Abstract:
A side seam bag with registered, perforated, promotional strips is formed from a continuous sheet of polyethylene material folded along a longitudinal axis to form a pocket. A continuous strip of polyethylene material is perforated into serial groupings of first and second end sections located on either end of removable center sections. Promotional material is printed on a surface of the center sections. A portion of the strip is located orthogonally to the long axis of the pocket and the first and second end sections are registered and sealed to the upper surface of the pocket as it is divided into side seam bags with first and second side seals. The bags with strips attached are cut and stacked into packs or perforated and wound on rolls. When the pocket is formed, an additional perforation is spaced from the open side of the pocket to form a detachable header strip.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION  
       [0001]     The invention pertains to plastic bags with promotional strips. More particularly, the invention relates to side seam bags with one or more promotional strips registered between the bag side seams.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Plastic bags with promotional or advertising strips attached to the bags permit a different model for the sale and use of plastic bags in grocery and retail establishments. By selling the advertising space on the strips, the revenue generated is often sufficient to more than cover the cost of providing the bags to customers. Previous designs for bags with attached promotional strips have had several problems. A first problem relates to promotional strips used to display coupons. These coupons must be severed from the bags to be redeemed. Early bags required the use of a scissors or knife for this purpose, resulting in low coupon usage and consequently low revenues associated with such bags. A second problem relates to the registration of the coupons to the bags. If the coupons are not registered to the bags, advertisers are not willing to pay for advertising on all of the coupons as a number would be cut off when joined to a bag edge. A third problem relates to the visibility of the coupons. When the coupons are placed in a bag gusset, they are less visible to the customer.  
         [0003]     Various designs for bag and advertising or promotional systems have been developed to addresses these problems. U.S. Pat. No. 6,536,951, issued to Sill, discloses a plastic bag that includes first and second opposing body panels fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides to form a receptacle space having a mouth formed opposite the bottom. The plastic bag also includes a reclosable fastener extending along said mouth and an overlay strip fixedly connected to the body panels at the sides of the body panel. The overlay strip overlays at least a portion of the body panels and extends beyond the body panels. The overlay strip preferably includes a header portion having at least one opening for mounting the plastic bag to a dispensing post, and a perforation line such that the header is removable from the remainder of the overlay strip. The overlay strip can also have at least one advertisement and/or at least one coupon with perforation lines such that the coupon is removable from the remainder of the overlay strip.  
         [0004]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,515, issued to Crossman et al. describes a packaging comprising a pocket made of sheet material, the pocket defining an enclosure for holding merchandise and having at least one sealed edge. One or more detachable compartments are formed by extensions of the sheet material beyond the at least one sealed edge. A seal along at least one edge of the extensions closes the compartment. A promotional message is carried by the detachable compartment, and a perforation line extends parallel to the at least one sealed edge of the pocket on each compartment side thereof to make the compartment detachable from the pocket by a consumer. The extensions are folded back towards the sealed edge to form at least one sheet of the sheet material enclosed by the compartment. The pocket remains functional when the compartment is detached.  
         [0005]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,636, issued to DeMatteis et al. discloses a plastic grocery bag is provided with a tear-off coupon. The coupon is configured with the rest of the bag for rapid production and easy detachment from the bag. The plastic bag is fabricated from tubes of blown plastic. The tube is first collapsed and printed and thereafter folded at the side edges to form two “W” shaped folds along the bag sides. These folds permit the bag, when expanded, to accommodate the required containment volume. As a next step, the folded tube is both heat-sealed and cut to form sealed incremental folded tubes. These tubes are in turn cut at the bottom to form the bottom of the bag and at the top to form the paired handles on either side of an opening, which handles are characteristic of the T-shirt bag. Centrally of the top of the two handles, and for the purpose of holding a group of such bags together, there is configured on the forward wall and rearward wall of each bag a tab. When numerous bags overlie one another, the tabs of all the overlying bags may be joined together into a wicket. This wicket holds the overlying bags stacked as a group together. This wicket also allows the bags to be serially opened and filled with merchandise, typically at a check stand. The improved coupon of this bag is configured from material that would otherwise be cut from the vicinity of the bag opening when it is formed. Specifically, the coupon is printed and cut for placement between the folded “W” folds at the sides. The coupon is configured so as not to interfere with the tab. With these positioning constraints, the coupon is placed for each detachment by either a packing clerk or the toting shopper without otherwise damaging or interfering with overall functionality of the bag.  
         [0006]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,011,466, issued to DeMatteis et al. describes A T-shirt type grocery bag having a tear-off coupon provided during manufacture. An endless tube of blown thermoplastic is collapsed and printed, including printing for the coupon indicia. The bag is “W” folded forming side for the to-be-formed bag. The folded tube is heat sealed and cut, forming sealed incremental folded tubes. Cutting operations form a bag bottom and produce paired handles on opposing sides of an opening. The definition of this opening also provides a coupon proximate the bag opening. Preferably, the coupon formed lies between the W-folds and its orientation does not permit interference with a bag dispensing structure, such as tabs and wickets. Other embodiments include coupons for thermoplastic bags lacking paired handles and coupons for bags lacking some of the dispensing structures.  
         [0007]     It is an objective of the present invention to provide a side seam bag with at least one promotional strip attached to the side seams of the bag. It is a further objective to provide a bag with promotional strips that are perforated for easy removal from the bag. It is a still further objective of the invention to provide a side seam bag with promotional strips containing coupons registered to the side seams of the bag. Finally, it is an objective of the invention to provide such bags that are simple and economical to produce and are strong enough for use with heavy loads of groceries or other retail purchases.  
         [0008]     While some of the objectives of the present invention are disclosed in the prior art, none of the inventions found include all of the requirements identified.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     The present invention addresses all of the deficiencies of prior art bag with advertising strip inventions and satisfies all of the objectives described above.  
         [0010]     (1) A side seam polyethylene bag with registered, perforated, promotional strips having all of the desired features includes front and rear bag walls. Each of the walls has a top edge, first and second side edges and a bottom edge. The bottom edge of the front wall is joined to the bottom edge of the rear wall. The first side edges of the front and rear bag walls are joined at a first side seam and the second side edges of the front and rear bag walls are joined at a second side seam. At least one promotional strip is provided. The promotional strip has a first end section, at least one detachable center section, a second end section, an upper surface, a lower surface, an upper edge and a lower edge.  
         [0011]     The first and second end sections are removably attached to the at least one center section with perforations. The promotional strip is attached at the first and second end sections to the first and second side seams, respectively. The at least one detachable center section has at least one promotional message printed on at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the strip. The promotional message is registered to the strip so that all of the message is located between the perforations. When the detachable center section is removed from the first and second end sections, it will comprise at least one complete promotional message.  
         [0012]     (2) In a variant of the invention, the promotional strip has horizontal perforations along at least one of the upper edge and the lower edge. The horizontal perforations removably attach at least one additional promotional strip to the at least one promotional strip. The at least one additional promotional strip has a first end section, at least one detachable center section, a second end section, an upper surface, a lower surface, an upper edge and a lower edge. The first and second end sections are removably attached to the at least one center section with perforations. The additional promotional strip is attached at the first and second end sections to the first and second side seams, respectively.  
         [0013]     The at least one detachable center section has at least one promotional message printed on at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the strip. The promotional message is registered to the additional promotional strip so that all of the message is located between the perforations. When the detachable center section of the additional promotional strip is removed from the first and second end sections, it will have at least one complete promotional message.  
         [0014]     (3) In another variant, a side seam perforation is provided. The side seam perforation removably attaches the second side seam of the bag to the first side seam of a subsequent bag. When the bags include the side seam perforation they are windable into a compact bag roll.  
         [0015]     (4) In still another variant, at least one additional perforation is provided. The at least one additional perforation extends from the upper edge to the lower edge of the promotional strip. The center section has at least one promotional message printed on at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the strip. The promotional message is registered to the strip so that all of the message is located between the perforation and the additional perforation. When the detachable center section is removed from the first and second end sections, it will have at least one complete promotional message.  
         [0016]     (5) In yet another variant, the top edge of at least one of the front and rear bag walls is attached to a header strip.  
         [0017]     (6) In still another variant, the top edge of at least one of the front and rear bag walls is attached to said header strip with a perforation.  
         [0018]     (7) In a further variant, a plurality of the header strips are attached together to form a bag pack.  
         [0019]     (8) A method of making a side seam polyethylene bag with registered, perforated, promotional strips includes the following steps. Extruding a continuous strip of polyethylene material. The polyethylene strip has an upper edge, a lower edge, an upper surface and a lower surface. Printing a plurality of promotional messages and a plurality of first alignment indicators upon the upper surface of the polyethylene strip. Winding the continuous strip into a first roll. Extruding a continuous sheet of polyethylene material. The sheet has a first edge and a second edge. Folding the sheet along a longitudinal axis to form a continuous pocket. The pocket has a closed bottom, an open top, an inner surface, an outer surface, a top layer and a bottom layer. Printing a plurality of second alignment indicators on the outer surface. Unwinding the strip from the roll.  
         [0020]     Perforating the strip into serial groupings of first end sections, detachable center sections and second end sections. Locating a portion of the strip orthogonally over the pocket. Aligning one of the first alignment indicators with one of the second alignment indicators. Sealing the first end section of the portion of the strip to the outer surface on the top layer and sealing the top layer to the bottom layer, thereby forming a first side seam. Sealing the second end section of the strip to the outer surface on the top layer and sealing the top layer to the bottom layer, thereby forming a second side seam. Cutting a finished bag from the continuous pocket.  
