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Title:
REUSABLE LABELED COFFEE BEAN BAG AND METHOD OF OPERATION
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2018/057279
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A reusable labeled coffee bean bag and method of operation provides a bag that can be reused to fill with coffee beans from a typical in-store coffee grinder. This reduces paper waste and creates sustainability. The bag comprises: a front panel, a rear panel, two gusseted side panels, and a bottom panel. The panels are defined by an interior surface having a polymer-containing coating to inhibit oxidation and degradation of coffee. The panels also comprise an exterior surface having an integrated tare weight label to enable accurate weighing and pricing. At least one identification label detachably attaches to the panels or a grommet to display information pertinent to the beans. A pair of fastenable closure strips having hooks and loops are releasably fastenable to seal transversely across the entire width of the bag to maintain freshness and prevent spilling beans. A grommet on the fastening strip enables attachable labeling.

Inventors:
BODINGTON TIA (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2017/050073
Publication Date:
March 29, 2018
Filing Date:
September 05, 2017
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
BODINGTON TIA (US)
International Classes:
A23B9/00; B65D33/16; A23B9/08; B65D30/00; B65D30/08; B65D30/10
Foreign References:
US20130004627A12013-01-03
US20150014201A12015-01-15
US20090266722A12009-10-29
US5092682A1992-03-03
US6238090B12001-05-29
US20100032434A12010-02-11
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
HAYNES, Gerald, D. (US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
s claimed is:

A reusable labeled coffee bean bag, the bag comprising: a front panel; a rear panel; two side panels connecting the front panel and the rear panel, each side panel having a gusset; each panel defined by an upper edge, which between the panels forms an opening; each panel further defined by a lower edge; a generally flat bottom panel configured to connect the lower edges of the front panel, the rear panel, and the two side panels, whereby the bottom panel enables the coffee bean bag to stand substantially upright, each panel further defined by an interior surface and an exterior surface; a tare weight label integrated with the exterior surface of at least one of the panels; at least one identification label detachably attached to at least one of the panels or at least one grommet or eyelet; a first fastenable closure strip extending along and beyond the upper edge of the front panel, the first fastenable closure strip defined by a pair of first termini, a first inner surface, and a first outer surface, the first inner surface comprising a plurality of hooks extending longitudinally along the length of the first fastenable closure strip; a second fastenable closure strip extending along and beyond the upper edge of the rear panel, the second fastenable closure strip defined by a pair of second termini, a second inner surface, and a second outer surface, the second inner surface comprising a plurality of loops extending longitudinally along the length of the second fastenable closure strip, wherein the hooks and loops of the closure strips are releasably fastenable along each of two directions; and a plurality of tabs disposed on at least one of the first or second termini, the plurality of tabs configured to enable gripping of the first and second fastenable closure strips.

2. The bag of claim 1, wherein the bag comprises a generally elongated rectangular shape.

3. The bag of claim 1, wherein the interior surface of each panel comprises a polymer- containing coating.

4. The bag of claim 3, wherein the polymer-containing coating is configured to inhibit oxidation and degradation of coffee beans.

5. The bag of claim 1, wherein the at least one identification label is configured to display at least one of the following: a logo, a design, information about the coffee beans, information about a company, information about a gift giver, and information about a purchaser.

6. The bag of claim 1, wherein the at least one identification label is configured to receive a mark.

7. The bag of claim 1, wherein the tare weight label is configured to display the tare weight of the bag.

8. The bag of claim 1, wherein the tare weight label is printed on the exterior surface of one of the panels.

9. The bag of claim 1, wherein the plurality of tabs are about .75 inches long.

10. The bag of claim 1, further including at least one grommet.

1 1 . The bag of claim 10, wherein the at least one grommet is disposed on the first termini, or the second termini, or both.

12. The bag of claim 1 1, wherein the at least one grommet is configured to enable detachable attachment of the at least one identification label.

