U.S. patent application number 10/474998 was filed with the patent office on 2004-06-17 for evacuable bag.
Invention is credited to Koyanagi, Yoshihiro.
Application Number | 20040114837 10/474998 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18971943 |
Filed Date | 2004-06-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040114837 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Koyanagi, Yoshihiro |
June 17, 2004 |
Evacuable bag
Abstract
An evacuable bag having a passage (4) for dearation formed in a
bag body (1) having an opening (2) for inserting an article into
the bag and composed of flexible non-breathable sheets (11, 12),
wherein the passage comprises an opening (11a) formed in the sheet
(11) and a flexible cylindrical air passage communicating with the
opening (11a), the air passage serving to check air flow from
outside the bag body (1) into thereinside, and a nozzle of a vacuum
or the like or the like is inserted through through the opening
(11a) into the air passage, whereby the air is expelled out from
inside the bag body (1). Since the bag body (1) and the passage (4)
are flexible, the evacuable bag as a whole can be made flexible.
Furthermore, the air passage (41) does not protrude out of the bag
body (1), so the air passage (41) does not become an obstacle in
use or storage. Since both aremade of flexible material, the bonded
portions of the two will not separate even if an external force is
applied thereto.
Inventors: |
Koyanagi, Yoshihiro;
(Kashiwara-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Family ID: |
18971943 |
Appl. No.: |
10/474998 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
April 19, 2002 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP02/03911 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/103 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 77/225 20130101;
B65D 31/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/103 |
International
Class: |
B65D 033/01 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 20, 2001 |
JP |
2001-122197 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An evacuable bag for packing bedding, clothing and food, which
bag comprises a bag body (1) made of flexible non-breathable sheets
(11), (12) and having a closable opening (2) for inserting an
article to be contained, and a passage (4) for deaeration formed in
the bag body (1), characterized in that the passage (4) for
deaeration includes an opening (11a) formed on said sheet (11) and
a flexible cylindrical air passage (41) mounted inside the bag body
(1) so as to communicate with said opening (11a), wherein said air
passage (41) checks air flow from outside to inside the bag body
(1) and expels the air from inside to outside the bag body (1) by
inserting a rod (5) such as a nozzle of a vacuum or the like
through the opening (11a) into the air passage (41).
2. The evacuable bag as defined in claim 1, characterized in that
at least a portion (43j) of the air passage (41) around the opening
(11a) and a predetermined position (43k) of the air passage (41)
closer to the inside of the bag than the intermediate position (C)
of the air passage (41)are fixed to the inner surface of the bag
body (1).
3. The evacuable bag as defined in claim 2, characterized in that
the air passage (41) is a shut-off valve including a flap (42)
thereinside, the flap (42) serving to check air flow from outside
to inside the bag body (1).
4. The evacuable bag as defined in claim 1, characterized in that
the air passage (41) includes openings (43c), (43g) positioned at
both ends thereof in one axial direction and along at least one of
opposite sheets (43a), (43b), and closed members (43e), (43f)
positioned at both ends thereof in the other axial direction
perpendicular to said axial direction and along at least one of
said sheets, thereby becoming a flat and substantially cylindrical
passage in cross section, a flap (42) being mounted on an
air-passage-side surface (43h) of one of said sheets (43b) of the
air passage (41) by being fixed from one of the closed members
(43e) to the other closed member (43f) along the sheet (43b),
thereby comprising a first check valve and a second check valve;
the first check valve, part of said flap (42), serving to check air
flow from one end of the air passage (41) to the other by
contacting an air-passage-side surface (43i) of the sheet (43a),
while the second check valve, likewise, serving to check the
reverse air flow in the air passage (41), a rod 5 being inserted
into the air passage (41) so as to communicate the openings (43c),
(43g) at both ends thereof each other, wherein the contact between
the flap (42) and the sheet (43a) is disengaged, thereby being an
air-flowing state in the air passage (41), and the air passage (41)
returning to be a closed state after the rod is pulled out.
