US20210300630A1

US20210300630A1 - Magnetic Bag Closure System

Info

Publication number: US20210300630A1
Application number: US17/211,058
Authority: US
Inventors: Abigail R Browne; Bryan S Browne; Browne Colleen M
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-03-24
Filing date: 2021-03-24
Publication date: 2021-09-30

Abstract

A system and method for sealing containers such as bags using a sealing apparatus including handles connected to sealing strips, such as magnetic strips, for pulling apart the sealing strips to allow insertion of the container, which may be a bag holding a substance such as food or non-food items. The sealing apparatus can be provided as a separate device, or made integral with the container.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/994,047 filed on Mar. 24, 2020, incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Bags and other containers of food, in particular snack foods and dry goods, can get stale, spill, leak, or get contaminated once opened. They can degrade upon the entry of oxygen or other contaminants. A reliable means of preventing one or more of such problems for opened bags or containers is desired.

SUMMARY

This System has many applications and uses. The primary use is intended to magnetically seal an open-ended bag. The System includes a sealing apparatus that is installed on an open bag by pulling apart opposing handles, sliding the bag up through the opening of sealing tape strips to about one inch above the top of the strip, and releasing the handles and, if necessary, guiding the sealing strips so that the sealing strips seal to each other. To retrieve desired contents from the bag, the handles are pulled apart unsealing the sealing strips, and contents can be retrieved with one hand holding a handle while using the other hand to retrieve contents.
Provided are a plurality of example embodiments, including, but not limited to, a apparatus for sealing a bag, comprising: a first magnetic strip connected to a second magnetic strip at opposite ends of the strips such that an inner surface of said first magnetic strip is configured to removably form a magnetic seal with an inner surface of said second magnetic strip; a first handle connected to said first magnetic strip using a first connecting structure; and a second handle connected to said second magnetic strip using a second connecting structure, wherein said apparatus is configured such that pulling said first handle and said second handle away from each other opens a gap between said first magnetic strip and said second magnetic strip, said gap being configured to receive the end of an open bag, and wherein said first magnetic strip and said second magnetic strip are configured to substantially seal the open end of bag using magnetic force.
Also provided is a method of sealing an open bag comprising the steps of:

- providing an apparatus for sealing a bag, comprising: a first magnetic strip connected to a second magnetic strip at opposite ends of the strips such that an inner surface of said first magnetic strip is configured to removably form a magnetic seal with an inner surface of said second magnetic strip, a first handle connected to said first magnetic strip using a first connecting structure, and a second handle connected to said second magnetic strip using a second connecting structure;
- pulling said first handle and said second handle away from each other to open a gap between said first magnetic strip and said second magnetic strip;
- placing a bag having an open end between said gap between said first magnetic strip and said second magnetic strip; and
- using the magnetic force between said first magnetic strip and said second magnetic strip to substantially seal the open end of the bag.

Still further provided is the above method further comprising the steps of:

- pulling the first and second handles apart to separate the first strip from said second strip;
- removing the bag from the apparatus; and
- placing a new bag having an open end between the gap between said first magnetic strip and said second magnetic strip; and
- using the magnetic force between said first magnetic strip and said second magnetic strip to substantially seal the open end of the new bag.

