WO2000056635A1

WO2000056635A1 - An elastic disposable bag

Info

Publication number: WO2000056635A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/007682
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul A. Tilman
Original assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.
Priority date: 1999-03-23
Filing date: 2000-03-22
Publication date: 2000-09-28

Abstract

A disposable bag (10) capable of being mounted to a support structure, the bag having a first open end (15) and a second closed end (19), the bag first end being smaller in relative dimension than the bag second end, the bag comprising a first containment portion (12) and a second elastic portion (14), the bag first containment portion is a thermoplastic polymer, preferably of a polyethylene polymer, the bag second elastic portion is a thermoplastic rubber, and optionally a tackifier, the bag first and second portions are a coextruded, coextensive film. Another aspect of the invention is a method of fabricating a disposable bag capable of being mounted to a support structure, including simultaneously feeding said first and second polymer feed stocks into an extrusion device; extruding a polymer film from the device wherein said polymer film has a first portion comprising said first polymer feed stock and a second portion comprising said second polymer feed stock; and fabricating a disposable bag from said polymer film.

Description

AN ELASTIC DISPOSABLE BAG

Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to disposable bags having at least two portions, one of which is elastic. More specifically, the invention relates to disposable bags useful for containment, storage, or disposal, the bags having at least two portions, the first portion intended for the containment of any sort of remains and the second portion for the elastic attachment or mounting of the bag to a container or support frame of appropriate size and configuration.

Background of the Invention The disposable plastic bag has gained great popularity in the last few decades in applications ranging widely from the home and garden to the disposal of medical wastes. These bags may also be used for applications such as environmental protection. For example, Caponi, U.S. Patent No. 4,986,265, discloses protection of plaster casts with a sealable plastic bag. Hall, Jr., U.S. Patent No. 5,337,915 discloses a bag which may be used to store foods such as sliced bread.

Other bags have been designed to contain foods, fluids, or dry goods through the incorporation of flaps or ties into the bag design. For example, Hammer, U.S. Patent No. 4,016, 975 discloses a disposable nipple closure having skirts which may be used to seal and dispense fluid from a container. Even further, Fowler, U.S. Patent No. 5,507,577, discloses a laundry bag having ties which may be used to support the bag within a stand and close the bag once full.

Various practical problems in the design and use of these bags have been solved. For example, problems of bag tearing and ripping have been addressed by offering polymeric bag materials of suitable thickness and density. Further, a disposable bag may be closed using short strands of maleable wire. In other bag designs, drawstrings or laminate straps, integrated into the bag design, may be cinched to tighten and close the bag opening such as in the design disclosed by Frazier in U.S. Patent No. 3,132,794.

However, one problem which still lingers stems from the interrelationship between the disposable bag and the container, support, or structure within which it is placed while being filled. Regardless of whether a bag is being filled with waste from a residential yard or waste from a surgical procedure, collapse of the bag within the container can be frustrating and even dangerous. For example, recollecting used syringe needles that have spilled onto a countertop due to collapse of a bag within a support, may expose the worker to serious health risks. The dangers may be even more serious with organic medical wastes.

In the past, disposable bags were merely stretched over the upper, outer edge of the container or support. However, depending on the size and composition of the bag, this practice could result in ripping or weakening of the bag which could burst once sealed. A bag having enough elasticity to fit over the top of the container may also have the inherent strength and elastic memory to slip off of the container top, thereby collapsing into the receptacle. One solution is that posed by Cortese in U.S. Patent No. 4,953,704. Cortese discloses a plastic trash bag which has a plurality of elongated elastic cords or strings which are laminated onto to the top end of a trash bag by complicated heat lamination process. Another solution is that provided by Samuel, U.S. Patent No. 5,232, 118. Samuel discloses a plastic bag having laminated elastic and tie members at the top open end of the bag. Similar to Cortese, Samuel's bag required complex assembly through material lamination processing.

The improvements made in the design and composition of disposable bags constitute an important advance in the technology. However, there is substantial room for the further development of disposable bags having elasticity and adhesion for attachment to any number of containers to provide a system of high structural integrity.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, a disposable bag is provided which is capable of being mounted to a support structure comprising a first containment portion; and a second elastic portion wherein the bag first and second portions comprise a coextruded, coextensive film.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, an elastic disposable bag is provided which has a first containment portion comprising a thermoplastic polymer; and a second elastic portion comprising a thermoplastic rubber wherein the bag first and second portions comprise a coextruded coextensive film.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method of fabricating a disposable bag from an extruded polymer film is provided, the extruded polymer film resulting from first and second polymer feed stocks, and the bag comprising a first containment portion, and a second elastic portion. The method comprises the steps of simultaneously feeding the first and second polymer feed stocks into an extrusion device; extruding a polymer film from the device wherein the polymer film has a first portion comprising the first polymer feed stock and a second portion comprising the second polymer feed stock; and fabricating a disposable bag from the polymer film.

The use of disposable bags for the storage and handling of all types of waste is well known. The significant disadvantage in recent practices occurs when the bag used as a liner inside the appropriate container or support structure slips down into that container, spilling its contents. Subsequent contamination of the surrounding area as well as the inside wall of the container may occur. In the medical waste area, this is especially hazardous.

The invention is a disposable bag capable of eliminating these concerns which is manufactured from at least two different materials. One material has elastic properties which allow it to be stretched over and around the top of a container while maintaining tension to the top of a bag. The arrangement ensures that the bag, when loaded, does not slip down into the container. When the bag is full, the bag top is peeled away from the tension position around the container and is used to tie the bag top together to prevent spillage. The handle, or sling, made by the bag top may be used to assist in carrying the bag.

The above summary of the present invention serves to exemplify principles and is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every possible implementation of the principles of the present disclosure. The figures and the detailed description that follow also serve to exemplify the principles of this disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the detailed description of various embodiments of the invention that follows in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a partial perspective side elevational view of a first embodiment of the disposable bag of the invention.

Figure 2 is a partial perspective side elevational view of a second embodiment of the disposable bag of the invention. Figure 3 is a partial perspective side elevational view of third embodiment of the disposable bag of the invention.

Figure 4 is a partial perspective side elevational view of a fourth embodiment of the disposable bag of the invention depicting the alternative use of an elastic portion oriented perpendicular to the bag opening.

Figure 5 is a partial perspective side elevational view of a fifth embodiment of the disposable bag of the invention depicting the further alternative use of elastic gussets oriented perpendicular to the bag opening.

Figure 6 is a schematic depiction of one process for forming films which may then used to fabricate bags according to the invention.

Figure 7 is a schematic depiction of a further alternative process for forming films which may then be used to fabricate bags according to the invention.

Figure 8 is a schematic depiction of a film which is an alternative to the film depicted in Figure 7, according to the invention. While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiment described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

The invention is a disposable polymeric bag of at least two portions. The first portion of the bag is intended to have the physical shape, size, and strength useful in containing remains from any number of applications. The second portion of the bag is intended to provide the bag with elastic properties useful in mounting or securing the bag to any container or structure as desired. An appreciation of various aspects of the invention is best gained through a discussion of various examples and embodiments of the invention.

One embodiment of the disposable bag of the invention is illustrated in Figure 1. Generally, the bag 10 of the invention has a body 11 as well as a first, open end 15 and a second, closed end 17. The disposable bag 10 of the invention generally has two portions. The first portion 12 may be used to contain any type of remains for disposal, storage, or protection consistent with the structure and composition of the bag 10. The second portion 14 is elastic and allows for the bag to be stretched over a container or other supporting structure. The elastic nature of this portion of the disposable bag allows for the bag to be stretched without ripping, weakening, or the occurrence of other physical phenomenon which may compromise the structural integrity of the bag. Preferably, as can be seen in Figure 1, the upper portion 10' of the bag has a smaller relative size or proportion than the lower portion 10 of the bag. The elastic portion 14 of the bag will allow the bag to be stretched over a container, thereby retaining a larger size while the bag is being filled. Preferably, the elastic portion 14 of the bag 10 has a memory which allows this portion of the bag to return to its original size. This property also assists in containing any remains enclosed in the bag and in closing and securing the bag prior to disposal and storage.

In manufacture, the bag may be patterned or cut according to methods known to those of skill in the art so that the relatively smaller upper portion is formed in the film used to assemble as the bag. Alternatively, the bag may be of such a composition that it may be fabricated, then treated with radiant energy to shrink the relative size of the top of the bag.

A further embodiment of the disposable bag of the invention may be seen in Figure 2. In this instance, the first portion 12 of the bag may again be used for containment while at the same time the elastic portion 16 of the bag may be used to attach the bag to any variety of structures. In this instance, the elastic resin comprises a tackifier which is introduced into the extrusion machine to form a coextensive film with the material used for the containment portion of the bag. The use of the tackifier in addition to an elastomer allows for adhesion of the bag to any container onto which it is mounted. A further embodiment of the invention may be seen in Figure 3. In this embodiment, the bag of the invention includes the elastic top portion 14. Additionally, the bag also includes cutout portions 18 which function to assist in stretching the bag when the material is placed under tension. A combination of the cutouts 18 and the elastic portion allows for the bag 10 of the invention to stretch significantly when attaching the bag to a container. Additionally, this bag also incorporates a handle 20 which may be used in the disposal or storage of the bag 10 once it has been filled. Cutouts 18 and handle 20 may be made by means known to those of skill in the art including the use of rotary dies that run on the extrusion line. The elastic portion 14 of the bag need not necessarily be positioned adjacent the bag opening 15, as can been seen in Figures 4 and 5. In Figure 4, the elastic portion 14 of the bag runs on an axis which is perpendicular to the opening 15 of the bag allowing for elasticity in the entire volume of the disposable bag body 10. This design is especially useful when collecting materials that may be more rigid or bulky thereby requiring more elasticity over the entire volume of the bag. Figure 5 also shows a bag which allows for elasticity or stretching across the entire volume of the bag. Unlike Figure 4, Figure 5 uses gussets or pleats of elastic which may expand or contract depending upon the volume desired to contain the remains or other materials being collected.

The elastic portion 14 of the bag 10 may be positioned in any number of configurations, including adjacent to the opening 15 of the bag in a plane which is horizontal to that opening or in a plane which is perpendicular to that opening 15. Additionally, the elastic portion of the bag may comprise a minimal portion of the bag, a significant portion of the bag such as one quarter or more, or even a major portion of the bag. Polymeric Precursors

The disposable bag of the invention may be comprised of any number of materials known to those of skill in the art which are useful in film formation and bag fabrication. As noted, the disposable bag of the invention generally comprises at least two portions; a first containment portion, and a second elastic portion.

Consistent with this design, polymer systems which may be used to form films and fabricate bags according to the invention include thermoplastic polymer systems.

Preferred polymers generally include a base polymer, an elastomer, and preferably, a tackifier, among other constituents which may be present. A plasticizer may be used in either or both the first and second portions of the bag to facilitate extrusion and to provide the necessary physical properties to the bag. Given the intended application, the preferred polymers have desirable film forming properties, strength, and stability through the coextrusion processes of the invention. A. The Base Polymer A base polymer may generally be used to form the first, containment portion of the disposable bag of the invention. Additionally, the elastomeric portion of the bag may also comprise base polymer. The base polymer functions to provide strength and bulk to the films within which it is used. While the base polymer may provide some degree of elasticity, the base polymer is intended to provide more of the structural attributes consistent with the functions of containing remains, protecting articles or members against the ambient environment, or use in storage.

The base polymer used for forming films which may, in turn, be used to fabricate the bag of the invention includes well known olefinically unsaturated polymers such as polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polyhexenes, polybutenes, and polyoctenes. However, one aspect of the invention is the formation of continuous films from different polymer resins to provide a coextensive film of two portions; i.e., one portion elastic in nature and one portion which is less elastic and of greater strength. To this end, the preferred base polymer has good film forming characteristics, and is compatible with any number of elastomers and tackifiers. Typical organic polymeric materials contemplated include organic polymers (and copolymers) especially polyethylene, polypropylene, poly(l-butene), poly(4- methyl-1-pentene), ethylenepropylene copolymers, ethylene-1-butene copolymers, ethylene-1-hexene copolymers, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene-ethyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers and their salts, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, poly(vinylidene chloride), polyvinyl fluoride, poly(vinylidene fluoride), polyoxymethylene, poly(ethylene oxide), poly(propylene oxide), polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl formal, polyvinyl butyral, poly(methyl acrylate), poly(ethyl acrylate), poly(caprolactam), poly(hexamethyleneadipamide), poly(ethylene terephthalate), vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymers, acrylonitrile polymers and copolymers, methacrylonitrile polymers and copolymers, cellulose acetate, cellulose propionatε, cellulose acetate butyrate, ethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, and hydroxypropyl cellulose. Preferably, the base polymer is an olefinic polymer. Olefinic polymers of the invention include olefinic homopolymers, such as polypropylene, low density polyethylene ("LDPE"), linear low density polyethylene ("LLDPE"), ultra-low density polyethylene ("ULDPE") and the like.

"Olefinic polymer" as used herein is intended to also include copolymers and derivatives thereof. Such copolymers (or derivatives thereof) include polymers derived from a combination of olefinic monomer and vinyl ester monomer (or acid derivatives of the vinyl ester monomer). The most preferred vinyl ester monomers (or acids thereof) are those having one to seven carbon atoms, such as acetates, acrylates, methacrylates, (meth)acrylic acids (which can be partially or wholly neutralized with ions, such as zinc or sodium) and the like. Critical to the olefinic polymer of the present invention is that it be capable of being formed into a thin sheet or film, such as for conventional packaging.

Preferred olefinic polymers include polypropylene and polyethylene. Preferably, linear low density polyethylene is used as the base polymer manufactured by Nova under brand name 0922D, Mobil under brand name NTX 095, Dow Chemical Co. under brand names 2085XU series or 2085YY series. The polyethylene polymer of the invention has a density ranging from about 0.910 to 0.930 gm/ml, preferably from about 0.914 to 0.926 gm/ml, and more preferably about 0.916 gm/ml. The polymer also has a melt index ranging from about 0.4 to 2 MI, and preferably about 0.6 MI.

B. The Elastomer

Any number of elastomers may be used which are capable of film formation and otherwise be compatible with the polymers of the invention. A rubber compound may be used to provide some degree of elastomeric properties to either the containment portion or the elastic portion of the disposable bag. Representative rubber compounds include natural or synthetic rubbers as well as their respective precursors and derivatives.

Rubbery elastomers tend to have sulfur bonds (such as -S-, -S-S-, and -S-S-S-) between carbon main chains of an organic compound or between polymers of silicone rubber. Examples of the elastomeric compounds include butadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, butyl rubber ethylene-propylene rubber, styrene- butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, nitrile rubber, acrylic rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, chlorinated polyethylene, fluoro rubber, and EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer). Examples of preferred synthetic rubbers are acrylonitrile-butadiene (nitrile) rubbers, chloroprene rubbers, and mixtures of nitrile and chloroprene rubbers. Synthetic rubbers may also include polyurethanes, butyl, polyisoprene, and styrene- butadiene rubber, or blends thereof. Preferred elastomers include those available from Union Carbide under the brand designation 1085 and Dow Chemical Co. under the brand designation VP8770. Preferably the elastomer has a melt index of about 2 MI or less and a density of about 0.885 gm/ml or less.

C. The Tackifier

A tackifier may be added to the polymeric system of the invention to provide adhesion to the elastomeric portion of the disposable bag of the invention. Tackifiers which may be used in accordance with the invention are those which provide pressure sensitive adhesion. Pressure sensitive adhesion is normally thought of as moderate to low peel adhesive strength with extended open times. The concentration of the tackifier should be such that it provides adhesive tack to the film without reducing tensile strength.

Suitable tackifiers are those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,992,228, 5,080,851, 5,427,725 and 5,427,726 which are incorporated herein by reference. These are principally thermosetting resin based tackifiers. Other suitable tackifiers include resins such as epoxy, polyterpene, polyamide, particularly bismaleimide resins, polycyanate ester resins, vinyl ester resins, benzocyclobutene resins, etc. Preferred tackifiers include polyisobutylene, such as those available from Amoco under brand designations H300, H 1500, and H 1900 as well as those available form Exxon under the trade designations Parapols 1300. The specific gravity of the tackifier ranges from about 0.880 to 0.916 gm/ml, the molecular weight ranges from about 1200 to 2500 (weight average), and a kinematic viscosity ranges from about 630 to 4400 at 25°C. Optionally, the portion of the film having the adhesive tack may be covered by a release liner which is removed prior to use of the bag.

Formulation In accordance with the invention, the polymer resins are formulated into two resin batches. The first resin batch comprises the polymeric precursors to the portion of the film which comprises the containment portion of the disposable bag of the invention. The second resin batch comprises the polymeric precursors to the portion of the film which comprises the elastic portion of the film. Representative concentrations of the constituents are provided in the Table below for each batch. TABLE (wt-%)

Containment Portion useful preferred

Base Polymer 90 or greater 100

Optional Ingredient 10 or less 0

Elastic Portion useful preferred

Base Polymer 60 - 100 70 - 90

Elastomer 0 - 20 5 - 15

Tackifier 0 - 10 5 - 10

Plasticizer 0 - 10 1 - 5 Processing The disposable bag of the invention may be made through any number of processes known to those of skill in the art. Preferably, the bag of the invention is fabricated with a film which has been extruded, with the elastic and containment portions of the film coextruded in one coextensive sheet. Any number of extrusion devices and processes known to those of skill in the art may be used such as Bullard et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,303,710, issued Dec. 1, 1981 and incorporated herein by reference, as well as U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09/098,187 filed June 16, 1998 which is also incorporated herein by reference. While extrusion conditions may vary, generally the base polymer may be extruded at a rate of about 5 to 13 pounds per inch per hour at temperatures ranging from about 380°F. to 560°F at a thickness ranging from about 0.5 to 3.0 mils. In turn, the elastomeric resin may be extruded at temperatures ranging from 320°F to 340°F at the same rate and thickness as the base polymer. The films used to fabricate the disposable bag of the invention may be extruded from a bubble extrusion device 25 such as that seen in Figure 6. In this case a hollow column of extruded film 13 is produced with the containment portion 12 of the film and the elastic portion 14 of the film formed in a coextensive sheet. This film may then be cooled, cut and patterned as desired. The film used to fabricate the disposable bag of the invention may also be extruded in a sheet of film 13', (Figures 7 and 8), by extrusion device 30. In this instance, the film may be extruded with the elastomeric material 14 on the interior (Fig. 7) or exterior of the film (Fig. 8). The relative positioning of the containment 12 and elastic portions 14 of the films 13 and 13' allows for the fabrication of multiple variations of disposable bag designs, some of which are seen in Figures 1 through 5. The films 13 and 13' formed in the extrusion process according to the invention may also be formed into laminates, according to processes known to those of skill in the art, to increase strength and elasticity, among other properties. Bag structure may be such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,133,607 which is incorporated herein by reference.

The above specification and examples are believed to provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of particular embodiments of the invention. Many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

THE CLAIMED INVENTION IS:

1. A disposable bag capable of being mounted to a support structure, said bag comprising: a.) a first containment portion; and b.) a second elastic portion wherein said bag first and second portions comprise a coextruded, coextensive film.

2. The bag of claim 1, wherein said bag has an open first end and a closed second end, and wherein said second elastic portion is positioned adjacent said bag first open end.

3. The bag of claim 2, wherein the bag first end is smaller in dimension than said bag second end.

4. The bag of claim 2, wherein said first portion has at least one opening proximate said second portion.

5. The bag of claim 4, wherein said openings have a shape selected from the group consisting of oblong, square, and circular.

6. The bag of claim 1, wherein said bag has first and second ends, said second end is closed, and said second elastic portion extends between said first and second ends.

7. The bag of claim 1, additionally comprising a handle.

8. The bag of claim 7, wherein said handle is formed from openings within said first portion of said bag proximate said second portion.

9. An elastic disposable bag comprising: a.) a first containment portion comprising a thermoplastic polymer; b.) a second elastic portion comprising a thermoplastic rubber wherein said bag first and second portions comprise a coextruded coextensive film.

10. The bag of claim 9, wherein said second elastic portion additionally comprises a tackifier.

11. The bag of claim 9, wherein said thermoplastic polymer comprises more than one olefinic monomers selected from the group consisting of an ethylene monomer, a propylene monomer, a butylene monomer, and mixtures thereof.

12. The bag of claim 9, wherein said polyethylene is a polyethylene homopolymer.

13. The bag of claim 12, wherein said polyethylene homopolymer has a density ranging from about 0.91 to 0.93 gm/ml.

14. The bag of claim 9, wherein said thermoplastic rubber comprises more than one monomer selected from the group consisting of a natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, and mixtures thereof.

15. The bag of claim 9, wherein said thermoplastic rubber comprises butadiene rubber.

16. The bag of claim 15, wherein said thermoplastic rubber has a density of about 0.885 gm/ml or less.

17. The bag of claim 10, wherein said tackifier is selected from the group consisting of a polyimide, a polyisocyanate, a vinyl ester, an epoxy, a polyisobutadiene and mixtures thereof.

18. The bag of claim 10, wherein said tackifier comprises polyisobutylene.

19. The bag of claim 18, wherein said second elastic portion has tack.

20. The bag of claim 9, wherein said containment portion comprises a laminate of two or more layers of thermoplastic olefinic polymer.

21. The bag of claim 9, wherein said elastic portion comprises a single layer of thermoplastic rubber.

22. The bag of claim 9, wherein said elastic portion comprises a laminate of two or more layers.

23. The bag of claim 22, wherein said laminate comprises first and second layers, said first layer comprising a thermoplastic rubber and said second layer comprises a thermoplastic olefinic polymer.

24. The bag of claim 22, wherein said laminate comprises at least three layers, and wherein at least one of said three layers comprises a thermoplastic rubber.

25. The bag of claim 22, wherein said laminate comprises at least three layers, and wherein at least one of said three layers comprises a thermoplastic olefinic polymer.

26. The bag of claim 9, wherein said containment portion comprises a film having a thickness ranging from about 0.5 to 3 mils.

27. The bag of claim 9, wherein said elastic portion comprises a film having a thickness ranging from about 0.5 to 3 mils.

28. The bag of claim 9, wherein said containment and elastic portions comprise a continuous coextended laminate film having a thickness of at least about 0.5 mils.

29. The bag of claim 28, wherein said continuous extruded laminate film has a thickness ranging from about 0.5 to 3 mils.

30. A method of fabricating a disposable bag from an extruded polymer film, said extruded polymer film resulting from first and second polymer feed stocks, said bag comprising a first containment portion, said containment portion comprising a thermoplastic polymer, and a second elastic portion, said elastic portion comprising a thermoplastic rubber, said method comprising the steps of: a.) simultaneously feeding said first and second polymer feed stocks into an extrusion device; b.) extruding a polymer film from the device wherein said polymer film has a first portion comprising said first polymer feed stock and a second portion comprising said second polymer feed stock; and c.) fabricating a disposable bag from said polymer film.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein said polymer film is extruded at a rate ranging from about 5 to 13 pounds per inch per hour.

32. The method of claim 30, wherein polymer is extruded at a rate ranging from about 8 to 10 pounds per inch per hour.

33. The method of claim 30, wherein the polymer film is extruded at a temperature ranging from about 380°F to 560°F.

34. The method of claim 30, wherein said first polymer feed stock comprises a thermoplastic olefinic polymer.

35. The method of claim 30, wherein said second polymer feed stock comprises a thermoplastic rubber.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein said second polymer feed stock additionally comprises a tackifier.

37. The method of claim 30, additionally comprising the step of laminating said polymer film to one or more polymer films to form a laminate polymer film.

38. The method of claim 30, wherein said polymer film has a thickness ranging from about 0.5 mils to 3 mils.

39. A disposable bag resulting from the method of claim 30.