U.S. patent application number 14/514903 was filed with the patent office on 2015-05-21 for stay-fresh food container.
The applicant listed for this patent is Guac-Lock, LLC. Invention is credited to Jane Caplan, Ran Lerner, Sharon Lonner.
Application Number | 20150136786 14/514903 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53172265 |
Filed Date | 2015-05-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150136786 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lonner; Sharon ; et
al. |
May 21, 2015 |
STAY-FRESH FOOD CONTAINER
Abstract
A container for storing a food product includes a receptacle and
a plunger slidably movable along an inner wall of the receptacle.
The plunger includes a support surface for the food product and a
seal configured to form a seal between the support surface and the
inner wall. A rounded lid with an apex is configured to be
sealingly coupled to the receptacle. The lid includes a vent
located at the apex.
Inventors: |
Lonner; Sharon; (Scarsdale,
NY) ; Caplan; Jane; (White Plains, NY) ;
Lerner; Ran; (New York, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Guac-Lock, LLC |
White Plains |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53172265 |
Appl. No.: |
14/514903 |
Filed: |
October 15, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61906056 |
Nov 19, 2013 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/529 ;
220/324; 220/367.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 21/086 20130101;
A47J 47/02 20130101; B65D 43/02 20130101; B65D 45/16 20130101; B65D
81/24 20130101; B65D 47/32 20130101; A47G 23/0633 20130101; B65D
51/1683 20130101; B65D 53/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/529 ;
220/324; 220/367.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/06 20060101
B65D025/06; B65D 51/16 20060101 B65D051/16; B65D 45/16 20060101
B65D045/16 |
Claims
1. A container for storing a food product, the container
comprising: a receptacle having a first open end and an opposing
second open end; a piston configured for at least partial disposal
within the receptacle and including a surface to support the food
product; a lid securable to the first open end of the receptacle;
and an engaging member engageable through the second open end of
the receptacle with the piston for movement relative to the
receptacle, wherein upon the relative movement, the surface is
slidable within the receptacle.
2. The container of claim 1, further comprising a vent located on
the lid.
3. The container of claim 2, wherein the lid includes a curved
portion, and wherein the vent is centrally located at an apex of
the curved portion.
4. The container of claim 3, further comprising a cap engageable
with the vent to selectively seal the vent.
5. The container of claim 4, wherein the cap is pivotally coupled
to the lid.
6. The container of claim 4, wherein the lid includes a plurality
of latches to removably couple the lid to the first open end of the
receptacle.
7. The container of claim 1, wherein the piston includes a
peripheral seal configured to form a seal between the surface and
the receptacle.
8. The container of claim 1, wherein the peripheral seal is
integrally formed as a single piece with the surface.
9. The container of claim 1, wherein the piston includes a
receiving portion having a plurality of circumferentially-spaced
recesses, and wherein the engaging portion includes a plurality of
circumferentially spaced projections that cooperate with the
recesses to couple the engaging portion to the piston.
10. The container of claim 1, wherein the piston includes a
plurality of ridges that define a contact area for contact with the
receptacle.
11. The container of claim 1, wherein the receptacle is in the form
of a cylinder.
12. The container of claim 1, further comprising a tray having a
central bore configured to receive the receptacle therein.
13. A container for storing a food product, the container
comprising: a receptacle; a plunger slidably movable along an inner
wall of the receptacle, the plunger including a support surface for
the food product, and a seal configured to form a seal between the
support surface and the inner wall; and a rounded lid having an
apex and configured to be sealingly coupled to the receptacle, the
lid including a vent located at the apex.
14. The container of claim 13, further comprising an engaging
portion engageable with the plunger to facilitate sliding the
plunger along the inner wall.
15. The container of claim 14, wherein the plunger includes a
receiving portion having a plurality of circumferentially-spaced
recesses, and wherein the engaging portion includes a plurality of
circumferentially spaced projections that cooperate with the
recesses to couple the engaging portion to the plunger.
16. The container of claim 13, further comprising a cap configured
to selectively seal the vent.
17. The container of claim 13, wherein the receptacle is in the
form of a cylinder.
18. A method of storing a food product, the method comprising:
placing the food product on a surface of a plunger at least
partially disposed within a receptacle; coupling a lid having a
curved portion with an apex and a sealable vent hole at the apex to
an end of the receptacle; and displacing the plunger toward the
apex.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising sealing the vent
hole.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to co-pending U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/906,056 filed on Nov. 19,
2013, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a container for preserving the
freshness of food, and more particularly to a container with a
moveable piston that removes air from the container by decreasing
the effective volume of the container.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Many products, particularly food products, lose their
freshness through age and oxidization. Even when these products are
stored in generally air-tight containers, the air trapped within
the container may actively participate in the oxidation process.
Aging and decay is particularly rapid in fruit- and vegetable-based
items due to high contents of oxygen-sensitive nutrients. For
example, guacamole discolors within hours when in contact with open
air, and rapidly reaches the end of its shelf life. Accordingly, a
need exists for a container that preserves the freshness of food or
other oxygen-sensitive products.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one embodiment, a container for storing a food product
includes a receptacle having a first open end and an opposing
second open end. A piston is configured for at least partial
disposal within the receptacle and includes a surface to support
the food product. A lid is securable to the first open end of the
receptacle. An engaging member is engageable through the second
open end of the receptacle with the piston for movement therewith.
Upon movement of the engaging member the surface is slidable within
the receptacle.
[0005] In one embodiment, a container for storing a food product
includes a receptacle and a plunger slidably movable along an inner
wall of the receptacle. The plunger includes a support surface for
the food product and a seal configured to form a seal between the
support surface and the inner wall. A rounded lid with an apex is
configured to be sealingly coupled to the receptacle. The lid
includes a vent located at the apex.
[0006] In one embodiment, a method of storing a food product
includes placing the food product on a surface of a plunger at
least partially disposed within a receptacle. The method also
includes coupling a lid having a curved portion with an apex and a
sealable vent hole at the apex to an end of the receptacle. The
method further includes displacing the plunger toward the apex.
[0007] Other features and aspects of the invention will become
apparent by consideration of the following detailed description and
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a food storage container
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a food storage container
according to another embodiment of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the food storage container of
FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in
FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 4A is an exploded view of an alternative plunger and
base for the food storage container of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 4B is an unexploded cross-sectional view taken along
line 4B-4B in FIG. 4A.
[0014] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the food storage container of
FIG. 1 incorporated into a serving tray.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the food storage
container of FIG. 1 incorporated into a serving tray.
[0016] FIGS. 7-10 illustrate operation of the food storage
container of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a food storage container
according to yet another embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the food storage
container of FIG. 11.
[0019] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the food storage container of
FIG. 11.
[0020] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the food storage container of
FIG. 11 incorporated into a serving tray.
[0021] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the food storage
container of FIG. 11 incorporated into a serving tray.
[0022] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of components set forth in the following description or illustrated
in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in
various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and
terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and
should not be regarded as limiting.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a food storage container 10 for storing
food products, in particular oxygen-sensitive food products, such
as guacamole or other dips, spreads, or sauces. The container 10
includes a receptacle 14, a lid 18, a plunger or piston 22, and a
base or engaging member 26.
[0024] With further reference to FIG. 3, the receptacle 14 defines
a longitudinal axis 34 and includes an inner sidewall 36 and first
and second open ends 38, 42. The illustrated receptacle 14 is in
the form of a cylinder, but in an alternative embodiment could be
based on a cross-sectional shape other than circular, e.g., oval,
rectangular, etc. A peripheral flange 44 is integrally formed with
or otherwise secured to the receptacle 14 at the first or upper end
38. The receptacle 14 is made of food-safe plastic and is
substantially transparent. In other embodiments, the receptacle 14
may be made of other materials, such as glass or ceramic.
[0025] The lid 18 is removably coupled to the first end 38 of the
receptacle 14 by a plurality of clamps or latches 46 positioned
around the periphery of the lid 18. Each of the latches 46 includes
a hook portion 50 for engaging the peripheral flange 44 and an
attachment portion 54 rotatably coupled to the lid 18. Referring
also to FIG. 4, an annular sealing ring 58 is seated within a
channel 60 formed in the underside of the lid 18 and dimensioned to
circumferentially contact at least a portion of the flange 44. As
illustrated, the lid 18 includes three equally-spaced latches 46.
In other embodiments the lid 18 may include four or more latches of
equal or variable spacing. In yet other embodiments, the lid 18 may
be removably coupled to the first end 38 in other ways (e.g., using
a snap fit or a threaded connection). Alternatively, the lid 18 may
be pivotally coupled to the receptacle 14.
[0026] With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the lid 18 is
uniformly curved or rounded and includes a vent 62 centrally
located at an apex 64 of the curved or rounded portion of the lid
18. A cap 66 is provided to selectively seal the vent 62 from the
external environment and includes a lever 70 having a first end 74
pivotally coupled to the lid 18 adjacent an attachment portion 54
of one of the latches 46 and a second end or gripping portion 78
supporting a sealing plug 82 formed for insertion into the vent 62.
The sealing plug 82 can be snap-fit onto the gripping portion 78
and constructed of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or
polypropylene. In other embodiments, the sealing plug 82 can be
overmolded and constructed of, for example, nylon.
[0027] The piston 22 is slidably disposed within the receptacle 14
and includes a main body 84 made of nylon having an upper surface
86, a peripheral seal 90, and a receiving portion 94 made of
polypropylene opposite the upper surface 86. Although shown as
separate parts in FIGS. 3 and 4, the main body 84 and the receiving
portion 94 may be integrally formed together as a single nylon
part. In the illustrated embodiment, axially-extending strips or
ridges 98 are disposed around the perimeter of the receiving
portion 94 and project radially to define contact surfaces 102
(FIG. 3), which are dimensioned to contact the inside surface of
the receptacle 14. Referring to FIG. 2, the contact surfaces 102
may include a friction-enhancing material, coating or surface
treatment to increase frictional interaction with the receptacle
14. Optionally, the receiving portion 94 may include additional
friction-enhancing portions 106, such as plastic, rubber, or foam
strips, studs, or raised points for the same purpose.
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the seal 90 includes an upper
support surface 108 and a pair of peripheral wiper seals 110 offset
from one another along the longitudinal axis 34. The seal 90 is
overmolded on or otherwise secured to the main body 84 so that the
upper surface 108 of the seal 90 spans across the upper surface 86
of the body 84. As such, the upper surface 108 of the seal 90
defines the top surface of the piston 22. Alternatively, if the
main body 84 and the receiving portion 94 are formed as one part,
the seal 90 is overmolded directly thereon.
[0029] In other embodiments, the wiper seals 110 can be in the form
of a ring positioned within a peripheral track formed in the main
body 84. Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, for example, rather than the
previously described seal 90, a track or groove 112 located near
the surface 86a of an alternative body 84a receives a
circumferential seal ring 90a with wiper seals 110a and constructed
of any material suitable for sealing.
[0030] In additional embodiments, the seal 90 may include one or
more O-rings received in corresponding grooves formed in the piston
22. Alternatively, any other means for creating a seal between the
piston 22 and the receptacle 14 may be employed, for example a "w"
type seal, a "u" type seal, a square cross section seal, or a
single broad band retained in an indented space. The seal 90 is
made of a resilient material, such as silicone or rubber.
[0031] The engaging member 26 forms a hollow cylindrical body 118
having a first end 122 and a second end 126. A plurality of
projections 130 extends from the first end 122 of the body 118. The
projections 130 are sized and shaped to be received by
corresponding recesses 134 of the receiving portion 94 of the
piston 22. Axially-extending strips or ridges 138 are disposed
around the perimeter of the engaging member 26, corresponding with
the ridges 98 on the receiving portion 94 of the piston 22. The
ridges 138 project radially to define contact surfaces 142 for
contact with the inside surface of the receptacle 14 and are
tapered toward the second end 126. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the
contact surfaces 142 may also include a friction-enhancing
material, coating or surface treatment to increase the friction
between the engaging portion 26 and the receptacle 14. Referring
again to FIGS. 4A and 4B, projections 130a of an alternative base
26a may be radially offset from the base wall 28a and configured to
cooperate with corresponding recessed portions 134a of a receiving
portion 94a in a "tongue and groove" manner.
[0032] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the container 10 of FIG. 1
positioned within a central bore 146 of a serving tray 150. The
central bore 146 has an annular bottom wall 154 on which the
container 10 is supported and surrounded by a bowl portion 158
suitable for accommodating chips or other items that may complement
the food product 144 stored within the container 10.
[0033] To actuate the piston 22 when the container 10 is disposed
within the serving tray 150, the receptacle 14 is pushed downward
in the direction of arrow B. The second end 126 of the engaging
member 26 bears against the bottom wall 154 of the tray 150 to move
the piston 22 towards the upper end 38 of the receptacle 14.
[0034] With reference to FIG. 1, the receptacle 14, upper surface
108, and lid 18 together define a food storage chamber 114 with a
resulting volume. As described in greater detail below, the piston
22 is displaceable within the receptacle 14 to vary the volume in
order to remove excess air from around a food product 144 stored
within the container 10 (FIGS. 7-10).
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 7-10, in operation, a user places the
food product 144 into the food storage chamber 114 on top of the
upper surface 108 (FIG. 7). The user next places the lid 18 on the
first end 38 of the receptacle 14 and engages the latches 46 to
secure the lid 18 (FIG. 8) such that the lid 18 forms a
substantially air-tight seal with the first end 38. The cap 66
remains disengaged from the vent 62.
[0036] The engaging member 26 is inserted through the second end 42
of the receptacle 14 and the projections 130 are aligned with the
recesses 134 to interconnect or interlock the engaging member 26
and the piston 22. When engaged with the piston 22, the second end
126 of the engaging member extends beyond the second end 42 of the
receptacle 14. Accordingly, the engaging member 26 is now
configured to be pushed in the direction of arrow A to actuate the
piston 22 (i.e. to move the piston 22 toward the lid 18).
