CA2003892A1 - Bidirectional or two-way air and gas flow control device for product packaging and a method therefor - Google Patents
Bidirectional or two-way air and gas flow control device for product packaging and a method thereforInfo
- Publication number
- CA2003892A1 CA2003892A1 CA 2003892 CA2003892A CA2003892A1 CA 2003892 A1 CA2003892 A1 CA 2003892A1 CA 2003892 CA2003892 CA 2003892 CA 2003892 A CA2003892 A CA 2003892A CA 2003892 A1 CA2003892 A1 CA 2003892A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- control device
- container
- flow control
- gas flow
- product
- 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
- 230000002457 bidirectional effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 31
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 23
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 20
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract 2
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 abstract description 7
- 239000012770 industrial material Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 30
- 210000002105 tongue Anatomy 0.000 description 4
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 2
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 241000894006 Bacteria Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006731 degradation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000019634 flavors Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000035784 germination Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000003647 oxidation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007254 oxidation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000004321 preservation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009877 rendering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012815 thermoplastic material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002604 ultrasonography 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
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/18—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
- B65D81/20—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
- B65D81/2007—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum
- B65D81/2038—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum with means for establishing or improving vacuum
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
- B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
- B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
- B65D47/08—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures
- B65D47/0804—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures integrally formed with the base element provided with the spout or discharge passage
- B65D47/0833—Hinges without elastic bias
- B65D47/0838—Hinges without elastic bias located at an edge of the base element
- B65D47/0842—Hinges without elastic bias located at an edge of the base element consisting of a strap of flexible material
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
- B65D2251/10—Details of hinged closures
- B65D2251/1016—Means for locking the closure in closed position
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
Abstract
A BIDIRECTIONAL OR TWO-WAY AIR AND GAS FLOW CONTROL
DEVICE FOR PRODUCT PACKAGING AND A METHOD THEREFOR
ABSTRACT
The present invention relates to a bidirectional or two-way air and gas flow control device for product packaging into a container and more particularly, relates to a bidirectional flow control device for packaging any product such as food or industrial materials.
The control device comprises a first member adapted to be affixed to the wall of the container and a second member for engaging and closing the first member. The flow control device can be used in a monodirectional manner, that is, the air is simply withdrawn from the container, so as to package the product in vacuum, or simply to reduce the volume of the package for storage purposes.
Alternatively, the flow control device is used in a bidirectional manner by which the air is first withdrawn from the container and then a protective atmosphere is reinjected into the container so as to conserve the product's integrity and/or to increase its shelflife. According to the present invention, the first member of the control device comprises a large flat bottom surface to be attached to a container and provided with a plurality of openings on the periphery so as to increase the air and gas flow. Filter means can also be provided to prevent the withdrawal of the product during vacuuming.
DEVICE FOR PRODUCT PACKAGING AND A METHOD THEREFOR
ABSTRACT
The present invention relates to a bidirectional or two-way air and gas flow control device for product packaging into a container and more particularly, relates to a bidirectional flow control device for packaging any product such as food or industrial materials.
The control device comprises a first member adapted to be affixed to the wall of the container and a second member for engaging and closing the first member. The flow control device can be used in a monodirectional manner, that is, the air is simply withdrawn from the container, so as to package the product in vacuum, or simply to reduce the volume of the package for storage purposes.
Alternatively, the flow control device is used in a bidirectional manner by which the air is first withdrawn from the container and then a protective atmosphere is reinjected into the container so as to conserve the product's integrity and/or to increase its shelflife. According to the present invention, the first member of the control device comprises a large flat bottom surface to be attached to a container and provided with a plurality of openings on the periphery so as to increase the air and gas flow. Filter means can also be provided to prevent the withdrawal of the product during vacuuming.
Description
~003~3~Z
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a bidirectional or two-way gas flow control device for packaging any product.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In recent years, various vacuum processes have been used for conservation purposes of many food and non-food products, or simply to reduce the volume of packaging for storage of bulky materials during palettization, handling, storage and transport.
