Multi-layered bag and method of manufacture

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multi-layered bag which includes an inner bag located within the interior of an outer bag, where the outer bag including a first and second region of weakness. The inner bag includes a region of weakness adjacent to the outer bag's second region of weakness. The multi-layer bag has the inner and outer bags sealed closed and together adjacent to the outer bag's second region of weakness. A method of manufacturing such a multi-layered or composite bag is also disclosed.

What I claim is:  
     
         1  A multi layered bag which includes, 
 an inner bag located within the interior of an outer bag, the outer bag including a first and second region of weakness,  
 the inner bag including a region of weakness adjacent to the outer bag's second region of weakness,  
 wherein the inner and outer bags are sealed closed and together adjacent to the outer bag's second region of weakness.  
 
     
     
         2  A multi-layered bag as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the inner and outer bags are formed from plastic material.  
     
     
         3  A multi-layered bag as claimed in  claim 1  or  claim 2  wherein the outer bag forms a protective cover for the inner bag, said outer bag being adapted to be removed from the inner bag.  
     
     
         4  A multi-layered bag as claimed in any previous claim formed with one open end or face.  
     
     
         5  A multi-layered bag as claimed in any previous claim wherein the regions of weakness extend across the width of the inner and outer bags.  
     
     
         6  A multi-layered bag as claimed in any previous claim wherein the regions of weakness are formed through cuts or perforations.  
     
     
         7  A multi-layered bag as claimed in any previous claim wherein the first region of weakness of the inner bag runs along the width of the bag adjacent to an open end formed in the outer bag.  
     
     
         8  A multi-layered bag as claimed in any previous claim wherein the second region of weakness of the outer bag is located adjacent to a closed or sealed end of the bag.  
     
     
         9  A multi-layered bag as claimed in any previous claim wherein the outer bag includes a third region of weakness connecting the first and second regions of weakness of the outer bag.  
     
     
         10  A multi-layered bag as claimed in any previous claim wherein the region of weakness within the inner bag is located substantially in line with the second region of weakness in the outer bag.  
     
     
         11  A multi-layered bag as claimed in any previous claim wherein the inner bag includes a seal along its width closer to one end of the bag than the inner bag's single region of weakness.  
     
     
         12  A multi-layered bag as claimed in any previous claim wherein the inner and outer bags are connected together at one or more points along at least one side of the multi-layered bag.  
     
     
         13  A multi-layered bag as claimed in  claim 12  wherein connections between the inner and outer bags are made with adhesive.  
     
     
         14  A multi-layered bag as claimed in any one of claims  12  or  13  wherein connections between the inner and outer bags made between the first region of weakness in the outer bag and the adjacent end of the multi-layered bag.  
     
     
         15  A method of manufacturing a multi layered bag characterised by the steps of: 
 (i) forming a first region of weakness in an outer bag, and  
 (ii) introducing an inner bag to the interior of the outer bag, and  
 (iii) forming a second region of weakness in the outer bag, and  
 (iv) forming a region of weakness in the inner bag adjacent to the second region of weakness formed in the outer bag, and  
 (v) sealing the inner and outer bags closed and together adjacent to the second region of weakness in the outer bag.  
 
     
     
         16  A method of manufacturing a multi-layered bag as claimed in  claim 15  wherein said manufacturing method is completed as a continuous in-line process.  
     
     
         17  A method of manufacturing a multi-layered bag as claimed in any one of claims  15  or  16  wherein the outer bag is initially formed from a sheet of material drawn onto a production line, said sheet being perforated along its width to form a first region of weakness in the outer bag.  
     
     
         18  A method of manufacturing a multi-layered bag as claimed in  claim 17  wherein said sheet material used to form the outer bag is folded itself and has its adjacent free edges sealed together after the first region of weakness is formed within said outer bag.  
     
     
         19  A method of manufacturing a multi-layered bag as claimed in any one of  claims 15  to  18  wherein the inner bag is introduced to the interior of the outer bag as a preformed length of tubular material.  
     
     
         20  A method of manufacturing a multi-layered bag as claimed in  claim 19  wherein a heat sealing element is applied across the width of the combined inner and outer bags to form at least one seal within the inner bag.  
     
     
         21  A method of manufacturing a multi-layered bag as claimed in any one of  claims 15  to  20  wherein the inner and outer bags are processed through a post gussetting machine after the inner bag is introduced into the interior of the outer bag.  
     
     
         22  A method of manufacturing a multi-layered bag as claimed in any one of  claims 15  to  21  wherein the second region of weakness in the outer bag and the region of weakness in the inner bag are formed through a single perforation operation.  
     
     
         23  A method of manufacturing a multi-layered bag as claimed in any one of  claims 15  to  22  wherein after the second region of weakness is formed in the outer bag connections are made between the sidewalls of the inner and outer bag adjacent to the first region of weakness of the outer bag.  
     
     
         24  A method of manufacturing a multi-layered bag as claimed in any one of  claims 15  to  23  wherein the continuous length of multi-layered bag is cut into a plurality of separate multi-layered bags after the outer bag has been sealed.  
     
     
         25  A multi-layered bag substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings and/or examples.  
     
     
         26  A method of manufacturing a multi-layered bag substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings and/or examples.