US20140075889A1 - System and method for storing items - Google Patents
System and method for storing items Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140075889A1 US20140075889A1 US14/084,719 US201314084719A US2014075889A1 US 20140075889 A1 US20140075889 A1 US 20140075889A1 US 201314084719 A US201314084719 A US 201314084719A US 2014075889 A1 US2014075889 A1 US 2014075889A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- pliable sheet
- shelf
- storage space
- air
- container
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 10
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 230000002829 reductive effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 claims description 18
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 15
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 239000003570 air Substances 0.000 description 69
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 9
- 229920000126 latex Polymers 0.000 description 8
- 239000004816 latex Substances 0.000 description 8
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 8
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 7
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000000670 limiting effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229940079593 drug Drugs 0.000 description 3
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000004926 polymethyl methacrylate Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 229920005479 Lucite® Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000004308 accommodation Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000012080 ambient air Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000011120 plywood Substances 0.000 description 2
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 241000238876 Acari Species 0.000 description 1
- 102000004190 Enzymes Human genes 0.000 description 1
- 108090000790 Enzymes Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 241000238631 Hexapoda Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 241000283984 Rodentia Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000071 blow moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007664 blowing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011038 discontinuous diafiltration by volume reduction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 201000010099 disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000037265 diseases, disorders, signs and symptoms Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 235000013399 edible fruits Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011888 foil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000012055 fruits and vegetables Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000013372 meat Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000004066 metabolic change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000813 microbial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000036961 partial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920003229 poly(methyl methacrylate) Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000915 polyvinyl chloride Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004321 preservation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005057 refrigeration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920002379 silicone rubber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003319 supportive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007666 vacuum forming Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009461 vacuum packaging Methods 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
- B65B31/04—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23B—PRESERVING, e.g. BY CANNING, MEAT, FISH, EGGS, FRUIT, VEGETABLES, EDIBLE SEEDS; CHEMICAL RIPENING OF FRUIT OR VEGETABLES; THE PRESERVED, RIPENED, OR CANNED PRODUCTS
- A23B7/00—Preservation or chemical ripening of fruit or vegetables
- A23B7/14—Preserving or ripening with chemicals not covered by groups A23B7/08 or A23B7/10
- A23B7/144—Preserving or ripening with chemicals not covered by groups A23B7/08 or A23B7/10 in the form of gases, e.g. fumigation; Compositions or apparatus therefor
- A23B7/148—Preserving or ripening with chemicals not covered by groups A23B7/08 or A23B7/10 in the form of gases, e.g. fumigation; Compositions or apparatus therefor in a controlled atmosphere, e.g. partial vacuum, comprising only CO2, N2, O2 or H2O
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
- A23L3/00—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs
- A23L3/34—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by treatment with chemicals
- A23L3/3409—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by treatment with chemicals in the form of gases, e.g. fumigation; Compositions or apparatus therefor
- A23L3/3418—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by treatment with chemicals in the form of gases, e.g. fumigation; Compositions or apparatus therefor in a controlled atmosphere, e.g. partial vacuum, comprising only CO2, N2, O2 or H2O
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
- F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
- F25D17/042—Air treating means within refrigerated spaces
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2317/04—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments
- F25D2317/043—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments by creating a vacuum in a storage compartment
Abstract
A system for storing items is provided. The system includes a rigid chamber having an internal space and including a mechanism for generating a storage space within said internal space, said storage space having reduced volume and optionally pressure as compared to said internal space. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the system further comprises a device for creating a pressure difference between a first and a second surface of the pliable sheet to thereby generate the storage space characterized by reduced volume and pressure as compared to the internal space.
Description
- This application is a continuation of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/IL2012/050180 having the International filing date of May 20, 2012, which claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/488,173 filed May 20, 2011 and 61/542,344 filed Oct. 3, 2011, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
- The present invention relates to a system and method for storing items and specifically to a system that can be used to preserve or secure items under reduced volume and optionally pressure while enabling rapid access to stored items.
- One of the problems facing households and suppliers is an inability to effectively preserve perishable items such as food and medication. Oxygen and humidity in the air accelerate the chemical breakdown and microbial spoilage of many items. Insects, mites and rodents are also common causes of food spoilage, and they may also serve as carriers in transmitting diseases. Metabolic change within food items can also cause food spoilage in raw foods. For example, meat and fruit contain enzymes that will cause the breakdown of tissues.
- Regardless of the cause of spoilage, the end result is wastage of surpluses in all steps of the food supply chain and a major economic, environmental and social concern.
- Numerous approaches have been developed to help preserve perishable items. For example, vacuum packaging which removes air from package helps to preserve foods by eliminating some or all of the air inside the package.
- One example of a vacuum sealing system is the Foodsaver® system which utilizes a bag/container and sealing device to seal food items under vacuum and keep it fresh up to 5 times longer than ordinary storage devices like zipper bags, foil, plastic wrap, lid-top containers and the like.
- More complicated vacuum systems which are integrated into refrigerators and the like are also known.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,875 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20090194193 are directed to a refrigerator drawer for storing fruits and vegetables. The drawer plugs into a vacuum source in a refrigerator to evacuate air from the storage compartment. The drawer contains a mechanism to release the pressure in order to open the drawer and retrieve the food products. Notably, every time a user opens the drawer to retrieve food, the vacuum source must be re-activated in order to evacuate air from the drawer.
- The above described vacuum systems suffer from several inherent limitations. Since the vacuum compartment is rigid, the amount of air that can be removed therefrom is typically about 10% of the air volume in the compartment (10% absolute vacuum). This is due to the fact that drawing air from a rigid compartment requires a large vacuum force and produces external forces on the compartment which can lead to collapse of the compartment.
- In addition, drawing air out of a rigid compartment can take several minutes and requires a large capacity vacuum pump due to the buildup of negative pressure within the rigid compartment.
- While reducing the present invention to practice, the present inventors have devised a storage system which traverses the above described limitations of prior art devices and provides a reduced volume and/or pressure chamber which can, for example, maintain an item storage environment having a vacuum-equivalent value of 95% (equivalent to a 95% vacuum) or more and yet be activatable to establish such an environment within seconds.
- According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for storing items comprising a rigid chamber having an internal space and including a mechanism for generating a storage space within the internal space, the storage space having reduced volume and optionally pressure as compared to the internal space.
- According to further features in preferred embodiments of the invention described below, the mechanism includes a pliable sheet defining at least one wall of the storage space.
- According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the system further comprises a device for creating a pressure difference between a first and a second surface of the pliable sheet to thereby generate the storage space characterized by reduced volume and pressure as compared to the internal space.
- According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the pressure difference deforms the pliable sheet.
- According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the device is optionally a pump capable of drawing air out of the storage space.
- According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the device is a blower capable of pressurizing a portion of the internal space not occupied by the storage space.
- According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments at least one wall defining the internal space of the rigid container also defines a wall of the storage space.
- According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the pliable sheet is elastic.
- According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the pliable sheet is fabricated from silicone or latex.
- According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the pliable sheet is capable of at least partially wrapping the items stored in the storage space.
- According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the rigid chamber is configured as a container having a lid.
- According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the rigid chamber is configured as a drawer.
- According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the drawer includes a sealing surface for sealing the rigid chamber when the drawer is closed.
- According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the sealing surface is configured such that opening and closing of the drawer does not substantially generate friction on the sealing surface.
- According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the sealing surface is angled with respect to an axis of movement of the drawer.
- According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the system further comprises a shelf for holding the items, the shelf being configured for allowing air to flow around or through the shelf.
- According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the shelf includes air flow passages configured for allowing air to flow therethrough in a vertical and/or substantially horizontal direction with respect to a surface of the shelf.
- According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the storage space is capable of supporting a vacuum equivalent of 0.15 Atms (85%).
- According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments shelf is configured as a woven grid.
- According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of storing items comprising: (a) placing the items in a rigid chamber having an internal space and including a mechanism for generating a storage space within the internal space, the storage space being capable of supporting reduced air pressure and volume as compared to the internal space; and (b) activating the mechanism to generate the storage space around the items.
- According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the mechanism includes a pliable sheet and the activating includes: (i) creating a pressure difference between a first and a second surface of the pliable sheet thereby deforming the pliable sheet and at least partially wrapping the items placed in the rigid chamber.
- According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the pliable sheet is elastic.
- According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the pressure difference is effected via a vacuum pump capable of drawing air out of the storage space.
- According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the pressure difference is effected via a blower capable of pressurizing a portion of the internal space not occupied by the storage space.
- According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the items are food items, pharmaceutical items, fragile items, electronic devices, mechanical and the like.
- According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the items are fragile items and the storing is effected for securing the items.
- The present invention successfully addresses the shortcomings of the presently known configurations by providing a vacuum storage system that can quickly establish and easily maintain a vacuum-equivalent of 80-95% in a rigid chamber without need for heavy duty vacuum pumps or robust chamber construction.
- Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
- The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.
- In the drawings:
-
FIGS. 1-2 are schematic side views of the present storage system in a non-deployed (FIG. 1 ) and deployed (FIG. 2 ) states. -
FIGS. 3-4 are schematic perspective drawings of a drawer embodiment of the present system in assembled (FIG. 3 ) and disassembled (FIG. 4 ) configurations. -
FIGS. 5-6 are schematic side views of the drawer ofFIGS. 3-4 in a non-deployed (FIG. 5 ) and deployed (FIG. 6 ) states. -
FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective drawing of a lid top container embodiment of the present invention. -
FIGS. 8A-C illustrate a prototype drawer configuration of the present invention showing the drawer in an open position (FIG. 8A ), a closed position (FIG. 8B ) and deployed state (FIG. 8C ). - The present invention is of system and method which can be used to store items in a rigid container under reduced volume and optionally pressure. Specifically, the present invention can be used to store perishable items such as food and medication as well as secure items against movement.
- The principles and operation of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and accompanying descriptions.
- Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details set forth in the following description or exemplified by the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
- Vacuum storage systems typically utilize bags or rigid containers to store perishable items such as food. Rigid vacuum chambers (e.g. refrigerator vacuum compartments) are advantageous in that they provide a protective and supportive storage space, however, rigid vacuum containers are limited by the extent of vacuum produced therein and by the external forces produced on the container by an established vacuum.
- For example, a 90% vacuum (10% air) in a
rigid container 60 cm long, 15 cm deep and 30 cm high would produce an external force that can be calculated using: -
F=ΔP×A - wherein F is force, P is pressure and A is the area of one side of the container.
