US20080189913A1 - Closure Device for Storage Bag - Google Patents
Closure Device for Storage Bag Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080189913A1 US20080189913A1 US11/912,919 US91291906A US2008189913A1 US 20080189913 A1 US20080189913 A1 US 20080189913A1 US 91291906 A US91291906 A US 91291906A US 2008189913 A1 US2008189913 A1 US 2008189913A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- sealant
- closure
- fastening strips
- storage bag
- profile
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/18—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
- B65D81/20—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
- B65D81/2007—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum
- B65D81/2038—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum with means for establishing or improving vacuum
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A44—HABERDASHERY; JEWELLERY
- A44B—BUTTONS, PINS, BUCKLES, SLIDE FASTENERS, OR THE LIKE
- A44B19/00—Slide fasteners
- A44B19/10—Slide fasteners with a one-piece interlocking member on each stringer tape
- A44B19/16—Interlocking member having uniform section throughout the length of the stringer
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
- B65D33/16—End- or aperture-closing arrangements or devices
- B65D33/24—End- or aperture-closing arrangements or devices using self-locking integral or attached closure elements, e.g. flaps
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
- B65D33/16—End- or aperture-closing arrangements or devices
- B65D33/25—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners
- B65D33/2508—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners using slide fasteners with interlocking members having a substantially uniform section throughout the length of the fastener; Sliders therefor
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
- B65D33/16—End- or aperture-closing arrangements or devices
- B65D33/25—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners
- B65D33/2508—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners using slide fasteners with interlocking members having a substantially uniform section throughout the length of the fastener; Sliders therefor
- B65D33/2541—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners using slide fasteners with interlocking members having a substantially uniform section throughout the length of the fastener; Sliders therefor characterised by the slide fastener, e.g. adapted to interlock with a sheet between the interlocking members having sections of particular shape
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- Y—GENERAL 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
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
- Y10T24/15—Bag fasteners
- Y10T24/158—Slides to lock bag end within housing
Definitions
- sealant may be provided as a film, in capillaries, or blended into the material of the closure profiles of the “profile” style interlocking fastening strips.
- sealant may be provided as a film, in capillaries, or blended into the material of the closure profiles of the “rolling action” style interlocking fastening strips.
Abstract
A closure element is used for closing an opening disposed through the flexible sidewall of a storage bag such as those used to store food items. Storage bags of this type provide an internal volume accessible via the opening. The closure element includes a first fastening strip and an interlocking second closure strip. The first and second fastening strips include complementary, engagable first and second closure profiles. To hermetically seal the internal volume, at least a portion of the first or second fastening strip can include a sealant. The sealant can be a displaceable fluid, fluid-like substance, or wax-like substance such as an oil or a gel. When the closure profiles are engaged, the sealant provides an air tight barrier sealing the internal volume.
Description
- The invention relates generally to storage containers and more particularly to flexible storage bags configured with closure devices such as interlocking fastening strips. The invention finds particular applicability in the field of food storage.
- Storage bags are commonly used for a variety of purposes including, for example, storing food items. Such storage bags are typically made from a low cost, pliable thermoplastic material that provides an internal volume into which the food items can be inserted. To access the internal volume, the storage bags are typically formed with an opening. Furthermore, to preserve the food items and to otherwise prevent the contents from spilling out of the bag, the storage bag may also include a closure device that comprises interlocking fastening strips for closing the opening. In order to preserve food items, it is also known to provide storage bags with one-way valve elements or similar devices for evacuating the internal volume after interlocking the closure device.
- As will be apparent to those of skill in the art, interlocking fastening strips are typically formed as elongated strips of semi-rigid, thermoplastic material and are provided as opposing pairs disposed along the opposite edges of the opening. Formed along the length of each strip are engagable closure profiles that are adapted to engage or mate with the corresponding profile formed on the opposing fastening strip. To allow for repeated access to the internal volume, the closure profiles are commonly configured to releasably and repeatedly engage each other.
- Because of the semi-rigid characteristic of the fastening strip material and because of variations in alignment between and shape of the closure profiles, engagement between the interlocking fastening strips is often not perfect. Leak paths or crevices may form between the closure profiles that allow for environmental air to pass into the internal volume. Additionally, the leak paths also allow for aromatic gases or liquids stored inside the internal volume to escape. Moreover, in those embodiments which include one-way valve elements or similar devices for evacuation, the leak paths may prevent the storage bag from maintaining the interior volume in an evacuated state.
- The invention provides interlocking fastening strips for a storage bag that are adapted to hermetically seal the opening disposed in the bag. To provide the hermetic seal, a sealant is included on or in at least one of the closure profiles formed on the interlocking fastening strips. The sealant can be a vicious liquid or semi-liquid substance such as an oil, gel, or wax. When the fastening strips are pressed together to engage the closure profiles, the sealant displaces or flows to close or fill any voids or leak paths existing between the closure profiles. The sealant thereby provides an adaptable barrier between the engagable closure profiles.
- An advantage of the invention is that it provides a low-cost hermetic or airtight seal for use with flexible storage bags. Another advantage is that the displaceable sealant may allow for multiple repeated uses of the storage bag by displacing so as to recreate the seal during each use. Yet another advantage is that the invention may simplify manufacture by allowing reduced precision and accuracy in forming or shaping the profiles. These and other advantages and features of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.
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FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a storage bag having a closure element in the form of interlocking fastening strips designed in accordance with the teachings of the invention. -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ofFIG. 1 illustrating the interlocking fastening strips including sealant in an unengaged arrangement. -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ofFIG. 1 illustrating the interlocking fastening strips including sealant in an engaged arrangement. -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ofFIG. 1 illustrating another embodiment of the interlocking fastening strips including sealant in an engaged arrangement, the sealant being disposed on only one strip. -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ofFIG. 1 illustrating another embodiment of the interlocking fastening strips including sealant in an engaged arrangement, the sealant being disposed on only one strip. -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ofFIG. 1 illustrating another embodiment of the interlocking fastening strips including sealant in an engaged arrangement, the sealant being disposed on only one strip. -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ofFIG. 1 illustrating another embodiment of the interlocking fastening strips including sealant in an engaged arrangement, the sealant being disposed as a film on the surface of the fastening strips. -
FIG. 8 is a detailed view taken of the area indicated inFIG. 7 showing the sealant disposed in capillaries formed in the surface of the interlocking fastening strips. -
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ofFIG. 1 illustrating another “profile” embodiment of the fastening strips including sealant in an engaged arrangement. -
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A ofFIG. 1 illustrating another “arrow-head” or “rib and groove” embodiment of the fastening strips including sealant in an engaged arrangement. -
FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of the storage bag designed in accordance with the teachings of the invention including a slider and a one-way valve element along with a nozzle connected to an evacuation device. -
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B ofFIG. 11 illustrating a “rolling action” embodiment of the fastening strip including sealant in an engaged arrangement. - Now referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to like elements, there is illustrated in
FIG. 1 an exemplaryflexible storage bag 100 of the type typically used for storing food items. The storage bag includes afirst sidewall 102 and an opposingsecond sidewall 104 overlaying and joined to the first sidewall to provide aninternal volume 106. The first andsecond sidewalls - The first and
second sidewalls first side edge 110, a parallelsecond side edge 112, and a closedbottom edge 114 by, for example, a heat sealing operation. To access theinternal volume 106, thetop edge 116 of thefirst side wall 102 and the correspondingtop edge 118 of thesecond sidewall 104 remain un-joined to provide anopening 120. Due to the four orthogonal edges, the illustratedstorage bag 100 has a rectangular shape. However, it will be appreciated in other embodiments that the bag can have any suitable shape resulting from any number of sidewalls and edges. - To close the opening 120, a closure device including a
first fastening strip 122 and an interlockingsecond fastening strip 124 are provided. Theelongated fastening strips second fastening strips second sidewalls top edges first side edge 110 to thesecond side edge 112. To attach the fastening strips, adhesive or a heat sealing operation can be utilized. - To enable the first and
second fastening strips second closure profile second closure profiles top edges opening 120. To allow for repeated access to theinternal volume 106, thefastening strips - In accordance with an aspect of the invention, to improve the seal established by the engaged closure profiles, a sealant is applied to the interlocking fastening strips. The sealant can be a viscous fluid, a fluid-like substance, a wax-like substance, or other similar material. A typical characteristic of such materials is that they do not cure or set and therefore remain flowable or displaceable. When the closure profiles engage, the sealant displaces to fill or close crevices or other leak paths that may exist between the semi-rigid closure profiles due to imperfections or misalignment. Thus, the sealant provides an airtight or hermetic seal of the internal volume. The sealant should have a density and viscosity greater than the air or gas that is both contained in the storage bag and in the surrounding environment. Examples of suitable sealant material include silicone oil, mineral oil, monoglycerides, fatty acids, polybutenes, petroleumjelly, and silicone gel. In those embodiments in which the invention is used with bags intended for storing food items, it is desirable that the sealant qualify as a food grade material.
