Abstract
An inventive vacuum storage container for long term storage of perishable and non-perishable items, incorporating a pump, power supply, controller, sensor, top cover, expandable seal, pressure sensor and base plate. The controller activates the pump based on signals from the sensor to maintain a vacuum state within an interior vacuum chamber formed by the top cover, expandable seal, and base plate. The container is configured to effectively maintain vacuum pressure by activating a pump when the lack of vacuum pressure is indicated.
Claims
1. A vacuum storage container for storing perishable items comprising: a detachable top cover with a flat top surface and one or more side walls extending vertically from said flat top surface downwards to a bottom edge, a valve placed upon the flat top surface; a base plate having a top surface, a bottom surface, and one or more side walls and comprising: a vacuum pump for creating a vacuum within a vacuum chamber formed within a cavity formed by the top cover and the base plate; a groove placed along the top surface of the base plate; an expandable seal placed within said groove for forming a seal against said bottom edge of said one or more side walls of said top cover; a power supply for providing power to said vacuum pump; a sensor mechanism for detecting pressure levels within said vacuum chamber; a controller for automatically regulating said vacuum pump to maintain said vacuum within said vacuum chamber; a switch for activating said controller to maintain said vacuum within said vacuum chamber; wherein said sensor mechanism comprises one of the following: an inductive pressure sensor or a variable reluctance pressure sensor.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
(2) FIG. 1 shows the components of the preferred embodiment of the inventive vacuum sealed pastry saver.
(3) FIG. 2 shows the base.
(4) FIG. 3 shows the pump assembly with controller, power supply, and pump.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(5) FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the invention (100) having a top cover (101) with a top surface (102), at least one side wall extending laterally from the top surface (103), and a vacuum valve (104). The hollow interior of top cover (101) forms an interior cavity (105) when placed on base (106). Base (106) possesses atop surface with groove (107). Placed within the groove is expandable seal (108). Expandable seal (108) makes contact with said side wall of top cover (101) so as to form a seal with the interior cavity (105). Base (106) also includes a receptacle (109) for containing a power source, such as a battery pack, and plug receptacle (110) for connecting a power source. Valve (111) allows for the egress of atmospheric gases from interior cavity (105) so as to create a vacuum chamber.
(6) FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of the bottom of the base (106). Also shown is receptable (109) for receiving the power source such as a battery pack, and plug receptacle (110) for connecting a power source.
(7) FIG. 3 shows an expanded view of the pump assembly (300) with pump (301), controller (302), a first power switch (303) activated by knob (304), a second power switch (305) activated by diaphragm (306), inlet (307), exhaust (308), and inlet valve (309). When the knob (304) is activated it actuates the first switch (303) such that controller (302) is provided with power. It will be readily understood by one of skill in the art that a number of switch designs could be used, such as a rocker switch. When power is provided to controller (302) it activates pump (301). Pump (301) is connected to inlet (307) which is in turn connected to inlet valve (309) which allows for the egress of atmospheric gases from sealed vacuum chamber. Pump (301) is also connected to exhaust (308) which allows pump to vent atmospheric gases. When turned on by controller (302), pump (301) draws atmospheric gases through inlet valve (309) and inlet (307) and expels said atmospheric gases via exhaust (308), thus removing the atmospheric gases from sealed vacuum chamber, thereby creating a vacuum within sealed vacuum chamber. Second power switch (305) rests against diaphragm (306). Diaphragm (306) is placed between the sealed vacuum chamber and the exterior atmosphere, such that diaphragm (306) extends towards the sealed vacuum chamber when the pressure inside the sealed vacuum chamber is substantially lower than the exterior atmospheric pressure, i.e., when a vacuum has been formed within sealed vacuum chamber, and extends away from sealed vacuum chamber when the pressure within sealed vacuum chamber is equal to or greater than the exterior atmospheric pressure. When the correct vacuum pressure has been achieved within sealed vacuum chamber, diaphragm (306) makes contact with and actuates second power switch (305). When second power switch (305) is actuated, it delivers a signal to controller (302) which turns off pump (301). In this manner, when the pressure levels in the sealed vacuum chamber rise due to the entry of atmospheric gases over time, the pump (301) can be automatically activated to man in the desired vacuum and automatically deactivated once the desired vacuum has been achieved. Further, power plug (310) is shown.
