U.S. patent application number 12/107958 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-23 for polymeric package with resealable closure and valve, and methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to Reynolds Foil Inc, d/b/a Reynolds Consumer Products Company, Reynolds Foil Inc, d/b/a Reynolds Consumer Products Company. Invention is credited to Richard Custer, Greg W. Melchoir, Paul Tilman.
Application Number | 20080256901 12/107958 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39870822 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080256901 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Custer; Richard ; et
al. |
October 23, 2008 |
POLYMERIC PACKAGE WITH RESEALABLE CLOSURE AND VALVE, AND
METHODS
Abstract
A reclosable package, formed from at least one polymeric sheet,
having a closure and a vacuum valve. The vacuum valve comprises a
port, the port being aligned with an aperture in the first sidewall
of the package. The vacuum valve allows gas to be removed from
inside the package via a vacuum pump. A gas-impermeable layer,
overlaying at least one of the aperture and the port, restricts
gaseous communication between the vacuum valve and the inside of
the package.
Inventors: |
Custer; Richard; (Appleton,
WI) ; Melchoir; Greg W.; (Green Bay, WI) ;
Tilman; Paul; (Sherwood, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP
2101 L Street, N.W., Suite 1000
Washington
DC
20037
US
|
Assignee: |
Reynolds Foil Inc, d/b/a Reynolds
Consumer Products Company
|
Family ID: |
39870822 |
Appl. No.: |
12/107958 |
Filed: |
April 23, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11382143 |
May 8, 2006 |
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12107958 |
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60729778 |
Oct 24, 2005 |
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60736810 |
Nov 14, 2005 |
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60763063 |
Jan 27, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
53/405 ; 222/96;
383/100; 383/64 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/2038 20130101;
B65D 33/2541 20130101; B65D 33/2591 20130101; B65D 33/2533
20130101; B65D 33/2508 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/405 ; 222/96;
383/64; 383/100 |
International
Class: |
B65B 31/04 20060101
B65B031/04; B65D 81/20 20060101 B65D081/20; B65D 33/01 20060101
B65D033/01; B65D 33/16 20060101 B65D033/16 |
Claims
1. A storage system comprising: at least one polymeric sheet sealed
along a portion of the periphery thereof, thereby defining a
storage bag having a storage space, the storage bag comprising a
bottom edge, a top edge, and at least one side edge; a closure
coupled to the top edge of the storage bag; an aperture in a first
sidewall of the storage bag; a vacuum valve coupled to the first
sidewall of the polymeric sheet, the vacuum valve comprising a
port, the valve aligned with the aperture in the first sidewall,
and the vacuum valve configured to accommodate a vacuum pump for
removal of fluid from the storage space of the storage bag; and, a
gas-impermeable barrier overlaying at least one of the aperture of
the first sidewall and the port of the vacuum valve, the
gas-impermeable barrier restricting fluid communication between the
vacuum valve and the storage space.
2. The storage system of claim 1, the gas-impermeable barrier being
a releasable film releasably coupled to at least one of the storage
bag and the vacuum valve.
3. The storage system of claim 2, the releasable film comprising a
tab, the releasable film configured for movement from a first
position to a second position via the tab, wherein in the first
position the gas-impermeable barrier restricts fluid communication
between the vacuum valve and the storage space, and wherein in the
second position the gas-impermeable barrier does not restrict fluid
communication between the vacuum valve and the storage space.
4. The storage system of claim 3, wherein the vacuum valve
comprises the releasable film, and the tab is located outside an
outer perimeter of the vacuum valve.
5. The storage system of claim 2, the releasable film being located
on an internal surface of the storage bag, overlaying the
aperture.
6. The storage system of claim 2, the releasable film being located
on an external surface of the storage bag, overlaying the
valve.
7. The storage system of claim 6, the releasable film being located
between the aperture of the first sidewall and the port of the
vacuum valve.
8. The storage system of claim 1, the gas-impermeable barrier being
a cap overlaying at least one of the aperture of the first sidewall
and the port of the vacuum valve.
9. The storage system of claim 1, the gas-impermeable barrier being
a one-way breathable membrane.
10. The storage system of claim 1, the gas-impermeable barrier
restricting liquid communication between the vacuum valve and the
storage space of the storage bag.
11. The storage system of claim 1, further comprising: a stand-off
structure positioned within the interior of the storage bag and
coupled to at least one of the first sidewall and a second sidewall
of the storage bag, the stand-off structure comprising a channel
that provides a communication passage for removal of fluid from the
storage bag.
12. The storage system of claim 11, the stand-off being a strip of
film, the strip of film comprising a series of channels on a first
side thereof, the channels facing the vacuum valve assembly, and
the channels providing a communication passage for removal of fluid
from the storage bag.
13. The storage system of claim 1, further comprising: a stand-off
structure positioned within the interior of the storage bag and
coupled to the closure, the stand-off structure comprising a
channel that provides a communication passage for removal of fluid
from the storage bag.
14. The storage system of claim 13, the stand-off being a strip of
film, the strip of film comprising a series of channels on a first
side thereof, the channels facing the vacuum valve assembly, and
the channels providing a communication passage for removal of fluid
from the storage bag.
15. The storage system of claim 1, the closure comprising a pair of
opposed interengaging profile members, the opposed interengaging
profile members capable of repeated engagement and
disengagement.
16. The storage system of claim 15, further comprising: a caulking
composition on a substantial portion of at least one of the
interengaging profile members.
17. The storage system of claim 16, the caulking composition
further comprising a first reactive material and a second reactive
material.
18. The storage system of claim 1, further comprising a vacuum
pump, the vacuum pump configured to mate with the vacuum valve, and
when operated, remove fluid from the storage space of the storage
bag.
19. A method for packaging food items, the method comprising:
receiving a storage bag, the storage bag comprising: at least one
polymeric sheet sealed along at least a portion of the periphery
thereof, thereby defining a storage bag having a storage space, the
storage bag comprising a top edge, a food item opening, and at
least one periphery edge; a closure coupled to the top edge of the
storage bag; an aperture in a first sidewall of the storage bag; a
vacuum valve coupled to the first sidewall of the storage bag, the
vacuum valve comprising at least one port, the valve aligned with
the aperture in the first sidewall, the vacuum valve configured to
accommodate a vacuum pump for removal of fluid from the storage
space of the storage bag; and, a gas-impermeable barrier overlaying
at least one of the aperture of the first sidewall and the port of
the vacuum valve, the gas-impermeable barrier restricting fluid
communication between the vacuum valve and the storage space, the
gas-impermeable barrier capable of being movable from a first
position to a second position, the gas-impermeable barrier
restricting fluid communication between the vacuum valve and the
storage space when in the first position, and allowing fluid
communication between the vacuum valve and the storage space when
in the second position, thereby allowing fluid to be removed from
the storage space of the storage bag via the vacuum valve; placing
a food item in the storage space via the food item opening;
evacuating the storage space; and sealing the food item
opening.
20. The method of claim 19, the gas-impermeable barrier comprising
a releasable film releasably coupled to at least one of the storage
bag and the vacuum valve.
21. The method of claim 20, the resealable film being releasably
coupled to the vacuum valve, the tab located outside an outer
perimeter of the vacuum valve.
22. The method of claim 19, the releasable film located on an
internal surface of the storage bag overlaying the valve.
23. The method of claim 19, the releasable film being located on an
external surface of the storage bag overlaying the aperture.
24. The method of claim 23, the releasable film being located
between the aperture of the first sidewall and the port of the
vacuum valve.
25. The method of claim 18, the gas-impermeable barrier being a cap
overlaying at least one of the aperture of the first sidewall and
the port of the vacuum valve.
26. The method of claim 18, the gas-impermeable barrier being a
one-way breathable membrane.
27. The method of claim 18, the gas-impermeable barrier restricting
fluid communication between the vacuum valve and the storage space
of the storage bag.
28. The method of claim 18, the storage bag further comprising: a
stand-off structure positioned within the interior of the storage
bag and coupled to at least one of the first sidewall and a second
sidewall of the storage bag, the stand-off structure comprising a
channel that provides a communication passage for removal of fluid
from the storage bag.
29. The method of claim 28, the stand-off structure being a strip
of film, the strip of film comprising a series of channels on at
least a first side thereof, the channels facing the vacuum valve
assembly, the channels providing a communication passage for the
removal of fluid from the storage bag.
30. The method of claim 18, the storage bag further comprising: a
stand-off structure positioned within the interior of the storage
bag and coupled to the closure, the stand-off structure comprising
a channel that provides a communication passage for removal of
fluid from the storage bag.
31. The method of claim 30, the stand-off structure being a strip
of film, the strip of film comprising a series of channels on at
least a first side thereof, the channels facing the vacuum valve
assembly, the channels providing a communication passage for the
removal of fluid from the storage bag.
32. The method of claim 18, the closure comprising a pair of
opposed interengaging profile members, the opposed interengaging
profile members capable of repeated engagement and
disengagement.
33. The method of claim 28, the storage bag further comprising a
caulking composition on a substantial portion of at least one of
the interengaging profile members.
34. The storage system of claim 33, the caulking composition
further comprising a first reactive material and a second reactive
material.
35. A method for producing a storage bag, the method comprising:
receiving at least one polymeric sheet; sealing the at least one
polymeric sheet along a portion of the periphery thereof, thereby
defining a storage bag having a storage space, the storage bag
comprising a top edge, a food item opening, and at least one
periphery edge; coupling a closure to the top edge of the storage
bag; coupling a vacuum valve to the first sidewall of the storage
bag, the vacuum valve comprising a port, the vacuum valve aligned
with an aperture in the first sidewall, the vacuum valve configured
to accommodate a vacuum pump for removal of fluid from the storage
space of the storage bag; and, providing a gas-impermeable barrier
which restricts fluid communication between the vacuum valve and
the storage space, the gas-impermeable barrier capable of being
moved from a first position to a second position, wherein in the
first position the gas-impermeable barrier restricts fluid
communication between the vacuum valve and the storage space, and
wherein in the second position the gas-impermeable barrier does not
restrict fluid communication between the vacuum valve and the
storage space, thereby allowing fluid to be removed from the
storage space of the storage bag via the vacuum valve.
