MXPA04007187A

MXPA04007187A - Clamps, systems, and methods for evacuating and hermetically sealing bags.

Info

Publication number: MXPA04007187A
Application number: MXPA04007187A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Lopez Ernie
Original assignee: Tilia Int Inc
Priority date: 2003-07-24
Filing date: 2004-07-23
Publication date: 2005-06-08
Also published as: CA2476053A1; US20050029152A1; KR20050012179A; CN1590226A

Abstract

Clamps, systems, and methods for evacuating and hermetically sealing bags having an interior region and an open end. In one embodiment, a clamp includes a first clamp portion having a first chamber portion and a second clamp portion having a second chamber portion. The second clamp portion is movable between a released position and a clamped position. When the second clamp portion is in the clamped position, the first and second chamber portions define a vacuum chamber for removing gas from the bag. The clamp further includes a valve carried by the first or second clamp portion to control the flow of the gas out of the vacuum chamber.

Description

CLAMPS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO EVACUATE AND SEAL HERMETICALLY BAGS TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to vacuum packaging. More particularly, the invention relates to clamps, systems and methods for evacuating and hermetically sealing bags.

BACKGROUND Vacuum packaging involves removing air or other gases from a age container and then sealing the container to prevent the contents from being exposed to the air. Vacuum packaging is particularly useful for protecting food and other perishable products from oxidation. Oxygen is one of the major causes why food is spoiled and contributes to the growth of bacteria, mold and yeast. As a result, vacuum-packed food generally lasts three to five times longer than food ed in ordinary containers. In addition, vacuum packaging is useful for ing garments, photographs, silverware, and other items to prevent discoloration, corrosion, rust and tarnish. In addition vacuum packaging produces strong, compact and resistant packaging to reduce the bulk of articles and allow more space to e other supplies.

Figures 1A and IB are schematic isometric views of a conventional apparatus 80 for packaging a vacuum object 79 in accordance with the prior art. The vacuum packaging apparatus 80 includes a base 82, a lid 90 pivotally engaged with the base 82, a lower depression 84, an upper depression (not shown) aligned with the lower depression 84, and a vacuum pump (which not shown) operatively attached to the upper depression. The lid 90 rotates between the open position (shown in Figure IB) into which a bag 70 can be placed between the lid 90 and the base 82 and the closed position (shown in Figure 1A) in which the bag 70 can be evacuated and thermally sealed. In the closed position, the upper depression and the lower depression 84 form a vacuum chamber to remove gas from the interior of the bag 70. The base 82 also includes a seal 85 surrounding the vacuum chamber to seal it from the ambient air while removing gas from the interior of the bag 70. The vacuum packaging apparatus 80 also includes a thermal element 88 to thermally seal the bag 70 after the gas has been evacuated.

Conventional vacuum packaging bags include two panels arranged together with an open end. Typically, each of the panels includes two or more layers. The inner layer may be a heat sealable material, and the outer layer may be a gas impermeable material to provide a barrier against air entry. The plasticity temperature of the inner layer is lower than that of the upper layer. Accordingly, the bag can be sealed to thermally bond the inner layer of each panel to seal the bag without melting or puncturing the outer layer during the heat sealing cycle.

A conventional vacuum packaging process includes depositing the object 79 in the bag 70 and placing the open end 71 of the bag 70 adjacent to the lower depression 84 of vacuum packaging apparatus 80. Then, the cover 90 rotates downward to form a vacuum. the vacuum chamber around the open end 71 of the bag 70. Then the vacuum pump removes gas from the vacuum chamber and from the interior of the bag 70, which is in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber. After the gas has been removed from the interior of the bag 70, the thermal element 88 heats a strip of the bag 70 near the end of the opening 71 to fuse the inner layer of each panel and thermally seal the bag 70.

One problem with vacuum packaging methods is that the heat-sealed bags can not be re-sealed and opened several times. More specifically, a thermosealed bag is opened by cutting the bag under the seal. The bag can be resealed later, however, each time the bag is reopened, another portion of the bag is cut. Another problem with vacuum packaging methods is that the bags must have at least two layers, each with a different plasticity temperature. The plasticity temperature of the layers is different such that the inner layer of the panels can be sealed and joined without being punctured or joined with the outer layers. Bags that have panels with two different layers are expensive and complex to manufacture. Consequently, it is necessary to improve the vacuum packaging process of the bags.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figures 1A and IB are schematic isometric views of a conventional apparatus for vacuum packaging objects according to the prior art.

Figure 2 is a schematic isometric view of a system for evacuating and sealing a bag in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 is an enlarged schematic side view of a portion of the bag of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the clamp of Figure 2, with the first and second portions of the clamp in the clamped position.

