Evacuable bag

[0001] The present invention relates to an evacuable bag for compactly packing clothing or bedding by compressing same or for keeping the food in the bag fresh.

[0002] Evacuable bags provided with an evacuable passage in its bag body of a flexible synthetic resin sheet for compactly packing clothing or bedding by compressing same or for keeping the food in the bag fresh have long been known in the art.

[0003] Now, a brief description will be made of the use of said evacuable bag. An article such as clothing is put in the bag before the bag is closed with a fastener disposed on an opening through which the article is inserted into the bag. Then, a nozzle of a vacuum or the like is attached to a shut-off valve of the bag so as to suck out the air in the bag and expel it out of the bag through the shut-off valve. This shut-off valve functions to prevent air from reentering the bag. Thus, the bag can stay deaerated. In the meanwhile, the article such as clothing or bedding may become less in volume by releasing the air in itself and will be compactly packed in the bag.

[0004] As for food, compact packing can be done by expelling the air in the bag as mentioned above. Moreover, it may prevent the packed food from becoming bad by the air in the bag.

[0005] Various types of such shut-off valves exist. One type where a nozzle of a vacuum or the like is attached to the valve for sucking out air is generally made of synthetic resin of rigid substance. The shut-off valve is arranged such that it can be opened by the end of the nozzle being pressed thereon so as to suck out the air flow and can be closed by detaching the nozzle therefrom.

[0006] Though said shut-off valve may ensure closure, a disadvantage relating to this type comes from its rigid nature. The valve portion itself can be a nuisance while the evacuable bag remains unused and folded. Or the bonded portion between the rigid shut-off valve and the flexible synthetic resin sheet of the bag body can be easily breakable. Furthermore, even after the packing and deaerating process, the shut-off valve partly juts. The jutting part can become an obstacle when the evacuable bags pile up. Or if the shut-off valve receives a shock or hit, it might open and allow air enter the bag.

[0007] Another type of the shut-off valve has a flat cylindrical body of flexible synthetic resin film, wherein an opening is formed. Thereinside includes a fastener and a bent passage. Then, the valve portion is provided outside the evacuable bag. In the case, since the shut-off valve also protrudes from the evacuable bag, it can get hooked and result in separating from the body.

[0008] The present invention is, on the contrary, provides an evacuable bag that maintains its compactness before or after use, avoiding separation of an air passage for deaeration and the bag body, staying deaerated.

[0009] To overcome the above-noted problems, a first aspect of the present invention provides an evacuable bag for packing bedding, clothing and food, which bag comprises a bag body 1 made of flexible non-breathable sheets 11, 12 and having a closable opening 2 for inserting an article to be contained, and a passage 4 for deaeration formed in the bag body 1. The passage 4 for deaeration includes an opening 11a formed on the non-breathable sheet 11, and a flexible cylindrical air passage 41 mounted inside the bag body 1 so as to communicate with the opening 11a. The air passage checks air flow from outside to inside the bag body 1 and expels the air from inside to outside the bag body 1 by inserting a rod 5 such as a nozzle of a vacuum or the like through the opening 11a into the air passage 41. In the evacuable bag in accordance with the first embodiment, since the flexible cylindrical air passage 41 is incorporated in the flexible bag body 1, the evacuable bag as a whole can be made flexible. In addition, the air passage 41 does not protrude from the bag body 1 and not become an obstacle when the bag is in use or contains an article. Moreover, provision of a flexible material for both bag body 1 and the air passage 41 may prevent the two members from separating each other in spite of an external force.

[0010] A second aspect of the present invention provides the evacuable bag as described above, wherein at least a portion 43j of the air passage 41 around the opening 11a and a predetermined position 43k closer to the inside of the bag than the intermediate position C of the air passage 41 are fixed to the inner surface of the bag body 1.

[0011] In this embodiment, when a rod 5 such as a nozzle of a vacuum or the like, which has been inserted through the opening 11a into the air passage 41 is pulled out, the air passage 41 can avoid being taken out of the bag together with the rod.

[0012] A third aspect of the present invention provides the evacuable bag in accordance with the second embodiment, wherein the air passage 41 is a shut-off valve including a flap 42 thereinside. The flap serves to check air flow from outside to inside the bag body 1.

[0013] Provision of the flap 42 can surely check air incoming flow from the outside into the bag body 1.

[0014] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides the evacuable bag in accordance with the first embodiment, wherein the air passage 41 has a flat and substantially cylindrical shape in cross section. The air passage includes openings 43c, 43g formed at both ends thereof in one axial direction and along at least one of opposite sheets 43a, 43b, and closed members 43e, 43f formed at both ends thereof in the other axial direction perpendicular to said axial direction and along at least one of said sheets. A flap 42 is mounted on an air-passage-side surface 43h of the sheet 43b inside the air passage 41 by being fixed from one of the closed member 43e to the other closed member 43f along the sheet 43b, thereby comprising a first and second check valves. The first check valve, part of the flap 42, serves to check air flow from one end to the other end in the air passage 41 by contacting an air-passage-side surface 43i of the sheet 43a. The second check valve, likewise, serves to check the reverse air flow in the air passage 41. A rod 5 is inserted into the air passage 41 so as to communicate the openings 43c, 43g at both ends of the air passage 41 with each other. As a result, the contact between the flap 42 and the air-passage-side surface 43i of the sheet 43a is disengaged, thereby allowing air pass through the air passage 41. The air passage 41 returns to be the closed state after the rod 5 is pulled out.

[0015] This embodiment provides a shut-off valve which performs the dual function of deaeration and filling of the bag. And the mode of the shut-off valve can be easily switched between the air-flowing state and the closed state.

[0016] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides an evacuable bag for packing bedding, clothing and food, which bag comprises a bag body 1 made of flexible non-breathable sheets 11, 12, and a passage 4 for deaeration formed in the bag body 1. The passage 4 for deaeration includes an opening 43g formed on the surface of the bag body 1, and a flexible cylindrical air passage 41 communicating with the opening 43g. The air passage includes openings 43c, 43g formed at both ends thereof in one axial direction and along at least one of opposite sheets 43a, 43b, and closed members 43e, 43f formed at both ends thereof in the other axial direction perpendicular to said axial direction and along at least one of said sheets. As a result, the air passage 41 has a flat and substantially cylindrical shape in cross section. A flap 42 is mounted on an air passage side 43h of the sheet 43b inside the air passage 41 by being fixed from one of the closed member 43e to the other closed member 43f along the sheet 43b, thereby comprising a first and second check valves. The first check valve, part of the flap 42, serves to check air flow from one end to the other end in the air passage 41 by contacting an air passage side 43i of the sheet 43a. The second check valve, likewise, serves to check the reverse air flow in the air passage 41. A rod 5 is inserted into the air passage 41 so as to communicate the openings 43c, 43g at both ends of the air passage 41 with each other. As a result, the contact between the flap 42 and the air-passage-side surface 43i of the sheet 43a is disengaged, thereby allowing air pass through the air passage 41. The air passage 41 returns to be the closed state after the rod 5 is pulled out.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an evacuable bag in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 2(A) is a cross sectional view showing the state in which the fastener in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention is opened. FIG. 2(B) is a cross sectional view showing the state in which the fastener in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention is closed.

[0019] FIG. 3(A) is a plan view of a shut-off valve in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3(B) is a cross sectional view of the shut-off valve as taken on the line A-A in FIG. 3(A).

[0020] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the shut-off valve with its air passage left in an air-flowing state as taken on the line A-A of FIG. 3(A).

[0021] FIG. 5 is a plan view of an evacuable bag in accordance with the other embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 6(A) is a plan view of a shut-off valve in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6(B) is the shut-off valve in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention as taken on the line A-A of FIG. 6(A).

[0023] FIG. 7(A) is a plan view of the shut-off valve in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7(B) is a cross sectional view of the shut-off valve in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention as taken on the line A-A of FIG. 7(A).

[0024] FIG. 8(A) is a plan view of a shut-off valve in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8(B) is a cross sectional view of the shut-off valve in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention as taken on the line A-A of FIG. 8(A).

[0025] FIG. 9(A) is a plan view of an evacuable bag in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9(B) is a partially enlarged view of the air passage in an air-flowing position as taken on the line B-B of FIG. 9(A). FIG. 9(C) is a partially enlarged view of the air passage in a closed position as taken on the line B-B of FIG. 9(A).

[0026] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged cross sectional view showing one example of a valve of the evacuable bag in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Now, an evacuable bag in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention will be explained by way of example. In the following description of an evacuable bag 1, a direction where an opening 2 for inserting an article into the bag is disposed is referred as upper or top, and the opposite direction is referred as lower or bottom.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the evacuable bag 1 of one embodiment. Said evacuable bag 1 formed by a bag which is rectangle as viewed from the above, is made of at least two pieces of non-breatheable sheets 11, 12 of, e.g., resin. On a top short end 13 thereof is formed an opening 2 for inserting an article into the bag, and a bottom short end 14 and lateral ends 15, 16 are closed.

[0029] On the sheet 11 referred as front is provided a shut-off valve 4 for deaeration of the air inside the bag. The sheets 11, 12 may have lettering such as an article name, instructions for use, or patterns printed thereon, and may be treated with antibacterial or deodorization elements. The size of the evacuable bag 1 may depend on the article to be contained. The shut-off valve 4 is not limited to where to be placed on the evacuable bag 1.

[0030] Next, the use of the evacuable bag 1 will be described. First, a fastener 3 disposed on the opening 2 is opened. Then, an article such as clothing is put in the evacuable bag 1 through the opening 2, and the fastener 3 is closed. Then, the evacuable bag 1 is manually rolled up or is applied to a vacuum with its nozzle inserted into an opening 43g of the shut-off valve 4 for deaeration, thereby expelling the air inside the evacuable bag 1 via the shut-off valve 4, achieving deaeration in the evacuable bag 1.

[0031] In this example, the fastener 3 which serves as closing means for the opening 2 is of a meshing-type fastener. A convex portion 31 is formed on one of the inner side of the sheet, while a concave portion 32 is formed on the opposite side thereof, as shown in FIG. 2(A).

[0032] The convex portion 31 and the concave portion 32 are provided with engaging elements 33, 34 respectively. The concave portion 32 is formed with a raised portion 36 for hermetic sealing, while the convex portion 31 includes a recessed section 37 for the same purpose. Two raised segments 31a, 31a are formed in the convex portion 31 so as to lie opposite to each other across the interposed recessed portion 37 therebetween. Two recessed portions 32a, 32a in the concave portion 32 are formed while the raised section 36 is interposed therebetween. A width t35 of an interval 35 at the recessed portion 32a is made shorter than a width t33 of the engaging element 33. In fastening the fastener 3, the convex portion 31 and the concave portion 32 are pressed together. And the engaging elements 33 are forced to pass the interval 35 into the concave portion 32 to engage the engaging elements 34 thereof. FIG. 2(B) illustrates this engagement, where a space 38 between the engaging elements 33, 34 has little gap and air from the outside may not enter, so that the evacuable bag 1 can stay airtight while it is closed.

[0033] The fastener 3 is not limited its shape in FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B). Alternative shapes may be employed.

[0034] For easy fastening of the fastener 3, a slider made of resin may be mounted on the outside of the fastener 3.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, the shut-off valve 4 has a flap 42 mounted on the inner side of an air passage 41 of a flat and substantially cylindrical form in cross section.

[0036] The outer portion of the shut-off valve 4 in this embodiment includes two opposite rectangular sheets 43a, 43b. Only one of the short ends of the sheets 43a, 43b is left open so as to form an inner opening 43c. The three remaining ends 43d, 43e, 43f are bonded by, e.g. hot-pressing. Near the closed short end 43d of the sheet 43a is provided an outer opening 43g, which is integrally bonded to the inner surface of the sheet 11 where an opening 11a is also formed. Thus, the air passage 41 of a flat and substantially cylindrical form in cross section extends from the opening 11a on the inner surface of the sheet 11 of the bag to the inner opening 43c of the shut-off valve 4. The shape and configuration of the opening 11a is not limited to this embodiment. For example, a pinching segment 11b may be provided as shown in FIG. 6. Lifting the pinching segment 11b helps spread the opening 11a easily. Also, the opening 11a of the evacuable bag 1 and the outer opening 43g of the shut-off valve 4 have almost the same shape, but are not limited to this. The outer opening 43g may be formed larger than the opening 11a. The sheet 43g corresponding to the opening 11a may be omitted (not shown). Furthermore, the place where the pinching segment 11b is provided is not limited to the opening 11a of the evacuable bag 1. Near the outer opening 43g of the shut-off valve 4 may be acceptable. Alternatives may be employed.

[0037] Between the sheets 43a and 11, at least a peripheral portion 43j of the outer opening 43g (opening 11a) and the right (close to the inside of the bag) of the air passage 41 from the intermediate line C, preferably the most right-hand end 43k, should be bonded in order to prevent the air passage 41 from turning inside out, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0038] The air passage may be formed by directly bonding the sheet 43b to the sheet 11 with omission of the sheet 43a that will be bonded to the inner surface of the sheet 11.

[0039] In other configuration of the shut-off valve 4, both of the short ends of the sheets 43a, 43b are left open to form the inner and outer openings 43c, 43g, and the remaining circumference thereof are bonded by, e.g. hot-pressing, thereby providing an air passage 41 which is a flat and substantially cylindrical form in cross section and extends from the outer opening 43g to the inner opening 43c. As can be shown in FIG. 5, the shut-off valve 4 in this configuration is mounted around the circumference of the evacuable bag 1 in order for the inner opening 43c to be placed in an inner position of the evacuable bag 1 and in order for the outer opening 43g in an outer position of same.

[0040] The description of the shut-off valve of this embodiment will be resumed. On an air-passage-side surface 43h of the sheet 43b is provided a rectangular flap 42 extending from one of the closed members 43e to the other closed member 43f on the sheet 43b. The flap 42 is a piece of sheet comprising a fixed member 42a bonded to the sheet 43b by, e.g., hot-pressing from the middle of one of the short ends of the flap 42 to the middle of the opposite short side, and movable portions 42b, 42c across the fixed member 42a. The air passage 41 may be closed by a contact between an air-passage-side surface 43i of the sheet 43 where the flap is not disposed, and the movable portions 42b, 42c under the influence of air flow that is to pass through the air passage 41.

[0041] Of the portions 42b, 42c, the movable portion 42b serves to check incoming air flow from the outside into the bag, while the other movable portion 42c serves to check the air that is flowing from inside to outside of the bag. That is, both movable portions 42b, 42c work in tandem on the air flow in either direction in the air passage 41. This feature maintains the internal deaerated state of the bag and, conversely, maintains the air in the bag it has been filled.

[0042] Consequently, the evacuable bag 1 containing clothing or bedding can be filled with a bactericidal or sterilizing gas via the shut-off valve 4 before the dearation of the gas, wherein both of the treatment of the gas and the dearation can be done in a single evacuable bag without opening it.

[0043] In this embodiment, two flaps 42 are arranged parallel in two rows crossing the axis of the air passage 41 at right angles.

[0044] Also, the material of each of the sheets 43a, 43b and the flaps 42 is flexible synthetic resin film, so that the movable portions 42b, 42c can flexibly contact the air-passage-side surface 43i of the sheet 43a. Thus, the contact avoids a gap between the flaps 42 and the sheet 43a to ensure that the bag will stay airtight.

[0045] Referring to the flap 42, its shape is not limited to that as set forth, and is made in alternative forms. For example, a pair of flaps, each having a movable portion on a single side of the fixed member 42a, may be arranged opposite to or in series with each other. As for the number of the flap 42 in the air passage 41, a single piece or plural pieces positioned parallel may be acceptable.

[0046] As shown by FIG. 3(B), the air passage 41 is generally closed in both directions by the movable portions 42b, 42c formed at both sides of flap sheet across the fixed member 42a. In order to allow air to pass through the air passage 41, a rod 5 is inserted through the space between the inner opening 43c and the outer opening 43g in the air passage 41 so as to communicate both openings 43c, 43g. The movable portions 42b, 42c will separate from the air-passage-side surface 43i of the sheet 43a, rendering the air passage 41 open to air. The air passage 41 returns to a closed state by pulling out the rod 5.

[0047] To be the most preferable embodiment regarding the rod 5, the rod should be embodied as a suction nozzle of a vacuum or a small-sized pump with a motor or fan. A hollow member like a straw would be enough for human deaeration. A solid member is also applicable.

[0048] A preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned air passage 41 and shut-off valve 4 will be summed up. Closing a pair of the ends of the opposite sheets 43a, 43b provides closed member 43e, 43f, forming an air passage 41 of a flat and substantially cylindrical form in cross section, wherein openings 43c, 43g are formed at both of the open portions thereof, while a flap 42 is provided thereinside. The flap 42 includes a fixed member 42a attached to the sheet 43b and a first and second movable portions 42b, 42c, which are provided across the fixed member 42a therebetween. The first movable portion 42b contacts the air passage side 43i of the sheet 43a, thereby checking air flow from one end to the other in the air passage 41. Likewise, the second movable portion 42c contacts the air passage side 43i of the sheet 43a, thereby checking the reverse air flow in the air passage 41.

[0049] Furthermore, the sheet 43a of the opposite sheets 43a, 43b for said shut-off valve may also serve as the sheet 11 comprising a sealable bag 1.

[0050] The shut-off valve 4 as mounted on the evacuable bag of the present invention is not limited to that as set forth. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, of the two flaps parallel to each other in the air passage 4, a flap 42X located on the side close to the outer opening 43g has a movable portion 42c only on the side close to the inner opening 43c. A flap 42Y located on the side close to the inner opening 43c has flap portions 42b, 42c, the former being on the side close to the outer opening 43g and the latter on the side close to the inner opening 43c.

[0051] In this embodiment, the length L1 of the movable portion 42c in the flap 42X extending along the air passage measures 35 mm, the length L2 of the movable portion 42b of the flap 42Y extending in the same direction being 3 mm, the length L3 of the movable portion 42c being 16 mm. The width L4 of the air passage 41 is 30 mm.

[0052] With the flap 42Y close to the inner opening 43c, the length L2 of the movable portion 42b is made shorter then the length L3 of the movable portion 42c. This is because the movable portion 42b heading for the outer opening 43g avoids overturning in the air passage 41 toward the direction which a rod 5 inserted at the outer opening 43d is going through the air passage 41, wherein the flap 42 will not function well.

[0053] The dimensions as noted above are illustrated by way of example. Positions where the flap 42 is placed or dimensions are not limited to those. Alternatives may be employed.

[0054] By the way, as shown in FIG. 7, the two sheets 43a, 43b may form an air passage 41 of a flat and substantially cylindrical form in cross section, without provision of a flap 42. In this case, the contact of the opposite sheets 43a, 43b can prevent incoming air flow from outside of the bag. And the air in the bag can be expelled by inserting the above-described rod through the air passage 41.

[0055] Referring to the flap 42 mounted on the sheet 43b in the air passage 41, as FIG. 8 shows, a configuration of the flap 42 that a fixed member 42a and a movable portion 42b extending only in the direction of the outer opening is also available for preventing-air flow from outside of the bag.

[0056] The shut-off valve 4 in accordance with the present invention may be mounted to an evacuable bag having had a different type of valve, and the two valves can be utilized in conjunction with each other. For example, one is used for deaeration by a vacuum, the other by manual compression. Both of the valves may be concurrently used, or one of which may be selectively used as needed. This particular usage may be applied to a large-sized evacuable bag for quick deaeration.

[0057] FIG. 9 shows one embodiment of an evacuable bag 1 provided with a different type of valve and a shut-off valve of the present invention. The hatching in the drawing shows the bonded portions of the sheets.

[0058] As seen in FIG. 9(A), the evacuable bag 1 has a shut-off valve 4, an evacuable valve 6 and an outlet 7, the last two being disposed near the bottom end 14.

[0059] The evacuable valve 6 is made of flap sheets 61, each of which is a strip of sheet when viewed from the above. The flap sheets 61, which are laid one to the other and interposed between the sheets 11,12 of the evacuable bag 1, extends between the ends 15, 16 of the bag. An air passage 62 is formed by a bonding process of the sheets 11, 12 and the flap sheets 61.

[0060] In the area where the air passage 62 is formed, the upper end of each flap sheet 61 is respectively fixed to the sheets 11, 12 in a lateral direction to be an upper fixed member 61a of the evacuable valve. (The flap sheets 61 are not bonded with each other.) By bonding the flap sheet 61 in a longitudinal direction from the right and left of the bonded upper end 61a, a fixed end portion 61b of the evacuable valve is formed. The area where said three bonded members surround becomes the air passage 62. Except for said area supper end portion, the sheets 11, 12, 61 will be bonded together on the remaining upper end portion 61c of the flap sheet 61, and the portion is completely closed. In this arrangement, the air will pass through only the air passage 62 in deaeration.

[0061] The outlet 7 leaves unbonded between the sheets 11, 12 on the bottom 14, so the air through the evacuable valve 6 flows out of the bag from here.

[0062] In an example as shown in FIG. 9(A), two evacuable valves 6 are provided in the right and left, and a single outlet 7 is formed in the center. The number of these portions is not limited to that as indicated.

[0063] FIGS. 9(B) and (C) show the vertical sections of the evacuable valve 6. When flowing in the outward direction D, the air inside the evacuable bag 1 pushes the flap sheets 61, spreading the air passage 62, thereby allowing the air to flow out. Contrary to this, when flowing in the inward direction E from outside the bag, the air flow stops at a dead-end portion 63 in the valve. This makes the flap sheets 61 contact together, resulting in closing the air passage 62 and not allowing air flow. Since this arrangement admits only one-way air flow, the evacuable bag 1 can stay in a deaerated state.

[0064] As for usage of the evacuable bag 1, after having been contained with an article such as clothing, the evacuable bag 1 is compressed by, e.g., hands to achieve deaeration at the outlet 7 via the evacuable valve 6. In addition to this, as need, effective deaeration can be also done by use a vacuum connected at the shut-off valve 4.

[0065] The structure of the valve as exemplified above is an example. The shut-off valve 4 may be mounted to an evacuable bag having a various valve structure like only one flap sheet 61 or a different shaped check valve.

[0066] The structure of the valve as exemplified above is an example. The shut-off valve 4 may be mounted to an evacuable bag having a various valve structure like only one flap sheet 61 or a different shaped check valve, or having a valve 8 in FIG. 10, the valve being provided with a flap 83 of the same structure shown in FIG. 8 thereinside, the structure having two valve sheets 81, 82 being formed into a flat and cylindrical shape between the sheets 11, 12 of the evacuable bag 1.

[0067] A first aspect of the present invention provides an evacuable bag, which bag maintains its compactness before or after use and avoids separation of an air passage for deaeration and the bag body, resulting in staying deaerated.

[0068] A second aspect of the present invention has another effect, besides the above effect, that when a rod such as a nozzle of a vacuum or the like which has been inserted at an opening into the air passage is pulled out, the air passage can avoid being taken out of the bag together with the rod.

[0069] A third aspect of the present invention has further effect, besides the above effects, that provision of the flap can surely check air flow from the outside into the bag body.

[0070] A fourth aspect of the present invention has an effect that both deaeration and filling of the bag can be done, and the mode of the valve can be easily switched between the air-flowing state and the closed state.

[0071] A fifth aspect of the present invention has an effect that an evacuable bag which maintains its compactness before or after use and has evacuable ability, can be provided, and both deration and filling of the bag can be done, and the mode of the valve can be easily switched between the air-flowing state and the closed state.