Abstract:
Methods of increasing the perceived thickness and strength of a thermoplastic film include incrementally stretching thermoplastic films in the machine direction. In one or more implementations, methods of incrementally stretching thermoplastic films include reducing the gauge of the films while increasing a loft of at least a portion of the film. The methods can involve cold stretching the films and imparting rib patterns and alternating peaks and valleys into the film. The linear ribs can have alternating thick and thin gauges.
Abstract:
Multi-layered bags include an outer layer or bag and an inner layer or bag that is shorter than the outer layer or bag. The shortened inner layer or bag can stretch or expand to the outer layer or bag when loaded with objects or otherwise strained. Such multi-layered bags can allow for a reduction in thermoplastic material without compromising the strength of the multi-layered bag. In various implementations, the inner layer or bag may be non-continuously laminated, continuously laminated, or joined only along one or more edges to the outer layer or bag. Implementations including non-continuous bonds securing the inner layer or bag to the outer layer or bag can provide additional strength to the bag. Methods of forming multi-layered bags with a shortened inner layer including inserting an inner layer within an outer layer and then joining the layers to form a bag.
Abstract:
A microwavable material having a structure that may be used to enhance the browning and crisping, and thus improve the taste and appearance, of a food item cooked therein. The material may be in the form of a sheet material or formed as a container such as a bag, pouch, or other suitable structure. The material may comprise one or more features that help bring the material into close contact with the food item and help conform the bag around the food item. Furthermore, the material may comprise a structure that avoids substantial contact with liquid released by a food item, may have a venting system suitable for the exiting of moisture, may have a coating, a transparent surface, and when formed as a container, may have a gusseted surface.
Abstract:
Thermoplastic films and bags include gradient patterns of post-formation deformations. The gradient patterns of post-formation deformations can provide a connotation of strength. Additionally, the gradient pattern of post-formation deformations can provide different areas of the films or bags with different physical characteristics such as tear resistance, puncture resistance, elasticity, etc.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to a thermoplastic film that includes a layer of thermoplastic material and an encapsulated odor control component. The encapsulated odor control component can include an odor-control active encapsulated within an odor-control encapsulant. Additionally, the encapsulated odor control component can be configured to release the odor-control active from the encapsulant when exposed to malodor particles. The thermoplastic film can further include a color indicator that changes color to indicate performance of the encapsulated odor control component. For example, the color indicator can change from a first color to a second color based, at least in part, on the release of the odor-control active.
Abstract:
In one example embodiment, a laminated film includes an extruded ribbed first film portion that includes multiple ribs, where consecutive ribs are separated by webs that are integral with the ribs. The laminated film also includes an un-ribbed second film portion, and a region of discontinuous lamination between the first film portion and the second film portion. The region of discontinuous lamination includes multiple regions where the first and second film portions are bonded together, and multiple regions where the first and second film portions are not bonded together.
Abstract:
In one example embodiment, a film includes a coextruded structure having both an extruded ribbed skin layer that includes a plurality of ribs, and a core layer. The ribs are spaced apart by a web that is integral with the ribs. The film also includes a voiding agent in the ribs of the skin layer.
Abstract:
Multi-layer bags may be formed to include first and second sidewalls joined along a first side edge, an opposite second side edge, and a closed bottom edge. The first and second layers may be non-continuously laminated together in discrete sections to include bonded regions in which the layers are bonded and unbonded regions in which the layers are not bonded. Such a bag may be described as a "bag- in-a-bag" type configuration in which the inner bag is non-continuously bonded to the outer bag. The inventors have surprisingly found that such configurations of non-continuous bonding provides increased and unexpected strength properties to the multi-layer films and bags.
Abstract:
A storage container for storing and preserving food items includes a base providing a storage cavity and an attachable lid. To evacuate air from the storage cavity after the base and lid have been attached, the storage container may include a one-way valve element communicating with the storage cavity. The overall storage container can be sufficiently rigid so that it has an initial size and volume when in its un-evacuated condition. During evacuation, the air pressure within the storage cavity is reduced compared to the air pressure of the surrounding environment. This pressure differential can result in a compressive force being applied about the container. At least one of the base or lid can be made relatively flexible so that, when evacuated, the volume of the storage container is reduced.
Abstract:
A thermoplastic bag includes structures that direct liquid away from areas of the bag more susceptible to failure and leaking. For example, one or more implementations include seals that direct liquid introduced into the bag away from comers of the bag. Additionally, one or more implementations include an insert positioned within the bag between the liquid directing structures such that the liquid directing structures direct liquid to the insert. In one or more implementations, the insert comprises an absorbent material. Thus, the liquid directing structures can direct liquid to a liquid absorbing insert.