Closure Device for Storage Bag

Abstract

A closure element is used for closing an opening disposed through the flexible sidewall of a storage bag such as those used to store food items. Storage bags of this type provide an internal volume accessible via the opening. The closure element includes a first fastening strip and an interlocking second closure strip. The first and second fastening strips include complementary, engagable first and second closure profiles. To hermetically seal the internal volume, at least a portion of the first or second fastening strip can include a sealant. The sealant can be a displaceable fluid, fluid-like substance, or wax-like substance such as an oil or a gel. When the closure profiles are engaged, the sealant provides an air tight barrier sealing the internal volume.

1 . A closure device comprising:
 a first interlocking fastening strip including a first closure profile extending substantially along the length of the first fastening strip;   a second interlocking fastening strip including a second closure profile extending substantially along the length of the second fastening strip, the first and second closure profiles engagable to interlock the first and second fastening strips;   wherein at least a portion of the first closure profile includes a sealant; and   wherein the sealant is impregnated in the first closure profile.   
   
   
       2 . (canceled) 
   
   
       3 . (canceled) 
   
   
       4 . (canceled) 
   
   
       5 . The closure device of  claim 1 , wherein the sealant is received in capillaries disposed into the first closure profile. 
   
   
       6 . The closure device of  claim 1 , wherein the sealant is blended into the material of the first closure profile. 
   
   
       7 . The closure device of  claim 1 , wherein the sealant is an oil. 
   
   
       8 . The closure device of  claim 1 , wherein the sealant is a gel. 
   
   
       9 . The closure device of  claim 1 , wherein the sealant is selected from the group consisting of silicone oil, mineral oil, monoglycerides, fatty acids, polybutenes, petroleum jelly, and silicone gel. 
   
   
       10 . The closure device of  claim 1 , wherein the fastening strips comprise U-channel style fastening strips. 
   
   
       11 . The closure device of  claim 1 , wherein the fastening strips comprise arrowhead style fastening strips. 
   
   
       12 . The closure device of  claim 1 , wherein the fastening strips comprise profile style fastening strips. 
   
   
       13 . The closure device of  claim 1 , wherein the closure device further includes a slider movably disposed on the fastening strips. 
   
   
       14 . A flexible storage bag comprising:
 a first pliable sidewall;   a second pliable sidewall overlaying and joined to the first sidewall to provide an internal volume, the internal volume accessible via an opening disposed between the first and second sidewalls;   a first interlocking fastening strip attached to the first sidewall proximate the opening, the first fastening strip including a first closure profile;   a second interlocking fastening strip attached to the second sidewall proximate the opening, the second fastening strip including a second closure profile engagable with the first closure profile; and   a sealant disposed on at least a portion of the first closure profile, and   wherein the sealant is impregnated in the first closure profile.   
   
   
       15 . (canceled) 
   
   
       16 . (canceled) 
   
   
       17 . The storage bag of  claim 14 , wherein the sealant is an oil. 
   
   
       18 . The storage bag of  claim 14 , wherein the sealant is a gel. 
   
   
       19 . The storage bag of  claim 14 , wherein the sealant is selected from the group consisting of silicone oil, mineral oil, monoglycerides, fatty acids, polybutenes, petroleum jelly, and silicone gel. 
   
   
       20 . The storage bag of  claim 14 , wherein a valve element is attached to at least one of the first sidewall or the second sidewall. 
   
   
       21 . A method of sealing a storage bag comprising:
 (i) providing a storage bag including a pliable sidewall providing an internal volume accessible via an opening, the storage bag further including first and second interlocking fastening strips proximate the opening, the first and second fastening strips including respective engagable first and second closure profiles;   (ii) impregnating at least a portion of the first closure profile with a sealant;   (iii) pressing the first and second fastening strips together to engage the first and second closure profiles; and   (iv) sealing the first and second closure profiles against the passage of air with the sealant.   
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the sealant is an oil. 
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the sealant is a gel. 
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the sealant is selected from the group consisting of silicone oil, mineral oil, monoglycerides, fatty acids, polybutenes, petroleum jelly, and silicone gel. 
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the storage bag is further provided with a one-way valve element attached to the sidewall and communicating with the internal volume.