US20010047997A1 - Vented container for produce - Google Patents
Vented container for produce Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20010047997A1 US20010047997A1 US09/223,589 US22358998A US2001047997A1 US 20010047997 A1 US20010047997 A1 US 20010047997A1 US 22358998 A US22358998 A US 22358998A US 2001047997 A1 US2001047997 A1 US 2001047997A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- vent
- container
- base
- troughs
- base panel
- 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.)
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J47/00—Kitchen containers, stands or the like, not provided for in other groups of this subclass; Cutting-boards, e.g. for bread
- A47J47/02—Closed containers for foodstuffs
- A47J47/08—Closed containers for foodstuffs for non-granulated foodstuffs
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J47/00—Kitchen containers, stands or the like, not provided for in other groups of this subclass; Cutting-boards, e.g. for bread
- A47J47/02—Closed containers for foodstuffs
- A47J47/04—Closed containers for foodstuffs for granulated foodstuffs
- A47J47/06—Closed containers for foodstuffs for granulated foodstuffs with arrangements for keeping fresh
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
- A47J47/00—Kitchen containers, stands or the like, not provided for in other groups of this subclass; Cutting-boards, e.g. for bread
- A47J47/02—Closed containers for foodstuffs
- A47J47/08—Closed containers for foodstuffs for non-granulated foodstuffs
- A47J47/10—Closed containers for foodstuffs for non-granulated foodstuffs with arrangements for keeping fresh
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S220/00—Receptacles
- Y10S220/27—Vents
Definitions
- the present invention relates in general to household storage containers for produce.
- the present invention relates to a produce storage container having selective venting and an improved bottom panel structure.
- Refrigeration is, of course, the provision of a reduced temperature environment. This reduced temperature reduces the grown rate of bacteria and other organisms, slowing their degradation of the stored food. This is a well known arrangement.
- Containment of food in an effort to maintain freshness has typically meant sealing the food against air exchange with the ambient environment, preferably at a reduced pressure. This has been achieved in numerous ways, such as by encasement within carefully folded aluminum foil, encasement within plastic bags which may be sealed, or placement within a plastic container having an air-tight seal. Such containers are typified in the assignee's product, sold under the registered trademark TUPPERWARE.
- a first example is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,371 to Byrne.
- Byrne describes a produce storage container formed of an air-impervious material, but having several gas exchange openings. The openings are formed in a base of the container, and a lid is provided to close the top of this base.
- a second example is a product sold by TEFAL S.A. under the model name “la légumière”. This product includes a base formed of an air impervious material, and having a lid.
- the lid is also formed of an air impervious material, but includes a pair of apertures extending therethrough and a sliding gate which may be manually moved to selectively block one of these apertures.
- the aperture may not be closed in a gas-tight manner, but does include a filter to prevent ingress of contaminants. Both of these containers may be used within a household refrigerator to increase the freshness of the produce through refrigeration.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a container which will store produce with the maximum freshness for the maximum amount of time, by permitting gas exchange with the ambient environment.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide such a container which may also be used in the convention manner with essentially no gas exchange.
- a further object of the present invention is to provide a container which permits the amount of gas exchange to be varied between different levels for accommodating foods require no gas exchange, foods which required moderate gas exchange, and foods which require high gas exchange.
- Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a container which is well suited for use in a household refrigerator.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide such a container which includes a base structure which reduces contact of the stored food with any condensate which may have accumulated within the container.
- a further object of the present invention is to provide such a base structure which further serves to segregate such condensate into discrete areas to reduce cross-contamination between such areas, and to reduce shifts in the center of mass of the container.
- a vented container for produce having a base and a cover which are at least substantially impervious to gas transfer.
- the base includes a base panel and side walls.
- Preferably two vent apertures are formed through the side wall, and a plug is provided for each vent aperture, to permit the vent apertures to be selectively opened.
- the plugs may be mounted upon vent toggles, such that manual pivoting of the vent toggles will open or close the associated vent aperture.
- the selective opening of the vent apertures permits gas exchange between the interior of the container and the ambient atmosphere, providing improve storage for produce. Maintaining the vent apertures closed permits the container to be used as a normal sealed food storage container.
- the base panel preferably includes an alternating series of hills and troughs to segregate condensate within the container.
- the troughs may be downward concave to further subdivide the condensate within each trough.
- the hills may include central depressions to act as traps to reduce condensate flow over the hills.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a container according to the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a detail exploded perspective view of the selective vent structure of the container of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line 3 - 3 of FIG. 2, with the selective vent in a closed position;
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3, with the selective vent in the open position;
- FIG. 5 is a top view of the base of the container of FIG. 1, illustrating the base panel structure
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view along line 6 - 6 of FIG. 5;
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view along line 7 - 7 of FIG. 5;
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional end view along line 8 - 8 of FIG. 5.
- a container according to the present invention is generally designated by reference numeral 10 .
- the container 10 includes a base 12 and a cover 14 .
- the base 12 includes a base panel 16 having an outer periphery, and one or more side walls 18 extending upward from this periphery to a rim 20 .
