Flexible bags – With closure – Rib and groove
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-12
2001-05-15
Pascua, Jes F. (Department: 3727)
Flexible bags
With closure
Rib and groove
C383S061100, C383S103000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06231236
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to closure arrangements for polymer packages, such as plastic bags. In particular, the present invention relates to resealable packages having a venting structure and methods of manufacture and use.
BACKGROUND
Resealable containers store or enclose various types of articles and materials. These packages can be used to store a variety of products, for example food items and non-food consumer goods. Resealable packages are convenient in that they can be closed and resealed after the initial opening to preserve the enclosed contents. In some instances, providing products in resealable packages appreciably enhances the marketability of those products.
Many packages entrap gases, such as air, when sealed. This can be, in certain instances, problematic because the gases can promote decay and subsequent degradation of the product; therefore, at least partial exhaustion of gases is desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
In one aspect of the present disclosure, an example embodiment involves a flexible package. The flexible package includes first and second opposed panel sections, first and second resealable closure mechanisms, and a venting structure. The first and second panel sections define a first package end and a second package end. The second package end is open. The first and second closure mechanisms have an open and a closed configuration. The first closure mechanism is operably positioned to selectively interlock and close the second package end. The first closure mechanism and the first and second panel sections define a storage interior. The second closure mechanism is also operably positioned to selectively interlock and close the second package end. The second closure mechanism is positioned between the first closure mechanism and the second package end.
The venting structure defines a gas-flow passageway between the storage interior and an exterior environment. The venting structure is configured, constructed, and arranged to permit gas-flow between the storage interior and the exterior environment when the first closure mechanism is in the closed configuration and the second closure mechanism is in the open configuration. The venting structure and the second closure mechanism are positioned to inhibit gas-flow between the storage interior and the exterior environment when the second closure mechanism is in the closed configuration.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, a flexible package includes first and second opposed panel sections and first and second resealable closure mechanisms. The first and second panel sections define a first package end and a second package end. The second package end is open. The first and second closure mechanisms have an open and a closed configuration. The first closure mechanism is operably positioned to selectively interlock and close the second package end. The second closure mechanism is also operably positioned to selectively interlock and close the second package end. The second closure mechanism is positioned between the first closure mechanism and the second package end. At least the first panel section defines an aperture having a cross-sectional area greater than 0.004 square inches, and the aperture is positioned between the second closure mechanism and the second package end.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, a flexible package includes first and second opposed panel sections and a resealable closure mechanism. The first and second panel sections define a first package end and a second package end. The second package end is open. The closure mechanism is operably positioned to selectively interlock and close the second package end and has an open and a closed configuration. The first panel section and the closure mechanism define an aperture having a cross-sectional area greater than 0.004 square inches.
In another aspect, a method of constructing a closure arrangement is described. The method includes placing a first panel section having first and second interlocking members opposite a second panel section having third and fourth interlocking members, sealing first and second edges of the first panel section to respective first and second edges of the second panel section to create a package interior; and punching an aperture through the first and second panel sections and through the first resealable closure mechanism.
In another aspect, a method of using a flexible package having opposite first and second panel sections defining an interior, first and second resealable closure mechanisms disposed between the first and second panel sections, and a venting structure is described. The method includes engaging the first resealable closure mechanism; pressing the first and second panel sections from a first end farthest from the venting structure progressively toward the venting structure to cause gases to be exhausted from the interior through the venting structure; and engaging the second resealable closure mechanism to seal the interior.
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Pascua Jes F.
Reynolds Consumer Products Inc.
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