US Patent 9624003 Bag with gripping bands

A bag and closure for a bag. The closure includes interlocking closure profiles that extend along the width of the closure and are selectively matable to close the closure or bag. The closure profiles are configured to be spaced apart from the top end of the bag. The closure further includes grip spacing formations that extend along the width of the closure. When the profiles mate, the grip spacing formations engage one another and urge opposing top end portions of the bag or closure outward to define an enlarged gap. The opposing top end portions, thus, define gripping bands that are accessible for being gripped during bag opening.