# Patent

## Title
Bag with reinforcing seam tape

## Abstract

A bag with reinforcing seam tape is provided. The bag has a bottom, at least two sides, and at least two ends formed from textile panels; the textile panels are joined by seams. A reinforcing seam tape adheres to at least a portion of the seam. The reinforcing seam tape is made of thermoplastic polyurethane having a thickness between 0.3 millimeters and 0.8 millimeters. At least one face of the seam tape may have a cross-sectional shape that provides structural support to the bag.

## Background
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not applicable.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to bags. More particularly, the present invention relates to a duffle bag with reinforced seams that provide structure to the bag.
BACKGROUND
Seam tape has traditionally been used to finish fabric edges in order to prevent the thread used in the seam from ripping and/or to prevent fraying of the edge. Seam tape has also been used to reinforce fabric seams in order to prevent water from leaking through the seams. Whether used to finish fabric edges or to reinforce fabric seams, traditional seam tape generally has an interior face and an exterior face that are substantially co-planar with respect to each other. As well, traditional seam tape has typically been as light as possible, and hence provides little structural reinforcement to the fabric edges or fabric seams for which it is being used.
SUMMARY
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The present invention is defined by the claims.
At a high level, the present invention is directed toward a bag with reinforcing seam tape that provides structure to the bag in three dimensions. The seam tape may be manufactured in such a way as to provide different textures or shapes on each face of the seam tape. For example, the seam tape may have ribs or other textures or shapes that provide structural support for the weight of the bag in certain positions. Further, interesting geometric protrusions may be provided on the side of the seam tape facing the exterior of the bag, thus providing aesthetic appeal to the user of the bag.
Additionally, the seam tape may comprise a thermoplastic elastomer tape, where the thermoplastic elastomer tape may comprise thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). TPU has many useful properties including elasticity, durability, resistance to abrasion, transparency, and resistance to oil, grease, water, and the like.
Accordingly, in one aspect the present invention is directed to a bag with reinforcing seam tape. The bag comprises a bottom, at least two sides, and at least two ends formed from textile panels, the textile panels joined by seams. The bag also comprises a plurality of lengths of seam tape adhered to the textile panels to cover at least a portion of the seams joining the textile panels. The seam tape comprises thermoplastic polyurethane having a thickness between 0.3 millimeters and 0.8 millimeters such that the plurality of lengths of seam tape provide a three-dimensional structure to the bag.
In another aspect, the present invention is directed to an extruded seam tape useable to reinforce a seam. The extruded seam tape comprises an interior face having a first shape, wherein the interior face engages a fabric surface of the seam. The extruded seam tape also comprises an exterior face having a second shape that is different from the first shape; the exterior face structurally reinforces the seam.
In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for applying a thermoreactive seam tape adjacent to and in contact with the seam. The method comprises positioning the thermoreactive seam tape adjacent to and in contact with the seam. The thermoreactive seam tape comprises an interior face having a first cross-sectional shape; the interior face engages a fabric surface of the seam. The thermoreactive seam tape also comprises an exterior face having a second cross-sectional shape; the second cross-sectional shape is substantially non-planar with respect to the exterior face. Additionally, the thermoreactive seam tape also comprises a first end and a second end.
The method further comprises positioning a heated seam tape roller adjacent to and in contact with the exterior face of the thermoreactive seam tape at the first end; the heated seam tape roller engages the second cross-sectional shape of the exterior face. The heated seam tape roller is rolled from the first end of the thermoreactive seam tape to the second end of the thermoreactive seam tape. The heated seam tape roller heats the thermoreactive seam tape in such a way as to cause the thermoreactive seam tape to be adherent to the seam along its entire length.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Examples are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:
FIG. 1 depicts a bag as seen in standard use in an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 depicts a cross-section of the bag depicted in FIG. 1 illustrating how seam tape is used to reinforce seams of the bag in an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 3-4 depict a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an exterior face of seam tape in an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 5-6 depict a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an exterior face of seam tape in an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 7-8 depict a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an exterior face of seam tape in an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 depicts a front view of an interior face of seam tape in an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10 depicts a side-view of seam tape in an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGS. 11-12 depict a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an exterior face of seam tape and a roller in an embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 13 depicts a flow diagram illustrating a method of applying seam tape to a bag in an embodiment of the present invention.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The subject matter of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. Moreover, although the terms “step” and/or “block” might be used herein to connote different elements of methods employed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly stated.
The present invention is directed toward a bag with reinforcing seam tape that provides structure to the bag in three dimensions. The seam tape may be manufactured in such a way as to provide different textures or shapes on each face of the seam tape. For example, the seam tape may have ribs or other textures or shapes that provide structural support for the weight of the bag in certain positions. Further, interesting geometric protrusions may be provided on the side of the seam tape facing the exterior of the bag, thus providing aesthetic appeal to the user of the bag.