Figure 5 is a schematic isometric view of a clamp according to another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the clamp of Figure 5 with the first and second portions of the clamp in the clamped position.

Figure 7 is a schematic isometric view of a clamp according to another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 8 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the clamp of Figure 7 with the first and second portions of the clamp in the clamped position.

Figure 9 is a flow diagram illustrating the method of operation of the clamp of Figure 7.

Figure 10 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a system for evacuating and hermetically sealing a bag according to another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION A. Overview The present invention relates to clamps, systems, and methods for evacuating and hermetically sealing bags. In the following description, numerous specific details of particular clamp configurations are provided to provide a complete knowledge and instrumental description of embodiments of the invention. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be carried out without one or more of the specific details explained in the following description. In other cases, known structures and operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid the aspects that prevent the invention from being clearly seen. One aspect of the invention relates to clamps for substantially evacuating and hermetically sealing bags having an inner region and an end. open. In one embodiment, a clamp including a first clamp portion having a first chamber portion and a second clamp portion having a second chamber portion. The second clamp portion is movable relative to the first clamp portion between a released position and a clamped position. When the second clamp portion is in the clamped position, the first and second chamber portions define a vacuum chamber to remove the gas from the bag. In addition, the clamp includes a valve transported by the first or second clamp portion to control the gas fluid in and / or out of the vacuum chamber. In one aspect of this embodiment, the first clamp portion is pivotally engaged to the second clamp portion. Another possibility is that the first clamp portion can also include a slot and the second clamp portion can be measured and configured to slide at least partially into the slot. In another aspect of this embodiment, the clamp further includes a seal attached to the first or second clamp portion. The seal circumscribes the vacuum chamber.

In another embodiment, a clamp includes a first clamp portion having a recess for inserting the open end of the pouch and a second clamp portion having a surface. The second clamp portion is configured to selectively engage the first clamp portion such that the surface and the recess define a vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber is configured to be in fluid communication with the inner region of the bag when the open end of the bag is inserted into the vacuum chamber. The clamp further includes a valve transported by the first or second clamp portion to control the flow of a gas in and out of the vacuum chamber. In one aspect of this embodiment, the valve is a one-way valve that allows gas in the inner region of the bag to exit the vacuum chamber. In addition, the clamp may include a release valve attached to the first or second subject portion to selectively allow ambient gas to flow into the vacuum chamber. Another aspect of the invention relates to systems for hermetically sealing bags having an inner region and an open end. In one embodiment, a system includes a clamp having a first chamber portion and a second chamber portion. The second chamber portion is movable relative to the first chamber portion between a released position and a clamped position. The first and second chamber portions define a vacuum chamber configured to be in fluid communication with the inner region of the bag when the second chamber portion is in the secured position and the open end of the bag is received in the vacuum chamber. . In addition the system includes a valve transported by the first or second chamber portion to control the gas fluid outside the vacuum chamber; an exhaust line attachable to the valve and a vacuum pump coupled to the exhaust line to eliminate gas from the vacuum chamber and the interior region of the bag.

Another aspect of the invention relates to methods for hermetically sealing bags with clamps. The bags have an open end and an inner region, and the clamps have a first clamp portion and a second clamp portion. In one embodiment, a method includes holding a portion of the bag with the first and second clamp portions to seal the bag with the open end received in the vacuum chamber defined by the first and second clamp portions. The vacuum chamber is in fluid communication with the inner region of the bag and hermetically sealed from the external environment. In addition, the method includes removing gas from the vacuum chamber and the interior region of the bag and storing the bag secured and sealed with the clamp.

B. System realizations to evacuate and hermetically seal bags Figure 2 is a schematic isometric view of a system 100 for evacuating and hermetically sealing a bag 170 containing an object 179 (shown in dotted lines) according to an embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 100 includes a clamp 110 for attaching to the bag 170, a vacuum pump 180 (shown schematically) to remove gas from the bag 170 and an exhaust line 198 that couples the clamp 110 to Vacuum pump 180. Vacuum pump 180 can be a stand-alone device or part of a larger device. For example, a vacuum sealing apparatus, such as the apparatus described in U.S. Patent No. 4,941,310, which is incorporated herein in its entirety for reference, may include a vacuum pump that it is attached to the clamp 110.

