U.S. patent application number 16/358673 was filed with the patent office on 2019-10-24 for freshness preserving food container.
This patent application is currently assigned to Guac-Lock LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Guac-Lock LLC. Invention is credited to Jane Caplan, Flavio De Roma Leao, Ran Lerner, Sharon Lonner.
Application Number | 20190322437 16/358673 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53172265 |
Filed Date | 2019-10-24 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190322437 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lonner; Sharon ; et
al. |
October 24, 2019 |
FRESHNESS PRESERVING FOOD CONTAINER
Abstract
A container for preserving the freshness of a stored food
product is disclosed. The container has a receptacle with a piston
and seal arrangement that creates a variable volume for food
storage. A vent and seal arrangement allows for the removal of air
as the piston is oved within the receptacle to reduce the volume
within. A removable engaging member pushes the piston upward in
order to reduce the inner volume of the container as the food
stored in the container is consumed. This reduction in space and
associated removal of air inhibit the oxidation and spoilage of
many popular foods such as guacamole. With the engaging member
removed, the container is also useful for serving the stored food
product. t.
Inventors: |
Lonner; Sharon; (Scarsdale,
NY) ; Caplan; Jane; (White Plains, NY) ;
Lerner; Ran; (New York, NY) ; De Roma Leao;
Flavio; (Pearl River, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Guac-Lock LLC |
White Plains |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Guac-Lock LLC
White Plains
NY
|
Family ID: |
53172265 |
Appl. No.: |
16/358673 |
Filed: |
March 19, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15449813 |
Mar 3, 2017 |
10233008 |
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16358673 |
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15247573 |
Aug 25, 2016 |
10239679 |
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15449813 |
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14514903 |
Oct 15, 2014 |
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15247573 |
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61906056 |
Nov 19, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 45/16 20130101;
B65D 81/24 20130101; A47J 47/02 20130101; B65D 53/02 20130101; B65D
43/02 20130101; B65D 51/1683 20130101; B65D 47/32 20130101; A47G
23/0633 20130101; B65D 21/086 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/24 20060101
B65D081/24; B65D 53/02 20060101 B65D053/02; B65D 47/32 20060101
B65D047/32; B65D 43/02 20060101 B65D043/02; B65D 45/16 20060101
B65D045/16; A47G 23/06 20060101 A47G023/06; B65D 21/08 20060101
B65D021/08; B65D 51/16 20060101 B65D051/16; A47J 47/02 20060101
A47J047/02 |
Claims
1. A container for preserving the freshness of a stored food
product, the container comprising: a generally cylindrical
receptacle having a first open end, an opposing second open end and
an inner diameter; a piston having an upper surface and an exterior
diameter that is slightly less than the interior diameter of the
generally cylindrical receptacle to allow for placement of the
piston within the generally cylindrical receptacle to form a food
storage chamber of variable volume; a lower surface of the piston
defined by a cylindrical recess; an upper support surface that
covers the piston; a peripheral wiper seal that creates a generally
air and liquid tight seal between the exterior diameter of the
piston and the interior diameter of the generally cylindrical
receptacle; a generally cylindrical engaging member having an
exterior diameter that is less than the interior diameter of the
generally cylindrical receptacle and a coupling with a diameter
that is less than the external diameter of the generally
cylindrical engaging member and with the coupling capable of
engaging within the cylindrical recess of the lower surface of the
piston to allow for movement of the piston in the generally
cylindrical receptacle in order to vary the volume of the formed
food storage chamber; a lid that is removably securable to the
first open end of the generally cylindrical receptacle; and a vent
located on the lid.
2. The container for preserving the freshness of a stored food
product as recited in claim 1, wherein the lid further comprises an
annular scaling ring to form an air and liquid tight seal between
the lid and the generally cylindrical receptacle.
3. The container for preserving the freshness of a stored food
product as recited in claim 1, wherein the generally cylindrical
receptacle further comprises a peripheral flange as the first open
end of the generally cylindrical receptacle.
4. The container for preserving the freshness of a stored food
product as recited in claim 1, wherein the lid further comprises a
plurality of latches positioned around a periphery of the lid.
5. The container for preserving the freshness of a stored food
product as recited in claim 4, wherein the latches engage with the
peripheral flange of the generally cylindrically receptacle to
create a seal between the lid and the generally cylindrical
receptacle.
5. The container for preserving the freshness of a stored food
product as recited in claim 1, wherein the removable upper support
surface comprises a soft durometer material that conforms to the
piston.
7. The container for preserving the freshness of a stored food
product as recited in claim 1, wherein the lid includes a convex
portion, and wherein the vent is centrally located at an apex of
the convex portion.
8. The container for preserving the freshness of a stored food
product as recited in claim 7, further comprising a lever cap
engageable with the vent to selectively seal the vent.
9. The container for preserving the freshness of a stored food
product as recited in claim 8, wherein the lever cap is pivotally
coupled to the lid.
10. The container for preserving the freshness of a stored food
product as recited in claim 8, wherein the lever cap is formed with
a flared edge to provide ease of opening.
