Sealable Storage Bag and Related Methods

Abstract

An exemplary sealable storage bag for storing articles includes a bag wall defining a bag interior adapted to receive an article to be stored, and an opening arranged at a first end of the bag and communicating with the bag interior. A closure is arranged at the first end and is operable to substantially hermetically seal the opening. At least one air outlet valve is arranged in the bag wall and is operable to release air from the bag interior to an external environment. The air outlet valve has an open position for allowing air passage therethrough, and a closed position for blocking air passage therethrough. The bag wall is collapsible to facilitate compression of the bag into a compacted state for expelling air from the bag interior through the air outlet valve in the open position and when the opening is sealed by the closure. Related methods of storing articles are also disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/111,655, filed Feb. 3, 2015, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to storage containers, and more particularly, to storage bags.

BACKGROUND

Growing societal interest in healthy living and exercise generates a corresponding demand for accessories that facilitate active lifestyles. Individuals who participate in physical activities often have a need to store personal articles, such as soiled clothing or electronic devices, in a container that is both portable and inhibits exposure of the stored articles to other objects nearby and the surrounding environment.

Collapsible bags having carrying straps or handles (commonly referred to as “gym” or “sports” bags, for example) are the most commonly used type of container for storing personal articles in connection with physical activities. However, such conventional bags are deficient in various ways for isolating the stored articles from unwanted exposure to other objects and the environment in the immediate area. For example, when used to store soiled articles, many bags fail to effectively isolate the soiled articles and their unpleasant odors from contaminating other personal articles located inside of or near the bag, such as clean clothing, electronic devices, and toiletries.

Additionally, such bags are often formed of materials and with closures that fail to adequately prevent unpleasant odors and moisture from transferring through the bag. For example, many bags are formed of porous fabric and mesh materials that facilitate air transfer into and out of the bag so that soiled articles stored in the bag may “breath” or “air out.” Further, such fabric materials often undesirably absorb moisture and odors from soiled articles, and become a breeding ground for bacteria that can be spread to the external environment.

Moreover, such bags are often formed with conventional draw-string or zipper closures that are similarly deficient at blocking air passage therethrough, and thereby allow unpleasant odors to flow out of or into the bag. Thus, even if soiled articles are separated from other articles within a larger bag by storing the soiled articles within a smaller bag, the risk of contaminating the other articles via direct contact or exposure to unpleasant odors leaking from the smaller bag remains. Further, because the closures and materials of such smaller bags allow air transfer therethrough, the bags remain bulky and space-consuming.

Accordingly, there is a need for improvements to reusable collapsible bags to address present shortcomings such as those described above.

SUMMARY

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a sealable storage bag for storing articles includes a bag wall defining a bag interior adapted to receive an article to be stored, and an opening arranged at a first end of the bag and communicating with the bag interior. A closure is arranged at the first end and is operable to substantially hermetically seal the opening. At least one air outlet valve is arranged in the bag wall and is operable to release air from the bag interior to an external environment. The air outlet valve has an open position for allowing air passage therethrough, and a closed position for blocking air passage therethrough. The bag wall is collapsible to facilitate compression of the bag into a compacted state for expelling air from the bag interior through the air outlet valve in the open position and when the opening is sealed by the closure.

In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for storing an article in a sealable storage bag having an air outlet valve. The method includes inserting the article into a bag interior through an opening at a first end of the bag, closing the opening to form a substantially hermetic seal at the first end, and compressing the bag to expel air from the bag interior to an external environment through the air outlet valve in an open position. The air outlet valve has an open position for allowing air passage therethrough, and a closed position for blocking air passage therethrough. The bag is substantially maintained in a compacted state when the air outlet valve is in the closed position after the bag has been compressed.

Various additional features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following detailed description of one or more illustrative embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the one or more embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sealable storage bag according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the storage bag of FIG. 1 being loaded with an article.

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the storage bag of FIG. 1 loaded with an article, shown in phantom, and showing closure of a closure flap at a top end of the bag.