Moreover, a combination of a vacuum and a gas reinjection process has also been used for conservation purposes. In this process, the air is withdrawn completely or partially from the container enclosing the product, then, an inert or any other active conservation atmosphere is reinjected into the container. These gases have many properties, such as protecting and controlling the content's integrity and increasing its shelflife. Conventional vacuum packaging for food and other products have heretofore utilized a flexible container formed of plastics material. These containers are provided with a closure device which is affixed to the wall of same.
For example of such a closure adapted to a rigid container, please refer to US patent no. 3,854,618 (Beghnini).
One drawback of the existing closure devices used for flexible containers is that same tend to penetrate into the products to be packed when the vacuum is accomplished since the portion of the closure device provided with the gas flow openings protudes and is not properly positioned. Moreover, due to the high pressure existing in those processes, the product tends to clog the openings X00~8~Z
in the said protuded part of the closure device, thus rendering same inoperable. Finally, the existing closure devices tend to damage and deteriorate the product enclosed into the container due to the protuding shape of same and the high pressure created by the vacuum process.
The present invention to be hereinafter described provides an efficient product packaging bidirectional gas control device which will overcome the above described drawbacks.
OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a two-way or bidirectional air and gas flow control device and a method of product packaging for a container in which the surface of the control device coming in contact with the product to be packed is substantially plane and large.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device and a method for product packaging capable of sustaining substantially high differential pressure.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device and a method for product packaging ensuring satisfactory sealing.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device and a method forproduct packaging having locking means so as to prevent inadvertent openings once the air is withdrawn from the container and/or the gas is reinjected into the container.
, ~
X0038~Z
still another object of the present invention is to provide a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device and a method for product packaging which can be used for any air-contact perishable products and materials.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device and a method for product packaging which comprises a control device capable of being secured to any flexible or rigid container.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device and a method for product packaging which will be secured to any rigid container.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device which can be used as a one-way or monodirectional gas flow control device.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device and a method for product packaging of the general type specified previously in which the closure element allows a snap-closing without the use of excessive force.
These and other objects of this invention will be generally obtained by means of a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device for product packaging for the purpose of closing a container from which air or gas is to be evacuated, said device comprising:
- a first member having a main portion adapted to be affixed to the wall of the container, said main portion having a downwardly extending section being provided with a plurality of peripherical opening means therethrough, said openings extending generally downwardly and outwardly of said section, said section being .
20038~'~
provided with a substantially flat bottom surface which is to be supported by the product packed into said container;
- a second member for engaging and closing said downwardly extending section; said second member being of complimentary shape with said first member;
- gripping means secured to said second member;
wherein said downwardly extending section further comprises peripherical filter element holding means.
These and other objects of this invention will also be generally obtained by means of a method to protect, conserve and preserve a product to be packaged into a container of the type provided with a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device comprising:
- a first member having a main portion adapted to be affixed to the wall of the container, said main portion having a downwardly extending section being provided with a plurality of peripherical opening means therethrough, said openings extending generally downwardly and outwardly of said section, said section being provided with a substantially flat bottom surface which is to be supported by the product packed into said container;
- a second member for engaging and closing said downwardly extending section; said second member being of complimentary shape with said first member;
- gripping means secured to said second member;
~ wherein said downwardly extending section further comprises peripherical filter element holding means; said method of protection, conservation or preservation comprising the following ' ~ .. ' -.
200:38~Z
steps:
- securing said control device to the wall of the container;
- exercing a negative pressure on said first element of said closure device and keeping said second element away from the first element;
- closing of said control device by means of said second element.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device for product packaging in flexible or rigid containers. The device, according to the present invention, comprises basically two elements, a first element to be affixed to the wall of the container and a second element which will hermetically close the control device by engagement with the first element. The first element can be sealed by ultra-sound, ultra-violet rays, heat, propulsion, etc..., to the walls of the container or otherwise secured to same. The first element is provided with a plurality of openings disposed on the periphery of same to permit withdrawal of the air from the container. A filter element can be placed into said first element to avoid suction of food, liquids or light-weight products into the air withdrawal device (not part of the invention). When used as a two-way or bidirectional flow control device, same allows the withdrawal of the air present into the container, then, it is possible to reinject a protection atmosphere so as to protect, preserve or conserve the product's integrity and/or to increase its shelflife.
When the control device is used as a one-way or monodirectional, the air is removed from the container and the second element closes the first element so as to keep the vacuum inside the container.
X00~38~1~
This control device is used for conservation purposes or for reduction of volume during storage.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Other objects, features and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the written description and drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a sectional view of an embodiment in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 2 is a sectional view of the control dPvice of Figure 1 in the closed position.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a filter element for the control device of Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a bottom view of the control device of Figure 1.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment in accordance with the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
With respect to ~igure 1, there i5 shown the two-way or bidirectional qas flow control device 5 for product packaging in accordance with the present invention.
The control device 5 comprises a first member 10 and a second member 15, said first member 10 has a main portion 25 adapted to be affixed to the wall of a container 20. In the present embodiment, said container 20 being a flexible wall container.
X0().~8~2 However, it is to be understood that the control device can be secured to a rigid container. The main portion 25 comprises a downwardly extending annular section 30 having a substantially flat bottom surface 35.
The annular section 30 comprises at least one lip 40 designed to increase the sealing between the first element 10 and the second element 15 to be described hereinafter. The flat bottom surface 35 of the annular section 30 is used as a force repartition surface when the vacuum is created into the container 20. Thus, when the vacuum is created inside the container 20, the surface 35 will rest on the product (not shown) without tending to penetrate into and damaging same. However, during flush back process, the product will obviously not touch or be in contact with the flat bottom surface.
The control device 5 comprises elements which are injection moulded from a substantially rigid transparent plastics material such as polyethylene or nylon, but it could be of polypropylene or other thermoplastic materials.
The second member 15 comprises a first cylindrical portion 45 connected conically to a first frusto-conical portion 50 connected itself to a second frusto-conical portion 55. The second member ends with a domed base 60 as shown in figure 1.
The second member 15 is hingedly secured to the first member 10 by means of a tongue 65. When the second member 15 closes or engages the first member 10, tongue 65 is received in a recess made (not shown) into the main portion 25 and a gripping tab 70 connected to the second element 15 and diametrically opposite to tongue 65 is also provided. A second recess (not shown) is provided into main portion 25 to receive said gripping tab 70.
~00~8~
The gripping tab 70 is provided with locking means 75 to engage with recesses 80 made into main portion 25 so as to avoid unwanted openings of the second element 15 with respect to first element 10 and therefore the control device 5 when the latter is closed.
To increase the locking effect of the first element lO, more locking means (not shown) can be added on the periphery of the second element 15. To increase the sealing between the first 10 and the second element 15, it is possible to provide the top portion of said second element 15 with a connecting step (not shown) which will extend on the entire periphery of same. This connecting step 15A will constitute a bearing surface of the second element with respect to the first element 10 and can be heat-sealed or otherwise secured to the first element for permanent sealing.
The first element is stiffened at the sides by thin longitudinal ribs (not shown) which extend diametrically from the center of the main portion. The first or the second element can also be equipped with any from of extension or other device which would permit electronic or other censing device to search and find the proper position of the bidirectional gas flow control device onto the container moving on a line of production.
According to a preferred embodiment, the annular section 30 further comprises a peripherical filter element holding means. Said holding means includes a downwardly extending wall 90 to support and firmly hold the filter element shown in figure 1. The downwardly extending wall 90 comprises a plurality of openings 95 therethrough to allow air withdrawal and gas flush back through the control device 5. The position of the withdrawal openings 95 on both sides of wall 90 will permit easy withdrawal of air from container 20 even though the area lO0 is clogged by the product inside the container 20.
.
. . .
, X00~'38~
The wall is provided with inwardly extending tongues 85 (best shown in figure 4) to further secure the filtering element 105. An embodiment of the filtering element 110 is shown in figure 1.
Filtering elements being well-known in the art, same will not be described in detail.
Having described the two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device in accordance with the present invention, the method to use same will now be described.
When used with a flexible container, such as container 20, the control device 5 is first heat-sealed or otherwise affixed to the wall of same, then the product, indifferently food and non-food product or domestic and industrial material, is put into the container by the opened end which is then sealed. The air is withdrawn from the container by means of a vacuum pump (not shown) which is connected to the control device 5 by the top portion of the first element 10. When the air has been completely or partially removed from the container 20, the second element is then released and automatically seals the first element and the pressure is kept inside the container. During the vacuum process, it goes without saying that the second element 15 is kept away from the first element 10, in order to permit easy withdrawal of air.