5. An evacuable bag for packing bedding, clothing and food, which
bag comprises a bag body (1) made of flexible non-breathable sheets
(11), (12) and having a closable opening (2) for inserting an
article to be contained, and a passage (4) for deaeration formed in
the bag body (1), characterized in that the passage (4) for
deaeration includes an opening (43g) formed on the outer surface of
the bag body (1) and a flexible cylindrical air passage
(41)communicating with the opening (43g), the air passage (41)
including openings (43c), (43g) positioned at both ends thereof in
one axial direction and along at least one of opposite sheets
(43a), (43b), and closed members (43e), (43f) positioned at both
ends thereof in the other axial direction perpendicular to said
axial direction and along at least one of said sheets, thereby
becoming a flat and substantially cylindrical passage in cross
section, a flap (42) being mounted on an air-passage-side surface
(43h) of one of said sheets (43b) of the air passage (41) by being
fixed from one of the closed members (43e) to the other closed
member (43f) along the sheet (43b), thereby comprising a first
check valve and a second check valve; the first check valve, part
of said flap (42), serving to check air flow from one end of the
air passage (41) to the other by contacting an air-passage-side
surface (43i) of the sheet (43a), while the second check valve,
likewise, serving to check the reverse air flow in the air passage
(41), a rod 5 being inserted into the air passage (41) so as to
communicate the openings (43c), (43g) at both ends thereof each
other, wherein the contact between the flap (42) and the sheet
(43a) is disengaged, thereby being an air-flowing state in the air
passage (41), and the air passage (41) returning to be a closed
state after the rod is pulled out.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an evacuable bag for
compactly packing clothing or bedding by compressing same or for
keeping the food in the bag fresh.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Evacuable bags provided with an evacuable passage in its bag
body of a flexible synthetic resin sheet for compactly packing
clothing or bedding by compressing same or for keeping the food in
the bag fresh have long been known in the art.
[0003] Now, a brief description will be made of the use of said
evacuable bag. An article such as clothing is put in the bag before
the bag is closed with a fastener disposed on an opening through
which the article is inserted into the bag. Then, a nozzle of a
vacuum or the like is attached to a shut-off valve of the bag so as
to suck out the air in the bag and expel it out of the bag through
the shut-off valve. This shut-off valve functions to prevent air
from reentering the bag. Thus, the bag can stay deaerated. In the
meanwhile, the article such as clothing or bedding may become less
in volume by releasing the air in itself and will be compactly
packed in the bag.
[0004] As for food, compact packing can be done by expelling the
air in the bag as mentioned above. Moreover, it may prevent the
packed food from becoming bad by the air in the bag.
[0005] Various types of such shut-off valves exist. One type where
a nozzle of a vacuum or the like is attached to the valve for
sucking out air is generally made of synthetic resin of rigid
substance. The shut-off valve is arranged such that it can be
opened by the end of the nozzle being pressed thereon so as to suck
out the air flow and can be closed by detaching the nozzle
therefrom.
[0006] Though said shut-off valve may ensure closure, a
disadvantage relating to this type comes from its rigid nature. The
valve portion itself can be a nuisance while the evacuable bag
remains unused and folded. Or the bonded portion between the rigid
shut-off valve and the flexible synthetic resin sheet of the bag
body can be easily breakable. Furthermore, even after the packing
and deaerating process, the shut-off valve partly juts. The jutting
part can become an obstacle when the evacuable bags pile up. Or if
the shut-off valve receives a shock or hit, it might open and allow
air enter the bag.
[0007] Another type of the shut-off valve has a flat cylindrical
body of flexible synthetic resin film, wherein an opening is
formed. Thereinside includes a fastener and a bent passage. Then,
the valve portion is provided outside the evacuable bag. In the
case, since the shut-off valve also protrudes from the evacuable
bag, it can get hooked and result in separating from the body.
