U.S. patent application number 13/804234 was filed with the patent office on 2017-07-06 for storage bag with visually distinct features providing the bag with an asymmetric appearance.
This patent application is currently assigned to S.C. JOHNSON & SON, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is S.C. JOHNSON & SON, INC.. Invention is credited to Charles P. Althoff, Brian C. Dais, Erica Eden Cohen, Jonathan David Horn, Bunlim Ly, Imtiaz A. Musaliar, Jose Porchia, Pamela J. Weisenberger.
Application Number | 20170190475 13/804234 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49356499 |
Filed Date | 2017-07-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170190475 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Dais; Brian C. ; et
al. |
July 6, 2017 |
Storage Bag With Visually Distinct Features Providing The Bag With
An Asymmetric Appearance
Abstract
A storage bag is provided with visually distinct features that
facilitate opening and closing of the bag. The visually distinct
features result in the bag having an asymmetric appearance about
one or more imaginary lines along the bag. The visually distinct
features and resulting asymmetries provide a visual cue for a user
as to how the bag should be grasped when being opened. The visually
distinct features, as well as other features of the bag, may also
facilitate manufacturing of the bag.
Inventors: |
Dais; Brian C.; (Saginaw,
MI) ; Musaliar; Imtiaz A.; (Racine, WI) ; Ly;
Bunlim; (Ann Arbor, MI) ; Horn; Jonathan David;
(Vernon Hills, IL) ; Weisenberger; Pamela J.;
(Racine, WI) ; Porchia; Jose; (Greenfield, WI)
; Althoff; Charles P.; (Brooklyn, NY) ; Eden
Cohen; Erica; (New York, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
S.C. JOHNSON & SON, INC. |
Racine |
WI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
S.C. JOHNSON & SON,
INC.
Racine
WI
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20130195384 A1 |
August 1, 2013 |
|
|
Family ID: |
49356499 |
Appl. No.: |
13/804234 |
Filed: |
March 14, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13631617 |
Sep 28, 2012 |
|
|
|
13804234 |
|
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|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 33/004 20130101;
B65D 33/16 20130101; B65D 33/255 20130101; B60R 16/02 20130101;
B65D 33/007 20130101; B67B 7/00 20130101; B65D 33/2508
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 33/16 20060101
B65D033/16 |
Claims
1. A storage bag comprising: a first side surface; a second side
surface, the second side surface connected to the first side
surface, the connected first and second side surfaces forming an
interior of the bag with an opening to the interior; a first
closure profile connected to the first side surface and positioned
adjacent to the opening of the bag, the first closure profile
including an interlocking member that extends between a first side
of the first closure profile and a second side of the first closure
profile, the first closure profile forming a lip between the
interlocking member and a top edge of the first closure profile;
and a second closure profile connected to the second side surface
and positioned adjacent to the opening of the bag, the second
closure profile including an interlocking member that extends
between a first side of the second closure profile and a second
side of the second closure profile, the second closure profile
forming a lip between the interlocking member and a top edge of the
second closure profile, wherein a portion of the top edge of the
first closure profile is offset from a portion the top edge of the
second closure profile when the bag is viewed towards the first
side surface, with the offset portions of the top edges of the
first and second closure portions not being mirror images of each
other about any plane that extends through at least one of the
first closure profile and the second closure profile at a
perpendicular angle to the at least one of the first closure
profile and the second closure profile, and wherein an outline of
the area defined by the first side surface and the first closure
profile cannot be matched to an outline of the area defined by the
second side surface and the second closure profile.
2. A storage bag according to claim 1, wherein the top edge of the
first closure profile extending a distance H1 from the interlocking
member of the first closure profile at the first side of the first
closure profile, wherein the top edge of the second closure profile
extending a distance H2 from the interlocking member of the second
closure profile at the first side of the second closure profile,
and wherein the distance H1 is greater than the distance H2 such
that the top edge of the first closure profile is spaced from the
top edge of the second closure profile at the first sides of the
first and second closure profiles.
3. A storage bag according to claim 2, wherein the top edge of the
first closure profile extends a distance H3 from the interlocking
member of the first closure profile at the second side of the first
closure profile, wherein the top edge of the second closure profile
extends a distance H4 from the interlocking member of the second
closure profile at the second side of the second closure profile,
and wherein the distance H3 is greater than the distance H4 such
that the top edge of the first closure profile is spaced from the
top edge of the second closure profile at the second sides of the
first and second closure profiles.
4. A storage bag comprising: a first side surface extending in an
x-direction and in a y-direction that is orthogonal to the
x-direction; and a second side surface extending in the x-direction
and in the y-direction, the second side surface connected to the
first side surface in a z-direction that is orthogonal to the x-
and y-directions, the connected first and second side surfaces
forming an interior of the bag with an opening to the interior,
wherein the bag includes at least one pair of visually distinct
features provided adjacent to the opening, with at least one of the
visually distinct features provided on one side of a plane that
bisects the first or second side surfaces in the x-direction, with
at least one of the visually distinct features provided on the
other side of the plane, and wherein the bag appears to be
asymmetric about the plane as a result of the at least one pair of
visually distinct features.
5. A storage bag according to claim 4, wherein the pair of visually
distinct features includes a texture provided to the bag.
6. A storage bag according to claim 4, wherein the visually
distinct features include gripping ridges.
7. A storage bag according to claim 4, wherein the bag further
comprises a visually distinct feature provided between the pair of
visually distinct features, and wherein the visually distinct
feature between the pair of visually distinct features is provided
on both sides of the plane.
8. A storage bag comprising: a first side surface extending in an
x-direction and in a y-direction that is orthogonal to the
x-direction; and a second side surface extending in the x-direction
and in the y-direction, the second side surface connected to the
first side surface in a z-direction that is orthogonal to the x-
and y-directions, the connected first and second side surfaces
forming an interior of the bag with an opening to the interior,
wherein the bag includes at least one pair of visually distinct
areas provided adjacent to the opening, with at least one of the
visually distinct areas provided on one side of a plane that
bisects the first or second side surfaces in the x-direction, with
at least one of the visually distinct areas provided on the other
side of the plane, and wherein the bag appears to be asymmetric
about the plane as a result of the at least one pair of visually
distinct areas.
9. The storage bag according to claim 8, wherein at least one of
the visually distinct areas includes at least one of a first
texture, a first color, and a first shade of color, and another of
the visually distinct areas includes at least one of a second
texture, a second color, and a second shade of color.
10. The storage bag according to claim 9, wherein at least one of
the first texture, the first color, and the first shade of color is
different than at least one of the second texture, the second
color, and the second shade of color, respectively.
11. A storage bag according to claim 8, wherein the bag further
comprises a visually distinct area provided between the pair of
visually distinct features, and wherein the visually distinct area
between the pair of visually distinct features is provided on both
sides of the plane.
12. A storage bag comprising: a first side surface; a second side
surface, the second side surface connected to the first side
surface, the connected first and second side surfaces forming an
interior of the bag with an opening to the interior; a first
closure profile connected to the first side surface and positioned
adjacent to the opening of the bag, the first closure profile
including an interlocking member that extends between a first side
of the first closure profile and a second side of the first closure
profile, the first closure profile forming a lip between the
interlocking member and a top edge of the first closure profile,
with the top edge of the first closure profile extending a distance
H1 from the interlocking member of the first closure profile at the
first side of the first closure profile; and a second closure
profile connected to the second side surface and positioned
adjacent to the opening of the bag, the second closure profile
including an interlocking member that extends between a first side
of the second closure profile and a second side of the second
closure profile, the second closure profile forming a lip between
the interlocking member and a top edge of the second closure
profile, with the top edge of the second closure profile extending
a distance H2 from the interlocking member of the second closure
profile at the first side of the second closure profile, wherein
the interlocking member of the first closure profile is configured
to interlock with the interlocking member of the second closure
profile, wherein the distance H1 is greater than the distance H2
such that the top edge of the first closure profile is spaced from
the top edge of the second closure profile at the first sides of
the first and second closure profiles, and wherein a portion of at
least one of the top edges of the first and second closure profiles
is sloped relative to a corresponding portion of the other of the
top edges of the first and second closure profiles.
13. A storage bag according to claim 12, wherein the top edge of
the first closure profile extends a distance H3 from the
interlocking member of the first closure profile at the second side
of the first closure profile, wherein the top edge of the second
closure profile extends a distance H4 from the interlocking member
of the second closure profile at the second side of the second
closure profile, and wherein the distance H4 is greater than the
distance H3 such that the top edge of the second closure profile is
spaced from the top edge of the first closure profile at the second
sides of the first and second closure profiles.
14. A storage bag according to claim 12, wherein the distance H1 is
about equal to the distance H3, and the distance H2 is about equal
to the distance H4.
15. A storage bag according to claim 12, wherein the top edge of
the first closure profile extends a distance H3 from the
interlocking member of the first closure profile at the second side
of the first closure profile, wherein the top edge of the second
closure profile extends a distance H4 from the interlocking member
of the second closure profile at the second side of the second
closure profile, and wherein the distance H3 is greater than the
distance H4 such that the top edge of the first closure profile is
spaced from the top edge of the second closure profile at the
second sides of the first and second closure profiles.
16. A storage bag according to claim 15, wherein the distance H1 is
about equal to the distance H3, and the distance H2 is about equal
to the distance H4.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application
Ser. No. 13/361,617, filed Sep. 28, 2012.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] Our invention relates to a storage bag. More specifically,
our invention relates to a storage bag with features that
facilitate sealing and unsealing the bag, as well as a storage bag
that includes features for distinguishing the bag from other
storage bags. Our invention also relates to a method of unsealing a
storage bag.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] Storage bags made from flexible plastic materials are well
known. Such storage bags are made in a variety of sizes, and can be
used to contain a variety of items, including food, utensils,
clothing, tools, etc. Such storage bags often include some type of
zipper-like closure mechanism to releasably seal the interior of
the bag. Plastic storage bags with closure mechanisms are sold by
the assignee of the present application under the ZIPLOC.RTM.
trademark.
[0006] The closure mechanisms of plastic storage bags often include
two interlocking structures that are provided on or near lips at
the top of the bag. In order to seal the closure mechanism, a user
will run his or her fingers along the closure mechanism, squeezing
the interlocking members together. It is often easier to cause the
interlocking members to become fully engaged throughout their
length if the operation is performed in a certain manner, although
a user may not necessarily be aware of the proper technique for
performing the operation.
[0007] To open the bag, the user grasps the lips, and pulls the
interlocking structures apart. Plastic storage bags, however,
usually have slick surfaces that are difficult to grasp. Moreover,
it is often easier to pull the interlocking structures apart if the
bag is grasped in certain areas, and a certain motion is applied to
the interlocking members. As with sealing the bag, however, a user
may not necessarily be aware of the proper technique to unseal the
bag.
[0008] Due to their vast functionality, storage bags are often
placed in locations with other storage bags. For example, storage
bags containing different products are often stored in a
refrigerator or in a freezer. In such cases, it can be difficult to
quickly or easily discern the contents of one bag from another.
[0009] It would be beneficial, therefore, to provide storage bags
with features for making the storage bags easier to seal and to
unseal. Further, it would be beneficial to provide storage bags
that can be easily distinguished from each other.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] According to one aspect, our invention provides a storage
bag. The storage bag includes a first side surface and a second
side surface. The second side surface is connected to the first
side surface, and the connected first and second side surfaces
forming an interior of the bag with an opening to the interior. A
first closure profile is connected to the first side surface and
positioned adjacent to the opening of the bag, with the first
closure profile including an interlocking member that extends
between a first side of the first closure profile and a second side
of the first closure profile, and with the first closure profile
forming a lip between the interlocking member and a top edge of the
first closure profile. A second closure profile is connected to the
second side surface and positioned adjacent to the opening of the
bag, with the second closure profile including an interlocking
member that extends between a first side of the second closure
profile and a second side of the second closure profile, and with
the second closure profile forming a lip between the interlocking
member and a top edge of the second closure profile. A portion of
the top edge of the first closure profile is offset from a portion
the top edge of the second closure profile when the bag is viewed
towards the first side surface, with the offset portions of the top
edges of the first and second closure portions not being mirror
images of each other about any plane that extends through at least
one of the first closure profile and the second closure profile at
a perpendicular angle to the at least one of the first closure
profile and the second closure profile. An outline of the area
defined by the first side surface and the first closure profile
cannot be matched to an outline of the area defined by the second
side surface and the second closure profile.
[0011] According to another aspect, our invention provides a
storage bag. The storage bag includes a first side surface
extending in an x-direction and in a y-direction that is orthogonal
to the x-direction. A second side surface extends in the
x-direction and in the y-direction, with the second side surface
connected to the first side surface in a z-direction that is
orthogonal to the x- and y-directions, the connected first and
second side surfaces forming an interior of the bag with an opening
to the interior. The bag further includes at least one pair of
visually distinct features, with at least one of the visually
distinct features provided on one side of a plane that bisects the
first or second side surfaces in the x-direction, and with at least
one of the visually distinct features provided on the other side of
the plane. The bag appears to be asymmetric about the plane as a
result of the at least one pair of visually distinct features.
[0012] According to another aspect, our invention provides a
storage bag. The storage bag includes a first side surface
extending in an x-direction and in a y-direction that is orthogonal
to the x-direction. A second side surface extends in the
x-direction and in the y-direction, with the second side surface
connected to the first side surface in a z-direction that is
orthogonal to the x- and y-directions, the connected first and
second side surfaces forming an interior of the bag with an opening
to the interior. The bag further includes at least one pair of
visually distinct areas, with at least one of the visually distinct
areas provided on one side of a plane that bisects the first or
second side surfaces in the x-direction, and with at least one of
the visually distinct areas provided on the other side of the
plane. The bag appears to be asymmetric about the plane as a result
of the at least one pair of visually distinct areas.
[0013] A storage bag is provided according to yet another aspect of
our invention. The storage bag includes a first side surface and a
second side surface. The second side surface is connected to the
first side surface, with the connected first and second side
surfaces forming an interior of the bag with an opening to the
interior. A first closure profile is connected to the first side
surface and positioned adjacent to the opening of the bag, with the
first closure profile including an interlocking member that extends
between a first side of the first closure profile and a second side
of the first closure profile, and with the first closure profile
forming a lip between the interlocking member and a top edge of the
first closure profile. The top edge of the first closure profile
extends a distance H1 from the interlocking member of the first
closure profile at the first side of the first closure profile. A
second closure profile is connected to the second side surface and
positioned adjacent to the opening of the bag, with the second
closure profile including an interlocking member that extends
between a first side of the second closure profile and a second
side of the second closure profile, and with the second closure
profile forming a lip between the interlocking member and a top
edge of the second closure profile. The top edge of the second
closure profile extends a distance H2 from the interlocking member
of the second closure profile at the first side of the second
closure profile. The interlocking member of the first closure
profile is configured to interlock with the interlocking member of
the second closure profile, and the distance H1 is greater than the
distance H2 such that the top edge of the first closure profile is
spaced from the top edge of the second closure profile at the first
sides of the first and second closure profiles. A portion of at
least one of the top edges of the first and second closure profiles
is sloped relative to a portion of the other of the top edges of
the first and second closure profiles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a side view of a bag according to an embodiment of
the invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the top end of the bag
shown in FIG. 1 as taken along line 2-2.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a view of the top end of the bag shown in FIG.
1.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a view of the bag shown in FIG. 1 being grasped
and opened.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a side view of a bag according to another
embodiment of the invention.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a side view of a bag according to another
embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a view of the top end of the bag shown in FIG.
6.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a view of a bag according to another embodiment of
the invention.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a view of the top end of the bag shown in FIG.
8.
[0023] FIGS. 10A to 10C are side view of bags according to
embodiments of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 11 is a side view of a bag with colored lips according
to an embodiment of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 12 is a side view of the bag shown in FIG. 1 provided
with colored lips.
[0026] FIG. 13 is a side view of the bag shown in FIG. 6 provided
with colored lips.
[0027] FIG. 14 is a side view of a bag according to another
embodiment of the invention.
[0028] FIG. 15 is a detailed view of the Section A shown in FIG.
14.
[0029] FIG. 16 is a view of the top end of the bag shown in FIG.
14.
[0030] FIG. 17 is a side view of a bag according to a further
embodiment of the invention.
[0031] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the top end of the bag
shown in FIG. 17 as taken along line 18-18.
[0032] FIG. 19 is a side view of a bag according to a further
embodiment of the invention.
[0033] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the top end of the bag
shown in FIG. 19 as taken along line 20-20.
[0034] FIG. 21 is a side view of a bag according to another
embodiment of the invention.
[0035] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the top end of the bag
shown in FIG. 21 as taken along line 22-22.
[0036] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the top end of the bag
shown in FIG. 21 as taken along line 23-23.
[0037] FIG. 24 is a side view of a bag according to another
embodiment of the invention.
[0038] FIG. 25 is a side view of a bag according to another
embodiment of the invention.
[0039] FIG. 26 is a side view of a bag according to a further
embodiment of the invention.
[0040] FIG. 27 is a side view of a bag according to another
embodiment of the invention.
[0041] FIG. 28 is a top view of the bag shown in FIG. 27.
[0042] FIG. 29 is a side view of a bag according a further
embodiment of the invention.
[0043] FIG. 30 is a side view of a bag according to yet another
embodiment of the invention.
[0044] FIG. 31 is a detailed view of Section B shown in FIG.
30.
[0045] FIG. 32 is a detailed view of Section C shown in FIG.
30.
[0046] FIG. 33 is a side view of a bag according to a further
embodiment of the invention.
[0047] FIG. 34 is a detailed view of Section D shown in FIG.
33.
[0048] FIG. 35 is a detailed view of Section E shown in FIG.
33.
[0049] FIGS. 36A and 36B are views of the two sides of the bag
shown in FIG. 33.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0050] Our invention relates to a plastic storage bag that includes
features that facilitate sealing and unsealing of the bag. Our
invention also relates to a storage bag that includes features for
distinguishing the bag from other storage bags. The features of our
invention thereby provide for an easy to use and easy to
distinguish plastic storage bag.
[0051] As will be apparent from the description herein, the term
"bag" encompasses a broad range of structures designed to contain
items, such as pouches, envelopes, packets, and the like. In
general, the term bag, as used herein, simply means a somewhat
flexible container with an opening, with the bag being capable of
carrying any number of items.
[0052] FIGS. 1 to 5 are views of a bag 100 according to an
embodiment of the invention. The bag 100 includes a first side
surface 102 and a second side surface 104. The first and second
side surfaces 102 and 104 are connected along edges 106 and 108,
and the first and second side surfaces 102 and 104 are also
connected at a bottom edge 110 of the bag 100. An opening 103 to
the interior of the bag 100 is formed adjacent to the edges 112 and
113 that are defined by the closure profiles 107 and 109, as will
be described below. The first and second sides 102 and 104 may be
made from a substantially transparent plastic, such as the plastics
discussed below, thereby allowing the contents of the interior of
the bag to be easily determined. Alternatively, the first and
second side surfaces 102 and 104 can be made substantially opaque,
or of a completely opaque material.
[0053] In some embodiments, the side surfaces 102 and 104 are
directly connected together at the edges 106, 108, and 110. The
side surfaces 102 and 104 may be, for example, laminated together
at the edges 106, 108, and 110. In other embodiments, however,
additional surfaces may be provided to connect the first and second
side surfaces 102 and 104. For example, a gusset-type connection
may be formed at the edges 106, 108, and 110 between the first and
second side surfaces 102 and 104, thereby allowing the first and
second side surfaces 102 and 104 to be moved apart to an expanded
bag configuration. Along these lines, it should be noted that the
term "connected," as used herein, is general a term that describes
two structures that are directly attached to one another, but also
encompasses structures that are connected through intermediary
structures.
[0054] First and second closure profiles 107 and 109 form the top
portion of the bag 100, with the first and second closure profiles
107 and 109 defining the top edges 112 and 114. The closure
profiles 107 and 109 include interlocking members 114, 116, 118,
and 120 for sealing the opening 103 of the bag 100. As shown in
FIG. 2, the interlocking member 114 extends from the first closure
profile 107, and the interlocking member 118 extends from the
second closure profile 109 at a position opposite to the
interlocking member 114. The interlocking members 114 and 118 can
be interlocked and unlocked, with the interlocking member 114 being
a male-type profile that is received by the female-type
interlocking member 118. Such interlocking of the interlocking
members 114 and 118 will also be referred to herein as "occluding."
The interlocking member 116 extends from the first closure profile
107, and the interlocking member 120 extends from the second
closure profile 109. The interlocking members 116 and 120 can also
be occluded in the same manner as the interlocking members 114 and
118. Interlocking members such as those depicted in FIG. 2 are
often referred to as zippers, as is known in the art. Examples of
different shapes and configurations of such interlocking members
that could be used with the storage bag disclosed herein can be
seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,070,584; 7,784,160; 7,886,412; 7,946,766;
and 8,061,898, and in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2009/0324141, the disclosures of which are incorporated by
reference herein in their entirety.