However, it is to be understood that any other device can be used to retain the second member away from the first member during vacuuming.
To increase the sealing effect between the above described elements 10 and 15, it is possible to add further lips such as lip 40 into the main portion of the closure device 5.
However, when re-injection of gas is necessary or desirable into the container 20 once the vacuum has been accomplished in the latter, the second element 15 is kept away from the first element 208~8~12 10 and then the desirable gas is re-injected into the container 20.
The selection of gas depends on the product packaged, the storage temperature, the required shelflife, etc. This gas or gas mixture will help prevent biological degradation, bacteria, germination, oxidation and/or water losses of the product packaged and preserves flavors, colors, aroma, texture of the product.
Although various forms of the invention have been described in same detail, it is to be realized that the invention is not to be limited thereto, but is to include various modifications falling within the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, by "bidirectional gas flow control device", the applicant includes also two-way gas flow control device.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a bidirectional or two-way gas flow control device for packaging any product.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In recent years, various vacuum processes have been used for conservation purposes of many food and non-food products, or simply to reduce the volume of packaging for storage of bulky materials during palettization, handling, storage and transport.
Moreover, a combination of a vacuum and a gas reinjection process has also been used for conservation purposes. In this process, the air is withdrawn completely or partially from the container enclosing the product, then, an inert or any other active conservation atmosphere is reinjected into the container. These gases have many properties, such as protecting and controlling the content's integrity and increasing its shelflife. Conventional vacuum packaging for food and other products have heretofore utilized a flexible container formed of plastics material. These containers are provided with a closure device which is affixed to the wall of same.
For example of such a closure adapted to a rigid container, please refer to US patent no. 3,854,618 (Beghnini).
One drawback of the existing closure devices used for flexible containers is that same tend to penetrate into the products to be packed when the vacuum is accomplished since the portion of the closure device provided with the gas flow openings protudes and is not properly positioned. Moreover, due to the high pressure existing in those processes, the product tends to clog the openings X00~8~Z
in the said protuded part of the closure device, thus rendering same inoperable. Finally, the existing closure devices tend to damage and deteriorate the product enclosed into the container due to the protuding shape of same and the high pressure created by the vacuum process.
The present invention to be hereinafter described provides an efficient product packaging bidirectional gas control device which will overcome the above described drawbacks.
OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a two-way or bidirectional air and gas flow control device and a method of product packaging for a container in which the surface of the control device coming in contact with the product to be packed is substantially plane and large.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device and a method for product packaging capable of sustaining substantially high differential pressure.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device and a method for product packaging ensuring satisfactory sealing.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device and a method forproduct packaging having locking means so as to prevent inadvertent openings once the air is withdrawn from the container and/or the gas is reinjected into the container.
, ~
X0038~Z
still another object of the present invention is to provide a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device and a method for product packaging which can be used for any air-contact perishable products and materials.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device and a method for product packaging which comprises a control device capable of being secured to any flexible or rigid container.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device and a method for product packaging which will be secured to any rigid container.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device which can be used as a one-way or monodirectional gas flow control device.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device and a method for product packaging of the general type specified previously in which the closure element allows a snap-closing without the use of excessive force.
These and other objects of this invention will be generally obtained by means of a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device for product packaging for the purpose of closing a container from which air or gas is to be evacuated, said device comprising:
- a first member having a main portion adapted to be affixed to the wall of the container, said main portion having a downwardly extending section being provided with a plurality of peripherical opening means therethrough, said openings extending generally downwardly and outwardly of said section, said section being .
20038~'~
provided with a substantially flat bottom surface which is to be supported by the product packed into said container;
- a second member for engaging and closing said downwardly extending section; said second member being of complimentary shape with said first member;
- gripping means secured to said second member;
wherein said downwardly extending section further comprises peripherical filter element holding means.
