U.S. patent application number 12/514057 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-30 for valve element.
Invention is credited to Scott Binger, Andrew E. Neltner.
Application Number | 20100242407 12/514057 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39536948 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100242407 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Binger; Scott ; et
al. |
September 30, 2010 |
Valve Element
Abstract
A one-way valve element for use with containers such as flexible
storage bags includes an elastomeric or similar material that can
elastically expand to expose and at least substantially resiliently
recover to cover an aperture through a sidewall of the container.
Hence, air from the interior volume of the container can be
evacuated through the valve element by, for example, interfacing an
evacuation device with the valve element. The valve element can be
provided as a single layer structure or a multiple layered
structure that is attached to the sidewall of the container over
the aperture. In another aspect, a valve element includes a
gel-like material retained in a valve body and that can displace to
allow air flow across the valve.
Inventors: |
Binger; Scott; (Bridgeview,
IL) ; Neltner; Andrew E.; (Cincinnati, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE CLOROX COMPANY
P.O. BOX 24305
OAKLAND
CA
94623-1305
US
|
Family ID: |
39536948 |
Appl. No.: |
12/514057 |
Filed: |
November 29, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
November 29, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US07/85917 |
371 Date: |
May 7, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60869842 |
Dec 13, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/405 ; 137/800;
383/100 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 137/9247 20150401;
B65D 81/2038 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/405 ; 383/100;
137/800 |
International
Class: |
B65B 31/00 20060101
B65B031/00; B65D 33/01 20060101 B65D033/01 |
Claims
1. A storage bag comprising: a first flexible sidewall; a second
flexible sidewall overlaying and joined to the first sidewall to
provide an interior volume; and a one-way valve element including a
layer comprising elastomeric material, the one-way valve element
adhered over an aperture disposed through the first sidewall.
2. The storage bag of claim 1, wherein layer is
rectangular-shaped.
3. The storage bag of claim 1, wherein the layer is
circular-shaped.
4. The storage bag of claim 1, wherein elastomeric material is
selected from the group of materials consisting of rubber, TPE
(Thermoplastic Elastomers), TPU (Thermoplastic Urethanes), LDPE
(Low Density Polyethylene) and Plasticized PVC (Poly Vinyl
Chloride).
5. The storage bag of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric material has
an elastic modulus of between about 0.01 to 0.20 GPa (1500 to
30,000 lbf/sq. in.).
6. The storage bag of claim 1, further comprising a sealing member
between the elastomeric layer and the sidewall.
7. The storage bag of claim 6, wherein the sealing member has a
generally circular, disk-like shape.
8. The storage bag of claim 6, wherein the sealing member is
comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of
rubber, silicone, thermoplastic, TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers),
TPU (Thermoplastic Urethanes), LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene),
Plasticized PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride), hydrocarbon gel, and gel
adhesive.
9. The storage bag of claim 1, further comprising a sealant
material disposed between the layer and the sidewall.
10. The storage bag of claim 9, wherein sealant material is
selected from the group consisting of an oil, a gel and a
jelly.
11. The storage bag of claim 1, wherein the first and second
sidewalls are joined along a first side edge, a parallel second
side edge, and a closed bottom edge extending between the first and
second side edges.
12. The storage bag of claim 11, wherein the interior volume is
accessible through an open top edge.
13. The storage bag of claim 12, further comprising first and
second interlocking fastening strips extending along the open top
edge.
14. A one-way valve element for a storage bag comprising: a base
layer having an aperture disposed therein; a top layer comprising
an elastomeric material, the top layer joined to the base layer and
covering the aperture, the top layer and base layer being joined so
as to provide an expandable and collapsible channel between the
aperture and an exit point on the valve element.
15. The one-way valve element of claim 14, wherein the valve
element including the base layer and the top layer are generally
circular in shape.
16. The storage bag of claim 14, wherein the elastomeric material
is selected from the group of materials consisting of rubber, TPE
(Thermoplastic Elastomers), TPU (Thermoplastic Urethanes), LDPE
(Low Density Polyethylene) and Plasticized PVC (Poly Vinyl
Chloride).
