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US20020090151A1 - Storage bag with one-way air valve - Google Patents

Storage bag with one-way air valve Download PDF

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Publication number
US20020090151A1
US20020090151A1 US10/027,021 US2702101A US2002090151A1 US 20020090151 A1 US20020090151 A1 US 20020090151A1 US 2702101 A US2702101 A US 2702101A US 2002090151 A1 US2002090151 A1 US 2002090151A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
passageway
valve
opening
valve strip
bag
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/027,021
Inventor
Janet Skeens
Brent Anderson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
SC Johnson and Son Inc
Original Assignee
New West Products Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US09/374,484 external-priority patent/US6116781A/en
Priority claimed from US09/630,308 external-priority patent/US6737001B1/en
Application filed by New West Products Inc filed Critical New West Products Inc
Priority to US10/027,021 priority Critical patent/US20020090151A1/en
Assigned to NEW WEST PRODUCTS, INC. reassignment NEW WEST PRODUCTS, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ANDERSON, BRENT G.
Publication of US20020090151A1 publication Critical patent/US20020090151A1/en
Assigned to ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC. reassignment ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: NEW WEST PRODUCTS, INC.
Assigned to S.C. JOHNSON & SON, INC. reassignment S.C. JOHNSON & SON, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
    • B65D33/01—Ventilation or drainage of bags
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/18—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
    • B65D81/20—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
    • B65D81/2007—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to storage bags, and in particular to reusable evacuable storage bags with integral one-way air valves.
  • Evacuable flexible storage bags allow a user to compress and subsequently store and carry bulky items, e.g., clothing.
  • Such bags are typically made of plastic and include an airtight seal. After placing one or more items inside the bag, the user partially closes the seal. The user then presses on the bag to force air through the remaining opening in the seal. Once air is forced through the opening, the user fully closes the seal and the stored items remain compressed by ambient air pressure.
  • Such bags are difficult to use.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,500 discloses a sealed bag including a check valve.
  • the '500 patent discloses a check valve including at least two rectangular plastic films. The plastic films are bonded together to form a flat pipe that extends between the storage bag body and a covering envelope. However, articles placed in the bag may fold the pipe back on itself and block the valve. And the covering envelope is required to protect the valve portion extending from the bag body.
  • a flexible, evacuable storage bag includes a one-way air valve that has a single strip bonded between the top and bottom sheets used to make the bag.
  • the bag also includes an airtight seal through which the user places one or more items to be stored into the bag.
  • valve strip is sandwiched between the top and bottom sheets.
  • the strip is bonded along the strip's edges to the top and bottom sheets to form two passageways.
  • the passageways extend from the storage portion of the bag to the outside.
  • the user may, for example, insert one or more items to be stored through the opening and then closes the airtight seal.
  • the user then puts pressure on the bag to force air from a storage portion through the valve to the outside. Once air has been evacuated from the bag, ambient pressure holds the top and bottom sheets against the valve strip to prevent air from returning to the bag.
  • valve configuration is such that the opening into the storage area is near an end of the valve strip. In other embodiments the opening into the storage area is in a middle portion of the valve strip.
  • FIG. 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIGS. 3 a, 3 b, and 3 c are perspective views showing one method of using the invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a plan view of an embodiment of a valve.
  • FIG. 5 is a plan view of a second embodiment of a valve.
  • FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the valve embodiment shown in FIG. 5.
  • FIG. 7 is a plan view of a third embodiment of a valve.
  • FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the valve embodiment shown in FIG. 7.
  • FIG. 9 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of a valve.
  • FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the valve embodiment shown in FIG. 9.
  • FIG. 1 is a plan view of a flexible storage bag 10 in accordance with the invention.
  • bag 10 has a storage portion 12 formed by bonding two flexible plastic sheets along edges 13 a, 13 b, and 13 c.
  • FIG. 1 shows bag 10 as rectangular, although other embodiments may have other shapes.
  • Airtight seal 14 is placed in opening 15 between the two sheets. When seal 14 is open, a user places one or more items to be stored through opening 15 into storage portion 12 and then closes seal 14 .
  • a valve 16 allows air to pass in one direction from storage portion 12 to outside bag 10 . As shown, valve 16 is positioned along edge 13 c of storage portion 12 , opposite seal 14 , but in other embodiments valve 16 may be placed along another edge of storage portion 12 .
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of bag 10 .
  • bag 10 includes a top sheet 20 and a bottom sheet 22 .
  • sheets 20 and 22 are each a layer of conventional extruded low density polyethylene sandwiched between a conventional layer of nylon sheeting and a conventional layer of linear low density polyethylene. Other embodiments may use different materials.
  • sheets 20 and 22 are bonded along edges 13 a, 13 b, and 13 c. In one embodiment bonding is done using conventional resistive heating. Other embodiments may use different bonding methods.
