US20100300919A1 - Resealable vacuum containers and sealing tools - Google Patents
Resealable vacuum containers and sealing tools Download PDFInfo
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- US20100300919A1 US20100300919A1 US12/790,776 US79077610A US2010300919A1 US 20100300919 A1 US20100300919 A1 US 20100300919A1 US 79077610 A US79077610 A US 79077610A US 2010300919 A1 US2010300919 A1 US 2010300919A1
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- Prior art keywords
- vacuum
- bag
- storage compartment
- resealable
- vacuum container
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/18—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
- B65D81/20—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
- B65D81/2007—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum
- B65D81/2023—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum in a flexible container
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
- B65D33/16—End- or aperture-closing arrangements or devices
- B65D33/25—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners
- B65D33/2508—Riveting; Dovetailing; Screwing; using press buttons or slide fasteners using slide fasteners with interlocking members having a substantially uniform section throughout the length of the fastener; Sliders therefor
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/18—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
- B65D81/20—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
- B65D81/2007—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum
- B65D81/2038—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum with means for establishing or improving vacuum
Definitions
- the present invention relates to vacuum containers, more particularly to resealable and reusable vacuum containers.
- Vacuum storage containers can be used to preserve items in an environment from which all or most of the fluid in the container, typically air, has been removed. Storing food in a vacuum-sealed bag, for example, may help preserve flavor, may make food last longer, and may prevent freezer burn. Items other than food can also be kept in vacuum storage bags or containers. For instance, articles of clothing, flower seeds and matches can be stored in evacuated containers and kept secure from external elements. Photos and other documents may also be protected and preserved.
- Multiple-use vacuum storage bags are becoming more popular and are currently mainly used by consumers for storing items such as food or compressible household products (i.e., towels, pillows, etc) to save space.
- items such as food or compressible household products (i.e., towels, pillows, etc) to save space.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,634 to Su (“Su”), which is entirely incorporated herein by reference, teaches a vacuum-receiving bag formed by a bag body, a sealing edge installed at an opening of the bag body and an airtight valve at a selected position of the bag body.
- the airtight valve of Su When the plug cover of the airtight valve of Su is pressed by hand, the airtight valve will conduct air so that air in the bag body will be absorbed and thus the bag will approach to vacuum state.
- Su teaches that after the air absorbing tube is taken away, the airtight valve will close automatically.
- the airtight valve can be used with an air tap, which enables an operator to operate a pump manually to achieve the object of absorbing air.
- the sealing edge at the opening of the bag body is formed by two matched seal strips, which provides a preferred air seal effect.
- FIG. 3A shows a portion of a resealable bag comprising a sealing member, a vacuum application area and a one-way vacuum member that is disposed on the vacuum application area, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 3B shows a vacuum source in fluid communication with a storage compartment of the resealable bag of FIG. 3A via the vacuum member, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
- FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a resealable bag having a vacuum application area disposed at the bottom of the resealable bag, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 7A shows reclosable vacuum bag having a spout, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 7B shows the reclosable vacuum bag of FIG. 7A with the spout in an extended configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- the sealing member 110 comprises a sliding member that is configured to isolate the storage compartment 120 from the external environment (i.e., close the storage compartment 120 ) and to reopen the storage compartment 120 .
- first wall 140 and second wall 150 are opposed to one another.
- first wall 140 and second wall 150 have three points of contact—two points of contact along the periphery of the bag 100 and one point of contact along a bottom portion 160 of the storage compartment 120 .
- the lower portion 130 is hollow and open to the external environment.
- the sealing member 110 is configured to maintain a vacuum in the bag 100 when in a “closed” configuration.
- a user can add (or remove) one or more items to (or from) the bag 100 .
- vacuum may be provided to the bag 100 via a one-way vacuum member (not shown; see below) disposed at a predetermined vacuum application area 170 .
- the one-way vacuum member is formed on bag 100 during one or more stages of forming (or manufacturing) the bag.
- the one-way vacuum member is provided as an attachment to the bag and a user may attach the one-way vacuum member to the bag 100 at the vacuum application area 170 .
- vacuum is provided to the bag 100 via a one-way vacuum member disposed at the vacuum application area 170 by closing the sealing member 110 and removing gas (e.g., air) from the bag 100 using a vacuum application device, such as, e.g., a pump. Gas can be removed from the bag 100 until a predetermined pressure (also “bag pressure” herein) is reached in the storage compartment 120 of the bag 100 .
- the one-way vacuum member is configured to prevent gas from entering the storage compartment 120 when the vacuum application device is removed.
- the vacuum application area 170 is disposed at a top-right portion of the bag, in alternative embodiments, the vacuum application area 170 may be disposed at any location on the bag. As an example, the vacuum application area 170 can be disposed at the bottom-left portion of the bag and disposed over the storage compartment 120 .
- the one-way vacuum member can be omitted and vacuum may be applied to the bag 100 by creating a small, temporary opening in the bag 100 , removing gas from the bag 100 via the opening, and sealing the opening.
- the opening can be sealed via the application of heat to a portion of the bag adjacent the opening.
- the opening can be provided at the vacuum application area 170 of the bag 100 .
- the opening can be provided at any location on the bag 100 , such as, e.g., any location along the periphery of the bag.
- the opening can be formed in the vacuum application area 170 .
- the bag 100 may include a support member 180 configured to permit the bag 100 to stand upright on a horizontal surface.
- the support member 180 is formed of a rigid material. In such a case, the bag 100 may stand upright with or without the application of vacuum to the storage compartment 120 of the bag 100 .
- the support member 180 can be attached to the first wall 140 and the second wall 150 at the lower portion 130 of the bag 100 .
- the support member 180 is attached to portions of the first wall 140 and second wall 150 in the cavity 155 .
- the support member 180 is formed of one or more elemental metals, such as, e.g., Cu, Pt, Pd, Ni, or combinations (alloys) thereof.
- the support member 180 is formed of a polymeric material.
- the bag 100 includes a filtering member 190 configured to prevent fine material (e.g., grains, powders) in the storage compartment 120 from entering a vacuum application device (e.g., pump) when vacuum is being applied to the sealed storage compartment 120 .
- the filtering member may be disposed between a wall of the storage compartment and a one-way vacuum member configured to bring the vacuum application device in fluid communication with the storage compartment 120 .
- the filtering member 190 is a mesh formed of substantially thin strands.
