DE60027609T2 - SOLDERABLE CLOSURE BAG MANUFACTURED FROM A RAILED COMPOSITE MATERIAL - Google Patents

Description

AREA OF INVENTION

The The present invention relates to a bag for airtight storage, especially of food, and for the airtight and liquid-tight Sealing during of cooking. More particularly, the present invention relates to a bag, the at least one layer of a composite film material that with a pressure-sensitive adhesive that prevents accidental sticking protected is, is provided, or consists of a layer that has at least one Section which consists of such a composite foil material, wherein the pressure-sensitive adhesive is detachable on, for example, another section of the same film layer or releasably sealable at another film layer, if he pressed against this is to form an interior of the bag.

BACKGROUND

Containers for food storage are well known and are available in many forms, eg plastic containers of various shapes with flexible fitted covers, such as those sold under the brand name "TUPPERWARE ^™ " by Tupperware Company, USA, and plastic bags with three sealed sides and a resealable zipper opening, such as the storage bags sold under the trade name "ZIPLOC ^™ " by SC Johnson Company in the USA and by Asahi Kasei in Japan.

A different kind of storage bags for food, often from Consumers are using the free polyethylene storage bags, which is provided free of charge by many grocery stores and food markets become. Such bags are also commercially available under the name "UBE Kitchen Bags "from UBE Film Company, Onoda City, Ya maguchi Prefecture, Japan. This type of bag will become ordinary by directly connecting the free ends of the bag together or closed by any metal or plastic closure. Consumers close however, such bags often do not before putting them in the fridge place.

There are also it already for the storage of food different film materials, by electrostatic adhesion to the surface of a Dish or another container be attached. These types of film materials generally become provided as a roll, wherein the free end of the roll of the Consumer gripped and unrolled to the desired length and then with one attached to the package containing the roll Blade is cut off; the cut piece of film is over the Foods to be stored, placed and through electrostatic adhesion to the surface of the plate or container, in the food is located. Such slides can also used directly to wrap and store food; in this case, the shell should not stick to a plate or other container, but to yourself. examples for such commercially available Films are under the brand name "SARAN WRAP" by the company Asahi Kasei and "KRE WRAP "from the company Kureha Kagaku Company, both in Japan, sold.

Such usual Storage bags and films, however, have certain disadvantages. The airtightness of the seal and, accordingly, the inability to Keeping food fresh is often a problem. One comfortable use is for consumers are also an issue. Film rolls can be difficult to be used as they are often sticking prematurely, and it's often hard, the free end to find the foil. With the preformed storage bags can it may be difficult to finish with the zippered end of the bag firmly and completely to seal; It can still be difficult to get the food due to the relatively small Size of the opening in to place the bag.

It is also known to use various finished products by means of flexible bags or pouches called "cooking bags" warmed up can be. For example, certain finished products that can be eaten after warming up be bought in airtight sealed plastic bags. Of the sealed bags are placed in boiling water, and the foods be through the heat of the boiling water warmed up, without this entering the bag. The consumer must then just cut the bag and remove the contents. A common example for this Type of product are curry dishes, for example, from the companies House Shokuhin, S & B Shokuhin and Ajinomoto are made from Japan.

The Types of foods that are packaged and warmed up in this way can, are however limited. These cooking bags can Furthermore Do not use it to actually get fresh food ferment. You can only used to warm up food processing and preserving were.

The above-described conventional Storage bag for Foods are also not to warm up the contained therein Food or to prepare fresh food in hot water suitable, since there is no practical method to seal in the State or during warming up or Garens the air and liquid tightness sure. Furthermore feature such bags possibly no over Material properties that allow this to be the heat of the withstand boiling water or the heat generated by a microwave, without degenerating. Even if it is assumed that one Such material is in itself air and liquid tight, there are very few practical methods of sealing / resealing such bag.

Therefore It can be seen that there is a desire to have a practical and versatile bag-like container for the airtight food storage and airtight / liquid tightness Seal during the cooking of fresh food and for warming up food. The state of the art can nowhere get all the benefits and benefits of the present invention.

SUMMARY

The The present invention relates to a bag consisting of at least two on top of each other arranged layers of film material, wherein at least a section of them one above the other arranged edges is permanently sealed, wherein at least one of the layers of a composite sheet material that is protected with a pressure-sensitive adhesive, which is protected against unintentional sticking, equipped, wherein the film layer, which carries the adhesive, releasably on the other film layer can be glued when pressed against it, to produce a sealing amount, wherein an interior of the Bag is included within the sealing scope and the bag four pairs one above the other arranged edges characterized in that two pairs of one above the other arranged edges are not permanently sealed and at least one pair of superimposed arranged edges permanently sealed.

The The present invention also relates to a method of storage using the bags of the present invention.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the invention for professionals evident when they read this revelation.

SUMMARY THE DRAWINGS

While these Invention with claims closes which illustrate and claim the invention in particular Suppose that the present invention is understood from the following description preferred embodiments better understandable which is given together with the attached drawings which:

1a to c are perspective views of preferred embodiments of a bag of the present invention;

2a the explanation serves and is a plan view of a layer of the composite sheet material, before this to the in 2 B formed bag is formed;

2 B the explanation serves and is a perspective view of the bag, which consists of the in 2a formed position which is not part of the invention;

2c the explanation serves and a plan view of the in 2a and 2 B illustrated bag with a food inside the bag;

3 Figure 11 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of the composite material used in the present invention showing a piece of flexible film having thermoformed frusto-conical protrusions between a grid of pressure-sensitive adhesive;

4 a sectional view of the composite material of 3 along the line 4-4 of 3 in which the protrusions are illustrated serving as spacers of a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer between protrusions such that a target surface contacting the outermost ends of the protrusions is not in contact with the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer;

5 a sectional view thereof is similar to 4 in which the effect of pressing the knobbed composite material against the target surface is shown such that the projections collapse and allow the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer between the projections to contact the target surface;

6 Fig. 10 is a plan view of another preferred embodiment of a three-dimensional composite material which is resistant to interleaving and used in the present invention;

7 a perspective view of the in 1a and 1c shown bag with a food inside the bag;

8th a perspective view of the in 1a and 1c represented bag with a food inside the bag, which is divided into chambers; and

9 Figure 2 is a graphical representation of the data of the weight loss test of Example 1, comparing a bag of the present invention with a conventional food storage bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Of the As used herein, "comprising" means that others Steps and other ingredients that do not affect the end result added can be. This term includes the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially ".

A preferred embodiment of the bag of the present invention consists of at least two superimposed layers of sheet material, wherein at least a portion of their superimposed edges is permanently sealed. In the in the 1a - 1c illustrated embodiment of the bag 10 For example, the superimposed layers of sheet material 20 and 30 permanently sealed at least along one of its superposed edge assemblies. For example, the first layer 20 margins 22 . 24 . 26 . 28 on. The second location 30 has edges 32 . 34 . 36 and 38 on. In this embodiment, at least one pair of superimposed edges is permanently sealed, for example, edge 22 with edge 32 , Edge 24 with edge 34 , Edge 26 with edge 26 or edge 28 with edge 38 in the embodiment of 1a ; in the embodiment of 1b can the edge 23 with edge 33 , the edge 27 with edge 37 or edge 29 with edge 39 be permanently sealed. For example, the permanent seal may be as indicated by the reference numbers 12a and 12b in the 1a and 1c and the reference number 13 in 1b be formed shown.

It should be noted that the permanently sealed portion of the edges need not extend over the entire length of the superimposed edges, as in the preferred embodiment shown in FIG 1 is shown, the case is. The permanent seal may be provided at any portion and over any length of stacked edges.

As used herein, "permanently sealed" means that these edges during use of the bag 10 not to be opened by the consumer; they are not releasably sealable. Any method known to those skilled in the art may be used to create the permanently sealed portion of the stacked edges of the bag, eg, heat seals.

If the bag has a square or rectangular shape, as in 1a For example, it may be desirable for two of the superimposed edge assemblies to be permanently sealed, eg, the edge 26 the first location 20 permanent with edge 36 the second location 30 along the permanent seal 12a sealed; and the edge 28 the first location 20 is permanent with the edge 38 the second location 30 along the permanent seal 12a sealed. 1c shows the bag of 1a in its fully open position, the advantages of which will be described in detail below.

In the in 1a illustrated preferred embodiment with two permanently sealed Randa The two permanently sealed edge arrangements preferably adjoin one another, for example two of the converging edge arrangements of a rectangular or square bag, which are perpendicular to one another, for example the edge arrangements 26 . 36 and 28 . 38 , It Kings nen but two opposite, non-converging edge arrangements, eg 22 . 32 and 26 . 36 or 24 . 34 and 28 . 38 be selected as permanently sealed edge arrangements.

1b shows an alternative embodiment in which the bag 10 is provided in a triangular shape, wherein a pair of superimposed edges 23 . 33 along the permanent seal 13 permanently sealed. It should again be noted that the permanently sealed portion of the edges need not extend the entire length of the superimposed edges and may be provided at any portion over any length of stacked edges.

It should also be noted that the present invention is not limited to a particular shape or design of the bag 10 or the layers 20 . 30 is limited. It is also not necessary that the layers have an identical or similar size or shape. Furthermore, the preferred embodiments described herein are not limited to bags that consist of one ply or two plies of a film material. Bags consisting of more than two layers are also included within the scope of the present invention.

In the 1a -C is at least one of the layers 20 . 30 a laminated film that is equipped with a pressure-sensitive adhesive that is protected against accidental sticking. By the term "unintentional bonding" is meant that the film layer bearing the adhesive does not prematurely stick to one target surface, for example the other layer, another portion of the same ply or another surface, but only when the user activates the pressure-sensitive adhesive by pressing the layer against it The film layer carrying the adhesive is releasably adhered to the other film layer, or to another portion of itself, when pressure is applied to it to produce a seal amount (not in 1 shown, see 2c and 7 ). The composite sheet material itself will be described in more detail below.

Of the Sealing scope is thus at the point selected by the consumption generated when he presses on the situation. It can be any Job selected and it should be noted that the scope of sealing not with the edges of the layer material must coincide.

If the situation 70 a square or rectangular shape, the releasably sealed portion of the sealing periphery may be at or about the adjacent free edges (eg 82 and 92 . 84 and 94 and 86 and 96 , as in 2 B shown) are generated to produce the largest possible interior space for the bag. However, as already mentioned above, the sealing amount can be formed anywhere.

The bag 10 can additionally with an opening display means 21 be equipped to facilitate the opening of the layers before insertion of an object to be stored or cooked. The opening display means 21 may also facilitate reopening of the bag when items are to be removed from the bag after it has been sealed. The opening display means 21 can from the layers 20 . 30 be different, for example, a label made of a different material than that of the two layers 20 . 30 , Or the opening indicator 21 can be consistent with one or both layers 20 . 30 It may be, for example, a colored or printed display means in the film which indicates to the consumer a suitable location for the opening. Preferably, the aperture indicator means is in visual contrast with the other surface that contacts it.

Another embodiment of the bag which, while not claimed, is described for a better understanding of the claimed invention 2a -B shown. In this embodiment, the bag is made 10 from a single location 70 as described in detail below. The location 70 has a first section 80 , a second section 90 and a connection area 75 in general, between the first and the second section 80 . 90 located. The connection area 75 is in 2a dashed lines to indicate that this is not an exactly defined area or location. In addition, this can be the first section 80 and the second section 90 divide into areas of any size or shape; these sections do not necessarily have the same or approximately the same size or shape.

It should be noted that the invention does not apply to the in 2a shown rectangular shape is limited. As in the 1 illustrated invention may for the location 70 be used any shape, such as a round, oval, triangular, shapeless or decorative shape.

The first section is bounded by at least one free edge of the first section. In the in 2a illustrated embodiment, the free edges of the first portion with the reference numerals 82 . 84 and 86 designated. The second section is bounded by at least one free edge of the second section. The free edges of the second section are indicated by the reference numbers 92 . 94 and 96 designated. Again, it should be understood that this embodiment is not limited to any particular number of free edges. If the situation 70 For example, if it had an oval shape, there would be a continuous free edge of the first portion, not as in FIG 2a would be presented in three segments.

In one embodiment, at least the first section exists 80 or the second section 90 made of a composite material equipped with a pressure-sensitive adhesive that is protected against accidental sticking. In another preferred embodiment, both the first section exist 80 as well as the second section 90 made of a composite material equipped with a pressure-sensitive adhesive that is protected against accidental sticking. In a further embodiment, the bonding area further consists of a composite material provided with a pressure-sensitive adhesive which is protected against accidental sticking.

In another embodiment, the ply is a unitary ply of a composite material provided with a pressure sensitive adhesive which is protected from accidental sticking; in other words, the first section 80 , the second section 90 and the connection area 75 as sites on the same single layer from which the bag is formed.

The bag 10 is out of the situation as follows 70 formed, see 2 B , The first paragraph 80 is generally at or around the connection area 75 folded around so that it is above the second section 90 lies. A sealing scope 85 can be generated by the first or the second portion is pressed at a desired location against the other portion. This will be the inside of the bag 10 within the scope of sealing 85 educated. The sealing range can be completely independent of the connection area 75 be generated if desired by the consumer, such as in 7 shown. Or the interior may continue from the connection area and the sealing area 85 to be included, as in 2c shown.

In another embodiment of a bag of the in 2 of the type illustrated, it is desirable to provide at least one of the free edges of the first or second portion with an aperture indicating means in a similar manner as in FIG 1a as already described herein. Preferably, such opening indication means is in visual contrast with the other free edges of the first or second portion that are not provided with an opening indicating means.

In each of the two embodiments described above, there is at least one of the layers 20 or 30 , or the location 70 in conjunction with 1 described invention, or at least the first section 80 or the second section 90 in conjunction with 2 described embodiments of a composite material such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,662,758, Hamilton et al., "Composite Material Relatively Sealable to A Target Surface When Pressed Thereagainst and Method of Making" issued September 2, 1997; U.S. Patent No. 5,871,607, Hamilton et al., "Material Having A Substance Protected By Deformable Stand-offs And Method of Making," issued Feb. 16, 1999; U.S. Patent No. 5,965,235, McGuire et al., "Three-Dimensional, Amorphous-Patterned, Nesting-Resistant Sheet Materials and Methods and Apparatus for Making Same," issued Oct. 12, 1999, and U.S. Pat. 5,968,633, Hamilton et al., "Selectively Activated Sheet Material For Dispensing and Dispersing a Substance Onto A Target Surface", issued October 19, 1999.

Such a composite material is a flexible film coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive for releasably sealing to a target surface and preventing premature bonding to a target surface. More specifically, the composite material is a flexible film on which protrusions are formed on an adhesive side which serve to provide a space between a pressure-sensitive adhesive and a target surface until the film is pressed against that surface. In accordance with the present invention, the "target surface" herein is the other of the film layers 20 or 30 in the in 1 illustrated embodiments or another portion of the same situation 70 as in the embodiments of 2 shown.

Although the patents referenced above have given a complete disclosure of the composite materials used herein, a brief description is repeated below. One embodiment of the composite film is shown in FIG 3 represented, in general, with the number 100 referred to as. The composite foil 100 generally includes a piece of flexible film 120 with projections 140 and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer 160 that is between the protrusions 140 located. At the in 3 illustrated embodiment of the situation 100 have the projections 140 a conical shape with blunt or arched extremities 180 on. The projections 140 are equidistant from each other in the pattern of an equilateral triangle and all point in the same direction. The center-to-center distance is approximately two protrusion diameters. The projections 140 have a height that is preferably less than their diameter so that when they collapse, they collapse along an axis substantially perpendicular to a plane of the film 120 is. By this way of collapsing will prevent the projections 140 and block contact between the pressure-sensitive adhesive and a target surface.

In 4 is a target surface 200 represented, which is either another film layer according to the invention, from which the bag 10 or another portion of the same film layer from which the pouch is formed, which is through the outermost ends 180 the projections 140 at a distance from the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 160 located. In 5 is the target surface 200 in contact with a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive 160 shown after the projections 140 under pressure, on the non-adhesive side of the flexible film 120 is applied, as shown by the force 7, partially reversed their direction.

In the embodiment of the situation 100 that in the 3 - 5 is shown, have the conical projections 140 a base diameter of between about 0.381 mm (0.015 inches) and about 0.762 mm (0.03 inches). Their center-to-center spacing is between about 0.03 inches and about 0.06 inches, and the protrusion height is between about 0.102 mm (0.004 inches) and about 0.305 mm (0.012 inches). The sheet material may consist of homogeneous resins or mixtures thereof. Single or multiple layers within the film structure are considered, whether coextruded, extrusion coated, laminated or combined by other means. The most important property of the film material is that it can be formed into product protrusions and depressions. Useful resins include polyethylene, polypropylene, PET, PVC, PVDC, latex structures, nylon, etc. The preferred sheet material is polyethylene having a nominal thickness between about 0.01 and about 0.02 mm, more preferably between about 0.012 and about 0.015 mm. A preferred sheet material is a 100% high density polyethylene (HDPE) film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm, available from Tredegar Co., USA. Such films are also available from Exxon Co., USA.

The layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive 160 is preferably a hot melt adhesive having a thickness of about 0.025 mm. Such hot melt adhesives, for example, those available from Findley Co., U.S.A. Specification Nos. ATO Findley 2630.07, 2630.08 and 2630.09, and those available from HB Fuller Co. Minnesota, USA, with specification numbers HB Fuller HL-2115X, HB Fuller HL 1711-XZP and HB Fuller HL 1717-X are available, are suitable for use herein. Alternatively, other pressure-sensitive adhesives, including latex, for the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 160 be used.

The Size and the Distance of the projections is optimized so that a consistent adhesive path for liquid-tight Seals is provided, but without a film is generated, which can be easily stretched. Have stretched slides residual forces parallel to the plane of the adhesive contact, which can lead to the weak adhesive bond breaks.

Yet more preferably, the composite film used herein is a three-dimensional one Composite film material that is an interlacing of overlapping Layers prevented each other, as in the aforementioned US Patent No. 5,965,235 to McGuire et al. described.

To provide such advantages in preventing interleaving, the protrusions form an informal pattern of a plurality of different two-dimensional geometric shapes on one side of the composite ply material; on the other side there are a plurality of spaced, three-dimensional hollow recesses corresponding to the protrusions, so that the protrusions are hollow. The term "informal" as used herein generally corresponds to the conventional meaning of the term, that is, a pattern that does not have an easily recognizable structure, regularity or orientation of the elements that make it up and arranging an element with respect to an adjacent element in no predicatable relation to the beyond the next succeeding elements.

Within the preferred formless pattern, the protrusions are not uniform in size, shape, orientation with respect to the tissue, and spacing between adjacent protrusion centers. 6 FIG. 12 is a plan view of an illustrative three-dimensional sheet material. FIG 200 according to the present invention which is resistant to interleaving. The protrusions are indicated by the reference numeral 240 referred to, and the distances by the reference number 220 , In 6 also the dimension A is shown, which is the width of the distances 220 which is measured as the substantially perpendicular distance between adjacent and substantially parallel walls at the base of the projections. In a preferred embodiment, the width of the distances 220 preferably substantially constant over the pattern of the projections.

The projections 240 are created with a non-uniform size and shape, so that a layer or piece of material 200 in surface contact with another layer or piece of material 200 can be located without interleaving between the two layers. The interlacing resistance property is achieved because the shapeless pattern of the protrusions as described above limits the ability of the surface of one layer to align with the back of another layer, thereby penetrating the protrusions of a layer into the recesses, which are formed behind each projection in an adjacent layer. The advantage of narrow spacing with constant width between the protrusions is that the protrusions do not interfere with the spacing 220 can penetrate when the material layers 200 are in surface contact.

The use of polygons having a limited number of sides in the shapeless pattern arranged in an interlocking relationship offers an advantage over circular or nearly circular shapes. Patterns such as arrangements of circles are limited in the size range that the circles can occupy relative to the area without circles between adjacent circles. More specifically, even in a pattern in which adjacent circles touch at their point of contact, there is a certain space "trapped" at the "corners" between successive touches. Accordingly, even shapeless patterns of circular shapes are limited in how small a non-circular area in the structure can be. Conversely, interlocking polygonal shapes with a limited number of sides (ie, curved sides) may be designed to be close to each other, and may, in restrictive terms, be arranged so that adjacent sides of adjacent polygons may be in contact along their entire length so that there is no "trapped" space between the corners, see 6 , Preferably, the informal pattern used herein has a statistically limited degree of randomness, as described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 5,965,235.

The Three-dimensional shape of the individual protrusions seems to play an important role in determining the physical properties of individual protrusions as well play the tissue properties in total. The use of a interlocking polygonal base pattern for the protrusions seems This is extremely advantageous to be. Such a polygonal pattern is preferably made interlocking convex polygons, each of which has a limited Number of substantially linear sides, wherein the contact surfaces of adjacent Polygons are essentially parallel. It should be noted, however, that the projections can consist of almost any three-dimensional shape.

The distance from center to center between the protrusions 240 is on average about two base diameters of a protrusion or less, so that the volume of the recesses between the protrusions and thereby the amount of adhesive between them is minimized. The protrusions preferably have a height which is lower than their diameter, so that the protrusions, when deformed, substantially deform by being reversed and / or compressed along an axis substantially perpendicular to a plane of the material , This protrusion shape and this type of deformation prevent the protrusions from collapsing in a direction parallel to a plane of the material so that the protrusions do not block the contact of the pressure sensitive adhesive in the recess therebetween with a target surface.

A preferred pressure sensitive adhesive herein is a 0.025 mm thick hot melt pressure sensitive adhesive. Such hot melt adhesives, for example, those available from Findley Co., U.S.A. Specification Nos. ATO Findley 2630.07, 2630.08, and 2630.09, and those available from HB Fuller Co., Minnesota, U.S.A. Specification Numbers HB Fuller HL-2115X, HB Fuller HL 1711-XZP and HB Fuller HL 1717-X are suitable for use herein. Alternatively, for the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 160 also other pressure-sensitive adhesives, including latex, may be used.

The Sheet material may consist of homogeneous resins or mixtures thereof. There are single or multiple layers within the film structure whether coextruded, extrusion coated, laminated or combined by other means. The most important Property of the film material is that it is so malleable is that projections and depressions can be formed. Useful resins include polyethylene, Polypropylene, PET, PVC, PVDC, latex structures, nylon, etc. Preferred Thickness Measurements are between about 0.0025 mm and about 0.25 mm. A preferred one Film material is a film of 100% HDPE film with a thickness of about 0.012 mm, available from Tredegar Co., USA. Such films are also available from Exxon Co., USA, available. The molding can be done by mechanical stamping, vacuum thermoforming, hydroforming or combinations thereof, as well as other shaping processes, known to those skilled in the art.

While the entire surface a layer preferably has such a shapeless pattern is on it pointed out that in some circumstances it may be desirable to that less than the entire surface of such a location has such a pattern. For example, a section of the situation a regular pattern of protrusions or has possibly none projections so that it has a generally flat surface.

In addition, can the designer the shapeless areas by non-shapeless patterns or an "empty" area without protrusions or replace a combination of them. The shape and dimensions of not can formless areas be further adapted.

As previously mentioned, is in the in 1 illustrated embodiment, at least one of the layers 20 or 30 that the bag 10 or a portion of the ply for embodiments consisting of a single ply, a composite ply material as described above. The other sheet material or a portion thereof may be the same or a similar composite material; or the other layer or portion thereof may be a non-composite sheet material or any conventional sheet material known to those skilled in the art, eg, high density polyethylene or low density polyethylene. In the in 2 illustrated embodiment is at least a portion of the situation 70 that the bag 10 forms a composite ply material as described above. Consequently, a user of the bag can 10 Seal it releasably, as needed, simply by pressing it anywhere to activate the adhesive layer of the composite sheet and seal it firmly to a peripheral seal with a target or target portion.

It may also be desired be, the sheet materials described herein or a section of which aesthetic establish to be provided with a kind of decorative imprint. Such an imprint can be any pattern, any color, any Style, any design, etc.

In 7 is a food, for example 40 shown in the preferred embodiment of the bag 10 is included, in which a sealing scope 45 by compressive forces exerted by the user generally in the directions of the arrows labeled "S1" and "S2" around the circumference of the food. Such a bag 10 could include any of the embodiments described herein.

Another example of use for the bag 10 is in 8th shown. That is, it is possible to place several items for storage within a bag in separate compartments, whether they are items of the same type or different items. Separate air- and liquid-tight sealing circumferences 45a -D can order individual items 50 are formed by the film is pressed at the desired areas. Within each sealing range 45a -D is a separate bag inside. Alternatively, the bag may simply be pushed as illustrated by arrows S1-S4 to create four sealed chambers for sealing. Such a bag 10 could include any of the embodiments described herein.

It should be noted, however, that the examples given in the 7 and 8th are not intended to limit the invention, since there are many different ways of using the various embodiments of the bags of the present invention, which are within the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims.

1c shows the bag of 1a in its fully open state, being one of the advantages of the present invention. As in 1c shown is the bag 10 with a large insertion and removal area provided as a result of the fact that the bag has two arrays of superimposed edges which are not permanently sealed. Examples of dimensions for a bag according to the present invention are between about 29.2 and 30.0 cm by about 30.0 cm. For a bag of such dimensions, the area opened for insertion / removal is about 1040 cm ² , calculated by defining the open area as a complete circle.

Other not restrictive Dimensions that are generally suitable for household purposes are about 15.0 cm by about 15.0 cm, and about 60.0 cm times about 60.0 cm.

In contrast, conventional single-sided bags that can be used for insertion and removal, such as zippered pouches or storage bags, can not provide these benefits. In the case of the commercially available zipper bags, the opening may actually be narrower than the actual bag dimensions due to the area required for the installation of the zipper materials and the closure. Such zippered bags may therefore be inconvenient or inappropriate for large or irregular shaped articles. For example, a commercially available large size ZIPLOC ^™ Vegetable Storage Bag has dimensions of approximately 26.8 cm by 27.9 cm. The open area for insertion / removal is still only about 223 cm ² , calculated by defining the open area as a complete circle.

Therefore, it can be seen that the size of the open mouth portion of the embodiment of the bag embodiment of the present invention incorporated in the 1a and 1c is shown, when fully opened, at least about 50% larger than other commercially available storage containers, eg, storage bags and zippered pouches.

While one square or rectangular shape offers a large interior that for the Use available is, and two non-permanently sealed edge arrangements for a practical Introduction and Provision can provide other forms are provided, which are within the scope of present invention, for example an oval or circular bag, at least one layer of the composite material described herein exists, with a solvable sealable open area for the introduction and removal of food.

Besides, they are Bags with no permanently sealed edges just as practical or sometimes more practical to use than pouches with permanently sealed ones Edges. The type of bag that is most for the intended use is suitable, hangs from the desired Intended purpose, the desired Size and the desired Shape of the object placed in the interior of the bag should be, and by the preferences of the user.

Thus, it can be seen that the introduction and removal of food, in the preferred embodiments of the bag 10 can be easily obtained or prepared, since the bag can accommodate many different sizes and shapes of food.

Next the advantages in terms of ease of use offer the bags The present invention also has the advantage of improved freshness the stored food. It is assumed that this advantage from the improved properties of the bag derives the present invention in terms of airtightness. This advantage will be more fully described hereinafter in the examples described.

When Lastly, it should be noted that the bags of the present Invention are not limited to use with food and alike advantageous for the storage or protection of other objects used can be in particular, when the seal is airtight and / or liquid-tight should be. The bags can for example the storage of cosmetics, painting accessories or various items used be, and can in a suitable way for the Storage of various types of articles used for travel.

EXAMPLES

To darzu the advantages in terms of storage freshness of the preferred embodiments darzu The bags according to the invention are compared with other commercially available bags as follows.

EXAMPLE 1 Weight Loss Test I (Spinach) Table 1: Weight loss test I data

These data are in 9 graphically, where the diamond-shaped data points represent the weight loss for the bags of the present invention and the square data points represent the weight loss for the commercially available ZIPLOC ^™ bags. The shaded bars represent the weight loss data for the bags of the present invention, and the unshaded bars represent the weight loss for the commercially available ZIPLOC ^™ bags.

Table 2: Results of the weight loss test I

The weight loss test is performed as follows. A vegetable quantity of equivalent average weight, eg, spinach, is divided into two groups according to the square mean. A group is placed singly, ie one piece per bag, in (1) a bag according to the present invention; and the other group is placed one by one in a (2) ZIPLOC ^™ brand vegetable storage bag available from SC Johnson Co. / Asahi Kasei Co.

The bag (1) of the present invention is 29.2 cm wide, 30.0 cm long and 12.5 μm thick (Excl Lich the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and the projections). The material is HDPE.

The ZIPLOC ^™ bag (2) is 26.8 cm wide, 27.9 cm long and 40.0 μm thick. The material is LDPE.

Air is forced from bag (1) of the present invention to limit the amount of air within the bag, and the bag is sealed following the shape of the spinach by squeezing the sheet as previously described. Air is forced out of the ZIPLOC ^™ bag (2) to limit the amount of air within the bag, and the bag is sealed following the shape of the spinach by closing the zipper.

All Bags are in the vegetable compartment a common household refrigerator kept. All bags will be at the same start time on day 0 in the fridge placed. The bags are not stacked on top of each other. The temperature and the humidity of the refrigerator are measured at the start date, day 0, as reference values, although the actual Conditions during the duration of the test will vary. Also, the actual Conditions of refrigerator to fridge vary; In general, it can be assumed that normal Conditions of ordinary household Refrigerators between about 4-5 ° C and between 25-55% relative humidity. The weight becomes the start time on day 0 at 4 ° C and 26% relative humidity calculated as 100%.

The Bags become during the cooling cycle mixed once a day to the use of a common household refrigerator imitate. The bags are for 8 days in the fridge leave.

At the At the end of the test, the spinach is removed from the bags and weighed. Furthermore each group is put to a group of 20 consumers who preferably at least about 20 years old. The consumers they ask which group is fresher and they can do that Look at and touch the spinach, before they decide.

The Result of this test is shown in Table 2. Without this Limited theory To be, it is assumed that freshness with water loss is related, i. when vegetables lose water (which is quantitatively this can be measured as weight loss) his freshness. It can therefore be seen from Table 2 that the spinach, stored in the bag of the present invention less Has lost water. The result in terms of freshness is confirmed by consumers, who compared the two spinach groups.

EXAMPLE 2: Weight Loss Test II (Spinach) Table 3: Result of Weight Loss Test II

Of the Weight loss test is performed a second time as described above, this However, time is spent with another amount of spinach on another Starting day (i.e., another day 0).

by virtue of the fact that uses a different amount of spinach as a starting point is different from the loss shown in Table 3 the loss shown in Table 2. This is to be expected since the condition of the spinach or other vegetable variety at the time of purchase on a given day at the time of purchase at another Never really be the same. In other words, every time if a consumer is a vegetable buys the condition of that particular vegetable at the time of the purchase each time highly variable.

A comparison of the results presented in Tables 2 and 3 shows that improved freshness during storage compared to the conventional ZIPLOC ^™ vegetable storage bags can be expected when using the present invention bag for vegetable storage be used. The initial state of the vegetables is irrelevant to this result.

Comparative Example 3. Weight loss test III (broccoli) Table 4: Result of weight loss test II

Of the Test is done as described above with equivalent amounts of broccoli carried out. The weight will start at day 0 at 4 ° C and 38% relative humidity calculated as 100%.

As above, the result suggests that there are greater benefits in terms of an improved storage by the bags of the present Invention can be achieved.

As Illustrated by the examples above, those disclosed herein preferred embodiments the benefits of improved airtightness and longer maintenance freshness state compared to conventional storage bags for vegetables.

Besides, they are make the bags easier and more practical and versatile for the Storage and preparation as described herein become. The preferred embodiments described herein are also cost effective, easy to manufacture and can be used for a variety of purposes be used.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The The present invention also relates to methods for using the Bag described herein.

storage

One Method for storing an item includes placing the article in any embodiment of a bag according to the present invention Invention, the detachable Seal the bag by pressing the surface the composite film to the desired Set to activate the pressure sensitive adhesive and the sealing scope as well as placing the sealed bag on one Repository. Specifically includes a method of storage of food placing of cooked or uncooked food in any embodiment a bag of the present invention, sealing the releasably sealable margins of the bag at a desired To create the perimeter seal, place the sealed bag in a storage location, e.g. a fridge, and removing the food from the bag after a certain time Time, preferably no longer than about two weeks to get the best result in terms of freshness to reach.

Prepare of foods by cooking

A preferred method of preparing foods involves the use of boiling water. This method involves placing uncooked foods together with the desired seasonings in any embodiment of the bag according to the present invention, releasably sealing the bag by pressing the surface of the composite sheet at the desired locations to activate the pressure sensitive adhesive and to produce the amount of sealing placing the sealed bag in a sufficient amount of boiling water so that the bag is partially submerged in the hot water, but floats above (and preferably does not touch the bottom of the pot in which the water is heated) a period of time sufficient to cook the foods placed therein, removing the bag from the water after the time has expired, and opening the bag to remove the contents. The pot in which the hot water is contained is preferably covered during cooking, thus the contents of the bag by both the heat of the water itself as well as by the steam, which accumulates within the covered pot, is cooked.

Prepare of food by microwaves

One Another method for preparing foodstuffs includes Placing the uncooked foods in any embodiment the bag according to the present Invention, the detachable Seal the bag, so that the food inside of the bag, placing the sealed bag in a microwave over a sufficiently long period of time, so that the food, the are placed in it, are cooked, and removing the bag out of the microwave after the time has run out. The bag can then open to remove and serve the contents. It gets away assumed that this method especially for steam cooking of raw vegetables like asparagus, pumpkin or broccoli is helpful. According to one such process will have fresh color and fresh appearance of vegetables maintain, and the color and appearance are better than at conventional Cooking methods in which there is direct contact with water.

at care must be taken with microwave cooking procedures that no oils or oily seasoning inserted into the bag become. If such oils introduced the temperature inside the bag can exceed 125 ° C, whereby the structural integrity of the film material is impaired can cause what can make the bag melt.

preparation of marinated or pickled foods

One Another method for preparing foodstuffs includes Preparation of marinated or pickled foods. This Procedure involves placing at least one ungrounded Foods, e.g. raw vegetables, Fish or meat, and a desired seasoning, e.g. Salt, spices, soy sauce, Vinegar, miso, koji (a type of malt) or sakekasu (a rice based Sediment of the sake brewing process) in any embodiment a bag according to the present Invention, the detachable Sealing the bag at the desired location of the seal size, placing the sealed bag in the refrigerator and leaving it of the bag in the refrigerator over one enough time to give the food flavor. In most cases are 1 to 2 nights sufficient. The bag can then be opened to the contents to be taken and served.

in the Fall of uncooked vegetables Can the flavored vegetables after removal from the bag as it is to be consumed immediately. This vegetables is called by its Japanese name "Tsukemono" In the case of marinated Fish or meat must be the marinated fish or the marinated Meat be prepared below, for example by grilling or cooking as described above.

heat up

Next the above-described method for preparing ungegarten Food may be any embodiment of a bag according to the present invention Invention used to prepare food already prepared were warming up. The cooking methods described above are preferred for warming, there foods, the oils included, cause could that the bag gets too hot, when placed in a microwave.

at The warm-up methods described herein may be used to determine water temperatures of less than 100 ° C (Boiling) can be used because the higher heat release from boiling water in cases, in which the foods are not raw or uncooked, and in who are not in danger of eating raw foods is necessary. Dependent on of the kind of food that is to be warmed up, and of the preference of the user with regard to the temperature of the food, Temperatures between about 50 ° C and about 100 ° C are suitable. As a non-limiting Example may be desired be a dessert cake that has been kept in the refrigerator, to warm before consumption.

It However, it is again pointed out that raw or uncooked Food at 100 ° C should be cooked to prevent problems or nausea that could occur as a result of eating non-cooked foods.

The Examples and embodiments described herein are for illustration only Illustration. Various modifications or changes are for Those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the present invention, as by the claims defined, depart.

Claims (11)

A bag consisting of at least two superposed layers of sheet material, at least a portion of their superimposed edges being permanently sealed, at least one of the layers being a composite sheet material provided with a pressure sensitive adhesive which is protected from accidental sticking; Film layer carrying the adhesive can be releasably adhered to the other film layer when pressed against it to create a peripheral seal, wherein an interior of the bag is enclosed within the peripheral seal and the bag has four pairs of superimposed edges, characterized in that two pairs of superimposed edges are not permanently sealed and at least one pair of superimposed edges is permanently sealed. The bag of claim 1, wherein the interior is further within the permanently sealed section of the one above the other arranged edges is included. The pouch of claim 1 wherein the composite sheet material a three-dimensional sheet-like composite material with a first page and a second page, with the first one Side includes at least one area, the more at a distance has three-dimensional projections located opposite each other, which differs from the first side to the outside extend, wherein the projections through an interconnected network of three-dimensional spaces between adjacent protrusions are separated and the spaces between partially filled with an adhesive. The pouch of claim 3, wherein the plurality of protrusions includes form an amorphous pattern of interlocking convex polygons, each of which has a limited number of substantially linear sides having mutually facing sides of adjacent polygons are essentially parallel. A bag according to claim 1, wherein the interior is through solvable Seal the adhesive-bearing film layer divided into several interior spaces is to produce multiple circumferential seals. A bag according to claim 1, further comprising an opening indicating means includes. A pouch according to claim 6, wherein the opening indicator means consists of a colored display means. A pouch according to claim 6, wherein the opening indicator means consists of a printed display means. A pouch according to claim 1, wherein the foil comprises a decorative pressure is provided. Method for storing an article that placing the article in the bag of claim 1 which releasable Sealing the bag by creating a peripheral seal and placing the sealed bag in a storage location includes. The method of claim 10, wherein the article vegetables and the repository is a refrigerator.