Patent Publication Number: US-2006000733-A1

Title: Rigid container with vacuum channel walls

Description:
FIELD  
      The present invention relates to the field of storage technology. More particularly, the present invention relates to accessories for a vacuum appliance for consumer and industrial applications.  
     BACKGROUND  
      Consumer products involving vacuuming and sealing plastic bags have grown in popularity over the years. The basic model available includes a seal wire that seals the length of the bag and a vacuum pump which pumps air out of the bag prior to sealing. This model works well enough to have sold and inspired imitation.  
      Unfortunately, the model described provides vacuum capability only for plastic bags. Much food and similar material is better stored in jars. Jars with a lid having an aperture or one-way vent of some form may be vacuumed through use of a hose, but cannot be inserted into a slit-shaped opening for this purpose. Moreover, it may be useful to adapt basic jars for use with vacuum applications.  
      Similarly, some foods may be easily stored in plastic bags with little fuss. However, other foods may be placed on a tray, with the food and the tray stored in a vacuum-sealed bag together. Moreover, storing food with a tray may allow for easier reheating of frozen food. Accordingly, adapting a tray for use with vacuum applications may be useful. In general, it may be useful to integrate the food storage methodology with the container in which the food is stored, potentially increasing efficiency and effectiveness of the method and the packaging.  
     SUMMARY  
      A method and apparatus for a rigid container with vacuum channel walls is illustrated and described. In one embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for use with a vacuum appliance. The apparatus includes an inner wall formed of a material suitable for contact with food. The apparatus also includes an outer wall formed of a material suitable for contact with storage locations, with the outer wall joined to the inner wall in at least one area. The apparatus further includes a channel defined by the outer wall and the inner wall. The channel includes space between the inner wall and the outer wall. Moreover, the apparatus includes a valve through one of the inner wall and the outer wall, the valve positioned to allow communication between the channel and an external atmosphere.  
      In an alternate embodiment, the invention is a method of storing food. The method includes placing the food in a tray. The method further includes evacuating a cavity defined by walls of the tray. The method also includes placing the tray in a plastic bag. Moreover, the method includes evacuating the plastic bag.  
      In another alternate embodiment, the invention is a tray for use with a vacuum appliance. The tray includes an inner wall formed of a material suitable for contact with food. The tray also includes an outer wall formed of a material suitable for contact with storage locations. The outer wall is joined to the inner wall in at least one area. The tray further includes a channel defined by the outer wall and the inner wall, with the channel including space between the inner wall and the outer wall. The tray also includes a valve through one of the inner wall and the outer wall, the valve positioned to allow communication between the channel and an external atmosphere.  
      In yet another alternate embodiment, the invention is a method of storing food in a jar. The method includes placing the food in an inner chamber of the jar. The method also includes evacuating a cavity defined by walls of the jar. In still another alternate embodiment, the invention is a jar for use with a vacuum appliance. The jar includes an inner wall formed of a material suitable for contact with food. The jar also includes an outer wall formed of a material suitable for contact with storage locations. The outer wall is joined to the inner wall in at least one area. Additionally, the jar includes a channel defined by the outer wall and the inner wall, the channel including space between the inner wall and the outer wall. Moreover, the jar includes a valve through one of the inner wall and the outer wall, with the valve positioned to allow communication between the channel and an external atmosphere. The jar may further include a lid having a lower surface and an upper surface. The lower surface is formed to fit atop the jar. The lid also includes a valve positioned to pierce the upper surface and the lower surface.  
      In still another embodiment, the invention is a method of using food. The method includes placing the food in a tray. The method also includes evacuating a cavity defined by walls of the tray. The method further includes placing the tray in a plastic bag. The method also includes evacuating the plastic bag.  
      The method may further include sealing and freezing the plastic bag. The method may also include unsealing the plastic bag. Moreover, the method may include reheating the food in the tray.  
      In yet another embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for use with a vacuum appliance. The apparatus includes a means for containing food. The apparatus also includes a means for insulating food within the means for containing. The apparatus may further include means for sealing the means for containing. The apparatus may also include means for evacuating the means for containing.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment in perspective view of a jar, which may be useful with a vacuum appliance.  
