Seal for a lid

Abstract

Seal for a lid for use of the container as a vacuum container comprising an edge forming a cavity for receiving a lid edge therein, such that, when the lid edge is enclosed by the seal, at least one fluid channel between the seal and the lid is provided for establishing a fluid connection between an interior of the container and an exterior of the container via the cavity, during use; - wherein the edge of the seal comprises an inwardly extending rim biased towards a downward position in which the rim, when the lid edge is enclosed by the seal, rests on the lid for closing off the fluid connection, and wherein the inwardly extending rim is adjustable to an upward position for opening the at least one fluid channel when a pressure difference between in the interior of the container and the exterior of the container exceeds a predefined threshold to allow extraction of air from the interior of the container for vacumising the container during use.

Description

[0001] Title: Seal for a lid

[0002] The invention relates to a seal for a lid, an adapter and seal assembly, a container for use as a vacuum container and a method of vacumising a container.

[0003] Containers and in particular food containers, serve vital roles in storing and organizing food and preventing spoilage. Containers facilitate portion control in meal planning, while also enabling safe transportation of food for lunches, picnics and deliveries. Containers can be designed to be microwave-safe or oven-safe, making reheating and cooking more convenient. By using reusable containers environmental impact can be reduced in comparison to single-use containers.

[0004] Reusable glass containers may be more advantageous than containers made out of plastics. Plastic can absorb stains and odors, and may not be safe for microwave or dishwasher use. Plastic containers also negatively impact the environment if not properly recycled. Plastic containers of poor quality may not provide adequate protection against contamination and as a result may pose a risk to food safety. Moreover, plastic in contact with food may contaminate the food with micro-plastic particles.

[0005] A downside of common food container, glass or otherwise, is that they may not be air-tight, which can lead to accelerated food spoilage and loss of freshness due to exposure to air. Air exposure results in oxidation of the food products in the container. In addition, the exposure to air may increase the risk of contamination of airborne bacteria and mold, and allows for moisture loss or gain, affecting the texture of the food. Furthermore, the food in the container may absorb or transfer odors, making it less appetizing, and may attract pests. Non-air-tight containers can significantly compromise the quality, safety and longevity of stored food.

[0006] While airtight containers exist, they can be expensive and / or cumbersome to use compared to regular food containers and / or may have a shorter life time, as the seals of conventional airtight containers may deteriorate over time.

[0007] The invention aims to counteract at least one of the above disadvantages, preferably while retaining the advantages. More specifically, the invention aims to provide for a cost-effective manner to prepare an existing container for use as a vacuum container. The vacuum container may be to be able to be used in industry, e.g. when working with a vacuum chamber and / or may be used by consumers. The containers may be able to be vacumised by conventional methods, such as home-canning in a hot water bath or by using a vacuum pump.

[0008] Therefore, the invention provides for a seal for a lid for use of a container as a vacuum container, in particular a seal for a lid according to claim 1. The seal for a lid for use of the container as a vacuum container comprising a receiving edge forming a cavity for receiving a lid edge of a lid therein, such that, when the lid edge is enclosed by the seal, at least one fluid channel between the seal and the lid is provided for establishing a fluid connection between an interior of the container and an exterior of the container via the fluid channel, during use. The receiving edge of the seal comprises an inwardly extending rim biased towards a downward position in which the inwardly extending rim, when the lid edge is enclosed by the seal, rests on the lid for closing off the fluid connection. The inwardly extending rim is adjustable to an upward position for opening the at least one fluid channel when a pressure difference between the interior of the container and the exterior of the container exceeds a predefined threshold to allow extraction of air from the interior of the container for vacumising the container during use. By opening the fluid channel, the fluid connection between the interior and the exterior of the container can be established, allowing extraction of air from the interior of the container.

[0009] In the context of the invention, vacumising is to be understood as providing a pressure which is below atmospheric pressure at the location of use. This can be a pressure of a few millibar below atmospheric pressure to a few millibar above absolute vacuum. The person skilled in the art understands that in practice, a balance may be found between providing a pressure as far below atmospheric pressure as possible and cost efficiency. A very strong vacuum requires stronger materials, able to withstand the vacuum, and more energy is needed to provide said vacuum. Therefore, in the context of this disclosure, vacuum is understood to be an underpressure, rather than an absolute vacuum.

[0010] In addition, the properties ‘biased’ and ‘elastically deformable’ are to be understood as that when a component or a part of a component is deformed due to an externally applied force. The component or part of the component returns substantially towards its original shape if the applied force has been removed. This can be understood as the opposite of a regular deformation or plastic deformation, in which the component or part of the component is lastingly deformed or returns to its original shape over a relatively large amount of time, i.e. hours in the context of the invention.

[0011] The cavity formed by the receiving edge is preferably a cavity that at least partially envelops the edge of a lid such that the lid is releasably connected to the seal. This may be achieved by providing a seal that is elastically deformable and which is dimensioned slightly smaller than the dimensions of the lid, such that once the edge of the lid is provided in the cavity, the seal is elastically deformed and tightly fit around the lid.

