# US 9,517,862 B2 · Thermoplastic bag > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 9,517,862 B2 - Document ID: US9517862B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 14/243,117 - Filed: 2014-04-02 - Published: 2015-10-08 - Granted: 2016-12-13 - Earliest claimed: 2014-04-02 - Assignees: Poly-America, L.P. - Applicants: Poly-America, L.P. - Inventors: Michael A. Ross - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9517862B2 ## CPC - B65D 33/00: Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags - B29C 51/00: Shaping by thermoforming {, i.e. shaping sheets or sheet like preforms after heating}, e.g. shaping sheets in matched moulds or by deep-drawing; Apparatus therefor {(blow moulding of tubular preforms B29C49/00, deforming of tubular or hollow preforms B29C67/0014)} - B29C 63/00: Lining or sheathing, i.e. applying preformed layers or sheathings of plastics; Apparatus therefor (B29C73/00 takes precedence; by blowing B29C49/00; by thermoforming B29C51/00) - B65D 33/02: Local reinforcements or stiffening inserts, e.g. wires, strings, strips or frames {(B65D33/007 takes precedence)} - B65D 33/28: Strings or strip-like closures {, i.e. draw closures} - B65F 1/00: Refuse receptacles; {Accessories therefor}(containers not specially adapted for refuse, features of refuse receptacles of general interest B65D) - B65F 1/0006: {Flexible refuse receptables, e.g. bags, sacks} - B65D: CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES - B29C: SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING (making preforms B29B11/00; making laminated products by combining previously unconnected layers which become one product whose layers will remain together B32B37/00 - B32B41/00) - B65F: GATHERING OR REMOVAL OF DOMESTIC OR LIKE REFUSE (disinfecting refuse A61L; refuse disintegrators B02C; sorting refuse B03B; B07B; handcarts for transporting refuse receptacles B62B; sack holders B65B67/00; converting refuse into fertilisers C05F; converting refuse into solid fuels C10L; sewers, cesspools E03F; arrangements in buildings for the disposal of refuse E04F17/10; refuse-consuming furnaces F23G; {for surgical articles A61B50/36}) ## Abstract The present invention relates to a thermoplastic bag having enhanced capacity without significantly compromising dart impact properties. The thermoplastic bag has an area of induced elasticity that provides enhanced capacity, the area of induced elasticity generally surrounded by an area lacking induced elasticity. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A thermoplastic bag comprising: a first panel and a second panel, the first panel and the second panel joined along a first side edge, a second side edge, and a bottom edge, the first panel having a first area of induced elasticity defined in the first panel with an area lacking induced elasticity surrounding the area of induced elasticity, the first area of induced elasticity does not extend to the first side edge, the second side edge, nor the bottom edge of the first panel, the first area of induced elasticity defining a perimeter, the perimeter consisting of an ellipse, and the first area of induced elasticity covers between 10% and 30% of the first panel. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The thermoplastic bag of claim 1, further comprising: the first area of induced elasticity covers between 20% and 25% of the first panel. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The thermoplastic bag of claim 1, further comprising: the first area of induced elasticity comprises a plurality of embossed ribs. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The thermoplastic bag of claim 1, further comprising: a second area of induced elasticity defined in the second panel, the second area of induced elasticity does not extend to the first side edge, the second side edge, nor the bottom edge of the second panel, and the second area of induced elasticity covers between 10% and 30% of the second panel. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The thermoplastic bag of claim 4, further comprising: the second area of induced elasticity covers between 20% and 25% of the second panel. ### Claim 6 (depends on 4) The thermoplastic bag of claim 4, further comprising: the second area of induced elasticity is elliptical or generally elliptical in shape. ### Claim 7 (depends on 4) The thermoplastic bag of claim 4, further comprising: the second area of induced elasticity comprises a plurality of embossed ribs. ### Claim 8 A thermoplastic bag comprising: a first panel and a second panel, the first panel and the second panel joined along a first side edge, a second side edge, and a bottom edge, the first panel having a first area of induced elasticity defined in the first panel with an area lacking induced elasticity surrounding the area of induced elasticity, the first area of induced elasticity does not extend to the first side edge, the second side edge, nor the bottom edge of the first panel, and the first area of induced elasticity defining a perimeter, the entirety of the perimeter defining only an ellipse. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The thermoplastic bag of claim 8, further comprising: the first area of induced elasticity covers between 10% and 30% of the first panel. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The thermoplastic bag of claim 9, further comprising: the first area of induced elasticity covers between 20% and 25% of the first panel. ### Claim 11 (depends on 8) The thermoplastic bag of claim 8, further comprising: the first area of induced elasticity comprises a plurality of embossed ribs. ### Claim 12 A thermoplastic bag comprising: a first panel and a second panel, the first panel and the second panel joined along a first side edge, a second side edge, and a bottom edge, the first panel having a first area of induced elasticity defined in the first panel with an area lacking induced elasticity surrounding the area of induced elasticity, the first area of induced elasticity does not extend to the first side edge, the second side edge, nor the bottom edge of the first panel, and the first area of induced elasticity defining a perimeter, the perimeter consisting of an ellipse. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The thermoplastic bag of claim 12, further comprising: the first area of induced elasticity covers between 20% and 25% of the first panel. ### Claim 14 (depends on 12) The thermoplastic bag of claim 12, further comprising: the first area of induced elasticity comprises a plurality of embossed ribs. ### Claim 15 (depends on 12) The thermoplastic bag of claim 12, further comprising: a second area of induced elasticity defined in the second panel, the second area of induced elasticity does not extend to the first side edge, the second side edge, nor the bottom edge of the second panel, and the second area of induced elasticity covers between 10% and 30% of the second panel. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The thermoplastic bag of claim 15, further comprising: the second area of induced elasticity covers between 20% and 25% of the second panel. ### Claim 17 (depends on 15) The thermoplastic bag of claim 15, further comprising: the second area of induced elasticity is elliptical or generally elliptical in shape. ### Claim 18 (depends on 15) The thermoplastic bag of claim 15, further comprising: the second area of induced elasticity comprises a plurality of embossed ribs.