Adjustable Partition for Use Inside Storage Containers Providing Sealed Chambers for Preservation and Compartmentalization of Products

Abstract

A re-useable partitioning seal used storage containers creates a virtually airtight chambers, to preserve products therein. A disc or differently shaped layer, with flat top and bottom surfaces, is configured to fit against the interior surface of a storage container. A thin, flexible perimeter forming a gasket around the layer, and a handle attached to the layer without fissure or cavity, thereby providing and a single piece, inexpensive re-useable partitioning seal.

Claims

1. A re-useable partitioning seal used with storage containers, creating virtually airtight chambers, to preserve products therein and comprising: a disk or differently shaped layer, with flat top and bottom surfaces, configured to fit against an interior surface of a storage container, a thin, flexible perimeter forming a gasket around the layer, the thin flexible perimeter being thinner than the center of the disk or differently shaped layer and sufficiently flexible to flex against the interior wall of the storage container; and a handle attached to the layer without fissure or cavity, thereby providing a single piece, re-useable partitioning seal, wherein: the partitioning seal lacks a valve and the thin flexible perimeter is sufficiently flexible to allow removal without a valve; the thin flexible perimeter lies flat in the plane of the disk when the re-useable partitioning seal is not bent by the interior walls of the storage container; and the thin flexible perimeter includes inwardly directed cuts that facilitate overlapping of the flexible perimeter segments.

2. The re-useable partitioning seal of claim 1 in which the thin, flexible perimeter forming the gasket and the disk are formed as a single part, with the thin flexible perimeter being thinner than the disk.

3. The re-useable partitioning seal of claim 1 in which the inwardly directed cuts are curved.

4. The re-useable partitioning seal of claim 1 in which the inwardly directed cuts are straight.

5. The re-useable partitioning seal of claim 1 in which the inwardly directed cuts divide a portion of the thin, flexible perimeter into multiple segments, the segments overlapping as the partitioning seal is inserted into a container and the segments are bent upward by the sides of the container.

6. The re-useable partitioning seal of claim 1 in which the disk or differently shaped layer comprises paper.

7. A partitioning seal for use inside pre-packaged food and other products containers, to preserve contents therein, which is reusable during the consumption of the packaged contents, comprising: a flat disk or differently shaped layer, with flat top and bottom surfaces, fitted to the interior of a storage container, a thin, flexible perimeter forming a gasket around the layer, the thin, flexible perimeter lying flat in the plane of the disk when the re-useable partitioning seal is not bent by the interior walls of the storage container, the thin flexible perimeter includes inwardly directed cuts that facilitate overlapping of the flexible perimeter segments, a fixed position handle with flat surfaces and seamless attachment to the layer, and a single piece design, durable enough to function during consumption of the packaged food or other product, wherein the partitioning seal lacks a valve and the thin flexible perimeter is sufficiently flexible to allow removal without a valve.

8. The re-useable partitioning seal of claim 7, in which the partitioning seal comprises a single piece of food grade material.

9. The re-useable partitioning seal of claim 7 in which the inwardly directed cuts are curved.

10. The re-useable partitioning seal of claim 7 in which the inwardly directed cuts are straight.

11. The re-useable partitioning seal of claim 7 in which the inwardly directed cuts are in a radial direction.

12. The re-useable partitioning seal of claim 7 in which the inwardly directed cuts extend to the transition between the thinner flexible perimeter and the flat disk or different shaped layer.

13. The re-useable partitioning seal of claim 7 in which the inwardly directed cuts divide a portion of the thin, flexible perimeter into multiple segments, the segments overlapping as the partitioning seal is inserted into a container and the segments are bent upward by the sides of the container.

14. The re-useable partitioning seal of claim 7 in which the disk or differently shaped layer comprises paper.

15. A storage container including multiple re-usable partitioning seals of claim 7.

16. The storage container of claim 15 further comprising: a first food material between the bottom of the storage container and a first of the multiple re-usable partitioning seals; and a second food material between the top of the first of the multiple re-usable partitioning seals and the bottom of a second one of the multiple re-usable partitioning seals.

17. The re-useable partitioning seal of claim 7 in which the thin, flexible perimeter is configured to flex upward when the re-useable partition seal is pushed downward and to flex equally downward when the re-useable partition seal is pulled upward.

18. The re-useable partitioning seal of claim 7 in which a center portion of the re-useable partitioning seal maintains its shape during insert and removal of the re-useable portioning seal in the storage container, while the thin, flexible perimeter area flexes.

19. The re-useable partitioning seal of claim 18 in which the center portion is about 12 times the thickness of the disk perimeter area.

20. The re-useable partitioning seal of claim 7 in which the thickness of the thin, flexible perimeter is about 0.25 mm.

21. The re-useable partitioning seal of claim 7 in which the top surface of the disk or differently shaped layer is smooth and flat except for the handle.

22. The re-useable partitioning seal of claim 7 in which the top surface of the thin, flexible perimeter and the bottom surface of the thin, flexible perimeter both extend radially to the same extent.

23. The re-useable partitioning seal of claim 7 in which: the thin flexible perimeter is deflected upward above the plane of the disk when the thin flexible perimeter is being pushed downward into a storage container; and the thin flexible perimeter is deflected downward below the plane of the disk when the thin flexible perimeter is being removed from the storage container.

24. The re-useable partitioning seal of claim 23 in which the extent of the downward deflection and of the upward deflection are approximately equal.

25. The re-useable partitioning seal of claim 7 in which the entire top and bottom surfaces are flat with the exception of a handle on the top surface for removing the re-useable partitioning seal.

26. A re-useable partitioning seal used with storage containers, creating virtually airtight chambers, to preserve products therein and comprising: a disc or differently shaped layer, with flat top and bottom surfaces, configured to fit against the interior surface of a storage container, a thin, flexible perimeter forming a gasket around the layer, the thin flexible perimeter having cuts extending inward toward the center from the edge; and a handle attached to the layer without fissure or cavity, thereby providing a single piece, inexpensive re-useable partitioning seal.

27. The re-useable partitioning seal of claim 26 in which the inwardly directed cuts are curved.

28. The re-useable partitioning seal of claim 26 in which the inwardly directed cuts are straight.

29. The re-useable partitioning seal of claim 26 in which the inwardly directed cuts divide a portion of the thin, flexible perimeter into multiple segments, the segments overlapping as the partitioning seal is inserted into a container and the segments are bent upward by the sides of the container.

30. The re-useable partitioning seal of claim 26 in which the disk or differently shaped layer comprises paper.

31. The re-useable partitioning seal of claim 26 in which the thin, flexible perimeter forming the gasket and the disk are formed as a single part, with the thin flexible perimeter being thinner than the disk.

32. The re-useable partitioning seal of claim 26 in which the thin, flexible perimeter forming the gasket is not formed as a single part with the disk.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated as an example and are not limited by the figures of the accompanying images, in which like references may indicate similar and in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 depicts a standalone perspective view of the article according to various first embodiments of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 2 depicts a side elevation view of the article according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of one example of the article positioned within a storage canister according to various embodiments described herein.

[0019] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of one example of two articles being positioned into a storage canister according to various embodiments described herein.

[0020] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of a prepackaged foods embodiment of a seal with breakaway perimeter, partitioning the package into multiple chambers.

[0021] FIG. 6 depicts prototypes of partitioning seals printed with helpful information.

[0022] FIG. 7 depicts a standalone perspective view of the article according to various second embodiments or the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 8 depicts a top elevation view of the article according to various second embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 9 depicts a standalone perspective view of the article according to various second embodiments or the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 10 depicts a top elevation view of the article with radial incisions in the perimeter in the unflexed position including specifics of their preferred angle of incision.

[0026] FIG. 11 depicts a top elevation view of the article with radial incisions in the perimeter in the flexed position.

[0027] FIG. 12 depicts an alternative embodiment in which the gasket is formed by folding;

[0028] FIG. 13 depicts the embodiment of FIG. 12 folded for use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0031] In describing the invention, it will be understood that a number of techniques and steps are disclosed. Each of these has individual benefit and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the invention and the claims.

[0032] Applicant has found that many insertable partitions seek to create a completely airtight seal, which results in designs that are more complicated, more expensive, and less efficient for this purpose. Preventing the vast majority of ambient atmosphere from remaining in contact with stored products accomplishes the necessary level of preservation and is significantly more efficient to design, manufacture, and use.

[0033] New insertable, one-piece articles and methods for positioning and sealing contents of containers are discussed herein. 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 evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.

[0034] The present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below.

[0035] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by referencing the appended figures representing preferred embodiments. FIG. 1 depicts a standalone perspective view of the partitioning seal article (the “article”) according to various embodiments of the present invention. In preferred embodiments, the article consists of a durable, food-safe material configured into a disc 1 with a thin, flexible perimeter 2 and a small handle 3. Reference number 4 indicates a region of transition between a thicker portion of the article and a thinner portion of the article. The article is constructed as a single piece, possibly a molded plastic such as Low-density polyethylene or other BPA-free material, for ease of use, durability, safety, and convenient cleaning. This “solid state” design combines the perimeter gasket 2, the small handle 3, and the disc 1. The surface of the disc 1 is flat and non-textured on both top and bottom, which minimizes the adherence of storage products to the article, whether they contact the article either above or below.

[0036] FIG. 2 shows a side elevation view of the article to better indicate the relatively compact height or thickness of the disc 1 and the thinner perimeter gasket 2.

[0037] The thinness of the disc 1 at the perimeter 2, provides flexibility to the material, thus forming a perimeter gasket 2 ring around the disc 1. The disk 1, perimeter gasket 2, and handle 3, can be formed as a single part, possibly using injection molded plastic, to provide cost- effective and durable construction. Reducing the thickness of disc 1 at its perimeter 2 leverages the flexibility of the material to create a functional gasket. The thicker, center disc 1 area maintains its shape, while the thinner perimeter 2 area is flexible. FIG. 3 shows the article is sized to fit the interior wall 5 of a storage container, so the thinner area forming the perimeter gasket 2, flexes firmly in place to form a partitioning seal. The storage container is commonly a cylindrical canister, though other container shapes such as rectangular boxes also work well. The gasket diameter is preferably at least the same as the diameter or more preferably slightly larger, for example 5% larger, than the inner wall of the container. This allows the gasket to form a seal against the inner container wall and to hold the device firmly in place. For other shapes, the dimension of the partitioning seal is slightly larger than the corresponding dimension of the container. The article's perimeter gasket 2 is sufficiently thin to flex against the interior wall 5 of the storage container, allowing the article to move along the internal wall of the container and air to escape as it is being moved into position. After positioning against the stored product, the article separates the product from the ambient atmosphere above, creating a partitioned, sealed chamber. While the entire disk is formed from a single piece of material, the center portion of the disk is thick enough to be rigid, whereas the edge is sufficiently thin to be flexible.

[0038] The thickness of the perimeter area is calculated based on the stiffness of the material used, for example Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and also the size of the lid. In the case of an embodiment of the article constructed of LDPE and measuring 120 mm in diameter, the perimeter gasket would measure 10 mm in width and 0.25 mm in thickness. In the same embodiment the 100 mm center disc is constructed with a thickness of 3 mm, providing the stiffness for this area to maintain its shape as the thinner perimeter flexes. This 12 to 1 thickness ratio of disc center area to disc perimeter area, provides a general baseline proportion for calculating disc measurements of additional embodiment sizes.

[0039] FIG. 3 shows the flexible perimeter gasket 2 in position over the stored product inside a container 5. In this way, almost the entire volume of ambient atmosphere inside the container 5 has been separated from the stored product. A virtual seal that is 99.99% airtight is efficiently created and preserves the stored products. The remaining 0.01% of ambient air trapped in the lower chamber or that may enter via the gasket is negligible and enables the design to be optimized for ease of use and cost-effective manufacturing, without the dependence on complex and expensive additions such as valves, knobs, and bulbs. For example, the virtual seal is sufficiently airtight could keep food fresh for anywhere from 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, or a year, depending on the application.

[0040] FIG. 4 shows how the perimeter gasket 2-b flexes upward as the article is positioned downward into the storage container 4. The flexibility of the perimeter gasket 2-b allows the article to firmly maintain contact with the interior wall of the storage container 5 while moving downward into position. Conversely in FIG. 4, the perimeter gasket 2-a flexes downward as the article is moved upward and out of the storage container 5. The flexibility of the perimeter gasket allows air to evacuate when inserting the article and air to re-enter the storage partition when removing the article. Further, the tension and firm fit of the perimeter gasket 2-b against the storage container wall 5 after it has been placed in position, provides a virtually airtight seal of the chamber below.

[0041] FIG. 5 depicts a second embodiment of a partitioning seal 51, made of plastic film, wax paper, or other material, in a pre-packaged food container 53. Similarly taking advantage of the inexpensive and easy to use design, the seal 51 separates commercially packaged, shipped, and stored foods into separate chambers (A, B, C), each chamber being airtight. In this embodiment, the perimeter 52 of seal 51 is designed as a perforated, tear away layer, thereby designed to be disposed of along with the packaging it shipped with. The significant benefit of this embodiment is that, as the container 53 is opened and the food in the topmost chambers (A & B) is consumed, the food in the lower chambers (B & C) remain unopened and fresh, not having been exposed to air and moisture.

[0042] FIG. 6 shows examples of a seal similar to that of FIG. 1, but printed with helpful information for the consumer. The partitioning seals may be printed with kitchen conversion tables, content expiration dates, or nutritional information.

[0043] Inwardly Directed Cuts

[0044] FIGS. 7-11 show embodiments that includes inwardly directed cuts 6 made in the gasket 2, the cuts extending from the outer edge of the gasket towards the center of the re-useable partitioning seal. FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a sealing device having slits in the gasket, and FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the sealing device of FIG. 7. The cuts can extend from the edge of the thin, flexible perimeter to the beginning of the thicker center portion disk, or can extend only part way through the thin, flexible perimeter.

[0045] Because the outer edge of the device flexes inward, its circumference reduces. This forces the gasket material to constrict which impedes flexibility and can cause gaps in the seal due to buckling or tearing. This behavior increases as the device is pressed into storage containers which taper from top to bottom.

[0046] Container design especially in commercial storage, tapers from top to bottom so they may be stacked inside each other to reduce space during shipping and when containers are stored empty. As such the outer circumference of the lid needs to adjust to match the narrow container size to avoid gasket stress and buckling. An efficient way to accomplish this is to cut the gasket from its outer edge to where the gasket meets the inner disc. Alternatively, the cuts can extend less than the entire distance to the inner disk, for example ½ way or ¾ of the way. This radial incision completely separates the material of the perimeter gasket along the cut line. This allows the flexible material of the gasket to move apart and overlap itself. This increases gasket flexibility and prevents gaps created by edge buckling and forms a more complete seal.

[0047] The cuts are preferably evenly spaced around the perimeter and range in number between 4 and 100, more preferably between 8 and 20 cuts, most preferably between 24 and 36cuts. The number, size and shape of the cuts are determined by the size and shape of the container the device is fitted to and the material and flexibility of the gasket. On a circular device the cuts can be made along a radius from the circumference towards the inner disc, or the cuts can be curved. On a rectangular device, as shown in FIG. 9, the cuts can made into the gasket along the shortest straight line from the outer edge to the joint of the gasket and the inner disc, typically perpendicular to both the edge and the stiffer inner portion. An optional diagonal cut can be made at the corners.

[0048] The curved cuts 6 to perimeter gasket can be made in the shape of an arc. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the curvature of the arc is defined by the curvature of the arc of a circle 7 whose diameter is 50% of the diameter of the device and whose center 8 is equidistant between the joint of the perimeter gasket to the center disc and the outer edge of the perimeter gasket.

[0049] FIG. 11 depicts a top elevation view of the article with curved cuts in the perimeter gasket 2 shown in the flexed position. When the article is inserted into a container having a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the perimeter gasket, the perimeter gasket 2 bends upward, and the radial extent of the outer edge of the gasket 2 is reduced. The cuts 6 allow the gasket material to separate into segments 9 along the cuts. The pressure introduced on the perimeter gasket outer edge by the container wall causes each segment 9 to bend and to overlap an adjacent segment 9 on one edge and to be overlapped by an adjacent segment on the opposing edge. Reference number 10 indicates the exposed edge of the segment 9 that has overlapped an adjacent segment, the hidden edge of the overlapped segment indicated by dashed lines indicated by reference number 11. This process is similar to that of an iris lens to allow a solid, circular article to constrict in circumference and retain its shape. Because pre-packaged food containers do not taper and because the food seller controls their packaging so precisely, the device can be manufactured to a very exact fit. This will allow for design optimizations such as reducing the size of the gasket and eliminating the radial cuts in certain applications.

[0050] Food-Safe Paper

[0051] Instead of injection molded plastic, Kraft cardstock paper is the material used. The paper may be coated to provide a better seal similar to the method used in coffee cups and take-out boxes. The device is cut, creased, and folded to be included in containers with food products when they are sold. The creasing along the fold lines promotes bending and creates a hinge that holds the lid in place to complete the seal. Foods such as coffee, nuts and cereals are thus separated from their containers' stale air during use. Plastic liner bags in products such as cereals and crackers can be eliminated to provide a fully biodegradable container system, reducing negative environmental impact.

[0052] The first benefit of this update is that the cost of the part is reduced even further to make it practical in a disposable application. Similar to the tear-away film of the embodiment previously described, this partitioning seal is included with retail and wholesale food products. A paper-based version of the embodiment, usually a polymer coated card stock, provides a waxy surface on one or both sides that repels moisture and oil to create a food-safe seal. This material is similar to that used to manufacture take out boxes and paper plates.

[0053] The seal is included with the pre-packaged foods container at the top and lowered to seal as products are consumed. It can also be embedded within the product to be removed when that portion of the product is reached. This prevents any exposure of the sealed portion of the product to atmosphere until it is ready to be consumed. It can then continue to be used to reseal the remaining product as it is consumed. One of the most common needs for this application is ground coffee, due to its porous and sensitive nature.

[0054] Paper also provides a sustainability benefit. Paper is efficient and cost-effective to produce and to recycle. Especially for single-use applications, paper is often the preferred material to minimize environmental impact. This embodiment could replace the entire internal plastic packaging bag of many pre-packaged foods such as cereal, crackers, cake mixes, etc.

[0055] It may also be beneficial to use a hybrid of materials. A single-use embodiment of the device could be developed that is 99% paper but has a minimal plastic film affixed at the perimeter to serve as the gasket.

[0056] While food storage and preservation may be the most common application of a partitioned seal, many other products and industries also benefit. Chemicals used in agriculture, construction, and medicine also require cost-effective protection from contamination by air, moisture, and debris.

[0057] FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 represent a seal 1200 that is made of paper and intended for single use applications. Seal 1200 comprises a firm center 1201 with a flexed perimeter 1202 forming a gasket. Fold lines 1203 indicate where the paper seal 1200 is folded to facilitate flexing. Handle 1204 folds up so that it can be gripped by a user.

[0058] In addition to product freshness, partitioning storage containers allows for accurate portioning of food in recipes, fertilizer for a specific square footage of landscape, chlorine crystals to be added to a pool, detergent to be used in laundry, and many other applications.

[0059] Although the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.