Vacuum bellows

Abstract

A method of reducing pressure within an enclosed space includes sealing a vacuum bellows to the enclosed space, reducing a first pressure within the enclosed space to a desired pressure, equalizing a pressure in the enclosed space and the vacuum bellows to the desired pressure and collapsing the vacuum bellows. A system for reducing pressure within an enclosed space is also disclosed.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/735,744 filed on Nov. 10, 2005 and entitled “Vacuum Bellows,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for applying a vacuum to a container.

Perishable foods (e.g., condiments, sauces, vegetables and other foods) are typically packed, distributed, sold and stored in various types of containers (e.g., cans, jars, bottles, etc.). Typically, the containers enclose a less than atmospheric pressure (e.g., “vacuum packed”) to help preserve the perishable food contained therein. Unfortunately, once the container is opened, the less than atmospheric pressure is displaced with atmospheric pressure.

Several approaches to replaceable lids for the various containers have been produced and proposed. Some of the lids even include the ability to seal or reseal a container under a less than atmospheric pressure. However, none of the previously proposed approaches provide a lid that is inexpensive, easy to use, easy to clean and provides an indication that the less than atmospheric pressure is still present in the container.

SUMMARY

Broadly speaking, the present invention fills these needs by providing a vacuum bellows that also indicates the pressure present in a space coupled to the vacuum bellows. It should be appreciated that the present invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a process, an apparatus, a system, computer readable media, or a device. Several inventive embodiments of the present invention are described below.

One embodiment provides a method of reducing pressure within an enclosed space includes sealing a vacuum bellows to the enclosed space, reducing a first pressure within the enclosed space to a desired pressure, equalizing a pressure in the enclosed space and the vacuum bellows to the desired pressure and collapsing the vacuum bellows. The method can also include equalizing the pressure in the enclosed space with an external atmospheric pressure.

Reducing pressure within the enclosed space to the desired pressure can include expanding the vacuum bellows and compressing the vacuum bellows. Expanding the vacuum bellows includes opening an internal check valve, closing an external check valve and drawing air from the enclosed space and into the vacuum bellows. Compressing the vacuum bellows includes substantially closing the internal check valve, opening the external check valve and forcing air from the vacuum bellows through the external check valve. The vacuum bellows can be expanded and compressed iteratively until the desired pressure in the enclosed space is achieved.

The internal check valve includes a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface and substantially closing the internal check valve can include preventing a complete seal between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface. The internal check valve can include a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface and at least one of the first sealing surface or the second sealing surface can include an equalization channel.

Equalizing the pressure in the enclosed space and the vacuum bellows can include automatically compressing the vacuum bellows. Equalizing the pressure in the enclosed space and the vacuum bellows to the desired pressure can include providing an equalization air flow between the enclosed space and the vacuum bellows. The equalization air flow is less than an air flow drawn from the enclosed space and into the vacuum bellows.

Another embodiment provides a method of reducing pressure within an enclosed space including sealing a vacuum bellows to the enclosed space and reducing a first pressure within the enclosed space to a desired pressure. Reducing a first pressure within the enclosed space to the desired pressure can include expanding and compressing the vacuum bellows. Expanding the vacuum bellows includes opening an internal check valve, closing an external check valve; and drawing air from the enclosed space and into the vacuum bellows. The internal check valve includes a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface and at least one of the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface includes an equalization channel. Compressing the vacuum bellows includes substantially closing the internal check valve, opening the external check valve and forcing air from the vacuum bellows through the external check valve. The method also includes equalizing a pressure in the enclosed space and the vacuum bellows to the desired pressure including allowing an equalization air flow from the vacuum bellows to the enclosed space through the equalization channel and collapsing the vacuum bellows.

Another embodiment provides a vacuum bellows including a top including an exhaust check valve, a bottom including an internal check valve and an equalizing valve and a flexible body bonded to the top and the bottom. The top can include an access port providing access to the internal portion of the vacuum bellows. The top can include a vacuum release valve.

The vacuum can be sealed to an enclosed space. The vacuum bellows can be sealed to the enclosed space including the vacuum bellows is removably sealed to the enclosed space. The top can include an actuator.

The internal check valve and the equalizing valve can be combined in a single, internal check/equalizing valve. The internal check valve can include a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface. In a closed position, the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface do form an incomplete seal.

The internal check valve can include a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface. At least one of the first sealing surface or the second sealing surface can include an equalization channel.

The vacuum bellows can also include a sealing ring detachably mated and sealed to a sealing receiver on the bottom. The sealing receiver can include at least one of an inner raised portion capable of sealing to an inside surface of the sealing ring or an outer raised portion capable of sealing to an outside surface of the sealing ring.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum bellows, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a vacuum bellows, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the vacuum bellows 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4A is a cutaway top view of the vacuum bellows, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 4B and 4C show the vacuum bellows opened, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4D and 4E show detailed views of the internal check/equalizing valve 112A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the lid, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the method operations for reducing the pressure in the enclosed space, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the method operations for reducing the pressure in the enclosed space, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Several exemplary embodiments for a vacuum bellows will now be described. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of the specific details set forth herein.

A vacuum bellows can be incorporated into a packaging system (e.g., a container or sealable bag or any other suitable enclosed space). The vacuum bellows can be used to easily reduce the pressure of the enclosed space. The reduced pressure in the enclosed space can enhance the storage capability of the enclosed space as described above. The vacuum bellows allows the enclosed space to be repeatably pumped down to a pressure less than the atmospheric pressure so that the contents of the enclosed space can be accessed and any remaining contents again stored under a less than atmospheric pressure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container 155 including a vacuum bellows 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Smaller, similar containers 155A-155B are shown within the container 155. The vacuum bellows 100 can be included in a lid 150 or other surface of an enclosed space 155 or container or otherwise coupled to or incorporated into the enclosed space. The lid 150 can be removably attached to the enclosed space 155. The vacuum bellows 100 can draw air from inside the enclosed space 155 (i.e., evacuate the air from the enclosed space) and thereby reduce the pressure in the enclosed space to a level less than the atmospheric pressure external from the enclosed space. The vacuum bellows 100 can be in an up (i.e., expanded) position or a stowed (i.e., collapsed or compressed) position when the lid 150 is secured to the enclosed space 155. While the vacuum bellows 100 is shown being part of a top or lid for a container or an enclosed space 155, it should be understood that the vacuum bellows can be located on or incorporated into any suitable surface of the enclosed space. By way of example, the vacuum bellows 100 can be included in a side of the enclosed space 155. In another example, the vacuum bellows 100 can be attached to a side and the enclosed space can be a resealable bag.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a vacuum bellows 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a top view 120 of the vacuum bellows 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 4A is a cutaway top view of the vacuum bellows 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 4B and 4C show the vacuum bellows 100 opened, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 1-4C, the vacuum bellows 100 includes a body 102, a top 104 and a bottom 106. The body 102 is formed from a flexible material. The body 102 can optionally include formed folds 108 or pleats to facilitate folding as the body is collapsed. The formed folds 108 can be reinforced for reliability by for example, adding additional thickness or layers of flexible material in the folds.

The vacuum bellows 100 is formed from a non-porous material. The bellows body 102 is formed from a flexible material to allow the body to expand and collapse. The flexible material can be any suitable material such as a plastic or rubber or silicone or similar non-porous flexible material. The top 104 and bottom 106 of the vacuum bellows 100 can be manufactured from a material or combination of materials that are more rigid than the flexible material used to form the body 102. By way of example, the top 104 and bottom 106 of the vacuum bellows 100 can be manufactured from polyethylene and the body 102 can be formed from silicone.

The vacuum bellows 100 can be assembled from one or more pieces (e.g., sheets) of flexible material and then bonded together. By way of example, multiple pieces of flexible material can be cut to the desired shape and then bonded together with heat or adhesive to form the vacuum bellows 100. The vacuum bellows 100 can be formed in one or more pieces of molded flexible material. The precise molding process can be any suitable molding process suitable for molding the selected flexible material. If the vacuum bellows 100 is molded in or cut from more than one piece of material, the pieces can then be bonded together to form the bellows.

The vacuum bellows 100 can also be formed from more than one type of material. By way of example a top and bottom of the vacuum bellows 100 may be formed from a stiff plastic while the body 102 is formed from a more flexible plastic, rubber latex, silicone or combinations thereof.

The top 104 of the vacuum bellows 100 can include a handle or actuator 110. The vacuum bellows 100 can be expanded by raising or opening the actuator 110. As the vacuum bellows 100 is expanded air is drawn from the enclosed space through an internal check valve 116 and into the vacuum bellows. As shown in FIG. 4A, a portion of the top 104 can include an access port 113 to facilitate cleaning the inside the vacuum bellows 100. The access port can include an exhaust check valve 114. The access port can be sealed to the top 104.

Pressing on the actuator 110 collapses vacuum bellows 100 which increases the pressure within the vacuum bellows. The increased pressure within the vacuum bellows 100 causes the internal check valve 116 to close and an exhaust check valve 114 to open and also forces the air from inside the vacuum bellows through the exhaust check valve. The exhaust check valve 114 is mounted on the external portion of the vacuum bellows 100 (e.g., in the top 104). The internal check valve 116 is located between the vacuum bellows 100 and the enclosed space 155.

Referring now to FIGS. 4B and 4C, the vacuum bellows 100 can include a sealing ring 124 that can detachably mate with and seal to a sealing receiver 126. The sealing receiver 126 can include an inner raised portion 126A that can mate with the inside surface or circumference 124A of the sealing ring 124. Optionally or alternatively, the sealing receiver 126 can include an outer raised portion 126B that can mate with and seal to the outside surface or circumference 124B of the sealing ring 124. The sealing ring 124 can optionally include supports 128. The supports 128 provide an optional contact for the actuator 110 to press the sealing ring 124 into a sealed position on or within the sealing receiver 126. The sealing ring 124 and the sealing receiver 126 provide an access to the internal portion of the vacuum bellows 100 so as to allow cleaning inside the vacuum bellows.

It should be understood that even though the sealing ring 124 and the sealing receiver 126 are shown as substantially circular in shape that the sealing ring and the sealing receiver could be formed in other shapes. By way of example, the sealing ring 124 and the sealing receiver 126 can be shaped in an elliptical, rectangular, triangular or any other shape that can be formed to create a suitable detachable seal. The actuator 110 can optionally include a latch 130A that can latch to a corresponding latch 130B on the lid 150.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-4A, the pressure equalizing valve 112 provides a controlled flow path between the vacuum bellows 100 and the enclosed space 155. The pressure equalizing valve 112 and equalize the pressure between the enclosed space 155 and the inside of the vacuum bellows 100. Equalizing the pressure between the enclosed space 155 and the inside of the vacuum bellows 100 automatically collapses the vacuum bellows due to the higher atmospheric pressure outside the vacuum bellows as compared to the less than atmospheric pressure on the inside of the vacuum bellows. Collapsing the vacuum bellows 100 decreases the size of the vacuum bellows and allows for more compact stowage of the vacuum bellows. The collapsed state or condition of the vacuum bellows 100 can also indicate the less than atmospheric pressure condition inside the evacuated space 155.

The less than atmospheric pressure condition inside the vacuum bellows 100 can also provide significant sanitary and storage quality benefits. By way of example, a perishable material (e.g., foodstuff, drugs, chemicals, etc.) is often stored under less than atmospheric pressure conditions in the enclosed space 155. Unfortunately, as a typical vacuum pump evacuates the enclosed space 155, a portion of the perishable material may be drawn into the typical vacuum pump. As a result, the portion of the perishable material drawn into the vacuum pump is typically not stored under less than atmospheric pressure conditions and therefore can rapidly perish (e.g., spoil or otherwise become contaminated). The perishable material drawn into the typical vacuum pump also contaminates the vacuum pump. Further, once the perishable material drawn into the typical vacuum pump actually perishes, the perished material can subsequently contaminate the remaining perishable material in the enclosed space 155.

The equalizing valve 112 ensures that if a portion of the perishable material is drawn into the vacuum bellows 100, then the less than atmospheric pressure in both the enclosed space 155 and inside the vacuum bellows, ensures that the perishable material drawn into the vacuum bellows will also be stored under the less than atmospheric pressure conditions. As a result, the perishable material drawn into the vacuum bellows 100 should not perish before the remaining perishable material in the enclosed space and therefore will not contaminate either the vacuum bellows or the remaining perishable material in the evacuated space.

The functions of the internal check valve 116 and the pressure equalizing valve 112 can be combined in a single, internal check/equalizing valve 112A. One or more of the internal check valve 116, the pressure equalizing valve 112, the internal check/equalizing valve 112A and the exhaust check valve 114 can be removable.

FIGS. 4D and 4E show detailed views of the internal check/equalizing valve 112A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The internal check/equalizing valve 112A provides both the internal check valve functionality and the equalizing valve functionality. The internal check/equalizing valve 112A includes a seat 402 and a disk 404. The disk 404 is attached to a shaft 412. The shaft 412 slideably fits within the opening 414 in the seat 402. The disk 404 includes a first sealing surface 410A that mates to a second sealing surface 410B in the seat 402. The shaft 412 allows the disk 404 to rise up from the seat 402 and separate the sealing surface 410A and 410B. The shaft 412 can also include a land 412A that engages the bottom surface 416 of the opening 414. The land 412A limits the movement of the shaft 412 and the disk 404 but does allow the disk 404 to rise up from the seat 402 and separate the sealing surfaces 410A and 410B.

The sealing surfaces 410A and 410B do not form a complete seal when mated together (i.e., in a closed position) because an equalization channel 406 is provided in at least one of the sealing surfaces 410A and 410B. As shown, the equalization channel 406 is provided in the sealing surface 410B but the equalization channel could additionally or optionally be provided in the sealing surface 410A. A recessed portion 408 of the seat 402 allows the disk 404 to recess into the seat in the closed position (i.e., with sealing surfaces 410A and 410B contacting). A cutout 408A in the recessed portion 408 ensures that the equalization channel 406 is not blocked if the internal check/equalizing valve 112A becomes contaminated with something. The check/equalizing valve 112A can be formed from any suitable material including metal, plastic, thermoplastic or any other suitable material.

In operation, the top of the seat 402 and the disk 404 are on the vacuum bellows 100 side and the enclosed space 155 is on the bottom side of the seat and the disk. When the pressure in the vacuum bellows 100 is less than the pressure in the enclosed space 155 (i.e., when the actuator is drawn upward to expand the vacuum bellows), the disk 404 is drawn upward in direction 420 thereby separating the sealing surfaces 410A and 410B and allowing air to flow from the enclosed space into the vacuum bellows. When the pressure in the vacuum bellows 100 is greater than the pressure in the enclosed space 155 (i.e., when the actuator is pressed downward to compress and collapse the vacuum bellows), the disk 404 is pushed downward in direction 422 thereby causing the sealing surfaces 410A and 410B to contact and form an incomplete seal which substantially limits air flow from the vacuum bellows into the enclosed space. The equalization channel 406 prevents a complete sealing of the sealing surfaces 410A and 410B.

When the vacuum bellows 100 is completely collapsed, the equalization channel 406 allows a relatively small equalization air flow from the vacuum bellows to the enclosed space 155. As a result, the pressure in the vacuum bellows 100 and the enclosed space 155 are substantially equalized in a relatively short time (e.g., between less than about 0.5 second and about 60 seconds). By way of example the equalization channel 406 can equalize the pressure in the vacuum bellows 100 and the enclosed space 155 in about 5 seconds or less in one embodiment.

The equalization channel 406 has a width that is wide enough to allow a relatively small equalization air flow from the vacuum bellows 100 to the enclosed space 155 so that the pressure in the vacuum bellows and the enclosed space are substantially equalized in a desired time. A narrow equalization channel 406 would allow the pressure in the vacuum bellows 100 and the enclosed space 155 to be substantially equalized in a longer time than a wider equalization channel. By way of example, if an equalization channel 406 having a width of about 0.1 mm would allow the pressure in the vacuum bellows 100 and the enclosed space 155 to be substantially equalized in about 2 seconds. If an equalization channel 406 having a width of about 0.2 mm would allow the pressure in the vacuum bellows 100 and the enclosed space 155 to be substantially equalized in about 0.5 seconds.

While the equalization channel 406 is shown as one apparatus for equalization air flow, it should be understood that any structure that allows the equalization air flow from the vacuum bellows 100 to the enclosed space 155 could be used. By way of example, the equalization air flow could be allowed by a relatively small, raised portion or bump in one of the sealing surfaces 410A or 410B that prevents the sealing surfaces from fully sealing together. In another example, the equalization air flow could be provided by a separate equalization valve 112 that is oriented to allow air flow from the vacuum bellows 100 to the enclosed space 155 and allows a slower air flow than the check valve 116 that draws air from the enclosed space into the vacuum bellows (e.g., when the pressure in the vacuum bellows is less than the pressure in the enclosed space).

Referring again to FIGS. 1-4C, the exhaust check valve 114 provides a one-way flow path out of the vacuum bellows 100 to the atmosphere external from both the vacuum bellows and the enclosed space 155. The exhaust check valve 114 also prevents air from flowing into the vacuum bellows 100 from the atmosphere external from the enclosed space 155, as the vacuum bellows are expanded. The exhaust check valve 114 can be included in the actuator 110 or any other external surface of the vacuum bellows 100. As the actuator 110 is pulled up, the vacuum bellows 100 is expanded which reduces the pressure within the vacuum bellows. Reducing the pressure in the vacuum bellows 100 closes the exhaust check valve 114 and opens the internal check valve 116 or the check/equalizing valve 112A. Expanding the vacuum bellows 100 draws air from the enclosed space 155 through the internal check valve 116 or the check/equalizing valve 112A.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the lid 150, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The lid 150 can include a seal plate 160 that forms a base for the vacuum bellows 100. The seal plate 160 can also include any necessary seals and/or interlocking shapes 165 to provide an appropriate seal between the seal plate 160 and the container or enclosed space 155. The internal check valve 116, the pressure equalizing valve 112 or the internal check/equalizing valve 112A can be included in the seal plate 160.

The vacuum bellows 100 can also include a vacuum release valve 122. The vacuum release valve 122 can also be combined with a vacuum indicator (e.g., bulb or button). The vacuum release valve 122 has two functions: allow air back into the enclosed space 155 to equalize the pressure in the enclosed space with the pressure of the ambient atmosphere external from the enclosed space. As a vacuum indicator, the vacuum release valve 122 indicates or alerts the user when the pressure inside the enclosed space 155 is less than the ambient atmospheric pressure. By way of example, the vacuum release valve 122 can be depressed, compressed or deflated to indicate the pressure inside the enclosed space 155 is less than the ambient atmospheric pressure. Alternatively, the vacuum release valve 122 can be inflated to indicate the pressure inside the enclosed space 155 is equal to or greater than the ambient atmospheric pressure. The vacuum release valve 122 can have a bulb on the top as the indicator and a chisel valve on the side for air intake.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the method operations 600 for reducing the pressure in the enclosed space 155, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an operation 605, the vacuum bellows 100 is sealed to the enclosed space 155. The vacuum bellows 100 can be sealed to the enclosed space 155 by being molded or bonded to the enclosed space or by coupling the lid 150 onto a corresponding sealing surface on the enclosed space.

In an operation 610, the pressure within the enclosed space 155 is reduced to desired pressure less than the atmospheric pressure external from the enclosed space.

In an operation 620, once the desired pressure less than atmospheric pressure in the enclosed space 155 is achieved, the internal check valve equalizes the pressure between the enclosed space and the vacuum bellows. The pressure equalizing valve 112 or the internal check/equalizing valve 112A equalizes the pressure because the pressure in the enclosed space 155 is less than the pressure in the vacuum bellows 100.

In an operation 630, the vacuum bellows 100 is automatically in a collapsed position when the pressure in the enclosed space 155 is equalized to the pressure in the vacuum bellows 100. Further, the top 104 and actuator 110 are pulled down to a closed position when the pressure in the enclosed space 155 is equalized to the pressure in the vacuum bellows 100.

The top 104 and actuator 110 can be pulled down so as to be substantially flush with the remainder of lid 150. The actuator 110 and top 104 can also include latches that engage the lid 150 so as to secure the actuator and top in the closed position. The top 104 and actuator 110 pulled down to the closed position can indicate that the pressure in the enclosed space 155 and the vacuum bellows 100 is less than the ambient atmospheric pressure.

Equalizing the pressure between the bellows and the enclosed space 155 accomplishes two goals: preventing cross-contamination when perishable material is inadvertently drawn into the vacuum bellows 100 and as a redundant system to notify a user that pressure less than atmospheric pressure is present or not been lost in the enclosed space 155.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the method operations 610 for reducing the pressure in the enclosed space 155, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an operation 705, the vacuum bellows 100 is expanded. The vacuum bellows 100 can be expanded by opening the actuator 110 or any other manner to cause the vacuum bellows to expand. Expanding the vacuum bellows 100 decreases the pressure within the vacuum bellows to a pressure less than the pressure within the enclosed space 155.

In an operation 710, the internal check valve 116 or internal check/equalizing valve 112A opens as the pressure within the vacuum bellows 100 is decreased to a pressure less than the pressure within the enclosed space 155. Also in operation 710, the exhaust check valve 114 closes as the pressure within the vacuum bellows 100 is reduced to a pressure less than the pressure external from the vacuum bellows. Opening the internal check valve 116 or internal check/equalizing valve 112A allows air to flow from the enclosed space 155 and into the vacuum bellows 100.

In an operation 720, the vacuum bellows 100 is compressed. The vacuum bellows 100 can be compressed by closing the actuator 110 or depressing the top 104. Compressing the vacuum bellows 100 increases the pressure in the vacuum bellows to a pressure greater than the pressure within the enclosed space 155 and external from the vacuum bellows and the enclosed space.

In an operation 725, the internal check valve 116 or internal check/equalizing valve 112A closes as the pressure within the vacuum bellows 100 is increased to a pressure greater than the pressure within the enclosed space 155 and external from the vacuum bellows and the enclosed space. Also in operation 725, the exhaust check valve 114 opens as the pressure within the vacuum bellows 100 is increased to a pressure greater than the pressure within the enclosed space 155 and external from the vacuum bellows and the enclosed space. Opening the external check valve 114 allows air to flow from the vacuum bellows 100 to the atmosphere external from the vacuum bellows.

In an operation 730, operations 705-725 can be iteratively repeated until the desired pressure less than atmospheric pressure within the enclosed space 155 is achieved.

The vacuum bellows 100 described herein can be used in any suitable application, including, for example, an ice chest, a cooler, lunch boxes, a 5-gallon bucket, a food container and any other type of container in which a pressure less than atmospheric pressure may be desired. The vacuum bellows 100 described can be used in a variety of different industries including, restaurant, pharmaceutical, chemical, military, wine, food, coffee, tobacco, and many more. It should be understood that the above examples are exemplary only and not a complete list of possible uses for the vacuum bellows 100.

The vacuum bellows 100 can be made from any suitable material. By way of examples many plastic polymer or rubber polymer would be suitable. An example polymer is called Santoprene but other similar polymers can also be used. The exhaust valve 114, internal check valve 112, 112A and 116 and the vacuum release valve 122 can also be made from a variety of materials. By way of examples many plastic polymer or rubber polymer would be suitable. One example polymer includes silicone and silicone combinations. The body 102, the vacuum bellows 100, valves, and container can be made from a variety of plastics including polystyrene, polypropylene, polycarbonate and more.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the described embodiments.

It will be further appreciated that the instructions represented by the operations in the above figures are not required to be performed in the order illustrated, and that all the processing represented by the operations may not be necessary to practice the invention.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of reducing pressure within an enclosed space comprising:

sealing a vacuum bellows to the enclosed space;

reducing a first pressure within the enclosed space to a desired pressure;

equalizing a pressure in the enclosed space and the vacuum bellows to the desired pressure; and

collapsing the vacuum bellows.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising equalizing the pressure in the enclosed space with an external atmospheric pressure.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein reducing pressure within the enclosed space to the desired pressure includes:

expanding the vacuum bellows including: opening an internal check valve; closing an external check valve; and drawing air from the enclosed space and into the vacuum bellows; and

compressing the vacuum bellows including: substantially closing the internal check valve; opening the external check valve; and forcing air from the vacuum bellows through the external check valve.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the vacuum bellows are expanded and compressed iteratively until the desired pressure in the enclosed space is achieved.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the internal check valve includes a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface and wherein substantially closing the internal check valve includes preventing a complete seal between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein the internal check valve includes a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface and wherein at least one of the first sealing surface or the second sealing surface includes an equalization channel.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein equalizing a pressure in the enclosed space and the vacuum bellows includes automatically compressing the vacuum bellows.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein equalizing the pressure in the enclosed space and the vacuum bellows to the desired pressure includes providing an equalization air flow between the enclosed space and the vacuum bellows, wherein the equalization air flow is less than an air flow drawn from the enclosed space and into the vacuum bellows.

9. A method of reducing pressure within an enclosed space comprising:

sealing a vacuum bellows to the enclosed space;

reducing a first pressure within the enclosed space to a desired pressure including: expanding the vacuum bellows including: opening an internal check valve, wherein the internal check valve including a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface and wherein at least one of the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface includes an equalization channel; closing an external check valve; and drawing air from the enclosed space and into the vacuum bellows; and compressing the vacuum bellows including: substantially closing the internal check valve; opening the external check valve; and forcing air from the vacuum bellows through the external check valve;

equalizing a pressure in the enclosed space and the vacuum bellows to the desired pressure including allowing an equalization air flow from the vacuum bellows to the enclosed space through the equalization channel; and

collapsing the vacuum bellows.

10. A vacuum bellows comprising:

a top including an exhaust check valve;

a bottom including: an internal check valve; and an equalizing valve; and

a flexible body bonded to the top and the bottom.

11. The vacuum bellows of claim 10, wherein the top includes an access port providing access to the internal portion of the vacuum bellows.

12. The vacuum bellows of claim 10, wherein the top includes a vacuum release valve.

13. The vacuum bellows of claim 10, wherein the vacuum bellows is sealed to an enclosed space.

14. The vacuum bellows of claim 13, wherein the vacuum bellows is sealed to the enclosed space including the vacuum bellows is removably sealed to the enclosed space.

15. The vacuum bellows of claim 10, wherein the top includes an actuator.

16. The vacuum bellows of claim 10, wherein the internal check valve and the equalizing valve are combined in a single, internal check/equalizing valve.

17. The vacuum bellows of claim 10, wherein the internal check valve includes a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface and wherein in a closed position, the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface do form an incomplete seal.

18. The vacuum bellows of claim 10, wherein the internal check valve includes a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface and wherein at least one of the first sealing surface or the second sealing surface includes an equalization channel.

19. The vacuum bellows of claim 10, further comprising a sealing ring detachably mated and sealed to a sealing receiver on the bottom.

20. The vacuum bellows of claim 19, wherein the sealing receiver includes at least one of:

an inner raised portion capable of sealing to an inside surface of the sealing ring; or

an outer raised portion capable of sealing to an outside surface of the sealing ring.