U.S. patent application number 10/884020 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-03 for resealable vacuum packaging bags and methods for using and manufacturing resealable vacuum packaging bags.
Invention is credited to Albritton, Charles Wade, Brakes, David, Wu, Hongyu.
Application Number | 20050022472 10/884020 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34108039 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050022472 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brakes, David ; et
al. |
February 3, 2005 |
Resealable vacuum packaging bags and methods for using and
manufacturing resealable vacuum packaging bags
Abstract
Resealable vacuum packaging bags and methods of manufacturing
and using the bags are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a bag
includes a first panel and a second panel coupled to the first
panel. The first and second panels each have a gas impermeable
layer and a heat sealable layer. The bag further includes a first
mating member projecting from the first panel and a second mating
member projecting from the first or second panel. The second mating
member is configured to selectively engage the first mating member
to substantially seal the bag. In another embodiment, a method of
using a resealable vacuum packaging bag includes opening a
thermally sealed vacuum packaging bag and engaging a first
complementary member on a first panel of the bag with a second
complementary member on a second panel of the bag to substantially
seal the vacuum packaging bag after opening the vacuum packaging
bag.
Inventors: |
Brakes, David; (Hong Kong,
HK) ; Wu, Hongyu; (San Jose, CA) ; Albritton,
Charles Wade; (Hercules, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PERKINS COIE LLP
P.O. BOX 2168
MENLO PARK
CA
94026
US
|
Family ID: |
34108039 |
Appl. No.: |
10/884020 |
Filed: |
July 2, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60491722 |
Jul 31, 2003 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
53/434 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 31/046 20130101;
B65B 31/024 20130101; B65D 33/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
053/434 |
International
Class: |
B65B 031/00 |
Claims
I/we claim:
1. A resealable vacuum packaging bag, comprising: a first panel
having a first gas impermeable layer and a first heat sealable
layer coupled to the first gas impermeable layer; a second panel
coupled to the first panel so that the bag has a first open end and
a second open end opposite the first open end, the second panel
having a second gas impermeable layer and a second heat sealable
layer coupled to the second gas impermeable layer; a first mating
member projecting from the first panel; and a second mating member
projecting from the second panel, the second mating member
configured to selectively engage the first mating member to at
least substantially seal the first open end of the bag.
2. The vacuum packaging bag of claim 1 wherein: the first mating
member comprises a rib; and the second mating member comprises a
channel sized to removably receive the rib.
3. The vacuum packaging bag of claim 1 wherein: the first panel
further includes a plurality of intercommunicating channels; and
the first mating member is attached to the first panel.
4. The vacuum packaging bag of claim 1 wherein: the first and
second panels include a first edge and a second edge opposite the
first edge; and the first and second mating members extend from the
first edge to the second edge.
5. The vacuum packaging bag of claim 1 wherein: the first mating
member is spaced apart from the first open end by a first distance;
the second mating member is attached to the second panel and spaced
apart from the first open end by a second distance at least
approximately equal to the first distance; and the first and second
panels include a heat seal zone between the first open end and the
first and second mating members.
6. The vacuum packaging bag of claim 1 wherein the first mating
member has a first length and the second mating member has a second
length at least approximately equal to the first length.
7. The vacuum packaging bag of claim 1 wherein: the first and
second panels each include an inner surface; the first mating
member projects from the inner surface of the first panel; and the
second mating member projects from the inner surface of the second
panel.
8. The vacuum packaging bag of claim 1 wherein the first and second
mating members are configured to releasably engage each other.
9. The vacuum packaging bag of claim 1 wherein: the first mating
member is attached to the first panel; and the second mating member
is attached to the second panel.
10. A resealable vacuum packaging bag, comprising: a first panel
having a plurality of intercommunicating channels, a first gas
impermeable layer, and a first heat sealable layer coupled to the
first gas impermeable layer; a second panel coupled to the first
panel, the second panel having a second gas impermeable layer and a
second heat sealable layer coupled to the second gas impermeable
layer; and a means for selectively resealing the bag coupled to the
first and/or second panel.
11. The vacuum packaging bag of claim 10 wherein the means for
selectively resealing the bag comprise a rib and a channel sized to
removably receive the rib.
