U.S. patent application number 12/303691 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-22 for closure device for storage bag.
Invention is credited to Carl L. Bergman, Andrew E. Neltner, Dean A. Zimmerman.
Application Number | 20100183251 12/303691 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38834201 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100183251 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Neltner; Andrew E. ; et
al. |
July 22, 2010 |
Closure Device For Storage Bag
Abstract
A closure element is used for closing an opening disposed
through the flexible sidewall of a storage bag such as those used
to store food items. The storage bags provide an internal volume
accessible via the opening. The closure element includes a first
fastening strip and an interlocking second closure strip. The first
and second fastening strips include complementary, engagable first
and second closure profiles. To hermetically seal the internal
volume, at least a portion of the first or second fastening strip
can include a sealant. The sealant can be a displaceable fluid,
fluid-like substance, semi-rigid substance, or wax-like substance
such as an oil or a gel. When the closure profiles are engaged, the
sealant provides an air tight barrier sealing the internal
volume.
Inventors: |
Neltner; Andrew E.;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; Bergman; Carl L.; (Loveland,
OH) ; Zimmerman; Dean A.; (West Chester, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE CLOROX COMPANY
P.O. BOX 24305
OAKLAND
CA
94623-1305
US
|
Family ID: |
38834201 |
Appl. No.: |
12/303691 |
Filed: |
May 15, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
May 15, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US07/68973 |
371 Date: |
December 5, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60805256 |
Jun 20, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
383/210.1 ;
383/103; 383/64 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 33/2591 20130101;
B65D 81/2038 20130101; B65D 33/2541 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
383/210.1 ;
383/64; 383/103 |
International
Class: |
B65D 33/18 20060101
B65D033/18; B65D 33/16 20060101 B65D033/16; B65D 33/00 20060101
B65D033/00 |
Claims
1. A closure device comprising: a first interlocking fastening
strip including a first closure profile extending substantially
along the length of the first fastening strip; and a second
interlocking fastening strip including a second closure profile
extending substantially along the length of the second fastening
strip, the first and second closure profiles engagable to interlock
the first and second fastening strips; wherein at least a portion
of the first closure profile includes a sealant selected from the
group consisting of mineral oil, monoglycerides, fatty acids,
polybutenes, gels, fluorinated oil, fluorinated grease, and
thermoplastic elastomers.
2. The closure device of claim 1, wherein the fastening strips
comprise U-channel style fastening strips.
3. The closure device of claim 1, wherein the fastening strips
comprise arrowhead style fastening strips.
4. The closure device of claim 1, wherein the fastening strips
comprise profile style fastening strips.
5. The closure device of claim 1, wherein the closure device
further includes a slider movably disposed on the fastening
strips.
6. A closure device comprising: a first interlocking fastening
strip including a first closure profile extending substantially
along the length of the first fastening strip, the first closure
profile having a plurality of capillaries disposed therein; a
second interlocking fastening strip including a second closure
profile extending substantially along the length of the second
fastening strip, the first and second closure profiles engagable to
interlock the first and second fastening strips; and a sealant
received into at least a portion of the plurality of the
capillaries.
7. The closure device of claim 6, wherein the sealant is selected
from the group consisting of silicone oil, mineral oil,
monoglycerides, fatty acids, polybutenes, fluorinated oil,
fluorinated grease, and petroleum jelly.
8. A closure device comprising: a first interlocking fastening
strip including a first closure profile extending substantially
along the length of the first fastening strip; a second
interlocking fastening strip including a second closure profile
extending substantially along the length of the second fastening
strip, the first and second closure profiles engagable to interlock
the first and second fastening strips; and a sealant, the sealant
blended into the material of the first closure profile so as to
bloom to the surface of the first closure profile.
9. The closure device of claim 8, wherein the sealant is selected
from the group consisting of silicone oil, mineral oil,
monoglycerides, fatty acids, polybutenes, fluorinated oil,
fluorinated grease, and petroleum jelly.
10. A flexible storage bag comprising: a first pliable sidewall; a
second pliable sidewall overlaying and joined to the first sidewall
to provide an internal volume, the internal volume accessible via
an opening disposed between the first and second sidewalls; a
one-way valve element attached to the first sidewall and
communicating with the internal volume; a first interlocking
fastening strip attached to the first sidewall proximate the
opening, the first fastening strip including a first closure
profile; a second interlocking fastening strip attached to the
second sidewall proximate the opening, the second fastening strip
including a second closure profile engagable with the first closure
profile; and wherein at least a portion of the first closure
profile includes a sealant selected from the group consisting of
mineral oil, monoglycerides, fatty acids, polybutenes, gels,
fluorinated oil, fluorinated grease, and thermoplastic
elastomers.
11. The storage bag of claim 10, wherein the gel includes a block
copolymer bound to a liquid.
12. The storage bag of claim 10, wherein the gel is selected from
the group consisting of a hydrocarbon gel, a gel adhesive, a
petrolatum, and a jelly.
13. The storage bag of claim 10, wherein the gel has a hardness
value of between about 0 point shore 00 to about 70 points shore
00.
14. The storage bag of claim 10, wherein the sealant is impregnated
into at least a portion of a plurality of capillaries disposed into
the first closure profile.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates generally to storage containers and
more particularly to flexible storage bags configured with closure
devices such as interlocking fastening strips. The invention finds
particular applicability in the field of food storage.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Storage bags are commonly used for a variety of purposes
including, for example, storing food items. Such storage bags are
typically made from a low cost, pliable thermoplastic material that
provides an internal volume into which the food items can be
inserted. To access the internal volume, the storage bags are
typically formed with an opening. Furthermore, to preserve the food
items and to otherwise prevent the contents from spilling out of
the bag, the storage bag may also include a closure device that
comprises interlocking fastening strips for closing the
opening.
[0003] As will be apparent to those of skill in the art,
interlocking fastening strips are typically formed as elongated
strips of flexible, thermoplastic material and are provided as
opposing pairs disposed along the opposite edges of the opening.
Formed along the length of each strip are engagable closure
profiles that are adapted to engage or mate with the corresponding
profile formed on the opposing fastening strip. To allow for
repeated access to the internal volume, the closure profiles are
commonly configured to releasably and repeatedly engage each
other.
[0004] Because of the flexible characteristic of the fastening
strip material and because of variations in alignment between and
shape of the closure profiles, engagement between the interlocking
fastening strips is often not perfect. Leak paths or crevices may
form between the closure profiles that allow for environmental air
to pass into the internal volume. Additionally, the leak paths also
allow for aromatic gases or liquids stored inside the internal
volume to escape. Moreover, in those embodiments which include
one-way valve elements or similar devices for evacuation, the leak
paths may prevent the storage bag from maintaining the interior
volume in an evacuated state.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The invention provides interlocking fastening strips for a
storage bag that are adapted to hermetically seal the opening
disposed in the bag. To provide the hermetic seal, a sealant is
included on or in at least one of the closure profiles formed on
the interlocking fastening strips. The sealant can be a viscous
liquid, a semi-liquid substance, or semi-rigid substance such as an
oil, gel, or wax. When the fastening strips are pressed together to
engage the closure profiles, the sealant, if a viscous liquid or
semi-liquid substance, displaces or flows to close or fill any
voids or leak paths existing between the closure profiles. If the
sealant is a semi-rigid substance having resilient characteristics,
engagement of the fastening strips can cause the sealant to urge
against other components of the fastening strips to provide a
positive seal. The sealant thereby provides an adaptable barrier
between the engagable closure profiles.
[0006] An advantage of the invention is that it provides a low-cost
hermetic or airtight seal for use with flexible storage bags.
Another advantage is that the displaceable sealant may allow for
multiple repeated uses of the storage bag by resiliently reforming
so as to recreate the seal during each use. Yet another advantage
is that the invention may simplify manufacture by allowing reduced
precision and accuracy in forming or shaping the profiles. These
and other advantages and features of the invention will be apparent
from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a storage bag having a
closure element in the form of interlocking fastening strips
designed in accordance with the teachings of the invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of
FIG. 1 illustrating the interlocking fastening strips including a
sealant in an unengaged arrangement.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of
FIG. 1 illustrating the interlocking fastening strips including a
sealant in an engaged arrangement.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another
embodiment of the interlocking fastening strips including a sealant
in an engaged arrangement, the sealant being disposed on only one
strip.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another
embodiment of the interlocking fastening strips including a sealant
in an engaged arrangement, the sealant being disposed on only one
strip.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another
embodiment of the interlocking fastening strips including a sealant
in an engaged arrangement, the sealant being disposed on only one
strip.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another
embodiment of the interlocking fastening strips including a sealant
in an engaged arrangement, the sealant being disposed as a film on
the surface of the fastening strips.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a detailed view taken of the area indicated in
FIG. 7 showing the sealant disposed in capillaries formed in the
surface of the interlocking fastening strips.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another
embodiment of the fastening strips including a sealant in an
engaged arrangement.
[0016] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another
embodiment of the fastening strips including a sealant in an
engaged arrangement.
[0017] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of
the storage bag designed in accordance with the teachings of the
invention including a slider and a one-way valve element along with
an evacuation device.
[0018] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of
FIG. 11 illustrating another embodiment of the fastening strip
including a sealant in an engaged arrangement.
[0019] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another
embodiment of the interlocking fastening strips including a sealant
in an unengaged arrangement.
[0020] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the
interlocking fastening strips including a sealant in an engaged
arrangement.
[0021] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another
embodiment of the interlocking fastening strips including a sealant
in an engaged arrangement, the sealant being placed on only one
strip.
[0022] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another
embodiment of the interlocking fastening strips including a sealant
in an engaged arrangement, the sealant being placed on only one
strip.
[0023] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another
embodiment of the interlocking fastening strips including a sealant
in an engaged arrangement, the sealant being placed on only one
strip.
[0024] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another
embodiment of the fastening strips including a sealant in an
engaged arrangement.
[0025] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken illustrating another
embodiment of the fastening strips including a sealant in an
engaged arrangement.
[0026] FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of
the storage bag designed in accordance with the teachings of the
invention including a slider and a one-way valve element along with
an evacuation device.
[0027] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of
FIG. 20 illustrating a "rolling action" embodiment of the fastening
strip including sealant in an engaged arrangement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0028] Now referring to the drawings, wherein like reference
numbers refer to like elements, there is illustrated in FIG. 1 an
exemplary flexible storage bag 100 of the type typically used for
storing food items. The storage bag includes a first sidewall 102
and an opposing second sidewall 104 overlaying and joined to the
first sidewall to provide an internal volume 106. The first and
second sidewalls 102, 104 can be made from webs of pliable
thermoplastic material. Examples of suitable thermoplastic material
include polyethylene (PE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), low
density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene
(LLDPE), polypropylene (PP), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), nylon,
polyester, polyamide, ethylene vinyl alcohol, and can be formed in
single or multiple layers. The thermoplastic material can be
transparent, translucent, opaque, or tinted. Furthermore, the
material used for the sidewalls can be a gas impermeable
material.
[0029] The first and second sidewalls 102, 104 are joined together
along a first side edge 110, a parallel second side edge 112, and a
closed bottom edge 114 by, for example, a heat sealing operation.
To access the internal volume 106, the top edge 116 of the first
side wall 102 and the corresponding top edge 118 of the second
sidewall 104 remain unjoined to provide an opening 120. Due to the
four orthogonal edges, the illustrated storage bag 100 has a
rectangular shape. However, it will be appreciated in other
embodiments that the bag can have any suitable shape resulting from
any number of sidewalls and edges.
[0030] To close the opening 120, a closure device may be provided.
The closure device may include a first fastening strip 122 and an
interlocking second fastening strip 124. The elongated fastening
strips 122, 124 can be formed by extruding a flexible thermoplastic
material that demonstrates resilient characteristics. The first and
second fastening strips 122, 124 may be attached to an inner
surface of the respective first and second sidewalls 102, 104
proximate the respective top edges 116, 118 and extend from the
first side edge 110 to the second side edge 112. The fastening
strips may also be attached to the outer surface of the sidewalls.
To attach the fastening strips, adhesive or a heat sealing
operation can be utilized. In addition, the fastening strips may be
formed as part of the sidewalls.
[0031] To enable the first and second fastening strips 122, 124 to
interlock, a respective first and second closure profile may be
formed continuously along the length of each strip. The first and
second closure profiles may have a complementary shape such that
they can engage or mate with each other in an interlocking manner.
When so engaged, the complementary closure profiles function to
hold the first and second top edges 116, 118 adjacent to each other
to close the opening 120. To allow for repeated access to the
internal volume 106, the fastening strips 122, 124 are desirably
configured to releasably interlock with each other.
[0032] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, to improve
the seal established by the engaged closure profiles, a sealant is
applied to the interlocking fastening strips. In one embodiment,
the sealant can be a viscous fluid, a fluid-like substance, a
wax-like substance, or other similar material. In one embodiment, a
typical characteristic of such materials is that they do not cure
or set and therefore remain flowable or displaceable. When the
closure profiles engage, the sealant displaces to fill or close
crevices or other leak paths that may exist between the flexible
closure profiles due to imperfections or misalignment. Thus, the
sealant provides an airtight or hermetic seal of the internal
volume. The sealant may have a density and viscosity greater than
the air or gas that is both contained in the storage bag and in the
surrounding environment. Examples of suitable sealant material
include silicone oil, mineral oil, monoglycerides, fatty acids,
polybutenes, and petroleum jelly. In those embodiments in which the
invention is used with bags intended for storing food items, it is
desirable that the sealant qualify as a food grade material.
[0033] One example of interlocking fastening strips designed in
accordance with the invention is illustrated in FIG. 2. The
illustrated fastening strips 122, 124 may be referred to as
"U-channel" style fastening strips. The first fastening strip 122
is formed with a male closure profile 130 that projects from a flat
base member 140 that may be adapted to be attached to an inner
surface of the first sidewall. The projecting male closure profile
130 may include first and second projections 142, 144 that are
parallel to and spaced-apart from each other a first distance.
Formed at the distal tip of each projection 142, 144 are respective
first and second hooks or barbs 146, 148 that are generally
directed back toward the base member 140. Moreover, the barbs 146,
148 are directed oppositely or away from each other. The distal
most surface of the barbs 146, 148 are generally shaped or rounded
to provide respective first and second guide surfaces 150, 152. It
will be appreciated that the male closure profile 130 including the
first and second projections 142, 144 extends substantially over
the entire length of the first fastening strip 122.
[0034] The second fastening strip 124 of the pair illustrated in
FIG. 2 may be formed as a female closure profile 132 that likewise
projects from a flat base member 160 that may be adapted to be
attached to an inner surface of the second sidewall. The projecting
female closure profile 132 may include first and second projections
162, 164 that are parallel to and spaced-apart from each other a
second distance. The second distance should be slightly greater
than the first distance so that the female closure profile 132 is
adapted to receive the projections 142, 144 of the male closure
profile 130. Formed at the distal tip of each projection 162, 164
of the female closure profile 132 are respective first and second
hooks or barbs 166, 168 that are generally directed back toward the
base member 160. Furthermore, the barbs 166, 168 are facing and
directed towards each other. The distal most surface of the barbs
166, 168 are generally shaped or rounded to provide respective
first and second guide surfaces 170, 172. Additionally, the female
closure profile 132 may also include a flange 174 projecting from
the base member 160 approximately midway between the first and
second projections 162, 166 that extends to approximately the same
height as the first and second projections. In other embodiments,
the closure profile may not include the flange 174. It will be
appreciated that the female closure profile 132 including the first
and second projections 162, 164 extends substantially over the
entire length of the second fastening strip 124.
[0035] On the male closure profile 130, a sealant 136 is deposited
into the three-sided gap or channel existing between the first and
second projections 142, 144 and the base member 140. Sealant 136 is
likewise deposited on the female closure profile 132 into the gap
created between the first projection 162 and the flange 174 and
between the flange and the second projection 164. In the
illustrated embodiment, the sealant should be sufficiently viscous
so that it remains in the closure profiles and does not otherwise
freely flow out of the gaps.
[0036] To engage the male and female closure profiles 130, 132 as
illustrated in FIG. 3, the first and second interlocking fastening
strips 122, 124 are pressed toward each other until the guide
surface 150, 152 on the male projections 142, 144 contact the guide
surfaces 170, 172 on the female projections 160, 162. Due to the
flexible characteristic of the fastening strip material, contact
between the guide surfaces causes the male projections 142, 144 to
flex inwardly and the female projections 162, 164 to flex
outwardly. The barbs 146, 148 on the male projections 142, 144 and
the barbs 166, 168 on the female projections 162, 164 can thereby
slide past each other. Once past each other, the flexible
characteristic of the fastening strip material cause the male and
female projections to flex back moving the barbs into an
interlocking engagement with each other. Furthermore, because of
the flexible and resilient characteristics of the fastening strip
material, a sufficient, oppositely applied pulling force can
disengage the male and female closure profiles. The fastening
strips may also use a slider to engage and disengage the fastening
strips as noted herein.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 3, when the male and female closure
profiles 130, 132 are thus engaged, the sealant 136 disposed on the
male closure profile contacts and interacts with the sealant
disposed on the female profile. The sealant thereby provides an
airtight barrier or seal across the closure profiles. Moreover, the
sealant 136 can displace or wick via capillary action into crevices
or leak paths between the engaged barbs.
[0038] In other embodiments, the sealant need not be provided on
both the first and second fastening strips. For example, referring
to FIG. 4, the sealant 236 is only provided on the male closure
profile 230 between the first and second projections 242, 244 of
the first fastening strip 222. When the first and second fastening
strips 222, 224 are pressed together, the flange 274 of the female
closure profile 232 is inserted into the sealant 236 to provide the
air tight barrier preventing air or other fluids or gases from
leaking into or out of the internal volume of the storage bag.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 5, the sealant 336 is only provided on the
female closure profile 332 in between the gaps provided by the
first and second projections 362, 364 and the flange 374. When the
first and second fastening strips 322, 324 are pressed together,
the guide surfaces 350, 352 of the male projections 342, 344 are
pressed into the sealant 336 thereby providing the hermetic barrier
preventing air or other fluids or gases from leaking into or out of
the internal volume of the storage bag. Moreover, the sealant 336
can displace or wick by capillary action into crevices or leak
paths between the engaged barbs.
[0040] In other embodiments, the sealant can be located in other
areas besides the closure profiles. For example, referring to FIG.
6, in addition to the male closure profile 130, the first fastening
strip 422 can include a first flange 476 and a spaced-apart second
flange 478 projecting from the flat base member 440. The flanges
476, 478 are located on opposite sides of and spaced-apart from the
male profile 430 and extend substantially along the length of the
first fastening strip 422. The spacing provides a gap between the
first flange 476 and the first male projection 442 and another gap
between the second flange 478 and the second male projection 444
into which sealant 436 can be deposited. When the first and second
fastening strips 422, 424 are pressed together, the first and
second projections 462, 464 of the female closure profile 432 can
move around the respective first and second projections 442, 444 of
the male closure profile 430 to contact the sealant 436, thereby
providing the airtight barrier preventing air from leaking into or
out of the internal volume.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 7, there is illustrated another embodiment
of the "U-channel" style fastening strips where the sealant is
disposed on the surfaces of the male and female closure profiles
530, 532. Specifically, sealant 536 is disposed on the surfaces of
both the male projections 542, 544 and the female projections 562,
564. The sealant 536 may be a viscous oil such that the sealant
remains in place as a film on the surfaces of the closure profiles.
When the first and second fastening strips 522, 524 are pressed
together, the sealant 536 on the male profile 530 contacts and
interacts with the sealant on the female profile 532 thereby
providing the hermetic barrier. Moreover, sealant can creep or wick
via capillary action into crevices or leak paths that exist between
the engaged barbs. In other embodiments, sealant may be disposed
only on the surface of the male closure profile or only on the
surface of the female closure profile.
[0042] In other embodiments, the sealant can be impregnated into
the material of the closure profiles. Referring to FIG. 8, in an
aspect, to impregnate the closure profiles with sealant 636, a
plurality of capillaries 680 can be disposed into unengaged closure
profiles. The capillaries 680 can be formed as small grooves or
channels disposed along the surface of the closure profiles 630,
632. Sealant 636 is then received into the capillaries 680 by any
suitable method. During engagement, when the first and second
fastening strips are pressed together, the flexing that the male
and female closure profiles undergo to accommodate each other
causes sealant 636 to be excreted from the capillaries 680. The
sealant can thereafter displace or wick via capillary action to
fill or close crevices or leak paths between the engaged closure
profiles. In other embodiments, the capillaries can be formed as a
plurality of small diameter bores or openings disposed into the
material of the closure profiles. For example, the capillaries can
be formed by etching. In another example, the closure profiles may
include a porous surface and the pores or openings may be the
capillaries.
[0043] In another aspect, the sealant can be blended into the
material of the closure profile itself. The sealant will bloom to
the surfaces of the closure profiles where the sealant can displace
or wick to fill or close leak paths.
[0044] The invention, including those embodiments in which the
sealant is provided by depositing into gaps, as a film, in
capillaries, or as blended into the closure profile material, can
be utilized with a variety of different interlocking fastening
strips. For example, illustrated in FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional
view of interlocking fastening strips such as those disclosed and
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,299, herein incorporated by
reference in its entirety. The fastening strips may be referred to
as "profile" style fastening strips. The interlocking fastening
strips 722, 724 may include a first closure profile 730 projecting
from a base member 740 of the first fastening strip 722 adapted to
engage a corresponding second closure profile 732 projecting from a
base member 760 of the second fastening strip 724.
[0045] The first closure profile 730 includes a first pair of
projections 742, 744 that are parallel and spaced-apart from each
other a first distance. Formed on the distal ends of each of the
first projections 742, 744 are respective first hook-like barbs
746, 748 which are pointed generally back toward the base member
740. Moreover, the projections are shaped so that the barbs are
arranged in the same direction. The distal most surface of the
first projections are generally rounded or shaped to provide first
guide surfaces 750, 752.
[0046] The second closure profile 732 also includes a pair of
second projections 762, 764 that are parallel and spaced-apart from
each other a second distance. The second distance between the
second projections 762, 764 dimensionally corresponds to the first
distance between the first projections 742, 744. Formed on the
distal ends of the second projections 762, 764 are respective
second hook-like barbs 766, 768 which are generally pointed back
toward the base member 740. Moreover, the second projections 762,
764 are shaped so that the second barbs are arranged in the same
direction and opposite the direction of the first barbs 746, 748.
The distal most surfaces of the second projections are generally
rounded or shaped to provide second guide surfaces 770, 772.
[0047] In the illustrated embodiment of the fastening strips 722,
724, a sealant 736 can be disposed on the first strip in the gap
created between the spaced-apart first projections 742, 744 and the
first base member 740. Likewise, a sealant 736 can also be disposed
on the second strip in the gap created between the spaced-apart
second projections 762, 764 and the second base member 760. The
particular sealant 736 may be viscous enough to remain located in
the closure profiles 732, 736 and not freely leak from the
gaps.
[0048] To engage the first and second closure profiles of FIG. 9,
the first and second fastening strips 722, 724 are pressed together
so that the first projections 742, 744 abut the correspondingly
spaced-apart second projections 762, 764. Particularly, the first
guide surfaces 750, 752 contact the second guide surfaces 770, 772
causing the first projections 742, 744 and second projections 762,
764 to flex such that the first barbs 746, 748 and oppositely
directed second barbs 766, 768 slide about each other and engage.
When so engaged, the sealant 736 located between both the first
projections 742, 744 and the second projections 762, 764 contacts
and interacts to provide the hermetic barrier between the
interlocking fastening strips. Moreover, the sealant 736 can
displace to fill or close leak paths existing between the engaged
barbs.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 9, separately or in addition to providing
the sealant in the gaps between the projections, the sealant may be
provided as noted herein, for example, as a film, in capillaries,
or blended into the material of the closure profiles of the
interlocking fastening strips. In addition, the sealant can be
provided on either or both of the closure profiles. Also, the
fastening strips may use a slider as noted herein.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 10, there is illustrated in cross-section
fastening strips 822, 824 such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
3,806,998, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. These
fastening strips may be referred to as "arrow-head" or "rib and
groove" style fastening strips. The first fastening strip 822 may
have a projecting head portion 842 extending from a flat base
member 840. The head portion includes a mushroom-shaped head 844
that is located at the end of a reduced neck portion 846 that is
connected to the base member 840. The second fastening strip 824
may include a base member 860 and a C-shaped groove portion 862.
The projecting head portion 842 of the first fastening strip is
receivable in the groove portion 862 of the second fastening strip.
Through this arrangement, the fastening strips 822, 824 are adapted
to be interlockingly engaged when pressed together and separated by
being forcibly pulled apart.
[0051] In the illustrated embodiment of the fastening strips, a
sealant 836 can be deposited in the groove portion 862. Hence,
inserting the projecting head portion 842 into the groove portion
862 simultaneously causes the displaceable sealant 836 to flow
around the head portion thereby providing the hermetic barrier
between the engaged fastening strips 822, 824.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 10, separately or in addition to providing
the sealant in the groove portion, the sealant may be provided as
noted herein, for example, as a film, in capillaries, or blended
into the material of the closure profiles of the interlocking
fastening strips.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 11, there is illustrated another
embodiment of a storage bag. The illustrated storage bag 900
includes a pliable first sidewall 902 overlaid and joined to a
second sidewall 904 to provide an internal volume 906. To access
the internal volume 906, the respective first and second top edges
916, 918 of the first and second sidewalls 902, 904 remain unjoined
to provide an opening 920. To close the opening 920, first and
second interlocking fastening strips 922, 924 are attached
proximate the respective top edges 916, 918. In the particular
storage bag 900 illustrated in FIG. 11, to occlude and de-occlude
the fastening strips 916, 918, the storage bag 900 includes a
slider 926. The slider 926 is a generally U-shaped structure that
straddles the top edges 916, 918 of the sidewalls 902, 904. Moving
the slider 926 along the top edges 916, 918 engages or disengages
the interlocking fastening strips 922, 924.
[0054] In addition to including the slider 926, the storage bag 900
illustrated in FIG. 11 includes a one-valve element 927 for
removing latent air from the storage bag. The one-way valve element
927 is attached to the first sidewall 902 and communicates with the
internal volume 906. To evacuate the internal volume 906 via the
one-way valve element 927, a nozzle 928 connected to a vacuum
source 929 can be placed against the valve element or against the
first sidewall 902 about the valve element and activated. The
vacuum source connected to the nozzle 928 can be any suitable
vacuum source including, for example, hand-operated pumps,
mechanical pumps, water aspirators, oral suction, and the like. In
other embodiments, latent air can be evacuated by pressing the
sidewalls 902, 904 together.
[0055] The interlocking fastening strips 922, 924 may be as
illustrated in FIG. 12 and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,143,
herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. The fastening
strips may be referred to as the "rolling action" style fastening
strips. The strips 922, 924 include profiled tracks 930 and 932
extending along the length thereof parallel to rib and groove
elements 936 and 938. The rib and groove elements 936, 938 have
complementary cross-sectional shapes such that they are closed by
pressing the bottom of the elements together first and then rolling
the elements to a closed position toward the top thereof. The rib
element 936 is hook shaped and projects from the inner face of
strip 922. The complementary groove element 938 includes a lower
hook shaped projection 940 and a relatively straight projection 942
which extend from the inner face of the second strip 924. Sealant
934 can be received and held in the groove element 938 as described
above. The profiled tracks 930, 932 are inclined inwardly toward
each other from their respective strips 922, 924.
[0056] The straddling slider 928 comprises an inverted U-shaped
plastic member having a back 950 for moving along the top edges of
the tracks 930, 932 and with two parallel side walls 952, 954
depending therefrom for cooperating with the tracks and extending
from an opening end of the slider to a closing end. A separator
finger 956 depends from the back 950 between the side walls 952,
954 and is inserted between the inclined tracks 930, 932. The
slider 928 has shoulders 958, 960 projecting inwardly from the
depending side walls 952, 954 which are shaped throughout the
length thereof for cooperation with the depending separator finger
956 in creating the rolling action in opening and closing the
reclosable interlocking rib and groove profile elements 936, 938.
Inserting the rib 936 into the groove 938 simultaneously causes the
displaceable sealant 934 to flow around the rib thereby providing
the hermetic barrier between the engaged fastening strips 922, 924.
Furthermore, in those embodiments in which the storage bag 900
includes a valve element 927 for evacuating the internal volume
906, the sealant can help maintain the storage bag in an evacuated
state.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 12, separately or in addition to providing
the sealant in the groove element 936, the sealant may be provided
as noted herein, for example, as a film, in capillaries, or blended
into the material of the closure profiles of the style interlocking
fastening strips.
[0058] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
sealant applied to the interlocking fastening strips can be a
semi-rigid substance. Such a material may be freestanding and
should not flow like a liquid. However, the semi-rigid material may
retain some resilient or compressive properties to facilitate
sealing between the engaged closure profiles. By way of example, a
gel can be employed as a suitable material for the semi-rigid
sealant material. Examples of suitable gels include hydrocarbon
gels such as Versagel P100, P200, available from Penreco (a
petroleum hydrocarbon), gel adhesive such as the material
designated as 555-8808 available from National Starch and Chemical
Company (a hot melt adhesive), petrolatums, and jellies. Gels may
be any jelly-like material formed from a colloidal solution.
Typically, such gels include at least one block copolymer that will
bind to a liquid such as a mineral oil thereby enabling the oil to
become semi-rigid. Additionally, the semi-rigid sealant material
can be a thermoplastic elastomer such as Dynoflex 66703-0001
available from GLS Corporation. Again, in those embodiments in
which the invention is to be used with bags intended for storing
food items, it is desirable that the sealant qualify as food grade
material.
[0059] The sealant may be fluorinated oil or a fluorinated grease.
The sealant may be a perfluoropolyether (PFPE)--also called
perfluoroalkylether (PFAE) or perfluoropolyalkylether (PFPAE)--with
the following chemical structure:
F--(CF--CF.sub.2--O).sub.n--CF.sub.2CF.sub.3 [0060] CF.sub.3 where
n=10-60 In one embodiment, the polymer chain may be completely
saturated and contains only carbon, oxygen, and fluorine. In one
embodiment, the oil may contain 21.6% carbon, 9.4% oxygen, and
69.0% fluorine on a weight basis. The sealant may have a viscosity
for the oil, or the base oil for the grease, in a first range of 1
to 100,000 cSt, a second range of 1 to 10,000 cSt, or a third range
of 1 to 1,000 cSt. The sealant may have a density of less than 1.95
g/cc. One example of the sealant is made by Dupont under the name
Krytox.RTM.. An oil may be Krytox FG40 and a grease may be Krytox
FG20.
[0061] One example of interlocking fastening strips designed in
accordance with the invention is illustrated in FIG. 13. The
fastening strips are similar to the fastening strips in FIG. 2
except the sealant is a semi-rigid sealant material. The
illustrated fastening strips 1022, 1024 may be referred to as
"U-channel" style fastening strips. The first fastening strip 1022
is formed with a male closure profile 1030 that projects from a
flat base member 1040 that may be adapted to be attached to an
inner surface of the first sidewall. The projecting male closure
profile 1030 may include first and second projections 1042, 1044
that are parallel to and spaced-apart from each other a first
distance. Formed at the distal tip of each projection 1042, 1044
are respective first and second hooks or barbs 1046, 1048 that are
generally directed back toward the base member 1040. Moreover, the
barbs 1046, 1048 are directed oppositely or away from each other.
The distal most surface of the barbs 1046, 1048 are generally
shaped or rounded to provide respective first and second guide
surfaces 1050, 1052. It will be appreciated that the male closure
profile 1030 including the first and second projections 1042, 1044
extends substantially over the entire length of the first fastening
strip 1022.
[0062] The second fastening strip 1024 of the pair illustrated in
FIG. 13 may be formed as a female closure profile 1032 that
likewise projects from a flat base member 1060 that may be adapted
to be attached to an inner surface of the second sidewall. The
projecting female closure profile 1032 may include first and second
projections 1062, 1064 that are parallel to and spaced-apart from
each other a second distance. The second distance should be
slightly greater than the first distance so that the female closure
profile 1032 is adapted to receive the projections 1042, 1044 of
the male closure profile 1030. Formed at the distal tip of each
projection 1062, 1064 of the female closure profile 1032 are
respective first and second hooks or barbs 1066, 1068 that are
generally directed back toward the base member 1060. Furthermore,
the barbs 1066, 1068 are facing and directed towards each other.
The distal most surface of the barbs 1066, 1068 are generally
shaped or rounded to provide respective first and second guide
surfaces 1070, 1072. Additionally, the female closure profile 1032
may also include a flange 1074 projecting from the base member 1060
approximately midway between the first and second projections 1062,
1066 that extends to approximately the same height as the first and
second projections. In other embodiments, the closure profile may
not include flange 1074. It will be appreciated that the female
closure profile 1032 including the first and second projections
1062, 1064 extends substantially over the entire length of the
second fastening strip 1024.
[0063] On the male closure profile 1030, a sealant 1036 is placed
into the three-sided gap or channel existing between the first and
second projections 1042, 1044 and the base member 1040. Sealant 10
is likewise placed on the female closure profile 10 into the gaps
created between the first projection 1062 and the flange 1074 and
between the flange 1074 and the second projection 1064. In the
embodiments in which the sealant is semi-rigid, the sealant can
have a sufficient rigidity so that it remains in the closure
profiles and does not otherwise freely flow out of the gaps.
[0064] To engage the male and female closure profiles 1030, 1032 as
illustrated in FIG. 14, the first and second interlocking fastening
strips 1022, 1024 are pressed toward each other until the guide
surface 1050, 1052 on the male projections 1042, 1044 contact the
guide surfaces 1070, 1072 on the female projections 1060, 1062. Due
to the flexible characteristic of the fastening strip material,
contact between the guide surfaces causes the male projections
1042, 1044 to flex inwardly and the female projections 1062, 1064
to flex outwardly. The barbs 1046, 1048 on the male projections
1042, 1044 and the barbs 1066, 1068 on the female projections 1062,
1064 can thereby slide past each other. Once past each other, the
resilient characteristic of the fastening strip material cause the
male and female projections to flex back moving the barbs into an
interlocking engagement with each other. Because of the flexible
and resilient characteristics of the fastening strip material, a
sufficient, oppositely applied pulling force can disengage the male
and female closure profiles. The fastening strips may also use a
slider to engage and disengage the fastening strips as noted
herein.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 14, when the male and female closure
profiles 1032, 1034 are thus engaged, the flange 1074 on the female
closure profile 1032 presses into and thereby displaces the sealant
1036 disposed on the male closure profile 1030. In those
embodiments in which the sealant 1036 is a semi-rigid substance,
the resilient characteristics of the substance cause the sealant to
urge back against the flange 1074, thereby providing positive
sealing contact. Additionally, the distal most surfaces 1050, 1052
of the barbs 1046, 1048 on the male profile 1030 press into and
displace the sealant 1037 of the female closure profile 1032.
Again, the resilient characteristic of the semi-rigid material
causes the sealant 1037 to urge back against the barbs 1046, 1048
to provide positive sealing contact. Furthermore, the sealant 1036,
1037 on male and female closure profiles 1030, 1032 can contact and
urge against each other along contact line 1079 as illustrated in
FIG. 14. The sealant thereby provides an airtight barrier or seal
across the closure profiles.
[0066] In those embodiments in which the sealant is a semi-rigid
material, to enable the sealant to displace and urge back against
the other components of the closure profiles as described, the
sealant material should be softer than the flexible material of the
closure profiles. For example, the sealant material can have a
hardness value in the range of 0 to 70 points, using the Shore 00
hardness scale. The hardness may be in a second range of 30 to 70
points. In one embodiment, the hardness may be 60 points. The
flexible material of the interlocking fastening strips can have a
hardness value in the range of 70 to 90 points, using the Shore A
hardness scale. Accordingly, the closure profiles can still flex to
engage and disengage as described above while still being adapted
to press into and displace the sealant.
[0067] Furthermore, in those embodiments in which the sealant is a
semi-rigid material, the resilient nature can cause the sealant
1036, 1037 to substantially recover to its original form within the
male and female closure profiles 1030, 1036 after the closure
profiles have been disengaged. Accordingly, the closure profiles
can be repeatedly engaged and disengaged while continuing to
hermetically seal the interior volume.
[0068] In other embodiments, the sealant need not be provided with
both the first and second fastening strips. The fastening strips in
FIG. 15 are similar to the fastening strips in FIG. 4 except the
sealant is a semi-rigid sealant material. Referring to FIG. 15, the
sealant 1136 is only provided with the male closure profile 1130
between the first and second projections 1142, 1144 of the first
fastening strip 1122. When the first and second fastening strips
1122, 1124 are pressed together, the flange 1174 of the female
closure profile 1132 is pressed into and displaces the sealant 536
to provide the air tight barrier preventing air or other fluids or
gases from leaking into or out of the internal volume of the
storage bag.
[0069] The fastening strips in FIG. 16 are similar to the fastening
strips in FIG. 5 except the sealant is a semi-rigid sealant
material. Referring to FIG. 16, the sealant 1237 is only provided
with the female closure profile 1232 in between the gaps provided
by the first and second projections 1262, 1264 and the flange 1274.
When the first and second fastening strips 1222, 1224 are pressed
together, the guide surfaces 1250, 1252 of the male projections
1242, 1244 are pressed into and displace the sealant 1237 thereby
providing the hermetic barrier preventing air or other fluids or
gases from leaking into or out of the internal volume of the
storage bag.
[0070] In other embodiments, the sealant can be located in other
areas besides the closure profiles. The fastening strips in FIG. 17
are similar to the fastening strips in FIG. 6 except the sealant is
a semi-rigid sealant material. Referring to FIG. 17, in addition to
the male closure profile 1330, the first fastening strip 1322 can
include a first flange 1376 and a spaced-apart second flange 1378
projecting from the flat base member 1340. The flanges 1376, 1378
are located on opposite sides of and spaced-apart from the male
profile 1330 and extend substantially along the length of the first
fastening strip 1322. The spacing provides a gap between the first
flange 1376 and the first male projection 1342 and another gap
between the second flange 1378 and the second male projection 1344
into which sealant 1336 can be placed. When the first and second
fastening strips 1322, 1324 are engaged together, the first and
second projections 1362, 1364 of the female closure profile 1332
can move around the respective first and second projections 1342,
1344 of the male closure profile 1330 to contact and press against
the sealant 1336, thereby providing the airtight barrier preventing
air from leaking into or out of the internal volume.
[0071] The invention, including those embodiments in which the
sealant is a semi-rigid material, can be utilized with a variety of
different interlocking fastening strips. The fastening strips in
FIG. 18 are similar to the fastening strips in FIG. 9 except the
sealant is a semi-rigid sealant material. Illustrated in FIG. 18 is
a cross-sectional view of interlocking fastening strips such as
those disclosed and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,664,299, herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety. The interlocking
fastening strips 1422, 1424 include a first closure profile 1430
projecting from a base member 1440 of the first fastening strip
1422 adapted to engage a corresponding second closure profile 1432
projecting from a base member 1460 of the second fastening strip
1424.
[0072] The first closure profile 1430 includes a first pair of
projections 1442, 1444 that are parallel and spaced-apart from each
other a first distance. Formed on the distal ends of each of the
first projections 1442, 1444 are respective first hook-like barbs
1446, 1448 which are pointed generally back toward the base member
1440. Moreover, the projections are shaped so that the barbs are
arranged in the same direction. The distal most surface of the
first projections are generally rounded or shaped to provide first
guide surfaces 1450, 1452.
[0073] The second closure profile 1432 also includes a pair of
second projections 1462, 1464 that are parallel and spaced-apart
from each other a second distance. The second distance between the
second projections 1462, 1464 dimensionally corresponds to the
first distance between the first projections 1442, 1444. Formed on
the distal ends of the second projections 1462, 1464 are respective
second hook-like barbs 1466, 1468 which are generally pointed back
toward the base member 1440. Moreover, the second projections 1462,
1464 are shaped so that the second barbs are arranged in the same
direction and opposite the direction of the first barbs 1446, 1448.
The distal most surfaces of the second projections are generally
rounded or shaped to provide second guide surfaces 1470, 1472.
[0074] In the illustrated embodiment of the fastening strips 1422,
1424, a sealant 1436 can be placed on the first strip in the gap
created between the spaced-apart first projections 1422, 1444 and
the first base member 1440. Likewise, sealant 1437 can also be
placed on the second strip in the gap created between the
spaced-apart second projections 1462, 1464 and the second base
member 1460.
[0075] To engage the first and second closure profiles of FIG. 18,
the first and second fastening strips 1422, 1424 are pressed
together so that the first projections 1442, 1444 abut the
correspondingly spaced-apart second projections 1462, 1464.
Particularly, the first guide surfaces 1450, 1452 contact the
second guide surfaces 1470, 1472 causing the first projections
1442, 1444 and second projections 1462, 1464 to flex such that the
first barbs 1446, 1448 and oppositely directed second barbs 1466,
1468 slide about each other and engage. When so engaged, the
sealants 1436, 1437 located between both the first projections
1442, 1444 and the second projections 1462, 1464 contacts and urge
against each other to provide the hermetic barrier between the
interlocking fastening strips. Also, the fastening strips may use a
slider as noted herein.
[0076] The fastening strips in FIG. 19 are similar to the fastening
strips in FIG. 10 except the sealant is a semi-rigid sealant
material. Referring to FIG. 19, there is illustrated in
cross-section fastening strips 1522, 1524 such as those disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,998, herein incorporated by reference in its
entirety. The fastening strips may be referred to as an "arrow
head" or "rib and groove" style fastening strips. The first
fastening strip 1522 may have a projecting head portion 1542
extending from a flat base member 1540. The head portion includes a
mushroom-shaped head 1544 that is located at the end of a reduced
neck portion 1546 that is connected to the base member 1540. The
second fastening strip 1524 may include a base member 1560 and a
C-shaped groove portion 1562. The projecting head portion 1542 of
the first fastening strip is receivable in the groove portion 1562
of the second fastening strip. Through this arrangement, the
fastening strips 1522, 1524 are adapted to be interlockingly
engaged when pressed together and separated by being forcibly
pulled apart.
[0077] In the illustrated embodiment of the fastening strips, a
sealant 1536 can be placed and retained in the groove portion 1562.
Hence, inserting the projecting head portion 1542 into the C-shaped
groove portion 1562 simultaneously causes the semi-rigid sealant
1536 to displace around and urge against the head portion thereby
providing the hermetic barrier between the engaged fastening strips
1522, 1524. When the fastening strips are disengaged, the resilient
sealant can recover its original position within the groove portion
1562.
[0078] The fastening strips in FIG. 20 are similar to the fastening
strips in FIG. 11 except the sealant is a semi-rigid sealant
material. Referring to FIG. 20, there is illustrated another
embodiment of a storage bag. The illustrated storage bag 1600
includes a pliable first sidewall 1602 overlaid and joined to a
second sidewall 1604 to provide an internal volume 1606. To access
the internal volume 1606, the respective first and second top edges
1616, 1618 of the first and second sidewalls 1602, 1604 remain
unjoined to provide an opening 1620. To close the opening 1620,
first and second interlocking fastening strips 1622, 1624 are
attached proximate the respective top edges 1616, 1618. In the
particular storage bag 1600 illustrated in FIG. 20, to occlude and
de-occlude the fastening strips 1616, 1618, the storage bag 1600
includes a slider 1626. The slider 1626 is a generally U-shaped
structure that straddles the top edges 1616, 1618 of the sidewalls
1602, 1604. Moving the slider 1626 along the top edges 1616, 1618
engages or disengages the interlocking fastening strips 1622,
1624.
[0079] In addition to including the slider 1626, the storage bag
1600 illustrated in FIG. 20 includes a one-way valve element 1627
for removing latent air from the storage bag. The one-way valve
element 1627 is attached to the first sidewall 1602 and
communicates with the internal volume 1606. To evacuate the
internal volume 1606 via the one-way valve element 1627, a nozzle
1628 connected to a vacuum source 1629 can be interfaced with the
valve element activated. The vacuum source connected to the nozzle
1628 can be any suitable vacuum source including, for example,
hand-operated pumps, mechanical pumps, water aspirators, oral
suction, and the like. In other embodiments, latent air can be
evacuated by pressing the sidewalls 1602, 1604 together.
[0080] The fastening strips in FIG. 21 are similar to the fastening
strips in FIG. 12 except the sealant is a semi-rigid sealant
material. The interlocking fastening strips 1622, 1624 may be as
illustrated in FIG. 21 and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,143,
herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. The fastening
strips may be referred to as "rolling action" style fastening
strips. The strips 1622, 1624 include profiled tracks 1630 and 1632
extending along the length thereof parallel to rib and groove
elements 1636 and 1638. The rib and groove elements 1636, 1638 have
complementary cross-sectional shapes such that they are closed by
pressing the bottom of the elements together first and then rolling
the elements to a closed position toward the top thereof. The rib
element 1636 is hook shaped and projects from the inner face of
strip 1622. The complementary groove element 1638 includes a lower
hook shaped projection 1640 and a relatively straight projection
1642 which extend from the inner face of the second strip 1624. The
semi-rigid sealant 1634 can be placed and retained in the groove
element 1638. The profiled tracks 1630, 1632 are inclined inwardly
toward each other from their respective strips 1622, 1624.
[0081] The straddling slider 1628 comprises an inverted U-shaped
plastic member having a back 1650 for moving along the top edges of
the tracks 1630, 1632 and with two parallel side walls 1652, 1654
depending therefrom for cooperating with the tracks and extending
from an opening end of the slider to a closing end. A separator
finger 1656 depends from the back 1650 between the side walls 1652,
1654 and is inserted between the inclined tracks 1630, 1632. The
slider 1628 has shoulders 1658, 1660 projecting inwardly from the
depending side walls 1652, 1654 which are shaped throughout the
length thereof for cooperation with the depending separator finger
1656 in creating the rolling action in opening and closing the
reclosable interlocking rib and groove profile elements 1636, 1638.
Inserting the rib 1636 into the groove 1638 simultaneously causes
the resilient sealant 1634 to displace around and urge against the
rib thereby providing the hermetic barrier between the engaged
fastening strips 1622, 1624. Furthermore, in those embodiments in
which the storage bag 1600 includes a valve element 1627 for
evacuating the internal volume 1606, the sealant can help maintain
the storage bag in an evacuated state.
[0082] The sealant can be included as part of the fastening strips
in any suitable way. For example, in the embodiments in which the
sealant is a viscous liquid or semi-liquid substance, the sealant
can be injected into or otherwise immersed about the closure
profiles. In those embodiments in which the sealant is a semi-rigid
material and the fastening strips are formed by extrusion, the
sealant can be injected into closure profile after extrusion but
prior to quenching of the fastening strip in a water bath.
Additionally, the fastening strips can be both extruded and
quenched into a water bath prior to injection of the sealant
material. Furthermore, the fastening strips and sealant can be
co-extruded at the same time.
[0083] Thus, the invention provides a closure device for a storage
bag that includes releasably interlocking fastening strips. To
provide an air-tight seal, a sealant is included on at least a
portion of the fastening strips. The sealant can be a viscous
fluid, a fluid-like substance, a semi-rigid substance, or a
wax-like substance. In addition to providing an airtight seal, the
sealant can prevent air from entering the internal volume after
evacuation, thereby helping to preserve food items contained in the
storage bag.
[0084] All references, including publications, patent applications,
and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to
the same extent as if each reference were individually and
specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set
forth in its entirety herein.
[0085] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising,"
"having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as
open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are
merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring
individually to each separate value falling within the range,
unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is
incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not
pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise
claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as
indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of
the invention.
[0086] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described
herein, including the best mode known to the inventor(s) for
carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred
embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor(s) expect
skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the
inventor(s) intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than
as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention
includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter
recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable
law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in
all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention
unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted
by context.
* * * * *