Magnetic Bag Closure System

Abstract

A system and method for sealing containers such as bags using a sealing apparatus including handles connected to sealing strips, such as magnetic strips, for pulling apart the sealing strips to allow insertion of the container, which may be a bag holding a substance such as food or non-food items. The sealing apparatus can be provided as a separate device, or made integral with the container.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for sealing a bag, comprising:
 a first magnetic strip connected to a second magnetic strip at opposite ends of the strips such that an inner surface of said first magnetic strip is configured to removably form a magnetic seal with an inner surface of said second magnetic strip;   a first handle connected to said first magnetic strip using a first connecting structure; and   a second handle connected to said second magnetic strip using a second connecting structure, wherein   said apparatus is configured such that pulling said first handle and said second handle away from each other opens a gap between said first magnetic strip and said second magnetic strip, said gap being configured to receive the end of an open bag, and wherein   said first magnetic strip and said second magnetic strip are configured to substantially seal the open end of bag using magnetic force.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said first handle and said second handle are cylindrical in shape. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said first handle and said second handle are comprised of a plastic material. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein said first handle and said second handle are configured as hollow cylinders. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said first connecting structure is integral with said first handle, and wherein said second connecting structure is integral with said second handle. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said first connecting structure is attached to said first magnetic strip using an adhesive, and wherein said second connecting structure is attached to said second magnetic strip using the adhesive. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said first magnetic strip is connected to said second magnetic strip using a respective connector at each of the opposite ends. 
     
     
         8 . An apparatus for sealing a bag, comprising:
 a first magnetic strip connected to a second magnetic strip at opposite ends of the strips such that an inner surface of said first magnetic strip is configured to removably form a magnetic seal with an inner surface of said second magnetic strip;   a first handle including a plastic formed into a hollow cylinder, said first handle being connected to said first magnetic strip using a first connecting structure; and   a second handle including a plastic formed into a hollow cylinder, said second handle being connected to said second magnetic strip using a second connecting structure, wherein   said apparatus is configured such that pulling said first handle and said second handle away from each other opens a gap between said first magnetic strip and said second magnetic strip, said gap being configured to receive the end of an open bag, and wherein   said first magnetic strip and said second magnetic strip are configured to substantially seal the open end of bag using magnetic force.   
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein said first connecting structure is integral with said first handle, and wherein said second connecting structure is integral with said second handle. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein said first connecting structure is attached to said first magnetic strip using an adhesive, and wherein said second connecting structure is attached to said second magnetic strip using the adhesive. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein said first magnetic strip is connected to said second magnetic strip using a respective connector at each of the opposite ends. 
     
     
         12 . A method of sealing an open bag comprising the steps of:
 providing an apparatus for sealing a bag, comprising:
 a first magnetic strip connected to a second magnetic strip at opposite ends of the strips such that an inner surface of said first magnetic strip is configured to removably form a magnetic seal with an inner surface of said second magnetic strip, 
 a first handle connected to said first magnetic strip using a first connecting structure, and 
 a second handle connected to said second magnetic strip using a second connecting structure; 
   pulling said first handle and said second handle away from each other to open a gap between said first magnetic strip and said second magnetic strip;   placing a bag having an open end between said gap between said first magnetic strip and said second magnetic strip; and   using the magnetic force between said first magnetic strip and said second magnetic strip to substantially seal the open end of the bag.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said bag is used to store food. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said bag is used to store non-food items. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said first handle and said second handle are cylindrical in shape. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said first handle and said second handle are comprised of a plastic material. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said first handle and said second handle are configured as hollow cylinders. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising the step of unsealing the bag by pulling the first and second handles apart to separate the first strip from said second strip. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising the steps of:
 pulling the first and second handles apart to separate the first strip from said second strip;   removing the bag from the apparatus; and   placing a new bag having an open end between the gap between said first magnetic strip and said second magnetic strip; and   using the magnetic force between said first magnetic strip and said second magnetic strip to substantially seal the open end of the new bag.