Patent Abstract:
A novel bag for holding, transporting, and pouring a bulk product is provided. In one embodiment, the bag comprises a curved, perforated section at one corner. The section can be removed by tearing along the perforation, thus forming a spout for pouring the product from the bag. In another embodiment, the bag further comprises a second perforated section extending the majority of the way (and preferably the entire way) horizontally across the bag. In this embodiment, the bag could alternatively, or additionally, be opened by tearing along the second set of perforations and separating the resulting two sections of the bag. The bag is typically formed of plastic, and can be used for salt, animal food, and other pourable products.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/787,093, entitled BULK BAG WITH PERFORATED SECTIONS, filed Mar. 6, 2013. U.S. application Ser. No. 13/787,093 claims the priority benefit of provisional applications entitled BULK BAG WITH MULTIPLE PERFORATED SECTIONS, Ser. No. 61/607,321, filed Mar. 6, 2012, and BULK BAG WITH CURVED PERFORATION, Ser. No. 61/607,274, filed Mar. 6, 2012. Each of these applications is incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention is broadly concerned with the field of bags for holding pourable products such as salt. More particularly, the inventive bags have a curved, perforated section at one corner and, in some embodiments a second perforated section that extends substantially, and preferably entirely, horizontally across the bag, for removal and pouring of the product from the bag. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    Bag are commonly used to hold and transport pourable products (i.e., products comprising numerous small pieces). Such products include salt cubes or pellets, animal food, flour, and sugar, to name a few. These pourable products are typically sold in large quantities (e.g., 30-50 lbs.) and in bulk sizes that are difficult for the average person to handle. Even more difficult than carrying these bags is pouring the product from the bulky bag. That is, the consumer must open the bag, attempt to pick up the very heavy bag, and carefully pour the product in a controlled manner. This often results in spilling of the product, which goes from not coming out at all to rapidly falling from the bag and outside of the target area. There is a need for a bag that can be more easily opened at the point of use, as well as more easily poured with minimal or no spillage. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In one embodiment, the invention provides a bag for holding a pourable product. The bag comprises front and back panels comprising first and second end portions presenting respective outermost edges, and first and second side portions presenting respective outermost edges. The front and back panels and the end and side portions cooperate to form a chamber for holding the pourable product, with the first end portion and the first side portion cooperating to form a first corner. The panels further comprise a seam extending between the first and second side portion outermost edges. The front and back panels comprise perforations at the first corner, and the perforations extend in a non-linear fashion from the outermost edge of the first end portion to the outermost edge of the first side portion. The perforations have a radius of curvature of from about 3 inches to about 4 inches when measured from a point that is about 0.25 inches to about 2 inches from the seam and about 0.1 inches to about 0.75 inches from the outermost edge of the first side portion. 
         [0007]    In a further embodiment, the bag comprises front and back panels each comprising first and second end portions presenting respective outermost edges, and first and second side portions presenting respective outermost edges. The front and back panels and the end and side portions cooperate to form a chamber for holding the pourable product, with the first end portion and the first side portion cooperating to form a first corner. The panels further comprise perforations at the first corner, with the perforations extending in a non-linear fashion from the outermost edge of the first end portion to the outermost edge of the first side portion. Finally, the panels comprise a handle adjacent at least one of the first and second end portions and integrally formed with the bag. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment, a method of using the above inventive bags is provided. The method comprises tearing the front and back panels at the perforations to form an opening, and causing the pourable product to exit the bag from the opening, preferably by tilting the bag. 
         [0009]    In a further embodiment, the invention provides a bag for holding a pourable product. The bag comprises front and back panels comprising first and second end portions presenting respective outermost edges, and first and second side portions presenting respective outermost edges. The front and back panels and the end and side portions cooperate to form a chamber for holding the pourable product. The bag has a width “W,” defined as the shortest distance between the respective outermost edges of said first and second side portions, and the first end portion and the first side portion cooperate to form a first corner. The front and back panels comprise a first set of perforations at the first corner, and the first set of perforations extend in a non-linear fashion from the outermost edge of the first end portion, or from a seam or area near to said outermost edge of said first end portion, to the outermost edge of the first side portion. The front and back panels further comprise a second set of perforations extending from at least one of the respective outermost edges of the first and second side portions a distance of at least about 50% of “W,” towards the other of the respective outermost edges of the first and second side portions. 
