BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of ^' lhe Invention

The present invention is broadly concerned with the field of bags for holding pourablc products such as salt, and more particularly bags having a second handle configured for pouring. In another embodiment, the inventive bags also include a third handle.

Description of the Prior Λrl

Bag are commonly used to hold and transport pourable products (i.e., products comprising numerous small pieces). Such products include salt cubes or pellets, animal food, Hour, and sugar, to name a few. These pourable products are typically sold in large quantities (e g , JO-50 lbs.) and in bulk sizes that are difficult for the average person to handle. Even more difficult than carrying these bags is pouring the product from the bulky bag. That is, the consumer must open the bag, attempt to pick up the very heavy bag, and carefully pour the product in a controlled manner. This often results in spilling of the product, which goes from not corning out at all to rapidly failing from lhe bag and outside of (he target area.

This problem is exacerbated in situations where the product must be poured into an opening that is higher than ground level (e.g., into a water softener) because now the consumer must hoist the heavy bag even higher while attempting to carefully pour the product. This awkward li fting and pouring is not only an inconvenience, but it can lead to back and muscle slrain or injury. Many attempts have been made to overcome these problems, but they have all been lacking in some way. There is a need for a bag that not only provides for easier transport of these bulk products, but also allows the consumer to more readily handle the bag and pour product from the bag, while not compromising the strength of the bag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

I he piescnl invention overcomes the problems of the prior art by providing for such a bag In one embodiment, lhe bag comprises front and back panels having, first and second end portions presenting respective outermost edges; and first and second side portions presenting respective outermost edges. The front and back panels and end and side portions cooperate to form a chamber for holding the pourable product. The bag includes a first handle at the first end portion, with the improvement being that the bag comprises a second handle and a seam at the first side portion, and the seam is spaced away from the outermost edge of the first side portion.

In another embodiment, the bag comprises front and back panels having: fust and second end portions presenting respective outermost edges; and first and second side portions presenting respective outermost edges. The front and back panels and end and side portions cooperate to form a chamber for holding the pourable product. The bag also comprises a first handle at the first end portion. The first side portion has a centcrpoint defined as a point that is halfway between the end portion outermost edges, and the first side portion has a first half on the side of the ccnlerpoint that is adjacent the first end portion and a second half on the side of the cenlerpoint that is remote from the first end portion. The first end portion and the second side portion cooperate to form a first corner, with the improvement being that the bag comprises a second handle positioned entirely within the second half, and the first corner comprises a pouring spout.

In a further embodiment, the invention provides a method of dispensing a pourable product from a bag. The method comprises providing a bag comprising front and back panels including: first and second end portions having respective outermost edges; and first and second side portions having respective outermost edges The front and back panels and end and side portions cooperate to lorm a chamber having a quantity of the pourable product therein. I he bag further comprises a first handle at the first end portion, a second handle at the first side portion, and a seam at the first side portion that is spaced away from the outermost edge of the first side portion. After providing a bag, the method further comprises gripping the second handle and tilting the bag so as to cause the pourable product to exit the bag.

Finally, in a further embodiment, the method of dispensing a pourable product comprises providing a bag comprising front and back panels including: first and second end portions having respective outermost edges; and first and second side portions having respective outermost edges. The first side portion has a centcrpoint defined as a point that is halfway between the end portion outermost edges. The first side portion further has a first half on the side of the centcrpoint that is adjacent the first end portion and a second half on the side of the centcrpoint that is remote from the first end portion. The front and back panels and end and side portions cooperate to form a chamber having a quantity of the pourable product therein. Further, the first end portion and the second side portion cooperate to form a first corner comprising a pouring spout. The bag further comprises a first handle at the first end portion and a second handle positioned entirely within the second half. After providing the bag, the method further comprises gripping the second handle and tilting the bag so as to cause the pourable product to exit the bag.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWFNCTS

Figure (Fig.) 1 is a front isometric view of a bag according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a rear isometric view of a bag according to the invention; Fig. 3 is a front elevation view of a bag according to the invention; Fig. 4 is a fragmentary section view of one of the handles of a bag according to the invention, with the view being taken along line 4-4 of Fig. 3; and

Fig. 5 is a front elevation view of an alternative embodiment of a bag according to the invention.

DE TAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to Figs. 1 -3, a bag 10 already filled with pourable product is illustrated. Bag 10 includes a front panel 12 and a back panel 14. As shown, front and back panels 12, 14 are rounded to demonstrate their respective shapes when filled with product. Front panel 12 and back panel 14 share a first end portion 16 and a second end portion 18. Front panel 12 and back panel 14 further share a first side portion 20 and a second side portion 22. First and second end portions 16, 18 and first and second side portions 20, 22 present respective outermost edges 24a-d, which define an outer boundary or periphery 26 of the bag 10. Outermost edges 24a and 24b oppose, and are substantially parallel to, one another, while outermost edges 24c and 24d oppose, and are substantially parallel to, one another. Furthermore, outermost edges 24c and 24d are substantially perpendicular to outermost edges 24a and 24b.

Each of the first and second end portions 16, 18 intersects with first and second side portions 20, 22 at corners 28a-d. Front and back panels 12, 14 as shown include microvenls 30, although microvcnts 30 may be omitted, depending upon the end use of the bag 10. Front and back panels 12, 14, first and second end portions 16, 18, and first and second side portions 20, 22 cooperate to form a chamber 31 for holding a pourable product (not shown). First end portion 16 comprises a first horizontal seam 32 spaced apart from outermost edge 24a, thus forming a first flap 34 in first end portion 16. First horizontal seam 32 has a thickness of from about 1 /16 inch to about 1/4 inch (and more preferably about 1 /8 inch) and is substantially parallel to outermost edge 24a. First flap 34 comprises a first handle 36 formed therein and shown in greater detail in Fig. 4. Handle 36 comprises a patch 38 that is hcat-scalcd to the first flap 34. Patch 38 could be heat-scaled on either side of the first flap 34 (i.e., on front panel 12 or on back panel 14), or on both sides if extra strength is required. Patch 38 can be any material typically used for bags carrying bulk products, including plastics such as linear low density polyethylencs (LLPDE). A C-shapcd grip 40 is formed through patch 38 and first flap 34 to form opening 42, through which a user may place his or her fingers during carrying, pouring, etc.

Outmost edge 24a of first end portion 16 is bisected by centerlinc 43 (see Fig. 3). In a preferred embodiment, first handle 36 is positioned such that some portion of the grip 40 falls upon the centerline 43. Also, while it will be appreciated that the first handle 36 is integrally formed with the bag 10 (and particularly with first flap 34) as described above, one may also substitute an integrally formed handle with a separately formed handle that is then physically attached to the bag 10. Also, first (lap 34 could include a small opening (not shown) in or around corner 28b to provide a place for the user to place his or her finger during pouring to assist with that process. First end portion 16 also preferably comprises a pouring spout 44, preferably at corner

28a. In the preferred embodiment, the spout 44 comprises microperforations 46, which allow for easy opening of the spout 44 at the time of use.

First side portion 20 preferably comprises a longitudinal seam 48 spaced apart from outermost edge 24c, thus forming a second flap 50 in first side portion 20. Longitudinal seam 48 has a thickness of from about 1 /16 inch to about 1 /4 inch (and more preferably about 1/8 inch), is substantially parallel to outermost edge 24c, and substantially perpendicular to first horizontal scam 32. In an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal seam 48 can be omitted so that chamber 31 extends to outermost edge 24c. Second flap 50 comprises a second handle 36a formed therein. The construction of handle 36a is identical to that of handle 36 as shown in Fig.4, with like parts being similarly numbered. Thus, handle 36a comprises a patch 38a that is heat-sealed to the second flap 50. Patch 38a could be heat-scaled on either side of the second flap 50 (i.e., on front pane! 12 or on back panel 14), or on both sides if extra strength is required. Patch 38a can be any material typically used for bags carrying bulk product, including plastics such as LLPDIi. A C-shaped grip 40a is formed through patch 38a and second flap 50 to form opening 42a, through which a user may place his or her fingers during carrying, pouring, etc. Outmost edge 24c of first side portion 20 is bisected by centerlinc 52 (see Fig. 3), thus defining a first half 54 and a second half 56 of first side portion 20. In a preferred embodiment, second handle 36a is positioned such that it falls entirely within second half 56. In another preferred embodiment, second handle 36a falls entirely within outer periphery 26. Furthermore, while it will be appreciated that the first handle 36a is integrally formed with the bag 10 (and particularly with second flap 50) as described above, one may also substitute an integrally formed handle with a separately formed handle that is then physically attached to the bag 10 at a similar location relative (o cenlcrline 52.

Second end portion 1 8 comprises a second horizontal scam 58 spaced apart from outermost edge 24b, thus forming a third Ωap 60 in second end portion 1 8. Second horizontal scam 58 is substantially parallel to outermost edge 24b and first horizontal seam 32. Second horizontal scam 58 is also substantially perpendicular to longitudinal seam 48,

Referring to Fig. 3. several dimensions of the inventive bag 10 have been defined. The ranges for those dimensions are shown in Table 1 .

H)

I 5 Fig. 5 depicts an alternative embodiment of the present invention, where like parts have been assigned like numbering. In this embodiment, a bag 62 is shown. The second handle 36a has been shifted from aboul 1 inches Io about 4 inches, and more preferably from about 2 inches to aboul 3 inches, in the direction of second end portion 18. Thus, X/Y in thus embodiment is from about 0.3 to about 0.6, preferably from about 0.4 to about 0.6, and more preferably from

20 aboul 0.5 to about 0.6.

