Patent ID: 7931052
Filing Date: 2011-04-26
Classification: B65D

Abstract:
1. A vacuum storage container for storing items at below atmospheric pressure, comprising in combination: a receptacle; a lid adapted to be removably coupled to said receptacle and provide a substantially enclosed interior space; a vacuum pump adapted to remove air from said interior space; an openable and closable bleed port adapted to return air into said interior space when pressure equalization is desired; wherein said bleed port includes at least one valve, said valve biased toward an open position facilitating air transfer between an exterior of said receptacle and said interior space; wherein said lid is hingedly attached to said receptacle, said receptacle including a lever pivotably attached to said receptacle adjacent a rim of said receptacle, said lever adapted to pivot between an open position and a closed position, a clamp pivotably attached to said lever, said clamp adapted to engage a portion of said lid spaced from where said lid is hingedly attached to said receptacle, said clamp adapted to exert a closing force upon said lid when said lever is moved toward said closed position; and wherein said bleed port is located within said lid with an entry adjacent a surrounding atmosphere and a mouth open to said interior space when said lid is in a closed position adjacent said receptacle, said clamp adapted to apply a force on said valve of said bleed port sufficient to close said valve when said lever is moved toward said closed position.