Storage containers including selective compression levels

Abstract

A container (jar, for instance) with a lid device that applies selected levels of vacuum sealing to allow for different shelf-storage results on demand is disclosed. Such a lid includes a mechanical compression pump mechanism that applies different pressures in relation to external controls as well as indicators denoting such pressure levels upon operation. Such a resultant container thus allows a user to place perishable items therein and determine the level of seal thereto in relation to desired levels of firmness, freshness, or other shelf-storage result over a certain time period. The device further allows for opening, removal of perishable items therefrom, and resealing to a desired compression level thereafter with remaining items or new items in place. Such a device is particularly useful for Cannabis, CBD, tobacco, and other like items.

Claims

1. A storage container assembly having at least one open cavity vessel, at least one lid complementary in shape to said at least one open cavity vessel having at least one body wall, a bottom edge for placement of perishable items, and a mouth opening, such that upon contact and attachment of said at least one lid to said at least one open cavity vessel no other openings from said at least one vessel are present, wherein said at least one lid includes a gasket structure to generate a seal at said lid and vessel interface, wherein said at least one open cavity vessel includes a scale located within said bottom edge, wherein said at least one open cavity vessel includes an internal temperature sensor therein, wherein said at least one lid includes a mechanical compression pump device integrated therein, wherein said mechanical compression pump device includes at least two different pressure level settings to impart to said at least one vessel upon activation thereof when said at least one lid and said at least one vessel are sealed together at said interface, and wherein said lid includes a readout indicating the exact weight of said perishable items within said vessel in relation to said scale, the exact internal temperature of said vessel in relation to said temperature sensor therein, and at least one of said at least two different pressure level settings.

2. A method of storing perishable items utilizing said storage container assembly of claim 1, said method including selectively applying at least three different sealing levels within said at least one vessel during lid application thereto, wherein said mechanical compression pump device provides at least three different compression levels on demand, and wherein said readout indicating at least one of said at least three different pressure level settings.

3. The method of storing perishable items of claim 2 wherein said perishable items are selected from Cannabis, CBD, and tobacco.

4. The method of storing perishable items of claim 3 wherein said perishable items are Cannabis.

5. The method of storing perishable items of claim 4 wherein said Cannabis may be stored as one of a stem, bud, or flower thereof, and said compression levels permit storage of such different Cannabis structure on demand for optimum storage thereof.

6. The storage container assembly of claim 1 wherein said at least one open cavity vessel comprises a body wall of plastic or glass infused with at least one ultraviolet blocker therein.

7. A multiple storage container assembly comprising a plurality of storage container assemblies of claim 1 integrated into a single structure.

8. The storage container assembly of claim 1 further including a grinder component within said lid.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the container assembly of the present disclosure, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purposes of illustrating the preferred container assembly, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the description is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

(2) FIG. 1 a side view of a potentially preferred container assembly.

(3) FIG. 2 is an aerial perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 1 with the lid closed and vacuum seal applied.

(4) FIG. 3 is a side view of the potential embodiment of the article of FIG. 2 showing the placement and storage of a perishable item therein.

(5) FIG. 4 is a top view of the lid with a different vacuum seal applied.

(6) FIG. 5 is a side view with a different perishable item present therein in relation to the vacuum seal of FIG. 4.

(7) FIG. 6 is a top view showing a readout of weight and temperature.

(8) FIG. 7 is a side view with multiple vessel portions integrated within a single container assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(9) FIGS. 1 through 7, discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that these principles may be implemented in any type of suitably arranged device or system.

(10) FIGS. 1-2 illustrate one possible embodiment of a disclosed container assembly 10 as disclosed herein. In FIG. 1, there is provided a side view of the assembly 10, with an open lid 12, including therein a compression pump 22, a gasket 32, including lid openings 34 for decompression. Also present in this potential possible embodiment are a hinge 24 (attached to the vessel component 12) and an opposing side latch 28 with a hook 30 that is complementary in shape and location with a loop structure 26 on the vessel 12 for secure and sealed contact and attachment of the lid 20 and the vessel 12 (over the vessel mouth opening 18). Associated with the compression pump 22 is a button 42 for activation thereof on demand. As noted above, two different pumps may be utilized (and thus would necessitate a second button for such operation). The vessel 12 includes a bottom edge 14 onto which perishable items 16 are placed for storage therein. Upon closure of the lid 20 through the sealing gasket 32 with the vessel mouth opening 18, there is present a potential sensor (not illustrated) that conveys a signal to one of three indicators 36, 38, 40 within the external side (or possibly in the internal wall for external viewing) of the vessel 12 in relation to activation of the compression pump. Upon this initial closure, latching, and compression pump activation, an initial compression level is generated and the first indicator 36 is illuminated. FIG. 2 shows the closed lid 20 on top of the vessel 12 with an indication of such compression level as well 46. Certainly, any type of indication may be provided, even in terms of colors as to the status of the pressurized vessel (canister, container, etc.), with green showing a suitable result, red showing pressure has stopped, and yellow that a problem potentially exists as to the pressure application. Basically, any type of indication as to the pressure application for compression results may be implemented and indicated on the lid and/or on the vessel wall(s) as well. Although such a vessel 12 is shown as a cylindrical jar in this potential embodiment, it should be understood and evident that any shape that allows for pressure application and secure and reliable closure thereof such a vessel 12 may be employed (and such shape, etc., may be implemented for any potential embodiment, as well).

(11) FIGS. 3-6 show a different type of assembly 110 with a vessel 112 included a scale 144 within the bottom 114 thereof to monitor the weight of the item stored continuously or at any time a user decides to analyze such a characteristic of the stored perishable item (on demand). Otherwise, such an assembly 110 includes the same type of lid 120 with a compression pump 122, hinge 124, latch 128, hook 130, vessel loop 126, gasket 132, and status indicators 136, 138, 140 on the vessel 112. In this alternative, there may also be a temperature (or other type of sensor, not illustrated) to provide instant measurements thereof for a user. The aerial views in FIGS. 4 and 6 show the lid 120 secured to a vessel 112 with different pressures applied. FIG. 4 (and FIG. 3, for that matter) shows an intermediate compression (initial compression level adjusted to a lower level through decompression) employed for the stored items 216, with the second indicator 138 and lid pressure notation 146 providing such notifications. Additionally, the lid 112 provides indication of the current internal temperature 148 as well as the weight 150 thereof of the product (item) 116. The assembly 110 of FIGS. 5 and 6 show the application of a vacuum seal level through operation of the compression pump to a maximum vacuum seal level with the indications 146, 150 denoting such an effect.

(12) In this manner, there is provided a means of not only generating different compression levels for stored perishable items within storage assemblies, but also varying capabilities of monitoring such storage statuses over time. As noted above, this allows for more specific storage results, particularly for certain perishable items that may include different components from a single source with storage stable needs to deliver effective and desirable results for a user, ostensibly to permit more reliable long-term (or short-term) result in relation to investment of money and time.

(13) FIG. 7 shows another potential embodiment with the assembly 200 including three integrated vessels 212A, 212B, 212C with separate lids 220A, 220B, 220C, with separate compression pumps 222A, 222B, 222C, hinges 224A, 224B, 224C, and latches 228A, 228B, 228C, 232A, 232B, 232C. The vessels 212A, 212B, 212C, include bottom edges 214A, 214B, 214C, on which different perishable items 216A, 216B, 216C, have been placed and applied at different compression levels as shown by the indicators 236A, 236B, 236C, 238A, 238B, 238C, 240A, 240B, 240C (vessel 212A showing a first level 236A, vessel 212B a second level 238B, and third vessel 212C a strongest level 240C).

(14) The various components and operations shown in each of FIGS. 1 through 7 may be incorporated in other figures without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses may be performed by more, fewer, or other components. The methods may include more, fewer, or other operations. Additionally, operations may be performed in any suitable order. As used in this document, each refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set.

(15) While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as defined by the following claims.