  • Bag 10 also includes top portion 24 and bottom portion 26 of airtight seal 14 .
  • Top portion 24 is bonded to top sheet 20 using conventional resistive heating.
  • bottom portion 26 is bonded to bottom sheet 22 using resistive heating.
  • Other bonding methods may be used.
  • seal 14 is a conventional interlocking resealable airtight fastener. The fastener is manufactured by MiniGrip ZIP-PAK, an ITW Company, with a marketing office located at 27001 La Plaz, Suite 400, Mission Viejo Calif. 92691. Other embodiments may use other airtight seals that are either resealable or permanent.
  • FIG. 2 shows valve strip 28 placed between top sheet 20 and bottom sheet 22 .
  • valve strip 28 is a single sheet of conventional blended low density polyethylene with high slip. Other embodiments may use different materials.
  • valve strip 28 is bonded between top sheet 20 and bottom sheet 22 along edges 29 a and 29 b.
  • bonding is done using conventional resistive heating. Other embodiments may use different bonding methods.
  • Valve strip 28 is positioned so that after bonding edges 29 a and 29 b two passageways are created.
  • the top passageway is between top sheet 20 and valve strip 28 .
  • the bottom passageway is between bottom sheet 22 and valve strip 28 .
  • bonded side 29 b of valve strip 28 is coincident with bonded bottom edges 13 c of top sheet 20 and bottom sheet 22 .
  • strip 28 extends from edge 13 a to edge 13 b. In other embodiments strip 28 may be shortened so as not to reach either or both edges 13 a or 13 b.
  • each unique top and bottom passageway 30 a and 30 b (hidden behind passageway 30 a ), respectively, has at one end an opening 31 into storage portion 12 and at the other end an opening 32 to the environment outside bag 10 .
  • each passageway has a width W 1 of 1.00 inches.
  • the width W 2 of openings 31 and 32 are each 1.50 inches.
  • Other embodiments may use other dimensions for widths W 1 and W 2 .
  • the widths of openings 31 and 32 need not be identical.
  • Top sheet 20 and bottom sheet 22 normally contact the surface of valve strip 28 when no air or other substance (e.g., water) is in either passageway.
  • airtight seal 14 is closed and the pressure inside storage portion 12 is made greater than the ambient pressure, air passes through openings 31 , travels along passageways 30 a and 30 b, and exits through openings 32 .
  • the ambient pressure pressure of the atmosphere surrounding the bag
  • Air is therefore prevented from returning to storage portion 12 .
  • FIGS. 3 a - 3 c illustrate one use of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 a a user opens seal 14 and places an item to be stored through opening 15 into storage portion 12 .
  • the user then closes bag 10 by making seal 14 airtight, as depicted in FIG. 3 b.
  • the user expels air by rolling, beginning at an edge opposite valve 16 , bag 10 towards valve 16 .
  • FIG. 3 c shows that as the user rolls, air as represented by the arrows passes from storage portion 12 through openings 31 , along the passages, and exits through openings 32 .
  • the user then unrolls the bag containing the stored item.
  • Storage portion 12 remains partially evacuated and ambient air pressure prevents air from returning through the passages.
  • FIG. 4 is a plan view of a second valve embodiment.
  • the structure of this embodiment is similar to the structure of the valve shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • length L 1 of the passageways 40 from storage area 42 to outside the bag is approximately 14-1 ⁇ 4 inches.
  • the width W 3 of passageways 40 is approximately 1 inch.
  • the aspect ratio (length:width) of passageways 40 is approximately 14.25.
  • the width W 4 of opening 44 between storage area 42 with passageways 40 is approximately 1-1 ⁇ 4 inches.
  • the ratio between the widths of passageways 40 and opening 44 (W 3 :W 4 ) is approximately 0.8.
  • the width W 5 of opening 46 between passageways 40 and the outside environment is approximately 1-1 ⁇ 2 inches.
  • the ratio between the widths of passageways 40 and opening 46 (W 3 :W 5 ) is approximately 0.67.
  • FIG. 5 is a plan view of a third valve embodiment.
  • valve strip 50 is 1-1 ⁇ 2 inches wide, and so an unused portion of the valve strip extends into storage area 52 .
  • a narrower valve strip may be used to prevent the unused portion from extending into the storage area.
  • Length L 2 of passageways 54 is approximately 10-1 ⁇ 8 inches, and width W 6 of passageways 54 is approximately 1 ⁇ 2 inch.
  • the aspect ratio of passageways 54 is approximately 20.25.
  • the width W 7 of opening 56 between storage area 52 and passageways 54 is approximately 1 ⁇ 4 inch, so that the ratio between the widths of passageways 54 and opening 56 (W 6 :W 7 ) is approximately 2.00.
