US20130092591A1

US20130092591A1 - Vacuum container and pump

Info

Publication number: US20130092591A1
Application number: US13/551,607
Authority: US
Inventors: Jung S. Moon; Mikale K. Kwon; Eunjung Huh
Original assignee: Hearthware Inc
Current assignee: Nuwave LLC
Priority date: 2011-05-31
Filing date: 2012-07-17
Publication date: 2013-04-18

Abstract

A vacuum container and pump system including: a rounded rectangular or square base with an opening at a top to receive foodstuffs, adapted with an edge; an optional cover comprising at least two locking latches adapted to couple to said edge, said optional cover to close the opening of the vacuum container, said cover comprising: a circular vacuum tubular opening forming a cylindrical hole through said cover, and a cross-shaped notch on the inner cross-section of the tube, through which at least a portion of a plug is received and disposed when evacuating air. A vacuum bag comprising: a bag having an opening; a plurality of resealable fasteners; a hole for evacuating air with a pump from the bag; a cap for covering said hole; and a removable clip for easing closure of said plurality of fasteners adapted to be used with a plurality of said bags.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part and claims priority to U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/393,199, filed May 31, 2011, and is a nonprovisional of and claims the benefit of U.S. Utility Provisional Patent Application 61/609,453, filed on Mar. 12, 2012, the contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, and are of common assignee to the present invention.

BACKGROUND

1. Field
The present invention relates to vacuum packaging, and in particular to vacuum packaging for foodstuffs.
2. Related Art
Vacuum packing or vacuum packaging is a method of packaging that removes air from the package prior to sealing. Vacuum packing can involve both rigid and flexible types of packaging. The intent is usually to remove oxygen from the container to extend the shelf life of foods and, with flexible package forms, to reduce the volume of the contents and package.
Vacuum packing reduces atmospheric oxygen, limiting the growth of aerobic bacteria or fungi, and preventing the evaporation of volatile components. Vacuum packing is also commonly used to store of dry foods over a long period of time, foods such as cereals, nuts, cured meats, cheese, smoked fish, coffee, and potato chips (crisps). On a more short term basis, vacuum packing can also be used to store fresh foods, such as vegetables, meats, and liquids, because vacuum packaging inhibits bacterial growth.
Vacuum packing greatly reduces the bulk of non-food items. For example, clothing and bedding can be stored in bags evacuated with a domestic vacuum cleaner or a dedicated vacuum sealer. This technique is sometimes used to compact household waste, for example where a charge is made for each full bag collected.
Vacuum packaging products may include plastic bags, canisters, bottles, or mason jars available for home use.
Vacuum packaging delicate food items can be done by using an inert gas, such as nitrogen. This helps prevent crushing fragile items and delicate foods such as potato chips. Alternatively, vacuum packaging may involve evacuating air from a container by use of a pump.
Conventional vacuum packaging containers have several shortcomings. It would be desirable to provide an improved vacuum packaging container and pump system that overcomes shortcomings of conventional vacuum packaging.

SUMMARY

Further features and/or advantages of, as well as the structure and/or operation of, various exemplary embodiments, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In an exemplary embodiment, an improved vacuum pump and vacuum container kit are provided.
According to an exemplary embodiment, a manual pump may include a hole to allow the pump to operate more effectively than absent the hole.
According to another exemplary embodiment, a vacuum orifice or opening to a vacuum container may be circular shaped with a cross cut out of the circular opening to allow a vacuum stopper to close the opening while also allowing for ease of release of the vacuum.
A vacuum container and pump system including a vacuum container including: a rounded rectangular or square base with an opening at the top to receive foodstuffs and adapted with an edge; an optional cover comprising at least two locking latches adapted to couple to said edge, said optional cover to close the opening of the vacuum container, said cover comprising: a circular vacuum tubular opening forming a cylindrical hole through said cover, and a cross-shaped notch on the inner cross-section of the tube, through which at least a portion of a plug may be received and disposed when evacuating air from the container.
A vacuum bag comprising: a bag having an opening; a plurality of resealable fasteners; a hole for evacuating air with a pump from the bag; a cap for covering said hole; and a removable clip for easing closure of said plurality of fasteners that is adapted to be used with a plurality of said bags.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and/or advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements. A preferred and various other exemplary embodiments are discussed below in the detailed description of the following drawings:

