WO2024091130A1

WO2024091130A1 - A magnetically sealable bag

Info

Publication number: WO2024091130A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2023/050114
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Wayne DE FRANCE
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-10-27
Filing date: 2023-10-26
Publication date: 2024-05-02
Anticipated expiration: 2025-04-27
Also published as: GB2639160A; AU2023366637A1; GB202505333D0

Abstract

There is disclosed herein a bag (1) having a closed end (2) and an open end (3), and an at least partially flexible wall (5) extending between the closed and open ends to define a pocket (6) therebetween. The wall having an inside surface and an outside surface and opposing first and second locking areas on the inside surface adjacent the open end. The locking areas securing one or more flexible magnetic strips (12,26) on both sides to form a magnetic closure of the open end. The magnetic strips having matching attracting polarity providing one way magnetic flow, so that in use, the magnetic strips create a self-closing and self-locking magnetic closure to seal the bag.

Description

A Magnetically Sealable Bag

FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a bag, container and/or receptacle. In particular, the invention relates to a bag, container and/or receptacle having a magnetic seal.

[0002] The invention has been developed primarily for use with plastic bags and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use and may also be employed in other applications involving the sealing of objects.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Bags, containers and/or receptacles are commonly used to carry and/or store objects of various sizes and porosity. Typically, a bag or the like has a closed end and an open end separated by an elongate, partially flexible, wall. The ends and wall, defining a pocket into which objects are placed by a user through the open end.

[0004] As the bag is transported between locations, having an open end is not ideal as the objects can exit the pocket. Accordingly, various mechanisms have been developed to close the open end once the objects are in the pocket. Such mechanisms could include a zipper, press studs, buttons, ties, hook and loop fasteners, snap lock fasteners and the like.

[0005] One problem with such mechanisms is that they leave a considerable quantity of air within the pocket once sealing has taken place. Fruit and vegetables, for example, have enzymes in their tissue and outer layers. These enzymes break down when coming into contact with air. This leftover air therefore often affects the lifespan of objects left within the pocket.

[0006] Further, existing mechanisms require significant dexterity to close and seal the open end securely and completely. It is not always easy to close snap lock fasteners fully and across the entire length of the opening. Often part of the snap lock is not fully sealed which leaves a space for air, animals and bacteria to enter the pocket over time and food to be spoilt or eaten. [0007] Yet further, existing mechanisms are not self-closing and self-locking. This would be advantageous for all individuals but particularly the elderly, children and disabled users.

SUMMARY

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more of the disadvantages of existing arrangements, or at least provide a useful alternative to existing arrangements.

[0009] There is disclosed herein a bag having a closed end and an open end, and an at least partially flexible wall extending between the closed and open ends to define a pocket therebetween; the wall having an inside surface and an outside surface and opposing first and second locking areas on the inside surface adjacent the open end, the locking areas securing one or more flexible magnetic strips on both sides to form a magnetic closure fully closing said open end; the magnetic strips having matching attracting polarity providing one way magnetic flow, so that in use, the magnetic strips create a self-closing and self-locking magnetic closure to seal said bag.

[00010] Preferably, the magnetic closure is a continuous magnetic closure across the open end.

[00011] Preferably, the magnetic strips located on the inside surface in use draws the opening together to a sealed configuration.

[00012] Preferably, each magnetic strip defines a generally parallel plane, the planes being parallel when in the sealed configuration.

[00013] Preferably, the volume of air inside the pocket changes the angle of the planes with respect to each other moving the planes between being generally flat to a generally acute angle to allow air from the pocket to be exhausted from the pocket to create a near vacuum within said pocket once in the sealed configuration.

[00014] Preferably the closed end has rounded comers. [00015] Preferably the magnetic strip width normal to a longitudinal length is about 25mm.

[00016] Preferably, the magnetic strips are welded into corners of said inside surface to provide an airtight seal.

[00017] Preferably, the bag includes one of more holes adjacent the open end to facilitate hanging of the bag.

[00018] Preferably, the bag includes a vacuum pump adjacent the open end to facilitate vacating air from said bag.

[00019] Preferably, one or both magnetic strips are made up of a series of pole segments which lay side by side along a longitudinal length of said strip(s).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00020] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference signs designate like parts and in which:

[00021] Figure 1 shows a front view of a bag of an embodiment of the present invention in cross section;

[00022] Figure 2 shows an exploded front view of a corner of the upper left seal area of Figure 1.

