Preservation bag with improved gripping features

Abstract

The preservation bag of the present invention has a first closure and a second closure (14A, 14B) adjacent to an opening (30) of the bag. The first and second closures each have a closure member (12A, 22A, 22B) extending along a length of the respective closure, the closure member of the first closure being configured to engage with the closure member of the second closure to form a seal for the opening (30) of the bag. The first closure further includes (a) a plurality of gripping ridges (18) extending from the closure member to a top edge of the first closure, and (b) a texture (16) extending in an area between the closure member and the top edge of the first closure, the texture extending continuously (i) in the area between the closure member and the top edge of the first closure (14A), and (ii) between each gripping ridge of the plurality of gripping ridges.

Description

[0001] This case is a divisional application, the parent application being the application filed on October 4, 2019, with application number 201980089573.7 and invention title "Storage bag with improved grip features". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a storage bag. More specifically, it relates to a storage bag with features that facilitate sealing and opening, and a storage bag that includes features that improve the user's grip. Background Technology

[0003] Storage bags made of flexible plastic are well-known. These bags come in various sizes and can be used to hold a wide variety of items, including food, tableware, utensils, clothing, tools, etc. They typically include some type of zipper closure mechanism to seal the interior of the bag in a removable manner. The assignee of this application... Trademarked plastic storage bags with closure mechanisms for sale.

[0004] The closure mechanism of plastic storage bags typically includes two interlocking structures located on or near the top lip of the bag. To seal the closure, the user's fingers move along the closure mechanism, squeezing the interlocking members together. It is generally easier to make the interlocking members fully engage along their entire length if done in a certain way, although the user may not necessarily know the correct technique for doing so.

[0005] To open a storage bag, the user grasps the lip and pulls open the interlocking mechanism. However, storage bags often have a smooth surface that is difficult to grip. Furthermore, it is usually easier to pull open the interlocking mechanism and perform some action on the interlocking components if certain areas of the storage bag are grasped. However, users may not necessarily know the correct technique for opening a sealed storage bag.

[0006] Due to their wide range of uses, storage bags are commonly used to hold various products such as liquids, gels, food, and cosmetics. However, depending on the product, plastic storage bags may become wet, sticky, or otherwise difficult for users to handle. Therefore, it would be beneficial to provide storage bags with features that make them easier to seal and open. Furthermore, it would be beneficial to provide storage bags with features that improve the user's ability to grip the bag during sealing and opening. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect, the present invention provides a storage bag including a first side and a second side connected to the first side to form the interior of the bag, the bag having an opening leading to the interior. A first closure is connected to the first side and positioned adjacent to the opening of the bag. The first closure has a top edge and includes a closure member extending along the length of the first closure between a first side and a second side of the first closure. The first closure further includes (a) a plurality of gripping ridges extending from the closure member to the top edge of the first closure, and (b) a texture extending in the region between the closure member and the top edge of the first closure, the texture continuously extending (i) in the region between the closure member and the top edge of the first closure, and (ii) between each of the plurality of gripping ridges. A second closure is connected to the second side and positioned adjacent to the opening of the bag. The second closure has a top edge and includes a closure member extending at least along the length of the second closure between a first side and a second side of the second closure, the closure member being configured to engage with the closure member of the first closure to form a seal for the opening of the bag.

[0008] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a storage bag having a first side and a second side connected to the first side to form the interior of the bag, the bag having an opening leading to the interior. A first closure is connected to the first side and positioned adjacent to the opening of the bag. The first closure has a top edge and includes a closure member extending along the length of the first closure between a first side and a second side of the first closure. The first closure further forms a lip between the closure member and the top edge of the first closure, wherein the lip includes (a) a plurality of gripping ridges extending from the closure member to the top edge of the first closure, and (b) a texture extending in the region between the closure member and the top edge of the first closure, wherein the texture extends continuously (i) in the region between the closure member and the top edge of the first closure, and (ii) between each of the plurality of gripping ridges. A second closure is connected to the second side and positioned adjacent to the opening of the bag. The second closure has a top edge and includes a closure member extending at least along the length of the second closure between a first side and a second side of the second closure, the closure member being configured to engage with the closure member of the first closure to form a seal for the opening of the bag. The second closure further forms a lip between the closure member and the top edge of the second closure, the lip including (a) a plurality of gripping ridges extending from the closure member to the top edge of the second closure, and (b) a texture extending in the region between the closure member and the top edge of the second closure, wherein the texture extends continuously (i) in the region between the closure member and the top edge of the second closure, and (ii) between each of the plurality of gripping ridges.

[0009] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a storage bag having a first side and a second side connected to the first side to form the interior of the bag, the bag having an opening leading to the interior. A first closure is connected to the first side and positioned adjacent to the opening of the bag. The first closure has a top edge and includes (a) a closure member and (b) a texture extending in the region between the closure member and the top edge of the first closure, wherein the texture includes a plurality of raised features having about 95 to about 500 contact points per square inch on the first closure. A second closure, connected to the second side and positioned adjacent to the opening of the bag, the second closure has a top edge and includes a closure member configured to engage with the closure member of the first closure to form a seal for the opening of the bag.

[0010] According to another aspect, the present invention provides a storage bag having a first side and a second side connected to the first side to form the interior of the bag, the bag having an opening leading to the interior. A first closure is connected to the first side and positioned adjacent to the opening of the bag, the first closure having a top edge and including a closure member. The second closure is connected to and positioned adjacent to the opening of the bag on the second side. The second closure has a top edge and includes (a) a closure member configured to engage with the closure member of the first closure to form a seal for the opening of the bag, and (b) a texture extending in the region between the closure member and the top edge of the second closure, the texture including a plurality of raised features, wherein (i) each of the plurality of raised features is spaced apart from an adjacent raised feature along the length of the second closure from the first side to the second side by a distance S1, the distance S1 being between about 0.045 inches and about 0.100 inches; (ii) each of the plurality of raised features is spaced apart from an adjacent raised feature along the length of the second closure from the closure member to the top edge of the second closure by a distance S2, the distance S2 being between about 0.045 inches and about 0.100 inches; and (iii) each of the plurality of raised features extends to a height between about 2 mils and about 8 mils. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1A This is a side view of a bag according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 1B For the section taken along line 1B-1B Figure 1A The cross-sectional view of the top of the bag shown.

[0013] Figure 2A This is a side view of a bag according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2B For the section taken along line 2B-2B Figure 2A The cross-sectional view of the top of the bag shown.

[0015] Figure 3A for Figure 2A A partial view of the top of the bag shown, in the area within circle 3A.

[0016] Figure 3B For the section taken along line 3B-3B Figure 3A The cross-sectional view of the top of the bag shown.

[0017] Figure 3C According to alternative embodiments Figure 2AA partial view of the top of the bag shown, in the area within circle 3A.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a side view of a bag according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figures 5A to 5J Various textured patterns included in bags according to various embodiments of the present invention are shown.

[0020] Figure 6A This is a side view of a bag according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6B for Figure 6A The view of the top of the bag shown.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a side view of a bag according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 8A For the section taken along line 8A-8A Figure 7 The cross-sectional view of the top of the bag shown.

[0024] Figure 8B and 8C For the section taken along line 8A-8A according to the alternative embodiment Figure 7 The cross-sectional view of the top of the bag shown.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a side view of a bag according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 10 This is an illustration of an assembly line for manufacturing bags according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 11A This is an illustration of an embossing unit for manufacturing bags according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 11B This is an illustration of an embossing wheel for manufacturing bags according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figures 12A to 12C Various patterns of embossing wheels for manufacturing bags are shown according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] This invention relates to plastic storage bags that include features facilitating sealing and opening. The invention also relates to features that enhance the user's ability to grip the bag during sealing and opening. These features thus provide plastic storage bags that are easy to use and easy to grip.

[0031] As will be apparent from the description herein, the term "bag" encompasses a wide range of structures designed to hold items, such as pouches, resealable bags, sachets, etc. Generally, the term "bag" as used herein simply means a somewhat flexible container with an opening capable of carrying any number of items.

[0032] Figure 1A and Figure 1B This is a view of a bag 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The bag 100 includes a first side 11 and a second side 13. The first side 11 and the second side 13 are joined along edges 15 and 17, and the first side 11 and the second side 13 are also joined at a bottom edge 19 of the bag 10. According to one embodiment, the bottom edge 19 may include a folded edge. An opening 30 inside the bag 10 is formed adjacent to edges 20A and 20B defined by closures 14A and 14B, which will be described below. The first side 11 and the second side 13 may be made of a substantially transparent plastic, such as the plastics discussed below, thereby allowing easy identification of the contents inside the bag. Alternatively, the first side 11 and the second side 13 may be made of a substantially opaque or completely opaque material.

[0033] In some embodiments, sides 11 and 13 are directly joined together at edges 15, 17, and 19. Sides 11 and 13 may, for example, be laminated together at edges 15, 17, and 19. However, in other embodiments, additional surfaces may be provided to join the first side 11 and the second side 13. For example, a gusseted connection may be formed at edges 15, 17, and 19 between the first side 11 and the second side 13, thereby allowing the first side 11 and the second side 13 to separate into an unfolded bag configuration. Along these lines, it should be noted that the term "joint" as used herein is a general term describing two structures directly attached to each other, but also includes structures joined via an intermediate structure.

[0034] First closure 14A and second closure 14B form the top of bag 10, and closures 14A and 14B also define top edges 20A and 20B of bag 10. Closures 14A and 14B include at least one closure mechanism, including, for example, at least one zipper 12. Preferably, the zipper 12 extends from one of edges 15 to the second of edges 17 along each of the first side 11 and the second side 13. The zipper 12 includes at least a pair of closure members or interlocking members for sealing the opening 30 of bag 10 (e.g., see...). Figure 1B Components 22A and 22B). For example... Figure 1BAs shown, the first interlocking member 22A of the zipper 12 extends from the first closure member 14A, and the second interlocking member 22B of the zipper 12 extends from the second closure member 14B in a position opposite to the first interlocking member 22A. The interlocking members 22A and 22B are interlockable and unlockable, wherein the interlocking member 22A is a convex member received by the concave interlocking member 22B. This interlocking of the interlocking members 22A and 22B will also be referred to herein as "engagement." As is known in the art, such as Figure 1B The interlocking member depicted herein is commonly referred to as a zipper. Examples of different shapes and configurations of such interlocking members and / or closure members that can be used with the storage bags disclosed herein can be found in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,070,584, 7,784,160, 7,886,412, 7,946,766, and 8,061,898, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0324141, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Alternatively, the closure mechanism for the storage bag may include, for example, a pair of closure members sealed by a slider. In another embodiment, the closure mechanism may include, for example, an adhesive closure, a magnetic closure, or a hook-and-loop fastener (e.g., (Trademark type closure), micromechanical closure including multiple small interlocking components, and / or any other means for closing the top of a storage bag.