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container according to an exemplary embodiment, the exemplary container illustrated having an exemplary lid with exemplary four latches adapted to be coupled to an outer edge of a base, an exemplary annular dial with day indicator adapted to be usable to track age of container contents, a clear transparent plastic bottom which may be adapted for stacking, and the exemplary lid as illustrated includes an exemplary teal colored partially convex rounded lid with circular vacuum interface, vacuum indicator, and vacuum release, with exemplary annular concave slot for receiving an exemplary convex annular protrusion from the bottom of another such container for stacking, as described further with reference to FIG. 19L below, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates another exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container similar to that shown in FIG. 1, of shallower depth, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container having only exemplary 2 latches, and including a t-shaped divider, according to an exemplary embodiment, which in various exemplary embodiments may be either removable or permanent, and the container may be adapted to be stacked compatibly with the containers of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4A depicts an exemplary top orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 1 above, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5A depicts an exemplary front orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 1 above, according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplary embodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, but illustrated in FIG. 19L) adapted for stacking;

FIG. 6A depicts an exemplary side orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 1 above, according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplary embodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, but illustrated in FIG. 19L) adapted for stacking;

FIG. 4B depicts an exemplary top orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4A above, including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 5B depicts an exemplary front orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 1 above and FIG. 5A above, including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions, according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplary embodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, but illustrated in FIG. 19I) adapted for stacking;

FIG. 6B depicts an exemplary side orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 1 above and FIG. 6A above, including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions, according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplary embodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, but illustrated in FIG. 19I) adapted for stacking;

FIG. 7A depicts an exemplary top orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 2 above, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8A depicts an exemplary front orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 2 above, according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplary embodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, but illustrated in FIG. 19I) adapted for stacking;

FIG. 9A depicts an exemplary side orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 2 above, according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplary embodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, but illustrated in FIG. 19I) adapted for stacking;

FIG. 7B depicts an exemplary top orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 2 and FIG. 7A above, including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 8B depicts an exemplary front orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 2 above and FIG. 8A above, including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions, according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplary embodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, but illustrated in FIG. 19I) adapted for stacking;

FIG. 9B depicts an exemplary side orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 2 above and FIG. 9A above, including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions, according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplary embodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, but illustrated in FIG. 19I) adapted for stacking;

FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary top orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 3 above, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary front orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 3 above, according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplary embodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, but illustrated in FIG. 19I) adapted for stacking;

FIG. 12A depicts an exemplary side orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 3 above, according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplary embodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, but illustrated in FIG. 19I) adapted for stacking;

FIG. 12B depicts an exemplary bottom view of an exemplary base as may be used in an exemplary rectangular container as shown in the above FIGS. 1-12, and may include exemplary one or more exemplary feet, an exemplary and optional circular concave indentation to accomodate receiving the exemplary circular rounded cover of another container for stacking, and an exemplary annular inner protrusion that may be adapted in be placed into the vacuum interface annular cavity of an exemplary lid of another vacuum container adapted for stacking, and sufficiently deep to allow stacking even when a pair of respective container are in an evacuated state causing the respective outer surfaces to collapse slightly from the vacuum pressure, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary isometric view of an exemplary silicone exemplary vacuum plug as may be used to maintain, and/or release a vacuum from an exemplary container;

FIGS. 14A and 14B depict an exemplary embodiments of the exemplary undersides of the exemplary vacuum interface and exemplary vacuum indicator, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary bottom view of the inner annular vacuum interface including a t-shaped notch through which an exemplary silicone vacuum plug may be inserted, and the notches may be adapted to enable evacuation of air from the container;

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary vacuum container system including an exemplary vacuum container, an exemplary manual vacuum pump, and/or an exemplary electric vacuum pump, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 17A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an electric vacuum pump, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 17B illustrates an exemplary bottom isometric view of an exemplary electric vacuum pump, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 17C illustrates another exemplary bottom view of another exemplary electric vacuum pump, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 17D1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a top view of an exemplary electric pump including exemplary buttons and cavities for receiving exemplary batteries, and an exemplary battery cavity cover, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 17D2 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a kit of various sized containers and an exemplary pump as may be sold in an exemplary kit including a plurality of rectangular and square containers, which according to an exemplary embodiment may be adapted for stacking, and may be shaped to take advantage of rectangular or square space in a refrigerator and/or for storage, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 17E depicts an exemplary alternating current (AC) adapter as may be coupled to the exemplary electric pump for, e.g., but not limited to, powering, or recharging a battery pack, etc., according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 18A depicts an exemplary front view of an exemplary manual vacuum pump, which may be adapted to extract air while pumping, and may in an exemplary embodiment be adapted to include an exemplary hole to improve air extraction as illustrated in FIG. 18G, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 18D depicts an exemplary isometric bottom and side view of an exemplary manual vacuum pump, which may be adapted to extract air while pumping, drawing air in through an exemplary plurality of holes on an exemplary inner surface of the pump, in an exemplary inner cavity, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 18E depicts an exemplary partial bottom view of an exemplary manual vacuum pump, which illustrates an exemplary four inlet holes for drawing in air when pumping air with the pump out of an exemplary vacuum container such as, e.g., but not limited to, the container of FIGS. 1-17 above, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 18F and 18G depict an exemplary top view of exemplary manual pumps illustrating an exemplary air hole for allowing improved air release from the pump, when air is taken in through exemplary inlet holes from the exemplary pump, and then may be released through the exemplary one or more outlet holes, alternatively, air may be released around the handle, but performance of the pump may improve from use of the exemplary outlet hole, according to an exemplary embodiment. The pump may also include a syringe like internal plunger, not shown, as may be used to create the vacuum to draw out the air, according to one exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplary embodiment, other pumps as will be apparent to those skilled in the art may be used such as, e.g., but not limited to, one directional valves, etc.;

FIG. 18HI illustrates an exemplary inner surface of an exemplary square shaped vacuum container including an exemplary bottom view of an exemplary vacuum indicator and exemplary vacuum interface, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 18I illustrates an exemplary close up view of an exemplary inner surface of an exemplary square shaped vacuum container including an exemplary vacuum interface and notched opening through which an exemplary plug as shown in FIG. 13 may be inserted, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 18L illustrates the exemplary plug of FIG. 13, inserted in an exemplary vacuum interface of FIG. 18I, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 18K1 illustrates an exemplary electrical pump including an exemplary push button as may be used to activate the pump, the pump coupled to an exemplary vacuum interface of an exemplary container, and as illustrated, the vacuum indicator indicates that the container is not yet sufficiently evacuated and remains in a non-vacuum state;

FIG. 18K2 illustrates an exemplary electrical pump coupled to an exemplary vacuum interface of an exemplary container as may be used to activate the pump, and as illustrated, the vacuum indicator indicates that the container has now been sufficiently evacuated of air to be in a vacuum state;

FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C, 19D, 19E and 19F illustrate exemplary isometric views of an exemplary inner surface of an exemplary rectangular container, adapted to receive an exemplary removable, exemplary multiple-part, exemplary divider/separator members as illustrated in FIG. 19K, as may be used to create two or more separate areas within the exemplary vacuum container, including in an exemplary embodiment a reversible half length member and an exemplary width long divider member adapted to receive the half length divider member on one side as illustrated in 19A and B, and as removed in 19B and 19C, may be reinserted as shown in 19F, or the inner width member may be removed as illustrated in 19D to have a full container as illustrated in FIG. 19E which illustrates also exemplary ribs in the sides of both the long and short sides to receive the exemplary removable divider members, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 19G illustrates an exemplary top view of an exemplary lid illustrating exemplary four latches adapted to be coupled to one or more rims or protrusions of a rim of an exemplary vacuum container bottom as illustrated in FIG. 19H (shallow depth) and 19I (deep depth) according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 19J illustrates an exemplary nonremovable divider in an exemplary container, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 19K illustrates an exemplary two part divider removed from a container illustrating a t-shaped bottom cross section for providing rigidity and to support the divider members, and for interlocking into the ribbed protrusions in the exemplary inner edge of the contain as shown in FIG. 19L according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 19L illustrates an exemplary bottom view of an exemplary vacuum container illustrating exemplary feet and an exemplary circular indentation to receive a rounded lid while stacking and an exemplary annular protrusion of sufficient depth to permit securing when stacking and placed in a respective annual cavity surrounding part of an exemplary lid's vacuum interface as shown, e.g., in the top view of FIG. 19G, to secure to one another stacked containers in evacuated vacuum state, a respective pair of such containers, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 21 depicts an exemplary rounded square vacuum container according to an exemplary embodiment, the exemplary container illustrated having an exemplary lid with exemplary two latches adapted to be coupled to an outer edge of a base, an exemplary annular dial with day indicator adapted to be usable to track age of container contents, a clear transparent plastic bottom which may be adapted for stacking, and the exemplary lid as illustrated includes an exemplary teal colored partially convex rounded lid with circular vacuum interface including an exemplary inner structure and an exemplary silicone rubber plug, exemplary vacuum indicator, and vacuum release, with exemplary multiple concentric surfaces including an exemplary annular concave slot for receiving an exemplary convex annular protrusion from the bottom of another such container for stacking, as shown, and as also described further with reference to FIG. 19L, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 22 illustrates another exemplary rounded square vacuum container similar to that shown in FIG. 1, of exemplary slightly shallower depth, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 23 illustrates additional exemplary rounded square vacuum containers, each having exemplary 2 latches, and including of varying size, according to an exemplary embodiment, which in various exemplary embodiments may be adapted to be stacked compatibly with the containers of FIGS. 1, 2, 21, and 22, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 24 depicts an exemplary top orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 21 above, including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 25 depicts an exemplary front orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 21 above, including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions, according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplary embodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, but illustrated in FIG. 19L) adapted for stacking, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 26 depicts an exemplary side orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 1 above, including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions, according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplary embodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, but illustrated in FIG. 19L) adapted for stacking, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 27 illustrates an exemplary bottom view of an exemplary square vacuum container, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 28A and 28B illustrate an exemplary lower surface of an exemplary square container and illustrate the annular stacking protrusion as may be used to stack the bottom of one container in an annular cavity as illustrated in FIG. 29, to permit stacking as illustrated in FIG. 30 whether in vacuum or non vacuum state, including a sufficient depth to the protrusion of FIGS. 28A and 28B of the protrusion to permit securing the upper container to the lower container even when evacuated in a vacuum state and the lid has been pulled in from vacuum pressure.

FIGS. 28A and 28B also illustrate a circular indentation in the bottom of the container (see circular light reflection on FIG. 28B, and outer circle of FIG. 27), the large circular indentation is also shown on an exemplary rectangular container in FIG. 28C, as well as FIG. 12B, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 31 illustrates an exemplary deep ring shaped protrusion made sufficiently long to securely be placed into the inner ring cavity of a given vacuum contain as shown in FIG. 32, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 33 illustrates exemplary combinations of stacking smaller square containers on larger square containers, and as shown in FIG. 30 above, square containers may also be stacked on a rectangular container, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 34 illustrates an exemplary flavor locker vacuum bag, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 35 illustrates an exemplary flavor locker vacuum bag including an exemplary vacuum interface of the exemplary bag, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 36 illustrates an exemplary extra bonding at the edges of an exemplary interlocking bag interface, which may include one or more zipping or other locking tongue and groove interlocking openings;

FIGS. 37 and 38 illustrate an exemplary removable tool that may be used to press and close the exemplary interlocking opening of the bag. Advantageously by being removable, one of the exemplary closure tools illustrated in FIG. 38 may be used with multiple bags to decrease the cost of a bag by not needing to include a tool with each bag;

FIG. 39 illustrates an exemplary flavor locker vacuum bag, along with an exemplary removable closure tool, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 40 illustrates an exemplary flavor locker vacuum interface with an exemplary circular snapping cap interface, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 41 illustrates an exemplary closure tool and an exemplary snapping cap for an exemplary vacuum bag, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 42 and 43 illustrate an exemplary flavor locker vacuum interface with the plug removed and the snapping cap removed of an exemplary circular snapping cap vacuum interface, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 44 illustrates an exemplary vacuum plug as may be placed in the opening illustrated in FIGS. 42 and 43, and may be of silicone rubber;

FIGS. 45 and 46 illustrate an exemplary side view of an exemplary flavor locker vacuum interface with an exemplary circular snapping cap interface and the snapping cap of FIG. 41 removed, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 47 and 48 illustrate an exemplary circular snapping cap, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIGS. 34A-34E illustrate exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions of an exemplary, but nonlimiting salad chopper and/or slicer and/or dicer lid as illustrated in exemplary FIG. 34G, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 34F illustrates an exemplary interchangeable salad spinner lid as may be used with an exemplary square or other rectangular vacuum container including an exemplary circular salad basket in an exemplary square container, allowing storage of the salad in the container in a refrigerator, and advantageously having a square shape for placing in the refrigerator or storage, according to an exemplary embodiment. Another exemplary embodiment of a salad spinner lid is illustrated in FIG. 49, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 34G illustrates an exemplary interchangeable salad slicer and/or dicer and/or chopper lid as may be used with an exemplary square or other rectangular vacuum container including an exemplary circular salad basket in an exemplary square container, allowing storage of the chopped salad in the container in a refrigerator, and advantageously having a square shape, interchangeable with the other lids for placing in the refrigerator or storage, according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 34H illustrates an exemplary interchangeable vacuum contain lid as may be interchanged with the salad slicer and/or dicer and/or chopper lid of FIG. 34G and the salad spinner lid of FIG. 34F or 49, as may be used with an exemplary square or other rectangular vacuum container, according to an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 49 including an exemplary spinner mechanism which may permit an exemplary initial winding of a handle and coupled spring clockwork, which, when the spring is allowed to unwind may be coupled by gears or other coupling to cause the basked to spin according to an exemplary embodiment. An exemplary hold may be provided as shown, for other exemplary uses such as to accommodate an exemplary brake, or to allow easily lifting the lid, etc., according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description of various preferred exemplary embodiments as well as various other exemplary embodiments, in conjunction with the accompanying claims and/or drawings describes the invention in which like numerals in the several views refer to corresponding or similar parts. The present invention broadly represents applicable improvements to an apparatus and/or methods relating to a vacuum container and pump system or kit. The embodiments detailed herein are intended to be taken as representative or exemplary of those in which the improvements of the embodiments may be incorporated and are not intended to be limiting.
A vacuum container and pump system including a vacuum container including: a rounded rectangular or square base with an opening at the top to receive foodstuffs and adapted with an edge; an optional cover comprising at least two locking latches adapted to couple to said edge, said optional cover to close the opening of the vacuum container, said cover comprising: a circular vacuum tubular opening forming a cylindrical hole through said cover, and a cross-shaped notch on the inner cross-section of the tube, through which at least a portion of a plug may be received and disposed when evacuating air from the container.
A vacuum bag comprising: a bag having an opening; a plurality of resealable fasteners; a hole for evacuating air with a pump from the bag; a cap for covering said hole; and a removable clip for easing closure of said plurality of fasteners that is adapted to be used with a plurality of said bags.
FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container according to an exemplary embodiment, the exemplary container illustrated having an exemplary lid with exemplary four latches adapted to be coupled to an outer edge of a base, an exemplary annular dial with day indicator adapted to be usable to track age of container contents, a clear transparent plastic bottom which may be adapted for stacking, and the exemplary lid as illustrated includes an exemplary teal colored partially convex rounded lid with circular vacuum interface, vacuum indicator, and vacuum release, with exemplary annular concave slot for receiving an exemplary convex annular protrusion from the bottom of another such container for stacking, as described further with reference to FIG. 19L below, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 2 illustrates another exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container similar to that shown in FIG. 1, of shallower depth, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container having only exemplary 2 latches, and including a t-shaped divider, according to an exemplary embodiment, which in various exemplary embodiments may be either removable or permanent, and the container may be adapted to be stacked compatibly with the containers of FIGS. 1 and 2, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 4A depicts an exemplary top orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 1 above, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 5A depicts an exemplary front orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 1 above, according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplary embodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, but illustrated in FIG. 19L) adapted for stacking
FIG. 6A depicts an exemplary side orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 1 above, according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplary embodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, but illustrated in FIG. 19L) adapted for stacking
FIG. 4B depicts an exemplary top orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4A above, including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 5B depicts an exemplary front orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 1 above and FIG. 5A above, including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions, according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplary embodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, but illustrated in FIG. 19I) adapted for stacking
FIG. 6B depicts an exemplary side orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 1 above and FIG. 6A above, including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions, according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplary embodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, but illustrated in FIG. 19I) adapted for stacking
FIG. 7A depicts an exemplary top orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 2 above, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 8A depicts an exemplary front orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 2 above, according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplary embodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, but illustrated in FIG. 19I) adapted for stacking.
FIG. 9A depicts an exemplary side orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 2 above, according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplary embodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, but illustrated in FIG. 19I) adapted for stacking
FIG. 7B depicts an exemplary top orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 2 and FIG. 7A above, including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 8B depicts an exemplary front orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 2 above and FIG. 8A above, including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions, according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplary embodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, but illustrated in FIG. 19I) adapted for stacking
FIG. 9B depicts an exemplary side orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 2 above and FIG. 9A above, including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions, according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplary embodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, but illustrated in FIG. 19I) adapted for stacking.
FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary top orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 3 above, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary front orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 3 above, according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplary embodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, but illustrated in FIG. 19I) adapted for stacking
FIG. 12A depicts an exemplary side orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 3 above, according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplary embodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, but illustrated in FIG. 19I) adapted for stacking.
FIG. 12B depicts an exemplary bottom view of an exemplary base as may be used in an exemplary rectangular container as shown in the above FIGS. 1-12, and may include exemplary one or more exemplary feet, an exemplary and optional circular concave indentation to accomodate receiving the exemplary circular rounded cover of another container for stacking, and an exemplary annular inner protrusion that may be adapted in be placed into the vacuum interface annular cavity of an exemplary lid of another vacuum container adapted for stacking, and sufficiently deep to allow stacking even when a pair of respective container are in an evacuated state causing the respective outer surfaces to collapse slightly from the vacuum pressure, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary isometric view of an exemplary silicone exemplary vacuum plug as may be used to maintain, and/or release a vacuum from an exemplary container.
FIGS. 14A and 14B depict an exemplary embodiments of the exemplary undersides of the exemplary vacuum interface and exemplary vacuum indicator, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary bottom view of the inner annular vacuum interface including a t-shaped notch through which an exemplary silicone vacuum plug may be inserted, and the notches may be adapted to enable evacuation of air from the container.
FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary vacuum container system including an exemplary vacuum container, an exemplary manual vacuum pump, and/or an exemplary electric vacuum pump, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 17A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an electric vacuum pump, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 17B illustrates an exemplary bottom isometric view of an exemplary electric vacuum pump, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 17C illustrates another exemplary bottom view of another exemplary electric vacuum pump, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 17D1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a top view of an exemplary electric pump including exemplary buttons and cavities for receiving exemplary batteries, and an exemplary battery cavity cover, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 17D2 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a kit of various sized containers and an exemplary pump as may be sold in an exemplary kit including a plurality of rectangular and square containers, which according to an exemplary embodiment may be adapted for stacking, and may be shaped to take advantage of rectangular or square space in a refrigerator and/or for storage, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 17E depicts an exemplary alternating current (AC) adapter as may be coupled to the exemplary electric pump for, e.g., but not limited to, powering, or recharging a battery pack, etc., according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 18A depicts an exemplary front view of an exemplary manual vacuum pump, which may be adapted to extract air while pumping, and may in an exemplary embodiment be adapted to include an exemplary hole to improve air extraction as illustrated in FIG. 18G, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 18D depicts an exemplary isometric bottom and side view of an exemplary manual vacuum pump, which may be adapted to extract air while pumping, drawing air in through an exemplary plurality of holes on an exemplary inner surface of the pump, in an exemplary inner cavity, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 18E depicts an exemplary partial bottom view of an exemplary manual vacuum pump, which illustrates an exemplary four inlet holes for drawing in air when pumping air with the pump out of an exemplary vacuum container such as, e.g., but not limited to, the container of FIGS. 1-17 above, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIGS. 18F and 18G depict an exemplary top view of exemplary manual pumps illustrating an exemplary air hole for allowing improved air release from the pump, when air is taken in through exemplary inlet holes from the exemplary pump, and then may be released through the exemplary one or more outlet holes, alternatively, air may be released around the handle, but performance of the pump may improve from use of the exemplary outlet hole, according to an exemplary embodiment. The pump may also include a syringe like internal plunger, not shown, as may be used to create the vacuum to draw out the air, according to one exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplary embodiment, other pumps as will be apparent to those skilled in the art may be used such as, e.g., but not limited to, one directional valves, etc.
FIG. 18HI illustrates an exemplary inner surface of an exemplary square shaped vacuum container including an exemplary bottom view of an exemplary vacuum indicator and exemplary vacuum interface, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 18I illustrates an exemplary close up view of an exemplary inner surface of an exemplary square shaped vacuum container including an exemplary vacuum interface and notched opening through which an exemplary plug as shown in FIG. 13 may be inserted, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 18L illustrates the exemplary plug of FIG. 13, inserted in an exemplary vacuum interface of FIG. 18I, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 18K1 illustrates an exemplary electrical pump including an exemplary push button as may be used to activate the pump, the pump coupled to an exemplary vacuum interface of an exemplary container, and as illustrated, the vacuum indicator indicates that the container is not yet sufficiently evacuated and remains in a non-vacuum state.
FIG. 18K2 illustrates an exemplary electrical pump coupled to an exemplary vacuum interface of an exemplary container as may be used to activate the pump, and as illustrated, the vacuum indicator indicates that the container has now been sufficiently evacuated of air to be in a vacuum state.
FIGS. 19A, 19B, 19C, 19D, 19E and 19F illustrate exemplary isometric views of an exemplary inner surface of an exemplary rectangular container, adapted to receive an exemplary removable, exemplary multiple-part, exemplary divider/separator members as illustrated in FIG. 19K, as may be used to create two or more separate areas within the exemplary vacuum container, including in an exemplary embodiment a reversible half length member and an exemplary width long divider member adapted to receive the half length divider member on one side as illustrated in 19A and B, and as removed in 19B and 19C, may be reinserted as shown in 19F, or the inner width member may be removed as illustrated in 19D to have a full container as illustrated in FIG. 19E which illustrates also exemplary ribs in the sides of both the long and short sides to receive the exemplary removable divider members, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 19G illustrates an exemplary top view of an exemplary lid illustrating exemplary four latches adapted to be coupled to one or more rims or protrusions of a rim of an exemplary vacuum container bottom as illustrated in FIGS. 19H (shallow depth) and 19I (deep depth) according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 19J illustrates an exemplary nonremovable divider in an exemplary container, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 19K illustrates an exemplary two part divider removed from a container illustrating a t-shaped bottom cross section for providing rigidity and to support the divider members, and for interlocking into the ribbed protrusions in the exemplary inner edge of the contain as shown in FIG. 19L according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 19L illustrates an exemplary bottom view of an exemplary vacuum container illustrating exemplary feet and an exemplary circular indentation to receive a rounded lid while stacking and an exemplary annular protrusion of sufficient depth to permit securing when stacking and placed in a respective annual cavity surrounding part of an exemplary lid's vacuum interface as shown, e.g., in the top view of FIG. 19G, to secure to one another stacked containers in evacuated vacuum state, a respective pair of such containers, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 21 depicts an exemplary rounded square vacuum container according to an exemplary embodiment, the exemplary container illustrated having an exemplary lid with exemplary two latches adapted to be coupled to an outer edge of a base, an exemplary annular dial with day indicator adapted to be usable to track age of container contents, a clear transparent plastic bottom which may be adapted for stacking, and the exemplary lid as illustrated includes an exemplary teal colored partially convex rounded lid with circular vacuum interface including an exemplary inner structure and an exemplary silicone rubber plug, exemplary vacuum indicator, and vacuum release, with exemplary multiple concentric surfaces including an exemplary annular concave slot for receiving an exemplary convex annular protrusion from the bottom of another such container for stacking, as shown, and as also described further with reference to FIG. 19L, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 22 illustrates another exemplary rounded square vacuum container similar to that shown in FIG. 1, of exemplary slightly shallower depth, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 23 illustrates additional exemplary rounded square vacuum containers, each having exemplary 2 latches, and including of varying size, according to an exemplary embodiment, which in various exemplary embodiments may be adapted to be stacked compatibly with the containers of FIGS. 1, 2, 21, and 22, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 24 depicts an exemplary top orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 21 above, including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 25 depicts an exemplary front orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 21 above, including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions, according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplary embodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, but illustrated in FIG. 19L) adapted for stacking, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 26 depicts an exemplary side orthogonal view of the exemplary rounded rectangular vacuum container as depicted in FIG. 1 above, including exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions, according to an exemplary embodiment. According to another exemplary embodiment, the base may include an annular protrusion (not shown, but illustrated in FIG. 19L) adapted for stacking, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 27 illustrates an exemplary bottom view of an exemplary square vacuum container, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIGS. 28A and 28B illustrate an exemplary lower surface of an exemplary square container and illustrate the annular stacking protrusion as may be used to stack the bottom of one container in an annular cavity as illustrated in FIG. 29, to permit stacking as illustrated in FIG. 30 whether in vacuum or non vacuum state, including a sufficient depth to the protrusion of FIGS. 28A and 28B of the protrusion to permit securing the upper container to the lower container even when evacuated in a vacuum state and the lid has been pulled in from vacuum pressure. FIGS. 28A and 28B also illustrate a circular indentation in the bottom of the container (see circular light reflection on FIG. 28B, and outer circle of FIG. 27), the large circular indentation is also shown on an exemplary rectangular container in FIG. 28C, as well as FIG. 12B, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 31 illustrates an exemplary deep ring shaped protrusion made sufficiently long to securely be placed into the inner ring cavity of a given vacuum contain as shown in FIG. 32, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 33 illustrates exemplary combinations of stacking smaller square containers on larger square containers, and as shown in FIG. 30 above, square containers may also be stacked on a rectangular container, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 34 illustrates an exemplary flavor locker vacuum bag, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 35 illustrates an exemplary flavor locker vacuum bag including an exemplary vacuum interface of the exemplary bag, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 36 illustrates an exemplary extra bonding at the edges of an exemplary interlocking bag interface, which may include one or more zipping or other locking tongue and groove interlocking openings.
FIGS. 37 and 38 illustrate an exemplary removable tool that may be used to press and close the exemplary interlocking opening of the bag. Advantageously by being removable, one of the exemplary closure tools illustrated in FIG. 38 may be used with multiple bags to decrease the cost of a bag by not needing to include a tool with each bag.
FIG. 39 illustrates an exemplary flavor locker vacuum bag, along with an exemplary removable closure tool, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 40 illustrates an exemplary flavor locker vacuum interface with an exemplary circular snapping cap interface, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 41 illustrates an exemplary closure tool and an exemplary snapping cap for an exemplary vacuum bag, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIGS. 42 and 43 illustrate an exemplary flavor locker vacuum interface with the plug removed and the snapping cap removed of an exemplary circular snapping cap vacuum interface, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 44 illustrates an exemplary vacuum plug as may be placed in the opening illustrated in FIGS. 42 and 43, and may be of silicone rubber.
FIGS. 45 and 46 illustrate an exemplary side view of an exemplary flavor locker vacuum interface with an exemplary circular snapping cap interface and the snapping cap of FIG. 41 removed, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIGS. 47 and 48 illustrate an exemplary circular snapping cap, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIGS. 34A-34E illustrate exemplary, but nonlimiting dimensions of an exemplary, but nonlimiting salad chopper and/or slicer and/or dicer lid as illustrated in exemplary FIG. 34G, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 34F illustrates an exemplary interchangeable salad spinner lid as may be used with an exemplary square or other rectangular vacuum container including an exemplary circular salad basket in an exemplary square container, allowing storage of the salad in the container in a refrigerator, and advantageously having a square shape for placing in the refrigerator or storage, according to an exemplary embodiment. Another exemplary embodiment of a salad spinner lid is illustrated in FIG. 49, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 34G illustrates an exemplary interchangeable salad slicer and/or dicer and/or chopper lid as may be used with an exemplary square or other rectangular vacuum container including an exemplary circular salad basket in an exemplary square container, allowing storage of the chopped salad in the container in a refrigerator, and advantageously having a square shape, interchangeable with the other lids for placing in the refrigerator or storage, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 34H illustrates an exemplary interchangeable vacuum contain lid as may be interchanged with the salad slicer and/or dicer and/or chopper lid of FIG. 34G and the salad spinner lid of FIG. 34F or 49, as may be used with an exemplary square or other rectangular vacuum container, according to an exemplary embodiment.
FIG. 49 including an exemplary spinner mechanism which may permit an exemplary initial winding of a handle and coupled spring clockwork, which, when the spring is allowed to unwind may be coupled by gears or other coupling to cause the basked to spin according to an exemplary embodiment. An exemplary hold may be provided as shown, for other exemplary uses such as to accommodate an exemplary brake, or to allow easily lifting the lid, etc., according to an exemplary embodiment.

Conclusion

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should instead be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A vacuum container comprising:

a rounded rectangular or square base with an opening at the top to receive foodstuffs and adapted with an edge;

an optional cover comprising at least two locking latches adapted to couple to said edge, said optional cover to close the opening of the vacuum container, said cover comprising:

a circular vacuum tubular interface opening forming a cylindrical hole through said cover, and

a cross-shaped notch on the inner cross-section of the tubular interface opening, through which at least a portion of a plug may be received and disposed when evacuating air from the container.

2. The vacuum container of claim 1, wherein said cover and said base are of different color transparent plastic.

3. The vacuum container of claim 1, wherein said optional cover has at least one of: two or four locking latches.

4. The vacuum container of claim 1, further comprising an optional salad spinner adapted to be placed on said base after removing said optional cover.

4. The vacuum container of claim 1, further comprising an optional salad chopper adapted to be placed on said base after removing said optional cover.

5. The vacuum container of claim 1, further comprising a pump comprising at least one of a manually powered air evacuation pump; or an electrically powered air evacuation pump.

6. The vacuum container of claim 5, wherein said pump comprises said manual pump comprising a hole in said pump to ease release of air evacuating said manual pump.

7. The vacuum container of claim 5, wherein said pump comprises said electrically powered air evacuation pump comprising at least one of: a cavity to receive at least one battery, or an interface adapted to power by providing AC to DC converted power, or to recharge a rechargeable, energy source.

8. The vacuum container of claim 1, wherein said optional cover comprises an concave annular cavity for receiving an annular protrusion of a bottom of another container base, adapted to stack a respective pair of vacuum containers.

9. The vacuum container of claim 8, wherein said annular protrusion of said bottom of said container base is of sufficient depth to securely couple a stacked pair of said respective pair of vacuum containers when said respective pair of vacuum containers is in an evacuated vacuum state.

10. The vacuum container of claim 1, wherein said container comprises a vacuum indicator.

11. The vacuum container of claim 1, wherein said container comprises a removable divider.

12. The vacuum container of claim 1, wherein said container an age of contents day indicator dial.

13. A vacuum bag comprising:

a vacuum bag having an opening;

a plurality of resealable fasteners;

a interface for evacuating air with a pump from the bag;

a cap for covering said interface; and

a removable clip for easing closure of said plurality of fasteners that is adapted to be used with a plurality of said vacuum bags.