  • the width W 8 of opening 58 between passageways 54 and the outside environment is approximately 3 ⁇ 4 inches, so that the ratio between the widths of passageways 54 and opening 58 (W 6 :W 8 ) is approximately 0.67.
  • FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the valve embodiment shown in FIG. 5.
  • Valve strip 50 is sandwiched and conventionally heat bonded between bottom sheet 60 and top sheet 62 .
  • the three sheets 50 , 60 , 62 are bonded at the shaded regions 64 as shown in FIG. 6.
  • FIG. 7 is a plan view of a fourth valve embodiment.
  • opening 70 between storage area 72 and the two sets of passageways 74 and 76 is positioned in the middle of valve strip 78 .
  • Length L 3 of passageways 74 and 76 is approximately 10 inches, and width W 9 of passageways 74 and 76 is approximately 1 inch.
  • the aspect ratio of passageways 74 and 76 is approximately 10.00.
  • the width W 10 of opening 70 is approximately 3 inches, so that the ratio between the widths W 9 and width W 10 (W 9 :W 10 ) is approximately 0.33.
  • the widths W 11 of openings 80 and 82 between passageways 74 and 76 and the outside environment, respectively, are approximately 1 inch.
  • the ratio between the widths W 9 and W 11 (W 9 :W 11 ) is approximately 1.00.
  • FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the valve embodiment shown in FIG. 7.
  • Valve strip 78 is sandwiched and conventionally heat bonded between bottom sheet 84 and top sheet 86 .
  • the three sheets 78 , 84 , 86 are bonded at the shaded regions 88 as shown in FIG. 8.
  • FIG. 9 is a plan view of a fifth valve embodiment.
  • the structure of the valve shown in FIG. 9 is similar to the structure of the valve shown in FIG. 7, except that an obstruction 90 is positioned to partially block opening 70 .
  • obstruction 90 is a conventionally heat bonded semicircular line having radius R.
  • Other embodiments may use different shapes for the obstruction.
  • the width of opening 70 is approximately 3 inches, and radius R is also approximately 3 inches.
  • Other embodiments may use other dimensions.
  • obstruction 90 improves valve performance.
  • FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the valve embodiment shown in FIG. 9.
  • Valve strip 92 is sandwiched and conventionally heat bonded between bottom sheet 94 and top sheet 96 .
  • the three sheets 92 , 94 , 96 are bonded at the shaded regions 98 as shown in FIG. 10.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Bag Frames (AREA)

Abstract

A flexible, evacuable storage bag has a storage portion, an airtight seal, and a one-way valve. The valve includes a strip sandwiched between top and bottom sheets used to make the bag. The strip is bonded along the edges to the top and bottom sheets so as to form passageways extending from the storage portion to outside the bag.

Description

    RELATED APPLICATION
  • This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/374,484, filed Aug. 13, 1999, entitled “Storage Bag With One-Way Air Valve” by Janet L. Skeens.[0001]
    • BACKGROUND
  • 1. Field of Invention [0002]
  • The present invention relates to storage bags, and in particular to reusable evacuable storage bags with integral one-way air valves. [0003]
  • 2. Related Art [0004]
  • Evacuable flexible storage bags allow a user to compress and subsequently store and carry bulky items, e.g., clothing. Such bags are typically made of plastic and include an airtight seal. After placing one or more items inside the bag, the user partially closes the seal. The user then presses on the bag to force air through the remaining opening in the seal. Once air is forced through the opening, the user fully closes the seal and the stored items remain compressed by ambient air pressure. However, such bags are difficult to use. [0005]
  • One problem with many current airtight storage bags is that some air may leak back into the bag as the user attempts to close the seal. Another problem is that forces on the bag during compressing tend to fully open the partially closed seal, thus requiring the user to fully close the seal once the bag is compressed. Yet another problem is that many users find it awkward to maintain compression force on the bag while fully closing the seal. Still another problem is low cabin pressure during air travel may cause air inside the bag to expand and open the seal. [0006]
  • One solution is to equip an airtight storage bag with a one-way air valve. The valve allows the user to force air out of, but prevents air from reentering, the bag. U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,500 discloses a sealed bag including a check valve. The '500 patent discloses a check valve including at least two rectangular plastic films. The plastic films are bonded together to form a flat pipe that extends between the storage bag body and a covering envelope. However, articles placed in the bag may fold the pipe back on itself and block the valve. And the covering envelope is required to protect the valve portion extending from the bag body. [0007]
  • What is required is a simpler one-way check valve that is more reliable, and is easier and more economical to manufacture. [0008]
    • SUMMARY
  • In accordance with the invention, a flexible, evacuable storage bag includes a one-way air valve that has a single strip bonded between the top and bottom sheets used to make the bag. The bag also includes an airtight seal through which the user places one or more items to be stored into the bag. [0009]
  • The valve strip is sandwiched between the top and bottom sheets. The strip is bonded along the strip's edges to the top and bottom sheets to form two passageways. The passageways extend from the storage portion of the bag to the outside. [0010]
  • The user may, for example, insert one or more items to be stored through the opening and then closes the airtight seal. The user then puts pressure on the bag to force air from a storage portion through the valve to the outside. Once air has been evacuated from the bag, ambient pressure holds the top and bottom sheets against the valve strip to prevent air from returning to the bag. [0011]
  • In some embodiments the valve configuration is such that the opening into the storage area is near an end of the valve strip. In other embodiments the opening into the storage area is in a middle portion of the valve strip.[0012]
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of the invention. [0013]
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the invention. [0014]
  • FIGS. 3[0015] a, 3 b, and 3 c are perspective views showing one method of using the invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a plan view of an embodiment of a valve. [0016]
  • FIG. 5 is a plan view of a second embodiment of a valve. [0017]
  • FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the valve embodiment shown in FIG. 5. [0018]
  • FIG. 7 is a plan view of a third embodiment of a valve. [0019]
  • FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the valve embodiment shown in FIG. 7. [0020]
  • FIG. 9 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of a valve. [0021]
  • FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the valve embodiment shown in FIG. 9.[0022]
    • DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • FIG. 1 is a plan view of a [0023] flexible storage bag 10 in accordance with the invention. As shown, bag 10 has a storage portion 12 formed by bonding two flexible plastic sheets along edges 13 a, 13 b, and 13 c. FIG. 1 shows bag 10 as rectangular, although other embodiments may have other shapes. Airtight seal 14 is placed in opening 15 between the two sheets. When seal 14 is open, a user places one or more items to be stored through opening 15 into storage portion 12 and then closes seal 14. A valve 16 allows air to pass in one direction from storage portion 12 to outside bag 10. As shown, valve 16 is positioned along edge 13 c of storage portion 12, opposite seal 14, but in other embodiments valve 16 may be placed along another edge of storage portion 12.
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of [0024] bag 10. As shown, bag 10 includes a top sheet 20 and a bottom sheet 22. In one embodiment, sheets 20 and 22 are each a layer of conventional extruded low density polyethylene sandwiched between a conventional layer of nylon sheeting and a conventional layer of linear low density polyethylene. Other embodiments may use different materials. As described above, sheets 20 and 22 are bonded along edges 13 a, 13 b, and 13 c. In one embodiment bonding is done using conventional resistive heating. Other embodiments may use different bonding methods.
  • [0025] Bag 10 also includes top portion 24 and bottom portion 26 of airtight seal 14. Top portion 24 is bonded to top sheet 20 using conventional resistive heating. Similarly, bottom portion 26 is bonded to bottom sheet 22 using resistive heating. Other bonding methods may be used. In one embodiment seal 14 is a conventional interlocking resealable airtight fastener. The fastener is manufactured by MiniGrip ZIP-PAK, an ITW Company, with a marketing office located at 27001 La Plaz, Suite 400, Mission Viejo Calif. 92691. Other embodiments may use other airtight seals that are either resealable or permanent.
  • FIG. 2 shows [0026] valve strip 28 placed between top sheet 20 and bottom sheet 22. In one embodiment valve strip 28 is a single sheet of conventional blended low density polyethylene with high slip. Other embodiments may use different materials.
  • As shown, [0027] valve strip 28 is bonded between top sheet 20 and bottom sheet 22 along edges 29 a and 29 b. In one embodiment bonding is done using conventional resistive heating. Other embodiments may use different bonding methods. Valve strip 28 is positioned so that after bonding edges 29 a and 29 b two passageways are created. The top passageway is between top sheet 20 and valve strip 28. The bottom passageway is between bottom sheet 22 and valve strip 28. As shown, bonded side 29 b of valve strip 28 is coincident with bonded bottom edges 13 c of top sheet 20 and bottom sheet 22. In the embodiment shown, strip 28 extends from edge 13 a to edge 13 b. In other embodiments strip 28 may be shortened so as not to reach either or both edges 13 a or 13 b.
  • Referring again to FIG. 1, each unique top and [0028] bottom passageway 30 a and 30 b (hidden behind passageway 30 a), respectively, has at one end an opening 31 into storage portion 12 and at the other end an opening 32 to the environment outside bag 10. In one embodiment each passageway has a width W1 of 1.00 inches. And in one embodiment the width W2 of openings 31 and 32 are each 1.50 inches. Other embodiments may use other dimensions for widths W1 and W2. The widths of openings 31 and 32 need not be identical.
  • [0029] Top sheet 20 and bottom sheet 22 normally contact the surface of valve strip 28 when no air or other substance (e.g., water) is in either passageway. When airtight seal 14 is closed and the pressure inside storage portion 12 is made greater than the ambient pressure, air passes through openings 31, travels along passageways 30 a and 30 b, and exits through openings 32. The ambient pressure (pressure of the atmosphere surrounding the bag) then closes passageways 30 a and 30 b by pressing top sheet 20 and bottom sheet 22 against valve strip 28. Air is therefore prevented from returning to storage portion 12.
  • FIGS. 3[0030] a-3 c illustrate one use of the present invention.
  • As shown in FIG. 3[0031] a, a user opens seal 14 and places an item to be stored through opening 15 into storage portion 12. The user then closes bag 10 by making seal 14 airtight, as depicted in FIG. 3b. Next, the user expels air by rolling, beginning at an edge opposite valve 16, bag 10 towards valve 16. FIG. 3c shows that as the user rolls, air as represented by the arrows passes from storage portion 12 through openings 31, along the passages, and exits through openings 32. The user then unrolls the bag containing the stored item. Storage portion 12 remains partially evacuated and ambient air pressure prevents air from returning through the passages.
  • FIG. 4 is a plan view of a second valve embodiment. The structure of this embodiment is similar to the structure of the valve shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, length L[0032] 1 of the passageways 40 from storage area 42 to outside the bag is approximately 14-¼ inches. The width W3 of passageways 40 is approximately 1 inch. Thus the aspect ratio (length:width) of passageways 40 is approximately 14.25. The width W4 of opening 44 between storage area 42 with passageways 40 is approximately 1-¼ inches. The ratio between the widths of passageways 40 and opening 44 (W3:W4) is approximately 0.8. The width W5 of opening 46 between passageways 40 and the outside environment is approximately 1-½ inches. The ratio between the widths of passageways 40 and opening 46 (W3:W5) is approximately 0.67.
  • FIG. 5 is a plan view of a third valve embodiment. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, [0033] valve strip 50 is 1-½ inches wide, and so an unused portion of the valve strip extends into storage area 52. In other embodiments, a narrower valve strip may be used to prevent the unused portion from extending into the storage area. Length L2 of passageways 54 is approximately 10-⅛ inches, and width W6 of passageways 54 is approximately ½ inch. Thus the aspect ratio of passageways 54 is approximately 20.25. The width W7 of opening 56 between storage area 52 and passageways 54 is approximately ¼ inch, so that the ratio between the widths of passageways 54 and opening 56 (W6:W7) is approximately 2.00. The width W8 of opening 58 between passageways 54 and the outside environment is approximately ¾ inches, so that the ratio between the widths of passageways 54 and opening 58 (W6:W8) is approximately 0.67.
  • FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the valve embodiment shown in FIG. 5. [0034] Valve strip 50 is sandwiched and conventionally heat bonded between bottom sheet 60 and top sheet 62. The three sheets 50, 60, 62 are bonded at the shaded regions 64 as shown in FIG. 6.
  • FIG. 7 is a plan view of a fourth valve embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, opening [0035] 70 between storage area 72 and the two sets of passageways 74 and 76 is positioned in the middle of valve strip 78. Length L3 of passageways 74 and 76 is approximately 10 inches, and width W9 of passageways 74 and 76 is approximately 1 inch. Thus the aspect ratio of passageways 74 and 76 is approximately 10.00. The width W10 of opening 70 is approximately 3 inches, so that the ratio between the widths W9 and width W10 (W9:W10) is approximately 0.33. The widths W11 of openings 80 and 82 between passageways 74 and 76 and the outside environment, respectively, are approximately 1 inch. Thus the ratio between the widths W9 and W11 (W9:W11) is approximately 1.00.
  • FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the valve embodiment shown in FIG. 7. [0036] Valve strip 78 is sandwiched and conventionally heat bonded between bottom sheet 84 and top sheet 86. The three sheets 78, 84, 86 are bonded at the shaded regions 88 as shown in FIG. 8.
  • FIG. 9 is a plan view of a fifth valve embodiment. The structure of the valve shown in FIG. 9 is similar to the structure of the valve shown in FIG. 7, except that an [0037] obstruction 90 is positioned to partially block opening 70. As shown in FIG. 9, obstruction 90 is a conventionally heat bonded semicircular line having radius R. Other embodiments may use different shapes for the obstruction. For the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the width of opening 70 is approximately 3 inches, and radius R is also approximately 3 inches. Other embodiments may use other dimensions. In some embodiments, obstruction 90 improves valve performance.
  • FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the valve embodiment shown in FIG. 9. [0038] Valve strip 92 is sandwiched and conventionally heat bonded between bottom sheet 94 and top sheet 96. The three sheets 92, 94, 96 are bonded at the shaded regions 98 as shown in FIG. 10.
