Abstract: The flexible storage bag includes overlaying first and second sidewalls defining an internal volume that can be accessed from an open top edge. To evacuate air from the internal volume after the open top edge has been closed, the bag includes a one-way valve element attached to the first sidewall and communicating with the internal volume. To prevent the one-way valve element from becoming clogged by the opposing second sidewall, the bag also includes a textured portion that maintains at least a partial clearance between the first and second sidewalls proximate the valve element. To prevent contamination of the valve element, the textured portion can also be configured to facilitate removal of liquids and juices from air exhausting from the storage bag.

Abstract: The storage bag includes an interior volume for containing food items and a one-way valve element through which air from the interior volume can be evacuated. To prevent fluids and juices from the stored food items from contaminating the valve element, a separator defining a chamber is included that sealingly connects the valve element to the interior volume. In the separator, fluids and juices separate from the evacuating air by gravitational separation and are returned to the interior volume. In an embodiment, to facilitate packaging and distribution of multiple storage bags, the separator is adjustable between an expanded position for providing the chamber and a collapsed position substantially eliminating the chamber. In an embodiment, the separator may be comprised of elastically expandable material.

Abstract: A system for enhancing water is described. The system includes a housing with an inlet and an outlet, source water at the inlet, which can flow through a filter component in the housing and thus become treated water, and at least one enhancement module that can dispense an enhancement into the treated water as it flows through the outlet. Water can flow through the system only by the force of gravity, pressure in a building's water line, and/or hand pumps. Enhancement that can be used in the system include flavorings, dyes, minerals, vitamins, herbal supplements, nutritional supplements, phytonutrients, probiotics, homoepathic remedies, amino acids, enzymes, hormones, standard prescription medications, and over-the-counter medications, and combinations thereof. A control is also provided, through which a consumer can regulate an amount of enhancement that is added to the treated water.

Abstract: A ventable container comprising a container bottom having an inner cavity, the container bottom further having a side wall that terminates in a container rim; and a selectively detachable lid, the lid including a central panel and peripheral sealing lip that surrounds the panel, the peripheral sealing lip having a generally inverted U-shaped cross-section that defines a lid channel, the lid channel being adapted to receive the container rim, the lid channel being further adapted to position the lid at a first position wherein sealed engagement of the container is effectuated and at a first position relative to the container rim wherein an air passage from the inner cavity to the container surroundings is provided.

Abstract: Provided is a valve element for venting fluids, such as gas or liquids, entrapped in a packaging enclosure. The valve element includes a base element having an aperture disposed through it and a membrane having a protruding raised portion. The membrane is attached to and overlays the base element. The raised portion is selectively configurable between a concave position and a convex position by applying an external force against the apex of the raised portion. When configured in the convex position, the raised portion is spaced apart from the aperture allowing fluid communication therethrough. When configured in the concave position, the raised portion obstructs the aperture preventing fluid communication therethrough. To vent air passing through the aperture into the environment, an expandable channel for providing a clearance is provided between the membrane and the base element.

Abstract: A closure device includes a spring member to increase the sealing action of the closure device. The closure device is particularly suitable for use with flexible containers. The closure device includes a male and a female closure element that include male and female hook portions, respectively. The male and female hook portions interlockingly engage with one another to provide a leak proof seal for the flexible container. The spring member is attached to one of the closure elements and acts upon the hook portions of the other closure element to increase the sealing action of the closure device.

Abstract: A retaining element for use with elastic sheet material is disclosed. In one form, the sheet material can be provided as a bag (100) having first and second side walls (102, 104). The retaining element can be in the form of an elastic strip attached to one of the side walls. The retaining strip (120) can comprise a heat-unstable activatable material such that it can be applied to the bag in a deadened condition wherein the strip is set and subsequently heated to transition to an activated condition wherein the retaining element is elasticized to provide an elasticized article which can have a shirred appearance. The retaining element can have various configurations and can be activated by various methods.

Abstract: A stackable container lid comprising a lid member (80) having a center portion (83a), an edge portion (83b) top and bottom surfaces (82, 84) and closure means (88) adapted to cooperate with the closure device of a container bottom, the lid top surface (82) including a raised boss (100), the raised boss (100) being disposed in the lid member center portion (83a) and projecting outwardly from the lid member top surface (82), the lid bottom surface (84) including a boss seat (108) adapted to receive the raised boss (100) of another said lid. The raised boss (100) and the boss seat (108) of another said lid are engagable by exerting a force on the lid top surface (82) of said another lid proximate the raised boss (100) of said another lid.

Abstract: A closure device (100) is provided for use with storage containers (50), such as plastic bags. The closure device (100) includes interlocking fastening strips (120, 130) having first and second ends and a slider member (200) movably installed upon the interlocking fastening strips to facilitate the occlusion and deocclusion thereof. The slider member (200) includes a pair of spaced-apart side walls (210, 220) which are positioned on opposite sides of the interlocking fastening strips (120, 130) and an intermediate body portion (240) therebetween which is positioned upon the interlocking fastening strips. The slider member (200) also includes notches (250, 260) formed therein which are adapted to engage cooperating protrusions (280, 290) formed on the interlocking fastening strips (120, 130) at the first and second ends (111, 112) thereof to obstruct movement of the slider member (200) beyond the first and second ends (111, 112).

Abstract: The closure device (121) includes interlocking fastening strips (130, 131) and a slider (132) slidably disposed on the fastening strips for facilitating the occlusion and deocclusion of the fastening strips (130, 131) when moved towards first and second ends thereof. A slider (132) is provided for facilitating the attachment of the slider (132) onto the fastening strips (130, 131) in the horizontal X axis (102). The slider (132) provides resistance against the removal of the slider (132) from the fastening strips (130, 131) in the horizontal X axis (102) and the vertical Z axis (106).

Abstract: The closure device (121) includes interlocking fastening strips (130, 131) and a slider (132) slidably disposed on the fastening strips for facilitating the occlusion and deocclusion of the fastening strips (130, 131) when moved towards first and second ends thereof. A slider (132) is provided for facilitating the attachment of the slider (132) onto the fastening strips (130, 131) in the horizontal X axis (102). The slider (132) provides resistance against the removal of the slider (132) from the fastening strips (130, 131) in the horizontal X axis (102) and the vertical Z axis (106).