Patent Application
20070092167
The present invention relates to evacuable storage devices such as polymeric packages, and in particular, to a vacuum storage system that includes a resealable closure arrangement and a valve, and methods of vacuum storage.
Flexible polymeric packages may be used to hold a variety of products. Such products may be a variety of edible food products such as cheese, meat, crackers, sugar, powdered sugar, flour, salt, and baking soda, or non-food products such as laundry detergent, sand, medical supplies, and other products. Resealable packages are convenient because they can be closed and resealed to preserve and contain the enclosed contents. Resealable packages are also advantageous because they help prevent food products from spoiling and may be opened and closed multiple times.
The present disclosure is directed to a reclosable package from which air or other gas within the interior of the package, which surrounds the item being retained therein, can be removed. The package has a zipper closure and a one-way fluid valve that allows air, gas, or other fluid to be removed from the interior of the package. Prior to use by the consumer, the package has a hermetically sealed interior volume, in which the item is contained. Upon use by a consumer, the zipper is opened, the seal is breached, and access is gained to the interior of the package. After use, the zipper is closed and then the valve is used to evacuate air, gas or other fluid from the interior of the package. The peal seal may be optionally re-sealed. A slider device may be used to open and close the zipper closure.
Various methods for using the package, and of making the package, are described.
These and various other features that characterize the packages of this disclosure are pointed out with particularity in the attached claims. For a better understanding of the packages of the disclosure, their advantages, their use and objectives obtained by their use, reference should be made to the drawings and to the accompanying description, in which there is illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention of this disclosure.
A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which
a-10c are front views of several example stand-off structures.
a-11c are perspective views of further example stand-off structures.
a-12b are cross-sectional views of some example stand-off structures.
a-13d are perspective views of several storage device embodiments showing storage devices in an unfolded condition with different stand-off configurations.
a and 16b illustrate a front view and a side view, respectively, of an example closing clip.
The present invention is now discussed in more detail referring to the drawings that accompany the present application. In the accompanying drawings, like and/or corresponding elements are referred to by like reference numbers. In one embodiment, a vacuum system is provided that may include a portable vacuum pump and an evacuable package in communication through a vacuum conduit. The evacuable package may optionally include a stand-off structure and a reasealable closure having a caulking composition disposed thereon. In one embodiment, the resealable closure comprises interlocking profiles on which the caulking compound is disposed to provide a gas permeation resistant seal in the resealable closure. The vacuum conduit provides communication between the portable pump and the storage portion of the evacuable bag, wherein the vacuum conduit comprises at least a valve assembly and optionally a stand-off structure. In one embodiment, the stand-off structure provides a means to substantially eliminate the incidence of trapped air within the storage area of the evacuable package. Each of the aspects of the interlocking profiles, the caulking composition, the vacuum valve assembly, the stand-off structure, and the vacuum pump are now discussed in greater detail.
The example embodiments disclosed hereinafter address needs evident in the art. Flexible, sealable storage devices, such as Consumer Storage Bags are commonly used to store items such as, but not limited to, food. These devices typically have a bag body made from a thin, flexible plastic material and include a resealable closure. While inexpensive and easy to use, these devices also allow a quantity of air to be enclosed with the item being stored. Air within a storage device containing food is not desirable as the air reacts with the food and will cause spoliation. Additionally, when storage bags are placed in a below freezing environment, typically in a freezer, “freezer burn” may also damage the food items. Freezer bum occurs when moisture is drawn from the food item and forms ice, typically on the food item. Freezer burn is reduced when entrapped air is substantially eliminated from the storage device with concomitant contouring of the bag wall of the storage device around the food item. Consequently, less moisture will be drawn out of the food item. To this end it is known to evacuate a flexible storage device prior to sealing it. However, such systems heretofore did not include a resealable opening in the storage device.
Prior systems that evacuate flexible storage bags typically include a large device having a vacuum unit and a heat sealer structured to bond sheets of plastic together. The user typically cuts a length of plastic from a roll of plastic and uses the heat sealer to form the plastic into a bag with an opening. After an item has been placed in the bag through the opening, the vacuum unit is then used to remove substantially all of the air from the bag and the bag is sealed. Systems such as these fabricate a bag or pouch that can only be used once. The cost of material is high as reusability is not an option. These large devices are not portable and the act of forming a bag is time consuming.
There is need for a vacuum storage system utilizing a portable vacuum device and optionally a resealable, evacuable, flexible storage device. Resealable closure systems are known, for example, interlocking profiles used in plastic bags. However, in a typical resealable closure, engagement of the sealing structures is rarely perfect, leaving gaps in the profile seal. Moreover, during manufacture of reclosable devices, frequently seals at the ends of the reclosable device distort the engaging portions of the closure that can also provide an unsealed region in the closure. As a consequence of these and other problems associated with resealable closures, a bag utilizing a resealable closure may not be airtight. Consequently when a bag utilizing a resealable closure is subjected to a pressure differential, for example, when it is evacuated or when there is a partial pressure differential of a particular gas between the inside and outside of the bag, gas can leak across the resealable closure and enter, or leave the sealed package through the closure. Thus, gases, for example, air may penetrate into a sealed bag, or for example water vapor may leak from a sealed bag. This is especially a problem when the interior of the bag is at a different pressure than the ambient air, for example, when the bag is under a vacuum, or when the bag contains a gas at a higher or lower partial pressure than the gas is present in the ambient.