17. The storage bag of claim 14, wherein the elastomeric material
has an elastic modulus of between about 0.01 to 0.20 GPa (1500 to
30,000 lbf/sq. in.).
18. The storage bag of claim 14, further comprising a sealing
member between the base layer and the top layer.
19. The storage bag of claim 18, wherein the sealing member has a
generally circular, disk-like shape.
20. The storage bag of claim 18, wherein the sealing member is
comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of
rubber, silicone, thermoplastic, TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers),
TPU (Thermoplastic Urethanes), LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene),
Plasticized PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride), hydrocarbon gel, and gel
adhesive.
21. The one-way valve element of claim 14, wherein the base layer
and the top layer are joined by adhesive.
22. The one-way valve element of claim 14, wherein the base layer
comprises a flexible thermoplastic material.
23. The one-way valve element of claim 14, further comprising an
adhesive layer disposed on a surface of the base layer opposite the
top layer, and a peel-off backing overlaying the adhesive
layer.
24. A method of evacuating a storage bag comprising: proving a bag
including a flexible sidewall providing an interior volume, an
opening for accessing the interior volume, and a one-way valve
element of elastomeric material attached over an aperture disposed
through the sidewall; closing the opening; displacing a portion of
the one-way valve element with respect to the sidewall and the
aperture to expose the aperture; exhausting air from the interior
volume through the aperture; and covering the aperture with the
one-way valve element.
25. A one-way valve element comprising: a substantially rigid valve
body including a sidewall having a cavity disposed therein; and a
gel-like material retained within and normally plugging the
cavity.
26. The one-way valve element of claim 25, wherein the rigid valve
body includes a base portion joined to a first end of the tubular
sidewall and partially closing off the cavity, the base portion
having an aperture disposed through the cavity.
27. The one-way valve element of claim 26, wherein the rigid valve
body includes at a second end of the tubular sidewall a plurality
of fingers extending partially across the cavity.
28. The one-way valve element of claim 25, wherein the gel-like
material is selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbon gel,
and gel adhesive.
29. A flexible storage bag comprising: a first sidewall of pliable
thermoplastic material; a second sidewall of pliable thermoplastic
material overlying and joined to the first sidewall to provide an
interior volume accessible via an opening; and a one-way valve
element including a rigid valve body providing a cavity, and a
displaceable gel-like material retained within the cavity, the
one-way valve element attached to the first sidewall generally over
a hole disposed through the first sidewall.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Flexible plastic bags are widely used for a variety of
purposes such as storing food items, either temporarily as in the
case of packaging snacks or long term as in the case of freezer
storage. Plastic bags of this style typically include flexible
sidewalls made from, for example, polyethylene, that provide an
opening and an internal or interior volume accessible through the
opening. To seal the bag, interlocking closure strips may be
provided about the rim of the opening.
[0002] One common problem which occurs with such bags is that,
after the opening has been sealed, latent air may remain trapped in
the interior volume. In addition to undesirably increasing the
overall size of the sealed bag, the trapped air can cause spoilage
of food items stored in the interior volume.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In various aspects, the invention provides a one-way valve
element and methods of its use that can be used with a flexible
storage bag that is inexpensive and simple to make and use.
Furthermore, in other aspects, the invention provides a flexible
storage bag having a one-way valve element attached thereto. In a
particular aspect, the valve element can be a strip or layer of
elastomeric material that is adhered over an aperture disposed
through the sidewall of the storage bag. Because of the elastic
characteristic of the elastomeric material, the valve element can
be displaced with respect to the sidewall thereby uncovering the
aperture and allowing air from the interior volume to move through
the aperture. After the air has exhausted from the interior volume,
the resilient elastomeric valve element can at least substantially
recover its position over the aperture, thereby sealing the
interior volume.