       FIG. 2  illustrates an embodiment from a top view of a jar, which may be useful with a vacuum appliance.  
       FIG. 3  illustrates an alternate embodiment from a side cutaway view of a jar, which may be useful with a vacuum appliance.  
       FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment in a perspective view of a tray, which may be useful with a vacuum appliance.  
       FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment from a top view of a tray, which may be useful with a vacuum appliance.  
       FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment from a side cutaway view of a tray, which may be useful with a vacuum appliance.  
       FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment of a tray as it may be used with a vacuum appliance.  
       FIG. 8  illustrates an embodiment of a process of using a tray with a vacuum appliance.  
       FIG. 9  illustrates an embodiment of a process of using a jar with a vacuum appliance.  
       FIG. 10  illustrates an embodiment of a vacuum appliance as it may be used with an embodiment of a lid.  
       FIG. 11  illustrates an embodiment in a cutaway side view of a lid, which may be used, with the jar of  FIGS. 1-3 .  
       FIG. 12  illustrates the embodiment in a partial cutaway side view of a lid, which may be used, with the jar of  FIGS. 1-3  in a first configuration.  
       FIG. 13  illustrates the embodiment in a top view of a lid, which may be used, with the jar of  FIGS. 1-3  in a first configuration.  
       FIG. 14  illustrates the embodiment in a partial cutaway side view of a lid, which may be used, with the jar of  FIGS. 1-3  in a second configuration.  
       FIG. 15  illustrates the embodiment in a top view of a lid, which may be used, with the jar of  FIGS. 1-3  in a second configuration.  
       FIG. 16  illustrates the embodiment in a partial cutaway side view of a lid, which may be used, with the jar of  FIGS. 1-3  in a third configuration.  
       FIG. 17  illustrates the embodiment in a top view of a lid, which may be used, with the jar of  FIGS. 1-3  in a third configuration.  
       FIG. 18  illustrates a container with a valve device arranged to evacuate both a chamber and an inside of the container.  
       FIGS. 19-20  illustrate two possible embodiments of the valve device of  FIG. 18 .  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      A method and apparatus for a rigid container with vacuum channel walls is illustrated and described. In one embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for use with a vacuum appliance. The apparatus includes an inner wall formed of a material suitable for contact with food. The apparatus also includes an outer wall formed of a material suitable for contact with storage locations, with the outer wall joined to the inner wall in at least one area. The apparatus further includes a channel defined by the outer wall and the inner wall. The channel includes space between the inner wall and the outer wall. Moreover, the apparatus includes a valve through one of the inner wall and the outer wall, the valve positioned to allow communication between the channel and an external atmosphere.  
      In an alternate embodiment, the invention is a method of storing food. The method includes placing the food in a tray. The method further includes evacuating a cavity defined by walls of the tray. The method also includes placing the tray in a plastic bag. Moreover, the method includes evacuating the plastic bag.  
      In another alternate embodiment, the invention is a tray for use with a vacuum appliance. The tray includes an inner wall formed of a material suitable for contact with food. The tray also includes an outer wall formed of a material suitable for contact with storage locations. The outer wall is joined to the inner wall in at least one area. The tray further includes a channel defined by the outer wall and the inner wall, with the channel including space between the inner wall and the outer wall. The tray also includes a valve through one of the inner wall and the outer wall, the valve positioned to allow communication between the channel and an external atmosphere.  
      In yet another alternate embodiment, the invention is a method of storing food in a jar. The method includes placing the food in an inner chamber of the jar. The method also includes evacuating a cavity defined by walls of the jar. In still another alternate embodiment, the invention is a jar for use with a vacuum appliance. The jar includes an inner wall formed of a material suitable for contact with food. The jar also includes an outer wall formed of a material suitable for contact with storage locations. The outer wall is joined to the inner wall in at least one area. Additionally, the jar includes a channel defined by the outer wall and the inner wall, the channel including space between the inner wall and the outer wall. Moreover, the jar includes a valve through one of the inner wall and the outer wall, with the valve positioned to allow communication between the channel and an external atmosphere. The jar may further include a lid having a lower surface and an upper surface. The lower surface is formed to fit atop the jar. The lid also includes a valve positioned to pierce the upper surface and the lower surface.  
      In still another embodiment, the invention is a method of using food. The method includes placing the food in a tray. The method also includes evacuating a cavity defined by walls of the tray. The method further includes placing the tray in a plastic bag. The method also includes evacuating the plastic bag.  
      The method may further include sealing and freezing the plastic bag. The method may also include unsealing the plastic bag. Moreover, the method may include reheating the food in the tray.  
      In yet another embodiment, the invention is an apparatus for use with a vacuum appliance. The apparatus includes a means for containing food. The apparatus also includes a means for insulating food within the means for containing. The apparatus may further include means for sealing the means for containing. The apparatus may also include means for evacuating the means for containing.  
      Turning to the Figures,  FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment in perspective view of a jar, which may be useful with a vacuum appliance. Jar  100  has an outer layer  110  and an inner layer  120 , between which is a channel or chamber  130 . Inner layer  120  may be formed as a single piece along with inner bottom  125 , or may be joined to inner bottom  125 . Inner layer  120  and outer layer  110  may be joined together at some point, such as at the top of jar  100  as illustrated. Surface  150  of inner layer  120  and surface  140  of outer layer  110  collectively define the bounds of chamber  130 . Valve  160  provides access through outer layer  110  to chamber  130 . Thus, chamber  130  may be evacuated through valve  160  in a selective manner, allowing for potentially better insulation characteristics for jar  100 .  
       FIG. 2  illustrates an embodiment from a top view of a jar which may be useful with a vacuum appliance. As illustrated, valve  160  is located on outer layer  110 , but valve  160  may be located in other positions, such as at a point where outer layer  110  and inner layer  120  are joined, for example.  FIG. 3  illustrates an alternate embodiment from a side cutaway view of a jar which may be useful with a vacuum appliance. Making a cut along line  3  of  FIG. 2  exposes the view of  FIG. 3 . Chamber  130  is shown to extend throughout jar  100 , and valve  160  is better shown to communicate with chamber  130 . Note that valve  160  may also be suitable to use in filling chamber  130 , with a hot or cold liquid for example. Moreover, note that valve  160  is preferably designed to receive a hose or tube on its external end. Also, note that apparatus  100  has been described and illustrated as a jar, while it may easily be implemented as a cup instead, typically with angled sidewalls rather then vertical sidewalls.  
      While a jar has potential applications for storage of food where a bag cannot be used, a tray may be used in conjunction with a bag or to complement a bag.  FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment in a perspective view of a tray which may be useful with a vacuum appliance. Tray  400  includes inner bottom  410 , inner sidewalls  415 , outer layer  420 , chamber  430 , and valve  460 . Valve  460  communicates selectively between chamber  430  and an external atmosphere or pump. Chamber  430  is defined by the inner surface  425  of inner bottom  410  and an inner surface of outer layer  420 , such that it may provide for either a vacuum or filled cavity within tray  400 . Valve  460  may be used to either evacuate or fill chamber  430 .  FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment from a top view of a tray which may be useful with a vacuum appliance.  FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment from a side cutaway view of a tray which may be useful with a vacuum appliance. The cut along line  6  of  FIG. 5  exposes the view of  FIG. 6 .  
       FIG. 7  illustrates an embodiment of a tray as it may be used with a vacuum appliance. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , a piece of food (illustrated as a chicken leg) is placed on the inner bottom  410  of tray  400  and a bag  470  is placed over the tray  400  and food contained therein. In one embodiment, the tray  400  may be evacuated through valve  460  to provide insulation between the tray  400  and any external surface underneath. The bag  470  may be evacuated and sealed, thus providing for a sealed, vacuum-packed, food storage container. The locations and shapes of the various components may be varied, such that a round tray or a tray without sidewalls may be used, and such that valve  460  may be located at any convenient location.  
      Moreover, the food may be heated on the tray  400 , such as through use of a microwave oven. Tests have shown that the use of an evacuated tray such as tray  400  enhances heating of the food placed thereon, allowing for quicker or more efficient heating. This is particularly true when the tray sits on legs as the microwaves are believed to become more focused on the tray and thus the product. Moreover, using the tray in the bag potentially provides a more convenient and portable package for food, as a plate or similar item is not necessary when the food is consumed.  
