Patent Publication Number: US-2022219865-A1

Title: Reinforced thermoplastic bag with extended hem skirt

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/136,307, filed on Jan. 12, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Among their many applications, thermoplastic bags are used as liners in trash or refuse receptacles. Trash receptacles that employ such liners can be found at many locations from small household kitchen garbage cans to larger, multi-gallon drums located in public places and restaurants. Bags that are intended to be used as liners for such refuse containers are typically made from low-cost, pliable thermoplastic material. When the receptacle is full, the thermoplastic liner holding the trash can be removed for disposal and replaced with a new liner. 
     Increasing manufacturing costs for thermoplastic liners have led to a trending effort to decrease material use (e.g., by making thinner webs). As a result, some conventional thermoplastic liners are prone to tearing, ruptures, and other issues at the top of the bag. For example, when grasping a conventional thermoplastic liner by a top portion, a grasping hand (e.g., fingers) can puncture or overly stretch (leading to subsequent failure of) the thermoplastic liner. For instance, after fingers stretch a thermoplastic liner during a grasping motion, these overly stretched areas are further compromised (e.g., in some cases to the point of failure) when pulling or lifting a thermoplastic liner up and out of a trash receptacle. In turn, such compromising of the top of the bag can lead to trash spillage, require an adjusted/awkward carrying position or method, etc. 
     Additionally, or alternatively, for some conventional thermoplastic liners, the decrease in material consumption can also trigger undesirable visual connotations (e.g., that less material is used and therefore the thermoplastic liner must be weak or cheaply made). Regardless of actual material properties, these conventional thermoplastic liners can visually convey material properties indicative of low durability and usability. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a multi-layered reinforced thermoplastic bag with improved top-of-bag strength performance. In particular, one or more implementations of the reinforced thermoplastic bag include an extended hem skirt applied to a grab-zone where users grasp when lifting or carrying the reinforced thermoplastic bag. In these or other embodiments, an extended hem skirt is formed by extending one or more layers of the reinforced thermoplastic bag (e.g., an inner layer, an outer layer, or both) across the grab-zone. Furthermore, the extended hem skirt is optionally secured to the sidewalls via one or more seals. The extended hem skirt reinforces the thermoplastic bag and provides a stronger top-of-bag because the extended hem skirt distributes an applied load across an area impacted by stresses/strain from grasping fingers (e.g., during a grabbing motion to lift or carry). 
     In addition to the foregoing, a method for forming a reinforced thermoplastic bag may include non-continuously laminating portions and/or layers of the reinforced thermoplastic bag together. In one or more implementations, the extended hem skirt is non-continuously laminated to portions of the grab-zone of the reinforced thermoplastic bag. Examples of non-continuously lamination include adhesive bonding, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, embossing, ring rolling, SELFing, applying a combination of pressure and tackifying agents embedded in one or more films, and combinations thereof. Further, the method can include joining respective side edges of first and second sidewalls to form a bag configuration. The method can additionally include forming a bottom fold or a closed bottom edge to join the first and second sidewalls at a bottom portion of the reinforced thermoplastic bag. 
     Additional features and advantages of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are outlined in the following description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description provides one or more embodiments with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, as briefly described below. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a reinforced thermoplastic bag in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIGS. 2A-2G  illustrate respective cross-sectional views of various sidewalls implementing an extended hem skirt in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIGS. 3A-3C  illustrate individual films for use in a non-continuously laminated structure of thermoplastic films in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a non-continuously laminated structure of thermoplastic films in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates another reinforced thermoplastic bag in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates yet another reinforced thermoplastic bag in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates an example manufacturing process for forming a reinforced thermoplastic bag in accordance with one or more embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     This disclosure describes one or more embodiments of a reinforced multi-layered thermoplastic bag with increased strength. In particular, the reinforced thermoplastic bag can include a multi-ply trash bag (e.g., the sidewalls include multiple plies) with a sidewall extension positioned across a grab-zone of the trash bag (e.g., areas of the trash bag commonly grabbed when removing the trash bag from a receptacle and in particular an area just below a hem seal). In these or other embodiments, the sidewall extension is a top portion of a sidewall doubled over itself and secured to an inner surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag. For example, the sidewall extension is positioned between and is secured to the reinforced thermoplastic bag by discrete laminated portions (e.g., a hem seal and a hem skirt seal positioned below the hem seal). In one or more embodiments, the sidewall extension comprises multiple layers of a multi-layered sidewall folded over to an inner surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag. In other embodiments, the sidewall extension comprises only one of multiple sidewall layers folded over to the inner surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag. 
     To illustrate, the reinforced thermoplastic bag in one or more implementations utilizes an extended hem skirt of a first sidewall layer to reinforce a portion of the grab-zone extending below the hem skirt formed by a second sidewall layer. Utilizing an extended hem skirt comprising only one of two sidewall layers utilizes less material. In particular, rather than using both sidewall layers in the extended hem skirt, the reinforced thermoplastic bag can, in a more resource-friendly manner, provide additional reinforcing material at the grab-zone with just the one sidewall layer. 
     More particularly, the reinforced thermoplastic bag can include an extended hem skirt where either the first sidewall layer or the second sidewall layer extends past the hem skirt of the other sidewall layer. For example, in some embodiments, an outer sidewall layer of the reinforced thermoplastic bag forms the extended hem skirt that extends several inches past a hem skirt for an inner sidewall layer. In other embodiments, the inner sidewall layer of the reinforced thermoplastic bag forms the extended hem skirt by extending several inches past a hem skirt for the outer sidewall layer. By flexibly allowing either of the sidewall layers to form the extended hem skirt, the reinforced thermoplastic bag further increases manufacturing flexibility by allowing for the use of conventional bag making machines. 
     In one or more embodiments, the reinforced thermoplastic bag utilizes an extended hem skirt comprising both the first and second sidewall layers to reinforce the grab-zone. This approach also has at least a couple advantages. First, the reinforced thermoplastic bag can further increase (e.g., double) the amount of reinforcement applied at the grab-zone. By increasing the amount of reinforcement, the reinforced thermoplastic bag can better withstand applied loads from grasping fingers. Second, the reinforced thermoplastic bag can apply, via multiple sidewall layers, different (e.g., complimenting) material properties to the grab-zone of the reinforced thermoplastic bag. For example, a first sidewall layer may impart increased puncture toughness while a second sidewall layer may impart a directional strength improvement to the reinforced thermoplastic bag. 
     Additionally, or alternatively, in one or more embodiments, the reinforced thermoplastic bag utilizes an extended hem skirt comprising ring-rolled portions. By utilizing ring-rolled portions in the extended hem skirt, the reinforced thermoplastic bag can improve strength characteristics at the grab-zone. Furthermore, ring-rolling certain film portions allows the reinforced thermoplastic bag to be formed of down-gauged film to facilitate decreased manufacturing costs without sacrificing strength or durability. 
     Additionally, one or more embodiments include forming the extended hem skirt by ring-rolling a top edge for one or more sidewall layers to extend a hem skirt at least two or more inches towards a bottom fold past the hem seal. This approach also increases manufacturing friendliness in some embodiments. For instance, in certain embodiments where only one of multiple sidewall layers form the extended hem skirt, the disclosed reinforced thermoplastic bag avoids reconfiguring manufacturing assemblies to perform multiple/different hem-folding operations or extrusion processes for forming an extended hem skirt with one sidewall layer and a regular hem skirt with the other sidewall layer. Accordingly, one or more embodiments can advantageously extrude films equally, ring-roll one of the sidewall layers to form a corresponding extended width that will form the extended hem skirt, and subsequently perform a regular hem fold operation involving both sidewall layers at conversion. 
     Further, in one or more implementations, the extended hem skirt is colored or patterned to visually impart or increase a perception of strength and durability at the grab-zone of the reinforced thermoplastic bag. In these or other embodiments, one or more layers of the reinforced thermoplastic bag are translucent to facilitate visibility of the extended hem skirt through an outside surface and/or an inside surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag. For example, when superimposing a translucent outer layer of reinforced thermoplastic bag over one or more colored portions for the extended hem skirt, the reinforced thermoplastic bag can visibly show that the grab-zone is a reinforced area. Alternatively, each of the sidewall layers can be colored so as to impart a different color at the grab-zone via the extended hem skirt providing one or more additional layers of material. 