[0035] The user seals the bag 10 by pressing the first interlocking member 22A together with the second interlocking member 22B. It has been found that the user can most easily perform this process by starting from the end of the zipper 12 (or interlocking members 22A and 22B) and then moving his or her fingers through the length of the bag. When opening the bag 10, the user pulls open the interlocking members 22A and 22B of the zipper 12 by grasping the lip edges 21A and 21B of the bag and pulling open the closures 14A and 14B. As will be discussed below, if a texture 16 is provided to the surfaces of the lip edges 21A and 21B of the bag 10, the user generally finds it easier to separate the closures 14A and 14B and open the interlocking members 22A and 22B.

[0036] Interlocking members 22A and 22B can be configured to provide an audible sound and / or tactile sensation when engaged with each other. Various techniques are known for providing such audible and tactile characteristics; one example is providing indentations intermittently along the length of the first and second contours of interlocking members 22A and 22B, or more generally, making interlocking members 22A and 22B discontinuous along their respective lengths. Indentations or structural discontinuities enable interlocking members 22A and 22B to close, accompanied by a vibratory or jerky sensation, or an audible click, or both. Examples of interlocking members of bags providing audible or tactile characteristics can be found in U.S. Patent No. 5,140,727, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0037] It should be noted that although the bag 10 described herein includes two pairs of interlocking members 22A and 22B, other embodiments of the bag may include a single pair of closure members and / or interlocking members, i.e., a single interlocking member extending from the first closure of the bag can be connected to an interlocking member extending from the second closure of the bag. Still other embodiments may include more than two pairs of closure members and / or interlocking members. It should also be noted that interlocking members 22A and 22B do not necessarily need to extend entirely to the edges of the bag 10. For example, in some embodiments, the bag 10 may include sealing portions extending at edges 15 and 17 of the bag 10, and interlocking members 22A and 22B are configured to extend only from one sealing portion to the other, and not to extend over the entire edges 15 and 17 of the bag 10. In this regard, references herein to interlocking members 22A and 22B extending “between” the sides of closures 14A and 14B do not necessarily mean that interlocking members 22A and 22B extend over the entire edges of closures 15 and 17.

[0038] Closures 14A and 14B also form lips 21A and 21B extending from at least one zipper 12 to the respective top edges 20A and 20B of the bag 10. Furthermore, as... Figure 1A and 1BAs shown, one or both of the surfaces of lips 21A and 21B include a texture 16. The texture 16 facilitates gripping of lips 21A and 21B and thus aids in opening the bag 10. This texture 16 can be readily formed on one or both of the surfaces of lips 21A and 21B using various techniques, one example being embossing. Other techniques include ultrasonic molding, sandblasting or waterjeting to abrade the surface, heat patterning, laser ablation, texture casting rollers, and removing a portion of the substrate from the lip region. Furthermore, the texture 16 can be provided to (i) the inner or outer surface of one of lips 21A or 21B, (ii) the inner or outer surface of both lips 21A and 21B, (iii) the inner and outer surfaces of one of lips 21A or 21B, (iv) the inner and outer surfaces of both lips 21A and 21B, or (v) any combination thereof. Furthermore, texture 16 may extend to the corresponding top edges 20A and 20B in areas directly adjacent to closures 14A and 14B, or in areas spaced apart from closures 14A and 14B. Texture 16 may also be continuously provided on one or both surfaces of lips 21A and 21B, or in one or more portions of one or both surfaces of lips 21A and 21B. The following will discuss... Figures 5A to 5J In more detail, various patterns can be used to provide texture 16 to at least one surface of at least one of the lips 21A and 21B. Texture 16 further enhances the gripping ability of the lips 21A and 21B by providing a particularly effective gripping surface, which the user can easily grip when the interlocking members 22A and 22B are opened. When the interlocking members 22A and 22B are sealed, texture 16 can also assist the user by providing improved gripping at the ends of the bag and providing tactile feedback to the user when sealing the interlocking members 22A and 22B. In addition, texture 16 provides feedback to the consumer in the form of, for example, visual and / or tactile cues for positioning the lips 21A and 21B of the bag 10. Furthermore, as will be described in more detail below, texture 16 can be provided in combination with gripping ridges 18 that further improve the gripping ability of the lips 21A and 21B (see, for example, see...). Figure 2A , 2B 6A and 7).

[0039] The first side 11 and the second side 13, as well as the first closure 14A and the second closure 14B, including lips 21A and 21B, can be formed from thermoplastic materials and by known processes well known in the art. For example, sides 11 and 13 can be independently extruded from thermoplastic materials into a single continuous web or multiple webs, and closures 14A and 14B (including lips 21A and 21B) can be extruded from the same or different thermoplastic materials into continuous lengths or strands, respectively. The first closure 14A and the second closure 14B (including lips 21A and 21B) can be integrally formed (and thus "connected") with the sides 11 and 13 of the bag 10. Alternatively, the first closure 14A and the second closure 14B (including lips 21A and 21B) can be formed as separate structures, which are attached to (and thus "connected to") the first sidewall 11 and the second sidewall 13, for example, by laminating the first closure 14A and the second closure 14B (including lips 21A and 21B) onto the first sidewall 11 and the second sidewall 13.

[0040] Exemplary thermoplastic materials that can be used to form bag 10 include, for example, polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), metallocene-polyethylene (mPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), ultra-low-density polyethylene (ULDPE), biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BPET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and other classes of polyolefin elastomers and combinations and blends thereof. Other materials that can be used include styrene block copolymers, polyolefin blends, elastomer alloys, thermoplastic polyurethanes, thermoplastic copolyesters, thermoplastic polyamides, polymers and copolymers of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), Saran polymers, ethylene / vinyl acetate copolymers, cellulose acetate, polyethylene terephthalate copolymers (PET), ionomers, polystyrene, polycarbonate, styrene-acrylic acid-acrylonitrile, aromatic polyesters, linear polyesters, and thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohol. Other materials that can be used for bag 10 include, for example, paper, bio-based materials (i.e., synthetic materials composed of partially or fully renewable raw materials), such as bio-based polyethylene or another bio-based resin, post-consumer recycled resins, compostable resins such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polybutylene adipate (PBAT), polycaprolactone (PCL), polylactic acid (PLA), and combinations and blends thereof. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide range of other materials can also be used to form bag 10.

[0041] Figures 2A to 3BThis is a view of a bag 10' according to another embodiment of the present invention. The construction of bag 10' is similar to that of bag 10 described above, except that the first and second closures 14A' and 14B' include (i) at least two closure mechanisms comprising, for example, at least two zipper pieces 12A and 12B, and (ii) a gripping ridge 18 and the texture 16 discussed above. Preferably, zipper pieces 12A and 12B each extend from one of the edges 15 to the second of the edges 17 along each of the first side 11 and the second side 13. Each zipper piece 12A and 12B includes at least a pair of closure members or interlocking members for sealing the opening 30 of bag 10' (e.g., see...). Figure 2B Components 22A, 22B, 22C, and 22D). For example... Figure 2B As shown, the first interlocking member 22A of the upper zipper 12A extends from the first closing member 14A', and the second interlocking member 22B of the upper zipper 12A extends from the second closing member 14B' at a position opposite to the first interlocking member 22A. Also as... Figure 2B As shown, the third interlocking member 22C of the zipper member 12B extends from the first closure member 14A', and the fourth interlocking member 22D of the zipper member 12B extends from the second closure member 14B' in a position opposite to the third interlocking member 22C. The interlocking members 22A, 22B, 22C, and 22D are interlockable and unlockable, wherein interlocking members 22A and 22D are convex members received by concave interlocking members 22B and 22C. This interlocking of interlocking members 22A, 22B, 22C, and 22D will also be referred to herein as "engagement". As described above, and as is known in the art, such as Figure 2B The interlocking member depicted herein is commonly referred to as a zipper. Examples of different shapes and configurations of such interlocking members and / or closure members that can be used with the storage bags disclosed herein can be found in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,070,584, 7,784,160, 7,886,412, 7,946,766, and 8,061,898, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0324141, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Alternatively, the closure mechanism for the storage bag may include, for example, a pair of closure members sealed by a slider. In another embodiment, the closure mechanism may include, for example, an adhesive closure, a magnetic closure, or a hook-and-loop fastener (e.g., (Trademark type closure), micromechanical closure including multiple small interlocking components, and / or any other means for closing the top of a storage bag.

[0042] It should be noted that although the bag 10' described herein includes two pairs of interlocking members 22A, 22B, 22C, and 22D, other embodiments of the bag may include a single pair of closure members and / or interlocking members, i.e., a single interlocking member extending from the first closure of the bag can be connected to an interlocking member extending from the second closure of the bag (see, for example, see...). Figure 1A Other embodiments may include more than two pairs of closure members and / or interlocking members. It should also be noted that interlocking members 22A, 22B, 22C, and 22D do not necessarily need to extend entirely to the edge of bag 10'. For example, in some embodiments, bag 10' may include sealing portions extending at edges 15 and 17 of bag 10', and interlocking members 22A, 22B, 22C, and 22D are configured to extend only from one sealing portion to the other, and not to extend over the entire edges 15 and 17 of bag 10'. In this regard, references herein to interlocking members 22A, 22B, 22C, and 22D extending "between" the sides of closures 14A' and 14B' do not necessarily mean that interlocking members 22A, 22B, 22C, and 22D extend over the entire edges of closures 15 and 17.