12. The vacuum packaging bag of claim 10 wherein: the first and
second panels include a first edge and a second edge opposite the
first edge; and the means for selectively resealing the bag extend
from the first edge to the second edge.
13. The vacuum packaging bag of claim 10 wherein: the first and
second panels define an interior region with an open end; and the
means for selectively resealing the bag are coupled to the first
and/or second panel proximate to the open end to at least
substantially seal the interior region.
14. The vacuum packaging bag of claim 10 wherein: the first and
second panels define an interior region with an open end; the means
for selectively resealing the bag are spaced apart from the open
end; and the first and second panels include a heat seal zone
between the open end and the means for selectively resealing the
bag.
15. The vacuum packaging bag of claim 10 wherein: the first panel
further includes an opening; and the means for selectively
resealing the bag are coupled to the first panel at least proximate
to the opening to selectively close the opening and at least
substantially seal the bag.
16. The vacuum packaging bag of claim 10 wherein: the first panel
is coupled to the second panel so that the bag has a first open end
and a second open end opposite the first open end; and the means
for selectively resealing the bag is configured to selectively
reseal the first open end of the bag.
17. A resealable vacuum packaging bag, comprising a first panel, a
second panel coupled to the first panel, a first complementary
member coupled to the first panel, and a second complementary
member coupled to the second panel, the first and second panels
defining an interior region with an open end, the first and second
panels each including a gas impermeable layer and a heat sealable
layer coupled to the gas impermeable layer, the heat sealable layer
of the first panel being configured to be thermally bonded to the
heat sealable layer of the second panel across a heat seal zone
proximate to the open end to at least substantially hermetically
seal the interior region, the first complementary member being
configured to selectively interlock with the second complementary
member to substantially seal the interior region, the heat seal
zone being disposed between the open end and the first and second
complementary members.
18. The vacuum packaging bag of claim 17 wherein: the first
complementary member comprises a rib; and the second complementary
member comprises a channel sized to removably receive the rib.
19. The vacuum packaging bag of claim 17 wherein: the first panel
further includes a plurality of intercommunicating channels; and
the first complementary member is coupled to the channels.
20. The vacuum packaging bag of claim 17 wherein: the first and
second panels include a first edge and a second edge opposite the
first edge; and the first and second complementary members extend
from the first edge to the second edge.
21. The vacuum packaging bag of claim 17 wherein the first
complementary member has a first length and the second
complementary member has a second length at least approximately
equal to the first length.
22. The vacuum packaging bag of claim 17 wherein: the first and
second panels each include an inner surface; the first
complementary member projects from the inner surface of the first
panel; and the second complementary member projects from the inner
surface of the second panel.
23. The vacuum packaging bag of claim 17 wherein the first and
second complementary members are configured to releasably engage
each other.
24. A method of using a resealable vacuum packaging bag having a
first panel, a second panel coupled to the first panel, an interior
region between the first and second panels, and an open end, the
method comprising: at least substantially evacuating the interior
region of the vacuum packaging bag with a vacuum packaging
appliance; thermally sealing the open end of the vacuum packaging
bag with the vacuum packaging appliance to at least substantially
hermetically seal the bag; opening the vacuum packaging bag after
thermally sealing the open end; and at least substantially sealing
the vacuum packaging bag by interlocking a first mating member and
a second mating member after opening the vacuum packaging bag, the
first mating member projecting from the first panel and the second
mating member projecting from the first or second panel.
25. The method of claim 24 wherein: the first mating member
comprises a rib; the second mating member comprises a channel sized
to removably receive the rib; and at least substantially sealing
the vacuum packaging bag comprises inserting the rib into the
channel.
26. The method of claim 24 wherein: thermally sealing the vacuum
packaging bag comprises coupling the first panel to the second
panel along a heat seal zone; and opening the vacuum packaging bag
comprises cutting the vacuum packaging bag between the heat seal
zone and the first and second mating members.
27. The method of claim 24 wherein: opening the vacuum packaging
bag comprises cutting the vacuum packaging bag; and at least
substantially sealing the vacuum packaging bag comprises engaging
the first mating member on the first panel with the second mating
member on the second panel.
28. The method of claim 24 wherein: the second mating member
projects from the first panel; the first panel includes an aperture
between the first and second mating members; opening the vacuum
packaging bag comprises disengaging the first and second mating
members to open the aperture; and at least substantially sealing
the vacuum packaging bag comprises engaging the first mating member
with the second mating member.
29. The method of claim 24 wherein: the first and second panels
include a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge; the
first and second mating members extend from the first edge to the
second edge; and at least substantially sealing the vacuum
packaging bag comprises engaging the first and second mating
members between the first and second edges to seal the bag.
30. The method of claim 24, further comprising opening the vacuum
packaging bag by disengaging the first and second mating members
after at least substantially sealing the vacuum packaging bag.
31. A method of using a resealable vacuum packaging bag, the method
comprising: opening a thermally sealed vacuum packaging bag; and
engaging a first complementary member on a first panel of the bag
with a second complementary member on a second panel of the bag to
at least substantially seal the vacuum packaging bag after opening
the vacuum packaging bag.
32. The method of claim 31 wherein: the first complementary member
comprises a rib; the second complementary member comprises a
channel sized to removably receive the rib; and engaging the first
and second complementary members comprises inserting the rib into
the channel.
33. The method of claim 31 wherein: the thermally sealed vacuum
packaging bag includes a heat seal zone in which the first panel is
thermally coupled to the second panel; and opening the thermally
sealed bag comprises cutting the bag between the heat seal zone and
the first and second complementary members.
34. The method of claim 31 wherein: the first and second panels
include a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge; the
first and second complementary members extend from the first edge
to the second edge; and engaging the first and second complementary
members comprises engaging the first and second complementary
members between the first and second edges to seal the bag.
35. The method of claim 31, further comprising opening the vacuum
packaging bag by disengaging the first and second complementary
members after engaging the first and second complementary
members.
36. A method for manufacturing a resealable vacuum packaging bag,
the method comprising: forming first and second panels, each
including a gas impermeable layer and a heat sealable layer coupled
to the gas impermeable layer; forming a first mating member on the
first panel; and forming a second mating member on the first or
second panel, the second mating member configured to selectively
interlock with the first mating member to at least substantially
seal the bag.
37. The method of claim 36 wherein: forming the first mating member
comprises attaching a rib to the first panel; and forming the
second mating member comprises attaching a channel to the second
panel.
38. The method of claim 36 wherein: the first and second panels
each further include a first edge and a second edge opposite the
first edge; forming the first mating member comprises forming the
first mating member on the first panel from the first edge to the
second edge; and forming the second mating member comprises forming
the second mating member on the second panel from the first edge to
the second edge.
39. The method of claim 36 wherein: the first mating member has a
first length and the second mating member has a second length at
least approximately equal to the first length; forming the first
mating member comprises forming the first mating member with the
first length; and forming the second mating member comprises
forming the second mating member with the second length.
40. The method of claim 36 wherein: the first panel further
includes an opening with a first side and a second side opposite
the first side; forming the first mating member comprises forming
the first mating member on the first side of the opening in the
first panel; and forming the second mating member comprises forming
the second mating member on the second side of the opening in the
first panel.
41. The method of claim 36 wherein: the first and second panels
each further include an inner surface; forming the first mating
member comprises forming the first mating member on the inner
surface of the first panel; and forming the second mating member
comprises forming the second mating member on the inner surface of
the second panel.
42. A method for manufacturing a resealable vacuum packaging bag,
the method comprising: coupling a first complementary member to a
first panel of the resealable vacuum packaging bag, the first panel
including a first gas impermeable layer and a first heat sealable
layer coupled to the first gas impermeable layer; and coupling a
second complementary member to a second panel of the resealable
vacuum packaging bag, the second complementary member being
configured to selectively interface with the first complementary
member to at least substantially seal the bag, the second panel
including a second gas impermeable layer and a second heat sealable
layer coupled to the second gas impermeable layer.
43. The method of claim 42 wherein: coupling the first
complementary member comprises attaching a rib to the first panel;
and coupling the second complementary member comprises attaching a
channel to the second panel.
44. The method of claim 42 wherein: the first and second panels
each further include a first edge and a second edge opposite the
first edge; coupling the first complementary member comprises
attaching the first complementary member between the first edge and
the second edge of the first panel; and coupling the second
complementary member comprises attaching the second complementary
member between the first edge and the second edge of the second
panel.
45. The method of claim 42 wherein: the first complementary member
has a first length and the second complementary member has a second
length at least approximately equal to the first length; coupling
the first complementary member comprises attaching the first
complementary member having the first length; and coupling the
second complementary member comprises attaching the second
complementary member having the second length.
46. The method of claim 42 wherein: the first and second panels
each further include an inner surface; coupling the first
complementary member comprises attaching the first complementary
member to the inner surface of the first panel; and coupling the
second complementary member comprises attaching the second
complementary member to the inner surface of the second panel.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/491,722, filed Jul. 31, 2003, which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention generally relates to vacuum packaging.
More particularly, the invention is directed to resealable vacuum
packaging bags and methods for using and manufacturing resealable
vacuum packaging bags.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Vacuum packaging involves removing air or other gases from a
storage container and then sealing the container to prevent the
contents from being exposed to the air. Vacuum packaging is
particularly useful in protecting food and other perishables
against oxidation. Oxygen is a main cause of food spoilage and
contributes to the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast.
Accordingly, vacuum packaged food often lasts three to five times
longer than food stored in ordinary containers. Moreover, vacuum
packaging is useful for storing clothes, photographs, silver, and
other items to prevent discoloration, corrosion, rust, and
tarnishing. Furthermore, vacuum packaging produces tight, strong,
and compact packages, reducing the bulk of articles and allowing
for more space to store other supplies.
[0004] FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic isometric views of a
conventional appliance 10 for vacuum packaging an object 2 (shown
in broken lines) in accordance with the prior art. The vacuum
packaging appliance 10 includes a base 20, a lid 40 pivotably
coupled to the base 20, a lower trough 26, an upper trough (not
shown) aligned with the lower trough 26, and a vacuum pump (not
shown) operably coupled to the upper trough. The lid 40 pivots
between an open position (shown in FIG. 1B), in which a bag 60 can
be placed between the lid 40 and the base 20, and a closed position
(shown in FIG. 1A), in which the bag 60 can be evacuated and
thermally sealed. In the closed position, the upper trough and the
lower trough 26 form a vacuum chamber to remove gas from the
interior of the bag 60. The base 20 also includes a seal 24
surrounding the vacuum chamber to seal the chamber from ambient air
while gas is removed from the interior of the bag 60. The vacuum
packaging appliance 10 further includes a heating element 28 to
thermally seal the bag 60 after the gas has been evacuated. A
vacuum packaging appliance of this type is disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,941,310, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
[0005] Conventional vacuum packaging bags include two panels
attached together with an open end. Typically, the panels each
include two or more layers. The inner layer can be a heat sealable
material, and the outer layer can be a gas impermeable material to
provide a barrier against the influx of air. The plasticity
temperature of the inner layer is lower than the outer layer.
Accordingly, the bag can be heated to thermally bond the inner
layer of each panel together to seal the bag without melting or
puncturing the outer layer. A vacuum packaging bag of this type is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. Re. 34,929, which is hereby incorporated
by reference in its entirety.
[0006] A conventional vacuum packaging process includes depositing
the object 2 in the bag 60 and positioning an open end 62 of the
bag 60 in the lower trough 26 of the vacuum packaging appliance 10.
Next, the lid 40 pivots downward to form the vacuum chamber with
the open end 62 of the bag 60 disposed within the vacuum chamber.
The vacuum pump then removes gas from the vacuum chamber and the
interior of the bag 60, which is in fluid communication with the
vacuum chamber. After the gas has been removed from the interior of
the bag 60, the heating element 28 heats a strip of the bag 60
proximate to the open end 62 to melt the inner layer of each panel
and thermally seal the bag 60.
[0007] One problem with conventional vacuum packaging methods is
that thermally sealed bags cannot be resealed and reopened numerous
times. More specifically, a thermally sealed bag is opened by
cutting the bag below the seal. The bag can be subsequently
resealed; however, each time the bag is reopened, another portion
of the bag is cut off. Accordingly, there is a need to improve the
process of sealing vacuum packaging bags.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic isometric views of a
conventional appliance for vacuum packaging objects in accordance
with the prior art.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a schematic isometric view of a vacuum packaging
system including a resealable vacuum packaging bag and a vacuum
packaging appliance in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a schematic isometric view of the vacuum packaging
bag of FIG. 2.
[0011] FIG. 4 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional side view of
a portion of the vacuum packaging bag of FIG. 2 with a first panel
and a second panel pressed together.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a portion
of the vacuum packaging bag of FIG. 2 including a first mating
member and a second mating member.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a schematic top plan view of the vacuum packaging
bag of FIG. 2.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating one method of sealing,
opening, and resealing the vacuum packaging bag of FIG. 2.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a resealable vacuum packaging
bag in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a portion
of the bag of FIG. 8 taken generally along the line 9-9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] A. Overview
[0018] The present invention is directed to resealable vacuum
packaging bags and methods for using and manufacturing resealable
vacuum packaging bags. In the following description, numerous
specific details are provided of particular configurations of
resealable vacuum packaging bags and vacuum packaging appliances to
provide a thorough understanding of and an enabling description for
embodiments of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art,
however, will recognize that the invention can be practiced without
one or more of the specific details explained in the following
description. In other instances, well-known structures and
operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring
aspects of the invention.
[0019] Several aspects of the invention are directed to resealable
vacuum packaging bags. In one embodiment, a bag includes a first
panel and a second panel coupled to the first panel. The first and
second panels each have a gas impermeable layer and a heat sealable
layer. The bag further includes a first mating member projecting
from the first panel and a second mating member projecting from the
first or second panel. The second mating member is configured to
selectively engage the first mating member to substantially seal
the bag. In one aspect of this embodiment, the first mating member
includes a rib and the second mating member includes a channel
sized to removably receive the rib. The first and second mating
members can extend across the entire width of the bag.
[0020] In another embodiment, a vacuum packaging bag includes a
first panel, a second panel coupled to the first panel, a first
complementary member coupled to the first panel, and a second
complementary member coupled to the second panel. The first and
second panels define an interior region with an open end. The first
and second panels each include a gas impermeable layer and a heat
sealable layer coupled to the gas impermeable layer. The heat
sealable layer of the first panel is configured to be thermally
bonded to the heat sealable layer of the second panel across a heat
seal zone to substantially hermetically seal the interior region.
The heat seal zone is disposed between the open end and the first
and second complementary members. The first complementary member is
configured to selectively engage the second complementary member to
substantially seal the interior region.
[0021] Another aspect of the invention is directed to methods of
using resealable vacuum packaging bags. In one embodiment, a method
includes opening a thermally sealed vacuum packaging bag and
engaging a first complementary member on a first panel of the bag
with a second complementary member on a second panel of the bag to
substantially seal the vacuum packaging bag. In one aspect of this
embodiment, the method further includes opening the vacuum
packaging bag by disengaging the first and second complementary
members after engaging the first and second complementary
members.
[0022] Another aspect of the invention is directed to methods for
manufacturing resealable vacuum packaging bags. In one embodiment,
a method includes forming first and second panels, each including a
gas impermeable layer and a heat sealable layer coupled to the gas
impermeable layer. The method further includes forming a first
mating member on the first panel and forming a second mating member
on the first or second panel. The second mating member is
configured to selectively engage the first mating member to
substantially seal the bag.
[0023] B. Embodiments of Vacuum Packaging Systems Including
Resealable Vacuum Packaging Bags and Vacuum Packaging
Appliances
[0024] FIG. 2 is a schematic isometric view of a vacuum packaging
system 100 including a vacuum packaging appliance 110 and a
resealable vacuum packaging bag 160 in accordance with one
embodiment of the invention. The vacuum packaging appliance 110
includes a base 120 and a lid 140 pivotably coupled to the base
120. The lid 140 is movable between an open position (shown in FIG.
2) and a closed position. The base 120 includes a first chamber
portion 126 and a first seal 124 surrounding the first chamber
portion 126. The lid 140 can include a second chamber portion 146
and a second seal 144 surrounding the second chamber portion 146.
When the lid 140 is in the closed position, the first and second
chamber portions 126 and 146 form a vacuum chamber. In other
embodiments, the vacuum packaging appliance 110 can have other
configurations. For example, the base 120 and/or the lid 140 might
not include a chamber portion and/or a seal. Moreover, the vacuum
packaging appliance 110 may be lidless.
[0025] The vacuum packaging appliance 110 further includes a vacuum
pump (not shown) operably coupled to the first and/or second
chamber portion 126 or 146 to remove gas from the vacuum chamber
when the lid 140 is in the closed position. The vacuum pump can
also remove gas from the interior of the bag 160 when an open end
162 of the bag 160 is positioned in the vacuum chamber. The bag 160
is configured so that the interior of the bag 160 is in fluid
communication with the vacuum chamber when the lid 140 is in the
closed position, as described in greater detail below with
reference to FIG. 4. Accordingly, the vacuum pump can remove gas
from the vacuum chamber and the interior of the bag 160.
[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the vacuum packaging
appliance 110 further includes a heating element 128 and a member
150 for pressing the bag 160 against the heating element 128. The
heating element 128 can be carried by the base 120, and the member
150 can be carried by and project from the lid 140. The heating
element 128 is configured to thermally seal the bag 160 after the
gas has been substantially evacuated from the interior of the bag
160. The heating element 128 heats the bag 160 and the member 150
presses the bag 160 against the heating element 128 to ensure a
seal is formed across the bag 160, as described in greater detail
below with reference to FIG. 7.
[0027] C. Embodiments of Resealable Vacuum Packaging Bags
[0028] FIG. 3 is a schematic isometric view of the resealable
vacuum packaging bag 160 of FIG. 2. The bag 160 includes a first
panel 164 and a second panel 174 coupled to the first panel 164.
The first panel 164 can include a first edge 168a, a second edge
168b, a third edge 168c opposite the first edge 168a, and a fourth
edge 168d opposite the second edge 168b. The second panel 174 can
include a first edge 178a, a second edge 178b, a third edge 178c
opposite the first edge 178a, and a fourth edge 178d opposite the
second edge 178b. The first edge 168a, the second edge 168b, and
the third edge 168c of the first panel 164 are attached to the
first edge 178a, the second edge 178b, and the third edge 178c,
respectively, of the second panel 174. The first and second panels
164 and 174 define an interior region 184 into which an object(s)
can be placed.
[0029] The illustrated resealable vacuum packaging bag 160 further
includes a first mating member 190 (shown in FIG. 5) projecting
from the first panel 164 and a second mating member 195 projecting
from the second panel 174. The first and second mating members 190
and 195 are aligned and configured to selectively engage each other
to at least substantially hermetically seal the interior region 184
of the bag 160, as described in greater detail below with reference
to FIGS. 5 and 6. The first and second mating members 190 and 195
can be attached to the first and second panels 164 and 174,
respectively, or the first and second mating members 190 and 195
can be integral portions of the corresponding first and second
panels 164 and 174. In other embodiments, such as those described
below with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, both of the first and second
mating members 190 and 195 can be attached to one of the first or
second panels 164 or 174.
[0030] FIG. 4 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional side view of
a portion of the resealable vacuum packaging bag 160 with the first
and second panels 164 and 174 pressed together. The first and
second panels 164 and 174 each include a gas impermeable layer 180
(identified individually as 180a-b) and a heat sealable layer 182
(identified individually as 182a-b) coupled to the corresponding
gas impermeable layer 180. The gas impermeable layers 180a-b
provide a barrier against the influx of air. The heat sealable
layers 182a-b have a different temperature of plasticity than the
gas impermeable layers 180a-b so that the bag 160 can be heated to
bond the heat sealable layers 182a-b together without melting or
puncturing the gas impermeable layers 180a-b. In other embodiments,
the first and second panels 164 and 174 can further include an
additional layer(s), such as a structural layer to increase the
strength and rigidity of the bag 160.
[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the second panel 174 includes
a plurality of intercommunicating channels 175 configured to
exhaust gas from the interior of the bag 160 when the first and
second panels 164 and 174 are pressed together as shown in FIG. 4.
Accordingly, when the lid 140 (FIG. 2) of the vacuum packaging
appliance 110 (FIG. 2) is in the closed position and the bag 160 is
sandwiched between the first and second seals 124 and 144 (FIG. 2),
gas can be evacuated from the interior region 184 (FIG. 3) of the
bag 160 through the channels 175. In other embodiments, the second
panel 174 may not include the channels 175.
