Polymeric package with resealable closure and valve and methods relating thereto

Abstract

The present invention provides a vacuum storage bag system having a storage device having at least one polymeric sheet sealed along a portion of its' periphery to provide an opening to a storage space; a resealable closure structure adapted to seal the opening to the storage space, the resealable closure structure comprising selectively engaging male and female profiles and a sealing compound comprising liquid silicone and at least one filler in proportions suitable for at least incidental contact to food items contained within the storage space; a vacuum valve assembly disposed on the polymeric sheet; a stand-off structure disposed adjacent to the vacuum valve assembly, wherein the stand-off structure has a series of raised surfaces facing the vacuum valve assembly; a portable vacuum pump assembly structured to engage the vacuum valve assembly; and a liquid separator assembly coupled to the portable vacuum pump assembly.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 186,131 filed Jul. 20, 2005, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos., 60 / 590,858, filed on Jul. 23, 2004, 60 / 602,685 filed on Aug. 19, 2004, and 60 / 609,920, filed on Sep. 15, 2004. Each of the above patent applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a flexible, inexpensive, evacuable storage device optionally having a resealable opening and a caulking composition. The present invention also relates to a vacuum storage device and a system for vacuum storage. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Flexible, sealable storage devices, such as consumer storage bags are commonly used to store items such as, but not limited to, food. These devices typically have a bag body made from a thin, flexible plastic material and include a rese...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0026] The skirt portion may also include non-structured portions. For example, the skirt portion may include non-textural portions adjacent a lateral edge of the skirt portion. These non-textured portions may facilitate sealing of the evacuable package about the periphery.

[0027] Methods for forming resealable closures comprising structures are also provided. In one approach, the method includes the step of feeding at least a portion of the resealable closure through an anvil and an embossing whee

Problems solved by technology

However, in a typical resealable closure, engagement of the sealing structures is rarely perfect, leaving gaps in the profile seal.

Moreover, during manufacture of reclosable devices, frequently seals at the ends of the reclosable device distort the engaging portions of the closure which can also provide an unsealed region in the closure.

As a consequence of these and

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