[0043] Similar to the bag 10 described above, the closures 14A' and 14B' of bag 10' also form lips 21A' and 21B' extending from at least two zipper pieces 12A and 12B to the corresponding top edges 20A and 20B' of bag 10'. Furthermore, as... Figure 2A and 2BAs shown, one or both of the surfaces of the lips 21A' and 21B' include a texture 16. As described above, the texture 16 facilitates gripping of the lips 21A' and 21B' and thus aids in opening the bag 10'. This texture 16 can be readily formed on one or both of the surfaces of the lips 21A' and 21B' using various techniques, one example being embossing. Other techniques include ultrasonic molding, sandblasting or waterjeting to abrade the surface, heat patterning, laser ablation, texture casting rollers, and removing a portion of the substrate from the lip region. Furthermore, the texture 16 can be provided to (i) the inner or outer surface of one of the lips 21A' or 21B', (ii) the inner or outer surface of both lips 21A' and 21B', (iii) the inner and outer surfaces of one of the lips 21A' or 21B', (iv) the inner and outer surfaces of both lips 21A' and 21B', or (v) any combination thereof. Furthermore, texture 16 may extend to the corresponding top edges 20A and 20B in the area directly adjacent to the closures 14A and 14B, or extend to the corresponding top edges 20A and 20B in the areas 14A' and 14B' spaced apart from the closures. Texture 16 may also be continuously provided on one or both of the surfaces of lips 21A' and 21B', or in one or more portions of one or both of the surfaces of lips 21A' and 21B'. The following will discuss... Figures 5A to 5J In more detail, various patterns can be used to provide texture 16 to at least one of at least one surface of at least one of the lip edges 21A' and 21B'.

[0044] In addition to providing texture 16 to at least one surface of at least one of the surfaces of the lip margins 21A' and 21B', a gripping ridge 18' is also provided to further enhance the grip of the lip margins 21A' and 21B' (see, for example, see...). Figures 2A to 2B ).exist Figure 2A and 2B In one embodiment, gripping ridges 18 are provided on the inner surfaces of both lips 21A' and 21B'. Figure 2B As shown, each gripping ridge 18 is spaced apart from another gripping ridge 18, and the texture 16 is continuous between each gripping ridge 18. Although Figure 2BThe embodiments shown depict gripping ridges 18 provided on the inner surfaces of both lips 21A' and 21B', but gripping ridges 18 may alternatively be provided on (i) the inner or outer surface of one of lips 21A' or 21B', (ii) the inner or outer surface of both lips 21A' or 21B', (iii) the inner and outer surfaces of one of lips 21A' or 21B', (iv) the inner and outer surfaces of both lips 21A' and 21B', or (v) any combination thereof. Furthermore, any number of gripping ridges 18 may be added to the inner and / or outer sides of lips 21A' and 21B'. As discussed in more detail below, the combination of texture 16 and gripping ridges 180 further enhances the gripping ability of lips 21A' and 21B' by providing a particularly effective gripping surface that the user can easily grip when interlocking members 22A, 22B, 22C, and 22D are opened. When the interlocking components 22A, 22B, 22C, and 22D are sealed, the texture 16 and / or the gripping ridges 18 can also assist the user by providing improved grip at the ends of the bag and by providing tactile feedback to the user when sealing the interlocking components 22A, 22B, 22C, and 22D. Furthermore, the texture 16 and / or the gripping ridges 18 provide feedback to the consumer in the form of visual and / or tactile cues, for example, for positioning the lips 21A' and 21B' of the bag 10'.

[0045] Figure 3A It shows from Figure 2A A plan view of the top of the pouch 10' cut out from the lip edge 21A', to show a detailed view of the texture 16 and the gripping ridge 18. (See attached image.) Figure 3A As shown, the texture 16 includes a plurality of raised elements 24, wherein each raised element 24 is spaced apart from adjacent raised elements 24 by a distance S1 in the x-direction, i.e., along the length of the bag between the first side 15 and the second side 17. Each raised element 24 is also spaced apart from adjacent raised elements 24 by a distance S2 in the y-direction, i.e., along the height of the bag, extending between the bottom edge 19 and the corresponding top edges 20A and 20B. Figure 3AIn one embodiment, distance S1 is substantially equal to distance S2. However, distance S1 may differ from distance S2. According to one embodiment, the spacing between each protruding element 24 in the x-direction (i.e., distance S1) and / or y-direction (i.e., distance S2) is typically between about 0.045 inches and about 0.100 inches, and preferably between about 0.053 inches and about 0.080 inches, and most preferably between about 0.056 inches and about 0.070 inches. In particular, the inventors have found that the spacing between each protruding element 24 (i.e., distance S1 and / or distance S2) in the range of about 0.056 inches to about 0.070 inches, including the most preferred spacing of about 0.06 inches (i.e., distance S1 and / or distance S2), is crucial for the user's perception of the texture 16. In this respect, if texture 16 is too dense, i.e., the spacing between each raised element 24 (i.e., distance S1 and / or distance S2) is less than 0.045 inches, the user may lose the feel of texture 16, while if texture 16 is too wide, i.e., the spacing between each raised element 24 (i.e., distance S1 and / or distance S2) is greater than 0.100 inches, the user may experience an undesirable needle-like feel. Therefore, the spacing between each raised element 24 (i.e., distance S1 and / or distance S2) in the range of about 0.056 inches to about 0.070 inches, including the optimal spacing (i.e., distance S1 and / or distance S2) of about 0.06 inches, is crucial for achieving improved grip and the tactile or sensory experience desired by the user. Although the above embodiments provide a distance S1 that is substantially equal to distance S2, these distances S1 and S2 may alternatively have values ​​different from each other. For example, according to one embodiment, both distance S1 and distance S2 are between about 0.045 inches and about 0.100 inches, and preferably between about 0.053 inches and about 0.080 inches, and most preferably between about 0.056 inches and about 0.070 inches. However, distance S1 and distance S2 may each have different values ​​falling within one or more of these disclosed ranges.

[0046] according to Figure 3AIn one embodiment, the ratio of (i) the spacing between each protruding element 24 in the x direction (i.e., distance S1) and (ii) the spacing between each protruding element 24 in the y direction (i.e., distance S2) is approximately 1:1. According to another embodiment, the ratio between distance S1 and distance S2 can be between approximately 0.45:1 and approximately 2.2:1, and preferably between approximately 0.5:1 and approximately 2:1. Alternatively, the ratio between distance S1 and distance S2 can be between approximately 1:0.45 and approximately 1:2.2, and preferably between approximately 1:0.5 and approximately 1:2. For example, according to one embodiment, distance S1 is approximately 0.045 inches, while distance S2 is approximately 0.1 inches. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the ratio of distance S1 to distance S2 is approximately 1:2.2, or 0.45:1. For example, according to another embodiment, distance S1 is approximately 0.06 inches, while distance S2 is approximately 0.045 inches. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the ratio of S1 to S2 is approximately 1:0.75, or alternatively, 1.33:1.

[0047] Similarly, Figure 3A As shown, each protruding element 24 is also diagonally spaced from another protruding element 24 by a distance S3. This distance S3 can be determined based on (i) the spacing between each protruding element 24 in the x-direction (i.e., distance S1) and (ii) the spacing between each protruding element 24 in the y-direction (i.e., distance S2). Specifically, distance S3 can be determined based on the following equation, i.e., the Pythagorean theorem:

[0048] S12 + S22 = S32.

[0049] For example, according to one embodiment, when distance S1 is 0.06 inches and distance S2 is 0.06 inches, distance S3 will be equal to 0.085 inches. According to another embodiment, when distance S1 is 0.10 inches and distance S2 is 0.10 inches, distance S3 will be equal to 0.14 inches.

[0050] Although the above embodiments specify (i) the spacing between each protruding element 24 in the x-direction (i.e., distance S1) and (ii) the spacing between each protruding element 24 in the y-direction (i.e., distance S2), the spacing between each protruding element 24 (i.e., distance S1 and / or distance S2) need not be in a straight line, such as a straight line extending along the length of the bag between the first side edge 15 and the second side edge 17 (i.e., distance S1), or (ii) along the height of the bag between the lower edge 19 and the corresponding upper edges 20A and 20B (i.e., distance S2). Alternatively, the spacing between each of the protruding elements 24 (i.e., distance S1 and / or distance S2) can extend diagonally, sinusoidally, in a curved manner, as a starburst pattern, etc., and any combination thereof.

[0051] Similarly, Figure 3A As shown in the embodiment, a dashed box 25 is provided to illustrate another feature of texture 16, which is provided to at least one surface of lip edge 21A' and / or lip edge 21B'. In this respect, the dashed box 25 shows the number of contact points per square inch (e.g., the density of the plurality of protrusions 24 of texture 16) of the plurality of protrusions 24. According to one embodiment, this feature of the number of contact points per square inch is between approximately 95 and approximately 500 contact points per square inch, and preferably between approximately 200 and approximately 450 contact points per square inch, and most preferably between approximately 250 and approximately 375 contact points per square inch. Furthermore, as described above, the spacing between each protrusion 24 (i.e., distance S1 and / or distance S2) is related to the number of contact points per square inch (…). Figure 3A This is directly related to box 25 in the diagram. Therefore, when the critical range of the spacing between each protruding element 24 (i.e., distance S1 and / or distance S2) reaches approximately 0.056 inches to approximately 0.070 inches (including the most preferred spacing of approximately 0.06 inches), a critical number of contact points per square inch, i.e., a critical range between approximately 250 and approximately 375 contact points per square inch, can also be achieved. As mentioned above, this critical range of contact points per square inch is generated by the feel of the texture 16 that is most advantageous or ideal for the user. Therefore, when the critical range between approximately 250 and approximately 375 contact points per square inch is achieved using the protruding elements 24, improved grip and the tactile feel or sensation desired by the user are also achieved.

[0052] Although the above embodiments provide a spacing (i.e., distance S1) between each protruding element 24 in the x-direction, this spacing is the same along the length of the bag between the first side 15 and the second side 17. Figure 3C As shown in the alternative embodiment, the spacing between each protruding element 24 in the x-direction can vary along the length of the bag between the first side 15 and the second side 17 (e.g., see distances S1A, S1B, S1C, and S1D). Furthermore, while the above embodiment provides a spacing (i.e., distance S2) between each protruding element 24 in the y-direction, this spacing is the same along the height of the bag between the bottom edge 19 and the corresponding top edges 20A and 20B, as... Figure 3C As shown in the embodiments, the spacing between each protruding element 24 in the y-direction can vary along the height of the bag between the bottom edge 19 and the corresponding top edges 20A and 20B (e.g., see distances S2A, S2B, S2C, and S2D). Furthermore, according to... Figure 3CIn this embodiment, not only can the spacing between each protruding element 24 in the x-direction vary (e.g., see distances S1A, S1B, S1C, and S1D), but the spacing between each protruding element in the x-direction can also vary between different rows of pattern 16. Similarly, according to Figure 3C In this embodiment, not only can the spacing between each protruding element 24 in the y-direction be varied (e.g., see distances S2A, S2B, S2C, and S2D), but the spacing between each protruding element in the y-direction can also be varied between the individual columns of the pattern 16. Furthermore, while the above embodiments provide a plurality of protruding elements 24 of texture 16 (e.g., Figure 3A The number of contact points per square inch in frame 25) is the same as that in the length and / or height of the bag, such as Figure 3C As further shown in the embodiments, the number of contact points per square inch (i.e. Figure 3C The frame 25' in the bag can vary in length and / or height. Therefore, (i) the spacing between each protruding element 24 in the x-direction (i.e., distance S1), (ii) the spacing between each protruding element 24 in the y-direction (i.e., distance S2), and (iii) the plurality of protruding elements 24 of the texture 16 (e.g., Figure 3A Box 25 and / or Figure 3C The number of contact points per square inch in the 25' frame can be used to provide the user with the desired grip and / or tactile or sensory experience.