36. The method of claim 35, the gas-impermeable barrier overlaying
at least one of the aperture of the first sidewall and the port of
the vacuum valve.
37. The method of claim 35, the aperture formed prior to sealing
the at least one polymeric sheet long a portion of its
periphery.
38. The method of claim 35, the polymeric sheet further comprising
at least one aperture when the polymeric sheet is received.
39. The method of claim 35, the gas-impermeable barrier being a
releasable film releasably coupled to at least one of the storage
bag and the vacuum valve.
40. The method of claim 37, the releasable film releasably coupled
to the vacuum valve, the tab located outside an outer perimeter of
the vacuum valve.
41. The method of claim 36, the releasable film located on an
internal surface of the storage bag overlaying the aperture.
42. The method of claim 36, the releasable film being located on an
external surface of the storage bag overlaying the aperture.
43. The method of claim 42, the releasable film being located
between the aperture of the first sidewall and the port of the
vacuum valve.
44. The method of claim 35, the gas-impermeable barrier comprising
a cap overlaying at least one of the aperture of the first sidewall
and the port of the vacuum valve.
45. The method of claim 35, the gas-impermeable barrier comprising
a one-way breathable membrane.
46. The method of claim 35, the gas-impermeable barrier restricting
liquid communication between the vacuum valve and the storage space
of the storage bag.
47. The method of claim 35, the storage bag further comprising: a
stand-off structure positioned within the interior of the storage
bag and coupled to at least one of the first sidewall and a second
sidewall of the storage bag, the stand-off structure comprising a
channel that provides a communication passage for removal of fluid
from the storage bag.
48. The method of claim 49, the stand-off structure being a strip
of film, the strip of film comprising a series of channels on a
first side thereof, the channels facing the vacuum valve assembly,
the channels providing a communication passage for the removal of
fluid from the storage bag.
49. The storage system of claim 35, further comprising: a stand-off
structure positioned within the interior of the storage bag and
coupled to the closure, the stand-off structure comprising a
channel that provides a communication passage for removal of fluid
from the storage bag.
50. The storage system of claim 49, the stand-off being a strip of
film, the strip of film comprising a series of channels on a first
side thereof, the channels facing the vacuum valve assembly, and
the channels providing a communication passage for removal of fluid
from the storage bag.
51. The method of claim 35, the closure comprising a pair of
opposed interengaging profile members, the opposed interengaging
profile members capable of repeated engagement and
disengagement.
52. The method of claim 51, the storage bag further comprising a
caulking composition on a substantial portion of at least one of
the interengaging profile members.
53. The storage system of claim 52, the caulking composition
further comprising a first reactive material and a second reactive
material.
Description
[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part of and claims
priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/382,143, filed
May 8, 2006, entitled "Polymeric Package with Resealable Closure
and Valve, and Methods" which claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/729,778, filed on Oct. 24,
2005; U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/736,810, filed on
Nov. 14, 2005; and, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.
60/763,063, filed on Jan. 27, 2006, each of which is incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety.
[0002] This application includes material which is subject to
copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the
facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it
appears in the Patent and Trademark Office files or records, but
otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
FIELD
[0003] The instant disclosure relates to the field of evacuable
storage devices, and in particular to polymeric packages that
include a resealable closure arrangement and a valve, and methods
of vacuum storage utilizing the same.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Flexible polymeric packages can hold a variety of products,
including, without limitation, edible food products such as cheese,
meat, crackers, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, flour, salt, and
baking soda; non-food products such as laundry detergent, sand, and
medical supplies; and other products. Such packages may be
resealable, thereby allowing an individual package to be opened and
closed multiple times.
SUMMARY
[0005] The instant disclosure is directed to a polymeric package
with resealable closure and valve, and methods related thereto.
[0006] Features and advantages of the invention will be set forth
in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from
this disclosure, or may be learned by practice of the invention.
The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be
realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in
this written description, including any claims contained herein and
the appended drawings.
[0007] Some embodiments comprise a storage system comprising: at
least one polymeric sheet sealed along a portion of its periphery,
thereby defining a storage bag having a storage space, wherein the
storage bag comprises a bottom edge, a top edge, and at least one
side edge; a closure on the top edge of the storage bag; an
aperture in a first sidewall of the storage bag between the closure
and the bottom edge; a vacuum valve coupled to the first sidewall
of the polymeric sheet, wherein the vacuum valve comprises a port,
wherein the port is aligned with the aperture in the first
sidewall, and wherein the vacuum valve is configured to accommodate
a vacuum pump for removal of gas from the storage space of the
storage bag; and a gas-impermeable barrier overlaying at least one
of the aperture of the first sidewall and the port of the vacuum
valve, wherein the gas-impermeable barrier restricts gaseous
communication between the vacuum valve and the storage space.
[0008] In some embodiments, the gas-impermeable barrier is a
releasable film releasably coupled to at least one of the storage
bag and the vacuum valve.
[0009] In some embodiments, the releasable film comprises a tab,
wherein the releasable film is configured for movement from a first
position to a second position via the tab, wherein in the first
position the gas-impermeable barrier restricts gaseous
communication between the vacuum valve and the storage space, and
wherein in the second position the gas-impermeable barrier does not
restrict gaseous communication between the vacuum valve and the
storage space.
[0010] In some embodiments, the vacuum valve comprises the
releasable film, and wherein the tab is located outside an outer
perimeter of the vacuum valve.
[0011] In some embodiments, the releasable film is located on an
internal surface of the storage bag, overlaying the aperture.
[0012] In some embodiments, the releasable film is located on an
external surface of the storage bag, overlaying the aperture.
[0013] In some embodiments, the releasable film is located between
the aperture of the first sidewall and the port of the vacuum
valve.
[0014] In some embodiments, the gas-impermeable barrier is a cap
overlaying at least one of the aperture of the first sidewall and
the port of the vacuum valve.
[0015] In some embodiments, the gas-impermeable barrier is a
one-way breathable membrane.
[0016] In some embodiments, the gas-impermeable barrier restricts
liquid communication between the vacuum valve and the storage space
of the storage bag.
[0017] In some embodiments, the storage system further comprises a
stand-off structure positioned within the interior of the storage
bag and coupled to at least one of the first sidewall and a second
sidewall of the storage bag, wherein the stand-off structure
comprises a channel that provides a communication passage for
removal of gas from the storage bag.
[0018] In some embodiments, the stand-off is a strip of film,
wherein the strip of film comprises a series of channels on a first
side thereof, and wherein channels face the vacuum valve assembly,
wherein the channels provide a communication passage for removal of
gas from the storage bag.
[0019] In some embodiments, the closure comprises a pair of opposed
interengaging profile members, wherein the opposed interengaging
profile members are capable of repeated engagement and
disengagement.
[0020] In some embodiments, the storage system further comprises a
grease composition on a substantial portion of at least one of the
interengaging profile members.
[0021] Some embodiments provide a method for storing food items,
the method comprising: receiving a storage bag comprising a food
item within a storage space of the storage bag, wherein the storage
bag comprises: at least one polymeric sheet sealed along a portion
of its periphery, thereby defining a storage bag having a storage
space, wherein the storage bag comprises a bottom edge, a top edge,
and at least one side edge; a closure on the top edge of the
storage bag; an aperture in a first sidewall of the storage bag
between the closure and the bottom edge; a vacuum valve coupled to
the first sidewall of the polymeric sheet, wherein the vacuum valve
comprises a port, wherein the port is aligned with the aperture in
the first sidewall, and wherein the vacuum valve is configured to
accommodate a vacuum pump for removal of gas from the storage space
of the storage bag; and, a gas-impermeable barrier overlaying at
least one of the aperture of the first sidewall and the port of the
vacuum valve, wherein the gas-impermeable barrier restricts gaseous
communication between the vacuum valve and the storage space;
opening the storage bag via the closure; removing at least some of
the food item from the storage bag; reclosing the storage bag via
the closure; moving the gas-impermeable barrier from a first
position to a second position, wherein in the first position the
gas-impermeable barrier restricts gaseous communication between the
vacuum valve and the storage space, and wherein in the second
position the gas-impermeable barrier does not restrict gaseous
communication between the vacuum valve and the storage space; and
removing gas from the storage space of the storage bag via the
vacuum valve.
[0022] In some embodiments, the moving occurs after the receiving
the storage bag step, but before the removing gas from the storage
bag step.
[0023] In some embodiments, the moving occurs after the opening the
storage bag step.
[0024] In some embodiments, the moving occurs after the removing at
least some of the food items step.
[0025] In some embodiments, the moving occurs after the reclosing
the storage bag step.
[0026] In some embodiments, removing the gas comprises using a
vacuum pump in combination with the vacuum valve.
[0027] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of
the disclosed polymeric package with resealable closure and valve,
and methods.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the disclosed polymeric package with
resealable closure and valve, and methods and are incorporated in
and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various
embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain
the principles of at least one embodiment of the disclosed
polymeric package with resealable closure and valve, and
methods.
[0029] In the drawings:
[0030] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a front view of a storage
device according to an embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a
resealable closure device including a compound suitable for at
least incidental contact to food items within the storage device
according to an embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a
resealable closure device including a compound suitable for at
least incidental contact to food items within the storage device
according to an embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a
resealable closure device including a compound suitable for at
least incidental contact to food items within the storage device
according to an embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a
resealable closure device including a compound suitable for at
least incidental contact to food items within the storage device
according to an embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a
resealable closure device including a compound suitable for at
least incidental contact to food items within the storage device
according to an embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of a
resealable closure according to an embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a
storage device having a clamping member to provide a resealable
closure according to an embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an exploded perspective
view of a valve assembly according to an embodiment.
[0039] FIGS. 10a-10c are diagrams illustrating stand-off structures
according to various embodiments.