- One example of interlocking fastening strips designed in accordance with the invention is illustrated in
FIG. 2 . The illustrated fastening strips 122, 124 are commonly known as “U-channel” style fastening strips. Thefirst fastening strip 122 is formed with amale closure profile 130 that projects from aflat base member 140 that is adapted to be attached to an inner surface of the first sidewall. The projectingmale closure profile 130 includes first andsecond projections projection barbs base member 140. Moreover, thebarbs barbs male closure profile 130 including the first andsecond projections first fastening strip 122. - The
second fastening strip 124 of the pair illustrated inFIG. 2 is formed as afemale closure profile 132 that likewise projects from aflat base member 160 adapted to be attached to an inner surface of the second sidewall. The projectingfemale closure profile 132 includes first andsecond projections female closure profile 132 is adapted to receive theprojections male closure profile 130. Formed at the distal tip of eachprojection female closure profile 132 are respective first and second hooks orbarbs base member 160. Furthermore, thebarbs barbs female closure profile 132 also includes aflange 174 projecting from thebase member 160 approximately midway between the first andsecond projections female closure profile 132 including the first andsecond projections second fastening strip 124. - On the
male closure profile 130,sealant 136 is deposited into the three-sided gap or channel existing between the first andsecond projections base member 140.Sealant 136 is likewise deposited on thefemale closure profile 132 into the gap created between thefirst projection 162 and theflange 174 and between the flange and thesecond projection 164. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealant should be sufficiently viscous so that it remains in the closure profiles and does not otherwise freely flow out of the gaps. - To engage the male and female closure profiles 130, 132 as illustrated in
FIG. 3 , the first and second interlocking fastening strips 122, 124 are pressed toward each other until theguide surface male projections female projections male projections female projections barbs male projections barbs female projections - Referring to
FIG. 3 , when the male and female closure profiles 132, 134 are thus engaged, thesealant 136 disposed on the male closure profile contacts and interacts with the sealant disposed on the female profile. The sealant thereby provides an airtight barrier or seal across the closure profiles. The provided seal is further facilitated by theflange 174 that is inserted into thesealant 136 deposited into the gap between themale projections sealant 136 can displace or wick via capillary action into crevices or leak paths between the engaged barbs. - In other embodiments, the sealant need not be provided on both the first and second fastening strips. For example, referring to
FIG. 4 , thesealant 136 is only provided on themale closure profile 130 between the first andsecond projections first fastening strip 122. When the first and second “U-channel” style fastening strips 122, 124 are pressed together, theflange 174 of thefemale closure profile 132 is inserted into thesealant 136 to provide the air tight barrier preventing air or other fluids or gases from leaking into or out of the internal volume of the storage bag. - Referring to
FIG. 5 , thesealant 136 is only provided on thefemale closure profile 132 in between the gaps provided by the first andsecond projections flange 174. When the first and second “U-channel” style fastening strips 122, 124 are pressed together, the guide surfaces 150, 152 of themale projections sealant 136 thereby providing the hermetic barrier preventing air or other fluids or gases from leaking into or out of the internal volume of the storage bag. Moreover, thesealant 136 can displace or wick by capillary action into crevices or leak paths between the engaged barbs. - In other embodiments, the sealant can be located in other areas besides the closure profiles. For example, referring to
FIG. 6 , in addition to themale closure profile 130, thefirst fastening strip 122 can included afirst flange 176 and a spaced-apartsecond flange 178 projecting from theflat base member 140. Theflanges male profile 130 and extend substantially along the length of thefirst fastening strip 122. The spacing provides a gap between thefirst flange 176 and the firstmale projection 142 and another gap between thesecond flange 178 and the secondmale projection 144 into which sealant 136 can be deposited. When the first and second fastening strips 122, 124 are pressed together, the first andsecond projections female closure profile 132 can move around the respective first andsecond projections male closure profile 130 to contact thesealant 136, thereby providing the airtight barrier preventing air from leaking into or out of the internal volume. - Referring to
