Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02476640 2004-08-18
WO 03/072343 PCT/US03/05967
1
THERMOPLASTIC BAGS OR LINERS AND
METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed generally to therinoplastic films manufactured into
articles such as bags or liners that collect items and, more specifically,
articles such as
waste bags or liners that include an attached polymeric structure therein that
assists in
masking and/or neutralizing odors from reaching a user.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The use of thermoplastic bags or liners for a number of household and
industrial
uses has gained wide acceptance. Many of these bags are constructed from a
simple
structure having two layers of thermoplastic film which are joined along three
sides and
io having a mouth opening formed along the fourth side. This basic structure
has been
adapted to a wide range of sizes and configurations that vary with the
intended end use of
the bag.
These bags or liners are often used to collect waste or garbage in a number of
households. Such garbage bags or liners are often used to collect waste that
can produce
is odors unpleasant to a user. To address this problem, manufacturers have
combined a
scented resin with one or more polymeric resins during the forming of a
garbage bag.
The scented resin is distributed throughout the garbage bag in relatively
equal amounts.
Such a garbage bag assists in masking and/or neutralizing at least some of the
odors from
reaching the user.
20 There are a number of disadvantages with such garbage bags including that
the
scent is not concentrated in an interior of the bag where the user is likely
to encounter the
unpleasant odors. Because the scent is not concentrated in the interior of the
bag, several
difficulties to the manufacturer may occur. First, to obtain a desired amount
of scent in
the interior of such garbage bags, too much scent may need to be added that
results in an
25 overpowering scent to a user. Second, to prevent overpowering scents to a
user, the
desired amount of scent may not be provided to the interior of the bag. In
other words,
the balance between the desired ainount in the interior of the bag and
avoiding an
overpowering scent to a user may not be obtainable, or difficult to obtain.
Additionally,
the scented resin used in such garbage bags is likely more expensive than the
other
CA 02476640 2004-08-18
WO 03/072343 PCT/US03/05967
2
polymeric resins used in forming the garbage bags. Thus, it is economically
undesirable to
distribute the scented resin in relatively equal amounts throughout the bag.
Therefore, there is a need for bags or liners that mask and/or neutralize
odors
from reaching the user without such disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one embodiment, a bag or liner adapted to collect items comprises
first and second thermoplastic body panels, and at least one polymeric
structure. The first
and second body panels are joined along a pair of opposing sides and a bottom
bridging
the sides so as to form an open mouth. The joined first and second body panels
form an
io interior space for collecting items. The at least one polymeric structure
is a patch, tape or
pouch. The at least one structure comprises a first layer being a barrier
layer and
including an odor-masking and/or neutralizing agent. The first layer is
attached to the bag
or liner via attaching means such that the odor-masking and/or neutralizing
agent is in
communication with the interior space.
According to one method of making a bag or liner adapted to collect items,
first
and second thermoplastic body panels are provided that have been joined along
a pair of
opposing sides and a bottom bridging the sides so as to form an open mouth.
The joined
first and second body panels form an interior space for collecting items. At
least one
structure being a patch, tape or pouch is provided. The at least one structure
comprises a
first layer being a barrier layer and including an odor-masking and/or
neutralizing agent.
The first layer is attached to the bag or liner via an adhesive or a heat seal
such that the
odor-masking and/or neutralizing agent is in communication with the interior
space.
According to another embodiment, a bag or liner adapted to collect items
comprises first and second thermoplastic body panels, and at least one
polymeric
structure. The first and second body panels are joined along a pair of
opposing sides and a
bottom bridging the sides so as to form an open mouth. The joined first and
second body
panels form an interior space for collecting items. The at least one structure
is a patch,
tape or pouch. The at least one structure comprises a first layer being a
barrier layer, and
a second polymeric layer comprising an odor-masking and/or neutralizing agent.
The
second polymeric layer is adjacent to the first layer. The at least one
structure is attached
to the bag or liner via attaching means such that the odor-masking and/or
neutralizing
agent is in communication with the interior space.
CA 02476640 2004-08-18
WO 03/072343 PCT/US03/05967
3
According to another method of making a bag or liner adapted to collect items,
first and second thermoplastic body panels are provided that have been joined
along a pair
of opposing sides and a bottom bridging the sides so as to form an open mouth.
The
joined first and second body panels form an interior space for collecting
items. At least
one structure being a patch, tape or pouch is provided. The at least one
structure
comprises a first layer being a barrier layer, and a second polymeric layer
comprising an
odor-masking and/or neutralizing agent. The second polymeric layer is adjacent
to the
first layer. The first layer is attached to the bag or liner via an adhesive
or a heat seal such
that the odor-masking and/or neutralizing agent is in communication with the
interior
io space.
According to a further embodiment, a bag or liner adapted to collect items
comprises first and second thermoplastic body panels, and at least one
polymeric
structure. The first and second body panels are joined along a pair of
opposing sides and
a bottom bridging the sides so as to form an open mouth. The joined first and
second
is body panels form an interior space for collecting items. The at least one
polymeric
structure is a patch, tape or pouch. The at least one polymeric structure
comprises a first
polymeric layer being a barrier layer, a second polymeric layer comprising an
odor-
masking and/or neutralizing agent, and a third polymeric layer being a
permeable layer.
The second polymeric layer is located between the first polymeric layer and
the third
20 polymeric layer. The at least one polymeric structure is attached to the
bag or liner via an
adhesive or a heat seal such that the odor-masking and/or neutralizing agent
is in
communication with the interior space.
According to a further method of making a bag or liner adapted to collect
items,
first and second thermoplastic body panels are provided that have been joined
along a pair
25 of opposing sides and a bottom bridging the sides so as to form an open
mouth. The
joined first and second body panels form an interior space for collecting
items. At least
one polymeric structure being a patch, tape or pouch is provided. The at least
one
polymeric structure comprises a first polymeric layer being a barrier layer, a
second
polymeric layer comprising an odor-masking and/or neutralizing agent, and a
third
30 polymeric layer being a permeable layer. The second polymeric layer is
located between
the first polymeric layer and the third polymeric layer. The first polymeric
layer is
CA 02476640 2004-08-18
WO 03/072343 PCT/US03/05967
4
attached to the bag or liner via an adhesive or a heat seal such that the odor-
masking
and/or neutralizing agent is in communication with the interior space.
According to yet another embodiment, a bag or liner adapted to collect items
comprises first and second thermoplastic body panels, and first and second
polymeric-
structure portions. The first and second body panels are joined along a pair
of opposing
sides and a bottom bridging the sides so as to form an open mouth. The joined
first and
second body panels form an interior space for collecting items. The first
polymeric-
structure portion comprises two layers and is a patch, tape or pouch. The
first polymeric-
structure portion comprises a first polymeric layer being a barrier layer, and
a second
io polymeric layer being a permeable layer and including an odor-masking
and/or
neutralizing agent. The second polymeric layer is adjacent to the first
polymeric layer.
The first polymeric layer is attached to the bag or liner via an adhesive or
heat seal such
that the odor-masking and/or neutralizing agent is in communication with the
interior
space.
The second polymeric-structure portion comprises two layers and is a patch,
tape
or pouch. The second polymeric-structure portion comprises a third polymeric
layer
being a barrier layer, and a fourth polymeric layer being a permeable layer
and including
an odor-masking and/or neutralizing agent. The fourth polymeric layer is
adjacent to the
third polymeric layer. The second polymeric layer is heat sealed at selected
locations to
the fourth polymeric layer such that the respective odor-masking is adapted to
enter the
interior space of the bag or liner therebetween.
According to yet a further embodiment, a bag or liner adapted to collect items
comprises first and second thermoplastic body panels, and first and second
polymeric-
structure portions. The first and second body panels are joined along a pair
of opposing
sides and a bottom bridging the sides so as to form an open mouth. The joined
first and
second body panels form an interior space for collecting items. The first
polymeric-
structure portion comprises three layers and is a patch, tape or pouch. The
first
polymeric-structure portion comprises a first polymeric layer being a barrier
layer, a
second polymeric layer comprising an odor-masking and/or neutralizing agent,
and a third
polymeric layer being a permeable layer. The second polymeric layer is located
between
the first polymeric layer and the third polymeric layer. The first polymeric
layer is
CA 02476640 2004-08-18
WO 03/072343 PCT/US03/05967
attached to the bag or liner via an adhesive or heat seal such that the odor-
masking and/or
neutralizing agent is in communication with the interior space.
The second polymeric-structure portion comprises three layers and is a patch,
tape
or pouch. The second polymeric-structure portion comprises a fourth polymeric
layer
5 being a barrier layer, a fifth polymeric layer comprising an odor-masking
and/or
neutralizing agent, and a sixth polymeric layer being a permeable layer. The
fifth
polymeric layer is located between the fourth polymeric layer and the sixth
polymeric
layer. The third polymeric layer is heat sealed at selected locations to the
sixth polymeric
layer such that the respective odor-masking and/or neutralizing agent of the
second
io polymeric layer and the fifth polymeric layer is adapted to enter the
interior space of the
bag or liner between the third polymeric layer and the sixth polymeric layer.
According to one method of providing a patch, tape or pouch to be attached to
a
surface of a bag or liner, a bag or liner is provided with an interior space
formed by first
and second thermoplastic body panels. A blown film is extruded that comprises
two
layers. The first polymeric layer is a barrier layer and the second polymeric
layer
comprises an odor-masking and/or neutralizing agent. The first polymeric layer
and the
second polymeric layer are adjacent to each other. The blown film is extruded
through a
die to form a tube. The blown film tube is inflated and then collapsed so as
to form a four
layer structure that comprises the first polymeric layer, the second polymeric
layer, a third
polymeric layer being a barrier layer, and a fourth polymeric layer comprising
an odor-
masking and/or neutralizing agent. Selected portions of the second and fourth
polymeric
layers of the structure are weakly heat sealed after collapsing the blown film
tube. The
film is severed at a selected width and length to form a patch, tape or pouch.
The first
polymeric layer is attached to the first body panel such that the odor-masking
and/or
neutralizing agent of the second polymeric layer is in communication with the
interior
space upon opening of the bag or liner. The third polymeric layer is attached
to the
second body panel such that the odor-masking and/or neutralizing agent of the
fourth
polymeric layer is in communication with the interior space upon opening of
the bag or
liner.
According to another method of providing a patch, tape or pouch to be attached
to a surface of a bag or liner, a bag or liner is provided with an interior
space formed by
first and second thermoplastic body panels. A blown film is extruded that
comprises a
CA 02476640 2004-08-18
WO 03/072343 PCT/US03/05967
6
first polymeric layer being a barrier layer, a second polymeric layer
comprising an odor-
masking and/or neutralizing agent, and a third polymeric layer being a
permeable layer.
The second polymeric layer is located between the first polymeric layer and
the third
polymeric layer. The blown film is extruded through a die to form a tube and
the blown
s film tube is inflated. The blown film tube is collapsed so as to form a six
layer structure
~
that comprises the first polymeric layer, the second polymeric layer, the
third polymeric
layer, a fourth polymeric layer being a barrier layer, a fifth polymeric layer
comprising an
odor-masking and/or neutralizing agent, and a sixth polymeric layer being a
permeable
layer. Selected portions of the third and sixth polymeric layers of the
structure are weakly
io heat sealed after collapsing the blown film tube. The film is severed at a
selected width
and length to form a patch, tape or pouch. The first polymeric layer is
attached to the
first body panel such that the odor-masking and/or neutralizing agent of the
second
polymeric layer is in communication with the interior space upon opening of
the bag or
liner. The sixth polymeric layer is attached to the second body panel such
that the odor-
15 masking and/or neutralizing agent of the fifth polymeric layer is in
communication with
the interior space upon opening of the bag or liner.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a completed bag according to one embodiment;
20 FIG. 2a is an elevational view of a completed bag according to another
embodiment;
FIG. 2b is a perspective view of a completed bag according to another
embodiment;
FIG. 3a is a partial cross-sectional view of one side of a bag comprising a
25 polymeric structure with one layer according to one embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. 3b is a partial cross-sectional view of one side of bag comprising a
polymeric
structure with two layers according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 3c is a partial cross-sectional view of one side of bag comprising a
polymeric
structure with three layers according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
30 FIG. 3d is a partial cross-sectional view of one side of bag comprising a
polymeric
structure with two layers according to another embodiment of the present
invention;
CA 02476640 2004-08-18
WO 03/072343 PCT/US03/05967
7
FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of one side of a bag according to
another
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of one side of a bag according to a
further
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of one side of a bag according to yet
another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of one side of a bag according to yet
a
further embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of one side of a bag according to
another
io embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9a is a partial cross-sectional view of one side of a bag that includes a
polymeric structure with four layers according to one embodiment of the
present
invention;
FIG. 9b is a partial cross-sectional view of one side of a bag that includes a
polymeric structure with six layers according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. l0a is a partial cross-section view of two sides of a bag that includes
two
polymeric structures that each comprise two layers according to one embodiment
of the
present invention;
FIG. l Ob is a partial cross-section view of two sides of a bag that includes
two
polymeric structures that each comprise two layers according to another
embodiment of
the present invention;
FIG. l0c is a partial cross-section view of two sides of a bag that includes
two
polymeric structures that each comprise three layers according to one
embodiment of the
present invention;
FIG. l la is an end view of a blown film tube according to one embodiment;
FIG. 1 lb is an end view of the collapsed blown film tube of FIG. 11 a;
FIG. 1 lc is an end view of a blown film tube according to another embodiment;
FIG. 11 d is an end view of the collapsed blown film tube of FIG. 11 c;
FIG. 11 e is an end view of a blown film tube according to a further
embodiment;
3o and
FIG 1 lf is an end view of the collapsed blown film tube of FIG. 1 l e.
CA 02476640 2004-08-18
WO 03/072343 PCT/US03/05967
8
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative
forms,
specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings
and
will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that it
is not intended
to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed but, on the contrary,
the intention is
to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the
spirit and scope
of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENT
The present invention is used in combination with articles such as bags and
liners.
Some examples of bags or liners include waste bags, food bags, laundry bags,
storage
bags or disposable medical bags. To mask and/or neutralize unpleasant odors
from
reaching a user, the articles include a structure such as a patch, tape or
pouch that is in
communication with the interior portion of the article. One example of a
structure that
masks and/or neutralizes odor is a scented structure. The structure that masks
and/or
neutralizes odors is generally located in a top half portion of the article
because of the
ease of manufacture and visibility of the structure to the user or customer.
Bags/Liners
The present invention may be used with a variety of articles such as bags or
liners
and a few non-linuting examples of bags are shown in FIGs. 1 and 2. Referring
initially to
FIG. 1, a thermoplastic bag 10 is depicted. The bag 10 is formed from a single
flexible
thermoplastic sheet folded upon itself and comprises first and second opposing
body
panels 12, 14. Body panels 12, 14 are fixedly connected to each other along a
pair of
sides 16, 18 and a bottom 20 which extends between the pair of sides 16, 18.
The bag
includes an open mouth 22 opposite of the bottom 20. The joined body panels
12, 14
form an interior space for collecting items.
Alternatively, the bag 10 may be formed from separate thermoplastic sheets
where
the first and second opposing body panels are sealed after being initially
separated so as to
form the pair of sides and the bottom (i.e., sealed on three sides).
Alternatively, the bag
10 may be formed from a single flexible thermoplastic sheet having a side
fold, a seal on
the side opposite the side fold, and an end seal.
The bags or liners may include a tie feature that assists in (a) closing the
bag or
liner securely, (b) forming a handle for carrying the bag or liner to be
disposed and/or (c)
facilitating the opening of the bag or the liner. For example, a bag 110 of
FIG. 2a is
CA 02476640 2007-09-19
WO 03/072343 PCT/US03/05967
9
depicted in the layflat condition and includes one type of tie feature. The
term layflat
condition is defined as the bag in a collapsed condition before it has been
opened for
filling.
The bag 110 of FIG. 2a is formed from a single flexible thermoplastic sheet
folded
upon itself and comprises a first opposing body panel 112 and a second
opposing body
panel 114. The first body panel 112 does not overlap with the shape of the
leading edge
of the bag mouth contained in the second body panel 114. Consequently, at
least some
portion of the first body panel 112 does not overlap the second body panel 114
and at
least some portion of the second body panel 114 does not overlap the first
body panel
io 112. Body panels 112, 114 are fixedly connected to each other along a pair
of sides 116,
118 and a bottom 120 which extends between the pair of sides 116, 118.
Alternatively, the bag 110 may be formed from separate thermoplastic sheets
wherein the first and second opposing body panels are sealed after being
initially
separated so as to form the pair of sides and the bottom (i.e., sealed on
three sides).
Alternatively, the bag 110 may be formed from a single flexible thermoplastic
sheet having
a side fold, a seal on the side opposite the side fold, and an end seal.
The bag 110 finclades integral tie members 122, 124 that are formed by the non-
overlapping portions described above. More details about the bag 110 and
methods of
making the same can be obtained from U.S. Patent 5,611,627.
2o Other examples of bags having tie features include U.S.
Patent Nos. 4,890,736, 5,041,317, 5,246,110, 5,683,340 and 5,709,641. The bag
or liner
may further include a recloseable fastener or zipper to assist a user in
opening and closing
thereof.
Alternatively, the bags or liners may include a separate closure means in the
form
of a plastic or metal tie device. Such devices are well known and require that
the neck of
the bag be bunched together by the user. For example, referring to FIG. 2b, a
bag 150 is
depicted that is formed from at least one flexible thermoplastic sheet. The
bag 150
includes a first opposing body panel 152 and a second opposing body panel 154.
Body
panels 152, 154 are fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides 156,
158 and a
3o bottom 160 which extends between the pair of sides 156, 158. A mouth
portion 162 of
the bag 150 is locatcd opposite of the bottom 160 and includes continuous
strips 164, 166
located in a hem. Examples of such a bag are depicted in U.S. Patent Nos.
4,558,463 and
CA 02476640 2007-09-19
WO 03/072343 PCT/US03/05967
4,624,654. A further example is depicted in U.S. Patent No. 6,059,458,
which discloses a bag with a drawtape within a hem.
Odor-Masldngand/or Neutralizing Structure
5 As discussed above, the article, such as bags or Tvners, includes a
structure that is
in communication with the interior portion of the article and is adapted to
mask and/or
neutralize odors. One example of a structure that masks and/or neutralizes
odor is a
scented structure. The structure that masks and/or neutralizes odor is
generally located in
a top half portion of the article because of the ease of manufacture and
visibility of the
io structure to the customer. It is generally not desirable to locate the
structure at the
topmost portion of the bag because if the bag is used as a liner, the topmost
portion of the
bag may extend over an edge of the receptacle resulting in the structure being
in a less
desirable location.
The odor-masking and/or neutralizing structure may be in the form of a patch,
tape and/or pouch. The selection of a patch, tape or pouch is often dependant
on the
material being used. For example, a powder (e.g., minerals containing
chemistry) is often
placed in an air-permeable pouch because it is often difficult to embed
powders in a patch.
One example of a powder that may be used is baking soda that absorbs odor. A
patch or
tape may be used with a scented odor or fragrance because of the ability of
the odor or
2o fragrance to embed therein. Tape generally includes an adhesive, a patch-
like component
and a release system such as a scented structure.
A scented patch, tape or pouch may be formed by one or more scented aromas.
For example, some non-limiting examples of aromas include citronella, pine,
flowery,
citrus, limonene and substituted esters such as METAZENE .
The patch, tape or pouch that masks and/or neutralizes odor may be made of
polymeric materials including thermoplastic materials. It is contemplated that
the patch,
tape or pouch may be made of polyolefinic materials such as polyethylenes,
polypropylenes, polystyrenes, and combinations thereof Non-limiting examples
of
polyethylene include high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene,
linear low
3o density polyethylene, and combinations thereof. It is desirable to have a
patch, tape or
pouch that comprises polyethylene because of reasons such as its
recyclability. Another
example of a material that may be used in forming the patch, tape or pouch is
ethyl methyl
CA 02476640 2004-08-18
WO 03/072343 PCT/US03/05967
11
acrylate (EMA). The patch, tape or pouch may be formed of a porous non-woven
material (e.g., gauze) that allows an active ingredient such as a desired
scent to be
released.
It is contemplated that additional layers may be added to the patch, tape or
pouch.
For example, a barrier layer may be added that comprises a polymeric material
such as an
ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyvinylidene chloride layer (PVDC),
polyester, nylon,
cyclic olefin copolymers or combinations thereof. It is also contemplated that
other
barrier materials such as foils and metallized polymers such as metallized
oriented
polypropylenes (OPP) may be used.
An example of a cyclic olefin copolymer that may be used in forming the
barrier
layer is TOPAS 8007. Useful cyclic olefin copolymers are believed to be
available from
several companies. For example, Ticona, a business of Celanese AG, in Summit
N.J. has
cyclic olefin copolymers available. Other companies that are believed to have
cyclic olefin
copolymers available include Nippon Zeon (Japan), Mitsui Chemical (Japan) and
JSR
(Japan), formerly know as Japan Synthetic Rubber. Ticona, a business of
Celanese AG,
has commercially available cyclic olefin copolymers (COCs) under the
designation
TOPAS . These cyclic olefin copolymers are believed to be prepared with
feedstocks of
norbornene and ethylene and the use of a metallocene catalyst. There are
believed to be at
least four grades of TOPAS resins available (TOPAS 8007, TOPAS 6013,
2o TOPAS 6015 and TOPAS 6017). The four grades of TOPAS resins available
have
glass transition temperatures, Tg, of 80, 140, 160 and 180 C, respectively.
The
corresponding norbornene levels of the four grades of TOPAS resins are 35,
48, 55 and
59 mole %.
The barrier layer assists in keeping the odor-masking and/or neutralizing
material
in communication with the interior of the bag or liner and, thus, assists in
preventing or
inhibiting the odor-masking and/or neutralizing material from permeating
through the
body panel. In other words, the barrier layer may be a patch, tape or pouch
that has an
odor-masking and/or neutralizing agent that is located on an inner surface of
the barrier
layer as shown in, for example, FIG. 3a. In FIG. 3a, one side of a bag 210 is
depicted
with a body panel 212 that includes a patch or tape 214, and a second body
panel (not
shown in FIG. 3a). The odor-masking and/or neutralizing agent of the patch or
tape 214
is in communication with the interior space, while one surface of the patch or
tape 214 is
CA 02476640 2004-08-18
WO 03/072343 PCT/US03/05967
12
attached to a surface 212a of the body pane1212 via an adhesive or a heat
seal. It is
contemplated that other attachment methods may be used. For example, the
patch, tape
or pouch may be attached to at least one surface of the body panels using
mechanical
methods such as clips or staples.
One example depicted in FIG. 3b includes a bag 230 comprising a first body
panel
212, a second body panel (not shown in FIG. 3b) and a structure 234. The
structure 234
comprises a first layer 216 that is a barrier layer and a second polymeric
layer 218 that
includes an odor-masking and/or neutralizing agent. The first layer 216 may be
a
polymeric barrier layer using the materials described previously in forming a
barrier layer.
io One example of a polymer that may be used in the second polymeric layer 218
is a
polyolefin such as a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). An outer surface
of the
first layer 216 of FIG. 3b is attached to an inner surface 212a of the first
body panel 212.
The second polymeric layer 218 is directly adjacent to the first layer 216 so
that the odor-
masking and/or neutralizing agent is in communication with the interior space.
Depending
is on the materials that form the first and second layers 216, 218, it may not
be necessary to
adhesively attach the layers together. Rather, for example, the first and
second layers may
be co-extruded together if the materials for forming the first and second
layers are
compatible.
It is contemplated that the structure 234 may have a release agent (e.g., a
slip
20 additive) that assists in preventing or inhibiting the structure from
sticking to adhesive, if
any, that has been applied thereto. Adhesives may be used in one embodiment to
attach
the structure to the body panel(s). The release agent, if used, is desirably
located on a
surface of the tape, patch or pouch farthest from the surface that attaches to
the body
panel. Sticking can occur, for example, when the polymeric structure is wound
into a roll.
25 Examples of a release agent include siloxane and glycerol monostearate,
although it is
contemplated that other release agents may be used.
It is also contemplated that information may be printed on the structure 234
such
as on the barrier layer or the permeable layer. It is contemplated that the
printing may
occur on different locations of the structures. For enhanced visibility and
readability of
30 the printing, it may be desirable to print on the surface of the structure
that is closest to
the body panel when the structure is located in the interior of the bag or
liner. For
example, in FIG. 3b, the printing would be desirably located between the body
panel 212
CA 02476640 2004-08-18
WO 03/072343 PCT/US03/05967
13
and the first layer 216. If adhesive is used to attach the first layer 216 of
FIG. 3b to the
surface 212a, then the printing may be located between the adhesive and the
first layer
216. It is contemplated that other attachment methods may be used such as a
heat seal or
mechanical methods.
Other layers are contemplated such a scent-enhancing layer. A scent-enhancing
layer may enhance delivery of a scent with increasing humidity. Increasing
humidity often
results in a corresponding increase in bacteria growth that results in
increased odors. One
example of a scent-enhancing layer is polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH).
The odor-masking and/or neutralizing structure may include additional material
to
io enhance scent concentration in the interior portion of the bag. For
example, the patch,
tape or pouch may include perlite (a naturally occurring silicous rock) to
increase the
scent concentration. Perlite is desirable to use because of reasons such as
its ability to
retain scent, stability and surface area. Additional non-limiting examples of
material that
may enhance the scent include microspheres, talc, silicon, silicate,
vermiculite,
is diatomaceous earth, or combinations thereof including the previously
mentioned PVOH
and perlite. One example of a silicate that may be used is an aluminum
silicate. Thus, one
layer of the structure may include a fragrance (e.g., a liquid fragrance), a
scent-enhancing
mineral, and a polymeric resin (e.g., LLDPE).
Referring to FIG. 3c, a bag 250 comprises a first body panel 212, a second
body
20 panel (not shown in FIG. 3c), and a structure 254 in the form of a patch or
tape. It is
contemplated that the structure may be in the form of a pouch. The structure
254
comprises a first layer 216 that is a barrier layer, and a second polymeric
layer 218 that
includes an odor-masking and/or neutralizing agent, a third polymeric layer
220 that is a
permeable layer. The first layer 216, as discussed above, may be a polymeric
layer. The
25 second polymeric layer 218 that comprises the odor-masking and/or
neutralizing agent is
located between the first and third layers 216, 220. One example of a polymer
that may
be used in the second polymeric layer 218 is a polyolefin, such as a linear
low density
polyethylene (LLDPE). The odor-masking and/or neutralizing agent is in
communication
with the interior space of the bag via the third polymeric layer 220 that is
permeable.
3o Thus, the third polymeric layer 220 controls the permeability and must be
permeable to
the extent that the odor-masking and/or neutralizing agent can enter the
interior of the
bag or liner therethrough.
CA 02476640 2004-08-18
WO 03/072343 PCT/US03/05967
14
It is contemplated that the third polymeric layer 220 may comprise a cyclic
olefin
copolymer. The third polymer layer may comprise from about 10 to about 50 wt.%
or,
more specifically, from about 20 to about 40 wt.% cyclic olefin copolymer to
assist in
reducing curling of the polymeric structure. While not being bound by theory,
curling
tends to be caused when the materials for forming the polymeric-structure
layers are not
as compatible with each other (i.e., the layers tend to have different shrink
rates). For
example, the barrier layer may comprise a more crystalline material that does
not shrink
much, if any, over time as compared to the permeable layer that may comprise a
material,
such as polyethylene, that tends to shrink over time. The disadvantage of
having the
io structure curl is that the edges tend to curl in a transverse direction
upon itself leading to
processing problems. By using a cyclic olefin copolymer in the third polymeric
layer, the
first layer and the third polymeric layer become more compatible and, thus,
reduce or
inhibit curling of the polymeric structure. The addition of a cyclic olefin
copolymer to the
third polymeric layer 220 also slows the permeation of the odor-masking and/or
neutralizing scent into the interior of the bag.
As discussed above, it is contemplated that the structure 254 of FIG. 3c may
have
a release agent (e.g., a slip additive) that assists in preventing or
inhibiting the polymeric
structure from sticking to itself. It is also contemplated that information
may be printed
on the structure 254. The first layer 216 may be attached to the surface of
the body
panel(s) via an adhesive, heat seal or other methods.
Referring to FIG. 3d, a bag 270 comprises a first body panel 212, a second
body
panel (not shown in FIG. 3d), and a structure 274 in the form of a patch or
tape. It is
contemplated that the structure may be a pouch. The structure 274 comprises a
first layer
216 being a barrier layer, and a second polymeric layer 219 being a permeable
layer and
including an odor-masking and/or neutralizing agent. The odor-masking and/or
neutralizing agent must be able to communicate with the interior space of the
bag. The
first layer 216 may be attached to the body panel 212 via an adhesive, a heat
seal or other
methods.
The article, such as a bag or liner, may include more than one structure that
masks
3o and/or neutralizes odor therein. For example, the bag or liner may include
two or three
structures that mask and/or neutralize odor.
CA 02476640 2004-08-18
WO 03/072343 PCT/US03/05967
A patch, tape or pouch (e.g., a scented patch, tape or pouch) may vary in size
and
is dependent on factors such as the desired amount of scent, the particular
scent being
used, the number of patches, tapes or pouches being used in the bag or liner,
and the size
of the bag or liner. The dimensions of the patch, tape or pouch are generally
from about
5 1/2 inch or 1 inch to about 12 inches. Non-limiting examples of patch, tape
or pouch
dimensions include 1/2 inch x 1 inch, 1/2 inch x 2 inches, 1 inch x 6 inches,
2 x 4 inches,
and 4 x 12 inches. The thicknesses of the patches, tapes or pouches may vary
in the
present invention but are generally from about 2 to about 10 mils and, more
specifically,
from about 3 to about 5 mils.
io According to another embodiment, the odor-masking and/or neutralizing
structure
of the article is delivered in a non-woven matrix. The non-woven matrix may be
impregnated after the non-woven matrix has been formed. The impregnation of
the non-
woven matrix may be accomplished by an odor-masking and/or neutralizing
coating.
Alternatively, the non-woven matrix may be initially formed with the odor-
masking and/or
is neutralizing feature therein. According to a further embodiment, the odor-
masking and/or
neutralizing feature of the article may be micro-encapsulated in a patch, tape
or pouch.
The odor-masking and/or neutralizing patch, tape or pouch (e.g., a scent) in
one
embodiment is located in the interior of an article, such as the bag 10 or bag
110. For
example in FIG. 3 a, a partial cross-sectional view of one side of the bag 210
is depicted
with the body panel 212 and the patch or tape 214. The patch or tape 214 is
attached to
an interior surface 212a of the body panel 212 in which the interior surface
212a forms an
interior portion of the bag 210. Similarly, it is contemplated that a pouch
may be used
such that the pouch is attached to an interior surface of the body panel.
Alternatively, the patch, tape or pouch may be located on an exterior surface
of an
article or within layers of an article such that the odor-masking and/or
neutralizing
material is able to permeate into or communicate with the interior of the
article. For
example, the patch, tape or pouch may be located on an exterior surface of a
bag in which
a portion of the layer is removed such that the odor-masking and/or
neutralizing material
from the patch, tape or pouch can permeate into the interior of the bag. For
example,
3o referring to FIG. 4, a partial cross-sectional view of one side of a bag
310 is shown with a
patch or tape 314 attached to an exterior surface 316a of body panel 316. The
body panel
316 has at least one opening 318 that allows the odor-masking and/or
neutralizing
CA 02476640 2004-08-18
WO 03/072343 PCT/US03/05967
16
material from the patch or tape 314 to permeate into the interior of the bag
310. The
opening(s) 318 may be one large opening or a plurality of smaller openings
that extends
from and through the body pane1316 of the bag 310. The opening(s) 318 may be
formed
by processes known in the art including a perforation process.
In another example, FIG. 5 depicts a partial cross-sectional view of one side
of a
bag 410. The bag 410 comprises an exterior layer 412, a patch or tape 414, and
an
interior layer 416 with opening(s) 418. The patch or tape 414 is located
between and
attached to the exterior layer 412 and the interior layer 416. The opening(s)
418 allows
the odor-masking and/or neutralizing material from the patch or tape 414 to be
in
io communication with the interior of the bag 410. Similarly, it is
contemplated that a pouch
may be located between an exterior layer and interior layer instead of the
patch or tape
414 shown in FIG. 5.
It is contemplated that a layer of an article may be permeable to the odor-
masking
and/or neutralizing material of the patch, tape or pouch such that the odor-
masking and/or
neutralizing material is in communication with the interior of the bag or
line. FIG. 6
depicts such an example where a partial cross-sectional view of a bag 510 is
shown. The
bag 510 comprises a patch or tape 514 and a permeable layer 516. The permeable
layer
516 allows the odor-masking and/or neutralizing material from the patch or
tape 514 to
enter the interior of the bag. The permeable layer 516 may be made of a
suitable material
that allows the odor-masking and/or neutralizing material to reach the
interior of the bag
in a relatively quick fashion. Examples of a permeable layer 516 include low
density
polyethylene and ethyl methyl acrylate (EMA). FIG. 7 depicts another
embodiment with
a partial cross-sectional view of one side of a bag 530 that includes an
additional layer
(exterior layer 512) as compared to the bag 510 of FIG. 6.
It is contemplated that additional layers may be added in forming the bags
shown
in FIGs. 3-7. For example, a thermoplastic barrier layer such as an ethylene
vinyl alcohol
(EVOH) or polyvinylidene chloride layer (PVDC) may be used in forming the body
panels
of the bag or liner. For example, an EVOH copolymer or a PVDC with a
polyethylene
carrier may be used in forming a barrier layer of the bag or liner. Such
barrier layers assist
in keeping the odor-masking and/or neutralizing material in communication with
the
interior of the bag or liner. Other layers are contemplated such a scent-
enhancing layer.
A scent-enhancing layer may enhance delivery of a scent with increasing
humidity.
CA 02476640 2004-08-18
WO 03/072343 PCT/US03/05967
17
Increasing humidity often results in a corresponding increase in bacteria
growth that
results in increased odors. One example of a scent-enhancing layer is
polyvinyl alcohol
(PVOH).
The patch, tape or pouch, such as the patch or tape 214, may include a
peelable
cover. An example of such an embodiment is depicted in FIG. 8 where a partial
cross-
sectional view of one side of a bag 610 comprises a body panel 612, an odor-
masking
and/or neutralizing patch or tape 614, and a peelable cover 622. The peelable
cover 622
covers at least a portion of the patch or tape 614 and may cover the entire
patch or tape
614 that is exposed in the interior of the bag 610. The peelable cover 622
prevents or
io inhibits the odor-masking and/or neutralizing material from escaping the
patch or tape 614
in its initial position shown in FIG. 8. The peelable cover may be attached to
the layer
612 and/or the patch or tape 614. The peelable cover 622 is removed by a user
from the
patch or tape 614 to enhance or begin the release of the odor-masking and/or
neutralizing
material from the patch or tape 614. Typically, the removal of the peelable
cover 622 by
the user occurs when a bag or liner is placed into a receptacle. One example
of the
peelable cover 622 is a barrier layer such as EVOH or PVDC. It is contemplated
that a
peelable cover may be used with any of the structures that are in the form of
a patch, tape
or pouch.
According to one embodiment, an article is adapted to collect items and
comprises
2o a first thermoplastic body panel, a second thermoplastic body panel and at
least one
polymeric structure adapted to mask and/or neutralize unpleasant odors from
reaching a
user. The first and second body panels are joined along a pair of opposing
sides and a
bottom bridging the sides so as to form an open mouth. The joined first and
second body
panels form an interior space for collecting items. The polymeric structure is
attached to
a surface of one or more the first and second body panels and is in
communication with
the interior space. The structure further includes a peelable cover in which
the peelable
cover is adapted to initially cover at least a portion of the polymeric
structure.
According to another embodiment, a bag or liner may be used that includes two
odor-masking and/or neutralizing structure portions. For example, referring to
FIG. 9a, a
3o bag 710 comprises a first thermoplastic body panel 712, a second
thermoplastic body
panel (not shown in FIG. 9a) a first structure portion 714a and a second
structure portion
714b. As discussed above, the first and second body panels are joined along a
pair of
CA 02476640 2004-08-18
WO 03/072343 PCT/US03/05967
18
opposing sides and a bottom bridging the sides so as to form an open mouth.
The joined
first and second body panels form an interior space for collecting items.
The first structure portion 714a comprises two layers and is a patch or tape.
It is
contemplated that the first and second structure portions may form a pouch.
The first
structure portion 714a comprises a first layer 716a being a barrier layer, and
a second
polymeric layer 719a being a permeable layer and including an odor-masking
and/or
neutralizing agent. The first layer 716a may be a polymeric layer. The second
polymeric
layer 719a is directly adjacent to the first layer 716a. The first layer 716a
is shown in
FIG. 9a as being attached to the first body panel 712 via an adhesive, heat
seal or other
io methods.
Similarly, the second structure portion 714b comprises two layers and is a
patch
or tape. The second structure portion 714b comprises a third layer 716b being
a barrier
layer, and a fourth polymeric layer 719b being a permeable layer and including
an odor-
masking and/or neutralizing agent. The fourth polymeric layer 719b is directly
adjacent to
the third layer 716b. The third layer 716b may be a polymeric layer. The
second
polymeric layer 719a is heat sealed at selected locations to the fourth
polymeric layer
719b such that the respective odor-masking and/or neutralizing agent permeates
into the
interior of the bag 710 via interior area 717.
The interior area 717 may be formed by having the first and second structure
portions 714a, b curl with respect to each other. As shown in FIG. 9a, the
interior area
717 is formed between the second and fourth polymeric layers 719a, b. By
having at least
a slight curl of the structure portions enables the odor and/or neutralizing
agent to be in
communication with the interior of the bag. It is desirable to have some curl
in the
embodiment depicted in FIG. 9a to assist in enabling the odor-masking and/or
neutralizing
agent to be in communication with the interior of the bag. As discussed above,
the
curling of the structure portions may be formed from using materials for
forming the
structure portions that are less compatible (i.e., the shrink rates of the
materials differ).
It is contemplated that additional layers may be used in forming the two
structure
portions. For example, in FIG. 9b, a bag 730 comprises a first thermoplastic
body panel
3o 712, a second thermoplastic body panel (not shown in FIG. 9b), a first
structure portion
734a, and a second structure portion 734b. The first and second body panels
are joined
along a pair of opposing sides and a bottom bridging the sides so as to form
an open
CA 02476640 2004-08-18
WO 03/072343 PCT/US03/05967
19
mouth. The joined first and second body panels form an interior space for
collecting
items.
The first structure portion 734a comprises three layers and is a patch or
tape. It is
contemplated that the first and second structure portions may form a pouch.
The first
structure portion 734a comprises a first layer 716a being a barrier layer, a
second
polymeric layer 718a comprising an odor-masking and/or neutralizing agent, and
a third
polymeric 720a being a permeable layer. The first layer 716a may be a
polymeric layer.
The second polymeric layer 718a is located between the first and third layers
716a, 720a.
The first layer 716a is shown in FIG. 9b as being attached to the first body
panel 712 via
io an adhesive or heat seal such that the odor-masking and/or neutralizing
agent is in
communication with the interior space. It is contemplated that other attaching
methods
may be used such as mechanical devices like clips or staples.
Similarly, the second structure portion 734b comprises three layers and is a
patch
or tape. The second thermoplastic structure portion 734b comprises a fourth
layer 716b
being a barrier layer, a fifth polymeric layer 718b comprising an odor-masking
and/or
neutralizing agent, and a sixth polymeric layer 720b being a permeable layer.
The fourth
layer 716b may be a polymeric layer. The fifth polymeric layer 718b is located
between
the fourth and sixth polymeric layers 716b, 720b. The third polymeric layer
720a is heat
sealed at selected locations to the sixth polymeric layer 720b such that the
respective
2o odor-masking and/or neutralizing agent of the second polymeric layer 718a
and the fifth
polymeric layer 718b is adapted to enter the interior space of the bag or
liner between the
third polymeric layer 720a and the sixth polymeric layer 720b.
As discussed above, an interior area 727 may be formed by having the first and
second structure portions 734a, b curl with respect to each other. As shown in
FIG. 9b,
the interior area 727 is formed between the third and sixth polymeric layers
720a, b.
According to another embodiment, a bag 810 is shown in FIG. I Oa comprising a
first thermoplastic body panel 812a, a second thermoplastic body panel 812b, a
first
structure 814a, and a second structure 814b. The first and second body panels
812a,
812b are joined along a pair of opposing sides and a bottom bridging the sides
so as to
form an open mouth. The joined first and second body panels form an interior
space for
collecting items.
CA 02476640 2004-08-18
WO 03/072343 PCT/US03/05967
The first structure 814a comprises two layers and is a patch or tape. It is
contemplated that the first and second structure portions may be in the form
of a pouch.
The first structure 814a comprises a first layer 816a being a barrier layer,
and a second
polymeric layer 819a being a permeable layer and including an odor-masking
and/or
5 neutralizing agent. The first layer 816a may be a polymeric layer. The
second polymeric
layer 819a is directly adjacent to the first layer 816a. The first layer 816a
is shown in
FIG. 10a as being attached to the first body panel 812a via an adhesive or
heat seal. It is
contemplated that other attachment methods may be used. To adhere to the first
body
panel 812a, the first layer 816a may include a coating that is not sticky or
tacky at room
io temperature. Such a coating may become sticky, for example, at higher
temperatures, or
upon exposure to infrared radiation or heat.
Similarly, the second structure 814b comprises two layers and is a patch or
tape.
The second structure 814b comprises a third layer 816b being a barrier layer,
and a fourth
polymeric layer 819b being a permeable layer and including an odor-masking
and/or
is neutralizing agent. The third layer 816b may be a polymeric layer. The
fourth polymeric
layer 819b is directly adjacent to the third layer 816b. The third layer 819b
is shown in
FIG. 10a as being attached to the second body pane1812b via an adhesive or
heat seal. It
is contemplated that other attachment methods may be used. To adhere to the
second
body panel 812b, the third layer 816b may include a coating that is not sticky
or tacky at
2o room temperature. Such a coating may become sticky, for example, at higher
temperatures, or upon exposure to infrared radiation or heat.
It is contemplated that the first structure and the second structure may be
formed
of different compositions. For example, the first structure may include an
odor-masking
material, while the second structure may be an odor-absorbing material. In
forming such
an embodiment, the first and second structures may, for example, be formed by
extruding
two different patches, tapes or pouches.
Alternatively, the bag may be formed by other two or more layer structures.
For
example, as shown in FIG. lOb, a bag 830 includes a first structure 834a that
comprises a
first layer 816a that is a barrier layer, and a second polymeric layer 818a
that comprises an
odor and/or neutralizing agent. The bag 830 also includes a second structure
834b that
comprises a third layer 816b that is a barrier layer, and a fourth polymeric
layer 818b that
comprises an odor and/or neutralizing agent. It is contemplated that the first
and second
CA 02476640 2004-08-18
WO 03/072343 PCT/US03/05967
21
structures may be made of different compositions, such as being made of
different barrier
materials or odor and/or neutralizing agents.
According to yet another embodiment, the bag may be formed by three of more
layers. For example, as shown in FIG. 10c, a bag 850 includes a first
structure 854a that
comprises a first layer 816a that is a barrier layer, a second polymeric layer
818a that
comprises an odor and/or neutralizing agent, and a third polymeric layer 820a
that is a
permeable layer. The bag 850 includes a second structure 854b that comprises a
fourth
layer 816b that is a barrier layer, a fifth polymeric layer 818b that
comprises an odor
and/or neutralizing agent, and a sixth polymeric layer 820b that is a
permeable layer. The
io first and second structures 854a, b are attached to first and second body
panels 812a,
812b, respectively, via an adhesive or heat seal. It is contemplated that the
first and
second structures may be made of different compositions, such as being made of
different
barrier materials or odor and/or neutralizing agents.
According to one method, a polymeric structure in the form of a patch, tape or
pouch is attached to a surface of a provided bag or liner. The polymeric
structure may be
formed by extruding a blown film. The extruded blown film may comprise two
layers
such as a first polymeric layer being a barrier layer and a second polymeric
layer
comprising an odor-masking and/or neutralizing agent. The first polymeric
layer and the
second polymeric layer are directly adjacent to each other. The blown film is
extruded
through a die to form a tube. One example of a die that may be used is an
annular die, but
it is contemplated that other die shapes may be used. The blown film tube is
inflated such
as shown, for example, in FIG. 11 a with blown film tube 900. The blown film
tube 900
includes a first polymeric layer 916 being a barrier layer and the second
polymeric layer
918 comprising an odor-masking and/or neutralizing agent. As shown in FIG. I
lb, the
blown film tube 900 is collapsed so as to form a four layer structure that
comprises a first
polymeric layer 916a being a barrier layer, a second polymeric layer 918a
comprising an
odor-masking and/or neutralizing agent, a third polymeric layer 916b being a
barrier layer,
and a fourth polymeric layer 918b comprising an odor-masking and/or
neutralizing agent.
The first and third polymeric layers 916a, 916b may include a coating to
assist in attaching
to the body panel.
Selected portions of the second and fourth polymeric layers 918a, 918b of the
structure according to one method are weakly heat sealed after the blown film
tube has
CA 02476640 2004-08-18
WO 03/072343 PCT/US03/05967
22
been collapsed. It is desirable to weakly heat seal the layers 918a, 918b if
the structures
to be formed are attached to multiple locations of the bag or liner in, for
example, FIGs.
lOa-10c. To form the polymeric structure, the collapsed blown film is severed
to a
selected width and length to form a patch or tape. Additional steps may be
performed to
form a pouch. The first polymeric layer 916a is attached to the first body
panel such that
the odor-masking and/or neutralizing agent of the second polymeric layer 918a
is in
communication with the interior space. The third polymeric layer 916b is
attached to the
second body panel such that the odor-masking and/or neutralizing agent of the
fourth
polymeric layer 918b is in communication with the interior space. To assist in
having the
io polymeric structure remain attached to respective body panels, the
attachments of the first
polymeric layer 916a to the first body panel and the third polymeric layer
916b to the
second body panel must be stronger than the weakly heat sealed portions
between the
second and fourth polymeric layers 918a, 918b.
It is contemplated that a stronger heat seal may be employed in this method to
form structures that are attached at one location as in, for example, FIGs. 9a
and 9b.
Such a stronger heat seal desirably remains between the two inner layers and
is located
such that an interior space is formed.
Alternatively, the above process may be employed with a first polymeric layer
being a barrier layer, and a second polymeric layer being a permeable layer
and including
an odor-masking and/or neutralizing agent. For example, referring to FIGs. 11
c-d, a
blown film tube 930 that will form a polymeric structure comprises a first
polymeric layer
916 being a barrier layer and a second polymeric layer 919 being a permeable
layer and
including an odor-masking and/or neutralizing agent. The first and third 916a,
b
polymeric layers may include a coating to attach to respective body panels. It
is
contemplated that the above described process may be employed with more than a
two
layer extruded blown film. For example, a blown film tube 950 may be extruded
that
comprises three layers such as shown in FIGs. 10e and f. A first polymeric
layer 916 is a
barrier layer, the second polymeric layer 918 comprises an odor-masking and/or
neutralizing agent, and the third polymeric layer 920 is a permeable layer.
The first and
fourth polymeric layers 916a, b may include a coating to attach to the body
panel. It is
contemplated that the patch, tape or pouch may be formed using a cast-film
process
according to another method.
CA 02476640 2004-08-18
WO 03/072343 PCT/US03/05967
23
The odor-masking and/or neutralizing structure, such as a patch, tape or
pouch,
may be attached to the article such as a bag or liner by a pressure sensitive
self-adhesive.
The pressure sensitive self-adhesive may be any suitable adhesive that
attaches the odor-
masking and/or neutralizing patch, tape or pouch to the bag or liner. Non-
limiting
examples of pressure sensitive adhesives that may be used include acrylic or
rubber-based
adhesives.
The odor-masking and/or neutralizing tape or pouch may be roll fed onto a
layer(s) of the bag or liner. The roll-fed tape or pouch may also initially
include a release
liner that assists in preventing or inhibiting the odor-masking and/or
neutralizing material
io from sticking to itself before delivery to the bag or liner. The release
liner, if used, is
separated from the roll-fed tape or pouch before the tape or pouch is attached
to the bag
or liner. Examples of release liners include silicon-coated paper. Release
liners, however,
may be undesirable because of the additional cost associated therewith. It is
contemplated
that the odor-masking and/or neutralizing material may be roll fed without the
use of a
release liner before being attached to the bag or liner.
Alternatively, the odor-masking and/or neutralizing patch or pouch may be
magazine fed during attachment to the bag or liner. The patch is preferably
magazine fed,
while the pouch may be magazine or roll fed. The tape is preferably roll fed
during
attachment to the bag or liner. For example, the tape may be unwound, cut to
length and
2o attached to the bag or liner in a desirable location.
According to another embodiment, the odor-masking and/or neutralizing patch,
tape or pouch may be heat sealed directly to the article such as a bag or
liner. The patch,
tape or pouch may be roll fed or magazine fed before being heat sealed to the
bag or liner.
In a heat-sealing embodiment, a release liner would not likely be used because
the patch,
tape or pouch without any adhesive should not stick to itself and the release
liner adds an
unnecessary cost. The patch, tape or pouch may be attached to the bag or liner
at several
locations. The patch, tape or pouch may be attached to the body panels during
the
formation of the heat seals. For example, the patch, tape or pouch may be
located
between a side seal formed between the first and second body panels. It is
contemplated
that other attaching methods may be used.
The bags or liners, such as bags 10, 110, are formed by any thermoplastic
material
suitable for storage or collecting items, including refuse bulk storage. This,
of course,
CA 02476640 2004-08-18
WO 03/072343 PCT/US03/05967
24
includes common sized bags such as tall kitchen bags (13 gallon size) and
large garbage
bags (33 gallon size). The bags or liners are typically formed from polymeric
materials
such as polyolefinic materials. Non-limiting examples of polyolefinic
materials include
polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polystyrene and combinations thereof. For
example, some
types of polyethylenes materials include high density polyethylenes, low
density
polyethylenes, linear low density polyethylenes and combinations thereof. It
is also
contemplated that materials such as polyethylene terephthalates may be used in
forming
the bags or liners of the present invention.
The thicknesses of the bags or liners may vary in the present invention but
are
io generally from about 0.2 mil to about 3 mils and, more specifically, from
about 0.3 mil to
about 1.5 mil. The bags or liners may be used in combination with
appropriately sized
receptacles, including trash receptacles.
It is contemplated that in addition to the odor-masking and/or neutralizing
patch,
tape or pouch discussed above, the patch, tape or pouch may further include
anti-
is oxidants. Anti-oxidants assist in preventing or slowing the breakdown of
another material
by oxygen. The use of anti-oxidants preferably prevents or inhibits
undesirable aromas
from items such as food. Some contemplated anti-oxidants include iron and
vitamin E.
An anti-oxidant patch, tape or pouch may replace the odor-masking and/or
neutralizing
tape or pouch depicted in FIGs. 3-8.
20 To assist in destroying, preventing or inhibiting growth of micro-
organisms, it is
contemplated that the patch, tape or pouch may further include anti-
microbials. Some
contemplated anti-microbials include chlorine dioxide and triclosan. Another
contemplated anti-microbial is allyl isothiocyanate. An anti-microbial patch,
tape or
pouch may replace the scented tape or pouch depicted in FIGs. 3-8. Other anti-
microbials
25 include natural oils, such as cinnamon, peppermint or spearmint. Such an
anti-microbial
patch, tape or pouch may further include anti-oxidants. Additionally, the odor-
masking
and/or neutralizing patch, tape or pouch may further include anti-microbials.
It is also
contemplated that the odor-masking and/or neutralizing patch, tape or pouch
may include
an anti-oxidant(s) and anti-microbials.
30 It is contemplated that the tape, patch or pouch, may comprise a variety of
active
ingredients, including anti-oxidants, anti-microbials, animal or insect
repellants, or
combinations thereof. Examples of animal or insect repellants include the
above discussed
CA 02476640 2004-08-18
WO 03/072343 PCT/US03/05967
natural oils such as cinnamon, peppermint or spearmint. It is also
contemplated that the
tape, patch or pouch may be a plant-respiratory regulator. For example, the
tape, patch
or pouch may include an ethylene absorber or emitter.
It is contemplated that the above described structures that contain an odor-
5 masking and/or neutralizing structure (214, 234, 254, 274, 314, 414, 514,
614, 714, 734,
814, 834 and 854) may be replaced with anti-oxidants, anti-microbials, animal
and insect
repellants, plant-respiratory regulators and combinations thereof. It is also
contemplated
that the odor-masking an/or neutralizing structure may include one or more of
the anti-
oxidants, anti-microbials, animal and insect repellants, and plant-respiratory
regulators.
10 While particular embodiments and applications of the present invention have
been
illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not
limited to the
precise construction and compositions disclosed herein and that various
modifications,
changes, and variations may be apparent from the foregoing descriptions
without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the
appended claims.
15 For example, the at least one odor masking and/or neutralizing structure
may not be
directly attached to one or more surfaces of the body panels of the bag or
liner. It is
contemplated that the at least one structure may be attached to the bag or
liner at other
locations such as, for example, on a hem that contains a drawtape.