[0008] The present invention is, on the contrary, provides an
evacuable bag that maintains its compactness before or after use,
avoiding separation of an air passage for deaeration and the bag
body, staying deaerated.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0009] To overcome the above-noted problems, a first aspect of the
present invention provides an evacuable bag for packing bedding,
clothing and food, which bag comprises a bag body 1 made of
flexible non-breathable sheets 11, 12 and having a closable opening
2 for inserting an article to be contained, and a passage 4 for
deaeration formed in the bag body 1. The passage 4 for deaeration
includes an opening 11a formed on the non-breathable sheet 11, and
a flexible cylindrical air passage 41 mounted inside the bag body 1
so as to communicate with the opening 11a. The air passage checks
air flow from outside to inside the bag body 1 and expels the air
from inside to outside the bag body 1 by inserting a rod 5 such as
a nozzle of a vacuum or the like through the opening 11a into the
air passage 41. In the evacuable bag in accordance with the first
embodiment, since the flexible cylindrical air passage 41 is
incorporated in the flexible bag body 1, the evacuable bag as a
whole can be made flexible. In addition, the air passage 41 does
not protrude from the bag body 1 and not become an obstacle when
the bag is in use or contains an article. Moreover, provision of a
flexible material for both bag body 1 and the air passage 41 may
prevent the two members from separating each other in spite of an
external force.
[0010] A second aspect of the present invention provides the
evacuable bag as described above, wherein at least a portion 43j of
the air passage 41 around the opening 11a and a predetermined
position 43k closer to the inside of the bag than the intermediate
position C of the air passage 41 are fixed to the inner surface of
the bag body 1.
[0011] In this embodiment, when a rod 5 such as a nozzle of a
vacuum or the like, which has been inserted through the opening 11a
into the air passage 41 is pulled out, the air passage 41 can avoid
being taken out of the bag together with the rod.
[0012] A third aspect of the present invention provides the
evacuable bag in accordance with the second embodiment, wherein the
air passage 41 is a shut-off valve including a flap 42 thereinside.
The flap serves to check air flow from outside to inside the bag
body 1.
[0013] Provision of the flap 42 can surely check air incoming flow
from the outside into the bag body 1.
[0014] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides the
evacuable bag in accordance with the first embodiment, wherein the
air passage 41 has a flat and substantially cylindrical shape in
cross section. The air passage includes openings 43c, 43g formed at
both ends thereof in one axial direction and along at least one of
opposite sheets 43a, 43b, and closed members 43e, 43f formed at
both ends thereof in the other axial direction perpendicular to
said axial direction and along at least one of said sheets. A flap
42 is mounted on an air-passage-side surface 43h of the sheet 43b
inside the air passage 41 by being fixed from one of the closed
member 43e to the other closed member 43f along the sheet 43b,
thereby comprising a first and second check valves. The first check
valve, part of the flap 42, serves to check air flow from one end
to the other end in the air passage 41 by contacting an
air-passage-side surface 43i of the sheet 43a. The second check
valve, likewise, serves to check the reverse air flow in the air
passage 41. A rod 5 is inserted into the air passage 41 so as to
communicate the openings 43c, 43g at both ends of the air passage
41 with each other. As a result, the contact between the flap 42
and the air-passage-side surface 43i of the sheet 43a is
disengaged, thereby allowing air pass through the air passage 41.
The air passage 41 returns to be the closed state after the rod 5
is pulled out.
[0015] This embodiment provides a shut-off valve which performs the
dual function of deaeration and filling of the bag. And the mode of
the shut-off valve can be easily switched between the air-flowing
state and the closed state.
[0016] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides an
evacuable bag for packing bedding, clothing and food, which bag
comprises a bag body 1 made of flexible non-breathable sheets 11,
12, and a passage 4 for deaeration formed in the bag body 1. The
passage 4 for deaeration includes an opening 43g formed on the
surface of the bag body 1, and a flexible cylindrical air passage
41 communicating with the opening 43g. The air passage includes
openings 43c, 43g formed at both ends thereof in one axial
direction and along at least one of opposite sheets 43a, 43b, and
closed members 43e, 43f formed at both ends thereof in the other
axial direction perpendicular to said axial direction and along at
least one of said sheets. As a result, the air passage 41 has a
flat and substantially cylindrical shape in cross section. A flap
42 is mounted on an air passage side 43h of the sheet 43b inside
the air passage 41 by being fixed from one of the closed member 43e
to the other closed member 43f along the sheet 43b, thereby
comprising a first and second check valves. The first check valve,
part of the flap 42, serves to check air flow from one end to the
other end in the air passage 41 by contacting an air passage side
43i of the sheet 43a. The second check valve, likewise, serves to
check the reverse air flow in the air passage 41. A rod 5 is
inserted into the air passage 41 so as to communicate the openings
43c, 43g at both ends of the air passage 41 with each other. As a
result, the contact between the flap 42 and the air-passage-side
surface 43i of the sheet 43a is disengaged, thereby allowing air
pass through the air passage 41. The air passage 41 returns to be
the closed state after the rod 5 is pulled out.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an evacuable bag in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2(A) is a cross sectional view showing the state in
which the fastener in accordance with the embodiment of the present
invention is opened. FIG. 2(B) is a cross sectional view showing
the state in which the fastener in accordance with the embodiment
of the present invention is closed.
[0019] FIG. 3(A) is a plan view of a shut-off valve in accordance
with the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3(B) is a cross
sectional view of the shut-off valve as taken on the line A-A in
FIG. 3(A).
[0020] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the shut-off valve with
its air passage left in an air-flowing state as taken on the line
A-A of FIG. 3(A).
[0021] FIG. 5 is a plan view of an evacuable bag in accordance with
the other embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 6(A) is a plan view of a shut-off valve in accordance
with another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6(B) is the
shut-off valve in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention as taken on the line A-A of FIG. 6(A).
[0023] FIG. 7(A) is a plan view of the shut-off valve in accordance
with a further embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7(B) is a
cross sectional view of the shut-off valve in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention as taken on the line A-A of
FIG. 7(A).
[0024] FIG. 8(A) is a plan view of a shut-off valve in accordance
with a further embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8(B) is a
cross sectional view of the shut-off valve in accordance with the
embodiment of the present invention as taken on the line A-A of
FIG. 8(A).
[0025] FIG. 9(A) is a plan view of an evacuable bag in accordance
with a further embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9(B) is a
partially enlarged view of the air passage in an air-flowing
position as taken on the line B-B of FIG. 9(A). FIG. 9(C) is a
partially enlarged view of the air passage in a closed position as
taken on the line B-B of FIG. 9(A).
[0026] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged cross sectional view showing
one example of a valve of the evacuable bag in accordance with a
further embodiment of the present invention.
BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0027] Now, an evacuable bag in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention will be explained by way of example. In the
following description of an evacuable bag 1, a direction where an
opening 2 for inserting an article into the bag is disposed is
referred as "upper" or "top", and the opposite direction is
referred as "lower" or "bottom".
[0028] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the evacuable bag 1 of one
embodiment. Said evacuable bag 1 formed by a bag which is rectangle
as viewed from the above, is made of at least two pieces of
non-breatheable sheets 11, 12 of, e.g., resin. On a top short end
13 thereof is formed an opening 2 for inserting an article into the
bag, and a bottom short end 14 and lateral ends 15, 16 are
closed.
[0029] On the sheet 11 referred as front is provided a shut-off
valve 4 for deaeration of the air inside the bag. The sheets 11, 12
may have lettering such as an article name, instructions for use,
or patterns printed thereon, and may be treated with antibacterial
or deodorization elements. The size of the evacuable bag 1 may
depend on the article to be contained. The shut-off valve 4 is not
limited to where to be placed on the evacuable bag 1.