         [0010]    In yet a further embodiment, a method of using the above inventive bag is provided. The method comprises tearing the first corner at the first set of perforations to form a first opening, or at the second set of perforations to form a second opening, or at both the first and second sets of perforations to form first and second openings. The pourable product is then caused to exit the bag from the opening or the first and second openings, preferably by tilting the bag. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a front elevation view of one embodiment of a bag according to the invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a rear elevation view of the bag of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a front elevation view illustrating the dimensions of the bag of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a front elevation view of an alternative embodiment of the bag according to the invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a rear elevation view of the bag of  FIG. 4 ; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a front elevation view illustrating the dimensions of the bag of  FIG. 4 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Bag with Curved Perforations Only 
       [0017]    With reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , a bag  10  is illustrated. Bag  10  includes a front panel  12  and a back panel  14 . As shown, front and back panels  12 , 14  are flat to demonstrate their respective shapes before being filled with product. Front panel  12  and back panel  14  share a first end portion  16  and a second end portion  18 . 
         [0018]    Front panel  12  and back panel  14  further share a first side portion  20  and a second side portion  22 . First and second end portions  16 ,  18  and first and second side portions  20 ,  22  present respective outermost edges  24   a - d , which define an outer boundary or periphery  26  of the bag  10 . Outermost edges  24   a  and  24   b  oppose, and are substantially parallel to, one another, while outermost edges  24   c  and  24   d  oppose, and are substantially parallel to, one another. Furthermore, outermost edges  24   c  and  24   d  are substantially perpendicular to outermost edges  24   a  and  24   b.    
         [0019]    Each of the first and second end portions  16 ,  18  intersects with first and second side portions  20 ,  22  at corners  28   a - d . Front and back panels  12 ,  14 , first and second end portions  16 ,  18 , and first and second side portions  20 ,  22  cooperate to form a chamber for holding a pourable product. 
         [0020]    First end portion  16  comprises a first horizontal seam  30  spaced apart from outermost edge  24   a , thus forming a flap  32  in first end portion  16 . First horizontal seam  30  has a thickness of from about 1/16 inch to about ¼ inch (and more preferably about ⅛ inch) and is substantially parallel to outermost edge  24   a . Flap  32  comprises a handle  34  formed therein. Handle  34  comprises a patch  36  that is heat-sealed to the flap  32 . Patch  36  could be heat-sealed on either side of the flap  32  (i.e., on front panel  12  or on back panel  14 ), or on both sides if extra strength is required. Patch  36  can be any material typically used for bags carrying bulk products, including plastics such as linear low density polyethylenes (LLPDE). A C-shaped grip  38  is formed through patch  36  and flap  32  to form an opening, through which a user may place his or her fingers during carrying, pouring, etc. 
         [0021]    Outmost edge  24   a  of first end portion  16  is bisected by centerline  40  (see  FIG. 3 ). In a preferred embodiment, handle  34  is positioned such that some portion of the grip  38  falls upon the centerline  40 . Also, while it will be appreciated that the handle  34  is integrally formed with the bag  10  (and particularly with flap  32 ) as described above, one may also substitute an integrally formed handle with a separately formed handle that is then physically attached to the bag  10 . Also, flap  32  could include a small opening (not shown) in or around corner  28   b  to provide a place for the user to place his or her finger during pouring to assist with that process. 
         [0022]    First end portion  16  also comprises a pouring spout  42 , preferably at corner  28   a . In the preferred embodiment, the spout  42  comprises perforations  44 , which allow for easy opening of the spout  42  at the time of use. 
         [0023]    As shown in the figures, perforations  44  are in the foam of a curved (i.e., non-linear) pattern rather than a straight line as found in prior art bags. Perforations  44  intersect outermost edge  24   a  at point  45   a  and outermost edge  24   c  at point  45   b  approximately (+5°, preferably)+2° a 90° angle. The radius of curvature “R” (see  FIG. 3 ) is preferably from about 3 inches to about 4 inches, and more preferably about 3.5 inches. Furthermore, the radius of curvature “R” is measured at a point that is set in from the corner of the bag, at distances D 6  and D′. This non-linear pattern allows product to be more easily poured from open spout  42  as the opening is less prone to closing up on itself. Furthermore, the offset radius of curvature shifts the opening created by spout  42  downwardly towards the pourable product, making the product more flowable from the bag. Advantageously, this design results in an opening at spout  44  that has a cross-sectional area of from about 4 in 2 , to about 31 in 2 , preferably from about 9 in 2  to about 28 in 2 , and more preferably from about 13 in 2  to about 19 in 2 . This design yields a bag that can be emptied 15-20% more quickly than prior art bags. 
         [0024]    The perforation  44  also preferably includes a “starter split”  43  through first horizontal seam  30 . Starter split  43  is an area of weakness that renders perforation  44  easier to tear. Unlike prior art bags, starter split  43  is actually integral within first horizontal seam  30  so that the seam  30  does not hinder tearing due to the inherent perforation weakness. 
         [0025]    Finally, the bag  10  preferably has a side panel  46 . Side panel  46  is essentially a lay-flat fold whose width is defined by a turn axis  48 . Side panel  46  allows for expansion of the bag upon filling with the pourable product. 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , several dimensions of the inventive bag  10  have been defined. The ranges for those dimensions are shown in Table 1. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Preferred Bag Dimensions 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Dimension 
                 Broad Range 
                 Preferred Range 
                 Most Preferred Range 
               
               
                 from FIG. 3 
                 (inches) 
                 (inches) 
                 (inches) 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 L 
                 about 20 to about 35 
                 about 24 to about 30 
                 about 26 to about 28 
               
               
                 W 
                 about 10 to about 24 
                 about 14 to about 20 
                 about 15 to about 18 
               
               
                 D 1   
                 about 5 to about 8 
                 about 5.5 to about 7.5 
                 about 5.8 to about 7 
               
               
                 D 2   
                 about 4.5 to about 7 
                 about 5 to about 6.5 
                 about 5 to about 6 
               
               
                 D 3   
                 about 2 to about 3.5 
                 about 2.2 to about 3 
                 about 2.4 to about 2.8 
               
               
                 D 4   
                 about 2.5 to about 5.5 
                 about 3 to about 5 
                 about 3.7 to about 4.5 
               
               
                 D 5   
                 about 2 to about 4 
                 about 2.5 to about 4.5 
                 about 2.9 to about 3.2 
               
               
                 D 6   
                 about 0.25 to about 2 
                 about 0.75 to about 1.25 
                 about 1 
               
               
                 D 7   
                 about 0.1 to about 0.75 
                 about 0.2 to about 0.5 
                 about 0.375 
               
               
                 L 1   
                 about 17 to about 30 
                 about 20 to about 28 
                 about 22 to about 26 
               
               
                 D 1 /D 2 * 
                 about 0.8 to about 1.7 
                 about 1 to about 1.5 
                 about 1.1 to about 1.3 
               
               
                 L/D 1 * 
                 about 2 to about 5 
                 about 3 to about 4.5 
                 about 3.5 to about 4 
               
               
                 W/D 2 * 
                 about 1.5 to about 5 
                 about 2 to about 4 
                 about 2.5 to about 3 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 *Unitless 
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0027]    This embodiment of the inventive bag  10  can be manufactured by various methods, but the preferred method is described herein. First, a tube or sleeve of plastic is cut to the desired length (represented by “L” in  FIG. 3 ). The plastic of which the inventive bag is formed can be any material typically used to form bags carrying bulk products. The plastic should be flexible and stretchable so that the bag collapses as the bulk product is poured from the bag. Preferably, the plastic of which the bag is formed stretches from about 1 to about 2 times at yield, and more preferably about 1.5 times at yield. Furthermore, it is preferred that the bag be formed of a plastic that stretches at least about 4 times, preferably at least about 5 times, and more preferably from about 5 to about 7 times at its break point. Thus, the preferred plastic has an ASTM D882 percent elongation of from about 200% to about 800%, preferably from about 400% to about 700%, and more preferably from about 500% to about 650%. The thickness of the preferred plastic is from about 2 mil to about 14 mil, preferably from about 4 mil to about 10 mil, and more preferably from about 6 mil to about 8 mil. The most preferred material is LLDPE. 
         [0028]    A heat seal is then applied at first end portion  16  in order to form horizontal seam  30 . A film (typically having a 10-mil thickness) is heat-sealed to flap  32  to form patch  36 . C-shaped grip  38  is then cut (e.g., die-cut) through the patch  36  and flap  32 , thus forming handle  34 , which serves as the primary carrying handle. The perforations  44  can be added at this time according to conventional methods in order to form pouring spout  42 . 
         [0029]    The manufactured bag can then be stored until needed, or immediately filled and sealed. Either way, after the bag  10  is filled to the desired level, a final heat seal is applied at second end portion  18  to create second horizontal seam  50 , making the filled bag  10  ready for distribution. It will be appreciated that the inventive bag  10  can be used to transport and store numerous types of pourable products, including cubes, pellets, tablets, powders, compacted pieces, and/or granules of those selected from the group consisting of: salt (e.g., water softening, pool treatment, deicing, etc.); animal food (e.g., bird seed, grain, dog or cat food); bulk flour or sugar; cement; seed (e.g., grass seed) and other lawn and garden products; fertilizers; ice; sand; rice; spices; soil (including soil mixtures); pesticides (e.g., fire ant treatments); industrial chemicals; mortar; plaster; marble dust; stones (including pebbles and gravel); and constructions products. Such products will typically cause the bags to weigh from about 20 lbs. to about 100 lbs., and more typically from about 40 lbs. to about 60 lbs. 
         [0030]    In use and before pouring, a user would tear corner  28   a  at perforations  44  in order to remove (or at least partially remove) corner  28   a  at spout  42 . This forms an opening at spout  42 , rendering spout  42  ready for pouring. This controlled pouring allows for fairly exact dispensing of the product, while preventing spillage and waste of the product. 
       Bag with Curved and Full Perforations 
       [0031]      FIGS. 4-6  show an alternative embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a bag  10   a  is illustrated, with like numbering being used to show like parts from  FIGS. 1-3 . Bag  10   a  includes a front panel  12  and a back panel  14 . As shown, front and back panels  12 , 14  are flat to demonstrate their respective shapes before being filled with product. Front panel  12  and back panel  14  share a first end portion  16  and a second end portion  18 . 
         [0032]    Front panel  12  and back panel  14  further share a first side portion  20  and a second side portion  22 . First and second end portions  16 ,  18  and first and second side portions  20 ,  22  present respective outermost edges  24   a - d , which define an outer boundary or periphery  26  of the bag  10   a . Outermost edges  24   a  and  24   b  oppose, and are substantially parallel to, one another, while outermost edges  24   c  and  24   d  oppose, and are substantially parallel to, one another. Furthermore, outermost edges  24   c  and  24   d  are substantially perpendicular to outermost edges  24   a  and  24   b.    
         [0033]    Each of the first and second end portions  16 ,  18  intersects with first and second side portions  20 ,  22  at corners  28   a - d . Front and back panels  12 ,  14 , first and second end portions  16 ,  18 , and first and second side portions  20 ,  22  cooperate to form a chamber for holding a pourable product. 
         [0034]    First end portion  16  comprises a first horizontal seam  30  spaced apart from outermost edge  24   a , thus forming a flap  32  in first end portion  16 . First horizontal seam  30  has a thickness of from about 1/16 inch to about ¼ inch (and more preferably about ⅛ inch) and is substantially parallel to outermost edge  24   a . Flap  32  comprises a handle  34  formed therein. Handle  34  comprises a patch  36  that is heat-sealed to the flap  32 . Patch  36  could be heat-sealed on either side of the flap  32  (i.e., on front panel  12  or on back panel  14 ), or on both sides if extra strength is required. Patch  36  can be any material typically used for bags carrying bulk products, including plastics such as linear low density polyethylenes (LLPDE). A C-shaped grip  38  is formed through patch  36  and flap  32  to form an opening, through which a user may place his or her fingers during carrying, pouring, etc. 
         [0035]    Outmost edge  24   a  of first end portion  16  is bisected by centerline  40  (see  FIG. 4 ). In a preferred embodiment, handle  34  is positioned such that some portion of the grip  38  falls upon the centerline  40 . Also, while it will be appreciated that the handle  34  is integrally formed with the bag  10   a  (and particularly with flap  32 ) as described above, one may also substitute an integrally formed handle with a separately formed handle that is then physically attached to the bag  10   a . Also, flap  32  could include a small opening (not shown) in or around corner  28   b  to provide a place for the user to place his or her finger during pouring to assist with that process. 
         [0036]    First end portion  16  also comprises a pouring spout  42 , preferably at corner  28   a . In the preferred embodiment, the spout  42  comprises a first set of perforations  44 , which allow for easy opening of the spout  42  at the time of use. 
         [0037]    As shown in the figures, perforations  44  are in the form of a curved (i.e., non-linear) pattern rather than a straight line as found in prior art bags. Perforations  44  intersect first horizontal seam at point  45   a  and outermost edge  24   c  at point  45   b  approximately (±5°, preferably ±2°) a 90° angle. The radius of curvature “R” (see  FIG. 6 ) is preferably from about 3 inches to about 4 inches, and more preferably about 3.5 inches. Furthermore, the radius of curvature “R” is measured at a point that is set in from the corner of the bag, at distances D 6  and D 7 . This non-linear pattern allows product to be more easily poured from open spout  42  as the opening is less prone to closing up on itself. Furthermore, the offset radius of curvature shifts the opening created by spout  42  downwardly towards the pourable product, making the product more flowable from the bag. Advantageously, this design results in an opening at spout  44  that has a cross-sectional area of from about 4 in 2 , to about 31 in 2 , preferably from about 9 in 2  to about 28 in 2 , and more preferably from about 13 in 2  to about 19 in 2 . This design yields a bag that can be emptied 15-20% more quickly than prior art bags. 
         [0038]    As was true with bag  10 , perforation  44  of bag  10   a  also preferably includes a “starter split”  43  through first horizontal seam  30 . Starter split  43  is an area of weakness that renders perforation  44  easier to tear. Unlike prior art bags, starter split  43  is actually present within first horizontal seam  30  so that the seam  30  does not hinder tearing due to inherent perforation weakness. 
         [0039]    The bag  10   a  further comprises a second set of perforations  52  in front and back panels  12 ,  14 . Perforations  52  provide an area where the front and back panels  12 ,  14  can be separated, creating an alternative, or additional, opening for pouring of product from the bag  10   a . Ideally, perforations  52  form a pattern that is linear in nature, and substantially parallel to outermost edges  24   a ,  24   b  and substantially perpendicular to outermost edges  24   c ,  24   d . The figures depict perforations  52  extending from outermost edge  24   c  to outermost edge  24   d , however, in some embodiments, the perforations  52  do not extend entirely across the width “W” of the front and back panels  12 ,  14 . However, it is preferred that the perforations  52  extend at least about 50% of “W,” preferably at least about 75% of “W,” and more preferably about 100% of “W.” Furthermore, although the figures show the perforations  52  at a distance “D” from outermost edge  24   b , it will be appreciated that the perforations  52  can be positioned anywhere along the length “L 1 ” of the front and back panels  12 ,  14 , provided perforations  52  are at least about 0.5 inches, and preferably at least about 1 inch, from first horizontal seam  30  and outermost edge  24   b . The second set of perforations  52  provide a “total dump” option to the user, when a spout  42  is not needed or desired. 
         [0040]    The bag  10   a  also preferably has a side panel  54 . Side panel  54  is essentially a lay-flat fold whose width is defined by a turn axis  56 . Side panel  54  allows for expansion of the bag upon filling with the pourable product. 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , several dimensions of the inventive bag  10   a  have been defined. The ranges for those dimensions are shown in Table 2. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Preferred Bag Dimensions 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Dimension 
                 Broad Range 
                 Preferred Range 
                 Most Preferred Range 
               
               
                 from FIG. 3 
                 (inches) 
                 (inches) 
                 (inches) 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 L 
                 about 20 to about 35 
                 about 24 to about 30 
                 about 26 to about 28 
               
               
                 W 
                 about 10 to about 24 
                 about 14 to about 20 
                 about 15 to about 18 
               
               
                 D 1   
                 about 5 to about 8 
                 about 5.5 to about 7.5 
                 about 5.8 to about 7 
               
               
                 D 2   
                 about 4.5 to about 7 
                 about 5 to about 6.5 
                 about 5 to about 6 
               
               
                 D 3   
                 about 2 to about 3.5 
                 about 2.2 to about 3 
                 about 2.4 to about 2.8 
               
               
                 D 4   
                 about 2.5 to about 5.5 
                 about 3 to about 5 
                 about 3.7 to about 4.5 
               
               
                 D 5   
                 about 2 to about 4 
                 about 2.5 to about 4.5 
                 about 2.9 to about 3.2 
               
               
                 D 6   
                 about 0.25 to about 2 
                 about 0.75 to about 1.25 
                 about 1 
               
               
                 D 7   
                 about 0.1 to about 0.75 
                 about 0.2 to about 0.5 
                 about 0.375 
               
               
                 D 8   
                 about 0.5 to about 10 
                 about 2 to about 8 
                 about 4 to about 7 
               
               
                 L 1   
                 about 17 to about 30 
                 about 20 to about 28 
                 about 22 to about 26 
               
               
                 D 1 /D 2 ** 
                 about 0.8 to about 1.7 
                 about 1 to about 1.5 
                 about 1.1 to about 1.3 
               
               
                 L/D 1 ** 
                 about 2 to about 5 
                 about 3 to about 4.5 
                 about 3.5 to about 4 
               