FIG. 7 , there is illustrated another embodiment of the “U-channel” style fastening strips where the sealant is disposed on the surfaces of the male and female closure profiles 130, 132. Specifically,sealant 136 is disposed on the surfaces of both themale projections female projections sealant 136 is preferably a gel or viscous oil such that the sealant remains in place as a film on the surfaces of the closure profiles. When the first and second fastening strips 122, 124 are pressed together, thesealant 136 on themale profile 130 contacts and interacts with the sealant on thefemale profile 132 thereby providing the hermetic barrier. Moreover, sealant can creep or wick via capillary action into crevices or leak paths that exist between the engaged barbs. In other embodiments, sealant may be disposed only on the surface of the male closure profile or only on the surface of the female closure profile. - In other embodiments, the sealant can be impregnated into the material of the closure profiles. Referring to
FIG. 8 , in an aspect, to impregnate the closure profiles withsealant 136, a plurality ofcapillaries 180 can be disposed into unengaged closure profiles. Thecapillaries 180 can be formed as small grooves or channels disposed along the surface of the closure profiles 130, 132.Sealant 136 is then received into thecapillaries 180 by any suitable method. During engagement, when the first and second fastening strips are pressed together, the flexing that the male and female closure profiles undergo to accommodate each other causes sealant 136 to be excreted from thecapillaries 180. The sealant can thereafter displace or wick via capillary action to fill or close crevices or leak paths between the engaged closure profiles. In other embodiments, the capillaries can be formed as a plurality of small diameter bores or worm-holes disposed into the material of the closure profiles by, for example, etching. The closure profiles can then be impregnated by receiving sealant into the capillaries. - In another aspect, to impregnate the closure profiles with sealant, the sealant can be blended into the material of the closure profile itself. Distortion of the male and female closure profiles during engagement will cause the sealant to bloom to the surfaces of the closure profiles where the sealant can displace or wick to fill or close leak paths.
- The invention, including those embodiments in which the sealant is provided by deposit into gaps, as a film, in capillaries, or as blended into the closure profile material, can be utilized with a variety of different interlocking fastening strips. For example, illustrated in
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of “profile” style interlocking fastening strips such as those disclosed and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,299, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. The interlocking fastening strips 222, 224 of the “profile” style include afirst closure profile 230 projecting from abase member 240 of thefirst fastening strip 222 adapted to engage a correspondingsecond closure profile 232 projecting from abase member 260 of the second fastening strip 234. - The
first closure profile 230 includes a first pair ofprojections first projections like barbs base member 240. Moreover, the projections are shaped so that the barbs are arranged in the same direction. The distal most surface of the first projections are generally rounded or shaped to provide first guide surfaces 250, 252. - The
second closure profile 232 also includes a pair ofsecond projections second projections first projections second projections like barbs base member 240. Moreover, thesecond projections first barbs - In the illustrated embodiment of the “profile” fastening strips 222, 224,
sealant 236 can be disposed on the first strip in the gap created between the spaced-apartfirst projections first base member 240. Likewise,sealant 236 can also be disposed on the second strip in the gap created between the spaced-apartsecond projections second base member 260. Theparticular sealant 236 may be viscous enough to remain located in the closure profiles 232, 236 and not freely leak from the gaps. - To engage the first and second closure profiles of
FIG. 9 , the first and second fastening strips 222, 224 are pressed together so that thefirst projections second projections first projections second projections first barbs second barbs sealant 236 located between both thefirst projections second projections sealant 236 can displace to fill or close leak paths existing between the engaged barbs. - Referring to
FIG. 9 , separately or in addition to providing the sealant in the gaps between the projections, sealant may be provided as a film, in capillaries, or blended into the material of the closure profiles of the “profile” style interlocking fastening strips. In addition, the sealant can be provided on either or both of the closure profiles. - Referring to
