HK1114588A - Storage bag with fluid separator - Google Patents

Description

Storage bag with fluid separator

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to storage containers and, more particularly, to flexible thermoplastic storage bags designed to be sealed and evacuated. The invention is particularly applicable in the field of food storage.

Background

Storage bags are commonly used for various purposes, such as storing food items. These storage bags are typically made of a flexible, low cost, thermoplastic material that defines an interior volume into which food items can be placed. To preserve the inserted food, the storage bag may also include a dedicated closure mechanism, such as interlocking fastening strips, for sealing closed the opening through which the interior volume can be accessed.

One problem with the aforementioned storage bags is that potential air may remain within the interior volume after sealing closed the opening. The residual air may cause spoilage or dehydration of the food product. To remove the residual air, it is known to provide a one-way valve element or other evacuation device in communication with the interior volume. The one-way valve element allows for evacuation of residual air while preventing air from entering the interior volume from the surrounding volume. The one-way valve element can be actuated in various ways, such as by applying compressive pressure to the flexible sidewall to force air out of the interior volume, or by engaging a nozzle of a vacuum source with or around the one-way valve element to draw air from the interior volume.

Typically, the stored food items contain fluids or juices that may be drawn into and thereby contaminate the valve element during evacuation. It will be appreciated that a contaminated valve element may cause hygiene problems and may not function properly. In addition, fluids or juices may also be drawn into the vacuum source through the valve element or expelled to the outside, causing additional hygiene or operational problems. The storage bag of the present invention eliminates these and other problems.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides a storage bag configured with a separator that separates fluids and juices from air being evacuated through a one-way valve element. The valve element communicates with the interior volume via the separator such that evacuating air must pass through the separator. By removing fluids and juices from the evacuating air before the air passes through the one-way valve element, contamination of the valve element is avoided.

In one aspect of the invention, the separator is constructed as an additional piece of flexible material that sealingly connects the valve element to the smooth sidewall of the storage bag. The flexible separator is adjustable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. In the collapsed position, the valve element is generally in the plane of the sidewall to enable compact stacking and folding of multiple bags. In the expanded position, the separator expands to define a chamber that lifts the valve element from the sidewall or separates the valve element from the sidewall. As air is drawn through the chamber, fluids and juices are separated from the evacuating air by gravity, condense together, and return to the interior volume.

An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a storage bag that prevents contamination of the one-way valve element by separating fluid from evacuating air. Another advantage is that, in one aspect, the bag including the separator is made of a flexible material that allows the bag to collapse and fold up for compact packaging during dispensing. These and other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage bag designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention having a one-way valve element and a separator for separating fluids and juices from evacuating air.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view through the valve element and separator acting through a nozzle during evacuation, taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1, with the separator shown in an expanded position.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view through the valve element and the separator, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1, with the separator shown in the collapsed position.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a storage bag having a one-way valve element and a separator for separating fluids and juices from evacuating air.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view through the valve element and separator acting through a nozzle during evacuation taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4, the separator shown in an expanded position.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view through the valve element and the separator, taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4, with the separator shown in the collapsed position.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a storage bag taken through the valve element and separator during evacuation through a nozzle, the separator shown in an expanded position.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the storage bag shown in FIG. 7 taken through the valve element and the separator, the separator shown in the collapsed position.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a storage bag having a one-way valve element and a separator for separating fluids and juices from evacuating air, wherein the separator is provided by forming opposing Z-folds in the sidewall of the bag.

Fig. 10 is a detail view of the indicated portion of fig. 9, showing the arrangement of the opposing Z folds.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view through the valve element and the separator, taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 9, with the separator shown in the collapsed position.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view through the valve element and the separator as taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 9, the separator shown in the expanded position.

Detailed Description

Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 a storage bag 100 for storing items such as food items. In the illustrated embodiment, the storage bag 100 is made from a first sidewall 102 and an opposing second sidewall 104, the second sidewall 104 covering the first sidewall to define an interior volume 106 therebetween. The first and second sidewalls 102, 104 are joined along a first side edge 110, a parallel or non-parallel second side edge 112, and a closed bottom edge 114 extending between the first and second side edges. The first and second sidewalls 102, 104 are preferably made of a flexible or pliable thermoplastic material formed or drawn into a smooth, thin-walled sheet. Examples of suitable thermoplastic materials include high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, nylon, polyester, polyamide, ethylene vinyl alcohol, and may be formed in a single layer or multiple layers. The thermoplastic material may be transparent, translucent, opaque, or colored. Furthermore, the material for the side walls may be a gas impermeable material. The sidewalls 102, 104 may be joined along the first and second side edges 110, 112 and the bottom edge 114 by any suitable process, such as, for example, heat sealing.

To access the interior volume 106, the top edges 120, 122 of the first and second sidewalls 102, 104 opposite the bottom edge 114 remain un-joined to define an opening 124. To seal closed the opening 124, first and second interlocking fastening strips 126, 128 may be mounted to the inner surfaces of the respective first and second sidewalls 102, 104. First and second fastening strips 126, 128 extend generally between the first and second side edges 110, 112, parallel to the top edges 120, 122 and spaced below the top edges 120, 122. In other embodiments, the bag 100 may include a movable slider straddling the fastening strips 126, 128 to facilitate closing and opening of the opening 124. In other embodiments, instead of fastening strips, the first and second sidewalls may be configured with a pressure sensitive or cold seal adhesive (such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,149,304, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), heat seal, or a patch to seal the open top edge.

To evacuate the bag of potential or residual air after the opening has been sealed closed, a one-way valve element 130 is provided in communication with the interior volume 106. In one embodiment, the one-way valve element 130 is configured to open under an applied pressure differential, thereby allowing air to escape from the interior volume 106, and to close after the pressure differential is removed or reduced, thereby preventing ambient air from entering the interior volume. According to the invention, the one-way valve element is connected to the rest of the bag via a separator for separating fluids and juices from evacuating air.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the separator 132 is formed from a piece of extra material in the shape of a thin-walled dome 134, the thin-walled dome 134 being joined to the first sidewall 102 along its base and projecting outwardly therefrom. A thin-walled dome 134 of additional material surrounds and defines an enclosed chamber 136 in communication with the interior volume 106. The valve element 130 is sealingly engaged to the top of the dome 134 and is thereby connected to the first sidewall 102 and spaced from the first sidewall 102.

Referring to fig. 2, air drawn or forced from the interior volume 106 must pass through the chamber 136 to reach the valve element 130 and escape through the valve element 130. In the chamber 136, fluids and juices entrained in the air evacuated from the interior volume are removed by gravity separation and returned to the interior volume 106. More specifically, during evacuation, the pressure, velocity, and generally vertical direction of the air drawn or forced through the chamber 136 interact to concentrate the fluids and juices into droplets that may remain in the chamber and return to the interior volume 106 under the influence of gravity. These further contribute to the point described above, since the fluid is more dense than air and the resulting concentrated droplets cannot pass through the chamber. Additionally, contacting the evacuating air generally along the inner surface of the sidewalls 102, 104 and diverting the evacuating air along the inner surface of the additional material comprising the separator 132 toward the valve element 130 facilitates separation and concentration of fluids and juices. Thus, the evacuating air that actually passes through the valve element 130 is relatively free of fluids and juices in liquid or droplet form, thereby preventing contamination of the valve element. The size and shape of the chamber 136 may be optimized relative to the shape of the interior volume 106, the first sidewall 102, and the valve element 130 to maximize the separation of fluids and juices.

Referring to fig. 2 and 3, to allow for the folding and packaging of the storage bag 100, the separator 132 is preferably adjustable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. The separator 132 may be made of the same or similar flexible or pliable material as the first or second sidewalls 102, 104. When the bag 100 is placed on a generally flat surface, the separators 132 may collapse from the dome shape and bunch or fold together around the valve element 130 so that the valve element lies generally within the plane of the first sidewall 102, as shown in FIG. 3. When the separator 132 is in the collapsed position, the chamber is substantially eliminated. Thus, the first and second sidewalls 102, 104 are generally parallel and may be pressed together to eliminate the interior volume 106 and flatten the bag 100. It will be appreciated that a plurality of flat bags may be compactly stacked one on top of the other for packaging and distribution.

In one embodiment, to "bounce" the separator 132 and thereby place the separator in its expanded position, referring back to FIG. 2, a pressure differential is applied across the first sidewall 102, adjacent the valve element 130. The pressure differential may be generated by the same vacuum source used to evacuate air from the bag 100 or by a different vacuum source. Specifically, a generally tubular nozzle 140 is placed against the first sidewall 102, generally surrounding the valve element 130 and the separator 132. A first end of the nozzle 140 may be pressed against the first sidewall 102 while a second end of the nozzle is in communication with a vacuum source. When the vacuum source is activated, the pressure differential between the interior volume 106 and the nozzle 140 causes the separator 132 to expand and protrude from the first sidewall 102 in the shape of the thin-walled dome 134. The expanding separator 132 defines a chamber 136 that raises or separates the valve element 130 from the first sidewall 102, where separation of fluids and juices from evacuating air occurs. After evacuation of the interior volume 106, as the pressure differential is reduced or eliminated, the valve element 130 will close and the nozzle 140 may be removed. After the nozzle is removed, the separator 132 may be collapsed by vacuum from inside the bag or by external manual pressure forcing residual air in the chamber 136 back into the interior volume. In other applications, it will be appreciated that, in addition to utilizing a nozzle and an attached vacuum source, evacuation of the interior volume can occur by manually pressing the first and second sidewalls together thereby forcing air into and expanding the separator.

Referring to fig. 2 and 3, the additional material for the separator 132 is preferably provided by the same sheet of material as that used for the first sidewall 102. For example, the compliant material of the first sidewall 102 may be stamped, thermoformed, or otherwise deformed or formed into a dome shape 134 that provides the separator 132. Accordingly, the separator 132 is integral with the first sidewall 102 and may also be made of any suitable thermoplastic material, such as high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, and may be formed in a single layer or in multiple layers.

Referring to fig. 4, another embodiment of the storage bag 200 is shown in which the separator 232 has a generally tubular shape and is formed separately from the material of the first sidewall 102. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the separator 232 is formed as a cylindrical tubular sleeve 250 of flexible or pliable thin-walled material extending between a flanged base 252 and a closed cap 254. The sleeve 250 may be made of any suitable material including, for example, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl acetate and may be formed in a single layer or multiple layers. Also, the type of material may be the same or different than the type of material used for the first and second sidewalls 202, 204. The tubular sleeve 250 defines and encloses the chamber 236, as described above, in which chamber 236 separation of fluids and juices from evacuating air can occur. The one-way valve element 230 is sealingly engaged to the closure cap 254 to communicate with the chamber 236.

To operably engage the tubular separator 232 with the remainder of the bag 200, an aperture 238 is disposed through the first sidewall 202 to access the interior volume 206. The flanged base 252 is then placed against the first sidewall 202 such that the aperture 238 is aligned with the chamber 236 and the one-way valve element 230 is spaced from the first sidewall. Any suitable material may be used to join the flanged base 252 to the first sidewall 202, including, for example, an adhesive or a heat seal. The air evacuated from the interior volume 206 then passes through the aperture 238 into the chamber 236 where separation occurs and out through the valve element 230.

Referring to fig. 5 and 6, the tubular separator 232 is preferably configured to be switchable between an expanded position and a collapsed position for simplified packaging and distribution. As shown in fig. 6, in the collapsed position, the additional material comprising the tubular sleeve 250 bunches around the valve element 230 generally adjacent the first sidewall 202. When the separator 232 is in the collapsed position, the chamber 236 is substantially eliminated. Additionally, the first sidewall 202 may be flattened against the second sidewall 204 to substantially eliminate the internal volume.

Referring to fig. 5, to expand the separator 232 and regenerate the chamber 236, a pressure differential is applied across the first sidewall 202 proximate the valve element 230. The pressure differential may be created by applying a nozzle 240 mounted to a vacuum generating device around the valve element 230. When the vacuum generating device is actuated, evacuation air drawn through the aperture 238 expands the separator 232 into the tubular sleeve 250, thereby lifting the valve element 230 away from the first sidewall 202 and spaced apart from the first sidewall 202. Thus, fluids and juices entrained in the evacuating air may be separated within the chamber 236 by the process described above before the air is expelled through the one-way valve element 230.

As shown in the embodiment of fig. 5 and 6, the bag 200 may include other features to facilitate evacuation of air from the interior volume 206. For example, the inner surface of the second sidewall 204 may include a plurality of elongated ribs 260 protruding toward the first sidewall 202. The ribs 260 define a plurality of channels 262, which channels 262 may extend in any suitable pattern, partially or completely across the interior surface of the bag 200. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the inclusion of the channel 262 may direct air from various regions within the bag 200 to the valve element 230 during evacuation. Further, the channels 262 are preferably sized so that the flexible material comprising the sidewalls 202, 204 does not block the channels or impede the flow of air toward the valve even when the sidewalls are collapsed together. Of course, it should be further appreciated that the channels 262 may alternatively be defined by grooves formed in the inner surface in lieu of ribs. Additionally, the channel 262 may be defined in either or both sidewalls.

Fig. 7 and 8 illustrate another embodiment of a storage bag 300 in which a separator 332 is shaped as a bellows 334 and is formed separately from the material of the first sidewall 302. The bellows 334 is a generally cylindrical, thin-walled tube having an open flanged base 350 and an opposing closed cap 352. The tubular bellows 334 defines and encloses a chamber 336, in which chamber 336 separation of fluids and juices from evacuating air can occur as described above. The one-way valve element 330 is sealingly engaged to the end cap 352. A plurality of annular pleats 354 are formed in the tubular sidewall that allow the bellows 354 to expand and contract relative to the first sidewall 302. Bellows 334 may be made of any suitable material including, for example, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, and may be formed in a single layer or multiple layers.

To operatively connect the bellows and the remainder of the bag 300, the flanged base 350 is adjacent the first sidewall 302, surrounds the aperture 338 disposed in the first sidewall 302, and is attached to the first sidewall by adhesive or heat sealing. When the separator 332 is in the collapsed position, as shown in fig. 8, the chamber 336 is substantially eliminated and the valve element 330 is moved generally adjacent the first sidewall 302. The separator 332 is collapsed by folding together the annular pleats 354 creating the bellows 334. Moreover, the first and second sidewalls 302, 304 may be collapsed together to eliminate the interior volume 306. When the separator 332 is in the expanded position by expanding the bellows 334, as shown in fig. 7, a chamber 336 is created and lifts the valve element 332 away from the first sidewall 302 or spaced apart from the first sidewall 302. Air from the interior volume 306 may enter the chamber 336 through the aperture 338 where the fluids and juices are separated in the manner described above in the chamber 336. The air may then exit the chamber 336 through the one-way valve element 330. To expand the separator 332 to enlarge the chamber 336, a pressure differential may be applied across the first sidewall 302 by applying a nozzle 340 in communication with a vacuum source around the separator and valve element 330.

Referring to fig. 9 and 10, another embodiment of a storage bag 400 is shown in which the separator is integrally formed with the first sidewall. In the illustrated embodiment, the bag 400 is manufactured by joining together a first sidewall 402 and a second sidewall 404 along a sealed first side edge 410, a parallel sealed second side edge 412, and a closed bottom edge 414 extending between the first and second side edges to define an interior volume 406. To access the interior volume 406, the top edges 420, 422 of the first and second sidewalls 402, 404 are not joined together, thereby providing an opening 424.

As shown in fig. 9, 10, 11, and 12, to create the separator 432, first and second opposing Z-folds 450, 452 are formed in the first sidewall 402 and extend generally parallel to one another between the first and second side edges 410, 412. The first and second Z-folds 450, 452 are arranged to provide parallel, contiguous first and second bends 454, 456 and are interconnected by a continuous strip of material 458 that is spaced slightly from the plane of the first sidewall 402 by the Z-fold. The adjoining bends 454, 456 are located below the strip 458 of material. Two parallel spaced-apart sealing strips 460, 462 are formed in the strip 458 approximately midway between the first and second side edges 410, 412 to delineate the protruding square-shaped separator 432. The separator 432 encloses and defines an expandable and collapsible chamber 436 in which separation of fluids and juices from evacuating air can occur. The one-way valve element 430 is sealingly engaged to the separator 432 to communicate with the chamber 436.

Referring to fig. 11 and 12, it can be appreciated that during evacuation of the interior volume, air must pass between abutting bends 454, 456 of Z-folds 450, 452 to enter separator 432. Once in the separator 432, the evacuating air will expand the chamber 436 by slightly lifting the strip 458 with respect to the adjoining bends 454, 456. Fluids and juices can be separated from the evacuating air inside the expanded chamber 436 in the manner described above, and the fluids and juices can return to the interior volume 406 while the air is evacuated through the one-way valve element 430.

The one-way valve elements 130, 230, 330, 430 may have any suitable design. For example, referring to the embodiment shown in fig. 9, the one-way valve element 430 includes a flexible base layer 470, the flexible base layer 470 cooperating with an elastomeric top layer 472 to open and close the valve element. The base and top layers 470, 472 can be made of any suitable material, such as, for example, thermoplastic film or the like. The hole 474 is disposed through the center of the base layer 470, thereby providing a base layer having a ring shape. The top layer 472 is stretched taut over the base layer 470 and is adhered to the base layer 470 by parallel adhesive strips 476 extending along either side of the apertures 474, thereby covering the apertures with the top layer and forming channels between the adhesive strips. The base layer 470 and top layer 472 are then adhered over the holes disposed through the separator 432 for accessing the chamber 436.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that when a pressure differential is created across the valve element 430, the top layer 472 will partially separate from the base layer 470, thereby creating a channel or space between the base layer 470 and the top layer 472. Air escaping the interior chamber 436 may enter the channel between the base layer 470 and the top layer 472, thereby escaping into the environment. Of course, in other embodiments, the one-way valve element may have a different configuration. For example, in another embodiment, the base layer 470 is eliminated and is not part of the valve element. In other embodiments, the valve element may be a rigid body with a translating valve disc that opens and closes an aperture disposed through the body.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims (23)

1. A storage bag, comprising:

a flexible sidewall providing an interior volume;

a one-way valve element in communication with the interior volume; and

a separator having a one-way valve element sealingly connected to the sidewall.

2. The storage bag of claim 1, wherein the separator is adjustable between a collapsed position and an expanded position, the separator spacing the sidewall from the valve element in the expanded position.

3. The storage bag of claim 2, wherein in the expanded position, the separator defines a chamber communicating between the interior volume and the valve element.

4. The storage bag of claim 1, wherein the separator is formed as a thin-walled dome having a base portion engaged with the sidewall and a top portion engaged with the valve element.

5. The storage bag of claim 1, wherein the separator is formed as a generally tubular sleeve having a first end engaged with the sidewall and a second end engaged with the valve element.

6. The storage bag of claim 1 wherein the separator is formed as an expanding and contracting bellows having a first end engaged with the sidewall and a second end engaged with the valve element.

7. The storage bag of claim 1, wherein the separator is constructed of a flexible material.

8. The storage bag of claim 1, wherein the separator is integrally formed from the sidewall material.

9. The storage bag of claim 1, wherein the separator is separately formed and mounted to the sidewall.

10. The storage bag of claim 9, wherein the separator is attached to the sidewall by heat sealing.

11. The storage bag of claim 9, wherein the separator is mounted to the sidewall by an adhesive.

12. The storage bag of claim 1, wherein the opening is formed in the sidewall for accessing the interior volume.

13. The storage bag of claim 12, further comprising first and second interlocking closure strips mounted to the inner surface of the sidewall proximate the opening.

14. The storage bag of claim 1, wherein the first and second sidewalls comprise a gas impermeable material.

15. The storage bag of claim 1, wherein the sidewall is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of: high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, nylon, polyester, polyamide, and ethylene vinyl alcohol.

16. The storage bag of claim 1, wherein at least one sidewall includes a plurality of channels that allow air to advance toward the valve element.

17. The storage bag of claim 1, wherein the first and second Z-folds are formed in the side walls and are interconnected by a strip of material spaced from the side walls.

18. The storage bag of claim 17, wherein the first seal and the second seal are disposed across the first and second Z-folds and across the strip, and the separator is provided by the first and second Z-folds between the first and second seals and a portion of the strip.

19. The storage bag of claim 18, wherein the first and second opposing Z-folds form contiguous first and second bends between the first sidewall and the strap.

20. The storage bag of claim 1, further comprising a second sidewall joined to the sidewall to provide the interior volume, the sidewall joined along a first side edge, a parallel second side edge, and a closed bottom edge, the top edges of the sidewalls being unjoined to form an opening for accessing the interior volume.

21. A method of evacuating a storage bag, comprising:

providing a bag comprising an interior volume, an opening for accessing the interior volume, a one-way valve element in communication with the interior volume, and a separator sealingly connecting the valve element to the interior volume;

closing the opening;

transferring air from the interior volume to the separator;

separating the fluid from the air in a separator; and

air is evacuated from the separator through the valve element.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising the step of expanding a chamber defined by the separator when the air is transferred to the separator.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the step of separating the fluid from the air is performed by gravity separation.