13. The bag of claim 12, wherein the at least one grommet is reinforced.

14. A reusable labeled coffee bean bag, the bag comprising: a front panel; a rear panel; two side panels connecting the front panel and the rear panel, each side panel having a gusset; each panel defined by an upper edge, which between the panels forms an opening; each panel further defined by a lower edge; a generally flat bottom panel configured to connect the lower edges of the front panel, the rear panel, and the two side panels, whereby the bottom panel enables the coffee bean bag to stand substantially upright, each panel further defined by an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surface of each panel comprises a polymer-containing coating; a tare weight label printed on the exterior surface of at least one of the panels; at least one identification label detachably attached to at least one of the panels, the at least one identification label configured to display at least one of the following: a logo, a design, information about the coffee beans, information about a company, information about a gift giver, and information about a purchaser, the at least one identification label further configured to receive a mark; a first fastenable closure strip extending along and beyond the upper edge of the front panel, the first fastenable closure strip defined by a pair of first termini, a first inner surface, and a first outer surface, the first inner surface comprising a plurality of hooks extending longitudinally along the length of the first fastenable closure strip; a second fastenable closure strip extending along and beyond the upper edge of the rear panel, the second fastenable closure strip defined by a pair of second termini, a second inner surface, and a second outer surface, the second inner surface comprising a plurality of loops extending longitudinally along the length of the second fastenable closure strip, wherein the hooks and loops of the closure strips are releasably fastenable along each of two directions; a plurality of tabs disposed on at least one of the first or second termini, the plurality of tabs configured to enable gripping of the first and second fastenable closure strips; and at least one grommet disposed on the first termini, or the second termini, or both, the at least one grommet configured to enable detachable attachment of the at least one identification label.

15. The bag of claim 14, wherein the bag comprises a generally elongated rectangular shape.

16. The bag of claim 14, wherein the polymer-containing coating is configured to inhibit oxidation and degradation of coffee beans.

17. The bag of claim 14, wherein the tare weight label is configured to display the tare weight of the bag.

18. The bag of claim 14, wherein the at least one grommet is configured to enable detachable attachment of the at least one identification label.

19. The bag of claim 14, wherein the at least one grommet has a circular shape.

20. A method of operating a reusable labeled coffee bean bag, the method comprising: providing a bag, the bag defined by a front panel, a rear panel, a pair of gusseted side panels, and a bottom panel, the panels configured to form an opening; identifying a tare weight of the bag from a tare weight label on an outer surface of at least one of the panels; aligning the opening of the bag with a coffee bean container; discharging coffee beans from the coffee bean container into the bag until the bag is at least partially full; pushing gussets inward and then joining a first fastenable closure strip having a plurality of hooks with a second fastenable closure strip having a plurality of loops; engaging the plurality of hooks with the plurality of loops until the opening is closed; identifying the type and origin of the coffee beans with at least one identification label detachably attached to the bag; disengaging the first fastenable closure strip from the second fastenable closure strip; removing the coffee beans from the bag; and refilling the coffee bag with additional coffee beans from the coffee bean container.

Description:
REUSABLE LABELED COFFEE BEAN BAG AND METHOD OF OPERATION

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a reusable labeled coffee bean bag and method of operation. More so, the present invention relates to a reusable coffee bean bag that is adapted to be reused to fill with coffee beans from a typical in-store coffee grinder or hopper; whereby the coffee bean bag comprises: a front panel, a rear panel, two gusseted side panels, and a bottom panel; an interior surface having a polymer-containing coating configured to enable customer to wipe clean and to inhibit oxidation and degradation of coffee; an exterior surface having a tare weight label and at least one identification label; and a pair of fastenable closure strips having hooks and loops that are releasably fastenable in multiple relative positions to seal transversely across the entire width of the coffee bean bag, so as to maintain freshness of the coffee beans. One tab end of one of the fastenable closure strips features an eyelet or grommet to permit attachment of a further identification label or tag.

Background of the Invention

[0002] The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

[0003] It is known that dried and roasted coffee beans are available on the market. In order to obtain a freshly brewed coffee, it is required for a user to personally grind the dried and roasted coffee beans and extract the brewed coffee from the ground beans.

[0004] Often, coffee beans, whether whole or ground, are distributed in a retail setting as bulk products in bins. The coffee beans are stored in bins so that a shopper may purchase any desired quantity, as the bulk products are typically sold by weight. To facilitate the process, lightweight paper bags are often provided by the retail location proximate the bins so that the shopper may dispense the bulk product into the bags. In other scenarios, reusable containers may also be used. [0005] A customer, sometimes with the assistance of a clerk, opens the spigots of the bins and discharges selected quantities of coffee beans into a bag. Often, after each discharge, it is necessary to weigh the bag, due to the difference between tare weight of the bag and gross weight of the bag and coffee beans. This process can be labor intensive and results in inventory shrinkage because beans are frequently spilled on the floor, also causing a safety hazard.

