U.S. patent application number 11/467269 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-21 for flexible storage bag.
This patent application is currently assigned to THE GLAD PRODUCTS COMPANY. Invention is credited to Carl Louis Bergman, Michael G. Borchardt, Chinto Benjamin Gaw, Dean Arthur Zimmerman.
Application Number | 20060283148 11/467269 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35505826 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060283148 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zimmerman; Dean Arthur ; et
al. |
December 21, 2006 |
FLEXIBLE STORAGE BAG
Abstract
The flexible storage bag includes overlaying first and second
sidewalls defining an internal volume that can be accessed from an
open top edge. To evacuate air from the internal volume after the
open top edge has been closed, the bag includes a one-way valve
element attached to the first sidewall and communicating with the
internal volume. To prevent the one-way valve element from becoming
clogged by the opposing second sidewall, the bag also includes a
clearance member that maintains at least a partial clearance
between the first and second sidewalls proximate the valve element.
The clearance member can take many forms such as a textured portion
on the second sidewall that includes evacuation passages which
provide air in the internal volume access to the valve element, a
permeable element covering the valve element, and a rigid or
compressible structure that spaces the second sidewall from the
valve element.
Inventors: |
Zimmerman; Dean Arthur;
(West Chester, OH) ; Bergman; Carl Louis;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; Gaw; Chinto Benjamin;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; Borchardt; Michael G.;
(Willowbrook, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE CLOROX COMPANY
P.O. BOX 24305
OAKLAND
CA
94623-1305
US
|
Assignee: |
THE GLAD PRODUCTS COMPANY
1221 Broadway
Oakland
CA
|
Family ID: |
35505826 |
Appl. No.: |
11/467269 |
Filed: |
August 25, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10880784 |
Jun 29, 2004 |
|
|
|
11467269 |
Aug 25, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/417 ;
53/434 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/2023 20130101;
B65D 81/2038 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
053/417 ;
053/434 |
International
Class: |
B65B 51/00 20060101
B65B051/00; B65B 31/00 20060101 B65B031/00 |
Claims
1. A plastic storage bag for storing food items comprising: a first
sidewall of flexible thermoplastic material; a second sidewall of
flexible thermoplastic material overlaying and joined to the first
sidewall along a peripheral edge to provide an internal volume
between opposing first and second inner surfaces of the respective
first and second sidewalls, the internal volume accessible through
an opening disposed through the peripheral edge; first and second
interlocking closure strips attached respectively to the first and
second inner surfaces for releasably closing the opening; and a
one-way valve element attached to the first sidewall proximate an
intersection of the peripheral edge and the opening, the valve
element communicating with the internal volume, the valve element
including a base layer having an aperture disposed therein and a
top layer adhered to the base layer to cover the aperture, the
valve element attached to the first sidewall to cover a hole
disposed through the first sidewall.
2. The bag of claim 1, wherein the base layer is annular and the
top layer is circular.
3. The bag of claim 1, wherein the base layer and the top layer are
comprised of flexible thermoplastic film.
4. The bag of claim 1, wherein the valve element further includes a
viscous material between the base and top layers.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of and claims priority
under 35 USC .sctn.120 to application Ser. No. 10/880,784, filed
Jun. 29, 2004, which is incorporated by reference herein."
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention pertains generally to storage containers and
more particularly to flexible storage bags designed to be sealed
and evacuated. The invention finds particular applicability in the
field of food storage.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Flexible plastic bags are widely used for a variety of
purposes such as storing food items, either temporarily as in the
case of packaging snacks or long term as in the case of freezer
storage. Plastic bags of this style typically include flexible
sidewalls made from, for example, polyethylene, that define an
opening and an internal volume accessible through the opening. To
seal the bag, interlocking closure strips may be provided about the
rim of the opening.
[0004] One common problem which occurs with such bags is that,
after the opening has been sealed, latent air may remain trapped in
the internal volume. In addition to undesirably increasing the
overall size of the sealed bag, the trapped air can cause
spoilation of food items stored in the internal volume. Therefore,
to remedy this problem, it is known to provide a one-way valve
element attached to a flexible sidewall and communicating with the
internal volume. The one-way valve element allows for the
evacuation of the trapped air from the internal volume while also
preventing the ingress of air from the surrounding environment into
the internal volume. The one-way valve element may be activated in
various ways such as, for example, by applying compressive pressure
to the flexible sidewalls to force air from the internal volume or
by engaging a nozzle of a vacuum source to the one-way valve
element to draw air from the internal volume. An example of a
one-way valve element that operates in conjunction with a vacuum
source is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,581,641, issued to Skeens et
al. and assigned to Illinois Tool Works Inc.
[0005] A problem that may arise with such bags that include one-way
valve elements is that the flexible sidewall opposing the valve
element and the sidewall to which the valve element is attached can
actually clog the valve element preventing further evacuation. For
example, it will be appreciated that placing the opposing sidewall
against a solid surface and pressing the sidewall with the attached
valve element toward the surface evacuates the internal volume by
collapsing the sidewalls together. This also necessarily brings the
opposing sidewall into contact with the valve element which can
result in clogging. Likewise, where a vacuum source is used to
evacuate the flexible bag, the opposing sidewall may be drawn under
vacuum pressure into the valve element. A related problem is that
collapsing the opposing sidewalls themselves together may trap air
in other portions of the internal volume. These and other problems
are remedied by the invention described herein.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention provides a clearance member for preventing the
opposing second sidewall from clogging the one-way valve element
while maintaining communication between the valve element and the
internal volume. The clearance member additionally hinders the
collapsing together of the first and second sidewalls that results
in trapping of air in other portions of the internal volume.
[0007] In one aspect, the clearance member is provided as a
textured portion on an inner surface of the sidewall that is
opposite the valve element. The textured portion provides various
evacuation passages that are recessed into the opposing sidewall.
Accordingly, even when the second sidewall and the valve element
collapse adjacent to each other, the evacuation passages
communicate with an inlet to the valve element allowing for
continued evacuation. In another aspect, the clearance member can
be a permeable element attached to the inner surface of the first
sidewall to cover the valve element. Accordingly, the second
sidewall is prevented from collapsing adjacent to the valve element
by the permeable element. The permeable element, however, is
comprised of a material that demonstrates high air permeability so
that air can continue to access the covered valve element.
[0008] In another aspect, the clearance member is provided as a
rigid structure attached to the valve element or to the sidewalls
proximate to the valve element. The rigid structure spaces the
opposing sidewalls apart from each other thereby allowing for
continued evacuation. In yet another aspect, the clearance member
may be a compressible structure attached to the valve element or
sidewalls. While the compressible structure continues to prevent
the complete collapsing together of the sidewalls, it also
compresses to minimize the space between the sidewalls and,
accordingly, minimizes the air remaining in the internal
volume.
[0009] Thus, an advantage of the invention is that it assists in
preventing a one-way valve element from becoming clogged with an
opposing flexible sidewall. Another advantage is that it hinders
the opposing sidewalls from collapsing together and thereby
prevents the trapping of air within the internal volume. A related
advantage is that the invention facilitates evacuation of air from
the internal volume to, for example, preserve food items. These and
other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent
from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flexible bag designed in
accordance with the teachings of the invention having an open top,
a textured portion, and an attached one-way valve element.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a
one-way valve element for attachment to the flexible bag of FIG.
1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the one-way valve
element of FIG. 2.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view through the one-way valve
element, as taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2.
[0014] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the
one-way valve element for attachment to the flexible bag.
[0015] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the
one-way valve element for attachment to the flexible bag.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view through the flexible bag
and an embodiment of the one-way valve element engaging a nozzle of
a vacuum source with the sidewalls of the bag collapsed together
and a path of flow through the valve element indicated, as taken
along line 6-6 of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a detailed view of an embodiment of a textured
portion on an inner surface of a sidewall of the flexible plastic
bag, as taken about circle 8-8 of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a detailed view of another embodiment of a
textured portion formed as a plurality of groove disposed into an
inner surface of the sidewall, taken about circle 9-9 of FIG.
1.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of another embodiment of a
textured portion on an inner surface of a sidewall of the flexible
plastic bag, as taken about circle 10-10 of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
flexible bag having an open top, a textured portion along a side
edge, and a one-way valve element.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
flexible bag having an open top, a textured portion provided with a
T-shape, and a one-way valve element.
[0022] FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view through an
embodiment of the flexible bag with the sidewalls of the bag
collapsed together, as taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 1.
[0023] FIG. 14 is a general schematic view illustrating a method
for producing a flexible bag having a textured portion using
continuous webs of plastic.
[0024] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
flexible bag having an open top, a permeable element, and a one-way
valve element.
[0025] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view through the flexible bag,
permeable element, and one-way valve element with the sidewalls of
the bag collapsed together, as taken about line 16-16 of FIG.
15.
[0026] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a flexible bag having an
open top, a one-way valve element, and a clearance member.
[0027] FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the flexible bag, the one-way
valve element, and clearance member of FIG. 17.
[0028] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view through the flexible bag,
the one-way valve element engaged to a nozzle of a vacuum source,
and the clearance member with the sidewalls of the bag collapsed
together and a path of flow through the valve element indicated, as
taken along lines 19-19 of FIG. 17.
[0029] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a flexible bag having an
open top, a one-way valve element, and another embodiment of the
clearance member.
[0030] FIG. 21 is an exploded view of the flexible bag, the one-way
valve element, and the clearance member of FIG. 20.
[0031] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view through the flexible bag,
one-way valve element, and the clearance member with the sidewalls
of the bag collapsed together and a path of flow through the valve
element indicated, as taken along line 22-22 of FIG. 20.
[0032] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a flexible bag having an
open top, a one-way valve element, and another embodiment of the
clearance member.
[0033] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a flexible bag having a
one-way valve element and a clearance member, the flexible bag
being evacuated by a vacuum nozzle with a path of flow
indicated.
[0034] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a flexible bag having an
open top, a one-way valve element, and a compressible clearance
member.
[0035] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a flexible bag having an
open top, a one-way valve element and another embodiment of a
compressible clearance member.
[0036] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a flexible bag having a
closable open top with interlocking fastener strips and a slider, a
one-way valve element and an embodiment of the clearance
member.
[0037] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the interlocking
fasteners strips engaging a movable slider for releasably closing
the opened top, as taken along line 28-28 of FIG. 27.
[0038] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the interlocking fastener strips engaging a movable slider for
releasably closing the opened top, as taken along line 29-29 of
FIG. 27.
[0039] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the interlocking fastener strips engaging a movable slider for
releasably closing the opened top, as taken along line 30-30 of
FIG. 27.
[0040] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of
the interlocking fastener strips engaging a movable slider for
releasably closing the opened top, as taken along line 31-31 of
FIG. 27.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0041] Now referring to the drawings, wherein like reference
numbers refer to like elements, there is illustrated in FIG. 1 an
flexible bag 100 designed in accordance with the teachings of the
invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible bag 100
includes a first sidewall 102 and an opposing second sidewall 104
overlaying the first sidewall 102 to define an internal volume 106.
Accordingly, the first and second sidewall 102, 104 each includes a
respective first inner surface 108 and an opposing second inner
surface 109. The first and second sidewalls 102, 104 can be made
from flexible webs of thermoplastic material such as, for example,
polyethylene. The webs may be monolayer or multilayer film
typically used for food storage. Multilayer films may be
laminations or coextrusions. Resins may include polyethylene
including high density (HDPE), low density (LDPE), linear low
(LLDPE), nylon, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polypropylene (PP),
ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyester, ionomers or metallized
films. Examples of coextruded multilayer film suitable for the
current invention include layered combinations such as
HDPE/tie-layer/EVOH/tie-layer/LDPE or nylon/tie-layer/LDPE. For
heat sealing, the sealant may be a blend of materials such that
when the bag is opened the peel does not result in destruction of
the bag. One such sealant material would consist of a blend of LDPE
and polybutene-1 commonly referred to as a peel-seal resin whereby
polybutene-1 is the minor phase. The first and second sidewalls
102, 104 are sealed together along a first side edge 110, a
parallel second side edge 112, and a closed bottom edge 114 that
extend perpendicularly between the first and second side edges. To
access the internal volume 106, the portions of the first and
second sidewalls 102, 104 extending along an open top edge 116
remain unsealed. Due to the four orthogonal edges, the flexible bag
100 has a generally rectangular shape. However, it will be
appreciated that in other embodiments, the bag can have any
suitable shape resulting from any number of sidewalls and
edges.
[0042] To releasably close the opened top end 116 after insertion
of an item for storage, there is attached to first and second
sidewalls 102, 104 and parallel to the open top edge respective
first and second fastening strips 120, 122. The first and second
fastening strips 120, 122 can be formed from extruded, flexible
thermoplastic and extend between the first and second side edges
110, 1 12. As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the
first and second fastening strips 120, 122 can engage to form a
seal which closes the normally open top edge 116. Of course, in
other embodiments or in combination with the interlocking strips,
other methods such as the use of pressure sensitive or cold seal
adhesives such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,149,304,
herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, heat-sealing, or
cling can be employed to seal the open top edge.
[0043] To evacuate air trapped in the flexible bag 100 after
sealing the open top edge 116, the bag includes a one-way valve
element 130 that is attached to the first sidewall 102 and
communicates with the internal volume 106. The one-way valve
element 130 is capable of opening to allow entrapped air from the
internal volume 106 to escape and closing to prevent to the ingress
of environmental air into the internal volume. Communication with
the internal volume 106 can be accomplished by disposing an opening
through the first sidewall 102 and then attaching the valve element
130 over the opening.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, in an embodiment, the
one-way valve element 130 can include a rigid valve body 132 that
cooperates with a movable disk 134 to open and close the valve
element. The valve body 132 includes a circular flange portion 136
extending between parallel first and second flange faces 140, 142.
Concentric to the flange portion and projecting from the second
flange face 142 is a circular boss portion 138 which terminates in
a planar boss face 144 that is parallel to the first and second
flange faces. The circular boss portion 138 is smaller in diameter
than the flange portion 136 so that the outermost annular rim of
the second flange face 142 remains exposed. The valve body 132 can
be made from any suitable material such as a moldable thermoplastic
material like nylon, HDPE, high impact polystyrene (HIPS),
polycarbonates (PC), and the like.
[0045] Disposed concentrically into the valve body 132 is a
counter-bore 148. The counter-bore extends from the first flange
face 140 part way towards the boss face 144. The counter-bore 148
defines a cylindrical bore wall 150. Because it extends only part
way toward the boss face 144, the counter-bore 148 forms within the
valve body 132 a preferably planar valve seat 152. To establish
fluid communication across the valve body, there is disposed
through the valve seat 152 at least one aperture 154. In fact, in
the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of apertures 154 are
arranged concentrically and spaced inwardly from the cylindrical
bore wall 150.
[0046] To cooperatively accommodate the movable disk 134, the disk
is inserted into the counter-bore 148. Accordingly, the disk 134 is
preferably smaller in diameter than the counter-bore 148 and has a
thickness as measured between a first disk face 156 and a second
disk face 158 that is substantially less than the length of the
counter-bore 148 between the first flange face 140 and the valve
seat 152. To retain the disk 134 within the counter-bore 148, there
is formed proximate to the first flange face 140 a plurality of
radially inward extending fingers 160. The disk 134 can be made
from any suitable material such, as for example, a resilient
elastomer.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 4, when the disk 134 within the
counter-bore 148 is moved adjacent to the fingers 160, the valve
element 130 is in its open configuration allowing air to
communicate between the first flange face 140 and the boss face
144. However, when the disk 134 is adjacent the valve seat 152
thereby covering the apertures 154, the valve element 130 is in its
closed configuration. To assist in sealing the disk 134 over the
apertures 154, a sealing liquid can be applied to the valve seat
152. Furthermore, a foam or other resilient member may be placed in
the counter-bore 148 to provide a tight fit of the disk 134 and the
valve seat 152 in the closed position.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 1, to establish the one-way aspect of the
valve element 130, the valve element is attached to the first
sidewall 102 with the apertures exposed to the internal volume 106
and the first flange face exposed on the exterior of the flexible
bag 100. Accordingly, referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, it will be
appreciated that evacuation of entrapped air will move the disk 134
adjacent the fingers 160 thereby configuring the valve element 130
as opened while the ingress of air from the environment will move
the disk adjacent the valve seat 152 thereby configuring the valve
element as closed.
[0049] To attach the valve element 130 to the first sidewall,
referring to FIG. 3, an adhesive can be applied to the exposed
annular rim portion of the second flange face 142. The valve
element 130 can then be placed adjacent the exterior surface of the
first sidewall with the boss portion 138 being received through the
hole disposed into the sidewall and thereby pass into the internal
volume. Of course, in other embodiments, adhesive can be placed on
other portions of the valve element, such as the first flange face,
prior to attachment to the sidewall.
[0050] In other embodiments, the one-way valve element can have a
different construction. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the
one-way valve element 170 can include a flexible, circular base
layer 172 that cooperates with a correspondingly circular shaped,
resilient top layer 174 to open and close the valve element. The
top and bottom layers can be made from any suitable material such
as, for example, a flexible thermoplastic film. Disposed through
the center of the base layer 172 is an aperture 176, thus providing
the base layer with an annular shape. The top layer 174 is tautly
stretched over and adhered to the base layer 172 by two parallel
strips of adhesive 178 that extend along either side of the
aperture 176, thereby covering the aperture with the top layer and
forming a channel. The base layer 172 and top layer 174 are then
adhered by a ring of adhesive 182 to the flexible bag 100 so as to
cover the hole 180 disposed through the first sidewall 102.
[0051] As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, when
the sidewalls 102, 104 of the bag 100 are forcibly compressed
together, air from the internal volume 106 will pass through the
hole 180 and the aperture 176 thereby partially displacing the top
layer 174 from the base layer 172. The air can then pass along the
channel formed between the adhesive strips 178 and escape to the
environment. When the force on the sidewalls 102, 104 is released,
the resilient top layer 174 will return to its stretched
configuration covering and sealing the aperture 176. The valve
element 170 may also contain a viscous material such as an oil,
grease, or lubricant between the two layers in order to prevent air
from reentering the bag. In an embodiment, base layer 172 may also
be a rigid sheet material.
[0052] Illustrated in FIG. 6 is another embodiment of the valve
element 184 that can be attached to the flexible plastic bag 100.
The valve element 184 is a rectangular piece of flexible
thermoplastic film that includes a first end 186 and a second end
187. The valve element 184 is attached to the first sidewall 102 so
as to cover and seal a hole 188 disposed through the first sidewall
102. The valve element 184 can be attached to the sidewall 102 by
patches of adhesive 189 placed on either side of the hole 188 so as
to correspond to the first and second ends 186, 187. When the
sidewalls 102, 104 of the flexible bag 100 are collapsed together,
air from the internal volume 106 displaces the flexible valve
element 184 so at to unseal the hole 188. After evacuation of air
from the internal volume 106, the valve element 184 will again
cover and seal the hole 188. As will be appreciated by those of
skill in the art, other embodiments of one-way valve elements can
be used with the flexible plastic bag such as, for example, an
elastomer slit valve, duckbill valve or check valve.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 1 and from the foregoing description, it
will be appreciated that if the inner surface 109 of the flexible
second sidewall 104 is allowed to collapse adjacent to the first
sidewall 102 proximate to the location of the one-way valve element
130, the valve element may become clogged preventing further
evacuation of the bag 100. To prevent clogging of the valve element
130 by the sidewalls 102, 104, in accordance with the teachings of
the invention, the bag 100 is provided with a clearance member in
the internal volume 106. The clearance member maintains at least a
partial clearance between the first and second sidewalls 102, 104
proximate the location of the valve element 130 to allow air from
the internal volume 106 to access the valve element for
exhausting.
[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7, in accordance with one aspect of
the invention, the clearance member is provided by texturing a
portion 190 of the inner surface 109 of the second sidewall 104
that corresponds to the location of the one-way valve element 130
attached to the first sidewall 102. The textured portion 190
includes a plurality of alternating raised peaks 192 and recesses
194 that are formed into the inner surface 109. As illustrated in
FIG. 7, when the valve element 130 is engaged to the nozzle 196 of
a vacuum source to evacuate the internal volume 106 such that the
first and second sidewalls 102, 104 collapse adjacent to each
other, the raised peaks 192 contact the boss face 144 of the valve
element 130 thereby providing clearances that function as
evacuation passages within the recesses 194. Accordingly, the
recesses 194 allow air, indicated by arrow 198, from within the
internal volume 106 to continually access the valve element 130 and
thus the textured portion 190 prevents clogging of the valve
element.
[0055] The vacuum source connected to the nozzle 196 in FIG. 7 can
be any suitable vacuum source including, for example, hand-operated
pumps, mechanical pumps, water aspirators, oral suction, and the
like. Alternatively, the flexible bag can be evacuated by
collapsing the flexible sidewalls together.
[0056] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the peaks 192 can
be formed along the crests of a first plurality of raised ridges
200 that extend along the inner surface. The first plurality of
ridges 200 can be arranged parallel to and spaced-apart from each
other. The recesses 202 are therefore defined within the clearances
between the ridges 192. In the illustrated embodiment, a second
plurality of parallel ridges 206 extends along the inner surface
normal to and intersecting the first plurality of ridges 200 to
form a grid-like pattern. In an alternative embodiment, the
recesses can be formed within a grid-like pattern of grooves
disposed into the inner surface, thus forming the raised peaks as a
series of protuberances separated by the grooves. For example, in
the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, a first and a second
plurality of grooves 212, 213 are disposed into the textured
portion 109 and are arranged orthogonally to each other. The
grooves 212, 213 define a plurality of raised portion 214 that are
square in shape. It will be appreciated that air can communicate
along the grooves 212, 213 between the raised portions 214 even
after the sidewalls have been collapsed together. In another
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the textured portion 190 can
include protuberances 208 having smaller, circular shapes that are
randomly dispersed along the inner surface 109 that are segregated
from each other by arbitrarily-shaped recessed spaces 210
therebetween. Of course, the textured portion can have any other
suitable shape, such as diamond-shaped ridges or grooves,
horizontally arranged ridges or grooves, vertically arranged ridges
or grooves, patterned or random curved-shaped ridges or grooves,
etc.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 1, the textured portion 190 can be
provided over substantially the entire second inner surface 109
between the first and second side edges 110, 112 and between the
closed bottom edge 114 and fastening strips 120, 122. Moreover, the
first inner surface 108 of the first sidewall 102 can likewise be
provided with a textured portion. A benefit of providing the
textured portion throughout the bag is that the recesses extend
over the inner surface and are interconnected with one another.
Accordingly, air at any location within the internal volume 106 can
access the valve element 130 along the interconnected recesses even
as the opposing first and second sidewalls 102, 104 collapse
together, thereby preventing air in the internal volume from
becoming trapped.
[0058] Of course, in other embodiments, the textured portion need
not be provided over substantially the entire inner surface. For
example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, the textured
portion is provided as a relatively narrow, vertical strip 220
along the first edge 110 of the second sidewall 104 arranged to
correspond to the valve element 130. The remainder of the second
inner surface is formed as a substantially smooth portion 222. An
advantage of providing the textured portion as a narrow strip 220
adjacent the smooth portion 222 is that food items stored in the
internal volume 106 are less likely to contact the textured
portion, and are therefore less likely to retain unsightly
impressions upon removal from the bag 100. In another embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 12, the textured portion is provided as a
T-shape 224 having a horizontal strip 226 and an intersecting
vertical strip 228. The horizontal strip 226 extends between the
first and second side edges 110, 112 while being spaced-apart from
the bottom edge 114. The vertical strip 228 extends between the
bottom edge 114 and the horizontal strip 226 while being
spaced-apart from the first and second side edges 110, 112.
Accordingly, the T-shape textured portion 224 can extend
substantially throughout the internal volume 106 between the
opposing side edges 110, 112 and the top and bottom edges 114, 116
while still providing substantially smooth portions 230, 232.
[0059] In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13, to maximize
exhaustion of the flexible bag wherein the textured portion is
located on both the first and second sidewalls 102, 104, the peaks
234 and recesses 236 can be arranged and sized to cooperate so as
to minimize the remaining internal volume as the sidewalls collapse
together. For example, the peaks 234 located on each sidewall are
received in corresponding recesses 236 formed on the opposing
sidewall to interlock together.
[0060] To produce a flexible bag having a textured portion, webs of
flexible thermoplastic material can be manipulated through a high
speed manufacturing process such as that illustrated in FIG. 14. In
the manufacturing process, a first web 240 of thermoplastic
material is continuously unwound from a roll 242 and aligned in and
advanced along a machine direction 244 through the processing
machines. The first web of material 240 accordingly has a first
surface 246 and a second surface 248.
[0061] A second web 250 of thermoplastic material is provided wound
onto a second roll 252 located below the first roll. Embossed into
the material of the second web 250 are pluralities of peaks and
recesses that form the textured portion of the finished flexible
bag. The second web 250 is continuously unwound from the second
roll 252 and aligned with the machine direction 244 where it is
attached to the second surface 248 of the advancing first web 240
by web attachment rollers 254. As will be appreciated, the attached
first and second webs 240, 250 will form the second sidewall of the
finished flexible bag.
[0062] To provide the first sidewall, a third web 260 of
thermoplastic material is provided wound onto roll 262. The third
web 260 is continuously unwound and aligned with the first and
second webs 240, 250 in the machine direction 244. After alignment,
the third web 260 is attached to the first and second webs 240, 250
at a second set of web attachment rollers 264. In order to form the
open top edge of the finished bag, the third web 260 is only
attached to the first and second webs 240, 250 along a first edge
268 of the combined webs while the parallel second edge 269 remains
unattached.
[0063] To provide the fastening strips on the finished bag, the
first and second fastening strips 270, 272 can be provided as
elongated thermoplastic extrusions wound onto first and second
strip rolls 274, 276. The first fastening strip 270 is unwound and
aligned with the third web 260 to which the first fastening strip
is attached by strip attachment rollers 278. The second fastening
strip 272 is unwound and aligned in the machine direction 244 with
the first and second webs to which the second fastening strip is
continuously attached by strip rollers 280. As illustrated in FIG.
14, the first and second fastening strips 270, 272 are aligned with
the unattached second edge 269 of the combined webs. Preferably,
attachment of the fastening strips to the continuously advancing
webs of thermoplastic material occurs between the first and second
web attachment rollers 254, 264.
[0064] As the attached webs and strips are advanced in the machine
direction 244, the side edges of the finished bag may be produced
by an edging machine 282. Specifically, the edging machine 282
forms a seal 284 across the width of the attached webs and then
cuts perforations 286 along the seal. The perforated webs can then
be folded by a folding machine 288 and wound into a roll 290 for
distribution. Later, individual bags can be unwound and detached
from the roll 290 along the perforated seals.
[0065] In another embodiment, instead of providing the textured
portion in the form of a separate web of material, the textured
portion can be formed directly onto the first web 240 of advancing
material. For example, the second roll 252 and second web 250 of
material can be eliminated and the first web attachment rollers 254
can be replaced with an embossing machine that forms the peaks and
recesses directly onto the first web 240.
[0066] In another aspect of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS.
15 and 16, the clearance member can be provided as a permeable
element 308 located in the internal volume 306 of the flexible bag
300. In addition to the permeable element 308, the flexible bag 300
includes overlaying first and second sidewalls 302 and 304 that are
sealed together along first and second side edges 310, 312 and a
closed bottom edge 314. To access the internal volume 306, the
edges of the first and second sidewalls 302, 304 that are parallel
to the closed bottom edge 314 remain unsealed to form an open top
edge 316. To releasably close the open top edge 316 after insertion
of an item, first and second fastening strips 320, 322 are
provided. To evacuate air from the flexible bag after sealing the
fastening strips, a one-way valve element 330 is attached to the
first sidewall 302 and communicates with the internal volume
306.
[0067] The permeable element 308 can be provided as a thickened
planar sheet outlined by a peripheral edge 309 that defines the
shape of the permeable element. The permeable element can be
attached by, for example, adhesive to an inner surface 324 of the
first sidewall 302 such that the permeable element overlays and
covers the one-way valve element 330. In another embodiment, the
permeable element 308 can be attached to the second sidewall 304
opposite the valve element 330. The permeable element 308 is
characterized in that it comprises a material that demonstrates a
high degree of air permeability.
[0068] As illustrated in FIG. 16, during evacuation of the flexible
bag 300, as the second sidewall 304 collapses toward the first
sidewall 302, an inner surface 326 of the second sidewall 304
contacts the permeable material 308 and is therefore spaced-apart
from the valve element 330. Air from the internal volume 306 of the
bag 300, however, can still access the exposed peripheral edge 309
of the permeable element and permeate through to the valve element
330.
[0069] Examples of various permeable materials suitable for the
permeable element include any of various nonwoven materials such
as, but not limited to, melt blown, spun bond, hydroentangled,
needle punched, batting, dry-laid or wet-laid. Preferably, the
selected nonwoven material demonstrates a hydrophobic property that
permits air to permeate through but retains liquids. As will be
appreciated, such a hydrophobic permeable material would prevent
fluids from leaking through the one-way valve element or from
drying out within the valve element. A preferred material is
polypropylene but the nonwoven material could also be made from
polyester, nylon, or polyethylene. Other examples of suitable
permeable materials include porous materials such as open celled
foams such as sponges, porous substrates, and sintered
materials.
[0070] In another aspect of the invention, the clearance member can
be provided as a rigid structure that functions to space the
sidewalls apart from each other in the proximity of the valve
element during evacuation. The rigid clearance member may include
slots or notches disposed into it that permit air from the internal
volume to access the valve element. Because of the combined effect
of the rigid clearance member in spacing the sidewalls apart and
providing access to the valve element, clogging of the valve
element is prevented. Preferably, the rigid clearance member is
engaged to the valve element itself but in some embodiments the
rigid clearance member can be attached to the opposing
sidewall.
[0071] An embodiment of the rigid clearance member in the form of a
band 460 engaged to a valve element 430 attached to a flexible bag
400 is illustrated in FIG. 17. The flexible bag 400 is formed from
overlapping first and second flexible sidewalls 402, 404 that are
joined along parallel first and second side edges 410, 412 and a
closed bottom edge 414 to define an internal volume 406. To access
the internal volume 406, the portions of the first and second
sidewalls opposite the closed bottom edge 414 remain unsealed to
form an open top edge 416. To releasably close the open top edge
416 after insertion of an item, first and second fastening strips
420, 422 are provided.
[0072] Referring to FIG. 18, the band 460 can be shaped as an
annular ring having a first face 462 and an opposing second face
464. Disposed into the second face 464 of the annular band 460
along the perimeter are a plurality of notches 466 that extend
toward the first face 462. To engage the band 460 to the valve
element 430, the valve element includes a circular flange portion
436 from which projects a smaller, circular boss portion 438. The
boss portion 438 of the valve element 430 is inserted through an
appropriately sized hole 470 formed into the first sidewall 402 of
the flexible bag. When the valve element 430 is thus attached, it
will be appreciated that the boss portion 438 projects into the
internal volume 406 towards the second sidewall 404.
[0073] Preferably, the inner diameter of the band 460 is sized to
slidably fit about the circular, projecting boss portion 438.
Accordingly, when the boss portion 438 and band 460 are fit
together, the first sidewall 402 is sandwiched between the valve
element 430 and band. So that the second face 464 of the band 460
projects into the internal volume, the length of the band between
the first and second faces 462, 464 is greater than the length of
the projecting portion 438 between the second flange face 442 and
the boss face 444. In various embodiments, the band and the boss
portion can be secured by adhesive, friction fit, or can be an
integral portion of the valve
[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 19, when a nozzle 496 of a vacuum
source is engaged to the valve element 430 so as to evacuate the
flexible bag 400 such that the second sidewall 404 collapses toward
the first sidewall 402, the inner surface 409 of the second
sidewall contacts the second face 464 of the band 460 and is
therefore spaced-apart from the valve element 430. Air, indicated
by arrow 486, from the internal volume 406 of the bag 400 can still
access the valve element 430 through the notches 466 disposed
through the band 460. Specifically, if the notches 466 are
sufficiently narrow and extend far enough toward the first face 462
of the band, it will be appreciated that the second sidewall 404
cannot be completely drawn into the notches. Hence, the valve
element 430 is prevented from clogging by the band 460. Preferably,
the band and the valve element are made of a moldable thermoplastic
material.
[0075] The vacuum source connected to the nozzle 496 in FIG. 19 can
be any suitable vacuum source including, for example, hand-operated
pumps, mechanical pumps, water aspirators, oral suction, and the
like. Alternatively, the flexible bag can be evacuated by
collapsing the flexible sidewalls together.
[0076] In FIG. 20, another embodiment of the rigid clearance member
in the form of a cap 560 is illustrated engaged to a valve element
530 attached to a flexible bag 500. As described above, the
flexible bag 500 also includes overlapping first and second
sidewalls joined along parallel first and second side edges 510,
512 and a perpendicular closed bottom edge 514 to define an
internal volume 506. To access the internal volume 506, the
portions of the first and second sidewalls 502, 504 opposite the
closed bottom edge 514 remain unsealed to form an open top edge
516. To releasably close the open top edge 516 after insertion of
an item, first and second fastening strips 520, 522 are
provided.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 21, the cap 560 includes a circular cap
top 562 from the periphery of which extends a perpendicular cap
wall 564. Disposed through the intersection of the cap top and cap
wall are a plurality of peripheral apertures 566 while disposed
through the center of the cap top is a central aperture 568. To
engage the cap 560 to the valve element 530, the valve element
includes a circular flange portion 536 from which projects a
smaller, circular boss portion 538. The boss portion 538 of the
valve element 530 is inserted through an appropriately sized hole
570 formed into the first sidewall 502 of the flexible bag. When
the valve element 530 is thus attached, it will be appreciated that
the boss portion 538 projects into the internal volume 506 towards
the second sidewall 504. Preferably, the inner diameter of the
peripheral cap wall 564 is sized to slidably fit about the
circular, projecting boss portion 538. Accordingly, when the boss
portion 538 and cap wall 564 are fit together, the first sidewall
502 is sandwiched between the valve element 530 and cap 560. In
various embodiments, the cap and the boss portion can be secured
together by adhesive, friction fit, or be an integral portion of
the valve.
[0078] As illustrated in FIG. 22, during evacuation of the flexible
bag 500 as the second sidewall 504 collapses toward the first
sidewall 502, the inner surface 509 of the second sidewall contacts
the cap top 562 of the cap 560 and is therefore spaced-apart from
the valve element 530. In this situation, the central aperture 568
becomes covered by the second sidewall 504. Air, indicated by arrow
578, from the internal volume 506 of the bag 500 can still access
the valve element 530 through the peripheral apertures 566 disposed
through the cap 560. Hence, the valve element 530 is prevented from
clogging by the cap 560. An advantage of the cap 560 over the
aforementioned band is that cap top 562 more completely prevents
the second sidewall 504 from collapsing adjacent to the valve
element 530. Additionally, to improve the evacuation of the
internal volume 506, the central aperture 568 provides substantial
additional access to the valve element 530 than the peripheral
apertures 566 standing alone, at least prior to the central
aperture becoming covered by the second sidewall 504. Preferably,
the cap 560 is made from a moldable thermoplastic material.
[0079] Illustrated in FIG. 23 is another embodiment of a rigid
clearance member in the form of an elongated sleeve 660 engaged to
a valve element 630 attached to a flexible bag 600. As described
above, the flexible bag 600 includes overlapping first and second
sidewalls 602, 604 that are joined along parallel first and second
side edges 610, 612 and a perpendicular closed bottom edge 614 that
define an internal volume 606. To access the internal volume 606,
the portions of the first and second sidewalls 602, 604 opposite
the closed bottom edge 614 remain unsealed to form an open top edge
616. To releasably close the open top edge 616 after insertion of
an item, first and second fastening strips 620, 622 are
provided.
[0080] The elongated sleeve 660 is formed as a cylindrical
structure that extends between a first face 662 and a second face
664. Disposed through the sleeve 660 about the periphery are a
plurality of slots 666. The cylindrical sleeve 660 can be sized to
slideably engage with the circular valve element 630 in the above
described manner with the second face 664 projecting into the
internal volume 606 towards the second sidewall 604. Referring to
FIG. 23, it will be appreciated that as the first and second
sidewalls 602, 604 collapse towards each other, the sleeve 660 will
function to space the sidewalls apart in the proximity of the valve
element 630. The slots 666 disposed through the sleeve 660,
however, will continue to allow air to access the one-way valve
element 630 from the internal volume 606. Hence, the valve element
is prevented from clogging by the sleeve. Preferably, the sleeve is
made from a moldable thermoplastic or a formed strip of metal.
[0081] Illustrated in FIG. 24 is a flexible bag 700 having attached
to it a one-way valve element 730 of the type disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,581,641, herein incorporated by reference. The flexible
bag 700 also includes a first sidewall 702 to which the valve
element 730 is attached and an opposing second sidewall 704. The
one-way valve element 730 includes a resilient cap 732 that is
mounted to a valve base 734. The resilient cap 732 includes an
outer wall 736 that surrounds a central stem 738. The valve element
730 also includes a valve gate 734 that normally sits against a
valve seat face 740 that is formed on the valve base 734. To
evacuate the flexible bag 700, a vacuum nozzle 780 that
communicates with a vacuum source can engage the valve element 730.
The nozzle 780 engages the valve element 730 by pressing the nozzle
against the outer wall 736 of the cap 732. This forces the stem 738
downwards which displaces the valve gate from the valve seat
surface 740. Air from inside the flexible plastic bag can then
access the nozzle.
[0082] It will be appreciated that when the nozzle 780 is pressed
against the valve element 730, the second sidewall 704 can collapse
against and clog the valve element. To prevent this from occurring,
an embodiment of the clearance member 760 is attached to the valve
element 730. The clearance member 760 is formed as a circular wall
extending between a first end 764 and a second end 766. The first
end 764 is attached to the valve base 734 such that the second end
766 is directed towards the second sidewall 704. Disposed through
the circular wall 762 are a plurality of apertures 770 through
which air, indicated by arrow 768, can pass. Accordingly, when the
vacuum nozzle 780 is pressed against the cap 732, the clearance
member 760 prevents the second sidewall 704 from entering and
clogging the valve element 730.
[0083] In another aspect of the present invention, the clearance
element can be provided as compressible structure comprised from a
compressible material. The compressible clearance member can be
attached to either the valve element or to an inner surface of a
sidewall proximate the valve element. Accordingly, the compressible
clearance member will prevent the sidewalls from completely
collapsing together proximate the valve element. An advantage of
utilizing the compressible clearance member is that while the
sidewalls remain spaced-apart, the compressible clearance member
compresses to minimize the air remaining in the internal volume.
Another advantage of utilizing a compressible clearance member is
that the compressible clearance member urges back against the
sidewalls. Therefore, if the valve element were to become clogged
by the sidewalls, the compressible structure could unclog the valve
element by urging the first and second sidewalls apart.
[0084] Referring to FIG. 25, an embodiment of a flexible bag 800
having a compressible clearance member in the form of a spring 860
engaged to a one-way valve element 830 is illustrated. As described
above, the flexible bag 800 includes overlapping first and second
sidewalls 802, 804 that are joined along parallel first and second
side edges 810, 812 and a perpendicular closed bottom edge 814 that
define an internal volume 806. To access the internal volume 806,
the portions of the first and second sidewalls 802, 804 opposite
the closed bottom edge 814 remain unsealed to form an opened top
edge 816. To releasably close the opened top edge 816 after
insertion of an item, first and second fastening strips 820, 822
are provided.
[0085] The spring 860 is formed as helical spring comprised of a
plurality of hoops 866 that extends between a first end 862 and a
second end 864. The first end 862 engages the valve element 830 by,
for example, adhesive attachment such that the second end 864
projects into the internal volume 806 toward the second sidewall
804. In other embodiments, the spring can be secured to the valve
element by a friction fit, a snap-lock engagement, or adhesive.
During evacuation, as the first and second sidewalls 802, 804
collapse together, the second sidewall 804 will contact the second
end 864 of the spring 860 and begin to compress the spring towards
the first sidewall. Conversely, the spring 860 will urge the second
sidewall 804 away from the valve element 830 preventing the valve
element from becoming clogged. Moreover, because of the substantial
space between the alternating hoops 866 of the spring 860, air will
continue to access to the valve element 830. Preferably, the spring
is made from any suitable resilient material such as spring steel
or a resilient thermoplastic. In another embodiment, a structure
comprising a tube with axially-spaced, collapsible, accordion
pleats and holes disposed therethrough can be employed as the
compressible clearance member.
[0086] Illustrated in FIG. 26 is another embodiment of a flexible
bag 900 having a compressible clearance member in the form of
compressible foam elements 960 attached to the flexible bag
proximate to a one-way valve element 930. As described above, the
flexible bag 900 includes overlapping first and second sidewalls
902, 904 that are joined along parallel first and second side edges
910, 912 and a perpendicular closed bottom edge 914 that define an
internal volume 906. To access the internal volume 906, the
portions of the first and second sidewalls 902, 904 opposite the
closed bottom edge 914 remain unsealed to form an open top edge
916. To releasably close the open top edge 916 after insertion of
an item, first and second fastening strips 920, 922 are
provided.
[0087] The compressible foam elements 960 are shaped as rectangular
blocks of porous foam attached to the inner surface of the first
sidewall 902 on either side of valve element 930. However, in other
embodiments, the foam elements can be attached to the second
sidewall in a manner to align with the valve element. Additionally,
in other embodiments, the foam element can have other shapes, such
as circular, square, annular, or polygon The foam elements 960
extend into the internal volume 906 and terminate at respective
foam top surfaces 962 that are located closer toward the second
sidewall 904 than the valve element 930. During evacuation, as the
first and second sidewalls 902, 904 collapse towards each other,
the second sidewall will contact the foam top surfaces 962 and
begin to compress the foam blocks 960 towards the first sidewall
902. Conversely, the foam blocks 960 will urge the second sidewall
904 away from the valve element 930 preventing the valve element
from clogging. Because of the porous character of the foam blocks
960, air will continue to have access to the valve element.
Preferably, the foam blocks are formed from foamed rubber.
[0088] In another aspect of the invention, the flexible bag having
a one-way valve element and clearance member can be provided with
fastening strips activated by a slider. For example, referring to
FIG. 27, there is illustrated a flexible bag 1000 having
overlapping first and second sidewalls that are joined along
parallel first and second side edges 1010, 1012, and a
perpendicular closed bottom edge 1014 to define an internal volume
1006. To access the internal volume 1006, the portions of the first
and second sidewalls 1002, 1004 that are opposite the closed bottom
edge 1014 remain unjoined to form an open top edge 516. To
releasably close the open top edge 1016, the flexible bag 1000
includes a first fastening strip 1030 and a second fastening strip
1031 that engage a movable slider 1032.
[0089] As shown in FIG. 28, the fastening strips may be U-channel
fastening strips as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,829,641, herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety. U-channel fastening
strips include a first fastening strip 1030 with a first closure
element 1036 and a second fastening strip 1031 with a second
closure element 1034. The first closure element 1036 engages the
second closure element 1034. The first fastening strip 1030 may
include a flange 1063 disposed at the upper end of the first
fastening strip 1030 and a rib 1067 disposed at the lower end of
the first fastening strip 1030. The first fastening strip 1030 may
include a flange portion 1069. Likewise, the second fastening strip
1031 may include a flange 1053 disposed at the upper end of the
second fastening strip 1031 and a rib 1057 disposed at the lower
end of the second fastening strip 1031. The second fastening strip
1031 may include a flange portion 1059. The sidewalls 1002, 1004 of
the plastic bag 1000 may be attached to the fastening strips 1030,
1031 by conventional manufacturing techniques.
[0090] The second closure element 1034 includes a base portion 1038
having a pair of spaced-apart parallely disposed webs 1040, 1041,
extending from the base portion 1038. The base and the webs form a
U-channel closure element. The webs 1040, include hook closure
portions 1042, 1044 extending from the webs 1040, 1041
respectively, and facing towards each other. The hook closure
portions 1042, 1044 include guide surfaces 1046, 1047 which serve
to guide the hook closure portions 1042, 1044 for occluding with
the hook closure portions 1052, 1054 of the first closure element
1036.
[0091] The first closure element 1036 includes a base portion 1048
including a pair of spaced-apart, parallely disposed webs 1050,
1051 extending from the base portion 1048. The base and the webs
form a U-channel closure element. The webs 1050, 1051 include hook
closure portions 1052, 1054 extending from the webs 1050, 1051
respectively and facing away from each other. The hook closure
portions 1052, 1054 include guide surfaces 1045, 1055, which
generally serve to guide the hook closure portions 1052, 1054 for
occlusion with the hook closure portions 1042, 1044 of the second
closure element 1034. The guide surfaces 1045, 1055 may also have a
rounded crown surface.
[0092] The slider 1032 includes a top portion 1072. The top portion
provides a separator 1043 having a first end and a second end
wherein the first end may be wider than the second end. In
addition, the separator 1043 may be triangular in shape. When the
slider is moved in the occlusion direction, the separator 1043
deoccludes the fastening strips 1030, 1031 as shown in FIG. 11.
Referring to FIG. 11, the closure elements 1034, 1036 are
deoccluded and specifically, the upper hook portions 1042, 1052 and
the lower hook portions 1044, 1054 are deoccluded.
[0093] The interlocking fastening strips may comprise
"arrowhead-type" or "rib and groove" fastening strips as shown in
FIG. 29 and as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,998 herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety. The rib element 1105
interlocks with the groove element 1107. The rib element 1105 is of
generally arrow-shape in transverse cross section including a head
1110 comprising interlock shoulder hook portions 1111 and 1112
generally convergently related to provide a cam ridge 1113
generally aligned with a stem flange 1114 by which the head is
connected in spaced relation with respect to the supporting flange
portion 1108. (U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,998, Col. 2, lines 16-23). At
their surfaces nearest the connecting stem flange 1114, the
shoulder portions 1111 and 1112 define reentrant angles therewith
providing interlock hooks engageable with interlock hook flanges
1115 and 1117 respectively of the groove element 1107. (U.S. Pat.
No. 3,806,998, Col. 2, lines 23-28). Said hook flanges generally
converge toward one another and are spread open to receive the head
1110 therebetween when said head is pressed into said groove
element 1107 until the head is fully received in a groove 1118 of
said groove element 1107 generally complementary to the head and
within which the head is interlocked by interengagement of the head
shoulder hook portions 1111 and 1112 and the groove hook flanges
1115 and 1117. (U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,998, Col. 2, lines 28-36).
Through this arrangement, as indicated, the head and groove
elements 1105 and 1107 are adapted to be interlockingly engaged by
being pressed together and to be separated when forcably pulled
apart, as by means of a generally U-shaped slider 1119. (U.S. Pat.
No. 3,806,998, Col. 2, lines 36-41).
[0094] The slider 1119 includes a flat back plate 1120 adapted to
run along free edges 1121 on the upper ends of the sections of the
flange portions 1108 and 1109 as shown in the drawing. (U.S. Pat.
No. 3,806,998, Col. 2, lines 41-46). Integrally formed with the
back plate 1120 and extending in the same direction (downwardly as
shown) therefrom are respective coextensive sidewalls 1122 with an
intermediate spreader finger 1123 extending in the same direction
as the sidewalls at one end of the slider. (U.S. Pat. No.
3,806,998, Col. 2, lines 46-51). The sidewalls 1122 are in the form
of panels which are laterally divergent from a narrower end of the
slider. (U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,998, Col. 2, lines 51-55). The slider
walls 1122 are each provided with an inwardly projecting shoulder
structure 1124 flange adapted to engage respective shoulder ribs
1125 and 1127 on respectively outer sides of the lower section of
the flange portions 1108 and 1109. (U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,998, Col.
2, line 66 to Col. 3, line 3).
[0095] Additionally, the interlocking fastening strips may comprise
"profile" fastening strips, as shown in FIG. 30 and described in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,299 herein incorporated by reference in its
entirety. As shown in FIG. 30, the first profile 1216 has at least
an uppermost closure element 1216a and a bottommost closure element
1216b. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,299, Col. 3, lines 25-27). The closure
elements 1216a and 1216b project laterally from the inner surface
of strip 1214. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,299, Col. 3, lines 27-28).
Likewise, the second profile 1217 has at least an uppermost closure
element 1217a and a bottommost closure element 1217b. (U.S. Pat.
No. 5,664,299, Col. 3, lines 28-30). The closure elements 1217a and
1217b project laterally from the inner surface of strip 1215. (U.S.
Pat. No. 5,664,299, Col. 3, lines 30-32). When the bag is closed,
the closure elements of profile 1216 interlock with the
corresponding closure elements of profile 1217. (U.S. Pat. No.
5,664,299, Col. 3, lines 32-34). As shown in FIG. 13, closure
elements 1216a, 1216b, 1217a and 1217b have hooks on the ends of
the closure elements, so that the profiles remain interlocked when
the bag is closed, thereby forming a seal. (U.S. Pat. No.
5,664,299, Col. 3, lines 34-37).
[0096] The straddling slider 1210 comprises an inverted U-shaped
member having a top 1220 for moving along the top edges of the
strips 1214 and 1215. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,299, Col. 4, lines 1-3).
The slider 1210 has sidewalls 1221 and 1222 depending from the top
1220. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,299, Col. 4, lines 3-4). A separating
leg 1223 depends from the top 1220 between the sidewalls 1221 and
1222 and is located between the uppermost closure elements 1216a
and 1217a of profiles 1216 and 1217. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,299, Col.
4, lines 26-30). The fastening assembly includes ridges 1225 on the
outer surfaces of the fastening strips 1214 and 1215, and shoulders
1221b and 1222b on the sidewalls of the slider. (U.S. Pat. No.
5,664,299, Col. 4, lines 62-65). The shoulders act as means for
maintaining the slider in straddling relation with the fastening
strips by grasping the lower surfaces of the ridges 1225. (U.S.
Pat. No. 5,664,299, Col. 5, lines 4-7).
[0097] Also, the interlocking fastening strips may be "rolling
action" fastening strips as shown in FIG. 31 and described in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,007,143 herein incorporated by reference in its
entirety. The strips 1314 and 1315 include profiled tracks 1318 and
1319 extending along the length thereof parallel to the rib and
groove elements 1316 and 1317 and the rib and groove elements 1316,
1317 have complimentary cross-sectional shapes such that they are
closed by pressing the bottom of the elements together first and
then rolling the elements to a closed position toward the top
thereof (U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,143, Col. 4, line 62 to Col. 5, line
1). The rib element 1316 is hook shaped and projects from the inner
face of strip 1314. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,143, Col. 5, lines 1-3).
The groove element 1317 includes a lower hook-shaped projection
1317a and a relatively straight projection 1317b which extend from
the inner face of strip 1315. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,143, Col. 5,
lines 3-6). The profiled tracks 1318 and 1319 are inclined inwardly
toward each other from their respective strips 1314 and 1315. (U.S.
Pat. No. 5,007,143, Col. 5, lines 6-8).
[0098] The straddling slider 1310 comprises an inverted U-shaped
plastic member having a back 1320 for moving along the top edges of
the tracks 1318 and 1319 with sidewalls 1321 and 1322 depending
therefrom for cooperating with the tracks and extending from an
opening end of the slider to a closing end. (U.S. Pat. No.
5,007,143, Col. 5, lines 26-31). A separator finger 1323 depends
from the back 1320 between the sidewalls 1321 and 1322 and is
inserted between the inclined tracks 1318 and 1319. (U.S. Pat. No.
5,007,143, Col. 5, lines 34-36). The slider 1310 has shoulders
1321a and 1322a projecting inwardly from the depending sidewalls
1321 and 1322 which are shaped throughout the length thereof for
cooperation with the depending separator finger 1323 in creating
the rolling action in opening and closing the reclosable
interlocking rib and groove profile elements 1316 and 1317. (U.S.
Pat. No. 5,007,143, Col. 5, lines 43-49).
[0099] In other embodiments, the fastening strips noted above may
also be used without the slider.
[0100] All references, including publications, patent applications,
and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to
the same extent as if each reference were individually and
specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set
forth in its entirety herein.
[0101] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising,"
"having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as
open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are
merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring
individually to each separate value falling within the range,
unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is
incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not
pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise
claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as
indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of
the invention.
[0102] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying
out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may
become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading
the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for
the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all
modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the
claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover,
any combination of the above-described elements in all possible
variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise
indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
* * * * *