[0040] FIGS. 11a-11c are diagrams illustrating perspective views of
stand-off structures according to various embodiments.
[0041] FIGS. 12a-12b are diagrams illustrating cross-sectional
views of stand-off structures according to various embodiments.
[0042] FIGS. 13a-13d are diagrams illustrating perspective views of
storage devices according to various embodiments.
[0043] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a
storage device in a folded arrangement according to an
embodiment.
[0044] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view
taken along section line 15-15 of the storage device of FIG.
14.
[0045] FIGS. 16a-b are diagrams illustrating views of a closing
clip according to an embodiment.
[0046] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a side view of an end stop
according to an embodiment.
[0047] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a front view of an
engagement end comprising a receptacle according to an
embodiment.
[0048] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a side view of the
engagement end of FIG. 18.
[0049] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a
closure system according to an embodiment.
[0050] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a
polymeric package according to an embodiment.
[0051] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view
taken along line 23-23 of the polymeric package of FIG. 21.
[0052] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a
storage device according to an embodiment.
[0053] FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a
storage device according to an embodiment.
[0054] FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a
storage device according to an embodiment.
[0055] FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view
taken along line 27-27 of the storage device of FIG. 23.
[0056] FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a
storage device according to an embodiment.
[0057] FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view
taken along line 29-29 of the storage device of FIG. 27.
[0058] FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a
storage device according to an embodiment.
[0059] FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view
taken along line 31-31 of the storage device of FIG. 29.
[0060] FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a
polymeric package according to an embodiment.
[0061] FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view
taken along line 33-33 of the polymeric package of FIG. 31.
[0062] FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a
polymeric package according to an embodiment.
[0063] FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view
taken along line 35-35 of the polymeric package of FIG. 33.
[0064] FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a
polymeric package according to an embodiment.
[0065] FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view
taken along line 37-37 of the polymeric package of FIG. 35.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0066] In the accompanying drawings, like and/or corresponding
elements are referred to by like reference numbers. In some
embodiments, a vacuum system is provided comprising a portable
vacuum pump and an evacuable package in communication through a
vacuum conduit. The evacuable package may optionally include a
stand-off structure, one or more secondary closures, and/or a
resealable closure having a caulking composition disposed thereon.
In some embodiments, the resealable closure comprises interlocking
profiles on which the caulking compound is disposed to provide a
gas permeation resistant seal. The vacuum conduit facilitates fluid
communication between the portable pump and the storage portion of
the evacuable bag, wherein the vacuum conduit comprises at least a
valve assembly and optionally a stand-off structure. As used
herein, the term fluid is intended to comprise liquids, gases, and
solids in solution or carried therein. In some embodiments, the
stand-off structure allows trapped air to be substantially
eliminated from the storage area of the evacuable package. Each of
the aspects of the interlocking profiles, the caulking composition,
the vacuum valve assembly, the stand-off structure, and the vacuum
pump are now discussed in greater detail.
[0067] Flexible, sealable storage devices, such as consumer storage
bags, are commonly used to store items such as, but not limited to,
food. These devices typically have a bag body made from a thin,
flexible plastic material and include a resealable closure. While
inexpensive and easy to use, these devices typically trap a
quantity of air with the item being stored within. When storing
food within a storage bag, the trapped air can react with the food,
causing it to spoil. When storage bags containing food are placed
in a below freezing environment, such as a freezer, "freezer burn"
may also damage the food items. Freezer burn occurs when moisture
is drawn from the food item and forms ice, typically on the food
item. Freezer burn is reduced when entrapped air is substantially
eliminated from the storage device with concomitant contouring of
the bag wall of the storage device around the food item.
Consequently, less moisture will be drawn out of the food item. To
this end it is known to evacuate a flexible storage device prior to
sealing it. However, such systems heretofore did not include a
resealable opening in the storage device.
[0068] Prior systems that evacuate flexible storage bags typically
include a large device having a vacuum unit and a heat sealer
structured to bond sheets of plastic together. The user typically
cuts a length of plastic and uses the heat sealer to form the
plastic into a bag with an opening. After an item has been placed
in the bag, the vacuum unit removes substantially all of the air
from the bag and the bag is permanently sealed via the heat sealer.
Due to the requisite electromechanical parts and electric current
necessary to operate the heat sealer, the systems in the prior art
are typically large and bulky, rendering them essentially
non-portable. Furthermore, due to the mechanics involved in users
making the requisite bags, the act of forming a bag is time
consuming. There is also significant waste generated in forming the
bags, and the fact that the bags are entirely heat sealed means
that they are not reusable.
[0069] The instant application is directed to a vacuum storage
system comprising a portable vacuum device and a resealable,
evacuable, storage device. Resealable closure systems are known in
the art and may include, but are not limited to, interlocking
profiles used in plastic bags. However, in a typical resealable
closure, engagement of the sealing structures is rarely perfect,
leaving gaps in the profile seal. Moreover, during manufacture of
reclosable devices, seals at the ends of the reclosable device
frequently distort the engaging portions of the closure that can
also provide an unsealed region in the closure. Consequently when a
bag utilizing a resealable closure is subjected to a pressure
differential, for example, when it is evacuated or when there is a
partial pressure differential of a particular gas between the
inside and outside of the bag, gas can leak through the closure.
Thus, air may penetrate into a sealed bag, or water vapor may leak
from a sealed bag.
[0070] The instant disclosure is directed to a flexible, resealable
storage device, wherein the sealing structure resists fluid
permeability under a pressure differential across the sealing
device. Moreover, the instant disclosure is directed to a pre-made,
inexpensive, flexible, reusable storage device having a valve
structured to operate with a portable vacuum pump. In some
embodiments, the storage device may comprise a resealable closure
that provides for reduction in entrapped air, a flexible bag wall
to maintain item conformance, and an air-tight seal providing
reduced permeability to oxygen, or other atmospheric gases,
bacteria, molds, and/or other sources of contamination. The instant
disclosure is further directed to a portable vacuum pump for
evacuating the storage device, thereby reducing freezer burn and
food spoiling, while being convenient to the user.
[0071] Referring to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the flexible,
resealable storage device 10 comprises a flexible material 12
shaped as an evacuable package 14 (also referred to as "evacuable
bag" and "polymeric package"). The flexible material 12 may
comprise a plastic sheet 16, such as, but not limited to,
polyolefin. The sheet 16 may be any shape, but in the illustrated
embodiment it is rectangular. In some embodiments, the sheet 16 is
folded over upon itself and two lateral sides 15 are sealed
adjacent to the periphery to provide an opening 18 to storage space
22 via a heat seal. Additional sealing methods may include, but are
not limited to, electrical sealing, ultrasonic welding, or the
like.
[0072] In some embodiments, evacuable package 14 may be a
multilayer bag comprising an inner sealant layer and a
barrier/strength layer. The inner sealant layer may comprise LDPE
(low density polyethylene), LLDPE (linear low density
polyethylene), or other such food safe, relatively gas impermeable
materials. The barrier/strength layer may comprise Nylon, PP
(polypropylene), PET (Polyester), or other such materials. As used
herein the term "low density" in conjunction with polyethylene
denotes a material having a density of no greater than 0.925
g/cm.sup.3, as defined by ASTM standard D-15005-03, wherein the
density may be adjusted with the addition of ethylene vinyl acetate
(EVA). It will be appreciated that there are numerous interlocking
profile geometries known which can be employed in the embodiments
disclosed herein.
[0073] In some embodiments, evacuable bag 14 has an opening 18 to
the storage space 22, the bag opening 18 comprising a resealable
closure 20. The resealable closure 20 may include a set of
interlocking profiles. In some embodiments, the set of interlocking
profiles 21 may include resilient, selectively engaging male and
female profiles 21 (also referred to herein as male and female
heads respectively), e.g., a tongue-and-groove closure, structured
to seal the opening 18.
[0074] With reference to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the
selectively engaging profiles of closure 21 (also referred to
herein as interengaging profiles) are positioned along two opposing
flexible panels (also referred to herein as "flanges") including a
first panel 50 and a second panel 52. As shown in FIG. 2, the two
flexible panels 50, 52 may include one or more raised surfaces 68,
69 on the inside surface of the panels disposed outside the
resealable closure. The first flange 50 may include a male profile
having at least one protrusion 54 that extends laterally across the
bag 14. The second flange 52 may include a female groove 60 defined
by at least two protrusions (56, 58). Still referring to FIG. 2, in
some embodiments there may be multiple protrusions 62, 64,
extending from the first and second flanges 50, 52 and forming
multiple corresponding male profiles and female grooves. The
protrusions are generally formed from a polyolefin material with a
density of not less than approximately 0.925 g/cm.sup.3, such as,
but not limited to, those materials described as High Melt Index
polyolefin (HMI). More specifically, the protrusions 54, 56, 58,
62, 64 may comprise HMI Polyethylene materials and Ethylene Vinyl
Acetate (EVA) Copolymers, including those having a vinyl acetate
content of from about 4 weight percent to about 12 weight percent.
In addition, portions of the interengaging profiles and/or
surrounding closure structures may include one or more features
comprising low melt index or Ultra Low Density (ULD) Polyolefins.
As used herein, the term "Ultra Low Density" denotes a density no
greater than approximately 0.925 g/cm.sup.3. As will be appreciated
by those of ordinary skill in the art, the density may be adjusted
with the addition of EVA. In some embodiments, at least one
protrusion may include a bead 66 of polyolefin material with a
density of not more than approximately 0.925 g/cm.sup.3.
[0075] In some embodiments a bead 66 of softer material may be
disposed at the tip of at least one protrusion, the bead 66
structured to engage the opposing side 50, 52. The bead 66 of
softer material is also hereafter referred to as a bead of sealing
material 66.
[0076] In some embodiments, the bead of sealing material 66 may
have a lower density than the protrusions 54, 56, 58, 62, 64.
