JP2007529365A - Reclosable bag - Google Patents

Abstract

A slider for opening and closing the bag opening 16 of the bag 10 is provided. The bag opening 16 has an interlock mechanism 18. The slider 20 includes a movable body 20 in the bag opening 16 between the interlock mechanisms 18, and engages and disengages with the interlock mechanism 18 when the movable body 20 moves. A passage 26 in the movable body 20 allows access between the interior of the bag and the area outside the bag. The valve 80 selectively opens and closes the passage 26.

Description

  The present invention relates to general field containers, and more particularly to a multi-purpose and special storage bag.

  Bags (bags) are used worldwide and are recognized as versatile, low-cost containers with excellent convenience. A bag having a reclosable opening is useful as it provides more safety to the contents of the bag and is also useful for storage purposes. Such bags have the advantage of protecting perishable or fragile contents, or protecting the environment from contamination with potentially toxic contents.

  A common form of closable bag has two rectangular plastic film panels. The panel is usually joined along three sides, leaving an opening on one side of the top. The reclosable opening or zipper is constituted by, for example, a tongue-shaped protrusion and a groove by forming an interlock strip on the opening side. When the bag is pressed, the tongue-like projection snaps into the groove and closes, and the bag is opened conveniently by separating the panel by the action of the lever.

  A slider is sometimes added to facilitate opening and closing of the bag. The slider is usually an individual plastic product that is cast (moulded) and fits over and around the edge of the panel forming the bag opening and can slide along the strip. The slider is usually made so that a clamping pressure is applied to the inside thereof, and the opposing panels are connected (interlocked). The slider also includes a separator or finger that runs longitudinally through the bag opening. In this embodiment, the bag is closed by pushing the slider in the closing direction, and the bag is opened by moving the slider along the reverse opening direction.

  In many applications, such as food, liquid, and biowaste storage, it is desirable to form a hermetically sealed leak-tight sealed bag. However, for bags with sides, the slider separator or finger typically runs vertically through the opening, which prevents the formation of an airtight seal. In one attempted solution, U.S. Pat. No. 6,526,632 by inventor Blythe shows a slider that pulls the separating member out of the bag opening by rotating the slider upward at the closed end. . However, this device is more complex than the conventional slider, which increases costs and is believed to rely on the use of a specially compliant first fastener 12.

  Another mechanism, specifically for septic contents, can remove residual air from the inside of a closed bag. A common method by users (users) of household storage bags, for example, is to close the bag almost to the end with the small part open, and then squeeze the bag to release residual air from the small opening. To do. The user then quickly closes the small opening before air enters the bag again. However, this simplified method is generally not convenient and results are inconsistent. In addition, handling is particularly troublesome for people with poor motor nerves.

  Attempts have been made to make closable bags with built-in equipment to remove air. For example, US Pat. No. 6,045,264 by inventor Minica shows a bag having an opening at the top, the opening being divided into a main opening and a small exhaust opening. . The latter exhaust opening includes a suction conduit used in removing residual internal air. U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,582 by Inventor Strong shows a bag having an arcuate pump chamber with a suction port and a one-way valve. When the bag is closed, the pump chamber is compressed and air is forced through the one-way valve. U.S. Pat. No. 4,532,652 by Inventor Strong shows an extension that attaches to a hole in one of the side film panels. When the bag is squeezed, the extension moves away from the side panel and air escapes through the hole. Thereafter, when the extension returns to the position covering the hole, further outflow of internal air is prevented.

All of these inventions require costly modifications to standard storage bags and are costly. Furthermore, the bag does not use a slider. It is considered that it is difficult to form an airtight seal using the slider.
US Pat. No. 6,526,632 US Pat. No. 6,045,264 US Pat. No. 5,839,582 U.S. Pat. No. 4,532,652

  A reclosable bag that overcomes the problems associated with such conventional bags is desirable.

  The bag should preferably allow the user to close the bag easily and conveniently. In particular, a bag made using a slider so that it can be hermetically sealed and easily opened and closed is preferable. A strong seal keeps the freshness of the perishable content good and protects the environment from toxic content well. In addition, after closing the bag, the user can remove air, gas and fluid from the inside of the bag, or so that the inside can be filled with gas and fluid without disturbing the hermetic seal, It is preferable to make a bag.

  In order to maintain low costs, the bag is preferably capable of being manufactured by conventional production techniques using standard materials and standard components. The bag is preferably suitable for production as a general-purpose storage bag or as a commercial container for beverages and other items. Another preferred feature is that the closure opening characteristics of the bag can vary. Thus, it is not the usual form that one side of the slider opens the bag and the other side closes the bag, for example, when the slider is moved, the bag opening remains closed on both sides of the slider. So that the bag opening can be made. This feature enables more flexible production of closable bags that meet the needs of different applications. Further, it is desirable that the bag has a feature that effectively holds the liquid and prevents inadvertent outflow.

(A) a bag portion that forms a bag interior and a bag opening;
(B) comprising means for opening and closing the bag opening,
The opening / closing means is
(I) comprising an interlock mechanism facing along the bag opening, wherein the interlock mechanism is sized and shaped to form a seal when engaged;
(Ii) a slider that is in the bag opening between the interlock mechanisms and that engages and disengages the interlock mechanism when the slider moves, the slider having the bag opening; It is made to seal the bag opening when located at one end of the
(C) a passage in the slider for providing access between the interior of the bag and an area outside the bag;
(D) means for selectively opening and closing the passage,
When the slider is moved to one end of the bag opening to seal the bag opening, the inside of the bag and the area outside the bag can be selectively accessed via the passage. Provide a reclosable bag.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings will be mentioned by way of example only.

  The closable bag of the present invention is shown generally in FIG. There is a bag portion 12 that forms the interior 14 of the bag. Generally, the bag portion is sealed or closed along its edges except for the bag opening 16. The bag opening 16 forms an unsealed portion that can be selectively opened and closed. In FIG. 1, the bag opening 16 is on the unsealed top side of the bag between the ends 22 and 24.

  The closable bag includes means for selectively opening and closing the bag opening. The opening / closing means generally includes two elements, that is, an interlock mechanism 18 and a slider 20 that face each other along the opening 16 of the bag. The slider 20 is disposed in the bag opening 16 between the interlocking mechanisms 18 facing each other. The slider 20 is generally movable along at least a part of the length of the interlock mechanism 18. Furthermore, the slider 20 is configured to engage or disengage the portion of the opposing interlock mechanism 18 through which the slider 20 passes when the slider 20 moves.

  FIG. 1 shows the slider 20 in the middle position between both end portions 22 and 24 of the bag opening 16. In this position, the opposed interlock mechanism 18 is engaged to form the closing portion 15 of the bag opening 16 between the end 22 and the slider 20, and the opposed interlock mechanism 18 is not engaged. Thus, the opening portion 17 of the bag opening portion 16 between the slider 20 and the end portion 24 is formed. In FIG. 2, the openable / closable bag 10 shows a state in which the slider 20 has moved to the end 24. In this arrangement, it can be seen that the opposing interlock mechanism 18 is engaged over the entire length of the ends 22 to 24 of the bag opening 16.

  When the slider 10 is in the position shown in FIG. 2, that is, when the opposing interlock mechanism 18 is fully engaged and the bag opening 16 is completely closed, the bag 10 can be closed. It is made to be sealed almost airtight. The present invention includes a passage 26 for accessing (connecting) the interior 14 of the bag and the outer region 28 of the bag, and means for selectively opening and closing the passage. In FIG. 1, the passage 26 is in the slider 20. Thus, the bag of the present invention provides selective access between the bag interior 14 and the bag outer region 28 via the passageway 26 when the bag opening 16 is fully closed. Without the passage 26, the bag of the present invention is hermetically sealed.

  The bag portion 12 of the present invention includes any structure that provides the function of a container or bag. More specifically, the bag portion 12 forms a bag interior 14 that is a bag interior space that can accommodate various stored contents.

  Bag opening 16 represents an area or space accessible to bag interior 14. Depending on the application, the bag contents can be taken in and out through the bag opening 16. The bag opening 16 is preferably formed by an unsealed or unsealed seam of the material used to form the bag 12. However, the bag opening 16 may be formed by cuts, slits, incisions, holes, or other tears somewhere on the surface of the material. Accordingly, the position of the bag opening 16 exists along the edges, joints or seams of the bag material comprising two or more sheets, or along the top, bottom, side or other portion of the material.

  As shown in the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, a simple bag portion 12 can be made by joining two rectangular panel blanks along three of the four edges. Alternatively, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, it can be formed by folding a piece of material to form a panel and sealing the two edges. The two panels are designated as a front panel 30 and a rear panel 32 for convenience. In this embodiment, the bag interior 14 is a volume space between the two panels 30 and 32. The bag opening 16 is a region whose periphery is surrounded by the edges of the two panels on the unsealed top side of the bag.

  The bag portion 12 also preferably includes a support mechanism 33 adjacent to the bag opening 16 on the outer portion of the bag. The support mechanism 33 can take, for example, a hook shape, a shelf shape, a raised shape, or a protruding shape similar to these. In FIG. 1, the support mechanism 33 is a thick portion, that is, a protruding portion of the bag material along an edge on the top opening side of each panel of the bag. As discussed in detail below, the mechanism 33 provides a surface that facilitates support or attachment of the slider 20.

  It will be appreciated that other bag portion 12 embodiments are possible as long as the bag portion can form a bag interior 14 that can hold the contents and the bag opening 16 is accessible to the bag interior 14. Some alternative embodiments include a bag portion 12 formed from a single piece of spherical material without panels or joints, as shown in FIG. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 13, a more complex gusset bag (bag with folds on both sides) having six panels is included. In these embodiments, the bag opening 16 can be formed by making an incision or cut in the bag 12.

  The bag portion 12 is preferably made of a material having a density sufficient to contain air, gas, liquid or other fluid without leaking and to hold the expected contents without tearing. Formed from a sufficiently strong material. The material should preferably be water resistant so that it does not lose structural strength upon contact with a liquid. For these reasons, it can be seen that plastic or polyethylene bags are sufficient. Depending on the application, other materials such as coated paper, laminated paper, coated paper or surface-treated paper will give satisfactory results. The bag material is preferably smooth and may be made by laminating. Sometimes a lamellar structure is preferred. Particularly, a large bag is preferable because a flow path (channel) for moving air is formed inside the bag interior 14.

  In order to maintain the flexibility of the bag, the material should preferably be soft and elastic. The degree of flexibility of the material can vary depending on the application. However, there is at least sufficient flexibility to effectively close the bag opening 16 so that the portion of the bag 12 that forms the periphery of the bag opening 16 can be pulled or pulled by the user. preferable.

  The bag 10 of the present invention is generally configured to be closed or sealed at any surface of the bag 10 and at all seams and edges, except for a bag opening 16 that can be selectively opened and closed. Therefore, closing the bag opening 16 has the effect of completely sealing the bag interior 14 and closing the bag 10. The bag 10 can be expressed as “closeable” or “recloseable”, which means that in any case it can be repeatedly opened and closed.

  In FIG. 1, the bag opening 16 is a gap formed between the edges of the top portions of the opposing panels 30 and 32 on the non-sealing side. The interlock mechanism 18 is attached to the inner portions of the opposing panels 30 and 32 that form the periphery of the bag opening 16. Specifically, the interlock mechanism 18 may be referred to as an interlock mechanism or front mechanism 34 of the front panel 30 (not shown in FIG. 1) and an interlock mechanism or rear mechanism 36 of the rear panel 32. it can. The interlock mechanism 18 is disposed so as to face each other, and is sized and shaped so that the bag opening 16 is engaged and closed when the panels 30 and 32 are combined.

  In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, the position of the interlock mechanism 18 is at the inner edge of the top of the panels 30, 32. This position is preferred because it maximizes the internal space 30 of the bag 10. However, the interlock mechanism 18 may be located anywhere in the bag 10 and oriented in any direction as long as it forms an opposing pair and is sized and shaped to close the bag opening 16 when engaged. I understand that you can do it.

  The interlock mechanism 18 shows a structure in which the bag opening portion 16 can be closed by engaging the opposing panels of the bag portion 12 when the panels are joined or very close. The interlock mechanism 18 also includes a structure that allows the engaged panel to be disengaged and the bag opening 16 to be opened again when the panel is pulled apart. The interlock mechanism 18 is preferably sufficiently robust in design and configuration, and can be repeatedly opened and closed within the expected life of the bag 10 without excessively losing the strength of the engaging portion. The interlock mechanism 18 is preferably sized and shaped to form a sealed state when engaged. In this way, the engaged interlock mechanism prevents, for example, the contents of the fluid inside bag 14 from leaking from the bag.

  A preferred type of interlock mechanism 18 is a mechanical element that interlocks by interference or snapping, for example, by sliding (sliding), pressing (pressing) or snapping to the other mechanism. Is provided. Such structures are generally described as “tongues and grooves” or “male and female” structures. The inner part is a tongue or male part and the outer part is a groove or female part. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the interlock mechanism 18. In FIG. 3a, there is a male or lingual mechanism 34 and a female or groove mechanism 36. In this figure, the opposing interlocking mechanisms are not connected or engaged. Therefore, the bag opening 16 is open (open). In FIG. 3b, the mechanism 34 and mechanism 36 are engaged, and the tongue projection mechanism 34 is snapped into the groove mechanism 36. Mechanisms 34, 36 are preferably formed from the same plastic material as panels 30, 32, and are sized and shaped so that tongue projections 34 fit snugly into groove 36. Due to the combination of the close fit and the elasticity of the material, the engaged pair forms an effective hermetic state and a minimum and sufficient force to separate the opposing panels 30, 32 is provided by the opposing panels 30, 32. Resists disengagement unless applied to. It is understood that the larger the tongue-like projection mechanism 34 is with respect to the groove mechanism 36, the more firmly the two mechanisms snap together, the stronger the connection, and the tighter the sealing.

  It can be seen that the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 3 is generally sufficient, particularly for low cost applications, because it provides sufficient performance and can be manufactured at low cost. However, other types of interlock mechanisms 18 can be engaged and disengaged without difficulty, can maintain a minimum and sufficient engagement force, and can maintain this force even after repeated opening and closing. As long as it can be maintained, it is understood to be encompassed by the present invention. Other possible embodiments include, for example, a counter panel that engages and disengages by magnetic means.

  The slider 20 is preferably an independent part or element separated from the bag portion 12. 5-9 show various views of the slider in the preferred embodiment. In the figure, for the sake of clarity, a separate slider element is shown alone, i.e. not connected to the bag portion 12.

  Referring to FIG. 5, the slider 20 includes a central body, that is, a core body 38, and the core body 38 has handles 40 protruding on both sides. The core body 38 has a top portion 42, a bottom portion 44, and a pair of side portions, that is, side portions 46. The pair of side surface portions 46 are further identified as a side surface 45 and a side surface 47 for the sake of clarity. The side surface 46 includes a pair of sliders 20, and the pair of sliders 20 faces and contacts the opposing interlock mechanism 18 of the bag 12.

  From the hidden portion (broken line) in FIG. 5, it can be seen that the core body 38 is widest in the central portion and tapers as it goes to the opposite tip portion, that is, the edges 48 and 50. Each edge 48, 50 extends in the length direction of the bottom 44 from the top 42 of the core body 38. Also, the slider 20 is preferably sized and shaped to complement the shape of the end of the bag opening to form a better sealed state. As a result of this preferred form, the body 38 is shaped like an ellipse with its ends ending at one point in its plan view. This aspect of the slider 20 can also be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 show the upper edges of the panels 30 and 32 of the bag opening 16 that wrap around the elliptical core body 38 of the slider 20 in a hidden line (dotted line).

  The handle 40 serves to hold the slider 20 in place, i.e., attached to the bag 12. The handle 40 also provides a handle or grip or contact that is gripped by the user as the user moves the slider. The handle 40 is preferably attached to or extends from the slider body 38 at or near the top 42. The handle 40 extends slightly in both the outward direction and the bottom 44 downward direction. In addition, it is desirable that the bottom portion of the handle extends toward the inside of the body 38 to form the support edge 52. In FIG. 5, the handle 40 includes an outward panel 53, a downward panel 54, and an inward panel 55. However, it will be appreciated that the handle 40 may be sufficient, for example, formed from a single curved panel. In another embodiment, the handle 40 can rise vertically on top 42 of the slider body to provide greater surface area and then roll outward and downward.

  It can be seen that the handle 40 includes an inner portion and an outer portion, the inner portion facing the side 46 of the slider and the outer portion facing away from the side 46 of the slider. In order to hold or move the slider 20, the surface of the outer part can be grasped by the user. Accordingly, the outer portion of handle 40, particularly the outer portion of handle 40, is preferably sized and shaped to provide a comfortable and secure grip surface. The panel 54 provides a more effective grip, for example, by using a rubber material with a dent or a small knob on the surface.

  The handle 40 is preferably sized and shaped so that the inner portion substantially follows the shape of the side 46 of the slider. Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment of FIG. 5, the inner portion of the handle 40 follows the elliptical shape of the core body 38. The core body 38 extends outward from the ends 48 and 50 toward the center of the body. As can be seen from the drawing, the handle 40 and its inner part extend to the end 48 of the slider body 38, but the end 50 stops in front of it. The reason for this configuration is related to the different functions performed by the ends 48, 50, as will be discussed in detail below.

  The slider 20 preferably has a separation or gap distance between the side 46 of the body 38 and the inner portion of the handle 40 such that the thickness of the individual panels 30, 32 of the bag 12 along the bag opening 16. It is shaped to be approximately equal. More specifically, the separation or gap distance is slightly larger than the thickness of the bag panel, so that there is sufficient space for the bag panel to be inserted and fitted between the slider body 38 and the handle 40. Can maintain a close and secure relationship.

  7 and 8 are enhanced views of the side surface 46 of the slider 20. FIG. In these figures, for clarity, the handle 40 is shown in outline and the slider body 38 and side 46 are clearly shown. Each of the individual side surfaces 45, 47 has a side rail 58. More specifically, there is a side rail 58 on the side surface 45 and a side rail 60 on the side surface 47. The side rails 58 and 60 are sized and shaped so that they can be slidably engaged with the opposing interlock mechanism 18 of the bag portion 12. Accordingly, the side rails 58, 60 are preferably in the form of tongue-like projections or grooves. From FIGS. 7a and 8b it can be seen that the side rail 58 comprises a tongue or male connector and from FIGS. 7b and 8a it can be seen that the side rail 60 comprises a groove or female connector.

  The side rails 58 are preferably arranged in the center of the body 38 equidistant from the top 42 and the bottom 44. The side rail 58 is preferably formed by carving a desired mechanism from the side 46, whether a tongue or groove. Accordingly, the side portion 46 can maintain a flat shape, that is, a flat outer shape.

  The side rail 58 extends approximately in the longitudinal direction of the side portion 46, but its shape changes as it approaches the end portions 38 and 50. The end or edge 50 is highlighted in FIG. FIG. 7a is a perspective view of the side 45 and the side rail 58 of the tongue-like projection. FIG. 7 b is a perspective view of side 47 and groove side rail 60. FIG. 7c is a front view of both sides and side rails. It can be seen that the side rail 58 ends just before the edge 50. The side rails 58 do not interact with each other and do not touch each other. Otherwise, the side rails 58 contact each other. The edge 50 substantially separates the side rails 58. Therefore, a substantially continuous unbroken line is maintained from the top 42 to the bottom 44 of the slider body 38.

  Similarly, the edges or edges 48 are highlighted in FIG. FIG. 8a is a perspective view of the side 47 and the side rail 60 of the groove. FIG. 8b is a perspective view of the side 45 and the side rail 58 of the tongue-like projection. FIG. 7c is a front view of both sides and side rails. In this case, the side rails 58 intersect and a hollow 62 occurs where the side rails 58 along the edge 48 meet.

  FIG. 9 is created to make the shape of the edge 48 clearer. For illustration purposes, a groove-side rail 60 is shown, but the side 45 is left blank without the side rail 58. It can be seen that the groove 60 extends to the edge 48 and engraves a small portion of the side 45 so as to wrap around the edge 48. Similarly, in FIG. 9b, the side rail 58 of the tongue is shown with the side 47 blank. Again, the tongue 58 extends to the edge 48 and extends to the side 47 so as to wrap around the edge 48. When the two side rails of FIG. 9 merge, a cavity 62 is formed along the edge 48 as shown in the drawing of FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a side view of the slider body 38 showing the groove side rail 60 along the side 47, that is, a side view. It can be seen that both the side rail 60 and the side rail 58 (not shown) end just before the edge, and the edge 50 is continuous and not damaged. In contrast, the side rail 60 extends to the edge 48 and wraps around the edge 48 to form a cavity 62 with the side rail 58 (not shown). As discussed in detail below, the shape of the side rail at the edge 50 has the effect of disengaging the opposing interlock mechanism 18, while the shape of the side rail at the edge 48 is This has the effect of engaging the opposing interlock mechanism 18. For this reason, the slider end may instead be represented as an opening edge or separation edge 50 and a closing edge or joint 48.

  The opening edge 50 can be made to form a straight and vertical edge. However, as shown in FIGS. 6, 7 a, and 7 b, the edge 50 preferably has a shape including a protruding portion, that is, a protruding portion 64 at one or more locations along the longitudinal direction. The protrusion 64 has a size and a shape that allow the slider 20 to be in close contact with and engaged with the end of the bag opening 16 in a complementary manner. In this way, as shown in FIG. 2, when the slider moves to the end of the bag opening 16, it is more effectively sealed.

  The slider 20 preferably includes a passage 26. The passage 26 is an opening or hole that extends straight from the top 42 to the bottom 44. FIG. 5 shows the slider 20 with the hidden part of the passage shown in broken lines. The passage has a circular, oval or rectangular shape, preferably a circular cross-sectional shape. The passage may be disposed anywhere on the slider 20, but is preferably disposed at the center of the slider 20, that is, at an intermediate point or in the vicinity thereof. The diameter or width of the passage 26 may be any size as long as it does not interfere with the structural integrity of the slider. Also, as discussed further below, the passage is preferably sized and shaped to allow gas, fluid or solids to flow or pass through and to accommodate fluid transfer conduits.

  The slider 20 is preferably made of polyethylene or plastic material. Plastics are preferred because they are relatively tough, lightweight, water resistant and low cost. A further advantage of plastic is that it easily becomes a complex shape like the slider 20. This can be done using a standard mold designed to match the shape of the slider 20, for example by standard injection molding manufacturing techniques. Plastic is a preferred slider material for use when the bag part is plastic, and allows various components to be easily integrated. The present invention includes other materials as long as the material has all or part of the above properties. Other slider materials that can be included include, for example, metals, alloys or wood.

  When forming the bag 10 of the present invention, the body 38 of the slider 20 is disposed in the bag opening 12 so as to be disposed between the opposed surfaces of the front mechanism 34 and the bag mechanism 36. As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4, the slider 20 is attached to the bag portion 12 on the outside and inside of the bag.

  Inside the bag, the side rail 58 of the slider 20 is engaged with the opposing interlock mechanism 18 of the bag portion 12 so as to be slidable. With respect to the embodiment of FIG. 4, the tongue projection of the front mechanism 34 fits inside the groove of the snap joint or side rail 58. It will be appreciated that other embodiments of these interacting elements are possible as long as the slider slidably engages the bag portion 12. For example, the interlock mechanism 18 can be formed on the same plane as the bag portion 12 by projecting the side rails 58 and 60 outward from the side portion of the slider.

  It can be seen that on the outside of the bag, the slider handle 40 is sized and shaped to fit, ie, fit snugly with the external support mechanism 33 of the bag portion 12. In particular, the handle 40 wraps around the support mechanism 33, and the bottom of the support structure 33 exists on the support 52 of the handle 40. It will be appreciated that other embodiments of these elements are possible as long as the handle provides a means for attaching a slider to the outside of the bag portion 12. For example, the specific shaped support mechanism 33 and the handle can be changed as long as they coincide with each other to form a tight fit, ie a snap fit. Similarly, other accessory types are possible besides mechanical mating. For example, it is also possible to magnetically connect between the bundle 40 and the outer edge which the bag part 12 or the support mechanism 33 opposes.

  It can be seen that the combination of the interlock element in the bag and the fitting of the handle around the external support mechanism 33 further holds the slider 20 tightly to the bag portion 12. In particular, the slider 20 is attached so that it does not fall into the bag interior 14 or jump out of the top of the opening for some reason. If no decisive and forced force is applied, the slider 20 resists attempts to separate or remove from the bag portion 12.

  The slider 20 is sized and shaped to engage or disengage with the interlock mechanism 18 as it moves along the bag portion 16. More specifically, the shape of the edges 48, 50 of the slider 20 determines whether a predetermined portion of the bag opening 16 is engaged or not engaged when the slider moves in a particular direction.

  In the preferred embodiment of the openable / closable bag 10 shown in FIG. 1, it can be seen that the slider 20 can move in one of two directions, namely the end 22 and the end 24. Regardless of the direction in which the slider 20 moves, one of the slider edges 48 and 50 faces the end in the moving direction, and the other faces the other end facing backward. In the bag 10 of the present invention, when the slider moves along a part of the bag opening 16, the interlock mechanism 18 of the part is coupled or engaged according to the characteristics of the rear end or trailing edge of the slider 20. Or, it will be separated or not engaged.

  Specifically, in the slider 20 of FIG. 1, the coupling edge 48 is oriented to face the end 22 of the bag 10, that is, to face the closure 15 of the bag opening 16, and the separation edge. 50 is oriented to face the bag end 24, i.e., to face the opening portion 17 of the bag opening 16. As the slider 20 moves toward the end 24, the interlock mechanism 18 is coupled or closed or engaged or meshed by the coupling trailing edge 48. In this way, the closure portion 15 increases in length in proportion to the decrease in the length of the opening 17. As shown in FIG. 2, when the slider reaches the end 24, the slider is closed over the entire length of the interlock mechanism 18. Similarly, when the slider 20 moves toward the end 22, such as when moving from the position of FIG. 2 to the position of FIG. 1, the interlock mechanism 18 is separated or opened by the separation trailing edge 50. Disengaged.

  The coupling and separation functions of the slider 20 are understood by following the path of the interlock mechanism through the edges 48 and 50 of the slider 20. As shown in FIG. 4, the interlock mechanism engages the side rails 58 and 60 in a slidable state over most of the length of the side 46 of the slider. When the slider 20 of FIG. 1 moves toward the end 24, the portion of the interlocking mechanism that passes through the trailing edge 48 draws on the periphery of the edge 48 and the side rails until reaching the edge 48. So as to be united. Since each side rail wraps around the opposite side at the edge 48, the tongue-like projection mechanism 34 and the groove mechanism 36 that are slidably engaged with each other are forcibly brought into contact with each other so that the tongue-like projection 34 is The groove 36 is pressed and fitted. Further, the inner portion of the handle 40 follows the side shape until it reaches the edge 48. The air gap or separation distance between the inner portion of the handle 40 and the side 46 is very small, preferably only slightly thicker than the thickness of the upper edge of the individual panels 30, 32, and thus the panel 30 and 32 remain in the track of the side rails 58 and 60 and must be integrated. In this manner, the interlock mechanism 18 is moved from the state in which the interlock mechanism 18 is slidably engaged with the side rail of the slider, as indicated by 65 and 66 in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the state smoothly shifts to a state of being engaged with each other.

  Conversely, when the slider 20 moves toward the end portion 22, the portions of the facing mechanisms 34 and 36 that pass through the rear edge 34 are terminated by the side rails 58 and 60 on the separation edge 50 side. Cannot engage. Furthermore, the inner part of the handle 40 follows the shape of the side 46 until a position just before the separation edge 50. Since it is not desirable to press and integrate the interlock mechanism at the separation edge 50, the inner portion of the handle 40 need not extend to the end. As a result, the opposing mechanisms 34 and 36 approach each other as the shape of the slider 20 becomes narrower toward the edge 50. Since there are no guides or tracks on the side rails of the slider, and there is no external pressure from the handle 40 integrating the opposing mechanisms 34, 36, the opposing mechanisms 34, 36 have the side rails 58, 60. Slip off and keep away.

  The opening and closing characteristics of the closable bag 10 are achieved by changing the structure of the slider 20. For example, it can be made to have two coupling edges 48 instead of having both a coupling edge 48 and a separation edge 50. In this case, the bag opening 16 is closed on both sides of the slider over the entire length of the bag opening 16 regardless of the position of the slider. Alternatively, if it is configured with two separating edges 50, it will not close at any part of the bag opening 16.

  The closable bag 10 is structured to create an airtight seal in the bag interior 14 when the bag opening 16 is completely closed. This occurs when the slider 20 moves to the sealed position of the end 24 as shown in FIG.

  The interlock mechanism of the present invention is preferably sized and shaped to be in a sealed condition when engaged. In particular, the tongue-like protrusion mechanism 34 and the groove mechanism 36 are preferably sized and shaped to form an airtight sealed state. Therefore, when the slider 20 is in the position shown in FIG. 2, the sealing portion 15 of the bag opening 16 from the end 22 to the end 48 is airtight because the interlock mechanism 18 is engaged.

  The slider 20 is made to seal the bag opening when the slider 20 is located at one end of the bag opening. Therefore, the slider 20 is preferably made so that the entire periphery of the slider 20 is sealed. The interlock mechanism 18 is tightly tightened by the inward pressure of the handle that closes tightly while being connected to the side rails 58, 60 at a place where it matches the coupling edge 48. In this way, an airtight sealed state is maintained at the interface between the interlock mechanism 18 and the slider. A hermetic seal is maintained by the fit between the side rails 58, 60 and the interlock mechanism 18 along the side 46 of the slider. Accordingly, the side rails 58, 60 are preferably sized and shaped to produce an airtight fit or airtight engagement with the interlock mechanism 18. An airtight sealed state is achieved at the boundary surface between the separation edge 50 and the end portion 24 of the bag 10 by providing the separation edge 50 of the slider 20 in particular. That is, at the end 24, the separation edge 50 complements the shape of the bag opening 16. In the preferred embodiment of the bag 10, the slider edge 50 is V-shaped and complements the similar V-shape of the bag opening 16 at the end 24, ie, fits in a V-shape. The separating edge 50 preferably includes a protrusion 64, that is, a protrusion 64. As shown in the side view of FIG. 6, the mechanism serves to maintain an airtight seal to fill any additional voids by protruding from the slider. The air gap may exist in the bag opening 16 through which air leaks.

  It can be appreciated that other shapes of the slider 20 and the bag portion 12 can be used as long as the tip of the slider and the end of the bag opening 16 sufficiently complement each other to form a snug fit. . It can be seen how the present invention improves upon the prior art. The sliders that have been used since the past usually include a separator (separator) or fingers (fingers) that separate or pry off the panel. The separator is usually made to satisfy this function, and is not formed so as to complementarily fit into the bag opening. In such a slider, since the separator normally prevents the slider from completely closing the bag opening, the bag opening cannot be sealed.

  In order to maintain an airtight sealed state when the slider reaches the end portion 24, it is desirable to have means such as a latch for holding the slider 20 in a normal position and preventing it from returning. This is achieved by detents in the present invention. A clasp or lever that fixes the movement of part of the mechanism. The detent can be disposed along the slider 20 or in the bag portion 12.

  In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, the bag portion 12 includes a first detent 70 and the slider 20 includes a second detent 68 on the inner portion of the handle 40. The first detent 70 and the second detent 68 are made to engage each other when the slider is moved to the sealed position. Preferably, the first detent 70 is a bump or raised bump on the outer surface of the bag portion 12, such as the external support mechanism 33. The second detent 68 is preferably a depression in the inner portion of the handle 40. When the slider 20 moves to the sealed position, the detent 68 is snapped into engagement with the detent 70. This connection is strong enough to hold the slider 20 in place. On the other hand, when the user wants to open the bag again, the user can open the bag without difficulty by pressing the slider 20 toward the end 22.

  It can be seen that other embodiments of slider latching are possible as long as the slider 20 is prevented from retracting and a good seal is maintained. For example, FIG. 10 shows the slider 20 having a flap 72 mounted on the top 42 of the slider. In the sealed position shown in FIG. 10, the flap is arranged to move, rotate, or snap together with a recess (not shown) on the outer edge of the bag portion 12. When it is desired to move the slider, the flap 72 is flipped up and leaves the normal path, so that the slider can recover and move.

  The passage 26 is designed to allow access (connection) between the bag interior 14 and the outer region 28 regardless of whether the bag opening 16 is opened or closed. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the passage 26 is preferably integral with the slider 20 in the slider 20. The slider is positioned between the interlock mechanisms 18 so that access between the bag interior 14 and the outer region 28 is possible through the passage 26 even if the bag opening 16 is closed and hermetically sealed. It turns out that it is. The passage 26 is sized and shaped to be accessible as a solid passage such as gas, liquid, particle or powder.

  The passage 26 is preferably sized and shaped to accommodate a fluid delivery conduit 74, such as a pipe or tube or ordinary straw. An overall view of the tube 74 is shown in FIG. When a device is coupled to the passage from the outside 28 of the bag, such a device can be used for suction, for example, to remove fluid from the bag interior 14 through the passage. Specifically, a suction device having a coupling end or insertion end 76 may be coupled to the passage 26 on the top surface 42 of the slider. Suction is applied to the free end 78 to remove the contents of the liquid or gaseous fluid from the bag interior 14. In an industrial environment, the suction is preferably performed by a mechanical vacuum device. In consumer products, aspiration is preferably performed by applying the user's mouth to the free end 78 of the straw. Preferably, the fluid delivery conduit 74 is movable. Accordingly, the passageway 26 is sized and shaped not coupled to or coupled to the movable conduit 74. In this manner, after the liquid has been removed from the bag interior 14, the tube 74 can be conveniently removed and does not interfere with the use of the bag as a storage container.

  The passage 26 preferably includes means for opening and closing the passage, ie a valve 80 as shown in FIG. The valve 80 is an instrument or structure that is disposed in the passage 26 and is sized, shaped and configured to be at least one closed state and at least one open state. When valve 80 is closed, fluid flow through passage 26 is blocked. In this state, when the bag opening 16 is completely closed, the bag interior 14 is hermetically sealed. When the valve 80 is open, access between the bag interior 14 and the bag exterior 28 is possible, i.e. fluid can flow. When the valve 80 is open and the bag opening 16 is completely closed, access to the bag interior 14 is only possible through the passage 26 and the valve 80.

  Preferably, the valve 80 is a one-way valve. That is, a one-way valve means that fluid flows in only one direction when the valve is open. For example, a one-way valve can access or flow fluid from the interior 14 of the bag to the exterior 28 of the bag. The fluid is then prevented from flowing from the outer side 28 to the inner side 14 of the bag. Such valves are used, for example, to remove air from bags used for the storage of food and spoilage substances. Conversely, the one-way valve is configured to prevent fluid from flowing only in the other direction, ie, from the bag outer side 28 only to the bag inner side 14 and from the bag inner side 14 to the bag outer side 28. It can be. This type of valve is useful when, for example, a special gas or liquid is to be injected into the bag to store or protect bag contents that use formaldehyde to store biological samples.

  The bag 10 of the present invention can use almost any type of valve 80 to achieve the desired fluid properties through the passage 26. The valve 80 may be, for example, a two-way valve instead of a one-way valve. A two-way valve is a valve having two open states. In one state, fluid can flow in one direction, and in the other state, fluid can flow in the other direction. When this valve is used, a specific state can be easily obtained. For example, when the bag 10 is squeezed, air can be forced out of the bag interior 14 to the bag exterior 28 via the valve 80. Alternatively, when a tube is coupled to the passage having the valve, liquid can be forced into the bag by applying pressure. In this state, the valve is able to flow fluid in the opposite direction from the first use, ie from the outer side 28 to the bag interior 14. Alternatively, the two-way valve 80 can be configured such that the flow direction can be set on the valve, preferably via a switch on the surface of the slider 20.

  The valve 80 is structured such that when the valve 80 is in the open state, the passage 28 is substantially completely closed and the fluid passing through the passage can flow at an optimum high speed. Alternatively, the valve 80 can be configured to partially close the passage 26 to a desired opening.

  It is known that valves are generally made to be installed in passages or tubes placed inside solids. Thus, because the passage 26 is preferably located within the solids of the slider 20, many standard types of valves are similarly modified to fit within the passage 26 of the present invention. Ball valves are a common type of valve suitable for use in the passage 26 of the present invention. The ball valve is generally represented as valve 80 in FIG. When pressure is applied to the ball valve, for example by suction through a conduit 74, the ball rises and the passage 26 opens. Another type of valve 80 is a pinch valve. In the pinch valve, when the slider 20 is squeezed or grasped, it can be accessed through the passage. Similarly, many other types of valves common for industrial and civilian use can be used in the present invention. In addition to the ball valve or pinch valve, the valve 80 may be, for example, a flapper valve, an air valve, or a check valve.

  The present invention includes the use of a slider 20 that does not have an integral passageway 26. Since the slider 20 is formed to open and close the bag opening 16 and forms a hermetic seal when the slider 20 is in the fully closed position, the bag 10 with the slider 20 has a passage 26 even though It is useful even if not. For example, the bag 10 can be filled with liquid, and the slider can be closed to form an airtight sealed state to prevent liquid leakage. When the liquid contents are used, push the slider a little to open and pour out the liquid. Such a bag 10 has an advantage that it can be easily opened and closed by a slider, and has an advantage that it can be hermetically sealed in order to store a septic substance or hold a liquid.

  The present invention also includes the passage 26 separated from the slider. Such an arrangement is preferably achieved by using an access element 82 that includes the passage 26 or an access element 82 that is integral with the passage 26. The access element 82 is generally a body (object) disposed between two edges or panels of the bag 10 and includes a passage 26 and a valve 80. The access element 82 has the same size and shape as the slider 20. Alternatively, the access element 82 may be any other size and shape as long as it can be placed between the two edges of the bag 10. The access element 82 is preferably fixed in place. This is achieved, for example, by sealing the panels 30, 32 around the side of the access element 82.

  In one embodiment, the two edges of the bag 10 are the two edges of the opposing panels 30, 32 that form the bag opening 16. In this case, the side of the access element 82 can be sealed between the opposing panels 30, 32 using various methods known in the prior art. Further, the bag 10 may be manufactured without the interlock mechanism 18 around the access element 82. This is because the interlock mechanism 18 does not need to support the movement of the slider in this portion of the bag opening 16. FIG. 11 shows this embodiment. FIG. 11 shows a movable slider 20 without a passage 26, an access element 82 having a passage 26, and a removable tube or straw 74.

  If the access element 82 is fixed, it can be seen that the use of the passageway 26 to access the bag interior 14 is not affected by the access element 82 being located at a particular location on the bag 10. Thus, in yet another application, the two edges of the bag 10 may be the two edges of the opposing panels 30, 32 that do not form the bag opening 16. This generally comprises the periphery of the bag 10 other than the portion occupied by the bag opening 16. In FIG. 11, for example, the two edges between which the access elements 82 are disposed are the edges of the panels 30, 32 along the closed sides 84, 86 of the bag 10.

  In this embodiment, the access element 82 is preferably disposed between opposing panels or edges of the bag 10. The edges are joined or welded or stitched. Such a treatment simplifies the manufacture of the bag 10 because the access element 82 is disposed between the panels and encases the access element. The panels are conventionally welded or stitched and the access element 82 is sealed between the panels. When two opposing panels are joined by folding, the access elements are difficult to install because holes need to be made. For example, if the bag 10 of FIG. 11 is formed by folding a single panel along the bottom side 88, it will be difficult to provide the access element on the bottom side 88. If the bag is formed from separate panels 30, 32 that are welded or joined along all its edges, it is equally easy to provide an access element 82 on either side 84, 86, 88. It becomes.

  The preferred embodiment of the present invention will be understood as the case where the access element 82 is the slider 20. A bag with a single body with a slider with an integrated passage is generally more cost effective and more effective than a bag with two bodies with an access element and a slider. This embodiment is preferred because it can be used.

  In the production of a normal type bag, two rectangular panels are joined along three sides, or both sides of a single folded single panel are joined and only the remaining one side is joined. The bag opening 16 is opened. The slider may be inserted into the bag opening 16 during production so that it can move along the bag opening 16 without being removed from the bag. Standard production facilities are generally operated at high cycles and high production speeds, resulting in low costs.

  The bag portion 12 of the present invention 10 can be made in the same manner from one or two plastic panels joined along two or three sides, leaving the bag opening 16. The interlock mechanism 18 provided along the bag opening 16 can be produced in the same way using standard production techniques. The slider 20 of the present invention is formed as an independent body that can be manufactured by standard injection molding techniques. Therefore, although the slider 20 is different from the conventional product in shape and function, it can be produced at the same low cost as the conventional product. In addition, standard production equipment for producing bags and attaching sliders can be used to produce the bag 10 of the present invention. In production, a movable slider 20 is installed in the bag opening 16 and, if desired, another access element 82 can be installed in the bag opening 16 or before the panel is sealed. Attached along bonds or stitches between panels.

  Thus, it can be seen that the bag 10 of the present invention can be produced at substantially the same low price that can compete with conventional slider bags that lack the advantages of the present invention. The material cost of the bag and the slider is the same as that of the conventional bag, etc., and the production equipment can be the same or can be used by slightly changing it. Furthermore, since standard production equipment can be used, it is possible to apply such equipment with a high cycle speed on an industrial standard. Furthermore, it can be seen that this represents an improvement over the prior art. Inventive products of the prior art generally require unconventional bags and valves, so the materials for the bags and valves need to be specially ordered, not standard products. Furthermore, the cycle speed is reduced and the cost of each bag is increased.

  Here, the operation of the product of the present invention will be described using as an example a bag 10 that can be opened and closed as a household storage bag as shown in FIG. The user begins using the bag by moving the slider 20 to the end 22 to open the bag opening 16. The user puts food 90 that is likely to rot into the bag interior 14. The bag is then closed by moving the slider 20 to the closed or sealed position of the end 24. When the detents 68 and 70 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are used for the slider 20, the user detects how much the detent fits at a predetermined position, that is, listens to it and determines how much the slider has moved. it can. That is, it can be determined that the slider is at the second end portion 24. Alternatively, when the latch 72 is incorporated in the slider as shown in FIG. 10, the user fixes the slider at a predetermined position by rotating the latch to a lower position and snapping it at the predetermined position.

  In this position, the bag is hermetically sealed, but air may remain in the bag interior 14. The user can then exchange air or fluid between the bag interior 14 and the bag exterior 28 via a passage 26 in the openable bag opening 16. Removal of air or fluid from the bag interior 14 can be accomplished, for example, by inserting the insertion end 76 of the hollow tube 74 into the passage 26 and aspirating the free end 78. For private consumer applications, the hollow tube 74 is preferably a straw and is aspirated by the user's mouth. In this example, the valve 80 of this example is preferably a one-way valve that allows fluid to flow from the bag interior 14 to the exterior 28. When all or substantially all of the air inside the bag interior 14 has been removed, the tube 7 can be removed from the passage 26 and the bag 10 can be stored. In other embodiments, instead of using a hollow tube 74, the bag 10 may be squeezed to force air remaining from the bag interior 14 through the passage 26. This method is performed in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 having a slider 20 and an access element 82.

  It can be seen that the method of closing the bag of the present invention shows an improvement over the prior art. In the prior art, the user typically moves the slider close to the end 24 to close it, leaving a small opening 17 and squeezing the bag to force residual air through the opening 17. Next, the user normally closes the slider with the other hand while holding the bag with one hand so that air does not flow in when closing with the slider. Further, once the bag is closed, there is a conventional slider finger or separator at the bag opening, resulting in an airtight seal. In contrast, in the present invention, the user forcibly discharges air by squeezing the bag and does not worry about the inflow of air. This is because such incoming air is blocked by the valve 80. Therefore, the method of closing the bag of the present invention is simpler and more convenient than the conventional method, and can further create the bag interior 14 without air.

  In another application of the present invention, a valve 80 is attached to the passage 26. The valve 80 allows fluid to flow into the bag interior 14 but is prevented from flowing in the opposite direction. In an industrial environment, such bags can be used to contain commercial beverage fluids and other fluids. For example, if the content is a beverage fluid, the valve 80 is a two-way valve and the user can remove the content using a straw. Alternatively, the two-body configuration shown in FIG. 11 can be used, where the slider 20 has a single passage with a valve that allows fluid to flow only in one direction, and the access element 82 Has one passage with a valve that can only flow in the other direction. In this case, one passage can be used to fill the bag and the other passage can be used to remove the contents. For fluids other than beverages, the slider 20 can be pushed slightly open to pour out the contents.

  It will be appreciated that the present invention allows for various forms of commercial bags. In particular, the parameters available to the bag designer of the present invention use a single slider 20 or add an access element 82 with the choice of edges 48, 50 to use for the slider and one or two passages. Selection of whether to use, selection of the type of valve 80, or selection of whether all or part of the interlock mechanism 80 is closed. Furthermore, the designer can select various bag shapes in addition to the standard two panel form.

  For example, FIGS. 12 and 13 show an embodiment of a bag 10 suitable for use as a commercial beverage container. FIG. 12 shows a round container, and FIG. 13 shows a rectangular container with gussets (pleats). Round containers are inexpensive and have an internal volume that is suitably large relative to the amount of material used, and also reduces the amount of space that is not used when adjacent bags are pressed against each other. There is an advantage that the capacity can be optimized.

  The bag portion 12 can be manufactured using standard equipment for the type of bag shown in FIGS. The bag opening 16 can be formed by making a slit (elongated cut) or a cut (cut) in the bag surface. The slider 20 is mounted using standard equipment. In a variation of the illustrated embodiment, the bag opening 16 is made very short or most of the bag opening 16 is sealed. The slider can move along a short distance, preferably a distance approximately equal to its total length. In manufacturing, the slider is arranged to leave a small opening 17 and a nozzle is inserted into the opening 17 to fill the container. At that time, the opening can be sealed by moving the slider for a short distance. The user can access through a straw inserted into the passage 26.

  In the case of a commercial beverage package made of a soft material, or in the case of a commercial beverage package used by children, when pressure is applied to the side of the bag, a problem may occur that the contents are unexpectedly ejected. In the bag of FIG. 12 or FIG. 13, it can be seen that the valve 80 used is preferably formed such that fluid flows out of the bag interior 14. Such a valve can be further configured to remain sealed to a predetermined pressure threshold. This pressure level can be set higher than that normally experienced, for example, by inadvertent squeezing of the bag. Preferably, the pressure threshold can be set to require a minimum degree of suction, alone or in combination with bag side squeezing. In this way, unintentional ejection of the bag contents is reduced or avoided. Furthermore, the passages can be sized to allow only a limited flow rate to prevent sudden emergence of liquid.

  In yet another embodiment, the bag 10 can be made with a slider having two connecting edges 48. The bag opening 16 is then always closed on both sides of the slider 20. In yet another variation, the slider can have a passage 26 without a valve, which is always open. The panels 30 and 32 are sealed at all positions under the slider 20 except for a small portion. Thus, the bag 10 is sealed at every position of the slider 20 except when the slider is positioned so that the passage 26 is directly above the opening. In this embodiment, the position of the slider functions as a valve that opens and closes the passage. In manufacturing, a slider is first placed over the opening and a nozzle is housed in the passage, for example to fill the bag with beverage fluid. The slider is then pushed to the side to seal the contents as it is transported and stored. When purchasing, the consumer moves the slider to the access position, inserts a straw and drinks the contents.

  Those skilled in the art will recognize that the foregoing description relates to preferred embodiments and that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims without departing from the spirit of the invention. . For example, although this document refers to a bag having one or two bodies, more bodies can be used if there are merit to the application. Various other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, but are not described in further detail herein.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the reclosable bag of the present invention with the slider in an intermediate position. 2 is a perspective view of the reclosable bag of FIG. 1 with the slider in a closed or sealed position. FIG. Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a reclosable bag in an uninterlocked position. Fig. 3c shows a cross-sectional view of the same bag as Fig. 3a in an interlocked position. It is sectional drawing of the slider of this invention installed in the bag. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the slider of FIG. 1 showing hidden elements. FIG. 2 is a side view of the slider of FIG. 1 without a handle. It is a perspective view of the hidden part of the slider of this invention which shows the opening edge part of a slider. 7b is a rotation of the slider of FIG. 7a to show the other side of the slider. Fig. 7a is a front view of the slider of Fig. 7a. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a hidden portion of the slider of the present invention showing the closed edge of the slider. Figure 8a is a rotation of the slider of Figure 8a to show the other side of the slider. Fig. 8a is a front view of the slider of Fig. 8a. FIG. 10 is a front view of the closing edge of the slider of FIG. 9 with one side of the slider left blank. FIG. 9b is a front view of the closing edge of the same slider as in FIG. 9a, leaving the other side of the slider blank. It is a perspective view of the bag of FIG. 1 which shows the suction device in a slider channel | path, and the content inside a bag. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the reclosable bag of the present invention showing a securing element and a slider. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the reclosable bag of the present invention showing a commercial round beverage package. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the reclosable bag of the present invention showing a commercial gusset beverage package.

Claims (22)

(A) a bag portion that forms a bag interior and a bag opening;
(B) comprising means for opening and closing the bag opening,
The opening / closing means is
(I) comprising an interlock mechanism facing along the bag opening, wherein the interlock mechanism is sized and shaped to form a seal when engaged;
(Ii) a slider that is in the bag opening between the interlock mechanisms and that engages and disengages the interlock mechanism when the slider moves, the slider having the bag opening; It is made to seal the bag opening when located at one end of the
(C) a passage in the slider for providing access between the interior of the bag and an area outside the bag;
(D) means for selectively opening and closing the passage,
When the slider is moved to one end of the bag opening to seal the bag opening, the inside of the bag and the area outside the bag can be selectively accessed through the passage. A reclosable bag characterized in that. The reclosable bag of claim 1,
A reclosable bag characterized in that the means for opening and closing the passage is a one-way valve. A reclosable bag according to claim 2,
The one-way valve is configured to allow access from the outside region to the inside of the bag and to prevent access from the inside of the bag to the outside region. Possible bag. A reclosable bag according to claim 2,
The one-way valve is configured to allow access from the inside of the bag to the outside region and to prevent access from the outside region to the inside of the bag. Possible bag. A reclosable bag according to claim 4,
A reclosable bag characterized in that the passage is adapted to receive a coupling of a suction device and allows access to the interior of the bag when suction is performed by the suction device. A reclosable bag according to claim 5,
A reclosable bag characterized in that the passage is sized and shaped to receive a movable suction device. A reclosable bag according to claim 2,
The reclosable bag is characterized in that the one-way valve is one of a ball valve, a pinch valve, a flapper valve, an air valve and a check valve. The reclosable bag of claim 1,
The slider has opposing side surfaces, each of the opposing side surfaces being slidably engaged with one of the opposing interlocking mechanisms along the bag opening. Resealable bag. A reclosable bag according to claim 8,
One of the opposing interlocking mechanisms is provided with a tongue-shaped projection, and the other of the opposing interlocking mechanisms is provided with a groove,
The side surface slidably engaged with the tongue-like projection of the interlock mechanism has a groove, and the side surface slidably engaged with the groove of the interlock mechanism has a tongue-like projection. And reclosable bag. The reclosable bag of claim 1,
The recloseable bag characterized in that the slider has a shape that complements the shape of the end of the bag opening, and seals the end of the bag opening. The reclosable bag of claim 1,
The slider includes a first detent;
The bag includes a second detent disposed near the end of the bag opening, and the first detent and the second detent when the slider is moved to the sealed position. Resealable bags, characterized in that they are made to engage one another. A reclosable bag according to claim 11,
The reclosable bag characterized in that the first detent and the second detent are protrusions that are made to cause a snap connection when the slider is moved to the sealed position. . A slider for opening and closing a bag opening of a bag,
The bag opening has an opposing interlock mechanism,
The slider includes a movable body in the bag opening between the interlock mechanisms, and engages and disengages with the interlock mechanism when the body moves. The slider according to claim 13,
The slider further includes: (a) a passage in the body for providing access between the interior of the bag and the outer region of the bag;
(B) comprising means for selectively opening and closing the passage;
A slider characterized in that the inside of the bag and the region outside the bag can be selectively accessed through the passage. The slider according to claim 14,
The means for selectively opening and closing comprises a one-way valve,
(A) Access to the inside of the bag from the outside region is possible and access to the outside region from the inside of the bag can be prevented, or (b) Access from the inside of the bag to the outside region. A slider configured to be accessible and to prevent access to the inside of the bag from the outer region. A method of closing a bag having a reclosable opening with a first end and a second end comprising:
(A) moving a slider disposed within the reclosable opening from the first end to the second end to close the reclosable opening;
(B) engaging the slider with the second end to seal the reclosable opening;
(C) A method for closing a bag, comprising the step of accessing between the inside of the bag and a region outside the bag through a passage in the slider. The method of closing a bag according to claim 16,
The bag contains contents,
(A) inserting a hollow tube having a free end and an insertion end for insertion into the passage into the passage;
(B) suctioning the free end to remove the contents in the bag;
And (c) removing the hollow tube from the passage, and closing the bag. (A) a bag portion that forms a bag interior and a bag opening;
(B) a slider for opening and closing the bag opening;
(C) an element disposed between the two edges of the bag and having a passageway;
(D) A reclosable bag comprising means for opening and closing the passage. A reclosable bag according to claim 18,
A reclosable bag, wherein the element is the slider. A reclosable bag according to claim 18,
A reclosable bag, characterized in that the element is arranged between two edges of the bag that do not form the bag opening. A reclosable bag according to claim 18,
A reclosable bag, characterized in that the element is arranged between two edges of the bag forming the bag opening. (A) a bag part forming a bag opening;
(B) opposing interlocking mechanisms along the bag opening;
(C) a slider that is in the bag opening between the opposing interlocking mechanisms and engages and disengages the interlocking mechanism when moving;
A reclosable bag, wherein the bag opening is opened and closed by movement of the slider along the bag opening.

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