11. The container for preserving the freshness of a stored food
product as recited in claim 1, wherein the peripheral wiper seal is
formed with the upper support surface.
12. A container for preserving the freshness of a stored food
product, the container comprising: a generally cylindrical
receptacle having a first open end, an opposing second open end and
an inner diameter; a piston having an upper surface and an exterior
diameter that is slightly less than the interior diameter of the
generally cylindrical receptacle to allow for placement of the
piston within the generally cylindrical receptacle to form a food
storage chamber of variable volume; a lower surface of the piston
defined by a cylindrical recess; an upper support surface that
covers the piston; a peripheral wiper seal that creates a generally
air and liquid tight seal between the exterior diameter of the
piston and the interior diameter of the generally cylindrical
receptacle; a generally cylindrical engaging member having an
exterior diameter that is less than the interior diameter of the
generally cylindrical receptacle find a coupling with a diameter
that is less than the external diameter of the generally
cylindrical engaging member and with the coupling capable of
engaging within the cylindrical recess of the lower surface of the
piston to move the piston in the generally cylindrical receptacle
in order to vary the volume of the formed food storage chamber; the
generally cylindrical lid comprising a convex portion; the
generally cylindrical lid configured to be removably securable to
the first open end of the generally cylindrical receptacle; and a
vent located on the generally cylindrical lid and centrally located
at an apex of the convex portion of the generally cylindrical
lid.
13. The container for preserving the freshness of a stored food
product as recited in claim 12, wherein the lid further comprises
an annular sealing ring to form an air and liquid tight seal
between the lid and the generally cylindrical receptacle.
14. The container for preserving the freshness of a stored food
product as recited in claim 12, wherein the generally cylindrical
receptacle further comprises a peripheral flange at the first open
end of the generally cylindrical receptacle.
15. The container for preserving the freshness of a stored food
product as recited in claim 12, wherein the lid further comprises a
plurality of latches positioned around a periphery of the lid.
16. The container for preserving the freshness of a stored food
product as recited in claim 14, wherein the lid further comprises a
plurality of latches and wherein the latches engage with the
peripheral flange of the generally cylindrically receptacle to
create a seal between the lid and the generally cylindrical
receptacle.
17. The container for preserving the freshness of a stored food
product as recited in claim 12, wherein the removable upper support
surface comprises a soft durometer material that conforms to the
piston.
18. The container for preserving the freshness of a stored food
product as recited in claim 12, wherein the peripheral wiper seal
is formed with the upper support surface.
19. A kit for creating a container for preserving the freshness of
a stored food produce, the kit comprising: a generally cylindrical
receptacle having a first open end, an opposing second open end and
an inner diameter; a piston having an upper surface end an exterior
diameter that is slightly less than the interior diameter of the
generally cylindrical receptacle to allow for placement of the
piston within the generally cylindrical receptacle to form a food
storage chamber of variable volume; a lower surface of the piston
defined by a cylindrical recess; an upper support surface capable
of removably covering the piston, the upper support surface
comprising a peripheral wiper seal that creates a generally air and
liquid tight seal between the exterior diameter of the piston and
the interior diameter of the generally cylindrical receptacle when
placed therein; a generally cylindrical engaging member saving an
exterior diameter that is less than the interior diameter of the
generally cylindrical receptacle and a coupling with a diameter
that is is less than the external diameter of the generally
cylindrical engaging member and with the coupling capable of
engaging within the cylindrical recess of the lower surface of the
piston to move the piston in the generally cylindrical receptacle
in order to vary the volume of the formed food storage chamber; and
a lid configured to be removably securable to the first open end of
the generally cylindrical receptacle.
20. The kit for creating a container for preserving the freshness
of a stored food product as recited in claim 19, wherein the lid
has a sealable vent.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 15/449,813 filed on Mar. 3, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,233,008
issued on Mar. 19, 2019, which is a continuation in part of
application S. No. 15/247,573 filed on Aug. 25, 2016, which is a
continuation of application Ser. No. 14/514,903 filed on Oct. 15,
2014, which claims priority or U.S. Provisional Patent Application
No. 61/906,056 filed on Nov. 19, 2013.
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0002] This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/247,573 filed Aug. 25, 2016 entitled
"Stay-Fresh Food Container" by Sharon Lonner et al., which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/514,903 filed
Oct. 15, 2014 entitled "Stay-Fresh Food Container", which claims
priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/906,056
filed on Nov. 19, 2013 the entire disclosures of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates generally to food storage containers,
and more particularly to a container with a variable inner volume
for preserving freshness of on easily oxidized food while also
providing for storage and serving functionality.
2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Not all food products that are made or purchased are
consumed immediately. This necessitates a suitable storage device
for the food product surplus. In addition, many in the culinary
arts or simply those that create food products require a suitable
storage device to preserve their creations. Modern storage devices
are often bowls, canisters, boxes, and variously sized and shaped
containers. Many of these containers have lids to enclose the
created food product to prevent spills and spoilage. While such
storage devices are perfectly suited to many food products, the air
contained within these storage devices during use can contribute to
faster degradation and spoilage of the food product stored within.
Many food products that are vegetable or fruit based, or even meat
based, will not only dry out when exposed to air, they will also
discolor and break down, making the food product less desirable or
even inedible. An example of such a food product that degrades
rapidly is the presence of air is guacamole, an avocado based
spread or dip that has become very popular in recent years, and is
well stated for accompanying chips and Mexican dishes, often being
served with corn chips of various shapes and recipes. Guacamole is
notorious for turning an unpleasant brown color at the surface when
exposed to air. If the prepared guacamole is stored in many of the
food storage containers that are readily available today, the
entrapped air in the food storage container quickly results in
discoloration and breakdown of the guacamole that in turn results
in spoilage and waste. This problem of food degradation is often
caused by rapid oxidation of various components of the food
product. Large commercial food processors will often use vacuum
packaging or nitrogen packaging to provide longer shelf life for
their products. While such systems work well, they are typically
expensive and not very applicable to a home kitchen environment. In
addition, they are not well suited to many food products such as
dips or spreads.
[0005] What is therefore needed is a container that preserves the
freshness of an easily oxidized food product, is easy to use and
cost effective. It is thus an object of the present invention to
provide a container that preserves the freshness of an easily
oxidized food.
[0006] These and other objects of the present invention are not to
be considered comprehensive or exhaustive, but rather, exemplary of
objects that may be ascertained after reading this specification
and claims with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided
a container for preserving the freshness of a stored food product,
the container comprising a generally cylindrical receptacle having
a first open end, an opposing second open end and an inner
diameter; a piston having an upper surface and an exterior diameter
that is slightly less than the interior diameter of the generally
cylindrical receptacle to allow for placement of the piston within
the generally cylindrical receptacle to form a food storage chamber
of variable volume; a lower surface of the piston defined by a
cylindrical recess; an upper support surface that covers the
piston; a peripheral wiper seal that creates a generally air and
liquid tight seal between the exterior diameter of the piston and
the interior diameter of the generally cylindrical receptacle; a
generally cylindrical engaging member having an exterior diameter
that is less than the interior diameter of the generally
cylindrical receptacle and a coupling with a diameter that is less
than the external diameter of the generally cylindrical engaging
member and with the coupling capable of engaging within the
cylindrical recess of the lower surface of the piston to allow for
movement of the piston in the generally cylindrical receptacle in
order to vary the volume of the formed food storage chamber; a lid
that is removably securable to the first open end of the generally
cylindrical receptacle; and a vent located on the lid.
[0008] The foregoing paragraph has been provided by way of
introduction, and is not intended to limit the scope of the
invention as described in this specification, claims and the
attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The invention will be described by reference to the
following drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements,
and in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a freshness preserving food
container of the preset invention with a removable engaging member
to place;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the freshness preserving
food container with the engaging member removed;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the freshness preserving
food container of the present invention with the engaging member
compressing the food storage volume;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the freshness preserving
food container of the present invention with the food storage
volume compressed and the engaging member removed;
[0014] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the freshness preserving food
container;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the freshness preserving food
container;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the freshness preserving
food container;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a side plan view of the freshness preserving food
container;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the freshness preserving
food container taken along line B-B of FIG. 8;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the piston of the freshness
preserving food container;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the piston of the freshness
preserving food container;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a side plan view of the piston of the freshness
preserving food container;
[0022] FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of the piston of the
freshness preserving food container taken along line C-C of FIG.
13;
[0023] FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the piston of the freshness
preserving food container;
[0024] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the upper support surface
and seals of the freshness preserving food container;
[0025] FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the upper support surface and
seals of the freshness preserving food container;
[0026] FIG. 17 is a side plan view of the upper support surface and
seals of the freshness preserving food container;
[0027] FIG. 18 is a bottom plan view of the upper support surface
end seals of the freshness preserving food container;
[0028] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the cylindrical receptacle
of the freshness preserving food container;
[0029] FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the cylindrical receptacle of
the freshness preserving food container;
[0030] FIG. 21 is a side view of the cylindrical receptacle of the
freshness preserving food container;
[0031] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the cylindrical
receptacle of the freshness preserving food container taken along
line D-D of FIG. 21;
[0032] FIG. 23 is a bottom plan view of the cylindrical receptacle
of the freshness preserving food container;
[0033] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the engaging member of the
freshness preserving food container;
[0034] FIG. 25 is a bottom plan view of the engaging member of the
freshness preserving food container;
[0035] FIG. 26 is a side plan view of the engaging member of the
freshness preserving food container;
[0036] FIG. 27 is a cross sectional view of the engaging member of
the freshness preserving food container taken along line E-E of
FIG. 26;
[0037] FIG. 28 is a top plan view of the engaging member of the
freshness preserving food container;
[0038] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the lid of the freshness
preserving food container;
[0039] FIG. 30 is a top plan view of the lid of the freshness
preserving food container;
[0040] FIG. 31 is a side plan view of the lid of the freshness
preserving food container;
[0041] FIG. 32 is a bottom plan view of the lid of the freshness
preserving food container;
[0042] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a latch of the freshness
preserving food container;
[0043] FIG. 34 is a top plan view of a latch of the freshness
preserving food container;
[0044] FIG. 35 is a bottom plan view of a latch of the freshness
preserving food container;
[0045] FIG. 36 is a side view of a latch of the freshness
preserving food container;
[0046] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the lever cap of the
freshness preserving food container;
[0047] FIG. 38 is a top plan view of the lever cap of the freshness
preserving food container;
[0048] FIG. 39 is an end view of the lever cop of the freshness
preserving food container;
[0049] FIG. 40 is a side plan view of the lever cap of the
freshness preserving food container;
[0050] FIG. 41 is a bottom plan view of the lever cap of the
freshness preserving food container;
[0051] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the sealing plug of the
freshness preserving food container;
[0052] FIG. 43 is a side plan view of the sealing plug of the
freshness preserving food container;
[0053] FIG. 44 is a bottom plan view of the sealing plug of the
freshness preserving food container;
[0054] FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of the sealing plug of the
freshness preserving food container taken along line F-F of FIG.
44;
[0055] FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the annular sealing ring of
the freshness preserving food container; and
[0056] FIG. 47 is a plan view of the annular sealing ring of the
freshness preserving feed container.
[0057] The attached figures depict various views of the present
invention in sufficient detail to allow one skilled in the art to
make and use the present invention. These figures are exemplary,
and depict a preferred embodiment; however, it will be understood
that there is no intent to limit the invention to the embodiment
depicted herein. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all
alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included
within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by this
specification, claims and drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0058] A Freshness Preserving Food Container is described and
depicted by way of this specification and the attached
drawings.
[0059] For a general understanding of the present invention,
reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference
numerals have been used throughout to designate identical
elements.
[0060] The present invention and the various embodiments described
and depicted herein, provides, among other things, a novel device
for extending the storage life of a food product, providing a
variable volume food storage and serving container that reduces or
eliminates the oxidation of many food products that makes them
aesthetically undesirable or inedible.
[0061] It should first be noted that the freshness preserving food
container may preferably be made from any plastic suitable for food
storage, but may also be made from glass, stainless steel, ceramic,
or the like. Plastics should be FDA grade, and may include, for
example, polypropylene. The various components of the freshness
preserving food container may be made by injection molding, blow
molding, casting, 3D printing, extruding, forming, machining, and
the like.
[0062] FIGS. 1-4 show perspective views of the freshness preserving
food container. Taken collectively, these figures also depict the
various in-use stales of the freshness preserving food container to
also allow one to fully appreciate how to use the present
invention.
[0063] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the freshness preserving
food container 100 with a removable engaging member 113 in place.
One can see the piston 103 in a downward position, allowing for
maximum volume within the freshness preserving feed container
100.
[0064] The freshness preserving food container 300 has essentially
a moveable bottom in the form of a piston 103 and related upper
support surface 105 and peripheral wiper seals 107 and 109. A
generally cylindrical receptacle 101 forms the walls of the
container 100 and has a first open end, an opposing second open end
and an inner diameter. The first open end is the end that is
generally upward when in use, and retains the lid 117. The
generally cylindrical receptacle may, in some embodiments of the
present invention, be made from a clear plastic or clear polymer
such as a copolyester to allow viewing of the food product within
the container 100. Viewing of the food product allows the user to
determine if the inner volume of the container 100 has been reduced
sufficiently to remove any remaining airspace within the container
100 that could cause degradation of the stored food product. It
should be noted that the figures provided herein are depicted with
a clear cylindrical receptacle, and the inner components such as
the piston 103, engaging member 113, and upper support surface 105
are clearly visible as a result.
[0065] Forming the bottom of the freshness preserving food
container 100 is piston 103 having an upper surface and an exterior
diameter that is slightly less than the interior diameter of the
generally cylindrical receptacle to allow for placement of the
piston 103 within the generally cylindrical receptacle 101 to form
a food storage chamber of variable volume. The piston 103, as later
described, has a lower surface or underside that is defined by a
cylindrical recess. This recess, which will become evident in
subsequent figures, allows the engaging member 113 to couple with
and evenly move the piston 103 within the cylindrical receptacle
101. The piston 103 may be made from a plastic that is preferably
food safe. Ridges 111 may optionally be present around the
periphery of the piston 103 to provide alignment of the piston 103
within the generally cylindrical receptacle. The piston 103 may
also have a peripheral groove, recess, or similar feature to allow
for retention of an upper support surface 105. The upper support
surface 105 covers the piston to provide not only a removable cover
for cleaning purposes, but also to form seals around the periphery
of the covered piston that create a generally air and liquid tight
seal between the exterior diameter of the piston and the interior
diameter of the generally cylindrical receptacle. In FIG. 1 and
subsequent figures, a first peripheral wiper seal 107 and a second
peripheral wiper seal 109 can be seen. The upper support surface
105 and the associated wiper seals 107 and 109 are mad from a soft
durometer material such as a rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, or a
silicone composition to conform to and cover the piston 103 and to
allow the wiper seals 107 and 109 to create a moveable or slideable
seal with the wall of the cylindrical receptacle 101. The upper
support surface 105 also has an inner protrusion, ridge, wall or
the like that engages with a peripheral channel or groove in the
piston 103 for retention thereof.
[0066] Also seen in FIG. 1 is a generally cylindrical engaging
member 113 having an exterior diameter that is less than the
interior diameter of the generally cylindrical receptacle 101 and a
coupling (see FIG. 5, 503) with a diameter that is less than the
external diameter of the generally cylindrical engaging member 113
and with the coupling 503 capable of engaging within the
cylindrical recess of the lower surface of the piston 103 to allow
for movement of the piston 103 in the generally cylindrical
receptacle 101 is order to vary the volume of the formed food
storage chamber. The cylindrical engaging member 113 may also have
ridges 115 for alignment of the cylindrical engaging member 113
with the cylindrical receptacle 101 such that the piston 103
receives the cylindrical engaging member 113 and is properly
aligned when in use.
[0067] A lid 117 can also be seen that is removably securable to
the first open end of the generally cylindrical receptacle. The lid
117 may have a plurality of latches such as the first latch 119,
the second latch 121 and the third latch 123. The latches may have
a pin or other feature that engages with a feature on the lid 117
such as a socket or receiver. In FIG. 1, a first retention socket
125 and a second retention socket 127 can be seen that hingeably
connect the latch to the lid.
[0068] A vest is located on the lid 117 to allow the release of air
when the piston 103 travels upward to reduce the inner volume of
the freshness preserving food container 100. The vent 513 can be
seen to FIG. 5. In FIG. 1, the vent 513 is covered by a lever cap
129 that has a seal to plug the vent once the inner volume of the
freshness preserving food container 100 has been reduced by
movement of the piston 103.
[0069] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the freshness preserving
food container 100 with the engaging member 113 removed. The
engaging member 113 can be removed when the freshness preserving
food container 100 is in use. A snug but easily removable fit
between the coupling of the engaging number 113 and the underside
of the piston 103 allows for ease of piston travel while
maintaining the alignment necessary for the piston 103 to reduce
the inner volume of the freshness preserving food container 100
without becoming skewed or otherwise misaligned within the
cylindrical receptacle 101.
[0070] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the freshness preserving
food container 100 with the engaging member 113 in place and
coupled with the piston 103 to compress or otherwise reduce the
food storage volume through inward travel of the piston into the
cylindrical receptacle 101.
[0071] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the freshness preserving
food container 100 with the food storage volume compressed or
otherwise reduced and the engaging member 113 removed. This
position would be typical of a situation where the food product
being stored has been mostly consumed or there is only a small
amount of food left in the freshness preserving food container.
[0072] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the freshness preserving food
container 100. While the way in which the various components are
assembled is evident by this figure and the accompanying figures, a
further description of some of the aspects of the present invention
that may not have been visible in previous figures is provided. The
cylindrical receptacle 101 may have a peripheral flange 501 at the
first open end of the generally cylindrical receptacle 101. The
peripheral flange 501 is an outward flare that serves to receive
and property sent the lid 117. The lid itself may have a recess or
depression around the lower periphery of the lid 117 that may also
contain an annular sealing ring 517. The annular sealing ring is s
soft durometer material that serves as a gasket. The peripheral
flange 501 may also serve as a retention edge for the latches 119,
121 and 123 to grab or otherwise engage with.
[0073] The coupling 503 of the engaging member 113 can be seen
clearly. The coupling 503 in one embodiment is a reduced diameter
portion of the engaging member 113 with a diameter sufficient to
engage with the underside or a cylindrical recess of the lower
surface of the piston 103. The coupling 503 cylindrically mates
with the piston 103 in order to allow a user to push the piston 103
upward, thus reducing the inner volume of the freshness preserving
food container 100. The coupling 503, part of the engaging member
113, transitions from the coupling 503 to the engaging member body
with a step, edge or transition that allows the coupling 503 to
only be inserted a given distance into the hollow underside
cylindrical recess of the piston 503. This step or transition
ensures that the engaging member 113 is inserted far enough to
uniformly push the piston 103, but not so far that the removal of
the engaging member 113 from the piston 103 is difficult. An
insertion of the coupling from 1/4 to 1/2 of the overall height of
the piston 103 is an example of a preferred embodiment. The
coupling flange 507 also eases the insertion and removal of the
engaging member 113 with the piston 103, as the coupling flange 507
is configured radially inward to ease the diameter of the coupling
flange 507 when it is first inserted into the underside of the
piston 103. Coupling ridges 505 may also be seen around the
periphery of the coupling 503 to facilitate alignment and removable
coupling of the engaging member 113 with the piston 103. In some
embodiments of the present invention, a coupling flange 507 may be
present. The coupling flange 507 provides structural rigidity to
the engaging member 113 and also softens an otherwise sharp
edge.
[0074] As previously disclosed, the piston 103 may also contain a
groove, recess, or slot to accommodate a feature on the upper
support surface 105 that serves to retain the upper support surface
105 to the piston 103. Such a groove or recess may be bounded by a
first peripheral guide 509 and a second peripheral guide 511.
[0075] A vent 513 can also be seen centered in the lid 117. In some
embodiments of the present invention, the lid 117 is outwardly
convex, with the vent 513 centered at the apex. This allows a
stored food product to move upward while being compressed radially
inward, removing air and preventing trapped air that could
otherwise occur with a flat lid.
[0076] Once the piston 103 has traveled upward to reduce the inner
volume of the freshness preserving food container with the vent
open (lever cap 127 open), the lever cap 127 is pushed downward
onto the lid 117. A sealing plug 515 is attached to the underside
of the lever cap 129 such that it engages with and seals the vent
513.
[0077] FIGS. 6-9 depict further views of the freshness preserving
food container 100. FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the freshness
preserving food container 100. The lever cap 129 can be seen in the
closed position. The lever cap 129 is hingeably connected to the
lid with pins that engage with retention sockets, similar to the
way in which the latches are connected to the lid.
[0078] FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the freshness preserving
food container 100. The engaging member 113 can be seen along with
the underside of the piston 103. The engaging member 113 is a
cylindrical element with no top or bottom, which allows the
underside of the piston to be visible. The latches 119, 121 and 123
can be seen in the closed (latched) position with a curved face
engaging with the peripheral flange 501 (see FIG. 5).
[0079] FIG. 8 is a side plan view of the freshness preserving food
container. The latches can he seen in the down (closed) position,
resulting in an attached and sealed lid.
[0080] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the freshness preserving
food container taken along line B-B of FIG. 8. The coupling 503 of
the engaging member 113 can be clearly seen engaging with the
piston 103. The outwardly convex shape of the lid 117 is also
evident, along with the lever cap 129 and sealing plug arrangement
that engages with and plugs the vent 513 of the lid 117.
[0081] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the piston 103 of the
freshness preserving food container 100. The first peripheral guide
509 and the second peripheral guide 511 can be seen forming a
channel to receive the upper support surface 105, and in particular
a peripheral protrusion, flange, or relief feature of the upper
support surface 105.
[0082] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the piston 103 of the freshness
preserving food container 100. The surface is generally flat to
receive the upper support surface 105, but may, in some
embodiments, be convex, concave, or the like.
[0083] FIG. 13 is a side plan view of the piston 103 of the
freshness preserving food container 100. A slight variation in
diameter between the first peripheral guide 509 and the second
peripheral guide 511 can be seen, to provide, among other things,
ease of insertion of the piston 103 and attached upper support
surface 105 into the cylindrical receptacle 101.
[0084] FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of the piston 103 of the
freshness preserving food container 100 taken along line C-C of
FIG. 12. The cross hatching denotes material, showing the hollow
underside that receives the engaging member 113 when in use.
[0085] FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the piston 103 of the
freshness preserving food container 101 showing the hollow
cylindrical underside that receives the engaging member 113 when in
use.
[0086] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the upper support surface
105 and seals 107 and 109 of the freshness preserving food
container. The upper support surface covers the piston 103 (not
shown) and is made from a soft durometer material such as a
silicone rubber, rubber or thermoplastic elastomer, or the like.
The seals 107 and 109 protrude peripherally outward and may have a
slight angle or curve to facilitate ease of entry of the piston 103
into the cylindrical receptacle 101. This also makes the piston
uni-directional, allowing for ease of entry and difficult removal.
In this arrangement, the peripheral wiper seals 107 and 109 are
angled or curved to follow the direction of entry of the piston 103
into the cylindrical receptacle 101. The seals prevent migration of
food, liquid or solid, from the freshness preserving food container
100 to the outside environment and also prevent the unwanted entry
of air into the inner volume of the freshness preserving food
container 100.
[0087] FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the upper support surface 105
and seals 107 and 109 of the freshness preserving food container
100. FIG. 17 is a side plan view of the upper support surface 105
and seals 107 and 109 of the freshness preserving food container
100. A slight downward curve of the seals can be seen in FIG. 17.
While not pronounced, the peripheral wiper seals 107 and 109 become
thinner toward their outer edge. When the upper support surface 105
and associated peripheral wiper seals 107 and 109 are placed on the
piston 103 (see FIG. 1) and installed in the cylindrical receptacle
101, they will take on a more pronounced downward angle or curve
that in turn facilitates improved sealing. This downward curve or
"mushrooming" is the result of the upper support surface and seal
combination being of a greater diameter than the inner diameter(s)
of the cylindrical receptacle 101.
[0088] FIG. 18 is a bottom plan view of the upper support surface
105 and seals 107 and 109 of the freshness preserving food
container 100. The underside or bottom surface is recessed, hollow
or otherwise concave to accommodate placement on the piston
103.
[0089] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the cylindrical receptacle
101 of the freshness preserving food container 100. The peripheral
flange 501 can be seen protruding outwardly from the cylinder
itself. The cylindrical receptacle forms the walls of the freshness
preserving food container 100 with the piston 103 serving as a
bottom that can vary in displacement and result in varying inner
volume of the freshness preserving food container. The lid 117 is
secured by cooperative engagement with the peripheral flange
501.
[0090] FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the cylindrical receptacle 101
of the freshness preserving food container 100 showing the
outwardly protruding peripheral flange 501. FIG. 21 is a side view
of the cylindrical receptacle 101 of the freshness preserving food
container 100. The peripheral flange 501 can be seen as a generally
square or rectangular protrusion, in some embodiments with a slight
recess on the underside, as more clearly seen in FIG. 22, which is
a cross-sectional view of the cylindrical receptacle 101 of the
freshness preserving food container 100 taken along line D-D of
FIG. 21.
[0091] It should be noted that in some preferred embodiments of the
present invention, the inner diameter of the cylindrical receptacle
101 is slightly wider at the bottom than at the top. This can be
seen in FIG. 22 where the wall thickness of the cylindrical
receptacle 101 is somewhat reduced toward the bottom. Such a taper
or gradual variation in diameter changes the draft angle of the
wiper seals interaction with the cylindrical receptacle 101. Thus,
as the piston 103 (see FIG. 1) is pushed upward by the engaging
member 113, the peripheral wiper seals 107 end 109 (again, see FIG.
1) become tighter and more secure, preventing the stored food
product from migrating outside of the formed storage area, and also
preventing the piston from becoming skewed or otherwise misaligned
in the cylindrical receptacle 101.
[0092] FIG. 23 is a bottom plan view of the cylindrical receptacle
101 of the freshness preserving food container 100. The cylindrical
receptacle 101 may be made from any suitable material such as a
plastic. In some embodiments of the present invention, the
cylindrical material is clear or opaque and is made from such a
suitable material such as a clear plastic or clear polymer such as
a copolyester.
[0093] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the engaging member 113 of
the freshness preserving food container 100. The engaging member
113 having been previously described as having a coupling 503 to
engage with the piston 103 while the freshness preserving food
container is in use. The engaging member also may have ridges 115,
which may protrude outward and have a flush interior joining
surface, or the interior surface may be recessed or otherwise
follow the outer contour of the ridges 115. There may also, in some
embodiments of the present invention, be coupling ridges 505 to
facilitate insertion and removal of the coupling 503 of the
engaging member 113.
[0094] FIG. 25 is a bottom plan view of the engaging member 113 of
the freshness preserving feed container 100. The engaging member
113 in one embodiment is a cylinder of varying diameter (to create
the coupling 503) without a top or bottom surface.
[0095] FIG. 26 is a side plan view of the engaging member of the
freshness preserving food container that clearly shows the coupling
503 and the step or edge created at the transition of the engaging
member 113 and the coupling 503. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view
of the engaging member 113 of the freshness preserving food
container 100 taken along line E-E of FIG. 26. The structure of the
coupling 503 can be clearly seen. FIG. 28 is a top plan view of the
engaging member 113 of the freshness preserving food container 100.
The various transitions in diameter to create the coupling and
peripheral flange, for example, can be clearly seen.
[0096] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the lid 117 of the
freshness preserving food container 100. The retention sockets for
the latches (not shown) can be seen as well as the vent 513 that is
shown by example as a circular hole at the center point of the lid
117. The lid also, in this embodiment depicted, is convex with the
vent 513 at the apex or peak of the convex lid. FIG. 30 is a top
plan view of the lid 117 of the freshness preserving food container
100. A double set of retention sockets can be seen to the left of
the drawing to accommodate the lever cap 129 as well as a latch
(neither are shown in FIG. 29, see FIG. 1). FIG. 31 is a side plan
view of the lid 117 of the freshness preserving food container 100.
The convex shape of the lid 117 can be seen in this view, with the
vent 513 at the apex.
[0097] FIG. 32 is a bottom plan view of the lid 117 of the
freshness preserving food container 109. A channel formed by two
peripheral walls can be seen around the outer perimeter of the
bottom view of the lid 117. An annular sealing ring 517 (see FIG.
46 and FIG. 5) is retained in this channel end serves to seal the
lid 117 to the cylindrical receptacle 101 to provide an air and
liquid tight seal.
[0098] FIGS. 33-36 depict various views of the latch that is
mounted to retention sockets on the lid 117 to facilitate retention
and sealing of the lid 117 to the cylindrical receptacle 101. FIG.
33 is a perspective view of the latch of the freshness preserving
food container 100. While a first latch 119, a second latch 121 and
a third latch 123 ore depicted herein, other combinations,
quantities and configurations of latches are considered within the
spirit and broad scope of the present invention as described,
depicted and envisioned herein. The latch has a curved surface to
engage with and retain the peripheral flange 501 of the cylindrical
receptacle 101. The curved surface may also have a lip or edge so
facilitate engagement with the peripheral flange 501. A roller 3305
is connected to or formed with the latch and comprises a first pin
3301 and a second pin 3303 on opposing ends. These pins engage
with, end arc retained by, the retention sockets on the lid, such
as the first retention socket 125 and the second retention socket
127 that cars be seen in FIG. 1.
[0099] FIG. 34 is a top plan view of a latch of the freshness
preserving food container 100. FIG. 35 is a bottom plan view of a
latch of the freshness preserving food container 100. FIG. 36 is a
side view of a latch of the freshness preserving food container 100
that shows the lip or edge on the curved surface and the overall
structure of the latch necessary for engagement with the
cylindrical receptacle 101 by cooperative interaction with the
peripheral flange 501.
[0100] The lever cap 129 is hingeably connected to the lid 117 and
serves to facilitate ease of sealing and removal of the vent plug
with the vent 513 of the lid 117. FIG. 37 is a perspective view of
the lever cap 129 of the freshness preserving food container 100.
Similar to the latches of the present invention, the lever cop 129
has a roller 3705 with a first pin 3701 at a first end of the
roller 3705 and a second pin 3703 at a second end of the roller
3705. The pins engage with retention sockets on the lid 117, as
seen and described in FIG. 30, for example, and as depicted in
FIGS. 1-5. The lever cap 129 has a curve to contour with the convex
surface of the lid 117, and also a flare at the far end (non-roller
end) to facilitate ease of use.
[0101] FIG. 38 is a top plan view of the lever cap 129 of the
freshness preserving food container 100 showing a curved and
contoured end to lend both aesthetic value as well as functionality
to the lever cap 129. FIG. 39 is an end view of the lever cap 129
of the freshness preserving food container 100. A downward
protruding sealing plug retainer can be seen, and is more clearly
seen in FIG. 41 as the sealing plug retainer 4101. FIG. 40 is a
side plan view of the lever cap 129 of the freshness preserving
food container 100 where the contour and the upwardly shaped end
can be clearly seen. FIG. 41 is a bottom plan view of the lever cup
129 of the freshness preserving food container 100. The sealing
plug retainer 4101, a barbed or otherwise variably shaped
protrusion to hold a soft durometer sealing plug 515 (see FIG. 5 as
well as FIGS. 42-45).
[0102] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the sealing plug 515 of the
freshness preserving food container 100. The sealing plug 515 is
configured to push on and attach to the sealing plug retainer 4101
(see FIG. 41). FIG. 43 is a side plan view of the sealing plug 515
of the freshness preserving food container 100, showing ridges to
facilitate retention and a taper to facilitate ease of placement in
the vent 513.
[0103] FIG. 44 is a bottom plan view of the sealing plug 515 of the
freshness preserving food container 100. FIG. 45 is a
cross-sectional view of the sealing plug 515 of the freshness
preserving food container 100 taken along line F-F of FIG. 44. The
cavity or recess to accommodate placement on the sealing plug
retainer 4101 of the lever cap 129 can be seen.
[0104] To create a liquid and air tight seal of the lid 117 to the
cylindrical receptacle 101, an annular sealing ring 517 is placed
in a channel that is formed on the underside of the lid. This
channel is formed by two peripheral walls around the outer
perimeter of the bottom view of the lid 117, as evident by FIG. 32.
FIG. 46 is a perspective view of the annular sealing ring 517 of
the freshness preserving food container 100. The annular sealing
ring may be a square or rectangular extrusion formed into a ring.
Suitable soft durometer materials such as a rubber, silicone
rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, or the like may be employed.
Lastly, FIG. 47 is a plan view of the annular sealing ring 517 of
the freshness preserving food contains 100.
[0105] To use the freshness preserving food container 100, a
perishable food product such as guacamole is placed in the inner
volume of the container with the piston 103 fully downward to
create maximum inner volume of the container. The lid 117 is placed
in position and latched down into place with the lever cap 129 open
to allow venting. The engaging member 113 is placed within the
underside of the freshness preserving food container 100 and
inserted in the underside of the piston 103. The engaging member
113 is then pushed into the cylindrical receptacle 101 such that
the piston 103 travels further into the cylindrical receptacle 101,
reducing the inner volume of the freshness preserving food
container 100. The engaging member 113 continues to push the piston
103 forward until the food product reaches the top or apex of the
lid 117. Once the food product fully occupies the inner volume with
no airspace, the lever cap 129 is pushed downward such that the
sealing plug that is attached to the lever cap 129 engages with and
is inserted into the vent 513. The engaging member 113 can then be
removed if desired, and the freshness preserving food container 100
stored in an appropriate location such as a refrigerator. When the
food product is to be consumed, the lid 117 is removed. To store
any remaining food product left in the container, the lid is again
secured, and the air removal process is repeated to ready the
container for further storage and later use.
[0106] It is, therefore, apparent that there has been provided, in
accordance with the various objects of the present invention, a
freshness preserving food container. While the various objects of
this invention have been described in conjunction with preferred
embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives,
modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in
the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such
alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the
spirit and broad scope of this specification, claims and the
attached drawings.
* * * * *