Vacuum compression storage bags

Abstract

There is disclosed an improved stand-off for large vacuum compression storage bags made from a thermoplastic material such as polyethylene or other thermoplastic material and preferably made by extrusion. The stand-off includes a base having an aperture therein for alignment with the valve of the bag. The base further includes a plurality of ribs. The stand-off may include a variety of geometries provided that it is of sufficient length and width to cover the valve area. It may extend from one side of the bag to the other side of the bag or include variations thereof in size.

1 . A vacuum compression storage bag comprising:
 first flexible wall panel and second flexible wall panel coupled together to form a bag with opposing sealed side edges, a sealed bottom end, an open top end, a closure mechanism near said top end adapted to close said bag, and an air evacuation valve positioned in said first flexible wall panel, said valve having an aperture therein,   a stand-off affixed to an inside wall of said first flexible wall panel adjacent to said air evacuation valve, said stand-off comprising an extruded thermoplastic material having greater rigidity than said first flexible wall panel and having a base, an aperture in said base and a plurality of ribs wherein said ribs do not cover said aperture in said base, and   wherein said aperture in said valve and said aperture in said base are adapted to be in substantial alignment and said stand-off completely covers said valve.   
     
     
         2 . A vacuum compression storage bag according to  claim 1  wherein said plurality of ribs extend from said base inwardly toward a storage area of said bag. 
     
     
         3 . A vacuum compression storage bag according to  claim 1  wherein said plurality of ribs extend from said base toward said inside wall of said first flexible wall panel. 
     
     
         4 . A vacuum compression storage bag according to  claim 3  wherein said plurality of ribs form grooves between said ribs and said grooves include a plurality of apertures therein adapted to aid in an evacuation of air from said bag. 
     
     
         5 . A vacuum compression storage bag according to  claim 1  wherein said valve comprises a label valve. 
     
     
         6 . A vacuum compression storage bag according to  claim 5  wherein said label valve comprises a thermoplastic base layer having a hole or slit therein and a top thermoplastic layer adhered to said base layer. 
     
     
         7 . A vacuum compression storage bag according to  claim 1  wherein said bag dimensions are in the range of about 18 inches by 20 inches to about 35 inches by 48 inches. 
     
     
         8 . A vacuum compression storage bag according to  claim 1  wherein said extruded thermoplastic material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon and bioplastics. 
     
     
         9 . A vacuum compression storage bag according to  claim 8  wherein said first flexible wall panel and said second flexible wall panel are made from a plastic selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon and bioplastics. 
     
     
         10 . A vacuum compression storage bag according to  claim 8  wherein said stand-off is constructed and arranged to extend from one edge to an opposite edge of said first flexible wall panel. 
     
     
         11 . A vacuum compression storage bag comprising:
 first flexible wall panel and second flexible wall panel coupled together to form a bag with opposing sealed side edges, a sealed bottom end, an open top end, a closure mechanism near said top end adapted to close said bag, and an aperture for air evacuation positioned in said first flexible wall panel,   a stand-off affixed to an inside of said first flexible wall panel adjacent to said air evacuation aperture, said stand-off comprising an extruded thermoplastic material having greater rigidity than said first flexible wall panel and having a base, at least one aperture in said base and a plurality of ribs wherein said ribs do not cover said at least one aperture in said base, and   wherein said at least one aperture in said base of said stand-off is adapted to be adjacent to said air evacuation aperture in said bag and said stand-off completely covers said air evacuation aperture in said first flexible wall panel.   
     
     
         12 . A vacuum compression storage bag according to  claim 11  wherein said plurality of ribs extend from said base inwardly toward a storage area of said bag. 
     
     
         13 . A vacuum compression storage bag according to  claim 12  wherein said at least one aperture comprises two apertures symmetrically adjacent to said air evacuation aperture in said first flexible wall panel. 
     
     
         14 . A vacuum compression storage bag according to  claim 11  wherein said extruded thermoplastic material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon and bioplastics. 
     
     
         15 . A vacuum compression storage bag according to  claim 14  wherein said flexible wall panels are made from a plastic selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon and bioplastics. 
     
     
         16 . A vacuum compression storage bag according to  claim 13  wherein said stand-off is constructed and arranged to extend from one edge to an opposite edge of said first flexible wall panel.