Additionally, the seam tape may comprise a thermoplastic elastomer tape, where the thermoplastic elastomer tape may comprise thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). TPU has many useful properties including elasticity, durability, resistance to abrasion, transparency, and resistance to oil, grease, water, and the like.
FIG. 1 illustrates a bag 100 with reinforcing seam tape as seen in standard use. The bag 100 may have a bottom 110, at least two sides 112 (only one side is shown), and at least two ends 114. The textile panels that make up the bottom 110, the two sides 112, and the two ends 114 are joined together to produce one or more seams. The textile panels may be joined together at the seams by affixing technologies such as stitching, glue, adhesives, lamination, hook-and-loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, rivets, or any combination of the preceding elements. These types of affixing technologies often leave gaps in the seams by which liquids and/or particulates can enter and leave the bag 100. Reinforcing seam tape 116 may be used to reinforce the seams of the bag 100 and provide resistance to the liquids and particulates. As well, the reinforcing seam tape 116 may provide some structure to the bag 100. Although a bag is depicted in FIG. 1, the following discussion is applicable to any three-dimensional structure containing a cavity, composed of pliable elements, and containing one or more seams.
The textile panels that make up the bag 100 may comprise any textile material known in the art. Further, the textile panels that make up the bottom 110 of the bag 100 may differ from those that make up the sides 112 and the ends 114 of the bag 100. Any and all such variations are within the scope of the present invention.
With respect to FIG. 2, referenced generally by the numeral 200, a cross-section taken through a seam between the bottom panel 110 and the side panel 112 is depicted. The cross-section 200 illustrates how the bottom panel 110 and the side panel 112 are affixed by, in this example, stitching 218. But, in addition, the cross-section 200 illustrates how the seam tape 116 is used to reinforce the seam by adhering to the bottom panel 110 and the side panel 112 to cover at least a portion of the seam joining the textile panels. For the purposes of this application, an interior face 118 of the seam tape 116 is the face that is adherent to the textile panels (i.e., the bottom panel 110 and the side panel 112), while an exterior face 120 of the seam tape 116 is the face that is not adherent to the textile panels. The exterior face 120 of the seam tape 116 may be a high abrasion layer while the interior layer 118 may be a melt layer with additional layers between them. The additional layers may optionally provide a greater degree of rigidity to the seam tape 116.
The seam tape 116 reinforces the seam by providing mechanical resistance to tearing, fraying, and the like. As well, the seam tape 116 may also provide some structure to the bag 100. For example, the seam tape 116 may have a degree of rigidity and a thickness that allows the seam tape 116 to provide a degree of structure to the seams and, by extension, to the bag 100. The degree of rigidity may be due to the thickness of the seam tape 116 and/or a cross-sectional shape of the seam tape 116. With respect to this aspect, when the seam tape 116 has a degree of rigidity and thickness, it necessarily resists flexing. This aspect will be discussed in greater depth below.
Turning now to FIGS. 3-4, a perspective view and a corresponding cross-sectional view of a portion of seam tape 300 is shown. These views are of an exterior face 310 of the seam tape 300 as it would appear on a bag (for example, the bag 100 of FIG. 1) when in standard use. In other words, it is the side of the seam tape 300 that is not facing the textile panels that make up a seam. As can be seen from FIGS. 3-4, the exterior face 310 present a convex shape 312 that may be substantially non-planar with respect to the opposing face (i.e., the interior 316 face) of the seam tape 300. In one aspect, the convex shape 312 helps to contribute to a rigidity of the seam tape 300 because the convex shape 312 necessarily resists flexing to a greater extent as compared to a planar shape. Because of this rigidity, the seam tape 300 may be able to provide structural support in three-dimensions to the bag. FIG. 4 also depicts a thickness 314 to the seam tape 300. The thickness 314 may vary between 0.3 mm and 0.8 mm. In another aspect, the thickness 314 may be 0.33 mm. The thickness 314 is substantially thicker than most seam tapes and may also contribute to the structural support the seam tape 300 provides to the bag.
Turning now to FIGS. 5-6, a perspective view and a corresponding cross-sectional view of a portion of seam tape 500 is shown. The perspective view and the cross-sectional view are of an exterior face 510 of the seam tape 500. The exterior face 510 presents a concave shape 512 that may be substantially non-planar with respect to the opposing face of the seam tape 500 (i.e., the interior face). Like above, the concave shape 512 may necessarily resist flexing and may provide a degree of rigidity to the seam tape 500. FIG. 6 depicts a thickness 514, with the thickness being between 0.3 mm and 0.8 mm. In another aspect, the thickness 514 may be 0.33 mm. Like above, the thickness 514 along with the shape 512 may contribute to the structural support the seam tape 500 provides to the bag.
Turning now to FIGS. 7-8, a perspective view and a corresponding cross-sectional view of a portion of seam tape 700 is shown. The views are of an exterior face 710 of the seam tape 700. The exterior face 710 comprises a geometric shape 712 consisting of a groove or ridge running substantially parallel to the sides of the seam tape 700. Although only one groove is depicted, multiple grooves may be present. As well, the grooves may be undulating. The seam tape 700 may also comprise other similar geometric shapes consisting of various protrusions or depressions. Like above, the geometric shape 712 may contribute to the structural support the seam tape 700 provides to the bag. Again, the seam tape 700 may have a thickness 714 that is similar to that outlined above for FIGS. 4 and 6.
Turning now to FIG. 9, a front view of a portion of seam tape 900 is shown. The front view is of an interior face 910 of the seam tape 900 as it would be used on a bag (for example, the bag 100 of FIG. 1) when in standard use. In other words, it is the face of the seam tape 900 that adheres to the textile panels and is typically not visible to a viewer of the bag when the bag is in standard use. The interior face 910 may present a different shape or texture 912 than that of an exterior face. The shape and/or texture 912 is designed to provide a maximum amount of surface area for adhesion to the textile panels. As such, the shape and/or texture 912 may be smooth or slightly scored.
Turning to FIG. 10, a side view of a portion of seam tape 1000 is depicted and illustrates yet another aspect of the current invention. The seam tape 1000 has an exterior face 1010 with a first shape 1012, an interior face 1014 with a second shape 1016, and a thickness 1018. As can be seen, the seam tape 1000 presents an additional configuration in which the first shape 1012 is substantially planar with respect to the second shape 1016. In this situation, the thickness 1018 (being somewhat thicker than traditional seam tapes) helps to provide structure and support to a bag.
In one aspect of the invention, the seam tape may be manufactured using extrusion molding techniques. This technique may be used to produce a seam tape in which the exterior face of the seam tape is substantially non-planar (convex or concave) with respect to an interior face of the seam tape as outlined above with respect to FIGS. 3-6. As well, extrusion molding techniques may be used to produce a seam tape where the exterior face has a different geometric shape compared to the interior face. For example, the exterior face may have a series of ridges or grooves that run the length of the seam tape, while the interior face of the seam tape is substantially flat as seen in FIGS. 7-8. Additionally, extrusion molding techniques may be used to produce a seam tape in which the exterior face of the seam tape is substantially planar with respect to the interior face of the seam tape as seen in FIG. 10. When the exterior face is substantially flat, traditional printing techniques may be used to impart a design to the exterior face.
Further, extrusion molding techniques may be used to produce a length of seam tape having a preconfigured shape along its length such as a one or more bends and/or curves. The seam tape may also be manufactured using other techniques. For example, sheets of material may be produced and sliced into strips of seam tape. Any and all variations are within the scope of the invention.
The seam tape may, in one aspect, be a thermoplastic elastomer strip comprising thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). TPU has many useful properties including elasticity, durability, resistance to abrasion, transparency, and resistance to oil, grease, water, and the like. As well, TPU is colorable so that the seam tape may be colored to match the textile panels that make up a bag. Alternatively, the seam tape may be colored differently than the textile panels.
Further, in another aspect, the seam tape may comprise one of a polyester-based TPU or a polyether-based TPU with an ASTM D2240 type A durometer reading between 80-90. Polyether-based TPU is useful where microbial resistance is required or in cases where flexibility at extremely low temperatures is desired, while polyester-based TPU demonstrates superior abrasion resistance, adhesion strength, chemical resistance, and resistance to heat aging. In yet another aspect, the seam tape may comprise a rubber strip where the types of rubber may comprise butadiene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, hydrogenated nitrile rubber, isoprene rubber, natural rubber, polychloroprene rubber, polyurethane rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, and such.
Continuing, the seam tape may be thermoreactive such that it can be applied to textile materials using some type of heat source. Further, an exterior face of the seam tape may have a different degree of thermoreactivity as compared to an interior face of the seam tape. In one aspect, the exterior face is less thermoreactive than the interior face of the seam tape. For example, the exterior face may be thought of as more of an “abrasion layer” that resists wear and tear, while the interior face of the seam tape may be thought of as more of a “melt layer” that melts to engage the underlying textile material. Although only two layers have been discussed with respect to the seam tape, it is contemplated that additional layers with different degrees of thermoreactivity can be added between the exterior face and the interior face to provide further rigidity.
Turning now to FIGS. 11-12, a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an exterior face 1110 of a portion of seam tape 1100 and a corresponding roller 1112 are depicted. The head of the roller 1112 may be designed to fully engage the exterior face 1110 of the seam tape 1100. For example, if the exterior face 1110 is convex in appearance as shown in FIGS. 11-12, the head of the roller 1112 may have a corresponding concavity that engages with the exterior face 1110. Alternatively, if an exterior face is concave in appearance as shown in FIGS. 5-6, the head of the roller may have a corresponding convexity that engages with the exterior face. Still further, if an exterior face is planar in shape such as in FIG. 10, the head of the roller may also be planar in shape. Any and all variations are within the scope of the invention.
The head of the roller 1112 may be heated so as to melt the interior face of the seam tape 1100 such that it adheres to the underlying textile panels. As mentioned earlier, the seam tape may be manufactured so that the exterior face is not as thermoreactive as compared to the interior face. Thus, when the heated head of the roller 1112 is applied to the exterior face 1110 of the seam tape 1100, the exterior face 1110 does not melt.
Turning now to FIG. 13, a process-flow diagram is depicted illustrating a method 1300 for applying a thermoreactive seam tape to a seam. At a step 1310, the thermoreactive seam tape is positioned adjacent to and in contact with the seam. More specifically, the interior face of the seam tape is positioned adjacent to and in contact with the seam. As mentioned above, a length of thermoreactive seam tape may be manufactured in such a way as to have a shape along its length that corresponds to the seam pattern. For instance, a curvilinear seam tape could be manufactured to match a curvilinear seam pattern.
At a step 1312, a heated seam tape roller is positioned adjacent to and in contact with the exterior face of the thermoreactive seam tape. The heated seam tape roller is designed to engage the exterior face of the seam tape. For example, if the thermoreactive seam tape has been manufactured to present a convex surface as shown in FIGS. 3-4, the heated seam tape roller would have corresponding concavity to engage the convex surface of the seam tape. This arrangement facilitates adhesion of the thermoreactive seam tape to the fabric surface.
At a step 1314, the heated seam tape roller is rolled from a first end of the thermoreactive seam tape to a second end of the thermoreactive seam tape so as to cause the thermoreactive seam tape to be completely adherent to the seam along its entire length. The seam tape roller applies a pressure perpendicular to the exterior face of the seam tape. In one aspect, tension may be applied to both the thermoreactive seam tape and the seam of the textile panels to prevent bunching and wrinkling of the seam tape and/or the textile panels.
The present invention has been described in relation to particular examples, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from its scope. Certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims.