[00023] Figure 3A shows a cross section of the bag at the location as depicted in Figure 1 through the opposing magnet strips (closed).

[00024] Figure 3B Shows the same cross section of figure 3A only with the flexible magnet strips pulled away from each other to allow objects to be inserted or retrieved (open).

[00025] Figure 4 shows a cross section of the bag in a location as shown in Figure 1 where a first bag layer and a second bag layer are joined, bonded, fused at the outside edge. [00026] Figure 5A depicts a cross section of the bag of Figure 1 at the openable edge depicting the magnets bonded to the bag layers and the magnets touching one another to create a seal.

[00027] Figure 5B depicts an alternate arrangement of the openable portion of the bag whereby the bag material seals in direct contact to opposing bag material and the magnets are within or on the opposite sides of the bag material.

[00028] Figure 5C depicts an alternate embodiment where there is more than one set of opposing magnetic strips to create a seal.

[00029] Figure 6 depicts a bag embodiment where there is opaque and or colored material at the top open a bowl part of the bag which is different than and bonded too the bag material forming the bag pocket.

[00030] Figure 7A depicts an embodiment where the seal area features one or more irregular elements or linear protrusions and opposite matching recesses whereby the surface area at the seal can be increased.

[00031] Figure 7B depicts the same embodiment of figure 7 A only with a slight separation at the seal two better illustrate the opposing and matching irregularities.

[00032] Figure 8A depicts the bag assembly with a first color add substantially the top operable openable edge.

[00033] Figure 8B depicts the same bag assembly with a second color at substantially the top openable edge.

[00034] Figure 8C depicts the same bag example with a third color at the top open a ball edge.

[00035] Figures 9A through 9D depict the substantial vacuum creation in operation. Figure 9A depicts a bag assembly in cross section with an object within (i.e. fruit), and a substantial volume of air within the bag.

[00036] Figure 9B depicts a compressing and rolling operation whereby air is expelled from the bag. [00037] Figure 9C depicts further rolling of the object further expelling air from the bag.

[00038] Figure 9D depicts straightening or unrolling the bag with the object inside depicting A substantial vacuum or a substantially decreased volume of air inside the bag with the object.

[00039] Figure 10A depicts the bag operation self- sealing property where the open tabletop is manually pulled apart to insert an object within.

[00040] Figure 10B depicts the same bag as figure 10A only with the object inside the bag and the opposite and attracting magnetic strips affecting a self-closing operation.

[00041] Figure 11A depicts an alternate embodiment of the bag assembly with at least one hole or grommet to facilitate hanging of the bag.

[00042] Figure 1 IB depicts the same bag as figure 11 A only in section and with a hanging method such as a hook inserted through the hole or grommet at the top of the bag.

[00043] Figure 12 depicts the same bag assembly of figure 11A and 11B hung inside and on the top perimeter edge of a typical shopping basket.

[00044] Figure 13 depicts the first bag assembly and a second bag assembly hanging inside a pot of boiling water.

[00045] Figure 14 depicts a bag assembly utilizing a porous or net material for the bag pocket area.

[00046] Figure 15A depicts an alternate embodiment of the bag assembly with an integral vacuum pump shown schematically at the top of the bag.

[00047] Figure 15B depicts the same bag as figure 15A with a bulb type simple vacuum pump integral to the bag drawn isometrically.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [00048] In the Figures there is shown, a bag 1 having closed ends 2 and an open end 3. An at least partially flexible wall 5 extending between the closed and open ends 2,3 to define a pocket 6 therebetween. The wall 5 has an inside surface 8 and an outside surface 9 and opposing first and second locking areas 10,11 on the inside surface 8 adjacent the open end 3. The locking areas 10,11 secure one or more flexible magnetic strips 12 on both opposing sides to form a magnetic closure. The magnetic strips 12 have matching attracting polarities providing one-way magnetic flow A, so that in use, the magnetic strips 12 attract each other creating a self-closing and self-locking magnetic closure to seal the bag 1.

[00049] In the preferred form, the magnetic closure is a continuous magnetic closure across the open end 3. The magnetic strips 12 draw the open end 3 together to a sealed configuration. Though shown in the figures as a continuous strip, it should be appreciated that the magnetic strips 12 may be formed of multiple strips per side either horizontally or vertically or even a combination so long as the polarities are correctly matched. The magnetic strips 12 could also be formed in various non-uniform shapes again so long as the polarities on opposing sides match to draw the magnetic strips 12 together. The magnetic strips 12 would preferably have a width of about 25mm. It should however be appreciated that other widths may be possible as well as varying widths along the open end 3.

[00050] In a preferred form, each magnetic strip 12 defines a generally parallel plane XX. The planes XX being parallel when in the sealed configuration (Figure 3A). The volume of air inside the pocket 6 changes the angle Y of the planes XX with respect to each other moving the planes XX between being generally flat to a generally acute angle Y (Figure 3B) to allow air from the pocket 6 to be exhausted from the pocket 6 to create a near vacuum within said pocket 6 once in the sealed configuration. As the magnetic strips 12 are located on the inside wall of the bag 1, the magnetic strips 12 are drawn together in use.

[00051] As best seen in Figure 1 and in front views thereafter, the closed end 2 has rounded comers 17. The magnetic strips 12 are welded at edges 18 into the comer sides of the inside surface 8 to provide an airtight seal.

[00052] In use, magnets have two ends or sides which are commonly called the north and sole poles or positive and negative. When two magnets come close to each other, if the north and south pole are closest together, they will attract each other, and the two magnets will connect to each other. If the two poles are the same (for example, south and south) then the magnets will repel each other and the magnets will be pushed apart. Each magnet has a magnetic field which pulls objects towards it. When using the flat magnetic strip 12, the magnetic field is also flattened, and the field area is directed narrowly. In the present invention, both magnetic strips 12 must be matched with attracting polarity to maintain a perfect set. This is ensured by having the magnetic strips 12 a predetermined width, shape and size.

[00053] In a preferred embodiment, the flexible magnetic strips 12 are made up of a series of pole segments (+ & -) which lay side by side over the width and down the length of a sheet of magnets. These pole segments are preferably 2mm wide along a longitudinal length. They can, however, be any width that functions in the required manner. Narrow magnet strips 12 don’t have the holding power to maintain a good seal and would open easily due to the lack of poles in the width of the magnet. The vertical strip width of 25mm (normal to the longitudinal length) both holds together and is flexible enough to be able to let the air out of the pocket 6 if required. The longitudinal length can be various sizes for the bag size; sandwich, medium, large or the like. Again, any size could be utilized if it achieves the function required, however considerable testing has achieved the optimum width.

[00054] In some forms, the bag could include colour coding for different products. See for example, Figures 8A to 8C. For example, green for vegetables, red for meat, white for bread/pastries. Users associate colour coding with food products and this could be found in other kitchen products, hence having a coloured section at the open end 3 to indicate such and still leaving a clear section of the bag to view the contents. By including a colour strip, the magnetic strips 12 can also be hidden from view.

[00055] The bag 1, in the preferred form, is constructed using a combination of High Frequency (HF) welding both to activate an adhesive (eg. glue) to adhere / fuse hand grips (not shown) onto the magnetic strips 12 and the clear panels. The magnetic strips 12 are attached to the inside surface of the wall by use of an adhesive. One preferred adhesive used is a dry glue film activated by HF / heat. The magnetic strips 12 have a PVC coating. Inherently PVC does not fuse well so a substrate can be used. In another form, a lamination of urethane on the back of the magnetic strip could be used to replace the PVC therefore mitigating the need for an additional adhesive. During construction it is imperative that the magnetic strip polarities are matched. This can be difficult to do correctly while using adhesives and different shaped magnets. [00056] The bag 1 operates by the way of a manual opening with the parting of the front and rear large hand grips (not shown) to expose the open end 3. Holding onto one lockable portion 10, and pulling the opposite second lockable portion 11, a user simply places items into bag 66. The user would release their grip and the bag 1 will close on its own as the magnetic strips 12 attract each other together to create an airtight seal. See figures 10A and 10B, for example.

[00057] In one embodiment, a corrugated seal could be included on the inside surface to maximise seal area and provide a better seal. See figures 7A, 7B for example.

[00058] In another embodiment, the bag 1 could include a manual press button arrangement to act as a vacuum pump or the like to further enhance the seal. See figures 15A, B for example.

[00059] Once the objects are placed in the pocket 6, the magnetic strips 12 on either side of the open end 3 start to draw together naturally/automatically, creating a seal at the openable portion of the bag. To expel the air within the pocket 6, one need only to press down or roll the object in the bag, thus expelling the internal air by air pressure in between the magnets, “burping” the air out. By expelling the air within the pocket 6 the life of food products, for example, can be kept fresher and their life can be extended. Once sealed, air will not re-enter the bag due to the action of the magnetic closure. The bag 1 in a sealed configuration can be rolled up to reduce its size and still maintain its effectiveness and closure. The bag 1 in a preferred form would be multi-use as a dry bag, wet bag, freezer bag, or a vacuum bag.