- the strands are disposed perpendicularly with respect to one another.
- the strands may be formed of one or more elemental metals or a polymeric material. The distribution of strands may be selected so as to provide a desired pressure drop across the filtering member 190 .
- FIG. 2 shows a resealable bag 200 having a sealing member 210 , a storage compartment 220 and a bottom portion 230 having a first wall 240 and a second wall (now shown) behind the first wall 240 .
- the storage compartment 220 has a bottom portion 260 that is in contact with the first wall 240 and the second wall (not shown).
- the bottom portion 230 enables the bag 200 to stand upright. This advantageously enables a user to store one or more resealable bags at a storage location and to conserve dead space between the bags, thereby storing the bags in an efficient configuration.
- the resealable bag 200 further comprises a vacuum application area 270 having a vacuum member 280 disposed thereon.
- the vacuum member 280 enables vacuum to be provided to the storage compartment 220 of the bag 200 .
- the vacuum member 280 is a one-way valve, which is configured to enable gas (e.g., air) to flow from the storage compartment 220 to a vacuum source (e.g., vacuum pump), while preventing gas from flowing from the external environment into the storage compartment 220 .
- gas e.g., air
- a vacuum source e.g., vacuum pump
- the resealable bag 200 may include a filtering member, such as the filtering member 190 discussed above in the context of FIG. 1 .
- the filtering member may be disposed in the storage compartment 220 at a location substantially below the vacuum member 280 .
- the filtering member is configured to prevent fine material (e.g., powders, grains) from entering a vacuum source upon the application of vacuum to the storage compartment 220 .
- vacuum is applied to a storage compartment (not shown) of the bag 300 via a vacuum source 390 in fluid communication with the storage compartment through the vacuum member 380 .
- a user may squeeze the bag 300 —e.g., by holding the bag 300 applying force to opposing walls of the bag 300 —to facilitate the application of vacuum to the bag 300 .
- the vacuum source 390 removes one or more gases (e.g., air) from the storage compartment of the vacuum bag 300 . When a desired level of vacuum (or pressure) in the storage compartment is reached, the vacuum source 390 is removed.
- the one-way vacuum member 380 prevents one or more gases from entering the bag 300 via the external (or ambient) environment.
- FIG. 4A shows a resealable vacuum bag (also “bag” herein) 400 in an upright position, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- the bag 400 is identical to the bag 100 discussed above in the context of FIG. 1 .
- the bag 400 comprises a sealing member 410 and a bottom portion 430 that is configured to enable the bag 400 to stand upright when a storage compartment 420 of the bag 400 is under vacuum, i.e., when the pressure within the bag is below 1 atm, or substantially below 1 atm.
- the bottom portion 430 also enables the bag 400 to stand upright when the bag is not under vacuum, i.e., when the pressure within the bag is about 1 atm.
- the bottom portion 430 comprises a first wall 440 and a second wall 450 .
- the first wall 440 and the second wall 450 have three points of contact—two points of contact at the periphery (or sides) of the bottom portion 430 and one point of contact at a bottom portion 460 of the storage compartment 420 .
- the bottom portion 460 of the storage compartment 420 is at or substantially near the bottom of the bag 400 .
- the bag may comprise a base that is angled with respect to opposing walls of the bag 400 . The base may enable the bag 400 to stand upright when the storage compartment 420 is under vacuum.
- a vacuum bag having one or more filters is provided.
- the vacuum bag is a resealable vacuum bag.
- the one or more filters comprise one or more passages (or slits) bringing a storage compartment of the vacuum bag in fluid contact with a vacuum compartment of the vacuum bag.
- FIG. 5 shows a resealable bag (also “bag” herein) 500 having a sealing member 510 and a storage compartment 520 .
- the storage compartment 520 is in fluid communication with a vacuuming portion 530 of the bag 500 via one or more slits (also “passages” herein) 540 .
- the bag 500 may comprise a bottom portion, such as, e.g., lower portion 130 discussed above in the context of FIG. 1 , which may enable the bag 500 to stand upright when the storage compartment 520 is under vacuum.
- the vacuuming portion 530 may be in fluid communication with a vacuum device (e.g., pump) through a vacuum member (e.g., a one-way valve, a slit in the vacuuming portion 530 ), which can provide vacuum in the storage compartment 520 .
- the storage compartment 520 is configured to hold (or store) one or more items, such as, e.g., food items, medicinal items, or chemicals.
- the sealing member 510 is configured to seal the storage compartment 520 from the external environment prior to the application of vacuum to the storage compartment 520 (through the vacuuming portion 530 ), and to reopen the storage compartment 520 .
- the sealing member 510 comprises a sliding member that is configured to isolate the storage compartment 520 from the external environment (i.e., close the storage compartment 520 ) and to reopen the storage compartment 520 .
- the sealing member 510 is configured to isolate the storage compartment 520 from the external environment. In an embodiment, the sealing member 510 hermetically isolates the storage compartment 520 from the external environment.
- the slits enable gas (e.g., air) to be removed from the storage compartment 520 while preventing one or more particles (e.g., food items) from entering the vacuuming portion. This advantageously prevents one or more particles from entering a vacuum device when vacuum is being provided to the storage compartment 520 .
- gas e.g., air
- the vacuuming portion 530 can be disposed at a side of the bag 500 .
- the vacuuming portion 530 can be disposed at the left side of the bag 500 .
- the vacuuming portion 530 can be disposed at the right side of the bag 500 .
- the bag 500 may include a plurality of vacuuming portions 530 , each having one or more slits in fluid communication with the storage compartment 520 .
- the bag 500 may include a first vacuuming portion at the left side of the bag 500 and a second vacuuming portion at the right side of the bag, wherein the first and second vacuuming portion has one or more slits 540 in fluid communication with the storage compartment 520 .
- the one or more slits 540 of the bag 500 are separated by four walls 550 disposed at a bottom portion of the storage compartment 520 .
- the bag 500 may comprise n+1 walls 550 separating the slits 540 .
- a resealable bag 600 having a sealing member 610 and a storage compartment 620 is shown.
- the bag 600 comprises a vacuuming portion 630 having one or more slits 640 that are in fluid communication with the storage compartment 620 .
- the vacuuming portion 630 is disposed at a right side of the bag 600 .
- the vacuuming portion 630 includes four slits 640 .
- the vacuuming portion 630 may include any number of slits 640 .