FIG. 10 , there is illustrated in cross-section an “arrow-head” or “rib and groove” style fastening strips 322, 324 such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,998, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Fastening strips of the “arrow-head” style include afirst fastening strip 322 that has a projectinghead portion 342 extending from aflat base member 340. The head portion includes a mushroom-shapedhead 344 that is located at the end of a reducedneck portion 346 that is connected to thebase member 340. The projectinghead portion 342 is receivable in a corresponding C-shapedgroove portion 362 formed along a secondflat bag member 360. Through this arrangement, the fastening strips 322, 324 are adapted to be interlockingly engaged when pressed together and separated by being forcibly pulled apart. - In the illustrated embodiment of the “arrow-head” type fastening strips,
sealant 336 can be deposited in thegroove portion 362. Hence, inserting the projectinghead portion 342 into thegroove portion 362 simultaneously causes thedisplaceable sealant 336 to flow around the head portion thereby providing the hermetic barrier between the engaged fastening strips 322, 324. - Referring to
FIG. 10 , separately or in addition to providing the sealant in the gaps between the projections, sealant may be provided as a film, in capillaries, or blended into the material of the closure profiles of the “profile” style interlocking fastening strips. - Referring to
FIG. 11 , there is illustrated another embodiment of a storage bag designed in accordance with the teachings of the invention. The illustratedstorage bag 400 includes a pliablefirst sidewall 402 overlaid and joined to asecond sidewall 404 to provide aninternal volume 406. To access theinternal volume 406, the respective first and secondtop edges second sidewalls opening 420. To close theopening 420, first and second interlocking fastening strips 422, 424 are attached proximate the respectivetop edges particular storage bag 400 illustrated inFIG. 11 , to occlude and de-occlude the fastening strips 416, 418, thestorage bag 400 includes aslider 426. Theslider 426 is a generally U-shaped structure that straddles thetop edges sidewalls slider 426 along thetop edges - In addition to including the
slider 426, thestorage bag 400 illustrated inFIG. 11 includes a one-valve element 427 for removing latent air from the storage bag. The one-way valve element 427 is attached to thefirst sidewall 402 and communicates with theinternal volume 406. To evacuate theinternal volume 406 via the one-way valve element 427, anozzle 428 connected to avacuum source 429 can be placed against the valve element or against thefirst sidewall 402 about the valve element and activated. The vacuum source connected to thenozzle 428 can be any suitable vacuum source including, for example, hand-operated pumps, mechanical pumps, water aspirators, oral suction, and the like. In other embodiments, latent air can be evacuated by pressing thesidewalls - The interlocking fastening strips 422, 424 maybe of the “rolling action” style as illustrated in
FIG. 12 and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,143, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Thestrips tracks elements elements rib element 436 is hook shaped and projects from the inner face ofstrip 422. Thecomplementary groove element 438 includes a lower hook shapedprojection 440 and a relativelystraight projection 442 which extend from the inner face of thesecond strip 424.Sealant 434 can be received and held in thegroove element 438 as described above. The profiled tracks 430, 432 are inclined inwardly toward each other from theirrespective strips - The straddling
slider 428 comprises an inverted U-shaped plastic member having a back 450 for moving along the top edges of thetracks parallel side walls separator finger 456 depends from the back 450 between theside walls inclined tracks slider 428 hasshoulders side walls separator finger 456 in creating the rolling action in opening and closing the reclosable interlocking rib andgroove profile elements rib 436 into thegroove 438 simultaneously causes thedisplaceable sealant 434 to flow around the rib thereby providing the hermetic barrier between the engaged fastening strips 422, 424. Furthermore, in those embodiments in which thestorage bag 400 includes avalve element 427 for evacuating theinternal volume 406, the sealant can help maintain the storage bag in an evacuated state. - Referring to
FIG. 12 , separately or in addition to providing the sealant in thegroove element 436, sealant may be provided as a film, in capillaries, or blended into the material of the closure profiles of the “rolling action” style interlocking fastening strips. - Thus, the invention provides a closure device for a storage bag that includes releasably interlocking fastening strips. To provide an air-tight seal, a sealant is included on at least a portion of the fastening strips. The sealant can be a viscous fluid, fluid-like substance, or a wax-like substance. In addition to providing an airtight seal, the sealant can prevent air from entering the internal volume after evacuation, thereby helping to preserve food items contained in the storage bag.