[0053] like Figure 3A As further shown, the plurality of raised elements 24 of texture 16, when provided to at least one surface of lip edge 21A' and / or lip edge 21B', include at least one gripping ridge 18, allowing a plurality of stops 23 to appear on at least one gripping ridge 18. These stops 23 appear where the raised elements 24 of texture 16 impinge on the structure of at least one gripping ridge 18. For example, according to one embodiment, such as Figure 3B As shown, at least one gripping ridge 18 has an initial height G. However, when the protruding element 24 of the texture 16 impacts at least one gripping ridge 18 to cause a stop 23 to appear on at least one gripping ridge 18, the height G' of each stop 23 is less than the initial height G of at least one gripping ridge 18. Therefore, the height G of at least one gripping ridge 18 differs from the height G' of each stop 23. For example, according to one embodiment, the height G of at least one gripping ridge 18 is at least about 0.005 inches, and preferably between about 0.005 inches and about 0.010 inches. Therefore, the height G' of each stop 23 is less than about 0.010 inches, and typically less than about 0.005 inches.

[0054] Although Figure 3A and 3BThe embodiment shows at least one gripping ridge 18 including multiple stops 23, but texture 16 can be added to at least one surface of lip edge 21A' and / or lip edge 21B' without impacting at least one gripping ridge 18 (e.g., see...). Figure 3C Therefore, the integrity of at least one gripping ridge 18 can be maintained by not forming the texture 16 on at least one gripping ridge 18. That is, at least one gripping ridge 18 is not substantially disrupted by the plurality of raised elements 24 of the texture 16, and thus at least one gripping ridge 18 extends substantially continuously along the top of the bag 10'.

[0055] Figure 4 A bag 10” is shown according to another embodiment of the present invention. The construction of bag 10” is similar to that of bag 10’ described above, except that the texture 16 extends beyond at least two zipper pieces 12A and 12B. Although in this embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, texture 16 extends slightly beyond at least two zipper pieces 12A and 12B, but texture 16 may (i) extend to the area just above the upper zipper piece 12A, (ii) extend to the area between at least two zipper pieces 12A and 12B, (iii) extend all the way to the bottom edge 19 of the bag 10”, or (iv) include any combination thereof. It should be noted that although the bag 10” described herein includes two zipper pieces 12A and 12B, other embodiments of the bag may include only a single zipper piece, i.e., a single interlocking member extending from the first closure of the bag, which may connect to an interlocking member extending from the second closure of the bag (e.g., see...). Figure 1A Other embodiments may include more than two zipper pieces. In each of these embodiments, texture 16 may (i) extend to the area directly above at least one zipper piece, (ii) extend to the area between at least two zipper pieces, (iii) extend to the bottom edge 19 of the bag, or (iv) include any combination thereof.

[0056] Figures 5A to 5J Various patterns are shown for adding texture 16 to at least one surface of at least one lip edge of a bag. Figure 5A This describes the coarse interlaced dot pattern of texture 16. Figure 5B This describes the fine interlaced dot pattern of texture 16. Figure 5C This describes the straight dot pattern of texture 16. Figure 5D This describes the interlaced stripe pattern of texture 16. Figure 5E Different bar patterns of texture 16 are shown. Figure 5F The pattern shown is a texture 16 consisting of multiple dots and lines. Figure 5G This describes the multiple ridge shapes of texture 16. Figure 5H Showing different line patterns similar to texture 16 tire tread. Figure 5I This shows another variation of the woven pattern similar to texture 16, featuring a line pattern. Figure 5J This shows multiple hollow square lines used for texture 16. And... Figure 1A , 2A The texture 16 of the embodiments shown in 3A, 4, 6A, 6B, 7, and 9 typically includes Figure 5C The pattern shown can be used Figures 5A to 5J Any patterns shown, and any combination thereof. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that texture 16 can be formed with a variety of alternative shapes and any combination thereof.

[0057] Figure 6A and Figure 6B A bag 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The bag 100 is configured similarly to the bag 10 described above, except for the construction of the first closure 140A and the second closure 140B. In the bag 100, the first lip 121A extends from the zipper 90 to the top edge 120A of the first closure 140A by a substantially constant distance H1. In other words, the second lip 121B of the second closure 140B includes a first portion extending from the zipper 90 to the top edge 120B by a distance H2, a second portion extending from the zipper 90 to the top edge 120B by a distance H3, and a third portion extending from the zipper 90 to the top edge 120B by a distance H4. The second lip 121B also includes portions varying between distances H2 and H4, and portions varying between distances H3 and H4. However, it should be noted that in alternative embodiments, the portions of the second lip 121B varying in distance from the zipper 90 to the top edge 120B may be omitted. In other words, bag 100 can be configured such that the first part with distance H2 directly transitions to the third part with distance H4, and the second part with distance H3 directly transitions to the third part with distance H4. It should also be noted that, although in Figure 6A and Figure 6B In the illustrated embodiment, distances H2 and H3 are depicted as approximately equal, but in other embodiments, distances H2 and H3 are different.

[0058] Bag 100 is configured such that distance H1 is approximately equal to each of distances H2 and H3, but distance H1 may alternatively be greater than or less than distances H2 and / or H3. Figure 6A and 6BIn one embodiment, the bag is further configured such that distance H1 is less than distance H4. Therefore, a portion of the lip 121B formed by the second closure 140B extends above the edge 1201A formed by the first closure 140A. This makes the first lip 121A and the second lip 121B easily distinguishable and provides the user with a visual cue regarding where to grasp the lips 121A and 121B to open the zipper 90. By grasping the lips 121A and 121B in the central region, the user can apply rolling to the lips, which facilitates the separation of the first closure 140A and the second closure 140B, and thus facilitates the opening of the zipper 90. Alternatively, the bag 100 may be configured such that distance H1 is greater than each of distances H2 and H3. However, even in this alternative embodiment, a portion of the lip 121B formed by the second closure 140B extends above the edge 120A formed by the first closure 140A. Therefore, the first lip edge 121A and the second lip edge 121B are easily distinguishable, and the user is provided with visual cues about where to grasp the lip edges 121A and 121B in order to open the zipper piece 90.

[0059] For example Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown in the embodiment, the first lip 121A and the second lip 121B of the bag 100 include a texture 160. As described above, the texture 160 facilitates gripping the lips 121A and 121B, and thus, opening the bag 100. This texture 160 can be readily formed on one or both of the surfaces of the lips 121A and 121B using various techniques, one example being embossing. Other techniques include ultrasonic molding, sandblasting or waterjeting to abrade the surface, heat patterning, laser ablation, texture casting rollers, and removing a portion of the substrate from the lip region. Furthermore, as described above, the texture 160 can be provided to (i) the inner or outer surface of one of the lips 121A or 121B, (ii) the inner or outer surface of both lips 121A and 121B, (iii) the inner and outer surfaces of one of the lips 121A or 121B, (iv) the inner and outer surfaces of both lips 121A and 121B, or (v) any combination thereof. Furthermore, texture 160 may extend to the corresponding top edges 120A and 120B in an area directly adjacent to zipper member 90, or in an area spaced apart from zipper member 90. Texture 160 may also be continuously provided on one or both of the surfaces of lips 121A and 121B, or in one or more portions of one or both of the surfaces of lips 121A and 121B.

[0060] In addition to providing texture 160 to the surfaces of the first and second lip margins 121A and 121B, a gripping ridge 180 is also provided to further enhance the grip of the lip margins 121A and 121B. Figure 6A and 6B In one embodiment, gripping ridges 180 are provided on at least one surface of both lips 121A and 121B. Furthermore, each gripping ridge 180 is spaced apart from the other, and the texture 160 is continuous between each gripping ridge 180. Although Figure 6A and 6B The embodiment illustrates gripping ridges 180 provided to the inner surfaces of both lips 121A and 121B. Alternatively, the gripping ridges 180 may be provided to (i) the inner or outer surface of one of lips 121A or 121B, (ii) the inner or outer surface of both lips 121A or 121B, (iii) the inner and outer surfaces of one of lips 121A or 121B, (iv) the inner and outer surfaces of both lips 121A and 121B, or (v) any combination thereof. Furthermore, any number of gripping ridges 180 may be added to the inner and / or outer sides of lips 121A and 121B. As described above, the combination of texture 160 and gripping ridges 180 further enhances the gripping ability of lips 121A and 121B by providing particularly effective gripping surfaces that a user can easily grip when opening at least one zipper piece 90. When at least one zipper 90 is sealed, the texture 160 and / or grip ridge 180 can also assist the user by providing improved grip at the end of the bag and by providing tactile feedback to the user when sealing at least one zipper 90. Furthermore, the texture 160 and / or grip ridge 180 provide feedback to the consumer in the form of visual and / or tactile cues, for example, for positioning the lips 121A and 121B of the bag 100.

[0061] Figure 7 and 8A Views 8C and 8C are views of a bag 100' according to another embodiment of the present invention. The construction of bag 100' is similar to that of bag 100 described above, except that the first and second closures 140A' and 140B' include (i) at least two closure mechanisms or zipper members 90A and 90B, and (ii) a recess 152 provided between the at least two zipper members 90A and 90B, which will be described in detail below. Preferably, zipper members 90A and 90B each extend from one of the edges 150 to the second of the edges 170 along each of the first side 110 and the second side 130. Each zipper member 90A and 90B includes at least one pair of closure members or interlocking members for sealing the opening 132 of bag 100' (e.g., see...). Figures 8A to 8C Components 122A, 122B, 122C, and 122D). For example... Figures 8A to 8C As shown, the first interlocking member 122A of the upper zipper 90A extends from the first closing member 140A', and the second interlocking member 122B of the upper zipper 90A extends from the second closing member 140B' at a position opposite to the first interlocking member 122A. Also as... Figures 8A to 8CAs shown, the third interlocking member 122C of the zipper member 90B extends from the first closure member 140A', and the fourth interlocking member 122D of the zipper member 90B extends from the second closure member 140B' in a position opposite to the third interlocking member 122C. The interlocking members 122A, 122B, 122C, and 122D are interlockable and unlockable, wherein interlocking members 122A and 122D are convex members received by concave interlocking members 122B and 122C. This interlocking of interlocking members 122A, 122B, 122C, and 122D will also be referred to herein as "engagement". As described above, and as is known in the art, such as Figures 8A to 8C The interlocking member depicted herein is commonly referred to as a zipper. Examples of different shapes and configurations of such interlocking members and / or closure members that can be used with the storage bags disclosed herein can be found in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,070,584, 7,784,160, 7,886,412, 7,946,766, and 8,061,898, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0324141, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Alternatively, the closure mechanism for the storage bag may include, for example, a pair of closure members sealed by a slider. In another embodiment, the closure mechanism may include, for example, an adhesive closure, a magnetic closure, or a hook-and-loop fastener (e.g., (Trademark type closure), micromechanical closure including multiple small interlocking components, and / or any other means for closing the top of a storage bag.

[0062] It should be noted that although the bag 100' described herein includes two pairs of interlocking members 122A, 122B, 122C, and 122D, other embodiments of the bag may include a single pair of closure members and / or interlocking members, i.e., a single interlocking member extending from the first closure of the bag can be connected to an interlocking member extending from the second closure of the bag (see, for example, [reference needed]). Figure 6A Other embodiments may include more than two pairs of closure members and / or interlocking members. It should also be noted that interlocking members 122A, 122B, 122C, and 122D do not necessarily need to extend entirely to the edge of bag 100'. For example, in some embodiments, bag 100' may include sealing portions extending at edges 150 and 170 of bag 100', and interlocking members 122A, 122B, 122C, and 122D are configured to extend only from one sealing portion to the other, and not to extend entirely over edges 150 and 170 of bag 100'. In this regard, references herein to interlocking members 122A, 122B, 122C, and 122D extending "between" the sides of closures 140A' and 140B' do not necessarily mean that interlocking members 122A, 122B, 122C, and 122D extend entirely over the edges of closures 150 and 170.

[0063] Similar to the bag 100 described above, the closures 140A' and 140B' of bag 100' also form lips 121A' and 121B' extending from at least two zipper pieces 90A and 90B to the corresponding top edges 120A and 120B' of bag 100'. Specifically, with Figure 6A and 6B Similar to the lip edges 121A and 121B of the bag 100 shown, the lip edges 121A' and 121B' of the bag 100' extend to various heights H1-H4, as described above. Figure 6B As stated above. Furthermore, as... Figure 7 and 8A As shown in 8C, one or both of the surfaces of the lip edges 121A' and 121B' include textures 160, 160', and 160" as described above. Textures 160, 160', and 160" facilitate gripping of the lip edges 121A' and 121B' and thus help open the bag 100'. The textures 160, 160', and 160" can be readily formed on one or both of the surfaces of the lips 121A' and 121B' using various techniques, one example being embossing. Other techniques include ultrasonic molding, sandblasting or water jetting to abrade the surface, heating the pattern, laser ablation, texture casting rollers, and removing a portion of the substrate from the lip region. Furthermore, the textures 160, 160', and 160" can be provided to (i) the inner or outer surface of one of the lips 121A' or 121B', (ii) the inner or outer surface of both lips 121A' and 121B', (iii) the inner and outer surfaces of one of the lips 121A' or 121B', (iv) the inner and outer surfaces of both lips 121A' and 121B', or (v) any combination thereof. Furthermore, textures 160, 160', and 160" may extend to the corresponding top edges 120A and 120B in areas directly adjacent to zipper pieces 90A and 90B, or extend to the corresponding top edges 120A and 120B in areas 90A and 90B spaced apart from the zipper pieces. Textures 160, 160', and 160" may also be continuously provided on one or both of the surfaces of lips 121A' and 121B', or in one or more portions of one or both of the surfaces of lips 121A' and 121B'.

[0064] In addition to providing textures 160, 160', 160” on at least one of the surfaces of the lip margins 121A' and 121B', a gripping ridge 180 is provided to further enhance the grip of the lip margins 121A' and 121B' (see, for example, see...). Figures 8A to 8C ).exist Figures 8A to 8C In some embodiments, gripping ridges 180 are provided on the inner surfaces of both lips 121A' and 121B'. Specifically, as... Figures 8A to 8CAs shown, each gripping ridge 180 is separated from another gripping ridge 180, and the textures 160, 160', 160" are continuous between each gripping ridge 180. Although Figures 8A to 8C The embodiments illustrate providing gripping ridges 180 on the inner surfaces of both lip edges 121A' and 121B', but gripping ridges 180 may alternatively be provided on (i) the inner or outer surface of one of lip edges 121A' or 121B', (ii) the inner or outer surface of both lip edges 121A' or 121B', (iii) the inner and outer surfaces of one of lip edges 121A' or 121B', (iv) the inner and outer surfaces of both lip edges 121A' and 121B', or (v) any combination thereof. Furthermore, any number of gripping ridges 180 may be added to the inner and / or outer sides of lip edges 121A' and 121B'. As described above, the combination of textures 160, 160', 160” and gripping ridges 180 further enhances the gripping ability of lips 121A' and 121B' by providing a particularly effective gripping surface, which the user can easily grip when opening interlocking members 122A, 122B, 122C, and 122D. When sealing interlocking members 122A, 122B, 122C, and 122D, textures 160, 160', 160” and / or gripping ridges 180 can also assist the user by providing improved grip at the ends of the bag and by providing tactile feedback when sealing interlocking members 122A, 122B, 122C, and 122D. Furthermore, textures 160, 160', 160” and / or gripping ridges 180 provide feedback to the consumer in the form of visual and / or tactile cues, for example, for positioning lips 121A' and 121B' of bag 100'.

[0065] For example Figures 8A to 8C As shown in the embodiments, textures 160, 160', and 160" provided to the surfaces of the lip edges 121A' and 121B' extend a distance (i.e., height E1, height E2, or height E3) from the surfaces of the respective lip edges 121A' and 121B', while each gripping ridge extends a distance G from the surfaces of the respective lip edges 121A' and 121B', and the distance G between each of these embodiments remains consistent. Furthermore, as... Figures 8A to 8C As shown, the lips 121A' and 121B' each have a thickness L that remains consistent across each of these embodiments.

[0066] according to Figure 8A In an embodiment, each raised element of pattern 160 (e.g., see...) Figure 3A Extending approximately 3 mils (or 0.003 inches) (i.e., height E1). According to... Figure 8B In an embodiment, each raised element of pattern 160' (e.g., see...) Figure 3AExtending approximately 4.5 mils (or 0.0045 inches) (i.e., height E2). According to... Figure 8C In an embodiment, each raised element of pattern 160” (e.g., refer to) Figure 3A The height E1 extends for approximately 6 mils (or 0.006 inches) (i.e., height E3). According to a preferred embodiment, heights E1, E2, and / or E3 can be between approximately 2 mils (0.002 inches) and approximately 8 mils (0.008 inches). According to a more preferred embodiment, heights E1, E2, and / or E3 can be between approximately 3 mils (0.003 inches) and approximately 6 mils (0.006 inches). According to the most preferred embodiment, heights E1, E2, and / or E3 can be between approximately 4 mils (0.004 inches) and approximately 5 mils (0.005 inches). Specifically, the inventors have discovered that the height (i.e., height E1, height E2, and / or height E3) of each raised element of textures 160, 160', and / or 160” is crucial to the user's perception of textures 160, 160', and / or 160”. In this respect, the lower the height of textures 160, 160', and / or 160”, i.e., height E1, height E2, and / or height E3 is less than about 2 mils (0.002 inches), the worse the user's perception, thus reducing the effectiveness and salience of textures 160, 160', and / or 160”. However, the greater the height of the textures 160, 160', and / or 160”, i.e., heights E1, E2, and / or E3 greater than approximately 8 mils (0.008 inches), the more the consumer will perceive it; however, excessive height will result in an undesirable needle-like feel for the user. Therefore, the height of each raised element of the textures 160, 160', and / or 160” in the range of approximately 4 mils (0.004 inches) to approximately 5 mils (0.005 inches), including the most preferred height of approximately 4.5 mils (0.0045 inches), is crucial for achieving improved grip and the tactile or sensory feel desired by the user.

[0067] As mentioned above, in Figures 8A to 8C In the embodiments, the height G of each gripping ridge 180 from the surfaces of its respective lips 121A' and 121B' remains consistent across all embodiments. According to one embodiment, each gripping ridge has a height G between approximately 0.005 inches and approximately 0.010 inches. Therefore, according to one embodiment, (i) the ratio of the heights E1, E2, and / or E3 of each protruding element of textures 160, 160', and / or 160” (e.g., refer to…) Figure 3A(ii) The height G of each gripping ridge is typically between about 40% and about 80%, preferably between about 50% and about 70%, and most preferably between about 55% and about 65%. In other words, the heights E1, E2, and / or E3 of each raised element of textures 160, 160', and / or 160” are typically about 40% to about 80% of the height G of each gripping ridge 180, or preferably, the heights E1, E2, and / or E3 of each raised element of textures 160, 160', and / or 160” are about 50% to about 70% of the height G of each gripping ridge 180, or most preferably, the heights E1, E2, and / or E3 of each raised element of textures 160, 160', and / or 160” are about 55% to about 65% of the height G of each gripping ridge 180.

[0068] As mentioned above, in Figures 8A to 8C In the embodiments, the thickness L of the lips 121A' and 121B' remains consistent in these embodiments. However, each of the lips 121A' and 121B' must have a certain thickness L to allow the height E1, height E2, and / or height E3 of each protruding element to be achieved. Thus, according to one embodiment, each of the lips 121A' and 121B' has a thickness L between about 1 mil (0.001 inch) and about 10 mils (0.010 inch). According to a more preferred embodiment, each of the lips 121A' and 121B' has a thickness L between about 2 mils (0.002 inch) and about 8 mils (0.008 inch). According to the most preferred embodiment, each of the lips 121A' and 121B' has a thickness L between about 3 mils (0.003 inch) and about 6 mils (0.006 inch).

[0069] Furthermore, according to another embodiment, (i) the height E1, height E2, and / or height E3 of each protruding element of textures 160, 160', and / or 160” (see, for example, see...) Figure 3A(ii) The ratio between the thickness L of each of the lip edges 121A' and 121B' is generally between about 50% and about 120%, preferably between about 68% and about 103%, and most preferably between about 76% and about 94%. In other words, the height E1, height E2, and / or height E3 of each raised element of textures 160, 160', and / or 160” is generally about 50% to 120% of the thickness L of each raised element of lip edges 121A' and 121B'; or, preferably, the height E1, height E2, and / or the height E3 of each raised element of textures 160, 160', and / or 160” is about the height of each raised element of lip edges 121A' and 121B'. The thickness L of the element is 68% to 103%; or, most preferably, the height E1, height E2 and / or height E3 of each raised element of textures 160, 160' and / or 160” is about 76% to about 94% of the thickness L of each of the lips 121A' and 121B'. It should also be noted that (i) the height E1, height E2 and / or height E3 of each raised element of textures 160, 160' and / or 160” (e.g., see Figure 3A (ii) The ratio between each thickness L of the lip margins 121A' and 121B' plays an important role in the process of adding textures 160, 160' and / or 160” to the lip margins 121A' and / or 121B', because the thickness L of each of the lip margins 121A' and 121B' has a direct impact on the ability to obtain the appropriate height E1, E2 and / or E3 of each raised element of textures 160, 160' and / or 160”, as described above.

[0070] According to another embodiment, the spacing between each protruding element 24 in the (i)x direction (i) can be... Figure 3A The distance S1) shown or the spacing between each protruding element 24 in the y direction (i.e., the distance S1) ... shown. Figure 3A The distance S2 shown is defined as a ratio between (iii) the height E1, height E2, or height 3 of each protruding element 24 of texture 160, 160', or 160”. This ratio (e.g., S1:E1 or S2:E1) is typically between about 1:0.02 and about 1:0.18. This ratio (e.g., S1:E1 or S2:E1) is preferably between about 1:0.04 and about 1:0.113, and most preferably between about 1:0.06 and about 1:0.09, including the most preferred ratio of about 1:0.075 (e.g., S1:E1 or S2:E1).

[0071] like Figure 7 and 8A As shown in Figure 8C, at least the first closure 140A' includes a plurality of recesses 152 in the region between the upper zipper 90A and the lower zipper 90B. Figures 8A to 8CAs shown, the recess 152 on the first closure 140A' is formed as a convex surface on the side of the first closure 140A' facing the interior of the bag 100', or the recess 152 on the first closure 140A' may be formed as a concave surface on the surface of the first closure 140A' facing the interior of the bag 100'. One or both of the closures 140A' and 140B' may include a plurality of recess features 152. In one embodiment, the recess 152 advantageously provides visual cues and / or tactile feedback, indicating to the user where to place their fingers when sealing the interlocking members of the zipper members 90A and 90B. Therefore, the user is more confident that the bag 100' is sealed.

[0072] As those skilled in the art will understand, various techniques can be used to form a recess 152 in at least one of the closures 140A' and 140B'. As an example, the recess 152 can be formed using mechanical operations (e.g., pressing operations using a mold). In such pressing operations, heat can also be applied to at least one of the closures 140A' and 140B' to promote deformation in the closures 140A' and / or 140B' in forming the recess 152. Alternatively, an ultrasonic forming operation can be used to form the recess 152. As another alternative, the recess 152 can be formed by a micro-molding process or as part of a vacuum extrusion operation during the formation of the closures 140A' and 140B'. All these techniques are used to form the recess 152 in a manner that prevents the closures 140A' and / or 140B' from cracking or weakening.

[0073] exist Figure 7 and Figures 8A to 8C In the bag 100' shown, the recess 152 is formed of a substantially spherical portion having a substantially circular cross-section. In a particular embodiment, the recess 152 has a diameter of approximately 0.125 inches (0.3175 cm). The substantially spherical recess 152 is provided uniformly along the entire length of at least the first closure 140A'. Although the recess 152 is a substantially spherical cross-section with a substantially circular cross-section, and although... Figure 7 The recesses 152 are evenly spaced along the first closure 140A', but the recesses 152 have many alternative shapes and configurations. For example, the recesses 152 can be provided at irregular points along the closures 140A' and / or 140B'. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the recesses 152 can be formed from a variety of optional shapes, such as recesses with cross-sections of rectangular, elliptical, triangular, X-shaped, S-shaped, star-shaped, heart-shaped, arrow-shaped, Christmas tree-shaped, etc.

[0074] exist Figure 7 and Figures 8A to 8CIn the illustrated embodiment, the recess 152 is disposed between the interlocking members of the upper zipper 90A and the lower zipper 90B. However, in other embodiments, the recess 152 may be disposed in different locations, such as above or below zipper members 90A and 90B. Furthermore, the recess 152 may be disposed in two different areas of the closure members 140A' and / or 140B', for example, above and below zipper members 90A and 90B. Along these lines, as described above, embodiments of the bag 100' may include only a single zipper member. In these embodiments, the recess 152 may be positioned above or below the zipper member.

[0075] Figure 9 A bag 1000 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Except that the lips 1200A and 1200B of the first and second closures 1400A and 1400B have colors C1 and / or C2, the bag 1000 is configured similarly to the bag 100 described above to provide features that facilitate the differentiation of the first and second lips 1200A and 1200B. In fact, when the bag 1000 is viewed from either the first side 1100 or the second side 1300, the area where the first lip 1200A overlaps with the second lip 1200B appears as a significantly darker color or a significantly darker hue, rather than the area of ​​the second lip 1200B not overlapped by the first lip 1200A. Therefore, the user can easily distinguish the first and second lips 1200A and 1200B, and when the interlocking member of the zipper 900 is opened, the user can more easily determine where to grip the bag 1000.

[0076] Furthermore, it has been found that the visual appearance of the raised elements of texture 1600 is enhanced by providing color C1 and / or color C2 to the first and / or second lip edges 1200A and 1200B. In this respect, the inventors have discovered that when a texture (e.g., texture 1600) is provided to a clear or transparent lip edge, the raised elements of the texture (e.g., texture 1600) are not necessarily noticed by the user. In contrast, when color C1 and / or color C2 are provided to lip edges 1200A and 1200B, the raised elements of texture 1600 become more prominent and / or more noticeable, thereby allowing texture 1600 to provide feedback to the consumer in the form of visual cues, for example, for positioning pouch 1000 on lip edges 1200A and 1200B.

[0077] As can be clearly seen from the discussion in this paper, the references to “darker color” and “darker hue” have different meanings. The CIELAB color space (i.e., the color space defined by the International Commission on Illumination (CIE)) is a commonly used technique for quantifying color and its lightness or darkness. In this color space, L* represents the lightness or darkness of a color, and a* and b* represent the color pair dimensions based on nonlinear compression of the CIE XYZ color space coordinates. The L*, a*, and b* values ​​of a particular sample’s color can be readily determined using, for example, a spectrophotometer. As used herein, when considering two color samples, the darker color sample will be the one whose a* and b* values ​​indicate a darker color than the other sample, for example, the a* and b* values ​​indicating a darker blue than those indicating yellow. On the other hand, a darker hue will represent two samples with substantially the same A* and b* values ​​but different L* values, with the sample having the higher L* value being the lighter hue. At this point, it should be noted that the term “color” as used herein includes black, white, and shades of gray. It should also be noted that, as discussed above and as is known in the art, substantially transparent plastic storage bags can be considered to have a specific “color.” When referring to first and second colors or shades of color herein, one of the first and second colors or shades of color may be the same as the rest of the bag, including the substantially transparent portion of the bag.

[0078] Therefore, the visual effects of the first and second lip edges 1200A and 1200B described herein can be achieved using different colors, wherein the a* and / or b* values ​​of lip edges 1200A and 1200B are different. Qualitatively, the first lip edge 1200A may appear green, while the second lip edge 1200B may appear red. In such an embodiment, the L* values ​​of the two lip edges 1200A and 1200B may be the same, or the L* values ​​may be different. In other embodiments, the first and second lip edges 1200A and 1200B are provided as substantially the same color, i.e., having approximately the same a* and b* values, but with different L* values. In this case, the first and second lip edges 1200A and 1200B are different shades of color. In other embodiments, the first and second lip edges 1200A and 1200B are formed with the same color and the same hue. However, because the first lip edge 1200A partially overlaps with the second lip edge 1200B, when the bag is viewed from the first side 1100 or the second side 1300, the overlapping area naturally appears as a darker shade of color than the portion of the second lip edge 1200B that does not overlap with the first lip edge 1200A. This effect can be achieved, for example, by using lip edges 1200A and 1200B with greater thickness. In other embodiments, the first and second lip edges 1200A and 1200B can be formed of different colors, thus providing a different color in the overlapping portion of the lip edges 1200A and 1200B than in the non-overlapping portion of the second lip edge 1200B. For example, the first lip edge 1200A is yellow and the second lip edge 1200B is blue, such that when the bag is viewed towards the first side 1100 and / or the second side 1300, a green color is produced in the area where the first lip edge 1200A and the second lip edge 1200B overlap.

[0079] In a specific embodiment, the L* values ​​of the two lips 1200A and 1200B differ by approximately 30. As an example, the darker first lip 1200A has an L* value of approximately 50 to 70, more specifically, an L* value of approximately 55 to 65, and more specifically, an L* value of approximately 55 to 60. The lighter second lip 1200B has an L* value of approximately 60 to 80, more specifically, an L* value of approximately 65 to 75, and more specifically, an L* value of approximately 70 to 75. For all these configurations, the first lip 1200A appears significantly darker than the second lip 1200B. Therefore, the user can easily distinguish between the two lips 1200A and 1200B, which in turn makes it easier for the user to determine where to grip the bag 1000 when opening the interlocking mechanism of the zipper 900.

[0080] Various techniques can be used to form color in the lips 1200A and 1200B. As an example, a colorant in liquid or solid form can be mixed with the resin prior to the extrusion operation forming the closures 1400A and 1400B of the bag. As a similar example, color can be introduced by adding colored resin particles or liquid color to the particle stream, which will be homogenized throughout the plastic during the extrusion process forming the film and / or bag contours 1400A and 1400B. In such an arrangement, the colorant can be introduced by adding it to a separate extruder throughout the extrusion process, for example, by extruding a color layer onto the already formed closures 1400A and 1400B. As another example, color can be applied by painting or printing on the closures 1400A and 1400B. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of other techniques can be used to form color or color shading in the lips 1400A and 1400B of the bag 1000.

[0081] Although Figure 9 The bag 1000 shown is formed by a shorter first lip edge 1200A, which is a darker color or a darker shade of color compared to a longer second lip edge 1200B. However, in other embodiments, the relative colors can be reversed. That is, the shorter first lip edge 1200A can be a lighter color or a lighter shade of color than the longer lip edge 1200B. The color contrast in these embodiments can be further emphasized by providing a darker color or a darker shade of color only in the portion of the second lip edge 1200B that does not overlap with the first lip edge 1200A. Additionally, in Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, while the entire distance between the zipper piece 900 and the edge is colored, in other embodiments, the color does not need to extend the entire distance. Instead, the color may extend to a portion of the lips 1200A and 1200B.

[0082] In other embodiments, the color is not a solid block on the lip edges 1200A and 1200B. Instead, the color can be formed, for example, in a pattern or shape, where the pattern and shape are continuous or discontinuous. Examples of such patterns and shapes include hearts, flowers, trees, etc. Along these lines, the color of lip edge 1200A or lip edge 1200B can include a variety of colors. Furthermore, as described above, one of the colors or hues of the first and second lip edges 1200A and 1200B can be the same as the rest of the bag. Thus, in one embodiment, the color of the first lip edge 1200A is the same as the color of the substantially transparent side surface 1100, while lip edge 1200B is formed in two different colors. Those skilled in the art will understand the various color choices for the lip edges 1200A and 1200B used for the bag 1000.

[0083] The interlocking components of the zipper 900 can also be colored, thus providing the same or different colors as the lips 1200A and 1200B. Coloring makes the interlocking components of the zipper 900 easily identifiable, thereby making it easier for the user to seal and open the bag. Therefore, by providing a bag 1000 with colored lips 1200A and 1200B and colored interlocking components of the zipper 900, the user can easily identify the parts used for sealing and unsealing the bag 1000.

[0084] The colors of the lip edges 1200A and 1200B in bag 1000 also allow bag 1000 to be easily distinguished from other storage bags. That is, the colors of the lip edges 1200A and 1200B provide a visual indication to the user of a particular bag, and such features can provide explicit or implicit indication of the contents of the bag. For example, a blue lip edge can be used to indicate a freezer bag, a magenta lip edge can be used to indicate a general storage bag, and a green lip edge can be used to indicate a sandwich / snack bag. Furthermore, colored lip edges 1200A and 1200B can allow a particular bag to stand out among other bags, such as a magenta bag among green bags. Of course, since the coloring can be formed only in the lip edges 1200A and 1200B, the first and second sides 1100 and 1300 of bag 1000 can still be made transparent or substantially transparent. Therefore, although the lip edges 1200A and 1200B give bag 1000 an indicative color, the contents of bag 1000 can still be easily seen.

[0085] Figure 10 It shows the method for forming, for example Figure 6A , 6B Device 200 for textured bags of types 7 and 8A to 8C. Figure 10 In the illustrated apparatus 200, a main extruder 201 is provided for extruding closures of plastic bags. According to one embodiment, the main extruder 201 is connected to a die 205 configured to form at least one concave interlocking member 206 of a closure on one side of the die 205 and at least one convex interlocking member 207 of a closure on the other side of the die 205. The extruded concave and convex interlocking members 206 and 207 are then interlocked together at a zipper station 208 to form a pair of interlocking closures 209. The interlocking closures 209 are then moved to a lip cutter 210, where the lip is cut to heights H1-H4, as described above (see, for example, see...). Figure 6A and 6B (lip edges 121A and 121B). Then, the interlocking closure with cut lip edge 230 enters the embossing unit 220 to provide texture (e.g., texture 160) to at least one surface of the cut lip edge of the closure.

[0086] Figure 11A and 11B An example of an embossing unit 220 is shown. For example... Figure 11A As shown, the embossing unit 220 includes a retainer 224 attached to a pair of embossing rollers 222A and 222B (e.g., a double-roller mechanism). Figure 11A and 11B As further shown in the embodiments, embossing rollers 222A and 222B each include a plurality of raised features 300 to provide a textured pattern to the lip surface of the closure. Specifically, as... Figure 11A As shown, an interlocking closure with a cut lip 230 enters the embossing rollers 222A and 222B of the embossing unit 220. The embossing unit 220 forms a texture (e.g., texture 160) in the lip of the closure, after which a closure with a textured lip 235 is provided. Although Figure 11A and 11B The embodiments illustrate an embossing unit 220 including a dual-roller mechanism comprising (i) a first embossing roller 222A having a plurality of raised features 300 and (ii) a second embossing roller 222B having a plurality of raised features 300. However, the embossing unit 220 may alternatively include a combination of a first embossing roller 222A having a plurality of raised features 300 and a second roller having a smooth surface comprising rubber or hard metal (e.g., steel). In another embodiment, the embossing unit 220 may include a dual-roller mechanism having complementary, opposing embossed surfaces to provide texture (e.g., texture 160) to the surface of the lip. Furthermore, as... Figure 11A and 11B As shown in the embodiments, the embossing unit 220 uses a spring 225 to generate the force required to texture the lip of the closure. Alternatively, the clamping force of a pneumatic or mechanical closure can be used to generate the force required to texture the lip. According to one embodiment, the higher the pressure (psi) or force applied to the embossing unit 220, the higher the height of the raised features of the pattern (e.g., E1, E2, and / or E3) (e.g., see...). Figures 8A to 8C For example, according to one embodiment, a pressure of about 30 psi provides a height of about 1 mil (0.001 inch) (e.g., E1), while a pressure of about 50 psi provides a height of about 2.5 mils (0.0025 inches) to about 3 mils (0.003 inches) (e.g., E2), and a pressure of at least about 70 psi provides a height of about 6 mils (0.006 inches) (e.g., E3). While pressure has been discussed above as a factor in achieving a specific height (e.g., E1, E2, and / or E3) for the raised feature, other factors are also involved, including, for example, lip thickness.

[0087] Figures 12A to 12C Examples of embossing rollers 222A, 222A', and 222A" are shown, each embossing roller 222A, 222A', and 222A" including multiple raised features 300A, 300B, and 300C to provide a textured pattern to the lip surface of the closure. Figure 12A In this embodiment, the embossing roller 222A includes a plurality of raised features 300A, each raised feature 300A being (i) spaced apart from adjacent raised features 300A by a distance S1 in the x-direction and (ii) spaced apart from adjacent raised features 300A by a distance S2 in the y-direction. It should be noted that the spacings S1 and S2 between each raised feature 300A of the embossing roller 222A are equal to... Figure 3A The corresponding spacings S1 and S2 between each of the plurality of raised elements 24 in the texture 16 shown. Figure 12B In one embodiment, the embossing roller 222A' includes a plurality of raised features 300B, wherein each raised feature 300B (i) is spaced apart from adjacent raised features 300B by a distance S1' in the x-direction, and (ii) is spaced apart from adjacent raised features 300B by a distance S2' in the y-direction. Figure 12C In the embodiments described above, the embossing roller 222A” includes a plurality of raised features 300C, wherein each raised feature 300C (i) is spaced apart from adjacent raised features 300C by a distance S1” in the x-direction and (ii) is spaced apart from adjacent raised features 300C by a distance S2” in the y-direction. Although the above embodiments provide embossing rollers 222A, 222A' and 222A” with raised features 300A, 300B and 300C, they are spaced apart from adjacent raised features 300A, 300B by (i) distances S1, S1' and S1” and 300C by the same distances across the embossing roller in the x-direction, and (ii) by distances S2, S2' and S2” in the y-direction. That is, although they are the same on the embossing roller, the spacing between raised features 300A, 300B and 300C in the x-direction or y-direction can be varied on the embossing roller. Furthermore, although the above embodiments provide embossing rollers 222A, 222A', and 222A' with raised features 300A, 300B, and 300C, these features extend at an angle (e.g., 30 degrees, 45 degrees, 60 degrees, etc.) relative to the surfaces of the respective embossing rollers 222A, 222A', and 222A'. Additionally, although the above embodiments provide embossing rollers 222A, 222A', and 222A' with raised features 300A, 300B, and 300C ending at a point or edge, the raised features 300A, 300B, and 300C may also end at a flat edge or platform, or have a combination of sharp and flat edges. Alternatively, the raised features 300A, 300B, and 300C may also terminate at a flat edge or platform, or have a combination of sharp and flat edges.

[0088] like Figure 10As further shown, after leaving the embossing unit 220 (where the lip has been textured (e.g., texture 160)), the closure with the textured lip 235 enters the bag cutter 240, where individual bags are cut to the desired size and / or shape (e.g., bags 10, 10', 100, 100', etc.) using, for example, a hot wire or a knife. The bags are then sealed along their edges and ready for shipment. Alternatively, the bags can be sealed while being cut to the desired size and / or shape using, for example, a hot wire or a knife.

[0089] Although specific features of the storage bag of the present invention have been described in the different embodiments described above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many features of the different embodiments can be combined in various different embodiments.

[0090] It is also envisioned that any bag described herein can be formed as a vacuum storage bag. In such an embodiment, at least one vacuum check valve is disposed on the surface of the bag, and the valve allows fluid communication with the interior of the bag. For example, a manual or electric pump, or even a vacuum device from a household vacuum cleaner, can be placed above the valve to extract gas or other fluids from the interior of the bag. The construction of the vacuum bag may also include a pressure relief valve on or along the inner surface of the bag to provide an airflow passage when a vacuum is drawn through the vacuum check valve. An example of a vacuum bag is given by the trade name SPACE. The trademark is sold, and examples of such vacuum bags can be found in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,983,845, 8,096,329, 8,197,138 and 8,179,139, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0099806, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0091] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, many additional modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention may be practiced in ways other than those specifically described. Accordingly, exemplary embodiments of the invention should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects, and the scope of the invention will be determined by any of the claims that may be supported by this application and their equivalents, rather than by the foregoing description.

[0092] Industrial applicability

[0093] This invention can be used in the commercial production of storage bags. These storage bags have a wide range of applications, such as for storing food, chemicals, or other substances.

