US20050034806A1 - Method for manufacturing liquid-trapping bag for use in vacuum packaging - Google Patents

Method for manufacturing liquid-trapping bag for use in vacuum packaging Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20050034806A1
US20050034806A1 US10/794,349 US79434904A US2005034806A1 US 20050034806 A1 US20050034806 A1 US 20050034806A1 US 79434904 A US79434904 A US 79434904A US 2005034806 A1 US2005034806 A1 US 2005034806A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
panel
forming
gas
roller
nip
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
Application number
US10/794,349
Inventor
Hongyu Wu
Charles Albritton
David Brakes
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Tilia International Inc USA
Original Assignee
Tilia International Inc USA
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Tilia International Inc USA filed Critical Tilia International Inc USA
Priority to US10/794,349 priority Critical patent/US20050034806A1/en
Priority to KR1020057016431A priority patent/KR20050115890A/en
Priority to MXPA05009456A priority patent/MXPA05009456A/en
Priority to EP04718048A priority patent/EP1615834A1/en
Priority to AU2004217917A priority patent/AU2004217917A1/en
Priority to CA002517808A priority patent/CA2517808A1/en
Priority to PCT/US2004/006769 priority patent/WO2004078609A1/en
Assigned to TILIA INTERNATIONAL, INC. reassignment TILIA INTERNATIONAL, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ALBRITTON, CHARLES WADE, BRAKES, DAVID, WU, HONGYU
Publication of US20050034806A1 publication Critical patent/US20050034806A1/en
Priority to US11/479,510 priority patent/US7625459B2/en
Assigned to TILIA INTERNATIONAL, INC. reassignment TILIA INTERNATIONAL, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ALBRITTON, CHARLES WADE, BRAKES, DAVID, WU, HONGYU
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B3/00Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar form; Layered products having particular features of form
    • B32B3/26Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar form; Layered products having particular features of form characterised by a particular shape of the outline of the cross-section of a continuous layer; characterised by a layer with cavities or internal voids ; characterised by an apertured layer
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B38/00Ancillary operations in connection with laminating processes
    • B32B38/0036Heat treatment
    • B32B38/004Heat treatment by physically contacting the layers, e.g. by the use of heated platens or rollers
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B27/00Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/06Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
    • B32B27/08Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of synthetic resin
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B3/00Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar form; Layered products having particular features of form
    • B32B3/02Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar form; Layered products having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions
    • B32B3/04Layered products comprising a layer with external or internal discontinuities or unevennesses, or a layer of non-planar form; Layered products having particular features of form characterised by features of form at particular places, e.g. in edge regions characterised by at least one layer folded at the edge, e.g. over another layer ; characterised by at least one layer enveloping or enclosing a material
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B37/00Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding
    • B32B37/0076Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised in that the layers are not bonded on the totality of their surfaces
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B61/00Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages
    • B65B61/02Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for perforating, scoring, slitting, or applying code or date marks on material prior to packaging
    • B65B61/025Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for perforating, scoring, slitting, or applying code or date marks on material prior to packaging for applying, e.g. printing, code or date marks on material prior to packaging
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B9/00Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, e.g. liquids or semiliquids, in flat, folded, or tubular webs of flexible sheet material; Subdividing filled flexible tubes to form packages
    • B65B9/02Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs
    • B65B9/04Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs one or both webs being formed with pockets for the reception of the articles, or of the quantities of material
    • B65B9/042Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs one or both webs being formed with pockets for the reception of the articles, or of the quantities of material for fluent material
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D33/00Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS 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
    • B65D33/00Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
    • B65D33/004Information or decoration elements, e.g. level indicators, detachable tabs or coupons
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/18Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
    • B65D81/20Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
    • B65D81/2007Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum
    • B65D81/2038Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum with means for establishing or improving vacuum
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B31MAKING ARTICLES OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER; WORKING PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31BMAKING CONTAINERS OF PAPER, CARDBOARD OR MATERIAL WORKED IN A MANNER ANALOGOUS TO PAPER
    • B31B2160/00Shape of flexible containers
    • B31B2160/10Shape of flexible containers rectangular and flat, i.e. without structural provision for thickness of contents
    • B31B2160/106Shape of flexible containers rectangular and flat, i.e. without structural provision for thickness of contents obtained from sheets cut from larger sheets or webs before finishing the bag forming operations
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/30Properties of the layers or laminate having particular thermal properties
    • B32B2307/31Heat sealable
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2307/00Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/70Other properties
    • B32B2307/724Permeability to gases, adsorption
    • B32B2307/7242Non-permeable
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2439/00Containers; Receptacles
    • B32B2439/40Closed containers
    • B32B2439/46Bags
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32BLAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B2439/00Containers; Receptacles
    • B32B2439/70Food packaging
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/18Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
    • B65D81/20Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
    • B65D81/2007Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum
    • B65D81/2023Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum in a flexible container
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T156/00Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
    • Y10T156/10Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
    • Y10T156/1002Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with permanent bending or reshaping or surface deformation of self sustaining lamina
    • Y10T156/1025Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with permanent bending or reshaping or surface deformation of self sustaining lamina to form undulated to corrugated sheet and securing to base with parts of shaped areas out of contact
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T156/00Adhesive bonding and miscellaneous chemical manufacture
    • Y10T156/10Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor
    • Y10T156/1002Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor with permanent bending or reshaping or surface deformation of self sustaining lamina
    • Y10T156/1036Bending of one piece blank and joining edges to form article

