bottom end of the front wall, wherein at least a portion of the top end of the front wall projects further than the top end of the second portion of the first side wall and the top end of the second portion of the second side wall, the top end of the second portion of the first side wall and the top end of the second portion of the second side wall project further than the top end of the first portion of the first side wall and the top end of the first portion of the second side wall, and the top end of the first portion of the first side wall and the top end of the first portion of the second side wall project further than the top end of the back wall, and wherein the bottom end of the first portion of the back wall and the bottom end of the first portion of the first side wall, the bottom end of the first portion of the first side wall and the bottom end of the second portion of the first side wall, the bottom end of the second portion of the first side wall and the bottom end of the front wall, the bottom end of the front wall and the bottom end of the second portion of the second side wall, the bottom end of the second portion of the second side wall and the bottom end of the first portion of the second side wall, the bottom portion of the first portion of the second side wall and the bottom portion of the second portion of the back wall, the top end of the first portion of the back wall and the top end of the first section of the first side wall, the top end of the first portion of the first side wall and the top end of the second portion of the first side wall, the top end of the second portion of the first side wall and the top end of the front wall, the top end of the front wall and the top end of the second portion of the second side wall, the top end of the second portion of the second side wall and the top end of the first portion of the second side wall, and the top end of the first portion of the second side wall and the top end of the second portion of the back wall are separated by an angled edge or portion, a curved edge or portion, or a combination thereof, wherein the angled edge or portion is between about 15 and about 75 with respect to the bottom end of the front wall, and wherein the back wall comprises a seam which comprises overlapping portions of the back wall, and wherein the bottom end of the seam comprises a cut-out and the top end of the seam comprises a corresponding tab.
2. The bag according to claim 1, wherein the bottom end of the first portion of the back wall and the bottom end of the first portion of the first side wall, the bottom end of the first portion of the first side wall and the bottom end of the second portion of the first side wall, the bottom end of the second portion of the first side wall and the bottom end of the front wall, the bottom end of the front wall and the bottom end of the second portion of the second side wall, the bottom end of the second portion of the second side wall and the bottom end of the first portion of the second side wall, the bottom portion of the first portion of the second side wall and the bottom portion of the second portion of the back wall, the top end of the first portion of the back wall and the top end of the first section of the first side wall, the top end of the first portion of the first side wall and the top end of the second portion of the first side wall, the top end of the second portion of the first side wall and the top end of the front wall, the top end of the front wall and the top end of the second portion of the second side wall, the top end of the second portion of the second side wall and the top end of the first portion of the second side wall, and the top end of the first portion of the second side wall and the top end of the second portion of the back wall are separated by an angled edge or portion wherein the angled edge or portion is angled at between about 15 and about 75 with respect to the top end of the front wall.
3. The bag according to claim 1, wherein the angled edge or portion is between about 30 and about 60 with respect to the top end of the front wall.
4. The bag according to claim 3, wherein the angled edge or portion is angled at about 45 with respect to the top end of the front wall.
5. The bag according to claim 1, wherein the bottom end of the first portion of the back wall and the bottom end of the first portion of the first side wall, the bottom end of the first portion of the first side wall and the bottom end of the second portion of the first side wall, the bottom end of the second portion of the first side wall and the bottom end of the front wall, the bottom end of the front wall and the bottom end of the second portion of the second side wall, the bottom end of the second portion of the second side wall and the bottom end of the first portion of the second side wall, the bottom portion of the first portion of the second side wall and the bottom portion of the second portion of the back wall, the top end of the first portion of the back wall and the top end of the first section of the first side wall, the top end of the first portion of the first side wall and the top end of the second portion of the first side wall, the top end of the second portion of the first side wall and the top end of the front wall, the top end of the front wall and the top end of the second portion of the second side wall, the top end of the second portion of the second side wall and the top end of the first portion of the second side wall, and the top end of the first portion of the second side wall and the top end of the second portion of the back wall are separated by a curved edge or portion.
6. The bag according to claim 5, wherein the curved edge or portion is a radial edge or portion, an elliptical edge or portion, a parabolic edge or portion, or a hyperbolic edge or portion.
7. The bag according to claim 1, wherein the bag comprises an easy open or easy access feature.
8. The bag according to claim 7, wherein the easy open or easy access feature comprises a weakened area.
9. A bag comprising: a front wall comprising a top end and a bottom end, a back wall comprising a top end and a bottom end, a seam formed in said front wall or back wall extending from a top end to a bottom end; and a first side wall, and a second side wall disposed on opposite sides of the front and back walls and connecting the front wall to the back wall, forming a bag with a top end and a bottom end, each of the first side wall and the second side wall comprising a gusset with a central fold line extending from the bottom end to the top end of the respective side walls and dividing each of said first side wall and said second side wall into a front side wall and a back side wall; wherein each of the front wall, back wall, first side wall and second side wall comprise (i) a first layer comprising a woven polymer and providing an interior surface of the bag and (ii) a second layer laminated to the first layer, said second layer comprising a polymer or paper and providing an exterior surface of the bag; wherein at least one of said top end or bottom end of the back wall comprises a step cut configuration, and further wherein one or more of the separation of the back wall from the first side wall and the second side wall, and the front wall from the first side wall and the second side wall, and the separation the first and second front side walls from the first and second back side walls at the gusset fold lines are defined by a curved cut or a combination of curved and angled cuts, wherein the angled cut is between about 15 and about 75 with respect to the top end of the front wall; and wherein a portion of the front wall adjoining the seam comprises a tab adjacent to or extending into the seam and a corresponding cut-out in the opposite end of the wall adjacent to or extending into the seam.
10. The bag according to claim 9, wherein the separation of the back wall and the front wall from the first and second side walls, and the separation of the front side walls from the back side walls of the first and second side walls are defined by an angle between 30 and 60 with respect to the top end of the front wall.
11. The bag according to claim 9, wherein the separation of the back wall and the front wall from the first and second side walls, and the separation of the front side walls from the back side walls of the first and second side walls are defined by an angle of 45 with respect to the top end of the front wall.
12. The bag according to claim 9, wherein the separation of the back wall and the front wall from the first and second side walls, and the separation of the front side walls from the back side walls of the first and second side walls are defined by radial, elliptical, parabolic, or hyperbolic curves.
13. The bag according to claim 9, wherein the bag comprises an easy open or easy access feature.
14. The bag according to claim 13, wherein the easy open or easy access feature comprises a weakened area.
15. The bag according to claim 13, wherein the weakened area comprises a line of perforations proximal the top end of the front wall, and extending from the front wall through a first side wall and into the back wall.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The following drawings are included to further demonstrate certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in combination with the detailed description of specific embodiments presented herein.
(2) FIG. 1 shows an outline of a step cut bag with a weakened area near the top end of the bag comprising a line of perforations extending from the front panel of the bag across the first side panel of the bag to the back panel of the bag according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
(3) FIG. 2 shows the top portion of the bag of FIG. 1 after closing the top end of the bag.
(4) FIG. 3 shows the first step in opening the closed bag from FIG. 2.
(5) FIG. 4 shows the second step in opening the closed bag from FIG. 2.
(6) FIG. 5 shows the third step in opening the closed bag from FIG. 2.
(7) FIG. 6 shows the fourth step in opening the closed bag from FIG. 2.
(8) FIG. 7 shows the top portion of the bag of FIG. 1 after closing the top end of the bag and a location for optional application of adhesive to keep the top portion of the gusseted portion of the first side panel closed.
(9) FIG. 8 shows an outline of a step cut bag with a weakened area near the top end of the bag comprising a line of perforations extending from the front panel of the bag across the first side panel of the bag to the back panel of the bag, and angled corners at the top and bottom of the portions of the first and second side panels on either side of the gusset fold, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
(10) FIG. 9 shows an outline of a bag with a step cut top end and a flush cut bottom end, and a weakened area near the top end of the bag comprising a line of perforations extending from the front panel of the bag across the first side panel of the bag to the back panel of the bag according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
(11) FIG. 10 shows an outline of a bag with a flush cut top end and a flush cut bottom end, and a weakened area near the top end of the bag comprising a line of perforations extending from the front panel of the bag across the first side panel of the bag to the back panel of the bag according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
(12) FIG. 11 shows an outline of a bag with a step cut top end and a step cut bottom end, with an angled portion between the two sections of the side wall at both ends of the bag, and a tab at one end of the bag and a cut-out feature at the other end of the bag that extend into the seam.
(13) FIG. 12 shows an outline of the top portion of a bag with a step cut top end, with radial (circular) portions between the back panel of the bag and the side wall, between the two sections of the side wall, and between the side wall and the front panel of the bag at the top end of the bag, and a cut-out feature at the top end of the bag that extends into the seam.
(14) FIG. 13A shows an outline of a portion of one end of a bag with a step cut end, corresponding to a mirror image of the region marked as A in FIG. 11, detailing an alternate embodiment with angled portions between the back panel of the bag and the side wall, between the two sections of the side wall, and between the side wall and the front panel of the bag, and a tab feature at one end of the bag that extends into the seam. FIG. 13B shows an image of the top end of the bag depicted in FIG. 13A upon sealing the seam. FIG. 13C shows an image of the bottom end of the bag depicted in FIG. 13A upon sealing the seam.
(15) FIG. 14A shows an outline of a portion of one end of a bag with a step cut end, corresponding to a mirror image of the region marked as A in FIG. 11, detailing an alternate embodiment with a combination of radial (circular) and angled portions between the back panel of the bag and the side wall, between the two sections of the side wall, and between the side wall and the front panel of the bag, and a tab feature at one end of the bag that extends into the seam. FIG. 14B shows an image of the top end of the bag depicted in FIG. 14A upon sealing the seam. FIG. 14C shows an image of the bottom end of the bag depicted in FIG. 14A upon sealing the seam.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
(16) Referring to FIG. 1, a planar view of an embodiment of a substantially flat sheet of material from which a step cut bag 1 is to be formed is shown. Shown on the sheet are front wall 2, rear wall 3, seam 4, first side wall 5 having gusset portion 6, and second side wall 7 having gusset portion 8. As shown in FIG. 1, the bag 1 has a first or top end 9 and a second or bottom end 10, and thus each of the front wall 2, rear wall 3, first side wall 5 and second side wall 7 has a first or top end and a second or bottom end. It will be apparent, however, that the orientation of the bag ends 9 and 10 are unimportant and the top and bottom references are useful but may change depending upon the orientation from which one views the bag. Bag 1 is considered a step cut bag because the front wall 2, the first side wall 5 and the second side wall 7, and the rear wall 3 are cut so that the front wall 2, the first side wall 5 and the second side wall 7, and the rear wall 3 have different lengths on one end (or both ends) of the bag. As shown in FIG. 1, the first side wall 5 and the second side wall 7 are cut to different lengths on either side of the gusset portion 6 and 8, respectively. As shown in FIG. 1 the first end 9 of bag 1 has portions 3a and 3b of the rear wall 3 of the bag that extend further from the body of the bag 1 than do portions 5a and 7a of the first side wall 5 and second side wall 7, respectively, which in turn extend further from the body of the bag 1 than do portions 5b and 7b of the first side wall 5 and second side wall 7, respectively, which in turn extend further from the body of the bag 1 than does the top end of the front wall 2 of the bag 1. In addition, the bottom end of the front wall 2 at the second end 10 of bag 1 extends further from the body of the bag 1 than do portions 5c and 7c of the first side wall 5 and second side wall 7, respectively, which in turn extend further from the body of the bag 1 than do portions 5d and 7d of the first side wall 5 and second side wall 7, respectively, which in turn extend further from the body of the bag 1 than do portions 3c and 3d the bottom end of the rear wall 3 of the bag 1. Therefore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 both of the ends of the bag 1 have a step cut. Also shown is weakened portion 20, which in this embodiment is near the first end 9 of the bag 1 and comprises a plurality of perforations 21 extending from a first end 21a on the front wall 2 of the bag 1 across the first side wall 5 of the bag 1 to a second end 21b on the rear wall 3 of the bag 1. The weakened area is generally on or near the fold line (not shown) for closing or sealing the first end 9 of the bag 1. This weakened portion can be opened with less force than required to open or tear other portions of the bag 1.
(17) Referring to FIG. 2, the upper portion of the bag 1 from FIG. 1 is shown after sealing the first end 9 of the bag 1. Visible in FIG. 2 is front wall 2, back wall 3 having portions 3a and 3b, seam 4, first side wall 5 having gusset portion 6, and weakened portion 20 comprising a plurality of perforations 21 terminating at second end 21b.
