U.S. patent application number 14/218264 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-25 for method for perishable food or item in a container with a container storage technology.
This patent application is currently assigned to Jeffrey S. Melcher. The applicant listed for this patent is Edward P. Espinosa. Invention is credited to Edward P. Espinosa.
Application Number | 20140284239 14/218264 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51568329 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140284239 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Espinosa; Edward P. |
September 25, 2014 |
METHOD FOR PERISHABLE FOOD OR ITEM IN A CONTAINER WITH A CONTAINER
STORAGE TECHNOLOGY
Abstract
A method and system for manufacturing, producing, preparing,
packaging, displaying, selling and marketing perishable food or
items in a container with a container storage technology for use
with select consumer goods or household appliances. A method and
system for the use of multiple brand logos or names and
communicative indicia on a container or product packaging wherein
at least one of the brand logos or names, such as a secondary or
tertiary brand logo or name can be used to represent different or
distinct products, services or benefits from the primary brand logo
or name.
Inventors: |
Espinosa; Edward P.;
(Madrid, ES) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Espinosa; Edward P. |
Madrid |
|
ES |
|
|
Assignee: |
Melcher; Jeffrey S.
Boca Raton
FL
|
Family ID: |
51568329 |
Appl. No.: |
14/218264 |
Filed: |
March 18, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61803179 |
Mar 19, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/459.5 ;
53/473 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/2069 20130101;
B65D 81/00 20130101; B65D 2203/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/459.5 ;
53/473 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. A container comprising: a container having a storage technology;
a primary brand logo on the container, wherein the primary brand
logo or name is associated with the items to be stored inside the
container; and a secondary brand logo or name on the container,
wherein the secondary brand logo or name is associated with an
appliance; and a tertiary brand logo or name on container, wherein
the tertiary brand logo or name is associated with a storage
technology.
2. The container of claim 1 wherein the container holds a
perishable food or item.
3. The container of claim 1 wherein the container storage
technology is highlighted on the container and is directed towards
the tertiary brand logo or name.
4. The container of claim 1 wherein the container storage
technology is highlighted on the container and directed towards the
primary brand logo.
5. The container of claim 1 wherein the container storage
technology is highlighted on an external portion of the
container.
6. The container of claim 1 wherein the secondary brand logo
includes communicative indicia to associate with a container
storage technology.
7. The container of claim 1 wherein the primary brand logo or name
conveys a first product to a consumer, wherein the secondary brand
logo or name conveys a second product benefit to the consumer and a
tertiary brand logo or name conveys a third product benefit.
8. The container of claim 1 wherein the primary brand logo or name
conveys a first product to a consumer, wherein the secondary brand
logo or name conveys a second product benefit to the consumer, and
wherein the first product benefit is different than the second
product benefit.
9. The container of claim 1 wherein a container storage technology
includes an rfid tag.
10. The container of claim 1 wherein a container storage technology
includes a one-way valve.
11. A container comprising: a container storage technology; a
perishable food or item; a primary brand logo or name on the
container, wherein the primary brand logo is associated with the
items inside the container; and a secondary brand logo on the
container, wherein the secondary brand logo is associated with a
container storage technology.
12. The container of claim 10 wherein the secondary brand logo or
name is more prevalent on the container than the primary brand
logo.
13. The container of claim 10 wherein the secondary brand logo is
less prevalent on the container than the primary brand logo.
14. The container of claim 10, wherein the primary brand logo and
the second brand logo are both on an external portion of the
container.
15. A method comprising the following steps of: producing a
container with a container storage technology that comprises a
benefit; packaging a perishable food or item into said container
for sale, wherein the container comprises: a primary brand logo or
name, wherein the primary brand logo or name is associated with the
perishable food or item inside said container, and a secondary
brand logo or name, wherein the secondary brand logo or name is
associated with a container storage technology or an appliance.
16. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of causing a
consumer to associate the primary brand logo or name with the
secondary brand logo or name and to buy the container with
container storage technology based on association of the primary
brand logo or name with the secondary brand logo or name and can
also include a tertiary brand log or name.
17. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of causing a
consumer to associate the primary brand logo or name with the
secondary brand logo or name and to buy the secondary product based
on association of the secondary brand logo or name with the primary
brand logo or name.
18. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of causing a
consumer to associate the secondary brand logo or name with the
primary brand logo or name and to buy the primary product based on
association of the primary brand logo or name with the secondary
brand logo or name.
19. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of causing a
consumer to associate the secondary brand logo or name with the
primary brand logo or name and to buy the secondary product based
on association of the secondary brand logo or name with the primary
brand logo or name.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein the enhanced storage is
associated with an unseen benefit such as a container storage
technology or appliance.
Description
[0001] The present application claims priority to and the benefit
of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/803,179, filed Mar. 19,
2013, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a method and system for
manufacturing, producing, preparing, packaging, displaying, selling
and marketing perishable food or items in a container with a
container storage technology for use with select consumer goods or
household appliances. Also disclosed is a method and system for the
use of multiple brand logos or names and communicative indicia on a
container or product packaging wherein at least one of the brand
logos or names (such as a secondary or tertiary brand logo or name)
can be used to represent different or distinct products, services
or benefits from the primary brand logo or name. Secondary or
tertiary brand logos or names can communicate to consumers either
an enhanced, unexpected or unseen use or benefit for a perishable
food or item inside a container with container storage
technologies, an additional benefit for the storage of a perishable
food or item, the use of a container with container storage
technologies or an additional benefit for a select consumer good or
household appliance for use with the storage of a perishable food
or item or the use of a container or with a container storage
technology. Additionally, a method is disclosed using multiple
forms of communicative indicia and text on product packaging and
containers with container storage technologies or on select
consumer goods or household appliances that can utilize, store,
monitor and track perishable food or items in a container with
container storage technologies to immediately and effectively
inform consumers of the benefits, uses and advantages associated
therewith. Also disclosed herein are embodiments for an apparatus,
containers with container storage technologies and methods for the
manufacture of said containers with container storage
technologies.
[0003] The vacuum storage technology disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
7,325,409, issued 5 Feb. 2008, is incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Current food storage technologies are wasteful and
inefficient. Essentially, if the storage technology is difficult or
time consuming, every participant in the food chain (food
manufacturers, food retailers, and consumers) will not properly
store and preserve food items. There is a great need for a more
efficient, faster and easier to use food storage technology to
minimize food waste and ensure that all participants in the food
chain can properly store perishable food or items.
[0005] In this regard, it is important that manufacturers and
retailers display product packaging to provide the simplest and
most effective communication indicia and text possible. This is
more important than ever as ageing demographics and trends combined
with new product container storage technology developments
highlight the need for product packaging clarity and ease of
understanding. Additionally, product containers are becoming
increasingly more sophisticated incorporating container storage
technologies to allow consumers to either use said product
containers as conventional storage containers or, if consumers are
effectively informed, to use containers, incorporating container
storage technologies, with select appliances and to also use select
appliances with said containers and container storage technologies.
Providing effective communicative indicia and text regarding
benefits, uses and advantages of product packaging, containers and
container storage technologies is challenging due to the
aforementioned technological advances, as well as, to the
insufficient space provided on a container and on incorporated
container storage technologies. For example, many product
containers are immediately disposable after opening and do not
incorporate container storage technologies. Container storage
technologies are not readily apparent or noticeable on containers
making it difficult or impossible to distinguish between a
container with a storage container technology and a container
without a storage technology. Additionally, product packaging is
often confusing and typically displayed in a crowded retail space
creating a consumer product sensory overload experience.
Furthermore, retail shopping time is typically stressful,
compulsive, limited and performed at the end of a tiring day or
during a consumer's free time. A consumer usually does not have
sufficient time or focus to read printed text on product containers
in addition to analyzing product pricing and best product
purchases.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Objectives of the invention include providing efficient and
simpler to use food storage technologies and methods to reduce food
waste and provide enhanced information to consumers.
[0007] Product containers, packaging and container storage
technologies impact product effectiveness, desirability and
visibility to customers and directly impact revenues derived from
product sales. As used herein, a container can be any sealable or
resealable receptacle (such as bottles, bags, bricks, pouches,
rigid or flexible containers, etc.) to hold a perishable food or
item and can also be constructed and designed to contain a vacuum,
pressurized or vented container environment, as described herein,
and to not be destroyed by said applications and can further be
flexible or compressible to substantially maintain its function,
form and said container environments ("container"). As used herein,
a container storage technology can include any technology that
tracks, monitors or enhances the storage or appearance of a
perishable food or item in a container such as a radio frequency
identification ("rfid") tag (active, passive or battery assisted
passive tags), electronic sensor circuits, plastic semiconductors,
metal oxide and organic semiconductors, analog-to-digital
converters, single or multiple one-way valves, a one-way valve
sealed or covered with an adhesive, film, plastic or material to
prevent matter from entering said valve or container, vacuum seals
incorporated into containers or container lids, covers or caps
("covers") to close and seal the aperture of a container, flexible
or deformable container covers, adhesive films that incorporate
one-way valves to seal container openings or apertures, sensors
that can monitor temperature, vacuum, humidity, time, container
density, acidity levels and gases, which can include, but are not
limited to, ethylene, oxygen, CO2, NH3, H2, H2S, O2, N2 and SO2, a
film, foil, plastic or other suitable food storage material to
cover the aperture of a container and any other technologies
described herein and complementary combinations of said
technologies ("technology" or "technologies").
[0008] Furthermore, rfid tags and sensors can be connected or in
communication with each other to communicate with rfid tag readers
and vacuum compartment operating systems as described herein.
[0009] Product packaging and marketing materials as used herein can
include any communicative indicia such as symbols, shapes, colors,
forms or text that can be incorporated, attached or associated with
said perishable food or item, containers, container storage
technologies, consumer goods or household appliances, including
email and web site addresses, telephone numbers or any other
digital or social media contact information (all the aforementioned
"product packaging" or "packaging" or "marketing").
[0010] Consumer goods or household appliances can include
microwaves, refrigerators, freezers and container vacuum systems,
such as, drawers, storage closets, compartments, modular units,
portable, handheld or container vacuum storage devices or systems,
or any related type product, which can be rfid tag reader enabled,
and can be combined with other technologies in any complementary or
compatible combination ("appliances" or "appliance").
[0011] As used herein a one-way valve is a valve that allows air or
a gas to flow through an opening in the valve in only one direction
and said valve can have a cracking pressure which is the minimum
upstream pressure at which the valve will operate to allow a valve
to be designed for a predetermined cracking pressure to store a
specific perishable food or items. For example, a container can
include several valves each with a closing mechanism and each valve
with a unique cracking pressure in order to select a valve and
vacuum environment most appropriate to store a certain perishable
food or item. A one-way valve can be used to create a vacuum or a
pressurized environment inside a container as described herein.
[0012] For example, a spice container can now incorporate an rfid
tag, a sensor and an adhesive film to seal the exterior opening of
a one-way valve to allow said container to be vacuum sealed
post-purchase using a select appliance and may also require
refrigeration. The container provides very limited surface area to
effectively transmit a text message regarding the incorporated
technologies, use requirements, benefits and to highlight said
technologies. Furthermore, product containers conceal rfid tags
which consumers typically associate with theft prevention.
Additionally, containers that use one-way valves store products
that release gases. Currently, there are no products on the market
that incorporate multiple one-way valves, adhesive, film, plastic
or material to seal or cover the opening of a one-way valve or
one-way valve seals that can be incorporated into a container or a
cover for said container or a flexible or deformable cover to allow
a vacuum environment to be created inside a container. A one-way
valve is also very difficult to identify and locate on a container
for apparent reasons. Consumer confusion is created by the presence
of these technologies associated with a product purchase decision
especially when a consumer cannot readily identify said
technologies or understand the possible benefits, usages,
applications and complementary product availability that can
include use with a select appliance.
[0013] Some products have well known functionalities, technologies
and benefits associated with them. For example, a storage container
or a household refrigerator perform specific functions with
expected benefits and results. However, in addition to considering
primary (well-known) advantages associated with a product, a
consumer may also consider secondary or tertiary product benefits
such as technologies, functionalities and benefits that are not
normally associated, apparent or evident with a product unless a
consumer is effectively informed. Generally, a consumer will
consider primary and other obvious benefits of a product when
making a product purchase. However, packaging for a more
complicated consumer item such as a product including a perishable
food or item inside a sealable container with multiple container
storage technologies that can be utilized in numerous select
appliances requires a substantial amount of text space to convey
effective primary, secondary or tertiary benefits, use requirements
and benefits to a consumer. Furthermore, printed text is
distracting to the overall visual effect of the packaging and
usually conveys a generic message that does not separate or
adequately explain the product in the retail space and time which
then diminishes the overall impact of the product packaging with
the consumer.
[0014] Therefore, there exists the need for a method and system for
the manufacture and product process for preparing, packaging,
displaying, selling and marketing perishable food or items in a
container with container storage technologies for use with select
appliances, a method and system to provide consumers with product
packaging that includes container storage technologies,
communicative indicia or text to effectively and immediately
communicate specific primary, secondary or tertiary benefits such
as benefits regarding storage technologies, usages, advantages,
product availability and complementary usage with select appliances
to consumers using minimal surface area on said container or
product packaging and a method and system to provide consumers
product packaging information on select appliances to effectively
and immediately communicate specific primary, secondary or tertiary
benefits of using an appliance with select containers that
incorporate container storage technologies to store perishable food
or items. Also disclosed herein are embodiments for an appliance
and for containers with container storage technologies and methods
for the manufacture of said containers.
[0015] Furthermore, the average consumer has preconceptions
regarding the benefits of a product based on the brand of said
product. Therefore, a method can also include the use of a brand
logo or name of a product or products which are the same,
complementary, distinct or different from the primary product.
These secondary or tertiary brand logos or names can include, for
example, select appliances or generic types or categories of
appliances and can utilize a primary brand logo or name product,
such as a perishable food or item in a container with a container
storage technology, but which are distinct, different and not
readily associated with or from the primary brand logo or name. It
can be advantageous to associate the benefits of a different type
of product to highlight existing benefits or to showcase new
benefits not readily apparent from the primary brand product such
as referring or associating to a smart refrigerator with a
container vacuum storage system to showcase the benefits of a
perishable food or item in a container with rfid tags or by
referring or associating to a vacuum storage system to showcase the
benefits of a perishable food or item in a one-way valve container
which may also include an rfid tag. Single or multiple primary,
secondary or tertiary brand logos or names can be used. Each brand
logo or name can also provide an association of an unexpected,
unseen or unknown benefit from one brand logo or name to the next.
Examples of brand logos or names that can be used or associated via
any communicative indicia or text can include select appliances,
perishable food or items in a container with container storage
technologies, manufacturers or distributors of containers,
container storage technologies or food service or distribution
providers such as food and service distributors, grocery stores,
convenience stores or supermarkets that can sell mixed perishable
and non-perishable items.
[0016] For example, a user can view a product container in a retail
space with a primary brand logo or name which immediately informs
the user of an expected quality of said perishable food or item
therein. The user then views single or multiple secondary or
tertiary brand logos or names on the container and the consumer is
immediately informed that the container has a plurality of other
unseen or non-obvious benefits such as it is reusable or
resealable, incorporates a one-way valve with an adhesive, plastic
or film cover or incorporates a vacuum seal mechanism in the cover
or has a flexible or deformable plastic or metal screwtop or cover
to allow a vacuum environment to be created therein, incorporates
multiple one-way valves to allow product venting or incorporates
rfid tags and sensors so that the container and contents can be
monitored and tracked and, additionally, can inform a consumer that
additional products are available and that similar products with
similar type benefits are available and where said products are
available for purchase. Furthermore, secondary and tertiary brand
logos or names add to the perceived quality of the primary brand
logo, and vise versa, because of consumer perception that the
primary brand logo or name product has been and can be effectively
stored and monitored thereby providing extended shelf-life in
addition to the value of the secondary and tertiary brand logo or
name serving as a sponsor, partner, promoter or being a like or
similar quality product to the primary brand logo or name product.
This perception can also be established in any combination of use
of the brand logos and names. Substantial added value can be
provided to consumers and to the primary, secondary or tertiary
brand logos or names via the aforementioned associations.
[0017] Container packaging can provide other benefits such as
highlighting technologies that are incorporated into a container to
effectively and immediately inform consumers of said technologies
and to identify their location on a product by labeling each
technology using any communicative indicia or text, such as icons,
forms or shapes to identify said technologies or by use of readily
discernible colors or markings to indicate the presence of said
technologies with colored plastic or adhesive seals to cover or
seal the openings of one-way valves and also use of associated
informational text or colored exposed rfid tags, each of which can
relate to and associate with a primary, secondary or tertiary brand
logo or name via any communicative indicia. Furthermore, said
technologies can be associated with the secondary or tertiary brand
logos or names.
[0018] A brief product or technology benefit descriptor or
description can be used to explain technologies, uses and benefits
provided by both a container and secondary or tertiary brand logos
or names which can use other communicative indicia to associate a
primary brand logo or name, container and container storage
technologies and secondary or tertiary brand logos or names
together or in any combination thereof. Additionally, brand logos
and names can include the manufacturer or third party of the
following and benefits of a container, rfid tags, adhesive thin
film incorporating one-way valves to cover and seal container
apertures, vacuum seals inside container covers, one-way valves,
sensors and any technology combinations thereof. It should be noted
that primary, secondary or tertiary brand logos or names can
include and combine any of the aforementioned and in any order or
combination.
[0019] Furthermore, consumers in a retail space generally compare
product offerings and benefits. A consumer can consider one product
to determine offered advantages and benefits and then compare other
product offerings and availability to the initial product to
compare other, similar, different or same product brand offerings,
benefits and advantages. A consumer may also desire or require more
product information or information regarding other associated
products prior to making a purchase and the secondary or tertiary
brand logos and names may provide the information the consumer
needs to make a product purchase. A secondary or tertiary brand
logo or name can immediately inform a consumer that same or other
similar type products are available and that additional information
can be obtained regarding product benefits and uses. For example, a
combined primary, secondary or tertiary brand logo or name
descriptor can include the following using any communicative
indicia or text to form a benefits descriptor and association and
in any combination hereof: [0020] [primary brand logo or name]
[0021] [combined description of association or inter-relation]
[0022] [secondary brand logo or name] [0023] or [0024] [tertiary
brand logo or name]
[0025] or; [0026] [primary brand logo or name] [0027] [combined
description of association or inter-relation] [0028] [secondary
brand logo or name] [0029] [combined description of association or
inter-relation] [0030] [tertiary brand logo or name]
[0031] or; [0032] [primary brand logo or name] [0033] [secondary
brand logo or name] [0034] or [0035] [tertiary brand logo or name]
[0036] [combined description of association or inter-relation]
[0037] For example, product packaging can include a primary brand
logo or name which includes a perishable food or item in a
container with container storage technologies and a secondary or
tertiary brand logo or name for any of the following: a select
appliance, a perishable food or item, a container storage
technology, a container, a grocery store, food distribution or
service company and any others disclosed herein. The logo and brand
name for an appliance or storage technology immediately informs a
consumer that there are additional non-obvious or unseen benefits
associated with a perishable food or item, container and container
storage technologies and a logo for a food distribution channel
store, such as a supermarket, immediately informs a consumer of
same or other similar type product availability. [0038] [primary
brand logo or name] [0039] [secondary brand logo or name] [0040] or
[0041] [tertiary brand logo or name]
[0042] Another example includes an appliance with a primary brand
logo or name attached to it with secondary or tertiary brand logos
or names attached to said appliance for perishable food or items in
a container with container storage technologies or a brand logo or
name for a food, storage technology or container manufacturer or
food distribution store. A secondary or tertiary brand logo or name
immediately informs a consumer that other unseen or unexpected
benefits are associated with said appliance that can include
improved appliance storage systems for a perishable food or item in
a container with a container storage technology, availability of
similar perishable food or items in a container with container
storage technologies that can be used with said appliance and,
further, that said logo or brand name for a perishable food or
item, storage technology, container or food distribution store
immediately informs a consumer of said product availability and
availability of other similar type products.
[0043] Furthermore, additional benefits include container storage
technologies that are highlighted and placed into a standard format
presentation on a container, product packaging or marketing
materials. Containers can incorporate single or multiple container
storage technologies. However, a consumer cannot easily identify
these container storage technologies because they are not readily
apparent or visible and are confusing, therefore, a consumer does
not know if a product benefit is offered or not and does not
realize comparative product advantages. More importantly, a
consumer does not know how or what is required to benefit from
these container storage technologies. To date most consumers do not
realize the benefits or advantages of rfid technology and what an
rfid tag is. In addition, consumers may not readily understand why
a product may have a one-way valve with an adhesive, film or
plastic cover sealing said one-way valve. Most consumers would not
understand the associated benefits of such technologies. Rfid tags
are concealed on product containers and consumers associate them
with product theft prevention. An adhesive, film or plastic that
covers the openings of single or multiple one-way valves on a
container may be confusing and also difficult to identify on a
container. A container cover with a vacuum seal incorporated inside
said cover is not apparent to a consumer. A flexible or deformable
plastic or metal screwtop or cover to create a vacuum environment
inside a container is also not readily identifiable. Furthermore,
technologies such as an adhesive, film or plastic that covers a
one-way valve on a container and requires removal from said one-way
valve prior to creating a vacuum environment inside said container
using a select appliance will need to be explained, emphasized and
highlighted so that consumers are made aware of said product
container benefits and advantages. For example, rfid tags, one-way
valves and associated adhesive, film or plastic that covers the
opening of a one-way valve need to be made visible and highlighted
in a manner so that these technologies are immediately noticeable,
recognizable and understood by a consumer by use of markings,
highlighting or emphasizing said technologies with colors, text,
icons or any other communicative indicia or text, or any
combinations thereof, so that consumers immediately recognize said
technologies and related benefits.
[0044] A container, product packaging and marketing materials can
include a specification, technical, benefits and advantages
descriptor line or section which states, lists or describes a
container storage technology used with said product and container
followed by a benefits or advantages section which states, lists or
describes the benefits offered by the product and container and how
said product and container can be used post purchase with an
appliance such as a smart refrigerator, container vacuum system,
freezer, etc. Additionally, icons or other communicative indicia
and text can be used to represent the container storage
technologies, benefits and advantages, for example, rfid tags,
one-way valves, smart refrigerators, container vacuum systems and
combinations thereof. This method can allow a consumer to view a
product, container and container storage technology and product
packaging and to be immediately informed regarding the product's
and container's benefits, such as, functionalities, technologies
and advantages and to inform a consumer which appliances can
utilize said product and container storage technologies. Also, by
using a standard section or informational format on a product,
container, product packaging or marketing material a consumer can
quickly and easily find this information on any product, brand,
container or product packaging to efficiently and quickly obtain
product and container technology information and information
regarding which brands, products or appliances are capable of using
said technologies and be informed regarding said product
availability. Examples of container informational benefits sections
can include but are not limited to: [0045] container technology:
rfid tag, sensor, [product name] [0046] benefits: monitor and track
food [0047] advantages: use with smart refrigerator [0048]
container specification: one-way valve, rfid tag [0049] benefits:
resealable vacuum container, monitor and track food [0050] use
with: smart refrigerator, vacuum system, [product logo]
[0051] A technology benefits description or descriptor can also be
provided. This information can be provided in any format or
combination and can be referred to, placed or attached in any
location on a container, product packaging, technology or marketing
material by using any combination of communicative indicia, text or
brand logos or names. This format can also be used in any
combination with any of the other methods described herein.
[0052] The present invention also provides a method for
communicating product benefits such as technologies and advantages
to consumers regarding a perishable food or item inside a container
with container storage technologies, the method comprising the
steps of: (i) manufacturing or producing a container with a
container storage technology, wherein the container and container
storage technology comprises a benefit; (ii) placing into the
container with a container storage technology a perishable food or
item for sale, wherein the associated packaging or container
comprises: (a) a primary brand logo or name, wherein the primary
brand logo is associated with a perishable food or item inside a
container with a container storage technology, and (b) a secondary
brand logo or name, wherein the secondary brand logo or name is
associated with an appliance capable of utilizing said container
and container storage technology and can also include (c) a
tertiary brand logo or name which can be associated with storage
technologies, the container, food distribution store or can include
any of the steps or combinations of the methods disclosed herein
and in any combination thereof.
[0053] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a
method of product packaging that communicates benefits to a
consumer of a container with container storage technologies, the
product packaging comprising: (i) a primary brand logo or name,
wherein the primary brand logo is associated with the perishable
food or item inside the container with container storage
technologies, and (ii) a secondary brand logo or name, wherein the
secondary brand logo or name is associated with a container storage
technology incorporated into said container and can also include
(iii) a tertiary brand logo or name which can be associated with
storage technologies, the container, food distribution store or can
include any of the steps or combinations of the methods disclosed
herein and in any combination thereof.
[0054] An alternate embodiment presents a method of product
packaging that communicates benefits to a consumer of a perishable
food or item placed inside a container with container storage
technologies, the product packaging comprising: (i) a primary brand
logo or name, wherein the primary brand logo or name is associated
with a perishable food or item inside a container with container
storage technologies, (ii) highlighting said container storage
technologies, (iii) a secondary brand logo or name, wherein the
secondary brand logo or name is associated with the highlighted
container storage technologies or an appliance capable of utilizing
said container storage technologies and can also include (iv) a
tertiary brand logo or name which can be associated with storage
technologies, the container, food distribution store or can include
any of the steps or combinations of the methods disclosed herein
and in any combination thereof.
