Reclosable bag having a press-to-vent zipper

A recloseable pouch defining an interior including a first wall, a second wall opposing and partially sealed to the first wall to form an opening, and a closure mechanism for selectively sealing the opening. The closure mechanism includes a female closure element having first and second spaced legs extending from the first wall that are substantially symmetric about a longitudinal centerline and defining female sealing surfaces. The closure mechanism also includes a male closure element including a proximal base portion extending from the second wall, a neck portion forming male sealing surfaces to engage the female sealing surfaces, and a distal head portion. The male closure element has a plurality of intermittent deformed portions so that upon inserting the proximal base portion into the female closure element, the female closure element deflects and, in turn, fluid is allowed to flow past the closure mechanism via the adjacent intermittent portions.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to closure mechanisms for resilient pouches, and more particularly, to such closure mechanisms that easily allow for removal of interior air by applying pressure to the closure mechanism.

2. Background of the Related Art

Resilient thermoplastic bags have become ubiquitous to store various items. Commonly, plastic bags are used to store food items as varied as sandwiches, snacks, roasts, and all manner of leftovers. Often, storage of food items in thermoplastic bags can be for a considerable time with or without refrigeration. In such circumstances, not only is it desirable for the bags to seal effectively and easily, but many consumers prefer being able to reduce or minimize the amount of air trapped inside the bag. Consumers believe that a reduction in trapped air preserves freshness better. Further, bags which contain minimal air require less storage space and, thus, are more portable and easily stored.

Use of closure mechanisms for bags has been widely used and well understood in the art. Indeed, the very high skill level of those innovating in the art of closure mechanisms for plastic bags has resulted in a very advanced state of art for closure mechanisms. Despite these advancements, it is still common practice for consumers to partially closely a plastic bag zipper, flatten the bag to remove excess air, and deftly complete closure of the zipper with introducing unwanted air. With various food items, completing this maneuver is difficult and usually somewhat ineffective.

In view of these challenges, many closure mechanism have been developed for plastic bags to allow sealing and removal of air from the bag. Some examples are illustrated in the following: U.S. Pat. No. 7,004,632 issued on Feb. 28, 2006 to Hamilton et al. discloses an adhesive seal to close venting perforations in a bag; U.S. Pat. No. 7,437,805 issued on Oct. 21, 2008 to Berich discloses a pressure sensitive one-way valve in bag; U.S. Pat. No. 6,637,939 issued on Oct. 28, 2003 to Huffer discloses a complex valve for venting a bag; U.S. Pat. No. 7,163,706 issued on Jan. 16, 2007 to Shepard et al. discloses a hook and loop closure venting mechanism; U.S. Pat. No. 7,674,039 issued on Mar. 9, 2010 to McMahon et al. shows a vacuum storage bag; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,692,147 issued on Feb. 17, 2004 to Nelson discloses venting reclosable bags. U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2004/0234171 published on Nov. 25, 2004 to Dais et al. also shows a pouch with a venting seal.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,260,871 issued to Borchardt et al. on Aug. 28, 2007 with the title Ventable Interlocking Closure Strip (Borchardt et al.). Borchardt et al. disclose a closure device52with opposing hook shaped elements72,92to be interlocked (see FIG. 2 of Borchardt et al.). Hook element72has webs66,68supporting dual hooks72,74. Similarly, hook element92has webs86,88supporting dual hooks94,96. In the sealed position of FIG. 7 of Borchardt et al., the opposing hooks72,74,94,96are coupled. In a vented position ofFIG. 5, the hooks72,74,94,96are separated to create a venting flowpath indicated by arrows145. As can be seen, Borchardt et al. require a delicate touch in that if the closure device52is insufficiently pressed, the venting path remains blocked (see FIG. 6 of Borchardt et al.). Additionally, if the closure is pressed too hard, the hooks72,74seal against the base portion84to occlude the vent path.

Further, specialized appliances have been developed to seal and/or extract air from bags. Typical appliances create a seal around the mouth of the bag. By using a textured bag, minute flowpaths are created so that when vacuum is applied into the sealed area, air from the interior of the bag is removed. After extracting the interior air, a heating element creates a permanent seal. See for example: U.S. Pat. No. 787,130 issued on Aug. 8, 2006 to Wu et al. that discloses bags for use in such heat sealing appliances; U.S. Pat. No. 6,058,998 issued May 9, 2000 to Kristen that discloses a heat sealing appliance; U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2007/0155607 published on Jul. 5, 2007 to Bassett et al. that shows an appliance for evacuation and sealing of resilient bags; and U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2005/0034427 published on Feb. 17, 2005 to Higer et al. that shows a vacuum sealing system with a heating element inside the evacuation chamber.

Despite the advances in specialized bags and appliances for removal of interior air and sealing, the prior art mechanisms are not without drawbacks. Once the bags are sealed, one must destroy the bag to access the contents thereof. Further, storage of liquids and/or wet products like fish fillets can be difficult as the presence of the liquid in the sealing area may prevent the heating element completing an effective seal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above, there are problems associated with prior art mechanisms for removing interior air from flexible bags. The prior art systems often require difficult maneuvers to accomplish proper operation. Further, the prior art systems utilize complex and expensive components that are not efficiently manufactured as well as have unreliable performance. Still further, the prior art also provides complex and costly appliances that still may perform poorly. Moreover, it would be a step forward to have an effectively vented and vacuumed bag that could be reused repeatedly. Additionally, it is desired to have a venting closure mechanism that operates effectively in the presence of liquid. In view of the above problems and needs, a lack of widespread consumer acceptance of vacuum storage remains despite a strong consumer demand.

There is a need, therefore, for an improved pouch which permits easy closure and venting of excess interior air. Preferably, the pouch is also suitable to replace prior art systems that require an appliance to assist with heat sealing and creation of a vacuum in the interior. Still further, the closure mechanism of the pouch could work with an appliance that applies an external vacuum source yet still effectively seals in the presence of liquids. The closure mechanism is also able to be opened and resealed repeatedly.

In one embodiment, the present technology is directed to a recloseable pouch defining an interior including a first wall, a second wall opposing and partially sealed to the first wall to form an opening for access to the interior, and a closure mechanism for selectively sealing the opening. The closure mechanism includes a female closure element coupled to the first wall, wherein the female closure element has first and second spaced legs extending from the first wall that are substantially symmetric about a longitudinal centerline and define female sealing surfaces. The closure mechanism also includes a male closure element coupled to the second wall in alignment with the female closure element, wherein the male closure element includes a proximal base portion extending from the second wall, a neck portion forming male sealing surfaces to engage the female sealing surfaces, and a distal head portion. The male closure element has a plurality of intermittent deformed portions so that applying a compressive force upon the closure mechanism causes the female closure element to deform and, in turn, a passageway in the adjacent intermittent deformed portions is formed for fluid to flow past the closure mechanism. In an alternative embodiment, the male closure element has a plurality of intermittent deformed portions so that upon inserting the proximal base portion into the female closure element, the female closure element deflects and, in turn, fluid is allowed to flow past the closure mechanism via the adjacent intermittent portions.

Preferably, the female sealing surfaces are formed on curved distal ends. The distal head portion is a round triangle shape in cross-section and the intermittent portions are notched. The plurality of intermittent notched portions have the distal head substantially squished upward while retaining at least a portion of the male sealing surfaces. The proximal base portion and the distal head portion may be roughened surface portions so that upon inserting the proximal base portion into the female closure element, fluid is allowed to flow past the closure mechanism through the roughened surface portions.