The clamp 110 includes a first clamp portion 120 and a second clamp portion 140 movably coupled to the first clamp portion 120 to seal the pouch 170. In the illustrated embodiment, the first clamp portion 120 is pivotally coupled to the second clamp portion 140) and a hinge 118. Accordingly, the first clamp portion 120 rotates relative to the second clamp portion 140 between a released position (shown in Figure 2) in FIG. which bag 170 can be placed between the first and second clamp portions 120 and 140 and a clamped position (shown in Figure 4) in which the bag 170 can be clamped and sealed.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first clamp portion 120 includes an interior surface 130 and a recess 124 in the interior surface 130 for receiving an open end 171 of the pouch 170. The recess 124 includes a bottom surface 126 and a plurality of side walls. 128. The recess 124 has a generally constant depth and length L corresponding to the width W of the bag 170. more specifically, the length L of the recess 124 is greater than the width W of the bag 170 in such a way that it can be received the open end 171 of the bag 170 at least partially in the recess 124. In other embodiments, the depth may vary between the length L and / or the width of the recess 124. The first clamp portion 120 of the embodiment illustrated further includes a seal 132 attached to the inner surface 130. The seal 132 circumscribes the recess 124 to hermetically seal the vacuum chamber of the clamp 110. The seal 132 can be made from a m elastomeric aterial or other flexible material to form the seal around the bag 170 when bag 170 is put between the first and second clamp portions 120 and 140. In one embodiment, the seal 132 and the first clamp portion 120 is made of materials food-safe and washable so that the clamp 110 can be used with bags containing food products.

In the embodiment, the second clamp portion 140 includes an interior surface 150 and a recess 144 in the interior surface 150. The recess 144 includes a bottom surface 146 and a plurality of side walls 148., and is generally aligned with the recess 124 in the first clamp portion 120 when the first and second clamp portions 120 and 140 are in the clamped position. The second clamp portion 140 further includes a seal 152 attached to the inner surface 150 and circumscribing the recess 144. The recess 124 and the seal 132 of the first clamp portion 120 form a first chamber portion 122, and the recess 144 and the seal 152 of the second clamp portion 140 form a second chamber portion 142. When the first and second clamp portions 120 and 140 are in the clamped position, the first and second chamber portions 122 and 142 define a clamping chamber. vacuum 112 to remove gas from the interior region 172 of the bag 170.

In other embodiments, it is likely that the first clamp portion 120 and / or the second clamp portion 140 does not include a recess. For example, in one embodiment, the inner surface 150 of the second clamp portion 140 does not include the recess 144, and consequently the seal 152 and the inner surface 150 form the second chamber portion 142. In further embodiments, it is likely that the first chamber portion 120 and / or the second chamber portion 140 does not include the seals or is likely to include seals with other configurations. In other embodiments, the clamp 110 may further include a removable depression disposed between one of the recesses 124 and 144 for collecting liquids and other materials that are removed with gas from the interior region 172 of the bag 170. In further embodiments, the chamber The vacuum chamber can be independent of the first and second clamp portions 120 and 140. For example, the vacuum chamber can be formed by a separate member disposed between or located on the outside of the first and second clamp portions 120 and 140. .

The clamp 110 of the illustrated embodiment further includes a valve 160 (shown schematically) in fluid communication with the recess 144 and the exhaust line 198 for controlling the gas fluid in and / or out of the vacuum chamber 112. The Valve 160 may be disposed between an outer edge 154 and the recess 144 of the second clamp portion 140 or transported by the first or second clamp portion 120 or 140 to another position. In further embodiments, the valve 160 may be on the outside and separate from the clamp 110, but still in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber 112. In either of these embodiments, the valve 160 may be a one-way valve to allow the vacuum pump 180 to draw gas from the vacuum chamber 112, but not allow the gas to flow from the environment into the vacuum chamber 112. In other embodiments, the valve 160 can selectively allow the gas to flow into the chamber. vacuum chamber 112 of the environment to facilitate rotation of the first and second clamp portions 120 and 140 from a position subject to the released position, as described in detail below with reference to Figure 5. Figure 3 is a schematic side view increased from a portion of the bag 170 of Figure 2 with the side panels pressed together. With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the bag 170 includes a first panel 273 and a second panel 274 opposite the first panel 273. The first and second panels 273 and 274 define the interior region 172 in which the objects are placed. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the panels 273 and 274 have a first layer 276, which is made of an impermeable gas material. Panels 273 and 274 may optionally include a second layer 277 (shown in dotted lines) to increase the strength and stiffness of the bag 170. The second panel 274 also includes a plurality of channels 275 for depleting the gas in the region. inside 172 of the bag 170 when the panels 273 and 274 are pressed together as shown in Figure 3. Accordingly, when the clamp 110 is in the clamped position and the bag 170 is between the first and second clamp portion 120 and 140, the gas can be evacuated from the interior region 172 of the bag 170 through the channels 275. However, the clamp 110 can be used with the bags that do not include channels or that can have other configurations. For example, the clamp 110 can be used with bags that include a plurality of layers, such as the bags described in United States of America Patent No. RE 34,929, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Figure 4 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the clamp 110 with the first and second clamp portions 120 and 140 in the clamped position. After locating the open end 171 of the bag 170 next to the gap 124, the second clamp portion 140 is rotated in a direction Si to put the bag 170 enters the first and second clamp portions 120 and 140. The portion of the seals 132 and 152 adjacent to the bag 170 compresses and deforms around the bag 170 for hermetically sealing the vacuum chamber 112 of the environment. Because the inner region 172 of the bag 170 is in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber 112, the vacuum pump 180 (Figure 2) can draw the gas from the vacuum chamber 112 and the interior region 172 of the bag 170 After the vacuum pump 180 (Figure 2) evacuates the vacuum chamber 112 and the interior region 172, the exhaust line 198 (Figure 2) is disconnected from the clamp 110, and the clamp 110 and the clamp 110 can be stored. 170 bag In one aspect of this embodiment, the clamp 110 tends to remain in a clamped position after the inner region 172 of the bag 170 and the vacuum chamber 112 have been evacuated due to the pressure difference outside and inside the clamp 110. More specifically, because the environmental pressure outside the clamp 110 is greater than the pressure inside the vacuum chamber 112, an external force is required to rotate the first and second clamp portions 120 and 140 from the position subject to the released position. In other embodiments, as the embodiment described below with reference to Figure 5, the clamp 110 may have a safety device for selectively closing the first and second clamp portions 120 and 140 in the clamped position.