Accordingly, there is also a need for a flexible, resealable storage device, wherein the sealing structure has a resistance to fluid permeability under a pressure differential across the sealing device. Moreover, there is a need for a pre-made, inexpensive, flexible, reusable storage device having a valve structured to operate with a portable vacuum pump. Additionally, there is a further need for a resealable closure that provides for reduction in entrapped air, a flexible bag wall to maintain item conformance, and an air tight seal providing reduced permeability to oxygen, atmosphere intrusion or transmission, bacteria, molds and/or other sources of contamination when used in combination with vacuum pump technology. There is also a need for vacuum pump technology that provides for portability and utility in evacuating a food storage flexible package.
Referring to
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the evacuable package 14 may be a multilayer bag comprising an inner sealant layer and a barrier/strength layer. The inner sealant layer may comprise LDPE (low density polyethylene) or LLDPE (linear low density polyethylene) and the barrier/strength layer may comprise Nylon, PP (polypropylene) or PET (Polyester). As used herein the term “low density” in conjunction with polyethylene denotes a material having a density of no greater than 0.925 g/cm3, as defined by ASTM standard D-15005-03, wherein the density may be adjusted with the addition of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). Another example of a multilayer bag and a method of forming a multilayer bag is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,267,960, titled “Bag For Vacuum Packaging of Meats or Similar Products”, filed Aug. 29, 1979, which is incorporated herein by reference.
In the embodiments of the present disclosure in which the evacuable bag 14 has an opening 18 to the storage space 22, the bag opening 18 includes a resealable closure 20. The resealable closure 20 may include a set of interlocking profiles. In one example, the set of interlocking profiles 21 may include resilient, selectively engaging male and female profiles 21 (tongue-and-groove closure), structured to seal the opening 18. It will be appreciated that there are numerous interlocking profile geometries known, which can be employed in the embodiments disclosed herein.
With reference to
Still referring to
As discussed above, the bead of sealing material 66 may have a lower density than the protrusions 54, 56, 58, 62, 64. During the engagement of closure 21, the lower density and hence more compliant bead of sealing material 66 conforms to the geometry of the higher density and more rigid material comprising the portion of the closure against which the head of the profile abuts upon engagement. The softer material abuts the closure with increased conformance to the abutting surface, advantageously providing a more effective seal against fluid exchange between the interior of the package and the ambient, for example, the intrusion of gas and the exterior atmosphere into the evacuable bag 14. Regardless of the above described embodiments, the resealable closure 21 and its associated interlocking structures can comprise resilient materials of varying densities and melt indexes. Accordingly, embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure, including combinations of materials selected to achieve sealant conditions under vacuum and reduced temperature conditions.
The protrusions forming the male profile may also be referred as a profile having a male head. The protrusions defining the female profile (also referred to as a groove) may also be referred to as profile having a female head and a fillet positioned to provide a groove. The resealable closure structure 20 may further include a closing clip structured to ensure the complete engagement of the closure profiles. Specifically, the closure clip functions to ensure that the interengaging profiles are engaged as the clip is disposed along a first direction, but does not affect the engagement of the profiles when disposed along the direction opposite to that of the first direction.
Regardless of the specific details of construction or interaction of the profiles of resealable closure 21, the interengaging portions of the resealable closure of the disclosed embodiments preferably include a caulking composition 99. For example, the caulking composition may be positioned on at least one protrusion 54 on the first flange 50 and/or at least one protrusion 56, 58 on the second flange 52 of the closure 21, wherein the caulking composition 99 assists in creating an airtight seal to the storage space 22. Specifically, during engagement of the first and second flange protrusions 54, 56, 58, 62, 64 of the male and female profiles, the caulking composition 99 sits within the groove 60 to ensure an air-tight seal of the male and female profile. Specifically, the caulking composition 99 is positioned to infiltrate the void space defined between the engaged interlocking profiles of closure 21. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that that the caulking composition 99 acts to infiltrate gaps between the male and female profiles, thus reducing the infiltration of ambient into the storage device when it is placed in a condition of reduced pressure.
Accordingly, the resealable closure 20 is prepared before sealing by introducing the sealing compound onto one or more members of the interengaging profiles or onto a surface of the closure proximal to the interengaging profiles, by methods such as deposition or injection, where it will be distributed during the interlocking process within incipient gaps left between the interengaging profiles after interlocking. Alternately, prior to sealing the closure, the sealing compound can be placed proximal to known areas in which the sealing profile is prone to exhibit gapping, for example, the ends of the male and female profiles 21 at the bag's periphery. The portions of the male and female profiles at the bag periphery are engaged by crush seal, which is often the site of leakage in the closure device. The voids caused by the crush seal engagement at the male and female profile may be filled with caulking composition to substantially reduce the incidence of leakage.
The caulking composition 99 may comprise any material that provides a selectively reversible air tight seal between interengaging members of the resealable closure 21, in which the caulking composition 99 is suitable for at least incidental contact to food items inserted through the opening to the storage space. Preferably, the caulking composition maintains its chemical structure throughout the operable temperature range of storage device 10. The term “suitable” for at least incidental contact denotes compounds that are eligible for compliance with or equivalent to being in compliance with the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations) standards for being generally recognized as safe (GRAS). The term “at least incidental contact” includes at least the unanticipated contact of food items being passed through the opening on which the closure strip is positioned as the food items are being inserted into the storage space. Although indirect contact between the caulking composition and the food items is preferred, in some embodiments the caulking composition may more directly contact the food, so long as the interaction between the food items and the caulking composition is in accordance with the regulations of the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act.
It is noted that caulking compositions that are suitable for at least incidental food contact may be consistent with the classification of materials for “lubricants with incidental food contact” according to Title 21 of the United States Code of Federal Regulations §178.3570 (revised as of Apr. 1, 2003), so long as the materials are consistent with the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act and have an operable temperature range suitable for food storage and packaging. In some preferred embodiments, the operable temperature range of the storage device is defined as the temperature range that the storage bag is typically subjected to in shipping, packaging and food storage applications, for example, food storage applications ranging from approximately −10° F. to approximately 160° F. One example of a caulking composition that is listed as a “lubricant with incidental food contact” according to Title 21 Of the United States Code of Federal Regulations §178.3570 and has an operable temperature range suitable for food storage and packaging comprises dimethylpolysiloxane. Another example is soy-based oils, for example, those distributed by Cargill Corp., and soy-based adhesives, for example, those distributed by Dupont as Pro-cota™ soy polymers.
In order to provide an air tight seal, in some embodiments the caulking composition 99 should be selected to have a work penetration of about 290 to about 340, in which the work penetration is measured at 60 strokes and a temperature of 77° F. in accordance with the National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) system for rating greases by penetration and ASTM D217-97 titled “Standard Test Methods for Cone Penetration of Lubricating Grease” (1997). The NLGI classifies greases by consistency numbers as measured by worked penetration. In a preferred embodiment, the caulking composition 99 has a work penetration on the order of about 290 to about 340 and is classified as a grease having a NLGI consistency number equal to approximately 2. Although it is preferred that the caulking composition 99 have NLGI consistency number equal to approximately 2, greases having lower or higher NLGI consistency numbers may alternatively be utilized, so long as the caulking composition 99 may be applied to the interengaging profiles of closure 21 using conventional injection methods and that the caulking composition 99 is contained within the closure 21 when exposed to temperatures consistent with food storage container applications.
One example of a caulking composition 99, which meets the above requirements is silicone grease. Silicone grease is an amorphous, fumed silica thickened, polysiloxane-based compound. Silicone grease is formed by combining liquid silicone with an inert silica filler. One example of liquid silicone that may be utilized in forming silicone grease having suitable work penetration properties is polydimethylsiloxane having a specific gravity on the order of about 0.973 and a viscosity greater than about 300 centistokes, preferably on the order of about 350 centistokes. Fumed silica, an inert silica filler, has a chain-like particle morphology and when incorporated into liquid silicone forms three dimensional networks that trap the liquid and effectively increases the liquid's viscosity.
Silicone grease may provide desired work penetration values and temperature range to produce an adequately air tight seal between the interengaged profiles of closure 21 by selecting the proper proportions of inert silica filler to liquid silicone. The proportion of inert silica filler to liquid silicone is generally selected to ensure that separation of liquid from solid in the silicone grease is substantially eliminated throughout the operable temperature range of the bag as applied to food container storage. In general, proportions of inert silica filler to liquid silicone are selected to yield a silicone grease viscosity that would not inhibit the application of the silicone grease onto the closure 21. The proportion of inert silica filler to liquid silicone is preferably less than approximately 30% by weight. Even more preferably, the proportion of inert silica filler to liquid silicone is on the order of 6% by weight.
In one highly preferred embodiment, the silicone grease 99 is provided by Clearco™ Silicone Grease (food grade) provided by Clearco Products Co., Inc., Bensalem Pa. Clearco™ Silicone Grease (food grade) has a work penetration value of about 290 to about 340, in which the work penetration is measured at 60 strokes and a temperature of 77° F. Clearco™ Silicone Grease (food grade) comprises 94% dimethylpolysiloxane and 6% fumed silica by weight % and has a specific gravity on the order of about 1.1. Clearco™ Silicone Grease may be utilized at temperatures ranging from approximately −40° F. to approximately 400° F. without chemical decomposition and is therefore well suited for food storage applications. In this embodiment of the present disclosure, the silicone grease 99 may be positioned along at least one of the male and female profiles of closure 21, wherein incidental contact to food being inserted into the storage space of the storage device typically accounts for less that 5.0 ppb of silicone grease being incorporated into the food item being stored.
In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the caulking composition may comprise a soy adhesive. Similar to the above-described caulking compositions, the soy adhesive preferably is suitable for incidental food contact and has an operable temperature range suitable for food packaging and storage. One example of a soy adhesive is Pro-cote® soy polymer, which is available from DuPont™. In general, soy adhesive is prepared by extracting and refining soy oil from dehulled, flaked soybeans. The extracted material contains isolated soy protein in its native or globular form; and soluble, low molecular weight sugars. The extract is then processed in a controlled pH environment at tightly controlled temperatures to uncoil globular native soy protein into smaller units, and fractionating the material into uniform polymer fractions. The isolated protein molecule fractions are highly reactive and are chemically treated to modify the protein chain to provide desired adhesive properties. Unmodified soy-based oils may also be employed as a caulking composition. An alternative source of soy based oils and adhesives is the soy products available from Cargill™ Industrial Oils & Lubricants.
As will be appreciated, numerous reactive materials may also be employed as caulking compositions. In particular, materials which may be coated as separate reactants onto separate interengaging portions of the closure that are admixed upon engagement of the interengaging portions of the closure may be utilized. Accordingly, when the closure parts are engaged the admixed reactants will be combined, reacting and forming in-situ a caulking composition that is infiltrated into a least one void defined by the engaged interengaging portions of the closure. One example of such a system comprises a free-flowing reactive polymer liquid and a liquid cross-linking agent, each coated on separate portions of the closure. In this example, when the closure is engaged, the separate portions contact, admixing the polymer and cross-linking agent, providing a viscous, cross-linked polymer caulking compound which is infiltrated into voids in the closure defined by the interengaged portions of the closure. Others examples include the provision of a free-flowing liquid and a gelling agent on separate portions of the closure to form a viscous caulking agent upon admixture, and the provision of a two-part adhesive material which react to form an adhesive upon admixture, for example, formation of a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Other types of chemical transformations will also be apparent to those of skill in the art.
Referring now to
The void space defined by stem 34, post 38 and asymmetrical head 36 comprises a groove configured to selectively engage the asymmetrical head 32 of the corresponding interengaging profile 23, 24. Stem 34, post 38 and asymmetrical head 36 are spaced to selectively engage corresponding interengaging profiles 23, 24. The spacing between the post 38 and stem 34, and between post 38 and asymmetrical head 36 is sufficiently narrow to bias asymmetrical head 32 toward asymmetrical head 36 when profiles 23, 24, 26, and 28 are engaged. The biased positioning of the asymmetrical head 36 in combination with the spacing of post 38 to correspond to the width of asymmetrical heads 23, 24 defining a grove that reversibly interlocks asymmetrical head 23, 24 into the groove when the profiles are engaged.
Still referring to
In another embodiment, shown in
In another embodiment, shown in
Referring now to
Additionally, although not depicted in
Referring to
Referring back to
Referring to
In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the vacuum valve assembly may be consistent with the valves disclosed in U.S. patent application Publication Ser. No. 11/100,301 (Client Docket Number AVERP3868US), entitled “EVACUATABLE CONTAINER”, filed Apr. 6, 2005. It is noted that the sealing nature of the valve element 35 may be enhanced by incorporating a sealing material and/or a caulking composition into the sealing members of the valve assembly. In another embodiment, the vacuum valve assembly 30 may further include at least one rib (not depicted) extending from the interior side of the valve assembly base 31, wherein the rib extending from the base 31 ensures that the valve assembly is not obstructed during application of the vacuum.
As shown in
The honeycomb pattern of channels is depicted in isometric view in
Regardless of the geometry selected for providing the channels, the stand-off structure 70 produces a passage for the removal of liquids and gases by providing a cross-section with a series of raised surfaces and recessed surfaces. In one embodiment, the standoff structure is integral with a fluid conduit providing fluid communication between the interior of the storage device and a vacuum system by which the storage device is evacuated, and which comprises a vacuum valve, the standoff structure, optionally a quick-connect device, optionally a liquid/vapor separator and the suction side of a vacuum pump. Referring to
As shown in
As shown in
In one application, a vacuum pump is attached to the vacuum conduit which includes at least one vacuum valve and in fluid communication therewith, at least one standoff structure. The vacuum pump is operated, applying a vacuum to the interior of the storage device through the vacuum valve assembly 30 and standoff assembly causing the storage space 22 to collapse upon a food article contained therein. During the application of the vacuum, the stand-off structure 70 separates the food article from the vacuum valve assembly 30, ensuring that the food article does not obstruct the flow of air or liquids to be removed from the storage space 22, and insuring that the walls of the storage device conform tightly to the food article. Additionally, as the vacuum causes the portion of the plastic sheet 16 opposing the stand off structure 70 to collapse upon the raised portions of the stand-off structure 70, any remaining liquid and air may be removed via the stand-off structure's 70 recessed channels. During the application of the vacuum, the distance D1 separating the valve assembly 30 from the opposing raised surfaces of the stand-off structure 70 may be substantially eliminated while maintaining an effective passageway for removing the remaining air and liquids from the storage device through the stand-off structure's 70 recessed channels.