(18) Bag 1 can be opened as shown in FIG. 3 through FIG. 6. FIG. 3 once again shows the upper portion of the bag 1 from FIG. 2, and visible is front wall 2, back wall 3 having portions 3a and 3b, seam 4, first side wall 5 having gusset portion 6, and weakened portion 20 comprising a plurality of perforations 21 terminating at second end 21b. Bag 1 is opened by initially pulling on the portions 3 and 3 of the rear wall 3 on both sides of the plurality of perforations 21, which creates a tear in the weakened portion 20 of the bag 1 and begins separating the portions of the first side wall 5 that are separated by the gusset portion 6. In FIG. 4 the portions 3 and 3 of the rear wall 3 on both sides of the plurality of perforations 21 are further pulled apart, resulting in the expansion of the tear in the weakened portion 20 toward the second end 21b of the plurality of perforations 21. Additionally visible in FIG. 4 are front wall 2, back wall 3 having portions 3a and 3b, seam 4, and first side wall 5 having gusset portion 6. In FIG. 5 the portions 3 and 3 of the rear wall 3 on both sides of the plurality of perforations 21 are pulled completely apart, resulting in the expansion of the tear in the weakened portion 20 further toward the second end 21b of the plurality of perforations 21 and to the first end 21a of the plurality of perforations (not visible in FIG. 5). This results in uncovering the top end 6a of the gusset portion 6 of the first side wall 5, which can then be pulled open. Additionally visible in FIG. 5 are front wall 2, back wall 3 having portions 3a and 3b, and seam 4. In FIG. 6 the plurality of perforations 21 are pulled completely apart, resulting in the expansion of the tear in the weakened portion 20 to the second end 21b of the plurality of perforations 21. This results in a large opening in bag 1 that can be used to pour out the contents of the bag 1. Additionally visible in FIG. 6 are front wall 2, back wall 3 having portions 3a, 3b, 3 and 3, seam 4, first side wall 5 and gusset portion 6 having a top end 6a.
(19) Referring to FIG. 7, the upper portion of the bag 1 from FIG. 1 is shown after sealing the first end 9 of the bag 1, with optional adhesive 30 located near the top end of the first side wall 5, which serves to keep the top end of the first side wall 5 closed (see arrows). Although not visible in FIG. 7, the optional adhesive can also be applied near the top end of the second side wall. Although shown as a spot in FIG. 7, the adhesive can be applied in any manner that results in the closure of the top end of the first side wall 5, for example as a strip that runs from the edge of the intersection of the first side wall 5 and the back wall 3 to the edge of the intersection of the first side wall 5 and the front wall 2. Also visible in FIG. 7 is front wall 2, back wall 3 having portions 3a and 3b, seam 4, first side wall 5 having gusset portion 6, and weakened portion 20 comprising a plurality of perforations 21 terminating at second end 21b.
(20) Once the bag 1 is sealed at one end, it can be filled with the desired materials. For example, it has been found that a bag 1 with dimensions of 16.5 inches by 6.5 inches by 39.5 inches can durably hold up to about fifty five (55) pounds of material without showing undue stress, undue tearing, undue breakage, undue deformation, or leakage or the like. It is believed that any bulk material can be contained by bag 1, and in certain embodiments the contents can weigh up to 100 pounds or so without undue risk of tearing or damage to bag 1. Once the bag 1 is filled, the second end typically needs to be sealed. The second end of the bag 1 can be sealed in a similar manner as that described above. Alternatively, the bag 1 can have its second end sealed by conventional means such as sewing. Still another approach is to stitch the second end, and then seal the second end in a manner like that described above (not shown). Although not shown, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that a second end of bag 1 can be sealed using any conventional technique once bag 1 has been filled with the selected amount of the desired material.
