Container storage system for vacuum packaging

Abstract

Commercially available jars and containers may be adapted for use for vacuum packaging using a suitable vacuum packaging appliance. Such jars and containers may be adapted by using a vacuum packaging lid arrangement in place of the original lid of such jars and containers. Such a vacuum packaging lid arrangement includes a vacuum lid and/or an outer lid. Further, such a lid arrangement may also be decorative.

Description

This application claims benefit of Provisional Application 60/495,991, entitled, JAR STORAGE SYSTEM FOR VACUUM PACKAGING, filed Aug. 17, 2003, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to vacuum packaging technology. More particularly, the invention is directed to container storage systems used in the context of vacuum packaging appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vacuum packaging is a process for removing oxygen and other gases from food and other products that deteriorate in the presence gases. For example, food spoilage can occur due to oxidation. Thus, vacuum packaging can extend the life of products that deteriorate in the presence gases by removing nearly all of the gases in a sealed container in which such products are stored.

Various types of containers may be used for vacuum packaging using a vacuum packaging appliance. Such containers are evacuated by coupling the container to a vacuum circuit of the vacuum packaging appliance. For example, a rigid walled container can be coupled to the vacuum circuit through a vacuum hose. A distal end of the vacuum hose is connected to a valve mechanism on the lid of the container. The other end of the vacuum hose is connected to the vacuum circuit of the vacuum packaging appliance. During the evacuation procedure, the vacuum circuit causes the gases from the container to be pulled through the valve on the container lid into the vacuum hose.

Vacuum packaging containers may be flexible, such as flexible storage bags. Further, vacuum packaging containers may be sufficiently rigid so as to retain its shape whilst being evacuated. Examples of such containers are glass jars and plastic jars. Mason jars and similar commercially available canning jars may also be used. However, mason jars and similar commercially available canning jars and containers are not equipped for use with vacuum packaging appliances.

Thus, there is a need to adapt mason jars and similar commercially available canning jars and containers for use with vacuum packaging appliances for purposes of vacuum packaging products placed in such jars and containers.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view that illustrates a container storage system 100, according to certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a container storage system 200 with a vacuum hose attachment, according to certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2B is an isometric view of a container storage system with an outer lid in a latched configuration 250, according to certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2C is a side view of a container storage system that illustrates a latch mechanism with parts attached to the outer lid, according to certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view that illustrates a container storage system 300, according to certain other embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view that illustrates a vacuum packaging appliance 400;

FIG. 5 illustrates valve positions 550 of a vacuum lid, according to certain embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a vacuum hose attachment being connected to a vacuum packaging appliance; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a container storage system that is attached to a vacuum packaging appliance by a vacuum hose attachment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Container storage systems for use with a vacuum packaging appliance are described. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention.

Container Storage System

FIG. 1 is an isometric view that illustrates a container storage system 100, according to certain embodiments of the invention. Container storage system 100 includes a storage container 102, a vacuum lid 104 and an outer lid 110. Outer lid 110 may be decorative.

Storage container 102 may be a decorative storage container according to certain embodiments. Storage container 102 may optionally include a latch mechanism 112 for keeping outer lid 110 in a fixed position atop storage container 102 as illustrated in FIG. 2B herein. Further, storage container 102 may optionally include a gasket 114 around mouth 118 of storage container 102.

Vacuum lid 104 may include a gasket 106 for forming a static seal for sealing storage container 102 when vacuum lid 104 is over mouth 118 so as to completely close mouth 118. Gasket 114 and gasket 106 may be made of suitable material such as an elastomeric material.

Vacuum lid 104 includes a valve mechanism 108. The valve mechanism may be any valve that is suitable for allowing storage container 102 to be evacuated of gases, if so desired. Further, the valve mechanism is such that it allows for the evacuated state of storage container 102 to be maintained until such time when it is desired to expose the stored contents of storage container 102 to the ambient atmosphere. For example, the valve mechanism may be a one-way valve that allows gases to be evacuated from the storage container. As another example, the valve may be an electric valve that is electrically actuated to maintain either an open or closed position, as so desired. One embodiment of a valve mechanism is described herein with reference to FIG. 5. Some examples of storage jars that may be used in the container storage system are Ball® jars and Mason jars.

FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a container storage system 200 with an evacuation hose attachment 220, according to certain embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 2A, storage container 202 includes a latch mechanism 212, and a vacuum lid 204. Vacuum hose attachment 220 is attached to the valve mechanism 208. Vacuum hose attachment 220 includes a hose 222. One end of hose 222 is attached to a vacuum packaging appliance (not shown). In FIG. 2A is also illustrated an outer lid 210.

FIG. 2B is an isometric view of a container storage system 200 with an outer lid in a latched configuration 250, according to certain embodiments of the invention. Latch mechanism 212 is attached to the storage container 202. Latch mechanism 212 in FIG. B is a loop-clamp type latch. Latch mechanism 212 includes a loop 212b. Outer lid 210 is latched to storage container 202, atop gasket 214, by positioning loop 212b overhead the outer lid 210.

In certain embodiments, the latch mechanism may be attached to outer lid 210. FIG. 2C is a side view of a container storage system that illustrates a latch mechanism 213 with parts attached to the outer lid 210, according to certain embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 2C, latch mechanism 213 is a “swing-top” latch. Latch mechanism 213 includes swing arms 213a and a snap-lock portion 213b. One end of each of the swing arms 213a is attached to outer lid 210. The other end of the swing arm 213a is interlocked with snap-lock portion 213b. Snap-lock portion 213b is attached to storage container 202.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view that illustrates a container storage system 300, according to certain other embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 3, container storage system 300 includes a storage container 302, a vacuum lid 304, and a valve mechanism 308. According to certain embodiments, the valve mechanism is an integral part of vacuum lid 304. Valve mechanism 308 may be any valve that is suitable for allowing storage container 302 to be evacuated of gases, if so desired. Further, the valve mechanism is such that the valve mechanism allows for the evacuated state of storage container 302 to be maintained until such time when it is desired to expose the stored contents of storage container 302 to the ambient atmosphere. Storage container 302 may be evacuated by attaching vacuum hose attachment 320 to valve mechanism 308. Vacuum hose attachment 320 includes a hose 322. One end of hose 322 is attached to a vacuum packaging appliance (not shown). According to certain embodiments, vacuum lid 304 may include a gasket (not shown) that surrounds the inner surface of the rim of vacuum lid 304. Such a gasket is for forming a static seal for sealing storage container 302 when vacuum lid 304 is over the mouth of storage container 302 so as to completely close the mouth. Further, according to certain embodiments, vacuum lid 304 may be screwed onto storage container 302 in order to secure vacuum lid 304 atop storage container 302.

Vacuum Packaging Appliance

FIG. 4 is an isometric view that illustrates a vacuum packaging appliance 400. In FIG. 4, vacuum packaging appliance 400 includes a base 420 and a lid 422. Base 420 includes a vacuum channel (not shown) that is operatively connected to a vacuum pump (not shown) housed in base 420.

Base 420 includes a control panel 425 at the top frontal portion of appliance 400. According to certain embodiments, control panel 425 includes indicator lights 408, a manual seal button 406 to manually seal a storage bag before a complete vacuum is achieved, if so desired. The indicator lights are used for signaling the start or completion of various processes such as the sealing process, vacuum process and/or machine re-programming when transitioning from one process to the next.

Control panel 425 may also include a sealing time adjustment knob 410 for controlling the heating element associated with the sealing mechanism. For example, the sealing time adjustment can be set to a first setting when storage bags are being sealed. The sealing time adjustment can be set to a second setting when storage containers or canisters are being sealed. In the case of sealing storage containers or canisters, there is no need for activating the heating element.

In FIG. 4, the vacuum override button 404 may be used to extend the vacuum time to ensure that the maximum amount of air is removed especially when using extra large storage containers or canisters. Control panel 425 may also include an automatic on/off button 412 for starting or stopping the evacuation process.

Lid 422 includes a bag cutter, and an accessory port 402 for use in removing gases from storage containers or canisters. In order to evacuate storage containers or canisters, one end of a vacuum hose (not shown) is attached to the vacuum packaging appliance 400 at accessory port 402. The other end of the vacuum hose is attached to the valve mechanism of the container storage system as illustrated in FIG. 7 herein.

Some examples of vacuum packaging appliances are the Tilia® FoodSaver® vacuum packaging system series.

Vacuum Packaging Configuration

FIG. 5 illustrates valve positions 550 of a vacuum lid according to certain embodiments of the invention. FIG. 5 illustrates a vacuum lid 504 with a valve mechanism 508. Valve mechanism 508 includes an opening 512 for attaching a distal end of a vacuum hose (not shown). Valve mechanism 508 can be set to a vacuum position by aligning arrow 530 with the “vacuum” position 510. The valve mechanism includes a solid ball structure (not shown) that resides in the opening 516. At vacuum position 510, the solid ball structure is lightly resting on a gasketed opening (not shown) that leads into the interior of the storage container. After evacuation is complete, the ambient air pressure pushes the solid ball structure against the gasketed opening that leads into the interior of the storage container, thus sealing the storage container from the ambient atmosphere. To ensure a tight seal after evacuation, valve mechanism 508 can be set to a closed position by aligning arrow 530 with the “closed”. position 512. At closed position 512, the solid ball structure is mechanically pressed against the gasketed opening that leads into the interior of the storage container. When it is desired to expose the contents of the sealed storage container with the ambient atmosphere, valve mechanism 508 can be set to an open position by aligning arrow 530 with the “open” position 514. At the open position 514, the solid ball structure is mechanically drawn up from the gasketed opening that leads into the interior of the storage container, thus allowing gas from the ambient atmosphere to enter the storage container;

FIG. 6 illustrates a vacuum hose attachment being connected to a vacuum packaging appliance. In FIG. 6, a container storage system (not shown) may be attached to vacuum packaging appliance 500 by attaching one end of a vacuum hose attachment 522 to accessory port 502. The other end of vacuum hose attachment 522 is attached to the container storage system.

FIG. 7 illustrates a container storage system that is attached to a vacuum packaging appliance by a vacuum hose attachment. In FIG. 7, a container storage system 562 may be attached to vacuum packaging appliance 500 by attaching one end of a vacuum hose attachment 522 to accessory port 502. The other end of vacuum hose attachment 522 is attached to the container storage system at opening 516 of valve mechanism 508. Valve mechanism 508 is part of vacuum lid 504.

In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to numerous specific details that may vary from implementation to implementation. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Claims

1. A vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement for a container, said container having an original lid, wherein said original lid is not compatible with a vacuum packaging process, said vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement comprising:

a vacuum lid adapted for allowing gases to be vacuumed out from said container during said vacuum packaging process; and

wherein said vacuum lid is adapted: to be backwards compatible with said container having said original lid; and to stand in place of said original lid when said container is being vacuum packaged.

2. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement of claim 1, wherein said vacuum lid is decorative.

3. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement of claim 1, further includes an outer lid.

4. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement of claim 3, further comprising a latch mechanism adapted to secure said outer lid over said vacuum lid.

5. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement of claim 4, wherein said latch mechanism is a loop-clamp latch.

6. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement of claim 4, wherein said latch mechanism is a swing-top latch.

7. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement of claim 3, wherein said outer lid is decorative.

8. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement claim 1, wherein said container is decorative.

9. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement of claim 1, wherein said vacuum lid includes a valve mechanism, wherein said valve mechanism is adapted for:

allowing evacuation of said container during said vacuum packaging process when said valve mechanism is in a first position;

after said evacuation, maintaining an evacuated state in said container when said valve mechanism is in a second position; and

allowing gases to enter said container when said valve mechanism is in a third position.

10. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement of claim 9, wherein said first position is a vacuum position, said second position is a closed position, and said third position is an open position.

11. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement of claim 9, wherein said valve mechanism is adapted for receiving a distal end of a vacuum hose for allowing said evacuation.

12. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement of claim 1, wherein said vacuum lid includes a gasket for forming a static seal around a mouth of said container when said vacuum lid completely covers said mouth of said container.

13. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement claim 1, wherein said container further comprises a gasket around a mouth of said container.

14. The vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement claim 1, being further adapted for use with a vacuum packaging appliance.

15. A vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement for a container, said container having an original lid, wherein said original lid is not compatible with a vacuum packaging process, said vacuum packaging multipurpose lid arrangement comprising:

a vacuum lid with a valve mechanism adapted for allowing gases to be vacuumed out from said container during said vacuum packaging process;

an outer lid that is decorative; and

wherein said vacuum lid is adapted: to be backwards compatible with said container having said original lid; and to stand in place of said original lid when said container is being vacuum packaged.

16. A method for vacuum packaging a container that has an original lid, the method comprising the acts of:

using a multi-purpose lid arrangement for said container;

wherein said multi-purpose lid arrangement: being adapted for evacuating and sealing said container during a vacuum packaging process; being designed to be backwards compatible with said container; being adapted for replacing said original lid.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising including a vacuum lid in said multi-purpose lid arrangement.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein said vacuum lid is decorative.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising including an outer lid in said multi-purpose lid arrangement.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising using a latch mechanism adapted to secure said outer lid over a vacuum lid, wherein said vacuum lid is adapted for evacuating and sealing said container.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein said latch mechanism is a loop-clamp latch.

22. The method claim 20, wherein said latch mechanism is a swing-top latch.

23. The method of claim 19, wherein said outer lid is decorative.

24. The method of claim 16, wherein said container is decorative.

25. The method of claim 17, further comprising including, in said vacuum lid, a valve mechanism, wherein said valve mechanism is adapted for:

allowing evacuation of said container when said valve mechanism is in a first position;

after said evacuation, maintaining an evacuated state in said container when said valve mechanism is in a second position; and

allowing gases to enter said container when said valve mechanism is in a third position.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein said first position is a vacuum position, said second position is a closed position, and said third position is an open position.

27. The method of claim 25, further comprising adapting said valve mechanism for receiving a distal end of a vacuum hose for allowing said evacuation.

28. The method of claim 17, further comprising including, in said vacuum lid, a gasket for forming a static seal around a mouth of said container when said vacuum lid completely covers said mouth of said container.

29. The method of claim 16, further comprising using a gasket around a mouth of said container.

30. The method of claim 16, further comprising adapting said container for use with a vacuum packaging appliance.