Fast freeze container and seal

Abstract

A reusable flexible seal is disclosed having a flexible main portion and a peripheral ring surrounding the flexible main portion adapted to engage the rim of a container. The flexible main portion includes an upper surface, a lower surface, and is dimensioned and configured to generally eliminate the head space over the contents of the container when assembled on the container. A venting mechanism includes at least one tab member extending inwardly from the peripheral ring for creating a gap between the lower surface of a portion of the peripheral ring and the upper surface of a portion of the edge of container wall.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present invention is broadly concerned with durable long-lasting reusable container seals, and more particularly, concerned with a reusable flexible container seal adapted to conform to the shape of the foodstuff contents of the container and to provide an air-tight seal for enhanced conservation of food quality.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Prior art container seals, such as thermoplastic lids and flexible film covers, have been commonly used to hermetically seal the container to preserve the foodstuff contents such as meat, fish, and vegetables while stored in a freezer.[0003]However, one of the shortcomings of the prior art seals is that they leave too much air or head space within the container if the foodstuff contents occupy a space smaller than the size of the container. They cannot conform to the shape of the foodstuff contents inside the container, which will result in longer freezing time of the foodstuff and lowered food quality.[0004]Another s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]These problems and others are addressed by the present invention which comprises a reusable flexible seal having a flexible main portion and a peripheral ring surrounding the flexible main portion adapted to engage the rim of a container. The flexible main portion includes an upper surface and a lower surface, and is dimensioned and configured to generally eliminate the head space over the contents of the container when assembled onto the container. A venting means or valve mechanism includes at least one tab member extending inwardly from the peripheral ring for creating a gap between the lower surface of a portion of the peripheral ring and the upper surface of a portion of the edge of container wall.

Problems solved by technology

However, one of the shortcomings of the prior art seals is that they leave too much air or head space within the container if the foodstuff contents occupy a space smaller than the size of the container.

They cannot conform to the shape of the foodstuff contents inside the container, which will result in longer freezing time of the foodstuff and lowered food quality.

Another shortcoming of the flexible prior art seals is the lack of any proper functioning air valve or vent means for the seal for venting before, during, or after heating the container in a microwave.

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