CA2574658A1 - Vacuum packaging films patterned with protruding cavernous structures - Google Patents
Vacuum packaging films patterned with protruding cavernous structures Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2574658A1 CA2574658A1 CA002574658A CA2574658A CA2574658A1 CA 2574658 A1 CA2574658 A1 CA 2574658A1 CA 002574658 A CA002574658 A CA 002574658A CA 2574658 A CA2574658 A CA 2574658A CA 2574658 A1 CA2574658 A1 CA 2574658A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- vacuum packaging
- pattern
- recited
- film
- bag
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
- B65B31/04—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied
- B65B31/046—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied the nozzles co-operating, or being combined, with a device for opening or closing the container or wrapper
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C59/00—Surface shaping of articles, e.g. embossing; Apparatus therefor
- B29C59/02—Surface shaping of articles, e.g. embossing; Apparatus therefor by mechanical means, e.g. pressing
- B29C59/04—Surface shaping of articles, e.g. embossing; Apparatus therefor by mechanical means, e.g. pressing using rollers or endless belts
- B29C59/046—Surface shaping of articles, e.g. embossing; Apparatus therefor by mechanical means, e.g. pressing using rollers or endless belts for layered or coated substantially flat surfaces
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
- B32B27/06—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
- B32B27/08—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of synthetic resin
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
- B32B27/30—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising vinyl (co)polymers; comprising acrylic (co)polymers
- B32B27/306—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising vinyl (co)polymers; comprising acrylic (co)polymers comprising vinyl acetate or vinyl alcohol (co)polymers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
- B32B27/32—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyolefins
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
- B32B27/34—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyamides
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
- B32B27/36—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin comprising polyesters
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B3/00—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar form; Layered products having particular features of form
- B32B3/10—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar form; Layered products having particular features of form characterised by a discontinuous layer, i.e. formed of separate pieces of material
- B32B3/14—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar form; Layered products having particular features of form characterised by a discontinuous layer, i.e. formed of separate pieces of material characterised by a face layer formed of separate pieces of material which are juxtaposed side-by-side
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B3/00—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar form; Layered products having particular features of form
- B32B3/26—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar form; Layered products having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layer; characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids ; characterised by an apertured layer
- B32B3/263—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar form; Layered products having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layer; characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids ; characterised by an apertured layer characterised by a layer having non-uniform thickness
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B3/00—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar form; Layered products having particular features of form
- B32B3/26—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar form; Layered products having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layer; characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids ; characterised by an apertured layer
- B32B3/30—Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar form; Layered products having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layer; characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids ; characterised by an apertured layer characterised by a layer formed with recesses or projections, e.g. hollows, grooves, protuberances, ribs
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B38/00—Ancillary operations in connection with laminating processes
- B32B38/06—Embossing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B7/00—Layered products characterised by the relation between layers; Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties; Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
- B32B7/04—Interconnection of layers
- B32B7/06—Interconnection of layers permitting easy separation
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/18—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
- B65D81/20—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
- B65D81/2007—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum
- B65D81/2023—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum in a flexible container
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/18—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
- B65D81/20—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
- B65D81/2007—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum
- B65D81/2038—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum with means for establishing or improving vacuum
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/24—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants
- B65D81/26—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators
- B65D81/266—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators for absorbing gases, e.g. oxygen absorbers or desiccants
- B65D81/267—Adaptations for preventing deterioration or decay of contents; Applications to the container or packaging material of food preservatives, fungicides, pesticides or animal repellants with provision for draining away, or absorbing, or removing by ventilation, fluids, e.g. exuded by contents; Applications of corrosion inhibitors or desiccators for absorbing gases, e.g. oxygen absorbers or desiccants the absorber being in sheet form
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2250/00—Layers arrangement
- B32B2250/24—All layers being polymeric
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
- B32B2307/30—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular thermal properties
- B32B2307/31—Heat sealable
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
- B32B2307/40—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular optical properties
- B32B2307/412—Transparent
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
- B32B2307/70—Other properties
- B32B2307/724—Permeability to gases, adsorption
- B32B2307/7242—Non-permeable
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
- B32B2307/70—Other properties
- B32B2307/726—Permeability to liquids, absorption
- B32B2307/7265—Non-permeable
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
- B32B2307/70—Other properties
- B32B2307/748—Releasability
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2439/00—Containers; Receptacles
- B32B2439/40—Closed containers
- B32B2439/46—Bags
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2439/00—Containers; Receptacles
- B32B2439/70—Food packaging
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B37/00—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
- B32B37/08—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the cooling method
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B37/00—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
- B32B37/14—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers
- B32B37/15—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with at least one layer being manufactured and immediately laminated before reaching its stable state, e.g. in which a layer is extruded and laminated while in semi-molten state
- B32B37/153—Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with at least one layer being manufactured and immediately laminated before reaching its stable state, e.g. in which a layer is extruded and laminated while in semi-molten state at least one layer is extruded and immediately laminated while in semi-molten state
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/13—Hollow or container type article [e.g., tube, vase, etc.]
- Y10T428/1334—Nonself-supporting tubular film or bag [e.g., pouch, envelope, packet, etc.]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/13—Hollow or container type article [e.g., tube, vase, etc.]
- Y10T428/1352—Polymer or resin containing [i.e., natural or synthetic]
Abstract
The present invention teaches a film having a pattern of protruding structures. When used in the vacuum packaging bag material context, the result is a vacuum packaging bag that a consumer can effectively evacuate and hermetically seal. The protruding structures tend to form channels that enable gas to evacuate from within a vacuum packaging bag. In certain embodiments, the protruding structures are formed only on an inner side of the vacuum packaging film, typically through a hot casting or heat-extrusion process. As a result, far less bag material is required than in the prior art patterned film formed through cold embossing processes. The present invention also contemplates a variety of applications for the films, including preformed bags and bag rolls, as well as a variety of apparatus for manufacturing the films and appliances for utilizing the bags and bag rolls.
Description
VACUUM PACKAGING FILMS PATTERNED
WITH PROTRUDING CAVERNOUS STRUCTURES
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to vacuum packaging bags for packaging products using a vacuum packaging appliance. In particular, the present invention teaches a patterned film for making sealable vacuum packaging bags and bag rolls, as well as methods and appliances for use therewith.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Vacuum packaging film is used for vacuum sealing of perishable items. Due to the film's versatility in producing vacuum sealed packages of various sizes, its popularity has increased in recent years. As a result, continuous product improvement is required on the part of manufacturers in order to stay competitive. One such improvement has been applying patterns to vacuum packaging bags.
For vacuum packaging bags with smooth inner surfaces (i.e., inner surfaces that do not have a pattern), the bag surfaces sometimes stick together when air is evacuated from the bag during vacuum packaging. This may result in air pockets within the seal and degraded seal integrity. In response to this problem, manufacturers may imprint or emboss a pattern onto vacuum packaging film used to form the vacuum packaging bags. The pattern helps prevent vacuum packaging bag surfaces from sticking together during vacuum packaging by forming channels along the grooves of an imprinted pattern-or forming channels between raised portions of an embossed patternwhen the surfaces of the bag are face to face. The pattern may be applied to one or both of the inner surfaces of the vacuum packaging bag.
While imprinting or embossing a pattern onto vacuum packaging film is generally desirable, imprinting or embossing a pattern introduces new problems. For example, embossed patterns may be less durable than smooth surfaces. In general, the farther an embossed pattern sticks out from the surface of vacuum packaging film, the less durable the-film, becomes.
Moreover, thicker embossing-or deeper grooves-typically consumes more material and may be harder to apply to or form into the film. Thicker embossing-or deeper grooves-also typically results in thicker vacuum packaging film, which makes the film heavier and less compact so it takes up more space in storage. Furthermore, if the surface of a vacuum packaging film has a high concentration of raised areas, there will be fewer channels formed when evacuating a vacuum packaging bag made of the film. Since there are fewer channels, even if relatively few channels become blocked gas may be trapped and air pockets formed, resulting in degraded seal integrity.
Accordingly, what is needed is a vacuum packaging film with an improved embossing pattern to reduce embossing thickness, to reduce the concentration of raised areas on vacuum packaging film, or to increase the number of channels formed when the vacuum packaging film is used in a vacuum packaging application.
WITH PROTRUDING CAVERNOUS STRUCTURES
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to vacuum packaging bags for packaging products using a vacuum packaging appliance. In particular, the present invention teaches a patterned film for making sealable vacuum packaging bags and bag rolls, as well as methods and appliances for use therewith.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Vacuum packaging film is used for vacuum sealing of perishable items. Due to the film's versatility in producing vacuum sealed packages of various sizes, its popularity has increased in recent years. As a result, continuous product improvement is required on the part of manufacturers in order to stay competitive. One such improvement has been applying patterns to vacuum packaging bags.
For vacuum packaging bags with smooth inner surfaces (i.e., inner surfaces that do not have a pattern), the bag surfaces sometimes stick together when air is evacuated from the bag during vacuum packaging. This may result in air pockets within the seal and degraded seal integrity. In response to this problem, manufacturers may imprint or emboss a pattern onto vacuum packaging film used to form the vacuum packaging bags. The pattern helps prevent vacuum packaging bag surfaces from sticking together during vacuum packaging by forming channels along the grooves of an imprinted pattern-or forming channels between raised portions of an embossed patternwhen the surfaces of the bag are face to face. The pattern may be applied to one or both of the inner surfaces of the vacuum packaging bag.
While imprinting or embossing a pattern onto vacuum packaging film is generally desirable, imprinting or embossing a pattern introduces new problems. For example, embossed patterns may be less durable than smooth surfaces. In general, the farther an embossed pattern sticks out from the surface of vacuum packaging film, the less durable the-film, becomes.
Moreover, thicker embossing-or deeper grooves-typically consumes more material and may be harder to apply to or form into the film. Thicker embossing-or deeper grooves-also typically results in thicker vacuum packaging film, which makes the film heavier and less compact so it takes up more space in storage. Furthermore, if the surface of a vacuum packaging film has a high concentration of raised areas, there will be fewer channels formed when evacuating a vacuum packaging bag made of the film. Since there are fewer channels, even if relatively few channels become blocked gas may be trapped and air pockets formed, resulting in degraded seal integrity.
Accordingly, what is needed is a vacuum packaging film with an improved embossing pattern to reduce embossing thickness, to reduce the concentration of raised areas on vacuum packaging film, or to increase the number of channels formed when the vacuum packaging film is used in a vacuum packaging application.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention teaches a variety of patterned films suitable for vacuum packaging applications, together with vacuum packaging bags, vacuum packaging bag rolls, and methods and apparatus for manufacturing the same.
A vacuum packaging bag that a user can place a product into, vacuum evacuate the vacuum packaging bag to a predefined vacuum level and hermetically seal through a predefined sealing process, the vacuum packaging bag includes, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, two sheets such that at least one of the two sheets has a patterned inner side and an outer side substantially without a pattern.
A multi-layer film suitable for use in forming a vacuum packaging bag, the multi-layer film, in accordance with another preferred embodiment, includes a patterned inner layer having a plurality of cavernous structures, the cavernous structures aiTanged in a pattern to form channels suitable for evacuation of gas when the multi-layer film is used to form a vacuum packaging bag.
Also included is an outer layer coupled with the patterned inner layer, the outer layer having a substantially flat outer surface.
A vacuum packaging bag for holding food or other product, in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment, includes a first sheet formed of a multi-layer plastic film, the multi-layer plastic film further including a patterned inner layer having a plurality of cavernous structures. The cavernous structures are arranged in a first pattern to form channels suitable for evacuation of gas and an outer layer coupled with the patterned inner layer and the outer layer has a substantially flat outer surface. Also included is a second sheet, having a footprint similar to the first sheet, such that the first and second sheets are arranged with the patterned inner layer inside and facing the second sheet, the first and second sheets are sealed on opposing lateral sides and at an end side whereby the first and the second sheets form the vacuum packaging bag and have an opening for insertion of food or other product.
