U.S. patent application number 10/884621 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-17 for container storage system for vacuum packaging.
Invention is credited to Albritton, Charles Wade, Higer, Landen.
Application Number | 20050035021 10/884621 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34193364 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050035021 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Higer, Landen ; et
al. |
February 17, 2005 |
Container storage system for vacuum packaging
Abstract
Commercially available jars and containers may be adapted for
use for vacuum packaging using a suitable vacuum packaging
appliance. Such jars and containers may be adapted by using a
vacuum packaging lid arrangement in place of the original lid of
such jars and containers. Such a vacuum packaging lid arrangement
includes a vacuum lid and/or an outer lid. Further, such a lid
arrangement may also be decorative.
Inventors: |
Higer, Landen; (Alameda,
CA) ; Albritton, Charles Wade; (Hercules,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PERKINS COIE LLP
P.O. BOX 2168
MENLO PARK
CA
94026
US
|
Family ID: |
34193364 |
Appl. No.: |
10/884621 |
Filed: |
July 1, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60495991 |
Aug 17, 2003 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/524.8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/2015 20130101;
B65B 31/047 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/524.8 |
International
Class: |
B65D 081/20 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement for a container,
said container having an original lid, wherein said original lid is
not compatible with a vacuum packaging process, said vacuum
packaging multipurpose lid arrangement comprising: a vacuum lid
adapted for allowing gases to be vacuumed out from said container
during said vacuum packaging process; and wherein said vacuum lid
is adapted: to be backwards compatible with said container having
said original lid; and to stand in place of said original lid when
said container is being vacuum packaged.
2. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement of claim 1,
wherein said vacuum lid is decorative.
3. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement of claim 1,
further includes an outer lid.
4. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement of claim 3,
further comprising a latch mechanism adapted to secure said outer
lid over said vacuum lid.
5. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement of claim 4,
wherein said latch mechanism is a loop-clamp latch.
6. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement of claim 4,
wherein said latch mechanism is a swing-top latch.
7. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement of claim 3,
wherein said outer lid is decorative.
8. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement claim 1,
wherein said container is decorative.
9. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement of claim 1,
wherein said vacuum lid includes a valve mechanism, wherein said
valve mechanism is adapted for: allowing evacuation of said
container during said vacuum packaging process when said valve
mechanism is in a first position; after said evacuation,
maintaining an evacuated state in said container when said valve
mechanism is in a second position; and allowing gases to enter said
container when said valve mechanism is in a third position.
10. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement of claim 9,
wherein said first position is a vacuum position, said second
position is a closed position, and said third position is an open
position.
11. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement of claim 9,
wherein said valve mechanism is adapted for receiving a distal end
of a vacuum hose for allowing said evacuation.
12. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement of claim 1,
wherein said vacuum lid includes a gasket for forming a static seal
around a mouth of said container when said vacuum lid completely
covers said mouth of said container.
13. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement claim 1,
wherein said container further comprises a gasket around a mouth of
said container.
14. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement claim 1,
being further adapted for use with a vacuum packaging
appliance.
15. A vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement for a
container, said container having an original lid, wherein said
original lid is not compatible with a vacuum packaging process,
said vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement comprising: a
vacuum lid with a valve mechanism adapted for allowing gases to be
vacuumed out from said container during said vacuum packaging
process; an outer lid that is decorative; and wherein said vacuum
lid is adapted: to be backwards compatible with said container
having said original lid; and to stand in place of said original
lid when said container is being vacuum packaged.
16. A method for vacuum packaging a container that has an original
lid, the method comprising the acts of: using a multi-purpose lid
arrangement for said container; wherein said multi-purpose lid
arrangement: being adapted for evacuating and sealing said
container during a vacuum packaging process; being designed to be
backwards compatible with said container; being adapted for
replacing said original lid.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising including a vacuum
lid in said multi-purpose lid arrangement.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein said vacuum lid is
decorative.
19. The method of claim 16, further comprising including an outer
lid in said multi-purpose lid arrangement.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising using a latch
mechanism adapted to secure said outer lid over a vacuum lid,
wherein said vacuum lid is adapted for evacuating and sealing said
container.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein said latch mechanism is a
loop-clamp latch.
22. The method claim 20, wherein said latch mechanism is a
swing-top latch.
23. The method of claim 19, wherein said outer lid is
decorative.
24. The method of claim 16, wherein said container is
decorative.
25. The method of claim 17, further comprising including, in said
vacuum lid, a valve mechanism, wherein said valve mechanism is
adapted for: allowing evacuation of said container when said valve
mechanism is in a first position; after said evacuation,
maintaining an evacuated state in said container when said valve
mechanism is in a second position; and allowing gases to enter said
container when said valve mechanism is in a third position.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein said first position is a vacuum
position, said second position is a closed position, and said third
position is an open position.
27. The method of claim 25, further comprising adapting said valve
mechanism for receiving a distal end of a vacuum hose for allowing
said evacuation.
28. The method of claim 17, further comprising including, in said
vacuum lid, a gasket for forming a static seal around a mouth of
said container when said vacuum lid completely covers said mouth of
said container.
29. The method of claim 16, further comprising using a gasket
around a mouth of said container.
30. The method of claim 16, further comprising adapting said
container for use with a vacuum packaging appliance.
Description
[0001] This application claims benefit of Provisional Application
60/495,991, entitled, JAR STORAGE SYSTEM FOR VACUUM PACKAGING,
filed Aug. 17, 2003, the entire contents of which is hereby
incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein, under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.119(e).
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to vacuum packaging
technology. More particularly, the invention is directed to
container storage systems used in the context of vacuum packaging
appliances.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Vacuum packaging is a process for removing oxygen and other
gases from food and other products that deteriorate in the presence
gases. For example, food spoilage can occur due to oxidation. Thus,
vacuum packaging can extend the life of products that deteriorate
in the presence gases by removing nearly all of the gases in a
sealed container in which such products are stored.
[0004] Various types of containers may be used for vacuum packaging
using a vacuum packaging appliance. Such containers are evacuated
by coupling the container to a vacuum circuit of the vacuum
packaging appliance. For example, a rigid walled container can be
coupled to the vacuum circuit through a vacuum hose. A distal end
of the vacuum hose is connected to a valve mechanism on the lid of
the container. The other end of the vacuum hose is connected to the
vacuum circuit of the vacuum packaging appliance. During the
evacuation procedure, the vacuum circuit causes the gases from the
container to be pulled through the valve on the container lid into
the vacuum hose.
[0005] Vacuum packaging containers may be flexible, such as
flexible storage bags. Further, vacuum packaging containers may be
sufficiently rigid so as to retain its shape whilst being
evacuated. Examples of such containers are glass jars and plastic
jars. Mason jars and similar commercially available canning jars
may also be used. However, mason jars and similar commercially
available canning jars and containers are not equipped for use with
vacuum packaging appliances.
[0006] Thus, there is a need to adapt mason jars and similar
commercially available canning jars and containers for use with
vacuum packaging appliances for purposes of vacuum packaging
products placed in such jars and containers.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and
not by way of limitation.
[0008] FIG. 1 is an isometric view that illustrates a container
storage system 100, according to certain embodiments of the
invention;
[0009] FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a container storage system
200 with a vacuum hose attachment, according to certain embodiments
of the invention;
[0010] FIG. 2B is an isometric view of a container storage system
with an outer lid in a latched configuration 250, according to
certain embodiments of the invention;
[0011] FIG. 2C is a side view of a container storage system that
illustrates a latch mechanism with parts attached to the outer lid,
according to certain embodiments of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 3 is an isometric view that illustrates a container
storage system 300, according to certain other embodiments of the
invention;
[0013] FIG. 4 is an isometric view that illustrates a vacuum
packaging appliance 400;
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates valve positions 550 of a vacuum lid,
according to certain embodiments of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates a vacuum hose attachment being connected
to a vacuum packaging appliance; and
[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates a container storage system that is
attached to a vacuum packaging appliance by a vacuum hose
attachment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0017] Container storage systems for use with a vacuum packaging
appliance are described. In the following description, for purposes
of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will
be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present
invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other
instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block
diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present
invention.
[0018] Container Storage System
[0019] FIG. 1 is an isometric view that illustrates a container
storage system 100, according to certain embodiments of the
invention. Container storage system 100 includes a storage
container 102, a vacuum lid 104 and an outer lid 110. Outer lid 110
may be decorative.
[0020] Storage container 102 may be a decorative storage container
according to certain embodiments. Storage container 102 may
optionally include a latch mechanism 112 for keeping outer lid 110
in a fixed position atop storage container 102 as illustrated in
FIG. 2B herein. Further, storage container 102 may optionally
include a gasket 114 around mouth 118 of storage container 102.
[0021] Vacuum lid 104 may include a gasket 106 for forming a static
seal for sealing storage container 102 when vacuum lid 104 is over
mouth 118 so as to completely close mouth 118. Gasket 114 and
gasket 106 may be made of suitable material such as an elastomeric
material.
[0022] Vacuum lid 104 includes a valve mechanism 108. The valve
mechanism may be any valve that is suitable for allowing storage
container 102 to be evacuated of gases, if so desired. Further, the
valve mechanism is such that it allows for the evacuated state of
storage container 102 to be maintained until such time when it is
desired to expose the stored contents of storage container 102 to
the ambient atmosphere. For example, the valve mechanism may be a
one-way valve that allows gases to be evacuated from the storage
container. As another example, the valve may be an electric valve
that is electrically actuated to maintain either an open or closed
position, as so desired. One embodiment of a valve mechanism is
described herein with reference to FIG. 5. Some examples of storage
jars that may be used in the container storage system are Ball.RTM.
jars and Mason jars.
[0023] FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a container storage system
200 with an evacuation hose attachment 220, according to certain
embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 2A, storage container 202
includes a latch mechanism 212, and a vacuum lid 204. Vacuum hose
attachment 220 is attached to the valve mechanism 208. Vacuum hose
attachment 220 includes a hose 222. One end of hose 222 is attached
to a vacuum packaging appliance (not shown). In FIG. 2A is also
illustrated an outer lid 210.
[0024] FIG. 2B is an isometric view of a container storage system
200 with an outer lid in a latched configuration 250, according to
certain embodiments of the invention. Latch mechanism 212 is
attached to the storage container 202. Latch mechanism 212 in FIG.
B is a loop-clamp type latch. Latch mechanism 212 includes a loop
212b. Outer lid 210 is latched to storage container 202, atop
gasket 214, by positioning loop 212b overhead the outer lid
210.
[0025] In certain embodiments, the latch mechanism may be attached
to outer lid 210. FIG. 2C is a side view of a container storage
system that illustrates a latch mechanism 213 with parts attached
to the outer lid 210, according to certain embodiments of the
invention. In FIG. 2C, latch mechanism 213 is a "swing-top" latch.
Latch mechanism 213 includes swing arms 213a and a snap-lock
portion 213b. One end of each of the swing arms 213a is attached to
outer lid 210. The other end of the swing arm 213a is interlocked
with snap-lock portion 213b. Snap-lock portion 213b is attached to
storage container 202.
[0026] FIG. 3 is an isometric view that illustrates a container
storage system 300, according to certain other embodiments of the
invention. In FIG. 3, container storage system 300 includes a
storage container 302, a vacuum lid 304, and a valve mechanism 308.
According to certain embodiments, the valve mechanism is an
integral part of vacuum lid 304. Valve mechanism 308 may be any
valve that is suitable for allowing storage container 302 to be
evacuated of gases, if so desired. Further, the valve mechanism is
such that the valve mechanism allows for the evacuated state of
storage container 302 to be maintained until such time when it is
desired to expose the stored contents of storage container 302 to
the ambient atmosphere. Storage container 302 may be evacuated by
attaching vacuum hose attachment 320 to valve mechanism 308. Vacuum
hose attachment 320 includes a hose 322. One end of hose 322 is
attached to a vacuum packaging appliance (not shown). According to
certain embodiments, vacuum lid 304 may include a gasket (not
shown) that surrounds the inner surface of the rim of vacuum lid
304. Such a gasket is for forming a static seal for sealing storage
container 302 when vacuum lid 304 is over the mouth of storage
container 302 so as to completely close the mouth. Further,
according to certain embodiments, vacuum lid 304 may be screwed
onto storage container 302 in order to secure vacuum lid 304 atop
storage container 302.
[0027] Vacuum Packaging Appliance
[0028] FIG. 4 is an isometric view that illustrates a vacuum
packaging appliance 400. In FIG. 4, vacuum packaging appliance 400
includes a base 420 and a lid 422. Base 420 includes a vacuum
channel (not shown) that is operatively connected to a vacuum pump
(not shown) housed in base 420.
[0029] Base 420 includes a control panel 425 at the top frontal
portion of appliance 400. According to certain embodiments, control
panel 425 includes indicator lights 408, a manual seal button 406
to manually seal a storage bag before a complete vacuum is
achieved, if so desired. The indicator lights are used for
signaling the start or completion of various processes such as the
sealing process, vacuum process and/or machine re-programming when
transitioning from one process to the next.
[0030] Control panel 425 may also include a sealing time adjustment
knob 410 for controlling the heating element associated with the
sealing mechanism. For example, the sealing time adjustment can be
set to a first setting when storage bags are being sealed. The
sealing time adjustment can be set to a second setting when storage
containers or canisters are being sealed. In the case of sealing
storage containers or canisters, there is no need for activating
the heating element.
[0031] In FIG. 4, the vacuum override button 404 may be used to
extend the vacuum time to ensure that the maximum amount of air is
removed especially when using extra large storage containers or
canisters. Control panel 425 may also include an automatic on/off
button 412 for starting or stopping the evacuation process.
[0032] Lid 422 includes a bag cutter, and an accessory port 402 for
use in removing gases from storage containers or canisters. In
order to evacuate storage containers or canisters, one end of a
vacuum hose (not shown) is attached to the vacuum packaging
appliance 400 at accessory port 402. The other end of the vacuum
hose is attached to the valve mechanism of the container storage
system as illustrated in FIG. 7 herein.
[0033] Some examples of vacuum packaging appliances are the
Tilia.RTM. FoodSaver.RTM. vacuum packaging system series.
[0034] Vacuum Packaging Configuration
[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates valve positions 550 of a vacuum lid
according to certain embodiments of the invention. FIG. 5
illustrates a vacuum lid 504 with a valve mechanism 508. Valve
mechanism 508 includes an opening 512 for attaching a distal end of
a vacuum hose (not shown). Valve mechanism 508 can be set to a
vacuum position by aligning arrow 530 with the "vacuum" position
510. The valve mechanism includes a solid ball structure (not
shown) that resides in the opening 516. At vacuum position 510, the
solid ball structure is lightly resting on a gasketed opening (not
shown) that leads into the interior of the storage container. After
evacuation is complete, the ambient air pressure pushes the solid
ball structure against the gasketed opening that leads into the
interior of the storage container, thus sealing the storage
container from the ambient atmosphere. To ensure a tight seal after
evacuation, valve mechanism 508 can be set to a closed position by
aligning arrow 530 with the "closed". position 512. At closed
position 512, the solid ball structure is mechanically pressed
against the gasketed opening that leads into the interior of the
storage container. When it is desired to expose the contents of the
sealed storage container with the ambient atmosphere, valve
mechanism 508 can be set to an open position by aligning arrow 530
with the "open" position 514. At the open position 514, the solid
ball structure is mechanically drawn up from the gasketed opening
that leads into the interior of the storage container, thus
allowing gas from the ambient atmosphere to enter the storage
container;
[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates a vacuum hose attachment being connected
to a vacuum packaging appliance. In FIG. 6, a container storage
system (not shown) may be attached to vacuum packaging appliance
500 by attaching one end of a vacuum hose attachment 522 to
accessory port 502. The other end of vacuum hose attachment 522 is
attached to the container storage system.
[0037] FIG. 7 illustrates a container storage system that is
attached to a vacuum packaging appliance by a vacuum hose
attachment. In FIG. 7, a container storage system 562 may be
attached to vacuum packaging appliance 500 by attaching one end of
a vacuum hose attachment 522 to accessory port 502. The other end
of vacuum hose attachment 522 is attached to the container storage
system at opening 516 of valve mechanism 508. Valve mechanism 508
is part of vacuum lid 504.
[0038] In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the invention
have been described with reference to numerous specific details
that may vary from implementation to implementation. The
specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an
illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
* * * * *