LARGE RECLOSABLE PACKAGES WITH APERTURES FORMING HANDLES

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of provisional- application serial number 60/831,117 filed on July 13, 2006.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention pertains to reclosable packages, particularly large bags, which include apertures below the reclosable zipper thereby forming handles for the package or bag.

Description of the Prior Art

In the prior art, reclosable packages or bags are well-developed. However, further increases in consumer appeal and decreases in manufacturing costs are always sought. In particular, the use of large packages or bags for bulk storage can be improved. The typical large garbage bag has low manufacturing costs but does not have a reclosable capability or sealing capability (to guard against such things as moisture, dust and moths) that is suitable for many storage applications. Likewise, reclosable packages or bags of similar sizes have typically not included a satisfactory handle. Welding additional material to the package or bag can be unsatisfactory in that it requires additional material and may not produce a sufficiently durable or aesthetic handle.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of this invention to produce reclosable packages or bags, particularly large reclosable packages or bags for bulk storage, wherein a reliable and aesthetic handle is provided while maintaining relatively low manufacturing costs.

This and other objects are attained by providing a relatively large reclosable package or bag with a reclosable zipper, which may include a slider or may be press-to-close (that is, without a slider). A reliable handle is formed by die cutting an aperture through both sheets of web below the zipper and sealing around the periphery of the aperture. The aperture is typically appropriately sized, positioned and oriented for a human hand to pass therethrough.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and from the accompanying drawings and claims, wherein:

Figure 1 is a plan view of the reclosable package or bag of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along plane 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along plane 3-3 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a first plan view of the reclosable package or bag of the present invention, including possible contents.

Figure 5 is a second plan view of the reclosable package or bag of the present invention, including possible contents.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings in detail wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout the several views, one sees that Figure 1 is a plan view of the reclosable package or bag 10 of the present invention. Package 10 is formed from front web panel 12 and rear web panel 14 (see Figures 2 and 3) which are typically formed of polymeric material, with a broad range of equivalents as would be known to one skilled in the art. A typical width is 24 inches while a typical height is 24 or 31 inches. However, many different sizes are possible.

Front and rear web panels 12, 14 are coextensive with each other and sealed to each other along bottom seal 16 and side seals 18, 20 thereby creating mouth 22 along the top. In some embodiments, one of seals 16, 18, 20 may be replaced by a fold, wherein front and rear web panels 12, 14 are formed from a single sheet of web. Mouth 22 is reclosable by way of zipper 30 which includes first interlocking zipper profile 32 sealed inwardly adjacent to the top edge of first web panel 12 and second interlocking zipper profile 34 sealed inwardly adjacent to the top edge of second web panel 14. First and second interlocking zipper profiles 32, 34 may form a "press-to-close" or sliderless zipper. Alternatively, slider 36 may be provided which operates in the conventional manner of interlocking first and second zipper profiles 32, 34 with each other when moved in a first direction and separating first and second zipper profiles 32, 34 when moved in a second direction.

Immediately below zipper 30, aperture 40 is formed through both front and rear web panels 1-2, 14, and is typically die cut. Front and rear web panels 12, 14 are sealed to each around the periphery of aperture 40 at peripheral seal 42. This prevents air or package contents from escaping from the interior of package 10 through aperture 40, as well as preventing moisture, dust and moths from entering package 10 through aperture 40. This also increases the

strength and durability of the handle resulting from aperture 40. Aperture 40 can be positioned and oriented in many different places on the front and rear web panels 12, 14. Likewise, aperture 40 can have various sizes. Typically, however, aperture 40 is positioned immediately below zipper 30, and inwardly adjacent from one of side seals 18, 20 and oriented at a forty-five degree angle for handling comfort. Likewise, aperture 40 is typically sized to easily receive an adult human hand in order to form an effective handle and carrying aid, as shown in Figure 5.

Figures 4 and 5 show the package 10 with typical contents therein.

Thus the several aforementioned objects and advantages are most effectively attained. Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosed and described in detail herein, it should be understood that this invention is in no sense limited thereby and its scope is to be determined by that of the appended claims.