- the size and shape of the periphery of base 12 may vary widely. However, for the intended use within a household refrigerator it is preferred that the periphery have a substantially square (as shown) or rectangular shape, as such may more efficiently utilize the space within a standard refrigerator.
- the rim 20 will preferably have a shape corresponding to that of the base panel 16 , although this is not required.
- the base 12 is formed of any material safe for food, and which is substantially rigid. Examples include stainless steel, glass, ceramics, and, most preferred, food grade plastics.
- the cover 14 includes an outer periphery corresponding to that of the rim 20 , such that the cover 14 may form a seal with the rim 20 .
- This may be achieved in a variety of ways.
- the cover 14 may include a depending portion (not shown) inset from its periphery which fits within, and seal s against, the inner face of the side walls 18 just below the rim 20 .
- the rim 20 could include an upstanding rib (not shown) which mates with a corresponding groove (not shown) in the cover 14 .
- the cover 14 may include a depending skirt 22 extending from its periphery (best shown in FIG. 3), and which fits closely about the outer face of rim 20 when in an assembled position.
- the cover 14 is formed of, or includes portions formed of, a sufficiently resilient material to form a seal with the rim 20 . If not formed entirely of this resilient material, at least those peripheral portions which contact at or adjacent to the rim 20 are formed of the resilient material. Alternatively, the portions of the base 12 which contact the cover 14 may be formed of the resilient material.
- the base 12 and cover 14 may form a closed container 10 when assembled together.
- the particular type of seal provided between the base 12 and cover 14 may vary as is known in the art. This seal may be relatively poor to prevent only the passage of relatively large material, may be water-tight, or may be gas-tight. In the most preferred form, a gas-tight seal would be provided.
- the base 12 includes at least one, and preferably two, vent apertures 24 extending through the side wall 18 .
- the vent apertures 24 are located between the base panel 16 and rim 20 , but preferably in proximity to the rim 20 , as shown. This will ensure that any liquid within the container 10 (and in particular accumulated condensate) will be at a level significantly below that of the vent apertures 24 . This will prevent both blockage of the vent apertures 24 by the liquid, and leakage of the liquid through the vent apertures 24 .
- vent apertures 24 will permit the flow of gas to and from the interior of container 10 .
- the inventive feature is in providing selective venting of the base 12 . To this end there is provided a means for selectively blocking the vent apertures 24 at the user's discretion.
- This means for selectively blocking the vent apertures 24 may take various forms.
- gas impervious members (not shown) could be mounted to the interior or exterior face of base 12 for movement between first positions spaced from the vent apertures 24 , and second positions covering the vent apertures 24 . This movement may be effected by sliding the members in a linear or arcuate path. While this arrangement can cause substantial blockage of the vent apertures 24 , it is very difficult to achieve a water or gas tight seal. While this may be acceptable, it is preferred to have such a seal.
- a plug 26 may be associated with each of the vent apertures 24 .
- Each plug 26 will have a size slightly greater than that of its associated vent aperture 24 , and formed of a slightly resilient material (such as plastic) such that a tight fit is achieved.
- the plugs 26 may have enlarged ends which mate with grooves formed within the vent apertures 24 , as shown.
- the plugs 26 may be unattached to the base 12 . However, to prevent their loss, it is preferred that they be attached. This may be achieved in numerous ways, such as by securing an end of the plug to the side walls 18 by adhesive, ultrasonic or heat welding, etc. In the preferred embodiment shown, however, the plugs 26 are mounted to the base 12 for oscillation between a sealing position (shown in FIG. 3) and a venting position (shown in FIG. 4).
- each plug 26 is formed as an extension of a vent toggle 28 .
- Each vent toggle 28 includes an outer face 30 and an inner face 32 , with the plug 26 extending from the inner face 32 .
- Each plug 26 also includes a spacer block 34 extending from the inner face 32 at a position spaced from the plug 26 .
- the free end of each spacer block 34 includes a pair of hinge pins 36 (FIG. 2) extending laterally therefrom.
- Each of the hinge pins 36 are retained within an associated trunnion 38 mounted (preferably as a monolithic extension of) the base 12 .
- Each trunnion 38 has a semi-cylindrical cavity which receives the associate hinge pin 36 for rotation, but prevents unintentional removal of the hinge pin 36 from the trunnion 38 .
- the rotation of the hinge pins 36 in the trunnion 38 will cause the entire vent toggle 28 to rotate, which in turn will cause movement of the associated plug 26 toward and away from the associated vent aperture 24 .
- the plug 26 will thus oscillate between the sealing and venting positions, as desired.
- the side wall 18 surrounding the vent toggle 28 may include a depression 42 , as shown. This depression 42 will preferably be of a depth to space the outer face 30 of the vent toggle 28 just within the plane of the side wall 18 when the vent toggle 28 is in the sealing position of FIG. 3.
- the user may manually press upon the outer face 30 in the vicinity of the plug 26 to force the plug into the vent aperture 24 , thus placing the plug 26 in the sealing position and preventing water and/or gas transfer through the vent aperture 24 .
- the vent toggle 28 may manually apply pressure to the inner face 32 (i.e., pull) adjacent the plug 26 to remove the plug 26 from the vent aperture 24 .
- the vent toggle 28 may extend below the level of the spacer block 34 , as shown. If this is the case, the user may manually press upon the outer face 30 below the spacer block 34 to achieve the same effect.
- Stacking another container upon the device of the Morgan patent would force the toggle closed, thus closing the vent and preventing gas exchange during storage.
- the vent aperture 24 in the side wall 18 With the present location of the vent aperture 24 in the side wall 18 , stacking of containers is not a problem.
- the use of depression 42 (together with any taper to the sidewalls 18 , width of rim 20 , and thickness of skirt 22 ) may prevent unintended closing of the vent toggle 28 by any adjacent containers.
- the placement of the vent aperture 24 in the base 12 in the present invention is particularly suited to a container intended to be vented during storage, in contrast with prior art devices.
- the sealing properties of the plug 26 will permit the container 10 to be used in a manner similar to a sealed prior art device, permitting the container 10 to be used not only for storing produce (which should be vented), but also with other foods which should not be vented.
- a further difference between the present invention and prior art devices is in the amount of gas transfer permitted.
- the Morgan patent is concerned solely with venting of heated (and thus high pressure) gas to prevent pressure accumulation.
- the amount of gas released is not important, so long as it is above a certain threshold amount.
- the amount of gas transfer permitted is important.
- vent apertures 24 each having a diameter of between about 2.0 and 5.0 mm, and most preferably approximately 3.5 mm, be employed. This will permit the user to 1) maintain both vent toggles 28 in the sealed position for produce requiring no gas transfer or for non-produce foods; 2) maintain a single vent toggle 28 in the venting position to permit a low amount of gas transfer for slowly respiring produce; or 3) maintain both vent toggles 28 in the venting position for quickly respiring produce. While a single large vent aperture 24 could be employed, this will provide more gas transfer than is required for some produce types.
- vent aperture 24 This may reduce the amount of respiration gas accumulation below optimal amounts for produce ripening, and additionally increases the amount of odor released from the container 10 .
- three or more smaller vent apertures 24 could alternatively be employed, but this increased control over the gas exchange rate increases the complexity of use. The preferred arrangement of two vent aperture 24 is believed to provide the best compromise between these competing factors.
- the base panel 16 is not planar, but includes a repetitive undulating surface formed by a series of hills 44 separated by troughs 46 .
- Each of the hills 44 and troughs 46 extend parallel, and thus define lateral ends. This is best illustrated by FIG. 6.
- Such an arrangement will serve to channel any condensate within container 10 to the troughs 46 , away from the produce resting upon the hills 44 .
- This will also serve to segregate discrete pools of condensate. As such, if bacteria or other organisms begin to grow within one pool, the intervening hills 44 will serve as a barrier against their spread to other pools.
- these troughs 46 may be linear between the lateral ends, it is preferred that they have a concave downward curvature, illustrated best in FIG. 8. This will serve to further segregate the condensate trapped between adjacent hills 44 by forcing flow toward each of the lateral ends, thus subdividing the condensate between these adjacent hills 44 . Further, the condensate adds weight to the container 10 . This weight is not stable, however, as the center of mass of the combined container 10 and condensate shifts with the flow of the condensate within container 10 . This shifting of weight may make the container 10 more difficult to lift and carry. The curvature within the troughs 46 acts as a barrier against flow of the condensate between the lateral ends, thus reducing the shifting of weight.
- each of the hills 44 preferably includes a central depression 48 at its apex and spaced inward from the lateral ends, best illustrated by comparison of FIGS. 5 and 7.
- This central depression 48 acts as a further barrier against flow of condensate between adjacent troughs 46 .
- any condensate which flows up a hill 44 will, upon reaching the apex, flow into the associated central depression 48 rather than simply flowing down the opposite side of that hill 44 . As may be seen this will serve to trap condensate between adjacent troughs 46 .
- the central depression 48 could be extended to the lateral ends, this is not believed to be necessary if the troughs 46 include the downward concave curvature noted above. This curvature will create deeper portions of the troughs 46 adjacent the lateral ends, thus reducing the possibility of flow between adjacent troughs 46 .
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
- Packging For Living Organisms, Food Or Medicinal Products That Are Sensitive To Environmental Conditiond (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
- Storage Of Fruits Or Vegetables (AREA)
- Storage Of Harvested Produce (AREA)
- Rigid Containers With Two Or More Constituent Elements (AREA)
- Blow-Moulding Or Thermoforming Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
A vented container for produce having a base and a cover which are at least substantially impervious to gas transfer. The base includes a base panel and side walls. Preferably two vent apertures are formed through the side wall, and a plug is provided for each vent aperture, to permit the vent apertures to be selectively opened. The plugs may be mounted upon vent toggles, such that manual pivoting of the vent toggles will open or close the associated vent aperture. The selective opening of the vent apertures permits gas exchange between the interior of the container and the ambient atmosphere, providing improve storage for produce. Maintaining the vent apertures closed permits the container to be used as a normal sealed food storage container. The base panel preferably includes an alternating series of hills and troughs to segregate condensate within the container. The troughs may be downward concave to further subdivide the condensate within each trough. The hills may include central depressions to act as traps to reduce condensate flow over the hills.
