System, air valve assembly and method for air evacuation of plastic sealable storage bags

Abstract

A system, storage bag and method for evacuating air from a convention self-sealing storage bag. An air valve assembly includes inner and outer valve members, the inner valve member being positionable within the storage bag and having a tapered piercing spout adapted to pierce through a flexible panel. The outer valve member has a housing lockingly engagable over the piercing spout protruding outwardly through the panel. A perimeter edge of the housing is sealingly engagable against the bag panel and a mating groove formed into the inner valve member. The inner valve member is configured for temporary sealing engagement against the inner surface of the bag panel as air is removed from the interior of the storage bag out through the piercing spout and housing air outlets by a vacuum pump.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Not applicableSTATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not applicableINCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC[0003]Not applicableBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0004]1. Field of the Invention[0005]This invention relates generally to storage containers of the type for storing food and other items in an airtight vacuum environment, and more particularly to a system for converting conventional plastic storage bags having a sealable opening into one which may be evacuated of air for vacuum storage of food items.[0006]2. Description of Related Art[0007]Sealable plastic storage bags or “baggies” are found in almost every kitchen in America. These inexpensive disposable plastic storage bags are convenient for preserving the freshness of food items and other goods which have a longer shelf life when stored in this manner. However, it is also well known that a completely air evacuated or vacuum env...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a system for converting virtually any sealable plastic or flexible paneled storage bag into a vacuum-sealed storage container for preserving the freshness of foods.

[0016]It is yet another object of this invention to provide a system for vacuum sealing foods and other products within a sealable plastic storage bag which is easily storable and out of site when not in use.

[0017]Yet another object of this invention is to provide a system for vacuum sealing storage bags which is easily portable and may be taken virtually anywhere while traveling, camping, hiking and the like.

Problems solved by technology

Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.

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