[0012] At least one fluid channel can be provided between the seal and the lid such that air may be extracted from the container during use. The at least one fluid channel may be provided fully integrated in the seal, e.g. as a tube, or partially by the seal and the lid, e.g. as a duct formed in the seal that is closed off by the lid. Alternatively, the at least one fluid channel may be provided as the entire space between the lid and the seal circumferentially, thus forming a mere fluid chamber. Advantageously, the fluid chamber may be made smaller by providing a groove, tube, duct or any other recess while the seal further may be engaging with the lid such that the fluid channel is obtained at the groove, duct or tube. By providing the fluid chamber as the space between the lid and the seal, when vacumising, this space needs to be emptied first before air can be sucked out of the container. On the other hand, when pumping stops, air remains captured in this fluid chamber, thereby forming a “false air chamber”. To reduce the false air, the fluid channel may be formed as a groove, duct, tube or other connection instead of a relatively large fluid chamber. The at least one fluid channel can be closed off at one end by the inwardly extending rim, preventing air or any other liquid from entering or leaving the seal and container during use. In other words, in the downward position of the inwardly extending rim, the rim can be positioned towards the opening of the cavity. The inwardly extending rim can be arranged over a whole inner circumference of the seal, so that, when the fluid channel is formed by a fluid chamber extending over the cavity, the downwardly extending rim may close off the fluid chamber. The inwardly extending rim may also be arranged over the whole inner circumference of the seal, also when the fluid channel may be formed by one or more grooves, tubes, ducts etc., so that at least the fluid channel may be closed off, while at other positions the downwardly extending rim may provide for an additional sealing and / or engagement between seal and lid.

[0013] The inwardly extending rim is adjustable to an upward position when the pressure difference between the interior and exterior of the container, i.e. between the inside of the container and the surrounding, exceeds a predefined threshold. Due to the shape of the inwardly extending rim, it acts as a one-directional valve. When the pressure inside the at least one fluid channel is higher by a predetermined amount than the surrounding, i.e. the exterior of the container, the inwardly extending rim is adjusted in an upward position due to the force caused by the pressure acting upon the rim. In a reversed example, i.e. wherein the pressure in the at least one fluid channel is lower than the surrounding, the rim cannot deform and thus the pressure in the at least one fluid channel is maintained. This mechanism allows for vacumising of the interior of a container via the seal and maintaining the resulting pressure in the container.

[0014] The receiving edge of the seal forming the cavity can have a substantially U-shaped cross-section with an opening thereof facing inwardly to receive the lid edge through the opening. Such a U-shape may facilitate a relatively tight fit between the lid edge and the seal, and may prevent the lid edge, and thus the lid, from being unintentionally dislodged from the seal.

[0015] In order to facilitate an air-tight connection between the seal and the container, the seal can be provided with a shoulder configured for engagement with a neck of the container. Preferably, this engagement is an air-tight engagement. This may be facilitated by providing a tight fit between the shoulder and the neck of the container, such as an interference fit. The engagement can for example be an interference fit by providing a seal having a shoulder that has a larger dimensions in its outer circumference than the inner dimensions of the circumference of the neck.

[0016] The cavity can be formed by an upper surface, a lower surface and a side surface connecting the upper and lower surface with an opening between the upper surface and the lower surface for receiving the lid edge therethrough. The receiving edge can further comprise an inner surface extending downward from the supper surface and opposite the side surface. The inner surface can be provided with the inwardly extending rim. The opening for receiving the lid edge therethrough can be between the lower surface and the inner surface. Preferably, the seal is made of an elastically deformable material such that the seal can deform when the lid edge is provided in the receiving edge. For example, by pulling the seal, the edge lid can be inserted in the cavity via the opening as this may enlarge the opening. Once the edge lid is provided correctly inside the cavity, and no external force is provided on the seal, the seal returns as much as possible to its original shape and this forming a tight connection with the lid via the lid edge.

[0017] An inner dimension of the cavity can be smaller than an outer dimension of the lid edge receivable in the cavity to provide for a tight engagement. Therefore, if the lid edge is provided inside the cavity, the seal is elastically deformed such that the lid edge fits inside said cavity. Thus a tight fit is facilitated.

[0018] The upper surface of the cavity can be arranged for cooperation with an adapter and / or a vacuum pump, facilitating the correct positioning of auxiliary tools needed to vacumise the container during use. For example, a nozzle may be provided such that a vacuum pump can cooperate with the seal in order to vacumise the container. The nozzle may form an open channel, which may be advantageous if the container is vacumised in a continuous process, e.g. a vacuum chamber. Alternatively, the nozzle may contain a one-directional valve to facilitate air being pumped out of the container using a stroke-based vacuum pump.

[0019] The inner surface of the cavity can extend above the upper surface to provide for an upper edge for engagement with an adapter, preferably airtight engagement, such that a user may provide the adapter on the seal to allow vacumising the container in case the seal lacks the means for cooperating with the vacumising equipment. For example, if a vacuum pump is used, the seal may need a nozzle for cooperation. If not such nozzle is provided on the seal, an adapter comprising a nozzle may be used instead.

[0020] The shoulder comprises a downwardly extending skirt configured to be received in the neck of the container, which may provide an air-tight connection between the seal and the container. Comparable to the other features forming an air-tight connection, the downwardly extending skirt may oversized in its circumferential outer dimensions relative to the circumferential inner dimensions of the neck. For example, if the circumferential inner dimensions of the neck are defined by a constant radius, forming a circular neck opening, the downwardly extending skirt may also have a constant outer radius being slightly larger than the radius of the circular neck opening. It will be clear to the skilled person that the amount of ‘oversizing’ depends on the function requirements of the air-tight connection, such as the material of the downwardly extending skirt. For example, a relatively rigid material should be less oversized compared to a relatively flexible material.

[0021] The at least one fluid channel can be provided as at least one groove in surfaces forming the cavity. Locally, the groove may be reinforced, e.g. by providing a thicker wall or by providing a more rigid material, such that the at least one fluid channel does not collapse once the container is being vacumised.

[0022] The receiving edge may further comprise a deformable region arranged to deform when there is a predetermined pressure inside the cavity that is during use indicative of the pressure inside the container. Such a deformable region may indicate the user if a desired relative pressure in the container has been reached. For example, if the region deforms when the outside pressure is significantly higher than the pressure inside the seal and thus the container, the deformation may indicate that the seal allowed for vacumising and that the lid and seal are attached to the receptacle of the container. Additionally, this may be used to verify that the container is still vacumised after a certain time has passed. Once the pressure difference between the surrounding and the inside of the containers lessens, i.e. when the pressure inside the container reaches atmospheric pressure, the deformable region may return to its original, nondeformed state. As an example, the deformable region may be provided as a locally outwardly bulging region. Once the pressure in the at least one fluid channel has been reduced, the outwardly bulging region may collapse, or may collapse inwardly, thus making it clear for a user that the container has been vacumised. If the locally outwardly bulging region is made of an elastically deformable plastic that is biased towards its original shape, a loss of vacuum inside the container results in the, now inwardly, bulging region to be outwardly bulging again.

[0023] The deformable region can be configured to close the at least one groove when the predetermined pressure is reached, for example at an end of the groove that is in fluid connection with the deformable region. This may be advantageous in case the deformable region is designed to collapse before reaching the under pressure inside the container, for example as an indicator that all connections are air-tight. If in such a scenario the groove forming a fluid connection between the inside of the container and the deformable region is closed, damage to the deformable region may be prevented when further vacumising the container. The seal can further comprise at least one groove bypassing the deformable region, which may facilitate continued vacumising of the container once the deformable region and I or the at least one groove in fluid connection with the deformable region has closed.

[0024] In order to undo the vacuum provided in the container by vacumising, for example when a user wants to retrieve the contents of the container, the seal for a lid may further comprise an opener arranged to open the at least one fluid channel. The opener may be integrally formed in the seal, for example a lip or a knob. In such an example, a user may interact with the opener, e.g. pulling the lip. This causes the seal to be at least locally deformed, causing the at least one fluid channel to open, regardless of the pressure difference between the inside of the at least one fluid channel and the surrounding. The opener may also be at least partially formed as an auxiliary component. For example, a needle-like component may be provided as auxiliary component that may be inserted at a designated location on the seal, in order to open the at least one fluid channel without damaging said seal. While a needle-like component has been proposed, it will be clear to the person skilled in the art that the auxiliary component can be any shape, such as but not limited to cylindrical, square, etc.

[0025] The receiving edge can be provided at an outer edge of the seal. In a special embodiment, the receiving edge can be annularly shaped. This may allow the seal to be used in combination with a circular lid. Circularly shaped lids are common in industry and used often by consumers, for example preserving jars. Thus, an annular shape allows for a wide range of applicable containers. Furthermore, since the annular shape has an opening towards the center of the seal, and the annularly shaped seal is provided around the circumference of the lid, the seal does not cover the center of the lid. In case a transparent lid is provided, e.g. a glass lid, this shape maintains the advantage that a person can see through the lid.

[0026] The invention further provides for an adapter and seal assembly for a container for use of the container as a vacuum container. The adapter and seal assembly may comprise a seal as previously described, an adapter arranged to be releasably engaged to the seal to form an air-tight engagement between the adapter and the seal. The adapter may comprise a nozzle arranged to cooperate with a vacuum pump. The nozzle can be in fluid connection with the at least one fluid channel. In a specific embodiment an adapter may be provided to facilitate vacumising a container having a previously discussed seal. This may for example be particularly advantageous if the size of the seal is kept at a minimum, e.g. being only present near the edge of the lid of the container. In that case, an adapter may be provided to form an air-tight connection with the seal such that the nozzle of the adapter may be used for vacumising. This has a further advantage that the nozzle can be provided such that it can cooperate with existing vacuum pumps, for example manual vacuum pumps or electric vacuum pumps. In addition, while the shape of the seal is at least partially defined by the shape of the lid of the container, the adapter may have a universal shape such that an adapter may be used for seals of different sizes of containers. In a specific example, in which the seal is annularly shaped, the adapter may be provided as a disc shaped adapter, such that the adapter fits in the opening of the annular shaped seal and form an air-tight connection.

[0027] The adapter can further comprise at least one fluid duct provided on the bottom of the adapter to provide a fluid connection between the nozzle and the at least one fluid channel of the seal, to facilitate an open fluid connection from the adapter towards the at least one fluid channel of the seal once vacumising. Once vacumising starts, the pressure between the adapter and seal is reduced relative to its surrounding. To prevent that the adapter closes off the at least one fluid channel needed to further vacumise the container as a result, for example by the adapter and the seal pressing to each other or the adapter and the lid, ducts may be provided in the surface of the bottom of the adapter. If the adapter then pressures to the seal and I or the lid, the duct still allows air from the container to be transported from the inside of the container through the at least one fluid channel in the seal, the fluid duct in the adapter and finally the nozzle of the adapter.

