CN215664998U - Food storage container and food storage container system - Google Patents
Food storage container and food storage container system Download PDFInfo
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- CN215664998U CN215664998U CN202120636243.XU CN202120636243U CN215664998U CN 215664998 U CN215664998 U CN 215664998U CN 202120636243 U CN202120636243 U CN 202120636243U CN 215664998 U CN215664998 U CN 215664998U
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- knob
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- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 title claims abstract description 157
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 26
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000003570 air Substances 0.000 description 39
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 4
- 235000008216 herbs Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002354 daily effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000010794 food waste Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 235000013311 vegetables Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 241000251468 Actinopterygii Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000012080 ambient air Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013399 edible fruits Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000003203 everyday effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000019688 fish Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000013350 formula milk Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000009472 formulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000021190 leftovers Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000012054 meals Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000013372 meat Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000003928 nasal cavity Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 244000144977 poultry Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000013594 poultry meat Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000011888 snacks Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000013599 spices Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/18—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
- B65D81/20—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
- B65D81/2007—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum
- B65D81/2015—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum in an at least partially rigid container
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/18—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
- B65D81/20—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
- B65D81/2007—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum
- B65D81/2038—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum with means for establishing or improving vacuum
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
- B65B31/04—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied
- B65B31/046—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied the nozzles co-operating, or being combined, with a device for opening or closing the container or wrapper
- B65B31/047—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied the nozzles co-operating, or being combined, with a device for opening or closing the container or wrapper the nozzles co-operating with a check valve in the opening of the container or wrapper
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
Abstract
A food storage container and food storage container system are provided, wherein the food storage container lid member includes an opening and at least one air channel adjacent the opening, the lid member configured for receiving a vacuum fitting associated with a vacuum sealing appliance; at least one storage compartment; and a valve assembly extending through an opening in the cap member and including a check ball and a ball seat; wherein the check ball is movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position the check ball seats against the ball seat and prevents air flow into the food storage container, and in the open position the check ball unseats from the ball seat, thereby establishing air flow from the environment to the food storage container.
Description
Cross Reference to Related Applications
This application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent application serial No.63/000,559 (currently pending), entitled valve assembly for food storage container, filed 3/27/2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Technical Field
The present application relates generally to food storage containers and food storage container systems, and more particularly to a valve assembly associated with a lid member of a food storage container. The lid member is configured to allow a vacuum system to be attached thereto so that food products stored within the container can be stored under vacuum in a refrigerator, pantry, or other food storage area for daily use. The valve assembly of the present invention further includes a vacuum indicator for notifying a user that an airtight vacuum seal has been achieved.
Background
It is common practice to store food, vegetables, herbs, formulation ingredients and leftovers. Typically, these products are stored in common food containers that can be placed in refrigerators, pantries, and other storage locations. Conventional food storage containers are stored under ambient pressure and, in a short period of time, the food stored in these containers can spoil, be wasted or become unusable and will have to be discarded. Vacuum sealed food products are known to extend the freshness and shelf life of food products stored in vacuum sealed containers, thereby reducing food waste and spoilage.
Accordingly, there is a need to provide a valve assembly for use with food storage containers such that food products stored therein can be vacuum sealed to extend their shelf and freshness, and the containers can be easily stored in refrigerators, pantries, and other food storage locations for daily use.
Accordingly, the present application relates to a valve assembly, particularly configured for use with food storage containers, for allowing the container to be vacuum sealed to protect food products stored therein under vacuum from spoilage and waste, and to extend the freshness and shelf life of food products as compared to other common non-vacuum storage containers.
Disclosure of Invention
The food storage container system of the present application provides a valve assembly for use on a variety of food storage containers having a lid member and at least one storage compartment for allowing a vacuum system to cooperate with the container to draw a vacuum within the container to preserve and protect the food product stored therein, thereby extending the freshness and shelf life of the food product. The food storage container may generally include a lid member, at least one storage compartment, and a valve assembly. The cover member may include an opening and at least one air channel adjacent the opening and configured to receive a vacuum fitting associated with a vacuum sealing apparatus. The valve assembly may extend through an opening in the cap member and include a check ball and a ball seat. The check ball is movable between an open position and a closed position. When the check ball is in the open position, the check ball may be unseated from the ball seat so that an airflow from the environment to the food storage container may be established. When the check ball is in the closed position, the check ball may be seated in the ball seat and may prevent air from flowing into the food storage container.
In one embodiment, the food storage container may further comprise a knob for moving the check ball between the open position and the closed position. In another embodiment, the knob may include: at least one air passage that may be in air communication with a chamber within the valve in which a check ball is retained; and an aperture that may correspond to at least one air channel of the knob. In yet another embodiment, the food storage container may further comprise a dust cap that may be releasably engaged with the knob. In yet another embodiment, the central cavity may include a wall member including a lip portion and an outer surface. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the wall member may include at least one threaded portion that may cooperate with at least one threaded portion of the inner wall member of the knob for moving the check ball between the open and closed positions. In another embodiment, the food storage container may further comprise an O-ring between the wall member and the inner wall member of the knob for moving the check ball between the open position and the closed position. In yet another embodiment, the valve may further comprise a check ball retainer. In yet another embodiment, the cover member may further comprise a vacuum indicator.
The food storage container system may generally include a vacuum system and a food storage container. The vacuum system may generally include a vacuum fitting and a vacuum sealing apparatus. The food storage container may generally include a lid member, at least one storage compartment, and a valve assembly. The cover member may include an opening and at least one air channel adjacent the opening and configured to receive a vacuum fitting. The valve assembly may extend through an opening in the cap member and include a check ball and a ball seat. The check ball is movable between an open position and a closed position. When the check ball is in the open position, the check ball may be unseated from the ball seat so that an airflow from the environment to the food storage container may be established. When the check ball is in the closed position, the check ball may be seated in the ball seat and may prevent air from flowing into the food storage container.
In one embodiment, the food storage container may further comprise a knob for moving the check ball between the open position and the closed position. In another embodiment, the knob may include: at least one air passage that may be in air communication with a chamber within the valve in which a check ball is retained; and an aperture that may correspond to at least one air channel of the knob. In yet another embodiment, the cover member may further include a central cavity member near the central portion of the cover member, and the central cavity may include a wall member including a lip portion and an outer surface. The opening may be provided at the bottom of the central cavity member. In yet another embodiment, the outer surface of the wall member may include at least one threaded portion that may cooperate with at least one threaded portion of the inner wall member of the knob for moving the check ball between the open and closed positions. In one embodiment, the food storage container system may further comprise an O-ring positioned between the wall member and the inner wall member of the knob for moving the check ball between the open position and the closed position. In another embodiment, the cover member may include an annular flange for engaging the vacuum fitting, which may surround the knob, and the vacuum fitting may be configured to engage the annular flange to form the hermetic seal. In yet another embodiment, the food storage container system may include a hose for connecting the vacuum fitting to the vacuum sealing appliance.
A method for using a food storage container system may generally include the steps of: providing a food storage container system, placing the check ball in an open position, attaching a vacuum fitting to a cover member over the valve assembly and placing the check ball in a closed position, activating the vacuum system, deactivating the vacuum system, and placing the check ball in an open position. The food storage container system may generally include a vacuum system and a food storage container. The vacuum system may generally include a vacuum fitting and a vacuum sealing apparatus. The food storage container may generally include a lid member, at least one storage compartment, and a valve assembly. The cover member may include an opening and at least one air channel adjacent the opening and configured to receive a vacuum fitting. The valve assembly may extend through an opening in the cap member and include a check ball and a ball seat. The check ball is movable between an open position and a closed position. When the check ball is in the open position, the check ball may be unseated from the ball seat so that an airflow from the environment to the food storage container may be established. When the check ball is in the closed position, the check ball may be seated in the ball seat and may prevent air from flowing into the food storage container.
In one embodiment, the cover member may include an annular flange that may surround the knob for engaging the vacuum fitting, and the vacuum fitting may be configured to engage the annular flange to form the hermetic seal. In another embodiment, the cover member may further comprise a vacuum indicator.
Drawings
For a better understanding of the present application, reference may be made to the following drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a food storage container system incorporating the valve assembly and vacuum indicator of the present application, constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present application.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view similar to fig. 1 showing the lid member removed from the food storage container.
Fig. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the food storage container system shown in fig. 1 and 2.
Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the food storage container system shown in fig. 1-3.
Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the food storage container system shown in fig. 1-4 in an open position.
Fig. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the valve assembly in the open position shown in fig. 5.
Fig. 7 is a top plan view of the food storage container system shown in fig. 1-5 in a closed position.
Fig. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the valve assembly in the closed position shown in fig. 7.
Fig. 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a vacuum fitting and vacuum sealing apparatus for use with a food storage container system incorporating a valve assembly and vacuum indicator constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present application.
Fig. 10 is a schematic view of a method of using a food storage container system incorporating the valve assembly of the present application constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present application.
Detailed Description
The present application will now be described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. The proportional relationship of the elements in the drawings need not be maintained in order to clearly illustrate the features of the present application.
The following detailed description of the present application refers to specific embodiments in which the application may be practiced. These embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the application in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the application. Other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present application.
The present application relates to a valve assembly for use on a variety of food storage containers that allows a vacuum system to be mated with the container to create or draw a vacuum within the container to preserve and protect the food product stored therein. The food storage container incorporating the valve assembly can be used in refrigerators, pantries and portable applications, andand to maintain the freshness and extend the normal shelf life of food products stored therein relative to food products stored in conventional non-vacuum food storage containers. The present container incorporating the present valve assembly is shown in
The vacuum sealing product and the hand-held vacuum sealer (including their oval fittings, round fittings and hose attachments) work together to remove air from within the container and create a unique airtight seal.
The containers of the present application have a variety of different sizes for different applications and for storing many different types of food products, including meats, poultry, fish, fruits, vegetables, herbs, formula ingredients, pantry, meals, portable snacks, and the like. The purpose of the vacuum sealed food storage container of the present application is to reduce food waste so that consumers can enjoy food that would normally deteriorate very quickly without vacuum sealing. These containers are made for use in everyday refrigerators, pantries and portable storage.
Referring initially to fig. 1, a food storage container system 1 is provided. Similar to many food storage systems known and understood in the art, the food storage system 1 preferably includes each of a food storage container 5 and a lid member 10. Similar to those used in the food storage industry, the food storage container 5 includes at least one storage cavity or compartment in which perishable and/or non-perishable foods, herbs or spices may be stored when not in use. The container 5 and lid member 10 can be made of a variety of rigid or semi-rigid materials, but in a preferred embodiment, both are made of BPA-free dishwasher safe materials. The food storage system 1 may be stored in, for example, a pantry, a refrigerator, or it may be used portably. As shown, the food storage container 5 is transparent, although in alternative embodiments it may be opaque.
The container 5 and lid member 10 shown in fig. 1 are shaped and recessed to nest within, or even releasably engage, the bottom of the food storage container 5 and/or lid member 10 of the present food storage system 1 or other food storage system. However, in alternative embodiments, the lid member 10 may be substantially flat, or may be the bottom of other food storage containers. The manner in which the lid member 10 may be releasably engaged with the food storage container 5 may take a variety of forms, but in one embodiment the lid member 10 is releasably engaged with the food storage container 5 by a friction fit.
In fig. 2, the cover member 10 is shown as having been partially removed from the food storage container 5. The seal formed between the lid member 10 and the food storage container 5 is preferably airtight. The tightness of the seal can be improved by known techniques, for example by using O-rings, gaskets, etc. In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the gasket member 15 enhances the seal between the lid member 10 and the food storage container 5. In a preferred embodiment, the cushion member 15 is made of silicone, although other materials for forming the seal are also contemplated.
To facilitate opening and closing of the lid member 10, the lid member 10 may include at least one protruding member 20 protruding outwardly from a surface thereof that may be grasped by a user when removing the lid member 10 from the food storage container 5. In addition, the food storage container 5 may include a cut-out portion 25 in at least one handle 30 thereof. The cutout portion 25 is preferably adjacent to the protruding member 20 when the lid member 10 is attached to the food storage container 5. Thus, when the user wishes to open the cover member 10, he or she can more easily access the protruding member 20 because at least a portion of the handle 30 does not block the protruding member 20. In at least one embodiment, both sides of the cover member 10 may include the protruding members 20, and both handles 30 may include the cut-out portions 25.
As shown in fig. 3, the underside 35 of the food storage container 5 preferably includes raised feet 40 formed by the container 5 projecting downwardly from the food storage container 5. The feet 40 preferably help keep the food storage container 5 elevated and avoid any spillage or soiling against the surface (e.g., countertop) on which the container 5 rests. The feet 40 may extend partially or completely around the underside 35 of the food storage container 5.
Turning to fig. 4, the food storage system 1 of the present application includes a valve assembly 45, which valve assembly 45 may be coupled to a vacuum fitting 165 and/or a vacuum sealing appliance 170 (as described in more detail below), for example
Vacuum sealing appliances, hand-held vacuum sealers, and the like are used together to create or draw a vacuum within the food storage container 5. In addition, the valve assembly 45 may also be used in the manner described below to release vacuum pressure from within the food storage container 5 and allow air to enter the food storage container 5, including but not limited to when a user desires to access the contents within the food storage container 5. As will be described in greater detail below, the valve assembly 45 generally includes a valve 50 and a knob 55 for actuating the valve 50.
The valve assembly 45 is preferably located on the cover member 10 or incorporated into the cover member 10, and the cover member may include a central opening for receiving the valve assembly 45. In addition to the valve assembly 45, a vacuum indicator 60 may also be located on the cover member 10. The vacuum indicator 60 signals to the user whether a predetermined vacuum has been created within the food storage container 5 and, thus, whether its contents are currently being preserved by the airtight vacuum seal between the lid member 10 and the food storage container 5. Alternatively, the vacuum indicator 60 may signal to the user whether the contents (if any) within the food storage container 5 are in a vacuum environment. The vacuum indicator 60 may be a socket of silicone that acts to press down from the raised position to the recessed position when a predetermined airtight vacuum seal has been created between the lid member 10 and the food storage container 5.
The valve assembly 45 is preferably a two-way valve that can be operated by turning a knob 55 that communicates with the valve assembly 45. When a user wishes to cure (marinate) the contents of the food storage container 5, release the vacuum created in the food storage container 5, or create a vacuum in the food storage container 5, the valve assembly 45 should be properly prepared for its proper operation. In the storage container 5 where the user wishes to cure the foodIn the first position of the contents (or in a position where the user wishes to release the vacuum within the container 5 and then open the lid member 5), as shown in figure 5, the knob 55 should be rotated so that the indicator 65 points to a "cure" or "open" label 67 (or the like) on the valve assembly 45. In a first "cure" or "open" position, when the knob 55 has been rotated to the first position, the valve assembly 45 allows air to flow into and out of the valve assembly 45 via an air passage 125 (as described in more detail below) in the valve assembly 45 so that the food storage system 1 can operate in its "cure" function. For the "curing" function, the food storage system 1 may allow air to flow into the food storage container 5 and utilize it under the curing function
Appliances, including but not limited to vacuum fitting 165 and/or vacuum sealing appliance 170 (e.g., vacuum seal appliance
Vacuum sealers, hand-held vacuum sealers, etc.). Further, in the first position, the user may remove the cover member 10.
It should be noted that the knob 55 is preferably secured within the recess 70 of the cover member 10. This preferably allows the user to more easily access the knob 55 to rotate the knob 55 as he or she desires. In alternative embodiments, the knob 55 may be raised higher than shown, or more easily accessible, rather than in a recess in the cover member 10.
Fig. 6 (in cross-section) shows the valve assembly 45 and the cover member 10 when the knob 55 is rotated in the manner shown in fig. 5. In one embodiment, a central cavity member or recessed region 80 is provided in the cover member 10 near the central portion 75 of the cover member 10. The central cavity member 80 is a portion of the cover member 10 extending downward therefrom to form a cavity or recess created in the direction of the food storage container 5. The central cavity member 80 may have a variety of shapes and sizes, but in the illustrated embodiment is circular, such that the valve assembly 45 and the knob 55 may be securely positioned and located within the central cavity member 80, as described in more detail below.
A central opening 115 is provided in the bottom 120 of the central cavity member 80 which provides air communication between the interior of the container 5 and the central cavity member 80. In addition to the central opening 115, at least one air channel 125 is provided that extends down into the knob 55. The air passage 125 is preferably in air communication with a chamber 130 within the valve 50, with a check ball 135 retained therein. When the knob 55 is in the "cure" or "open" position, air may flow in either direction between the central opening 115, the chamber 130, and the air passage 125 because the check ball 135 is not securely seated on the ball seat 140 of the valve 50. In the position of this position, the position of the first,
appliances, including but not limited to vacuum fittings 165 and/or vacuum sealing appliances 170 (e.g.,
a nasal cavity sealer, a handheld vacuum sealer, etc.) that can operate its "curing" function. Further, the user can open the cover member 10 without using excessive force.
There may be an O-ring 145 between the wall member 85 and the inner wall member 150 of the knob 55. The O-ring 145 may allow the knob 55 to be more securely mated with the cover member 10. The valve 50 may further include a check ball retainer 155, the check ball retainer 155 having an inner diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the check ball 135, thereby preventing the check ball 135 from falling out of the chamber 130.
When the user wishes to place the food storage system 1 in its "vacuum" or "storage" mode, he or she should rotate the knob 55 so that its indicator 65 points to a "vacuum" or "storage" label 69 on the cover member 10, as shown in fig. 7. In a second "vacuum" or "storage" position, including when the knob 55 has been rotated to the second position, air may only flow out of the food storage container 5 via the air channel 125, and when vacuum is applied, the lid 10 is sealed closed to maintain the vacuum for storage. In fig. 7, it should be noted that an aperture 160 is further shown at the center of the knob 55, which corresponds to the air channel 125.
As shown in fig. 8, when the knob 55 is rotated in a clockwise direction (counterclockwise direction in the alternative embodiment), the cap member 10 and the threaded portions 100, 105 of the knob 55, respectively, are further engaged with each other, and the knob 55 is further screwed down onto the cap member 10. When this occurs, the valve 50 also preferably advances downward, thus also forcing the check ball 135 downward. Finally, check ball 135 reaches ball seat 140 and is retained thereon. With the check ball 135 located on the ball seat 140, air may flow in only one direction, i.e., out of the food storage container 5 (and out of the orifice 160) via the central opening 115, the chamber 130, and the air channel 125. By opening from
The vacuum force of the appliance facilitates this process,
the appliance includes, but is not limited to, a vacuum fitting 165 and/or a vacuum sealing appliance 170, such as
Vacuum sealers, hand-held vacuum sealers, and the like.
When a vacuum is applied while the food storage system 1 is in its "vacuum" or "storage" operation, air is drawn from the container 5 (and out of the orifice 160) via the central opening 115, the chamber 130, and the air channel 125 until a vacuum is achieved in the container 5. Once this occurs, the check ball 135 may hold itself firmly against the ball seat 140, including under the negative pressure of the vacuum achieved in the container 5. This maintains the vacuum in the food storage container 5 and preserves the food stored therein until the knob 55 is rotated back to its "marinated" or "open" position.
Thus, when a user wishes to remove the lid member 10 from the food storage container 5, he or she may begin by rotating the knob 55 to its "open" or "marinated" position. In this position, check ball 135 may be unseated from ball seat 140 to again allow bi-directional air flow. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the pressure differential across the food storage container 5 and the atmosphere may make it necessary to force air into the container 5 for use
Appliances, including, but not limited to, vacuum fitting 165 and/or vacuum sealing appliance 170 (e.g., a vacuum seal appliance)
Vacuum sealer, hand-held vacuum sealer, etc.) to unseat the check ball 135.
In some embodiments, a dust or particle shield member (not shown) may be releasably engaged with the knob 55 to cover and expose the aperture 160. When covering the knob 55, the cover member helps prevent dust and other particles from clogging the orifice 160. If dust, particles, and/or other debris frequently contacts the various components of the valve assembly 45 of the present application or blocks the orifice 160, the valve assembly 45 may be damaged and less efficient. The cover member is not an essential part of the food storage system 1. However, when a cover member is provided, it is releasably engaged with the cover member 10 so that the user may remove the cover member if he or she chooses to do so.
Turning to fig. 10, the operation of the food storage system 1 of the present application may be as follows. As shown in block 1000, a food storage system 1 having a valve assembly 45 may be provided. In one embodiment, the food storage system 1 may also be provided with a vacuum system 175, a vacuum fitting 165, and a vacuum sealing appliance 170. The check ball 135 may then be placed in its open position (e.g., where the valve assembly 45 may be in a first "cure" position), as shown in block 1010. In this position, the cover member 10 can be easily removed from the storage container 5 of the food storage system 1. In one embodiment, the vacuum fitting 165 may be attached to the vacuum sealing apparatus 170 and may be positioned such that it extends over and completely covers the central opening 115 in the lid member 10 of the food storage system 1. In this position, the vacuum connection 165 may perform its "curing" function. As indicated at block 1020, when a vacuum is required, in the closed position (e.g., where valve assembly 45 may be in the second "vacuum" position), vacuum fitting 165 may be attached to cap member 10 over check ball 135. In one embodiment, the vacuum fitting 165 may be connected to the vacuum sealing apparatus 170 via a hose 180. In another embodiment, the vacuum fitting 165 may engage an annular lip or flange around the knob 55 to form an airtight seal with the annular flange of the cover member 10 for drawing a vacuum. The vacuum system 175 may then be activated, as indicated in block 1030. In one embodiment, the vacuum system 175 may be activated by activating a vacuum pump within the vacuum sealing apparatus 170. When the vacuum system 175 is activated, the check ball 135 within the valve member 45 may be pulled upward away to expose the air passage 125, thereby allowing air from within the food storage container 5 to be evacuated through the air passage 125 and out through the top of the lid member 10.
As indicated at block 1040, once the vacuum system 175 is deactivated, including by deactivating the vacuum pump associated with the vacuum sealing apparatus 170, the valve assembly 45 may be mechanically closed. The valve assembly 45 may remain closed due in part to the pressure exerted by the vacuum in the food storage container 5 (including under the negative air pressure of the vacuum achieved in the container 5) in order to hold the check ball 135 of the valve assembly 45 in place. This seals and contains the vacuum formed within the food storage container 5. This also seals the lid member 10 to the food storage container 5 in an airtight vacuum sealed configuration.
When it is time to remove the food product stored in the food storage container 5, the user may return the check ball 135 to its open position (e.g., where the valve assembly 45 may be in a first "cure" position) such that the pressure inside the food storage container 5 forces the valve assembly 45 to open and lift the check ball 135 from its position covering the air passage 125, such that the air passage 125 is at least partially exposed to allow the vacuum contained within the food storage container 5 to escape through the air passage 125, as shown in block 1050. Ambient air may then re-enter the food storage container 5 to equalize the pressure therein. This allows the user to remove the cover member 10 from the food storage container 5 so that the product stored therein can be accessed.
From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and advantages mentioned as well as others which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations of the embodiments herein are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense. The various structures described above and shown in the drawings are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the concept, principles and scope of the invention.
Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the subject invention will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.
Claims (17)
1. A food storage container, comprising:
a cover member including an opening and at least one air channel adjacent the opening, the cover member configured for receiving a vacuum connection associated with a vacuum sealing apparatus;
at least one storage compartment; and
a valve assembly extending through the opening in the cap member and including a check ball and a ball seat;
wherein the check ball is movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position the check ball seat rests on the ball seat and prevents air flow into the food storage container, and in the open position the check ball exits from the ball seat, thereby establishing air flow from the environment to the food storage container.
2. The food storage container of claim 1, further comprising a knob for moving the check ball between the open position and the closed position.
3. The food storage container of claim 2, wherein the knob comprises:
at least one air passage in air communication with a chamber within the valve, wherein the check ball is retained in the chamber; and
an aperture corresponding to at least one air channel of the knob.
4. The food storage container of claim 2, further comprising a dust cover member releasably engaged with the knob.
5. The food storage container of claim 1, wherein:
the cover member further includes a central cavity member near a central portion of the cover member; and
the opening is disposed at a bottom of the central cavity member.
6. The food storage container of claim 5, wherein the central cavity includes a wall member including a lip portion and an outer surface.
7. The food storage container of claim 6, wherein the outer surface of the wall member includes at least one threaded portion that cooperates with at least one threaded portion of an inner wall member of a knob for moving the check ball between the open position and the closed position.
8. The food storage container of claim 6, further comprising an O-ring between the wall member and an inner wall member of the knob for moving the check ball between the open position and the closed position.
9. The food storage container of claim 3, wherein the valve further comprises a check ball retainer.
10. The food storage container of claim 1, wherein the lid member further comprises a vacuum indicator.
11. A food storage container system, comprising:
a vacuum system, comprising:
a vacuum joint; and
a vacuum sealing apparatus;
a food storage container, comprising:
a cover member comprising an opening and at least one air channel adjacent to the opening, the cover member configured to receive the vacuum connection;
at least one storage compartment; and
a valve assembly extending through the opening in the cap member and including a check ball and a ball seat;
wherein the check ball is movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position the check ball seat rests on the ball seat and prevents air flow into the food storage container, and in the open position the check ball exits from the ball seat, thereby establishing air flow from the environment to the food storage container.
12. The food storage container system of claim 11, further comprising:
a knob for moving the check ball between the open position and the closed position;
wherein the knob comprises:
at least one air passage in air communication with a chamber within the valve, wherein the check ball is retained in the chamber; and
an aperture corresponding to the at least one air channel of the knob.
13. The food storage container system of claim 11, wherein:
the cover member further includes a central cavity member near a central portion of the cover member;
the central cavity comprises a wall member including a lip portion and an outer surface; and
the opening is disposed at a bottom of the central cavity member.
14. The food storage container system of claim 13, wherein the outer surface of the wall member includes at least one threaded portion that cooperates with at least one threaded portion of an inner wall member of a knob for moving the check ball between the open position and the closed position.
15. The food storage container system of claim 13, further comprising an O-ring between the wall member and an inner wall member of a knob for moving the check ball between the open position and the closed position.
16. The food storage container system of claim 11, wherein:
the cover member includes an annular flange surrounding a knob for engaging the vacuum fitting; and
the vacuum fitting is configured to engage the annular flange to form a hermetic seal.
17. The food storage container system of claim 11, further comprising a hose connecting the vacuum fitting to the vacuum sealing appliance.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US202063000559P | 2020-03-27 | 2020-03-27 | |
| US63/000,559 | 2020-03-27 | ||
| US17/191,844 US20210300661A1 (en) | 2020-03-27 | 2021-03-04 | Valve assembly for a food storage container |
| US17/191844 | 2021-03-04 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN215664998U true CN215664998U (en) | 2022-01-28 |
Family
ID=77855471
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN202120636243.XU Active CN215664998U (en) | 2020-03-27 | 2021-03-29 | Food storage container and food storage container system |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20210300661A1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN215664998U (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD961994S1 (en) * | 2020-03-27 | 2022-08-30 | Sunbeam Products, Inc. | Lid |
| USD944640S1 (en) * | 2020-06-24 | 2022-03-01 | Taishan Zhongshang Food Packaging Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | Container |
| USD944641S1 (en) * | 2020-06-24 | 2022-03-01 | Taishan Zhongshang Food Packaging Manufacturing Co., Ltd. | Container |
| USD1016571S1 (en) * | 2021-01-19 | 2024-03-05 | Taizhou Juma Technology Co., Ltd | Vacuum food storage container |
| USD942207S1 (en) * | 2021-04-01 | 2022-02-01 | Fuhong Zheng | Airtight food storage container |
| CN118234667A (en) * | 2021-10-21 | 2024-06-21 | 雪诺必克株式会社 | Beverage containers and lids |
Family Cites Families (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3943987A (en) * | 1974-10-17 | 1976-03-16 | Rossi Thomas J | Reclosable air-tight containers with evacuation means |
| US4142645A (en) * | 1978-04-12 | 1979-03-06 | Walton Donald G | Vacuum sealing closure lid for home canning operations |
| US5288053A (en) * | 1993-06-01 | 1994-02-22 | Young Andy Y | Discharge controlling device for faucets |
| US5405038A (en) * | 1993-12-02 | 1995-04-11 | Chuang; Hsiao-Cheng | Vacuum food container device |
| US5499735A (en) * | 1994-12-20 | 1996-03-19 | Chen; Cin-Chen | Closure assembly for vacuum sealed containers |
| BR0310037A (en) * | 2002-05-17 | 2005-02-15 | Bell Helicopter Textron Inc | Vacuum seating of a self-sealing part for bagging composite materials |
| US7513481B2 (en) * | 2005-10-28 | 2009-04-07 | Fu-Long Su | One way valve |
| US20080147007A1 (en) * | 2006-12-19 | 2008-06-19 | Toby Freyman | Delivery device with pressure control |
| US20090206295A1 (en) * | 2008-02-14 | 2009-08-20 | Fletcher Morgan | Universal attachable/detachable air extraction valve for re-sealable storage bags |
| US7997047B1 (en) * | 2008-03-04 | 2011-08-16 | Widgeteer, Inc. | Air evacuation assembly for sealable plastic bags |
| US8967413B2 (en) * | 2011-09-20 | 2015-03-03 | Scac Llc | Vacuum lid for use with baby food jars |
| US9752473B1 (en) * | 2015-06-03 | 2017-09-05 | Valvomax, Inc. | Oil drain valve with check ball and detachable bayonet-style actuator |
-
2021
- 2021-03-04 US US17/191,844 patent/US20210300661A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2021-03-29 CN CN202120636243.XU patent/CN215664998U/en active Active
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US20210300661A1 (en) | 2021-09-30 |
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