[0006] It is known in the art that sustainability includes "green" packaging, i.e., environmentally -friendly packaging. Bulk packaging for consumer items appears to be a green way in which to reduce the resources consumed in getting the consumer items from the manufacturer to the consumer. This sustainable type of packaging for coffee beans does little, however, to advertise the origin or type of coffee beans contained in the bag, or differentiate between one type of coffee bean and another, similar coffee bean. This type of packaging also creates additional paper waste as each paper coffee bean bag that the consumer fills is not durable enough for refilling with coffee beans multiple times and is usually thrown in the trash after one use.

[0007] Other proposals have involved packaging coffee beans in bulk. The problem with these is that the bags do not have four panels, with two of the side panels being gusseted. Also, the identification of the tare weight and a method of identifying the type of coffee beans is not always apparent. Even though the above cited packages and methods meet some of the needs of the market, a reusable labeled coffee bean bag that is adapted to be reused to fill with coffee beans from a typical in-store coffee grinder or hopper to reduce paper waste, and comprising a front panel, a rear panel, two gusseted side panels, and a bottom panel with an exterior surface having a tare weight label to create more accurate weighing and pricing, and at least one method of affixing an identification label is still desired. In some

embodiments, the reusable coffee bag may be permanently printed with a message or art to promote a personal message, country of origin, or coffee producer.

Summary

[0008] Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to reusable labeled coffee bean bag and method of operation. The coffee bean bag and method of operation provides a coffee bean bag that is adapted to be reused to fill with coffee beans from a typical in-store coffee grinder or hopper. This aspect of reusing the same bag is effective for reducing paper waste and creates sustainability. The bag has four panels, including two side gusseted panels. A tare weight label on the bag indicates the correct tare weight to provide accurate pricing; also the bag features a method to affix an identification label to indicate the origin and type of the coffee beans, or other personal information.

[0009] In some embodiments, the bag comprises: a front panel, a rear panel, two gusseted side panels, and a bottom panel. The panels comprise an interior surface having a polymer- containing coating configured to inhibit oxidation and degradation of coffee. The panels also comprise an exterior surface having a tare weight label to create more accurate weighing and pricing, and at least one method to affix an identification label to indicate the type of coffee and/or the bin number for pricing. A pair of fastenable closure strips having hooks and loops are releasably fastenable to seal transversely across the entire width of the bag, so as to maintain the freshness of the coffee beans and to prevent spillage. A grommet on one fastening strip enables detachable labeling.

[0010] In some embodiments, the reusable labeled coffee bean bag comprises four panels that form a generally elongated rectangular shape. The panels are a front panel, a rear panel, and two side panels connecting the front panel and the rear panel. Each side panel comprises a gusset. Each panel is defined by an upper edge, which between the panels forms an opening. Each panel is further defined by a lower edge.

[0011] In some embodiments, the bag further comprises a generally flat bottom panel configured to connect the lower edges of the front panel, the rear panel, and the two side panels. The bottom panel enables the coffee bean bag to stand substantially upright by forming a generally flat base.

[0012] In some embodiments, each panel is defined by an interior surface and an exterior surface. The interior surface has a polymer-containing coating at least partially covering the interior surface of the panels. The polymer-containing coating helps inhibit oxidation and degradation of coffee. The exterior surface of the panels comprises a tare weight label and at least one identification label.

[0013] In some embodiments, the bag further comprises a first fastenable closure strip extending along the upper edge of the front panel. The first fastenable closure strip extends past the peripheries of the front panel. The first fastenable closure strip is defined by a first inner surface and a first outer surface. The first inner surface comprises a plurality of hooks extending longitudinally along the length of the first fastenable closure strip.

[0014] In some embodiments, a second fastenable closure strip extends along the upper edge of the rear panel, terminating at a pair of first termini. The second fastenable closure strip extends past the peripheries of the rear panel, terminating at a pair of second termini. The second fastenable closure strip is defined by a second inner surface and a second outer surface. The second inner surface comprising a plurality of loops extending longitudinally along the length of the first fastenable closure strip. The hooks and loops of the closure strips are releasably fastenable at the upper edge of the bag in multiple relative positions spaced along each of two perpendicular directions.

