US20130016924A1 - Vacuum clip for storage bags - Google Patents
Vacuum clip for storage bags Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130016924A1 US20130016924A1 US13/525,986 US201213525986A US2013016924A1 US 20130016924 A1 US20130016924 A1 US 20130016924A1 US 201213525986 A US201213525986 A US 201213525986A US 2013016924 A1 US2013016924 A1 US 2013016924A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tongue
- storage bag
- clip apparatus
- body member
- body members
- 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.)
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
- B65B31/04—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied
- B65B31/046—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied the nozzles co-operating, or being combined, with a device for opening or closing the container or wrapper
- B65B31/048—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied the nozzles co-operating, or being combined, with a device for opening or closing the container or wrapper specially adapted for wrappers or bags
Definitions
- the present invention relates to storage systems for perishable goods and, more particularly, to an apparatus configured to seal a storage bag.
- Non-dry goods are prone to spoiling if exposed to air.
- Food being frozen can also be subject to the condition known as freezer burn, which occurs when ice crystals form on food, drawing out the moisture within and leaving the food dried out. Both problems can be remedied by separating food from outside air in a storage bag. However, even the air within a storage bag is sufficient to cause food spoilage or freezer burn.
- a clip apparatus for sealing storage bags includes a first body member, a second body member, a valve, a tongue, and a seal member.
- the first body member includes a first operating end.
- the second body member has a second operating end and is pivotally coupled with the first body member.
- the first and second body members move between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the first and second operating ends are disengaged. In the closed position, the first and second operating ends are engaged and sealed together to define an internal space.
- the valve is configured to enable selective fluid communication between the internal space and the exterior environment around the clip apparatus.
- the tongue is disposed at least partially between the first and second body members.
- the tongue engages an interior of a storage bag and includes a flow passage extending between the internal space and the interior of the storage bag when the first and second body members are in the closed position.
- the seal member is located between the first and second body members and seals the internal space at least partially around the tongue.
- the tongue may be hingedly coupled to one of the first and second body members. Alternatively, the tongue may be slidably mounted within the first and second body members. In this regard, the tongue may be slid into and out of an opening in a storage bag to evacuate air from the storage bag.
- the tongue may also include a sharp leading edge configured to cut an opening into a storage bag.
- a system for sealing storage bags may include the clip apparatus and a vacuum pump.
- a clip apparatus for sealing storage bags in another embodiment, includes a body member having a sealed internal space and a valve communicating with the sealed internal space.
- a tongue extends from the body member and includes a flow passage communicating with the sealed internal space.
- the clip apparatus also includes first and second arms pivotally coupled to the body member and including respective first and second sealing gaskets configured to sealingly engage the tongue. When a storage bag is placed over the tongue, the first and second sealing gaskets seal the bag at the first and second arms.
- the first and second sealing gaskets may be biased together by a biasing member such as magnets.
- a method of evacuating a storage bag with a clip apparatus includes rotating first and second body members to an open position spaced from a tongue, and inserting the tongue through an opening in the storage bag. The first and second body members are then rotated to a closed position sealing the storage bag against the tongue. Finally, air may be forced from the storage bag through the tongue and a valve in the clip apparatus to thereby evacuate the bag.
- FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a clip apparatus in an open position in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the clip apparatus of FIG. 1A in a closed position.
- FIG. 2 is a rear side view of the clip apparatus of FIG. 1A .
- FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the clip apparatus of FIG. 1A .
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tongue of the clip apparatus of FIG. 1A .
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the clip apparatus of FIG. 1A .
- FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the clip apparatus of FIG. 1A in an open position adjacent a storage bag.
- FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the clip apparatus of FIG. 6A , where the clip apparatus is attached to the storage bag.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a vacuum pump configured for use with the clip apparatus of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the vacuum pump of FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a system including the vacuum pump of FIG. 7 coupled with the clip apparatus of FIG. 1A .
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the system of FIG. 9 .
- FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the system of FIG. 9 attached to a storage bag with a hand demonstrating the use of the vacuum pump.
- FIG. 12 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a clip apparatus.
- FIG. 13A is a perspective view of the clip apparatus of FIG. 12 in an open position adjacent a storage bag.
- FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the clip apparatus of FIG. 13A , where the clip apparatus is attached to the storage bag.
- FIG. 14 is an enlarged side view of area 14 of the clip apparatus and storage bag of FIG. 13B , illustrating an interlocking zipper of the storage bag within the clip.
- FIG. 15 is a side view of a clip apparatus in the open position according to another embodiment.
- FIG. 16 is a front view of the clip apparatus of FIG. 15 in the closed position.
- FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional side view of the clip apparatus of FIG. 15 .
- FIG. 18A is a perspective view of a locking member of the clip apparatus of FIG. 15 .
- FIG. 18B is a partial cross-sectional side view of the clip apparatus and locking member of FIG. 18A in an engaged position.
- FIG. 19A is a perspective view of a tongue housing of a clip apparatus according to another embodiment.
- FIG. 19B is a perspective view of a tongue of the clip apparatus of FIG. 19A .
- FIG. 20A is a schematic side view of the clip apparatus of FIG. 19A in a first position with a storage bag inserted into the clip apparatus.
- FIG. 20B is a schematic side view of the clip apparatus of FIG. 20A moved to a second position with the storage bag further inserted into the clip apparatus.
- FIG. 20C is a schematic side view of the clip apparatus of FIG. 20B moved to a third position and illustrating the flow path of air from the storage bag.
- FIG. 21A is a schematic side view of another embodiment of a clip apparatus, with a storage bag inserted into the tongue housing.
- FIG. 21B is a schematic side view of the clip apparatus of FIG. 21A , with the clip apparatus closed on the storage bag.
- FIG. 21C is a schematic side view of the clip apparatus of FIG. 21B , with the tongue inserted into the storage bag.
- FIG. 21D is a schematic side view of the clip apparatus of FIG. 21C , with the clip apparatus attached to a vacuum pump for removing air from the storage bag.
- FIG. 21E is a schematic side view of the clip apparatus of FIG. 21D , with the tongue retracted from the storage bag.
- FIG. 22A is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a clip apparatus, with the clip apparatus in the closed position.
- FIG. 22B is a perspective view of the clip apparatus of FIG. 22A , with the clip apparatus in the open position.
- FIG. 22C is a side view of the clip apparatus of FIG. 22A .
- FIG. 22D is a longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the clip apparatus of FIG. 22A .
- FIGS. 1A-5 show one embodiment of a clip apparatus 100 for sealing storage bags 200 containing perishable items such as foodstuffs.
- storage bag in this application refers to any bag or container configured to contain a perishable item, including but not limited to freezer bags and sandwich bags.
- the clip apparatus 100 includes a first body member 101 and a second body member 102 .
- the first body member 101 includes a first operating end 106 and the second body member 102 includes a corresponding or second operating end 107 .
- the first body member 101 and the second body member 102 are pivotally coupled at a hinge 105 .
- first body member 101 and the second body member 102 may be pivotally coupled by other known methods including a unitary flexing connection section such as those used with binder clips, in other embodiments.
- the first body member 101 and the second body member 102 rotate about each other at the hinge 105 between an open position and a closed position.
- first and second operating ends 106 , 107 are disengaged and spaced from each other.
- first and second operating ends 106 , 107 are engaged and sealed together to form an internal space sealed between the first and second operating ends 106 , 107 .
- a partially tubular member herein referred to as a tongue 103 .
- the tongue 103 is coupled to at least one of the first and second body members 101 , 102 adjacent the hinge 105 in the illustrated embodiment.
- a recess 104 formed within the second body member 102 adjacent the second operating end 107 allows the tongue 103 to extend beyond the first and second operating ends 106 , 107 when the first and second body members are in the closed position of FIG. 1B .
- the recess 104 may be formed in the first body member 101 or at least partially in each of the first and second body members 101 , 102 in other embodiments.
- the first body member 101 further includes a valve 120 disposed adjacent to the first operating end 106 .
- the valve 120 may be a one-way check valve 120 that allows air to flow out of the internal space in the clip apparatus 100 but not into the internal space.
- the first body member 101 includes a first handle 113 and the second body member 102 includes a second handle 114 .
- the first and second handles 113 , 114 are disposed on an opposite side of the hinge 105 from the first and second operating ends 106 , 107 .
- the hinge 105 thus acts as a pivot point for the first and second body members 101 , 102 .
- the first body member 101 and second body member 102 swing apart at the first and second operating ends 106 , 107 .
- the first handle 113 is angled with respect to the first operating end 106
- the second handle 114 is generally in the same plane as the second operating end 107 .
- the second body member 102 thus defines a planar support surface 108 configured to support the clip apparatus 100 on a flat surface. It will be appreciated that each of the handles 113 , 114 could be angled or planar with respect to the operating ends 106 , 107 in alternative embodiments of the invention.
- the clip apparatus 100 may also include a spring 116 engaging the first body member 101 and the second body member 102 .
