Background of Invention

Woven or non-woven plastic bags of a wide variety of sizes and shapes are used

5 in various situations. These are typically used to store bulk materials, such as flour, sugar, rice, seed, animal feed, chemicals, powdered materials or the like.

Various bag shapes such as pillow and block bottom are popular.

These bags, when filled, typically weight anywhere up to 50 kg or more in some

10 instances. In countries such as the US or European nations or other industrially

advanced parts of the world, filled bags are handled using purpose-built equipment. However, in developing nations, India for example, handling of such bags is frequently carried out using manual labour. Particularly in the case of block bottom bags, the size and shape of the filled bags poses problems during

15 their handling manually. Tools such as large metal hooks are frequently used as

handling aids, especially while loading and unloading of these bags at the distribution warehouses or at retailers. The hooks pierce the bag fabric, often in an uncontrolled manner, leading to pilferage, damaging the bags and the goods and affecting their durability.

20

Most of these bags have inadequate handholds making lifting of this bags more difficult which increases contact stress and dropping of load/goods. In some areas, there is practice of using transportation metallic hooks which damages the packing/bag and spillage of goods occur. Further usage of metallic hook is more difficult in coated block bottom bags. Hence, there is requirement of providing suitable handhold means on such bags.

It is also generally known that in absence of appropriate provision for handling, manual handling of heavy bags poses real risk of serious injuries to the handlers, and several such instances are known to have taken place. In order to increase the carrying capacity of the folded bottom, a bag protective/confining/closing element - hereinafter referred to as a bag closing element is applied to the folded end flaps of the bag body and connected planarly to the folded bottom. In order to planarly connecting the bag closing element to the bottom folding, for example, a hot-air welding process may be employed, whereby coated areas of the folded bottom and of the bag closing element, which are facing each other, are warmed up by hot air until plasticisation sets in, are pressed against each other and subsequently are cooled. An alternative connecting method consists in planarly bonding the folded bottom and the bag closing element, for example, using a hot-melt adhesive or thermal welding technology.

Due to their high carrying capacity combined with a low dead weight, box bags made of a fabric of drawn small plastic bands are also beneficial for retail trade and may be used, for example, for the packaging of animal feed, etc. Specifically for such applications, in principle, however, of course also for all other packaging applications in which the bags are carried by hand, a gripper for making carrying easier would be advantageous. However, the attachment of the gripper is not meant to reduce the carrying power of the bag and the gripper itself should exhibit a high carrying capacity and should not become detached from the bag.

In its one aspect of the problem that the industry faces, there needs to be a solution for providing a gripper to a bag, which complies with the above-indicated criteria.

Objectives of the invention

Accordingly, one object of the invention is to provide a packaging bag made from woven or non-woven plastic fabric, such that they are easier to handle manually.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a packaging bag made from woven or non-woven plastic fabric, such that the pilferage of the stored goods and damage to the bag itself from hook piercing is eliminated. Another object of the invention is to provide a process of making storage bags that are easy to handle manually, using an automated bag making machine. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a storage bag of block bottom shape that is easy to handle.

Another objective of this invention is to provide suitable handhold means on to bag body of block bottom bag for ease of handling.

Further, objective is that gripping/handhold means is cost effective and strong enough to sustain the load of bag packing. Another objective is that inventive handhold means can be assembled with bag structure during its manufacturing stage or on any of the subsequent stage.

A bag comprising the bag closing element attached according to the invention provides the following advantages:

- The bag closing element is manufactured from at least one piece.

The bag closing element acts as a dual-purpose element - sealing the bag- bottom and providing a gripping or holding element that allows a transfer of force to the bag and enables lifting/handling of bags.

The transfer of force is effected by a shearing load, a peeling of the bag closing element from the bag body does not occur.

There are multiple interfaces toward the bag body, whereby the introduction of force is distributed. In one embodiment, four material layers of the bag closing element are provided for the grip, resulting in a huge breaking strength and a conveniently distributed weight for the user.

The gripper material may be printed and may serve as a display or branding.

There is therefore a need to provide bags that, when filled, are easier to handle manually such that they will address the above mentioned problems of pilferage, storage, and handling.

Summary of Invention:

In one aspect, the invention discloses a block bottom bag to which gripping elements (or holding elements or grippers) are affixed for the purpose of lifting/handling of bags. In their simplest form, as shown in Figure 2, gripping elements are made out of gripper strips which are sheets or strips of durable fabric made either from the same material as the bag or any material. Preferably, the gripper strip is manufactured from a material selected from flexible plastic woven fabric or non-woven fabric or plastic film or any combination of these materials optionally being coated on at least one side and may have lamination of plastic film, optionally carrying printed matter. The material should also be such that strips made from it may be affixed to the bag material effectively using commercially available glues/hot melt adhesives, or thermal welding technology, or sewing. Preferably, the gripper strips have at least one cut or an incision or an opening of a size that allows gripping by human hand for the purpose of lifting or generally handling the bags that are filled with materials to be stored.