[0015] The first fastenable closure strip and the second fastenable closure strip each has a tab at each end wherein there are no hooks or loops, to enable user to easily grasp two opposing tabs to open bag. Furthermore, at least one eyelet or grommet is disposed on the termini of the first fastenable closure strip, or the second fastenable closure strip, or both. The at least one eyelet or grommet enables detachable attachment of a label to the termini of the strips. This label can help further identify the coffee beans.

[0016] One objective of the present invention is to reduce paper waste and garbage by reusing a coffee bean bag.

[0017] Another objective is to promote sustainability. [0018] Yet another objective is to provide a unique gift.

[0019] Yet another objective is to provide more accurate pricing by clearly labeling the tare weight of the bag.

[0020] Yet another objective is to inhibit degradation of coffee beans.

[0021] Yet another objective is to promote a country or company that sells coffee beans.

[0022] Yet another objective is to allow coffee drinkers to make a personal statement.

[0023] Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims and drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary reusable labeled coffee bean bag, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary reusable labeled coffee bean bag, showing a tare weight label and an identifying label, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0027] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method of operating a reusable labeled coffee bean bag, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0029] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word "exemplary" or "illustrative" means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" or "illustrative" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary

implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the

embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "rear," "right," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0030] A reusable labeled coffee bean bag 100 is referenced in FIGs. 1-3. The reusable labeled coffee bean bag 100, hereafter "bag 100" provides a bag having four panels, with two of the side panels being gusseted, that is adapted to mate with a typical in-store coffee grinder chute for receiving coffee beans multiple times in a sustainable manner. The panels are defined by an opening 114 that slides onto a chute from a coffee grinder or hopper to receive the coffee beans. The bag 100 also has a flat bottom panel that enables upright positioning on a shelf to receive free falling coffee beans directly from the chute. A pair of fastenable closure strips 120, 124 fasten the opening 114 into a closed position with hook and loop type fasteners. A tare weight label 116 enables more accurate weighing and pricing, and at least one identification label 118 identifies origin or type of the coffee beans, or a personal message.

[0031] In some embodiments, the bag 100 can store both whole and ground coffee beans. In other embodiments, the bag 100 may also receive any granular food product. The coffee bean bag 100 may be sized as a one pound bag. Though in other embodiments, the bag 100 may be a two pound, three pound, or five pound bag, which are known in the art as typical bag sizes used by consumers to purchase coffee beans.

[0032] The bag 100 also has a tare weight label 116 to enable more accurate weighing and pricing of the coffee beans. The bag 100 also has an identification label 118 to indicate the type, origin of the coffee beans, display decorative graphics, display marketing material, or provide other personal information.

[0033] The panels of the bag also have an interior surface made of or coated with a poly material that inhibits oxidation and degradation of the coffee beans. The bag 100 also has a pair of fastenable closure strips 120, 124 that fasten the opening 114 of the bag closed to enhance freshness of the coffee beans and to prevent spilling. The bag 100 also has one eyelet or grommet on the tab end of at least one closure strip to facilitate affixing a tag for further labeling by consumer.

[0034] By reusing the bag 100 to fill with coffee beans, ecological sustainability is enhanced. By providing a method to affix an identification label to the bag 100, accurate weighing and pricing is possible. By providing a variety of standard and custom graphic designs on the bag, personal statements, marketing material, and other designs are readily displayed.

[0035] As referenced in FIG. 1, the coffee bean bag 100 comprises a front panel 102, a rear panel 104, two gusseted side panels 106a, 106b, and a bottom panel 108. The front and rear panels 102, 104 are generally parallel to each other. The two gusseted side panels 106a, 106b are generally parallel to each other. In this manner, the four panels 102, 104, 106a, 106b form a generally elongated, rectangular shape for retaining the coffee beans.

[0036] The gusseted side panels 106a, 106b fold inwardly to enable the bag 100 to be compacted into a flat disposition for storage when not in use. The gussets also create extra space by expanding the volume of the bag 100 while filling with coffee beans. In one embodiment, the front and rear panels 104 are about 11" X 4.25". In another embodiment, the side panels 106a, 106b are about 11" X 2.5".

[0037] Each panel 102, 104, 106a, 106b is defined by an upper edge 110, which between the panels, forms an opening 114. The opening 114 is sized and dimensioned to mate with the chute of the typical coffee grinder or hopper. In one embodiment, the opening 114 has a diameter that is sized to slide over a chute from a typical coffee grinder or hopper used to dispense coffee beans. The bag 100 may be held in position on the chute until the desired amount of coffee beans has filled the bag 100.

[0038] Each panel 102, 104, 106a, 106b is further defined by a lower edge 112. A generally flat bottom panel 108 connects the lower edge 112 of the front panel 102, the rear panel 104, and the two side panels 106a, 106b. The bottom panel 108 is disposed generally perpendicular to the other panels 102, 104, 106a, 106b. In one embodiment, the bottom panel 108 is about 4.25" X 2.5".

[0039] The bottom panel 108 enables upright standing of the bag 100, both when empty and when filled with coffee beans. In this manner, the bag 100 may stand upright on a shelf to receive free falling coffee beans from the chute. Further, all of the panels 102, 104, 106a, 106b, 108 are generally resilient, so as to stretch when filled with the coffee beans.

[0040] In some embodiments, the panels 102, 104, 106a, 106b, 108 are defined by an interior surface 132 and an exterior surface 134. The interior surface 132 may include a polymer-containing an FDA-approved coating configured to inhibit oxidation and degradation of coffee. Those skilled in the art will recognize that coffee is highly acidic and it can stimulate the hypersecretion of gastric acids. Decaffeinated coffee has been shown to increase acidity to a greater degree than either regular coffee or caffeine alone. Both caffeine and coffee stimulate gastric acid secretion and decaffeinated coffee raises serum gastrin levels.

[0041] Thus, the acidity may break down general surfaces, such as paper and wax coatings, causing oxidation and contamination of the coffee beans. Thus, the polymer- containing coating helps inhibit such degradations. Suitable materials for the panels, and especially the interior surface may include, without limitation, a web of flexible stock material, e.g., polyethylene, polyester, polypropylene, metal foil, and combinations thereof in single or multiple plies. In one embodiment, the panels are fabricated from a durable, wipe- clean, poly material.

[0042] Turning now to FIG. 2, the panels 102, 104, 106a, 106b, 108 further comprise an exterior surface 134 having an integrated tare weight label 116 and at least one detachably attached identification label 118. In other embodiments, a design may cover the entire exterior surface of panels 102, 104, 106a, 106b, 108, with tare weight legibly printed on one of the panels 102, 104, 106a, 106b, 108.

[0043] Tare weight label 116 displays the weight of the bag 100 when empty. The tare weight label 116 is integrated onto exterior surface. In one embodiment, tare weight label 116 is printed on the front panel. The tare weight label 116 is useful for preventing overcharging for excess weight during purchase of the coffee beans. For example, after the filled bag 100 is weighed for purchase, the tare weight, clearly marked on the exterior surface, is subtracted from the total weight to yield the net weight of the beans or grounds. This provides more accurate pricing for the coffee beans.

[0044] The exterior surface 134 may also have a design covering the entire exterior surface of the bag to display decorative graphics, display marketing material, or provide other personal information. The all-over graphic design may also include a logo, a design, a reminder, or a country of origin for the coffee beans. This allows the consumer to make a personal statement about sustainability or other views.

[0045] The at least one identification label 1 18 detachably attaches to the panels through an adhesive, a hook and loop fastener, or a friction-fit relationship. Additionally

identification label 118 can attach to grommet or eyelet on a pair of fastenable closure strips 120, 124 of bag 100. The at least one identification label 118 is configured to display at least one of the following: a logo, a design, information about the coffee beans, information about a company, information about a gift giver, and information about a purchaser. The identification label 1 18 is also configured to be marked on.

[0046] For example, marking the origin of the coffee beans may be necessary because the bag 100 is sold empty and is generally refilled regularly with a variety of kinds of beans. Thus, the bag 100 may not have any printed identification or label on it that specifies the origin or type of coffee bean. If necessary, a consumer can write that information - the bin number or type of beans - on a small wire-and-paper label usually found in stores with bulk goods for sale, then slip the wire/paper label through the grommet or eyelet, so that a clerk can read the bin number, subtract the tare weight, and charge the correct price per pound.

[0047] Possible logos that may be integrated into the exterior surface of the bag 100 may include, without limitation, sports team logos, college logos, life event logos, designs for weddings, baby showers, graduations, and lifestyle/hobby designs.

[0048] In one alternative embodiment, the panels 102, 104, 106a, 106b, 108 are fabricated from a woven material. This may include the type of material used for bulk coffee bean storage. In one embodiment, the woven material does not prevent oxidation or degradation, and does not have a wipe clean capacity. In other embodiments the woven material may not be coated with poly inside, as some purchasers will not want any plastic. The woven material may be imported through Fair Trade from coffee producing countries. This may help expand the coffee bean industry through ancillary products in such countries. For example, Guatemalan coffee beans can fill a bag constructed of woven material imported from Guatemala. [0049] The bag 100 further comprises a pair of fastenable closure strips 120, 124 having hooks 122 and loops 126 that are releasably fastenable to seal transversely across the entire width of the coffee bean bag 100, so as to maintain freshness of the coffee beans and so as to prevent spilling during transport or during storage.

[0050] In one embodiment, a first fastenable closure strip 120 extends along the upper edge 1 10 of the front panel 102. The first fastenable closure strip 120 is defined by a first inner surface and a first outer surface. The first inner surface comprises a plurality of hooks 122 extending longitudinally along the length of the first fastenable closure strip 120.

[0051] Parallel to the first fastenable closure strip 120 is a second fastenable closure strip 124 extending along the upper edge 110 of the rear panel 104. The second fastenable closure strip 124 is defined by a second inner surface and a second outer surface. The second inner surface comprising a plurality of loops 126 extending longitudinally along the length of the first fastenable closure strip 120.

[0052] Looking back at FIG. 1, the hooks 122 and loops 126 of the closure strips are releasably fastenable along each of two perpendicular directions. In this manner, when the gussets are folded in, and the upper edges 1 10 of the front and rear panels 102, 104 are forced together, the hooks 122 and loops 126 engage to fasten. Further, the strips 120, 124 extend about .75" beyond the peripheries of the front and rear panels 102, 104.

[0053] In one embodiment, the first fastenable closure strip 120 is defined by a pair of first termini 130a, 130b that form tabs. Similarly, the second fastenable closure strip 124 is defined by a pair of second termini 132a, 132b that also form tabs. The tabs generally do not have the hooks 122 and loops 126 described above. The termini 130a-b, 132a-b provide a grip to unfasten the hooks 122 and loops 126 from each other by prying the strips 120, 124 apart.

[0054] In some embodiments, at least one grommet or eyelet 128a, 128b is disposed on the first termini 130a-b of the first fastenable closure strip 120, or the second termini 132a-b of the second fastenable closure strip 124, or both. The grommet 128a-b is configured to enable detachable attachment of the at least one identification label 1 18. When attached to the grommet 128a-b, the identification label 118 may be attached through a wire having a paper or plastic coating, which identifies the type, price, or other indicia of the coffee beans. The label 118 may also include any surface that can pass through the grommet for labeling.

[0055] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method 200 of operating a reusable labeled coffee bean bag. The method 200 includes an initial Step 202 of providing a bag, the bag defined by a front panel, a rear panel, a pair of gusseted side panels, and a bottom panel, the panels configured to form an opening. A Step 204 may include identifying a tare weight of the bag from a tare weight label on an outer surface of at least one of the panels.

[0056] In some embodiments of the method 200, a Step 206 may include aligning the opening of the bag with a coffee bean container. A Step 208 comprises discharging coffee beans from the coffee bean container into the bag until the bag is at least partially full. In one embodiment, a Step 210 includes tucking gussets inward and then joining a first fastenable closure strip having a plurality of hooks with a second fastenable closure strip having a plurality of loops. A Step 212 comprises engaging the plurality of hooks with the plurality of loops until the opening is closed.

[0057] In some embodiments, a Step 214 may include identifying the type and origin of the coffee beans with at least one identification label attached to the panels or through the grommet or eyelet. A Step 216 includes disengaging the first fastenable closure strip from the second fastenable closure strip. A further Step 218 may include removing the coffee beans from the bag. A Step 220 comprises refilling the coffee bag with additional coffee beans from the coffee bean container. Step 220 may also include inserting a new coffee identification label through at least one of the grommets or holes in the closure strip.

[0058] These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.

[0059] Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.