MXPA02011108A - Releasably sealable bag comprising a composite sheet material. - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a bag comprised of at least two superimposed sheets of film material of one folded over sheet which can have at least a portion of their superimposed edges being permanently sealed, wherein at least one of the sheets is a composite film material provided with a pressure sensitive adhesive protected from inadvertent adherence, the adhesive bearing film sheet being releasably sealable to the other film sheet when pressed thereagainst to create a seal perimeter, wherein an interior of the bag is comprised within the seal perimeter. At least one of the first or second portion free edges may further be provided with an opening indication means that visually constrasts with the other first or second portion free edges. Also disclosed are methods for storage and cooking using the bags herein.

Description

BAG WITH REUSABLE SEAL THAT COMPRISES A MATERIAL IN COMPOUND SHEET FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a bag for air-tight storage, in particular, of foodstuffs and for airtight sealing to liquids and air during cooking. More specifically, it relates to a bag comprising at least one sheet of a composite film material, provided with a pressure sensitive adhesive and protected against accidental adhesion, or by a sheet having at least a portion comprising a Such composite film material, the adhesive can be releasably sealed, for example, to another portion of the same film sheet or to a different film sheet when pressed against it, to form the inner or inner part of the bag.

BACKGROUND Food storage containers are well known and are available in many forms, for example, plastic boxes of different sizes with flexible fitted lids, such as those marketed under the trademark "TUPPERWARE" by Tupperware Company, USA. ., and plastic bags with three sealed sides and a resealable zipper opening, such as storage bags that are marketed under the "ZIPLOC" trademark of SC Johnson Company in the United States and Asahi Kasei Company in Japan.

Another type of food storage bag that is very commonly used by consumers is the "line or regular" polyethylene bags that are provided as a courtesy for free by many grocery stores and supermarkets. The bags are also commercially available under the UBE Kitchen Bags name of UBE Film Company of the city of Onoda, in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. This type of bag is usually sealed by attaching the free ends of the bag directly to each other, or using some type of plastic or metal fastener. However, it is common for consumers to not seal these bags in any way before placing them in the refrigerator.

Additionally, different film materials that adhere to the surface of a plate or other container by means of electrostatic adhesion have already been available for use in food storage. These types of film materials are generally provided in roll form, of which the user holds the free edge and unrolls the desired length, then cuts it by the fixed knife in the package in which the roll is stored; Then, the section of cut film is placed on the food to be stored and adheres by electrostatic adhesion to the surface of the plate or container in which the food is placed. These films can also be used directly to wrap and store food; in these cases, the wrapper has the purpose of adhering to itself, instead of adhering to a plate or other container. Examples of commercially available films are those marketed under the names of "SARAN WRAP" of Asahi Kasei Company and "KRE WRAP" of Kureha Kagaku Company, both of Japan.

However, these conventional storage bags and films are not without disadvantages. The sealing of the seal and the co-imposing inability to maintain freshness is often a problem. The convenience of use is also an aspect to be considered by consumers. Film rolls can be difficult to use, since they often stick prematurely and it is often difficult to locate the free edge of the film. With respect to preformed storage bags, it can be difficult to firmly and completely seal the end of the bag having the zipper; In addition, it can be difficult to place the food to be stored inside the bag, due to the relatively small size of the opening.

It is also known how to reheat different prepared foods by using bags or flexible bags that are known as retort bags or bags to heat in hot water or steam. For exampleCertain prepared foods that are suitable for ingestion after reheating can be purchased in hermetically sealed plastic bags. The sealed bag is placed in boiling water and the heat of the boiling water reheats the food without penetrating the bag. The user only then has to cut the bag and remove its contents. A common example of this type of product is the cupy, available, for example, from the companies House Shokuhin, S & amp;; B Shokuhin and Ajinomoto of Japan.

However, the types of food products that can be packaged and reheated in this way are limited. Additionally, these heating bags or retort bags can not actually be used to cook fresh foods; they can only be used to reheat foods that have been processed and preserved.

The conventional bags for food storage described above are also not suitable for reheating stored food or for cooking fresh food in hot water, since there is no practical method to ensure air and liquid tightness when sealed or during reheating or cooking. Additionally, these bags may not have the properties in their materials that allow them to withstand the heat of the boiling water or the heat generated by a microwave oven, without degenerating. Even if it is assumed that this material by itself is air and liquid tight, the practical methods for sealing / resealing such bags are extremely limited.

Therefore, it can be seen that the desire to provide a suitable and versatile bag-type container for the hepatic storage of food and for air and liquid hennatic sealing, during the cooking of fresh foods, as well as during the reheating of food persists. . None of the existing techniques provide the advantages and benefits of the present invention.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a bag comprising at least two superimposed sheets of film material having at least a portion of its permanently sealed superposed edges, wherein at least one of the sheets is a composite film material, provided with a pressure-sensitive adhesive, protected against accidental adhesion; The film sheet bearing adhesive can be releasably sealed to the other film sheet when pressed against it to create a seal perimeter, where the inside of the bag is constituted by the section remaining within the seal perimeter.

Additionally shown is a bag comprising a first sheet of film material and a second sheet of film material, wherein at least one of the sheets is a composite film material which is provided with a pressure sensitive adhesive, protected against accidental adhesion , the film sheet bearing adhesive can be releasably sealed to the other film sheet when pressed against it, to create a seal perimeter, where the inside of the bag is constituted by the section remaining within the seal perimeter.

In additional, a bag comprising a sheet having a first portion with at least one free edge, a second portion with chicken minus a free edge, and a bonding area between the first portion and the second portion, where by at least one of the first and second portions comprises a composite film material which is provided with a pressure-sensitive adhesive, protected against accidental adhesion, and wherein the first portion overlaps the second portion by bending it into the bonding area; the first and second portions are releasably sealed one to the other, along a perimeter seal created by pressing one of the portions against the other, where the inside of the bag is constituted by the section that is inside the seal perimeter.