[0055] Another embodiment presents a method of product packaging
that communicates benefits to a consumer of a perishable food or
item placed inside a container with container storage technologies,
the product packaging comprising: (i) a primary brand logo or name,
wherein the primary brand logo or name is associated with a
perishable food or item inside a container with container storage
technologies, (ii) communicative indicia or text using a descriptor
to highlight the benefits and advantages of the primary, secondary
or tertiary brand logos or names, (iii) a secondary brand logo or
name, wherein the secondary brand logo or name is associated with
said highlighted container storage technologies or an appliance
capable of utilizing said container and container storage
technologies and can also include (iv) a tertiary brand logo or
name which can be associated with storage technologies, the
container, food distribution store or can include any of the steps
or combinations of the methods disclosed herein and in any
combination thereof.
[0056] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a
method of product packaging that communicates benefits to a
consumer of a perishable food or item placed inside a container
with container storage technologies, the product packaging
comprising: (i) a primary brand logo or name, wherein the primary
brand logo or name is associated with a perishable food or item
inside a container, (ii) a secondary brand logo or name, wherein
the secondary brand logo or name is associated with container
storage technologies or an appliance capable of utilizing said
container storage technology, (iii) a tertiary brand logo or name
which can be associated with storage technologies, a container,
food distribution store or can include any of the steps or
combinations of the disclosed methods herein and in any combination
thereof, and (iv) an informational product and technology section
on the container that uses said brand logos and names to highlight
product advantages and benefits.
[0057] An alternative embodiment presents a method of product
packaging that communicates benefits to a consumer of an appliance,
the product packaging comprising: (i) a primary brand logo or name,
wherein the primary brand logo or name is associated with an
appliance, (ii) highlighting appliance storage technologies, (iii)
a secondary brand logo or name, wherein the secondary brand logo or
name is associated with the highlighted appliance storage
technologies or a perishable food or item, a container, a container
storage technology or any combination thereof and can also include
(iv) a tertiary brand logo or name which can be associated with
storage technologies, the container, food distribution store or can
include any of the steps or combinations of the disclosed methods
herein and in any combination thereof.
[0058] Any of the methods and steps herein can be combined or used
individually or in any combination with other methods and steps
disclosed herein.
[0059] The present invention also discloses methods, including
manufacturing, for perishable food or items in containers with
container storage technologies.
[0060] A method can also include the following product preparation
and consumer steps: a) providing or producing a perishable food or
item for container storage, b) selecting a sealable or resealable
container suitable for said perishable food or item, c) selecting a
suitable storage technology to be incorporated into said container,
d) if desired or necessary, selecting additional and compatible
storage technologies to be incorporated into said container, e)
manufacturing or providing the selected sealable or resealable
container, f) manufacturing or providing the selected container
storage technologies, g) incorporating said selected container
storage technologies into the selected container, h) placing a
perishable food or item into the container, i) sealing said
container, with or without a created container storage environment,
with said food or item inside said container, j) placing said food
or item, container and container storage technologies on display
and sale, k) marketing said perishable food or item, container and
container storage technologies to consumers for use with an
appliance, l) a consumer purchases said perishable food or item,
container and container storage technologies, m) a consumer opens
and then reseals said container with a perishable food or item
inside said container, n) a consumer uses an appliance to preserve,
monitor or track said perishable food or item and container with
container storage technologies, and o) a consumer can use a
microwave to warm or cook said perishable food or item in a
container, with or without opening said container, for a
pre-determined period of time or at a pre-determined
temperature.
[0061] A "container storage environment" referred to in step i)
above and herein can include any created environment such as a
modified atmosphere or vacuum environment or any other type of
container storage environment to preserve or enhance the shelf-life
or appearance of a perishable food or item. A storage technology
referred to in any of the method steps and herein can include any
storage technology disclosed herein and any combinations thereof.
Additionally, the steps of product, container and container storage
technology sales, packaging and marketing materials can be provided
and performed during any of the method steps herein and in any of
the disclosed methods. It should also be noted that the
aforementioned method steps can be performed in any combination or
order and with any method steps omitted, modified or added as
described herein.
[0062] Another method can include the following product preparation
and consumer steps: a) providing or producing a perishable food or
item, b) selecting a sealable or resealable container suitable for
said perishable food or item, c) selecting a suitable storage
technology that includes a one-way valve to allow air to be
evacuated from inside a container, d) if desired or necessary,
selecting additional and compatible storage technologies to be
incorporated into said container, e) manufacturing or providing the
selected sealable or resealable container, f) manufacturing or
providing the selected one-way valve and container storage
technologies, g) incorporating said selected one-way valve and
container storage technologies into the selected container, h)
placing a perishable food or item into the container, i) sealing
said container, with or without a container storage environment,
with said food or item inside said container, j) placing said food
or item, container and container storage technologies on display
and sale, k) marketing said perishable food or item, container and
container storage technologies to consumers for use with an
appliance, l) a consumer purchases said perishable food or item,
container and container storage technologies, m) a consumer opens
and then reseals said container with a perishable food or item
inside said container, and n) a consumer uses an appliance such as
a vacuum drawer or compartment to create a vacuum environment
inside said vacuum drawer or compartment and concurrently inside
said container to preserve, monitor or track said perishable food
or item and container with container storage technologies.
[0063] Another method can include the following product preparation
and consumer steps: a) providing or producing a perishable food or
item, b) selecting a sealable or resealable container suitable for
said perishable food or item, c) selecting a suitable storage
technology that includes a seal to cover the aperture of a
container to allow air to be evacuated from inside a container, d)
if desired or necessary, selecting additional and compatible
storage technologies to be incorporated into said container, e)
manufacturing or providing the selected sealable or resealable
container, f) manufacturing or providing the selected seal and
container storage technologies, g) incorporating said selected seal
and container storage technologies into the selected container, h)
placing a perishable food or item into the container, i) sealing
said container, with or without a container storage environment,
with said food or item inside said container, j) placing said food
or item, container and container storage technologies on display
and sale, k) marketing said perishable food or item, container and
container storage technologies to consumers for use with an
appliance, l) a consumer purchases said perishable food or item,
container and container storage technologies, m) a consumer opens
and then reseals said container with a perishable food or item
inside said container, and n) a consumer uses an appliance such as
a vacuum drawer or compartment to create a vacuum environment
inside said vacuum drawer or compartment and concurrently inside
said container to preserve, monitor or track said perishable food
or item and container with container storage technologies.
[0064] An alternate method includes the following product
preparation and consumer steps: a) providing or producing a
perishable food or item, b) selecting a sealable or resealable
container suitable for said perishable food or item, c) selecting a
suitable storage technology that includes a one-way valve to allow
air to be evacuated from inside a container, d) if desired or
necessary, selecting additional and compatible storage technologies
to be incorporated into said container, e) manufacturing or
providing the selected sealable or resealable container, f)
manufacturing or providing the selected one-way valve and container
storage technologies, g) incorporating said selected one-way valve
and container storage technologies into the selected container, h)
placing a perishable food or item into the container, i) closing
and sealing said container, j) placing said one-way valve container
into a vacuum system to create a vacuum environment inside the
vacuum system and concurrently inside the container placed therein
with said food or item inside said container, k) if the perishable
food or item is presold, a gift or a benefit then said food or item
can be distributed to consumers and then continue to step o) and,
if not, then continue here, l) placing said food or item, container
and container storage technologies on display and sale, m)
marketing said perishable food or item, container and container
storage technologies to consumers for use with an appliance, n) a
consumer purchases said perishable food or item, container and
container storage technologies, o) a consumer opens and then
reseals said container with a perishable food or item inside said
container, and p) a consumer uses an appliance such as a vacuum
drawer or compartment to preserve, monitor or track said perishable
food or item and container with container storage technologies.
[0065] An alternate method can include the following product
preparation and consumer steps: a) providing or producing a
perishable food or item, b) selecting a sealable or resealable
container suitable for said perishable food or item, c) selecting a
suitable storage technology that includes a one-way valve to allow
air to be evacuated from inside a container, d) if desired or
necessary, selecting additional and compatible storage technologies
to be incorporated into said container, e) manufacturing or
providing the selected sealable or resealable container, f)
manufacturing or providing the selected one-way valve and container
storage technologies, g) incorporating said selected one-way valve
and container storage technologies into the selected container, h)
placing a perishable food or item into the container, i) sealing
said container, with or without a container storage environment,
with said food or item inside said container, j) placing a
removable or resealable adhesive, film, plastic or material to
cover and seal the exterior opening of the one-way valve, and if
desired, also placing a removable or resealable adhesive, film,
plastic or material to cover and seal the interior opening of the
one-way valve, k) placing said food or item, container and
container storage technologies on display and sale, l) marketing
said perishable food or item, container and container storage
technologies to consumers for use with an appliance, m) a consumer
purchases said perishable food or item, container and container
storage technologies, n) a consumer opens and then reseals said
container with a perishable food or item inside said container, o)
a consumer removes the adhesive, film, plastic or material from the
respective opening of the one-way valve to allow air to be
evacuated from inside the container, and p) a consumer uses an
appliance such as a vacuum drawer or compartment to create a vacuum
environment inside said container to preserve, monitor or track
said perishable food or item and container with container storage
technologies.
[0066] Another method can include the following product preparation
and consumer steps: a) providing or producing a perishable food or
item, b) selecting a sealable or resealable container suitable for
said perishable food or item, c) selecting a suitable storage
technology that includes a sealable one-way valve to allow air to
be evacuated from inside a container and a sealable one-way valve
to allow air to pass into a container, d) if desired or necessary,
selecting additional and compatible storage technologies to be
incorporated into said container, e) manufacturing or providing the
selected sealable or resealable container, f) manufacturing or
providing the selected one-way valves and container storage
technologies, g) incorporating said selected one-way valves and
container storage technologies into the selected container, h) if
desired, placing a removable or resealable adhesive, film, plastic
or material to cover and seal the exterior opening of each one-way
valve, and if desired, also placing a removable or resealable
adhesive, film, plastic or material to cover and seal the interior
opening of each one-way valve, i) placing a perishable food or item
into the container, j) sealing said container, with or without a
container storage environment, with said food or item inside said
container, k) placing said food or item, container and container
storage technologies on display and sale, l) marketing said
perishable food or item, container and container storage
technologies to consumers for use with an appliance, m) a consumer
purchases said perishable food or item, container and container
storage technologies, n) a consumer opens and then reseals said
container with a perishable food or item inside said container, o)
a consumer removes the adhesive, plastic, film or material from a
one-way valve to: allow air to be evacuated from inside the
container to create a vacuum environment; or to allow air to pass
into the container to create a pressurized environment; or removes
the covers from the openings of both one-way valves to allow air to
simultaneously evacuate from and pass into the container to vent
said container, and p) a consumer uses an appliance such as a
vacuum drawer or compartment to create a vacuum or pressure
environment inside a container or to degas or vent said container
to store, preserve, monitor or track said perishable food or item
and container with container storage technologies.
[0067] It should be noted that in step o) a consumer can remove an
adhesive, plastic, film or material from the opening of a one-way
valve or as disclosed in another embodiment a consumer can puncture
a hermetically sealed and covered one-way valve which is
constructed or embedded into said container, as described
herein.
[0068] Another method can include the following product preparation
and consumer steps: a) providing or producing a perishable food or
item, b) selecting a sealable or resealable container suitable for
said perishable food or item that can include a threadable lid or
cover ("cover") that engages with threads on the aperture of a
container, c) selecting a suitable storage technology that can
include a one-way valve to be incorporated into a cover to allow
air to be evacuated from inside a container, d) if desired or
necessary, selecting additional and compatible storage technologies
to be incorporated into said container, e) manufacturing or
providing the selected sealable or resealable container, f)
manufacturing or providing the selected one-way valve, cover and
container storage technologies, g) incorporating said selected
one-way valve into the threadable cover of said container to allow
air to be evacuated from the inside of said container when the
cover is disposed on said container and incorporating any other
container storage technologies into the selected container, h)
placing a removable or resealable adhesive, film, plastic or
material to cover and seal the exterior opening of the one-way
valve, and if desired, also placing a removable or resealable
adhesive, film, plastic or material to cover and seal the interior
opening of the one-way valve in the cover of the container, i)
placing a perishable food or item into the container such as, but
not limited to, milk, juice, sauces and condiments, j) sealing the
aperture of said container, with or without a container storage
environment, with a sealing material such as film, plastic, foil or
any other suitable material, with said food or item inside said
container, k) disposing or threading said container cover onto the
threaded aperture of said sealed container, l) placing said food or
item, container and container storage technologies on display and
sale, m) marketing said perishable food or item, container and
container storage technologies to consumers for use with an
appliance, n) a consumer purchases said perishable food or item,
container and container storage technologies, o) a consumer removes
the threaded cover from the aperture of said container and removes
the material covering and sealing the container aperture to access
said contents, p) a consumer removes the adhesive, film, plastic or
material from the respective openings of a one-way valve to allow
air to be evacuated from inside the container to create a vacuum
environment therein, q) a consumer then disposes or attaches said
cover onto said container to close and seal said container, and r)
a consumer uses an appliance such as a vacuum drawer or compartment
to create a vacuum environment inside said drawer or compartment
and concurrently inside said container to preserve, monitor or
track said perishable food or item and container with container
storage technologies.
[0069] This method can apply to a container that can use a
removable or attachable lid or flip type lid that can be pressed to
engage, close and seal a container cover to a container body and
also incorporate a one-way valve and sealing system as described
herein into said cover.
[0070] An alternate method can include the following product
preparation and consumer steps: a) providing or producing a
perishable food or item for container storage, b) selecting a
sealable or resealable container suitable for said perishable food
or item, c) selecting a suitable storage technology to be
incorporated into said container, such as a one-way valve disposed
in a hollow tube that can be disposed, inserted or screwed into a
container or container cover post-purchase to allow air to be
evacuated from the inside of a container, d) if desired or
necessary, selecting additional and compatible storage technologies
to be incorporated into said container, e) manufacturing or
providing the selected sealable or resealable container, f)
manufacturing or providing the selected hollow tube (lance) with a
one-way valve disposed therein and other container storage
technologies, g) incorporating said selected container storage
technologies into the selected container, h) placing a perishable
food or item into the container, i) sealing said container, with or
without a container storage environment, with said food or item
inside said container, j) placing said food or item, container and
container storage technologies on display and sale, k) marketing
said perishable food or item, container and container storage
technologies to consumers for use with an appliance, l) a consumer
purchases said perishable food or item, container and container
storage technologies, m) a consumer opens and then reseals said
container with a perishable food or item inside said container, n)
a consumer inserts said hollow tube with a one-way valve disposed
therein into said container body or container cover, and o) a
consumer uses an appliance create a vacuum environment inside said
container to preserve, monitor or track said perishable food or
item and container with container storage technologies.
[0071] Another method can include the following product preparation
and consumer steps: a) providing or producing a perishable food or
item, b) selecting a sealable or resealable container suitable for
said perishable food or item, c) selecting a suitable storage
technology that includes a threadable, flexible or deformable
container cover that allows air to be evacuated from inside a
container when disposed onto the aperture of a container, d) if
desired or necessary, selecting additional and compatible storage
technologies to be incorporated into said container, e)
manufacturing or providing the selected sealable or resealable
container, f) manufacturing or providing the selected threadable,
flexible or deformable container cover and container storage
technologies, g) incorporating said selected threadable, flexible
or deformable container cover and container storage technologies
into the selected container, h) placing a perishable food or item
into the container, i) sealing said container, with or without a
container storage environment, with said food or item inside said
container, j) placing said food or item, container and container
storage technologies on display and sale, k) marketing said
perishable food or item, container and container storage
technologies to consumers for use with an appliance, l) a consumer
purchases said perishable food or item, container and container
storage technologies, m) a consumer opens and then reseals said
container with a perishable food or item inside said container, and
n) a consumer uses an appliance such as a vacuum drawer or
compartment to create a vacuum environment therein and concurrently
inside said container to preserve, monitor or track said perishable
food or item and container with container storage technologies.
[0072] It should also be noted that the insertable hollow tube with
a one-way valve disposed therein or a threadable container cover or
lid with a one-way valve can be provided to consumers to use with
purchased products and containers and to use said technologies
interchangeably between newly purchased products and containers at
any method step described herein.
[0073] Another method can include the following product preparation
and consumer steps: a) providing or producing a perishable food or
item, b) selecting a sealable or resealable container suitable for
said perishable food or item that can include a threadable cover
that engages with threads on the aperture of a container, c)
selecting a suitable storage technology that can include a
threadable cover that includes a spherical seal contained therein
that can be aligned and positioned over the aperture of said
container when the cover is disposed on said container to allow air
to be evacuated from inside a container to create a vacuum
environment inside said container, d) if desired or necessary,
selecting additional and compatible storage technologies to be
incorporated into said container, e) manufacturing or providing the
selected sealable or resealable container, f) manufacturing or
providing the selected threadable cover with a spherical seal
contained therein, g) placing a perishable food or item into the
container such as, but not limited to, spices, milk, juice, sauces,
condiments, (then either step h) or step k)), h) if desired,
creating a storage environment inside said container, i) then
sealing the aperture of said container with a sealing material such
as film, plastic, foil or any other suitable material, with said
food or item inside said container, j) disposing or threading said
container cover onto the threaded aperture of said sealed
container, k) disposing or threading said container cover onto the
threaded aperture of said container, l) if desired, placing said
container into a vacuum system to create a vacuum environment
inside said system and simultaneously inside said container, m) if
desired, covering and sealing the cover onto the container body
with a removable protective plastic, n) placing said food or item,
container and container storage technologies on display and sale,
o) marketing said perishable food or item, container and container
storage technologies to consumers for use with an appliance, p) a
consumer purchases said perishable food or item, container and
container storage technologies, q) if applicable, a consumer
removes the protective plastic cover from the cover or container
and then removes the threaded cover from the aperture of said
container and, if applicable, removes the material covering and
sealing the container aperture to access said contents, r) a
consumer then disposes or attaches said cover onto said container
to close and seal said container, and q) a consumer uses an
appliance such as a vacuum drawer or compartment to create a vacuum
environment inside said drawer or compartment and concurrently
inside said container to preserve, monitor or track said perishable
food or item and container with container storage technologies.
[0074] Another method can include the following product preparation
and consumer steps: a) providing or producing a perishable food or
item, b) selecting a container with an open aperture suitable for
said perishable food or item, c) selecting a suitable storage
technology such as a one-way valve and a film, plastic, foil or any
other material that can incorporate a one-way valve to allow air to
be evacuated from inside a container when the one-way valve and
film, plastic, foil or material cover and seal the aperture of a
container, d) if desired or necessary, selecting additional and
compatible storage technologies to be incorporated into said
container, e) manufacturing or providing the selected container, f)
manufacturing or providing the selected one-way valve and sealable
or resealable film, plastic, foil or material to incorporate said
one-way valve and the other container storage technologies, g)
incorporating a one-way valve into said selected film, plastic,
foil or material, h) placing a perishable food or item into the
container (then continue to either step i) or to step l)), j)
sealing said container with said film, plastic, foil or material
incorporating said one-way valve without a storage environment and
said food or item inside said container, k) placing said sealed
container into a vacuum system to create a vacuum environment
inside said system and simultaneously inside said container, l)
sealing said container with said film, plastic, foil or material
incorporating said one-way valve with a storage environment and
said food or item inside said container, m) if desired, placing a
removable or resealable adhesive, film, plastic or material to
cover and seal the exterior opening of the one-way valve, n)
placing said food or item, container and container storage
technologies on display and sale, o) marketing said perishable food
or item, container and container storage technologies to consumers
for use with an appliance, p) a consumer purchases said perishable
food or item, container and container storage technologies, q) a
consumer opens and then reseals said container using the film,
plastic, foil or material incorporating a one-way valve with a
perishable food or item inside said container, r) if applicable, a
consumer removes the adhesive, plastic, film or material from the
opening of the one-way valve to allow air to be evacuated from
inside the container to create a vacuum environment therein, and s)
a consumer uses an appliance such as a vacuum drawer or compartment
to create a vacuum environment inside said container to store,
preserve, monitor or track said perishable food or item and
container with container storage technologies.
[0075] Another method can include the following product preparation
and consumer steps: a) providing or producing a perishable food or
item, b) selecting a sealable or resealable container, such as a
bottle with an aperture, suitable for said perishable food or item
that can include alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, c) selecting
a suitable storage technology that can include a cork, rubber or
plastic type stopper and a suitable one-way valve that can be
incorporated into the stopper which can then be placed or disposed
into the aperture of a bottle or into a circular opening of a
container to create an airtight engagement and to allow air to be
evacuated from inside said container to create a vacuum environment
therein, d) if desired or necessary, selecting additional and
compatible storage technologies to be incorporated into said
container, e) manufacturing or providing the selected sealable or
resealable container, f) manufacturing or providing the selected
rubber or plastic stopper with a one-way valve incorporated
therein, g) placing a perishable food or item into the container
such as, but not limited to, beverages, spices, milk, juice,
sauces, condiments, (continue to step h) or skip to step i), h) if
desired, creating an storage environment therein, i) placing said
stopper into said container with said food or item inside said
container, m) if desired, placing said container into a vacuum
system to create a vacuum environment inside said system and
simultaneously inside said container, n) if desired, placing a
removable or resealable adhesive, film, plastic or material to
cover and seal on the exterior opening of the one-way valve, o) if
desired, covering and sealing the stopper to the container body
with a removable protective plastic, p) placing said food or item,
container and container storage technologies on display and sale,
q) marketing said perishable food or item, container and container
storage technologies to consumers for use with an appliance, r) a
consumer purchases said perishable food or item, container and
container storage technologies, s) if applicable, a consumer
removes the protective plastic cover from the stopper and container
and then removes the stopper from the container aperture to access
said contents, t) a consumer then places the stopper into the
container and removes the cover from the one-way valve, and u) a
consumer uses an appliance such as a vacuum drawer or compartment
to create a vacuum environment inside said drawer or compartment
and concurrently inside said container to preserve, monitor or
track said perishable food or item and container with container
storage technologies.
[0076] The methods described herein can include a situation where a
perishable food or item is sold separately from a container with a
container storage technology but which is intended for use in a
container with a container storage technology, such as a vacuum
technology as described herein. For example, spices may be sold in
a vacuum storage container as described herein but refills or
additional product may be sold in a vacuum sealed plastic bag the
contents which are then intended to be placed into an originally
sold vacuum container. Or, a spice vacuum container may be provided
to a consumer as gift or benefit to use a certain brand of spices
said spices which are sold to consumers in a vacuum sealed plastic
bag without a container and are intended to be placed into said
container for vacuum storage.
[0077] It should be noted that the one-way valves used in the
embodiments in the method steps to create vacuum environments can
also be used as one-way valves to create pressurized environments
inside containers and said vacuum systems disclosed herein can be
pressurized systems to create pressure environments inside said
containers. Furthermore, for safety purposes containers can have
one-way valves with adjusted one-way valve air flows, sensitivities
or cracking pressures so that containers are not damaged or
destroyed inside a vacuum compartment. Additionally, vacuum
compartments can also have release valves, as described herein, to
automatically release a vacuum environment when predetermined
vacuum level is reached or exceeded in order to prevent a container
from being damaged.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0078] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a housing and
compartments;
[0079] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a compartment with
a drawer;
[0080] FIG. 3 illustrates a compartment with a door and
containers;
[0081] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of a control system
including display panel, microprocessor and memory device;
[0082] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a container with a cover
and two one-way valves;
[0083] FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of covered containers with
one-way valve assemblies inside a compartment;
[0084] FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of a cover with an internal
sealing mechanism;
[0085] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a cover with an internal
sealing mechanism;
[0086] FIG. 9A illustrates a top view of an annular seal;
[0087] FIG. 9B illustrates a side view of an annular seal;
[0088] FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of a cover with an internal
hollow circular sealing mechanism;
[0089] FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of a cover with an outer
deformable section connected to an annular rigid center piece;
[0090] FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of an exterior sealing
mechanism disposed on an annular cover;
[0091] FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of an exterior sealing
mechanism disposed on an annular cover;
[0092] FIG. 14 illustrates a top view of an exterior sealing
mechanism disposed on a cover with a protective adhesive plastic
strip;
[0093] FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of an exterior sealing
mechanism disposed on a cover with a protective adhesive plastic
strip;
[0094] FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of an exterior holding ring
and lock mechanism to contain a seal onto a cover;
[0095] FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of an interior ring and lock
mechanism to contain a seal onto a cover;
[0096] FIG. 18 illustrates a top view of a thin film, plastic or
foil incorporating a one-way valve to seal an aperture of a
container;
[0097] FIG. 19 illustrates a side view of an interior ring and
mechanism to contain a seal in a flip top cover;
[0098] FIG. 20 illustrates a side view of a one-way valve threading
or piercing lance device;
[0099] FIG. 21 illustrates a side view of a stopper with a one-way
valve to seal the aperture of a container or bottle;
[0100] FIG. 22 illustrates a perishable food or item inside a
container with a container storage technology and brand logos or
names;
[0101] FIG. 23 is a flow diagram that illustrates one embodiment of
a method as may utilize the present invention;
[0102] FIG. 24 is a flow diagram that illustrates a second
embodiment of a method as may utilize the present invention;
[0103] FIG. 25 is a flow diagram that illustrates a third
embodiment of a method as may utilize the present invention;
[0104] FIG. 26 is a flow diagram that illustrates a fourth
embodiment of a method as may utilize the present invention;
and
[0105] FIG. 27 illustrates an appliance with a storage technology
that can use a perishable food or item inside a container with a
container storage technology with brand logos or names.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0106] The invention will now be described with reference to the
attached non-limiting Figures. In a preferred embodiment and as
described herein, a vacuum storage system can comprise any of the
following such as, a housing (1) shown in FIG. 1, in which at least
one sealable modular compartment (6) can be disposed with at least
one or more containers disposed therein. A compartment (6) can also
be removably disposed inside a housing. Physically removed from and
in communication with the interior of a compartment is a pump to
create vacuum, pressure and other environments inside said
compartment and containers disposed therein. A control system (2),
which can include a display panel, microprocessor (CPU) and memory
device, as well as, operating system controls, as shown in FIG. 4,
can selectively or automatically activate and deactivate a pump and
place said pump in either a vacuum or pressure mode or function.
Further, said pump can function in a vacuum or pressure mode and
can pump, vent or draw air into or out of an open or sealed
compartment. Furthermore, a pump with a vacuum or pressure function
can connect to the interior of a compartment and communicate with a
control system, sensors and release valves connected and in
communication with said compartment.
[0107] Another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, provides an
apparatus housing (18) and operating systems to create, monitor,
regulate, maintain and release compartment or container
environments such as vacuum, pressure, temperature, humidity,
venting and outgassing, all of which can connect to and communicate
with a control system, each individual operating system, sensors
and a compartment. Operating systems, as described herein, can
include a pump(s) (89), sensors (50) (which can include humidity,
gas, temperature, tactile, time and vacuum, and as described
herein), valves (90), system status indicators and controls and
temperature (40) and humidity (35) control devices (operating
system(s), systems and components). A temperature system (40) can
create a range of temperature inside a housing (18), a compartment
(6) and a container (30) disposed therein and can connect to a
control system (2) and to individual or selected system components.
A humidity system (35) can create a range of humidity inside a
compartment and a container disposed therein and can connect to a
control system and to individual or selected system components.
Furthermore, vacuum, temperature and humidity systems can connect
to sensors and said sensors can connect to vacuum, temperature and
humidity systems to activate, deactivate, interrupt, create,
regulate and maintain individual or selected operating systems,
processes and environments as described herein. For example,
temperature, vacuum, gas and humidity sensors, can communicate with
a control system and can individually or in combination activate or
deactivate a pump or valve(s) to an open or close position when a
predetermined level, range or value of temperature, vacuum, gas,
time or humidity is created, maintained or exceeded inside a
compartment or inside a container disposed therein or after a
preset period of time. A compartment can include a seal (91) on the
open and close mechanism or device for the compartment
aperture.
[0108] Status indicators can include a light or series of lights
located on the front of a drawer or compartment which illuminate in
colors to inform of the system status, such as, red when a vacuum
is being created and green when a vacuum is being released from a
compartment.
[0109] As shown in FIGS. 1-2, a housing (1) can include a
compartment (6) disposed therein comprising exterior walls with a
slidable drawer (4) that can serve as an internal holding area or
retaining compartment (9) for goods with a front wall (10) that can
serve as a means to open, close or seal said compartment. Housings
can include, but are not limited to, a refrigerator, freezer,
cabinet, shell and drawer. A compartment can include an aperture
comprising a drawer (6), door (93), bin, pivot bin, lid or cover,
any of which can be hingedly attached to a housing or compartment
or surrounding area.
[0110] As shown in FIGS. 2-3, a vacuum compartment (6) can be
constructed and arranged so that when a retaining compartment, such
as a drawer (10), is in a closed position inside a compartment said
drawer can create a seal between the engaging surfaces of a
compartment and the interior of a drawer. The created seal can also
be airtight or can create a vacuum seal. Further, in other
embodiments, when a vacuum is created inside a compartment a seal
can be formed between a front wall of a drawer unit (7) and the
walls of a compartment (8). A sealing device (91) can also be
provided positioned between or around the engaging surfaces of a
compartment and the interior (9) of a drawer or a door (93).
Additionally, a sensor (12) can be positioned on a drawer or door
of a refrigerator or compartment and connect to operating systems
and to a control system to indicate the open, close and seal status
to activate and deactivate individual or selected operating
systems. Furthermore, a mechanical or electrical latch mechanism
can be provided to secure a drawer and a compartment together when
the interior portion of a drawer is substantially contained inside
a compartment to engage a drawer and a compartment together to seal
said compartment interior. A latch mechanism can connect to a
control system and to individual or selected operating systems to
activate or deactivate individual or selected operating systems. A
drawer can also include a handle (5).
[0111] As shown in FIG. 4, other aspects of the invention provide a
programmable control system, which can consist of a display panel
(41), operating system controls (42) and a microprocessor and
memory device (92), for a housing or a compartment to connect and
communicate with operating system components to activate,
deactivate, control, monitor, release and regulate a pump(s) (43),
latch mechanism, sensors (50), valves (48), system status
indicators connected to sensors, and controls, and vacuum,
temperature and humidity systems. Accordingly, each operating
system and compartment can interconnect and inter-communicate with
each other, or via a control system, to function together or
individually to carry out the processes described herein.
Accordingly, a control system can activate or deactivate a pump to
vent, cool or create vacuum and pressure environments inside a
compartment, as well as, activate or deactivate a gas or release
valve to open or close positions to seal or unseal a compartment.
Additionally, a control system can connect to and communicate with
sensors (50) described herein and said sensors can connect to and
communicate with a control system (20) and each operating system
such as a pump(s), valves, latch mechanism, sensors, system status
indicators, system controls and vacuum, temperature and humidity
systems to activate, deactivate, create, monitor, regulate,
maintain and release environments, such as, vacuum, pressure,
temperature, humidity, gas, air, components and processes for and
in a housing, compartment and containers disposed therein and
combinations thereof. A user interface with an led display and
apparatus power source (46, 47) with touch, keyed or digital
display panel functionality can operatively connect to and
communicate with a control system to allow the input of
instructions, formulas, time sequences and values to operate each
or selected system components, systems and processes described
herein. A user interface, situated on a compartment or a housing
exterior or interior front panel, access or surrounding areas can
also comprise touch panel controls, switches, buttons and knobs to
connect to and communicate with operating systems and housing
components. The operating systems can be programmed to be activated
and deactivated automatically via a control system or manually via
a control panel or via each operating system.
[0112] In another embodiment a vacuum sensor can communicate with a
compartment interior and operatively connect to a housing,
compartment or control system to open and close a gas or release
valve and to activate and deactivate a pump(s). Alternately, a
vacuum sensor can connect directly to a pump(s), a housing,
compartment or valve. Furthermore, a housing or compartment sensor,
as described herein, such as vacuum, temperature, pressure,
tactile, drawer and refrigerator door open, close and seal status
sensors can operatively connect in combination to a pump, valve(s),
sensors and housing or compartment operating systems to open and
close a valve(s) or to activate or deactivate a pump(s).
[0113] A control system or pump and valve can also be activated to
vent or cool a compartment interior by activating a pump to draw or
pump air through a compartment interior and contemporaneously
activate a valve or a release valve to open positions. A housing or
compartment control system or a vacuum sensor can activate a pump
and a valve to create a predetermined vacuum level in a compartment
or container disposed therein. A pressure release or valve can
release a predetermined amount of vacuum from inside a compartment
at a predetermined time period, pressure level or when a level is
reached or exceeded and a vacuum can also be released via the
aperture of a compartment.
[0114] As shown in FIG. 4, a compartment can comprise multiple
storage functions or modes (45) such as, but not limited to, a
conventional compartment with operating systems placed in either
off or idle positions, a vacuum compartment, a pressurized
compartment, a venting compartment, a cooling compartment, a
humidity compartment, an outgassing compartment and a processing
compartment to create environments inside containers disposed
therein, such as temperature, humidity, vacuum, pressure, venting,
cooling and outgassing.
[0115] Some of the apparatus, operating system and control system
functionalities and modes can include, but are not limited to, the
following. [0116] 1. A function to create a range of temperature
inside a housing to cool a compartment or container disposed
therein. [0117] 2. A function to activate a pump and close a valve
or to close a valve and activate a pump or to contemporaneously
activate a pump and close a valve to create a vacuum environment
inside a compartment when said compartment aperture is closed and
sealed. [0118] 3. A function to activate a pump and close a valve
or to close a valve and activate a pump or to contemporaneously
activate a pump and close a valve to create a pressurized
environment inside a compartment when said compartment aperture is
closed and sealed. [0119] 4. A function to activate a pump (in
vacuum or pressure mode) while a compartment valve is
contemporaneously actuated to an open position to vent, cool or
degas said compartment and contents therein. Furthermore, a
temperature sensor or control system can activate a valve to a
close position after a predetermined value, time period or level of
vacuum, temperature or humidity has been established, reached or
exceeded inside a compartment. [0120] 5. A function to activate a
pump (vacuum or pressure mode) and to simultaneously close a valve
to create a pressure or vacuum environment inside a compartment and
to maintain said pressure or vacuum level inside said compartment
until it is deactivated manually or automatically via a control
system. [0121] 6. A function to activate a pump and to close a
valve to create a pre-determined vacuum in a compartment and when
said maximum pressure level reaches or exceeds a pre-determined
level, time period or value to then deactivate said pump and open a
valve to release said vacuum and open said compartment by admitting
air into said compartment. [0122] 7. A function to activate a pump
and to close a valve to create a pre-set vacuum level inside a
compartment and when said maximum vacuum level reaches or exceeds a
pre-determined time period, level or value to open a valve to
release said vacuum by admitting air into a compartment and to
deactivate said pump. [0123] 8. A function to activate a pump and
to close a valve to create a vacuum inside a compartment and when
said maximum vacuum level reaches or exceeds a pre-determined
level, time period or value to concurrently open a valve and
deactivate a pump to admit air into said compartment to release
said vacuum. [0124] 9. A function to activate a pump and to close
valves to create a pre-set vacuum in a compartment and thereafter
for a pump to intermittently remove air or gas from the interior of
said compartment or a container disposed therein. Further, said
pump can intermittently remove air and gas following the reduction
of the pressure in a compartment to a selected pressure.
Additionally, a gas sensor, such as an ethylene, oxygen, carbon
dioxide or other gas sensor or as described herein, can connect to
a compartment interior, a control system or operating systems such
that when a predetermined air or gas(es) level(s) fail, reach or
exceed a pre-determined level or value inside a compartment a
sensor can communicate with a control system or activate a pump to
remove additional air or gas from said compartment. Further, a
sensor can communicate with a control system, activate a pump or
activate a valve to an open position to remove additional air or
gas from a compartment. A sensor can also activate a pump and
activate a valve to an open position to vent a compartment and
remove air or gas, including a container disposed therein. The
aforementioned sensors can also be located inside a container and
function as previously described. [0125] 10. A function to activate
a pump and to close a valve to create a vacuum in a compartment,
maintain said vacuum level for a pre-determined period of time and,
thereafter, open a valve to admit air into said compartment to
release a vacuum. [0126] 11. A function to activate and place a
valve in a closed or open position to seal or unseal a compartment
to create, regulate and release environments from inside a
compartment. [0127] 12. A function to concurrently open a valve and
to activate a pump (vacuum or pressure mode) to admit air into a
compartment to release or create environments therein. [0128] 13. A
function to deactivate a pump when a valve is in a close position
to admit air into a compartment through an open and close aperture
mechanism, such as a drawer or door opening, of a compartment to
release a vacuum. [0129] 14. A function to deactivate a pump and
admit air into a compartment through an open and close aperture
mechanism, such as a drawer or door opening, of a compartment to
release a vacuum. [0130] 15. A function to deactivate all or
selected operating systems or place all or selected operating
systems in an idle state. [0131] 16. A function to close or open a
valve when a compartment aperture mechanism, such as a drawer or
door opening, is in a close or open position via an aperture sensor
placed on a compartment or refrigerator aperture and in
communication with a control system. [0132] 17. A function that
allows a valve to have an independent pressure setting or to be
connected to a control system in a compartment to automatically
open to release a vacuum created therein when a vacuum level is
reached or exceeded inside said compartment and to automatically
deactivate a vacuum pump creating said vacuum. As used herein, when
a vacuum is released from a compartment said compartment is
returned to atmospheric pressure.
[0133] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, provided is a container to
create multiple storage environments. A container can comprise any
suitable material, such as plastic or glass or combinations
thereof. A container can comprise a container body (51) with a
sealable cover (52) that together can form an air-tight interior of
a container (53). In the present embodiment, a cover can be
fastened or attached to the container body in any manner (threads,
fasteners, tongue and groove or a snap system) to engage and seal a
cover and container body together to create and retain a vacuum or
pressurized environment inside the interior of said container or to
allow said container to vent.
[0134] A cover or container body can comprise two one-way valves,
as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Valve (32) can allow air to enter (36)
into a container and valve (33) can allow air to leave or exit (37)
said container. A cover or container body can also comprise
combinations of valves (32) and (36) and include a combination of
openings and apertures (34) that open and close to allow air, gases
or environments to be created inside and to enter and leave said
container through either a one-way valve opening or via a container
aperture. Valves and apertures can also include a rubber plug or
stopper to seal said aperture and said container. In place of two
separate valves, a three-way valve can be installed, which can be
selected between one-way into the container, one-way out of the
container, and both ways.
[0135] Each valve (32) and (36) and aperture (34) can be opened and
closed by using said rubber plug or stopper (38) to prevent the
flow of air, gases or environments into or out of said container. A
sealing device can be a rubber plug or stopper device (38), or any
other type of sealing mechanism, such as a toggle or switch that
opens and closes the valves and apertures, a slidable cover, a
dial, or any other closure system to seal and open said valve
openings and apertures.
[0136] In this manner, the present container can be placed into a
vacuum compartment wherein a vacuum is created inside said
compartment and concurrently inside said container such that when a
vacuum is released from the compartment the vacuum is concurrently
released from the interior of said container if the proper valve(s)
and apertures are open or the vacuum can be retained in the
container if the proper valve(s) and apertures are closed.
[0137] Some of the following container environments can be created
with said vacuum and container valve system when said container is
placed inside a vacuum or pressure compartment. [0138] 1. When
valve (32) is closed and valve (33) is open or valve (33) is open
and aperture (34) is closed, a partial vacuum created inside a
compartment is concurrently created inside said container and
retained inside said container when the vacuum is released from
said compartment. [0139] 2. When valve (32) is open and valve (33)
is closed or valve (32) is open and aperture (34) is closed, a
pressurized environment created inside said compartment is
concurrently created inside said container and retained inside the
container when the pressurized environment is released from said
compartment. [0140] 3. When valve (32) is open and valve (34) is
open or valve (33) is open and aperture (34) is open, a vacuum
created inside said compartment is concurrently created inside the
container. When a vacuum is released from the compartment it is
also released from inside said container. When the compartment is
outgassed said container is also outgassed. When additional gases
or air are removed from said compartment the air and gases are also
removed from said container. Further, when a pump is activated to
draw air through the compartment, air is also drawn or vented
through said container. This functionality can be used to vent
respiring content such as fresh fruit, vegetables, etc., and to
cool container contents. [0141] 4. Closing the valves on a
container after a vacuum or a pressure environment is created
inside a container prevents other environments from being created
inside said container or from allowing existing container
environments from releasing. Closing all the valves and apertures
allows the container to be used as a conventionally sealed storage
container.
[0142] The aforementioned environments 1-4, and others, can be
sequenced into a valve or aperture open and closure position system
and device, such as a dial, switch, toggle, twist or slide
mechanism. For example, by turning a dial or moving a slide from
one position to another a user can automatically create environment
1 and, thereafter, can sequentially create environments 2-4 by
moving the valve and aperture covers into the proper positions. For
example, a dial or slide can be moved to a fresh fruit or meat
label or marker and automatically position the valves and apertures
to the appropriate close and open positions to preserve said
goods.
[0143] Each container can be constructed with temperature,
non-conducive retractable, removable or collapsible legs so that
when the containers are placed inside a compartment and a vacuum is
created and maintained inside said compartment the vacuum insulates
the container from the compartment surfaces thereby creating a
thermos effect inside each container therein. Closed or open
containers can be used. This effect can be used as a food or plate
warming preservation type drawer system. Each container can also
have temperature, non-conducive borders or tabs on a lid or
container body to prevent contact with compartment surfaces or
other containers placed inside said compartment. Cold and hot items
can be simultaneously stored. Additionally, containers can be
placed on top of a temperature, non-conducive mat or container
holder positioned inside said compartment.
[0144] FIGS. 7-9 and 17 and 19 illustrate other embodiments of a
cover and a container that can be used as a conventional storage
container or as a vacuum sealing container. This embodiment
includes a cover (70) (also; lid, top, cap) that detachably covers
and seals an aperture (71) (also; mouth, opening) of a container
(72) to allow a vacuum environment to be created therein. A cover
can attach to a container by compression fit, thread attachment,
snap or any other manner or combinations thereof. In this manner, a
cover can close and seal a container in an airtight manner.
[0145] In the present embodiment, provided is a cover (70),
comprising a thin, flat, annular (also: spherical, round, circular)
sealing device (73) (seal), disposed and contained inside the
interior of a cover. In one embodiment, a seal is contained in a
cover by and between two extending, raised or protruding rings (74)
that connect to and extend inwardly from the cover side walls or
skirt. In another embodiment, a single ring (75) construction and
arrangement can contain a seal. A cover can threadably (76) attach
to a container. A cover can comprise a threaded interior neck (76)
or aperture to threadably attach to a threaded exterior of a neck
or aperture of a container (77) (or vise versa) or to another part
of the cover that can be attached to said container. Depending upon
the embodiment, the attachable threads of a cover and a container
can engage to create an airtight seal or can engage without
creating an airtight seal to allow air to pass through the threads.
In other embodiments, engaging threads can be constructed and
arranged to allow air into a container in a first position and then
said engaging threads, when moved into a second position, can be
arranged and constructed to create an airtight threading engagement
to prevent air or a vacuum from entering or releasing from the
interior of a container. Furthermore, a cover can include a
sealable aperture or valve (78) to allow air into and out of the
interior of the container via the cover and to create or release a
vacuum from inside said container. FIG. 19 depicts a container with
a flip top and seal located therein.
[0146] In one embodiment, a cover containing an internal seal can
be disposed onto a receptacle and moved clockwise into a first
position to arrange and align a seal onto or over the aperture of a
container with the inside top or sides of the cover closing and
securing said seal onto the aperture of the container to allow air
to flow out of said container when a vacuum is applied to said
container but restricting the movement of air into said container.
In this position said internal seal covers and seals the aperture
of a container and the contents therein. A vacuum can then be
applied to said container when placed into a compartment to
evacuate air from the interior of said container with said internal
seal closing and sealing said container such that when the vacuum
is released from inside said compartment the internal seal covering
the aperture of the container is vacuum sealed closed creating a
vacuum environment inside said container. A cover can then be moved
counter clockwise into a second position to remove the seal from
the top of the container aperture and simultaneously unseal and
remove the seal from the aperture of the container releasing an
airtight seal between the internal seal and the container thereby
releasing the vacuum environment from the interior of said
container.
[0147] In another embodiment, a cover can be disposed onto a
receptacle and moved clockwise into a first position to arrange and
align a seal onto or over the aperture of a container to allow air
to flow out of said container but restrict the movement of air into
said container and also attach said cover onto a container. In this
position a seal covers the aperture of a container. A cover can
then be moved clockwise into a second position to secure or lock
said seal onto and over the top or opening of the aperture of a
container creating an airtight seal so that air or a vacuum
environment cannot enter or release from the interior of said
container. A cover can then be moved counter clockwise into a third
position to remove said seal from the top of a container aperture
and simultaneously unseal and remove the seal from the aperture of
the container thereby releasing an airtight seal between the seal
and the container and to release the vacuum environment from the
interior of said container. A fourth counter clockwise position can
detach and remove said cover and seal from the aperture of said
container. The cover and container can be devised to function and
engage in a clockwise or counter clockwise manner and can include
the functionality of push or compression fit cover to engage in the
various steps described herein or in combinations thereof.
[0148] Continuing, the top interior walls or skirt of a cover can
comprise a means to support, hold or contain a seal, such as
raised, extending or protruding single or double rings, edges or
lines, knobs or any other support or constraining type device
mechanism (79) (rings) connected to the walls of the cover and
extending inward away from the cover walls and constructed to hold
a seal within a predetermined space and defined alignment. As shown
in FIG. 9, a seal (73) can be sized and shaped with a circumference
to cover and seal the aperture of a container and to contact the
rings such that when a seal is positioned over and covering a
container aperture said aperture is covered by said seal and can
extend beyond the container aperture limits or edges to make
contact with the rings extending from a cover. A seal can be
constructed to move or float between two rings or between one ring
and the top of a cover. In other embodiments, a seal can attach to
the top or side walls of a cover to move or float and to align and
cover the aperture of a container when a cover is attached to a
container. A seal and top interior of a cover can be constructed
such that a seal does not adhere or stick to the top of a cover.
For example, the top of a cover can comprise a convex, raised or
protruding ring, edge or line (74) extending downward and away from
the top of a cover to prevent a seal from coming into contact and
adhering to the top of a cover while also serving as a mechanism to
secure and lock a seal onto the aperture of a container.
[0149] Another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, provides a cover
(81) with a hollow circular skirt (82) constructed inside a cover
skirt and attached to and extending downward from the interior top
of a cover with a seal (73) contained inside said circular skirt
and contained by a ring device (75), as previously discussed, to
allow a seal (73) to float between the ring and the top (76) of a
cover. When a cover is threaded (78) or pushed onto a container
(79) into a first position the container aperture is constructed to
fit into the hollow circular skirt to align and position a seal on
top of a container aperture. In this position, a container aperture
is covered by a seal and air can be evacuated from the interior of
a container to create a vacuum environment therein. In other
embodiments, a cover and container engaging threads (80) are
constructed and arranged to allow air to release from a container
in a first position and when moved into other positions the
engaging threads can be arranged and constructed to create an
airtight threading engagement to prevent air or a vacuum
environment from entering or releasing from the interior of a
container.
[0150] When a cover is disposed onto a container and moved into a
first clockwise position a seal is positioned and aligned to fully
cover the aperture of a container. In this position, a cover is
secured onto a container base via the engagement of the cover and
container threads with the seal positioned and aligned to cover and
form a seal over the aperture of said container; however, the seal
and threads of the cover and container, in this embodiment, can be
constructed not to create an airtight seal between the cover, seal
and aperture of a container to allow air or gas to flow out of the
interior of said container and to allow a container to be evacuated
when a vacuum is applied to it. A covered container in this
position can be placed into a vacuum compartment. When a vacuum is
applied to the compartment gases or air are evacuated from the
interior of the compartment and concurrently from the interior of
said container. When a vacuum is released from the compartment the
released vacuum forces the seal onto and over the container
aperture creating an airtight seal and a vacuum environment inside
said container. The container can be stored in this position.
Furthermore, in another embodiment, moving a cover into a second
clockwise position secures and locks the cover with the extending
convex or raised ring, edge or line locking mechanism in the top of
the cover onto and over the seal and onto and over the aperture of
said container to create a locked airtight seal over the aperture
of said container. When a cover is moved into a third counter
clockwise position a double or single ring device, which contains
and aligns the seal in the cover, unseals and removes the seal from
the aperture of said container and unseals, removes and releases
the airtight seal and any vacuum from the interior of said
container. Additionally, when a cover is moved into a fourth
counter clockwise position the cover and seal, which is disposed
inside the cover, can be fully removed from the aperture of a
container. As noted herein, the open and close steps can also
include a two-step method as discussed herein.
[0151] In another embodiment, a sealable aperture on a cover can
allow air to be evacuated from the interior of a container and can
be closed with a stopper or other type device so that the cover and
container can function as a conventional storage container allowing
an airtight environment to be created inside said container.
Furthermore, in another embodiment, to notify a user that a cover
and a container are properly aligned in first, second and third
positions, the threads, cover or container can be constructed and
arranged to create contact friction when moved into respective
positions or another extending or contact material, structure or
element from the cover or container at the points of alignment can
create a sound or vibration to alert a user. A visual method can
also be provided using markings such as lines, images, colors,
icons or symbols on a container or a cover to inform a user of
proper alignment and positioning and to notify the user said
container is sealed.
[0152] In another embodiment, a cover can be constructed to tightly
fit over and around the neck or aperture of a container so that it
can be pushed onto the container without initially engaging
threads. A cover can be pushed onto and over the neck or aperture
of a container to place and align the cover and seal over the
aperture of a container allowing it to be vacuum sealed. In one
embodiment, in order to access the contents of a container after a
vacuum is created inside a container, a cover can be pulled off
which removes the seal, as previously discussed, releasing any
vacuum from the interior of said container. In another embodiment a
cover can include an air channel running from the base interior of
a cover to the top of a cover or an aperture or valve can be
situated on a cover to allow air to be evacuated from said
container when the threading engagement creates an airtight seal
between the cover and the container. Another embodiment provides a
cover that can push onto a container into a first position where
the seal is aligned and positioned over the neck or aperture of a
container and can then be threaded into second and third positions
after a vacuum is created inside said container. Another embodiment
provides that a cover can push onto a container into a first
position and push over threads into a second position and then be
threaded counter clockwise into a third position. In another
embodiment, a cover can be constructed to function as a flip top
with a hinge type arrangement or mechanism and can further include
a rubber seal or other suitable sealing material around the seal or
container aperture and cover. A cover and a container can include
any combination of threading or attachment in order to position and
align a cover and a seal over the aperture of a container.
[0153] Referring now to FIG. 11, another embodiment can include a
flexible or deformable container cover which can include a cover,
top or center or side piece (100) constructed of a deformable,
flexible, semi-rigid or jointed material (101), or combinations
thereof and can include an annular, semi-rigid center piece (102)
formed and sized to cover or exceed the circumference of the
aperture of a container. A cover can be constructed such that when
threaded or pushed onto the neck or aperture of a container the
annular flexible or deformable cover, top or center piece is
positioned and aligned to cover and seal the aperture or mouth of
said container and is secured into said position via the engagement
of the cover and container threads. In this position, air is
prevented from entering into said container and the container
contents are closed and sealed therein. Further, a vacuum applied
to a container in this position can evacuate air from the interior
of said container. In this embodiment, when the cover and container
are engaged or threaded together air is allowed to pass or exit
said container through the engaged threads of the cover and
container when a vacuum is applied to the container. For example,
when a vacuum is created inside a compartment, with a container
disposed therein, a vacuum is concurrently created inside said
container and when a vacuum is released from inside a compartment
the release of the vacuum forces the annular flexible center
section of the cover to create a vacuum seal over the aperture of
the container mouth or aperture creating an airtight vacuum
environment inside said container. The airtight, outer deformable,
flexible, semi-rigid or jointed section of a cover allows the
annular center piece to easily move and position to cover the
aperture of a container and to maintain a vacuum environment inside
a container.
[0154] Referring now to FIGS. 12-15, other embodiments include a
cover (103) for containers (112) with a vacuum sealing mechanism
disposed into the top portion of a cover. A cover can be
detachable, threadably (109) or hingably attachable to a container
(108). When a cover is attached to a container an airtight seal is
created between said cover and the interior of said container. A
cover can further include an indented or recessed section (104) on
the exterior portion of a container or cover sized to receive and
hold a seal or one-way valve (105). In this embodiment, a seal can
be thin, flat and annular in shape (105). An aperture (106) can be
positioned at the bottom of the indentation in the cover to allow
air to flow into and out of the interior of said container. A seal
can be positioned and arranged inside said indentation so that it
can be contained and held in place. An indentation can include a
containing or holding ring around the top part of said indentation.
Additionally, a seal can include a "T" (144) or ball shaped
extension or tail to hold said seal in place in the aperture of a
container. Furthermore, in this position a seal can be positioned
on top of the aperture situated in the base of the indentation on
the cover. A seal can cover and create a seal over the aperture in
the cover but can be arranged to allow air to pass out of and
evacuate from the interior of a container. When a container is
placed into a compartment and a vacuum is created inside said
compartment a vacuum is concurrently created inside said container.
When a vacuum is released from the interior of a vacuum compartment
the released vacuum forces a seal onto and over the aperture in the
cover creating a vacuum seal and an airtight environment inside
said container. Furthermore, a valve or sealed aperture (107) can
be constructed on the cover to release a vacuum. The seal mechanism
can also function without being placed into an indentation on a
cover, as discussed herein, and be seated on the surface of a
container and can be contained inside a ring positioned over an
aperture in the cover of said container. Furthermore, the seal can
be covered with a plastic material to create a hermetic environment
and said plastic material can be punctured in order to allow air or
gas to pass out of said container when a consumer intends to use
it.
[0155] FIG. 16 illustrates another embodiment, a seal (140) can be
secured and held in place under a raised ring or a semi-circular
ring (141) that attaches to and extends upward from a cover (142)
and aperture (143). The ring can be constructed and arranged to
allow a seal to float or move between the container and said ring
so that air can be evacuated out of a container when a vacuum is
applied or a seal can attach to the container and aperture via a
"T" shaped extension to contain said seal and to also prevent the
contents of said container from exiting the container. A seal can
be placed or inserted into said ring or semi-circular ring
mechanism. In another embodiment, a ring mechanism can be pushed
downward to lock a seal to the top of a cover and over an aperture
or a ring can be threadable into a container or aperture so that a
ring can be turned clockwise to lock a seal over an aperture on a
cover and moved counter clockwise to unlock said seal and
aperture.
[0156] In other embodiments, a pull-off or puncturable adhesive,
film, plastic or material ("strip") (111) can be positioned and
arranged on the opening of a valve or seal to protect, seal, secure
or lock a seal or valve in a cover or container and to prevent any
foreign materials from entering into a container or valve. For
example, a seal or one-way valve can be hermetically or situated
into a recess or indentation in a container with a strip over the
top (111) so that a user can either pull the strip off or puncture
said strip or plastic in order to use said container in a vacuum
compartment. A strip can also cover and seal an aperture as
described herein on the exterior or interior of a cover or
container. A strip can be used for containers or covers constructed
with one-way valves so that the exterior and interior openings of a
one-way valve can be covered and sealed. A strip can attach or
affix to one side of a seal. When a strip is pulled it can be
removed from the top of a seal or valve and pulled to one side of a
seal or valve with the other side of the strip remaining attached
to a cover or container. In this way, a strip can be re-used to
cover and secure a valve or a seal by re-adhering it over said
valve or seal. In another embodiment, strip can pull off and be
removed from a one-way valve without re-using it. In yet another
embodiment, strip can remain attached to cover a valve or a seal.
For example, a container with perishable food or items may be
purchased from a store with a strip adhered over a one-way valve to
keep the contents therein secure and safe. After a container is
opened a user can reseal and create a vacuum environment inside
said container. A user can remove said strip covering the exterior
opening of a valve and can also remove an interior strip covering
an aperture or interior opening of a valve to allow air to evacuate
from the interior of said container if a vacuum is applied to
create a vacuum environment therein. Afterwards, a user can
re-adhere a strip over said valve, aperture or seal. If a user does
not intend to re-vacuum a container the strip or strips can be left
in place.
[0157] FIG. 18 shows a side view of a film, plastic, foil or other
suitable food storage material ("material") (118) with a one-way
valve (119) incorporated therein. Said material can be used to
cover and seal the aperture of a container in order to create a
vacuum environment inside said container when a vacuum is applied
as described herein. Said material can adhere and be resealable in
order to close and seal an opened container.
[0158] FIG. 20 shows another embodiment of a one-way valve device
that can include a hollow tube (120) with a one-way valve (122)
positioned inside said tube or cover to create an airtight
construction between said interior hollow tube walls or cover and a
one-way valve disposed therein. The hollow tube can include
engaging threads (123) on the exterior of the hollow tube or a
piercing tip or point (121) and can be constructed and positioned
on one end of the hollow tube with the one-way valve positioned at
the other end so that when said one-way valve device is threaded or
inserted, or a combination thereof, into a container or cover of a
container the device pierces and creates an opening or aperture
into the container or container cover to allow the hollow tube to
be pushed into said container or cover to create a seal between the
two engaging members and to allow air to pass out of a sealed
container through said tube and one-way valve. When a sealed
container with an inserted or attached one-way valve device is
placed into a container and then into compartment and a vacuum is
applied, air is evacuated out of the container via the one-way
valve in said hollow tube to create a vacuum environment inside
said container and when the vacuum is released from inside the
compartment a vacuum environment is retained inside said container.
When the contents of a container are finished a user can remove the
one-way valve device and use it interchangeably with other
containers or covers. Another embodiment depicts a cover with a
finger structure (129) to allow a user to hold said one-way valve
device to insert or rotably attach said device into a container or
using a combination thereof. Also shown is a raised annular ring
that can include engaging threads on the inside or outside of said
raised annular ring device. The one-way valve device cover (129)
can also include engaging threads (123) to engage the threads on
the annular ring. In this manner, the raised annular ring with
threads can be incorporated into the body of a container (128),
cover of a container or into a bag so that a user can insert the
one-way valve device by engaging the respective threads of the
cover and raised annular ring to thereby create an airtight seal
between the cover and said annular ring and to simultaneously
puncture and create an aperture in the container, cover or bag to
allow air to be evacuated from inside a container or bag as
previously noted. It should also be noted that the annular ring
mechanism can be situated or located on the inside of a plastic bag
with the cover pushed into the threads of the annular ring from the
outside or other side of the bag to accomplish the same functions
as described herein.
[0159] FIG. 21 illustrates a rubber stopper, plug or cork
("stopper") (124) construction incorporating a one-way valve (125)
into said structure connecting said one-way valve via a passageway
(126) to an aperture (127) to allow air to be evacuated from the
interior of a container by inserting said stopper into the aperture
of a container to create an airtight seal in said container. A
stopper can have a tapered shape in order to fit securely into an
aperture and can be interchangeable between various sized apertures
of containers. A stopper can be placed into the aperture of a
container or bottle to create a vacuum or pressurized environment
therein as described herein. Furthermore, a stopper can include a
seal device as disclosed herein.
[0160] Also provided are methods of manufacturing containers with a
container storage technologies which can also include any of the
other disclosed method steps. A method of manufacturing can
comprise the following steps: providing a flexible, air-tight bag
having an opening for inserting perishable food or items to be
stored; providing an air-tight seal across the opening; providing a
one-way valve assembly installed in the bag, wherein the valve
assembly allows aft to pass out of the bag but prevents air from
entering into the bag, wherein the valve assembly can comprise an
adhesive, film, plastic or material to cover and seal the exterior
side of said one-way valve such that when the adhesive, film,
plastic or material seals or covers said valve air cannot pass out
of the bag, wherein when said adhesive, film, plastic or material
seal or cover is removed from the valve air is allowed to pass out
of the bag.
[0161] An alternate method of manufacturing can comprise the
following steps: providing a flexible or rigid air-tight container
having an aperture or opening for inserting perishable food or
items to be stored; providing a cover that engages onto the
container body to create an air-tight seal between the cover and
container body; providing a one-way valve assembly installed into
the container body or cover for the container, wherein the valve
assembly allows air to pass out of the container but prevents air
from entering into the container, wherein the valve assembly can
comprise an adhesive, film, plastic or material to cover and seal
the exterior side of said one-way valve such that when the
adhesive, film, plastic or material seals or covers said valve air
cannot pass out of the container, wherein when said adhesive, film,
plastic or material seal or cover is removed from the valve air is
allowed to pass out of the container.
[0162] Another embodiment can comprise the following steps:
providing a flexible or rigid air-tight container having a threaded
aperture or opening for inserting perishable food or items to be
stored; providing a threaded cover that engages onto the threaded
aperture or opening of the container body to create an air-tight
seal between the cover and container body; providing a one-way
valve assembly installed into the container body or cover lid for
the container, wherein the valve assembly allows air to pass out of
the container but prevents air from entering into the container,
wherein the valve assembly can comprise an adhesive, film, plastic
or material to cover and seal the exterior side of said one-way
valve such that when the adhesive, film, plastic or material seals
or covers said valve air cannot pass out of the container, wherein
when said adhesive, film, plastic or material seal or cover is
removed from the valve air is allowed to pass out of the bag.
[0163] Another method of manufacturing can comprise the following
steps: providing a flexible or rigid air-tight container having an
aperture or opening for inserting perishable food or items to be
stored; providing a cover that engages onto the container body to
create an air-tight seal between the cover and container body;
providing a sealable one-way valve assembly that is installed into
the container body or cover for the container, wherein the valve
assembly allows air to pass out of the container but prevents air
from entering into the container, providing a second sealable
one-way valve assembly installed into the container body or cover
for the container, wherein the valve assembly allows aft to enter
into the container but prevents aft from leaving said container,
wherein the valve assemblies can comprise an adhesive, film,
plastic or material to cover and seal the exterior side of each
one-way valve such that when the adhesive, film, plastic or
material seals or covers said valve air cannot pass out or enter
said container via the respective one-way valve, wherein when said
adhesive, film, plastic or material seal or cover is removed from
the valve air is allowed to pass out and air is allowed to enter
said container via the respective one-way valve, such that when a
one-way valve is opened to allow air to leave said container and
the other valve is closed and a vacuum is applied to said container
a vacuum environment is created inside said container and further
such that when a one-way valve is opened to allow air to enter into
said container and the other valve is closed and a pressurized
environment is applied to said container a pressurized environment
is created inside said container, and further when both one-way
valves are placed into open positions and a vacuum, degas or
venting environment is applied said container is also concurrently
vented or degassed because air or gases are allowed to enter and
leave said container concurrently.
