Reclosable bag

Abstract

A reclosable bag having a bag interior and a bag opening, the bag interior comprising: a sealing section; an air-flow section configured to permit air flow through the air-flow section; and an air access interface positioned between the air-flow section and the sealing section, and configured to permit fluid communication therebetween; the bag further comprising: an openable closure configured and positioned to open and close the bag opening, the sealing section being positioned between the closure and the air-flow section; and a valve configured and positioned to permit air to be removed from the bag interior through the valve so as to create a negative pressure in the bag interior relative to an exterior of the bag; the sealing section being configured such that, when there is the negative pressure and the closure is closed, air is blocked from leaking from the exterior through the closure and sealing section to the air-flow section.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to the general field of containers, and more particularly to multi-purpose and specialty storage bags. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Bags are universally used and recognized as convenient, versatile, lightweight, and low cost containers. Bags having recloseable openings are useful to provide better security for their contents and for storage purposes. Such bags also have the benefit of better protecting perishable or sensitive contents, or alternatively, protecting the environment from contamination by contents that are toxic or dangerous. [0003] A common closeable bag configuration has two rectangular panes of plastic film joined along three sides, with an opening left on one side, usually the top. A reclosable opening or zipper can be constructed on the open side by forming an interlocking strip on opposing panes, for example, by tongue and groove portions. The bags may be conveniently closed by pinching the panes together,...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] Preferably, the bag should be easy and convenient for the user to close. In particular, it would be preferable if the bag could be configured to make use of a slider, which facilitates a strong air tight seal and the opening and closing thereof. A strong seal better maintains the freshness of perishable contents, and better protects the environment from toxic contents. The bag will also preferably be configured so that after it is closed the user can conveniently remove residual air, gas, or fluids from the bag interior, or alternatively, fill the interior with gas or fluid without disturbing the air-tight seal.

[0012] To keep costs low, the bag will preferably be capable of manufacture by conventional production techniques, using standard materials and components. The bag will preferably be suitable for production as a general purpose storage bag or as a commercial container for drinks and other items. Another preferable feature would be for the bag's closeable opening characteristic to be changeable. In this way, instead of the usual configuration where one side of the slider opens the bag and the other side closes the bag, the bag opening could be made, for example, to stay closed on either side of the slider as the slider is moved. This feature could enable greater flexibility in producing closeable bags that more closely meet the needs of different applications. It would also be preferable for the bag to effectively hold liquids, and to have a feature that prevents inadvertent spilling. The bag will also preferably enable an airtight vacuum to be formed and maintained within its interior, such as upon the application of suction to remove gas or air inside the bag.

Problems solved by technology

However, for bags having sliders, the separator or finger part of the slider usually traverses the opening, which prevents the formation of an airtight seal.

This device however is more complicated than the conventional slider, which adds cost, and also apparently depends on use of a customized counterpart fastener 12.

This informal method however is generally inconvenient and produces inconsistent results.

It is also awkward, particularly for individuals with poor motor skills.

All of these devices require modification to the standard storage bag, which increases cost.

In addition, the bags shown do not use a slider, which may be due to the difficulty of forming an airtight seal with a slider.

A related problem is that the configuration of the panes of the bag can affect the degree to which an airtight seal can be achieved.

This could leave air bubbles trapped in the bag.

However, there is still a problem in that the negative pressure formed inside the bag due to removal of air creates a tendency to pull or draw ambient air back into the bag interior through the closed zipper at the top of the bag.

It can therefore be very difficult to create and maintain an airtight vacuum inside a closeable bag.

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