     As illustrated by the foregoing discussion, the present disclosure utilizes a variety of terms to describe features and benefits of a reinforced thermoplastic bag. Additional detail is now provided regarding the meaning of these terms. For example, as used herein, the term “grab-zone” refers to a portion of a thermoplastic bag that is subjected to an applied load (e.g., a lifting force to lift or carry the thermoplastic bag). In particular, the grab-zone includes a top portion of a thermoplastic bag (e.g., above and/or below a hem seal). For example, the grab-zone extends from a first side edge to an opposing second side edge and from proximate (e.g., immediately adjacent to or within a threshold distance from) the top opening a first distance toward the bottom fold. As another example, the grab-zone extends from a first side edge to an opposing second side edge and from the hem seal a second distance (equivalent or different from the first distance) toward the bottom fold. As a further example, the grab-zone extends from a first side edge to an opposing second side edge and from the hem seal a third distance (equivalent or different from the first and second distances) to a hem skirt seal toward the bottom fold. 
     As used herein, the terms “lamination,” “laminate,” and “laminated film,” refer to the process and resulting product made by bonding together two or more layers of film or other material. The term laminate is also inclusive of coextruded multilayer films comprising one or more tie layers. The term “bonding,” when used in reference to bonding of multiple layers may be used interchangeably with “lamination” of the layers. As a verb, “laminate” means to affix or adhere (by means of, for example, adhesive bonding, pressure bonding (e.g., ring rolling, embossing, SELFing, bond forming due to tackifying agents in one or more of the films), ultrasonic bonding, corona lamination, and the like) two or more separately made film articles to one another so as to form a multi-layer structure. For example, a means of sealing in one or more implementations comprises application of heat and pressure to a sidewall comprising one or more layers (at least one of which includes an extended hem skirt). To illustrate a means of sealing, a system forming the disclosed reinforced thermoplastic bag may perform metal-metal embossing or rubber-metal embossing in one unit or two units close-coupled. In one or both cases, the system may pre-heat one or more films and/or preheat an outside surface of drive rolls. As a noun, “laminate” means a product produced by the affixing or adhering via one or more implementations described above. 
     In one or more implementations, the lamination or bonding between a bag and a reinforcing feature, such as the extended hem skirt of the present disclosure, may be non-continuous (i.e., discontinuous or partially discontinuous). As used herein the terms “discontinuous bonding” or “discontinuous lamination” refers to lamination of two or more layers where the lamination is not continuous in the machine direction and not continuous in the transverse direction. More particularly, discontinuous lamination refers to lamination of two or more layers with repeating bonded patterns broken up by repeating un-bonded areas in both the machine direction and the transverse direction of the film (or alternatively, random bonded areas broken up by random un-bonded areas). In one or more embodiments, the discontinuous lamination includes patterned lamination. 
     As similarly used herein, the terms “partially discontinuous bonding” or “partially discontinuous lamination” refer to lamination of two or more layers where the lamination is substantially continuous in the machine direction or in the transverse direction, but not continuous in the other of the machine direction or the transverse direction. Alternately, partially discontinuous lamination refers to lamination of two or more layers where the lamination is substantially continuous in the width of the article but not continuous in the height of the article. Alternatively, partially discontinuous lamination can include two or more layers substantially continuous in the height of the article but not continuous in the width of the article. More particularly, partially discontinuous lamination refers to lamination of two or more layers with repeating bonded patterns broken up by repeating unbounded areas in either the machine direction or the transverse direction. In one or more embodiments, the partially discontinuous lamination includes patterned lamination. 
     As used herein, the term “machine direction” or “MD” refers to the direction along the length of the film, or in other words, the direction of the film as the film is formed during extrusion and/or coating. As used herein, the term “transverse direction” or “TD” refers to the direction across the film or perpendicular to the machine direction. 
     As also used herein, the term “flexible” refers to materials that are capable of being flexed or bent, especially repeatedly, such that they are pliant and yieldable in response to externally applied forces. Accordingly, “flexible” is substantially opposite in meaning to the terms inflexible, rigid, or unyielding. Materials and structures that are flexible, therefore, may be altered in shape and structure to accommodate external forces without integrity loss. Similarly, materials and structures that are flexible can conform to the shape of contacting objects without integrity loss. For example, a thermoplastic bag disclosed herein may include web materials which exhibit an “elastic-like” behavior in the direction of applied strain without the use of added traditional elastic. As used herein, the term “elastic-like” describes the behavior of web materials which when subjected to an applied strain, the web materials extend in the direction of the applied strain. When the applied strain is released, the web materials return, to a degree, to their pre-strained condition. 
     Film Materials 
     In one or more implementations, the bag and/or the extended hem skirt of the present disclosure comprise thermoplastic films. As an initial matter, one or more layers of such films can comprise any flexible or pliable material comprising a thermoplastic material and that can be formed or drawn into a web or film. Each individual film layer may itself include a single layer or multiple layers. Adjuncts may also be included, as desired (e.g., pigments, slip agents, anti-block agents, tackifiers, or combinations thereof). The thermoplastic material of the films of one or more implementations can include, but are not limited to, thermoplastic polyolefins, including polyethylene, polypropylene, and copolymers thereof. Besides ethylene and propylene, exemplary copolymer olefins include, but are not limited to, ethylene vinylacetate (EVA), ethylene methyl acrylate (EMA) and ethylene acrylic acid (EAA), or blends of such olefins. Various other suitable olefins and polyolefins will be apparent to one of skill in the art. 
     Other examples of polymers suitable for use as films in accordance with the present invention include elastomeric polymers. Suitable elastomeric polymers may also be biodegradable or environmentally degradable. Suitable elastomeric polymers for the film include poly(ethylene-butene), poly(ethylene-hexene), poly(ethylene-octene), poly(ethylene-propylene), poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene), poly(styrene-isoprene-styrene), poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene), poly(ester-ether), poly(ether-amide), poly(ethylene-vinylacetate), poly(ethylene-methylacrylate), poly(ethylene-acrylic acid), poly(ethylene butylacrylate), polyurethane, poly(ethylene-propylene-diene), ethylene-propylene rubber, and combinations thereof. 
     In at least one implementation of the present invention, the film can include linear low density polyethylene. The term “linear low density polyethylene” (LLDPE) as used herein is defined to mean a copolymer of ethylene and a minor amount of an alkene containing 4 to 10 carbon atoms. In addition, a LLDPE includes a density from about 0.910 to about 0.926 g/cm 3 , and a melt index (MI) from about 0.5 to about 10. For example, one or more implementations of the present invention can use an octene co-monomer, solution phase LLDPE (MI=1.1; p=0.920). Additionally, other implementations of the present invention can use a gas phase LLDPE, which is a hexene gas phase LLDPE formulated with slip/AB (MI=1.0; p=0.920). One will appreciate that the present invention is not limited to LLDPE, and can include “high density polyethylene” (HDPE), “low density polyethylene” (LDPE), and “very low density polyethylene” (VLDPE). Indeed, films made from any of the previously mentioned thermoplastic materials or combinations thereof can be suitable for use with the present invention. 
     One will appreciate in light of the disclosure herein that manufacturers may form the individual films or webs to be non-continuously bonded together so as to provide improved strength characteristics using a wide variety of techniques. For example, a manufacturer can form a precursor mix of the thermoplastic material including any optional additives. The manufacturer can then form the film(s) from the precursor mix using conventional flat extrusion, cast extrusion, or coextrusion to produce monolayer, bilayer, or multilayered films. In any case, the resulting film can be discontinuously bonded to another film at a later stage to provide the benefits associated with the present invention. 
     Alternative to conventional flat extrusion or cast extrusion processes, a manufacturer can form the films using other suitable processes, such as, a blown film process to produce monolayer, bilayer, or multilayered films. Such layers are subsequently discontinuously bonded with another film layer at a later stage. If desired for a given end use, the manufacturer can orient the films by trapped bubble, tenterframe, or other suitable processes. Additionally, the manufacturer can optionally anneal the films. 
     The extruder used in one or more implementations includes a conventional design using a die to provide the desired gauge. Some useful extruders are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,814,135; 4,857,600; 5,076,988; 5,153,382; each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Examples of various extruders that may be used in producing the films of the present invention include a single screw type modified with a blown film die, an air ring, and continuous take off equipment. 
     In one or more implementations, a manufacturer can use multiple extruders to supply different melt streams, which a feed block can order into different channels of a multi-channel die. The multiple extruders can allow a manufacturer to form a multi-layered film with layers having different compositions. Such multi-layer film may later be non-continuously laminated with another layer of film to provide the benefits of the present invention. 
     In a blown film process, the die can be an upright cylinder with a circular opening. Rollers can pull molten plastic upward away from the die. An air-ring can cool the film as the film travels upwards. An air outlet can force compressed air into the center of the extruded circular profile, creating a bubble. The air can expand the extruded circular cross section by a multiple of the die diameter. This ratio is called the “blow-up ratio.” When using a blown film process, the manufacturer can collapse the film to double the plies of the film. Alternatively, the manufacturer can cut and fold the film, or cut and leave the film unfolded. 