  • The dimensions given above are illustrative. In addition, some variations in the dimensions will occur during production due to manufacturing tolerances, and such variations are acceptable for proper operation and fall within the scope of the claims. Persons skilled in the art will understand that many variations of the present invention are possible. The invention is therefore limited only by the scope of the following claims. [0039]

Claims (18)

I claim:
1. A storage bag comprising:
a storage portion, wherein the storage portion includes a top sheet and a bottom sheet bonded along one or more edges to the top sheet;
an airtight seal in a first opening in the storage portion; and
a valve including a valve strip bonded between the top and bottom sheets along a first valve strip edge and along a second valve strip edge to form a first passageway between the valve strip and the top sheet and a second passageway between the valve strip and the bottom sheet, the first and second passageways extending from a second opening into the storage area to outside the bag, the second opening being positioned in a middle portion of the valve strip.
2. The storage bag of claim 1 further comprising an obstruction positioned opposite the second opening and between the top sheet and the valve strip.
3. The storage bag of claim 1 wherein an aspect ratio between a length of the first passageway and a width of the first passageway is approximately 20.
4. The storage bag of claim 1 wherein an aspect ratio between a length of the first passageway and a width of the first passageway is approximately 14.
5. The storage bag of claim 1 wherein an aspect ratio between a length of the first passageway and a width of the first passageway is approximately 10.
6. The storage bag of claim 1 wherein a ratio between a width of the first passageway and a width of the second opening is approximately 2.
7. The storage bag of claim 1 wherein a ratio between a width of the first passageway and a width of the second opening is approximately 0.8.
8. The storage bag of claim 1 wherein a ratio between a width of the first passageway and a width of the second opening is approximately 0.3.
9. The storage bag of claim 1 wherein the valve is positioned opposite the seal.
10. The storage bag of claim 1 wherein the seal is reusable.
11. A storage bag manufacturing process comprising:
bonding along one or more edges a top sheet to a bottom sheet to form a storage portion;
bonding an airtight seal in a first opening of the storage portion; and
bonding between the top sheet and the bottom sheet a valve strip along a first valve strip edge and along an opposite second valve strip edge so as to form a first passageway between the valve strip and the top sheet and a second passageway between the valve strip and the bottom sheet, the first and second passageways extending from a second opening into the storage area, the second opening being positioned at a middle of the valve strip, to outside the bag.
12. The method of claim 11 further comprising bonding the top sheet, the bottom sheet, and the valve strip together to form an obstruction opposite the second opening.
13. A storage bag comprising:
a storage portion, wherein the storage portion includes a top sheet and a bottom sheet bonded along one or more edges to the top sheet;
an airtight seal in a first opening in the storage portion; and
a valve including a valve strip bonded between the top and bottom sheets along a first valve strip edge and along a second valve strip edge to form a first passageway between the valve strip and the top sheet and a second passageway between the valve strip and the bottom sheet, the first and second passageways extending from a second opening into the storage area to outside the bag, an aspect ratio between a length of the first passageway and a width of the first passageway being approximately 20.
14. A storage bag comprising:
a storage portion, wherein the storage portion includes a top sheet and a bottom sheet bonded along one or more edges to the top sheet;
an airtight seal in a first opening in the storage portion; and
a valve including a valve strip bonded between the top and bottom sheets along a first valve strip edge and along a second valve strip edge to form a first passageway between the valve strip and the top sheet and a second passageway between the valve strip and the bottom sheet, the first and second passageways extending from a second opening into the storage area to outside the bag, an aspect ratio between a length of the first passageway and a width of the first passageway being approximately 14.
15. A storage bag comprising:
a storage portion, wherein the storage portion includes a top sheet and a bottom sheet bonded along one or more edges to the top sheet;
an airtight seal in a first opening in the storage portion; and
a valve including a valve strip bonded between the top and bottom sheets along a first valve strip edge and along a second valve strip edge to form a first passageway between the valve strip and the top sheet and a second passageway between the valve strip and the bottom sheet, the first and second passageways extending from a second opening into the storage area to outside the bag, an aspect ratio between a length of the first passageway and a width of the first passageway being approximately 10.
16. A storage bag comprising:
a storage portion, wherein the storage portion includes a top sheet and a bottom sheet bonded along one or more edges to the top sheet;
an airtight seal in a first opening in the storage portion; and
a valve including a valve strip bonded between the top and bottom sheets along a first valve strip edge and along a second valve strip edge to form a first passageway between the valve strip and the top sheet and a second passageway between the valve strip and the bottom sheet, the first and second passageways extending from a second opening into the storage area to outside the bag, a ratio between a width of the first passageway and a width of the second opening being approximately 2.
17. A storage bag comprising:
a storage portion, wherein the storage portion includes a top sheet and a bottom sheet bonded along one or more edges to the top sheet;
an airtight seal in a first opening in the storage portion; and
a valve including a valve strip bonded between the top and bottom sheets along a first valve strip edge and along a second valve strip edge to form a first passageway between the valve strip and the top sheet and a second passageway between the valve strip and the bottom sheet, the first and second passageways extending from a second opening into the storage area to outside the bag, a ratio between a width of the first passageway and a width of the second opening being approximately 0.8.
18. A storage bag comprising:
a storage portion, wherein the storage portion includes a top sheet and a bottom sheet bonded along one or more edges to the top sheet;
an airtight seal in a first opening in the storage portion; and
a valve including a valve strip bonded between the top and bottom sheets along a first valve strip edge and along a second valve strip edge to form a first passageway between the valve strip and the top sheet and a second passageway between the valve strip and the bottom sheet, the first and second passageways extending from a second opening into the storage area to outside the bag, a ratio between a width of the first passageway and a width of the second opening being approximately 0.3.
US10/027,021 1999-08-13 2001-12-19 Storage bag with one-way air valve Abandoned US20020090151A1 (en)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/027,021 US20020090151A1 (en) 1999-08-13 2001-12-19 Storage bag with one-way air valve

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/374,484 US6116781A (en) 1999-08-13 1999-08-13 Storage bag with one-way air valve
US09/630,308 US6737001B1 (en) 1998-09-29 2000-07-31 Portable injection gate control for plastic molding
US10/027,021 US20020090151A1 (en) 1999-08-13 2001-12-19 Storage bag with one-way air valve

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US09/630,308 Continuation US6737001B1 (en) 1998-09-29 2000-07-31 Portable injection gate control for plastic molding

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WO2004028922A2 (en) * 2002-09-30 2004-04-08 Jamison Mark D Pressure relief valve for a flexible pouch
US20040188310A1 (en) * 2003-03-31 2004-09-30 Peter Hamilton Ventable storage bag
US20060131339A1 (en) * 2004-12-22 2006-06-22 Brent Anderson One way valve for fluid evacuation from a container
US7137736B2 (en) 2003-05-19 2006-11-21 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Closure device for a reclosable pouch
US7419300B2 (en) 2004-06-16 2008-09-02 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Pouch having fold-up handles
US20090028468A1 (en) * 2005-07-01 2009-01-29 Mikio Tanaka Structure of air passage of sealable bag, sealable bag, and method of manufacturing the sealable bag
US7494333B2 (en) 2004-06-04 2009-02-24 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Apparatus for forming multiple closure elements
US7784160B2 (en) 2007-03-16 2010-08-31 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Pouch and airtight resealable closure mechanism therefor
US7850368B2 (en) 2004-06-04 2010-12-14 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Closure device for a reclosable pouch
US7857515B2 (en) 2007-06-15 2010-12-28 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Airtight closure mechanism for a reclosable pouch
US7874731B2 (en) 2007-06-15 2011-01-25 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Valve for a recloseable container
US7887238B2 (en) 2007-06-15 2011-02-15 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Flow channels for a pouch
US7886412B2 (en) 2007-03-16 2011-02-15 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Pouch and airtight resealable closure mechanism therefor
WO2011023692A1 (en) * 2009-08-25 2011-03-03 Basf Se Ecological paper packaging for long-lasting insecticidal mosquito nets
US7946766B2 (en) 2007-06-15 2011-05-24 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Offset closure mechanism for a reclosable pouch
US7967509B2 (en) 2007-06-15 2011-06-28 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Pouch with a valve
US7972064B2 (en) 2004-12-22 2011-07-05 Cti Industries Corporation One way valve and container
US8066433B2 (en) 2008-03-14 2011-11-29 Pro-Mart Industries, Inc. Valve for vacuum storage bag
WO2011153616A1 (en) * 2010-06-07 2011-12-15 Peel Plastic Products Limited Bag with structure for avoiding bricking appearance
US20130101236A1 (en) * 2010-10-22 2013-04-25 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Compressible Pouch with Multiple Collapsible Channels Across Bottom
US8469593B2 (en) 2011-02-22 2013-06-25 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Reclosable bag having a press-to-vent zipper
US8550716B2 (en) 2010-06-22 2013-10-08 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Tactile enhancement mechanism for a closure mechanism
US8568031B2 (en) 2011-02-22 2013-10-29 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Clicking closure device for a reclosable pouch
US8974118B2 (en) 2010-10-29 2015-03-10 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Reclosable bag having a sound producing zipper
US9327875B2 (en) 2010-10-29 2016-05-03 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Reclosable bag having a loud sound during closing
US11180286B2 (en) 2010-10-29 2021-11-23 S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Reclosable bag having a loud sound during closing

Cited By (42)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2004028922A3 (en) * 2002-09-30 2004-06-03 Mark D Jamison Pressure relief valve for a flexible pouch
WO2004028922A2 (en) * 2002-09-30 2004-04-08 Jamison Mark D Pressure relief valve for a flexible pouch
US20040188310A1 (en) * 2003-03-31 2004-09-30 Peter Hamilton Ventable storage bag
US7004632B2 (en) 2003-03-31 2006-02-28 The Glad Products Company Ventable storage bag
US7137736B2 (en) 2003-05-19 2006-11-21 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Closure device for a reclosable pouch
US7410298B2 (en) 2003-05-19 2008-08-12 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Closure device for a reclosable pouch
US7494333B2 (en) 2004-06-04 2009-02-24 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Apparatus for forming multiple closure elements
US7850368B2 (en) 2004-06-04 2010-12-14 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Closure device for a reclosable pouch
US7419300B2 (en) 2004-06-16 2008-09-02 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Pouch having fold-up handles
US20060131339A1 (en) * 2004-12-22 2006-06-22 Brent Anderson One way valve for fluid evacuation from a container
US20080230429A1 (en) * 2004-12-22 2008-09-25 Brent Anderson One way valve for fluid evacuation from a container
US7552907B2 (en) 2004-12-22 2009-06-30 Cti Industries, Inc. One way valve for fluid evacuation from a container
US7398953B2 (en) 2004-12-22 2008-07-15 Cti Industries, Inc. One way valve for fluid evacuation from a container
US7972064B2 (en) 2004-12-22 2011-07-05 Cti Industries Corporation One way valve and container
US20090028468A1 (en) * 2005-07-01 2009-01-29 Mikio Tanaka Structure of air passage of sealable bag, sealable bag, and method of manufacturing the sealable bag
US7784160B2 (en) 2007-03-16 2010-08-31 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Pouch and airtight resealable closure mechanism therefor
US8827556B2 (en) 2007-03-16 2014-09-09 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Pouch and airtight resealable closure mechanism therefor
US8176604B2 (en) 2007-03-16 2012-05-15 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Pouch and airtight resealable closure mechanism therefor
US7886412B2 (en) 2007-03-16 2011-02-15 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Pouch and airtight resealable closure mechanism therefor
US7946766B2 (en) 2007-06-15 2011-05-24 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Offset closure mechanism for a reclosable pouch
US7857515B2 (en) 2007-06-15 2010-12-28 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Airtight closure mechanism for a reclosable pouch
US7967509B2 (en) 2007-06-15 2011-06-28 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Pouch with a valve
US7887238B2 (en) 2007-06-15 2011-02-15 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Flow channels for a pouch
US7874731B2 (en) 2007-06-15 2011-01-25 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Valve for a recloseable container
US8231273B2 (en) 2007-06-15 2012-07-31 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Flow channel profile and a complementary groove for a pouch
US8066433B2 (en) 2008-03-14 2011-11-29 Pro-Mart Industries, Inc. Valve for vacuum storage bag
WO2011023692A1 (en) * 2009-08-25 2011-03-03 Basf Se Ecological paper packaging for long-lasting insecticidal mosquito nets
WO2011153616A1 (en) * 2010-06-07 2011-12-15 Peel Plastic Products Limited Bag with structure for avoiding bricking appearance
US8550716B2 (en) 2010-06-22 2013-10-08 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Tactile enhancement mechanism for a closure mechanism
US20130101236A1 (en) * 2010-10-22 2013-04-25 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Compressible Pouch with Multiple Collapsible Channels Across Bottom
US8961014B2 (en) * 2010-10-22 2015-02-24 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Compressible pouch with multiple collapsible channels across bottom
US9327875B2 (en) 2010-10-29 2016-05-03 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Reclosable bag having a loud sound during closing
US8974118B2 (en) 2010-10-29 2015-03-10 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Reclosable bag having a sound producing zipper
US9914563B2 (en) 2010-10-29 2018-03-13 S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Reclosable bag having a loud sound during closing
US11180286B2 (en) 2010-10-29 2021-11-23 S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Reclosable bag having a loud sound during closing
US11691789B2 (en) 2010-10-29 2023-07-04 S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Reclosable bag having a loud sound during closing
US8568031B2 (en) 2011-02-22 2013-10-29 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Clicking closure device for a reclosable pouch
US9126735B2 (en) 2011-02-22 2015-09-08 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Reclosable pouch having a clicking closure device
US8469593B2 (en) 2011-02-22 2013-06-25 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Reclosable bag having a press-to-vent zipper
US9475616B2 (en) 2011-02-22 2016-10-25 S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Reclosable pouch having a clicking closure device
US10011396B2 (en) 2011-02-22 2018-07-03 S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Reclosable pouch having a clicking closure device
US10618697B2 (en) 2011-02-22 2020-04-14 S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Reclosable pouch having a clicking closure device

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