Abstract: The present invention provides a resealable closure structure (999) which provides at least one region of continuous gas-sealing abutment (900) upon engaging the interengaging members (988, 978) of the closure. The closure provides a region of gas sealing abutment by one or more of. (i) mechanical abutment of closure features (1010, 1013) and associated therewith a caulking composition (990) and/or a sealing material (945); and (ii) defining a void region (1030) by proximity of closure features when interengaging members of the closure are engaged (1020, 1021) which has gas-sealingly infiltrated thereinto a caulking composition (945).

Abstract: A reclosable package, formed from at least one polymeric sheet, having a closure and a vacuum valve. The vacuum valve comprises a port, the port being aligned with an aperture in the first sidewall of the package. The vacuum valve allows gas to be removed from inside the package via a vacuum pump. A gas-impermeable layer, overlaying at least one of the aperture and the port, restricts gaseous communication between the vacuum valve and the inside of the package.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vacuum storage bag system having a storage device having at least one polymeric sheet sealed along a portion of its' periphery to provide an opening to a storage space; a resealable closure structure adapted to seal the opening to the storage space, the resealable closure structure comprising selectively engaging male and female profiles and a sealing compound comprising liquid silicone and at least one filler in proportions suitable for at least incidental contact to food items contained within the storage space; a vacuum valve assembly disposed on the polymeric sheet; a stand-off structure disposed adjacent to the vacuum valve assembly, wherein the stand-off structure has a series of raised surfaces facing the vacuum valve assembly; a portable vacuum pump assembly structured to engage the vacuum valve assembly; and a liquid separator assembly coupled to the portable vacuum pump assembly.

Abstract: A reclosable package having a zipper closure, and optionally a slider device to open and close the zipper closure. The package includes a sealant stripe, which can be a peal seal, and a one-way fluid valve. In use, the valve is used to remove air from the interior of the package, and the sealant strip, in combination with the zipper closure, provides a better seal than the zipper alone. The package may be part of a storage system that includes stand-off structures adjacent to the valve, a vacuum pump assembly, and a liquid separator assembly coupled to the vacuum pump assembly.

Abstract: A reclosable package having a zipper closure with a venting feature that allows air or other fluid to be vented from the package interior. In one example, the venting feature includes vents in the package wall covered by a perforated tape intermittently secured to the package to define fluid passageways. A second tape covers the perforated tape. Methods of using are provided.

Abstract: A method of making and filling reclosable packages using a duplex machine includes the steps of providing a zipper profile, package film and a plurality of sliders; feeding the zipper profile; applying the sliders to the zipper profile; coupling the zipper profile to the folded web; sealing two edges of the folded web to form adjacent pouches; filling the pouches; sealing the pouches proximate a third edge thereof; and separating the pouches in order to form individual packages. The method employs a single rotating slider applicator having a programmable servo motor which is programmed in order to synchronize the application of the sliders to the moving zipper profile with the two at a time form, fill, seal and separate packaging operations of the duplex machine. A duplex machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making and filling reclosable packages using a duplex machine includes the steps of providing a zipper profile, package film and a plurality of sliders; feeding the zipper profile; applying the sliders to the zipper profile; coupling the zipper profile to the folded web; sealing two edges of the folded web to form adjacent pouches; filling the pouches; sealing the pouches proximate a third edge thereof; and separating the pouches in order to form individual packages. The method employs a single rotating slider applicator having a programmable servo motor which is programmed in order to synchronize the application of the sliders to the moving zipper profile with the two at a time form, fill, seal and separate packaging operations of the duplex machine. A duplex machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vacuum storage bag system having a storage device having at least one polymeric sheet sealed along a portion of its' periphery to provide an opening to a storage space; a resealable closure structure adapted to seal the opening to the storage space, the resealable closure structure comprising selectively engaging male and female profiles and a sealing compound comprising liquid silicone and at least one filler in proportions suitable for at least incidental contact to food items contained within the storage space; a vacuum valve assembly disposed on the polymeric sheet; a stand-off structure disposed adjacent to the vacuum valve assembly, wherein the stand-off structure has a series of raised surfaces facing the vacuum valve assembly; a portable vacuum pump assembly structured to engage the vacuum valve assembly; and a liquid separator assembly coupled to the portable vacuum pump assembly.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing is provided for a reclosable, free standing package adapted to be self-supporting in an upright position when resting on a horizontal support surface. The method includes the steps of providing a bottom panel in the form of a stand-up web having a planar base and a pair of legs depending from opposite sides of the base; inserting the stand-up web between a first film panel and a second film panel; and creating spaced apart bottom edges of the package by sealing a lower end of the first film panel to one of the legs, and a lower end of the second film panel to the other of the legs such that an entire surface of the base lies substantially parallel to a plane containing the bottom edges.

Abstract: A reclosable polymeric package having a zipper closure at its mouth and a venting feature that allows air or other fluid to be vented from the package interior when the zipper closure is sealed. In one example, the venting feature includes vents covered by a tape intermittently secured to the package to define fluid passageways. Methods of use are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a storage system having a storage device having at least one polymeric sheet sealed along a portion of its' periphery to provide an opening to a storage space; a resealable closure structure adapted to seal the opening to the storage space, the resealable closure structure comprising selectively engaging male and female profiles and a sealing compound comprising liquid silicone and at least one filler in proportions suitable for at least incidental contact to food items contained within the storage space; a vacuum valve assembly disposed on the polymeric sheet; a stand-off structure disposed adjacent to the vacuum valve assembly, wherein the stand-off structure has a series of raised surfaces facing the vacuum valve assembly; a portable vacuum pump assembly structured to engage the vacuum valve assembly; and a liquid separator assembly coupled to the portable vacuum pump assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a storage system having a storage device having at least one polymeric sheet sealed along a portion of its' periphery to provide an opening to a storage space; a resealable closure structure adapted to seal the opening to the storage space, the resealable closure structure comprising selectively engaging male and female profiles and a sealing compound comprising liquid silicone and at least one filler in proportions suitable for at least incidental contact to food items contained within the storage space; a vacuum valve assembly disposed on the polymeric sheet; a stand-off structure disposed adjacent to the vacuum valve assembly, wherein the stand-off structure has a series of raised surfaces facing the vacuum valve assembly; a portable vacuum pump assembly structured to engage the vacuum valve assembly; and a liquid separator assembly coupled to the portable vacuum pump assembly.

Abstract: A zipper profile arrangement for use in opening and closing a package. The zipper profile arrangement including a reclosable zipper profile having first and second zipper ends. End stops are located that the first and second zipper ends of the reclosable zipper profile. The ends stops include a volume of glue disposed between first and second zipper profiles of the reclosable zipper profile. The end stops prevent a slider of the zipper profile arrangement from separating from the reclosable zipper profile.

Abstract: A reclosable package having a zipper closure, and optionally a slider device to open and close the zipper closure. The package includes a sealant stripe, which can be a peal seal, and a one-way fluid valve. In use, the valve is used to remove air from the interior of the package, and the sealant strip, in combination with the zipper closure, provides a better seal than the zipper alone. The package may be part of a storage system that includes stand-off structures adjacent to the valve, a vacuum pump assembly, and a liquid separator assembly coupled to the vacuum pump assembly.

Abstract: A method of making and filling reclosable packages using a duplex machine includes the steps of providing a zipper profile, package film and a plurality of sliders; feeding the zipper profile; applying the sliders to the zipper profile; coupling the zipper profile to the folded web; sealing two edges of the folded web to form adjacent pouches; filling the pouches; sealing the pouches proximate a third edge thereof; and separating the pouches in order to form individual packages. The method employs a single rotating slider applicator having a programmable servo motor which is programmed in order to synchronize the application of the sliders to the moving zipper profile with the two at a time form, fill, seal and separate packaging operations of the duplex machine. A duplex machine is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a storage system having a storage device having at least one polymeric sheet sealed along a portion of its' periphery to provide an opening to a storage space; a resealable closure structure adapted to seal the opening to the storage space, the resealable closure structure comprising selectively engaging male and female profiles and a sealing compound comprising liquid silicone and at least one filler in proportions suitable for at least incidental contact to food items contained within the storage space; a vacuum valve assembly disposed on the polymeric sheet; a stand-off structure disposed adjacent to the vacuum valve assembly, wherein the stand-off structure has a series of raised surfaces facing the vacuum valve assembly; a portable vacuum pump assembly structured to engage the vacuum valve assembly; and a liquid separator assembly coupled to the portable vacuum pump assembly.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing is provided for a reclosable, free standing package adapted to be self-supporting in an upright position when resting on a horizontal support surface. The method includes the steps of providing a bottom panel in the form of a stand-up web having a planar base and a pair of legs depending from opposite sides of the base; inserting the stand-up web between a first film panel and a second film panel; and creating spaced apart bottom edges of the package by sealing a lower end of the first film panel to one of the legs, and a lower end of the second film panel to the other of the legs such that an entire surface of the base lies substantially parallel to a plane containing the bottom edges.

Abstract: A continuous sheet of heat resistant material for use with cooking containers, such as bowls and pans. The sheet of material includes a transparent base layer and a plurality of reinforcing elements attached to the base layer. The reinforcing elements exhibit deadfold properties such that the reinforcing elements retain a desired condition. The sheet of base material is preferably a plastic material that is transparent and can withstand temperature extremes of ?30° F. to at least 375° F. The reinforcing elements are preferably formed from materials that exhibit deadfold properties, such as aluminum foil or thermoplastic or thermoset materials that include the addition of calcium carbonate or other materials. The continuous strip of material is preferably wound into a roll and can be selectively severed by a user.

Abstract: A flexible, reclosable package having a reclosable zipper that includes a tamper-evident structure extending between the sealing flanges of the reclosable zipper. The tamper-evident structure is a frangible membrane extending across the open interior of the package and attached at each of its ends to one of the sealing flanges of the reclosable zipper. The frangible membrane is configured to rupture upon initial opening of the package to allow access to the open package interior.

Abstract: A heat insulating filler is mixed into the attachment layer of a resealable closure mechanism for a package. A heat and pressure sealing process is used to attach the closure profile to a resealable package. A heat-sealing bar is used to apply a heat load into the attachment layer causing the attachment layer to fuse with the film of the package. The heat insulating filler insulates the profile layer from the heat load to prevent distorting or melting of the profile layer. The heat insulating filler also supports the profile members perpendicular to their respective base strips to facilitate opening and closing of the resealable package.