Multiple layer hand-grip reinforcement for thermoplastic draw tape

Abstract

A multiple layer hand-grip reinforcement for thermoplastic draw tape handles for thermoplastic bags and method of making the same is disclosed. The hand-grip reinforcement is produced by slitting a thermoplastic tape longitudinally with an undulating pattern to divide the tape into a pair of draw tapes each having alternating wide and narrow sections. The wide section has a dimension at least twice as great as the intervening narrow section. The wide section is folded over along a longitudinal crease line to provide a multiple layer tape section intermediate two single layer tape sections. The folded tapes are inserted into each hem of a draw tape bag with the multiple layer tape section aligned with a central cut out opening intermediate the ends of the hem and the ends of each draw tape are secured to the ends of the respective hems so that when the multiple layer tape section is gripped and pulled through the cut out opening in the hems to draw closed the open top of the bag the multiple layer hand-grip reinforcement minimizes the discomfort caused by roping at the hand area while the bag is under load.