Valve Element
A one-way valve element for use with containers such as flexible storage bags includes an elastomeric or similar material that can elastically expand to expose and at least substantially resiliently recover to cover an aperture through a sidewall of the container. Hence, air from the interior volume of the container can be evacuated through the valve element by, for example, interfacing an evacuation device with the valve element. The valve element can be provided as a single layer structure or a multiple layered structure that is attached to the sidewall of the container over the aperture. In another aspect, a valve element includes a gel-like material retained in a valve body and that can displace to allow air flow across the valve.
Flexible plastic bags are widely used for a variety of purposes such as storing food items, either temporarily as in the case of packaging snacks or long term as in the case of freezer storage. Plastic bags of this style typically include flexible sidewalls made from, for example, polyethylene, that provide an opening and an internal or interior volume accessible through the opening. To seal the bag, interlocking closure strips may be provided about the rim of the opening.
One common problem which occurs with such bags is that, after the opening has been sealed, latent air may remain trapped in the interior volume. In addition to undesirably increasing the overall size of the sealed bag, the trapped air can cause spoilage of food items stored in the interior volume.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn various aspects, the invention provides a one-way valve element and methods of its use that can be used with a flexible storage bag that is inexpensive and simple to make and use. Furthermore, in other aspects, the invention provides a flexible storage bag having a one-way valve element attached thereto. In a particular aspect, the valve element can be a strip or layer of elastomeric material that is adhered over an aperture disposed through the sidewall of the storage bag. Because of the elastic characteristic of the elastomeric material, the valve element can be displaced with respect to the sidewall thereby uncovering the aperture and allowing air from the interior volume to move through the aperture. After the air has exhausted from the interior volume, the resilient elastomeric valve element can at least substantially recover its position over the aperture, thereby sealing the interior volume.
In another particular aspect, the valve element can be a multi-plied structure including a lower base layer having an aperture disposed therein and a top layer made of an elastomeric material. The top layer is joined to the base layer and can displace with respect to the base layer so as to provide an expandable and collapsible channel between the aperture and an exit point on the periphery of the valve element. The two ply valve element is attached to the sidewall over a hole disposed therethrough. Because of the resilient characteristic of the top layer, it is normally maintained adjacently over the base layer and covering the aperture such that the channel is in a collapsed state and the interior volume is sealed. During evacuation, the elastomeric top layer elastically displaces to expand the channel which allows air from the interior volume to move to the exit point. After evacuation, the top layer again moves adjacent to the base layer thereby collapsing the channel and covering the aperture. In one specific aspect, the valve element can include a sealing member between the base layer and the top layer.
In another particular aspect, the one-way valve element for attachment to a plastic storage bag can include a rigid body delineating a cavity which can receive a gel-like material. When a pressure differential is applied across the valve element, the gel-like material can displace within the cavity to allow fluid communication across the valve element and thus air from the storage bag can be drawn through or forced across the valve element.
An advantage of valve elements and storage bags according to the invention is that the resilient elastomeric material enables the valve element to repeatedly and sufficiently seal themselves. Another advantage is that the valve elements and bags made with such valve element are inexpensive and simple to manufacture. These and other advantages and features of the invention will be apparent from the following drawings and the detailed description.
Now referring to the drawings, wherein like references refer to like numerals, there is illustrated in
For accessing the interior volume 106, the top edges 120, 122 of the first and second sidewalls 102, 104 remain unjoined to define an opening 124 that extends between the first and second side edges 110, 112 opposite the bottom edge 114. To seal the opening 124, first and second interlocking fastening strips 126, 128 can be attached to the interior surfaces of the respective first and second sidewalls 102, 104. The first and second fastening strips 126, 128 extend generally between the first and second side edges 110, 112 parallel to and spaced below the top edges 120, 122. The fastening strips 126, 128 can include complementary profiles that can interlockingly connect and release with each other when pressed together by the hands of a user. In other embodiments, the bag 100 can include a movable slider straddling the fastening strips 126, 128 to facilitate occluding and deoccluding of the opening 124. In other embodiments, the storage bag can include other closure mechanisms.