Another aspect of the invention discloses a bag closing element that is pleated up in shape of at least one gripper and affixed to the bag bottom using hot melt adhesive or thermal welding technology to serve the dual purpose of securely covering the bag bottom and also providing a bag gripper. The bag closing element comprises a number of sections or zones or layers, which are named as such for the sake of convenience - these are evident from the embodiments shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the central sections are turned inwards on the inward pleating edges, and the bottom sections are turned outwards on the internal pleating edges, wherein at least the bottom sections are connected to the folded bottom.

In the outer sections, the central section, and the bottom section, grip holes defined by incisions, perforations or a weakening in the material are formed, and, in the pleated condition of the bag closing element, the grip holes in the central section are arranged essentially flush with adjacent grip holes of the outer and bottom sections. The bag closing element is pleated up to provide either a double or a single gripper.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows a conventional block bottom bag without grippers

Figure 2 shows a gripper strip

Figure 2A shows a gripper element

Figure 2B shows a gripper element with folded loose portion

Figure 2C shows an embodiment of the gripper element of the invention

Figure 3 shows a block bottom bag with gripper strips on its medium edges Figure 3A shows gripper strips brought together for gripping them together Figure 4 shows a block bottom bag with gripper strips on long edges of the bag Figure 5A, 5B shows an embodiment of the invention showing a double gripper Figures 6 and 6A disclose an embodiment of double gripper with a specific pleating technique

Figures 7 and 7A show another embodiment of the invention

It should be noted that figures are not drawn to scale. List of parts:

M1/M2/M3/M4 medium edges

L1/L2/L3/L4 long edges S1/S2/S3/S4 short edges

1 Woven plastic bag

Id Folded bottom of the bag

2 Gripper strip

3 Fastening sections

4 Cut/incision in the gripper strip or in bag closing element

4A perforations to form cuts/incisions

5 Eyes or loops

6 Gripping element or a gripper element

7 Gripper or handle

8 Loose portion

9 Adhesion portion

10 Bag closing element

11 Detachable fastening sections

10a outer layer

lOal , 10a2, 10a3 Outer layers

10a4 Remainder outer layer

10b, 10c, 10k inward pleating edges

lOd, lOe, 10η central layers

lOf, lOg, lOo internal pleating edges

lOh, lOj, 1 Op bottom layers

Ss Small surfaces Sm Medium surfaces

SL Large surfaces

Description of Invention

A typical woven plastic bag (1) made for packaging or storage of material (see Figure 1) is typically without any grippers suitable for manual handling. A typical block bottom bags has six end surfaces and twelve edges.

The twelve edges comprise four long length edges (or simply long edges LI, L2, L3, L4), four short length edges (or short edges, SI, S2, S3, S4) and four medium length edges (or medium edges Ml, M2, M3, M4). The ensuing description is based on a bag which has the long, medium and short edges of distinguishable length. However, it is possible that all edges are of equal or comparable length, and the invention applies to such bags as well.

The edges that are close to each other are termed as corresponding edges. Referring to Figure 4, the medium edges Ml and M2 are termed as corresponding medium edges. The medium edges M3 and M4 are also termed as corresponding medium edges. Similarly, the edges LI and L2 are corresponding long edges and so are L3 and L4. Finally, the short edges SI and S2 are corresponding short edges, and so are S3 and S4. The six surfaces may be categorised as two each of small (Ss), medium (Sm) and large (SL) surfaces. Two small surfaces (Ss) being surfaces between corresponding small edges (SI and S2, and S3 and S4), two medium surfaces (Sm) being surfaces between edges L2 and L3, and LI and L4, and two large surfaces (SL) being surfaces between edges corresponding edges LI and L2, and L3 and L4.

The invention discloses a block bottom bag to which gripping elements are affixed. In their simplest form, as shown in Figure 2A, gripping elements (6) are made out of gripper strips (2) which in turn are simply planar elements or strips of durable fabric made either from the same material as the bag or any other material. A gripper or a handle (7) is formed from gripper elements (6). Preferably, the gripper strip is manufactured from a material selected from flexible plastic woven fabric or non-woven fabric or plastic film or any combination of these materials optionally being coated on at least one side and may have lamination of plastic film which is optionally printed. The material should also be such that strips made from it may be affixed to the bag material effectively using commercially available glues/hot melt adhesives, thermal welding technology (including ultrasonic welding), or chemical treatment, or any other technology such as sewing. Preferably, the gripping elements (6) have at least one cut or an incision or an opening (4) of a size that allows gripping by human hand for the purpose of lifting or generally handling the bags that are filled with materials to be stored. Instead of cuts or incisions, there may be provided patterned perforations (4A) along which a cut or incision (4) may be easily made by application of pressure by hand.

Gripper strips (2) have an adhesion portion (9) and a loose portion (8). Consequently, the gripper elements made from the gripper strips have a loose portion (8) and an adhesion portion or area (9). The adhesion area is the part of the gripper element that is affixed to a bag when forming a gripper or a handle (7). The adhesion portion or area (9) is preferably planar in shape. The loose portion (8) may be folded to form two or more layers which may be loose or may be stuck together at the attaching sections (or fastening sections) 3 which are realized by adhesive joints, in particular hot-melt adhesive joints, or thermal welding technology. In another aspect of the invention, the area where cut/incision (4) or perforations (4A) is provided may be reinforced by providing multiple layers of fabric - multiple layers being affixed to each other by using techniques such as glue melt or heating or thermal welding.

The gripper element (6) may be pre-fabricated (before affixing them to the bags) with the loose portion (8) folded, fastening sections defined and realised, and cuts/incisions (4) or perforations (4A) provided in locations that allow effective gripping once the strips are affixed to bag bottom (Id). Any perforations (or cuts/incisions) (4/4A) made in the gripper strips are produced by conventional mechanical means such as punching or using laser beam techniques.

Depending on the expected weight of the filled bags, the gripper elements (6) - when affixed to the bags - will need to withstand the forces exerted on it during the bag handling. The joints of the gripper elements (6) with the bags are designed so as to withstand the handling forces generated during the material filling/packing stage and also during the bag transport stage. The area of affixation of the gripper elements to the bags is calculated on this basis. The gripper elements (6) may be affixed to any part of the bag body such that the affixed area is able to withstand the handling forces.

The invention also discloses a method or the process of affixing the gripper element (6) to the bag body.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a block bottom storage bag 1 which has at least one gripper element (6) affixed to it that serves as a gripper/handle (7) which may be grabbed during the handling of the filled bag. Gripper element (6) may be made using a folded or unfolded gripper strip (see Figure 2A and 2B). In another aspect of the invention, the gripper element (6) is affixed to at least one medium edge (Ml, or M2, or M3, or M4) of the bag. Preferably, a gripper element (6) is attached to each of two corresponding medium edges (M1 M2 or M3/M4 - see Figure 3). Preferably the size of the loose portion (8) of the gripper element (6) is such that it allows gripping of two facing gripper elements (6) together (see Figure 3A) to form a gripper (7).

In another aspect, the gripper element (6) is affixed to at least one long edge (LI, or L2, or L3, or L4) of the bag. Preferably, a gripper element (6) is attached to each of two corresponding long edges (L1/L2 or L3/L4 - see Figure 3). Preferably the size of the loose portion (8) of the gripper element (6) is such that it allows gripping of two facing gripper elements (6) together (see Figure 3A) to form a gripper or the handle (7). In one aspect of the invention (as seen from Figure 3), a gripping element (6) having an incision (4) or perforations (4A) is affixed to at least one of two large surfaces (SL), said gripping element covering a substantial length of corresponding medium edges (M1/M2 or M3/M4). The size of the loose portion of the gripper strip used to make the gripper element (6) is such that it allows gripping together of two facing gripping elements (6) affixed to said bag. As shown in Figure 4, in another embodiment, a gripping element (6) is affixed to at least one large surface (SL), preferably two large surfaces (SL), covering a substantial length of corresponding long edges (L1/L2 or L3/L4), wherein the size of the loose portion of the gripper strip from which the gripper elements are made, is such that it allows gripping of two facing gripper elements (6) together.

In another aspect of the invention, the shape and size of the gripper element (6) may be any shape that allows effective grabbing of the gripper element (6) with human hands - uncovered or covered with objects such as gloves. Therefore the shape of the gripper element may be any suitable geometrical shape. The gripper element (6) may also formed by twisting a gripper strip or otherwise crumpling it provided with an adhesion area at the two ends of a gripper strip (Figure 2C).

In another aspect of the invention, the gripping elements (6) are provided for mechanically aided handling - in situations where human handlers use tools such as hooks to aid handling. Hooks are often known to damage the fabric itself and thus potentially compromise the quality of the stored material. In these circumstances the gripper elements (6) provided with loops or eyes (5) are used.