(21) Referring to FIG. 8, a planar view of an embodiment of a substantially flat sheet of material from which a step cut bag 101 is to be formed is shown. Shown on the sheet are front wall 102, rear wall 103, seam 104, first side wall 105 having gusset portion 106, and second side wall 107 having gusset portion 108. As shown in FIG. 8, the bag 101 has a first or top end 109 and a second or bottom end 110, and thus each of the front wall 102, rear wall 103, first side wall 105 and second side wall 107 has a first or top end and a second or bottom end. It will be apparent, however, that the orientation of the bag ends 109 and 110 are unimportant and the top and bottom references are useful but may change depending upon the orientation from which one views the bag. Bag 101 is considered a step cut bag because the front wall 102, the first side wall 105 and the second side wall 107, and the rear wall 103 are cut so that the front wall 102, the first side wall 105 and the second side wall 107, and the rear wall 103 have different lengths on one end (or both ends) of the bag. As shown in FIG. 8, the first side wall 105 and the second side wall 107 are cut to different lengths on either side of the gusset portion 106 and 108, respectively. As shown in FIG. 8 the first end 109 of bag 101 has portions 103a and 103b of the rear wall 103 of the bag that extend further from the body of the bag 101 than do portions 105a and 107a of the first side wall 105 and second side wall 107, respectively, which in turn extend further from the body of the bag 101 than do portions 105b and 107b of the first side wall 105 and second side wall 107, respectively, which in turn extend further from the body of the bag 101 than does the top end of the front wall 102 of the bag 101. In addition, the bottom end of the front wall 102 at the second end 110 of bag 101 extends further from the body of the bag 101 than do portions 105c and 107c of the first side wall 105 and second side wall 107, respectively, which in turn extend further from the body of the bag 101 than do portions 105d and 107d of the first side wall 105 and second side wall 107, respectively, which in turn extend further from the body of the bag 101 than do portions 103c and 103d the bottom end of the rear wall 103 of the bag 101. Therefore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 both of the ends of the bag 101 have a step cut. In addition, the portions 105a and 105b, 107a and 107b, 105c and 105d, and 107c and 107d are not separated by a straight line, but rather an angled cut (see circles). Although in FIG. 8 this cut is shown as about 45, the angle can vary in different embodiments (not shown). This angled cut serves to further prevent leakage of contents out of the bag, or infestation of organisms into the contents of the bag. Also shown is weakened portion 120, which in this embodiment is near the first end 109 of the bag 101 and comprises a plurality of perforations 121 extending from a first end 121a on the front wall 102 of the bag 101 across the first side wall 105 of the bag 101 to a second end 121b on the rear wall 103 of the bag 101. The weakened area is generally on or near the fold line (not shown) for closing or sealing the first end 109 of the bag 101. This weakened portion can be opened with less force than required to open or tear other portions of the bag 101.
(22) Referring to FIG. 9, a planar view of an embodiment of a substantially flat sheet of material from which a bag 201 is to be formed is shown. Shown on the sheet are front wall 202, rear wall 203, seam 204, first side wall 205 having gusset portion 206, and second side wall 207 having gusset portion 208. As shown in FIG. 9, the bag 201 has a first or top end 209 and a second or bottom end 210, and thus each of the front wall 202, rear wall 203, first side wall 205 and second side wall 207 has a first or top end and a second or bottom end. It will be apparent, however, that the orientation of the bag ends 209 and 210 are unimportant and the top and bottom references are useful but may change depending upon the orientation from which one views the bag. The top end 209 of bag 201 is has a step cut because the front wall 202, the first side wall 205 and the second side wall 207, and the rear wall 203 are cut so that the front wall 202, the first side wall 205 and the second side wall 207, and the rear wall 203 have different lengths. As shown in FIG. 9, the first side wall 205 and the second side wall 207 are cut to different lengths on either side of the gusset portion 206 and 208, respectively. As shown in FIG. 9 the first end 209 of bag 201 has portions 203a and 203b of the rear wall 203 of the bag 201 that extend further from the body of the bag 201 than do portions 205a and 207a of the first side wall 205 and second side wall 207, respectively, which in turn extend further from the body of the bag 201 than do portions 205b and 207b of the first side wall 205 and second side wall 207, respectively, which in turn extend further from the body of the bag 201 than does the top end of the front wall 202 of the bag 201. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the bottom end of the front wall 202, the first side wall 205, the second side wall 207, and the rear wall 203 at the second end 210 of bag 201 each extend the same distance from the body of the bag 201. Therefore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 9 the bottom end 210 of the bag 201 has a flush cut. Although not shown, in certain embodiments the top end of the bag can be flush cut, and the bottom end of the bag can be step cut. Also shown is weakened portion 220, which in this embodiment is near the first end 209 of the bag 201 and comprises a plurality of perforations 221 extending from a first end 221a on the front wall 202 of the bag 201 across the first side wall 205 of the bag 201 to a second end 221b on the rear wall 203 of the bag 201. The weakened area is generally on or near the fold line (not shown) for closing or sealing the first end 209 of the bag 201. This weakened portion can be opened with less force than required to open or tear other portions of the bag 201.
(23) Referring to FIG. 10, a planar view of an embodiment of a substantially flat sheet of material from which a flush cut bag 301 is to be formed is shown. Shown on the sheet are front wall 302, rear wall 303, seam 304, first side wall 305 having gusset portion 306, and second side wall 307 having gusset portion 308. As shown in FIG. 10, the bag 301 has a first or top end 309 and a second or bottom end 310, and thus each of the front wall 302, rear wall 303, first side wall 305 and second side wall 307 has a first or top end and a second or bottom end. It will be apparent, however, that the orientation of the bag ends 309 and 310 are unimportant and the top and bottom references are useful but may change depending upon the orientation from which one views the bag. The top end 309 of bag 301 has a flush cut because the front wall 302, the first side wall 305 and the second side wall 307, and the rear wall 303 are cut to the same length. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the bottom end of the front wall 302, the first side wall 305, the second side wall 307, and the rear wall 303 at the second end 310 of bag 301 each extend the same distance from the body of the bag 301. Therefore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 the bottom end 310 of the bag 301 also has a flush cut. Also shown is weakened portion 320, which in this embodiment is near the first end 309 of the bag 301 and comprises a plurality of perforations 321 extending from a first end 321a on the front wall 302 of the bag 301 across the first side wall 305 of the bag 301 to a second end 321b on the rear wall 303 of the bag 301. The weakened area is generally on or near the fold line (not shown) for closing or sealing the first end 309 of the bag 301. This weakened portion can be opened with less force than required to open or tear other portions of the bag 301.
(24) Referring to FIG. 11, a planar view of an embodiment of a substantially flat sheet of material from which a step cut bag 401 is to be formed is shown. Shown on the sheet are front wall 402, rear wall 403, seam 404, first side wall 405 having first gusset portion 406, and second side wall 407 having second gusset portion 408. As shown in FIG. 11, the bag 401 has a first or top end 409 and a second or bottom end 410, and thus each of the front wall 402, rear wall 403, first side wall 405 and second side wall 407 has a first or top end and a second or bottom end. It will be apparent, however, that the orientation of the bag ends 409 and 410 are unimportant and the top and bottom references are useful but may change depending upon the orientation from which one views the bag. Bag 401 is considered a step cut bag because the front wall 402, the first side wall 405 and the second side wall 407, and the rear wall 403 are cut so that the front wall 402, the first side wall 405 and the second side wall 407, and the rear wall 403 have different lengths on both ends of the bag. As shown in FIG. 11, the first side wall 405 and the second side wall 407 are cut to different lengths on either side of the gusset portion 406 and 408, respectively. As shown in FIG. 11 the first end 409 of bag 401 has portions 403a and 403b of the rear wall 403 of the bag that extend further from the body of the bag 401 than do portions 405a and 407a of the first side wall 405 and second side wall 407, respectively, which in turn extend further from the body of the bag 401 than do portions 405b and 407b of the first side wall 405 and second side wall 407, respectively, which in turn extend further from the body of the bag 401 than does the top end of the front wall 402 of the bag 401. In addition, the bottom end of the front wall 402 at the second end 410 of bag 401 extends further from the body of the bag 401 than do portions 405c and 407c of the first side wall 405 and second side wall 407, respectively, which in turn extend further from the body of the bag 401 than do portions 405d and 407d of the first side wall 405 and second side wall 407, respectively, which in turn extend further from the body of the bag 401 than do portions 403c and 403d the bottom end of the rear wall 403 of the bag 401. Therefore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 both of the ends of the bag 401 have a step cut. However, the skilled artisan will readily appreciate that in other embodiments (not shown), one or both ends of the bag can be a different type of step cut, or another type of cut altogether, for example a flush cut end as described herein. As shown in FIG. 11, the portions 403a and 405a, 405b and 402a, 402a and 407b, 407a and 403b, 403c and 405d, 405c and 402c, 402c and 407c, and 407d and 403d, respectively, are separated from one another not by straight lines and right angles but by curved portions or edges, which in FIG. 11 are shown as radial (circular) elements. Although one particular size and shape of radial portion is shown in FIG. 11, for the features between the foregoing portions, those skilled in the art will appreciate that in other embodiments (not shown), these radial portions can be as small or as large as desired. In