These and other objects of this invention will also be generally obtained by means of a method to protect, conserve and preserve a product to be packaged into a container of the type provided with a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device comprising:
- a first member having a main portion adapted to be affixed to the wall of the container, said main portion having a downwardly extending section being provided with a plurality of peripherical opening means therethrough, said openings extending generally downwardly and outwardly of said section, said section being provided with a substantially flat bottom surface which is to be supported by the product packed into said container;
- a second member for engaging and closing said downwardly extending section; said second member being of complimentary shape with said first member;
- gripping means secured to said second member;
~ wherein said downwardly extending section further comprises peripherical filter element holding means; said method of protection, conservation or preservation comprising the following ' ~ .. ' -.
200:38~Z
steps:
- securing said control device to the wall of the container;
- exercing a negative pressure on said first element of said closure device and keeping said second element away from the first element;
- closing of said control device by means of said second element.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device for product packaging in flexible or rigid containers. The device, according to the present invention, comprises basically two elements, a first element to be affixed to the wall of the container and a second element which will hermetically close the control device by engagement with the first element. The first element can be sealed by ultra-sound, ultra-violet rays, heat, propulsion, etc..., to the walls of the container or otherwise secured to same. The first element is provided with a plurality of openings disposed on the periphery of same to permit withdrawal of the air from the container. A filter element can be placed into said first element to avoid suction of food, liquids or light-weight products into the air withdrawal device (not part of the invention). When used as a two-way or bidirectional flow control device, same allows the withdrawal of the air present into the container, then, it is possible to reinject a protection atmosphere so as to protect, preserve or conserve the product's integrity and/or to increase its shelflife.
When the control device is used as a one-way or monodirectional, the air is removed from the container and the second element closes the first element so as to keep the vacuum inside the container.
X00~38~1~
This control device is used for conservation purposes or for reduction of volume during storage.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Other objects, features and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the written description and drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a sectional view of an embodiment in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 2 is a sectional view of the control dPvice of Figure 1 in the closed position.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a filter element for the control device of Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a bottom view of the control device of Figure 1.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment in accordance with the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
With respect to ~igure 1, there i5 shown the two-way or bidirectional qas flow control device 5 for product packaging in accordance with the present invention.
The control device 5 comprises a first member 10 and a second member 15, said first member 10 has a main portion 25 adapted to be affixed to the wall of a container 20. In the present embodiment, said container 20 being a flexible wall container.
X0().~8~2 However, it is to be understood that the control device can be secured to a rigid container. The main portion 25 comprises a downwardly extending annular section 30 having a substantially flat bottom surface 35.
The annular section 30 comprises at least one lip 40 designed to increase the sealing between the first element 10 and the second element 15 to be described hereinafter. The flat bottom surface 35 of the annular section 30 is used as a force repartition surface when the vacuum is created into the container 20. Thus, when the vacuum is created inside the container 20, the surface 35 will rest on the product (not shown) without tending to penetrate into and damaging same. However, during flush back process, the product will obviously not touch or be in contact with the flat bottom surface.
The control device 5 comprises elements which are injection moulded from a substantially rigid transparent plastics material such as polyethylene or nylon, but it could be of polypropylene or other thermoplastic materials.
The second member 15 comprises a first cylindrical portion 45 connected conically to a first frusto-conical portion 50 connected itself to a second frusto-conical portion 55. The second member ends with a domed base 60 as shown in figure 1.
The second member 15 is hingedly secured to the first member 10 by means of a tongue 65. When the second member 15 closes or engages the first member 10, tongue 65 is received in a recess made (not shown) into the main portion 25 and a gripping tab 70 connected to the second element 15 and diametrically opposite to tongue 65 is also provided. A second recess (not shown) is provided into main portion 25 to receive said gripping tab 70.
~00~8~
The gripping tab 70 is provided with locking means 75 to engage with recesses 80 made into main portion 25 so as to avoid unwanted openings of the second element 15 with respect to first element 10 and therefore the control device 5 when the latter is closed.
To increase the locking effect of the first element lO, more locking means (not shown) can be added on the periphery of the second element 15. To increase the sealing between the first 10 and the second element 15, it is possible to provide the top portion of said second element 15 with a connecting step (not shown) which will extend on the entire periphery of same. This connecting step 15A will constitute a bearing surface of the second element with respect to the first element 10 and can be heat-sealed or otherwise secured to the first element for permanent sealing.