[00060] The figures, in a preferred embodiment, will now be discussed in further detail. Figure 1 shows a front view of a bag 1 of an embodiment of the present invention, with three different cross sections of the bag as well as an area to be exploded in a later Figure 2. The bag is comprised of essentially two layers of preferably translucent and substantially air and watertight material such as any number of flexible plastics, with closure affected by a first magnetic strip 12, and an opposed second magnetic strip directly under/opposite of the first magnetic strip 12, at an openable end 3. The other sides of the bag are closed 2, by bonding the first flexible layer to the second flexible layer at approximately the perimeter edge except for a defined openable area 3 which maybe closed or opened via magnetic strip 12. Where the magnetic strip 12 occurs it is substantially bonded on four sides or the perimeter edge including a thickened perimeter edge 18 which encapsulates the ends 25 of the elongated magnetic strip 12. The pocket area 6 is formed by a perimeter boundary comprised of welded or bonded edges 5 and an openable area 3 sealed by magnetic strip 12. The magnet strip 12 is sealed 73 along the openable edge to one layer of material 24 only and not two, so that the assembly can open and close. Preferably one layer of the material 24 features a depression 71 separate of the second layer 23 which depression facilitates grasping the two layers independently. Preferably the comers opposite the magnetic sealed opening are rounded 17. The lockable area for the first layer 10 is shown over the lockable area for the second layer 11.

[00061] Figure 2 shows an exploded front view of a corner of the upper left seal area of Figure 1. This shows the thickened bonded area 18 continuing past the magnet strip 12 from the bonded bag wall area 5. The bonding 73 of the magnet strip 12 to a first layer of bag material 24. The edge of the magnet 25 is shown as a dotted line within the thickened bonded or a welded area 18.

[00062] Figure 3A shows a cross section of the bag at the location as depicted in Figure 1 through the opposing magnet strips. This figure depicts a first magnet strip 12 and in opposite and separate magnet strip 26 which polarity is oppositely matched so that the magnet strips create an attractive force to substantially seal the opening. The bonded or attached area 27 is shown between the first layer 28 and the second layer 29 of bag material.

[00063] Figure 3B shows the same cross section of figure 3A only with the flexible magnet strips pulled away from each other to allow objects to be inserted or retrieved. The opening 30 created between a first magnetic strip 12 bonded along its length to the bag material 28, and an opposing magnetic strip 26 bonded along its length to a second layer of bag material 29, and an acute angle 22 (Y) where the flexible magnetic strips 12 and 26 transition from contact to opening. The thickened bonded area 27 depicts where the two layers are joined together including an overlap at the ends of the magnet strips to create an effective seal even at the ends.

[00064] Figure 4 shows a cross section of the bag in a location as shown in Figure 1 where a first bag layer 28 and a second bag layer 29 are joined/bonded/fused 27 at the outside edge, leading an acute angle 22 which aligns with the same geometry at the opening magnetic portion of the bag assembly. The inner pocket area is shown 6.

[00065] Figure 5A depicts a cross section of the bag of Figure 1 at the openable edge depicting the magnets bonded to the bag layers and the magnets touching one another to create a seal. This is comprised of a first layer of bag material 28, a second layer of bad material 29, the first magnetic strip 12 and a second magnetic strip 26. Continuous bonding 72 between the second bag material, and the second magnet strip 26, as well as an alternate arrangement of a discontinuous bonding 74 between the first magnet strip 12 and the first layer of bag material 28. There is a gap 30 between the first and second layers of bag material, and the unbonded area below the magnetic strips forms the bag pocket area 6. The magnet strips are in direct contact with one another along the line 39. This figure also shows the lockable portion/area of a first bag layer 10, adjacent to a lockable portion/area of a second bag layer 11.

[00066] Figure 5B depicts an alternate arrangement of the openable portion of the bag whereby the bag material seals in direct contact to opposing bag material and the magnets are within or on the opposite sides of the bag material. Within this embodiment the magnetic strips are not in direct contact with one another, rather the opposing bag materials are in direct contact with one another along the line 40. Where the magnets may either be on the opposite side of the bag material as the first magnetic strip 12 is depicted, or encapsulated within one or more layers of bag material as the second magnetic strip 26 is depicted. This embodiment may simplify cleaning of the bag where only bag surfaces, and not magnet surfaces, are exposed.

[00067] Figure 5C depicts an alternate embodiment where there is more than one set of opposing magnetic strips to create a seal. A first magnetic strip 12 opposed to a second magnetic strip 26, joined along line 39, as well as a second pair of magnetic strips comprised of a third magnetic strip 31 and a fourth magnetic strip 34, forming essentially the same sealed assembly as Figure 5 A, only with more than one pair of magnetic strips.

[00068] Figure 6 depicts a bag embodiment where there is a first opaque and or colored material 33 at the top or openable edge, and a second opposing opaque or colored material 34 at the top or openable edge. Each of these opaque or colored materials are joined/bonded 75 to a corresponding bag material 35 and 36 and also joined continuously 72, or discontinuously 74, to opposing magnetic strips 12 and 26.

[00069] Figure 7 A depicts an embodiment where the seal area features one or more irregular elements or linear protrusions 37 and opposite matching recesses 38 whereby the surface area at the seal can be increased. There is a first layer of bag material 29 and an opposing second layer of bag material 28, as well as a first magnetic strip 12 and a second magnetic strip 26 as well as linear protrusions 37 and linear recesses 38 to match the protrusions. This also shows the separation 30 between two bag materials at the top and the separation forming the bag pocket 6 below.

[00070] Figure 7B depicts the same embodiment of figure 7 A only with a slight separation at the seal to better illustrate the opposing and matching irregularities.

[00071] Figure 8 A depicts the bag assembly 66 with a first color 41 at substantially the top of the operable openable edge.

[00072] Figure 8B depicts the same bag assembly 66 with a second color 42 at substantially the top openable edge.

[00073] Figure 8C depicts the same bag assembly 66 with a third color 43 at the top openable edge.

[00074] Figures 9A through 9D depict the substantial vacuum creation in operation. In these four figures there is no manual force needed to separate the magnetic strips (which are separated by air pressure), and no manual force needed to press the magnetic strips together (achieved by reverse polarities). Figure 9A depicts a bag assembly in cross section with an object 45 within (i.e. fruit), and a substantial volume of air 44 within the bag. The bag is comprised of a first layer of material 28 and a second layer of material 29 permanently closed at perimeter edges by bonding or joining 27, except at the openable area featuring a first magnetic strip 12 and a second magnetic strip 26 with opposite polarity to draw them together. The first magnetic force

47 is oppositely attracting a second magnetic force 46 which presses the first magnet 12 and the second magnet 26 together creating a substantial seal.

[00075] Figure 9B depicts the same assembly of Figure 9A, with an external compressing force

48 and a separate rolling force 49 (which can be used together or separately) (i.e. pressing down with your hand or rolling the bag with your hands), whereby air is expelled 50 from the bag assembly, via air pressure forces, which force the magnetic strips apart in a first force 52, and an opposite second force 53, creating a small gap/opening 54 between the opposing magnetic strips, allowing air to exhaust 51 out of the bag. [00076] Figure 9C depicts a continuation of pressing/rolling of the object 45 inside the bag, where by the inner air volume expelling 50 is reducing compared to volume in Figure 9B, which air continues to expel 51 from the bag.

[00077] Figure 9D depicts straightening or unrolling force 57 on the bag with the object 45 inside, depicting the first bag layer 28 and the second bag layer 29, now substantially adjacent to one another, whereby the remaining air volume 56 is significantly less than the larger internal air volume depicted in Figure 9A. Additionally, because there is no further air pressure forcing the first magnetic strip 12 away from the second magnetic strip 26 the first magnetic polarity 47 draws close to the second magnetic polarity force 46 creating a substantial seal which prevents air from returning 57 to the bag, thus creating and maintaining a substantial vacuum.

[00078] Figure 10A and 10B depict the self closing operation of the bag. Figure 10A depicts the bag assembly 66 with the top operable portion consisting of a first lockable area 10, and a second opposing lockable area 11, manually pulled open, to allow the insertion of an object 45 (i.e. fruit).

[00079] Figure 10B depicts the same bag as Figure 10A only with the object 45 (noted in dotted lines) inside the bag and the opposite and attracting magnetic strips affecting a self closing operation with a first magnetic force 46, attracted to the opposite magnetic force 47, thus closing the bag closed with a substantial seal with no manual effort required.

[00080] Figure 11 A depicts an alternate embodiment of the bag assembly 66 with at least one hole or grommet 60 to facilitate hanging of the bag.

[00081] Figure 11B depicts the same bag assembly 66 as Figure 11A only in section and with a hanging method such as a hook 61 inserted through the hole or grommet at the top of the bag.

[00082] Figure 12 depicts the same bag assembly 66 of figure 11A and 11B hung by hooks 61 inside and on the top perimeter edge of a typical shopping basket/cart 62.

[00083] Figure 13 depicts a first bag assembly 66 and a second bag assembly 67 hanging inside a pot 63 of boiling water over a heat source 64, showing the use of one or more heat resistant bags keeping their contained items separate from one another and yet heating concurrently. [00084] Figure 14 depicts a bag assembly 66 utilizing a porous/perf orated or net material 68 for the bag pocket area, as some food items prefer to be stored in a breathable medium. Preferably the perforations or net material has openings large enough for air/water to pass through but small enough to prevent ants/flies/pests to contact the food within.

[00085] Figure 15A depicts an alternate embodiment of the bag assembly 66 with an integral vacuum pump 69 shown schematically at the top of the bag. The assembly still utilizes a first bag layer 24, a second bag layer 23, and relief 71 to assist grasping the two layers independently, a thickened sealed area 18 which encapsulates the ends of the magnet 25 (depicted in dotted lines), and also seals around the vacuum pump 69 (preferably a simple bulb type vacuum pump) so that when the magnet strip 12 is closed the vacuum pump 69 in operation may only draw air 50 from the inner pocket area 6, and only expel air 51 outside the perimeter of the pocket enclosure. This embodiment allows a user another means to remove air and create a significant vacuum around the inner contents, by operating the integral vacuum pump.

[00086] Figure 15B depicts the same bag assembly 66 as figure 15A with a bulb type simple vacuum pump 70 integral to the bag drawn isometrically.

[00087] Advantageously, the bag assists people with hand impairments / disabilities and the like as the magnetic strips 12 create the closure action as they draw themselves together. There is no need for a user to physically close the open end 3. That is, self-closing and self-sealing.

[00088] The invention at least in a preferred embodiment advantageously achieves a seal with a strip of magnets approximately 6mm to 30mm in width. For example, multiple strips are 6mm to 30mm *i.e. 2x3mm or 2x15mm. This provides a substantially air and/or liquid tight opening of various bag sizes. The bag can be bonded using heat fusing, radio frequency welding, plastic solvent glue or the like. The bag material can be heat resistant silicone, BPA free food grade plastic. The openable portion can have embossed logos at top edge and holes/grommets to allow hook(s) for hanging. The magnetic seal allows opening/purging of air/liquid via gentle pressing of bag area. The bag can include a one way pump or valve to allow air out.

[00089] Although specific embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternative and/or equivalent implementations exist.

Claims

1 There is disclosed herein a bag having a closed end and an open end, and an at least partially flexible wall extending between the closed and open ends to define a pocket therebetween; the wall having an inside surface and an outside surface and opposing first and second locking areas on the inside surface adjacent the open end, the locking areas securing one or more flexible magnetic strips on both sides to form a magnetic closure fully closing said open end; the magnetic strips having matching attracting polarity providing one way magnetic flow, so that in use, the magnetic strips create a self-closing and self-locking magnetic closure to seal said bag.

2 The bag of claim 1, wherein the magnetic closure is a continuous magnetic closure across the open end.

3 The bag of claim 1, wherein the magnetic strips located on the inside surface in use draw the opening together to a sealed configuration.

4 The bag of claim 1, whereby each magnetic strip defines a generally parallel plane, the planes being parallel when in the sealed configuration.

5 The bag of claim 4, whereby a volume of air inside the pocket changes the angle of the planes with respect to each other moving the planes between being generally flat to a generally acute angle to allow air from the pocket to be exhausted from the pocket to create a near vacuum within said pocket once in the sealed configuration.

6 The bag of claim 1, wherein the closed end has rounded corners.

7 The bag of claim 1, wherein the magnetic strip width normal to a longitudinal length of the strip is about 25mm.

8 The bag of claim 6, wherein the magnetic strips are welded into said corners to provide an airtight seal. The bag of claim 1, including one of more holes adjacent the open end to facilitate hanging of the bag. The bag of claim 1, including a vacuum pump adjacent the open end to facilitate vacating air from said bag. The bag of claim 1, wherein one or both magnetic strips are made up of a series of pole segments which lay side by side along a longitudinal length of said strip(s).