addition, the portions 405a and 405b, 407a and 407b, 405c and 405d, and 407c and 407d, respectively, are not defined or separated by a radial portion or edge, but rather an angled portion or edge (see circles). Although in FIG. 11 this angled portion is shown as about 45 with respect to the top end of the front wall, the angle can vary in different embodiments (not shown). These radial and angled portions serve to further prevent breakage, leakage of contents out of the bag, or infestation of organisms into the contents of the bag, by providing extra material at one end of the bag that improves sealing. Further shown in FIG. 11 is cut-out 411 and corresponding tab 412 at opposing ends of the seam 404. Since the bag 401 is formed from a continuous sheet of material, the formation of the cut-out 411 (removal of material) at one end of the bag 401 results in a tab 412 (extra material) at the other end of the bag 401. The cut out 411 and tab 412 extend into the seam 404, and also serve to further prevent breakage, leakage of contents out of the bag, or infestation of organisms into the contents of the bag. This is because since extra material can be present between the seam 404 of the bag and the edge of the rear panel 403b of the bag that is not sealed, a hole can be present that can serve as an access point into or out of the sealed bag. But the presence of the cut-out 411 and the tab 412 ensures that the ends of any such hole will be sealed, preventing access into or out of the sealed bag. The cut-out 411 and tab 412 can be any depth/height desired, and can extend further into the seam as desired (not shown). Although in FIG. 11 the cut-out 411 and tab 412 are shown as extending from within the seam 404 to the edge of the rear panel 403b of the bag, in other embodiments (not shown) the cut-out and tab can extend from within the seam 404 only a portion of the distance to the edge of the rear panel 403b of the bag 401. Furthermore as shown, the tab and cut-out are illustrated as primarily rectangular in shape. It is understood that the shape is not limited to rectangles but can also be configured as an angular or rounded cut-out and matching tab as long as the configuration fits together to form a seal effective to prevent leakage or infestation. Additionally, in other embodiments (not shown), the bag can comprise an easy open or easy access feature, such as the weakened portion near the top of the bag as shown herein above (for example in FIG. 8), or the easy open features detailed in United States Patent Application Publication Number US 2013/0206631 and United States Patent Application Publication Number US 2013/0209002, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
(25) Referring to FIG. 12, a planar view of the top portion of an embodiment of a substantially flat sheet of material from which a bag 501 is to be formed is shown. Shown on the sheet are front wall 502, rear wall 503, seam 504, first side wall 505 having first gusset portion 506, and second side wall 507 having second gusset portion 508. As shown in FIG. 12, the bag 501 has a first or top end 509 and a second or bottom end 510 (not visible in FIG. 12), and thus each of the front wall 502, rear wall 503, first side wall 505 and second side wall 507 has a first or top end and a second or bottom end. It will be apparent, however, that the orientation of the bag ends 509 and 510 are unimportant and the top and bottom references are useful but may change depending upon the orientation from which one views the bag. The top end 509 of bag 501 has a step cut because the front wall 502, the first side wall 505 and the second side wall 507, and the rear wall 503 are cut so that the front wall 502, the first side wall 505 and the second side wall 507, and the rear wall 503 have different lengths. As shown in FIG. 12, the first side wall 505 and the second side wall 507 are cut to different lengths on either side of the gusset portion 506 and 508, respectively. As shown in FIG. 12 the first end 509 of bag 501 has portions 503a and 503b of the rear wall 503 of the bag 501 that extend further from the body of the bag 501 than do portions 505a and 507a of the first side wall 505 and second side wall 507, respectively, which in turn extend further from the body of the bag 501 than do portions 505b and 507b of the first side wall 505 and second side wall 507, respectively, which in turn extend further from the body of the bag 501 than does the top end of the front wall 502 of the bag 501. As shown in FIG. 12, the portions 503a and 505a, 505a and 505b, 505b and 502a, 502a and 507b, 507b and 507a, and 507a and 503b, respectively, are separated not by straight lines and right angles but by curved portions or edges, such as radial (circular) portions as shown. Although one particular size and shape of the curved portions is shown in FIG. 12, those skilled in the art will understand that in other embodiments (not shown) these curved edges can be of different shapes (e.g., elliptical, or different segments of a curve, etc.), and can be as small or as large as desired. These curved portions serve to further prevent breakage or leakage of contents out of the bag, or infestation of organisms into the contents of the bag. Further shown in FIG. 12 is cut-out 511 at one end of the seam 504 (corresponding tab 512 at the other end of the seam 504 is not shown in FIG. 12). Since the bag 501 is formed from a continuous sheet of material, formation of the cut-out 511 (removal of material) at one end of the bag 501 results in a tab (extra material; not shown in FIG. 12) at the other end of the bag 501. The cut out 511 and tab (not shown in FIG. 12) extend into the seam 504, and also serve to further prevent breakage, leakage of contents out of the bag, or infestation of organisms into the contents of the bag. The cut-out 511 and tab (not shown) can be any depth/height desired, and can extend further into the seam as desired (not shown). Although in FIG. 12 the cut-out 511 (and corresponding tab, not shown) is shown as extending from within the seam 504 to the edge of the rear panel 503b of the bag, in other embodiments (not shown) the cut-out (and tab) can extend from within the seam 504 only a portion of the distance to the edge of the rear panel 503b of the bag. Additionally, in other embodiments (not shown), the bag can comprise an easy open or easy access feature, such as the weakened portion near the top of the bag as shown herein above (for example in FIG. 8), or the easy open features detailed in United States Patent Application Publication Number US 2013/0206631 and United States Patent Application Publication Number US 2013/0209002, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
(26) Referring to FIG. 13A, shown is an outline of a portion of one end of a bag 600 with a step cut end, generally corresponding to a mirror image of the region marked as A in FIG. 11, detailing an alternate embodiment with angled portions between the front panel 602 of the bag and the first section of the side wall 607, between the first section of the side wall 607 and the second section of the side wall 607, and between the second section of the side wall 607 and the back panel 603 of the bag, respectively, and a feature 613 at one end of the bag that extends into the seam. Since the bag 600 is formed from a continuous sheet of material, the feature 613 forms a cut-out 611 (removal of material; see FIG. 13B) at one end of the bag and a tab 612 (extra material; see FIG. 13C) at the other end of the bag. FIG. 13B shows an image of one end of the bag depicted in FIG. 13A upon sealing the seam 604, showing cut-out 611. FIG. 13C shows an image of the other end of the bag depicted in FIG. 13A upon sealing the seam 604, showing the tab 612.
(27) Referring to FIG. 14A, shown is an outline of a portion of one end of a bag 700 with a step cut end, generally corresponding to a mirror image of the region marked as A in FIG. 11, detailing an alternate embodiment with a combination of radial and angled cuts between the front panel 702 of the bag and the first section of the side wall 707, between the first section of the side wall 707 and the second section of the side wall 707, and between the second section of the side wall 707 and the back panel 703 of the bag, respectively, and a feature 713 at one end of the bag 700 that extends into the seam. Since the bag 700 is formed from a continuous sheet of material, the feature 713 forms a cut-out 711 (removal of material; see FIG. 14B) at one end of the bag 700 and a tab 712 (extra material; see FIG. 14C) at the other end of the bag 700. FIG. 14B shows an image of one end of the bag depicted in FIG. 14A upon sealing the seam 704, showing cut-out 711. FIG. 14C shows an image of the other end of the bag depicted in FIG. 14A upon sealing the seam 704, showing the tab 712.
(28) Those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that the bag according to the invention may vary in size, dimensions, and shape without departing from the scope of the invention, and that the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. For example, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that the bags shown and described in the various embodiments can have sealed and sewn ends in a tubular bag with side gussets as shown, or a block bottom and top, or a combination thereof, although not shown. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that a weakened portion or area can be provided in a number of ways that may vary from those expressly described and shown, such as by stressing portions of the bag wall with or without deforming or perforating same, as well as varying the size, number, depth, and/or pattern of perforations and/or deformations in a bag wall. Similarly, those skilled in the art will understand that the bags shown and described in the various embodiments may be provided with a re-usable opening (not shown). Such features are conventional with prior art bags. Similarly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that terms such as front and rear, and top and bottom, are useful in describing a bag, but essentially depend on a bag's orientation when such terms are used, and are therefore not limiting as to a bag's orientation.