Also provided are additional example embodiments, some, but not all of which, are described hereinbelow in more detail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the example embodiments described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure relates upon reading the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic drawing of a top view of an example sealing apparatus with handles extended and the sealing strips open;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic drawing of one side view of the example sealing apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic drawing of an end view of the example sealing apparatus of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 shows a schematic of a side view of the example apparatus of FIGS. 1-3 attached to a bag for sealing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Disclosed is a system including a sealing apparatus that can be used to seal a container such as a bag that holds snacks, cooking ingredients, candy, or other foods. The system can also be used for bags that hold non-food items, such as screws, nails, paperclips, rubber bands, garbage, or other such items. The sealing apparatus provides a secure and mostly air-tight seal for protecting the contents of the bag. Generally, a sealing apparatus is provided that can adapt an open bag for sealing the bag in manner that allows for easy re-opening and resealing of the bag in a repeatable fashion.
A simplified drawing of an embodiment is shown with various views in FIGS. 1-4. This embodiment is comprised of two closing strips 1, 2, of equal or mostly equal length which can be comprised of magnetic tape (or other type of magnetic strips or thin bars) with a covering on exterior longitudinal panels. The magnetic tape/strip is preferably flexible, but could be stiff and rigid, if desired. This magnetic strip provides a sealing force due to the magnetic attraction of one strip to the other. Note that other types of sealing solutions could be used, such as by using hook and loop fasteners for the respective strips, or statically charged materials, or materials that provide an affinity for sticking to each other like some plastics. However, strips using magnetic forces for attraction are preferable for the strength of the closing force, the longevity of their lifetimes, the quality of the sealing, and the ease of cleaning.
Pull apart handles 4, 6 are provided on each exterior (opposite) side of the magnetic strips that can affixed by adhesive or spot welding to respective handle connectors 3, 5, that are then fastened to respective ones of the magnetic strips 1, 2, such as on each outer side of the magnetic strip. The handle connectors 3, 5, can be fastened to the magnetic strips 1, 2 using an adhesive or spot welding, for example, or an adhesive provided on the magnetic strip (i.e., as a tape). As shown by the Example of FIG. 3, the handles 4, 6 can be cylindrical in shape with circular cross-sections for ease of gripping. The handles 4, 6, can be made out of solid or tubular (hollow) plastic, rubber, PVC, wood or non-magnetic metal.
In some embodiments, the handles 4, 6, may be configured with the respective handle connectors 3, 5 as an integral component of the same, or different, material. In particular, an integrated solution using plastic or rubber for structure would be beneficial.
Preferably, both handles can be provided with an outer diameter of about 0.5 inches up to about 0.75 inches, and are preferably rounded smooth on each end. Lengths of between 3 to 6 inches are beneficial, although different lengths can be used. The handles may be manufactured as one molded piece, integral or separate from the handle connectors. Textured rubber grips can be provided to help make the handles functionally easy to hold and use. As mentioned, they may be hollow, such as using a cylindrical tube such as a pipe, to make them lightweight but structurally strong.
As shown by the end view of FIG. 3, the handle connectors 3, 5 may be configured as an “L” shaped bracket-like shape having an exterior vertical wall on one leg of the “L” which can be affixed to the outside panel of the magnetic tape strip via adhesive or spot welding, for example. Alternatively, flexible materials or thin sheets of material may comprise the handle connectors for connecting the handles to the magnetic strips. The connectors could be constructed of plastic sheeting, nylon mesh fabric, or various types of double-sided adhesive tapes, as desired. Or they can comprise plastic brackets for more strength.
As an alternative, the handle connectors could be formed into a “T” shape at an end such that they are connected to said sealing strips along a center line of the strips, rather than at an end (edge) of the strip as shown in FIG. 3. Note that this structure could be thin films or strips, or rigid brackets.
The magnetic strips can be fastened at each end using respective strip connectors 7, 8, such as by using a non-magnetic type post, rivet, machine stitch, screw, spot weld, staple, glue, or end type clamp. The magnetic faces of the strips that will seal the bag should abut without any interference to ensure a complete magnetic air-tight seal for the system. Decorative fabric, material, or colored paint on the exterior face of the magnetic strips and/or other components is optional for decorative purposes, as desired.
The sealing apparatus can be separately made for subsequent application to an existing bag, such that it can be sold separately for use with any desired bag or other container to be sealed. Various lengths, thicknesses, and magnetic strengths could be used for different applications. Provided are a variety of sizes of closing structures that will be applicable to several different sizes of bags. Or the device might be sold in a kit-form with adjustable sizing, such as by cutting and connecting the magnetic strips together at the desired length.
Alternatively, the sealing apparatus can be made integral with the bag, and sold with the bag and, where desired, with the bag's contents. In such a solution the bag would be permanently fixed to the sealing apparatus, such as by using a glue, fastener, spot weld, staple, or other structural component such that each of the strips are permanently affixed to opposite sides of the bag, for example. Or the sealing apparatus may be made integral with the bag. Note that bags integrated with the sealing apparatus can be sold as generic containers for food or other items, and many different sizes, strengths, and volumes could be provided.
This System has many applications and uses. The primary use is intended to use an appropriately sized closing structure to magnetically seal an open-ended bag of the user's choice by action of the magnetic strips attracting each other and closing the open end of the bag, such as shown in the example of FIG. 4.
The system is installed on an open bag by pulling apart the opposing handles of the sealing apparatus, sliding the bag up through the opening of the magnetic tape strips to some distance, such as at least one inch above the top of the strip, and releasing the handles so that the magnetic tape strips seal to each other thereby closing the bag provided between them. To retrieve desired contents from the bag, the handles are pulled apart unsealing the magnetic strips, and contents can be retrieved with one hand holding a handle while using the other hand to retrieve contents. Means of more securely attaching the strips to the bag can be provided, if desired, such as using a temporary adhesive (like a rubber cement) or a sticky tape or some such mechanism.
The above solution would be ideal to seal bags of potato or corn chips or other snacks, cookies, crackers, flour, sugar, candy, grains, or other foods or non-food items such as nuts, bolts, screws, string, etc.
For embodiments using sealing strips other than magnetic strips, the sealing process may require that the strips be manually put into contact with each other, such as for hook and loop fasteners, to properly seal. Even magnetic strips may benefit by manually pushing the strips together to ensure proper sealing. When necessary, the opposing surfaces of the sealing strips may be cleaned to ensure a tight and secure fit and seal. A sealing surface such as felt or some other cloth or other soft or flexible material might be placed on the opposing surfaces of the sealing strips to aid in sealing, and such items may be replaceable to extend the life of the apparatus.
This System can be used to seal bagged food or storage items in their original containers (bags). The most general application is to seal an open-ended plastic bag of chips or crackers or flour or sugar or other foods to air seal in lasting freshness. Also bagged bakery items can be air sealed such as a loaf of bread, buns, bagels, muffins, tortillas and taco shells that are typically twist tied or plastic clipped from the store. Another beneficial use is to air seal a bag that has, for example, a manufacturer zip lock but has failed. The System can be used to reseal bulk popcorn or salty snack bags or a bag or block of cheese. This System can be used for LDPE plastic bags, some thin non-waxed paper bags and most bulk snack thicker plastic bags or bags of other construction, such as cloth, mylar, etc. It can be used on foil-like coffee bags. In some circumstances, the assembled system only seals from spillage, and may not provide air-tight freshness. Other designs can more effectively make an air-tight seal, such as for keeping food fresh and non-stale. The System can be used at room or air temperature and in the refrigerator above freezing, or even in the freezer when components are designed for the colder temperatures.
Hence, the sealing strips substantially seal the open bag by providing an effective barrier against air and preventing spillage (leakage) of the contents of the bag.
This System provides a market solution to the problem of a plastic or paper or mylar bag not being self-resealing across the entire top width of the bag. It also provides a resealing solution to any plastic bagged food item where the manufacturer zip lock has failed. Additionally, it greatly benefits individuals with arthritis and those who have manual motor physical challenges who cannot easily use other types of bag clips or bag closure systems without discomfort or pain.
Note that the system can be further extended to use for non-food items as well, such as for small parts, toys, or other items that are to be held in a bag that can be repeatedly opened and closed. This system offers a more durable way to seal a bag versus zip lock bags currently on the market, that may get gummed up with food or dirt making their operation fail.
Many other example embodiments can be provided through various combinations of the above described features. Although the embodiments described hereinabove use specific examples and alternatives, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional alternatives may be used and equivalents may be substituted for elements and/or steps described herein, without necessarily deviating from the intended scope of the application. Modifications may be necessary to adapt the embodiments to a particular situation or to particular needs without departing from the intended scope of the application. It is intended that the application not be limited to the particular example implementations and example embodiments described herein, but that the claims be given their broadest reasonable interpretation to cover all novel and non-obvious embodiments, literal or equivalent, disclosed or not, covered thereby.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for sealing a bag, comprising:

a first magnetic strip connected to a second magnetic strip at opposite ends of the strips such that an inner surface of said first magnetic strip is configured to removably form a magnetic seal with an inner surface of said second magnetic strip;

a first handle connected to said first magnetic strip using a first connecting structure; and

a second handle connected to said second magnetic strip using a second connecting structure, wherein

said apparatus is configured such that pulling said first handle and said second handle away from each other opens a gap between said first magnetic strip and said second magnetic strip, said gap being configured to receive the end of an open bag, and wherein

said first magnetic strip and said second magnetic strip are configured to substantially seal the open end of bag using magnetic force.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first handle and said second handle are cylindrical in shape.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said first handle and said second handle are comprised of a plastic material.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said first handle and said second handle are configured as hollow cylinders.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first connecting structure is integral with said first handle, and wherein said second connecting structure is integral with said second handle.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first connecting structure is attached to said first magnetic strip using an adhesive, and wherein said second connecting structure is attached to said second magnetic strip using the adhesive.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first magnetic strip is connected to said second magnetic strip using a respective connector at each of the opposite ends.

8. An apparatus for sealing a bag, comprising:

a first handle including a plastic formed into a hollow cylinder, said first handle being connected to said first magnetic strip using a first connecting structure; and

a second handle including a plastic formed into a hollow cylinder, said second handle being connected to said second magnetic strip using a second connecting structure, wherein

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said first connecting structure is integral with said first handle, and wherein said second connecting structure is integral with said second handle.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said first connecting structure is attached to said first magnetic strip using an adhesive, and wherein said second connecting structure is attached to said second magnetic strip using the adhesive.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said first magnetic strip is connected to said second magnetic strip using a respective connector at each of the opposite ends.

12. A method of sealing an open bag comprising the steps of:

providing an apparatus for sealing a bag, comprising:

a first magnetic strip connected to a second magnetic strip at opposite ends of the strips such that an inner surface of said first magnetic strip is configured to removably form a magnetic seal with an inner surface of said second magnetic strip,

a first handle connected to said first magnetic strip using a first connecting structure, and

a second handle connected to said second magnetic strip using a second connecting structure;

pulling said first handle and said second handle away from each other to open a gap between said first magnetic strip and said second magnetic strip;

placing a bag having an open end between said gap between said first magnetic strip and said second magnetic strip; and

using the magnetic force between said first magnetic strip and said second magnetic strip to substantially seal the open end of the bag.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein said bag is used to store food.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein said bag is used to store non-food items.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein said first handle and said second handle are cylindrical in shape.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein said first handle and said second handle are comprised of a plastic material.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein said first handle and said second handle are configured as hollow cylinders.

18. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of unsealing the bag by pulling the first and second handles apart to separate the first strip from said second strip.

19. The method of claim 12, further comprising the steps of:

pulling the first and second handles apart to separate the first strip from said second strip;

removing the bag from the apparatus; and

placing a new bag having an open end between the gap between said first magnetic strip and said second magnetic strip; and

using the magnetic force between said first magnetic strip and said second magnetic strip to substantially seal the open end of the new bag.