Peelable easy open plastic bags

Abstract

A woven laminated plastic bag having features that 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. The bag can also include a sealed closure that at least a portion of which can be easily peeled open with less force than the remainder of the sealed closure.

Claims

1. A bag comprising: a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall wherein the first and second side walls are disposed on opposite sides of the front and back walls and connecting the front wall to the back wall, forming a bag with a first end and a second end; wherein each of the front wall, back wall, first side wall and second side wall have a first end and a second end, and comprise two layers further comprising (a) a first layer comprising a woven polymer, and (b) a second layer comprising a polymer film; wherein the woven polymer and the polymer film comprise the same type of polymer; wherein a portion of the first end of the back wall is folded over the first end of the bag front wall and an interior surface portion of the back wall is sealed to an exterior surface portion of the front wall to form a sealed closure of the first end of the bag; wherein the interior surface portion of the back wall comprises the first layer and the exterior surface portion of the front wall comprises the second layer; wherein a portion of the first layer of the interior surface portion of the back wall or a portion of the second layer of the exterior surface portion of the front wall, or both, have been treated with a plurality of surface treatments comprising a first surface treatment and a second surface treatment; wherein the first surface treatment comprises an application of an ink to the portion of the first layer of the interior surface portion of the back wall, the portion of the second layer of the exterior surface portion of the front wall, or both, and the second surface treatment comprises an ionization treatment after the application of ink for each of the portion of the first layer of the interior surface portion of the back wall, the portion of the second layer of the exterior surface portion of the front wall, or both; wherein the sealed closure is sealed using heated air or pressure to seal the portion of the first layer of the interior surface of the back wall and the portion of the second layer of the exterior surface of the front wall together without an adhesive; and wherein the sealed closure is adapted to be opened by peeling by hand and to exhibit less than a 3% failure rate when the bag is subjected to a drop test in accordance with an ASTM D5276 standard.

2. The bag of claim 1, wherein the first layer comprises woven polymer strips.

3. The bag of claim 2, wherein the second layer comprises an oriented polymer film.

4. The bag of claim 1 wherein the first end of the bag further comprises an easy open feature in the front wall, the back wall, or both, and wherein the easy open feature is covered by the sealed closure.

5. The bag of claim 4, wherein the easy open feature comprises a plurality of cuts or perforations, or both, extending at least partially through the first layer or the second layer.

6. The bag of claim 5, wherein the plurality of cuts or perforations, or both, defines a line parallel to the first end of the bag, at a distance of from about 10% to about 30% of the distance from a top edge of the bag to a bottom edge of the bag, or at a distance of from about 10% to about 30% of the distance from the bottom edge to the top edge of the front or rear wall of the bag, and extending horizontally over about 60% to about 90% of the width of the front wall or the back wall of the bag.

7. The bag of claim 6, wherein the plurality of cuts or perforations, or both, further define a tab.

8. The bag of claim 1, wherein the drop test in accordance with ASTM D5276 includes hanging a filled bag at 145° F. for 72 hours followed by a 6 point drop test from a height of at least 4 feet, followed by storage at −27° F. for 24 hours followed by another 6 point drop test from a height of at least 4 feet.

9. The bag of claim 1, wherein each of the front wall, the back wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall further comprise a third layer, and wherein the third layer comprises a polymer film and laminates the first layer and the second layer together.

10. The bag of claim 9, wherein the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer comprise the same material.

11. The bag of claim 1, wherein the first layer and the second layer comprise the same material.

12. A bag comprising: a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall, wherein the first and second side walls are disposed on opposite sides of the front and back walls and connecting the front wall to the back wall, forming a bag with a first end and a second end; wherein each of the front wall, back wall, first side wall and second side wall have a first end and a second end, and each comprises two layers further comprising (a) a first layer comprising woven polyethylene strips, and (b) a second layer comprising a polyethylene film; wherein a portion of the back wall is folded over the first end of the bag and an interior surface portion of the back wall is sealed to an exterior surface portion of the front wall to form a sealed closure of the first end of the bag; where in the interior surface portion comprises the first layer and the exterior surface portion comprises the second layer; wherein the sealed closure comprises a treated portion of the first layer of the interior surface portion, a treated portion of the second layer of the exterior surface portion, or both; wherein the treated portion comprises a portion of the back wall interior surface portion, a portion of the front wall exterior surface portion or both, that have been treated with an application of an ink and an ionization treatment, wherein the ionization treatment occurs after the ink treatment; wherein the first end of the bag is sealed without an adhesive using at least one of heated air or pressure; and wherein the sealed closure is adapted to be opened by peeling by hand and to exhibit less than a 3% failure rate when the bag is subjected to a drop test in accordance with an ASTM D5276 standard.

13. The bag of claim 12, wherein the drop test in accordance with ASTM D5276 includes hanging a filled bag at 145° F. for 72 hours followed by a 6 point drop test from a height of at least 4 feet, followed by storage at −27° F. for 24 hours followed by another 6 point drop test from a height of at least 4 feet.

14. The bag of claim 12, wherein the sealed closure further comprises a flap formed from a portion of the back wall that is not sealed to the front wall.

15. The bag of claim 14, wherein the flap extends along the width of the bag.

16. The bag of claim 14, wherein the sealed closure is adapted to be opened by pulling the flap.

17. A bag comprising: a front wall, a back wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall wherein the first and second side walls are disposed on opposite sides of the front and back walls and connecting the front wall to the back wall, forming a bag with a first end and a second end; wherein each of the front wall, back wall, first side wall and second side wall have a first end and a second end, and comprise two layers further comprising (a) a first layer comprising woven strips comprising polypropylene, and (b) a second layer comprising a film comprising polypropylene; wherein a portion of the first end of the back wall is folded over the first end of the bag and an interior surface portion of the back wall is sealed to an exterior surface portion of the front wall to form a sealed closure of the first end of the bag; wherein the interior surface portion of the back wall comprises the first layer and the exterior surface portion of the front wall comprises the second layer; wherein the sealed closure comprises a treated portion of the first layer of the interior surface portion of the back wall, a treated portion of the second layer of the exterior surface portion of the front wall, or both; wherein the treated portion comprises a portion of the back wall interior surface portion, a portion of the front wall exterior surface portion or both, that have been treated with an application of an ink and an ionization treatment, wherein the ionization treatment occurs after the ink treatment; wherein the first end of the bag is sealed without an adhesive using at least one of heated air or pressure; and wherein the sealed closure is adapted to be opened by peeling by hand and to exhibit less than a 3% failure rate when the bag is subjected to a drop test in accordance with an ASTM D5276 standard.

18. The bag of claim 17, wherein the drop test in accordance with ASTM D5276 includes hanging a filled bag at 145° F. for 72 hours followed by a 6 point drop test from a height of at least 4 feet, followed by storage at −27° F. for 24 hours followed by another 6 point drop test from a height of at least 4 feet.

19. The bag of claim 17, wherein the sealed closure further comprises a flap formed from a portion of the back wall that is not sealed to the front wall.

20. The bag of claim 19, wherein the flap extends along the width of the bag.

21. The bag of claim 19, wherein the sealed closure is adapted to be opened by pulling the flap.

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 2 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 2 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 2 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 2 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.

(16) FIG. 15A is a depiction of a bag with a sealing tape covering an easy open feature.

(17) FIG. 15B is a depiction of the bag of claim 15A with the sealing tape over the easy open feature partially opened along the lines of the two strings.

(18) FIG. 15C is a depiction of the bag of claim 15B with the easy open feature almost completely uncovered.

(19) FIG. 16A-C are depictions of a bag with a sealing tape and a narrower strip of tape adhered to the top of the sealing tape in a closed (A) state, with the tab piece raised (B) and further opened (C).

(20) FIG. 17A is a depiction of a bag of the disclosure with an easy open feature.

(21) FIG. 17B is a depiction of a bag of the disclosure with an easy open feature includes a thumb tab.

(22) FIG. 18 shows a flush cut bag with an easy open feature comprising a square cut through the bag located near the top end of the bag according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(23) FIG. 19 shows a flush cut bag with an easy open feature comprising a carat cut through the bag located near the top end of the bag according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(24) FIG. 20 shows a flush cut bag with an easy open feature comprising a semi-circular cut through the bag located near the top end of the bag according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(25) FIG. 21 shows a pull tab comprising a promotional coupon according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(26) FIG. 22 shows a flush cut bag with an easy open feature comprising a square cut through the bag located near the bottom end of the bag according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(27) FIG. 23 shows a pinch cut bag with an easy open feature comprising a square cut through the bag located near the bottom end of the bag according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(28) FIG. 24 shows a pinch cut bag with an easy open feature comprising a square cut through the bag located near the top end of the bag according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(29) FIG. 25 shows an outline of a pinch cut bag with an easy open feature comprising a square cut through the bag located near the bottom end of the front panel of the bag according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(30) FIG. 26 shows an outline of a pinch cut bag with an easy open feature comprising a square cut through the bag located near the top end of the front panel of the bag according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(31) FIG. 27 shows an outline of a pinch cut bag with an easy open feature comprising a carat cut through the bag located near the top end of a side panel of the bag and extending through the side panel according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(32) FIG. 28 shows an outline of a pinch cut bag with an easy open feature comprising a carat cut through the bag located near the top end of a side panel of the bag and extending across the entire length of the bag according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(33) FIG. 29 shows an outline of a pinch cut bag with an easy open feature comprising a carat cut through the bag located near the top end of a side panel of the bag and extending across the side panel and the front panel of the bag according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(34) FIG. 30 shows an outline of a pinch cut bag with an easy open feature comprising a bidirectional square cut through the bag located near the top end of the front panel of the bag and extending into both side panels according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(35) FIG. 31 shows a back side view of a pinch cut bag according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(36) FIG. 32 shows a front side view of a printed pinch cut bag with an easy open feature comprising a square cut through the bag located near the top end of the bag according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(37) FIG. 33 shows a cross-sectional view of a top end or bottom end portion of a pinch cut bag according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(38) FIG. 34 shows an isometric view of a pinch cut bag according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

(39) FIG. 35 shows a front view of a portion of a wall of a bag folded over and to create a flap and attached to the opposite face of the bag.

(40) FIG. 36 shows a front view of a bag partially opened by peeling a portion of an overlay portion of the flap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(41) 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 (as well as references to “right” or “left”) 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 may be 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.

(42) Referring to FIG. 2, the upper portion of the bag 1 from FIG. 1 is shown after forming a tube from the bag sheet and then separating a portion of the tube to form a bag and 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.

(43) 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 may be 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.

(44) 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.

(45) Once the bag 1 is sealed at one end, it can be filled with the desired contents or filling 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.

(46) 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 by 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), such as from 15° to 75° with respect to the top end of the bag wall. 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.

(47) 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 what is sometimes referred to as 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.

(48) 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.

(49) 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 one or more of the easy open features detailed in United States Patent Application Publication Number US 2013/0206631 and/or United States Patent Application Publication Number US 2013/0209002, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

(50) 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 one or more of the easy open features detailed in United States Patent Application Publication Number US 2013/0206631 and/or United States Patent Application Publication Number US 2013/0209002, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

(51) 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.

(52) 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.

(53) A partial view of a bag with an easy open feature is shown in FIG. 15A-C. In FIG. 15A, bag 800 is an example of a bag with the disclosed sealing tape covered weakened area. The top or bottom end 802 is sealed in FIG. 15A by folding the top over to a seal line 804 and bonding to seal the opening. A cut out in the surface of the bag is shown to reveal the inner, woven polymer layer of a multi-layered bag as described herein, in which laminated bags can be composed of two or more layers including a woven polymer layer. In certain embodiments, the woven polymer layer includes woven strips of polypropylene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polyester, or combinations of any thereof. The polymer strips are understood to be flat, planar strips woven into a sheet by crossed strips referred to as warps and wefts, or woofs. In certain embodiments the strips are about ⅛ to ¼ inch wide flat strips. A second layer can include polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, or any combination thereof, or it can include oriented polypropylene, biaxially-oriented polypropylene, oriented polyethylene, biaxially-oriented polyethylene, oriented polyethylene terephthalate, biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate, oriented polyamide, biaxially-oriented polyamide, coated paper or any combination thereof, and can include a printed area thereon.

(54) An easy open feature includes a sealing tape 806 covering a weakened area (visible in FIGS. 15B and 15C). The sealing tape includes two strings 808 affixed to the bottom or embedded in the sealing tape and running the length of the sealing tape and a tab 812 at one end. The tab area is not affixed to the surface of the bag, and in certain embodiments is free of adhesive and in certain embodiments is free of adhesive at least on the bottom surface. As seen in FIG. 15A, the unsealed end 814 of the bag is step cut as described herein wherein the junctions 818 between the back wall 816, the back 820 and front side walls 824 at the gusset fold lines 822, and the junction 826 of the front side wall with the front wall 830 are curves, non-right angles or combinations of curves and non-right angles.

(55) FIG. 15B is a view of the bag of FIG. 15A in which the sealing tape has been partially raised in preparation for opening the bag by pulling up on the tab 812 separating the center section of the tape 834 along the line of the strings 808 and exposing the weakened area 836 in the front wall 830 of the bag. FIG. 15C shows a bag in which the center section of the sealing tape is further removed, exposing more of the weakened area. In the embodiment shown the weakened area is a line of perforations. When the center portion of the sealing tape is removed, the bag can be easily opened by pushing or running a finger along the line of perforations. The easy open feature that is composed of a line of perforations or cuts 836 is visible below the area where the tape has been lifted off the surface of the bag. In FIG. 15C the tape has been further removed revealing more of the weakened area 836.

(56) A partial view of a bag with an easy open feature is shown in FIG. 16A-C. In FIG. 16A, bag 900 is an example of a bag with a sealing tape covered weakened area. The top or bottom end, 906 which is nearer to the easy open feature, is sealed in FIG. 16A by folding the top over to a seal line 904 and bonding to seal the opening. An easy open feature includes a sealing tape 902 covering a weakened area. The sealing tape includes a narrower strip of tape 910 affixed to the surface of the bag or to the bottom or top surface of the sealing tape and running the length of the sealing tape. The sealing tape includes a tab 912 at one end. The tab area is not affixed to the surface of the bag, and in certain embodiments is free of adhesive and in certain embodiments is free of adhesive at least on the bottom surface. FIG. 16B is a view of the bag of FIG. 16A in which the narrower strip of tape 910 down the center of the sealing tape 902 has been lifted by the tab end in which the tab 912 is shown not to be adhered to the surface of the bag. FIG. 16C is a view of the bag in which the tape has been lifted by the tab end to partially reveal the weakened area 914 in the surface of the bag below the tape.

(57) FIGS. 17A and 17B are partial views of a bag with an easy open feature as described for the bags shown in FIGS. 15A-C and/or 16A-C in which the sealing tape has not been applied. The weakened area shown in FIG. 17A is a line of perforations 1036 extending across the face of the front or rear wall of the bag in a line substantially parallel to the sealed top or bottom edge 1002 of the front or back wall of the bag. The bag is sealed by folding over the edge to a seal line 1004 and bonding the folded portion to the face of the front or back wall to seal the bag. The bag shown in FIG. 17B is similar, including a top edge 1002 and seal line 1004. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17B, the weakened area 1036 includes a curve near the center of the weakened area that serves as a thumb tab 1038. It is understood that a weakened area can include alternate configurations of perforations or cuts, including but not limited to 2 rows of cuts or perforations, either in parallel or crossing to form an “X”, or cuts or perforations that extend from the center of the weakened area in a downward or upward direction relative to the closest end of the bag.

(58) In certain embodiments of the disclosure, the disclosed bags can be laminated woven sacks or bags. In certain embodiments the bags are composed of two or more laminated layers including an inner layer comprised of woven polymer strips. Polymer strips can be extruded polyethylene or polypropylene cut into flat strips of about ⅛ to ¼ inch in width and woven to produce a continuous woven sheet that is then cut into individual bag blanks. The woven layer can be laminated to a polymer film such as a polyester or polypropylene film, and the two layers can be laminated by a third polyethylene or polypropylene film that laminates the first two layers. The second layer of polymer film can also include graphics printed thereon including reverse printed graphics in order to provide an attractive display for commercial purposes. There are certain advantages to providing all three layers in the same polymer such as polypropylene or polyethylene, in that such bags are more easily recycled, for example. For example, a bag having its walls comprise a laminate which has two or three (or more) layers, wherein each of the bag wall layers comprises or consists essentially of the same polymer (such as polypropylene or polyethylene), need not use an adhesive material and thus is a non-adhesive laminate, is easy to recycle. Moreover, any scrap or unusable bags resulting from manufacturing can be recycled as well.

(59) The woven strips create a bag with the requisite strength to hold large amounts of material under stress and are typically not used in smaller bags, holding ten pounds or less because of the increased cost and complexity of producing heavy duty bags. An inner layer of woven flat polymer strips is shown in FIG. 15A as inset 832.

(60) It should be understood that the perforations may include or may be replaced with cuts which are longer, and may include cuts in various shapes in addition to the thumb tab, and the bags of the present disclosure may have both cuts and perforations. In addition, the cuts and/or perforations may extend entirely through all layers of the bag wall, or may extend through one or more of the bag wall and not through one or more other layers. For example, the perforations may extend through one or more outer film layers and partially but not entirely through the woven layer. In addition, it will be appreciated that the cuts and/or perforations may include one or more cuts and/or perforations which extend through all three bag layers and others which do not, and may include cuts and/or perforations which extend deeper through one or more layers than other cuts and/or perforations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the cuts and/or perforations may vary in size and/or in shape, such that, for example, one or more cuts or perforations are greater in length and/or width (and/or depth) than one or more other cuts and/or perforations.

(61) The sealing tape and/or fibers may comprise polymers, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or combinations thereof, and can include woven polymers or woven polymer strips. It will be appreciated it may be possible to provide a bag in which the two, three, or possibly more layers, as well as the tape and fibers, all comprise a single material or a combination of materials, thus making it much easier to recycle a bag or scrap for manufacturing purposes and also minimized the costs of the bag. For example, the bag wall layers (whether two, three, four, or more layers) may comprise a non-adhesive laminate which is made of a single polymer (such as polyethylene or polypropylene), with the strings and tape also made of the same material or combination thereof as the bag wall layers. In one embodiment, the strings may themselves comprise a braided or woven string with one or more separate fibers or strings braided together (or woven together) to provide greater strength.

(62) In still another embodiment (not shown), a sealing tape and substantially parallel strings may be added to the interior surface of the bag wall. In such an embodiment, a pull tab is provided which extends from the tape and from the exterior surface of the bag wall, or a pull tab can be added to the tape. In such an embodiment, a customer can pull the pull tab and the tape will pull the bag wall defined by the cuts and/or perforations (i.e., the weakened area of the bag wall) with the tape, thus providing an opening for access to the bag contents.

(63) Referring to FIG. 18, the front side view of an embodiment of a “flush cut” bag 2001a is shown. Bag 2001a has a front wall 2010, a back wall 2011, a first side wall 2012, a second side wall 2013, a top end 2014, and a bottom end 2015. It will be apparent, however, that the orientation of the bag ends 2014 and 2015 is unimportant and the “top” and “bottom” references are useful but may change depending on the orientation one views the bag. Bag 2001a is considered a “flush cut” bag because the front wall 2010 and the back wall 2011 are cut so that the ends of the front wall 2010 and the back wall 2011 are essentially “flush” with one another; they have substantially the same length. Bag 2001a also comprises an easy open feature 2020 near the top end 2014 of the bag 2001a, which in this embodiment comprises a full cut 2021 in a rectangular shape having a first end 2021a and a second end 2021b through the front wall 2010 of bag 2001a, a first row of perforations 2022 extending from the first end 2021a of the cut 2021, a second row of perforations 2023 extending from the second end 2021b of the cut 2021, an optional third row of perforations 2024 connecting the end of the first row of perforations 2022 and the second row of perforations 2023, tape 2025 covering the cut and the rows of perforations, and a pull tab 2026 attached to the tape 2025. Although in this embodiment the easy open feature 2020 is located near the top end 2014 of the bag 2001a and the pull tab is located close to the second side wall 2013, the skilled artisan will realize that the easy open feature 2020 could also be in the opposite orientation, with the pull tab located closer to the first side wall 2012, reside in either orientation near the bottom end 2015 of the front wall 2010 of bag 2001a, or reside in either orientation near the top end 2014 or bottom end 2015 on the back wall 2011 of the bag 2001a. The full cut 2021 can be formed by punching, cutting, or through the use of a laser, or by any other technique known to those skilled in the art. The easy open feature 2020 (in this embodiment the cut 2021 and/or first 2022 or second 2023 row of perforations) provides a portion of bag 2001a that is weakened. This weakened portion can be opened with less force than required to open or tear other portions of the bag 2001a.

(64) Bag 2001a can be opened by pulling the pull tab 2026, which removes the tape 2025 and the portion of bag 2001a defined by the cut 2021 and the first, second, and third row of perforations 2022, 2023, and 2024, respectively. Although not shown in this embodiment, it will be understood that the full cut 2021 can be larger or smaller, and can extend to a greater or lesser extent, and the first and second rows of perforations 2022 and 2023, respectfully, can extend any distance from the first end and second end, respectively, of the cut toward the opposite side wall of the bag, for example 50%, 75%, 90% or about 100% of the distance from the ends of the cut to the opposite side of the bag. In addition, although not shown in this embodiment, the tape 2025 can cover less than the full extent of the first and second rows of perforations, whatever distance the rows of perforations extend across the front wall of the bag, and in certain embodiments covers only the full cut portion of the easy open feature 2020. Additionally, the pull tab 2026 can comprise black and white and/or color printing (not shown), for example a coupon (not shown), and can also be used to reclose the bag.

(65) Referring to FIG. 19, the front side view of another embodiment of a flush cut bag 2001b is shown. Bag 2001b also has a front wall 2010, a back wall 2011, a first side wall 2012, a second side wall 2013, a top end 2014, and a bottom end 2015. Bag 2001b also comprises an easy open feature 2020, which in this embodiment is near the bottom end 2015 of the bag 2001b and comprises a full cut 2021 in a triangular or carat shape having a first end 2021a and a second end 2021b through the front wall 2010 of bag 2001b, a first row of perforations 2022 extending from the first end 2021a of the cut 2021, a second row of perforations 2023 extending from the second end 2021b of the cut 2021, an optional third row of perforations 2024 connecting the end of the first row of perforations 2022 and the second row of perforations 2023, tape 2025 covering the cut and the rows of perforations, and a pull tab 2026 attached to the tape 2025.

(66) Referring to FIG. 20, the front side view of yet another embodiment of a flush cut bag 2001c is shown. Bag 2001c also has a front wall 2010, a back wall 2011, a first side wall 2012, a second side wall 2013, a top end 2014, and a bottom end 2015. Bag 2001c also comprises an easy open feature 2020, which in this embodiment is near the top end 2014 of the bag 2001c and comprises a full cut 2021 in a semi-circular shape having a first end 2021a and a second end 2021b through the front wall 2010 of bag 2001c, a first row of perforations 2022 extending from the first end 2021a of the cut 2021, a second row of perforations 2023 extending from the second end 2021b of the cut 2021, an optional third row of perforations 2024 connecting the end of the first row of perforations 2022 and the second row of perforations 2023, tape 2025 covering the cut and the rows of perforations, and a pull tab 2026 attached to the tape 2025.

(67) Referring to FIG. 21, an alternate embodiment of tape 2025 and pull tab 2026 is shown, where tape 2025 covers the full cut 2021 in a semi-circular shape having a first end 2021a and a second end 2021b, but does not cover the full extent of the first row of perforations 2022 and the second row of perforations 2023, and does not cover the third row of perforations 2024. In this embodiment, the pull tab 2026 includes instructions to open the bag, but can also comprise black and white and/or color printing (not shown), for example a promotional coupon (not shown).

(68) Referring to FIG. 22, the front side view of still another embodiment of a flush cut bag 2001d is shown. Bag 2001d also has a front wall 2010, a back wall 2011, a first side wall 2012, a second side wall 2013, a top end 2014, and a bottom end 2015. Bag 2001d also comprises an easy open feature 2020, which in this embodiment is near the bottom end 2015 of the bag 2001d and comprises a full cut 2021 in a rectangular shape having a first end 2021a and a second end 2021b through the front wall 2010 of bag 2001d, a first row of perforations 2022 extending from the first end 2021a of the cut 2021, a second row of perforations 2023 extending from the second end 2021b of the cut 2021, an optional third row of perforations 2024 connecting the end of the first row of perforations 2022 and the second row of perforations 2023, tape 2025 covering the cut and the rows of perforations, and a pull tab 2026 attached to the tape 2025.

(69) Referring to FIG. 23, the front side view of one embodiment of a “pinch cut” bag 2100a is shown. As shown in FIG. 23, the bag 2100a has a first or top end 2105 and a second or bottom end 2110. Once again, it will be apparent, however, that the orientation of the bag ends 2105 and 2110 is unimportant and the “top” and “bottom” references are useful but may change depending on the orientation one views the bag. Bag 2100a is considered a “pinch cut” bag because one of the front wall 2108 or the back wall 2106 are cut so that one of the ends of the front wall 2108 or the back wall 2106 is longer than the other; they have different lengths. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 23 both of the ends of the bag 2100a have a “pinch cut.” The bag 2100a has a front wall or surface 2108 with top end 2116, a rear wall or surface 2106, and two side walls 2102 and 2103. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that conventional techniques can be used to provide side gussets in the bag 2100a for each of sides 2102 and 2103 during this forming process. The first end 2105 of bag 2100a has portions 2112a and 2112b of the rear wall or surface 2108 of the bag that extend further from the body of the bag 2100a than do portions 2114a and 2114b of the material of bag 2100a forming the side gussets for sides 2102 and 2103. In addition, the portions 2114a and 2114b of the side gussets extend further from the body of the bag 2100a than the top end 2116 of the front wall 2108 of the bag 2100a. As shown in FIG. 23, the front wall 2108 of the bag 2100a has an end portion 2116 at the first end 2105 of the bag that does not extend as far from the body of the bag 2100a as the end portions 2114a and 2114b of the side gussets or the end portions 2112a and 2112b of the rear wall of the first end 2105 of the bag 2100a. Bag 2100a also comprises an easy open feature 2120 near the top end 2105 of the bag 2100a, which in this embodiment comprises a full cut 2121 in a rectangular shape having a first end 2121a and a second end 2121b through the front wall 2108 of bag 2100a, a first row of perforations 2122 extending from the first end 2121a of the cut 2121, a second row of perforations 2123 extending from the second end 2121b of the cut 2121, an optional third row of perforations 2124 connecting the end of the first row of perforations 2122 and the second row of perforations 2123, tape 2125 covering the cut and the rows of perforations, and a pull tab 2126 attached to the tape 2125.

(70) Referring to FIG. 24, the front side view of another embodiment of a pinch cut bag 2100b is shown. As shown in FIG. 24, the bag 2100b has a first or top end 2105 and a second or bottom end 2110. The bag 2100b has a front wall or surface 2108 with top end 2116, a rear wall or surface 2106, and two side walls 2102 and 2103. The first end 2105 of bag 2100b has portions 2112a and 2112b of the rear wall or surface 2108 of the bag that extend further from the body of the bag 2100b than do portions 2114a and 2114b of the material of bag 2100 forming the side gussets for sides 2102 and 2103. In addition, the portions 2114a and 2114b of the side gussets extend further from the body of the bag 2100b than the top end 2116 of the front wall 2108 of the bag 2100b. As shown in FIG. 24, the front wall 2108 of the bag 2100b has an end portion 2116 at the first end 2105 of the bag that does not extend as far from the body of the bag 2100b as the end portions 2114a and 2114b of the side gussets or the end portions 2112a and 2112b of the rear wall of the first end 2105 of the bag 2100b. Bag 2100b also comprises an easy open feature 2120, which in this embodiment is near the bottom end 2110 of the bag 2100b and comprises a full cut 2121 in a rectangular shape having a first end 2121a and a second end 2121b through the front wall 2108 of bag 2100b, a first row of perforations 2122 extending from the first end 2121a of the cut 2121, a second row of perforations 2123 extending from the second end 2121b of the cut 2121, an optional third row of perforations 2124 connecting the end of the first row of perforations 2122 and the second row of perforations 2123, tape 2125 covering the cut and the rows of perforations, and a pull tab 2126 attached to the tape 2125.

(71) Referring to FIG. 25, a planar view of an embodiment of a substantially flat sheet of material from which a bag 2100c is to be formed is shown. Shown on the sheet are front wall 2108, rear wall 2106, first side 2102 having gusset portion 2114a, second side 2103 having gusset portion 2114b, seam 2104, top end 2105 and bottom end 2110. Also shown is easy open feature 2120, which in this embodiment is near the bottom end 2110 of the front wall 2108 of the bag 2100c and comprises a full cut 2121 in a rectangular shape having a first end 2121a and a second end 2121b through the front wall 2108 of bag 2100c, a first row of perforations 2122 extending from the first end 2121a of the cut 2121 across the front wall 2108 of bag 2100a, a second row of perforations 2123 extending from the second end 2121b of the cut 2121 across the front wall 2108 of bag 2100c, an optional third row of perforations 2124 connecting the end of the first row of perforations 2122 and the second row of perforations 2123, tape 2125 covering the cut 2121 and the rows of perforations, and a pull tab 2126 attached to the tape 2125.

(72) Referring to FIG. 26, a planar view of another embodiment of a substantially flat sheet of material from which a bag 2100d is to be formed is shown. Shown on the sheet are front wall 2108, rear wall 2106, first side 2102 having gusset portion 2114a, second side 2103 having gusset portion 2114b, seam 2104, top end 2105 and bottom end 2110. Also shown is easy open feature 2120, which in this embodiment is near the top end 2105 of the front wall 2108 of the bag 2100d and comprises a full cut 2121 in a rectangular shape having a first end 2121a and a second end 2121b through the front wall 2108 of bag 2100d, a first row of perforations 2122 extending from the first end 2121a of the cut 2121 across the front wall 2108 of bag 2100d, a second row of perforations 2123 extending from the second end 2121b of the cut across the front wall 2108 of bag 2100d, an optional third row of perforations 2124 connecting the end of the first row of perforations 2122 and the second row of perforations 2123, tape 2125 covering the cut 2121 and the rows of perforations, and a pull tab 2126 attached to the tape 2125.

(73) Referring to FIG. 27, a planar view of another embodiment of a substantially flat sheet of material from which a bag 2100e is to be formed is shown. Shown on the sheet are front wall 2108, rear wall 2106, first side 2102 having gusset portion 2114a, second side 2103 having gusset portion 2114b, seam 2104, top end 2105 and bottom end 2110. Also shown is easy open feature 2120, which in this embodiment is near the top end 2105 of the second side 2103 of the bag 2100e and comprises a full cut 2121 in a carat shape having a first end 2121a and a second end 2121b through the second side 2103 of bag 2100e, a first row of perforations 2122 extending from the first end 2121a of the cut 2121 across the second side 2103 of bag 2100e, a second row of perforations 2123 extending from the second end 2121b of the cut 2121 across the second side 2103 of bag 2100e, an optional third row of perforations 2124 connecting the end of the first row of perforations 2122 and the second row of perforations 2123, and a pull tape 2127 covering the cut 2121 and a small portion of the first row of perforations 2122 and second row of perforations 2123.

(74) Referring to FIG. 28, a planar view of another embodiment of a substantially flat sheet of material from which a bag 2100f is to be formed is shown. Shown on the sheet are front wall 2108, rear wall 2106, first side 2102 having gusset portion 2114a, second side 2103 having gusset portion 2114b, seam 2104, top end 2105 and bottom end 2110. Also shown is easy open feature 2120, which in this embodiment is near the top end 2105 of the second side 2103 of the bag 2100f and comprises a full cut 2121 in a carat shape having a first end 2121a and a second end 2121b through the second side 2103 of bag 2100f, a first row of perforations 2122 extending from the first end 2121a of the cut 2121 across the second side 2103, front wall 2108, first side 2102 and rear wall 2104 of bag 2100f, a second row of perforations 2123 extending from the second end 2121b of the cut 2121 across the second side 2103, front wall 2108, first side 2102 and rear wall 2104 of bag 2100f, an optional third row of perforations 2124 connecting the end of the first row of perforations 2122 and the second row of perforations 2123, and a pull tape 2127 covering the cut 2121 and a small portion of the first row of perforations 2122 and second row of perforations 2123.

(75) Referring to FIG. 29, a planar view of another embodiment of a substantially flat sheet of material from which a bag 2100g is to be formed is shown. Shown on the sheet are front wall 2108, rear wall 2106, first side 2102 having gusset portion 2114a, second side 2103 having gusset portion 2114b, seam 2104, top end 2105 and bottom end 2110. Also shown is easy open feature 2120, which in this embodiment is near the top end 2105 of the second side 2103 of the bag 2100g and comprises a full cut 2121 in a carat shape having a first end 2121a and a second end 2121b through the second side 2103 of bag 2100g, a first row of perforations 2122 extending from the first end 2121a of the cut 2121 across the second side 2103, front wall 2108 and into the first side 2102 of bag 2100g, a second row of perforations 2123 extending from the second end 2121b of the cut 2121 across the second side 2103, front wall 2108 and into the first side 2102 of bag 2100g, an optional third row of perforations 2124 connecting the end of the first row of perforations 2122 and the second row of perforations 2123, and a pull tape 2127 covering the cut 2121 and a small portion of the first row of perforations 2122 and second row of perforations 2123.

(76) Referring to FIG. 30, a planar view of another embodiment of a substantially flat sheet of material from which a bag 2100h is to be formed is shown. Shown on the sheet are front wall 2108, rear wall 2106, first side 2102 having gusset portion 2114a, second side 2103 having gusset portion 2114b, seam 2104, top end 2105 and bottom end 2110. Also shown is easy open feature 2120, which in this embodiment is near the top end 2105 of the front wall 2108 of the bag 2100h and comprises a bidirectional full cut 2121 in a square shape having a first end 2121a, a second end 2121b, a third end 2121c and a fourth end 2121d through the front wall 2108 of bag 2100h, a first row of perforations 2122 extending from the first end 2121a of the cut 2121 across the front wall 2108 and into the first side 2102 of bag 2100h, a second row of perforations 2123 extending from the second end 2121b of the cut 2121 across the front wall 2108 and into the first side 2102 of bag 2100h, an optional third row of perforations 2124 connecting the end of the first row of perforations 2122 and the second row of perforations 2123, a fourth row of perforations 2122a extending from the third end 2121c of the cut 2121 across the front wall 2108 and into the second side 2103 of bag 2100h, a fifth row of perforations 2123a extending from the fourth end 2121d of the cut 2121 across the front wall 2108 and into the second side 2103 of bag 2100h, an optional sixth row of perforations 2124a connecting the end of the fourth row of perforations 2122a and the fifth row of perforations 2123a, and a pull tape 2127 covering the cut 2121 and a small portion of the first row of perforations 2122, second row of perforations 2123, fourth row of perforations 2122a and fifth row of perforations 2123a.

(77) Referring to FIG. 31, the back side view of yet another embodiment of a pinch cut bag 2100j is shown. As shown in FIG. 31, the bag 2100j has a first end 2105 and a second end 2110. It is useful to think of first and second ends 2105 and 2110 as the top and bottom ends of the bag 2100j, respectively. The bag 2100j has a front wall or surface 1208, a rear wall or surface 2106, and two side walls 2102 and 2103. The bag 2100j also has a seam 2104 on the back side, or rear wall or surface. The seam 2104 is made when the bag 2100 is formed using conventional methods known to those skilled in the art. Using such conventional methods, a material from which a bag 2100j is to be formed (such materials are discussed in detail below) is provided in a substantially flat sheet (see FIG. 25 through FIG. 30). The sheet is then directed and formed so that a portion of one side of the sheet is disposed on top of the other side of the sheet, such as in forming a tube. The overlapping portion is then secured and sealed together, forming the seam 2104. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that conventional techniques can be used to provide side gussets in the bag 2100j for each of sides 2102 and 2103 during this forming process.

(78) The bottom (as shown in FIG. 31) of the first end 2105 of bag 2100j has portions 2112a and 2112b of the front wall 2108 or surface of the bag that extend further from the body of the bag 2100j than do portions 2114a and 2114b of the material of bag 2100j forming the side gussets for sides 2102 and 2103. In addition, the portions 2114a and 2114b of the side gussets extend further from the body of the bag 2100j than the top end 2117 of the rear wall 2106 of the bag 2100j. As shown in FIG. 31, the rear wall of the bag 2100j has a top end 2117 that does not extend as far from the body of the bag 2100j as the end portions 2114a and 2114b of the side gussets or the end portions 2112a and 2112b of the front wall 2108 of the bag 2100j.

(79) Now referring to FIG. 32, a top side view of bag 2100k is provided. For ease of reference, the same numerals are used in the Figures to denote the same features of bag 2100k. As shown in FIG. 32, the bag 2100k comprises multiple layers of materials 2220, 2222 and 2224. The first layer 2220 is preferably a woven polymeric material, such as polypropylene, polyester, high-density polyethylene, or polyethylene. The woven plastic layer 2220 can be made of woven strips of plastic made of film to provide great strength from relatively lightweight materials, and can also be stretched to provide greater strength. For example, cross-laminated, woven plastic film strips, like XF films, are useful and are commercially available from Valeron. Similarly, a biaxially oriented polypropylene plastic material is commercially available from the AmTopp Division of Inteplast Group, Ltd. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other materials, including various blends of polypropylene and polyethylene can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

(80) Still referring to FIG. 32, the layer 2222 is a coating or a lamination, preferably a polypropylene film. Layer 2224 is preferably an oriented polypropylene film with reverse printing. The layer 2224 can comprise reverse printing of various labels, advertising, warnings, and other information as may be desired, such as the cover 2130 shown in FIG. 32. Although not shown, those skilled in the art will appreciated that the top side, back side, and sides 2102 and 2103 of the bag 2100 may all contain such pictures, patterns, or information as may be desired. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the reverse printing of layer 2224 can be achieved with conventional techniques, and with various conventional plastic films. An advantage of printing the bottom portion of the front and/or back panels is the provision of information that remains visible when the bag is on a display shelf in a store.

(81) Still referring to FIG. 32, the bottom side (as shown in FIG. 32) of the bag 2100k extends outward from the body of the bag 2100k at the second end 2110 of the bag 2100k. As shown in FIG. 32, the top side of the bag 2100k has an end portion 2140 extending along the width of the bag 2100k. The side gussets of the sides 2102 and 2103 of the bag 2100k each have portions 2142a and 2142b which extend further towards the second end 2110 of the bag 2100k than the end portion 2140 of the top side of bag 2100k. In addition, the bottom side of the bag 2100k has an end portion 2110 that extends further from the end portions 2142a and 2142b of the side gussets. The end portion 2110 of the bag 2100k includes portions 2144a and 2144b. As shown in FIG. 32, the second end portion of the bottom side of the bag 2100k extends along the entire width of the bag 2100k. Also shown is seam 2104.

(82) Still referring to FIG. 32, the exposed end portions 2144a and 2144b of the bottom side of the bag 2100k can be coated with a durable adhesive. The adhesive can be applied to selective surface areas, such as portions 2144a and 2144b, or can be applied in a line extending across the bottom side of the bag 2100k along the second end portion 2110, including portions 2144a and 2144b. After the adhesive is applied, preferably the sides 2102 and 2103 of the bag 2100, together with the bottom side of the bag 2100k are folded so that at least a portion of the interior surface of the bottom side of the bag 2100k extends over the top surface of the top side of the bag 2100k. Preferably, the portions 2142a and 2142b of the side gussets will be folded over and attached to the top surface of the top side of the bag 2100k, as well as portions 2144a and 2144b of the second end 2110 of the bottom side of the bag 2100k. The coating then seals the second end 2110 of the bag 2100k together. The first end 2105 of the bag 2100k can be sealed in a similar fashion if desired. Alternatively, the first end 2105 or second end 2110 of the bag 2100k can be sealed using a hot melt technique or any other technique well-known to those skilled in the art.