     Additional detail will now be provided regarding a reinforced thermoplastic bag in relation to illustrative figures portraying example embodiments and implementations of the reinforced thermoplastic bag. For example,  FIG. 1  illustrates a reinforced thermoplastic bag  100  in accordance with one or more embodiments. The reinforced thermoplastic bag  100  may be used as a liner for a garbage can or similar refuse container. The reinforced thermoplastic bag  100  can include a first thermoplastic sidewall  102  and an opposing second thermoplastic sidewall  104  which together provide an interior volume  106 . The first and second thermoplastic sidewalls  102 ,  104  may be joined along a first side edge  110 , an opposing second side edge  112 , and a closed bottom edge  114 . The closed bottom edge  114  may extend between the first and second side edges  110 ,  112 . In one or more implementations the first and second thermoplastic sidewalls  102 ,  104  are joined along the first and second side edges  110 ,  112  and along the closed bottom edge  114  by any suitable process, such as heat sealing. In alternative implementations, the closed bottom edge  114 , or one or more of the first and second side edges  110 ,  112  can comprise a fold. 
     At least a portion of the respective first and second thermoplastic sidewalls  102 ,  104  may remain un-joined to define an opening  124  located opposite the closed bottom edge  114 . The opening  124  may be used to deposit items into the interior volume  106 . Furthermore, the reinforced thermoplastic bag  100  may be placed into a trash receptacle. When placed in a trash receptacle, a top portion of the first and second thermoplastic sidewalls  102 ,  104  may be folded over the rim of the receptacle. 
     As additionally shown in  FIG. 1 , the first and second thermoplastic sidewalls  102 ,  104  are folded back into the interior volume  106 . For example, the first thermoplastic sidewall  102  may be folded back and attached via a hem seal  145   a  to the interior surface of the first thermoplastic sidewall  102 , thereby forming a first hem channel disposed within a first hem  142 . Similarly, the second thermoplastic sidewall  104  may be folded back and attached via a hem seal  145   b  to the interior surface of the second thermoplastic sidewall  104 , thereby forming a second hem channel disposed within a second hem  144 . 
     In one or more implementations, the first and second hem channels accommodate a draw tape  140  to close or reduce the opening  124 . For example, as shown by  FIG. 1 , the draw tape  140  extends loosely through the first and second hem channels of the respective first and second hems  142 ,  144 . To access the draw tape  140 , first and second notches  146 ,  148  may be disposed through the respective first and second hems  142 ,  144 . Pulling the draw tape  140  through the notches  146 ,  148  will constrict the first and second hems  142 ,  144  thereby closing or reducing the opening  124 . The draw tape closure may be used with any of the implementations of a reinforced thermoplastic bag described herein. 
     To strengthen the thermoplastic bag  100  (e.g., to reduce ruptures or punctures), the thermoplastic bag  100  may include a thermoplastic reinforcing feature positioned within a grab-zone  105  of the reinforced thermoplastic bag  100 . In particular,  FIG. 1  shows that the thermoplastic bag  100  includes extended hem skirts  130   a , 130   b  (collectively, extended hem skirts  130 ) that cover at least a portion of the grab-zone  105 . In these or other embodiments, the extended hem skirts  130  can comprise one or more layers of material (e.g., sidewall layer(s) of a thermoplastic film as described above) attached to the thermoplastic bag  100  within the grab-zone  105 .  FIGS. 2A-2G  illustrate various embodiments of the extended hem skirts  130  and modes for attaching the extended hem skirts  130  to the reinforced thermoplastic bag  100 . Additionally, or alternatively, in one or more embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the extended hem skirts  130   a ,  130   b  are non-continuously bonded (e.g., via a plurality of non-continuous bonds  150 ) to the respective first and second thermoplastic sidewalls  102 ,  104 . Additionally, or alternatively, the extended hem skirts  130   a ,  130   b  are attached to the respective first and second thermoplastic sidewalls  102 ,  104  via side seals that join the first and second thermoplastic sidewalls  102 ,  104  along the first and second side edges  110 ,  112 . 
     To form the respective extended hem skirts  130   a ,  130   b , at least one of first top edges  120   a ,  120   b  for the first thermoplastic sidewall  102  and at least one of second top edges  122   a ,  122   b  (not shown) for the second thermoplastic sidewall  104  extend past the respective hem seals  145   a ,  145   b  toward the closed bottom edge  114 . Specifically, at least one of the first top edges  120   a ,  120   b  and at least one of the second top edges  122   a ,  122   b  are secured to corresponding hem skirt seals  147   a ,  147   b  (not shown). Additionally, or alternatively, the first top edges  120   a ,  120   b  and/or the second top edges  122   a ,  122   b  can be attached to the thermoplastic bag  100  via side seals (e.g., at the first and second side edges  110 ,  112 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the extended hem skirts  130   a ,  130   b  each comprise a single layer. To illustrate, forming the extended hem skirt  130   a  for the first thermoplastic sidewall  102  comprises securing the first top edge  120   b  to the inside surface of the first thermoplastic sidewall  102  via the first hem skirt seal  147   a . The first hem skirt seal  147   a  is positioned below the hem seal  145   a , which in this case secures the first top edge  120   a  to the inside surface of the first thermoplastic sidewall  102 . Similarly, forming the extended hem skirt  130   b  comprises securing the second top edge  122   b  to the inside surface of the second thermoplastic sidewall  104  via the second hem skirt seal  147   b . The second hem skirt seal  147   b  (although not shown in  FIG. 1 ) is positioned below the hem seal  145   b , which in this case secures the second top edge  122   a  to the inside surface of the second thermoplastic sidewall  104 . In these or other embodiments, the first top edges  120   a ,  120   b  may be un-joined or unattached to the second top edges  122   a ,  122   b.    
     In alternative embodiments, the extended hem skirts  130   a ,  130   b  can include multiple layers of the respective first and second thermoplastic sidewalls  102 ,  104 . For example, both the first top edge  120   a  and the first top edge  120   b  for the first thermoplastic sidewall  102  are at least partially attached to the inside surface of the first thermoplastic sidewall  102  via the first hem skirt seal  147   a . Similarly, in one or more embodiments, both the second top edge  122   a  and the second top edge  122   b  for the second thermoplastic sidewall  104  are at least partially attached to the inside surface of the second thermoplastic sidewall  104  via the second hem skirt seal  147   b.    
     In alternative embodiments, the extended hem skirts  130   a ,  130   b  can include a single layer, but in a different configuration than presently illustrated in  FIG. 1 . To illustrate an example configuration opposite to what is depicted in  FIG. 1 , in one or more implementations, the extended hem skirt  130   a  may be formed by securing the first top edge  120   a  to the inside surface of the first thermoplastic sidewall  102  via the first hem skirt seal  147   a . In such a case, the first top edge  120   b  does not substantially extend past the hem seal  145   a  where secured to the inside surface of the first thermoplastic sidewall  102 . Likewise, in one or more implementations, the extended hem skirt  130   b  may be formed by securing the second top edge  122   a  to the inside surface of the second thermoplastic sidewall  104  via the second hem skirt seal  147   b . Accordingly, in this example, the second top edge  122   b  does not substantially extend past the hem seal  145   b  where secured to the inside surface of the second thermoplastic sidewall  104 . 
     Additionally, or alternatively, in one or more embodiments, multiple hem skirt seals may attach the extended hem skirts  130   a ,  130   b  to the respective first and second thermoplastic sidewalls  102 ,  104 . For example, the reinforced thermoplastic bag  100  may include one or more additional hem skirt seals for the first thermoplastic sidewall  102  positioned between the hem seal  145   a  and the first hem skirt seal  147   a  that secures the extended hem skirt  130   a  to the inside surface of the first thermoplastic sidewall  102 . As another example, the reinforced thermoplastic bag  100  may include one or more additional hem skirt seals for the first thermoplastic sidewall  102  positioned below the first hem skirt seal  147   a  (e.g., for securing the first top edge  120   b  to the inside surface of the first thermoplastic sidewall  102  at a position closer towards the closed bottom edge  114 ). 
     In one or more implementations, the grab-zone  105  for each of the first and second thermoplastic sidewalls span between an adjustable grab-zone boundary  132  and the tops of respective first and second hems  142 ,  144  (e.g., proximate the opening  124 ). In addition, the grab-zone  105  can span between the first and second side edges  110 ,  112 . Accordingly, in one or more implementations the extended hem skirts  130  extend between the first and second side edges  110 ,  112  and coextensive with at least a portion of the grab-zone  105  (e.g., proximate the adjustable grab-zone boundary  132 ). In alternative implementations, the extended hem skirts  130  do not extend the entire length between the first and second side edges  110 ,  112  and/or do not span an entire height of the grab-zone  105 . In any event, the extended hem skirts  130  may provide extra material in the grab-zone  105  of the thermoplastic bag  100  that may be more prone to failure. 