- the spring 116 biases the first and second body members 101 , 102 towards the closed position of FIG. 1B such that when pressure is not being applied to the first and second handles 113 , 114 , the first and second operating ends 106 , 107 are pressed together.
- the spring 116 is shown as a torsion spring 116 having first and second legs 116 a, 116 b respectively engaging the first and second handles 113 , 114 , but alternative types of springs such as compression springs mounted between the first and second handles 113 , 114 may be used in other embodiments.
- the exploded view of the clip apparatus 100 in FIG. 3 illustrates that the first body member 101 includes notches 117 configured to engage an opening 202 of a storage bag 200 , as will be described in detail below.
- the notches 117 could alternatively be formed in the second body member 102 or at least partially in each of the first and second body members 101 , 102 in other embodiments.
- the clip apparatus 100 further includes a seal member 118 located between the first and second body members 101 , 102 .
- the seal member 118 may be a rubberized gasket configured to seal the internal space at least partially between the first and second operating ends 106 , 107 from ambient air at the recess 104 and the notches 117 .
- the seal member 118 includes raised portions 118 a adjacent to the notches 117 to engage the notches 117 and configured to compress appropriately to permit a storage bag 200 or the end portion thereof to pass through the notches 117 without compromising the seal of the internal space.
- FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the tongue 103 in further detail.
- the tongue 103 includes a tongue body 121 and a tongue end 122 .
- the tongue 103 also includes a first orifice 109 in the tongue end 122 and a second orifice 110 in a top surface 123 of the tongue body 121 .
- a flow passage 124 is defined in the tongue 103 between the first orifice 109 and the second orifice 110 .
- the tongue body 121 may also include a pivot mount 126 spaced from the tongue end 122 , the pivot mount 126 configured to pivotally couple the tongue 103 to pivot mount receptacles 127 on the second body member 102 proximate to the hinge 105 .
- the pivot mount 126 may be incorporated with the hinge 105 or coupled to the first body member 101 in alternative embodiments.
- the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 illustrates that the seal member 118 includes pivot mount apertures 118 b adapted to enable the pivot mount 126 to pass through the seal member 118 and engage with the pivot mount receptacles 127 on the second body member 102 .
- a separate seal member may be used to seal the internal space at the pivot mount 126 and the hinge 105 in other embodiments.
- FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the clip apparatus 100 .
- the tongue 103 In the closed position shown, the tongue 103 is sealed between the first body member 101 and the second body member 102 in the internal space of the clip apparatus 100 .
- the clip apparatus 100 defines a flow path F from the first orifice 109 of the tongue 103 , through the flow passage 124 and the second orifice 110 , and through the one-way valve 120 . If the clip apparatus 100 is closed onto a storage bag 200 such that the first orifice 109 of the tongue 103 is in fluid communication with the interior of the storage bag 200 , the flow path F illustrates the only direction air within the storage bag 200 can flow through the clip apparatus 100 .
- the clip apparatus 100 provides a mechanism for evacuating a storage bag 200 to prevent freezer burn and/or spoilage of contents held within the storage bag 200 .
- the clip apparatus 100 may be used with a storage bag 200 to store perishable products as illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B .
- the storage bag 200 includes an interior compartment 201 and an opening 202 .
- the storage bag 200 in the illustrative embodiment is a known zipper-sealed storage bag including an interlocking zipper 203 at the opening 202 .
- a compression force is applied to the first and second handles 113 , 114 against the bias of the spring 116 to separate the first and second operating ends 106 , 107 and expose the tongue 103 .
- the storage bag 200 is partially sealed at the opening 202 with the interlocking zipper 203 and left open in a small area for the tongue 103 .
- the clip apparatus 100 is then positioned on the storage bag 200 at that small area such that the tongue 103 is inserted through the opening 202 of the storage bag 200 and the interlocking zipper 203 is closed on both sides of the clip apparatus 100 .
- the first and second operating ends 106 , 107 clamp onto the exterior of the storage bag 200 at the opening 202 .
- the notches 117 in the first body member 101 provide clearance for the interlocking zipper 203 to extend through the clip apparatus 100 in the sealed and closed position of the first and second operating ends 106 , 107 .
- the tongue end 122 is therefore sealed within the interior 201 of the storage bag 200 when the interlocking zipper 203 is closed to seal the storage bag 200 outside of the clip apparatus 100 on either side of the clip apparatus 100 . Air from the interior 201 of the storage bag 200 may be forced out of the storage bag 200 and through the flow path F in the clip apparatus 100 to evacuate the storage bag 200 .
- a system 350 for sealing storage bags 200 may include a vacuum pump 300 in combination with the clip apparatus 100 as illustrated in FIGS. 7-11 .
- the vacuum pump 300 is a manually-operated device, which may be inexpensive and simple to manufacture. However, the vacuum pump 300 may also be a mechanically operated device in other embodiments.
- the vacuum pump 300 includes a grip 301 at the top, a slot 302 at the base, and a vacuum chamber 303 between the grip 301 and the slot 302 . Pulling the grip 301 upwardly creates suction within the vacuum chamber 303 .
- the slot 302 is configured to engage the clip apparatus 100 along the first body member 101 as shown in FIG. 9 , and the slot 302 includes a contoured inner surface 304 which engages the first body member 101 .
- the contoured inner surface 304 includes a valve orifice 305 that aligns with the valve 120 in the clip apparatus 100 when the first body member 101 engages the contoured inner surface 304 .
- the valve orifice 305 allows flow of air between the slot 302 and the vacuum chamber 303 .
- Extending downwardly from the grip 301 into the vacuum chamber 303 is a shaft 306 coupled to a piston 307 .
- a vacuum is created behind the piston 307 which may draw air through the valve orifice 305 .
- FIG. 10 when the clip apparatus 100 is inserted into the slot 302 of the vacuum pump 300 , the vacuum formed behind the piston 307 draws air from the one way valve 120 in the clip apparatus 100 to evacuate a storage bag 200 held by the clip apparatus 100 .
- the system 350 for sealing storage bags 200 can evacuate a storage bag 200 as follows.
- the clip apparatus 100 is moved to an open position and engaged with a storage bag 200 as previously described.
- the slot 302 of the vacuum pump 300 is then engaged with the first body member 101 of the clip apparatus 100 so that the vacuum chamber 303 and valve orifice 305 are aligned with the valve 120 on the clip apparatus 100 .
- an operator pulls the grip 301 upward as shown in FIG. 11 , creating suction within the vacuum chamber 303 behind the piston 307 .
- the suction pulls air from inside the storage bag 200 into the tongue 103 through the first orifice 109 .
- Air then flows out of the tongue 103 through the second orifice 110 and the one way valve 120 into the vacuum chamber 303 of the vacuum pump 300 .
- the vacuum pump 300 is then disengaged from the first body member 101 of the clip apparatus 100 and the storage bag 200 and clip apparatus 100 are fully evacuated and ready for storage.
- FIGS. 12-14 Another embodiment of a clip apparatus 400 for sealing a storage bag 200 is illustrated in FIGS. 12-14 .
- the clip apparatus 400 includes many of the same elements as the clip apparatus 100 of the first described embodiment, and these similar elements have been marked with the same reference numbers in the 400's (i.e., the tongue 103 of the first embodiment is now tongue 403 in this embodiment).
- the clip apparatus 400 does not include notches formed on the first body member 401 . Instead, the first body member 401 and the second body member 402 have generally planar mating surfaces along the first operating end 406 and the second operating end 407 .
- a first seal member 431 is coupled to the first body member 401 and a second seal member 430 is coupled to the second body member 402 .
- the second seal member 430 includes generally planar portions 430 a configured to mate with the first seal member 431 to prevent air from leaking out of the clip apparatus 400 .
- the second seal member 430 also includes pivot mount apertures 430 b to allow the pivot mount 426 to pass through the second seal member 430 and engage with the pivot mount receptacles 427 on the second body member 402 .
- the clip apparatus 400 is one element of a system for storing perishable products as illustrated in FIGS. 13A-14 .
- the system may include the clip apparatus 400 and the vacuum pump 300 previously described.
- a storage bag 200 has an interior compartment 201 and an opening 202 .
- the storage bag 200 in the illustrative embodiment is a conventional zipper-sealed storage bag including an interlocking zipper 203 at the opening 202 .
- a compression force is applied to the first and second handles 413 , 414 against the bias of the spring 416 to separate the first and second operating ends 406 , 407 and expose the tongue 403 .
- the storage bag 200 is partially sealed at the opening 202 with the interlocking zipper 203 and left open in a small area for the tongue 403 .
- the clip apparatus 400 is then positioned on the storage bag 200 at that small area such that the tongue 403 is inserted through the opening 202 of the storage bag 200 and the interlocking zipper 203 is sealingly closed on both sides of the clip apparatus 400 .
- the first and second operating ends 406 , 407 clamp onto the exterior of the storage bag 200 at the opening 202 .
- the interlocking zipper 203 is pressed between the first and second seal members 430 , 431 .
- the first and second seal members 430 , 431 force the interlocking zipper 203 closed and thereby seal the storage bag 200 around the periphery of the clip apparatus 400 .
- the tongue end 422 is therefore sealed within the interior 201 of the storage bag 200 . Air from the interior 201 of the storage bag 200 may then be forced out of the storage bag 200 to evacuate the storage bag 200 , as previously described.
- FIGS. 15-18B Another embodiment of a clip apparatus 500 for sealing a storage bag 200 is illustrated in FIGS. 15-18B .
- the clip apparatus 500 includes many of the same elements as the clip apparatus 400 of the previously described embodiment, and these similar elements have been marked with the same reference numbers in the 500's (i.e., the first body member 401 of the previous embodiment is now first body member 501 in this embodiment). Similar to the previous embodiment, the first body member 501 and the second body member 502 are pivotally coupled at a hinge 505 .
- the second body member 502 includes a retractable knife cover 540 and a knife blade 541 coupled with a bottom surface of the second body member 502 .
- the knife blade 541 may be used to cut an opening into a storage bag 200 such as at the corner of a storage bag 200 .
- the knife cover 540 is slidably coupled to the second body member 502 by a spring 542 , which biases the knife cover 540 forward to cover the knife blade 541 during normal operation of the clip apparatus 500 .
- a user may slide the knife cover 540 rearwardly from the position shown in FIG. 15 to the position shown in FIG. 17 to reveal the knife blade 541 and cut an opening into a storage bag 200 .
- the tongue 503 of the present clip apparatus 500 defines an L-shaped member having a front end 522 and a rear end 544 .
- the rear end 544 is coupled to the first body member 501 adjacent a flow port 545 formed in the first body member 501 , as shown most clearly in FIG. 17 .
- the front end 522 of the tongue 503 projects forwardly beyond the first operating end 506 so that the tongue 503 may be positioned within the opening formed in a storage bag 200 when the clip apparatus 500 is moved to the closed position shown in FIG. 16 .
- the clip apparatus 500 includes a first seal member 531 and a second seal member 530 disposed on the corresponding first and second body members 501 , 502 and configured to seal the opening of the storage bag 200 around the tongue 503 .
- the tongue 503 further includes a flow passage 524 configured to communicate with the interior of the storage bag 200 at the front end 522 and with the flow port 545 in the first body member 501 at the rear end 544 .
- the check valve 520 is now positioned within the flow passage 524 adjacent the rear end 544 of the tongue 503 instead of in the first body member 501 .
- the clip apparatus 500 further includes a tension spring 546 coupled to the tongue 503 and the first body member 501 .
- the rear end 544 of the tongue 503 is configured to be reversibly deformable by a user to move the front end 522 downwardly away from the first operating end 506 in the direction of arrow 547 in FIG. 17 .
- This downward movement against the bias of the spring 546 forms an opening through which the storage bag 200 may be inserted as shown in FIG. 17 so that the opening in the storage bag 200 surrounds the tongue 503 .
- the elasticity of the tongue 503 and the bias of the spring 546 ensure that the tongue 503 returns to the position shown in FIG. 17 after the storage bag 200 has been inserted into the clip apparatus 500 .
- the clip apparatus 500 also includes a locking mechanism to hold the first and second body members 501 , 502 in the closed position.
- the locking mechanism includes a U-shaped locking member 548 coupled to the first operating end 506 of the first body member 501 .
- the U-shaped locking member 548 includes arrow-shaped locking heads 548 a.
- the second body member 502 includes a corresponding pair of lock notches 549 configured to receive the locking heads 548 a and effectively prevent pivotal movement of the first body member 501 back away from the second body member 502 .
- the second body member 502 also includes one or more release buttons 550 configured to be pressed inwardly against the locking heads 548 a (see FIG. 18B ) to release the locking heads 548 a from engagement with the lock notches 549 when the clip apparatus 500 is to be removed from the storage bag 200 .
- the clip apparatus 500 evacuates air from the storage bag 200 in a similar manner as the previously-described embodiments.
- the knife blade 541 may be revealed and used to cut an opening into the storage bag 200 .
- the storage bag 200 is then fed into the clip apparatus 500 and over the tongue 503 as shown in FIG. 17 .
- the first and second body members 501 , 502 are then moved to the closed position and a vacuum pump may be positioned over the flow port 545 in the first body member 501 .
- the vacuum pump then draws air through the flow passage 524 and the check valve 520 in the tongue from the storage bag 200 until the storage bag 200 is fully evacuated.
- the clip apparatus 500 and storage bag 200 may be positioned in a storage unit to preserve the items placed therein, and the risk of spoilage is lowered by the removal of air from the interior of the storage bag 200 .
- FIGS. 19A-20C Another embodiment of a clip apparatus 600 for sealing a storage bag 200 is illustrated in FIGS. 19A-20C .
- the clip apparatus 600 includes some of the same elements as the clip apparatus 100 of the first described embodiment, and these similar elements have been marked with the same reference numbers in the 600's (i.e., the first body member 101 of the first embodiment is now first body member 601 in this embodiment).
- the first and second body members 601 , 602 collectively define an internal sealed space with a slidable tongue assembly 660 .
- the first and second operating ends 606 , 607 of the first and second body members 601 , 602 define an opening 659 between them in the closed position of the clip apparatus 600 shown schematically in FIGS. 20A-20C .
- the slidable tongue assembly 660 moves forward into engagement with the first and second operating ends 606 , 607 , the internal space in the clip apparatus 600 is sealed behind this engagement.
- the tongue assembly 660 further includes a tongue housing 661 shown in FIG. 19A and a tongue 662 shown in FIG. 19B .
- the tongue housing 661 includes a front end 663 and a rear end 664 with a tongue passage 665 extending along the entire length there between.
- the front end 663 of the tongue housing 661 includes sharpened front edges 663 a configured to sealingly engage the first and second body members 601 , 602 and cut through a storage bag 200 , as described in further detail below.
- the tongue housing 661 also includes a flow port 666 positioned between the front end 663 and the rear end 664 and in communication with the tongue passage 665 .
- the tongue 662 is an elongate member including a front end 667 and a closed rear end 668 .
- a flow passage 669 extending through the tongue 662 communicates with the front end 667 and a flow port 670 positioned adjacent the rear end 668 .
- the tongue 662 further includes a sealing ring 671 configured to slide along the tongue passage 665 in the tongue housing 661 .
- the sealing ring 671 seals area around the rear end 668 of the tongue 662 from the area around the front end 667 of the tongue 662 .
- the tongue 662 also includes a handle 672 extending rearwardly from the rear end 668 and configured to extend outside the internal space of the clip apparatus 600 for movement by a user.
- FIGS. 20A-20C The operation of this embodiment of the clip apparatus 600 is further illustrated in FIGS. 20A-20C .
- the tongue assembly 660 is retracted from the opening 659 in the first and second body members 601 , 602 such that a corner or other end of a storage bag 200 may be pushed into the clip apparatus 600 .
- the handle 672 of the tongue 662 is then pushed forwardly as shown by arrow 673 to move the tongue 663 and tongue housing 661 together to the second position shown in FIG. 20B .
- the sharp front edges 663 of the tongue housing 663 engage the first and second body members 601 , 602 , thereby capturing the inserted end of the storage bag 200 and cutting an opening at the engagement.
- the storage bag 200 may then be pushed further into the clip apparatus 600 so that the opening slides over the front end 667 of the tongue 662 .
- the user then pushes the handle 672 forwardly as shown by arrow 674 to slide the tongue 662 forward in the tongue passage 665 and into the interior of the storage bag 200 , to the position shown in FIG. 20C .
- a vacuum pump (not shown) may then be connected to the clip apparatus 600 and used to draw air out of the storage bag 200 along the air pathway AP shown in FIG. 20C through the tongue 662 , the flow port 670 in the tongue 662 , and the flow port 666 in the tongue housing 661 .
- the evacuated storage bag 200 and clip apparatus 600 may then be placed in a storage unit to preserve the items placed therein, and the risk of spoilage is lowered by the removal of air from the interior of the storage bag 200 .
- FIGS. 21A-21E Another embodiment of a clip apparatus 700 for sealing a storage bag 200 is illustrated in FIGS. 21A-21E .
- the clip apparatus 700 includes many of the same elements as the clip apparatuses 500 , 600 of the previous two described embodiments, and these similar elements have been marked with the same reference numbers in the 700's (i.e., the first body member 601 of the previous embodiment is now first body member 701 in this embodiment).
- the first and second body members 701 , 702 of the clip apparatus 700 are pivotally coupled by hinge 705 and include respective seal members 731 , 730 and a locking member 748 and release button 750 as previously described.
- the clip apparatus 700 also includes the tongue assembly 760 having a tongue housing 761 and tongue 762 as described above. In this embodiment, the tongue housing 761 is not slidable with respect to the first and second body members 701 , 702 , but the tongue assembly 760 operates in all other respects similarly as the previous embodiment.
- an opening may be formed in the storage bag 200 by manually cutting the storage bag 200 with the sharp front edge(s) 763 of the tongue assembly 760 while the clip apparatus 700 is in the opened position shown in FIG. 21A .
- the opening of the storage bag 200 is then forced into the tongue housing 761 as shown.
- the user pivots the first and second body members 701 , 702 towards one another as shown by arrows 780 to the closed and locked position shown in FIG. 21B .
- the user may then push the handle 772 forward as shown by arrows 781 in FIG. 21C so that the front end 767 of the tongue 762 projects forwardly from the first and second body members 701 , 702 and into the interior of the storage bag 200 .
- a vacuum pump 300 may then be coupled with the clip assembly 700 and used to draw air out of the interior of the storage bag 200 through the tongue 762 as indicated by arrows 782 in FIG. 21D .
- the handle 772 may be pulled rearwardly to withdraw the tongue 762 back within the first and second body members 701 , 702 of the clip apparatus 700 , as shown by arrow 783 in FIG. 21E .
- the tongue 762 may also be left projecting forwardly as shown in FIG. 21D during storage of the storage bag 200 and clip apparatus 700 .
- the risk of spoilage is lowered by the removal of air from the interior of the storage bag 200 .
- FIGS. 22A-22D Another embodiment of a clip apparatus 800 for sealing a storage bag 200 is illustrated in FIGS. 22A-22D .
- the clip apparatus 800 includes a body member 801 and a tongue 802 coupled to or integrally formed with the body member 801 .
- the tongue 802 is an elongate hollow member and may be referred to as a straw, a needle, or another similar descriptive term for elongate hollow members.
- the tongue 802 includes a distal end 803 with flow openings 804 and a proximal end 805 communicating with an internal space 806 in the body member 801 .
- the body member 801 may further include a one-way valve or check valve 807 configured to seal the internal space 806 from the exterior surroundings (except for through the tongue 802 ).
- the clip apparatus 800 further includes a first arm 808 a pivotally coupled to the body member 801 .
- the first arm 808 a includes a front end 809 a with a sealing gasket 810 a attached thereto and a rear end 811 a pivotally coupled to the body member 801 by a hinge 812 a or similar member.
- the clip apparatus 800 also includes a second arm 808 b also having a front end 809 b with a sealing gasket 810 b and a rear end 811 b pivotally coupled to the body member 801 by a hinge 812 b or similar member.
- the first and second arms 808 a, 808 b are configured to freely pivot towards and away from each other and the tongue 802 .
- the sealing gaskets 810 a, 810 b are configured to provide a seal around the periphery of the tongue 802 .
- a storage bag 200 slid over the tongue 802 will be sealed at the sealing gaskets 810 a, 810 b.
- the sealing gaskets 810 a, 810 b may include magnets, springs, or other biasing devices to attract or bias the first and second arms 808 a, 808 b into the closed position shown in FIG. 22C .
- a user opens the first and second arms 808 a, 808 b as shown in FIG. 22B .
- the tongue 802 is then inserted through an opening of a storage bag 200 or punctures through a panel of the storage bag 200 .
- the user then closes the first and second arms 808 a, 808 b onto the tongue 802 and the storage bag 200 to seal the interior of the storage bag 200 in communication with the tongue 802 and the internal space 806 in the body member 801 .
- a vacuum pump as previously described may then be operatively coupled to the body member 801 and actuated to draw air from the interior of the storage bag 200 through the flow openings 804 in the tongue 802 and the check valve 807 to thereby evacuate the storage bag 200 of air.
- the clip apparatus 800 and the storage bag 200 may then be placed in a storage unit to preserve the items placed therein, and the risk of spoilage is lowered by the removal of air from the interior of the storage bag 200 .
- check valve 120 of the various embodiments may be repositioned in the second body member 102 or adjacent the hinge 105 in other embodiments of the clip apparatus 100 .
- the various features of the invention may be used alone or in numerous combinations depending on the needs and preferences of the user.
Abstract
A clip apparatus (100) for sealing storage bags (200) includes a first body member (101), a second body member (102), a tongue (103), and a seal member (118). The first body member (101) includes a valve (120). The second body member (102) is rotatably coupled with the first body member (101) to move between an open position and a closed position where the first and second body members (101, 102) are engaged. The tongue (103) is disposed at least partially between the first and second body members (101, 102) and defines a flow passage (124) for communicating with an interior of a storage bag (200) and the valve (120) in the first body member (101). The seal member (118) ensures that the storage bag (200) and the clip apparatus (100) are sealed to enable evacuation of the storage bag (200) prior to storage of perishable items.
Description
- This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2010/061072, which was filed on Dec. 17, 2010 and claimed priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/287,530 filed Dec. 17, 2009. Applications Nos. PCT/US2010/061072 and No. 61/287,530 are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
- The present invention relates to storage systems for perishable goods and, more particularly, to an apparatus configured to seal a storage bag.
- There are a variety of problems associated with food being exposed to air. Non-dry goods are prone to spoiling if exposed to air. Food being frozen can also be subject to the condition known as freezer burn, which occurs when ice crystals form on food, drawing out the moisture within and leaving the food dried out. Both problems can be remedied by separating food from outside air in a storage bag. However, even the air within a storage bag is sufficient to cause food spoilage or freezer burn.
- Modern consumers freeze large quantities of food on a regular basis for a variety of reasons. It is often more affordable to buy food in bulk to store for later, with freezing being the most efficient method of doing so. It is also often practical to prepare meals in advance to save time later, making it necessary that food remain fresh for extended periods of time. Consumers who prefer to buy fruits and vegetables fresh also need a means to preserve them for extended periods of time as the air contained in grocery store bags allows them to spoil quickly. Therefore, there is a need for a system allowing a consumer to create a vacuum seal within a storage bag.
- A variety of systems have been implemented to meet this need. Examples of these systems can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,540,127 to Sung et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 7,004,632 to Hamilton. However, the prior art systems suffer from various drawbacks. Some systems require the use of specialized storage bags having integrated valves, and the vacuum equipment associated with these specialized storage bags can be bulky and difficult to store. Other systems heat seal the bags and thereby render them useless for additional use. Thus, these systems can be costly for a consumer needing to repurchase bags every time food needs to be stored.
- Consequently, it would be desirable to create a device that is capable of sealing any kind of storage bag that addresses these and other drawbacks.
- In one embodiment of the invention, a clip apparatus for sealing storage bags includes a first body member, a second body member, a valve, a tongue, and a seal member. The first body member includes a first operating end. The second body member has a second operating end and is pivotally coupled with the first body member. The first and second body members move between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the first and second operating ends are disengaged. In the closed position, the first and second operating ends are engaged and sealed together to define an internal space. The valve is configured to enable selective fluid communication between the internal space and the exterior environment around the clip apparatus. The tongue is disposed at least partially between the first and second body members. The tongue engages an interior of a storage bag and includes a flow passage extending between the internal space and the interior of the storage bag when the first and second body members are in the closed position. The seal member is located between the first and second body members and seals the internal space at least partially around the tongue.
- The tongue may be hingedly coupled to one of the first and second body members. Alternatively, the tongue may be slidably mounted within the first and second body members. In this regard, the tongue may be slid into and out of an opening in a storage bag to evacuate air from the storage bag. The tongue may also include a sharp leading edge configured to cut an opening into a storage bag. A system for sealing storage bags may include the clip apparatus and a vacuum pump.
- In another embodiment, a clip apparatus for sealing storage bags includes a body member having a sealed internal space and a valve communicating with the sealed internal space. A tongue extends from the body member and includes a flow passage communicating with the sealed internal space. The clip apparatus also includes first and second arms pivotally coupled to the body member and including respective first and second sealing gaskets configured to sealingly engage the tongue. When a storage bag is placed over the tongue, the first and second sealing gaskets seal the bag at the first and second arms. The first and second sealing gaskets may be biased together by a biasing member such as magnets.
- In another embodiment, a method of evacuating a storage bag with a clip apparatus includes rotating first and second body members to an open position spaced from a tongue, and inserting the tongue through an opening in the storage bag. The first and second body members are then rotated to a closed position sealing the storage bag against the tongue. Finally, air may be forced from the storage bag through the tongue and a valve in the clip apparatus to thereby evacuate the bag.
- The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the invention.
-
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a clip apparatus in an open position in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the clip apparatus ofFIG. 1A in a closed position. -
FIG. 2 is a rear side view of the clip apparatus ofFIG. 1A . -
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the clip apparatus ofFIG. 1A . -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tongue of the clip apparatus ofFIG. 1A . -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the clip apparatus ofFIG. 1A . -
FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the clip apparatus ofFIG. 1A in an open position adjacent a storage bag. -
FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the clip apparatus ofFIG. 6A , where the clip apparatus is attached to the storage bag. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a vacuum pump configured for use with the clip apparatus ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the vacuum pump ofFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a system including the vacuum pump ofFIG. 7 coupled with the clip apparatus ofFIG. 1A . -
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the system ofFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the system ofFIG. 9 attached to a storage bag with a hand demonstrating the use of the vacuum pump. -
FIG. 12 is an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a clip apparatus. -
FIG. 13A is a perspective view of the clip apparatus ofFIG. 12 in an open position adjacent a storage bag. -
FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the clip apparatus ofFIG. 13A , where the clip apparatus is attached to the storage bag. -
FIG. 14 is an enlarged side view of area 14 of the clip apparatus and storage bag ofFIG. 13B , illustrating an interlocking zipper of the storage bag within the clip. -
FIG. 15 is a side view of a clip apparatus in the open position according to another embodiment. -
FIG. 16 is a front view of the clip apparatus ofFIG. 15 in the closed position. -
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional side view of the clip apparatus ofFIG. 15 . -
FIG. 18A is a perspective view of a locking member of the clip apparatus ofFIG. 15 . -
FIG. 18B is a partial cross-sectional side view of the clip apparatus and locking member ofFIG. 18A in an engaged position. -
FIG. 19A is a perspective view of a tongue housing of a clip apparatus according to another embodiment. -
FIG. 19B is a perspective view of a tongue of the clip apparatus ofFIG. 19A . -
FIG. 20A is a schematic side view of the clip apparatus ofFIG. 19A in a first position with a storage bag inserted into the clip apparatus. -
FIG. 20B is a schematic side view of the clip apparatus ofFIG. 20A moved to a second position with the storage bag further inserted into the clip apparatus. -
FIG. 20C is a schematic side view of the clip apparatus ofFIG. 20B moved to a third position and illustrating the flow path of air from the storage bag. -
FIG. 21A is a schematic side view of another embodiment of a clip apparatus, with a storage bag inserted into the tongue housing. -
FIG. 21B is a schematic side view of the clip apparatus ofFIG. 21A , with the clip apparatus closed on the storage bag. -
FIG. 21C is a schematic side view of the clip apparatus ofFIG. 21B , with the tongue inserted into the storage bag. -
FIG. 21D is a schematic side view of the clip apparatus ofFIG. 21C , with the clip apparatus attached to a vacuum pump for removing air from the storage bag. -
FIG. 21E is a schematic side view of the clip apparatus ofFIG. 21D , with the tongue retracted from the storage bag. -
FIG. 22A is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a clip apparatus, with the clip apparatus in the closed position. -
FIG. 22B is a perspective view of the clip apparatus ofFIG. 22A , with the clip apparatus in the open position. -
FIG. 22C is a side view of the clip apparatus ofFIG. 22A . -
FIG. 22D is a longitudinal cross-sectional side view of the clip apparatus ofFIG. 22A . -
FIGS. 1A-5 show one embodiment of aclip apparatus 100 for sealingstorage bags 200 containing perishable items such as foodstuffs. It will be understood that “storage bag” in this application refers to any bag or container configured to contain a perishable item, including but not limited to freezer bags and sandwich bags. As shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B , theclip apparatus 100 includes afirst body member 101 and asecond body member 102. Thefirst body member 101 includes afirst operating end 106 and thesecond body member 102 includes a corresponding orsecond operating end 107. Thefirst body member 101 and thesecond body member 102 are pivotally coupled at ahinge 105. However, thefirst body member 101 and thesecond body member 102 may be pivotally coupled by other known methods including a unitary flexing connection section such as those used with binder clips, in other embodiments. Thefirst body member 101 and thesecond body member 102 rotate about each other at thehinge 105 between an open position and a closed position. - In the open position illustrated in
FIG. 1A , the first and second operating ends 106, 107 are disengaged and spaced from each other. In the closed position illustrated inFIG. 1B , the first and second operating ends 106, 107 are engaged and sealed together to form an internal space sealed between the first and second operating ends 106, 107. Housed at least partially within thefirst body member 101 and thesecond body member 102 is a partially tubular member herein referred to as atongue 103. Thetongue 103 is coupled to at least one of the first andsecond body members hinge 105 in the illustrated embodiment. Arecess 104 formed within thesecond body member 102 adjacent thesecond operating end 107 allows thetongue 103 to extend beyond the first and second operating ends 106, 107 when the first and second body members are in the closed position ofFIG. 1B . Alternatively, therecess 104 may be formed in thefirst body member 101 or at least partially in each of the first andsecond body members - The
first body member 101 further includes avalve 120 disposed adjacent to thefirst operating end 106. Thevalve 120 may be a one-way check valve 120 that allows air to flow out of the internal space in theclip apparatus 100 but not into the internal space. Thefirst body member 101 includes afirst handle 113 and thesecond body member 102 includes asecond handle 114. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 1A-5 , the first andsecond handles hinge 105 from the first and second operating ends 106, 107. Thehinge 105 thus acts as a pivot point for the first andsecond body members second handles FIG. 1A , thefirst body member 101 andsecond body member 102 swing apart at the first and second operating ends 106, 107. In the present embodiment, thefirst handle 113 is angled with respect to thefirst operating end 106, while thesecond handle 114 is generally in the same plane as thesecond operating end 107. Thesecond body member 102 thus defines aplanar support surface 108 configured to support theclip apparatus 100 on a flat surface. It will be appreciated that each of thehandles - As shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3 , theclip apparatus 100 may also include aspring 116 engaging thefirst body member 101 and thesecond body member 102. Thespring 116 biases the first andsecond body members FIG. 1B such that when pressure is not being applied to the first andsecond handles spring 116 is shown as atorsion spring 116 having first andsecond legs second handles second handles - The exploded view of the
clip apparatus 100 inFIG. 3 illustrates that thefirst body member 101 includesnotches 117 configured to engage anopening 202 of astorage bag 200, as will be described in detail below. Thenotches 117 could alternatively be formed in thesecond body member 102 or at least partially in each of the first andsecond body members clip apparatus 100 further includes aseal member 118 located between the first andsecond body members seal member 118 may be a rubberized gasket configured to seal the internal space at least partially between the first and second operating ends 106, 107 from ambient air at therecess 104 and thenotches 117. Theseal member 118 includes raisedportions 118 a adjacent to thenotches 117 to engage thenotches 117 and configured to compress appropriately to permit astorage bag 200 or the end portion thereof to pass through thenotches 117 without compromising the seal of the internal space. -
FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate thetongue 103 in further detail. Thetongue 103 includes atongue body 121 and atongue end 122. Thetongue 103 also includes afirst orifice 109 in thetongue end 122 and asecond orifice 110 in atop surface 123 of thetongue body 121. Aflow passage 124 is defined in thetongue 103 between thefirst orifice 109 and thesecond orifice 110. Thetongue body 121 may also include apivot mount 126 spaced from thetongue end 122, thepivot mount 126 configured to pivotally couple thetongue 103 to pivot mount receptacles 127 on thesecond body member 102 proximate to thehinge 105. Thepivot mount 126 may be incorporated with thehinge 105 or coupled to thefirst body member 101 in alternative embodiments. The embodiment shown inFIG. 3 illustrates that theseal member 118 includespivot mount apertures 118 b adapted to enable thepivot mount 126 to pass through theseal member 118 and engage with the pivot mount receptacles 127 on thesecond body member 102. Alternatively, a separate seal member may be used to seal the internal space at thepivot mount 126 and thehinge 105 in other embodiments. -
FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of theclip apparatus 100. In the closed position shown, thetongue 103 is sealed between thefirst body member 101 and thesecond body member 102 in the internal space of theclip apparatus 100. Theclip apparatus 100 defines a flow path F from thefirst orifice 109 of thetongue 103, through theflow passage 124 and thesecond orifice 110, and through the one-way valve 120. If theclip apparatus 100 is closed onto astorage bag 200 such that thefirst orifice 109 of thetongue 103 is in fluid communication with the interior of thestorage bag 200, the flow path F illustrates the only direction air within thestorage bag 200 can flow through theclip apparatus 100. Thus, theclip apparatus 100 provides a mechanism for evacuating astorage bag 200 to prevent freezer burn and/or spoilage of contents held within thestorage bag 200. - In operation, the
clip apparatus 100 may be used with astorage bag 200 to store perishable products as illustrated inFIGS. 6A and 6B . Thestorage bag 200 includes aninterior compartment 201 and anopening 202. Advantageously, thestorage bag 200 in the illustrative embodiment is a known zipper-sealed storage bag including an interlockingzipper 203 at theopening 202. As shown inFIG. 6A , a compression force is applied to the first andsecond handles spring 116 to separate the first and second operating ends 106, 107 and expose thetongue 103. Thestorage bag 200 is partially sealed at theopening 202 with the interlockingzipper 203 and left open in a small area for thetongue 103. Theclip apparatus 100 is then positioned on thestorage bag 200 at that small area such that thetongue 103 is inserted through theopening 202 of thestorage bag 200 and the interlockingzipper 203 is closed on both sides of theclip apparatus 100. - As shown in
FIG. 6B , when the compression force is released on the first andsecond handles storage bag 200 at theopening 202. Thenotches 117 in thefirst body member 101 provide clearance for the interlockingzipper 203 to extend through theclip apparatus 100 in the sealed and closed position of the first and second operating ends 106, 107. Thetongue end 122 is therefore sealed within theinterior 201 of thestorage bag 200 when the interlockingzipper 203 is closed to seal thestorage bag 200 outside of theclip apparatus 100 on either side of theclip apparatus 100. Air from theinterior 201 of thestorage bag 200 may be forced out of thestorage bag 200 and through the flow path F in theclip apparatus 100 to evacuate thestorage bag 200. - One embodiment of a
system 350 for sealingstorage bags 200 may include avacuum pump 300 in combination with theclip apparatus 100 as illustrated inFIGS. 7-11 . Thevacuum pump 300 is a manually-operated device, which may be inexpensive and simple to manufacture. However, thevacuum pump 300 may also be a mechanically operated device in other embodiments. Thevacuum pump 300 includes agrip 301 at the top, aslot 302 at the base, and avacuum chamber 303 between thegrip 301 and theslot 302. Pulling thegrip 301 upwardly creates suction within thevacuum chamber 303. Theslot 302 is configured to engage theclip apparatus 100 along thefirst body member 101 as shown inFIG. 9 , and theslot 302 includes a contouredinner surface 304 which engages thefirst body member 101. - As illustrated in
FIG. 8 , the contouredinner surface 304 includes avalve orifice 305 that aligns with thevalve 120 in theclip apparatus 100 when thefirst body member 101 engages the contouredinner surface 304. Thevalve orifice 305 allows flow of air between theslot 302 and thevacuum chamber 303. Extending downwardly from thegrip 301 into thevacuum chamber 303 is ashaft 306 coupled to apiston 307. As thepiston 307 slides upwardly within thevacuum chamber 303, a vacuum is created behind thepiston 307 which may draw air through thevalve orifice 305. As shown inFIG. 10 , when theclip apparatus 100 is inserted into theslot 302 of thevacuum pump 300, the vacuum formed behind thepiston 307 draws air from the oneway valve 120 in theclip apparatus 100 to evacuate astorage bag 200 held by theclip apparatus 100. - In summary, the
system 350 for sealingstorage bags 200 can evacuate astorage bag 200 as follows. Theclip apparatus 100 is moved to an open position and engaged with astorage bag 200 as previously described. Theslot 302 of thevacuum pump 300 is then engaged with thefirst body member 101 of theclip apparatus 100 so that thevacuum chamber 303 andvalve orifice 305 are aligned with thevalve 120 on theclip apparatus 100. Then an operator pulls thegrip 301 upward as shown inFIG. 11 , creating suction within thevacuum chamber 303 behind thepiston 307. The suction pulls air from inside thestorage bag 200 into thetongue 103 through thefirst orifice 109. Air then flows out of thetongue 103 through thesecond orifice 110 and the oneway valve 120 into thevacuum chamber 303 of thevacuum pump 300. Thevacuum pump 300 is then disengaged from thefirst body member 101 of theclip apparatus 100 and thestorage bag 200 andclip apparatus 100 are fully evacuated and ready for storage. - Another embodiment of a
clip apparatus 400 for sealing astorage bag 200 is illustrated inFIGS. 12-14 . Theclip apparatus 400 includes many of the same elements as theclip apparatus 100 of the first described embodiment, and these similar elements have been marked with the same reference numbers in the 400's (i.e., thetongue 103 of the first embodiment is nowtongue 403 in this embodiment). As shown inFIG. 12 , theclip apparatus 400 does not include notches formed on thefirst body member 401. Instead, thefirst body member 401 and thesecond body member 402 have generally planar mating surfaces along thefirst operating end 406 and thesecond operating end 407. Afirst seal member 431 is coupled to thefirst body member 401 and asecond seal member 430 is coupled to thesecond body member 402. Thesecond seal member 430 includes generallyplanar portions 430 a configured to mate with thefirst seal member 431 to prevent air from leaking out of theclip apparatus 400. As with the first embodiment, thesecond seal member 430 also includespivot mount apertures 430 b to allow thepivot mount 426 to pass through thesecond seal member 430 and engage with thepivot mount receptacles 427 on thesecond body member 402. - In operation, the
clip apparatus 400 is one element of a system for storing perishable products as illustrated inFIGS. 13A-14 . The system may include theclip apparatus 400 and thevacuum pump 300 previously described. Also as previously described, astorage bag 200 has aninterior compartment 201 and anopening 202. Advantageously, thestorage bag 200 in the illustrative embodiment is a conventional zipper-sealed storage bag including an interlockingzipper 203 at theopening 202. As shown inFIG. 13A , a compression force is applied to the first andsecond handles spring 416 to separate the first and second operating ends 406, 407 and expose thetongue 403. Thestorage bag 200 is partially sealed at theopening 202 with the interlockingzipper 203 and left open in a small area for thetongue 403. Theclip apparatus 400 is then positioned on thestorage bag 200 at that small area such that thetongue 403 is inserted through theopening 202 of thestorage bag 200 and the interlockingzipper 203 is sealingly closed on both sides of theclip apparatus 400. - As shown in
FIG. 13B , when the compression force is released on the first andsecond handles storage bag 200 at theopening 202. The interlockingzipper 203 is pressed between the first andsecond seal members FIG. 14 , the first andsecond seal members zipper 203 closed and thereby seal thestorage bag 200 around the periphery of theclip apparatus 400. Thetongue end 422 is therefore sealed within theinterior 201 of thestorage bag 200. Air from theinterior 201 of thestorage bag 200 may then be forced out of thestorage bag 200 to evacuate thestorage bag 200, as previously described. - Another embodiment of a
clip apparatus 500 for sealing astorage bag 200 is illustrated inFIGS. 15-18B . Theclip apparatus 500 includes many of the same elements as theclip apparatus 400 of the previously described embodiment, and these similar elements have been marked with the same reference numbers in the 500's (i.e., thefirst body member 401 of the previous embodiment is nowfirst body member 501 in this embodiment). Similar to the previous embodiment, thefirst body member 501 and thesecond body member 502 are pivotally coupled at ahinge 505. In this embodiment, thesecond body member 502 includes aretractable knife cover 540 and aknife blade 541 coupled with a bottom surface of thesecond body member 502. Theknife blade 541 may be used to cut an opening into astorage bag 200 such as at the corner of astorage bag 200. Theknife cover 540 is slidably coupled to thesecond body member 502 by aspring 542, which biases theknife cover 540 forward to cover theknife blade 541 during normal operation of theclip apparatus 500. In operation, a user may slide theknife cover 540 rearwardly from the position shown inFIG. 15 to the position shown inFIG. 17 to reveal theknife blade 541 and cut an opening into astorage bag 200. - The
tongue 503 of thepresent clip apparatus 500 defines an L-shaped member having afront end 522 and arear end 544. Therear end 544 is coupled to thefirst body member 501 adjacent aflow port 545 formed in thefirst body member 501, as shown most clearly inFIG. 17 . Thefront end 522 of thetongue 503 projects forwardly beyond thefirst operating end 506 so that thetongue 503 may be positioned within the opening formed in astorage bag 200 when theclip apparatus 500 is moved to the closed position shown inFIG. 16 . Similar to the previous embodiment, theclip apparatus 500 includes afirst seal member 531 and asecond seal member 530 disposed on the corresponding first andsecond body members storage bag 200 around thetongue 503. Thetongue 503 further includes aflow passage 524 configured to communicate with the interior of thestorage bag 200 at thefront end 522 and with theflow port 545 in thefirst body member 501 at therear end 544. Thecheck valve 520 is now positioned within theflow passage 524 adjacent therear end 544 of thetongue 503 instead of in thefirst body member 501. - The
clip apparatus 500 further includes atension spring 546 coupled to thetongue 503 and thefirst body member 501. Therear end 544 of thetongue 503 is configured to be reversibly deformable by a user to move thefront end 522 downwardly away from thefirst operating end 506 in the direction ofarrow 547 inFIG. 17 . This downward movement against the bias of thespring 546 forms an opening through which thestorage bag 200 may be inserted as shown inFIG. 17 so that the opening in thestorage bag 200 surrounds thetongue 503. The elasticity of thetongue 503 and the bias of thespring 546 ensure that thetongue 503 returns to the position shown inFIG. 17 after thestorage bag 200 has been inserted into theclip apparatus 500. - The
clip apparatus 500 also includes a locking mechanism to hold the first andsecond body members FIGS. 18A and 18B , the locking mechanism includes aU-shaped locking member 548 coupled to thefirst operating end 506 of thefirst body member 501. TheU-shaped locking member 548 includes arrow-shaped locking heads 548 a. Thesecond body member 502 includes a corresponding pair oflock notches 549 configured to receive the locking heads 548 a and effectively prevent pivotal movement of thefirst body member 501 back away from thesecond body member 502. Thesecond body member 502 also includes one ormore release buttons 550 configured to be pressed inwardly against the locking heads 548 a (seeFIG. 18B ) to release the locking heads 548 a from engagement with thelock notches 549 when theclip apparatus 500 is to be removed from thestorage bag 200. - In operation, the
clip apparatus 500 evacuates air from thestorage bag 200 in a similar manner as the previously-described embodiments. As explained above, theknife blade 541 may be revealed and used to cut an opening into thestorage bag 200. Thestorage bag 200 is then fed into theclip apparatus 500 and over thetongue 503 as shown inFIG. 17 . The first andsecond body members flow port 545 in thefirst body member 501. The vacuum pump then draws air through theflow passage 524 and thecheck valve 520 in the tongue from thestorage bag 200 until thestorage bag 200 is fully evacuated. At that time, theclip apparatus 500 andstorage bag 200 may be positioned in a storage unit to preserve the items placed therein, and the risk of spoilage is lowered by the removal of air from the interior of thestorage bag 200. - Another embodiment of a
clip apparatus 600 for sealing astorage bag 200 is illustrated inFIGS. 19A-20C . Theclip apparatus 600 includes some of the same elements as theclip apparatus 100 of the first described embodiment, and these similar elements have been marked with the same reference numbers in the 600's (i.e., thefirst body member 101 of the first embodiment is nowfirst body member 601 in this embodiment). In this embodiment, the first andsecond body members slidable tongue assembly 660. The first and second operating ends 606, 607 of the first andsecond body members opening 659 between them in the closed position of theclip apparatus 600 shown schematically inFIGS. 20A-20C . When theslidable tongue assembly 660 moves forward into engagement with the first and second operating ends 606, 607, the internal space in theclip apparatus 600 is sealed behind this engagement. - The
tongue assembly 660 further includes atongue housing 661 shown inFIG. 19A and atongue 662 shown inFIG. 19B . Thetongue housing 661 includes afront end 663 and arear end 664 with atongue passage 665 extending along the entire length there between. Thefront end 663 of thetongue housing 661 includes sharpenedfront edges 663 a configured to sealingly engage the first andsecond body members storage bag 200, as described in further detail below. Thetongue housing 661 also includes aflow port 666 positioned between thefront end 663 and therear end 664 and in communication with thetongue passage 665. - As shown in
FIG. 19B , thetongue 662 is an elongate member including afront end 667 and a closedrear end 668. Aflow passage 669 extending through thetongue 662 communicates with thefront end 667 and aflow port 670 positioned adjacent therear end 668. Thetongue 662 further includes asealing ring 671 configured to slide along thetongue passage 665 in thetongue housing 661. The sealingring 671 seals area around therear end 668 of thetongue 662 from the area around thefront end 667 of thetongue 662. Thetongue 662 also includes ahandle 672 extending rearwardly from therear end 668 and configured to extend outside the internal space of theclip apparatus 600 for movement by a user. - The operation of this embodiment of the
clip apparatus 600 is further illustrated inFIGS. 20A-20C . In a first position of theclip apparatus 600 shown inFIG. 20A , thetongue assembly 660 is retracted from theopening 659 in the first andsecond body members storage bag 200 may be pushed into theclip apparatus 600. Thehandle 672 of thetongue 662 is then pushed forwardly as shown byarrow 673 to move thetongue 663 andtongue housing 661 together to the second position shown inFIG. 20B . The sharpfront edges 663 of thetongue housing 663 engage the first andsecond body members storage bag 200 and cutting an opening at the engagement. Thestorage bag 200 may then be pushed further into theclip apparatus 600 so that the opening slides over thefront end 667 of thetongue 662. The user then pushes thehandle 672 forwardly as shown byarrow 674 to slide thetongue 662 forward in thetongue passage 665 and into the interior of thestorage bag 200, to the position shown inFIG. 20C . A vacuum pump (not shown) may then be connected to theclip apparatus 600 and used to draw air out of thestorage bag 200 along the air pathway AP shown inFIG. 20C through thetongue 662, theflow port 670 in thetongue 662, and theflow port 666 in thetongue housing 661. The evacuatedstorage bag 200 andclip apparatus 600 may then be placed in a storage unit to preserve the items placed therein, and the risk of spoilage is lowered by the removal of air from the interior of thestorage bag 200. - Another embodiment of a
clip apparatus 700 for sealing astorage bag 200 is illustrated inFIGS. 21A-21E . Theclip apparatus 700 includes many of the same elements as theclip apparatuses first body member 601 of the previous embodiment is nowfirst body member 701 in this embodiment). The first andsecond body members clip apparatus 700 are pivotally coupled byhinge 705 and includerespective seal members member 748 andrelease button 750 as previously described. Theclip apparatus 700 also includes thetongue assembly 760 having atongue housing 761 andtongue 762 as described above. In this embodiment, thetongue housing 761 is not slidable with respect to the first andsecond body members tongue assembly 760 operates in all other respects similarly as the previous embodiment. - With this embodiment of the
clip apparatus 700, an opening may be formed in thestorage bag 200 by manually cutting thestorage bag 200 with the sharp front edge(s) 763 of thetongue assembly 760 while theclip apparatus 700 is in the opened position shown inFIG. 21A . The opening of thestorage bag 200 is then forced into thetongue housing 761 as shown. The user then pivots the first andsecond body members arrows 780 to the closed and locked position shown inFIG. 21B . The user may then push thehandle 772 forward as shown byarrows 781 inFIG. 21C so that thefront end 767 of thetongue 762 projects forwardly from the first andsecond body members storage bag 200. Avacuum pump 300 may then be coupled with theclip assembly 700 and used to draw air out of the interior of thestorage bag 200 through thetongue 762 as indicated byarrows 782 inFIG. 21D . Finally, thehandle 772 may be pulled rearwardly to withdraw thetongue 762 back within the first andsecond body members clip apparatus 700, as shown byarrow 783 inFIG. 21E . It will be understood that thetongue 762 may also be left projecting forwardly as shown inFIG. 21D during storage of thestorage bag 200 andclip apparatus 700. Just as the previous embodiments, the risk of spoilage is lowered by the removal of air from the interior of thestorage bag 200. - Another embodiment of a
clip apparatus 800 for sealing astorage bag 200 is illustrated inFIGS. 22A-22D . In this embodiment, theclip apparatus 800 includes abody member 801 and atongue 802 coupled to or integrally formed with thebody member 801. Thetongue 802 is an elongate hollow member and may be referred to as a straw, a needle, or another similar descriptive term for elongate hollow members. Thetongue 802 includes adistal end 803 withflow openings 804 and aproximal end 805 communicating with aninternal space 806 in thebody member 801. Thebody member 801 may further include a one-way valve orcheck valve 807 configured to seal theinternal space 806 from the exterior surroundings (except for through the tongue 802). - The
clip apparatus 800 further includes afirst arm 808 a pivotally coupled to thebody member 801. Thefirst arm 808 a includes afront end 809 a with a sealinggasket 810 a attached thereto and arear end 811 a pivotally coupled to thebody member 801 by ahinge 812 a or similar member. Theclip apparatus 800 also includes asecond arm 808 b also having afront end 809 b with a sealinggasket 810 b and arear end 811 b pivotally coupled to thebody member 801 by ahinge 812 b or similar member. The first andsecond arms tongue 802. When the first andsecond arms gaskets tongue 802, the sealinggaskets tongue 802. In this regard, astorage bag 200 slid over thetongue 802 will be sealed at the sealinggaskets gaskets second arms FIG. 22C . - In operation, a user opens the first and
second arms FIG. 22B . Thetongue 802 is then inserted through an opening of astorage bag 200 or punctures through a panel of thestorage bag 200. The user then closes the first andsecond arms tongue 802 and thestorage bag 200 to seal the interior of thestorage bag 200 in communication with thetongue 802 and theinternal space 806 in thebody member 801. A vacuum pump as previously described may then be operatively coupled to thebody member 801 and actuated to draw air from the interior of thestorage bag 200 through theflow openings 804 in thetongue 802 and thecheck valve 807 to thereby evacuate thestorage bag 200 of air. Theclip apparatus 800 and thestorage bag 200 may then be placed in a storage unit to preserve the items placed therein, and the risk of spoilage is lowered by the removal of air from the interior of thestorage bag 200. - While the present invention has been illustrated by a description of various preferred embodiments and while these embodiments have been described in some detail, it is not the intention of the Applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. For example, the
check valve 120 of the various embodiments may be repositioned in thesecond body member 102 or adjacent thehinge 105 in other embodiments of theclip apparatus 100. The various features of the invention may be used alone or in numerous combinations depending on the needs and preferences of the user.
Claims (28)
1. A clip apparatus for sealing a storage bag, comprising:
a first body member including a first operating end;
a second body member pivotally coupled with the first body member and including a second operating end, the first and second body members having an open position wherein the first and second operating ends are disengaged and a closed position wherein the first and second operating ends are engaged to define an internal space;
a tongue disposed at least partially between the first and second body members and configured to engage an interior of the storage bag, the tongue including a flow passage communicating with the internal space and the interior of the storage bag when the first and second body members are in the closed position;
a valve configured to enable flow from the internal space out of the clip apparatus; and
a seal member disposed between the first and second body members and configured to seal the internal space at least partially around the tongue.
