Patent Publication Number: US-11654648-B2

Title: Washable, waterproof, sealable and reusable soft gusseted volumized storage bags

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of, and claims a benefit of priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/598,511, filed Jan. 16, 2015, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,097,505, entitled “WASHABLE, WATERPROOF, SEALABLE AND REUSABLE SOFT GUSSETED VOLUMIZED STORAGE BAGS,” which claims a benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/928,579, filed Jan. 17, 2014, entitled “WASHABLE, WATERPROOF, SEALABLE AND REUSABLE SOFT GUSSETED VOLUMIZED STORAGE BAGS.” This application relates to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/027,558, filed Sep. 21, 2020, entitled “WASHABLE, WATERPROOF, SEALABLE AND REUSABLE STORAGE BAGS,” which is a continuation of, and claims a benefit of priority from, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/997,360, filed Jun. 4, 2018, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,780,666, entitled “WASHABLE, WATERPROOF, SEALABLE AND REUSABLE STORAGE BAGS,” which is a divisional of, and claims a benefit of priority from, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/598,475, filed Jan. 16, 2015, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,000,033, entitled “WASHABLE, WATERPROOF, SEALABLE AND REUSABLE STORAGE BAGS,” which claims a benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/928,575, filed Jan. 17, 2014, entitled “WASHABLE, WATERPROOF, SEALABLE AND REUSABLE STORAGE BAGS,” which relates to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/489,790, filed May 2, 2014, issued as U.S. Pat. No. D753,444, entitled “COMBINED STORAGE AND SNACK BAG WHICH IS REUSABLE, WASHABLE AND SEALABLE.” All applications listed in this paragraph are hereby fully incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to storage containers. More particularly, embodiments disclosed herein relate to lightweight, sealable, volume control, and reusable storage containers, useful in a variety of container categories, including food, travel, and organization. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE RELATED ART 
     Today&#39;s food storage containers generally fall into two classes: either bulky and reusable, or lightweight but designed for single-use disposable options. The former is either a glass item that offers toxin-free storage, but is heavy to carry, or a plastic container, that may have toxins and still may be too bulky for practical uses. The lightweight alternatives are often disposable style bags with a sealed closure, but are made of a material and/or design specific for single use purposes. While some customers do wash and reuse, these lightweight disposable style bags tend to deteriorate and/or fall apart rather quickly after first use. Furthermore, they are not designed to withstand multiple cleanings in the dishwasher or washing machine. 
     Examples of various storage containers can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 8,578,572, entitled “CLOSURE MECHANISM AND METHOD OF CLOSING”; U.S. Pat. No. 8,568,031, entitled “CLICKING CLOSURE DEVICE FOR A RECLOSABLE BAG”; U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,021, entitled “DISPOSABLE STORAGE CONTAINER”; U.S. Pat. No. 8,469,593, entitled “RECLOSABLE BAG HAVING A PRESS TO VENT ZIPPER”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,766, entitled “WATERPROOF CLOSURE SEAL FOR BAGS, CLOTHING AND OTHER USES”, U.S. Pat. No. 8,196,269, entitled “CLOSURE MECHANISM FOR A RECLOSABLE POUCH”, U.S. Pat. No. 8,474,623, entitled “ECOLOGICAL SNACK BAG”; U.S. Pat. No. 7,857,515, entitled “AIRTIGHT CLOSURE MECHANISM FOR A RECLOSABLE POUCH”; U.S. Pat. No. 8,197,139, entitled “VALVE AND VALVE STRIP FOR A RECLOSABLE CONTAINER”; and U.S. Pat. No. 8,308,021, entitled “DISPOSABLE STORAGE CONTAINER”. 
     These and other storage containers currently available on the market suffer some or all the aforementioned drawbacks and/or lack certain desirable properties such as lightweight, flexibility, washability, sealability, reusability, durability, portion/volume control, etc. Consequently, there is room for innovations and improvements in the field of storage containers. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to lightweight, flexible, washable, sealable, reusable, reclosable, and durable storage containers having gusseted and specific volume to allow for measuring and control of portions, snacks, miscellaneous items with the benefits of compression and storability when not in use. In some embodiments, such a storage container may be referred to herein as a volume control pouch or storage bag. 
     In some embodiments, such a volume control storage bag can include or otherwise incorporate freshness and watertight properties desirable in food and travel storage, addressing a particular need in the art for a food grade durable, reliable, washable, and sealable storage bag. 
     In some embodiments, the volume control storage bag can be made of a thermoplastic material such as food safe, FDA-grade polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA) blend of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and polyethylene (PE). The ratio of EVA/PE may vary from implementation to implementation, depending upon the desired properties such as stiffness, flexibility, tear resistance, heat resistance, heat retention, etc. In some embodiments, the ratio of EVA/PE in the material of a volume control storage bag may range from, for instance, approximately 9 parts of EVA to one part of PE to approximately 7 parts of EVA to 3 parts of PE. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that different ratios of EVA/PE may be used. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that other materials may be used and/or added. In some embodiments, the material of the volume control storage bag may have a minimum thickness configured for allowing hot and cold water washing as well as for multiple reuses. In some embodiments, the volume control storage bag can be machine washed multiple times in high-heat, providing a highly desirable reusability. 
