U.S. patent application number 12/741921 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-21 for vacuum storage container.
Invention is credited to Ryan J. Coonce, Robert T. Dorsey.
Application Number | 20100263328 12/741921 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40678932 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100263328 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dorsey; Robert T. ; et
al. |
October 21, 2010 |
VACUUM STORAGE CONTAINER
Abstract
A storage container for storing and preserving food items
includes a base providing a storage cavity and an attachable lid.
To evacuate air from the storage cavity after the base and lid have
been attached, the storage container may include a one-way valve
element communicating with the storage cavity. The overall storage
container can be sufficiently rigid so that it has an initial size
and volume when in its un-evacuated condition. During evacuation,
the air pressure within the storage cavity is reduced compared to
the air pressure of the surrounding environment. This pressure
differential can result in a compressive force being applied about
the container. At least one of the base or lid can be made
relatively flexible so that, when evacuated, the volume of the
storage container is reduced.
Inventors: |
Dorsey; Robert T.; (Orland,
IL) ; Coonce; Ryan J.; (Palatine, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE CLOROX COMPANY
P.O. BOX 24305
OAKLAND
CA
94623-1305
US
|
Family ID: |
40678932 |
Appl. No.: |
12/741921 |
Filed: |
November 20, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
November 20, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US08/84228 |
371 Date: |
May 7, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60990781 |
Nov 28, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/432 ;
220/203.29; 220/8 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/2015 20130101;
B65D 81/2038 20130101; B65D 2543/00842 20130101; B65D 2543/00092
20130101; B65D 2543/00555 20130101; B65D 79/005 20130101; B65D
2543/00296 20130101; B65D 2543/005 20130101; B65D 77/20 20130101;
B65D 2543/00537 20130101; B65D 43/0218 20130101; B65D 2543/0037
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/432 ;
220/203.29; 220/8 |
International
Class: |
B65B 31/04 20060101
B65B031/04; B65D 51/16 20060101 B65D051/16; B65D 6/16 20060101
B65D006/16 |
Claims
1. A storage container comprising: a base including a base sidewall
providing a storage cavity accessible by an opening; a lid
attachable to the base for covering the opening; and a one-way
valve element communicating with the storage cavity; wherein at
least one of the base and lid is relatively flexible.
2. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the lid is
comparatively flexible with respect to the comparatively rigid
base.
3. The storage container of claim 2, wherein the container has a
first condition in which the lid attached to the base is generally
planar across the opening and a second condition in which the lid
depends through the opening into the storage cavity.
4. The storage container of claim 2, wherein the lid includes
flexible zones and rigid zones.
5. The storage container of claim 4, wherein the flexible zones
have a first material thickness and the rigid zones have a second
material thickness, the first material thickness being less than
the second material thickness.
6. The storage container of claim 4, wherein the flexible zones
have a first modulus of elasticity and the rigid zones have a
second modulus of elasticity, the first modulus being less than the
second modulus.
7. The storage container of claim 2, wherein substantially the
whole lid is elastic.
8. The storage container of claim 7, wherein the material of the
lid includes a thermoplastic elastomer or a silicone.
9. The storage container of claim 2, wherein the lid is comprised
of a flexible sheet of thermoplastic material attachable to the
base.
10. The storage container of claim 9, wherein the flexible sheet
includes a plurality of protrusions formed on its surface.
11. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the base is
comparatively flexible with respect to the comparatively rigid
lid.
12. The storage container of claim 11, wherein the base includes a
relatively rigid rim and a collapsible sidewall operatively
connected to the rim.
13. The storage container of claim 12, wherein the base has a first
normal condition in which the sidewall depends from the rim and a
second evacuated condition in which the sidewall is substantially
collapsed within the rim.
14. The storage container of claim 11, wherein the base includes a
plurality of telescoping folds nestable together.
15. A storage container comprising: a base including a base
sidewall having a circular tongue projecting upwards from the
sidewall, the base providing a storage cavity accessible by an
opening; a lid including a ridge having a groove and extending
generally around and proximate to the lid peripheral edge, the lid
attachable to the base for covering the opening; and a one-way
valve element communicating with the storage cavity; wherein at
least one of the base and lid is relatively flexible.
16. The storage container of claim 15, wherein the lid is
comparatively flexible with respect to the comparatively rigid
base.
17. The storage container of claim 16, wherein the container has a
first condition in which the lid attached to the base is generally
planar across the opening and a second condition in which the lid
depends through the opening into the storage cavity.
18. The storage container of claim 16, wherein the lid includes
flexible zones and rigid zones.
19. The storage container of claim 18, wherein the flexible zones
have a first material thickness and the rigid zones have a second
material thickness, the first material thickness being less than
the second material thickness.