In another embodiment, the subject technology is directed to a recloseable pouch defining an interior including a first wall, a second wall opposing and partially sealed to the first wall to form an opening for access to the interior, and a closure mechanism for selectively sealing the opening. The closure mechanism includes a female closure element coupled to the first wall, wherein the female closure element has first and second spaced legs extending a leg height from the first wall. The closure mechanism also includes a male closure element coupled to the second wall in alignment with the female closure element. Once engaged, the closure mechanism has a springiness or bias such that the normal position is the sealed position. In one embodiment, the female closure element has a base that stores energy for biasing the closure mechanism into the sealed position. The base may contain a notch that allows the base to flex. Preferably, the legs of the female closure element are longer than the male closure element so that the legs are splayed to transmit the energy to the base by virtue of deformation when pressed past the sealed position. In another embodiment, the male closure element has a finger extending a finger height from the second wall. The finger height is longer than the leg height such that upon engagement of the female and male closure elements to form a seal of the opening, the finger is deformable to create a springiness to the seal.

In one embodiment, the finger includes a proximal base portion extending from the second wall, the proximal base portion being oversized with respect to the legs such that, upon engagement, interaction between the proximal base portion and legs creates a force that drives the female and male closure elements into a sealing position. The male closure element may have a plurality of intermittent venting portions so that upon inserting the proximal base portion into the female closure element, the female closure element deforms and, in turn, fluid is allowed to flow past the closure mechanism via the adjacent venting portions. The intermittent venting portions can be notched and/or relatively rougher.

Still another embodiment of the subject technology is directed to a recloseable pouch defining an interior including a first wall, a second wall opposing and partially sealed to the first wall to form an opening for access to the interior, and a closure mechanism for selectively sealing the opening. The closure mechanism includes a female closure element coupled to the first wall, wherein the female closure element defines female sealing surfaces, and a male closure element coupled to the second wall in alignment with the female closure element. The male closure element defines male sealing surfaces to engage the female sealing surfaces with portions of the male closure element having first profile portions and second profile portions, the second profile portions being intermittent and relatively smaller in cross-section than the first profile portions. In a closed position, the female and male sealing surfaces are engaged to seal the opening. In a venting position, the female closure element deforms by insertion of the male closure element therein and, in turn, fluid is allowed to be released from the interior by flowing past the second profile portions.

It should be appreciated that the present technology can be implemented and utilized in numerous ways, including without limitation as a process, an apparatus, a system, a device, a method for applications now known and later developed. These and other unique features of the system disclosed herein will become more readily apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure overcomes many of the prior art problems associated with vented pouches and bags. The advantages, and other features of the technology disclosed herein, will become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings which set forth representative embodiments of the present invention and wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural elements. All relative descriptions herein such as left, right, up, and down are with reference to the Figures, and not meant in a limiting sense. Unless otherwise specified, the illustrated embodiments can be understood as providing exemplary features of varying detail of certain embodiments, and therefore, unless otherwise specified, features, components, modules, elements, and/or aspects of the illustrations can be otherwise resized, combined, interconnected, sequenced, separated, interchanged, positioned, and/or rearranged without materially departing from the disclosed systems or methods. The shapes and sizes of components are also exemplary and unless otherwise specified, can be altered without materially affecting or limiting the disclosed technology. Additionally, the representations shown herein may be somewhat idealized in that manufacturing processes typically have variation and approximate the features, which can be drawn with clarity beyond that which can be made.

Referring now toFIG. 1, a perspective view of a recloseable pouch100with a closure mechanism110partially open in accordance with the subject technology is shown. The pouch100is preferred by users because the closure mechanism110selectively allows for easy venting of interior air after the pouch100is completely sealed. The closure mechanism110also has a springiness during interlocking that is desirable for both venting and traditional pouches. Additionally, the closure mechanism110is well suited for use with an appliance to remove the interior air. Still further, the subject technology will provide an audible and/or tactile cue to proper engagement of the closure mechanism110, such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,140,727.

The pouch100defines an interior for storing any type of item, fluid or solid, that may fit therein. The pouch100has opposing walls104fabricated from a thermoplastic film. The walls104are partially sealed together to form an opening102for access to the interior. The opening102is selectively sealed and vented by the closure mechanism110.

Referring now toFIGS. 2 and 3, the closure mechanism110includes a female closure element or profile112, shown in perspective view inFIG. 2, and a male closure element or profile114, shown in perspective view inFIG. 3. The female and male profiles112,114interlock to form a seal as best seen in cross-section inFIGS. 4 and 5. In one embodiment, the profiles112,114are formed and subsequently welded to the respective wall104.

As best seen inFIGS. 2 and 4, the female closure element112has opposing spaced apart legs116a,116bthat extend from a base122attached to the wall104. The legs116a,116bare substantially symmetric about a transverse longitudinal centerline and terminate in hook portions118a,118bat the distal free end. The base122is contoured, which may help guide a user's fingers such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,410,298. The legs116a,116bare resiliently flexible to couple and decouple with the male profile114. When the legs116a,116bare splayed outward by the male profile114, the base122flexes and stores energy so that the closure mechanism110is biased into the sealed position. A notch123is formed in the base122to increase flexibility of the base122. The female profile112forms a substantially C-shaped channel120for receiving the male profile114. In one embodiment, the channel120generally has a diameter of about 0.032 of an inch {0.81280 mm} with an opening between the hook portions118a,118bof about 0.010 of an inch {0.25400 mm}.

As best seen inFIGS. 1 and 4, the male closure element114extends from the respective wall104in alignment with the female closure element112. The male profile114is further characterized by intermittent and preferably alternating first and second segments124,126. The first segment124, illustrated inFIG. 4, is referred to as normal in that the cross-section remains unchanged from the extrusion formation process. However, the second segment126, illustrated inFIG. 5, is referred to as deformed in the cross-section because the second segment126modified after the forming process by deformer wheels or the like as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art and shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/916,005 filed Oct. 29, 2010.

Preferably, a ratio of the length of the deformed segments126to the length of the normal segments124is approximately one. Typically, the length of the segments124,126is about 0.15 of an inch {3.81 mm} so that a plurality of deformed segments126are depressed by one's fingers during venting as described hereinbelow. In alternative embodiments, the normal segments124are significantly longer than the deformed segments126or vice versa. In another embodiment, the lengths of the segments124,126vary.

Referring again toFIG. 3, the male closure profile114also includes a proximal contoured base128that remains substantially unchanged along an entire length of the male closure profile114. In the normal segment124shown inFIG. 4, the male closure profile114has a shoulder portion130extending from the base128. The male closure profile114terminates with a neck portion132and a distal head portion134. The neck portion132and head portion134form the sealing surfaces that engage the hook portions118a,118bof the female closure profile112to form a seal. As can be seen, the male closure profile114in the normal segments124is somewhat arrow head shaped in cross-section. The lateral sides138a,138bof the distal head portion134also being deflectable and forming sealing surfaces.

In one embodiment, a width of the neck portion132is in the range from 0.008 to 0.018 of an inch {0.2032 to 0.4572 mm} at the sealing point. Preferably, the width of the neck portion132is approximately 0.013 of an inch {0.3302 mm}. In one embodiment, a width of the base130is in the range from 0.015 to 0.028 of an inch {0.381 to 0.7112 mm}. Preferably, the width of the base is approximately 0.023 of an inch {0.5842 mm}. It is envisioned that the base130is about 0.010 of an inch {0.25400 mm} wider than the neck portion132so that the deformed segments can be notched about 0.005 of an inch {0.127 mm} on each side of the male closure profile112. In another embodiment, the gap or opening between the hook portions118a,118bof the female closure profile112is approximately equal to a width of the neck portion132at the sealing point. In still another embodiment, the gap between the hook portions118a,118bof the female closure profile112is equal to or less than a width of the neck portion132by about 0.002 of an inch {0.0508 mm}. Preferably, the gap between the hook portions118a,118bis approximately 0.001 of an inch {0.0254 mm} less than the width of the neck portion.

Referring now toFIG. 5, the deformed segment126of the male closure profile114also sealingly engages the female closure profile112. In the deformed segment126, the shoulder portion130and the distal head portion134have been effectively reshaped so that although a length is approximately equal, the base shape is a stem136approximately as wide as the neck portion132. Accordingly, the female closure profile112seals against the stem136of the deformed segment126at the remaining neck portion132, which is relatively unchanged.

Referring now toFIG. 5A, a sectional elevation of another embodiment showing the deformed portion of the male closure element sealingly engaged to the female closure element is shown. Like reference numerals are used to describe similar structures. The deformed portion has had the distal head substantially squished upward while retaining at least a portion of the male sealing surfaces. The deformed segment126of the male closure profile114also sealingly engages the female closure profile112. Again, the female closure profile112seals against the stem136of the deformed segment126at the remaining neck portion132, which is relatively unchanged.

Closing the Pouch

Referring now toFIGS. 6-8, a sequence of the female and male closure profiles112,114being sealingly engaged is shown. As the closure profiles112,114are aligned on the pouch walls104, when a force F is applied to compress the profiles112,114together, the distal head portion134of the male profile114aligns with the C-shaped channel120as shown inFIG. 6. To help with the alignment, the distal head portion134is somewhat pointed. The force F needs to be great enough to deflect the legs116a,116bof the female profile112as shown inFIG. 7. As the legs116a,116bdeflect, the distal head portion134passes into the channel120. The hook portions118a,118band lateral members138a,138bof the male closure profile114may also deflect.

Referring now particularly toFIG. 8, upon the lateral members138a,138bpassing by the hook portions118a,118bso that the distal head portion134is within the C-shaped channel120, the hook portions118a,118bpress against the neck portion132to form a seal between the female and male closure profiles112,114. Hence, the neck portion132is sized so that the legs116a,116bare typically still slightly deflected. As shown inFIG. 5, in the deformed section126, the stem136is similarly inserted into the C-shaped channel120by the force F. The stem136is similarly sized such that the legs116a,116bmaintain the hook portions118a,118bagainst the stem136to form an effective seal therebetween.

Still referring toFIGS. 6-8, the closure mechanism100has a desirably springiness created by the configuration of the female and male closure elements112,114. One of the factors contributing to the springiness is a height H of the male closure element114being longer than a depth D of the female closure element112such that when the male closure element114is forced through the sealing position shown inFIG. 8, into a venting position such as shown inFIG. 10, the distal head portion134abuts the contoured base122at the bottom of the C-shaped channel120. In another embodiment, the distal head portion134and C-shaped channel120are sized and configured so that the lateral portions138a,138bof the distal head portion134deflect inward and the legs116a,116bdeflect outward to further provide resistance or springiness during insertion.

Under continued force F, the male closure profile114deflects to impart a desirable springiness. At the same time, the hook portions118a,118bare also being urged outward by the shoulder portion130, which is wider than the neck portion132. Preferably, the shoulder portion130tapers from the base128to the neck portion132. Hence, the hook portions118a,118balong with the legs116a,116bare also deflecting further outward as the male closure profile114is further inserted to further generate a springiness to the engagement. As a result, the user has an improved confidence that the female and male closure elements112,114are properly interlocked. As the legs116a,116bdeflect outward, enerty is stored in the base122. Upon release of the engagement force F, one or more of the stored engergy in the base122, the resilient nature of the legs116a,116b, and/or the taper of the shoulder portion130bias the hook portions118a,118bto slide down the shoulder portion130into the sealed position on the neck portion126as shown inFIG. 8without further action by the user.

Since the stem136is generally larger than the separation between the hook portions118a,118bof the female closure profile112, engagement of the deformed segments126still requires force albeit less than for the normal segments124. Hence, although the female profile112deflects less upon insertion of the deformed segments124, sealing still occurs upon insertion. Also, the stem136of the deformed segments126is approximately the same height as the normal segments124so that upon the stem136contacting the base122, bending of the stem136occurs to further enhance the springiness effect. In one embodiment, the stem136is relatively longer than the normal segments124as the deformed segments126are formed by intermittently squishing the normal segments124distally such that the shoulder portion130and distal head portion134are substantially reshaped.

Venting the Closed and Sealed Pouch

Referring now toFIG. 9, an enlarged perspective view of an upper portion of the pouch100is shown to illustrate the intermittent venting capability. Excess air can be removed from the pouch100without having to undo the closure mechanism110. Applying compressive force F to the closure mechanism110creates a venting passageway. By simultaneously compressing the walls104of the pouch100at the closure mechanism110, air can be expelled from the pouch interior via the venting passageway.

Referring now toFIG. 10, an enlarged sectional elevation taken at line10-10ofFIG. 9shows force being applied to place the normal segment124of the closure mechanism110in the venting position. As noted above, by fully inserting the male closure profile114into the C-shaped channel120, the hook portions118a,118bof the female closure profile112slide along the taper of the shoulder portion130creating a deflection outward. Contact is maintained between the hook portions118a,118band the shoulder portion130so that a sealed engagement is maintained in the normal segments124.

However, in the deformed segments126adjacent and within the compressed portion, a venting passageway140is created as shown by the air arrows inFIG. 11. The venting passageway140results from the deflection of the female closure profile112by the normal segments124such that the female closure profile112is deflected opposite the adjacent and/or compressed deformed segments126. Because the stem136of the deformed segments126has a relatively narrow width near the base128, the deflection of the legs116a,116bcreates the venting passageway140between the stem136and the hook portions118a,118b. As a result, fluid from the pouch interior is allowed to flow past the closure mechanism110via the venting passageways formed in the deformed segments126. It is envisioned that a user would use one hand to put the closure mechanism110in the venting position while simultaneously using the other hand to squeeze the interior air out of the pouch100.

Referring now toFIG. 12, an enlarged perspective view of an alternative male closure element214of another closure mechanism210(seeFIG. 16) in accordance with the subject technology is shown. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, the closure mechanism210utilizes similar principles to the closure mechanism110described above. Accordingly, like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “2” instead of the numeral “1”, are used to indicate like elements. Although the male closure element214contains normal segments224and deformed segments226, in the deformed segments226only the distal head portion234has been deformed. Also, the shoulder portion230has a roughened surface as opposed to a smooth surface.

Referring toFIG. 16, the primary difference of the closure mechanism210in comparison to the closure mechanism110is the provision of an alternative venting passageway in the normal and deformed segments224,226as shown by the air arrows. The shoulder portion230of the male closure profile224has a roughened surface242as shown inFIG. 13. Thus, as a compressive force is applied to the closure mechanism210, the hook portions218a,218bnot only slide onto the shoulder portion230but an effective seal is lost because of the rough surface242on the shoulder portion230. The lack of a seal between the hook portions218a,218band shoulder portion230creates a leak, i.e., a venting passageway240in the normal and deformed segments224,226. In one embodiment, the venting passageway240formed by the rough surface242is sufficient to evacuate the interior air. Hence, the male closure profile224may be without intermittent deformed portions. In another embodiment, the shoulder portion is roughened to create venting in addition to deformed portions similar to that as described above with respect toFIG. 3.

Referring now toFIG. 14, another alternative version of texturing of the shoulder portion330of the male closure element314is shown. In this embodiment, the shoulder portion330forms grooves to create the venting passageway. InFIG. 15, still another alternative version of texturing of the shoulder portion430of the male closure element414is shown. The shoulder portion430forms indentations to create the venting passageway. It is envisioned that any of a plurality of texturing methods and resulting structures may accomplish creating a suitable venting passageway.

A Process and Apparatus for Making the Zipper

The male closure element of the subject technology may be extruded and post-applied or extruded with the pouch as is known in the art. After formation, the male closure element is processed through a deforming apparatus to create the deformed segments. Such deforming apparatus are well known as well. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 5,140,727, issued to Dais et al. on Aug. 25, 1992 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,100, issued to Porchia et al. on Jul. 15, 1997.

Now referring toFIGS. 17-19, perspective, top, and cross-sectional views of a novel and improved deformer ring670for use in a deforming apparatus (not shown) in accordance with the subject technology are shown. The deformer ring670has an annular body672with a plurality of teeth674formed on an outer circumference thereof. The teeth674have an angled surface688that applies pressure to deform the male closure element. The angled surfaces688also form cutting edges694that notch the male closure element. Each angled surface688forms a relief notch690. In one embodiment, the relief notch690is about 0.001 to 0.002 of an inch {0.0254 to 0.0508 mm} in arc length and depth.

A throughbore676is formed in the annular body672to receive a dowel678, which facilitates mounting the deformer ring670to the deforming apparatus. The teeth674are separated by gaps680, which create a tooth arc length682and gap arc length684on the outermost portion of the deformer ring670. In use, the size of the tooth arc length682and the gap are length684that form the deformed and undeformed segments, respectively, in the male closure elements. In one embodiment, the tooth arc length682and the gap arc length684are approximately equal but either may be longer than the other. Preferably, the tooth arc length682and the gap arc length684are about 0.15 of an inch {3.81 mm}. In another embodiment, the tooth arc length82is about 0.175 of an inch {4.44500 mm} and the gap arc length84is about 0.148 of an inch {3.75920 mm}. Depending upon the resiliency of the female profile, an excessively long deformed segment may allow the legs of the female profile to close back in onto the stem of the male profile. Hence, the resiliency of the female profile and length of the deformed segments are preferably chosen to prevent unsupported areas from resealing.

The deformer rings herein and technology related to the same may also be implemented in any deforming apparatus now known and later developed. One apparatus or process for making a male closure element for a reclosable thermoplastic bag in accordance with the subject technology would include an extruder for providing a longitudinally extending profile of a substantially uniform shape as shown in the normal segments above. As shown inFIG. 20, the deforming apparatus includes opposing deformer rings670. The angled surfaces688of the deforming rings670are set parallel and apart a gap692approximately equal to a cross-sectional width of the neck portion of the stem plus or minus about 0.001 or 0.002 of an inch {0.0254 to 0.0508 mm}. Thus, as the male closure element114passes through the gap692at any linespeed, the distal head portion134and shoulder portion130are compressed and deformed. However, little or no compression or deformation of the neck portion132occurs to maintain the sealing surface area intact. Due to the cutting edges694impacting the male closure profile114, fairly crisp step transitions between segments124,126are formed. Depending upon various fabrication techniques, the transitions between segments124,126may vary to certain degrees.

Referring now toFIG. 21, an enlarged localized view of the deforming process is shown. Without being limited to any particular theory, in the region of the shoulder portion130, excess material may form to create undesirable rebound or ripple effects for relatively long tooth arc lengths682. To solve this problem, the relief notches690are provided are provided in the deforming wheel670. The relief notches690provide an area into which the material being compressed may collect as shown by arrows696. By allowing reshaped material to collect, compression proceeds by the teeth674up to that point and from that point forward with less or no rebound and ripple effects. The relief notches690may be of varying sizes and shapes.

Referring now toFIG. 22, an enlarged perspective view of a male closure profile714of a closure mechanism produced by a deforming apparatus having the deforming rings670ofFIG. 20is shown. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, the male closure profile714is similar to male closure profile114described above. Accordingly, like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “7” instead of the numeral “1” are used to indicate like elements and the following description is directed to the differences. The primary difference of the male closure profile714in comparison to the male closure profile714is the bump760centrally located in the deformed segments726adjacent the contoured base728.

During opening and closing of a pouch with the male closure profile714, the majority of the bump760is spaced from the sealing surfaces of the neck portion732. Further, as the typical bump760is only 0.001 of an inch (0.0254 mm), the female legs116a,116bare resilient and flexible enough to contour to the bump760to maintain an effective seal in the event that the bump760extends into the neck portion732.

Now referring toFIGS. 23 and 24, perspective and top views of another deformer ring770for use in a deforming apparatus in accordance with the subject technology are shown. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, the deformer ring770is structurally similar to the deformer ring670described above. Accordingly, like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “7” instead of the numeral “6”, are used to indicate like elements. The deformer rings670,770and technology related to the same may also be implemented in any deforming apparatus now known and later developed.

The primary difference of deformer ring770in comparison to the defamer ring670is a linear ridge792instead of the relief notch690. As a result of the linear ridge792, the deformer ring770creates a central indentation in the deformed segments of the profile (not shown). Such an indentation may create a passageway for fluid inside the pouch to escape while the zipper is closed. Although the pouch may not seal perfectly, the passageway would provide the ability to squeeze out undesired interior fluid without undoing the seal. The linear ridge792may take any of a plurality of configurations. For example, the ridge792may have a triangular, square, polygonal, rounded or asymmetric cross-section. Further, depending upon the configuration of the linear ridge792and profiles, the indentations may seal effectively but create a passageway that opens upon pressure within the pouch being greater than ambient, e.g., during squeezing after closure. For example, the flexibility of the female profile is such that contact is maintained with the sealing surfaces in the indentation but tenuously so that pressure disrupts the seal, effectively a one-way valve.

Pouches fabricated by using the deformer ring770and the like would be useful for packaging items in which it is desirable to remove the air. For additional examples, it could include microwave packaging that requires venting during heating, packaging for items such as bread dough in which removal of accumulating gases such as carbon dioxide is desired, dry good like dried fruit and grains that do not require the protection of a large amount of air in the pouch, and the like.

Referring now toFIG. 25, a sectional elevation showing the normal portion of another male closure element514sealingly engaged to a female closure element512is shown. As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, the male closure element514is structurally similar to the male closure elements114described above. Accordingly, like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “5” instead of the numeral “1”, are used to indicate like elements.

The primary difference of the male closure element514in comparison to the male closure element114is a pair of opposing notches533in the shoulder portion530near the base528. The notches533are formed during the extrusion process. Depending upon the deformation process, the notches may or may not be present in the deformed segments (not shown). As a result of the notches533, the hook portions518a,518bcan rest in the notches533during compression of the zipper. The notches533are sized and configured such that a user would discern the hook portions518a,518bentering the notches and, thereby, have affirmation that the zipper is in the venting position. Then during venting, the hook portions518a,518b, being somewhat captured in the notches533, would at least partially if not completely prevent the zipper's natural tendency to return to the closed position.

In Operation with a Vacuum Machine

Closure mechanisms for pouches in accordance with the subject technology also provide benefits when used with a vacuum machine. The vacuum machine may be similar to that as shown in U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2005/0034427 or any other type appliance but without a heating element, which is not necessary. Instead of a heating element, the vacuum machine simply needs to be adapted and configured with a compression element to set the closure mechanism in the vented position. Once in the vented position, evacuation of air and liquids from the interior can be accomplished by the typical vacuum components of the prior art. An exemplary process is described below.

One process for utilizing a pouch100with closure mechanism110begins with loading the pouch100with the items to be stored. The closure mechanism110is closed as described above to seal in the items. Additional care may be taken to remove excess interior air but it is not necessary. The vacuum appliance is opened and may have markings to indicate how the closure mechanism110should be placed therein. The closure mechanism110may also have markings or simply have colored closure elements112,114that not only provide a visual indication of proper closure but allow orientation to the vacuum appliance markings.

The vacuum appliance creates a sealed, evacuated pouch100by simultaneously compressing the closure mechanism110into the venting position while subjecting the opening102to vacuum. In one embodiment, a pair of opposing mating frames compress the closure mechanism110under a weight of a lid of the vacuum appliance. A hermetic seal surrounds the opening102in which a vacuum chamber is created. By having the closure mechanism110in the venting position and subjecting the opening102to vacuum, evacuation of the pouch occurs.

The vacuum appliance recognizes when the vacuum is accomplished and deactivates the vacuum mechanism. Upon lifting the appliance lid, the vacuum seal to the chamber and compression pressure on the closure mechanism110are released. The closure mechanism110naturally returns to the closed position because of the inherent springiness as described above. Hence, the pouch100has been effectively sealed with the interior evacuated while still being able to reopen and reuse the pouch100repeatedly. Further, as no heating element is required, the mechanical closure mechanism110is robust under wet conditions in which the prior art suffered from poor and ineffective sealing.

Incorporation by Reference

All patents, published patent applications and other references disclosed herein are hereby expressly incorporated in their entireties by reference.

While the invention has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various changes and/or modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, each claim may depend from any or all claims in a multiple dependent manner even though such has not been originally claimed.