Also shown is a bag comprising a sheet having a first portion with at least one free edge, a second portion with at least one free edge and a bonding area between the first portion and the second portion, where at least one of the first and second portions comprises a composite film material which is provided with a pressure-sensitive adhesive, protected against accidental adhesion, and at least one of the free edges of the first or second portion is provided with a medium of aperture indication that visually contrasts with the other free edges of the first and second portions andwhere the first portion is supeipone to the second portion by bending it into the joint area, the first and second portions are releasably sealed one to the other, along a seal perimeter that is created by pressing one of the portions against the other and the seal perimeter additionally comprises the joining area.

The present invention further relates to methods for storing and cooking using the bags of the present invention.

These and other attributes, aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those with experience in the art, from reading the present description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Although the specification concludes with the claims that point particularly to and clearly claim the invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description of the preferred embodiments, when considered together with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures la-c are perspective views of the preferred embodiments of a bag of the present invention; Figure 2a is a plan view of a sheet of composite film material, before converting it into the bag of the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 2b; Figure 2b is a perspective view of the foamed bag of the sheet shown in Figure 2a; Figure 2c is a plan view of the bag shown in the Figures 2a and 2b, where inside the bag there is a food product; Figure 3 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the composite material of the present invention, showing a piece of flexible film having thermoformed truncoconal protrusions between a grid of pressure sensitive adhesive; Figure 4 is a sectional elevation view of the composite material of Figure 3, taken along section line 4-4 of Figure 3, showing the projections acting as separators of an adhesive layer between the projections , so that the target surface which is in contact with the ends more outwardly of the projections is not in contact with the adhesive layer; Figure 5 is a sectional view, in elevation, of the composite material, similar to Figure 4, showing the effect of pressing the composite with slits against the target surface, so that the projections collapse and allow the adhesive layer between the projections to be in contact with the target surface; Figure 6 is a plan view of another preferred embodiment of a composite, three-dimensional, nestable-resistant sheet material according to the present invention; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the bag shown in Figures la and lc where inside the bag there is a food product; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the bag shown in Figures la and lc where inside the bag there are food products placed in compartments, and Figure 9 is a graphic representation of the weight reduction test data of Example 1, comparing a bag of the present invention with a conventional bag for food storage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION All references cited are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The citation of any of the references does not constitute an admission on its possibility of being considered as a prior art of the claimed invention.

In the present, the expression "comprising" means that other steps and other components may be added that do not affect the final result. This term includes the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of." A preferred embodiment of the pouch of the present invention comprises chicken minus two overlapping sheets of film material having at least a portion of its superposed edges permanently sealed. For example, in the bag embodiment 10 shown in Figures la-lc, the superimposed sheets 20 and 30 of film material are permanently sealed along at least one of their superposed edges. For example, the first sheet 20 has edges 22, 24, 26 and 28. The second sheet 30 has edges 32, 34, 36, and 38. In this embodiment, at least one pair of the superposed edges is substantially sealed, by example, edge 22 with edge 32, edge 24 with edge 34, edge 26 with edge 36 or edge 28 with edge 38 in the embodiment of FIG.; in the embodiment of Figure 2c, the edge 23 with the edge 33, the edge 27 with the edge 37 or the edge 29 with the edge 39, can be sealingly sealed. For example, the permanent seal may be formed as indicated by reference numerals 12a and 12b of Figures la and lc and reference number 13 of Figure lb.

It should be understood that the permanently sealed portion of the edges does not need to extend over the entire length of the overlapping edges, as in the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1. The permanent seal can be provided in any portion and at any desired length of the superposed edges.

As used herein, "permanently sealed" means that it is intended that the consumer does not open these edges during use of the bag 10; these edges are not releasably sealed. To create the peimanently sealed portion of the overlapping edges of the bags of the present invention, any method known to those skilled in the art can be used, for example, thermal sealing.

In case the bag is square or rectangular in shape, as shown in Figure 1, it may be desirable for two of the superposed edges to be substantially sealed, for example, the edge 26 of the first sheet 20 is pepinanely sealed to the edge. 36 of the second sheet 30 along the permanent seal 12a and the edge 28 of the first sheet 20 is substantially sealed to the edge 38 of the second sheet 30 along the permanent seal 12a. Figure lc shows the bag of Figure la in its fully open position, the advantages of this are described in more detail below.

Referring again to Figure 1, in a preferred embodiment having two permanently sealed edges, the two substantially sealed edges are preferably adjacent, for example, two of the edges of a rectangular or square shaped bag that are perpendicular to each other and cross each other. , for example, edges 26 with 36 and 28 with 38. However, two opposite edges that do not intersect, such as 22 and 32; 26 and 36; or 24 and 34; and 28 and 38 could be selected as the edges pepnanentemente sealed.

Figure lb shows an alternative embodiment in which the bag 10 has a triangular shape, with a pair of overlapping edges 23 and 33 that are substantially sealed along the permanent seal 13. Again, it should be understood that the portion that is pennanely sealed of the edges does not require to extend over the entire length of the overlapping edges and may be provided in any portion and at any desired length of the superposed edges.

It should also be understood that the present invention is not limited to any particular shape or configuration of the bag 10 or of the sheets 20 and 30. Additionally, it is not necessary that the sheets have an identical or similar size or that they have identical fopna. Additionally, preferred embodiments of the present invention are not limited to bags consisting of a sheet or two sheets of film material. Bags comprising more than two sheets are also within the scope of the present invention.

Referring again to Figures la-c, at least one of the sheets 20 and 30 is a composite film, provided with a pressure-sensitive adhesive, protected against accidental adhesion. By the term "accidental adhesion" it is meant that the sheet bearing the adhesive does not prematurely adhere to a target surface, for example, to the other sheet, to another portion of the same sheet, or to any other surface, until the user of the bag activates the adhesive by pressing the sheet. The sheet of film carrying the adhesive is releasably sealed to the other sheet of film, or to another portion of itself, when pressed against it to create a seal perimeter (not shown in Figure 1, see Figures 2c and 7). The same composite film material will be described later in greater detail.

In this way, the seal perimeter will be created in the place selected by the consumer when he presses the sheet himself. Any place can be selected and it should be noted that the seal perimeter does not need to match the edges of the sheet.

In case the sheet 70 has a square or rectangular shape, the portion for the removable seal on the seal perimeter can be created at the free edges juxtaposed (for example, 82 and 92, 84 and 94, and 86 and 96, as shown in Figure 2b) or in the vicinity of these, to provide the bag with the largest interior area. However, as indicated above, the seal perimeter can be formed at any desired location.

The bag 10 can additionally be provided with an opening indicating means 21 to facilitate the opening of the sheets before introducing the product to be stored or cooked. The opening indication means 21 can also facilitate the reopening of the bag when it is desired to remove the products from the bag after the bag has been sealed. The opening indication means 21 can be separated from the sheets 20 and 30, for example, a tongue made of a material different from that of any of the sheets 20 and 30. Also, the opening indication means 21 can be integrated to one of the sheets 20 or 30, for example, can be manufactured with a print or color indication on the film to signal the user the appropriate place for April-. Preferably, the aperture indicating means contrasts visually with the other surfaces with which it is in contact.

Another preferred embodiment of the bag of the present invention (which is not shown in the Figures) is similar to that shown in Figures la-c; however, in this preferred embodiment, there are no tightly sealed edges or portions of pepperedly sealed edges. In that preferred embodiment, at least one of the film sheets is a composite film material, as described below, and the sheet carrying the adhesive can be releasably sealed to the other film sheet when pressed against it, to create a seal perimeter that fopna the inside of the bag.

Another preferred mode of the bag of the present invention is shown in Figures 2 a-b. In this mode, the bag 10 is composed of an individual sheet 70, as described in detail below. The sheet 70 has a first portion 80, a second portion 90 and a bonding area 75 located generally between the first and second portions, 80 and 90. The bonding area 75 is shown in broken lines in Figure 2a to indicate that it does not It has an exactly defined area or place. Addition, the joining area can divide the first portion 80 and the second portion 90 into areas of any respective sizes or forms; these portions do not necessarily have to have the same or almost the same size or shape.

It should be noted that the rectangular shaped sheet 70 shown in the Figure 2a is not meant to be a limiting purpose. As with the preferred mode shown in Figure 1, any form of the sheet 70 is within the scope of the present invention, for example, cubic, oval, triangular, amorphous or decorative.

The first portion is limited by at least one free edge of the first portion. In the manner shown in Figure 2a, the edges Ups of the first portion are indicated by reference numerals 82, 84 and 86. The second portion is limited by at least one free edge of the second portion. The edges Ups of the second portion are indicated by reference numerals 92, 94 and 96. Again, it should be noted that this mode is not limited to having a specified number of edges Ubs. For example, in case the sheet 70 were oval, there would be a continuous edge of the first portion that would not be shown in three segments as shown in Figure 2a.

In a preferred mode, at least one of the first portion 80 or the second portion 90 comprises a composite material that is provided with a pressure sensitive adhesive, protected against accidental adhesion. In another preferred mode, both the first portion 80 and the second portion 90 comprise a composite material which is provided with a pressure sensitive adhesive, protected against accidental adhesion. In yet another preferred embodiment, the bonding area 75 further comprises a composite material which is provided with a pressure sensitive adhesive, protected against accidental adhesion.

In another more preferred mode, the sheet is a unitary sheet of a composite material provided with a pressure sensitive adhesive, protected against accidental adhesion; in other words, the first portion 80, the second portion 90 and the bonding area 75 exist as places on the same unitary sheet from which the bag is formed.

The bag 10 is formed from the sheet 70 in the following manner, see Figure 2b.

The first portion 80 is generally bent at or near the bonding area 75, so that it is superimposed on the second portion 90. A stroke perimeter 85 can be created by pressing the first portion against the second or vice versa, in place wanted. In this way, inside the perimeter 85, the inside of the bag 10 is formed. The seismic perimeter can be created completely independent of the connection area 75, in case the consumer so wishes, for example, as shown in the Figure 7. The interior may be additionally contained within the joint area, as well as within the perimeter of signal 85, as shown in Figure 2c. ?? í In another preferred embodiment of the bag of the type shown in Figure 2, it is desirable to provide an aperture indicating means on at least one of the edges of the first or second portion, as previously described in the present invention. and in a manner similar to that shown in Figure la. Preferably, the aperture indicating means of this type visually contrasts with the other edges of the first or second portion that are not provided with the aperture indicating means.

In each of the methods described above, at least one of the sheets 20 or 30, or the sheet 70, in the methods described in con > Figure 1 or, at least one of the first portion 80 or the second portion 90, in the methods described in connection with Figure 2, comprise a composite material, such as that described in Hamilton et al. U.S. Patent No. 5,662,758, Composite Material Releasably Sealable to A Target Surface When Pressed Thereagainst and Method of Making "(Composite material removably sealable to a target surface when pressed against it and method of manufacture", issued on September 2, 1997, Ha ilton et al, United States Patent No. 5,871,607, "Material Having a Substance Protected by Deformable Standoffs and Method of Making" (Material having a substance protected by definable separators and method of manufacture) , issued February 16, 1999; McGuire et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,965,235, "Three-Dimensional, Amoiphous-Pattemed, Nesting-Resistant Sheet Materials and Method and A pparatus for Making Same "(Three-dimensional sheet materials, of amorphous and resistant to nesting pattern and method to make them), granted on October 12, 1999, and Hamilton et al., United States Patent No. 5,968,633, "Selectively-Activatible Sheet Material for Dispensing .And Dispersing to Substance Onto A Target Surface" (material on selective activation sheet for dispensing and fopna of dispensing a substance on a target surface), granted on October 19, 1999.

A composite material of this type is a flexible film coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive to removably sere a target surface and to prevent premature adhesion to the target surface. More particularly, the composite material is a flexible pneumatic tube having dips formed on an adhesive side, which act to separate the pressure-sensitive adhesive from the target surface, until the film is pressed against it. According to the present invention, the "target surface" is the other of the film sheets 20 or 30 of the methods shown in Figure 1, or another portion of the same sheet 70, as shown in the figures of the Figure 2.

Even when the total exposure of the composite materials of the present invention is presented in the aforementioned patents, a concise description will be repeated here. In FIG. 3 a mode of the composite wheel is shown and is generally indicated as 100. The wire bag 100 generally includes a flexible wire piece 120 having holders 140 and a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive 160 located between the saunters 140. In the mode of the pouch 100 shown in Figure 3, the saunters 140 have a conical shape and the most outward ends are truncated or in the form of domes 180. The saunters 140 are equidistantly spaced apart in a triangular configuration. equilateral, all facing the same direction. The people are separated from center to center, a distance of approximately two diameters of saüente The fans 140 have heights that are preferably smaller than their diameters, so that when they collapse, it does so along an axis that is practically perpendicular to the plane of the wheel 120. This way of collapsing prevents the drivers 140 from bending. and prevent the adhesive from contacting the target surface.

Figure 4 shows a target surface 200 which, according to the present invention, is either another film sheet comprising the bag 10 or another portion of the same film sheet from which the bag is formed, and separated from the pressure sensitive adhesive layer 160 by the most outwardly 180 ends of the holders 140. Figure 5 shows the target surface 200 contacting the layer of pressure sensitive adhesive 160 after the holders 140 have been removed. partially inverted on themselves under the pressure applied to the non-adhesive side of flexible hose 120, as indicated by force F.

In the mode of the film 100 shown in Figures 3 to 5, the tapered sauces 140 have a base diameter of approximately between 0.015 inches (0.381 mm) and 0.03 inches (0.762 mm). The heads have a center-to-center gap of approximately 0.03 inches (0.762 mm) to 0.06 inches (1.524 mm) and a height of approximately 0.004 inches (0.102 mm) to 0.012 inches (0.305 mm). The pelecular material can be manufactured from homogeneous resins or mixtures thereof. Within the structure of the film, individual or multiple layers are contemplated, whether co-extruded, extrusion coated, laminated or combined by other known means. The key attribute of peUcular material is that it can be produced to produce products and quantities. Useful resins include polybutylene, polypropylene, PET, PVC, PVDC, latex structures, naüon, etc. The preferred material is polyethylene with a nominal thickness of approximately 0.01 to 0.02 mm, more preferably approximately 0.012 to 0.015 mm. A preferred pelecular material is 100% HDPE, approximately 0.012 mm, available from Tredegar Co., USA. These films are also available from Exxon Co., USA.

The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 160 is preferably a melt adhesive in a cavity of approximately 0.025 mm in thickness. As for example, the hot melt adhesives that are available from Findley Co., USA, for example, with specifications no. ATO Findley 2630.07, 2630.08 and 2630.09 and those available from H.B. FuUer Co. of Minnesota, USA, for example, with specifications no. HB FuUer HL-2115X, HB FuUer HL 1711-XZP and HB FuUer HL 1717-X, are suitable for use herein. Alternatively, other adhesives, including latex, can also be used for the adhesive layer 160.

The size and spacing of the solvents can be optimized to provide a continuous adhesive path for the hepatic fluids, but without generating a film that stretches easily. The stretched film results in residual forces parallel to the adhesive contact plane, which can cause the weak adhesive bond to break.

With an even greater preference, the composite sheet of the present is a three-dimensional composite sheet material that resists nesting of superposed layers one inside the other, as described in the aforementioned McGuire et al patent, US Pat. . 5,965,235.

To provide the advantages of nesting resistance, the savers form an amorphous configuration of a plurality of different bidimensional geometrical shapes on one side of the composite sheet material; on the opposite side they are provided with a plurality of separate three-dimensional hollow depressions that cope with the saunters, so that the saints are hollow. The "amorphous" term, as used in the present invention, is in general in accordance with the ordinary meaning of the term, ie, a configuration that exhibits no easily discernible organization, regularity, or orientation of its constituent elements. In a configuration of this type, the orientation and configuration of an element in relation to a neighboring element does not have any predictable relationship with that of the next succesive elements that are further there.

Within the preferred amorphous configuration, the solvents will preferably not be uniform in relation to their size, shape, orientation with respect to the continuous material and separation between centers of adjacent heaters. Figure 6 is a plan view of a representative three-dimensional and nest-resistant sheet material 200 according to the present invention. The characters are indicated by reference numerals 240 and spaces by reference numerals 220. Figure 6 also shows the pattern A, which represents the width of the spaces 220, which is measured as the distance practically perpendicular between parallel walls, practically adjacent at the base of the people. In a preferred mode, the width of the spaces 220 preferably is substantially constant across the entire flavor configuration.