Description
- This application is related to Ser. No. ______ (Atty. Dkt. No. 130423-D200), which is incorporated by reference herein and made a part hereof, including but not limited to those portions which specifically appear hereinafter.
- Not Applicable.
- The present invention relates in general to household storage containers for produce. In particular, the present invention relates to a produce storage container having selective venting and an improved bottom panel structure.
- In storing food in the household, the primary concern is maintaining freshness of the food. To maintain freshness, two main methods have been employed. The first is refrigeration, and the second is containment. These are typically, but not necessarily, used together for maximum effectiveness.
- Refrigeration is, of course, the provision of a reduced temperature environment. This reduced temperature reduces the grown rate of bacteria and other organisms, slowing their degradation of the stored food. This is a well known arrangement.
- Containment of food in an effort to maintain freshness has typically meant sealing the food against air exchange with the ambient environment, preferably at a reduced pressure. This has been achieved in numerous ways, such as by encasement within carefully folded aluminum foil, encasement within plastic bags which may be sealed, or placement within a plastic container having an air-tight seal. Such containers are typified in the assignee's product, sold under the registered trademark TUPPERWARE.
- While this storage method is excellent for certain food types, it has been found that this is not the best storage method for produce. Specifically, fresh produce continues to live for some time after harvest, including during the period the produce is typically consumed. This means that the produce continues to respirate and produce other gasses. Further, the trauma induced by harvest can often result in the respiration rate of the produce to increase, sometimes dramatically, over the respiration rate in the field. Relatively prolonged exposure to an excessive concentration of these respiration and other gasses may degrade the appearance, flavor, texture, or other aspects of the produce.
- Sealing produce against air exchange, as described above, may be seen to simply trap the respiration and other gasses with the produce. Unless the seal is periodically broken to permit air exchange, buildup of an excessive concentration will occur, degrading the produce. To prevent this, several containers for produce have provided for gas exchange.
- A first example is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,371 to Byrne. Byrne describes a produce storage container formed of an air-impervious material, but having several gas exchange openings. The openings are formed in a base of the container, and a lid is provided to close the top of this base. A second example is a product sold by TEFAL S.A. under the model name “la lègumière”. This product includes a base formed of an air impervious material, and having a lid. The lid is also formed of an air impervious material, but includes a pair of apertures extending therethrough and a sliding gate which may be manually moved to selectively block one of these apertures. The aperture may not be closed in a gas-tight manner, but does include a filter to prevent ingress of contaminants. Both of these containers may be used within a household refrigerator to increase the freshness of the produce through refrigeration.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a container which will store produce with the maximum freshness for the maximum amount of time, by permitting gas exchange with the ambient environment.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide such a container which may also be used in the convention manner with essentially no gas exchange.
- A further object of the present invention is to provide a container which permits the amount of gas exchange to be varied between different levels for accommodating foods require no gas exchange, foods which required moderate gas exchange, and foods which require high gas exchange.
- Yet another object of the present invention is to provide such a container which is well suited for use in a household refrigerator.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide such a container which includes a base structure which reduces contact of the stored food with any condensate which may have accumulated within the container.
- A further object of the present invention is to provide such a base structure which further serves to segregate such condensate into discrete areas to reduce cross-contamination between such areas, and to reduce shifts in the center of mass of the container.
- These and other objects are achieved by a vented container for produce having a base and a cover which are at least substantially impervious to gas transfer. The base includes a base panel and side walls. Preferably two vent apertures are formed through the side wall, and a plug is provided for each vent aperture, to permit the vent apertures to be selectively opened. The plugs may be mounted upon vent toggles, such that manual pivoting of the vent toggles will open or close the associated vent aperture. The selective opening of the vent apertures permits gas exchange between the interior of the container and the ambient atmosphere, providing improve storage for produce. Maintaining the vent apertures closed permits the container to be used as a normal sealed food storage container. The base panel preferably includes an alternating series of hills and troughs to segregate condensate within the container. The troughs may be downward concave to further subdivide the condensate within each trough. The hills may include central depressions to act as traps to reduce condensate flow over the hills.
- The objects and features of the invention noted above are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and in which:
- FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a container according to the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a detail exploded perspective view of the selective vent structure of the container of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line3-3 of FIG. 2, with the selective vent in a closed position;
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3, with the selective vent in the open position;
- FIG. 5 is a top view of the base of the container of FIG. 1, illustrating the base panel structure;
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view along line6-6 of FIG. 5;
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view along line7-7 of FIG. 5; and
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional end view along line8-8 of FIG. 5.