It will be appreciated that the resealable closure structure 20, shown in
As mentioned above, in one embodiment the reclosable storage device comprises a portion of a system which includes a vacuum device having a low pressure side attached to a vacuum conduit which is in fluid communication with the interior of the storage device and which conduit includes a vacuum valve (described above). Optionally, the assembly includes also a quick-disconnect means in the vacuum conduit between the vacuum pump and the storage device and optionally includes a gas/liquid separator means in the vacuum conduit between the suction side of the vacuum pump and the storage device.
As will be appreciated, any number of vacuum devices can be utilized to evacuate a reclosable storage device in accordance with the present disclosure, however, in some embodiments it is preferred to employ a hand-held or portable vacuum pump. An example of one suitable portable device is illustrated in
An example of this is illustrated in
Other quick-connect means, for example, vacuum tips (engagement end 42) have been contemplated and are within the scope of the present disclosure, so long as the engagement end 42 geometry provides a quick connect engagement with the vacuum valve assembly. A “quick connection engagement” requires sealing of the valve assembly 30 and engagement end 42 without separate fasteners or the removal of separable sealing members. It will be appreciated that the system may also utilize more conventional coupling means to join the vacuum system to the fluid conduit to provide fluid communication between the suction side of the vacuum pump and the interior of the storage device.
As shown in
In operation, the portable vacuum pump 40 is structured to engage the vacuum conduit connected to the interior of the storage device, for example, as illustrated, the outer surface of the vacuum valve assembly 30. When the portable vacuum pump 40 is engaged and actuated the vacuum valve assembly 30 is actuated by the resultant pressure differential, the valve element 35 moves into the first position (described above) and the vacuum conduit passage is open and fluid (gas and liquid) is withdrawn from the bag 14 through the vacuum conduit into the suction side of the vacuum pump. The fluid may be both liquid and gas. When a separator assembly is present in the vacuum conduit, liquid and gas are drawn into the liquid separator assembly 90, the liquid contacts the diverter 96 and is deposited in the accumulator housing 94. Thus, the liquid is not drawn with the gas towards the vacuum pump. The gas is exhausted via the vacuum pump from the vacuum pump assembly 40. When the accumulator housing 94 needs to be emptied, a user may simply remove the tube 92 and base 98 allowing the liquid to drain from the vacuum pump assembly 40.
When a portable vacuum pump 40 is actuated, air is withdrawn from the storage space 22. Thus, as shown in
Referring now to
At the top end of package 210, that is, the side of package 210 opposite bottom edge 215, a resealable zipper 250 is present. Zipper 250 is present across a mouth of package 210 that provides access to interior 220. Zipper 250 includes a first profile member 252 and a second profile member 254, wherein the first and second profile members 252, 254 are configured to engage and disengage with each other. In other words, first and second profile members 252, 254 are sealable and resealable. First profile member 252 is connected to first side panel 212 and second profile member 254 is connected to second side panel 214. Profile members 252, 254 could be integral with their respective side panel 212, 214 or could be attached thereto, for example, by a heat seal or adhesive. Zippers 250 and profile members 252, 254 are well known in the art. For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,524,002; 6,152,600; 5,839,831, and 5,252,281, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Referring to
Package 210 also includes sealant stripe 270 present on the interior of at least one of side panels 212, 214. Sealant stripe 270 is preferably a peal seal, which can be sealed, readily opened, and resealed. Examples of peal seals include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,290,393; 6,210,038, and 6,131, 248, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Sealant stripes and resealable zippers may be generally referred to as “closures” useful for closing portions of a package or storage device.
One particular application for package 210 illustrated in
Returning to package 210, in detail, various specific details of package will now be described. It is understood however, that the following descriptions are not limiting to features of package 210, with alternate materials, constructions, and the like could be used to provide a package according to the present disclosure.
Package 210 has side panels 212 and 214, which form the overall package 210. Side panels 212, 214 are flexible sheets, typically polymeric film. Examples of suitable films for use as panels 212, 214 are well known, and include polyethylene, polypropylene, and the like.
As provided above, side panels 212, 214 meet at bottom edge 215 and side edges 216, 218. Any or all of edges 215, 216, 218 may be seals or may be folds. In the embodiment illustrated in
As provided above, zipper 250 has first profile 252 and second profile 254, which engage and disengage from each other to provide access to interior 20 of package 210. Profiles 252, 254 are constructed to be repeatedly sealed (e.g., closed, engaged, mated, etc.) and unsealed (e.g., opened, disengaged, unmated, etc.), for example, by pressure exerted by the user's fingers. In some embodiments, profiles 252, 254 are configured to provide an indication, for example by color change, when they are seal. Although not illustrated in FIGS. 22 or 23, zipper 250 may be open and closed by a slider element, as are well known. See for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,679,027; Des. 480,988; Des. 479,467, and 6,450,686, each of which is incorporated herein by reference, for examples of suitable slider elements.
As provided above, sealant stripe 270 is present on the interior of at least one of panels 212, 214. In some embodiments, sealant stripe 270 is integral with or part of panel 212, 214. Alternately, sealant strip 270 may be present on a surface of side panel 212, 214; see
Package 210 preferably includes textured standoff area 280, particularly if package 210 is intended to be a freezer bag. By the term “freezer bag”, it is meant a package that is intended to be used for storing items at temperatures below 30° F., often at temperatures below 20° F. Such a textured standoff area 280 is beneficial for freezer bags, where it is desired to maintain a slight air gap or spacing between any items positioned within package 210 and side panels 212, 214, to inhibit freezer burn. Textured standoff area 280 is preferably present on each of panels 212, 214 and may occupy any area. For example, textured standoff area 280 may extend to any side edges 216, 18 or may stop short of edges 216, 218. Similarly, textured standoff area 280 may extend to bottom edge 215 or may stop short of bottom edge 215. The width of textured standoff area 280 (taken in the direction from bottom edge 215 to zipper 250) is usually at least 5 cm wide, and often at least 7.5 cm wide. Preferably, textured standoff area 280 is not present in the area of sealant strip 270. It is understood that the area of textured standoff area 280 will be dependent on the overall size of package 210 and side panels 212, 214.
Referring again to
After positioning item 290 in package 210′, it is optional to push or otherwise urge air present in package 210′ out via zipper 250. Sealant stripe 270 is sealed, providing an air-tight seal across package 210′. Zipper 250 is also sealed, providing a seal across package 210′. It is understood that sealant stripe 270 may be sealed before or after zipper 250 is closed. When pressure is applied to package 210′ in an area between bottom edge 215 and sealant stripe 270, at least some of the air remaining in package 210′ is pushed through valve 230 and out from interior 220 of package 210′.
Due to the construction of package 210 of
Packages 210, 210′ may be made by generally any suitable process. For example, packages 210, 210′ may be made by a horizontal process (e.g., where the film forming side panels 212, 214 moves in a generally horizontal direction) or a vertical process (e.g., where the film forming side panels 212, 214 moves in a generally vertical direction). As mentioned above, any or all of edges 215, 216, 218 may be folds or seals between side panels 212, 214. Profile members 252, 254 may be attached to side panels 212, 214 before or after bottom edge 215 is formed. Similarly, a slider device (if present) may be applied to profile members 252, 254 before or after incorporation with side panels 212, 214. Packages 210, 210′ may include side gussets or gussets in panels 212, 214 to provide increased interiors 220. Various other configurations and methods of making packages 210, 210′ are suitable.
Referring now to
In the one depicted in the drawings, at the top end of package 310, that is, the side of package 310 opposite bottom edge 315, is top edge 335. A surrounding wall 330 is defined by first side panel 312, second side panel 314, side edges 316, 318, top edge 335 and by seal 370.
Present within the interior formed by surrounding wall 330 is a resealable zipper closure 350. Zipper closure 350 extends from side edge 316 to side edge 318, and includes a first zipper profile 354 having a first profile member and a second zipper profile 352 having a second profile member; wherein the first and second zipper profiles 354, 352 are configured to engage and disengage with each other. In other words, first and second zipper profiles 354, 352 are selectively sealable and resealable.
In the embodiment shown, first zipper profile 354 is connected to first side panel 312, and second zipper profile 352 is connected to second side panel 314. Zipper profiles 354, 352 could be integral with their respective side panel 312, 314 or could be attached thereto, for example, by a heat seal or adhesive. Zippers 350, zipper profiles 354, 352 and profile members are well-known in the art, and a variety of configurations are useable in accordance with the principles of this disclosure. For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,524,002; 6,152,600; 5,839,831, and 5,252,281, each of which has been incorporated herein by reference. In the one shown, zipper closure 350, at each side edge 316, 318, includes a crush area 410, where zipper profiles 354, 352 are sealed together and may be partially crushed or deformed.
At top edge 335, package 310 includes header 336, which extends between top edge 35 and zipper closure 350 and forms a portion of surrounding wall 330. In this particular embodiment, header 336 is detachable from package 310 via weakness 360. Weakness 360 may be a perforation, a tear-strip, string or thread, a laser scope, a die line, a thinner area, or other configuration that allows header 336 to be removed from side panels 312, 314. Header 336 is an element that provides a quick indication whether or not access has been gained to zipper closure 350. That is, access is not readily gained to the interior of surrounding wall 330, which has zipper closure 350 therein, without breaching header 336 or side panels 312, 314. To gain access to zipper closure 350, header 336 is removed via weakness 360.
As mentioned above, package 310 includes seal 370, which is positioned between bottom edge 315 and top edge 335, and partially defines storage interior 320 of surrounding wall 313 and the interior of surrounding wall 330. Seal 370 is present on the interior of at least one of side panels 312, 314 and allows panels 312, 314 to be sealed together, preferably with a fluid-impermeable or hermetic seal. Seal 370 may be a repeatably reclosable seal or a one-time seal, such as an adhesive seal or a mechanical seal. Additional details regarding seal 370 are provided below.
Package 310 includes a valve 330, positioned in one of side panels 312, 314 to allow escape of air, gas or other fluid from storage interior 320 to the exterior of package 310; in
Located in close proximity to valve 330 is a textured standoff material 380. Standoff material 380 can extend from zipper closure 350, typically from one of zipper profiles 354, 352; in
Returning to package 310, in detail, various specific details of package 310 will now be described. It is understood however, that the following descriptions are not limiting to features of package 310; alternate materials, elements, configurations, constructions, and the like, such as the configuration package 210, could be used.
Package 310 has side panels 312 and 314, which form the overall package 310. Side panels 312, 314 are flexible sheets, typically polymeric film. Examples of suitable films for use as panels 312, 314 are well known, and include polyethylene, polypropylene, and the like. Laminated materials may also be used, which can include, but are not limited to, low density polyethylene (LDPE) and nylon or LDPE and polypropylene.
As provided above, side panels 312, 314 meet at bottom edge 315, side edges 316, 318 and top edge 335. Any or all of edges 315, 316, 318, 335 may be seals or may be folds. In the embodiment illustrated in
As provided above, zipper closure 350 has first zipper profile 354 and second zipper profile 352, which engage and disengage from each other to provide access to storage interior 320 of package 310. Profiles 354, 352 are constructed to be repeatedly sealed (e.g., closed, engaged, mated, etc.) and unsealed (e.g., opened, disengaged, unmated, etc.), for example, by pressure exerted by the user's fingers. In some embodiments, zipper profiles 354, 352 are configured to provide an indication, for example by color change, when they are sealed. Although not illustrated in FIGS. 28 or 29, zipper closure 350 may be opened and closed by a slider element, as is well known. See for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,679,027; Des. 480,988; Des. 479,467, and 6,450,686, each of which is incorporated herein by reference, for examples of suitable slider elements.
As provided above, seal 370 is present on the interior of at least one of panels 312, 314. Seal 370 allows panels 312, 314 to be sealed together, preferably with a fluid-impermeable or heretic seal. Seal 370 preferably extends from side edge 316 to side edge 318, and may be any suitable width (taken in the direction from bottom edge 315 to zipper closure 350). Seal 370 can be a material, e.g., adhesive, applied to a surface of panel(s) 312, 314 or seal 370 may be integral with or formed by panel(s) 312, 314.
Seal 370 may be a repeatably reclosable seal or a one-time seal, such as an adhesive seal or a mechanical seal that is not reclosable. For example, seal 370 may be an adhesive peal seal, which can be sealed, readily opened, and resealed. Examples of peal seals include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,290,393; 6,210,038, and 6,131, 248, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Seal 370 may alternately be a non-resealable adhesive peal, that is, a seal that, once broken, cannot be resealed.
Still further, seal 370 may be a mechanical connection between panels 312, 314 formed, for example, by a melting and joining of their materials, due to the application of heat and pressure in the area. Seal 370 could alternately be a physical or mechanical interaction, such as a sealed formed by material that separates or delaminates between layers, and cannot be resealed. Examples of non-resealable seals include those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,004,032, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Package 310 preferably includes textured standoff material 380 in locations where it is desired to maintain a slight distance, gap or spacing, for example, such as against valve 330. Textured standoff material 380 is preferably present on any element of package 310 that might inhibit flow through valve 330. In the embodiment illustrated in
Textured standoff material 380 may extend the width of package 310 from side edges 316, 318, as illustrated in
The Figures illustrate unopened package 310 retaining food item 390 therein. Package 310, as illustrated, is unopened, because heater 335 remains intact.
Package 310, with food item 390 therein, is produced by processes often referred to as “form fill and seal”. In these processes, the package, particularly storage interior 320, is manufactured (i.e., formed), the item is placed within storage interior 320 (i.e., filled), and then any last seals, such as bottom edge 315, are made (i.e., sealed). “Form fill and seal” will be referred to as “FFS” hereinafter. Package 310 may be made by a horizontal FFS process (e.g., where the film forming side panels 312, 314 and zipper closure 350 move in a generally horizontal direction) or a vertical FFS process (e.g., where the film forming side panels 312, 314 and zipper closure 350 move in a generally vertical direction). Typically, with horizontal FFS processes, the unfilled package 310 progresses through the process up-side-down. That is, bottom edge 315 is positioned above top edge 335. With vertical FFS process, the unfilled package progresses either up-side-down or sideways.
In one embodiment of a horizontal FFS process, two extended lengths of the film, each forming a side panel 312, 314, move in a generally horizontal direction. An extended length of zipper closure 350 may be attached to side panels 312, 314, before, after, or concurrently with the film being sealed together to form top edge 335. Standoff material 380 can be attached to zipper closure 350 prior to zipper closure 350 being attached to side panels 312, 314. Valve 330 will typically be installed into one of the extended lengths of film at predetermined intervals, to correspond to one valve 330 per package 310. Seal 370 can be formed between side panels 312, 314 before, after, or concurrently with edge 335 being formed or with zipper closure 350 being attached. Weakness 360 may be formed close to edge 335 either after edge 335 has been sealed or before.
After the various elements have been joined to form an extended length, seals, which will result in side edges 316, 318, are made. Crush areas 410 are usually made simultaneously with these side edge seals, but could be made in a separate step. After storage interior 320 has been made (i.e., between side panels 312, 314 having side edges 316, 318, seal 370), food item 390 is placed, for example, dropped, into storage interior 320, and then bottom edge 315, which is positioned above the rest of package 310, is sealed.
In an alternate embodiment of a horizontal FFS process, one extended length of film moves in a generally horizontal direction. This film is folded to form both panels 312, 314 with folded edge 335 therebetween. Any order of applying zipper closure 350, standoff material 380, valve 330, seal 370 and weakness 360 can be used. Similar to the first embodiment, after the various elements have been joined to form an extended length, side edges 316, 318 and crush areas 410 are made. Food item 390 is placed into storage interior 320, and then bottom edge 315 is sealed.
In one embodiment of a vertical FFS process, two extended lengths of film, each forming a side panel 312, 314, move in a generally vertically downward direction. Similar to above, an extended length of zipper closure 350 may be attached to side panels 312, 314, before, after, or concurrently with the film being sealed together to form top edge 335. Standoff material 380 can be attached to zipper closure 350 prior to zipper closure 350 being attached to side panels 312, 314. Valve 330 will typically be installed into one of the extended lengths of film at predetermined intervals, to correspond to one valve 330 per package 310. Seal 370 can be formed between side panels 312, 314 before, after, or concurrently with edge 335 being formed or with zipper closure 350 being attached. Weakness 360 may be formed close to edge 335 either after edge 335 has been sealed or before. Bottom seal 315 can also be formed at any stage in this process.
After the various elements have been joined to form an extended length, a seal, which results in, for example, side edge 318 and a crush area 410, is made. After this step, storage interior 320 has been made between side panels 312, 314, edge 315, seal 370 and side edge 318; see
In an alternate embodiment of a vertical FFS process, one extended length of film moves in a generally horizontal direction. This film is folded to form both panels 312, 314 with folded edge 335 or edge 315 therebetween. Any order of applying zipper closure 350, standoff material 380, valve 330, seal 370 and weakness 360 can be used. Similar to the first embodiment, after the various elements have been joined to form an extended length, side edge 318 and crush areas 410 are made. Food item 390 is placed into storage interior 320, and then side edge 316 is sealed. Alternately, a tube of film could be used, thus resulting in two folded edges 315 and 335.
Prior to use, the consumer removes header 336 via weakness 360. To gain access to storage interior 320, zipper profiles 354, 352 are separated and seal 370 is breached, which allows access to item 390.
To close package 310, it is preferred to remove air from interior 320, for example by flattening package 310 prior to mating zipper profiles 354, 352. After zipper closure 350 is closed, additional air can be removed from interior 320 via valve 330. The air may be manually forced through valve 330, for example, by hand pressure or other squeezing applied to the region between edge 315 and zipper closure 350, or may be attached to an external device, such as a vacuum pump. After removal of the desired air, gas or fluid, seal 370 may be resealed, if so configured. Removal of air, gas or fluid from interior 320 decreases the opportunity for spoilage of food item 390 and extends its life. When seal 370 is resealed, it provides an air-tight seal across package 310. Zipper closure 350 is also sealed, providing a seal across package 310.
As mentioned above, any or all of edges 315, 316, 318, 335 may be folds or seals between side panels 312, 314. A slider device (if present) may be applied to zipper profiles 354, 352 before or after incorporation with side panels 312, 314. Package 310 may include side gussets or gussets in panels 312, 314 to provide increased volume for interior 320. Various other configurations and methods of making package 310 are suitable.
The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the present invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/729,778, filed on Oct. 24, 2005; U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/736,810, filed on Nov. 14, 2005; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/763,063, filed Jan. 27, 2006. application Ser. Nos. 60/729,778; 60/736,810; and 60/763,063 are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60729778 | Oct 2005 | US | |
| 60736810 | Nov 2005 | US | |
| 60763063 | Jan 2006 | US |