(83) Referring now to FIG. 33, a detailed cross-sectional view of an end portion of the bag 2100 is provided. As shown in FIG. 33, at least a portion of the front side 2130 of bag 2100 is now covered by the lowest edge portion 2110 of the back side of bag 2100, the extending portions 2142a, 2142b of side 2102 of the bag 2100, as well as a portion of the front side 2130 of bag 2100 including end portion 2140. Once these portions are folded over, heat and pressure can be applied as appropriate to obtain and ensure that the bottom end 2110 of bag 2100 is durably sealed, such as with a conventional heat sealable adhesive.

(84) Once the bag 2100 is sealed at one end, it can be filled with the desired materials. It has been found that a bag 2100 with a height of 41 inches and a width of 28 inches can durably hold at least about fifty (50) pounds of material without showing undue stress, tearing, breakage or the like. It is believed that any bulk material can be contained by bag 2100, and the contents can weigh up to 100 pounds or so without undue risk of tearing or damage to bag 2100. Once the bag 2100 is filled, the second end typically needs to be sealed. The second end of the bag 2100 can be sealed in a similar manner as that described above for the bottom end 2110. Alternatively, the bag 2100 can have its second end sealed by conventional means such as sewing. Still another approach is to seal the second end in a manner like that described for the bottom end 2110 of the bag 2100, and then stitching one of the two ends (not shown). Although not shown, those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that a second end of bag 2100 can be sealed with conventional techniques once bag 2100 has been filled with the selected amount of the desired material.

(85) Referring now to FIG. 34, an isometric view of bag 2100b is provided. As shown in FIG. 34, the bag 3700 includes a front panel 3701, a first side panel with gussets 3709, a second side panel with gussets (not visible in FIG. 34), a top end 3703, and a bottom end 3705. The bag 3700 is a pinch cut bag like those described previously, with both a pinch cut top end 3703 and a pinch cut bottom end 3705. The bag 3700 preferably has a weakened area (not shown in FIG. 34) or other easy open feature on at least one surface (not shown in FIG. 34). As shown in FIG. 34, the bag 3700 has been filled and sealed and contains one or more materials. Although the contents of the bag 3700 may be food, animal food, other bulk items, the contents may also contain liquids or mixtures. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the bag 3700, once formed in accordance with the present disclosure, may be filled and then either the top end 3703 or the bottom end 3705 or both may be sealed as described previously. As shown in FIG. 34, the bag 3700, once filled, presents a bottom panel 3707 on the bottom end 3705 thereof and a top panel on the top end thereof (not visible in FIG. 34). The bag 3700 may be stacked on top of similar or different bags, such as at a grocery store, pet store, or other display location, such that panel 3707 is easily visible to a consumer. As shown in FIG. 34 the front panel 3701, the first side panel 3709 and the bottom panel 3707 includes printing (and can also include graphics), and it will be appreciated by the skilled artisan that the top panel, the rear panel, and the second side panel of bag 3700, which are not visible in FIG. 34, can also include graphics and/or printing. Thus bag 3700 has six discrete areas for printing and/or graphics, each formed by a discrete surface area of the bag 3700. Additionally, the printing and/or graphics can extend across more than one panel, or any combination of the six panels (not shown). The panel 3707 may include graphics and/or printing so that a consumer is able to quickly, readily and easily identify the brand of the contents in the bag, such as the brand name for the pet food therein if the bag 3700 contains pet food. Alternatively, or in addition, the printing or graphics on the panel 3707 may contain information such as price, composition, expiration date, and the like. In another embodiment, the panel 3707 may contain printing or graphics that provide a coupon or other price discount or other offer, either on the contents of the bag 3700 or some other product.

(86) In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a bag is provided that has a peelable, easy open feature. Such as bag is illustrated in FIGS. 35 and 36. The bag has a front or first wall and an opposing back or second wall. The bag may have side walls, and the side walls may have gussets, all as described above in connection with the various embodiments described, or the bag may instead comprise a laminated bag, such as a bag having two or more laminated layers, or any other type of consumer goods packaging. In the following description, a laminated, woven bag is described as a specific example of a bag, but is provided only as an example and the invention is not so limited. In the example of a woven bag as a particular embodiment, the bag has a top or first end, and a bottom or second end, with the first end of the back wall extending beyond the first end of the front wall. This extension of the top end of the back wall beyond the top end of the front wall may be anywhere from a fraction of an inch to four inches, six inches, eight inches, ten inches, or more, as may be desired. Each of the bag walls has an exterior surface and an interior surface. The bag walls may have a woven polymeric layer and one or more polymeric film layers, such as any of those described above in connection with the various bags described herein. The bag wall layers may comprise any one or more materials, including any type of polymer, polypropylene, polyethylene, high density or low density polyethylene, polyester, nylon, polyethylene terephthalate, polyester, polyamide, oriented polypropylene, biaxially-oriented polypropylene, oriented polyethylene, biaxially-oriented polyethylene, oriented polyester, biaxially-oriented polyester, nylon, oriented or biaxially-oriented nylon, oriented polyethylene terephthalate, biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate, oriented polyamide, biaxially-oriented polyamide, coated paper, or any combination thereof.

(87) A portion of the exterior surface of the front bag wall, the interior surface of the back bag wall, or both, may be treated to provide a preferential peelable, easy open area as described in more detail below. The treated portion of the surface(s) of the front and/or back bag wall(s) may be treated with a polyamide ink, a urethane-based ink, a nitrocellulose ink, or a combination of any of the foregoing, and may be treated in a preferred pattern, such as a rectangular area, elliptical area, triangular area, or the like. It should be appreciated that the interior of the back wall and/or the exterior of the front wall may be treated with two or more inks or a combination of one or more inks and one or more treatments. For example, a first portion of the overlay portion can be treated with a first type of ink or subject to a first treatment, and a second portion of the overlay portion can be treated with a second, different ink and/or subject to a second, different treatment. Depending on the material selected for one or more of the bag layers, one or more different inks or treatments may be selected to provide the desired sealing strength control at the desired locations of the bag. For example, we believe that a polyamide resin or polyamide-based ink will usually provide less sealing strength than a nitrocellulose- or polyurethane-based ink or resin.

(88) The treated portion of the surface(s) of the front and/or back bag wall(s) is determined so that it is preferably proximal the top end of the front bag wall, such as within the top one, two, or three inches from the top end of the front bag wall when the back bag wall is folded over the top end of the bag and brought into contact with a portion of the exterior surface proximal the top end of the front bag wall. The treated portion may extend all or partially across the width of the front and/or back bag walls. For example, if it is desired to control the sealing strength so that the seal is stronger on the left hand side of the bag (as shown in FIGS. 35 and 36) than the right hand side, more ink may be used on the right hand side of the bag wall and/or no ink may be used on the left hand side. Alternatively, the ink may be applied to an area that extends across 10%, 20%, 30%, 50%, or 100% of the bag's width from one side.