During the engagement of closure 21, the lower density, and hence
more compliant, bead of sealing material 66 conforms to the
geometry of the higher density and more rigid material comprising
the portion of the closure against which the head of the profile
abuts upon engagement. The softer material abuts the closure with
increased conformance to the abutting surface, advantageously
providing a more effective seal against fluid exchange between the
interior of the package and the ambient. The seal may reduce or
eliminate the intrusion of gas and the external atmosphere into the
evacuable bag 14. Regardless of the above-described embodiments,
the resealable closure 21 and its associated interlocking
structures can comprise resilient materials of varying densities
and melt indexes.
[0077] In some embodiments, the protrusions forming the male
profile may also be referred as a profile having a male head. The
protrusions defining the female profile (also referred to as a
groove) may also be referred to as profile having a fillet
positioned to provide a groove. The resealable closure structure 20
may further comprise a closing clip structured to ensure the
complete engagement of the closure profiles. The closure clip
functions to more positively engage the interengaging profiles as
the clip is moved in a first direction, but does not affect the
engagement of the profiles when moved in the opposite
direction.
[0078] Regardless of the specific details of construction or
interaction of the profiles of resealable closure 21, the
interengaging portions of the resealable closure of the disclosed
embodiments may further comprise a caulking composition 99. By way
of example, without limitation, the caulking composition may be
positioned on at least one protrusion 54 on the first flange 50
and/or at least one protrusion 56, 58 on the second flange 52 of
the closure 21, wherein the caulking composition 99 assists in
creating an airtight seal to the storage space 22. During
engagement of the first and second flange protrusions 54, 56, 58,
62, 64 of the male and female profiles, a portion of the caulking
composition 99 is displaced into the groove 60 to ensure an
air-tight seal of the male and female profile. Caulking composition
99 is positioned to infiltrate the void space defined between the
engaged interlocking profiles of closure 21.
[0079] In some embodiments, the sealing compound may be introduced
onto one or more members of the interengaging profiles of
resealable closure 20 or onto a surface of the closure proximal to
the interengaging profiles, by methods such as deposition or
injection, whereby it is distributed during the interlocking
process within the inherent gaps left between the interengaging
profiles after interlocking. Alternately, prior to sealing the
closure, the sealing compound can be placed proximal to known areas
in which the sealing profile is prone to exhibit gapping, such as,
but not limited to, the ends of the male and female profiles 21 at
the bag's periphery. In some embodiments, portions of the male and
female profiles at the bag periphery may be engaged by crush seal.
The voids caused by the crush seal engagement at the male and
female profile may be filled with caulking composition, thereby
substantially reducing the incidence of leakage.
[0080] In some embodiments, the caulking composition 99 may
comprise any material that provides a selectively reversible air
tight seal between interengaging members of the resealable closure
21, in which the caulking composition 99 is suitable for at least
incidental contact to food items. In some embodiments, the caulking
composition maintains its chemical structure throughout the
operable temperature range of storage device 10, such as, but not
limited to, sub-freezing through room temperature. The term
"suitable" for at least incidental contact denotes compounds that
are eligible for compliance with or equivalent to being in
compliance with the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (Title 21 of
the Code of Federal Regulations) standards for being Generally
Recognized As Safe ("GRAS"). The term "at least incidental contact"
includes at least the unanticipated contact of food items passing
through the opening in proximity to the closure strip. In some
embodiments the caulking composition may more directly contact the
food, so long as the interaction between the food items and the
caulking composition is in accordance with the regulations of the
Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act.
[0081] In some embodiments, suitable caulking compositions may
include those compositions consistent with the classification of
materials for "lubricants with incidental food contact" according
to Title 21 of the United States Code of Federal Regulations
.sctn.178.3570 (revised as of Apr. 1, 2003), so long as the
materials are consistent with the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic
Act and have an operable temperature range suitable for food
storage and packaging. In some embodiments, the operable
temperature range of the storage device is defined as the
temperature range that the storage bag is typically subjected to in
shipping, packaging and food storage applications, for example,
e.g., food storage applications ranging from approximately
-10.degree. F. to approximately 160.degree. F. Suitable caulking
compositions include, but are not limited to dimethylpolysiloxane;
soy-based oils such as those distributed by Cargill Corp.;
soy-based adhesives such as Pro-cota.TM. soy polymers, distributed
by Dupont; or the like.
[0082] In some embodiments, in order to provide an air tight seal,
the caulking composition 99 should be selected from those caulking
compositions having a work penetration between approximately 290
and 340, in which the work penetration is measured at 60 strokes
and 77.degree. F. in accordance with the National Lubricating
Grease Institute (NLGI) system for rating greases by penetration
and ASTM D217-97 titled "Standard Test Methods for Cone Penetration
of Lubricating Grease" (1997). Caulking compositions having a work
penetration within this range are classified as a having a NLGI
consistency number equal to approximately 2. Although caulking
compositions 99 having an NLGI consistency number equal to
approximately 2 may be advantageous, because the caulking
composition 99 may be applied to the interengaging profiles of
closure 21 using conventional injection methods and the caulking
composition 99 is generally contained within the closure 21 when
exposed to temperatures consistent with food storage container
applications, caulking compositions having a lower or higher NLGI
consistency number may be utilized.
[0083] By way of example, without limitation, a caulking
composition 99 that meets the above requirements is silicone
grease. Silicone grease is an amorphous, fumed silica thickened,
polysiloxane-based compound. Silicone grease is formed by combining
liquid silicone with an inert silica filler. Inert silica fillers
include, but are not limited to fumed silica. Fumed silica has a
chain-like particle morphology and when incorporated into liquid
silicone forms three dimensional networks that trap the liquid and
effectively increases the liquid's viscosity. One non-limiting
example of liquid silicone that may be utilized in forming silicone
grease having suitable work penetration properties is
polydimethylsiloxane having a specific gravity on the order of
about 0.973 and a viscosity greater than about 300 centistokes,
preferably on the order of about 350 centistokes.
[0084] Silicone grease may provide desired work penetration values
and temperature range to produce an adequately air tight seal
between the interengaged profiles of closure 21 by selecting the
proper proportions of inert silica filler to liquid silicone. The
proportion of inert silica filler to liquid silicone is generally
selected to ensure that separation of liquid from solid in the
silicone grease is substantially eliminated throughout the operable
temperature range of the bag as applied to food container storage,
while yielding a silicone grease viscosity that would not inhibit
the application of the silicone grease onto the closure 21. In some
embodiments, the proportion of inert silica filler to liquid
silicone is less than approximately 30% by weight. In some
embodiments, the proportion of inert silica filler to liquid
silicone is approximately 6% by weight.
[0085] In some embodiments, caulking composition 99 may comprise
Clearco Silicone Grease (food grade) provided by Clearco Products
Co., Inc., of Bensalem, Pa. Clearco Silicone Grease (food grade)
has a work penetration value of about 290 to about 340, in which
the work penetration is measured at 60 strokes and a temperature of
77.degree. F. Clearco.TM. Silicone Grease (food grade) comprises
94% dimethylpolysiloxane and 6% fumed silica by percentage weight
and has a specific gravity of approximately 1.1. Clearco.TM.
Silicone Grease may be utilized at temperatures ranging from
approximately -40.degree. F. to approximately 400.degree. F.
without chemical decomposition and is therefore well suited for
food storage applications. In some embodiments, caulking
composition 99 may be positioned along at least one of the male and
female profiles of closure 21, whereby incidental contact to food
being inserted into the storage space of the storage device
typically results in less than 5.0 ppb of caulking composition 99
being incorporated into the food item being stored.
[0086] In some embodiments, caulking composition 99 may comprise a
soy adhesive suitable for incidental food contact and has an
operable temperature range suitable for food packaging and storage.
One example of a suitable soy adhesive is Pro-cote.TM. soy polymer,
which is available from DuPont Co. of Wilmington, Del. In general,
soy adhesive is prepared by extracting and refining soy oil from
dehulled, flaked soybeans. The extracted material contains isolated
soy protein in its native or globular form; and soluble, low
molecular weight sugars. The extract is then processed in a
controlled pH environment at tightly controlled temperatures to
uncoil globular native soy protein into smaller units, and
fractionating the material into uniform polymer fractions. The
isolated protein molecule fractions are highly reactive and are
chemically treated to modify the protein chain to provide desired
adhesive properties. Unmodified soy-based oils may also be employed
as caulking composition 99, such as, but not limited to the soy
products available from Cargill.TM. Industrial Oils &
Lubricants.
[0087] In some embodiments, caulking composition 99 may comprise
reactive materials. Reactive materials may be coated as separate
reactants onto separate interengaging portions of the closure that
are admixed upon engagement of the interengaging portions of the
closure. Accordingly, when the closure parts are engaged the
admixed reactants are combined, reacting and forming in-situ a
caulking composition that infiltrates any voids present between the
engaged interengaging portions of the closure. By way of
non-limiting example, such a system can comprise a free-flowing
reactive polymer liquid and a liquid cross-linking agent, each
coated on separate portions of the closure. When the closure is
engaged, the separate portions contact, admixing the polymer and
cross-linking agent, providing a viscous, cross-linked polymer
caulking compound. Others examples include the provision of a
free-flowing liquid and a gelling agent on separate portions of the
closure to form a viscous caulking agent upon admixture, and the
provision of a two-part adhesive material which react to form a
pressure sensitive adhesive upon admixture.
[0088] In some embodiments, as illustrated by FIG. 3, the
resealable closure structure comprises at least two sets of opposed
interlocking profiles 150 respectively having interengaging
profiles 24, 28 and 23, 26 selectively engaged in sealing the
opening 18 to the storage space 22. Each pair of interengaging
profiles comprise a geometry having a symmetrical head (32, 36)
extending from a stem (30, 34). Each asymmetrical head is
preferably offset on the stem to complimentarily fit into the void
space defined by stem 34, post 38 and asymmetrical head 36. The
term "asymmetrical head" denotes that the centerline of the head
portion of the profile is substantially offset from the centerline
of the stem portion of the profile to which it is affixed.
[0089] The void space defined by stem 34, post 38 and asymmetrical
head 36 comprises a groove configured to selectively engage the
asymmetrical head 32 of the corresponding interengaging profile 23,
24. Stem 34, post 38 and asymmetrical head 36 are spaced to
selectively engage corresponding interengaging profiles 23, 24. The
spacing between the post 38 and stem 34, and between post 38 and
asymmetrical head 36 is sufficiently narrow to bias asymmetrical
head 32 toward asymmetrical head 36 when profiles 23, 24, 26, and
28 are engaged. The biased positioning of the asymmetrical head 36
in combination with the spacing of post 38 to correspond to the
width of asymmetrical heads 23, 24 defines a grove that reversibly
interlocks asymmetrical head 23, 24 into the groove when the
profiles are engaged.
[0090] In some embodiments, the resealable closure further
comprises a caulking composition 99 positioned on at least one of
the asymmetrical heads, whereas in some alternative embodiments,
caulking composition 99 may be positioned between the asymmetrical
heads. The caulking composition 99 may be deposited or injected
onto the profiles 23, 24, 26, and/or 28, thereby insuring that an
air tight seal is obtained when the profiles are interengaged under
varying temperature and pressure conditions. The caulking
composition 99 may be positioned along the entire length of the
opposed interlocking profiles 150 or only a portion of the opposed
interlocking profiles 150, such as the end portions of the opposed
interlocking profiles 150 at the bag's periphery.
[0091] In some embodiments, as illustrated by FIG. 4 (in which
certain reference numbers have been omitted for clarity), the
resealable closure 20 can include a bead of caulking composition
100 in the gap between two parallel sets of opposed interlocking
profiles 150. During closure, as each set of opposed interlocking
profiles 150 are interengaged, the bead of caulking composition 100
contacts the ends of each set of opposed interlocking profiles 150,
filling the void separating the parallel sets of opposed
interlocking profiles 150, thereby increasing the integrity of the
seal. In some embodiments, the resealable closure structure 20
includes a bead of caulking composition 100 in the gap between two
parallel sets of opposed interlocking profiles 150 and additional
caulking composition 99 between at least one set of interengaging
profiles (23, 26) and (24, 28).
[0092] In some embodiments, as illustrated by FIG. 5, the
resealable closure 20 can further comprise a bead of sealant
material 45 in the gap between two parallel sets of opposed
interlocking profiles 150. The sealant material 45 may comprise a
composition of high EVA and HMI polymers selected to provide a
high-conformance region in the closure, as previously described. In
some embodiments, a bead of sealant material 53, 55 may be applied
to the distal tip of each male profile 23, 24. By way of example,
without limitation, suitable sealant materials may comprise
compositions of polymers as described above, ultra-low density
(ULD) polymers (as defined above) with EVA additives at a 2% or
higher loading, or the like. Beads of sealant material 45, 53, 55
increase the integrity of the seal formed when the resealable
closure structure 20 is engaged. In some embodiments, as
illustrated by FIG. 6, a bead of sealing material 45 may also be
positioned on both sides of a single set of opposed interlocking
profiles 150. In some embodiments, a bead of caulking composition
may be employed between parallel sets of opposed interlocking
profiles and/or the caulking composition may be employed between at
least one set of interengaging profiles (23, 26) and/or (24,
28).
[0093] In some embodiments, as illustrated by FIG. 7, the
resealable closure 20 may be provided by resealable closure strips
having independent and substantially symmetric profiles 60, 62, 64,
66. Accordingly, the heads (described below) are not offset
relative to the stems. That is, each symmetric element 60, 62, 64,
66 includes a head 70 and a stem 72. The head 70 is disposed
generally symmetrically on the stem 72. The symmetric profiles 60,
62, 64, 66 are disposed with two elements of each panel 12, 14 and
are spaced and configured so that the gap between adjacent elements
defines a void region which has a shape corresponding to the shape
of the symmetric profiles 60, 62, 64, 66. Some embodiments may
further comprise outer elements 80, 82. The outer elements 80, 82
are offset toward the symmetric profiles 60, 62, 64, 66 and bias
the symmetric profiles 60, 62, 64, 66 into each other. The outer
elements 80, 82 are sized and shaped to correspond to the outer
most two symmetric profiles 60, 66. In some embodiments, a bead of
caulking composition may be employed between one or more of the
symmetric profiles 60, 62, 64, 66. In some embodiments, the
profiles may further comprise a region of sealing material, as
described above, for example, by coextrusion of the sealing
material with the base material comprising the profile.
[0094] In some embodiments, multiple sets of opposing interlocking
profiles may be employed incorporating independent and
substantially symmetric profiles, wherein a bead of caulking
composition may be positioned between two sets of opposing
interlocking profiles. It is noted that the disclosed embodiments
are not limited to profile geometries disclosed above, as any
profile geometry capable of providing an air-tight seal in a
storage device may be utilized without departing from the spirit
and scope of the instant disclosure.
[0095] In some embodiments, as illustrated by FIG. 8, the
resealable closure 20 comprises an opening and a clamping means.
The clamping means may comprise a clip 170 that is separate from
the evacuable bag 14, in which the clip 170 seals the opening 18 of
the bag 14 in clamp seal engagement. In some embodiments the
clamping means may further comprise a mandrel 171, wherein the
opening 18 of the evacuable bag 14 is rolled around the mandrel 171
and the clip 170 compresses the portion of the evacuable bag 14
rolled about the mandrel in clamp seal engagement.
[0096] Referring back to FIG. 1, the storage device 10 may further
comprise a vacuum conduit having one end in fluid communication
with the interior of the storage space 22 and a vacuum valve
assembly 30. The vacuum valve assembly 30 is in fluid communication
with the storage space 22 and defines a sealable passage through
which liquids and/or gases may be evacuated.
[0097] In some embodiments, as illustrated by FIG. 9, the vacuum
valve assembly 30 comprises a base 31 having a flat surface 33 with
at least one opening 37 therethrough, a resilient valve element 35,
and an alignment device 39. The base 31 is sealingly engaged to the
evacuable bag 14. The valve element 35 is generally flat and
disposed adjacent to the flat surface 33. The valve element 35 is
structured to move between a first position, wherein the opening 37
is open, and a second position, wherein the opening 37 is sealed.
The alignment device 39 is coupled to the base 31 and is structured
to bias the valve element 35 to the second position, against the
flat surface 33. In some embodiments the base 31 has a defined
shape, such as, but not limited to a concave disk and the outer
surface 41 of the base 31 is a flat torus.
[0098] In some embodiments, the vacuum valve assembly may be
consistent with the valves disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,244,223,
entitled "Food Bag Release Valve", filed Sep. 29, 2005; U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/100,301, entitled "Evacuatable Container",
filed Apr. 6, 2005; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/100,014,
entitled "Evacuatable Container", filed Apr. 6, 2005; and, U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/758,705, entitled "Food Bag Release
Valve", filed Jun. 6, 2007, all of which are incorporated by
reference herein in their entirety. In some embodiments, the
sealing nature of the valve element 35 may be enhanced by
incorporating a sealing material and/or a caulking composition into
the sealing members of the valve assembly. In some embodiments, the
vacuum valve assembly 30 may further include at least one rib
extending from the interior side of the valve assembly base 31,
thereby preventing the valve assembly from becoming obstructed
during application of vacuum.
[0099] In some embodiments, as illustrated by FIGS. 1, 10a-10c,
11a-11d, and 15, the storage device 10 may further comprise a
stand-off structure 70. The stand-off structure 70 provides a
communicating passage for the removal of liquids and gases while
preventing the valve assembly from becoming obstructed during
application of vacuum. In some embodiments, stand-off structure 70
comprises a strip 71 of film having a pattern of channels 72
embossed, or cut, therein. The channels 72 are designed not to
collapse when the bag 14 is placed under a vacuum. By way of
example, without limitation, channels 72 may be provided in one or
more shapes, such as, but not limited to a honeycomb pattern (FIG.
10a), a grid or partial grid (FIG. 10b), a series of parallel
grooves (FIG. 10c), a series of polyhedron structures 100 (FIG.
11a), a series of curvilinear columns 120 (FIG. 11b), a series of
triangular columns (FIG. 11c), or the like. In some embodiments, as
illustrated by FIG. 15, the cavity face 85 of the stand-off
structure 70 faces the valve assembly 30 and the protrusion face 86
of the stand-off structure 70 faces the storage space 22.
[0100] Regardless of the geometry selected for providing the
channels, the stand-off structure 70 produces a passage for the
removal of liquids and gases by providing a cross-section with a
series of raised surfaces and recessed surfaces. In some
embodiments, the standoff structure is integral with a fluid
conduit providing fluid communication between the interior of the
storage device and a vacuum system by which the storage device is
evacuated, and which comprises a vacuum valve, the standoff
structure, optionally a quick-connect device, optionally a
liquid/vapor separator and the suction side of a vacuum pump. In
some embodiments, as illustrated by FIG. 12a, channels 72 are
provided in the area defined between the raised surfaces 74 and
recessed surfaces 75 of the stand-off structure's 70 cross-section.
The stand-off structure 70 may comprise a series of channels 72 on
one side of the standoff structure 70, as depicted in FIG. 12a, or
on both sides of the stand-off structure 70, as depicted in FIG.
12b. In some embodiments, as illustrated by FIG. 1I c, the cavity
face 85 of the stand-off structure 70 comprises channels 72 and the
protrusion side 86 comprises a series of communicating passages
produced by a plurality of polyhedron structures 100.
[0101] In some embodiments, as illustrated by FIGS. 13a-13d, 14 and
15, the stand-off structure 70 may be bonded to the inner side of
the bag 14, on the same side of the evacuable bag 14 as the valve
assembly 30. Stand-off structure 70 may be bonded to the inner side
of bag 14 through various conventional bonding methods such as, but
not limited to, thermal bonding, electrical welding, ultrasonic
welding, or the like. In some embodiments, the stand-off structure
70 is positioned at a location corresponding to the location of the
vacuum valve assembly 30. In some embodiments, as illustrated by
FIG. 13d, multiple valve assemblies 30 and multiple stand-off
structures 70 may be utilized in a single storage device 10.
[0102] In some embodiments, as illustrated by FIG. 13a, the
coupling of the stand-off structure 70 may be accomplished prior to
folding over the plastic sheet 16, wherein the entire side
periphery 73 of the stand-off structure is bound to the plastic
sheet 16. In some embodiments, as illustrated by FIG. 13b, the
coupling of the stand-off structure 70 to the storage device 10 may
be accomplished by bonding only selected portions of the stand-offs
side periphery 73 to the plastic sheet 16. In some embodiments, as
illustrated by FIG. 13c, the stand-off structure 70 may be coupled
to extend across both sides of the bag 14. By way of example,
without limitation, the stand-off structure 70 may be positioned to
extend diagonally across the plastic sheet as depicted in FIG. 13d.
It is noted that examples depicted in FIGS. 13a-13d have been
provided for illustrative purposes and that other configurations in
the positioning of the stand-off 70 are within the scope of the
present disclosure, so long as the stand-off 70 is positioned to be
in fluid communication with the vacuum valve assembly 30 in a
manner that facilitates the removal of fluids from the storage
device 10.
[0103] In some embodiments, as illustrated by FIG. 14, the
stand-off structure 70 is bonded to the plastic sheet 16 after the
plastic sheet 16 is folded over upon itself and two lateral sides
15 are sealed adjacent to the periphery forming the storage space
22. The stand-off structure 70 is bonded to the face of the plastic
sheet 16 within the storage space 22, wherein the channels 72 of
the stand-off structure 70 face the surface of the plastic sheet 16
to which the stand-off structure 70 is bonded. In some embodiments,
the stand off structure 70 may comprise channels 72 on both sides
of the stand off structure 70 (FIG. 12b), in which the channels on
a first side of the stand-off structure 70 face the surface of the
plastic sheet 16 to which the stand-off structure 70 is bonded and
the channels 72 on the second side of the stand off structure 70
face the opposing plastic sheet.
[0104] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of
the storage device 10 depicted in FIG. 14 along reference line
15-15, in which the channels 72 of the stand-off structure 70 face
away from the storage space 22, toward the vacuum valve assembly 30
as well as the surface of the plastic sheet 16 to which the
stand-off structure 70 is bonded. In some embodiments the portion
of the stand-off structure 70 opposing the valve assembly 30 may be
separated from valve assembly 30 by a distance D1 ranging from
approximately 0.003'' to about 0.25'' prior to the application of
vacuum.
[0105] In some embodiments, a vacuum pump can be attached or
applied to the vacuum valve, the vacuum pump applying a vacuum to
the interior of the storage device through the vacuum valve
assembly 30 and standoff assembly causing the storage space 22 to
collapse upon a food article contained therein. During the
application of the vacuum, the stand-off structure 70 separates the
food article from the vacuum valve assembly 30, ensuring that the
food article does not obstruct the flow of fluids to be removed
from the storage space 22, and insuring that the walls of the
storage device conform tightly to the food article. As the vacuum
causes the portion of the plastic sheet 16 opposing the stand-off
structure 70 to collapse upon the raised portions of the stand-off
structure 70, any remaining fluid may be removed via the stand-off
structure's 70 recessed channels. During the application of the
vacuum, the distance D1 separating the valve assembly 30 from the
opposing raised surfaces of the stand-off structure 70 may be
substantially eliminated while maintaining an effective passageway
for removing the remaining fluids from the storage device through
the stand-off structure's 70 recessed channels.
[0106] In some embodiments, as illustrated by FIGS. 1, 16a and 16b,
the resealable closure 20 may further comprise a closing clip 80
and end clips 82. The closing clip 80 comprises a rigid U-shaped
member 84 structured to fit snugly over at least the first and
second side protrusions 54, 56, 58. The U-shaped member 84
structured to bias the male protrusion 54 into the groove 60 formed
by the other protrusions 56, 58 as the U-shaped member 84 is moved
over the protrusions 54, 56, 58. In the embodiments, the U-shaped
member 84 may be structured to also fit snugly over multiple
protrusions 62, 64, wherein the U-shaped member also biases at
least one additional male protrusion 62 into at least one
additional groove formed by the other protrusions 64. The closure
clip 80 functions to ensure that the interlocking profiles 21 are
engaged as the clip 80 is disposed along a first direction, but
does not affect the engagement of the interlocking profiles 21 when
disposed along the direction opposite to that of the first
direction. In some embodiments, the closure clip 80 may separate
the interlocking profiles when being traversed over engaged
interlocking profiles 21. End clips 82 are bonded to the ends of
the resealable closure 20 to prevent closing clip 80 from
traversing past the side protrusions of the bag 14. FIG. 17 is a
diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of an exemplary end
clip 82.
[0107] In some embodiments, a vacuum generating device such as, but
not limited to a hand-held vacuum pump, a portable vacuum pump or
the like may be utilized to evacuate a reclosable storage device.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary portable vacuum pump
40, pump 40 comprising a power source, such as a battery, a vacuum
pump having a suction side and an exhaust side, and a motor. In
some embodiments, the vacuum pump 40 may be connected to the fluid
conduit connected to the interior of the storage device by a
quick-connect means, wherein one portion of the quick-connect means
is integral with the vacuum pump assembly and another portion of
the quick-connect means is integral with the flexible storage
device.
[0108] In some embodiments, as illustrated by FIG. 1, engagement
end 42 has a defined shape, such as, but not limited to, a convex
disk, a concave disk, a disk, or the like, shaped to fit within the
medial opening of the outer surface of a vacuum valve assembly's
defining one end of a fluid conduit associated with a storage
device. The engagement end 42 has a defined shape structured to
engage the vacuum valve assembly 30 and defines a passage that is
in fluid communication with the vacuum pump 40. In some
embodiments, as illustrated by FIGS. 18 and 19, portable vacuum
pump 40 may comprise a quick-connect means, the quick-connect means
comprising a suction cup tip 160, in which the suction cup tip 160
incorporates integrated stand off structures 161 to maintain
suction during application of the vacuum.
[0109] Other quick-connect means, for example, vacuum tips
(engagement end 42) have been contemplated and are within the scope
of the present disclosure, so long as the engagement end 42
geometry provides a quick connect engagement with the vacuum valve
assembly. A "quick connection engagement" requires sealing of the
valve assembly 30 and engagement end 42 without separate fasteners
or the removal of separable sealing members. It will be appreciated
that the system may also utilize more conventional coupling means
to join the vacuum system to the fluid conduit to provide fluid
communication between the suction side of the vacuum pump and the
interior of the storage device.
[0110] In some embodiments, as illustrated by FIGS. 18 and 19,
engagement end 42 may further comprise a receptacle 1826, the
receptacle 1826 being in fluid communication with a tip 1830. In
some embodiments, tip 1830 may be connected to receptacle 1826 by
way of a flexible conduit 1824. The flexibility of conduit 1824 can
help tip 1830 maintain proper orientation while operating portable
vacuum pump 40. In some embodiments, conduit 1824 may allow
portable vacuum pump 40 to be moved through approximately
one-hundred-eighty degrees relative to tip 1830 without unseating
tip 1830.
[0111] In some embodiments, tip 1830 may comprise a plurality of
ribs or other structural supports 1832. Such supports can enable
tip 1830 to maintain a desired shape, even as a vacuum is drawn.
Supports 1832 can also reduce the likelihood that portions of the
reclosable storage device will obstruct tip 1830.
[0112] In some embodiments, tip 1830 may further comprise O-ring
1834 or other, similar semi-rigid materials. the semi-rigid
material can extend slightly from tip 1830, and thus provide a
deformable interface between vacuum valve assembly 30 and tip 1830,
thereby increasing the integrity of the seal between the two.
[0113] In some embodiments, O-ring 1834 may comprise a black
nitrile (Buna-N) elastomer with a nominal 70 durometer hardness,
silicon, neoprene, or other flexible material, and may be
adhesively bonded to tip 1830, or press-fit into a channel
proximate the end of tip 1830. In some embodiments, O-ring 1834 may
be replaced by laminating or otherwise coating at least the end of
tip 1830 with a semi-rigid material, such as, without limitation,
silicone. In some embodiments, the semi-rigid material may be FDA
approved as food safe. In some embodiments, the semi-rigid material
may be slightly tacky or have a light adhesive applied thereto,
thereby helping tip 1830 remain properly positioned proximate
vacuum valve assembly 30 while operating portable vacuum pump
40.
[0114] In some embodiments, as illustrated by FIGS. 21 and 22,
package 210 may comprise a first side panel 212 and an opposite
side panel 214 that are connected by side edges 215 (also referred
to hereinafter as bottom edge 215), 216, and 218. Side panels 212,
214 and side edges 215, 216, 218 define a surrounding wall 213
enclosing interior 220. In some embodiments, interior 220 is
configured for receiving a food item or other items for storage
within package 210.
[0115] In some embodiments, the top end of package 210 may further
comprise a resealable zipper 250. Zipper 250, disposed across the
opening of package 210 allows access to interior 220. Zipper 250
comprises a first profile member 252 and a second profile member
254, wherein the first and second profile members 252, 254 are
configured to engage and disengage each other, thereby providing a
resealable closure. First profile member 252 is connected to first
side panel 212 and second profile member 254 is connected to second
side panel 214. In some embodiments, profile members 252, 254 are
integrally formed with their respective side panel 212, 214, while
in other embodiments they are thereto using conventional means such
as, but not limited to heat seal, adhesive, or the like.
[0116] In some embodiments, as illustrated by FIG. 21, package 210
may further comprise a valve 230, positioned in side panel 212 to
allow escape of air from interior 220 to the exterior of package
210. In some embodiments, package 210 may further comprise a
sealant stripe 270 present on the interior of at least one of side
panels 212, 214. Sealant stripe 270 may be provided as a peal seal,
which can be sealed, readily opened, and resealed. In some
embodiments the peal seal may be provided by those in U.S. Pat.
