METHOD FOR PERISHABLE FOOD OR ITEM IN A CONTAINER WITH A CONTAINER STORAGE TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

A method and system for manufacturing, producing, preparing, packaging, displaying, selling and marketing perishable food or items in a container with a container storage technology for use with select consumer goods or household appliances. A method and system for the use of multiple brand logos or names and communicative indicia on a container or product packaging wherein at least one of the brand logos or names, such as a secondary or tertiary brand logo or name can be used to represent different or distinct products, services or benefits from the primary brand logo or name.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and system for manufacturing, producing, preparing, packaging, displaying, selling and marketing perishable food or items in a container with a container storage technology for use with select consumer goods or household appliances. Also disclosed is a method and system for the use of multiple brand logos or names and communicative indicia on a container or product packaging wherein at least one of the brand logos or names (such as a secondary or tertiary brand logo or name) can be used to represent different or distinct products, services or benefits from the primary brand logo or name. Secondary or tertiary brand logos or names can communicate to consumers either an enhanced, unexpected or unseen use or benefit for a perishable food or item inside a container with container storage technologies, an additional benefit for the storage of a perishable food or item, the use of a container with container storage technologies or an additional benefit for a select consumer good or household appliance for use with the storage of a perishable food or item or the use of a container or with a container storage technology. Additionally, a method is disclosed using multiple forms of communicative indicia and text on product packaging and containers with container storage technologies or on select consumer goods or household appliances that can utilize, store, monitor and track perishable food or items in a container with container storage technologies to immediately and effectively inform consumers of the benefits, uses and advantages associated therewith. Also disclosed herein are embodiments for an apparatus, containers with container storage technologies and methods for the manufacture of said containers with container storage technologies.

The vacuum storage technology disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,325,409, issued 5 Feb. 2008, is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Current food storage technologies are wasteful and inefficient. Essentially, if the storage technology is difficult or time consuming, every participant in the food chain (food manufacturers, food retailers, and consumers) will not properly store and preserve food items. There is a great need for a more efficient, faster and easier to use food storage technology to minimize food waste and ensure that all participants in the food chain can properly store perishable food or items.

In this regard, it is important that manufacturers and retailers display product packaging to provide the simplest and most effective communication indicia and text possible. This is more important than ever as ageing demographics and trends combined with new product container storage technology developments highlight the need for product packaging clarity and ease of understanding. Additionally, product containers are becoming increasingly more sophisticated incorporating container storage technologies to allow consumers to either use said product containers as conventional storage containers or, if consumers are effectively informed, to use containers, incorporating container storage technologies, with select appliances and to also use select appliances with said containers and container storage technologies. Providing effective communicative indicia and text regarding benefits, uses and advantages of product packaging, containers and container storage technologies is challenging due to the aforementioned technological advances, as well as, to the insufficient space provided on a container and on incorporated container storage technologies. For example, many product containers are immediately disposable after opening and do not incorporate container storage technologies. Container storage technologies are not readily apparent or noticeable on containers making it difficult or impossible to distinguish between a container with a storage container technology and a container without a storage technology. Additionally, product packaging is often confusing and typically displayed in a crowded retail space creating a consumer product sensory overload experience. Furthermore, retail shopping time is typically stressful, compulsive, limited and performed at the end of a tiring day or during a consumer's free time. A consumer usually does not have sufficient time or focus to read printed text on product containers in addition to analyzing product pricing and best product purchases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Objectives of the invention include providing efficient and simpler to use food storage technologies and methods to reduce food waste and provide enhanced information to consumers.

Product containers, packaging and container storage technologies impact product effectiveness, desirability and visibility to customers and directly impact revenues derived from product sales. As used herein, a container can be any sealable or resealable receptacle (such as bottles, bags, bricks, pouches, rigid or flexible containers, etc.) to hold a perishable food or item and can also be constructed and designed to contain a vacuum, pressurized or vented container environment, as described herein, and to not be destroyed by said applications and can further be flexible or compressible to substantially maintain its function, form and said container environments (“container”). As used herein, a container storage technology can include any technology that tracks, monitors or enhances the storage or appearance of a perishable food or item in a container such as a radio frequency identification (“rfid”) tag (active, passive or battery assisted passive tags), electronic sensor circuits, plastic semiconductors, metal oxide and organic semiconductors, analog-to-digital converters, single or multiple one-way valves, a one-way valve sealed or covered with an adhesive, film, plastic or material to prevent matter from entering said valve or container, vacuum seals incorporated into containers or container lids, covers or caps (“covers”) to close and seal the aperture of a container, flexible or deformable container covers, adhesive films that incorporate one-way valves to seal container openings or apertures, sensors that can monitor temperature, vacuum, humidity, time, container density, acidity levels and gases, which can include, but are not limited to, ethylene, oxygen, CO2, NH3, H2, H2S, O2, N2 and SO2, a film, foil, plastic or other suitable food storage material to cover the aperture of a container and any other technologies described herein and complementary combinations of said technologies (“technology” or “technologies”).

Furthermore, rfid tags and sensors can be connected or in communication with each other to communicate with rfid tag readers and vacuum compartment operating systems as described herein.

Product packaging and marketing materials as used herein can include any communicative indicia such as symbols, shapes, colors, forms or text that can be incorporated, attached or associated with said perishable food or item, containers, container storage technologies, consumer goods or household appliances, including email and web site addresses, telephone numbers or any other digital or social media contact information (all the aforementioned product packaging or “packaging” or “marketing”).

Consumer goods or household appliances can include microwaves, refrigerators, freezers and container vacuum systems, such as, drawers, storage closets, compartments, modular units, portable, handheld or container vacuum storage devices or systems, or any related type product, which can be rfid tag reader enabled, and can be combined with other technologies in any complementary or compatible combination (“appliances” or “appliance”).

As used herein a one-way valve is a valve that allows air or a gas to flow through an opening in the valve in only one direction and said valve can have a cracking pressure which is the minimum upstream pressure at which the valve will operate to allow a valve to be designed for a predetermined cracking pressure to store a specific perishable food or items. For example, a container can include several valves each with a closing mechanism and each valve with a unique cracking pressure in order to select a valve and vacuum environment most appropriate to store a certain perishable food or item. A one-way valve can be used to create a vacuum or a pressurized environment inside a container as described herein.

For example, a spice container can now incorporate an rfid tag, a sensor and an adhesive film to seal the exterior opening of a one-way valve to allow said container to be vacuum sealed post-purchase using a select appliance and may also require refrigeration. The container provides very limited surface area to effectively transmit a text message regarding the incorporated technologies, use requirements, benefits and to highlight said technologies. Furthermore, product containers conceal rfid tags which consumers typically associate with theft prevention. Additionally, containers that use one-way valves store products that release gases. Currently, there are no products on the market that incorporate multiple one-way valves, adhesive, film, plastic or material to seal or cover the opening of a one-way valve or one-way valve seals that can be incorporated into a container or a cover for said container or a flexible or deformable cover to allow a vacuum environment to be created inside a container. A one-way valve is also very difficult to identify and locate on a container for apparent reasons. Consumer confusion is created by the presence of these technologies associated with a product purchase decision especially when a consumer cannot readily identify said technologies or understand the possible benefits, usages, applications and complementary product availability that can include use with a select appliance.

Some products have well known functionalities, technologies and benefits associated with them. For example, a storage container or a household refrigerator perform specific functions with expected benefits and results. However, in addition to considering primary (well-known) advantages associated with a product, a consumer may also consider secondary or tertiary product benefits such as technologies, functionalities and benefits that are not normally associated, apparent or evident with a product unless a consumer is effectively informed. Generally, a consumer will consider primary and other obvious benefits of a product when making a product purchase. However, packaging for a more complicated consumer item such as a product including a perishable food or item inside a sealable container with multiple container storage technologies that can be utilized in numerous select appliances requires a substantial amount of text space to convey effective primary, secondary or tertiary benefits, use requirements and benefits to a consumer. Furthermore, printed text is distracting to the overall visual effect of the packaging and usually conveys a generic message that does not separate or adequately explain the product in the retail space and time which then diminishes the overall impact of the product packaging with the consumer.

Therefore, there exists the need for a method and system for the manufacture and product process for preparing, packaging, displaying, selling and marketing perishable food or items in a container with container storage technologies for use with select appliances, a method and system to provide consumers with product packaging that includes container storage technologies, communicative indicia or text to effectively and immediately communicate specific primary, secondary or tertiary benefits such as benefits regarding storage technologies, usages, advantages, product availability and complementary usage with select appliances to consumers using minimal surface area on said container or product packaging and a method and system to provide consumers product packaging information on select appliances to effectively and immediately communicate specific primary, secondary or tertiary benefits of using an appliance with select containers that incorporate container storage technologies to store perishable food or items. Also disclosed herein are embodiments for an appliance and for containers with container storage technologies and methods for the manufacture of said containers.

Furthermore, the average consumer has preconceptions regarding the benefits of a product based on the brand of said product. Therefore, a method can also include the use of a brand logo or name of a product or products which are the same, complementary, distinct or different from the primary product. These secondary or tertiary brand logos or names can include, for example, select appliances or generic types or categories of appliances and can utilize a primary brand logo or name product, such as a perishable food or item in a container with a container storage technology, but which are distinct, different and not readily associated with or from the primary brand logo or name. It can be advantageous to associate the benefits of a different type of product to highlight existing benefits or to showcase new benefits not readily apparent from the primary brand product such as referring or associating to a smart refrigerator with a container vacuum storage system to showcase the benefits of a perishable food or item in a container with rfid tags or by referring or associating to a vacuum storage system to showcase the benefits of a perishable food or item in a one-way valve container which may also include an rfid tag. Single or multiple primary, secondary or tertiary brand logos or names can be used. Each brand logo or name can also provide an association of an unexpected, unseen or unknown benefit from one brand logo or name to the next. Examples of brand logos or names that can be used or associated via any communicative indicia or text can include select appliances, perishable food or items in a container with container storage technologies, manufacturers or distributors of containers, container storage technologies or food service or distribution providers such as food and service distributors, grocery stores, convenience stores or supermarkets that can sell mixed perishable and non-perishable items.

For example, a user can view a product container in a retail space with a primary brand logo or name which immediately informs the user of an expected quality of said perishable food or item therein. The user then views single or multiple secondary or tertiary brand logos or names on the container and the consumer is immediately informed that the container has a plurality of other unseen or non-obvious benefits such as it is reusable or resealable, incorporates a one-way valve with an adhesive, plastic or film cover or incorporates a vacuum seal mechanism in the cover or has a flexible or deformable plastic or metal screwtop or cover to allow a vacuum environment to be created therein, incorporates multiple one-way valves to allow product venting or incorporates rfid tags and sensors so that the container and contents can be monitored and tracked and, additionally, can inform a consumer that additional products are available and that similar products with similar type benefits are available and where said products are available for purchase. Furthermore, secondary and tertiary brand logos or names add to the perceived quality of the primary brand logo, and vise versa, because of consumer perception that the primary brand logo or name product has been and can be effectively stored and monitored thereby providing extended shelf-life in addition to the value of the secondary and tertiary brand logo or name serving as a sponsor, partner, promoter or being a like or similar quality product to the primary brand logo or name product. This perception can also be established in any combination of use of the brand logos and names. Substantial added value can be provided to consumers and to the primary, secondary or tertiary brand logos or names via the aforementioned associations.

Container packaging can provide other benefits such as highlighting technologies that are incorporated into a container to effectively and immediately inform consumers of said technologies and to identify their location on a product by labeling each technology using any communicative indicia or text, such as icons, forms or shapes to identify said technologies or by use of readily discernible colors or markings to indicate the presence of said technologies with colored plastic or adhesive seals to cover or seal the openings of one-way valves and also use of associated informational text or colored exposed rfid tags, each of which can relate to and associate with a primary, secondary or tertiary brand logo or name via any communicative indicia. Furthermore, said technologies can be associated with the secondary or tertiary brand logos or names.

A brief product or technology benefit descriptor or description can be used to explain technologies, uses and benefits provided by both a container and secondary or tertiary brand logos or names which can use other communicative indicia to associate a primary brand logo or name, container and container storage technologies and secondary or tertiary brand logos or names together or in any combination thereof. Additionally, brand logos and names can include the manufacturer or third party of the following and benefits of a container, rfid tags, adhesive thin film incorporating one-way valves to cover and seal container apertures, vacuum seals inside container covers, one-way valves, sensors and any technology combinations thereof. It should be noted that primary, secondary or tertiary brand logos or names can include and combine any of the aforementioned and in any order or combination.

Furthermore, consumers in a retail space generally compare product offerings and benefits. A consumer can consider one product to determine offered advantages and benefits and then compare other product offerings and availability to the initial product to compare other, similar, different or same product brand offerings, benefits and advantages. A consumer may also desire or require more product information or information regarding other associated products prior to making a purchase and the secondary or tertiary brand logos and names may provide the information the consumer needs to make a product purchase. A secondary or tertiary brand logo or name can immediately inform a consumer that same or other similar type products are available and that additional information can be obtained regarding product benefits and uses. For example, a combined primary, secondary or tertiary brand logo or name descriptor can include the following using any communicative indicia or text to form a benefits descriptor and association and in any combination hereof:

• • [primary brand logo or name]
  • [combined description of association or inter-relation]
  • [secondary brand logo or name]
  • or
  • [tertiary brand logo or name]

or;

• • [primary brand logo or name]
  • [combined description of association or inter-relation]
  • [secondary brand logo or name]
  • [combined description of association or inter-relation]
  • [tertiary brand logo or name]

or;

• • [primary brand logo or name]
  • [secondary brand logo or name]
  • or
  • [tertiary brand logo or name]
  • [combined description of association or inter-relation]

For example, product packaging can include a primary brand logo or name which includes a perishable food or item in a container with container storage technologies and a secondary or tertiary brand logo or name for any of the following: a select appliance, a perishable food or item, a container storage technology, a container, a grocery store, food distribution or service company and any others disclosed herein. The logo and brand name for an appliance or storage technology immediately informs a consumer that there are additional non-obvious or unseen benefits associated with a perishable food or item, container and container storage technologies and a logo for a food distribution channel store, such as a supermarket, immediately informs a consumer of same or other similar type product availability.

• • [primary brand logo or name]
  • [secondary brand logo or name]
  • or
  • [tertiary brand logo or name]

Another example includes an appliance with a primary brand logo or name attached to it with secondary or tertiary brand logos or names attached to said appliance for perishable food or items in a container with container storage technologies or a brand logo or name for a food, storage technology or container manufacturer or food distribution store. A secondary or tertiary brand logo or name immediately informs a consumer that other unseen or unexpected benefits are associated with said appliance that can include improved appliance storage systems for a perishable food or item in a container with a container storage technology, availability of similar perishable food or items in a container with container storage technologies that can be used with said appliance and, further, that said logo or brand name for a perishable food or item, storage technology, container or food distribution store immediately informs a consumer of said product availability and availability of other similar type products.

Furthermore, additional benefits include container storage technologies that are highlighted and placed into a standard format presentation on a container, product packaging or marketing materials. Containers can incorporate single or multiple container storage technologies. However, a consumer cannot easily identify these container storage technologies because they are not readily apparent or visible and are confusing, therefore, a consumer does not know if a product benefit is offered or not and does not realize comparative product advantages. More importantly, a consumer does not know how or what is required to benefit from these container storage technologies. To date most consumers do not realize the benefits or advantages of rfid technology and what an rfid tag is. In addition, consumers may not readily understand why a product may have a one-way valve with an adhesive, film or plastic cover sealing said one-way valve. Most consumers would not understand the associated benefits of such technologies. Rfid tags are concealed on product containers and consumers associate them with product theft prevention. An adhesive, film or plastic that covers the openings of single or multiple one-way valves on a container may be confusing and also difficult to identify on a container. A container cover with a vacuum seal incorporated inside said cover is not apparent to a consumer. A flexible or deformable plastic or metal screwtop or cover to create a vacuum environment inside a container is also not readily identifiable. Furthermore, technologies such as an adhesive, film or plastic that covers a one-way valve on a container and requires removal from said one-way valve prior to creating a vacuum environment inside said container using a select appliance will need to be explained, emphasized and highlighted so that consumers are made aware of said product container benefits and advantages. For example, rfid tags, one-way valves and associated adhesive, film or plastic that covers the opening of a one-way valve need to be made visible and highlighted in a manner so that these technologies are immediately noticeable, recognizable and understood by a consumer by use of markings, highlighting or emphasizing said technologies with colors, text, icons or any other communicative indicia or text, or any combinations thereof, so that consumers immediately recognize said technologies and related benefits.

A container, product packaging and marketing materials can include a specification, technical, benefits and advantages descriptor line or section which states, lists or describes a container storage technology used with said product and container followed by a benefits or advantages section which states, lists or describes the benefits offered by the product and container and how said product and container can be used post purchase with an appliance such as a smart refrigerator, container vacuum system, freezer, etc. Additionally, icons or other communicative indicia and text can be used to represent the container storage technologies, benefits and advantages, for example, rfid tags, one-way valves, smart refrigerators, container vacuum systems and combinations thereof. This method can allow a consumer to view a product, container and container storage technology and product packaging and to be immediately informed regarding the product's and container's benefits, such as, functionalities, technologies and advantages and to inform a consumer which appliances can utilize said product and container storage technologies. Also, by using a standard section or informational format on a product, container, product packaging or marketing material a consumer can quickly and easily find this information on any product, brand, container or product packaging to efficiently and quickly obtain product and container technology information and information regarding which brands, products or appliances are capable of using said technologies and be informed regarding said product availability. Examples of container informational benefits sections can include but are not limited to:

container technology: rfid tag, sensor, [product name]

benefits: monitor and track food

advantages: use with smart refrigerator

container specification: one-way valve, rfid tag

benefits: resealable vacuum container, monitor and track food

use with: smart refrigerator, vacuum system, [product logo]

A technology benefits description or descriptor can also be provided. This information can be provided in any format or combination and can be referred to, placed or attached in any location on a container, product packaging, technology or marketing material by using any combination of communicative indicia, text or brand logos or names. This format can also be used in any combination with any of the other methods described herein.

The present invention also provides a method for communicating product benefits such as technologies and advantages to consumers regarding a perishable food or item inside a container with container storage technologies, the method comprising the steps of: (i) manufacturing or producing a container with a container storage technology, wherein the container and container storage technology comprises a benefit; (ii) placing into the container with a container storage technology a perishable food or item for sale, wherein the associated packaging or container comprises: (a) a primary brand logo or name, wherein the primary brand logo is associated with a perishable food or item inside a container with a container storage technology, and (b) a secondary brand logo or name, wherein the secondary brand logo or name is associated with an appliance capable of utilizing said container and container storage technology and can also include (c) a tertiary brand logo or name which can be associated with storage technologies, the container, food distribution store or can include any of the steps or combinations of the methods disclosed herein and in any combination thereof.

In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of product packaging that communicates benefits to a consumer of a container with container storage technologies, the product packaging comprising: (i) a primary brand logo or name, wherein the primary brand logo is associated with the perishable food or item inside the container with container storage technologies, and (ii) a secondary brand logo or name, wherein the secondary brand logo or name is associated with a container storage technology incorporated into said container and can also include (iii) a tertiary brand logo or name which can be associated with storage technologies, the container, food distribution store or can include any of the steps or combinations of the methods disclosed herein and in any combination thereof.

An alternate embodiment presents a method of product packaging that communicates benefits to a consumer of a perishable food or item placed inside a container with container storage technologies, the product packaging comprising: (i) a primary brand logo or name, wherein the primary brand logo or name is associated with a perishable food or item inside a container with container storage technologies, (ii) highlighting said container storage technologies, (iii) a secondary brand logo or name, wherein the secondary brand logo or name is associated with the highlighted container storage technologies or an appliance capable of utilizing said container storage technologies and can also include (iv) a tertiary brand logo or name which can be associated with storage technologies, the container, food distribution store or can include any of the steps or combinations of the methods disclosed herein and in any combination thereof.

Another embodiment presents a method of product packaging that communicates benefits to a consumer of a perishable food or item placed inside a container with container storage technologies, the product packaging comprising: (i) a primary brand logo or name, wherein the primary brand logo or name is associated with a perishable food or item inside a container with container storage technologies, (ii) communicative indicia or text using a descriptor to highlight the benefits and advantages of the primary, secondary or tertiary brand logos or names, (iii) a secondary brand logo or name, wherein the secondary brand logo or name is associated with said highlighted container storage technologies or an appliance capable of utilizing said container and container storage technologies and can also include (iv) a tertiary brand logo or name which can be associated with storage technologies, the container, food distribution store or can include any of the steps or combinations of the methods disclosed herein and in any combination thereof.

In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of product packaging that communicates benefits to a consumer of a perishable food or item placed inside a container with container storage technologies, the product packaging comprising: (i) a primary brand logo or name, wherein the primary brand logo or name is associated with a perishable food or item inside a container, (ii) a secondary brand logo or name, wherein the secondary brand logo or name is associated with container storage technologies or an appliance capable of utilizing said container storage technology, (iii) a tertiary brand logo or name which can be associated with storage technologies, a container, food distribution store or can include any of the steps or combinations of the disclosed methods herein and in any combination thereof, and (iv) an informational product and technology section on the container that uses said brand logos and names to highlight product advantages and benefits.

An alternative embodiment presents a method of product packaging that communicates benefits to a consumer of an appliance, the product packaging comprising: (i) a primary brand logo or name, wherein the primary brand logo or name is associated with an appliance, (ii) highlighting appliance storage technologies, (iii) a secondary brand logo or name, wherein the secondary brand logo or name is associated with the highlighted appliance storage technologies or a perishable food or item, a container, a container storage technology or any combination thereof and can also include (iv) a tertiary brand logo or name which can be associated with storage technologies, the container, food distribution store or can include any of the steps or combinations of the disclosed methods herein and in any combination thereof.

Any of the methods and steps herein can be combined or used individually or in any combination with other methods and steps disclosed herein.

The present invention also discloses methods, including manufacturing, for perishable food or items in containers with container storage technologies.

A method can also include the following product preparation and consumer steps: a) providing or producing a perishable food or item for container storage, b) selecting a sealable or resealable container suitable for said perishable food or item, c) selecting a suitable storage technology to be incorporated into said container, d) if desired or necessary, selecting additional and compatible storage technologies to be incorporated into said container, e) manufacturing or providing the selected sealable or resealable container, f) manufacturing or providing the selected container storage technologies, g) incorporating said selected container storage technologies into the selected container, h) placing a perishable food or item into the container, i) sealing said container, with or without a created container storage environment, with said food or item inside said container, j) placing said food or item, container and container storage technologies on display and sale, k) marketing said perishable food or item, container and container storage technologies to consumers for use with an appliance, l) a consumer purchases said perishable food or item, container and container storage technologies, m) a consumer opens and then reseals said container with a perishable food or item inside said container, n) a consumer uses an appliance to preserve, monitor or track said perishable food or item and container with container storage technologies, and o) a consumer can use a microwave to warm or cook said perishable food or item in a container, with or without opening said container, for a pre-determined period of time or at a pre-determined temperature.

A “container storage environment” referred to in step i) above and herein can include any created environment such as a modified atmosphere or vacuum environment or any other type of container storage environment to preserve or enhance the shelf-life or appearance of a perishable food or item. A storage technology referred to in any of the method steps and herein can include any storage technology disclosed herein and any combinations thereof. Additionally, the steps of product, container and container storage technology sales, packaging and marketing materials can be provided and performed during any of the method steps herein and in any of the disclosed methods. It should also be noted that the aforementioned method steps can be performed in any combination or order and with any method steps omitted, modified or added as described herein.

Another method can include the following product preparation and consumer steps: a) providing or producing a perishable food or item, b) selecting a sealable or resealable container suitable for said perishable food or item, c) selecting a suitable storage technology that includes a one-way valve to allow air to be evacuated from inside a container, d) if desired or necessary, selecting additional and compatible storage technologies to be incorporated into said container, e) manufacturing or providing the selected sealable or resealable container, f) manufacturing or providing the selected one-way valve and container storage technologies, g) incorporating said selected one-way valve and container storage technologies into the selected container, h) placing a perishable food or item into the container, i) sealing said container, with or without a container storage environment, with said food or item inside said container, j) placing said food or item, container and container storage technologies on display and sale, k) marketing said perishable food or item, container and container storage technologies to consumers for use with an appliance, l) a consumer purchases said perishable food or item, container and container storage technologies, m) a consumer opens and then reseals said container with a perishable food or item inside said container, and n) a consumer uses an appliance such as a vacuum drawer or compartment to create a vacuum environment inside said vacuum drawer or compartment and concurrently inside said container to preserve, monitor or track said perishable food or item and container with container storage technologies.

Another method can include the following product preparation and consumer steps: a) providing or producing a perishable food or item, b) selecting a sealable or resealable container suitable for said perishable food or item, c) selecting a suitable storage technology that includes a seal to cover the aperture of a container to allow air to be evacuated from inside a container, d) if desired or necessary, selecting additional and compatible storage technologies to be incorporated into said container, e) manufacturing or providing the selected sealable or resealable container, f) manufacturing or providing the selected seal and container storage technologies, g) incorporating said selected seal and container storage technologies into the selected container, h) placing a perishable food or item into the container, i) sealing said container, with or without a container storage environment, with said food or item inside said container, j) placing said food or item, container and container storage technologies on display and sale, k) marketing said perishable food or item, container and container storage technologies to consumers for use with an appliance, l) a consumer purchases said perishable food or item, container and container storage technologies, m) a consumer opens and then reseals said container with a perishable food or item inside said container, and n) a consumer uses an appliance such as a vacuum drawer or compartment to create a vacuum environment inside said vacuum drawer or compartment and concurrently inside said container to preserve, monitor or track said perishable food or item and container with container storage technologies.

An alternate method includes the following product preparation and consumer steps: a) providing or producing a perishable food or item, b) selecting a sealable or resealable container suitable for said perishable food or item, c) selecting a suitable storage technology that includes a one-way valve to allow air to be evacuated from inside a container, d) if desired or necessary, selecting additional and compatible storage technologies to be incorporated into said container, e) manufacturing or providing the selected sealable or resealable container, f) manufacturing or providing the selected one-way valve and container storage technologies, g) incorporating said selected one-way valve and container storage technologies into the selected container, h) placing a perishable food or item into the container, i) closing and sealing said container, j) placing said one-way valve container into a vacuum system to create a vacuum environment inside the vacuum system and concurrently inside the container placed therein with said food or item inside said container, k) if the perishable food or item is presold, a gift or a benefit then said food or item can be distributed to consumers and then continue to step o) and, if not, then continue here, l) placing said food or item, container and container storage technologies on display and sale, m) marketing said perishable food or item, container and container storage technologies to consumers for use with an appliance, n) a consumer purchases said perishable food or item, container and container storage technologies, o) a consumer opens and then reseals said container with a perishable food or item inside said container, and p) a consumer uses an appliance such as a vacuum drawer or compartment to preserve, monitor or track said perishable food or item and container with container storage technologies.

An alternate method can include the following product preparation and consumer steps: a) providing or producing a perishable food or item, b) selecting a sealable or resealable container suitable for said perishable food or item, c) selecting a suitable storage technology that includes a one-way valve to allow air to be evacuated from inside a container, d) if desired or necessary, selecting additional and compatible storage technologies to be incorporated into said container, e) manufacturing or providing the selected sealable or resealable container, f) manufacturing or providing the selected one-way valve and container storage technologies, g) incorporating said selected one-way valve and container storage technologies into the selected container, h) placing a perishable food or item into the container, i) sealing said container, with or without a container storage environment, with said food or item inside said container, j) placing a removable or resealable adhesive, film, plastic or material to cover and seal the exterior opening of the one-way valve, and if desired, also placing a removable or resealable adhesive, film, plastic or material to cover and seal the interior opening of the one-way valve, k) placing said food or item, container and container storage technologies on display and sale, l) marketing said perishable food or item, container and container storage technologies to consumers for use with an appliance, m) a consumer purchases said perishable food or item, container and container storage technologies, n) a consumer opens and then reseals said container with a perishable food or item inside said container, o) a consumer removes the adhesive, film, plastic or material from the respective opening of the one-way valve to allow air to be evacuated from inside the container, and p) a consumer uses an appliance such as a vacuum drawer or compartment to create a vacuum environment inside said container to preserve, monitor or track said perishable food or item and container with container storage technologies.

Another method can include the following product preparation and consumer steps: a) providing or producing a perishable food or item, b) selecting a sealable or resealable container suitable for said perishable food or item, c) selecting a suitable storage technology that includes a sealable one-way valve to allow air to be evacuated from inside a container and a sealable one-way valve to allow air to pass into a container, d) if desired or necessary, selecting additional and compatible storage technologies to be incorporated into said container, e) manufacturing or providing the selected sealable or resealable container, f) manufacturing or providing the selected one-way valves and container storage technologies, g) incorporating said selected one-way valves and container storage technologies into the selected container, h) if desired, placing a removable or resealable adhesive, film, plastic or material to cover and seal the exterior opening of each one-way valve, and if desired, also placing a removable or resealable adhesive, film, plastic or material to cover and seal the interior opening of each one-way valve, i) placing a perishable food or item into the container, j) sealing said container, with or without a container storage environment, with said food or item inside said container, k) placing said food or item, container and container storage technologies on display and sale, l) marketing said perishable food or item, container and container storage technologies to consumers for use with an appliance, m) a consumer purchases said perishable food or item, container and container storage technologies, n) a consumer opens and then reseals said container with a perishable food or item inside said container, o) a consumer removes the adhesive, plastic, film or material from a one-way valve to: allow air to be evacuated from inside the container to create a vacuum environment; or to allow air to pass into the container to create a pressurized environment; or removes the covers from the openings of both one-way valves to allow air to simultaneously evacuate from and pass into the container to vent said container, and p) a consumer uses an appliance such as a vacuum drawer or compartment to create a vacuum or pressure environment inside a container or to degas or vent said container to store, preserve, monitor or track said perishable food or item and container with container storage technologies.

It should be noted that in step o) a consumer can remove an adhesive, plastic, film or material from the opening of a one-way valve or as disclosed in another embodiment a consumer can puncture a hermetically sealed and covered one-way valve which is constructed or embedded into said container, as described herein.

Another method can include the following product preparation and consumer steps: a) providing or producing a perishable food or item, b) selecting a sealable or resealable container suitable for said perishable food or item that can include a threadable lid or cover (cover) that engages with threads on the aperture of a container, c) selecting a suitable storage technology that can include a one-way valve to be incorporated into a cover to allow air to be evacuated from inside a container, d) if desired or necessary, selecting additional and compatible storage technologies to be incorporated into said container, e) manufacturing or providing the selected sealable or resealable container, f) manufacturing or providing the selected one-way valve, cover and container storage technologies, g) incorporating said selected one-way valve into the threadable cover of said container to allow air to be evacuated from the inside of said container when the cover is disposed on said container and incorporating any other container storage technologies into the selected container, h) placing a removable or resealable adhesive, film, plastic or material to cover and seal the exterior opening of the one-way valve, and if desired, also placing a removable or resealable adhesive, film, plastic or material to cover and seal the interior opening of the one-way valve in the cover of the container, i) placing a perishable food or item into the container such as, but not limited to, milk, juice, sauces and condiments, j) sealing the aperture of said container, with or without a container storage environment, with a sealing material such as film, plastic, foil or any other suitable material, with said food or item inside said container, k) disposing or threading said container cover onto the threaded aperture of said sealed container, l) placing said food or item, container and container storage technologies on display and sale, m) marketing said perishable food or item, container and container storage technologies to consumers for use with an appliance, n) a consumer purchases said perishable food or item, container and container storage technologies, o) a consumer removes the threaded cover from the aperture of said container and removes the material covering and sealing the container aperture to access said contents, p) a consumer removes the adhesive, film, plastic or material from the respective openings of a one-way valve to allow air to be evacuated from inside the container to create a vacuum environment therein, q) a consumer then disposes or attaches said cover onto said container to close and seal said container, and r) a consumer uses an appliance such as a vacuum drawer or compartment to create a vacuum environment inside said drawer or compartment and concurrently inside said container to preserve, monitor or track said perishable food or item and container with container storage technologies.

This method can apply to a container that can use a removable or attachable lid or flip type lid that can be pressed to engage, close and seal a container cover to a container body and also incorporate a one-way valve and sealing system as described herein into said cover.

An alternate method can include the following product preparation and consumer steps: a) providing or producing a perishable food or item for container storage, b) selecting a sealable or resealable container suitable for said perishable food or item, c) selecting a suitable storage technology to be incorporated into said container, such as a one-way valve disposed in a hollow tube that can be disposed, inserted or screwed into a container or container cover post-purchase to allow air to be evacuated from the inside of a container, d) if desired or necessary, selecting additional and compatible storage technologies to be incorporated into said container, e) manufacturing or providing the selected sealable or resealable container, f) manufacturing or providing the selected hollow tube (lance) with a one-way valve disposed therein and other container storage technologies, g) incorporating said selected container storage technologies into the selected container, h) placing a perishable food or item into the container, i) sealing said container, with or without a container storage environment, with said food or item inside said container, j) placing said food or item, container and container storage technologies on display and sale, k) marketing said perishable food or item, container and container storage technologies to consumers for use with an appliance, l) a consumer purchases said perishable food or item, container and container storage technologies, m) a consumer opens and then reseals said container with a perishable food or item inside said container, n) a consumer inserts said hollow tube with a one-way valve disposed therein into said container body or container cover, and o) a consumer uses an appliance create a vacuum environment inside said container to preserve, monitor or track said perishable food or item and container with container storage technologies.

Another method can include the following product preparation and consumer steps: a) providing or producing a perishable food or item, b) selecting a sealable or resealable container suitable for said perishable food or item, c) selecting a suitable storage technology that includes a threadable, flexible or deformable container cover that allows air to be evacuated from inside a container when disposed onto the aperture of a container, d) if desired or necessary, selecting additional and compatible storage technologies to be incorporated into said container, e) manufacturing or providing the selected sealable or resealable container, f) manufacturing or providing the selected threadable, flexible or deformable container cover and container storage technologies, g) incorporating said selected threadable, flexible or deformable container cover and container storage technologies into the selected container, h) placing a perishable food or item into the container, i) sealing said container, with or without a container storage environment, with said food or item inside said container, j) placing said food or item, container and container storage technologies on display and sale, k) marketing said perishable food or item, container and container storage technologies to consumers for use with an appliance, l) a consumer purchases said perishable food or item, container and container storage technologies, m) a consumer opens and then reseals said container with a perishable food or item inside said container, and n) a consumer uses an appliance such as a vacuum drawer or compartment to create a vacuum environment therein and concurrently inside said container to preserve, monitor or track said perishable food or item and container with container storage technologies.

It should also be noted that the insertable hollow tube with a one-way valve disposed therein or a threadable container cover or lid with a one-way valve can be provided to consumers to use with purchased products and containers and to use said technologies interchangeably between newly purchased products and containers at any method step described herein.