[0030] Next, the use of the evacuable bag 1 will be described.
First, a fastener 3 disposed on the opening 2 is opened. Then, an
article such as clothing is put in the evacuable bag 1 through the
opening 2, and the fastener 3 is closed. Then, the evacuable bag 1
is manually rolled up or is applied to a vacuum with its nozzle
inserted into an opening 43g of the shut-off valve 4 for
deaeration, thereby expelling the air inside the evacuable bag 1
via the shut-off valve 4, achieving deaeration in the evacuable bag
1.
[0031] In this example, the fastener 3 which serves as closing
means for the opening 2 is of a meshing-type fastener. A convex
portion 31 is formed on one of the inner side of the sheet, while a
concave portion 32 is formed on the opposite side thereof, as shown
in FIG. 2(A).
[0032] The convex portion 31 and the concave portion 32 are
provided with engaging elements 33, 34 respectively. The concave
portion 32 is formed with a raised portion 36 for hermetic sealing,
while the convex portion 31 includes a recessed section 37 for the
same purpose. Two raised segments 31a, 31a are formed in the convex
portion 31 so as to lie opposite to each other across the
interposed recessed portion 37 therebetween. Two recessed portions
32a, 32a in the concave portion 32 are formed while the raised
section 36 is interposed therebetween. A width t35 of an interval
35 at the recessed portion 32a is made shorter than a width t33 of
the engaging element 33. In fastening the fastener 3, the convex
portion 31 and the concave portion 32 are pressed together. And the
engaging elements 33 are forced to pass the interval 35 into the
concave portion 32 to engage the engaging elements 34 thereof. FIG.
2(B) illustrates this engagement, where a space 38 between the
engaging elements 33, 34 has little gap and air from the outside
may not enter, so that the evacuable bag 1 can stay airtight while
it is closed.
[0033] The fastener 3 is not limited its shape in FIGS. 2(A) and
2(B). Alternative shapes may be employed.
[0034] For easy fastening of the fastener 3, a slider made of resin
may be mounted on the outside of the fastener 3.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, the shut-off valve 4 has a flap 42
mounted on the inner side of an air passage 41 of a flat and
substantially cylindrical form in cross section.
[0036] The outer portion of the shut-off valve 4 in this embodiment
includes two opposite rectangular sheets 43a, 43b. Only one of the
short ends of the sheets 43a, 43b is left open so as to form an
inner opening 43c. The three remaining ends 43d, 43e, 43f are
bonded by, e.g. hot-pressing. Near the closed short end 43d of the
sheet 43a is provided an outer opening 43g, which is integrally
bonded to the inner surface of the sheet 11 where an opening 11a is
also formed. Thus, the air passage 41 of a flat and substantially
cylindrical form in cross section extends from the opening 11a on
the inner surface of the sheet 11 of the bag to the inner opening
43c of the shut-off valve 4. The shape and configuration of the
opening 11a is not limited to this embodiment. For example, a
pinching segment 11b may be provided as shown in FIG. 6. Lifting
the pinching segment 11b helps spread the opening 11a easily. Also,
the opening 11a of the evacuable bag 1 and the outer opening 43g of
the shut-off valve 4 have almost the same shape, but are not
limited to this. The outer opening 43g may be formed larger than
the opening 11a. The sheet 43g corresponding to the opening 11a may
be omitted (not shown). Furthermore, the place where the pinching
segment 11b is provided is not limited to the opening 11a of the
evacuable bag 1. Near the outer opening 43g of the shut-off valve 4
may be acceptable. Alternatives may be employed.
[0037] Between the sheets 43a and 11, at least a peripheral portion
43j of the outer opening 43g (opening 11a) and the right (close to
the inside of the bag) of the air passage 41 from the intermediate
line C, preferably the most right-hand end 43k, should be bonded in
order to prevent the air passage 41 from turning inside out, as
shown in FIG. 3.