[0032] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a portion
of the resealable vacuum packaging bag 160 including the first
mating member 190 and the second mating member 195. In the
illustrated embodiment, the first mating member 190 includes a base
portion 191 and a rib 192 projecting from the base portion 191. The
base portion 191 can be attached to the heat sealable layer 182a of
the first panel 164 or be an integral part of the heat sealable
layer 182a. In the illustrated embodiment, the second mating member
195 includes a base portion 196 and two spaced-apart ribs 198a-b
projecting from the base portion 196. The ribs 198a-b form a
channel 197 sized to receive the rib 192 of the first mating member
190.
[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the bag 160 is sealed by
exerting a force F against the first panel 164 to cause the first
mating member 190 to engage the second mating member 195. More
specifically, the rib 192 moves into the channel 197 and thereby
prevents ambient gas from entering the interior region 184 of the
bag 160. The first and second mating members 190 and 195 can be
sized and configured to remain removably engaged until an external
force is applied to the bag 160 to disengage the first and second
mating members 190 and 195. In other embodiments, the first and
second mating members 190 and 195 can have other shapes and/or
configurations. For example, the first mating member 190 can
include three spaced-apart ribs with two channels sized and
configured to receive the ribs 198a-b of the second mating member
195. In additional embodiments, the first and second mating members
190 and 195 can include a configuration similar to the sealing
mechanism on zipper bags or Ziploc.RTM. bags.
[0034] FIG. 6 is a schematic top plan view of the resealable vacuum
packaging bag 160 with the object 2 disposed in the bag 160. The
illustrated bag 160 has a generally rectangular configuration with
a width W and a length L. The width W can be greater than or less
than the length L of the bag 160. In the illustrated embodiment,
the first mating member 190 extends across the width W of the bag
160 from the first edge 168a to the third edge 168c of the first
panel 164, and the second mating member 195 extends across the
width W of the bag 160 from the first edge 178a to the third edge
178c of the second panel 174. Accordingly, when the first and
second mating members 190 and 195 engage each other, they form a
seal across the open end 162 of the bag 160.
[0035] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating one method of sealing,
opening, and resealing the vacuum packaging bag 160. Referring to
FIGS. 2, 6, and 7, at block 200, the object 2 to be vacuum packaged
is deposited in the interior region 184 of the bag 160. At block
202, the open end 162 of the bag 160 is positioned in the first
chamber portion 126 of the base 120 and the lid 140 is closed to
form the vacuum chamber around the open end 162 of the bag 160. At
block 204, the vacuum packaging appliance 110 evacuates gas from
the interior region 184 of the bag 160 through the channels 175
(FIG. 4). At block 206, after the gas is evacuated, the heating
element 128 heats a heat seal zone 186 of the bag 160 to bond the
heat sealable layers 182a-b together to at least substantially
hermetically seal the interior region 184 of the bag 160. The heat
seal zone 186 extends from the first edges 168a and 178a to the
third edges 168c and 178c and is located between the first and
second mating members 190 and 195 and the fourth edges 168d and
178d. At block 208, after the bag 160 has been evacuated and
thermally sealed, the bag 160 and the object 2 can be stored. At
block 210, the bag 160 is cut along a line A.sub.1-A.sub.1 between
the first and second mating members 190 and 195 and the heat seal
zone 186 to open the bag 160 and access the object 2. At block 212,
the bag 160 can be subsequently resealed and reopened by engaging
and disengaging the first and second mating members 190 and 195, as
described above with reference to FIG. 5.
[0036] In other embodiments, the bag can have a first open end and
a second open end opposite the first open end. The first open end
of the bag can be thermally sealed with the vacuum packaging
appliance 110. The first and second mating members can be
positioned proximate to the second open end to selectively seal the
second open end of the bag.
[0037] One feature of the resealable vacuum packaging bag 160 of
the illustrated embodiment is that the bag 160 can be resealed and
reopened repeatedly without consuming and/or damaging the bag 160.