In one aspect of the invention, the gripping element (6) is fixedly attached to a surface of the bag (1) such that when using it as a gripper while handling a filled bag, the stresses on the joint between the gripping element (6) and the bag surface are predominantly shear stresses. In a further aspect of the invention, a process of attaching the gripping elements (6) to a bag on an automated bag manufacturing line/apparatus is disclosed. In another aspect of the invention, a method of providing gripping elements to block bottom bags is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of:

Preparing at least one gripper strip made of materials selected from flexible plastic woven fabric or non-woven fabric or plastic film or any combination of these materials, said gripper strip having an adhesion area and a loose area;

Providing an adhesion area at each end of the at least one gripper strip Providing at least one incision or a cut on the loose area of the gripper strip;

Affixing at least one gripper strip to the surface of the bag body using techniques such as hot melt application, or thermal welding.

In yet another aspect of the invention, where a bag closing element (10) is affixed at the folded bottom (Id) at the bag end, said bag closing element (10) is shaped by pleating so that upon completion of the bag making process, suitable gripping elements are formed as a result of the shape of the bag closing element (10). As can be seen in Fig. 5A, whereby two gripping elements are seen to be formed, the bag closing element (10) comprises a middle zone (10a) (which is nominally split into two wings or outer layers lOal and 10a2) delimited by two inward pleating edges 10b, 10c located opposite to each other and two central layers lOd, lOe extending inward from the inward pleating edges 10b, 10c. Each central layer lOd, lOe is delimited on the one side by one of the inward pleating edges 10b, 10c, and on the other side by an internal pleating edge (lOf, lOg). The bag closing element (10) also provides two bottom sections (lOh, lOj) extend outward from the respective internal pleating edges (lOf, lOg). It can be seen that the central layers (lOd, lOe) are turned inwards at the inward pleating edges (10b, 10c). The bottom (lOh, lOj) are turned outwards at the respective internal pleating edges (lOf, lOg). The bottom layers (lOh, lOj) are connected to the folded bottom (Id). (The terms bottom layer and central layer are pertinent when considered in the context of Figure 5).

To enable lifting/handling of bags, there are provided in the central layers lOd, lOe and in the middle zone (10a) (lOal and 10a2), cut/incisions (4/4A) are formed, and, in the pleated condition of the bag closing element (10), said cut/incisions (4/4 A) in the middle zone (10a) are arranged essentially flush with adjacent cuts/incisions (4/4 A) of the central layers (lOd/lOe), thereby forming grippers that can be gripped by a human hand or by a mechanical device. Instead of cuts or incisions (4), there may be provided perforations (4 A) along which a cut or incision (4) may be easily made by application of pressure, or a weakening in the bag material may be provided, along which a cut or incision may be easily formed.

The internal edges lOf and lOg are in close proximity to each other, or may be even touch each other. Indeed in one embodiment, there's an area of overlap O between a bottom layer lOh or lOj, and a central layer lOe, or lOd - see Figures 6 and 6A. A seal or seam is provided in the area of overlap to join together the bottom layer (lOh or lOj) and the corresponding central layer (lOe or lOd). This provides additional security that the bag closing element does not peel away easily from the bag bottom.

The portion of the bag closing element between the two inward pleating edges (10b, 10c) is affixed to the corresponding central layers (lOd, lOe), that is on the top in the area of overlap. The affixation is carried out using hot melt adhesive or thermal welding technology.

Furthermore, the central layers (lOd, lOe) are detachably fastened to the bottom layers (lOh, lOj) via attaching sections (or fastening sections) (11) which are designed in particular in a punctiform manner or as small areas, respectively. The attaching sections (11) are realized by adhesive joints, in particular hot-melt adhesive joints, or thermal welding technology. As a result, the sections of the bag closing element (10) which comprise the cuts/incisions (4) does not stick out from the bag 1 during the bag manufacture process. The user of the bag 1 can easily loosen this fixation simply by passing his or her fingers through the cuts/incisions (4) pulling them upwards and thereby pulling the central layers lOd, lOe and the respective parts of the middle zone (10a) upwards, as illustrated by arrows in Figures 5 and 5 A.

In said Figure 5A, it is well visible that the user grasps four layers of the bag closing element, namely the outer layers (lOal, 10a2) and the central layers (lOd, and lOe), forming two handles, so that the incisions/cuts (4) will not be torn out due to the equal distribution of force during the bag lifting/handling process. When the bag 1 is being lifted by means of the cuts/incisions (4) the bag 1 forms at the folded bottom Id a tapering shape which is "pointed" when viewed from the side (see Fig. 3A), for which reason the connection between the bag closing element (10) and the bag body la is subject only to a shearing load, but not to a peeling load. Peeling loads would result in a detachment of the bag closing element under relatively low forces and are therefore undesirable.

In one aspect of the invention, fastening sections 3 are used to fasten together layers of the middle zone (10a) with layer lOe, or lOh of the pleated closing element. In another aspect of the invention (refer to Figures 7 and 7A) the feature disclosed is that a bag closing element is affixed to at least one end surface and wherein said bag closing element (10) delimited by an external edge (10m) on the one side and by an inward pleating edge (10k) on the other side, wherein there is provided one central layer (10η) which extends inward from the inward pleating edge (10k) turning back underneath the outer layer (10a3), but in the direction of the external edge (10m), said outer layer (10a3) being the part of the bag closing element that overlaps said central layer (10η), and 10a4 being termed as the remainder outer layer which is the part of the closing element between the external edge (10m) and the outer layer (10a3), and wherein said central layer (10η) is delimited on the one side by the inward pleating edge (10k), and on the other side by an internal pleating edge (10ο), further wherein said bag closing element also provides a bottom layer (lOp) which extends outward from the internal pleating edge (10ο) and in a direction away from the external edge 10m, and wherein the bottom layer (10p), and the remainder outer layer (10a4) are affixed to the bag bottom (Id).

Furthermore, the central layer (10η) is detachably fastened to the bottom layer lOp via fastening sections (11) which are designed in particular in a punctiform manner or as small areas, respectively. The fastening sections (11) are realized by adhesive joints, in particular hot-melt adhesive joints, or using thermal welding technology. As a result, the sections of the bag closing element (10), which comprise the cuts/incisions (4), does not stick out from the bag 1. Additionally, in the central layers (10η) and in the outer layer (10a3), incision markers (4A) defined by punctiform incisions, perforations or a weakening in the bag material are formed, and, in the pleated condition of the closing element (10), said incision markers (4 A) in central layer (10η) are arranged essentially flush with adjacent incision markers of the outer layer (10a3), thereby, once said inward pleating edge (10k) is lifted upwards, forming a single handle that can be gripped by a human hand or by a mechanical device. The user of the bag 1 can easily loosen these fastenings between the central layer 10η and the bottom layer lOp simply by passing his or her fingers through the incisions (4) and pulling the central layer 10η upwards, as illustrated by arrows in Fig. 7. Once again, as illustrated in Figure 5A, it is well visible that the user grasps two layers of the bag closing element, namely the outer layer and the central layer (lOal and 10η) so that the grip holes will not be torn out due to the equal distribution of force during the bag lifting/handling process. When the bag 1 is being lifted by means of the cuts/incisions (4), the bag (1) forms at the folded bottom (Id) a tapering shape which is "pointed" when viewed from the side, for which reason the connection between the bag closing element (10) and the bag body 1 is subject only to a shearing load, but not to a peeling load. Peeling loads would result in a detachment of the bag closing element under relatively low forces and are therefore undesirable.

In another aspect of the invention, a closing element (10) may be made using multiple pieces.

In aspect of the invention, the closing elements (10) may be pre-fabricated (before affixing them to the bags) in their pleated form, fastening sections defined and realised, and cuts/incisions (4) or perforations (4A) provided in locations that allow effective gripping once the prefabricated closing elements (10) are affixed to bag bottom (Id).

A further aspect of the invention discloses a method of providing a gripping element (6) to a block bottom bag. This embodiment discloses a method that creates two gripping handles (7) (see Figure 5A). The said method comprises the steps of:

- providing a bag closing element (10) as shown in Figure 5 for affixing to a block bottom bag;

- providing in said bag closing element a middle zone (10a) delimited by two inward pleating edges (10b, 10c) located opposite to each other; two central layers (lOd, lOe) extending laterally from the inward pleating edges (10b, 10c), wherein each central layer (lOd, lOe) is delimited by one of the inward pleating edges (10b, 10c) and an internal pleating edge (lOf, lOg); and two bottom layers (lOh, lOj) extending laterally from the respective internal pleating edges (lOf, lOg);

turning inward the central layers (lOd, lOe) on the inward pleating edges (10b, 10c), and turning outwards the bottom layers (lOh, lOj) on the internal pleating edges (lOf, lOg),

providing in the central layers (lOd, lOe) and in the middle zone (10a), incision markers (4A) defined by punctiform incisions, perforations or a weakening in the bag, or cuts/openings (4),

arranging the said incision markers (4 A) in the middle zone (10a) in the pleated condition of said closing element (10) essentially flush with adjacent incision markers (4 A) or cuts/openings (4) of the central layers (lOd, lOe), thereby forming handles that can be gripped by a human hand or by a mechanical device

affixing said bottom layers (lOj, lOh) of the pleated closing element (6) to one folded bag bottom (Id) using hot melt adhesives or thermal welding technology.

In another aspect of invention, a method of providing a single gripping handle (7) using a gripping element (6) affixed to a block bottom bag is disclosed wherein the said method comprises the steps of: providing a bag closing element (10) for affixing to a block bottom bag as illustrated in Figures 7 and 7A;

providing in said bag closing element an external edge (10m) on the one side and an inward pleating edge (10k) on the other side, wherein the portion of said closing element forms outer layer part of a pleated closing element, further providing in said closing element a central layer (10η) which extends inward from the inward pleating edge (10k) turning back underneath the outer layer (10a3), but in the direction of the external edge (10m), said outer layer (10a3) being the part of the bag closing element that overlaps said central layer (10η), and a remainder outer layer (10a4) being the part of the closing element (10) between the external edge 10m and the outer layer 10a3, and wherein said central layer (10η) is delimited on the one side by the inward pleating edge (10k), and on the other side by an internal pleating edge (lOo), further wherein said bag closing element also provides a bottom layer (lOp) which extends outward from the internal pleating edge (lOo) and in a direction away from the external edge (10m), and affixing to the bag bottom (Id) the bottom layer (lOp), and the remainder outer layer (10a4) using hot melt adhesive or thermal welding technology. The closing elements used in any of the foregoing embodiments may be prefabricated in its pleated form prior to affixing it to said bag bottom Id.

The closing element (10) used in any of the embodiments disclosed here may be made using multiple pieces.

The affixation of closing elements (10) to the folded bag bottom (Id) may be carried out using adhesive joints, in particular hot-melt adhesive joints, or thermal welding technology (including ultrasonic technology). The closing elements (10) are sheets or strips of durable fabric made either from the same material as the bag or any material such as flexible plastic woven fabric or non-woven fabric or plastic film or any combination of these materials optionally coated on at least one side which may have printed area. The gripper elements (6) may be affixed to the bag during the bag formation/manufacture or during or after the bag filling.

It is evident that the invention has a number of embodiments:

1. A block-bottom bag (1) made from a tubular bag body, said bag being in the shape of a substantially rectangular cuboid having six surfaces, namely two end surfaces, two narrow side surfaces and two wide side surfaces characterised in that at least one gripping element (6) is affixed to said bag.

A block- bottom bag (1) as disclosed in embodiment 1 characterised in that the number of said gripping elements (6) is equal to or greater than 2. A block-bottom bag (1) as disclosed in embodiments 1 or 2, characterised in that said gripping elements (6) are in the form of gripper strips, said gripper strips having a loose portion and an adhesion portion, said adhesion portion being the part of the gripper strip that is affixed to said bag body to form said lifting handle, and wherein said adhesion portion is planar in shape, and further wherein said loose portion of the gripper strip is folded to form two or more layers which are optionally bonded together. A block- bottom bag (1) as disclosed in embodiment 3 characterised in that said gripping element (6) is affixed to at least one of two large surfaces (SL), preferably two large surfaces (SL), said gripping element covering a substantial length of corresponding medium edges (M1/M2 or M3/M4), wherein the size of the loose portion of the gripper strip is such that it allows gripping together of two facing gripping elements (6) affixed to said bag.

A block- bottom bag (1) as disclosed in embodiment 3 characterised in that a gripping element (6) is affixed to at least one large surface (SL), preferably two large surfaces (SL) covering a substantial length of corresponding long edges (L1/L2 or L3/L4), wherein the size of the loose portion of the gripper elements (6) is such that it allows gripping together of two facing gripper elements (6).

A block- bottom bag (1) as disclosed in embodiment 3 characterised in that said gripper strip may be in the form of twisted or otherwise crumpled material and provided with an adhesion portion at the two ends of the gripper strip.

A block-bottom bag (1) as disclosed in any of embodiments 3-6 characterised in that said gipping elements (6) are made from gripper strips (2), said gripper strips (2) being sheets or strips of durable fabric made either from the same material as the bag or any material such as flexible plastic woven fabric or non-woven fabric or plastic film or any combination of these materials optionally coated on at least one side which may have printed area, and wherein said gripping elements (6) are affixed to said bag body using glues or hot melt or adhesives or using thermal welding technology.

A block- bottom bag (1) as disclosed in embodiment 7 characterised in that said gripper strips have at least one cut or an incision or an opening (4) or a loop or an eye (5) of a size for gripping by human hand for the purpose of lifting, said cuts or incisions (4) or said loop or said eye (5) are produced by mechanical means such as punching, or by using a laser beam. A block-bottom bag (1) as disclosed in embodiment 7 characterised in that the area of said gripping elements (6) where cut/incision is provided is reinforced by providing multiple layers of fabric, wherein said multiple layers are affixed to each other by using techniques such as glue melt or thermal welding.

A method of providing a gripping element (6) to a block bottom bag as disclosed in any of embodiments 1 to 9, characterised in that said method comprises the steps of:

preparing at least one gripping element (6) from a gripper strip (2) said gripper strip (2) made of materials selected from flexible plastic woven fabric or non-woven fabric or plastic film or any combination of these materials, wherein an adhesion portion (9) is provided at one end of said gripper strip (2) and a loose portion (8) is provided at the other end of said gripper strip (2), and further wherein at least one incision or a cut (4) or perforations (4A) are provided on said loose portion (8) of the gripper strip (2);

affixing said at least one gripping element (6) to the surface of the bag body using techniques such as hot melt application or thermal welding technology.

A block- bottom bag (1) as disclosed in embodiment 1 characterised in that said gripping elements (6) are made from a bag closing element (10) that is affixed to at least one end surface and wherein said bag closing element (10) comprises a middle zone (10a) delimited by two inward pleating edges (10b, 10c) located opposite to each other; two central layers (lOd, lOe) extending laterally from the inward pleating edges (10b, 10c), wherein each central layer (lOd, lOe) is delimited by one of the inward pleating edges (10b, 10c) and an internal pleating edge (lOf, lOg); and two bottom layers (lOh, lOj) extending laterally from the respective internal pleating edges (lOf, lOg); wherein the central layers (lOd, lOe) are turned inwards on the inward pleating edges (10b, 10c), and the bottom layers (lOh, lOj) are turned outwards on the internal pleating edges (lOf, lOg), wherein at least the bottom layers (lOh, lOj), are affixed to the folded bag bottom (Id).

A block-bottom bag (1) as disclosed in embodiment 11, characterised in that, in the central layers (lOd, lOe) and in the middle zone (10a), incision markers (4A) defined by punctiform incisions, perforations or a weakening in the bag material are formed, and, in the pleated condition of the closing element (10), said incision markers (4A) in the middle zone (10a) are arranged essentially flush with adjacent incision markers of the central layers (lOd, lOe), thereby, once said inward pleating edges (10b, 10c) are lifted upwards, forming handles that can be gripped by a human hand or by a mechanical device. A block-bottom bag (1) as disclosed in embodiment 12, characterised in that said internal pleating edges (lOf, lOg) are situated facing each other and lie in a plane that is parallel to the plane of the end surface of the bag. A block-bottom bag (1) as disclosed in embodiment 12, characterised in that said internal pleating edges (lOf, lOg) are situated such that one bottom layer (10 j or lOj) overlies the corresponding central layer (lOe or lOd, respectively).

A block-bottom bag (1) as disclosed in embodiment 14, characterised in that the width of the overlay is approximately up to 5mm.

A block-bottom bag (1) as disclosed in any of embodiment 11-15, characterised in that the outer layers lOal and 10a2 of the closing element (10) are affixed to the corresponding central layers (lOd, lOe), using attaching or fastening areas (3), wherein said attaching or fastening areas (3) are realized by adhesive joints, in particular hot-melt adhesive joints, or welded joints or using ultrasonic technology.

A block-bottom bag (1) as disclosed in any of embodiment 11-16, characterised in that the central layers (lOd, lOe) are detachably affixed to the bottom layers (lOh, lOj) via attaching sections (11), said attaching sections being provided in a punctiform manner or as small areas, respectively, and wherein said attaching sections (11) are realized by adhesive joints, in particular hot-melt adhesive joints, or using thermal welding technology. A block bottom bag as disclosed in embodiment 1, characterised in that said gripping element (6) is made from a bag closing element (10) that is affixed to at least one folded bag bottom (Id) using hot-melt adhesive joints, or welded joints or using ultrasonic technology and wherein said bag closing element (10) is delimited by an external edge (10m) on the one side and by an inward pleating edge (10k) on the other side, wherein there is provided one central layer (10η) which extends inward from the inward pleating edge (10k) turning back underneath the outer layer (10a3), but in the direction of the external edge (10m), said outer layer (10a3) being the part of the closing element (10) that overlaps said central layer (10η), and the part of the closing element 10 between the external edge (10m) and the outer layer 10a3 being the remainder outer layer (10a4), and wherein said central layer (10η) is delimited on the one side by the inward pleating edge (10k), and on the other side by an internal pleating edge (10ο), further wherein said closing element 10 also provides a bottom layer (lOp) which extends outward from the internal pleating edge (10ο) and in a direction away from the external edge (10m), and wherein the bottom layer (lOp), and the remainder outer layer (10a4) are affixed to the bag bottom.

A block bottom bag as disclosed in embodiment 19, characterised in that in the central layers (10η) and in the outer layer (10a3), incision markers (4A) defined by punctiform incisions, perforations or a weakening in the bag material are formed, and, in the pleated condition of the closing element (10), said incision markers (4A) in central layer (10η) are arranged essentially flush with adjacent incision markers of the outer layer (10a3), thereby, once said inward pleating edge (10k) is lifted upwards, forming a single handle that can be gripped by a human hand or by a mechanical device.

A block bottom bag as disclosed in embodiments 18 or 19, characterised in that said central layer (10η) is detachably fastened to the bottom layer (lOp) via attaching sections (11) which are designed in particular in a punctiform manner or as small areas, respectively, and wherein said fastening sections are realized by adhesive joints, in particular hot-melt adhesive joints, or using thermal welding technology.

A method of providing a gripping element (6) to a block bottom bag characterised in that said method comprises the steps of:

providing a bag closing element (10) for affixing to a block bottom bag as disclosed in any of embodiments 11 to 17;

providing in said bag closing element a middle zone (10a) delimited by two inward pleating edges (10b, 10c) located opposite to each other; two central layers (lOd, lOe) extending laterally from the inward pleating edges (10b, 10c), wherein each central layer (lOd, lOe) is delimited by one of the inward pleating edges (10b, 10c) and an internal pleating edge (lOf, lOg); and two bottom layers (lOh, lOj) extending laterally from the respective internal pleating edges (lOf, 10g);

turning inward the central layers (lOd, lOe) on the inward pleating edges (10b, 10c), and turning outwards the bottom layers (lOh, lOj) on the internal pleating edges (lOf, lOg),

providing in the central layers (lOd, lOe) and in the middle zone (10a), incision markers (4 A) defined by punctiform incisions, perforations or a weakening in the bag, or cuts/openings (4),

arranging the said incision markers (4 A) in the middle zone (10a) in the pleated condition of said closing element (10) essentially flush with adjacent incision markers (4 A) or cuts/openings (4) of the central layers (lOd, lOe), thereby forming handles that can be gripped by a human hand or by a mechanical device

affixing said bottom layers (lOj , lOh) of the closing element (6) to one folded bag bottom (Id) using hot melt adhesives or thermal welding technology.

A method of providing a gripping element (6) to a block bottom bag characterised in that said method comprises the steps of:

providing a bag closing element 10 for affixing to a block bottom bag as disclosed in any of embodiments 18 to 21 ;

providing in said bag closing element an external edge (10m) on the one side and an inward pleating edge (10k) on the other side, wherein the portion of said closing element forms outer layer part of a pleated closing element, further providing in said closing element a central layer (10η) which extends inward from the inward pleating edge (10k) turning back underneath the outer layer (10a3), but in the direction of the external edge (10m), said outer layer (10a3) being the part of the bag closing element that overlaps said central layer (10η), and a remainder outer layer (10a4) being the part of the closing element 10 between the external edge 10m and the outer layer 10a3, and wherein said central layer (10η) is delimited on the one side by the inward pleating edge (10k), and on the other side by an internal pleating edge (lOo), further wherein said bag closing element also provides a bottom layer (lOp) which extends outward from the internal pleating edge (lOo) and in a direction away from the external edge (10m), and affixing to the bag bottom (Id) the bottom layer (lOp), and the remainder outer layer (10a4) using hot melt adhesive or thermal welding technology.

A block bottom bag as disclosed in any of embodiments 11 to 20 wherein said closing element is prefabricated in its pleated form prior to affixing it to said bag bottom Id.

A block bottom bag as disclosed in any of embodiments 11-20 and 23, characterised in that said closing element (10) may be made using multiple pieces. 25. A block bottom bag as claimed in any of claims 11 to 20 and 23-24 characterised in that said affixation of said gripping element to said bag bottom Id is carried out by adhesive joints, in particular hot-melt adhesive joints, or welded joints or using ultrasonic technology.

26. A block bottom bag as disclosed in any of embodiments 11 to 20 and 23- 25, wherein said bag closing elements (1) are sheets or strips of durable fabric made either from the same material as the bag or any material such as flexible plastic woven fabric or non-woven fabric or plastic film or any combination of these materials optionally coated on at least one side which may have printed area.

While the above description contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limitation in the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of the preferred embodiments thereof. It must be realized that modifications and variations are possible based on the disclosure given above without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.