Expanding storage bags
A thermoplastic bag includes raised rib-like elements that allow the thermoplastic bag to expand. The thermoplastic bag further includes side seals having rib-like elements that allow the side seals to expand. Additionally, in one or more implementations, the thermoplastic bag includes one or more of a material formulation, a density of raised rib-like elements, a height of raised rib-like elements, or land areas that provide the raised rib-like elements with a reduced rebound ratio.
1. A thermoplastic bag, comprising:
first and second sidewalls comprising a thermoplastic material;
the first and second sidewalls comprising a first side edge, an opposite second side edge, a bottom edge, and an opening along respective top edges;
a closure mechanism that provides for selective closing of the top edges;
a first side seal extending along the first side edge; and
a second side seal extending along the second side edge;
raised rib-like elements formed in the first and second sidewalls and the first and second side seals;
wherein the raised rib-like elements formed in the first and second side seals provide the first and second side seals with an ability to expand.
2. The thermoplastic bag as recited in claim 1 , wherein the first and second side seals have a width between 0.50 mils and 5.0 mils.
3. The thermoplastic bag as recited in claim 1 , wherein the raised rib-like elements are arranged in a pattern of diamonds.
4. The thermoplastic bag as recited in claim 1 , wherein the raised rib-like elements are arranged in a checkboard pattern.
5. The thermoplastic bag as recited in claim 1 , wherein the thermoplastic bag comprises a food storage bag.
6. The thermoplastic bag as recited in claim 1 , wherein the closure mechanism comprises a zipper closure.
7. The thermoplastic bag as recited in claim 1 , wherein the thermoplastic material comprises linear low density polyethylene and low density polyethylene.
8. The thermoplastic bag as recited in claim 7 , wherein the thermoplastic material comprises between 20 percent and 80 percent linear low density polyethylene.
9. The thermoplastic bag as recited in claim 8 , wherein the thermoplastic material comprises between 30 percent and 60 percent linear low density polyethylene.