Another method can include the following product preparation and consumer steps: a) providing or producing a perishable food or item, b) selecting a sealable or resealable container suitable for said perishable food or item that can include a threadable cover that engages with threads on the aperture of a container, c) selecting a suitable storage technology that can include a threadable cover that includes a spherical seal contained therein that can be aligned and positioned over the aperture of said container when the cover is disposed on said container to allow air to be evacuated from inside a container to create a vacuum environment inside said container, d) if desired or necessary, selecting additional and compatible storage technologies to be incorporated into said container, e) manufacturing or providing the selected sealable or resealable container, f) manufacturing or providing the selected threadable cover with a spherical seal contained therein, g) placing a perishable food or item into the container such as, but not limited to, spices, milk, juice, sauces, condiments, (then either step h) or step k)), h) if desired, creating a storage environment inside said container, i) then sealing the aperture of said container with a sealing material such as film, plastic, foil or any other suitable material, with said food or item inside said container, j) disposing or threading said container cover onto the threaded aperture of said sealed container, k) disposing or threading said container cover onto the threaded aperture of said container, l) if desired, placing said container into a vacuum system to create a vacuum environment inside said system and simultaneously inside said container, m) if desired, covering and sealing the cover onto the container body with a removable protective plastic, n) placing said food or item, container and container storage technologies on display and sale, o) marketing said perishable food or item, container and container storage technologies to consumers for use with an appliance, p) a consumer purchases said perishable food or item, container and container storage technologies, q) if applicable, a consumer removes the protective plastic cover from the cover or container and then removes the threaded cover from the aperture of said container and, if applicable, removes the material covering and sealing the container aperture to access said contents, r) a consumer then disposes or attaches said cover onto said container to close and seal said container, and q) a consumer uses an appliance such as a vacuum drawer or compartment to create a vacuum environment inside said drawer or compartment and concurrently inside said container to preserve, monitor or track said perishable food or item and container with container storage technologies.

Another method can include the following product preparation and consumer steps: a) providing or producing a perishable food or item, b) selecting a container with an open aperture suitable for said perishable food or item, c) selecting a suitable storage technology such as a one-way valve and a film, plastic, foil or any other material that can incorporate a one-way valve to allow air to be evacuated from inside a container when the one-way valve and film, plastic, foil or material cover and seal the aperture of a container, d) if desired or necessary, selecting additional and compatible storage technologies to be incorporated into said container, e) manufacturing or providing the selected container, f) manufacturing or providing the selected one-way valve and sealable or resealable film, plastic, foil or material to incorporate said one-way valve and the other container storage technologies, g) incorporating a one-way valve into said selected film, plastic, foil or material, h) placing a perishable food or item into the container (then continue to either step i) or to step l)), j) sealing said container with said film, plastic, foil or material incorporating said one-way valve without a storage environment and said food or item inside said container, k) placing said sealed container into a vacuum system to create a vacuum environment inside said system and simultaneously inside said container, l) sealing said container with said film, plastic, foil or material incorporating said one-way valve with a storage environment and said food or item inside said container, m) if desired, placing a removable or resealable adhesive, film, plastic or material to cover and seal the exterior opening of the one-way valve, n) placing said food or item, container and container storage technologies on display and sale, o) marketing said perishable food or item, container and container storage technologies to consumers for use with an appliance, p) a consumer purchases said perishable food or item, container and container storage technologies, q) a consumer opens and then reseals said container using the film, plastic, foil or material incorporating a one-way valve with a perishable food or item inside said container, r) if applicable, a consumer removes the adhesive, plastic, film or material from the opening of the one-way valve to allow air to be evacuated from inside the container to create a vacuum environment therein, and s) a consumer uses an appliance such as a vacuum drawer or compartment to create a vacuum environment inside said container to store, preserve, monitor or track said perishable food or item and container with container storage technologies.

Another method can include the following product preparation and consumer steps: a) providing or producing a perishable food or item, b) selecting a sealable or resealable container, such as a bottle with an aperture, suitable for said perishable food or item that can include alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, c) selecting a suitable storage technology that can include a cork, rubber or plastic type stopper and a suitable one-way valve that can be incorporated into the stopper which can then be placed or disposed into the aperture of a bottle or into a circular opening of a container to create an airtight engagement and to allow air to be evacuated from inside said container to create a vacuum environment therein, d) if desired or necessary, selecting additional and compatible storage technologies to be incorporated into said container, e) manufacturing or providing the selected sealable or resealable container, f) manufacturing or providing the selected rubber or plastic stopper with a one-way valve incorporated therein, g) placing a perishable food or item into the container such as, but not limited to, beverages, spices, milk, juice, sauces, condiments, (continue to step h) or skip to step i), h) if desired, creating an storage environment therein, i) placing said stopper into said container with said food or item inside said container, m) if desired, placing said container into a vacuum system to create a vacuum environment inside said system and simultaneously inside said container, n) if desired, placing a removable or resealable adhesive, film, plastic or material to cover and seal on the exterior opening of the one-way valve, o) if desired, covering and sealing the stopper to the container body with a removable protective plastic, p) placing said food or item, container and container storage technologies on display and sale, q) marketing said perishable food or item, container and container storage technologies to consumers for use with an appliance, r) a consumer purchases said perishable food or item, container and container storage technologies, s) if applicable, a consumer removes the protective plastic cover from the stopper and container and then removes the stopper from the container aperture to access said contents, t) a consumer then places the stopper into the container and removes the cover from the one-way valve, and u) a consumer uses an appliance such as a vacuum drawer or compartment to create a vacuum environment inside said drawer or compartment and concurrently inside said container to preserve, monitor or track said perishable food or item and container with container storage technologies.

The methods described herein can include a situation where a perishable food or item is sold separately from a container with a container storage technology but which is intended for use in a container with a container storage technology, such as a vacuum technology as described herein. For example, spices may be sold in a vacuum storage container as described herein but refills or additional product may be sold in a vacuum sealed plastic bag the contents which are then intended to be placed into an originally sold vacuum container. Or, a spice vacuum container may be provided to a consumer as gift or benefit to use a certain brand of spices said spices which are sold to consumers in a vacuum sealed plastic bag without a container and are intended to be placed into said container for vacuum storage.

It should be noted that the one-way valves used in the embodiments in the method steps to create vacuum environments can also be used as one-way valves to create pressurized environments inside containers and said vacuum systems disclosed herein can be pressurized systems to create pressure environments inside said containers. Furthermore, for safety purposes containers can have one-way valves with adjusted one-way valve air flows, sensitivities or cracking pressures so that containers are not damaged or destroyed inside a vacuum compartment. Additionally, vacuum compartments can also have release valves, as described herein, to automatically release a vacuum environment when predetermined vacuum level is reached or exceeded in order to prevent a container from being damaged.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a housing and compartments;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a compartment with a drawer;

FIG. 3 illustrates a compartment with a door and containers;

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of a control system including display panel, microprocessor and memory device;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a container with a cover and two one-way valves;

FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of covered containers with one-way valve assemblies inside a compartment;

FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of a cover with an internal sealing mechanism;

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a cover with an internal sealing mechanism;

FIG. 9A illustrates a top view of an annular seal;

FIG. 9B illustrates a side view of an annular seal;

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of a cover with an internal hollow circular sealing mechanism;

FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of a cover with an outer deformable section connected to an annular rigid center piece;

FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of an exterior sealing mechanism disposed on an annular cover;

FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of an exterior sealing mechanism disposed on an annular cover;

FIG. 14 illustrates a top view of an exterior sealing mechanism disposed on a cover with a protective adhesive plastic strip;

FIG. 15 illustrates a side view of an exterior sealing mechanism disposed on a cover with a protective adhesive plastic strip;

FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of an exterior holding ring and lock mechanism to contain a seal onto a cover;

FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of an interior ring and lock mechanism to contain a seal onto a cover;

FIG. 18 illustrates a top view of a thin film, plastic or foil incorporating a one-way valve to seal an aperture of a container;

FIG. 19 illustrates a side view of an interior ring and mechanism to contain a seal in a flip top cover;

FIG. 20 illustrates a side view of a one-way valve threading or piercing lance device;

FIG. 21 illustrates a side view of a stopper with a one-way valve to seal the aperture of a container or bottle;

FIG. 22 illustrates a perishable food or item inside a container with a container storage technology and brand logos or names;

FIG. 23 is a flow diagram that illustrates one embodiment of a method as may utilize the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a flow diagram that illustrates a second embodiment of a method as may utilize the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a flow diagram that illustrates a third embodiment of a method as may utilize the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a flow diagram that illustrates a fourth embodiment of a method as may utilize the present invention; and

FIG. 27 illustrates an appliance with a storage technology that can use a perishable food or item inside a container with a container storage technology with brand logos or names.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will now be described with reference to the attached non-limiting Figures. In a preferred embodiment and as described herein, a vacuum storage system can comprise any of the following such as, a housing (1) shown in FIG. 1, in which at least one sealable modular compartment (6) can be disposed with at least one or more containers disposed therein. A compartment (6) can also be removably disposed inside a housing. Physically removed from and in communication with the interior of a compartment is a pump to create vacuum, pressure and other environments inside said compartment and containers disposed therein. A control system (2), which can include a display panel, microprocessor (CPU) and memory device, as well as, operating system controls, as shown in FIG. 4, can selectively or automatically activate and deactivate a pump and place said pump in either a vacuum or pressure mode or function. Further, said pump can function in a vacuum or pressure mode and can pump, vent or draw air into or out of an open or sealed compartment. Furthermore, a pump with a vacuum or pressure function can connect to the interior of a compartment and communicate with a control system, sensors and release valves connected and in communication with said compartment.

Another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, provides an apparatus housing (18) and operating systems to create, monitor, regulate, maintain and release compartment or container environments such as vacuum, pressure, temperature, humidity, venting and outgassing, all of which can connect to and communicate with a control system, each individual operating system, sensors and a compartment. Operating systems, as described herein, can include a pump(s) (89), sensors (50) (which can include humidity, gas, temperature, tactile, time and vacuum, and as described herein), valves (90), system status indicators and controls and temperature (40) and humidity (35) control devices (operating system(s), systems and components). A temperature system (40) can create a range of temperature inside a housing (18), a compartment (6) and a container (30) disposed therein and can connect to a control system (2) and to individual or selected system components. A humidity system (35) can create a range of humidity inside a compartment and a container disposed therein and can connect to a control system and to individual or selected system components. Furthermore, vacuum, temperature and humidity systems can connect to sensors and said sensors can connect to vacuum, temperature and humidity systems to activate, deactivate, interrupt, create, regulate and maintain individual or selected operating systems, processes and environments as described herein. For example, temperature, vacuum, gas and humidity sensors, can communicate with a control system and can individually or in combination activate or deactivate a pump or valve(s) to an open or close position when a predetermined level, range or value of temperature, vacuum, gas, time or humidity is created, maintained or exceeded inside a compartment or inside a container disposed therein or after a preset period of time. A compartment can include a seal (91) on the open and close mechanism or device for the compartment aperture.

Status indicators can include a light or series of lights located on the front of a drawer or compartment which illuminate in colors to inform of the system status, such as, red when a vacuum is being created and green when a vacuum is being released from a compartment.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, a housing (1) can include a compartment (6) disposed therein comprising exterior walls with a slidable drawer (4) that can serve as an internal holding area or retaining compartment (9) for goods with a front wall (10) that can serve as a means to open, close or seal said compartment. Housings can include, but are not limited to, a refrigerator, freezer, cabinet, shell and drawer. A compartment can include an aperture comprising a drawer (6), door (93), bin, pivot bin, lid or cover, any of which can be hingedly attached to a housing or compartment or surrounding area.

As shown in FIGS. 2-3, a vacuum compartment (6) can be constructed and arranged so that when a retaining compartment, such as a drawer (10), is in a closed position inside a compartment said drawer can create a seal between the engaging surfaces of a compartment and the interior of a drawer. The created seal can also be airtight or can create a vacuum seal. Further, in other embodiments, when a vacuum is created inside a compartment a seal can be formed between a front wall of a drawer unit (7) and the walls of a compartment (8). A sealing device (91) can also be provided positioned between or around the engaging surfaces of a compartment and the interior (9) of a drawer or a door (93). Additionally, a sensor (12) can be positioned on a drawer or door of a refrigerator or compartment and connect to operating systems and to a control system to indicate the open, close and seal status to activate and deactivate individual or selected operating systems. Furthermore, a mechanical or electrical latch mechanism can be provided to secure a drawer and a compartment together when the interior portion of a drawer is substantially contained inside a compartment to engage a drawer and a compartment together to seal said compartment interior. A latch mechanism can connect to a control system and to individual or selected operating systems to activate or deactivate individual or selected operating systems. A drawer can also include a handle (5).

As shown in FIG. 4, other aspects of the invention provide a programmable control system, which can consist of a display panel (41), operating system controls (42) and a microprocessor and memory device (92), for a housing or a compartment to connect and communicate with operating system components to activate, deactivate, control, monitor, release and regulate a pump(s) (43), latch mechanism, sensors (50), valves (48), system status indicators connected to sensors, and controls, and vacuum, temperature and humidity systems. Accordingly, each operating system and compartment can interconnect and inter-communicate with each other, or via a control system, to function together or individually to carry out the processes described herein. Accordingly, a control system can activate or deactivate a pump to vent, cool or create vacuum and pressure environments inside a compartment, as well as, activate or deactivate a gas or release valve to open or close positions to seal or unseal a compartment. Additionally, a control system can connect to and communicate with sensors (50) described herein and said sensors can connect to and communicate with a control system (20) and each operating system such as a pump(s), valves, latch mechanism, sensors, system status indicators, system controls and vacuum, temperature and humidity systems to activate, deactivate, create, monitor, regulate, maintain and release environments, such as, vacuum, pressure, temperature, humidity, gas, air, components and processes for and in a housing, compartment and containers disposed therein and combinations thereof. A user interface with an led display and apparatus power source (46, 47) with touch, keyed or digital display panel functionality can operatively connect to and communicate with a control system to allow the input of instructions, formulas, time sequences and values to operate each or selected system components, systems and processes described herein. A user interface, situated on a compartment or a housing exterior or interior front panel, access or surrounding areas can also comprise touch panel controls, switches, buttons and knobs to connect to and communicate with operating systems and housing components. The operating systems can be programmed to be activated and deactivated automatically via a control system or manually via a control panel or via each operating system.

In another embodiment a vacuum sensor can communicate with a compartment interior and operatively connect to a housing, compartment or control system to open and close a gas or release valve and to activate and deactivate a pump(s). Alternately, a vacuum sensor can connect directly to a pump(s), a housing, compartment or valve. Furthermore, a housing or compartment sensor, as described herein, such as vacuum, temperature, pressure, tactile, drawer and refrigerator door open, close and seal status sensors can operatively connect in combination to a pump, valve(s), sensors and housing or compartment operating systems to open and close a valve(s) or to activate or deactivate a pump(s).

A control system or pump and valve can also be activated to vent or cool a compartment interior by activating a pump to draw or pump air through a compartment interior and contemporaneously activate a valve or a release valve to open positions. A housing or compartment control system or a vacuum sensor can activate a pump and a valve to create a predetermined vacuum level in a compartment or container disposed therein. A pressure release or valve can release a predetermined amount of vacuum from inside a compartment at a predetermined time period, pressure level or when a level is reached or exceeded and a vacuum can also be released via the aperture of a compartment.

As shown in FIG. 4, a compartment can comprise multiple storage functions or modes (45) such as, but not limited to, a conventional compartment with operating systems placed in either off or idle positions, a vacuum compartment, a pressurized compartment, a venting compartment, a cooling compartment, a humidity compartment, an outgassing compartment and a processing compartment to create environments inside containers disposed therein, such as temperature, humidity, vacuum, pressure, venting, cooling and outgassing.

Some of the apparatus, operating system and control system functionalities and modes can include, but are not limited to, the following.

1. A function to create a range of temperature inside a housing to cool a compartment or container disposed therein.

2. A function to activate a pump and close a valve or to close a valve and activate a pump or to contemporaneously activate a pump and close a valve to create a vacuum environment inside a compartment when said compartment aperture is closed and sealed.

3. A function to activate a pump and close a valve or to close a valve and activate a pump or to contemporaneously activate a pump and close a valve to create a pressurized environment inside a compartment when said compartment aperture is closed and sealed.

4. A function to activate a pump (in vacuum or pressure mode) while a compartment valve is contemporaneously actuated to an open position to vent, cool or degas said compartment and contents therein. Furthermore, a temperature sensor or control system can activate a valve to a close position after a predetermined value, time period or level of vacuum, temperature or humidity has been established, reached or exceeded inside a compartment.

5. A function to activate a pump (vacuum or pressure mode) and to simultaneously close a valve to create a pressure or vacuum environment inside a compartment and to maintain said pressure or vacuum level inside said compartment until it is deactivated manually or automatically via a control system.

6. A function to activate a pump and to close a valve to create a pre-determined vacuum in a compartment and when said maximum pressure level reaches or exceeds a pre-determined level, time period or value to then deactivate said pump and open a valve to release said vacuum and open said compartment by admitting air into said compartment.

7. A function to activate a pump and to close a valve to create a pre-set vacuum level inside a compartment and when said maximum vacuum level reaches or exceeds a pre-determined time period, level or value to open a valve to release said vacuum by admitting air into a compartment and to deactivate said pump.

8. A function to activate a pump and to close a valve to create a vacuum inside a compartment and when said maximum vacuum level reaches or exceeds a pre-determined level, time period or value to concurrently open a valve and deactivate a pump to admit air into said compartment to release said vacuum.

9. A function to activate a pump and to close valves to create a pre-set vacuum in a compartment and thereafter for a pump to intermittently remove air or gas from the interior of said compartment or a container disposed therein. Further, said pump can intermittently remove air and gas following the reduction of the pressure in a compartment to a selected pressure. Additionally, a gas sensor, such as an ethylene, oxygen, carbon dioxide or other gas sensor or as described herein, can connect to a compartment interior, a control system or operating systems such that when a predetermined air or gas(es) level(s) fail, reach or exceed a pre-determined level or value inside a compartment a sensor can communicate with a control system or activate a pump to remove additional air or gas from said compartment. Further, a sensor can communicate with a control system, activate a pump or activate a valve to an open position to remove additional air or gas from a compartment. A sensor can also activate a pump and activate a valve to an open position to vent a compartment and remove air or gas, including a container disposed therein. The aforementioned sensors can also be located inside a container and function as previously described.

10. A function to activate a pump and to close a valve to create a vacuum in a compartment, maintain said vacuum level for a pre-determined period of time and, thereafter, open a valve to admit air into said compartment to release a vacuum.

11. A function to activate and place a valve in a closed or open position to seal or unseal a compartment to create, regulate and release environments from inside a compartment.

12. A function to concurrently open a valve and to activate a pump (vacuum or pressure mode) to admit air into a compartment to release or create environments therein.

13. A function to deactivate a pump when a valve is in a close position to admit air into a compartment through an open and close aperture mechanism, such as a drawer or door opening, of a compartment to release a vacuum.

14. A function to deactivate a pump and admit air into a compartment through an open and close aperture mechanism, such as a drawer or door opening, of a compartment to release a vacuum.

15. A function to deactivate all or selected operating systems or place all or selected operating systems in an idle state.

16. A function to close or open a valve when a compartment aperture mechanism, such as a drawer or door opening, is in a close or open position via an aperture sensor placed on a compartment or refrigerator aperture and in communication with a control system.

17. A function that allows a valve to have an independent pressure setting or to be connected to a control system in a compartment to automatically open to release a vacuum created therein when a vacuum level is reached or exceeded inside said compartment and to automatically deactivate a vacuum pump creating said vacuum. As used herein, when a vacuum is released from a compartment said compartment is returned to atmospheric pressure.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, provided is a container to create multiple storage environments. A container can comprise any suitable material, such as plastic or glass or combinations thereof. A container can comprise a container body (51) with a sealable cover (52) that together can form an air-tight interior of a container (53). In the present embodiment, a cover can be fastened or attached to the container body in any manner (threads, fasteners, tongue and groove or a snap system) to engage and seal a cover and container body together to create and retain a vacuum or pressurized environment inside the interior of said container or to allow said container to vent.

A cover or container body can comprise two one-way valves, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Valve (32) can allow air to enter (36) into a container and valve (33) can allow air to leave or exit (37) said container. A cover or container body can also comprise combinations of valves (32) and (36) and include a combination of openings and apertures (34) that open and close to allow air, gases or environments to be created inside and to enter and leave said container through either a one-way valve opening or via a container aperture. Valves and apertures can also include a rubber plug or stopper to seal said aperture and said container. In place of two separate valves, a three-way valve can be installed, which can be selected between one-way into the container, one-way out of the container, and both ways.

Each valve (32) and (36) and aperture (34) can be opened and closed by using said rubber plug or stopper (38) to prevent the flow of air, gases or environments into or out of said container. A sealing device can be a rubber plug or stopper device (38), or any other type of sealing mechanism, such as a toggle or switch that opens and closes the valves and apertures, a slidable cover, a dial, or any other closure system to seal and open said valve openings and apertures.

In this manner, the present container can be placed into a vacuum compartment wherein a vacuum is created inside said compartment and concurrently inside said container such that when a vacuum is released from the compartment the vacuum is concurrently released from the interior of said container if the proper valve(s) and apertures are open or the vacuum can be retained in the container if the proper valve(s) and apertures are closed.

Some of the following container environments can be created with said vacuum and container valve system when said container is placed inside a vacuum or pressure compartment.

1. When valve (32) is closed and valve (33) is open or valve (33) is open and aperture (34) is closed, a partial vacuum created inside a compartment is concurrently created inside said container and retained inside said container when the vacuum is released from said compartment.

2. When valve (32) is open and valve (33) is closed or valve (32) is open and aperture (34) is closed, a pressurized environment created inside said compartment is concurrently created inside said container and retained inside the container when the pressurized environment is released from said compartment.

3. When valve (32) is open and valve (34) is open or valve (33) is open and aperture (34) is open, a vacuum created inside said compartment is concurrently created inside the container. When a vacuum is released from the compartment it is also released from inside said container. When the compartment is outgassed said container is also outgassed. When additional gases or air are removed from said compartment the air and gases are also removed from said container. Further, when a pump is activated to draw air through the compartment, air is also drawn or vented through said container. This functionality can be used to vent respiring content such as fresh fruit, vegetables, etc., and to cool container contents.

4. Closing the valves on a container after a vacuum or a pressure environment is created inside a container prevents other environments from being created inside said container or from allowing existing container environments from releasing. Closing all the valves and apertures allows the container to be used as a conventionally sealed storage container.

The aforementioned environments 1-4, and others, can be sequenced into a valve or aperture open and closure position system and device, such as a dial, switch, toggle, twist or slide mechanism. For example, by turning a dial or moving a slide from one position to another a user can automatically create environment 1 and, thereafter, can sequentially create environments 2-4 by moving the valve and aperture covers into the proper positions. For example, a dial or slide can be moved to a fresh fruit or meat label or marker and automatically position the valves and apertures to the appropriate close and open positions to preserve said goods.

Each container can be constructed with temperature, non-conducive retractable, removable or collapsible legs so that when the containers are placed inside a compartment and a vacuum is created and maintained inside said compartment the vacuum insulates the container from the compartment surfaces thereby creating a thermos effect inside each container therein. Closed or open containers can be used. This effect can be used as a food or plate warming preservation type drawer system. Each container can also have temperature, non-conducive borders or tabs on a lid or container body to prevent contact with compartment surfaces or other containers placed inside said compartment. Cold and hot items can be simultaneously stored. Additionally, containers can be placed on top of a temperature, non-conducive mat or container holder positioned inside said compartment.

FIGS. 7-9 and 17 and 19 illustrate other embodiments of a cover and a container that can be used as a conventional storage container or as a vacuum sealing container. This embodiment includes a cover (70) (also; lid, top, cap) that detachably covers and seals an aperture (71) (also; mouth, opening) of a container (72) to allow a vacuum environment to be created therein. A cover can attach to a container by compression fit, thread attachment, snap or any other manner or combinations thereof. In this manner, a cover can close and seal a container in an airtight manner.

In the present embodiment, provided is a cover (70), comprising a thin, flat, annular (also: spherical, round, circular) sealing device (73) (seal), disposed and contained inside the interior of a cover. In one embodiment, a seal is contained in a cover by and between two extending, raised or protruding rings (74) that connect to and extend inwardly from the cover side walls or skirt. In another embodiment, a single ring (75) construction and arrangement can contain a seal. A cover can threadably (76) attach to a container. A cover can comprise a threaded interior neck (76) or aperture to threadably attach to a threaded exterior of a neck or aperture of a container (77) (or vise versa) or to another part of the cover that can be attached to said container. Depending upon the embodiment, the attachable threads of a cover and a container can engage to create an airtight seal or can engage without creating an airtight seal to allow air to pass through the threads. In other embodiments, engaging threads can be constructed and arranged to allow air into a container in a first position and then said engaging threads, when moved into a second position, can be arranged and constructed to create an airtight threading engagement to prevent air or a vacuum from entering or releasing from the interior of a container. Furthermore, a cover can include a sealable aperture or valve (78) to allow air into and out of the interior of the container via the cover and to create or release a vacuum from inside said container. FIG. 19 depicts a container with a flip top and seal located therein.

In one embodiment, a cover containing an internal seal can be disposed onto a receptacle and moved clockwise into a first position to arrange and align a seal onto or over the aperture of a container with the inside top or sides of the cover closing and securing said seal onto the aperture of the container to allow air to flow out of said container when a vacuum is applied to said container but restricting the movement of air into said container. In this position said internal seal covers and seals the aperture of a container and the contents therein. A vacuum can then be applied to said container when placed into a compartment to evacuate air from the interior of said container with said internal seal closing and sealing said container such that when the vacuum is released from inside said compartment the internal seal covering the aperture of the container is vacuum sealed closed creating a vacuum environment inside said container. A cover can then be moved counter clockwise into a second position to remove the seal from the top of the container aperture and simultaneously unseal and remove the seal from the aperture of the container releasing an airtight seal between the internal seal and the container thereby releasing the vacuum environment from the interior of said container.

In another embodiment, a cover can be disposed onto a receptacle and moved clockwise into a first position to arrange and align a seal onto or over the aperture of a container to allow air to flow out of said container but restrict the movement of air into said container and also attach said cover onto a container. In this position a seal covers the aperture of a container. A cover can then be moved clockwise into a second position to secure or lock said seal onto and over the top or opening of the aperture of a container creating an airtight seal so that air or a vacuum environment cannot enter or release from the interior of said container. A cover can then be moved counter clockwise into a third position to remove said seal from the top of a container aperture and simultaneously unseal and remove the seal from the aperture of the container thereby releasing an airtight seal between the seal and the container and to release the vacuum environment from the interior of said container. A fourth counter clockwise position can detach and remove said cover and seal from the aperture of said container. The cover and container can be devised to function and engage in a clockwise or counter clockwise manner and can include the functionality of push or compression fit cover to engage in the various steps described herein or in combinations thereof.

Continuing, the top interior walls or skirt of a cover can comprise a means to support, hold or contain a seal, such as raised, extending or protruding single or double rings, edges or lines, knobs or any other support or constraining type device mechanism (79) (rings) connected to the walls of the cover and extending inward away from the cover walls and constructed to hold a seal within a predetermined space and defined alignment. As shown in FIG. 9, a seal (73) can be sized and shaped with a circumference to cover and seal the aperture of a container and to contact the rings such that when a seal is positioned over and covering a container aperture said aperture is covered by said seal and can extend beyond the container aperture limits or edges to make contact with the rings extending from a cover. A seal can be constructed to move or float between two rings or between one ring and the top of a cover. In other embodiments, a seal can attach to the top or side walls of a cover to move or float and to align and cover the aperture of a container when a cover is attached to a container. A seal and top interior of a cover can be constructed such that a seal does not adhere or stick to the top of a cover. For example, the top of a cover can comprise a convex, raised or protruding ring, edge or line (74) extending downward and away from the top of a cover to prevent a seal from coming into contact and adhering to the top of a cover while also serving as a mechanism to secure and lock a seal onto the aperture of a container.

Another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, provides a cover (81) with a hollow circular skirt (82) constructed inside a cover skirt and attached to and extending downward from the interior top of a cover with a seal (73) contained inside said circular skirt and contained by a ring device (75), as previously discussed, to allow a seal (73) to float between the ring and the top (76) of a cover. When a cover is threaded (78) or pushed onto a container (79) into a first position the container aperture is constructed to fit into the hollow circular skirt to align and position a seal on top of a container aperture. In this position, a container aperture is covered by a seal and air can be evacuated from the interior of a container to create a vacuum environment therein. In other embodiments, a cover and container engaging threads (80) are constructed and arranged to allow air to release from a container in a first position and when moved into other positions the engaging threads can be arranged and constructed to create an airtight threading engagement to prevent air or a vacuum environment from entering or releasing from the interior of a container.

When a cover is disposed onto a container and moved into a first clockwise position a seal is positioned and aligned to fully cover the aperture of a container. In this position, a cover is secured onto a container base via the engagement of the cover and container threads with the seal positioned and aligned to cover and form a seal over the aperture of said container; however, the seal and threads of the cover and container, in this embodiment, can be constructed not to create an airtight seal between the cover, seal and aperture of a container to allow air or gas to flow out of the interior of said container and to allow a container to be evacuated when a vacuum is applied to it. A covered container in this position can be placed into a vacuum compartment. When a vacuum is applied to the compartment gases or air are evacuated from the interior of the compartment and concurrently from the interior of said container. When a vacuum is released from the compartment the released vacuum forces the seal onto and over the container aperture creating an airtight seal and a vacuum environment inside said container. The container can be stored in this position. Furthermore, in another embodiment, moving a cover into a second clockwise position secures and locks the cover with the extending convex or raised ring, edge or line locking mechanism in the top of the cover onto and over the seal and onto and over the aperture of said container to create a locked airtight seal over the aperture of said container. When a cover is moved into a third counter clockwise position a double or single ring device, which contains and aligns the seal in the cover, unseals and removes the seal from the aperture of said container and unseals, removes and releases the airtight seal and any vacuum from the interior of said container. Additionally, when a cover is moved into a fourth counter clockwise position the cover and seal, which is disposed inside the cover, can be fully removed from the aperture of a container. As noted herein, the open and close steps can also include a two-step method as discussed herein.

In another embodiment, a sealable aperture on a cover can allow air to be evacuated from the interior of a container and can be closed with a stopper or other type device so that the cover and container can function as a conventional storage container allowing an airtight environment to be created inside said container. Furthermore, in another embodiment, to notify a user that a cover and a container are properly aligned in first, second and third positions, the threads, cover or container can be constructed and arranged to create contact friction when moved into respective positions or another extending or contact material, structure or element from the cover or container at the points of alignment can create a sound or vibration to alert a user. A visual method can also be provided using markings such as lines, images, colors, icons or symbols on a container or a cover to inform a user of proper alignment and positioning and to notify the user said container is sealed.

In another embodiment, a cover can be constructed to tightly fit over and around the neck or aperture of a container so that it can be pushed onto the container without initially engaging threads. A cover can be pushed onto and over the neck or aperture of a container to place and align the cover and seal over the aperture of a container allowing it to be vacuum sealed. In one embodiment, in order to access the contents of a container after a vacuum is created inside a container, a cover can be pulled off which removes the seal, as previously discussed, releasing any vacuum from the interior of said container. In another embodiment a cover can include an air channel running from the base interior of a cover to the top of a cover or an aperture or valve can be situated on a cover to allow air to be evacuated from said container when the threading engagement creates an airtight seal between the cover and the container. Another embodiment provides a cover that can push onto a container into a first position where the seal is aligned and positioned over the neck or aperture of a container and can then be threaded into second and third positions after a vacuum is created inside said container. Another embodiment provides that a cover can push onto a container into a first position and push over threads into a second position and then be threaded counter clockwise into a third position. In another embodiment, a cover can be constructed to function as a flip top with a hinge type arrangement or mechanism and can further include a rubber seal or other suitable sealing material around the seal or container aperture and cover. A cover and a container can include any combination of threading or attachment in order to position and align a cover and a seal over the aperture of a container.

Referring now to FIG. 11, another embodiment can include a flexible or deformable container cover which can include a cover, top or center or side piece (100) constructed of a deformable, flexible, semi-rigid or jointed material (101), or combinations thereof and can include an annular, semi-rigid center piece (102) formed and sized to cover or exceed the circumference of the aperture of a container. A cover can be constructed such that when threaded or pushed onto the neck or aperture of a container the annular flexible or deformable cover, top or center piece is positioned and aligned to cover and seal the aperture or mouth of said container and is secured into said position via the engagement of the cover and container threads. In this position, air is prevented from entering into said container and the container contents are closed and sealed therein. Further, a vacuum applied to a container in this position can evacuate air from the interior of said container. In this embodiment, when the cover and container are engaged or threaded together air is allowed to pass or exit said container through the engaged threads of the cover and container when a vacuum is applied to the container. For example, when a vacuum is created inside a compartment, with a container disposed therein, a vacuum is concurrently created inside said container and when a vacuum is released from inside a compartment the release of the vacuum forces the annular flexible center section of the cover to create a vacuum seal over the aperture of the container mouth or aperture creating an airtight vacuum environment inside said container. The airtight, outer deformable, flexible, semi-rigid or jointed section of a cover allows the annular center piece to easily move and position to cover the aperture of a container and to maintain a vacuum environment inside a container.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-15, other embodiments include a cover (103) for containers (112) with a vacuum sealing mechanism disposed into the top portion of a cover. A cover can be detachable, threadably (109) or hingably attachable to a container (108). When a cover is attached to a container an airtight seal is created between said cover and the interior of said container. A cover can further include an indented or recessed section (104) on the exterior portion of a container or cover sized to receive and hold a seal or one-way valve (105). In this embodiment, a seal can be thin, flat and annular in shape (105). An aperture (106) can be positioned at the bottom of the indentation in the cover to allow air to flow into and out of the interior of said container. A seal can be positioned and arranged inside said indentation so that it can be contained and held in place. An indentation can include a containing or holding ring around the top part of said indentation. Additionally, a seal can include a “T” (144) or ball shaped extension or tail to hold said seal in place in the aperture of a container. Furthermore, in this position a seal can be positioned on top of the aperture situated in the base of the indentation on the cover. A seal can cover and create a seal over the aperture in the cover but can be arranged to allow air to pass out of and evacuate from the interior of a container. When a container is placed into a compartment and a vacuum is created inside said compartment a vacuum is concurrently created inside said container. When a vacuum is released from the interior of a vacuum compartment the released vacuum forces a seal onto and over the aperture in the cover creating a vacuum seal and an airtight environment inside said container. Furthermore, a valve or sealed aperture (107) can be constructed on the cover to release a vacuum. The seal mechanism can also function without being placed into an indentation on a cover, as discussed herein, and be seated on the surface of a container and can be contained inside a ring positioned over an aperture in the cover of said container. Furthermore, the seal can be covered with a plastic material to create a hermetic environment and said plastic material can be punctured in order to allow air or gas to pass out of said container when a consumer intends to use it.

FIG. 16 illustrates another embodiment, a seal (140) can be secured and held in place under a raised ring or a semi-circular ring (141) that attaches to and extends upward from a cover (142) and aperture (143). The ring can be constructed and arranged to allow a seal to float or move between the container and said ring so that air can be evacuated out of a container when a vacuum is applied or a seal can attach to the container and aperture via a shaped extension to contain said seal and to also prevent the contents of said container from exiting the container. A seal can be placed or inserted into said ring or semi-circular ring mechanism. In another embodiment, a ring mechanism can be pushed downward to lock a seal to the top of a cover and over an aperture or a ring can be threadable into a container or aperture so that a ring can be turned clockwise to lock a seal over an aperture on a cover and moved counter clockwise to unlock said seal and aperture.

In other embodiments, a pull-off or puncturable adhesive, film, plastic or material (“strip”) (111) can be positioned and arranged on the opening of a valve or seal to protect, seal, secure or lock a seal or valve in a cover or container and to prevent any foreign materials from entering into a container or valve. For example, a seal or one-way valve can be hermetically or situated into a recess or indentation in a container with a strip over the top (111) so that a user can either pull the strip off or puncture said strip or plastic in order to use said container in a vacuum compartment. A strip can also cover and seal an aperture as described herein on the exterior or interior of a cover or container. A strip can be used for containers or covers constructed with one-way valves so that the exterior and interior openings of a one-way valve can be covered and sealed. A strip can attach or affix to one side of a seal. When a strip is pulled it can be removed from the top of a seal or valve and pulled to one side of a seal or valve with the other side of the strip remaining attached to a cover or container. In this way, a strip can be re-used to cover and secure a valve or a seal by re-adhering it over said valve or seal. In another embodiment, strip can pull off and be removed from a one-way valve without re-using it. In yet another embodiment, strip can remain attached to cover a valve or a seal. For example, a container with perishable food or items may be purchased from a store with a strip adhered over a one-way valve to keep the contents therein secure and safe. After a container is opened a user can reseal and create a vacuum environment inside said container. A user can remove said strip covering the exterior opening of a valve and can also remove an interior strip covering an aperture or interior opening of a valve to allow air to evacuate from the interior of said container if a vacuum is applied to create a vacuum environment therein. Afterwards, a user can re-adhere a strip over said valve, aperture or seal. If a user does not intend to re-vacuum a container the strip or strips can be left in place.

FIG. 18 shows a side view of a film, plastic, foil or other suitable food storage material (“material”) (118) with a one-way valve (119) incorporated therein. Said material can be used to cover and seal the aperture of a container in order to create a vacuum environment inside said container when a vacuum is applied as described herein. Said material can adhere and be resealable in order to close and seal an opened container.

FIG. 20 shows another embodiment of a one-way valve device that can include a hollow tube (120) with a one-way valve (122) positioned inside said tube or cover to create an airtight construction between said interior hollow tube walls or cover and a one-way valve disposed therein. The hollow tube can include engaging threads (123) on the exterior of the hollow tube or a piercing tip or point (121) and can be constructed and positioned on one end of the hollow tube with the one-way valve positioned at the other end so that when said one-way valve device is threaded or inserted, or a combination thereof, into a container or cover of a container the device pierces and creates an opening or aperture into the container or container cover to allow the hollow tube to be pushed into said container or cover to create a seal between the two engaging members and to allow air to pass out of a sealed container through said tube and one-way valve. When a sealed container with an inserted or attached one-way valve device is placed into a container and then into compartment and a vacuum is applied, air is evacuated out of the container via the one-way valve in said hollow tube to create a vacuum environment inside said container and when the vacuum is released from inside the compartment a vacuum environment is retained inside said container. When the contents of a container are finished a user can remove the one-way valve device and use it interchangeably with other containers or covers. Another embodiment depicts a cover with a finger structure (129) to allow a user to hold said one-way valve device to insert or rotably attach said device into a container or using a combination thereof. Also shown is a raised annular ring that can include engaging threads on the inside or outside of said raised annular ring device. The one-way valve device cover (129) can also include engaging threads (123) to engage the threads on the annular ring. In this manner, the raised annular ring with threads can be incorporated into the body of a container (128), cover of a container or into a bag so that a user can insert the one-way valve device by engaging the respective threads of the cover and raised annular ring to thereby create an airtight seal between the cover and said annular ring and to simultaneously puncture and create an aperture in the container, cover or bag to allow air to be evacuated from inside a container or bag as previously noted. It should also be noted that the annular ring mechanism can be situated or located on the inside of a plastic bag with the cover pushed into the threads of the annular ring from the outside or other side of the bag to accomplish the same functions as described herein.

FIG. 21 illustrates a rubber stopper, plug or cork (stopper) (124) construction incorporating a one-way valve (125) into said structure connecting said one-way valve via a passageway (126) to an aperture (127) to allow air to be evacuated from the interior of a container by inserting said stopper into the aperture of a container to create an airtight seal in said container. A stopper can have a tapered shape in order to fit securely into an aperture and can be interchangeable between various sized apertures of containers. A stopper can be placed into the aperture of a container or bottle to create a vacuum or pressurized environment therein as described herein. Furthermore, a stopper can include a seal device as disclosed herein.

Also provided are methods of manufacturing containers with container storage technologies which can also include any of the other disclosed method steps. A method of manufacturing can comprise the following steps: providing a flexible, air-tight bag having an opening for inserting perishable food or items to be stored; providing an air-tight seal across the opening; providing a one-way valve assembly installed in the bag, wherein the valve assembly allows air to pass out of the bag but prevents air from entering into the bag, wherein the valve assembly can comprise an adhesive, film, plastic or material to cover and seal the exterior side of said one-way valve such that when the adhesive, film, plastic or material seals or covers said valve air cannot pass out of the bag, wherein when said adhesive, film, plastic or material seal or cover is removed from the valve air is allowed to pass out of the bag.

An alternate method of manufacturing can comprise the following steps: providing a flexible or rigid air-tight container having an aperture or opening for inserting perishable food or items to be stored; providing a cover that engages onto the container body to create an air-tight seal between the cover and container body; providing a one-way valve assembly installed into the container body or cover for the container, wherein the valve assembly allows air to pass out of the container but prevents air from entering into the container, wherein the valve assembly can comprise an adhesive, film, plastic or material to cover and seal the exterior side of said one-way valve such that when the adhesive, film, plastic or material seals or covers said valve air cannot pass out of the container, wherein when said adhesive, film, plastic or material seal or cover is removed from the valve air is allowed to pass out of the container.

Another embodiment can comprise the following steps: providing a flexible or rigid air-tight container having a threaded aperture or opening for inserting perishable food or items to be stored; providing a threaded cover that engages onto the threaded aperture or opening of the container body to create an air-tight seal between the cover and container body; providing a one-way valve assembly installed into the container body or cover lid for the container, wherein the valve assembly allows air to pass out of the container but prevents air from entering into the container, wherein the valve assembly can comprise an adhesive, film, plastic or material to cover and seal the exterior side of said one-way valve such that when the adhesive, film, plastic or material seals or covers said valve air cannot pass out of the container, wherein when said adhesive, film, plastic or material seal or cover is removed from the valve air is allowed to pass out of the bag.

Another method of manufacturing can comprise the following steps: providing a flexible or rigid air-tight container having an aperture or opening for inserting perishable food or items to be stored; providing a cover that engages onto the container body to create an air-tight seal between the cover and container body; providing a sealable one-way valve assembly that is installed into the container body or cover for the container, wherein the valve assembly allows air to pass out of the container but prevents air from entering into the container, providing a second sealable one-way valve assembly installed into the container body or cover for the container, wherein the valve assembly allows air to enter into the container but prevents air from leaving said container, wherein the valve assemblies can comprise an adhesive, film, plastic or material to cover and seal the exterior side of each one-way valve such that when the adhesive, film, plastic or material seals or covers said valve air cannot pass out or enter said container via the respective one-way valve, wherein when said adhesive, film, plastic or material seal or cover is removed from the valve air is allowed to pass out and air is allowed to enter said container via the respective one-way valve, such that when a one-way valve is opened to allow air to leave said container and the other valve is closed and a vacuum is applied to said container a vacuum environment is created inside said container and further such that when a one-way valve is opened to allow air to enter into said container and the other valve is closed and a pressurized environment is applied to said container a pressurized environment is created inside said container, and further when both one-way valves are placed into open positions and a vacuum, degas or venting environment is applied said container is also concurrently vented or degassed because air or gases are allowed to enter and leave said container concurrently.

The following disclosure modifies all the above container manufacturing methods as follows: Wherein the air-tight seal on a bag or container aperture is resealable, wherein the adhesive, film, plastic or material that can seal or cover a valve is resealable, wherein a second seal can be placed over the interior side of a one-way valve and further wherein said adhesive, film, plastic or material can cover the opening of a one-way valve or part of said container, further comprising the act of providing the valve assembly and seal as an integral piece or part of said container, further comprising the act of providing the one-way valve seal adhesive, film, plastic or material element to cover said valve openings to prevent particles of material from inside and outside said container from entering the valve assembly or container and wherein other compatible container storage technologies can be incorporated into said container with said one-way valves.

The disclosure herein of the various embodiments is not limited to an individual embodiment but rather said disclosure is intended to apply to any and all embodiments as disclosed herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 22-25.

As defined herein, “product packaging” refers to the exterior or interior of a container and embedded materials, bag, outer wrap, container sleeve or adhesives which can attach to or in which the perishable food or item can be stored.

As defined herein, “primary product” can refer to the primary product being sold. In one embodiment, a primary product is a perishable food or item and in another it can include a container and in yet another it can also include container storage technologies. Examples of perishable food or items are any perishable food or item that may or may not require freezer, refrigeration or vacuum storage or combinations thereof. Examples of containers and bags can include any type of sealable or resealable container, bag, package, pouch, receptacle, bottle, flexible or rigid container or any combination that can maintain a vacuum and air-tight environment inside said container when air is evacuated from the interior of the aforesaid or when a pressurized environment is created inside said container.

A “secondary or tertiary product” can refer to a product other than the primary product which can provide an actual or perceived benefit to the primary product. These benefits can also apply from primary to secondary and secondary to tertiary and tertiary to primary brand logos or names or in any combination or order thereof. In one embodiment, a secondary or tertiary product can be an appliance such as a smart refrigerator or kitchen storage system capable of reading containers with rfid tags, a refrigerated vacuum storage unit or a vacuum storage unit without refrigeration to create vacuum environments inside containers, all of which can be enabled to read rfid tags. Other secondary or tertiary products can include freezers, pantry cabinets or drawers, storage closets, containers, container storage technologies and food and service distribution channels or networks.

As defined herein, “benefit” can refer to a quality that is associated with a consumer or a product during its normal use, or to a quality that is not normally associated with a product, but which the product can possess nonetheless. This quality, advantage or synergy can be unexpected, unseen, not apparent, a perishable food or item, container, container storage technologies and appliance application or consumer engagement. In one embodiment, primary benefits of a perishable food or item in a storage container with storage container technologies can include, but are not limited to: preservation and freshness, extended shelf-life, maintenance of nutrients, improved storage appearance, hygiene, suitability, incorporated container or appliance technologies, product advantages and uses, consumer engagement with additional products and benefits, product availability and combinations thereof and as additionally described herein.

As defined herein, “primary brand logo or name” can refer to the brand name or logo that is normally associated with the primary product being sold. Similarly, “secondary or tertiary brand logo or name” can refer to the brand name or brand logo that is associated with a secondary or tertiary product, brand logo or name or common descriptor. A brand logo or name can also include any communicative indicia or combinations thereof.

As defined herein, “communicative indicia” can refer to any indicia that can communicate a specific primary, secondary or tertiary benefit. Communicative indicia includes, but is not limited to: brands, logos, brand logos, brand names, words, symbols, pictures, trademarks, service marks, graphics, text, product samples, advertising information, letters, messages, email and website addresses, social media and other digital contact information and combinations thereof.

As previously stated, the present invention relates to a method and system to provide consumers with a perishable food or item in a container with container storage technologies with product packaging that effectively presents communicative indicia and text to inform consumers of benefits associated with said product, uses and applications with other appliances and to provide consumer information regarding appliances that can utilize a select perishable food or item in a container with container storage technologies.

If a perishable food or item in a container with a container storage technology is to perform its intended task and to be commercially accepted, it should provide consumers with realized benefits. Benefits as previously noted can include, but are not limited to, the group comprising: preservation and freshness, extended shelf-life, maintenance of nutrients, improved storage appearance, hygiene, suitability, incorporated technologies, product advantages, consumer engagement with additional products and product, container, container storage technologies and appliance availability and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, product packaging represents a perishable food or item in a container with a container storage technology. The product packaging further comprises one or more communicative indicium or text to inform consumers of benefits associated with said product. In another embodiment, the communicative indicium or text is a secondary or tertiary brand logo or name of products. Specifically, the secondary and tertiary products may be associated by consumers with a desirable quality or benefit, not normally associated, realized or expected with the primary product such as an appliance which can utilize said perishable food or item, container and container storage technologies and the benefits that flow from those uses.

FIG. 22 depicts a perishable food or item inside a container with a container storage technology and brand logos and names. A sealable container (222) is provided with a cover (221) disposed thereon. The cover can include a one-way valve (220) to allow air to be evacuated from inside said container when a vacuum is applied to it to create a vacuum environment therein. An adhesive, film or plastic material (227) can cover the one-way valve to protect the valve and container contents and can be removed to allow a vacuum environment to be created inside said container. An rfid tag and a sensor (228), in one embodiment the rfid tag and sensor can be connected and in communication with each other, as well as for any of the other embodiments described herein, and can be located individually or together inside or on said container, to monitor and track said perishable food or item (229) and said container. A primary brand logo or name (223) represents a perishable food or item. A secondary brand logo or name (224) represents a container or container storage technology that can be used to allow a vacuum environment to be created inside said container. A brand logo or name descriptor (225) can describe or associate the brand logos or names. A tertiary brand logo or name (226) represents a vacuum appliance that can be used to create a vacuum environment inside said container.

FIGS. 23-26 present flow charts illustrating the steps for various embodiments of the present method and system for preparing, displaying, selling or marketing perishable food or items in a container with a container storage technology. These flow charts also illustrate methods for appliances that can utilize, store, monitor, track and preserve perishable food or items in a container with a container storage technology.

Referring now to FIGS. 23-26, a perishable food or item with a benefit is provided (310). A container storage technology or technologies are selected which are suitable for the perishable food or item and which provide a benefit (320). A container is then manufactured or produced with the selected container storage technologies incorporated into the container (330). The product container or package is provided with a primary brand logo or name that is associated with the perishable food or item. The perishable food or item is then placed, packaged and sealed in the container, with or without a modified environment, with said storage technologies that provide a benefit (340). The product container or packaging is then provided with a primary brand logo or name that is associated with the perishable food or item (350). The product packaging is provided with a primary brand logo associated by consumers with the perishable food, item, container or container storage technology. For example, if the product packaging contains a primary brand, Brand x, of perishable food or items in a container with a container storage technology, then the logo can have communicative indicia or text associated to Brand x. The product packaging is provided with secondary and, if desired, a tertiary brand logo or name (from a secondary or tertiary product) that is associated with a benefit (360). The product packaging can provide secondary and tertiary brand logos or names from products that are the same, different, complementary and may not be normally associated with the primary product but that can be associated to a benefit. The secondary or tertiary logos can have the same relationships and associations as previously described. The primary, secondary and tertiary logos can be applied to the product packaging at any time during the container and product manufacturing, processing and packaging. The primary, secondary and tertiary logos can be printed anywhere on the product, container, container storage technology, packaging or associated marketing or sales materials. In one embodiment, there are more than two logos on the product package that can associate with secondary or tertiary benefits.

Referring back to FIGS. 23-26, the product, container, storage technology, packaging or related marketing material are then displayed or placed in a space for sale (370).

The product, container, storage technology, packaging and related marketing materials are exposed to consumers (380). The primary brand logo or name is exposed to consumers (390), and depending upon the consumer's perception of that brand, the consumer may either purchase (391), not purchase (392) or request or need additional information (393) regarding the benefits and advantages of the product based on viewing the primary brand logo alone. If the consumer does not decide to purchase the product based on the first logo alone (the primary logo), the next logo (secondary or tertiary brand logo, depending upon which logo was first viewed in (390)) is exposed to the consumer (400). For example, if the primary brand logo conveys a fresh and well preserved perishable food or item in a container with a container storage technology and the secondary brand logo conveys a simple, efficient and robust technology for keeping perishable food items fresh in a container with storage container technology then the consumer will understand the product packaging to imply that the perishable food or item in a container with container storage technology keeps perishable food items fresh, well preserved in a simple, efficient and robust manner. And if a secondary or tertiary logo provides a generic or category for an appliance, container or container storage technology or brand logo or name for an appliance the consumer immediately realizes the additional product benefits. If the consumer buys the product based on viewing the primary, secondary and tertiary brand logos or names together then goodwill and improved brand recognition is built into the consumer engagement by combining the products together.

The flow charts represented in FIGS. 23-26 above now continue individually.

Continuing with FIG. 23, the consumer's exposure to the primary brand logo or name in association with the secondary and tertiary brand logos or name immediately creates consumer recognition of the association, benefits and advantages between the perishable food or item, container and container storage technologies with the benefits of the secondary and tertiary brand logos or names (410). The consumer may either purchase (411), not purchase (412) or require additional purchase information regarding the product benefits (413). The result of this consumer and product transaction and engagement creates sales, goodwill, brand creation, recognition and consumer engagement by combining product associations, advantages and benefits.

Referring now to FIG. 24, the consumer's exposure to the common or associative descriptor using communicative indicia or text for the primary and secondary, and if desired tertiary, brand logos or names, immediately creates a benefits recognition between the perishable food item, container and container storage technology with the benefits of the secondary or tertiary brand logo or name (520). The consumer may either purchase (521), not purchase (522) or require additional purchase information regarding the product benefits (523). The result of this consumer and product transaction and engagement creates sales, goodwill, brand creation, recognition and consumer engagement by combining product associations, advantages and benefits.

Continuing with FIG. 25, the consumer's exposure to the communicative indicia and text highlighting the container storage technologies immediately creates benefits recognition between the perishable food item, container and container storage technologies with the benefits of the secondary or tertiary brand logo or name (620). The consumer may either purchase (621), not purchase (622) or require additional purchase information regarding the product benefits (623). The result of this consumer and product transaction and engagement creates sales, goodwill, brand creation, recognition and consumer engagement by combining product associations, advantages and benefits.

Lastly, referring to FIG. 26, the consumer's exposure to the communicative indicia highlighting the container storage technologies combined with the common or associative descriptor using communicative indicia or text for the primary, secondary and, if desired, tertiary brand logos or names, immediately creates benefits recognition between the perishable food or item, container and container storage technologies with the benefits and advantages of the secondary and tertiary brand logo or name (730). The consumer may either purchase (731), not purchase (732) or require additional purchase information regarding the product benefits (733). The result of this consumer and product transaction and engagement creates sales, goodwill, brand creation, recognition and consumer engagement by combining product associations, advantages and benefits.

It should be noted that the methods disclosed in FIGS. 1-4 can also apply where the primary brand logo or name is an appliance and where the secondary or tertiary brand logos and names or generic name references are a perishable food or item, a container or container storage technologies, or any combinations thereof as illustrated in FIG. 27.

FIG. 27 depicts an appliance with a storage technology such as a refrigerator with a vacuum drawer or compartment (230). A primary brand logo or name (223) represents an appliance (231). A secondary brand logo or name (232) represents a container or container storage technology that can be used to allow a vacuum environment to be created inside said container inside said vacuum compartment inside a refrigerator. A brand logo or name descriptor (233) can describe or associate the brand logos or names. A tertiary brand logo or name (234) can represent a perishable food or item or food or service distributor.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A refrigerator system to detect a property of a perishable food comprising:

a refrigerator having a compartment configured to contain the perishable food;

a tag comprising a sensor portion connected to or in communication with the compartment to measure the property of the perishable food;

the tag configured to provide an identifier for the perishable food and transmit the identifier to an appliance or a handheld computing device;

the sensor portion connected to or in communication with the tag and configured to detect one or more gases, volatile organic compounds, chemicals or stimuli from the perishable food;

the sensor portion is configured such that when the tag detects the one or more gases, the volatile organic compounds, the chemicals or the stimuli a resistivity level or a signal output of the tag changes and the tag transmits property data to the appliance or the handheld computing device to interpret the property data;

a tag reader configured to read the tag;

a non-volatile memory; and

a processor in communication with the memory and configured to read instructions from the memory to cause the system to perform operations comprising:

receiving the property data;

receiving the identifier;

monitoring and tracking the property of the perishable food;

determining that the property data meets or exceeds a threshold amount;

generating a property notification based on the property; and

transmitting the property notification to the appliance or the handheld computing device, wherein the property comprises at least one of perishability, preservation, freshness, shelf-life, maintenance of nutrients, appearance, or hygiene of the perishable food.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the tag comprises a radio frequency tag connected to or in communication with a sensor portion, wherein one or more appliance tag readers comprise one or more radio frequency tag readers, and wherein the reading comprises transmitting a radio signal to the tag and receiving a modulated signal from the tag.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the appliance or handheld computing device, incorporates instructions, formulas and values to interpret the property data.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein an appliance or handheld computing device is configured to provide an interpretation of the tag resistivity level or signal output change to determine a level of the property or to provide a notification for a level of the property comprising:

determining that the measured amount of a gas, volatile organic compound, chemical or stimuli meets or exceeds a threshold amount of a gas, volatile organic compound, chemical or stimuli associated with a level of the property; and

sending to the appliance or the handheld device a notification comprising an indication of the level of the property.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the chemical comprises a volatile organic compound.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the stimulus comprises a chemical, a volatile organic compound, a gas, temperature, humidity, vacuum, or pressure.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the radio frequency tag is configured to communicate with an appliance operating system to control appliance operating systems to monitor, enhance or preserve the perishable food.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the compartment comprises a sealable vacuum compartment to vent or create and maintain a vacuum environment to preserve the perishable food or to create a predetermined vacuum level and concurrently release said vacuum level to create vacuum preservation environments inside one-way valve or seal closure containers.

9. A handheld device, comprising:

a reader configured to read a tag with a sensor portion to receive a perishable food identifier associated with a perishable food and to receive a property data from one or more sensors in communication with the perishable food and configured to detect one or more gases, volatile organic compounds, chemicals or stimuli from the perishable food;

a display to display information;

a memory; and

a processor in communication with the memory, the reader and the display and is configured to:

receive the identifier and the product data;

cause the reader to scan for product data from one or more tags or sensors;

receive a sensor reading for the product data; and

cause the display to display information associated with a level of the property, wherein the property comprises at least one of perishability, preservation, freshness, shelf-life, maintenance of nutrients, appearance, or hygiene of the perishable food.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein a tag comprises a radio frequency tag connected to or in communication with a sensor portion, wherein a tag reader comprises a radio frequency tag reader, and wherein the reading comprises transmitting a radio signal to a tag and receiving a modulated signal from the tag.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the handheld computing device incorporates instructions, formulas and values to interpret a change in a tag resistivity level or signal output associated with the property.

12. The system of claim 9, wherein the handheld computing device provides an interpretation of a tag resistivity level or signal output change to determine a level of the property comprising:

receiving the identification;

receiving the property data;

determining a level of the property; and

sending to the handheld device or the appliance a notification comprising an indication of the level of the property.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein a chemical comprises a volatile organic compound.

14. The system of claim 9, wherein a stimulus comprises a chemical, a volatile organic compound, a gas, temperature, humidity, vacuum, or pressure.

15. A method of measuring a property of a perishable food comprising:

providing a tag comprising a sensor portion configured to measure a property of the perishable food, the tag configured to provide an identifier for the perishable food and transmit the identifier to an appliance or a handheld computing device, the sensor portion is configured to detect one or more gases, volatile organic compounds, chemicals or stimuli from the perishable food, and when the tag detects the one or more gases, the volatile organic compounds, the chemicals or the stimuli a resistivity level or a signal output of the tag changes and the tag transmits property data to the appliance or the handheld computing device to interpret the property data;

providing a tag reader configured to read the tag;

identifying the perishable food product by the tag and sending the identifier to the tag reader;

measuring the property by the sensor and sending the property data to the tag reader;

determining that the property data meets or exceeds a threshold amount;

generating a property notification based on the property; and

transmitting the property notification to the appliance or the handheld computing device, wherein the property comprises at least one of perishability, preservation, freshness, shelf-life, maintenance of nutrients, appearance, or hygiene of the perishable food.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the tag comprises a radio frequency tag connected to or in communication with a sensor portion, wherein one or more appliance tag readers comprise one or more radio frequency tag readers, and wherein the reading comprises transmitting a radio signal to the tag and receiving a modulated signal from the tag.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the appliance or handheld computing device, incorporates instructions, formulas and values to interpret the property data.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein an appliance or handheld computing device is configured to provide an interpretation of the tag resistivity level or signal output change to determine a level of the property or to provide a notification for a level of the property comprising:

determining that the measured amount of a gas, volatile organic compound, chemical or stimuli meets or exceeds a threshold amount of a gas, volatile organic compound, chemical or stimuli associated with a level of the property; and

sending to the appliance or the handheld device a notification comprising an indication of the level of the property.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the chemical comprises a volatile organic compound.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the stimulus comprises a chemical, a volatile organic compound, a gas, temperature, humidity, vacuum, or pressure.