Sealing clasp

Abstract

A sealing clasp, according to the present invention, includes a plate formed with an opening. A slit is formed in the plate between the opening and at least one edge of the plate. One or more fins is formed monolithically in the opening. The one or more fins includes a semicircular projecting member. One or more restraining notches is also formed in the opening. One or more teeth may be formed in the opening.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention pertains generally to sealing devices. More particularly, the new and useful invention claimed in this document pertains to an apparatus for preventing air and other gases and odors either from escaping or leaking from, or gaining entry to, a confined space in a flexible container. The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, useful for inhibiting, controlling, or reducing unwanted air and gas flow into and from a bag, such as a bread bag, thus extending the shelf life of the contents.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Almost everything grown, processed, made, or manufactured must be packaged for protection, transportation, marketing, and presentation to consumers. Conversely, almost everything grown, processed, or made as a consumer expendable may be converted to refuse, garbage, trash, and waste (collectively in this document, “garbage”) that must be disposed of. A variety of packaging devices have been designed for both purposes.

[0003] In the United States, about 500 billion packages are manufactured and used annually. Increasing use is made of packaging in the form of bags, particularly plastic bags. As used in this document, the term “bag” refers to a flexible container that may be closed for holding, storing, or carrying something. A common, but not exclusive, form of plastic material used to manufacture bags is polystyrene. Polystyrene may provide a transparent or opaque container that is flexible, expandable, and in some instances biodegradable or decomposable. The bread baking and manufacturing industry uses a considerable number of plastic bags in which to package loaves of bread that are placed on supermarket shelves nationwide. For example, Orowheat® Baking Company bags in excess of 700 million loafs of bread annually.

[0004] Many products packaged in bags and displayed for sale to consumers, have limited shelf lives. Considering baked bread as a nonexclusive example, loaves of bread packaged and stored in plastic bags may lose quality, grow stale, become hard to the touch or otherwise degraded if (a) air and other unwanted gases enter the bag; (b) desirable preserving chemicals and gases such as enzymes escape from a bag opened or pierced before purchase by a consumer for consumption; or (c) gases, including air, enter and leave a bag that is opened and closed by the consumer after purchase, but closed or sealed inadequately. Any or all of these undesirable results may occur, for example, during shelf stocking. The term “shelf stocking,” as used in this document, generally refers to the process by which a person, known as a stocker, restocks short shelf life products such as bread. In a typical U.S. chain supermarket, someone restocks bread as often as three times daily. The stocker moves newer loaves of bread to the back of shelves, and locates older loaves to the front. The loaves of bread, therefore, are subject to considerable jostling. The bags themselves behave like bellows, inflating and deflating, during movement and relocation. The conventional devices currently available for closing a bag, such as a bread bag, often pierce or tear the bag during the restocking process. Further, it is useful for any number of contents of bags to preclude unwanted communication of air and gases into and from a bag. A nonexclusive example of a bag from which it is desirable to preclude unwanted communication of air and gases into and from a bag is a garbage bag. In connection with bags used primarily for disposing of garbage, it is useful and desirable to close a bag containing garbage so as to trap within the bag noxious and otherwise unwanted and undesirable odors. Collectively, all nonexclusive examples described in this paragraph are referred to in this document as “unwanted air and gas flow into and from a bag.”

[0005] A variety of apparatus and devices have been designed to seal bags. For example, twist ties, in the form of a paper or plastic coated wire that is sufficiently malleable to be twisted around a portion of a plastic bag, currently are available. Twist ties are a significant cause of puncturing and piercing bags. For example, in stocking and restocking loaves of bread in bags on which twist ties have been attached, the paper or plastic rubs off or otherwise separates from the wire beneath the paper or plastic. A person stocking the bread may slide the bagged bread loaves, may stack the bagged bread loaves on top of one another, and may arrange bagged bread loaves in any number of configurations. As a result, the wire in a twist tie often punctures or pierces the bread bag, causing one or more of the undesirable consequences disclosed in this document.

[0006] In addition, a variety of other devices, such as sheet clip type closures, have been designed for closing a plastic bag, generally by engaging a portion of a twist of a bag. The term “twist” as used in this document refers to that portion of a bag below the aperture into a bag, and generally above the contents of a bag, that may be rotated or twisted to effect a preliminary closing of the bag, which has the appearance of a braid. Currently available devices for maintaining closure of a bag generally are engaged with a portion of such a twist.

[0007] The limitations of such prior approaches include the fact that all may pierce or puncture a bag at one or more points. Sheet clips currently available are formed with holes that have internal securing jaws for securing a twisted portion of a bag. The jaws are formed with sharp, knife-like edges and points that may tear or pierce a plastic bag. Also, currently available devices for securing the opening of a plastic bag neither seize nor clutch portions of a twist of a bag so as to inhibit, control, or reduce unwanted air and gas flow into and from a bag. Rather, protrusions extending inwardly radially toward the center of openings of such devices allow a twisted portion of a bag to untwist or unfurl, in turn allowing unwanted air and gas flow into and from a bag.

[0008] Given the purpose of most devices that are currently available for closing a bag, the limitations probably are to be expected. The object of most such devices is merely to prevent loss of contents placed into a bag. The object, therefore, of most currently available bag sealing devices is not to prevent unwanted air and gas flow into and from a bag, but to restrain contents placed in a bag. Thus, most such current devices were not designed to achieve the objects and benefits of the present invention. Yet it remains true that many manufacturers, such as bread makers, devote significant money, time and effort to achieve extended shelf lives for their products. Such users of sealing clasps are motivated not, for example, to keep bread or other contents within a bag; that result is presumed. What is more important to many producers is to achieve what, until now, has been the illusive goal of extended shelf life for their products. The present invention contributes significantly to that goal.

[0009] Prevention of unwanted air and gas flow into and from a bag, however, continues to be a useful and desirable objective. Considering as a nonexclusive example loaves of bread sold nationally in plastic containers such as plastic bags, control of unwanted air and gas flow into and from a bag is an important goal. Bread stales. Unwanted air and gas flow into and from a bread bag contributes to staling. Bread includes lipids (proteins) and polysaccharides (fatty acids). Staling is caused in part because starch molecules, including polysaccharides, break down. If moisture or temperature within a bread bag alters, polysaccharides crack and break. Federal standards require that each slice of bread have at least 38% moisture content. It has been proven that reduced air flow into and from a bread bag keeps bread softer longer. As breads are dried by air, lipids and polysaccharides degrade. Consequently, the loaf may begin to stale.

[0010] Consumers use the “touch test” or “squeeze test” to determine if a particular loaf is one consumers want to buy. If bread seems “hard,” it fails the squeeze test. Failing the squeeze test causes a loaf to be a lost sale to consumers, and affects the thin profit margin of bread bakers. Enzymes may be used to inhibit staling. Enzymes, however, inhibit staling for only a short period of time, and are very expensive baking additives. Some enzymes used by bread bakers cost in excess of $700.00 per ounce. Considering the statistic already cited in this document, that at least one bread baker bags about 700 million loaves of bread annually, the cost of enzymes is potentially staggering. In addition, unwanted air and gas flow into and from a bag may also include unwanted moisture. While moisture may not cause staling, it is known to cause mold. All of these problems, and others, contribute to diminution of a significant goal of producers and manufacturers, as explained above: achievement of extended shelf life for their products. Loss of shelf life equates to loss of profits. Worse, a consumer disappointed by the taste, consistency, look and other characteristics of a product, may never buy that product again. Enhanced shelf life is an important consequence of the present invention.

[0011] Therefore, a previously unaddressed need exists in the industry for a new, useful and improved sealing clasp capable of substantially inhibiting, controlling, and reducing unwanted air and gas flow into and from a bag. The need is particularly acute in industries making and selling goods in bags having a comparatively short shelf life such as baked goods and perishables. There also is a previously unaddressed need to provide a sealing clasp that not only seals a bag effectively, but also allows a user to quickly insert and remove the sealing clasp to reduce unwanted air and gas flow into and from a bag. There also is a previously unaddressed need in the industry for a new, useful and improved sealing clasp capable of substantially eliminating the escape of noxious and unwanted odors from bags used primarily for containing garbage.

[0012] The advantages, objects and features of such a sealing clasp will become apparent to those skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the accompanying following description, drawing figures, and appended claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Given conventional solutions for attempting to solve the problems associated with preserving the quality of goods within a bag, and with inhibiting, controlling, and reducing unwanted air and gas flow into and from a bag containing goods, and with preventing the escape of unwanted odors from a bag, it would be desirable, and of considerable advantage, to provide a sealing clasp that accomplishes those objectives.

[0014] At least one advantage of the sealing clasp of the present invention is that it is formed with a semicircular projecting member that provides surface contact with a bag and the twist of a bag that is devoid of sharp edges or points that may pierce a bag, particularly a flexible and twistable plastic bag.

[0015] Another advantage of the sealing clasp is its ability to extend the shelf life of bagged products, produce, baked goods, and other items.

[0016] Yet another advantage of the present invention is a sealing clasp that includes a semicircular restraining notch that contributes to clutching portions of a bag, including twisted portions of a plastic bag both before and after the twisted portion untwists or unfurls, to therefore inhibit loss of gases from the bag, including air, unwanted odors, and other gases, as well as inhibit entrance of unwanted air and gases into a bag.

[0017] Another advantage of the present invention is its ability to avoid breakdown of enzymes that may occur on exposure to too much air, too often.

[0018] Still another advantage of the invention in at least one embodiment is the use of teeth to clutch a portion of a bag, including a twisted portion of a plastic bag both before and after the twisted portion untwists or unfurls, and therefore inhibits escape of gases from the bag, including air, unwanted odors, and other gases.

[0019] Yet another advantage of the sealing clasp is its ease of use. For example, use of twist ties has significant limitations because no standard exists on the number of twists to turn in a twist tie to secure a bag. The present invention, to the contrary, requires only a simple, intuitive set of steps to install the sealing clasp on a bag: engagement, followed by a slight cant or twist either clockwise or counter-clockwise, a gentle push, and a twist in the opposite direction. Removing the sealing clasp from a bag is even easier: a slight turn in either direction, and a gentle pull. Ease of use is, therefore, a useful advantage of the sealing clasp.

[0020] Another advantage of the present sealing clasp is that it inhibits, controls, and reduces unwanted air and gas flow into and from a bag containing goods.

[0021] Still another advantage of the present invention is that it prevents the escape of unwanted odors from a bag.

[0022] Another advantage of at least one embodiment of the sealing clasp of the present invention is the elimination of jaws or similar cutting edges and points that pierce a twisted portion of a plastic bag.

[0023] Still another advantage of the present invention is that the fins of the present invention, in combination with the semicircular projecting member of the present invention, grip material gathered and twisted together to form a twist projecting from a bag, thus forming a more perfect seal without piercing or cutting the bag.

[0024] Yet another advantage of the present invention is a sealing clasp, and a method for manufacturing a sealing clasp, that respectively that are easy to use and to practice, and that are cost effective for their intended purposes.

[0025] These and other advantages are achieved in part by providing a sealing clasp that includes a plate formed with an opening defined by a collar. At least one slot formed in the plate extends from the collar to an edge of the plate. One or more specially designed and novel fins is monolithically formed in the collar, and extend toward the center of the opening in the plate. A fin is formed with at least one semicircular projecting member. The term “semicircular projecting member” refers to a smooth substantially rounded edge of a fin segment that is formed by identifying the intersection of two edges of a fin; by locating the center of a circle a distance from the point of intersection of the two edges and in such a way that the radius of the circle would intersect each edge at only one point along each edge; by scribing the circle defined by the radius; by removing from the fin the substantially triangular extension with a semicircular base adjacent the semicircular projecting member; and by providing leaving a smooth rounded segment, referred to as the semicircular projecting member in this document.

[0026] Similarly, using the principle of design that employs using segments of circles to soften and blunt the shapes of gripping elements within the opening of the sealing clasp of the present invention, restraining notches are formed with substantially semicircular concave arches as more fully described in this document.

[0027] An alternate embodiment of a sealing clasp according to the present invention is formed with at least one semicircular projecting member and additional structural elements for sealing a bag containing garbage.

[0028] It will become apparent to one skilled in the art that the claimed subject matter as a whole, including the structure of the apparatus, and the cooperation of the elements of the apparatus, combine to result in a number of unexpected advantages and utilities. The advantages and objects of the present invention, and features of such a sealing clasp, will become apparent to those skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the accompanying following description, drawing figures, and appended claims.

[0029] The foregoing has outlined broadly the more important features of the invention to better understand the detailed description which follows, and to better understand the contribution of the present invention to the art. Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in application to the details of construction, and to the arrangements of the components, provided in the following description or drawing figures. The invention is capable of other embodiments, and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology employed in this disclosure are for purpose of description, and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0030] As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the conception on which this disclosure is based readily may be used as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the purposes of the present invention. The claims, therefore, include such equivalent constructions to the extent the equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, the abstract associated with this disclosure is neither intended to define the invention, which is measured by the claims, nor intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

[0031] The novel features of this invention, and the invention itself, both as to structure and operation, are best understood from the accompanying drawing, considered in connection with the accompanying description of the drawing, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0032] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the sealing clasp in an operative environment;

[0033] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a bag that is open for insertion of content;

[0034] FIG. 2A is a top view of a sealing clasp;

[0035] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of one embodiment of the sealing clasp;

[0036] FIG. 3 is a top view of the sealing clasp showing diagrammatically the circles used for forming the semicircular projecting member and the restraining notches;

[0037] FIG. 4A is a diagrammatic presentation of one method for forming a semicircular projecting member in the sealing clasp;

[0038] FIG. 4B is a diagrammatic presentation of one method for forming a restraining notch is the sealing clasp;

[0039] FIG. 5 is a top view of another embodiment of the invention; and

[0040] FIG. 6 is a top view of yet another embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0041] Referring initially to FIG. 1, the sealing clasp is shown and generally designated 10. In FIG. 1, the sealing clasp 10 is shown in an operative environment attached to a portion of a bag 12. As used in this document, the term “clasp” includes a fastener, clip, lock, seal or other device for securing and closing an opening in a container such as bag 12. The term “bag” includes any flexible container that may be closed for holding, storing, or carrying something.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of a sealing clasp showing various circles used in forming the semicircular projecting members and restraining notches of the present invention;

[0043] FIG. 4A is a schematic view showing the design features used to form a semicircular projecting member;

[0044] FIG. 4B is a schematic view showing the design features used to form a restraining notch;

[0045] As shown by cross-reference between FIGS. 2A and 2B, sealing clasp 10 in its broadest sense, includes a plate 14. Plate 14 is formed with an opening 16. Opening 16 is defined by a collar 18. At least one slit 20 is formed in plate 14. Slit 20 extends from collar 18 to an edge 22 of plate 14. One or more specially designed and novel fins 24 is monolithically formed in collar 18, and extend substantially toward the center of opening 16 in plate 14. The one or more fins 24 includes a substantially semicircular projecting member 26 as perhaps best shown in FIG. 2B. In addition, sealing clasp 10 includes one or more restraining notches 28. One or more restraining notches 28 is formed with a substantially semicircular concave arch 30. In addition, sealing clasp 10 includes two opposing tapered flanges 32a,b that include a substantially semicircular projecting member 26c,d. In another embodiment of the present invention, sealing clasp 10 includes one or more teeth 34d-f as best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0046] More specifically, as shown by cross-reference in FIGS. 2A and 2B, sealing clasp 10, according to the present invention, includes at least one fin 24. At least one fin 24 is formed with at least one semicircular projecting member 26, as shown in FIG. 2B. As best shown by cross-reference between FIGS. 3, 4A and 4B, the term “semicircular projecting member” refers to a smooth substantially rounded fin segment 36a-g, as best shown in FIG. 3, that is formed as shown in FIG. 4A by identifying the intersection of what otherwise would be two shoulders 38a,b of fin 36; by locating the center C1 of a circle 40 a distance D1 from the point of intersection of the extension 42 of two shoulders 38a,b in such a way that radius R1 of circle 40 would intersect each of two shoulders 38a,b at only one point 42 along two shoulders 38a,b; by scribing circle 40 defined by radius R1 on plate 14; by removing from fin 24 the substantially triangular extension 44 with a semicircular base 46 adjacent semicircular projecting member 26; and by leaving a smooth rounded segment S1, also referred to in this document as semicircular projecting member 26 in this document which is a substantially semicircular projecting member.

[0047] Similarly, as shown by cross-reference between FIGS. 3 and 4B, using the principle of design that employs using segments of circles to soften the shapes of gripping elements within opening 16 of sealing clasp 10 of the present invention, a restraining notch 28 is formed with substantially semicircular concave arch 30a,b. As perhaps best shown in FIG. 4B, any number of variously dimensioned circles 40a-c may be scribed or positioned over the circumference of circle 40. A smaller circle 40b may be positioned between circles 40a,c. Circles 40a-c define substantially semicircular grooves 48a,b extending into plate 14 through collar 18. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more of semicircular grooves 48a,b may be formed in plate 14 to produce one or more semicircular concave arches 30a-b in restraining notches 28a,b.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, opposing tapered flanges 32a-b are integrally formed in plate 14. Each of opposing tapered flanges 32a-b include at least one substantially semicircular projecting member 26c-d, as best shown by cross-reference between FIGS. 2A and 2B.

[0049] By cross-reference among FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3, it will be apparent that opening 16 of a preferred embodiment of the sealing clasp of the present invention is shaped substantially like a tulip. Tests have indicated that the tulip shape is not a circumstance due to chance, but in at least one application of the present invention is the preferred shape of opening 16 to contribute to two capabilities of sealing clasp 10, namely to grip and secure a portion of bag 12, and to allow easy and fast release and replacement of sealing clasp 10 on a portion of bag 12, particularly that portion of bag 12 described subsequently in this document as twist 66.

[0050] As also shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3, slit 20 in plate 14 extends between collar 18 and outer edge 22 of plate 14. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, slit 20 is formed with opposing walls 52a,b. Opposing walls 52a,b, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, are spaced a distance D2 apart from each other. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, distance D2 would be barely noticeable to the human eye. Slit 20 is formed in plate 14 for removable, slidable, and twistable engagement of sealing clasp 10 with a portion of bag 12, as shown in FIG. 1A.

[0051] A nonexclusive example of a plastic bag capable for holding and storing bread is shown by cross-reference between FIGS. 1A and 1B. As shown, bag 12 is substantially tubular when open and not filled with contents. The substantially tubular uncompressed bag 12 is shown with a closed end 54, an open end 56, and an interconnecting sleeve 58 between closed end 54 and open end 56. When an object such as bread is inserted into bag 12 (“contents”) through open end 56, and lodged adjacent closed end 54 (“filled portion”), a portion shown in FIG. 1A as distance D3 of bag 12 remains unfilled (“tubular column”). Being flexible, the filled portion may be spun on an axis substantially through the center of the contents of bag 12, causing the tubular column to twist into a constricted seemingly braided cord 60 as shown in FIG. 1A. Braided cord 60 has a leading end 62 and a following end 64, and forms a tail or twist (collectively, “twist” 66) extending from the filled portion of bag 12. As will be evident to one skilled in the art, if twist 66 is held twisted as shown, air and other gases could neither enter bag 12 nor escape from bag 12. But as is equally evident, bag 12 generally is not held perpetually in that fashion. If the constricted seemingly braided cord 60 in the form of twist 66 is released, then as will also be evident to one skilled in the art, air and other gases will enter or depart from bag 12.

[0052] Also, if a conventional sheet clip type of closure is inserted on twist 66, and conventional typical opposing jaws are placed in contact with one or more surfaces of the constricted seemingly braided cord, sharp points or edges of the opposing jaws formed in the conventional sheet clip type of closure will puncture or pierce the bag, causing air to enter the bag and to begin the process of degrading the contents of the bag and, in the case of the nonexclusive example of baked bread, causing the bread to go stale. Conversely, the sharp edges and points of conventional jaws in a clip or sheet clip type of closure will not securely clasp a bag, such as a garbage bag, and noxious odors will escape from the bag.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3, when sealing clasp 10 of the present invention is installed on twist 66 of bag 12, no tear will occur in the surface of the bag because of semicircular projecting members 26a-c formed in one or more of fins 24a-c of sealing clasp 10. Further, when twist 66 of bag 12 untwists or unfurls, folds 68a,b of twist 66 engage the unique and novel design of semicircular concave arches 30a,b in restraining notches 28a,b formed in collar 18 of opening 16 to securely restrain twist 66 from untwisting or unfurling. Thus sealing clasp 10 overcomes a significant limitation of the currently available means for sealing a bag by eliminating the problem of an unfolding or unfurling twist 66 that produces folds that are unrestrained by currently available clips. In addition, because of the combination of the one or more semicircular projecting members 26a-c, and the one or more semicircular concave arches 30a,b, sealing clasp 10 may be removed from twist 66 without causing punctures, incisions or holes in the bag because all contact surfaces are rounded rather than knife-edged or pointed. As will be evident to one skilled in the art, these combination of features contribute to achieving the objectives and advantages of the present invention.

[0054] As further shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3, opposing tapered flanges 32a,b terminate in a substantially triangular slot 68. Substantially triangular slot 68 contributes to the capability of repeatedly and quickly engaging sealing clasp 10 with twist 66. Indeed, in operation, the use of sealing clasp 10 is remarkably simple. Because of the combined configuration of sealing clasp 10, triangular slot 68, the spaced apart distance D2 between opposing walls 52a,b in slit 20, and because the interior ends 70a,b of slit 20 is formed using the principle of shaping the end of interior ends 70a,b of slit 20 with a semicircular projecting member 26, sealing clasp 10 glides onto twist 66 not only with relative ease, but without piercing bag 12. Triangular slot 68 may be pushed against twist 66. Sealing clasp 10 is then turned in either a clockwise or counter clockwise direction. Plate 14 of sealing clasp 10 is shaped to accommodate even the largest fingers of a user or customer. At the same time, sealing clasp 10 is pushed onto twist 66, released, and bag 12 is fully sealed or locked. If twist 66 attempts to unfurl, any folds are caught and restricted by engagement with semicircular concave arches 30a,b of restraining notches 28a-b. Likewise, in operation, sealing clasp 10 is easily removed from twist 66 without causing any damage to bag 12 by turning sealing clasp 10 slightly in either a clockwise or counter clockwise direction, and sliding sealing clasp 10 away from twist 66.

[0055] In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown by cross-reference between FIGS. 5 and 6, sealing clasp 10′ is provided with slit 20′ that is formed with opposing walls 52′a,b substantially in contact with each other. Further, one or more teeth 34a-f maybe included in opening 16 and extend from collar 18 into opening 16. The mechanical advantages of one or more teeth 34a-f include a greater gripping power for larger bags.

[0056] While the sealing clasp shown in drawing FIGS. 1 through 6 includes three embodiments of the present invention, they are merely embodiments of the invention, and are not intended to be exclusive, and are not limitations of the present invention. While the particular sealing clasp as shown and disclosed in detail in this instrument is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages stated, this disclosure is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and no limitations are intended in connection with the details of construction, design or composition other than as provided and described in the appended claims.

[0057] Claim elements and steps in this document have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. The numbering is not intended to, and should not be considered as, intending to indicate the ordering or sequencing of elements and steps in the claims.

Claims

1. A sealing clasp, comprising: a plate; an opening formed in the plate; at least one slit extending from the opening to the edge of the plate; and one or more fins monolithically formed in the opening, wherein the one or more fins includes a substantially semicircular projecting member.

2. A sealing clasp as recited in claim 1, wherein the opening is defined by a collar.

3. A sealing clasp as recited in claim 2, further comprising one or more restraining notches integrally formed in the collar.

4. A sealing clasp as recited in claim 3, wherein the one or more restraining notches includes a substantially semicircular concave arch.

5. A sealing clasp as recited in claim 4, wherein at least one fin is monolithically formed in the collar to extend substantially toward the center of the opening.

6. A sealing clasp as recited in claim 1, further comprising two or more tapered flanges integrally formed in the plate.

7. A sealing clasp as recited in claim 6, wherein the two or more tapered flanges include a substantially semicircular projecting member.

8. A system for sealing a bag, comprising: a plate formed with an outer edge; an opening formed substantially in the center of the plate, wherein the opening is defined by a collar; at least one slit formed in the plate; one or more fins formed monolithically in the collar; and at least one restraining notch formed monolithically in the collar.

9. A system for sealing a bag as recited in claim 8, formed without means for piercing the bag.

10. A system for sealing a bag as recited in claim 8, wherein the at least one slit extends between the collar and the outer edge of the plate for engaging a portion of the bag.

11. A system for sealing a bag as recited in claim 8, further comprising opposing tapered flanges formed in the plate.

12. A system for sealing a bag as recited in claim 8, wherein the one or more fins includes at least one substantially semicircular projecting member.

13. A system for sealing a bag as recited in claim 8, wherein the at least one restraining notch includes a semicircular concave arch.

14. A device for extending the shelf life of bagged products, comprising: a plate formed with an opening; means formed in the plate for twistably and slidably sealing a bag; and means for precluding damage to the bag during use of the device.

15. A device for extending the shelf life of bagged products as recited in claim 14, wherein the plate is made from polystyrene.

16. A device for extending the shelf life of bagged products as recited in claim 14, wherein the opening is formed with a collar.

17. A device for extending the shelf life of bagged products as recited in claim 14, wherein the sealing means includes a slit formed in the plate, and further wherein the slit is formed with opposing walls spaced a distance apart.

18. A device for extending the shelf life of bagged products as recited in claim 17, wherein the sealing means includes opposing tapered flanges formed in the plate, further comprising a substantially triangular slot at one end of the plate.

19. A device for extending the shelf life of bagged products as recited in claim 14, wherein the damage precluding means includes one or more semicircular projecting members mounted monolithically on the plate.

20. A device for extending the shelf life of bagged products as recited in claim 14, wherein the damage precluding means includes at least one semicircular concave arch formed monolithically in the plate.

21. A method for manufacturing a sealing clasp for a bag, comprising: forming a plate from a sheet of material; shaping an opening through the plate; disposing monolithically one or more fins in the opening; including one or more restraining notches in the opening; configuring the plate with at least one slit from the opening through the plate; and mounting integrally on the plate means for inhibiting damage to the bag.

22. A method for manufacturing a sealing clasp as recited in claim 24, wherein the forming step includes the substeps of: selecting a plastic material; forming the plate with an external edge; incising from the plate the at least one slit; and forming monolithically in the plate a plurality of tapered flanges adjacent the external edge of the plate.

23. A method for manufacturing a sealing clasp as recited in claim 21, wherein the shaping step includes the substeps of: boring an opening substantially in the center of the plate; providing a collar that defines the opening; and extending the at least one slit through the collar.

24. A method for manufacturing a sealing clasp as recited in claim 20, wherein the disposing step includes the substeps of: configuring the one or more restraining notches to include a substantially semicircular concave arch; and shaping the at least one fin and the plurality of tapered flanges with one or more semicircular projecting members.

25. An apparatus for closing a bag, comprising: a plate formed with an opening; at least one slit extending from the opening to the edge of the plate, wherein the slit is formed with opposing walls substantially in contact with each other; one or more restraining notches formed in the opening; and one or more teeth monolithically mounted in the opening.

26. An apparatus for closing a bag as recited in claim 25, wherein the one or more fins includes a substantially semicircular projecting member.

27. A sealing clasp as recited in claim 25, wherein the one or more restraining notches includes a substantially semicircular concave arch.

28. A sealing clasp as recited in claim 25, further comprising two or more tapered flanges integrally formed in the plate.

29. A sealing clasp as recited in claim 25, wherein the two or more tapered flanges include a substantially semicircular projecting member.

30. A sealing clasp as recited in claim 25, further comprising one or more fins.