Flexible vacuum package and method of storing a product under vacuum in a package

Abstract

A flexible package for a product and method of storing a product in a package is disclosed. The package includes an inner bag and an outer bag. The inner bag is formed of a flexible material, is arranged to hold a product that degasses, e.g., whole bean coffee, and includes a one-way valve. The outer bag is also formed of a flexible material and encloses the inner bag, forming a gas space therebetween. The gas space is in communication with the ambient atmosphere via at least one communicating passageway. Gas may vent through the one-way valve into the gas space and from there through the at least one passageway, with the outer bag providing a smooth aesthetically pleasing appearance notwithstanding changes in pressure and/or temperature to which the package is subjected.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A flexible package for a product held in said package, said package comprising an inner bag and an outer bag, said inner bag being formed of a flexible sheet material and comprising a hollow interior in which the product is located, a wall panel bounding said hollow interior of said inner bag and a one-way valve located in said panel in communication with said interior of said inner bag where the product is held under vacuum, said outer bag being formed of a flexible sheet material and comprising a hollow interior in which said inner bag is located, a wall panel having a seal line and bounding said hollow interior of said outer bag, said seal line comprising at least one passageway in fluid communication with said interior of said outer bag and the ambient surroundings of said package, said one-way valve being arranged to enable gas within said interior of said inner bag to vent through said one-way valve into said interior of said outer bag, whereupon said gas may vent to the ambient surroundings through said at least one passageway, said outer bag having and maintaining a smooth aesthetically pleasing appearance notwithstanding changes in pressure and/or temperature to which said package is subjected. 
     
     
         2 . The flexible package of  claim 1  wherein said seal line comprises an adhesive applied in a pattern to form said passageway. 
     
     
         3 . The flexible package of  claim 1  wherein said package is a gusseted package. 
     
     
         4 . The flexible package of  claim 2  wherein said package is a gusseted package. 
     
     
         5 . The flexible package of  claim 1  wherein said package is a stand-up pouch. 
     
     
         6 . The flexible package of  claim 2  wherein said package is a stand-up pouch. 
     
     
         7 . The flexible package of  claim 1  wherein said inner bag is under vacuum. 
     
     
         8 . A method of storing a product in a package, said method comprising:
 a) providing a package comprising an inner bag and an outer bag, each of said bags being formed of a flexible sheet material, said inner bag being formed of a flexible sheet material and comprising a hollow interior, a wall panel bounding said hollow interior of said inner bag and a one-way valve located in said panel in communication with said interior of said inner bag, said outer bag being formed of a flexible sheet material and comprising a hollow interior, a wall panel having a seal line and bounding said hollow interior of said outer bag, said seal line comprising at least one passageway in fluid communication with said interior of said outer bag;   b) introducing said product into said interior of said inner bag whereupon said product is held under vacuum therein; and   c) disposing said inner bag within said interior of said outer bag, whereupon gas within said inner bag may vent through said one-way valve into said interior of said outer bag and through said at least one passageway in said outer bag to the ambient surroundings, with said wall panel of outer bag providing a smooth aesthetically pleasing appearance notwithstanding changes in pressure and/or temperature to which said package is subjected.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein said product is coffee. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8  wherein said inner bag is under vacuum.