[0004] In another particular aspect, the valve element can be a
multi-plied structure including a lower base layer having an
aperture disposed therein and a top layer made of an elastomeric
material. The top layer is joined to the base layer and can
displace with respect to the base layer so as to provide an
expandable and collapsible channel between the aperture and an exit
point on the periphery of the valve element. The two ply valve
element is attached to the sidewall over a hole disposed
therethrough. Because of the resilient characteristic of the top
layer, it is normally maintained adjacently over the base layer and
covering the aperture such that the channel is in a collapsed state
and the interior volume is sealed. During evacuation, the
elastomeric top layer elastically displaces to expand the channel
which allows air from the interior volume to move to the exit
point. After evacuation, the top layer again moves adjacent to the
base layer thereby collapsing the channel and covering the
aperture. In one specific aspect, the valve element can include a
sealing member between the base layer and the top layer.
[0005] In another particular aspect, the one-way valve element for
attachment to a plastic storage bag can include a rigid body
delineating a cavity which can receive a gel-like material. When a
pressure differential is applied across the valve element, the
gel-like material can displace within the cavity to allow fluid
communication across the valve element and thus air from the
storage bag can be drawn through or forced across the valve
element.
[0006] An advantage of valve elements and storage bags according to
the invention is that the resilient elastomeric material enables
the valve element to repeatedly and sufficiently seal themselves.
Another advantage is that the valve elements and bags made with
such valve element are inexpensive and simple to manufacture. These
and other advantages and features of the invention will be apparent
from the following drawings and the detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flexible storage bag
having attached to its sidewall a one-way valve element that can
interface with a handheld evacuation device.
[0008] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the one-way valve element of
FIG. 1 illustrated in relationship to the flexible storage bag.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve
element taken along line A-A of FIG. 1 and illustrating the valve
element in a normally recovered position covering an aperture in
the sidewall.
[0010] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve
element taken along line A-A of FIG. 1 and illustrating the valve
element in an elastically displaced position during evacuation.
[0011] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a
one-way valve element illustrated in relationship to the flexible
storage bag.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve
element and storage bag of FIG. 5 as taken along lines B-B showing
the valve element in a recovered position adjacent the
sidewall.
[0013] FIG. 7 is an cross-sectional view of the one-way valve
element and storage bag of FIG. 5 as taken along lines B-B showing
the valve element in an elastically displaced position with respect
to the aperture.
[0014] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a
one-way valve element of a multi-ply design showing the valve
element in relation to the sidewall of a flexible storage bag.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve
element of FIG. 8 as taken along line C-C showing the valve element
in a recovered position covering an aperture in the sidewall.
[0016] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve
element of FIG. 8 as taken along line C-C showing the valve element
in an elastically displaced position during evacuation.
[0017] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
one-way valve element similar to that of FIGS. 9 and 10 showing a
multi-ply valve element having an intermediate sealing member in a
recovered position covering an aperture in the sidewall.
[0018] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve
element of FIG. 11 showing the sealing member in a displaced
position during evacuation.
[0019] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
one-way valve element similar to that of FIGS. 9 and 10 showing a
multi-ply valve element having a base layer including a boss and a
top layer covering the boss.
[0020] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve
element of FIG. 13 showing the top layer displaced with respect to
the boss.
[0021] FIG. 15 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a
one-way valve element having a body member providing a cavity and a
gel-like plug received in the cavity.
[0022] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of
the one-way valve element of FIG. 15 illustrating the valve element
in a closed arrangement.
[0023] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of
the one-way valve element of FIG. 15 illustrating the valve element
in an opened arrangement.
[0024] FIG. 18 is another cross-sectional view taken along line D-D
of the one-way valve element of FIG. 15 showing the valve element
in a different opened arrangement.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0025] Now referring to the drawings, wherein like references refer
to like numerals, there is illustrated in FIG. 1 a flexible storage
bag 100 for storing items such as edible food stuffs. The storage
bag 100 includes a first sidewall 102 and an opposing second
sidewall 104 overlying and joined to the first sidewall to provide
an interior volume 106 therebetween. The first and second sidewalls
102, 104 are joined along a first side edge 110, a parallel or
non-parallel second side edge 112, and a closed bottom edge 114
that extends between the first and second side edges. The first
and/or second sidewalls 102, 104 may be made from a flexible or
pliable thermoplastic material formed or drawn into a smooth, thin
walled sheet. Examples of suitable thermoplastic materials include
high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE),
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. The sidewalls 102,
104 can be joined along the first and second side edges 110, 112
and bottom edge 114 by any suitable process such as, for example,
heat sealing.