2. The clip apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the valve is a one-way valve adapted to prevent ambient air from entering the interior of the storage bag and the internal space when the first and second body members are in the closed position.
3. The clip apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first body member includes a first handle and the second body member includes a second handle, the first and second handles configured to actuate the first and second body members between the open position and the closed position.
4. The clip apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
a biasing member engaged with the first body member and the second body member and operative to bias the first and second body members to the closed position.
5. The clip apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second body members defines a generally planar support surface collectively formed by the respective handle and operating end.
6. The clip apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the tongue is hingedly coupled with at least one of the first or second body members such that the tongue is spaced from the first and second operating ends in the open position.
7. The clip apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the valve is disposed in the first body member adjacent the first operating end.
8. The clip apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the storage bag includes an interlocking zipper and the clip apparatus further comprises:
at least one notch formed in one of the first or second body members, the notch being configured to engage the storage bag so that an interlocking zipper of the storage bag passes through the notch in the closed position.
9. The clip apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the seal member includes a raised portion configured to seal the notch in the closed position.
10. The clip apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the seal member includes a first seal member portion coupled to the first body member and a second seal member portion coupled to the second body member.
11. The clip apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the storage bag includes an interlocking zipper and the first and second seal member portions are configured to sealingly engage the interlocking zipper when the storage bag is placed in the clip apparatus.
12. The clip apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the tongue includes a free end and is coupled to the first body member with a spring that biases the free end of the tongue into engagement with the first operating end.
13. The clip apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the tongue may be pivoted away from the first operating end against the spring bias to insert the storage bag over the tongue.
14. The clip apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the valve is positioned within the flow passage of the tongue and adjacent to the first body member.
15. The clip apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the second body member further includes a knife blade along an outer periphery and a retractable knife cover configured to slide between a first position covering the knife blade and a second position revealing the knife blade, the knife blade configured to cut an opening into the storage bag.
16. The clip apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising:
a locking member coupled to one of the first and second body members;
and a locking notch provided on the other of the first and second body members,
wherein the locking member is configured to engage with the locking notch in the closed position of the first and second body members and thereby prevent movement out of the closed position.
17. The clip apparatus of claim 16 , further comprising:
a release button disposed on the other of the first and second body members and configured to release the locking member from the locking notch when the clip apparatus is to be moved to an open position.
18. The clip apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the tongue includes a tongue housing having a leading edge sharpened to cut an opening into the storage bag, an inner tongue member configured to slide within the tongue housing, and a handle coupled to the inner tongue member.
19. The clip apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the tongue housing is slidably mounted within the first and second body members by moving the handle.
20. The clip apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the tongue housing is fixedly mounted within the first and second body members.
21. The clip apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the inner tongue member includes a leading edge configured to be inserted into the storage bag when the handle moves to slide the inner tongue member through the tongue housing.
22. The clip apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the inner tongue member and the tongue housing collectively define a flow passageway for air to be evacuated from the storage bag.
23. A clip apparatus for sealing a storage bag, comprising:
a body member including a sealed internal space and a valve communicating with the sealed internal space;
a tongue extending from the body member and configured to engage an interior of the storage bag, the tongue including a flow passage communicating with the sealed internal space;
a first arm pivotally coupled to the body member and including a first sealing gasket;
a second arm pivotally coupled to the body member and including a second sealing gasket,
wherein the first and second arms may be pivoted such that the first and second sealing gaskets sealingly engage the tongue, thereby to seal the storage bag when the tongue engages the interior of the storage bag.
24. The clip apparatus of claim 23 , wherein the first and second arms include a biasing member configured to bias the first and second sealing gaskets into sealing engagement with the tongue.
25. The clip apparatus of claim 24 , wherein the biasing member includes magnets positioned in the first and second sealing gaskets.
26. A method of evacuating a storage bag with a clip apparatus having a first body member, a second body member pivotally coupled to the first body member, a valve, and a tongue disposed at least partially between the first and second body members and having a flow passage, the method comprising:
rotating the first and second body members to an open position wherein the first and second body members are spaced from the tongue;
inserting the tongue through an opening of the storage bag;
rotating the first and second body members to a closed position wherein the first and second body members engage and seal the tongue within the opening of the storage bag; and
forcing air from the storage bag through the flow passage and the valve to evacuate the storage bag.
27. A system for sealing a storage bag, comprising:
a clip apparatus according to claim 1 ; and
a vacuum pump including a vacuum chamber and a slot configured to engage the clip apparatus, the vacuum pump operable to evacuate air from the storage bag through the tongue and the valve.
28. A system for sealing a storage bag, comprising:
a clip apparatus according to claim 23 ; and
a vacuum pump including a vacuum chamber and a slot configured to engage the clip apparatus, the vacuum pump operable to evacuate air from the storage bag through the tongue and the valve.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/525,986 US20130016924A1 (en) | 2009-12-17 | 2012-06-18 | Vacuum clip for storage bags |
US13/565,567 US20130031871A1 (en) | 2009-12-17 | 2012-08-02 | Bag vacuum apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US28753009P | 2009-12-17 | 2009-12-17 | |
PCT/US2010/061072 WO2011075664A1 (en) | 2009-12-17 | 2010-12-17 | Vacuum clip for storage bags |
US13/525,986 US20130016924A1 (en) | 2009-12-17 | 2012-06-18 | Vacuum clip for storage bags |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2010/061072 Continuation WO2011075664A1 (en) | 2009-12-17 | 2010-12-17 | Vacuum clip for storage bags |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2011/023478 Continuation-In-Part WO2011097298A1 (en) | 2009-12-17 | 2011-02-02 | Bag vacuum apparatus |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20130016924A1 true US20130016924A1 (en) | 2013-01-17 |
Family
ID=44167722
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/525,986 Abandoned US20130016924A1 (en) | 2009-12-17 | 2012-06-18 | Vacuum clip for storage bags |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20130016924A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2011075664A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
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US20130031871A1 (en) * | 2009-12-17 | 2013-02-07 | John Helmsderfer | Bag vacuum apparatus |
US20150151882A1 (en) * | 2012-07-07 | 2015-06-04 | Alan Joseph Green | Fluid container and a valve for a fluid container |
USD788575S1 (en) * | 2016-05-14 | 2017-06-06 | Helen Of Troy Limited | Multi-purpose clip |
IT201600103666A1 (en) * | 2016-10-14 | 2018-04-14 | Cryovac Inc | EQUIPMENT AND METHOD OF PACKAGING A PRODUCT |
USD966880S1 (en) * | 2020-10-23 | 2022-10-18 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Fastener |
US20230077955A1 (en) * | 2021-09-13 | 2023-03-16 | Samsung Display Co., Ltd. | Shielding bag gripping apparatus, display packing system including the same, and display packing method using the same |
USD1023739S1 (en) * | 2022-11-11 | 2024-04-23 | Schroeder and Tremayne, Inc. | Bag clip |
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WO2014045379A1 (en) * | 2012-09-20 | 2014-03-27 | Necディスプレイソリューションズ株式会社 | Gas-filling device and gas-filling method |
MX2015017659A (en) | 2013-06-18 | 2016-08-08 | Univ Florida | Method for preparing dioxyheterocycle-based electrochromic polymers. |
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US20130031871A1 (en) * | 2009-12-17 | 2013-02-07 | John Helmsderfer | Bag vacuum apparatus |
US20150151882A1 (en) * | 2012-07-07 | 2015-06-04 | Alan Joseph Green | Fluid container and a valve for a fluid container |
USD788575S1 (en) * | 2016-05-14 | 2017-06-06 | Helen Of Troy Limited | Multi-purpose clip |
IT201600103666A1 (en) * | 2016-10-14 | 2018-04-14 | Cryovac Inc | EQUIPMENT AND METHOD OF PACKAGING A PRODUCT |
WO2018069880A1 (en) * | 2016-10-14 | 2018-04-19 | Cryovac, Inc. | Apparatus and method for packaging a product |
CN110573428A (en) * | 2016-10-14 | 2019-12-13 | 克里奥瓦克公司 | Apparatus and method for packaging products |
RU2743740C2 (en) * | 2016-10-14 | 2021-02-25 | Криовак, Ллс. | Device and method for packaging product |
AU2017342228B2 (en) * | 2016-10-14 | 2021-11-25 | Cryovac, Llc | Apparatus and method for packaging a product |
US11230397B2 (en) | 2016-10-14 | 2022-01-25 | Cryovac, Llc | Apparatus and method for packaging a product |
USD966880S1 (en) * | 2020-10-23 | 2022-10-18 | Hill-Rom Services, Inc. | Fastener |
US20230077955A1 (en) * | 2021-09-13 | 2023-03-16 | Samsung Display Co., Ltd. | Shielding bag gripping apparatus, display packing system including the same, and display packing method using the same |
USD1023739S1 (en) * | 2022-11-11 | 2024-04-23 | Schroeder and Tremayne, Inc. | Bag clip |
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Legal Events
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
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