NL2030829B1

NL2030829B1 - Multi-purpose shipping bag and method of using said multi-purpose shipping bag

Info

Publication number: NL2030829B1
Application number: NL2030829A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Marcella Palacios Anna; Van Benthem Hendrik
Original assignee: Majem B V
Priority date: 2022-02-07
Filing date: 2022-02-07
Publication date: 2023-08-14

Abstract

A shipping bag is provided, comprising a storage volume accessible through an opening in the bag, a fold-over ﬂap extending away from the opening of the shipping bag towards a ﬂap end, wherein the fold-over ﬂap comprises a distal weakened section positioned at a first distance from the ﬂap end and a proximal weakened section positioned at a second distance from the ﬂap end. The shipping bag further comprises a distal connection element arranged for forming a connection between the bag and a section of the fold-over ﬂap between the distal weakened section and the proximal weakened section.

Description

P131860NL00

Title: Multi-purpose shipping bag and method of using said multi- purpose shipping bag

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to shipping bags, more specifically to a multi- purpose shipping bag.

BACKGROUND

Shipping bags are commonly used for shipping products such as clothing or shoes. A sender can put a product inside the shipping bag, seal said shipping bag and send it to a receiver. The receiver can then open the shipping bag and retrieve the products. Shipping bags can be used to protect the products during shipment from external influences such as weather conditions and can prevent a third party from knowing what product is being sent from a sender to a receiver. Finally, the sealed shipping bag serves as an indication that the product inside has not been tampered with by a third party.

With the rise in online shopping, for example online shopping of clothing, more and more shipping bags are used by retailers to ship their clothes to the consumers.

If the consumer does not like the shipped product, for example the clothes do not fit correctly, they can often ship the product back to the retailer in return for better fitting clothes or a refund. To help consumers returning products more easily and without damaging the products, shipping bags can comprise a connection element such as an adhesive strip. The connection element allows the consumer to re-use the shipping bag and more conveniently return the product.

Re-using the shipping bag may result in a reduced environmental footprint, compared to discarding the shipping bag and using another shipping bag to return the product.

SUMMARY

A downside of known shipping bags is that they can have a significant environmental footprint. A large amount of waste is generated, as the shipping bags are discarded either after the product is received by the consumer, or after the product is returned to the retailer.

It is an object of the disclosure to provide a shipping bag that has less of an environmental footprint than a conventional shipping bag. A lower environmental footprint can for example be achieved by recycling or repurposing the shipping bag.

In general, a shipping bag may also be referred to as a mailing bag, or more in general a storage bag. A shipping bag may for example be provided with a label indicating the address of the recipient, and/or a return address.

The label may be a sticker glued to the shipping bag, or an address may be directly printed onto the shipping bag.

A first aspect provides a shipping bag comprising a storage volume accessible through an opening in the bag, a fold-over flap extending away from the opening of the shipping bag towards a flap end, wherein the fold- over flap comprises a distal weakened section positioned at a first distance from the flap end and a proximal weakened section positioned at a second distance from the flap end. The shipping bag further comprises a distal connection element arranged for forming a connection between the bag and a section of the fold-over flap between the distal weakened section and the proximal weakened section.

In general, the terms proximal and distal are used with the flap end as a reference. Furthermore in general, the bag may comprise a main bag body providing the storage volume, with the fold-over flap extending away from the main bag body.

The main bag body may be formed by a front panel and a rear panel, which front panel and rear panel are connected. The front panel and the rear panel may in particular be connected at three seams. As a further option, the fold-over flap extends from the rear panel.

The distal connection element is in particular positioned on the fold-over flap, in between the distal weakened section and the proximal weakened section. Alternatively, the distal connection element can be positioned on the bag, or partially on the bag and partially on the section of the fold-over flap in between the distal weakened section and the proximal weakened section.

In use, the distal connection element may be used for connecting the fold-over flap to the bag — in particular when the fold-over flap is folded over the opening. When the shipping bag comprises the distal connection element as the sole connection element, the distal connection element may be referred to as the connection element.

By providing the shipping bag comprising the storage volume that is accessible through an opening, the shipping bag can fulfil its role as a shipping container. When a receiving party wishes to return a product shipped in the same shipping bag after the shipping bag has been opened, the receiving party is able to seal the shipping bag, in particular using the distal connection element.

