Abstract: A brake plate is swingably carried on the base of a snow ski for automatic deployment upon initial rearward movement of the ski. A pivot pin permits arcuate movement of the brake plate, between limit stops, about an axis transversely disposed of the ski. The pivot pin is recessed in the bottom of the ski. A base plate also may be inset into the base of the ski.

Abstract: A container body portion with airtight defining walls and an open end is associated with a lid having airtight engagement with the open end. A tube projects through the lid in an airtight fit and communicates with the interior of the container. An outer open end of the tube is capable of connection to a source of vacuum. The lid has a sharpened projection that can be engaged by the end of the tube in a forced fit to provide a sealed atmosphere for the container. The container may be a body portion with self supporting airtight walls or it may comprise an airtight bag.

Abstract: An inner cooled compartment for receiving articles to be preserved has a vacuum environment in it for the prolonged preservation of articles. Door closures for the compartment is associated with vacuum release valves to allow the closures to open. The inner compartment to be subject to vacuum may comprise a refrigerator area of a conventional household refrigerator or the freezer compartment thereof, or both. The vacuum storage hereof also has particular application to the vegetable tray compartment of a refrigerator and may contain a self-contained vacuum producing flexible container. The vacuum pump may be combined with the refrigerator operating structure or may be a separate outside mounted unit connected by a conduit into the compartments.