[0038] The air passage may be formed by directly bonding the sheet
43b to the sheet 11 with omission of the sheet 43a that will be
bonded to the inner surface of the sheet 11.
[0039] In other configuration of the shut-off valve 4, both of the
short ends of the sheets 43a, 43b are left open to form the inner
and outer openings 43c, 43g, and the remaining circumference
thereof are bonded by, e.g. hot-pressing, thereby providing an air
passage 41 which is a flat and substantially cylindrical form in
cross section and extends from the outer opening 43g to the inner
opening 43c. As can be shown in FIG. 5, the shut-off valve 4 in
this configuration is mounted around the circumference of the
evacuable bag 1 in order for the inner opening 43c to be placed in
an inner position of the evacuable bag 1 and in order for the outer
opening 43g in an outer position of same.
[0040] The description of the shut-off valve of this embodiment
will be resumed. On an air-passage-side surface 43h of the sheet
43b is provided a rectangular flap 42 extending from one of the
closed members 43e to the other closed member 43f on the sheet 43b.
The flap 42 is a piece of sheet comprising a fixed member 42a
bonded to the sheet 43b by, e.g., hot-pressing from the middle of
one of the short ends of the flap 42 to the middle of the opposite
short side, and movable portions 42b, 42c across the fixed member
42a. The air passage 41 may be closed by a contact between an
air-passage-side surface 43i of the sheet 43 where the flap is not
disposed, and the movable portions 42b, 42c under the influence of
air flow that is to pass through the air passage 41.
[0041] Of the portions 42b, 42c, the movable portion 42b serves to
check incoming air flow from the outside into the bag, while the
other movable portion 42c serves to check the air that is flowing
from inside to outside of the bag. That is, both movable portions
42b, 42c work in tandem on the air flow in either direction in the
air passage 41. This feature maintains the internal deaerated state
of the bag and, conversely, maintains the air in the bag it has
been filled.
[0042] Consequently, the evacuable bag 1 containing clothing or
bedding can be filled with a bactericidal or sterilizing gas via
the shut-off valve 4 before the dearation of the gas, wherein both
of the treatment of the gas and the dearation can be done in a
single evacuable bag without opening it.
[0043] In this embodiment, two flaps 42 are arranged parallel in
two rows crossing the axis of the air passage 41 at right
angles.
[0044] Also, the material of each of the sheets 43a, 43b and the
flaps 42 is flexible synthetic resin film, so that the movable
portions 42b, 42c can flexibly contact the air-passage-side surface
43i of the sheet 43a. Thus, the contact avoids a gap between the
flaps 42 and the sheet 43a to ensure that the bag will stay
airtight.
[0045] Referring to the flap 42, its shape is not limited to that
as set forth, and is made in alternative forms. For example, a pair
of flaps, each having a movable portion on a single side of the
fixed member 42a, may be arranged opposite to or in series with
each other. As for the number of the flap 42 in the air passage 41,
a single piece or plural pieces positioned parallel may be
acceptable.
[0046] As shown by FIG. 3(B), the air passage 41 is generally
closed in both directions by the movable portions 42b, 42c formed
at both sides of flap sheet across the fixed member 42a. In order
to allow air to pass through the air passage 41, a rod 5 is
inserted through the space between the inner opening 43c and the
outer opening 43g in the air passage 41 so as to communicate both
openings 43c, 43g. The movable portions 42b, 42c will separate from
the air-passage-side surface 43i of the sheet 43a, rendering the
air passage 41 open to air. The air passage 41 returns to a closed
state by pulling out the rod 5.
[0047] To be the most preferable embodiment regarding the rod 5,
the rod should be embodied as a suction nozzle of a vacuum or a
small-sized pump with a motor or fan. A hollow member like a straw
would be enough for human deaeration. A solid member is also
applicable.