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to bags for use in vacuum packaging and methods and devices for manufacturing bags for use in vacuum packaging.
  • a common method and device includes placing food into a gas-impermeable plastic bag, evacuating the air from the bag using suction from a vacuum pump or other suction source, and tightly sealing the bag.
  • a bag for use in vacuum packaging can consist of a first panel and second panel, each panel consisting of a single layer of heat-sealable, plastic-based film (for example, polyethylene).
  • the panels are sealed together along a substantial portion of the periphery of the panels by heat-sealing techniques so as to form an envelope.
  • Perishable products such as spoilable food, or other products are packed into the envelope via the unsealed portion through which air is subsequently evacuated. After perishable products are packed into the bag and air is evacuated from the inside of the bag, the unsealed portion is heated and pressed such that the panels adhere to each other, sealing the bag.
  • the embossing forms a pattern of protuberances on at least one of the panels.
  • the protuberances can be discrete pyramids, hemispheres, etc., and are formed by pressing a panel using heated female and male dies.
  • the first panel is overlaid on the second panel such that the protuberances from one panel face the opposite panel.
  • the contacting peripheral edges of the panels are sealed to each other to form an envelope having an inlet at an unsealed portion of the periphery.
  • the perishable or other products are packed into the envelope through the inlet, and the inlet is sealed. Thereafter, an opening is pierced in a part of the panel material that communicates with the channels, air is removed from the interior of the envelope through the channels and opening, and the opening is sealed.
  • This type of bag requires two additional sealing steps after the perishable or other product is packed into the envelope.
  • embossing creates impressions on the plastic such that indentations are formed on the opposite side of the panel
  • a vacuum bag having a first panel and a second panel consisting of laminated films.
  • Each panel comprises a heat-sealable inner layer, a gas-impermeable outer layer, and optionally, one or more intermediate layers.
  • Such a bag is described in U.S. Pat. No. Re. 34,929, incorporated herein by reference.
  • At least one film from at least one panel is embossed using an embossing mold to form protuberances and channels defined by the space between protuberances, so that air is readily evacuated from the vacuum bag.
  • the bag consists of a first and second panel, each panel consisting of a gas-impermeable outer layer and a heat-sealable inner layer.
  • a plurality of heat-sealable strand elements are heat bonded at regular intervals to the inner layer of either the first panel or the second panel.
  • the spaces between strand elements act as channels for the evacuation of air.
  • the strand elements are extruded from an extrusion head and heat bonded to the heat-sealable layer by use of pressure rolls. Separate equipment is required for producing strand elements, and a procedure of heat bonding a plurality of strand elements at regular intervals to the heat-sealable inner layer is complicated. Also, various shapes of pattern are hard to form using this process.
  • FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a method for manufacturing a vacuum bag in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 1B is a side view of the method shown in FIG. 1A illustrating the embossing method used in an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 1C is a close-up view of a portion of FIG. 1B ;
  • FIG. 2A is atop view of a partial portion of a first panel overlapping a partial portion of a second panel in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2B is a cross-section view through line 2 B- 2 B of FIG. 2A ;
  • FIG. 3A-3E are plan views of exemplary patterns on a panel in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, manufactured by the process shown in FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a vacuum bag in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate one embodiment of a method for manufacturing a vacuum bag in accordance with the present invention.
  • the vacuum bag comprises a first panel and a second panel, wherein each panel comprises a gas-impermeable base layer 108 and a heat-sealable inner layer 106 with at least one panel having liquid flow obstructing protuberances and/or channels.
  • a laminating roll 102 and a cooling roll 104 are arranged so that melt-extruded resin can be introduced between the rolls and cooled to form the heat-sealable inner layer 106 and to laminate the formed inner layer 106 to the gas-impermeable base layer 108 . As illustrated in FIG.
  • a gap between the laminating roll 102 and the cooling roll 104 can be controlled according to specifications (for example, thickness) of a panel for use in vacuum packaging.
  • the temperature of the cooling roll 104 is maintained in a range such that the melt-extruded resin can be sufficiently cooled to form a desired pattern. For example, a temperature range of about ⁇ 15° C. to about ⁇ 10° C. can be sufficient to properly form the desired pattern.
  • the temperature range of the cooling roll 104 can vary according to the composition of the resin, the composition of the gas-impermeable base layer 108 , environmental conditions, etc. and can require calibration.
  • the cooling roll 104 can be sized to have a larger diameter than the laminating roll 102 , thereby bringing the melt-extruded resin into contact with more cooled surface area.
  • the diameter of the cooling roll 104 can be about one-and-a-half to about three times as large (or more) as that of the laminating roll 102 .
  • the heat-sealable inner layer 106 typically comprises a thermoplastic resin.
  • the resin can be comprised of polyethylene (PE) suitable for preserving foods and harmless to a human body.
  • PE polyethylene
  • a vacuum bag can be manufactured by overlapping two panels such that the heat-sealable inner layers 106 of the two panels are brought into contact and heat is applied to a portion of the periphery of the panels to form an envelope.
  • the thermoplastic resin can be chosen so that the two panels strongly bond to each other when sufficient heat is applied.
  • the gas-impermeable base layer 108 is fed to the gap between the cooling roll 104 and the laminating roll 102 by a feeding means (not shown).
  • the gas-impermeable base layer can be comprised of polyester, polyamide, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), nylon, or other material having similar properties, that is capable of being heated and capable of being used in this manufacturing process.
  • the gas-impermeable base layer 108 can consist of one layer, or two or more layers. When employing a multilayer-structured base layer, it should be understood that a total thickness thereof is also adjusted within the allowable range for the total gas-impermeable base layer 108 .
  • An extruder 110 is positioned in such a way that the melt-extruded resin is layered on the gas-impermeable base layer 108 by feeding the melt-extruded resin to a nip between the cooling roll 104 and the gas-impermeable base layer 108 .
  • the resin is fed through a nozzle 112 of the extruder 110 .
  • the temperature of the melt-extruded resin is dependent on the type of resin used, and can typically range from about 200° C. to about 250° C.
  • the amount of resin extruded into the laminating unit 100 is dependent on the desired thickness of the heat-sealable inner layer 106 .
  • a pattern fabricated on the circumferential surface of the cooling roll 104 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention can include cavities (and/or protuberances) defining a plurality of discrete channels having a baffled structure.
  • the resin extruded from the nozzle 112 is pressed between the cooling roll 104 and the gas-impermeable base layer 108 and flows into the cavities of the cooling roll 104 .
  • the resin quickly cools and solidifies in the desired pattern while adhering to the gas-impermeable base layer 108 , thereby forming the heat-sealable inner layer 106 of the panel.
  • the heat-sealable inner layer 106 can be formed while the resin is sufficiently heated to allow the resin to flow, thereby molding the resin, unlike other methods adopting a post-embossing treatment where the heat-sealable inner layer is drawn by a die or embossed between male and female components.
  • each protuberance formed on the heat-sealable inner layer 106 of a panel can be determined by the depth of the cavities of the cooling roll 104 , and the width of the channel can be determined by the interval between the cavities.
  • the shape, width, and thickness of the channels for the evacuation of air and/or other gases can be controlled by changing the specifications for the cavities of the cooling roll 104 .
  • FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a cross-section (along line 2 B- 2 B) of two panels in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention (the thickness of the panels are exaggerated relative to the width of the channel walls and baffles).
  • the heat-sealable inner layer 106 can range from preferably 0.5-6.0 mils in thickness at the channels 224 , and preferably 1.0-12.0 mils in thickness at the protuberances 226 , 228 , while the gas-impermeable base layer 108 can range from about preferably 0.5-8.0 mils in thickness.
  • the dimensions of the inner layer and the base layer are set forth to illustrate, but are not to be construed to limit the dimensions of the inner layer and the base layer.
  • FIG. 3A is a plan view of a pattern 320 formed on a panel by the cooling roll 104 for use in a vacuum bag, in which the heat-sealable inner layer 106 is molded in such a way that protuberances form the plurality of channels 224 having channels walls 226 and baffles 228 .
  • the baffles 228 can be arranged in a herringbone pattern at angles such that air and/or other gases 340 (shown schematically) can be drawn around the baffles 228 by suction and evacuated from the vacuum bag, while heavier liquid particles 342 can be trapped between the channel walls 226 and the baffles 228 .
  • baffles 228 and channel walls 226 Angles formed by the intersection of baffles 228 and channel walls 226 , and gaps between adjacent baffles 228 can be defined when producing the cooling roll 104 to suit the liquid intended to be trapped.
  • Different arrangements of the baffles 228 relative to the chamber walls 226 , and relative to other baffles 228 can be multi-fold (shaped to define liquid-trapping vessels), and can be optimized to improve evacuation of the air and/or other gases 340 , while effectively preventing liquids 342 from being drawn out of the vacuum bag. For example, as shown in FIG.
  • the baffles 228 can be arranged such that an approach angle for passing through the channel opening between the baffles 228 is severe and that vessels formed by the baffles 228 are relatively deep, thereby retarding liquid flow by deflecting liquid 342 into the vessels and trapping a significant amount of liquid 342 .
  • baffle arrangements for retarding the evacuation of liquid 342 relative to the evacuation of air and/or other gases 340 .
  • a pattern 320 fabricated on the circumferential surface of the cooling roll 104 , and thereafter the panel can mold protuberances forming a plurality of channels 224 defined by “V”-shaped baffles 228 , eliminating the need for molding channel walls.
  • the channel walls 226 can extend substantially the length of the panel with only a portion of the length of the channels near an evacuation opening having baffles 228 .
  • a pattern 320 fabricated on the circumferential surface of the cooling roll 104 , and thereafter the panel can mold protuberances forming a plurality of channels 224 having channels walls 226 and baffles 228 , wherein each baffle 228 extends across a substantial portion of the width of the channel 224 , thereby defining a path between the baffle 228 and the channel wall 226 for the air and/or other gases 340 to be drawn.
  • the baffles 228 can alternatively be parabolic or rounded, as shown in FIG. 3D , to form pockets for collecting liquid particles 342 .
  • FIG. 3E illustrates still another embodiment of a pattern 320 fabricated on the circumferential surface of the cooling roll 104 , and thereafter the panel, that can include parabolically-shaped or “U”-shaped baffles 228 arranged like fish-scales either along the length of the panel, or a portion of the panel to capture liquid particles 342 .
  • the U-shaped baffles 228 can also include slits 330 in the troughs of the U-shaped baffles 228 small enough to improve the flow of air and/or other gases 340 while retarding an amount of liquid particles 342 .
  • the baffles 228 can be more or less parabolic.
  • One of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate the multitude of different baffle shapes for retarding the evacuation of liquid relative to the evacuation of air or other gases.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a bag for use in vacuum packaging in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the vacuum bag 450 comprises a first panel 452 and a second panel 454 overlapping each other. Channels 224 are formed on at least one of the panels 452 , 454 in accordance with an embodiment described above.
  • the heat-sealable inner layer 106 and the gas-impermeable base layer 108 of the first and second panels 452 , 454 are typically made of the same material respectively, but can alternatively be made of different materials that exhibit heat-seal ability and gas-impermeability respectively. As described above, the resin-formed layer 106 is used as an inner layer and the gas-impermeable base layer 108 is used as an outer layer.
  • the lower, left, and right edges of the first and the second panel 452 , 454 are bonded to each other by heating, so as to form an envelope for receiving a perishable or other product to be vacuum packaged.
  • air and/or other gases can be evacuated from the bag 450 , for example by a vacuum sealing machine as described in the above referenced U.S. Pat. No. 4,941,310, which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • the inlet can be sealed by applying heat, thereby activating the heat-sealable inner layers 106 and bonding them together where contacted by the heat.

Abstract

A method for manufacturing a bag for use in vacuum packaging comprises forming a first panel having a plurality of baffles for evacuating air and/or other gases from inside the bag using a suction source, while preventing liquids from being drawn into the suction source, and a second panel. Each panel comprises a gas-impermeable base layer and a heat-sealable inner layer molded from melt-extruded resin. The first panel is overlapped with the second panel, and three of four edges of the panels are heated such that the inner layers bond at the heated edges. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.

Description

    PRIORITY CLAIM
  • This application claims priority to the following U.S. Provisional patent application:
      • U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/452,138, entitled “METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING LIQUID-TRAPPING BAG FOR USE IN VACUUM PACKAGING,” by Henry Wu, et al., filed Mar. 5, 2003 (Attorney Docket No. TILA-01177US1).
    CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
  • This U.S. Patent Application incorporates by reference all of the following co-pending applications:
      • U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/452,168, entitled “LIQUID-TRAPPING BAG FOR USE IN VACUUM PACKAGING,” by Henry Wu, et al., filed Mar. 5, 2003 (Attorney Docket No. TILA-01177US0);
      • U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/452,172, entitled “SEALABLE BAG HAVING AN INTEGRATED TRAY FOR USE IN VACUUM PACKAGING,” by Henry Wu, et al., filed Mar. 5, 2003 (Attorney Docket No. TILA-01178US0);
      • U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/452,171, entitled “METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A SEALABLE BAG HAVING AN INTEGRATED TRAY FOR USE IN VACUUM PACKAGING,” by Henry Wu, et al., filed Mar. 5, 2003 (Attorney Docket No. TILA-01178US1);
      • U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/451,954, entitled “SEALABLE BAG HAVING AN INDICIA FOR USE IN VACUUM PACKAGING,” by Henry Wu, et al., filed Mar. 5, 2003 (Attorney Docket No. TILA-01179US0);
      • U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/451,948, entitled “METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A SEALABLE BAG HAVING AN INDICIA FOR USE IN VACUUM PACKAGING,” by Henry Wu, et al., filed Mar. 5, 2003 (Attorney Docket No. TILA-01179US1);
      • U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/452,142, entitled “SEALABLE BAG HAVING AN INTEGRATED ZIPPER FOR USE IN VACUUM PACKAGING,” by Henry Wu, et al., filed Mar. 5, 2003 (Attorney Docket No. TILA-01180US0);
      • U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/452,021, entitled “METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A SEALABLE BAG HAVING AN INTEGRATED ZIPPER FOR USE IN VACUUM PACKAGING,” by Henry Wu, et al., filed Mar. 5, 2003 (Attorney Docket No. TILA-01180US1);
      • U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/451,955, entitled “SEALABLE BAG HAVING AN INTEGRATED VALVE STRUCTURE FOR USE IN VACUUM PACKAGING,” by Henry Wu, et al., filed Mar. 5, 2003 (Attorney Docket No. TILA-01181US0);
      • U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/451,956, entitled “METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A SEALABLE BAG HAVING AN INTEGRATED VALVE STRUCTURE FOR USE IN VACUUM PACKAGING,” by Henry Wu, et al., filed Mar. 5, 2003 (Attorney Docket No. TILA-01181US1);
      • U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/452,157, entitled “SEALABLE BAG HAVING AN INTEGRATED TIMER/SENSOR FOR USE IN VACUUM PACKAGING,” by Henry Wu, et al., filed Mar. 5, 2003 (Attorney Docket No. TILA-01182US0);
      • U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/452,139, entitled “METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A SEALABLE BAG HAVING AN INTEGRATED TIMER/SENSOR FOR USE IN VACUUM PACKAGING,” by Henry Wu, et al., filed Mar. 5, 2003 (Attorney Docket No. TILA-01182US1);
      • U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/169,485, entitled “METHOD FOR PREPARING AIR CHANNEL EQUIPPED FILM FOR USE IN VACUUM PACKAGE”, filed Jun. 26, 2002;
      • U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “LIQUID-TRAPPING BAG FOR USE IN VACUUM PACKAGING,” Attorney Docket No. TILA-01177US2, filed concurrently;
      • U.S. Patent Application No., entitled “SEALABLE BAG HAVING AN INTEGRATED TRAY FOR USE IN VACUUM PACKAGING,” Attorney Docket No. TILA-01178US2, filed concurrently;
      • U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A SEALABLE BAG HAVING AN INTEGRATED TRAY FOR USE IN VACUUM PACKAGING,” Attorney Docket No. TILA-01178US3, filed concurrently;
      • U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “SEALABLE BAG HAVING AN INDICIA FOR USE IN VACUUM PACKAGING,” Attorney Docket No. TILA-01179US2, filed concurrently;
      • U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A SEALABLE BAG HAVING AN INDICIA FOR USE IN VACUUM PACKAGING,” Attorney Docket No. TILA-01179US3, filed concurrently;
      • U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “SEALABLE BAG HAVING AN INTEGRATED ZIPPER FOR USE IN VACUUM PACKAGING,” Attorney Docket No. TILA-01180US2, filed concurrently;
      • U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A SEALABLE BAG HAVING AN INTEGRATED ZIPPER FOR USE IN VACUUM PACKAGING,” Attorney Docket No. TILA-01180US3, filed concurrently;
      • U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “SEALABLE BAG HAVING AN INTEGRATED VALVE STRUCTURE FOR USE IN VACUUM PACKAGING,” Attorney Docket No. TILA-01181US2, filed concurrently;
      • U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A SEALABLE BAG HAVING AN INTEGRATED VALVE STRUCTURE FOR USE IN VACUUM PACKAGING,” Attorney Docket No. TILA-01181US3, filed concurrently;
      • U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “SEALABLE BAG HAVING AN INTEGRATED TIMER/SENSOR FOR USE IN VACUUM PACKAGING,” Attorney Docket No. TILA-01182US2, filed concurrently; and
  • U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A SEALABLE BAG HAVING AN INTEGRATED TIMER/SENSOR FOR USE IN VACUUM PACKAGING,” Attorney Docket No. TILA-01182US3, filed concurrently.
  • FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention relates to bags for use in vacuum packaging and methods and devices for manufacturing bags for use in vacuum packaging.
  • BACKGROUND
  • Methods and devices for preserving perishable foods such as fish and meats, processed foods, prepared meals, and left-overs, and non-perishable items are widely known, and widely varied. Foods are perishable because organisms such as bacteria, fungus and mold grow over time after a food container is opened and the food is left exposed to the atmosphere. Most methods and devices preserve food by protecting food from organism-filled air. A common method and device includes placing food into a gas-impermeable plastic bag, evacuating the air from the bag using suction from a vacuum pump or other suction source, and tightly sealing the bag.
  • A bag for use in vacuum packaging can consist of a first panel and second panel, each panel consisting of a single layer of heat-sealable, plastic-based film (for example, polyethylene). The panels are sealed together along a substantial portion of the periphery of the panels by heat-sealing techniques so as to form an envelope. Perishable products, such as spoilable food, or other products are packed into the envelope via the unsealed portion through which air is subsequently evacuated. After perishable products are packed into the bag and air is evacuated from the inside of the bag, the unsealed portion is heated and pressed such that the panels adhere to each other, sealing the bag.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 2,778,173, incorporated herein by reference, discloses a method for improving the evacuation of air from the bag by forming channels in at least one of the panels with the aid of embossing techniques. Air escapes from the bag along the channels during evacuation. The embossing forms a pattern of protuberances on at least one of the panels. The protuberances can be discrete pyramids, hemispheres, etc., and are formed by pressing a panel using heated female and male dies. The first panel is overlaid on the second panel such that the protuberances from one panel face the opposite panel. The contacting peripheral edges of the panels are sealed to each other to form an envelope having an inlet at an unsealed portion of the periphery. The perishable or other products are packed into the envelope through the inlet, and the inlet is sealed. Thereafter, an opening is pierced in a part of the panel material that communicates with the channels, air is removed from the interior of the envelope through the channels and opening, and the opening is sealed. This type of bag requires two additional sealing steps after the perishable or other product is packed into the envelope. One further problem is that embossing creates impressions on the plastic such that indentations are formed on the opposite side of the panel
  • To avoid additional sealing steps, a vacuum bag is formed having a first panel and a second panel consisting of laminated films. Each panel comprises a heat-sealable inner layer, a gas-impermeable outer layer, and optionally, one or more intermediate layers. Such a bag is described in U.S. Pat. No. Re. 34,929, incorporated herein by reference. At least one film from at least one panel is embossed using an embossing mold to form protuberances and channels defined by the space between protuberances, so that air is readily evacuated from the vacuum bag.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,423, incorporated herein by reference, discloses still another bag usable in vacuum packaging. The bag consists of a first and second panel, each panel consisting of a gas-impermeable outer layer and a heat-sealable inner layer. A plurality of heat-sealable strand elements are heat bonded at regular intervals to the inner layer of either the first panel or the second panel. The spaces between strand elements act as channels for the evacuation of air. The strand elements are extruded from an extrusion head and heat bonded to the heat-sealable layer by use of pressure rolls. Separate equipment is required for producing strand elements, and a procedure of heat bonding a plurality of strand elements at regular intervals to the heat-sealable inner layer is complicated. Also, various shapes of pattern are hard to form using this process.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
  • Further details of embodiments of the present invention are explained with the help of the attached drawings in which:
  • FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a method for manufacturing a vacuum bag in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 1B is a side view of the method shown in FIG. 1A illustrating the embossing method used in an embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 1C is a close-up view of a portion of FIG. 1B;
  • FIG. 2A is atop view of a partial portion of a first panel overlapping a partial portion of a second panel in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
  • FIG. 2B is a cross-section view through line 2B-2B of FIG. 2A;
  • FIG. 3A-3E are plan views of exemplary patterns on a panel in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, manufactured by the process shown in FIG. 1; and
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a vacuum bag in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • FIGS. 1A-1C illustrate one embodiment of a method for manufacturing a vacuum bag in accordance with the present invention. The vacuum bag comprises a first panel and a second panel, wherein each panel comprises a gas-impermeable base layer 108 and a heat-sealable inner layer 106 with at least one panel having liquid flow obstructing protuberances and/or channels. A laminating roll 102 and a cooling roll 104 are arranged so that melt-extruded resin can be introduced between the rolls and cooled to form the heat-sealable inner layer 106 and to laminate the formed inner layer 106 to the gas-impermeable base layer 108. As illustrated in FIG. 1C, a gap between the laminating roll 102 and the cooling roll 104 can be controlled according to specifications (for example, thickness) of a panel for use in vacuum packaging. The temperature of the cooling roll 104 is maintained in a range such that the melt-extruded resin can be sufficiently cooled to form a desired pattern. For example, a temperature range of about −15° C. to about −10° C. can be sufficient to properly form the desired pattern. The temperature range of the cooling roll 104 can vary according to the composition of the resin, the composition of the gas-impermeable base layer 108, environmental conditions, etc. and can require calibration. Also, the cooling roll 104 can be sized to have a larger diameter than the laminating roll 102, thereby bringing the melt-extruded resin into contact with more cooled surface area. For example, the diameter of the cooling roll 104 can be about one-and-a-half to about three times as large (or more) as that of the laminating roll 102.
  • The heat-sealable inner layer 106 typically comprises a thermoplastic resin. For example, the resin can be comprised of polyethylene (PE) suitable for preserving foods and harmless to a human body. A vacuum bag can be manufactured by overlapping two panels such that the heat-sealable inner layers 106 of the two panels are brought into contact and heat is applied to a portion of the periphery of the panels to form an envelope. The thermoplastic resin can be chosen so that the two panels strongly bond to each other when sufficient heat is applied.
  • The gas-impermeable base layer 108 is fed to the gap between the cooling roll 104 and the laminating roll 102 by a feeding means (not shown). The gas-impermeable base layer can be comprised of polyester, polyamide, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), nylon, or other material having similar properties, that is capable of being heated and capable of being used in this manufacturing process. The gas-impermeable base layer 108 can consist of one layer, or two or more layers. When employing a multilayer-structured base layer, it should be understood that a total thickness thereof is also adjusted within the allowable range for the total gas-impermeable base layer 108.
  • An extruder 110 is positioned in such a way that the melt-extruded resin is layered on the gas-impermeable base layer 108 by feeding the melt-extruded resin to a nip between the cooling roll 104 and the gas-impermeable base layer 108. The resin is fed through a nozzle 112 of the extruder 110. The temperature of the melt-extruded resin is dependent on the type of resin used, and can typically range from about 200° C. to about 250° C. The amount of resin extruded into the laminating unit 100 is dependent on the desired thickness of the heat-sealable inner layer 106.
  • A pattern fabricated on the circumferential surface of the cooling roll 104 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention can include cavities (and/or protuberances) defining a plurality of discrete channels having a baffled structure. The resin extruded from the nozzle 112 is pressed between the cooling roll 104 and the gas-impermeable base layer 108 and flows into the cavities of the cooling roll 104. The resin quickly cools and solidifies in the desired pattern while adhering to the gas-impermeable base layer 108, thereby forming the heat-sealable inner layer 106 of the panel. The heat-sealable inner layer 106 can be formed while the resin is sufficiently heated to allow the resin to flow, thereby molding the resin, unlike other methods adopting a post-embossing treatment where the heat-sealable inner layer is drawn by a die or embossed between male and female components.
  • The thickness of each protuberance formed on the heat-sealable inner layer 106 of a panel can be determined by the depth of the cavities of the cooling roll 104, and the width of the channel can be determined by the interval between the cavities. Thus, the shape, width, and thickness of the channels for the evacuation of air and/or other gases can be controlled by changing the specifications for the cavities of the cooling roll 104. FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a cross-section (along line 2B-2B) of two panels in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention (the thickness of the panels are exaggerated relative to the width of the channel walls and baffles). The heat-sealable inner layer 106 can range from preferably 0.5-6.0 mils in thickness at the channels 224, and preferably 1.0-12.0 mils in thickness at the protuberances 226,228, while the gas-impermeable base layer 108 can range from about preferably 0.5-8.0 mils in thickness. The dimensions of the inner layer and the base layer are set forth to illustrate, but are not to be construed to limit the dimensions of the inner layer and the base layer.
  • FIG. 3A is a plan view of a pattern 320 formed on a panel by the cooling roll 104 for use in a vacuum bag, in which the heat-sealable inner layer 106 is molded in such a way that protuberances form the plurality of channels 224 having channels walls 226 and baffles 228. The baffles 228 can be arranged in a herringbone pattern at angles such that air and/or other gases 340 (shown schematically) can be drawn around the baffles 228 by suction and evacuated from the vacuum bag, while heavier liquid particles 342 can be trapped between the channel walls 226 and the baffles 228. Angles formed by the intersection of baffles 228 and channel walls 226, and gaps between adjacent baffles 228 can be defined when producing the cooling roll 104 to suit the liquid intended to be trapped. Different arrangements of the baffles 228 relative to the chamber walls 226, and relative to other baffles 228 can be multi-fold (shaped to define liquid-trapping vessels), and can be optimized to improve evacuation of the air and/or other gases 340, while effectively preventing liquids 342 from being drawn out of the vacuum bag. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A the baffles 228 can be arranged such that an approach angle for passing through the channel opening between the baffles 228 is severe and that vessels formed by the baffles 228 are relatively deep, thereby retarding liquid flow by deflecting liquid 342 into the vessels and trapping a significant amount of liquid 342.
  • As indicated above, one of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate the multitude of different baffle arrangements for retarding the evacuation of liquid 342 relative to the evacuation of air and/or other gases 340. As shown in FIG. 3B, in other embodiments a pattern 320 fabricated on the circumferential surface of the cooling roll 104, and thereafter the panel, can mold protuberances forming a plurality of channels 224 defined by “V”-shaped baffles 228, eliminating the need for molding channel walls. In still other embodiments, the channel walls 226 can extend substantially the length of the panel with only a portion of the length of the channels near an evacuation opening having baffles 228.
  • As shown in FIG. 3C, in other embodiments a pattern 320 fabricated on the circumferential surface of the cooling roll 104, and thereafter the panel, can mold protuberances forming a plurality of channels 224 having channels walls 226 and baffles 228, wherein each baffle 228 extends across a substantial portion of the width of the channel 224, thereby defining a path between the baffle 228 and the channel wall 226 for the air and/or other gases 340 to be drawn. The baffles 228 can alternatively be parabolic or rounded, as shown in FIG. 3D, to form pockets for collecting liquid particles 342.
  • FIG. 3E illustrates still another embodiment of a pattern 320 fabricated on the circumferential surface of the cooling roll 104, and thereafter the panel, that can include parabolically-shaped or “U”-shaped baffles 228 arranged like fish-scales either along the length of the panel, or a portion of the panel to capture liquid particles 342. The U-shaped baffles 228 can also include slits 330 in the troughs of the U-shaped baffles 228 small enough to improve the flow of air and/or other gases 340 while retarding an amount of liquid particles 342. In other embodiments, the baffles 228 can be more or less parabolic. One of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate the multitude of different baffle shapes for retarding the evacuation of liquid relative to the evacuation of air or other gases.
  • It is understood that the trapping of liquid in baffles or vessels formed in the bag is advantageous as this structure retards and prevents liquids from being drawn into the vacuum pump or suction device of a vacuum sealing tool such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,941,310, which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a bag for use in vacuum packaging in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The vacuum bag 450 comprises a first panel 452 and a second panel 454 overlapping each other. Channels 224 are formed on at least one of the panels 452,454 in accordance with an embodiment described above. The heat-sealable inner layer 106 and the gas-impermeable base layer 108 of the first and second panels 452,454 are typically made of the same material respectively, but can alternatively be made of different materials that exhibit heat-seal ability and gas-impermeability respectively. As described above, the resin-formed layer 106 is used as an inner layer and the gas-impermeable base layer 108 is used as an outer layer. The lower, left, and right edges of the first and the second panel 452,454 are bonded to each other by heating, so as to form an envelope for receiving a perishable or other product to be vacuum packaged. Once a perishable or other product is placed in the vacuum bag 450, air and/or other gases can be evacuated from the bag 450, for example by a vacuum sealing machine as described in the above referenced U.S. Pat. No. 4,941,310, which is incorporated herein by reference. Once the air and/or other gases are evacuated to the satisfaction of the user, the inlet can be sealed by applying heat, thereby activating the heat-sealable inner layers 106 and bonding them together where contacted by the heat.
  • The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the present invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. It is to be understood that many modifications and variations will be apparent to the practitioner skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with various modifications that are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims and their equivalence.

