VACUUM BAG

Abstract

Disclosed are systems and methods for making and using a valving system that can be used with containers. In some embodiments, a valving system for a silicone bag can include an air sieve coupled to a sidewall of the silicone bag. The sidewall of the silicone bag can include a perforation to allow outflow air out of the bag. The air sieve can include a sealing seat that is configured to cooperate with the sidewall to provide a seal that prevents external air from entering the container. Using a vacuum inducing device, air can be evacuated from the container by inducing air to flow through channels in the air sieve and out of the perforation in the sidewall.

Description

BACKGROUND

Field

The inventive subject matter is generally directed towards systems and methods for fitting a container with a valve means to facilitate removing gas from the container with a vacuum device. In particular, embodiments of the invention relate to a storage container (such as a reusable, resealable food storage bag, for example) configured with a valve to facilitate removing air from inside the storage container.

Description of Related Art

Currently, food or other perishables are often stored in reclosable containers such as reclosable thermoplastic pouches. To keep food stored inside a pouch fresh for an extended period, a user may evacuate air out of the pouch before completely sealing a closure mechanism of the pouch. Other reclosable pouches have been developed that have a valve that allows air to be evacuated from the pouch after the closure mechanism has already been sealed.

Some pouch valves have a patch of thermoplastic material covering an aperture in a pouch wall and sealed over a limited area of the pouch wall around a periphery of the patch. The patch has an aperture therethrough that is offset from the aperture in the pouch wall. Pressure from outside of the pouch forces the patch against the pouch wall keeping the valve closed. However, pressure from within the pouch forces the patch to separate from the pouch wall to allow air to flow through both apertures and out of the pouch.

Other valves have a cover flap disposed over an aperture in a pouch wall, wherein the cover flap lacks an aperture. The valves have an unsealed edge that provides a path for escaping air. One such valve has a separator layer disposed between an adhesive layer disposed on an inner surface of the cover flap and an aperture in the pouch wall. The separator layer is smaller than the cover flap, but larger than the aperture and is shaped so that the adhesive layer makes asymmetrical contact with the pouch wall around a periphery of the cover flap. Pressure from within the pouch forces a portion of the cover flap having a smaller adhesive contact area to separate it from the pouch wall. The valve may also have an intermediate gas permeable layer between the separator layer and the aperture.

Another valve has a cover flap that is disposed across the entire width of a pouch wall. The flap overlays one or more apertures in the pouch wall to allow air to escape from within the pouch and prevent air from entering the pouch.

Yet another valve for a pouch has a patch that is disposed across an entire width of a pouch wall and is sealed to the pouch wall around a periphery of the patch. A first plurality of apertures extending through the pouch wall is offset from a second plurality of apertures extending through the patch. An adhesive is disposed between the first and second pluralities of apertures. Pressure from within the pouch overcomes the adhesive and forces the patch to separate from the pouch wall to allow air to escape from within the pouch.

Another valve has a patch that is sealed around the periphery of the valve over an inner or outer surface of a plastic tube. The patch may be oriented axially along the length of the tube, or circumferentially around the tube. The patch has a vent opening that is offset from a vent opening through the tube surface. A vent seal zone is defined between the patch and the tube surface. The tube is sealed on both ends such that pressure from within the tube forces the patch to separate from the tube surface to allow air to escape from within the tube.

Yet another valve has first and second zipper flanges sealed to an inside surface of a pouch wall. A line of apertures is disposed through the pouch wall, wherein the first zipper flange is attached to the pouch wall on a first side of the apertures and the second zipper flange is attached to the pouch wall on a second opposite side of the apertures. An air path is formed between the first and second zipper flanges and the apertures. Pressure from within the pouch forces the second flange away from the first flange and pressure from outside the pouch forces the second flange into contact with the first flange. Alternatively, the second flange is eliminated and the pouch wall on the second side of the line of apertures contacts the first flange. In another variation, one or more apertures disposed through the first flange are covered in flap fashion by the second flange.

Vacuum compression storage bags are known in the art. Such storage bags generally include a first side panel and a second side panel which side panels are sealed at the edges and the bottom forming the bag having an open top. These bags further include a re-closable closure mechanism near the top portion of the bag for opening and closing the bag. The bags further include a valve for release of air from the storage bag after the bag is filled with the material to be stored such as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,408,872. Air is removed from the bag by placing a pump over the valve to remove the air. One shortcoming of such large vacuum compression storage bags for clothing and other items is the need to use a rather large and complex injection molded valve. Such valves increase the cost of manufacture of the bag and the corresponding cost to the consumer. The complexity of the valve is often necessary to obtain the removal of substantially all the air in the bag. The valve will include rigid legs or protrusions to prevent the valve from contacting the adjacent side panel of the bag or the items, for example, clothing, stored in the bag to avoid inhibiting the air flow and removal of the air from the bag.

It is known that frozen foods are sometimes sold in plastic packages with built-in zipper strips for resealing. Some of them are vacuum sealed at the factory. When the seal is broken to allow removal and/or addition of food, the entry of air and moisture into the package frequently causes ice formation. The result is a deterioration of the food and a reduction in flavor and edibility. Also, the long-term storage viability of the food contained therein is reduced upon resealing. Various patents have been disclosed pertaining to closures and sealing systems for food packages, and they include U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,941,310; 5,009,828; 5,070,584; US 2003/0152296 A1; U.S. Pat. No. 6,692,147; B2; 2004/0114837 A1; 2004/0161178 A1; 2005/0196077 A1; 2005/0244083 A1; and 2007/0110340 A1.

What is needed in the art are systems and methods that simply and economically facilitate the use of a vacuum to remove gas/air from containers closed/sealed containers.

SUMMARY OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Additional features and advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein will be set forth in the detailed description that follows, and in part will be clear to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

In one aspect the invention is directed to a container having a sidewall, the sidewall having a perforation; at least one locating and retaining feature coupled to the sidewall on an inner side of the sidewall; an air sieve configured to be mounted on the least one locating and retaining feature; wherein the air sieve comprises a first annular part having a sealing seat configured to support an area of the sidewall that includes the perforation; wherein the air sieve comprises a second annular part having a plurality of channels configured to allow air circulation; and wherein the air sieve is located on an inner side of the sidewall.

In one embodiment, the sidewall is a sidewall of a bag. In certain embodiments, the at least one locating and retaining feature comprises at least one protrusion integrally formed on the sidewall. In some embodiments, the air sieve is formed as a single piece.

In certain embodiments, the container includes a sidewall of a bag; the at least one locating and retaining feature comprises two protrusions integrally formed on the sidewall; the air sieve is formed as a single piece; and the bag is made at least in part of a silicone material.

In certain embodiments, the first annular part is raised relative to the second annular part. In one embodiment, the first annular part and the second annular part are configured to define an annular channel, the annular channel configured to allow air circulation from the plurality of channels to the perforation.

Another aspect of the invention concerns a vacuum bag that includes a first side wall having a perforation; at least two protrusions coupled to an inner side of the first side wall, the at least two protrusions configured to locate and retain an air sieve; an air sieve configured to facilitate air flow from an inner side of the vacuum bag to outside the vacuum bag. In one embodiment, the air sieve comprises: at least two coupling holes configured to couple to the at least two protrusions to facilitate mounting, locating, and retaining the air sieve on an inner side of the vacuum bag; a first annular part comprising a sealing seat configured to support an area of the first side wall that includes the perforation; and a second annular part comprising a plurality of channels configured to allow air circulation. In certain embodiments, the first annular part is raised relative to the second annular part; the first annular part and the second annular part are configured to define an annular channel, the annular channel configured to allow air circulation from the plurality of channels to the perforation. In some embodiments the air sieve is located on an inner side of the first sidewall.

In one embodiment, the vacuum bag is made at least in part of silicone. In some embodiments, the at least two protrusions are made integral with the first side wall. In certain embodiments, the at least two protrusions and the at least two coupling holes are configured to facilitate removably coupling and uncoupling the air sieve from the first side wall. In one embodiment, the air sieve is made as a single piece.

Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a container. In one embodiment, the method involves providing a container having a sidewall; making a perforation on the sidewall; providing at least one retaining and locating feature on an inner side of the side wall; and removably coupling an air sieve to the at least one retaining feature on the inner side of the side wall. In some embodiments, the air sieve includes: at least one coupling feature configured to couple to the at least one retaining and locating feature to facilitate locating and retaining the air sieve on an inner side of the side wall; a first annular part comprising a sealing seat configured to [[support]] an area of the first side wall that includes the perforation; a second annular part comprising a plurality of channels configured to allow air circulation; wherein the first annular part is raised relative to the second annular part; and wherein the first annular part and the second annular part are configured to define an annular channel, the annular channel configured to allow air circulation from the plurality of channels to the perforation.

