U.S. patent application number 10/614348 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-22 for vacuum packaging system.
Invention is credited to Harrison, Howard Robert.
Application Number | 20050205455 10/614348 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34985059 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050205455 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Harrison, Howard Robert |
September 22, 2005 |
Vacuum packaging system
Abstract
A system for vacuum packaging foods and other perishable items,
including a front loading appliance and a hand held appliance. A
multiple stage vacuum and sealing process enhances performance. Low
cost vacuum bags are formed using a continuous process. A visible
indicator assures consumers that a safe level of vacuum has been
reached and maintained.
Inventors: |
Harrison, Howard Robert;
(Mississauga, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HB INNOVATION LTD.
#300
2085 HURONTARIO ST.
MISSISSAUGA
ON
CA
|
Family ID: |
34985059 |
Appl. No.: |
10/614348 |
Filed: |
July 8, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60426094 |
Nov 14, 2002 |
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60393803 |
Jul 8, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/524.8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/2023 20130101;
B31B 50/59 20170801; B31B 2160/10 20170801; B65B 31/06 20130101;
B65D 33/01 20130101; B31B 2155/00 20170801; B65B 31/046
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/524.8 |
International
Class: |
B65D 081/20 |
Claims
We claim;
1. An apparatus for vacuum sealing a plastic bag, said apparatus
comprising a progressive heat sealing strip, wherein a first
portion of said progressive heat sealing strip may be energized to
form a partial seal across the open end of said plastic bag, and
wherein a second portion of said progressive heat sealing strip may
be further energized to extend said partial seal to form a complete
seal across said open end of said plastic bag.
2. A vacuum storage bag comprising a plastic sheet with obliquely
oriented air channels, wherein said plastic sheet may be folded to
form a front and a back of said vacuum storage bag, wherein said
obliquely oriented air channels intersect to form a continuous
diamond pattern across the inside surfaces of said vacuum storage
bag.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Patent Applications Ser. No. 60/426,094, dated Nov. 14, 2002, and
Ser. No. 60/393,803, dated Jul. 8, 2002, both of which are
pending.
[0002] This invention relates to a vacuum packaging system that may
be used to conveniently store foods and other perishable items. A
hand-held appliance is upwardly compatible with a front loading
appliance, and performance may be enhanced with an innovative two
stage vacuum system. Uniquely designed vacuum bags allow the free
flow of air past objects contained therein, allowing the system to
achieve levels of vacuum suitable for food storage purposes. A
passive indicator assures consumers that a safe level of vacuum has
been reached and maintained.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The demand for vacuum packaging systems has increased in
recent years as consumers become more aware of their suitability
for storing food and other perishable items. Many consumers are now
buying bulk packaged foods that may be sub-divided into smaller
portions, and they are becoming more aware of conserving leftovers
rather than treating them as waste. Further, consumers are
experimenting with new ways to use vacuum packaging systems such as
for marinating meats.
[0004] Existing vacuum packaging systems typically use heat
sealable bags. The process is relatively simple--draw a vacuum
within the bag, and then apply a heat seal on the end of the bag.
Less expensive bags, such as those available from Philips, do not
allow a sufficient vacuum to be drawn since the bags tend to
"cling" to the irregular surfaces of the objects within the bags,
preventing the free flow of air past these objects and thus
preventing all of the air from being withdrawn from the bag. Other
more expensive bags, such as those available from Tilia, contain a
series of protrusions on at least one inside surface to hold the
bag away from the objects within the bag, thus allowing air to be
pumped from the extremities of the bag that extend beyond these
objects. While these bags may work well, they are expensive to
produce and they have a substantially higher retail price than the
"standard" storage bags described above. Lacking is a cost
effective vacuum storage bag that offers good performance.
[0005] Further, existing vacuum packaging systems typically use a
tabletop unit having a horizontal orientation and a top loading
vacuum chamber. While this configuration works, it does have the
disadvantage of drawing fluids into the vacuum chamber along with
the air being pumped from the bag, driving the requirement for a
fluid trap. Further, the existing units are large and usually
stored "out of sight" because of their bulk. Apart from being
inconvenient for the consumer, this is also a disadvantage to the
manufacturer since "out of sight, out of mind" consumer behaviour
means that the unit will not be used as often and as a result, the
consumers will buy fewer bags. Lacking are systems attractively
designed to remain in sight and handy for use, as well as systems
designed to prevent the drawing in of fluids when in use.
[0006] Operationally, common complaints associated with most
systems include the difficulty of operation, requiring two hands,
and the time taken to draw an acceptable vacuum and heat seal the
bag. In contrast, ease of use, automatic operation, and faster
performance are features that would create differentiation and
increase demand for one manufacturer's product over another.
[0007] These observations may be validated by reviewing the related
existing art which includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,256,968 issued Jul. 10,
2001 to Kristen (assigned to Tilia International, HK), U.S. Pat.
No. 6,185,796 issued Feb. 13, 2001 to Ausnit (assigned to Illinois
Tool Works, Inc.), U.S. Pat. No. 6,058,998 issued May 9, 2000 to
Kristen (assigned to Tilia International, HK), U.S. Pat. No.
6,000,198 issued Dec. 14, 1999 to Tramposch (assigned to Calgon
Carbon Corporation), U.S. Pat. No. 5,894,929 issued Apr. 20, 1999
to Kai, et al (assigned to Yugenkaisho Kusaka Raremetal Kenkyusho,
Japan), U.S. Pat. No. 5,822,956 issued Oct. 20, 1998 to Liechti, et
al (assigned to Inauen Maschinen AG), U.S. Pat. No. 5,765,608
issued Jun. 16, 1998 to Kristen (assigned to Tilia International,
Hong Kong), U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,357 issued Aug. 12, 1997 to Kristen
(assigned to Tilia International, HK), U.S. Pat. No. 5,638,664
issued Jun. 17, 1997 to Levsen, et al, (assigned to Hantover Inc.),
U.S. Pat. Re. 34,929 issued May 9, 1995 to Kristen (assigned to
Tilia, Inc.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,241 issued Nov. 15, 1994 to
Schultz (Assigned to Pioneering Concepts, Inc.), U.S. Pat. No.
5,338,166 issued Aug. 16, 1994 to Schultz (assigned to Pioneering
Concepts, Inc.) U.S. Pat. No. 5,299,917 issued Apr. 5, 1994 to
Schultz (assigned to Pioneering Concepts, Inc.), and U.S. Pat. No.
4,941,310 issued Jul. 17, 1990 to Kristen (assigned to Tilia
Aktiengesellschaft).
[0008] Of these, U.S. Pat. No. 6,185,796 assigned to Illinois Tool
Works, U.S. Pat. No. 6,000,198 assigned to Calgon Carbon
Corporation, U.S. Pat. No. 5,894,929 assigned to Yugenkaisho Kusaka
Raremetal Kenkyusho, and U.S. Re. 34,929 teach various ways to
produce vacuum bags. U.S. '796 teaches a reclosable zipper having
interlocking members which engage and interlock to form a vacuum
seal. U.S. '198 teaches the inclusion of an absorbent material, at
an elevated temperature, with the object to be vacuum stored such
that the subsequent cooling of the absorbent material will create a
vacuum. U.S. '929 teaches a sterilizing and vacuum packaging bag
having a partially fused partition that may be ruptured through
microwave heating of the contents. U.S. Re. '929 teaches a
multi-layer vacuum packaging bag, at least one inner surface having
a plurality of raised protuberances with uniform thickness and
formed in a generally regular and waffle-like pattern projecting
outwardly there from towards the inner surface of the other panel
to define a plurality of intercommunicating channels entirely
around and between the protuberances.
[0009] Another group, U.S. Pat. No. 5,822,956 assigned to Inauen
Maschinen, U.S. Pat. No. 5,765,608 assigned to Tilia, U.S. Pat. No.
5,638,664 to assigned Hantover, U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,241, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,338,166, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,299,917 assigned to Pioneering
Concepts, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,941,310 assigned to Tilia all
disclose various vacuum packaging appliances. U.S. '956 teaches a
commercial device having a cover mounted on articulated arms for
control and clamping purposes. U.S. '608 teaches a motorized
hand-held device specifically suited for vacuum storage canisters
with the correct pump/canister interface. U.S. '664 teaches an
apparatus having a moveable sealing element which may be pressed
against vacuum storage bag for sealing purposes. U.S. '241, 166,
and '917 all teach various hand-held devices having a manual pump
and designed to interface with a variety of types and sizes of
containers. Finally, U.S. '310 teaches a top loading apparatus
suited for sealing bags not larger than the vacuum chamber, having
a single stage evacuation pump, manually applied sealing clamps, a
trough for ingested fluids, and an attachment area for an external
vacuum hose.
[0010] A final group, U.S. Pat. No. 6,256,968 assigned to Tilia,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,058,998 assigned to Tilia, and U.S. Pat. No.
5,655,357 assigned to Tilia teach various ways to resolve issues
particular to current vacuum storage systems. U.S. '968 teaches a
volumetric control system that monitors system performance between
two preset vacuum levels to calculate an altitude sensitive time to
completion for the air evacuation process. U.S. '998 teaches a
capacitor discharge system that may be used in conjunction with a
relatively small source of power to provide power for the heat
sealing element. Finally U.S. '357 teaches an exhaust flow rate
sensor that converts exhaust pulses to a signal that may be used to
deduce the progress of the vacuum process.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The vacuum packaging system as taught by the present
invention includes heat sealable bags specifically designed for
vacuum storage, a process for inexpensively manufacturing the same,
a hand-held vacuum storage appliance that is adapted for portable
use, and a front loading vacuum storage appliance that may be
adapted to fit neatly under cupboards and remain accessible at all
times, a two stage vacuum pumping system for enhanced performance,
and a passive vacuum indicator for consumer use.
[0012] The vacuum storage bags contain a series of intersecting air
channels on the inside surfaces, designed to allow the free flow of
air past objects contained therein and thus allowing a maximum
amount of air to be withdrawn from the bag. The intersecting air
channels may be formed during the manufacturing process by first
forming a series of obliquely oriented channels in a plastic sheet.
The plastic sheet may be formed into a vacuum storage bag by
folding one half over the other such that the obliquely oriented
channels intersect to form a regular diamond pattern on the inside
surfaces of the bag. Then, one or two of the non-folded sides of
the product may be heat sealed, forming a roll or a bag
respectively.
[0013] The hand-held vacuum storage appliance is an entry level
product that may be used with smaller "Ziploc" sized bags. The
appliance is further adapted for use with larger bags by
incorporating a unique "L" shaped sealing bar that allows the
appliance to seal the larger bag in two stages without requiring
any precise alignment. The final seal profile, although not a
straight line, does form a continuous seal across the end of the
bag. The hand-held device may be easily positioned above the bag
during the sealing process to substantially prevent the drawing in
of fluids during the sealing process.
[0014] The front loading vacuum storage appliance may be adapted to
mount conveniently under the overhead cupboards in a kitchen. A
work platform extends from the base of the unit and automatically
dispenses, with each use, a new section of vacuum storage bag from
a roll located at the back of the unit. The bag may be sealed on
one end, and then vacuum sealed and date stamped, by simply
pressing a button and then positioning the bag correctly within the
appliance. The front loading mechanism substantially prevents the
drawing in of fluids while creating a vacuum within the bag.
Finally, a retractable vacuum hose and a vacuum docking station
under the appliance facilitate the vacuum sealing of wine bottles,
canisters, spice bottles, and the like.
[0015] A two stage vacuum pumping system speeds the vacuum storage
process by deploying a first pump or source of vacuum to quickly
draw a low level of vacuum, and then a second pump to complete the
process by drawing a higher level of vacuum suitable for food
storage purposes. Both may be deployed during the initial stage to
increase the airflow. Further, the first pump or source of vacuum
may be an internal vacuum retention area that may be "charged" by
using the second pump to draw a vacuum in this area while the
appliance is not in use.
[0016] A passive vacuum sensor may be used by the consumer to
indicate that a suitable level of vacuum exists within the vacuum
storage bag, bottle, canister, or any other type of vacuum storage
container with a visible interior. The passive vacuum sensor uses a
vacuum sensitive bladder that expands under a vacuum, this
providing a visible indicator of vacuum.
EMBODIMENTS
[0017] Embodiments of the invention are described by way of example
with reference to the drawings in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a formed plastic sheet prior to forming a
roll or bag,
[0019] FIG. 2 provides a sectional view of a formed plastic sheet
and illustrates a process for forming the oblique channels,
[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates folding of a formed plastic sheet,
[0021] FIG. 4 provides a sectional view of a folded plastic
sheet,
[0022] FIG. 5 provides an alternative sectional view of a folded
plastic sheet,
[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates a vacuum bag in roll format,
[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates a vacuum bag in bag format,
[0025] FIG. 8 provides a side view of the hand-held vacuum storage
appliance,
[0026] FIG. 9 provides an internal view of the hand-held vacuum
storage appliance,
[0027] FIG. 10 provides further detail regarding the heat sealing
strip,
[0028] FIG. 11 illustrates a two step process for sealing a larger
vacuum storage bag,
[0029] FIG. 12 illustrates the effectiveness of an "L" shaped
sealing pattern under several misalignment scenarios,
[0030] FIG. 13 provides a top view of hand-held vacuum storage
appliance and illustrates the operation thereof,
[0031] FIG. 14 provides a side view of the front loading vacuum
storage appliance,
[0032] FIG. 15 illustrates the auto bag sensing and pull-in
mechanisms,
[0033] FIG. 16 illustrates how the pull-in pins interface with the
front cover,
[0034] FIGS. 17a and 17b illustrate how the pull-in pins may be
releasably attached to the front cover,
[0035] FIG. 18 provides a side view of the front loading vacuum
storage appliance with a work platform,
[0036] FIG. 19 shows the work platform in the extended
position,
[0037] FIG. 20 provides a front perspective view of the front
loading vacuum storage appliance illustrates several operational
features,
[0038] FIG. 21 illustrates the two stage vacuum pumping system,
[0039] FIG. 22 illustrates an alternative system using only one
pump and a vacuum retaining chamber,
[0040] FIG. 23 illustrates a passive vacuum indicator,
[0041] FIGS. 24a and 24b illustrate a vacuum clip in the open and
closed positions, respectively,
[0042] FIG. 25 provides a front view of the vacuum clip components
associated with the main body of the front loading vacuum storage
appliance,
[0043] FIG. 26 illustrates a vacuum clip with active seals on the
sides,
[0044] FIG. 27 illustrates an alternative vacuum clip with an
inserted vacuum bar, and;
[0045] FIG. 28 provides a top view of the alternative vacuum
clip.
[0046] FIG. 1 illustrates formed plastic sheet 2 prior to forming a
vacuum bag in roll or bag format. Formed plastic sheet 2 begins as
a flat plastic sheet comprised of one or more layers to meet the
thermal sealing and permeability requirements of the particular
application. Multiple oblique channels 4 may be created in formed
plastic sheet 2 prior to forming a vacuum bag in roll or bag
format. Formed plastic sheet 2 may be transformed into a vacuum bag
in roll or bag format by first folding it along centre line 5 as
further illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0047] FIG. 2 provides a section A-A view of formed plastic sheet 2
and illustrates a process for forming oblique channels 4. Oblique
channels 4, in this case, are of a "V" groove shape; however,
oblique channels 4 may be of any convenient shape or size to suit
the application.
[0048] Oblique channels 4 may be formed by moving a flat plastic
sheet between two rotating rollers--upper roller 6 and lower roller
8. In this case upper roller 6 rotates in a counter-clockwise
direction and lower roller 8 simultaneously rotates in a clockwise
direction to draw formed plastic sheet 2 in the direction indicated
by arrow 10 while applying an appropriate pressure to both sides of
formed plastic sheet 2. Protrusions 12 may extend into grooves 14
to form oblique channels 4 as formed plastic sheet 2 passes between
the two rollers in a formable state. This is a continuous process
that may proceed at a rapid rate to form a great length of formed
plastic sheet 2 in a relatively short period of time. Note that the
profiles of protrusions 12 and grooves 14 may be modified to create
oblique channels 4 in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and
patterns.
[0049] FIG. 3 illustrates a formed plastic sheet 2 (reference FIG.
1), which has been folded along centre line 5 to form folded
plastic sheet 20. Folded plastic sheet 20 has oblique channels 4a
running upwards and to the right on a bottom surface, and also has
oblique channels 4b running upwards and to the left on an upper
surface, as a result of the folding process. Oblique channels 4a
and 4b intersect each other in a diamond pattern as a result of the
folding process. The folding process may take place immediately
after the forming rollers (reference FIG. 2) and as soon as the
plastic sheet has reached a non-formable state.
[0050] FIG. 4 provides a section B-B view of a folded plastic sheet
20 when folded with oblique channels 4a and 4b on the outside
surfaces. Oblique channels 4a and 4b intersect at section B-B and
at a variety of other sections along the length of folded plastic
sheet 20. This allows air to flow freely through oblique channels
4a and 4b along a great length of folded plastic sheet 20. Further,
oblique channels 4a and 4b may be designed to stay rigid while
under reasonable vacuum, thus allowing air to be drawn through a
great length of folded plastic sheet 20.
[0051] FIG. 5 provides an alternative section B-B view of folded
plastic sheet 20 when folded with oblique channels 4a and 4b on the
inside surfaces. Oblique channels 4a and 4b, when folded in this
manner, will intersect at various cross sections along the length
of folded plastic sheet 20 to hold top surface 24 away from bottom
surface 26, creating air channel 22a and allowing air to drawn from
a substantial length of folded plastic sheet 20 as described above.
Air channels 22b and 22c may be formed in a similar manner.
[0052] FIG. 6 illustrates vacuum bag in roll format 30. Folded
plastic sheet 20 may be converted to vacuum bag in roll format 30
by applying continuous seal 32 along the open edge to seal top
surface 24 against bottom surface 26 (reference FIG. 5). Folded
edge 34 forms a seal on the other side of vacuum bag in roll format
30.
[0053] Continuous seal 32 may be applied with oblique channels 4a
and 4b on the inside or the outside surfaces of vacuum bag in roll
format 30. Further, continuous seal 32 may be applied immediately
after the forming of folded plastic sheet 20 (reference FIG. 3) as
part of a continuous manufacturing process.
[0054] Vacuum bag in roll format 30 may be used by a consumer by
first cutting and then sealing one end to form a vacuum bag that is
sealed on three edges. An object may be placed in the vacuum bag,
and the air withdrawn to form a vacuum. Oblique channels 4a and 4b
will allow air to be withdrawn from all areas of the vacuum bag, as
previously described, regardless of the shape of the object
contained therein. Once a sufficient vacuum has been created, a
seal may be formed along the fourth edge of the bag to maintain a
vacuum within the bag after the air withdrawing mechanism has been
disconnected from the bag.
[0055] FIG. 7 illustrates vacuum bag in bag format 40. Vacuum bag
in roll format 30 (reference FIG. 6) may be converted to vacuum bag
in bag format by first cutting vacuum bag in roll format to the
required length at cut line 42. Then, end seal 44 may be applied
along cut line 42. As a result, vacuum bag in roll format will have
three sealed edges consisting of folded edge 34, continuous seal
32, and end seal 44.
[0056] End seal 44 may be applied with oblique channels 4a and 4b
on the inside or the outside surfaces of vacuum bag in roll format
30. Further, end seal 44 may be applied immediately after forming
continuous seal 32, using a helical chopper for cut line 42 and a
helical sealer for end seal 44, as part of a continuous
manufacturing process.
[0057] Vacuum bag in bag format 40 may be used by a consumer as
supplied, or the consumer may choose to shorten vacuum bag in bag
format 40 by cutting another top opening 46 at a shorter length. In
either case an object may be placed into vacuum bag in bag format
40, and the air withdrawn to form a vacuum. Oblique channels 4a and
4b will allow air to be withdrawn from all areas of the vacuum bag,
as previously described, regardless of the shape of the object
contained therein. Once a sufficient vacuum has been created, a
seal may be formed along open vacuum bag edge 46 to maintain a
vacuum within the bag after the air withdrawing mechanism has been
disconnected from the bag.
[0058] FIG. 8 provides a side view of hand-held vacuum storage
appliance 50, which includes a top half 52 and a bottom half 54
hinged and joined together at hand-held hinge 56. Top half 52 may
generally contain a control mechanism and a user interface, since
it is visible to the user. Bottom half 54 may generally contain a
power supply, or battery source, and a vacuum pumping system.
Various other layouts and configurations are also possible.
[0059] Vacuum storage bag 41, having open vacuum bag edge 46, may
contain object 58. Vacuum storage bag 41 may be a vacuum bag in bag
format 40 (reference FIG. 7), or a vacuum bag in roll format sealed
at one end to from a vacuum bag as previously described (reference
FIG. 6).
[0060] The user may insert open vacuum bag edge 46 into gasketed
opening 60 until vacuum bag edge 46 rests against rear guidepost
62. Then the user may push down on top half 52 to compress upper
gasket 64 against vacuum storage bag 41, and to simultaneously
compress vacuum storage bag 41 against lower gasket 66. Offset
clamp 68 will engage with offset grip 70 when there is sufficient
compression within upper gasket 64 and lower gasket 66 to form a
substantially air tight seal around the perimeter of vacuum storage
bag 41 at an appropriate distance away from open vacuum bag edge
46. Upper gasket 64 and lower gasket 66 may be designed to seal
against each other in areas where they do not contact vacuum
storage bag 41.
[0061] Upper gasket 64 and/or lower gasket 66 may contain hollow
areas which allow air to be drawn through all or a portion of open
vacuum bag edge 46. Once a sufficient vacuum has been drawn within
vacuum storage bag 41, power may be applied to heat sealing bar 72
to seal the vacuum within vacuum storage bag 41. Finally, offset
clamp 68 may be released from offset grip 70 to allow for the
removal of a sealed vacuum storage bag 41.
[0062] FIG. 9 provides an internal view of hand-held vacuum storage
appliance 50 showing an exposed bottom half 54. Offset grip 70 may
be seen at the left side of, and hinge 56 may be seen at the back
of bottom half 54. In addition, second grip 82 may be seen at the
right side of bottom half 54.
[0063] Lower gasket 66 surrounds bottom hollow area 80, which may
further contain two or more rear guide posts 62a and 62b as well as
vacuum hole 84. Vacuum hole 84 may be used to withdraw air from
bottom hollow area 80 and vacuum storage bag 41 (reference FIG. 8)
when one is inserted into the system.
[0064] Small vacuum bag profile 86 and large vacuum bag profile 87
are representative of two possible sizes of vacuum storage bag 41
that may be used with hand-held vacuum storage appliance 50
(reference FIG. 8). Small vacuum bag profile 86 and large vacuum
bag profile 87, when properly positioned with respect to bottom
half 54, simultaneously rest against rear guide posts 62a and 62b
as well as side guide post 88. Vacuum hole 84 is located behind
rear guideposts 62a and 62b so that air may be more easily
withdrawn from a vacuum storage bag 41 with either profile.
[0065] Heat sealing strip 90 is an "L" shaped element that extends
along the bottom edge of lower gasket 66 and then extends rearward
past the left side of lower gasket 66 in a continuous manner. This
allows heat sealing strip 90 to provide a secure seal on vacuum bag
with small bag profile 86 in a single step, or to provide a secure
seal on vacuum bag with large vacuum bag profile 87 in two
steps.
[0066] FIG. 10 provides further detail regarding heat sealing strip
90 and shows how it may be subdivided into at least three heat
sealing subsections, first heat sealing sub-section 100a, second
heat sealing sub-section 100b, and third heat sealing section 100c,
such that power may be selectively applied to various subsections
and combinations of subsections. For example, power may be firstly
and simultaneously applied to first heating subsection 100a and
second heating subsection 100b to form a continuous seal between
left end point 102 and second mid-point 104b. Then, power may be
simultaneously applied to first heating subsection 100b and second
heating subsection 100c to form a continuous seal between first
mid-point 104a and right end point 106. The end result is a
continuous seal between left end point 102 and right end point 106,
primarily due to the fact that power has been applied twice to the
second heat sealing sub-section 100b. Various other subdividing
techniques and algorithms for applying power may be used, depending
on the application, providing that at least some heat sealing
overlap is provided for in this manner.
[0067] A first benefit of subdividing heat sealing strip 90 and
applying power in this manner is that each subsection or group of
subsections will require less power than the full heat sealing
strip 90. As a result, a continuous seal may be obtained along heat
sealing strip 90 with a smaller source of power than would normally
be required, albeit over a longer period of time. Alternatively,
the level of power that would normally be available to apply to a
full heat sealing strip 90 may be applied to each group of
subsections, allowing them to reach a higher temperature in a
shorter period of time and enabling them to complete the sealing
process in a shorter period of time.
[0068] A second benefit of subdividing heat sealing strip 90 and
applying power in this manner is that the unsealed portion of
vacuum storage bag 41 (reference FIG. 8) may be controlled, and air
may still be withdrawn through this unsealed portion of the bag.
This provides the flexibility required to seal vacuum bags 41
having a width greater than gasket 66 (reference FIG. 9) in a two
step process.
[0069] FIG. 11 illustrates how the above methods may be used to
seal a larger vacuum storage bag 41 using a two step process.
Referring to step "A", vacuum storage bag 41 may be firstly
positioned in hand-held vacuum storage appliance 50 (reference FIG.
8) such that it rests against rear guideposts 62a and 62b with
first edge 110 against side guidepost 88. Power may then be applied
to heat sealing strip 90 (reference FIG. 9) to form first heat seal
112.
[0070] Referring to step "B-1", vacuum storage bag 41 may removed,
turned over, and then re-positioned such that it rests against rear
guideposts 62a and 62b, now with second edge 114 against side guide
post 88. This re-positioning places first heat seal outside of and
to the left of lower gasket 66. Power may then be applied to a
primary portion of heat sealing strip 90 (reference FIG. 10), as
described above, to form primary second heat seal 116a.
[0071] Primary second heat seal 116a may extend sufficiently to
cross over first heat seal 112. Further, primary second heat seal
116a may be formed sufficiently close to lower gasket 66 such that
air is substantially prevented from being drawn through vacuum
storage bag 41 in the area bounded by lower gasket 66 and first
heat seal 112. As a result, substantially all of the air drawn
through vacuum hole 84 will be withdrawn from vacuum storage bag 41
through the remaining unsealed edge. Air will be withdrawn from all
parts of vacuum storage bag 41 through oblique channels 4a and 4b
as previously described.
[0072] Vacuum storage bag 41 may remain in place, with second edge
114 against side guidepost 88, until a sufficient vacuum has been
drawn therein. Then, power may be applied to a secondary portion of
heat sealing strip 90 (reference FIG. 10), as described above, to
form a continuous second seal comprised of primary second heat seal
116a and secondary second heat seal 116b. First heat seal 112,
primary second heat seal 116a, and secondary second heat seal 116b
now form a continuous seal across the top of vacuum storage bag 41
to retain the vacuum formed therein.
[0073] FIG. 12 illustrates the effectiveness of an "L" shaped
sealing pattern under several misalignment scenarios. First heat
seal 112 may be formed at the top of vacuum storage bag 41 as
described above. Second heat seal 116 may also be formed at the top
of vacuum bag, to form a continuous seal across the top of vacuum
storage bag 41, with normal intersection point 117, as described
above.
[0074] In some cases second heat seal 116 may be misaligned
relative to first heat seal 112; however, a continuous seal will
still be formed across the top of vacuum bag because of the
overlapping "L" shaped sealing patterns. For example top misaligned
second heat seal 120, together with first heat seal 112, forms a
continuous seal across the top of vacuum storage bag 41 with top
intersection point 121. Alternatively, bottom misaligned second
heat seal 122, together with first heat seal 112, also forms a
continuous seal across the top of vacuum storage bag 41, in this
case with bottom intersection point 123. It follows that first heat
seal 112 and second heat seal may both be misaligned while still
producing a continuous seal across the top of vacuum storage bag
41.
[0075] FIG. 13 provides a top view of hand-held vacuum storage
appliance 50, showing the top of top half 52, hand-held hinge 56,
offset clamp 68, and second clamp 130. Hand-held storage appliance
50 is designed to accommodate vacuum storage bags 41 having a
variety of widths and formats as described above.
[0076] Vacuum storage bag 41 may be inserted into front loading
area 132 with its right edge 133 against right alignment mark 134.
Right alignment mark 134 may be located immediately above side
guidepost 88 (reference FIG. 9). Vacuum storage bag 41 may be
pushed rearwards until open edge 135 rests against rear alignment
mark 136. Rear alignment mark 136 may be located directly above
rear guide posts 62a and 62b (reference FIG. 9). Precise alignment
is not a critical requirement, as described above.
[0077] At this point the user must observe whether or not the left
side of vacuum storage bag 41 extends past left alignment mark 138.
If so, then the user may execute a two step process consisting of
seal only followed by vacuum seal. If the left side of vacuum
storage bag 41 does not extend past left alignment mark 138, then
the user only needs to execute a single step process consisting of
vacuum seal left alignment mark 138 may be located immediately
above the left edge of lower gasket 66 (reference FIG. 9).
[0078] In this case left edge 137 extends past left alignment mark
138, necessitating a two step process. The first seal only step may
be initiated by aligning vacuum storage bag 41 against right
alignment mark 134 and rear alignment mark 136. Then top half 52
may be pushed down to engage offset clamp 68 and second clamp 130
with offset grip 70 and second grip 82, respectively (reference
FIG. 9). Offset clamp 68 and offset grip 70 are intentionally
offset and located behind rear alignment mark 136 to allow vacuum
storage bag 41 to be aligned with rear alignment mark 136 and still
extend past the left edge of upper half 52.
[0079] Once vacuum storage bag 41 has been clamped in this
position, the first seal only step may be completed by pressing
seal only button 140. Seal only light 142 may then be illuminated
with a first colour to indicate that the sealing process is
underway. The colour of seal only light 142 may be changed to a
second colour after the seal only process has been complete,
indicating to the user the vacuum storage bag 41 may be removed
from the system. Offset clamp 68 and second clamp 130 may be
manually or automatically released at this point in time. Several
other control mechanisms and user interface algorithms may be used
to accomplish the same end result.
[0080] The second vacuum seal step may be initiated by turning over
vacuum storage bag 41 and re-inserting it into hand-held vacuum
storage appliance 50 such that left edge 137 is now aligned with
right alignment mark 134, and the now partially sealed open edge
153 is aligned with rear alignment mark 136. Then top half 52 may
be pushed down to engage offset clamp 68 and second clamp 130 with
offset grip 70 and second grip 82, respectively (reference FIG.
9).
[0081] Once vacuum storage bag 41 has been clamped in this second
position, the second vacuum seal step may be completed by pressing
vacuum seal button 144. Vacuum seal light 146 may then be
illuminated with a first colour to indicate that the vacuum seal
process is underway. The colour of vacuum seal light 146 may be
changed to a second colour after the vacuum seal process has been
completed, indicating to the user that vacuum storage bag 41 may be
removed from the system. Offset clamp 68 and second clamp 130 may
be manually or automatically released at this point in time.
Several other control mechanisms and user interface algorithms may
be used to accomplish the same end result.
[0082] Should vacuum storage bag 41 not extend past left alignment
mark 138, the user need only complete a single step process
consisting of the vacuum seal process only. This step may be
initiated by inserting the smaller format vacuum storage bag 41
into hand-held vacuum storage appliance 50 such that right edge 133
is aligned with right alignment mark 134. Then top half 52 may be
pushed down to engage offset clamp 68 and second clamp 130 with
offset grip 70 and second grip 82, respectively (reference FIG.
9).
[0083] Once the smaller format vacuum storage bag 41 has been
clamped in this position, the single vacuum seal step may be
completed by pressing vacuum seal button 144. Vacuum seal light 146
may then be illuminated with a first colour to indicate that the
vacuum seal process is underway. The colour of vacuum seal light
146 may be changed to a second colour after the vacuum seal process
has been completed, indicating to the user that the smaller format
vacuum storage bag 41 may be removed from the system. Offset clamp
68 and second clamp 130 may be manually or automatically released
at this point in time. Several other control mechanisms and user
interface algorithms may be used to accomplish the same end
result.
[0084] Should the user accidentally press vacuum seal button 144,
as a first step, for a vacuum storage bag 41 that extends past left
alignment mark 138, then a controller may be used to sense the fact
that the level of vacuum within vacuum storage bag 41 is not
increasing at an acceptable rate, and within an acceptable amount
of time, indicating that the air is being withdrawn from an open or
partially open rather than a sealed vacuum storage bag 41. The
controller, upon deducing this situation, may then revert back to a
seal only step and perhaps communicate this to the user by
illuminating seal only light 142 in some noticeable manner, or
through some other suitable means. The user may then turn over the
bag, as previously described, and complete the vacuum sealing
process by pressing the vacuum seal button once again.
[0085] Should vacuum storage bag 41 be supplied as vacuum bag in
roll format 30 (reference FIG. 6) then seal only button 140 may be
used to seal the open end of vacuum bag in roll format 30. Seal
only button 140 may be used once for a vacuum bag in roll format 30
that does not extend past left alignment mark 138 when aligned with
right alignment mark 134, or twice for a vacuum bag in roll format
30 that does extend past left alignment mark 138 when alignment
with right alignment mark 134, providing that in the latter
instance vacuum bag in roll format 30 is removed, turned over, and
then re-aligned with right alignment mark 134 prior to the second
use of seal only button 140, as previously described. After sealing
one end in the manner, vacuum bag in roll format 30, in effect,
becomes vacuum bag in bag format 40, and may be vacuum sealed as
described above.
[0086] Hand-held vacuum storage appliance 50 may be held above
vacuum storage bag 41 during the vacuum sealing process. This will
substantially prevent any fluids contained within vacuum storage
bag 41 from being drawn into vacuum storage appliance 50 with the
air that is being withdrawn from vacuum storage bag 41.
[0087] FIG. 14 provides a side view of front loading vacuum storage
appliance 150, which includes a main body 152 and a front cover 154
hinged and joined together at front loading hinge 156. Front cover
154 may generally contain a control mechanism and a user interface,
since it is visible to the user. Main body 152 may generally
contain a power supply, a controller, and a vacuum pumping system.
Various other layouts and configurations are also possible.
[0088] Vacuum storage bag 41, having open vacuum bag edge 46, may
contain object 58. Vacuum storage bag 41 may be a vacuum bag in bag
format 40 (reference FIG. 7), or a vacuum bag in roll format sealed
at on end to from a vacuum bag as previously described (reference
FIG. 6).
[0089] The user may insert open vacuum bag edge 46 into front
loading gasketed opening 160 until open vacuum bag edge 46 rests
against upper guidepost 162. At this point open vacuum bag edge 46
will be correctly positioned between front gasket 164 and rear
gasket 166.
[0090] FIG. 15 provides a front view of main body 152, and
illustrates the auto bag sensing and pull-in mechanisms. In this
case it may be seen that when vacuum storage bag is inserted until
open vacuum bag edge 46 rests against upper guideposts 162a, 162b,
and 162c, open vacuum bag edge 46 will also push against and
activate left vacuum bag sensing lever 168a and/or right vacuum bag
sensing lever 168b. Vacuum bag sensing levers 168a and 168b are
positioned across the width of main body 152 to accommodate any
irregularities in open vacuum bag edge 46, and to more reliably
sense the presence of vacuum storage bag 41 within the system.
[0091] At such time as vacuum bag sensing levers 168a and/or 168b
are activated, a controller may automatically move pull-in pins
170a and 170b towards the rear of main body 152. Pull-in pins 170a
and 170b may be releasably attached to front cover 154, which is
also rotationally attached to main body 152 at front loading hinge
pins 156a and 156b (reference FIG. 13). The action of moving
pull-in pins 170a and 170b towards the rear of main body 152 will
cause the rear face of front cover to be aligned parallel with the
front face of main body 152, compressing front gasket 164 against
rear gasket 166, and holding vacuum storage bag 41 in the correct
position for further sealing and/or vacuum storage operations.
[0092] The force applied to pull-in pins 170a and 170b may be
sufficient to hold vacuum storage bag 41 in place and form a
suitable seal around the interface between front gasket 164, rear
gasket 166, and vacuum storage, while being sufficiently limited as
to not cause damage to a finger or other foreign object that may be
accidentally inserted between front gasket 164 and rear gasket 166
(reference FIG. 13). Alternatively, a force limiting controller may
sense that an object other than vacuum storage bag 41 has been
inserted between front gasket 164 and rear gasket 166, and limit
the applied force accordingly.
[0093] Front gasket 164 and/or rear gasket 166 may contain hollow
areas which allow air to be drawn through all or a portion of open
vacuum bag edge 46, which is now contained within the sealed
perimeter of front gasket 164 and rear gasket 166, by withdrawing
air through front loading vacuum hole 174. Once a sufficient vacuum
has been drawn within vacuum storage bag 41, power may be applied
to heat sealing bar 172 to seal the vacuum within vacuum storage
bag 41. Finally, pull-in pins 170a and 170b may be released to
allow for the removal of a sealed vacuum storage bag 41.
[0094] FIG. 16 illustrates how pull-in pins 170a and 170b interface
with front cover 154. Pull-in pin 170a, and 170b (not shown)
protrude into front cover 154 to releasably interface with sliding
latch 180. Pull-in pin 170a remains releasably attached to sliding
latch 180 during normal operation, with sliding latch 180 between
shoulder 182 and extended head 184. This configuration allows front
cover 154 to be pushed or pulled by pushing or pulling pull-in pin
170a, respectively, from within main body 152. In this case,
pull-in pin 170a has been fully pulled from within main body 154,
compressing front gasket 164 against rear gasket 166. Pull-in pins
170a and 170b may be activated using solenoids or any other
convenient means of activation.
[0095] FIGS. 17a and 17b illustrate how pull-in pins 170a and 170b
may be releasably attached to sliding latches 180a and 180b,
respectively. In this case front cover 154 and sliding latch 180a
are viewed from the front, and sliding latch 180a is in mechanical
communication with release button 190a. During normal operation, as
represented by FIG. 17a, retainer spring 192a may hold sliding
latch 180a in a leftmost position such that pull-in pin 170a is
held firmly within necked in area 194a. However sliding latch 180a
may be released from pull-in pin 170a by pushing in release button
190a to free pull-in pin 170a from necked in area 194a, as
represented by FIG. 17b. This allows front cover to be swung
outwards and upwards from main body 152 (reference FIG. 15) for
cleaning and other purposes.
[0096] The pushing in of release button 194a will put retainer
spring 192a under tension, causing release button 194a to return to
a normal position as soon as the user removes a finger from release
button 194a. Retainer spring 192a will also allow sliding latch 180
to automatically re-engage with pull-in pin 170a, upon placing
front cover back in the normal position, by first allowing sliding
latch 180 to slide to the right and then back to the left as necked
in area 194a slides over extended head 184 (reference FIG. 15).
Sliding latch 180b (not shown) may be releasably attached to
pull-in pin 170b (not shown) in a similar manner, although the
direction of travel of sliding latch 180b, to initiate the release,
will be the reverse of sliding latch 180a.
[0097] FIG. 18 provides a side view of front loading vacuum storage
appliance 150 with work platform 200 and roll feed mechanism 202
for vacuum bags in roll format 30. Vacuum bags in roll format 30
may be rotationally dispensed from roll feed mechanism 202. Vacuum
bags in roll format may be inserted in between work platform 200
and main body 152, over fixed retainer bar 203, and under moving
retainer bar 204 so that they may be easily accessed from the front
of front loading storage appliance 150. Further, moving retainer
bar 204 holds vacuum bag in bag format 30 against work platform
front lip 206 so that a new length of vacuum bag in bag format 30
is automatically pulled forward when work platform 200 is pulled
forward.
[0098] Work platform 200 may be pulled forward from the front of
front loading vacuum storage appliance 150 by pulling bottom tab
208 down and forward until front support arm 210 slides past and is
held up by locking pin 212. Locking pin 212, together with front
support arm 210, forms a type of fulcrum which translates a
downward force at the front extremity of work platform 200 to an
upward force against the bottom of main body 152 at the rear
extremity of work platform 200, creating a stable work platform 200
when in the extended position (dotted lines). Rear support arm 214
keeps work platform 200 parallel to the bottom surface of main body
152 at all times. An extended work platform retainer spring 207 may
store sufficient potential energy to return work platform 200 to a
retracted position when required.
[0099] FIG. 19 shows work platform 200 in the extended position. An
appropriate length of vacuum bag in bag format 30 may be
conveniently cut by sliding cutting blade 220 across the top
surface of vacuum bag in bag format 30. Cutting blade 220 may
extend down into cutting recess 222, on the top surface of work
platform 200, to ensure a smooth cut across the full width of
vacuum bag in bag format 30. Cutting blade 220 may be manually or
automatically activated.
[0100] A cut length of vacuum bag in bag format 30 may be sealed on
one end to form vacuum storage bag 41. Vacuum storage bag 41,
containing object 58, may then be placed on an extended work
platform 200 with open edge 46 extending upwards between front
gasket 164 and rear gasket 166 until it rests against upper guide
post 162. Then, front cover 152 will be automatically pulled in to
start the vacuum storage and sealing process as previously
described. Vacuum storage bag 41 may also be used with work
platform 200 in the retracted position, particularly when object 58
is sufficiently light to be easily supported by the user throughout
the vacuum sealing process.
[0101] Of particular note is the fact that open edge 46 opens
upwards, and that open edge 46 is located some distance above fluid
59 that may be associated with object 58 in vacuum storage bag 41.
This configuration substantially prevents the air withdrawing
mechanism contained within main body 152 from inadvertently pulling
in fluid 59 along with the air contained within vacuum storage bag
41.
[0102] Work platform 200 may be returned to the retracted position
at any time by first depressing locking pin 212 such that front
support arm 210 may swing freely downwards and rearwards. Locking
pin 212 may be in mechanical or electromechanical communication
with rear locking pin 213 to release rear support arm 214 in a
similar manner. The potential energy stored in an extended work
platform retainer spring 207 may supply substantially all of the
power necessary to return work platform 200 to a retracted
position, and to hold it there. Moving retainer bar 204 may be
configured to interface with fixed retainer bar 203 such that the
cut edge of vacuum bag in bag format 30 becomes retained by moving
retainer bar 204 so that it will be automatically pulled out with
work platform 200 upon the next extension of work platform 200.
[0103] FIG. 20 provides a front perspective view of front loading
vacuum storage appliance 150 and illustrates several operational
features. Front cover 154 contains digital calendar 240, seal only
button 242, seal only light 244, vacuum seal button 246, vacuum
seal light 248, alignment guide 250, and front cover release button
190. Also visible are work platform 200, pull tab 208, the leading
(exposed) edge of vacuum bag in bag format 30, and retractable
vacuum hose 252. Retractable vacuum hose 252 may be used to
conveniently draw a vacuum in wine bottles, storage containers
adapted with a vacuum seal, and the like, for vacuum storage
purposes.
[0104] Front cover 154 remains closed against main body 152 when
front loading vacuum storage appliance 150 is not in use. The user
may prepare the unit for use by pressing either seal only button
242 or vacuum seal button 246, at which time the bottom edge of
front cover 152 moves forward relative to main body 152, front
cover 154 being rotationally attached to main body 152 at front
loading hinge 156, to create front loading gasketed opening 160
(reference FIG. 14). Thereafter, the process is automatic and does
not require the user to do anything other than support the vacuum
bag and position it correctly within front loading vacuum storage
appliance 150.
[0105] The vacuum storage process may begin by pulling out work
platform 200. This will automatically pull out a length of vacuum
bag in roll format 30, which is stored at the back of front loading
vacuum storage appliance 150. Vacuum bag in roll format 30 may be
further pulled out and then cut at the required length with cutting
blade 220 (reference FIG. 19).
[0106] The cut length of vacuum bag in roll format 30 may be sealed
at one end by first pressing seal only button 242 to open front
cover 154 as previously described. Seal only light 244 may be
illuminated with a first colour to indicate that front loading
vacuum storage appliance 150 is ready and waiting for the insertion
of vacuum bag in roll format 30. Vacuum bag in roll format 30 may
then be inserted into front loading gasketed opening 160 (reference
FIG. 14) with its right edge against alignment guide 250. Vacuum
bag in roll format 30 may then be pushed upwards until the open
edge rests against upper guide posts 162a, 162b, and 162c, and
activates vacuum bag sensing levers 168a and 168b (reference FIG.
15). Vacuum bag sensing levers 168a and 168b may communicate with a
controller to automatically close front cover 154 against the
inserted vacuum bag in roll format 30, initiate the seal only
process, and illuminate seal only light 244 with a second colour
during the seal only process. Once the seal only process has been
completed, seal only light 244 may then be illuminated with a third
colour, or otherwise communicate to the user that the process has
been completed, and front cover 154 may be opened a sufficient
distance to allow the sealed vacuum bag in roll format 30 to be
removed.
[0107] The user may then place an object to be vacuum sealed into
the sealed length of vacuum bag in roll format 30. Alternatively a
user may place an object to be vacuum sealed into a pre-formed
vacuum bag in bag format 40 (reference FIG. 7). For simplicity,
both configurations shall henceforth be referred to as vacuum
storage bag 41 (reference FIG. 11).
[0108] Vacuum storage bag 41, containing an object to be vacuum
sealed, may be vacuum sealed by first pressing vacuum seal button
246 to open front cover 154 as previously described. Vacuum seal
light 248 may then be illuminated with a first colour to indicate
that front loading vacuum storage appliance is ready and waiting
for the insertion of vacuum storage bag 41. Vacuum storage bag 41
may then be inserted into front loading gasketed opening 160
(reference FIG. 14) with its right edge against alignment guide
250. Vacuum storage bag 41 may then be pushed upwards until the
open edge rests against upper guide posts 162a, 162b, and 162c, and
activates vacuum bag sensing levers 168a and 168b (reference FIG.
15). Vacuum bag sensing levers 168a and 168b may communicate with a
controller to automatically close front cover 154 against the
inserted vacuum storage bag 41, initiate the vacuum seal process,
and illuminate vacuum seal light 248 with a second colour. This
will, in turn, establish an appropriate level of vacuum within
vacuum storage bag 41, form a heat seal across the top edge of
vacuum storage bag 41, and apply a date stamp to vacuum storage bag
41 corresponding to the date displayed on digital calendar 240.
(The date stamp mechanism may be comprised of a series of small
multi-segment heating elements that resemble LEDs, and may be
controlled user similar logic, but produce heat rather than light.)
Once the vacuum seal process has been completed, vacuum seal light
248 may be illuminated with a third colour, or otherwise
communicate to the user that the process has been completed, and
front cover 154 may be opened a sufficient distance to allow the
vacuum packed, sealed, and date stamped vacuum storage bag 41 to be
removed.
[0109] A user wishing to draw a vacuum in a bottle, canister, or
other container may use retractable vacuum hose 252. This process
may be started by pulling out a sufficient length of retractable
vacuum hose 252 such that it may be attached to the bottle,
canister or other container. Then, the user may press vacuum hose
button 254 to initiate the vacuum storage process. Vacuum seal
light 248 may illuminate, change colour, or otherwise communicate
to the user that the vacuum seal process has been completed. Front
cover 154 will remain closed throughout this process to retain a
seal in this area and allow a vacuum to be drawn within the bottle,
canister, or other container attached to retractable vacuum hose
252.
[0110] The elevated mounting of front loading vacuum storage
appliance 150, i.e. under overhead cupboard 258, provides for a
reasonable amount of space under the unit. Vacuum storage docking
station 256, mounted on the underside of front loading vacuum
storage appliance 150, makes use of this space by allowing bottle
258 to be connected to front loading vacuum storage appliance 150
by simply plugging it into the bottom of front loading vacuum
storage appliance 150 rather than using retractable vacuum hose
252. A sensor attached to vacuum storage docking station 256 may
sense the presence of bottle 258 and communicate with a controller
to initiate the vacuum storage process. Vacuum seal light 248 may
illuminate, change colour, or otherwise communicate to the user
that the vacuum seal process has been completed. Front cover 154
will remain closed throughout this process to retain a seal in this
area and allow a vacuum to be drawn within the bottle 258,
canister, or other container attached to vacuum storage docking
station 256. This feature will be particularly useful for the quick
vacuum storage of spice bottles designed for this purpose, wine
bottles, food canisters, and the like.
[0111] FIG. 21 illustrates two stage vacuum pumping system 260 that
may be used with front loading vacuum storage appliances 150
(reference FIG. 19) and a variety of other vacuum storage
appliances and devices. Two stage pumping system 260 may be used to
shorten the time required to establish a suitable vacuum in vacuum
storage bag 41, or establish a suitable vacuum in a bottle or
container attached to retractable vacuum hose 252 for vacuum
storage purposes. Controller 268 may open control valve 269 at the
appropriate time, prior to establishing a suitable vacuum in a
bottle or container attached to retractable vacuum hose 252.
Control valve 269 may remain closed at all other times.
[0112] Primary vacuum pump 262 may be a high volume vacuum pump,
capable of drawing only a limited level of vacuum. Secondary vacuum
pump 264 may be a low volume vacuum pump, capable of drawing a
suitable vacuum for vacuum storage purposes. Primary exhaust check
valve 263 and secondary exhaust check valve 265 may be affixed in
the exhaust ports of primary vacuum pump 262 and secondary vacuum
pump 264, respectively, to prevent the back flow of air through the
exhaust ports when the individual vacuum pumps are not running.
[0113] Vacuum sensor 266 senses the level of vacuum within two
stage vacuum pumping system 260, and any vacuum storage bag 41 or
container attached to retractable vacuum hose 252, that may be
attached to vacuum pumping system 260. Vacuum sensor 266 provides a
signal to and is in communication with controller 268.
[0114] Altitude sensor 267 senses the altitude at which the system
is being used, either by sensing pressure or by some other means.
Alternatively, altitude sensor 267 may be sensitive to a manual
adjustment that allows the user to input an altitude to the system.
Alternatively, altitude sensor 267 may be incorporated as part of
vacuum sensor 266 by using a combined pressure and vacuum sensor
for vacuum sensor 266, and taking an altitude depending pressure
reading at such time(s) as main channel 270 is not sealed and is
open to the atmosphere, for example just prior to each use of the
system. In either case, altitude sensor 267 is in communication
with controller 268 such that controller 268 is aware of the
operating conditions. Controller 268 may use the input from
altitude sensor 267 to set a first threshold pressure and a second
threshold pressure, corresponding to an intermediate and target
set-points respectively, that is suitable for the operating
conditions. As an example, a target set point of 30" Hg vacuum may
be achievable at sea level but not at 5000' altitude. The
controller may adjust the target set point downwards by
approximately 1" Hg vacuum for each 1000' altitude to achieve the
desired set-point level. Other algorithms and combinations of set
points may be used to achieve similar results.
[0115] Controller 268 may first provide power to primary vacuum
pump 262 and secondary vacuum pump 264 at the beginning of the
vacuum storage process to maximize the speed at which air may be
withdrawn through main channel 270. Controller 268 may then
disconnect power from primary vacuum pump 264 when vacuum sensor
266 indicates that the vacuum within the system has reached a first
threshold level, and retain power to secondary pump 264 until such
time as vacuum sensor 266 indicates that the level of vacuum within
the system has reached a second threshold level that corresponds to
a suitable level of vacuum for vacuum storage purposes. Controller
268 may then disconnect power from secondary vacuum pump 264 to
prevent any further withdrawal of air from the system.
[0116] Finally, controller 268 may indicate to the user that a
suitable level of vacuum has been drawn and may then apply power to
heat sealing bar 172 while supplying the correct date to and
supplying power to the date stamping mechanism.
[0117] FIG. 22 illustrates an alternative means to speed up the
vacuum packing process while using only secondary vacuum pump 264
and vacuum retaining chamber 280. Secondary vacuum pump 264 may be
a low volume vacuum pump, capable of drawing a suitable vacuum for
vacuum storage purposes, and fitted with secondary exhaust check
valve 265.
[0118] Controller 268 may first open vacuum retention valve 280 and
apply power to secondary vacuum pump 264 to establish a suitable
food storage level of vacuum in vacuum retaining chamber 280.
Vacuum retaining chamber 282 may be of any suitable shape that may
fit within the confines of the vacuum storage appliance, or in fact
may be defined by all or parts of the vacuum storage appliance all
or some of the vacuum storage appliance components being contained
within vacuum retaining chamber 280. Controller 268 may close
vacuum retention valve 280 and remove power from secondary vacuum
pump 264 when the system has reached an altitude adjusted second
threshold level of vacuum as previously described. Secondary
exhaust check valve 265 prevents the backflow of air into the
system.
[0119] In this case, controller 268 may simultaneously open vacuum
retention valve 280 and apply power to secondary vacuum pump 264 at
the beginning of the vacuum storage process to maximize the speed
at which air may be withdrawn through main channel 270. This will
create an immediate and increased vacuum pumping capability, as the
flow of air being absorbed by the vacuum within vacuum retaining
chamber 282 will enhance the normal vacuum pumping capabilities of
secondary vacuum pump 264.
[0120] Controller 268 may then close vacuum retention valve 280
when vacuum sensor 266 indicates that the vacuum within the system
has reached a first threshold level, and retain power to secondary
pump 264 until such time as vacuum sensor 266 indicates that the
level of vacuum within main channel 270 and any vacuum storage
device attached to main channel 270, has reached a second threshold
level that corresponds to a suitable level of vacuum for vacuum
storage purposes. At that time controller 268 may indicate to the
user that a suitable level of vacuum has been drawn and may then
apply power to heat sealing bar 172 while supplying the correct
date to and supplying power to the date stamping mechanism. Finally
controller 268 may remove power from secondary pump 268 to complete
the vacuum sealing process.
[0121] At some time later, when the system is not in use and inner
gasket 166 and outer gasket 164 have been re-sealed, controller 268
may once again open vacuum retention valve 280 and apply power to
secondary vacuum pump 264 to establish a suitable food storage
level of vacuum in vacuum retaining chamber 280, thus preparing the
system for a subsequent vacuum storage operation. Vacuum retaining
chamber 282 acts as a type of vacuum storage battery that speeds
the rate at which air may be withdrawn from an external bag or
container, and may be re-charged by secondary vacuum pump 264
between uses.
[0122] FIG. 23 illustrates a passive vacuum indicator 290 that may
be used to ensure consumers that a suitable food storage vacuum
exists within vacuum storage bag 41 or any other type of vacuum
storage bag or container. Passive vacuum indicator 290 may have an
opaque half 292 and a transparent half 293. Opaque half 292 may
contain vacuum sensitive bladder 294 having flexible sides and
being affixed to opaque half 292 with adhesive 296 or through some
other means. Transparent half 293 may contain perforations 298 to
allow the free flow of air into or out of transparent half 293, or
be permeable through some other method or means.
[0123] Vacuum sensitive bladder 294, being only affixed to opaque
half 292, may be free to expand into or retract out of transparent
half 293. Vacuum sensitive bladder 294, containing a fixed amount
of air or other gas, will expand in a vacuum since as the pressures
inside and outside of vacuum sensitive bladder 294 attempt to
equalize. As a result, vacuum sensitive bladder 294 will expand
into transparent half 293 when passive vacuum indicator 290 is
placed in a vacuum. Further, vacuum sensitive bladder 294 will
extend a farther distance into transparent half 293 as the level of
vacuum increases, until such time as vacuum sensitive bladder 294
hits the end of transparent half 293.
[0124] Passive vacuum indicator 290 is subject to some variability,
e.g. vacuum sensitive bladder 294 may also expand as the
temperature rises; however, it is reliable enough to provide a
clear indication to the user that a suitable vacuum exists for food
storage or marinating purposes. Some variability may be compensated
for by establishing an acceptable operating range, for example by
providing a minimum vacuum line 299 and sizing vacuum sensitive
bladder 294 relative to transparent half 293 such that vacuum
sensitive bladder 294 will hit the end of transparent half 298 at a
level of vacuum achievable at most altitudes, and then indicating
to the user that the level of vacuum is acceptable if the end of
the bladder is anywhere between vacuum line 299 and the end of
transparent half 293. The temperature variability may be minimized
by choosing an appropriate gas, for within vacuum sensitive bladder
294, that is relatively insensitive to temperature changes.
[0125] The functionality of passive vacuum indicator 290 may be
enhanced by providing a bright and suitable colour for vacuum
sensitive bladder 294 that may be clearly visible through
transparent half 293. Further, different coloured bands may be
applied to vacuum sensitive bladder 294 such that, for example, a
first visible red band moves towards the end of transparent half
293, and a second visible green band becomes visible as vacuum
sensitive bladder 293 expands under a vacuum. Under this
configuration, the user may be confident that a suitable level of
vacuum exists upon seeing the green band.
[0126] It should be realized that several different configurations
are possible using the vacuum sensitive bladder technique. Others
may include a button that is made to protrude upon the expansion of
a vacuum sensitive bladder, or possibly just a uniquely shaped
vacuum sensitive bladder with a recessed area that only becomes
visible when the vacuum sensitive bladder expands under a vacuum.
All of these various methods are within the spirit and intent of
the invention taught herein.
[0127] FIG. 24a illustrates vacuum clip 300 in the open position.
Vacuum clip 300 may be opened by gripping top indent 302 with one's
forefingers, resting one's palm on vacuum clip actuator 304, and
then squeezing one's hand to draw vacuum clip actuator 304 towards
main body 152, an integral part of front loading vacuum storage
appliance 150.
[0128] This causes vacuum clip 300 to open as vacuum clip actuator
304 rotates on vacuum clip hinge seal 306, moving retaining seal
bracket 308 away from main body 152 such that vacuum storage bag 41
may be inserted into vacuum clip 300, as shown. This opening action
also compresses vacuum clip spring 310, which pushes against
retaining protrusions 312a and 312b, in main body 152 and vacuum
clip actuator 304, respectively, and remains ready to automatically
close vacuum clip 300 as soon as vacuum clip actuator 304 is
released. Vacuum clip actuator 304 may be held in the open position
manually, or with a retaining clip (not shown) that automatically
engages when vacuum clip actuator is in the open position, or
through some other means.
[0129] The operation of vacuum clip 300 is very similar to that of
a standard clipboard, however the function of the former is
substantially different than that of the latter. A standard
clipboard is designed to hold papers and the like in place. Vacuum
clip 300, on the other hand, is specifically designed to hold
vacuum storage bag 41 in place and to seal the open end of vacuum
storage bag 41 against the atmosphere surrounding vacuum clip 300
such that a suitable level of vacuum may be drawn within vacuum
storage bag 41 for food storage purposes. Front loading vacuum
storage appliance 150 may be configured with vacuum clip 300 to
operate conveniently on a table or counter top, to be mounted under
the overhead cupboards, or to be mounted within another cabinet.
Vacuum clip 300 may be combined with other features, as previously
described, in a fixed or detachable manner, to create a variety of
front loading vacuum storage appliance products.
[0130] FIG. 24b illustrates vacuum clip 300 in the closed and
sealed position. In this case vacuum clip actuator 304 has been
released such that it moves away from main body 152. Vacuum clip
actuator 304 may be released manually, or through the releasing
movement of a retaining clip (not shown) that automatically
responds to actuation of vacuum bag sensing mechanism 309, or
through some other means. The progress of vacuum storage bag 41
towards vacuum bag sensing mechanism 309, and correct positioning
of vacuum storage bag 41 within vacuum clip 300, may be easily
monitored through observation window 307. Observation window 307
may be configured to be removable to allow for cleaning,
maintenance, or other purposes.
[0131] The closing of vacuum clip 300 is aided by vacuum clip
spring 310, which retains sufficient potential energy when vacuum
clip 300 is in the fully closed position to press seal bracket 308
firmly against main body 152, thereby holding vacuum storage bag 41
securely in place within vacuum clip 300 such that the open end of
vacuum storage bag 41 is sealed against the atmosphere surrounding
vacuum clip 300. The space remaining around the open end of vacuum
storage bag 41, within this seal, need only be sufficient to allow
the free flow of air through the open end of vacuum storage bag 41.
This will contribute to the performance of the underlying vacuum
appliance since any excess air remaining around the open end of
vacuum storage bag 41, while in vacuum clip 300, would need to be
completely removed before a sufficient level of vacuum may be
achieved within vacuum storage bag 41 for food storage
purposes.
[0132] The seal formed by the closing of vacuum clip 300 is
comprised of a combination of active and passive components which
surround the open end of vacuum storage bag 41, specifically an
active vacuum clip hinge seal 306 in combination with passive
flexible seals 314a and 314b in main body 152 and seal bracket 308,
respectively. Flexible seals 314a and 314b may be constructed of
any flexible material capable of sealing against the outer surface
of vacuum storage bag 41 while allowing air to be pulled from
vacuum storage bag 41 through oblique channels 4a and 4b (reference
FIG. 3). Progressive heat sealing strip 316 remains ready to form a
seal across the open end of vacuum storage bag 41 when and as
required.
[0133] FIG. 25 provides a front view of the vacuum clip 300
components associated with main body 152, after the removal of
vacuum clip actuator 304 and seal bracket 308 (reference FIG. 24a).
Vacuum storage bag 41 remains in place for illustrative purposes
only.
[0134] Vacuum clip hinge seal 306 forms an active seal in parallel
with and above the open end of vacuum storage bag 41, i.e. it
remains sealed regardless of the position of seal bracket 308
(reference FIG. 24) relative to main body 152. Vacuum clip hinge
seal 306 may be inexpensively constructed from plastic, for example
as a flexible and elongated thin line within a molded plastic
assembly comprising all or parts of vacuum clip actuator 304, seal
bracket 308, and/or main body 152 (reference FIG. 24), or through
some other means. The positive seal formed by vacuum clip hinge
seal 306 will improve the performance of the underlying vacuum
appliance, and the mechanical barrier formed by vacuum clip hinge
seal 306 will also prevent the over insertion of vacuum storage bag
41 within vacuum clip 300. Further, small protrusions on the inside
surface of vacuum clip hinge seal 306 may be used to keep vacuum
storage bag 41 a sufficient distance away from vacuum clip hinge
seal 306 so as to allow the free flow of air through the open end
of vacuum storage bag 41.
[0135] Bottom flexible seal 314a, in conjunction with top flexible
seal 314b (reference FIG. 24b), forms a passive seal in parallel
with and below the open end of vacuum storage bag 41, i.e. it only
forms a seal when seal bracket 308 is pressed against main body 152
with sufficient sealing pressure. Flexible seals 314a and 314b may
be sufficiently wide in this area so as to form an acceptable seal
across a wide range of sealing pressures. Further, flexible seals
314a and 314b may be designed with a fluid pool area 324, although
the possibility of drawing fluids from vacuum storage bag 41 during
the vacuum sealing process has been substantially reduced due to
the front loading geometry of the vacuum packaging appliance, as
previously noted. Any collection of fluids in fluid pool area 324
may be monitored through observation window 307 (reference FIG.
24a) and conveniently wiped away on an as required basis.
[0136] Flexible seals 314a and 314b may be extended upwards on both
sides to mate with and seal against vacuum clip hinge seal 306,
thus forming a seal around the entire open end of vacuum storage
bag 41 and isolating it from the atmosphere around vacuum clip 300.
It is important to note that this design will also accommodate a
vacuum storage bag 41 that is wider than the sealed portion of
vacuum clip 300 by allowing a portion of the wider vacuum storage
bag 41 to extend beyond the sides of bottom flexible seal 314a,
allowing for a multi-stage vacuum sealing process as required, for
example, by hand-held vacuum storage appliance 50 (reference FIG.
9). In these cases vacuum clip 300 will only form a seal around the
portion of the open end of vacuum storage bag 41 that has been
inserted into the sealed area within vacuum clip 300.
[0137] Once a seal around the open end of vacuum storage bag 41 has
been formed in this manner, air may be removed from the interior of
vacuum storage bag 41 through vacuum header 320 which may be
further connected to a vacuum pumping system through vacuum port
322. Vacuum header 320 may be of relatively small cross section
with an exposed side running substantially the length of vacuum
clip hinge seal 306, within the sealed area defined by vacuum clip
hinge seal 306 and bottom flexible seal 314a, and above the open
end of vacuum storage bag 41. The extended width of vacuum header
320 allows air to withdrawn from vacuum storage bag 41 across the
width of vacuum storage bag 41. The positioning of vacuum header
320 above the open end of vacuum storage bag 41 substantially
eliminates the possibility of fluids entering the vacuum pumping
system since any fluids pulled from the open end of vacuum storage
bag 41, although this is unlikely due to the front loading geometry
as previous noted, would automatically flow along the downward
sloping length of vacuum header 320, and then flow out from the
lowest point of vacuum header 320 to rest on bottom flexible seal
314a, in liquid pool area 324, where they could be easily wiped
away prior to a next use of the vacuum system. Further, the small
cross section of vacuum header 320, relative to the much larger
cross sections of vacuum chambers and other features taught in the
existing art, substantially reduces the amount of air that must be
removed from the sealed area during the vacuum storage process, and
therefore serves to increase to performance and efficiency of the
vacuum storage system.
[0138] Progressive heat sealing strip 316 may be activated in a
variety of ways to form a heat seal across the top of vacuum
storage bag 41, thereby retaining the vacuum that has been formed
therein. Traditional vacuum sealing systems use a serial process to
first form a vacuum within vacuum storage bag 41, and then create a
seal to retain that vacuum. While this approach works, the time
required to complete the process is unnecessarily long as it is the
sum of the time required to draw the required vacuum plus the time
required to form the seal. Progressive heat seal 316 may be
operated in this manner; however, it's design allows the vacuum and
sealing processes to be executed using a much more efficient
parallel algorithm as described below.
[0139] The parallel algorithm, in conjunction with the unique
design of progressive heat sealing strip 316, allows the vacuum
pumping process and the heat sealing process to begin
simultaneously and continue in a parallel fashion until both
processes have been completed. This reduces the overall time
required to complete both processes, and also allows the use of a
lower capacity, slower, and less expensive vacuum pump since the
heat sealing process is typically the most time consuming process.
In addition, the power required to energize a segment of
progressive heat sealing strip 316, as outlined below, is
substantially less than the power required to energize all of heat
sealing strip 316, meaning that a much smaller and therefore lower
cost power supply may be used to complete the heat sealing
process.
[0140] In a first parallel phase the vacuum pumping system may be
turned on and first progressive heat sealing strip 316a may be
simultaneously energized to form a heat seal across approximately
40% of the width of vacuum storage bag 41 as air is being withdrawn
from vacuum storage bag 41. It is important to note that air may be
withdrawn from the full width of the open end of vacuum storage bag
41 at the beginning of this first parallel process, and that air
may continue to be withdrawn from the approximately 60% of the
width of vacuum storage bag 41 that remains open at the end of this
process, i.e. after first progressive heat sealing strip 316a has
completed its task and has been de-energized. In fact air may still
be withdrawn from the entire inside volume of vacuum storage bag
41, despite the imposed restriction at the open end of vacuum
storage bag 41, due to the arrangement of air channels within
vacuum storage bag 41 as previously described.
[0141] In a second parallel phase the vacuum pumping system may be
left on and second progressive heat sealing strip 316b may be
simultaneously energized to form a second heat seal, connecting
with the first heat seal to form a continuous heat seal across
approximately 80% of the width of vacuum storage bag 41, as air
continues to be withdrawn from vacuum storage bag 41. Again, air
may continue to be withdrawn from the entire inside volume of
vacuum storage bag 41, through the approximately 20% of the width
of vacuum storage bag 41 that remains open at the end of the second
parallel phase.
[0142] In a third and final parallel phase the vacuum pumping
system may be left on until a suitable level of vacuum has been
achieved within vacuum storage bag 41. Then third heat sealing
strip 316c may be energized to form a third heat seal, connecting
with the first two heat seals to form a continuous heat seal across
the entire width of vacuum storage bag 41, as air continues to be
withdrawn from vacuum storage bag 41. The vacuum pumping system may
then be turned off to complete the vacuum sealing process and allow
for the removal of vacuum storage bag 41 from vacuum clip 300.
[0143] The parallel process and progressive sealing techniques
described above may be used to develop a variety of vacuum sealing
algorithms using a variety of different segmentation geometries for
progressive heat sealing strip 316. In applications where a range
of sizes of vacuum storage bag 41 may be anticipated, an alignment
mark, visible through observation window 307 or marked elsewhere on
front loading vacuum storage appliance 150 (reference FIG. 24a),
may be required to guide the user to position vacuum storage bag 41
such that the open end of vacuum storage bag 41 is not completely
sealed until an acceptable level of vacuum has been achieved within
vacuum storage bag 41. In other applications it may be more
desirable to position the final phase seal, i.e. third progressive
heat sealing strip 316c or it's equivalent, closer to the middle of
vacuum header 320 in order to accommodate a variety of sizes of
vacuum storage bag 41 without requiring such precise alignment. In
this case, the re-positioned third heat sealing strip 316c could be
made clearly visible through observation window 307, using a unique
colour or some other distinctive feature, and the user instructed
to ensure that vacuum storage bag 41 at least covers the
re-positioned third heat sealing strip 316c prior to initiating the
vacuum sealing process.
[0144] FIG. 26 illustrates vacuum clip 300 with active seals 340a
and 340b on the left and right sides, respectively. Active seals
340a and/or 340b may be used to improve the performance of vacuum
clip 300 in applications where it is known that vacuum storage bag
41 will not need to extend past one or both sides of flexible seals
314a and 314b. Vacuum clip hinge seal 306 continues to provide an
active seal along the back or top of vacuum clip 300 as previously
described.
[0145] In this case retaining seal bracket 308 may be extended to
include seal bracket sides 342a and 342b. Seal bracket sides 342a
and 342b may be configured to compress and therefore seal against
the left and right sides, respectively, of bottom flexible seal
314a as they move past bottom flexible seal 314a. This compression
of seal bracket sides 342a and 342b against the left and right
sides of bottom flexible seal 314a creates active seals 340a and
340b, respectively, which remain sealed as vacuum clip 300 is being
closed. Then, flexible seals 314a and 314b will compress against an
inserted vacuum storage bag 41 (not shown) to completely seal the
open end of vacuum storage bag 41 against the atmosphere around
vacuum clip 300, once vacuum clip 300 is completely closed, and as
previously described.
[0146] It should be noted that the geometry of active seals 340a
and 340b is such that any level of vacuum within vacuum clip 300
will draw seal bracket sides 342a and 342b into tighter compression
against the sides of bottom flexible seal 314a, improving the
performance of active seals 340a and 340b. Further, it should be
noted that this configuration precludes the requirement for top
flexible seal 314b to have sides extending back to vacuum clip
hinge seal 306, thus reducing the cost, complexity, and weight of
top flexible seal 314b. Tripping feature 344, or some other
feature, may be added to seal bracket sides 342a and/or 342b to
communicate the open or closed status of vacuum clip 300 to a
control mechanism.
[0147] Active seals 340a and 340b may be deployed on one or both
sides of vacuum clip 300, depending on the requirements of a
specific application. For example, a device designed for the use of
vacuum storage bags wider than vacuum clip 300 may be designed with
right active seal 340b on the right side of vacuum clip 300 and a
passive seal on the left side of vacuum clip 300, as previously
described (reference FIG. 24b). In this case, vacuum storage bags
wider then vacuum clip 300 may be allowed to extend past the left
side of vacuum clip 300. Right active seal 340b serves a dual
purpose in that it provides the necessary seal on the right side of
vacuum clip 300, and it provides a convenient alignment mechanism
to ensure that the right side of vacuum storage bag 41 (reference
FIG. 24b) is positioned at, but does not extend beyond, the right
side of vacuum clip 300.
[0148] FIG. 27 illustrates alternative vacuum clip 350, with
inserted vacuum bar 352, in the open position. Similar to vacuum
clip 300, alternative vacuum clip 350 may be opened by gripping top
indent 302 with one's forefingers, resting one's palm on vacuum
clip actuator 304, and then squeezing one's hand to draw vacuum
clip actuator 304 towards main body 152, an integral part of front
loading vacuum storage appliance 150. This causes alternative
vacuum clip 350 to open as vacuum clip actuator 304 rotates on
vacuum clip hinge 356, moving retaining seal bracket 308 away from
main body 152 such that vacuum storage bag 41 may be inserted into
alternative vacuum clip 350, as shown. This opening action also
compresses vacuum clip spring 310 which pushes against retaining
protrusions 312a and 312b, in main body 152 and vacuum clip
actuator 304, respectively, and remains ready to automatically
close alternative vacuum clip 350 as soon as vacuum clip actuator
304 is released. Vacuum clip actuator 304 may be held in the open
position manually, or with a retaining clip (not shown) that
automatically engages when vacuum clip actuator is in the open
position, or through some other means.
[0149] In this case vacuum storage bag 41 is inserted into
alternative vacuum clip 350 such that one side of vacuum storage
bag 41 is above vacuum bar 352, and the other side of vacuum
storage bag 41 is below vacuum bar 352. Vacuum storage bag 41 may
be further inserted until the open end of vacuum storage bag 41
extends past flexible seal strips 360a and 360b and also extends
past locating pins 358. The further insertion of vacuum storage bag
41 may be curtailed by positioning actuator 362 which acts as a
physical barrier for the top side of vacuum storage bag 41. The
user may monitor the process of inserting vacuum storage bag 41
through observation window 307.
[0150] Positioning actuator 362 may be configured for multiple
functions within alternative vacuum clip 350. First, positioning
actuator 362 positions and retains vacuum bar 352 a suitable
distance away from top flexible seal strip 360b, allowing the top
side of vacuum storage bag 41 to be inserted between vacuum bar 352
and top flexible seal strip 360b. (Vacuum bar 352 will be retained
against positioning actuator 362 by the potential energy within
flexible spring tube connector 364, i.e. by the propensity for
flexible spring tube connector 364 to remain straight. Flexible
spring tube connector 364 also serves to retain vacuum bar 352 a
suitable distance away from bottom flexible seal strip 360a, until
such time as vacuum bar 352 is pressed against bottom flexible seal
strip 360a by the closing of alternative vacuum clip 350.) Second,
positioning actuator 362 serves as a physical barrier to prevent
the over-insertion of vacuum storage bag 41, as previously
described. Third, positioning actuator 362 may be used as a sensor
to communicate the presence of vacuum storage bag 41 within
alternative vacuum to a controller within front loading vacuum
storage appliance 150. Positioning actuator 362 may itself be
constructed of flexible material, or be allowed to move within
retaining seal bracket 308, in order to allow vacuum bar 352 to be
pressed against top flexible seal strip 360b, when required to do
so for sealing purposes, by the closing of alternative vacuum clip
350.
[0151] Vacuum bar 352 may be in airflow communication with a vacuum
pumping system through flexible spring tube connector 364, as
previously described, and through vacuum adapter 366. Vacuum bar
352 may be configured with multiple vacuum holes 353 to allow for
the removal of air from, and hence the creation of a vacuum within,
vacuum storage bag 41.
[0152] Vacuum adapter 366 may contain integral liquid trap 368,
configured to retain liquids drawn in through vacuum bar 352,
although this is unlikely due to the front loading configuration of
this device as previously described, while allowing the free flow
of air above the liquid and through the top portion of the trap.
Integral liquid trap 368 may be further configured to be
conveniently accessed by the user, removed for draining and
cleaning, and replaced in a manner that retains a proper seal
between integral liquid trap 368 and vacuum adapter 366.
Alternative configurations may be designed with all or a portion of
the liquid trapping function located within vacuum bar 352. Further
alternative configurations may also allow for the complete removal
of vacuum bar 352, flexible spring tube connector 364, vacuum
adapter 366, and liquid trap 368 for cleaning or replacement
purposes, in particular if these are designed to be disposable
components.
[0153] Vacuum bar 352 may be configured with flexible sealing
protrusions 355a and 355b on the top and bottom sides,
respectively, adapted to press against flexible sealing strips 360a
and 360b, respectively, through the bottom and top sides of vacuum
storage bag 41, respectively, when alternative vacuum clip 350 is
closed. Flexible sealing strips 360a and 360b extend across the
open end of vacuum storage bag 41, and work in conjunction with
flexible sealing protrusions 355a and 355b in this manner, to seal
the open end of vacuum storage bag 41 against the atmosphere around
alternative vacuum clip 350 when alternative vacuum clip 350 is in
the closed position.
[0154] It is important to note that in this case that flexible
sealing protrusions 355a and 355b, and flexible sealing strips 360a
and 360b, must all be sufficiently flexible to interact with each
other in a compression sealing manner. In the case of alternative
vacuum clip 350, they may also engage in a manner that prevents
rather than allows the continued flow of air through the air
channels within vacuum storage bag 41 when alternative vacuum
storage clip is closed. Flexible sealing ring 355, and flexible
sealing strips 360a and 360b, may therefore be configured to
include mechanical mating, magnetic, or other interlocking features
to improve the quality of the seal across the open end of vacuum
storage bag 41. Slight deformations in vacuum storage bag 41 in the
area of the seal may be tolerated since they would be outside of
the sealed interior of the bag once the vacuum storage process has
been completed.
[0155] Locating pins 358 may be configured to pierce or otherwise
positively engage with vacuum storage bag 41 upon the closing of
alternative vacuum clip 350. Locating pins 358 may do so without
affecting vacuum performance, since they are positioned outside of
the sealed area necessary for the drawing of a vacuum within vacuum
storage bag 41. Locating pins 358 may be used to hold vacuum
storage bag 41 more securely in place, or as hooks upon which to
"hang" vacuum storage bag 41 until alternative vacuum clip 350 may
be closed--particularly for under the cupboard or in cabinet
installations where an integral work platform 200 has not been
configured with the unit (reference FIG. 18).
[0156] FIG. 28 provides a top view of alternative vacuum clip 350
with vacuum bar 352. Vacuum storage bag 41 may be positioned within
alternative vacuum clip 350, and alternative vacuum clip 350 may be
closed, as previously described. Viewed from the top, vacuum bar
352 may be designed as a thin elongated horizontal bar that rests
between the two sides of vacuum storage bag 41, and incorporates a
multiplicity of small holes on the top, bottom, and all sides for
the purpose of withdrawing air from within vacuum storage bag 41.
The geometry of vacuum bar 352, together with the multiplicity of
vacuum holes 353, allows air to be withdrawn much more effectively
from vacuum storage bag 41 than would be possible with the open end
of a tube, primarily because vacuum bar 352, when inserted into
vacuum storage bag 41, is in airflow communication with multiple
air flow channels 4a and 4b rather than the single or severely
limited number of air channels 4a and 4b that might be accessible
through the open end of a tube, if the tube were correctly
positioned within vacuum storage bag 41.
[0157] Vacuum bar 352 may be in airflow communication with a vacuum
pumping system through a slim format flat tube extending across
flexible sealing strips 360a and 360b, and enshrouded with flexible
sealing ring 355 to provide a compression seal in this area, as
previously described.
[0158] The vacuum sealing process may be implemented using the
parallel process algorithm and progressive sealing techniques, as
previously described. The process may be initiated, in this case,
by inserting vacuum storage bag 41 into alternative vacuum clip
350, and then closing alternative vacuum clip 350 to hold vacuum
storage bag securely in place, and seal the open end of vacuum
storage bag 41 against the atmosphere surrounding alternative
vacuum clip 350.
[0159] In a first parallel phase the vacuum pumping system may be
turned on and first alternative progressive heat sealing strip 362a
may be simultaneously energized to form a heat seal across the left
side of vacuum storage bag 41 as air is being withdrawn from vacuum
storage bag 41. It is important to note that air may be withdrawn
from the full interior of vacuum storage bag 41 throughout this
first parallel process since vacuum bar 352 is located inside
vacuum storage bag 41, and due to the arrangement of air channels
within vacuum storage bag 41, as previously described.
[0160] In a second parallel phase the vacuum pumping system may be
left on and second alternative progressive heat sealing strip 362b
may be simultaneously energized to form a second heat seal across
the right side of vacuum storage bag 41. In this case second
alternative heat sealing strip 362b is not continuous with first
alternative heat sealing strip 362a; however, the seal formed by
flexible sealing ring 355 and flexible sealing strips 360a and 360b
is already continuous across the increasingly smaller open end of
vacuum storage bag 41. Again, air may be withdrawn from the full
interior of vacuum storage bag 41 throughout this second parallel
process since vacuum bar 352 is located inside vacuum storage bag
41, and due to the arrangement of air channels within vacuum
storage bag 41, as previously described.
[0161] In a third and final parallel phase the vacuum pumping
system may be left on until a suitable level of vacuum has been
achieved within vacuum storage bag 41. Then, the "U" shaped third
heat sealing strip 362c may be energized to form a third and final
heat seal, connecting with the first two heat seals to form a
continuous heat seal across the entire width of vacuum storage bag
41, as air continues to be withdrawn from vacuum storage bag 41.
The vacuum pumping system may then be turned off to complete the
vacuum sealing process and allow for the removal of vacuum storage
bag 41 from alternative vacuum clip 300. The slim vertical profile
of vacuum bar 352 allows for the easy removal of vacuum storage bag
41 from alternative vacuum clip 350 since vacuum bar 352 will
conveniently slip back out through the remaining open portion of
vacuum storage bag 41.
[0162] The simplicity of alternative vacuum clip 350 may allow it
to be used in a stand-alone manner, connected to a vacuum pumping
system and suitable power supply through a composite cable that
includes both air flow and power flow channels. Further,
alternative vacuum clip 350 may be configured to be completely
portable with an integral vacuum pumping system and a rechargeable
power supply. In either case the operation of a stand-alone
alternative vacuum clip 350 would be similar to that of a standard
"chip clip" (used to clamp the end of chip bags and the like)
except that stand-alone alternative vacuum clip 350 may be adapted
to draw a level of vacuum suitable for food storage purposes, and
to form the necessary seal to retain that level of vacuum, as
previously described.
[0163] The vacuum packaging system and related components of the
present invention allow for many applications, and may be
implemented in various applications. Although reference is made to
the embodiments listed above, it should be understood that these
are only by way of example and to identify the preferred use of the
system and components known to the inventors at this time. It is
believed that the vacuum packaging system and related components of
the present invention have many additional uses and implementations
which will become obvious once one is familiar with the fundamental
principles of the invention.
* * * * *