     In some embodiments, the entire volume control storage bag can be made of the same material, including a unique closure mechanism that significantly improves the sealability over prior storage containers. In some embodiments, the volume control storage bag can be made of two or more materials, with the closure mechanism of the volume control storage bag having a first ratio of EVA/PE and a body of the volume control storage bag having a second ratio of EVA/PE such that the body of the volume control storage bag is more flexible than the closure mechanism. 
     Numerous other materials and combinations thereof may also be suitable for implementing embodiments of a volume control storage bag disclosed herein. 
     In some embodiments, the closure mechanism of a volume control storage bag disclosed herein can include a pair of closure elements located on two sides of the volume control storage bag. The first closure element may include a channel and an elongated member extending along a base of the first closure element. The second, complementary closure element may include an elongated member and a channel extending along a base of the second closure element. Each channel may have a cross-sectional profile resembling a pair of arms extending from a body. Each elongated member may have a cross-sectional profile resembling a stud or post. 
     The cross-sectional profile of the channel is configured to allow the channel to, when pressed, extend to each side of the elongated member to thereby lock with the elongated member. Both elongated members may have a textured or shaped surface to lock and seal in their corresponding channels and the channels can fully and securely receive their corresponding elongated members to lock and thereby create an airtight (and hence waterproof) seal which, in some embodiments, may be referred to as a “double-lock.” 
     In some embodiments, a method of making a volume control storage bag may include a) manipulating a first material using a first tool to create a first portion having at least a first closure element, the first closure element having a channel and an elongated member extending along a base of the first closure element; b) manipulating a second material using a second tool to create a second portion having a flat or substantially flat surface; c) joining the first portion and the second portion to create a first sidewall with the first closure element; d) creating a complementary first portion having a second closure element, the second closure element having an elongated member and a channel extending along a base of the second closure element; e) joining the complementary first portion and a complementary second portion to create a second sidewall with the second closure element; f) aligning the first sidewall and the second sidewall such that the first closure element and the second closure element together form a double-locking closure mechanism; g) aligning edges of the first sidewall with first edges of a gusset; h) sealing the edges of the first sidewall and the first edges of the gusset; i) aligning edges of the second sidewall with second edges of the gusset; and I) sealing the edges of the second sidewall and the second edges of the gusset, leaving an opening through the double-locking closure mechanism and defining an interior space having a specific volume. 
     In some embodiments, the method may further comprise forming a first corner seal at a first corner and a second corner seal at a second corner of the volume control storage bag. These corner seals can reinforce the double-locking closure mechanism and overall strength and durability of the volume control storage bag. 
     In some embodiments, reusability of the volume control storage bag is significantly improved over prior storage containers due at least in part to the double-seal construction along the edges of the volume control storage bag. Multiple welded seams with a double wall spacer allow for additional strength on the edges of the volume control storage bag. The gusseted design along with calculated design allows for specific measurements and volume for the storage of food, snacks and other products/materials. 
     With healthier living trends from portion control, to toxin/Bisphenol A (BPA) free and waste-free lunch, consumers need a lightweight, durable alternative that allows for daily reuses and washes. Embodiments of a volume control storage bag disclosed herein can address this need and more. For example, it allows customers to carry lots of small snack bags in their lunch box, purse or brief case, keeping them airtight and fresh, while not requiring a lot of space. Moreover, it allows customers to adhere to bans and trends for waste-free or boomerang lunch, as it can easily be washed and reused multiple times. Finally, its reusability is not only convenient, but also saves money, replacing dozens of single use bags and containers alike. 
     These, and other, aspects of the disclosure will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating various embodiments of the disclosure and numerous specific details thereof, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many substitutions, modifications, additions and/or rearrangements may be made within the scope of the disclosure without departing from the spirit thereof, and the disclosure includes all such substitutions, modifications, additions and/or rearrangements. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings accompanying and forming part of this specification are included to depict certain aspects of the disclosure. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. A more complete understanding of the disclosure and the advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numbers indicate like features and wherein: 
         FIG.  1    depicts an isometric view of an example embodiment of a storage bag with a double-locking closure mechanism, double-seal edges, and reinforced corners. 
         FIG.  2   a    depicts a diagrammatic representation of a partial, enlarged cross-sectional view of the double-locking closure mechanism of  FIG.  1    in a non-occluded state, taken generally along the line  2 - 2  of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  2   b    depicts a diagrammatic representation of a partial, enlarged cross-sectional view of the double-locking closure mechanism of  FIG.  2   a    in an occluded state. 
         FIG.  3    depicts a diagrammatic representation of a partial, enlarged cross-sectional view of a double-sealed edge of  FIG.  1   , taken generally along the line  3 - 3  of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for making a storage bag according to some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  5   a - 5   d    depict diagrammatic representations of various corner seal profiles and corresponding stamps or molds used in manufacturing same according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  6    depicts a diagrammatic representation of a portion of a tooling for forming a corner seal of a volume control storage bag according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  7    depicts a diagrammatic representation of a pair of L-shaped corner profiles according to some embodiments. 
         FIGS.  8   a - 8   d    depict diagrammatic representations of different corner configurations according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  9    depicts a diagrammatic representation of a partial, enlarged cross-sectional view of a corner portion of one example embodiment of a volume control storage bag, taken generally along the line  4 - 4  of  FIG.  8     d.    
         FIG.  10    depicts a diagrammatic representation of a tooling for making double seals along the edges of a volume control storage bag according to one embodiment. 
         FIG.  11    depicts a diagrammatic representation of a tooling for reinforcing a corner of a double-locking closure mechanism of a volume control storage bag with a particularly configured corner seal according to one embodiment. 
         FIG.  12    depicts a diagrammatic representation of a tooling for manufacturing a volume control storage bag according to one embodiment. 
         FIG.  13    depicts a diagrammatic representation of a tooling for manufacturing a double-locking closure mechanism of a volume control storage bag according to one embodiment. 
         FIG.  14    is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for making a volume control storage bag according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  15    depicts an isometric view of an example of a volume control storage bag with a double-locking closure mechanism according to some embodiments. 
         FIG.  16    depicts a diagrammatic representation of a partial, enlarged cross-sectional view of a bottom portion of the volume control storage bag of  FIG.  15   , taken generally along the line  16 - 16  of  FIG.  15   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The disclosure and various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiments, are given by way of illustration only and not by way of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions and/or rearrangements within the spirit and/or scope of the underlying inventive concept will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , storage bag  15  of material  8  according to one non-limiting example embodiment may include first and second sidewalls  17  and  18 , opening  19 , ends  13   b ,  13   c  joined around edges or sides  16   a - 16   c , and gusset  13   a  defined by seals  12   a  and  12   b . Closure mechanism  9  may have first closure element  14   a  and second closure element  14   b  on sides  6  and  7 . First closure element  14   a  of a first portion and second closure element  14   b  of a complementary first portion may extend from first corner  11   a  to second corner  11   b  and may join on either side proximate opening  19 . First sidewall  17  is formed by joining the first portion and a second portion having a flat or substantially flat surface via seam  10 , overlapping edge to edge along the base of the first closure element. Second sidewall  18  is formed by joining the complementary first portion and a complementary second portion having a flat or substantially flat surface via seam  10 , overlapping edge to edge along the base of the second closure element. In some embodiments, first closure element  14   a  may include channel  14   a - 1  and elongated member  14   a - 2 . In some embodiments, second closure element  14   b  may include elongated member  14   b - 1  and channel  14   b - 2 . 
     Closure mechanism  9 , first and second sidewalls  17 ,  18 , and double-seal  12  define storage means interior space  20 . As explained below, when closure mechanism  9  is fully sealed across opening  19 , storage bag  15  can provide an airtight seal such that content in interior space  20  may be maintained for a desired period of time, such as days, months, or years. In some embodiments, when fully sealed, storage bag  15  can withstand at least 10 pounds of pressure or higher, for instance, up to 35 pounds of pressure. In one embodiment, storage bag  15  can be approximately 8.5″×4.75″ in size. 
       FIG.  2   a    and  FIG.  2   b    respectively depict closure mechanism  9  in a non-occluded state and an occluded state. Referring to  FIG.  2   a   , channel  14   a - 1  of first closure element  14   a  may have a first locking profile with arms  1   a - 1   b  extending from body  1   c , while elongated member  14   b - 1  of second closure element  14   b  may have a second locking profile with stud  2  extending from body  4   c  of second closure element  14   a . Stud  2  may have a textured surface such as bumps, grooves, or crosswise grooves and may be configured and sized to be securely received by arms  1   a - 1   b . The textured surface, size, and/or shape of stud  2  and arms  1   a - 1   b  may be configured to provide a tactile sensation and/or audible sensations, such as a series of clicks, as a user draws the fingers along closure mechanism  9  to seal opening  19  of storage bag  15  along the length of closure mechanism  9 . 
     First closure element  14   a  may further include a third locking profile with stud  3  extending from body  1   c  and second closure element  14   b  may further include a fourth locking profile with arms  4   a - 4   b  extending from body  4   c . Stud  3  may have a textured surface such as grooves and may be configured and sized to be securely received by arms  4   a - 1   b.    
     As shown in  FIG.  2   b   , when coupled, first closure element  14   a  and second closure element  14   b  form a double lock for closure mechanism  9 , with elongated member  14   b - 1  of second closure element  14   b  securely received by channel  14   a - 1  of first closure element  14   a  and elongated member  14   a - 2  of first closure element securely received by channel  14   b - 2  of second closure element  14   b  in a complementary manner. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the configuration and geometry of first and second closure elements  14   a ,  14   b  and their respective locking profiles may vary from implementation to implementation. Therefore, the example embodiment of first closure element  14   a  and second closure element  14   b  shown in  FIG.  2   a    and  FIG.  2   b    is illustrative and non-limiting. 
     Furthermore, in this example embodiment, to form first sidewall  17 , a first portion having first closure element  14   a  and a second portion having a flat or substantially flat surface may be joined or otherwise affixed to each other using a thermoplastic weld, a strip of molten thermoplastic weld material, an adhesive, or any material and/or joining methods known to those skilled in the art to form seam  10 . To form second sidewall  18 , a complementary first portion having second closure element  14   b  and a complementary second portion having a flat or substantially flat surface may be joined or otherwise affixed to each other in the same or similar manner. In one embodiment, seam  10  may have a minimum measurement such as 3 mm or approximately 3 mm. 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   a    and  FIG.  2   b   , first sealing and locking section  21 ,  22  is disposed on elongated member  14   b - 1  of second closure element  14   b  and second sealing and locking section  23 ,  24  is disposed on elongated member  14   a - 2  on first closure element  14   a . Elongated member  14   b - 1  of second closure element  14   b  and elongated member  14   a - 2  of first closure element  14   a  are shown to have the widest pressure point Y 1  and the narrowest locking point Y 2 . First pressure contact points  5   a  and  5   b  of channel  14   a - 1  and second pressure contact points  6   a  and  6   b  of channel  14   b - 2  may define a distance of X which is to never be greater than Y 2  in order to have a proper securement of first and second closure elements  14   a ,  14   b  to create a waterproof seal. As a non-limiting example, X may be 0.7 mm and Y 2  may be 0.8 mm. 
     As shown in  FIG.  1   , in some embodiments, first and second sidewalls  17 ,  18  may be joined and double-sealed around three edges or sides  16   a - 16   c . This may be done using plastic welding. Plastic welding refers to a process of uniting polymeric materials, generally with the aid of heat or any suitable conductive element. Welding of thermoplastics can be accomplished by first preparing the surfaces of the materials, applying heat and/or pressure to the materials, and allowing the materials to cool. Other welding methods may also be used. 
     Referring to  FIG.  3   , in some embodiments, double welded seams or seals  12   a ,  12   b  may have a minimum width of Z. In some embodiment, reinforcement section or gusset  13   a  between double seals  12   a  and  12   b  may have a width of W where W is approximately no less than three times Z. As a non-limiting example, Z may be 0.3 mm and W may be 0.9 mm or more. In one embodiment, gusset  13   a  may have a width of 2 mm or approximately 2 mm. 
       FIG.  4    is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for making a storage bag according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, method  40  may include creating a first portion having a first closure element ( 41 ), creating a second portion ( 42 ), and joining the first portion and the second portion to create a first sidewall with the first closure element ( 43 ). The first closure element may have a channel and an elongated member similar to channel  14   a - 1  and elongated member  14   a - 2  described above with reference to  FIGS.  2   a    and  2   b.    
     These steps may be repeated to create a second sidewall with a second closure element. The second closure element may have a channel and an elongated member similar to elongated member  14   b - 1  and channel  14   b - 2  described above with reference to  FIGS.  2   a  and  2   b   . Since the second closure element may be complementary to the first closure element, the same tool and/or mold may be used to create both the first portion having the first closure element and a complementary first portion having the second closure element that is complementary to the first closure element ( 44 ). Likewise, the same tool and/or mold may be used to make the second portion and a complementary second portion. The complementary first portion may be joined with the complementary second portion in the same or similar manner to create the second sidewall with the second closure element ( 45 ). 
     The first sidewall and the second sidewall may be aligned ( 46 ) such that the first closure element and the second closure element together can form a double-locking closure mechanism similar to closure mechanism  9  described above. Once properly aligned, a double-seal such as double-seal  12  described above can be formed (e.g., using a sealing tool) along three sides of the first and second sidewalls, leaving an opening through the double-locking closure mechanism ( 47 ). 
     If desired, corner seals can be formed at the corners to reinforce the double-locking closure mechanism ( 49 ). Specifically, a first corner seal may be created at a first corner of the first sidewall and the second sidewall, the first corner seal reinforcing a first end of the double-locking closure mechanism and a second corner seal may be created at a second corner of the first sidewall and the second sidewall, the second corner seal reinforcing a second end of the double-locking closure mechanism. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , in some embodiments, corner seals  11   c ,  11   d  may have a particular profile created with a corresponding tooling for a specific application.  FIGS.  5   a - 5   d    depict diagrammatic representations of various corner seal profiles and corresponding molds used in manufacturing same according to some embodiments. More specifically,  FIG.  5   a    depicts an example of half-moon corner seal profile  51  and corresponding half-moon shaped mold or stamp  52 .  FIG.  5   b    depicts another example of half-elliptical corner seal profile  53  and corresponding mold or stamp  54 .  FIG.  5   c    depicts yet another example of triangular corner seal profile  55  and corresponding mold or stamp  56 .  FIG.  4   d    depicts an example of square corner seal profile  57  and corresponding mold or stamp  58 . Numerous other corner seal profiles are also possible. Preferably, corner seals  11   c ,  11   d  are formed to have half-moon corner seal profile  51 . An example portion of half-moon shaped mold or stamp  52  is shown in  FIG.  6   . 
     Referring to  FIG.  6   , a corner seal may be created using stamp or mold  60  having half-moon shaped cavity  65  arising out of flat surface  61 . In this example, the back side of half-moon shaped cavity  65  is cutoff to show a cross-sectional view of mold  60 . Mold  60  may be referred to as a top plate. In some embodiments, mold  60  may be part of a tool such as corner seal reinforcement mold portion  112  of tool  110  shown in  FIG.  11   . When positioned on top of a base plate having a flat surface such as table  62 , mold  60  can create space  63  having a corner seal profile such as half-moon corner seal profile  51  shown in  FIG.  5   a   . In an RF tooling process, the top plate is kept at one charge and the base plate is kept at a different charge. The RF tooling process passes the charge through the material. Referring to  FIG.  1   , to form half-moon corner seal  11   c , arc-shaped stamp  60  may be pressed down onto corner  11   a  where both sidewalls  17 ,  18  meet an end of double-locking closure mechanism  9 . The pressure pushes the heated material to fill space  63 , forming a bubble. In some embodiments, additional material may be injected or otherwise provided to fill space  63 , ensuring a good seal. This stamping process of the corners (e.g., corners  11   a ,  11   b  shown in  FIG.  1   ) creates a strong, permanent bonding between the ends of the first and second closure elements, the seam between edges of first portions having the double-locking closure mechanism and edges of second portions of the sidewalls, and the ends of the double-seal, some examples of which are illustrated in  FIGS.  8   a   - 8   d.    
     As a result of the stamping process, these corners may have a particular corner profile such as L-shaped corner profile  75   a ,  75   b  shown in  FIG.  7   . Depending upon implementation details, other corner profiles may also be possible, as exemplified in  FIGS.  8   a   - 8   d.    
       FIGS.  8   a - 8   d    illustrate various corner profiles that may be formed at a corner of a storage bag (e.g., corner  11   a  of storage bag  15  shown in  FIG.  1    or corner  181  of volume control storage bag  150  shown in  FIG.  15   ) according to some embodiments. 
     In  FIG.  8   a   , a partial view of one embodiment of storage bag  15  is shown. In this example, double-locking closure mechanism  9  has first lock  85   a  (e.g., when channel  14   a - 1  of first closure element  14   a  is interlocked with elongated member  14   b - 1  of second closure element  14   b , as shown in  FIG.  2   b   ) and second lock  85   b  (e.g., when elongated member  14   a - 2  of first closure element  14   a  is interlocked with channel  14   b - 2  of second closure element  14   b , as shown in  FIG.  2   b   ). Corner  80   a  is formed (e.g., via a stamping process described above) to securely seal and permanently bond the ends of first lock  85   a  and second lock  85   b  of double-locking closure mechanism  9 , seam  10 , and the ends of seals  12   a ,  13   b , further reinforcing gusset  13   a . In this example, corner  80   a  has a box-shaped (rectangle or square) corner profile. 
     In  FIG.  8   b   , a partial view of one embodiment of storage bag  15  is shown. In this example, corner  80   b  has an L-shaped corner profile, with ends  86   a ,  86   b  of first lock  85   a  and second lock  85   b  extending into corner  80   b  beyond seal  12   b . In some cases, the L-shaped corner profile of corner  80   b  may be caused by a slight shifting of storage bag  15  during manufacturing, for instance, as the corner stamping tool is used repeatedly and/or when storage bag  15  may not be positioned inside an edge tool correctly. Due to continuous use of the tools, heat may be generated, causing expansion of the tools which, in turn, affects the precision profile of corner  80   b . However, as illustrated in  FIG.  8   b   , the L-shaped corner profile of corner  80   b  is within the manufacturing tolerance, allowing corner  80   b  to securely seal and permanently bond ends  86   a ,  86   b  of first lock  85   a  and second lock  85   b  of double-locking closure mechanism  9 , seam  10 , and the ends of seals  12   a ,  13   b , further reinforcing gusset  13   a.    
     In some embodiments, the ends of first lock  85   a  and second lock  85   b  of double-locking closure mechanism  9  may be further reinforced via a corner seal. This is further illustrated in  FIGS.  8   c    and  8   d.    
     In  FIG.  8   c   , corner seal  87  may be formed simultaneously with corner  80   c  or in a separate process after corner  80   c  is stamped down. As described above and illustrated in  FIGS.  5   a - 5   d   , such a corner seal may have various shapes and sizes. In this example, corner seal  87  is formed with a triangular stamp or mold. One of the advantages of this corner seal reinforcement feature is that it can avoid micro-fissures at the link or seal point between sides  6  and  7  of storage bag  15 . Such micro-fissures can cause leaking. Such leaking can be presented by forming corner seal  87  around the ends of first lock  85   a  and second lock  85   b , as illustrated in  FIG.  8     c.    
       FIG.  8   d    illustrates another example of corner seal  89 . Corner seal  89  may have a half-moon profile with a depth “T” based on a width “S” defined by first lock  85   a  and second lock  85   b . For example, “T” may be defined as “≥60% of S.” In some embodiments, “S” may be 7 mm or approximately 7 mm. 
     A partial, enlarged cross-sectional view of corner seal  89 , taken generally along the line  4 - 4  of  FIG.  8   d   , is shown in  FIG.  9   . In this example, corner seal  89  may have a cross-sectional height of “H” defined by a tool such as arc-shaped stamp  60  shown in  FIG.  6   . In one embodiment, “H” may be defined by space  63  of arc-shaped stamp  60 .  FIG.  9    shows another embodiment of studs  2  and  3  having a shape and/or texture that is different from the example shown in  FIGS.  2   a    and  2   b.    
       FIG.  10    depicts a diagrammatic representation of a tooling for making double seals along the edges of a storage bag according to one embodiment. In this example, tool  100  can be made of metal and include double-edge seam mold portion  102  having first and second edge seal molds  105   a ,  105   b . Tool  100  may further include corner stamp area  104 . In one embodiment, tool  100  may be used to create seals  12   a ,  12   b , gusset  13   a , and corner  80   a  shown in  FIG.  8   a   . To create a corner seal, a separate machine or device such as tool  110  shown in  FIG.  11    may be used. 
       FIG.  11    depicts a diagrammatic representation of a tooling for reinforcing a corner of a double-locking closure mechanism of a storage bag with a particularly configured corner seal according to one embodiment. In this example, tool  110  includes corner seal reinforcement mold portion  112  having a half-moon, bowl, or dome-like profile. 
     In some embodiments, a single machine or device may be used to simultaneously create the seals (e.g., seals  12   a ,  12   b ), the gusset (e.g., gusset  13   a ), the corners (e.g., corners  11   a ,  11   b ), and the corner seals (e.g., corner seals  11   c ,  11   d ).  FIG.  12    depicts a diagrammatic representation of such a device according to one embodiment. In this example, tool  120  includes double-edge seam mold portion  102  having first and second edge seal molds  105   a ,  105   b  similar to those of tool  100  described above for forming the seals and the gusset as described above. Tool  120  further includes corner stamp area  124  having corner seal reinforcement feature mold portion  122  for forming corners with corner seals as described above. 
       FIG.  13    depicts a diagrammatic representation of a tooling for manufacturing a double-locking closure mechanism of a storage bag according to one embodiment. In this example, tool  130  may include metal plate  131 . Plate  131  has extrusion opening  132  with shaped forms or molds  134 ,  13   a , and  136   b . As an example, place  131  may be used to form first and second closure elements  14   a ,  14   b  described above. For example, an extrusion machine pushes or pumps a molten material from one side of extrusion opening  132  to form first and second closure elements  14   a ,  14   b  on the other side of extrusion opening  132 . The extrusion process is known to those skilled in the art and thus is not further described herein. Other processes such as injection molding may also be used to form closure elements  14   a ,  14   b.    
       FIG.  14    is a flow chart illustrating an example of a method for making a volume control storage bag according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, method  140  may include creating a portion having a first closure element ( 121 ), creating a second portion ( 123 ), and joining the first portion and the second portion to create a first sidewall with the first closure element ( 125 ). The first closure element may have a channel and an elongated member similar to channel  14   a - 1  and elongated member  14   a - 2  described above with reference to  FIGS.  2   a    and  2   b.    
     These steps may be repeated to create a second sidewall with a second closure element. The closure element may have a channel and an elongated member similar to elongated member  14   b - 1  and channel  14   b - 2  described above with reference to  FIGS.  2   a  and  2   b   . Since the second closure element may be complementary to the first closure element, the same tool and/or mold may be used to create both the first portion having the first closure element and a complementary first portion having the second closure element that is complementary to the first closure element ( 127 ). Likewise, the same tool and/or mold may be used to make the second portion and a complementary second portion. The complementary first portion may be joined with the complementary second portion in the same or similar manner to create the second sidewall with the second closure element ( 129 ). 
     The first sidewall and the second sidewall may be aligned ( 131 ) such that the first closure element and the second closure element together can form a double-locking closure mechanism similar to double-locking closure mechanism  9  described above. In some embodiments, edges of the first sidewall may be aligned with the first edges of a gusset ( 133 ). An example of a gusset which reinforces the bottom portion of a volume control storage bag is shown in  FIG.  15   . Once properly aligned, the edges of the first sidewall and the first edges of the gusset may be sealed (e.g., using a sealing tool) ( 135 ). In one embodiment, a seal such as double-seal  12  described above can be formed. Likewise, edges of the second sidewall may be aligned with the second edges of the gusset ( 137 ) and sealed ( 139 ), leaving an opening through the double-locking closure mechanism and defining an interior space having a particular volume (e.g., one cup, 2-cup, pint, half-gallon, gallon, etc.). 
     If desired, corner seals can be formed at the corners as described above to reinforce the double-locking closure mechanism ( 141 ). Specifically, a first corner seal may be created at a first corner of the first sidewall and the second sidewall, the first corner seal reinforcing a first end of the double-locking closure mechanism and a second corner seal may be created at a second corner of the first sidewall and the second sidewall, the second corner seal reinforcing a second end of the double-locking closure mechanism. 
     In some embodiments, the volume control storage bag may be made of a thermoplastic material. Examples of suitable thermoplastic materials may include polypropylene (PP), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyethylene (PE), metallocene-polyethylene (mPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), ultra-low density polyethylene (ULDPE), biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BPET), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET), polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA) among other polyolefin plastomers and combinations and blends thereof. Other additives such as colorants, slip agents, and antioxidants, including for example talc, oleamide or hydroxyl hydrocinnamate may also be added as desired. 
     Embodiments of a volume control storage bag disclosed herein preferably are made of a food grade material which is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved, Bisphenol A (BPA) free, flexible, freezer safe (e.g., cold resistant up to the operating temperature of a typical freezer such as 20 degrees Fahrenheit), heat resistant and dishwasher safe (e.g., heat resistant up to the operating temperature of a typical dishwasher such as 200 degrees Fahrenheit), lead-free, PVC-free, and/or hand wash safe. 
     In some embodiments, the first portion, the second portion, their complementary first and second portions, and the gusset may be made of the same or different thermoplastic material(s). As an example, first sidewall  170 , second sidewall  180 , and gusset  173  of volume control storage bag  150  shown in  FIG.  15    may be made of a first type of thermoplastic material while double-locking closure mechanism  190  may be made of a second type of thermoplastic material. In some embodiments, the first type of thermoplastic material may have a thickness of about 0.25 mm to 0.35 mm, preferably about 0.30 mm. The second type of thermoplastic material may have the same or different thickness. 
     In some embodiments, the first type of thermoplastic material may be EVA or a PEVA blend of EVA and PE. The PEVA blend may comprise 1% to 10% of PE and 99% to 90% of EVA. The ratio of EVA to PE in a PEVA blend determines its stiffness/flexibility. The stiffness of the material may affect how easily the double-locking closure mechanism may be closed/opened. Thus, the ratio of EVA to PE in a PEVA blend may vary from application to application, depending upon what degree of flexibility/stiffness is desired. The heat resistance property of a PEVA blend may be manipulated in a similar manner. For example, a PEVA blend with 99% EVA and 1% PE may have high tear resistance and heat resistance, while a PEVA blend with 70% EVA and 30% PE may be softer, but with less tear resistance and less heat resistance. In some embodiments, a PEVA blend of 90% EVA and 10% PE may provide a non-chlorine PVC alternative to food grade storage bags as PVC is not a food grade material. PEVA bonds to another material that is made out of either PE or EVA. Thus, some embodiments of a volume control storage bag disclosed herein can be formed from any combination of PEVA, EVA, and PE materials. 
     In some embodiments, an organic thermoplastic polymer such as polyether ether ketone (PEEK) may be used. PEEK melts around 343° C. (662° F.) and it is FDA approved food grade material. Since it is relatively stiff, a blend of PEEK including another material or materials may be used. For PEEK, the thinnest laminate thickness the industry currently has is 1 millimeter thick. The thinnest silicon laminate available is even thicker than the thinnest PEEK laminate. In some embodiments, a blend or composition including a 50% PEEK, a 48% EVA, and a 2% PE material may be used. In another blend, a ratio can be 40:20:40 with PEEK added for high heat resistance, EVA added for flexibility and durability, and PE added for flexibility. 
     In dishwasher safe embodiments, 100% silicon material or a different suitable blend or a different suitable material may be used. Injection molding processes may be used in manipulating a silicon material. 
     In some embodiments, a volume control storage bag disclosed herein can be formed from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polyethylene high-density (PEHD) which is a polyethylene thermoplastic. HDPE may be made into film (sheets) and bonded to silicon or other plastics or to acrylic etc. 
     In some embodiments, aesthetics (the look and feel) of a volume control storage bag disclosed herein may be varied by using and/or blending certain materials. For example, referring to  FIG.  15   , a thermoplastic material may be formed such that first sidewall  170 , second sidewall  180 , and gusset  173  of storage bag  150  are partially transparent or appear translucent. Alternatively, first and second sidewalls  170 ,  180  and gusset  173  may be made opaque by adding a coloring agent to the blend or by changing ratios of materials in the blend. Likewise, double-locking closure mechanism  190  may be made transparent, opaque, translucent, and/or colored. 
     As an example, a thermoplastic resin may be directed through an extrusion tool having a mold for forming the first closure element. The extruded part may be cut to size to create the first portion. The complementary first portion may be extruded in the same or similar manner. In some embodiments, the first portion (with the first closure element) and the complementary first portion (with the second closure element) may be extruded primarily of molten EVA with various amounts of slip component, colorant, and talc additives in a separate process. 
     In some embodiments, the first portion and the complementary first portion may be the same or substantially the same. In some embodiments, the first portion may have a height different than a height of the complementary first portion. For example, the first closure element on the first portion may be taller or shorter than the second closure element on the complementary first portion. 
     The same or a different thermoplastic material may be directed through a different extrusion tool (e.g., casting film machine) having a mold for forming a sheet or sheets (multi-ply) and then cut to size and/or shape to form the second portion. In some embodiments, gusset  173  may be formed in the same or similar manner. The second portion may have a first flat surface that eventually becomes part of the outside of the storage bag thus made and a second flat surface that eventually forms part of the interior space (e.g., interior space  200  shown in  FIG.  15   ). In some embodiments, the first and second surfaces of the second portion may be the same or substantially the same. In some embodiments, the first and second surfaces of the second portion may be different. For example, the first and second surfaces of the second portion may be textured, colored, or otherwise treated differently. In some embodiments, the complementary second portion may be the same or substantially the same as the second portion. Referring to  FIG.  15   , in some embodiments, one or both sidewalls  170 ,  180  may be embossed or otherwise textured with a pattern, such as a diamond pattern. In some embodiments, an exterior surface of first sidewall  170  and/or second sidewall  180  may be configured such that a marker may be applied and wiped clean (e.g., using a household cleaning chemical or hot water and soap). 
     In further embodiments, the exterior surface of the first sidewall  170  and/or the exterior surface of the second sidewall  180  may be configured to be printed on such as a screen print. 
     The first portion and the second portion can be aligned and joined to form first sidewall  170  with first closure element  164   a  as described above, creating seam  160   a  at first side  176 . Likewise, the complementary first portion and the complementary second portion can be aligned and joined to form second sidewall  180  with second closure element  164   b , creating seam  160   b  at second side  177 . In some embodiments, radio frequency (RF) welding may be used. RF welding applies electricity as a heat element to melt a positive and a negative charge. RF welding is considered the least expensive type of welding and the fastest one to manufacture the storage bag described above. Other tools such as a sealing tool may be used. 
     As described above, first sidewall  170  and second sidewall  180  may be aligned to ensure that first closure element  164   a  and second closure element  164   b  together can form double-locking closure mechanism  190  which can be the same or similar to double-locking closure mechanism  9  described above. In some embodiments, edges  162   a - 1 ,  162   a - 2 , and  162   a - 3  of first sidewall  170  may be aligned and sealed with first edges  166   a - 1 ,  166   a - 2 , and  166   a - 3  of gusset  173 . Likewise, edges  162   b - 1 ,  162   b - 2 , and  162   b - 3  of second sidewall  180  may be aligned and sealed with second edges  166   b - 1 ,  166   b - 2 , and  166   b - 3  of gusset  173 , leaving opening  192  through double-locking closure mechanism  190  and defining interior space  200  having a particular volume. 
     To reinforce, a corner seal may be created (e.g., using RF welding via a heat-molded stamp) at each corner of double-locking closure mechanism  190  as described above. Each corner seal can be sized to accommodate the height, width, and depth of the ends of double-locking closure mechanism  190 . As an example, a corner seal may be 3 millimeters in height, 4 to 4½ millimeters in depth, and 9 millimeters in width to accommodate the width of double-locking closure mechanism  190  such that the ends of double-locking closure mechanism  190  are securely sealed. The thickness of the corner seals may be the same as the thickness of double-locking closure mechanism  190  when it is closed. 
     When fully sealed across opening  192 , double-locking closure mechanism  190  can provide an airtight seal such that content in interior space  200  may be maintained for a desired period of time, such as days, months, or years. 
     As those skilled in the art can appreciate, multiple dimensions can be calculated and set using F 1 , F 2 , and F 3  distances to define desired specific volumes such as one cup, 2-cup, pint, half-gallon, gallon, etc. A close up view of the bottom portion of volume control storage bag  150  is shown in  FIG.  16   , taken generally along the line  16 - 16  of  FIG.  15   . In some embodiments, all welded or sealed seams along the edges of volume control storage bag  150  may have a minimum width defined by Z, as shown in  FIG.  16   . In one embodiment, Z may be 3 mm or approximately 3 mm. 
     In the example of  FIG.  16   , the edges are welded or sealed via a single edge seal. In some embodiments, a width Z of the single edge seal may be set based on a volume capacity desired for volume control storage bag  150 . In some embodiments, RF welding may be configured to obtain a wider sealing edge. For example, a volume control storage bag with a 6-cup capacity may be formed to have a 7 mm width of the single edge seal. Alternatively, a double-seal seam such as double-seal  12  described above may be formed to provide sufficient strength to the joint based on the volume. 
     In some embodiments, a volume control storage bag may be configured to have a built-in specific volume of a preset measurement such as one cup. To this end, a marker proximate seam  160  may be used to indicate the preset measurement. Alternatively, seam  160  may be used as a marker to indicate the preset measurement. Embodiments of a volume control storage bag disclosed herein may be dimensioned and/or shaped for various preset measurements such as two-cup, four-cup, and/or six-cup. Multiple markers or ticks may be used to indicate different volume sizes. For example, one embodiment of a volume control storage bag may be configured using F 1 , F 2 , and F 3  distances to allow for a volume from a half cup to all the way to six cups. In some cases, putting a liquid in a volume control storage bag may distort the shape of the volume control storage bag due to its flexible material. To this end, the dimensions of the volume control storage bag may be particularly set to accommodate content in liquid form as well as content in solid form. 
     The shape of the bottom portion (or base) of a volume control storage bag may be configured based on the desired volume and/or the size of the opening. For example, the base of a volume control storage bag may be configured to have a square shape such that a smaller footprint can be obtained as compared to a base having a rectangular shape, or vice versa. 
     Although the invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments thereof, these embodiments are merely illustrative, and not restrictive of the invention. The description herein of illustrated embodiments of the invention, including the description in the Summary, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed herein (and in particular, the inclusion of any particular embodiment, feature or function within the Summary is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to such embodiment, feature or function). Rather, the description is intended to describe illustrative embodiments, features and functions in order to provide a person of ordinary skill in the art context to understand the invention without limiting the invention to any particularly described embodiment, feature or function, including any such embodiment feature or function described in the Summary. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes only, various equivalent modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate. For example, color can be used on tabs at top of the double-locking closure mechanism to help create visual distinction from the rest of the storage bag, making it easier to identify the opening and unlock. Color can also be applied to the main storage element of the bag, in whole or part, to make it easier to see the contents and/or to distinguish from single use, disposable style bags. In addition, color can be used as an organizing element for packing food, identifying person, or keeping distinct for certain foods to address food allergies. 
     As indicated, these modifications may be made to the invention in light of the foregoing description of illustrated embodiments of the invention and are to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, while the invention has been described herein with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosures, and it will be appreciated that in some instances some features of embodiments of the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth. Therefore, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the essential scope and spirit of the invention. 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, or “a specific embodiment” or similar terminology means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment and may not necessarily be present in all embodiments. Thus, respective appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in a specific embodiment” or similar terminology in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics of any particular embodiment may be combined in any suitable manner with one or more other embodiments. It is to be understood that other variations and modifications of the embodiments described and illustrated herein are possible in light of the teachings herein and are to be considered as part of the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     In the description herein, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of components and/or methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that an embodiment may be able to be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other assemblies, methods, components, materials, parts, and/or the like. In other instances, well-known structures, methods, components, materials, or operations are not specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of embodiments of the invention. While the invention may be illustrated by using a particular embodiment, this is not and does not limit the invention to any particular embodiment and a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that additional embodiments are readily understandable and are a part of this invention. 
     As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, product, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, process, article, or apparatus. 
     Furthermore, the term “or” as used herein is generally intended to mean “and/or” unless otherwise indicated. As used herein, including the claims that follow, a term preceded by “a” or “an” (and “the” when antecedent basis is “a” or “an”) includes both singular and plural of such term, unless clearly indicated within the claim otherwise (i.e., that the reference “a” or “an” clearly indicates only the singular or only the plural). Also, as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The scope of the disclosure should be determined by the following claims and their legal equivalents.