Flexible package and handle and method of using same

Abstract

The present invention provides a package for holding articles including a bag having a front panel and a back panel joined together at a first side seam and a second side seam; perforations located on a portion of the front panel and back panel proximate to the first side seam, the perforations defining three sides of a spout section; and a handle secured to the spout section. The design and location of the multi-functional handle provides for ease in lifting and transporting the package. The handle has the further advantage of acting as an opening aid in conjunction with the perforations or tear lines, located a suitable distance from the handle.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A package for holding articles comprising: 
 a bag having a front panel and a back panel joined together at a first side seam and a second side seam;    perforations located on a portion of the front panel and back panel proximate to the first side seam, the perforations defining three sides of a spout section; and    a handle secured to the spout section.    
     
     
         2 . The package of  claim 1  wherein the handle is secured to the first side seam.  
     
     
         3 . The package of  claim 1  wherein the handle and bag are made from polymeric plastic film.  
     
     
         4 . The package of  claim 3  wherein the film is selected from the group consisting of low density polyethylene, low density polyethylene/linear low density polyethylene, low density polyethylene/medium density polyethylene, low density polyethylene/high density polyethylene, a polyethylene/polypropylene combination, and any combination thereof.  
     
     
         5 . The package of  claim 2  wherein the handle is secured to the first side seam at an angle of between about 45 degrees and 135 degrees.  
     
     
         6 . The package of  claim 5  wherein the handle is between about 14 and 30 cm in length and about one (1) cm and five (5) cm in width and adapted for use as a hand grip.  
     
     
         7 . The package of  claim 1  wherein the handle is a continuous loop.  
     
     
         8 . The package of  claim 1  wherein the handle is a loop having first and second handle ends.  
     
     
         9 . The package of  claim 8  wherein each handle end comprises about two (2) to ten (10) percent of the total handle area.  
     
     
         10 . The package of  claim 1  wherein placement of the articles in the bag creates a side section in the front panel and in the back panel, further wherein the perforations are not located on either side section.  
     
     
         11 . A bag, comprising: 
 a front panel and a back panel integral in one piece with a gusset, the front panel and back panel joined together at a first side seam and a second side seam;    perforations located on a portion of the front panel and back panel proximate to the first side seam, the perforations defining three sides of a spout section; and    a handle secured to the spout section, the handle adapted for use as a bag opener.    
     
     
         12 . The package of  claim 11  wherein the perforations comprise two sets of vertical perforations substantially parallel to the side seam, the vertical perforations extending about halfway down from the top edges of the front panel and back panel and a set of horizontal perforations across the width of the gusset, the horizontal perforations contiguous with the two sets of vertical perforations.  
     
     
         13 . The package of  claim 12  wherein the handle is attached to the first side seam in the gusset.  
     
     
         14 . The package of  claim 11  further comprising articles contained within the bag.  
     
     
         15 . The package of  claim 14  wherein the articles are compressed.  
     
     
         16 . The package of  claim 14  wherein the articles are selected from the group consisting of infant diapers, feminine care products and adult incontinence garments.  
     
     
         17 . A multi-function handle comprising: 
 a strap located on a spout section of a bag, the spout section defined on three sides by perforations in the bag, wherein the strap can be used to lift, transport and open the bag.    
     
     
         18 . The handle of  claim 17  wherein the spout section includes a side seam, further wherein the strap has ends secured to the side seam.  
     
     
         19 . The multi-function handle of  claim 17  wherein the strap is used to open the bag in conjunction with the perforations by pulling on the handle to separate the perforations.  
     
     
         20 . A method of using a handle comprising: 
 grasping a handle secured to a spout section of a bag, the bag containing articles and further having perforations; and    pulling the handle away from the bag wherein the perforations are separated and the bag is opened to expose the articles.    
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20  further comprising lifting and carrying the bag with the handle.  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 20  wherein the handle is secured to a side seam located in the spout section.  
     
     
         23 . A kit, comprising: 
 a bag having a spout section;    a handle secured to the spout section;    a plurality of articles for containment in the bag; and    instructions on the bag for opening the bag and for using the articles.    
     
     
         24 . The kit of  claim 23  wherein the handle is secured to a side seam located in the spout section.  
     
     
         25 . The kit of  claim 23  wherein the articles are selected from the group consisting of infant diapers, feminine care products and adult incontinence garments.  
     
     
         26 . The kit of  claim 25  wherein the articles are compressed.