Patent Publication Number: US-2007104601-A1

Title: Vacuum bellows

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/735,744 filed on Nov. 10, 2005 and entitled “Vacuum Bellows,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND  
      The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for applying a vacuum to a container.  
      Perishable foods (e.g., condiments, sauces, vegetables and other foods) are typically packed, distributed, sold and stored in various types of containers (e.g., cans, jars, bottles, etc.). Typically, the containers enclose a less than atmospheric pressure (e.g., “vacuum packed”) to help preserve the perishable food contained therein. Unfortunately, once the container is opened, the less than atmospheric pressure is displaced with atmospheric pressure.  
      Several approaches to replaceable lids for the various containers have been produced and proposed. Some of the lids even include the ability to seal or reseal a container under a less than atmospheric pressure. However, none of the previously proposed approaches provide a lid that is inexpensive, easy to use, easy to clean and provides an indication that the less than atmospheric pressure is still present in the container.  
     SUMMARY  
      Broadly speaking, the present invention fills these needs by providing a vacuum bellows that also indicates the pressure present in a space coupled to the vacuum bellows. It should be appreciated that the present invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a process, an apparatus, a system, computer readable media, or a device. Several inventive embodiments of the present invention are described below.  
      One embodiment provides a method of reducing pressure within an enclosed space includes sealing a vacuum bellows to the enclosed space, reducing a first pressure within the enclosed space to a desired pressure, equalizing a pressure in the enclosed space and the vacuum bellows to the desired pressure and collapsing the vacuum bellows. The method can also include equalizing the pressure in the enclosed space with an external atmospheric pressure.  
      Reducing pressure within the enclosed space to the desired pressure can include expanding the vacuum bellows and compressing the vacuum bellows. Expanding the vacuum bellows includes opening an internal check valve, closing an external check valve and drawing air from the enclosed space and into the vacuum bellows. Compressing the vacuum bellows includes substantially closing the internal check valve, opening the external check valve and forcing air from the vacuum bellows through the external check valve. The vacuum bellows can be expanded and compressed iteratively until the desired pressure in the enclosed space is achieved.  
      The internal check valve includes a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface and substantially closing the internal check valve can include preventing a complete seal between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface. The internal check valve can include a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface and at least one of the first sealing surface or the second sealing surface can include an equalization channel.  
      Equalizing the pressure in the enclosed space and the vacuum bellows can include automatically compressing the vacuum bellows. Equalizing the pressure in the enclosed space and the vacuum bellows to the desired pressure can include providing an equalization air flow between the enclosed space and the vacuum bellows. The equalization air flow is less than an air flow drawn from the enclosed space and into the vacuum bellows.  
      Another embodiment provides a method of reducing pressure within an enclosed space including sealing a vacuum bellows to the enclosed space and reducing a first pressure within the enclosed space to a desired pressure. Reducing a first pressure within the enclosed space to the desired pressure can include expanding and compressing the vacuum bellows. Expanding the vacuum bellows includes opening an internal check valve, closing an external check valve; and drawing air from the enclosed space and into the vacuum bellows. The internal check valve includes a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface and at least one of the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface includes an equalization channel. Compressing the vacuum bellows includes substantially closing the internal check valve, opening the external check valve and forcing air from the vacuum bellows through the external check valve. The method also includes equalizing a pressure in the enclosed space and the vacuum bellows to the desired pressure including allowing an equalization air flow from the vacuum bellows to the enclosed space through the equalization channel and collapsing the vacuum bellows.  
      Another embodiment provides a vacuum bellows including a top including an exhaust check valve, a bottom including an internal check valve and an equalizing valve and a flexible body bonded to the top and the bottom. The top can include an access port providing access to the internal portion of the vacuum bellows. The top can include a vacuum release valve.  
      The vacuum can be sealed to an enclosed space. The vacuum bellows can be sealed to the enclosed space including the vacuum bellows is removably sealed to the enclosed space. The top can include an actuator.  
      The internal check valve and the equalizing valve can be combined in a single, internal check/equalizing valve. The internal check valve can include a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface. In a closed position, the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface do form an incomplete seal.  
      The internal check valve can include a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface. At least one of the first sealing surface or the second sealing surface can include an equalization channel.  
      The vacuum bellows can also include a sealing ring detachably mated and sealed to a sealing receiver on the bottom. The sealing receiver can include at least one of an inner raised portion capable of sealing to an inside surface of the sealing ring or an outer raised portion capable of sealing to an outside surface of the sealing ring.  
      Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The present invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a vacuum bellows, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 2  is a side view of a vacuum bellows, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 3  is a top view of the vacuum bellows  100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  
       FIG. 4A  is a cutaway top view of the vacuum bellows, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  
       FIGS. 4B and 4C  show the vacuum bellows opened, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIGS. 4D and 4E  show detailed views of the internal check/equalizing valve  112 A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention  
       FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the lid, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart of the method operations for reducing the pressure in the enclosed space, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart of the method operations for reducing the pressure in the enclosed space, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
      Several exemplary embodiments for a vacuum bellows will now be described. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without some or all of the specific details set forth herein.  
      A vacuum bellows can be incorporated into a packaging system (e.g., a container or sealable bag or any other suitable enclosed space). The vacuum bellows can be used to easily reduce the pressure of the enclosed space. The reduced pressure in the enclosed space can enhance the storage capability of the enclosed space as described above. The vacuum bellows allows the enclosed space to be repeatably pumped down to a pressure less than the atmospheric pressure so that the contents of the enclosed space can be accessed and any remaining contents again stored under a less than atmospheric pressure.  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a container  155  including a vacuum bellows  100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Smaller, similar containers  155 A- 155 B are shown within the container  155 . The vacuum bellows  100  can be included in a lid  150  or other surface of an enclosed space  155  or container or otherwise coupled to or incorporated into the enclosed space. The lid  150  can be removably attached to the enclosed space  155 . The vacuum bellows  100  can draw air from inside the enclosed space  155  (i.e., evacuate the air from the enclosed space) and thereby reduce the pressure in the enclosed space to a level less than the atmospheric pressure external from the enclosed space. The vacuum bellows  100  can be in an up (i.e., expanded) position or a stowed (i.e., collapsed or compressed) position when the lid  150  is secured to the enclosed space  155 . While the vacuum bellows  100  is shown being part of a top or lid for a container or an enclosed space  155 , it should be understood that the vacuum bellows can be located on or incorporated into any suitable surface of the enclosed space. By way of example, the vacuum bellows  100  can be included in a side of the enclosed space  155 . In another example, the vacuum bellows  100  can be attached to a side and the enclosed space can be a resealable bag.  
       FIG. 2  is a side view of a vacuum bellows  100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 3  is a top view  120  of the vacuum bellows  100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 4A  is a cutaway top view of the vacuum bellows  100 , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  FIGS. 4B and 4C  show the vacuum bellows  100  opened, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to  FIGS. 1-4C , the vacuum bellows  100  includes a body  102 , a top  104  and a bottom  106 . The body  102  is formed from a flexible material. The body  102  can optionally include formed folds  108  or pleats to facilitate folding as the body is collapsed. The formed folds  108  can be reinforced for reliability by for example, adding additional thickness or layers of flexible material in the folds.  
      The vacuum bellows  100  is formed from a non-porous material. The bellows body  102  is formed from a flexible material to allow the body to expand and collapse. The flexible material can be any suitable material such as a plastic or rubber or silicone or similar non-porous flexible material. The top  104  and bottom  106  of the vacuum bellows  100  can be manufactured from a material or combination of materials that are more rigid than the flexible material used to form the body  102 . By way of example, the top  104  and bottom  106  of the vacuum bellows  100  can be manufactured from polyethylene and the body  102  can be formed from silicone.  
      The vacuum bellows  100  can be assembled from one or more pieces (e.g., sheets) of flexible material and then bonded together. By way of example, multiple pieces of flexible material can be cut to the desired shape and then bonded together with heat or adhesive to form the vacuum bellows  100 . The vacuum bellows  100  can be formed in one or more pieces of molded flexible material. The precise molding process can be any suitable molding process suitable for molding the selected flexible material. If the vacuum bellows  100  is molded in or cut from more than one piece of material, the pieces can then be bonded together to form the bellows.  
      The vacuum bellows  100  can also be formed from more than one type of material. By way of example a top and bottom of the vacuum bellows  100  may be formed from a stiff plastic while the body  102  is formed from a more flexible plastic, rubber latex, silicone or combinations thereof.  
      The top  104  of the vacuum bellows  100  can include a handle or actuator  110 . The vacuum bellows  100  can be expanded by raising or opening the actuator  110 . As the vacuum bellows  100  is expanded air is drawn from the enclosed space through an internal check valve  116  and into the vacuum bellows. As shown in  FIG. 4A , a portion of the top  104  can include an access port  113  to facilitate cleaning the inside the vacuum bellows  100 . The access port can include an exhaust check valve  114 . The access port can be sealed to the top  104 .  
      Pressing on the actuator  110  collapses vacuum bellows  100  which increases the pressure within the vacuum bellows. The increased pressure within the vacuum bellows  100  causes the internal check valve  116  to close and an exhaust check valve  114  to open and also forces the air from inside the vacuum bellows through the exhaust check valve. The exhaust check valve  114  is mounted on the external portion of the vacuum bellows  100  (e.g., in the top  104 ). The internal check valve  116  is located between the vacuum bellows  100  and the enclosed space  155 .  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 4B and 4C , the vacuum bellows  100  can include a sealing ring  124  that can detachably mate with and seal to a sealing receiver  126 . The sealing receiver  126  can include an inner raised portion  126 A that can mate with the inside surface or circumference  124 A of the sealing ring  124 . Optionally or alternatively, the sealing receiver  126  can include an outer raised portion  126 B that can mate with and seal to the outside surface or circumference  124 B of the sealing ring  124 . The sealing ring  124  can optionally include supports  128 . The supports  128  provide an optional contact for the actuator  110  to press the sealing ring  124  into a sealed position on or within the sealing receiver  126 . The sealing ring  124  and the sealing receiver  126  provide an access to the internal portion of the vacuum bellows  100  so as to allow cleaning inside the vacuum bellows.  
      It should be understood that even though the sealing ring  124  and the sealing receiver  126  are shown as substantially circular in shape that the sealing ring and the sealing receiver could be formed in other shapes. By way of example, the sealing ring  124  and the sealing receiver  126  can be shaped in an elliptical, rectangular, triangular or any other shape that can be formed to create a suitable detachable seal. The actuator  110  can optionally include a latch  130 A that can latch to a corresponding latch  130 B on the lid  150 .  
      Referring again to  FIGS. 1-4A , the pressure equalizing valve  112  provides a controlled flow path between the vacuum bellows  100  and the enclosed space  155 . The pressure equalizing valve  112  and equalize the pressure between the enclosed space  155  and the inside of the vacuum bellows  100 . Equalizing the pressure between the enclosed space  155  and the inside of the vacuum bellows  100  automatically collapses the vacuum bellows due to the higher atmospheric pressure outside the vacuum bellows as compared to the less than atmospheric pressure on the inside of the vacuum bellows. Collapsing the vacuum bellows  100  decreases the size of the vacuum bellows and allows for more compact stowage of the vacuum bellows. The collapsed state or condition of the vacuum bellows  100  can also indicate the less than atmospheric pressure condition inside the evacuated space  155 .  
      The less than atmospheric pressure condition inside the vacuum bellows  100  can also provide significant sanitary and storage quality benefits. By way of example, a perishable material (e.g., foodstuff, drugs, chemicals, etc.) is often stored under less than atmospheric pressure conditions in the enclosed space  155 . Unfortunately, as a typical vacuum pump evacuates the enclosed space  155 , a portion of the perishable material may be drawn into the typical vacuum pump. As a result, the portion of the perishable material drawn into the vacuum pump is typically not stored under less than atmospheric pressure conditions and therefore can rapidly perish (e.g., spoil or otherwise become contaminated). The perishable material drawn into the typical vacuum pump also contaminates the vacuum pump. Further, once the perishable material drawn into the typical vacuum pump actually perishes, the perished material can subsequently contaminate the remaining perishable material in the enclosed space  155 .  
      The equalizing valve  112  ensures that if a portion of the perishable material is drawn into the vacuum bellows  100 , then the less than atmospheric pressure in both the enclosed space  155  and inside the vacuum bellows, ensures that the perishable material drawn into the vacuum bellows will also be stored under the less than atmospheric pressure conditions. As a result, the perishable material drawn into the vacuum bellows  100  should not perish before the remaining perishable material in the enclosed space and therefore will not contaminate either the vacuum bellows or the remaining perishable material in the evacuated space.  
      The functions of the internal check valve  116  and the pressure equalizing valve  112  can be combined in a single, internal check/equalizing valve  112 A. One or more of the internal check valve  116 , the pressure equalizing valve  112 , the internal check/equalizing valve  112 A and the exhaust check valve  114  can be removable.  
       FIGS. 4D and 4E  show detailed views of the internal check/equalizing valve  112 A, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The internal check/equalizing valve  112 A provides both the internal check valve functionality and the equalizing valve functionality. The internal check/equalizing valve  112 A includes a seat  402  and a disk  404 . The disk  404  is attached to a shaft  412 . The shaft  412  slideably fits within the opening  414  in the seat  402 . The disk  404  includes a first sealing surface  410 A that mates to a second sealing surface  410 B in the seat  402 . The shaft  412  allows the disk  404  to rise up from the seat  402  and separate the sealing surface  410 A and  410 B. The shaft  412  can also include a land  412 A that engages the bottom surface  416  of the opening  414 . The land  412 A limits the movement of the shaft  412  and the disk  404  but does allow the disk  404  to rise up from the seat  402  and separate the sealing surfaces  410 A and  410 B.  
      The sealing surfaces  410 A and  410 B do not form a complete seal when mated together (i.e., in a closed position) because an equalization channel  406  is provided in at least one of the sealing surfaces  410 A and  410 B. As shown, the equalization channel  406  is provided in the sealing surface  410 B but the equalization channel could additionally or optionally be provided in the sealing surface  410 A. A recessed portion  408  of the seat  402  allows the disk  404  to recess into the seat in the closed position (i.e., with sealing surfaces  410 A and  410 B contacting). A cutout  408 A in the recessed portion  408  ensures that the equalization channel  406  is not blocked if the internal check/equalizing valve  112 A becomes contaminated with something. The check/equalizing valve  112 A can be formed from any suitable material including metal, plastic, thermoplastic or any other suitable material.  
      In operation, the top of the seat  402  and the disk  404  are on the vacuum bellows  100  side and the enclosed space  155  is on the bottom side of the seat and the disk. When the pressure in the vacuum bellows  100  is less than the pressure in the enclosed space  155  (i.e., when the actuator is drawn upward to expand the vacuum bellows), the disk  404  is drawn upward in direction  420  thereby separating the sealing surfaces  410 A and  410 B and allowing air to flow from the enclosed space into the vacuum bellows. When the pressure in the vacuum bellows  100  is greater than the pressure in the enclosed space  155  (i.e., when the actuator is pressed downward to compress and collapse the vacuum bellows), the disk  404  is pushed downward in direction  422  thereby causing the sealing surfaces  410 A and  410 B to contact and form an incomplete seal which substantially limits air flow from the vacuum bellows into the enclosed space. The equalization channel  406  prevents a complete sealing of the sealing surfaces  410 A and  410 B.  
      When the vacuum bellows  100  is completely collapsed, the equalization channel  406  allows a relatively small equalization air flow from the vacuum bellows to the enclosed space  155 . As a result, the pressure in the vacuum bellows  100  and the enclosed space  155  are substantially equalized in a relatively short time (e.g., between less than about 0.5 second and about 60 seconds). By way of example the equalization channel  406  can equalize the pressure in the vacuum bellows  100  and the enclosed space  155  in about 5 seconds or less in one embodiment.  
      The equalization channel  406  has a width that is wide enough to allow a relatively small equalization air flow from the vacuum bellows  100  to the enclosed space  155  so that the pressure in the vacuum bellows and the enclosed space are substantially equalized in a desired time. A narrow equalization channel  406  would allow the pressure in the vacuum bellows  100  and the enclosed space  155  to be substantially equalized in a longer time than a wider equalization channel. By way of example, if an equalization channel  406  having a width of about 0.1 mm would allow the pressure in the vacuum bellows  100  and the enclosed space  155  to be substantially equalized in about 2 seconds. If an equalization channel  406  having a width of about 0.2 mm would allow the pressure in the vacuum bellows  100  and the enclosed space  155  to be substantially equalized in about 0.5 seconds.  
      While the equalization channel  406  is shown as one apparatus for equalization air flow, it should be understood that any structure that allows the equalization air flow from the vacuum bellows  100  to the enclosed space  155  could be used. By way of example, the equalization air flow could be allowed by a relatively small, raised portion or bump in one of the sealing surfaces  410 A or  410 B that prevents the sealing surfaces from fully sealing together. In another example, the equalization air flow could be provided by a separate equalization valve  112  that is oriented to allow air flow from the vacuum bellows  100  to the enclosed space  155  and allows a slower air flow than the check valve  116  that draws air from the enclosed space into the vacuum bellows (e.g., when the pressure in the vacuum bellows is less than the pressure in the enclosed space).  
      Referring again to  FIGS. 1-4C , the exhaust check valve  114  provides a one-way flow path out of the vacuum bellows  100  to the atmosphere external from both the vacuum bellows and the enclosed space  155 . The exhaust check valve  114  also prevents air from flowing into the vacuum bellows  100  from the atmosphere external from the enclosed space  155 , as the vacuum bellows are expanded. The exhaust check valve  114  can be included in the actuator  110  or any other external surface of the vacuum bellows  100 . As the actuator  110  is pulled up, the vacuum bellows  100  is expanded which reduces the pressure within the vacuum bellows. Reducing the pressure in the vacuum bellows  100  closes the exhaust check valve  114  and opens the internal check valve  116  or the check/equalizing valve  112 A. Expanding the vacuum bellows  100  draws air from the enclosed space  155  through the internal check valve  116  or the check/equalizing valve  112 A.  
       FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the lid  150 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The lid  150  can include a seal plate  160  that forms a base for the vacuum bellows  100 . The seal plate  160  can also include any necessary seals and/or interlocking shapes  165  to provide an appropriate seal between the seal plate  160  and the container or enclosed space  155 . The internal check valve  116 , the pressure equalizing valve  112  or the internal check/equalizing valve  112 A can be included in the seal plate  160 .  
      The vacuum bellows  100  can also include a vacuum release valve  122 . The vacuum release valve  122  can also be combined with a vacuum indicator (e.g., bulb or button). The vacuum release valve  122  has two functions: allow air back into the enclosed space  155  to equalize the pressure in the enclosed space with the pressure of the ambient atmosphere external from the enclosed space. As a vacuum indicator, the vacuum release valve  122  indicates or alerts the user when the pressure inside the enclosed space  155  is less than the ambient atmospheric pressure. By way of example, the vacuum release valve  122  can be depressed, compressed or deflated to indicate the pressure inside the enclosed space  155  is less than the ambient atmospheric pressure. Alternatively, the vacuum release valve  122  can be inflated to indicate the pressure inside the enclosed space  155  is equal to or greater than the ambient atmospheric pressure. The vacuum release valve  122  can have a bulb on the top as the indicator and a chisel valve on the side for air intake.  
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart of the method operations  600  for reducing the pressure in the enclosed space  155 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an operation  605 , the vacuum bellows  100  is sealed to the enclosed space  155 . The vacuum bellows  100  can be sealed to the enclosed space  155  by being molded or bonded to the enclosed space or by coupling the lid  150  onto a corresponding sealing surface on the enclosed space.  
      In an operation  610 , the pressure within the enclosed space  155  is reduced to desired pressure less than the atmospheric pressure external from the enclosed space.  
      In an operation  620 , once the desired pressure less than atmospheric pressure in the enclosed space  155  is achieved, the internal check valve equalizes the pressure between the enclosed space and the vacuum bellows. The pressure equalizing valve  112  or the internal check/equalizing valve  112 A equalizes the pressure because the pressure in the enclosed space  155  is less than the pressure in the vacuum bellows  100 .  
      In an operation  630 , the vacuum bellows  100  is automatically in a collapsed position when the pressure in the enclosed space  155  is equalized to the pressure in the vacuum bellows  100 . Further, the top  104  and actuator  110  are pulled down to a closed position when the pressure in the enclosed space  155  is equalized to the pressure in the vacuum bellows  100 .  
      The top  104  and actuator  110  can be pulled down so as to be substantially flush with the remainder of lid  150 . The actuator  110  and top  104  can also include latches that engage the lid  150  so as to secure the actuator and top in the closed position. The top  104  and actuator  110  pulled down to the closed position can indicate that the pressure in the enclosed space  155  and the vacuum bellows  100  is less than the ambient atmospheric pressure.  
      Equalizing the pressure between the bellows and the enclosed space  155  accomplishes two goals: preventing cross-contamination when perishable material is inadvertently drawn into the vacuum bellows  100  and as a redundant system to notify a user that pressure less than atmospheric pressure is present or not been lost in the enclosed space  155 .  
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart of the method operations  610  for reducing the pressure in the enclosed space  155 , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In an operation  705 , the vacuum bellows  100  is expanded. The vacuum bellows  100  can be expanded by opening the actuator  110  or any other manner to cause the vacuum bellows to expand. Expanding the vacuum bellows  100  decreases the pressure within the vacuum bellows to a pressure less than the pressure within the enclosed space  155 .  
      In an operation  710 , the internal check valve  116  or internal check/equalizing valve  112 A opens as the pressure within the vacuum bellows  100  is decreased to a pressure less than the pressure within the enclosed space  155 . Also in operation  710 , the exhaust check valve  114  closes as the pressure within the vacuum bellows  100  is reduced to a pressure less than the pressure external from the vacuum bellows. Opening the internal check valve  116  or internal check/equalizing valve  112 A allows air to flow from the enclosed space  155  and into the vacuum bellows  100 .  
      In an operation  720 , the vacuum bellows  100  is compressed. The vacuum bellows  100  can be compressed by closing the actuator  110  or depressing the top  104 . Compressing the vacuum bellows  100  increases the pressure in the vacuum bellows to a pressure greater than the pressure within the enclosed space  155  and external from the vacuum bellows and the enclosed space.  
      In an operation  725 , the internal check valve  116  or internal check/equalizing valve  112 A closes as the pressure within the vacuum bellows  100  is increased to a pressure greater than the pressure within the enclosed space  155  and external from the vacuum bellows and the enclosed space. Also in operation  725 , the exhaust check valve  114  opens as the pressure within the vacuum bellows  100  is increased to a pressure greater than the pressure within the enclosed space  155  and external from the vacuum bellows and the enclosed space. Opening the external check valve  114  allows air to flow from the vacuum bellows  100  to the atmosphere external from the vacuum bellows.  
      In an operation  730 , operations  705 - 725  can be iteratively repeated until the desired pressure less than atmospheric pressure within the enclosed space  155  is achieved.  
      The vacuum bellows  100  described herein can be used in any suitable application, including, for example, an ice chest, a cooler, lunch boxes, a 5-gallon bucket, a food container and any other type of container in which a pressure less than atmospheric pressure may be desired. The vacuum bellows  100  described can be used in a variety of different industries including, restaurant, pharmaceutical, chemical, military, wine, food, coffee, tobacco, and many more. It should be understood that the above examples are exemplary only and not a complete list of possible uses for the vacuum bellows  100 .  
      The vacuum bellows  100  can be made from any suitable material. By way of examples many plastic polymer or rubber polymer would be suitable. An example polymer is called Santoprene but other similar polymers can also be used. The exhaust valve  114 , internal check valve  112 ,  112 A and  116  and the vacuum release valve  122  can also be made from a variety of materials. By way of examples many plastic polymer or rubber polymer would be suitable. One example polymer includes silicone and silicone combinations. The body  102 , the vacuum bellows  100 , valves, and container can be made from a variety of plastics including polystyrene, polypropylene, polycarbonate and more.  
      Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the described embodiments.  
      It will be further appreciated that the instructions represented by the operations in the above figures are not required to be performed in the order illustrated, and that all the processing represented by the operations may not be necessary to practice the invention.  
      Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.