The first element is stiffened at the sides by thin longitudinal ribs (not shown) which extend diametrically from the center of the main portion. The first or the second element can also be equipped with any from of extension or other device which would permit electronic or other censing device to search and find the proper position of the bidirectional gas flow control device onto the container moving on a line of production.
According to a preferred embodiment, the annular section 30 further comprises a peripherical filter element holding means. Said holding means includes a downwardly extending wall 90 to support and firmly hold the filter element shown in figure 1. The downwardly extending wall 90 comprises a plurality of openings 95 therethrough to allow air withdrawal and gas flush back through the control device 5. The position of the withdrawal openings 95 on both sides of wall 90 will permit easy withdrawal of air from container 20 even though the area lO0 is clogged by the product inside the container 20.
.
. . .
, X00~'38~
The wall is provided with inwardly extending tongues 85 (best shown in figure 4) to further secure the filtering element 105. An embodiment of the filtering element 110 is shown in figure 1.
Filtering elements being well-known in the art, same will not be described in detail.
Having described the two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device in accordance with the present invention, the method to use same will now be described.
When used with a flexible container, such as container 20, the control device 5 is first heat-sealed or otherwise affixed to the wall of same, then the product, indifferently food and non-food product or domestic and industrial material, is put into the container by the opened end which is then sealed. The air is withdrawn from the container by means of a vacuum pump (not shown) which is connected to the control device 5 by the top portion of the first element 10. When the air has been completely or partially removed from the container 20, the second element is then released and automatically seals the first element and the pressure is kept inside the container. During the vacuum process, it goes without saying that the second element 15 is kept away from the first element 10, in order to permit easy withdrawal of air.
However, it is to be understood that any other device can be used to retain the second member away from the first member during vacuuming.
To increase the sealing effect between the above described elements 10 and 15, it is possible to add further lips such as lip 40 into the main portion of the closure device 5.
However, when re-injection of gas is necessary or desirable into the container 20 once the vacuum has been accomplished in the latter, the second element 15 is kept away from the first element 208~8~12 10 and then the desirable gas is re-injected into the container 20.
The selection of gas depends on the product packaged, the storage temperature, the required shelflife, etc. This gas or gas mixture will help prevent biological degradation, bacteria, germination, oxidation and/or water losses of the product packaged and preserves flavors, colors, aroma, texture of the product.
Although various forms of the invention have been described in same detail, it is to be realized that the invention is not to be limited thereto, but is to include various modifications falling within the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, by "bidirectional gas flow control device", the applicant includes also two-way gas flow control device.
Claims (8)
1 1. A bidirectional gas flow control device for product packaging for closing a container to be evacuated, said device comprising:
- a first member having a main portion adapted to be affixed to the wall of the container, said main portion having a downwardly extending section being provided with a plurality of peripherical opening means therethrough, said openings extending generally downwardly and outwardly of said section, said section being provided with a substantially flat bottom surface;
- a second member for engaging and closing said downwardly extending section; said second member being of complimentary shape with said first member;
- gripping means secured to said second member;
wherein said downwardly extending section further comprises peripherical filter element holding means.
- a first member having a main portion adapted to be affixed to the wall of the container, said main portion having a downwardly extending section being provided with a plurality of peripherical opening means therethrough, said openings extending generally downwardly and outwardly of said section, said section being provided with a substantially flat bottom surface;
- a second member for engaging and closing said downwardly extending section; said second member being of complimentary shape with said first member;
- gripping means secured to said second member;
wherein said downwardly extending section further comprises peripherical filter element holding means.
2. A bidirectional gas flow control device according to claim 1, wherein the downwardly extending section is annular.
3. A bidirectional gas flow control device according to claim 1, wherein said second member has a diameter substantially equal to that of said annular section, said annular section having closing member holding means, wherein said second member is hinged to said first member.
4. A bidirectional gas flow control device according to claim 1, wherein said second member is hingedly secured to said first member connecting means wherein said second member is frusto-conically shaped.
5. A bidirectional gas flow control device according to claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein same is made of plastics material.
6. A method to protect, conserve and preserve a product to be packed into a container of any type provided with a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device comprising:
- a first member having a main portion adapted to be affixed to the wall of the container, said main portion having a downwardly extending section being provided with a plurality of peripherical opening means therethrough, said openings extending generally downwardly and outwardly of said section, said section being provided with a substantially flat bottom surface which is to be supported by the product packed into said container;
- a second member for engaging and closing said downwardly extending section; said second member being of complimentary shape with said first member;
- gripping means secured to said second member;
wherein said downwardly extending section further comprises peripherical filter element holding means; said method comprising the following steps:
- securing said control device to the wall of the container;
- exercing a negative pressure on said first element of said closure device and keeping said second element away from first element;
- closing of said control device by means of said second element.
- a first member having a main portion adapted to be affixed to the wall of the container, said main portion having a downwardly extending section being provided with a plurality of peripherical opening means therethrough, said openings extending generally downwardly and outwardly of said section, said section being provided with a substantially flat bottom surface which is to be supported by the product packed into said container;
- a second member for engaging and closing said downwardly extending section; said second member being of complimentary shape with said first member;
- gripping means secured to said second member;
wherein said downwardly extending section further comprises peripherical filter element holding means; said method comprising the following steps:
- securing said control device to the wall of the container;
- exercing a negative pressure on said first element of said closure device and keeping said second element away from first element;
- closing of said control device by means of said second element.
7. A bidirectional gas flow control device for product packaging according to claim 1, wherein said first and second members having one or several lips complementary to each other for added sealing capabilities.
8. A method to protect, conserve and preserve any product to be packed into any container according to claim 6 further comprising the step of introducing a protective gas once the negative vacuuming pressure has been accomplished into the container.
Priority Applications (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2003892 CA2003892A1 (en) | 1989-11-24 | 1989-11-24 | Bidirectional or two-way air and gas flow control device for product packaging and a method therefor |
| AU67280/90A AU6728090A (en) | 1989-11-24 | 1990-11-22 | A bidirectional or two-way air and gas flow control device for product packaging and a method therefor |
| PCT/CA1990/000406 WO1991008151A1 (en) | 1989-11-24 | 1990-11-22 | A bidirectional or two-way air and gas flow control device for product packaging and a method therefor |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2003892 CA2003892A1 (en) | 1989-11-24 | 1989-11-24 | Bidirectional or two-way air and gas flow control device for product packaging and a method therefor |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2003892A1 true CA2003892A1 (en) | 1991-05-24 |
Family
ID=4143634
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2003892 Abandoned CA2003892A1 (en) | 1989-11-24 | 1989-11-24 | Bidirectional or two-way air and gas flow control device for product packaging and a method therefor |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU6728090A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2003892A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1991008151A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7131550B2 (en) | 2000-12-08 | 2006-11-07 | Braun Gmbh | Food storage containers |
| US7328730B2 (en) | 2000-12-08 | 2008-02-12 | Braun Gmbh | Food storage containers |
| DE10060995A1 (en) * | 2000-12-08 | 2002-06-27 | Braun Gmbh | pressure indicator |
| US7096893B2 (en) | 2000-12-08 | 2006-08-29 | Braun Gmbh | Food storage containers |
| US6557462B1 (en) * | 2001-12-28 | 2003-05-06 | Wang Soo Chang | Combined vacuum valve and vacuum indicator |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2398244A1 (en) * | 1977-07-20 | 1979-02-16 | Goglio Luigi | Two-way valve for thermo-weldable food sachet - has two passages through sachet wall to twin cups on partition plate |
| ES2022903B3 (en) * | 1987-01-09 | 1991-12-16 | Vacu-O-Leader Int S A L Soc De Droit Libanais | VALVE FOR VACUUM CONTAINER |
-
1989
- 1989-11-24 CA CA 2003892 patent/CA2003892A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
1990
- 1990-11-22 WO PCT/CA1990/000406 patent/WO1991008151A1/en unknown
- 1990-11-22 AU AU67280/90A patent/AU6728090A/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU6728090A (en) | 1991-06-26 |
| WO1991008151A1 (en) | 1991-06-13 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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