초록 ▼

A packaging device generally includes a flexible inner container, a flexible outer container, and a one-way valve in fluid communication with the inner container. Articles to be packaged are contained within the inner container, and the inner container is positioned within the outer container. When

A packaging device generally includes a flexible inner container, a flexible outer container, and a one-way valve in fluid communication with the inner container. Articles to be packaged are contained within the inner container, and the inner container is positioned within the outer container. When the containers are closed and pressure is applied to the outer container, ambient fluid trapped within the outer container transfers the pressure to the inner container, thereby urging fluid flow from the inner container, through the one-way valve, and out of the packaging device.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A packaging device, comprising: a. a flexible inner container having (1) an interior compartment, (2) an opening into said interior compartment, (3) a closure mechanism for said opening, said closure mechanism being movable between an open position, in which said interior com

What is claimed is: 1. A packaging device, comprising: a. a flexible inner container having (1) an interior compartment, (2) an opening into said interior compartment, (3) a closure mechanism for said opening, said closure mechanism being movable between an open position, in which said interior compartment is accessible via said opening, and a closed position, in which said interior compartment is substantially inaccessible, and (4) an egress port adapted to permit fluid flow out of said interior compartment; b. a flexible outer container having (1) an interior compartment, (2) an opening into said interior compartment, and (3) a closure mechanism for said opening, said closure mechanism being movable between an open position, in which said interior compartment is accessible via said opening, and a closed position, in which said interior compartment is substantially inaccessible, wherein (i) said inner container is positioned within the interior compartment of said outer container such that said inner container and said opening thereof are accessible when said closure mechanism of said outer container is in said open position, and (ii) said inner and outer containers are relatively positioned such that, when the closure mechanism for said inner container is in said closed position, a volume of ambient fluid is trapped externally of said inner container and within the interior compartment of said outer container upon movement of the closure mechanism for said outer container to said closed position; and c. a one-way valve comprising two or more juxtaposed film plies joined together with one or more seals to define a channel, and an outlet in fluid communication with said channel, said outlet adapted to permit fluid flow out of said channel, said valve being in fluid communication with said egress port in said inner container, said valve adapted to receive fluid from said egress port and direct the fluid through said channel and out of said packaging device via said outlet, whereby, when pressure is applied to said outer container, the ambient fluid trapped within said outer container transfers the pressure to said inner container, thereby urging fluid flow from said interior compartment of said inner container, through said egress port and said valve, and out of said packaging device. 2. The packaging device of claim 1, wherein said inner container comprises a flexible pouch. 3. The packaging device of claim 2, wherein said pouch is formed from a polyolefin film having a thickness ranging from about 0.5 to about 50 mils. 4. The packaging device of claim 1, wherein said outer container comprises a flexible pouch. 5. The packaging device of claim 4, wherein said pouch is formed from a polyolefin film having a thickness ranging from about 0.5 to about 50 mils. 6. The packaging device of claim 1, wherein said outlet is positioned externally of said interior compartment of said inner container. 7. The packaging device of claim 1, wherein said outlet is positioned externally of said interior compartment of said outer container. 8. The packaging device of claim 1, wherein said outer container further comprises a substantially closed end spaced from said opening of said outer container such that said interior compartment of said outer container is disposed between said opening of said outer container and said closed end thereof. 9. The packaging device of claim 8, wherein said opening of said outer container is arranged at an angle relative to said closed end thereof. 10. The packaging device of claim 8, wherein said one-way valve is positioned adjacent to said closed end of said outer container. 11. The packaging device of claim 1, wherein said opening of said inner container is arranged at an angle relative to said opening of said outer container. 12. A packaging device, comprising: a. a flexible inner container having (1) an interior compartment, (2) an opening into said interior compartment, (3) a closure mechanism for said opening, said closure mechanism being movable between an open position, in which said interior compartment is accessible via said opening, and a closed position, in which said interior compartment is substantially inaccessible, (4) a substantially closed end spaced from said opening such that said interior compartment of said inner container is disposed between said opening and said closed end, and (5) an egress port adapted to permit fluid flow out of said interior compartment; b. a flexible outer container having (1) an interior compartment, (2) an opening into said interior compartment, and (3) a closure mechanism for said opening, said closure mechanism being movable between an open position, in which said interior compartment is accessible via said opening, and a closed position, in which said interior compartment is substantially inaccessible, wherein (i) said inner container is positioned within the interior compartment of said outer container such that said inner container and said opening thereof are accessible when said closure mechanism of said outer container is in said open position, and (ii) said inner and outer containers are relatively positioned such that, when the closure mechanism for said inner container is in said closed position, a volume of ambient fluid is trapped externally of said inner container and within the interior compartment of said outer container upon movement of the closure mechanism for said outer container to said closed position; and c. a one-way valve positioned adjacent to, and formed in part by, said closed end of said inner container, said valve being in fluid communication with said egress port in said inner container, said valve adapted to receive fluid from said egress port and direct the fluid out of said packaging device, whereby, when pressure is applied to said outer container, the ambient fluid trapped within said outer container transfers the pressure to said inner container, thereby urging fluid flow from said interior compartment of said inner container, through said egress port and said valve, and out of said packaging device. 13. The packaging device of claim 12, wherein said opening of said inner container is arranged at an angle relative to said closed end of said inner container. 14. The packaging device of claim 12, wherein said closed end of said inner container includes at least one open region, and said open region forms said egress port in said inner container. 15. The packaging device of claim 12, wherein said valve comprises a pair of juxtaposed film plies extending from said closed end of said inner container. 16. The packaging device of claim 15, wherein said valve further includes a. one or more seals to define a channel in said valve; and b. an outlet in fluid communication with said channel, said outlet adapted to permit fluid flow out of said channel. 17. A method of packaging, comprising: a. providing a packaging device, said packaging device comprising: 1) a flexible inner container having (a) an interior compartment in which one or more articles are located, (b) an opening into said interior compartment, (c) a closure mechanism for said opening, said closure mechanism being movable between an open position, in which said interior compartment is accessible via said opening, and a closed position, in which said interior compartment is substantially inaccessible, and (d) an egress port adapted to permit fluid flow out of said interior compartment, 2) a flexible outer container having (a) an interior compartment, (b) an opening into said interior compartment, and (c) a closure mechanism for said opening, said closure mechanism being movable between an open position, in which said interior compartment is accessible via said opening, and a closed position, in which said interior compartment is substantially inaccessible, wherein (i) said inner container is positioned within the interior compartment of said outer container such that said inner container and said opening thereof are accessible when said closure mechanism of said outer container is in said open position, and (ii) said inner and outer containers are relatively positioned such that, when the closure mechanism for said inner container is in said closed position, a volume of ambient fluid is trapped externally of said inner container and within the interior compartment of said outer container upon movement of the closure mechanism for said outer container to said closed position, and 3) a one-way valve in fluid communication with said egress port in said inner container, said valve adapted to receive fluid from said egress port and direct the fluid out of said packaging device; b. moving said closure mechanism for said inner container to said closed position, thereby enclosing the articles within said inner container; c. moving the closure mechanism for said outer container to said closed position, thereby trapping a volume of ambient fluid within the interior compartment of said outer container, externally of said inner container; and d. applying pressure to said outer container, whereby, the ambient fluid trapped within said outer container transfers the pressure to said inner container, thereby urging fluid flow from said interior compartment of said inner container, through said egress port and said valve, and out of said packaging device.