Vacuum storage bag systems

Abstract

A vacuum bag storage system comprises a vacuum storage bag having a pocket with a releasably sealable opening through which items to be stored may be inserted and removed, and at least two substantially stiff panels configured to be at least partly removed from and inserted into the bag through the opening. The panels may be articulated and may be connected together by at least one length of flexible, preferably elastic, material.

1 . A vacuum bag storage system comprising:
 a vacuum storage bag having a pocket with a releasably sealable opening through which items to be stored may be inserted and removed; and   a pair of panels that are removable from the bag through the opening, the panels being configured to compress textile goods therebetween when the system is in use;   wherein the panels are connected together by at least one length of flexible material.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the at least one length of flexible material extends between a first side of a first panel and a first side of a second panel. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the panels are attached to each other by at least two lengths of flexible material that are spaced apart from each other. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the flexible material is elastic. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein each of the pair of panels is articulated, having a plurality of sections that are foldable relative to each other at one or more hinges. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5  wherein each of the pair of panels comprises at least two, or at least three, or at least four sections. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 5  wherein the hinges extend from the first sides of the first and second panels towards opposing sides of said panels. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the area of each panel in its 2D plane is at least 50%, or at least 75%, or at least 90% or at least 95% of the area of an internal face of the pocket against which the panel is positioned when the bag is in use. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1  wherein a second side of the first panel that opposes the first side of the first panel is releasably attachable to a second side of the second panel that opposes the first side of the second panel. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9  wherein a second side of first panel is releasably attachable to a second side of the second panel by means of at least one length of flexible material. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1  wherein each panel is substantially of the same dimensions. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the panels are formed of cardboard with a fabric covering. 
     
     
         13 . A vacuum bag storage system comprising:
 a vacuum storage bag having a pocket with a releasably sealable opening through which items to be stored may be inserted and removed; and   a pair of panels that are removable from the bag through the opening, the panels being configured to compress textile goods therebetween when the system is in use;   wherein each of the pair of panels is articulated, having a plurality of sections that are foldable relative to each other at one or more hinges.   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13  wherein each of the pair of panels comprises at least two, or at least three, or at least four sections. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 13  wherein the hinges extend from the first sides of the first and second panels towards opposing sides of said panels. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 13  wherein the panels are connected together by at least one length of flexible material. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16  wherein the at least one length of flexible material extends between a first side of a first panel and a first side of a second panel. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 16  wherein the panels are attached to each other by at least two lengths of flexible material that are spaced apart from each other. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 16  wherein the flexible material is elastic. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 13  wherein the area of each panel in its 2D plane is at least 50%, or at least 75%, or at least 90%, or at least 95% of the area of an internal face of the pocket against which the panel is positioned when the bag is in use. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 13  wherein a second side of the first panel that opposes the first side of the first panel is releasably attachable to a second side of the second panel that opposes the first side of the second panel. 
     
     
         22 . The system of  claim 21  wherein a second side of first panel is releasably attachable to a second side of the second panel by means of at least one length of flexible material. 
     
     
         23 . The system of  claim 13  wherein each panel is substantially of the same dimensions. 
     
     
         24 . The system of  claim 13  wherein the panels are formed of cardboard with a fabric covering.