- the sealing member 610 is configured to isolate the storage compartment 620 from the external environment.
- the sealing member 610 hermetically isolates the storage compartment 620 from the external environment.
- the bag 600 may comprise m+1 walls 650 separating the slits 640 .
- the bag 600 comprises four passages 640 and five walls 650 separating the passages 640 .
- vacuum may be provided in the storage compartment 620 using, e.g., a vacuum device and opening combination, or a vacuum member (e.g., one-way valve) coupled to a vacuum device, as discussed above in the context of FIG. 5 .
- a vacuum device and opening combination e.g., a vacuum device and opening combination
- a vacuum member e.g., one-way valve
- FIG. 7A shows reclosable (or resealable) vacuum bag 700 having a spout (also “pouring member” and “pouring spout” herein) 705 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- the spout 705 is stored in a storage compartment 710 of the reclosable vacuum bag 700 .
- the storage compartment 710 is at least partially defined by a first wall 712 and a second wall 714 .
- the spout 705 as illustrated, is in a refracted configuration.
- the reclosable vacuum bag 700 further comprises a sealing member 720 configured to seal the storage compartment 710 .
- An upper portion of the spout 705 is disposed below the sealing member 720 so that the bag 700 can seal with the spout 705 in the bag 700 .
- the reclosable vacuum bag 700 may also include a vacuum application area, such as the vacuum application area 170 discussed above in the context of FIG. 1 .
- the slit 805 extends from above a middle portion of the sealing tool 800 to a lower portion of the sealing tool 800 .
- the slit 805 comprises an opening at the lower portion of the sealing tool 800 .
- portions of the sidewalls 806 and 807 near the opening of the slit 805 are spaced a smaller distance from one another (along a vector orthogonal to the sidewalls 806 and 807 ) than portions of the sidewalls 806 and 807 towards the middle portion of the sealing tool 800 .
Abstract
In an aspect of the invention, a resealable vacuum bag is provided that is configured to stand upright when a storage compartment of the resealable vacuum bag is under vacuum. In preferable embodiments of the invention, the resealable vacuum bag includes a sealing member that is configured to seal (or close) the resealable bag prior to the application of vacuum. Vacuum is applied to the storage compartment through a vacuum member in fluid communication with the storage compartment at a vacuum application area of the resealable bag. A filtering member may be provided to prevent fine material (e.g., grains, powders) from entering the vacuum member during the application of vacuum to the storage compartment. In another aspect of the invention, a resealable vacuum bag having one or more filters is provided. In yet another aspect of the invention, a vacuum bag having a spout is provided.
Description
- The present invention claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 61/182,596, filed on May 29, 2009, and 61/300,644, filed on Feb. 2, 2010, which are entirely incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates to vacuum containers, more particularly to resealable and reusable vacuum containers.
- Vacuum storage containers can be used to preserve items in an environment from which all or most of the fluid in the container, typically air, has been removed. Storing food in a vacuum-sealed bag, for example, may help preserve flavor, may make food last longer, and may prevent freezer burn. Items other than food can also be kept in vacuum storage bags or containers. For instance, articles of clothing, flower seeds and matches can be stored in evacuated containers and kept secure from external elements. Photos and other documents may also be protected and preserved.
- Vacuum bags are also beneficial for compressible items. When air is removed from a bag in which a compressible item is placed, the stored item may be significantly compressed so that it is easier to transport, the storage of which requiring substantially less space.
- Vacuum storage bags can be divided into single-use vacuum storage bags and multiple or multi-use vacuum storage bags. Single-use bags are typically used in industrial settings and home kitchens. For the industrial settings, products are typically sealed in a vacuum pouch or bag for transport and storage. After a single use, these single-use vacuum bags are typically discarded. While some industrial vacuum pouches now come with a resealable (or reclosable) feature, the bags are discarded when the consumer is finished with using the contents therein. For home kitchen use, leftovers and other foodstuffs can be placed in a vacuum bag, the bag is sealed and subsequently evacuated. When the leftovers are desired for use, the vacuum bag is cut open. Any additional, unused leftovers are stored in a new bag.
- Multiple-use vacuum storage bags are becoming more popular and are currently mainly used by consumers for storing items such as food or compressible household products (i.e., towels, pillows, etc) to save space.
- Single use vacuum storage bags, such as the bag disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,048,269, which is entirely incorporated herein by reference, evacuate air from the bag via an opening through which an item is placed in the bag. Once a desired vacuum is created in the bag, the bag is permanently sealed. The bag is cut open to access the item inside the bag. To accomplish the sealing, vacuum machines may require extra material around the opening in which the item is inserted to allow for proper sealing. If the user wants to reuse the bag, air is evacuated through a new opening and, if possible, permanently sealed again. However, the bag becomes smaller each time it is cut open, evacuated and resealed. Eventually, the bag becomes substantially small for further use and must be discarded. This results in considerable waste of material and money.
- There are examples of reclosable (also “resealable” herein) storage bags available in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,932,509 to Shah et al. (“Shah”), which is entirely incorporated herein by reference, teaches a reclosable storage bag including first and second sides having closed sides and an open top. The storage bag of Shah can also include primary closure members proximate the top, with secondary closure elements being provided around an aperture in at least one of the sides to enable gas to be evacuated from the bag after the primary closure members are closed.
- As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,290,660 to Tilman et al. (“Tilman”), which is entirely incorporated herein by reference, provides a storage system having a storage device with at least one polymeric sheet sealed along a portion of its periphery to provide an opening to a storage space. Tilman also teaches a resealable closure structure adapted to seal the opening to the storage space, the resealable closure structure comprising selectively engaging male and female profiles and a sealing compound comprising liquid silicone and at least one filler in proportions suitable for at least incidental contact to food items contained within the storage space. The storage system of Tilman further includes a vacuum valve assembly disposed on the polymeric sheet and a stand-off structure disposed adjacent the vacuum valve assembly, wherein the stand-off structure has a series of raised surfaces facing the vacuum valve assembly. The storage system of Tilman further includes a portable vacuum pump assembly structured to engage the vacuum valve assembly and a liquid separator assembly coupled to the portable vacuum pump assembly.
