VALVE ASSEMBLY FOR A FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER

Abstract

A valve assembly is provided for use with a food storage container, including an opening formed in its lid member with at least one air channel formed between the container and the lid member. The valve assembly can be operated by a knob that, in a first position, unseats a check ball from a valve seat so that the valve assembly operates as a two-way valve able to work with a vacuum adapter in “marinate” mode or to open the lid member. In a second position, the check ball of the valve assembly unseats from the valve seat so that the valve assembly operates as a one-way valve that is operable to work with a vacuum adapter in “vacuum” mode to preserve the freshness of food contained therein. The valve assembly can be used with a vacuum system as part of a food storage container system.

Claims

1. A food storage container comprising: a lid member including an opening and at least one air channel adjacent to the opening, the lid member being configured to receive a vacuum adapter associated with a vacuum seal appliance; at least one storage compartment; and a valve assembly extending through the opening located in the lid member, and comprising a check ball and a ball seat; wherein, the check ball being moveable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position, the check ball being seated against the ball seat and prevents air flow into the food storage container, and in the open position, the check ball unseats from the ball seat such that air flow is established from environment to the food storage container.

2. The food storage container of claim 1 further comprising a knob for moving the check ball between the open position and the closed position.

3. The food storage container of claim 2, wherein the knob comprises: at least one air channel in air communication with a chamber within the valve in which the check ball is retained; and an aperture that corresponds to the at least one air channel of the knob.

4. The food storage container of claim 2 further comprising a dust cover member releasably engageable with the knob.

5. The food storage container of claim 1, wherein: the lid member further comprises a central cavity member near a central portion of the lid member; and the opening is provided at a bottom portion of the central cavity member.

6. The food storage container of claim 5, wherein the central cavity comprises a wall member comprising a lip portion and an outer surface.

7. The food storage container of claim 6, wherein the outer surface of the wall member comprises at least one threaded portion to mate with at least one threaded portion of an inner wall member of a knob for moving the check ball between the open position and the closed position.

8. The food storage container of claim 6 further comprising an O-ring between the wall member and an internal wall member of a knob for moving the check ball between the open position and the closed position.

9. The food storage container of claim 1, wherein the valve further comprises a check ball retainer.

10. The food storage container of claim 1, wherein the lid member further comprises a vacuum indicator.

11. A food storage container system comprising: a vacuum system comprising: a vacuum adapter; and a vacuum seal appliance; a food storage container comprising: a lid member including an opening and at least one air channel adjacent to the opening, the lid member being configured to receive the vacuum adapter; at least one storage compartment; and a valve assembly extending through the opening located in the lid member, and comprising a check ball and a ball seat; wherein, the check ball being moveable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position the check ball being seated against the ball seat and prevents air flow into the food storage container, and in the open position the check ball unseats from the ball seat such that air flow is established from environment to the food storage container.

12. The food storage container system of claim 11 further comprising: a knob for moving the check ball between the open position and the closed position; wherein the knob comprises: at least one air channel in air communication with a chamber within the valve in which the check ball is retained; and an aperture that corresponds to the at least one air channel of the knob.

13. The food storage container system of claim 11, wherein: the lid member further comprises a central cavity member near a central portion of the lid member; the central cavity comprises a wall member comprising a lip portion and an outer surface; and the opening is provided at a bottom portion of the central cavity member.

14. The food storage container system of claim 13, wherein the outer surface of the wall member comprises at least one threaded portion to mate with at least one threaded portion of an inner wall member of a knob for moving the check ball between the open position and the closed position.

15. The food storage container system of claim 13 further comprising an O-ring between the wall member and an internal wall member of a knob for moving the check ball between the open position and the closed position.

16. The food storage container system of claim 11, wherein: the lid member comprises an annular flange for engaging the vacuum adapter that surrounds a knob; and the vacuum adapter is configured to engage the annular flange to form an airtight seal.

17. The food storage container system of claim 11 further comprise a hose connecting the vacuum adapter to the vacuum seal appliance.

18. A method for using a food storage container system, the method comprising the steps of: providing a food storage container system comprising: a vacuum system comprising: a vacuum adapter; and a vacuum seal appliance; a food storage container comprising: a lid member including an opening and at least one air channel adjacent to the opening, the lid member being configured to receive the vacuum adapter; at least one storage compartment; and a valve assembly extending through the opening located in the lid member, and comprising a check ball and a ball seat; wherein, the check ball being moveable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position the check ball being seated against the ball seat and prevents air flow into the food storage container, and in the open position the check ball unseats from the ball seat such that air flow is established from environment to the food storage container; placing the check ball in the open position; attaching the vacuum adapter to the lid member over the valve assembly and placing the check ball in the closed position; activating the vacuum system; deactivating the vacuum system; and placing the check ball in the open position.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein: the lid member comprises an annular flange for engaging the vacuum adapter that surrounds a knob; and the vacuum adapter is configured to engage the annular flange to form an airtight seal.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the lid member further comprises a vacuum indicator.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may be made to the following accompanying drawings.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a food storage container system incorporating the present valve assembly and vacuum indicator constructed according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 showing the lid member being removed from the food storage container.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the food storage container system of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0016] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the food storage container system of FIGS. 1-3.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the food storage container system of FIGS. 1-4 in an open position.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the valve assembly in its open position illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the food storage container system of FIGS. 1-5 in a closed position.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the valve assembly in its closed position illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a vacuum adapter and a vacuum seal appliance for use in connection with food storage container system incorporating the present valve assembly and vacuum indicator constructed according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of a method for using a food storage container system incorporating the present valve assembly constructed according to the teachings of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The invention will now be described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. For purposes of clarity in illustrating the characteristics of the present invention, proportional relationships of the elements have not necessarily been maintained in the drawing figures.

[0024] The following detailed description of the invention references specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0025] The present invention is directed to a valve assembly for use on a wide variety of food storage containers for allowing a vacuum system to be mated with the container for creating or drawing a vacuum within the container to preserve and protect the food product stored therein. The food storage containers incorporating the present valve assembly may be used in refrigerators, pantries and on-the-go use and allow the food products stored therein to retain their freshness and extend their normal useful life over food products stored in ordinary non-vacuum food storage containers. The present containers incorporating the present valve assembly represent an additional line of food storage containers that work with FoodSaver® vacuum seal products and handheld vacuum sealers, including its oval adapter, circular adapter, and hose accessory, to remove air from within the container and create a unique airtight seal.

[0026] The present containers come in a wide variety of different sizes for different applications and for storing many different types of food items including meats, poultry, fish, fruits, vegetables, herbs, preparation ingredients, pantry items, meals, snacks on-the-go and much more. The present vacuum sealed food storage containers aim to reduce food waste so that consumers can enjoy what would ordinarily spoil quickly without being vacuum-sealed. These containers are made for everyday refrigerator, pantry and on-the-go storage.

[0027] Turning first to FIG. 1, a food storage container system 1 is provided. Like many food storage systems known and understood in the art, the food storage system 1 preferably includes each of a food storage container 5 and a lid member 10. The food storage container 5, like many of those that are used in the food storage industry, includes at least one storage cavity or compartment in which perishable and/or nonperishable foods, herbs, or spices may be stored when not in use. The container 5 and lid member 10 may be made of a variety of rigid or semi-rigid materials, but in the preferred embodiment, both are made of a BPA-free dishwasher safe material. The food storage system 1 may be stored, for example, in a pantry, in a refrigerator, or it can be used on-the-go. As illustrated, the food storage container 5 is transparent, though in alternative embodiments, it may be opaque.

[0028] The container 5 and the lid member 10 shown in FIG. 1 are shaped and recessed to be nestable within, or even releasably engageable with, bottom portions of food storage containers 5 and/or lid members 10 of the present food storage system 1 or other food storage systems. However, in alternative embodiments, the lid member 10 may be substantially flat, as may be the bottoms of other food storage containers. The manner in which the lid member 10 may be releasably engaged with the food storage container 5 may take on many forms, but in one embodiment, the lid member 10 is releasably engaged with the food storage container 5 by a friction fit.

[0029] In FIG. 2, the lid member 10 is illustrated as having been partially removed from the food storage container 5. The seal formed between the lid member 10 and the food storage container 5 is preferably airtight. The airtightness of the seal may be improved by known techniques, for example, by use of O-rings, gaskets, and the like. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, a gasket member 15 strengthens the seal between the lid member 10 and the food storage container 5. In a preferred embodiment, the gasket member 15 is made from silicone, though other seal-forming materials are foreseeable.

[0030] To facilitate the opening and closing of the lid member 10, the lid member 10 may include at least one tab member 20 protruding outwardly from its surface that a user may grasp when removing the lid member 10 from the food storage container 5. Furthermore, the food storage container 5 may include a cut-out portion 25 in at least one handle 30 thereof. The cut-out portion 25 is preferably adjacent the tab member 20 when the lid member 10 is attached to the food storage container 5. A user may thereby more easily access the tab member 20 when he or she wishes to open the lid member 10, since at least a portion of the handle 30 will not be obstructing the tab member 20. In at least one embodiment, both sides of the lid member 10 may include the tab member 20, and both handles 30 may include the cut-out portion 25.

[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 3, an underside 35 of the food storage container 5 preferably includes raised feet 40 formed from the container 5 that protrude downwardly from the food storage container 5. The feet 40 preferably help to keep the food storage container 5 raised and away from any spills or messes on a surface upon which the container 5 is resting, such as a countertop. The feet 40 may extend partially or entirely around the underside 35 of the food storage container 5.

[0032] Turning to FIG. 4, the food storage system 1 of the present invention includes a valve assembly 45 that can be used with a vacuum adapter 165 and/or vacuum seal appliance 170 (as described in more detail below), such as the FoodSaver® vacuum seal appliance, handheld vacuum sealers, or the like to create or draw a vacuum within the food storage container 5. Moreover, the valve assembly 45 may also be used in a manner described hereinbelow to release vacuum pressure from within the food storage container 5 and allow air to enter the food storage container 5, including, without limitation, when a user wishes to access contents within the food storage container 5. The valve assembly 45, as will be described in much greater detail below, is generally comprised of a valve 50 and a knob 55 for actuating the valve 50.

[0033] The valve assembly 45 is preferably located on or incorporated into the lid member 10, and the lid member can comprise a central opening for receiving the valve assembly 45. In addition to the valve assembly 45, a vacuum indicator 60 may also be located on the lid member 10. The vacuum indicator 60 signals to a user whether predetermined vacuum has been created within the food storage container 5, and thus whether its contents are currently being preserved by an airtight vacuum seal between the lid member 10 and the food storage container 5. Alternatively, the vacuum indicator 60 may signal to a user whether contents within the food storage container 5, if any, are in a vacuum environment. The vacuum indicator 60 may be a dimpled portion of silicone that functions to depress from a convex position to a concave position when a predetermined airtight vacuum seal has been generated between the lid member 10 and the food storage container 5.

[0034] The valve assembly 45 preferably is a two-way valve that is operable by turning a knob 55 in communication with the valve assembly 45. When a user wishes to marinate the contents within the food storage container 5, release a vacuum created in the food storage container 5, or create a vacuum in the food storage container 5, the valve assembly 45 should be appropriately prepared for its appropriate operation. In a first position, where the user wishes to marinate the contents of the food storage container 5 (or where a user wishes to release a vacuum within the container 5 and subsequently open the lid member 5), the knob 55 should be rotated such that an indicator 65 points to “marinate” or “open” labels 67 (or similar) on the valve assembly 45, as illustrated in FIG. 5. In a first, “marinate” or “open” position, when the knob 55 has been rotated to a first position, the valve assembly 45 allows air to flow in and out of the valve assembly 45 via an air channel 125 (as described in more detail below) in the valve assembly 45 so that the food storage system 1 can operate in its “marinate” function. For the “marinate’ function, the food storage system 1 can allow for air to flow into the food storage container 5 and to operate under the marinate function with FoodSaver® appliances, including, without limitation, a vacuum adapter 165 and/or vacuum seal appliance 170, such as the FoodSaver® vacuum seal appliance, handheld vacuum sealers, or the like. Furthermore, in the first position, a user may remove the lid member 10.

[0035] It should be noted that the knob 55 is preferably secured within a concave portion 70 of the lid member 10. This preferably allows a user to more easily access the knob 55 to rotate it as he or she desires. In alternative embodiments, the knob 55 may be more raised than as illustrated or otherwise more accessible instead of located in a concave portion of the lid member 10.

[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates (in cross-section view) the valve assembly 45 and the lid member 10 when the knob 55 is rotated in the manner illustrated in FIG. 5. In one embodiment, near a central portion 75 of the lid member 10, a central cavity member or recessed area 80 is provided in the lid member 10. The central cavity member 80 is a portion of the lid member 10 that extends downwardly therefrom to form a cavity or recess created in the direction of the food storage container 5. The central cavity member 80 may take on a number of shapes and sizes, but in the illustrated embodiment, is circular so that the valve assembly 45 and the knob 55 may be securely positioned and located within the central cavity member 80, as described in greater detail below.

[0037] The central cavity member 80 includes a wall member 85 that extends around the circumference of the central cavity member 80. In the illustrated embodiment, a rim, flange or lip portion 90 of the wall member 85 preferably extends upwardly from the lid member 10 such that it is in a higher plane than the rest of the lid member 10. An outer surface 95 of the wall member 85 preferably includes threaded portions 100 that preferably mate with threaded portions 105 of an inner wall 110 of the knob 55. The seal between the outer surface 95 of the lip portion 90 and the inner wall 110 of the knob 55 is preferably airtight so that a vacuum adapter 165 and its associated vacuum seal appliance 170 may work to generate a vacuum pressure in the food storage container 5.

[0038] A central opening 115 is provided at a bottom portion 120 of the central cavity member 80 that provides air communication between the interior of the container 5 and the central cavity member 80. In addition to the central opening 115, at least one air channel 125 is also provided that extends downwardly into the knob 55. The air channel 125 is preferably in air communication with a chamber 130 within the valve 50, in which a check ball 135 is retained. When the knob 55 is in “marinate” or “open” position, air may flow in either direction between the central opening 115, chamber 130, and air channel 125 because the check ball 135 is not firmly seated on a ball seat 140 of the valve 50. In this position, a FoodSaver® appliance, including, without limitation, a vacuum adapter 165 and/or a vacuum seal appliance 170, such as the FoodSaver® vacuum seal appliance, handheld vacuum sealers, or the like, may operate its “marinate” function. Furthermore, a user may be able to open the lid member 10 without using excess force to do so.

[0039] An O-ring 145 may be present between the wall member 85 and an internal wall member 150 of the knob 55. The O-ring 145 may more firmly mate the knob 55 with the lid member 10. The valve 50 may further include a check ball retainer 155 has an inner diameter smaller than that of the check ball 135 to prevent the check ball 135 from falling out of the chamber 130.

[0040] When a user wishes to put the food storage system 1 into its “vacuum” or “store” mode, he or she should rotate the knob 55 so that its indicator 65 points to the “vacuum” or “store” labels 69 on the lid member 10, as illustrated in FIG. 7. In the second, “vacuum” or “store” position, including when the knob 55 has been rotated to a second position, air may only flow out from the food storage container 5 via the air channel 125, and the lid 10 seals shut to maintain a vacuum for storage when a vacuum is applied. In FIG. 7, it should be noted that an aperture 160 in the center of the knob 55 is further illustrated that corresponds to the air channel 125.

[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 8, when the knob 55 is rotated in the clockwise direction (counterclockwise in alternative embodiments), the threaded portions 100, 105 of the lid member 10 and the knob 55, respectively, further engage one another, and the knob 55 screws downwardly further onto the lid member 10. As this takes place, the valve 50 also preferably progresses downwardly, thus also forcing the check ball 135 downwardly. Eventually, the check ball 135 reaches the ball seat 140 and is retained thereon. With the check ball 135 seated on the ball seat 140, air may only flow in one direction, namely out from the food storage container 5 via the central opening 115, chamber 130, and air channel 125 (and out the aperture 160). This process is facilitated by turning on a vacuum force from a FoodSaver® appliance, including, without limitation, a vacuum adapter 165 and/or a vacuum seal appliance 170, such as the FoodSaver® vacuum seal appliance, handheld vacuum sealers, or the like.

[0042] When a vacuum is applied when the food storage system 1 is in its “vacuum” or “store” operation, air is drawn from the container 5 via the central opening 115, chamber 130, and air channel 125 (and out the aperture 160), until a vacuum is achieved in the container 5. Once that happens, the check ball 135 may firmly retain itself against the ball seat 140, including under the negative air pressure forces of the vacuum achieved in the container 5. This may maintain the vacuum in the food storage container 5, and preserve food stored therein until the knob 55 is turned back to its “marinate” or “open” position.

[0043] Accordingly, when a user wishes to remove the lid member 10 from the food storage container 5, he or she may begin by rotating the knob 55 to its “open” or “marinate” position. In this position, the check ball 135 may unseat from the ball seat 140 to again allow for two-way air flow. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the pressure difference across the food storage container 5 and atmosphere may make it necessary to force air into the container 5 to unseat the check ball 135 using a FoodSaver® appliance, including, without limitation, a vacuum adapter 165 and/or a vacuum seal appliance 170, such as the FoodSaver® vacuum seal appliance, handheld vacuum sealers, or the like.

[0044] In some embodiments, a dust or particle cover member (not illustrated) may be releasably engageable with the knob 55 to cover and uncover the aperture 160. The cover member, when covering the knob 55, helps to prevent dust and other particles from clogging the aperture 160. If dust, particles, and/or other debris frequently come into contact with the various components of the present valve assembly 45 or clog the aperture 160, the valve assembly 45 may become damaged and less effective. The cover member is not a required component of the food storage system 1. However, when the cover member is provided, it is releasably engaged with the lid member 10 so that a user may remove it if he or she chooses to do so.

[0045] The valve assembly 45 can be configured to receive and mate with a FoodSaver® appliance, including, without limitation, a vacuum adapter 165 and/or a vacuum seal appliance 170, such as the FoodSaver® vacuum seal appliance, handheld vacuum sealers, or the like, that may carry out the “marinate” or “vacuum” functions, which is shown in FIG. 9. The vacuum adapter 165 and/or the vacuum seal appliance 170 can comprise a vacuum system 175, which may further comprise a hose 180. The vacuum adapter 165 preferably fits over the valve assembly 45 contained in the lid member 10. In one embodiment, the lid member 10 includes an annular flange or lip portion surrounding the knob 55 for engaging the vacuum adapter 165 associated with a typical vacuum seal appliance such as a FoodSaver® appliance, including, without limitation, a vacuum seal appliance 170, such as the FoodSaver® vacuum seal appliance, handheld vacuum sealers, or any other vacuum adapter configured to engage the lid member 10.

[0046] Turning to FIG. 10, operation of the present food storage system 1 of the present invention can be as follows. As shown in block 1000, a food storage system 1, with a valve assembly 45, can be provided. In one embodiment, the food storage system 1 can also be provided with a vacuum system 175, with a vacuum adapter 165 and a vacuum seal appliance 170. Then, as shown in block 1010, the check ball 135 can be placed in its open position (e.g., wherein the valve assembly 45 can be in the first, “marinate” position). In this position, the lid member 10 may be easily removable from a storage container 5 of the food storage system 1. In one embodiment, a vacuum adapter 165 can be attached to a vacuum seal appliance 170 and may be positioned such that it extends over and completely covers the central opening 115 in a lid member 10 of the food storage system 1. In this position, the vacuum adapter 165 may carry out its “marinate” function. As shown in block 1020, when a vacuum is desired, the vacuum adapter 165 may be attached to the lid member 10 over the check ball 135 in the closed position (e.g., wherein the valve assembly 45 can be in the second, “vacuum” position). In one embodiment, the vacuum adapter 165 can be connected to a vacuum seal appliance 170 via a hose 180. In another embodiment, the vacuum adapter 165 can engage an annular lip or flange surrounding the knob 55 to form an airtight seal with the annular flange of the lid member 10 for pulling a vacuum. Then, as shown in block 1030, the vacuum system 175 can be activated. In one embodiment, the vacuum system 175 can be activated by activating the vacuum pump within the vacuum seal appliance 170. When vacuum system 175 is activated, the check ball 135 within the valve member 45 can be pulled upwardly away to uncover the air channel 125 thereby allowing air from within the food storage container 5 to be evacuated through the air channel 125 and out through the top of the lid member 10.

[0047] As shown in block 1040, once the vacuum system 175 is deactivated, including by deactivating the vacuum pump associated with the vacuum seal appliance 170, the valve assembly 45 can be mechanically closed. The valve assembly 45 may stay closed in part because of the vacuum in the food storage container 5 applying a pressure, including under the negative air pressure forces of the vacuum achieved in the container 5, to keep the check ball 135 of the valve assembly 45 in place. This seals and contains the vacuum formed within the food storage container 5. This also seals the lid member 10 to the food storage container 5 in an airtight vacuum seal configuration.

[0048] As shown in block 1050, when it is time to remove the food product stored within the food storage container 5, a user may return the check ball 135 to its open position (e.g., wherein the valve assembly 45 can be in the first, “marinate” position) to facilitate pressure from within the food storage container 5 opening the valve assembly 45 and lifting the check ball 135 from its position covering the air channel 125, so that the air channel 125 is at least partially uncovered to allow the vacuum contained within the food storage container 5 to escape through the air channel 125. Ambient air may then again enter the food storage container 5 so as to equalize the pressure therewithin. This allows a user to remove the lid member 10 from the food storage container 5 so as to have access to the products stored therewithin.

[0049] From the foregoing, it will be seen that the various embodiments of the present invention are well adapted to attain all the objectives and advantages hereinabove set forth together with still other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the present structures. It will be understood that certain features and sub-combinations of the present embodiments are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. Since many possible embodiments of the present invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, it is also to be understood that all disclosures herein set forth or illustrated in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. The various constructions described above and illustrated in the drawings are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the concepts, principles and scope of the present invention.

[0050] Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present invention will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow.