[001] Cross Reference to Related and Co-Pending Applications

[002] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application serial

number 61/500,502, filed June 23, 201 1. The entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

[003] Field of the Invention

[004] The present invention relates to storage bags used for vacuum sealing of food. More specifically, the invention relates to heat sealable storage bags having an integral identification feature.

[005] Background

[006] Storage bags are known in the art and many different types of storage bags have been developed. One type of storage bag is a heat sealable storage bag that uses heat to seal the bag. Once a user has placed objects or material, such as food, in a bag, a vacuum may be applied to an opening in the bag to remove any air in the bag. Heat may then be applied to seal the bag. One of the problems associated with this type of storage system is that the storage bags from different manufacturing companies do not function properly with the sealing machines of other manufacturing companies. The plastic films used in the storage bags from different

manufacturers can have different material properties that cause problems with the sealing machines. Therefore, what has long been needed is a storage bag that is easy to identify. [007] SUMMARY OF ONE EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[008] In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a storage bag. The storage bag includes an upper layer and a lower layer. The lower layer is at least partially bonded to the upper layer. A detectable element is coupled to or integrally formed with at least one of the layers. In one embodiment, the detectable element is formed only in the upper layer. An internal cavity is formed by the layers. An edge is formed by the upper and lower layers. The edge has an opening to provide access to the internal cavity.

[009] In another embodiment, the present invention comprises a storage bag. The storage bag includes a first layer and a second layer at least partially bonded to the first layer. A detectable element is located within the first layer. An internal cavity is formed between the first and second layers. A first edge is formed by the first and second layers. The first edge has an opening providing access to the internal cavity.

[0010] In an additional embodiment, the present invention comprises a vacuum sealing system. The vacuum sealing system includes a light source and a light sensor. A storage bag has a detectable element coupled thereto. The vacuum sealing machine provides the functionality of illuminating the storage bag using the light source and detecting light reflected from the storage bag using the light sensor. Responsive to detecting the detectable element, the vacuum sealing machine is enabled to seal the storage bag. Responsive to not detecting the detectable element, the vacuum sealing machine is disabled.

[0011] In one more embodiment, the present invention comprises a method of sealing a storage bag. The method includes positioning the storage bag in a vacuum sealing machine and scanning the storage bag with a light source. Light reflected from the storage bag is detected with a light sensor. Responsive to detecting a detectable element on the storage bag, the vacuum sealing machine is enabled to seal the storage bag. Responsive to not detecting the detectable element on the storage bag, the vacuum sealing machine is disabled.

[0012] The above description sets forth, rather broadly, a summary of one embodiment of the present invention so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood and contributions of the present invention to the art may be better appreciated. Some of the embodiments of the present invention may not include all of the features or characteristics listed in the above summary. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described below and will form the subject matter of claims. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or as illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0013] ADVANTAGES OF ONE OR MORE EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0014] The various embodiments of the present invention may, but do not necessarily, achieve one or more of the following advantages:

[0015] The ability to provide a storage bag that is readily identifiable;

[0016] The ability to provide a storage bag that can be identified by a vacuum sealing machine;

[0017] Provide a storage bag having a detectable element;

[0018] The ability to provide a vacuum sealing system that can identify a type of storage bag and turn the vacuum sealing machine on or off depending on the type of storage bag identified;

[0019] The ability to provide a vacuum sealing machine that can modify operating parameters of the vacuum sealing machine based on the type of storage bag identified;

[0020] Provide a method of sealing a storage bag that can identify a type of storage bag and enable or disable the vacuum sealing machine depending on the type of storage bag identified; and

[0021] These and other advantages may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification, claims, and abstract.

[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is substantially a top view of a storage bag in accordance with the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 is substantially a side cross sectional view of a portion of the storage bag of Figure 1.

[0025] Figure 3 is substantially a side cross sectional view of another embodiment of a storage bag in accordance with the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4 is substantially a diagrammatic view of a vacuum sealing machine in accordance with the present invention.

[0027] Figure 5 is substantially a flowchart of a method of operating a vacuum sealing machine in accordance with the present invention.

[0028] Figure 6 is substantially a side cross sectional view of a portion of the storage bag of Figure 1 after the storage bag has been sealed.

[0029] DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0030] In the following detailed description of the embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0031] The present invention comprises a storage bag, generally indicated by reference number 10. Referring to Figure 1 , storage bag 10 comprises a first edge 12, a second edge 14, a third edge 16 and a fourth edge 18. Storage bag 10 has a height that is determined by the distance between first edge 12 and third edge 16 and a width that is determined by the distance between second edge 14 and fourth edge 18. Storage bag 10 shown in the figures is rectangular, however, it is recognized that storage bag 10 may be made in a large variety of shapes, such as circular. Storage bag 10 is formed from an upper layer 40 and a lower layer 46.

[0032] An opening 20 is provided at first edge 12 of storage bag 10 for allowing access to an internal cavity 22. Storage bag 10 further includes seams 24, 26 and 28 that are adjacent to second edge 14, third edge 16 and fourth edge 18, respectively. Another seam 30 can be located toward edge 12. As shall be discussed in more detail below, seems 24, 26, 28 and 30 are formed by heat bonding layers of material together.

[0033] A detectable identification feature, component or element 50 can be located on or incorporated within storage bag 10. Detectable element 50 can be an ultraviolet (UV) or infrared (IR) or other wavelength fluorescing pigment or material that is coupled to or printing on the surface of storage bag 10. In one embodiment, detectable element 50 is invisible under ordinary wavelength light such as from a typically light bulb. Detectable element 50 would only be visible under an ultraviolet or infrared light source. Ultraviolet pigments are clear additives that can be put on or in a layer of the storage bag 10 at various concentrations. When detectable element 50 is excited with a specific wavelength of light, detectable element 50 reflects light, fluoresces or gives off another specific wavelength of UV light. Ultraviolet and infrared pigments are commercially available from Dayglo Corporation of Cleveland, Ohio and Spectra Sciences Corporation of San Diego, California.

[0034] In another embodiment, detectable element 50 comprises a material with detectable magnetic material, such as a ferrous material. Detectable element 50 may then be detected using a magnetic sensor. However, in this embodiment, storage bag 10 should not be used in a microwave oven.

[0035] With additional reference to figure 2, storage bag 10 of the present invention includes an upper layer 40 and a lower layer 46. Upper layer 40 has an outer surface 42 and an inner surface 43. Lower layer 46 has an outer surface 48 and an inner surface 47. In figure 2, only a portion of storage bag 10 is shown. Outer surfaces 42 and 48 forms a portion of the exterior surface of storage bag 10 and inner surfaces 43 and 47 form a portion of the surfaces that defines internal cavity 22.

[0036] Upper layer 40 and lower layer 46 may be formed of any suitable material such as plastics, nylon, low density polyethylene or high density polyethylene that can be bonded together. When storage bag 10 is manufactured, upper layer 40 is positioned on lower layer 46 and heat is applied to the peripheral portions of the layers the two sheets. The heat can be applied by a heat sealing machine. This causes layers 40 and 46 to weld or fuse together forming seams

24, 26 and 28. In a similar manner, seam 30 can be formed at a later time after cavity 22 is filled with a material that is desired to be sealed within storage bag 10.

[0037] As shown in figure 2, detectable element 50 is mounted or printed onto outer surface 42 of upper layer 40. Detectable element 50 can be deposited by spraying, rolling, screen printing, painting or any other suitable means. In another embodiment, detectable element 50 can be located on outer surface 48. In another embodiment, detectable element 50 can be located on inner surface 43 or inner surface 47. In one embodiment, detecthable element 50 is extruded with resin that is used to form upper layer 40.

[0038] Turning now to figure 3, an additional embodiment, of a storage bag 100 of the present invention is shown. Storage bag 100 includes an upper layer 40 and a lower layer 46. Upper layer 40 has an outer surface 42 and an inner surface 43. Lower layer 46 has an outer surface 48 and an inner surface 47. In figure 3, only a portion of storage bag 100 is shown. Outer surfaces 42 and 48 form a portion of the exterior surface of storage bag 100 and inner surfaces 43 and 47 form a portion of the surfaces that define internal cavity 22.

[0039] Upper layer 40 and lower layer 46 may be formed of any suitable material such as plastics, nylon, low density polyethylene or high density polyethylene that can be bonded together. When storage bag 100 is manufactured, upper layer 40 is positioned on lower layer 46 and heat is applied to the peripheral portions of the layers the two sheets. The heat can be applied by a heat sealing machine. This causes layers 40 and 46 to weld or fuse together forming seams 24, 26 and 28. In a similar manner, seam 30 can be formed at a later time after cavity 22 is filled with a material that is desired to be sealed within storage bag 10.

[0040] As shown in figure 3, detectable element 50 is incorporated within or integral to upper layer 40. Detectable element 50 can be deposited within upper layer 40 during the manufacture of upper layer 40 by mixing a suitable pigment with the other materials of upper layer 40 during manufacturing. The concentration of detectable element 50 can be varied within upper layer 40. For example, a high concentration of detectable element 50 may be used to differentiate certain storage bags 100 from those with a lower concentration of detectable element 50.

[0041] In one embodiment, detectable element 50 can be uniformly distributed throughout upper layer 40. In another embodiment, detectable element 50 may only be located in a portion of upper layer 40. In another embodiment, detectable element 50 may only be located within lower layer 46.

[0042] Storage bag 10 and storage bag 100 can be used to vacuum seal food or other materials in the storage bag. With additional reference to figure 6, after materials 55 are placed within cavity 22, vacuum sealing machine 60 can be used to draw a vacuum within cavity 22 and form seam 30 thereby sealing materials 55 within cavity 22. Heat is applied by a pair of heat bars that are a part of vacuum sealing machine 60, as will be described in more detail later, to surfaces 42 and 48 slightly inward of edge 12. The applied heat causes layers 40 and 46 to weld or fuse together forming seam 30 that seals cavity 22.

[0043] Vacuum sealing machine 60 can have an ultraviolet or infrared light source 62 and an ultraviolet or infrared light detector or sensor 68. Ultraviolet or infrared light source 62 generates wavelengths of UV or IR rays 64 that can impinge on detectable element 50 within storage bag 100. Detectable element 50 fluoresces with wavelengths of UV or IR rays 66 that are reflected to and detected by ultraviolet or infrared light detector or sensor 68. Circuitry can be included within vacuum sealing machine 60 such that if detectable element 50 is not detected, vacuum sealing machine 60 does not operate.

[0044] Referring to figure 4, additional details of vacuum sealing machine 60 are illustrated.

Vacuum sealing machine 60 has a housing 402 that contains the components of vacuum sealing machine 60. A cavity or recess 404 is located on the front side of housing 402 for receiving storage bag 10 or 100. A pair of heat bars 406 and 408 can be located in cavity 404. Heat bars 406 and 408 contain electrical resistance wires 410. When an electrical current is applied to wires 410, heat is generated. Heat bar 406 is moveably coupled to a ram 414 and heat bar 408 is fixed to rod 412. Ram 414 can be attached to a linear actuator 420. Actuator 420 can cause heat bar 406 to move towards and away from heat bar 408.

[0045] Vacuum sealing machine 60 can include a processor or controller 420. Processor or controller 420 can be a commercially available microprocessor or controller. Controller 420 can contain a machine readable medium or memory unit 422. Memory unit 422 may be internal to controller 420 or may be external memory such as flash memory, ROM, RAM or a hard drive unit. Software/firmware instructions and programs or 424 can be stored in memory unit 1 12 for execution on controller 420 in order to control the operation of vacuum sealing machine 60. The machine-readable medium or memory unit 422 on which is stored one or more sets of instructions such as software programs 424 can include any one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. Controller 420 can also include various relays that are used to handle switching of electrical components that contain a higher level of voltage and current than can be directly switched by controller 420.

[0046] Actuator 414 is in electrical communication with controller 420 through wire or cable 430. Heat bars 406 and 408 are in electrical communication with controller 420 through wire or cables 432 and 434, respectively.

[0047] A vacuum nozzle 440 is used to apply a source of vacuum or suction to storage bag 10 in order to evacuate air from within internal cavity 22. Vacuum nozzle 440 is connected to linear actuator 442. Linear actuator 442 can be used to insert and withdraw vacuum nozzle 440 from internal cavity 22. Vacuum nozzle 440 is in fluid communication with vacuum pump 444.

Vacuum pump 444 can cause a vacuum or suction to be created in vacuum nozzle 440. Linear actuator 442 is in electrical communication with controller 420 through wire or cable 446.

Vacuum pump 444 is in electrical communication with controller 420 through wire or cable 448. Controller 420 can move vacuum nozzle 440 in a linear manner and can turn vacuum pump 444 on an off.

[0048] Vacuum sealing machine 60 further includes an ultraviolet or infrared light source 62 and an ultraviolet or infrared light detector or sensor 68. Ultraviolet or infrared light source 62 generates wavelengths of UV or IR rays 64 that can impinge on detectable element 50.

Detectable element 50 fluoresces with wavelengths of UV or IR rays 66 that are reflected to and detected by ultraviolet or infrared light detector or sensor 68. Light source 62 is in electrical communication with controller 420 through wire or cable 450. Light sensor 68 is in electrical communication with controller 420 through wire or cable 452. Controller 420 can allow vacuum sealing machine 60 to operate if detectable element 50 is detected by light sensor 68 and can turn off or disable vacuum sealing machine when detectable element 50 is not detected by light sensor 68.

[0049] A control panel 460 is mounted to the front of housing 402 to allow an operator to control the operation of the vacuum sealing machine 60 and to adjust operating parameters. Control panel 460 can include one or more input devices 462 such as a button or joystick. In one embodiment, input device 462 can be used to start a vacuum sealing operation after a storage bag 10 has been placed in cavity 404.

[0050] With reference now to figure 5, a flowchart of a method of operating a vacuum sealing machine is shown. In the discussion of figure 5, reference will also be made to components illustrated in figure 4. Method 500 includes positioning the storage bag 10 or 100 containing materials 55 (figure 6) to be sealed within cavity 404 of the vacuum sealing machine 60 at step 504. Method 500 will be discussed with reference to storage bag 10; however, method 500 can also be used with storage bag 100. In one embodiment, positioning of storage bag 10 within cavity 404 is done manually by an operator and then the operator depresses input device 462 to start the sealing operation. In another embodiment, positioning of storage bag 10 within cavity 404 is an automated process done via a storage bag handling apparatus (not shown).

[0051] At step 506, controller 420 causes the storage bag 10 to be scanned or illuminated with ultraviolet or infrared light generated by light source 62. Light source 62 generates wavelengths of UV or IR rays 64 that can impinge on detectable element 50. Controller 420 directs ultraviolet or infrared light sensor 68 to detect reflected UV or IR light rays 66 in block 508.

[0052] Controller 420 determines if the detectable element 50 is detected on or in storage bag 10 at decision step 510. In response to the detectable element not being detected on or in storage bag 10, method 500 proceeds to step 512 where the vacuum sealing machine 60 is disabled. Disabling of vacuum sealing machine 60 can include turning off actuator 414 and vacuum pump and de-energizing wires 410. In one embodiment, disabling of vacuum sealing machine 60 can include flashing a warning light or triggering an alarm.

[0053] In response to the detectable element being detected on or in storage bag 10, method 500 proceeds to step 514 where the vacuum sealing machine 60 seals storage bag 10. Sealing of storage bag 10 begins with controller 420 instructing linear actuator 442 to move vacuum nozzle 440 into opening 20 (figure 2). Controller 420 then turns on vacuum pump 444 causing air to be withdrawn from interior cavity 22.

[0054] After a pre-determined period of time, controller 420 causes linear actuator 414 to move heat bar 406 towards storage bag 10. At the same time, controller 420 applies an electrical current to resistance wires 410 causing heat bars 406 and 408 to become hot. Next, controller 420 directs linear actuator 414 to withdraw vacuum nozzle 440 from opening 20 and turns off vacuum pump 444. At the same time that the vacuum nozzle 440 is being withdrawn, heat bars 406 and 408 contact storage bag 10 along and slightly inward of edge 12. Heat bars 406 and 408 cause layers 40 and 46 (figure 6) to weld or fuse together forming seam 30 (figure 6).

[0055] Controller 420 then removes the electrical current from resistance wires 410 and directs linear actuator 414 to move heat bar 406 away from storage bag 10. Storage bag 10 is now sealed and can be removed from vacuum sealing machine 60.

[0056] With continued reference to figure 5, an optional embodiment of method 500 is indicted by the dashed lines and boxes. In response to the detectable element being detected on or in storage bag 10 or 100 at decision block 510, method 500 proceeds to step 516 where controller 420 determines the concentration of the detectable element 50. In an embodiment, controller 420 can determine the concentration of the detectable element 50 based upon the strength of the signal received from light sensor 68. In step 518, controller 420 identifies a type of storage bag that is associated with the previously determined concentration level.

[0057] In one or more embodiments, several different types of storage bags can have different design values. For example, one storage bag type can have thick layers 40 and 46 and be formed from a first type of plastic. Another storage bag type can have thin layers 40 and 46 and be formed from a second type of plastic.

[0058] At step 520, controller 420 modifies the operating parameters of vacuum machine 60 based upon the type of storage bag that was identified. The operating parameters of vacuum machine 60 can include length of time to apply vacuum to vacuum nozzle 440, length of time to apply heat to heat bars 406 and 408 and the movement speed of vacuum nozzle 440 and heat bar 406. For example, if the type of storage bag identified has thick layers 40 and 46, controller 420 can direct the period of time that heat bars 406 and 408 apply heat and are in contact with seam 30 be increased so as to fully melt layers 40 and 46 during the formation of seam 30. After the operating parameters of vacuum machine 60 have been modified in step 420, method 500 proceeds to step 514 where vacuum sealing machine 60 seals storage bag 10 or 100 as previously described.

[0059] The present invention ensures that the proper storage bag is used with the proper vacuum sealing machine. The present invention improves the safety of using food storage bags by only allowing storage bags to be sealed by vacuum sealing machines that have the proper operating parameters.

[0060] Although the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the embodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.