Claims (29)

1. A method for forming a panel for use in a sealable bag, comprising:
flowing a material onto a backing film, such that the flowing material is molded to form a structure;
wherein the structure includes a plurality of protuberances;
cooling the flowing material such that the flowing material solidifies to form an inner layer having the structure; and
wherein the inner layer adheres to the backing film.
2. A method for forming a bag adapted to receive an article, the bag being partially formed between a laminating roll and a cooling roll having a plurality of cavities for forming a structure, comprising:
feeding a gas-impermeable film to a nip formed by the cooling roll and the laminating roll;
extruding resin such that the resin fills the nip and the plurality of cavities exposed to the nip;
pressing the resin between the cooling roll and the laminating roll;
cooling the resin such that the resin forms the structure and adheres to the gas-impermeable film, forming a panel;
wherein the structure comprises a plurality of protuberances;
folding the panel such that a first portion of the panel overlaps a second portion of the panel; and
applying heat to a first, second, and third side of the first and second portions such that an envelope is formed.
3. A method for manufacturing a bag adapted to receive an article, comprising:
feeding a first gas-impermeable film to a first nip between a first cooling roll and a first laminating roll, the first cooling roll having a plurality of cavities for forming a structure;
extruding molten resin to the first nip;
pressing the molten resin between the first cooling roll and the first gas-impermeable film such that the molten resin fills the plurality of cavities exposed to the first nip;
cooling the resin such that the resin forms the structure and adheres to the gas-impermeable film, forming a first panel;
wherein the structure comprises a plurality of protuberances;
feeding a second gas-impermeable film to a second nip between a second cooling roll and a second laminating roll;
extruding molten resin to the second nip;
pressing the molten resin between the second cooling roll and the second gas-impermeable film;
cooling the molten resin such that a second inner layer is formed;
wherein the second inner layer adheres to the second gas-impermeable film, thereby forming a second panel;
overlapping the first panel with the second panel; and
applying heat to a first, second, and third side of the first and second panels such that the first panel and the second panel form an envelope.
4. A method for manufacturing a bag adapted to receive an article, comprising:
rotating a first cooling roll at a first rate, the first cooling roll including one or both of a plurality of cavities and a plurality of protuberances for forming a structure having a plurality of channels defined at least partially by a plurality of baffles;
rotating a first laminating roll at a second rate;
introducing a first gas-impermeable film having at least one layer to a first nip between the first cooling roll and the first laminating roll;
extruding molten resin to the first nip;
pressing the molten resin between the first cooling roll and the first gas-impermeable film such that the molten resin fills the plurality of cavities exposed to the first nip;
cooling the molten resin such that a first inner layer is formed;
wherein the first inner layer comprises the structure;
wherein the first inner layer adheres to the first gas-impermeable film, thereby forming a first panel;
rotating a second cooling roll at a third rate;
rotating a second laminating roll at a fourth rate;
introducing a second gas-impermeable film having at least one layer to a second nip between the second cooling roll and the second laminating roll;
extruding molten resin to the second nip;
pressing the molten resin between the second cooling roll and the second gas-impermeable film;
cooling the molten resin such that a second inner layer is formed;
wherein the second inner layer adheres to the second gas-impermeable film, thereby forming a second panel;
overlapping the first panel with the second panel; and
applying heat to a portion of a periphery the first and second panels such that the first panel and the second panel form an envelope.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the second rate is an integer multiple of the first rate and the fourth rate is an integer multiple of the third rate.
6. The method of claim 4, wherein the first gas-impermeable film and the second gas-impermeable film comprise at least one layer.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the at least on layer is one of polyester, polyamide, ethylene vinyl alcohol, and nylon.
8. The method of claim 4, wherein the molten resin is polyethylene.
9. The method of claim 4, wherein a thickness of the first inner layer is determined by the size of the first nip and the thickness of the second inner layer is determined by the size of the second nip.
10. The method of claim 4, wherein the plurality of protuberances are a plurality of baffles.
11. The method of claim 4, wherein the plurality of protuberances are a plurality of vessels.
12. The method of claim 4, wherein the plurality of protuberances are a plurality of catches.
13. A method of manufacturing a bag adapted to receive an article, comprising:
rotating a first roller having a plurality of recesses that can define a plurality of receptacles;
rotating a second roller adjacent to the first roller, said second roller can feed a first film adjacent to the first roller;
applying a molten material between the first roller and the film;
said molten material filling the recesses of the first roller, and said molten material and film moving between the first roller and the second roller forming a first panel with a plurality of receptacles;
forming a second panel; and
mating the first panel to the second panel in order to form a bag.
14. The method of claim 13 including:
using a gas impermeable material for the film; and
using a heat sealable material for the molten material.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein forming the plurality of receptacles forms a plurality of baffles.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein forming the plurality of receptacles forms a plurality of vessels.
17. The method of claim 13, wherein forming the plurality of receptacles forms a plurality of catches.
18. The method of claim 13, wherein said second panel is formed with the first roller and the second roller.
19. The method of claim 13, wherein said second panel is formed with the first roller and the second roller, and the mating step includes folding the first panel over the second panel.
20. The method of claim 13, wherein said first roller includes a peripheral surface having a first portion including the plurality of recesses for defining a plurality of receptacles and a second portion without a plurality of recesses.
21. The method of claim 13, wherein the first roller includes another plurality of recesses that can be filled with the molten material to form channels that run the length of the film.
22. The method of claim 13 including forming the receptacles in part with walls that run parallel to the length of the film and in part with walls that run across the length of the firm.
23. The method of claim 13 including forming the receptacle from the plurality of recesses with some of the plurality of recesses running the parallel to the length of the film and some of the plurality of recesses running across the length of the firm.
24. The method of claim 13 including forming the receptacles from the plurality of recesses with some of the plurality of recesses running in about the direction of rotation of a peripheral surface of the first roller and some of the recesses running in about a direction across the direction of rotation of the peripheral surface.
25. The method of claim 13, wherein forming the plurality of receptacles forms U shaped receptacles.
26. The method of claim 13, wherein forming the plurality of receptacles forms V shaped receptacles.
27. The method of claim 13, wherein forming the plurality of receptacles forms L shaped receptacles.
28. The method of claim 13, wherein forming the plurality of receptacles forms a plurality of liquid trapping shapes.
29. The method of claim 13, wherein a passage is formed the plurality of receptacles such that gas flows through the passage.
US10/794,349 2003-03-05 2004-03-04 Method for manufacturing liquid-trapping bag for use in vacuum packaging Abandoned US20050034806A1 (en)

Priority Applications (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/794,349 US20050034806A1 (en) 2003-03-05 2004-03-04 Method for manufacturing liquid-trapping bag for use in vacuum packaging
CA002517808A CA2517808A1 (en) 2003-03-05 2004-03-05 Liquid-trapping bag and method of making it
MXPA05009456A MXPA05009456A (en) 2003-03-05 2004-03-05 Liquid-trapping bag and method of making it.
EP04718048A EP1615834A1 (en) 2003-03-05 2004-03-05 Liquid-trapping bag and method of making it
AU2004217917A AU2004217917A1 (en) 2003-03-05 2004-03-05 Liquid-trapping bag and method of making it
KR1020057016431A KR20050115890A (en) 2003-03-05 2004-03-05 Liquid-trapping bag and method of making it
PCT/US2004/006769 WO2004078609A1 (en) 2003-03-05 2004-03-05 Liquid-trapping bag and method of making it
US11/479,510 US7625459B2 (en) 2003-03-05 2006-06-30 Method for manufacturing liquid-trapping bag for use in vacuum packaging

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US45213803P 2003-03-05 2003-03-05
US10/794,349 US20050034806A1 (en) 2003-03-05 2004-03-04 Method for manufacturing liquid-trapping bag for use in vacuum packaging

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/479,510 Continuation US7625459B2 (en) 2003-03-05 2006-06-30 Method for manufacturing liquid-trapping bag for use in vacuum packaging

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20050034806A1 true US20050034806A1 (en) 2005-02-17

Family

ID=34138428

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/794,349 Abandoned US20050034806A1 (en) 2003-03-05 2004-03-04 Method for manufacturing liquid-trapping bag for use in vacuum packaging
US11/479,510 Active 2025-10-05 US7625459B2 (en) 2003-03-05 2006-06-30 Method for manufacturing liquid-trapping bag for use in vacuum packaging

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/479,510 Active 2025-10-05 US7625459B2 (en) 2003-03-05 2006-06-30 Method for manufacturing liquid-trapping bag for use in vacuum packaging

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (2) US20050034806A1 (en)

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050286808A1 (en) * 2004-06-29 2005-12-29 Zimmerman Dean A Flexible storage bag
US20080304771A1 (en) * 2007-06-05 2008-12-11 Charles Harder Vacuum storage bag with zipper
US20090003736A1 (en) * 2005-01-12 2009-01-01 Unovo, Inc. Method and apparatus for evacuating and sealing containers
US20090290817A1 (en) * 2004-06-29 2009-11-26 Borchardt Michael G Flexible Storage Bag
US20100177990A1 (en) * 2007-07-17 2010-07-15 Neltner Andrew E Storage bag
US7784160B2 (en) 2007-03-16 2010-08-31 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Pouch and airtight resealable closure mechanism therefor
US7857515B2 (en) 2007-06-15 2010-12-28 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Airtight closure mechanism for a reclosable pouch
US7874731B2 (en) 2007-06-15 2011-01-25 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Valve for a recloseable container
US7886412B2 (en) 2007-03-16 2011-02-15 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Pouch and airtight resealable closure mechanism therefor
US7887238B2 (en) 2007-06-15 2011-02-15 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Flow channels for a pouch
US7946766B2 (en) 2007-06-15 2011-05-24 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Offset closure mechanism for a reclosable pouch
US7967509B2 (en) 2007-06-15 2011-06-28 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Pouch with a valve
US8397958B2 (en) 2010-08-05 2013-03-19 Ds Smith Plastics Limited Closure valve assembly for a container

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9289094B2 (en) * 2007-09-17 2016-03-22 Accutemp Products, Inc. Method and apparatus for filling a steam chamber
US8197138B2 (en) * 2008-08-12 2012-06-12 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Evacuable container and evacuation strip therefor
DE102012106903B4 (en) * 2012-07-30 2017-02-09 Chocotech Gmbh Apparatus and method for making chocolate cores

Citations (91)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2085766A (en) * 1934-09-29 1937-07-06 Potdevin Machine Co Method of making bags and the like
US2265075A (en) * 1939-12-06 1941-12-02 Thomas M Royal & Company Method of making bags
US2387812A (en) * 1941-12-18 1945-10-30 Stokes & Smith Co System of producing evacuated packages
US2429482A (en) * 1939-04-06 1947-10-21 Munters Carl Georg Method and means for the production of foil material
US2480316A (en) * 1944-11-11 1949-08-30 Mishawaka Rubber & Woolen Mfg Method of making laminated cushion material
US2607712A (en) * 1952-01-28 1952-08-19 Frank W Egan & Company Extrusion coating machine
US2609314A (en) * 1946-10-30 1952-09-02 Glenn L Martin Co Machine for making honeycomb core material
US2633442A (en) * 1949-03-08 1953-03-31 Albert E Caldwell Method of making tufted material
US2642372A (en) * 1950-02-02 1953-06-16 Chittick Charles Yardley Flexible corrugated sheet material and method of fabricating same
US2670501A (en) * 1951-08-24 1954-03-02 Us Rubber Co Method of forming plastic material
US2690206A (en) * 1953-03-23 1954-09-28 Marathon Corp Extrusion coating machine
US2759866A (en) * 1952-12-17 1956-08-21 Gen Tire & Rubber Co Method of making wall covering
US2776452A (en) * 1952-09-03 1957-01-08 Chavannes Ind Synthetics Inc Apparatus for embossing thermoplastic film
US2778171A (en) * 1952-04-07 1957-01-22 Wilts United Dairies Ltd Production of air-tight packages
US2778173A (en) * 1950-11-29 1957-01-22 Wilts United Dairies Ltd Method of producing airtight packages
US2856323A (en) * 1955-11-09 1958-10-14 Jack C Gordon Indented resilient matted fibrous pad
US2858247A (en) * 1955-08-04 1958-10-28 Swart Dev Company De Panel material
US2916411A (en) * 1955-11-03 1959-12-08 Fiammiferi Ed Affini Spa Fab Composite packing paper
US2960144A (en) * 1958-05-21 1960-11-15 Edwards Eng Corp Corrugating machines
US3026231A (en) * 1957-12-23 1962-03-20 Sealed Air Corp Method of making an embossed laminated structure
US3077428A (en) * 1956-06-29 1963-02-12 Union Carbide Corp Heat sealable polyethylene laminate and method of making same
US3098563A (en) * 1960-10-03 1963-07-23 Hugh B Skees Inflatable heat insulating material
US3102676A (en) * 1960-02-16 1963-09-03 Montedison Spa Self-closing containers
US3142599A (en) * 1959-11-27 1964-07-28 Sealed Air Corp Method for making laminated cushioning material
US3149772A (en) * 1960-12-07 1964-09-22 Technipak Proprietary Ltd Self sealing sachets or containers
US3160323A (en) * 1963-04-05 1964-12-08 Leonard R Weisberg Containers with internal, interlocking protrusions
US3224574A (en) * 1964-06-10 1965-12-21 Scott Paper Co Embossed plastic bag
US3251463A (en) * 1961-11-04 1966-05-17 Bodet Jean Augustin Pellet package
US3411698A (en) * 1966-09-09 1968-11-19 Reynolds Metals Co Bag-like container means
US3423231A (en) * 1965-05-20 1969-01-21 Ethyl Corp Multilayer polymeric film
US3533548A (en) * 1968-10-17 1970-10-13 Bard Inc C R Method of ascertaining validity of heat seal and product of said method
US3575781A (en) * 1969-05-16 1971-04-20 Stauffer Hoechst Polymer Corp Plastic film wrapping material
US3595740A (en) * 1968-05-08 1971-07-27 Du Pont Hydrolyzed ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer as oxygen barrier layer
US3595722A (en) * 1964-04-17 1971-07-27 Thiokol Chemical Corp Process for forming a thermoplastic product
US3600267A (en) * 1969-04-14 1971-08-17 Dow Chemical Co Packaging film
US3661677A (en) * 1969-10-10 1972-05-09 Allied Chem Post-heat treatment for polyvinylidene chloride-coated film
US3785111A (en) * 1972-02-04 1974-01-15 Schneider W Method of forming containers and packages
US3809217A (en) * 1969-07-22 1974-05-07 Franklin Mint Corp Packaging for flat objects
US3908070A (en) * 1972-04-24 1975-09-23 Dow Chemical Co Multilayer thermoplastic barrier structure
US3937395A (en) * 1973-07-30 1976-02-10 British Visqueen Limited Vented bags
US3958391A (en) * 1974-11-21 1976-05-25 Kabushiki Kaisha Furukawa Seisakusho Vacuum packaging method and apparatus
US4104404A (en) * 1975-03-10 1978-08-01 W. R. Grace & Co. Cross-linked amide/olefin polymeric tubular film coextruded laminates
US4295566A (en) * 1980-05-07 1981-10-20 Becton, Dickinson And Company Air-evacuated package with vacuum integrity indicator means
US4370187A (en) * 1979-12-21 1983-01-25 Mitsui Polychemicals Co. Ltd. Process and apparatus for producing a laminated structure composed of a substrate web and a thermoplastic resin web extrusion-coated thereon
US4449243A (en) * 1981-09-10 1984-05-15 Cafes Collet Vacuum package bag
US4551379A (en) * 1983-08-31 1985-11-05 Kerr Stanley R Inflatable packaging material
US4569712A (en) * 1982-11-12 1986-02-11 Sanyo Kokusaku Pulp Co., Ltd. Process for producing support for use in formation of polyurethan films
US4576283A (en) * 1983-01-25 1986-03-18 Bernard Fafournoux Bag for vacuum packaging of articles
US4579756A (en) * 1984-08-13 1986-04-01 Edgel Rex D Insulation material with vacuum compartments
US4658434A (en) * 1986-05-29 1987-04-14 Grain Security Foundation Ltd. Laminates and laminated articles
US4672684A (en) * 1983-10-06 1987-06-09 C I L, Inc. Thermoplastic bag
US4683702A (en) * 1984-05-23 1987-08-04 U.S. Philips Corporation Method for vacuum-packaging finely divided materials, and a bag for implementing the method
US4756422A (en) * 1985-09-23 1988-07-12 Kristen Hanns J Plastic bag for vacuum sealing
US4834554A (en) * 1987-11-16 1989-05-30 J. C. Brock Corp. Plastic bag with integral venting structure
US4877334A (en) * 1988-08-29 1989-10-31 Dennis Cope Inflatable bag
US4906108A (en) * 1989-03-08 1990-03-06 Mobil Oil Corporation Corrugated sticky tape bag tie closure
US4913561A (en) * 1988-11-15 1990-04-03 Fres-Co System Usa, Inc. Gussetted flexible package with presealed portions and method of making the same
US4917844A (en) * 1987-04-01 1990-04-17 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Method of manufacturing laminate product
US4941310A (en) * 1989-03-31 1990-07-17 Tillia Aktiengesellschaft Apparatus for vacuum sealing plastic bags
US4953708A (en) * 1989-08-23 1990-09-04 Fes-Co System Usa, Inc. Flexible package with pour spout and handle
US4973171A (en) * 1989-07-05 1990-11-27 Mobil Oil Corporation Closable plastic bag
US5006056A (en) * 1989-09-01 1991-04-09 The Black Clawson Company Film extrusion apparatus including a quickly replaceable chill roll
US5040904A (en) * 1989-12-20 1991-08-20 Gene D. Hoffman Infectious/medical waste containment carrier
USD320549S (en) * 1989-07-13 1991-10-08 Mckellar Kelly Carton
US5098497A (en) * 1989-02-23 1992-03-24 Anthony Industries, Inc. Process for preparing embossed, coated paper
US5097956A (en) * 1988-09-07 1992-03-24 Paramount Packaging Corporation Vacuum package with smooth surface and method of making same
US5106688A (en) * 1988-05-20 1992-04-21 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Multi-layer packaging film and process
US5116444A (en) * 1991-05-30 1992-05-26 Sealed Air Corporation Apparatus and method for enhancing lamination of plastic films
US5203458A (en) * 1992-03-02 1993-04-20 Quality Containers International, Inc. Cryptoplate disposable surgical garment container
US5240112A (en) * 1992-02-25 1993-08-31 Newburger Bronson E Evacuatable or inflatable plastic bag
US5252379A (en) * 1990-11-28 1993-10-12 Sanyo Kakoshi Kabushiki Kaisha Embossed process paper and production thereof
US5362351A (en) * 1992-01-15 1994-11-08 Karszes William M Method of making lenticular plastics and products therefrom
USRE34929E (en) * 1985-09-23 1995-05-09 Tilia, Inc. Plastic bag for vacuum sealing
USD360578S (en) * 1993-09-10 1995-07-25 Dees Kent L Personal medicine organizer
US5445275A (en) * 1994-06-08 1995-08-29 Lazy Pet Products, Inc. Full recovery reduced-volume packaging system
US5540500A (en) * 1994-04-25 1996-07-30 Nichimen Corporation Compressive sealed bag for compressible articles such as clothing and the same
US5542902A (en) * 1990-04-27 1996-08-06 Kapak Corporation Vented pouch arrangement and method
US5554423A (en) * 1993-10-13 1996-09-10 Abate; Luigi F. Tubular element for the formation of bags for the vacuum-packing
US5656209A (en) * 1993-12-24 1997-08-12 Roehm Gmbh Chemische Fabrik Process for manufacture of Fresnel lenses
US5665456A (en) * 1995-12-06 1997-09-09 Sealed Air Corporation Heat-shrinkable flexible cushioning material and method of forming the same
US5701996A (en) * 1994-05-17 1997-12-30 Idemitsu Petrochemical Co., Ltd. Snap-fastener bag
US5829884A (en) * 1997-06-19 1998-11-03 Innoflex Incorporated Form fill and seal package with one-way vent
US5839582A (en) * 1997-12-30 1998-11-24 Strong; William P. Self vacuum storage bag
US5898113A (en) * 1997-07-30 1999-04-27 Bellaire Industries, Inc. Multi-ply material sealed container
US5928762A (en) * 1995-09-22 1999-07-27 Toppan Printing Co., Ltd Laminate of a base material and an embossed sheet
US6074677A (en) * 1998-08-28 2000-06-13 Recot, Inc. Tubular container having vacuum packed inner bag
US6077373A (en) * 1996-09-11 2000-06-20 Du Pont Canada Inc. Manufacture of multilayer polymer films
US6116781A (en) * 1999-08-13 2000-09-12 New West Products, Inc. Storage bag with one-way air valve
US6357915B2 (en) * 1999-08-13 2002-03-19 New West Products, Inc. Storage bag with one-way air valve
US6402873B1 (en) * 1997-10-08 2002-06-11 Idemitsu Petrochemical Co., Ltd. Method of manufacturing laminated thermoplastic resin sheet and apparatus therefor
US20040007494A1 (en) * 2002-07-15 2004-01-15 Popeil Ronald M. Apparatus and method to more effectively vacuum package foods and other objects

Family Cites Families (48)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US274447A (en) 1883-03-20 William-kentish
NL23419C (en) 1927-06-02
US2105376A (en) 1936-12-18 1938-01-11 Chase Bag Company Valve bag
US2247566A (en) * 1938-09-29 1941-07-01 David H Walton Fluid trap for storage tanks
US2772712A (en) 1952-03-14 1956-12-04 Flexigrip Inc Actuator for zippers and pouch embodying the same
US2789609A (en) 1952-03-14 1957-04-23 Flexigrip Inc Actuator for zippers and pouch embodying the same
US2695741A (en) 1953-06-16 1954-11-30 Stephen L Haley Air evacuator for plastic bags
US2821338A (en) 1954-10-21 1958-01-28 Melvin R Metzger Valve-equipped container
US2913030A (en) 1956-10-22 1959-11-17 Arnold J Fisher Moisture-free bag
US3060985A (en) 1960-08-05 1962-10-30 John R Vance Bag closure
US3113715A (en) 1961-02-03 1963-12-10 Dow Chemical Co Anti-block edge for plastic bags and the like
US3077262A (en) 1961-03-22 1963-02-12 Poly Sil Inc Novel container
US3141221A (en) 1962-11-13 1964-07-21 Amtec Inc Closure for flexible bags
US3135411A (en) 1963-05-09 1964-06-02 Wiley W Osborne Vacuum sealing means
GB1066487A (en) 1963-10-07 1967-04-26 Ici Ltd Vented bags
US3325084A (en) 1965-10-18 1967-06-13 Ausnit Steven Pressure closable fastener
US3334805A (en) 1965-10-22 1967-08-08 Robert W Halbach Plastic bag closure
US3381887A (en) 1967-04-14 1968-05-07 Nat Distillers Chem Corp Sealing patch valve for plastic bags
CH481808A (en) 1968-01-23 1969-11-30 Goglio Spa Luigi Milano Process for packing perishable products and flexible valve container to carry out the process
US3516217A (en) 1968-03-07 1970-06-23 Bemis Co Inc Compression packaging
US3565147A (en) 1968-11-27 1971-02-23 Steven Ausnit Plastic bag having reinforced closure
CA984346A (en) 1971-03-24 1976-02-24 Canadian Industries Limited Valve bag
IT971505B (en) 1972-12-04 1974-05-10 Goglio L DEGASSING VALVE FOR FLEXIBLE COUNTERS WITH HERMIC CLOSURE AND CONTAINER FITTED WITH THE VALVE
US4098404A (en) 1973-02-23 1978-07-04 Sonoco Products Company Vacuum package with flexible end
US3895153A (en) 1973-10-05 1975-07-15 Minnesota Mining & Mfg Friction-surface sheet
US3958693A (en) 1975-01-20 1976-05-25 E-Z-Em Company Inc. Vacuum X-ray envelope
US4105491A (en) 1975-02-21 1978-08-08 Mobil Oil Corporation Process and apparatus for the manufacture of embossed film laminations
US3980226A (en) 1975-05-05 1976-09-14 Franz Charles F Evacuateable bag
US4018253A (en) 1975-10-09 1977-04-19 Seth Ian Kaufman Home vacuum apparatus for freezer bags
US3998499A (en) 1975-12-18 1976-12-21 Forniture Industriali Padova - S.P.A. Steel bearings with polychloroprene and fluorocarbon resin
US4340558A (en) 1976-05-05 1982-07-20 Colgate-Palmolive Company Scrim reinforced plastic film
US4066167A (en) 1976-07-08 1978-01-03 Keebler Company Recloseable package
IT1067343B (en) 1976-11-19 1985-03-16 Bernardo P Di METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THE VACUUM PACKAGING OF PRODUCTS
FR2409205A2 (en) 1977-11-17 1979-06-15 Est Imprimerie Papeterie DEAERATION VALVE FOR BAGGING PULVERULENT PRODUCTS
US4155453A (en) 1978-02-27 1979-05-22 Ono Dan D Inflatable grip container
US4212337A (en) 1978-03-31 1980-07-15 Union Carbide Corporation Closure fastening device
US4179862A (en) 1978-06-19 1979-12-25 Inauen Maschinen Ag Vacuum packing machine with bag end retractor
DE2934126A1 (en) 1978-09-07 1980-03-20 Matburn Holdings Ltd SEALING DEVICE FOR A BAG, SACK OR THE LIKE.
US4186786A (en) 1978-09-29 1980-02-05 Union Carbide Corporation Colored interlocking closure strips for a container
JPS592655Y2 (en) 1979-08-10 1984-01-25 シ−アイ化成株式会社 Carbon body for rubber compounding
US4372921A (en) 1980-01-28 1983-02-08 Sanderson Roger S Sterilized storage container
GB2152897B (en) 1984-01-19 1987-10-21 Grace W R & Co Heat shrink packaging
US4583347A (en) 1982-10-07 1986-04-22 W. R. Grace & Co., Cryovac Div. Vacuum packaging apparatus and process
US4576285A (en) 1983-05-20 1986-03-18 Fres-Co System Usa, Inc. Sealed flexible container with non-destructive peelable opening and apparatus and method for forming same
US4532652A (en) 1983-11-16 1985-07-30 Mobil Oil Corporation Plastic bag with air exhaustion valve
US4705174A (en) 1984-02-29 1987-11-10 Fres-Co System Usa, Inc. Sealed flexible container with non-destructive peelable opening
US4669124A (en) 1984-05-23 1987-05-26 Yoken Co., Ltd. Beverage container with tamperproof screwthread cap
US4712574A (en) 1987-04-23 1987-12-15 C. H. Perrott, Inc. Vacuum-breaking valve for pressurized fluid lines

Patent Citations (95)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2085766A (en) * 1934-09-29 1937-07-06 Potdevin Machine Co Method of making bags and the like
US2429482A (en) * 1939-04-06 1947-10-21 Munters Carl Georg Method and means for the production of foil material
US2265075A (en) * 1939-12-06 1941-12-02 Thomas M Royal & Company Method of making bags
US2387812A (en) * 1941-12-18 1945-10-30 Stokes & Smith Co System of producing evacuated packages
US2480316A (en) * 1944-11-11 1949-08-30 Mishawaka Rubber & Woolen Mfg Method of making laminated cushion material
US2609314A (en) * 1946-10-30 1952-09-02 Glenn L Martin Co Machine for making honeycomb core material
US2633442A (en) * 1949-03-08 1953-03-31 Albert E Caldwell Method of making tufted material
US2642372A (en) * 1950-02-02 1953-06-16 Chittick Charles Yardley Flexible corrugated sheet material and method of fabricating same
US2778173A (en) * 1950-11-29 1957-01-22 Wilts United Dairies Ltd Method of producing airtight packages
US2670501A (en) * 1951-08-24 1954-03-02 Us Rubber Co Method of forming plastic material
US2607712A (en) * 1952-01-28 1952-08-19 Frank W Egan & Company Extrusion coating machine
US2778171A (en) * 1952-04-07 1957-01-22 Wilts United Dairies Ltd Production of air-tight packages
US2776452A (en) * 1952-09-03 1957-01-08 Chavannes Ind Synthetics Inc Apparatus for embossing thermoplastic film
US2759866A (en) * 1952-12-17 1956-08-21 Gen Tire & Rubber Co Method of making wall covering
US2690206A (en) * 1953-03-23 1954-09-28 Marathon Corp Extrusion coating machine
US2858247A (en) * 1955-08-04 1958-10-28 Swart Dev Company De Panel material
US2916411A (en) * 1955-11-03 1959-12-08 Fiammiferi Ed Affini Spa Fab Composite packing paper
US2856323A (en) * 1955-11-09 1958-10-14 Jack C Gordon Indented resilient matted fibrous pad
US3077428A (en) * 1956-06-29 1963-02-12 Union Carbide Corp Heat sealable polyethylene laminate and method of making same
US3026231A (en) * 1957-12-23 1962-03-20 Sealed Air Corp Method of making an embossed laminated structure
US2960144A (en) * 1958-05-21 1960-11-15 Edwards Eng Corp Corrugating machines
US3142599A (en) * 1959-11-27 1964-07-28 Sealed Air Corp Method for making laminated cushioning material
US3102676A (en) * 1960-02-16 1963-09-03 Montedison Spa Self-closing containers
US3098563A (en) * 1960-10-03 1963-07-23 Hugh B Skees Inflatable heat insulating material
US3149772A (en) * 1960-12-07 1964-09-22 Technipak Proprietary Ltd Self sealing sachets or containers
US3251463A (en) * 1961-11-04 1966-05-17 Bodet Jean Augustin Pellet package
US3160323A (en) * 1963-04-05 1964-12-08 Leonard R Weisberg Containers with internal, interlocking protrusions
US3595722A (en) * 1964-04-17 1971-07-27 Thiokol Chemical Corp Process for forming a thermoplastic product
US3224574A (en) * 1964-06-10 1965-12-21 Scott Paper Co Embossed plastic bag
US3423231A (en) * 1965-05-20 1969-01-21 Ethyl Corp Multilayer polymeric film
US3411698A (en) * 1966-09-09 1968-11-19 Reynolds Metals Co Bag-like container means
US3595740A (en) * 1968-05-08 1971-07-27 Du Pont Hydrolyzed ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer as oxygen barrier layer
US3533548A (en) * 1968-10-17 1970-10-13 Bard Inc C R Method of ascertaining validity of heat seal and product of said method
US3600267A (en) * 1969-04-14 1971-08-17 Dow Chemical Co Packaging film
US3575781A (en) * 1969-05-16 1971-04-20 Stauffer Hoechst Polymer Corp Plastic film wrapping material
US3809217A (en) * 1969-07-22 1974-05-07 Franklin Mint Corp Packaging for flat objects
US3661677A (en) * 1969-10-10 1972-05-09 Allied Chem Post-heat treatment for polyvinylidene chloride-coated film
US3785111A (en) * 1972-02-04 1974-01-15 Schneider W Method of forming containers and packages
US3908070A (en) * 1972-04-24 1975-09-23 Dow Chemical Co Multilayer thermoplastic barrier structure
US3937395A (en) * 1973-07-30 1976-02-10 British Visqueen Limited Vented bags
US3958391A (en) * 1974-11-21 1976-05-25 Kabushiki Kaisha Furukawa Seisakusho Vacuum packaging method and apparatus
US4104404A (en) * 1975-03-10 1978-08-01 W. R. Grace & Co. Cross-linked amide/olefin polymeric tubular film coextruded laminates
US4370187A (en) * 1979-12-21 1983-01-25 Mitsui Polychemicals Co. Ltd. Process and apparatus for producing a laminated structure composed of a substrate web and a thermoplastic resin web extrusion-coated thereon
US4295566A (en) * 1980-05-07 1981-10-20 Becton, Dickinson And Company Air-evacuated package with vacuum integrity indicator means
US4449243A (en) * 1981-09-10 1984-05-15 Cafes Collet Vacuum package bag
US4569712A (en) * 1982-11-12 1986-02-11 Sanyo Kokusaku Pulp Co., Ltd. Process for producing support for use in formation of polyurethan films
US4576283A (en) * 1983-01-25 1986-03-18 Bernard Fafournoux Bag for vacuum packaging of articles
US4551379A (en) * 1983-08-31 1985-11-05 Kerr Stanley R Inflatable packaging material
US4672684A (en) * 1983-10-06 1987-06-09 C I L, Inc. Thermoplastic bag
US4683702A (en) * 1984-05-23 1987-08-04 U.S. Philips Corporation Method for vacuum-packaging finely divided materials, and a bag for implementing the method
US4579756A (en) * 1984-08-13 1986-04-01 Edgel Rex D Insulation material with vacuum compartments
US4756422A (en) * 1985-09-23 1988-07-12 Kristen Hanns J Plastic bag for vacuum sealing
USRE34929E (en) * 1985-09-23 1995-05-09 Tilia, Inc. Plastic bag for vacuum sealing
US4658434A (en) * 1986-05-29 1987-04-14 Grain Security Foundation Ltd. Laminates and laminated articles
US4917844A (en) * 1987-04-01 1990-04-17 Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. Method of manufacturing laminate product
US4834554A (en) * 1987-11-16 1989-05-30 J. C. Brock Corp. Plastic bag with integral venting structure
US5106688A (en) * 1988-05-20 1992-04-21 W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn. Multi-layer packaging film and process
US4877334A (en) * 1988-08-29 1989-10-31 Dennis Cope Inflatable bag
US5097956A (en) * 1988-09-07 1992-03-24 Paramount Packaging Corporation Vacuum package with smooth surface and method of making same
US4913561A (en) * 1988-11-15 1990-04-03 Fres-Co System Usa, Inc. Gussetted flexible package with presealed portions and method of making the same
US5098497A (en) * 1989-02-23 1992-03-24 Anthony Industries, Inc. Process for preparing embossed, coated paper
US4906108A (en) * 1989-03-08 1990-03-06 Mobil Oil Corporation Corrugated sticky tape bag tie closure
US4941310A (en) * 1989-03-31 1990-07-17 Tillia Aktiengesellschaft Apparatus for vacuum sealing plastic bags
US4973171A (en) * 1989-07-05 1990-11-27 Mobil Oil Corporation Closable plastic bag
USD320549S (en) * 1989-07-13 1991-10-08 Mckellar Kelly Carton
US4953708A (en) * 1989-08-23 1990-09-04 Fes-Co System Usa, Inc. Flexible package with pour spout and handle
US5006056A (en) * 1989-09-01 1991-04-09 The Black Clawson Company Film extrusion apparatus including a quickly replaceable chill roll
US5040904A (en) * 1989-12-20 1991-08-20 Gene D. Hoffman Infectious/medical waste containment carrier
US6423356B2 (en) * 1990-04-27 2002-07-23 Kapak Corporation Vented pouch arrangement and method
US6274181B1 (en) * 1990-04-27 2001-08-14 Kapak Corporation Vented pouch arrangement and method
US5542902A (en) * 1990-04-27 1996-08-06 Kapak Corporation Vented pouch arrangement and method
US6023914A (en) * 1990-04-27 2000-02-15 Kapak Corporation Vented pouch arrangement and method
US6021624A (en) * 1990-04-27 2000-02-08 Kapak Corporation Vented pouch arrangement and method
US5252379A (en) * 1990-11-28 1993-10-12 Sanyo Kakoshi Kabushiki Kaisha Embossed process paper and production thereof
US5116444A (en) * 1991-05-30 1992-05-26 Sealed Air Corporation Apparatus and method for enhancing lamination of plastic films
US5362351A (en) * 1992-01-15 1994-11-08 Karszes William M Method of making lenticular plastics and products therefrom
US5240112A (en) * 1992-02-25 1993-08-31 Newburger Bronson E Evacuatable or inflatable plastic bag
US5203458A (en) * 1992-03-02 1993-04-20 Quality Containers International, Inc. Cryptoplate disposable surgical garment container
USD360578S (en) * 1993-09-10 1995-07-25 Dees Kent L Personal medicine organizer
US5554423A (en) * 1993-10-13 1996-09-10 Abate; Luigi F. Tubular element for the formation of bags for the vacuum-packing
US5656209A (en) * 1993-12-24 1997-08-12 Roehm Gmbh Chemische Fabrik Process for manufacture of Fresnel lenses
US5540500A (en) * 1994-04-25 1996-07-30 Nichimen Corporation Compressive sealed bag for compressible articles such as clothing and the same
US5701996A (en) * 1994-05-17 1997-12-30 Idemitsu Petrochemical Co., Ltd. Snap-fastener bag
US5445275A (en) * 1994-06-08 1995-08-29 Lazy Pet Products, Inc. Full recovery reduced-volume packaging system
US5928762A (en) * 1995-09-22 1999-07-27 Toppan Printing Co., Ltd Laminate of a base material and an embossed sheet
US5665456A (en) * 1995-12-06 1997-09-09 Sealed Air Corporation Heat-shrinkable flexible cushioning material and method of forming the same
US6077373A (en) * 1996-09-11 2000-06-20 Du Pont Canada Inc. Manufacture of multilayer polymer films
US5829884A (en) * 1997-06-19 1998-11-03 Innoflex Incorporated Form fill and seal package with one-way vent
US5898113A (en) * 1997-07-30 1999-04-27 Bellaire Industries, Inc. Multi-ply material sealed container
US6402873B1 (en) * 1997-10-08 2002-06-11 Idemitsu Petrochemical Co., Ltd. Method of manufacturing laminated thermoplastic resin sheet and apparatus therefor
US5839582A (en) * 1997-12-30 1998-11-24 Strong; William P. Self vacuum storage bag
US6074677A (en) * 1998-08-28 2000-06-13 Recot, Inc. Tubular container having vacuum packed inner bag
US6116781A (en) * 1999-08-13 2000-09-12 New West Products, Inc. Storage bag with one-way air valve
US6357915B2 (en) * 1999-08-13 2002-03-19 New West Products, Inc. Storage bag with one-way air valve
US20040007494A1 (en) * 2002-07-15 2004-01-15 Popeil Ronald M. Apparatus and method to more effectively vacuum package foods and other objects