[0028] The adapter may further comprise an upper flange, said upper flange being configured for air-tight engagement. Such an air-tight engagement causes the air, from the interior of the container to be transported to the exterior of the container via the at least one fluid channels instead of through the connection between the adapter and seal. Since the at least one fluid channels can be opened I closed, providing an airtight engagement between the adapter and seal facilitates vacumising the interior of the container and maintaining an under pressure in the container. Additionally, the upper flange may prevent the adapter form blocking the at least one fluid channel by limiting the vertical movement of the adapter relative to the seal and / or lid during vacumising. As an example, such an air-tight engagement may be provided by providing the upper flange as a tapered upper flange in the direction of insertion of the adapter. In other words, when the adapter is being engaged with the seal a more tight engagement is formed the further the adapter is inserted in the seal.

[0029] The adapter can be releasably engaged to the seal by interference fitting, the interference fitting providing for air-tight engagement. Interference fitting, e.g. by having an adapter that is dimensioned slightly larger than the section of the seal needs to be fit to, may cause the adapter to press on the seal in a radially outward direction. Such a radially outward directional fitting may allow for a uniform distribution of forces such that the connection between the adapter and the seal may be air-tight. In the specific example of an annularly shaped seal and a disc-shaped adapter, the radius of the adapter may thus be slightly larger than the radius of the opening in the center of the annularly shaped seal. It will be clear to the skilled person that the shape of the adapter, e.g. circular, is independent of the circumferential shape of the seal. While in some specific example they may be corresponding, e.g. circular, the seal may also have a square, triangular, oval, etc. shape in order to house a correspondingly shaped lid edge in its cavity. In such case, the inner dimensions of the cavity may also be undersized compared to the size of the lid edge.

[0030] In a third aspect of the invention, there is provided for an assembly of seal and lid, comprising the seal described above and a lid with a lid edge. The lid edge is received in the cavity of the seal.

[0031] The assembly may further comprise an adapter for engagement with the seal. The at least one fluid channel of the seal and lid assembly is in fluid connection with the nozzle of the adapter to provide for a fluid connection between an interior of a container and an exterior of the container, preferably with a vacuum pump. The adapter, seal and lid can be configured such that, in use with an under pressure in the container, the engagement between adapter and seal is more strong than the engagement between seal and lid.

[0032] In a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided for a container for use as a vacuum container. The container comprises a receptacle, a seal as previously disclosed and a lid for engagement with the seal. An lid edge is received in the cavity of the seal. The seal has a shoulder resting on a neck of the receptacle for closing the storage volume. The container and lid may be from an existing set, e.g. a container and lid from a third party forming a set such as a preserving jar or mason jar. In this case, the lid may close the storage volume. In case of a preserving jar or mason jar, the existing seal between the lid and the container may be removed first before the described seal is attached to the lid of the container. Alternatively, a container and lid may form a new set. The lid may then comprise an outer edge provided with a shoulder that is provided separately, e.g. differently shaped and I or dimensioned, from the receiving edge. This may facilitate a wide range of container dimensions and neck openings that can be vacumised using a vacuum pump. Alternatively, this configuration, the container may be vacumised by a vacuum chamber. The pressure on the outside of the container, at least at the inwardly extending rim, may be lowered. Due to the pressure difference, the inwardly extending rim is adjusted in an upward position, such that the at least one fluid channel connects the outside of the container, having a lower pressure, with the inside of the container such that air from inside the container flows to the outside of the container. Once the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the container is substantially equalized, the inwardly extending rim returns to its originally shape. The at least one fluid channel is closed off, such that the connection between the inside of the container and the outside is severed. The container can now be brought to a surrounding having a higher atmosphere, e.g. a storage room. Since air cannot enter the container, the pressure inside the container remains lower than that of its surrounding.

[0033] The container may further comprise an adapter, preferably the previously described adapter, such that the adapter and seal form the adapter and seal assembly previously described. Using the adapter, the container can be provided in a surrounding at a normal pressure, e.g. atmospheric. The adapter is then provided, allowing a vacuum pump to extract air from the inside of the container to the surrounding. Once the container has been vacumised, the adapter may be conveniently removed.

[0034] The receptacle and the lid can be made of glass. Glass is a strong material that can withstand relatively high-pressure differences between the inside and outside of the container. Additionally, glass does not affect the products stored inside the container.

[0035] A closure element that is configured to cover the receptacle can be provided as the lid for engagement with the seal.

[0036] A closure element that can be configured to cover the receptacle with an outer edge can be provided with the shoulder for engagement with the receptacle. The receiving edge with the cavity for receiving the lid can be provided in the closure element.

[0037] In a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided for a method of vacumising a container. The method comprises the steps of:

[0038] - providing a container comprising a receptacle having a storage volume and a lid arranged to cover the receptacle thereby closing the container;

[0039] - providing a seal as previously discussed;

[0040] - providing an lid edge in the cavity of the seal such that the lid edge is enclosed by the seal;

[0041] - covering the receptacle using the seal and the lid such that an air-tight connection is formed between the seal and the receptacle; and - sucking out air from the storage volume via the seal through the at least one fluid channel such that an under pressure is formed in the storage volume of the container.

[0042] The method may further comprise the steps of:

[0043] - providing an adapter, preferably the adapter of the adapter a seal assembly previously discussed;

[0044] - forming the adapter and seal assembly previously discussed.;

[0045] - sucking out air from the storage volume via the nozzle of the adapter such that a vacuum is formed in the storage volume of the container.

[0046] Sucking out air may be done at a container-by-container bases, e.g. using a single vacuum pump on a sequential group of to be vacumised containers. Alternatively, a large group of containers or a single large container, may be vacumised by having the air sucked out of the corresponding storage volumes by a vacuum chamber. This may be advantageous in case of industrial scale application, e.g. in food industry.

[0047] Further advantageous aspects of the invention are set out in the description and appended claims.

[0048] The technical features described in the paragraphs and sentences above can be isolated from the context, and the isolated technical features from the different paragraphs and sentences can be combined. Such combinations are herewith specifically disclosed in this description.

[0049] The invention will further be elucidated on the basis of exemplary embodiments which are represented in the drawings. The exemplary embodiments are given by way of non-limitative illustration of the invention.

[0050] In the drawings:

[0051] Figs. 1A and IB show a schematic cross-section of an example of a container having a seal according to the invention; Figs. 2A and 2B are isometric views of an example of a seal and a container respectively according to the invention;

[0052] Figs. 3 A and 3B are an isometric view of a further example of the container and a cross-sectional view of the container respectively according to the invention;

[0053] Fig. 4 shows an example of a cut-open isometric view of an example of a seal according to the invention; and

[0054] Fig. 5 shows a schematic top view of an even further example of a lid, seal and adapter according to the invention.

[0055] Nog extra figuren, onderaanzicht adapter, groot deksel met daarin seal

[0056] Turning to Figs. 1A and IB, a seal 1 for a lid 2 for use of a container 3 as a vacuum container has been depicted. The container 3 may be a container 3 specifically designed to act as regular food container, e.g. a preserving jar. The seal 1 comprises an receiving edge 4 forming a cavity 5 for receiving a lid edge 6 therein, such that, when the lid edge 6 is enclosed by the seal 1, at least one fluid channel 9 between the seal 1 and the lid 2 is provided for establishing a fluid connection between an interior 7 of the container and an exterior 8 of the container via the fluid channel 9 during use. In the shown example, the at least one fluid channel 9 is provided around the circumference of lid edge 6 of lid 2. The receiving edge 4 of the seal 1 comprises an inwardly extending rim 10. In a downward position of the inwardly extending rim 10, the rim 10 is positioned towards an opening 16 of the cavity 5.

[0057] The inwardly extending rim 10 is made of an elastically deformable material, e.g. rubber, such that it can be biased towards a downward position and can be adjusted in an upward position. Alternatively, only a part of the outwardly extending rim 10 may be made of an elastically deformable material, e.g. a middle section or an outer end. Referring to Fig. 1A specifically, it can be seen that the inwardly extending rim 10 is biased towards a downward position in which the rim 10, when the lid edge 6 is enclosed by the seal 1, rests on the lid 2 for closing off the fluid connection. The inwardly extending rim 10 is adjustable to an upward position for opening the at least one fluid channel 9, see Fig. IB. This happens when a pressure difference between the interior of the container 3 and the exterior of the container 3 exceeds a predefined threshold and allows for the extraction of air from the interior of the container 7 for vacumising the container 3 during use. In the figure, the airflow from the interior 7 to the exterior 8 of the container 3 is depicted by a dashed arrow for illustrative purposes. The predefined threshold is defined by the force needed to elastically deform the inwardly extending rim 10 such that it adapts to an upward position. A more rigid material, that is more difficult to elastically deform, requires a higher pressure difference.

[0058] In Figs. 2A and 2B an example of the seal 1 has been depicted. In the example, the cavity 5 is formed by an upper surface 14, a lower surface 15 (not depicted in Fig. 2A) and a side surface 13 connecting the upper surface 14 and lower surface 15 with an opening 16 between the upper surface 14 and the lower surface 15 for receiving the edge lid 6 therethrough. The inner dimension of the cavity 5 is smaller than an outer dimension of the lid edge receivable in the cavity to provide for a tight engagement.

[0059] The receiving edge 4 further comprises an inner surface 12 extending downward from the upper surface 14 and opposite the side surface 13. The inner surface 12 is provided with the inwardly extending rim 10. The opening 16 for receiving the edge lid 6 therethrough is provided between the lower surface 15 and the inner surface 12.

[0060] In the example, the upper surface 14 of the cavity 5 is arranged for cooperation with an adapter 28. Alternatively, the upper surface 12 could have been arranged for cooperation with a vacuum pump. The inner surface 12 of the cavity 5 extends above the upper surface 14 to provide for an upper edge 30 for engagement with an adapter 28. This engagement is an air-tight engagement. In the example, adapter 28 comprises a fluid chamber 31 circumferentially near the inwardly extending rim 10. By providing the fluid chamber 31 as the space between the lid 2 and the seal 1, when vacumising, this space needs to be emptied first before air can be sucked out of the container. On the other hand, when pumping stops, air remains captured in this fluid chamber 31, thereby forming a “false air chamber”. To reduce the false air, the fluid channel 31 has been formed as a duct instead of a relatively large fluid chamber.

[0061] In the example, the receiving edge 4 provided at an outer edge 4 of the seal 1, is annularly shaped. The receiving edge 4 is provided at an outer edge 4 of the seal 1. The receiving edge 4 further comprises a deformable region 17 arranged to deform when there is a predetermined pressure inside the cavity 5 that is, during use, indicative of the pressure inside the container 3. The deformable region 17 is provided as a semi- spherical deformable region 17. Once, during use, the inside of the container 3 has been vacumised, the spherical deformable region 17 collapses inwardly, i.e. in the direction of the upper surface 14 of the seal 1. Once the container 3 is no longer vacumised, either on purpose or by accident, the deformable region 17 is arranged to return to its original shape, e.g. as shown in the figures. This may be achieved by providing the deformable region 17 from a material that is elastically deformable and is biased towards the original shape shown in the figures. In addition, as an example, the seal 1 further comprises an opener 29 arranged to open the at least one fluid channel 9. The opener 29 is provided as a lip 18, which a user may pull to deform the seal 1. Due to the deformation, the inwardly extending rim 10 at least partially adjusts in an upward position, such that the at least one fluid channel 9 is opened and air can reach the inside 7 of the container 3. Once the container 3 is no longer vacumised it is possible to conveniently remove the lid 2, and the seal 1 attached to the lid 2, from the receptacle 18 as there is no force due to the pressure difference pressing lid 2 and the receptacle 18 to each other.

[0062] In the shown example, a single opener 29 is provided but it will be clear to the skilled person that a plurality of openers 29 may be provided at various locations on the seal 1. In addition, the deformable region 17 is provided on the opener 29, this is not necessary for each of these features to work. In other words, the deformable region 17 may be provided at a different location on the seal 1 as the opener 29.

[0063] In Fig. 2B specifically, an example of a container 3 for use as a vacuum container is being shown. The container 3 comprises a receptacle 18 enclosing a storage volume 19. A seal 1, for example the seal 1 of Fig. 2A, has been provided such that the edge 6 of the lid 2 has been received within the cavity 5 of the seal 1 and the edge 6 of the lid 2 is enclosed by the seal 1. The inwardly extending rim 10, biased in a direction towards the lid 2, is pressed on the lid 2 such that the connection with the at least one fluid channel 9 is closed off when the pressure difference between the inside of the container 3 and the outside of the container 3, in particular near the inwardly extending rim 10, is equal or at least below the predetermined pressure difference. The lid 2 is made of glass, in particular transparent glass. In such a case, the annular shape of the seal 1, i.e. the ring-shaped seal 1, allows the user to still be able to see through the transparent glass of the lid. In other words, the seal 1 is provided such as to not interfere, or at least minimally interfere, with the transparency of the container 3 such that a user can still see the contents of the container 3 without having to open the container 3. The seal 1 and lid 2 cover the receptacle 18 such that an air-tight connection is formed between the seal 1 and the receptacle 18. In the shown example, this is done by having the seal 1 follow the contour of the outer edge 4 of the lid. The container 3, which is a commonly available container 3 which has been retrofitted be used as a vacuum container 3, e.g. a preserving jar, already is shaped such that the lid 2 and the receptacle 18 form a good fit to minimize the air flow between the inside and outside of the container 3 during use. Providing a seal 1, in particularly an elastically deformable seal 1, e.g. a rubber seal 1, can further prevent air flow between the inside and outside of the container 3. In other words, the seal 1 may act as a gasket. If the seal 1 then follows the contour of the lid edge 6 of the lid 2, in particular in the section which abuts the receptacle 18 on the outside of the seal 1 and the lid 2 on inside the cavity 5, the lid 2 may be pressured on the receptacle 18 to form an air-tight connection. If the container is then vacumised, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the container 3 causes the lid 2 to remain pressed on to the receptacle 18.

[0064] Turning to Fig. 3A and 3B, a further example is shown of a container 3 for use as a vacuum container. The shown container 3 and seal 1 are in the example similar to the examples shown in Fig. 2 A and 2B. The receiving edge 4 of the seal 1 forming the cavity 5 has a substantially U- shaped cross-section with an opening 16 thereof facing inwardly to receive the lid edge 6 through the opening 16. The container 3 comprises a receptacle 18 having a storage volume 19. A seal 1, for example the seal 1 of Fig. 2A has been provided such that the lid edge 6 is received in the cavity 5 of the seal 1. The inner dimension of the cavity 5 is smaller than an outer dimension of the lid edge receivable in the cavity to provide for a tight engagement.

[0065] The seal 1 has a shoulder 32 resting on a neck 33 of the receptacle 18, thereby closing the storage volume 19. In the example, the shoulder 32 is configured for air-tight engagement with a neck 33 of the container 3. The shoulder 32 comprises a downwardly extending skirt 26 configured to be received in the neck 33 of the container 3. The seal 1 and lid 2 cover the receptacle 18 such that an air-tight connection is formed between seal 1 and the receptacle 18, comparable to the above discussed examples in Fig. 2A and 2B. Furthermore, the container 3 comprises an adapter 28 such that the adapter 28 and seal 1 form an adapter 28 and seal 1 assembly. The adapter 28 is releasably engaged to the seal 1 to form an air-tight engagement between the adapter 28 and the seal 1. In the shown example, in which the seal 1 is annularly shaped, the adapter 28 is disc shaped. By slightly oversizing the adapter 28 in its radial direction compared to the center opening of the seal 1, the adapter 28 is releasably engaged to the seal 1 by interference fitting, the interference fitting providing for air-tight engagement at the top of the seal 1 while being relatively loose at the fluid chamber 31. Due to the elastically deformable properties of the seal 1, the adapter 28 may be relatively easily interference fitted. The adapter 28 comprises a nozzle 20 arranged to cooperate with a vacuum pump (not depicted). A part of the nozzle 20, is provided at the top side 21 of the adapter 28. The nozzle 20 is in fluid connection with the at least one fluid channel 9. In the example, the nozzle 20 is specifically in fluid connection with the at least one fluid channel 9 of the seal 1 via a fluid duct 22 provided on the bottom 23 of the adapter 28. Additionally, in the shown example, the adapter 19 further comprises an upper flange 24. The upper flange 24 is configured for air-tight engagement with the seal 1. The upper flange 24 of the adapter 28 is configured for engagement with an upper edge 30 of the seal 1. This prevents the adapter 28 from moving downwardly too much, i.e. towards the lid 2, and thus closing off the fluid connection unintentionally.

[0066] In the shown example, the seal 1 further comprises a downwardly extending skirt 26 provided on the receiving edge 4, further facilitating the air-tight connection between the seal 1 and the receptacle 18. The downwardly extending skirt 26 abuts the receptacle 18 and is part of the at least one fluid channel 9. The walls 27 of the receptacle 18 are made of glass.

[0067] The fluid channel 9 of the seal 1 and lid 2 is in fluid connection with the nozzle 20 of the adapter 28 to provide for a fluid connection between an interior of a container 3 and an exterior of the container 3, preferably with a vacuum pump. The adapter 28, seal 1 and lid 2 are configured such that, in use with an under pressure in the container 3, the engagement between the adapter 28 and the seal 1 is more strong than the engagement between seal 1 and lid 2.

[0068] Turning to Fig. 4, a cut-open example of the seal 1 shown in Fig. 2 A. For illustration purposes, the outer walls of the seal 1 have been made see-through and the seal has been cut open in a radial direction for illustrative purposes such that the inside of the seal 1 can be shown. It can be seen that the cavity 5 is formed by an inner surface 12, an side surface 13 connected via an upper surface 14. The seal 1 further comprises a lower surface 15 and an entry opening 16 extending outwardly from the inner surface 12 towards the lower surface 15 between the inner surface 12 and the side surface 13, providing access to the cavity 5 of the seal 1. Furthermore, an example of the at least one fluid channel 9 is shown, which in the example is a single groove provided inside the upper surface 14, outer rim 13 and lower surface 15 of the seal 1. As discussed previously, once the inwardly extending rim 10 does form an air-tight connection with the lid 2 during use, air may enter the at least one fluid channel 9. By providing the at least one fluid channel 9 as a groove inside the walls forming the cavity 5, it is prevented that during vacumising the at least one fluid channel 9 is unintentionally closed. In a shown example, the deformable region 17 has a separate fluid channel 9’, provided in the outer rim 13 and lower surface 15. The at least one fluid channel 9 is provided as at least one groove 9 in surfaces, in the shown example at least the upper surface 14 and the outer surface 13, forming the cavity 5. The deformable region 17 is configured to close the at least one groove 9’ when the predetermined pressure is reached. At least one groove 9 bypasses the deformable region 17.

[0069] Separating these channels 9, 9’, it is ensured that the deformable region 17 is only affected by the pressure inside the container 3. It will be clear to the person skilled in the art that, while only a single fluid channel 9 is provided to form a fluid connection between the inside and outside of the container 3, multiple fluid channels 9 may be provided. This may facilitate easier and faster vacumising.

[0070] Turning to Fig. 5, a further example has been depicted as a top view of a lid 2, seal 1 and adapter 28 according to the invention. In the example, a lid 2 has been provided that is significantly larger than the seal 1 and adapter 28. As a result, the receiving edge 4 and the shoulder 32 are not provided at the same location. The adapter 28 enables relatively easy vacumising of the seal 1, regardless of the shape of the seal 1. In the example, the seal 1 only needs to facilitate an air-tight connection with the adapter 28. In case of a disc shaped adapter 28, this means having a circular opening. Thus, if all seals 1 are designed with the same opening, e.g. a circular opening, for forming the air-tight connection with the adapter 28, it is possible to use a single designed adapter 28 for multiple shaped and sized seals.

[0071] Many variations will be apparent to the skilled person in the art. Such variations are understood to be comprised within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, a seal shape of any size may be used as well as different types of containers. While the examples in the application mainly relate to food containers, for consumer applications, different containers may be used including containers for industrial purposes.

Claims

Claims1. Seal for a lid for use of a container as a vacuum container comprising a receiving edge forming a cavity for receiving a lid edge of a lid therein, such that, when the lid edge is enclosed by the seal, at least one fluid channel between the seal and the lid is provided for establishing a fluid connection between an interior of the container and an exterior of the container via the fluid channel, during use;- wherein the receiving edge of the seal comprises an inwardly extending rim biased towards a downward position in which the rim, when the lid edge is enclosed by the seal, rests on the lid for closing off the fluid connection, and wherein the inwardly extending rim is adjustable to an upward position for opening the fluid connection when a pressure difference between the interior of the container and the exterior of the container exceeds a predefined threshold to allow extraction of air from the interior of the container for vacumising the container during use.

2. Seal for a lid according to claim 1, wherein the receiving edge of the seal forming the cavity has a substantially U-shaped cross-section with an opening thereof facing inwardly to receive the lid edge through the opening.

3. Seal for a lid according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the seal is provided with a shoulder configured for engagement, preferably air-tight engagement, with a neck of the container.

4. Seal for a lid according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein in downward position of the inwardly extending rim, the rim is positioned towards the opening of the cavity.

5. Seal for a lid according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity is formed by an upper surface, a lower surface and a side surface connecting the upper and the lower surface with an opening between the upper surface and lower surface for receiving the lid edge therethrough.

6. Seal for a lid according to claim 5, wherein the receiving edge further comprises an inner surface extending downward from the upper surface and opposite the side surface, wherein the inner surface is provided with the inwardly extending rim, with the opening for receiving the lid edge therethrough between the lower surface and the inner surface.

7. Seal for a lid according to any of the claims 5 - 6, wherein the upper surface of the cavity is arranged for cooperation with an adapter and / or a vacuum pump.

8. Seal for a lid according to any of the claims 6 - 7, wherein the inner surface of the cavity extends above the upper surface to provide for an upper edge for engagement with an adapter.

9. Seal for a lid according to any of the claims 3 - 8, wherein the shoulder comprises a downwardly extending skirt configured to be received in the neck of the container.

10. Seal for a lid according to any of the preceding claims, wherein an inner dimension of the cavity is smaller than an outer dimension of the lid edge receivable in the cavity to provide for a tight engagement.

11. Seal for a lid according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one fluid channel is provided as at least one groove in surfaces forming the cavity.

12. Seal for a lid according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving edge further comprises a deformable region arranged to deform when there is a predetermined pressure inside the cavity that is during use indicative of the pressure inside the container.

13. Seal for a lid according to claims 11 and 12, wherein the deformable region is configured to close the at least one groove when the predetermined pressure is reached.

14. Seal for a lid according to claim 12 when dependent on claim 11 or according to claim 13, further comprising at least one groove bypassing the deformable region.

15. Seal for a lid according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an opener arranged to open the at least one fluid channel.

16. Seal for a lid according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the receiving edge is provided at an outer edge of the seal.

17. Adapter and seal assembly for a container for use of the container as a vacuum container, comprising:- the seal according to any of the preceding claims;- an adapter arranged to be releasably engaged to the seal to form an air-tight engagement between the adapter and the seal;- wherein the adapter comprises a nozzle arranged to cooperate with a vacuum pump, said nozzle being in fluid connection with the at least one fluid channel.

18. Adapter and seal assembly according to claim 6, wherein the adapter further comprises at least one fluid duct provided on the bottom ofthe adapter to provide for a fluid connection between the nozzle and the at least one fluid channel of the seal.

19. Adapter and seal assembly according to claims 6 or 7, wherein the adapter is releasably engaged to the seal by interference fitting, the interference fitting providing for air-tight engagement.

20. Adapter and seal assembly according to any of the claims 6-8, wherein the adapter further comprises an upper flange, said upper flange being configured for air-tight engagement.

21. Adapter and seal assembly according to claim 9, wherein the upper flange of the adapter is configured for engagement with an upper edge of the seal.

22. Assembly of seal and lid comprising a seal according to any of the claims 1 - 16 and a lid with a lid edge, which lid edge is received in the cavity of the seal.

23. Assembly of claim 22, further comprising an adapter for engagement with the seal, wherein the at least one fluid channel of the seal and lid assembly is in fluid connection with the nozzle of the adapter to provide for a fluid connection between an interior of a container and an exterior of the container, preferably with a vacuum pump.

24. Assembly of claim 23, wherein the adapter, seal and lid are configured such that, in use with an under pressure in the container, the engagement between adapter and seal is more strong than the engagement between seal and lid.

25. Container for use as a vacuum container comprising:- a receptacle having a storage volume;- a seal according to any of the claims 1-16 and a lid for engagement with the seal, wherein an lid edge is received in the cavity of the seal;- the seal having a shoulder resting on a neck of the receptacle, for closing the storage volume.

26. Container for use as a vacuum container according to claim 10, further comprising an adapter, preferably the adapter from any of the claims 6-9, such that the adapter and the seal form the adapter and seal assembly according to any of the claims 6-9.

27. Container for use as a vacuum container according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the seal further comprises a downwardly extending skirt provided on the edge, wherein the downwardly extending skirt abuts the receptacle and is part of the at least one fluid channel.

28. Container for use as a vacuum container according to any of the claims 10 - 12, wherein the receptacle and the lid are made of glass.

29. Container for use as a vacuum container according to any of the claims 25 - 28, wherein a closure element that is configured to cover the receptacle is provided as the lid for engagement with the seal.

30. Container for use as a vacuum container according to any of the claims 25 - 28, wherein a closure element that is configured to cover the receptacle at an outer edge is provided with the shoulder for engagement with the receptacle and wherein the receiving edge with the cavity for receiving the lid is provided in the closure element.

31. Method of vacumising a container, comprising the steps of:- providing a container comprising a receptacle having a storage volume and a lid arranged to cover the receptacle thereby closing the container;- providing a seal according to any of the claims 1-16; - providing an lid edge in the cavity of the seal such that the lid edge is enclosed by the seal;- covering the receptacle using the seal and the lid such that an air-tight connection is formed between the seal and the receptacle; and- pumping out air from the storage volume via the seal through the at least one fluid channel such that an under pressure is formed in the storage volume of the container.

32. Method of vacumising a container according to claim 31, further comprising the step of: - providing an adapter, preferably the adapter of the adapter a seal assembly according to any of the claims 17-21;- forming the adapter and seal assembly according to any of the claims 17-21;

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