- All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.
- The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,” ) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
- Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventor(s) for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor(s) expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor(s) intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
Claims (25)
1. A closure device comprising:
a first interlocking fastening strip including a first closure profile extending substantially along the length of the first fastening strip;
a second interlocking fastening strip including a second closure profile extending substantially along the length of the second fastening strip, the first and second closure profiles engagable to interlock the first and second fastening strips;
wherein at least a portion of the first closure profile includes a sealant; and
wherein the sealant is impregnated in the first closure profile.
2. (canceled)
3. (canceled)
4. (canceled)
5. The closure device of claim 1 , wherein the sealant is received in capillaries disposed into the first closure profile.
6. The closure device of claim 1 , wherein the sealant is blended into the material of the first closure profile.
7. The closure device of claim 1 , wherein the sealant is an oil.
8. The closure device of claim 1 , wherein the sealant is a gel.
9. The closure device of claim 1 , wherein the sealant is selected from the group consisting of silicone oil, mineral oil, monoglycerides, fatty acids, polybutenes, petroleum jelly, and silicone gel.
10. The closure device of claim 1 , wherein the fastening strips comprise U-channel style fastening strips.
11. The closure device of claim 1 , wherein the fastening strips comprise arrowhead style fastening strips.
12. The closure device of claim 1 , wherein the fastening strips comprise profile style fastening strips.
13. The closure device of claim 1 , wherein the closure device further includes a slider movably disposed on the fastening strips.
14. A flexible storage bag comprising:
a first pliable sidewall;
a second pliable sidewall overlaying and joined to the first sidewall to provide an internal volume, the internal volume accessible via an opening disposed between the first and second sidewalls;
a first interlocking fastening strip attached to the first sidewall proximate the opening, the first fastening strip including a first closure profile;
a second interlocking fastening strip attached to the second sidewall proximate the opening, the second fastening strip including a second closure profile engagable with the first closure profile; and
a sealant disposed on at least a portion of the first closure profile, and
wherein the sealant is impregnated in the first closure profile.
15. (canceled)
16. (canceled)
17. The storage bag of claim 14 , wherein the sealant is an oil.
18. The storage bag of claim 14 , wherein the sealant is a gel.
19. The storage bag of claim 14 , wherein the sealant is selected from the group consisting of silicone oil, mineral oil, monoglycerides, fatty acids, polybutenes, petroleum jelly, and silicone gel.
20. The storage bag of claim 14 , wherein a valve element is attached to at least one of the first sidewall or the second sidewall.
21. A method of sealing a storage bag comprising:
(i) providing a storage bag including a pliable sidewall providing an internal volume accessible via an opening, the storage bag further including first and second interlocking fastening strips proximate the opening, the first and second fastening strips including respective engagable first and second closure profiles;
(ii) impregnating at least a portion of the first closure profile with a sealant;
(iii) pressing the first and second fastening strips together to engage the first and second closure profiles; and
(iv) sealing the first and second closure profiles against the passage of air with the sealant.
22. The method of claim 21 , wherein the sealant is an oil.
23. The method of claim 21 , wherein the sealant is a gel.
24. The method of claim 21 , wherein the sealant is selected from the group consisting of silicone oil, mineral oil, monoglycerides, fatty acids, polybutenes, petroleum jelly, and silicone gel.