      As with the tray of  FIGS. 4-7 , methods of using the tray of  FIGS. 1-3  may be useful.  FIG. 8  illustrates an embodiment of a process of using a jar with a vacuum appliance. At block  810 , food is placed in the jar. At block  820 , the chamber within the jar (such as chamber  130  for example) is evacuated (such as through valve  160  for example). At block  830 , the lid of the jar is sealed (such as lid  77  for example). At block  840 , the inside of the jar is evacuated (such as through lid  77  for example). At block  850 , the jar is frozen, for long term storage. At block  860 , the jar is unsealed, allowing access to the food inside and filling the vacuum therein. At block  870 , the food is used. Various blocks of this process may be rearranged or left out, such that the chamber within the jar may be evacuated before food is added to the jar, or may not be evacuated at all for example. Similarly, the jar need not be frozen for example.  
      As with the jar, the tray of  FIGS. 4-7  may be used in different ways.  FIG. 9  illustrates an embodiment of a process of using a jar with a vacuum appliance. At block  910 , food is placed on a tray, such as tray  400  for example. At block  920 , the chamber within the tray is evacuated, such as chamber  430  evacuated through valve  460  for example. At block  930 , the tray is placed in a bag, such as bag  970  for example. At block  940 , the bag is evacuated. At block  950 , the evacuated bag is sealed. At block  960 , the sealed and evacuated bag is frozen for long-term storage. At block  970 , the bag is unsealed, allowing access to its contents. At block  980 , the food is microwaved on the tray. At block  990 , the food is then used.  
      The method of  FIG. 9  allows for great flexibility. For example, the blocks of  FIG. 9  may be reordered in appropriate ways, such as by evacuating the chamber of the tray at block  920  before placing food on the tray at block  910 . Moreover, the tray need never go into the bag, thus leaving blocks  930 - 970  out of the method in some embodiments. Alternatively, the bag need not be frozen (omitting block  960 ) or the food need not be microwaved (omitting block  980 ). Moreover, the chamber of the tray need not be evacuated, as at block  920 .  
      Preferably, the jar of  FIGS. 1-3  and the tray of  FIGS. 4-7  are used with a vacuum appliance having a hose suitable for use with the valves depicted.  FIG. 10  illustrates an embodiment of a vacuum appliance which may include a vacuum hose and may be used with a jar or tray such as those described above. In particular,  FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a vacuum appliance  20 . Buttons  66  and  68  respectively are provided on appliance  20  to activate a vacuum pump and a heat sealing wire. Indicators  56  and  57  are provided to indicate when either vacuum or heat sealing is occurring respectively. In such an embodiment, vacuum hose  85  may be used with opening or valve  86  to couple the vacuum pump of appliance  20  to a valve on another device, such as a jar or tray, or a lid for a jar.  
       FIGS. 10-17  illustrate a lid attachment  77  for a container  78  adapted for connection to a vacuum pump of apparatus  20  for the purpose of selectively evacuating the container. The lid attachment includes an annular lid adapter  79  and an annular elastomeric seal  80  secured thereunder to form a static seal at an upper flange  81  of container  78 . The lid attachment further comprises an annular connector  82  having an annular elastomeric seal  83  secured thereunder to engage a radially outer surface of an annular ridge  84  formed on lid adapter  79 .  
      A flexible plastic tube  85  is attached between connector  82  and an opening or connector  86 , formed through the top panel of appliance  20  ( FIG. 10 ). Connector  86  may be used to provide a connection or coupling between tube or hose  85  and the vacuum pump of appliance  20 .  
      Referring to  FIGS. 11-17 , a thumbnut  88  is threaded onto a neck  89 , formed centrally on lid adapter  79 . As illustrated, an indicia marking in the form of an arrow  90  is formed on the thumb-nut to visually indicate one of three operative positions of the thumb-nut, i.e., “vacuum”, “closed”, or “open” as marked on lid adapter  79 . When the thumbnut is rotated to its “vacuum” position illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , a user is enabled to use apparatus  20  and press button  66  to draw a vacuum in container  78 .  
      In particular, a plastic disc  91  is “loosely” mounted within thumbnut  88  and forms a valve element that openly communicates the vacuum drawn in tube  85  ( FIGS. 10 and 11 ) with the container. The vacuum is drawn across a transverse slot  92  formed in the upper surface of the disc and through a centrally disposed passage  93 , formed through neck  89 . The applied vacuum will induce a lifting of disc  91 , which overlies passage  93 , to aid in evacuation.  
      A plurality of radially and circumferentially spaced hook-like fingers or retention members  94  are formed integrally with the disc in upstanding relationship thereon to extend through a mounting hole and overlie a flange  95  defined on the thumb-nut for retention purposes. The retention members are sufficiently flexible and resilient to permit a snapping-out of the members from their mounting hole, formed centrally through the thumbnut. In  FIG. 13 a  flexible detent  96  is formed integrally on a sidewall or skirt of the thumbnut to extend radially inwardly to releasably engage within a groove  97 , formed on the outer side of neck  89 .  
      This detent arrangement will releasably retain the thumb nut is in its illustrated “vacuum” position in  FIG. 12 . A similar detent arrangement is also provided for releasably holding the thumb screw in each of its “closed” ( FIGS. 14 and 15 ) and “open” ( FIGS. 16 and 17 ) positions. Otherwise stated, three circumferentially spaced (120° apart) detents  96  and their associated grooves  97  are formed on the thumbscrew and neck for this purpose. During evacuation of container  78  the large chamber and reservoir defined between lid adapter  79  and connector  82  will collect and prevent liquids and powders, drawn from the container, from entering tube  85 .  
      After the container has been evacuated, connector  82  is removed and thumb nut  88  is turned-down to its “closed” position illustrated in FIGS.  14  and  15  to compress the flat underside of disc  91  against an O-ring seal  98 , mounted on neck  89  to surround passage  93 . When the connector is removed, the vacuum in the container will pull disc  91  against seal  98  to retain the vacuum until the thumbnut is turned-down. An annular bead  99  is formed beneath flange  95  of the thumbnut to engage the upper side of disc  91  to compress it against the seal. Diametrically extending and narrow slot  92  will not interfere with this closing function.  
      When the user chooses to release the vacuum in the container, thumbnut  88  is released to its  FIGS. 16 and 17  position whereby flange  95  will engage beneath the hook ends of retention members  94  to raise disc  91  from seal  98 . Air is thus permitted to ingress into the container via slot  92  and passage  93 .  
      While a detailed and complex valve has been described with respect to  FIGS. 10-17 , a simpler valve may be used as valve  160  or  460  for example. Such a valve may also be used with hose  85  for example, to allow for evacuation of the chambers formed in jar  100  or tray  400  for example.  
      With respect to  FIGS. 18-21 , an embodiment of the present invention which provides simultaneous evacuation of the chamber and the inside of the container will now be described.  FIG. 18  illustrates a container  200  having a sealed chamber  202  and a one-way valve  204 . The one-way valve  204  vents the chamber  202  to the outside of the container  200 . The one-way valve  204  is by some mechanism coupled to both the inside of the chamber  202  and the inside of the container  200  such that evacuating through the one-way valve  204  evacuates both the inside of the container  200  and the chamber  202 .  
       FIG. 19  illustrates a container  200 ′ having a valve  204 ′. The valve  204 ′ travels through the chamber  202  into the inside of the container  200 . The valve  204 ′ has intakes both within the chamber  202  and inside the container  200 .  
       FIG. 20  illustrates a container  200 ″ having two valves  204 ′ and  206 . The valve  204 ′ is one-way, having an intake within the chamber  202 , and a vent outside the container  200 . The valve  206  is one-way, having an intake inside the container  200  and a vent inside the chamber  202 .  
      Both embodiments of  FIGS. 19-20  enable simultaneous evacuation of the chamber and the container.  
      From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. In some instances, reference has been made to characteristics likely to be present in various or some embodiments, but these characteristics are also not necessarily limiting on the spirit and scope of the invention. In the illustrations and description, structures have been provided which may be formed or assembled in other ways within the spirit and scope of the invention. Similarly, methods have been illustrated and described as linear processes, but such methods may have operations reordered or implemented in parallel within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.