FIG. 3A is a side cross-sectional view of the storage bag of FIG. 1 during loading of an article, showing details of a bag closure in the form of first and second sealing strips.

FIG. 3B is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3A, showing the bag loaded and the first and second sealing strips each in a sealed state.

FIG. 3C is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3B, showing the top end of the bag folded over to expose the closure flap.

FIG. 3D is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3C, showing the closure flap folded over the top end of the bag to engage a first securing member with a second securing member.

FIG. 3E is a side cross-sectional view showing rolling of the loaded and sealed storage bag from its top end toward its bottom end to expel air from the bag interior out through air outlet valves.

FIG. 3F is a side cross-sectional view showing the loaded bag in a compacted state in which air has been removed from the bag interior.

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing a storage bag according to another exemplary embodiment in which the bag closure is in the form of a magnetic-lock sealing strip.

FIG. 5 is an exploded, enlarged perspective view of an air outlet valve according to another exemplary embodiment in which the valve is magnetic.

FIG. 6A is a side cross-sectional view of the magnetic air outlet valve of FIG. 5, showing the magnetic valve in a closed position.

FIG. 6B is a side cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 6A, showing the magnetic valve in an open position for expelling air from the bag interior.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the Figures, and beginning with FIGS. 1 and 2, a sealable storage bag 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown. As described below, the storage bag 10 may be used to store various types of personal articles, such as electronics or soiled clothing for example, and to isolate the stored articles from an external environment.

The exemplary storage bag 10 includes a top end 12, a bottom end 14 spaced from the top end 12, a first side edge 16, and a second side edge 18 spaced from first side edge 16. A bag wall of the storage bag 10 is formed by a front wall 20 and a back wall 22 coupled to one another, along their outer edges to form the first side edge 16, the second side edge 18, and the bottom end 14 of the bag 10. For example, the front and back walls 20, 22 may be permanently bonded to one another, such as through thermo-welding or any other bonding method suitable to create an airtight connection. The front and back walls 20, 22 are left uncoupled at their top edges, thereby defining a bag opening 24 that provides access to a bag interior 26 formed between the front and back walls 20, 22, as best shown in FIG. 2. In exemplary embodiments, the bag wall is flexible or otherwise collapsible to facilitate compression and compaction of the bag 10, described below.

A closure 28 is arranged at the top end 12 of the bag 10 and is operable to substantially hermetically seal the bag opening 24. As used herein, the term “substantially hermetically” means substantially airtight. In this regard, persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that even when the closure 28 is sealed with the intent of the seal being completely airtight, miniscule amounts of air may pass through the sealed closure 28 over time without unduly comprising the ability of the bag 10 to isolate an article stored within the bag 10 from an external environment, or otherwise unduly compromising an air-evacuated state of the bag 10.

In an exemplary embodiment, the closure 28 may include one or more sealing strips for forming the substantially hermetic seal at the bag opening 24. As shown best in FIGS. 2A and 3A-3D, the closure 28 of exemplary storage bag 10 includes sealing strips in the form of first and second zip-locking strips 30, 32, spaced apart from one another. Each of the zip-locking strips 30, 32 includes an upper zip-lock member 34 arranged on an inside surface of the front wall 20, and a lower zip-lock member 36 arranged on an inside surface of the back wall 22 so as to confront the upper zip-lock member 34. As shown, the upper zip-lock members 34 may have male configurations, and the lower zip-lock members 36 may have complementary female configurations adapted to releasably and sealingly engage the male configurations to form the substantially hermetic seal. A reverse male-female configuration of upper and lower zip-lock members 34, 36 is also possible.

Each of the first and second zip-locking strips 30, 32 is sealingly engagable to substantially hermetically seal the bag opening 24 independently from the other zip-locking strip 30, 32. Accordingly, the dual configuration of first and second sealing strips 30, 32 advantageously enhances the substantially hermetic nature of the seal achieved by the closure 28. It will be appreciated that the closure 28 may be constructed with various alternative quantities and configurations of sealing strips, such as that described below in connection with FIG. 4, for example.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the storage bag 10 may further include a closure flap 38 at the top end the bag 10, the closure flap 38 being coupled to an outer surface of the back wall 22 and extending outwardly beyond the front and back walls 20, 22 in a direction away from the bottom end 14. As described in greater below in connection with FIGS. 2B-3D, the closure flap 38 may be folded over the sealed closure 28 and secured with a securing mechanism, shown in the form of first and second securing strips 40, 42 that releasably engage one another. The first securing strip 40 is arranged on an outer surface of the front wall 20 near the top end 12, and spaced from the closure 28 toward the bottom end 14. As best shown in FIGS. 2B and 3B, the second securing strip 42 is arranged on the closure flap 38 at a position spaced from the closure 28, toward the top end 12. The first and second securing strips 40, 42 of the securing mechanism may be complementary hook-loop fastener strips, for example. Alternatively, the securing mechanism may comprise various other fastening structure suitable for securing the closure flap 38 as described above.

The storage bag 10 further includes one or more air outlet valves, shown in the form of first and second one-way degassing valves 44, for expelling air from the bag interior 26 into an external environment when the bag 10 is compressed after being sealed by the closure 28, as described in greater detail below. As shown best in FIG. 1, the degassing valves 44 may be formed in the front wall 20 at lower corners near the bottom end 14 of the bag 10.

Each degassing valve 44 may generally include a valve body 46 and a valve member 48, such as a rubber diaphragm, positioned against the valve body 46. In exemplary embodiments, the degassing valves 44 may be of valve type 101N, 101NF, 201N, or 201NF made available by Pacific Bag, Inc. in Woodinville, Wash., for example. Each degassing valve 44 is biased toward a closed position in which the valve member 48 sealingly engages the valve body 46. When an internal air pressure in the bag interior 26 overcomes a sealing pressure of the valve member 48, the degassing valve 44 is forced into an open position in which the valve member 48 momentarily disengages the valve body 46 to expel air outwardly from the bag interior 26. Once the internal air pressure falls back below the sealing pressure, the valve member 48 automatically reengages the valve body 46 to re-establish the closed position of the degassing valve 44. The degassing valves 44 permit only outflow of air from the bag interior 26, and block air inflow back into the bag interior 26.

In alternative embodiments, the air outlet valves may have various alternative constructions. For example, the air outlet valves may be manually actuatable between open and closed positions. Alternatively, the air outlet valves may be magnetic, as shown in the exemplary alternative embodiment of FIGS. 5-6B, described below. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the storage bag 10 may be constructed with any suitable quantity of air outlet valves, positioned at any suitable location in the front and/or back walls 20, 22.

The front wall 20, back wall 22, and closure flap 38 of the storage bag 10 may be formed from a thermoplastic material, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), for example. Advantageously, thermoplastic materials provide a water-impervious and air-impervious barrier, are flexible, and are easily cleaned. Additionally, the front wall 20 and back wall 22 may be thermo-welded together, and the closure flap 38 may be thermo-welded to the back wall 22. In alternative embodiments, the front wall 20, back wall 22, and closure flap 38 may be formed from a fabric material, such as rip-stop nylon or Gore-Tex®, for example. Further, outer surfaces of the front and back walls 20, 22 may be coated with a water impermeable substance, such as polyurethane or other suitable material.