- As another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,634 to Su (“Su”), which is entirely incorporated herein by reference, teaches a vacuum-receiving bag formed by a bag body, a sealing edge installed at an opening of the bag body and an airtight valve at a selected position of the bag body. When the plug cover of the airtight valve of Su is pressed by hand, the airtight valve will conduct air so that air in the bag body will be absorbed and thus the bag will approach to vacuum state. Su teaches that after the air absorbing tube is taken away, the airtight valve will close automatically. Su further teaches that the airtight valve can be used with an air tap, which enables an operator to operate a pump manually to achieve the object of absorbing air. Su teaches that the sealing edge at the opening of the bag body is formed by two matched seal strips, which provides a preferred air seal effect.
- In an aspect of the invention, a resealable (also “reclosable” herein) vacuum container is provided. The resealable vacuum container comprises a storage compartment for holding one or more items and a sealing member configured to isolate the container from the external environment. The resealable vacuum container further comprises a lower portion comprising a first wall and second wall, the first wall and the second wall defining a cavity in the lower portion, wherein the cavity is isolated from the storage compartment along a bottom portion of the storage compartment. In an embodiment, the sealing member is disposed in an upper portion of the resealable vacuum container.
- In another aspect of the invention, a reclosable vacuum container is provided. The reclosable vacuum container comprises a storage compartment for holding one or more items and an upper portion comprising a sealing member configured to isolate the container from the external environment. The reclosable vacuum container further comprises a lower portion comprising a first wall and second wall, the first wall and the second wall defining a cavity in the lower portion, wherein the cavity is isolated from the storage compartment along a bottom portion of the storage compartment, and wherein the first wall and the second wall are configured to permit the reclosable vacuum container to stand upright when vacuum is applied to the storage compartment. The reclosable vacuum container further comprises a vacuum application area comprising a vacuum member, the vacuum member in fluid communication with the storage compartment, the vacuum member configured to bring the storage compartment under vacuum.
- In yet another aspect of the invention, a sealing tool for closing a sealing member of a vacuum container (e.g., reclosable vacuum container) is provided, the sealing tool comprising a slit with opposing sidewalls, each of the sidewalls configured to come in contact with a portion of the sealing member of the vacuum container; a hollowed-out rear portion; and one or more holes adjacent the opposing sidewalls of the slit.
- All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent reference was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
- The invention will be better understood from the Detailed Description of the Invention and from the appended drawings, which are meant to illustrate and not to limit the invention.
-
FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a resealable bag having a bottom portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 2 shows a resealable bag having a bottom portion and a vacuum application area having a vacuum member, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 3A shows a portion of a resealable bag comprising a sealing member, a vacuum application area and a one-way vacuum member that is disposed on the vacuum application area, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.FIG. 3B shows a vacuum source in fluid communication with a storage compartment of the resealable bag ofFIG. 3A via the vacuum member, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 4A shows a resealable bag in an upright configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.FIG. 4B is a bottom view of the resealable bag ofFIG. 4A , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a resealable bag having a vacuum application area disposed at the bottom of the resealable bag, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a resealable bag having a vacuum application area disposed at a right side of the resealable bag, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 7A shows reclosable vacuum bag having a spout, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.FIG. 7B shows the reclosable vacuum bag ofFIG. 7A with the spout in an extended configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and -
FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate a sealing tool configured to close the sealing member of the reclosable vacuum bag, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. - While preferable embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein can be employed in practicing the invention.
- In an aspect of the invention, a resealable (or reclosable) vacuum bag (also “resealable bag”, “resealable storage apparatus” and “resealable vacuum container” herein) is provided that is configured to stand upright when vacuum is applied to a storage compartment of the resealable bag. The resealable bag includes a sealing member that is configured to seal (or close) the resealable bag. In an embodiment, the sealing member can be closed prior to the application of vacuum to the resealable bag. The sealing member seals the contents of the resealable bag from the external environment. In an embodiment, the sealing member hermetically seals the contents of the bag from the external environment. Vacuum is applied to the resealable through a vacuum member in fluid communication with the storage compartment of the resealable bag at a vacuum application area of the resealable bag.
- In another aspect of the invention, a sealing tool (also “sealer” herein) is provided for aiding in closing the resealable bag. In an embodiment, the sealing tool closes the resealable bag by applying pressure to opposing portions of the sealing member of the resealable bag. In an embodiment, a user may use the sealing tool to close the sealing member of the resealable bag. The sealing tool may be configured to be readily held and gripped by a user.
- In an aspect of the invention, a resealable vacuum bag is provided that is configured to stand upright when a storage compartment of the resealable bag is under vacuum. The resealable bag of preferable embodiments may enable a user to place one or more items in the bag, apply vacuum to the bag and store the bag upright (or vertically in relation to a surface) at a storage location. When one or more items of the bag are desired, the user can open the bag using the sealing member, take out one or more items, reseal the bag and apply vacuum to the bag. The user can then store the bag upright.
- Reference will now be made to the figures, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout. It will be appreciated that the figures (and structures therein) are not necessarily drawn to scale.