Nos. 6,290,393; 6,210,038, and 6,131,248, each of which is
incorporated herein by reference. Sealant stripes and resealable
zippers may be generally referred to as "closures" for closing
portions of a package or storage device.
[0117] In some embodiments, as illustrated by FIGS. 31 and 32,
package 210 may further comprise a gas-impermeable barrier 275
present on the interior of at least one of side panels 212, 214.
Suitable gas-impermeable barrier 275 include, but are not limited
to peal seals, one-way breathable membranes, or the like.
[0118] In some embodiments, gas-impermeable barrier 275 can be
located on the side panel 214 opposite valve 230 and have a shape
similar to valve 230. By way of example, without limitation, when
valve 230 is circular, gas-impermeable barrier 275 could also be
circular and have a larger diameter than valve 230, thereby
restricting gaseous communication between the exterior of package
210 and interior 220.
[0119] In some embodiments, as illustrated by FIGS. 33 and 34,
gas-impermeable barrier 275 can be provided on the exterior surface
of package 210, the gas-impermeable barrier 275 further comprising
a tab 276. Tab 276 is used to move gas-impermeable barrier 275 from
a first position to a second position, wherein the gas-impermeable
barrier 275 restricts gaseous communication between valve 230 and
interior 220 in the first position, and wherein the gas-impermeable
barrier 275 allows gaseous communication between valve 230 and
interior 220 in the second position. In some embodiments, as
illustrated by FIGS. 35 and 36, gas-impermeable barrier 275 and tab
276 can be provided on the interior surface of package 210. In some
embodiments, gas-impermeable barrier 275 can be provided in the
form of a cap overlaying valve 230.
[0120] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22,
package 210 can be used as a freezer bag. Package 210 comprises a
textured standoff area 280, which can be integral with each of side
panels 212, 214. In some embodiments, textured standoff area 280
can be attached to interior of one or both surface of panels 212,
214. Textured standoff area 280 can be employed in freezer bags,
where it is desired to maintain a slight air gap or spacing between
any items positioned within package 210 and side panels 212,
214.
[0121] In some embodiments, package 210 may further comprise a
zipper 250, zipper 250 having first profile 252 and second profile
254, which engage and disengage each other to provide access to
interior 20 of package 210. Profiles 252, 254 are constructed to be
repeatedly sealed (e.g., closed, engaged, mated, etc.) and unsealed
(e.g., opened, disengaged, unmated, etc.), for example, by pressure
exerted by the user's fingers. In some embodiments, profiles 252,
254 are configured to provide an indication, for example by color
change, when they are seal. In some embodiments, zipper 250 may be
open and closed by a slider element.
[0122] In some embodiments, package 210 comprises a textured
standoff area 280, which can be integral with each of side panels
212, 214. In some embodiments, textured standoff area 280 can be
attached to interior of one or both surface of panels 212, 214.
Textured standoff area 280 can be employed in freezer bags, where
it is desired to maintain a slight air gap or spacing between any
items positioned within package 210 and side panels 212, 214. By
way of example, without limitation, textured standoff area 280 may
extend to any side edges 216, 218 or may stop short of edges 216,
218. Similarly, textured standoff area 280 may extend to bottom
edge 215 or may stop short of bottom edge 215. In some embodiments,
textured standoff area 280 is not present proximate sealant strip
270.
[0123] In some embodiments, as illustrated by FIGS. 21 and 22,
package 210 comprises a valve 230, which is positioned between
zipper 250 and sealant stripe 270. An alternate embodiment of a
package according to the present disclosure is illustrated in FIGS.
23-26, as package 210'. Package 210' is similar to package 210 in
that it includes first panel 212, second panel 214, bottom end 215,
side edges 216, 218, valve 230, sealant stripe 270 and textured
standoff region 280. Package 210' differs from package 210,
however, in that sealant stripe 270 is positioned between zipper
250 and valve 230. That is, valve 230 is positioned closer to
interior 220 then to zipper 250. Valve 230 allows fluid, usually
air, to pass from interior 220 of package 210, 210' to the
exterior, and inhibits air (or other fluid) from entering into
interior 220.
[0124] In some embodiments, as illustrated by FIG. 26, zipper 250
may comprise zipper profiles 252, 254 having posts 251, 253, lock
members 255, 256, and zipper flanges or tabs 258, 259. Many other
zipper configurations are possible for use with the packages 210,
210'.
[0125] In some embodiments, the package may omit the zipper,
utilizing a sealant strip for closing the package. In some
embodiments, as illustrated by FIGS. 29 and 30, package 510 may
comprise a sealant stripe 270 positioned at an end of the package
opposite the bottom end 215. Package 510 further comprises a valve
230 in communication with an interior 220 of the package, and a
standoff area 280 on opposing side panels 212, 214 of the
package.
[0126] FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate package 210' in use, retaining an
item 290 therein. Item 290 is illustrated as a food item,
particularly, a chicken leg. To place item 290 in package 210' (or
in package 210), the general following procedure is followed.
Zipper 250 is opened, if necessary, by unmating, unsealing, etc.
first and second profiles 252, 254. Side panels 212, 214 are spread
sufficiently far to place item 290 therebetween. Sometimes, it may
be necessary to unseal sealant strip 270 to pass item 290 past
stripe 270 toward bottom edge 215. Item 290 should be positioned
between bottom edge 215 and sealant strip 270. In some embodiments,
item 290 may be positioned in the area of textured standoff area
280, however, this is not necessary.
[0127] After positioning item 290 in package 210', it is optional
to push or otherwise urge air present in package 210' out via
zipper 250. Sealant stripe 270 is sealed, providing an air-tight
seal across package 210'. Zipper 250 is also sealed, providing a
seal across package 210'. It is understood that sealant stripe 270
may be sealed before or after zipper 250 is closed. When pressure
is applied to package 210' in an area between bottom edge 215 and
sealant stripe 270, or vacuum is applied to valve 230, at least
some of the air remaining in package 210' is pushed through valve
230 and out from interior 220 of package 210'.
[0128] Due to the construction of package 210 of FIGS. 21 and 22,
the order of steps for sealing an item 290 in package 210 may
differ. For example, after positioning item 290 in package 210, it
is optional to push or otherwise urge air present in package 210
out via zipper 250. Zipper 250 is then sealed, providing a seal
across package 210. When pressure is applied to package 210 in an
area between bottom edge 215 and zipper 250, at least some of the
air remaining in package 210 is pushed through valve 30 and out
from interior 220 of package 210. Sealant stripe 270 is sealed,
providing an air-tight seal across package 210. Preferably, sealant
stripe 270 is sealed after zipper 250 is closed and after the air
has been evacuated from interior 220 of package 210.
[0129] Packages 210, 210' may be made by generally any suitable
process. For example, packages 210, 210' may be made by a
horizontal process (e.g., where the film forming side panels 212,
214 moves in a generally horizontal direction) or a vertical
process (e.g., where the film forming side panels 212, 214 moves in
a generally vertical direction). As mentioned above, any or all of
edges 215, 216, 218 may be folds or seals between side panels 212,
214. Profile members 252, 254 may be attached to side panels 212,
214 before or after bottom edge 215 is formed. Similarly, a slider
device (if present) may be applied to profile members 252, 254
before or after incorporation with side panels 212, 214. Packages
210, 210' may include side gussets or gussets in panels 212, 214 to
provide increased interiors 220. Various other configurations and
methods of making packages 210, 210' are suitable.
[0130] In some embodiments, as illustrated by FIGS. 27 and 28,
package 310 has a first side panel 312 and an opposite side panel
314 that are connected by side edges 315, 316, 318. For clarity
herein, side edge 315 can be referred to as a bottom edge 315. Side
panels 312, 314 and side edges 315, 316, 318, top edge 335 and
bottom edge 315, define a surrounding wall 313 with a storage
interior 320 therebetween. Seal 370 also defines a portion of
storage interior 320; seal 370 is described below. Various other
configurations of surrounding walls 313 are known and are useable
in accordance with the principles of this disclosure. Storage
interior 320 is configured for receiving a foodstuff item 390 or
other item(s) for storage within package 310. Food item 390, as
depicted in FIGS. 27 and 28, is a collection of small food items,
such as, but not limited to, shredded cheese, meats, fruits,
vegetables, or the like.
[0131] Present within the interior formed by surrounding wall 330
is a resealable zipper closure 350. Zipper closure 350 extends from
side edge 316 to side edge 318, and includes a first zipper profile
354 having a first profile member and a second zipper profile 352
having a second profile member; wherein the first and second zipper
profiles 354, 352 are configured to engage and disengage with each
other. In other words, first and second zipper profiles 354, 352
are selectively sealable and resealable.
[0132] In some embodiments, first zipper profile 354 is connected
to first side panel 312, and second zipper profile 352 is connected
to second side panel 314. Zipper profiles 354, 352 could be
integral with their respective side panel 312, 314 or could be
attached thereto, for example, by a heat seal or adhesive. Zippers
350, zipper profiles 354, 352 and profile members are well-known in
the art, and a variety of configurations are useable in accordance
with the principles of this disclosure. For example, see U.S. Pat.
Nos. 6,524,002; 6,152,600; 5,839,831, and 5,252,281, each of which
has been incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In
some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28, zipper closure
350, may include a crush area 410 at each side edge 316, 318, where
zipper profiles 354, 352 are sealed together and may be partially
crushed or deformed.
[0133] At top edge 335, package 310 includes header 336, which
extends between top edge 35 and zipper closure 350 and forms a
portion of surrounding wall 330. In this particular embodiment,
header 336 is detachable from package 310 via weakness 360.
Weakness 360 may be a perforation, a tear-strip, string or thread,
a laser scribe, a die line, a thinner area, or other configuration
that allows header 336 to be removed from side panels 312, 314.
Header 336 is an element that provides a quick indication whether
or not access has been gained to zipper closure 350 has been
previously accessed. That is, access is not readily gained to the
interior of surrounding wall 330, which has zipper closure 350
therein, without breaching header 336 or side panels 312, 314.