- With reference to FIG. 1, a container according to the present invention is generally designated by
reference numeral 10. Thecontainer 10 includes abase 12 and acover 14. Thebase 12 includes abase panel 16 having an outer periphery, and one ormore side walls 18 extending upward from this periphery to arim 20. The size and shape of the periphery ofbase 12 may vary widely. However, for the intended use within a household refrigerator it is preferred that the periphery have a substantially square (as shown) or rectangular shape, as such may more efficiently utilize the space within a standard refrigerator. Therim 20 will preferably have a shape corresponding to that of thebase panel 16, although this is not required. Thebase 12 is formed of any material safe for food, and which is substantially rigid. Examples include stainless steel, glass, ceramics, and, most preferred, food grade plastics. - The
cover 14 includes an outer periphery corresponding to that of therim 20, such that thecover 14 may form a seal with therim 20. This may be achieved in a variety of ways. For example, thecover 14 may include a depending portion (not shown) inset from its periphery which fits within, and seal s against, the inner face of theside walls 18 just below therim 20. Alternatively, therim 20 could include an upstanding rib (not shown) which mates with a corresponding groove (not shown) in thecover 14. As another example, thecover 14 may include a dependingskirt 22 extending from its periphery (best shown in FIG. 3), and which fits closely about the outer face ofrim 20 when in an assembled position. To provide an actual seal, thecover 14 is formed of, or includes portions formed of, a sufficiently resilient material to form a seal with therim 20. If not formed entirely of this resilient material, at least those peripheral portions which contact at or adjacent to therim 20 are formed of the resilient material. Alternatively, the portions of the base 12 which contact thecover 14 may be formed of the resilient material. - In this manner, the
base 12 and cover 14 may form aclosed container 10 when assembled together. The particular type of seal provided between the base 12 and cover 14 may vary as is known in the art. This seal may be relatively poor to prevent only the passage of relatively large material, may be water-tight, or may be gas-tight. In the most preferred form, a gas-tight seal would be provided. - The above arrangement is well known in the art, from any variety of quality food storage containers. An inventive feature of the present invention, however, is in the provision for selective venting of the container through the
base 12. - Specifically, the
base 12 includes at least one, and preferably two,vent apertures 24 extending through theside wall 18. The vent apertures 24 are located between thebase panel 16 andrim 20, but preferably in proximity to therim 20, as shown. This will ensure that any liquid within the container 10 (and in particular accumulated condensate) will be at a level significantly below that of thevent apertures 24. This will prevent both blockage of thevent apertures 24 by the liquid, and leakage of the liquid through thevent apertures 24. - As is apparent, the
vent apertures 24 will permit the flow of gas to and from the interior ofcontainer 10. As noted above, however, the inventive feature is in providing selective venting of thebase 12. To this end there is provided a means for selectively blocking thevent apertures 24 at the user's discretion. - This means for selectively blocking the
vent apertures 24 may take various forms. For example, gas impervious members (not shown) could be mounted to the interior or exterior face ofbase 12 for movement between first positions spaced from thevent apertures 24, and second positions covering thevent apertures 24. This movement may be effected by sliding the members in a linear or arcuate path. While this arrangement can cause substantial blockage of thevent apertures 24, it is very difficult to achieve a water or gas tight seal. While this may be acceptable, it is preferred to have such a seal. - To provide the desired water or gas-tight seal of the
vent apertures 24, aplug 26 may be associated with each of thevent apertures 24. Eachplug 26 will have a size slightly greater than that of its associatedvent aperture 24, and formed of a slightly resilient material (such as plastic) such that a tight fit is achieved. To improve this fit, theplugs 26 may have enlarged ends which mate with grooves formed within thevent apertures 24, as shown. - The
plugs 26 may be unattached to thebase 12. However, to prevent their loss, it is preferred that they be attached. This may be achieved in numerous ways, such as by securing an end of the plug to theside walls 18 by adhesive, ultrasonic or heat welding, etc. In the preferred embodiment shown, however, theplugs 26 are mounted to thebase 12 for oscillation between a sealing position (shown in FIG. 3) and a venting position (shown in FIG. 4). - This is achieved by forming each
plug 26 as an extension of avent toggle 28. Eachvent toggle 28 includes anouter face 30 and aninner face 32, with theplug 26 extending from theinner face 32. Eachplug 26 also includes aspacer block 34 extending from theinner face 32 at a position spaced from theplug 26. The free end of eachspacer block 34 includes a pair of hinge pins 36 (FIG. 2) extending laterally therefrom. Each of the hinge pins 36 are retained within an associatedtrunnion 38 mounted (preferably as a monolithic extension of) thebase 12. Eachtrunnion 38 has a semi-cylindrical cavity which receives theassociate hinge pin 36 for rotation, but prevents unintentional removal of thehinge pin 36 from thetrunnion 38. As may be seen, the rotation of the hinge pins 36 in thetrunnion 38 will cause theentire vent toggle 28 to rotate, which in turn will cause movement of the associatedplug 26 toward and away from the associatedvent aperture 24. Theplug 26 will thus oscillate between the sealing and venting positions, as desired. - To improve the insertion of the