         [0021]     (9) In a variant of the invention, a method of making a side seam polyethylene bag with registered, perforated, promotional strips includes the following steps. Extruding a continuous strip of polyethylene material. The polyethylene strip has an upper edge, a lower edge, an upper surface and a lower surface. Printing a plurality of promotional messages and a plurality of first alignment indicators upon the upper surface of the polyethylene strip. Perforating the strip into serial groupings of first end sections, detachable center sections and second end sections. Winding the continuous strip into a first roll.  
         [0022]     Extruding a continuous sheet of polyethylene material. The sheet has a first edge and a second edge. Folding the sheet along a longitudinal axis to form a continuous pocket that has a closed bottom, an open top, an inner surface, an outer surface, a top layer and a bottom layer. Printing a plurality of second alignment indicators on the outer surface. Unwinding the strip from the roll. Locating a portion of the strip orthogonally over the pocket. Aligning one of the first alignment indicators with one of the second alignment indicators. Sealing the first end section of the portion of the strip to the outer surface on the top layer and sealing the top layer to the bottom layer, forming a first side seam. Sealing the second end section of the portion of the strip to the outer surface on the top layer and sealing the top layer to the bottom layer, forming a second side seam and thereby forming a finished bag. Forming a perforation between the second side seam of a first bag and the first side seam of a subsequent bag. Rolling the bags into a compact roll.  
         [0023]     (10) A method of making a side seam polyethylene bag with registered, perforated, promotional strips includes the following steps. Extruding a continuous strip of polyethylene material. The polyethylene strip has an upper edge, a lower edge, an upper surface and a lower surface. Printing a plurality of promotional messages and a plurality of first alignment indicators upon the upper surface of the polyethylene strip. Winding the continuous strip into a first roll. Extruding a continuous sheet of polyethylene material. The sheet has a first edge and a second edge. Folding the sheet along a longitudinal axis to form a continuous pocket that has a closed bottom, an open top, an inner surface, an outer surface, a top layer and a bottom layer. Perforating at least one of the top layer and the bottom layer parallel and adjacent to the open top to form an attached header strip.  
         [0024]     Printing a plurality of second alignment indicators on the outer surface. Unwinding the strip from the roll. Perforating the strip into serial groupings of first end sections, detachable center sections and second end sections. Locating a portion of the strip orthogonally over the pocket. Aligning one of the first alignment indicators with one of the second alignment indicators. Sealing the first end section of the portion of the strip to the outer surface on the top layer and sealing the top layer to the bottom layer, thereby forming a first side seam. Sealing the second end section of the portion of the strip to the outer surface on the top layer and sealing the top layer to the bottom layer, thereby forming a second side seam. Cutting a finished bag from the continuous pocket.  
         [0025]     (11) An apparatus for making a side seam polyethylene bag with registered, perforated, promotional strips includes a supply of polyethylene material. A first extruder is provided. The first extruder forms a continuous polyethylene strip. The strip has an upper edge, a lower edge, an upper surface and a lower surface. A first printer is provided. The first printer marks a plurality of promotional messages and a plurality of first alignment indicators upon the upper surface of the polyethylene strip. A winder is provided. The winder forms the polyethylene strip into a first roll. An unwind stand is provided. The unwind stand controllably dispenses the polyethylene strip from the first roll.  
         [0026]     A second extruder is provided. The second extruder forms a continuous sheet of polyethylene material. The sheet has a first edge and a second edge. A sheet folder is provided. The sheet folder forms the sheet along a longitudinal axis to form a continuous pocket. The pocket has a closed bottom, an open top, an inner surface, an outer surface, a top layer and a bottom layer. A second printer is provided. The second printer marks a plurality of second alignment indicators on the outer surface. A first perforator is provided. The first perforator perforates the strip into serial groupings of first end sections, detachable center sections and second end sections. A tractor is provided. The tractor pulls the strip from the first roll located upon the unwind stand and locates a portion of the strip orthogonally over the pocket.  
         [0027]     A first sensor is provided. The first sensor detects the first alignment indicator on the strip. A second sensor is provided. The second sensor detects the second alignment indicator on the outer surface of the pocket. A controller is provided. The controller is connected to the first and second sensors and aligns one of the first alignment indicators with one of the second alignment indicators. A sealer is provided. The sealer seals the first end section of the portion of the strip to the outer surface on the top layer and seals the top layer to the bottom layer, forming a first side seam, seals the second end section of the portion of the strip to the outer surface on the top layer and seals the top layer to the bottom layer, thereby forming a second side seam. A cutter is provided. The cutter cuts a finished bag from the continuous pocket.  
         [0028]     (12) In a variant of the invention, the controller adjusts the speed of the unwind stand to align the first alignment indicator with the second alignment indicator.  
         [0029]     (13) An apparatus for making a side seam polyethylene bag with registered, perforated, promotional strips includes a supply of polyethylene material. A first extruder is provided. The first extruder forms a continuous polyethylene strip. The strip has an upper edge, a lower edge, an upper surface and a lower surface. A first printer is provided. The first printer marks a plurality of promotional messages and a plurality of first alignment indicators upon the upper surface of the polyethylene strip. A first perforator is provided. The first perforator perforates the strip into serial groupings of first end sections, detachable center sections and second end sections.  
         [0030]     A winder is provided. The winder forms the polyethylene strip into a first roll. An unwind stand is provided. The unwind stand controllably dispenses the polyethylene strip from the first roll. A second extruder is provided. The second extruder forms a continuous sheet of polyethylene material. The sheet has a first edge and a second edge. A sheet folder is provided. The sheet folder forms the sheet along a longitudinal axis to form a continuous pocket that has a closed bottom, an open top, an inner surface, an outer surface, a top layer and a bottom layer. A second printer is provided. The second printer marks a plurality of second alignment indicators on the outer surface. A tractor is provided. The tractor pulls the strip from the first roll located upon the unwind stand and locates a portion of the strip orthogonally over the pocket. A first sensor is provided. The first sensor detects the first alignment indicator on the strip.  
         [0031]     A second sensor is provided. The second sensor detects the second alignment indicator on the outer surface of the pocket. A controller is provided. The controller is connected to the first and second sensors and aligns one of the first alignment indicators with one of the second alignment indicators. A sealer is provided. The sealer seals the first end section of the portion of the strip to the outer surface on the top layer and seals the top layer to the bottom layer, forming a first side seam, seals the second end section of the portion of the strip to the outer surface on the top layer and seals the top layer to the bottom layer, thereby forming a second side seam. A second perforator is provided. The second perforator forms a side seam perforation between the second side seam of a first bag and the first side seam of a subsequent bag. A roller is provided. The roller rolls the bags into a compact roll.  
         [0032]     (14) In a variant of the invention, the controller adjusts the speed of the unwind stand to align the first alignment indicator with the second alignment indicator.  
         [0033]     (15) In a final variant of the invention an apparatus for making a side seam polyethylene bag with registered, perforated, promotional strips includes the following components. A supply of polyethylene material is provided. A first extruder is provided. The first extruder forms a continuous polyethylene strip. The strip has an upper edge, a lower edge, an upper surface and a lower surface. A first printer is provided. The first printer marks a plurality of promotional messages and a plurality of first alignment indicators upon the upper surface of the polyethylene strip. A winder is provided. The winder forms the polyethylene strip into a first compact roll. An unwind stand is provided. The unwind stand controllably dispenses the polyethylene strip from the first compact roll.  
         [0034]     A second extruder is provided. The second extruder forms a continuous sheet of polyethylene material. The sheet has a first edge and a second edge. A sheet folder is provided. The sheet folder forms the sheet along a longitudinal axis to form a continuous pocket that has a closed bottom, an open top, an inner surface, an outer surface, a top layer and a bottom layer. A first perforator is provided. The first perforator perforates at least one of the top layer and the bottom layer parallel and adjacent to the open top to form an attached header strip. A second printer is provided. The second printer marks a plurality of second alignment indicators on the outer surface. A second perforator is provided. The second perforator perforates the strip into serial groupings of first end sections, detachable center sections and second end sections. A tractor is provided. The tractor pulls the strip from the first roll located upon the unwind stand and locates a portion of the strip orthogonally over the pocket. A first sensor is provided. The first sensor detects the first alignment indicator on the strip. A second sensor is provided. The second sensor detects the second alignment indicator on the outer surface of the pocket.  
         [0035]     A controller is provided. The controller is connected to the first and second sensors and aligns one of the first alignment indicators with one of the second alignment indicators. A sealer is provided. The sealer seals the first end section of the portion of the strip to the outer surface on the top layer and sealing the top layer to the bottom layer, forming a first side seam, sealing the second end section of the portion of the strip to the outer surface on the top layer and sealing the top layer to the bottom layer, thereby forming a second side seam. A cutter is provided. The cutter cuts a finished bag from the continuous pocket.  
