U.S. patent application number 11/188151 was filed with the patent office on 2006-01-12 for reclosable bag.
Invention is credited to Stephen G. Armstrong.
Application Number | 20060008187 11/188151 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34986352 |
Filed Date | 2006-01-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060008187 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Armstrong; Stephen G. |
January 12, 2006 |
Reclosable bag
Abstract
A reclosable bag having a bag interior and a bag opening, the
bag interior comprising: a sealing section; an air-flow section
configured to permit air flow through the air-flow section; and an
air access interface positioned between the air-flow section and
the sealing section, and configured to permit fluid communication
therebetween; the bag further comprising: an openable closure
configured and positioned to open and close the bag opening, the
sealing section being positioned between the closure and the
air-flow section; and a valve configured and positioned to permit
air to be removed from the bag interior through the valve so as to
create a negative pressure in the bag interior relative to an
exterior of the bag; the sealing section being configured such
that, when there is the negative pressure and the closure is
closed, air is blocked from leaking from the exterior through the
closure and sealing section to the air-flow section.
Inventors: |
Armstrong; Stephen G.;
(Toronto, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
VIDAS, ARRETT & STEINKRAUS, P.A.
6109 BLUE CIRCLE DRIVE
SUITE 2000
MINNETONKA
MN
55343-9185
US
|
Family ID: |
34986352 |
Appl. No.: |
11/188151 |
Filed: |
July 22, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10804269 |
Mar 19, 2004 |
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11188151 |
Jul 22, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
383/103 ;
383/64 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 33/2591
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/103 ;
383/064 |
International
Class: |
B65D 33/01 20060101
B65D033/01 |
Claims
1. A reclosable bag having a bag interior and a bag opening, the
bag interior comprising: (a) a sealing section; (b) an air-flow
section configured to permit air flow through said air-flow
section; and (c) an air access interface positioned between the
air-flow section and the sealing section, and configured to permit
fluid communication therebetween; the bag further comprising: (i)
an openable closure configured and positioned to open and close the
bag opening, the sealing section being positioned between the
closure and the air-flow section; and (ii) a valve configured and
positioned to permit air to be removed from the bag interior
through the valve so as to create a negative pressure in the bag
interior relative to an exterior of the bag; the sealing section
being configured such that, when there is said negative pressure
and the closure is closed, air is blocked from leaking from said
exterior through said closure and sealing section to the air-flow
section.
2. The reclosable bag according to claim 1, wherein said sealing
section has a length comprising the minimum distance between said
closure and said air-flow section, and wherein said length is
selected to prevent air flow from said exterior through said
closure and sealing section to said air-flow section when said
closure is closed and said bag interior has a negative air
pressure.
3. The reclosable bag according to claim 2, wherein said length of
said sealing section is at least 11/8 inches.
4. The reclosable bag according to claim 2, wherein said length of
said sealing section is at least 11/4 inches.
5. The reclosable bag according to claim 2, wherein said length of
said sealing section is at least 11/2 inches.
6. The reclosable bag according to claim 2, wherein said length of
said sealing section is at least 13/4 inches.
7. The reclosable bag according to claim 2, wherein said length of
said sealing section is at least 2 inches.
8. The reclosable bag according to claim 2, wherein said length of
said sealing section is at least 21/4 inches.
9. The reclosable bag according to claim 2, wherein said length of
said sealing section is at least 21/2 inches.
10. The reclosable bag according to claim 2, wherein said length of
said sealing section is at least 23/4 inches.
11. The reclosable bag according to claim 2, wherein said length of
said sealing section is at least 3 inches.
12. The reclosable bag according to claim 2, wherein said length of
said sealing section is at least 31/4 inches.
13. The reclosable bag according to claim 1, wherein said sealing
section comprises opposing panes closed along at least one side,
and said valve is positioned between said panes on said at least
one closed side.
14. The reclosable bag according to claim 13, wherein said valve is
positioned in fluid communication with said sealing section
adjacent to said air access interface.
15. The reclosable bag according to claim 14, wherein said valve is
positioned within 1/2 inch of said air access interface.
16. The reclosable bag according to claim 1, wherein said air-flow
section is defined by opposing air-flow panes sized and shaped so
that when said air-flow panes are in contact, channels are
available to permit air flow through said air-flow section.
17. The reclosable bag according to claim 16, wherein at least one
of said panes has a surface defining one or more raised ribs.
18. The reclosable bag according to claim 17, wherein said air-flow
section comprises a ribbed pane and an opposing flat pane.
19. The reclosable bag according to claim 16, wherein said air-flow
section comprises opposing rectangular panes, said opposing panes
being closed on three sides and open on one side, said open side
comprising said air access interface.
20. The reclosable bag according to claim 1, wherein said sealing
section comprises opposing sealing section panes sized and shaped
so that when said panes are in contact, passage of air through said
sealing section is blocked.
21. The reclosable bag according to claim 20, wherein said opposing
panes each have a flat surface.
22. The reclosable bag according to claim 20, wherein said sealing
section comprises opposing rectangular panes, said opposing panes
being open on two opposing sides and closed on another two opposing
sides, wherein one of said open sides is attached to said air
access interface and the other of said open sides defines said bag
opening.
23. The reclosable bag according to claim 1, wherein said closure
comprises a zipper having opposed interlocking features, and said
zipper is attached to said sealing section at said opposing end of
said sealing section.
24. The reclosable bag according to claim 1, wherein said closure
comprises a zipper having opposed interlocking features, and said
zipper further includes an extended portion comprising said sealing
section.
25. The reclosable bag according to claim 19, wherein said extended
portion is at least 11/8 inches in length.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to the general field of containers,
and more particularly to multi-purpose and specialty storage
bags.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Bags are universally used and recognized as convenient,
versatile, lightweight, and low cost containers. Bags having
recloseable openings are useful to provide better security for
their contents and for storage purposes. Such bags also have the
benefit of better protecting perishable or sensitive contents, or
alternatively, protecting the environment from contamination by
contents that are toxic or dangerous.
[0003] A common closeable bag configuration has two rectangular
panes of plastic film joined along three sides, with an opening
left on one side, usually the top. A reclosable opening or zipper
can be constructed on the open side by forming an interlocking
strip on opposing panes, for example, by tongue and groove
portions. The bags may be conveniently closed by pinching the panes
together, so the tongue snaps into the groove, and opened by prying
the panes apart.
[0004] In some cases a slider is added to facilitate opening and
closing of the bag. A slider is a separate, usually molded, plastic
piece that fits over and around the edge of the panes forming the
bag opening so that it can slide along the strip. The slider is
usually configured to apply an inward pinching pressure to urge
opposing panels to join or interlock, and also to include a
separator or finger that traverses the bag opening. With this
configuration, closing the bag involves pushing the slider in a
closing direction, and opening the bag involves moving the slider
along a reverse, opening direction.
[0005] In many applications such as storage of food, liquids, or
biological waste, it is desirable to form an airtight or leakproof
seal of the closed bag. However, for bags having sliders, the
separator or finger part of the slider usually traverses the
opening, which prevents the formation of an airtight seal. In one
attempted solution, Blythe, U.S. Pat. No. 6,526,632, shows a slider
which lifts the separation member out of the bag opening by
rotating the slider upwardly at the closed end. This device however
is more complicated than the conventional slider, which adds cost,
and also apparently depends on use of a customized counterpart
fastener 12.
[0006] Another desirable feature, particularly for perishable
contents, is the ability to remove residual air from the interior
of the closed bag. A common practice by users of household storage
bags, for example, is to first close the bag almost all the way,
leaving a small portion open. The bag is then squeezed to vent the
residual air out through the small opening, after which the user
tries to quickly close the small opening before air can re-enter
the bag. This informal method however is generally inconvenient and
produces inconsistent results. It is also awkward, particularly for
individuals with poor motor skills.
[0007] Some attempts have been made to construct a closeable bag
with a built-in facility for air removal. For example, Minica, U.S.
Pat. No. 6,045,264, shows a bag having an open top divided into a
main opening and a smaller evacuation opening. The latter opening
is configured to include a suction conduit for use in removing
residual interior air. Strong, U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,582, shows a bag
having a bow-shaped pump chamber with a suction port and a one-way
valve. When the bag is closed, the pump chamber can be compressed
to push air out through the one-way valve. Herrington, U.S. Pat.
No. 4,532,652, shows an extending portion adhering to a hole in one
of the film side panels. Squeezing the bag causes the extending
portion to separate from the side panel, permitting air to escape
through the hole. Thereafter, the extending portion returns to its
position covering the hole, preventing further outflow of interior
air.
[0008] All of these devices require modification to the standard
storage bag, which increases cost. In addition, the bags shown do
not use a slider, which may be due to the difficulty of forming an
airtight seal with a slider.
[0009] A related problem is that the configuration of the panes of
the bag can affect the degree to which an airtight seal can be
achieved. Where the bag is formed from panes that are both flat or
smooth, the panes can stick together over at least a portion of the
pane area and block any applied suction from reaching the bottom
portions of the bag. This could leave air bubbles trapped in the
bag. One attempted solution is to use a ribbed pane, so that air
channels are created between the ribs that reach deeper parts of
the bag. However, there is still a problem in that the negative
pressure formed inside the bag due to removal of air creates a
tendency to pull or draw ambient air back into the bag interior
through the closed zipper at the top of the bag. It can therefore
be very difficult to create and maintain an airtight vacuum inside
a closeable bag.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] What is desired is a reclosable bag which overcomes one or
more of the problems associated with such prior art bags.
[0011] Preferably, the bag should be easy and convenient for the
user to close. In particular, it would be preferable if the bag
could be configured to make use of a slider, which facilitates a
strong air tight seal and the opening and closing thereof. A strong
seal better maintains the freshness of perishable contents, and
better protects the environment from toxic contents. The bag will
also preferably be configured so that after it is closed the user
can conveniently remove residual air, gas, or fluids from the bag
interior, or alternatively, fill the interior with gas or fluid
without disturbing the air-tight seal.
[0012] To keep costs low, the bag will preferably be capable of
manufacture by conventional production techniques, using standard
materials and components. The bag will preferably be suitable for
production as a general purpose storage bag or as a commercial
container for drinks and other items. Another preferable feature
would be for the bag's closeable opening characteristic to be
changeable. In this way, instead of the usual configuration where
one side of the slider opens the bag and the other side closes the
bag, the bag opening could be made, for example, to stay closed on
either side of the slider as the slider is moved. This feature
could enable greater flexibility in producing closeable bags that
more closely meet the needs of different applications. It would
also be preferable for the bag to effectively hold liquids, and to
have a feature that prevents inadvertent spilling. The bag will
also preferably enable an airtight vacuum to be formed and
maintained within its interior, such as upon the application of
suction to remove gas or air inside the bag.
[0013] Accordingly, there is provided a reclosable bag having a bag
interior and a bag opening, the bag interior comprising: [0014] (a)
a sealing section; [0015] (b) an air-flow section configured to
permit air flow through said air-flow section; and [0016] (c) an
air access interface positioned between the air-flow section and
the sealing section, and configured to permit fluid communication
therebetween; [0017] the bag further comprising: [0018] (i) an
openable closure configured and positioned to open and close the
bag opening, the sealing section being positioned between the
closure and the air-flow section; and [0019] (ii) a valve
configured and positioned to permit air to be removed from the bag
interior through the valve so as to create a negative pressure in
the bag interior relative to an exterior of the bag; [0020] the
sealing section being configured such that, when there is said
negative pressure and the closure is closed, air is blocked from
leaking from said exterior through said closure and sealing section
to the air-flow section.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] Reference will now be made, by way of example only, to
preferred embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the
attached figures.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the reclosable bag of the
present invention with the slider in an intermediate position;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the reclosable bag of FIG.
1, with the slider in a closed or sealed position;
[0024] FIG. 3a is a cross-sectional view of the reclosable bag of
FIG. 1, showing the bag in an non-interlocked position;
[0025] FIG. 3b is the same view as FIG. 3a, showing the bag in an
interlocked position;
[0026] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the slider of the
present invention installed in the bag;
[0027] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the slider of FIG. 1 showing
hidden elements;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a side view of the slider of FIG. 1, without a
handle;
[0029] FIG. 7a is a perspective, hidden view of the slider of the
present invention showing the opening edge of the slider;
[0030] FIG. 7b is the slider of FIG. 7a rotated to show the other
side of the slider;
[0031] FIG. 7c is the slider of FIG. 7a viewed from the front;
[0032] FIG. 8a is a perspective, hidden view of the slider of the
present invention showing the closing edge of the slider;
[0033] FIG. 8b is the slider of FIG. 8a rotated to show the other
side of the slider;
[0034] FIG. 8c is is the slider of FIG. 8a viewed from the
front;
[0035] FIG. 9a is a front view of the closing edge of the slider of
FIG. 9, with one side of the slider left blank;
[0036] FIG. 9b is the same view as FIG. 9a with the other side of
the slider left blank;
[0037] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 1, showing
a suction device in the slider passageway and contents in the bag
interior;
[0038] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
reclosable bag of the present invention, showing a fixed element
and a slider;
[0039] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
reclosable bag of the present invention, showing a round commercial
drink package; and
[0040] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
reclosable bag of the present invention, showing a gussetted
commercial drink package;
[0041] FIG. 14 is a top view of another embodiment of the
reclosable bag of the present invention; and
[0042] FIG. 15 is a further view of the bag of FIG. 14, containing
an object and having an internal vacuum.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0043] The closeable bag of the present invention is shown in FIG.
1, and is generally indicated with reference numeral 10. There is a
bag portion 12 which defines a bag interior 14. The bag portion is
generally sealed or closed along its edges except for a bag opening
16, which defines an unsealed section that can be selectively
opened or closed. In FIG. 1 bag opening 16 is the top unsealed side
of the bag between end 22 and end 24.
[0044] The closeable bag includes a means for selectively opening
and closing the bag opening. The means for opening and closing
generally comprises two elements--opposed interlocking features 18
along the bag opening 16, and a slider 20. The slider 20 is
positioned in the bag opening 16, between the opposed interlocking
features 18, and is generally movable along at least a portion of
their length. The slider 20 is further configured so that as it
moves, it causes the portion of the opposed interlocking features
18 that it passes to engage or disengage.
[0045] In FIG. 1, the slider 20 is shown at an intermediate
position between end 22 and end 24 of the bag opening 16. In this
position the opposed interlocking features 18 are engaged for a
closed portion 15 of the bag opening 16 between the end 22 and the
slider 20, and are disengaged for an open portion 17 of the bag
opening 16 between the slider 20 and the end 24. In FIG. 2, the
closeable bag 10 is shown with the slider 20 moved all the way to
the end 24. It can be seen that in this position the opposed
interlocking features 18 are engaged along the complete length,
from end 22 to end 24, of the bag opening 16. It can be appreciated
that in this position of the slider 20, closed portion 15 is at a
maximum length.
[0046] The closeable bag 10 is configured so that when the slider
is in the position shown in FIG. 2, in which the interlocking
features 18 are fully engaged and the bag opening 16 is completely
closed, the bag 10 is generally sealed airtight. The invention also
comprehends a passageway 26 to provide access between the bag
interior 14 and an outside area 28 of the bag, and a means for
selectively opening and closing the passageway. In FIG. 1, the
passageway 26 is shown inside the slider 20. The bag of the present
invention can accordingly selectively provide access, through the
passageway 26, between the bag interior 14 and outside area 28 when
the bag opening 16 is completely closed and the bag 10 is otherwise
sealed airtight.
[0047] The bag portion 12 of the present invention comprehends any
structure that provides the function of a container or a bag. More
specifically, the bag portion 12 defines the bag interior 14, which
is a space inside the bag with a capacity to receive various
contents for deposit.
[0048] The bag opening 16 represents an area or space through which
access may be obtained to the bag interior 14. Depending on the
application, the bag contents may be deposited or retrieved through
the bag opening 16. The bag opening 16 is preferably formed by an
unsealed or unconnected seam of the material used to form the bag
portion 12, but may also be formed by a cut, slit, incision, gap,
hole, or other break anywhere on the surface of that material. The
position of the bag opening 16 may accordingly be along an edge,
interface, or seam of two or more pieces of the bag material, or
along a top, bottom, side, diagonal, or other section of the
material.
[0049] As shown in a preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, a simple bag
portion 12 may be created by joining two rectangular panes of
material along three of their four sides. Alternatively, the
embodiment of FIG. 1 could also be made by folding a single sheet
of material to form the two panes, and sealing the two sides. For
convenient reference, the two panes may be designated as a front
pane 30 and a back pane 32. In this embodiment the bag interior 14
is the volume of space between the two panes 30 and 32, and the bag
opening 16 is the area bounded on its perimeter by the edges of the
two panes on the unsealed top side of the bag.
[0050] The bag portion 12 also preferably includes a support
feature 33 adjacent to the bag opening 16 on an exterior part of
the bag. The support feature 33 may take the form, for example, of
a ridge, ledge, bulge, or similar protrusion. In the bag of FIG. 1,
support feature 33 is a thickening or bulging of the bag material
along the edge of the top open side of each pane of the bag. As
will be discussed in greater detail below, feature 33 provides a
surface that facilitates support or attachment of the slider
20.
[0051] It can be appreciated that other embodiments of the bag
portion 12 are possible as long as they define a bag interior 14
capable of holding contents, and a bag opening 16 to provide access
to the bag interior. Some examples of alternative embodiments
include a bag portion 12 formed from a single piece of spherical
material having no panes or seams, as shown in FIG. 12, or a more
complex gusseted bag having six panes, as shown in FIG. 13. In
these embodiments the bag opening 16 may be formed by an incision
or cut in the material forming the bag portion 12.
[0052] The bag portion 12 is preferably formed from a material
sufficiently dense to contain air, gas, liquid, or other fluid
contents without leakage, and sufficiently strong to hold the
expected contents without tearing. The material should preferably
be water resistant so as not to lose structural strength from
contact with liquids. For these reasons bags made of plastic or
polyethylene have been found to be adequate. Depending on the
application, other materials such as film, laminate, or coated or
treated paper may also provide adequate results. The bag material
is preferably smooth, but may also be made laminated. Laminations
are sometimes preferable, particularly in larger bags, since they
can can provide channels for the movement of air flow inside the
bag interior 14.
[0053] To retain the flexibility characteristic of bags the
material should also preferably be pliant or elastic. The degree of
flexibility in the material can be varied according to the
application. However, it is preferable that there be at least
sufficient flexibility so that the part of the bag portion 12 that
defines the perimeter of the bag opening 16 can be pulled or drawn
together by a user, to effectively close the bag opening 16.
[0054] The bag 10 of the present invention is generally configured
to be closed or sealed everywhere on its surface and at all seams
and edges except for bag opening 16, which can be selectively
opened or closed. Therefore, closing bag opening 16 has the effect
of completely enclosing bag interior 14 and closing the bag 10. The
bag 10 may be designated alternately as "closeable" or
"recloseable", in each case meaning that the bag can be repeatedly
opened and closed.
[0055] In FIG. 1 the bag opening 16 is formed in the space between
the top edges of the unsealed sides of opposed panes 30 and 32.
Interlocking features 18 are installed on the inner part of the
opposed panes 30 and 32 that form the perimeter of bag opening 16.
The interlocking features 18 may be more particularly referenced as
interlocking or front feature 34 on front pane 30 (not visible in
FIG. 1) and interlocking or back feature 36 on back pane 32. The
interlocking features 18 are positioned to oppose one another and
are sized and shaped to engage and close bag opening 16 when panes
30 and 32 are brought together.
[0056] In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1 the position of the
interlocking features 18 is at the top inner edge of panes 30 and
32. This positioning is preferred because it maximizes the interior
space 14 of the bag 10. However it can be appreciated that the
interlocking features 18 may be placed anywhere on the bag 10 and
oriented in any direction as long as it forms an opposed pair sized
and shaped to close bag opening 16 when engaged.
[0057] The interlocking features 18 represent any configuration
which will enable the opposed panes of the bag portion 12 to engage
when the panes are brought together or in close proximity, to close
bag opening 16, and also comprehend any configuration which will
enable the engaged panes to disengage when the panes are drawn or
pulled apart, to re-open bag opening 16. The interlocking features
18 should preferably be sufficiently robust in design and
composition to enable repeated opening and closing within the
expected lifespan of the bag 10 without experiencing undue loss in
the strength of the engaged portions. In addition, the interlocking
features are preferably sized and shaped to form a seal when
engaged. In this way, fluid contents in the bag interior 14, for
example, would not leak out of the bag through the engaged
interlocking features.
[0058] A preferred type of interlocking feature 18 comprises
mechanical elements which interlock through an interference or snap
fit, such as by one feature sliding, pressing, or snapping inside
the other feature. Such an arrangement is commonly described as a
"tongue and groove" or "male and female" configuration, with the
inner piece being the tongue or male portion and the outer piece
being the groove or female portion. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional
view of a preferred embodiment of the interlocking features 18. In
FIG. 3a there is a male or tongue feature 34 and a female or groove
feature 36. In this figure the opposing interlocking features are
not connected or engaged, so that bag opening 16 is open. In FIG.
3b the features 34 and 36 are engaged in that tongue feature 34 is
inserted into groove feature 36 by a snap fit. The features 34 and
36 are preferably formed from the same plastic material as the
panes 30 and 32, and are sized and shaped so that tongue 34 fits
snugly inside groove 36. The combination of the close fit and
resiliency of the material cause the engaged pair to form an
effective seal, and to resist disengagement unless a minimum
sufficient force is applied to opposed panes 30 and 32 to pull them
apart. It can be appreciated that the larger the tongue feature 34
is relative to the groove feature 36, the harder it will be to snap
fit the features together, but the stronger will be the connection
and the tighter will be the seal.
[0059] The preferred arrangement shown in FIG. 3 has been found to
be generally adequate, particularly for low cost applications, as
it provides adequate performance and can be produced at low cost.
However, it can be appreciated that other types of interlocking
features 18 are comprehended by the present invention as long as
they retain the properties of being able to engage or disengage
without too much difficulty, maintain a minimum sufficient strength
of engagement, and retain this strength of engagement after
repeated openings and closings. Other possible embodiments may
include, for example, magnetic means of engaging or disengaging
opposing panes.
[0060] The slider 20 is preferably an independent piece or element
separate from the bag portion 12. FIGS. 5-9 show various views of a
preferred embodiment of the slider 20, where for enhanced clarity
the independent slider element is shown isolated, or unconnected to
the bag portion 12.
[0061] With reference to FIG. 5, the slider 20 generally comprises
a central or core body 38 with projecting handles 40 on either
side. The body 38 has a top 42, a bottom 44, and a pair of sides or
side faces 46, which for clarity are further distinguished as side
face 45 and side face 47. The side faces 46 comprise the part of
the slider 20 that face or make contact with the opposed
interlocking features 18 of the bag 12.
[0062] It can be seen through the hidden view of FIG. 5 that the
core body 38 is widest at the center and tapers to opposing tips,
ends, or edges 48, 50. Each of the edges 48 and 50 extend the
length from the top 42 to bottom 44 of the core body 38. The slider
20 is also preferably sized and shaped to be complementary to the
shape of an end of the bag opening, to permit the slider to form a
better seal. As a result of this preferred configuration, in a top
view the body 38 resembles a flattened oval terminating in a point
at each end. This aspect of the slider 20 may also be seen in FIGS.
1 and 2 which show, in hidden lines, the upper edges of panels 30
and 32 in bag opening 16 wrapping around the oval-shaped core body
38 of slider 20.
[0063] The handles 40 provide support to keep the slider 20 in
place or attached to the bag 12, and also provide a handle, grip,
or contact for the user to hold when moving the slider. The handles
40 preferably attach to or extend from the slider body 38 at or
near the top 42, and extend outwards to either side and downwards
towards bottom 44 to some extent. It is also preferable for the
bottom of the handle to extend inwards towards the body 38, to
create a support ledge 52. In FIG. 5 the handles 40 include an
outward panel 53, downward panel 54, and inward panel 55. However
it can be appreciated that handles 40 formed from a single curved
panel, for example, would also be adequate. In another embodiment
that provides greater surface area, the handles 40 could rise
vertically above top 42 of the slider body before turning outwards
and downwards.
[0064] It can be appreciated that the handles 40 include both an
inside portion that faces the sides 46 of the slider and an outside
portion that faces away from the sides 46 of the slider. The
outside portion provides a surface which may be grasped by a user
to hold or move the slider 20. Accordingly, the handles 40 and in
particular the outside portion of handles 40 are preferably sized
and shaped to provide a comfortable and secure gripping surface.
This may include, for example, in panel 54, an indentation in the
surface or the use of a rubber material with nodules to provide a
more effective grip.
[0065] The handles 40 are also preferably sized and shaped so that
the inside portion generally follows the contour of the sides 46 of
the slider. In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 5, the inside
portion of the handles 40 will accordingly follow the oval contour
of the core body 38, which expands outwards from ends 48 and 50
towards the center of the body. As can be seen in the drawings, the
handles 40 and their inside portion extend all the way towards end
48 of the slider body 38, but stop short from end 50. The reason
for this configuration relates to different functions served by
ends 48 and 50, and is discussed in greater detail below.
[0066] The slider 20 is also preferably configured so that the
separation or gap distance between the sides 46 of the body 38 and
the inside portion of the handles 40 will be approximately the
thickness of the individual panels 30 and 32, along the bag opening
16, of the bag portion 12. More preferably, the separation or gap
distance will be slightly greater than the bag panel thickness, so
that there will be sufficient space for the bag panels to be
inserted and fit between the slider body 38 and handles 40, while
maintaining a close and secure connection.
[0067] FIGS. 7 and 8 provide enhanced views of the side faces 46 of
the slider 20. For greater clarity, in these figures the handles 40
are shown in outline so that the slider body 38 and sides 46 can be
more clearly viewed. It can be seen that each of the individual
side faces 45 and 47 have a side rail 56, or more particularly side
rail 58 on side face 45 and side rail 60 on side face 47. The side
rails 56 are sized and shaped to mate with or slidably engage an
opposing interlocking feature 18 on the bag portion 12, and
accordingly are preferably configured as a tongue or a groove. It
can be seen from FIGS. 7a and 8b that side rail 58 comprises a
tongue or male connector, and from FIGS. 7b and 8a that side rail
60 comprises a groove or female connector.
[0068] The side rails 56 are preferably positioned in the middle of
the body 38, equidistant from the top 42 and bottom 44. The side
rails 56 are also preferably formed by carving the desired feature,
whether tongue or groove, out of the side 46 so that side 46
maintains a flat or flush profile.
[0069] The side rails 56 generally extend the length of the sides
46, but vary in configuration according to which end, 48 or 50, is
being approached. End or edge 50 is highlighted in FIG. 7, with
FIG. 7a providing a perspective view of side 45 and tongue side
rail 58, FIG. 7b providing a perspective view of side 47 and groove
side rail 60, and FIG. 7c providing a front view of both sides and
side rails. It can be seen that the side rails 56 terminate just
before edge 50, and do not interact, abut, or otherwise contact one
another. Edge 50 in effect separates the side rails 56, and
accordingly maintains a generally continuous, unbroken line from
top 42 to bottom 44 of the slider body 38.
[0070] Similarly, end or edge 48 is highlighted in FIG. 8, with
FIG. 8a providing a perspective view of side 47 and groove side
rail 60, FIG. 8b providing a perspective view of side 45 and tongue
side rail 58, and FIG. 8c providing a front view of both sides and
side rails. In this case the side rails 56 intersect, producing a
hollowed out section 62 where they meet along edge 48.
[0071] FIG. 9 has been provided to enhance clarity of the
configuration of edge 48. In FIG. 9a groove side rail 60 is shown
but side 45 has been left blank, without side rail 58, for
illustration purposes. It can be seen that the groove 60 extends
all the way to the edge 48 and wraps around it so that the groove
carves out a small portion of side 45. Similarly, in FIG. 9b tongue
side rail 58 is shown with side 47 left blank. In this case the
tongue 58 also extends all the way to edge 48 and wraps around it,
thereby extending into side 47. When the two side rails of FIG. 9
combine, the result is the hollowed out section 62 along edge 48
shown in the various views of FIG. 8.
[0072] FIG. 6 is a side or profile view of the slider body 38,
taken along side 47 and showing groove side rail 60. It can be seen
that edge 50 remains continuous and unbroken, as side rail 60 and
side rail 58 (not shown) both terminate just before the edge. By
contrast, side rail 60 extends all the way to edge 48 and wraps
around it, along with side rail 58 (not shown) creating hollowed
out section 62. As will be discussed in more detail below, the
configuration of side rails at edge 50 has the effect of
disengaging the opposed interlocking features 18, while the
configuration at edge 48 engages the interlocking features 18. For
this reason, the slider ends may alternatively be designated as
opening or separating edge 50 and closing or joining edge 48.
[0073] Opening edge 50 can be made to form a straight vertical
edge. However, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIGS. 7a and 7b, edge 50 is
preferably configured to include a projection or jutting portion 64
at one or more places along its length. The projection portion 64
is sized and shaped to make slider 20 form a closer, more
complementary fit with the end of bag opening 16. In this way, a
more effective seal will be created when the slider is moved to an
end of bag opening 16, as shown in FIG. 2.
[0074] Slider 20 also preferably includes the passageway 26, which
is an aperture or hole extending the full height of the slider from
top 42 to bottom 44. FIG. 5 shows the slider 20 with the hidden
part of passageway 26 shown in dotted line. The passageway can have
any cross-sectional shape, such as circular, oval, or rectangular,
but is preferably circular. It can be located anywhere on the
slider, but preferably is located at or close to the center or
midpoint of the slider. The passageway 26 can be any size in
diameter or width as long as it does not interfere with the
structural integrity of the slider. The passageway is also
preferably sized and shaped to to permit gas, fluid, or solid
matter to flow or pass through its interior, and to accept a fluid
transmission conduit, as discussed further below.
[0075] The slider 20 is preferably made from a polyethylene or
plastic material. Plastic is preferred because it is relatively
strong, lightweight, water resistant, and low cost. A further
advantage of plastic is that it can be made relatively easily into
a complex shape like the slider 20. This can be accomplished, for
example, through the standard production technique of injection
molding, using a standard mold designed to conform to the shape of
the slider 20. Plastic is also a preferable slider material to use
when the bag portion 12 is plastic, so that the various components
can be more easily integrated. It can be appreciated that other
materials are also comprehended by the present invention as long as
they possess some or all of the above properties. Other possible
materials for the slider may include, for example, metal, alloy, or
wood.
[0076] In forming the bag 10 of the present invention, the body 38
of the slider 20 is placed inside the bag opening 16 so that sides
46 are positioned between the opposed faces of front feature 34 and
back feature 36. As shown in FIG. 4 in cross-sectional view, the
slider 20 attaches to the bag portion 12 on both the inside and the
outside of the bag.
[0077] On the inside of the bag, the side rails 56 of the slider
mate or slidably engage with the opposed interlocking features 18
of the bag portion 12. With respect to the embodiment of FIG. 4,
the tongue of front feature 34 snaps or fits inside the groove of
side rail 58, and the tongue of side rail 60 snaps or fits inside
the groove of back feature 36. It can be appreciated that other
embodiments of these interacting elements are also possible, as
long as the slider slidably engages with the bag portion 12. For
example, the interlocking features 18 could be made flush with the
bag portion 12, with the side rails 58 and 60 projecting outwards
from the sides of the slider.
[0078] On the outside of the bag, it can be seen that the handles
40 of the slider are sized and shaped to conform to or snugly fit
with the external support feature 33 of the bag portion 12. In
particular, the handles 40 wrap around support feature 33 so that
the bottom of support feature 33 rests on support ledge 52 of the
handles 40. It can be appreciated that other embodiments of these
elements are also possible as long as the handles provide a means
for securing the slider to the outside of the bag portion 12. For
example, the particular shapes of the support feature 33 and
handles 40 can vary as long as they continue to conform to one
another to form a close, snug fit. Similarly, other types of
attachment besides a mechanical fit are also possible, such as for
example, a magnetic connection between the inside of the handles 40
and the opposing external edge of the bag portion 12 or support
feature 33.
[0079] It can be appreciated that the combination of the
interlocking elements inside the bag and the close fit of the
handle around the external support feature 33 closely hold the
slider 20 to the bag portion 12. In particular, the slider 20 is
attached so that it cannot fall into the bag interior 14 or
inadvertently pop out of the open top. Short of a determined and
forceful effort, the slider 20 will resist most attempts to be
separated or removed from the bag portion 12.
[0080] The slider 20 is sized and shaped to engage the interlocking
features 18, or alternatively, to disengage the interlocking
features 18, as the slider is moved along the bag opening 16. More
specifically, the configuration of edges 48 and 50 of the slider 20
determine whether a given portion of bag opening 16 will engage or
disengage as the slider moves in a particular direction.
[0081] Turning to the preferred embodiment of the closeable bag 10
shown in FIG. 1, it can be seen that from an intermediate position
the slider 20 can be moved in two directions, towards either end 22
or end 24. In whichever direction the slider is moved, one of the
slider edges 48 or 50 will face the end in the direction of
movement, and the other one will trail, facing the opposite end.
The bag 10 of the present invention is configured so that as the
slider is moved along a portion of bag opening 16, the interlocking
features 18 in the portion covered by the slider movement will join
or engage, or alternatively, separate or disengage, in accordance
with the characteristic of the trailing end or edge of the slider
20.
[0082] More particularly, in FIG. 1 the slider 20 is oriented so
that joining edge 48 faces end 22 of the bag 10, or closed portion
15 of the bag opening 16, and separating edge 50 faces end 24 of
the bag, or open portion 17 of the bag opening 16. As slider 20 is
moved towards end 24, the interlocking features 18 will join,
close, engage, or interlock in accordance with trailing joining
edge 48. In this way, closed portion 15 will increase in length
commensurate with open portion 17 decreasing in length. As shown in
FIG. 2, when the slider reaches end 24 the entire length of
interlocking features 18 will be closed. Similarly, as slider 20
moves towards end 22, as for example in moving from the position in
FIG. 2 to the position in FIG. 1, the interlocking features 18 will
separate, open, or disengage, in accordance with trailing
separating edge 50.
[0083] The joining and separating function of the slider 20 can be
understood by tracing the path of the interlocking features 18
through edges 48 and 50 of slider 20. As shown in FIG. 4, the
interlocking features are slidably engaged with side rails 56 over
most of the length of sides 46 of the slider. As the slider of FIG.
1 moves towards end 24, the portion of the interlocking features
that pass through trailing edge 48 will be drawn together due to
the continuation of the side rails right up to and around the edge
48. As each side rail wraps around the opposite side at edge 48,
the slidably engaged tongue and groove features 34 and 36 will be
forced into contact, with tongue 34 snapping or pressing into
groove 36. Further, the inner portion of handle 40 follows the
contour of sides 46 all the way to edge 48. Since the gap or
separation distance between the inner portion of the handle 40 and
sides 46 is very small, and preferably only marginally thicker than
the thickness of the upper edges of individual panes 30 and 32, the
panes 30 and 32 will be forced to stay in the track of side rails
56 and forced to come together. In this way, the interlocking
features 18 make a smooth transition from being slidably engaged
with side rails 46 of the slider, as for example shown at 65 and 66
of FIG. 1, to being interlocked with one another, as shown in their
corresponding positions on the closed portion 15 of FIG. 2.
[0084] Conversely, when the slider 20 moves towards end 22, the
portion of the opposing features 34 and 36 that pass through
trailing edge 50 will be unable to engage due to the termination of
the side rails 56 on either side of separating edge 50. Further,
the inner portion of handle 40 only follows the contour of sides 46
to a point short of separating edge 50. There is no need for the
inner portion of handle 40 to extend all the way since it is not
desired to press the interlocking features together at separating
edge 50. As a result, while the opposing features 34 and 36 will
approach one another as the contour of slider 20 narrows towards
edge 50, as they slip off the side rails 56 they will remain apart
since there is no guide or track on the slider side rails or
outside pressure from the handles 40 to keep them together.
[0085] It can be appreciated that other open/close characteristics
of the closeable bag 10 can be achieved by modifying the
construction of the slider 20. For example, instead of having both
a joining edge 48 and a separating edge 50, the slider 20 could be
made with two joining edges 48. In this case the bag opening 16
would remain closed for its entire length, on both sides of the
slider, for any position of the slider. Alternatively, if the
slider is constructed with two separating edges 50, no part of the
bag opening 16 would close.
[0086] The closeable bag 10 is configured to produce an airtight
seal in the bag interior 14 when the bag opening 16 is fully
closed. As shown in FIG. 2, this will occur where the slider 20 is
moved to the sealed position at end 24.
[0087] The interlocking features of the present invention are
preferably sized and shaped to form a seal when engaged. In
particular, the tongue feature 34 and groove feature 36 are
preferably sized and shaped to form an airtight seal when they
interlock or snap-fit together. Accordingly, with the slider 20 in
the position shown in FIG. 2, the closed portion 15 of bag opening
16 from end 22 to end 48 of the slider will be airtight due to the
engagement of interlocking features 18.
[0088] The slider 20 is configured to seal the bag opening 16 when
positioned at one end of said bag opening. Slider 20 is accordingly
preferably configured to produce a seal all around its perimeter.
At the point where closed portion 15 meets joining edge 48, the
interlocking features 18 are squeezed closely together, both from
the inward pressure of the close-fitting handles, and to connect
with side rails 56. In this way the airtight seal is maintained at
the interface of the interlocking features 18 and the slider. Along
the sides 46 of the slider the airtight seal is maintained due to
the snap fit between side rails 56 and interlocking features 18.
Accordingly, side rails 56 are preferably sized and shaped to
produce an airtight fit or engagement with interlocking features
18. At the interface of separating edge 50 and end 24 of the bag
10, the airtight seal is achieved by configuring the slider 20, and
in particular separating edge 50, so that it is complementary to
the shape of bag opening 16 at end 24. In the preferred embodiment
of the bag 10, the edge 50 of the slider has a "V" shape which
complements and fits closely into a similar "V" shape in bag
opening 16 at end 24. Separating edge 50 preferably also includes
the projection or jutting portion 64. As shown in the side view of
FIG. 6, this feature assists in maintaining an airtight seal by
jutting out from the slider to fill any incremental space that may
be present in bag opening 16, at end 24, through which air might
leak.
[0089] It can be appreciated that other shapes of the slider 20 and
bag portions 12 may also be used, as long as the shapes of the
slider tip and end of bag opening 16 are sufficiently complementary
to form a close and snug fit. It can also be appreciated how the
present invention improves on the prior art. Sliders used in the
past usually contain a separator or finger to separate or pry apart
the panes. The separator is usually configured to fulfill this
function, and not to form a complementary fit with a bag opening.
Such sliders cannot usually seal a bag opening in the ordinary
course since the separator prevents the slider from completely
closing the bag opening.
[0090] In order to maintain the airtight seal once the slider has
reached the end 24, it is preferable for there to be a latch or
other means to hold the slider 20 in place and prevent it from
falling back. This may be achieved in the present invention by
means of a detent, which is a catch or lever that locks the
movement of one part of a mechanism. Detents can be placed anywhere
along the slider 20 or the bag portion 12.
[0091] In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, the bag portion 12
contains a first detent 68, and the slider 20 contains a second
detent 70 on the inside of handle 40. The first detent 68 and the
second detent 70 are configured to engage one another when the
slider is moved to the sealed position. The first detent 68 is
preferably a bump or raised nodule on the outside surface of the
bag portion 12, such as on external support feature 33. The second
detent 70 is preferably an indentation on the inside of handle 40.
When the slider 20 is moved to the sealed position, the detent 68
snaps into or engages with detent 70. The connection established is
preferably sufficiently strong to hold the slider 20 in place,
while at the same time capable of being overcome without too much
difficulty by the user pushing the slider towards end 22 when it is
desired to re-open the bag.
[0092] It can be appreciated that other embodiments for latching of
the slider are possible, as long as the slider 20 is prevented from
falling back and a good seal is maintained. For example, FIG. 10
shows the slider 20 having a flap 72 resting on the top 42 of the
slider. At the sealed position shown in FIG. 10, the flap may be
moved, rotated, or otherwise positioned to snap fit with a detent
(not shown) on the outside edge of the bag portion 12. When it is
desired to move the slider, the flap 72 can be flipped up and out
of the way, to restore mobility to the slider.
[0093] The passageway 26 is configured to provide access between
the bag interior 14 and outside area 28 whether the bag opening 16
is open or closed. In the preferred embodiment of the invention,
passageway 26 is preferably inside or integrated with slider 20.
Since the slider is positioned between interlocking features 18, it
can be appreciated that access between bag interior 14 and outside
area 28 through passageway 26 will be unaffected even when the bag
opening 16 is closed and sealed airtight. The passageway 26 is
sized and shaped to provide access to passage of a fluid, such as a
gas or a liquid, or solid matter such as particulates or
powder.
[0094] The passageway 26 is also preferably sized and shaped to
accept a fluid transmission conduit 74 such as a pipe, tube, or
common straw. A general representation of a tube 74 is shown in
FIG. 10. Such a device when coupled to the passageway from outside
28 of the bag would permit the application of suction, for example,
to remove fluid from bag interior 14 through the passageway 26.
More particularly, a suction device having a coupling or insertion
end 76 and a free end 78 may be coupled to the passageway 26 on the
top surface 42 of the slider. Suction may be applied at the free
end 78 to remove contents such as liquid or gas fluid from the bag
interior 14. In an industrial setting the suction will preferably
be applied by a mechanical vacuum device. In a consumer product
suction will preferably be applied by the user's mouth acting on
the free end 78 of a straw. Preferably, the fluid transmission
conduit 74 will be removable, and the passageway 26 will
accordingly be sized and shaped to couple and uncouple with the
removable conduit 74. In this way, after the fluid is removed from
bag interior 14 the tube 74 may be conveniently removed so it does
not interfere with use of the bag 10 as a storage container.
[0095] The passageway 26 preferably contains a means for opening
and closing the passageway, or valve 80, as shown in FIG. 5. The
valve 80 is any kind of device or structure that is positioned
inside the passageway 26, and that is sized, shaped, and configured
to have at least one closed state and at least one open state. When
the valve 80 is in its closed state, fluid flow through the
passageway 26 will be blocked. In this state, if the bag opening 16
is completely closed, there will be an airtight seal of bag
interior 14. When the valve 80 is in an open state, access or fluid
flow between the bag interior 14 and outside 28 of the bag will be
enabled. It can be appreciated that when the valve 80 is in an open
state and the bag opening 16 is completely closed, access to the
bag interior 14 will be available only through passageway 26 and
valve 80.
[0096] The valve 80 will preferably be a one-way valve, meaning
that when the valve is in an open state fluid will be permitted to
flow in one direction only. For example, the one-way valve could be
configured to permit access or fluid flow from the bag interior 14
out of the bag to outside 28, and to block fluid passing from the
outside 28 to the bag interior 14. This type of valve would be
useful for removing air from a bag used to store food or other
perishable contents, for example. Alternatively, the one-way valve
could be configured to permit access or fluid to flow in the other
direction only, from the outside 28 of the bag into the bag
interior 14, and to block fluid from passing from the bag interior
14 to the outside 28. This type of valve would be useful for an
application in which it is desired to inject into the bag a special
gas or liquid that preserves or protects the bag contents, such as
for example, using formaldehyde to preserve a biological
specimen.
[0097] The bag 10 of the present invention comprehends the use of
almost any type of valve 80 to achieve a desired flow
characteristic through the passageway 26. For example, the valve 80
could be a two-way type instead of one-way. A two-way valve is a
valve having two open states, in which one state permits flow in
one direction and the other state permits fluid flow in the other
direction. Activation of a particular state might arise simply from
use of the valve. For example, squeezing the bag 10 might force air
out of the bag interior 14, through the valve 80 towards the
outside 28 of the bag. Alternatively, a tube could be coupled to
the passageway 26 containing the same valve and pressure applied to
force a liquid into the bag. In this state, the valve would permit
fluid flow in the opposite direction from the first use, from the
outside 28 to the bag interior 14. Alternatively, the two-way valve
80 could be configured so that the permitted direction of flow is
set through a switch on the valve itself, or preferably, on the
surface of the slider 20.
[0098] The valve 80 may be configured so that when it is in an open
state the passageway 26 will be substantially or completely open,
so that fluid passing through the passageway will be able to flow
at an optimum high rate. Alternatively, the valve 80 may be
configured to partially close the passageway 26 to any degree
desired.
[0099] It can be appreciated that valves are generally configured
for installation in a passageway or tube located inside a solid
body. Therefore, many types of standard valves are similiarly
amenable for installation in the passageway 26 of the present
invention, since the passageway 26 is preferably located inside the
solid body of the slider 20. A common type of valve suitable for
use in the passageway 26 of the present invention is a ball valve,
which is generally represented as valve 80 in FIG. 5. As pressure
is applied to a ball valve, such as by suction through conduit 74,
the ball will rise and open the passageway 26. Another type of
valve 80 may be a pinching valve, which would provide access
through the passageway upon squeezing or pinching the slider.
Similarly, many other types of valves common in industrial and
consumer applications may also be used in the present invention. In
addition to a ball valve or pinching valve, the valve 80 may be a
flapper valve, air valve, or check valve, for example.
[0100] The present invention comprehends use of the slider 20
without an integral passageway 26. It can be appreciated that since
the slider 20 is configured to open and close the bag opening 16,
and to form an airtight seal when in a completely closed position,
a bag 10 made with the slider 20 may be useful even without the
passageway 26. For example, the bag 10 could be filled with a
liquid and the slider closed to form an airtight seal, preventing
leakage of the liquid. When the liquid contents are to be used, the
slider could be pushed open slightly and the liquid poured out.
Such a bag 10 would have the advantage of being easy to open and
close, due to the slider 20, and also provide the benefit of an
airtight seal to better preserve perishable contents or hold
liquids.
[0101] The present invention also comprehends separating the
passageway 26 from the slider 20. Such an arrangement is preferably
realized using an access element 82 to contain or integrate with
the passageway 26. The access element 82 is generally a body
positioned between two edges or panes of the bag 10, and that
contains the passageway 26 and valve 80. The access element 82 may
be sized and shaped similar to slider 20, or it may have any other
size and shape as long as it can be positioned between two edges of
the bag 10. The access element 82 is preferably fixed in position.
This may be accomplished, for example, by sealing the panes 30 and
32 around the sides of the access element 82.
[0102] In one embodiment, the two edges of the bag 10 may be two
edges of opposed panels 30 and 32 that define bag opening 16. In
that case, the sides of access element 82 could be sealed between
opposing panes 30 and 32 in a variety of ways known in the art. The
bag 10 might also be made without interlocking features 18 around
access element 82, since the features 18 would not be needed to
support slider movement in that portion of bag opening 16. This
embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 11, which shows the movable
slider 20 without passageway 26, and the access element 82 having
the passageway 26 and a removable tube or straw 74.
[0103] It can be appreciated that where the access element 82 is
fixed, the use of the passageway 26 to access the bag interior 14
will not be affected by the particular positioning of access
element 82 in the bag 10. Accordingly, in a further embodiment the
two edges of bag 10 could be two edges of opposed panels 30 and 32
that do not define bag opening 16. This would generally comprise
the perimeter of the bag 10 other than that portion occupied by bag
opening 16. In FIG. 11, for example, the two edges between which
access element 82 could be placed could be the edges of panels 30
and 32 along closed sides 84 and 86 of bag 10.
[0104] In this embodiment it is preferable that access element 82
be located between opposing panes or edges of the bag 10 that are
joined, welded, or seamed together. Such an arrangement simplifies
manufacturing of the bag 10, since the access element 82 could be
placed between the panels, which would wrap around the access
element. The panels would be welded or sealed together as before,
with the access element 82 sealed between them. Where the two
opposing panels are joined by a fold, installation of the access
element would be less convenient since a hole would need to be
made. For example, if the bag 10 in FIG. 11 were formed from a
single panel folded along bottom side 88, it would be less
convenient to install the access element on side 88. If the bag
were formed from separate panels 30 and 32 that were welded or
joined together along all edges, then it would be equally
convenient to install the access element 82 along any of sides 84,
86, or 88.
[0105] The preferred embodiment of the present invention can now be
understood as the case where access element 82 is the slider 20.
This embodiment is preferred since a bag having only one body,
comprising a slider with an integrated passageway, is generally
less costly and more efficient to produce and use than a bag having
two bodies comprising an access element and slider.
[0106] A common type of bag production involves joining two
rectangular panes along three sides, or along opposing sides of a
single folded pane, leaving a bag opening 16 open on one side. A
zipper having opposed interlocking features 18 can be separately
produced and attached to the bag opening 16. A slider may be
inserted over the zipper in the bag opening 16 during production so
that it is movable along the bag opening 16 without being removable
from the bag itself. The standard production equipment also
generally operates at a high cycle or production rate, which
results in lower cost.
[0107] The bag portion 12 of the bag 10 of the present invention
similarly can be made from one or two panes of plastic joined along
two or three sides, leaving a bag opening 16. The interlocking
features 18 along the bag opening 16 can similarly be produced
using standard production techniques, such as by attachment of a
zipper, as described above. The slider 20 of the present invention
is configured as an independent body capable of production by
standard injection moulding techniques. Therefore, while the slider
20 is different from the prior art sliders in form and function, it
can still be manufactured at a similar low cost. Moreover, the
standard production equipment for producing bags and installing
sliders can be used to produce the bags 10 of the present
invention. In production, movable sliders 20 would be laid down in
the bag opening 16, and separate access elements 82 would be
installed, if desired, either in the bag opening 16 or along a
joint or seam between panes prior to the panes being sealed.
[0108] It can be appreciated therefore that the bag 10 of the
present invention can be produced for about the same low cost or
competitive with conventional slider bags that lack the other
benefits of the present invention. The material costs for the bag
and slider are similar to conventional bags, and the production
equipment is the same or usable with only slight modification.
Moreover, since standard production equipment may be used, the
industry standard high cycle rates of such equipment may continue
to be applicable. It can be further appreciated that this
represents an improvement over the prior art. Since prior art
devices generally require unconventional bags and valves, both the
bag and valve materials and production equipment generally are
non-standard and need to be custom made. Further, cycle rates are
likely to be lower, which increases the cost of each bag.
[0109] In practice, the degree of airtightness provided by zippers
or opposed interlocking features 18 will vary. An embodiment of a
reclosable bag 10 having improved airtightness characteristics,
particularly when used with lesser quality zippers, is shown in a
top view in FIG. 14. FIG. 15 is another top view, showing the bag
10 with an object 98 and a vacuum condition inside the bag interior
14.
[0110] As shown in the figures, at the top of the bag 10 there is a
bag opening 16 having an openable closure or opposed interlocking
features 18, configured and positioned to open and close the bag
opening. A movable slider 20 is not shown along bag opening 16, but
may be included if desired. Also shown is an access element 82
fixed in position along the side 84 of the bag. The access element
includes a passageway 26, valve 80, and fluid transmission conduit
74. When the bag opening 16 is closed, access to the bag interior
14 is provided by access element 82, or more particularly, by
passageway 26 and valve 80 of access element 82. The access element
82 is accordingly configured and positioned to permit air to be
removed from the bag interior, through the passageway and valve, so
as to create a negative pressure or vacuum in the bag interior
relative to an exterior of the bag.
[0111] The bag 10, and corresponding bag interior 14, include two
sections: an air-flow or ribbed section 92, and a sealing or flat
section 94. The air-flow section 92 is generally configured to
permit air flow through the air-flow section.
[0112] The air-flow section 92 is defined by opposing panes 30 and
32 that are sized and shaped so that when the panes are in contact,
at least one channel or conduit is available inside bag interior 14
to permit air to flow through the interior of section 92. As shown
in FIG. 14, this may be achieved by including, in at least one of
the panes, a surface defining one or more raised ribs 96. The ribs
96 create channels or conduits, generally shown by arrows in FIG.
14, that enable air or gas to flow throughout the ribbed section
92, along both the length and width of the section.
[0113] The air-flow section 92 is preferably constructed from a
flat pane and an opposing ribbed pane, however two opposing ribbed
panes may also be used. It can also be appreciated that three or
more panes may also be used, as long as the function of providing
air flow in the section 92 is maintained. The opposing panes may be
any shape, but are preferably rectangular in accordance with common
bag configurations. As shown in FIG. 14, the rectangular panes are
preferably closed or joined along three sides to define the bottom
88 and parts of sides 84 and 86 of the bag 10. The fourth or top
side is preferably open and may be designated as an air access
interface 93, since it is the side through which air flows in and
out of the air-flow section 92. The air access interface 93 is
accordingly positioned between the air-flow section 92 and the
sealing section 94, and is configured to permit fluid communication
therebetween.
[0114] The sealing or flat section 94 is positioned between the
closure and the air-flow section, and is generally configured such
that, when there is negative pressure in bag interior 14 and the
closure is closed, air is blocked from leaking from the outside or
exterior of the bag through the closure and sealing section to the
air-flow section. The sealing section generally comprises at least
two opposing panes 30 and 32 that are sized and shaped so that when
the panes are in contact, passage of air through the sealing
section is blocked. Each of the panes in this section preferably
have a flat or smooth surface. The opposing panes may be any shape,
but again are preferably rectangular. The rectangular panes are
preferably closed or joined on two sides to partly define sides 84
and 86 of bag 10, and open on the other two opposing sides. One of
the open sides preferably attaches to the air access interface 93,
to join and enable fluid communication between section 94 and
air-flow section 92, and the other open side defines bag opening
16.
[0115] The access element 82 is preferably positioned in the
sealing section 94 between the panes on one of the closed sides 84
and 86. The access element 82 is preferably adjacent to the air
access interface 93, and most preferably within one-half inch of
the air access interface 93. In this way, there is fluid
communication between the passageway and valve of the access
element 82 and the air-flow section, through the sealing section.
Suction that is applied through passageway 26 and valve 80 will be
largely transmitted to air-flow section 92, and not be unduly
reduced due to the sealing or blocking effect of sealing section
94. The access element 82 may also be positioned between the panes
on one of the closed sides 84 and 86, or the bottom 88, of the
air-flow section 92. This configuration however is less preferred
because of the risk of contamination of the access element 82 from
the contents of the air-flow section.
[0116] As shown by the symbol "L" in FIG. 14, the sealing section
94 has a length which comprises the minimum distance between the
closure and the air-flow section. Upon closing bag opening 16 and
removing by suction the gas or air from the bag interior 14,
including from flat section 94, the opposing panes of flat section
94 will generally stick or seal together. There will also be a
tendency for ambient air outside the bag to attempt to penetrate or
seep back into the bag 10 through bag opening 16 due to the
negative pressure created by the vacuum in the interior of the bag.
The degree to which ambient air enters the bag depends on the
quality of the zipper or opposed interlocking features 18. The
additional sealing provided by the sealing section 94 will
therefore improve the overall airtightness of the bag 10, in
comparison to the airtightness provided by the zipper 18 alone.
Accordingly, the length of the sealing section 94 is selected to
prevent air flow from the exterior of the bag through the closure
and sealing section to the air-flow section, when the closure is
closed and the bag interior has a negative air pressure. Since the
strength of the seal increases with the length of "L", a longer
length will be preferred for bags having a corresponding lower
quality zipper 18.
[0117] In particular, it has been found that for better quality or
more airtight zippers, a sealing section length of at least 11/8
inches produces substantially better airtightness results. For
generally lower quality or less airtight zippers 18, a sealing
section length of at least 31/4 inches produces substantially
better airtightness results. Bags having lengths "L" within this
range, of at least 11/4 inches, 11/2 inches, 13/4 inches, 2 inches,
21/4 inches, 21/2 inches, 23/4 inches, and 3 inches are also
preferred.
[0118] The bag 10 of FIG. 14 may be constructed using standard
production techniques. In particular, the flat section 94 can be
attached to the ribbed section 92 at the air access interface 93
using heat welding or other techniques used in the industry.
Similarly, the zipper or opposed interlocking features 18 in the
bag opening 16 may be heat welded to the opposing open end of the
flat section 94.
[0119] In an alternative embodiment, the zipper 18 may further
include an extended portion that comprises, or integrally includes,
the sealing section 94. Generally the zipper 18 is a plastic
element produced by an extrusion process. Accordingly, the
extrusion process may be modified so that the bottom portion of the
zipper 18 extends the full length of the sealing section 94. The
extended portion will most preferably be at least 11/8 inches in
length, but may also preferably be at least 11/4 inches, 11/2
inches, 13/4 inches, 2 inches, 21/4 inches, 21/2 inches, 23/4
inches, 3 inches, and 31/4 inches in length. In this embodiment of
the bag 10, while the zipper 18 element will be more costly,
production of the bag 10 would be simplified since a connection or
weld would no longer be required between the zipper and sealing
section 94.
[0120] The operation of the present invention can now be described,
using as an example the reclosable bag 10 configured as a household
storage bag as shown in FIG. 10. The user will likely begin use by
moving the slider 20 to end 22, to open bag opening 16. The user
will deposit a perishable food item 90 into the bag interior 14,
and then close the bag by moving slider 20 to the closed or sealed
position at end 24. Where the slider 20 uses detents 68, 70 as in
FIGS. 1 and 2, the user will be able to gauge how far to move the
slider by sensing or hearing the detents click or snap into
position, thereby engaging the slider at the second end 24.
Alternatively, where the slider incorporates latch 72 as shown in
FIG. 10, the user will lock the slider in place by rotating the
latch to a down position and snapping it in place.
[0121] At this point the bag will be sealed airtight, but may
contain residual air in the bag interior 14. The user can then
exchange air or fluid between the bag interior 14 and the outside
28 of the bag through the passageway 26 in the recloseable bag
opening 16. The removal of air or fluid from the bag interior 14
may be achieved, for example, by inserting the insertion end 76 of
the hollow tube 74 into the passageway 26 and applying suction to
the free end 78. In a consumer application, the hollow tube 74 will
preferably be a straw and the suction applied by the user's mouth.
The valve 80 in this example will preferably be a one-way valve
permitting fluid to flow in the direction from the bag interior 14
to the outside 28. Upon removal of all or substantially all of the
air in the bag interior 14, the tube 74 may be removed from the
passageway 26, and the bag 10 placed in storage. In another
embodiment, instead of using a hollow tube 74, the bag 10 may be
squeezed to force residual air out of the bag interior 14 through
passageway 26. This method could also be performed with the
embodiment shown in FIG. 11 having a slider and access element
82.
[0122] It can be appreciated that the method of closing a bag of
the present invention represents an improvement over the prior art.
In the prior art the user would ordinarily close the slider close
to end 24, leaving a small opening 17. The bag would be squeezed to
force residual air out through opening 17. Then, the user would
close the slider with one hand while usually keeping the other hand
pressed against the bag, to prevent the inflow of air during the
period that the slider is being closed. Further, once the bag is
closed, there is unlikely to be an airtight seal due to the
presence of the separator or finger of the conventional slider in
the bag opening. By contrast, in the present invention the user can
force air out of the bag, by squeezing the bag, applying suction to
hollow tube 74, or otherwise, and not be concerned about the
possible inflow of air because any such air will be blocked by the
valve 80. It can accordingly be appreciated that the method of
closing a bag of the present invention is easier and more
convenient than the conventional method, and further produces a
more air free bag interior 14.
[0123] In another application of the present invention, the
passageway 26 could be fitted with a valve 80 that permits fluid
flow into the bag interior 14, while blocking flow in the opposite
direction. Such a bag could be used in an industrial setting to
receive a drinkable fluid or other fluid for commercial sale. For
example, where the contents are a drinkable fluid the valve 80
could be made two-way, so the user could use a straw to retrieve
the contents. Alternatively, a two body configuration as shown in
FIG. 11 may be used, where the slider 20 has a passageway 26 with a
valve permitting fluid flow in one direction, and the access
element 82 has a passageway 26 with a valve permitting fluid flow
in the other direction. In that case, one passageway would be used
to fill the bag, and the other used to remove or drink the
contents. For a non-drinkable type of fluid, the slider may be
pushed open a short distance to permit the user to pour out the
contents.
[0124] It can be appreciated that a variety of commercial bag
configurations are made possible by the present invention. In
particular, the parameters available to a designer of a bag 10 of
the present invention include: the choice of which edges 48 and 50
to use for the slider, whether to use a single slider 20 or an
additional access element 82 with one or two passageways between
them, selection of the type of valve 80, and also whether to seal
all or a portion of interlocking features 18. In addition, the
designer can select a variety of bag shapes in addition to the
standard two pane configuration.
[0125] For example, FIGS. 12 and 13 show embodiments of bags 10
suitable for use as commercial drink containers. FIG. 12 is a round
container and FIG. 13 is a rectangular container having gussets on
either end. The round container has the advantage of being
inexpensive, providing optimally large internal volume for the
amount of material used, and also optimizing shipping capacity
because adjacent bags will compress against each other to leave
very little unused space.
[0126] The bag portions 12 may be produced using standard equipment
for the types of bags shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. The bag opening 16
may be formed from a slit or cut in the bag surface, and the slider
20 installed using standard equipment. In a variation on the
embodiments shown, the bag opening 16 could be made much shorter,
or most of the length of the bag opening 16 could be sealed. The
slider could be movable along a short distance, perhaps a distance
approximately equal to its length. In production, the slider could
be positioned to leave a small opening 17, and a nozzle inserted
into opening 17 to fill the containers. The slider could then be
moved a short distance to seal the opening, and remain in this
position after sale. User access could be through a straw inserted
into the passageways 26.
[0127] An issue that could arise with a commercial drink package
that is made from a soft material or used by children, for example,
is inadvertent squirting of the contents upon pressure being
applied to the sides of the bags. In the bags of FIGS. 12 and 13 it
can be appreciated that the valves 80 used would preferably be
configured to permit fluid flow out of the bag interior 14. Such
valves could be further configured to maintain a closed state up to
a predetermined threshold of pressure. This pressure level could be
set, for example, to be higher than that ordinarily experienced by
a casual squeezing of the bag. Preferably, the pressure threshold
could be set to require a minimum degree of suction, either alone
or in combination with some squeezing of the sides of the bag. In
this way, inadvertent squirting of the bag contents could be
reduced or avoided. Further, the passageway can be sized to permit
only a limited amount of flow to prevent a sudden splurge of
liquid.
[0128] In yet another embodiment, a bag 10 could be made with a
slider having two joining edges 48. The bag opening 16 would then
always be closed on both sides of the slider 20. In a further
variation, the slider could have the passageway 26 without a valve
80, so that the passageway is always open. The panes 30 and 32
could be sealed together below the slider 20 at every point except
a small portion. Therefore, the bag 10 would be sealed for every
position of the slider 20 except where the slider is positioned so
that the passageway 26 is immediately above the open portion. The
positioning of the slider would function as a valve in this
embodiment, to open or close the passageway. In production the
slider could be positioned first over the open portion to receive a
nozzle into the passageway, to fill the bag with a drinkable fluid,
for example. The slider could then be pushed to a side, to seal the
contents during transport and storage. Upon purchase, the consumer
would move the slider to the access position and insert a straw to
drink the contents.
[0129] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the
foregoing description was in respect of preferred embodiments and
that various alterations and modifications are possible within the
broad scope of the appended claims without departing from the
spirit of the invention. For example, while reference is made to a
bag having one or two bodies, more bodies may also be used in a
single bag where the application merits. Various other
modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art but are
not described in any further detail herein.
* * * * *