[0134] As mentioned above, package 310 includes seal 370, which is
positioned between bottom edge 315 and top edge 335, and partially
defines storage interior 320 of surrounding wall 313 and the
interior of surrounding wall 330. Seal 370 is present on the
interior of at least one of side panels 312, 314 and allows panels
312, 314 to be sealed together, preferably with a fluid-impermeable
or hermetic seal. Seal 370 may be a repeatably reclosable seal or a
one-time seal, such as an adhesive seal or a mechanical seal.
Additional details regarding seal 370 are provided below.
[0135] Package 310 includes a valve 330, positioned in one of side
panels 312, 314 to allow escape of air, gas or other fluid from
storage interior 320 to the exterior of package 310; in FIG. 28,
valve 330 is illustrated in side panel 312. Valve 330 is preferably
a one-way evacuation valve, allowing fluid to flow therethrough in
only one direction; preferably, that direction is from storage
interior 320 of package 310 to the exterior of package 310. Valve
330 can be any suitable valve, such as those described above for
valve 230. Valve 330 may be a manually activated valve or may be
configured for use with an external device, such as the vacuum pump
described above with reference to resealable storage device 10.
[0136] In some embodiments, a textured standoff material 380 may be
located proximate to valve 330. Standoff material 380 can extend
from zipper closure 350, typically from one of zipper profiles 354,
352. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 28, standoff material
380 extends from an end of zipper profile 354, forming a skirt-like
construction 355. It is also foreseen that standoff material 380
may be positioned on, or integral with, a side of zipper profiles
354, 352, (for example, positioned in an area close to where the
zipper profile members are), rather than extending away from an end
of the profile. Textured standoff material 380 may be provided by
those embodiments previously described or other suitable materials
that allow fluids to be evacuated from within package 310. Textured
standoff material 380 is desirable in package constructions to
maintain a slight air gap or spacing between zipper members 354,
352 and valve 330, to inhibit valve 330 being blocked by zipper
profiles 354, 352 or by side panel 314, so that fluids can pass
through valve 330 and more completely evacuate container 310 of
such fluids.
[0137] Returning to package 310, in detail, various specific
details of package 310 will now be described. It is understood
however, that the following descriptions are not limiting to
features of package 310; alternate materials, elements,
configurations, constructions, and the like, such as the
configuration package 210, could be used.
[0138] Package 310 has side panels 312 and 314, which form the
overall package 310. Side panels 312, 314 are flexible sheets,
typically polymeric film. Examples of suitable films for forming
side panels 312, 314 have been previously described in the instant
disclosure and incorporated references. As provided above, side
panels 312, 314 meet at bottom edge 315, side edges 316, 318 and
top edge 335. Any or all of edges 315, 316, 318, 335 may be seals
or may be folds.
[0139] As provided above, zipper closure 350 has first zipper
profile 354 and second zipper profile 352, which engage and
disengage from each other to provide access to storage interior 320
of package 310. Profiles 354, 352 are constructed to be repeatedly
sealed (e.g., closed, engaged, mated, etc.) and unsealed (e.g.,
opened, disengaged, unmated, etc.), for example, by pressure
exerted by the user's fingers. In some embodiments, zipper profiles
354, 352 are configured to provide an indication, for example by
color change, when they are sealed. Although not illustrated in
FIG. 27 or 28, zipper closure 350 may be opened and closed by a
slider element, as is well known.
[0140] As provided above, seal 370 is present on the interior of at
least one of panels 312, 314. Seal 370 allows panels 312, 314 to be
sealed together, preferably with a fluid-impermeable or heretic
seal. Seal 370 may be provided by any of the examples described
above. In some embodiments, seal 370 extends from side edge 316 to
side edge 318, and may be any suitable width (taken in the
direction from bottom edge 315 to zipper closure 350). Seal 370 can
be a material, e.g., adhesive, applied to a surface of panel(s)
312, 314 or seal 370 may be integral with or formed by panel(s)
312, 314. FIGS. 27 and 28 illustrate unopened package 310 retaining
food item 390 therein. Package 310, as illustrated, is unopened,
because header 335 remains intact.
[0141] Package 310, with food item 390 therein, may be produced by
processes often referred to as "form fill and seal". In these
processes, the package, particularly storage interior 320, is
manufactured (i.e., formed), the item is placed within storage
interior 320 (i.e., filled), and then any last seals, such as
bottom edge 315, are made (i.e., sealed). "Form fill and seal" will
be referred to as "FFS" hereinafter. Package 310 may be made by a
horizontal FFS process (e.g., where the film forming side panels
312, 314 and zipper closure 350 move in a generally horizontal
direction) or a vertical FFS process (e.g., where the film forming
side panels 312, 314 and zipper closure 350 move in a generally
vertical direction). Typically, with horizontal FFS processes, the
unfilled package 310 progresses through the process up-side-down.
That is, bottom edge 315 is positioned above top edge 335. With
vertical FFS process, the unfilled package progresses either
up-side-down or sideways.
[0142] In some embodiments of a horizontal FFS process, two
extended lengths of the film, each forming a side panel 312, 314,
move in a generally horizontal direction. An extended length of
zipper closure 350 may be attached to side panels 312, 314, before,
after, or concurrently with the film being sealed together to form
top edge 335. Standoff material 380 can be attached to zipper
closure 350 prior to zipper closure 350 being attached to side
panels 312, 314. Valve 330 will typically be installed into one of
the extended lengths of film at predetermined intervals, to
correspond to one valve 330 per package 310. Seal 370 can be formed
between side panels 312, 314 before, after, or concurrently with
edge 335 being formed or with zipper closure 350 being attached.
Weakness 360 may be formed close to edge 335 either after edge 335
has been sealed or before.
[0143] After the various elements have been joined to form an
extended length, seals, which will result in side edges 316, 318,
are made. Crush areas 410 are usually made simultaneously with
these side edge seals, but could be made in a separate step. After
storage interior 320 has been made (i.e., between side panels 312,
314 having side edges 316, 318, seal 370), food item 390 is placed,
for example, dropped, into storage interior 320, and then bottom
edge 315, which is positioned above the rest of package 310, is
sealed.
[0144] In an alternate embodiment of an horizontal FFS process, one
extended length of film moves in a generally horizontal direction.
This film is folded to form both panels 312, 314 with folded edge
335 therebetween. Any order of applying zipper closure 350,
standoff material 380, valve 330, seal 370 and weakness 360 can be
used. After the various elements have been joined to form an
extended length, side edges 316, 318 and crush areas 410 are made.
Food item 390 is placed into storage interior 320, and then bottom
edge 315 is sealed.
[0145] In some embodiments of a vertical FFS process, two extended
lengths of film, each forming a side panel 312, 314, move generally
vertically downward direction. Similar to above, an extended length
of zipper closure 350 may be attached to side panels 312, 314,
before, after, or concurrently with the film being sealed together
to form top edge 335. Standoff material 380 can be attached to
zipper closure 350 prior to zipper closure 350 being attached to
side panels 312, 314. Valves 330 will typically be installed into
one of the extended lengths of film at predetermined intervals, to
correspond to one valve 330 per package 310. Seal 370 can be formed
between side panels 312, 314 before, after, or concurrently with
edge 335 being formed or with zipper closure 350 being attached.
Weakness 360 may be formed close to edge 335 either after edge 335
has been sealed or before. Bottom seal 315 can also be formed at
any stage in this process.
[0146] After the various elements have been joined to form an
extended length, a seal, which results in, for example, side edge
318 and a crush area 410, is made. After this step, storage
interior 320 has been made between side panels 312, 314, edge 315,
seal 370 and side edge 318; see FIG. 28, which is representative of
a top view of the package during such as vertical FFS process. Food
item 390 is placed, for example, dropped, into storage interior
320, and then side edge 316, which is positioned above the rest of
package 310, is sealed. Such a FFS process moves in a generally
downward vertical direction.
[0147] In an alternate embodiment of a vertical FFS process, one
extended length of film moves in a generally horizontal direction.
This film is folded to form both panels 312, 314 with folded edge
335 or edge 315 therebetween. Any order of applying zipper closure
350, standoff material 380, valve 330, seal 370 and weakness 360
can be used. Similar to the first embodiment, after the various
elements have been joined to form an extended length, side edge 318
and crush areas 410 are made. Food item 390 is placed into storage
interior 320, and then side edge 316 is sealed. Alternately, a tube
of film could be used, thus resulting in two folded edges 315 and
335.
[0148] Prior to use, the consumer removes header 336 via weakness
360. To gain access to storage interior 320, zipper profiles 354,
352 are separated and seal 370 is breached, which allows access to
item 390.
[0149] To close package 310, fluid can be removed from interior
320, for example by flattening package 310 prior to mating zipper
profiles 354, 352. After zipper closure 350 is closed, additional
fluid can be removed from interior 320 via valve 330. The fluid may
be manually forced through valve 330, for example, by hand pressure
or other squeezing applied to the region between edge 315 and
zipper closure 350, or an external device, such as a vacuum pump
may be utilized. After removal of the desired fluid, seal 370 may
be resealed, if so configured. Removal of fluid from interior 320
decreases the opportunity for spoilage of, and extends the life of,
food item 390 and extends its life. When seal 370 is resealed, it
provides an air-tight seal across package 310. Zipper closure 350
is also sealed, providing a seal across package 310.
[0150] As previously discussed above, any or all of edges 315, 316,
318, 335 may be folds or seals between side panels 312, 314. A
slider device (if present) may be applied to zipper profiles 354,
352 before or after incorporation with side panels 312, 314.
Package 310 may include side gussets or gussets in panels 312, 314
to provide increased volume for interior 320. Various other
configurations and methods of making package 310 are suitable.
[0151] While detailed and specific embodiments of the polymeric
package with resealable closure and valve, and methods have been
described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art
that various changes and modifications can be made therein without
departing from the spirit and scope of the polymeric package with
resealable closure and valve, and methods. Thus, it is intended
that the present disclosure cover these modifications and
variations provided they come within the scope of any appended
claims and/or their equivalents.
* * * * *