TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to bags suitable for packaging produce, goods and other articles, although not limited thereto. More specifically, the present invention relates to a side-sealed open mesh fabric bag having a multi-layer seam structure that exhibits a strength comparable to the original strength of the stock material from which the bag is fabricated.

BACKGROUND

Bags made of open mesh fabrics are manufactured for various packaging applications, including, for example, packaging of produce. Seam strength is of paramount consideration in the manufacture of side sealed bags made with an open mesh fabric. U.S. Pat. No. 6,371,645, issued to Russert et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,974,406, issued to Antonacci, each describe side sealed bags with an adhesive film strip provided between mesh fabric layers to increase a strength of a corresponding seam structure. While these bags work very well and are in widespread commercial use, they require the pre-application of an adhesive film strip thereto, which adds to the manufacturing cost of the bag. Additionally, even with such film strips, the seam strength of these types of bags is approximately 50% or less of the original strength of the mesh fabric. As such, needs exist from cost, performance, and functionality standpoints to improve the seams of side sealed mesh bags.

SUMMARY

The present invention addresses these and other issues associated with the prior art by providing a bag with a seam structure having a seam strength comparable to an original strength of an open mesh fabric from which the bag is fabricated, and a method of production thereof. That seam strength is realized without incurring the additional manufacturing costs associated with the pre-application of an adhesive material (e.g., a film strip). In one embodiment, a seam structure for a bag according to the present invention is implemented using a heat-sealed multi-layer “J” seam, which does not require, and thus does not include, an adhesive material applied thereto for purposes of bonding the multiple layers of open mesh fabric within the “J” seam.

