Storage bag

Abstract

A storage bag includes first and second sidewalls of flexible, thermoplastic material that overlap and are joined to each other to provide an interior volume for receiving food items. The bag is adapted to be evacuated to help prevent spoliation of the food items. The bag includes a textured portion on an inner surface of at least one sidewall that is comprised of a plurality of pyramid shaped protrusions. To help retain liquids that may be included with the stored food items, the pyramid shaped protrusions are arranged in a substantially offset pattern. The protrusions may delineate on the inner surface substantially planar regions that are comprised of first larger areas and second smaller areas. During evacuation, liquids can pool together in and become retained by the larger areas while air can be directed through the second smaller areas.

1 . A flexible storage bag comprising:
 a first sidewall of thermoplastic material;   a second sidewall of thermoplastic material overlying and joined to the first sidewall to provide an interior volume between opposing first and second inner surfaces of the respective first and second sidewalls;   at least one inner surface including a textured portion comprising a plurality of pyramid shaped protrusions projecting into the interior volume, the pyramid shaped protrusions arranged in a substantially offset pattern.   
   
   
       2 . The storage bag of  claim 1 , wherein the inner surface includes substantially planar regions located between the pyramid shaped protrusions. 
   
   
       3 . The storage bag of  claim 2 , wherein the planar regions include first relatively larger areas and second relatively smaller areas. 
   
   
       4 . The storage bag of  claim 3 , wherein the ratio of the surface area of each first larger area to the surface area of each second smaller area is about 5:1 to 10:1. 
   
   
       5 . The storage bag of  claim 3 , wherein the first larger areas are generally square in outline and the second smaller areas are generally rectangular in outline. 
   
   
       6 . The storage bag of  claim 1 , wherein the pyramid shaped protrusions are arranged in a substantially random pattern on the inner surface. 
   
   
       7 . The storage bag of  claim 2 , wherein the planar regions are continuous with one another such that the pyramid shaped protrusions are substantially separated from each other. 
   
   
       8 . The storage bag of  claims 2 , wherein the pyramid shaped protrusions project from the planar regions in a range from 0.076 mm to 0.635 mm. 
   
   
       9 . The storage bag of  claim 1 , further comprising a one-way valve element attached to at least one sidewall and in communication with the interior volume. 
   
   
       10 . The storage bag of  claim 1 , further comprising first and second interlocking fastening strips attached respectively to the first and second inner surfaces. 
   
   
       11 . The storage bag of  claim 1 , further comprising a depression located between the protrusions. 
   
   
       12 . The storage bag of  claim 1 , wherein the spacing between protrusions near the top of the bag is less than the spacing between protrusions near the bottom of the bag. 
   
   
       13 . A method of evacuating a storage bag comprising:
 (i) providing a bag including a flexible sidewall bounding an interior volume, an opening for accessing the interior volume, and a textured portion included on an inner surface of the sidewall, the textured portion including a plurality of pyramid shaped protrusions projecting into the interior volume and arranged in a substantially offset pattern;   (ii) closing the opening;   (iii) applying an evacuation device to the storage bag for withdrawing air from the interior volume;   (iv) directing air from the interior volume between a first plurality of relatively smaller areas located between the pyramid shaped protrusions; and   (v) retaining at least some fluids initially retained in the air within a second plurality of relatively larger areas located between the pyramid shaped openings.   
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the step of applying an evacuation device to the storage bag includes the further step of interfacing the evacuation device to a one-way valve element attached to the sidewall and communicating with the interior volume. 
   
   
       15 . A flexible storage bag comprising:
 a first sidewall of thermoplastic material;   a second sidewall of thermoplastic material overlying and joined to the first sidewall to provide an interior volume between opposing first and second inner surfaces of the respective first and second sidewalls;   at least one inner surface including a textured portion comprising a plurality of protrusions projecting into the interior volume, the protrusions arranged in a substantially offset pattern.   
   
   
       16 . The storage bag of  claim 15 , wherein the protrusions have a circular base.