Valve Element

Abstract

A one-way valve element for use with containers such as flexible storage bags includes an elastomeric or similar material that can elastically expand to expose and at least substantially resiliently recover to cover an aperture through a sidewall of the container. Hence, air from the interior volume of the container can be evacuated through the valve element by, for example, interfacing an evacuation device with the valve element. The valve element can be provided as a single layer structure or a multiple layered structure that is attached to the sidewall of the container over the aperture. In another aspect, a valve element includes a gel-like material retained in a valve body and that can displace to allow air flow across the valve.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]Flexible plastic bags are widely used for a variety of purposes such as storing food items, either temporarily as in the case of packaging snacks or long term as in the case of freezer storage. Plastic bags of this style typically include flexible sidewalls made from, for example, polyethylene, that provide an opening and an internal or interior volume accessible through the opening. To seal the bag, interlocking closure strips may be provided about the rim of the opening.[0002]One common problem which occurs with such bags is that, after the opening has been sealed, latent air may remain trapped in the interior volume. In addition to undesirably increasing the overall size of the sealed bag, the trapped air can cause spoilage of food items stored in the interior volume.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0003]In various aspects, the invention provides a one-way valve element and methods of its use that can be used with a flexible storage bag that is inex...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0003]In various aspects, the invention provides a one-way valve element and methods of its use that can be used with a flexible storage bag that is inexpensive and simple to make and use. Furthermore, in other aspects, the invention provides a flexible storage bag having a one-way valve element attached thereto. In a particular aspect, the valve element can be a strip or layer of elastomeric material that is adhered over an aperture disposed through the sidewall of the storage bag. Because of the elastic characteristic of the elastomeric material, the valve element can be displaced with respect to the sidewall thereby uncovering the aperture and allowing air from the interior volume to move through the aperture. After the air has exhausted from the interior volume, the resilient elastomeric valve element can at least substantially recover its position over the aperture, thereby sealing the interior volume.

[0006]An advantage of valve elements and storage bags according to the invention is that the resilient elastomeric material enables the valve element to repeatedly and sufficiently seal themselves. Another advantage is that the valve elements and bags made with such valve element are inexpensive and simple to manufacture. These and other advantages and features of the invention will be apparent from the following drawings and the detailed description.

Problems solved by technology

One common problem which occurs with such bags is that, after the opening has been sealed, latent air may remain trapped in the interior volume.

In addition to undesirably increasing the overall size of the sealed bag, the trapped air can cause spoilage of food items stored in the interior volume.

Images