Abstract: As storage and dispensing system for the storage of dispensable products under atmospherically modified conditions and for the dispensing of such products from the system. The system is for use with dispensable products, more particularly for use with roasted whole-bean coffee in any retailing application, to extend shelf life of the product. The invention comprises a storage and dispensing container, a valve for enabling a fluid communication between the container and an atmosphere modification source (vacuum pump, inert gas insertion device or other oxygen depletion mechanism), and a gateway for opening the container to the atmosphere and dispensing the product therefrom. A merchandising unit for storing and dispensing perishables includes a plurality of the above described vacuum storage and dispensing containers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking closure device for use with air-tight storage containers. The locking closure device has a closure member that is removably mounted to the container to removably seal the opening of the container. A lock, operable between locked and unlocked positions, is operably mounted to both the closure member and the container. When the lock is in the locked position, it both limits an access to the opening of the container and optimizes the seal existing between the closure member and the container. The location of the lock in relation to the closure device ensures that the seal around the opening of the container is optimized when the lock is in the locked position. To ensure that an operation of the lock occurs, the lock is biased in the locked position and moves to the locked position automatically during the association between the closure member and the container. A release is used move the lock from the locked to the unlocked position.

Abstract: As storage and dispensing system for the storage of dispensable products under atmospherically modified conditions and for the dispensing of such products from the system. The system is for use with dispensable products, more particularly for use with roasted whole-bean coffee in any retailing application, to extend shelf life of the product. The invention comprises a storage and dispensing container, a valve for enabling a fluid communication between the container and an atmosphere modification source (vacuum pump, inert gas insertion device or other oxygen depletion mechanism), and a gateway for opening the container to the atmosphere and dispensing the product therefrom. A merchandising unit for storing and dispensing perishables includes a plurality of the above described vacuum storage and dispensing containers.