[0026] For accessing the interior volume 106, the top edges 120,
122 of the first and second sidewalls 102, 104 remain unjoined to
define an opening 124 that extends between the first and second
side edges 110, 112 opposite the bottom edge 114. To seal the
opening 124, first and second interlocking fastening strips 126,
128 can be attached to the interior surfaces of the respective
first and second sidewalls 102, 104. The first and second fastening
strips 126, 128 extend generally between the first and second side
edges 110, 112 parallel to and spaced below the top edges 120, 122.
The fastening strips 126, 128 can include complementary profiles
that can interlockingly connect and release with each other when
pressed together by the hands of a user. In other embodiments, the
bag 100 can include a movable slider straddling the fastening
strips 126, 128 to facilitate occluding and deoccluding of the
opening 124. In other embodiments, the storage bag can include
other closure mechanisms.
[0027] To evacuate the storage bag 100, in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention, the storage bag includes a one-way
valve element 130 that is attached to the first sidewall 102.
Referring to FIG. 2, the one-way valve element 130 in the
illustrated embodiment is a single strip or layer that can be
rectangular in shape and can be made of elastomeric material. The
elastomeric material can be any suitable elastomeric material
including, for example, rubber, TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers), TPU
(Thermoplastic Urethanes), LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) and
Plasticized PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride). The elastomeric material can
have an elastic property that allows the material to elastically
expand from and resiliently recover at least substantially its
initial shape. To enhance this elastic characteristic, the
elastomeric material can have an elastic modulus of between about
0.01 to 0.20 GPa (1500 to 30,000 lbf/sq. in).
[0028] Still referring to FIG. 2, the valve element 130 can be
attached over an aperture 132 disposed through the first sidewall
102 to the interior volume. The illustrated aperture 132 is
circular but in other embodiments can have any suitable shape. To
attach the valve element 130, adhesive 134 can be applied on the
first sidewall 102 at locations corresponding to the first and
second ends 136, 138 of the rectangular strip of elastomeric
material. In other embodiments, the adhesive can be applied to the
underside of the valve element 130 itself and protected thereat by
a peel off backing. When attached, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the
first and second ends 136, 138 of the valve element 130 are located
on opposite sides of the aperture 132 with the middle portion of
the valve element 130 adjacently covering the aperture. The
elastomeric material can be slightly stretched or stressed so that
the valve element is maintained adjacent to the aperture covering
and sealing the aperture.
[0029] During evacuation, the valve element 130 can be interfaced
with the nozzle of an evacuation device so that a suction force is
applied above the valve element. Such a hand held evacuation device
129 is illustrated in FIG. 1 with respect to the valve element 130.
Referring to FIG. 4, the pressure differential across the valve
element 130 causes the elastic material to elastically expand and
displace upwards from the sidewall 102 and thereby exposing the
aperture 132 to the surrounding environment. Air from the interior
volume 106 can then pass through the aperture and pass around the
side edges of the rectangular strip to exit the storage bag. After
the desired amount of air has been removed, the pressure
differential across the valve element 130 is eliminated by, for
example, removing the suction device. The resilient characteristic
of the elastomeric material then causes the valve element 130 to
recover to its initial position adjacent to the sidewall 102 and
covering and sealing the aperture 132.
[0030] As can be appreciated from FIG. 3, in various embodiments
the existence of an evacuated state or pressure in the interior
volume can assist in holding the valve element 130 adjacent the
first sidewall 102 and thereby improve sealing of the aperture 132.