- The force acting on a single side of the container can be solved by multiplying 0.9 Atm (ΔP) by 1800 cm2 (A−60×30). The result is 1620 Kg of force on one side of the container. Since the container has 6 sides, 2×(60×30)+2×(45×30)+2×(60×45), the total area is 11700 cm2 and the total force acting on the external surface of the container (when maintained at 90% vacuum) is 10.5 tons.
- Since such a force can easily crush the container, establishing an absolute vacuum of 90% or even 60% therein is impractical. As such, rigid vacuum containers typically maintain a vacuum of about 10% (90% of air remaining) depending on the type of container and vacuum pump used.
- The present inventors set out to solve this problem and provide a rigid container that can maintain a vacuum-equivalent of 80-95% or more and yet would not be subjected to extreme external forces while enabling easy and rapid establishment and release of vacuum using an ordinary off the shelf vacuum pump.
- As is further described herein, the present inventors devised a system which includes a rigid chamber and a mechanism for generating a storage space within the internal space of the rigid chamber. Such a mechanism enables to reduce both air volume and optionally pressure around stored items and as a result reduce the air environment surrounding the items by as much as 90% or more.
- Thus, according to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for storing items.
- As used herein, the term “items” refers to perishable items such as food (raw or processed) or medication or to any item that can be stored for the purpose of conservation (electronic goods, vehicles), securement (e.g. for transport) and the like. The size of the items can vary from centimeters to meters or more in length, width or height.
- As used herein, the term “vacuum” (absolute) refers to reduced air pressure/volume with respect to ambient air (1 atm at sea level). Vacuum can be designated in atm in which case any value below 1 atm is a vacuum and a lower value denotes a higher vacuum force, or in %, in which case any value above 0% is a vacuum with higher numbers denoting a higher vacuum force. A 90% vacuum denotes that 90% of the air has been removed—equivalent to a vacuum of 0.1 atm.
- As used herein, the phrase “vacuum-equivalent” refers to a value characterizing the storage space of the present invention. A vacuum-equivalent value is identical to a corresponding absolute vacuum value in as far as the effect on stored items (e.g. preservation) but is achieved by a reduction in volume and pressure and not just pressure alone. For example, a vacuum equivalent of 91.5% is equivalent in environmental terms (environment in which the items are placed) to an absolute vacuum of 91.5% but is achieved by a reduction of pressure of 0.15 Atm and a reduction in volume of 90%.
- As used herein, the term “rigid” when used in context with the chamber or container of the present system refers to the ability of the chamber/container to maintain its shape under gravity.
- As is mentioned hereinabove, the system of the present invention includes a rigid chamber having an internal space and a mechanism which is positioned within the internal space of the rigid chamber and is designed for generating a storage space therein. The storage space is capable of maintaining a reduced volume and pressure (vacuum) as compared to the internal space and the air outside the chamber.
- In order to generate and maintain reduced volume and pressure in the storage space, the mechanism is configured for accommodating the reduction of air volume and pressure in the storage space. Such accommodation prevents any appreciable ΔP between the storage space/internal space and the environment surrounding the rigid chamber.
-
FIGS. 1-2 illustrate the system of the present invention which is referred to herein assystem 10. -
System 10 includes arigid chamber 12 which in this case is shaped as a box (shown in side—cutaway view inFIGS. 1-2 ) havingside walls 14,top wall 16,bottom wall 18 and side panels 20 (not shown). Rigid chamber can be configured in any shape including any number of walls surrounding an internal space of any shape and volume. Examples of chamber shapes include spherical, rectangular, trapezoid, triangular and the like. -
Rigid chamber 12 can be fabricated using any known approaches from any material suitable for the construction of containers. Examples include wood, plastic, metal and the like. The volume of the internal space ofrigid chamber 12 can vary from less than a liter to thousands of liters or more depending on the items to be stored. -
Walls panels 20 define aninternal space 22 which is typically maintained at ambient air pressure. InFIGS. 1-2 ,internal surface 24 ofbottom wall 18 serves as a storage platform foritems 26. It will be appreciated that any other internal surface ofrigid chamber 12 can also be used for storage by using shelves or item-attachment elements such as hooks and the like. -
System 10 also includes amechanism 28 for generating astorage space 30 withininternal space 22. Unlikeinternal space 22 which is static and is defined bywalls panels 20, storage space is dynamic, and as such the volume thereof is modifiable bymechanism 28.Storage space 30 can include one or more storage areas. In the configuration shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , storage space has a single storage area. However,storage space 30 can be divided into 2 or more storage areas by positioning one or more dividers (e.g. upright walls) withinstorage space 30. - In
FIG. 1 , storage space (indicated by diagonal lines) occupies nearly all of theinternal space 22 ofrigid chamber 12, while inFIG. 2 it occupies less than 15% of internal space 22 (a little more that the volume of items placed in rigid chamber 12). - As is mentioned hereinabove,
mechanism 28 is designed to accommodate for a reduction in air volume/pressure withinstorage space 30. - To enable such accommodation,
mechanism 28 is preferably configured as apliable sheet 32. Pliable sheet can be fabricated from any opaque or transparent polymer, examples of suitable materials include, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene and the like. - In
FIGS. 1-2 the top ofstorage space 30 is defined bypliable sheet 32, while the bottom ofstorage space 30 is defined bybottom wall 18.Pliable sheet 32 is secured (glued, stapled etc) toside walls 14 and/orside panels 20 anywhere along a height thereof (Secured atmidpoint 34 inFIGS. 1-2 ). Preferably,pliable sheet 32 is secured toside walls 14 and/orside panels 20 above a midpoint in height. Sincestorage space 30 is defined at the top bypliable sheet 32 it is preferably not secured near or at the bottom of the side walls or tobottom wall 18. - As is mentioned hereinabove,
storage space 30 is capable of maintaining reduced air pressure and volume as compared tointernal space 22 or the air outsiderigid chamber 12. As air is evacuated fromstorage space 30,pliable sheet 32 accommodates such evacuation and moves down withininternal space 22 to gradually reduce the volume ofstorage space 30. As is shown inFIG. 2 , removal of most of the air results in partial or complete wrapping ofitems 26 bypliable sheet 32 and generation of astorage space 30 which is characterized by reduced air volume (e.g. 80-90% reduction) and air pressure (e.g. 0.1.-0.2 Atm reduction) as compared tointernal space 22. - In order to effectively warp
items 26 and maximize air evacuation while minimizing the volume of resultant storage space 32 (as shown inFIG. 2 ),pliable sheet 32 is preferably configured for increasing in surface area with gradual reduction instorage space 30 volume (during air evacuation from storage space 30). The extent of surface increase desired inpliable sheet 32 will depend on the dimension ofrigid chamber 12 and the position ofpliable sheet 32 ininternal space 22. Such an increase in surface area can be accomplished by utilizing apliable sheet 32 which is folded or rolled when in the position shown inFIG. 1 and expanded when in the position shown inFIG. 2 . For example,pliable sheet 32 can be folded like an accordion and gradually open during air evacuation. - Effective wrapping of items can also be achieved by using a
pliable sheet 32 which is elastic. As air is drawn out, an elasticpliable sheet 32 will stretch (elastically deform) to effectively and completely wrapitems 26. Examples of materials suitable for use in an elastic configuration ofpliable sheet 32 include silicon rubber, latex and the like. A preferred elastic elongation forpliable sheet 32 is in the range of up to 800%. - Evacuation of air from
storage space 30 can be effected using one of several approaches. - One approach can utilize a frame positioned on top of
pliable sheet 32 and insideinternal space 22 for pushing pliable sheet 32 (folded or elastic) downwards (arrow 34) ontoitems 26. The frame (not shown) can be actuated downwards via a servo or motor or by manual actuation of a lever (not shown) positioned outsiderigid chamber 12 and in operable communication with the frame. - A presently preferred approach for reducing a volume of
storage space 30 utilizes a pump or blower to create a pressure differential acrosspliable sheet 32. - In that respect,
system 10 can include ablower 36 which is in fluid communication withinternal space 22 viaair hose 38 andport 40 or avacuum pump 36 which is in communication withstorage space 30 viaair hose 42 andport 44. - Although use of a vacuum pump is presently preferred, it will be appreciated that other sources of vacuum such as a water aspirator can also be used by the present invention.
- A configuration of
system 10 employingblower 36 increases the air pressure and volume abovepliable sheet 32 to thereby push it downward and evacuate the air fromstorage space 30. The air evacuated fromstorage space 30 is then pushed out through outlet port 46 (which includes a one way valve). - A configuration of
system 10 employingvacuum pump 36 decreases the air volume and pressure underpliable sheet 32 by suctioning it out to thereby pullpliable sheet 32 downward and evacuate the air fromstorage space 30. - It will be appreciated that a
vacuum pump 36 can route the air evacuated fromstorage space 30 to the space abovepliable sheet 32. -
Blower 36 can be any blower capable of blowing air at a pressure of 100-600 mm H2O (0.01-0.06 Atm), examples include the RYOBI BL-3500 (Ryobi Ltd. USA).Vacuum pump 36 can be any vacuum pump capable of sucking air at a pressure equivalent to 300-1200 mm H2O (0.03-0.12 Atm), examples include the UFESA AM4330 (BSH Electrodomésticos, Spain). - The internal diameters (ID) of
air hoses ports air hoses - The example section which follows describes a prototype system which was constructed using a plywood cabinet and a Lucite storage chamber. As is detailed therein, such a configuration of
system 10 enables near complete evacuation of air (90%) and creation of a pressure of 0.85 Atm within 3 seconds and restoration of air volume and pressure within 3 seconds. - In order to enhance air evacuation from
storage space 30,system 10 which utilizes a blower/vacuum pump 36 further includes a rack/shelf 48 which is configured for allowing air to flow around or therethrough. Rack/shelf 48 is positioned on top of and preferably some distance away from (e.g. 5-20 mm) the internal surface ofbottom wall 18. - Rack/
shelf 48 is preferably configured to enable air to flow therethrough in a direction both perpendicular to, and horizontal with a surface thereof. In that respect, rack/shelf 48 is configured as a screen/grid made of woven wires. Such a configuration ensures thatitems 26 placed on rack/shelf 48 do not completely block air passages formed in the screen/grid since the woven wires form an uneven surface. This ensures that air movement out ofstorage space 32 is unimpeded and flows under items 26 (in between the bottom surface ofitems 26 and the top surface of rack/shelf 48). If shelf/rack 48 was configured as, for example, a perforated sheet,items 26 placed on such a perforated sheet would block air passages and impede air movement. Rack/shelf 48 also prevents blocking ofport 44. - Such unimpeded airflow can also be achieved by configuring internal surface of
bottom wall 18 with finger-like projections (an example of which is shown inFIG. 7 ). -
System 10 can also include ascreen 50 which is positioned against the internal surface oftop wall 16. Such ascreen 50 serves the same purpose of providing unimpeded air flow intointernal space 22 when pliable sheet is positioned as shown inFIG. 1 . -
System 10 further includes a user interface for controlling actuation ofstorage space 30. Such a user interface can include controls for actuating, for example,vacuum pump 36 and a display for displaying to a user the air pressure, humidity and temperature withinstorage space 30, as well as warning messages (e.g. loss of vacuum and loss of power). -
System 10 of the present invention can be configured as any type of openable container. Examples include, front access containers (e.g. compartments with openable panel, drawers) and top-access containers (e.g. lid-top boxes). The following describes several specific embodiments ofsystem 10. -
FIGS. 3-6 illustrate a drawer configuration ofsystem 10 in an assembled (FIG. 3 ) and disassembled (FIG. 4 ) configurations and inside views showing a non-deployed (FIG. 5 ) and deployed (FIG. 6 ) states. Drawer configuration ofsystem 10 is referred to herein under asdrawer 50. -
Drawer 50 includes a static drawer structure 52 (e.g. cabinet) and a movable drawer structure 54 (e.g. drawer) which moves in and out ofstatic drawer structure 52 onrails 56.Drawer 50 also includesvacuum pump 58 and associated hoses andports 60. -
Static drawer structure 52 is an open box, whereinwalls front opening 72 and aback opening 74.Front opening 72 is configured for receivingmovable drawer structure 54. Back opening 74 can be open or closed with a panel. -
Static drawer structure 52 also includes a triangular/trapezoid subassembly 76 (shown inFIG. 4 ) which is fitted within a top half ofstatic drawer structure 52.Subassembly 76 includes a seal 78 (rubber or silicone gasket) which is fitted to a bottom edge surface of the walls thereof (preferably into a groove or slot within this surface).Seal 78 can be glued to this surface using an appropriate adhesive or forcibly pressed into a groove in the surface (as shown inFIGS. 5-6 ).Seal 78 or a second seal (not shown) can also be fitted to, or into, the top edge surface ofmovable drawer structure 54. - An elastic pliable sheet 82 (identical in function to
pliable sheet 32 described above) fabricated from latex can be attached to thetop edge surface 84 orbottom edge surface 85 of the walls ofstatic drawer structure 52 via of, for example, glue. It will be appreciated that when elasticpliable sheet 82 is attached tobottom edge surface 85 of the walls ofstatic drawer structure 52,seal 78 is preferably attached or forcibly inserted into, a top edge surface ofwalls movable drawer structure 54. -
Movable drawer structure 54 has a triangular/trapezoid shape and is constructed frombottom wall 86, a front wall 90 (with front panel 91), aback wall 92 and a pair of side-walls 88. The top-edge of each side-wall 88 is preferably inclined, slopping downwards in the direction of back wall 92 (i.e. angled with respect to axis of movement of movable drawer structure 54). - The slope of side-
walls 88 complements the downward slope of the bottom edges of the side walls ofsubassembly 76. Thus, in a closed state,movable drawer structure 54 andsubassembly 76 form an internal space which is sealed byseal 78 and edges ofpliable sheet 82. Since the sealing surface is sloped with respect to the axis of movement ofmovable drawer structure 54, opening and closing ofmovable drawer structure 54 does not apply any substantial friction onseal 78 orpliable sheet 82 and thus does not damage sealing capabilities over time and use. - Alternative approaches for sealing a movable open top drawer without creating friction on seals include inflatable seals which inflate following closing can deflate prior to opening of
movable drawer structure 54. -
Drawer 50 further includes screen 94 (identical in function to rack/shelf 48 described above) which is fitted on top of the internal surface ofbottom wall 86. -
Drawer 50 is operated by openingmovable drawer structure 54 placing items ontoscreen 94, closingmovable drawer structure 54 and activatingvacuum pump 58 to remove air from the storage space formed underpliable sheet 82. -
FIGS. 5-6 illustratedrawer 50 in a non-deployed (FIG. 5 ) and deployed (FIG. 6 ) states. - As shown in
FIG. 5 , prior to activation ofvacuum pump 58,pliable sheet 82 is positioned along the top edge of movable drawer structure 54 (angling down from front to back) defining a top wall of storage space 100 (denoted by diagonal lines). Once vacuum is activated (by for example pressingfront panel button 103 or by simply closing drawer 50),pliable sheet 82 is pulled downward by the vacuum force to warpitems 102 placed overscreen 94 and generate a storage space characterized by reduced air volume and pressure as compared tointernal space 104 ofdrawer 50. -
Button 103 can be activated again to release the vacuum and draw in air throughport 106. Oncepliable sheet 82 return to the position ofFIG. 5 ,movable drawer structure 54 can be opened.Button 103 can also be used to override automatic vacuum activation (whendrawer 50 is closed) in cases where activation of vacuum is not desired. -
FIG. 7 illustrates a lid-top container embodiment of the present invention which is referred to herein ascontainer 150. -
Container 150 includes acontainer body 152 constructed frombottom wall 154 andside walls 156.Container body 152 can be fabricated from opaque or transparent polymers such as polycarbonate or ABS using blow molding, vacuum-forming or casting techniques or from metal or glass. -
Container 150 also includes alid 158 for closing atop opening 160 ofcontainer body 152.Lid 158 can be fabricated from any suitable material and can couple withcontainer body 152 using well known approaches. -
Container 150 also includes pliable sheet 162 (latex or silicone) which is attached to aframe 164.Frame 164 andpliable sheet 162 are preferably dimensioned to fit intocontainer body 152 in close communication with the internal surface ofside walls 156. -
Internal surface 166 ofbottom wall 154 is configured with finger-like projections 168 which provide a support surface for stored items and allow unimpeded air movement from a storage space of container body 152 (volume betweenpliable sheet 162 and internal surface 166). In that respect,projections 168 function like a woven grid. -
Container 150 also includes avacuum port 170 positioned at the bottom ofside wall 156. To usecontainer 150, a user simply openslid 158 and removesframe 164 and mountedpliable sheet 162. The user then places items on top ofprojections 168, replacesframe 164 and attachedpliable sheet 162, closes lid and connectsvacuum port 170 to a vacuum source (vacuum pump). The vacuum pump can then be activated to drawpliable sheet 162 down over the items and generate a storage space characterized by reduced volume and pressure. - In addition to being capable of reduced volume and pressure,
drawer 50 can also include cooling and humidity control mechanism (e.g. refrigeration mechanism) as well as internal lighting (activated upon drawer opening) and the like. - As used herein the term “about” refers to ±10%.
