Bags

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a polymeric bag having a reduced gauge portion extending generally across the width of the bag, wherein the reduced gauge portion allows that area of the polymeric bag to be stretched more easily. This invention is especially advantageous in the context of drawstring trash bags wherein the reduced gauge portion encompasses the hems.

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 having a normal thickness,   wherein the first panel comprises a reduced gauge portion, the reduced gauge portion of the first panel having a thickness that is less than the normal thickness of the first panel.   
     
     
         2 . The thermoplastic bag of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 the reduced gauge portion of the first panel extending substantially across a width of the first panel.   
     
     
         3 . The thermoplastic bag of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 the reduced gauge portion of the first panel having a substantially uniform height.   
     
     
         4 . The thermoplastic bag of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 the thickness of the reduced gauge portion of the first panel is less than or approximately equal to 80% of the normal thickness of the first panel.   
     
     
         5 . The thermoplastic bag of  claim 4 , further comprising:
 the thickness of the reduced gauge portion of the first panel is less than or approximately equal to 50% of the normal thickness of the first panel.   
     
     
         6 . The thermoplastic bag of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first hem provided in the first panel and a first drawstring contained within the first hem,   wherein the reduced gauge portion of the first panel substantially includes all of the first hem.   
     
     
         7 . The thermoplastic bag of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 the first drawstring is elastic.   
     
     
         8 . The thermoplastic bag of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 wherein the reduced gauge portion of the first panel further includes an area of the first panel below the first hem.   
     
     
         9 . The thermoplastic bag of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 the second panel having a normal thickness,   wherein the second panel comprises a reduced gauge portion, the reduced gauge portion of the second panel having a thickness that is less than the normal thickness of the second panel.   
     
     
         10 . The thermoplastic bag of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a first hem provided in the first panel and a first drawstring contained within the first hem,   wherein the reduced gauge portion of the first panel substantially includes all of the first hem,   a second hem provided in the second panel and a second drawstring contained within the second hem,   wherein the reduced gauge portion of the second panel substantially includes all of the second hem.   
     
     
         11 . The thermoplastic bag of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 the first drawstring and the second drawstring are elastic.   
     
     
         12 . The thermoplastic bag of  claim 10 , further comprising:
 wherein the reduced gauge portion of the second panel further includes an area of the second panel below the first hem.