plug 26 into thevent aperture 24, it may be desirable to form thevent apertures 24 withaperture extensions 40 extending outward from theside wall 18 toward theplug 26. Additionally, to prevent thevent toggle 28 from extending outward from theside walls 18, and thus risking unintentional movement of thevent toggle 28, theside wall 18 surrounding thevent toggle 28 may include adepression 42, as shown. Thisdepression 42 will preferably be of a depth to space theouter face 30 of thevent toggle 28 just within the plane of theside wall 18 when thevent toggle 28 is in the sealing position of FIG. 3. - To operate the vent toggles28, the user may manually press upon the
outer face 30 in the vicinity of theplug 26 to force the plug into thevent aperture 24, thus placing theplug 26 in the sealing position and preventing water and/or gas transfer through thevent aperture 24. To move thevent toggle 28 to the venting position, the user may manually apply pressure to the inner face 32 (i.e., pull) adjacent theplug 26 to remove theplug 26 from thevent aperture 24. Alternatively, thevent toggle 28 may extend below the level of thespacer block 34, as shown. If this is the case, the user may manually press upon theouter face 30 below thespacer block 34 to achieve the same effect. - The above arrangement of an oscillating vent toggle is similar to that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,762,228 to Morgan et al. The main difference is in the placement of the
vent aperture 24 in thebase 12, rather than in thecover 14 as shown in that patent. This difference is important, however. Specifically, the Morgan patent maintains the vent closed during storage, and only opens the vent during microwave reheating. In thepresent container 10, thevent aperture 24 may be maintained open during storage to maintain a constant gas exchange rate. With this in mind, it is noted that space inside a refrigerator is often at a premium, and it is common to stack containers to more efficiently utilize the refrigerator space. Stacking another container upon the device of the Morgan patent would force the toggle closed, thus closing the vent and preventing gas exchange during storage. With the present location of thevent aperture 24 in theside wall 18, stacking of containers is not a problem. Further, in the present invention the use of depression 42 (together with any taper to thesidewalls 18, width ofrim 20, and thickness of skirt 22) may prevent unintended closing of thevent toggle 28 by any adjacent containers. As such, the placement of thevent aperture 24 in the base 12 in the present invention is particularly suited to a container intended to be vented during storage, in contrast with prior art devices. It is noted, however, that the sealing properties of theplug 26 will permit thecontainer 10 to be used in a manner similar to a sealed prior art device, permitting thecontainer 10 to be used not only for storing produce (which should be vented), but also with other foods which should not be vented. - A further difference between the present invention and prior art devices is in the amount of gas transfer permitted. Specifically, the Morgan patent is concerned solely with venting of heated (and thus high pressure) gas to prevent pressure accumulation. The amount of gas released is not important, so long as it is above a certain threshold amount. In the present invention, the amount of gas transfer permitted is important.
- Specifically, fresh produce continues to respire during storage. Further, different types of produce respire at different rates. As such, the amount of gas transfer is preferably variable. Based upon clinical studies, it is preferred that two
vent apertures 24, each having a diameter of between about 2.0 and 5.0 mm, and most preferably approximately 3.5 mm, be employed. This will permit the user to 1) maintain both vent toggles 28 in the sealed position for produce requiring no gas transfer or for non-produce foods; 2) maintain asingle vent toggle 28 in the venting position to permit a low amount of gas transfer for slowly respiring produce; or 3) maintain both vent toggles 28 in the venting position for quickly respiring produce. While a singlelarge vent aperture 24 could be employed, this will provide more gas transfer than is required for some produce types. This may reduce the amount of respiration gas accumulation below optimal amounts for produce ripening, and additionally increases the amount of odor released from thecontainer 10. Similarly, three or moresmaller vent apertures 24 could alternatively be employed, but this increased control over the gas exchange rate increases the complexity of use. The preferred arrangement of twovent aperture 24 is believed to provide the best compromise between these competing factors. - While the above description is an improvement over the prior art for storing produce, another aspect of the present invention also enhances produce storage. This is a unique grid pattern formed in the
base panel 16. - Specifically, the
base panel 16 is not planar, but includes a repetitive undulating surface formed by a series ofhills 44 separated bytroughs 46. Each of thehills 44 andtroughs 46 extend parallel, and thus define lateral ends. This is best illustrated by FIG. 6. Such an arrangement will serve to channel any condensate withincontainer 10 to thetroughs 46, away from the produce resting upon thehills 44. This will also serve to segregate discrete pools of condensate. As such, if bacteria or other organisms begin to grow within one pool, the interveninghills 44 will serve as a barrier against their spread to other pools. - Further, while these
