Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
4.
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STORAGE BAG WITH DIMPLE FEATURES
BACKGROUND
Field of the Invention
[0001] Our invention relates to a storage bag. More specifically,
our
invention relates to a storage bag with features that facilitate sealing and
unsealing
the bag, as well as a storage bag that includes features for distinguishing
the bag
from other storage bags.
Related Art
[0002] Storage bags made from flexible plastic materials are well
known.
Such storage bags are made in a variety of sizes, and can be used to contain a
variety of items, including food, utensils, clothing, tools, etc. Such storage
bags
often include some type of zipper-like closure mechanism to releasably seal
the
interior of the bag. Plastic storage bags with closure mechanisms are sold by
the
assignee of the present application under the ZIPLOCO trademark.
[0003] The closure mechanisms of plastic storage bags often include
two
interlocking structures that are provided on or near lips at the top of the
bag. In
order to seal the closure mechanism, a user will run his or her fingers along
the
closure mechanism, squeezing the interlocking members together. It is often
easier to cause the interlocking members to become fully engaged throughout
their length if the operation is performed in a certain manner, although a
user may
not necessarily be aware of the proper technique for performing the operation.
[0004] To open the bag, the user grasps the lips, and pulls the
interlocking
structures apart. Plastic storage bags, however, usually have slick surfaces
that
are difficult to grasp. Moreover, it is often easier to pull the interlocking
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structures apart if the bag is grasped in certain areas, and a certain motion
is
applied to the interlocking members. As with sealing the bag, however, a user
may not necessarily be aware of the proper technique to unseal the bag.
[0005] Due to their vast functionality, storage bags are often
placed in
locations with other storage bags. For example, storage bags containing
different
products are often stored in a refrigerator or in a freezer. In such cases, it
can be
difficult to quickly or easily discern the contents of one bag from another.
It would be beneficial, therefore, to provide storage bags with features for
making
the storage bags easier to seal and to unseal. Further, it would be beneficial
to
provide storage bags that can be easily distinguished from each other.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] According to one aspect of our invention, a storage bag
is provided.
The storage bag includes a first side surface and a second side surface
connected
to the first side surface so as to form an interior of the bag with an opening
to the
interior. A first closure profile is connected to the first side surface and
positioned
adjacent to the opening of the bag, with the first closure profile including
an
interlocking member that extends along the length of the first closure profile
between a first side of the first closure profile and a second side of the
first closure
profile. The first closure profile also includes a plurality of dimples
provided
adjacent to the interlocking member, with the dimples being formed as a
concave
surface on the side of the first closure profile facing the interior of the
bag and a
convex surface on the side of the first closure profile on the outside of the
bag.
The bag also includes a second closure profile connected to the second side
surface and positioned adjacent to the opening of the bag. The second closure
profile includes an interlocking member that extends along at least the length
of
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the second closure profile between a first side of the second closure profile
and a
second side of the second closure profile, with the interlocking member being
configured to interlock with the interlocking member of the first closure
profile to
form a seal for the opening of the bag. The second closure profile also
includes a
plurality of dimples provided adjacent to the interlocking member, with the
dimples being formed as a convex surface on the side of the first closure
profile
facing the interior of the bag and a concave surface on the side of the second
closure profile on the outside of the bag. Each dimple on the first closure
profile
is aligned opposite to a corresponding dimple on the second closure profile,
and
the concave surfaces of the dimples of the first closure profile are at least
partially
received within the space defined by the convex surfaces of the dimples of the
second closure profile when the interlocking member of the first closure
profile is
interlocked with the interlocking member of the second closure profile.
[0007] According to another aspect of our invention, a storage bag is
provided
with a first side surface and a second side surface connected to the first
side
surface so as to form an interior of the bag with an opening to the interior.
A first
closure profile is connected to the first side surface and positioned adjacent
to the
opening of the bag, with the first closure profile including an interlocking
member
that extends along the length of the first closure profile between a first
side of the
first closure profile and a second side of the first closure profile. The
first closure
profile includes a plurality of alignment structures provided adjacent to the
interlocking member, with the plurality of alignment structures being formed
as
ridge surfaces on the side of the first closure profile facing the interior of
the bag
and groove surfaces on the side of the first closure profile on the outside of
the
bag. The bag also includes a second closure profile connected to the second
side
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surface and positioned adjacent to the opening of the bag, with the second
closure
profile including an interlocking member that extends along at least the
length of
the first closure profile between a first side of the first closure profile
and a second
side of the first closure profile. The interlocking member of the second
closure
profile is configured to interlock with the interlocking member of the first
closure
profile so as to form a seal for the opening of the bag, with the second
closure
profile further including a plurality of alignment structures provided
adjacent to
the interlocking member. The plurality of alignment structures of the second
closure profile are formed as groove surfaces on the side of the second
closure
profile facing the interior of the bag and ridge surfaces on the side of the
second
closure profile on the outside of the bag. Each alignment structure on the
first
closure profile is aligned opposite to an alignment structure on the second
closure
profile, and the ridge surfaces of the alignment structures of the first
closure
profile are at least partially received within the space defined by the groove
surfaces of the alignment structures of the second closure profile.
[0008] According to another aspect of our invention, a storage bag is
provided
that includes a first side surface and a second side surface connected to the
first
side surface so as to form an interior of the bag with an opening to the
interior. A
first closure profile is connected to the first side surface and positioned
adjacent to
the opening of the bag. The first closure profile includes an interlocking
member
that extends along the length of the first closure profile between a first
side of the
first closure profile and a second side of the first closure profile. The
first closure
profile also includes a plurality of dimples that are provided adjacent to the
interlocking member. The dimples are formed as a concave surface on the side
of
the first closure profile facing the interior of the bag and a convex surface
on the
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side of the first closure profile on the outside of the bag. The bag further
includes
a second closure profile that is connected to the second side surface and
positioned adjacent to the opening of the bag. The second closure profile has
an
interlocking member that extends along at least the length of the second
closure
profile between a first side of the second closure profile and a second side
of the
second closure profile, with the interlocking member being configured to
interlock with the interlocking member of the first closure profile so as to
form a
seal for the opening of the bag. The second closure profile also includes a
plurality of dimples provided adjacent to the interlocking member. The dimples
are formed as a concave surface on the side of the first closure profile
facing the
interior of the bag and a concave surface on the side of the second closure
profile
on the outside of the bag. The dimples on the first closure profile are offset
from
the dimples on the second closure profile.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a side view of a bag according to an embodiment of
the
invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the top end of the bag
shown in
FIG. 1 as taken along line 2-2.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a view of the top end of the bag shown in FIG. I.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a view of the bag shown in FIG. 1 being grasp and
opened.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a side view of a bag according to another embodiment
of the
invention.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a side view of a bag according to another embodiment
of the
invention.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a view of the top end of the bag shown in FIG. 6.
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[0016] FIG. 8 is a view of a bag according to another embodiment of
the
invention.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a view of the top end of the bag shown in FIG. 8.
[0018] FIGS. 10A to IOC are side view of bags according to embodiments
of
the invention.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a side view of a bag with colored lips according to
an
embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a side view of the bag shown in FIG. 1 provided with
colored lips.
[0021] FIG. 13 is a side view of the bag shown in FIG. 6 provided with
colored lips.
[0022] FIG. 14 is a side view of a bag according to another embodiment
of the
invention.
[0023] FIG. 15 is a detailed view of the Section A shown in FIG. 14.
[0024] FIG. 16 is a view of the top end of the bag shown in FIG. 14.
[0025] FIG. 17 is a side view of a bag according to a further
embodiment of
the invention.
[0026] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the top end of the bag
shown in
FIG. 17 as taken along line 18-18.
[0027] FIG. 19 is a side view of a bag according to a further
embodiment of
the invention.
[0028] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the top end of the bag
shown in
FIG. 19 as taken along line 20-20.
[0029] FIG. 21 is a side view of a bag according to another embodiment
of the
invention.
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[0030] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the top end of the bag
shown in
FIG. 21 as taken along line 22-22.
[0031] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the top end of the bag
shown in
FIG. 21 as taken along line 23-23.
[0032] FIG. 24 is a side view of a bag according to another embodiment
of the
invention.
[0033] FIG. 25 is a side view of a bag according to another embodiment
of the
invention.
[0034] FIG. 26 is .a side view of a bag according to a further
embodiment of
the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] Our invention relates to a plastic storage bag that includes
features that
facilitate sealing and unsealing of the bag. Our invention also relates to a
storage
bag that includes features for distinguishing the bag from other storage bags.
The
features of our invention thereby provide for an easy to use and easy to
distinguish
plastic storage bag.
[0036] As will be apparent from the description herein, the term "bag"
encompasses a broad range of structures designed to contain items, such as
pouches, envelopes, packets, and the like. In general, the term bag, as used
herein, simply means a somewhat flexible container with an opening, with the
bag
being capable of carrying any number of items.
[0037] Figures 1 to 5 are views of a bag 100 according to an
embodiment of
the invention. The bag 100 includes a first side surface 102 and a second side
surface 104. The first and second side surfaces 102 and 104 are connected
along
edges 106 and 108, and the first and second side surfaces 102 and 104 are also
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connected at a bottom edge 110 of the bag 100. An opening 103 to the interior
of
the bag 100 is formed adjacent to the edges 112 and 113 that are defined by
the
closure profiles 107 and 109, as will be described below. The first and second
sides 102 and 104 may be made from a substantially transparent plastic, such
as
the plastics discussed below, thereby allowing the contents of the interior of
the
bag to be easily determined. Alternatively, the first and second side surfaces
102
and 104 can be made substantially opaque, or of a completely opaque material.
[00381 In some embodiments, the side surfaces 102 and 104 are
directly
connected together at the edges 106, 108, and 110. The side surfaces 102 and
104
may be, for example, laminated together at the edges 106, 108, and 110. In
other
embodiments, however, additional surfaces may be provided to connect the first
and second side surfaces 102 and 104. For example, a gusset-type connection
may be formed at the edges 106, 108, and 110 between the first and second side
surfaces 102 and 104, thereby allowing the first and second side surfaces 102
and
104 to be moved apart to an expanded bag configuration. Along these lines, it
should be noted that the term "connected," as used herein, is general a term
that
describes two structures that are directly attached to one another, but also
encompasses structures that are connected through intermediary structures.
[0039] First and second closure profiles 107 and 109 form the top
portion of
the bag 100, with the first and second closure profiles 107 and 109 defining
the
top edges 112 and 114. The closure profiles 107 and 109 include interlocking
members 114, 116, 118, and 120 for sealing the opening 103 of the bag 100. As
shown in Figure 2, the interlocking member 114 extends from the first closure
profile 107, and the interlocking member 118 extends from the second closure
profile 109 at a position opposite to the interlocking member 114. The
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interlocking members 114 and 118 can be interlocked and unlocked, with the
interlocking member 114 being a male-type profile that is received by the
female-
type interlocking member. 118. Such interlocking of the interlocking members
114 and 118 will also be referred to herein as "occluding." The interlocking
member 116 extends from the first closure profile 107, and the interlocking
member 120 extends from the second closure profile 109. The interlocking
members 116 and 120 can also be occluded in the same manner as the
interlocking members 114 and 118. Interlocking members such as those depicted
in Figure 2 are often referred to as zippers, as is known in the art. Examples
of
different shapes and configurations of such interlocking members that could be
used with the storage bag disclosed herein can be seen in U.S. Patent Nos.
5,070,584; 7,784,160; 7,886,412; 7,946,766; and 8,061,898, and in U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2009/0324141.
100401 The bag 100 is sealed by a user squeezing the interlocking
members
114 and 116 together with the interlocking members 118 and 120. It has been
found that a user can most easily perform this process by starting at the ends
of
the interlocking members 114, 116, 118, and 120, and then moving his or her
fingers across the length of the bag. When unsealing the bag 100, the
interlocking
members 114, 116, 118, and 120 are pulled apart by the user grasping the lips
126
and 128 of the bag and moving the closure profiles 107 and 109 apart. As will
be
discussed below, it is generally easier for a user to move the closure
profiles 107
and 109, apart and unseal the interlocking members 114, 116, 118, and 120, if
the
lips 126 and 128 are grasped towards the center of the length of the closure
profiles 107 and 109.
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100411 The interlocking members 114, 116, 118, and 120 may be
configured
to provide an audible sound and/or a tactile sensation when engaging each
other.
A variety of techniques are known for providing such audible and tactile
features,
with one example being the provision of indentations intermittently along the
length of the profiles of interlocking members 114, 116, 118, and 120, or,
more
generally, making the interlocking members 114, 116, 118, and 120
discontinuous
along their lengths. The indentions or structural discontinuities cause the
interlocking members 114, 116, 118, and 120 to close together with a vibratory
or
bumpy feel, or with an audible clicking sound, or with both a bumpy feel and
an
audible clicking sound. An example of providing the interlocking members of a
bag with audible or tactile features can be found in U.S. Patent No.
5,140,727.
100421 It should be noted that, although the bag 100 described herein
includes
two pairs of interlocking members 114, 116, 118, and 120, other embodiments of
the bag can include only one pair of interlocking members, i.e., a single
interlocking member extending from the first closure profile of the bag that
can
connect to an interlocking member extending from the second closure profile of
the bag. Still other embodiments can include more than two pairs of
interlocking
members. It should also be noted that the interlocking members 114, 116, 118,
and 120 do not necessarily need to fully extend to the edges of the bag 100.
For
example, in some embodiments, the bag 100 may include extended sealed
sections at the edges 106 and 108 of the bag 100, with the interlocking
members
114, 116, 118, and 120 configured to extend only from one sealed section to
the
other, and not all the way to the edges 106 and 108 of the bag 100. In this
regard,
references herein to the interlocking members 114, 116, 118, and 120
"extending
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between" the sides of the closure profiles 107 and 109 do not necessarily
indicate
that the interlocking members 114, 116, 118, and 120 extend all the way to
edges
of the closure profiles 107 and 109.
[0043] The first and second side surfaces 102 and 104, and the first
and
second closure profiles 107 and 109, may be formed from thermoplastic
materials,
and by known processes that are well known in the art. For example, the side
surfaces 102 and 104 may be independently extruded of thermoplastic material
as
a single continuous or multi-ply web, and the closure profiles 107 and 109 may
be
extruded of the same or different thermoplastic materials separately as
continuous
lengths or strands. The first and second closure profiles 107 and 109 may be
integrally formed with (and thus "connected") to the side surfaces 102 and 104
of
the bag 100. Alternatively, the first and second closure profiles 107 and 109
may
be formed as separate structures that are attached (and thus "connected") to
the
first and second side walls 102 and 104, for example, by laminating the first
and
second closure profiles 107 and 109 to the first and second side walls 102 and
104.
[0044] Illustrative thermoplastic materials that could be used to form
the bag
100 include, for example, polypropylene (PP), 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), among other polyolefin plastomers and
combinations and blends thereof. Still other materials that may be used
include
styrenic block copolymers, polyolefin blends, elastomeric alloys,
thermoplastic
polyurethanes, thermoplastic copolyesters, thermoplastic polyamides, polymers
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and copolymers of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC),
saran polymers, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers, cellulose acetates,
polyethylene terephthalate (PET), ionomer, polystyrene, polycarbonates,
styrene
acryloacrylonitrile, aromatic polyesters, linear polyesters, and thermoplastic
polyvinyl alcohols. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide
variety of
other materials may also be used to form the bag 100.
[0045] Figure 3 shows a detailed view of the top end of the bag 100
with the
edges 112 and 113 of closure profiles 107 and 109. The bag 100 includes offset
first and second lips 126 and 128 that extend from the interlocking members
114
and 118 to the top edges 112 and 113. The lips 126 and 128 are configured such
that a distinct notch 130 is formed in a region X of the top edges 112 and 113
of
the bag 100.
[0046] To form the notch 130, the first lip 126 includes a first
portion that
extends a distance HI from the interlocking member 114 to the top edge 112
along a portion of a length of the bag (the right side of Figure 3). The first
lip 126
also includes a second portion that extends a second distance H2 from the
interlocking member 114 to the top edge 112 along another portion of the
length
of the bag 100 (the left side of Figure 3). The distance HI is greater than
the
distance H2, and as such, the first lip 126 includes a third portion in the
region X
that varies from H1 to 1-12 in distance from the interlocking member 114 to
the top
edge 112.
[0047] The second lip 128 is configured similar to the first lip 126,
except that
the portions of the second lip 128 are reversed from the first lip 126. The
second
lip 128 includes a first portion that extends a distance H3 from the
interlocking
member 118 to the top edge 113 (left side of Figure 3), and a second portion
that
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extends a distance H4 from the interlocking member 118 to the top edge 113
(right side of Figure 3), with the distance H3 being greater than the distance
H2.
As such, the second lip 128 includes a third portion in the region X that
varies
from H3 to H4 in distance from the interlocking member 118 to the top edge
113.
[00481 The first portion of the first lip 126 extending the distance
HI is
positioned adjacent to the second portion of the second lip 128 that extends
the
distance H4, and the second portion of the first lip 126 that extends the
distance
H2 is positioned adjacent to the first portion of the second lip 128 that
extends the
distance I-13. The third portions of the first and second lips 126 and 128,
which
vary in distance from the respective interlocking members 114 and 118 to edges
112 and 113, are positioned adjacent to each other. Thus, the distinctive
notch
130 is formed by the top edges 112 and 113 in the region X.
[0049] The offset of the lips 126 and 128, and the correspondingly
formed
notch 130, make it easier for a user to grasp the lips 126 and 128, and to
unseal
the interlocking members 114, 116, 118, and 120. As shown in Figure 4, the
notch 130 provides a visual cue that leads the user to grasp the first and
second
lips 126 and 128 in the region X of the top edges 112 and 113 of the bag 100.
And, because of their configuration, the lips 126 and 128 can easily be
grasped in
the region X. Moreover, when grasping the lips 126 and 128 at the region X,
the
user can achieve an outward rolling motion of the first and second closure
profiles
107 and 109, as denoted by the arrows Y in Figure 4. This rolling motion of
the
lips 126 and 128 away from each other greatly facilitates the separation of
the first
and second closure profiles 107 and 109, and, accordingly, makes easier the
unsealing of the interlocking members 114, 116, 118, and 120.
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[0050] It should be noted that, although the region X where the notch
130 is
provide is at the center of the length of the bag 100 depicted in Figures 1 to
5, the
region X and notch 130 can be offset from the center of the length of the bag
100
in other embodiments. That is, the length of the portions of the first and
second
lips 126 and 128 could be adjusted to provide the region X and the notch 130
at
different positions along the top end of the bag 100. It should also be noted
that
although the distance H1 is depicted as being about equal to the distance H3
in
Figure 4, and the distance H2 is depicted as being about equal to the distance
H4
in Figure 4, in other embodiments, these distances need not be equal. Instead,
HI
and H3 can be different, and H2 and H4 can be different. Indeed, such
differences
may provide even further visual cues as to the different lips 126 and 128,
making
it even easier for the user to determine where to grasp the lips 126 and 128.
[0051] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, gripping ridges 122, 124, and 125
are
provided on the surfaces of the first and second lips 126 and 128 in order to
further facilitate the grasping of the lips 126 and 128. Such gripping ridges
122,
124, and 125 can be provided on both of the inside and outside surfaces of the
first and second lips 126 and 128, on only the inside or outside surfaces of
the first
and second lips 126 and 128, or on combinations of the inside and outside
surfaces of the first and second lips 126 and 128, e.g., on the outside
surface of lip
126 and the inside surface of lip 128. Further, any number of gripping ridges
can
be added to the inside and outside surface of the lips 126 and 128. In still
other
embodiments, however, no gripping ridges are provided to the bag 100.
[0052] In addition to, or as an alternative to, the gripping ridges
122 and 124,
the surfaces of the lips 126 and 128 may also include a texture 127, as shown
in
bag 100' depicted in Figure 5. The texture 127 further facilitates gripping of
the
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lips 126 and 128, and hence, opening of the bag 100'. Such a texture 127 may
easily be formed on the lips 126 and 128 using a variety of techniques, with
one
example being embossing. Other techniques include ultrasonic forming and
blasting with sand or water jets to abrade the surface. Regardless of the
technique, when the texture 127 is added to the lips 126 and 128, the
integrity of
the gripping ridges 122, 123, 124, and 125 can be maintained by not forming
the
texture 127 on the griping ridges 122, 123, 124, and 125. That is, the
gripping
ridges 122, 123, 124, and 125 are not substantially disrupted by the texture
127
pattern, and, as such, the gripping ridges 122, 123, 124, and 125 extend
substantially continuously along the top end of the bag 100. As will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art, the texture 127 can be formed by a
variety
of techniques, with one example being ultrasonic embossing.
100531 The combination of two different grip facilitating features,
i.e., the
gripping ridges 122, 123, 124, and 125 and the texture 127, provides for
particularly effective gripping surfaces that a user can easily grasp when
unsealing
the interlocking members 114, 116, 118, and 120. Additionally, the texture 127
also provides another visual cue for locating the lips 126 and 128.
[00541 Figures 6 and 7 show a bag 200 according to a second embodiment
of
the invention. The bag 200 is configured similar to the bag 100 described
above,
with the exception of the configuration of the first and second closure
profiles 207
and 209. In bag 200, the first lip 226 extends a substantially constant
distance H1
from the interlocking member 214 to the top edge 212 of the first closure
profile
207. On the other hand, the second lip 228 of the second closure profile 209
includes a first portion that extends a distance H2 from the interlocking
member
218 to the top edge 213, a second portion that extends a distance H3 from the
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interlocking member 218 to the top edge 213, and a third portion that extends
a
distance H4 from the interlocking member 218 to the top edge 213. The second
lip 228 also includes portions that vary between the distances H2 to H4, and
portions that vary between the distances H3 to H4. It should be noted,
however,
that, in an alternative embodiment, the portions of the second lip 228 that
vary in
distance from the interlocking member 218 to the top edge 213 can be omitted.
That is, the bag 200 could be provided such that the first portion with the
distance
H2 transitions directly to the second portion with the distance H3, and the
second
portion with the distance H3 transitions directly to the third portion with
the
distance H4. It should also be noted that, although the distances H2 and H3
are
shown as being about equal in the embodiment depicted in Figures 6 and 7, in
other embodiments, the distances H2 and H4 are different.
[0055] The bag 200 is configured such that the distance H1 is greater
than the
distances H2 and H3, but the distance H1 is less than the distance H4. Thus, a
portion of the lip 228 formed by the second closure profile 209 extends above
the
edge 212 formed by the first closure profile 207. The first and second lips
226
and 228 are therefore easily distinguishable, and the user is provided with a
visual
cue as to where to grasp the lips 226 and 228 in order to unseal the
interlocking
members 214, 216, 218, and 220. Further, the user is led to grasp the lips 226
and
228 at a center region of the bag 200 where the second lip 228 extends above
the
first lip 226. By grasping the lips 226 and 228 at the center region, the user
can
impart a rolling motion to the lips, as described above in conjunction with
Figure
4, which facilitates separation of the first and second closure profiles 207
and 209,
and thus, unsealing of the interlocking members 214, 216, 218, and 220.
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[0056] Figures 8 and 9 show a bag 300 according to another embodiment
of
the invention. The bag 300 is configured similar to the bags 100 and 200
described above, with the exception of the first and second closure profiles
307
and 309. In this embodiment, the first lip 326 includes a first portion that
extends
a distance H1 from the interlocking member 314 to the edge 312 of the first
closure profile 307. The first lip 326 also includes a second portion that
extends a
distance H2 from the interlocking member 314 to the edge 312, and a third
portion that extends a distance H3 from the interlocking member 314 to the
edge
312. The second lip 328 also includes three portions, with a first portion
extending a distance H4 from the interlocking member 318 to the edge 313 of
the
second closure profile 309, a second portion extending a distance H5 from the
interlocking member 318 to the top edge 313, and a third portion extending a
distance H6 from the interlocking member 318 to the edge 313. The portions of
the first and second lips 326 and 328 are configured so as to form two notches
330
and 332 at the top end of the bag 300. The portions of the lips 326 and 328
are
also configured to form a tab, with the portion of the second lip 328 that
extends
the distance H5 being above the portion of the first lip 326 that extends the
distance H2. The notches 330 and 332 provide visual cues that allow the user
to
easily distinguish between the first and second lips 326 and 328, and also to
indicate that the lips 326 and 328 should be grasped at the center region of
the bag
300. Along these lines, when grasping the lips 326 and 328 at the center
region
near the notches 330 and 332, the user can achieve an outward rolling motion
that
facilitates unsealing of the interlocking members 314, 316, 318, and 320, as
described above.
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[0057] The bag 200 is configured such that the distance H1 is greater
than the
distances H2 and H4, but the distance HI is less than the distance H3. Thus, a
portion of the lip 228 formed by the second closure profile 209 extends above
the
edge 212 formed by the first closure profile 207. The first and second lips
226
and 228 are therefore easily distinguishable, and the user is provided with a
visual
cue as to where to grasp the lips 226 and 228 in order to unseal the
interlocking
members 214, 216, 218, and 220. Further, the user is led to grasp the lips 226
and
228 at a center region of the bag 200 where the second lip 228 extends above
the
first lip 226. By grasping the lips 226 and 228 at the center region, the user
can
impart a rolling motion to the lips, as is described above in conjunction with
Figure 4, which facilitates separation of the first and second closure
profiles 207
and 209, and thus, unsealing of the interlocking members 214, 216, 218, and
220.
[0058] Figures 10A, 10B, and IOC show bags 300A, 300B, and 300C
according to further embodiments of the invention. In these embodiments, the
lips 326A, 326B, and 326C are at least partially offset from the lips 328A,
328B,
and 328C, respectively. As shown in Figures 10B and 10C, multiple tabs are
formed in bags 300B and 300C as a result of the offset between the lips 326B
and
326C, and the lips 328B, and 328C. The multiple tabs provide even further
visual
cues as to the location that the bags 300B and 300C can be grasped when
unsealing the openings.
[00591 Figure 11 shows a bag 400 according to another embodiment of
the
invention. In this embodiment, the lip 426 of the first closure profile 407
extends
a distance HI from the interlocking member 414, and the lip 428 of the second
closure profile extends a distance H2 from the interlocking member 418. The
distance H2 is greater than the distance H1 such that throughout the length of
the
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bag 400, the edge 413 formed by the second closure profile 428 is further from
the
interlocking members 414 and 418 than the edge 412 formed by the first closure
profile is from the interlocking members 414 and 418.
[0060] In order to provide an aid for distinguishing between the first
and
second lips 426 and 428, coloring is provided to the lips 426 and 428. In
effect,
when the bag 400 is viewed looking at the first side surface 102 or the second
side
surface 104, the area where the first lip 426 overlaps the second lip 428
appears as
a noticeably darker color, or as a noticeably darker shade of color, than the
area of
the second lip 428 that is not overlapped by the first lip 426. Thus, the user
can
easily distinguish the first and second lips 426 and 428, and it is easier for
the user
to determine where to grasp the bag 400 when unsealing the interlocking
members
414, 416, 418, and 420.
[0061] As will be apparent from the discussion herein, the references
to a
"darker color" and "a darker shade of color" have different meanings. A CIELAB
color space is a common technique for quantifying colors and shades of a
color.
In this color space, the L* represents the lightness or darkness of a color,
and a*
and b* represent color-opponent dimensions, based on nonlinearly compressed
CIE XYZ color space coordinates. The L*, a*, and b* values for a color of a
particular sample can easily be determined by using, for example, a
spectrophotometer. As used herein, when considering two color samples, a
darker
color sample would be one in which the a* and b* values are indicative of the
darker color than the other sample, e.g., a* and b* values indicative of a
blue
color that is darker than the a* and b* values indicative of a yellow color. A
darker shade of color, on the other hand, would be indicative of two samples
having substantially the same a* and b* values, but different L* values, with
the
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sample having the higher L* value being the lighter shade of color. In this
regard,
it should be noted that the term "color," as used herein, encompasses black,
white,
and shades of gray. It should also be noted that a substantially transparent
plastic
storage bag, as discussed above and as is known in the art, can be considered
to
have a certain "color." When referencing first and a second colors, or shades
of
color, herein, one of the first and second colors or shades of color may be
the
same as the rest of the bag, including substantially transparent portions of
the bag.
100621 It follows that the visual effects of the first and second lips
426 and
428 described herein can be achieved using different colors, wherein the a*
and/or
b* values of the lips 426 and 428 are different. Qualitatively, the first lip
426
might appear as a green color, while the second lip 428 appears as a red
color. In
such an embodiment, the L* values of the two lips 426 and 426 could be the
same,
or the L* values could be different. In other embodiments, the first and
second
lips 426 and 428 are provided as substantially the same color, i.e., have
about the
same a* and b* values, but have different L* values. In such a case, the first
and
second lips 426 and 428 are a different shade of color. In still other
embodiments,
the first and second lips 426 and 428 are formed in the same color and the
same
shade of color. Yet, due to the overlapping of the first lip 426 with a
portion of
the second lip 428, the overlapping area naturally appears as a darker shade
of
color than the portion of the second lip 428 that is not overlapped by the
first lip
426, when the bag is viewed from the first side surface 402 or the second side
surface 404. Such an effect can be achieved, for example, by using a larger
thickness of the lips 426 and 428. In still other embodiments, the first and
second
lips 426 and 428 can be formed by different colors, which will thereby provide
a
different color in the overlapping portions of the lips 426 and 428 than in
the non-
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overlapped portion of the second lip 428, e.g., the first lip 426 is a yellow
color
and the second lip 428 is a blue color such that a green color is produced in
the
area where the first lip 426 overlaps the second lip 428, when the bag is
viewed
towards the first side 402 or the second side 404.
[0063] In specific embodiments, the L* values of the two lips 426 and
428 are
different by a value of about thirty. As examples, the L* value of the darker
first
lip 426 is about fifty to about seventy, more specifically, the L* value is
about
fifty-five to about sixty-five, and even more specifically, the L* value is
about
fifty-five to about sixty. The L* value of the lighter second lip 428 is about
sixty
to about eighty, more specifically, the L* value is about sixty-five to about
seventy-five, and even more specifically, the L* value is about seventy to
seventy-
five. With all of these configurations, the first lip 426 appears
substantially darker
than the second lip 428. Therefore, a user can easily distinguish between the
two
lips 426 and 428, which, in turn, makes it easier for the user to determine
where to
grasp the bag 400 when unsealing the interlocking members 414, 416, 418, and
420.
[0064] The color can be formed in the lips 426 and 428 using a variety
of
techniques. As one example, a colorant in liquid or solid form can be mixed
with
the resin prior to an extrusion operation that forms the closure profiles 407
and
409 of the bag. As a similar example, the color can be introduced by adding
color
resin pellets or liquid color to a pellet stream where it will be homogenized
throughout the plastic during the extrusion process that forms the film and/or
the
profiles 407 and 409 of the bag. In such an arrangement, the coloring agent
can
be introduced through a separate extruder added to the overall extrusion
forming
process, for example, by extruding a color layer on the already formed closure
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profiles 407 and 409. As another example, the color can be applied by painting
or
printing on the closure profiles 407 and 409. Those skilled in the art will
recognize that a wide variety of other techniques could be used to form the
colors
or shades of color in the lips 426 and 428 of the bag 400.
[0065] While the bag 400 depicted in Figure 11 is formed with the
shorter
first lip 426 being a darker color or a darker shade of color than the longer
second
lip 428, the relative coloring might be reversed, in other embodiments. That
is,
the shorter first lip 426 can be a lighter color or a lighter shade of color
than the
longer lip 428. The color contrast in such embodiments can be further
emphasized by only providing the darker color or darker shade of color in the
portion of the second lip 428 that is not overlapped by the first lip 426.
Additionally, while the entire distances H1 and H2 between the interlocking
members 414 and 418 and the edges 412 and 413 are provided with color in the
embodiment depicted in Figure 11, in other embodiments, the color need not
extend the entire distances HI and H2. Instead, the color may extend over a
portion of the distances H1 and H2 in the lips 426 and 428.
[0066] In other embodiments, the color is not a solid block on the
lips 426 and
428. Instead, the color may be formed, for example, in patterns or shapes,
with
the patterns and shapes being continuous or discontinuous. Examples of such
patterns and shapes include hearts, flowers, trees, etc. Along these lines,
the
coloring of either the lip 426 or the lip 428 can include multiple colors.
Still
further, as indicated above, one of the colors or shades of colors of the
first and
second lips 426 and 428 can be the same as the other portions of the bag.
Thus, in
an embodiment, the color of the first lip 426 is the same as the color of the
substantially transparent side surface 402, while the lip 428 is formed with
two
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different colors. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the wide range of
coloring
options for the lips 426 and 428 of the bag 400.
100671 The interlocking members 414, 416, 418, and 420 may also be
colored,
and as such, provided as the same color or different colors than the lips 426
and
428. With coloring, the interlocking members 414, 416, 418, and 420 can easily
be discerned, thus making it easier for the user to seal and to unseal the
bag.
Therefore, by providing bag 400 with colored lips 426 and 428, as well as
colored
interlocking members 414, 416, 418, and 420, the user can easily identify the
portions that are used to seal and to unseal the bag 400.
[0068] Figure 12 shows a bag 500 according to yet another embodiment
of the
invention. The bag 500 is configured similar to the bag 100 described above,
except that the lips 526 and 528 are colored. The first lip 526 is a darker
color, or
a darker shade of color, than the second lip 528. Thus, a user can easily
distinguish between the two lips 526 and 528. Moreover, due to the overlapping
of the first and second lips 526 and 528 in the region directly below the
notch 530,
an even darker portion 532 is visible when viewing the bag 500 towards the
first
or second sides 502 and 504. This provides a further visual cue that leads the
user
to grasp the lips 526 and 528 in the region of the bag 500 adjacent to the
notch
530. As discussed above, the interlocking members 514, 516, 518, and 520 can
most easily be unsealed when the bag 500 is grasped near the notch 530.
[0069] Figure 13 shows a bag 600 according to another embodiment of
the
invention. The bag 600 is configured in the same manner as the bag 200
depicted
in Figures 6 and 7, except that the lips 626 and 628 of bag 600 are colored.
The
second lip 628, which includes a portion that extends above the first lip 626,
is a
darker shade of color or a darker color than the first lip 626. As with the
other
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colored lip examples discussed above, a user can easily distinguish between
the
two lips 626 and 628.
[0070] The coloring of the lips 426, 428, 526, 528, 626, and 628 in
bags 400,
500, and 600 may also allow for the bags 400, 500, 600 to be easily
distinguished
from other storage bags. That is, the coloring of the lips 426, 428, 526, 528,
626
and 628 provides a visual indication to a user of the particular bag, and such
a
feature may provide an express or an implicit indication of the contents of
the bag.
For example, blue colored lips might be used to indicate a freezer bag,
magenta
colored lips might be used to indicate a refrigerator bag, and green colored
lips
might be used to indicate a general purpose storage bag. Moreover, the colored
lips 426, 428, 526, 528, 626 and 628 might allow a particular bag to stand out
amongst other bags, such as a magenta bag amongst green bags. Of course, as
the
coloring may only be formed in the lips 426, 428, 526, 528, 626 and 628, the
first
and second side surfaces 400, 402, 500, 502, 600, and 602 of the bags 400,
500,
and 600 may still be made transparent or substantially transparent. Thus,
while
the bags 400, 500, and 600 are imparted with an indicative color by the lips
426,
428, 526, 528, 626, and 628, the contents of the bags 400, 500, and 600 can
nevertheless still be easily seen.
[0071] In order to further distinguish the bag 600 from other bags,
the bag 600
may include an area 601 that allows writing to be easily imparted on the bag
600,
i.e., the area 601 forms a label for the bag 600. Often, plastic bags have a
label
that is printed on a surface. Typically, such a label is printed on the bag
with ink
applied, for example, by a flexographic printer. The area 601 of the bag 600
can
be such an ink label, in some embodiments of the invention.
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[0072] In other embodiments, however, the area 601 is not formed with
ink,
but rather, is formed as an etched portion of the surface of the bag. The
etched
area can be formed using a variety of techniques. As one example, the area 601
can be formed by sandblasting. As another example, the area 601 can be formed
by an ultrasonic scuffing process, wherein a roughened or an embossed surface
of
a vibrating horn or anvil is brought into co. ntact with a surface of the bag
600. It
has been found that performing such etching techniques on a surface of a bag
constructed from plastic materials, such as the plastics described above,
imparts
an etched area that will readily receive writing from a standard ink pen. The
etching techniques for forming area 601 are advantageous over ink printing
techniques for forming area 601, inasmuch as etching may be less costly than
the
ink used to form the area 601. Additionally, forming the area 601 by etching
provides for a more environmentally friendly bag 600 by eliminating the use of
the printing ink. It should be noted that regardless of the techniques used to
form
the area 601, the area 601 can be formed on any surface of the bag 600, and,
further, the area 601 can be formed in any shape.
[0073] Figures 14 to 16 show a bag 700 according to another embodiment
of
the invention. The bag 700 is generally configured similarly to the bags
described
above, inasmuch as the bag 700 includes first and second side surfaces 702 and
704 that are connected at edges 706, 708, and 710. The bag 700 also includes
first
and second closure profiles 707 and 709, with the closure profiles 707 and 709
including interlocking members 714, 716, 718, and 720. The first and second
closure profiles 707 and 709 also include first and second lips 726 and 728
that
define edges 712 and 713. The first and second lips 726 and 728 are offset in
a
manner similar to the lips 412 and 413 of the bag 400 described above.
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[00741 In bag 700, the first and second closure profiles 707 and 709
include
textured areas 734, 736, 738, and 740 that are positioned adjacent to the
edges 706
and 708, and adjacent to the interlocking members 714, 716, 718, and 720. The
textured areas 734, 736, 738, and 740 provide a significantly different
texture
compared to the other surfaces of the bag 700, such that the textured areas
734,
736, 738, and 740 are visually distinguishable from the areas of the closure
profiles 707 and 709 that are adjacent to the textured areas 734, 736, 738,
and
740. The textured areas 734 and 736, however, extend over only a portion of
the
length of the closure profiles 707 and 709, and in particular, at areas
adjacent to
the ends of the interlocking members 714, 716, 718, and 720. That is, the
first
and second closure profiles 707 and 709 include the textured areas 734, 736,
738,
and 740 adjacent to portions of the interlocking members 714, 716, 718, and
720,
but the closure profiles 707 and 709 are formed with untextured areas adjacent
to
the majority of the lengths of the interlocking members 714, 716, 718, and
720.
Note, the term "untextured," as used herein, denotes a relatively smooth
surface as
is commonly found in the art.
100751 Figures 15 and 16 show details of the textured area 734 of the
bag 700.
The textured area 734 includes a section 740 that is positioned above the
interlocking member 714, a section 742 that is positioned between the
interlocking members 714 and 716, and a section 744 that is positioned below
the
interlocking member 716. The other textured areas 736, 738, and 740 of the bag
700 also include three sections positioned in a similar manner with respect to
interlocking members 714 and 716 or interlocking members 718 and 720.
10076] It has been found that zipper-type closure structures, such as
the
closure structures formed by interlocking members 714, 716, 718, and 720, are
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more easily sealed, and more often completely sealed, if the user starts the
sealing
operation at the ends of the interlocking members 714, 716, 718, and 720. The
textured areas 734, 736, 738, and 740 provide a visual cue for a user to grasp
the
closure profiles 707 and 709 at positions adjacent to the ends of the
interlocking
member 714, 716, 718, and 720 when beginning the process of sealing the bag.
Thus, the user is more apt to properly and to completely seal the bag 700 with
the
guidance provided by the textured areas 734, 736, 738, and 740.
[0077] As shown in Figure 16, the textured areas 734 and 736 extend
over
portions of the lengths of the interlocking members 716, 718, 720, and 722
that
can be either interlocked or unlocked from each other. In order to facilitate
interlocking, however, the textured areas 734 and 736 are not substantially
formed
into the interlocking members 716, 718, 720, and 722 themselves. That is, the
formation of the textured areas 734 and 736 does not substantially affect the
shapes of the interlocking members 716, 718, 720, and 722, such that the
interlocking members 716, 718, 720, and 722 can still be effectively
interlocked,
and, thus, seal the opening of the bag 700.
[0078] The textured areas 734, 736, 738, and 740 may be formed by a
variety
of techniques and processes. As one example, the textured areas 734, 736, 738,
and 740 can be formed by embossing the closure profiles 707 and 709 with a die
press. As another example, the textured areas 734, 736, 738, and 740 can be
formed by ultrasonic embossing. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art, die or ultrasonic embossing techniques will allow for the formation of
the
textured areas 734, 736, 738, and 740 in the specific sections 740, 742, and
744,
without also embossing on the interlocking members 714, 716, 718, and 720,
i.e.,
without crushing or otherwise deforming the interlocking members 714, 716,
718,
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and 720. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that there is a
variety of
other techniques with which the textured areas 734, 736, 738, and 740 can be
formed. For example, as an alternative to embossing, the textured areas 734,
736,
738, and 740 can be formed by a micromolding operation on the closure profiles
707 and 709.
[0079] It should be noted that, although the textured areas 734, 736,
738, and
740 in bag 700 are formed in the sections above, in between, and below the
interlocking members 714, 716, 718, and 720, in other embodiments, the
textured
areas 734, 736, 738, and 740 can be formed in only one or two of these
sections.
For example, the textured areas 734, 736, 738, and 740 may only be formed in
the
area between the interlocking members 714, 716, 718, and 720, but not above or
below the interlocking members 714, 716, 718, and 720. Indeed, the textured
areas 734, 736, 738, and 740 could be formed in only one section adjacent to
the
interlocking members 714, 716, 718, and 720. Moreover, in still other
embodiments, the textured areas 734, 736, 738, and 740 may only be formed on
one side of the bag 700 or only at one end of the interlocking members 714,
716,
718, and 720. For example, the textured area 734 may alone be formed in an
embodiment, with the other textured areas 736, 738, and 740 being omitted.
[0080] A bag 800 according to a further embodiment of the invention is
shown in Figures 17 and 18. The bag 800 includes a first side surface 802 and
a
second side surface 804 that are connected at edges 806, 808, and 810. The bag
800 also includes first and second closure profiles 807 and 809 that extend
adjacent to an opening 803 to the interior of the bag 800. The closure
profiles 807
and 809 include interlocking members 814, 816, 818, and 820. The interlocking
members 814, 816, 818, and 820 are configured to seal the opening of the bag
800
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in the same manner as the interlocking members in the embodiments described
above. The closure profiles 807 and 809 also include first and second lips 826
and 828 that define the edges 812 and 813 of the bag 800.
[0081] The first and second closure profiles 807 and 809 also include
a
plurality of dimples 852 and 854. As shown in Figure 18, the dimples 852 in
the
first closure profile 807 are formed as concave surfaces 856 on the outside of
the
first closure profile 807, and as convex surfaces 858 on the side of the first
closure
profile 807 that faces the interior of the bag 800. On the other hand, the
dimples
854 in the second closure profile 809 are formed as convex surfaces 860 on the
outside surface of the second closure profile 809, and as concave surfaces 862
on
the surface of the second closure profile 809 that faces the interior of the
bag 800.
[0082] The dimples 852 of the first closure profile 807 are positioned
and
configured to engage the oppositely positioned dimples 854 of the second
closure
profile 809. More specifically, the convex surfaces 858 of the dimples 852 can
be
received to the concave surfaces 862 of the dimples 854 when the interlocking
members 814, 816, 818, and 820 are brought together to seal the opening 803 of
the bag 800. As such, the dimples 852 and 854 provide an alignment feature for
the closure profiles 807 and 809. Moreover, the alignment and engaging of the
dimples 852 and 854 provides a user with both a visual indication and tactile
sensation that inform the user that the interlocking members 814, 816, 818,
and
820 are engaging, when the user is sealing the bag 800. That is, the user
visually
identifies the dimples 852 and 854, and feels the convex surfaces 858 of the
dimples 852 engaging the concave surfaces 862 of the dimples 854 as he or she
runs his or her fmgers along the interlocking members 814, 816, 818, and 820
to
seal the bag 800.
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[0083] It should be noted that, in addition to the configuration of
concave and
convex surfaces 856, 858, 860, and 862 for the dimples 852 and 854 shown in
Figure 17, the closure profiles 807 and 809 could also include dimples that
have a
reverse configuration from those shown in Figure 17. That is; the dimples 852
on
the first closure profile 807 could be formed with a convex surface on the
outside
of the first closure profile 807 and a concave surface on the side of the
first
closure profile 807 that faces the interior of the bag 800. These "reversed"
dimples would correspond to dimples on the second closure profile 809 that
have
a concave surface on the outside of the second closure profile 809 and a
convex
surface on the surface of the second closure profile 809 that faces the
interior of
the bag 800. Indeed, embodiments of the bag 800 could include both the dimple
configuration shown in Figure 18, as well as the reversed dimple
configuration, as
long as the types of dimples shown in Figure 18 are aligned with each other
and
the reversed dimples are aligned with each other.
[0084] In still other embodiments, the dimples 852 and 854 can be made
flexible such that the concave and convex surfaces of the dimples 852 and 854
can
change shape when pressed upon by a user. For example, when the user presses
against the convex surfaces 860 of the dimples 854, the convex surfaces 860
may
be flattened towards the closure profile 809. Additionally, the dimples 854
can be
configured such that the convex surfaces 860 become concave relative to the
outside surface of the closure profile 809, and the concave surfaces 860
become
convex relative to the surface of the closure profile 809 that faces the
interior of
the bag 800, i.e., reversed from the configuration shown in Figure 18. The
dimples 852 can also be made flexible, and as such, in some embodiments, the
deformation of the dimples 852 operates in conjunction with the deformation of
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the dimples 854. For example, when the concave surfaces 862 of the dimples 854
might be made to invert to a convex surface while the corresponding convex
surfaces 858 of the dimples 852 invert to concave surfaces.
[0085] It should be noted that the dimples 852 and 854 are a
significantly
different type of structure than the interlocking members 814, 816, 818, and
820
inasmuch as the dimples 852 and 854 do not include an interlocking feature
that
' significantly aids in sealing the opening 803 of the bag 800. Instead, the
dimples
852 and 854 merely fit together. Because the dimples 852 and 854 more easily
slide together than the interlocking members 814, 816, 818, and 820, the
dimples
852 and 854 provide an effective guide for aligning the closure profiles 807
and
809 in a manner that allows the interlocking members 814, 816, 818, and 820 to
become interlocked.
[0086] The dimples 852 and 854 can be particularly effective in
combination
with a feature that provides audible feedback indicating that the interlocking
members 852 and 854 have been engaged. As discussed above, interlocking
members may be configured to provide an audible sound and/or a tactile
sensation
when engaging with each other. In addition to, or in alternative to, the
interlocking members 814, 816, 818, and 820 being provided with a sound
producing feature, the dimples 852 and 854 could be configured to provide a
sound when becoming aligned, such as a "popping" sound when the dimples 852
and 854 are brought together. That is, the nesting of the dimples 852 and 854
can
be made to amplify other sounds indicating that the interlocking members 814,
816, 818, and 820 are engaging. Regardless of the source of the sound, the
provision of a sound in combination with the feel that the dimples 852 and 854
provide when becoming aligned provides the user with a vivid indication that
the
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interlocking members 814, 816, 818, and 820 are interlocking together and the
bag 800 is being sealed. The indication to the user may be even more effective
if
the sounds correspond to the dimples 852 and 854 becoming aligned. That is, a
user is provided with excellent tactile and audio feedback when the bag 800 is
configured to produce a sound at about the same time that the dimples 852 and
854 are nested together.
[0087] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the dimples
852 and
854 can be formed in the closure profiles 807 and 809 using a variety of
techniques. As one example, the dimples 852 and 854 could be formed using a
mechanical operation, such as a pressing operation with a die. In such a
pressing
operation, heat could also be applied to the closure profiles 807 and 809 in
order
to facilitate the deformation in the closure profiles 807 and 809 that forms
the
dimples 852 and 854. Alternatively, the dimples 852 and 854 could be formed
using an ultrasonic forming operation. As still other alternatives, the
dimples 852
and 854 could be formed by a micromolding process, or as part of a vacuum
extrusion operation in the process of forming the closure profiles 807 and
809.
With all of these techniques, the dimples 852 and 854 are formed in a manner
to
prevent rupturing or weakening of the closure profiles 807 and 809.
[00881 In the bag 800 depicted in Figures 17 and 18, the dimples 852
and 854
are formed with substantially spherical sections that have substantially
circular
cross sections. In particular embodiments, the dimples 852 and 854 have a
diameter of about 0.125 in. (0.3175 cm). The substantially spherical dimples
852
and 854 are uniformly provided throughout the lengths of the closures profiles
807 and 809. In some embodiments, the dimples 852 on the first closure profile
807 are spaced from each other by about 0.0625 in. (0.1588 cm) to about 0.75
in.
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(1.91 cm), or more specifically, the dimples 852 are spaced from each other by
about 0.125 in. (0.3175 cm) to about 0.5 in. (1.27 cm), and even more
specifically,
the dimples 852 are spaced from each other by about 0.25 in. (0.635 cm) to
about
0.375 in. (0.9525 cm). The dimples 854 on the second closure profile 809 have
a
similar spacing. The dimples 852 and 854 have a depth of about 5 mils to about
40 mils (0.127 to 1.02 mm), or more specifically, about 10 mils to about 30
mils
(0.254 to 0.762 mm), or even more specifically, about 15 mils to about 25 mils
(0.381 to 0.635 mm). In a particular embodiment, the dimples 852 and 853 have
a
depth of about 20 mils (0.51 mm). Of course, one of ordinary skill in the art
will
recognize that these dimples could be changed if so desired.
[0089] While the dimples 852 and 854 are substantially spherical
sections
with substantially circular cross sections, and while the dimples 852 and 854
in
Figure 17 are evenly spaced along the closure profiles 807 and 809, there are
numerous alternative shapes and configurations for the dimples 852 and 854.
Two such shapes and configurations are exemplified in an embodiment depicted
in Figures 19 and 20. In this embodiment, the dimples 852, 852', 854, and 854'
are provided at irregular points along the closure profiles 807 and 809. While
the
dimples 852 and 854 are shaped as described above, the dimples 852' and 854'
have a rectangular cross section, with the dimples 852' forming a ridge 859
that is
received by a groove 854' formed by the dimples 854'. Besides the 'shapes and
configurations shown in Figures 17 to 20, those skilled in the art will
recognize
that the dimples 852, 852', 854, and 854' could be formed with a wide variety
of
alternative shapes, such as, for example, dimples having a cross section with
the
shape of ovals, triangles, X-shapes, S-shapes, stars, hearts, arrows,
Christmas
trees, etc.
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[0090] In the embodiments depicted in Figures 17 to 20, the dimples
852,
852', 854, and 854' are provided between the interlocking members 814, 816,
818,
and 820. In other embodiments, however, the dimples 852, 852', 854, and 854'
can be provided in different positions, such as above the interlocking members
814 and 818, or below the interlocking members 816 and 820. Moreover, the
dimples 852, 852', 854, and 854' could be provided in two different areas of
the
closure profiles 807 and 809, such as both above interlocking members 814 and
818 and below the interlocking member 816 and 820. Along these lines, as
discussed above, embodiments of the bag 800 may only include one pair of
interlocking members on the closure profiles 807 and 809. In such embodiments,
the dimples 852 and 854 may be placed above or below the interlocking members.
[0091] Figures 21 to 23 show another embodiment of a bag 1000 that
includes
dimples 1052 and 1054. In this embodiment, the dimples 1052 on the first
closure
profile 1007 are offset from the dimples 1054 on the second closure profile
1009.
As shown in Figures 22 and 23, the dimples 1052 are formed as a convex surface
on the outside surface of the first closure profile 1007, and the dimples 1054
are
formed as a convex surface on the outside surface of the second closure
profile
1009. In other embodiments, however, one or both of the dimples 1052 and 1054
could be formed as concave surfaces on their respective closure profiles 1007
and
1009. The dimples 1052 and 1054 can be formed using the techniques described
above. As a specific example, the dimples 1052 can be formed by embossing the
closure profile 1007 between a pair of rollers, and the dimples 1054 can be
formed by embossing the closure profile 1009 between another pair of rollers.
With such a process, the closures profiles 1007 and 1009 are brought together
in
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the final bag structure 1000 after the dimples 1052 and 1054 are separately
formed with the pairs of rollers.
[0092] Unlike in the embodiments described above, the dimples 1052 do
not
nest with the dimples 1054, and as such, the dimples 1052 and 1054 do not
provide a substantial guide for aligning the closure profiles 1007 and 1009.
Nevertheless, the dimples 1052 and 1054 advantageously provide both a visual
cue and tactile feedback that indicate to the user where to place his or her
fingers
when sealing the interlocking members 1014, 1016, 1018, and 1020. The user,
therefore, is more assured that the bag 1000 is being sealed.
[0093] While particular features of our storage bag have been
described above
in different embodiments above, as will be readily apparent to those skilled
in the
art many of the features of the different embodiments may be combined in
different embodiments. For example, the dimple features described in
conjunction with bag 800 could be provided with the different lip
configurations
of bags 100, 100', 200, and 300. Additionally, or alternatively, the textured
areas
described in conjunction with bag 700 could be used with the bags 100, 100',
200,
and 300. Further, colored lips as described in conjunction with bags 400, 500,
and
600 could be provided with any embodiment of our storage bag. Similarly, the
label area 601 shown on bag 600 could be provided on any embodiment of our
storage bag. Further, the gripping ridges 122, 123, 124, and 125 and/or
texture
127 described above in conjunction with bags 100 and 100' could be provided to
any embodiment of our bag. And, as described above, the gripping ridges 122,
123, 124, and 125 and texture 127 could be provided on inside surfaces of the
lips
of the bags, outside surfaces of the lips, or both the inside and outside
surfaces of
the lips.
CA 2980778 2017-09-28
[0094] Figures 24 and 25 show bags 1100 and 1200 in embodiments that
include combinations of the above-described features. The bag 1100 in Figure
24
includes lips 1126 and 1128 on closure profiles 1107 and 1109, with the lips
1126
and 1128 having the same shapes as the lips 126 and 128 of the bag 100
described
above. As such, a notch 1130 is formed in a center region of the lips 1126 and
1128. The lips 1126 and 1128 also include gripping ridges 1123 and 1125, as
well as gripping ridges (not shown) on the opposite sides of the lips 126 and
128,
as described above in conjunction with Figure 2. The lips 1126 and 1128
additionally include texture 1127, which is similar to the texture 127 on the
lips
126 and 128 of the bag 100' described above. The lip 1126 is formed as a
different color, or as a different shade of color, than the lip 1128, in the
manner
described above with respect to lips 526 and 528. The bag 1110, therefore,
also
includes a darkened portion 1132 that is visible when viewing the bag 1100
facing
its side surfaces. With this combination of features, the lips 1126 and 1128
are
easy for a user to identify, and the user is directed to grasp the areas at
the top end
of the bag 1100 that allow for easy unsealing of the interlocking members
1114,
1116,1118, and 1120.
[0095] Bag 1100 also includes the above-described features that
facilitate
sealing of the interlocking members 1114, 1116, 1118, and 1120. Specifically,
the bag 1100 includes textured areas 1134 and 1136 at the ends of the
interlocking
members 1114,1116, 1118, and 1120, with the textured areas 1134 and 1136.
The textured areas 1134 and 1136 provide visual cues directing the user to
start a
sealing operation at the ends of the interlocking members 1114, 1116, 1118,
and
1120, as described above in conjunction with the bag 700. Note, the texture in
areas 1134 and 1136 can be made to be visually distinct from the texture 1123
of
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lips 1126 and 1128 shown in Figure 24. The bag 1100 also includes dimples 1152
on the first closure profile 1107 and corresponding dimples 1154 on the second
closure profile 1109, with the dimples 1152 and 1154 being similar to the
dimples
852 and 854 described above in conjunction with the bag 800. The dimples 1152
and 1154 provide an alignment feature, visual indication, and tactile
sensation, as
described above. It should be noted, however, that while the dimples 1152 and
1154 in Figure 24 are configured similar to the dimples 852 and 854 in bag
800,
in other embodiments the dimples 1152 and 1154 may be formed in any of the
other configurations described above, such as the configurations of the
dimples
852' and 854' in the bag 800', or the dimples 1052 and 1054 in the bag 1000.
[0096] The bag 1200, as shown in Figure 25, also includes features that
facilitate sealing and unsealing the bag 1200. In this embodiment, the lips
1226
and 1228 having the same shape as the lips 216 and 218 described above in
conjunction with the bag 200. The lips 1226 and 1128 include gripping ridges
1222 and 1225, as well as corresponding gripping ridges (not shown) on the
opposite sides of the lips 1226 and 1128. Texture 1227 is formed on the lips
1226
and 1228, and the lips 1226 and 1228 are provided with color in the same
manner
as the lips 426 and 428 of the bag 400 described above. The bag 1200 further
includes textured areas 1234 and 1236 at the ends of the interlocking members
1214, 1216, 1218, and 1220, as well as dimples 1252 and 1254 positioned
adjacent to the interlocking members 1214, 1216, 1218, and 1220. Thus, bag
1200 includes the visual and tactile features that facilitate sealing and
unsealing of
the interlocking members 1214, 1216, 1218, and 1220, as described above.
[0097] The bags 1100 and 1200 may also include any of the other
features in
the embodiments described above as well. For example, the interlocking
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members 1114, 1116, 1118, 1120, 1214, 1216, 1218, and 1220, as well as the
dimples 1152, 1154, 1252, and 1254 can be configured to produce audible
feedback, in the manner described above.
100981 All of the bags shown in Figures 1 to 25 have a substantially
rectangular configuration. Any of the bags described above, however, could be
provided in a non-rectangular shape. The bag 1300 shown in Figure 26
demonstrates such a non-rectangular shape. The bag 1300 includes edges 1306,
1308, and 1310. Between the edges 1306 and 1310, and between 1308 and 1310,
are curved edges 1303 and 1310. Such curved edges may have, for example, a
0.75 in. or a 1.5 in. radius of curvature. Those skilled in the art will
recognize
numerous other shapes in which the bags described herein could be formed.
[0099] It is also contemplated that any of the bags described herein
could be
formed as a vacuum storage bag. In such embodiments, at least one vacuum
check valve is provided on a surface of the bag, with the valve allowing for
fluid
communication with the interior of the bag. A vacuum device, such as a manual
or electrical pump, or even a household vacuum cleaner, may be placed over the
valve to draw out gases or other fluids from the interior of the bag. The
vacuum
bag configuration may also include relief on or along interior surfaces of the
bag
to provide air flow channels when a vacuum is drawn through the vacuum check
valve. Examples of vacuum bags are sold under the SPACE BAG tradename,
and examples of such vacuum bags can be seen in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,983,845;
8,096,329; 8,197,138; and 8,179,139, and U.S. Patent Application Publication
No.
2012/0099806.
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[001001 Although this invention has been described with respect to certain
specific exemplary embodiments, many additional modifications and variations
would be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure. It
is,
therefore, to be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise
than as
specifically described. Thus, the exemplary embodiments of the invention
should
be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive, and the
scope of
the invention to be determined by any claims supportable by this application,
and
the equivalents thereof, rather than by the foregoing description.
Industrial Applicability
[00101] The invention described herein can be Used in the commercial
production of storage bags. Such storage bags have a wide variety of uses,
such
as being utilized to store food, chemicals, or other substances.
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