[0164] The following disclosure modifies all the above container
manufacturing methods as follows: Wherein the air-tight seal on a
bag or container aperture is resealable, wherein the adhesive,
film, plastic or material that can seal or cover a valve is
resealable, wherein a second seal can be placed over the interior
side of a one-way valve and further wherein said adhesive, film,
plastic or material can cover the opening of a one-way valve or
part of said container, further comprising the act of providing the
valve assembly and the seal as an integral piece or part of said
container, further comprising the act of providing the one-way
valve seal adhesive, film, plastic or material element to cover
said valve openings to prevent particles of material from inside
and outside said container from entering the valve assembly or
container and wherein other compatible container storage
technologies can be incorporated into said container with said
one-way valves.
[0165] The disclosure herein of the various embodiments is not
limited to an individual embodiment but rather said disclosure is
intended to apply to any and all embodiments as disclosed
herein.
[0166] Referring now to FIGS. 22-25.
[0167] As defined herein, "product packaging" refers to the
exterior or interior of a container and embedded materials, bag,
outer wrap, container sleeve or adhesives which can attach to or in
which the perishable food or item can be stored.
[0168] As defined herein, "primary product" can refer to the
primary product being sold. In one embodiment, a primary product is
a perishable food or item and in another it can include a container
and in yet another it can also include container storage
technologies. Examples of perishable food or items are any
perishable food or item that may or may not require freezer,
refrigeration or vacuum storage or combinations thereof. Examples
of containers and bags can include any type of sealable or
resealable container, bag, package, pouch, receptacle, bottle,
flexible or rigid container or any combination that can maintain a
vacuum and air-tight environment inside said container when air is
evacuated from the interior of the aforesaid or when a pressurized
environment is created inside said container.
[0169] A "secondary or tertiary product" can refer to a product
other than the primary product which can provide an actual or
perceived benefit to the primary product. These benefits can also
apply from primary to secondary and secondary to tertiary and
tertiary to primary brand logos or names or in any combination or
order thereof. In one embodiment, a secondary or tertiary product
can be an appliance such as a smart refrigerator or kitchen storage
system capable of reading containers with rfid tags, a refrigerated
vacuum storage unit or a vacuum storage unit without refrigeration
to create vacuum environments inside containers, all of which can
be enabled to read rfid tags. Other secondary or tertiary products
can include freezers, pantry cabinets or drawers, storage closets,
containers, container storage technologies and food and service
distribution channels or networks.
[0170] As defined herein, "benefit" can refer to a quality that is
associated with a consumer or a product during its normal use, or
to a quality that is not normally associated with a product, but
which the product can possess nonetheless. This quality, advantage
or synergy can be unexpected, unseen, not apparent, a perishable
food or item, container, container storage technologies and
appliance application or consumer engagement. In one embodiment,
primary benefits of a perishable food or item in a storage
container with storage container technologies can include, but are
not limited to: preservation and freshness, extended shelf-life,
maintenance of nutrients, improved storage appearance, hygiene,
suitability, incorporated container or appliance technologies,
product advantages and uses, consumer engagement with additional
products and benefits, product availability and combinations
thereof and as additionally described herein.
[0171] As defined herein, "primary brand logo or name" can refer to
the brand name or logo that is normally associated with the primary
product being sold. Similarly, "secondary or tertiary brand logo or
name" can refer to the brand name or brand logo that is associated
with a secondary or tertiary product, brand logo or name or common
descriptor. A brand logo or name can also include any communicative
indicia or combinations thereof.
[0172] As defined herein, "communicative indicia" can refer to any
indicia that can communicate a specific primary, secondary or
tertiary benefit. Communicative indicia includes, but is not
limited to: brands, logos, brand logos, brand names, words,
symbols, pictures, trademarks, service marks, graphics, text,
product samples, advertising information, letters, messages, email
and website addresses, social media and other digital contact
information and combinations thereof.
[0173] As previously stated, the present invention relates to a
method and system to provide consumers with a perishable food or
item in a container with container storage technologies with
product packaging that effectively presents communicative indicia
and text to inform consumers of benefits associated with said
product, uses and applications with other appliances and to provide
consumer information regarding appliances that can utilize a select
perishable food or item in a container with container storage
technologies.
[0174] If a perishable food or item in a container with a container
storage technology is to perform its intended task and to be
commercially accepted, it should provide consumers with realized
benefits. Benefits as previously noted can include, but are not
limited to, the group comprising: preservation and freshness,
extended shelf-life, maintenance of nutrients, improved storage
appearance, hygiene, suitability, incorporated technologies,
product advantages, consumer engagement with additional products
and product, container, container storage technologies and
appliance availability and combinations thereof.
[0175] In one embodiment, product packaging represents a perishable
food or item in a container with a container storage technology.
The product packaging further comprises one or more communicative
indicium or text to inform consumers of benefits associated with
said product. In another embodiment, the communicative indicium or
text is a secondary or tertiary brand logo or name of products.
Specifically, the secondary and tertiary products may be associated
by consumers with a desirable quality or benefit, not normally
associated, realized or expected with the primary product such as
an appliance which can utilize said perishable food or item,
container and container storage technologies and the benefits that
flow from those uses.
[0176] FIG. 22 depicts a perishable food or item inside a container
with a container storage technology and brand logos and names. A
sealable container (222) is provided with a cover (221) disposed
thereon. The cover can include a one-way valve (220) to allow air
to be evacuated from inside said container when a vacuum is applied
to it to create a vacuum environment therein. An adhesive, film or
plastic material (227) can cover the one-way valve to protect the
valve and container contents and can be removed to allow a vacuum
environment to be created inside said container. An rfid tag and a
sensor (228), in one embodiment the rfid tag and sensor can be
connected and in communication with each other, as well as for any
of the other embodiments described herein, and can be located
individually or together inside or on said container, to monitor
and track said perishable food or item and said container. A
primary brand logo or name (223) represents a perishable food or
item. A secondary brand logo or name (224) represents a container
or container storage technology that can be used to allow a vacuum
environment to be created inside said container. A brand logo or
name descriptor (225) can describe or associate the brand logos or
names. A tertiary brand logo or name (226) represents a vacuum
appliance that can be used to create a vacuum environment inside
said container.
[0177] FIGS. 23-26 present flow charts illustrating the steps for
various embodiments of the present method and system for preparing,
displaying, selling or marketing perishable food or items in a
container with a container storage technology. These flow charts
also illustrate methods for appliances that can utilize, store,
monitor, track and preserve perishable food or items in a container
with a container storage technology.
[0178] Referring now to FIGS. 23-26, a perishable food or item with
a benefit is provided (310). A container storage technology or
technologies are selected which are suitable for the perishable
food or item and which provide a benefit (320). A container is then
manufactured or produced with the selected container storage
technologies incorporated into the container (330). The product
container or package is provided with a primary brand logo or name
that is associated with the perishable food or item. The perishable
food or item is then placed, packaged and sealed in the container,
with or without a modified environment, with said storage
technologies that provide a benefit (340). The product container or
packaging is then provided with a primary brand logo or name that
is associated with the perishable food or item (350). The product
packaging is provided with a primary brand logo associated by
consumers with the perishable food, item, container or container
storage technology. For example, if the product packaging contains
a primary brand, Brand x, of perishable food or items in a
container with a container storage technology, then the logo can
have communicative indicia or text associated to Brand x. The
product packaging is provided with secondary and, if desired, a
tertiary brand logo or name (from a secondary or tertiary product)
that is associated with a benefit (360). The product packaging can
provide secondary and tertiary brand logos or names from products
that are the same, different, complementary and may not be normally
associated with the primary product but that can be associated to a
benefit. The secondary or tertiary logos can have the same
relationships and associations as previously described. The
primary, secondary and tertiary logos can be applied to the product
packaging at any time during the container and product
manufacturing, processing and packaging. The primary, secondary and
tertiary logos can be printed anywhere on the product, container,
container storage technology, packaging or associated marketing or
sales materials. In one embodiment, there are more than two logos
on the product package that can associate with secondary or
tertiary benefits.
[0179] Referring back to FIGS. 23-26, the product, container,
storage technology, packaging or related marketing material are
then displayed or placed in a space for sale (370).
[0180] The product, container, storage technology, packaging and
related marketing materials are exposed to consumers (380). The
primary brand logo or name is exposed to consumers (390), and
depending upon the consumer's perception of that brand, the
consumer may either purchase (391), not purchase (392) or request
or need additional information (393) regarding the benefits and
advantages of the product based on viewing the primary brand logo
alone. If the consumer does not decide to purchase the product
based on the first logo alone (the primary logo), the next logo
(secondary or tertiary brand logo, depending upon which logo was
first viewed in (390)) is exposed to the consumer (400). For
example, if the primary brand logo conveys a fresh and well
preserved perishable food or item in a container with a container
storage technology and the secondary brand logo conveys a simple,
efficient and robust technology for keeping perishable food items
fresh in a container with storage container technology then the
consumer will understand the product packaging to imply that the
perishable food or item in a container with container storage
technology keeps perishable food items fresh, well preserved in a
simple, efficient and robust manner. And if a secondary or tertiary
logo provides a generic or category for an appliance, container or
container storage technology or brand logo or name for an appliance
the consumer immediately realizes the additional product benefits.
If the consumer buys the product based on viewing the primary,
secondary and tertiary brand logos or names together then goodwill
and improved brand recognition is built into the consumer
engagement by combining the products together.
[0181] The flow charts represented in FIGS. 23-26 above now
continue individually.
[0182] Continuing with FIG. 23, the consumer's exposure to the
primary brand logo or name in association with the secondary and
tertiary brand logos or name immediately creates consumer
recognition of the association, benefits and advantages between the
perishable food or item, container and container storage
technologies with the benefits of the secondary and tertiary brand
logos or names (410). The consumer may either purchase (411), not
purchase (412) or require additional purchase information regarding
the product benefits (413). The result of this consumer and product
transaction and engagement creates sales, goodwill, brand creation,
recognition and consumer engagement by combining product
associations, advantages and benefits.
[0183] Referring now to FIG. 24, the consumer's exposure to the
common or associative descriptor using communicative indicia, or
text for the primary and secondary, and if desired tertiary, brand
logos or names, immediately creates a benefits recognition between
the perishable food item, container and container storage
technology with the benefits of the secondary or tertiary brand
logo or name (520). The consumer may either purchase (521), not
purchase (522) or require additional purchase information regarding
the product benefits (523). The result of this consumer and product
transaction and engagement creates sales, goodwill, brand creation,
recognition and consumer engagement by combining product
associations, advantages and benefits.
[0184] Continuing with FIG. 25, the consumer's exposure to the
communicative indicia and text highlighting the container storage
technologies immediately creates benefits recognition between the
perishable food item, container and container storage technologies
with the benefits of the secondary or tertiary brand logo or name
(620). The consumer may either purchase (621), not purchase (622)
or require additional purchase information regarding the product
benefits (623). The result of this consumer and product transaction
and engagement creates sales, goodwill, brand creation, recognition
and consumer engagement by combining product associations,
advantages and benefits.
[0185] Lastly, referring to FIG. 26, the consumer's exposure to the
communicative indicia highlighting the container storage
technologies combined with the common or associative descriptor
using communicative indicia or text for the primary, secondary and,
if desired, tertiary brand logos or names, immediately creates
benefits recognition between the perishable food or item, container
and container storage technologies with the benefits and advantages
of the secondary and tertiary brand loco or name (730). The
consumer may either purchase (731), not purchase (732) or require
additional purchase information regarding the product benefits
(733). The result of this consumer and product transaction and
engagement creates sales, goodwill, brand creation, recognition and
consumer engagement by combining product associations, advantages
and benefits.
[0186] It should be noted that the methods disclosed in FIGS. 1-4
can also apply where the primary brand logo or name is an appliance
and where the secondary or tertiary brand logos and names or
generic name references are a perishable food or item, a container
or container storage technologies, or any combinations thereof as
illustrated in FIG. 27.
[0187] FIG. 27 depicts an appliance with a storage technology such
as a refrigerator with a vacuum drawer or compartment (230). A
primary brand logo or name (223) represents an appliance (231). A
secondary brand logo or name (232) represents a container or
container storage technology that can be used to allow a vacuum
environment to be created inside said container inside said vacuum
compartment inside a refrigerator. A brand logo or name descriptor
(233) can describe or associate the brand logos or names. A
tertiary brand logo or name (234) can represent a perishable food
or item or food or service distributor.
[0188] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
* * * * *