Abstract: The lid consists of two unitary parts both of which are molded from a soft rubbery substance. The body of the lid butts against the mouth of a container and includes a vacuum release valve and a check valve through which air may be evacuated from the container. The second part is a bellows pump that sealingly engages the body of the lid. As the bellows pump is worked manually, air is drawn from the container into the pump through the check valve on the body of the lid and the air is then discharged into the atmosphere through a second check valve that is an integral portion of the removable bellows pump. Because of its simplicity and lack of small parts, the lid is easy to clean effectively, and reuse is contemplated. The actuators for the pump and for the vacuum release valve extend to the periphery of the lid thereby making it easy for use by handicapped persons.

Abstract: The lid is adapted for use with a container the mouth of which has a particular size and shape. After the lid has been placed on the mouth of the container, the air or other gas within the container is evacuated by manual operation of a pump actuator. The actuator is repeatedly pushed toward the bottom of the container. The pump includes a bellows and two check valves, and the pump is removably installed in the lid by inserting a resilient plug on the pump into a first hole in the lid. The vacuum may be released by pushing once on an actuator that operates a vacuum release valve. The vacuum release valve is removably installed in the lid by inserting a resilient plug of the valve into a second hole in the lid. When the container is evacuated, the pump actuator and the vacuum release valve actuator are flush with the upper face of the lid to facilitate stacking of the containers.

Abstract: Self contained evacuation lid adapted for containers allowing the contents of the container (30) to be stored under a reduced pressure atmosphere after the container (30) has been opened. The evacuation lid forms a closure over the container (30) which incorporates a bellows pump (12) for removing air from container (30). The evacuation lid also includes a air intake valve (14) for venting the container (30) to facilitate the removal of the lid.