     To illustrate, the extended hem skirts  130  can extend across the first or second thermoplastic sidewalls  102 ,  104  a distance  139 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the distance  139  for the extended hem skirt  130   a  of the first thermoplastic sidewall  102  spans from the hem seal  145   a  to a position proximate the adjustable grab-zone boundary  132  at or below the first hem skirt seal  147   a . In other embodiments, for instance, the distance  139  for the extended hem skirt  130   a  extends from just below the hem seal  145   a  (e.g., proximate to the first top edge  120   a ) to a position proximate the adjustable grab-zone boundary  132  at or below the first hem skirt seal  147   a . Of course, in other embodiments involving longer extended hem skirts and/or multiple hem skirt seals, the distance  139  can extend farther (e.g., closer) towards the closed bottom edge  114 . 
     In these or other embodiments, the extended hem skirt  130   b  can extend the same distance  139  along the second thermoplastic sidewall  104  as does the extended hem skirt  130   a  along the first thermoplastic sidewall  102 . In alternative implementations, the extended hem skirts  130   a ,  130   b  can extend different distances along the first and second thermoplastic sidewalls  102 ,  104 . In any event, the distance  139  in some cases is between approximately 5% and 25% of a height  138  of the reinforced thermoplastic bag  100 , where the height  138  is measured from the closed bottom edge  114  to the opening  124 . For example, in one or more implementations the extended hem skirts  130  extend approximately 20% of the height  138  of the reinforced thermoplastic bag  100 . 
     In more detail, the distance  139  may have a first range of about 1 inch (2.54 cm) to about 10 inches (25.4 cm), a second range of about 3 inches (7.6 cm) to about 8 inches (20.3 cm), a third range of about 4 inches (10.2 cm) to about 6 inches (15.2 cm), a fourth range of about 10 inches (25.4 cm) to about 30 inches (76.2 cm). In one implementation, the distance  139  may be 5 inches (12.7 cm). In another implementation, the distance  139  may be shorter or longer than the examples listed above. 
     By comparison, the height  138  may have a first range of about 20 inches (50.8 cm) to about 48 inches (121.9 cm), a second range of about 23 inches (58.4 cm) to about 33 inches (83.8 cm), and a third range of about 26 inches (66 cm) to about 28 inches (71.1 cm). In one implementation, the height  138  may be 27.375 inches (69.5 cm). In alternative implementations, the height  138  may be shorter or longer than the examples listed above. 
     In one or more embodiments, each of the first and second thermoplastic sidewalls  102 ,  104  (including or excluding the extended hem skirts  130 ) can have a gauge or thickness (e.g., average distance between the major surfaces) between about 0.1 mils to about 10 mils, suitably from about 0.1 mils to about 4 mils, suitably in the range of about 0.1 mils to about 2 mils, suitably from about 0.1 mils to about 1.25 mils, suitably from about 0.9 mils to about 1.1 mils, suitably between about 0.2 mils to about 0.9 mils, and suitably between about 0.3 mils to about 0.7 mils. In these or other embodiments, the first and second thermoplastic sidewalls  102 ,  104  can have a greater thickness than the extended hem skirts  130 . In alterative implementations, the first and second thermoplastic sidewalls  102 ,  104  and the extended hem skirts  130  are the same thickness. In yet further implementations, the extended hem skirts  130  can be thicker than the first and second thermoplastic sidewalls  102 ,  104 . 
     Additionally, or alternatively, in one or more embodiments, each of the first and second thermoplastic sidewalls  102 ,  104  and the extended hem skirts  130  can have a uniform or consistent gauge. In alternative implementations, one or more of the first thermoplastic sidewall  102 , the second thermoplastic sidewall  104 , or the extended hem skirts  130  can be rough or uneven. Further, the gauge of one or more of the first thermoplastic sidewall  102 , the second thermoplastic sidewall  104 , and the extended hem skirts  130  need not be consistent or uniform. Thus, the gauge of one or more of the first thermoplastic sidewall  102 , the second thermoplastic sidewall  104 , or the extended hem skirts  130  can vary due to product design, manufacturing defects, tolerances, or other processing issues. 
     In these or other embodiments, one or more layers of the extended hem skirts  130  can include various thicknesses relative to each other. For example, as described more below in relation to first and second sidewalls layers of  FIGS. 2A-2G  forming an extended hem skirt, a first layer may be thicker than a second layer, and vice-versa. Alternatively, the first and second extended hem skirt layers are the same thickness. 
     In one or more implementations, one or more of the first thermoplastic sidewall  102 , the second thermoplastic sidewall  104 , and/or the extended hem skirts  130  are incrementally stretched. For example, in one or more implementations, one or more of the first thermoplastic sidewall  102 , the second thermoplastic sidewall  104 , and/or the extended hem skirts  130  are incrementally stretched by one or more of MD ring rolling, TD ring rolling, SELFing, or other methods described in NON-CONTINUOUSLY LAMINATED MULTI-LAYERED BAGS of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/273,384, filed on Oct. 14, 2011, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. Incrementally stretching one or more of the first thermoplastic sidewall  102 , the second thermoplastic sidewall  104 , and/or the extended hem skirts  130  can increase or otherwise modify one or more of the tensile strength, tear resistance, impact resistance, or elasticity of the films (while also reducing the basis weight of the film). 
     The first thermoplastic sidewall  102 , the second thermoplastic sidewall  104 , and the extended hem skirts  130  can each comprise multiple films of thermoplastic material. In particular, the first thermoplastic sidewall  102 , the second thermoplastic sidewall  104 , and the extended hem skirts  130  can comprise any of the thermoplastic materials described above or combinations thereof. In one or more implementations, the first and second thermoplastic sidewalls  102 ,  104  can comprise the same thermoplastic material as the extended hem skirts  130 . In alternative implementations, the extended hem skirts  130  can comprise a different material than the first and second thermoplastic sidewalls  102 ,  104 . For example, the material of the extended hem skirts  130  may have a higher tensile strength, tear resistance, puncture resistance, elasticity, and/or abrasion resistance than the material of the first and second thermoplastic sidewalls  102 ,  104 . Extended hem skirts  130  made of stronger and/or tougher material may help further protect the thermoplastic bag  100  against rupture and/or puncture. 
     In addition to the forgoing, in one or more implementations, the extended hem skirts  130  and/or other portions of the first and second thermoplastic sidewalls  102 ,  104  can comprise visual features, such as color. In some cases, the visual features of the extended hem skirts  130  and the first and second thermoplastic sidewalls  102 ,  104  comprise a same color. In alternative implementations, the visual features (e.g., colors) of the extended hem skirts  130  and the first and second thermoplastic sidewalls  102 ,  104  can differ. For example, in one or more implementations, the extended hem skirt  130   a  comprises one or more outer layers of the first thermoplastic sidewall  102  that includes a white, translucent thermoplastic material. In this example, one or more additional layers (e.g., a second inner ply) of the first thermoplastic sidewall  102  can comprise a pigmented (e.g., non-white or colored) material, such as a black material. The one or more additional layers of the first thermoplastic sidewall  102  comprising pigmented material may also be extended to form part of the extended hem skirts  130  (e.g., underneath the one or more outer translucent layers of the first thermoplastic sidewall  102 ). 
     In these or other embodiments, the areas of the reinforced thermoplastic bag  100  including the extended hem skirt  130   a  can appear gray when viewed from the inside and/or the outside of the reinforced thermoplastic bag  100 . Thus, the differing color of the areas of the reinforced thermoplastic bag  100 , including the extended hem skirt  130   a , can serve to notify a consumer that such areas of the reinforced thermoplastic bag  100  are provided additional strength. For instance, when the reinforced thermoplastic bag  100  is placed inside a receptacle, an inside surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag  100  is visible within the receptacle and/or as flipped over a top rim of the receptacle. In this configuration, the respective visual features (e.g., differing colors) of the layer(s) of the first thermoplastic sidewall  102  forming the extended hem skirt  130   a  and/or other layer(s) of the first thermoplastic sidewall  102  may provide a visual signal of increased strength/durability through an inside surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag  100 . Similarly, when the reinforced thermoplastic bag  100  is held or viewed outside of a receptacle, an outside surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag  100  is visible. In certain embodiments, the respective visual features (e.g., differing colors) of the layer(s) of the first thermoplastic sidewall  102  forming the extended hem skirt  130   a  and/or other layer(s) of the first thermoplastic sidewall  102  may provide a visual signal of increased strength/durability through the outside surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag  100 . 
     Of course, the extended hem skirts  130 , like the reinforced thermoplastic bag  100 , can include numerous other material/visual properties. For example, in one or more implementations, the extended hem skirts  130  includes odor control additives, perfume additives, etc. to improve and/or reduce an amount of foul odor, particularly in the grab-zone  105  near the opening  124  of the reinforced thermoplastic bag  100 . Additionally, in one or more embodiments, the reinforced thermoplastic bag  100  includes one or more patterned portions (e.g., a patterned hem seal, a patterned hem skirt seal, a patterned sidewall, a patterning of a plurality of non-continuous bonds  150 , and/or a patterned extended hem skirt). The patterned portions (for instance, a cross-hatch pattern) can serve to notify a consumer that such areas of the reinforced thermoplastic bag  100  are provided additional strength. 
     As previously mentioned, the extended hem skirts  130  can be non-continuously laminated to the reinforced thermoplastic bag  100 . For example,  FIG. 1  illustrates that the reinforced thermoplastic bag  100  can comprise a plurality of non-continuous bonds  150  securing the extended hem skirt  130   a  to the reinforced thermoplastic bag  100 . In particular, the plurality of non-continuous bonds  150  may include a plurality of discontinuous adhesive bonds. In alternative implementations, the plurality of non-continuous bonds  150  can comprise ultrasonic bonds or pressure bonds (e.g., bonds formed from one or more of ring rolling, SELFing, embossing, or including tackifying agents in one or more of the films). In addition, the plurality of non-continuous bonds  150  can have additional or alternative positional configurations or design patterns than illustrated according to  FIG. 1 . For example, the plurality of non-continuous bonds  150  in one or more implementations are positioned above the hem seals  145   a ,  145   b  in addition to (or alternatively to) the plurality of non-continuous bonds  150  positioned across the extended hem skirts  130 . 
     In one or more implementations, the plurality of non-continuous bonds  150  can have a bond strength that is less than a weakest tear resistance of each of the reinforced thermoplastic bag  100  and the extended hem skirts  130 . In this manner, the plurality of non-continuous bonds  150  can be designed to fail prior to failing of the reinforced thermoplastic bag  100  or the extended hem skirts  130 . Indeed, one or more implementations include the plurality of non-continuous bonds  150  that release just prior to any localized tearing of the reinforced thermoplastic bag  100  or the extended hem skirts  130 . For example, the plurality of non-continuous bonds  150  between the reinforced thermoplastic bag  100  and the extended hem skirt  130   a  can act to first absorb forces via breaking of the plurality of non-continuous bonds  150  prior to allowing that same force to cause failure of the reinforced thermoplastic bag  100  or the extended hem skirt  130   a . In this manner, the plurality of non-continuous bonds  150  can provide increased strength to the reinforced thermoplastic bag  100 . 
     This is beneficial as it has been found that thermoplastic films often exhibit strength characteristics that are approximately equal to the strength of the weakest layer. Providing relatively weak bonding between the reinforced thermoplastic bag  100  and the extended hem skirts  130  has surprisingly been found to greatly increase the strength provided by the extended hem skirts  130 . As more explicitly covered in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/947,025 filed Nov. 16, 2010 and entitled DISCONTINUOUSLY LAMINATED FILM, incorporated by reference herein, the MD and TD tear values of non-continuously laminated films in accordance with one or more implementations can exhibit significantly improved strength properties, despite a reduced gauge. In particular, the individual values for the Dynatup, MD tear resistance, and TD tear resistance properties in non-continuously laminated films of one or more implementations are unexpectedly higher than the sum of the individual layers. Thus, the non-continuous lamination of the reinforced thermoplastic bag  100  and the extended hem skirts  130  can provide a synergistic effect. 
     More specifically, the TD tear resistance of the non-continuously laminated films can be greater than a sum of the TD tear resistance of the individual layers. Similarly, the MD tear resistance of the non-continuously laminated films can be greater than a sum of the MD tear resistance of the individual layers. Along related lines, the Dynatup peak load of the non-continuously laminated films can be greater than a sum of a Dynatup peak load of the individual layers. Thus, the non-continuously laminated films can provide a synergistic effect. In addition to the foregoing, one or more implementations of non-continuously laminated extended hem skirts  130  provide a reduction in basis weight (e.g., gauge by weight). In some cases, the reinforced thermoplastic bag  100  achieves a 50% reduction in basis weight at such areas while still providing enhanced strength parameters. 
     As mentioned above, a grab-zone reinforcement structure can reinforce one or more thermoplastic sidewalls, including one or more layers and/or distinct bags (e.g., for a bag-in-bag) of a reinforced thermoplastic bag. For example,  FIGS. 2A-2G  illustrate respective cross-sectional views of the upper portions of sidewalls  200   a - 200   g  including an extended hem skirt  206  in accordance with one or more embodiments. Opposing sidewalls to the sidewalls  200   a - 200   g  are omitted for clarity of illustration (as are portions of a reinforced thermoplastic bag below a grab-zone  220 , such as the closed bottom edge  114  shown in  FIG. 1 ). Additionally, as indicated at the top of each of  FIGS. 2A-2G , the sidewalls  200   a - 200   g  illustrate the outside of a reinforced thermoplastic bag to the inside of a reinforced thermoplastic bag in a left-to-right direction. 
     In particular,  FIGS. 2A-2G  illustrate a positional relationship between a first layer  202  and a second layer  204  of the sidewalls  200   a - 200   g  at a hem channel region  216  and the grab-zone  220 . In one or more embodiments, the hem channel region  216  comprises a portion of the sidewalls  200   a - 200   g  above a hem seal  210 . In contrast, the grab-zone  220  comprises another portion of the sidewalls  200   a - 200   g  extending below the hem seal  210  a distance toward a bottom fold (not shown). In particular, the hem seal  210  secures a fold-over of the first and second layers  202 ,  204  of the sidewalls  200   a - 200   f  to an inside surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag, thereby forming a hem channel  214 . In some cases, the hem seal  210  secures the fold-over of the first and second layers  202 ,  204  of the sidewalls  200   a - 200   f  to an outside surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag to form the hem channel  214  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 2G ). Disposed within the hem channel  214  includes a draw tape  212  (e.g., as a same or similar closing mechanism described above in relation to the draw tape  140  of  FIG. 1 ). 
     For example, as shown for the hem channel region  216  of the sidewalls  200   a - 200   g , the first layer  202  and the second layer  204  form the hem channel  214  by extending around the draw tape  212 . Specifically, the first layer  202  extends around the draw tape  212  between attachment points  208   b ,  208   c  at the hem seal  210 . In this case, the first layer  202  forms a first, innermost ply bounding the hem channel  214  such that the first layer  202  is positioned proximate to the draw tape  212  between attachment points  208   b ,  208   c  at the hem seal  210 . In addition, the second layer  204  forms a second, outer ply bounding the hem channel  214  between attachment points  208   a ,  208   d  at the hem seal  210 . 
     With respect to the grab-zone  220 , the sidewalls  200   a - 200   g  comprise various configurations of the first and second layers  202 ,  204  forming the extended hem skirt  206 , thereby imparting added strength and durability to the grab-zone  220 . In one or more embodiments described below, one or both of the first layer  202  or the second layer  204  form the extended hem skirt  206  spanning at least from the hem seal  210  to a hem skirt seal  222  that secures the extended hem skirt  206  to the inside surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag (or the outside surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag as shown in  FIG. 2G ). That is, the hem skirt seal  222  secures at least one of a top edge  205   a  or a top edge  205   b  corresponding to the respective first and second layers  202 ,  204  folded over onto the inside or outside surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag. 
     Additionally, or alternatively, at least a portion of the extended hem skirt  206  is secured to the inside or outside surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag (e.g., via side seals and/or the plurality of non-continuous bonds  150  discussed above in relation to  FIG. 1 ). Additionally, or alternatively, at least a portion of the extended hem skirt  206  is not secured to the inside or outside surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag. For example, in one or more embodiments, securing at least one of the top edge  205   a  or the top edge  205   b  to the hem skirt seal  222  forms a hem channel  224  positioned between the hem seal  210  and the hem skirt seal  222 . In these or other embodiments, the hem channel  224  is at least partially enclosed by the extended hem skirt  206  and either the inside surface or the outside surface of the first layer  202 . 
     Turning specifically to the example embodiment in  FIGS. 2A-2B , the sidewalls  200   a - 200   b  at the grab-zone  220  comprise the extended hem skirt  206  formed by the first layer  202  extending from the attachment point  208   c  at the hem seal  210  to attachment point  218   c  at the hem skirt seal  222 . The top edge  205   a  of the first layer  202  extends below the hem skirt seal  222  that secures the top edge  205   a  to the inside surface of the first layer  202  at the attachment point  218   c . The attachment point  218   c  is the innermost attachment point along the hem skirt seal  222  and is positioned proximate to attachment points  218   b ,  218   a  (in this order) at the hem skirt seal  222  for the respective first and second layers  202 ,  204 . In contrast, the top edge  205   b  of the second layer  204  does not extend substantially past the hem seal  210  where the top edge  205   b  is secured to the inside surface of the first layer  202  at attachment point  208   d . Accordingly, in one or more embodiments, the extended hem skirt  206  includes the first layer  202  but not the second layer  204 . 
     In addition, as mentioned above, the first and second layers  202 ,  204  can comprise various thicknesses. In one or more implementations (e.g., for the sidewall  200   a ), the first layer  202  is thicker than the second layer  204  due to different amounts of extrusion. 
     In one or more implementations, the first layer  202  (e.g., as shown for the sidewall  200   b  of  FIG. 2B ) comprises ring-rolled portions at both the grab-zone  220  and the hem channel region  216 . Of course, other embodiments of the sidewall  200   b  may include the first layer  202  comprising ring-rolled portions at only the grab-zone  220  or only the hem channel region  216 . Additionally, or alternatively, one or more embodiments of the sidewall  200   b  may include the first layer  202  comprising ring-rolled portions at only inner or outer portions of the reinforced thermoplastic bag. Additionally, in one or more implementations, the ring-rolled portions of the first layer  202  comprise TD ring-rolling. Alternatively, the ring-rolled portions of the first layer  202  comprise MD ring-rolling for diagonal direction DD ring-rolling. 
     With respect to the sidewalls  200   c - 200   d  of  FIGS. 2C-2D , the extended hem skirt  206  comprises the second layer  204  extending from the attachment point  208   d  at the hem seal  210  to attachment point  218   c  at the hem skirt seal  222 . The top edge  205   b  of the second layer  204  extends below the hem skirt seal  222  that secures the top edge  205   b  to the inside surface of the first layer  202  at the attachment point  218   c . Here, the attachment point  218   c  is the innermost attachment point along the hem skirt seal  222  and is positioned proximate to attachment points  218   b ,  218   a  (in this order) at the hem skirt seal  222  for the respective first and second layers  202 ,  204 . In contrast, the top edge  205   a  of the first layer  202  does not extend substantially past the hem seal  210  where the top edge  205   a  is secured to the inside surface of the first layer  202  at attachment point  208   c . Thus, different from  FIGS. 2A-2B , the extended hem skirt  206  in one or more embodiments includes the second layer  204  but not the first layer  202 . 
     Additionally, as mentioned above, the first and second layers  202 ,  204  can comprise various thicknesses. In one or more implementations (e.g., for the sidewall  200   c ), the second layer  204  is thicker than the first layer  202  due to different amounts of extrusion. 
     In one or more implementations, the second layer  204  (e.g., as shown for the sidewall  200   d  of  FIG. 2D ) comprises ring-rolled portions at both the grab-zone  220  and the hem channel region  216 . Other embodiments of the sidewall  200   d  may include the second layer  204  comprising ring-rolled portions at only the grab-zone  220  or only the hem channel region  216 . Additionally, or alternatively, one or more embodiments of the sidewall  200   d  may include the second layer  204  comprising ring-rolled portions at only inner or outer portions of the reinforced thermoplastic bag. Additionally, in one or more implementations, the ring-rolled portions of the second layer  204  comprise TD ring-rolling. Alternatively, the ring-rolled portions of the second layer  204  comprise MD ring-rolling. 
       FIGS. 2E-2F  illustrates the sidewalls  200   e - 200   f  comprising the extended hem skirt  206  formed by both the first layer  202  and the second layer  204  extending from the respective attachment points  208   c ,  208   d  at the hem seal  210  to the corresponding attachment points  218   c ,  218   d  at the hem skirt seal  222 . The top edges  205   a ,  205   b  of the first layer  202  and the second layer  204  extend below the hem skirt seal  222  that secures both the top edges  205   a ,  205   b  to the inside surface of the first layer  202  at the respective attachment points  218   c ,  218   d . Accordingly, in one or more embodiments, the extended hem skirt  206  includes both the first layer  202  and the second layer  204 . 
     In addition, as mentioned above, the first and second layers  202 ,  204  can comprise various thicknesses. In one or more implementations (e.g., for the sidewalls  200   e ,  200   f ), the first layer  202  has an equivalent (or substantially equivalent) amount of thickness as the second layer  204 . 
     In one or more implementations, both the first and second layers  202 ,  204  (e.g., as shown for the sidewall  200   f  of  FIG. 2F ) comprises ring-rolled portions at both the grab-zone  220  and the hem channel region  216 . Other embodiments of the sidewall  200   f  may include the first and second layers  202 ,  204  comprising ring-rolled portions at only the grab-zone  220  or only the hem channel region  216 . Additionally, or alternatively, one or more embodiments of the sidewall  200   f  may include the first and second layers  202 ,  204  comprising ring-rolled portions at only inner or outer portions of the reinforced thermoplastic bag. Additionally, in one or more implementations, the ring-rolled portions of both the first and second layers  202 ,  204  comprise TD ring-rolling. Alternatively, the ring-rolled portions of both the first and second layers  202 ,  204  comprise MD ring-rolling. 
     With respect to the embodiment in  FIG. 2G , the sidewall  200   g  at the grab-zone  220  comprises the extended hem skirt  206  formed on an outside surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag. In particular, the extended hem skirt  206  is formed by the first layer  202  extending from the attachment point  208   b  at the hem seal  210  to attachment point  218   a  at the hem skirt seal  222 . The top edge  205   a  of the first layer  202  extends below the hem skirt seal  222  that secures the top edge  205   a  to the outside surface of the first layer  202  at the attachment point  218   a . The attachment point  218   a  is the outermost attachment point along the hem skirt seal  222  and is positioned proximate to attachment points  218   b ,  218   c  (in this order) at the hem skirt seal  222  for the respective first and second layers  202 ,  204 . In contrast, the top edge  205   b  of the second layer  204  does not extend substantially past the hem seal  210  where the top edge  205   b  is secured to the outside surface of the first layer  202  at attachment point  208   b . Accordingly, in one or more embodiments, the extended hem skirt  206  is formed on the outer surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag and includes the first layer  202  but not the second layer  204 . 
     As mentioned above, each individual film layer of reinforced thermoplastic bag may itself include a single layer or multiple layers. For example, each of the first and/or second layers  202 ,  204  described above in relation to  FIGS. 2A-2G  can individually include a single layer or multiple layers.  FIGS. 3A-3C  illustrate individual films for use in a non-continuously laminated structure of thermoplastic films in accordance with one or more embodiments. In these or other embodiments, the films of  FIGS. 3A-3C  may include differing material compositions and functional material properties. In particular,  FIG. 3A  illustrates a film  300   a  of a single layer  302 . In another implementation, as illustrated by  FIG. 3B , a film  300   b  can have two layers (i.e., a bi-layered film). In particular, the film  300   b  can include a first layer  302   a  and a second layer  302   b . The first and second layers  302   a ,  302   b  can optionally include different grades of thermoplastic material or include different additives, including polymer additives. 
     In still another implementation, shown in  FIG. 3C , a film  300   c  can include three layers (i.e., a tri-layered film). For example,  FIG. 3C  illustrates that the film  300   c  can include a first layer  302   c , a second layer  302   d , and a third layer  302   e . The film  300   c  (as a tri-layer film) can include an A:B:C configuration in which all three layers vary in one or more of gauge, composition, color, transparency, or other properties. Alternatively, the film  300   c  (as a tri-layer film) can comprise an A:A:B structure or an A:B:A structure in which two layers have the same composition, color, transparency, or other properties. In an A:A:B structure or A:B:A structure, the A layers can comprise the same gauge or differing gauge. For example, in an A:A:B structure or A:B:A structure, the films can comprise layer ratios of 20:20:60, 40:40:20, 15:70:15, 33:34:33, 20:60:20, 40:20:40, or other ratios. 
     Example control films include a three-layer B:A:B structure, where the ratio of layers can be 20:60:20. The exterior B layers (i.e.,  302   c ,  302   e ) can comprise a mixture of hexene LLDPE of density 0.918, and metallocene LLDPE of density 0.920. The interior A core layer ( 302   d ) can comprise a mixture of hexene LLDPE of density 0.918, butene LLDPE of density 0.918, and reclaimed resin from trash bags. 
     In another example, the film  300   c  is a coextruded three-layer B:A:B structure where the ratio of layers is 15:70:15. The B:A:B structure can also optionally have a ratio of B:A that is greater than 20:60 or less than 15:70. In one or more implementations, the LLDPE can comprise greater than 50% of the overall thermoplastic material in the film  300   c.    