A feature of the clamp of the illustrated embodiment is that the clamp can seal and release a bag repeatedly without consuming or damaging the bag. An advantage of this feature is that the useful life of the bag is significantly extended and consequently the cost associated with the replacement of bags is reduced. The prior art devices heat seal the bags by joining the internal layers of the panels. To open thermally sealed bags, the bags must be cut, which damages and consumes a portion of the bags. Consequently, heat-sealed bags have a limited shelf life and are replaced frequently.

Another feature of the clamp of the illustrated embodiment is that the clamp seals bags with a single layer and bags with multiple layers. An advantage of this feature is that the clamp can be used with a variety of bags. Many devices of the prior art require that the bags have at least two layers with different plasticity temperature so that the inner layer of the bags can be heat sealed without damaging the outer layer. These bags with multiple layers are more expensive and complex to manufacture.

C. Other Embossments of Clamps Figure 5 is a schematic isometric view of a clamp 310 according to another embodiment of the invention. The clamp 310 is generally similar to the clamp 110 described above with reference to Figures 2 and 4. For example, the clamp 310 includes a first clamp portion 320 and a second clamp portion 340 pivotally coupled to the first clamp portion 320 In this embodiment, the first clamp portion 320 includes a recess 124, a seal 132, and a guide rail 334 to assist the user to properly locate the open end 171 of the bag 170 (Figure 2) between the first and the second. clamp portion 320 and 340. The guide rail 334 includes a first portion 336 secured to the bottom surface 126 of the recess 124 and a second portion 338 projecting from the first portion 336. The first portion 336 may generally be oriented perpendicular to the recess. bottom surface 126, and second portion 338 may generally be oriented perpendicular to first portion 336. In operation, the user may locating the open end 171 of the bag 170 against the first portion 336 of the guide rail 334 to ensure that the open end is placed inside the vacuum chamber 312 when the first and second clamp portions 320 and 340 are in the clamped position. Accordingly, the guide rail 334 prevents a user from locating the bag 170 such that the open end 171 lies between the seals 132 and 152 and consequently the interior region 172 of the bag 170 is not in fluid communication with the camera. vacuum 312. In other embodiments, it is likely that the clamp 310 does not include a guide rail with a different configuration.

The clamp 310 of the illustrated embodiment further includes a safety device 364 for selectively closing the first and second clamp portions 320 and 340 in the clamped position. The safety device 364 includes a support member 366 attached to the first clamp portion 320 and a gear member 368 projecting from the support member 366. The support member 366 can be made of a flexible material to be bent around the first and second clamp portion 320 and 340 and closing clamp 310 in the clamped position (as shown in Figure 6). The second clamp portion 340 includes a side wall 341 with a recess 369 for receiving the gear member 368. The recess 369 and the gear member 308 can be measured and configured to form a friction fit to selectively close the clamp 310. In other embodiments, it is probable that the clamp 310 does not have a safety device or the safety device can have another configuration. For example, the security device may include tapes with buttons, loops or Velero ®.

Further the clamp 310 may include an exhaust valve 362 (shown schematically) carried by the second clamp portion 340 to allow ambient air to flow in the vacuum chamber 312 to facilitate movement of the first and second portions of the clamp 340. clamp 320 and 340 of the position subject to the released position. As described above, after evacuating the gas from the vacuum chamber 312, the pressure outside the clamp 310 is greater than the pressure inside the vacuum chamber 312. Due to the differential pressure, a significant force is required for moving the first clamp portion 320 relative to the second clamp portion 340. The differential pressure can be reduced or eliminated through the circulation of ambient air in the vacuum chamber 312, thereby reducing the shape required to move the first and second clamp portions 320 and 340 of the position secured to the released position. In other embodiments, it is likely that the clamp 310 does not include an exhaust valve 362 or the valve 160 may also function as a release valve.

Figure 6 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the clamp 310 with the first and second clamp portions 320 and 340 in the clamped position. After locating the open end 171 of the bag 170 on the guide rail 334, the second clamp portion 340 is rotated in a direction S? to place the bag 170 enters the first and second clamp portions 320 and 340. The portion of the seals 132 and 152 adjacent the bag 170 compresses and hermetically seals the vacuum chamber 312 from the environment. Once the bag 170 has been clamped, the gas from the inner region 172 is removed and the safety device 364 moves to close the clamp 310 in the clamped position. To close the clamp 310, the support member 366 is rotated in a direction D3 to insert the gear member 368 into the recess 369 of the second clamp portion 340, and the bag 170 flexes as it is placed between the clamping member. gear 368 and hollow 369.

Figure 7 is a schematic isometric view of a clamp 410 for use to evacuate and hermetically seal the bags according to another embodiment of the invention. The clamp 410 includes a first clamp portion 420 and a second clamp portion 440 configured to slidely engage the first clamp portion 420. The first clamp portion 420 includes a first recess 424 extending in the first clamp portion 420 in a first direction and a second recess 425 extending in the first clamp portion 420 in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction. The first recess 424 is a groove that is measured and configured to receive a bag, and the second recess 425 is a groove that is measured and configured to receive the second clamp portion 440.

Figure 8 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of the clamp 410 with the first and second clamp portions 420 and 440 in the clamped position. The first clamp portion 420 includes a surface 426 at the bottom of the second recess 425 that forms a first chamber portion 422. The second clamp portion 440 includes a lower surface 450 and a seal 452 attached to the lower surface 450. lower surface 450 and seal 452 form second chamber portion 442. Accordingly, first and second chamber portions 422 and 442 define a vacuum chamber 412 for removing gas from the interior region 172 of the bag 170. In addition, the first clamp portion 420 includes an opening 427 in the lower part of the second recess 425 to remove gas from the vacuum chamber 412. A valve similar to the valve 160, described above with reference to Figure 2, can be attached to the opening 427 for controlling the gas fluid in and / or out of the vacuum chamber 412.

Figure 9 is a flow chart illustrating a method of operating the clamp 410. With reference to Figures 8 and 9, in block 500, the open end 171 of the bag 170 is inserted through the first recess 424 and located inside the second recess 425. In the block 502, the second portion of the clamp 440 slides to the second groove 425 in the direction S3 to put the pocket 170 between the first and second clamp portions 420 and 440. The portion seal 452 which is in contact with the bag 170 is deformed to seal hermetically the vacuum chamber 412 of the environment. In block 504, vacuum chamber gas 412 and interior region 172 of bag 170 is removed through opening 427. In block 506, once gas is removed, bag 170 sealed and secured and clamp 410 can be stored. In block 508, to subsequently access the contents of bag 170, second clamp portion 440 is moved to the position held to the released position to remove the seal and release bag 170.

In further embodiments, the clamp 410 may include a safety device for closing the second clamp portion 440 in the clamped position. For example, the second clamp portion 440 may have a funnel adapter such that the upper portion 441 has greater thickness than the lower portion 443 to create a friction fit in the second groove 425. In other embodiments, the second portion Clamp 440 may include a handle to allow a user to easily remove the second clamp portion 440 from the second slot 425.

D. Embodiments of the empty packaging of the appliances for use with clamps Figure 10 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a system 600 for evacuating and hermetically sealing the bag 170 according to another embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 600 includes a clamp 610 and a vacuum packaging apparatus 680 (shown schematically) configured to removably receive the clamp 610 and evacuate the bag 170. The vacuum packaging apparatus 680 generally may be similar to apparatus 30 described above with reference to Figures 1A and IB. For example, the vacuum packaging apparatus 680 may include a base 682, a cover 690 pivotally coupled to the base 682, an inward depression 684 in the base 682, an upper depression 691 ejo_Jthe lid 690, and a vacuum pump 692 (shown schematically) in fluid communication with the lower and / or upper depression 684 or 691. The vacuum-packed appliance 680 may also include a lower seal 685 surrounding the lower depression 684 and an upper seal 693 surrounding the depression superior 691.

The cover 690 can be movable between an open position, in which the clamp 610 can be located in the apparatus 680, and a closed position (shown in Figure 10). When the lid 690 is in the closed position, the lower and upper depressions 684 and 691 form a vacuum chamber, which can be evacuated by the vacuum pump 692. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower and upper depressions 684 and 691 are measured and configured to receive the clamp 610. The lower depression 684 may include a plurality of support members 689 (individually identified as 689a-b) for transporting the clamp 610. In other embodiments, the vacuum packaging apparatus 680 may have other configurations for receive detachable clamp 610 or other clamps.

In the illustrated embodiment, the clamp 610 is generally similar to the clamp 410 described above with reference to Figures 7 and 8. For example, the clamp 610 includes a first clamp portion 620, a second clamp portion 640 configured to engage slidable way the first clamp portion 620, and a seal 652 attached to the second clamp portion 640. When the second clamp portion 640 engages the first clamp portion 620, the seal 652 and the first and second clamp portions 620 and 640 define a vacuum chamber 612 for removing gas from the interior of the bag 170. In this embodiment, the first and second clamp portions 620 and 640 are measured and configured to receive in the lower and / or upper depression 684 and 691 of the 680 vacuum packaging apparatus.

In addition, clamp 610 includes a unidirectional valve 660 (shown schematically) carried by the first clamp portion 620 and in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber 612. The unidirectional valve 660 allows gas to flow from the vacuum chamber 612. to the lower depression 684. Accordingly, when the clamp 610 is located in the vacuum chamber of the vacuum packaging apparatus 680, the vacuum pump 692 can remove gas from the interior of the bag 170. In other embodiments, the clamp 610 may have other configurations including configurations similar to clamp 110 described above with reference to the Figure In view of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for illustrative purposes, but various modifications may be made. without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not exhaustive, unless by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A clamp for substantially evacuating and hermetically sealing a bag having an inner region and an open end, the clamp comprises: a first clamp portion having a first chamber portion; a second clamp portion having a second chamber portion, the second clamp portion being movable relative to the first clamp portion between a released position and a clamped position, the first and second chamber portions at least partially define a chamber vacuum to remove gas from the bag through the open end when the second portion of the clamp is in the clamped position and a valve transported by the first or second clamp portion to control the gas fluid outside the vacuum chamber.

2. The clamp of claim 1 wherein: the first clamp portion is pivotally coupled to the second clamp portion; the first chamber portion includes a first hollow and the second chamber portion includes a second hollow, the first and the second hollow at least partially define the vacuum chamber; the valve is a unidirectional valve to allow gas to escape from the vacuum chamber and the clamp further comprises a first seal coupled to the first clamp portion and a second seal coupled to the second clamp portion, the first and the second seal they circumscribe the vacuum chamber.

3. The clamp of claim 1 wherein, the first clamp portion further includes a first groove extending toward the first clamp portion in a first direction and a second groove extending toward the first clamp portion in a second generally perpendicular direction at the first direction, the first slot intersects the second slot and is configured to receive the open end of the bag, the second slot having a first surface defining part of the vacuum chamber; the second chamber portion which is measured and configured to slide into the second groove and having a second surface defining part of the vacuum chamber, the second surface being juxtaposed to the first surface when the second clamp portion is in the clamped position and the clamp further comprises a seal coupled to the first or second surface, the seal circumscribing the vacuum chamber.

4. The clamp of claim 1 wherein the first clamp portion is pivotally coupled to the second clamp portion.

5. The clamp of claim 1 wherein, the first clamp portion further includes a slot and the second clamp portion is measured and configured to slide at least partially into the slot.

6. The clamp of claim 1, further comprising a seal coupled to the first or second clamp portion, and the seal circumscribes the vacuum chamber.

7. The clamp of claim 1 wherein the valve is a unidirectional valve to allow gas to escape from the vacuum chamber.

8. The clamp of claim 1 wherein: the valve is a unidirectional valve for allowing the gas in the bag to run out of the vacuum chamber and the clamp further comprises a release valve coupled to the first or second clamp portion to selectively allow that ambient gas flows in the vacuum chamber to facilitate movement of the second clamp portion from a position subject to a released position.

9. The clamp of claim 1 wherein the vacuum chamber is configured to be in fluid communication with the inner region of the bag and hermetically sealed from the environment when the second clamp portion is in the clamped position.

10. The clamp of claim 1 wherein the first chamber portion includes a first hole and the second chamber portion includes a second hole.

11. The clamp of claim 1, further comprising a safety device coupled to the first and / or second clamp portion for selectively closing the second clamp portion in the clamped position.

12. The clamp of claim 1 wherein the first clamp portion further includes a guide rail for facilitating proper placement of the open end of the bag in the first chamber portion.

13. The clamp of claim 1 wherein the clamp can be reused.

14. The clamp of claim 1 wherein the clamp is washable.

15. The clamp of claim 1 wherein the clamp is safe for use with food products.

16. The clamp of claim 1 wherein the clamp is measured and configured to be received in a vacuum packaging apparatus.

17. A clamp for substantially evacuating and hermetically sealing a bag having an inner region and an open end, the clamp comprises: a first clamp portion; a second clamp portion movable relative to the first clamp portion between a released position and a clamped position, the first and second clamp portions being configured to hold the bag when the second clamp portion is in the clamped position; a vacuum chamber for removing gas from the bag through the open end when the second clamp portion is in the clamped position; and a valve transported by the first or second clamp portion to control the flow of gas out of the vacuum chamber.

18. The clamp of claim 17 wherein the vacuum chamber is configured to be hermetically sealed from the environment when the second clamp portion is in the clamped position.

19. The clamp of claim 17 wherein the first clamp portion is pivotally coupled to the second clamp portion.

20. The clamp of claim 17 wherein the clamp is measured and configured to be received in a vacuum packaging apparatus.

21. A clamp for substantially evacuating and hermetically sealing a bag having an inner region and an open end, the clamp comprises: a first clamp portion; a second clamp portion movable relative to the first clamp portion between the released position and a clamped position, the first and second clamp portions configured to hold the bag when the second clamp portion is in the clamped position; a vacuum chamber for removing gas from the bag through the open end when the second clamp portion is in the clamped position; and a valve functionally coupled to the vacuum chamber to control the gas fluid outside the vacuum chamber.

22. The clamp of claim 21 wherein the vacuum chamber is configured to be hermetically sealed from an environment when the second clamp portion is in the clamped position.

23. The clamp of claim 21 wherein the first clamp portion is pivotally coupled to the second clamp portion.

24. A clamp for sealing a bag having an inner region and an open end, the clamp comprising: a first clamp portion having a recess for receiving the open end of the bag; a second clamp portion having a surface, the second clamp portion configured to selectively engage the first clamp portion such that the surface and the recess define at least in part a vacuum chamber, the vacuum chamber configured to be in fluid communication with the inner region of the bag when the open end of the bag is received in a vacuum chamber and a valve carried by the first or second clamp portion to control the flow of a gas out of the vacuum chamber.

25. The clamp of claim 24 wherein the first clamp portion is pivotally coupled to the second clamp portion.

26. The clamp of claim 24 wherein: the first clamp portion further including a groove and the second clamp portion is measured and configured to slide at least partially into the groove.

27. The clamp of claim 24, further comprising a seal coupled to the first or second clamp portion, the seal circumscribes the vacuum chamber.

28. The clamp of claim 24 wherein: the valve is a unidirectional valve that allows the gas in the interior region of the bag to be exhausted from the vacuum chamber; and the clamp further comprises an exhaust valve coupled to the first or second clamp portion to selectively allow ambient gas to flow into the vacuum chamber.

29. The clamp of claim 24 wherein the vacuum chamber is hermetically sealed from the environment when the second clamp portion engages the first clamp portion.

30. A clamp for sealing a bag having an open end and an inner region, the clamp comprises: a first clamp portion having a first surface; a second clamp portion having a second surface, the second clamp portion is movable relative to the first clamp portion between a released position and a clamped position; a seal coupled to the first or second surface, the seal, the first clamp portion, and the second clamp portion are configured to seal the inner region of the bag when the second clamp portion is in the clamped position and the end The open portion of the bag is disposed between the first and second clamp portion and a valve carried by the first or second clamp portion to control the gas fluid outside the interior region of the bag.

31. The clamp of claim 30 wherein the first clamp portion is pivotally coupled to the second clamp portion.

32. The clamp of claim 30 wherein: the first clamp portion further including a slot and the second clamp portion is measured and configured to slide at least partially into the slot.

33. The clamp of claim 30 wherein the seal is a first seal coupled to the first surface, and wherein the clamp further comprises a second seal coupled to the second surface.

34. The clamp of claim 30 wherein: the valve is a unidirectional valve for allowing the bag gas to run out of the clamp and the clamp further comprises an exhaust valve coupled to the first or second clamp portion or to selectively allow the Gas from one environment flows in the inner region of the bag or facilitates the movement of the second clamp portion from the held position towards the released position.

35. The clamp of claim 30 wherein the first clamp portion further includes a first recess in the first surface and the second clamp portion further includes a second recess in the second surface, the first and second recess defining at least in part a recess chamber. When the second clamp portion is in the clamped position, the vacuum chamber is configured to be in fluid communication with the interior region of the bag and hermetically sealed from the environment.

36. A system for hermetically sealing a bag having an inner region and an open end, the system comprising: a clamp including a first portion and a second movable portion relative to the first portion between a released position and a subject position, the first and second portion define a vacuum chamber configured to be in fluid communication with the inner region of the bag when the second portion is in the held position and the open end of the bag is received in the vacuum chamber; a valve functionally coupled to the vacuum chamber to control the flow of gas out of the vacuum chamber, an exhaust line attachable to the valve and a vacuum pump coupled to the exhaust line to remove gas from the vacuum chamber and the inner region of the stock market.

37. The system of claim 36 wherein the first chamber portion is pivotally coupled to the second chamber portion.

38. The system of claim 36 wherein the first chamber portion is slidably engaged to the second chamber portion.

39. The system of claim 36 where the clamp further includes a seal coupled to the first and second chamber portions, the seal circumscribes the vacuum chamber.

40. The system of claim 36 wherein the vacuum chamber is hermetically sealed from the environment when the second chamber portion is in the subject position.

41. The system of claim 36 wherein the first chamber portion includes a first hole and the second chamber portion includes a second hole.

42. The system of claim 36 wherein the clamp further includes a safety device coupled to the first and / or second chamber portion to selectively close the second chamber portion in the clamped position.

43. A system for selectively evacuating and sealing a bag having an inner region and an open end, the system comprises: a clamp that influences a first clamp portion and a second clamp portion, the first clamp portion has a gap, the second The clamp portion has a surface and is configured to selectively engage the first clamp portion such that the surface and the recess define at least in part a vacuum chamber to remove gas from the interior region of the bag; a valve transported by the first or second chamber portion to control the flow of gas out of the vacuum chamber; an exhaust line attachable to the valve and a vacuum pump coupled to the exhaust line to remove gas from the vacuum chamber and the interior region of the bag when the open end of the bag is received inside the vacuum chamber.

44. The system of claim 43 wherein the first clamp portion is pivotally coupled to the second clamp portion.

45. The system of claim 43 wherein the first clamp portion is slidably engaged to the second clamp portion.

46. The system of claim 43 wherein the clamp further includes a seal coupled to the first or second clamp portion, the seal circumscribing the vacuum chamber.

47. The system of claim 43 wherein the vacuum chamber is configured to be inside the bag and hermetically sealed from the environment when the second clamp portion engages the first clamp portion.

48. A vacuum packaging apparatus for use with a clamp for evacuating a bag, the apparatus comprises: a base; a mobile cover coupled to the base; a vacuum chamber at least partially inside the base and / or lid, the vacuum chamber is measured and configured to receive the clamp and a workable vacuum pump coupled to the vacuum chamber to remove the gas from the vacuum chamber.

49. The apparatus of claim 48, further comprising the removable clamp in the vacuum chamber, wherein the clamp comprises a first clamp portion, a second clamp portion and a valve carried by the first or second clamp portion, the second portion of clamp is movable relative to the first clamp portion between a released position and a clamped position, the first and second clamp portions are configured to hold the bag when the second clamp portion is in the clamped position.

50. The apparatus of claim 48, further comprising a support member in the vacuum chamber for holding the clamp.

51. A reusable vacuum packaging system, comprising: a reusable bag with an inner region and an open end and a reusable clamp including a first portion and a second portion movable relative to the first portion between a released position and a held position, the first and second portions hermetically seal the inner region of the bag when the second portion is in the held position and the open end of the bag is located between the first and second portion.

52. The system of claim 51 wherein the bag is configured to contain food products.

53. A vacuum packed film for use with a clamp that does not require a heat sealable layer, the vacuum packed film comprises: an impermeable gas layer and a structural layer coupled to the impermeable gas layer, where the structural and gas layers waterproof do not attach to the heat sealable layer.

54. The vacuum packaging film of claim 53 wherein the film is safe to use with food products.

55. A method for hermetically sealing a bag with a clamp, the bag includes an open end and an inner region, the clamp includes a first clamp portion and a second clamp portion, the method comprising: holding a portion of the bag with the first and second clamp portion for sealing the bag with the open end received in a vacuum chamber defined at least partially by the first and second clamp portions, the vacuum chamber is in fluid communication with the interior region of the bag and sealed hermetically from the external environment; Remove gas from the vacuum chamber and the inner region of the bag and store the bag fastened and sealed with the clamp.

56. The method of claim 55 wherein the bag is a first bag, the method further comprising: releasing and sealing the first bag by moving the first clamp portion relative to the second clamp portion; holding a portion of a second bag with the first and second clamp portion for sealing the second bag with an open end of the second bag received in the vacuum chamber; remove gas from the vacuum chamber and an interior region of the second bag and store the second bag secured and sealed with the clamp.

57. The method of claim 55 wherein removing gas from the vacuum chamber includes removing the gas with a vacuum pump through a unidirectional valve carried by the first or second clamp portion.

58. The method of claim 55 wherein clamping a portion of the bag includes rotating the first clamp portion relative to the second clamp portion.

59. The method of claim 55 wherein clamping a portion of the bag includes slidably engages the first and second clamp portions.