US20070263948A1 - Ventable Package with Zipper Closure, and Methods - Google Patents
Ventable Package with Zipper Closure, and Methods Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070263948A1 US20070263948A1 US11/613,092 US61309206A US2007263948A1 US 20070263948 A1 US20070263948 A1 US 20070263948A1 US 61309206 A US61309206 A US 61309206A US 2007263948 A1 US2007263948 A1 US 2007263948A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- package
- tape
- surrounding wall
- vents
- interior
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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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
- B65D33/01—Ventilation or drainage of bags
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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
- B65D2205/00—Venting means
- B65D2205/02—Venting holes
Definitions
- This disclosure relates to polymeric packages, and, in particular, to packages having a resealable closure arrangement and a venting feature, and methods of manufacturing and using the packages.
- Flexible polymeric packages may be used to hold a variety of products.
- Such products may be 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 after initial opening to preserve and contain the enclosed contents. Resealable packages are also advantageous because they extend the life of food products because they may be opened and closed (resealed) multiple times.
- Such packages are used in environments that include the refrigerator, freezer, and at room conditions.
- the present disclosure is directed to a reclosable package having a zipper closure.
- the package includes a venting feature that allows flow of fluid, such as air, from the interior of the package to the outside environment. In use, the venting feature is used to evacuate air from the interior of the package, without the need to open the zipper closure.
- the disclosure is to a polymeric package that has a surrounding wall having first and second side edges and a bottom edge, which together forming an interior for receiving items therein.
- a first zipper profile member and a second zipper profile member are on the surrounding wall opposite the bottom edge, defining a mouth through which access can be gained to the package interior.
- the package includes a venting feature on the surrounding wall, the venting feature comprising vents within the surrounding wall to provide fluid communication between the interior and a region exterior of the package, and a tape overlying the vents.
- the tape may be attached to the surrounding wall along longitudinal edges of the tape, and may be attached intermittently at attachment regions. Together, the tape and the surrounding wall define a plurality of passages to convey fluid from the package interior to the region exterior of the package.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a polymeric package according to the present disclosure
- FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the package of FIG. 1 taken along line A-A;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the polymeric package of FIG. 1 illustrating a portion partially removed to facilitate understanding of its construction;
- FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 , with three suitable alternate embodiments illustrated enlarged;
- FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 1 , with an enlarged view of a portion of the package;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the package of FIGS. 1-4 illustrating a method of using the package.
- FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 2 , illustrating an alternate package embodiment having two portions partially removed to facilitate understanding of its construction.
- the present invention is directed to a variety of packaging arrangements, particularly, resealable packaging arrangements.
- FIGS. 1 and 1 A a package according to the present disclosure is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 1 A.
- Package 10 has a first side panel 12 and an opposite side panel 14 that are connected by side edges 15 , 16 , 18 .
- side edge 15 can be referred to as a bottom edge 15 .
- Side panels 12 , 14 are flexible sheets, typically polymeric film. Examples of suitable films for use as panels 12 , 14 are well known, and include polyethylene, polypropylene, and the like. Laminated materials may also be used, which can include, but not limited to, low density polyethylene (LDPE) and nylon or LDPE and polypropylene.
- LDPE low density polyethylene
- nylon or LDPE polypropylene
- Side panels 12 , 14 and side edges 15 , 16 , 18 define a surrounding wall 11 having an interior 20 therebetween.
- Interior 20 is configured for receiving a food item or other item(s) for storage within package 10 .
- edges 15 , 16 , 18 may be seals or may be folds.
- bottom edge 15 is a fold between side panel 12 and side panel 14 ; that is, a sheet of material has been folded to form panels 12 , 14 and bottom edge 15 .
- side edges 16 , 18 are sealed edges; that is, side panels 12 , 14 are sealed to one another, for example by heat sealing.
- side edge 16 is a folded edge and bottom edge 15 and side edge 18 are sealed.
- both side edges 16 , 18 are folded and bottom edge 15 is sealed.
- embodiments of package 10 could have each of edges 15 , 16 , 18 being sealed edges. These various edge configurations are known in the art and any of these are suitable for package 10 .
- surrounding wall 11 may include side gussets or gussets in panels 12 , 14 to provide increased volume in interior 20 .
- surrounding wall 11 may have no discernible side panels 12 , 14 and/or side edges 16 , 18 , but rather, could be a tubular bag-shaped element.
- Various other configurations of surrounding wall 11 are known and are useable in accordance with the principles of this disclosure.
- package 10 has a top end 17 , which is the side of package 10 opposite bottom edge 15 .
- a resealable zipper 50 is present at top end 17 .
- Zipper 50 is present across a mouth of package 10 that provides access to interior 20 .
- Zipper closure 50 has first zipper profile 52 having a first profile member 56 and a second zipper profile 54 having a second profile member 58 ;
- first and second zipper profiles 52 , 54 are configured to be repeatedly sealed (e.g., closed, engaged, mated, etc.) and unsealed (e.g., opened, disengaged, unmated, etc.), for example, by pressure exerted by the user's fingers.
- first and second zipper profiles 52 , 54 are selectively sealable and resealable.
- zipper profiles 52 , 54 are configured to provide an indication, for example by color change, when they are sealed together.
- first zipper profile 52 is connected to first side panel 12 and second zipper profile 54 is connected to second side panel 14 .
- Zipper profiles 52 , 54 could be integral with their respective side panel 12 , 14 or could be attached thereto, for example, by a heat seal or adhesive.
- Zipper 50 , profiles 52 , 54 and profile members 56 , 58 are well known in the art. For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,524,002; 6,152,600; 5,839,831, and 5,252,281, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- zipper 50 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.
- package 10 includes a venting structure or venting feature 30 , positioned in and/or on at least one of side panels 12 , 14 to allow escape of gas (e.g., air) from interior 20 to the exterior of package 10 .
- Venting feature 30 may extend from side edge 16 to side edge 18 , or may end short of either or both edges 16 , 18 .
- venting feature 30 includes a venting tape 35 positioned over an area 13 of side panel 14 having fluid passageways or vents 100 therethrough.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of venting tape 35 removed from area 13 , thus exposing vents 100 in side panel 14 .
- Venting tape 35 is attached to side panel 14 in a manner leaving fluid passages 40 between tape 35 and side panel 14 .
- Venting feature 30 specifically venting tape 35 and vents 100 , provides a path for fluid flow from interior 20 of package 10 to the exterior of package 10 .
- the fluid to pass through venting feature 30 can be either or both gaseous or liquid. In most uses of package 10 , the fluid passing through venting feature 30 will be air with some entrained moisture.
- Vents 100 in area 13 may be any suitable shape or size, although the vents will generally be less than about 5 mm in their largest dimension, often less than about 3 mm.
- Three alternate configurations for vents 100 are illustrated in FIG. 3 .
- a first embodiment for vents 100 is crosses 110 . In this configuration, no material from side panel 14 is removed; rather, side panel 14 is merely cut, slit, punched or otherwise ruptured to allow air to flow through crosses 110 .
- a second embodiment for vents 100 is flaps 120 , which are illustrated as arcuate flaps in FIG. 3 . In this configuration, no material from side panel 14 is removed; rather, side panel 14 is merely cut, slit, punched or otherwise ruptured to define a flap that allows more air to flow therethrough than crosses 110 .
- a third embodiment for vents 100 is polygonal shaped apertures, which are illustrated as ovals or ellipses 130 .
- material is removed from side panel 14 to form a void or aperture in side panel 14 .
- Other polygons such as circles, rectangles, triangles, etc. could be used.
- FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged view of venting tape 35 , showing passages 40 intermittently spaced between attachment regions 45 (i.e., regions where venting tape 35 is attached to side panel 14 , such as by the application of heat and pressure). Each passage 40 is positioned between two adjacent attachment regions 45 .
- attachment regions 45 extend at least along the edges of venting tape 35 and preferably provide sufficient volume therebetween for fluid flow. Adherence of venting tape 35 to side panel 14 may be facilitated by adhesive in attachment regions 45 ; however, it is preferred not to have adhesive across the entire surface of venting tape 35 , as it may inhibit air flow.
- FIG. 4 illustrates fluid flow 60 through passages 40 .
- Venting feature 30 allows fluid, e.g., air, to be expelled from interior 20 while zipper 50 is fully sealed.
- the combination of vents 100 in side panel 14 and venting tape 35 , particularly passages 40 control the rate of fluid flow from interior 20 . It is understood that the flow through vents 100 and passages 40 can be modified by altering the characteristic(s), e.g., the dimensions, spacing, etc., of vents 100 and/or passages 40 .
- venting tape 35 is positioned on an exterior surface of side panel 14 ; it is understood that venting tape 35 could alternately be positioned on the interior surface of area 13 . It is believed that when venting tape 35 is positioned on the exterior of side panel 14 , air can easily pass out via venting feature 30 when pressure is applied, but air movement into interior 20 is difficult, which reduces the ingress of contaminants from outside of package 10 . It is also believed that when venting tape 35 is positioned on the exterior of side panel 14 , air can easily pass out from interior 20 via venting feature 30 when pressure is applied, but the flow of liquid is restricted. It should be understood that venting feature 30 could alternately be present in first panel 12 or both first panel 12 and second panel 14 .
- FIG. 6 A second embodiment of a package according to this disclosure is illustrated in FIG. 6 .
- Package 10 ′ is generally similar to package 10 .
- Features of package 10 ′ that are the same as those of package 10 retain the same reference numeral.
- Package 10 ′ has surrounding wall 11 defined by first side panel and an opposite side panel that are connected by side edges 15 , 16 , 18 .
- side edge 15 can be referred to as a bottom edge 15 .
- Package 10 ′ has top end 17 opposite bottom edge 15 .
- a resealable zipper 50 is present at top end 17 . The features of surrounding wall 11 , the side panels, side edges 15 , 16 , 18 , top end 17 and zipper 50 are as described above for package 10 .
- Package 10 ′ includes a venting feature 30 ′, positioned in and/or on at least one of the side panels to allow escape of air from the interior of package 10 ′.
- Venting feature 30 ′ provides a path for fluid flow from the interior of package 10 ′ to its exterior.
- the fluid to pass through venting feature 30 ′ can be either or both gaseous or liquid.
- Venting feature 30 ′ includes a first venting tape 35 ′ positioned over an area of the side panel having fluid passageways or vents 100 therethrough.
- venting feature 30 ′ includes a diffuser tape 55 positioned over first venting tape 35 ′.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of venting tape 35 ′ removed from the side panel, thus exposing vents 100 in the side panel.
- Vents 100 may be any suitable shape or size; vents 100 are illustrated as apertures having an oval or an ellipse shape.
- An alternate embodiment for vents 100 is crosses 110 slit or punched into tape 35 ′. Venting tape 35 ′ is attached to the side panel in a manner leaving fluid passages 40 between tape 35 ′ and the side panel.
- FIG. 6 also illustrates a portion of diffuser tape 55 removed from venting tape 35 ′, thus exposing micro-perforations 105 in venting tape 35 ′.
- Micro-perforations 105 may be any suitable shape or size, and is some embodiments, have a smaller area than vents 100 . In this embodiment, micro-perforations 105 are illustrated as crosses.
- An alternate embodiment for micro-perforations 105 is ovals 130 ′, similar to ovals 130 of venting tape 35 of package 10 .
- Micro-perforations 105 in venting tape 35 ′ increase the area available for fluid to leave the interior of package 10 ′ by providing a second means for escaping, i.e., through both fluid passages 40 and micro-perforations 105 .
- Diffuser tape 55 can also be attached to the side panel in a manner leaving various fluid passages between it and venting tape 35 ′.
- Venting feature 30 ′ allows fluid, e.g., air, to be expelled from the interior of package 10 ′ while zipper 50 is fully sealed.
- the combination of vents 100 in the side panel, micro-perforations 105 in venting tape 35 ′ and passages 40 , and diffuser tape 55 control the rate of fluid flow from the package interior.
- package 10 and package 10 ′ Various specific details of package 10 and package 10 ′ have been described. It is understood, however, that the previous descriptions are not limiting to features of package 10 , 10 ′ and alternate materials, constructions, and the like could be used to provide a package according to the present invention.
- package 10 , 10 ′ could optionally include a sealant stripe, such as a peal seal, which can be sealed, readily opened, and resealed, on an interior surface of panels 12 , 14 in close proximity to zipper 50 .
- a sealant stripe such as a peal seal
- 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.
- package 10 , 10 ′ could include a textured stand-off area in one or both of panel 12 , 14 .
- a textured stand-off area is particularly suitable for packages 10 that are configured for use in the freezer, e.g., temperatures below about 20° F.
- FIG. 5 illustrates package 10 in use, retaining an item 150 therein.
- Item 150 is illustrated as a food item, particularly, a chicken leg.
- zipper 50 is opened, if necessary, by unmating, unsealing, etc.
- first and second zipper profiles 52 , 54 are spread sufficiently far to place item 150 therebetween.
- Item 150 should be positioned between bottom edge 15 and venting feature 30 .
- Package 10 may be made by generally any suitable process.
- package 10 may be made by a horizontal process (e.g., where the film forming side panels 12 , 14 or surrounding wall 11 moves in a generally horizontal direction) or a vertical process (e.g., where the film forming side panels 12 , 14 or surrounding wall 11 moves in a generally vertical direction).
- Vents 100 will generally be present in side panel 12 , 14 at the beginning of the process. Venting tape 35 will typically be applied over vents 100 prior to forming edges 15 , 16 , 18 , and may be present at the beginning of the package-making process.
- any or all of edges 15 , 16 , 18 may be folds or seals between side panels 12 , 14 .
- zipper profiles 52 , 54 may be attached to side panels 12 , 14 before or after bottom edge 15 is formed.
- a slider device (if present) may be applied to zipper profiles 52 , 54 before or after incorporation with side panels 12 , 14 .
Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/743,093 filed Jan. 5, 2006 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/592,490, filed Nov. 2, 2006, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
- This disclosure relates to polymeric packages, and, in particular, to packages having a resealable closure arrangement and a venting feature, and methods of manufacturing and using the packages.
- Flexible polymeric packages may be used to hold a variety of products. Such products may be 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 after initial opening to preserve and contain the enclosed contents. Resealable packages are also advantageous because they extend the life of food products because they may be opened and closed (resealed) multiple times. Such packages are used in environments that include the refrigerator, freezer, and at room conditions.
- The present disclosure is directed to a reclosable package having a zipper closure. The package includes a venting feature that allows flow of fluid, such as air, from the interior of the package to the outside environment. In use, the venting feature is used to evacuate air from the interior of the package, without the need to open the zipper closure.
- In one particular aspect, the disclosure is to a polymeric package that has a surrounding wall having first and second side edges and a bottom edge, which together forming an interior for receiving items therein. A first zipper profile member and a second zipper profile member are on the surrounding wall opposite the bottom edge, defining a mouth through which access can be gained to the package interior. The package includes a venting feature on the surrounding wall, the venting feature comprising vents within the surrounding wall to provide fluid communication between the interior and a region exterior of the package, and a tape overlying the vents. The tape may be attached to the surrounding wall along longitudinal edges of the tape, and may be attached intermittently at attachment regions. Together, the tape and the surrounding wall define a plurality of passages to convey fluid from the package interior to the region exterior of the package.
- Various methods for using the package, and of making the package, are also described.
- These and various other features which 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.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a polymeric package according to the present disclosure; -
FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the package ofFIG. 1 taken along line A-A; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the polymeric package ofFIG. 1 illustrating a portion partially removed to facilitate understanding of its construction; -
FIG. 3 is a view similar toFIG. 2 , with three suitable alternate embodiments illustrated enlarged; -
FIG. 4 is a view similar toFIG. 1 , with an enlarged view of a portion of the package; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the package ofFIGS. 1-4 illustrating a method of using the package; and -
FIG. 6 is a view similar toFIG. 2 , illustrating an alternate package embodiment having two portions partially removed to facilitate understanding of its construction. - The present invention is directed to a variety of packaging arrangements, particularly, resealable packaging arrangements.
- Referring now to the figures, a package according to the present disclosure is illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 1 A. Package 10 has afirst side panel 12 and an opposite side panel 14 that are connected byside edges side edge 15 can be referred to as abottom edge 15.Side panels 12, 14 are flexible sheets, typically polymeric film. Examples of suitable films for use aspanels 12, 14 are well known, and include polyethylene, polypropylene, and the like. Laminated materials may also be used, which can include, but not limited to, low density polyethylene (LDPE) and nylon or LDPE and polypropylene. -
Side panels 12, 14 andside edges wall 11 having aninterior 20 therebetween.Interior 20 is configured for receiving a food item or other item(s) for storage withinpackage 10. - As provided above,
side panels 12, 14 meet atbottom edge 15 andside edges edges FIG. 1A ,bottom edge 15 is a fold betweenside panel 12 and side panel 14; that is, a sheet of material has been folded to formpanels 12, 14 andbottom edge 15. Typically, in constructions havingbottom edge 15 being a fold,side edges side panels 12, 14 are sealed to one another, for example by heat sealing. In other embodiments,side edge 16 is a folded edge andbottom edge 15 andside edge 18 are sealed. In yet other embodiments, bothside edges bottom edge 15 is sealed. Still further, embodiments ofpackage 10 could have each ofedges package 10. - Additionally, other configurations of surrounding
wall 11 could be used. For example, surroundingwall 11 may include side gussets or gussets inpanels 12, 14 to provide increased volume ininterior 20. Also for example, surroundingwall 11 may have nodiscernible side panels 12, 14 and/orside edges wall 11 are known and are useable in accordance with the principles of this disclosure. - Referring to
FIG. 1 ,package 10 has atop end 17, which is the side ofpackage 10opposite bottom edge 15. Attop end 17, aresealable zipper 50 is present. Zipper 50 is present across a mouth ofpackage 10 that provides access tointerior 20.Zipper closure 50 hasfirst zipper profile 52 having afirst profile member 56 and asecond zipper profile 54 having asecond profile member 58; first andsecond zipper profiles second zipper profiles zipper profiles - In the embodiment illustrated,
first zipper profile 52 is connected tofirst side panel 12 andsecond zipper profile 54 is connected to second side panel 14.Zipper profiles respective side panel 12, 14 or could be attached thereto, for example, by a heat seal or adhesive. Zipper 50,profiles profile members - Although not illustrated in the figures,
zipper 50 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. - Still referring to
FIGS. 1 and 1 A,package 10 includes a venting structure or ventingfeature 30, positioned in and/or on at least one ofside panels 12, 14 to allow escape of gas (e.g., air) from interior 20 to the exterior ofpackage 10. Ventingfeature 30 may extend fromside edge 16 toside edge 18, or may end short of either or bothedges - In this embodiment, venting
feature 30 includes a ventingtape 35 positioned over anarea 13 of side panel 14 having fluid passageways orvents 100 therethrough. To facilitate understanding of ventingfeature 30,FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of ventingtape 35 removed fromarea 13, thus exposingvents 100 in side panel 14. Ventingtape 35 is attached to side panel 14 in a manner leavingfluid passages 40 betweentape 35 and side panel 14. Ventingfeature 30, specifically ventingtape 35 and vents 100, provides a path for fluid flow frominterior 20 ofpackage 10 to the exterior ofpackage 10. The fluid to pass through ventingfeature 30 can be either or both gaseous or liquid. In most uses ofpackage 10, the fluid passing through ventingfeature 30 will be air with some entrained moisture. -
Vents 100 inarea 13 may be any suitable shape or size, although the vents will generally be less than about 5 mm in their largest dimension, often less than about 3 mm. Three alternate configurations forvents 100 are illustrated inFIG. 3 . A first embodiment forvents 100 is crosses 110. In this configuration, no material from side panel 14 is removed; rather, side panel 14 is merely cut, slit, punched or otherwise ruptured to allow air to flow throughcrosses 110. A second embodiment forvents 100 isflaps 120, which are illustrated as arcuate flaps inFIG. 3 . In this configuration, no material from side panel 14 is removed; rather, side panel 14 is merely cut, slit, punched or otherwise ruptured to define a flap that allows more air to flow therethrough than crosses 110. A third embodiment forvents 100 is polygonal shaped apertures, which are illustrated as ovals orellipses 130. In this configuration, material is removed from side panel 14 to form a void or aperture in side panel 14. Other polygons, such as circles, rectangles, triangles, etc. could be used. -
FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged view of ventingtape 35, showingpassages 40 intermittently spaced between attachment regions 45 (i.e., regions where ventingtape 35 is attached to side panel 14, such as by the application of heat and pressure). Eachpassage 40 is positioned between twoadjacent attachment regions 45. In the particular embodiment shown,attachment regions 45 extend at least along the edges of ventingtape 35 and preferably provide sufficient volume therebetween for fluid flow. Adherence of ventingtape 35 to side panel 14 may be facilitated by adhesive inattachment regions 45; however, it is preferred not to have adhesive across the entire surface of ventingtape 35, as it may inhibit air flow.FIG. 4 illustratesfluid flow 60 throughpassages 40. - Venting
feature 30 allows fluid, e.g., air, to be expelled from interior 20 whilezipper 50 is fully sealed. The combination ofvents 100 in side panel 14 and ventingtape 35, particularlypassages 40, control the rate of fluid flow frominterior 20. It is understood that the flow throughvents 100 andpassages 40 can be modified by altering the characteristic(s), e.g., the dimensions, spacing, etc., ofvents 100 and/orpassages 40. - In the illustrated embodiment, venting
tape 35 is positioned on an exterior surface of side panel 14; it is understood that ventingtape 35 could alternately be positioned on the interior surface ofarea 13. It is believed that when ventingtape 35 is positioned on the exterior of side panel 14, air can easily pass out via ventingfeature 30 when pressure is applied, but air movement intointerior 20 is difficult, which reduces the ingress of contaminants from outside ofpackage 10. It is also believed that when ventingtape 35 is positioned on the exterior of side panel 14, air can easily pass out from interior 20 via ventingfeature 30 when pressure is applied, but the flow of liquid is restricted. It should be understood that ventingfeature 30 could alternately be present infirst panel 12 or bothfirst panel 12 and second panel 14. - A second embodiment of a package according to this disclosure is illustrated in
FIG. 6 .Package 10′ is generally similar topackage 10. Features ofpackage 10′ that are the same as those ofpackage 10 retain the same reference numeral. -
Package 10′ has surroundingwall 11 defined by first side panel and an opposite side panel that are connected byside edges side edge 15 can be referred to as abottom edge 15.Package 10′ hastop end 17opposite bottom edge 15. Attop end 17, aresealable zipper 50 is present. The features of surroundingwall 11, the side panels, side edges 15, 16, 18,top end 17 andzipper 50 are as described above forpackage 10. -
Package 10′ includes aventing feature 30′, positioned in and/or on at least one of the side panels to allow escape of air from the interior ofpackage 10′. Ventingfeature 30′ provides a path for fluid flow from the interior ofpackage 10′ to its exterior. The fluid to pass through ventingfeature 30′ can be either or both gaseous or liquid. - Venting
feature 30′ includes afirst venting tape 35′ positioned over an area of the side panel having fluid passageways orvents 100 therethrough. In this embodiment, ventingfeature 30′ includes a diffuser tape 55 positioned over first ventingtape 35′. - To facilitate understanding of venting
feature 30′,FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of ventingtape 35′ removed from the side panel, thus exposingvents 100 in the side panel.Vents 100 may be any suitable shape or size;vents 100 are illustrated as apertures having an oval or an ellipse shape. An alternate embodiment forvents 100 iscrosses 110 slit or punched intotape 35′. Ventingtape 35′ is attached to the side panel in a manner leavingfluid passages 40 betweentape 35′ and the side panel. -
FIG. 6 also illustrates a portion of diffuser tape 55 removed from ventingtape 35′, thus exposing micro-perforations 105 in ventingtape 35′. Micro-perforations 105 may be any suitable shape or size, and is some embodiments, have a smaller area than vents 100. In this embodiment, micro-perforations 105 are illustrated as crosses. An alternate embodiment for micro-perforations 105 isovals 130′, similar toovals 130 of ventingtape 35 ofpackage 10. Micro-perforations 105 in ventingtape 35′ increase the area available for fluid to leave the interior ofpackage 10′ by providing a second means for escaping, i.e., through bothfluid passages 40 and micro-perforations 105. Diffuser tape 55 can also be attached to the side panel in a manner leaving various fluid passages between it and ventingtape 35′. - Venting
feature 30′ allows fluid, e.g., air, to be expelled from the interior ofpackage 10′ whilezipper 50 is fully sealed. The combination ofvents 100 in the side panel, micro-perforations 105 in ventingtape 35′ andpassages 40, and diffuser tape 55 control the rate of fluid flow from the package interior. - Various specific details of
package 10 andpackage 10′ have been described. It is understood, however, that the previous descriptions are not limiting to features ofpackage package panels 12, 14 in close proximity tozipper 50. 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. Such a seal could be used to decrease the possibility of leakage through the mouth ofpackage 10. Additionally or alternately,package panel 12, 14. Such a textured stand-off area is particularly suitable forpackages 10 that are configured for use in the freezer, e.g., temperatures below about 20° F. -
FIG. 5 illustratespackage 10 in use, retaining anitem 150 therein.Item 150 is illustrated as a food item, particularly, a chicken leg. To placeitem 150 inpackage 10, the general following procedure is followed:zipper 50 is opened, if necessary, by unmating, unsealing, etc. first and second zipper profiles 52, 54.Side panels 12, 14 are spread sufficiently far to placeitem 150 therebetween.Item 150 should be positioned betweenbottom edge 15 and ventingfeature 30. - After positioning
item 150 inpackage 10, it is optional to push or otherwise urge air present inpackage 10 out viazipper 50.Zipper 50 is sealed, providing a seal acrosspackage 10. When pressure is applied to package 10 in an area, such asarea 25 betweenbottom edge 15 andzipper 50, for example by the application of manual pressure by auser 170, at least some of the air remaining ininterior 20 ofpackage 10 is pushed through ventingfeature 30 and out from the interior ofpackage 10. In particular, air passes throughvents 100 and then throughpassages 40. -
Package 10 may be made by generally any suitable process. For example,package 10 may be made by a horizontal process (e.g., where the film formingside panels 12, 14 or surroundingwall 11 moves in a generally horizontal direction) or a vertical process (e.g., where the film formingside panels 12, 14 or surroundingwall 11 moves in a generally vertical direction).Vents 100 will generally be present inside panel 12, 14 at the beginning of the process. Ventingtape 35 will typically be applied overvents 100 prior to formingedges edges side panels 12, 14. If not integral withside panels 12, 14, zipper profiles 52, 54 may be attached toside panels 12, 14 before or afterbottom edge 15 is formed. Similarly, a slider device (if present) may be applied tozipper profiles side panels 12, 14. - The above specification and examples are believed to provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of particular embodiments of the invention. Because many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the true scope and spirit of the invention reside in the broad meaning of the claims hereinafter appended.
Claims (18)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/613,092 US20070263948A1 (en) | 2006-01-05 | 2006-12-19 | Ventable Package with Zipper Closure, and Methods |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US74309306P | 2006-01-05 | 2006-01-05 | |
US11/613,092 US20070263948A1 (en) | 2006-01-05 | 2006-12-19 | Ventable Package with Zipper Closure, and Methods |
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US20070263948A1 true US20070263948A1 (en) | 2007-11-15 |
Family
ID=38685219
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/613,092 Abandoned US20070263948A1 (en) | 2006-01-05 | 2006-12-19 | Ventable Package with Zipper Closure, and Methods |
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US (1) | US20070263948A1 (en) |
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US7874731B2 (en) * | 2007-06-15 | 2011-01-25 | S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. | Valve for a recloseable container |
US20140233868A1 (en) * | 2013-02-20 | 2014-08-21 | James P. Knutzon | Multi-compartment bag and method of making same |
US8985855B2 (en) | 2007-06-15 | 2015-03-24 | S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. | Valve and valve strip for a reclosable container |
BE1021415B1 (en) * | 2013-02-25 | 2015-11-18 | Osmana Besloten Vennootschap Met Beperkte Aansprakelijkheid | PLASTIC OIL AND BAG MADE OF SUCH FOIL AND USE THEREOF |
US20160101916A1 (en) * | 2013-10-03 | 2016-04-14 | Sergio Fernando Grijalva Varillas | Packaging for preserving fruits and vegetables, and manufacturing method |
US20160152400A1 (en) * | 2014-10-30 | 2016-06-02 | LaserSharp FlexPak Services, LLC | Hermetically sealed Microwave Package and Process |
WO2017042616A1 (en) * | 2015-09-07 | 2017-03-16 | Takigawa Corporation Japan | Side gusset bag including an air permeable tape |
US9782946B2 (en) | 2015-07-21 | 2017-10-10 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Laminate structure with access openings |
US20190233171A1 (en) * | 2018-01-30 | 2019-08-01 | Yang Keun YU | Portable apparatus of detecting counterfeit banknote, and zipper bag for easy air discharge |
US11167897B2 (en) * | 2019-10-16 | 2021-11-09 | Charlotte Squires | Contaminant resistant product packaging |
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US20230054277A1 (en) * | 2021-08-12 | 2023-02-23 | Cj Cheiljedang Corporation | Pouch for retort food |
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US20190233171A1 (en) * | 2018-01-30 | 2019-08-01 | Yang Keun YU | Portable apparatus of detecting counterfeit banknote, and zipper bag for easy air discharge |
US11780660B2 (en) * | 2019-08-05 | 2023-10-10 | Nazir Mir | Packaging for cooking food |
US11167897B2 (en) * | 2019-10-16 | 2021-11-09 | Charlotte Squires | Contaminant resistant product packaging |
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