20. A method of storing and preserving food items comprising: (i)
providing a storage container including a base defining a storage
cavity, an attachable lid, and a valve element communicating with
the storage cavity, wherein at least one of the base and lid is
flexible; (ii) inserting food items into the storage cavity; (iii)
attaching the lid to the base to enclose the storage cavity; (iv)
evacuating air from the storage cavity through the one-way valve
element while simultaneously reducing the volume of the storage
container.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] A variety of different containers are available for storing
and preserving food items for later consumption. Such containers
may be flexible, as in the case of plastic storage bags, or may be
rigid, as in the case of plastic storage containers. An advantage
of rigid storage containers is that they can maintain their shape
and thereby protect the stored food items from being crushed.
Another advantage is that rigid containers are usually easily
washable and therefore can be reusable. Also, it is desirable that
rigid containers be temperature and microwave resistant to allow
for heating, cooling and freezing of the stored food items within
the container.
[0002] To accomplish these advantages, rigid containers are often
made as a relatively thick-walled structure of a stiff material
such as glass or polycarbonate plastic. Such materials, in addition
to being relatively heavy, are also costly. It is also desirable to
reduce the quantity of air that may become trapped within the
container during storage.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0003] A storage container for storing food items may include a
base delineating a storage cavity and a detachable lid connectable
to the base to seal the contents. To remove air trapped in the
storage cavity after the base and lid have been attached, the
storage container can include a one-way valve element that allows
air to be evacuated. The one-way valve element is normally closed
so as to seal the cavity with respect to the environment and
thereby maintain the evacuated condition of the storage device.
[0004] At least one of the base and/or lid may be made of a
flexible or semi-flexible material. For example, in one aspect, the
lid can be made comparatively flexible with respect to a more rigid
base. Under vacuum conditions, when the air pressure within the
storage cavity is reduced with respect to the pressure of the
environment surrounding the storage container, the flexible
container can collapse or move into the storage cavity. Hence, the
storage cavity can have an initial un-evacuated condition with a
given initial volume and a subsequent evacuated condition which is
less than the initial volume. Additionally, when in the evacuated
condition, the storage container can have a reduced head space and
smaller overall volume. In other embodiments, the base can be
comparatively flexible with respect to the lid or both the lid and
the base may demonstrate degrees of flexibility.
[0005] An advantage of the storage container is that it facilitates
improving the freshness of food items by retaining those food items
in an evacuated state. Another advantage is that, when evacuated,
the container has a reduced size and head space for improved
storage of the evacuated container. Additionally, the reduced size
and/or head space can provide a visual indication to a user about
the presence and prolonged maintenance of the evacuated condition
of the container. These and other advantages and features of the
storage container will be apparent from the following drawings and
detailed description of the embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum storage container
including a base and a comparatively flexible lid with a one-way
valve element, all in relation to a handheld evacuation device.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines A-A
illustrating the base and lid attached together and in a first
un-evacuated condition with the lid covering the opening to the
storage cavity.
[0008] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines A-A
illustrating the base and lid attached together and in an
intermediate, partially evacuated condition with the lid partially
depending into the storage cavity.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines A-A
illustrating the base and lid attached together and in a second
evacuated condition with the lid depending into the storage
cavity.
[0010] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment
of a vacuum storage container including a base and a comparatively
flexible lid, wherein the lid includes an elastic portion and a
comparatively rigid periphery.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the base and lid of FIG. 5
attached together and in a first un-evacuated condition with the
lid covering the opening to the storage cavity.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the base and lid of FIGS. 5
and 6 attached together and in a second evacuated condition with
the lid depending into the storage cavity.
[0013] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment
of a vacuum storage container including a base and a comparatively
flexible lid, wherein the lid is made of a highly elastic
material.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the base and lid of FIG. 8
attached together and in a second evacuated condition with the lid
depending into the storage cavity.
[0015] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
vacuum storage container including a base and a lid in the form of
a flexible sheet or wrap.
[0016] FIG. 11 is a detailed view taken along circle B-B of FIG. 10
illustrating in detail the surface features of the sheet.
[0017] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the base and the sheet of
FIG. 10 attached together and in an evacuated condition with the
flexible sheet wrapped to the base and depending into the storage
cavity.
[0018] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of another
embodiment of a vacuum storage container including a comparatively
flexible base and a lid, the base having a rim and a collapsible
sidewall depending therefrom.
[0019] FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the base and lid of
FIG. 13 illustrating the sidewall fully depending from the rim.
[0020] FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the base and lid of
FIG. 13 illustrating the sidewall partially collapsed toward the
rim.
[0021] FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the base and lid of
FIG. 13 illustrating the sidewall fully collapsed with respect to
the rim.
[0022] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a storage container and
another embodiment of a diaphragm type one-way valve element for
attachment to and use with storage containers.
[0023] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of
FIG. 17 showing the diaphragm type one-way valve element in a
normal closed state whereby the valve seals the apertures
communicating with a storage cavity.
[0024] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of
FIG. 17 showing the diaphragm type one-way valve element in an
opened state whereby the valve unseals the apertures.
[0025] FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of
a rigid one-way valve element for use with the storage containers
of the foregoing type.
[0026] FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of the one-way valve
element of FIG. 20.
[0027] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of
FIG. 20 through the one-way valve element.
[0028] FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of a storage
container and a flexible multi-ply one-way valve element for use
with storage containers.
[0029] FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of a storage
container and a flexible single ply one-way valve element for use
with storage containers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a vacuum storage container 100 that
includes a base 102 and a detachable lid 104. To receive items for
storage, the base 102 is shaped to delineate a storage cavity 106.
In the illustrated embodiment, the base 102 may have a bowl-like
shape and may include a generally flat, circular bottom wall 110
and a cylindrical, upward extending sidewall 112 joined to the
bottom wall. The bottom wall 110 and the sidewall 112 can generally
define a central axis line 114. In some embodiments, to facilitate
nested stacking of multiple bases together, the sidewall can
inversely taper or angle radially outwards from the axis line 114.
The upper edge of the sidewall 112 provides a rim 116 that outlines
an opening 118 through which the storage cavity 106 can be
accessed. In other embodiments, the storage container can have
different shapes including a different number and orientation of
the bottom and sidewalls. For example, the storage container can be
rectangular and the base can include four orthogonal sidewalls,
such as the container shown in FIG. 17. The containers can also be
provided in different sizes.
[0031] The base 102 can be made from any suitable, rigid material
including, for example, tempered glass, polypropylene,
polyethylene, polycarbonate, polystyrene, or polyester. Such
materials may be sufficiently firm so as to maintain the set shape
of the base under a variety of conditions. Hence, the base is
generally free-standing and can be used for both storing and
serving food items. Additionally, to facilitate food preparation
and storage, the material of the base may be selected to enable
washing, heating and freezing of the storage container. The base
material may be transparent, translucent, or opaque.
[0032] To completely enclose the storage cavity 106, the lid 104
can be formed as another circular structure including having a
peripheral edge 120 that corresponds to the rim 116. The lid 104
has a shape so that it may extend over and across the opening 118
to cover the storage cavity 106. In this embodiment, the lid 104
may have an overall planar shape. In other embodiments, the lid 104
can have other shapes and sizes depending upon the shape and
arrangement of the base 102.
[0033] To securely attach the base 102 and the lid 104 together and
facilitate an air tight seal between them, the upper rim 116 of the
base can be configured as a projecting tongue. Specifically, the
rim 116 can be formed by folding or bending the cylindrical
sidewall 112 radially outward and downward so that the rim is
generally shaped as an arch extending annularly around the axis
line 114. Disposed into the lid 104 about the periphery 120 is a
corresponding substantially U-shaped groove 122. In the illustrated
embodiment, the groove 122 is provided by forming into the material
of the lid 104 an upward arch 124 extending about the periphery 120
and in which the groove is located. Referring to FIG. 2, the
U-shaped groove 122 can receive the correspondingly shaped rim 116
when the lid 104 and base 102 are attached. The groove 122 can have
the same as or slightly smaller dimensions than the rim 116 so that
the groove positively compresses or urges against and about the rim
thereby retaining the lid and base together.
[0034] Referring back to FIG. 1, the container can include a
one-way valve element 140 that communicates with the storage cavity
106. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve element 140 is
attached at an outwardly exposed location which may correspond to
the center point of the circular lid 104 but in other embodiments,
could be located at other suitable locations on the storage
container 100. The valve element 140 can be an umbrella-type valve
element that can be made from a flexible material such as synthetic
or natural rubber and includes a flexible skirt 142 and a neck 144
projecting from the skirt. To attach the valve element 140 to the
lid 104 such that the valve element communicates with the storage
cavity 106, there can be disposed through the center of the lid
three closely-spaced holes or apertures 128 which may be in a
straight line with each other. The neck 144 is inserted into the
center aperture 128 to retain the valve element 140 to the lid 104
in such a manner that the flexible skirt 142 overlays the
apertures. In other embodiments, the lid may include one, two,
four, five or more apertures. For example, in a one aperture
embodiment, the center aperture may be used to retain the valve
element and also allow the passage of air, such as, by a loose fit
or by a groove in the neck of the valve element.
[0035] To evacuate the storage cavity, referring to FIG. 1, the
valve element 140 can interface with a vacuum device 150. The
illustrated embodiment of the vacuum device 150 is configured as a
handheld, electrically operated device which includes an elongated
housing 154 which houses an airflow generating unit. Formed at one
end of the housing 154 can be a nozzle 152 that communicates with
the airflow generating unit. The tip of the nozzle 152 can include
a gasket 156 that can be made from a resilient material such as
foam to ensure a good seal between the vacuum device 150 and the
storage container 100. The vacuum device can be electrically
operated and powered by a cord terminating in a wall socket plug or
can be powered by batteries such as rechargeable batteries.
[0036] During evacuation, the vacuum device 150 is placed adjacent
to the lid 104 so that the nozzle 152 surrounds the valve element
140. When the airflow generating device is activated which draws
air through the nozzle 152, the flexible skirt 142 of the valve
element 140 lifts upward from the lid 104 exposing the apertures
128. Thus, air trapped in the storage cavity 106 can be removed by
the vacuum device 150. When the vacuum device 150 is turned off or
removed from the storage container 100, the skirt 142 resiliently
falls adjacent the lid 104 covering the apertures 128 and thereby
preventing environmental air from reentering the container 100.
Moreover, the vacuum within the storage cavity 106 will tend to
pull the flexible skirt 142 adjacent the lid 104 via the apertures
128 and thereby the apertures remain sealed.
[0037] To improve functionality and storage of the storage
container 100, at least one of the base 102 and/or lid 104 can
demonstrate some comparative or measurable flexibility. This
flexibility enables the storage container to change in size and/or
shape as air is evacuated from the storage cavity. Hence, as the
pressure inside the storage cavity is reduced from an initial
pressure equal to the surrounding atmospheric pressure to an
evacuated pressure substantially less than the surrounding
atmospheric pressure, the initial volume of the storage container
can likewise be reduced to a smaller evacuated volume. The smaller
evacuated volume may result in improved food freshness in storage.
The smaller evacuated volume may facilitate storage of the
evacuated storage container in, for example, a crowded
refrigerator. Additionally, the reduced volume can provide a visual
indication to a user that the evacuated state of the storage
container has or has not been maintained during storage.
[0038] In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the lid 104 can be
relatively flexible compared to the more rigid base 102. In
particular, the lid 104 can be formed from thermoplastic sheet
material by a suitable process such as thermoforming or vacuum
forming. While overall planar in shape, the formed thermoplastic
lid 104 can include a centrally located, upward protruding button
or boss 130 that can be circular in shape. Additionally, the
peripheral edge 120 of the lid includes the upward protruding
annular arch 124. As illustrated, the valve element 140 can be
attached to the boss 130. The majority of the lid 104 can be
sufficiently firm or stiff so as to maintain the overall set shape
of the lid under normal conditions.
[0039] However, located radially or annularly between the central
boss 130 and the peripheral arch 124 can be one or more concentric
flexible zones 132. The flexible zone 132 can demonstrate increased
flexibility with respect to the comparatively rigid zones that can
correspond to central boss 130 and peripheral arch 124. The
increased flexibility can be provided by alternating the thickness
of the lid or by altering the elasticity of the material of the lid
in the appropriate areas. For example, the material thickness
corresponding to the rigid zones can be in a range from about 0.13
to about 3.00 mm.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 2, in the normal un-evacuated state, the
overall stiffness of the lid 104 including the flexible zone 132
suspends the lid as attached to the base 102 over and covering the
opening 118 with the boss 130 directed away from the bottom wall
110. Referring to FIG. 3 however, during evacuation, as the
surrounding environmental pressure increases with respect to the
pressure internal to the storage cavity 106, this pressure
differential is sufficient to overcome the initial rigidity of the
lid 104 and forces the flexible zone 132 to bend or distort
downward toward the bottom wall. The lid 104 including the boss 130
thereafter depends through the opening 118 into the storage cavity
106. Referring to FIG. 4, after evacuation is complete and vacuum
conditions exist in the storage cavity, the flexible zone 132 is
distorted such that the boss 130 is now directed toward the bottom
wall. As can be appreciated from FIGS. 2 and 4, the volume of the
overall storage container 100 and the storage cavity 106 as
evacuated is smaller than the initial volume of storage container
and storage cavity when in the un-evacuated condition. Also, as can
be appreciated from FIG. 4, the evacuated container 100 has a
reduced head space due in part to the inward directed boss 130.
[0041] When the storage cavity 106 is accessed by detaching the lid
104 from the base 102, the evacuated state of the container is
eliminated and the flexible zone 132 can recover to its undistorted
shape and the lid can return to its initial shape illustrated in
FIG. 2. The container can thereafter be washed and reused. To
facilitate removing the lid 104 from the base 102, referring to
FIG. 1, a tab 134 can extend from the peripheral edge 120.
[0042] While evacuation of the above described storage container
can be achieved by a vacuum device, it will be appreciated that in
other embodiments, evacuation can occur by hand manipulation of the
container. Particularly, referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, it will be
appreciated that a user can press the boss 130 down into the
storage cavity 106 thereby displacing air from the storage cavity
through the valve element 140.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, there is illustrated another
embodiment of a vacuum storage container 200. The container 200
includes a base 202 having a bottom wall 210 and a sidewall 212
that delineate a storage cavity 206. The storage cavity 206 is
accessible through the opening 218 delineated by the upper edge or
rim 216 of the sidewall 212. The lid 204 can be attached to the
base 202 to cover and enclose the storage cavity 206. The lid 204
may be circular in shape and terminates at a peripheral edge 220.
To attach the base 202 and lid 204, the upper rim 216 and
peripheral edge 220 can include an interlocking tongue and groove
design. When attached to the base 202, as illustrated in FIG. 6,
the lid 204 extends generally as a dome over the opening 218.
[0044] To enable evacuation of the storage cavity 206 after the
base 202 and lid 204 are attached, the storage container 200 can
include a one-way valve element 240 attached to the lid and which
communicates with the storage cavity. Specifically, the valve
element 240 is illustrated as being attached to the center portion
226 of the lid 204. As described herein, the valve element 240 can
interface with a vacuum device to allow air to be drawn from the
storage cavity 206. In other embodiments, the valve element could
be in other locations.
[0045] At least one of the base and/or lid can demonstrate a
relative flexibility that allows the storage container to alter
shape and/or size between its normal, un-evacuated state and its
evacuated state. For example, the base 202 can be sufficiently
rigid or firm to maintain its shape under a number of conditions.
However, the lid 204 can be formed with alternating zones of
rigidity and relative flexibility or elasticity. The zones of
rigidity can correspond to the center 226 of the lid 204 to which
the valve element 240 is attached and to the peripheral edge 220,
both of which can be made from a suitable rigid thermoplastic such
as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene trephthalather, nylon,
polycarbonate, polystyrene or ethylene vinyl acetate. To provide
the flexible zone 232, the material in the annular middle portion
of the circular lid 204 can be made of a relatively flexible or
elastic material such as: (1) block copolymers, such as, styrene
butadiene-styrene triblocks, copolyesters, polyurethanes and
polyamides; (2) elastomer/thermoplastic blends, such as, elastomer
thermoplastic (TEO) blends with 20-30 parts of rubber based
ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) in a continuous phase of
70-80 parts of plastic such as isotactic polypropylene; or (3)
elastomeric alloys, such as, elastomeric alloys (EA) which are
highly vulcanized rubber systems with vulcanization having been
done dynamically in the melted plastic phase. The hardness of the
flexible or elastic zones can be in a range from about 3 to about
80 Shore A scale. The flexible or elastic zone 232 can include a
plurality of annular corrugations 234 concentrically arranged about
the comparatively rigid center 226 of the lid 204. The alternating
zones within the lid can be produced by any suitable process
including, for example, over-molding.
[0046] Referring to FIG. 6, prior to evacuation of the storage
cavity 206, the lid 204 including the flexible zone 232 extends
generally as a dome across the opening 218. Referring to FIG. 7,
during evacuation, the reduced pressure in the storage cavity 206
causes the flexible zone 232 to distort so that the lid 204
including the center 226 depends through the opening 218 and into
the storage cavity. As illustrated, depending the lid 204 into the
storage cavity 206 can cause the corrugations 234 to appear as a
plurality of steps. Thus, in the evacuated condition, the volume
and shape of the storage container 200 and the storage cavity are
smaller as compared to their initial, un-evacuated state. Upon
releasing the evacuated condition of the storage cavity 206, the
lid 204 can recover its initial condition with the flexible zone
232 extending across the opening 218.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, there is illustrated another
embodiment of a vacuum storage container 300 including a base 302
having a bottom wall 310 and a sidewall 312 that provides a storage
cavity 306. The storage cavity 306 is accessible via an opening 318
outlined by the upper rim 316 of the sidewall 312. The base can be
sufficiently rigid so as to retain its as formed shape in a variety
of conditions. To cover the storage cavity 306, the storage
container can also include a detachable lid 304 in the form of a
highly elastic cover which provides the flexibility that enables
the storage container to adjust between its normal condition and an
evacuated condition. To provide the elastic quality, the lid 304
can be made from a highly flexible or resilient material such as
elastomers. The elastomers may be thermoplastic elastomers or
silicone. The hardness of the lid material can be in a range from
about 3 to about 80 Shore A. The hardness of the base material can
be in a range from about 60 to about 96 Rockwell A. Moreover, the
lid can be transparent, translucent, or opaque.
[0048] To form the illustrated embodiment of the lid 304, a
thin-walled sheet or membrane can be molded to include a central
portion 320 and a downward depending sidewall 322. The size and
shape of the central portion 320 and the depending sidewall 322
corresponds in size and shape to the sidewall 312 of the base 302.
Thus, the lid 304 can be pulled over the base 302 so as to cover
the opening 318 as illustrated in FIG. 9. The central portion 320
becomes the top surface of the storage container 300. To facilitate
attachment of the base 302 and lid 304, the lid can include one or
more tabs 326 extending from the sidewall. Moreover, the elastic
material of the lid 304 can allow the lid to stretch about the
circumference of the rim 316 and secure itself to the base 302. To
facilitate evacuation of the storage cavity 306 after the base 302
and lid 304 are attached, the storage container 300 can include a
one-way valve element 340 which can be attached to the center of
the central portion 320 of the lid 304.
[0049] When the base 302 and the lid 304 are attached and the
container 300 is in its normal un-evacuated state, the central
portion 320 of the elastic lid can be stretched over the opening
318 and is generally parallel to the bottom wall 310 of the base.
Additionally, the elastic material of the lid helps maintain this
arrangement. However, in the evacuated state when the air pressure
within the storage cavity 306 is reduced with respect to the
surrounding environmental air pressure, the elastic material allows
the central portion 320 of the lid to depend through the opening
318 and into the storage cavity 306 as illustrated in FIG. 9. Thus,
the evacuated container can have an inwardly dished appearance
which may be enhanced by yielding or stretching of the lid into the
storage cavity. The elastic material of the lid 304 can also
maintain an elastic grip of the depending sidewall 322 about the
circumference of the rim 316 to maintain a seal therebetween. The
evacuated storage container therefore has a smaller shape and
reduced volume as compared to its initial un-evacuated state.
[0050] In another embodiment, the lid 304 may include a flexible
central portion 320 and a rigid sidewall or rim 322. The rigid
sidewall 322 may be attached to the flexible central portion 320.
The flexible central portion 320 may be made from the materials
noted above. The rigid sidewall 322 may be made from a suitable
rigid thermoplastic such as polypropylene, polyethylene,
polyethylene trephthalather, nylon, polycarbonate, polystyrene or
ethylene vinyl acetate. The rigid sidewall 322 may allow for easier
attachment and removal of the lid 304 from the base 302.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 10, 11 and 12, there is illustrated
another embodiment of a storage container 400 that includes a rigid
base 402 having a bottom wall 410 and an upward extending sidewall
412 which provides a storage cavity 406. The storage cavity 406 can
be accessed through an opening 418 outlined by a rim 416 formed by
the upper edge of the sidewall 412. To cover the opening 418 and
thereby enclose the storage cavity 406, a lid 404 in the form of a
sheet of flexible material can be wrapped about the rim 416 of the
base 402. To facilitate evacuation of the storage cavity 406 after
the lid 404 of flexible material has been attached to the base 402,
a one-way valve element 440 can be attached to the flexible
material.
[0052] As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the lid 404 of
flexible material can be initially provided as a square or
rectangular sheet 420 with the valve element 440 generally located
at the center. The sheet 420 can be made from a thin, flexible web
of thermoplastic material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, EVA,
thermoplastic polyester, or combinations thereof. The flexible
nature of the sheet material allows it to wrap and gather about the
rim of the base in a manner that thereby securely attaches the
sheet and base together. Desirably, the strength of the grip or
adhesion between the sheet and base is such as to affect a
substantially air-tight seal therebetween.
[0053] Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the surface of the
sheet 420 can be textured by including a plurality of densely
spaced protrusions 422 projecting upwards from the surface of the
sheet. The protrusions 422 can be randomly shaped and spaced about.
The protrusions can cause the sheet to cling or grip to various
surfaces or even to other parts of the sheet when pressure is
applied. Additionally, the sheet 420 can include cling or other
adhering additives to improve adhesion of the sheet to the base
402. Also, an adhesive may be applied to the sheet. The sheet of
flexible material can be provided as a plurality of sheets packaged
together for commercial distribution or as a continuous web that
can be cut to the appropriate size at the time of use. One example
of a suitable sheet is available from The Glad Products Company of
Oakland, Calif. under the trade name Press'n Seal.RTM..
[0054] When the sheet 420 is wrapped or attached to the base 402,
the sheet can typically extend or be stretched across the opening
418 generally planar to the bottom wall 410. However, when the
storage container 400 is in the evacuated condition and the air
pressure within the storage cavity 406 is reduced with respect to
the surrounding environment, the flexible sheet 420 can be
partially drawn through the opening 418 and into the storage cavity
406 as illustrated in FIG. 12. Thus, as illustrated, the sheet 420
appears to be dished inward of the base 402. The degree which the
sheet 420 is drawn into the storage cavity 406 may depend upon the
vacuum pressure within the storage cavity and the elasticity
associated with the sheet. It is desirable that the strength with
which the sheet grips about the rim of the base is such that the
sheet is not entirely drawn into the storage cavity or that seal
between the sheet and base is otherwise compromised. After use of
the storage container, the plastic sheet can be discarded.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 13, there is illustrated another
embodiment of a storage container 500 for receiving food items and
which includes a base 502 defining a storage cavity 506 and a
detachable lid 504. The base 502 can include a bottom wall 510 and
an upward extending sidewall 512 which terminates in a circular rim
516. To access the storage cavity 506, there is disposed through
and outlined by the rim 516 a circular opening 518. The sidewall
512 can generally taper or narrow between the rim 516 and the
bottom wall 510 so that the base 502 has a bowl-like shape. The lid
504 can be substantially planar and correspond in diameter to the
circular rim 516. To attach the base 502 and lid 504 together, the
lid can include a ridge 522 extending generally around and
proximate to its circular peripheral edge 520 and into which is
disposed a groove 524 (shown in cutaway). The groove 524 can
receive a corresponding circular tongue 514 that projects upward
from the rim 516. The lid 504 can include a tab 526 extending
outward from the peripheral edge for assisting in attaching and
detaching the lid to the base 502. To facilitate evacuation of the
storage cavity 506, a one-way valve element 540 can be attached to
the proximate center of the lid 540.
[0056] The base 502 can be designed to be comparatively flexible
with respect to the more rigid lid 504. Specifically, the base 502
can be designed to collapse upon itself. To facilitate collapsing
of the base 502, the sidewall 512 can be comprised of a material
that is comparatively flexible with respect to the lid 502 and with
respect to the bottom wall 510 and rim 516. The flexibility can be
achieved by selecting suitable materials and/or additives or by
altering dimensions and thickness of the materials. Different
materials can be formed together by any suitable process including,
for example, overmolding. Additionally, the base 502 can be formed
with a plurality of telescoping or nesting folds in the form of
hollow circular bands that are operatively connected together.
Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the base includes a first fold 530
depending from the rim 516, a smaller diameter second fold 532
depending from the first fold, and a yet smaller diameter third
fold 534 between the second fold and the bottom wall 510. When the
storage container 500 is in its un-evacuated normal state, as
illustrated in FIG. 14, the plurality of folds fully extend from
the rim 516 and thereby maximize the volume of the storage cavity
506.
[0057] As the storage container 500 is evacuated and the pressure
within the storage cavity 506 is reduced with respect to the
surrounding environment, the folds 530, 532, 534 of the sidewall
512 can begin to collapse together. Referring to FIG. 15, the first
fold 530 can telescope or nest within the rim 516 and thereby
reduce the overall volume and size of the storage container. At
this stage of evacuation, only the second and third folds 532, 534
remain extended with respect to the rim 516. As evacuation
continues, referring to FIG. 16, the second fold 532 can telescope
or nest into the first fold 530 and the third fold 534 can nest
into the second fold. The folds can collapse in any sequence or
partially collapse in any sequence. In the evacuated condition, the
storage container 500 has a flatter appearance than in the
un-evacuated condition and correspondingly has a smaller volume and
size. Thus, the evacuated storage container is easier to store and
can provide a visual indication of its evacuated state.
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 17, 18, and 19 there is illustrated
another embodiment of a one-way valve element 640, specifically a
diaphragm type valve element, which can be used with storage
containers described herein. The storage container 600 can be
rectangular in shape and include a base 602 and detachable lid 604.
The diaphragm type valve element 640 may be positioned in a
depressed region 626 disposed into the lid 604 such that the valve
element is generally recessed below the plane of the lid in order
to protect the valve element. In its normally closed position,
illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, the diaphragm valve 640 may include
a generally planar flexible diaphragm 642 with a circular
peripheral edge 644 and a central aperture 646 disposed therein.
Excess material 648 in the form of a folded collar or sleeve is
included within the plane of the diaphragm 642 and extends
annularly and concentrically about the aperture 646. To enable
communication between the diaphragm valve element 640 and the
storage cavity 606, one or more holes 628 are disposed through the
depressed region 626 of the lid 604. The diaphragm valve 640 is
then attached by its peripheral edge 644 to the lid 604 such that
the valve material 648 can generally align over the lid holes 628.
The inner portion of the diaphragm 642 including the central
aperture 646 adjacently overlay a solid portion of the depressed
region 626. Thus, fluid communication between the lid holes 628 and
the diaphragm aperture 646 is not normally possible as shown in
FIG. 18.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 19, when the nozzle of a vacuum device 650
is interfaced with the diaphragm valve element 640 and suction is
applied, the valve material 648 unfurls and allows the central
portion of the flexible diaphragm 642 to lift away from the lid
604. Air from the storage cavity 606 can move through the lid holes
628 and exit through the diaphragm aperture 646. Once the nozzle of
the vacuum device 650 is removed or the vacuum device is turned
off, the valve material 648 may return to its prior shape so that
the central portion of the diaphragm 642 again overlies the
depressed lid region 626 sealing the storage cavity 606 as
illustrated in FIG. 18.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 20, 21, and 22, there is illustrated
another embodiment of a one-way valve element 740 that can be used
with storage containers described herein. The illustrated one-way
valve element 740 can include a rigid valve body 742 that
cooperates with a movable disk 744 to open and close the valve
element. The valve body 742 may include a circular flange portion
746 extending between parallel first and second flange faces 750,
752. Concentric to the flange portion 746 and projecting from the
second flange face 752 may be a circular boss portion 748 which
terminates in a planar boss face 754 that is parallel to the first
and second flange faces. The circular boss portion 748 may be
smaller in diameter than the flange portion 746 so that the
outermost annular rim of the second flange face 752 remains
exposed. The valve body 742 can be made from any suitable material
such as a moldable thermoplastic material like nylon, HDPE, high
impact polystyrene (HIPS), polycarbonates (PC), and the like.
