Vacuum storage container

Abstract

A storage container for storing and preserving food items includes a base providing a storage cavity and an attachable lid. To evacuate air from the storage cavity after the base and lid have been attached, the storage container may include a one-way valve element communicating with the storage cavity. The overall storage container can be sufficiently rigid so that it has an initial size and volume when in its un-evacuated condition. During evacuation, the air pressure within the storage cavity is reduced compared to the air pressure of the surrounding environment. This pressure differential can result in a compressive force being applied about the container. At least one of the base or lid can be made relatively flexible so that, when evacuated, the volume of the storage container is reduced.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] A variety of different containers are available for storing and preserving food items for later consumption. Such containers may be flexible, as in the case of plastic storage bags, or may be rigid, as in the case of plastic storage containers. An advantage of rigid storage containers is that they can maintain their shape and thereby protect the stored food items from being crushed. Another advantage is that rigid containers are usually easily washable and therefore can be reusable. Also, it is desirable that rigid containers be temperature and microwave resistant to allow for heating, cooling and freezing of the stored food items within the container.

[0002] To accomplish these advantages, rigid containers are often made as a relatively thick-walled structure of a stiff material such as glass or polycarbonate plastic. Such materials, in addition to being relatively heavy, are also costly. It is also desirable to reduce the quantity of air that may become trapped withi...

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