In general, a connection element can be an adhesive strip substantially crossing the fold-over flap or the bag, a connection element may comprise discrete adhesive sections, any other non-reversable connection element, or any combination thereof. Non-reversable connection elements in this context means that once the connection element has formed a connection, the connection can only be undone by a destructive action, such as ripping or tearing of the connection element or shipping bag. The destructive action can act as evidence of tampering.

By providing the distal connection element, the receiving party can relatively easily seal the shipping bag for shipping, preferably without the use of additional tools or materials. The connection element can be covered by a removable protective surface. The removable protective surface can ensure that the connection element retains its integrity before use. For example, when the connection element is an adhesive strip, a paper strip can be placed on top of the adhesive strip to ensure that the adhesive strip stays sufficiently adhesive and does not stick to other objects or the bag itself. When the receiving party wants to make use of the adhesive strip, they can remove the paper strip. Alternatively, the connection element can be activated, for example by adding another compound such as water onto the connection element, which connection element may thus comprise dried glue.

By providing a distal weakened section between the flap end and the opening of the bag, it can be possible to remove a section of the fold-over flap, or even the entire fold-over flap. When the distal connection element is positioned on the fold-over flap, the distal connection element may be removed together with the section of the fold-over flap or the entire fold-over flap by breaking the distal weakened section. When the section of the fold- over flap or even the entire fold-over flap is removed, the shipping bag may be conveniently recycled as a garbage bag.

A garbage bag is an example of a single-use container. Allowing the shipping bag to act as a single-use container can reduce the environmental impact of said shipping bag. For example, by using a shipping bag as a garbage bag after the shipping bag fulfilled its purpose as a shipping bag, the need for garbage bags can be reduced. Other examples of single-use containers can be grocery bags used in grocery stores and markets.

Tearing the fold-over flap at the distal weakened section can result in the removal of the proximal weakened section and/or the distal connection element. More specifically, it can be possible that by tearing the distal weakened section the fold-over flap is substantially removed from the rest of the shipping bag. More preferably or alternatively, the complete fold-over flap can be removed by tearing or ripping the fold-over flap the at the distal weakened section.

In use, tearing or ripping or otherwise removing the fold-over flap at the distal weakened section may result in removal of the distal connection element from the shipping bag. When the shipping bag 1s then used as a garbage bag, the distal connection element can be conveniently discarded and 5 will as such not by accident connect or stick to the bag or a garbage bin.

It will be clear to the person skilled 1n the arts that there are multiple ways of achieving a weakened section. For example, it can be possible to provide one or more perforations at least partially across the fold- over flap. Preferably, the perforations are substantially across the fold-over flap. In another example, a weakened section comprises one or more indentations, or one or more section with locally reduced thickness of the shipping bag. In an even further example, a combination of indentations and perforations can be provided. In general, a weakened section can be formed by part of the fold-over flap having a cut, nick, or incision therein. The cut, nick, or incision may aid a user in ripping or tearing the bag, in particular the fold-over flap.

In embodiments, the shipping bag can comprise a proximal connection element for forming a connection between the bag and a section of the flap between the proximal weakened section and the flap end. In particular, the proximal connection element may be provided between the proximal weakened section and the flap end. By providing the proximal connection element, it can be made relatively easy by the sending party to seal the shipping bags since no specialized equipment or training is needed to seal the shipping bags. A proximal connection element can have the same or comparable properties and advantages as the distal connection element discussed above.

As a further option, the first and second distances are not equal. In particular, the first distance may be larger than the second distance. As such, the distal weakened section may be positioned further away from the flap- end than the proximal weakened section.

At least one of or both the weakened sections may be substantially parallel to the flap end. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of or both the connection elements may be oriented substantially parallel to the flap end.

Embodiments of the shipping bag may comprise a closing mechanism. The closing mechanism is provided between a closed end of the bag and the opening, and the closing mechanism is arranged to prevent or restrict access to the storage volume through the opening in the bag. By providing a closing mechanism, the shipping bag can be closed when the connection elements are no longer present, for example when the fold-over flap is no longer present because a user removed it at the weakened section.

When the shipping bag is used as a garbage bag, the closing mechanism may be preferred to allow a user to conveniently close the bag, for example when the bag 1s full.

When the shipping bag comprises a closing mechanism, the closing mechanism can comprise a tunnel positioned around a circumference of the opening in the bag and a drawstring located in the tunnel. By providing the drawstring located in the tunnel around the circumference of the opening, a user can easily close the shipping bag without the use of external equipment or tools.

In embodiment of the shipping bag, the storage volume can be at least 20 litres, or between 20 litres and 60 litres. Preferably, the storage volume is approximately 60 litres. Preferably, the shipping bag comprises a storage volume that can be used in common garbage containers, for example 20 litres, 30 litres and 40 litres or even larger than 40 litres such as 60 litres.

However, it will be clear to the person skilled in the arts that any volume can be used. Having a sufficiently large storage volume can result in a larger time interval between placing new shipping bags in a garbage container.

A second aspect provides a method of using the shipping bag, comprising the step of removing at least part of a fold-over flap from the shipping bag. In particular for the method according to the second aspect, a shipping bag according to the first aspect may be used. The at least part of the fold-over flap may be removed from the shipping bag at a distal weakened section of the shipping bag. After being removed, the at least part of the fold- over flap may be discarded, in particular with a connection element on the discarded at least part of the fold-over flap. This connection element may be a distal connection element, and may not have been used.

Embodiments of the method may further comprise steps of placing a product in a storage volume of the shipping bag, folding the fold-over flap such that an opening of the shipping bag is substantially covered and forming a connection between the bag and a section of the fold-over flap between a distal weakened section and a proximal weakened section of the shipping bag, in particular using a proximal connection element of the bag. Following these steps, the shipping bag with the product inside may be shipped to a receiving party.

The method may further comprise a step of opening the bag by destroying, in particular ripping or tearing, the fold-over flap between a proximal connection element and a distal connection element of the shipping bag, in particular using a proximal weakened section of the bag. As such, a storage volume of the shipping bag may become accessible and a product inside may be removed from the storage volume.

After at least part of the fold-over flap is removed from the shipping bag at a distal weakened section, the shipping bag may be used as a garbage bag and as such may be filled with garbage.

A third aspect provides a shipping bag, comprising a storage volume accessible through an opening in the bag, a fold-over flap extending away from the opening of the shipping bag towards a flap end. The shipping bag according to the third aspect comprises a closing mechanism, positioned between a closed end of the bag and the opening in the bag, wherein the closing mechanism is arranged to prevent or restrict access to the storage volume through the opening in the bag.

The closing mechanism for example comprises a tunnel positioned around a circumference of the opening in the bag and a drawstring located in the tunnel.

It will be appreciated that options and features disclosed in conjunction with the shipping bag according to the first aspect may be readily applied in embodiment of the shipping bag according to the third aspect. For example, embodiments of the shipping bag according to the third aspect may be provided with one or more connection elements, or no connection elements at all. Additionally, embodiments of the shipping bag according to the third aspect may be provided with one or more weakened sections comprised by the fold-over flap, or no weakened sections comprised by the fold-over flap.

The fold over flap allows the shipping bag to be used for shipping items, and optionally again for returning items after being used for shipping.

The closing mechanism allows the shipping bag to be used as a garbage bag, for example after being used for shipping items. Hence, the shipping bag can be advantageously recycled and reused.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The aspects will be further elucidated on the basis of the exemplary embodiments that are represented in the figures. In the figures:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic front view of a shipping bag;

Fig. 2 shows a schematic isometric view of the shipping bag;

Fig. 3 shows a schematic isometric view of the shipping bag wherein a weakened section is used to tear off the fold-over flap;

Fig. 4 shows a schematic isometric view of the shipping bag with part of the fold-over flap disconnected from another part of the fold-over flap;

Fig. 5 shows a schematic front view of the shipping bag used as a garbage bag; and

Fig. 6 shows a schematic front view of an alternative embodiment of the shipping bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows a schematic front view of an embodiment of a shipping bag 100. The shipping bag 100 comprises a storage volume, in which one or more items such as clothing may be stored. The storage volume is defined by a main bag body 101 comprising a front panel 110 and a rear panel.

Furthermore, the shipping bag 100 comprises a fold-over flap 120 that extends away from an opening 122 of the shipping bag 100.

The fold-over flap 120 comprises a distal weakened section 130 at a first distance D1 from the flap end 121 and a proximal weakened section 140 at a second distance D2 from the flap end 121. In the shown example the weakened sections 130, 140 are regularly spaced perforations along a line across the fold-over flap 120. It will be clear to the person skilled in the arts that there are other examples of weakened sections such as, but not limited to, regularly spaced indentations along a line, irregular spaced perforations or indentations a long a line. A weakened section may also be formed for example by providing a slit or incision at one or both of the sides of the shipping bag 100, in particular of the flap 120.

In the shown example of Fig. 1, two connection elements are provided. A distal connection element 150 is provided between the weakened sections 130, 140 on the fold-over flap 120. A proximal connection element 160 is provided between the proximal weakened section 140 and the flap end 121. In the shown example, the connection elements 150, 160 are provided as adhesive strips placed across the fold-over flap 120. Optionally, the adhesive strips 150, 160 are covered by protective elements 151, 161. In the shown example, the protective elements 151, 161 are strips to ensure the adhesive properties of the adhesive strips 150, 160 while the adhesive strips are not yet used. When an adhesive strip 150, 160 is used to seal the shipping bag

100, the respective strip 151, 161 is to be removed by the user. A strip 151, 161 may for example be a paper strip.

Figure 2 shows a schematic isometric view of the shipping bag 100 with the opening 122 opened up. An example on how the shipping bag 100 can be used is as follows. A sending party puts a product that needs to be shipped to a receiving party in the storage volume of the shipping bag 100 via the opening 122. Afterwards, the sending party for example removes the protective layer 161 of the proximal connection element 160. Next, the fold- over flap 120 is folded over such that the now exposed proximal connection element 160 comes into contact with the front panel 110 of the shipping bag 100: a connection is formed between the bag and a section of the fold-over flap between the flap end 121 and the proximal weakened section 160. Doing so will seal the product in the shipping bag 100, making it ready for shipment.

When a receiving party receives the shipping bag 100 with the product, the storage volume of the bag 100 can be accessed for example by ripping open the fold-over flap 120. Preferably, the fold-over flap 120 is ripped using the proximal weakened section 140, so that main bag body remains intact, as well as the distal connection element 150 and the distal weakened section 130.

The shipping bag 100 can now be reused as a shipping bag 100 using the distal connection element 150 to form a connection between the bag and a section of the fold-over flap between the distal weakened section and the proximal weakened section. Alternatively, the shipping bag 100 can be converted into a garbage bag or more general a storage bag, for example in a manner elaborated on in conjunction with Figure 3. As a further option, after the fold-over flap 120 is removed, the shipping bag 100 may again be used as a shipping bag 100. The opening 122 may for example again be sealed by folding the shipping bag 100 and by using an external connection element, such as a length of tape, for sealing the opening 122.

Figure 3 shows a schematic isometric view of the shipping bag 100 wherein the distal weakened section 130 is used to tear off at least the majority of the fold-over flap 120. As such, the distal connection element 150 may for example be removed from the bag 100. Although the proximal connection element 160 is in Fig. 3 shown still connected to the fold-over flap 120, the proximal connection element 160 may also already have been removed for example using the proximal weakened section.

In order to facilitate the use of the shipping bag 100 as a single-use container such as a garbage bag, an optional closing mechanism 170 is provided between a closed end 102 of the bag and the opening 122. The closed end 102 may for example be a bottom of the bag 100, positioned opposite to the opening 122.

The closing mechanism 170 is arranged to prevent or restrict access to the storage volume through the opening in the bag when used. In the shown example, the closing mechanism 170 comprises a tunnel 171 located on the front panel 110 and the rear panel of the shipping bag around a circumference of the opening 122. Furthermore, the closing mechanism 170 comprises a drawstring 172 located inside said tunnel 171.

Figure 4 shows a schematic isometric view of the shipping bag 100, with a proximal part of the fold-over flap 120” removed from a distal part of the fold-over flap 120’, in particular using the proximal weakened section 140.

The proximal part of the fold-over flap 120” is shown connected to the front panel 110 of the bag 100, in particular using the proximal connection element 160.

In the state of Figure 4, the shipping bag 100 can be used again for shipping an item. For example, the item can be placed inside the bag 100 through the opening 122, and the opening 122 can be closed by folding the distal part of the fold-over flap 120° towards the front panel 110, and by connection the distal part of the fold-over flap 120’ to the front panel 110, for example using the distal connection element 150.

Alternatively, the shipping bag 100 can now be used as a garbage bag, and the optional closing mechanism 170 may be used for closing the opening 122 after garbage is disposed into the bag 100. It may be preferred to remove the distal part of the fold-over flap 120’, for example using the distal weakened section 130. This may prevent the distal connection element 150 from accidentally connecting to the bag 100, in particular when the distal connection element 150 comprises a glue.

Figure 5 shows a schematic front view of the shipping bag 100 used as a single-use container when the closing mechanism 170 is used to prevent or restrict access to the storage volume through the opening. When the shipping bag 100, in role of single-use container, in this example a garbage bag, is full or needs to be taken out to a central garbage collecting area, the drawstring 172 can be pulled. This causes a surface area of the opening 122 to substantially reduce in size, preventing garbage from falling out of the shipping bag 100. Preferably the storage volume of the provided shipping bag 100 is at least 20 litres, as this is a common size for garbage bags. However, it shall be clear to the person skilled in the arts that other commonly used garbage bag sizes can be used as well, as well as not-commonly used garbage bag sizes.

Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment of a shipping bag 100 in a schematic front view. In the alternative embodiment, the distal connection element 150 is provided on the front panel 110 of the bag. The distal connection element 150 is positioned at a third distance D3 from the opening of the bag. As such, the distal connection element 150 may be used for forming a connection between the bag and a section of the fold-over flap between the distal weakened section 130 and the proximal weakened section 140.

It will be understood that other embodiments of the bag 100 are envisioned wherein the proximal connection element 160 is positioned on the front panel 110. This option may be combined with a distal connection element 150 which is positioned on the flap 120 or the front panel 110.

It is to be noted that the figures are only schematic representations of embodiments and are given by way of non-limiting examples. For the purpose of clarity and a concise description, features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, it will be appreciated that combination of all or some of the features described are also envisioned.

Claims

Conclusions

A shipping bag (100), comprising: - a storage volume accessible through an opening (122) in the bag; - a cover flap (120) extending away from the opening of the shipping bag towards a flap end (121), wherein the cover flap comprises a distal weakened section (130) positioned at a first distance (D1) from the flap end and a proximal weakened section ( 140) positioned at a second distance (D2) from the flap end; and - a distal connecting element (150) adapted to form a connection between the pouch and a portion of the cover flap between the distal weakened section and the proximal weakened section.

The shipping bag (100) of claim 1, wherein the distal connecting element (150) is positioned on the cover flap, between the distal weakened section (130) and the proximal weakened section (140).

The shipping bag (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the distal weakened section (130) is positioned between the opening (122) in the bag and the distal connecting member (150).

A shipping bag according to any preceding claim, further comprising a proximal connector (160) for forming a connection between the bag and a portion of the flap between the proximal weakened section and the flap end.

The shipping bag of claim 4, wherein the proximal connecting element (160) is positioned on the cover flap, between the proximal weakened section and the flap end.

A shipping bag according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first distance (D1) is greater than the second distance (D2).

A shipping bag according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a closure mechanism positioned between a closed end of the bag and the opening in the bag, wherein the closure mechanism is adapted to prevent or restrict access to the storage volume through the opening in the bag .

A mailing bag according to claim 7, wherein the closing mechanism comprises a tunnel positioned about a periphery of the opening in the bag and a drawstring located within the tunnel.

A shipping bag according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the storage volume is at least 20 litres.

A shipping bag according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a main bag body providing the storage volume, said main bag body being formed by a front panel (110) and a rear panel, said front panel and rear panel being connected.

A mailing bag according to claim 10, wherein the cover flap extends from the back panel.

12. Method for using a mailing bag, preferably a mailing bag according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a step of removing at least part of a cover flap from the mailing bag.

The method of claim 12, wherein the at least portion of the cover flap is removed from the shipping bag at a distal weakened section of the cover flap.

The method of claim 12 or 13, further comprising discarding the at least portion of the cover flap with a connecting element on the discarded at least portion of the cover flap.

A method according to any one of claims 12-14, further comprising the steps of: - placing a product in a storage volume of the shipping bag; - folding the cover flap such that an opening of the shipping bag is substantially covered; and - forming a connection between the bag and a section of the cover flap between a distal weakened section and a proximal weakened section (140) of the shipping bag, in particular using a proximal connecting element (160) of the bag.

The method of claim 15, further comprising a step of opening the bag by destroying the cover flap between a proximal connector and a distal connector of the shipping bag, particularly using a proximal weakened section of the bag.

The method of any of claims 12-16, further comprising, after at least part of the cover flap has been removed from the shipping bag, filling the shipping bag with garbage.

A shipping bag (100) comprising: - a storage volume accessible through an opening (122) in the bag; - a cover flap (120) extending away from the opening of the shipping bag towards a flap end (121); and - a closure mechanism positioned between a closed end of the bag and the opening in the bag, wherein the closure mechanism is adapted to prevent or restrict access to the storage volume through the opening in the bag.

The mailing bag of claim 18, wherein the closure mechanism comprises a tunnel positioned about a periphery of the opening in the bag and a drawstring located within the tunnel.