Flexible Container with Closure and Method

Abstract

A flexible container is formed from a flexible container body formed from a flexible material, the flexible container body having at least one end opening. A pair of spaced apart elongated flexible closure members is coupled to the sides of the flexible container body generally along the length or portion of the length of the flexible container body. The flexible closure members are deformable and configured to facilitate selectively closing of the end opening of the flexible container body by twisting together the flexible closure members along with a portion of the flexible container body so that the flexible closures generally stay in a twisted configuration. The end opening of the flexible container body is selectively opened by untwisting the flexible closures from the twisted configuration.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/891,980, entitled “Closure for Flexible Container,” filed Feb. 28, 2007, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a flexible container having closure members constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the flexible container of FIG. 1 taken along the lines 2-2;

FIG. 3 is a enlarged cross-sectional view of the closure member of FIG. 2, shown coupled to a wall of a flexible container body of the flexible container by means of adhesive tape; and

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a closure member having generally oval cross section and being coupled to a wall of a flexible container body by means of a sleeve;

FIG. 5 shows various transverse cross sections of closure members formed from non-metal materials;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a closure member having a longitudinal lip and notches formed in a body of the closure member;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of an alternate embodiment of a closure member having notches of the closure member arranged in an alternate configuration;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of another alternate embodiment of a closure member having notches arranged in still another configuration;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a non-metal closure member coupled to the wall of a flexible container body by means of heat welding; and

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a non-metal closure member coupled to the wall of a flexible container by means of adhesive tape.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a flexible container 10 is shown. The flexible container 10 is formed from a flexible container body 12 with at least one end opening 14 to allow materials to be placed within or removed from the interior of the container 10. The flexible container 10 may be used to hold a variety of different materials and for a variety of different purposes. In some applications, the container 10 may be used for holding or storing of food products, such as different baked goods, (e.g. bread loafs, tortillas, muffins, rolls, etc.), various snacks, ice, produce, meat, etc. Non-food products or items may also be held or stored in the flexible containers of the invention, as well.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the flexible container body 12 is generally tubular, having spaced apart front and rear sidewalls 16, 18 that are joined together by spaced apart left and right sidewalls 20, 22 so that the container body has a generally rectangular transverse cross section, as shown in FIG. 2. The flexible container body 12 may have variety of different configurations and shapes, (e.g. cylindrical, flat, etc.) however, and may be of different sizes. A bottom wall may be formed at the end of the body 12 to close off the end of the tubular body 12 opposite the opening 14. In other embodiments (not shown), the container body may be open at opposite or different ends.

The container body 12 may be formed from a variety of different materials that are relatively thin and flexible so that the container body 12 is generally flexible and collapsible. The flexible body 12 may be formed from paper, fabric or a plastic or polymeric sheet material. In particular, the flexible body 12 may be formed from polymer materials, such as polyethylene (e.g. HDPE, LLDPE, etc.), polypropylene, nylon, etc. or those materials often used to form those containers referred to as “poly bags” used for storing bread and other food items, such as baked goods, ice, popcorn, produce, etc. The walls of the flexible body 12 may be a variety of different thickness, but typically will be from about 0.001 mil to about 10 mil or more depending upon the purpose of the container.

It should be noted that the description and embodiments described are presented solely for the purpose of illustrating the invention and should not be necessarily construed as a limitation to the scope and applicability of the invention. In the description, each numerical value should be read once as modified by the term “about” (unless already expressly so modified), and then read again as not so modified unless otherwise indicated in context. Also, in the description, it should be understood that a value or range listed or described as being useful, suitable, or the like, is intended that any and every value within the range, including the end points, is to be considered as having been stated. For example, “a range of from 1 to 10” is to be read as indicating each and every possible number along the continuum between about 1 and about 10. Thus, even if specific values within the range, or even points within the range, are explicitly identified or refer to only a few specific values, it is to be understood that the inventor appreciates and understands that any and all points or values within the range are to be considered to have been specified, and that the inventor is in possession of the entire range and all points within the range.

Coupled to the container body 12 along the length of the sidewalls 20, 22 are closure members 26. In the embodiment shown, a pair of closure members 26 is formed from a single, continuous flexible member that extends along either side of the container body 12 along the length of the sidewalls 20, 22 and across the bottom wall 24. In other embodiments, however, closure members may be formed from two or more separate members. Additionally, the closure members may be non-continuous segments, extending in portions along the length or a portion of the length of the sidewalls of the container body. The closure members 26 may be formed from a flexible material that may undergo plastic deformation so that it its shape is retained after being deformed. Such materials may be thin metal wire or tape. The thickness of the material for the closure member 26 may vary depending upon the material used for the container body 12. Thicker or more substantial materials may be used with container bodies that have a greater weight or resistance to being deformed so that the closure members 26 are adequate to facilitate closing and maintaining the flexible container in a closed configuration.

FIG. 3 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the closure member 26 of the embodiment of FIG. 2. The closure member 26 is formed from a metal wire having a generally circular transverse cross section. The closure member 26 is coupled to the sidewalls of the container body 12 by means of adhesive tape layers 28, 30 that are each coupled along the length of the container body 12 along one edge and generally enclose the wire member 26. The tape layers 28, 30 may also be configured so that they do not enclose the closure member 26 but merely are attached to the surface of the member 26. A glue or other adhesive may be used to couple the closure member 26 to the container body 12 instead of the tape layers 28, 30.

FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment of a metal closure member 32 that has a generally oval-shaped transverse cross section, as shown. The closure member 32 is coupled to container body 12 by means of sleeve 33 that is coupled or provided with the container body 12. The sleeve 33 may be continuous and extend generally along the length of container body 12 or it may be non-continuous, with several spaced apart and aligned sleeve portions being provided along the container body. In the embodiment shown, the sleeve 33 is formed from a piece of material, which may be the same or different from that used for the container body 12, that is joined along the edges or ends of the sleeve material, as shown. When using polymeric materials, the sleeve 33 may be coupled by heat welding the sleeve to the material of the container body 12. Adhesive or other coupling means, such as stitching for fabric, etc., may also be used. In cases where the container body is a polymeric or thermoplastic material, a portion or portions of the container body along the walls may be pinched or drawn together and heat welded or otherwise coupled together to form the sleeve for receiving the closure member 32. A sleeve configuration wherein the closure member may be slid within the sleeve may be beneficial for coupling the metal closure member or members to the container body 12 so that the metal closure members may be removed, such as for recycling, or may be added at a stage that facilitates packaging. Although the sleeve 33 is shown with a closure member having an oval transverse cross section, the sleeve 33 may be used with closure members having other configurations as well.

FIG. 5 shows different transverse cross sections of closure members 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44 that may be used with the flexible container 10. These may be circular, square, rectangular, oval, triangular, and a combination of these and other shapes. Hexagonal, octagonal and other polygon shapes may also be used. The closure members 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44 are formed of non-metal, plastic or polymeric materials, although they may also be metal, as well.

It has been found that circular or oval cross-sectional shapes are more suitable for metal closure members, with circular being particular well suited for metal closure members. Metal closure members may have a generally uniform and continuous cross-sectional area along generally its entire length, although tapered closure members or closure members with variations in cross-sectional areas may also be used.

The non-metal closure member 42 of FIG. 5 is shown provided with a body 46 having a generally circular cross-sectional shape. The closure member 42 is provided along one side with an outwardly projecting lip 48 that extends along the length or portions of the length of the closure member 42. The lip 48 may have a variety of different configurations, but is shown as being triangular or tapered in thickness towards its outermost end. A generally planar or flat lip or lips with other configurations may be used as well. The projecting lip may be used to facilitate coupling of the closure member 42 to the container body 12, as will be described later on.

FIG. 6 shows a plan view of the closure member 42. As can be seen, a series of notches or indentations 50 are provided in the body 46 opposite the lip 48. The notches 50 may be longitudinally spaced apart at various intervals along the length of the closure member 42. The spacing of the notches may vary, but a suitable distance may be from about ½ to about 1 inch or more apart. As can be seen, the notches or indentations 50 are formed in the body 46 are arcuate, curved or otherwise rounded with no sharp corners. This helps minimize or prevent weakening or breakage of the closure members, which might occur if sharp angles or corners are used. If the material is sufficiently strong, however, the notches or indentations may be provided with such sharp angles or corners within the thickness of the material of the body 46. The notches 50 may penetrate the body 46 from about ⅓ to about ½ the width of the body 46. The notches or indentations are typically provided on the non-metal or polymeric closure members to facilitate twisting and intertwining of the closure members, as is discussed later on.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of a closure member 52 having notches 54 and 56 that are provided on opposite sides of the closure member 52 in a staggered configuration, wherein the notches 54, 56 of each side are longitudinally spaced apart at different intervals on each side. FIG. 8 shows a closure member 58 with notches 60, 62 provided on opposite sides but longitudinally spaced apart at the same intervals, as shown. Again, the notches of the closure members of FIGS. 7 and 8 are provided to facilitate twisting and intertwining of the closure members together.

Referring to FIG. 9, the closure member 42 is shown coupled to the container body 12. A portion 64 of the container body 12 is used to form an enclosure or sleeve for the closure member 42 so that the member 42 is closely received and fully enclosed by the material of the container body 12. In this embodiment, where are the materials are polymeric, heating welding may be used to weld the portion 64 of the container body 12 to the member 42, as well as to the materials of the container body itself, such as at 66.

FIG. 10 shows still another non-metal closure member 68 having a generally rectangular body 70 with an outwardly projecting lip 72. The closure member 68 is coupled to the container body 12 by adhesive tape layers 74 that are secured to portions of the container body 12 and to opposite sides of the projecting lip 72, as is shown.

In use, the flexible container 10 (FIG. 1) incorporating the closure members is opened or closed by merely twisting together or untwisting the closure members at a position adjacent to the opening 14. Portions of the container body 12 are twisted along with the closure members to effectively close off the opening 14 of the container 10, as shown by the arrows of FIG. 1. The configurations and/or materials used cause the closure members to retain their shape after twisting so that the opening of the container is effectively closed and is maintained in the closed position. Several twists of the closure members may be used to close the container. Because the closure members extend generally along the entire length of the container body, as material is removed or added to the container 10 the position where the closure members are twisted together can vary generally continuously along the length of the container between the opening 14 and the material within the container 10. Thus, as material is removed from the container 10, the closure member may be twisted at a lower position closer to the material remaining in the container 10. This minimizes the amount of space and trapped air within the flexible container.

In an alternate embodiment, the flexible container may have openings at opposite ends. Each end may be selectively closed or opened by twisting together or untwisting the closure members at a position adjacent to the openings. In this way, materials may be positioned within or removed from different ends of the flexible container.

While the invention has been shown in only some of its forms, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited, but is susceptible to various changes and modifications without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A flexible container comprising:

a flexible container body formed from a flexible material, the flexible container body having at least one end opening; and

a pair of spaced apart elongated flexible closure members coupled to the sides of the flexible container body generally along the length or portion of the length of the flexible container body, the flexible closure members being deformable and configured to facilitate selectively closing of the end opening of the flexible container body by twisting together the flexible closure members along with a portion of the flexible container body so that the flexible closures generally stay in a twisted configuration, and wherein the end opening of the flexible container body is selectively opened by untwisting the flexible closures from the twisted configuration.

2. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein:

the flexible container body is selected from a material of at least one of paper, cloth, plastic or polymeric material.

3. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein:

the flexible closure members are formed from a plastically deformable material.

4. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein:

the flexible closure members are formed from a non-metal material.

5. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein:

the flexible closure member is coupled to the container body by an adhesive material.

6. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein:

the flexible closure member is coupled to the container body by heat welding the closure member to the container body.

7. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein:

the flexible closure member is coupled to the container by providing a sleeve with the container body for receiving the closure member.

8. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein:

there are a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart notches formed in the closure member.

9. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein:

the flexible closure members are formed from a single, continuous flexible member that extends around the end of the container body with the opposite ends of the flexible member forming the closure members.

10. The flexible container of claim 1, wherein:

the closure member has a projecting lip that extends along at least a portion of the length of the closure member to facilitate coupling of the closure member to the container body.

11. A method of closing a flexible container having a flexible container body formed from a flexible material, the flexible container body having at least one end opening, the method comprising:

providing a pair of spaced apart elongated flexible closure members coupled to the sides of the flexible container body generally along the length or portion of the length of the flexible container body; and

twisting the flexible closure members together along with a portion of the flexible container body at a position adjacent to the at least one end opening so that the flexible closures generally stay in a twisted configuration to thus effectively close the at least one end opening.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein:

the flexible container body is selected from a material of at least one of paper, cloth, plastic or polymeric material.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein:

the flexible closure members are formed from a plastically deformable material.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein:

the flexible closure members are formed from a non-metal material.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein:

the flexible closure member is coupled to the container body by an adhesive material.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein:

the flexible closure member is coupled to the container body by heat welding the closure member to the container body.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein:

the flexible closure member is coupled to the container by providing a sleeve with the container body for receiving the closure member.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein:

there are a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart notches formed in the closure member.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein:

the flexible closure members are formed from a single, continuous flexible member that extends around the end of the container body with the opposite ends of the flexible member forming the closure members.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein:

the closure member has a projecting lip that extends along at least a portion of the length of the closure member to facilitate coupling of the closure member to the container body.