Patent Publication Number: US-10315792-B2

Title: Vacuum packaging appliance with roll storage

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation application of U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 13/445,605 filed on Apr. 12, 2012, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/474,378 filed Apr. 12, 2011, entitled “Roll Storage Vertical Sealer”. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to vacuum packaging machines. More particularly, the invention is directed to a vacuum packaging machine that saves countertop space and includes convenient roll storage in a compartment above the vacuum sealing chamber. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Preservation of food and food portions is important for a variety of economic, health, and convenience reasons. Food can be stored for longer periods of time if oxygen is excluded and the harmful effects of oxygen on food are minimized. Containers have long been used to store and transfer perishable foods and other products on their way to market for purchase by consumers. After perishable foods, such as meats, fruits, and vegetables are harvested, they may be placed into containers or atmospheres to protect them from the spoiling effects of oxygen. 
     Various appliances and methods are used for the purpose of vacuum packaging and sealing plastic bags and containers to protect perishables, such as foodstuffs, and other products against oxidation. Some have been adapted for home use. These appliances usually operate by receiving a container or bag, isolating the interior of the container or bag from ambient air, and drawing air from the interior of the container or bag before sealing it. 
     Typically, these appliances include a base and a lid pivotally attached to the base, and when the lid is in a closed position a vacuum chamber is formed between the lid and 
     Typically, these appliances include a base and a lid pivotally attached to the base, and when the lid is in a closed position a vacuum chamber is formed between the lid and the base. The vacuum chamber is configured to receive an open end of the container or bag for evacuating the container or bag which is thereafter sealed by a sealing mechanism in the lid and/or the base. The appliance includes a vacuum source that is coupled to the vacuum chamber, whereby the vacuum source selectively evacuates the vacuum chamber. 
     More recently, these appliances have included additional features such as a compartment for storage of a roll of container or bag material. However, including such a feature in vacuum sealing appliances is not without its drawbacks since it increases the footprint of the appliance and the amount of countertop space in the kitchen required for storage. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In an embodiment, there is provided an appliance for vacuum packaging a container, including a base, a vacuum motor disposed in the base, a vacuum sealing compartment formed in the base including a vacuum trough fluidly connected to the vacuum motor, a sealing element disposed in the vacuum sealing compartment adjacent the vacuum trough, and a storage compartment formed in the base vertically disposed above the vacuum sealing compartment configured to store a roll of flexible container material. At least one section of the container material is dispensed from the storage compartment and cut from the roll of container material, sealed on a first free end with the sealing element to form an unsealed container, evacuated by the vacuum motor through a second free end inserted into the vacuum trough, and then sealed on the second free end with the sealing element to form a hermetically sealed container. 
     In an embodiment, there is provided an appliance for dispensing, forming and evacuating a bag, including a base, a first compartment formed in a lower portion of the base, a second compartment formed in the base vertically disposed above the first compartment configured to store a roll of bag material, a vacuum trough disposed in the first compartment, a sealer disposed in the first compartment adjacent the vacuum trough, and a vacuum source connected to the vacuum trough. At least one section of the bag material is dispensed from the second compartment and cut from the roll of bag material, sealed on one free end with the sealer to form a partially formed container sealed on three sides, evacuated by the vacuum source through another free end opposite the one free end and inserted into the vacuum trough, and then sealed on the opposite free end with the sealer to form a hermetically sealed bag. 
     In an embodiment, there is provided a method of dispensing, forming and vacuum sealing a container, including a step of opening a lid to a storage compartment formed in a housing and vertically disposed above a vacuum sealing compartment. The method further includes the steps of lifting a cutter bar, placing a free end of a roll of container material stored in the storage compartment under the cutter bar, lowering the cutter bar, and dispensing and cutting a section of the container material from the roll of container material with the cutter bar. The method further includes the steps of lifting a handle to open an access door to the vacuum sealing compartment, and inserting the free end of the section of container material into the vacuum sealing compartment and over a heat sealing strip. The method further includes the steps of lowering the handle to close the access door to the vacuum sealing compartment, and energizing the heat sealing strip to seal the free end of the section of container material to form a partially formed container. The method further includes the steps of lifting the handle to open the access door, and removing the partially formed container from the vacuum sealing compartment. The method further includes the steps of inserting food items into the partially formed container, inserting an opposite free end of the partially formed container into the vacuum sealing compartment, and evacuating the container and sealing the opposite free end of the container. The method further includes the steps of lifting the handle and removing the sealed container from the vacuum sealing compartment. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a vacuum packaging appliance with a roll storage compartment vertically disposed above a vacuum sealing chamber; 
         FIG. 2  is a partially exploded front perspective view of the vacuum packaging appliance of  FIG. 1  with a lid to the roll storage compartment in an open position and the contents therein exploded; 
         FIG. 3  is another front perspective view of the vacuum packaging appliance of  FIG. 1  with a lid to the roll storage compartment in an open position and a section of a flexible tubular container material dispensed from the roll of container material; 
         FIG. 4  is another front perspective view of the vacuum packaging appliance of  FIG. 1  with a front access door opening into a vacuum sealing compartment in an open position and a free end of a cut section of the container material inserted into a lower vacuum trough; 
         FIG. 5  is another front perspective view of the vacuum packaging appliance of  FIG. 1  with a front access door opening into a vacuum sealing compartment in a closed position and a free end of a cut section of the container material inserted into a lower vacuum trough; 
         FIG. 6  is a partially cutaway front perspective view of the vacuum packaging appliance of  FIG. 1  illustrating an arrangement of electronic components with an interior of a housing for the appliance; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged front perspective view of a upper vacuum chamber and pivoting handle assembly for the vacuum packaging appliance of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged front perspective view of a lower right portion of the upper vacuum chamber and pivoting handle assembly illustrated in  FIG. 7  for the vacuum packaging appliance of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is an enlarged front perspective view of a lower left portion of the upper vacuum chamber and pivoting handle assembly illustrated in  FIG. 7  for the vacuum packaging appliance of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  shows a flowchart of a method of dispensing and vacuum sealing a container using the vacuum packaging appliance of  FIG. 1 ; and 
         FIG. 11  shows a front perspective view of another embodiment of a vacuum packaging appliance with a roll storage compartment vertically disposed above a vacuum sealing chamber. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now to the drawing figures in which like reference designators refer to like elements, there is shown in  FIGS. 1-2  an exemplary embodiment of a vacuum sealing appliance  100  with a storage compartment  115  for a roll  50  of flexible container material. The storage compartment  115  is vertically disposed above a vacuum sealing compartment  140 . In the illustrated embodiment, the flexible container material is a roll  50  of flattened, tubular container material and is stored in the compartment  115  without support mechanisms and is free to rotate therein. 
     In an embodiment, the roll  50  of container material is stored in the compartment with support mechanisms (not shown) and is free to rotate therein 
     In the exemplary embodiment, the vacuum sealing appliance  100  includes a base  110  with the storage compartment  115  formed in an upper portion and a lid  120 . The lid  120  is hingedly connected to the upper portion of the base  110  for enclosing the compartment  115 . The lid  120  is pivotally movable between a closed position, as shown in  FIG. 1 , and may be moved in the direction of arrow  410  to an open position as shown in  FIG. 2 , for allowing access to the roll  50  of the container material for dispensing. 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 3 , in an embodiment the container material may be dispensed from the storage compartment  115  for conveniently allowing the user to create a custom made flexible container or bag  60  from the roll  50  of container material. With the lid  120  in the open position, the user pulls on the free end  61  of the roll  50  and dispenses an appropriate amount of container material having pre-sealed edges  63 ,  64 . The free end  61  of the container material is inserted underneath a pivoting cutter bar  170  and the container material is pulled on the free end  61  to dispense the container material from the roll  50 . 
     In an embodiment, the bar cutter  170  may be pivotally connected to the interior of the roll storage compartment  115  by a pair of opposing arms  172 . The cutter bar  170  may include a cutting mechanism or cutting blade  174  that slides within a track  171  formed in the cutter bar  170 . The user then preferably slides the cutting mechanism  174  along the track  171  to the opposing end of the lid  120  in the direction of arrow  420 , whereby the cutting mechanism  174  cuts the bag material to provide the user with separated pieces of flexible material or a partially formed container  60 . It should be noted that the cutting mechanism  174  is able to be moved in a direction from left to right as well as right to left along the track  171  to cut the flexible container material. Alternately, the user does not dispense the flexible container material from the compartment  115  and/or does not cut the flexible container material using the cutter bar  170  and the cutting mechanism  174 . 
     It should be noted that the vertical design of the compartment  115  and the design of the pivoting cutter bar  170  allows the roll  50  of container material to be inserted into the compartment  115  from the top or front. The cutter bar  170  also has a special feature that holds the cutter bar  170  in the open position, while the roll  50  of container material is loaded. The compartment  115  by design restrains the roll  50  of container material in place as a section of container material is dispensed and gives the consumer a clear view to allow selection of any length food container. 
     In an embodiment, the storage compartment  115  is eliminated and sections of flexible container material from another source are evacuated and/or sealed using the vacuum sealing appliance  100  described below. 
     In an embodiment, after dispensing and cutting a section of container material, the free end  61  of the section of container material may be sealed such as by heat sealing. Food items may then be placed inside the partially formed container  60  followed by the partially formed container  60  being evacuated, and then the remaining free end  62  ( FIG. 4 ) may be heat sealed as described below to form a hermetically sealed container  60  that retains the freshness of the food items therein. Oppositely, the free end  62  may be heat sealed first followed by placing the food items in the partially formed container  60 , followed by the partially formed container  60  being evacuated, and then the remaining free end  61  being heat sealed. 
     In an embodiment, the foregoing vacuum and/or heat sealing operations are controlled by the user through the use of an electronic control panel  125  that is disposed directly beneath the lid  120  on the front face of the base  110 . The electronic control  125  panel may include electronic switches  126 ,  128 ,  132 ,  134  and  136 . The control panel  125  is electrically coupled to at least one vacuum source VM ( FIG. 6 ) as well as a sealing mechanism  190  ( FIG. 4 ), whereby operation of the vacuum source VM ( FIG. 6 ) and/or sealing mechanism  190  ( FIG. 4 ) are controlled at the electronic control panel  125 . 
     For example, the electronic switch  126  may be depressed for commencing a sealing only operation and includes related indicia  127  which may be lighted to indicate that the sealing operation on one of the free ends  61 ,  62  of the container  60  to be sealed has commenced. In this regard, it may be desirable to commence a sealing only operation on the free end  62  ( FIG. 4 ) after dispensing a length of container material to form a partially formed container  60  where three sides are sealed. Food items may now be placed inside the partially formed container  60  which may be processed further by evacuating and/or sealing the unsealed free end  61  as described below. In an embodiment, the indicia  127  may be a light emitting diode or other light source. 
     In another example, the electronic switch  128  may be depressed for commencing a vacuum and sealing operation and includes related indicia  129  which is lighted to indicate that evacuating the partially formed container  60  followed by heat sealing the unsealed free end  61  of the partially formed container  60  has commenced. In this regard, it may be desirable to commence an evacuating and heat sealing operation on the partially formed container  60  after one of the free ends  61 ,  62  has been heat sealed and food items have been placed into the partially formed container  60 . After the partially formed container  60  has been evacuated for a pre-determined time, the unsealed free end  61 ,  62  may be heat sealed to form a hermetically sealed container  60  for keeping the food items fresh. In an embodiment, the indicia  129  may be a light emitting diode or other light source. 
     In an embodiment, a plurality of indicia  130  comprising alternately lighted amber and green lights that light as the evacuating and/or sealing operations commence and progress. For example, initially as evacuating and/or sealing operations commence the lower most indicia  130  may be lighted green and the indicia  130  vertically disposed above may be all red. As the evacuating and/or sealing operations progress, the next vertically indicia  130  may change from red to green until all of the indicia  130  have changed from red to green. In an embodiment, the plurality of indicia  130  may be four indicia and each represents a twenty-five percent (25%) increment of the evacuating and/or sealing operating cycle. In an embodiment, initially as evacuating and/or sealing operations commence the lower most indicia  130  may be lighted red and the indicia  130  vertically disposed above may be all green. As the evacuating and/or sealing operations progress, the next vertically spaced indicia  130  may change from green to red until all of the indicia  130  have changed from green to red to signify the completion of the cycle. 
     In an embodiment, an electronic switch  132  is provided to select an evacuating or vacuuming speed which when depressed a user can select a “normal” or a “gentle” speed as respectively indicated by one of the indicia  133 ,  133 . The electronic switch  132  is electronically linked to the vacuum motor VM ( FIG. 6 ) and controls the operating speed of the vacuum motor VM ( FIG. 6 ). For example, the user may desire to evacuate the food container more slowly dependent upon the food items in the food container. For softer foods such as bread that may easily crushed it may be desired to evacuate the food container with lower vacuum which is selected by depressing the electronic switch  132  until the indicia  133  indicates that the “gentle” speed has been selected. In an embodiment, the indicia  133  may be a light emitting diode or other light source. 
     In an embodiment, electronic switch  134  is provided to select a food moisture content which when depressed a user can select a “dry” or a “moist” food moisture content as respectively indicated by one of the indicia  135 ,  135 . For example, for foods with a higher moisture content it may be desired to depress electronic switch  134  until the indicia  135  indicates that the “moist” food content has been selected. The electronic switch  134  is electronically linked to an extra-wide heat sealing strip  190  ( FIG. 4 ) which seals the unsealed free end  61 ,  62  of the partially formed container  60 . When the electronic switch  134  is depressed to select the “moist” setting, the heat sealing strip  190  ( FIG. 4 ) is energized for a longer pre-determined time due to the tendency of the moisture content in the food to cool the container material in the vicinity of the seal thus requiring a longer sealing time by the heat sealing strip  190  ( FIG. 4 ). In an embodiment, the indicia  135  may be a light emitting diode or other light source. 
     Finally, in an embodiment electronic switch  136  is provided which when depressed will “cancel” all vacuuming and/or sealing operations that have previously been commenced. The electronic switches  126 ,  128 ,  132 ,  134  and  136  and indicia  127 ,  129 ,  130 ,  133  and  135  are connected to a circuit board CB ( FIG. 6 ) which includes a microprocessor M ( FIG. 6 ) for controlling the operation of the vacuum motor VM ( FIG. 6 ) and the heat sealing element  190  ( FIG. 4 ). 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 4 , in an embodiment an elongated vacuum sealing compartment  140  is disposed directly beneath the appliance control panel  125  wherein one of the unsealed free end(s)  61 ,  62  of the partially formed container  60  is inserted for sealing and/or evacuating the container  60  in the sequences described below. In an embodiment, an operation handle or latch bar  160  is pivotally connected to opposing sides of the base  110  by a pair of arms  162 . The handle  160  is movable between first (closed) and second (open) positions in the direction of arrow  400  for controlling the operation of a front access door  150  that covers an opening in housing  110  that leads into the vacuum sealing compartment  140 . 
     The front access door  150  is permanently linked to the handle  160  and is movable between the first ( FIG. 1 ) and open second ( FIG. 4 ) positions to allow the user access inside of the vacuum sealing compartment  140  for evacuating and/or sealing the partially formed container  60 . The mechanism linking the handle  160  to the front access door  150  restrains the front access door  150  in the open position to allow the user access inside the vacuum sealing compartment  140  to position the partially formed container  60  for evacuating and/or sealing and to also remove excess evacuated liquids accumulated in a drip tray  184  (shown removed in  FIG. 2 ) positioned in a lower vacuum trough  180 . 
     The movement of the handle  160  also controls the movement of the upper vacuum chamber  185  ( FIGS. 6-7 ) disposed behind the front access door  150  between an upper unsealed position and a lower sealed position. In the lower position, the upper vacuum chamber  185  ( FIG. 6 ) and the vacuum trough  180  together form a sealed vacuum chamber which is evacuated by the vacuum motor VM ( FIG. 6 ) when the electronic switch  128  is depressed. A gasket  182  rings the periphery of the vacuum trough  180  to form a seal between the upper vacuum chamber  185  ( FIGS. 6-7 ) and the vacuum trough  180  when the upper vacuum chamber  185  is in the lower sealed position. 
     For example, when the handle  160  is in the second position shown in  FIG. 4 , the front access door  150  is in an open configuration for allowing one of the free ends  61 ,  62  of the partially formed container  60  to be inserted into the drip tray  184  in the lower vacuum trough  180  disposed in the vacuum sealing compartment  140 . It has been found to be helpful to curl the free end  61 ,  62  of the partially formed container  60  before inserting it into the drip tray  184  in the vacuum trough  180 . The housing  110  in the area in front of the lower vacuum trough  180  has a chamfered edge  111  to aid in alignment of the insertion of the partially formed container  60  into the drip tray  184  in the vacuum sealing trough  180 . 
     The upper vacuum chamber  185  ( FIGS. 6-7 ) is also restrained in the upper unsealed position for allowing the free end  61 ,  62  of the partially formed container  60  to be inserted into the drip tray  184  in the vacuum trough  180 . The area adjacent the free end  61 ,  62  of the partially formed container  60  is also placed over the heat sealing strip  190  disposed in the housing  110  adjacent the vacuum trough  180  when the free end  61 ,  62  is inserted into the drip tray  184  in the vacuum trough  180 . In addition, when the handle  160  is in the open or second position the electronic controls  126 ,  128 ,  132 ,  134  and  136  on control panel are inoperative such that evacuating the partially formed container  60  and/or sealing the free ends  61 ,  62  of the partially formed container  60  are not possible. 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 5 , after one of the free ends  61 ,  62  is inserted into the drip tray  184 /lower vacuum trough  180  in the vacuum sealing compartment  140 , the handle  160  may be moved from the second position or open configuration back to the first position or the closed configuration moving the front access door  150  to the closed position and allowing the electronic controls  126 ,  128 ,  132 ,  134  and  136  on electronic control panel  125  to operate. In addition, the upper vacuum chamber  185  ( FIGS. 6-7 ) is moved to the lower sealed position such that the upper vacuum chamber  185  ( FIGS. 6-7 ) and the vacuum trough  180  form the composite sealed vacuum chamber where the partially formed container  60  is evacuated through the free end  61 ,  62  trapped therebetween. 
     Referring now also to  FIGS. 6-9 , once the handle  160  is moved to the closed configuration, a linkage L 1  engages a switch S 1  which energizes a clamping motor CM. The clamping motor CM rotates a plurality of gears G 1 , G 2  which through a linkage L 3  rotates a pair of cams C 1 , C 2  on either side of the housing  110  in a first direction to engage complementary latches  154 ,  154  (shown enlarged in  FIGS. 8 and 9 ) extending from the bottom of the front access door  150 . The cam C 2  on the left side of the housing  110  is rotated in the first direction when cam C 1  is rotated through a rotating clamping rod CR that interconnects cams C 1  and C 2  and extends longitudinally across the housing  110  in the vicinity of the lower vacuum trough  180 . The latches  154  pass through slots  156  (only one seen in  FIG. 4 ) formed in the bottom wall of the vacuum sealing compartment  140  to engage the respective cams C 1 , C 2  disposed beneath the vacuum sealing compartment  140 . 
     When rotated in the first direction, the cams C 1 , C 2  urge the latches  154 ,  154  downward causing the front access door  150  to be pulled tightly shut into a locked position. Once the front access door  150  is pulled into the locked position, the cam C 1  on the right side of the housing  110  engages another switch S 2  which turns off the clamping motor CM rotating the cams C 1 , C 2 . The engagement of the switch S 2  also sends a signal to the microprocessor M to energize the control panel  125  so that the electronic controls  126 ,  128 ,  132 ,  134  and  136  are operable. 
     For example, with the handle  160  in the closed configuration the free end  62  of the partially formed container  60  is gripped firmly between a resilient bumper  155  on the bottom edge of the front access door  150  and the heat sealing strip  190 . The user may select the electronic control  126  when it is desired to seal only the free edge  62  of the partially formed container  60 . The electronic control  126  when depressed causes the heating sealing strip  190  to be energized for a pre-determined time which seals the layers of the container material together at the free end  62 . 
     After the pre-determined time has elapsed, the microprocessor M signals the clamping motor CM to rotate in a reverse direction causing the cams C 1 , C 2  to rotate in a second opposite direction releasing the latches  154 ,  154 . The clamping motor CM is energized until the latches  154 ,  154  are released and the linkage L 1  releases the switch S 1  which signals the microprocessor M to de-energize the electronic controls  126 ,  128 ,  132 ,  134  and  136 . The handle  160  may now be moved to the open configuration causing the front access door  150  to open and the free end  62  of the partially formed container  60  may be removed from the vacuum sealing compartment  140 . 
     Once the partially formed container  60  has been removed from the vacuum sealing compartment  140 , food or other perishable items may be placed into the partially formed container  60 . The other free end  61  of the partially formed container  60  may be inserted into the drip tray  184  in the lower vacuum trough  180  for both evacuating the partially formed container  60  and/or sealing the free end  61 . Again, after the free end  61  is inserted into the drip tray  184  in the lower vacuum trough  180 , the handle  160  may be moved to the closed position causing the front access door  150  to close and lock. 
     Upon the handle  160  being moved to the closed position, the linkage L 1  engages the switch S 1  which energizes the clamping motor CM which through the plurality of gears G 1 , G 2  and linkage L 3  rotates the pair of cams C 1 , C 2  on either side of the housing  110  to engage the latches  154 ,  154  extending from the bottom of the front access door  150 . Once the front access door  150  is pulled tight into the locked position by the latches  154 ,  154 , the cam C 1  on the right side of the housing  110  engages another switch S 2  which turns off the clamping motor CM rotating the cams C 1 , C 2 . The engagement of the switch S 2  also energizes the control panel  125  so that the electronic controls  126 ,  128 ,  132 ,  134  and  136  are operable. 
     With the food items now in the partially formed container  60 , it may be desirable to evacuate the partially formed container  60  and seal the unsealed free end  61 . This may be performed by the user depressing the electronic control  128 . This sends a signal to the microcontroller M to energize the vacuum motor VM which is fluidly connected to the lower vacuum trough  180 . The speed of the vacuum motor VM is variable based on input from the electronic control  132  which allows the user to select a vacuum motor VM speed that is “normal” or slower but more “gentle” as described above. 
     The vacuum motor VM is energized until a pre-determined pressure is achieved in the lower vacuum trough  180 . The pressure in the lower vacuum trough  180  is measured by a pressure transducer P disposed on the circuit board CB and fluidly connected to the vacuum motor VM. When the pressure transducer P senses the pre-determined pressure, the microcontroller M de-energizes the vacuum motor VM. The lower pressure in the lower vacuum trough  180  draws air and liquids from the partially formed container  60  through the free end  61  until the pre-determined pressure in the lower vacuum trough  180  is released. Excess liquid drawn from the partially formed container  60  through the free end  61  may be collected in the removable drip tray  184  seated in the lower vacuum trough  180 . 
     After the pre-determined pressure has been reached in the lower vacuum trough  180  and the vacuum motor VM has been de-energized, the microcontroller M energizes the heating sealing strip  190  for the pre-determined sealing time. The pre-determined sealing time is variable based on input from the electronic control  134  which allows the user to select a “dry” or a “moist” food moisture content as described above. Both the pre-determined vacuum motor VM speeds based on the “normal” and the “gentle” settings and pre-determined heat sealing time(s) based on the “dry” and “moist” food moisture content settings may be pre-programmed into the microprocessor M or be stored in look-up tables that are accessed by the microprocessor M. 
     After the appropriate pre-determined heat sealing time has elapsed, the microprocessor M signals the clamping motor CM to rotate in a reverse direction causing the cams C 1 , C 2  to rotate in an opposite direction releasing the latches  154 ,  154 . The clamping motor CM is energized until the latches  154 ,  154  are released and the linkage L 1  contacts the switch S 1  which signals the microprocessor M to de-energize the electronic controls  126 ,  128 ,  132 ,  134  and  136 . At the same time, the left cam C 2  urges against a pressure relief valve V ( FIG. 7 ) to vent the lower pressure in the lower vacuum trough  180  to ambient to facilitate removal of the free end  61  of the container  60 . The handle  160  may now be moved to the open configuration causing the front access door  150  to open and the free end  62  of the partially formed container  60  may be removed from the vacuum sealing compartment  140 . 
     In an embodiment, the vacuum trough  180  may include the removable drip tray  184  for collecting excess liquids evacuated from the container  60 . The drip tray  184  containing excess liquid evacuated from the container  60  may be removed and the excess liquid discarded. A similar drip tray is described and claimed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,003,928 and 7,076,929, both of which are owned by Jarden Consumer Solutions of Boca Raton, Fla. and are incorporated by reference as if fully rewritten herein. This completes the vacuum and sealing operational cycle of the food preservation container  60 . 
     In an embodiment, the front access door  150  is moved between the open and closed configurations manually by the user grasping a lip  151  ( FIG. 11 ) on the bottom of the front access door  150 . A section of cut container material  60  may be inserted into the vacuum sealing compartment  140  as discussed above with the exception that the handle  160  is eliminated. The manual movement of the front access door  150  between the open and closed configurations also causes the upper vacuum chamber  185  to correspondingly move between the upper and lower positions. When the front access door  150  is moved to the closed position, a lever  164  ( FIG. 1 ) on the side of the housing  110  may be pivoted to a first or downward position causing the linkage L 1  to engage the switch S 1 . As previously discussed, the switch S 1  sends a signal to the microprocessor M to energize the clamping motor CM. The clamping motor CM through the plurality of gears G 1 , G 2  through linkage L 3  rotates the pair of cams C 1 , C 2  on either side of the housing  110  in the first direction to engage the latches  154 ,  154  on the bottom of the front access door  150 . 
     Once the front access door  150  is pulled tight into the locked position, the cam C 1  on the right side of the housing  110  engages another switch S 2  which turns off the clamping motor CM rotating the cams C 1 , C 2 . The engagement of the switch S 2  also energizes the control panel  125  so that the electronic controls  126 ,  128 ,  132 ,  134  and  136  are operable. After performing vacuuming and/or sealing operations on the partially formed container  60 , the lever (not shown) is pivoted in the opposite direction to a second or upward position which causes the linkage L 1  to disengage the switch S 1  to signal the microprocessor M to rotate the clamping motor CM in the opposite direction. The opposite rotation of clamping motor CM causes the cams C 1 , C 2  to rotate in the second opposite direction to release the latches  154 ,  154  locking the front access door  150  and once released, the electronic controls  126 ,  128 ,  132 ,  134  and  136  are inoperable. The front access door  150  may now be moved to the open configuration manually and the container  60  may be removed from the vacuum sealing compartment  140 . 
     Referring again particularly to  FIG. 1 , in an embodiment an accessory port  112  is disposed beneath the vacuum sealing compartment  140  and is provided for connecting an accessory hose  116  for evacuating a separate non-flexible container (not shown) such as a polypropylene or other canister containing a food item to be preserved. A connector  117  on one end of the accessory hose  116  connects to the accessory port  112 . Another connector  117  on the opposite end of the accessory hose  116  connects to an adapter  119  that is fitted to an inlet on the container (not shown). The accessory hose  116  and connectors  117 ,  118  fluidly connect the non-flexible container (not shown) to a vacuum pump VM ( FIG. 6 ) disposed in the base  110  which provides the necessary suction to evacuate the non-flexible container (not shown). The accessory port  112  may include a ball-valve that closes when the connector  117  is not connected to prevent loss of suction. 
     The vacuum pump VM ( FIG. 6 ) is energized for providing the necessary suction to evacuate the canister (not shown) via the electronic controls  128 ,  132  and  136  controlled by the electronic control panel  125 . The accessory hose  116 , connectors  117 ,  118  and adapter  119  may be stored in a designated portion of the roll storage compartment  115  when not in use and may be accessed when the lid  120  is in the open position shown in  FIG. 2 . A pair of clips  121 ,  121  ( FIG. 2 ) may be provided on the underside of lid  120  for securably storing the accessory hose  116  and connectors  117 ,  118  thereto. 
     With the handle  160  in the closed position, the electronic control  128  may be depressed to activate the vacuum motor VM which provides suction to the accessory port  112  which is applied to the container (not shown) through the accessory hose  116 . After a pre-determined pressure is achieved in the vacuum tubing connecting the accessory port  112  to the vacuum motor VM, the pressure transducer P signals the microprocessor M to de-energize the vacuum motor VM so that the container (not shown) may be disconnected from the accessory hose  116  and sealed. 
     Referring now particularly to  FIG. 6 , a partially cutaway view of the interior of the housing  110  of the vacuum sealing appliance  100  is provided illustrating the vacuum motor VM, circuit board CB with microprocessor M and pressure transducer P, and the clamping motor CM. The exact arrangement of the vacuum motor VM, circuit board CB, pressure transducer P, and the clamping motor CM inside the housing  110  is exemplary and is not meant to be limiting in any sense. 
     In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the vacuum motor VM is positioned in the left side of the housing  110  above and behind the upper vacuum chamber  185 . In an embodiment, the vacuum motor VM is fluidly connected to the upper vacuum chamber  185  via tubing (not shown) for providing evacuating suction. In another embodiment, the vacuum motor VM is fluidly connected to the lower vacuum trough  180  via tubing (not shown) for providing evacuating suction. 
     The circuit board CB is disposed in the housing  110  adjacent to the vacuum motor VM. The pressure transducer P and microprocessor M are positioned on the circuit board CB. The pressure transducer P is fluidly connected to the vacuum motor VM via tubing (not shown). The valve V is also connected to the tubing (not shown) interconnecting the vacuum motor VM and the pressure transducer P. The clamping CM is disposed in the lower right front of the housing  110 . The clamping motor CM is electrically and mechanically linked to the handle  160  via switches S 1 , S 2  and linkages L 1 . The accessory port  112  is connected to the vacuum motor VM and the pressure transducer P via tubing (not shown). 
     The operation of the vacuum packaging appliance  100  of  FIGS. 1-9  utilizing a method  500  for making a container  60  from a roll of container material and vacuum sealing the container  60  is illustrated in the flowchart in  FIG. 10 . The method begins in step  505 . The method continues in step  510  comprising opening the lid  120  of the roll storage compartment  115  vertically disposed above the vacuum sealing compartment  140 . 
     In step  515 , the method  500  continues with the steps of lifting the cutter bar  170 , placing one end of the container material under the cutter bar  170 , lowering the cutter bar  170 , and dispensing and cutting a section of the container material from the roll  50  of container material. 
     In step  520 , the method  500  continues with the steps of lifting the access door handle  160  controlling movement of an access door  150  to the vacuum sealing compartment  140 , and inserting a free end  62  of the section of container material into the vacuum sealing compartment  140  and over the heat sealing strip  190 . 
     In step  525 , the method  500  continues with the steps of lowering the access door handle  160  and energizing the heat sealing strip  190  to seal the free end  62  of the section of container material. 
     In step  530 , the method  500  continues with the steps of lifting the access door handle  160  to open the access door  150  and removing the partially formed container  60  from the vacuum sealing compartment  140 . 
     In step  535 , the method  500  continues with the steps of inserting food items into the partially formed container  60 , inserting the other free end  61  into the vacuum sealing compartment  140 , and evacuating and sealing the other free end  61  of the container. 
     In step  540 , the method  500  continues with the steps of lifting the access door handle  160  to open the access door  150  and removing the sealed container  60  from the vacuum sealing compartment  140 . 
     In step  545 , the method  500  ends. 
     All references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is limited only by the following claims.