Patent ID: 7296598
Filing Date: 2007-11-20
Classification: A47J,B65D,F04B

Abstract:
1. A vacuum canister for storing perishable items comprising: a) a body having an open top and defining a storage space; b) a lid removably covering the open top of the body; c) a pump housing positioned within said lid and defining a pumping chamber that selectively communicates with the atmosphere and the storage space; d) a piston slidably positioned within the pumping chamber; e) a pump handle; f) a piston rod connecting the pump handle to the piston so that said piston may be actuated via the pump handle; and g) a skirt-like piston valve formed of flexible material and extending downwardly and generally radially-outward from a periphery of the piston and sealing against the pump housing so that air is expelled from the pumping chamber to the atmosphere when the piston is moved in a first direction, said skirt valve also permitting air to pass between the periphery of the piston and the pump housing so that air is transferred from the storage space to the pumping chamber when the piston is moved in a second direction.