US20100242407A1 - Valve Element - Google Patents
Valve Element Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100242407A1 US20100242407A1 US12/514,057 US51405707A US2010242407A1 US 20100242407 A1 US20100242407 A1 US 20100242407A1 US 51405707 A US51405707 A US 51405707A US 2010242407 A1 US2010242407 A1 US 2010242407A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- valve element
- sidewall
- storage bag
- aperture
- way valve
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/18—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
- B65D81/20—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
- B65D81/2007—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum
- B65D81/2038—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum with means for establishing or improving vacuum
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/9247—With closure
Definitions
- 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.
- interlocking closure strips may be provided about the rim of the opening.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- the valve element can include a sealing member between the base layer and the top layer.
- 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.
- 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.
- valve elements and storage bags are 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.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flexible storage bag having attached to its sidewall a one-way valve element that can interface with a handheld evacuation device.
- FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the one-way valve element of FIG. 1 illustrated in relationship to the flexible storage bag.
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve element taken along line A-A of FIG. 1 and illustrating the valve element in a normally recovered position covering an aperture in the sidewall.
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve element taken along line A-A of FIG. 1 and illustrating the valve element in an elastically displaced position during evacuation.
- FIG. 5 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a one-way valve element illustrated in relationship to the flexible storage bag.
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve element and storage bag of FIG. 5 as taken along lines B-B showing the valve element in a recovered position adjacent the sidewall.
- FIG. 7 is an cross-sectional view of the one-way valve element and storage bag of FIG. 5 as taken along lines B-B showing the valve element in an elastically displaced position with respect to the aperture.
- FIG. 8 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a one-way valve element of a multi-ply design showing the valve element in relation to the sidewall of a flexible storage bag.
- FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve element of FIG. 8 as taken along line C-C showing the valve element in a recovered position covering an aperture in the sidewall.
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve element of FIG. 8 as taken along line C-C showing the valve element in an elastically displaced position during evacuation.
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a one-way valve element similar to that of FIGS. 9 and 10 showing a multi-ply valve element having an intermediate sealing member in a recovered position covering an aperture in the sidewall.
- FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve element of FIG. 11 showing the sealing member in a displaced position during evacuation.
- FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a one-way valve element similar to that of FIGS. 9 and 10 showing a multi-ply valve element having a base layer including a boss and a top layer covering the boss.
- FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve element of FIG. 13 showing the top layer displaced with respect to the boss.
- FIG. 15 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a one-way valve element having a body member providing a cavity and a gel-like plug received in the cavity.
- FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of the one-way valve element of FIG. 15 illustrating the valve element in a closed arrangement.
- FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of the one-way valve element of FIG. 15 illustrating the valve element in an opened arrangement.
- FIG. 18 is another cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of the one-way valve element of FIG. 15 showing the valve element in a different opened arrangement.
- FIG. 1 a flexible storage bag 100 for storing items such as edible food stuffs.
- the storage bag 100 includes a first sidewall 102 and an opposing second sidewall 104 overlying and joined to the first sidewall to provide an interior volume 106 therebetween.
- the first and second sidewalls 102 , 104 are joined along a first side edge 110 , a parallel or non-parallel second side edge 112 , and a closed bottom edge 114 that extends between the first and second side edges.
- the first and/or second sidewalls 102 , 104 may be made from a flexible or pliable thermoplastic material formed or drawn into a smooth, thin walled sheet.
- thermoplastic materials include high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), nylon, polyester, polyamide, ethylene vinyl alcohol, and can be formed in single or multiple layers.
- the thermoplastic material can be transparent, translucent, opaque, or tinted.
- the material used for the sidewalls can be a gas impermeable material.
- the sidewalls 102 , 104 can be joined along the first and second side edges 110 , 112 and bottom edge 114 by any suitable process such as, for example, heat sealing.
- 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.
- the bag 100 can include a movable slider straddling the fastening strips 126 , 128 to facilitate occluding and deoccluding of the opening 124 .
- the storage bag can include other closure mechanisms.
- the storage bag includes a one-way valve element 130 that is attached to the first sidewall 102 .
- the one-way valve element 130 in the illustrated embodiment is a single strip or layer that can be rectangular in shape and can be made of elastomeric material.
- the elastomeric material can be any suitable elastomeric material including, for example, rubber, TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers), TPU (Thermoplastic Urethanes), LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) and Plasticized PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride).
- the elastomeric material can have an elastic property that allows the material to elastically expand from and resiliently recover at least substantially its initial shape.
- the elastomeric material can have an elastic modulus of between about 0.01 to 0.20 GPa (1500 to 30,000 lbf/sq. in).
- the valve element 130 can be attached over an aperture 132 disposed through the first sidewall 102 to the interior volume.
- the illustrated aperture 132 is circular but in other embodiments can have any suitable shape.
- adhesive 134 can be applied on the first sidewall 102 at locations corresponding to the first and second ends 136 , 138 of the rectangular strip of elastomeric material.
- the adhesive can be applied to the underside of the valve element 130 itself and protected thereat by a peel off backing.
- the first and second ends 136 , 138 of the valve element 130 are located on opposite sides of the aperture 132 with the middle portion of the valve element 130 adjacently covering the aperture.
- the elastomeric material can be slightly stretched or stressed so that the valve element is maintained adjacent to the aperture covering and sealing the aperture.
- 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.
- a hand held evacuation device 129 is illustrated in FIG. 1 with respect to the valve element 130 .
- the pressure differential across the valve element 130 causes the elastic material to elastically expand and displace upwards from the sidewall 102 and thereby exposing the aperture 132 to the surrounding environment. Air from the interior volume 106 can then pass through the aperture and pass around the side edges of the rectangular strip to exit the storage bag. After the desired amount of air has been removed, the pressure differential across the valve element 130 is eliminated by, for example, removing the suction device.
- the resilient characteristic of the elastomeric material then causes the valve element 130 to recover to its initial position adjacent to the sidewall 102 and covering and sealing the aperture 132 .
- the existence of an evacuated state or pressure in the interior volume can assist in holding the valve element 130 adjacent the first sidewall 102 and thereby improve sealing of the aperture 132 .
- the elastic characteristic of the elastomeric material may allow the valve element 130 to be partially drawn into the aperture 132 thereby causing the valve element 130 to function as a plug or stopper.
- the resilient characteristic of the elastomeric material can allow evacuation and sealing of the storage bag to occur numerous repeated times.
- valve element 230 for use with a flexible storage bag 200 in accordance with another aspect of the invention.
- the valve element 230 is again a single layer of elastomeric material that can be circular in shape.
- two parallel strips of adhesive 234 can be placed across the underside of the valve element.
- the adhesive strips 234 extend along either side of the aperture.
- the adhesive strips 234 thereby outline an expanding and collapsing channel 238 extending between the aperture and one or more exit points 240 on the periphery of the valve element and between the elastomeric material and the first sidewall 202 .
- the elastomeric material within the channel 238 adjacently covers and seals the aperture 232 .
- FIG. 7 when a pressure differential between the interior volume 206 and the top surface of the valve element 230 exists, the elastomeric material in the region of the channel 238 elastically displaces from the first sidewall thereby allowing communication between the aperture 232 and the exit points 240 at the periphery. Hence, the aperture 232 is exposed to the surrounding environment. Because of the resilient character of the material, the elastomeric material within the channel 238 can again recover at least substantially its normal position adjacent the sidewall 202 covering the aperture 232 .
- a sealant material 242 can be included in the channel 238 between the elastomeric material of the valve element 230 and the first sidewall 202 above and/or around the aperture 232 .
- the sealant can be an oil such as silicone oil, a semi-rigid material such as gel, a gel adhesive, and/or a jelly.
- gels include at least one block co-polymer that will bind to a liquid such as mineral oil thereby enabling the oil to become semi-rigid.
- An advantage of using semi-rigid materials as sealants is that the materials are less likely to leak or displace from the channel 238 .
- the sealant material can lay directly adjacent the aperture improving the seal.
- the sealant material 242 can displace with the valve element to expose the aperture 232 .
- valve element 330 for use with a flexible storage bag 300 in accordance with another aspect of the invention.
- the illustrated valve element 330 is a multi-plied or multi-layered valve element including a base layer 332 and a top layer 334 , both of which can be generally circular in shape and corresponding in size.
- the top layer 334 can be comprised of an elastomeric material.
- the base layer 332 can be made of any suitable material including, for example, a flexible thermoplastic sheet material, a rigid thermoplastic material, or an elastomeric material. Further, the base layer 332 can have a centrally disposed aperture 336 therein.
- the top layer 334 is secured adjacently to the base layer 332 so as to cover and seal the central aperture 336 .
- two parallel strips of adhesive 340 are placed therebetween which outline an expanding and contracting channel 348 extending between the aperture and one or more exit points 344 on the periphery of the valve element 330 and between the layers.
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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.
- the top layer 334 can at least substantially resiliently recover its initial position adjacent the base layer 332 thereby collapsing the channel 348 and covering the apertures.
- FIGS. 11 and 12 Illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 is another embodiment of a multi-ply one-way valve element 430 attached to the flexible plastic sidewall 402 of a storage bag 400 .
- the valve 430 may have any suitable shape, for example, a circular shape or a polygon shape, such as, a rectangle or a square.
- the multi-ply valve element 430 includes a base layer 432 and an elastomeric top layer 434 .
- the base layer 432 can be made from a rigid, semi-rigid, or thin and flexible thermoplastic material and can have an aperture 436 disposed through the center.
- the top layer 434 can be comprised from a thin sheet or web of elastomeric material and can be attached to the base layer 432 generally about the periphery of the valve element 430 by, for example, adhesive 440 .
- Located between the base and top layer can be a sealing member 438 .
- the sealing member may have a circular shape.
- the sealing member 438 can generally be aligned with the aperture 436 in the base member 432 by influence of the adhesive 440 around the outer periphery. When attached to the bag 400 , both the aperture 436 and thus the sealing member 438 can align with another aperture 408 disposed through the bag sidewall 402 .
- 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).
- 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
- gel adhesive such as, 555-8808 from National Starch
- the elastomeric material of the top layer 334 has a normal condition in which it typically lies adjacent to the base layer 432 and thereby holds the sealing member 438 against the base layer so as to cover the aperture 436 .
- the valve element 430 has a closed arrangement whereby air in the storage bag cannot pass across the valve element.
- a pressure differential is applied about the valve element 430 such that pressure inside the storage bag 400 becomes greater than outside, the un-adhered portions of the elastic top layer 432 displace with respect to the base layer 434 , thereby also allowing the sealing member 438 to displace and uncover the aperture 436 .
- the valve element has an opened arrangement in which air from the storage bag can pass through the sidewall aperture 408 and base layer aperture 436 to exit the bag. After evacuation, the resilient nature of the elastic top layer material causes the top layer 434 to recover to its normal condition adjacent the base such that the sealing member 438 again covers the aperture 436 .
- the base layer can be excluded and the elastomeric top layer can be attached directly to the bag sidewall generally overlying a sidewall hole.
- the sealing member may be located between the top layer and sidewall.
- the valve element 530 includes a base layer 532 and an elastomeric top layer 534 attached to the base layer.
- the valve element 530 including the base layer 532 and top layer 534 can have a circular shape.
- an adhesive 550 can be placed between the layers about the periphery.
- the base layer 532 itself can be made of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as, for example, a thermoplastic material.
- the base layer 532 can include a central aperture 536 disposed therethrough.
- a protruding boss 552 On an upper surface 548 of the base layer 532 generally about the central aperture 536 can be a protruding boss 552 that can be generally circular in shape and can have a diameter that is substantially smaller than the diameter of the base layer 532 .
- the boss 552 can protrude above the upper surface 548 in a range from 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm.
- the elastic top layer 534 can be attached so as to have a normal condition generally adjacent to the base layer 532 including the boss 552 and thereby covering the aperture 536 .
- the valve element 530 is closed and air from the plastic bag 500 or from the surrounding environment cannot pass across the valve element.
- the upward protrusion of the boss 552 and its flat top surface can induce a sufficiently tight sealing arrangement between the elastic top layer 534 and the base layer 532 .
- adhesive 550 can be placed between the base and top layer generally about the periphery.
- the top layer 534 can be made of any suitable elastomeric material including, for example, rubber, TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers), TPU (Thermoplastic Urethanes), LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) and Plasticized PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride).
- TPE Thermoplastic Elastomers
- TPU Thermoplastic Urethanes
- LDPE Low Density Polyethylene
- Plasticized PVC Poly Vinyl Chloride
- the valve element 630 can include a rigid valve body including a tubular sidewall 636 which is closed at a first end 644 by a base 632 .
- the tubular sidewall 636 and base portion 632 thereby delineate or provide a generally enclosed cavity 638 .
- the tubular sidewall 636 can be cylindrical and the base portion 632 can be circular having a larger diameter than the sidewall so as to provide a flange-like structure.
- the generally enclosed cavity 638 can also have a cylindrical shape.
- the valve body can be made of any suitable material including, for example, a substantially rigid, molded thermoplastic.
- a gel-like material 650 can be placed and retained in the cavity 638 generally adjacent the base portion 632 .
- 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.
- suitable gel-like materials may include hydrocarbon gel (such as, Versa Gel from Penreco), and gel adhesive (such as, 555-8808 from National Starch).
- 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.
- 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 FIG. 17 , the gel-like material 650 can displace by rupturing generally within the area over the aperture 640 so as to provide or form a channel 652 extending from the aperture to the cavity 638 . Hence, air can be drawn or forced from the bag 600 via the aperture 640 and channel 652 . Once the pressure differential is removed, the gel-like material 650 recovers its original shape and position within the cavity 638 covering the aperture 640 as shown in FIG. 16 . In another embodiment illustrated with respect to FIG.
- a gel-like material 651 can be placed in the cavity as a continuous layer of material.
- a portion of the layer can displace like a flapper valve uncovering the aperture 640 and hence air can move across the valve element.
- the gel-like material 651 can again drop adjacent the base portion 632 covering the aperture 640 .
Abstract
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.
Description
- 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.
- In 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.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flexible storage bag having attached to its sidewall a one-way valve element that can interface with a handheld evacuation device. -
FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the one-way valve element ofFIG. 1 illustrated in relationship to the flexible storage bag. -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve element taken along line A-A ofFIG. 1 and illustrating the valve element in a normally recovered position covering an aperture in the sidewall. -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve element taken along line A-A ofFIG. 1 and illustrating the valve element in an elastically displaced position during evacuation. -
FIG. 5 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a one-way valve element illustrated in relationship to the flexible storage bag. -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve element and storage bag ofFIG. 5 as taken along lines B-B showing the valve element in a recovered position adjacent the sidewall. -
FIG. 7 is an cross-sectional view of the one-way valve element and storage bag ofFIG. 5 as taken along lines B-B showing the valve element in an elastically displaced position with respect to the aperture. -
FIG. 8 is an exploded view of another embodiment of a one-way valve element of a multi-ply design showing the valve element in relation to the sidewall of a flexible storage bag. -
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve element ofFIG. 8 as taken along line C-C showing the valve element in a recovered position covering an aperture in the sidewall. -
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve element ofFIG. 8 as taken along line C-C showing the valve element in an elastically displaced position during evacuation. -
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a one-way valve element similar to that ofFIGS. 9 and 10 showing a multi-ply valve element having an intermediate sealing member in a recovered position covering an aperture in the sidewall. -
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve element ofFIG. 11 showing the sealing member in a displaced position during evacuation. -
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a one-way valve element similar to that ofFIGS. 9 and 10 showing a multi-ply valve element having a base layer including a boss and a top layer covering the boss. -
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve element ofFIG. 13 showing the top layer displaced with respect to the boss. -
FIG. 15 is a top plan view of another embodiment of a one-way valve element having a body member providing a cavity and a gel-like plug received in the cavity. -
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of the one-way valve element ofFIG. 15 illustrating the valve element in a closed arrangement. -
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of the one-way valve element ofFIG. 15 illustrating the valve element in an opened arrangement. -
FIG. 18 is another cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of the one-way valve element ofFIG. 15 showing the valve element in a different opened arrangement. - Now referring to the drawings, wherein like references refer to like numerals, there is illustrated in
FIG. 1 aflexible storage bag 100 for storing items such as edible food stuffs. Thestorage bag 100 includes afirst sidewall 102 and an opposingsecond sidewall 104 overlying and joined to the first sidewall to provide aninterior volume 106 therebetween. The first andsecond sidewalls first side edge 110, a parallel or non-parallelsecond side edge 112, and a closedbottom edge 114 that extends between the first and second side edges. The first and/orsecond sidewalls sidewalls second side edges bottom edge 114 by any suitable process such as, for example, heat sealing. - For accessing the
interior volume 106, thetop edges second sidewalls opening 124 that extends between the first andsecond side edges bottom edge 114. To seal the opening 124, first and secondinterlocking fastening strips second sidewalls second fastening strips second side edges top edges fastening strips bag 100 can include a movable slider straddling thefastening strips 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 thefirst sidewall 102. Referring toFIG. 2 , the one-way valve element 130 in the illustrated embodiment is a single strip or layer that can be rectangular in shape and can be made of elastomeric material. The elastomeric material can be any suitable elastomeric material including, for example, rubber, TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers), TPU (Thermoplastic Urethanes), LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) and Plasticized PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride). The elastomeric material can have an elastic property that allows the material to elastically expand from and resiliently recover at least substantially its initial shape. To enhance this elastic characteristic, the elastomeric material can have an elastic modulus of between about 0.01 to 0.20 GPa (1500 to 30,000 lbf/sq. in). - Still referring to
FIG. 2 , thevalve element 130 can be attached over anaperture 132 disposed through thefirst sidewall 102 to the interior volume. The illustratedaperture 132 is circular but in other embodiments can have any suitable shape. To attach thevalve element 130, adhesive 134 can be applied on thefirst sidewall 102 at locations corresponding to the first and second ends 136, 138 of the rectangular strip of elastomeric material. In other embodiments, the adhesive can be applied to the underside of thevalve element 130 itself and protected thereat by a peel off backing. When attached, as illustrated inFIG. 3 , the first and second ends 136, 138 of thevalve element 130 are located on opposite sides of theaperture 132 with the middle portion of thevalve element 130 adjacently covering the aperture. The elastomeric material can be slightly stretched or stressed so that the valve element is maintained adjacent to the aperture covering and sealing the aperture. - 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 heldevacuation device 129 is illustrated inFIG. 1 with respect to thevalve element 130. Referring toFIG. 4 , the pressure differential across thevalve element 130 causes the elastic material to elastically expand and displace upwards from thesidewall 102 and thereby exposing theaperture 132 to the surrounding environment. Air from theinterior volume 106 can then pass through the aperture and pass around the side edges of the rectangular strip to exit the storage bag. After the desired amount of air has been removed, the pressure differential across thevalve element 130 is eliminated by, for example, removing the suction device. The resilient characteristic of the elastomeric material then causes thevalve element 130 to recover to its initial position adjacent to thesidewall 102 and covering and sealing theaperture 132. - As can be appreciated from
FIG. 3 , in various embodiments the existence of an evacuated state or pressure in the interior volume can assist in holding thevalve element 130 adjacent thefirst sidewall 102 and thereby improve sealing of theaperture 132. In fact, the elastic characteristic of the elastomeric material may allow thevalve element 130 to be partially drawn into theaperture 132 thereby causing thevalve element 130 to function as a plug or stopper. Furthermore, the resilient characteristic of the elastomeric material can allow evacuation and sealing of the storage bag to occur numerous repeated times. - Referring to
FIG. 5 , there is illustrated another embodiment of a one-way valve element 230 for use with aflexible storage bag 200 in accordance with another aspect of the invention. Thevalve element 230 is again a single layer of elastomeric material that can be circular in shape. To attach thevalve element 230 to thefirst sidewall 202 of thestorage bag 200, two parallel strips of adhesive 234 can be placed across the underside of the valve element. When thevalve element 230 is appropriately attached so as to cover anaperture 232 disposed through thesidewall 202, theadhesive strips 234 extend along either side of the aperture. Thus, theadhesive strips 234 thereby outline an expanding and collapsingchannel 238 extending between the aperture and one or more exit points 240 on the periphery of the valve element and between the elastomeric material and thefirst sidewall 202. - More specifically, referring to
FIG. 6 , when thevalve element 230 is in a normal or relaxed state, the elastomeric material within thechannel 238 adjacently covers and seals theaperture 232. However, referring toFIG. 7 , when a pressure differential between theinterior volume 206 and the top surface of thevalve element 230 exists, the elastomeric material in the region of thechannel 238 elastically displaces from the first sidewall thereby allowing communication between theaperture 232 and the exit points 240 at the periphery. Hence, theaperture 232 is exposed to the surrounding environment. Because of the resilient character of the material, the elastomeric material within thechannel 238 can again recover at least substantially its normal position adjacent thesidewall 202 covering theaperture 232. - Referring to
FIGS. 5 , 6, and 7, there is illustrated an additional feature of thevalve element 230 that assists the valve element in sealing theaperture 232. In various embodiments, asealant material 242 can be included in thechannel 238 between the elastomeric material of thevalve element 230 and thefirst sidewall 202 above and/or around theaperture 232. The sealant can be an oil such as silicone oil, a semi-rigid material such as gel, a gel adhesive, and/or a jelly. Typically, gels include at least one block co-polymer that will bind to a liquid such as mineral oil thereby enabling the oil to become semi-rigid. An advantage of using semi-rigid materials as sealants is that the materials are less likely to leak or displace from thechannel 238. Referring toFIG. 6 , when thechannel 238 is collapsed and thevalve element 230 covers theaperture 232, the sealant material can lay directly adjacent the aperture improving the seal. When a pressure differential displaces thevalve element 230 and thereby expands the channel, thesealant material 242 can displace with the valve element to expose theaperture 232. - Referring to
FIG. 8 , there is illustrated another embodiment of a one-way valve element 330 for use with aflexible storage bag 300 in accordance with another aspect of the invention. In particular, the illustratedvalve element 330 is a multi-plied or multi-layered valve element including abase layer 332 and atop layer 334, both of which can be generally circular in shape and corresponding in size. Thetop layer 334 can be comprised of an elastomeric material. Thebase layer 332 can be made of any suitable material including, for example, a flexible thermoplastic sheet material, a rigid thermoplastic material, or an elastomeric material. Further, thebase layer 332 can have a centrally disposedaperture 336 therein. Thetop layer 334 is secured adjacently to thebase layer 332 so as to cover and seal thecentral aperture 336. To secure the layers together, two parallel strips of adhesive 340 are placed therebetween which outline an expanding andcontracting channel 348 extending between the aperture and one or more exit points 344 on the periphery of thevalve element 330 and between the layers. - The
valve element 330 is then attached to thefirst sidewall 302 so that thecentral aperture 336 generally aligns with anaperture 308 disposed therein. To attach the valve element, a circular strip of adhesive 342 can be applied on the underside of thebase layer 332 concentrically about thecentral aperture 336 andsidewall aperture 308. In various embodiments, to facilitate handling and distribution of thevalve 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 toFIG. 10 , during evacuation, a pressure differential is applied across thevalve element 330 between theinterior volume 306 and the top surface of thetop layer 334, the top layer elastically displaces thereby expanding thechannel 348 and establishing communication between theaperture 336 and the exit points 344. Referring toFIG. 9 , after the air from theinterior volume 306 has passed through thechannel 348 and out the exit points 344, thetop layer 334 can at least substantially resiliently recover its initial position adjacent thebase layer 332 thereby collapsing thechannel 348 and covering the apertures. - Illustrated in
FIGS. 11 and 12 is another embodiment of a multi-ply one-way valve element 430 attached to the flexibleplastic sidewall 402 of astorage bag 400. Thevalve 430 may have any suitable shape, for example, a circular shape or a polygon shape, such as, a rectangle or a square. Themulti-ply valve element 430 includes abase layer 432 and an elastomerictop layer 434. Thebase layer 432 can be made from a rigid, semi-rigid, or thin and flexible thermoplastic material and can have anaperture 436 disposed through the center. Thetop layer 434 can be comprised from a thin sheet or web of elastomeric material and can be attached to thebase layer 432 generally about the periphery of thevalve element 430 by, for example, adhesive 440. Located between the base and top layer can be a sealingmember 438. The sealing member may have a circular shape. The sealingmember 438 can generally be aligned with theaperture 436 in thebase member 432 by influence of the adhesive 440 around the outer periphery. When attached to thebag 400, both theaperture 436 and thus the sealingmember 438 can align with anotheraperture 408 disposed through thebag sidewall 402. - 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 andtop layers - In operation, referring to
FIG. 11 , the elastomeric material of thetop layer 334 has a normal condition in which it typically lies adjacent to thebase layer 432 and thereby holds the sealingmember 438 against the base layer so as to cover theaperture 436. Hence, as illustrated inFIG. 11 , thevalve element 430 has a closed arrangement whereby air in the storage bag cannot pass across the valve element. However, if a pressure differential is applied about thevalve element 430 such that pressure inside thestorage bag 400 becomes greater than outside, the un-adhered portions of the elastictop layer 432 displace with respect to thebase layer 434, thereby also allowing the sealingmember 438 to displace and uncover theaperture 436. Hence, as illustrated inFIG. 12 , the valve element has an opened arrangement in which air from the storage bag can pass through thesidewall aperture 408 andbase layer aperture 436 to exit the bag. After evacuation, the resilient nature of the elastic top layer material causes thetop layer 434 to recover to its normal condition adjacent the base such that the sealingmember 438 again covers theaperture 436. In another embodiment, the base layer can be excluded and the elastomeric top layer can be attached directly to the bag sidewall generally overlying a sidewall hole. The sealing member may be located between the top layer and sidewall. - Referring to
FIGS. 13 and 14 , there is illustrated another embodiment of a multi-layered, one-way valve element 530 for attachment to thethermoplastic sidewall 502 of astorage bag 500. Thevalve element 530 includes abase layer 532 and an elastomerictop layer 534 attached to the base layer. Thevalve element 530 including thebase layer 532 andtop layer 534 can have a circular shape. To attach thebase layer 532 to thetop layer 534, an adhesive 550 can be placed between the layers about the periphery. Thebase layer 532 itself can be made of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as, for example, a thermoplastic material. Moreover, thebase layer 532 can include acentral aperture 536 disposed therethrough. On anupper surface 548 of thebase layer 532 generally about thecentral aperture 536 can be a protrudingboss 552 that can be generally circular in shape and can have a diameter that is substantially smaller than the diameter of thebase layer 532. In various embodiments, theboss 552 can protrude above theupper surface 548 in a range from 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm. - Referring to
FIG. 13 , the elastictop layer 534 can be attached so as to have a normal condition generally adjacent to thebase layer 532 including theboss 552 and thereby covering theaperture 536. Hence, in the normal condition, thevalve element 530 is closed and air from theplastic bag 500 or from the surrounding environment cannot pass across the valve element. When so attached, the upward protrusion of theboss 552 and its flat top surface can induce a sufficiently tight sealing arrangement between the elastictop layer 534 and thebase layer 532. To attach thetop layer 534 to thebase layer 532, adhesive 550 can be placed between the base and top layer generally about the periphery. Further, when thevalve element 530 is attached to thebag 500, theaperture 536 in thebase layer 532 can align with an aperture disposed through thebag sidewall 502. Thetop layer 534 can be made of any suitable elastomeric material including, for example, rubber, TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers), TPU (Thermoplastic Urethanes), LDPE (Low Density Polyethylene) and Plasticized PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride). - When a pressure differential is applied about the
valve element 530 such that the pressure inside thebag 500 is higher than outside the bag, relatively pressurized air from the internal volume 506 will cause the un-adhered portion of the elastictop layer 534 to displace with respect to thebase layer 532 and theboss 552. Hence, the displacedtop layer 534 uncovers theaperture 536 so that thevalve 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, thetop layer 534 can recover its normal position adjacent to thebase layer 532 and theboss 552. - Referring to
FIGS. 15 and 16 , there is illustrated another embodiment of a one-way valve element 630 for use with an evacuable storage bag which utilizes a gel-like material. Thevalve element 630 can include a rigid valve body including atubular sidewall 636 which is closed at afirst end 644 by abase 632. Thetubular sidewall 636 andbase portion 632 thereby delineate or provide a generally enclosedcavity 638. As illustrated, thetubular sidewall 636 can be cylindrical and thebase portion 632 can be circular having a larger diameter than the sidewall so as to provide a flange-like structure. Likewise, the generally enclosedcavity 638 can also have a cylindrical shape. Disposed through thebottom surface 634 of thebase portion 632 to thecavity 638 can be anaperture 640. When thevalve element 630 is attached to thestorage bag 600, theaperture 640 can align with ahole 608 disposed through thesidewall 602. The valve body can be made of any suitable material including, for example, a substantially rigid, molded thermoplastic. - To normally seal the
aperture 640 andsidewall hole 608, a gel-like material 650 can be placed and retained in thecavity 638 generally adjacent thebase 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 thecavity 638, the second orupper end 646 of thetubular sidewall 636 can include one or more inward projectingfingers 642 that partially traverse thecavity 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 thecavity 638 when a pressure differential is applied across thevalve element 630. Specifically, referring toFIG. 17 , the gel-like material 650 can displace by rupturing generally within the area over theaperture 640 so as to provide or form achannel 652 extending from the aperture to thecavity 638. Hence, air can be drawn or forced from thebag 600 via theaperture 640 andchannel 652. Once the pressure differential is removed, the gel-like material 650 recovers its original shape and position within thecavity 638 covering theaperture 640 as shown inFIG. 16 . In another embodiment illustrated with respect toFIG. 18 , a gel-like material 651 can be placed in the cavity as a continuous layer of material. When the pressure differential is applied across the valve element, a portion of the layer can displace like a flapper valve uncovering theaperture 640 and hence air can move across the valve element. After the pressure differential has been removed, the gel-like material 651 can again drop adjacent thebase portion 632 covering theaperture 640. - 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 (29)
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.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/514,057 US20100242407A1 (en) | 2006-12-13 | 2007-11-29 | Valve Element |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US86984206P | 2006-12-13 | 2006-12-13 | |
PCT/US2007/085917 WO2008076605A2 (en) | 2006-12-13 | 2007-11-29 | Valve element |
US12/514,057 US20100242407A1 (en) | 2006-12-13 | 2007-11-29 | Valve Element |
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US20100242407A1 true US20100242407A1 (en) | 2010-09-30 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
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US12/514,057 Abandoned US20100242407A1 (en) | 2006-12-13 | 2007-11-29 | Valve Element |
Country Status (5)
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US (1) | US20100242407A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN101557989A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2007334214A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2670007A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2008076605A2 (en) |
Cited By (6)
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---|---|---|---|---|
US20100180548A1 (en) * | 2007-09-28 | 2010-07-22 | Binger Scott W | Evacuable storage bag |
US20100307952A1 (en) * | 2009-06-04 | 2010-12-09 | Avery Dennison Corporation | Heat and/or steam activated valve and method therefor |
CN102947191A (en) * | 2010-06-16 | 2013-02-27 | 诺具可有限公司 | Vacuum valve and method of manufacturing the same |
US20130142992A1 (en) * | 2011-12-02 | 2013-06-06 | Claudio ROVELLI | Fluid tight tape for cooking under vacuum |
US20130139472A1 (en) * | 2010-03-18 | 2013-06-06 | The Glad Products Company | Method of using a vacuum storage system |
US10935149B2 (en) * | 2018-03-15 | 2021-03-02 | University Of Washington | Temperature-actuated valve, fluidic device, and related methods of use |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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GB2564089A (en) * | 2017-05-31 | 2019-01-09 | British American Tobacco Investments Ltd | A tobacco industry product package and an apparatus and method for sealing a gas flow region of a wrapped bundle of tobacco industry products |
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- 2007-11-29 CN CNA200780045967XA patent/CN101557989A/en active Pending
- 2007-11-29 CA CA 2670007 patent/CA2670007A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2007-11-29 AU AU2007334214A patent/AU2007334214A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2007-11-29 WO PCT/US2007/085917 patent/WO2008076605A2/en active Application Filing
- 2007-11-29 US US12/514,057 patent/US20100242407A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US20100307952A1 (en) * | 2009-06-04 | 2010-12-09 | Avery Dennison Corporation | Heat and/or steam activated valve and method therefor |
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US20130142992A1 (en) * | 2011-12-02 | 2013-06-06 | Claudio ROVELLI | Fluid tight tape for cooking under vacuum |
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US10935149B2 (en) * | 2018-03-15 | 2021-03-02 | University Of Washington | Temperature-actuated valve, fluidic device, and related methods of use |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2008076605A3 (en) | 2008-10-02 |
WO2008076605A2 (en) | 2008-06-26 |
CA2670007A1 (en) | 2008-06-26 |
CN101557989A (en) | 2009-10-14 |
AU2007334214A1 (en) | 2008-06-26 |
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