US20070092167A1 - Polymeric Package With Resealable Closure And Valve, And Methods - Google Patents
Polymeric Package With Resealable Closure And Valve, And Methods Download PDFInfo
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- US20070092167A1 US20070092167A1 US11/382,143 US38214306A US2007092167A1 US 20070092167 A1 US20070092167 A1 US 20070092167A1 US 38214306 A US38214306 A US 38214306A US 2007092167 A1 US2007092167 A1 US 2007092167A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- closure
- package
- bag
- zipper
- valve
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- 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.)
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Classifications
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- 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
- B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
- B65D33/16—End- or aperture-closing arrangements or devices
- B65D33/25—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners
- B65D33/2508—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners using slide fasteners with interlocking members having a substantially uniform section throughout the length of the fastener; Sliders therefor
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- 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
- B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
- B65D33/16—End- or aperture-closing arrangements or devices
- B65D33/25—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners
- B65D33/2508—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners using slide fasteners with interlocking members having a substantially uniform section throughout the length of the fastener; Sliders therefor
- B65D33/2541—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners using slide fasteners with interlocking members having a substantially uniform section throughout the length of the fastener; Sliders therefor characterised by the slide fastener, e.g. adapted to interlock with a sheet between the interlocking members having sections of particular shape
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- 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
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- 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
- B65D81/02—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 specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage
- B65D81/05—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 specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents
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- 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
Definitions
- the present invention relates to evacuable storage devices such as polymeric packages, and in particular, to a vacuum storage system that includes a resealable closure arrangement and a valve, and methods of vacuum storage.
- Flexible polymeric packages may be used to hold a variety of products.
- Such products may be a variety of edible food products such as cheese, meat, crackers, sugar, powdered sugar, flour, salt, and baking soda, or non-food products such as laundry detergent, sand, medical supplies, and other products.
- Resealable packages are convenient because they can be closed and resealed to preserve and contain the enclosed contents. Resealable packages are also advantageous because they help prevent food products from spoiling and may be opened and closed multiple times.
- FIGS. 13 a - 13 d are perspective views of several storage device embodiments showing storage devices in an unfolded condition with different stand-off configurations.
- FIG. 28 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a storage device.
- the evacuable package 14 may be a multilayer bag comprising an inner sealant layer and a barrier/strength layer.
- the inner sealant layer may comprise LDPE (low density polyethylene) or LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene) and the barrier/strength layer may comprise Nylon, PP (polypropylene) or PET (Polyester).
- LDPE low density polyethylene
- LLDPE linear low density polyethylene
- the barrier/strength layer may comprise Nylon, PP (polypropylene) or PET (Polyester).
- low density in conjunction with polyethylene denotes a material having a density of no greater than 0.925 g/cm 3 , as defined by ASTM standard D-15005-03, wherein the density may be adjusted with the addition of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).
- EVA ethylene vinyl acetate
- the resealable closure 20 comprises an opening and a clamping means.
- the clamping means may comprise a clip 170 that is separate from the evacuable bag 14 , in which the clip 170 seals the opening 18 of the bag 14 in clamp seal engagement.
- the clamping means may further include a mandrel 171 , wherein the opening 18 of the evacuable bag 14 is rolled around the mandrel 171 and the clip 170 compresses the portion of the evacuable bag 14 rolled about the mandrel in clamp seal engagement.
- the vacuum valve assembly 30 includes a base 31 having a flat surface 33 with at least one opening 37 there through, a resilient valve element 35 , and an alignment device 39 .
- the base 31 is sealingly engaged to the evacuable bag 14 .
- the valve element 35 is generally flat and disposed adjacent to the flat surface 33 .
- the alignment device 39 is coupled to the base 31 and is structured to bias the valve element 35 against the flat surface 33 .
- the valve element 35 is structured to move between a first position, wherein the opening 37 is open, and a second position, wherein the opening 37 is sealed.
- the valve element 35 is normally biased to the second position.
- the base 31 has a defined shape, such as, but not limited to a concave disk.
- the outer surface 41 of the base 31 is a generally flat torus.
- Goglio-type valves are available, for example, from Bosch, Wipf and Wico; Raackmann-type valves are available, for example, from Amcor.
- Other examples of suitable valves 230 include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,913,803; 6,733,803; 6,607,764, and 6,539,691, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/729,778, filed on Oct. 24, 2005; U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/736,810, filed on Nov. 14, 2005; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/763,063, filed Jan. 27, 2006. application Ser. Nos. 60/729,778; 60/736,810; and 60/763,063 are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
- The present invention relates to evacuable storage devices such as polymeric packages, and in particular, to a vacuum storage system that includes a resealable closure arrangement and a valve, and methods of vacuum storage.
- Flexible polymeric packages may be used to hold a variety of products. Such products may be a variety of edible food products such as cheese, meat, crackers, sugar, powdered sugar, flour, salt, and baking soda, or non-food products such as laundry detergent, sand, medical supplies, and other products. Resealable packages are convenient because they can be closed and resealed to preserve and contain the enclosed contents. Resealable packages are also advantageous because they help prevent food products from spoiling and may be opened and closed multiple times.
- The present disclosure is directed to a reclosable package from which air or other gas within the interior of the package, which surrounds the item being retained therein, can be removed. The package has a zipper closure and a one-way fluid valve that allows air, gas, or other fluid to be removed from the interior of the package. Prior to use by the consumer, the package has a hermetically sealed interior volume, in which the item is contained. Upon use by a consumer, the zipper is opened, the seal is breached, and access is gained to the interior of the package. After use, the zipper is closed and then the valve is used to evacuate air, gas or other fluid from the interior of the package. The peal seal may be optionally re-sealed. A slider device may be used to open and close the zipper closure.
- Various methods for using the package, and of making the package, are described.
- These and various other features that characterize the packages of this disclosure are pointed out with particularity in the attached claims. For a better understanding of the packages of the disclosure, their advantages, their use and objectives obtained by their use, reference should be made to the drawings and to the accompanying description, in which there is illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention of this disclosure.
- A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which
FIGS. 1-21 relate to the disclosure of patent application no. PCT/US2005/026070,FIGS. 22-26 relate to the disclosure of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/729,778, andFIGS. 28 and 29 relate to the disclosure of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/736,810. -
FIG. 1 is a front view of one storage device embodiment. -
FIGS. 2-7 are cross-sectional views of other embodiments of resealable closure devices including a sealing compound suitable for at least incidental contact to food items contained within the device. -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating another storage device embodiment having a clamping member that provides a resealable closure. -
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of an example vacuum valve assembly. -
FIGS. 10 a-10 c are front views of several example stand-off structures. -
FIGS. 11 a-11 c are perspective views of further example stand-off structures. -
FIGS. 12 a-12 b are cross-sectional views of some example stand-off structures. -
FIGS. 13 a-13 d are perspective views of several storage device embodiments showing storage devices in an unfolded condition with different stand-off configurations. -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a storage device embodiment shown in a folded arrangement. -
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the storage device depicted inFIG. 14 along section line 15-15. -
FIGS. 16 a and 16 b illustrate a front view and a side view, respectively, of an example closing clip. -
FIG. 17 is a side view of an end stop embodiment. -
FIG. 18 (a) is a perspective view of an example suction cup tip of a portable vacuum pump. -
FIG. 18 (b) is a side cross-sectional view of the suction cup tip shown inFIG. 18 (a). -
FIG. 19 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a liquid separator embodiment. -
FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid separator shown inFIG. 19 . -
FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an example closure system embodiment, wherein the system includes a bag, a stand-off structure, and a vacuum valve assembly. -
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a polymeric package. -
FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the package ofFIG. 22 taken along line 23-23. -
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a storage device. -
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the storage device ofFIG. 24 illustrated with a food item contained there. -
FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the storage device ofFIGS. 24 and 25 illustrating a method of closing the adhesive seal of the storage device. -
FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the storage device ofFIG. 24 taken along line 27-27. -
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a storage device. -
FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the storage device ofFIG. 27 taken along line 29-29. -
FIG. 30 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a storage device in accordance with the present disclosure. -
FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the storage device shown inFIG. 30 taken along line 31-31. - The present invention is now discussed in more detail referring to the drawings that accompany the present application. In the accompanying drawings, like and/or corresponding elements are referred to by like reference numbers. In one embodiment, a vacuum system is provided that may include a portable vacuum pump and an evacuable package in communication through a vacuum conduit. The evacuable package may optionally include a stand-off structure and a reasealable closure having a caulking composition disposed thereon. In one embodiment, the resealable closure comprises interlocking profiles on which the caulking compound is disposed to provide a gas permeation resistant seal in the resealable closure. The vacuum conduit provides communication between the portable pump and the storage portion of the evacuable bag, wherein the vacuum conduit comprises at least a valve assembly and optionally a stand-off structure. In one embodiment, the stand-off structure provides a means to substantially eliminate the incidence of trapped air within the storage area of the evacuable package. Each of the aspects of the interlocking profiles, the caulking composition, the vacuum valve assembly, the stand-off structure, and the vacuum pump are now discussed in greater detail.
- The example embodiments disclosed hereinafter address needs evident in the art. Flexible, sealable storage devices, such as Consumer Storage Bags are commonly used to store items such as, but not limited to, food. These devices typically have a bag body made from a thin, flexible plastic material and include a resealable closure. While inexpensive and easy to use, these devices also allow a quantity of air to be enclosed with the item being stored. Air within a storage device containing food is not desirable as the air reacts with the food and will cause spoliation. Additionally, when storage bags are placed in a below freezing environment, typically in a freezer, “freezer burn” may also damage the food items. Freezer bum occurs when moisture is drawn from the food item and forms ice, typically on the food item. Freezer burn is reduced when entrapped air is substantially eliminated from the storage device with concomitant contouring of the bag wall of the storage device around the food item. Consequently, less moisture will be drawn out of the food item. To this end it is known to evacuate a flexible storage device prior to sealing it. However, such systems heretofore did not include a resealable opening in the storage device.
- Prior systems that evacuate flexible storage bags typically include a large device having a vacuum unit and a heat sealer structured to bond sheets of plastic together. The user typically cuts a length of plastic from a roll of plastic and uses the heat sealer to form the plastic into a bag with an opening. After an item has been placed in the bag through the opening, the vacuum unit is then used to remove substantially all of the air from the bag and the bag is sealed. Systems such as these fabricate a bag or pouch that can only be used once. The cost of material is high as reusability is not an option. These large devices are not portable and the act of forming a bag is time consuming.
- There is need for a vacuum storage system utilizing a portable vacuum device and optionally a resealable, evacuable, flexible storage device. Resealable closure systems are known, for example, interlocking profiles used in plastic bags. However, in a typical resealable closure, engagement of the sealing structures is rarely perfect, leaving gaps in the profile seal. Moreover, during manufacture of reclosable devices, frequently seals at the ends of the reclosable device distort the engaging portions of the closure that can also provide an unsealed region in the closure. As a consequence of these and other problems associated with resealable closures, a bag utilizing a resealable closure may not be airtight. Consequently when a bag utilizing a resealable closure is subjected to a pressure differential, for example, when it is evacuated or when there is a partial pressure differential of a particular gas between the inside and outside of the bag, gas can leak across the resealable closure and enter, or leave the sealed package through the closure. Thus, gases, for example, air may penetrate into a sealed bag, or for example water vapor may leak from a sealed bag. This is especially a problem when the interior of the bag is at a different pressure than the ambient air, for example, when the bag is under a vacuum, or when the bag contains a gas at a higher or lower partial pressure than the gas is present in the ambient.
- Accordingly, there is also a need for a flexible, resealable storage device, wherein the sealing structure has a resistance to fluid permeability under a pressure differential across the sealing device. Moreover, there is a need for a pre-made, inexpensive, flexible, reusable storage device having a valve structured to operate with a portable vacuum pump. Additionally, there is a further need for a resealable closure that provides for reduction in entrapped air, a flexible bag wall to maintain item conformance, and an air tight seal providing reduced permeability to oxygen, atmosphere intrusion or transmission, bacteria, molds and/or other sources of contamination when used in combination with vacuum pump technology. There is also a need for vacuum pump technology that provides for portability and utility in evacuating a food storage flexible package.
- Referring to
FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, the flexible,resealable storage device 10 comprises aflexible material 12 shaped as an evacuable package 14 (also referred to as “evacuable bag” and “polymeric package”). Theflexible material 12 is preferably aplastic sheet 16, such as polyolefin. Thesheet 16 is, preferably, rectangular. In one embodiment, thesheet 16 is folded over upon itself and twolateral sides 15 are sealed adjacent to the periphery to provide anopening 18 to astorage space 22. As such, the periphery of thebag 14 is substantially sealed. In another embodiment, the entire periphery of theevacuable bag 14 is heat sealed. - In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the
evacuable package 14 may be a multilayer bag comprising an inner sealant layer and a barrier/strength layer. The inner sealant layer may comprise LDPE (low density polyethylene) or LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene) and the barrier/strength layer may comprise Nylon, PP (polypropylene) or PET (Polyester). As used herein the term “low density” in conjunction with polyethylene denotes a material having a density of no greater than 0.925 g/cm3, as defined by ASTM standard D-15005-03, wherein the density may be adjusted with the addition of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). Another example of a multilayer bag and a method of forming a multilayer bag is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,267,960, titled “Bag For Vacuum Packaging of Meats or Similar Products”, filed Aug. 29, 1979, which is incorporated herein by reference. - In the embodiments of the present disclosure in which the
evacuable bag 14 has anopening 18 to thestorage space 22, thebag opening 18 includes aresealable closure 20. Theresealable closure 20 may include a set of interlocking profiles. In one example, the set of interlockingprofiles 21 may include resilient, selectively engaging male and female profiles 21 (tongue-and-groove closure), structured to seal theopening 18. It will be appreciated that there are numerous interlocking profile geometries known, which can be employed in the embodiments disclosed herein. - With reference to
FIG. 2 , in one embodiment, the selectively engaging profiles of closure 21 (also termed herein sometimes for convenience as interengaging profiles) are positioned along two opposing flexible flanges (also termed herein sometimes for convenience as “panels”) including afirst flange 50 and asecond flange 52. As shown inFIG. 2 , the twoflexible panels surface first flange 50 includes a male profile having at least oneprotrusion 54 that extends laterally across thebag 14. Thesecond flange 52 includes afemale groove 60 defined by at least two protrusions (56, 58). - Still referring to
FIG. 2 , there may bemultiple protrusions second flanges protrusions protrusions protrusion bead 66 of polyolefin material with a density of not more than approximately 0.925 g/cm3. In some embodiments abead 66 of softer material is disposed at the tip of aprotrusion side bead 66 of softer material is hereafter referred to as a bead of sealingmaterial 66. - As discussed above, the bead of sealing
material 66 may have a lower density than theprotrusions closure 21, the lower density and hence more compliant bead of sealingmaterial 66 conforms to the geometry of the higher density and more rigid material comprising the portion of the closure against which the head of the profile abuts upon engagement. The softer material abuts the closure with increased conformance to the abutting surface, advantageously providing a more effective seal against fluid exchange between the interior of the package and the ambient, for example, the intrusion of gas and the exterior atmosphere into theevacuable bag 14. Regardless of the above described embodiments, theresealable closure 21 and its associated interlocking structures can comprise resilient materials of varying densities and melt indexes. Accordingly, embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure, including combinations of materials selected to achieve sealant conditions under vacuum and reduced temperature conditions. - The protrusions forming the male profile may also be referred as a profile having a male head. The protrusions defining the female profile (also referred to as a groove) may also be referred to as profile having a female head and a fillet positioned to provide a groove. The
resealable closure structure 20 may further include a closing clip structured to ensure the complete engagement of the closure profiles. Specifically, the closure clip functions to ensure that the interengaging profiles are engaged as the clip is disposed along a first direction, but does not affect the engagement of the profiles when disposed along the direction opposite to that of the first direction. - Regardless of the specific details of construction or interaction of the profiles of
resealable closure 21, the interengaging portions of the resealable closure of the disclosed embodiments preferably include acaulking composition 99. For example, the caulking composition may be positioned on at least oneprotrusion 54 on thefirst flange 50 and/or at least oneprotrusion second flange 52 of theclosure 21, wherein thecaulking composition 99 assists in creating an airtight seal to thestorage space 22. Specifically, during engagement of the first andsecond flange protrusions caulking composition 99 sits within thegroove 60 to ensure an air-tight seal of the male and female profile. Specifically, thecaulking composition 99 is positioned to infiltrate the void space defined between the engaged interlocking profiles ofclosure 21. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that that thecaulking composition 99 acts to infiltrate gaps between the male and female profiles, thus reducing the infiltration of ambient into the storage device when it is placed in a condition of reduced pressure. - Accordingly, the
resealable closure 20 is prepared before sealing by introducing the sealing compound onto one or more members of the interengaging profiles or onto a surface of the closure proximal to the interengaging profiles, by methods such as deposition or injection, where it will be distributed during the interlocking process within incipient gaps left between the interengaging profiles after interlocking. Alternately, prior to sealing the closure, the sealing compound can be placed proximal to known areas in which the sealing profile is prone to exhibit gapping, for example, the ends of the male andfemale profiles 21 at the bag's periphery. The portions of the male and female profiles at the bag periphery are engaged by crush seal, which is often the site of leakage in the closure device. The voids caused by the crush seal engagement at the male and female profile may be filled with caulking composition to substantially reduce the incidence of leakage. - The
caulking composition 99 may comprise any material that provides a selectively reversible air tight seal between interengaging members of theresealable closure 21, in which thecaulking composition 99 is suitable for at least incidental contact to food items inserted through the opening to the storage space. Preferably, the caulking composition maintains its chemical structure throughout the operable temperature range ofstorage device 10. The term “suitable” for at least incidental contact denotes compounds that are eligible for compliance with or equivalent to being in compliance with the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations) standards for being generally recognized as safe (GRAS). The term “at least incidental contact” includes at least the unanticipated contact of food items being passed through the opening on which the closure strip is positioned as the food items are being inserted into the storage space. Although indirect contact between the caulking composition and the food items is preferred, in some embodiments the caulking composition may more directly contact the food, so long as the interaction between the food items and the caulking composition is in accordance with the regulations of the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act. - It is noted that caulking compositions that are suitable for at least incidental food contact may be consistent with the classification of materials for “lubricants with incidental food contact” according to
Title 21 of the United States Code of Federal Regulations §178.3570 (revised as of Apr. 1, 2003), so long as the materials are consistent with the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act and have an operable temperature range suitable for food storage and packaging. In some preferred embodiments, the operable temperature range of the storage device is defined as the temperature range that the storage bag is typically subjected to in shipping, packaging and food storage applications, for example, food storage applications ranging from approximately −10° F. to approximately 160° F. One example of a caulking composition that is listed as a “lubricant with incidental food contact” according toTitle 21 Of the United States Code of Federal Regulations §178.3570 and has an operable temperature range suitable for food storage and packaging comprises dimethylpolysiloxane. Another example is soy-based oils, for example, those distributed by Cargill Corp., and soy-based adhesives, for example, those distributed by Dupont as Pro-cota™ soy polymers. - In order to provide an air tight seal, in some embodiments the
caulking composition 99 should be selected to have a work penetration of about 290 to about 340, in which the work penetration is measured at 60 strokes and a temperature of 77° F. in accordance with the National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) system for rating greases by penetration and ASTM D217-97 titled “Standard Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease” (1997). The NLGI classifies greases by consistency numbers as measured by worked penetration. In a preferred embodiment, thecaulking composition 99 has a work penetration on the order of about 290 to about 340 and is classified as a grease having a NLGI consistency number equal to approximately 2. Although it is preferred that thecaulking composition 99 have NLGI consistency number equal to approximately 2, greases having lower or higher NLGI consistency numbers may alternatively be utilized, so long as thecaulking composition 99 may be applied to the interengaging profiles ofclosure 21 using conventional injection methods and that thecaulking composition 99 is contained within theclosure 21 when exposed to temperatures consistent with food storage container applications. - One example of a
caulking composition 99, which meets the above requirements is silicone grease. Silicone grease is an amorphous, fumed silica thickened, polysiloxane-based compound. Silicone grease is formed by combining liquid silicone with an inert silica filler. One example of liquid silicone that may be utilized in forming silicone grease having suitable work penetration properties is polydimethylsiloxane having a specific gravity on the order of about 0.973 and a viscosity greater than about 300 centistokes, preferably on the order of about 350 centistokes. Fumed silica, an inert silica filler, has a chain-like particle morphology and when incorporated into liquid silicone forms three dimensional networks that trap the liquid and effectively increases the liquid's viscosity. - Silicone grease may provide desired work penetration values and temperature range to produce an adequately air tight seal between the interengaged profiles of
closure 21 by selecting the proper proportions of inert silica filler to liquid silicone. The proportion of inert silica filler to liquid silicone is generally selected to ensure that separation of liquid from solid in the silicone grease is substantially eliminated throughout the operable temperature range of the bag as applied to food container storage. In general, proportions of inert silica filler to liquid silicone are selected to yield a silicone grease viscosity that would not inhibit the application of the silicone grease onto theclosure 21. The proportion of inert silica filler to liquid silicone is preferably less than approximately 30% by weight. Even more preferably, the proportion of inert silica filler to liquid silicone is on the order of 6% by weight. - In one highly preferred embodiment, the
silicone grease 99 is provided by Clearco™ Silicone Grease (food grade) provided by Clearco Products Co., Inc., Bensalem Pa. Clearco™ Silicone Grease (food grade) has a work penetration value of about 290 to about 340, in which the work penetration is measured at 60 strokes and a temperature of 77° F. Clearco™ Silicone Grease (food grade) comprises 94% dimethylpolysiloxane and 6% fumed silica by weight % and has a specific gravity on the order of about 1.1. Clearco™ Silicone Grease may be utilized at temperatures ranging from approximately −40° F. to approximately 400° F. without chemical decomposition and is therefore well suited for food storage applications. In this embodiment of the present disclosure, thesilicone grease 99 may be positioned along at least one of the male and female profiles ofclosure 21, wherein incidental contact to food being inserted into the storage space of the storage device typically accounts for less that 5.0 ppb of silicone grease being incorporated into the food item being stored. - In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the caulking composition may comprise a soy adhesive. Similar to the above-described caulking compositions, the soy adhesive preferably is suitable for incidental food contact and has an operable temperature range suitable for food packaging and storage. One example of a soy adhesive is Pro-cote® soy polymer, which is available from DuPont™. In general, soy adhesive is prepared by extracting and refining soy oil from dehulled, flaked soybeans. The extracted material contains isolated soy protein in its native or globular form; and soluble, low molecular weight sugars. The extract is then processed in a controlled pH environment at tightly controlled temperatures to uncoil globular native soy protein into smaller units, and fractionating the material into uniform polymer fractions. The isolated protein molecule fractions are highly reactive and are chemically treated to modify the protein chain to provide desired adhesive properties. Unmodified soy-based oils may also be employed as a caulking composition. An alternative source of soy based oils and adhesives is the soy products available from Cargill™ Industrial Oils & Lubricants.
- As will be appreciated, numerous reactive materials may also be employed as caulking compositions. In particular, materials which may be coated as separate reactants onto separate interengaging portions of the closure that are admixed upon engagement of the interengaging portions of the closure may be utilized. Accordingly, when the closure parts are engaged the admixed reactants will be combined, reacting and forming in-situ a caulking composition that is infiltrated into a least one void defined by the engaged interengaging portions of the closure. One example of such a system comprises a free-flowing reactive polymer liquid and a liquid cross-linking agent, each coated on separate portions of the closure. In this example, when the closure is engaged, the separate portions contact, admixing the polymer and cross-linking agent, providing a viscous, cross-linked polymer caulking compound which is infiltrated into voids in the closure defined by the interengaged portions of the closure. Others examples include the provision of a free-flowing liquid and a gelling agent on separate portions of the closure to form a viscous caulking agent upon admixture, and the provision of a two-part adhesive material which react to form an adhesive upon admixture, for example, formation of a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Other types of chemical transformations will also be apparent to those of skill in the art.
- Referring now to
FIG. 3 , in another embodiment of the present disclosure, the resealable closure structure includes at least two sets of opposed interlockingprofiles 150 respectively havinginterengaging profiles opening 18 to thestorage space 22. Each pair of interengaging profiles comprise a geometry having a symmetrical head (32, 36) extending from a stem (30, 34). Each asymmetrical head is preferably offset on the stem to complimentarily fit into the void space defined bystem 34,post 38 andasymmetrical head 36. The term “asymmetrical head” denotes that the centerline of the head portion of the profile is substantially offset from the centerline of the stem portion of the profile to which it is affixed. - The void space defined by
stem 34,post 38 andasymmetrical head 36 comprises a groove configured to selectively engage theasymmetrical head 32 of thecorresponding interengaging profile Stem 34,post 38 andasymmetrical head 36 are spaced to selectively engage corresponding interengaging profiles 23, 24. The spacing between thepost 38 andstem 34, and betweenpost 38 andasymmetrical head 36 is sufficiently narrow to biasasymmetrical head 32 towardasymmetrical head 36 whenprofiles asymmetrical head 36 in combination with the spacing ofpost 38 to correspond to the width ofasymmetrical heads asymmetrical head - Still referring to
FIG. 3 , the resealable closure further includes acaulking composition 99 positioned on at least one ofasymmetrical heads caulking composition 99 may be deposited or injected onto theprofiles profiles caulking composition 99 may be positioned along the entire length of the opposed interlockingprofiles 150 or only a portion of the opposed interlockingprofiles 150, such as the end portions of the opposed interlockingprofiles 150 at the bag's periphery. - In another embodiment, shown in
FIG. 4 (without showing certain reference numbers for clarity), theresealable closure 20 includes a bead ofcaulking composition 100 in the gap between two parallel sets of opposed interlocking profiles 150. In application, as each set of opposed interlockingprofiles 150 are interengaged, the bead ofcaulking composition 100 contacts the ends of each set of opposed interlocking profiles 150. In a preferred embodiment, the bead ofcaulking composition 100 fills the void separating the parallel sets of opposed interlockingprofiles 150 and contacts thefemale profiles grooves profiles 150, thereby creating a seal. In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, theresealable closure structure 20 includes a bead ofcaulking composition 100 in the gap between two parallel sets of opposed interlockingprofiles 150 andadditional caulking composition 99 between at least one set of interengaging profiles (23, 26) and (24, 28). - In another embodiment, shown in
FIG. 5 (without showing certain reference numbers for clarity), theresealable closure 20 includes a bead ofsealant material 45 in the gap between two parallel sets of opposed interlocking profiles 150. Thesealant material 45 is a composition of high EVA & high MI polymers selected to provide a high-conformance region in the closure, as described above. Additionally, a bead ofsealant material 53, 55 may be applied to the distal tip of eachmale profile sealant material resealable closure structure 20 is engaged. A bead of sealingmaterial 45 may also be positioned on both sides of a single set of opposed interlockingprofiles 150, as depicted inFIG. 6 . Similar to the above described embodiments, a bead of caulking composition may be employed between parallel sets of opposed interlocking profiles and/or the caulking composition may be employed between at least one set of interengaging profiles (23, 26) and/or (24, 28). - Referring now to
FIG. 7 , in yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, theresealable closure 20 may be provided by resealable closure strips having independent and substantiallysymmetric profiles symmetric element head 70 and astem 72. Thehead 70 is disposed generally symmetrically on thestem 72. Thesymmetric profiles panel symmetric profiles outer elements outer elements symmetric profiles symmetric profiles outer elements symmetric profiles symmetric profiles - Additionally, although not depicted in
FIG. 7 , multiple sets of opposing interlocking profiles may be employed incorporating independent and substantially symmetric profiles, wherein a bead of caulking composition may be position between two sets of opposing interlocking profiles. The bead of caulking compound may be employed separately or in conjunction with caulking compound disposed between each of the symmetric profiles. It is noted that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to profile geometries disclosed above, as any profile geometry may be utilized and is within the scope of the present disclosure, so long as the geometry of the profiles is compatible with the sealing compound in a manner that provides an air-tight seal. - Referring to
FIG. 8 , in one embodiment of the present disclosure, theresealable closure 20 comprises an opening and a clamping means. The clamping means may comprise aclip 170 that is separate from theevacuable bag 14, in which theclip 170 seals theopening 18 of thebag 14 in clamp seal engagement. In another embodiment the clamping means may further include amandrel 171, wherein theopening 18 of theevacuable bag 14 is rolled around themandrel 171 and theclip 170 compresses the portion of theevacuable bag 14 rolled about the mandrel in clamp seal engagement. - Referring back to
FIG. 1 , thestorage device 10 further includes a vacuum conduit having one end in fluid communication with the interior of thestorage space 22 and which includes avacuum valve assembly 30. Thevacuum valve assembly 30 is in fluid communication with thestorage space 22 and defines a sealable passage through which liquids and/or gases may be drawn. - Referring to
FIG. 9 , in one embodiment thevacuum valve assembly 30 includes a base 31 having aflat surface 33 with at least oneopening 37 there through, aresilient valve element 35, and analignment device 39. Thebase 31 is sealingly engaged to theevacuable bag 14. Thevalve element 35 is generally flat and disposed adjacent to theflat surface 33. Thealignment device 39 is coupled to thebase 31 and is structured to bias thevalve element 35 against theflat surface 33. Thevalve element 35 is structured to move between a first position, wherein theopening 37 is open, and a second position, wherein theopening 37 is sealed. Thevalve element 35 is normally biased to the second position. Thebase 31 has a defined shape, such as, but not limited to a concave disk. Theouter surface 41 of thebase 31 is a generally flat torus. - In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the vacuum valve assembly may be consistent with the valves disclosed in U.S. patent application Publication Ser. No. 11/100,301 (Client Docket Number AVERP3868US), entitled “EVACUATABLE CONTAINER”, filed Apr. 6, 2005. It is noted that the sealing nature of the
valve element 35 may be enhanced by incorporating a sealing material and/or a caulking composition into the sealing members of the valve assembly. In another embodiment, thevacuum valve assembly 30 may further include at least one rib (not depicted) extending from the interior side of thevalve assembly base 31, wherein the rib extending from thebase 31 ensures that the valve assembly is not obstructed during application of the vacuum. - As shown in
FIGS. 1, 10 a-10 c, 11 a-11 d, and 15, thestorage device 10 further includes a stand-off structure 70. The stand-off structure 70 provides a communicating passage for the removal of liquids and gases. This is, preferably, astrip 71 of film having a pattern ofchannels 72 embossed, or cut, therein. The stand-off structure channels 72 are designed not to collapse even when thebag 14 is placed under a vacuum. Thechannels 72 may be in any shape, such as, but not limited to a honeycomb pattern (FIG. 10 a), a grid or partial grid (FIG. 10 b), a series of parallel grooves (FIG. 10 c) or a series of triangular columns (FIG. 11 c). Referring toFIG. 15 , thecavity face 85 of the stand-off structure 70 faces thevalve assembly 30 and theprotrusion face 86 of the stand-off structure 70 faces thestorage space 22. - The honeycomb pattern of channels is depicted in isometric view in
FIG. 11 a, in which thechannels 72 that provide the communicating passage for the removal of liquids and gases is defined by a series ofpolyhedron structures 100. Referring now toFigure 11 b, in another embodiment of the stand-off structure 70, the pattern ofchannels 72 for the removal of liquids and gasses may be provided by a series ofcurvilinear columns 120. - Regardless of the geometry selected for providing the channels, the stand-
off structure 70 produces a passage for the removal of liquids and gases by providing a cross-section with a series of raised surfaces and recessed surfaces. In one embodiment, the standoff structure is integral with a fluid conduit providing fluid communication between the interior of the storage device and a vacuum system by which the storage device is evacuated, and which comprises a vacuum valve, the standoff structure, optionally a quick-connect device, optionally a liquid/vapor separator and the suction side of a vacuum pump. Referring toFIG. 12 a,channels 72 are provided in the area defined between the raised surfaces 74 and recessedsurfaces 75 of the stand-off structure's 70 cross-section. The stand-off structure 70 may have a series ofchannels 72 on one side of thestandoff structure 70, as depicted inFIG. 12 a, or on both sides of the stand-off structure 70, as depicted inFIG. 12 b. Referring toFigure 11 c, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, thecavity face 85 of the stand-off structure 70 compriseschannels 72 and theprotrusion side 86 comprises a series of communicating passages produced by a plurality of polyhedron structures. - As shown in
FIGS. 13 a-13 d, 14 and 15, the stand-off structure 70 may be bonded to the inner side of thebag 14, on the same side of theevacuable bag 14 as thevalve assembly 30. Although thermal bonding of the stand-off structure 70 to the side of theevacuable bag 14 is preferred, any conventional bonding method may be utilized as known by those skilled in the art. The stand-off structure 70 is positioned at a location corresponding to the location of thevacuum valve assembly 30.Multiple valve assemblies 30 and multiple stand-offstructures 70 may be utilized in asingle storage device 10, as depicted inFIG. 13 d. - As shown in
FIG. 13 a, the coupling of the stand-off structure 70 may be accomplished prior to folding over theplastic sheet 16, wherein theentire side periphery 73 of the stand-off structure is bound to theplastic sheet 16. Referring toFIG. 13 b, in another embodiment, the coupling of the stand-off structure 70 to thestorage device 10 may be accomplished by bonding only selected portions of the stand-off'sside periphery 73 to theplastic sheet 16. Additionally, as opposed to limiting the stand-off structure 70 to a single side of thestorage device 10, the stand-off structure 70 may be coupled to extend across both sides of thebag 14, as shown inFIG. 13 c. In another example, the stand-off structure 70 may be positioned to extend diagonally across the plastic sheet as depicted inFIG. 13 d. It is noted that examples depicted inFIGS. 12 a-12 d have been provided for illustrative purposes and that other configurations in the positioning of the stand-off 70 are within the scope of the present disclosure, so long as the stand-off 70 is positioned to be in fluid communication with thevacuum valve assembly 30 in a manner that allows for the removal of liquids and gasses from thestorage device 10. -
FIG. 14 depicts the positioning of the stand-off structure 70 once theplastic sheet 16 is folded over upon itself and twolateral sides 15 are sealed adjacent to the periphery forming thestorage space 22. The stand-off structure 70 is clearly depicted as being bound to the face of theplastic sheet 16 within thestorage space 22, wherein thechannels 72 of the stand-off structure 70 face the surface of theplastic sheet 16 to which the stand-off structure 70 is bound. In an alternate embodiment, the stand offstructure 70 may includechannels 72 on both sides of the stand off structure 70 (FIG. 12 b), in which the channels on a first side of the stand offstructure 70 face the surface of theplastic sheet 16 to which the stand-off structure 70 is bound and thechannels 72 on the second side of the stand offstructure 70 face the opposing plastic sheet. -
FIG. 15 illustrates the cross-section of thestorage device 10 depicted inFIG. 14 along reference line 15-15, in which thechannels 72 of the stand-off structure 70 are clearly depicted as facing away from thestorage space 22 and towards thevacuum valve assembly 30 as well as the surface of theplastic sheet 16 to which the stand-off structure 70 is bound. Prior to the application of a vacuum, the portion of the stand-off structure 70 opposing thevalve assembly 30 may be separated fromvalve assembly 30 by a distance D1 ranging from about 0.003″ to about 0.25″. - In one application, a vacuum pump is attached to the vacuum conduit which includes at least one vacuum valve and in fluid communication therewith, at least one standoff structure. The vacuum pump is operated, applying a vacuum to the interior of the storage device through the
vacuum valve assembly 30 and standoff assembly causing thestorage space 22 to collapse upon a food article contained therein. During the application of the vacuum, the stand-off structure 70 separates the food article from thevacuum valve assembly 30, ensuring that the food article does not obstruct the flow of air or liquids to be removed from thestorage space 22, and insuring that the walls of the storage device conform tightly to the food article. Additionally, as the vacuum causes the portion of theplastic sheet 16 opposing the stand offstructure 70 to collapse upon the raised portions of the stand-off structure 70, any remaining liquid and air may be removed via the stand-off structure's 70 recessed channels. During the application of the vacuum, the distance D1 separating thevalve assembly 30 from the opposing raised surfaces of the stand-off structure 70 may be substantially eliminated while maintaining an effective passageway for removing the remaining air and liquids from the storage device through the stand-off structure's 70 recessed channels. - It will be appreciated that the
resealable closure structure 20, shown inFIG. 1 , may be operated by hand, however, as shown inFIGS. 1, 16 a and 16 b, theresealable closure 20 may also include aclosing clip 80 and end clips 82. Theclosing clip 80 is a rigidU-shaped member 84 structured to fit snugly over at least the first andsecond side protrusions U-shaped member 84 is structured to bias themale protrusion 54 into thegroove 60 formed by theother protrusions U-shaped member 84 is moved over theprotrusions U-shaped member 84 may be structured to also fit snugly overmultiple protrusions male protrusion 62 into at least one additional groove formed by theother protrusions 64. Theclosure clip 80 functions to ensure that the interlockingprofiles 21 are engaged as theclip 80 is disposed along a first direction, but does not affect the engagement of the interlockingprofiles 21 when disposed along the direction opposite to that of the first direction. More specifically, theclosure clip 80 does not separate the interlocking profiles when being traversed over engaged interlocking profiles 21. The end clips 82 are bonded to the ends of theresealable closure 20 and arrest the motion of the closing clip as it traverses thebag 14. The cross-section of an end clip is depicted inFIG. 17 . - As mentioned above, in one embodiment the reclosable storage device comprises a portion of a system which includes a vacuum device having a low pressure side attached to a vacuum conduit which is in fluid communication with the interior of the storage device and which conduit includes a vacuum valve (described above). Optionally, the assembly includes also a quick-disconnect means in the vacuum conduit between the vacuum pump and the storage device and optionally includes a gas/liquid separator means in the vacuum conduit between the suction side of the vacuum pump and the storage device.
- As will be appreciated, any number of vacuum devices can be utilized to evacuate a reclosable storage device in accordance with the present disclosure, however, in some embodiments it is preferred to employ a hand-held or portable vacuum pump. An example of one suitable portable device is illustrated in
FIG. 21 . The portable vacuum pump assembly illustrated inFIG. 21 , pump 40, includes a power source, such as a battery, a vacuum pump having a suction side and an exhaust side, and a motor, (all not shown). The vacuum pump may be connected to the fluid conduit connected to the interior of the storage device by a quick-connect means, wherein one portion of the quick-connect means is integral with the vacuum pump assembly and another portion of the quick-connect means is integral with the flexible storage device. - An example of this is illustrated in
FIG. 1 asengagement end 42 ofvacuum pump 40. As illustrated,engagement end 42 has a defined shape, for example, a convex disk, concave disk or a disk shaped to fit within the medial opening of the outer surface of a vacuum valve assembly's defining one end of a fluid conduit associated with a storage device. Theengagement end 42 has a defined shape structured to engage thevacuum valve assembly 30 and defines a passage that is in fluid communication with thevacuum pump 40. Thus, the engagement end of theportable vacuum pump 40 may function as a quick-connect means, for example, as illustrated in FIGS. 18(a) and 18(b) asuction cup tip 160, in which thesuction cup tip 160 incorporates integrated stand offstructures 161 to maintain suction during application of the vacuum, as depicted in FIGS. 18(a) and 18(b). - Other quick-connect means, for example, vacuum tips (engagement end 42) have been contemplated and are within the scope of the present disclosure, so long as the
engagement end 42 geometry provides a quick connect engagement with the vacuum valve assembly. A “quick connection engagement” requires sealing of thevalve assembly 30 andengagement end 42 without separate fasteners or the removal of separable sealing members. It will be appreciated that the system may also utilize more conventional coupling means to join the vacuum system to the fluid conduit to provide fluid communication between the suction side of the vacuum pump and the interior of the storage device. - As shown in
FIGS. 19 and 20 , the assembly may also include aliquid separator assembly 90. Theliquid separator assembly 90 is structured to collect a liquid, while allowing gases to be drawn into the suction side of thevacuum pump assembly 40. In one embodiment, theliquid separator assembly 90 includes atube 92, andaccumulator housing 94 and adiverter 96. Thetube 92 further includes a base 98 structured to sealingly engage both theattachment end 42 and theaccumulator housing 94. Theaccumulator housing 94 is shaped as a cup and is structured to contain a liquid. Thediverter 96 is structured to engage the distal end of thetube 92 and redirect the fluid flow from an axial direction in thetube 92 into theaccumulator housing 94. Thus, when assembled, theattachment end 42 is coupled to the lower side of thetube base 98 and theaccumulator housing 94 is coupled to the upper side of thetube base 98. Thediverter 96 is disposed at the distal end of thetube 92. Thus, there is a fluid passage from theattachment end 42 into theaccumulator housing 94. - In operation, the
portable vacuum pump 40 is structured to engage the vacuum conduit connected to the interior of the storage device, for example, as illustrated, the outer surface of thevacuum valve assembly 30. When theportable vacuum pump 40 is engaged and actuated thevacuum valve assembly 30 is actuated by the resultant pressure differential, thevalve element 35 moves into the first position (described above) and the vacuum conduit passage is open and fluid (gas and liquid) is withdrawn from thebag 14 through the vacuum conduit into the suction side of the vacuum pump. The fluid may be both liquid and gas. When a separator assembly is present in the vacuum conduit, liquid and gas are drawn into theliquid separator assembly 90, the liquid contacts thediverter 96 and is deposited in theaccumulator housing 94. Thus, the liquid is not drawn with the gas towards the vacuum pump. The gas is exhausted via the vacuum pump from thevacuum pump assembly 40. When theaccumulator housing 94 needs to be emptied, a user may simply remove thetube 92 andbase 98 allowing the liquid to drain from thevacuum pump assembly 40. - When a
portable vacuum pump 40 is actuated, air is withdrawn from thestorage space 22. Thus, as shown inFIG. 21 , an item, such as a food article 1 shown in ghost, may be placed in astorage device 10. The stand-off structure 70 is structured to prevent the plastic sheet that forms theevacuable bag 14, or an item within thebag 14, from obstructing thevacuum valve assembly 30. That is, thechannels 72 on the stand-off structure 70 provide a path for liquids and gases within thebag 14 to reach thevalve assembly 30. In the embodiments of the present disclosure in which the stand-off assembly has channels positioned on both sides of the stand-off structure 70, the channels contacting the item contained within the bag ensures that liquids and gasses are not trapped between the stand-off structure 70 and the item contained within the storage space. - Referring now to
FIGS. 22 and 23 , another package embodiment is illustrated.Package 210 has afirst side panel 212 and anopposite side panel 214 that are connected byside edges side edge 215 can be referred to as abottom edge 215.Side panels surrounding wall 213 with an interior 220 therebetween. Various other configurations of surrounding walls are known.Interior 220 is configured for receiving a food item or other items for storage withinpackage 210. - At the top end of
package 210, that is, the side ofpackage 210 oppositebottom edge 215, aresealable zipper 250 is present.Zipper 250 is present across a mouth ofpackage 210 that provides access tointerior 220.Zipper 250 includes afirst profile member 252 and asecond profile member 254, wherein the first andsecond profile members second profile members First profile member 252 is connected tofirst side panel 212 andsecond profile member 254 is connected tosecond side panel 214.Profile members respective side panel Zippers 250 andprofile members - Referring to
FIG. 22 ,package 210 includes avalve 230, positioned inside panel 212 to allow escape of air from interior 220 to the exterior ofpackage 210.Valve 230 is preferably a one-way valve, allowing flow of fluid therethrough in only one direction; preferably, that direction is frominterior 220 ofpackage 210 to the exterior ofpackage 210. The fluid to pass throughvalve 230 can be either or both gaseous or liquid. Inmost uses ofpackage 210, the fluid passing throughvalve 230 will be air.Valve 230 can be any suitable valve, including those known as “Goglio” type or “Raackmamn” type. Goglio-type valves are available, for example, from Bosch, Wipf and Wico; Raackmann-type valves are available, for example, from Amcor. Other examples ofsuitable valves 230 include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,913,803; 6,733,803; 6,607,764, and 6,539,691, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. -
Package 210 also includessealant stripe 270 present on the interior of at least one ofside panels Sealant stripe 270 is preferably a peal seal, which can be sealed, readily opened, and resealed. Examples of peal seals include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,290,393; 6,210,038, and 6,131, 248, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Sealant stripes and resealable zippers may be generally referred to as “closures” useful for closing portions of a package or storage device. - One particular application for
package 210 illustrated inFIGS. 22 and 23 is as a freezer bag.Package 210 includes atextured standoff area 280, which can be integral with each ofside panels textured standoff area 280 can be attached to a surface ofpanels textured standoff area 280 is present on the interior of each ofpanels textured standoff area 280 is beneficial for freezer bags, where it is desired to maintain a slight air gap or spacing between any items positioned withinpackage 210 andside panels - Returning to package 210, in detail, various specific details of package will now be described. It is understood however, that the following descriptions are not limiting to features of
package 210, with alternate materials, constructions, and the like could be used to provide a package according to the present disclosure. -
Package 210 hasside panels overall package 210.Side panels panels - As provided above,
side panels bottom edge 215 and side edges 216, 218. Any or all ofedges FIG. 23 ,bottom edge 215 is a fold betweenside panel 212 andside panel 214; that is, a sheet of material has been folded to formpanels bottom edge 215. Typically, in constructions havingbottom edge 215 being a fold, side edges 216, 218 are sealed edges; that is,side panels side edge 216 is a folded edge andbottom edge 215 andside edge 218 are sealed. In yet another embodiment, each of side edges 216, 218 are folded andbottom edge 215 is sealed. Still further, embodiments ofpackage 210 could have each ofedges package 210. - As provided above,
zipper 250 hasfirst profile 252 andsecond profile 254, which engage and disengage from each other to provide access tointerior 20 ofpackage 210.Profiles profiles zipper 250 may be open and closed by a slider element, as are well known. See for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,679,027; Des. 480,988; Des. 479,467, and 6,450,686, each of which is incorporated herein by reference, for examples of suitable slider elements. - As provided above,
sealant stripe 270 is present on the interior of at least one ofpanels sealant stripe 270 is integral with or part ofpanel sealant strip 270 may be present on a surface ofside panel FIG. 23 where sealingstripe 270 is illustrated as a piece of material adhered to each ofpanels Sealant stripe 270 allowspanels Sealant stripe 270 preferably extends fromside edge 216 toside edge 218, and may be any suitable width (taken in the direction frombottom edge 215 to zipper 250). - Package 210 preferably includes
textured standoff area 280, particularly ifpackage 210 is intended to be a freezer bag. By the term “freezer bag”, it is meant a package that is intended to be used for storing items at temperatures below 30° F., often at temperatures below 20° F. Such atextured standoff area 280 is beneficial for freezer bags, where it is desired to maintain a slight air gap or spacing between any items positioned withinpackage 210 andside panels Textured standoff area 280 is preferably present on each ofpanels textured standoff area 280 may extend to anyside edges edges textured standoff area 280 may extend tobottom edge 215 or may stop short ofbottom edge 215. The width of textured standoff area 280 (taken in the direction frombottom edge 215 to zipper 250) is usually at least 5 cm wide, and often at least 7.5 cm wide. Preferably,textured standoff area 280 is not present in the area ofsealant strip 270. It is understood that the area oftextured standoff area 280 will be dependent on the overall size ofpackage 210 andside panels - Referring again to
FIGS. 22 and 23 ,package 210 includesvalve 230, which is positioned betweenzipper 250 andsealant stripe 270. An alternate embodiment of a package according to the present disclosure is illustrated inFIGS. 24-27 , aspackage 210′. Package 210′ is similar topackage 210 and that it includesfirst panel 212,second panel 214,bottom end 215, side edges 216, 218,valve 230,sealant stripe 270 andtextured standoff region 280. Package 210′ differs frompackage 210, however, in that forpackage 210′,sealant stripe 270 is positioned betweenzipper 250 andvalve 230. That is,valve 230 is positioned closer to interior 220 then tozipper 250.Valve 230 allows fluid, usually air, to pass frominterior 220 ofpackage interior 220. -
FIG. 27 illustrates an example embodiment forzipper 250.Zipper 250 includes zipper profiles 252, 254 havingposts lock members tabs 258, 259. Many other zipper configurations are possible for use with thepackages FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrate apackage 510 that includes asealant stripe 270 positioned at an end of the package opposite thebottom end 215. Thepackage 510 includes avalve 230 in communication with an interior 220 of the package, and astandoff area 280 on opposingside panels -
FIGS. 25 and 26 illustratepackage 210′ in use, retaining anitem 290 therein.Item 290 is illustrated as a food item, particularly, a chicken leg. To placeitem 290 inpackage 210′ (or in package 210), the general following procedure is followed.Zipper 250 is opened, if necessary, by unmating, unsealing, etc. first andsecond profiles Side panels item 290 therebetween. Sometimes, it may be necessary to unsealsealant strip 270 to passitem 290past stripe 270 towardbottom edge 215.Item 290 should be positioned betweenbottom edge 215 andsealant strip 270. In some embodiments,item 290 may be positioned in the area oftextured standoff area 280, however, this is not necessary. - After positioning
item 290 inpackage 210′, it is optional to push or otherwise urge air present inpackage 210′ out viazipper 250.Sealant stripe 270 is sealed, providing an air-tight seal acrosspackage 210′.Zipper 250 is also sealed, providing a seal acrosspackage 210′. It is understood thatsealant stripe 270 may be sealed before or afterzipper 250 is closed. When pressure is applied to package 210′ in an area betweenbottom edge 215 andsealant stripe 270, at least some of the air remaining inpackage 210′ is pushed throughvalve 230 and out frominterior 220 ofpackage 210′. - Due to the construction of
package 210 ofFIGS. 22 and 23 , the order of steps for sealing anitem 290 inpackage 210 may differ. For example, after positioningitem 290 inpackage 210, it is optional to push or otherwise urge air present inpackage 210 out viazipper 250.Zipper 250 is then sealed, providing a seal acrosspackage 210. When pressure is applied to package 210 in an area betweenbottom edge 215 andzipper 250, at least some of the air remaining inpackage 210 is pushed throughvalve 30 and out frominterior 220 ofpackage 210.Sealant stripe 270 is sealed, providing an air-tight seal acrosspackage 210. Preferably,sealant stripe 270 is sealed afterzipper 250 is closed and after the air has been evacuated frominterior 220 ofpackage 210. -
Packages side panels side panels edges side panels Profile members side panels bottom edge 215 is formed. Similarly, a slider device (if present) may be applied to profilemembers side panels Packages panels interiors 220. Various other configurations and methods ofmaking packages - Referring now to
FIGS. 28 and 29 , anotherexample package 310 in accordance with the present disclosure is illustrated.Package 310 has afirst side panel 312 and anopposite side panel 314 that are connected byside edges side edge 315 can be referred to as abottom edge 315.Side panels surrounding wall 313 with astorage interior 320 therebetween.Seal 370 also defines a portion ofstorage interior 320;seal 370 is described below. Various other configurations of surroundingwalls 313 are known and are useable in accordance with the principles of this disclosure.Storage interior 320 is configured for receiving afoodstuff item 390 or other item(s) for storage withinpackage 310. InFIGS. 28 and 29 ,food item 390 is a collection of small food items, such as shredded cheese, meats, fruits, or vegetables. - In the one depicted in the drawings, at the top end of
package 310, that is, the side ofpackage 310 oppositebottom edge 315, istop edge 335. A surroundingwall 330 is defined byfirst side panel 312,second side panel 314, side edges 316, 318,top edge 335 and byseal 370. - Present within the interior formed by surrounding
wall 330 is aresealable zipper closure 350.Zipper closure 350 extends fromside edge 316 toside edge 318, and includes afirst zipper profile 354 having a first profile member and asecond zipper profile 352 having a second profile member; wherein the first and second zipper profiles 354, 352 are configured to engage and disengage with each other. In other words, first and second zipper profiles 354, 352 are selectively sealable and resealable. - In the embodiment shown,
first zipper profile 354 is connected tofirst side panel 312, andsecond zipper profile 352 is connected tosecond side panel 314. Zipper profiles 354, 352 could be integral with theirrespective side panel Zippers 350, zipper profiles 354, 352 and profile members are well-known in the art, and a variety of configurations are useable in accordance with the principles of this disclosure. For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,524,002; 6,152,600; 5,839,831, and 5,252,281, each of which has been incorporated herein by reference. In the one shown,zipper closure 350, at eachside edge crush area 410, where zipper profiles 354, 352 are sealed together and may be partially crushed or deformed. - At
top edge 335,package 310 includesheader 336, which extends betweentop edge 35 andzipper closure 350 and forms a portion of surroundingwall 330. In this particular embodiment,header 336 is detachable frompackage 310 viaweakness 360.Weakness 360 may be a perforation, a tear-strip, string or thread, a laser scope, a die line, a thinner area, or other configuration that allowsheader 336 to be removed fromside panels Header 336 is an element that provides a quick indication whether or not access has been gained tozipper closure 350. That is, access is not readily gained to the interior of surroundingwall 330, which haszipper closure 350 therein, without breachingheader 336 orside panels zipper closure 350,header 336 is removed viaweakness 360. - As mentioned above,
package 310 includesseal 370, which is positioned betweenbottom edge 315 andtop edge 335, and partially definesstorage interior 320 of surroundingwall 313 and the interior of surroundingwall 330.Seal 370 is present on the interior of at least one ofside panels panels Seal 370 may be a repeatably reclosable seal or a one-time seal, such as an adhesive seal or a mechanical seal. Additionaldetails regarding seal 370 are provided below. -
Package 310 includes avalve 330, positioned in one ofside panels storage interior 320 to the exterior ofpackage 310; inFIG. 29 ,valve 330 is illustrated inside panel 312.Valve 330 is preferably a one-way evacuation valve, allowing flow of fluid therethrough in only one direction; preferably, that direction is fromstorage interior 320 ofpackage 310 to the exterior ofpackage 310. The fluid to pass throughvalve 330 can be either or both gaseous or liquid. In most uses ofpackage 310, the fluid passing throughvalve 330 will be air.Valve 330 can be any suitable valve, such as those described above forvalve 230.Valve 330 may be a manually activated valve or may be configured for use with an external device, such as the vacuum pump described above with reference toresealable storage device 10. - Located in close proximity to
valve 330 is atextured standoff material 380.Standoff material 380 can extend fromzipper closure 350, typically from one ofzipper profiles FIG. 29 ,standoff material 380 extends from an end ofzipper profile 354, forming a skirt-like construction 355. It is also foreseen thatstandoff material 380 may be positioned on, or integral with, a side ofzipper profiles Textured standoff material 380 has at least one surface, preferably the one closest tovalve 330, that is textured, for example, with protrusions, dots, bumps, detents, grooves, etc., or other structures that provide a surface that is not smooth. Generally, the textured features ofstandoff material 380 are at least 0.01 mm high, often at least 0.05 mm high, for example, about 0.1 mm high, or more, such as about 0.5 mm high or even 1 mm high. Such atextured standoff material 380 is desirable in package constructions to maintain a slight air gap or spacing betweenzipper members valve 330, to inhibitvalve 330 being blocked byzipper profiles side panel 314, so that air, gas or other fluid can pass throughvalve 330. - Returning to package 310, in detail, various specific details of
package 310 will now be described. It is understood however, that the following descriptions are not limiting to features ofpackage 310; alternate materials, elements, configurations, constructions, and the like, such as theconfiguration package 210, could be used. -
Package 310 hasside panels overall package 310.Side panels panels - As provided above,
side panels bottom edge 315, side edges 316, 318 andtop edge 335. Any or all ofedges FIG. 29 ,bottom edge 315 is a seal betweenside panel 312 andside panel 314 andtop edge 335 is a seal betweenside panel 312 andside panel 314. Side edges 316, 318 could be either seals or folds. For example, one piece of material could be folded to formpanels package 310 could have each ofedges package 310. - As provided above,
zipper closure 350 hasfirst zipper profile 354 andsecond zipper profile 352, which engage and disengage from each other to provide access tostorage interior 320 ofpackage 310.Profiles zipper closure 350 may be opened and closed by a slider element, as is well known. See for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,679,027; Des. 480,988; Des. 479,467, and 6,450,686, each of which is incorporated herein by reference, for examples of suitable slider elements. - As provided above,
seal 370 is present on the interior of at least one ofpanels Seal 370 allowspanels Seal 370 preferably extends fromside edge 316 toside edge 318, and may be any suitable width (taken in the direction frombottom edge 315 to zipper closure 350).Seal 370 can be a material, e.g., adhesive, applied to a surface of panel(s) 312, 314 or seal 370 may be integral with or formed by panel(s) 312, 314. -
Seal 370 may be a repeatably reclosable seal or a one-time seal, such as an adhesive seal or a mechanical seal that is not reclosable. For example, seal 370 may be an adhesive peal seal, which can be sealed, readily opened, and resealed. Examples of peal seals include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,290,393; 6,210,038, and 6,131, 248, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.Seal 370 may alternately be a non-resealable adhesive peal, that is, a seal that, once broken, cannot be resealed. - Still further, seal 370 may be a mechanical connection between
panels Seal 370 could alternately be a physical or mechanical interaction, such as a sealed formed by material that separates or delaminates between layers, and cannot be resealed. Examples of non-resealable seals include those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,032, which is incorporated herein by reference. - Package 310 preferably includes
textured standoff material 380 in locations where it is desired to maintain a slight distance, gap or spacing, for example, such as againstvalve 330.Textured standoff material 380 is preferably present on any element ofpackage 310 that might inhibit flow throughvalve 330. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 29 ,standoff material 380 is connected tozipper profile 354;standoff material 380 could be integral with or sealed tozipper profile 354.Textured standoff material 380 could alternately be positioned in or onside panel 314 or other portion ofpackage 310 that might inhibit flow throughvalve 330. -
Textured standoff material 380 may extend the width ofpackage 310 fromside edges FIG. 28 , or may stop short ofedges Textured standoff material 380 could be present only in the area proximate tovalve 330. - The Figures illustrate
unopened package 310 retainingfood item 390 therein.Package 310, as illustrated, is unopened, becauseheater 335 remains intact. -
Package 310, withfood item 390 therein, is produced by processes often referred to as “form fill and seal”. In these processes, the package, particularlystorage interior 320, is manufactured (i.e., formed), the item is placed within storage interior 320 (i.e., filled), and then any last seals, such asbottom edge 315, are made (i.e., sealed). “Form fill and seal” will be referred to as “FFS” hereinafter.Package 310 may be made by a horizontal FFS process (e.g., where the film formingside panels zipper closure 350 move in a generally horizontal direction) or a vertical FFS process (e.g., where the film formingside panels zipper closure 350 move in a generally vertical direction). Typically, with horizontal FFS processes, theunfilled package 310 progresses through the process up-side-down. That is,bottom edge 315 is positioned abovetop edge 335. With vertical FFS process, the unfilled package progresses either up-side-down or sideways. - In one embodiment of a horizontal FFS process, two extended lengths of the film, each forming a
side panel zipper closure 350 may be attached toside panels top edge 335.Standoff material 380 can be attached tozipper closure 350 prior tozipper closure 350 being attached toside panels Valve 330 will typically be installed into one of the extended lengths of film at predetermined intervals, to correspond to onevalve 330 perpackage 310.Seal 370 can be formed betweenside panels edge 335 being formed or withzipper closure 350 being attached.Weakness 360 may be formed close to edge 335 either afteredge 335 has been sealed or before. - After the various elements have been joined to form an extended length, seals, which will result in side edges 316, 318, are made.
Crush areas 410 are usually made simultaneously with these side edge seals, but could be made in a separate step. Afterstorage interior 320 has been made (i.e., betweenside panels food item 390 is placed, for example, dropped, intostorage interior 320, and thenbottom edge 315, which is positioned above the rest ofpackage 310, is sealed. - In an alternate embodiment of a horizontal FFS process, one extended length of film moves in a generally horizontal direction. This film is folded to form both
panels edge 335 therebetween. Any order of applyingzipper closure 350,standoff material 380,valve 330,seal 370 andweakness 360 can be used. Similar to the first embodiment, after the various elements have been joined to form an extended length, side edges 316, 318 and crushareas 410 are made.Food item 390 is placed intostorage interior 320, and thenbottom edge 315 is sealed. - In one embodiment of a vertical FFS process, two extended lengths of film, each forming a
side panel zipper closure 350 may be attached toside panels top edge 335.Standoff material 380 can be attached tozipper closure 350 prior tozipper closure 350 being attached toside panels Valve 330 will typically be installed into one of the extended lengths of film at predetermined intervals, to correspond to onevalve 330 perpackage 310.Seal 370 can be formed betweenside panels edge 335 being formed or withzipper closure 350 being attached.Weakness 360 may be formed close to edge 335 either afteredge 335 has been sealed or before.Bottom seal 315 can also be formed at any stage in this process. - After the various elements have been joined to form an extended length, a seal, which results in, for example,
side edge 318 and acrush area 410, is made. After this step,storage interior 320 has been made betweenside panels edge 315,seal 370 andside edge 318; seeFIG. 29 , which is representative of a top view of the package during such as vertical FFS process.Food item 390 is placed, for example, dropped, intostorage interior 320, and thenside edge 316, which is positioned above the rest ofpackage 310, is sealed. Such a FFS process moves in a generally downward vertical direction. - In an alternate embodiment of a vertical FFS process, one extended length of film moves in a generally horizontal direction. This film is folded to form both
panels edge 335 or edge 315 therebetween. Any order of applyingzipper closure 350,standoff material 380,valve 330,seal 370 andweakness 360 can be used. Similar to the first embodiment, after the various elements have been joined to form an extended length,side edge 318 and crushareas 410 are made.Food item 390 is placed intostorage interior 320, and thenside edge 316 is sealed. Alternately, a tube of film could be used, thus resulting in two foldededges - Prior to use, the consumer removes
header 336 viaweakness 360. To gain access tostorage interior 320, zipper profiles 354, 352 are separated andseal 370 is breached, which allows access toitem 390. - To close
package 310, it is preferred to remove air from interior 320, for example by flatteningpackage 310 prior to mating zipper profiles 354, 352. Afterzipper closure 350 is closed, additional air can be removed frominterior 320 viavalve 330. The air may be manually forced throughvalve 330, for example, by hand pressure or other squeezing applied to the region betweenedge 315 andzipper closure 350, or may be attached to an external device, such as a vacuum pump. After removal of the desired air, gas or fluid,seal 370 may be resealed, if so configured. Removal of air, gas or fluid from interior 320 decreases the opportunity for spoilage offood item 390 and extends its life. Whenseal 370 is resealed, it provides an air-tight seal acrosspackage 310.Zipper closure 350 is also sealed, providing a seal acrosspackage 310. - As mentioned above, any or all of
edges side panels zipper profiles side panels Package 310 may include side gussets or gussets inpanels interior 320. Various other configurations and methods ofmaking package 310 are suitable. - The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the present invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.
Claims (40)
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/382,143 US20070092167A1 (en) | 2005-10-24 | 2006-05-08 | Polymeric Package With Resealable Closure And Valve, And Methods |
US11/740,919 US20080044113A1 (en) | 2004-07-23 | 2007-04-26 | Polymeric package with resealable closure and valve and methods relating thereto |
US11/782,884 US20070286534A1 (en) | 2005-10-24 | 2007-07-25 | Polymeric package with resealable closure and valve, and methods |
US12/107,958 US20080256901A1 (en) | 2005-10-24 | 2008-04-23 | Polymeric package with resealable closure and valve, and methods |
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US76306306P | 2006-01-27 | 2006-01-27 | |
US11/382,143 US20070092167A1 (en) | 2005-10-24 | 2006-05-08 | Polymeric Package With Resealable Closure And Valve, And Methods |
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US11/782,884 Continuation US20070286534A1 (en) | 2005-10-24 | 2007-07-25 | Polymeric package with resealable closure and valve, and methods |
US12/107,958 Continuation-In-Part US20080256901A1 (en) | 2005-10-24 | 2008-04-23 | Polymeric package with resealable closure and valve, and methods |
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US11/782,884 Abandoned US20070286534A1 (en) | 2005-10-24 | 2007-07-25 | Polymeric package with resealable closure and valve, and methods |
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US11/782,884 Abandoned US20070286534A1 (en) | 2005-10-24 | 2007-07-25 | Polymeric package with resealable closure and valve, and methods |
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USD901983S1 (en) * | 2019-06-05 | 2020-11-17 | Vsevolod Mouler | Resealable food bag |
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US20070286534A1 (en) | 2007-12-13 |
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