To evacuate the storage bag 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the storage bag includes a one-way valve element 130 that is attached to the first sidewall 102. Referring to
Still referring to
During evacuation, the valve element 130 can be interfaced with the nozzle of an evacuation device so that a suction force is applied above the valve element. Such a hand held evacuation device 129 is illustrated in
As can be appreciated from
Referring to
More specifically, referring to
Referring to
Referring to
The valve element 330 is then attached to the first sidewall 302 so that the central aperture 336 generally aligns with an aperture 308 disposed therein. To attach the valve element, a circular strip of adhesive 342 can be applied on the underside of the base layer 332 concentrically about the central aperture 336 and sidewall aperture 308. In various embodiments, to facilitate handling and distribution of the valve element 330, a peel off backing 346 can be provided over the adhesive 342 which can be removed prior to attachment of the valve element to the bag sidewall. In another embodiment, the peel off backing may be a continuous strip of plastic and several valves are attached to the strip of plastic. The strip of plastic may be rolled up into a roll and the valves can be removed from the roll as the bags are made during a continuous operation. Referring to
Illustrated in
The sealing member can be comprised of any suitable material including, for example, natural rubber, silicone rubber, thermoplastic, TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers, such as Dynaflex from GLS Corporation), TPU (Thermoplastic Urethanes), LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene), Plasticized PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride), hydrocarbon gel (such as, Versa Gel from Penreco), and gel adhesive (such as, 555-8808 from National Starch). Moreover, the sealing member 438 can be retained loosely between the base and top layers 432, 434 or can be fixed to the top layer by, for example, adhesive.
In operation, referring to
Referring to
Referring to
When a pressure differential is applied about the valve element 530 such that the pressure inside the bag 500 is higher than outside the bag, relatively pressurized air from the internal volume 506 will cause the un-adhered portion of the elastic top layer 534 to displace with respect to the base layer 532 and the boss 552. Hence, the displaced top layer 534 uncovers the aperture 536 so that the valve element 530 is in an opened configuration and that air from the interior volume can pass through the aperture to exit the bag. Because of the resilient characteristic of the elastomeric material, after the pressure differential has been removed, the top layer 534 can recover its normal position adjacent to the base layer 532 and the boss 552.
Referring to
To normally seal the aperture 640 and sidewall hole 608, a gel-like material 650 can be placed and retained in the cavity 638 generally adjacent the base portion 632. Hence, the gel-like material can act or function to plug the cavity. The gel-like material can have a jelly-like or semi-liquid-like consistency. Examples of suitable gel-like materials may include hydrocarbon gel (such as, Versa Gel from Penreco), and gel adhesive (such as, 555-8808 from National Starch). To help retain the gel-like material 650 within the cavity 638, the second or upper end 646 of the tubular sidewall 636 can include one or more inward projecting fingers 642 that partially traverse the cavity 638. The fingers can function to both retain and protect the gel-like material within the cavity.
Because of the jelly-like or semi-liquid-like consistency, the gel-like material 650 can displace within the cavity 638 when a pressure differential is applied across the valve element 630. Specifically, referring to
All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.
The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.
Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventor(s) for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor(s) expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor(s) intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.
Claims
1. A storage bag comprising:
- a first flexible sidewall;
- a second flexible sidewall overlaying and joined to the first sidewall to provide an interior volume; and
- a one-way valve element including a layer comprising elastomeric material, the one-way valve element adhered over an aperture disposed through the first sidewall.
2. The storage bag of claim 1, wherein layer is rectangular-shaped.
3. The storage bag of claim 1, wherein the layer is circular-shaped.
4. The storage bag of claim 1, wherein elastomeric material is selected from the group of materials consisting of rubber, TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers), TPU (Thermoplastic Urethanes), LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) and Plasticized PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride).
5. The storage bag of claim 1, wherein the elastomeric material has an elastic modulus of between about 0.01 to 0.20 GPa (1500 to 30,000 lbf/sq. in.).
6. The storage bag of claim 1, further comprising a sealing member between the elastomeric layer and the sidewall.
7. The storage bag of claim 6, wherein the sealing member has a generally circular, disk-like shape.
8. The storage bag of claim 6, wherein the sealing member is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of rubber, silicone, thermoplastic, TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers), TPU (Thermoplastic Urethanes), LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene), Plasticized PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride), hydrocarbon gel, and gel adhesive.
9. The storage bag of claim 1, further comprising a sealant material disposed between the layer and the sidewall.
10. The storage bag of claim 9, wherein sealant material is selected from the group consisting of an oil, a gel and a jelly.
11. The storage bag of claim 1, wherein the first and second sidewalls are joined along a first side edge, a parallel second side edge, and a closed bottom edge extending between the first and second side edges.
12. The storage bag of claim 11, wherein the interior volume is accessible through an open top edge.
13. The storage bag of claim 12, further comprising first and second interlocking fastening strips extending along the open top edge.
14. A one-way valve element for a storage bag comprising:
- a base layer having an aperture disposed therein;
- a top layer comprising an elastomeric material, the top layer joined to the base layer and covering the aperture, the top layer and base layer being joined so as to provide an expandable and collapsible channel between the aperture and an exit point on the valve element.
15. The one-way valve element of claim 14, wherein the valve element including the base layer and the top layer are generally circular in shape.
16. The storage bag of claim 14, wherein the elastomeric material is selected from the group of materials consisting of rubber, TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers), TPU (Thermoplastic Urethanes), LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) and Plasticized PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride).
17. The storage bag of claim 14, wherein the elastomeric material has an elastic modulus of between about 0.01 to 0.20 GPa (1500 to 30,000 lbf/sq. in.).
18. The storage bag of claim 14, further comprising a sealing member between the base layer and the top layer.
19. The storage bag of claim 18, wherein the sealing member has a generally circular, disk-like shape.
20. The storage bag of claim 18, wherein the sealing member is comprised of a material selected from the group consisting of rubber, silicone, thermoplastic, TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers), TPU (Thermoplastic Urethanes), LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene), Plasticized PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride), hydrocarbon gel, and gel adhesive.
21. The one-way valve element of claim 14, wherein the base layer and the top layer are joined by adhesive.
22. The one-way valve element of claim 14, wherein the base layer comprises a flexible thermoplastic material.
23. The one-way valve element of claim 14, further comprising an adhesive layer disposed on a surface of the base layer opposite the top layer, and a peel-off backing overlaying the adhesive layer.
24. A method of evacuating a storage bag comprising:
- proving a bag including a flexible sidewall providing an interior volume, an opening for accessing the interior volume, and a one-way valve element of elastomeric material attached over an aperture disposed through the sidewall;
- closing the opening;
- displacing a portion of the one-way valve element with respect to the sidewall and the aperture to expose the aperture;
- exhausting air from the interior volume through the aperture; and
- covering the aperture with the one-way valve element.
25. A one-way valve element comprising:
- a substantially rigid valve body including a sidewall having a cavity disposed therein; and
- a gel-like material retained within and normally plugging the cavity.
26. The one-way valve element of claim 25, wherein the rigid valve body includes a base portion joined to a first end of the tubular sidewall and partially closing off the cavity, the base portion having an aperture disposed through the cavity.
27. The one-way valve element of claim 26, wherein the rigid valve body includes at a second end of the tubular sidewall a plurality of fingers extending partially across the cavity.
28. The one-way valve element of claim 25, wherein the gel-like material is selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbon gel, and gel adhesive.
29. A flexible storage bag comprising:
- a first sidewall of pliable thermoplastic material;
- a second sidewall of pliable thermoplastic material overlying and joined to the first sidewall to provide an interior volume accessible via an opening; and
- a one-way valve element including a rigid valve body providing a cavity, and a displaceable gel-like material retained within the cavity, the one-way valve element attached to the first sidewall generally over a hole disposed through the first sidewall.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 29, 2007
Publication Date: Sep 30, 2010
Inventors: Scott Binger (Bridgeview, IL), Andrew E. Neltner (Cincinnati, OH)
Application Number: 12/514,057
International Classification: B65B 31/00 (20060101); B65D 33/01 (20060101);