Flexible storage bag

Abstract

The flexible storage bag includes overlaying first and second sidewalls defining an internal volume that can be accessed from an open top edge. To evacuate air from the internal volume after the open top edge has been closed, the bag includes a one-way valve element attached to the first sidewall and communicating with the internal volume. To prevent the one-way valve element from becoming clogged by the opposing second sidewall, the bag also includes a clearance member that maintains at least a partial clearance between the first and second sidewalls proximate the valve element. The clearance member can take many forms such as a textured portion on the second sidewall that includes evacuation passages which provide air in the internal volume access to the valve element, a permeable element covering the valve element, and a rigid or compressible structure that spaces the second sidewall from the valve element.

1 . A bag comprising: 
 a first sidewall;    a second sidewall overlaying the first sidewall to define an internal volume between opposing first and second inner surfaces of the respective first and second sidewall;    a one-way valve element attached to the first sidewall and communicating with the internal volume; and    a clearance member in the internal volume.    
   
   
       2 . The bag of  claim 1 , wherein the clearance member is attached to the first sidewall.  
   
   
       3 . The bag of  claim 1 , wherein the clearance member is provided as separate film attached to the first sidewall.  
   
   
       4 . The bag of  claim 1 , wherein the clearance member corresponds locationally to the valve element.  
   
   
       5 . The bag of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second sidewalls are joined along a first side edge, a parallel second side edge, and a bottom edge extending between the first and second side edges.  
   
   
       6 . The bag of  claim 5 , wherein the clearance member extends as a strip of film between the first and second side edges and spaced-apart from the bottom edge.  
   
   
       7 . The bag of  claim 1 , wherein the clearance member is provided as a plurality of raised protuberances.  
   
   
       8 . The bag of  claim 1 , wherein the valve element includes a base layer having an aperture disposed therein and a top layer adhered to the base layer to cover the aperture, the valve element attached to the first wall to cover a hole disposed through the first wall.  
   
   
       9 . The bag of  claim 8 , wherein the base layer is annular and the top layer is circular.  
   
   
       10 . The bag of  claim 8 , wherein the base layer and the top layer are comprised of flexible thermoplastic film.  
   
   
       11 . The bag of  claim 8 , wherein the valve element further includes a viscous material between the base and top layers.  
   
   
       12 . The bag of  claim 1 , further comprising first and second interlocking closure strips attached respectively to the first and second inner surfaces.  
   
   
       13 . The bag of  claim 11 , wherein the first and second interlocking closure strips comprise extruded, flexible thermoplastic.  
   
   
       14 . A bag comprising: 
 a first sidewall comprising flexible thermoplastic material;    a second sidewall comprising flexible thermoplastic material, the second sidewall overlaying and joined to the first sidewall to provide an internal volume between the first and second sidewalls, the first and second sidewalls joined along a first side edge, a second side edge, and a closed bottom edge extending between the first and second side edges, the first and second sidewalls unjoined along an open top edge;    a clearance member in the internal volume between the first and second sidewalls;    a one-way valve element attached to the first sidewall and communicating with the internal volume; and    first and second interlocking closure strips attached respectively to the first and second sidewalls for closing the open top edge.