A bag roll suitable for forming vacuum packaging bags for holding food or other product, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment, includes a first sheet formed of a multi-layer plastic film. The multi-layer plastic film further includes a patterned inner layer having a plurality of cavernous structures that are arranged in a first pattern to form channels suitable for evacuation of gas and an outer layer coupled with the patterned inner layer having a substantially flat outer surface. Also included is a second sheet having a shape and size substantially similar to the first sheet The first and second sheets are arranged with the patterned inner layer facing inside. The first and second sheets are sealed on opposing lateral sides such that portions may be cut from the bag roll thereby creating a partially foimed bag having opposing open ends that are sealable.
A method for manufacturing a multi-layer film, for use in vacuum packaging applications, having a pattern of protruding cavernous structures which operate to form channels suitable for evacuation of gas when the multi-layer fihn is used in the creation of a vacuum packaging bag, in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment, includes heat-extruding a first material onto a spinning roll and heat-extruding a second material onto the spinning roll such that the first and second extruded materials bond and form first and second layers of the multi-layer film during a cooling of the first and second extruded materials. The method further includes applying the pattern of protruding cavernous structures to the first and second layers in conjunction with the extrusion and the cooling of the first and second extruded materials such that the pattern is defined during the cooling of the first and second materials. The pattern is operable to form channels suitable for evacuation of gas from the vacuum packaging bag made of the multi-layer film, the pattern of protruding cavernous structure formed on only one side of the multi-layer film.
An apparatus for manufacturing a multi-layer film, for use in vacuum packaging applications, having a pattern of protruding cavernous structures that form channels suitable for evacuation of gas when the multi-layer film is used in the creation of a vacuum packaging bag, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment, includes a multi-layer extruder for extruding a first material and a second material and a cooling roll positioned with respect to the extruder such that the extruder applies the first and second materials onto a circumferential surface of the cooling roll such that the first and second extruded materials bond and form first and second layers of a first multi-layer film during a cooling of the first and second extruded materials. Also included is a pattern forming mechanism arranged to pattern the first and second layers during the extrusion and cooling of the first and second materials, the pattern of protruding cavernous structure formed on only one side of the multi-layer film.
A system for vacuum packaging a product within a vacuum packaging bag, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment, provides a vacuum packaging appliance for evacuating and sealing the vacuum packaging bag. The appliance includes a base defining an upper support surface adapted to receive an open end of a bag; a lid operatively associated with the base, the lid and the base defining a vacuum chamber therebetween to receive the open end of the bag and at least one gasket surrounding the vacuum chamber for directly engaging the bag such that the open end of the bag is operatively associated with the vacuum chamber. The appliance also includes a vacuum source operatively associated with the vacuum chamber for selectively evacuating the vacuum chamber and the operatively associated bag and a trough coupled to the base for receiving an open end of the bag and collecting contents taken from the bag while evacuating the bag, wherein a sealing mechanism is located adjacent to the trough in order to seal the evacuated bag. The system further includes bag material suitable for forming the vacuum packaging bag. The bag material includes a first sheet formed of a multi-layer plastic film having a patterned inner layer that has a plurality of cavernous structures. The cavernous structures are arranged in a first pattern to form channels suitable for evacuation of gas. The bag material also includes an outer layer coupled with the patterned inner layer such that the outer layer has a substantially flat outer surface. The system also includes a second sheet having a shape and size substantially similar to the first sheet such that the first and second sheets are arranged with the patterned inner layer facing inside and the first and second sheets are sealed on opposing lateral sides.
A vacuum packaging bag that a user can place a product into, vacuum evacuate the vacuum packaging bag to a predefined vacuum level and hermetically seal through a predefined sealing process, in accordance with a final exemplary embodiment, includes two sheets such that at least one of the two sheets has a patterned inner side including protruding structures. The protruding structures, formed during evacuation of the vacuum packaging bag, include primary evacuation channels that tend to form external to the protruding structures and secondary evacuation channels that tend to form internal to the protruding structures.
The present invention teaches a variety of patterned films suitable for vacuum packaging applications, together with vacuum packaging bags, vacuum packaging bag rolls, and methods and apparatus for manufacturing the same.
A vacuum packaging bag that a user can place a product into, vacuum evacuate the vacuum packaging bag to a predefined vacuum level and hermetically seal through a predefined sealing process, the vacuum packaging bag includes, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, two sheets such that at least one of the two sheets has a patterned inner side and an outer side substantially without a pattern.
A multi-layer film suitable for use in forming a vacuum packaging bag, the multi-layer film, in accordance with another preferred embodiment, includes a patterned inner layer having a plurality of cavernous structures, the cavernous structures aiTanged in a pattern to form channels suitable for evacuation of gas when the multi-layer film is used to form a vacuum packaging bag.
Also included is an outer layer coupled with the patterned inner layer, the outer layer having a substantially flat outer surface.
A vacuum packaging bag for holding food or other product, in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment, includes a first sheet formed of a multi-layer plastic film, the multi-layer plastic film further including a patterned inner layer having a plurality of cavernous structures. The cavernous structures are arranged in a first pattern to form channels suitable for evacuation of gas and an outer layer coupled with the patterned inner layer and the outer layer has a substantially flat outer surface. Also included is a second sheet, having a footprint similar to the first sheet, such that the first and second sheets are arranged with the patterned inner layer inside and facing the second sheet, the first and second sheets are sealed on opposing lateral sides and at an end side whereby the first and the second sheets form the vacuum packaging bag and have an opening for insertion of food or other product.
A bag roll suitable for forming vacuum packaging bags for holding food or other product, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment, includes a first sheet formed of a multi-layer plastic film. The multi-layer plastic film further includes a patterned inner layer having a plurality of cavernous structures that are arranged in a first pattern to form channels suitable for evacuation of gas and an outer layer coupled with the patterned inner layer having a substantially flat outer surface. Also included is a second sheet having a shape and size substantially similar to the first sheet The first and second sheets are arranged with the patterned inner layer facing inside. The first and second sheets are sealed on opposing lateral sides such that portions may be cut from the bag roll thereby creating a partially foimed bag having opposing open ends that are sealable.
A method for manufacturing a multi-layer film, for use in vacuum packaging applications, having a pattern of protruding cavernous structures which operate to form channels suitable for evacuation of gas when the multi-layer fihn is used in the creation of a vacuum packaging bag, in accordance with yet another exemplary embodiment, includes heat-extruding a first material onto a spinning roll and heat-extruding a second material onto the spinning roll such that the first and second extruded materials bond and form first and second layers of the multi-layer film during a cooling of the first and second extruded materials. The method further includes applying the pattern of protruding cavernous structures to the first and second layers in conjunction with the extrusion and the cooling of the first and second extruded materials such that the pattern is defined during the cooling of the first and second materials. The pattern is operable to form channels suitable for evacuation of gas from the vacuum packaging bag made of the multi-layer film, the pattern of protruding cavernous structure formed on only one side of the multi-layer film.
An apparatus for manufacturing a multi-layer film, for use in vacuum packaging applications, having a pattern of protruding cavernous structures that form channels suitable for evacuation of gas when the multi-layer film is used in the creation of a vacuum packaging bag, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment, includes a multi-layer extruder for extruding a first material and a second material and a cooling roll positioned with respect to the extruder such that the extruder applies the first and second materials onto a circumferential surface of the cooling roll such that the first and second extruded materials bond and form first and second layers of a first multi-layer film during a cooling of the first and second extruded materials. Also included is a pattern forming mechanism arranged to pattern the first and second layers during the extrusion and cooling of the first and second materials, the pattern of protruding cavernous structure formed on only one side of the multi-layer film.
A system for vacuum packaging a product within a vacuum packaging bag, in accordance with another exemplary embodiment, provides a vacuum packaging appliance for evacuating and sealing the vacuum packaging bag. The appliance includes a base defining an upper support surface adapted to receive an open end of a bag; a lid operatively associated with the base, the lid and the base defining a vacuum chamber therebetween to receive the open end of the bag and at least one gasket surrounding the vacuum chamber for directly engaging the bag such that the open end of the bag is operatively associated with the vacuum chamber. The appliance also includes a vacuum source operatively associated with the vacuum chamber for selectively evacuating the vacuum chamber and the operatively associated bag and a trough coupled to the base for receiving an open end of the bag and collecting contents taken from the bag while evacuating the bag, wherein a sealing mechanism is located adjacent to the trough in order to seal the evacuated bag. The system further includes bag material suitable for forming the vacuum packaging bag. The bag material includes a first sheet formed of a multi-layer plastic film having a patterned inner layer that has a plurality of cavernous structures. The cavernous structures are arranged in a first pattern to form channels suitable for evacuation of gas. The bag material also includes an outer layer coupled with the patterned inner layer such that the outer layer has a substantially flat outer surface. The system also includes a second sheet having a shape and size substantially similar to the first sheet such that the first and second sheets are arranged with the patterned inner layer facing inside and the first and second sheets are sealed on opposing lateral sides.
A vacuum packaging bag that a user can place a product into, vacuum evacuate the vacuum packaging bag to a predefined vacuum level and hermetically seal through a predefined sealing process, in accordance with a final exemplary embodiment, includes two sheets such that at least one of the two sheets has a patterned inner side including protruding structures. The protruding structures, formed during evacuation of the vacuum packaging bag, include primary evacuation channels that tend to form external to the protruding structures and secondary evacuation channels that tend to form internal to the protruding structures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates a patterned film in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 illustrates a patterned film in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 illustrates a patterned film in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 illustrates a patterned fihn in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 illustrates a patteimed film in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 6A - 6B illustrate top and bottom isometric views of a patterned flm according to one aspect of the present invention.
FIGS. 7 - 9 illustrate three example pattern layouts according to another aspect of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a cross-section of a film suitable for forming a pealably sealable vacuum packaging bag in accordance with one enlbodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a cross-section of another fihn suitable for forming a pealably sealable vacuum packaging bag in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a top view of a sealed vacuum packaging bag according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is an apparatus for manufacturing a roll of patterned sealable bag material.
FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a roll of patterned bag material produced by the apparatus of FIG.
13 according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a vacuum packaging appliance in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
e DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention teaches a film having a pattern of protruding structures. When used in the vacuum packaging bag material context, the result is a vacuum packaging bag that a consumer can effectively evacuate and hermetically seal. The protruding structures tend to foi7n channels that enable gas to evacuate from within a vacuum packaging bag. In certain embodiments, the protruding structures are formed only on an inner side of the vacuum packaging film, typically through a hot casting or heat-extrusion process. As a result, far less bag material is required than in the prior art patterned film formed through cold embossing processes. The present invention also contemplates a variety of applications for the films, including preformed bags and bag rolls, as well as a variety of apparatus for manufacturing the films and appliances for utilizing the bags and bag rolls.
FIG. 1 illustrates a patterned fihn 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The patterned film 10 is formed having a plurality of protruding structures 12. The protruding structures 12 of FIG. 1 are shown having a rectangular shape. While the rectangular shape is suitable, its presentation here is somewhat arbitrary for purposes of example. Other shapes such as cylindrical, rhomboid, etc., or even irregular will suffice to accomplish the desired goal of forming channels during evacuation.
With further reference to FIG. 1, the present invention contemplates, e.g., using the patterned film 10 in a vacuum packaging application having the protruding structures 12 on the inside surface of a vacuum packaging bag. During evacuation of the vacuum packaging bag, primaiy channels 14 enable effective evacuation of the vacuum packaging bag.
The primary channels 14 tend to prevent gas from being trapped due to stored product and the collapse of the vacuum packaging bag. In one embodiment, the pattern of the protruding structures 12 is formed only on the inner layer of vacuum packaging bag through a hot casting process, described in more detail below.
FIG. 2 illustrates a patterned film 20 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The patterned film 20 is formed with a plurality of protruding cavernous structures 22.
Each of these protruding cavernous structures 22 are rectangular in a shape formed by walls 24.
During evacuation of the vacuum packaging bag, primary channels 28 enable effective evacuation of the vacuum packaging bag. The primary channels 28 tend to prevent gas from being trapped due to stored product and the collapse of the vacuum packaging bag. In one embodiment, the pattern of the protruding structures 22 is formed only on the inner layer of vacuum packaging bag through a hot casting process, described in more detail below.
The walls 24 create an open ended internal cavity 26 within each protruding cavernous structure 22. The plurality of internal cavities 26 may be useful for capturing fluids. While it is desirable to evacuate gases from the vacuum packaging bag to improve preservation, typically fluids are best left remaining in the vacuum packaging bag.
FIG. 3 illustrates a patterned film 40 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The patterned film 40 is formed with a plurality of protruding cavernous structures 42.
Each of these protruding cavernous structures 42 are rectangular in a shape formed by walls 44.
The protruding structures 42 of FIG. 3 are shown having a rectangular shape.
While the rectangular shape is suitable, its presentation here is for purposes of example. Other shapes such as cylindrical, rhomboid, etc., or even irregular will suffice to accomplish the desired goal of forming channels during evacuation.
During evacuation of the vacuum packaging bag, primary channels such as 48 are formed extern.al to the protruding cavernous structures 42 and secondary channels such as 50 are formed through the walls 44 and internal to the protruding cavernous structures 42.
Note that the exact location of the secondary channels 50 is not paramount, as will be seen below in FIGS. 4 - 5.
The channels 48 and 50 enable effective evacuation of the vacuum packaging bag, as they tend to prevent gas from being trapped due to stored product blockage and the collapse of the vacuum packaging bag. In one embodiment, the pattern of the protruding cavernous structures 42 is formed only on the inner layer of vacuum packaging bag through a hot casting process, described in more detail below.
With further reference to FIG. 3, the wa11s 44 create an open ended internal cavity 52 within each protruding cavernous structure 42. The secondary channels 50 allow evacuation through the internal cavities 52; however some fluid may still be trapped in the internal cavities 52, thereby tending to generate a better evacuation process.
FIG. 4 illustrates a patterned film 60 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The patterned film 60 is formed with a plurality of protruding cavernous structures 62.
Each of these protruding cavernous structures 62 are rectangular in a shape formed by walls 64.
The protruding structures 62 of FIG. 4 are shown having a rectangular shape.
While the rectangular shape is suitable, its presentation here is for purposes of example. Other shapes such as cylindrical, rhomboid, etc., or even irregular will suffice to accomplish the desired goal of forming channels during evacuation.
During evacuation of the vacuum packaging bag, primary channels such as 68 are formed external to the protruding cavernous structures 62 and secondary channels such as 70 are formed through corners the walls 64 and internal to the protruding cavernous structures 62. Note that the exact location of the secondary channels 70 is not paramount. The channels 68 and 70 enable effective evacuation of the vacuum packaging bag, as they tend to prevent gas from being trapped due to stored product blockage and the collapse of the vacuum packaging bag.
In one embodiment, the pattern of the protruding cavernous structures 62 is formed only on the inner layer of vacuum packaging bag through a hot casting process, described in more detail below.
With fiu ther reference to FIG. 4, the walls 64 create an open ended internal cavity 72 within each protruding cavernous structure 62. The secondary channels 70 allow evacuation through the internal cavities 72; however some fluid may still be trapped in the internal cavities 72, thereby tending to generate a better evacuation process.
FIG. 5 illustrates a patterned film 80 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The patterned fihn 80 is formed with a plurality of protruding cavernous structures such as structures 81 - 83. Each of these protruding cavernous structures 82 are rectangular in a shape formed by walls.
The variety of protruding cavernous structure shown in FIG. 5 serve to illustrate the principal that any cavity creating a channel through a protruding structure will serve to create the desirable secondary channels taught by one aspect of the present invention.
Again, while the rectangular shape is suitable, its presentation here is for purposes of example. Other shapes such as cylindrical, rhomboid, etc., or even irregular will suffice to accomplish the desired goal of forming channels during evacuation.
FIGS. 6A - 6B provide an isometric illustration of a multi-layer film 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The multi-layer film 100 includes a gas impermeable layer 102, a structural layer 104, and a patterned heat-seal layer 106. As seen in FIG. 6A, the gas impermeable layer has a substantially flat surface, at least from a macroscopic viewpoint. In contrast, the patterned heat-seal layer 106 has a plurality of structural protrusions 108. The structural protrusions 108 may take any suitable form such as the protrusions of FIG. 1 and the cavernous protrusion described above with reference to FIGS. 2 - 5.
As will be appreciated, the embodiment of FIGS. 6A - 6B is merely illustrative. The present invention contemplates a variety of multi-layer filrns made from a variety of materials particularly nylon materials, and with different combinations of layer as required by the specific application. One apparatus and process for manufacturing such a film is described below with reference to FIG. 10.
FIGS. 7 - 9 illustrate three possible pattern layouts 120, 130, and 140. The pattern layout 120 is wave or sinusoidal form 122 upon which a plurality of protruding structures 124 are disposed. The pattern layout 130 is an opposing zigzag pattern 132 upon which a plurality of protruding structures 134 are disposed. The pattern layout 140 is an irregular or pseudo-random pattern 142 upon which a plurality of protruding structures 144 are disposed.
As will be appreciated, the three layouts of FIGS. 7 - 9 provide example layouts and a variety of layouts will result in the desired formation of evacuation channels.
The present invention contemplates vacuum packaging films that may seal into bags through a variety of mechanisms. For example, the bag material itself may include one or more heat sealable layers. As described below with reference to FIGS. 10 - 11, the bag material may be pealably heat sealable (easy to peal) and even capable of being both pealably sealable and permanently sealable. Alternatively, the bag may be heat sealed on one or more sides, and closed by some other mechanism such as a zipper or ziplock mechanism on the other sides.
FIG. 10 illustrates a multi-layer film 150 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The film 150 includes a structural layer 152, a bonding layer 154, a gas impermeable layer 156, a bonding layer 158, and a pealably sealable layer 160. Bond layers 154 and 158 act to laminate opposing layers. The structural layer 152 provides strength to the film 150 so that it is particularly useful as a vacuum packaging bag material. The gas impermeable layer 156 tends to inhibit gas flow across the film 10.
The pealably sealable layer 160 includes a resin or other material that through pressure, heat or other sealing enabler, will form a pealable seal. The pealable seal will be capable of holding a vacuum level in an evacuated bag, yet will be manually pealable by a user. In certain embodiments, the vacuum internal to the bag will tend to maintain the seal, thus making this operation even easier. In other embodiments, the pressure arising from the internal vacuum is sufficient to maintain the pealable seal. In preferred embodiments, the pealably sealable layer will have a pattern of protruding structures formed thereon.
A variety of materials are well suited for the material of the pealably sealable layer 160.
For example, the material of pealably sealable layer 160 may include polyethylene, polyester, ethylene vinyl acetate, etc., and resins thereof. Typical vacuum packaging appliances operate their heat sealing mechanisms in temperature ranges of 100 degrees Celsius to 200 degrees Celsius. Therefore certain embodiments of the present invention teach materials which will form the pealably sealable bond within that temperature range. Other embodiments of the present invention teach materials which pealably seal within ranges outside current appliances. In these embodiments, the home vacuum packaging appliances must be designed accordingly.
The present invention also contemplates forming the pealably sealable layer 160 out of material that may form a permanent seal under a first set of conditions, and a pealable seal under a second set of conditions. For example, the material may form a pealable seal under sealing pressure and temperature conditions ot tne typical home vacuum packaging appliance. Under more extreme pressure and/or temperature conditions, the material of this embodiment forms a permanent bond. This is useful in that bags and bag rolls with preformed permanent seals can be manufactured and sold to the consumer. The consumer in turn can form the final fourth seal with a pealably sealable bond using a standard appliance. This is preferable in certain circumstances, as only one pealable seal is necessary for easy access to the content of the bag.
FIG. 11 illustrates a multi-layer film 200 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The film 200 includes a structural layer 202, a bond layer 204, a gas impermeable layer 206, a bond layer 208, a peimanent sealing layer 210, a bond layer 212, and a pealably sealable layer 214. As described above with reference to FIG. 10, under certai.n circumstances there are advantages to having a film with permanent sealing capabilities. The film 200 includes the permanent sealing layer 210 that under certain conditions can be used to generate a permanent bond.
Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the pealably sealable films of the present invention may be beneficially designed with patterns therein or upon. As described in much detail above, patterned film has the property of tending to form air channels during evacuation of a bag made from such pattern.ed material, the air channels tending to improve evacuation of these bags.
Suitable patterns include waffle-shaped, straight-lined, zigzag, speckled and random patterns.
Extrusion processes such as may form the multi-layer films described below with reference to FIG. 13, or through embossing.
FIG. 12 illustrates a vacuum packaging bag 250 storing product 40 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The bag 250 has been evacuated and seals 252 - 258 have been formed. Depending upon the application and the film used for the bag material, at least one of the seals 252 - 258 is a pealable seal. The other seals may be formed as permanent seals, if the film and available equipment permits, and may also be formed as pealable seals. The bag 250 has at least one inner surface patterned with a plurality of protruding structures such as those described above with reference to FIGS. 1 - 9.
FIG. 13 illustrates an apparatus 400 for manufacturing bag material in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 400 includes a multi-layer extruder 402 for extruding a first film sheet, a patterned cooling roller 404, a laminating roller 406, a second film source 408 providing a second film sheet, a sealing mechanism 410, and a bag roll 412 (also shown in FIG. 14).
The multi-layer extruder 402 extrudes one or more materials for forming the bag material.
This may include heat-sealable material, pealably sealable material, structural material and/or gas impermeable material.
The patterned cooling roller 404 forms a pattern on the bag material that causes air channels to form during and aid in evacuation of the bag. The pattern follows any of those patterns described above with reference to FIGS. 1- 9 as well as other suitable embodiments.
The laminating roller 406 applies the extruded material onto the cooling roller 404 so that the pattern is properly formed on the bag material. Alternatively, other mechanisms such as an airknife or a vacuumed roller may form the pattern.
The preformed film source 408 is a source of film for the second sheet of the bag material.
The source 408 may be another extruding mechanism, cooling roller, etc., or may simply be a roll of already formed film. The second sheet of film may or may not be patterned.
The heat sealing mechanism 410 is arranged to bond the first and second sheets of film on outer opposing edges.
The bag material foimed on bag roll 412 is a roll of bag material having seals on opposing sides.
FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the roll of patterned bag material produced by the apparatus of FIG. 13 according to still another embodiment of the present invention. The seals may be permanent seals or pealably sealable, depending upon the film material, the conditions imposed by the sealing mechanism, etc. The bag material is later cut up into bag pouches either by the consumer, or at a next stage of manufacturing for generating preforrned bags for the user.
FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a vacuum packaging appliance 500 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Operation and manufacture of such appliances are well known in the art. The appliance 500 includes a heat-sealing mechanism 502 and a control panel 504. The appliance 500 is well suited for use with a film of the present invention having a heat sealable layer.
FIG. 1 illustrates a patterned film in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 illustrates a patterned film in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 illustrates a patterned film in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 illustrates a patterned fihn in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 illustrates a patteimed film in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 6A - 6B illustrate top and bottom isometric views of a patterned flm according to one aspect of the present invention.
FIGS. 7 - 9 illustrate three example pattern layouts according to another aspect of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a cross-section of a film suitable for forming a pealably sealable vacuum packaging bag in accordance with one enlbodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a cross-section of another fihn suitable for forming a pealably sealable vacuum packaging bag in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a top view of a sealed vacuum packaging bag according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is an apparatus for manufacturing a roll of patterned sealable bag material.
FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a roll of patterned bag material produced by the apparatus of FIG.
13 according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a vacuum packaging appliance in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
e DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention teaches a film having a pattern of protruding structures. When used in the vacuum packaging bag material context, the result is a vacuum packaging bag that a consumer can effectively evacuate and hermetically seal. The protruding structures tend to foi7n channels that enable gas to evacuate from within a vacuum packaging bag. In certain embodiments, the protruding structures are formed only on an inner side of the vacuum packaging film, typically through a hot casting or heat-extrusion process. As a result, far less bag material is required than in the prior art patterned film formed through cold embossing processes. The present invention also contemplates a variety of applications for the films, including preformed bags and bag rolls, as well as a variety of apparatus for manufacturing the films and appliances for utilizing the bags and bag rolls.
FIG. 1 illustrates a patterned fihn 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The patterned film 10 is formed having a plurality of protruding structures 12. The protruding structures 12 of FIG. 1 are shown having a rectangular shape. While the rectangular shape is suitable, its presentation here is somewhat arbitrary for purposes of example. Other shapes such as cylindrical, rhomboid, etc., or even irregular will suffice to accomplish the desired goal of forming channels during evacuation.
With further reference to FIG. 1, the present invention contemplates, e.g., using the patterned film 10 in a vacuum packaging application having the protruding structures 12 on the inside surface of a vacuum packaging bag. During evacuation of the vacuum packaging bag, primaiy channels 14 enable effective evacuation of the vacuum packaging bag.
The primary channels 14 tend to prevent gas from being trapped due to stored product and the collapse of the vacuum packaging bag. In one embodiment, the pattern of the protruding structures 12 is formed only on the inner layer of vacuum packaging bag through a hot casting process, described in more detail below.
FIG. 2 illustrates a patterned film 20 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The patterned film 20 is formed with a plurality of protruding cavernous structures 22.
Each of these protruding cavernous structures 22 are rectangular in a shape formed by walls 24.
During evacuation of the vacuum packaging bag, primary channels 28 enable effective evacuation of the vacuum packaging bag. The primary channels 28 tend to prevent gas from being trapped due to stored product and the collapse of the vacuum packaging bag. In one embodiment, the pattern of the protruding structures 22 is formed only on the inner layer of vacuum packaging bag through a hot casting process, described in more detail below.
The walls 24 create an open ended internal cavity 26 within each protruding cavernous structure 22. The plurality of internal cavities 26 may be useful for capturing fluids. While it is desirable to evacuate gases from the vacuum packaging bag to improve preservation, typically fluids are best left remaining in the vacuum packaging bag.
FIG. 3 illustrates a patterned film 40 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The patterned film 40 is formed with a plurality of protruding cavernous structures 42.
Each of these protruding cavernous structures 42 are rectangular in a shape formed by walls 44.
The protruding structures 42 of FIG. 3 are shown having a rectangular shape.
While the rectangular shape is suitable, its presentation here is for purposes of example. Other shapes such as cylindrical, rhomboid, etc., or even irregular will suffice to accomplish the desired goal of forming channels during evacuation.
During evacuation of the vacuum packaging bag, primary channels such as 48 are formed extern.al to the protruding cavernous structures 42 and secondary channels such as 50 are formed through the walls 44 and internal to the protruding cavernous structures 42.
Note that the exact location of the secondary channels 50 is not paramount, as will be seen below in FIGS. 4 - 5.
The channels 48 and 50 enable effective evacuation of the vacuum packaging bag, as they tend to prevent gas from being trapped due to stored product blockage and the collapse of the vacuum packaging bag. In one embodiment, the pattern of the protruding cavernous structures 42 is formed only on the inner layer of vacuum packaging bag through a hot casting process, described in more detail below.
With further reference to FIG. 3, the wa11s 44 create an open ended internal cavity 52 within each protruding cavernous structure 42. The secondary channels 50 allow evacuation through the internal cavities 52; however some fluid may still be trapped in the internal cavities 52, thereby tending to generate a better evacuation process.
FIG. 4 illustrates a patterned film 60 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The patterned film 60 is formed with a plurality of protruding cavernous structures 62.
Each of these protruding cavernous structures 62 are rectangular in a shape formed by walls 64.
The protruding structures 62 of FIG. 4 are shown having a rectangular shape.
While the rectangular shape is suitable, its presentation here is for purposes of example. Other shapes such as cylindrical, rhomboid, etc., or even irregular will suffice to accomplish the desired goal of forming channels during evacuation.
During evacuation of the vacuum packaging bag, primary channels such as 68 are formed external to the protruding cavernous structures 62 and secondary channels such as 70 are formed through corners the walls 64 and internal to the protruding cavernous structures 62. Note that the exact location of the secondary channels 70 is not paramount. The channels 68 and 70 enable effective evacuation of the vacuum packaging bag, as they tend to prevent gas from being trapped due to stored product blockage and the collapse of the vacuum packaging bag.
In one embodiment, the pattern of the protruding cavernous structures 62 is formed only on the inner layer of vacuum packaging bag through a hot casting process, described in more detail below.
With fiu ther reference to FIG. 4, the walls 64 create an open ended internal cavity 72 within each protruding cavernous structure 62. The secondary channels 70 allow evacuation through the internal cavities 72; however some fluid may still be trapped in the internal cavities 72, thereby tending to generate a better evacuation process.
FIG. 5 illustrates a patterned film 80 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The patterned fihn 80 is formed with a plurality of protruding cavernous structures such as structures 81 - 83. Each of these protruding cavernous structures 82 are rectangular in a shape formed by walls.
The variety of protruding cavernous structure shown in FIG. 5 serve to illustrate the principal that any cavity creating a channel through a protruding structure will serve to create the desirable secondary channels taught by one aspect of the present invention.
Again, while the rectangular shape is suitable, its presentation here is for purposes of example. Other shapes such as cylindrical, rhomboid, etc., or even irregular will suffice to accomplish the desired goal of forming channels during evacuation.
FIGS. 6A - 6B provide an isometric illustration of a multi-layer film 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The multi-layer film 100 includes a gas impermeable layer 102, a structural layer 104, and a patterned heat-seal layer 106. As seen in FIG. 6A, the gas impermeable layer has a substantially flat surface, at least from a macroscopic viewpoint. In contrast, the patterned heat-seal layer 106 has a plurality of structural protrusions 108. The structural protrusions 108 may take any suitable form such as the protrusions of FIG. 1 and the cavernous protrusion described above with reference to FIGS. 2 - 5.
As will be appreciated, the embodiment of FIGS. 6A - 6B is merely illustrative. The present invention contemplates a variety of multi-layer filrns made from a variety of materials particularly nylon materials, and with different combinations of layer as required by the specific application. One apparatus and process for manufacturing such a film is described below with reference to FIG. 10.
FIGS. 7 - 9 illustrate three possible pattern layouts 120, 130, and 140. The pattern layout 120 is wave or sinusoidal form 122 upon which a plurality of protruding structures 124 are disposed. The pattern layout 130 is an opposing zigzag pattern 132 upon which a plurality of protruding structures 134 are disposed. The pattern layout 140 is an irregular or pseudo-random pattern 142 upon which a plurality of protruding structures 144 are disposed.
As will be appreciated, the three layouts of FIGS. 7 - 9 provide example layouts and a variety of layouts will result in the desired formation of evacuation channels.
The present invention contemplates vacuum packaging films that may seal into bags through a variety of mechanisms. For example, the bag material itself may include one or more heat sealable layers. As described below with reference to FIGS. 10 - 11, the bag material may be pealably heat sealable (easy to peal) and even capable of being both pealably sealable and permanently sealable. Alternatively, the bag may be heat sealed on one or more sides, and closed by some other mechanism such as a zipper or ziplock mechanism on the other sides.
FIG. 10 illustrates a multi-layer film 150 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The film 150 includes a structural layer 152, a bonding layer 154, a gas impermeable layer 156, a bonding layer 158, and a pealably sealable layer 160. Bond layers 154 and 158 act to laminate opposing layers. The structural layer 152 provides strength to the film 150 so that it is particularly useful as a vacuum packaging bag material. The gas impermeable layer 156 tends to inhibit gas flow across the film 10.
The pealably sealable layer 160 includes a resin or other material that through pressure, heat or other sealing enabler, will form a pealable seal. The pealable seal will be capable of holding a vacuum level in an evacuated bag, yet will be manually pealable by a user. In certain embodiments, the vacuum internal to the bag will tend to maintain the seal, thus making this operation even easier. In other embodiments, the pressure arising from the internal vacuum is sufficient to maintain the pealable seal. In preferred embodiments, the pealably sealable layer will have a pattern of protruding structures formed thereon.
A variety of materials are well suited for the material of the pealably sealable layer 160.
For example, the material of pealably sealable layer 160 may include polyethylene, polyester, ethylene vinyl acetate, etc., and resins thereof. Typical vacuum packaging appliances operate their heat sealing mechanisms in temperature ranges of 100 degrees Celsius to 200 degrees Celsius. Therefore certain embodiments of the present invention teach materials which will form the pealably sealable bond within that temperature range. Other embodiments of the present invention teach materials which pealably seal within ranges outside current appliances. In these embodiments, the home vacuum packaging appliances must be designed accordingly.
The present invention also contemplates forming the pealably sealable layer 160 out of material that may form a permanent seal under a first set of conditions, and a pealable seal under a second set of conditions. For example, the material may form a pealable seal under sealing pressure and temperature conditions ot tne typical home vacuum packaging appliance. Under more extreme pressure and/or temperature conditions, the material of this embodiment forms a permanent bond. This is useful in that bags and bag rolls with preformed permanent seals can be manufactured and sold to the consumer. The consumer in turn can form the final fourth seal with a pealably sealable bond using a standard appliance. This is preferable in certain circumstances, as only one pealable seal is necessary for easy access to the content of the bag.
FIG. 11 illustrates a multi-layer film 200 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The film 200 includes a structural layer 202, a bond layer 204, a gas impermeable layer 206, a bond layer 208, a peimanent sealing layer 210, a bond layer 212, and a pealably sealable layer 214. As described above with reference to FIG. 10, under certai.n circumstances there are advantages to having a film with permanent sealing capabilities. The film 200 includes the permanent sealing layer 210 that under certain conditions can be used to generate a permanent bond.
Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the pealably sealable films of the present invention may be beneficially designed with patterns therein or upon. As described in much detail above, patterned film has the property of tending to form air channels during evacuation of a bag made from such pattern.ed material, the air channels tending to improve evacuation of these bags.
Suitable patterns include waffle-shaped, straight-lined, zigzag, speckled and random patterns.
Extrusion processes such as may form the multi-layer films described below with reference to FIG. 13, or through embossing.
FIG. 12 illustrates a vacuum packaging bag 250 storing product 40 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The bag 250 has been evacuated and seals 252 - 258 have been formed. Depending upon the application and the film used for the bag material, at least one of the seals 252 - 258 is a pealable seal. The other seals may be formed as permanent seals, if the film and available equipment permits, and may also be formed as pealable seals. The bag 250 has at least one inner surface patterned with a plurality of protruding structures such as those described above with reference to FIGS. 1 - 9.
FIG. 13 illustrates an apparatus 400 for manufacturing bag material in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 400 includes a multi-layer extruder 402 for extruding a first film sheet, a patterned cooling roller 404, a laminating roller 406, a second film source 408 providing a second film sheet, a sealing mechanism 410, and a bag roll 412 (also shown in FIG. 14).
The multi-layer extruder 402 extrudes one or more materials for forming the bag material.
This may include heat-sealable material, pealably sealable material, structural material and/or gas impermeable material.
The patterned cooling roller 404 forms a pattern on the bag material that causes air channels to form during and aid in evacuation of the bag. The pattern follows any of those patterns described above with reference to FIGS. 1- 9 as well as other suitable embodiments.