[0055] The bag 100 is sealed by a user squeezing the interlocking
members 114 and 116 together with the interlocking members 118 and
120. It has been found that a user can most easily perform this
process by starting at the ends of the interlocking members 114,
116, 118, and 120, and then moving his or her fingers across the
length of the bag. When unsealing the bag 100, the interlocking
members 114, 116, 118, and 120 are pulled apart by the user
grasping the lips 126 and 128 of the bag and moving the closure
profiles 107 and 109 apart. As will be discussed below, it is
generally easier for a user to move the closure profiles 107 and
109 apart and to unseal the interlocking members 114, 116, 118, and
120, if the lips 126 and 128 are grasped towards the center of the
length of the closure profiles 107 and 109.
[0056] The interlocking members 114, 116, 118, and 120 may be
configured to provide an audible sound and/or a tactile sensation
when engaging each other. A variety of techniques are known for
providing such audible and tactile features, with one example being
the provision of indentations intermittently along the length of
the profiles of interlocking members 114, 116, 118, and 120, or,
more generally, making the interlocking members 114, 116, 118, and
120 discontinuous along their lengths. The indentions or structural
discontinuities cause the interlocking members 114, 116, 118, and
120 to close together with a vibratory or bumpy feel, or with an
audible clicking sound, or with both a bumpy feel and an audible
clicking sound. An example of providing the interlocking members of
a bag with audible or tactile features can be found in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,140,727, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference
herein in its entirety.
[0057] It should be noted that, although the bag 100 described
herein includes two pairs of interlocking members 114, 116, 118,
and 120, other embodiments of the bag can include only one pair of
interlocking members, i.e., a single interlocking member extending
from the first closure profile of the bag that can connect to an
interlocking member extending from the second closure profile of
the bag. Still other embodiments can include more than two pairs of
interlocking members. It should also be noted that the interlocking
members 114, 116, 118, and 120 do not necessarily need to fully
extend to the edges of the bag 100. For example, in some
embodiments, the bag 100 may include extended sealed sections at
the edges 106 and 108 of the bag 100, with the interlocking members
114, 116, 118, and 120 configured to extend only from one sealed
section to the other, and not all the way to the edges 106 and 108
of the bag 100. In this regard, references herein to the
interlocking members 114, 116, 118, and 120 "extending between" the
sides of the closure profiles 107 and 109 do not necessarily
indicate that the interlocking members 114, 116, 118, and 120
extend all the way to edges of the closure profiles 107 and
109.
[0058] The first and second side surfaces 102 and 104, and the
first and second closure profiles 107 and 109, may be formed from
thermoplastic materials, and by known processes that are well known
in the art. For example, the side surfaces 102 and 104 may be
independently extruded of thermoplastic material as a single
continuous or multi-ply web, and the closure profiles 107 and 109
may be extruded of the same or different thermoplastic materials
separately as continuous lengths or strands. The first and second
closure profiles 107 and 109 may be integrally formed with (and
thus "connected") to the side surfaces 102 and 104 of the bag 100.
Alternatively, the first and second closure profiles 107 and 109
may be formed as separate structures that are attached (and thus
"connected") to the first and second side walls 102 and 104, for
example, by laminating the first and second closure profiles 107
and 109 to the first and second side walls 102 and 104.
[0059] Illustrative thermoplastic materials that could be used to
form the bag 100 include, for example, polypropylene (PP),
polyethylene (PE), metallocene-polyethylene (mPE), low density
polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), ultra
low density polyethylene (ULDPE), biaxially-oriented polyethylene
terephthalate (BPET), high density polyethylene (HDPE),
polyethylene terephthalate (PET), among other polyolefin plastomers
and combinations and blends thereof. Still other materials that may
be used include styrenic block copolymers, polyolefin blends,
elastomeric alloys, thermoplastic polyurethanes, thermoplastic
copolyesters, thermoplastic polyamides, polymers and copolymers of
polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), saran
polymers, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers, cellulose acetates,
polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ionomer, polystyrene,
polycarbonates, styrene acryloacrylonitrile, aromatic polyesters,
linear polyesters, and thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohols. Those
skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of other
materials may also be used to form the bag 100.
[0060] FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of the top end of the bag 100
with the edges 112 and 113 of closure profiles 107 and 109. The bag
100 includes offset first and second lips 126 and 128 that extend
from the interlocking members 114 and 118 to the top edges 112 and
113. The lips 126 and 128 are configured such that a distinct notch
130 is formed in a region X of the top edges 112 and 113 of the bag
100. It should also be noted that the top edges 112 and 113 of the
lips 126 and 128 are slopped relative to each other in the region
X. That is, the top edges 112 and 113 are sloped in that they
appear to extend at angles relative to each other when the bag is
view towards the first or second side surfaces 102 and 104.
[0061] To form the notch 130, the first lip 126 includes a first
portion that extends a distance H1 from the interlocking member 114
to the top edge 112 along a portion of a length of the bag (the
right side of FIG. 3). The first lip 126 also includes a second
portion that extends a second distance H2 from the interlocking
member 114 to the top edge 112 along another portion of the length
of the bag 100 (the left side of FIG. 3). The distance H1 is
greater than the distance H2, and as such, the first lip 126
includes a third portion in the region X that varies from H1 to H2
in distance from the interlocking member 114 to the top edge
112.
[0062] The second lip 128 is configured similar to the first lip
126, except that the portions of the second lip 128 are reversed
from the first lip 126. The second lip 128 includes a first portion
that extends a distance H3 from the interlocking member 118 to the
top edge 113 (left side of FIG. 3), and a second portion that
extends a distance H4 from the interlocking member 118 to the top
edge 113 (right side of FIG. 3), with the distance H3 being greater
than the distance H2. As such, the second lip 128 includes a third
portion in the region X that varies from H3 to H4 in distance from
the interlocking member 118 to the top edge 113.
[0063] The first portion of the first lip 126 extending the
distance H1 is positioned adjacent to the second portion of the
second lip 128 that extends the distance H4, and the second portion
of the first lip 126 that extends the distance H2 is positioned
adjacent to the first portion of the second lip 128 that extends
the distance H3. The third portions of the first and second lips
126 and 128, which vary in distance from the respective
interlocking members 114 and 118 to edges 112 and 113, are
positioned adjacent to each other. Thus, the distinctive notch 130
is formed by the top edges 112 and 113 in the region X.
[0064] The offset of the lips 126 and 128, and the correspondingly
formed notch 130, make it easier for a user to grasp the lips 126
and 128, and to unseal the interlocking members 114, 116, 118, and
120. As shown in FIG. 4, the notch 130 provides a visual cue that
leads the user to grasp the first and second lips 126 and 128 in
the region X of the top edges 112 and 113 of the bag 100. And,
because of their configuration, the lips 126 and 128 can easily be
grasped in the region X. Moreover, when grasping the lips 126 and
128 at the region X, the user can achieve an outward rolling motion
of the first and second closure profiles 107 and 109, as denoted by
the arrows Y in FIG. 4. This rolling motion of the lips 126 and 128
away from each other greatly facilitates the separation of the
first and second closure profiles 107 and 109, and, accordingly,
makes easier the unsealing of the interlocking members 114, 116,
118, and 120.
[0065] It should be noted that, although the region X where the
notch 130 is provided is at the center of the length of the bag 100
depicted in FIGS. 1 to 5, the region X and notch 130 can be offset
from the center of the length of the bag 100 in other embodiments.
That is, the length of the portions of the first and second lips
126 and 128 could be adjusted to provide the region X and the notch
130 at different positions along the top end of the bag 100. It
should also be noted that although the distance H1 is depicted as
being about equal to the distance H3 in FIG. 4, and the distance H2
is depicted as being about equal to the distance H4 in FIG. 4, in
other embodiments, these distances need not be equal. Instead, H1
and H3 can be different, and H2 and H4 can be different. Indeed,
such differences may provide even further visual cues as to the
different lips 126 and 128, making it even easier for the user to
determine where to grasp the lips 126 and 128.
[0066] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, gripping ridges 122, 124, and 125
are provided on the surfaces of the first and second lips 126 and
128 in order to further facilitate the grasping of the lips 126 and
128. Such gripping ridges 122, 124, and 125 can be provided on both
of the inside and outside surfaces of the first and second lips 126
and 128, on only the inside or outside surfaces of the first and
second lips 126 and 128, or on combinations of the inside and
outside surfaces of the first and second lips 126 and 128, e.g., on
the outside surface of lip 126 and the inside surface of lip 128.
Further, any number of gripping ridges can be added to the inside
and outside surface of the lips 126 and 128. In still other
embodiments, however, no gripping ridges are provided to the bag
100.
[0067] In addition to, or as an alternative to, the gripping ridges
122 and 124, the surfaces of the lips 126 and 128 may also include
a texture 127, as shown in bag 100' depicted in FIG. 5. The texture
127 further facilitates gripping of the lips 126 and 128, and
hence, opening of the bag 100'. Such a texture 127 may easily be
formed on the lips 126 and 128 using a variety of techniques, with
one example being embossing. Other techniques include ultrasonic
forming and blasting with sand or water jets to abrade the surface.
Regardless of the technique, when the texture 127 is added to the
lips 126 and 128, the integrity of the gripping ridges 122, 123,
124, and 125 can be maintained by not forming the texture 127 on
the griping ridges 122, 123, 124, and 125. That is, the gripping
ridges 122, 123, 124, and 125 are not substantially disrupted by
the texture 127 pattern, and, as such, the gripping ridges 122,
123, 124, and 125 extend substantially continuously along the top
end of the bag 100. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art, the texture 127 can be formed by a variety of techniques, with
one example being ultrasonic embossing.
[0068] The combination of two different grip facilitating features,
i.e., the gripping ridges 122, 123, 124, and 125 and the texture
127, provides for particularly effective gripping surfaces that a
user can easily grasp when unsealing the interlocking members 114,
116, 118, and 120. Additionally, the texture 127 also provides
another visual cue for locating the lips 126 and 128.
[0069] FIGS. 6 and 7 show a bag 200 according to a second
embodiment of the invention. The bag 200 is configured similar to
the bag 100 described above, with the exception of the
configuration of the first and second closure profiles 207 and 209.
In bag 200, the first lip 226 extends a substantially constant
distance H1 from the interlocking member 214 to the top edge 212 of
the first closure profile 207. On the other hand, the second lip
228 of the second closure profile 209 includes a first portion that
extends a distance H2 from the interlocking member 218 to the top
edge 213, a second portion that extends a distance H3 from the
interlocking member 218 to the top edge 213, and a third portion
that extends a distance H4 from the interlocking member 218 to the
top edge 213. The second lip 228 also includes portions that vary
between the distances H2 to H4, and portions that vary between the
distances H3 to H4. It should be noted, however, that, in an
alternative embodiment, the portions of the second lip 228 that
vary in distance from the interlocking member 218 to the top edge
213 can be omitted. That is, the bag 200 could be provided such
that the first portion with the distance H2 transitions directly to
the second portion with the distance H3, and the second portion
with the distance H3 transitions directly to the third portion with
the distance H4. It should also be noted that, although the
distances H2 and H3 are shown as being about equal in the
embodiment depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7, in other embodiments, the
distances H2 and H4 are different.
[0070] The bag 200 is configured such that the distance H1 is
greater than the distances H2 and H3, but the distance H1 is less
than the distance H4. Thus, a portion of the lip 228 formed by the
second closure profile 209 extends above the edge 212 formed by the
first closure profile 207. The first and second lips 226 and 228
are therefore easily distinguishable, and the user is provided with
a visual cue as to where to grasp the lips 226 and 228 in order to
unseal the interlocking members 214, 216, 218, and 220. Further,
the user is led to grasp the lips 226 and 228 at a center region of
the bag 200 where the second lip 228 extends above the first lip
226. By grasping the lips 226 and 228 at the center region, the
user can impart a rolling motion to the lips, as described above in
conjunction with FIG. 4, which facilitates separation of the first
and second closure profiles 207 and 209, and thus, unsealing of the
interlocking members 214, 216, 218, and 220.
[0071] FIGS. 8 and 9 show a bag 300 according to another embodiment
of the invention. The bag 300 is configured similar to the bags 100
and 200 described above, with the exception of the first and second
closure profiles 307 and 309. In this embodiment, the first lip 326
includes a first portion that extends a distance H1 from the
interlocking member 314 to the edge 312 of the first closure
profile 307. The first lip 326 also includes a second portion that
extends a distance H2 from the interlocking member 314 to the edge
312, and a third portion that extends a distance H3 from the
interlocking member 314 to the edge 312. The second lip 328 also
includes three portions, with a first portion extending a distance
H4 from the interlocking member 318 to the edge 313 of the second
closure profile 309, a second portion extending a distance H5 from
the interlocking member 318 to the top edge 313, and a third
portion extending a distance H6 from the interlocking member 318 to
the edge 313. The portions of the first and second lips 326 and 328
are configured so as to form two notches 330 and 332 at the top end
of the bag 300. The portions of the lips 326 and 328 are also
configured to form a tab, with the portion of the second lip 328
that extends the distance H5 being above the portion of the first
lip 326 that extends the distance H2. The notches 330 and 332
provide visual cues that allow the user to easily distinguish
between the first and second lips 326 and 328, and also to indicate
that the lips 326 and 328 should be grasped at the center region of
the bag 300. Along these lines, when grasping the lips 326 and 328
at the center region near the notches 330 and 332, the user can
achieve an outward rolling motion that facilitates unsealing of the
interlocking members 314, 316, 318, and 320, as described
above.
[0072] The bag 200 is configured such that the distance H1 is
greater than the distances H2 and H4, but the distance H1 is less
than the distance H3. Thus, a portion of the lip 228 formed by the
second closure profile 209 extends above the edge 212 formed by the
first closure profile 207. The first and second lips 226 and 228
are therefore easily distinguishable, and the user is provided with
a visual cue as to where to grasp the lips 226 and 228 in order to
unseal the interlocking members 214, 216, 218, and 220. Further,
the user is led to grasp the lips 226 and 228 at a center region of
the bag 200 where the second lip 228 extends above the first lip
226. By grasping the lips 226 and 228 at the center region, the
user can impart a rolling motion to the lips, as is described above
in conjunction with FIG. 4, which facilitates separation of the
first and second closure profiles 207 and 209, and thus, unsealing
of the interlocking members 214, 216, 218, and 220.
[0073] FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C show bags 300A, 300B, and 300C
according to further embodiments of the invention. In these
embodiments, the lips 326A, 326B, and 326C are at least partially
offset from the lips 328A, 328B, and 328C, respectively. As shown
in FIGS. 10B and 10C, multiple tabs are formed in bags 300B and
300C as a result of the offset between the lips 326B and 326C, and
the lips 328B and 328C. The multiple tabs provide even further
visual cues as to the location that the bags 300B and 300C can be
grasped when unsealing the openings.
[0074] FIG. 11 shows a bag 400 according to another embodiment of
the invention. In this embodiment, the lip 426 of the first closure
profile 407 extends a distance H1 from the interlocking member 414,
and the lip 428 of the second closure profile extends a distance H2
from the interlocking member 418. The distance H2 is greater than
the distance H1 such that throughout the length of the bag 400, the
edge 413 formed by the second closure profile 428 is further from
the interlocking members 414 and 418 than the edge 412 formed by
the first closure profile is from the interlocking members 414 and
418.
[0075] In order to provide an aid for distinguishing between the
first and second lips 426 and 428, coloring is provided to the lips
426 and 428. In effect, when the bag 400 is viewed looking at the
first side surface 102 or the second side surface 104, the area
where the first lip 426 overlaps the second lip 428 appears as a
noticeably darker color, or as a noticeably darker shade of color,
than the area of the second lip 428 that is not overlapped by the
first lip 426. Thus, the user can easily distinguish the first and
second lips 426 and 428, and it is easier for the user to determine
where to grasp the bag 400 when unsealing the interlocking members
414, 416, 418, and 420.
[0076] As will be apparent from the discussion herein, the
references to a "darker color" and "a darker shade of color" have
different meanings A CIELAB color space is a common technique for
quantifying colors and shades of a color. In this color space, the
L* represents the lightness or darkness of a color, and a* and b*
represent color-opponent dimensions, based on nonlinearly
compressed CIE XYZ color space coordinates. The L*, a*, and b*
values for a color of a particular sample can easily be determined
by using, for example, a spectrophotometer. As used herein, when
considering two color samples, a darker color sample would be one
in which the a* and b* values are indicative of the darker color
than the other sample, e.g., a* and b* values indicative of a blue
color that is darker than the a* and b* values indicative of a
yellow color. A darker shade of color, on the other hand, would be
indicative of two samples having substantially the same a* and b*
values, but different L* values, with the sample having the higher
L* value being the lighter shade of color. In this regard, it
should be noted that the term "color," as used herein, encompasses
black, white, and shades of gray. It should also be noted that a
substantially transparent plastic storage bag, as discussed above
and as is known in the art, can be considered to have a certain
"color." When referencing first and a second colors, or shades of
color, herein, one of the first and second colors or shades of
color may be the same as the rest of the bag, including
substantially transparent portions of the bag.
[0077] It follows that the visual effects of the first and second
lips 426 and 428 described herein can be achieved using different
colors, wherein the a* and/or b* values of the lips 426 and 428 are
different. Qualitatively, the first lip 426 might appear as a green
color, while the second lip 428 appears as a red color. In such an
embodiment, the L* values of the two lips 426 and 426 could be the
same, or the L* values could be different. In other embodiments,
the first and second lips 426 and 428 are provided as substantially
the same color, i.e., have about the same a* and b* values, but
have different L* values. In such a case, the first and second lips
426 and 428 are a different shade of color. In still other
embodiments, the first and second lips 426 and 428 are formed in
the same color and the same shade of color. Yet, due to the
overlapping of the first lip 426 with a portion of the second lip
428, the overlapping area naturally appears as a darker shade of
color than the portion of the second lip 428 that is not overlapped
by the first lip 426, when the bag is viewed from the first side
surface 402 or the second side surface 404. Such an effect can be
achieved, for example, by using a larger thickness of the lips 426
and 428. In still other embodiments, the first and second lips 426
and 428 can be formed by different colors, which will thereby
provide a different color in the overlapping portions of the lips
426 and 428 than in the non-overlapped portion of the second lip
428, e.g., the first lip 426 is a yellow color and the second lip
428 is a blue color such that a green color is produced in the area
where the first lip 426 overlaps the second lip 428, when the bag
is viewed towards the first side 402 or the second side 404.
[0078] In specific embodiments, the L* values of the two lips 426
and 428 are different by a value of about thirty. As examples, the
L* value of the darker first lip 426 is about fifty to about
seventy, more specifically, the L* value is about fifty-five to
about sixty-five, and even more specifically, the L* value is about
fifty-five to about sixty. The L* value of the lighter second lip
428 is about sixty to about eighty, more specifically, the L* value
is about sixty-five to about seventy-five, and even more
specifically, the L* value is about seventy to seventy-five. With
all of these configurations, the first lip 426 appears
substantially darker than the second lip 428. Therefore, a user can
easily distinguish between the two lips 426 and 428, which, in
turn, makes it easier for the user to determine where to grasp the
bag 400 when unsealing the interlocking members 414, 416, 418, and
420.
[0079] The color can be formed in the lips 426 and 428 using a
variety of techniques. As one example, a colorant in liquid or
solid form can be mixed with the resin prior to an extrusion
operation that forms the closure profiles 407 and 409 of the bag.
As a similar example, the color can be introduced by adding color
resin pellets or liquid color to a pellet stream where it will be
homogenized throughout the plastic during the extrusion process
that forms the film and/or the profiles 407 and 409 of the bag. In
such an arrangement, the coloring agent can be introduced through a
separate extruder added to the overall extrusion forming process,
for example, by extruding a color layer on the already formed
closure profiles 407 and 409. As another example, the color can be
applied by painting or printing on the closure profiles 407 and
409. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of
other techniques could be used to form the colors or shades of
color in the lips 426 and 428 of the bag 400.
[0080] While the bag 400 depicted in FIG. 11 is formed with the
shorter first lip 426 being a darker color or a darker shade of
color than the longer second lip 428, the relative coloring might
be reversed, in other embodiments. That is, the shorter first lip
426 can be a lighter color or a lighter shade of color than the
longer lip 428. The color contrast in such embodiments can be
further emphasized by only providing the darker color or darker
shade of color in the portion of the second lip 428 that is not
overlapped by the first lip 426. Additionally, while the entire
distances H1 and H2 between the interlocking members 414 and 418
and the edges 412 and 413 are provided with color in the embodiment
depicted in FIG. 11, in other embodiments, the color need not
extend the entire distances H1 and H2. Instead, the color may
extend over a portion of the distances H1 and H2 in the lips 426
and 428.
[0081] In other embodiments, the color is not a solid block on the
lips 426 and 428. Instead, the color may be formed, for example, in
patterns or shapes, with the patterns and shapes being continuous
or discontinuous. Examples of such patterns and shapes include
hearts, flowers, trees, etc. Along these lines, the coloring of
either the lip 426 or the lip 428 can include multiple colors.
Still further, as indicated above, one of the colors or shades of
colors of the first and second lips 426 and 428 can be the same as
the other portions of the bag. Thus, in an embodiment, the color of
the first lip 426 is the same as the color of the substantially
transparent side surface 402, while the lip 428 is formed with two
different colors. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the wide
range of coloring options for the lips 426 and 428 of the bag
400.
[0082] The interlocking members 414, 416, 418, and 420 may also be
colored, and as such, provided as the same color or different
colors than the lips 426 and 428. With coloring, the interlocking
members 414, 416, 418, and 420 can easily be discerned, thus making
it easier for the user to seal and to unseal the bag. Therefore, by
providing bag 400 with colored lips 426 and 428, as well as colored
interlocking members 414, 416, 418, and 420, the user can easily
identify the portions that are used to seal and to unseal the bag
400.
[0083] FIG. 12 shows a bag 500 according to yet another embodiment
of the invention. The bag 500 is configured similar to the bag 100
described above, except that the lips 526 and 528 are colored. The
first lip 526 is a darker color, or a darker shade of color, than
the second lip 528. Thus, a user can easily distinguish between the
two lips 526 and 528. Moreover, due to the overlapping of the first
and second lips 526 and 528 in the region directly below the notch
530, an even darker portion 532 is visible when viewing the bag 500
towards the first or second sides 502 and 504. This provides a
further visual cue that leads the user to grasp the lips 526 and
528 in the region of the bag 500 adjacent to the notch 530. As
discussed above, the interlocking members 514, 516, 518, and 520
can most easily be unsealed when the bag 500 is grasped near the
notch 530.
[0084] FIG. 13 shows a bag 600 according to another embodiment of
the invention. The bag 600 is configured in the same manner as the
bag 200 depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7, except that the lips 626 and 628
of bag 600 are colored. The second lip 628, which includes a
portion that extends above the first lip 626, is a darker shade of
color or a darker color than the first lip 626. As with the other
colored lip examples discussed above, a user can easily distinguish
between the two lips 626 and 628.
[0085] The coloring of the lips 426, 428, 526, 528, 626, and 628 in
bags 400, 500, and 600 may also allow for the bags 400, 500, and
600 to be easily distinguished from other storage bags. That is,
the coloring of the lips 426, 428, 526, 528, 626, and 628 provides
a visual indication to a user of the particular bag, and such a
feature may provide an express or an implicit indication of the
contents of the bag. For example, blue colored lips might be used
to indicate a freezer bag, magenta colored lips might be used to
indicate a refrigerator bag, and green colored lips might be used
to indicate a general purpose storage bag. Moreover, the colored
lips 426, 428, 526, 528, 626, and 628 might allow a particular bag
to stand out amongst other bags, such as a magenta bag amongst
green bags. Of course, as the coloring may only be formed in the
lips 426, 428, 526, 528, 626, and 628, the first and second side
surfaces 400, 402, 500, 502, 600, and 602 of the bags 400, 500, and
600 may still be made transparent or substantially transparent.
Thus, while the bags 400, 500, and 600 are imparted with an
indicative color by the lips 426, 428, 526, 528, 626, and 628, the
contents of the bags 400, 500, and 600 can nevertheless still be
easily seen.
[0086] In order to further distinguish the bag 600 from other bags,
the bag 600 may include an area 601 that allows writing to be
easily imparted on the bag 600, i.e., the area 601 forms a label
for the bag 600. Often, plastic bags have a label that is printed
on a surface. Typically, such a label is printed on the bag with
ink applied, for example, by a flexographic printer. The area 601
of the bag 600 can be such an ink label, in some embodiments of the
invention.
[0087] In other embodiments, however, the area 601 is not formed
with ink, but rather, is formed as an etched portion of the surface
of the bag. The etched area can be formed using a variety of
techniques. As one example, the area 601 can be formed by
sandblasting. As another example, the area 601 can be formed by an
ultrasonic scuffing process, wherein a roughened or an embossed
surface of a vibrating horn or anvil is brought into contact with a
surface of the bag 600. It has been found that performing such
etching techniques on a surface of a bag constructed from plastic
materials, such as the plastics described above, imparts an etched
area that will readily receive writing from a standard ink pen. The
etching techniques for forming area 601 are advantageous over ink
printing techniques for forming area 601, inasmuch as etching may
be less costly than the ink used to form the area 601.
Additionally, forming the area 601 by etching provides for a more
environmentally friendly bag 600 by eliminating the use of the
printing ink. It should be noted that regardless of the techniques
used to form the area 601, the area 601 can be formed on any
surface of the bag 600, and, further, the area 601 can be formed in
any shape.
[0088] FIGS. 14 to 16 show a bag 700 according to another
embodiment of the invention. The bag 700 is generally configured
similarly to the bags described above, inasmuch as the bag 700
includes first and second side surfaces 702 and 704 that are
connected at edges 706, 708, and 710. The bag 700 also includes
first and second closure profiles 707 and 709, with the closure
profiles 707 and 709 including interlocking members 714, 716, 718,
and 720. The first and second closure profiles 707 and 709 also
include first and second lips 726 and 728 that define edges 712 and
713. The first and second lips 726 and 728 are offset in a manner
similar to the lips 412 and 413 of the bag 400 described above.
[0089] In bag 700, the first and second closure profiles 707 and
709 include textured areas 734, 736, 738, and 740 that are
positioned adjacent to the edges 706 and 708, and adjacent to the
interlocking members 714, 716, 718, and 720. The textured areas
734, 736, 738, and 740 provide a significantly different texture
compared to the other surfaces of the bag 700, such that the
textured areas 734, 736, 738, and 740 are visually distinguishable
from the areas of the closure profiles 707 and 709 that are
adjacent to the textured areas 734, 736, 738, and 740. The textured
areas 734 and 736, however, extend over only a portion of the
length of the closure profiles 707 and 709, and in particular, at
areas adjacent to the ends of the interlocking members 714, 716,
718, and 720. That is, the first and second closure profiles 707
and 709 include the textured areas 734, 736, 738, and 740 adjacent
to portions of the interlocking members 714, 716, 718, and 720, but
the closure profiles 707 and 709 are formed with untextured areas
adjacent to the majority of the lengths of the interlocking members
714, 716, 718, and 720. Note, the term "untextured," as used
herein, denotes a relatively smooth surface as is commonly found in
the art.
[0090] FIGS. 15 and 16 show details of the textured area 734 of the
bag 700. The textured area 734 includes a section 740 that is
positioned above the interlocking member 714, a section 742 that is
positioned between the interlocking members 714 and 716, and a
section 744 that is positioned below the interlocking member 716.
The other textured areas 736, 738, and 740 of the bag 700 also
include three sections positioned in a similar manner with respect
to interlocking members 714 and 716 or interlocking members 718 and
720.
[0091] It has been found that zipper-type closure structures, such
as the closure structures formed by interlocking members 714, 716,
718, and 720, are more easily sealed, and more often completely
sealed, if the user starts the sealing operation at the ends of the
interlocking members 714, 716, 718, and 720. The textured areas
734, 736, 738, and 740 provide a visual cue for a user to grasp the
closure profiles 707 and 709 at positions adjacent to the ends of
the interlocking member 714, 716, 718, and 720 when beginning the
process of sealing the bag. Thus, the user is more apt to properly
and to completely seal the bag 700 with the guidance provided by
the textured areas 734, 736, 738, and 740.
[0092] As shown in FIG. 16, the textured areas 734 and 736 extend
over portions of the lengths of the interlocking members 716, 718,
720, and 722 that can be either interlocked or unlocked from each
other. In order to facilitate interlocking, however, the textured
areas 734 and 736 are not substantially formed into the
interlocking members 716, 718, 720, and 722 themselves. That is,
the formation of the textured areas 734 and 736 does not
substantially affect the shapes of the interlocking members 716,
718, 720, and 722, such that the interlocking members 716, 718,
720, and 722 can still be effectively interlocked, and, thus, seal
the opening of the bag 700.
[0093] The textured areas 734, 736, 738, and 740 may be formed by a
variety of techniques and processes. As one example, the textured
areas 734, 736, 738, and 740 can be formed by embossing the closure
profiles 707 and 709 with a die press. As another example, the
textured areas 734, 736, 738, and 740 can be formed by ultrasonic
embossing. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, die
or ultrasonic embossing techniques will allow for the formation of
the textured areas 734, 736, 738, and 740 in the specific sections
740, 742, and 744, without also embossing on the interlocking
members 714, 716, 718, and 720, i.e., without crushing or otherwise
deforming the interlocking members 714, 716, 718, and 720. Of
course, those skilled in the art will recognize that there is a
variety of other techniques with which the textured areas 734, 736,
738, and 740 can be formed. For example, as an alternative to
embossing, the textured areas 734, 736, 738, and 740 can be formed
by a micromolding operation on the closure profiles 707 and
709.
[0094] It should be noted that, although the textured areas 734,
736, 738, and 740 in bag 700 are formed in the sections above, in
between, and below the interlocking members 714, 716, 718, and 720,
in other embodiments, the textured areas 734, 736, 738, and 740 can
be formed in only one or two of these sections. For example, the
textured areas 734, 736, 738, and 740 may only be formed in the
area between the interlocking members 714, 716, 718, and 720, but
not above or below the interlocking members 714, 716, 718, and 720.
Indeed, the textured areas 734, 736, 738, and 740 could be formed
in only one section adjacent to the interlocking members 714, 716,
718, and 720. Moreover, in still other embodiments, the textured
areas 734, 736, 738, and 740 may only be formed on one side of the
bag 700 or only at one end of the interlocking members 714, 716,
718, and 720. For example, the textured area 734 may alone be
formed in an embodiment, with the other textured areas 736, 738,
and 740 being omitted.
[0095] A bag 800 according to a further embodiment of the invention
is shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. The bag 800 includes a first side
surface 802 and a second side surface 804 that are connected at
edges 806, 808, and 810. The bag 800 also includes first and second
closure profiles 807 and 809 that extend adjacent to an opening 803
to the interior of the bag 800. The closure profiles 807 and 809
include interlocking members 814, 816, 818, and 820. The
interlocking members 814, 816, 818, and 820 are configured to seal
the opening of the bag 800 in the same manner as the interlocking
members in the embodiments described above. The closure profiles
807 and 809 also include first and second lips 826 and 828 that
define the edges 812 and 813 of the bag 800.
[0096] The first and second closure profiles 807 and 809 also
include a plurality of dimples 852 and 854. As shown in FIG. 18,
the dimples 852 in the first closure profile 807 are formed as
concave surfaces 856 on the outside of the first closure profile
807, and as convex surfaces 858 on the side of the first closure
profile 807 that faces the interior of the bag 800. On the other
hand, the dimples 854 in the second closure profile 809 are formed
as convex surfaces 860 on the outside surface of the second closure
profile 809, and as concave surfaces 862 on the surface of the
second closure profile 809 that faces the interior of the bag
800.
[0097] The dimples 852 of the first closure profile 807 are
positioned and configured to engage the oppositely positioned
dimples 854 of the second closure profile 809. More specifically,
the convex surfaces 858 of the dimples 852 can be received to the
concave surfaces 862 of the dimples 854 when the interlocking
members 814, 816, 818, and 820 are brought together to seal the
opening 803 of the bag 800. As such, the dimples 807 and 809
provide an alignment feature for the closure profiles 807 and 809.
