Vacuum or pressure storage system for food or beverage containers

Abstract

A vacuum or pressure refrigerator for storing containers having one-way valves and maintaining contents thereof under vacuum or pressure within a specific temperature range. Upon receiving an input that the door is closed, a refrigerator controller is adapted to cease operation of the cooling device and initiate a vacuum or pressure cycle. The vacuum or pressure cycle includes evacuating at least a portion of or pressurizing the air inside the compartment, operating the pump until a desired degree of vacuum or pressure is attained and terminating pump operation. The one way valves then evacuate or pressurize the containers. The controller is also adapted to subsequently initiate a cooling cycle, the cooling cycle commencing when it is determined that the temperature is above an upper set point and to operate the cooling device until the temperature reaches a desired lower set point, at which time the cooling cycle is terminated.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates to a storage system used for storing food or beverage containers, preferably wine bottles, at a sufficiently cool temperature and at a desired pressure above or below atmospheric pressure to maintain freshness and proper flavor of the contents. In addition, the present invention relates to a compartment and stopper combination for use in the system and method for using the compartment and stopper combination.[0003]2. Description of Related Art[0004]Vacuum beverage storage systems may be used to remove air from bottles or other containers in order to protect their contents from oxidation, such as for preserving wine after the cork or cap is unsealed. Pressurized beverage storage systems may be used to introduce pressure into containers in order to preserve pressurized beverages, such as champagne, sparkling wine or carbonated soft drinks. U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,785 discloses a combination vacuum / press...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012]The above and other objects, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, are achieved in the present invention which is directed to a method for storing containers and maintaining contents of the containers under vacuum comprising providing at least one container, with each container having a one way valve. The one way valve permits flow of air into the container when the interior of the container is at a higher pressure than ambient pressure outside the container and restricts flow of air into the container when the interior of the container is at a lower pressure than the ambient pressure. The method also includes providing a compartment having a door and an interior of sufficient size to receive the at least one container, the door having a hermetic seal to permit the compartment interior to be maintained under at least a partial vacuum when the door is closed. The method then includes opening the door of the compartment, placing the at least one container in the compartment interior, closing the door, and evacuating at least a portion of the air from the compartment interior around the at least one container. Air in the at least one container flows out through the one way valve until at least a partial vacuum is achieved in the compartment interior and the interior of the container. The method further includes reintroducing air into the compartment interior until the interior is at atmospheric pressure while the one way valve maintains the interior of the at least one container under at least a partial vacuum. The method then includes opening the door of the compartment, and removing at least one container from the compartment interior while the one way valve continues to maintain the interior of the at least one container under at least a partial vacuum.

[0017]In a related aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for storing containers and maintaining contents of the containers under elevated pressure comprising providing at least one container, with each container having a one way valve. The one way valve permits flow of air into the container when the interior of the container is at a lower pressure than ambient pressure outside the container and restricts flow of air out of the container when the when the interior of the container is at a higher pressure than the ambient pressure. The method also includes providing a compartment having a door and an interior of sufficient size to receive the at least one container, the door having a hermetic seal to permit the compartment interior to be maintained at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure when the door is closed. The method then includes opening the door of the compartment, placing the at least one container in the compartment interior, closing the door, and pumping air into the compartment interior around the at least one container. Air in the container flows in through the one way valve until an elevated pressure above atmospheric pressure is achieved in the compartment interior and the interior of the container. The method further includes removing air from the compartment interior until the interior is at atmospheric pressure while the one way valve maintains the interior of the at least one container under an elevated pressure. The method then includes opening the door of the compartment, and removing at least one container from the compartment interior while the one way valve continues to maintain the interior of the at least one container under an elevated pressure.

Problems solved by technology

Where many containers are involved, such as in restaurants or other commercial establishments, this task is tedious and is often ignored, resulting in spoiled beverages.

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