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Title:
SELF-STANDING BAG WITH RECLOSABLE OPENING
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2016/061134
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A self-standing bag reversibly movable between a closed position and an open position is provided. The bag includes a flexible body comprising a first side wall, an opposing second side wall, and a bottom portion, the flexible body defining a cavity. The bag also includes a rim assembly coupled to the flexible body, the rim assembly comprising a first rim member and a second rim member. The first rim member and second rim member are configured to be positioned in a face-to-face relationship when the bag is in the closed position. The first rim member and the second rim member are configured to be rotated away from one another to transition the bag from the closed position to the open position, the first and second rim members defining an opening in communication with the cavity when the bag is in the open position.

Inventors:
WETZEL ERIKA (US)
LUMBARD HENRY M (US)
ANGELONI PAUL J (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2015/055382
Publication Date:
April 21, 2016
Filing Date:
October 13, 2015
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
WRIGLEY W M JUN CO (US)
International Classes:
B65D33/16; B65D30/10; B65D30/16; B65D33/25
Foreign References:
JP5555390B22014-07-23
US2609854A1952-09-09
US0533743A1895-02-05
US20030155783A12003-08-21
JP2003128083A2003-05-08
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
QUADER, Salmaan et al. (1132 W. Blackhawk StreetChicago, Illinois, US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A self-standing bag reversibly movable between a closed position and an open position, the bag comprising: a flexible body comprising a first side wall, an opposing second side wall, and a bottom portion, wherein each of the side walls includes at least one end edge, the flexible body defining a cavity; and a rim assembly coupled to the flexible body proximate to a first end edge of each of the side walls, the rim assembly comprising a first rim member and a second rim member, wherein the first rim member and second rim member are configured to be positioned in a face-to-face relationship when the bag is in the closed position, and wherein the first rim member and the second rim member are configured to be rotated away from one another to transition the bag from the closed position to the open position, the first and second rim members defining an opening in communication with the cavity when the bag is in the open position.

2. The self-standing bag of Claim 1, further comprising a separable airtight seal configured to separate the cavity from an ambient environment.

3. The self-standing bag of Claim 1, further comprising at least one connector that rotatably couples the first rim member to the second rim member.

4. The self-standing bag of Claim 3, wherein the at least one connector comprises a hinge.

5. The self-standing bag of Claim 3, wherein the at least one connector comprises a male portion formed on one of the first and second rim members and a female portion formed on the other of the first and second rim members.

6. The self-standing bag of Claim 3, wherein the at least one connector is configured to releasably lock the rim assembly in the open position.

7. The self-standing bag of Claim 1, wherein the bottom portion is defined at an interface region between the side walls.

8. The self-standing bag of Claim 1, wherein the bottom portion comprises a bottom panel extending between second end edges of the first and second side walls.

9. The self-standing bag of Claim 1, wherein the bottom portion includes at least one folded portion that facilitates maintaining the bottom portion in a relatively flat, stable configuration to maintain the bag in an upright position.

10. The self-standing bag of Claim 1, further comprising a pair of gussets each extending between the first side wall and the opposing second side wall.

11. The self-standing bag of Claim 10, wherein each of the pair of gussets comprises an interface between the first and second side walls.

12. The self-standing bag of Claim 1, wherein a first face of the first rim member and a first face of the second rim member each faces substantially upwards when the bag is in the open position.

13. The self-standing bag of Claim 1, wherein the rim assembly further comprises at least one reclosure component that facilitates reclosure of the bag.

14. The self-standing bag of Claim 1, wherein the first rim member is symmetrical to the second rim member.

15. The self-standing bag of Claim 1, wherein the first rim member is asymmetrical to the second rim member.

16. The self-standing bag of Claim 1, wherein the flexible body is formed from a plastic material.

17. The self-standing bag of Claim 1, wherein the rim assembly is formed from a plastic material.

18. The self-standing bag of Claim 1, wherein the rim assembly is formed from one of a rigid material and a semi-rigid material.

19. The self-standing bag of Claim 1 , wherein, when the bag is in the open position, the bag is substantially bowl-shaped.

20. A self-standing bag movable between a closed position and an open position, the bag comprising: a flexible body comprising a first side wall, an opposing second side wall, and a bottom portion, wherein each of the side walls includes an upper end edge, the flexible body defining a cavity; a rim assembly coupled to the flexible body proximate to the upper end edge of each of the side walls, the rim assembly comprising a first rim member and a second rim member; and at least one connector that rotatably couples the first rim member to the second rim member, wherein the first rim member and second rim member are configured to be positioned in a face-to-face relationship when the bag is in the closed position, wherein the first rim member and the second rim member are configured to be rotated away from one another to transition the bag from the closed position to the open position, the first and second rim members defining an opening in communication with the cavity when the bag is in the open position, and wherein the at least one connector comprises a hinge.

21. The self-standing bag of Claim 20, wherein the at least one connector comprises a male portion formed on one of the first and second rim members and a female portion formed on the other of the first and second rim members, and wherein the at least one connector is configured to releasably lock the rim assembly in the open position.

22. The self-standing bag of Claim 20, wherein the rim assembly is formed from one of a rigid material and a semi-rigid material.

23. The self-standing bag of Claim 20, wherein, when the bag is in the open position, the bag is substantially bowl-shaped.

Description:
SELF-STANDING BAG WITH RECLOSABLE

OPENING

BACKGROUND

[0001] The field of the disclosure relates generally to reclosable containers and, more particularly, to a self-standing bag for holding food products.

[0002] At least some known containers are defined generally as bags or pouches. These bags are typically made of a thin film of plastic or foil, so that the bag will be collapsible when not in use (e.g., before it is filled with contents and after the bag has been emptied of contents). At least some such bags are configured to stand upright without external influence. Typically, such bags are enabled to stand upright with the addition of gussets or other structural supports.

[0003] At least some known containers provide means for a consumer to access the contents of the container while keeping the container intact (i.e., not destroying the container during opening). In some cases, these containers hold food products and include openings configured to allow the consumer to eat the food product directly from the container. However, at least some such containers, for example, potato chip bags, lack any structural support to enable the container to remain both open and upright without intervention by the consumer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0004] In one aspect, a self-standing bag reversibly movable between a closed position and an open position is provided. The bag includes a flexible body, which includes a first side wall, an opposing second side wall, and a bottom portion. Each of the side walls includes at least one end edge. The flexible body defines a cavity. The bag also includes a rim assembly coupled to the flexible body proximate to a first end edge of each of the side walls. The rim assembly includes a first rim member and a second rim member. The first rim member and second rim member are configured to be positioned in a face-to-face relationship when the bag is in the closed position. The first rim member and the second rim member are configured to be rotated away from one another to transition the bag from the closed position to the open position, and the first and second rim members define an opening in communication with the cavity when the bag is in the open position.

[0005] In another aspect, a self-standing bag movable between a closed position and an open position is provided. The bag includes a flexible body that includes a first side wall, an opposing second side wall, and a bottom portion. Each of the side walls includes an upper end edge, and the flexible body defines a cavity. The bag also includes a rim assembly coupled to the flexible body proximate to the upper end edge of each of the side walls. The rim assembly includes a first rim member and a second rim member. The bag further includes at least one connector that rotatably couples the first rim member to the second rim member. The first rim member and second rim member are configured to be positioned in a face-to-face relationship when the bag is in the closed position. The first rim member and the second rim member are also configured to be rotated away from one another to transition the bag from the closed position to the open position. The first and second rim members define an opening in communication with the cavity when the bag is in the open position. The at least one connector includes a hinge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first example embodiment of a self-standing bag in a closed position.

[0007] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the example self-standing bag shown in Figure 1 in a position intermediate the closed position and an open position.

[0008] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the example self-standing bag shown in Figures 1 and 2 in the open position.

[0009] Figure 4 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a bottom portion of the self-standing bag shown in Figures 1-3. [0010] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the example self-standing bag shown in Figures 1-3.

[0011] Figure 6 is an expanded view of an alternative example embodiment of the rim assembly of the self-standing bag shown in Figures 1-3.

[0012] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an alternative example embodiment of the bottom portion of the self-standing bag shown in Figures 1-3.

[0013] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a bottom portion of a second example embodiment of the self-standing bag.

[0014] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a third example embodiment of the self-standing bag that includes an initial "tear-away" seal.

[0015] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a fourth example embodiment of the self-standing bag in the closed position.

[0016] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the example self-standing bag shown in Figure 9 in the open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DICLOSURE

[0017] The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the disclosure by way of example and not by way of limitation. It is contemplated that the disclosure has general application to packaging, particularly packaging of food items.

[0018] As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding plural elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0019] The self-standing bag described herein includes a reclosable opening. The bag is configured to be convertible from a closed (e.g., shipping and retail display) configuration to an open or bowl configuration (e.g., for sharing the contents of the bag). The bag is configured to remain in the closed position during shipping, storage, and display until it is opened for use by a consumer. Once opened, the bag is configured to remain in the open position or bowl configuration for ease of accessing contents stored in the bag. After use, the bag can be reclosed and stored until needed again by the consumer.

[0020] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first example embodiment of a self-standing bag 100 in a closed position. Figure 2 is a perspective view of self- standing bag 100 in a position intermediate the closed position and an open position. Figure 3 is a perspective view of self-standing bag 100 in the open position. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a bottom portion 120 of self-standing bag 100.

[0021] With reference to Figures 1-4, self-standing bag 100 includes a flexible body 102 and a rim assembly 104. Flexible body 102 includes opposing first and second side walls 110 and 112 and bottom portion 120 that cooperate to define a cavity 136. Flexible body 102 includes a top portion 121 generally opposite bottom portion 120. When self-standing bag 100 is in the closed position, top portion 121 also at least partially defines cavity 136.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, flexible body 102 is formed from a single panel 101 of flexible material, for example but without limitation, a plastic film, one or more sheet(s) of paper, foil, and a nonwoven fabric composite. Single panel 101 extends from a first side edge 116 to an opposing second side edge 118. Single panel 101 also extends from a first end edge 114 to an opposing second end edge 115.

[0023] Single panel 101 is folded upon itself to form opposing side walls 110 and 112 and bottom portion 120 of self- standing bag 100. More specifically, a first portion of first side edge 116 is coupled against a second portion of first side edge 116, and a first portion of second side edge 118 is coupled against a second portion of second side edge 118, such that each of opposing side walls 110 and 112 extends between coupled first side edge 116 and coupled second side edge 118 to define cavity 136 therebetween. When self-standing bag 100 is formed and in the closed position, first end edge 114 and second end edge 115 are disposed proximate each other along a top portion 121 of self-standing bag 100.

[0024] To form flexible body 102, the first and second portions of each of first side edge 116 and second side edge 118 are sealingly coupled together in any suitable fashion, such as but not limited to at least one of heat sealing, welding, adhesives, sonic sealing, and fasteners. In some embodiments, the coupling of at least one of first side edge 116 and second side edge 118 defines at least one fold in single panel 101. In particular, in certain embodiments, at least one of first side edge 116 and second side edge 118 is folded in prior to coupling to define an integrally formed gusset between opposing side walls 110 and 112.

[0025] Bottom portion 120 is defined at an interface region 144 between first side wall 110 and opposing second side wall 112. In certain embodiments, bottom portion 120 is configured to maintain self-standing bag 100 in an upright position. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, bottom portion 120 includes first and second folded portions 146 and 148. First folded portion 146 is formed by folding a portion of coupled first side edge 116 along a fold line 147 that is generally transverse to opposing side walls 110 and 112, and second folded portion

148 is formed by folding a portion of coupled second side edge 118 along a fold line

149 that is generally transverse to opposing side walls 110 and 112. In alternative embodiments, folded portions 146 and 148 are folded into any suitable gusset arrangement that enables self-standing bag 100 to function as described herein. In certain embodiments, each of folded portions 146 and 148 are coupled to an exterior surface of interface region 144 in any suitable fashion, such as but not limited to at least one of heat sealing, welding, adhesives, sonic sealing, and fasteners. Folded portions 146 and 148 facilitate maintaining bottom portion 120 in a relatively flat, stable configuration to maintain self-standing bag 100 in an upright position.

[0026] Rim assembly 104 is movable between an open position and a closed position that correspond to the open position and the closed position of self- standing bag 100. Rim assembly 104 includes first rim member 106 coupled to first end edge 114 and second rim member 108 coupled to second end edge 115. First rim member 106 extends from a first end 150 to a second end 152, and second rim member 108 extends from a first end 154 to a second end 156.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, each of first rim member 106 and second rim member 108 is generally arcuate in shape, such that in the open position, rim assembly 104 defines a circular- or ovular-shaped opening 134. In alternative embodiments, each of first rim member 106 and second rim member 108 has any suitable shape. For example, each of first rim member 106 and second rim member 108 is shaped such that in the open position, rim assembly 104 defines a rectangular- or other-shaped opening 134. In certain embodiments, rim assembly 104 is substantially symmetrical about an axis 132 about which first rim member 106 and second rim member 108 are rotated. In other embodiments, rim assembly 104 is not symmetrical about axis 132 but still enables reversibly moving rim assembly 104 between the closed position and the open position.

[0028] Each of first rim member 106 and second rim member 108 are formed from one of a rigid and a semi-rigid material, wherein "semi-rigid material" is used herein to refer generally to a material that is partly or moderately rigid, in that the material is not inflexible and also maintains its general shape. For example but not by way of limitation, each of first rim member 106 and second rim member 108 are formed from one of a rigid and semi-rigid plastic. In the illustrated embodiment, first and second rim members 106 and 108 are formed separately. In alternative embodiments, first and second rim members 106 and 108 are formed as an integral (i.e., single piece) rim assembly 104.

[0029] Figure 5 is an exploded view of self-standing bag 100 illustrating rim assembly 104 positioned for coupling to flexible body 102. With reference to Figures 1-3 and 5, each of first rim member 106 and second rim member 108 is coupled to the respective end edge 114 and 115 by any suitable method, such as but not limited to at least one of insert molding, over molding, and heat sealing. For example, in some embodiments, each of first rim member 106 and second rim member 108 is coupled to the respective end edge 114 and 115 by folding a portion of flexible body 102 proximate the end edge 114 or 115 over at least a portion of the respective rim member 106 and 108, and coupling the respective rim member thereto. In other embodiments, each end edge 114 and 115 is coupled to one or more points on a surface of the respective rim member 106 and 108.

[0030] With reference to Figures 1-4, first rim member 106 and second rim member 108 are rotatably coupled together to enable reversibly moving rim assembly 104 between the closed position and the open position. In the illustrated embodiment, rim assembly 104 includes first connector 124 and second connector 126 that rotatably couple first rim member 106 and second rim member 108. More specifically, first end 150 of first rim member 106 and first end 154 of second rim member 108 are coupled together by first connector 124, and second end 152 of first rim member 106 and second end 156 of second rim member 108 are coupled together by second connector 126. In the illustrated embodiment, first connector 124 and second connector 126 are hinges.

[0031] In certain embodiments, each of first connector 124 and second connector 126 is a living hinge. In alternative embodiments, each of first connector 124 and second connector 126 is another suitable type of hinge. In certain embodiments, first connector 124 and second connector 126 are formed integrally with first rim member 106 and second rim member 108. In alternative embodiments, first connector 124 and second connector 126 are not formed integrally with first rim member 106 and second rim member 108.

[0032] Figure 6 is an expanded view of an alternative example embodiment of rim assembly 104 of self-standing bag 100. In the illustrated embodiment, first connector 124 includes a female portion 125 disposed on first rim member 106 and a male portion 127 disposed on second rim member 108. Male portion 127 is configured to engage corresponding female portion 125. Likewise, second connector 126 (not shown) includes a male portion disposed on one of first rim member 106 and second rim member 108 and a female portion disposed on the other of first rim member 106 and second rim member 108. In the illustrated embodiment, when rim assembly 104 is in the closed position, male and female portions 125, 127 do not engage one another. As first rim member 106 and second rim member 108 are rotated to place rim assembly 104 in the open position, male and female portions 125, 127 engage each other to releasably lock rim assembly 104 in the open position.

[0033] In other alternative embodiments, each of first connector 124 and second connector 126 is another suitable connecting means such as but not limited to at least one of a snap, an adhesive, a magnet, a hook, a clasp, a friction interference device, and a latch. In still other alternative embodiments, each of first connector 124 and second connector 126 is formed on end edges 114 and 115. In other words, first end 150 of first rim member 106 and first end 154 of second rim member 108 are spaced apart and coupled to each other through a portion of end edges 114 and 115 of flexible body 102, and second end 152 of first rim member 106 and second end 156 of second rim member 108 are spaced apart and coupled to each other through a portion of end edges 114 and 115 of flexible body 102. In still other alternative embodiments, each of first connector 124 and second connector 126 is any suitable type of connector that enables self-standing bag 100 to function as described herein.

[0034] When self-standing bag 100 is in the closed position, first rim member 106 and second rim member 108 are coupled to one another such that a first face 128 of first rim member 106 and a first face 130 of second rim member 108 contact each other in a face-to-face relationship. To open self-standing bag 100, first rim member 106 and second rim member 108 are rotated away from each other about axis 132, as shown particularly in Figure 2. For example, a consumer applies a pulling force to first and second rim members 106 and 108 and/or to the opposing side walls 110 and 112. Arrows 140 and 142 indicate the direction of force applied by a consumer to transition self-standing bag 100 from the closed position to the open position. When not in the closed position (e.g., in the open position or in a position intermediate the closed position and the open position), self-standing bag 100 includes opening 134 defined, as described above, by rim assembly 104. Opening 134 provides access to cavity 136 and, thereby, to contents 138 of self-standing bag 100. In certain embodiments, when self-standing bag 100 is in the open position, as shown particularly in Figure 3, each of first face 128 of first rim member 106 and first face 130 of second rim member 108 is facing substantially upwards, and opening 134 is fully open. In some embodiments, first connector 124 and second connector 126 may releasably lock rim assembly 104 in the open position, as described above.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, rim assembly 104 also includes a reclosure component 122 to facilitate releasably re-coupling, and releasably maintaining coupling of, first rim member 106 and second rim member 108 in the closed position after self-standing bag 100 has been opened. In certain embodiments, reclosure component 122 is any suitable releasable closure device, such as but not limited to at least one of a snap, an adhesive, a magnet, a hook, a clasp, a friction interference device, and a latch. In the illustrated embodiment, for purposes of example only, reclosure component 122 is shown as a clasp. Reclosure component 122 enables containment of contents 138 within self-standing bag 100. In certain embodiments, reclosure component 122 provides substantially airtight closure of self- standing bag 100.

[0036] In certain embodiments, rim assembly 104, including one or more of first rim member 106, second rim member 108, first connector 124, second connector 126, and reclosure component 122, is formed using at least one of injection molding, thermoforming, blow molding, over-molding, stamping, cutting and folding, and lamination. In alternative embodiments, rim assembly 104, including one or more of first rim member 106, second rim member 108, first connector 124, second connector 126, and reclosure component 122, is formed by any suitable method that enables rim assembly 104 to function as described herein.

[0037] In certain embodiments, when self-standing bag 100 is initially closed, cavity 136 is sealed using an airtight seal such that contents 138 (e.g., a food product) is kept separate from the ambient environment, for example during shipping, display, and storage, until the consumer opens self-standing bag 100. In some embodiments, the airtight seal is formed by releasably coupling together portions of opposing first and second side walls 110 and 112 proximate top portion 121. For example, opposing first and second side walls 110 and 112 are releasably coupled together proximate top portion 121 using one of an adhesive or a heat seal. As self-standing bag 100 is opened, the pulling force applied by the consumer causes opposing first and second side walls 110 and 112 to uncouple. In alternative embodiments, the airtight seal is formed by releasably coupling first rim member 106 and second rim member 108 together in a face-to-face relationship using, for example, one of an adhesive or a heat seal. As self-standing bag 100 is opened, the pulling force applied by the consumer causes first rim member 106 and second rim member 108 to uncouple. In still other embodiments, the airtight seal may be formed using any suitable method, such as but not limited to at least one of hot- or cold-seal adhesives, sonic welding, and insert molding.

[0038] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an alternative example embodiment of bottom portion 120, designated bottom portion 620, of self-standing bag 100. With reference to Figures 1-3 and 7, bottom portion 620, like bottom portion 120, is defined at interface region 144 between first side wall 110 and opposing second side wall 112 and is configured to maintain self-standing bag 100 in an upright position. In the illustrated embodiment, bottom portion 620 includes first and second folded portions 646 and 648. First folded portion 646 is formed by folding a portion of bottom interface 144, and, likewise, second folded portion 648 is formed by folding a portion of bottom interface 144. When self-standing bag 100 is formed, folded portions 646 and 648 are disposed within cavity 136. It should be understood that folded portions 646 and 648 may be folded into any suitable gusset arrangement that enables self-standing bag 100 to function as described herein. In certain embodiments, each of folded portions 646 and 648 is coupled to an interior surface of interface region 144 in any suitable fashion, such as but not limited to at least one of heat sealing, welding, adhesives, sonic sealing, and fasteners. Similar to folded portions 146 and 148, folded portions 646 and 648 facilitate maintaining bottom portion 620 in a relatively flat, stable configuration to maintain self-standing bag 100 in an upright position.

[0039] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a second example embodiment of self-standing bag 100, designated self-standing bag 700, and more particularly of an example embodiment of a bottom portion 720 of self-standing bag 700. In the illustrated embodiment, self-standing bag 700 includes a flexible body 702 formed from three pieces of flexible material. More specifically, flexible body 702 is formed from a first side panel 710, an opposing second side panel 712, and a bottom panel 744.

[0040] First side panel 710 and second side panel 712 each include a pair of opposing side edges, and each side edge of first side panel 710 is coupled to a corresponding side edge of second side panel 712 to form a first side edge 716 and an opposing second side edge 718 of self-standing bag 600. In certain embodiments, at least one pair of corresponding side edges is folded in prior to coupling to define a gusset adjacent the respective one of first side edge 716 and second side edge 718.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, a first edge portion 750 of bottom panel 744 is coupled to an end edge portion 754 of first side panel 710, and a second edge portion 752 of bottom panel 744 is coupled to an end edge portion 756 of second side panel 712 to define bottom portion 720. As such, bottom portion 720 has a generally "canoe" shape. Bottom portion 720 is also referred to as a "gusset" bottom. In certain embodiments, an overlap between end edge portion 754 of first side panel 710 and first edge portion 750 of bottom panel 744, and between second edge portion 752 of bottom panel 744 and end edge portion 756 of second side panel 712, facilitates maintaining bottom portion 720 in a relatively flat, stable configuration to maintain self-standing bag 700 in an upright position.

[0042] First side panel 710, second side panel 712, and bottom panel 744 are coupled together using any suitable method, such as but not limited to one of heat sealing, welding, adhesives, sonic sealing, and fasteners. When coupled together, first side panel 710, second side panel 712, and bottom panel 744 cooperate to define a cavity (not shown) similar to cavity 136 as described above. Additionally, self-standing bag 700 includes a rim assembly (not shown) similar to rim assembly 104 as described above, and is movable between a closed position and an open position as described above.

[0043] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a third example embodiment of self-standing bag 100, designated self-standing bag 800, that includes an initial "tear-away" seal 860. Self-standing bag 800 is similar in most respects to self- standing bag 100 and/or self-standing bag 700, as described above, and/or to self- standing bag 900 as described below. However, self-standing bag 800 is initially formed with seal 860 that includes a "tear-away" portion 862. When self-standing bag 800 is formed, seal 860 extends from top portion 121 beyond rim assembly 104.

[0044] In certain embodiments, seal 860 is formed by extending the flexible material of flexible body 102 beyond rim assembly 104. Tear-away portion 862 is defined above a line of weakness 864, along which seal 860 is inclined to tear when a pulling force is applied by a consumer. Seal 860 may be formed by any suitable method, such as but not limited to an adhesive, a permanent welded seal, in- mold labeling, and disposing excess film on the rim assembly.

[0045] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a fourth example embodiment of self-standing bag 100, designated self-standing bag 900, in the closed position. Figure 11 is a perspective view of self-standing bag 900 in the open position. With reference to Figures 10 and 11, self-standing bag 900 includes flexible body 902 and rim assembly 904, similar in most respects to flexible body 102 and rim assembly 104. However, rim assembly 904 is asymmetrical and includes first rim member 906 and second rim member 908. In the closed position, a second face 970 of first rim member 906 contacts a third face 972 of second rim member 908 in a face-to-face relationship. First rim member 906 is configured to releasably couple to second rim member 908 in a friction fit when self-standing bag 900 is in the closed position.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, self-standing bag 900 also includes a first gusset 916 and an opposing second gusset 918. Each of first gusset 916 and second gusset 918 extends between opposing side walls 910 and 912. In alternative embodiments, self- standing bag 900 is formed in any suitable fashion as described herein for forming any of the several embodiments of self-standing bag 100.

[0047] This written description uses examples to disclose the embodiments, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.