(89) Once the front and/or back bag wall(s) have been treated, and a portion of the extending portion of the back bag wall has been folded over and brought into contact with a portion of the front bag wall proximal the top end of the bag, the overlaying portions of the front and back bag walls may be sealed, such as by applying heat and/or pressure in desired amounts for a desired time period, or by any of the sealing techniques described above in connection with any of the other embodiments described herein. This sealing may be done by passing the overlaying portions of the front and bag walls past a nozzle blowing heated air at or above a predetermined temperature or within a predetermined temperature range, or by applying heated clamps to opposing exterior surfaces of the overlaying portion of the front and bag walls, with the clamps applying a predetermined amount of pressure and at a predetermined temperature or above or within a predetermined temperature range. It will be appreciated that the front and back bag walls may be sealed without the use of an adhesive, or, as described above, one or more adhesives may be used to seal the bag end.

(90) In addition, the sealing of the overlaying portions of the front and back bag walls may be done selectively, such that a portion of the back bag wall is not sealed to the front bag wall and forms a flap. The flap may extend along the width of the bag wall, or may extend for only a portion of the width of the bag wall. The flap and sealing of the front and back bag walls as described provides an easy open feature such that a consumer can grip the flap, such as at one side of the bag, and pull the flap upwards and/or away from the front wall of the bag. Because the strength of the seal has been controlled at the overlay portion of the front and back bag walls as desired, the consumer should be able to open the bag without the need for a knife or for scissors. The flap may include one or more pull tabs to assist the consumer in gripping and pulling the flap, and may include printing and/or graphics to instruct and assist the consumer in how to open the bag.

(91) Referring now to FIGS. 35 and 36, an example of one type of bag with a peelable, easy open feature of this type is illustrated. In FIG. 35, a bag 3500 with a peelable, easy open feature is shown. The bag 3500 has a front wall 3501 and an opposing back wall (not shown), which are joined by side walls. The bag 3500 further has a top end 3510 and a bottom end 3505. The bottom end 3505 can be of any type, including a stepped-cut bag, a pinch bag, a pouch bag, or other type, and can be sealed using any of the sealing techniques described herein, or may include a peelable, easy open feature or other type of easy open feature. As illustrated in FIG. 35, a portion 3515 of the back wall is folded over and forms the top end 3510 of the bag 3500. At least a portion of the portion 3515 located above the line 3525 is sealed to the front wall 3501 of the bag 3500. In this particular illustration, the interior surface of the portion 3515 of the back wall is sealed to the exterior surface of the front bag wall. It will be understood that the extending portion of the back wall can be double-folded if desired so that an exterior surface of the back bag wall is sealed to the exterior surface of the front wall. It can be seen that a flap 3520 of the end of the back bag wall is not sealed to the front bag wall below the line 3525. This flap 3520 can be gripped by a consumer and pulled to open the bag 3500 easily.

(92) Referring now to FIG. 36, the exemplary bag 3500 is shown with a portion of the top end 3510 opened on the right hand side of the bag. The top end 3530 of the front wall 3501 of the bag 3500 is shown. It can be seen in FIG. 36 that the left-handed portion 3535 of the top end of the back wall is still sealed to the exterior surface of the front wall 3501. It should be appreciated that a consumer can grip the flap 3520 (as shown in FIG. 35) at the right-hand side of the bag and pull upwards and/or away from the bag front wall 3501 to open the bag 3500. It should also be appreciated that the selective treatment of a portion or portions of the front and/or back bag walls as described herein allow for a controlled sealing area proximal the top end of the bag 3500, such as to create one or more areas in which the front and back bag walls are sealed with a stronger seal than other areas, and/or one or more areas in which the front and back bag walls are sealed with a seal which is more easily separated, all without the use of an adhesive (although, as noted, an adhesive may be used to seal the top end of the bag 3500 if desired). By selectively controlling the area(s) treated with one or more inks, and by controlling the heat, pressure, and/or duration of the application of heat and pressure to selected areas of the overlaying portions of the front and back bag walls, we have found that we can selectively and more precisely control the location of the seal between the front and back bag walls as well as the local strength of such seals, which can be varied, but in any event provides a strong seal which can pass the applicable drop test, peel test, and the like and provide a strong, durable seal.

(93) In one particular example of a bag which is from 2.0 to 20.0 inches in width with a peelable, easy open feature like that shown and described herein, the bag walls may comprise or consist of two or more layers, including a first layer comprising woven strips of oriented polyethylene, polyester, or polypropylene and a second layer comprising a film layer comprising oriented polyethylene, polyester, or polypropylene. The second layer may be laminated to the first layer, such as without an adhesive, and may be laminated to the first layer by a third layer comprising a film layer comprising polyethylene, polyester, or polypropylene. The first, second and third layers may all comprise the same material, and may be polyethylene, polyester, and polypropylene, or a combination thereof. The top end of the back wall may extend 0.25 to 6.0 inches or so beyond the top end of the front bag wall. A polyamide ink, urethane ink, nitrocellulose ink, or combination thereof, may be applied to the exterior or interior surface of the front bag wall in an area extending across the width of the front bag wall and from the top end of the front wall to 0.25 to 6.0 inches below the top end of the bag wall. The top end of the back wall may be folded over the top end of the front wall and a portion of the interior surface of the back wall may be placed into contact with a portion of the exterior surface of the front wall to form an overlaying portion of the front and back walls. The overlaying portion may extend lengthwise across the width of the bag wall and may be from 2.0 to 20.0 inches in width. The overlaying portion may be sealed by passing it by a nozzle blowing heated air at a temperature of from 360 F. to 1800 F. or so, at a speed of about 20 to 3,000 inches per minute, to form a seal at the top end of the bag. In addition, an unsealed flap of about 0.125 to 2.0 inches or so in width may extend lengthwise across the width of the bag, wherein the flap is formed from the portion of the top end of the back wall that is not sealed to the front wall of the bag. We have found that such a bag is adapted to hold anywhere from 1.5 pounds, ten pounds, twenty pounds, thirty pounds, forty pounds, fifty pounds, sixty pounds, to seventy pounds of a filling material once filled, and provides a strong, durable seal that is rugged and can hold such contents without the risk of spilling or contamination, yet can be easily opened by a consumer without a knife or scissors by pulling the tab upwards and/or outwardly from the front wall of the bag. In this particular example, the bag's second layer may comprise printing and/or graphics on at least one side, which may be done with reverse printing or surface printing, and the ink coating may be applied to the second bag layer (e.g., the film layer) on the second layer's printed side. The ink coating may be applied to the film layer after the film layer has had the printing and/or graphics printed thereon.

(94) 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 disclosed bags 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, perforating, or cutting same, as well as varying the size, number, depth, and/or pattern of perforations, cuts, and/or deformations in a bag wall. Similarly, those skilled in the art will understand that the bags may be provided with a re-usable opening (not shown) or a corner portion adapted to allow a person to easily pour out the contents of the bag (not shown), or a combination of those features. Such features are known in certain types of prior art bags. Similarly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that terms such as “front” and “rear,” “right” and “left”, 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.