An advantage of this feature is that the life of the bag 160 is
significantly extended, and accordingly, the cost associated with
replacing the bag 160 is reduced. Prior art vacuum packaging bags
do not include integral mating members, and accordingly, the bags
must be resealed thermally. Each time a prior art bag is thermally
sealed, the bag must be cut to be opened. Cutting damages and
consumes a portion of the bag, and therefore, thermally sealed
prior art bags have a limited life and must be replaced
frequently.
[0038] D. Other Embodiments of Resealable Vacuum Packaging Bags
[0039] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a resealable vacuum packaging
bag 360 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The
illustrated bag 360 includes a first panel 364, a second panel 374
coupled to the first panel 364, an interior region 384 between the
first and second panels 364 and 374, and an open end 362. The first
panel 364 includes a first edge 368a and a second edge 368b
opposite the first edge 368a, and the second panel 374 includes a
first edge 378a and a second edge 378b opposite the first edge
378a. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second panels
364 and 374 can be thermally sealed across a heat seal zone 386 to
hermetically seal the interior region 384 of the bag 360. The heat
seal zone 386 can be proximate to the open end 362 and extend from
the first edges 368a and 378a to the second edges 368b and 378b. In
other embodiments, the heat seal zone 386 can have other shapes
and/or orientations.
[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, the first panel 364 further
includes an opening 361 through which the interior region 384 of
the bag 360 can be accessed. The opening 361 can be selectively
closed to at least substantially seal the bag 360, as described in
greater detail below with reference to FIG. 9. In the illustrated
embodiment, the opening 361 extends between the first edge 368a and
the second edge 368b and is proximate to the heat seal zone 386. In
other embodiments, the opening 361 can have other sizes and/or
orientations.
[0041] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a portion
of the bag 360 of FIG. 8 taken generally along the line 9-9. In the
illustrated embodiment, the first panel 364 includes a first
portion 364a and a second portion 364b spaced apart from the first
portion 364a. The bag 360 further includes a first mating member
390 coupled to the first portion 364a and a second mating member
395 coupled to the second portion 364b. The first and second mating
members 390 and 395 are sized and configured to selectively engage
each other to close the opening 361 and seal the interior region
384 of the bag 360. In the illustrated embodiment, the first mating
member 390 includes a base portion 391 and a rib 392 projecting
from the base portion 391. The second mating member 395 includes a
base portion 396 and two spaced-apart ribs 398 (identified
individually as 398a-b) projecting from the base portion 396. The
ribs 398a-b define a channel 397 sized and configured to removably
receive the rib 392 of the first mating member 390.
[0042] In one aspect of this embodiment, the rib 392 of the first
mating member 390 includes a neck 393 and a head 394 projecting
from the neck 393. The neck 393 can have a width W.sub.1, and the
head 394 can have a width W.sub.2 greater than the width W.sub.1 of
the neck 393. The ribs 398 of the second mating member 395 can also
include corresponding heads 399 (identified individually as 399a-b)
spaced apart by a distance approximately equal to the width W.sub.1
of the neck 393. In this embodiment, the ribs 398a-b of the second
mating member 395 can be made of a flexible material to allow the
head 394 of the first mating member 390 to move between the heads
399a-b and into or out of the channel 397. Because the width
W.sub.2 of the head 394 of the first mating member 390 is greater
than the distance between the heads 399a-b of the second mating
member 395, the first and second mating members 390 and 395 remain
engaged until an external force is applied to disengage them. In
other embodiments, the first and second mating members 390 and 395
can have other configurations to selectively seal the interior
region 384 of the bag 360.
[0043] The resealable vacuum packaging bag 360 of the illustrated
embodiment can be evacuated, thermally sealed, and subsequently
opened and resealed repeatedly by engaging and disengaging the
first and second mating members 390 and 395. The bag 360 is opened
by exerting a force in a direction S on the first portion 364a to
disengage the first and second mating members 390 and 395 and
separate the first portion 364a from the second portion 364b. Once
the first and second mating members 390 and 395 are disengaged and
the first portion 364a is separated from the second portion 364b
(as shown in broken lines), the interior region 384 of the bag 360
can be accessed through the opening 361 to place objects into or
remove objects from the bag 360. The bag 360 can be subsequently
closed and sealed by engaging the first and second mating members
390 and 395.
[0044] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific
embodiments of the invention have been described herein for
purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be
made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended
claims.
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