The holders 240 are generated with a non-uniform size and shape, so that a sheet or piece of the material 200 can be brought into contact face to face with another sheet or piece of material 200 without occurring nested between the two sheets. The attribute of resistance to nesting is because the amorphous configuration of the satellites, as discussed above, limits the ability of the face of one sheet to align with the back of another sheet, whereby the single-layer elements enter the depressions formed behind each person in an adjacent layer. The advantage of narrow spaces of a constant width between the people is that the people can not enter the spaces 220 either when the layers of material 200 are placed face to face.

The use of polygons having a finite number of sides in the amorphous configuration arranged in a coupling relationship with each other, provides an advantage over structures that use circular or almost circular shapes. Configurations such as the dispositions or attachments of circles are limited in terms of the amount of area that circles can occupy in relation to the area outside the circles between adjacent circles. More specifically, even in a configuration where the adjacent circles touch at their point of tangency, there will still be a certain amount of space "trapped" in the "corners" between consecutive tangent points. Therefore, even amorphous configurations of circular shapes are limited in terms of how small area outside the circles can be designed within the structure. Conversely, poggon forms that are coupled together and have a finite number of sides (ie, have no curvilinear sides) can be designed so that they have a high compaction and, in the limited sense, they can pack so that the adjacent sides of adjacent poguses can be in contact along their entire length, so that there are no spaces "trapped" between corners, Refer to Figure 6. Preferably, the amorphous configuration in the present invention has a statistically controlled degree of randomness, as described in detail in U.S. Patent 5,965,235.

It is believed that the three-dimensional form of the individual elements has a function both in the determination of the physical properties of the individual elements and in the general properties of the continuous material. It is believed that the use of a poiygonal base configuration of coupling together for the satellites is very advantageous in the present invention. Such a pogular configuration preferably comprises convex poiiigons which engage each other, each having a finite number of practically uniform sides, where the front sides of adjacent pogons are substantially parallel. However, it should be understood that the speakers can be formed vUtuaUnente with any three-dimensional form.

The holders 240 preferably are spaced from center to center an average distance of approximately two diameters from the base of the sauten or nearest, with the purpose of minimizing the volume of waves between people and, consequently, the amount of adhesive located between them. Preferably, the holders have heights that are less than their diameters, so that when they deform, the holders deform practically by inverting and / or crushing along an axis that is substantially perpendicular to a plane of the material. This form of solvent and method of prevention prevents the bends from bending in a direction parallel to the plane of the material, so that the people can not prevent the adhesive of the line between them from contacting the target surface.

Preferred adhesive web in the present invention is a melt-pressure, pressure sensitive adhesive with a thickness of approximately 0.025 mm. As for example, the hot melt adhesives that are available from Findley Co., USA, for example, with specifications no. ATO Findley 2630.07, 2630.08 and 2630.09 and those available from H.B. FuUer Co. of Minnesota, USA, for example, with specifications no. HB FuUer HL-2115X, HB FuUer HL 1711-XZP and HB FuUer HL 1717-X, are suitable for use in the present. Alternatively, other adhesives, including latex, can also be used for the adhesive layer 160.

The special material can be manufactured from homogeneous resins or mixtures thereof. Within the polymer structure, individual or multiple layers are contemplated, whether co-extruded, extrusion coated, laminated or combined by other known means. The key attribute of peUcular material is that it can be given to produce products and products. Resins useful in the present invention include polyethylene, polypropylene, PET, PVC, PVDC, latex structures, nautilus, etcetera. Preferred material casings are between about 0.0025 mm and 0.25 mm. A preferred pelecular material is a 100% HDPE film, approximately 0.012 mm, available from Tredegar Co., USA. These films are also available from Exxon Co., USA. The fonnation can be achieved by mechanical engraving in rewve. vacuum thermoforming, hydrophobing or combinations thereof, as well as by other forming methods known to those skilled in the art.

It should be noted that even though the entire surface of a sheet preferably exhibits the amorphous configuration of this type, in some circumstances it may be desirable that not all of the surface of such a sheet exhibit the amorphous configuration. For example, a portion of the sheet may exhibit some regular pattern of colors or in fact may be free of saints so as to present a generally flat surface.

Additionally, the designer can separate the amorphous regions with a regular, non-amorphous configuration or with a "blank" region without any, or a combination of these. Additionally, the shape and denudations of the non-amorphous regions can be designed to taste.

As noted previously, in the manner shown in Figure 1, at least one of the sheets 20 or 30 comprising the bag 10, or a portion of the sheet for the methods that are manufactured from a single sheet , is a composite sheet material, as described previously. The other sheet material or portion thereof may be the same or a single composite material; or the other sheet or portion thereof may be a non-composite sheet material or may be any conventional film material known to those skilled in the art, for example, high density polyethene or low density polyethylene. In the manner shown in Figure 2, at least a portion of the sheet 70 that forms the bag 10 is a composite sheet material, as described above. As a result, the user of the pouch 10 can seam the pouch removably as desired, by simply pressing in any other desired location to activate the composite sheet adhesive to heel it in a septum perimeter with a target sheet or target portion. .

Also, for an aesthetic appearance, it may be desirable to provide some type of decorative printing in the sheet materials or in any portion or portions thereof. This pressure can be read in any configuration, color, style, design, etc.

For example, Figure 7 shows a food product 40 contained in the preferred mode of the bag 10, in which a semen 45 perimeter has been created by means of the pressure forces exerted by the user, generally in the action of the user. the arrows marked "SI" and "S2" around the periphery of the food product. A bag 10 of this type may comprise any of the methods described in the present invention.

Another example of use of the bag 10 is illustrated in Figure 8. Namely, it is possible to form individual compartments for storing several products, whether products of the same type or not, within a bag. Separate, air-bound and hennetic perimeters can be formed, 45 a-d, around individual products 50 by pressing the combustion in the desired areas. Within each seam perimeter 45 a-d there is an individual internal part of the bag, alternatively, the bag can be simply pressed, as indicated by the arrows S1-S4, to create four sealed compartments. A bag 10 of this type may comprise any of the methods described in the present invention.

It will be clearly understood that the examples shown in Figures 7 and 8 are not intended to be limiting, since many different ways to use the bags of the present invention are possible and those forms are within the scope of the present invention.

Figure 1 c shows the bag of Figure la in its fully open state, which illustrates one of the advantages of the present invention. As shown in Figure 1c, the bag 10 has a large area for insertion and removal that exists as a result of the fact that the bag has two superimposed edges that are not carefully removed. For example, the representative dimensions of a bag according to the present invention are 29.2-30.0 ein per 30.0 cm, approximately. For a bag of these designs, the open insertion / removal area is approximately 1040 cm2, calculated by defining the open area as a complete circle.

Other non-limiting denuntions that are generally convenient for home use include approximately 15.0 cm by 15.0 cm and 60.0 cm by 60.0 cm, approximately.

By contrast, conventional bags that have only one side that can be used for insertion and removal, for example, cream-type bags or regular bags, can not provide these advantages. In commercially available cream-type bags, the opening may actually be narrower than the effective dimensions of the bag, due to the area needed for the incorporation of cream and sealing materials. Therefore, the use of cream-type bags may be inconvenient or impossible in large products or in an ipegular form. For example, a large, commercially available ZIPLOC vegetable storage bag has dimensions of approximately 26.8 cm by 27.9 cm. And its open area of insertion; removal is only about 223 cm2.

Therefore, it can be seen that the size of the open area mouth of the bag embodiment shown in Figures la and lc of the present invention, when it is in a fully open state is at least about 50% greater than the of other storage bags available in commercial form, for example, regular bags and bags of cremaUera.

Although it can be appreciated that the square or rectangular shape provides a large interior area available for use and can provide two edges not permanently sewn for proper insertion and removal, other shapes can be provided and are within the scope of the present invention, For example, an oval or circular bag comprising at least one sheet of the composite material described in the present invention, with an open area removably removable for the insertion and removal of accessory products.

Additionally, the use of bags that do not have permanently sewn edges is equally appropriate, and sometimes more so, than those that have permanently sewn edges. The most suitable type of bag for the proposed use depends on the desired use, the size and shape of the item to be placed inside the bag and the user's preference.

Accordingly, it can be seen that the insertion and removal of the desired products to be added or cooked in and out of the preferred embodiments of the bags 10 of the present invention can be achieved with ease, since the bag can accommodate many sizes and sizes. different products of amentments.

In addition to their advantages in terms of ease of use, the bags of the present invention also provide improved freshness benefits at the added increases. It is believed that this advantage is derived from the superior airtightness properties of the bag of the present invention. This advantage is described in more detail in the Examples in the present invention.

Finally, it should be understood that the bags of the present invention are not limited to food uses and can be used with equal advantage to store or protect any other type of products, especially where airtight and / or hepatic semen is desired. to the Uquido. For example, bags can be used to store cosmetics, supplies for plastic arts, miscellaneous items and can conveniently be used to store many different types of items during a shipment.

EXAMPLES For the purpose of illustrating the advantages of freshness in storage of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the bags according to the present invention will be compared with other commercially available bags in the following manner.

EXAMPLE 1: Weight reduction test I (Spinach) Table 1: Data of Weight I Trial I These data are graphically represented in Figure 9, where the point data in diamond shape represent the weight loss of the bags of the present invention and the point data in square form represent the weight loss of the commercially available ZIPLOC bags. The shaded bathes represent the weight loss data of the bags of the present invention and the unshaded bathes represent the weight loss data of the commercially available ZIPLOC bags.

Table 2: Results of Test I for weight reduction The weight reduction test is read as follows. An equivalent average weight amount of a vegetable, for example, spinach, is - > divided into two groups according to the root. A group is placed individually, that is, one per bag, inside a bag (1) according to the present invention; and the other clip is individually placed inside a large ZIPLOC storage bag for vegetables (2), available from S.C. Johnson Co./Asahi Kasei Co.

The bag (1) of the present invention is 29.2 cm wide, 30.0 cm long and 12.5 um thick (excluding the adhesive layer and the holders). The material is HDPE.

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

In the bag (1) of the present invention, the air is expelled to limit the amount of air packed inside the bag and the bag is sealed with the shape of the spinach, pressing on the sheet as described above in the present invention. . In the ZIPLOC bag (2), the air is expelled to limit the amount of air packed inside the bag and the bag is sealed with the spinach, eating the cream.

All bags are stored in the vegetable drawer of a domestic model refrigerator. All bags are placed in the refrigerator at the same time of start on day 0. The bags do not stick to each other. The temperature and humidity of the refrigerator are measured as reference on the start date, Day 0, although the actual conditions will vary throughout the test period. AdicionaUnente, actual conditions vary from one refrigerator to another; In general, it is expected that the normal cooling conditions in the home will be approximately 4 to 5 ° C, and 25 to 55% relative humidity. The weight is calculated as 100% at the time of start, day 0, at 4 ° C and 26% relative humidity.

The bags are mixed once a day during the refrigeration cycle to simulate the use of the household refrigerator. The bags are left in the refrigerator for 8 days.

At the end of the test, each piece of spinach is removed from its bag and weighed. AdicionaUnente, each group is presented to a group of 20 consumers, preferably over 20 years old. Consumers are asked which piece is freshest, and they are pepnite to see and touch the spinach before making a decision.

The result of this test is presented in the previous Table 2. Without being limited by theory, it is believed that freshness is linked to the loss of water, that is, as the vegetables lose water (which can be measured quantitatively as weight loss) they become less cool. Thus, from Table 2 it can be seen that the spinach stored in the bag of the present invention lost less water. The result of freshness is confirmed by consumers who compared the two groups of spinach.