Moreover, the alignment and engaging of the dimples 807 and 809
provides a user with both a visual indication and tactile sensation
that inform the user that the interlocking members 814, 816, 818,
and 820 are engaging, when the user is sealing the bag 800. That
is, the user visually identifies the dimples 852 and 854, and feels
the convex surfaces 858 of the dimples 852 engaging the concave
surfaces 862 of the dimples 854 as he or she runs his or her
fingers along the interlocking members 814, 816, 818, and 820 to
seal the bag 800.
[0098] It should be noted that, in addition to the configuration of
concave and convex surfaces 856, 858, 860, and 862 for the dimples
852 and 854 shown in FIG. 17, the closure profiles 807 and 809
could also include dimples that have a reverse configuration from
those shown in FIG. 17. That is, the dimples 852 on the first
closure profile 807 could be formed with a convex surface on the
outside of the first closure profile 807 and a concave surface on
the side of the first closure profile 807 that faces the interior
of the bag 800. These "reversed" dimples would correspond to
dimples on the second closure profile 809 that have a concave
surface on the outside of the second closure profile 809 and a
convex surface on the surface of the second closure profile 809
that faces the interior of the bag 800. Indeed, embodiments of the
bag 800 could include both the dimple configuration shown in FIG.
18, as well as the reversed dimple configuration, as long as the
types of dimples shown in FIG. 18 are aligned with each other and
the reversed dimples are aligned with each other.
[0099] In still other embodiments, the dimples 852 and 854 can be
made flexible such that the concave and convex surfaces of the
dimples 852 and 854 can change shape when pressed upon by a user.
For example, when the user presses against the convex surfaces 860
of the dimples 854, the convex surfaces 860 may be flattened
towards the closure profile 809. Additionally, the dimples 854 can
be configured such that the convex surfaces 860 become concave
relative to the outside surface of the closure profile 809, and the
concave surfaces 860 become convex relative to the surface of the
closure profile 809 that faces the interior of the bag 800, i.e.,
reversed from the configuration shown in FIG. 18. The dimples 852
can also be made flexible, and as such, in some embodiments, the
deformation of the dimples 852 operates in conjunction with the
deformation of the dimples 854. For example, when the concave
surfaces 862 of the dimples 854 might be made to invert to a convex
surface while the corresponding convex surfaces 858 of the dimples
852 invert to concave surfaces.
[0100] It should be noted that the dimples 852 and 854 are a
significantly different type of structure than the interlocking
members 814, 816, 818, and 820 inasmuch as the dimples 852 and 854
do not include an interlocking feature that significantly aids in
sealing the opening 803 of the bag 800. Instead, the dimples 852
and 854 merely fit together. Because the dimples 852 and 854 more
easily slide together than the interlocking members 814, 816, 818,
and 820, the dimples 852 and 854 provide an effective guide for
aligning the closure profiles 807 and 809 in a manner that allows
the interlocking members 814, 816, 818, and 820 to become
interlocked.
[0101] The dimples 852 and 854 can be particularly effective in
combination with a feature that provides audible feedback
indicating that the interlocking members 852 and 854 have been
engaged. As discussed above, interlocking members may be configured
to provide an audible sound and/or a tactile sensation when
engaging with each other. In addition to, or in alternative to, the
interlocking members 814, 816, 818, and 820 being provided with a
sound producing feature, the dimples 852 and 854 could be
configured to provide a sound when becoming aligned, such as a
"popping" sound when the dimples 852 and 854 are brought together.
That is, the nesting of the dimples 852 and 854 can be made to
amplify other sounds indicating that the interlocking members 814,
816, 818, and 820 are engaging. Regardless of the source of the
sound, the provision of a sound in combination with the feel that
the dimples 852 and 854 provide when becoming aligned provides the
user with a vivid indication that the interlocking members 814,
816, 818, and 820 are interlocking together and the bag 800 is
being sealed. The indication to the user may be even more effective
if the sounds correspond to the dimples 852 and 854 becoming
aligned. That is, a user is provided with excellent tactile and
audio feedback when the bag 800 is configured to produce a sound at
about the same time that the dimples 852 and 854 are nested
together.
[0102] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the
dimples 852 and 854 can be formed in the closure profiles 807 and
809 using a variety of techniques. As one example, the dimples 852
and 854 could be formed using a mechanical operation, such as a
pressing operation with a die. In such a pressing operation, heat
could also be applied to the closure profiles 807 and 809 in order
to facilitate the deformation in the closure profiles 807 and 809
that forms the dimples 852 and 854. Alternatively, the dimples 852
and 854 could be formed using an ultrasonic forming operation. As
still other alternatives, the dimples 852 and 854 could be formed
by a micromolding process, or as part of a vacuum extrusion
operation in the process of forming the closure profiles 807 and
809. With all of these techniques, the dimples 852 and 854 are
formed in a manner to prevent rupturing or weakening of the closure
profiles 807 and 809.
[0103] In the bag 800 depicted in FIGS. 17 and 18, the dimples 852
and 854 are formed with substantially spherical sections that have
substantially circular cross sections. In particular embodiments,
the dimples 852 and 854 have a diameter of about 0.125 in. (0.3175
cm). The substantially spherical dimples 852 and 854 are uniformly
provided throughout the lengths of the closures profiles 807 and
809. In some embodiments, the dimples 852 on the first closure
profile 807 are spaced from each other by about 0.0625 in. (0.1588
cm) to about 0.75 in. (1.91 cm), or more specifically, the dimples
852 are spaced from each other by about 0.125 in. (0.3175 cm) to
about 0.5 in. (1.27 cm), and even more specifically, the dimples
852 are spaced from each other by about 0.25 in. (0.635 cm) to
about 0.375 in. (0.9525 cm). The dimples 854 on the second closure
profile 809 have a similar spacing. The dimples 852 and 854 have a
depth of about 5 mils to about 40 mils (0.127 to 1.02 mm), or more
specifically, about 10 mils to about 30 mils (0.254 to 0.762 mm),
or even more specifically, about 15 mils to about 25 mils (0.381 to
0.635 mm). In a particular embodiment, the dimples 852 and 853 have
a depth of about 20 mils (0.51 mm). Of course, one of ordinary
skill in the art will recognize that these dimples could be changed
if so desired.
[0104] While the dimples 852 and 854 are substantially spherical
sections with substantially circular cross sections, and while the
dimples 852 and 854 in FIG. 17 are evenly spaced along the closure
profiles 807 and 809, there are numerous alternative shapes and
configurations for the dimples 852 and 854. Two such shapes and
configurations are exemplified in an embodiment depicted in FIGS.
19 and 20. In this embodiment, the dimples 852, 852', 854, and 854'
are provided at irregular points along the closure profiles 807 and
809. While the dimples 852 and 854 are shaped as described above,
the dimples 852' and 854' have a rectangular cross section, with
the dimples 852' forming a ridge 859 that is received by a groove
854' formed by the dimples 854'. Besides the shapes and
configurations shown in FIGS. 17 to 20, those skilled in the art
will recognize that the dimples 852, 852', 854, and 854' could be
formed with a wide variety of alternative shapes, such as, for
example, dimples having a cross section with the shape of ovals,
triangles, X-shapes, S-shapes, stars, hearts, arrows, Christmas
trees, etc.
[0105] In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 17 to 20, the dimples
852, 852', 854, and 854' are provided between the interlocking
members 814, 816, 818, and 820. In other embodiments, however, the
dimples 852, 852', 854, and 854'can be provided in different
positions, such as above the interlocking members 814 and 818, or
below the interlocking members 816 and 820. Moreover, the dimples
852, 852', 854, and 854' could be provided in two different areas
of the closure profiles 807 and 809, such as both above
interlocking members 814 and 818 and below the interlocking member
816 and 820. Along these lines, as discussed above, embodiments of
the bag 800 may only include one pair of interlocking members on
the closure profiles 807 and 809. In such embodiments, the dimples
852 and 854 may be placed above or below the interlocking
members.
[0106] FIGS. 21 to 23 show another embodiment of a bag 1000 that
includes dimples 1052 and 1054. In this embodiment, the dimples
1052 on the first closure profile 1007 are offset from the dimples
1054 on the second closure profile 1009. As shown in FIGS. 22 and
23, the dimples 1052 are formed as a convex surface on the outside
surface of the first closure profile 1007, and the dimples 1054 are
formed as a convex surface on the outside surface of the second
closure profile 1009. In other embodiments, however, one or both of
the dimples 1052 and 1054 could be formed as concave surfaces on
their respective closure profiles 1007 and 1009. The dimples 1052
and 1054 can be formed using the techniques described above. As a
specific example, the dimples 1052 can be formed by embossing the
closure profile 1007 between a pair of rollers, and the dimples
1054 can be formed by embossing the closure profile 1009 between
another pair of rollers. With such a process, the closures profiles
1007 and 1009 are brought together in the final bag structure 1000
after the dimples 1052 and 1054 are separately formed with the
pairs of rollers.
[0107] Unlike in the embodiments described above, the dimples 1052
do not nest with the dimples 1054, and as such, the dimples 1052
and 1054 do not provide a substantial guide for aligning the
closure profiles 1007 and 1009. Nevertheless, the dimples 1052 and
1054 advantageously provide both a visual cue and tactile feedback
that indicate to the user where to place his or her fingers when
sealing the interlocking members 1014, 1016, 1018, and 1020. The
user, therefore, is more assured that the bag 1000 is being
sealed.
[0108] While particular features of our storage bag have been
described above in different embodiments above, as will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art, many of the features of the
different embodiments may be combined in different embodiments. For
example, the dimple features described in conjunction with bag 800
could be provided with the different lip configurations of bags
100, 100', 200, and 300. Additionally, or alternatively, the
textured areas described in conjunction with bag 700 could be used
with the bags 100, 100', 200, and 300. Further, colored lips as
described in conjunction with bags 400, 500, and 600 could be
provided with any embodiment of our storage bag. Similarly, the
label area 601 shown on bag 600 could be provided on any embodiment
of our storage bag. Further, the gripping ridges 122, 123, 124, and
125 and/or texture 127 described above in conjunction with bags 100
and 100' could be provided to any embodiment of our bag. And, as
described above, the gripping ridges 122, 123, 124, and 125, and
texture 127, could be provided on inside surfaces of the lips of
the bags, outside surfaces of the lips, or both the inside and
outside surfaces of the lips.
[0109] FIGS. 24 and 25 show bags 1100 and 1200 in embodiments that
include combinations of the above-described features. The bag 1100
in FIG. 25 includes lips 1126 and 1128 on closure profiles 1107 and
1109, with the lips 1126 and 1128 having the same shapes as the
lips 126 and 128 of the bag 100 described above. As such, a notch
1130 is formed in a center region of the lips 1126 and 1128. The
lips 1126 and 1128 also include gripping ridges 1123 and 1125, as
well as gripping ridges (not shown) on the opposite sides of the
lips 126 and 128, as described above in conjunction with FIG. 2.
The lips 1126 and 1128 additionally include texture 1127, which is
similar to the texture 127 on the lips 126 and 128 of the bag 100'
described above. The lip 1126 is formed as a different color, or as
a different shade of color, than the lip 1128, in the manner
described above with respect to lips 526 and 528. The bag 1110,
therefore, also includes a darkened portion 1132 that is visible
when viewing the bag 1100 facing its side surfaces. With this
combination of features, the lips 1126 and 1128 are easy for a user
to identify, and the user is directed to grasp the areas at the top
end of the bag 1100 that allow for easy unsealing of the
interlocking members 1114, 1116, 1118, and 1120.
[0110] Bag 1100 also includes the above-described features that
facilitate sealing of the interlocking members 1114, 1116, 1118,
and 1120. Specifically, the bag 1100 includes textured areas 1134
and 1136 at the ends of the interlocking members 1114, 1116, 1118,
and 1120, with the textured areas 1134 and 1136. The textured areas
1134 and 1136 provide visual cues directing the user to start a
sealing operation at the ends of the interlocking members 1114,
1116, 1118, and 1120, as described above in conjunction with the
bag 700. Note, the texture in areas 1134 and 1136 can be made to be
visually distinct from the texture 1123 of lips 1126 and 1128 shown
in FIG. 24. The bag 1100 also includes dimples 1152 on the first
closure profile 1107 and corresponding dimples 1154 on the second
closure profile 1109, with the dimples 1152 and 1154 being similar
to the dimples 852 and 854 described above in conjunction with the
bag 800. The dimples 1152 and 1154 provide an alignment feature,
visual indication, and tactile sensation, as described above. It
should be noted, however, that while the dimples 1152 and 1154 in
FIG. 24 are configured similar to the dimples 852 and 854 in bag
800, in other embodiments the dimples 1152 and 1154 may be formed
in any of the other configurations described above, such as the
configurations of the dimples 852' and 854' in the bag 800', or the
dimples 1057 and 1059 in the bag 1000.
[0111] The bag 1200, as shown in FIG. 25, also includes features
that facilitate sealing and unsealing the bag 1200. In this
embodiment, the lips 1226 and 1228 having the same shape as the
lips 216 and 218 described above in conjunction with the bag 200.
The lips 1226 and 1128 include gripping ridges 1222 and 1225, as
well as corresponding gripping ridges (not shown) on the opposite
sides of the lips 1226 and 1128. Texture 1227 is formed on the lips
1226 and 1228, and the lips 1226 and 1228 are provided with color
in the same manner as the lips 426 and 428 of the bag 400 described
above. The bag 1200 further includes textured areas 1234 and 1236
at the ends of the interlocking members 1214, 1216, 1218, and 1220,
as well as dimples 1252 and 1254 positioned adjacent to the
interlocking members 1214, 1216, 1218, and 1220. Thus, bag 1200
includes the visual and tactile features that facilitate sealing
and unsealing of the interlocking members 1214, 1216, 1218, and
1220, as described above.
[0112] The bags 1100 and 1200 may also include any of the other
features in the embodiments described above as well. For example,
the interlocking members 1114, 1116, 1118, 1120, 1214, 1216, 1218,
and 1220, as well as the dimples 1152, 1154, 1252, and 1254 can be
configured to produce audible feedback, in the manner described
above.
[0113] All of the bags shown in FIGS. 1 to 25 have a substantially
rectangular configuration. Any of the bags described above,
however, could be provided in a non-rectangular shape. The bag 1300
shown in FIG. 26 demonstrates such a non-rectangular shape. The bag
1300 includes edges 1306, 1308, and 1310. Between the edges 1306
and 1310, and between 1308 and 1310, are curved edges 1303 and
1310. Such curved edges may have, for example, a 0.75 in. or a 1.5
in. radius of curvature. Those skilled in the art will recognize
numerous other shapes in which the bags described herein could be
formed.
[0114] As is evident from the disclosure and depictions of the
embodiments described above, some of the bags according to the
invention differ from conventional bags by appearing asymmetric
about one or more points of the bag. Conventional bags often appear
symmetric at least, for example, when looking at the side surfaces
of the bag. Bags according to the present invention, however, do
not necessarily appear symmetric when one is looking at one or more
surfaces of the bag. As will be described below, besides providing
for a visually interesting and distinguishable bag, the asymmetries
of the bag may further facilitate opening of the bag.
[0115] A bag according to the invention may appear asymmetric in
multiple ways as a result of one or more visually distinct
features. A visually distinct feature, as used herein, means a
feature that can readily be discerned from other surrounding
features of the bag, or a feature that can readily be discerned
from a corresponding visually distinct feature on another part of
the bag. Similarly, a visually distinct area, as used herein, means
an area of the bag that can readily be discerned from surrounding
areas of the bag, or an area that can readily be discerned from a
corresponding visually distinct area of another part of a bag.
Thus, a visually distinct feature may, in effect, create visually
distinct areas.
[0116] One example of a visually distinct feature that has been
discussed above is the gripping ridges, which can readily be
discerned from the surrounding portions of the bag. Similarly, an
area of the bag that is provided with gripping ridges can be
visually distinguished from other areas of the bag that do not
include gripping ridges. Another example of a visually distinct
feature that can readily be discerned from a corresponding visually
distinct feature on another part of the bag is the color of a first
lip being different from the color of a second lip. As yet another
example, the texture of the first lip may be a visually distinct
feature that is different from the corresponding texture (or lack
of texture) on the second lip. A non-exhaustive list of features of
a bag according to the invention that can constitute a visually
distinct feature or create visually distinct area so as to make the
bag appear to be asymmetrical includes texture, color, gripping
ridges and corresponding portions that are differently shaped
(e.g., one lip having a different shape than the other lip). With
each of these features, the lack of a corresponding feature on a
corresponding portion of the bag can also create visual
distinctness, e.g., having gripping ridges being visible on one lip
of the bag but no gripping ridges being visible on a corresponding
lip of the bag when the bag is viewed towards one of its
surfaces.
[0117] The asymmetry of a bag 1400 resulting from visually distinct
features and visually distinct areas is shown in FIGS. 27 and 28.
In these Figures, x-, y-, and z-directions of the bag 1400 have
been denoted. In FIG. 27, a line A1 has been drawn in the
y-direction that bisects the first side surface 1402 of the bag. In
FIG. 28, a line A2 has been drawn in the z-direction, and a line A3
has been drawn in the x-direction. Note that these are imaginary
lines in the sense that they are not actually a part of the
structure of the bag 1400, but rather, will be used to denote
asymmetries of the bag 1400.
[0118] As is evident from FIG. 27, when the bag 1400 is viewed
towards the first side surface 1402 the bag 1400 appears asymmetric
about the line A1. In this embodiment, the asymmetry arises because
of two pairs of visually distinct features, namely, the gripping
ridges 1425 and the texture 1427. The bag also appears asymmetric
due to the color or shade of color of the lips 1426 and 1428, and
as a result of an overlapping portion 1433 of the lip 1428 on lip
1426.
[0119] Both of the gripping ridges 1425 and texture 1427 are
provided on the inside surfaces of the lips 1426 and 1428, but not
on the outside surfaces of the lips 1426 and 1428. When viewing the
bag 1400 towards the first side surface 1402, the gripping ridges
1425 and texture 1427 are visible on the lip 1426 but not the lip
1428. Although not shown, if the bag 1400 is viewed towards the
second side surface 1404, the gripping ridges 1425 and texture 1427
are visible on lip 1428 but not lip 1426. Thus, the bag appears
asymmetric about line A1, with the gripping rides 1425 and texture
1427 on the lip 1426 on one side of the line A1 and the lack of
gripping ridges and texture 1427 on the lip 1428 on the other side
of the line A1.
[0120] The bag 1400 includes a further pair of visually distinct
features in the coloring and overlapping of the lips 1426 and 1428.
The lips 1426 and 1428 are different colors, or different shades of
a color, with the different colors or different shades of color
being provided in the manner described above. Further, when the bag
1400 viewed towards the first side surface 1402, a portion 1433 of
the edge of lip 1428 can be seen on the side of the line A1 where
the lip 1428 can be seen. Thus, the overlapping portion 1433
provides yet another asymmetry when viewing the first side surface
1402 of the bag.
[0121] While the coloring of the lips 1426 and 1428 creates a
further asymmetry about line A1 when the bag 1400 is viewed towards
the first side surface 1402, the darker portion 1431 that is formed
by the overlapping of the first and second lips 1426 and 1428 is a
visually distinct area that is symmetric about line A1. This
symmetric darker portion 1431 will aid in characterizing the
gripping portions of the bag 1400, as will be described below.
[0122] It should be apparent that if the bag 1400 were viewed
towards the second side surface 1404, i.e., opposite to that which
is shown in FIG. 27, many of the same asymmetries may be present,
though reversed from those shown in FIG. 27. For example, the
gripping ridges 1425 and the texture 1427 can be seen on lip 1428,
but not lip 1426, when the bag is viewed towards the second side
surface 1404. And, of course, the different coloring or different
shades of coloring of the lips 1426 and 1428, as well as an
overlapping portion of the lips 1426 and 1428 can be seen when the
bag 1400 is viewed towards the second side surface 1404. Thus,
while the first and second closure profiles 1407 and 1409, and in
particular, areas of the lips 1426 and 1428 of the first and second
closure profiles 1407 and 1409, appear to be different when the bag
1400 is viewed towards the first side surface 1402 than when the
bag is viewed towards the second side surface 1404, the same
asymmetries are still present in a similar manner regardless of
which side surface of the bag 1400 is being viewed.
[0123] FIG. 28 is a top view of the bag 1400, with the lips 1426
and 1428 partially unfolded. In FIG. 28, a line A2 has been drawn
in the y-direction of the bag 1400, and a line A3 has been drawn in
the z-direction of the bag 1400. As is evident from this Figure,
the bag 1400 is provided with visually distinct features so as to
appear asymmetric about both line A2 and about line A3. The
asymmetries arise from the same visually distinct features and
visually distinct areas described above, as well as from further
visually distinct features and areas. In particular, note that the
different shapes of the lips 1426 and 1428 create an asymmetry
about both lines A2 and A2. This asymmetry is in addition to the
asymmetries created by the gripping ridges 1425, texture 1427, and
coloring of the lips 146 and 1428 about lines A2 and A3.
[0124] The asymmetries created by the visually distinct features
and visually distinct areas aid a user in the unsealing of the bag
1400 by providing further visual cues as to how the bag should be
grasped when being open. That is, the asymmetries themselves
provide visual cues that lead the user to grasp the first and
second lips 1426 and 1428 in the region of the notch 1430 formed in
the lips 1426 and 1428. For example, the asymmetric parts naturally
lead the user to grasp the different lips 1426 and 1428 with their
right and left hands. Further, the user may be guided by the
symmetric darker portion 1431 created by the overlap of the lips
1426 and 1428 such that the user will grasp the asymmetric portions
about the symmetric portion. The result is that the user is led to
grasp the asymmetric lips in the notch 1430 region adjacent to the
symmetric darker portion 1431. As discussed in detail above,
grasping the bag 1400 in this region facilitates a rolling motion
for opening the bag, which is an effective and efficient manner of
opening the bag 1400.
[0125] It is surprising that the functionality of a storage bag is
improved by intentionally making the bag appear to be asymmetric.
As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, conventional
storage bags are made to look as symmetrical as possible for ease
of use and based on the idea that symmetry is aesthetically
pleasing. The specific provision of asymmetrical elements, and, in
particular, asymmetrical elements adjacent to the opening of the
storage bag, is a novel and non-obvious concept in the art that
results in a more functional storage bag.
[0126] It should be noted that, while a specific example of a bag
1400 with visually distinct features that create asymmetries is
shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, many other configurations of bags are
possible with more or less visually distinct features, and
accordingly, more or less asymmetries. For example, a bag according
to another embodiment of the invention might include visually
distinct gripping ridges, but not visually distinct textures. In
further embodiments, the gripping ridges and/or textures might be
provided on the outside surfaces of the lips 1426 and 1428, but not
the inside surfaces of the lips 1426 and 1428. Additionally,
although with the configuration of the bag 1400 the imaginary lines
A1, A2, and A3 are drawn so as to bisect the bag 1400 in the x-,
y-, and z-directions, those skilled in the art will recognize that
in other configurations the line or lines about which asymmetries
are formed may not bisect surfaces of the bag, but rather may be
off set from bisecting positions.
[0127] FIG. 29 demonstrates how visually distinct features and
visually distinct areas can form asymmetries in a bag 1500 that has
differently shaped lips 1526 and 1528. In this regard, the bag 1500
has a substantially similar configuration to the bag 600 shown in
FIG. 13 of this application. An imaginary line A4 has been drawn in
the y-direction across the lips 1526 and 1528 of the bag 1500. In
this case, both the shape and the coloring of the lips 1526 and
1528 create asymmetries about the line A4. Thus, with the
configuration of the closure profiles of bag 1500 providing
asymmetries about line A4, a user can easily distinguish the two
different lips 1526 and 1528. This again facilitates the user
grasping the lips 1526 and 1528 when opening the bag 1400.
[0128] In addition to facilitating the opening and/or the closing
of a bag according to the invention, the asymmetrical aspects of
the bag may also facilitate manufacturing of the bag. For example,
a pair of asymmetrical aspects of a bag that are on separately
formed portions of the bag may be easier to align and attach
together when the separate portions are combined to form the bag.
As another example, distinct asymmetrical aspects naturally allow
for more variance in the bag structure without making the bag
appear to be defective. That is, if a bag is intended to look
symmetrical in most aspects, then any variance in a symmetrical
aspect may imply to a user that the bag is defective. Thus, there
must be close control of the manufacturing process to ensure that
the aspects do, in fact, look symmetrical. On the other hand, if a
bag is intended to look asymmetrical in some aspects, then the
natural variance in different portions of the bag allows for more
tolerance in manufacturing without the bag appearing to be
defective. Further examples of how the asymmetrical and other
aspects of the bag facilitate manufacturing can be seen in the
following embodiments.
[0129] FIG. 30 is a side view of a bag 1600 according to a further
embodiment of the invention. The bag 1600 has a similar shape to
the bag 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4. The bag 1600 includes a first side
surface 1602 and a second side surface 1604. The first and second
side surfaces 1602 and 1604 are connected along edges 1606 and
1608, and the first and second surfaces 1602 and 1604 are connected
at a bottom edge 1610. The bag 1600 also includes top edges 1612
and 1613 that are defined by closure profiles 1607 and 1609. The
closure profiles 1607 and 1609 include interlocking members 1614,
1616, 1618, and 1620 for sealing an opening of the bag 1600, and
the closure profiles define lips 1626 and 1628 of the bag 1600.
[0130] The top edges 1612 and 1613 of the bag 1600 at a side
adjacent to ends of closure profiles 1607 and 1609 are shown in
Section B of FIG. 30. Section B is shown in detail in FIG. 31. At
the end of the bag 1600 shown in FIG. 31, the top edge 1613 of the
second closure profile 1609 extends a distance H1 from the first
and second interlocking members 1614 and 1618, and the top edge
1612 of the first closure profile 1607 extends a distance H2 from
the first and second interlocking members 1614 and 1618. The
closure profiles are configured such that the distance H1 is
greater than the distance H2. That is, the top edge 1613 of the
second closure profile 1609 is spaced from the top edge 1612 of the
first closure profile 1607 at this end of the first and second
closure profiles 1607 and 1609.
[0131] The top edges 1612 and 1613 of the bag 1600 at the side
adjacent to the other end of the closure profiles 1607 and 1609 are
shown in Section C of FIG. 30. Section C is shown in detail in FIG.
32. At this end, the top edge 1612 of the first closure profile
1607 extends a distance H3 from the interlocking members 1614 and
1618, and the top edge 1613 of the second closure profile 1609
extends a distance H4 from the interlocking members 1614 and 1618.
The bag 1600 is configured such that the distance H3 is greater
than the distance H4. That is, the top edge 1612 of the first
closure profile 1607 is spaced from the top edge 1613 of the second
closure profile 1609 at this end of the first and second closure
profiles 1607 and 1609.
[0132] The spacing of the top edges 1612 and 1613 at the ends of
the closure profiles 1607 and 1609 may allow for easier
manufacturing of the bag 1600. For example, the spacing of the top
edges 1612 and 1613 provides more tolerance in the design inasmuch
as the top edges 1612 and 1613 need not be precisely aligned to
each other at the ends of the closure profiles 1607 and 1609.
[0133] FIG. 33 is a side view of a bag 1700 according to a further
embodiment of the invention. The bag 1700 has a similar shape to
the bag 200 depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7. The bag 1700 includes a
first side surface 1702 and a second side surface 1704. The first
and second side surfaces 1702 and 1704 are connected along the side
edges 1706 and 1708 and the bottom edge 1710. The bag 1700 also
includes top edges 1712 and 1713 that are defined by closure
profiles 1707 and 1709. The closure profiles 1707 and 1709 include
interlocking members 1714, 1716, 1718, and 1720 for sealing an
opening of the bag 1700, and the closure profiles define lips 1726
and 1728 of the bag 1700.
[0134] The top edges 1712 and 1713 of the bag 1700 at a side
adjacent to ends of the closure profiles 1707 and 1709 are shown in
Section E of FIG. 33. Section E is shown in detail in FIG. 34. The
top edge 1712 of the first closure profile 1707 extends a distance
H1 from the first and second interlocking members 1714 and 1718,
and the top edge 1713 of the second closure profile 1709 extends a
distance H2 from the first and second interlocking members 1714 and
1718. The closure profiles 1707 and 1709 are configured such that
the distance H1 is greater than the distance H2. That is, the top
edge 1712 of the first closure profile 1707 is spaced from the top
edge 1713 of the second closure profile 1709 at the ends of the
first and second closure profiles 1707 and 1709. Note, in this
embodiment, the other end of the bag adjacent to the edge 1706 has
the same configuration as the end adjacent to edge 1708. Again, the
spacing of the top edges 1712 and 1713 at the ends of the closure
profiles 1707 and 1709 may allow for easier manufacturing of the
bag 1700.
[0135] Portions of the lips 1726 and 1728 are shown in Section D of
FIG. 30. Section D is shown in detail in FIG. 35. The portion of
the top edge 1713 of lip 1728 in Section D includes a section 1713A
above the top edge 1712 and a section 1713B below the top edge
1712. The sections 1713A and 1713B are sloped relative to the top
edge 1712 of the lip 1728. That is, the sections 1713A and 1713B
are sloped in that they appear to extend at angles relative to the
top edge 1712 when the bag is viewed towards the first or second
side surfaces 1702 and 1704. As a result of the sloped sections
1713A and 1713B, portions of the top edges 1712 and 1713 are offset
so as to not be mirror images of each other about a plane that
bisects the offset of the edges 1712 and 1713. In fact, these
portions of the top edges 1712 and 1713 are offset so as to not be
mirror images of each other about any plane that extends through at
least one of the first and second closure profiles 1707 and 1709 at
a perpendicular angle to the first and second closure profiles 1707
and 1709.
[0136] FIGS. 36(A) and 36(B) show the two side surfaces 1702 and
1704 of bag 1700 separated from each other. As is evident from a
comparison of these figures, the outline of the area defined by the
first side surface 1702 and first closure profile 1707 is different
from the outline of the area defined by the second side surface
1704 and the second closure profile 1709. That is, the outlines of
the areas defined by the two sides of the bag 1700 have different
shapes such that the two sides cannot be matched to each other. As
discussed above, such an asymmetry in the two sides of the bag 1700
may make easier the manufacturing of the bag 1700.
[0137] It is contemplated that any of the bags described herein
could be formed as a vacuum storage bag. In such embodiments, at
least one vacuum check valve is provided on a surface of the bag,
with the valve allowing for fluid communication with the interior
of the bag. A vacuum device, such as a manual or electrical pump,
or even a household vacuum cleaner, may be placed over the valve to
draw out gases or other fluids from the interior of the bag. The
vacuum bag configuration may also include relief on or along
interior surfaces of the bag to provide air flow channels when a
vacuum is drawn through the vacuum check valve. Examples of vacuum
bags are sold under the SPACE BAG.RTM. tradename, and examples of
such vacuum bags can be seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,983,845;
8,096,329; 8,197,138; and 8,197,139, and U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2012/0099806, the disclosures of which are
incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
[0138] Although this invention has been described with respect to
certain specific exemplary embodiments, many additional
modifications and variations would be apparent to those skilled in
the art in light of this disclosure. It is, therefore, to be
understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as
specifically described. Thus, the exemplary embodiments of the
invention should be considered in all respects to be illustrative
and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention to be
determined by any claims supportable by this application, and the
equivalents thereof, rather than by the foregoing description.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0139] The invention described herein can be used in the commercial
production of storage bags. Such storage bags have a wide variety
of uses, such as being utilized to store food, chemicals, or other
substances.
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