EP3609791B1 - Container intended for vacuum-storage of foods, cover, assembly comprising the container and the cover and system for vacuum-packing foods - Google Patents

Container intended for vacuum-storage of foods, cover, assembly comprising the container and the cover and system for vacuum-packing foods Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3609791B1
EP3609791B1 EP18716302.7A EP18716302A EP3609791B1 EP 3609791 B1 EP3609791 B1 EP 3609791B1 EP 18716302 A EP18716302 A EP 18716302A EP 3609791 B1 EP3609791 B1 EP 3609791B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
vacuum
tube
orifice
cover
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.)
Active
Application number
EP18716302.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3609791A1 (en
Inventor
Jean-François BOURREC
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Biotyfood
Original Assignee
Biotyfood
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of EP3609791A1 publication Critical patent/EP3609791A1/en
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
    • B65B31/04—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied
    • 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
    • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/16—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas
    • B65D51/1672—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas whereby venting occurs by manual actuation of the closure or other element
    • B65D51/1683—Closures not otherwise provided for with means for venting air or gas whereby venting occurs by manual actuation of the closure or other element by actuating a separate element in the container or closure
    • 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
    • B65D81/2015—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 in an at least partially rigid container
    • 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
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04—POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04D—NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04D25/00—Pumping installations or systems
    • F04D25/02—Units comprising pumps and their driving means
    • F04D25/06—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the pump being electrically driven
    • F04D25/0606—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the pump being electrically driven the electric motor being specially adapted for integration in the pump
    • F04D25/0666—Units comprising pumps and their driving means the pump being electrically driven the electric motor being specially adapted for integration in the pump a sensor is integrated into the pump/motor design
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B57/00—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a container intended for the preservation of food under vacuum, a lid for closing the container and an assembly comprising the container and the lid.
  • the invention also relates to a vacuum food system comprising such an assembly.
  • the vacuum preservation technique avoids the oxidation of food, wine, and other drinks such as smoothies.
  • the sous vide food cooking technique In addition to the aspects related to preservation, more and more professionals and individuals are using the sous vide food cooking technique.
  • This type of cooking consists of cooking food under vacuum and at low temperature, for example in a bain-marie or in the microwave. Sous-vide cooking makes it possible in particular to preserve all the nutritional qualities, texture and flavor of the food.
  • vacuum cooking makes it possible to cook meat and fish more tenderly, juicier and more evenly than traditional cooking methods, such as a pan or barbecue, without the risk of overcooking or burning.
  • saturated fat releases chemical compounds, which can be toxic to health, and in particular carcinogenic.
  • hermetic flexible bags made of plastic material are essentially used for the preservation of foods under vacuum.
  • Dedicated machines make it possible to create a vacuum inside the pocket containing food, then to seal the pocket, that is to say to close the pocket hermetically by welding. These machines are relatively bulky and sometimes lack efficiency, in the sense that air bubbles sometimes get stuck inside the pockets.
  • the pockets are not suitable for storing liquids or dishes with sauce.
  • DE 12 16 770 B discloses a system for vacuum packaging foods.
  • This system comprises a container provided with a flexible cover.
  • the container comprises in the center a tube open at both ends.
  • a punch is inserted from below inside the tube.
  • the punch has two longitudinal grooves along which the air can circulate.
  • a vacuum pump is used to extract the air from the container to the bleedings.
  • WO 2017/042801-A1 discloses another vacuum food system.
  • This document discloses several embodiments, including that of the figure 6 .
  • the container comprises a tube open at both ends.
  • the tube is connected, by its lower end, to a port connected to a vacuum pump and, by its upper end, to a plastic bag containing food.
  • a vacuum system comprising, on the one hand, a vacuum pump and, on the other hand, a container closed with a lid.
  • a vacuum pump To create a vacuum inside the container, the user must connect a flexible pipe between the vacuum pump and an upper part of the lid, by means of a specific connecting element.
  • This type of system is not ergonomic, that is to say not practical to use, since a series of manual operations is necessary to create a vacuum inside the container.
  • US-5,735,317-A relates to another vacuum food device.
  • This device comprises a standard container and a lid specially adapted to carry out a vacuum.
  • the cover comprises a first orifice open to the inside of the container and a second orifice open to the outside.
  • the second port is configured to be connected to a vacuum pump.
  • a valve system makes it possible to open the passage between the two orifices only when a vacuum is created inside the container, that is to say when the pump is connected.
  • the cover does not include means for connection with a tube of the container, which is logical because the container itself does not include a tube.
  • the invention relates to a container intended for the preservation of food under vacuum, as defined in claim 1.
  • the invention also relates to an assembly as defined in claim 8.
  • This assembly forms a vacuum food storage device that is more practical to carry, reusable and suitable for both solid and liquid food storage.
  • the particular arrangement of the cover, with a means of connection with the tube makes it possible to perform suction from the bottom of the container, in particular at the level of a support on which the container is placed. So there is no need to connect a pump on the top of the lid, which is more convenient. To create a vacuum, the user simply needs to position the container on a base, and to activate the pump housed in the base.
  • the closing member is configured to automatically open the conduit only when the pressure in the conduit between the closing member and the second end is lower than the pressure inside the container.
  • the mechanism used to open an air passage between the first orifice and the second orifice makes it possible to manually open the container, by introducing air at atmospheric pressure inside the container.
  • any type of food, solid or liquid can be placed inside the container. Then the container is closed with the lid and the container can be evacuated. When the vacuum is created, the device can be stored in the fridge, in the freezer or even on a shelf, depending on the type of food stored. Thanks to the pressurization mechanism, it is possible to manually introduce air at atmospheric pressure inside the container, so as to be able to open the lid.
  • the invention also relates to a vacuum food system, as defined in claims 9 to 11.
  • This vacuum system is more compact than those of the prior art and more ergonomic. Thanks to this system, the vacuum can be made simply by placing the device on the base and activating the pump. It is therefore understood that the system is easy to use and very compact since there are not, as in the prior art, two separate entities to be connected by means of a flexible pipe.
  • System 1 includes a base 8 and an assembly comprising a container 4 intended to receive the food and a removable cover 6 for closing the container 4.
  • This assembly forms a device 2 for preserving food under vacuum.
  • This device 2 is intended to be mounted on the base 8 so as to create a vacuum inside the container 4.
  • the container 4 is made of rigid material, in particular glass, so as to be able to go in the dishwasher and in the oven. It is therefore understood that the container cannot be a flexible bag, such as currently exists on the market.
  • the container 4 can also be made of a food-grade plastic material capable of withstanding thermal shocks.
  • this plastic material is a food plastic, non-toxic to health, preferably inert. This means that the material used is free of harmful or toxic substances.
  • the cover 6 is made of plastic material, in particular of thermostable plastic material.
  • the plastic material constituting the lid 6 includes additives to increase the resistance to heat. These additives are in fact thermal stabilizers, well known in the field of materials.
  • the lid 6 resists, among other things, the passage of the device 2 in the oven or in the dishwasher.
  • the plastic material constituting the cover may be provided non-toxic (food plastic), for example inert.
  • the cover 6 is made of high-temperature and high-density silicone, in order to be able to go into the oven and resist the mechanical stresses linked to the vacuum.
  • the food preservation device 2 can be placed in the oven, which allows cooks to use a vacuum cooking mode in the oven.
  • the container 4 comprises a bottom 40 from which extend four parallel walls two by two. These four walls together define the food reception volume. In the upper part, that is to say opposite the bottom 40, the container 4 delimits an opening making it possible to fill, from above, the container 4 with food.
  • the container 4 has a rectangular section. However, one can imagine as a variant a circular section for example.
  • the device 2 comprises a conduit 5 for emptying the air from the container 4. This means that, when the vacuum is created inside the container 4, the air inside the container 4 is evacuated through the conduit 5.
  • the conduit 5 is therefore a passage taken by the air present inside the container when the container is depressurized.
  • the duct 5 can therefore be considered as a volume of air or void, that is to say something immaterial, untouchable (hole, hollow, etc.).
  • the conduit 5 comprises a first end 50, visible in particular at the picture 3 , which is open on the inside of the container 4 and a second end 52, visible in particular at the figure 1 , which is open to the outside of the container 4.
  • the second end 52 is open to the underside of the container 4.
  • the container 4 comprises a tube 46 forming a section 5.1 of the conduit 5.
  • the tube 46 only forms a section of the conduit, that is to say that the conduit is not formed in its entirety by the tube 46.
  • the tube 46 extends inside the container 4.
  • the tube 46 is integral with the walls of the container 4, in particular with the bottom wall 40 of the container.
  • the tube 46 is fitted, at one end, around a connection end piece 81 of the base 8, projecting upwards with respect to the rest of the base 8 and, at the other end, in a complementary end piece 60 of the cover 6, projecting downwards relative to the rest of the cover 6.
  • the end piece 60 forms a means of connection with the tube 46 of the container 4.
  • tube 46 is straight.
  • the tube 46 advantageously extends from the bottom 40 of the container 4 in a direction perpendicular to the bottom 40.
  • the container 4 of the device 2 according to the invention is innovative and original in itself, since this type of container does not exist in the prior art. More precisely, the container 4 is a container made of rigid material, which is intended for the preservation of food under vacuum and which is specific in that it comprises a tube 46 open at both ends and configured to allow the evacuation of the air outside the container 4 when the vacuum is made inside the container.
  • a level 44 is defined as the overflow level of the container 4. This is the filling limit of the container 4, without the contents overflowing from the container 4, assuming of course that the container 4 is placed on a horizontal surface . According to the invention, the tube 46 extends beyond the overflow level 44. This ensures that the food contained in the container 4 does not overflow inside the tube 46, which must remain empty.
  • the tube 46 does not protrude outside the container 4, that is to say upwards relative to the upper opening of the container 4.
  • the filling opening of the container 44 is inclined relative to the bottom of container 40.
  • container 4 has a variable height. More specifically, among the four side walls of the container 4, two of them are of different height, the other two having a variable height.
  • the tube 46 extends close to a wall 4.1 of the container 4, in particular close to the highest wall 4.1 of the container 4, to exceed the overflow level 44.
  • the tube 46 By positioning the tube 46 close to the wall 4.1, the risk of the latter receiving a blow or a shock is limited. The tube 46 is therefore less exposed to shocks than if it were positioned in the center of the container 4 for example, and therefore less fragile.
  • the end 52 of the conduit 5 used to empty the air from the container 4 is in fact the lower end of the tube 46, placed at the level of the bottom 40 of the container 4.
  • the cover 6 has an overall wedge shape, with an angle of inclination identical to that of the opening of the container 4, so that when the cover 6 is placed on the container, the assembly, i.e. to say the device 2, has a substantially cubic shape, or at least parallelepiped.
  • the device 2 comprises a member 66 for closing the duct 5, configured to automatically open the duct 5 during a depression in the duct between the closing member 66 and the second end 52 of the duct.
