US20240351766A1

US20240351766A1 - Three-side resealable food storage pouch

Info

Publication number: US20240351766A1
Application number: US18/136,573
Authority: US
Inventors: Susan Wilson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-04-19
Filing date: 2023-04-19
Publication date: 2024-10-24

Abstract

A resealable pouch is disclosed herein. The resealable pouch is preferably a resealable food storage pouch that is openable and resealable from three sides thereof. The resealable pouch includes at least one first interlocking strip on a first panel of the resealable pouch, and at least one second interlocking strip on a second panel of the resealable pouch. The at least one first interlocking strip and the at least one second interlocking strip interlock together to seal the resealable pouch along the three sides; and separate to unseal the resealable pouch along the three sides.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to the field of resealable pouches of existing art and more specifically relates to a food storage pouch that opens and reseals at three sides.

Related Art

Disposable plastic packaging is a common choice for many foods, including bacon and deli meats. However, this type of packaging has some significant issues that can be frustrating for consumers. For instance, some packaging options cannot be resealed once they have been opened. This can lead to wasted food or the need to transfer the food to another container, which can be messy and unappealing. Even when the packaging is resealable, the small opening can make it difficult and messy to retrieve the food without losing juices or making a mess. Therefore, a suitable solution is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known food storage pouch art, the present disclosure provides a novel three-side resealable food storage pouch. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a food storage pouch that opens and seals on three sides thereof. The food storage pouch may be ideal for storing bacon, lunchmeat, hot dogs, cheese, etc. and may provide ease of access and handling, reduce oxidation, spoilage, etc.
A resealable pouch is disclosed herein. The resealable pouch may include a pouch body, at least one first interlocking strip and at least one second interlocking strip. The pouch body may include a first panel, a second panel, a top edge, a bottom edge, a pair of parallel opposing side edges, and an interior. The first panel and the second panel may be equal in size and shape and fixed together at one of the top edge or the bottom edge, thereby enabling the first panel to be selectively unfolded away from the second panel, providing access to the interior.
The at least one first interlocking strip may be disposed on an interior surface of the first panel around the side edges and another one of the top edge or the bottom edge. The at least one second interlocking strip may be disposed on an interior surface of the second panel around the side edges and the another one of the top edge or the bottom edge. The at least one second interlocking strip may be substantially aligned with the first interlocking strip when the first panel is folded over the second panel and configured to interlock with the at least one first interlocking strip, thereby sealing the resealable pouch, and separate from the at least one first interlocking strip, thereby unsealing the resealable pouch.
According to another embodiment, a resealable food storage pouch is also disclosed herein. The resealable food storage pouch may include a pouch body, at least one first interlocking strip, at least one second interlocking strip and a perforated seam. The pouch body may include a first panel, a second panel, a top edge, a bottom edge, a pair of parallel opposing side edges, and an interior. The first panel and the second panel may be equal in size and shape and fixed together at the top edge, thereby enabling the first panel to be selectively unfolded away from the second panel, providing access to the interior.
The at least one first interlocking strip may be disposed on an interior surface of the first panel around the side edges and the bottom edge. The at least one second interlocking strip may be disposed on an interior surface of the second panel around the side edges and the bottom edge. The at least one second interlocking strip may be substantially aligned with the first interlocking strip when the first panel is folded over the second panel and configured to interlock with the at least one first interlocking strip, thereby sealing the resealable food storage pouch, and separate from the at least one first interlocking strip, thereby unsealing the resealable food storage pouch. The perforated seam may be disposed between the side edges and the bottom edge, and the first and second interlocking strips, and may prevent unsealing of the resealable food storage pouch.
According to other embodiments, a resealable food storage pouch may include a pouch body, at least one first interlocking strip, at least one second interlocking strip and a perforated seam. The pouch body may include a first panel, a second panel, a top edge, a bottom edge, a pair of parallel opposing side edges, and an interior. The first panel and the second panel may be equal in size and shape and fixed together at the top edge, thereby enabling the first panel to be selectively unfolded away from the second panel, providing access to the interior.
The at least one first interlocking strip may be disposed on an interior surface of the first panel around the side edges and the bottom edge and may include a male connector portion. The at least one second interlocking strip may be disposed on an interior surface of the second panel around the side edges and the bottom edge. The at least one second interlocking strip may include a female connector portion aligned with the male connector portion when the first panel is folded over the second panel. The female connector portion may be configured to receive the male connector portion, thereby sealing the resealable food storage pouch, and separate from the male connector portion, thereby unsealing the resealable food storage pouch. The perforated seam may be located between the side edges and the bottom edge, and the first and second interlocking strips, and may prevent unsealing of the resealable food storage pouch.
For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure, a three-sided resealable food storage pouch, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a resealable pouch including a first panel and a second panel and being openable and resealable via three sides, the resealable pouch being used as a food storage pouch, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the resealable pouch of FIG. 1 in an open position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the resealable pouch of FIG. 1 in a sealed position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the resealable pouch including a perforated seam, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the resealable pouch including one interlocking strip on each panel, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the resealable pouch including a pair of interlocking strips on each panel, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a cross-section view of the interlocking strips on each panel interlocked together to seal the resealable pouch, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a cross-section view of the pair of interlocking strips on each panel, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a three-side resealable food storage pouch. Generally, the resealable food storage pouch is openable and resealable on three sides and may be ideal for storing foods such as bacon, lunchmeat, hot dogs, etc. The resealable food storage pouch may be disposable or reusable. Preferably, the resealable food storage pouch may be environmentally friendly-for example, the resealable food storage pouch may be biodegradable, compostable and/or recyclable. The resealable food storage pouch may allow a user to easily open, access food and reseal the resealable food storage pouch with reduced mess. The easier access into the resealable food storage pouch may also enable food to be kept more presentable and appetizing.
Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there is shown in FIGS. 1-8 , various views of a resealable pouch 100. As shown in these figures, the resealable pouch 100 may include a pouch body 110, at least one first interlocking strip 120 and at least one second interlocking strip 130. As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and as discussed above, the resealable pouch 100 may preferably be a resealable food storage pouch 101. For example, the resealable pouch 100 may be used for storing foods such as bacon therein. Further, as discussed above, the resealable pouch 100 may be disposable or reusable. Preferably, in the reusable embodiment, the resealable pouch 100 may be dishwasher safe. Further, in some embodiments (in either the disposable or reusable embodiment), the resealable pouch 100 may be microwave and/or oven safe. In addition, as discussed above, the resealable pouch 100 may be environmentally friendly. For example, the resealable pouch 100 may be constructed from one or more biodegradable and/or compostable materials.
Referring specifically to FIGS. 2-5 , there is shown the pouch body 110. The pouch may include a first panel 111, a second panel 112, a top edge 113, a bottom edge 114, a pair of parallel opposing side edges 115 a, 115 b, and an interior 116. The first panel 111 and the second panel 112 may be equal in size and shape and fixed together at either the top edge 113 or the bottom edge 114, thereby enabling the first panel 111 to be selectively unfolded away from the second panel 112 and providing access to the interior 116. In this embodiment, the food 5 (such as bacon) may be stored on the second panel 112 and as such, when the first panel 111 is unfolded away from the second panel 112, the entirety of the food 5 is exposed and easily accessed.
As shown in these figures, the first panel 111 and the second panel 112 may preferably be fixed together at the top edge 113 of the resealable pouch 100—as such, the resealable pouch 100 may open from the bottom edge 114. In some embodiments, as shown, the resealable pouch 100 may include a rectangular shape when the first panel 111 is folded over the second panel 112 and the resealable pouch 100 may include a generally square shape when the first panel 111 is unfolded from the second panel 112.
As shown in FIG. 4 , a perforated seam 140 may also be provided between the side edges 115 a, 115 b and either the top edge 113 or the bottom edge 114 (the opposite of the fixed edge), and the first and second interlocking strips 120, 130. As such, prior to removal, the perforated seam 140 prevents unsealing of the resealable pouch 100. As above, the first panel 111 and the second panel 112 (FIG. 5 ) may preferably be fixed together at the top edge 113 of the pouch and as such the perforated seam 140 may be provided between the side edges 115 a, 115 b and the bottom edge 114, and the first and second interlocking strips 120, 130 (FIG. 5 ).
As shown in FIGS. 2-6 , the least one first interlocking strip 120 may include a continuous strip disposed on an interior surface 117 of the first panel 111 around the side edges 115 a, 115 b and either the top edge 113 or the bottom edge 114; and the at least one second interlocking strip 130 may include a continuous strip disposed on an interior surface 117 of the second panel 112 around the side edges 115 a, 115 b and either the top edge 113 or the bottom edge 114. The at least one second interlocking strip 130 may be substantially aligned with the first interlocking strip 120 when the first panel 111 is folded over the second panel 112 and configured to interlock with the at least one first interlocking strip 120, thereby sealing the resealable pouch 100; and separate from the at least one first interlocking strip 120, thereby unsealing the resealable pouch 100.
As above, the first panel 111 and the second panel 112 may preferably be fixed together at the top edge 113 of the resealable pouch 100. As such, the at least one first interlocking strip 120 may be disposed on the interior surface 117 of the first panel 111 around the side edges 115 a, 115 b and the bottom edge 114, and the at least one first interlocking strip 120 may be disposed on the interior surface 117 of the second panel 112 around the side edges 115 a, 115 b and the bottom edge 114. Accordingly, separation of the at least one first interlocking strip 120 and the at least one second interlocking strip 130 may allow the either the first panel 111 or the second panel 112 to be lifted from the bottom edge 114 and folded over the top edge 113 of the resealable pouch 100.
In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 2-5 , the at least one first interlocking strip 120 may include one first interlocking strip 120 and the at least one second interlocking strip 130 may include one second interlocking strip 130. This embodiment may be useful for small to medium sized resealable pouches 100. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6 , the at least one first interlocking strip 120 may include a pair of first interlocking strip 120 a, 120 b and the at least one second interlocking strip 130 may include a pair of second interlocking strips 130 a, 130 b. This embodiment may be particularly useful for larger resealable pouches 100 requiring stronger sealing capabilities.
Referring specifically to FIG. 7 , in some embodiments, the at least one first interlocking strip 120 may include a male connector portion 121 and the at least one second interlocking strip 130 may include a female connector portion 131. The female connector portion 131 may be aligned with the male connector portion 121 when the first panel 111 is folded over the second panel 112 and configured to receive the male connector portion 121. In some embodiments, the at least one second interlocking strip 130 may include a pair of flexible elongated members 132 a, 132 b defining the female connector portion 131 therebetween, and the at least one second interlocking strip 130 may include a single elongated member 122 configured to be received in between the pair of flexible elongated members 132 a, 132 b.
FIG. 8 illustrates the embodiment discussed above and shown in FIG. 6 , wherein the at least one first interlocking strip 120 may include the pair of first interlocking strip 120 a, 120 b and the at least one second interlocking strip 130 may include the pair of second interlocking strips 130 a, 130 b. It should be appreciated that the interlocking strips 120, 130 and panels 111, 112 are not limited to the configurations shown here. For example, the first panel 111 may include one first interlocking strip 120 and one second interlocking strip 130; and the second panel 112 may also include one first interlocking strip 120 and one second interlocking strip 130.
Further, in other embodiments not illustrated, the at least one first interlocking strip 120 may include a first pair of elongated members defining a first space therebetween and the at least one second interlocking strip 130 may include a second pair of elongated members defining a second space therebetween. Each of first and second pair of elongated members may include hooks extending into the first and second spaces respectively. In this embodiment, one of the pair of second elongated members may be inserted into the first space of the first pair of elongated members and one of the pair of first elongated members may be inserted into the second space of the second pair of elongated members. The hooks may interlock to further aid in sealing of the resealable pouch 100.
In use, in some embodiments a user 10 may remove the perforated seam 140 from the resealable pouch 100 to access the interlocking strips 120, 130. As demonstrated in FIG. 1 , the user 10 may then grasp the bottom edge 114 of the pouch body 110 and separate the at least one first interlocking strip 120 from the at least one second interlocking strip 130 around the bottom edge 114 and the side edges 115 a, 115 b and lift the first panel 111 away from the second panel 112 and over the top edge 113. The user 10 may then remove food 5 stored within the resealable pouch 100 and reseal the resealable pouch 100 by folding the first panel 111 back over the second panel 112 and pressing the interlocking strips 120, 130 to interlock them together.
It should be noted that certain steps are optional and may not be implemented in all cases or may be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods are taught herein.
It should be understood by one of skill in the art that the disclosed invention is described here in a few exemplary embodiments of many. No particular terminology or description should be considered limiting on the disclosure or the scope of any claims issuing therefrom. It should also be noted that, in this specification and the drawings, some elements that have substantially the same function and structure are denoted with the same reference signs and repeated explanation is omitted. It should also be appreciated that common but well understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted throughout in order to facilitate a clearer view of the various embodiments of the present invention.
The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable relevant patent offices and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A resealable pouch comprising:

a pouch body including a first panel, a second panel, a top edge, a bottom edge, a pair of parallel opposing side edges, and an interior, the first panel and the second panel being equal in size and shape and fixed together at one of the top edge and the bottom edge, thereby enabling the first panel to be selectively unfolded away from the second panel, providing access to the interior;

at least one first interlocking strip disposed on an interior surface of the first panel around the side edges and another one of the top edge and the bottom edge; and

at least one second interlocking strip disposed on an interior surface of the second panel around the side edges and the another one of the top edge and the bottom edge, the at least one second interlocking strip substantially aligned with the first interlocking strip when the first panel is folded over the second panel and configured to interlock with the at least one first interlocking strip, thereby sealing the resealable pouch, and further configured to separate from the at least one first interlocking strip, thereby unsealing the resealable pouch.

2. The resealable pouch of claim 1, further comprising a perforated seam between the side edges and the another one of the top edge and the bottom edge, and the first and second interlocking strips, and wherein the perforated seam prevents unsealing of the pouch.

3. The resealable pouch of claim 2, wherein the first panel and the second panel are fixed together at the top edge of the resealable pouch, wherein the at least one first interlocking strip is located toward the side edges and the bottom edge of the interior surface of the first panel, wherein the at least one second interlocking strip is located toward the side edges and the bottom edge of the interior surface of the second panel, and wherein separation of the at least one first interlocking strip and the at least one second interlocking strip allows the first panel to be lifted from the bottom edge away from the second panel and folded over the top edge of the pouch.

4. The resealable pouch of claim 3, wherein the resealable pouch is constructed from at least one biodegradable material.

5. The resealable pouch of claim 4, wherein the resealable pouch is constructed from at least one compostable material.

6. The resealable pouch of claim 1, wherein the resealable pouch is a food storage pouch.

7. The resealable pouch of claim 6, wherein the resealable pouch is disposable.

8. The resealable pouch of claim 6, wherein the resealable pouch is reusable.

9. The resealable pouch of claim 6, wherein the resealable pouch includes a generally rectangular shape when the first panel is folded over the second panel.

10. The resealable pouch of claim 9, wherein the resealable pouch includes a generally square shape when the first panel is unfolded from the second panel.

11. A resealable food storage pouch comprising:

a pouch body including a first panel, a second panel, a top edge, a bottom edge, a pair of parallel opposing side edges, and an interior, the first panel and the second panel being equal in size and shape and fixed together at the top edge, thereby enabling the first panel to be selectively unfolded away from the second panel, providing access to the interior;

at least one first interlocking strip disposed on an interior surface of the first panel around the side edges and the bottom edge;

at least one second interlocking strip disposed on an interior surface of the second panel around the side edges and the bottom edge, the at least one second interlocking strip substantially aligned with the first interlocking strip when the first panel is folded over the second panel and configured to interlock with the at least one first interlocking strip, thereby sealing the resealable food storage pouch, and further configured to separate from the at least one first interlocking strip, thereby unsealing the resealable food storage pouch; and

a perforated seam between the side edges and the bottom edge, and the first and second interlocking strips, the perforated seam preventing unsealing of the resealable food storage pouch.

12. The resealable food storage pouch of claim 11, wherein the resealable food storage pouch is constructed from at least one biodegradable material.

13. The resealable food storage pouch of claim 12, wherein the resealable food storage pouch is constructed from at least one compostable material.

14. The resealable food storage pouch of claim 13, wherein the resealable food storage pouch is disposable.

15. The resealable food storage pouch of claim 13, wherein the resealable food storage pouch is reusable.

16. A resealable food storage pouch comprising:

a pouch body including a first panel, a second panel, a top edge, a bottom edge, a pair of parallel opposing side edges, and an interior, the first panel and the second panel being equal in size and shape and fixed together at the top edge, thereby enabling the first panel to be selectively unfolded from the bottom edge away from the second panel, providing access to the interior;

at least one first interlocking strip disposed on an interior surface of the first panel around the side edges and the bottom edge, the at least one first interlocking strip including a male connector portion;

at least one second interlocking strip disposed on an interior surface of the second panel around the side edges and the bottom edge, the at least one second interlocking strip including a female connector portion aligned with the male connector portion when the first panel is folded over the second panel, the female connector portion configured to receive the male connector portion, thereby sealing the resealable food storage pouch, and further configured to separate from the male connector portion, thereby unsealing the resealable food storage pouch; and

17. The resealable food storage pouch of claim 16, wherein the resealable food storage pouch is constructed from at least one biodegradable material.

18. The resealable food storage pouch of claim 17, wherein the resealable food storage pouch is constructed from at least one compostable material.

19. The resealable food storage pouch of claim 18, wherein the resealable food storage pouch is disposable.

20. The resealable food storage pouch of claim 18, wherein the resealable food storage pouch is reusable.