- Additional objects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention will become apparent to one ordinarily skilled in the art upon examination of the following examples, which are not intended to be limiting. Additionally, each of the various embodiments and aspects of the present invention as delineated hereinabove and as claimed in the claims section below finds experimental support in the following examples.
- Reference is now made to the following examples, which together with the above descriptions, illustrate the invention in a non limiting fashion.
- A prototype drawer configuration of the present system was constructed and tested for its ability to generate and maintain a vacuum over stored items.
- A cabinet having a height of 30 cm, a width of 60 cm and a depth of 60 cm was constructed from plywood. A box having a height of 20 cm, a width of 50 cm and a depth of 40 cm was constructed from 17 mm polymethylmethacrylate (Lucite) sheet. The box was halved at an 18 degree angle (sloping downward along side, front to back) and the top half was fixed to the interior top half of the cabinet. The bottom half of the box formed the movable drawer assembly and was fitted on rails fastened to the interior side of the cabinet. A sheet of latex was glued to the bottom surface of the top half of the box creating the top wall of the storage chamber. The side walls and bottom wall of the movable drawer assembly define the side walls and bottom wall of the storage chamber (respectively). A compressible closed-cell foam seal was glued to the top surface of the walls of the movable drawer assembly and a grid of interwoven wires was fixed to the bottom wall of the movable drawer assembly. The grid also covered a portion of a side wall where a 25 mm hole was drilled to form a port for the vacuum pump.
- An 800 W vacuum cleaner pump (UFESA AM4330) was connected via an 32 mm air hose to an electromechanical selector which was in turn connected to the vacuum port of the movable drawer assembly and the top half of the cabinet (above the pliable sheet) via two separate 32 mm air hoses. The bottom hose was connected to the storage space (within movable drawer). The top hose to the space above the latex sheet (within the cabinet).
- The selector functions in directing the air between the two hoses—when the bottom hose is suctioning air from the storage space in the movable drawer, the top space (above the latex sheet) is vented to the atmosphere and vice a versa.
- A control unit including a power unit, a programmable controller, relays and pressure sensors was connected to the vacuum pump and electromechanical switch. The movable drawer assembly was fitted with a micro-switch which is activated upon closure of the movable drawer assembly. The micro-switch activates the vacuum pump to suction air out of the storage chamber upon closure of the drawer. Once a predetermined pressure is reached, the programmable controller automatically shuts off the vacuum pump. Release of the vacuum is actuated by a push button positioned on the front panel of the movable drawer.
-
FIGS. 8 a-c illustrate the prototype drawer in an open (FIG. 8 a), closed (FIG. 8 b) and deployed states (FIG. 8 c). As clearly seen from these images, food items placed on the grid at the bottom of the drawer are completely wrapped by the latex sheet upon activation of the vacuum pump. In fact, near complete wrapping (volume reduction of 90%, pressure reduction by 0.15 Atm) is achieved within 3 seconds using this prototype, while return to the state shown inFIG. 8 b (which enables drawer opening) can be achieved within 3 seconds. - It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.
- Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.
Claims (22)
1. A system for storing items comprising a rigid chamber having an internal space and including a mechanism for generating a storage space within said internal space, said storage space having reduced volume and pressure as compared to said internal space.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein said mechanism includes a pliable sheet defining at least one wall of said storage space and a device for creating a pressure difference between a first and a second surface of said pliable sheet to thereby generate said storage space characterized by reduced volume and pressure as compared to said internal space.
3. The system of claim 2 , wherein said pressure difference deforms said pliable sheet.
4. The system of claim 2 , wherein said device is a vacuum pump capable of drawing air out of said storage space or a blower capable of pressurizing a portion of said internal space not occupied by said storage space.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein at least one wall defining said internal space of said rigid container also defines a wall of said storage space.
6. The system of claim 2 , wherein said pliable sheet is elastic.
7. The system of claim 2 , wherein said pliable sheet is capable of at least partially wrapping the items stored in said storage space.
8. The system of claim 1 , wherein said rigid chamber is configured as a drawer.
9. The system of claim 8 , wherein said drawer includes a sealing surface for sealing said rigid chamber when said drawer is closed.
10. The system of claim 9 , wherein said sealing surface is configured such that opening and closing of said drawer does not substantially generate friction on said sealing surface.
11. The system of claim 10 , wherein said sealing surface is angled with respect to an axis of movement of said drawer.
12. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a shelf for holding the items, said shelf being configured for allowing air to flow around or through said shelf.
13. The system of claim 12 , wherein said shelf includes air flow passages configured for allowing air to flow therethrough or therearound.
14. A rigid container for storing items comprising:
(a) a lid and a pliable sheet disposed under said lid;
(b) a shelf disposed above a bottom wall of the container; and
(c) an air inlet for a pump disposed between said bottom wall and said shelf.
15. The container of claim 14 , wherein said pliable sheet is attached to said lid.
16. The container of claim 14 , wherein said pliable sheet is attached to a frame positionable under said lid.
17. The container of claim 14 , wherein said shelf includes air flow passages configured for allowing air to flow through or around said shelf.
18. The container of claim 14 , wherein said pliable sheet is elastic.
19. A method of storing food items comprising:
(a) providing a rigid container having an internal space defined by a bottom wall, side walls and a lid, said container including a pliable sheet postionable under said lid and a shelf postionable above said bottom wall;
(b) placing the food items on said shelf and closing the container with said pliable sheet and lid; and
(c) creating a pressure differential between a bottom and top surfaces of said pliable sheet to thereby pull the membrane downward to thereby reduce the volume of air surrounding the food items.
20. The method of claim 19 , wherein said pressure differential is generated via a pump connected to an air inlet disposed between said bottom wall and said shelf.
21. The method of claim 19 , wherein said shelf includes air flow passages configured for allowing air to flow through or around said shelf.
22. The method of claim 19 , wherein said pliable sheet is elastic.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/084,719 US20140075889A1 (en) | 2011-05-20 | 2013-11-20 | System and method for storing items |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201161488173P | 2011-05-20 | 2011-05-20 | |
US201161542344P | 2011-10-03 | 2011-10-03 | |
PCT/IL2012/050180 WO2012160558A1 (en) | 2011-05-20 | 2012-05-20 | System and method for storing items |
US14/084,719 US20140075889A1 (en) | 2011-05-20 | 2013-11-20 | System and method for storing items |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/IL2012/050180 Continuation WO2012160558A1 (en) | 2011-05-20 | 2012-05-20 | System and method for storing items |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20140075889A1 true US20140075889A1 (en) | 2014-03-20 |
Family
ID=47216690
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/084,719 Abandoned US20140075889A1 (en) | 2011-05-20 | 2013-11-20 | System and method for storing items |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20140075889A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2709916A4 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2012160558A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20120124942A1 (en) * | 2009-03-03 | 2012-05-24 | Gidi Shani | Volume adjusted preservation containment system |
US20140354133A1 (en) * | 2013-05-28 | 2014-12-04 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Vegetable container for refrigerators and refrigerator having the same |
US20160324196A1 (en) * | 2014-10-24 | 2016-11-10 | Michatek, K.S. | Vacuum Drawer for Vacuumizing Foodstuffs with Actuatable lid |
US20180127127A1 (en) * | 2015-05-16 | 2018-05-10 | Oxy-Low Systems Europe Bv | A method and apparatus for packaging of one or more boxes filled with tobacco in a plastic bag |
CN108482842A (en) * | 2018-05-18 | 2018-09-04 | 南通卓尔机电有限公司 | A kind of copper bar anaerobic storage equipment |
US20200047973A1 (en) * | 2018-08-08 | 2020-02-13 | Whirlpool (China) Co., Ltd. | Vacuum preservation device |
CN114945784A (en) * | 2019-12-09 | 2022-08-26 | 优利思百隆有限公司 | Drawer cover and method for monitoring inner space of drawer |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3734201A1 (en) * | 2019-05-03 | 2020-11-04 | Germano Maina | Refrigerator designed for the storage of foods under vacuum |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4424659A (en) * | 1980-01-16 | 1984-01-10 | Metal Box Limited | Method and apparatus for producing a sterilizable package of a product, and the packaged product |
US5271240A (en) * | 1992-07-06 | 1993-12-21 | Arex, Inc. | Household refrigerator-freezer cooling apparatus with vacuum as the preserving means |
US6148875A (en) * | 1997-06-18 | 2000-11-21 | Breen; James | Vacuum food storage system |
US20060117763A1 (en) * | 2004-03-24 | 2006-06-08 | Espinosa Edward P | Vacuum storage apparatus with sliding drawers |
US20080134706A1 (en) * | 2006-12-07 | 2008-06-12 | Patrick G. Ellis-Jones | Refrigerator |
US8127561B1 (en) * | 2008-03-12 | 2012-03-06 | Whirlpool Corporation | Vacuum compartment in refrigerator |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3420034A (en) * | 1965-06-25 | 1969-01-07 | Alfred B Saraisky | Wrapping machine |
TW207982B (en) * | 1992-04-17 | 1993-06-21 | Brainpower Inc | System for confining articles in a container |
JP3259861B2 (en) * | 1992-08-31 | 2002-02-25 | ジャサイ・ゾルタン・カズマー | Buffer protection device |
-
2012
- 2012-05-20 EP EP12790146.0A patent/EP2709916A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2012-05-20 WO PCT/IL2012/050180 patent/WO2012160558A1/en active Application Filing
-
2013
- 2013-11-20 US US14/084,719 patent/US20140075889A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4424659A (en) * | 1980-01-16 | 1984-01-10 | Metal Box Limited | Method and apparatus for producing a sterilizable package of a product, and the packaged product |
US5271240A (en) * | 1992-07-06 | 1993-12-21 | Arex, Inc. | Household refrigerator-freezer cooling apparatus with vacuum as the preserving means |
US6148875A (en) * | 1997-06-18 | 2000-11-21 | Breen; James | Vacuum food storage system |
US20060117763A1 (en) * | 2004-03-24 | 2006-06-08 | Espinosa Edward P | Vacuum storage apparatus with sliding drawers |
US7325409B2 (en) * | 2004-03-24 | 2008-02-05 | Espinosa Edward P | Vacuum storage apparatus with sliding drawers |
US20080134706A1 (en) * | 2006-12-07 | 2008-06-12 | Patrick G. Ellis-Jones | Refrigerator |
US8127561B1 (en) * | 2008-03-12 | 2012-03-06 | Whirlpool Corporation | Vacuum compartment in refrigerator |
US8528346B2 (en) * | 2008-03-12 | 2013-09-10 | Whirlpool Corporation | Vacuum compartment in refrigerator |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20120124942A1 (en) * | 2009-03-03 | 2012-05-24 | Gidi Shani | Volume adjusted preservation containment system |
US20140354133A1 (en) * | 2013-05-28 | 2014-12-04 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Vegetable container for refrigerators and refrigerator having the same |
US9239185B2 (en) * | 2013-05-28 | 2016-01-19 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Vegetable container for refrigerators and refrigerator having the same |
US20160324196A1 (en) * | 2014-10-24 | 2016-11-10 | Michatek, K.S. | Vacuum Drawer for Vacuumizing Foodstuffs with Actuatable lid |
US10383348B2 (en) * | 2014-10-24 | 2019-08-20 | Michatek, K.S. | Vacuum drawer for vacuumizing foodstuffs with actuatable lid |
US20180127127A1 (en) * | 2015-05-16 | 2018-05-10 | Oxy-Low Systems Europe Bv | A method and apparatus for packaging of one or more boxes filled with tobacco in a plastic bag |
US11186397B2 (en) * | 2015-05-16 | 2021-11-30 | Oxy-Low Systems Europe Bv | Method and apparatus for packaging of one or more boxes filled with tobacco in a plastic bag |
CN108482842A (en) * | 2018-05-18 | 2018-09-04 | 南通卓尔机电有限公司 | A kind of copper bar anaerobic storage equipment |
US20200047973A1 (en) * | 2018-08-08 | 2020-02-13 | Whirlpool (China) Co., Ltd. | Vacuum preservation device |
US10906721B2 (en) * | 2018-08-08 | 2021-02-02 | Whirlpool Corporation | Vacuum preservation device |
CN114945784A (en) * | 2019-12-09 | 2022-08-26 | 优利思百隆有限公司 | Drawer cover and method for monitoring inner space of drawer |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2709916A1 (en) | 2014-03-26 |
EP2709916A4 (en) | 2015-03-11 |
WO2012160558A1 (en) | 2012-11-29 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20140075889A1 (en) | System and method for storing items | |
US7331163B2 (en) | Refrigerator with integral vacuum sealer | |
US8281606B2 (en) | Refrigerator vacuum storage system | |
US8528346B2 (en) | Vacuum compartment in refrigerator | |
US7669434B2 (en) | Refrigerator door vacuum preservation system | |
US6202849B1 (en) | Evacuatable rigid storage unit for storing compressible articles therein | |
US20130097967A1 (en) | Vacuum Packaging Appliance with Roll Storage | |
US20180354701A1 (en) | Storage device | |
CN101454208B (en) | Device and method for evacuating a storage bag | |
KR101679038B1 (en) | modularized vacuum apparatus and container for food keeping with refrigeration function | |
US9296541B2 (en) | Vacuum valve and compression storage bags including the valve | |
US20100273622A1 (en) | Split vacuum bag | |
CN216003183U (en) | Apparatus for vacuum sealing bag member having closed bottom and open top | |
US20160251137A1 (en) | Storage Container with Expandable Medium | |
CN111288716B (en) | Storage device of refrigerator and refrigerator | |
KR100675776B1 (en) | Vacuum Storage System | |
KR200410098Y1 (en) | A foodstuffs pakage | |
CN203354412U (en) | Home-use device for food storage | |
KR200406683Y1 (en) | Volumetric Sealed Containers | |
JP2003200973A (en) | Accommodation box | |
US1014329A (en) | Refrigerator. | |
JP3127493U (en) | Vacuum packaging equipment | |
US20110088571A1 (en) | Press for resealable zipper storage bags | |
EP2124001A2 (en) | Modular food preservation system | |
WO2008041034A1 (en) | Storage container |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: PRESYST PRESERVATION SYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES LTD., ISR Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:AVRECH, RONEN;REEL/FRAME:032006/0140 Effective date: 20140109 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |