US20090154846A1 - Ventable package with zipper closure, and methods - Google Patents
Ventable package with zipper closure, and methods Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090154846A1 US20090154846A1 US12/389,941 US38994109A US2009154846A1 US 20090154846 A1 US20090154846 A1 US 20090154846A1 US 38994109 A US38994109 A US 38994109A US 2009154846 A1 US2009154846 A1 US 2009154846A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- package
- interior
- vents
- air
- venting
- 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
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 19
- 238000013022 venting Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 40
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 abstract description 15
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 5
- -1 medical supplies Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229920001684 low density polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 239000004702 low-density polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- UIIMBOGNXHQVGW-UHFFFAOYSA-M Sodium bicarbonate Chemical compound [Na+].OC([O-])=O UIIMBOGNXHQVGW-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 235000000346 sugar Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 241000287828 Gallus gallus Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013351 cheese Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000012495 crackers Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000003599 detergent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013312 flour Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000010348 incorporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002648 laminated material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013372 meat Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 150000003839 salts Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 239000004576 sand Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000565 sealant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910000030 sodium bicarbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 235000017557 sodium bicarbonate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000002639 sodium chloride Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
-
- 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
-
- 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
- B65D2205/025—Venting holes having a removable label, sticker or adhesive foil covering the hole
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. Examples of such products include a variety of edible food products such as cheese, meat, crackers, granular sugar, powdered sugar, flour, salt, and baking soda, and 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 opening to contain the enclosed contents. Resealable packages are also advantageous in that they extend the life of food products because they can be opened and closed (resealed) multiple times. Resealable polymeric packages are used in environments that include the refrigerator, freezer, and at room conditions.
- the present disclosure is directed to reclosable packages having a zipper closure.
- the packages include a venting feature that allows flow of fluid, such as air, form the interior of the packages to the outside environment. In use, the venting feature is used to evacuate air from the interior of the packages, without the need to open the zipper closure.
- the disclosure is to a polymeric package that has a surrounding wall and a bottom edge, which together form an interior for receiving items therein.
- a first zipper profile member and a second zipper profile member are present on the surrounding wall opposite the bottom edge. Access can be gained to the interior through the mouth that is defined between the zipper profile members.
- the package includes a venting feature on the surrounding wall, the venting feature comprising a plurality of vents within the surrounding wall to provide fluid communication between the interior and the 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/or may be attached intermittently at attachment regions. Together, the tape and the surrounding wall define a plurality of passages that provide fluid communication between the package interior and the exterior of the package. The passages allow fluid from the package interior to flow to the exterior of the package, and vice versa.
- 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 of FIG. 1 ;
- 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 of the polymeric package similar to FIG. 2 , with three suitable alternate embodiments illustrated enlarged;
- FIG. 4 is a view of the polymeric package 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.
- the present invention is directed to a variety of resealable polymeric packaging arrangements, methods of making the packages and methods of using the packages.
- FIGS. 1 and 1A a package according to the present disclosure is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 1A .
- Package 10 has a first side panel 12 and an opposite second side panel 14 that are connected at 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 polymeric films for panels 12 , 14 are well known, and include polyethylene, polypropylene, and the like. Laminated materials may also be used, which can include, but are not limited to, low density polyethylene (LDPE) and nylon or LDPE and polypropylene.
- LDPE low density polyethylene
- nylon or LDPE polypropylene
- Interior 20 is configured for receiving item(s), for example a food item, 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 to interior 20 .
- surrounding wall 11 may have no discernible side panels 12 , 14 , but rather, could be a tubular bag-shaped element.
- Various other configurations of surrounding walls 11 are known and are suitable for packages 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.
- Zippers 50 , profiles 52 , 54 and profile members 56 , 58 are well known in the art; see for example, 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 closure 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 feature 30 , positioned in and/or on surrounding wall 11 , e.g., in and/or on at least one of side panels 12 , 14 , to allow escape of 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 allowing 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 or concave flaps in FIG. 3 .
- vents 100 is polygonal apertures 130 , which are illustrated as ovals or ellipses. In this configuration, material is removed from side panel 14 to form a void 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 will 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 closure 50 is sealed.
- the combination of vents 100 in surrounding wall 11 , (e.g., 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, e.g., the dimensions, shaped, 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.
- package 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 surrounding wall 11 , such as panels 12 , 14 , in close proximity to zipper closure 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 could include a textured stand-off area in surrounding wall 11 , such as 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 through the mouth and between panels 12 , 14 .
- Item 150 should preferably 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 surrounding wall 11 moves in a generally horizontal direction) or a vertical process (e.g., where the film forming surrounding wall 11 moves in a generally vertical direction).
- Vents 100 will generally be present in surrounding wall 11 (e.g., one or both of side panels 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
A reclosable polymeric package having a zipper closure at its mouth and a venting feature that allows air or other fluid to be vented from the package interior when the zipper closure is sealed. In one example, the venting feature includes vents covered by a tape intermittently secured to the package to define fluid passageways. Methods of use are provided.
Description
- This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/592,490, filed Nov. 2, 2006, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/735,780, filed on Nov. 12, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference in its 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. Examples of such products include a variety of edible food products such as cheese, meat, crackers, granular sugar, powdered sugar, flour, salt, and baking soda, and 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 opening to contain the enclosed contents. Resealable packages are also advantageous in that they extend the life of food products because they can be opened and closed (resealed) multiple times. Resealable polymeric packages are used in environments that include the refrigerator, freezer, and at room conditions.
- The present disclosure is directed to reclosable packages having a zipper closure. The packages include a venting feature that allows flow of fluid, such as air, form the interior of the packages to the outside environment. In use, the venting feature is used to evacuate air from the interior of the packages, without the need to open the zipper closure.
- In one particular aspect, the disclosure is to a polymeric package that has a surrounding wall and a bottom edge, which together form an interior for receiving items therein. A first zipper profile member and a second zipper profile member are present on the surrounding wall opposite the bottom edge. Access can be gained to the interior through the mouth that is defined between the zipper profile members. The package includes a venting feature on the surrounding wall, the venting feature comprising a plurality of vents within the surrounding wall to provide fluid communication between the interior and the 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/or may be attached intermittently at attachment regions. Together, the tape and the surrounding wall define a plurality of passages that provide fluid communication between the package interior and the exterior of the package. The passages allow fluid from the package interior to flow to the exterior of the package, and vice versa.
- 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.
-
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 ofFIG. 1 ; -
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 of the polymeric package similar toFIG. 2 , with three suitable alternate embodiments illustrated enlarged; -
FIG. 4 is a view of the polymeric package similar toFIG. 1 , with an enlarged view of a portion of the package; and -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the package ofFIGS. 1-4 illustrating a method of using the package. - The present invention is directed to a variety of resealable polymeric packaging arrangements, methods of making the packages and methods of using the packages.
- Referring now to the figures, a package according to the present disclosure is illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 1A .Package 10 has afirst side panel 12 and an oppositesecond side panel 14 that are connected atside edges side edge 15 can be referred to as abottom edge 15.Side panels panels -
Side panels side edges wall 11 having aninterior 20 therebetween.Interior 20 is configured for receiving item(s), for example a food item, for storage withinpackage 10. - As provided above,
side panels bottom edge 15 andside edges edges FIG. 1A ,bottom edge 15 is a fold betweenside panel 12 andside panel 14; that is, a sheet of material has been folded to formpanels bottom edge 15. Typically, in constructions withbottom edge 15 being a fold,side edges side panels side edge 16 is a folded edge andbottom edge 15 andside edge 18 are sealed. In yet another embodiment, 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 interior 20. Also for example, surroundingwall 11 may have nodiscernible side panels walls 11 are known and are suitable for packages in accordance with the principles of this disclosure. - Returning 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. Referring toFIG. 1A ,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 tosecond side panel 14. Zipper profiles 52, 54 could be integral with theirrespective side panel Zippers 50, profiles 52, 54 andprofile members - Although not illustrated in the figures,
zipper closure 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 1A ,package 10 includes a venting structure orfeature 30, positioned in and/or on surroundingwall 11, e.g., in and/or on at least one ofside panels package 10. If present in and/or on at least one ofside panels feature 30 may extend fromside edge 16 toside edge 18, or may end short of either or bothedges - In the illustrated embodiment, venting
feature 30 includes a ventingtape 35 positioned over anarea 13 ofside 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 inside panel 14. Ventingtape 35 is attached toside panel 14 in a manner allowingfluid passages 40 betweentape 35 andside 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 fromside 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 or concave flaps inFIG. 3 . In this configuration, no material fromside 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 throughcrosses 110. A third embodiment forvents 100 ispolygonal apertures 130, which are illustrated as ovals or ellipses. In this configuration, material is removed fromside panel 14 to form a void inside 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 toside 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 toside 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 will 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 closure 50 is sealed. The combination ofvents 100 in surroundingwall 11, (e.g., 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, e.g., the dimensions, shaped, spacing, etc. ofvents 100 and/orpassages 40. - In the illustrated embodiment, venting
tape 35 is positioned on an exterior surface ofside 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 ofside 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 ofside panel 14, air can easily pass out from interior 20 via ventingfeature 30 when pressure is applied, but the flow of liquid is restricted. - Various specific details of
package 10 have been described. It is understood, however, that the previous descriptions are not limiting to features ofpackage 10, and alternate materials, constructions, and the like could be used to provide a package according to the present invention. For example,package 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 surroundingwall 11, such aspanels zipper closure 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 10 could include a textured stand-off area in surroundingwall 11, such as in one or both ofpanel packages 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 item 150 through the mouth and betweenpanels Item 150 should preferably 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 via unsealedzipper 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 frominterior 20 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 surrounding wall 11 moves in a generally horizontal direction) or a vertical process (e.g., where the film forming surroundingwall 11 moves in a generally vertical direction).Vents 100 will generally be present in surrounding wall 11 (e.g., one or both ofside panels 12, 14) at the beginning of the process. Ventingtape 35 will typically be applied overvents 100 prior to formingedges edges side panels side panels side panels bottom edge 15 is formed. Similarly, a slider device (if present) may be applied tozipper profiles side panels - 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 (6)
1. A method of using a package, comprising:
(a) providing a package having an interior, a resealable zipper extending across a mouth of the package and a venting feature including vents and a tape covering the vents;
(b) placing an item in the interior through the mouth of the package;
(c) closing the resealable zipper after the item is in the interior; and
(d) expelling air from the interior through the venting feature.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein expelling air from the interior through the venting feature includes squeezing the package to urge air through the vents and around the tape.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein expelling air includes pushing air through the vents and through passages defined by areas between intermittent attachment regions securing the tape to the package.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein expelling air from the interior through the venting feature includes pushing air through cross-shaped vents.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein expelling air from the interior through the venting feature includes pushing air through flaps.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein expelling air from the interior through the venting feature includes pushing air through polygonal-shaped vents.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/389,941 US20090154846A1 (en) | 2005-11-12 | 2009-02-20 | Ventable package with zipper closure, and methods |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US73578005P | 2005-11-12 | 2005-11-12 | |
US11/592,490 US20070110343A1 (en) | 2005-11-12 | 2006-11-02 | Ventable package with zipper closure, and methods |
US12/389,941 US20090154846A1 (en) | 2005-11-12 | 2009-02-20 | Ventable package with zipper closure, and methods |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/592,490 Division US20070110343A1 (en) | 2005-11-12 | 2006-11-02 | Ventable package with zipper closure, and methods |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20090154846A1 true US20090154846A1 (en) | 2009-06-18 |
Family
ID=38040879
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/592,490 Abandoned US20070110343A1 (en) | 2005-11-12 | 2006-11-02 | Ventable package with zipper closure, and methods |
US12/389,941 Abandoned US20090154846A1 (en) | 2005-11-12 | 2009-02-20 | Ventable package with zipper closure, and methods |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/592,490 Abandoned US20070110343A1 (en) | 2005-11-12 | 2006-11-02 | Ventable package with zipper closure, and methods |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20070110343A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090297071A1 (en) * | 2008-05-28 | 2009-12-03 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Flexible bag with vent for pressure release |
KR200457241Y1 (en) * | 2010-01-28 | 2011-12-12 | 김병구 | Salt storage pack having separation structure of bittern |
US20120008885A1 (en) * | 2008-11-26 | 2012-01-12 | Karatzis S.A. | Packaging bag |
US20130077895A1 (en) * | 2011-09-28 | 2013-03-28 | Bo-Xin Jian | Heatable package bag |
US20160152400A1 (en) * | 2014-10-30 | 2016-06-02 | LaserSharp FlexPak Services, LLC | Hermetically sealed Microwave Package and Process |
US9782946B2 (en) | 2015-07-21 | 2017-10-10 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Laminate structure with access openings |
Families Citing this family (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100040308A1 (en) * | 2004-03-09 | 2010-02-18 | Mclellan Robert | Freeze and heat food preportioning bag |
US20070263948A1 (en) * | 2006-01-05 | 2007-11-15 | Buchman James E | Ventable Package with Zipper Closure, and Methods |
US8197139B2 (en) | 2007-06-15 | 2012-06-12 | S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. | Valve and valve strip for a reclosable container |
US7874731B2 (en) * | 2007-06-15 | 2011-01-25 | S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. | Valve for a recloseable container |
US20090257685A1 (en) * | 2008-04-14 | 2009-10-15 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Flexible storage bag with vent between two zipper |
US8061898B2 (en) * | 2008-07-15 | 2011-11-22 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Venting closure mechanism |
US8662334B2 (en) * | 2008-10-29 | 2014-03-04 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Vacuum storage container with flexible diaphragm |
US20130270146A1 (en) * | 2010-12-23 | 2013-10-17 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Collapsible article container |
US9446893B2 (en) * | 2012-04-29 | 2016-09-20 | Vp Sheets Ltd. | Sheet material with integrally formed one-way valve |
CN104803106A (en) * | 2014-01-24 | 2015-07-29 | 大连竹菱包装工业有限公司 | Steaming-boiling bag capable of pre-storing food for microwave oven |
US20180327161A1 (en) * | 2017-05-11 | 2018-11-15 | Relish Labs, LLC | Meal-kit preparation and shipping system |
Citations (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3989853A (en) * | 1973-09-17 | 1976-11-02 | Forkner John H | Method for expanding confections in a package |
US4206870A (en) * | 1978-12-08 | 1980-06-10 | Quad Corporation | Pressure relief valve |
US5553942A (en) * | 1994-03-11 | 1996-09-10 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Laminate for producing packaging containers |
US5829884A (en) * | 1997-06-19 | 1998-11-03 | Innoflex Incorporated | Form fill and seal package with one-way vent |
US6010244A (en) * | 1997-11-10 | 2000-01-04 | Tenneco Packaging Inc. | Vented reclosable bag |
US6021624A (en) * | 1990-04-27 | 2000-02-08 | Kapak Corporation | Vented pouch arrangement and method |
US6059457A (en) * | 1998-01-02 | 2000-05-09 | Com-Pac International, Inc. | Evacuable storage bag with integral zipper seal |
US6358731B1 (en) * | 1999-10-20 | 2002-03-19 | Wei K. Hsu | Sterilizable cultivation system with separately attachable microfiltration membrane |
US20040000502A1 (en) * | 2002-06-28 | 2004-01-01 | Shah Ketan N. | Recloseable storage bag with user-deformable air vent |
US20040188310A1 (en) * | 2003-03-31 | 2004-09-30 | Peter Hamilton | Ventable storage bag |
US20040234173A1 (en) * | 2003-05-19 | 2004-11-25 | Saad Zain E.M. | Closure device for a reclosable pouch |
US20050172577A1 (en) * | 2004-01-13 | 2005-08-11 | Oltrogge John P. | User installable vacuum seal apparatus for storage bags |
Family Cites Families (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3085608A (en) * | 1959-06-25 | 1963-04-16 | Gen Motors Corp | Bag of permeable plastic material |
GB1457429A (en) * | 1973-07-30 | 1976-12-01 | British Visqueen Ltd | Vented bags |
US3989182A (en) * | 1976-02-12 | 1976-11-02 | Great Plains Bag Corporation | Vented bag |
US4470153A (en) * | 1982-03-08 | 1984-09-04 | St. Regis Paper Company | Multiwall pouch bag with vent strip |
US5252281A (en) * | 1992-11-12 | 1993-10-12 | Reynolds Consumer Products Inc. | Apparatus and method for manufacture of a multi-colored closure member of a closure profile |
US5788378A (en) * | 1996-09-27 | 1998-08-04 | Tenneco Packaging Specialty And Consumer Products Inc. | Reclosable stand-up bag |
US5839831A (en) * | 1997-02-06 | 1998-11-24 | Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. | Flexible package having improved gripper ridges and methods thereof |
US6131248A (en) * | 1998-03-13 | 2000-10-17 | Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. | Peelable seal on closure mechanism and method therefor |
US6126975A (en) * | 1998-08-07 | 2000-10-03 | General Mills, Inc. | Container for storing fine particles |
US6152600A (en) * | 1998-11-03 | 2000-11-28 | Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. | Particle-tolerating closure arrangement for reclosable bag and methods thereof |
US6210038B1 (en) * | 1998-11-03 | 2001-04-03 | Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. | Closure arrangement having a peelable seal indicator |
US6290393B1 (en) * | 2000-07-21 | 2001-09-18 | Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. | Slider reclosable packages with dual peel seals |
JP2004521030A (en) * | 2000-07-31 | 2004-07-15 | レイノルズ コンシューマー プロダクツ,インコーポレイテッド | Slider device, packaging container and method |
US6679027B2 (en) * | 2000-11-29 | 2004-01-20 | Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. | Resealable closure mechanism having a slider device and methods |
US6450686B1 (en) * | 2000-11-29 | 2002-09-17 | Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. | Resealable package having a reinforced slider device |
USD480988S1 (en) * | 2002-07-03 | 2003-10-21 | Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. | Slider device for resealable closure |
USD479467S1 (en) * | 2003-01-14 | 2003-09-09 | Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. | Slider device for resealable closure |
TW583985U (en) * | 2003-06-02 | 2004-04-11 | Chin-Liang Lin | Collection bag for bio protection |
AR046175A1 (en) * | 2004-10-07 | 2005-11-30 | Celomat S A | A UNIDIRECTIONAL PRESSURE RELEASE VALVE APPLICABLE TO A CONTAINER CONTAINING A PRODUCT THAT ISSUING GASES, IN WHICH A FLUID HALF AND AN AIR BUBBLE COEXIST, AND A CONTAINER THAT INCLUDES THIS VALVE |
-
2006
- 2006-11-02 US US11/592,490 patent/US20070110343A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2009
- 2009-02-20 US US12/389,941 patent/US20090154846A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3989853A (en) * | 1973-09-17 | 1976-11-02 | Forkner John H | Method for expanding confections in a package |
US4206870A (en) * | 1978-12-08 | 1980-06-10 | Quad Corporation | Pressure relief valve |
US6021624A (en) * | 1990-04-27 | 2000-02-08 | Kapak Corporation | Vented pouch arrangement and method |
US5553942A (en) * | 1994-03-11 | 1996-09-10 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Laminate for producing packaging containers |
US5829884A (en) * | 1997-06-19 | 1998-11-03 | Innoflex Incorporated | Form fill and seal package with one-way vent |
US6010244A (en) * | 1997-11-10 | 2000-01-04 | Tenneco Packaging Inc. | Vented reclosable bag |
US6059457A (en) * | 1998-01-02 | 2000-05-09 | Com-Pac International, Inc. | Evacuable storage bag with integral zipper seal |
US6358731B1 (en) * | 1999-10-20 | 2002-03-19 | Wei K. Hsu | Sterilizable cultivation system with separately attachable microfiltration membrane |
US20040000502A1 (en) * | 2002-06-28 | 2004-01-01 | Shah Ketan N. | Recloseable storage bag with user-deformable air vent |
US6983845B2 (en) * | 2002-06-28 | 2006-01-10 | S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. | Recloseable storage bag with user-deformable air vent |
US20040188310A1 (en) * | 2003-03-31 | 2004-09-30 | Peter Hamilton | Ventable storage bag |
US7004632B2 (en) * | 2003-03-31 | 2006-02-28 | The Glad Products Company | Ventable storage bag |
US20040234173A1 (en) * | 2003-05-19 | 2004-11-25 | Saad Zain E.M. | Closure device for a reclosable pouch |
US20050172577A1 (en) * | 2004-01-13 | 2005-08-11 | Oltrogge John P. | User installable vacuum seal apparatus for storage bags |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090297071A1 (en) * | 2008-05-28 | 2009-12-03 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Flexible bag with vent for pressure release |
US20120008885A1 (en) * | 2008-11-26 | 2012-01-12 | Karatzis S.A. | Packaging bag |
KR200457241Y1 (en) * | 2010-01-28 | 2011-12-12 | 김병구 | Salt storage pack having separation structure of bittern |
US20130077895A1 (en) * | 2011-09-28 | 2013-03-28 | Bo-Xin Jian | Heatable package bag |
US9718600B2 (en) * | 2011-09-28 | 2017-08-01 | Air-Bag Packing Co., Ltd. | Heatable package bag |
US20160152400A1 (en) * | 2014-10-30 | 2016-06-02 | LaserSharp FlexPak Services, LLC | Hermetically sealed Microwave Package and Process |
US9782946B2 (en) | 2015-07-21 | 2017-10-10 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Laminate structure with access openings |
US10052839B2 (en) | 2015-07-21 | 2018-08-21 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Laminate structure with access openings |
US10369764B2 (en) | 2015-07-21 | 2019-08-06 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Laminate structure with access openings |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20070110343A1 (en) | 2007-05-17 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20090154846A1 (en) | Ventable package with zipper closure, and methods | |
US20070263948A1 (en) | Ventable Package with Zipper Closure, and Methods | |
CA2490624C (en) | Recloseable storage bag with porous evacuation portal | |
US6983845B2 (en) | Recloseable storage bag with user-deformable air vent | |
CA2635090C (en) | Airtight closure mechanism for a reclosable pouch | |
US7967509B2 (en) | Pouch with a valve | |
US20070110340A1 (en) | Tamper evident polymeric package with zipper closure and valve, and methods | |
CA2672330C (en) | Venting closure mechanism | |
US8613547B2 (en) | Packages having bubble-shaped closures | |
US6932509B2 (en) | Recloseable storage bag with secondary closure members | |
US7946766B2 (en) | Offset closure mechanism for a reclosable pouch | |
US6231236B1 (en) | Resealable package having venting structure and methods | |
CA2577455C (en) | Reclosable pouch and zipper for a reclosable pouch | |
US8529129B2 (en) | Closure element for a pouch | |
US9745103B2 (en) | Wide mouth gusseted pouches | |
US8196269B2 (en) | Closure mechanism for a recloseable pouch | |
CZ291164B6 (en) | Thermoplastic bag | |
CA2693764C (en) | Packages having fluid-filled chamber closures | |
EP1132311A2 (en) | Reclosable, package having zipper closure, slider device and tampers-evident structure and methods | |
CA2652185C (en) | Closure mechanism for a reclosable pouch | |
WO2008142508A1 (en) | Vent for resealable plastic bags |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |