Polymeric Bags

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a polymeric bag having an elastic portion extending generally across the width of the bag, wherein the elastic portion has a lower modulus of elasticity than the remainder of the bag. The bag is primarily comprised of a first polymer blend while the elastic portion is comprised of a second polymer blend.

1 . A thermoplastic bag comprising:
 a first panel and a second panel, the first panel and second panel joined along a first side edge, a second side edge, and a bottom edge, a top edge of the first panel and second panel defining an upper opening of the bag,   the first panel being substantially comprised of a first polymer blend,   an elastic portion of the first panel being comprised of a second polymer blend, the elastic portion of the first panel extending across a width of the first panel, and   the second polymer blend having a lower modulus of elasticity than the first polymer blend.   
     
     
         2 . The thermoplastic bag of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 the first polymer blend comprises at least 80% LLDPE, and   the second polymer blend comprising less than 80% LLPDE.   
     
     
         3 . The thermoplastic bag of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 the second polymer blend comprising at least 20% of polymers selected from the group consisting of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene-acrylic acid (EAA), very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), ultra low density polyethylene (ULDPE), and a combination thereof.   
     
     
         4 . The thermoplastic bag of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 the second polymer blend comprising at least 50% of polymers selected from the group consisting of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene-acrylic acid (EAA), very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), and ultra low density polyethylene (ULDPE), and a combination thereof.   
     
     
         5 . The thermoplastic bag of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a drawstring disposed within a hem of the first panel,   the elastic portion of the first panel including the hem of the first panel.   
     
     
         6 . The thermoplastic bag of  claim 5 , further comprising:
 the drawstring is an elastic drawstring.   
     
     
         7 . The thermoplastic bag of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 the elastic portion of the first panel is proximate the upper opening of the bag.   
     
     
         8 . The thermoplastic bag of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first flap and a second flap, the first flap and the second flap located along the upper opening of the bag.   
     
     
         9 . The thermoplastic bag of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 the elastic portion of the first panel is proximate the first flap.   
     
     
         10 . The thermoplastic bag of  claim 8 , further comprising:
 the elastic portion of the first panel includes at least a part of the first flap.