         [0036]     An appreciation of the other aims and objectives of the present invention and an understanding of it may be achieved by referring to the accompanying drawings and the detailed description of a preferred embodiment. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0037]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrating a single promotional strip;  
         [0038]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 1  embodiment illustrating a pair of promotional strips joined by a perforation;  
         [0039]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a series of the  FIG. 1  bags joined on the edges and formed into a bag roll;  
         [0040]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an alternative bag with a header at the upper end;  
         [0041]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a registered stack of bags of the  FIG. 4  embodiment;  
         [0042]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an apparatus for printing promotional messages and alignment indicators on a plastic strip;  
         [0043]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an apparatus for folding an extruded plastic sheet into a pocket and printing alignment indicators on it;  
         [0044]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an apparatus for forming side seam bags from the folded pocket, registering and attaching the promotional strip and forming a bag roll;  
         [0045]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an apparatus for forming side seam bags from the folded pocket, registering and attaching the promotional strip and forming a registered bag pack; and  
         [0046]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an apparatus for forming side seam bags with an attached header strip from the folded pocket, registering and attaching the promotional strip and forming a registered bag pack. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0047]     (1)  FIGS. 1-5  illustrate a side seam polyethylene bag with registered, perforated, promotional strips  10  having all of the desired features that may be constructed from the following components. Front  15  and rear  20  bag walls are provided. Each of the walls  15 ,  20  has a top edge  25 , first  30  and second  35  side edges and a bottom edge  40 . The bottom edge  40  of the front wall  15  is joined to the bottom edge  40  of the rear wall  20 . The first side edges  30  of the front  15  and rear  20  bag walls are joined at a first side seam  45  and the second side  35  edges of the front  15  and rear  20  bag walls are joined at a second side seam  50 . At least one promotional strip  55  is provided. The promotional strip  55  has a first end section  60 , at least one detachable center section  65 , a second end section  70 , an upper surface  75 , a lower surface  80 , an upper edge  85  and a lower edge  90 .  
         [0048]     The first  60  and second  70  end sections are removably attached to the at least one center section  65  with perforations  95 . The promotional strip  55  is attached at the first  60  and second  70  end sections to the first  45  and second  50  side seams, respectively. The at least one detachable center section  65  has at least one promotional message  100  printed on at least one of the upper surface  75  and the lower surface  80  of the strip  55 . The promotional message  100  is registered to the strip  55  so that all of the message  100  is located between the perforations  95 . When the detachable center section  65  is removed from the first  60  and second  70  end sections, it will comprise at least one complete promotional message  100 .  
         [0049]     (2) In a variant of the invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the promotional strip  55  has horizontal perforations  105  along at least one of the upper edge  85  and the lower edge  90 . The horizontal perforations  105  removably attach at least one additional promotional strip  55  to the at least one promotional strip  55 . The at least one additional promotional strip  55  has a first end section  60 , at least one detachable center section  65 , a second end section  70 , an upper surface  75 , a lower surface  80 , an upper edge  85  and a lower edge  90 . The first  60  and second  70  end sections are removably attached to the at least one center section  65  with perforations  95 . The additional promotional strip  55  is attached at the first  60  and second  70  end sections to the first  45  and second  50  side seams, respectively.  
         [0050]     The at least one detachable center section  65  has at least one promotional message  100  printed on at least one of the upper surface  75  and the lower surface  80  of the strip  55 . The promotional message  100  is registered to the additional promotional strip  55  so that all of the message  100  is located between the perforations  95 . When the detachable center section  65  of the additional promotional strip  55  is removed from the first  60  and second  70  end sections, it will have at least one complete promotional message  100 .  
         [0051]     (3) In another variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a side seam perforation  110  is provided. The side seam perforation  110  removably attaches the second side seam  50  of the bag  10  to the first side seam  45  of a subsequent bag  10 . When the bags  10  include the side seam perforation  110  they are windable into a compact bag roll  115 .  
         [0052]     (4) In still another variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , at least one additional perforation  120  provided. The at least one additional perforation  120  extends from the upper edge  85  to the lower edge  90  of the promotional strip  55 . The center section  65  has at least one promotional message  100  printed on at least one of the upper surface  75  and the lower surface  80  of the strip  55 . The promotional message  100  is registered to the strip  55  so that all of the message  100  is located between the perforation  55  and the additional perforation  120 . When the detachable center section  65  is removed from the first  60  and second  70  end sections, it will have at least one complete promotional message  100 .  
         [0053]     (5) In yet another variant, as illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the top edge  25  of at least one of the front  15  and rear  20  bag walls is attached to a header strip  125 .  
         [0054]     (6) In still another variant, as illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the top edge  25  of at least one of the front  15  and rear  20  bag walls is attached to said header strip  125  with a perforation  130 .  
         [0055]     (7) In a further variant, as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , a plurality of the header strips  125  are attached together to form a bag pack  135 .  
         [0056]     (8) A method of making a side seam polyethylene bag with registered, perforated, promotional strips  10  includes the following steps, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . Extruding a continuous strip  140  of polyethylene material. The polyethylene strip  140  has an upper edge  85 , a lower edge  90 , an upper surface  75  and a lower surface  80 . Printing a plurality of promotional messages  100  and a plurality of first alignment indicators  145  upon the upper surface  75  of the polyethylene strip  140 . Winding the continuous strip  140  into a first roll  150 . Extruding a continuous sheet of polyethylene material  155 . As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the sheet  155  has a first edge  160  and a second edge  165 . Folding the sheet  155  along a longitudinal axis  170  to form a continuous pocket  175 . The pocket  175  has a closed bottom  180 , an open top  185 , an inner surface  190  (not shown), an outer surface  195 , a top layer  200  and a bottom layer  205 . Printing a plurality of second alignment indicators  210  on the outer surface  195 .  
         [0057]     As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , unwinding the strip  140  from the roll  150 . Perforating the strip  140  into serial groupings  215  of first end sections  60 , detachable center sections  65  and second end sections  70 . Locating a portion  55  of the strip  140  orthogonally over the pocket  175 . Aligning one of the first alignment indicators  145  with one of the second alignment indicators  210 . Sealing the first end section  60  of the portion  55  of the strip  140  to the outer surface  195  on the top layer  200  and sealing the top layer  200  to the bottom layer  205 , thereby forming a first side seam  45 . Sealing the second end section  70  of the portion  55  of the strip  140  to the outer surface  195  on the top layer  200  and sealing the top layer  200  to the bottom layer  205 , thereby forming a second side seam  50 . Cutting a finished bag  10  from the continuous pocket  175 .  
         [0058]     (9) In a variant of the invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , a method of making a side seam polyethylene bag with registered, perforated, promotional strips  10 , includes the following steps. Extruding a continuous strip of polyethylene material  140 . The polyethylene strip  140  has an upper edge  85 , a lower edge  90 , an upper surface  75  and a lower surface  80 . Printing a plurality of promotional messages  100  and a plurality of first alignment indicators  145  upon the upper surface  75  of the polyethylene strip  140 . Perforating the strip  140  into serial groupings  215  of first end sections  60 , detachable center sections  65  and second end sections  70 . Winding the continuous strip  140  into a first roll  150 .  
         [0059]     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , extruding a continuous sheet of polyethylene material  155 . The sheet  155  has a first edge  160  and a second edge  165 . Folding the sheet  155  along a longitudinal axis  170  to form a continuous pocket  175  that has a closed bottom  180 , an open top  185 , an inner surface  190  (not shown), an outer surface  195 , a top layer  200  and a bottom layer  205 . Printing a plurality of second alignment indicators  210  on the outer surface  195 .  
         [0060]     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , unwinding the strip  140  from the roll  150 . Locating a portion  55  of the strip  140  orthogonally over the pocket  175 . Aligning one of the first alignment indicators  145  with one of the second alignment indicators  210 . Sealing the first end section  60  of the portion  55  of the strip  140  to the outer surface  195  on the top layer  200  and sealing the top layer  200  to the bottom layer  205 , forming a first side seam  45 . Sealing the second end section  70  of the portion  55  of the strip  140  to the outer surface  195  on the top layer  200  and sealing the top layer  200  to the bottom layer  205 , forming a second side seam  50  and thereby forming a finished bag  10 . Forming a perforation  110  between the second side seam  50  of a first bag  10  and the first side seam  45  of a subsequent bag  10 . Rolling the bags  10  into a compact roll  115 .  
         [0061]     (10) A method of making a side seam polyethylene bag with registered, perforated, promotional strips  10  includes the following steps. As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , extruding a continuous strip of polyethylene material  140 . The polyethylene strip  140  has an upper edge  85 , a lower edge  90 , an upper surface  75  and a lower surface  80 . Printing a plurality of promotional messages  100  and a plurality of first alignment indicators  145  upon the upper surface  75  of the polyethylene strip  140 . Winding the continuous strip  140  into a first roll  150 .  
         [0062]     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , extruding a continuous sheet of polyethylene material  155 . The sheet  155  has a first edge  160  and a second edge  165 . Folding the sheet  155  along a longitudinal axis  170  to form a continuous pocket  175  that has a closed bottom  180 , an open top  185 , an inner surface  190 , an outer surface  195 , a top layer  200  and a bottom layer  205 . Printing a plurality of second alignment indicators  210  on the outer surface  195 .  
         [0063]     As illustrated in  FIG. 10  perforating at least one of the top layer  200  and the bottom layer  205  parallel and adjacent to the open top  185  to form an attached header strip  125 . Unwinding the strip  140  from the roll  150 . Perforating the strip  140  into serial groupings  215  of first end sections  60 , detachable center sections  65  and second end sections  70 . Locating a portion  55  of the strip  140  orthogonally over the pocket  175 . Aligning one of the first alignment indicators  145  with one of the second alignment indicators  210 . Sealing the first end section  60  of the portion  55  of the strip  140  to the outer surface  195  on the top layer  200  and sealing the top layer  200  to the bottom layer  205 , thereby forming a first side seam  45 . Sealing the second end section  70  of the portion  55  of the strip  140  to the outer surface  195  on the top layer  200  and sealing the top layer  200  to the bottom layer  205 , thereby forming a second side seam  50 . Cutting a finished bag  10  from the continuous pocket  175 .  
         [0064]     (11) As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , an apparatus for making a side seam polyethylene bag with registered, perforated, promotional strips  225 , includes a supply of polyethylene material  230 . A first extruder  240  is provided. The first extruder  240  forms a continuous polyethylene strip  140 . The strip has an upper edge  85 , a lower edge  90 , an upper surface  75  and a lower surface  80 . A first printer  245  is provided. The first printer  245  marks a plurality of promotional messages  100  and a plurality of first alignment indicators  145  upon the upper surface  75  of the polyethylene strip  140 . A winder  250  is provided. The winder  250  forms the polyethylene strip  140  into a first roll  150 .  
         [0065]     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , a second extruder  260  is provided. The second extruder  260  forms a continuous sheet of polyethylene material  155 . The sheet  155  has a first edge  160  and a second edge  165 . A sheet folder  265  is provided. The sheet folder  265  forms the sheet  155  along a longitudinal axis  170  to form a continuous pocket  175 . The pocket  175  has a closed bottom  180 , an open top  185 , an inner surface  190 , an outer surface  195 , a top layer  200  and a bottom layer  205 . A second printer  270  is provided. The second printer  270  marks a plurality of second alignment indicators  210  on the outer surface. As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , an unwind stand  255  is provided. The unwind stand  255  controllably dispenses the polyethylene strip  140  from the first roll  150 . A first perforator  275  is provided. The first perforator  275  perforates the strip  140  into serial groupings  215  of first end sections  60 , detachable center sections  65  and second end sections  70 . A tractor  280  is provided. The tractor  280  pulls the strip  140  from the first roll  150  located upon the unwind stand  255  and locates a portion  55  of the strip  140  orthogonally over the pocket  175 .  
         [0066]     A first sensor  285  is provided. The first sensor  285  detects the first alignment indicator  145  on the strip  140 . A second sensor  290  is provided. The second sensor  290  detects the second alignment indicator  210  on the outer surface  195  of the pocket  175 . A controller  295  is provided. The controller  295  is connected to the first  285  and second  290  sensors and aligns one of the first alignment indicators  145  with one of the second alignment indicators  210 . A sealer  300  is provided. The sealer  300  seals the first end section  60  of the portion  55  of the strip  140  to the outer surface  195  on the top layer  200  and seals the top layer  200  to the bottom layer  205 , forming a first side seam  45 , seals the second end section  70  of the portion  55  of the strip  140  to the outer surface  195  on the top layer  200  and seals the top layer  200  to the bottom layer  205 , thereby forming a second side seam  50 . A cutter  305  is provided. The cutter  305  cuts a finished bag  10  from the continuous pocket  175 .  
         [0067]     (12) In a variant of the invention, as illustrated in  FIGS. 8, 9  and  10 , the controller  295  adjusts the speed of the unwind stand  255  to align the first alignment indicator  145  with the second alignment indicator  210 .  
         [0068]     (13) An apparatus for making a side seam polyethylene bag with registered, perforated, promotional strips  225  includes a supply of polyethylene material  230 , as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . A first extruder  240  is provided. The first extruder  240  forms a continuous polyethylene strip  140 . The strip  140  has an upper edge  85 , a lower edge  90 , an upper surface  75  and a lower surface  80 . A first printer  245  is provided. The first printer  245  marks a plurality of promotional messages  100  and a plurality of first alignment indicators  145  upon the upper surface  75  of the polyethylene strip  140 . A winder  250  is provided. The winder  250  forms the polyethylene strip  140  into a first roll  150 . As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , a second extruder  260  is provided. The second extruder  260  forms a continuous sheet of polyethylene material  155 . The sheet  155  has a first edge  160  and a second edge  165 . A sheet folder  265  is provided. The sheet folder  265  forms the sheet  155  along a longitudinal axis  170  to form a continuous pocket  175  that has a closed bottom  180 , an open top  185 , an inner surface  190  (not shown), an outer surface  195 , a top layer  200  and a bottom layer  205 . A second printer  270  is provided. The second printer  270  marks a plurality of second alignment indicators  210  on the outer surface  195 .  
         [0069]     As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , an unwind stand  255  is provided. The unwind stand  255  controllably dispenses the polyethylene strip  140  from the first roll  150 . A tractor  280  is provided. The tractor  280  pulls the strip  140  from the first roll  150  located upon the unwind stand  255  and locates a portion  55  of the strip  140  orthogonally over the pocket  175 . A first perforator  275  is provided. The first perforator  275  perforates the strip  140  into serial groupings  215  of first end sections  60 , detachable center sections  65  and second end sections  70 . A first sensor  285  is provided. The first sensor  285  detects the first alignment indicator  145  on the strip  140 . A second sensor  290  is provided. The second sensor  290  detects the second alignment indicator  210  on the outer surface  195  of the pocket  175 . A controller  295  is provided. The controller  295  is connected to the first  285  and second  290  sensors and aligns one of the first alignment indicators  145  with one of the second alignment indicators  210 . A sealer  300  is provided. The sealer  300  seals the first end section  60  of the portion  55  of the strip  140  to the outer surface  195  on the top layer  200  and seals the top layer  200  to the bottom layer  205 , forming a first side seam  45 , seals the second end section  70  of the portion  55  of the strip  140  to the outer surface  195  on the top layer  200  and seals the top layer  200  to the bottom layer  205 , thereby forming a second side seam  50 . A second perforator  310  is provided. The second perforator  310  forms a side seam perforation  110  between the second side seam  50  of a first bag  10  and the first side seam  45  of a subsequent bag  10 . A roller  315  is provided. The roller  315  rolls the bags  10  into a compact roll  115 .  
         [0070]     (14) In a variant of the invention, as illustrated in  FIGS. 8, 9 , and  10 , the controller  295  adjusts the speed of the unwind stand  255  to align the first alignment indicator  145  with the second alignment indicator  210 .  
         [0071]     (15) In a final variant of the invention, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , an apparatus for making a side seam polyethylene bag with registered, perforated, promotional strips  225  includes the following components. A supply of polyethylene material  230  is provided. A first extruder  240  is provided. The first extruder  240  forms a continuous polyethylene strip  140 . The strip  140  has an upper edge  85 , a lower edge  90 , an upper surface  75  and a lower surface  80 . A first printer  245  is provided. The first printer  245  marks a plurality of promotional messages  100  and a plurality of first alignment indicators  145  upon the upper surface  75  of the polyethylene strip  140 . A winder  250  is provided. The winder  250  forms the polyethylene strip  140  into a first roll  150 .  
         [0072]     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , a second extruder  260  is provided. The second extruder  260  forms a continuous sheet of polyethylene material  155 . The sheet  155  has a first edge  160  and a second edge  165 . A sheet folder  265  is provided. The sheet folder  265  forms the sheet  155  along a longitudinal axis  170  to form a continuous pocket  175  that has a closed bottom  180 , an open top  185 , an inner surface  190  (not shown), an outer surface  195 , a top layer  200  and a bottom layer  205 .  
         [0073]     As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , a first perforator  320  is provided. The first perforator  320  perforates at least one of the top layer  200  and the bottom layer  205  parallel and adjacent to the open top  185  to form an attached header strip  125 . A second printer  270  is provided. The second printer  270  marks a plurality of second alignment indicators  210  on the outer surface  195 . An unwind stand  255  is provided. The unwind stand  255  controllably dispenses the polyethylene strip  140  from the first roll  150 . A second perforator  325  is provided. The second perforator  325  perforates the strip  140  into serial groupings  215  of first end sections  60 , detachable center sections  65  and second end sections  70 . A tractor  280  is provided. The tractor  280  pulls the strip  140  from the first roll  150  located upon the unwind stand  255  and locates a portion  55  of the strip  140  orthogonally over the pocket  175 . A first sensor  285  is provided. The first sensor  285  detects the first alignment indicator  145  on the strip  140 . A second sensor  290  is provided. The second sensor  290  detects the second alignment indicator  210  on the outer surface  195  of the pocket  175 . A controller  295  is provided. The controller  295  is connected to the first  285  and second  290  sensors and aligns one of the first alignment indicators  145  with one of the second alignment indicators  210 . A sealer  300  is provided. The sealer  300  seals the first end section  60  of the portion  55  of the strip  140  to the outer surface  195  on the top layer  200  and sealing the top layer  200  to the bottom layer  205 , forming a first side seam  45 , sealing the second end section  70  of the portion  55  of the strip  140  to the outer surface  195  on the top layer  200  and sealing the top layer  200  to the bottom layer  205 , thereby forming a second side seam  50 . A cutter  305  is provided. The cutter  305  cuts a finished bag  10  from the continuous pocket  175 .  
         [0074]     The side seam polyethylene bag with registered, perforated, promotional strips  10  and apparatus for making same  225  has been described with reference to particular embodiments. Other modifications and enhancements can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims that follow.