troughs 46 may be linear between the lateral ends, it is preferred that they have a concave downward curvature, illustrated best in FIG. 8. This will serve to further segregate the condensate trapped betweenadjacent hills 44 by forcing flow toward each of the lateral ends, thus subdividing the condensate between theseadjacent hills 44. Further, the condensate adds weight to thecontainer 10. This weight is not stable, however, as the center of mass of the combinedcontainer 10 and condensate shifts with the flow of the condensate withincontainer 10. This shifting of weight may make thecontainer 10 more difficult to lift and carry. The curvature within thetroughs 46 acts as a barrier against flow of the condensate between the lateral ends, thus reducing the shifting of weight. - Finally, each of the
hills 44 preferably includes acentral depression 48 at its apex and spaced inward from the lateral ends, best illustrated by comparison of FIGS. 5 and 7. Thiscentral depression 48 acts as a further barrier against flow of condensate betweenadjacent troughs 46. Specifically, any condensate which flows up ahill 44 will, upon reaching the apex, flow into the associatedcentral depression 48 rather than simply flowing down the opposite side of thathill 44. As may be seen this will serve to trap condensate betweenadjacent troughs 46. While thecentral depression 48 could be extended to the lateral ends, this is not believed to be necessary if thetroughs 46 include the downward concave curvature noted above. This curvature will create deeper portions of thetroughs 46 adjacent the lateral ends, thus reducing the possibility of flow betweenadjacent troughs 46. - This points out the relationship between depth of the
troughs 46 and likelihood of flow betweentroughs 46. As should be apparent, the deeper thetroughs 46, the less likely this flow. However, increasing the depth of thetroughs 46 not only requires more material to formbase 12, but also reduces the available volume withincontainer 10 to store the food. As such, the present arrangement forbase panel 16 provides benefits in condensate segregation while providing increased storage space and using less material. - From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all ends and objects hereinabove set forth together with the other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the structure.
- It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.
- Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.
Claims (13)
1. A vented container for produce, comprising:
a base having a base panel with a periphery, and at least one side wall extending upward from said periphery to a rim;
a cover constructed and arranged to mount upon said rim and close said base, defining an interior of said container;
at least one vent aperture extending through said side wall at a position in proximity to said rim; and
means for selectively blocking said vent aperture.
2. A container as in , wherein said means comprises a plug sized to be frictionally retained within said vent aperture.
claim 1
3. A container as in , wherein said plug extends from an inner face of a vent toggle, and said vent toggle is pivotally mounted to said sidewall for oscillating movement between a venting position in which said plug is spaced from said vent aperture, and a sealing position in which said plug seals said vent aperture.
claim 2
4. A container as in , wherein said vent toggle further includes a spacer block extending from said inner face, and a pair of hinge pins extend from a free end of said spacer block, and wherein said base includes a pair of spaced trunnions extending from said sidewall and pivotally mounting said hinge pins, said oscillating movement being effected by rotation of said hinge pins within said trunnions.
claim 3
5. A container as in , wherein said sidewall further includes a depression therein surrounding and encompassing said vent toggle, said depression serving to space said vent toggle inward to protect said vent toggle against unintentional movement.
claim 4
6. A container as in , wherein said at least one vent aperture comprises two of said vent apertures, and wherein each of said vent apertures has said means for blocking said vent apertures associated therewith for selectively sealing one or both of said vent apertures.
claim 4
7. A container as in , wherein said vent apertures are circular, and have a diameter within the range of approximately 2.5 mm to 5 mm.
claim 6
8. A container as in , wherein said vent apertures have a diameter of approximately 3.5 mm.
claim 7
9. A container as in , wherein said base panel includes an alternating series of hill and troughs having lateral ends, and wherein said troughs are concave downward between said lateral ends.
claim 1
10. A container as in , wherein said base panel further includes a central depression extending into each of said hills, said central depressions being spaced inward from said lateral ends.
claim 9
11. A container as in , wherein said base panel includes an alternating series of hill and troughs having lateral ends, and a central depression extending into each of said hills.
claim 1
12. In a container for storing produce, comprising a base having a base panel with a periphery, at least one side wall extending upward from said periphery to a rim, and a cover constructed and arranged to mount upon said rim and close said base, defining an interior of said container, the improvement comprising:
said base panel including an alternating series of hill and troughs having lateral ends, and a central depression extending into each of said hills.
13. The improvement of , wherein said base panel further includes said troughs being concave downward between said lateral ends, and said central depressions being spaced from said lateral ends.
claim 12
Priority Applications (26)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/223,589 US6367651B2 (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1998-12-30 | Vented container for produce |
ZA9907582A ZA997582B (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-12-09 | Vented container for produce. |
IL13340099A IL133400A (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-12-09 | Vented container for produce |
MYPI99005407A MY123465A (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-12-13 | Vented container for products |
CA002292099A CA2292099C (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-12-13 | Vented container for produce |
AU65231/99A AU751458B2 (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-12-15 | Vented container for produce |
ARP990106466A AR021721A1 (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-12-16 | VENTILATED PRODUCT CONTAINER |
TW088122110A TW430732B (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-12-16 | Vented container for produce |
IS5306A IS5306A (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-12-17 | Ventilated product container |
CO99079027A CO4960676A1 (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-12-17 | VENTILATED CONTAINER FOR PRODUCTS |
DK99126009T DK1016369T3 (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-12-27 | Ventilated container for products |
AT99126009T ATE260593T1 (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-12-27 | VENTILATED CONTAINER FOR PRODUCTS |
DE69915236T DE69915236T2 (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-12-27 | Ventilated container for products |
EP99126009A EP1016369B1 (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-12-27 | Vented container for products |
HR990411A HRP990411B1 (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-12-27 | Vented container for produce |
ES99126009T ES2217683T3 (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-12-27 | VENTILATED CONTAINER FOR PRODUCTS. |
PT99126009T PT1016369E (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-12-27 | VENTILATED VESSEL FOR FRESH VEGETABLES |
CZ0475199A CZ296978B6 (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-12-28 | Vented container for produce |
JP37390999A JP3442330B2 (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-12-28 | Agricultural product degassing type container |
BR9906005-1A BR9906005A (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-12-28 | Container with vents for products, and container for storing product |
KR10-1999-0064400A KR100402039B1 (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-12-29 | Vented container for produce |
HU9904726A HU221454B (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-12-29 | Vented container for food products especially for vegetables and fruits |
PL337548A PL197916B1 (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-12-29 | Container with a vent |
NO996538A NO996538L (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-12-29 | Ventilated container for agricultural products |
IDP991203A ID25931A (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-12-30 | CONTAINER CONTAINERS FOR RESULTS |
CNB991275233A CN1142883C (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1999-12-30 | Container for products having venting holes |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/223,589 US6367651B2 (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1998-12-30 | Vented container for produce |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20010047997A1 true US20010047997A1 (en) | 2001-12-06 |
US6367651B2 US6367651B2 (en) | 2002-04-09 |
Family
ID=22837158
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/223,589 Expired - Lifetime US6367651B2 (en) | 1998-12-30 | 1998-12-30 | Vented container for produce |
Country Status (26)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6367651B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1016369B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP3442330B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR100402039B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1142883C (en) |
AR (1) | AR021721A1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE260593T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU751458B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BR9906005A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2292099C (en) |
CO (1) | CO4960676A1 (en) |
CZ (1) | CZ296978B6 (en) |
DE (1) | DE69915236T2 (en) |
DK (1) | DK1016369T3 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2217683T3 (en) |
HR (1) | HRP990411B1 (en) |
HU (1) | HU221454B (en) |
ID (1) | ID25931A (en) |
IL (1) | IL133400A (en) |
IS (1) | IS5306A (en) |
MY (1) | MY123465A (en) |
NO (1) | NO996538L (en) |
PL (1) | PL197916B1 (en) |
PT (1) | PT1016369E (en) |
TW (1) | TW430732B (en) |
ZA (1) | ZA997582B (en) |
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-
1999
- 1999-12-09 IL IL13340099A patent/IL133400A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1999-12-09 ZA ZA9907582A patent/ZA997582B/en unknown
- 1999-12-13 CA CA002292099A patent/CA2292099C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-12-13 MY MYPI99005407A patent/MY123465A/en unknown
- 1999-12-15 AU AU65231/99A patent/AU751458B2/en not_active Expired
- 1999-12-16 AR ARP990106466A patent/AR021721A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1999-12-16 TW TW088122110A patent/TW430732B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1999-12-17 IS IS5306A patent/IS5306A/en unknown
- 1999-12-17 CO CO99079027A patent/CO4960676A1/en unknown
- 1999-12-27 AT AT99126009T patent/ATE260593T1/en active
- 1999-12-27 ES ES99126009T patent/ES2217683T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-12-27 DK DK99126009T patent/DK1016369T3/en active
- 1999-12-27 PT PT99126009T patent/PT1016369E/en unknown
- 1999-12-27 HR HR990411A patent/HRP990411B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1999-12-27 DE DE69915236T patent/DE69915236T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-12-27 EP EP99126009A patent/EP1016369B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-12-28 CZ CZ0475199A patent/CZ296978B6/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1999-12-28 JP JP37390999A patent/JP3442330B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-12-28 BR BR9906005-1A patent/BR9906005A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1999-12-29 KR KR10-1999-0064400A patent/KR100402039B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1999-12-29 PL PL337548A patent/PL197916B1/en unknown
- 1999-12-29 NO NO996538A patent/NO996538L/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1999-12-29 HU HU9904726A patent/HU221454B/en unknown
- 1999-12-30 CN CNB991275233A patent/CN1142883C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-12-30 ID IDP991203A patent/ID25931A/en unknown
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US20070289979A1 (en) * | 2006-06-15 | 2007-12-20 | Neri Jean | Double-wall plastic produce container having ventilation holes therein, and mold for the manufacture thereof |
US20090242579A1 (en) * | 2008-04-01 | 2009-10-01 | Kai-Cheng Huang | Membrane-type vented food box |
US9226986B2 (en) | 2012-03-05 | 2016-01-05 | Aesculap Ag | Surgical sterilizing container and surgical fluid extraction device |
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