Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cooking instrument that has a lid which may be secured to a vessel. The present invention is also directed to a method for securing a lid to a vessel. The cooking instrument includes a vessel, a lid, a first flange, and a second flange. The vessel has a base and a wall. The wall extends upward from the base to define a first opening, and the wall has an outer surface which is substantially cylindrical. The lid is adapted to cover the first opening of the vessel. The lid has a top and a rim. The rim extends downward from the top to define a second opening, and the rim has an inner surface which is substantially cylindrical. The first flange and the second flange enable the lid to be secured to the vessel. The first flange is attached to the outer surface of the vessel, and the second flange is attached to the inner surface of the lid. The base of the vessel may be placed a predetermined depth inside the second opening of the lid.

Abstract: A cover including a cover body adapted for covering on a top end of a canned food or cupped food, a kitchen utensil integrally formed in said cover body and connected thereto by separated connecting points, and a sealing film sealed on an outer side of the cover body to protect the kitchen utensil from contamination when the cover body is covered on a canned food or cupped food, the kitchen utensil including a utensil body having a coupling neck with transverse coupling notches, and a utensil handle having a coupling neck with upright coupling rods adapted for coupling to the coupling neck of the utensil body.

Abstract: A datable food storage container including a vessel having an upper mouth-defining structure, a vessel wall and a vessel bottom; a lid fixable to the upper mouth-defining structure, the lid having a top surface and a bottom surface, the lid having a lid cavity in the top surface; and a dating mechanism positioned in the lid cavity and releasably engaged with the lid, the dating mechanism including a plurality of generally cylindrical body members fixably rotatable about a common axis substantially parallel to the top surface of the lid, each of the body members having an outer surface which carries indicia, and a tubular shaft releasably engaged with the lid and extending through the cylindrical body members along the common axis such that the body members are fixably rotatable about the shaft.

Abstract: A sealing cap fastened to a vacuum seal container and controlled to extract air out of vacuum seal container, the sealing cap including a cap body unit fastened to the vacuum seal container, and an extracting unit mounted in the cap body and controlled to extract air out of the vacuum seal container by reciprocating a control cap of the extracting unit with the hand, the air passage being automatically sealed by a flap, which is forced into the close position by atmospheric pressure, the vacuum status of the vacuum seal container being released when a control cap of the air extracting unit is turned in one direction and pressed down, the cap body having a bottom side covered with a rubber disk which fits different spout sizes and shapes, the rubber disk being secured to the cap body by a T-cap and a sponge between the T-cap and the rubber disk, the rubber disk having a convex flange of V-shaped cross section around the periphery, which prohibits the rubber disk from being forced to curve inwards and to escape

Abstract: A plastic container cap includes a cap body having a rim and a face panel suspended within the rim, a folding utensil formed of a utensil body and a handle and integral with the face panel of the cap body wherein the utensil body, which can be a bowl or a fork, has a peripheral edge spaced from the face panel by a narrow opening and connected to the face panel by connecting portions in the narrow opening, and a neck at one end connected to the handle; the handle is hinged to the neck of the utensil body, having dented lines through which the handle is folded up and attached to the face panel of the cap body at a top side above said utensil body.

Abstract: A multi-purpose fishing bucket having a bucket member and a cover-seat member in which the cover-seat member includes a floatable ring, a detachably-engaged separate middle portion, and a line secured to the ring and to the middle portion such that, detached but tethered, the ring may be thrown for rescue purposes. Preferred embodiments include a line-spooling structure on the middle portion, friction fit of principal parts, and a tip-up holder member preferably removably nested within the bucket member.

Abstract: A closure provides a well in which a game piece is placed. The well has a side wall which supports a well floor. The well floor can contain an opening which can accommodate a drinking straw. A shield is located between the game piece and the well floor. The recessed well is covered by a sealing member which is adhered to an upper surface of the closure. The sealing member can have a pull tab and perforations which can be aligned with the edges of the pull tab. The perforations define a flap. The flap can be coupled to the closure through the use of a mounting flange.

Abstract: A vacuum sealed apparatus for storing foodstuffs is disclosed which comprises a battery powered vacuum pump integral with the container, for portable use in the preservation of foods. More particularly, the invention is a rigid container fitted with a battery operated vacuum pump in its base, and a lid for admitting food to be stored in partial vacuum.