The laminating roller 406 applies the extruded material onto the cooling roller 404 so that the pattern is properly formed on the bag material. Alternatively, other mechanisms such as an airknife or a vacuumed roller may form the pattern.
The preformed film source 408 is a source of film for the second sheet of the bag material.
The source 408 may be another extruding mechanism, cooling roller, etc., or may simply be a roll of already formed film. The second sheet of film may or may not be patterned.
The heat sealing mechanism 410 is arranged to bond the first and second sheets of film on outer opposing edges.
The bag material foimed on bag roll 412 is a roll of bag material having seals on opposing sides.
FIG. 14 is an isometric view of the roll of patterned bag material produced by the apparatus of FIG. 13 according to still another embodiment of the present invention. The seals may be permanent seals or pealably sealable, depending upon the film material, the conditions imposed by the sealing mechanism, etc. The bag material is later cut up into bag pouches either by the consumer, or at a next stage of manufacturing for generating preforrned bags for the user.
FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a vacuum packaging appliance 500 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Operation and manufacture of such appliances are well known in the art. The appliance 500 includes a heat-sealing mechanism 502 and a control panel 504. The appliance 500 is well suited for use with a film of the present invention having a heat sealable layer.
Claims (50)
1. A vacuum packaging bag that a user can place a product in, vacuum evacuate the vacuum packaging bag to a predefined vacuum level and hermetically seal through a predefined sealing process, said vacuum packaging bag comprised of two sheets, said vacuum packaging bag characterized in that at least one of said two sheets has a patterned inner side and an outer side substantially without a pattern.
2. A vacuum packaging film suitable for use in forming a vacuum packaging bag, said vacuum packaging film comprising a plurality of protruding cavernous structures formed on a surface of said vacuum packaging film intended as an inner surface of said vacuum packaging bag.
3. A vacuum packaging film as recited in claim 2, wherein said cavernous structures are substantially rectangular.
4. A vacuum packaging film as recited in claim 3, wherein said cavernous structures are each essentially a four walled rectangular structure forming a rectangular cavity.
5. A vacuum packaging film as recited in claim 4, wherein said four walled rectangular structure has at least one channel from an outside of the walled rectangular structure into said rectangular cavity.
6. A vacuum packaging film as recited in claim 4, wherein said four walled rectangular structure has a channel through each wall from an outside of the walled rectangular structure into said rectangular cavity.
7. A vacuum packaging film as recited in claim 4, wherein said four walled rectangular structure has a channel through each corner from an outside of the walled rectangular structure into said rectangular cavity.
8. A vacuum packaging film as recited in claim 2, wherein said protruding cavernous structures are cylindrical.
9. A vacuum packaging film as recited in claim 2, wherein said protruding cavernous structures each have a single cavity.
10. A vacuum packaging film as recited in claim 9, wherein each protruding cavernous structure has at least one channel connecting an outside of said cavernous structure to said single cavity.
11. A vacuum packaging film as recited in claim 2, wherein each of said protruding cavernous structures has two or more cavities.
12. A vacuum packaging film as recited in claim 2, wherein said vacuum packaging film is made from nylon material.
13. A vacuum packaging film as recited in claim 12, wherein said nylon material includes a polyester.
14. A vacuum packaging film as recited in claim 12, wherein said nylon material includes a polypropylene.
15. A vacuum packaging film as recited in claim 12, wherein said nylon material includes an ethylene vinyl acetate.
16. A vacuum packaging film as recited in claim 2, wherein plurality of protruding cavernous structures are arranged in a pattern that operates to form channels suitable for evacuation of gas when said film is used in the creation of a vacuum packaging bag.
17. A vacuum packaging film as recited in claim 16, wherein said pattern is a wave pattern.
18. A vacuum packaging film as recited in claim 16, wherein said pattern is a criss-cross pattern.
19. A vacuum packaging film as recited in claim 16, wherein said pattern is a straight-line pattern.
20. A vacuum packaging film as recited in claim 16, wherein said pattern is an irregular pattern.
21. A vacuum packaging film as recited in claim 16, wherein said pattern is a zigzag pattern.
22. A multi-layer film suitable for use in forming a vacuum packaging bag, said multi-layer film comprising:
a patterned inner layer having a plurality of cavernous structures, said cavernous structures arranged in a pattern to form channels suitable for evacuation of gas when said multi-layer film is used to form a vacuum packaging bag; and an outer layer coupled with said patterned inner layer, said outer layer having a substantially flat outer surface.
a patterned inner layer having a plurality of cavernous structures, said cavernous structures arranged in a pattern to form channels suitable for evacuation of gas when said multi-layer film is used to form a vacuum packaging bag; and an outer layer coupled with said patterned inner layer, said outer layer having a substantially flat outer surface.
23. A vacuum packaging bag for holding food or other product, said vacuum packaging bag comprising:
a first sheet formed of a multi-layer plastic film, said multi-layer plastic film including:
a patterned inner layer having a plurality of cavernous structures, said cavernous structures arranged in a first pattern to form channels suitable for evacuation of gas; and an outer layer coupled with said patterned inner layer, said outer layer having a substantially flat outer surface;
a second sheet having a footprint similar to said first sheet; and said first and second sheets arranged with said patterned inner layer inside and facing said second sheet, said first and second sheets sealed on opposing lateral sides and at an end side, whereby said first and said second sheets form said vacuum packaging bag having an opening for insertion of food or other product.
a first sheet formed of a multi-layer plastic film, said multi-layer plastic film including:
a patterned inner layer having a plurality of cavernous structures, said cavernous structures arranged in a first pattern to form channels suitable for evacuation of gas; and an outer layer coupled with said patterned inner layer, said outer layer having a substantially flat outer surface;
a second sheet having a footprint similar to said first sheet; and said first and second sheets arranged with said patterned inner layer inside and facing said second sheet, said first and second sheets sealed on opposing lateral sides and at an end side, whereby said first and said second sheets form said vacuum packaging bag having an opening for insertion of food or other product.
24. A vacuum packaging bag as recited in claim 23, wherein said cavernous structures are substantially rectangular.
25. A vacuum packaging bag as recited in claim 24, wherein said cavernous structures are each essentially a four walled rectangular structure forming a rectangular cavity.
26. A vacuum packaging bag as recited in claim 25, wherein said four walled rectangular structure has at least one channel from an outside of the walled rectangular structure into said rectangular cavity.
27. A vacuum packaging bag as recited in claim 25, wherein said four walled rectangular structure has a channel through each wall from an outside of the walled rectangular structure into said rectangular cavity.
28. A vacuum packaging bag as recited in claim 25, wherein said four walled rectangular structure has a channel through each corner from an outside of the walled rectangular structure into said rectangular cavity.
29. A vacuum packaging bag as recited in claim 23, wherein said protruding cavernous structures are cylindrical.
30. A vacuum packaging bag as recited in claim 23, wherein said protruding cavernous structures each have a single cavity.
31. A vacuum packaging bag as recited in claim 30, wherein each protruding cavernous structure has at least one channel connecting an outside of said cavernous structure to said single cavity.
32. A vacuum packaging bag as recited in claim 23, wherein said first sheet is made from nylon material.
33. A vacuum packaging film as recited in claim 32, wherein said nylon material includes a polyester.
34. A vacuum packaging film as recited in claim 32, wherein said nylon material includes a polypropylene.
35. A vacuum packaging film as recited in claim 32, wherein said nylon material includes an ethylene vinyl acetate.
36. A vacuum packaging bag as recited in claim 23, wherein said first pattern is a wave pattern.
37. A vacuum packaging bag as recited in claim 23, wherein said first pattern is a criss-cross pattern.
38. A vacuum packaging bag as recited in claim 23, wherein said first pattern is a straight-line pattern.
39. A vacuum packaging bag as recited in claim 23, wherein said first pattern is an irregular pattern.
40. A vacuum packaging bag as recited in claim 23, wherein said first pattern is a zigzag pattern.
41. A vacuum packaging bag as recited in claim 23, wherein said first and said second sheets are heat-sealable, whereby said opening can be closed through a heat sealing process.
42. A vacuum packaging bag as recited in claim 23 further comprising a mechanical sealing mechanism adjacent to said opening, whereby said opening can be hermetically sealed.
43. A vacuum packaging bag as recited in claim 42, wherein said mechanical sealing mechanism is a ziplock type sealing mechanism.
44. A bag roll suitable for forming vacuum packaging bags for holding food or other product, said bag roll comprising:
a first sheet formed of a multi-layer plastic film, said multi-layer plastic film including:
a patterned inner layer having a plurality of cavernous structures, said cavernous structures arranged in a first pattern to form channels suitable for evacuation of gas; and an outer layer coupled with said patterned inner layer, said outer layer having a substantially flat outer surface;
a second sheet having a shape and size substantially similar to said first sheet; and said first and second sheets arranged with said patterned inner layer facing inside, said first and second sheets sealed on opposing lateral sides, whereby portions may be cut from said bag roll, thereby creating a partially formed bag having opposing open ends that are sealable.
a first sheet formed of a multi-layer plastic film, said multi-layer plastic film including:
a patterned inner layer having a plurality of cavernous structures, said cavernous structures arranged in a first pattern to form channels suitable for evacuation of gas; and an outer layer coupled with said patterned inner layer, said outer layer having a substantially flat outer surface;
a second sheet having a shape and size substantially similar to said first sheet; and said first and second sheets arranged with said patterned inner layer facing inside, said first and second sheets sealed on opposing lateral sides, whereby portions may be cut from said bag roll, thereby creating a partially formed bag having opposing open ends that are sealable.
45. A method for manufacturing a multi-layer film for use in vacuum packaging applications, said multi-layer film having a pattern of protruding cavernous structures which operate to form channels suitable for evacuation of gas when said multi-layer film is used in the creation of a vacuum packaging bag, said method comprising the acts of:
heat-extruding a first material onto a spinning roll;
heat-extruding a second material onto said spinning roll such that said first and second extruded materials bond and form first and second layers of said multi-layer film during a cooling of said first and second extruded materials; and applying said pattern of protruding cavernous structures to said first and second layers in conjunction with said extrusion and said cooling of said first and second extruded materials such that said pattern is defined during said cooling of said first and second materials, said pattern operable to form channels suitable for evacuation of gas from said vacuum packaging bag made of said multi-layer film, said pattern of protruding cavernous structure formed on only one side of said multi-layer film.
heat-extruding a first material onto a spinning roll;
heat-extruding a second material onto said spinning roll such that said first and second extruded materials bond and form first and second layers of said multi-layer film during a cooling of said first and second extruded materials; and applying said pattern of protruding cavernous structures to said first and second layers in conjunction with said extrusion and said cooling of said first and second extruded materials such that said pattern is defined during said cooling of said first and second materials, said pattern operable to form channels suitable for evacuation of gas from said vacuum packaging bag made of said multi-layer film, said pattern of protruding cavernous structure formed on only one side of said multi-layer film.
46. A method for manufacturing a multi-layer film as recited in claim 45, wherein the act of applying a pattern to said first and second layers is accomplished by providing said pattern on the circumferential surface of said cooling roll.
47. A method for manufacturing a multi-layer film as recited in claim 46, further including the act of positioning a laminating roll to apply pressure to the extruded materials in order to apply said pattern formed on the circumferential surface of said cooling roll onto said multi-layer film.
48. An apparatus for manufacturing a multi-layer film for use in vacuum packaging applications, said multi-layer film having a pattern of protruding cavernous structures that form channels suitable for evacuation of gas when said multi-layer film is used in the creation of a vacuum packaging bag, said apparatus comprising:
a multi-layer extruder for extruding a first material and a second material;
a cooling roll positioned with respect to said extruder such that said extruder applies said first and second materials onto a circumferential surface of said cooling roll such that said first and second extruded materials bond and form first and second layers of a first multi-layer film during a cooling of said first and second extruded materials; and a pattern forming mechanism arranged to pattern said first and second layers during said extrusion and cooling of said first and second materials, said pattern of protruding cavernous structure formed on only one side of said multi-layer film.
a multi-layer extruder for extruding a first material and a second material;
a cooling roll positioned with respect to said extruder such that said extruder applies said first and second materials onto a circumferential surface of said cooling roll such that said first and second extruded materials bond and form first and second layers of a first multi-layer film during a cooling of said first and second extruded materials; and a pattern forming mechanism arranged to pattern said first and second layers during said extrusion and cooling of said first and second materials, said pattern of protruding cavernous structure formed on only one side of said multi-layer film.
49. A system for vacuum packaging a product within a vacuum packaging bag, said system comprising:
a vacuum packaging appliance for evacuating and sealing said vacuum packaging bag, the vacuum packaging appliance including:
a base defining an upper support surface adapted to receive an open end of a bag;
a lid operatively associated with said base, said lid and said base defining a vacuum chamber therebetween to receive said open end of said bag;
at least one gasket surrounding said vacuum chamber for directly engaging said bag such that said open end of said bag is operatively associated with said vacuum chamber;
a vacuum source operatively associated with said vacuum chamber for selectively evacuating said vacuum chamber and said operatively associated bag;
a trough coupled to said base for receiving an open end of said bag and collecting contents taken from said bag while evacuating said bag, wherein a sealing mechanism is located adjacent to said trough in order to seal said evacuated bag; and bag material suitable for forming said vacuum packaging bag, said bag material including:
a first sheet formed of a multi-layer plastic film, said multi-layer plastic film having:
a patterned inner layer having a plurality of cavernous structures, said cavernous structures arranged in a first pattern to form channels suitable for evacuation of gas;
and an outer layer coupled with said patterned inner layer, said outer layer having a substantially flat outer surface;
a second sheet having a shape and size substantially similar to said first sheet; and said first and second sheets arranged with said patterned inner layer facing inside, said first and second sheets sealed on opposing lateral sides.
a vacuum packaging appliance for evacuating and sealing said vacuum packaging bag, the vacuum packaging appliance including:
a base defining an upper support surface adapted to receive an open end of a bag;
a lid operatively associated with said base, said lid and said base defining a vacuum chamber therebetween to receive said open end of said bag;
at least one gasket surrounding said vacuum chamber for directly engaging said bag such that said open end of said bag is operatively associated with said vacuum chamber;
a vacuum source operatively associated with said vacuum chamber for selectively evacuating said vacuum chamber and said operatively associated bag;
a trough coupled to said base for receiving an open end of said bag and collecting contents taken from said bag while evacuating said bag, wherein a sealing mechanism is located adjacent to said trough in order to seal said evacuated bag; and bag material suitable for forming said vacuum packaging bag, said bag material including:
a first sheet formed of a multi-layer plastic film, said multi-layer plastic film having:
a patterned inner layer having a plurality of cavernous structures, said cavernous structures arranged in a first pattern to form channels suitable for evacuation of gas;
and an outer layer coupled with said patterned inner layer, said outer layer having a substantially flat outer surface;
a second sheet having a shape and size substantially similar to said first sheet; and said first and second sheets arranged with said patterned inner layer facing inside, said first and second sheets sealed on opposing lateral sides.
50. A vacuum packaging bag that a user can place a product in, vacuum evacuate the vacuum packaging bag to a predefined vacuum level, hermetically seal through a predefined sealing process, said vacuum packaging bag comprised of two sheets, said vacuum packaging bag characterized in that at least one of said two sheets has a patterned inner side including protruding structures, said protruding structures formed such that during evacuation of said vacuum packaging bag, primary evacuation channels tend to form external to said protruding structures and secondary evacuation channels tend to form internal to said protruding structures.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA2812814A CA2812814C (en) | 2004-07-22 | 2005-07-21 | Vacuum packaging films patterned with protruding cavernous structures |
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US59098104P | 2004-07-22 | 2004-07-22 | |
US60/590,981 | 2004-07-22 | ||
US11/185,450 US7534039B2 (en) | 2004-07-22 | 2005-07-19 | Vacuum packaging films patterned with protruding cavernous structures |
US11/185,450 | 2005-07-19 | ||
PCT/US2005/026171 WO2006012564A2 (en) | 2004-07-22 | 2005-07-21 | Vacuum packaging films patterned with protruding cavernous structures |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA2812814A Division CA2812814C (en) | 2004-07-22 | 2005-07-21 | Vacuum packaging films patterned with protruding cavernous structures |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
CA2574658A1 true CA2574658A1 (en) | 2006-02-02 |
CA2574658C CA2574658C (en) | 2013-06-25 |
Family
ID=35786745
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA2812814A Active CA2812814C (en) | 2004-07-22 | 2005-07-21 | Vacuum packaging films patterned with protruding cavernous structures |
CA2574658A Active CA2574658C (en) | 2004-07-22 | 2005-07-21 | Vacuum packaging films patterned with protruding cavernous structures |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA2812814A Active CA2812814C (en) | 2004-07-22 | 2005-07-21 | Vacuum packaging films patterned with protruding cavernous structures |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US7534039B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1786677B1 (en) |
CA (2) | CA2812814C (en) |
WO (1) | WO2006012564A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (43)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20080199110A1 (en) * | 2002-01-08 | 2008-08-21 | Brent Anderson | Fluids container |
US7938581B2 (en) * | 2004-04-22 | 2011-05-10 | Lau Kong Ping | Vacuum sealing bag |
US8419279B2 (en) * | 2004-06-29 | 2013-04-16 | The Glad Products Company | Flexible storage bag |
US7726880B2 (en) * | 2004-06-29 | 2010-06-01 | The Glad Products Company | Flexible storage bag |
US20070092167A1 (en) * | 2005-10-24 | 2007-04-26 | Paul Tilman | Polymeric Package With Resealable Closure And Valve, And Methods |
US20070172157A1 (en) * | 2004-07-23 | 2007-07-26 | Alcoa Inc. | Polymeric package with resealable closure and valve and methods relating thereto |
US7290660B2 (en) * | 2004-07-23 | 2007-11-06 | Tilman Paul A | Storage system having a disposable vacuum bag |
US7597479B2 (en) * | 2005-01-20 | 2009-10-06 | The Glad Products Company | Storage bag with fluid separator |
US7665896B1 (en) * | 2005-06-23 | 2010-02-23 | Circle Back, Inc. | Plastic bag to facilitate evacuation prior to sealing |
US20080256901A1 (en) * | 2005-10-24 | 2008-10-23 | Reynolds Foil Inc, D/B/A Reynolds Consumer Products Company | Polymeric package with resealable closure and valve, and methods |
US20070110340A1 (en) * | 2005-11-17 | 2007-05-17 | Buchman James E | Tamper evident polymeric package with zipper closure and valve, and methods |
JP2007166299A (en) * | 2005-12-14 | 2007-06-28 | Sony Corp | Solid-state imaging element, color decomposition imaging optical system, and imaging device |
US7857514B2 (en) | 2006-12-12 | 2010-12-28 | Reynolds Foil Inc. | Resealable closures, polymeric packages and systems and methods relating thereto |
US20080149668A1 (en) * | 2006-12-20 | 2008-06-26 | Johnson Lars S | Collapsible bag for dispensing liquids, method of manufacturing, and method of use thereof |
US7784160B2 (en) | 2007-03-16 | 2010-08-31 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Pouch and airtight resealable closure mechanism therefor |
US7886412B2 (en) | 2007-03-16 | 2011-02-15 | S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. | Pouch and airtight resealable closure mechanism therefor |
US7857515B2 (en) | 2007-06-15 | 2010-12-28 | S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. | Airtight closure mechanism for a reclosable pouch |
US7967509B2 (en) | 2007-06-15 | 2011-06-28 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Pouch with a valve |
US7887238B2 (en) | 2007-06-15 | 2011-02-15 | S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. | Flow channels for a pouch |
US7946766B2 (en) | 2007-06-15 | 2011-05-24 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Offset closure mechanism for a reclosable pouch |
US7874731B2 (en) | 2007-06-15 | 2011-01-25 | S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. | Valve for a recloseable container |
US20100095638A1 (en) * | 2008-09-25 | 2010-04-22 | Zakowski Joseph W | Vacuum sealing appliance |
US8550716B2 (en) | 2010-06-22 | 2013-10-08 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Tactile enhancement mechanism for a closure mechanism |
US8974118B2 (en) | 2010-10-29 | 2015-03-10 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Reclosable bag having a sound producing zipper |
US9327875B2 (en) | 2010-10-29 | 2016-05-03 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Reclosable bag having a loud sound during closing |
US11180286B2 (en) | 2010-10-29 | 2021-11-23 | S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Reclosable bag having a loud sound during closing |
US8469593B2 (en) | 2011-02-22 | 2013-06-25 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Reclosable bag having a press-to-vent zipper |
US8568031B2 (en) | 2011-02-22 | 2013-10-29 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Clicking closure device for a reclosable pouch |
NL2006393C2 (en) * | 2011-03-15 | 2012-09-18 | Gks Packaging B V | Vacuum packaging apparatus. |
US9328512B2 (en) * | 2011-05-05 | 2016-05-03 | Eversealed Windows, Inc. | Method and apparatus for an insulating glazing unit and compliant seal for an insulating glazing unit |
US9850046B2 (en) * | 2013-11-06 | 2017-12-26 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Flexible containers with vent systems |
US9694965B2 (en) | 2013-11-06 | 2017-07-04 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Flexible containers having flexible valves |
BR112016010218A2 (en) * | 2013-11-06 | 2017-08-08 | Procter & Gamble | easy to empty flexible containers |
EP3280658A1 (en) | 2015-04-10 | 2018-02-14 | The Procter and Gamble Company | Flexible containers with integral dispensing spout |
EP3280656B1 (en) | 2015-04-10 | 2019-07-24 | The Procter and Gamble Company | Flexible containers with product dispensing visibility |
AT15347U1 (en) * | 2015-12-01 | 2017-07-15 | Constantia Teich Gmbh | Packaging container for flowable products |
US9988201B2 (en) | 2016-02-05 | 2018-06-05 | Havi Global Solutions, Llc | Micro-structured surface with improved insulation and condensation resistance |
US10687642B2 (en) | 2016-02-05 | 2020-06-23 | Havi Global Solutions, Llc | Microstructured packaging surfaces for enhanced grip |
AU2017248301B2 (en) * | 2016-04-07 | 2022-05-12 | Havi Global Solutions, Llc | Fluid pouch with inner microstructure |
CN110997028B (en) | 2017-02-22 | 2022-12-30 | 康奈尔大学 | Mechanical vacuum dressing for mechanical management, protection and aspiration of small incision wounds |
JP7424638B2 (en) | 2017-12-06 | 2024-01-30 | コーネル ユニヴァーシティー | Manually operated negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) bandage with improved pump efficiency, automatic pressure indicator and automatic pressure limiter |
US11691790B2 (en) | 2019-01-18 | 2023-07-04 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Storage bag with improved gripping features |
US11753196B2 (en) | 2020-11-11 | 2023-09-12 | Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc. | Vacuum sealer and method of sealing same |
Family Cites Families (159)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US274447A (en) | 1883-03-20 | William-kentish | ||
NL22408C (en) | 1927-06-02 | |||
US2085766A (en) | 1934-09-29 | 1937-07-06 | Potdevin Machine Co | Method of making bags and the like |
US2105376A (en) | 1936-12-18 | 1938-01-11 | Chase Bag Company | Valve bag |
US2429482A (en) | 1939-04-06 | 1947-10-21 | Munters Carl Georg | Method and means for the production of foil material |
US2265075A (en) | 1939-12-06 | 1941-12-02 | Thomas M Royal & Company | Method of making bags |
US2387812A (en) | 1941-12-18 | 1945-10-30 | Stokes & Smith Co | System of producing evacuated packages |
US2480316A (en) | 1944-11-11 | 1949-08-30 | Mishawaka Rubber & Woolen Mfg | Method of making laminated cushion material |
US2609314A (en) | 1946-10-30 | 1952-09-02 | Glenn L Martin Co | Machine for making honeycomb core material |
US2633442A (en) | 1949-03-08 | 1953-03-31 | Albert E Caldwell | Method of making tufted material |
US2642372A (en) | 1950-02-02 | 1953-06-16 | Chittick Charles Yardley | Flexible corrugated sheet material and method of fabricating same |
US2778173A (en) | 1950-11-29 | 1957-01-22 | Wilts United Dairies Ltd | Method of producing airtight packages |
US2670501A (en) | 1951-08-24 | 1954-03-02 | Us Rubber Co | Method of forming plastic material |
US2607712A (en) | 1952-01-28 | 1952-08-19 | Frank W Egan & Company | Extrusion coating machine |
US2789609A (en) | 1952-03-14 | 1957-04-23 | Flexigrip Inc | Actuator for zippers and pouch embodying the same |
US2772712A (en) | 1952-03-14 | 1956-12-04 | Flexigrip Inc | Actuator for zippers and pouch embodying the same |
US2776452A (en) | 1952-09-03 | 1957-01-08 | Chavannes Ind Synthetics Inc | Apparatus for embossing thermoplastic film |
US2759866A (en) | 1952-12-17 | 1956-08-21 | Gen Tire & Rubber Co | Method of making wall covering |
US2690206A (en) | 1953-03-23 | 1954-09-28 | Marathon Corp | Extrusion coating machine |
US2695741A (en) | 1953-06-16 | 1954-11-30 | Stephen L Haley | Air evacuator for plastic bags |
US2821338A (en) | 1954-10-21 | 1958-01-28 | Melvin R Metzger | Valve-equipped container |
US2858247A (en) | 1955-08-04 | 1958-10-28 | Swart Dev Company De | Panel material |
US2916411A (en) | 1955-11-03 | 1959-12-08 | Fiammiferi Ed Affini Spa Fab | Composite packing paper |
US2856323A (en) | 1955-11-09 | 1958-10-14 | Jack C Gordon | Indented resilient matted fibrous pad |
US3077428A (en) | 1956-06-29 | 1963-02-12 | Union Carbide Corp | Heat sealable polyethylene laminate and method of making same |
US2913030A (en) | 1956-10-22 | 1959-11-17 | Arnold J Fisher | Moisture-free bag |
NL275557A (en) | 1957-12-23 | |||
US2960144A (en) | 1958-05-21 | 1960-11-15 | Edwards Eng Corp | Corrugating machines |
US3142599A (en) | 1959-11-27 | 1964-07-28 | Sealed Air Corp | Method for making laminated cushioning material |
US3102676A (en) | 1960-02-16 | 1963-09-03 | Montedison Spa | Self-closing containers |
US3060985A (en) | 1960-08-05 | 1962-10-30 | John R Vance | Bag closure |
US3098563A (en) | 1960-10-03 | 1963-07-23 | Hugh B Skees | Inflatable heat insulating material |
US3149772A (en) | 1960-12-07 | 1964-09-22 | Technipak Proprietary Ltd | Self sealing sachets or containers |
US3113715A (en) | 1961-02-03 | 1963-12-10 | Dow Chemical Co | Anti-block edge for plastic bags and the like |
US3077262A (en) | 1961-03-22 | 1963-02-12 | Poly Sil Inc | Novel container |
CH385718A (en) | 1961-11-04 | 1964-12-15 | Bodet Jean | Method and device for packaging solid articles of small volume, and assembly obtained by this method |
US3141221A (en) | 1962-11-13 | 1964-07-21 | Amtec Inc | Closure for flexible bags |
US3160323A (en) | 1963-04-05 | 1964-12-08 | Leonard R Weisberg | Containers with internal, interlocking protrusions |
US3135411A (en) | 1963-05-09 | 1964-06-02 | Wiley W Osborne | Vacuum sealing means |
GB1066487A (en) | 1963-10-07 | 1967-04-26 | Ici Ltd | Vented bags |
US3595722A (en) | 1964-04-17 | 1971-07-27 | Thiokol Chemical Corp | Process for forming a thermoplastic product |
US3224574A (en) | 1964-06-10 | 1965-12-21 | Scott Paper Co | Embossed plastic bag |
US3423231A (en) | 1965-05-20 | 1969-01-21 | Ethyl Corp | Multilayer polymeric film |
US3325084A (en) | 1965-10-18 | 1967-06-13 | Ausnit Steven | Pressure closable fastener |
US3334805A (en) | 1965-10-22 | 1967-08-08 | Robert W Halbach | Plastic bag closure |
US3411698A (en) | 1966-09-09 | 1968-11-19 | Reynolds Metals Co | Bag-like container means |
US3381887A (en) | 1967-04-14 | 1968-05-07 | Nat Distillers Chem Corp | Sealing patch valve for plastic bags |
CH481808A (en) | 1968-01-23 | 1969-11-30 | Goglio Spa Luigi Milano | Process for packing perishable products and flexible valve container to carry out the process |
US3516217A (en) | 1968-03-07 | 1970-06-23 | Bemis Co Inc | Compression packaging |
US3595740A (en) | 1968-05-08 | 1971-07-27 | Du Pont | Hydrolyzed ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer as oxygen barrier layer |
US3533548A (en) | 1968-10-17 | 1970-10-13 | Bard Inc C R | Method of ascertaining validity of heat seal and product of said method |
US3565147A (en) | 1968-11-27 | 1971-02-23 | Steven Ausnit | Plastic bag having reinforced closure |
US3600267A (en) | 1969-04-14 | 1971-08-17 | Dow Chemical Co | Packaging film |
US3575781A (en) | 1969-05-16 | 1971-04-20 | Stauffer Hoechst Polymer Corp | Plastic film wrapping material |
US3809217A (en) | 1969-07-22 | 1974-05-07 | Franklin Mint Corp | Packaging for flat objects |
US3661677A (en) | 1969-10-10 | 1972-05-09 | Allied Chem | Post-heat treatment for polyvinylidene chloride-coated film |
CA984346A (en) | 1971-03-24 | 1976-02-24 | Canadian Industries Limited | Valve bag |
US3785111A (en) | 1972-02-04 | 1974-01-15 | Schneider W | Method of forming containers and packages |
US3908070A (en) | 1972-04-24 | 1975-09-23 | Dow Chemical Co | Multilayer thermoplastic barrier structure |
IT971505B (en) | 1972-12-04 | 1974-05-10 | Goglio L | DEGASSING VALVE FOR FLEXIBLE COUNTERS WITH HERMIC CLOSURE AND CONTAINER FITTED WITH THE VALVE |
US4098404A (en) | 1973-02-23 | 1978-07-04 | Sonoco Products Company | Vacuum package with flexible end |
GB1457429A (en) | 1973-07-30 | 1976-12-01 | British Visqueen Ltd | Vented bags |
US3895153A (en) | 1973-10-05 | 1975-07-15 | Minnesota Mining & Mfg | Friction-surface sheet |
US3958693A (en) | 1975-01-20 | 1976-05-25 | E-Z-Em Company Inc. | Vacuum X-ray envelope |
JPS5159593A (en) | 1974-11-21 | 1976-05-24 | Furukawa Seisakusho Kk | Shinkuhosohoho oyobisono shinkuhosoki |
US4105491A (en) | 1975-02-21 | 1978-08-08 | Mobil Oil Corporation | Process and apparatus for the manufacture of embossed film laminations |
US3997383A (en) | 1975-03-10 | 1976-12-14 | W. R. Grace & Co. | Cross-linked amide/olefin polymeric laminates |
US3980226A (en) | 1975-05-05 | 1976-09-14 | Franz Charles F | Evacuateable bag |
US4018253A (en) | 1975-10-09 | 1977-04-19 | Seth Ian Kaufman | Home vacuum apparatus for freezer bags |
US3998499A (en) | 1975-12-18 | 1976-12-21 | Forniture Industriali Padova - S.P.A. | Steel bearings with polychloroprene and fluorocarbon resin |
US4340558A (en) | 1976-05-05 | 1982-07-20 | Colgate-Palmolive Company | Scrim reinforced plastic film |
US4066167A (en) | 1976-07-08 | 1978-01-03 | Keebler Company | Recloseable package |
IT1067343B (en) | 1976-11-19 | 1985-03-16 | Bernardo P Di | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THE VACUUM PACKAGING OF PRODUCTS |
FR2409205A2 (en) | 1977-11-17 | 1979-06-15 | Est Imprimerie Papeterie | DEAERATION VALVE FOR BAGGING PULVERULENT PRODUCTS |
US4155453A (en) | 1978-02-27 | 1979-05-22 | Ono Dan D | Inflatable grip container |
US4212337A (en) | 1978-03-31 | 1980-07-15 | Union Carbide Corporation | Closure fastening device |
US4179862A (en) | 1978-06-19 | 1979-12-25 | Inauen Maschinen Ag | Vacuum packing machine with bag end retractor |
DE2934126A1 (en) | 1978-09-07 | 1980-03-20 | Matburn Holdings Ltd | SEALING DEVICE FOR A BAG, SACK OR THE LIKE. |
US4186786A (en) | 1978-09-29 | 1980-02-05 | Union Carbide Corporation | Colored interlocking closure strips for a container |
JPS592655Y2 (en) | 1979-08-10 | 1984-01-25 | シ−アイ化成株式会社 | Carbon body for rubber compounding |
JPS6051438B2 (en) | 1979-12-21 | 1985-11-13 | 三井化学株式会社 | Method for manufacturing laminate and extrusion die used therein |
US4372921A (en) | 1980-01-28 | 1983-02-08 | Sanderson Roger S | Sterilized storage container |
US4295566A (en) | 1980-05-07 | 1981-10-20 | Becton, Dickinson And Company | Air-evacuated package with vacuum integrity indicator means |
FR2512424A1 (en) | 1981-09-10 | 1983-03-11 | Collet Cafes | VACUUM PACKAGING BAG |
GB2152897B (en) | 1984-01-19 | 1987-10-21 | Grace W R & Co | Heat shrink packaging |
US4583347A (en) | 1982-10-07 | 1986-04-22 | W. R. Grace & Co., Cryovac Div. | Vacuum packaging apparatus and process |
JPS5998822A (en) | 1982-11-12 | 1984-06-07 | Sanyo Kokusaku Pulp Co Ltd | Manufacture of support for forming polyurethane-based resin film |
FR2539709A1 (en) | 1983-01-25 | 1984-07-27 | Fafournoux Bernard | PRE-EMPTY VACUUM BAG FOR CONSERVATION OF MISCELLANEOUS PRODUCTS |
US4576285A (en) | 1983-05-20 | 1986-03-18 | Fres-Co System Usa, Inc. | Sealed flexible container with non-destructive peelable opening and apparatus and method for forming same |
US4747702A (en) | 1983-06-30 | 1988-05-31 | First Brands Corporation | Interlocking closure device having controlled separation and improved ease of occlusion |
US4917506A (en) * | 1983-06-30 | 1990-04-17 | First Brands Corporation | Interlocking closure device having controlled separation and improved ease of occlusion |
US4551379A (en) | 1983-08-31 | 1985-11-05 | Kerr Stanley R | Inflatable packaging material |
NZ209507A (en) | 1983-10-06 | 1986-07-11 | Canadian Ind | Thermoplastic valve bag:perforated outer wall with mesh inner liner |
US4532652A (en) | 1983-11-16 | 1985-07-30 | Mobil Oil Corporation | Plastic bag with air exhaustion valve |
US4705174A (en) | 1984-02-29 | 1987-11-10 | Fres-Co System Usa, Inc. | Sealed flexible container with non-destructive peelable opening |
US4669124A (en) | 1984-05-23 | 1987-05-26 | Yoken Co., Ltd. | Beverage container with tamperproof screwthread cap |
IT1176180B (en) | 1984-05-23 | 1987-08-18 | Eurodomestici Ind Riunite | METHOD FOR THE VACUUM PACKAGING OF FINALLY DIVIDED MATERIALS AND CONTAINER FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE METHOD |
US4579756A (en) | 1984-08-13 | 1986-04-01 | Edgel Rex D | Insulation material with vacuum compartments |
US4812056A (en) * | 1985-03-25 | 1989-03-14 | The Dow Chemical Company | Reclosable, flexible container having an externally operated fastener |
USRE34929E (en) * | 1985-09-23 | 1995-05-09 | Tilia, Inc. | Plastic bag for vacuum sealing |
US4782951A (en) * | 1986-03-20 | 1988-11-08 | Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation | Reclosable package and method of making reclosable package |
US4658434A (en) | 1986-05-29 | 1987-04-14 | Grain Security Foundation Ltd. | Laminates and laminated articles |
US4841603A (en) * | 1986-12-22 | 1989-06-27 | Minigrip, Inc. | Reclosable seams for fluid-tight applications |
JPH0745181B2 (en) * | 1987-04-01 | 1995-05-17 | 富士写真フイルム株式会社 | Laminated product manufacturing method |
US4712574A (en) | 1987-04-23 | 1987-12-15 | C. H. Perrott, Inc. | Vacuum-breaking valve for pressurized fluid lines |
US4834554A (en) * | 1987-11-16 | 1989-05-30 | J. C. Brock Corp. | Plastic bag with integral venting structure |
US4892414A (en) * | 1988-07-05 | 1990-01-09 | Minigrip, Inc. | Bags with reclosable plastic fastener having automatic sealing gasket means |
US4913561A (en) * | 1988-11-15 | 1990-04-03 | Fres-Co System Usa, Inc. | Gussetted flexible package with presealed portions and method of making the same |
US4890637A (en) * | 1988-12-12 | 1990-01-02 | Flavorcoffee Co. Inc. | One way valve |
CA2025977C (en) * | 1990-09-21 | 1996-01-23 | Charles E. Brinley | Process for preparing embossed, coated paper |
US4906108A (en) * | 1989-03-08 | 1990-03-06 | Mobil Oil Corporation | Corrugated sticky tape bag tie closure |
US5006056A (en) * | 1989-09-01 | 1991-04-09 | The Black Clawson Company | Film extrusion apparatus including a quickly replaceable chill roll |
US5254073A (en) * | 1990-04-27 | 1993-10-19 | Kapak Corporation | Method of making a vented pouch |
US5121590A (en) * | 1990-06-04 | 1992-06-16 | Scanlan Gregory P | Vacuum packing apparatus |
US5080155A (en) * | 1990-12-28 | 1992-01-14 | Hooleon Corporation | Keyboard enclosure |
JPH0639179Y2 (en) * | 1991-07-05 | 1994-10-12 | 株式会社柏原製袋 | Check valve |
US5111838A (en) * | 1991-11-25 | 1992-05-12 | Shipping Systems, Inc. | Dunnage bag air valve and coupling |
US5203458A (en) * | 1992-03-02 | 1993-04-20 | Quality Containers International, Inc. | Cryptoplate disposable surgical garment container |
US5402906A (en) * | 1992-07-16 | 1995-04-04 | Brown; Richard S. | Fresh produce container system |
DE4329876B4 (en) * | 1993-09-03 | 2004-07-29 | Fa. Andreas Stihl | Breather valve for a fuel tank |
US5397182A (en) * | 1993-10-13 | 1995-03-14 | Reynolds Consumer Products Inc. | Write-on profile strips for recloseable plastic storage bags |
US5480030A (en) * | 1993-12-15 | 1996-01-02 | New West Products, Inc. | Reusable, evacuable enclosure for storage of clothing and the like |
US5445275A (en) * | 1994-06-08 | 1995-08-29 | Lazy Pet Products, Inc. | Full recovery reduced-volume packaging system |
US5592697A (en) * | 1995-04-18 | 1997-01-14 | Young; Russell | Waterproof pocket |
US5874155A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1999-02-23 | American National Can Company | Easy-opening flexible packaging laminates and packaging materials made therefrom |
US6550966B1 (en) * | 1995-08-28 | 2003-04-22 | S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. | Freezer storage bag |
US5709467A (en) * | 1996-06-18 | 1998-01-20 | Galliano, Ii; Carol J. | Device and apparatus for mixing alginate |
US5735395A (en) * | 1996-06-28 | 1998-04-07 | Lo; Luke | Airtight garment hanging bag |
JP3624927B2 (en) * | 1996-10-07 | 2005-03-02 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | ink cartridge |
US5971613A (en) * | 1997-04-11 | 1999-10-26 | Kapak Corp. | Bag constructions having inwardly directed side seal portions |
JP3001195B2 (en) * | 1997-04-16 | 2000-01-24 | 光金属工業株式会社 | Preservation method of cooked food and vacuum sealed storage container used for it |
US5873217A (en) * | 1997-05-09 | 1999-02-23 | Smith; George E. | Vacuum sealing methods and apparatus |
US5881881A (en) * | 1997-06-16 | 1999-03-16 | Carrington; Thomas | Evacuateable bag |
US5898113A (en) * | 1997-07-30 | 1999-04-27 | Bellaire Industries, Inc. | Multi-ply material sealed container |
US6030652A (en) * | 1997-08-05 | 2000-02-29 | Hanus; John | Food bag featuring gusset opening, method of making the food bag, and method of using the food bag |
US6029810A (en) * | 1997-10-17 | 2000-02-29 | Chen; Shu-Ling | Dress bag and hanger assembly |
US5893822A (en) * | 1997-10-22 | 1999-04-13 | Keystone Mfg. Co., Inc. | System for vacuum evacuation and sealing of plastic bags |
US6059457A (en) * | 1998-01-02 | 2000-05-09 | Com-Pac International, Inc. | Evacuable storage bag with integral zipper seal |
US6045264A (en) * | 1998-01-29 | 2000-04-04 | Miniea; Stephen H. | Self-sealing, disposable storage bag |
USD425786S (en) * | 1998-05-04 | 2000-05-30 | Voller Ronald L | Multi ply reinforced dunnage bag and valve therefor |
US6231234B1 (en) * | 1998-05-13 | 2001-05-15 | Tc Manufacturing Co., Inc. | One piece snap closure for a plastic bag |
US6045006A (en) * | 1998-06-02 | 2000-04-04 | The Coca-Cola Company | Disposable liquid containing and dispensing package and an apparatus for its manufacture |
US6231236B1 (en) * | 1998-07-28 | 2001-05-15 | Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. | Resealable package having venting structure and methods |
ZA993007B (en) * | 1998-08-13 | 1999-11-08 | Barry Light | A bag. |
EP1013449B1 (en) * | 1998-12-24 | 2007-02-14 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Ink bag for ink jet type recording apparatus and package suitable for packing such ink bag |
ATE253003T1 (en) * | 1999-05-21 | 2003-11-15 | Aracaria Bv | HAND SUCTION PUMP |
US6202849B1 (en) * | 1999-07-07 | 2001-03-20 | David B. Graham | Evacuatable rigid storage unit for storing compressible articles therein |
US6357915B2 (en) * | 1999-08-13 | 2002-03-19 | New West Products, Inc. | Storage bag with one-way air valve |
US6227706B1 (en) * | 2000-06-26 | 2001-05-08 | Thoai S. Tran | Two piece, compressible storage satchel for compressible articles |
JP2002033093A (en) * | 2000-07-17 | 2002-01-31 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Nickel hydrogen storage battery and manufacturing method for it |
US7022058B2 (en) * | 2001-02-21 | 2006-04-04 | Tilia International, Inc. | Method for preparing air channel-equipped film for use in vacuum package |
US6715644B2 (en) * | 2001-11-09 | 2004-04-06 | David S. Smith Packaging Limited | Flexible plastic container |
US6799680B2 (en) * | 2002-04-05 | 2004-10-05 | The Holmes Group, Inc. | Vacuum sealed containers |
US20060177613A1 (en) * | 2002-05-30 | 2006-08-10 | Riccardo Abate | Method of forming film for the construction of bags for vacuum packaging of products |
US6932509B2 (en) * | 2002-06-28 | 2005-08-23 | S. C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. | Recloseable storage bag with secondary closure members |
US6983845B2 (en) * | 2002-06-28 | 2006-01-10 | S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. | Recloseable storage bag with user-deformable air vent |
US20040007494A1 (en) * | 2002-07-15 | 2004-01-15 | Popeil Ronald M. | Apparatus and method to more effectively vacuum package foods and other objects |
US20050238263A1 (en) * | 2004-04-22 | 2005-10-27 | Ping Lau K | Vacuum sealing bag |
US7726880B2 (en) * | 2004-06-29 | 2010-06-01 | The Glad Products Company | Flexible storage bag |
-
2005
- 2005-07-19 US US11/185,450 patent/US7534039B2/en active Active
- 2005-07-21 EP EP05775079.6A patent/EP1786677B1/en active Active
- 2005-07-21 CA CA2812814A patent/CA2812814C/en active Active
- 2005-07-21 CA CA2574658A patent/CA2574658C/en active Active
- 2005-07-21 WO PCT/US2005/026171 patent/WO2006012564A2/en active Application Filing
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US7534039B2 (en) | 2009-05-19 |
CA2812814A1 (en) | 2006-02-02 |
EP1786677A2 (en) | 2007-05-23 |
CA2574658C (en) | 2013-06-25 |
WO2006012564A3 (en) | 2007-05-03 |
US20060073291A1 (en) | 2006-04-06 |
EP1786677A4 (en) | 2013-04-17 |
WO2006012564A2 (en) | 2006-02-02 |
EP1786677B1 (en) | 2014-06-04 |
CA2812814C (en) | 2015-06-02 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
CA2574658C (en) | Vacuum packaging films patterned with protruding cavernous structures | |
USRE34929E (en) | Plastic bag for vacuum sealing | |
US4756422A (en) | Plastic bag for vacuum sealing | |
US7625459B2 (en) | Method for manufacturing liquid-trapping bag for use in vacuum packaging | |
AU2005267426B2 (en) | Storage bag | |
CA2443888C (en) | Method for preparing air channel-equipped film for use in vacuum package | |
US20050037164A1 (en) | Liquid-trapping bag for use in vacuum packaging | |
US7138025B2 (en) | Method for manufacturing a sealable bag having an integrated tray for use in vacuum packaging | |
US20050035020A1 (en) | Sealable bag having an integrated tray for use in vacuum packaging | |
US20050220942A1 (en) | Easy to peal vacuum packaging bags | |
US8328421B2 (en) | Push-down compressible pouch with one-way valves on sides | |
US8993079B1 (en) | Insulated foam bag and fabrication method | |
US20120125477A1 (en) | Coiled Valve and Methods of Making and Using the Same | |
KR100444402B1 (en) | Preparation Method of Film for Vacuum Package Having Air Channels | |
KR20180094592A (en) | Film for sealing | |
WO2009099857A2 (en) | Airtight evacuable storage bag and related method of manufacture | |
KR100554644B1 (en) | Manufacturing method for film is able to form diverse patterns for vacuum sealing | |
KR100745783B1 (en) | Film is able to form diverse patterns for vacuum sealing and vacuum sealing bag using thereof | |
US20060283757A1 (en) | System and method for forming an integrated tray for use in vacuum packaging | |
KR100600001B1 (en) | Film for sealing and sealing bag using thereof | |
CA2517894A1 (en) | System and method for forming an integrated tray for use in vacuum packaging | |
WO2004078609A1 (en) | Liquid-trapping bag and method of making it | |
JPS6242827A (en) | Manufacture of container with gas barrier efficiency | |
JP2001072086A (en) | Packaging bag with fastener, its manufacture and content filling system |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
EEER | Examination request |