     As just described, one or more implementations of a reinforced thermoplastic bag disclosed herein involve forming a non-continuously laminated structure of thermoplastic films with differing material compositions and functional material properties. For example, the reinforced thermoplastic bag of the present disclosure may include a plurality of films having different functional benefits provided by different material compositions. For instance,  FIG. 4  illustrates a non-continuously laminated structure of thermoplastic films with differing material compositions and functional material properties in accordance with one or more embodiments. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the non-continuously laminated structure  400  with differing material compositions and functional material properties includes a first film  402  and second film  404 . Each of the first and second films  402 ,  404  can comprise any of the films  300   a - 300   c  described above or a film with more than three layers. 
     The first film  402  comprise a film with a first material composition and the second film can comprise a second material composition that differs from the first material composition. For example, the first film  402  can comprise one of a control film, a scuff resistant film, a tough film, a stretchy film, an impact resistant film, a high tensile strength film, a film that provides a different functional benefit, or a film that provides a combination of the foregoing functional benefits. The second film  404  can comprise another (i.e., one differing from the first film  402 ) of a control film, a scuff resistant film, a tough film, a stretchy film, an impact resistant film, a high tensile strength film, a film that provides a different functional benefit, or a film that provides a combination of the foregoing functional benefits. 
     As mentioned above, the first and second films  402 ,  404  of the non-continuously laminated structure  400  can include thermoplastic films non-continuously bonded together. For example,  FIG. 4  further illustrates that the first film  402  of the non-continuously laminated structure  400  is discontinuously bonded to the second film  404 . In particular, the non-continuously laminated structure  400  can include bonds or bonded regions  406  and un-bonded regions  408 . For example,  FIG. 4  illustrates that the first and second films  402 ,  404  of the non-continuously laminated structure  400  are laminated together at the bonded regions  406 . In addition, the bonded regions  406  are separated by the un-bonded regions  408  shown in  FIG. 4  as gaps between the first and second films  402 ,  404 . 
     In addition, the first and second films  402 ,  404  can be incrementally stretched (albeit  FIG. 4  only illustrates the first film  402  as being incrementally stretched). For example,  FIG. 4  illustrates that the first film  402  includes an alternating series of thinner webs  410  that comprise stretched (or more stretched) regions positioned adjacent to thicker ribs  412  that comprise un-stretched (or less stretched) regions. As explained in greater detail below, the manufacturer can incrementally stretch the first film  402  using one or more of ring rolling or SELFing. 
     In particular,  FIG. 4  illustrates that the bonded regions  406  are aligned with and co-extensive with the thicker ribs  412 . One will appreciate in light of the disclosure herein that the present invention is not so limited. For example, in alternative embodiments the bonded regions  406  are aligned with but not co-extensive with the thicker ribs  412 . In still further embodiments, the bonded regions  406  may cross or otherwise interface with the thicker ribs  412  but may not be aligned with or co-extensive with the thicker ribs  412 . In other embodiments, the bonded regions  406  may not interface with the thicker ribs  412 . 
     As mentioned above, the reinforced thermoplastic bag of the present disclosure can comprise portions that are (and are not) incrementally stretched and non-continuously bonded.  FIG. 5  illustrates a reinforced thermoplastic bag  500  implementing an extended hem skirt  502  in accordance with one or more embodiments. For example,  FIG. 5  illustrates the reinforced thermoplastic bag  500  comprising thermoplastic films with differing material compositions and functional material properties in which an upper portion  504  and a lower portion  506  are not incrementally stretched or non-continuously bonded. Thus, the upper portion  504  and the lower portion  506  can have an average gauge or thickness greater than the average gauge or thickness of the middle portion that comprises macro and micro bonding patterns  505 ,  507 . 
     Additionally, or alternatively, the extended hem skirt  502  provides additional material at the upper portion  504  between a hem seal  501  and a hem skirt seal  503  (e.g., such that the average gauge or thickness of the upper portion  504  is greater than the middle portion and/or the lower portion  506 ). In these or other embodiments, the extended hem skirt  502  may be the same as or similar to the extended hem skirts  130  of  FIG. 1  and/or the extended hem skirt  206  of  FIGS. 2A-2G . In one or more embodiments, each of the upper portion  504  and the lower portion  506  is between 1/16 th  of an inch and 8 inches in height and extends in length from side seal  508  to side seal  510 . In other embodiments, each of the upper portion  504  and the lower portion  506  is between 1 inch and 4 inches in height. In one or more embodiments, the heights of the upper portion  504  and the lower portion  506  are equal. In alternative embodiments, the heights of the upper portion  504  and the lower portion  506  are unequal. 
     Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the hem skirt seal  503 , in one or more embodiments, comprises a patterned seal. For example, in one or more embodiments, rather than a traditional heat seal, the hem skirt seal  503  comprises one or other mean for securing an end of the hem skirt  502  to the inner portion of the side wall. For example, the hem skirt seal  503  can comprise a pattern of contact areas, such as those described in PCT/US2020/24143, filed on Mar. 23, 2020, and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In such embodiments, the pattern hem skirt seal  503  comprises a pattern of visually-distinct contact areas between the extended hem skirt  502  and the sidewall of the bag. The pattern of visually-distinct contact areas, when viewed from the first thermoplastic film side of the multi-film thermoplastic bag, has a second appearance differing from the unbonded portions of the extended hem skirt  502 . Also, the pattern of visually-distinct contact areas is configured to separate before either of the first thermoplastic film or the second thermoplastic film fails when subjected to peel forces. Furthermore, portions of the extended hem  502  in the contact area are flat and un-deformed. 
     In alternative embodiments, the hem skirt seal  503  can comprise a cold deformed bonds such as those formed by ring rolling, SELFing, embossing, or the combination of pressure and tackifying agents embedded in one or more films. Additionally, the hem skirt seal  503  can comprise bonds formed via one or more of adhesive bonding, pressure bonding, ultrasonic bonding, corona lamination, and the like. In still further embodiments, the hem skirt seal  503  can comprise a pattern of discrete heat seals. In any event, in one or more embodiments, the hem skirt seal  503  can comprise a different bonding mechanism than the hem seal  501 . 
     While  FIG. 5  illustrates a reinforced thermoplastic bag with a single bonding pattern between the layers of the sidewalls, other implementations comprise multiple different bonding patterns. In particular, a manufacturer can tailor different areas of a bag with different properties by providing different areas of the bag with different bonding patterns between the films. For example,  FIG. 6  illustrates a reinforced thermoplastic bag  600  implementing the extended hem skirt  502  in accordance with one or more embodiments. In these or other embodiments, the reinforced thermoplastic bag  600  of  FIG. 6  comprises thermoplastic films with differing material compositions and functional material properties. In particular, the reinforced thermoplastic bag  600  comprises thermoplastic films arranged in a first bonding pattern (a fenced diamond pattern) in a first area  602  and a second bonding pattern (e.g., a bulbous pattern with nested diamonds) in a second area  604 . Furthermore, as with the reinforced thermoplastic bag  500  of  FIG. 5 , the reinforced thermoplastic bag  600  includes the upper and lower portions  504 ,  506  devoid of bonding. 
     In one or more implementations, the reinforced thermoplastic bag  600  of  FIG. 6  comprises the extended hem skirt  502  providing additional material at the upper portion  504  between the hem seal  501  and the hem skirt seal  503 . For example, the extended hem skirt  502  provides additional material at the upper portion  504  such that the average gauge or thickness of the upper portion  504  is greater than the first area  602 , the second area  604 , and/or the lower portion  506 . 
     As shown by  FIG. 6 , the sidewalls include a first plurality of raised rib-like elements  606   a  in a macro pattern (e.g., a bulbous pattern) and a second plurality of raised rib-like elements  606   b  in a micro pattern (e.g., four diamonds). As shown, the second plurality of raised rib-like elements  606   b  in the micro pattern are nested within the macro patterns. Furthermore, the reinforced thermoplastic bag  600  includes web areas  608   a ,  608   b.    
     The fenced diamond pattern can comprise raised-rib-like elements arranged in diamond patterns where the intersections of the sides of the diamond are rounded rather than ending in corners. The fenced diamond pattern can also comprise web areas in which the first layer and the second layer are separate, discrete layers (e.g., within an individual layer) as described above. 
     As shown by  FIG. 6 , in one or more implementations, the hem skirt seal  503 , which secures the end  505  of the hem seal  501  to the sidewall of the bag  600  can comprise bonds formed by the raised-rib-like elements arranged in diamond patterns securing the layers of the sidewall together in the first area  602 . In other words, at the hem skirt seal  503 , the first and second layers of the sidewall are secured to the end of the hem skirt  505  by the bonds of raised-rib-like elements arranged in diamond patterns. Furthermore, the pattern of raised-rib-like elements can extend below the extended hem skirt  501  and secure the layers of the sidewall together below the extended hem skirt  502 . 
     One or more implementations of the present invention can also include methods of forming non-continuously laminated bags of thermoplastic films with extended hem skirts. In accordance with one or more embodiments,  FIG. 7  and the accompanying description describe such methods. Of course, as a preliminary matter, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the methods explained in detail herein can be modified. For example, various acts of the method described can be omitted or expanded, additional acts can be included, and the order of the various acts of the method described can be altered as desired. 
     One or more implementations of the present invention can also include methods of forming non-continuously laminated bags of thermoplastic films with extended hem skirts. In accordance with one or more embodiments, a process  700  in  FIG. 7  and the accompanying description describe such methods. Of course, as a preliminary matter, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the methods explained in detail herein can be modified. For example, various acts of the method described can be omitted or expanded, additional acts can be included, and the order of the various acts of the method described can be altered as desired. 
     As shown for the process  700  in  FIG. 7 , production may begin by unwinding a first continuous web or film  704  of a first thermoplastic material from a roll  702  and advancing the film  704  along a machine direction. The film  704  may have a width  706  that is perpendicular to the machine direction. In other manufacturing environments, the film  704  may be provided in other forms or even extruded directly from a thermoplastic forming process. 
     Additionally shown, the process  700  includes unwinding a second continuous web or film  710  of a second thermoplastic material from a roll  708  and advancing the film  710  along a machine direction. In some embodiments, the second thermoplastic material of the film  710  is the same as or similar to the first thermoplastic material of the film  704 . In other embodiments, the films  704 ,  710  comprise different material compositions and/or different material properties (whether functional and/or aesthetic). 
     Prior to advancing the film  710  through ring-rollers  714 , the film  710  comprises an initial width  712 . After performing a ring-rolling operation via the ring-rollers  714 , the film  710  comprises a width  716 . The width  716  is greater than the initial width  712  because the ring-rollers  714  incrementally stretch portions of the film  710  (e.g., portions that subsequently become top edges for a sidewall layer in the reinforced thermoplastic bag). In one or more embodiments, the width  716  is, relative to the initial width  712 , about two inches greater, about four inches greater, about six inches greater, about ten inches greater, or another suitable width increase. 
     In one or more implementations, the ring-rollers  714  are intermeshing rollers comprising a particular design to impart a bonding pattern (e.g., as described in relation to the foregoing figures). In this case, the ring-rollers  714  comprise intermeshing portions at opposing ends of the ring-rollers  714  separated by a flat middle portion. To facilitate a bonding pattern, the ring-rollers  714  may be forced or directed against each other by, for example, hydraulic actuators. The pressure at which the ring-rollers  714  are pressed together may be in a first range from 30 PSI (2.04 atm) to 100 PSI (6.8 atm), a second range from 60 PSI (4.08 atm) to 90 PSI (6.12 atm), and a third range from 75 PSI (5.10 atm) to 85 PSI (5.78 atm). In one or more implementations, the pressure may be about 80 PSI (5.44 atm). 
     After the ring-rolling operation performed on the film  710 , both the film  710  and the film  704  are fed into a folding mechanism for performing a folding operation  718 . At the folding operation  718 , the films  704 ,  710  are folded (e.g., in half) to form a bottom fold and both multi-layered sidewalls of a reinforced thermoplastic bag. As shown in  FIG. 7 , one multi-layered sidewall of the reinforced thermoplastic bag includes a top edge  720  corresponding to the film  710  and a top edge  722  corresponding to the film  704 . The top edge  722  is dashed to indicate that the film  704  is made an inner layer of the reinforced thermoplastic bag after the folding operation  718 . In addition, the opposing sidewall (not shown) includes a same or similar configuration. 
     At operation  724 , a hem fold is performed where top edges for each multi-layered sidewall are folded onto corresponding interior surfaces of the reinforced thermoplastic bag, thereby forming a hem channel and encasing a draw tape. Accordingly, a width of the reinforced thermoplastic bag is reduced as a result of the hem-folding. To illustrate,  FIG. 7  shows the top edges  720 ,  722  are folded inward onto interior surfaces of the reinforced thermoplastic bag. Once folded, the top edge  720  for the film  710  extends (e.g., several inches) past the top edge  722  for the film  704 . 
     Additionally, at operation  724 , one or more hem seals secure the top edges  720 ,  722  as folded over. In particular, a hem seal closes the hem channel with the draw tape disposed therein. In so doing, the hem seal affixes both the top edges  720 ,  722  to the interior surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag. Extending out from the hem seal, a portion of the top edge  722  forms a hem skirt of about ¼ inch, about ½ inch, about 1 inch, or about 2 inches in length. Below the end of the hem skirt (e.g., towards the bottom fold), a hem skirt seal affixes the top edge  720  for the film  710  to the interior surface of the reinforced thermoplastic bag. In this manner, an extended hem skirt is formed by the top edge  720  extending (e.g., several inches, such as three to seven inches) past the hem skirt formed by the top edge  722 . 
     In these or other embodiments, the hem seal and the hem skirt seal may be formed via one or more of adhesive bonding, pressure bonding, a combination of pressure with tackifying agents embedded in one or more films, ultrasonic bonding, corona lamination, and the like. In addition, albeit not required, multiple hem skirt seals may be formed (e.g., depending on the desired length of the extended hem skirt). Further, in some embodiments, the hem skirt seal(s) and/or the hem seal may be formed according to a particular pattern or aesthetic design configuration (e.g., to help visually indicate reinforcement to the grab-zone). 
     At operation  726 , the side seals are created perpendicular to the machine direction in a same or similar manner as done for producing the hem seal and hem skirt seal(s)). In particular, the side seals join together the multi-layered sidewalls comprising the films  704 ,  710 . In one or more implementations, the side seals also secure the hem skirt and extended hem skirt formed by the respective top edges  722 ,  720 . 
     Subsequently, the reinforced thermoplastic bags can be wound into a roll  728  for packaging and distribution. In these or other embodiments, the reinforced thermoplastic bags can be perforated for (e.g., via a perforating device) to facilitate easier separation of the reinforced thermoplastic bags. Additionally, or alternatively, the reinforced thermoplastic bag can be completely separated by a cutting device and wound in an interleaved fashion into the roll  728  for packaging and distribution. 
     Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the embodiments illustrated and described in relation to the figures without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in one or more embodiments, additional or alternative thermoplastic films, extended hem skirt layers, hem skirt seals, etc. are implemented in any suitable configuration, among other different embodiments than may be explicitly illustrated or described. Furthermore, in some embodiments, both top edges of the films are ring-rolled as opposed to just one film as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . In other embodiments, none of the films are ring-rolled. Similarly, additional or alternative processes may be performed, such as non-continuous lamination processes involving adhesive bonding, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, embossing, ring rolling, SELFing, pressure bonding in combination with tackifying agents embedded in at least one of the first or second thermoplastic films, and combinations thereof. 
     Additionally, or alternatively, albeit not shown in  FIG. 7 , the films  704 ,  710  can be extruded in a variety of ways (e.g., prior to winding or after unwinding the rolls  702 ,  708 ). In some embodiments, the films  704 ,  710  are extruded to have equal widths. In other embodiments, one of films  704 ,  710  is extruded to have a greater film width than the other. In some cases, one of the films  704 ,  710  may be subsequently ring-rolled to match the film width of the other film or to exceed the film width of the other film. Accordingly, numerous suitable combinations of manufacturing the films  704 ,  710  for use the reinforced thermoplastic bag are herein contemplated. 
     In accordance with common practice, the various features illustrated in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. The illustrations presented in the present disclosure are not meant to be actual views of any particular apparatus (e.g., device, system, etc.) or method, but are merely idealized representations that are employed to describe various embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, the dimensions of the various features may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. In addition, some of the drawings may be simplified for clarity. Thus, the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given apparatus (e.g., device) or all operations of a particular method. 
     Terms used herein and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes, but is not limited to,” etc.). 
     Additionally, if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. 
     In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” or “one or more of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended to include A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together, etc. For example, the use of the term “and/or” is intended to be construed in this manner. 
     Further, any disjunctive word or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” should be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” 
     However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. 
     Additionally, the use of the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are not necessarily used herein to connote a specific order or number of elements. Generally, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used to distinguish between different elements as generic identifiers. Absence a showing that the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., connote a specific order, these terms should not be understood to connote a specific order. Furthermore, absence a showing that the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., connote a specific number of elements, these terms should not be understood to connote a specific number of elements. For example, a first widget may be described as having a first side and a second widget may be described as having a second side. The use of the term “second side” with respect to the second widget may be to distinguish such side of the second widget from the “first side” of the first widget and not to connote that the second widget has two sides. 
     All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical objects to aid the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it should be understood that the various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.