Cited By (29)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090000253A1 (en) * 2004-06-29 2009-01-01 The Glad Products Company Flexible Storage Bag
US20050286808A1 (en) * 2004-06-29 2005-12-29 Zimmerman Dean A Flexible storage bag
US20070116385A1 (en) * 2004-06-29 2007-05-24 The Glad Products Company Flexible storage bag
US20070292055A1 (en) * 2004-06-29 2007-12-20 Reuhs Rebecca S Bag with Valve
US8419279B2 (en) 2004-06-29 2013-04-16 The Glad Products Company Flexible storage bag
US7726880B2 (en) 2004-06-29 2010-06-01 The Glad Products Company Flexible storage bag
US20060193540A1 (en) * 2004-06-29 2006-08-31 Borchardt Michael G Flexible Storage Bag
US20090290817A1 (en) * 2004-06-29 2009-11-26 Borchardt Michael G Flexible Storage Bag
US7596930B2 (en) * 2004-06-29 2009-10-06 The Glad Products Company Method for evacuating a bag
US7578320B2 (en) 2004-06-29 2009-08-25 The Glad Products Company Flexible storage bag
US7490452B2 (en) 2005-01-12 2009-02-17 Unovo, Inc. Method and apparatus for evacuating and sealing containers
US20090007523A1 (en) * 2005-01-12 2009-01-08 Unovo, Inc. Method and apparatus for evacuating and sealing containers
US20090003736A1 (en) * 2005-01-12 2009-01-01 Unovo, Inc. Method and apparatus for evacuating and sealing containers
US7805913B2 (en) 2005-01-12 2010-10-05 Unovo, Inc. Method and apparatus for evacuating and sealing containers
US7784160B2 (en) 2007-03-16 2010-08-31 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Pouch and airtight resealable closure mechanism therefor
US8176604B2 (en) 2007-03-16 2012-05-15 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Pouch and airtight resealable closure mechanism therefor
US8827556B2 (en) 2007-03-16 2014-09-09 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Pouch and airtight resealable closure mechanism therefor
US7886412B2 (en) 2007-03-16 2011-02-15 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Pouch and airtight resealable closure mechanism therefor
US20080304771A1 (en) * 2007-06-05 2008-12-11 Charles Harder Vacuum storage bag with zipper
US7967509B2 (en) 2007-06-15 2011-06-28 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Pouch with a valve
US7946766B2 (en) 2007-06-15 2011-05-24 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Offset closure mechanism for a reclosable pouch
US7887238B2 (en) 2007-06-15 2011-02-15 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Flow channels for a pouch
US8231273B2 (en) 2007-06-15 2012-07-31 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Flow channel profile and a complementary groove for a pouch
US7874731B2 (en) 2007-06-15 2011-01-25 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Valve for a recloseable container
US7857515B2 (en) 2007-06-15 2010-12-28 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Airtight closure mechanism for a reclosable pouch
US20100177990A1 (en) * 2007-07-17 2010-07-15 Neltner Andrew E Storage bag
US8397958B2 (en) 2010-08-05 2013-03-19 Ds Smith Plastics Limited Closure valve assembly for a container
US8820591B2 (en) 2010-08-05 2014-09-02 Ds Smith Plastics Limited Closure valve assembly for a container
US8973789B2 (en) 2010-08-05 2015-03-10 Ds Smith Plastics Limited Closure valve assembly for a container

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US7625459B2 (en) 2009-12-01
US20060243386A1 (en) 2006-11-02

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7625459B2 (en) Method for manufacturing liquid-trapping bag for use in vacuum packaging
US20050037164A1 (en) Liquid-trapping bag for use in vacuum packaging
AU2002234998B2 (en) Method for preparing air channel-equipped film for use in vacuum package
US20050036718A1 (en) Sealable bag having an integrated valve structure for use in vacuum packaging
US20050036719A1 (en) Sealable bag having an indicia for use in vacuum packaging
CA2812814C (en) Vacuum packaging films patterned with protruding cavernous structures
US20050065007A1 (en) Method for manufacturing a sealable bag having an integrated valve structure for use in vacuum packaging
US7138025B2 (en) Method for manufacturing a sealable bag having an integrated tray for use in vacuum packaging
US20050036717A1 (en) Sealable bag having an integrated zipper for use in vacuum packaging
US7087130B2 (en) Method for manufacturing a sealable bag having an integrated zipper for use in vacuum packaging
US20050035020A1 (en) Sealable bag having an integrated tray for use in vacuum packaging
US20050037163A1 (en) Sealable bag having an integrated timer/sensor for use in vacuum packaging
US20050029704A1 (en) Method for manufacturing a sealable bag having an indicia for use in vacuum packaging
US20050043158A1 (en) Method for manufacturing a sealable bag having an integrated timer/sensor for use in vacuum packaging
EP1615834A1 (en) Liquid-trapping bag and method of making it
KR20020068468A (en) Preparation Method of Film for Vacuum Package Having Air Channels
US20060283757A1 (en) System and method for forming an integrated tray for use in vacuum packaging
AU2004217918A1 (en) System and method for forming an integrated tray for use in vacuum packaging
WO2004078592A2 (en) System and method for forming an indicia for use in vacuum packaging
WO2004078590A2 (en) System and method for forming an integrated timer/sensor for use in vacuum packaging
CN1777549A (en) Method and system for forming integrated plate for vacuum package
CN1777543A (en) Liquid-collection bag and making method

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: TILIA INTERNATIONAL, INC., CALIFORNIA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:WU, HONGYU;ALBRITTON, CHARLES WADE;BRAKES, DAVID;REEL/FRAME:015943/0744

Effective date: 20041013

AS Assignment

Owner name: TILIA INTERNATIONAL, INC., CALIFORNIA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:WU, HONGYU;ALBRITTON, CHARLES WADE;BRAKES, DAVID;REEL/FRAME:018072/0293

Effective date: 20041013

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION