Abstract:
A means and method for readily sealing a bag. This invention utilizes (a) seal strip(s) with removable covers applied near the edge of the inner wall of a bag. This invention can be utilized on multiple openings in a bag, and allows the creation of a bag from a flat panel of any size or configuration. This invention also enables construction of multiple bags with multiple walls.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     Not applicable  
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention relates to closures for trash bags or other bags which can be closed by puckering the open end of the bag. In the past this procedure was completed by a variety of methods such as the wraps, paper covered wires; pull strips (i.e. cinch sack) and the like. U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,849,171; 3,412,296; 4,008,851 and 5,006,380 refer to these typical procedures. These arrangements are lacking in efficiency and function. The tie wraps are often lost, misplaced or break, the cinch does not totally seal the bag against spillage or odor.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
       [0003]     This invention concerns the method and means for using adhesion strips, which are typically permanently affixed near the edge of an opening in a bag, to seal a bag after filling. Strips located near the edge of a bag are uncovered upon completion of fill and the bag is then squeezed together at the strip locations. The bag is now sealed against spillage and odor. In other embodiments more than the traditional one side of the bag is left open during manufacture. This invention also enables the creation of a bag from a flat sheet to be formed into a bag. This invention further enables closure of a bag by mean other than adhesion strips. Bag as described in this invention is intended to mean a flexible container which is intended to enclosed desired object(s).  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0004]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a bag with sealing strap.  
         [0005]      FIG. 2  is a cross section view taken along plane A-A in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0006]      FIG. 3  is a front perspective view with the sealing strip covering partially removed.  
         [0007]      FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of a bag after closure.  
         [0008]      FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of a bag with sealing strips with two openings.  
         [0009]      FIG. 6  is a front perspective view of a flat panel to be formed into a bag using sealable strips. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0010]      FIG. 1  is a depiction of a bag ( 1 ) with inner ( 5 ) and outer ( 4 ) walls, incorporating the inventive aspect of a seal strip ( 6 ). The strip is affixed to the inner wall ( 5 ) near the top ( 2 ) of a bag ( 1 ). The bag ( 1 ) can be of any size and material as desired for a particular application. The seal strip is typically a thin strip with adhesive properties selected as appropriate for the material of the bag to be sealed. The particular application will also determine the mechanism for affixing the seal strip ( 6 ) to the inner wall of the bag. The seal strip ( 6 ) will typically be affixed using a compatible adhesive, but other means may also be used as appropriate.  
         [0011]     To provide a means for tightly sealing the bags ( 1 ), the seal strip ( 6 ) is configured continuously around the inner wall ( 5 ) parallel to the opening to be sealed. The dimensions of the seal strip and the strength of its adhesive properties will be selected to be compatible with the characteristics (size, use, wall thickness, etc.) of the bag. The seal strip can be applied permanently as part of manufacturing the bag or separate and applied later. Typically, the bag will have one opening with one seal strip in close proximity to the opening. If warranted by a particular application multiple seal strips can be installed in parallel to any openings to ensure seal integrity.  
         [0012]      FIG. 2 a  sectional view depicting the seal strip ( 6 ) attached the inner wall ( 5 ) of a bag ( 1 ) with the seal strip removable cover ( 3 ) on the seal strip ( 6 ). The removable cover ( 3 ) remains in place until after the bag ( 1 ) is filled. The removable cover ( 3 ) protects the seal strip from inadvertent sealing.  
         [0013]      FIG. 3  depicts the bag ( 1 ) with the removable cover ( 3 ) partially peeled away from the seal strip ( 6 ) exposing the adhesive properties of the seal strip. The removable cover ( 3 ) is typically a thin smooth strip appropriately sized to be compatible with the seal strip. The material of the removable cover ( 3 ) is chosen to be compatible with the seal strip ( 6 ) such that it will adhere to the seal strip to isolate it from contact with other surfaces, but is easily removed with minimal hand force.  
         [0014]      FIG. 4  depicts the bag ( 1 ) sealed after being filled. The bag ( 1 ) is squeezed or puckered at the location of the seal strip ( 7 ) after the removable cover ( 3 ) is removed exposing the entire seal strip ( 6 ) as depicted in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0015]      FIG. 5  depicts a bag with the two open sides opposite each other. This invention could be applied to any number of open sides including a completely unformed bag consisting of a flat sheet with seal strips affixed close to all outer edges as depicted in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 6  depicts a circle shape to be formed into a bag, but this invention could be used with any shape. Any portion of bag may be preformed as desired.  
         [0016]     This invention can be used for bags of any size or shape warranted for a particular application including configuration not typically thought as bags. For example, this invention could be used with wrapping paper for gifts.  
         [0017]     In another embodiment of this invention, the seal strips are use to fabricate a double wall bag by placing one bag inside the other with seal strips located as warranted to secure the inner and outer bags together. This double wall could also be limited to a particular area of bag such as the portion which will be the bottom of the bag when it is full. In addition, more than 2 walls can be constructed by this invention if additional leak protection is desired.  
         [0018]     The description above and accompanying figures are presented as examples of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited by the exemplary embodiments. Other applications and variations of the present invention are possible to meet a particular application. For example, the seal strip can be separate from the bag with removable covers on opposite sides for removal and affixation to any formed or unformed bag as desired. After forming a bag any unused portions can be cut off.