Abstract: A resealable vacuum-tight closure mechanism has a first closure element that includes a first base and a second closure element that includes a second base. A first contact surface on a first interlocking profile depends from the first base and a second contact surface on a second interlocking profile depends from the second base. The first and second contact surfaces provide a maximum occlusion distance when the first and second interlocking profiles are in an occluded state. A first sealing member extends from the first base, has a first length, is spacedly disposed from the first interlocking profile, and has a first sealing surface disposed thereon. A second sealing member extends from the second base, has a second length, is spacedly disposed from the second interlocking profile, and has a second sealing surface disposed thereon that is complementary to the first sealing surface.

Abstract: A resealable vacuum-tight closure mechanism comprises a first closure element that includes a first base and a second closure element that includes a second base. A first contact surface on a first interlocking profile depends from the first base and a second contact surface on a second interlocking profile depends from the second base. The first and second contact surfaces provide a maximum occlusion distance when the first and second interlocking profiles are in an occluded state. A first sealing member extends from the first base, has a first length, is spacedly disposed from the first interlocking profile, and has a first sealing surface disposed thereon. A second sealing member extends from the second base, has a second length, is spacedly disposed from the second interlocking profile, and has a second sealing surface disposed thereon that is complementary to the first sealing surface.

Abstract: A balloon weight and ribbon assembly includes a spool having a length of ribbon wound thereabout, the ribbon being secured at one end to the spool and at the other end to a lightweight breakaway tab which initially comprises a part and parcel of the spool. A slot in the tab accommodates receipt of a double knot at one end of the ribbon, while a slot in the spool accommodates receipt of a double knot of the ribbon at the opposite end. A piece of double backed adhesive tape is provided on the breakaway tab to allow for securement of the tab to the neck or tail of an inflated balloon.

Abstract: A flexible, evacuable storage bag has a storage portion, an airtight seal, and a one-way valve. The valve includes a strip sandwiched between top and bottom sheets used to make the bag. The strip is bonded along the edges to the top and bottom sheets so as to form passageways extending from the storage portion to outside the bag.

Abstract: A flexible, evacuable storage bag has a storage portion, an airtight seal, and a one-way valve. The valve includes a strip sandwiched between top and bottom sheets used to make the bag. The strip is bonded along the edges to the top and bottom sheets so as to form a single passageway extending from the storage portion to outside the bag.

Abstract: A flexible, evacuable storage bag has a storage portion, an airtight seal, and a one-way valve. The valve includes a strip sandwiched between top and bottom sheets used to make the bag. The strip is bonded along the edges to the top and bottom sheets so as to form a single passageway extending from the storage portion to outside the bag.

Abstract: An improved zipper closure for plastic bags and other plastic containers is provided with fillets along uppermost and lowermost interlocking fingers of the zipper to prevent escape gaps from forming between the two sides of the zipper closure through which air or liquid would otherwise leak, especially at the bag's side seal locations. Conventional heat dies are used in combination with excess quantities of plastic material, either integrally formed, or, alternatively, co-extruded with, the zipper closure to form the fillets, thereby eliminating the need for use of a pressure differential-producing die to manufacture plastic bags without escape gaps.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for inserting valves between the front and back panels of inflatable bodies, such as air or helium inflated novelty balloons or air-inflated dunnage bags, is disclosed. The method includes the steps of conveying an upper web and lower web through a conveyor assembly in a contiguous relation and conveying the webs to a spreader bar which projects between the peripheral edges of the webs to form an open zone between the peripheral edges of the webs. A valve insertion mechanism separates the webs at the open zone and inserts the valve between the top and bottom webs at the open zone. As the valve insertion mechanism is withdrawn from between the webs, the webs are brought back into a contiguous relation which frictionally retains the valve between the webs. The webs are then further conveyed, with the valve now frictionally retained in position therebetween, to a downstream die station without any attachment of the valve to either of the webs prior to reaching the die station.

Abstract: An improved method for inserting valves between the front and back panels of inflatable bodies, such as novelty balloons or air-inflated dunnage bags, is disclosed. The method includes the steps of conveying an upper web through an upper roller assembly and conveying a lower web through a lower roller assembly positioned adjacent to and below, and pivotal relative to, the upper roller assembly. The valve is then inserted between the top and bottom webs as they pass through the roller assemblies and then the roller assemblies are pivotally clamped together to bring the top and bottom webs together and frictionally engage the valve between the webs. The webs are then conveyed, with the valve clamped therebetween, to a downstream die station without any attachment of the valve to either of the webs prior to reaching the die station. At the die station, the perimeter of the inflatable body shape is heat sealed into the webs which simultaneously heat seals the valve to both of the webs.