               
                 W/D 2 ** 
                 about 1.5 to about 5 
                 about 2 to about 4 
                 about 2.5 to about 3 
               
               
                 L 1 /D 8 * 
                 about 2 to about 15 
                 about 2 to about 10 
                 about 3 to about 7 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 **Unitless 
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0042]    As was true with the first embodiment (bag  10 ), the inventive bag  10   a  can be manufactured by various methods, but the preferred method is described herein. First, a tube or sleeve of plastic is cut to the desired length (represented by “L” in  FIG. 6 ). The plastic of which the inventive bag is formed can be any material typically used to form bags carrying bulk products. The plastic should be flexible and stretchable so that the bag collapses as the bulk product is poured from the bag. Preferably, the plastic of which the bag is formed stretches from about 1 to about 2 times at yield, and more preferably about 1.5 times at yield. Furthermore, it is preferred that the bag be formed of a plastic that stretches at least about 4 times, preferably at least about 5 times, and more preferably from about 5 to about 7 times at its break point. Thus, the preferred plastic has an ASTM D882 percent elongation of from about 200% to about 800%, preferably from about 400% to about 700%, and more preferably from about 500% to about 650%. The thickness of the preferred plastic is from about 2 mil to about 14 mil, preferably from about 4 mil to about 10 mil, and more preferably from about 6 mil to about 8 mil. The most preferred material is LLDPE. 
         [0043]    A heat seal is then applied at first end portion  16  in order to form horizontal seam  30 . A film (typically having a 10-mil thickness) is heat-sealed to flap  32  to form patch  36 . C-shaped grip  38  is then cut (e.g., die-cut) through the patch  36  and flap  32 , thus forming handle  34 , which serves as the primary carrying handle. The perforations  44  and  52  can be added at this time according to conventional methods. 
         [0044]    The manufactured bag can then be stored until needed, or immediately filled and sealed. Either way, after the bag  10   a  is filled to the desired level, a final heat seal is applied at second end portion  18  to create second horizontal seam  58 , making the filled bag  10   a  ready for distribution. It will be appreciated that the inventive bag  10   a  can be used to transport and store numerous types of pourable products, including cubes, pellets, tablets, powders, compacted pieces, and/or granules of those selected from the group consisting of: salt (e.g., water softening, pool treatment, deicing, etc.); animal food (e.g., bird seed, grain, dog or cat food); bulk flour or sugar; cement; seed (e.g., grass seed) and other lawn and garden products; fertilizers; ice; sand; rice; spices; soil (including soil mixtures); pesticides (e.g., fire ant treatments); industrial chemicals; mortar; plaster; marble dust; stones (including pebbles and gravel); and constructions products. Such products will typically cause the bags to weigh from about 20 lbs. to about 100 lbs., and more typically from about 40 lbs. to about 60 lbs. 
         [0045]    It will be appreciated that the present invention provides the user for more than one option for removing the product from the bag. In use and before pouring, one option allows a user to tear corner  28   a  at perforations  44  in order to remove (or at least partially remove) corner  28   a  at spout  42 . This forms an opening at spout  42 , rendering spout  42  ready for pouring. This controlled pouring allows for fairly exact dispensing of the product, while preventing spillage and waste of the product. 
         [0046]    Another option allows a user to tear the front and back panels  12 ,  14  at perforations  52  in order to separate (or at least partially separate) strip  60  from the remainder  62  of bag  10   a . It will be appreciated that this allows for easy pouring of the product from the bag  10   a . This controlled pouring allows for fairly exact dispensing of the product, while preventing spillage and waste of the product. This type of opening is particularly advantageous in situations where the bag is being poured into a large opening. The user can just lay the bag on top of the large opening and use both hands to tear perforations  52  and separate strip  60  from remainder  62 , thus avoiding the need to hold and tilt a heavy bag during product removal. 
         [0047]    As yet a further option, the user could tear both the perforations  44  and the perforations  52  to form two openings, and use both openings to remove the product from the bag. It will be appreciated that these options allow the end user to select the best option for his/her particular use, environment, strength, etc. 
         [0048]    Regardless of whether the inventive bag is provided as bag  10  or bag  10   a , it should include a number of features and properties that give it advantages over the prior art. For example, perforations  44  and  52  should tear easily at the time of use, but at the same time should be sufficiently strong that they do not tear before desired, thus allowing spilling of the product. 
         [0049]    Additionally, the inventive bags  10 ,  10   a  must be sturdy enough not to be damaged upon dropping. More specifically, the bags  10 ,  10   a  should pass a six-sided drop test.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1