[0048] A preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned air passage 41
and shut-off valve 4 will be summed up. Closing a pair of the ends
of the opposite sheets 43a, 43b provides closed member 43e, 43f,
forming an air passage 41 of a flat and substantially cylindrical
form in cross section, wherein openings 43c, 43g are formed at both
of the open portions thereof, while a flap 42 is provided
thereinside. The flap 42 includes a fixed member 42a attached to
the sheet 43b and a first and second movable portions 42b, 42c,
which are provided across the fixed member 42a therebetween. The
first movable portion 42b contacts the air passage side 43i of the
sheet 43a, thereby checking air flow from one end to the other in
the air passage 41. Likewise, the second movable portion 42c
contacts the air passage side 43i of the sheet 43a, thereby
checking the reverse air flow in the air passage 41.
[0049] Furthermore, the sheet 43a of the opposite sheets 43a, 43b
for said shut-off valve may also serve as the sheet 11 comprising a
sealable bag 1.
[0050] The shut-off valve 4 as mounted on the evacuable bag of the
present invention is not limited to that as set forth. For example,
as shown in FIG. 6, of the two flaps parallel to each other in the
air passage 4, a flap 42X located on the side close to the outer
opening 43g has a movable portion 42c only on the side close to the
inner opening 43c. A flap 42Y located on the side close to the
inner opening 43c has flap portions 42b, 42c, the former being on
the side close to the outer opening 43g and the latter on the side
close to the inner opening 43c.
[0051] In this embodiment, the length L1 of the movable portion 42c
in the flap 42X extending along the air passage measures 35 mm, the
length L2 of the movable portion 42b of the flap 42Y extending in
the same direction being 3 mm, the length L3 of the movable portion
42c being 16 mm. The width L4 of the air passage 41 is 30 mm.
[0052] With the flap 42Y close to the inner opening 43c, the length
L2 of the movable portion 42b is made shorter then the length L3 of
the movable portion 42c. This is because the movable portion 42b
heading for the outer opening 43g avoids overturning in the air
passage 41 toward the direction which a rod 5 inserted at the outer
opening 43d is going through the air passage 41, wherein the flap
42 will not function well.
[0053] The dimensions as noted above are illustrated by way of
example. Positions where the flap 42 is placed or dimensions are
not limited to those. Alternatives may be employed.
[0054] By the way, as shown in FIG. 7, the two sheets 43a, 43b may
form an air passage 41 of a flat and substantially cylindrical form
in cross section, without provision of a flap 42. In this case, the
contact of the opposite sheets 43a, 43b can prevent incoming air
flow from outside of the bag. And the air in the bag can be
expelled by inserting the above-described rod through the air
passage 41.
[0055] Referring to the flap 42 mounted on the sheet 43b in the air
passage 41, as FIG. 8 shows, a configuration of the flap 42 that a
fixed member 42a and a movable portion 42b extending only in the
direction of the outer opening is also available for preventing-air
flow from outside of the bag.
[0056] The shut-off valve 4 in accordance with the present
invention may be mounted to an evacuable bag having had a different
type of valve, and the two valves can be utilized in conjunction
with each other. For example, one is used for deaeration by a
vacuum, the other by manual compression. Both of the valves may be
concurrently used, or one of which may be selectively used as
needed. This particular usage may be applied to a large-sized
evacuable bag for quick deaeration.
[0057] FIG. 9 shows one embodiment of an evacuable bag 1 provided
with a different type of valve and a shut-off valve of the present
invention. The hatching in the drawing shows the bonded portions of
the sheets.
[0058] As seen in FIG. 9(A), the evacuable bag 1 has a shut-off
valve 4, an evacuable valve 6 and an outlet 7, the last two being
disposed near the bottom end 14.
[0059] The evacuable valve 6 is made of flap sheets 61, each of
which is a strip of sheet when viewed from the above. The flap
sheets 61, which are laid one to the other and interposed between
the sheets 11,12 of the evacuable bag 1, extends between the ends
15, 16 of the bag. An air passage 62 is formed by a bonding process
of the sheets 11, 12 and the flap sheets 61.
[0060] In the area where the air passage 62 is formed, the upper
end of each flap sheet 61 is respectively fixed to the sheets 11,
12 in a lateral direction to be an upper fixed member 61a of the
evacuable valve. (The flap sheets 61 are not bonded with each
other.) By bonding the flap sheet 61 in a longitudinal direction
from the right and left of the bonded upper end 61a, a fixed end
portion 61b of the evacuable valve is formed. The area where said
three bonded members surround becomes the air passage 62. Except
for said area supper end portion, the sheets 11, 12, 61 will be
bonded together on the remaining upper end portion 61c of the flap
sheet 61, and the portion is completely closed. In this
arrangement, the air will pass through only the air passage 62 in
deaeration.
[0061] The outlet 7 leaves unbonded between the sheets 11, 12 on
the bottom 14, so the air through the evacuable valve 6 flows out
of the bag from here.
[0062] In an example as shown in FIG. 9(A), two evacuable valves 6
are provided in the right and left, and a single outlet 7 is formed
in the center. The number of these portions is not limited to that
as indicated.
[0063] FIGS. 9(B) and (C) show the vertical sections of the
evacuable valve 6. When flowing in the outward direction D, the air
inside the evacuable bag 1 pushes the flap sheets 61, spreading the
air passage 62, thereby allowing the air to flow out. Contrary to
this, when flowing in the inward direction E from outside the bag,
the air flow stops at a dead-end portion 63 in the valve. This
makes the flap sheets 61 contact together, resulting in closing the
air passage 62 and not allowing air flow. Since this arrangement
admits only one-way air flow, the evacuable bag 1 can stay in a
deaerated state.
[0064] As for usage of the evacuable bag 1, after having been
contained with an article such as clothing, the evacuable bag 1 is
compressed by, e.g., hands to achieve deaeration at the outlet 7
via the evacuable valve 6. In addition to this, as need, effective
deaeration can be also done by use a vacuum connected at the
shut-off valve 4.
[0065] The structure of the valve as exemplified above is an
example. The shut-off valve 4 may be mounted to an evacuable bag
having a various valve structure like only one flap sheet 61 or a
different shaped check valve.
[0066] The structure of the valve as exemplified above is an
example. The shut-off valve 4 may be mounted to an evacuable bag
having a various valve structure like only one flap sheet 61 or a
different shaped check valve, or having a valve 8 in FIG. 10, the
valve being provided with a flap 83 of the same structure shown in
FIG. 8 thereinside, the structure having two valve sheets 81, 82
being formed into a flat and cylindrical shape between the sheets
11, 12 of the evacuable bag 1.
[0067] A first aspect of the present invention provides an
evacuable bag, which bag maintains its compactness before or after
use and avoids separation of an air passage for deaeration and the
bag body, resulting in staying deaerated.
[0068] A second aspect of the present invention has another effect,
besides the above effect, that when a rod such as a nozzle of a
vacuum or the like which has been inserted at an opening into the
air passage is pulled out, the air passage can avoid being taken
out of the bag together with the rod.
[0069] A third aspect of the present invention has further effect,
besides the above effects, that provision of the flap can surely
check air flow from the outside into the bag body.
[0070] A fourth aspect of the present invention has an effect that
both deaeration and filling of the bag can be done, and the mode of
the valve can be easily switched between the air-flowing state and
the closed state.
[0071] A fifth aspect of the present invention has an effect that
an evacuable bag which maintains its compactness before or after
use and has evacuable ability, can be provided, and both deration
and filling of the bag can be done, and the mode of the valve can
be easily switched between the air-flowing state and the closed
state.
* * * * *