In one embodiment, the container is a bag. In certain embodiments, the bag is made of silicone. In some embodiments, the at least one coupling feature comprises two protrusions integrally formed with the sidewall. In one embodiment, the at least one coupling feature comprises two coupling holes configured to fit onto the two protrusions. In some embodiments, the air sieve is made as a single piece.

Both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the embodiments disclosed herein. The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the disclosure, and together with the description explain the principles and operations thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the embodiments, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by references to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a valving system according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the valving system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the valving system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is another cross-sectional perspective view of the valving system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the valving system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional, exploded perspective view of the valving system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a component of the valving system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a front plan view of the component of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the component of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the component of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional, bottom perspective view of the component of FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of another component of the valving system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional, top perspective view of the component of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the component of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are set forth in this application. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitation or inferences are to be understood therefrom.

Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components related to the system. Accordingly, the device components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

Referencing FIG. 1, in one embodiment, valving system 100 can include sidewall 105 coupled to air sieve 110. Sidewall 105 can be, for example, a sidewall of a bag or other container. In some embodiments, the container can be made of, for example, silicone. In certain embodiments, air sieve 110 can be made as a single piece using a suitable plastic. Referencing FIG. 2, sidewall 105 can be provided with perforation 115, which is configured to facilitate air flow out of the container that includes sidewall 105. In the figures no particular container is shown; however, it is to be understood that embodiments of valving system 100 can be configured to be implemented with a wide variety of containers having sidewalls, which containers can be closed and resealable. In one preferred embodiment, sidewall 105 can be the sidewall of a flexible container, such as a plastic or silicone bag.

Referencing FIG. 3-6, in some embodiments, sidewall 105 can include one or more locating and retaining features 120, which can be, for example, protrusions integrally formed with sidewall 105. Locating and retaining features 120 can have the shape of, for example, a rounded peg with a locking head. Locating and retaining features 120 are configured to facilitate consistently locating air sieve 110 relative to perforation 115. Advantageously, in some embodiments, locating and retaining features 120 can be configured to facilitate removal of air sieve 110 for, for example, cleaning air sieve 110. As illustrated, during use of valving system 100, air sieve 110 is mounted to sidewall 105 by means of locating and retaining features 120.

Referencing FIG. 7-11, in some embodiments, air sieve 110 can include sealing seat 125 configured to interface with, or support, sidewall 105. As shown in FIG. 3-4, during use, sidewall 105 presses against sealing seat 125 as the external pressure pushes against sidewall 105. A negative pressure is induced as air is evacuated from the container that includes sidewall 105. The interaction between sealing seat 125 and sidewall 105 results in a seal that prevents external air from entering said container. In certain embodiments, sealing seat 125 can be an annular or rounded part formed in air sieve 110. As used here, air sieve refers to a valve body configured to guide/allow the flow of air from an internal space to an external space.

In some embodiments, air sieve 110 can include an annular part having a plurality of peripheral channels 130 configured to allow passage of air from the interior of a container into central radial, or annular, channel 135. Sealing seat 125 is raised, or higher, relative to annular channel 135 (FIG. 8). Peripheral channels 130 can be formed in a circular pattern in a part of air sieve 110 surrounds sealing seat 125. As illustrated in FIG. 8, sealing seat 125 is raised relative to peripheral channels 130 and annular channel 135. In certain embodiments, sealing seat 125 and channels 135 are configured or arranged to form annular channel 135. In one embodiment, air sieve 110 can be provided with locating and retaining holes 140 configured to couple with locating and retaining features 120 to facilitate locating and retaining air sieve 110 onto sidewall 105.

Referencing FIG. 12-14, in some embodiments, sidewall 105 can be a sidewall of a container (which container is not shown in its entirety). As illustrated in FIG. 12-14, only a partial view of sidewall 105 is shown. Typically, sidewall 105 is one of several walls that define a container that is configured for, for example, storage of items. Such items can include food, for example. The container can be made of any suitable plastic material, flexible or semi-rigid materials, or silicone. Often, such containers include closing or sealing mechanisms such as zip locks built into or coupled to the edges of the walls of the container. In one embodiment, sidewall 105 is provided with perforation 115 that is suitably configured to allow air to be evacuated by, for example, a vacuum pump. Perforation 115 is preferably of a small diameter so that perforation 115 substantially impedes inflow of air into the container when sidewall 105 is pressed against sealing seat under external, atmospheric pressure.

Referencing FIG. 1-4, in a typical operation of valving system 100, a vacuum pump (not shown) is provided to suction air out of perforation 115. Air flows from inside the container through peripheral channels 130 and into annular channel 135. From annular channel 135 the air is forced, under vacuum pressure and external atmospheric pressure, to exit via perforation 115. After the vacuum pump is removed, the external pressure pushes sidewall 115 against sealing seat 125 to provide a seal that, substantially, does not allow air flow through perforation 115. In this manner, a container can be vacuum sealed.

Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. A variety of modifications and variations are possible considering the above teachings without departing from the following claims.

Claims

1. A container comprising: a sidewall having a perforation;at least one locating and retaining feature coupled to the sidewall on an inner side of the sidewall;an air sieve configured to be mounted on the least one locating and retaining feature;wherein the air sieve comprises a first annular part having a sealing seat configured to support an area of the sidewall that includes the perforation;wherein the air sieve comprises a second annular part having a plurality of channels configured to allow air circulation; andwherein the air sieve is located on an inner side of the sidewall.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the sidewall comprises a sidewall of a bag.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the at least one locating and retaining feature comprises at least one protrusion integrally formed on the sidewall.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein the air sieve is formed as a single piece.

5. The container of claim 1, wherein: the container comprises a sidewall of a bag;the at least one locating and retaining feature comprises two protrusions integrally formed on the sidewall;the air sieve is formed as a single piece; andthe bag is made at least in part of a silicone material.

6. The container of claim 1, wherein the first annular part is raised relative to the second annular part.

7. The container of claim 6, wherein the first annular part and the second annular part are configured to define an annular channel, the annular channel configured to allow air circulation from the plurality of channels to the perforation.

8. A vacuum bag comprising: a first side wall having a perforation;at least two protrusions coupled to an inner side of the first side wall, the at least two protrusions configured to locate and retain an air sieve;an air sieve configured to facilitate air flow from an inner side of the vacuum bag to outside the vacuum bag;wherein the air sieve comprises: at least two coupling holes configured to couple to the at least two protrusions to facilitate mounting, locating, and retaining the air sieve on an inner side of the vacuum bag;a first annular part comprising a sealing seat configured to support an area of the first side wall that includes the perforation;a second annular part comprising a plurality of channels configured to allow air circulation;wherein the first annular part is raised relative to the second annular part;wherein the first annular part and the second annular part are configured to define an annular channel, the annular channel configured to allow air circulation from the plurality of channels to the perforation; andwherein the air sieve is located on an inner side of the first sidewall.

9. The vacuum bag of claim 8, wherein the vacuum bag is made at least in part of silicone.

10. The vacuum bag of claim 9, wherein the at least two protrusions are made integral with the first side wall.

11. The vacuum bag of claim 10, wherein the at least two protrusions and the at least two coupling holes are configured to facilitate removably coupling and uncoupling the air sieve from the first side wall.

12. The vacuum bag of claim 11, wherein the air sieve is made as a single piece.

13. A method of manufacturing a container, the method comprising: providing a container having a sidewall;making a perforation on the sidewall;providing at least one retaining and locating feature on an inner side of the side wall;removably coupling an air sieve to the at least one retaining feature on the inner side of the side wall;wherein the air sieve comprises: at least one coupling feature configured to couple to the at least one retaining and locating feature to facilitate locating and retaining the air sieve on an inner side of the side wall;a first annular part comprising a sealing seat configured to an area of the first side wall that includes the perforation;a second annular part comprising a plurality of channels configured to allow air circulation;wherein the first annular part is raised relative to the second annular part; andwherein the first annular part and the second annular part are configured to define an annular channel, the annular channel configured to allow air circulation from the plurality of channels to the perforation.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the container comprises a bag.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the bag is made of silicone.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one coupling feature comprises two protrusions integrally formed with the sidewall.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the at least one coupling feature comprises two coupling holes configured to fit onto the two protrusions.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the air sieve is made as a single piece.