Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bag for use in vacuum packaging comprises forming a first panel including a tray for retaining contents within the bag and a second panel. Optionally, the tray can include a plurality of ridges or protuberances for suspending contents such that liquid can collect in the tray. Each panel comprises a gas-impermeable base layer and a heat-sealable inner layer molded from melt-extruded resin. The first panel is overlapped with the second panel, and three of four edges of the panels are heated such that the inner layers bond at the heated edges. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bag for use in vacuum packaging comprises forming a first panel having a plurality of baffles for evacuating air and/or other gases from inside the bag using a suction source, while preventing liquids from being drawn into the suction source, and a second panel. Each panel comprises a gas-impermeable base layer and a heat-sealable inner layer molded from melt-extruded resin. The first panel is overlapped with the second panel, and three of four edges of the panels are heated such that the inner layers bond at the heated edges. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bag for use in vacuum packaging comprises forming a first panel having a receiving feature and a second panel having an insertion feature, such that the insertion feature can be removably connected with the receiving feature, thereby forming a zipper. Each panel comprises a gas-impermeable base layer and a heat-sealable inner layer molded from melt-extruded resin. The first panel is overlapped with the second panel, and three of four edges of the panels are heated such that the inner layers bond at the heated edges and the unbonded edge can be opened or closed via the zipper. Optionally, the bag can include a valve structure for evacuating the bag. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging film with an improved embossed pattern suitable for evacuation of gas from a vacuum packaging bag made of the film. The embossed pattern includes a plurality of roughly parallel sequences of substantially collinear ridges. The ridges of a first sequence are offset with respect to the ridges of an adjacent second sequence.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a film having a pattern of protruding structures. When used in the vacuum packaging bag material context, the result is a vacuum packaging bag that a consumer can effectively evacuate and hermetically seal. The protruding structures tend to form channels that enable gas to evacuate from within a vacuum packaging bag. In certain embodiments, the protruding structures are formed only on an inner side of the vacuum packaging film, typically through a hot casting or heat-extrusion process. As a result, far less bag material is required than in the prior art patterned film formed through cold embossing processes. The present invention also contemplates a variety of applications for the films, including preformed bags and bag rolls, as well as a variety of apparatus for manufacturing the films and appliances for utilizing the bags and bag rolls.

Abstract: Vacuum packaging bags and methods of manufacturing and using vacuum packaging bags are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a vacuum packaging bag includes a first panel, a second panel coupled to the first panel, and a gusset between the first and second panels. The first panel has a first gas impermeable layer and a first sealable layer coupled to the first gas impermeable layer. The second panel has a second gas impermeable layer and a second sealable layer coupled to the second gas impermeable layer. The gusset can extend along a length of the bag and project inwardly toward an interior region. The bag may further include a plurality of intercommunicating channels for conveying a flow of gas when the bag is evacuated.

Abstract: A flexible composite bag for use with vacuum packaging appliances is disclosed. The flexible composite bag includes an inner bag that is enclosed by an outer bag. Two patterned panels make up the inner bag such that intercommunicating channels are formed when the two panels are superimposed on one another.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a film having a pealably sealable layer. When used in the vacuum packaging bag material context, the result is a vacuum packaging bag that a consumer can evacuate and hermetically seal. The consumer may later open the bag through a manual pealing action that does not require a tool and that does not result in wasting or destroying a portion of the vacuum packaging bag. The present invention also contemplates a variety of applications for the pealably sealable films, including preformed bags and bag rolls, as well as a variety of apparatus for manufacturing the films and appliances for utilizing the bags and bag rolls.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bag for use in vacuum packaging comprises forming a first panel having a receiving feature and a second panel having an insertion feature, such that the insertion feature can be removably connected with the receiving feature, thereby forming a zipper. Each panel comprises a gas-impermeable base layer and a heat-sealable inner layer molded from melt-extruded resin. The first panel is overlapped with the second panel, and three of four edges of the panels are heated such that the inner layers bond at the heated edges and the unbonded edge can be opened or closed via the zipper. Optionally, the bag can include a valve structure for evacuating the bag. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bag for use in vacuum packaging comprises forming a first panel having a valve structure and a second panel. Each panel comprises a gas-impermeable base layer and a heat-sealable inner layer molded from melt-extruded resin. The valve structure can be formed on the first panel by a cooling roll having cavities and/or protuberances and a laminating roll having cavities and/or protuberance. The first panel is overlapped with the second panel, and three of four edges of the panels are heated such that the inner layers bond at the heated edges. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bag for use in vacuum packaging comprises forming a first panel having an embedded timer and/or sensor for communicating information to a user and a second panel. Each panel comprises a gas-impermeable base layer and a heat-sealable inner layer molded from melt-extruded resin. The timer and/or can be encapsulated in the resin, or alternatively impregnated into the resin. The first panel is overlapped with the second panel, and three of four edges of the panels are heated such that the inner layers bond at the heated edges. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.

Abstract: A bag for use in vacuum packaging comprises a first panel and a second panel overlapping each other. A plurality of channels having a plurality of baffles is formed on one or more of the panels for evacuating air and/or other gases from inside the bag using a suction source, while preventing liquids from being drawn into the suction source. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.

Abstract: A bag for use in vacuum packaging comprises a first panel and a second panel overlapping each other. A valve structure is formed on the first panel for evacuating air and/or other gases from inside the bag when a suction source is placed over the valve, and for sealing the bag when the suction source is removed. The first panel and second panel can each include integrated features for forming a zipper or clasp for sealing the bag. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.

Abstract: A vacuum bag comprises a first panel and a second panel, wherein each panel comprises a gas-impermeable base layer and a heat-sealable resin layer with one panel having a receiving feature and one panel having an insertion feature. The receiving feature and insertion feature together form a zipper or clasp for sealing the vacuum bag. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.

Abstract: A bag for use in vacuum packaging comprises a first panel and a second panel overlapping each other. One or more trays for retaining a perishable or other product is formed on one or more of the panels. Each tray can optionally have ridges for suspending a product above the tray so that liquid can collect in the tray. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.

Abstract: A vacuum bag comprises a first panel and a second panel, wherein each panel comprises a gas-impermeable base layer and a heat-sealable inner layer with at least one panel having a timer and/or sensor embedded or encapsulated by the inner layer. The timer and/or sensor can be used to monitor storage time, contents, and/or the condition of packaged products, or can be used to protect contents. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bag for use in vacuum packaging comprises forming a first panel having a plurality of baffles for evacuating air and/or other gases from inside the bag using a suction source, while preventing liquids from being drawn into the suction source, and a second panel. Each panel comprises a gas-impermeable base layer and a heat-sealable inner layer molded from melt-extruded resin. The first panel is overlapped with the second panel, and three of four edges of the panels are heated such that the inner layers bond at the heated edges. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.

Abstract: A vacuum bag comprises a first panel and a second panel, wherein each panel comprises a gas-impermeable base layer and a heat-sealable inner layer with at least one panel having indicia. The indicia can be informative, decorative, and/or functional, and optionally can be colored so that the indicia can be easily identified by a user. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bag for use in vacuum packaging comprises forming a first panel including a tray for retaining contents within the bag and a second panel. Optionally, the tray can include a plurality of ridges or protuberances for suspending contents such that liquid can collect in the tray. Each panel comprises a gas-impermeable base layer and a heat-sealable inner layer molded from melt-extruded resin. The first panel is overlapped with the second panel, and three of four edges of the panels are heated such that the inner layers bond at the heated edges. This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.

Abstract: Vacuum packaging appliances and methods of vacuum packaging objects are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an appliance includes a base, a lid movably coupled to the base, a vacuum chamber portion on the base and/or the lid for receiving an open end of a bag, and a vacuum pump operably coupled to the vacuum chamber portion for removing gas from the vacuum chamber portion. The lid includes a distal end, a proximal end opposite the distal end, and a major dimension between the distal and proximal ends. The base can also include a distal end, a proximal end opposite the distal end, and a major dimension between the distal and proximal ends.