## Claims

1. An extruded seam tape useable to reinforce a seam comprising a first fabric surface and an adjacent second fabric surface, the extruded seam tape comprising:
an inner-facing planar surface that engages both the first fabric surface and the second fabric surface of the seam; and
an outer-facing surface opposite the inner-facing planar surface, the outer-facing surface being substantially non-planar with respect to the inner-facing planar surface along a length of the extruded seam tape, the outer-facing surface structurally reinforcing the seam.

2. The extruded seam tape of claim 1, wherein the extruded seam tape comprises a thermoplastic elastomer tape.

3. The extruded seam tape of claim 2, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer tape comprises thermoplastic polyurethane.

4. The extruded seam tape of claim 3, wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane comprises one of polyester-based thermoplastic polyurethane or polyether-based thermoplastic polyurethane.

5. The extruded seam tape of claim 1, wherein the extruded seam tape is colorable.

6. The extruded seam tape of claim 1, wherein the extruded seam tape is thermoreactive.

7. The extruded seam tape of claim 6, wherein the outer-facing surface is less thermoreactive than the inner-facing planar surface.

8. The extruded seam tape of claim 1, wherein the extruded seam tape has a degree of rigidity.

9. The extruded seam tape of claim 1, wherein the extruded seam tape has a thickness between 0.3 millimeters and 0.8 millimeters.