Bag 62 also includes a third handle 36b. The construction of handle 36b is preferably identical to that of handles 36 and 36a described above. Thus, handle 36b comprises a patch 38b that is heat-sealed to the second flap 50. Patch 38b could be heat-scaled on either side of the second flap 50 (i.e., on front panel 12 or on back panel 14), or on both sides if extra strength is

25 required. As was the case with patches 38 and 38a, patch 38b can be any material typically used for bags carrying bulk product, including plastics such as LLPDF-. A C-shapcd grip 40b is formed through patch 38b and second Hap 50 to form opening 42b, through which a user may place his or her fingers during carrying, pouring, etc. The handle 36b is preferably positioned entirely within first half 54. It will be appreciated that the inclusion of third handle 36b offers

30 a number of significant benefits, including providing additional pouring assistance as well as making il easier to carry bag 62 and to remove bag 62 from a pallet. The inventive bag 10 (or bag 62) can be manufactured by various methods, but the preferred melhod is described herein. First, a lube or sleeve of plastic is cut to the desired length (represented by "L" in Fig. 3). The plastic of which the inventive bag is formed can be any material typically used to form bags carrying bulk products. The plastic should be flexible and stretchable so that the bag collapses as the bulk product is poured from the bag. Preferably, the plastic of which the bag is formed stretches from about 1 to about 2 times at yield, and more preferably about 1.5 times at yield. Furthermore, it is preferred that the bag be formed of a plastic that stretches at least about 4 times, preferably at least about 5 limes, and more preferably from about 5 to about 7 times at its break point. Thus, the preferred plastic has an ASTM D882 percent elongation of from about 200% to about 800%, preferably from about 400% to about 700%, and more preferably from about 500% to about 650%. The thickness of the preferred plastic is from about 2 mil to about 14 mil, preferably from about 4 mil to about 10 mil, and more preferably from about 6 mil to about 8 mil. The most preferred material is LLDPF..

Λ heat seal is then applied at first end portion 16 in order to form horizontal seam 32. Λ film (typically having a 10-mil thickness) is heat-sealed to first flap 34 to form patch 38. C- shapcd grip 40 is then cut (e.g., die-cut) through the patch 38 and flap 34, thus forming handle 36, which serves as the primary carrying handle. The micropcrforations 46 can be added at this time according to conventional methods in order to form pouring spout 44.

Next, a heat seal is applied at first side portion 20 in order to form longitudinal scam 48. A film (again, typically having a 10-mil thickness) is heat-scaled to second flap 50 to form patch 38a. C-shapcd grip 40a is then cut (e.g., die-cut) through the patch 38a and second flap 50, thus forming handle 36a, which primarily serves as the pouring handle. In embodiments where third handle 36b is included, thai handle can be formed in a similar manner, cither before or after the formation of handle 36a. The microvents 30 can be added via conventional methods at any convenient time during manufacturing. The manufactured bag can then be stored until needed, or immediately filled and sealed. Either way, after the bag 10 is filled to the desired level, a final heat seal is applied at second end portion 1 8 to create second horizontal seam 58, making the filled bag K) ready for distribution. It will be appreciated that the inventive bag 10 can be used to transport and store numerous types of pourable products, including cubes, pellets, tablets, powders, compacted pieces, and/or granules of those selected from the group consisting of: salt (e.g., water softening, pool treatment, deicing, etc.); animal food (e.g., bird seed, grain, dog or cat food); bulk Hour or sugar; cement; seed (e.g., grass seed) and other lawn and garden products; fertilizers; ice; sand; rice; spices; soil (including soil mixtures); pesticides (e.g., fire ant treatments); industrial chemicals; mortar; plaster; marble dust; stones (including pebbles and grave!); and constructions products. Such products will typically cause the bags to weigh from about 20 lbs. to about 100 lbs., and more typically from about 40 lbs. to about 60 lbs.

In use, both handles 36 and 36a, as well as handle 36b in embodiments where it is included, could be used for loading and unloading the bag 10, although handle 36 is the primary carrying handle. Before pouring, a user would tear microperforations 46 to remove corner 28a at spout 44, so that spout 44 is ready for pouring. One hand can optionally be used to grip handle 36, while the second hand can be used to grip handle 36a or handle 36b, if present. It will be appreciated that the hand gripping handle 36a (and handle 36b, when present) will be able to controllably tilt the bag 10 into a pouring position while the product is poured from the bag 10 This controlled pouring allows for fairly exact dispensing of the product, while preventing spillage and waste of the product. Furthermore, the longitudinal seam 48 provides substantial extra strength to the overall bag and particularly to the second handle 36a (and handle 36b, if included), an advantage that is missing from the prior art. Finally, the use of two or even three handles provides the user with more carrying and pouring options that will substantially reduce the likelihood of back injury to the users.