In fact, the elastic characteristic of the elastomeric material may
allow the valve element 130 to be partially drawn into the aperture
132 thereby causing the valve element 130 to function as a plug or
stopper. Furthermore, the resilient characteristic of the
elastomeric material can allow evacuation and sealing of the
storage bag to occur numerous repeated times.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 5, there is illustrated another embodiment
of a one-way valve element 230 for use with a flexible storage bag
200 in accordance with another aspect of the invention. The valve
element 230 is again a single layer of elastomeric material that
can be circular in shape. To attach the valve element 230 to the
first sidewall 202 of the storage bag 200, two parallel strips of
adhesive 234 can be placed across the underside of the valve
element. When the valve element 230 is appropriately attached so as
to cover an aperture 232 disposed through the sidewall 202, the
adhesive strips 234 extend along either side of the aperture. Thus,
the adhesive strips 234 thereby outline an expanding and collapsing
channel 238 extending between the aperture and one or more exit
points 240 on the periphery of the valve element and between the
elastomeric material and the first sidewall 202.
[0032] More specifically, referring to FIG. 6, when the valve
element 230 is in a normal or relaxed state, the elastomeric
material within the channel 238 adjacently covers and seals the
aperture 232. However, referring to FIG. 7, when a pressure
differential between the interior volume 206 and the top surface of
the valve element 230 exists, the elastomeric material in the
region of the channel 238 elastically displaces from the first
sidewall thereby allowing communication between the aperture 232
and the exit points 240 at the periphery. Hence, the aperture 232
is exposed to the surrounding environment. Because of the resilient
character of the material, the elastomeric material within the
channel 238 can again recover at least substantially its normal
position adjacent the sidewall 202 covering the aperture 232.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, there is illustrated an
additional feature of the valve element 230 that assists the valve
element in sealing the aperture 232. In various embodiments, a
sealant material 242 can be included in the channel 238 between the
elastomeric material of the valve element 230 and the first
sidewall 202 above and/or around the aperture 232. The sealant can
be an oil such as silicone oil, a semi-rigid material such as gel,
a gel adhesive, and/or a jelly. Typically, gels include at least
one block co-polymer that will bind to a liquid such as mineral oil
thereby enabling the oil to become semi-rigid. An advantage of
using semi-rigid materials as sealants is that the materials are
less likely to leak or displace from the channel 238. Referring to
FIG. 6, when the channel 238 is collapsed and the valve element 230
covers the aperture 232, the sealant material can lay directly
adjacent the aperture improving the seal. When a pressure
differential displaces the valve element 230 and thereby expands
the channel, the sealant material 242 can displace with the valve
element to expose the aperture 232.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 8, there is illustrated another embodiment
of a one-way valve element 330 for use with a flexible storage bag
300 in accordance with another aspect of the invention. In
particular, the illustrated valve element 330 is a multi-plied or
multi-layered valve element including a base layer 332 and a top
layer 334, both of which can be generally circular in shape and
corresponding in size. The top layer 334 can be comprised of an
elastomeric material. The base layer 332 can be made of any
suitable material including, for example, a flexible thermoplastic
sheet material, a rigid thermoplastic material, or an elastomeric
material. Further, the base layer 332 can have a centrally disposed
aperture 336 therein. The top layer 334 is secured adjacently to
the base layer 332 so as to cover and seal the central aperture
336. To secure the layers together, two parallel strips of adhesive
340 are placed therebetween which outline an expanding and
contracting channel 348 extending between the aperture and one or
more exit points 344 on the periphery of the valve element 330 and
between the layers.
[0035] The valve element 330 is then attached to the first sidewall
302 so that the central aperture 336 generally aligns with an
aperture 308 disposed therein. To attach the valve element, a
circular strip of adhesive 342 can be applied on the underside of
the base layer 332 concentrically about the central aperture 336
and sidewall aperture 308. In various embodiments, to facilitate
handling and distribution of the valve element 330, a peel off
backing 346 can be provided over the adhesive 342 which can be
removed prior to attachment of the valve element to the bag
sidewall. In another embodiment, the peel off backing may be a
continuous strip of plastic and several valves are attached to the
strip of plastic. The strip of plastic may be rolled up into a roll
and the valves can be removed from the roll as the bags are made
during a continuous operation. Referring to FIG. 10, during
evacuation, a pressure differential is applied across the valve
element 330 between the interior volume 306 and the top surface of
the top layer 334, the top layer elastically displaces thereby
expanding the channel 348 and establishing communication between
the aperture 336 and the exit points 344. Referring to FIG. 9,
after the air from the interior volume 306 has passed through the
channel 348 and out the exit points 344, the top layer 334 can at
least substantially resiliently recover its initial position
adjacent the base layer 332 thereby collapsing the channel 348 and
covering the apertures.
[0036] Illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 is another embodiment of a
multi-ply one-way valve element 430 attached to the flexible
plastic sidewall 402 of a storage bag 400. The valve 430 may have
any suitable shape, for example, a circular shape or a polygon
shape, such as, a rectangle or a square. The multi-ply valve
element 430 includes a base layer 432 and an elastomeric top layer
434. The base layer 432 can be made from a rigid, semi-rigid, or
thin and flexible thermoplastic material and can have an aperture
436 disposed through the center. The top layer 434 can be comprised
from a thin sheet or web of elastomeric material and can be
attached to the base layer 432 generally about the periphery of the
valve element 430 by, for example, adhesive 440. Located between
the base and top layer can be a sealing member 438. The sealing
member may have a circular shape. The sealing member 438 can
generally be aligned with the aperture 436 in the base member 432
by influence of the adhesive 440 around the outer periphery. When
attached to the bag 400, both the aperture 436 and thus the sealing
member 438 can align with another aperture 408 disposed through the
bag sidewall 402.
[0037] The sealing member can be comprised of any suitable material
including, for example, natural rubber, silicone rubber,
thermoplastic, TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers, such as Dynaflex from
GLS Corporation), TPU (Thermoplastic Urethanes), LDPE (Low Density
Polyethylene), Plasticized PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride), hydrocarbon
gel (such as, Versa Gel from Penreco), and gel adhesive (such as,
555-8808 from National Starch). Moreover, the sealing member 438
can be retained loosely between the base and top layers 432, 434 or
can be fixed to the top layer by, for example, adhesive.
[0038] In operation, referring to FIG. 11, the elastomeric material
of the top layer 334 has a normal condition in which it typically
lies adjacent to the base layer 432 and thereby holds the sealing
member 438 against the base layer so as to cover the aperture 436.
Hence, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the valve element 430 has a
closed arrangement whereby air in the storage bag cannot pass
across the valve element. However, if a pressure differential is
applied about the valve element 430 such that pressure inside the
storage bag 400 becomes greater than outside, the un-adhered
portions of the elastic top layer 432 displace with respect to the
base layer 434, thereby also allowing the sealing member 438 to
displace and uncover the aperture 436. Hence, as illustrated in
FIG. 12, the valve element has an opened arrangement in which air
from the storage bag can pass through the sidewall aperture 408 and
base layer aperture 436 to exit the bag. After evacuation, the
resilient nature of the elastic top layer material causes the top
layer 434 to recover to its normal condition adjacent the base such
that the sealing member 438 again covers the aperture 436. In
another embodiment, the base layer can be excluded and the
elastomeric top layer can be attached directly to the bag sidewall
generally overlying a sidewall hole. The sealing member may be
located between the top layer and sidewall.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, there is illustrated another
embodiment of a multi-layered, one-way valve element 530 for
attachment to the thermoplastic sidewall 502 of a storage bag 500.
The valve element 530 includes a base layer 532 and an elastomeric
top layer 534 attached to the base layer. The valve element 530
including the base layer 532 and top layer 534 can have a circular
shape. To attach the base layer 532 to the top layer 534, an
adhesive 550 can be placed between the layers about the periphery.
The base layer 532 itself can be made of a rigid or semi-rigid
material such as, for example, a thermoplastic material. Moreover,
the base layer 532 can include a central aperture 536 disposed
therethrough. On an upper surface 548 of the base layer 532
generally about the central aperture 536 can be a protruding boss
552 that can be generally circular in shape and can have a diameter
that is substantially smaller than the diameter of the base layer
532. In various embodiments, the boss 552 can protrude above the
upper surface 548 in a range from 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 13, the elastic top layer 534 can be
attached so as to have a normal condition generally adjacent to the
base layer 532 including the boss 552 and thereby covering the
aperture 536. Hence, in the normal condition, the valve element 530
is closed and air from the plastic bag 500 or from the surrounding
environment cannot pass across the valve element. When so attached,
the upward protrusion of the boss 552 and its flat top surface can
induce a sufficiently tight sealing arrangement between the elastic
top layer 534 and the base layer 532. To attach the top layer 534
to the base layer 532, adhesive 550 can be placed between the base
and top layer generally about the periphery. Further, when the
valve element 530 is attached to the bag 500, the aperture 536 in
the base layer 532 can align with an aperture disposed through the
bag sidewall 502. The top layer 534 can be made of any suitable
elastomeric material including, for example, rubber, TPE
(Thermoplastic Elastomers), TPU (Thermoplastic Urethanes), LDPE
(Low Density Polyethylene) and Plasticized PVC (Poly Vinyl
Chloride).
[0041] When a pressure differential is applied about the valve
element 530 such that the pressure inside the bag 500 is higher
than outside the bag, relatively pressurized air from the internal
volume 506 will cause the un-adhered portion of the elastic top
layer 534 to displace with respect to the base layer 532 and the
boss 552. Hence, the displaced top layer 534 uncovers the aperture
536 so that the valve element 530 is in an opened configuration and
that air from the interior volume can pass through the aperture to
exit the bag. Because of the resilient characteristic of the
elastomeric material, after the pressure differential has been
removed, the top layer 534 can recover its normal position adjacent
to the base layer 532 and the boss 552.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, there is illustrated another
embodiment of a one-way valve element 630 for use with an evacuable
storage bag which utilizes a gel-like material. The valve element
630 can include a rigid valve body including a tubular sidewall 636
which is closed at a first end 644 by a base 632. The tubular
sidewall 636 and base portion 632 thereby delineate or provide a
generally enclosed cavity 638. As illustrated, the tubular sidewall
636 can be cylindrical and the base portion 632 can be circular
having a larger diameter than the sidewall so as to provide a
flange-like structure. Likewise, the generally enclosed cavity 638
can also have a cylindrical shape. Disposed through the bottom
surface 634 of the base portion 632 to the cavity 638 can be an
aperture 640. When the valve element 630 is attached to the storage
bag 600, the aperture 640 can align with a hole 608 disposed
through the sidewall 602. The valve body can be made of any
suitable material including, for example, a substantially rigid,
molded thermoplastic.
[0043] To normally seal the aperture 640 and sidewall hole 608, a
gel-like material 650 can be placed and retained in the cavity 638
generally adjacent the base portion 632. Hence, the gel-like
material can act or function to plug the cavity. The gel-like
material can have a jelly-like or semi-liquid-like consistency.
Examples of suitable gel-like materials may include hydrocarbon gel
(such as, Versa Gel from Penreco), and gel adhesive (such as,
555-8808 from National Starch). To help retain the gel-like
material 650 within the cavity 638, the second or upper end 646 of
the tubular sidewall 636 can include one or more inward projecting
fingers 642 that partially traverse the cavity 638. The fingers can
function to both retain and protect the gel-like material within
the cavity.
[0044] Because of the jelly-like or semi-liquid-like consistency,
the gel-like material 650 can displace within the cavity 638 when a
pressure differential is applied across the valve element 630.
Specifically, referring to FIG. 17, the gel-like material 650 can
displace by rupturing generally within the area over the aperture
640 so as to provide or form a channel 652 extending from the
aperture to the cavity 638. Hence, air can be drawn or forced from
the bag 600 via the aperture 640 and channel 652. Once the pressure
differential is removed, the gel-like material 650 recovers its
original shape and position within the cavity 638 covering the
aperture 640 as shown in FIG. 16. In another embodiment illustrated
with respect to FIG. 18, a gel-like material 651 can be placed in
the cavity as a continuous layer of material. When the pressure
differential is applied across the valve element, a portion of the
layer can displace like a flapper valve uncovering the aperture 640
and hence air can move across the valve element. After the pressure
differential has been removed, the gel-like material 651 can again
drop adjacent the base portion 632 covering the aperture 640.
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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.
[0047] 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.
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