Abstract: An evacuation actuating closure includes a lower cap member with a valve seat plate defining a plurality of angularly displaced venting holes at a central area. An annular guiding wall has upper and lower annular portions above and below the valve seat plate. The lower annular portion can be sealingly engaged with an annular upper wall of a container body. An elastomeric disc member includes an elastomeric central portion fixed on the valve seat plate, and a peripheral brim portion to block resiliently the venting holes. The venting holes are unblocked when the pressure below the venting holes is higher than that above the venting holes. An upper cap member includes a transverse depressing portion and an annular skirt portion sleeved on and slidably retained on the annular guiding wall so as to confine an air transit chamber above the valve seat plate. An elastomeric ring-shaped check valve member is disposed between the annular skirt portion and the annular guiding wall.

Abstract: A container includes a container body, a cap member, a disk member and an evacuating unit. The cap member is mounted on a top open end of the container body and is rotatable about a vertical axis. The disk member is provided beneath and inside the cap member to sealingly close the top open end. The disk member has a downward hollow mounting portion in fluid communication with the top open end. The evacuating unit is operable by the cap member for evacuating air from the container body, and is coupled with the disk member. The evacuating unit has a piston mounted on the downward hollow mounting portion. The piston is movable upward and downward in the downward hollow mounting portion via rotation of the cap member so as to suck out air from the container body.

Abstract: A device to adapt a coffee carafe in its height so that it may be used on a plurality of coffee makers of differing designs. It includes a hinged carafe lid adaptable to fit a coffee carafe and having an internally threaded bore located at the center of the lid, through which is threaded a hollow screw which has a substantially flat or conically-shaped surface attached to its upper end. The surface has holes that fit over the hollow portion of the screw. The height of the surface can be adjusted by rotating it so that the threads elevate or depress the substantially flat or conically-shaped surface, thereby positioning the surface immediately beneath the output spout of the coffee maker or engaging an activation switch or anti-drip valve mechanism at any portion of the coffee maker. The device may utilize a frictionally engaged cylinder within the center bore of the lid instead of the preferred threaded embodiment of the device.

Abstract: Several bottle assemblies 10, 50, 662, 70, and 80 are disclosed having a cap retention portion, respectively identified by reference numbers 28, 54, 64, 73, and 84 which are adapted to allow removable storage of bottle cap 22.

Abstract: This patent discloses a detachable hot beverage cup lid. There is provided a spill resistant feature within the drink-through opening, a condiment funnel, an alignment indicia opposite the drink-through opening, and a novel stirring rod.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a combination ice chute and ice bin covering door for directing ice into the ice storage area of an ice or beverage dispenser. The ice chute cover is pivotally secured to a top surface of the beverage dispenser so that it can move from a closed position to an ice directing/loading position. In the closed position the ice chute cover serves to cover an opening to the ice storage area of the dispenser. A handle on the chute cover can be grasped to manually swing it between both positions. In the ice loading position a portion of the chute extends outward of the perimeter of the beverage dispenser. In operation, the handle is used to move the chute cover from the closed position to the loading position. A bucket of ice can then be lifted so that the open end thereof rests on the lip of the chute cover. The bucket can then be tipped upward so as to empty its ice contents onto the bottom surface of the chute cover.

Abstract: A combination bottle cap and pre-measured medicine dispenser for a medicine bottle having a threaded neck and a body a substance therein. The combination bottle cap and pre-measured medicine dispenser includes a cap for detachably sealing the threaded neck of the medicine bottle from leakage of the substance and a measuring vial interconnected with the cap for measuring a predetermined amount of substance poured out of the threaded neck from the body of the medicine bottle after the cap is removed from the threaded neck of the medicine bottle so that the substance can be dispensed therefrom. The cap includes a cone shaped cover wall having a recess extending therethrough and a skirt depending from the cone shaped cover wall for engaging and sealing the threaded neck. A stopper including a flat base for supporting the combination bottle cap and pre-measured medicine dispenser is used to close the recess extending through the cone shaped cover wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dual-function filter type pot cover, comprising an outside plate, an inside plate, a diverting cover, a filter element and a switching knob, wherein the outside plate, the inside plate and the diverting cover are combined as one, while the switching knob can rotate in relation to the diverting cover, on the inside plate are air vents, on the diverting cover is a separating plate that divide it into a first space with a filter element and a cover plate and a second space with steam holes and an arched guide groove, while on the inner rim of the switching knob is a protruded obstructing plate that is located in the guide groove, so that by rotating the switching knob, when the obstructing plate is away from the steam holes, the steam in the pot will escape without obstruction from the air vent on the inside cover to the first space and out of the steam holes, suitable for cooking food with water, or on the other hand, in case the cooking involves frying with oil, the obstructing plate

Abstract: A storage container with self-retaining lid includes a lid and a storage container. The structure for attaching the lid can be molded on to the bottom of the storage container, molded to the top of the lid, or molded to the lid and the bottom of the storage container. There are several preferred embodiments of the self-retaining lid. In a first preferred embodiment, the lid has a rim with a recessed cavity for firmly receiving a lip of the storage container. In a second preferred embodiment, a bottom of the storage container has a lip which is sized to be firmly inserted into a sealing cavity of the lid. In a third preferred embodiment, a bottom of the storage container has a plurality of balls which are disposed to mate with a plurality of sockets on the lid. In a fourth preferred embodiment, a plurality of hooks are molded into at least two sides of the container and sized to receive the peripheral edge of the lid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dosing cap (20) which is a measuring cup adapted to serve as a liquid tight closure. Said dosing cap is lightweighted by providing a wall with two different thicknesses. The thinner walled part (26) is inserted into the neck of the container to achieve the necessary closure. The thicker walled rest of said dosing cap (28) remains outside and serves as a gripping means to open the corresponding container (10).

Abstract: A closure is attached across the open mouth of a flexible bag for use in closing the bag and dispensing solid, particulate material therefrom. The closure is formed of a continuous ring having a circumference approximating the circumference of the bag mouth, and include a first wall engaging one side of the bag adjacent the bag mouth, and a cover extending across the bag mouth, the cover having a top surface with at least one access opening, a removable cap for the opening, and a continuous rim extending downwardly from the top surface, the rim having a second wall engaging the opposite side of the bag adjacent the bag mouth, the first and second walls being adapted to clamp the upper edge of the bag.

Abstract: An anti-spill liquid container is disclosed and taught wherein the center of gravity of the container/liquid combination causes the container to inherently roll to a predetermined, non-spill, position if the container is inadvertently "knocked over." The invention disclosed and taught is applicable to any generally cylindrical container and is particularly suitable for drinking cups as commonly used in the fast food industry.

Abstract: A combination of a container and a lid is provided. The container has an inner peripheral surface around an opening to the container interior. The lid is movable between (1) a closed position to cover the opening, and (2) an open position to expose the opening. The lid has (a) a peripheral wall, (b) a peripheral hinge that extends from the wall, (c) a plug seal wall that extends from the peripheral hinge, and (d) a central portion that extends from the plug seal wall. When the lid is in a closed position, the lid is displaceable from an outwardly projecting configuration wherein the plug seal wall is held in a non-sealing condition disengaged from the inner peripheral surface to an inwardly deformed configuration wherein the plug seal wall is held in a sealing condition engaged with the inner peripheral surface.

Abstract: A device for opening a pouring part (2) attached to the top wall (1) of a package for flowable media and projecting in a raised manner from said top wall (1), is provided with a cap (13) extending over said pouring part (2), which is removably fitted to the pouring part (2). In order that the opening device makes possible a package which can be produced economically, and which can be opened reliably without excessive expenditure of force, it is provided according to the invention that the cap (13) is rotatable over at least approximately 90.degree. in relation to the pouring part (2) and is provided with an internal space (17) and at least one blade (23) projecting into said space (17), which for opening can be inserted into an at least partly annular surface section (5) in order to carry out cutting.

Abstract: A blow molded combination lid and spill tray has a top wall and a downwardly depending skirt thereabout, the top wall formed from a pair of upper and lower circular walls. The upper and lower circular walls have a central feed circular recess, plurality of circumferentially spaced fused arcuate channels and plurality of second spaced fused arcuate channels with first and second circular hollow sections and first and second radial hollow sections, the hollow sections communicating with a hollow of the downwardly depending skirt. The lid when placed on a supporting surface with the skirt extending upwardly will contain a drum and accumulate spillage or drippage from the drum in the recesses.

Abstract: A closure cap for a tubular container is formed as a monolithic plastic structure having a collar portion of circular configuration with respect to a center axis, and a flange transversely disposed to the axis and defining a circular aperture centered upon the axis. The collar portion has a doubly tapered outer surface which facilitates frictionally gripping engagement with the interior of the container or engagement with another cap of smaller size. Dual caps having multi-functional features are formed by the frictional interengagement of two caps.

Abstract: A vacuum extractor mounted in an one-way valve in a lid of a container body of a vacuum container and adapted to extract air out of the vacuum container, including an extraction pump mounted in the one-way valve and driven to draw air away from the container body, a motor mounted in the lid, a reciprocating mechanism driven by the motor to reciprocate the extraction pump, causing it to draw air away from the container body, and a vacuum a detector mounted in the lid and adapted to detect the pressure of air in the container body, the vacuum detector connecting a power source to the motor when the pressure of air in the container body surpasses a predetermined high value, and cutting off the power source from the motor when the pressure of air in the container body drops below a predetermined low value.

Abstract: A vacuum lid for a round thermoplastic paint container that includes a domed lid (20) with a valve cavity (22), a circumferential lip (38), and a peripheral flange (40). An O-ring (42) is positioned between the lip and flange to seal the container. A pair of lifting tabs (44) hold the lid onto the container by snapping into place onto the container's top lip (24). A one-piece unitary resilient valve (48) is located in the valve cavity and a vacuum pump (56) is attached to the valve. Air is evacuated from the covered container to prevent drying of the paint and utensils stored inside. The pump, in the manual form, is stored in brackets (66) on the surface of the lid, as well as a roller handle extension (70) retained in like brackets (68) for the convenience. One or more hooks (62) are mounted within the lid to hang wet brushes.

Abstract: A bottle includes a cap secured on top and having a pipe extended upward and communicating with the interior of the bottle. A pump device is disposed on the cap for vacuuming the bottle. A bellows member is engaged on the pipe and includes a lower end secured to the cap and an enclosed upper end. A cover is engaged on the cap and includes an aperture for allowing the enclosed upper end of the bellows member to move upward beyond the cover. The enclosed upper end of the bellows member may be moved downward for indicating a vacuum status of the bottle when the bottle is vacuumed by the pump device.

Abstract: A nestable and stackable storage unit including a lid and container is disclosed. The container comprises a base having an upwardly extending wall. The lid is a substantially planar member having top and bottom surfaces and peripheral edge. The lid can be connected to the top of container by locating a head on the rim into a groove located on the bottom surface of the lid. The lid can be connected to the bottom of the container by pressing the lid onto the base which also includes a head. The units can be stored by locating each lid on the base of the container, and nesting the units within one another. Each lid includes a ridge and recess on its top surface for allowing stacking of the same or different size containers upon one another.

Abstract: A closure for sealing a container having an opening covered by a seal. The closure includes a peripheral wall and a nub extending upwardly from the top of the cap. The nub is radiused and includes a rounded peripheral edge. The nub also includes a planar outer surface facing the peripheral wall. The size, location and geometric shape of the nub are selected so that when the closure is inverted, placed over the opening, and rotated 360 degrees or more, the nub will tear the seal only partially away from the container.

Abstract: A combination cutting board and storage container is disclosed. The combination cutting board and storage container can be used for food processing and storage purposes, for fishing bait and tackle processing and storage purposes, and for many other purposes. A storage container in the form of a bin has an opening at the top. The cutting board is formed so that it can fit over the opening. Attachment means are preferably provided for holding the cutting board to the bin. A handle is provided for carrying the combination cutting board and storage bin. The handle is preferably in the form of an arc which extends approximately from one end of the bin to the other. The handle, the side members, and the bin are preferably comprised of polyethylene foam or some other lightweight foam material.

Abstract: A cap for pill bottles and like medicinal containers normally having cotton wadding therein between the pills or capsules and the open mouth of the bottle, wherein the cap is provided with an external hook member which is positionable to be inserted into the bottle to easily remove the cotton without flexing or forcing the fingers into the small mouth bottle.

Abstract: A combination cap and material tooling device is provided including an elongated blade supported on a base wherein the base includes an engagement portion and an intermediate portion. The engagement portion is preferably provided with threads for engaging threads on a container for a spackling stick whereby the contents of the container may be sealed from air to thereby preserve the contents in a soft pliable putty-like consistency. The intermediate portion is located between the blade and the engagement portion and includes a finger depression for receiving an operator's finger whereby the base may be comfortably used to guide the blade in a spackling operation.

Abstract: The lid consists of two unitary parts both of which are molded from a soft rubbery substance. The body of the lid butts against the mouth of a container and includes a vacuum release valve and a check valve through which air may be evacuated from the container. The second part is a bellows pump that sealingly engages the body of the lid. As the bellows pump is worked manually, air is drawn from the container into the pump through the check valve on the body of the lid and the air is then discharged into the atmosphere through a second check valve that is an integral portion of the removable bellows pump. Because of its simplicity and lack of small parts, the lid is easy to clean effectively, and reuse is contemplated. The actuators for the pump and for the vacuum release valve extend to the periphery of the lid thereby making it easy for use by handicapped persons.

Abstract: A container for being filled with a powdered product includes a container body having an open bottom end and an end closure attached to the container top end portion for closing the container top end portion to adapt the container to be filled through the open bottom end portion with the container in an inverted position. The top end closure includes an easy-opening feature for adapting the container to be easily opened by removing at least a part of the top end closure to obtain access to the powdered product within the container after filling and closure of the bottom end portion.

Abstract: A lid is secured to the base of a key box device that defines an enclosed compartment for securing a spare key. The lid carries push-buttons and a knob for locking the lid to the base. The surface of the lid is generally flush with the plane of the base edges thereby eliminating locations for prying the lid from the base. A flanged portion in the lid and corresponding recessed portion in the base sidewalls provide gripping sidewalls to facilitate handling of the lid.

Abstract: A promotional closure for use with an associated container includes a plastic closure cap having an inwardly recessed, circular top wall portion defining a compartment and a depending annular skirt portion depending from the top wall portion. A circumferential lip formed in the closure cap generally at about a periphery of the compartment, defines a circumferential channel-like recess adjacent to the compartment. The closure further includes a removable, circular cover member adapted to cover the compartment by insertion into the circumferential recess. The cover has a pair of circumferentially opposed tab-like, releasable engaging members which are adapted to be received in the circumferential recess to retain the cover in place in the cap over the compartment.

Abstract: A plastic reusable packing and shipping container having an inside lid pocket for computer readable instructions. Toothed lid corners engaged toothed container body corners to form a tight seal. The lid may be hinged to the container's body and the interfacing edges and teeth covered by an adhesive sealing tape. Once, the original container is not longer usable, it can be melted down and recycled into a different sized, shaped, or both, container for a variety of different uses.

Abstract: A cooler and seat system including an insulated container that has a rectangular bottom member with a rectangular rear wall, a rectangular front wall and a pair of side walls. The insulated container has an upper peripheral edge therearound and integral the walls. A first lid has a bottom portion and a top portion with a peripheral wall therebetween and hingedly coupled to the rear wall of the insulated container. A second lid has a bottom portion and a top portion with a peripheral wall therebetween. The peripheral wall is hingedly coupled to the peripheral wall of the first lid for selective rotation of the second lid thereabout. The first lid, when coupled with the second lid, is capable of forming a seat. Lastly, a pair of anti-extension straps with each having a first end coupled to the first lid and a second end coupled to the second lid.

Abstract: A lid assembly is provided for a pail which is characterized by a receptacle portion that is closed of by a secondary lid. The receptacle portion is provided for storing and displaying items related to the contents of the pail, e.g., small tools or instructions. The lid assembly may also have a pouring spout, either within or outside of the receptacle portion, so that the contents of the pail may be emptied without removing the entire lid assembly.

Abstract: A container lid, adapted for use with a cold or hot drink, is provided with a condiment reservoir built into the lid. An orifice for drinking a liquid in the container is provided on one side of a planar surface forming the lid and an open top recess, forming the condiment reservoir, is provided on the other side. Closed side walls and a bottom extending down toward the container serve to form the reservoir. The condiment can be carried directly in the reservoir or in a condiment holder, such as a packet or cup, placed in the reservoir. The side walls extend at an acute angle from the planar surface to allow multiple lids to nest together prior to use. A mating groove and annular projection in the recess and on a cup, respectively, serves as a snap fit interlock system to hold the cup in place. The side walls of the recess include a semicircular wall and a diagonal wall connecting the ends to form the reservoir.

Abstract: A container cap having cutting elements and a recess for removing and storing a container seal. The cutting elements are positioned within the recess and a lid covers the recess. After removing the cap, the cap is inverted so that the cutting elements pierce the seal. The cap is then rotated to cut the seal. The lid is then replaced thereby storing the seal within the recess.

Abstract: A lid for a container designed to contain powder or granular materials includes a lip on an interior or bottom surface of the lid for selectively attaching a scoop. The lip is resiliently deformable when an edge of the scoop is pressed against it. This deforming creates an interference fit, thereby securing the scoop to the undersurface of the lid. When the scoop is to be used, it can be easily removed from the lid without the need for rooting and searching within the container for the lid.

Abstract: A food package that includes a concealed eating utensil is provided. The package comprises a can body containing a quantity of food with a cover removably secured to the can to enclose one end of the can and to provide a storage compartment between the end of the can and the cover. A folded eating utensil is contained in the storage compartment. The utensil has two portions: a functional end portion (spoon, fork or knife) and a handle portion with a joint between them for enabling the utensil to be folded for storage in the compartment. The term "joint" is used broadly herein to include any form of connection, e.g., a hinge or complete separation of the handle from the functional end portion of the utensil with a socket connection therebetween. Utensil retaining members can be provided inside the cover for engaging portions of the utensil to hold it in place.

Abstract: A single piece container closure and eating utensil wherein a container closure and an eating utensil of relatively conventional design are joined by a thin living hinge, such that the eating utensil can be easily folded under the container closure and be retained enclosed between the container closure and the covered container containing the food product prior to use. The container closure/eating utensil assembly can be fitted to standard commercial containers, the eating utensil is protected against contaminants prior to use, and the eating utensil is immediately available for use in a clean and sanitary condition as the consumer opens the container.

Abstract: The present invention is a storable system of containers. Structurally, the present invention includes a series of vessels and corresponding covers. Each vessel is partially insertable into another vessel to configure the vessels as a vessel stack. Each cover is attachable to another cover to configure the covers as a cover stack. The cover stack and vessel stack are attachable to form a storage stack. An individual container is removable from the storage stack by removing a single vessel and the corresponding cover.

Abstract: This invention relates to a container with a self-contained evacuation lid. The container is provided for preserving food and is closed on the top by the evacuation lid. The lid includes a piston rod to be reciprorated up and down such that air inside the container is pumped out. An elastic element is fitted under the piston rod to bias a depressed part of the lid upward for an upward stroke when the depressed part is released after the downward movement. A valve rod is pulled to release the vacuum of the container for removal of the lid.

Abstract: A wire management knockout closure (92) associated with a knockout opening (86) in a wire receiving enclosure (84), includes a body section (94) adapted to traverse the knockout opening (86), a grippable portion (96) at an inwardly facing end, and a wire holding portion at an outwardly facing end (98) of the body section when the knockout closure (92) is disposed in the opening (86). The closure (92) further includes a retention section, which in cooperation with the knockout opening (86) removably retains the closure (92) in the knockout opening (86). When the closure (92) is in position, the wire holding portion extends exteriorly of the electrical enclosure (84) and is secured to the wire portions (76). When the closure (92) is pulled inwardly from the opening (86), portions of the wires (76) held thereby are likewise pulled into the enclosure for performance of worksteps thereon.

Abstract: An improved plug structure for aquarium fish food containers is disclosed. The plug of this invention has two depressions for receiving a detachable tap and a detachable spoon respectively. The tap is pivoted to the spoon and easily opened by a one touch motion. Both the spoon and the tap can be easily separated from the plug body at the same time. The above plug thus allows the fixed amount of food to be taken out of the food container thereby saving food. The plug also prevents food from dropping when measuring the fixed amount of food using the spoon.

Abstract: A resealable cap for a drink bottle having a pump for pressurizing a liquid in the bottle and a tight sealing connection with a threaded bottle neck. The pump is a tube having a soft resinous stepped base within a cylinder which extends downward through the neck into the interior of the bottle. A seal is formed between the base of the tube and the cylinder wall. At the base of the cylinder is a valve for allowing air compressed by the soft base and tube to flow into the bottle and which is sealed shut by the higher pressure created in the bottle when the soft base is retracted. The soft base has a small expandable slit adjacent the tube and above the step forming the seal through which deforms so that air can enter the cylinder on the upstroke. The slit is compressed closed on the downstroke and prevents air from leaving so it is instead forced through the valve.

Abstract: A vacuum container has a vessel and an installed air extraction device covering the vessel. The installed air extraction device has a cap, an air extraction device disposed in the cap, and an air inlet valve passing through a center of the cap. The cap has an inner cover, an outer cover, and a hollow interior defined between the inner cover and the outer cover. An inner sleeve extends downward from the center portion of the outer cover. A spring encloses the middle portion of the air inlet valve. Another spring encloses the inner sleeve.