Reusable, autoclaveable closure device for a flexible bag

Abstract

A sterilizeable reusable flexible bag two-piece closure device for closing the open end(s) of a flexible bag installable on the open end of a sterilizeable, reusable the flexible bag. An elongated clamp member and an elongated rod member are removably installed on the top of the sterilizeable, reusable flexible bag. The open end of the flexible bag is folded around the elongated rod member. The combination of the rod member with the bag end folded over the rod member is then inserted into the interior space of the clamp member in order to seal the sterilizeable, reusable flexible bag. The bag closure device is sterilizable by chemical means or autoclaveable, and made of a substantially rigid material such as plastic or metal.

1 . An sterilizable, reusable flexible two-piece bag closure device for closing an open end of a flexible bag, the device comprising:
 an elongated clamp member having a clamp length substantially at least as long as the width of the open end of a flexible bag to be closed, and having a “C”-shaped structural cross-section defining an interior space cross-section with a clamp interior diameter, and having jaws that are flexible and have memory, the jaws framing a clamp opening; and   a rod member having a rod length substantially at least as long as the width of the open end of a flexible bag to be closed, and a rod outside diameter smaller than the clamp interior diameter, the rod member loosely receivable in the interior space of the clamp member.   the clamp member and the rod member made of a sterilizable material.   
     
     
         2 . The sterilizeable, reusable flexible bag closure device of  claim 1 , further comprising a free space distance between the rod OD outside diameter and the clamp interior diameter, the free space disposed to closely receive at least one thickness of the flexible bag between an interior surface of the interior space of the clamp member and an external surface of the rod member. 
     
     
         3 . The sterilizeable, reusable flexible bag closure device of  claim 1 , wherein the “C”-shaped cross-section having an arc of greater than 180 degrees and less than 280 degrees, the arc sufficient to enable the clamp member to closely receive and hold the rod member, with a thickness of the flexible bag disposed around it, within the interior space of the clamp member. 
     
     
         4 . The sterilizable, reusable bag closure device of  claim 1 , wherein the bag closure device is made of an autoclaveable material. 
     
     
         5 . The sterilizable, reusable bag closure device of  claim 1 , wherein the bag closure device is made of a chemically sterilizable material. 
     
     
         6 . The sterilizable, reusable bag closure device of  claim 1 , wherein the bag closure device is made of a substantially rigid material. 
     
     
         7 . The sterilizable, reusable bag closure device of  claim 6 , wherein the bag closure device is made of a substantially rigid metal material. 
     
     
         8 . The sterilizable, reusable bag closure device of  claim 6 , wherein the bag closure device is made of a substantially rigid plastic material. 
     
     
         9 . The sterilizeable, reusable flexible bag closure device of  claim 1 , further comprising a linkage member connecting a clamp member end to a rod member end. 
     
     
         10 . The sterilizeable, reusable flexible bag closure device of  claim 1 , wherein the rod member has a middle slot extending the length of the rod.