  • the duct 5 is said to be in the closed state when the closure member 66 opposes the passage of air between the first end 50 and the second end 52 of the duct 5 and the duct 5 is at the open state when the closure member 66 does not oppose the passage of air between the first end 50 and the second end 52 of the conduit 5.
  • the closure member is a pivoting valve 66.
  • the valve 66 is housed in the cover 6 and makes the separation between a section 5.2 of the conduit 5 which is adjacent to the section 5.1 and a section 5.3 opening inside the container 4.
  • the section 5.2 is arranged upstream of the tube 46 on the path of the air during the vacuum operation.
  • the reference 68 designates the pivot axis of the valve 66.
  • the sections 5.2 and 5.3 together define an air passage channel through the cover 6.
  • This channel extends between a first orifice 61 defined by the connection means 60 and a second orifice, different from the first orifice 61, which corresponds in fact at the end 50 of the conduit 5 open to the interior of the container 4.
  • the member 66 can also be considered as a member for closing the channel: the closing member 66 is configured to automatically open the channel 5.2, 5.3 only when the pressure in the channel between the closure member 66 and the first orifice 61, that is to say in the section 5.2, is lower than the pressure in the channel between the closure member 66 and the second orifice 50, that is to say in the section 5.3.
  • the valve 66 can only pivot in one direction around the axis 68.
  • the valve 66 is arranged to pivot only when the pressure in the section 5.2 (between the valve 66 and the second end 52) is lower than the pressure in the section 5.3, that is to say the pressure in the container 4.
  • the pressure in the section 5.2 is greater than the pressure in the section 5.3 , that is to say when the vacuum is created inside the container 4, then the valve 66 remains closed in a completely sealed manner.
  • the pressure difference between the atmospheric pressure outside the container 4, which is close to 1 bar, and the pressure inside the container, which is close to 0 bar, therefore does not cause the valve to open. 66.
  • valve 66 The movement of valve 66 is entirely controlled by the pressure differential across the valve.
  • a depression is created in the duct 5, between the closure member 66 and the second end 52, that is to say when a vacuum is created, then the valve 66 automatically pivots due to the pressure forces applied on either side, as represented by the arrow F1 at the picture 3 .
  • the valve 66 finds itself in the position shown in thin lines and the air can circulate from the end 50 to the end 52, as shown by the arrows in bold lines on the picture 3 . By this means, one is thus able to extract the air outside the container 4.
  • a filter 70 is arranged upstream of the closure member 66 on the path of the air when a vacuum is created inside the container.
  • This filter 70 is intended to filter the particles and vapors present inside the container.
  • the filter 70 is in the example arranged at the level of the end 50 of the duct open to the interior of the container 4.
  • This filter 70 may be provided removable, so as to allow its cleaning, or its replacement.
  • the food preservation device 2 necessarily comprises a mechanism for manually opening the container 4 when the vacuum is created inside the latter. Indeed, the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the container 4 makes it impossible to operate the cover. To open the container, the mechanism is therefore actuated to introduce air, at atmospheric pressure, inside the container 4. Thanks to this mechanism, the user can pressurize the container 4 again at atmospheric pressure. , so as to be able to remove the lid 6 and gain access to the food stored inside the container 4.
  • the mechanism can therefore be described as a mechanism for pressurizing the container (or “repressurization”).
  • this mechanism is part of the cover 6.
  • the mechanism comprises a push button 62.
  • the button 62 is provided on the upper surface of the cover 6.
  • it is an elastically deformable button, for example made of rubber, which is assembled in a sealed manner with the rest cover 6.
  • the use of a push button makes the maneuver easier than a pull-cord system.
  • thanks to the waterproof nature of the button 62 it is avoided that elements external to the container 4 penetrate inside the latter, which is practical for the user because he does not have to wash his hands before 'push the button. This meets a real need of users, who often have dirty hands when cooking.
  • a rigid rod 72 is connected at one end to push button 62. Rigid rod 72 moves downward when button 62 is depressed. At the other end, the rod 72 is connected to a connecting rod 76 articulated around a central axis 78. The connecting rod 76 is articulated with a plug 74, configured to selectively close a conduit 64 communicating with the section 5.2 of the conduit 5 provided in the cover 6. The duct 64 is therefore a derivation of the section 5.2 of the duct arranged downstream of the valve 66 during the vacuum.
  • the mechanism therefore makes it possible to open an air passage (bypass duct 64) between the first orifice (61) and another orifice, in this case the second orifice (50) of the container 4.
  • this air passage passes around the closure member 66 and therefore does not form part of the duct 5. More precisely, this air passage can be interpreted as a duct parallel to the channel, since it also extends between the first orifice 61 and the second orifice, but following a path different from that of the channel (5.2, 5.3).
  • the rod 72 descends and pivots the rod 76 (see arrows F2), which has the effect of mounting the plug 74 by leverage and opening the communication between the section of conduit 5.3 and the bypass duct 64, which is at atmospheric pressure.
  • the air at atmospheric pressure in the tube 46 then enters the container 4, which has the effect of pressurizing the container 4 at atmospheric pressure.
  • the lid 6 can then be removed manually without effort.
  • the button 62 returns elastically to the configuration of the picture 3 , by elastic return of the constituent material of the button 62.
  • the base 8 comprises a surface for receiving the device 2, that is to say the container 4 closed by the lid 6.
  • the base 8 also comprises a vacuum pump 84 to create a vacuum inside the container 4, by creating a depression in the duct 5 between the closure member 66 and the second end 52 of the conduit 5, that is to say in the sections 5.1 and 5.2.
  • the end 52 of the tube 46 is fitted around the connection end piece 81 of the base 8.
  • the base 8 comprises a means 94 for weighing the food inside the container 4, that is to say a scale.
  • the base 8 also includes an on/off button 80 to activate the pump 84 and an electronic unit 92 for controlling the pump 84.
  • the container 4 closed and filled with food, is simply positioned on the base 8 and the pump 84 is activated, in particular by pressing the On/Off button 80.
  • the On/off button is optional, in the sense that the pump could be triggered as soon as the means 94, i.e. the weight sensor, detects that the device 2 is positioned on the base 8.
  • a pressure sensor 90 is provided upstream of the pump 84, that is to say on the suction side.
  • the pressure sensor 90 dynamically transmits the pressure prevailing in the conduit 5 of the device 2, and therefore consequently the pressure inside the container 4.
  • this pressure drops below a certain threshold, the electronic unit of command 92 commands stopping of pump 84. This avoids running vacuum pump 84 forever.
  • This threshold is a predetermined threshold. As a variant, however, one can imagine a variable threshold depending on the level of vacuum required for optimal food preservation.
  • the base 8 comprises on its lower surface non-slip pads 86 also making it possible to slightly raise the base 8 in relation to the surface on which it is placed, and to easily evacuate the air extracted by the vacuum pump 84.
  • the base 8 can be qualified as “connected” (or “communicating”), in the sense that it comprises means 82 for connection with another connected object. It may for example be a smart portable telephone, of the smartphone type, a tablet or even a connected watch.
  • connection means 82 are of the wireless type, and include in particular a Wifi antenna.
  • a radio or Bluetooth connection could be envisaged.
  • the Wifi antenna 82 is configured to transmit to the smartphone the date on which the food was vacuum-packed and the weight of the food contained in the container 4.
  • the smartphone has a dedicated application, thanks to which the user can impute the type of food stored in the container.
  • the container 4 can comprise a marking, in particular a number, which the user can impute as input data into the application. With this type of application, it is possible to set up an alarm system to warn the user of an approaching expiry date of the foodstuffs contained in the container 4 and to indicate to the user which container is concerned, i.e. what is the number of the corresponding container.
  • the user manually assigns an expiration date. This date can also be calculated by default, for example by adding 1 month to the vacuum date.
  • cover 6 is also "connected”.
  • the cover also includes a means of communication, preferably wireless, with another connected object.
  • this means is an RFID chip (not shown), which is integrated into the cover 6 and which is capable of communicating with the household appliances of the house, such as the oven, the refrigerator, the freezer, etc.
  • the user can, by consulting the dashboard of the refrigerator, or directly his smartphone, identify that the refrigerator contains device 2.
  • a second embodiment of the invention is shown, in which the deformable push button is replaced by a push button 62', of the rigid type, which is a sliding button.
  • a waterproof membrane 63 is fixed below the button 62'. This membrane 63 deforms when one presses (see force F3 at the figure 6 ) on the button 62 'and maintains the tightness of the button.
  • the button 62' springs back into the configuration of the figure 5 , by elastic return of the membrane 63.
  • the cover 6 is not removable, but for example hinged with respect to the container 4.
  • the tube 46 could have a rectangular section. Also, one or two sides of the tube 46 could be formed by the walls themselves of the container 4. In particular, the tube 46 could extend to a corner of the container 4.
  • the end 52 of the conduit 5 could be provided at one of the side walls of the container, for example at the level of the wall 4.1 and the base 8 could therefore be positioned next to the container 4.
  • the invention is not limited to the embodiment where the base 8 is positioned in below the container 4.
  • the tube 46 is not necessarily straight: it can also be bent or curved.
  • the container 4 is made of stainless steel.
  • the walls (in glass or stainless steel) of the container 4 can be lined and separated by an insulating air gap.
  • the container 4 makes it possible to keep the food hot (or cold) for a certain time, which is practical when there is no means of reheating the food (picnic, snacks, etc.) .
  • a filter is also placed upstream of the pump 84, so as to avoid premature clogging of the components of the pump 84.
  • This filter may be provided removable, so as to allow its cleaning, or its replacement.
  • the tube 46 is outside the container 4, that is to say outside the volume defined between the walls of the container.
  • the lid 6 extends beyond the opening of the container so that it can connect with the tube 46.
  • the tube 46 can be attached to the outer surface of a wall of the container 4 (glued, welded, etc.) or form a single block with the container wall.
  • the container 4 can be compartmentalized, like a meal tray or a bento box.
  • the cover 6 could comprise a third orifice, different from the orifices 61 and 50.
  • the bypass duct 64 could emerge at the level of this third orifice.
  • the air passage (bypass duct 64) is separated from the channel (5.1, 5.3).
  • connection means 60 is simply formed by an orifice into which the tube 46 penetrates, that is to say there is no projecting tip.
  • the vacuum pump 84 is reversible and can therefore operate as a compressor to no longer extract the air contained in the container 4 but to inject a gas inside the container 4.
  • the base 8 further comprises a molecular filter capable of filtering oxygen molecules from the air, so that the container 4 can be filled with nitrogen from the air only.
  • the principle consists in replacing the air contained in the container 4, naturally loaded with bacteria, by a neutral and natural gas, such as nitrogen. We are talking about a protective atmosphere or modified atmosphere process. This method makes it possible to slow down the bacterial development inside the container 4, and to preserve the product contained inside the container from the effects of ageing.
  • This type of packaging is suitable for all types of products such as fish, prepared meals, cut vegetables, delicatessen, etc.
  • the molecular filter responsible for filtering the oxygen molecules is placed on a different conduit from that taken by the air during the vacuum.
  • a relatively basic valve system allows the ambient air to be sucked inside the correct duct, to avoid any by-pass of the molecular filter when placing it in a conditioned atmosphere.
  • the advantage of using nitrogen is that this gas is already contained in the air, and therefore there is no need to provide a separate gas cartridge.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Closures For Containers (AREA)

Description

L'invention concerne un récipient destiné à la conservation d'aliments sous vide, un couvercle de fermeture du récipient et un ensemble comprenant le récipient et le couvercle. L'invention porte également sur un système de mise d'aliments sous vide comprenant un tel ensemble.The invention relates to a container intended for the preservation of food under vacuum, a lid for closing the container and an assembly comprising the container and the lid. The invention also relates to a vacuum food system comprising such an assembly.

Dans le domaine culinaire, il est de plus en plus fait appel à la technique de mise sous vide pour conserver les aliments le plus longtemps possible. Cette technique peut être combinée à la congélation, de façon à pouvoir conserver les aliments plus d'un an et demi. En particulier, la technique de conservation sous vide permet d'éviter l'oxydation des aliments, du vin, et autres boissons telles que les smoothies.In the culinary field, more and more people are using the vacuum technique to preserve food for as long as possible. This technique can be combined with freezing, so that food can be stored for more than a year and a half. In particular, the vacuum preservation technique avoids the oxidation of food, wine, and other drinks such as smoothies.

En plus des aspects liés à la conservation, de plus en plus de professionnels et de particuliers utilisent la technique de cuisson des aliments sous vide. Ce type de cuisson consiste à cuire les aliments sous vide et à basse température, par exemple au bain marie ou au micro-ondes. La cuisson sous vide permet notamment de conserver toutes les qualités nutritives, la texture et la saveur des aliments. De surcroit, la cuisson sous vide permet d'obtenir une cuisson des viandes et poissons plus fondante, plus juteuse et plus uniforme que les modes de cuisson traditionnels, comme à la poêle ou au barbecue, sans risque de sur-cuisson ou de brûlure. Par ailleurs, en chauffant les viandes et volailles à haute température, les graisses saturées dégagent des composés chimiques, qui peuvent être toxiques pour la santé, et notamment cancérigènes.In addition to the aspects related to preservation, more and more professionals and individuals are using the sous vide food cooking technique. This type of cooking consists of cooking food under vacuum and at low temperature, for example in a bain-marie or in the microwave. Sous-vide cooking makes it possible in particular to preserve all the nutritional qualities, texture and flavor of the food. In addition, vacuum cooking makes it possible to cook meat and fish more tenderly, juicier and more evenly than traditional cooking methods, such as a pan or barbecue, without the risk of overcooking or burning. Moreover, by heating meat and poultry at high temperature, saturated fat releases chemical compounds, which can be toxic to health, and in particular carcinogenic.

Actuellement, on utilise essentiellement des poches souples hermétiques en matière plastique pour la conservation des aliments sous vide. Des machines dédiées permettent de faire le vide à l'intérieur de la poche contenant des aliments, puis de sceller la poche, c'est-à-dire de fermer hermétiquement la poche par soudage. Ces machines sont relativement encombrantes et manquent parfois d'efficacité, dans le sens où il arrive que des bulles d'air restent coincées à l'intérieur des poches. De plus, les poches ne sont pas adaptées à la conservation de liquides ou de plats en sauce.At the present time, hermetic flexible bags made of plastic material are essentially used for the preservation of foods under vacuum. Dedicated machines make it possible to create a vacuum inside the pocket containing food, then to seal the pocket, that is to say to close the pocket hermetically by welding. These machines are relatively bulky and sometimes lack efficiency, in the sense that air bubbles sometimes get stuck inside the pockets. In addition, the pockets are not suitable for storing liquids or dishes with sauce.

Par ailleurs, selon des récents sondages, en France, plus de 35% des repas du midi en semaine sont pris par les employés sur leur lieu de travail. Les aliments sont alors conservés et transportés sur le lieu de travail dans des boites en plastique. Ce type de récipient n'est donc pas compatible avec la cuisson sous vide. De plus, les aliments mis sous vide dans des poches ne sont généralement pas emportés sur le lieu de travail car cela nécessite de prévoir en plus une assiette ou un bol pour déverser le contenu de la poche.Moreover, according to recent surveys, in France, more than 35% of midday meals on weekdays are taken by employees at their workplace. The food is then stored and transported to the workplace in plastic boxes. This type of container is therefore not compatible with vacuum cooking. In addition, vacuum-sealed foods in pockets are generally not taken to the workplace because this requires the additional provision of a plate or bowl to pour out the contents of the pocket.

DE 12 16 770 B divulgue un système pour le conditionnement d'aliments sous vide. Ce système comprend un récipient muni d'un couvercle souple. Le récipient comprend au centre un tube ouvert à ses deux extrémités. Pour faire le vide à l'intérieur du récipient, on insère, par-dessous, un poinçon à l'intérieur du tube. Le poinçon dispose de deux saignées longitudinales le long desquelles l'air peut circuler. Une pompe à vide est utilisée pour extraire l'air du récipient vers les saignées. Lorsque le vide est fait, on retire le poinçon et le couvercle se déforme pour venir obturer l'orifice du tube du fait de la différence de pression entre l'intérieur et l'extérieur du récipient. DE 12 16 770 B discloses a system for vacuum packaging foods. This system comprises a container provided with a flexible cover. The container comprises in the center a tube open at both ends. To empty inside of the container, a punch is inserted from below inside the tube. The punch has two longitudinal grooves along which the air can circulate. A vacuum pump is used to extract the air from the container to the bleedings. When the vacuum is created, the punch is withdrawn and the lid deforms to close the orifice of the tube due to the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the container.

WO 2017/042801-A1 divulgue un autre système de mise d'aliments sous vide. Ce document divulgue plusieurs modes de réalisation, parmi lesquels celui de la figure 6. Dans ce mode de réalisation, on est en présence d'un récipient cylindrique, muni d'un couvercle. Le récipient comprend un tube ouvert à ses deux extrémités. Le tube est connecté, par son extrémité basse, à un port relié à une pompe à vide et, par son extrémité haute, à un sac en matière plastique contenant des aliments. WO 2017/042801-A1 discloses another vacuum food system. This document discloses several embodiments, including that of the figure 6 . In this embodiment, we are in the presence of a cylindrical container, provided with a lid. The container comprises a tube open at both ends. The tube is connected, by its lower end, to a port connected to a vacuum pump and, by its upper end, to a plastic bag containing food.

Les sacs en matière plastique utilisées actuellement sont jetés après chaque utilisation, ce qui n'est pas écologique.The plastic bags currently used are thrown away after each use, which is not environmentally friendly.

Par ailleurs, il existe un système de mise sous vide comprenant, d'une part, une pompe à vide et, d'autre part, un récipient fermé avec un couvercle. Pour faire le vide à l'intérieur du récipient, l'utilisateur doit raccorder un tuyau souple entre la pompe à vide et une partie supérieure du couvercle, au moyen d'un élément de raccordement spécifique. Ce type de système n'est pas ergonomique, c'est-à-dire pas pratique d'utilisation, puisqu'une suite d'opérations manuelles est nécessaire pour faire le vide à l'intérieur du récipient.Furthermore, there is a vacuum system comprising, on the one hand, a vacuum pump and, on the other hand, a container closed with a lid. To create a vacuum inside the container, the user must connect a flexible pipe between the vacuum pump and an upper part of the lid, by means of a specific connecting element. This type of system is not ergonomic, that is to say not practical to use, since a series of manual operations is necessary to create a vacuum inside the container.

Par exemple, US-5 735 317-A porte sur un autre dispositif de mise d'aliments sous vide. Ce dispositif comprend un récipient standard et un couvercle spécialement adapté pour effectuer une mise sous vide. Le couvercle comprend un premier orifice ouvert sur l'intérieur du récipient et un deuxième orifice ouvert sur l'extérieur. Le deuxième orifice est configuré pour être raccordé à une pompe à vide. Un système de clapet permet d'ouvrir le passage entre les deux orifices uniquement lorsqu'on fait le vide à l'intérieur du récipient, c'est-à-dire lorsque l'on branche la pompe. Comme visible à la figure 3A, le couvercle ne comprend pas de moyen de connexion avec un tube du récipient, ce qui est logique car le récipient ne comprend lui-même pas de tube.For instance, US-5,735,317-A relates to another vacuum food device. This device comprises a standard container and a lid specially adapted to carry out a vacuum. The cover comprises a first orifice open to the inside of the container and a second orifice open to the outside. The second port is configured to be connected to a vacuum pump. A valve system makes it possible to open the passage between the two orifices only when a vacuum is created inside the container, that is to say when the pump is connected. As seen at Figure 3A , the cover does not include means for connection with a tube of the container, which is logical because the container itself does not include a tube.

C'est à ces inconvénients qu'entend plus particulièrement remédier l'invention en proposant un récipient et un couvercle améliorés.It is these drawbacks that the invention more particularly intends to remedy by proposing an improved container and lid.

À cet effet, l'invention concerne un récipient destiné à la conservation d'aliments sous vide, tel que défini à la revendication 1.To this end, the invention relates to a container intended for the preservation of food under vacuum, as defined in claim 1.

De cette façon, l'air traverse le tube lorsque le vide est fait à l'intérieur du récipient. Cet agencement particulier permet d'éviter que des aliments pénètrent dans le tube, et ce même si l'utilisateur remplit, par mégarde, le récipient à ras bord. On s'assure ainsi du bon fonctionnement de la pompe.In this way, the air passes through the tube when the vacuum is made inside the container. This particular arrangement makes it possible to prevent food from entering the tube, and this even if the user inadvertently fills the container to the brim. This ensures the correct operation of the pump.

Des aspects avantageux mais non obligatoires du récipient sont spécifiés aux revendications 2 à 7, et peuvent aussi incorporer une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes, prises dans toute combinaison techniquement admissible :

  • Le niveau de débordement est défini lorsque le récipient est posé à l'endroit sur une surface plane.
  • Le tube est d'un seul tenant avec les parois du récipient.
  • Le tube est droit.
Advantageous but not mandatory aspects of the container are specified in claims 2 to 7, and may also incorporate one or more of the following features, taken in any technically permissible combination:
  • The overflow level is set when the container is placed upright on a flat surface.
  • The tube is integral with the walls of the container.
  • The tube is straight.

L'invention concerne également un ensemble tel que défini à la revendication 8.The invention also relates to an assembly as defined in claim 8.

Cet ensemble forme un dispositif de conservation d'aliments sous vide plus pratique à transporter, réutilisable et adapté autant à la conservation d'aliments solides que liquides.This assembly forms a vacuum food storage device that is more practical to carry, reusable and suitable for both solid and liquid food storage.

L'agencement particulier du couvercle, avec un moyen de connexion avec le tube, permet d'effectuer une aspiration par le bas du récipient, notamment au niveau d'un support sur lequel on vient poser le récipient. Il n'y a donc pas besoin de raccorder une pompe sur le dessus du couvercle, ce qui est plus pratique. Pour faire le vide, l'utilisateur a simplement besoin de positionner le récipient sur une base, et d'actionner la pompe logée dans la base.The particular arrangement of the cover, with a means of connection with the tube, makes it possible to perform suction from the bottom of the container, in particular at the level of a support on which the container is placed. So there is no need to connect a pump on the top of the lid, which is more convenient. To create a vacuum, the user simply needs to position the container on a base, and to activate the pump housed in the base.

Selon des aspects avantageux mais non obligatoires de l'invention, un tel ensemble peut incorporer une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques suivantes, prises dans toute combinaison techniquement admissible :

  • Le premier orifice et l'autre orifice, notamment le second orifice, sont disposés du même côté du couvercle. Notamment, ces deux orifices sont disposés sur le côté intérieur du couvercle, c'est-à-dire sur le côté qui est tourné vers le fond du récipient lorsque le couvercle est positionné sur le récipient.
  • Le mécanisme est manuel.
  • Le mécanisme comprend un bouton poussoir étanche.
  • Le couvercle est en matière plastique, notamment en matière plastique thermostable. Alternativement, le couvercle est en silicone haute température et haute densité, pour pouvoir passer au four et résister aux sollicitations mécaniques liées à la mise sous vide.
  • L'organe de fermeture est configuré pour ouvrir automatiquement le canal uniquement lorsque la pression entre l'organe de fermeture et le premier orifice est inférieure à la pression entre l'organe de fermeture et le second orifice.
  • Le passage d'air est un conduit parallèle au canal ou séparé du canal.
According to advantageous but non-obligatory aspects of the invention, such an assembly may incorporate one or more of the following characteristics, taken in any technically admissible combination:
  • The first orifice and the other orifice, in particular the second orifice, are arranged on the same side of the lid. In particular, these two orifices are arranged on the inner side of the lid, that is to say on the side which faces the bottom of the container when the lid is positioned on the container.
  • The mechanism is manual.
  • The mechanism includes a waterproof push button.
  • The cover is made of plastic material, in particular of thermostable plastic material. Alternatively, the lid is made of high-temperature, high-density silicone, so that it can be oven-safe and withstand the mechanical stresses associated with vacuum packing.
  • The closure member is configured to automatically open the channel only when the pressure between the closure member and the first port is less than the pressure between the closure member and the second port.
  • The air passage is a duct parallel to the channel or separate from the channel.

Dans l'exemple, l'organe de fermeture est configuré pour ouvrir automatiquement le conduit uniquement lorsque la pression dans le conduit entre l'organe de fermeture et la seconde extrémité est inférieure à la pression à l'intérieur du récipient.In the example, the closing member is configured to automatically open the conduit only when the pressure in the conduit between the closing member and the second end is lower than the pressure inside the container.

Ici, le mécanisme utilisé pour ouvrir un passage d'air entre le premier orifice et le second orifice permet d'ouvrir manuellement le récipient, en faisant entrer de l'air à la pression atmosphérique à l'intérieur du récipient.Here, the mechanism used to open an air passage between the first orifice and the second orifice makes it possible to manually open the container, by introducing air at atmospheric pressure inside the container.

Grâce à l'invention, on peut disposer tout type d'aliment, solide ou liquide, à l'intérieur du récipient. Ensuite, le récipient est fermé avec le couvercle et on peut procéder à la mise sous vide du récipient. Lorsque le vide est réalisé, le dispositif peut être rangé au frigo, au congélateur ou encore sur une étagère, en fonction du type d'aliment conservé. Grâce au mécanisme de pressurisation, on peut faire entrer manuellement de l'air à la pression atmosphérique à l'intérieur du récipient, de façon à pouvoir ouvrir le couvercle.Thanks to the invention, any type of food, solid or liquid, can be placed inside the container. Then the container is closed with the lid and the container can be evacuated. When the vacuum is created, the device can be stored in the fridge, in the freezer or even on a shelf, depending on the type of food stored. Thanks to the pressurization mechanism, it is possible to manually introduce air at atmospheric pressure inside the container, so as to be able to open the lid.

L'invention concerne également un système de mise d'aliments sous vide, tel que défini aux revendications 9 à 11.The invention also relates to a vacuum food system, as defined in claims 9 to 11.

Ce système de mise sous vide est plus compact que ceux de l'art antérieur et plus ergonomique. Grâce à ce système, le vide peut être fait simplement en posant le dispositif sur la base et en actionnant la pompe. On comprend donc que le système est simple d'utilisation et très compact puisqu'il n'y a pas, comme dans l'art antérieur, deux entités séparées à connecter au moyen d'un tuyau souple.This vacuum system is more compact than those of the prior art and more ergonomic. Thanks to this system, the vacuum can be made simply by placing the device on the base and activating the pump. It is therefore understood that the system is easy to use and very compact since there are not, as in the prior art, two separate entities to be connected by means of a flexible pipe.

L'invention et d'autres avantages de celle-ci apparaîtront plus clairement à la lumière de la description qui va suivre de deux modes de réalisation, conforme à son principe, donnée uniquement à titre d'exemple et faite en référence aux dessins annexés, dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 est une vue en coupe schématique d'un système de mise d'aliments sous vide, comprenant un récipient et un couvercle conformes à l'invention et une base,
  • la figure 2 est une vue de détail de la base,
  • la figure 3 est une coupe de détail du couvercle,
  • la figure 4 est une coupe analogue à la figure 3, dans laquelle le récipient (fermé) est pressurisé à la pression atmosphérique, de façon à pouvoir retirer le couvercle,
  • les figures 5 et 6 représentent une variante du mécanisme utilisé pour pressuriser le récipient, et en particulier une variante du bouton poussoir que l'on peut actionner à partir de l'extérieur du dispositif.
The invention and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the light of the following description of two embodiments, in accordance with its principle, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the appended drawings, wherein :
  • the figure 1 is a schematic sectional view of a vacuum food system, comprising a container and a lid in accordance with the invention and a base,
  • the figure 2 is a detail view of the base,
  • the picture 3 is a detail cut of the lid,
  • the figure 4 is a cut analogous to picture 3 , in which the (closed) container is pressurized to atmospheric pressure, so that the lid can be removed,
  • them figures 5 and 6 represent a variant of the mechanism used to pressurize the container, and in particular a variant of the push button which can be actuated from outside the device.

Sur les figures 1 à 4 est représenté un premier mode de réalisation d'un système 1 de mise d'aliments sous vide. Les aliments ne sont pas représentés sur les figures, mais peuvent être de tout type : solides, liquides, crus, cuits, etc. Le système 1 comprend une base 8 et un ensemble comprenant un récipient 4 destiné à recevoir les aliments et un couvercle amovible 6 de fermeture du récipient 4. Cet ensemble forme un dispositif 2 de conservation des aliments sous vide. Ce dispositif 2 est destiné à être monté sur la base 8 de façon à faire le vide à l'intérieur du récipient 4.On the figures 1 to 4 a first embodiment of a system 1 for placing food under vacuum is shown. The foods are not shown in the figures, but can be of any type: solid, liquid, raw, cooked, etc. System 1 includes a base 8 and an assembly comprising a container 4 intended to receive the food and a removable cover 6 for closing the container 4. This assembly forms a device 2 for preserving food under vacuum. This device 2 is intended to be mounted on the base 8 so as to create a vacuum inside the container 4.

Avantageusement, le récipient 4 est en matériau rigide, notamment en verre, de façon à pouvoir passer au lave-vaisselle et au four. On comprend donc que le récipient ne peut pas être une poche souple, telle qu'il en existe actuellement sur le marché.Advantageously, the container 4 is made of rigid material, in particular glass, so as to be able to go in the dishwasher and in the oven. It is therefore understood that the container cannot be a flexible bag, such as currently exists on the market.

En variante, le récipient 4 peut également être fabriqué dans un matériau plastique alimentaire capable d'encaisser des chocs thermiques. De préférence, ce matériau plastique est un plastique alimentaire, non toxique pour la santé, de préférence inerte. Cela signifie que le matériau utilisé est dépourvu de substances nocives ou toxiques.As a variant, the container 4 can also be made of a food-grade plastic material capable of withstanding thermal shocks. Preferably, this plastic material is a food plastic, non-toxic to health, preferably inert. This means that the material used is free of harmful or toxic substances.

De préférence, le couvercle 6 est en matière plastique, notamment en matière plastique thermostable. Cela signifie que la matière plastique constitutive du couvercle 6 comprend des additifs pour accentuer la résistance à la chaleur. Ces additifs sont en fait des stabilisants thermiques, bien connus dans le domaine des matériaux. Ainsi, le couvercle 6 résiste, entre autres, au passage du dispositif 2 au four ou au lave-vaisselle. Egalement, le matériau plastique constitutif du couvercle pourra être prévu non-toxique (plastique alimentaire), par exemple inerte. Alternativement, le couvercle 6 est en silicone haute température et haute densité, pour pouvoir passer au four et résister aux sollicitations mécaniques liées à la mise sous vide.Preferably, the cover 6 is made of plastic material, in particular of thermostable plastic material. This means that the plastic material constituting the lid 6 includes additives to increase the resistance to heat. These additives are in fact thermal stabilizers, well known in the field of materials. Thus, the lid 6 resists, among other things, the passage of the device 2 in the oven or in the dishwasher. Also, the plastic material constituting the cover may be provided non-toxic (food plastic), for example inert. Alternatively, the cover 6 is made of high-temperature and high-density silicone, in order to be able to go into the oven and resist the mechanical stresses linked to the vacuum.

Contrairement aux poches d'aliments sous vide de l'art antérieur, le dispositif de conservation d'aliments 2 peut être placé au four, ce qui permet aux cuisiniers de recourir à un mode de cuisson sous vide au four.Unlike the vacuum food pouches of the prior art, the food preservation device 2 can be placed in the oven, which allows cooks to use a vacuum cooking mode in the oven.

Le récipient 4 comprend un fond 40 à partir duquel s'étendent quatre parois parallèles deux à deux. Ces quatre parois définissent ensemble le volume de réception des aliments. En partie supérieure, c'est-à-dire à l'opposé du fond 40, le récipient 4 délimite une ouverture permettant de remplir, par le dessus, le récipient 4 avec des aliments. Dans l'exemple, le récipient 4 a une section rectangulaire. Toutefois, on peut imaginer en variante une section circulaire par exemple.The container 4 comprises a bottom 40 from which extend four parallel walls two by two. These four walls together define the food reception volume. In the upper part, that is to say opposite the bottom 40, the container 4 delimits an opening making it possible to fill, from above, the container 4 with food. In the example, the container 4 has a rectangular section. However, one can imagine as a variant a circular section for example.

Le dispositif 2 comprend un conduit 5 pour vider l'air du récipient 4. Cela signifie que, lorsque le vide est fait à l'intérieur du récipient 4, l'air à l'intérieur du récipient 4 est évacué par le conduit 5. Ici, le conduit 5 est donc un passage emprunté par l'air présent à l'intérieur du récipient lorsque le récipient est dépressurisé. Le conduit 5 peut donc être considéré comme un volume d'air ou de vide, c'est-à-dire quelque chose d'immatériel, d'intouchable (trou, creux, etc.).The device 2 comprises a conduit 5 for emptying the air from the container 4. This means that, when the vacuum is created inside the container 4, the air inside the container 4 is evacuated through the conduit 5. Here, the conduit 5 is therefore a passage taken by the air present inside the container when the container is depressurized. The duct 5 can therefore be considered as a volume of air or void, that is to say something immaterial, untouchable (hole, hollow, etc.).

Le conduit 5 comprend une première extrémité 50, visible notamment à la figure 3, qui est ouverte sur l'intérieur du récipient 4 et une seconde extrémité 52, visible notamment à la figure 1, qui est ouverte sur l'extérieur du récipient 4. Dans l'exemple, la seconde extrémité 52 est ouverte sur le dessous du récipient 4.The conduit 5 comprises a first end 50, visible in particular at the picture 3 , which is open on the inside of the container 4 and a second end 52, visible in particular at the figure 1 , which is open to the outside of the container 4. In the example, the second end 52 is open to the underside of the container 4.

De préférence, le récipient 4 comprend un tube 46 formant un tronçon 5.1 du conduit 5. Ici, le tube 46 ne forme qu'un tronçon du conduit, c'est-à-dire que le conduit n'est pas formé en intégralité par le tube 46. Le tube 46 s'étend à l'intérieur du récipient 4. Le tube 46 est d'un seul tenant avec les parois du récipient 4, notamment avec la paroi de fond 40 du récipient.Preferably, the container 4 comprises a tube 46 forming a section 5.1 of the conduit 5. Here, the tube 46 only forms a section of the conduit, that is to say that the conduit is not formed in its entirety by the tube 46. The tube 46 extends inside the container 4. The tube 46 is integral with the walls of the container 4, in particular with the bottom wall 40 of the container.

Avantageusement, le tube 46 est emboité, à une extrémité, autour d'un embout de connexion 81 de la base 8, en saillie vers le haut par rapport au reste de la base 8 et, à l'autre extrémité, dans un embout complémentaire 60 du couvercle 6, en saillie vers le bas par rapport au reste du couvercle 6. L'embout 60 forme un moyen de connexion avec le tube 46 du récipient 4. Ces embouts 60 et 81 permettent de garantir des connexions étanches, mais restent toutefois optionnels, dans le sens où l'étanchéité pourrait être obtenue différemment.Advantageously, the tube 46 is fitted, at one end, around a connection end piece 81 of the base 8, projecting upwards with respect to the rest of the base 8 and, at the other end, in a complementary end piece 60 of the cover 6, projecting downwards relative to the rest of the cover 6. The end piece 60 forms a means of connection with the tube 46 of the container 4. These end pieces 60 and 81 make it possible to guarantee sealed connections, but nevertheless remain optional, in the sense that the tightness could be obtained differently.

De préférence, le tube 46 est droit.Preferably, tube 46 is straight.

Le tube 46 s'étend avantageusement à partir du fond 40 du récipient 4 selon une direction perpendiculaire au fond 40.The tube 46 advantageously extends from the bottom 40 of the container 4 in a direction perpendicular to the bottom 40.

On comprend donc que le récipient 4 du dispositif 2 selon l'invention est novateur et original en lui-même, puisque ce type de récipient n'existe pas dans l'art antérieur. Plus précisément, le récipient 4 est un récipient en matériau rigide, qui est destiné à la conservation d'aliments sous vide et qui est spécifique en ce qu'il comprend un tube 46 ouvert à ses deux extrémités et configuré pour permettre l'évacuation de l'air à l'extérieur du récipient 4 lorsque le vide est fait à l'intérieur du récipient.It is therefore understood that the container 4 of the device 2 according to the invention is innovative and original in itself, since this type of container does not exist in the prior art. More precisely, the container 4 is a container made of rigid material, which is intended for the preservation of food under vacuum and which is specific in that it comprises a tube 46 open at both ends and configured to allow the evacuation of the air outside the container 4 when the vacuum is made inside the container.

On définit un niveau 44 comme le niveau de débordement du récipient 4. Il s'agit de la limite de remplissage du récipient 4, sans que le contenu déborde du récipient 4, en supposant bien entendu que le récipient 4 est posé sur une surface horizontale. Selon l'invention, le tube 46 s'étend au-delà du niveau de débordement 44. On s'assure ainsi que les aliments contenus dans le récipient 4 ne débordent pas à l'intérieur du tube 46, lequel devant rester vide.A level 44 is defined as the overflow level of the container 4. This is the filling limit of the container 4, without the contents overflowing from the container 4, assuming of course that the container 4 is placed on a horizontal surface . According to the invention, the tube 46 extends beyond the overflow level 44. This ensures that the food contained in the container 4 does not overflow inside the tube 46, which must remain empty.

Dans l'exemple, le tube 46 ne dépasse pas à l'extérieur du récipient 4, c'est à dire vers le haut par rapport à l'ouverture supérieure du récipient 4. Effectivement, l'ouverture de remplissage du récipient 44 est inclinée par rapport au fond du récipient 40. En d'autres termes, le récipient 4 présente une hauteur variable. Plus précisément, parmi les quatre parois latérales du récipient 4, deux d'entre elles sont de hauteur différente, les deux autres ayant une hauteur variable.In the example, the tube 46 does not protrude outside the container 4, that is to say upwards relative to the upper opening of the container 4. Indeed, the filling opening of the container 44 is inclined relative to the bottom of container 40. In other words, container 4 has a variable height. More specifically, among the four side walls of the container 4, two of them are of different height, the other two having a variable height.

De préférence, le tube 46 s'étend à proximité d'une paroi 4.1 du récipient 4, notamment à proximité de la paroi 4.1 la plus haute du récipient 4, pour dépasser le niveau de débordement 44. En positionnant le tube 46 à proximité de la paroi 4.1, on limite le risque que ce dernier reçoive un coup ou un choc. Le tube 46 est donc moins exposé aux chocs que s'il était positionné au centre du récipient 4 par exemple, et donc moins fragile.Preferably, the tube 46 extends close to a wall 4.1 of the container 4, in particular close to the highest wall 4.1 of the container 4, to exceed the overflow level 44. By positioning the tube 46 close to the wall 4.1, the risk of the latter receiving a blow or a shock is limited. The tube 46 is therefore less exposed to shocks than if it were positioned in the center of the container 4 for example, and therefore less fragile.

Dans l'exemple, l'extrémité 52 du conduit 5 utilisé pour vider l'air du récipient 4 est en fait l'extrémité basse du tube 46, disposée au niveau du fond 40 du récipient 4.In the example, the end 52 of the conduit 5 used to empty the air from the container 4 is in fact the lower end of the tube 46, placed at the level of the bottom 40 of the container 4.

Le couvercle 6 a une forme globale en coin, avec un angle d'inclinaison identique à celui de l'ouverture du récipient 4, de sorte que, lorsque le couvercle 6 est placé sur le récipient, l'ensemble, c'est-à-dire le dispositif 2, présente une forme sensiblement cubique, ou du moins parallélépipédique.The cover 6 has an overall wedge shape, with an angle of inclination identical to that of the opening of the container 4, so that when the cover 6 is placed on the container, the assembly, i.e. to say the device 2, has a substantially cubic shape, or at least parallelepiped.

Le dispositif 2 comprend un organe 66 de fermeture du conduit 5, configuré pour ouvrir automatiquement le conduit 5 lors d'une dépression dans le conduit entre l'organe de fermeture 66 et la seconde extrémité 52 du conduit.The device 2 comprises a member 66 for closing the duct 5, configured to automatically open the duct 5 during a depression in the duct between the closing member 66 and the second end 52 of the duct.

On dit que le conduit 5 est à l'état fermé lorsque l'organe de fermeture 66 s'oppose au passage de l'air entre la première extrémité 50 et la seconde extrémité 52 du conduit 5 et que le conduit 5 est à l'état ouvert lorsque l'organe de fermeture 66 ne s'oppose pas au passage de l'air entre la première extrémité 50 et la seconde extrémité 52 du conduit 5.The duct 5 is said to be in the closed state when the closure member 66 opposes the passage of air between the first end 50 and the second end 52 of the duct 5 and the duct 5 is at the open state when the closure member 66 does not oppose the passage of air between the first end 50 and the second end 52 of the conduit 5.

Ici, l'organe de fermeture est un clapet pivotant 66. Le clapet 66 est logé dans le couvercle 6 et fait la séparation entre un tronçon 5.2 du conduit 5 qui est adjacent au tronçon 5.1 et un tronçon 5.3 débouchant à l'intérieur du récipient 4. Le tronçon 5.2 est disposé en amont du tube 46 sur le trajet de l'air lors de l'opération de vide. La référence 68 désigne l'axe de pivotement du clapet 66.Here, the closure member is a pivoting valve 66. The valve 66 is housed in the cover 6 and makes the separation between a section 5.2 of the conduit 5 which is adjacent to the section 5.1 and a section 5.3 opening inside the container 4. The section 5.2 is arranged upstream of the tube 46 on the path of the air during the vacuum operation. The reference 68 designates the pivot axis of the valve 66.

Les tronçons 5.2 et 5.3 définissent ensemble un canal de passage d'air à travers le couvercle 6. Ce canal s'étend entre un premier orifice 61 défini par le moyen de connexion 60 et un second orifice, différent du premier orifice 61, qui correspond en fait à l'extrémité 50 du conduit 5 ouverte sur l'intérieur du récipient 4. Ainsi, l'organe 66 peut également être considéré comme un organe de fermeture du canal : l'organe de fermeture 66 est configuré pour ouvrir automatiquement le canal 5.2, 5.3 uniquement lorsque la pression dans le canal entre l'organe de fermeture 66 et le premier orifice 61, c'est-à-dire dans le tronçon 5.2, est inférieure à la pression dans le canal entre l'organe de fermeture 66 et le second orifice 50, c'est-à-dire dans le tronçon 5.3.The sections 5.2 and 5.3 together define an air passage channel through the cover 6. This channel extends between a first orifice 61 defined by the connection means 60 and a second orifice, different from the first orifice 61, which corresponds in fact at the end 50 of the conduit 5 open to the interior of the container 4. Thus, the member 66 can also be considered as a member for closing the channel: the closing member 66 is configured to automatically open the channel 5.2, 5.3 only when the pressure in the channel between the closure member 66 and the first orifice 61, that is to say in the section 5.2, is lower than the pressure in the channel between the closure member 66 and the second orifice 50, that is to say in the section 5.3.

Avantageusement, du fait de sa géométrie, le clapet 66 ne peut pivoter que dans un sens autour de l'axe 68. En particulier, le clapet 66 est agencé de façon à pivoter uniquement lorsque la pression dans le tronçon 5.2 (entre le clapet 66 et la seconde extrémité 52) est inférieure à la pression dans le tronçon 5.3, c'est-à-dire à la pression dans le récipient 4. Autrement dit, lorsque la pression dans le tronçon 5.2 est supérieure à la pression dans le tronçon 5.3, c'est-à-dire lorsque le vide est fait à l'intérieur du récipient 4, alors le clapet 66 reste fermé de manière complètement étanche. La différence de pression entre la pression atmosphérique à l'extérieur du récipient 4, qui est proche de 1 bar, et la pression à l'intérieur du récipient, qui est proche de 0 bar, n'entraine donc pas l'ouverture du clapet 66.Advantageously, due to its geometry, the valve 66 can only pivot in one direction around the axis 68. In particular, the valve 66 is arranged to pivot only when the pressure in the section 5.2 (between the valve 66 and the second end 52) is lower than the pressure in the section 5.3, that is to say the pressure in the container 4. In other words, when the pressure in the section 5.2 is greater than the pressure in the section 5.3 , that is to say when the vacuum is created inside the container 4, then the valve 66 remains closed in a completely sealed manner. The pressure difference between the atmospheric pressure outside the container 4, which is close to 1 bar, and the pressure inside the container, which is close to 0 bar, therefore does not cause the valve to open. 66.

Le mouvement du clapet 66 est entièrement commandé par le différentiel de pression de part et d'autre du clapet. Ainsi, lorsqu'on crée une dépression dans le conduit 5, entre l'organe de fermeture 66 et la seconde extrémité 52, c'est-à-dire lorsque l'on fait le vide, alors le clapet 66 pivote automatiquement du fait des efforts de pression appliqués de part et d'autre, comme représenté par la flèche F1 à la figure 3. Le clapet 66 se retrouve alors dans la position représentée en traits fins et l'air peut circuler à partir de l'extrémité 50 jusqu'à l'extrémité 52, comme représenté par les flèches en trait gras à la figure 3. Par ce biais, on est ainsi capable d'extraire l'air à l'extérieur du récipient 4.The movement of valve 66 is entirely controlled by the pressure differential across the valve. Thus, when a depression is created in the duct 5, between the closure member 66 and the second end 52, that is to say when a vacuum is created, then the valve 66 automatically pivots due to the pressure forces applied on either side, as represented by the arrow F1 at the picture 3 . The valve 66 then finds itself in the position shown in thin lines and the air can circulate from the end 50 to the end 52, as shown by the arrows in bold lines on the picture 3 . By this means, one is thus able to extract the air outside the container 4.

Une fois l'opération de mise sous vide terminée, la pression atmosphérique règne dans les tronçons 5.1 et 5.2 du conduit 5 car l'extrémité 52 reste ouverte sur l'extérieur. En revanche, le vide règne à l'intérieur du tronçon de conduit 5.3 en amont du clapet 66.Once the vacuum operation is complete, atmospheric pressure prevails in sections 5.1 and 5.2 of conduit 5 because end 52 remains open to the outside. On the other hand, the vacuum reigns inside the conduit section 5.3 upstream of the valve 66.

Avantageusement, un filtre 70 est disposé en amont de l'organe de fermeture 66 sur le trajet de l'air lorsque l'on fait le vide à l'intérieur du récipient. Ce filtre 70 a pour vocation de filtrer les particules et vapeurs présentes à l'intérieur du récipient. Le filtre 70 est dans l'exemple disposé au niveau de l'extrémité 50 du conduit ouverte sur l'intérieur du récipient 4. Ce filtre 70 pourra être prévu amovible, de façon à permettre son nettoiement, ou son remplacement.Advantageously, a filter 70 is arranged upstream of the closure member 66 on the path of the air when a vacuum is created inside the container. This filter 70 is intended to filter the particles and vapors present inside the container. The filter 70 is in the example arranged at the level of the end 50 of the duct open to the interior of the container 4. This filter 70 may be provided removable, so as to allow its cleaning, or its replacement.

Le dispositif de conservation d'aliments 2 comprend nécessairement un mécanisme pour ouvrir manuellement le récipient 4 lorsque le vide est fait à l'intérieur de celui-ci. Effectivement, la différence de pression entre l'intérieur et l'extérieur du récipient 4 rend la manoeuvre du couvercle impossible. Pour ouvrir le récipient, on actionne donc le mécanisme pour faire entrer de l'air, à la pression atmosphérique, à l'intérieur du récipient 4. Grâce à ce mécanisme, l'utilisateur peut pressuriser à nouveau le récipient 4 à la pression atmosphérique, de façon à pouvoir retirer le couvercle 6 et accéder aux aliments conservés à l'intérieur du récipient 4. Le mécanisme peut donc être qualifié de mécanisme de pressurisation du récipient (ou de « repressurisation »).The food preservation device 2 necessarily comprises a mechanism for manually opening the container 4 when the vacuum is created inside the latter. Indeed, the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the container 4 makes it impossible to operate the cover. To open the container, the mechanism is therefore actuated to introduce air, at atmospheric pressure, inside the container 4. Thanks to this mechanism, the user can pressurize the container 4 again at atmospheric pressure. , so as to be able to remove the lid 6 and gain access to the food stored inside the container 4. The mechanism can therefore be described as a mechanism for pressurizing the container (or “repressurization”).

Avantageusement, ce mécanisme fait partie du couvercle 6.Advantageously, this mechanism is part of the cover 6.

Le mécanisme comprend un bouton poussoir 62. Le bouton 62 est prévu sur la surface supérieure du couvercle 6. Il s'agit dans l'exemple d'un bouton élastiquement déformable, par exemple en caoutchouc, qui est assemblé de façon étanche avec le reste du couvercle 6. L'utilisation d'un bouton poussoir rend la manoeuvre plus facile qu'un système à tirette. De plus, grâce au caractère étanche du bouton 62, on évite que des éléments extérieurs au récipient 4 pénètrent à l'intérieur de ce dernier, ce qui est pratique pour l'utilisateur car celui n'a pas à se laver les mains avant d'appuyer sur le bouton. Cela répond à un réel besoin des utilisateurs, qui ont souvent les mains sales lorsqu'ils cuisinent.The mechanism comprises a push button 62. The button 62 is provided on the upper surface of the cover 6. In the example, it is an elastically deformable button, for example made of rubber, which is assembled in a sealed manner with the rest cover 6. The use of a push button makes the maneuver easier than a pull-cord system. In addition, thanks to the waterproof nature of the button 62, it is avoided that elements external to the container 4 penetrate inside the latter, which is practical for the user because he does not have to wash his hands before 'push the button. This meets a real need of users, who often have dirty hands when cooking.

Une tige rigide 72 est reliée à une extrémité au bouton poussoir 62. La tige rigide 72 se déplace vers le bas lorsque le bouton 62 est enfoncé. A l'autre extrémité, la tige 72 est reliée à une biellette 76 articulée autour d'un axe central 78. La biellette 76 est articulée avec un bouchon 74, configuré pour obturer sélectivement un conduit 64 communiquant avec le tronçon 5.2 du conduit 5 ménagé dans le couvercle 6. Le conduit 64 est donc une dérivation du tronçon 5.2 du conduit disposé en aval du clapet 66 lors de la mise sous vide.A rigid rod 72 is connected at one end to push button 62. Rigid rod 72 moves downward when button 62 is depressed. At the other end, the rod 72 is connected to a connecting rod 76 articulated around a central axis 78. The connecting rod 76 is articulated with a plug 74, configured to selectively close a conduit 64 communicating with the section 5.2 of the conduit 5 provided in the cover 6. The duct 64 is therefore a derivation of the section 5.2 of the duct arranged downstream of the valve 66 during the vacuum.

Le mécanisme permet donc d'ouvrir un passage d'air (conduit de dérivation 64) entre le premier orifice (61) et un autre orifice, en l'occurrence le second orifice (50) du récipient 4. Dans l'exemple, ce passage d'air passe autour de l'organe de fermeture 66 et ne fait donc pas partie du conduit 5. Plus précisément, ce passage d'air peut être interprété comme un conduit parallèle au canal, puisqu'il s'étend également entre le premier orifice 61 et le second orifice, mais suivant un chemin différent de celui du canal (5.2, 5.3).The mechanism therefore makes it possible to open an air passage (bypass duct 64) between the first orifice (61) and another orifice, in this case the second orifice (50) of the container 4. In the example, this air passage passes around the closure member 66 and therefore does not form part of the duct 5. More precisely, this air passage can be interpreted as a duct parallel to the channel, since it also extends between the first orifice 61 and the second orifice, but following a path different from that of the channel (5.2, 5.3).

Comme visible à la figure 4, lorsque l'on enfonce le bouton 62, la tige 72 descend et pivote la biellette 76 (voir flèches F2), ce qui a pour effet de monter le bouchon 74 par effet de levier et d'ouvrir la communication entre le tronçon de conduit 5.3 et le conduit de dérivation 64, lequel est à la pression atmosphérique. L'air à la pression atmosphérique dans le tube 46 pénètre alors dans le récipient 4, ce qui a pour effet de pressuriser le récipient 4 à la pression atmosphérique. Le couvercle 6 peut alors être retiré manuellement sans effort.As seen at figure 4 , when the button 62 is pressed, the rod 72 descends and pivots the rod 76 (see arrows F2), which has the effect of mounting the plug 74 by leverage and opening the communication between the section of conduit 5.3 and the bypass duct 64, which is at atmospheric pressure. The air at atmospheric pressure in the tube 46 then enters the container 4, which has the effect of pressurizing the container 4 at atmospheric pressure. The lid 6 can then be removed manually without effort.

Le bouton 62 revient élastiquement dans la configuration de la figure 3, par retour élastique de la matière constitutive du bouton 62.The button 62 returns elastically to the configuration of the picture 3 , by elastic return of the constituent material of the button 62.

La base 8 comprend une surface de réception du dispositif 2, c'est-à-dire du récipient 4 fermé par le couvercle 6. La base 8 comprend également une pompe à vide 84 pour faire le vide à l'intérieur du récipient 4, en créant une dépression dans le conduit 5 entre l'organe de fermeture 66 et la seconde extrémité 52 du conduit 5, c'est-à-dire dans les tronçons 5.1 et 5.2. En particulier, lorsque l'on positionne le dispositif 2 sur la base 8, l'extrémité 52 du tube 46 est emmanchée autour de l'embout de connexion 81 de la base 8.The base 8 comprises a surface for receiving the device 2, that is to say the container 4 closed by the lid 6. The base 8 also comprises a vacuum pump 84 to create a vacuum inside the container 4, by creating a depression in the duct 5 between the closure member 66 and the second end 52 of the conduit 5, that is to say in the sections 5.1 and 5.2. In particular, when the device 2 is positioned on the base 8, the end 52 of the tube 46 is fitted around the connection end piece 81 of the base 8.

Dans l'exemple, la base 8 comprend un moyen 94 pour peser les aliments à l'intérieur du récipient 4, c'est-à-dire une balance.In the example, the base 8 comprises a means 94 for weighing the food inside the container 4, that is to say a scale.

La base 8 comprend également un bouton on/off 80 pour activer la pompe 84 et une unité électronique 92 de commande de la pompe 84.The base 8 also includes an on/off button 80 to activate the pump 84 and an electronic unit 92 for controlling the pump 84.

Pour faire le vide à l'intérieur du récipient 4, on, positionne simplement le récipient 4, fermé et rempli avec des aliments, sur la base 8 et on actionne la pompe 84, notamment en appuyant sur le bouton On/Off 80. Le bouton On/off est optionnel, dans le sens où la pompe pourrait être déclenchée dès que le moyen 94, c'est-à-dire le capteur de poids, détecte que le dispositif 2 est positionné sur la base 8.To create a vacuum inside the container 4, the container 4, closed and filled with food, is simply positioned on the base 8 and the pump 84 is activated, in particular by pressing the On/Off button 80. The On/off button is optional, in the sense that the pump could be triggered as soon as the means 94, i.e. the weight sensor, detects that the device 2 is positioned on the base 8.

Un capteur de pression 90 est prévu en amont de la pompe 84, c'est-à-dire du côté de l'aspiration. Le capteur de pression 90 transmet en dynamique la pression régnant dans le conduit 5 du dispositif 2, et donc par conséquent la pression à l'intérieur du récipient 4. Lorsque cette pression chute en deçà d'un certain seuil, l'unité électronique de commande 92 commande l'arrêt de la pompe 84. Cela permet d'éviter de faire tourner la pompe à vide 84 éternellement. Ce seuil est un seuil prédéterminé. En variante, on peut toutefois imaginer un seuil variable en fonction du niveau de vide requis pour une conservation des aliments optimale.A pressure sensor 90 is provided upstream of the pump 84, that is to say on the suction side. The pressure sensor 90 dynamically transmits the pressure prevailing in the conduit 5 of the device 2, and therefore consequently the pressure inside the container 4. When this pressure drops below a certain threshold, the electronic unit of command 92 commands stopping of pump 84. This avoids running vacuum pump 84 forever. This threshold is a predetermined threshold. As a variant, however, one can imagine a variable threshold depending on the level of vacuum required for optimal food preservation.

De préférence, la base 8 comprend sur sa surface inférieure des patins antidérapants 86 permettant également de surélever légèrement la base 8 par rapport à la surface sur laquelle elle est posée, et évacuer facilement l'air extrait par la pompe à vide 84.Preferably, the base 8 comprises on its lower surface non-slip pads 86 also making it possible to slightly raise the base 8 in relation to the surface on which it is placed, and to easily evacuate the air extracted by the vacuum pump 84.

Avantageusement, la base 8 peut être qualifiée de « connectée » (ou « communicante »), dans le sens où elle comprend des moyens 82 de connexion avec un autre objet connecté. Il peut par exemple s'agir d'un téléphone portable intelligent, du type smartphone, d'une tablette ou encore d'une montre connectée.Advantageously, the base 8 can be qualified as “connected” (or “communicating”), in the sense that it comprises means 82 for connection with another connected object. It may for example be a smart portable telephone, of the smartphone type, a tablet or even a connected watch.

Dans l'exemple, les moyens de connexion 82 sont du type sans fil, et comprennent notamment une antenne Wifi. En variante, on pourrait cependant envisager une connexion radio ou Bluetooth.In the example, the connection means 82 are of the wireless type, and include in particular a Wifi antenna. As a variant, however, a radio or Bluetooth connection could be envisaged.

L'antenne Wifi 82 est configurée pour transmettre au smartphone la date à laquelle les aliments ont été mis sous vide et le poids des aliments contenus dans le récipient 4. Le smartphone dispose d'une application dédiée, grâce à laquelle l'utilisateur peut imputer le type d'aliments stocké dans le récipient. Egalement, le récipient 4 peut comporter un marquage, notamment un numéro, que l'utilisateur peut imputer en tant que donnée d'entrée dans l'application. Avec ce type d'application, il est possible de mettre en place un système d'alarme pour prévenir l'utilisateur d'une date de péremption proche de denrées alimentaires contenues dans le récipient 4 et indiquer à l'utilisateur quel récipient est concerné, c'est-à-dire quel est le numéro du récipient correspondant. Dans l'exemple, l'utilisateur impute manuellement une date de péremption. Cette date peut également être calculée par défaut, par exemple en ajoutant 1 mois à la date de mise sous vide.The Wifi antenna 82 is configured to transmit to the smartphone the date on which the food was vacuum-packed and the weight of the food contained in the container 4. The smartphone has a dedicated application, thanks to which the user can impute the type of food stored in the container. Also, the container 4 can comprise a marking, in particular a number, which the user can impute as input data into the application. With this type of application, it is possible to set up an alarm system to warn the user of an approaching expiry date of the foodstuffs contained in the container 4 and to indicate to the user which container is concerned, i.e. what is the number of the corresponding container. In the example, the user manually assigns an expiration date. This date can also be calculated by default, for example by adding 1 month to the vacuum date.

Cela permet de rappeler à l'utilisateur que des aliments risquent de se périmer, et qu'il convient donc de les manger ou de les congeler.This serves to remind the user that foods are in danger of going out of date, and that they should therefore be eaten or frozen.

De préférence, le couvercle 6 est aussi « connecté ». Cela signifie que le couvercle aussi comprend un moyen de communication, de préférence sans fil, avec un autre objet connecté. Dans l'exemple, ce moyen est une puce RFID (non représentée), qui est intégrée au couvercle 6 et qui est capable de communiquer avec les appareils électroménagers de la maison, tels que le four, le réfrigérateur, le congélateur, etc.Preferably, cover 6 is also "connected". This means that the cover also includes a means of communication, preferably wireless, with another connected object. In the example, this means is an RFID chip (not shown), which is integrated into the cover 6 and which is capable of communicating with the household appliances of the house, such as the oven, the refrigerator, the freezer, etc.

Par exemple, dans le cas où le dispositif 2 est rangé à l'intérieur d'un réfrigérateur connecté, l'utilisateur peut, en consultant le tableau de bord du réfrigérateur, ou directement son smartphone, identifier que le réfrigérateur contient le dispositif 2.For example, in the case where device 2 is stored inside a connected refrigerator, the user can, by consulting the dashboard of the refrigerator, or directly his smartphone, identify that the refrigerator contains device 2.

Sur les figures 5 et 6 est représenté un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention, dans lequel le bouton poussoir déformable est remplacé par un bouton poussoir 62', du type rigide, qui est un bouton coulissant. Pour ce faire, une membrane étanche 63 est fixée en dessous du bouton 62'. Cette membrane 63 se déforme lorsque l'on appuie (voir effort F3 à la figure 6) sur le bouton 62' et maintient l'étanchéité du bouton.On the figures 5 and 6 a second embodiment of the invention is shown, in which the deformable push button is replaced by a push button 62', of the rigid type, which is a sliding button. To do this, a waterproof membrane 63 is fixed below the button 62'. This membrane 63 deforms when one presses (see force F3 at the figure 6 ) on the button 62 'and maintains the tightness of the button.

Le bouton 62' revient élastiquement dans la configuration de la figure 5, par retour élastique de la membrane 63.The button 62' springs back into the configuration of the figure 5 , by elastic return of the membrane 63.

En variante non représentée, le couvercle 6 n'est pas amovible, mais par exemple articulé par rapport au récipient 4.In a variant not shown, the cover 6 is not removable, but for example hinged with respect to the container 4.

Selon une autre variante non représentée, le tube 46 pourrait avoir une section rectangulaire. Egalement, un ou deux côtés du tube 46 pourraient être formés par les parois elles même du récipient 4. Notamment, le tube 46 pourrait s'étendre à un coin du récipient 4.According to another variant not shown, the tube 46 could have a rectangular section. Also, one or two sides of the tube 46 could be formed by the walls themselves of the container 4. In particular, the tube 46 could extend to a corner of the container 4.

Selon une autre variante non représentée, l'extrémité 52 du conduit 5 pourrait être prévue au niveau l'une des parois latérales du récipient, par exemple au niveau de la paroi 4.1 et la base 8 pourrait donc être positionnée à côté du récipient 4. Cela signifie que l'invention n'est pas limitée au mode de réalisation où la base 8 est positionnée en dessous du récipient 4. Cela signifie également que, au sens de l'invention, le tube 46 n'est pas forcément droit : il peut également être coudé ou courbé.According to another variant not shown, the end 52 of the conduit 5 could be provided at one of the side walls of the container, for example at the level of the wall 4.1 and the base 8 could therefore be positioned next to the container 4. This means that the invention is not limited to the embodiment where the base 8 is positioned in below the container 4. This also means that, within the meaning of the invention, the tube 46 is not necessarily straight: it can also be bent or curved.

Selon une autre variante non représentée, le récipient 4 est en acier inoxydable. Notamment, les parois (en verre ou en inox) du récipient 4 peuvent être doublées et séparées par une lame d'air isolante. Ainsi, le récipient 4 permet de conserver les aliments au chaud (ou au froid) pendant un certain temps, ce qui est pratique lorsque l'on n'a pas de moyen pour réchauffer les aliments (pique-nique, goûters, etc.).According to another variant not shown, the container 4 is made of stainless steel. In particular, the walls (in glass or stainless steel) of the container 4 can be lined and separated by an insulating air gap. Thus, the container 4 makes it possible to keep the food hot (or cold) for a certain time, which is practical when there is no means of reheating the food (picnic, snacks, etc.) .

Selon une autre variante non représentée, un filtre est également placé en amont de la pompe 84, de façon à éviter un encrassement prématuré des organes constitutifs de la pompe 84. Ce filtre pourra être prévu amovible, de façon à permettre son nettoiement, ou son remplacement.According to another variant not shown, a filter is also placed upstream of the pump 84, so as to avoid premature clogging of the components of the pump 84. This filter may be provided removable, so as to allow its cleaning, or its replacement.

Selon une autre variante non représentée, le tube 46 est à l'extérieur du récipient 4, c'est-à-dire à l'extérieur du volume défini entre les parois du récipient. Dans ce cas, le couvercle 6 s'étend au-delà de l'ouverture du récipient de façon à pouvoir se connecter avec le tube 46. Par exemple, le tube 46 peut être attaché à la surface extérieure d'une paroi du récipient 4 (collé, soudé, etc.) ou former un seul bloc avec la paroi du récipient.According to another variant not shown, the tube 46 is outside the container 4, that is to say outside the volume defined between the walls of the container. In this case, the lid 6 extends beyond the opening of the container so that it can connect with the tube 46. For example, the tube 46 can be attached to the outer surface of a wall of the container 4 (glued, welded, etc.) or form a single block with the container wall.

Selon une autre variante non représentée, le récipient 4 peut être compartimenté, à la façon d'un plateau-repas ou d'un bento.According to another variant not shown, the container 4 can be compartmentalized, like a meal tray or a bento box.

Selon une autre variante non représentée, le couvercle 6 pourrait comprendre un troisième orifice, différent des orifices 61 et 50. Notamment, le conduit de dérivation 64 pourrait déboucher au niveau de ce troisième orifice. Dans ce cas, le passage d'air (conduit de dérivation 64) est séparé du canal (5.1, 5.3).According to another variant not shown, the cover 6 could comprise a third orifice, different from the orifices 61 and 50. In particular, the bypass duct 64 could emerge at the level of this third orifice. In this case, the air passage (bypass duct 64) is separated from the channel (5.1, 5.3).

Selon une autre variante non représentée, le moyen de connexion 60 est simplement formé par un orifice dans lequel pénètre le tube 46, c'est-à-dire qu'il n'y a pas d'embout saillant.According to another variant not shown, the connection means 60 is simply formed by an orifice into which the tube 46 penetrates, that is to say there is no projecting tip.

Selon une autre variante non représentée, la pompe à vide 84 est réversible et peut donc fonctionner en compresseur pour non plus extraire l'air contenu dans le récipient 4 mais injecter un gaz à l'intérieur du récipient 4. La base 8 comprend en outre un filtre moléculaire capable de filtrer les molécules d'oxygène de l'air, de telle sorte que le récipient 4 peut être rempli avec l'azote de l'air uniquement. Le principe consiste à remplacer l'air contenu dans le récipient 4, naturellement chargé en bactéries, par un gaz neutre et naturel, comme l'azote. On parle d'un procédé de mise sous atmosphère protectrice ou atmosphère modifiée. Ce procédé permet de ralentir le développement bactérien à l'intérieur du récipient 4, et de préserver le produit contenu à l'intérieur du récipient des effets du vieillissement. Ce type de conditionnement convient pour tous les types de produits comme le poisson, les plats préparés, les légumes coupés, la charcuterie, etc. Evidemment, le filtre moléculaire chargé de filtrer les molécules d'oxygène est placé sur un conduit différent de celui emprunté par l'air lors de la mise sous vide. Un système de clapet relativement basique permet d'aspirer l'air ambiant à l'intérieur du bon conduit, pour éviter tout by-pass du filtre moléculaire lors de la mise sous atmosphère conditionnée. L'avantage à utiliser l'azote est que ce gaz est déjà contenu dans l'air, et donc qu'il n'y a pas besoin de prévoir une cartouche de gaz séparée.According to another variant not shown, the vacuum pump 84 is reversible and can therefore operate as a compressor to no longer extract the air contained in the container 4 but to inject a gas inside the container 4. The base 8 further comprises a molecular filter capable of filtering oxygen molecules from the air, so that the container 4 can be filled with nitrogen from the air only. The principle consists in replacing the air contained in the container 4, naturally loaded with bacteria, by a neutral and natural gas, such as nitrogen. We are talking about a protective atmosphere or modified atmosphere process. This method makes it possible to slow down the bacterial development inside the container 4, and to preserve the product contained inside the container from the effects of ageing. This type of packaging is suitable for all types of products such as fish, prepared meals, cut vegetables, delicatessen, etc. Obviously, the molecular filter responsible for filtering the oxygen molecules is placed on a different conduit from that taken by the air during the vacuum. A relatively basic valve system allows the ambient air to be sucked inside the correct duct, to avoid any by-pass of the molecular filter when placing it in a conditioned atmosphere. The advantage of using nitrogen is that this gas is already contained in the air, and therefore there is no need to provide a separate gas cartridge.

Les caractéristiques des modes de réalisation et des variantes envisagées ci-dessus peuvent être combinées entre elles pour générer de nouveaux modes de réalisation de l'invention.The characteristics of the embodiments and of the variants envisaged above can be combined together to generate new embodiments of the invention.

Claims (11)

  1. A container (4) intended for the vacuum storage of foods, comprising:
    - a bottom (40), and an opening that is opposite to the bottom and that makes it possible to fill the container,
    - an overflow level (44), defined as a filling limit of the container (4), without the contents overflowing the container (4) when the container (4) is placed on a horizontal surface,
    - a tube (46) for passing air, which is open at the two ends thereof,
    characterized in that the tube (46) extends past the overflow level (44) of the container.
  2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the tube (46) extends inside the container.
  3. The container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container (4) has a variable height, including a highest wall (4.1) that is higher than the rest of the container.
  4. The container according to the preceding claim, wherein the tube (46) does not extend, in a height direction relative to the opening of the container, outside the container.
  5. The container according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tube (46) is formed in part by a wall of the container.
  6. The container according to the preceding claim, wherein the tube (46) is formed in one piece with walls of the container (4), in particular with the bottom (40) of the container.
  7. The container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container is manufactured from glass or from an inert plastic material able to absorb thermal shocks.
  8. An assembly (2) comprising :
    - a container (4) according to any one of preceding claims,
    - a cover (6) for closing the container (4), the cover comprising:
    • a connecting means (60) with the tube (46) of the container (4),
    • a channel (5.2, 5.3) for passing air extending between a first orifice (61) defined by the connecting means (60) and a second orifice (50),
    • a member (66) for closing the channel, such as a valve, and
    • a mechanism (62, 72, 76, 74) for opening an air passage (64) between the first orifice (61) and another orifice (50), such as the second orifice (50), and
    • a pipe (5) for emptying air from the container, this pipe comprising a first end (50) open on the inside of the container and a second end (52) open on the outside of the container,
    wherein:
    - the first end (50) is formed by the second orifice (50) of the cover,
    - the tube (46) forms a first segment (5.1) of the pipe (5), and
    - the channel (5.1, 5.2) forms two other segments of the pipe (5).
  9. A system (1) for vacuum storing food, comprising an assembly according to claim 8, and a base (8), comprising a vacuum pump (84) for creating a vacuum inside the container, by creating a vacuum inside the pipe (5), between the closing member (66) and the second end (52).
  10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the base (8) comprises a pressure sensor (90) upstream from the pump and an electronic control unit (92) of the pump, programmed to stop the pumping when the pressure measured by the sensor (90) drops below a certain threshold and wherein the base preferably comprises a means (94) for weighing the food inside the container (4).
  11. The system according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the vacuum pump (84) is reversible and is therefore adapted to work as a compressor in order to inject a gas inside the container (4), while the base further comprises a molecular filter capable of filtering the oxygen molecules of the air, such that the container (4) can be filled with the nitrogen from the air only.
EP18716302.7A 2017-04-14 2018-04-13 Container intended for vacuum-storage of foods, cover, assembly comprising the container and the cover and system for vacuum-packing foods Active EP3609791B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1753286A FR3065205B1 (en) 2017-04-14 2017-04-14 VACUUM FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER, LID, SET INCLUDING CONTAINER AND LID AND VACUUM FOOD SYSTEM
PCT/EP2018/059485 WO2018189351A1 (en) 2017-04-14 2018-04-13 Container intended for vacuum-storage of foods, cover, assembly comprising the container and the cover and system for vacuum-packing foods

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3609791A1 EP3609791A1 (en) 2020-02-19
EP3609791B1 true EP3609791B1 (en) 2022-06-29

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EP18716302.7A Active EP3609791B1 (en) 2017-04-14 2018-04-13 Container intended for vacuum-storage of foods, cover, assembly comprising the container and the cover and system for vacuum-packing foods

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US (1) US20200165020A1 (en)
EP (1) EP3609791B1 (en)
CN (1) CN110603199B (en)
CA (1) CA3059816A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2925953T3 (en)
FR (1) FR3065205B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2018189351A1 (en)

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CN110979953A (en) * 2019-12-27 2020-04-10 云南荣科机械科技有限公司 Vacuum aluminum alloy packaging box for storing and transporting special products
FR3107516B1 (en) 2020-02-20 2022-03-11 Biotyfood Vacuum storage box and vacuum system comprising such a box
CN112193487A (en) * 2020-09-28 2021-01-08 吴光德 Meat processing is with energy-concerving and environment-protective device of small-size vacuum packaging
JP2022099075A (en) * 2020-12-22 2022-07-04 アクア株式会社 refrigerator
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FR3125511B1 (en) * 2021-07-23 2023-12-15 Biotyfood Container intended for the vacuum preservation of organic matter and vacuum system incorporating such a container

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP3609791A1 (en) 2020-02-19
CA3059816A1 (en) 2018-10-18
CN110603199B (en) 2022-05-03
ES2925953T3 (en) 2022-10-20
CN110603199A (en) 2019-12-20
FR3065205A1 (en) 2018-10-19
WO2018189351A1 (en) 2018-10-18
US20200165020A1 (en) 2020-05-28
FR3065205B1 (en) 2021-06-18

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