Abstract:
Commercially available jars and containers may be adapted for use for vacuum packaging using a suitable vacuum packaging appliance. Such jars and containers may be adapted by using a vacuum packaging lid arrangement in place of the original lid of such jars and containers. Such a vacuum packaging lid arrangement includes a vacuum lid and/or an outer lid. Further, such a lid arrangement may also be decorative.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims benefit of Provisional Application 60/495,991, entitled, JAR STORAGE SYSTEM FOR VACUUM PACKAGING, filed Aug. 17, 2003, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e). 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention generally relates to vacuum packaging technology. More particularly, the invention is directed to container storage systems used in the context of vacuum packaging appliances.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Vacuum packaging is a process for removing oxygen and other gases from food and other products that deteriorate in the presence gases. For example, food spoilage can occur due to oxidation. Thus, vacuum packaging can extend the life of products that deteriorate in the presence gases by removing nearly all of the gases in a sealed container in which such products are stored.  
         [0004]     Various types of containers may be used for vacuum packaging using a vacuum packaging appliance. Such containers are evacuated by coupling the container to a vacuum circuit of the vacuum packaging appliance. For example, a rigid walled container can be coupled to the vacuum circuit through a vacuum hose. A distal end of the vacuum hose is connected to a valve mechanism on the lid of the container. The other end of the vacuum hose is connected to the vacuum circuit of the vacuum packaging appliance. During the evacuation procedure, the vacuum circuit causes the gases from the container to be pulled through the valve on the container lid into the vacuum hose.  
         [0005]     Vacuum packaging containers may be flexible, such as flexible storage bags. Further, vacuum packaging containers may be sufficiently rigid so as to retain its shape whilst being evacuated. Examples of such containers are glass jars and plastic jars. Mason jars and similar commercially available canning jars may also be used. However, mason jars and similar commercially available canning jars and containers are not equipped for use with vacuum packaging appliances.  
         [0006]     Thus, there is a need to adapt mason jars and similar commercially available canning jars and containers for use with vacuum packaging appliances for purposes of vacuum packaging products placed in such jars and containers.  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0007]     The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation.  
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view that illustrates a container storage system  100 , according to certain embodiments of the invention;  
         [0009]      FIG. 2A  is an isometric view of a container storage system  200  with a vacuum hose attachment, according to certain embodiments of the invention;  
         [0010]      FIG. 2B  is an isometric view of a container storage system with an outer lid in a latched configuration  250 , according to certain embodiments of the invention;  
         [0011]      FIG. 2C  is a side view of a container storage system that illustrates a latch mechanism with parts attached to the outer lid, according to certain embodiments of the invention;  
         [0012]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view that illustrates a container storage system  300 , according to certain other embodiments of the invention;  
         [0013]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view that illustrates a vacuum packaging appliance  400 ;  
         [0014]      FIG. 5  illustrates valve positions  550  of a vacuum lid, according to certain embodiments of the invention;  
         [0015]      FIG. 6  illustrates a vacuum hose attachment being connected to a vacuum packaging appliance; and  
         [0016]      FIG. 7  illustrates a container storage system that is attached to a vacuum packaging appliance by a vacuum hose attachment.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0017]     Container storage systems for use with a vacuum packaging appliance are described. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention.  
         [heading-0018]     Container Storage System  
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view that illustrates a container storage system  100 , according to certain embodiments of the invention. Container storage system  100  includes a storage container  102 , a vacuum lid  104  and an outer lid  110 . Outer lid  110  may be decorative.  
         [0020]     Storage container  102  may be a decorative storage container according to certain embodiments. Storage container  102  may optionally include a latch mechanism  112  for keeping outer lid  110  in a fixed position atop storage container  102  as illustrated in  FIG. 2B  herein. Further, storage container  102  may optionally include a gasket  114  around mouth  118  of storage container  102 .  
         [0021]     Vacuum lid  104  may include a gasket  106  for forming a static seal for sealing storage container  102  when vacuum lid  104  is over mouth  118  so as to completely close mouth  118 . Gasket  114  and gasket  106  may be made of suitable material such as an elastomeric material.  
         [0022]     Vacuum lid  104  includes a valve mechanism  108 . The valve mechanism may be any valve that is suitable for allowing storage container  102  to be evacuated of gases, if so desired. Further, the valve mechanism is such that it allows for the evacuated state of storage container  102  to be maintained until such time when it is desired to expose the stored contents of storage container  102  to the ambient atmosphere. For example, the valve mechanism may be a one-way valve that allows gases to be evacuated from the storage container. As another example, the valve may be an electric valve that is electrically actuated to maintain either an open or closed position, as so desired. One embodiment of a valve mechanism is described herein with reference to  FIG. 5 . Some examples of storage jars that may be used in the container storage system are Ball® jars and Mason jars.  
         [0023]      FIG. 2A  is an isometric view of a container storage system  200  with an evacuation hose attachment  220 , according to certain embodiments of the invention. In  FIG. 2A , storage container  202  includes a latch mechanism  212 , and a vacuum lid  204 . Vacuum hose attachment  220  is attached to the valve mechanism  208 . Vacuum hose attachment  220  includes a hose  222 . One end of hose  222  is attached to a vacuum packaging appliance (not shown). In  FIG. 2A  is also illustrated an outer lid  210 .  
         [0024]      FIG. 2B  is an isometric view of a container storage system  200  with an outer lid in a latched configuration  250 , according to certain embodiments of the invention. Latch mechanism  212  is attached to the storage container  202 . Latch mechanism  212  in FIG. B is a loop-clamp type latch. Latch mechanism  212  includes a loop  212   b.  Outer lid  210  is latched to storage container  202 , atop gasket  214 , by positioning loop  212   b  overhead the outer lid  210 .  
         [0025]     In certain embodiments, the latch mechanism may be attached to outer lid  210 .  FIG. 2C  is a side view of a container storage system that illustrates a latch mechanism  213  with parts attached to the outer lid  210 , according to certain embodiments of the invention. In  FIG. 2C , latch mechanism  213  is a “swing-top” latch. Latch mechanism  213  includes swing arms  213   a  and a snap-lock portion  213   b.  One end of each of the swing arms  213   a  is attached to outer lid  210 . The other end of the swing arm  213   a  is interlocked with snap-lock portion  213   b.  Snap-lock portion  213   b  is attached to storage container  202 .  
         [0026]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view that illustrates a container storage system  300 , according to certain other embodiments of the invention. In  FIG. 3 , container storage system  300  includes a storage container  302 , a vacuum lid  304 , and a valve mechanism  308 . According to certain embodiments, the valve mechanism is an integral part of vacuum lid  304 . Valve mechanism  308  may be any valve that is suitable for allowing storage container  302  to be evacuated of gases, if so desired. Further, the valve mechanism is such that the valve mechanism allows for the evacuated state of storage container  302  to be maintained until such time when it is desired to expose the stored contents of storage container  302  to the ambient atmosphere. Storage container  302  may be evacuated by attaching vacuum hose attachment  320  to valve mechanism  308 . Vacuum hose attachment  320  includes a hose  322 . One end of hose  322  is attached to a vacuum packaging appliance (not shown). According to certain embodiments, vacuum lid  304  may include a gasket (not shown) that surrounds the inner surface of the rim of vacuum lid  304 . Such a gasket is for forming a static seal for sealing storage container  302  when vacuum lid  304  is over the mouth of storage container  302  so as to completely close the mouth. Further, according to certain embodiments, vacuum lid  304  may be screwed onto storage container  302  in order to secure vacuum lid  304  atop storage container  302 .  
         [heading-0027]     Vacuum Packaging Appliance  
         [0028]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view that illustrates a vacuum packaging appliance  400 . In  FIG. 4 , vacuum packaging appliance  400  includes a base  420  and a lid  422 . Base  420  includes a vacuum channel (not shown) that is operatively connected to a vacuum pump (not shown) housed in base  420 .  
         [0029]     Base  420  includes a control panel  425  at the top frontal portion of appliance  400 . According to certain embodiments, control panel  425  includes indicator lights  408 , a manual seal button  406  to manually seal a storage bag before a complete vacuum is achieved, if so desired. The indicator lights are used for signaling the start or completion of various processes such as the sealing process, vacuum process and/or machine re-programming when transitioning from one process to the next.  
         [0030]     Control panel  425  may also include a sealing time adjustment knob  410  for controlling the heating element associated with the sealing mechanism. For example, the sealing time adjustment can be set to a first setting when storage bags are being sealed. The sealing time adjustment can be set to a second setting when storage containers or canisters are being sealed. In the case of sealing storage containers or canisters, there is no need for activating the heating element.  
         [0031]     In  FIG. 4 , the vacuum override button  404  may be used to extend the vacuum time to ensure that the maximum amount of air is removed especially when using extra large storage containers or canisters. Control panel  425  may also include an automatic on/off button  412  for starting or stopping the evacuation process.  
         [0032]     Lid  422  includes a bag cutter, and an accessory port  402  for use in removing gases from storage containers or canisters. In order to evacuate storage containers or canisters, one end of a vacuum hose (not shown) is attached to the vacuum packaging appliance  400  at accessory port  402 . The other end of the vacuum hose is attached to the valve mechanism of the container storage system as illustrated in  FIG. 7  herein.  
         [0033]     Some examples of vacuum packaging appliances are the Tilia® FoodSaver® vacuum packaging system series.  
         [heading-0034]     Vacuum Packaging Configuration  
         [0035]      FIG. 5  illustrates valve positions  550  of a vacuum lid according to certain embodiments of the invention.  FIG. 5  illustrates a vacuum lid  504  with a valve mechanism  508 . Valve mechanism  508  includes an opening  512  for attaching a distal end of a vacuum hose (not shown). Valve mechanism  508  can be set to a vacuum position by aligning arrow  530  with the “vacuum” position  510 . The valve mechanism includes a solid ball structure (not shown) that resides in the opening  516 . At vacuum position  510 , the solid ball structure is lightly resting on a gasketed opening (not shown) that leads into the interior of the storage container. After evacuation is complete, the ambient air pressure pushes the solid ball structure against the gasketed opening that leads into the interior of the storage container, thus sealing the storage container from the ambient atmosphere. To ensure a tight seal after evacuation, valve mechanism  508  can be set to a closed position by aligning arrow  530  with the “closed”. position  512 . At closed position  512 , the solid ball structure is mechanically pressed against the gasketed opening that leads into the interior of the storage container. When it is desired to expose the contents of the sealed storage container with the ambient atmosphere, valve mechanism  508  can be set to an open position by aligning arrow  530  with the “open” position  514 . At the open position  514 , the solid ball structure is mechanically drawn up from the gasketed opening that leads into the interior of the storage container, thus allowing gas from the ambient atmosphere to enter the storage container;  
         [0036]      FIG. 6  illustrates a vacuum hose attachment being connected to a vacuum packaging appliance. In  FIG. 6 , a container storage system (not shown) may be attached to vacuum packaging appliance  500  by attaching one end of a vacuum hose attachment  522  to accessory port  502 . The other end of vacuum hose attachment  522  is attached to the container storage system.  
         [0037]      FIG. 7  illustrates a container storage system that is attached to a vacuum packaging appliance by a vacuum hose attachment. In  FIG. 7 , a container storage system  562  may be attached to vacuum packaging appliance  500  by attaching one end of a vacuum hose attachment  522  to accessory port  502 . The other end of vacuum hose attachment  522  is attached to the container storage system at opening  516  of valve mechanism  508 . Valve mechanism  508  is part of vacuum lid  504 .  
         [0038]     In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to numerous specific details that may vary from implementation to implementation. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.