In additional alternative embodiments, the front wall 20 and back wall 22 may each be formed with multiple layers (not shown), such as an outer layer and an inner layer. Further, the bag interior 26 may be formed with one or more internal walls (not shown) extending between the front and back walls 20, 22 for defining one or more internal compartments to separate multiple articles being stored within the bag interior 26. Additionally, the inner surfaces of the front and back walls 20, 22 defining the bag interior 26 may be coated with an anti-microbial agent, such as silver, to inhibit bacteria growth inside the storage bag 10.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the storage bag 10 may include a communication device (not shown) that communicates with external communication devices for identification and/or tracking purposes. The communication device may be in the form of a radio frequency identification (RFID) element, or a wireless transponder, for example. The wireless transponder may communicate via a wireless local area network (WLAN) (e.g., Wi-Fi® network) or radio waves (e.g., Bluetooth®), for example.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-3F, an exemplary method of storing an article A within the storage bag 10 will now be described. The article A may be one or more pieces of clothing, electronics, or any other object that a user wishes to isolate from a surrounding environment. For example, where the article is a piece of soiled clothing, a user may wish to isolate the soiled clothing and odors it generates to prevent contaminating other personal articles in a neighboring area, such as within a gym bag. In another exemplary application, the article may be an electronic device, such as a cellular phone, that the user wishes to protect from getting wet, damaged, or otherwise physically influenced by the conditions of an external environment.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 3A, the first and second zip-locking strips 30, 32 of the closure 28 are separated so as to open the bag opening 24. The article A is then directed through the bag opening 24, into the bag interior 26. When the article A is fully loaded into the bag interior 26, the opening 24 is sealed with the closure 28. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3B, the upper zip-lock members 34 are engaged with their respective lower zip-lock members 36 such that each of the first and second zip-locking strips 30, 32 substantially hermetically seals the bag opening 24.

As shown in FIGS. 2B and 3C, the sealed closure 28 is folded over toward the bottom end 14 of the bag 10. More specifically, top ends of the front and back walls 20, 22 are folded down toward the bottom end 14, about an imaginary line extending parallel to and between the first and second zip-locking strips 30, 32, so as to not extend over the first securing strip 40. This folding of the closure 28 exposes the closure flap 38 and the second securing strip 42. As shown in FIGS. 2B and 3D, the closure flap 38 is then folded over the folded closure 28, and the second securing strip 42 is releasably engaged with the first securing strip 40, thereby securing the closure 28 in the folded position.

The sealed bag 10 is then compressed to expel air within the bag interior 26 outwardly through the degassing valves 44, thereby providing the bag 10 in a compacted state. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3E, the folded top end 12 of the bag 10 is rolled about itself toward the degassing valves 44. As the bag 10 is rolled toward the bottom end 14, the internal air pressure in the bag interior 26 progressively increases to the point that it overcomes the sealing pressure of the degassing valves 44, thereby forcing the degassing valves 44 into the open position in which the interior air is expelled outwardly to the external environment. As the interior air is substantially evacuated, or the compression force applied by the user is released, the internal air pressure in the bag interior 26 falls below the valve sealing pressure. Consequently, the degassing valves 44 automatically close to prevent air from flowing back into the bag interior 26 through the degassing valves 44. Accordingly, and advantageously, the degassing valves 44 automatically maintain the bag 10 in the compacted state into which it has been compressed, with the assistance of the substantially hermetic seal provided by the closure 28.

The bag 10 may be rolled, or otherwise compressed, to the point that substantially no air remains within the bag interior 26, as shown in FIG. 3F, thereby creating a vacuum-like condition inside the bag 10. For example, in the exemplary embodiment shown, substantially all of the air within the bag interior 26 may be removed by rolling the bag 10 from its top end 12 fully toward the bottom end 14 at which the degassing valves 44 are positioned. Optionally, a cord 50 attached to the bottom end 14 of the bag 10 may be wrapped around the bag 10 when fully rolled, to maintain the bag 10 in its rolled state. As shown best in FIG. 1, the cord 50 may be attached to a flange 52 projecting from the bottom end 14 of the bag 10. This connection of the cord 50 to the flange 52 may be strengthened with an eyelet 54.

While the Figures illustrate rolling of the bag 10 from its top end 12 toward its bottom end 14, it will be appreciated that the bag 10 may be suitably rolled from either end 12, 14 or side edge 16, 18 depending on the placement of the degassing valves 44. For example, in an alternative embodiment in which the degassing valves 44 are positioned closer toward the middle of the bag 10, between the top end 12 and the bottom end 14, the bag 10 may be rolled from both ends 12, 14 toward its middle to evacuate the bag interior 26. Further, it will be appreciated that the bag 10 may be compressed in various other ways suitable to evacuate internal air from the bag interior 26. For example, the bag 10 may be folded, or the front and back walls 20, 22 may be pressed directly toward one another.

The substantially hermetic seals provided by the sealed closure 28 and the degassing valves 44 in the closed position advantageously maintain the sealed bag in its compacted state. Accordingly, the bag 10 may be easily stored in another receptacle, such as a gym bag, while effectively isolating the stored article A from interaction with objects and the environment external of the sealed bag 10. Further, the reduction of air, and thus oxygen, in the bag interior 26 by compressing the bag 10 advantageously inhibits unwanted growth of bacteria inside the bag 10, which may be particularly advantageous when the stored article A is soiled.

To remove the stored article A from the sealed bag 10, the securing strips 40, 42 are disengaged from one another to release the closure flap 38, and the closure 28 is then opened to provide access to the bag interior 26 and the article A.

Turning to FIGS. 4-6B, exemplary alternative embodiments of the invention are described in greater detail. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the closure 28 includes a single sealing strip in the form of a magnetic-locking strip 60. The magnetic-locking strip 60 includes an upper magnetic member 62 and a lower magnetic member 64, where at least one of the magnetic members 62, 64 is a permanent magnet. The upper magnetic member 62 may be retained within an upper sleeve 66 formed at the top end of the front wall 20, and the lower magnetic member 64 may be retained within a lower sleeve 68 formed at the top end of the back wall 22.

The upper and lower magnetic members 62, 64 are magnetically attracted to one another with a magnetic sealing pressure, thereby forming a substantially hermetic seal at the bag opening 24. In an exemplary embodiment, the magnetic sealing pressure may be greater than the sealing pressure of the degassing valves 44. Accordingly, upon application of a compression force to the sealed bag 10, the degassing valves 44 will open to expel air from the bag interior 26 without disrupting the seal of the opening 24 maintained by the magnetic-locking strip 60.

In an alternative embodiment, the bag 10 may be formed such that the magnetic-locking strip 60 functions as a one-way air outlet valve. For example, the bag 10 may be formed without degassing valves 44, or the upper and lower magnetic members 62, 64 may be formed such that their magnetic sealing pressure is less than or equal to the sealing pressure of the degassing valves 44. In such cases, when the sealed bag 10 is compressed to the point that the internal air pressure overcomes the magnetic sealing pressure of the magnetic-locking strip 60, the magnetic members 62, 64 momentarily separate to expel air through the bag opening 24. When the internal air pressure reduces after the internal air has been expelled, or the compression force is otherwise released, the upper and lower magnetic members 62, 64 snap back together to re-establish a substantially hermetic seal at the bag opening 24.

Referring to FIGS. 5-6B, yet another alternative embodiment is shown in which the one or more air outlet valves of the storage bag 10 is in the form of a magnetic valve 70. The magnetic valve 70 includes an upper magnetic member 72 and a lower magnetic member 74, where at least one of the magnetic members 72, 74 is a permanent magnet. The magnetic valve 70 is housed within a pocket 76 defined between the bag front wall 20 and an outer valve housing layer 78 coupled to the front wall 20, such as through thermo-welding. Each of the upper and lower magnetic members 72, 74 may be substantially disk shaped, and the lower magnetic member 74 includes an aperture 80. The valve housing layer 78 positions the upper and lower magnetic members 72, 74 so that the aperture 80 of the lower magnetic member 74 is aligned coaxially with an aperture 82 formed in the bag front wall 20.

The upper and lower magnetic members 72, 74 of the magnetic valve 70 may be formed so as to attract one another with any suitable magnetic sealing pressure. Similar to the magnetic members 62, 64 of the magnetic-locking strip 60 described above, the upper and lower magnetic members 72, 74 of the magnetic valve 70 bias the valve 70 toward the closed position, and momentarily separate to expel air from the bag interior 26 when the internal air pressure overcomes the magnetic sealing pressure of the magnetic valve 70. As shown in FIG. 6B, the upper and lower magnetic members 72, 74 may partially separate to allow air from the bag interior 26 to flow outwardly through the front wall aperture 82 and the lower magnetic member aperture 80 into the valve pocket 76, and to the external environment through an aperture 84 formed in the valve housing layer 78.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of specific embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. The various features discussed herein may be used alone or in any combination. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the scope of the general inventive concept.

Claims

1. A sealable storage bag for storing articles, comprising:

a bag wall defining a bag interior adapted to receive an article to be stored;

an opening arranged at a first end of the bag and communicating with the bag interior;

a closure arranged at the first end and operable to substantially hermetically seal the opening; and

at least one air outlet valve arranged in the bag wall and operable to release air from the bag interior to an external environment, the at least one air outlet valve having an open position for allowing air passage therethrough and a closed position for blocking air passage therethrough,

wherein the bag wall is collapsible to facilitate compression of the bag into a compacted state for expelling air from the bag interior through the air outlet valve in the open position and when the opening is sealed by the closure.

2. The sealable storage bag of claim 1, wherein the closure includes at least one sealing strip extending across the opening.

3. The sealable storage bag of claim 2, wherein the at least one sealing strip includes first and second sealing members that releasably engage one another to seal the opening.

4. The sealable storage bag of claim 3, wherein the first sealing member is provided on a first inner surface of the bag wall and the second sealing member is provided on an opposed second inner surface of the bag wall.

5. The sealable storage bag of claim 1, wherein the at least one sealing strip includes a zip-locking strip.

6. The sealable storage bag of claim 1, wherein the at least one sealing strip includes a magnetic-locking strip.

7. The sealable storage bag of claim 1, wherein the at least one sealing strip includes first and second sealing strips spaced apart from one another, each of the first and second sealing strips configured to independently substantially hermetically seal the opening.

8. The sealable storage bag of claim 1, wherein the at least one air outlet valve is arranged at a second end of the bag spaced from the first end.

9. The sealable storage bag of claim 1, wherein the at least one air outlet valve includes a one-way degassing valve that is biased toward the closed position.

10. The sealable storage bag of claim 1, wherein the at least one air outlet valve includes first and second ferromagnetic members that bias the at least one air outlet valve toward the closed position.

11. The sealable storage bag of claim 1, further comprising:

a flap coupled to an outer surface of the bag wall and being foldable about the closure; and

a securing mechanism having a first securing member provided on an outer surface of the bag wall and a second securing member provided on the flap, the first and second securing members being releasably engagable to secure the flap about the closure.

12. The sealable storage bag of claim 11, wherein the first securing member includes a first hook-loop fastener strip and the second securing member includes a complementary second hook-loop fastener strip.

13. The sealable storage bag of claim 1, wherein the bag wall is formed from a thermoplastic material.

14. A method of storing an article in a sealable storage bag having an air outlet valve, the method comprising:

inserting the article into a bag interior through an opening at a first end of the bag;

closing the opening to form a substantially hermetic seal at the first end; and

compressing the bag to expel air from the bag interior to an external environment through the air outlet valve in an open position, wherein the air outlet valve has an open position for allowing air passage therethrough and a closed position for blocking air passage therethrough, and the bag is substantially maintained in a compacted state when the air outlet valve is in the closed position after the bag has been compressed.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein compressing the bag includes at least one of rolling or folding the bag at its first end in a direction toward the air outlet valve.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the air outlet valve is arranged at a second end of the bag spaced from the first end, and compressing the bag includes at least one of rolling or folding the bag at its first end toward and substantially to the second end.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the bag includes a sealing strip extending across the opening, and closing the opening includes releasably engaging first and second sealing members of the sealing strip to form the substantially hermetic seal.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the air outlet valve is a one-way degassing valve biased toward the closed position, and compressing the bag includes applying a compression force to the bag sufficient to generate an air pressure in the bag interior that forces the air outlet valve into the open position to expel air therethrough, the method further comprising:

releasing the compression force from the bag to allow the air outlet valve to return to the closed position without manually manipulating the air outlet valve, so that the bag is substantially maintained in a compacted state.