[0061] Disposed concentrically into the valve body 742 may be a
counter-bore 760. The counter-bore 760 may extend from the first
flange face 750 part way towards the boss face 754. The
counter-bore 760 may define a cylindrical bore wall 762. Because it
extends only part way toward the boss face 754, the counter-bore
760 may form within the valve body 742 a planar valve seat 764. To
establish fluid communication across the valve body 742, there is
disposed through the valve seat 764 at least one aperture 766. In
the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of apertures 766 may be
arranged concentrically and spaced inwardly from the cylindrical
bore wall 762.
[0062] To cooperatively accommodate the movable disk 744, the disk
is inserted into the counter-bore 760. Accordingly, the disk 744
may be smaller in diameter than the counter-bore 760 and has a
thickness as measured between a first disk face 770 and a second
disk face 772 that may be substantially less than the length of the
counter-bore 760 between the first flange face 750 and the valve
seat 764. To retain the disk 744 within the counter-bore 760, there
may be formed proximate to the first flange face 750 a plurality of
radially inward extending fingers 776. The disk 744 can be made
from any suitable material such as, for example, a resilient
elastomer.
[0063] Referring to FIG. 22, when the disk 744 within the
counter-bore 760 is moved adjacent to the fingers 776, the valve
element 740 is in its open configuration allowing air to
communicate between the first flange face 750 and the boss face
754. However, when the disk 744 is adjacent the valve seat 764
thereby covering the apertures 766, the valve element 740 is in its
closed configuration. To assist in sealing the disk 744 over the
apertures 766, a sealing liquid can be applied to the valve seat
764. Furthermore, a piece of foam or other resilient member may be
placed in the counter-bore 760 to provide a tight fit of the disk
744 and the valve seat 764 in the closed position. However, when
the valve element 740 is attached to the storage container with the
apertures 766 exposed to the interior cavity, air escaping from the
internal cavity will move the movable disk 744 against the fingers
776 and allowing air to escape to the environment. Afterwards, the
disk 744 can again move adjacent the valve seat 764 to cover the
apertures 766.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 23, there is illustrated another
embodiment of a one-way valve element 840 for use with the storage
containers described herein. The valve element 840 can be
constructed as a flexible, multi-layered valve element that
includes a flexible, circular base layer 842 that cooperates with a
correspondingly circular shaped, resilient top layer 844 to open
and close the valve element. The top and bottom layers can be made
from any suitable material such as, for example, a flexible
thermoplastic film. Disposed through the center of the base layer
842 is an aperture 846, thus providing the base layer with an
annular shape. The top layer 844 may be adhered to the base layer
842 by two parallel strips of adhesive 848 that extend along either
side of the aperture 846, thereby covering the aperture with the
top layer and forming a channel. The base layer 842 is then adhered
by a ring of adhesive 850 to the lid 804 of a storage container 800
so as to cover the hole 828 disposed through lid
[0065] When storage container 800 is being evacuated, air from the
storage cavity can pass through the hole 828 disposed through the
lid 804 and the aperture 846 thereby partially displacing the top
layer 844 from the base layer 842. The air can then pass along the
channel formed between the adhesive strips 848 and escape to the
environment. When the force driving evacuation subsides or ceases,
the resilient top layer 844 will return to its prior configuration
covering and sealing the aperture 846. The valve element 840 may
also contain a viscous material such as an oil, grease, or
lubricant between the two layers in order to prevent air from
reentering the storage container. In an embodiment, base layer 842
may also be a rigid sheet material. In another embodiment, the base
layer 842 may be eliminated and the top layer 844 may be adhered
directly to the lid 804 by strips of adhesive. In another
embodiment, the hole 828 in the lid 804 may be a slit or slits in
the sidewall.
[0066] Illustrated in FIG. 24 is another embodiment of the valve
element 940 that can be attached to the storage containers
described herein. The valve element 940 may be a rectangular piece
of flexible thermoplastic film that includes a first end 942 and a
second end 944. The valve element 940 is attached to the lid 904 of
the storage container 900 so as to cover and seal a hole 928
disposed through the lid. The valve element 940 can be attached to
the lid 904 by patches of adhesive 948 placed on either side of the
hole 928 so as to correspond to the first and second ends 942, 944.
When the storage container 900 is being evacuated, air being
directed from the storage cavity displaces the flexible valve
element 940 so as to unseal the hole 928. After evacuation of air
from the storage cavity, the valve element 940 will cover and seal
the hole 928. In another embodiment, the hole may be a slit or
slits in the lid.
[0067] All references, including publications, patent applications,
and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to
the same extent as if each reference were individually and
specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set
forth in its entirety herein.
[0068] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising,"
"having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as
open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")
unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are
merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring
individually to each separate value falling within the range,
unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is
incorporated into the specification as if it were individually
recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in
any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples,
or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is
intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not
pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise
claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as
indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of
the invention.
[0069] Exemplary embodiments are described herein. Variations of
those embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor(s)
expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate,
and the inventor(s) intend for the invention to be practiced
otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this
invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject
matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by
applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described
elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the
invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly
contradicted by context.
* * * * *