SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR STORING ITEMS

Abstract

A system for storing items is provided. The system includes a rigid chamber having an internal space and including a mechanism for generating a storage space within said internal space, said storage space having reduced volume and optionally pressure as compared to said internal space. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the system further comprises a device for creating a pressure difference between a first and a second surface of the pliable sheet to thereby generate the storage space characterized by reduced volume and pressure as compared to the internal space.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/IL2012/050180 having the International filing date of May 20, 2012, which claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/488,173 filed May 20, 2011 and 61/542,344 filed Oct. 3, 2011, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and method for storing items and specifically to a system that can be used to preserve or secure items under reduced volume and optionally pressure while enabling rapid access to stored items.

One of the problems facing households and suppliers is an inability to effectively preserve perishable items such as food and medication. Oxygen and humidity in the air accelerate the chemical breakdown and microbial spoilage of many items. Insects, mites and rodents are also common causes of food spoilage, and they may also serve as carriers in transmitting diseases. Metabolic change within food items can also cause food spoilage in raw foods. For example, meat and fruit contain enzymes that will cause the breakdown of tissues.

Regardless of the cause of spoilage, the end result is wastage of surpluses in all steps of the food supply chain and a major economic, environmental and social concern.

Numerous approaches have been developed to help preserve perishable items. For example, vacuum packaging which removes air from package helps to preserve foods by eliminating some or all of the air inside the package.

One example of a vacuum sealing system is the Foodsaver® system which utilizes a bag/container and sealing device to seal food items under vacuum and keep it fresh up to 5 times longer than ordinary storage devices like zipper bags, foil, plastic wrap, lid-top containers and the like.

More complicated vacuum systems which are integrated into refrigerators and the like are also known.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,875 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20090194193 are directed to a refrigerator drawer for storing fruits and vegetables. The drawer plugs into a vacuum source in a refrigerator to evacuate air from the storage compartment. The drawer contains a mechanism to release the pressure in order to open the drawer and retrieve the food products. Notably, every time a user opens the drawer to retrieve food, the vacuum source must be re-activated in order to evacuate air from the drawer.

The above described vacuum systems suffer from several inherent limitations. Since the vacuum compartment is rigid, the amount of air that can be removed therefrom is typically about 10% of the air volume in the compartment (10% absolute vacuum). This is due to the fact that drawing air from a rigid compartment requires a large vacuum force and produces external forces on the compartment which can lead to collapse of the compartment.

In addition, drawing air out of a rigid compartment can take several minutes and requires a large capacity vacuum pump due to the buildup of negative pressure within the rigid compartment.

While reducing the present invention to practice, the present inventors have devised a storage system which traverses the above described limitations of prior art devices and provides a reduced volume and/or pressure chamber which can, for example, maintain an item storage environment having a vacuum-equivalent value of 95% (equivalent to a 95% vacuum) or more and yet be activatable to establish such an environment within seconds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for storing items comprising a rigid chamber having an internal space and including a mechanism for generating a storage space within the internal space, the storage space having reduced volume and optionally pressure as compared to the internal space.

According to further features in preferred embodiments of the invention described below, the mechanism includes a pliable sheet defining at least one wall of the storage space.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the system further comprises a device for creating a pressure difference between a first and a second surface of the pliable sheet to thereby generate the storage space characterized by reduced volume and pressure as compared to the internal space.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the pressure difference deforms the pliable sheet.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the device is optionally a pump capable of drawing air out of the storage space.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the device is a blower capable of pressurizing a portion of the internal space not occupied by the storage space.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments at least one wall defining the internal space of the rigid container also defines a wall of the storage space.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the pliable sheet is elastic.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the pliable sheet is fabricated from silicone or latex.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the pliable sheet is capable of at least partially wrapping the items stored in the storage space.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the rigid chamber is configured as a container having a lid.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the rigid chamber is configured as a drawer.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the drawer includes a sealing surface for sealing the rigid chamber when the drawer is closed.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the sealing surface is configured such that opening and closing of the drawer does not substantially generate friction on the sealing surface.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the sealing surface is angled with respect to an axis of movement of the drawer.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the system further comprises a shelf for holding the items, the shelf being configured for allowing air to flow around or through the shelf.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the shelf includes air flow passages configured for allowing air to flow therethrough in a vertical and/or substantially horizontal direction with respect to a surface of the shelf.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the storage space is capable of supporting a vacuum equivalent of 0.15 Atms (85%).

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments shelf is configured as a woven grid.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of storing items comprising: (a) placing the items in a rigid chamber having an internal space and including a mechanism for generating a storage space within the internal space, the storage space being capable of supporting reduced air pressure and volume as compared to the internal space; and (b) activating the mechanism to generate the storage space around the items.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the mechanism includes a pliable sheet and the activating includes: (i) creating a pressure difference between a first and a second surface of the pliable sheet thereby deforming the pliable sheet and at least partially wrapping the items placed in the rigid chamber.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the pliable sheet is elastic.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the pressure difference is effected via a vacuum pump capable of drawing air out of the storage space.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the pressure difference is effected via a blower capable of pressurizing a portion of the internal space not occupied by the storage space.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the items are food items, pharmaceutical items, fragile items, electronic devices, mechanical and the like.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the items are fragile items and the storing is effected for securing the items.

The present invention successfully addresses the shortcomings of the presently known configurations by providing a vacuum storage system that can quickly establish and easily maintain a vacuum-equivalent of 80-95% in a rigid chamber without need for heavy duty vacuum pumps or robust chamber construction.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

In the drawings:

FIGS. 1-2 are schematic side views of the present storage system in a non-deployed (FIG. 1) and deployed (FIG. 2) states.

FIGS. 3-4 are schematic perspective drawings of a drawer embodiment of the present system in assembled (FIG. 3) and disassembled (FIG. 4) configurations.

FIGS. 5-6 are schematic side views of the drawer of FIGS. 3-4 in a non-deployed (FIG. 5) and deployed (FIG. 6) states.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective drawing of a lid top container embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8A-C illustrate a prototype drawer configuration of the present invention showing the drawer in an open position (FIG. 8A), a closed position (FIG. 8B) and deployed state (FIG. 8C).

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is of system and method which can be used to store items in a rigid container under reduced volume and optionally pressure. Specifically, the present invention can be used to store perishable items such as food and medication as well as secure items against movement.

The principles and operation of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and accompanying descriptions.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details set forth in the following description or exemplified by the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Vacuum storage systems typically utilize bags or rigid containers to store perishable items such as food. Rigid vacuum chambers (e.g. refrigerator vacuum compartments) are advantageous in that they provide a protective and supportive storage space, however, rigid vacuum containers are limited by the extent of vacuum produced therein and by the external forces produced on the container by an established vacuum.

For example, a 90% vacuum (10% air) in a rigid container 60 cm long, 15 cm deep and 30 cm high would produce an external force that can be calculated using:

F=ΔP×A

wherein F is force, P is pressure and A is the area of one side of the container.

The force acting on a single side of the container can be solved by multiplying 0.9 Atm (ΔP) by 1800 cm² (A−60×30). The result is 1620 Kg of force on one side of the container. Since the container has 6 sides, 2×(60×30)+2×(45×30)+2×(60×45), the total area is 11700 cm² and the total force acting on the external surface of the container (when maintained at 90% vacuum) is 10.5 tons.

Since such a force can easily crush the container, establishing an absolute vacuum of 90% or even 60% therein is impractical. As such, rigid vacuum containers typically maintain a vacuum of about 10% (90% of air remaining) depending on the type of container and vacuum pump used.

The present inventors set out to solve this problem and provide a rigid container that can maintain a vacuum-equivalent of 80-95% or more and yet would not be subjected to extreme external forces while enabling easy and rapid establishment and release of vacuum using an ordinary off the shelf vacuum pump.

As is further described herein, the present inventors devised a system which includes a rigid chamber and a mechanism for generating a storage space within the internal space of the rigid chamber. Such a mechanism enables to reduce both air volume and optionally pressure around stored items and as a result reduce the air environment surrounding the items by as much as 90% or more.

Thus, according to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for storing items.

As used herein, the term “items” refers to perishable items such as food (raw or processed) or medication or to any item that can be stored for the purpose of conservation (electronic goods, vehicles), securement (e.g. for transport) and the like. The size of the items can vary from centimeters to meters or more in length, width or height.

As used herein, the term “vacuum” (absolute) refers to reduced air pressure/volume with respect to ambient air (1 atm at sea level). Vacuum can be designated in atm in which case any value below 1 atm is a vacuum and a lower value denotes a higher vacuum force, or in %, in which case any value above 0% is a vacuum with higher numbers denoting a higher vacuum force. A 90% vacuum denotes that 90% of the air has been removed—equivalent to a vacuum of 0.1 atm.

As used herein, the phrase “vacuum-equivalent” refers to a value characterizing the storage space of the present invention. A vacuum-equivalent value is identical to a corresponding absolute vacuum value in as far as the effect on stored items (e.g. preservation) but is achieved by a reduction in volume and pressure and not just pressure alone. For example, a vacuum equivalent of 91.5% is equivalent in environmental terms (environment in which the items are placed) to an absolute vacuum of 91.5% but is achieved by a reduction of pressure of 0.15 Atm and a reduction in volume of 90%.

As used herein, the term “rigid” when used in context with the chamber or container of the present system refers to the ability of the chamber/container to maintain its shape under gravity.

As is mentioned hereinabove, the system of the present invention includes a rigid chamber having an internal space and a mechanism which is positioned within the internal space of the rigid chamber and is designed for generating a storage space therein. The storage space is capable of maintaining a reduced volume and pressure (vacuum) as compared to the internal space and the air outside the chamber.

In order to generate and maintain reduced volume and pressure in the storage space, the mechanism is configured for accommodating the reduction of air volume and pressure in the storage space. Such accommodation prevents any appreciable ΔP between the storage space/internal space and the environment surrounding the rigid chamber.

FIGS. 1-2 illustrate the system of the present invention which is referred to herein as system 10.

System 10 includes a rigid chamber 12 which in this case is shaped as a box (shown in side—cutaway view in FIGS. 1-2) having side walls 14, top wall 16, bottom wall 18 and side panels 20 (not shown). Rigid chamber can be configured in any shape including any number of walls surrounding an internal space of any shape and volume. Examples of chamber shapes include spherical, rectangular, trapezoid, triangular and the like.

Rigid chamber 12 can be fabricated using any known approaches from any material suitable for the construction of containers. Examples include wood, plastic, metal and the like. The volume of the internal space of rigid chamber 12 can vary from less than a liter to thousands of liters or more depending on the items to be stored.

Walls 14, 16, 18 and panels 20 define an internal space 22 which is typically maintained at ambient air pressure. In FIGS. 1-2, internal surface 24 of bottom wall 18 serves as a storage platform for items 26. It will be appreciated that any other internal surface of rigid chamber 12 can also be used for storage by using shelves or item-attachment elements such as hooks and the like.

System 10 also includes a mechanism 28 for generating a storage space 30 within internal space 22. Unlike internal space 22 which is static and is defined by walls 14, 16, 18 and panels 20, storage space is dynamic, and as such the volume thereof is modifiable by mechanism 28. Storage space 30 can include one or more storage areas. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, storage space has a single storage area. However, storage space 30 can be divided into 2 or more storage areas by positioning one or more dividers (e.g. upright walls) within storage space 30.

In FIG. 1, storage space (indicated by diagonal lines) occupies nearly all of the internal space 22 of rigid chamber 12, while in FIG. 2 it occupies less than 15% of internal space 22 (a little more that the volume of items placed in rigid chamber 12).

As is mentioned hereinabove, mechanism 28 is designed to accommodate for a reduction in air volume/pressure within storage space 30.

To enable such accommodation, mechanism 28 is preferably configured as a pliable sheet 32. Pliable sheet can be fabricated from any opaque or transparent polymer, examples of suitable materials include, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene and the like.

In FIGS. 1-2 the top of storage space 30 is defined by pliable sheet 32, while the bottom of storage space 30 is defined by bottom wall 18. Pliable sheet 32 is secured (glued, stapled etc) to side walls 14 and/or side panels 20 anywhere along a height thereof (Secured at midpoint 34 in FIGS. 1-2). Preferably, pliable sheet 32 is secured to side walls 14 and/or side panels 20 above a midpoint in height. Since storage space 30 is defined at the top by pliable sheet 32 it is preferably not secured near or at the bottom of the side walls or to bottom wall 18.

As is mentioned hereinabove, storage space 30 is capable of maintaining reduced air pressure and volume as compared to internal space 22 or the air outside rigid chamber 12. As air is evacuated from storage space 30, pliable sheet 32 accommodates such evacuation and moves down within internal space 22 to gradually reduce the volume of storage space 30. As is shown in FIG. 2, removal of most of the air results in partial or complete wrapping of items 26 by pliable sheet 32 and generation of a storage space 30 which is characterized by reduced air volume (e.g. 80-90% reduction) and air pressure (e.g. 0.1.-0.2 Atm reduction) as compared to internal space 22.

In order to effectively warp items 26 and maximize air evacuation while minimizing the volume of resultant storage space 32 (as shown in FIG. 2), pliable sheet 32 is preferably configured for increasing in surface area with gradual reduction in storage space 30 volume (during air evacuation from storage space 30). The extent of surface increase desired in pliable sheet 32 will depend on the dimension of rigid chamber 12 and the position of pliable sheet 32 in internal space 22. Such an increase in surface area can be accomplished by utilizing a pliable sheet 32 which is folded or rolled when in the position shown in FIG. 1 and expanded when in the position shown in FIG. 2. For example, pliable sheet 32 can be folded like an accordion and gradually open during air evacuation.

Effective wrapping of items can also be achieved by using a pliable sheet 32 which is elastic. As air is drawn out, an elastic pliable sheet 32 will stretch (elastically deform) to effectively and completely wrap items 26. Examples of materials suitable for use in an elastic configuration of pliable sheet 32 include silicon rubber, latex and the like. A preferred elastic elongation for pliable sheet 32 is in the range of up to 800%.

Evacuation of air from storage space 30 can be effected using one of several approaches.

One approach can utilize a frame positioned on top of pliable sheet 32 and inside internal space 22 for pushing pliable sheet 32 (folded or elastic) downwards (arrow 34) onto items 26. The frame (not shown) can be actuated downwards via a servo or motor or by manual actuation of a lever (not shown) positioned outside rigid chamber 12 and in operable communication with the frame.

A presently preferred approach for reducing a volume of storage space 30 utilizes a pump or blower to create a pressure differential across pliable sheet 32.

In that respect, system 10 can include a blower 36 which is in fluid communication with internal space 22 via air hose 38 and port 40 or a vacuum pump 36 which is in communication with storage space 30 via air hose 42 and port 44.

Although use of a vacuum pump is presently preferred, it will be appreciated that other sources of vacuum such as a water aspirator can also be used by the present invention.

A configuration of system 10 employing blower 36 increases the air pressure and volume above pliable sheet 32 to thereby push it downward and evacuate the air from storage space 30. The air evacuated from storage space 30 is then pushed out through outlet port 46 (which includes a one way valve).

A configuration of system 10 employing vacuum pump 36 decreases the air volume and pressure under pliable sheet 32 by suctioning it out to thereby pull pliable sheet 32 downward and evacuate the air from storage space 30.

It will be appreciated that a vacuum pump 36 can route the air evacuated from storage space 30 to the space above pliable sheet 32.

Blower 36 can be any blower capable of blowing air at a pressure of 100-600 mm H₂O (0.01-0.06 Atm), examples include the RYOBI BL-3500 (Ryobi Ltd. USA). Vacuum pump 36 can be any vacuum pump capable of sucking air at a pressure equivalent to 300-1200 mm H₂O (0.03-0.12 Atm), examples include the UFESA AM4330 (BSH Electrodomésticos, Spain).

The internal diameters (ID) of air hoses 38 and 42 and ports 40 and 44 are preferably large enough to allow rapid air evacuation and enable evacuation of 80-90% of the air within seconds. The ID of air hoses 38 and 42 can be the ID of the pump inlet or less.

The example section which follows describes a prototype system which was constructed using a plywood cabinet and a Lucite storage chamber. As is detailed therein, such a configuration of system 10 enables near complete evacuation of air (90%) and creation of a pressure of 0.85 Atm within 3 seconds and restoration of air volume and pressure within 3 seconds.

In order to enhance air evacuation from storage space 30, system 10 which utilizes a blower/vacuum pump 36 further includes a rack/shelf 48 which is configured for allowing air to flow around or therethrough. Rack/shelf 48 is positioned on top of and preferably some distance away from (e.g. 5-20 mm) the internal surface of bottom wall 18.

Rack/shelf 48 is preferably configured to enable air to flow therethrough in a direction both perpendicular to, and horizontal with a surface thereof. In that respect, rack/shelf 48 is configured as a screen/grid made of woven wires. Such a configuration ensures that items 26 placed on rack/shelf 48 do not completely block air passages formed in the screen/grid since the woven wires form an uneven surface. This ensures that air movement out of storage space 32 is unimpeded and flows under items 26 (in between the bottom surface of items 26 and the top surface of rack/shelf 48). If shelf/rack 48 was configured as, for example, a perforated sheet, items 26 placed on such a perforated sheet would block air passages and impede air movement. Rack/shelf 48 also prevents blocking of port 44.

Such unimpeded airflow can also be achieved by configuring internal surface of bottom wall 18 with finger-like projections (an example of which is shown in FIG. 7).

System 10 can also include a screen 50 which is positioned against the internal surface of top wall 16. Such a screen 50 serves the same purpose of providing unimpeded air flow into internal space 22 when pliable sheet is positioned as shown in FIG. 1.

System 10 further includes a user interface for controlling actuation of storage space 30. Such a user interface can include controls for actuating, for example, vacuum pump 36 and a display for displaying to a user the air pressure, humidity and temperature within storage space 30, as well as warning messages (e.g. loss of vacuum and loss of power).

System 10 of the present invention can be configured as any type of openable container. Examples include, front access containers (e.g. compartments with openable panel, drawers) and top-access containers (e.g. lid-top boxes). The following describes several specific embodiments of system 10.

FIGS. 3-6 illustrate a drawer configuration of system 10 in an assembled (FIG. 3) and disassembled (FIG. 4) configurations and inside views showing a non-deployed (FIG. 5) and deployed (FIG. 6) states. Drawer configuration of system 10 is referred to herein under as drawer 50.

Drawer 50 includes a static drawer structure 52 (e.g. cabinet) and a movable drawer structure 54 (e.g. drawer) which moves in and out of static drawer structure 52 on rails 56. Drawer 50 also includes vacuum pump 58 and associated hoses and ports 60.

Static drawer structure 52 is an open box, wherein walls 64, 66, 68 and 70 form a front opening 72 and a back opening 74. Front opening 72 is configured for receiving movable drawer structure 54. Back opening 74 can be open or closed with a panel.

Static drawer structure 52 also includes a triangular/trapezoid subassembly 76 (shown in FIG. 4) which is fitted within a top half of static drawer structure 52. Subassembly 76 includes a seal 78 (rubber or silicone gasket) which is fitted to a bottom edge surface of the walls thereof (preferably into a groove or slot within this surface). Seal 78 can be glued to this surface using an appropriate adhesive or forcibly pressed into a groove in the surface (as shown in FIGS. 5-6). Seal 78 or a second seal (not shown) can also be fitted to, or into, the top edge surface of movable drawer structure 54.

An elastic pliable sheet 82 (identical in function to pliable sheet 32 described above) fabricated from latex can be attached to the top edge surface 84 or bottom edge surface 85 of the walls of static drawer structure 52 via of, for example, glue. It will be appreciated that when elastic pliable sheet 82 is attached to bottom edge surface 85 of the walls of static drawer structure 52, seal 78 is preferably attached or forcibly inserted into, a top edge surface of walls 86, 88, 90 and 92 of movable drawer structure 54.

Movable drawer structure 54 has a triangular/trapezoid shape and is constructed from bottom wall 86, a front wall 90 (with front panel 91), a back wall 92 and a pair of side-walls 88. The top-edge of each side-wall 88 is preferably inclined, slopping downwards in the direction of back wall 92 (i.e. angled with respect to axis of movement of movable drawer structure 54).

The slope of side-walls 88 complements the downward slope of the bottom edges of the side walls of subassembly 76. Thus, in a closed state, movable drawer structure 54 and subassembly 76 form an internal space which is sealed by seal 78 and edges of pliable sheet 82. Since the sealing surface is sloped with respect to the axis of movement of movable drawer structure 54, opening and closing of movable drawer structure 54 does not apply any substantial friction on seal 78 or pliable sheet 82 and thus does not damage sealing capabilities over time and use.

Alternative approaches for sealing a movable open top drawer without creating friction on seals include inflatable seals which inflate following closing can deflate prior to opening of movable drawer structure 54.

Drawer 50 further includes screen 94 (identical in function to rack/shelf 48 described above) which is fitted on top of the internal surface of bottom wall 86.

Drawer 50 is operated by opening movable drawer structure 54 placing items onto screen 94, closing movable drawer structure 54 and activating vacuum pump 58 to remove air from the storage space formed under pliable sheet 82.

FIGS. 5-6 illustrate drawer 50 in a non-deployed (FIG. 5) and deployed (FIG. 6) states.

As shown in FIG. 5, prior to activation of vacuum pump 58, pliable sheet 82 is positioned along the top edge of movable drawer structure 54 (angling down from front to back) defining a top wall of storage space 100 (denoted by diagonal lines). Once vacuum is activated (by for example pressing front panel button 103 or by simply closing drawer 50), pliable sheet 82 is pulled downward by the vacuum force to warp items 102 placed over screen 94 and generate a storage space characterized by reduced air volume and pressure as compared to internal space 104 of drawer 50.

Button 103 can be activated again to release the vacuum and draw in air through port 106. Once pliable sheet 82 return to the position of FIG. 5, movable drawer structure 54 can be opened. Button 103 can also be used to override automatic vacuum activation (when drawer 50 is closed) in cases where activation of vacuum is not desired.

FIG. 7 illustrates a lid-top container embodiment of the present invention which is referred to herein as container 150.

Container 150 includes a container body 152 constructed from bottom wall 154 and side walls 156. Container body 152 can be fabricated from opaque or transparent polymers such as polycarbonate or ABS using blow molding, vacuum-forming or casting techniques or from metal or glass.

Container 150 also includes a lid 158 for closing a top opening 160 of container body 152. Lid 158 can be fabricated from any suitable material and can couple with container body 152 using well known approaches.

Container 150 also includes pliable sheet 162 (latex or silicone) which is attached to a frame 164. Frame 164 and pliable sheet 162 are preferably dimensioned to fit into container body 152 in close communication with the internal surface of side walls 156.

Internal surface 166 of bottom wall 154 is configured with finger-like projections 168 which provide a support surface for stored items and allow unimpeded air movement from a storage space of container body 152 (volume between pliable sheet 162 and internal surface 166). In that respect, projections 168 function like a woven grid.

Container 150 also includes a vacuum port 170 positioned at the bottom of side wall 156. To use container 150, a user simply opens lid 158 and removes frame 164 and mounted pliable sheet 162. The user then places items on top of projections 168, replaces frame 164 and attached pliable sheet 162, closes lid and connects vacuum port 170 to a vacuum source (vacuum pump). The vacuum pump can then be activated to draw pliable sheet 162 down over the items and generate a storage space characterized by reduced volume and pressure.

In addition to being capable of reduced volume and pressure, drawer 50 can also include cooling and humidity control mechanism (e.g. refrigeration mechanism) as well as internal lighting (activated upon drawer opening) and the like.

As used herein the term “about” refers to ±10%.

Additional objects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention will become apparent to one ordinarily skilled in the art upon examination of the following examples, which are not intended to be limiting. Additionally, each of the various embodiments and aspects of the present invention as delineated hereinabove and as claimed in the claims section below finds experimental support in the following examples.

Examples

Reference is now made to the following examples, which together with the above descriptions, illustrate the invention in a non limiting fashion.

A prototype drawer configuration of the present system was constructed and tested for its ability to generate and maintain a vacuum over stored items.

A cabinet having a height of 30 cm, a width of 60 cm and a depth of 60 cm was constructed from plywood. A box having a height of 20 cm, a width of 50 cm and a depth of 40 cm was constructed from 17 mm polymethylmethacrylate (Lucite) sheet. The box was halved at an 18 degree angle (sloping downward along side, front to back) and the top half was fixed to the interior top half of the cabinet. The bottom half of the box formed the movable drawer assembly and was fitted on rails fastened to the interior side of the cabinet. A sheet of latex was glued to the bottom surface of the top half of the box creating the top wall of the storage chamber. The side walls and bottom wall of the movable drawer assembly define the side walls and bottom wall of the storage chamber (respectively). A compressible closed-cell foam seal was glued to the top surface of the walls of the movable drawer assembly and a grid of interwoven wires was fixed to the bottom wall of the movable drawer assembly. The grid also covered a portion of a side wall where a 25 mm hole was drilled to form a port for the vacuum pump.

An 800 W vacuum cleaner pump (UFESA AM4330) was connected via an 32 mm air hose to an electromechanical selector which was in turn connected to the vacuum port of the movable drawer assembly and the top half of the cabinet (above the pliable sheet) via two separate 32 mm air hoses. The bottom hose was connected to the storage space (within movable drawer). The top hose to the space above the latex sheet (within the cabinet).

The selector functions in directing the air between the two hoses—when the bottom hose is suctioning air from the storage space in the movable drawer, the top space (above the latex sheet) is vented to the atmosphere and vice a versa.

A control unit including a power unit, a programmable controller, relays and pressure sensors was connected to the vacuum pump and electromechanical switch. The movable drawer assembly was fitted with a micro-switch which is activated upon closure of the movable drawer assembly. The micro-switch activates the vacuum pump to suction air out of the storage chamber upon closure of the drawer. Once a predetermined pressure is reached, the programmable controller automatically shuts off the vacuum pump. Release of the vacuum is actuated by a push button positioned on the front panel of the movable drawer.

FIGS. 8a-c illustrate the prototype drawer in an open (FIG. 8a), closed (FIG. 8b) and deployed states (FIG. 8c). As clearly seen from these images, food items placed on the grid at the bottom of the drawer are completely wrapped by the latex sheet upon activation of the vacuum pump. In fact, near complete wrapping (volume reduction of 90%, pressure reduction by 0.15 Atm) is achieved within 3 seconds using this prototype, while return to the state shown in FIG. 8b (which enables drawer opening) can be achieved within 3 seconds.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.

Claims

1. A system for storing items comprising a rigid chamber having an internal space and including a mechanism for generating a storage space within said internal space, said storage space having reduced volume and pressure as compared to said internal space.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said mechanism includes a pliable sheet defining at least one wall of said storage space and a device for creating a pressure difference between a first and a second surface of said pliable sheet to thereby generate said storage space characterized by reduced volume and pressure as compared to said internal space.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein said pressure difference deforms said pliable sheet.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein said device is a vacuum pump capable of drawing air out of said storage space or a blower capable of pressurizing a portion of said internal space not occupied by said storage space.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one wall defining said internal space of said rigid container also defines a wall of said storage space.

6. The system of claim 2, wherein said pliable sheet is elastic.

7. The system of claim 2, wherein said pliable sheet is capable of at least partially wrapping the items stored in said storage space.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein said rigid chamber is configured as a drawer.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein said drawer includes a sealing surface for sealing said rigid chamber when said drawer is closed.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein said sealing surface is configured such that opening and closing of said drawer does not substantially generate friction on said sealing surface.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein said sealing surface is angled with respect to an axis of movement of said drawer.

12. The system of claim 1, further comprising a shelf for holding the items, said shelf being configured for allowing air to flow around or through said shelf.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein said shelf includes air flow passages configured for allowing air to flow therethrough or therearound.

14. A rigid container for storing items comprising:

(a) a lid and a pliable sheet disposed under said lid;

(b) a shelf disposed above a bottom wall of the container; and

(c) an air inlet for a pump disposed between said bottom wall and said shelf.

15. The container of claim 14, wherein said pliable sheet is attached to said lid.

16. The container of claim 14, wherein said pliable sheet is attached to a frame positionable under said lid.

17. The container of claim 14, wherein said shelf includes air flow passages configured for allowing air to flow through or around said shelf.

18. The container of claim 14, wherein said pliable sheet is elastic.

19. A method of storing food items comprising:

(a) providing a rigid container having an internal space defined by a bottom wall, side walls and a lid, said container including a pliable sheet postionable under said lid and a shelf postionable above said bottom wall;

(b) placing the food items on said shelf and closing the container with said pliable sheet and lid; and

(c) creating a pressure differential between a bottom and top surfaces of said pliable sheet to thereby pull the membrane downward to thereby reduce the volume of air surrounding the food items.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein said pressure differential is generated via a pump connected to an air inlet disposed between said bottom wall and said shelf.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein said shelf includes air flow passages configured for allowing air to flow through or around said shelf.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein said pliable sheet is elastic.