EXAMPLE 2: Weight reduction test II (Spinach) Table 3: Results of the Test II of weight reduction The weight reduction test was carried out a second time, as described earlier, starting with a different batch of spined on a different start day (ie, a different Day 0).

Due to the fact that a different batch of spinach was used at the beginning, the percentage of reduction shown in Table 3 is different from that shown in Table 2. This is an expected result, because the state of the spinach or of any other vegetable at the time of acquiring it on a particular day, it can never really be doubled at the time of acquiring it on a different day. In other words, each time a consumer acquires a vegetable, the state of this particular vegetable at the time of that particular acquisition is very variable.

The comparison of the results presented in Tables 2 and 3 shows that a better storage freshness can be expected when the vegetable is stored in the bags of the present invention, with respect to the ZIPLOC bags. The initial state of the vegetable is relevant to the result.

EXAMPLE 3: Test III of weight reduction (Brócoü) Table 4: Results of the Weight reduction test m The test was carried out as described above, using equivalent quantities of broccoli. The weight was calculated as 100% at the time of onset, day 0, at 4 ° C and 38% relative humidity.

As before, this result indicates that a superior storage advantage can be obtained using the bags of the present invention.

As illustrated by the above examples, the preferred embodiments disclosed in the present invention provide the advantages of superior air tightness and longer shelf life compared to conventional vegetable storage bags.

A greater ease of use is also provided, as well as suitability and versatility for use in storage and cooking, as described in the present invention. The preferred embodiments in the present invention have good cost-benefit ratio, are easy to manufacture and offer versatility in use.

METHODS OF USE The present invention also relates to methods for using the bags described in the present invention.

.AUnacenamiento A method of adding an article in the present invention comprises placing the article in any bag fashion according to the present invention, releasing the bag by pressing the surface of the composite wheel in the desired places to activate the adhesive and creating the perimeter of the bag. seUo, and place the bag in the storage area. More specifically, a method for storing increases in the present invention comprises: placing cooked or uncooked food in any fashion of a bag according to the present invention; secuar in the desired location the removable sealable edges of the bag to create the sequin perimeter; placing the bag in a storage place, such as a refrigerator, and removing the bag increase after a period of time, preferably not exceeding two weeks, to obtain the best freshness advantages.

Cooked by ebuition A preferred method of cooking a food product in the present invention comprises the use of water by boiling. This method comprises: placing the uncooked food, together with the desired seasonings and spices, in any manner of bag according to the present invention; seqar removably the bag, pressing the surface of the compound film in the desired places to activate the adhesive and create the perimeter of seUo; Place the bag in a sufficient amount of water, so that the bag is partially submerged in the water, but which is plentiful (preferably without touching the bottom of the oUa in which the water will be heated) during enough time to cook the increase that is placed inside; Remove the bag from the water after the time has elapsed, and open the bag to remove the contents. Preferably, the oUa containing the water is capped during cooking, so that the contents in the bag are cooked both by the heat of the water itself and by the steam that is collected inside the capped oUa.

Cooked by microwave Another method of cooking of the present invention comprises: placing the uncooked increase within any bag mode according to the present invention; Removal of the bag, so that the increase is located inside the bag; Place the bag in a microwave oven for a sufficient time to cook the increase that has been placed inside, and remove the bag from the microwave oven after that time has elapsed. Afterwards the bag can be opened to remove and servile the contents. It is believed that this method is especially useful for steam cooking of raw vegetables such as spiragas, squash or broccoli. According to a method of this type, it is believed that they maintain the color and fresh appearance of the vegetable well and are superior to conventional methods of cooking by direct contact with boiling water.

In microwave cooking methods, care must be taken not to introduce oily oils or condiments inside the bag. In case oils are introduced, it is believed that the temperature inside the bag may exceed 125 ° C, which compromises the structural integrity of the pecular material, which can cause the bag to be depilated.

Preparation of marinated or pickled increases Another additional method for the preparation of augmentation in the present invention comprises the preparation of marinated or pickled food products. This method comprises placing at least one uncooked food product, for example, raw vegetables, fish or meat, as well as any desired flavoring, for example, oil, salt, herbs, soy sauce, vinegar, miso, koji (a type of malt), or sakekasu (a sediment based on anoz that is derived from the process of making sake), within any bag type according to the present invention; detaching the bag in the place of the desired seam perimeter; Place the bag in the refrigerator and leave the bag in the refrigerator for a sufficient time to flavor the food. In most cases it is believed that 1 to 2 nights is enough. The bag can be opened later to remove and serve the contents.

In the case of uncooked vegetables, the flavored vegetables can be eaten as they are as soon as they are removed from the bag. These vegetables can be called by their Japanese name "tsukemono". In the case of fish or meat When marinated, marinated fish or meat should be later cooked, for example, grilled or boiled, as described above.

Overheating In addition to the methods of preparing uncooked augmentations mentioned above, to reheat increases that have already been cooked, any bag mode according to the present invention can be used. For the reheating, the boiling methods described above are preferred, since increases containing oils can cause the bag to become too hot if placed in a microwave oven.

In the reheating methods of the present invention, water temperatures below 100 ° C (boiling) can be used, since the higher heat levels generated by the boiling water may not be necessary in cases where the increase is not raw or without cooking and there is no danger of eating insufficiently cooked food. Depending on the type of product to be reheated and the user's preference as to how much this food product should be, temperatures of approximately 50 ° C to 100 ° C are suitable. As a non-proprietary example, you may want to heat a dessert cupcake, which has been stored in the refrigerator.

However, it is worth repeating that for raw increases or uncooked increases, the boiling at 100 ° C is preferred to avoid any problem or disease that may arise as a result of Ingesting insufficiently cooked food.

It is understood that the examples and methods described in the present invention have only illustrative purposes and that in light of these, a person with experience in the technique may suggest different changes and modifications, without move away from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (20)

1. A pouch comprising at least two superposed sheets of material having at least a portion of its superposed edges which is suitably filled, where at least one of the sheets is a composite material provided with a pressure-sensitive adhesive, protected against accidental adhesion, the peecular sheet which adheres to the other peecular sheet when pressed against it, to create a seam perimeter, where the inside of the bag constitutes the portion that is within the perimeter of the peel. seUo.

The bag according to Claim 1, wherein the interior is additionally constituted by what remains within the portion suitably removed from the overlapping edges.

3. The bag according to Claim 1 wherein the bag has four pairs of superimposed edges and at least one of the pairs is permanently sewn.

4. A bag comprising a first sheet of pelecular material and a second sheet of specific material, wherein at least one of the sheets is a composite material that is provided with a pressure-sensitive adhesive, protected against accidental adhesion, the sheet The adhesive strip that will stick to the other peucular sheet when pressed against it, to create a seizure perimeter; The inside of the bag is made up of a section that is inside the seimus perimeter.

5. A bag comprising a sheet having a first portion with at least one free edge, a second portion with at least one free edge, and a bonding area between the first portion and the second portion, wherein at least one of the first and second portions comprises a compound composite material provided with a pressure-sensitive adhesive, protected against accidental adhesion, and wherein the first portion When the second portion is overlapped by bending it in the joint area, the first and second portions will be detachably separated from one another along a perimeter of shape which is created by pressing one of the portions against the other, where the interior The bag is constituted by the section that is within the scope of seUo.

The bag according to Claim 5, wherein both the first portion and the second portion comprise a composite material, provided with a pressure-sensitive adhesive, protected against accidental adhesion.

The bag according to Claim 6, wherein the bonding area comprises a compound composite material, provided with a pressure-sensitive adhesive, protected against accidental adhesion.

The bag according to Claim 7, wherein the sheet is a unitary sheet of composite material, provided with a pressure-sensitive adhesive, protected against accidental adhesion.

The bag according to Claim 5, wherein the interior is further constituted by the section remaining within the joint area.

The bag according to Claim 5, wherein at least a portion of the free edge of the first portion is permanently attached to at least a portion of the free edge of the second portion.

A bag comprising a sheet having a first portion with at least one free edge, a second portion with at least one free edge, and a bonding area between the first portion and the second portion, wherein at least one of The first and second portions comprise a composite material that is provided with a pressure-sensitive adhesive, protected against accidental adhesion, at least one of the edges of the first or second portion is provided with an indication means of aperture which visually contrasts with the other edges of the first or second portion and, where the first portion is superimposed on the second portion by bending it into the joint area, the first and second portions will be seperately removable between them. of a seizure perimeter that is created by pressing one of the portions against the other, and the seizure perimeter additionally comprises the joining area.

The bag according to any one of Claims 1, 4, 5 or 11, wherein the composite material is a three-dimensional composite sheet material having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side comprises at least one region that it has a plurality of separate three-dimensional members extending outwardly from the first side, the members are separated by an interconnected network of three-dimensional spaces between adjacent members, and the spaces are almost uniformly an adhesive.

The bag according to Claim 12, wherein the plurality of people forms an amorphous configuration of convex pockets that mate with each other. each one has a finite number of practically universal sides where the frontal sides of adjacent polygons are practically parallel. f ** i

14 The bag according to any one of Claims 1, 4, 5 or 11, wherein the interior is divided into a plurality of ulteriors by means of the removable section of the pecular sheet which is adhesive to create a plurality of perimeter seams.

15. The bag according to any of Claims 1, 4, 5 or 11, further comprising an aperture Indication means.

16. The bag according to Claim 15, wherein the aperture indicating means comprises a color indicating means.

The bag according to Claim 15, wherein the opening indication means comprises a printed indication means.

18. The bag according to any of Claims 1, 4, 5 or 11, wherein the sheet is provided with a decorative print.

19. In a method for storing a product, the method comprises placing the product in the bag according to any one of Claims 1, 4, 5 or 11, releasing the bag, creating a semblance, and placing the bag in a secure place. storage.

20. The method according to Claim 19, wherein the product is a vegetable and the storage place is a refrigerator. / ~ - "\ - \ SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A pouch comprising at least two superposed sheets of material is exposed having at least a portion of its overlapping edges suitably cleaned, where at least one of the sheets is a composite material, provided with an adhesive sensitive to the pressure, protected against accidental adhesion; The peecular sheet containing adhesive will be detachably se- lected to the other pecular sheet when pressed against it to create a se- rum perimeter, where the inside of the bag is constituted by the section remaining within the se- per perimeter. Addition A bag comprising a first sheet of material and a second sheet of material, wherein at least one of the sheets is a compound material, provided with a pressure-sensitive adhesive, protected against accidental adhesion, is presented. The adhesive sheet which is adhesive will be detachably attached to the other sheet when pressed against it, to create a seam perimeter, where the inside of the bag is constituted by the section remaining within the seam perimeter. Additionally, a pouch comprising a sheet having a first portion with at least one free edge, a second portion with at least one free edge, and a joining area between the first portion and the second portion, wherein at least one of the first and second portions comprises a composite material that is provided with a pressure sensitive adhesive, protected against accidental adhesion, and wherein the first portion overlaps the second portion, bending it into the bonding area; the first and second portions will be removably detached from each other throughout a perimeter of seu that has been created by pressing one of the portions against the other; where the inside of the bag is constituted by the section that is inside the sequin perimeter. At least one of the edges of the first or second portion may additionally be provided with an aperture indicating means that visually contrast with the other edges of the first or second portion. Methods for storing and cooking using the bags of the present invention are also set forth. PA / a / " 11 io *