Claims

1. A storage bag, characterized in that, include: (A) First side view; (B) A second side, which is connected to the first side to form the interior of the bag, the bag having an opening leading to the interior; (C) A first closure, connected to and positioned adjacent to the first side surface and adjacent to the opening of the bag, the first closure having a top edge and including a closure member extending along the length of the first closure between a first side and a second side of the first closure, a lip forming between the closure member and the top edge of the first closure, wherein the lip includes (a) a plurality of gripping ridges extending in the region between the closure member and the top edge of the first closure, each of the plurality of gripping ridges extending from the first side of the first closure to the second side of the first closure, and (b) a texture extending in the region between the closure member and the top edge of the first closure, wherein the texture extends continuously (i) in the region between the closure member and the top edge of the first closure, and (ii) between each of the plurality of gripping ridges, such that the texture impacts at least one of the plurality of gripping ridges; and (D) A second closure, connected to and positioned adjacent to the second side of the bag, the second closure having a top edge and including a closure member extending at least along the length of the second closure between a first side and a second side of the second closure, the closure member being configured to engage with the closure member of the first closure to form a seal for the opening of the bag, and the second closure further forming a lip between the closure member and the top edge of the second closure, the lip including (a) a plurality of gripping ridges extending in the region between the closure member and the top edge of the second closure, each of the plurality of gripping ridges extending from the first side of the second closure to the second side of the second closure, and (b) a texture extending in the region between the closure member and the top edge of the second closure, wherein the texture extends continuously (i) in the region between the closure member and the top edge of the second closure, and (ii) between each of the plurality of gripping ridges. The texture of each of the lip edges of the first closure and the second closure includes multiple raised features. The plurality of protruding features include 95 to 500 contact points per square inch for the respective closure.

2. The storage bag according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of raised features include 200 to 450 contact points per square inch for the respective closure.

3. The storage bag according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of raised features include 250 to 375 contact points per square inch for the respective closure.

4. The storage bag according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lip of the first closure extends along the length of the first closure from the first side of the first closure to the second side of the first closure, and from the closure member to the top edge of the first closure by a substantially constant distance H1.

5. The storage bag according to claim 4, characterized in that, The lip of the second closure includes (i) a first portion of the lip extending substantially a constant distance H2 from the closure member to the top edge of the second closure along a portion of the length of the second closure starting from the first side; (ii) a second portion of the lip extending substantially a constant distance H3 from the closure member to the top edge of the second closure along a portion of the length of the second closure starting from the second side; and (iii) a third portion of the lip disposed between the first portion and the second portion of the lip, the third portion extending substantially a constant distance H4 from the closure member to the top edge of the second closure, and the distance H4 being greater than the distance H1.

6. The storage bag according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of raised features is spaced S1 along the length of the corresponding closure from the first side to the second side of the corresponding closure from the adjacent raised feature.

7. The storage bag according to claim 6, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of raised features is spaced S2 along the height of the corresponding closure member from the closure member to the top edge of the corresponding closure member from the adjacent raised feature.

8. The storage bag according to claim 7, characterized in that, At least one of the distances S1 and S2 is between 0.045 inches and 0.100 inches.

9. The storage bag according to claim 7, characterized in that, At least one of the distances S1 and S2 is between 0.053 inches and 0.080 inches.

10. The storage bag according to claim 7, characterized in that, At least one of the distances S1 and S2 is between 0.056 inches and 0.070 inches.

11. The storage bag according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of raised features extends to a height between 2 mils and 8 mils.

12. The storage bag according to claim 11, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of raised features extends to a height between 3 mils and 6 mils.

13. The storage bag according to claim 11, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of raised features extends to a height between 4 and 5 mils.

14. The storage bag according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of raised features extends to a first height, and each of the plurality of gripping ridges extends to a second height, wherein the first height is 40% to 80% of the second height.

15. The storage bag according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first height is 50% to 70% of the second height.

16. The storage bag according to claim 14, characterized in that, The first height is 55% to 65% of the second height.

17. The storage bag according to claim 14, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of raised features extends a first height, and each lip has a thickness, wherein the first height is 50% to 120% of the thickness of the corresponding lip.

18. The storage bag according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first height is 68% to 103% of the corresponding lip thickness.

19. The storage bag according to claim 17, characterized in that, The first height is 76% to 94% of the corresponding lip thickness.

20. The storage bag according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, (i) the closing member of the first closure is a first interlocking member, and the first closure includes a second interlocking member extending substantially parallel to the first interlocking member, and (ii) the closing member of the second closure is a first interlocking member, and the second closure includes a second interlocking member extending substantially parallel to the first interlocking member.

21. The storage bag according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, At least a portion of the lip edge of the first closure is one of a different color and a different hue than at least a portion of the lip edge of the second closure.

22. The storage bag according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, At least one of the plurality of gripping ridges of the first closure includes a plurality of stops, wherein the texture impacts the at least one gripping ridge.

23. The storage bag according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The texture of the second closure impacts at least one of the plurality of gripping ridges of the second closure.

24. The storage bag according to claim 23, characterized in that, The at least one of the plurality of gripping ridges of the second closure includes a plurality of stops, wherein the texture impacts the at least one gripping ridge.

25. The storage bag according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, At least one of the plurality of gripping ridges on the lip of the first closure includes a plurality of stops, wherein the texture impacts the at least one gripping ridge.

26. The storage bag according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The texture of the lip edge of the second closure impacts at least one of the plurality of gripping ridges of the lip edge of the second closure.

27. The storage bag according to claim 26, characterized in that, At least one of the plurality of gripping ridges on the lip edge of the second closure includes a plurality of stops, wherein the texture impacts the at least one gripping ridge.

28. The storage bag according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The texture of the first closure impacts at least one of the plurality of gripping ridges of the first closure.

29. The storage bag according to claim 28, characterized in that, At least one of the plurality of gripping ridges of the first closure includes a plurality of stops, wherein the texture impacts the at least one gripping ridge.

30. A storage bag, characterized in that, include: (A) First side view; (B) A second side, which is connected to the first side to form the interior of the bag, the bag having an opening leading to the interior; (C) A first closure member connected to and positioned adjacent to the opening of the bag, the first closure member having a top edge and including a closure member; and (D) A second closure, connected to and positioned adjacent to the second side of the bag and adjacent to the opening of the bag, the second closure having a top edge and including (a) a closure member configured to engage with the closure member of the first closure to form a seal for the opening of the bag, and (b) a texture extending in the region between the closure member and the top edge of the second closure, the texture including a plurality of raised features, wherein (i) each of the plurality of raised features is spaced apart from an adjacent raised feature along the length of the second closure from the first side of the second closure to the second side by a distance S1, the distance S1 being between 0.045 inches and 0.100 inches; (ii) each of the plurality of raised features is spaced apart from an adjacent raised feature along the length of the second closure from the closure member to the top edge of the second closure by a distance S2, the distance S2 being between 0.045 inches and 0.100 inches; and (iii) each of the plurality of raised features extends to a height between 2 mils and 8 mils. The plurality of protruding features include 95 to 500 contact points per square inch of the second closure.

31. The storage bag according to claim 30, characterized in that, The plurality of raised features include 200 to 450 contact points per square inch of the second closure.

32. The storage bag according to claim 30, characterized in that, The plurality of raised features include 250 to 375 contact points per square inch of the second closure.

33. The storage bag according to claim 30, characterized in that, (a) the distance S1 is between 0.053 inches and 0.080 inches, (b) the distance S2 is between 0.053 inches and 0.080 inches, and (c) each of the plurality of raised features extends at a height between 3 mils and 6 mils.

34. The storage bag according to any one of claims 30 to 32, characterized in that, (a) the distance S1 is between 0.056 inches and 0.070 inches, (b) the distance S2 is between 0.056 inches and 0.070 inches, and (c) each of the plurality of raised features extends at a height between 4 mils and 5 mils.

35. The storage bag according to any one of claims 30 to 32, characterized in that, (a) The ratio between the distance S1 and (b) the height of each protruding element is between 1:0.02 and 1:0.

18.

36. The storage bag according to claim 35, characterized in that, (a) The ratio between the distance S1 and (b) the height of each protruding element is between 1:0.04 and 1:0.

113.

37. The storage bag according to claim 35, characterized in that, (a) The ratio between the distance S1 and (b) the height of each protruding element is between 1:0.06 and 1:0.

09.

38. The storage bag according to any one of claims 30 to 32, characterized in that, (a) The ratio between the distance S2 and (b) the height of each protruding element is between 1:0.02 and 1:0.

18.

39. The storage bag according to claim 38, characterized in that, (a) The ratio between the distance S2 and (b) the height of each protruding element is between 1:0.04 and 1:0.

113.

40. The storage bag according to claim 38, characterized in that, (a) The ratio between the distance S2 and (b) the height of each protruding element is between 1:0.06 and 1:0.

09.

41. The storage bag according to any one of claims 30 to 32, characterized in that, The ratio of distance S1 to distance S2 is 1:

1.

42. The storage bag according to any one of claims 30 to 32, characterized in that, The ratio of distance S1 to distance S2 is between 0.45:1 and 2.2:

1.

43. The storage bag according to claim 42, characterized in that, The ratio of distance S1 to distance S2 is 0.5:1 to 2:

1.

44. The storage bag according to any one of claims 30 to 32, characterized in that, The ratio of distance S1 to distance S2 is between 1:0.45 and 1:2.

2.

45. The storage bag according to claim 44, characterized in that, The ratio of distance S1 to distance S2 is 1:0.5 to 1:

2.

46. ​​The storage bag according to any one of claims 30 to 32, characterized in that, The second closure also includes a plurality of gripping ridges extending in the region between the closure member and the top edge of the second closure, each of the plurality of gripping ridges extending from the first side of the second closure to the second side of the second closure.

47. The storage bag according to claim 46, characterized in that, (a) Each of the plurality of gripping ridges extends to a height G, and (b) each of the plurality of raised features extends to a height E, wherein the height E is 40% to 80% of the height G.

48. The storage bag according to claim 47, characterized in that, The height E is 50% to 70% of the height G.

49. The storage bag according to claim 47, characterized in that, The height E is 55% to 65% of the height G.

50. The storage bag according to any one of claims 30 to 32, characterized in that, The second closure has a thickness L, which is between 1 mil and 10 mil.

51. The storage bag according to claim 50, characterized in that, The thickness L is between 2 mils and 8 mils.

52. The storage bag according to claim 50, characterized in that, The thickness L is between 3 mils and 6 mils.

53. The storage bag according to claim 50, characterized in that, Each of the plurality of raised features extends to a height E, which is 50% to 120% of the thickness L.

54. The storage bag according to claim 53, characterized in that, The height E is 68% to 103% of the thickness L.

55. The storage bag according to claim 53, characterized in that, The height E is 76% to 94% of the thickness L.

56. The storage bag according to claim 46, characterized in that, The texture of the second closure impacts at least one of the plurality of gripping ridges of the second closure.

57. The storage bag according to claim 56, characterized in that, The at least one of the plurality of gripping ridges of the second closure includes a plurality of stops, wherein the texture impacts the at least one gripping ridge.

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