Alternatively, the engaging member 26 may be positioned on a
stationary surface, and the receptacle 14 may be pushed downward
toward that surface in the direction of arrow B.
[0037] With the vent 62 open, the user pushes on the engaging
member 26 in the direction of arrow A (or pushes down on the
receptacle 14 in the direction of arrow B), causing the engaging
member 26 and the piston 22 to move together toward the lid 18
(FIG. 9), with the circumferential seal 90 creating a seal between
the outer periphery of the piston 22 and the inside surface of the
receptacle 14. As a result of this relative movement, the volume of
the food storage chamber 114 is reduced and excess air above the
food product 144 is discharged through the vent 62. Due to the
frictional engagement between the inside surface of the receptacle
14 and the contact surface 102, wipers 110, and/or
friction-enhancing portions 106 (if present), upon ceasing sliding
movement of the piston 22 within the receptacle 14, the piston 22
is held in position even in the absence of user assistance.
[0038] The user continues moving the piston 22 toward the lid 18
until the food product 144 contacts the lid 18, and preferably
until the food product reaches the apex 64 of the lid 18. At this
point, as a result of the curved or rounded shape of the lid 18 and
the placement of the vent 62, virtually all of the excess air has
been displaced from the food storage chamber 114. The user closes
the vent 62 by pivoting the cap 66 to the closed position, which
seals the food product 144 within the container 10 (FIG. 10). If
desired, the engaging member 26 can be disengaged from the piston
22 and removed through the second end 42 of the receptacle 14.
[0039] FIGS. 11-15 illustrate a container 210 according to another
embodiment. This embodiment comprises much of the same structure
and features as the embodiment described above in connection with
FIGS. 1-10. Accordingly, the following description focuses
primarily upon the structure and features that are different from
the embodiment of FIGS. 1-10 and reference should be made to the
description above in connection with FIGS. 1-10 for additional
information and possible alternatives to the structure and features
of the container 210. Elements of the container 210 that are the
same as or similar to elements of the container 10 described with
regard to FIGS. 1-10 are assigned reference numerals based on the
reference numerals for FIGS. 1-10 plus 200.
[0040] Like the container 10, the container 210 includes a
receptacle 214, a lid 218, a plunger or piston 222, and a base or
engaging member 226. The lid 218 is removably coupled to a first or
upper end 238 of the receptacle 214 by a plurality of latches 246
positioned around the periphery of the lid 218. In the illustrated
embodiment, the lid 218 includes four equally-spaced latches
246.
[0041] With reference to FIG. 13, the lid 218 is similarly curved
or rounded. A vent 262 is centrally located at an apex 264 of the
lid 18, and a "snap" cap 266 is provided to selectively seal the
vent 262. The cap 266 includes a retaining ring 268 surrounding the
vent 262 to retain the cap 266 with the lid 218. A plug 282 on the
cap 266 is insertable into the vent 262 to seal the vent 262 (FIG.
15).
[0042] The piston 222 is slidably disposed within the receptacle
214 and includes a main body 284 having an upper surface 286, a
peripheral seal 290, and a lower portion 294 opposite the upper
surface 286.
[0043] The engaging member 226 forms a hollow cylindrical body 318
having a first end 322, a second end 326, and a plurality of slots
or notches 332 located in the first end 322. The notches 332 are
sized and shaped to receive corresponding pins 336 located on the
lower portion 294 of the piston 222, as shown in FIG. 12.
[0044] Operation of the container 210 is substantially similar to
the operation of the container 10 as described above with reference
to FIGS. 7-10. When engaged with the piston 222, the second end 326
of the engaging member 226 extends beyond the second end 242 of the
receptacle 214 and can be pushed in the direction of arrow A to
move the piston 222 toward the lid 218. Alternatively, the engaging
member 226 may be positioned on a stationary surface, and the
receptacle 214 may be pushed downward toward the surface in the
direction of arrow B. Once the air has been expelled from the
volume, the cap 266 is positioned to seal the food product within
the container 210.
[0045] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate the container 210 of FIG. 11
accommodated within a central bore 346 of a serving tray 350, in
which the central bore 346 has an annular bottom wall 354 on which
the container 10 is supported and surrounded by a bowl portion
358.
[0046] To actuate the piston 222 when the container 210 is disposed
within the serving tray 350, the receptacle 214 is pushed downward
in the direction of arrow B. The second end 326 of the engaging
member 226 bears against the bottom wall 354 of the tray 350 to
move the piston 222 towards the upper end 238 of the receptacle
214.
[0047] Various features of the invention are set forth in the
following claims.
* * * * *