25. The method of claim 21 , wherein the storage bag is further provided with a one-way valve element attached to the sidewall and communicating with the internal volume.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/912,919 US20080189913A1 (en) | 2005-05-20 | 2006-05-22 | Closure Device for Storage Bag |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US68338705P | 2005-05-20 | 2005-05-20 | |
US11/912,919 US20080189913A1 (en) | 2005-05-20 | 2006-05-22 | Closure Device for Storage Bag |
PCT/US2006/019974 WO2006127739A2 (en) | 2005-05-20 | 2006-05-22 | Closure device for storage bag |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080189913A1 true US20080189913A1 (en) | 2008-08-14 |
Family
ID=37452757
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/912,919 Abandoned US20080189913A1 (en) | 2005-05-20 | 2006-05-22 | Closure Device for Storage Bag |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20080189913A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1881770A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2008540065A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20080024478A (en) |
CN (1) | CN101217896A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2006250049A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2608947A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2006127739A2 (en) |
Cited By (7)
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US20100183251A1 (en) * | 2006-06-20 | 2010-07-22 | Neltner Andrew E | Closure Device For Storage Bag |
US20120294551A1 (en) * | 2011-05-19 | 2012-11-22 | Brandi Ford | Disposable bag for feminine hygeine products |
US8397958B2 (en) | 2010-08-05 | 2013-03-19 | Ds Smith Plastics Limited | Closure valve assembly for a container |
US20150203251A1 (en) * | 2011-04-06 | 2015-07-23 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Reclosable package or bag with scented zipper |
US10362839B2 (en) | 2017-08-22 | 2019-07-30 | Ykk Corporation | Slide fastener |
US11235910B2 (en) | 2014-02-25 | 2022-02-01 | Mark Steele | Package having a lap or fin seal gap elimination feature |
US20220411135A1 (en) * | 2019-12-09 | 2022-12-29 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Coextruded Polymeric Article and Method of Making the Same |
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US8485728B2 (en) | 2006-12-18 | 2013-07-16 | Kraft Foods Global, Inc. | Resealable packaging |
US9181014B2 (en) | 2009-01-12 | 2015-11-10 | Besatori Llc | Ecologically safe storage bag and transporting system and method of making same |
US8875356B2 (en) | 2011-10-06 | 2014-11-04 | Intercontinental Great Brands Llc | Mechanical and adhesive based reclosable fasteners |
US9604761B2 (en) | 2012-09-28 | 2017-03-28 | S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Storage bag with features that facilitate sealing and unsealing of the bag |
US11634253B2 (en) | 2012-09-28 | 2023-04-25 | S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Storage bag with colored lips |
US8727620B2 (en) | 2012-09-28 | 2014-05-20 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Storage bag with dimple features |
US9114914B2 (en) | 2012-09-28 | 2015-08-25 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Storage bag with textured area on lips to facilitate closing process |
USD943422S1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2022-02-15 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Storage bag |
USD723386S1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2015-03-03 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Storage bag |
USD724442S1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2015-03-17 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Storage bag |
USD742247S1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2015-11-03 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Storage bag |
USD723936S1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2015-03-10 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Storage bag |
USD723937S1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2015-03-10 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Storage bag |
USD723939S1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2015-03-10 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Storage bag |
USD723940S1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2015-03-10 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Storage bag |
USD723384S1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2015-03-03 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Storage bag |
USD724955S1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2015-03-24 | S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. | Storage bag |
CN107719907B (en) | 2016-08-11 | 2020-01-10 | 京东方科技集团股份有限公司 | Intelligent sealing clamp, sealing bag and article storage management method |
CN109229826B (en) * | 2018-08-22 | 2024-02-27 | 德清尚邑塑料制品有限公司 | Bone strip structure for packaging bag and packaging bag |
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Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100183251A1 (en) * | 2006-06-20 | 2010-07-22 | Neltner Andrew E | Closure Device For Storage Bag |
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US20220411135A1 (en) * | 2019-12-09 | 2022-12-29 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Coextruded Polymeric Article and Method of Making the Same |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN101217896A (en) | 2008-07-09 |
WO2006127739A2 (en) | 2006-11-30 |
EP1881770A2 (en) | 2008-01-30 |
AU2006250049A1 (en) | 2006-11-30 |
WO2006127739A3 (en) | 2007-03-01 |
EP1881770A4 (en) | 2009-12-02 |
KR20080024478A (en) | 2008-03-18 |
CA2608947A1 (en) | 2006-11-30 |
JP2008540065A (en) | 2008-11-20 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: THE GLAD PRODUCTS COMPANY, CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:BERGMAN, CARL L.;NELTNER, ANDREW E.;REEL/FRAME:020102/0312 Effective date: 20071029 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |