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 . An plastic storage bag for storing food items comprising: 
 a first sidewall of flexible thermoplastic material;    a second sidewall of flexible thermoplastic material overlaying and joined to the first sidewall to provide an internal volume between opposing first and second inner surfaces of the respective first and second sidewalls, the internal volume accessible through an open top edge; and    first and second interlocking closure strips attached respectively to the first and second inner surfaces for releasably closing the open top edge; and    a one-way valve element attached to the first sidewall and communicating with the internal volume, the one-way valve element including a base layer having a central aperture disposed therein and a top layer adhered to the base layer to cover the aperture, the valve element attached to the first sidewall to cover a hole disposed through the first sidewall.    
   
   
       2 . The bag of  claim 1 , wherein the base layer is annular and the top layer is circular.  
   
   
       3 . The bag of  claim 1 , wherein the base layer and the top layer are comprised of flexible thermoplastic film.  
   
   
       4 . The bag of  claim 1 , wherein the valve element further includes a viscous material between the base and top layers.  
   
   
       5 . The plastic storage bag of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second sidewalls are joined along a first side edge, a parallel second side edge, and a closed bottom edge extending between the first and second side edges, the open top edge opposite the closed bottom edge.  
   
   
       6 . The plastic storage bag of  claim 5 , wherein the valve element is located proximate a corner formed by the first side edge and the open top edge.