-
FIG. 1 shows a resealable bag (also “bag” herein) 100 configured to stand upright. In an embodiment, thebag 100 is configured to stand upright on a horizontal surface (e.g., desk surface, countertop). In an embodiment, the bag (or container) 100 is configured to stand upright before and after vacuum is applied to thebag 100. In another embodiment, thebag 100 is configured to stand upright after vacuum is applied to thebag 100. Thebag 100 comprises a sealingmember 110, astorage compartment 120 and a bottom portion (also “lower portion” herein) 130 comprising afirst wall 140 andsecond wall 150. The sealing member is disposed in an upper (or top) portion of thebag 100. Thefirst wall 140 andsecond wall 150 define acavity 155 in thelower portion 130. Thestorage compartment 120 is configured to hold (or contain) one or more items, such as, e.g., food items, mechanical items, or chemicals. When vacuum is applied to thebag 100, gas (e.g., air) is removed from thestorage compartment 120. The sealingmember 110 seals thestorage compartment 120 from the external environment. This advantageously enables a user to hold one or more items (e.g., food items) in storage for a period of time as desired or predetermined. In an embodiment, a user can store one or more items in thestorage compartment 120, isolate thestorage compartment 120 from the external environment by closing the sealingmember 110, open the sealingmember 110 to expose thestorage compartment 120 to the external environment in order to access the one or more items, and close the sealingmember 110, thereby resealing thebag 100. - In an embodiment, the sealing
member 110 comprises a sliding member that is configured to isolate thestorage compartment 120 from the external environment (i.e., close the storage compartment 120) and to reopen thestorage compartment 120. - With continued reference to
FIG. 1 , thefirst wall 140 andsecond wall 150 are opposed to one another. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst wall 140 andsecond wall 150 have three points of contact—two points of contact along the periphery of thebag 100 and one point of contact along abottom portion 160 of thestorage compartment 120. In the illustrated embodiment, thelower portion 130 is hollow and open to the external environment. - When the
bag 100 is stored upright, it may be disposed orthogonal with respect to a support surface. For instance, when thebag 100 is stored on a shelf, the bottom portion of thefirst wall 140 and thesecond wall 150 may be in contact with the shelf, thereby supporting thebag 100 in an upright configuration. - With continued reference to
FIG. 1 , the sealingmember 110 is configured to maintain a vacuum in thebag 100 when in a “closed” configuration. When the sealingmember 110 is in an “open” configuration, a user can add (or remove) one or more items to (or from) thebag 100. - In an alternative embodiment, the
bottom portion 160 of thestorage compartment 120 can be provided at the bottom of thebag 100. In such a case, thebottom portion 160 would be defined by a base portion disposed at an angle in relation to thefirst wall 140 and thesecond wall 150. The base portion can be substantially flat (i.e., parallel to a support surface), thereby enabling the bag to remain upright when vacuum is applied to thestorage compartment 120. - With continued reference to
FIG. 1 , vacuum may be provided to thebag 100 via a one-way vacuum member (not shown; see below) disposed at a predeterminedvacuum application area 170. In one embodiment, the one-way vacuum member is formed onbag 100 during one or more stages of forming (or manufacturing) the bag. In another embodiment, the one-way vacuum member is provided as an attachment to the bag and a user may attach the one-way vacuum member to thebag 100 at thevacuum application area 170. - In a preferable embodiment, vacuum is provided to the
bag 100 via a one-way vacuum member disposed at thevacuum application area 170 by closing the sealingmember 110 and removing gas (e.g., air) from thebag 100 using a vacuum application device, such as, e.g., a pump. Gas can be removed from thebag 100 until a predetermined pressure (also “bag pressure” herein) is reached in thestorage compartment 120 of thebag 100. In an embodiment, the one-way vacuum member is configured to prevent gas from entering thestorage compartment 120 when the vacuum application device is removed. - With reference to
FIG. 1 , while thevacuum application area 170, as illustrated, is disposed at a top-right portion of the bag, in alternative embodiments, thevacuum application area 170 may be disposed at any location on the bag. As an example, thevacuum application area 170 can be disposed at the bottom-left portion of the bag and disposed over thestorage compartment 120. - In an alternative embodiment, the one-way vacuum member can be omitted and vacuum may be applied to the
bag 100 by creating a small, temporary opening in thebag 100, removing gas from thebag 100 via the opening, and sealing the opening. In an embodiment, the opening can be sealed via the application of heat to a portion of the bag adjacent the opening. In one embodiment, the opening can be provided at thevacuum application area 170 of thebag 100. In another embodiment, the opening can be provided at any location on thebag 100, such as, e.g., any location along the periphery of the bag. In an embodiment, the opening can be formed in thevacuum application area 170. - The
bag 100 may be formed of any polymeric material. In an embodiment, thebag 100 is formed such that opposing walls of thestorage compartment 120 comprise embossed channels. Embossed channels may provide for the rapid removal of gas (e.g., air) from thestorage compartment 120 upon the application of vacuum. - With continued reference to
FIG. 1 , thebag 100 may include asupport member 180 configured to permit thebag 100 to stand upright on a horizontal surface. In an embodiment, thesupport member 180 is formed of a rigid material. In such a case, thebag 100 may stand upright with or without the application of vacuum to thestorage compartment 120 of thebag 100. Thesupport member 180 can be attached to thefirst wall 140 and thesecond wall 150 at thelower portion 130 of thebag 100. In an embodiment, thesupport member 180 is attached to portions of thefirst wall 140 andsecond wall 150 in thecavity 155. In an embodiment, thesupport member 180 is formed of one or more elemental metals, such as, e.g., Cu, Pt, Pd, Ni, or combinations (alloys) thereof. In another embodiment, thesupport member 180 is formed of a polymeric material. - In an embodiment, the
bag 100 includes afiltering member 190 configured to prevent fine material (e.g., grains, powders) in thestorage compartment 120 from entering a vacuum application device (e.g., pump) when vacuum is being applied to the sealedstorage compartment 120. The filtering member may be disposed between a wall of the storage compartment and a one-way vacuum member configured to bring the vacuum application device in fluid communication with thestorage compartment 120. - In an embodiment, the filtering
member 190 is a mesh formed of substantially thin strands. In one embodiment, the strands are disposed perpendicularly with respect to one another. The strands may be formed of one or more elemental metals or a polymeric material. The distribution of strands may be selected so as to provide a desired pressure drop across the filteringmember 190. -
FIG. 2 shows aresealable bag 200 having a sealingmember 210, astorage compartment 220 and abottom portion 230 having afirst wall 240 and a second wall (now shown) behind thefirst wall 240. Thestorage compartment 220 has abottom portion 260 that is in contact with thefirst wall 240 and the second wall (not shown). When vacuum is applied to thestorage compartment 220 of thebag 200, thebottom portion 230 enables thebag 200 to stand upright. This advantageously enables a user to store one or more resealable bags at a storage location and to conserve dead space between the bags, thereby storing the bags in an efficient configuration. - With continued reference to
FIG. 2 , theresealable bag 200 further comprises avacuum application area 270 having avacuum member 280 disposed thereon. Thevacuum member 280 enables vacuum to be provided to thestorage compartment 220 of thebag 200. In the illustrated embodiment, thevacuum member 280 is a one-way valve, which is configured to enable gas (e.g., air) to flow from thestorage compartment 220 to a vacuum source (e.g., vacuum pump), while preventing gas from flowing from the external environment into thestorage compartment 220. - The
resealable bag 200 may include a filtering member, such as the filteringmember 190 discussed above in the context ofFIG. 1 . The filtering member may be disposed in thestorage compartment 220 at a location substantially below thevacuum member 280. The filtering member is configured to prevent fine material (e.g., powders, grains) from entering a vacuum source upon the application of vacuum to thestorage compartment 220. - With reference to
FIG. 3A , a portion of a resealable bag (also “bag” herein) 300 is shown, the bag comprising a sealingmember 310, avacuum application area 370 and a one-way vacuum member (also “vacuum member” herein) 380 that is disposed on thevacuum application area 370, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. With the sealingmember 310 in an “open” (or “unsealed”) configuration, one or more items are placed in a storage compartment (see above) of thebag 300. With reference toFIG. 3B , with the sealingmember 310 in a “closed” (or “sealed”) configuration, vacuum is applied to a storage compartment (not shown) of thebag 300 via avacuum source 390 in fluid communication with the storage compartment through thevacuum member 380. In an embodiment, a user may squeeze thebag 300—e.g., by holding thebag 300 applying force to opposing walls of thebag 300—to facilitate the application of vacuum to thebag 300. Thevacuum source 390 removes one or more gases (e.g., air) from the storage compartment of thevacuum bag 300. When a desired level of vacuum (or pressure) in the storage compartment is reached, thevacuum source 390 is removed. The one-way vacuum member 380 prevents one or more gases from entering thebag 300 via the external (or ambient) environment. -
FIG. 4A shows a resealable vacuum bag (also “bag” herein) 400 in an upright position, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment, thebag 400 is identical to thebag 100 discussed above in the context ofFIG. 1 . Thebag 400 comprises a sealingmember 410 and abottom portion 430 that is configured to enable thebag 400 to stand upright when astorage compartment 420 of thebag 400 is under vacuum, i.e., when the pressure within the bag is below 1 atm, or substantially below 1 atm. In one embodiment, thebottom portion 430 also enables thebag 400 to stand upright when the bag is not under vacuum, i.e., when the pressure within the bag is about 1 atm. With reference toFIG. 4B , thebottom portion 430 comprises afirst wall 440 and asecond wall 450. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst wall 440 and thesecond wall 450 have three points of contact—two points of contact at the periphery (or sides) of thebottom portion 430 and one point of contact at abottom portion 460 of thestorage compartment 420. In an alternative embodiment, thebottom portion 460 of thestorage compartment 420 is at or substantially near the bottom of thebag 400. In such a case, the bag may comprise a base that is angled with respect to opposing walls of thebag 400. The base may enable thebag 400 to stand upright when thestorage compartment 420 is under vacuum. - In another aspect of the invention, a vacuum bag having one or more filters is provided. In an embodiment, the vacuum bag is a resealable vacuum bag. In an embodiment, the one or more filters comprise one or more passages (or slits) bringing a storage compartment of the vacuum bag in fluid contact with a vacuum compartment of the vacuum bag.
-
FIG. 5 shows a resealable bag (also “bag” herein) 500 having a sealingmember 510 and astorage compartment 520. Thestorage compartment 520 is in fluid communication with a vacuumingportion 530 of thebag 500 via one or more slits (also “passages” herein) 540. Thebag 500 may comprise a bottom portion, such as, e.g.,lower portion 130 discussed above in the context ofFIG. 1 , which may enable thebag 500 to stand upright when thestorage compartment 520 is under vacuum. The vacuumingportion 530 may be in fluid communication with a vacuum device (e.g., pump) through a vacuum member (e.g., a one-way valve, a slit in the vacuuming portion 530), which can provide vacuum in thestorage compartment 520. Thestorage compartment 520 is configured to hold (or store) one or more items, such as, e.g., food items, medicinal items, or chemicals. In a preferable embodiment, the sealingmember 510 is configured to seal thestorage compartment 520 from the external environment prior to the application of vacuum to the storage compartment 520 (through the vacuuming portion 530), and to reopen thestorage compartment 520. In an embodiment, the sealingmember 510 comprises a sliding member that is configured to isolate thestorage compartment 520 from the external environment (i.e., close the storage compartment 520) and to reopen thestorage compartment 520. - In a preferable embodiment, the sealing
member 510 is configured to isolate thestorage compartment 520 from the external environment. In an embodiment, the sealingmember 510 hermetically isolates thestorage compartment 520 from the external environment. - In an embodiment, the slits enable gas (e.g., air) to be removed from the
storage compartment 520 while preventing one or more particles (e.g., food items) from entering the vacuuming portion. This advantageously prevents one or more particles from entering a vacuum device when vacuum is being provided to thestorage compartment 520. - With continued reference to
FIG. 5 , while thebag 500 comprises threeslits 540, it will be appreciated that thebag 500 may include any number ofslits 540. For example, thebag 500 may include 1 slit, or 2 slits, or 4 slits, or 10 slits, or 20 slits, or 50 slits, or 100 slits. Additionally, theslits 540 may have any width and configuration, such as spacing with respect to one another. The slit width, slit spacing and number of slits may be selected as desired to, e.g., optimize fluid flow during application of vacuum to thestorage compartment 520. - With continued reference to
FIG. 5 , the vacuumingportion 530 can be disposed at a side of thebag 500. For example, the vacuumingportion 530 can be disposed at the left side of thebag 500. As another example, the vacuumingportion 530 can be disposed at the right side of thebag 500. In an embodiment, thebag 500 may include a plurality of vacuumingportions 530, each having one or more slits in fluid communication with thestorage compartment 520. For example, thebag 500 may include a first vacuuming portion at the left side of thebag 500 and a second vacuuming portion at the right side of the bag, wherein the first and second vacuuming portion has one ormore slits 540 in fluid communication with thestorage compartment 520. - With continued reference to
FIG. 5 , the one ormore slits 540 of thebag 500 are separated by fourwalls 550 disposed at a bottom portion of thestorage compartment 520. In an embodiment, if thebag 500 comprises n slits (or passages) 540, wherein ‘n’ is an integer greater than or equal to 1, thebag 500 may comprise n+1walls 550 separating theslits 540. - In an embodiment, vacuum may be provided in the
storage compartment 520 by a vacuum device that first forms an opening in a portion of the vacuumingportion 530. Next, the opening is brought in fluid communication with a source of vacuum. Thestorage compartment 520 is evacuated (until a desired or predetermined pressure is achieved). Next, the opening in the vacuumingportion 530 is sealed through the application of heat to a portion of the vacuumingportion 530 adjoining the opening. In another embodiment, vacuum may be provided in thestorage compartment 520 using a vacuum member, such as, e.g., a one-way valve in fluid communication with the vacuumingportion 530. In such a case, thestorage compartment 520 is evacuated using a vacuum device coupled (or in fluid communication with) the vacuum member. - With reference to
FIG. 6 , in an alternative embodiment, a resealable bag (also “bag” herein) 600 having a sealingmember 610 and astorage compartment 620 is shown. Thebag 600 comprises a vacuumingportion 630 having one ormore slits 640 that are in fluid communication with thestorage compartment 620. The vacuumingportion 630 is disposed at a right side of thebag 600. The vacuumingportion 630, as illustrated, includes fourslits 640. In a preferable embodiment, the vacuumingportion 630 may include any number ofslits 640. In a preferable embodiment, the sealingmember 610 is configured to isolate thestorage compartment 620 from the external environment. In an embodiment, the sealingmember 610 hermetically isolates thestorage compartment 620 from the external environment. - In an embodiment, if the
bag 600 comprises m slits (or passages) 640, wherein ‘m’ is an integer greater than or equal to 1, thebag 600 may comprise m+1walls 650 separating theslits 640. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 6 , thebag 600 comprises fourpassages 640 and fivewalls 650 separating thepassages 640. - In an embodiment, vacuum may be provided in the
storage compartment 620 using, e.g., a vacuum device and opening combination, or a vacuum member (e.g., one-way valve) coupled to a vacuum device, as discussed above in the context ofFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 7A shows reclosable (or resealable)vacuum bag 700 having a spout (also “pouring member” and “pouring spout” herein) 705, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, thespout 705 is stored in astorage compartment 710 of thereclosable vacuum bag 700. Thestorage compartment 710 is at least partially defined by afirst wall 712 and asecond wall 714. Thespout 705, as illustrated, is in a refracted configuration. - The
reclosable vacuum bag 700 further comprises a sealingmember 720 configured to seal thestorage compartment 710. An upper portion of thespout 705 is disposed below the sealingmember 720 so that thebag 700 can seal with thespout 705 in thebag 700. Thereclosable vacuum bag 700 may also include a vacuum application area, such as thevacuum application area 170 discussed above in the context ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 7B shows thereclosable vacuum bag 700 with thespout 705 in an extended (or elongated) configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Thespout 705 is at least partially defined by afirst wall 725 and asecond wall 730. Thefirst wall 725 and thesecond wall 730 meet at a location of thestorage compartment 710 where thefirst wall 712 andsecond wall 714 of thestorage compartment 710 meet. In an embodiment, thefirst wall 725 is attached to thefirst wall 712 and thesecond wall 730 is attached to thesecond wall 714. In such a case, thefirst wall 725 andsecond wall 730 are attached to thefirst wall 712 and thesecond wall 714 in such manner so as to permit thespout 705 to extend out of thestorage compartment 710 and retract into thestorage compartment 710. - With continued reference to
FIG. 7B , with thespout 705 in an extended configuration, a user can pour one or more contents of the bag 700 (stored in the storage compartment 710) into a storage unit, such as, e.g., a cup or bowl. Thespout 705 may facilitate the transfer of the one or more contents to the storage unit by directing the flow of the one or more contents from thestorage compartment 710 to the storage unit. In an embodiment, thespout 705 is useful for transferring fine material (e.g., nuts, rice, powders, grains) and liquids from thestorage compartment 710 to an external storage vessel (or unit), such as, e.g., a cup or bowl. - With reference to
FIGS. 8A-8D , in an aspect of the invention, asealing tool 800 configured to close the sealing member of a reclosable vacuum bag (such as, e.g., the sealingmember 720 ofvacuum bag 700 or sealingmember 610 of vacuum bag 600) is illustrated. In embodiments, thesealing tool 800 is configured to mount a vacuum bag and close a sealing member of the vacuum bag. In a preferable embodiment, thesealing tool 800 comprises aslit 805 with opposingsidewalls sidewalls - With reference to
FIGS. 8A and 8B , theslit 805 extends from above a middle portion of thesealing tool 800 to a lower portion of thesealing tool 800. Theslit 805 comprises an opening at the lower portion of thesealing tool 800. In an embodiment, portions of thesidewalls slit 805 are spaced a smaller distance from one another (along a vector orthogonal to thesidewalls 806 and 807) than portions of thesidewalls sealing tool 800. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 8A-8D , thesealing tool 800 can be formed of any material, such as, e.g., a polymeric material.FIG. 8A schematically illustrates a front portion of thesealing tool 800;FIG. 8B schematically illustrates a rear portion of thesealing tool 800;FIG. 8C schematically illustrates a side portion of thesealing tool 800; andFIG. 8D schematically illustrates a bottom portion of thesealing tool 800, showing theslit 805. The front portion may include text, such as marketing, advertising, or instructional text (e.g., “Use Zip-Disc to close bag securely”, as illustrated inFIG. 8A ). In an embodiment, the rear portion includes ahollow portion 808, which can advantageously provide for savings in materials costs. Thehollow portion 808 can be a hollowed-out portion. - With reference to
FIGS. 8A and 8B , thesealing tool 800 can includeholes 809 adjacent thesidewalls holes 809 can be of any cross-sectional shape (e.g., circular, box-like). Theholes 809 in the illustrated embodiment are elongate holes. Theholes 809 can be configured to provide a spring-like (or reflexive) feature to thesidewalls sidewalls holes 809 permit thesidewalls sidewalls sealing tool 800 along the length of the sealing member. In some embodiments, thesidewalls holes 809 can be precluded without changing the functionality of thesealing tool 800. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 8A and 8B , in various embodiments, theslit 805 can have a width—the distance between thesidewalls sidewalls - With reference to
FIGS. 8A and 8B , the shape of thesealing tool 800, as illustrated, is circular. In other embodiments, thesealing tool 800 can have other shapes. In embodiments, the shape of thesealing tool 800 can be circular, box-like, elliptical, or rectangular. It will be appreciated that thesealing tool 800 ofFIGS. 8A-8D is illustrative and not limiting. - The
sealing tool 800 can be used to prepare a reclosable vacuum bag for the application of vacuum. In an embodiment, with a sealing member of a reclosable vacuum bag in an “open” configuration, a user can bring theslit 805 of thesealing tool 800 in alignment with opposing walls of the sealing member of the reclosable vacuum bag. That is, the user can position thesealing tool 800 such that thesidewall 806 comes in contact with one portion of the sealing member (e.g., sealingmember 610 ofFIG. 6 ) and thesidewall 807 comes in contact with an opposing portion of the sealing member. The user can then slide thesealing tool 800 along the length of the sealing member to bring the sealing member to a “closed” configuration. In some embodiments, the user can slide thesealing tool 800 along at least a portion of the sealing member to bring the sealing member to a “closed” configuration. With the sealing member in a “closed” configuration, the user can apply vacuum to the reclosable vacuum bag. - With reference to
FIGS. 7A and 7B , in an exemplary embodiment, during operation a user may open thestorage compartment 710 of thebag 700 using the sealingmember 720. The user may extend thespout 705 from a retracted configuration to an extended (or elongated) configuration. When in the extended configuration, thespout 705 protrudes out of thestorage compartment 710 of thebag 700. The user then tilts thebag 700 to transfer one or more contents of the bag from thestorage compartment 710 of the bag into an external storage unit (e.g., a cup or bowl). After the user has delivered a desired quantity of the one or more contents of thebag 700 using thespout 705, the user retracts thespout 705 back into thebag 700 and closes (or reseals) thestorage compartment 710 using the sealingmember 720. In an embodiment, the user closes thestorage compartment 710 by bringing two halves of the sealingmember 720 together to form a seal. - It should be understood from the foregoing that, while particular implementations have been illustrated and described, various modifications can be made thereto and are contemplated herein. It is also not intended that the invention be limited by the specific examples provided within the specification. While the invention has been described with reference to the aforementioned specification, the descriptions and illustrations of the preferable embodiments herein are not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Furthermore, it shall be understood that all aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific depictions, configurations or relative proportions set forth herein which depend upon a variety of conditions and variables. Various modifications in form and detail of the embodiments of the invention will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. It is therefore contemplated that the invention shall also cover any such modifications, variations and equivalents. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.
Claims (28)
1. A resealable vacuum container, comprising:
a storage compartment for holding one or more items;
a sealing member configured to isolate the container from the external environment; and
a lower portion comprising a first wall and second wall, the first wall and the second wall defining a cavity in the lower portion, wherein the cavity is isolated from the storage compartment along a bottom portion of the storage compartment.
2. The resealable vacuum container of claim 1 , wherein the sealing member is configured to resealably isolate the container from the external environment.
3. The resealable vacuum container of claim 1 , wherein the sealing member comprises a sliding member that is configured to close and open the storage compartment.
4. The resealable vacuum container of claim 1 , wherein the first wall and the second wall have three points of contact.
5. The resealable vacuum container of claim 1 , further comprising a vacuum application area for providing vacuum to the container.
6. The resealable vacuum container of claim 1 , further comprising a one-way vacuum member in fluid communication with the storage compartment.
7. The resealable vacuum container of claim 6 , wherein the one-way vacuum member is disposed at a top portion of the storage compartment, the top portion opposite from the lower portion.
8. The resealable vacuum container of claim 1 , further comprising a support member configured to permit the resealable vacuum container to stand upright on a horizontal surface.
9. The resealable vacuum container of claim 8 , wherein the support member is formed of a rigid material.
10. The resealable vacuum container of claim 8 , wherein the support member is attached to the first wall and the second wall.
11. The resealable vacuum container of claim 8 , wherein the support member is formed of one or more elemental metals selected from Cu, Pt, Pd and Ni.
12. The resealable vacuum container of claim 8 , wherein the support member is formed of a polymeric material.
13. The resealable vacuum container of claim 1 , further comprising a filtering member in fluid communication with the storage compartment.
14. The resealable vacuum container of claim 13 , wherein the filtering members comprise one or more passages.
15. The resealable vacuum container of claim 13 , wherein the filtering member includes a mesh formed of substantially thin strands.
16. The resealable vacuum container of claim 15 , wherein a portion of the strands are disposed perpendicularly with respect to one another.
17. The resealable vacuum container of claim 15 , wherein the strands are formed of one or more elemental metals or a polymeric material.
18. The resealable vacuum container of claim 1 , further comprising a filter bringing a storage compartment in fluid contact with a vacuum compartment of the resealable vacuum container.
19. The resealable vacuum container of claim 18 , wherein the filter comprises one or more passages.
20. The resealable vacuum container of claim 18 , wherein the filter is disposed perpendicularly with respect to the bottom portion.
21. The resealable vacuum container of claim 18 , wherein the filter is disposed parallel to the bottom portion.
22. The resealable vacuum container of claim 1 , further comprising a pouring member.
23. The resealable vacuum container of claim 22 , wherein the pouring member is configured to be extended out of the storage compartment and retracted into the storage compartment.
24. A reclosable vacuum container, comprising:
a storage compartment for holding one or more items;
an upper portion comprising a sealing member configured to isolate the container from the external environment;
a lower portion comprising a first wall and second wall, the first wall and the second wall defining a cavity in the lower portion, wherein the cavity is isolated from the storage compartment along a bottom portion of the storage compartment, and wherein the first wall and the second wall are configured to permit the reclosable vacuum container to stand upright when vacuum is applied to the storage compartment; and
a vacuum application area comprising a vacuum member, the vacuum member in fluid communication with the storage compartment, the vacuum member configured to bring the storage compartment under vacuum.
25. A sealing tool for closing a sealing member of a vacuum container, comprising:
a slit with opposing sidewalls, each of the sidewalls configured to come in contact with a portion of the sealing member of the vacuum container;
a hollowed-out rear portion; and
one or more holes adjacent the opposing sidewalls of the slit.
26. The sealing tool of claim 25 , further comprising a front portion, the front portion and the rear portion configured to be gripped by a user's fingers.
27. The sealing tool of claim 25 , wherein the one or more holes are configured to provide a spring-like feature to the sidewalls.
28. The sealing tool of claim 25 , wherein the slit extends from above a middle portion of the sealing tool to a lower portion of the sealing tool.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US12/790,776 US20100300919A1 (en) | 2009-05-29 | 2010-05-28 | Resealable vacuum containers and sealing tools |
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US18259609P | 2009-05-29 | 2009-05-29 | |
US30064410P | 2010-02-02 | 2010-02-02 | |
US12/790,776 US20100300919A1 (en) | 2009-05-29 | 2010-05-28 | Resealable vacuum containers and sealing tools |
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US12/790,776 Abandoned US20100300919A1 (en) | 2009-05-29 | 2010-05-28 | Resealable vacuum containers and sealing tools |
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