US20160257475A1 - Plug for sealable container - Google Patents
Plug for sealable container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160257475A1 US20160257475A1 US15/059,420 US201615059420A US2016257475A1 US 20160257475 A1 US20160257475 A1 US 20160257475A1 US 201615059420 A US201615059420 A US 201615059420A US 2016257475 A1 US2016257475 A1 US 2016257475A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- lid
- plug
- container
- cylindrical body
- sealing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/18—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
- B65D81/20—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
- B65D81/2007—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum
- B65D81/2038—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum with means for establishing or improving vacuum
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D39/00—Closures arranged within necks or pouring openings or in discharge apertures, e.g. stoppers
- B65D39/0052—Closures arranged within necks or pouring openings or in discharge apertures, e.g. stoppers made in more than one piece
-
- 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
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
-
- 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
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
- B65D43/0202—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element
- B65D43/0214—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured only by friction or gravity
-
- 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
- B65D51/18—Arrangements of closures with protective outer cap-like covers or of two or more co-operating closures
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
- B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
- B65D2251/0006—Upper closure
- B65D2251/0009—Upper closure of the 17-type
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
- B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
- B65D2251/0006—Upper closure
- B65D2251/0028—Upper closure of the 51-type
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
- B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
- B65D2251/0068—Lower closure
- B65D2251/0081—Lower closure of the 43-type
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
- B65D2251/0003—Two or more closures
- B65D2251/0068—Lower closure
- B65D2251/009—Lower closure of the 51-type
Definitions
- the present invention relates to sealable containers such as MasonTM jars, and more particularly to a plug for use with a lid in a vacuum sealed container.
- Home-made pickles, preserves, jams and the like, are typically stored in sealable containers such as MasonTM jars.
- MasonTM jars are ideal for storing such home-made food because the food is placed in the pre-sterilized jars and then a lid with a rubber seal around the circumference is located on the jar's rim.
- the level of oxygen is substantially reducing when sterilizing so that the food inside the jar can be kept for a long period of time. As the interior of the jar cools, the seal becomes stronger and remains so until the jar is opened.
- One of the more favorable aspects of home-made jarred goods is that they typically lack chemical preservatives and therefore are considered to be healthier than store-bought jarred foods.
- the improved apparatus for sealing a container including a lid with a seal thereof that is re-usable, yet provides a quick and easy way to seal a container after it is opened or when closed for the first time during, for example, making home-made food. It is desirable to have an improved lid over the existing art that is capable of sealing jars of different opening sizes.
- Embodiments of the invention describe means for conserving food in a container under vacuum.
- One aspect of the invention provides, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, a unique and advantageous design for a re-usable plug that provides a simple, yet effective, way of preserving food in a container that has been opened.
- the lid of the sealing apparatus is sized and designed to seal containers or jars of various opening diameters.
- It is one object of the invention provides, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, that the lid and the plug of the sealing apparatus are distinct and assembled to each other.
- the plug of the sealing apparatus has a plurality of sealing stages to ensure vacuum is going to be maintained in the container; a two sealing stages plug is embodied in the present application.
- It is one object of the invention provides, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, that the sealing apparatus be actuated with different vacuum pumps with a pump adapter.
- the lid of the sealing apparatus includes a positioning ridge to position the pump in a desired position for removing air from the container.
- the pump includes a mechanism for preventing the plug to move toward the pump when vacuuming the container.
- the lid includes an upward circular ridge and/or a downward circular ridge for respectively locating a pump adaptor and an opening of a container.
- One aspect of the invention provides, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, that the plug has a dome-like shape with a suction cup effect.
- One aspect of the invention provides, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, that the plug is easy to manufacture, using injection molding, with a material suitable to seal the lid that is easy to clean.
- an apparatus for sealing a container for keeping vacuum therein comprising a lid including an upper portion; a lower portion opposed to the upper portion, the lower portion covering an opening of the container when used in cooperation with a container; and a lid opening therethrough allowing air circulation from the container and the environment; a plug blocking the lid opening in a vacuumed configuration when the lid assembly is used in conjunction with a container, the plug allowing air to move from the container to the environment in an air-pumping configuration and allowing air to move from the environment to the container in a vacuum-releasing configuration, the plug comprising a plurality of sealing stages for keeping vacuum in the container when in the vacuumed configuration.
- a plug for use with a container having a lid with a lid opening therein comprising a body having distal and proximal portions, the distal portion being sized for location through the lid opening, the body having a sealing portion for engaging the lid opening to form a seal therewith, the sealing portion being located between the distal and proximal portions; and a cap connected to the proximal portion of the body, the cap being sized and shaped to surround the lid opening, the cap having a sealing edge for sealingly engaging the lid around the lid opening, the body and the cap being usable with a vacuum pump so as to remove air from the container.
- the proximal portion is a first cylindrical body and the distal portion is a second cylindrical body, a longitudinal body axis extending through the first and second cylindrical bodies, the sealing portion being an annular sidewall inclining inwardly towards the body axis from a tower portion of the first cylindrical body to an upper portion of the second cylindrical body.
- a plurality of flanges is connected to a lower portion of the second cylindrical body, the plurality of flanges extending radially outwardly from the second cylindrical body.
- the first cylindrical body has a first diameter
- the second cylindrical body has a second diameter, the first diameter being larger than the second diameter.
- the lid opening has a lid opening diameter.
- the second diameter of the second cylindrical body is smaller than the lid opening diameter to permit insertion of the second cylindrical body through the lid opening.
- the plurality of flanges is larger than the lid opening. The plurality of flanges is sufficiently flexible to permit the second cylindrical body to be inserted through the lid opening.
- the proximal portion is a first cylindrical body and the distal portion is a second cylindrical body, a longitudinal body axis extending through the first and second cylindrical bodies; and the cap is connected to a top portion of the first cylindrical body, the cap being dome-shaped.
- the cap is hingedly connected to the top portion of the first cylindrical body to permit movement of the cap between a default configuration and an operable configuration.
- the cap is hinged with respect to the top portion of the first cylindrical body about an annular hinge, the cap having an intermediate portion located between the annular hinge and the sealing edge, the intermediate portion being wider than the annular hinge and the sealing edge.
- the intermediate portion of the cap is movable relative to the annular hinge and the sealing edge between the default configuration and the operable configuration.
- the sealing edge includes an annular wall disposed downwardly towards the lid of the container.
- the plug is made from a resilient material capable of sustaining cleaning products and high cleaning temperature.
- FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a vacuum apparatus assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a vacuum apparatus assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 3 a is an isometric view of the lid
- b is a top plan view of the lid
- c is a section view of the lid in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 4 a is an isometric view of the seal
- b is a top plan view of the seal
- c is a section view of the seal in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 5 a is an isometric view of the plug
- b is an isometric view of the plug
- c is a side elevation view of the plug
- d is a bottom plan view of the plug in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 6 a is an isometric view of the lid assembly
- b is an isometric view of the lid assembly
- c is a section view of the lid assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 7 a is an isometric view of the adaptor
- b is an isometric view of the adaptor
- c is a bottom plan view of adaptor
- d is a side elevation view of the adaptor
- e is a section view of the adaptor in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 8 a is an exploded view of the adaptor and the lid assembly
- b is a section view of the adaptor and the lid assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 9 a is an elevation view of the adaptor and the lid assembly
- b is a section view of the cooperating adaptor and the lid assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a side elevation section view of a typical vacuum pump in which is embedded the adaptor in an operating configuration with a container in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrate a possible embodiment of a sealing apparatus 10 including a pump 14 , a pump adapter 18 , a seal 22 and a lid 26 with a lid seal 30 .
- the pump 14 is used to created vacuum through the lid assembly 34 .
- Pumps available on the market, using a reciprocal mechanism for pumping air or not, could be used in the context of the present invention.
- the shape, the size and the precise operating principles of the pump can vary to reach the desired result and any variations thereof is considered to remain within the scope of the present invention.
- a suitable pump for use with the present invention is using a manual reciprocal movement of a piston equipped with a one-way valve.
- Such a pump can be bought by StarfritTM (https://www.starfrit.com/en/wine-saver).
- the pump 14 can use a separate pump adapter 18 , or have the pump adapter 18 embedded therein without departing from the scope of the invention.
- the pump adapter 18 or a more adjusted pump adapter (not illustrated), can be used with an electrically powered vacuum machine available on the market (not illustrated) and connects the vacuum tube (not illustrated) of the vacuum machine to the lid assembly 34 to pump air from the container.
- a lid 42 illustratively made of polymer material preferably of food-grade quality and resistant to dishwasher is depicted in FIG. 3 .
- the lid 42 is used to cover the opening of the container by locating a lower surface 46 thereof on the periphery of the container's opening, with an intervening seal 50 illustrated in FIG. 4 , for closing the opening of the container.
- the lid 42 includes, on a lower portion 54 thereof, a downward circular ridge 58 locating the seal 50 about the central axis 62 of the lid 42 and also locating the lid 42 in respect with the container opening.
- a lid opening 66 preferably located about the central axis 62 of the lid 42 allows air exchange between the interior of the container and the environment.
- the lid opening 66 is also located in recess of the downward circular ridge 58 .
- the upper portion 70 of the lid 42 also includes an upward circular ridge 74 protruding from an upper surface 78 of the lid 42 .
- a plug which is going to be discussed in further details below, is going to be centered and protected by the upward circular ridge 74 when installed in its operating position.
- the central surface 82 of the upper portion 70 of the lid 42 is optionally slightly curved 86 improve the seal between the plug and the lid 42 , interaction that is going to be discussed with details below.
- the diameter of the upper circular ridge 74 could vary depending on the plug diameter that could be adapted for a variety of container's configurations.
- the intervening seal 50 sized and designed to match the lower surface 46 of the lid 42 and the configuration of the downward circular ridge 58 is illustrated in FIG. 4 .
- the intervening seal 50 is preferably of food-grade quality and resistant to dishwasher cleaning.
- the seal 50 is preferably made of a material capable of sealing two surfaces together with some pressure applied thereon. Silicon material could be an appropriate material given its flexibility, inert composition and tolerance to chemical products and high heat.
- the thickness of the seal 50 can vary on the actual configuration of the lid 26 and seal 50 arrangement.
- the container is a glass MasonTM jar, although one skilled in the art will understand that the plug 100 will work with any container having a sealable lid.
- the plug 100 is made from a resilient material, such as a silicon base, a rubber base or the like material, which is sufficiently flexible to allow the plug 100 to be inserted into the lid opening 66 , but sufficiently strong to maintain a seal once the air is removed from the container and pressure inside the container is lesser than the environment pressure.
- the plug 100 includes a body 104 and a cap 108 that is dome-shaped in the illustrated embodiment.
- the body 104 includes a proximal portion 112 and a distal portion 116 . Both the proximal and distal portions 112 , 116 are respectively first and second solid cylindrical bodies 120 , 124 .
- the first upper cylindrical body 120 is larger in diameter (volume) than the second cylindrical body 124 . This diameter difference is best seen in FIG. 6 . When viewed in cross section, the diameter of the first cylindrical body 120 is larger than the diameter of the second cylindrical body 124 .
- the second cylindrical body 124 is sufficiently small for a user to locate it through the lid opening 66 .
- a sealing portion 128 is located at the junction between the first and second cylindrical bodies 120 , 124 .
- the sealing portion 128 forms a secondary seal against the inner sidewall of the lid opening 66 .
- the lid opening 66 has a lid opening diameter and the diameter of the second cylindrical body 124 is smaller than the lid opening 66 diameter, to permit insertion of the second cylindrical body 124 through the lid opening 66 .
- a longitudinal body axis 62 extends through the first and second cylindrical bodies 120 , 124 , which when viewed in longitudinal cross section, as seen in FIG. 6 c ), shows that the plug 100 is generally symmetrical about the axis 62 .
- the sealing portion 128 is an annular sidewall 132 , which tapers inwardly towards the body axis 62 from a lower portion 136 of the first cylindrical body 120 to an upper portion 140 of the second cylindrical body 124 .
- a lower portion 140 of the second cylindrical body 124 has an increased diameter 144 , that could also be embodied as flanges (not illustrated), which extends radially outwardly from the second cylindrical body 124 and is generally orthogonal to the body axis 62 .
- the increased diameter 144 is wider than the lid opening 66 and prevents the second cylindrical body 124 from being inadvertently dislodged from the lid opening 66 prior to and during evacuation by a vacuum pump 14 , while at the same time providing sufficient clearance (gap) between lid opening sidewall and the second cylindrical body 124 so that air being drawn from the container can flow freely between the gap.
- the increased diameter 144 is sufficiently flexible to allow the user to insert the second cylindrical body 124 through the lid opening 66 and dislodge the plug 100 from the lid opening 66 whenever desired.
- the illustrated dome-shaped cap 108 is connected to a top portion 148 of the first cylindrical body 120 .
- the examples illustrated show a dome-shaped cap 108 , one skilled in the art will recognize that the shaped of the cap 108 can be changed depending on the ease of manufacture, the application and the materials chosen for the manufacture of the plug 100 .
- the shape of the cap 108 also depends on the type of vacuum pump 14 being used to evacuate the container. The air from the container could be more easily extracted via axial slots 152 depending on the selected configuration.
- a vacuum-releasing member 154 can be appreciated from the Figures.
- the vacuum-releasing member 154 can be pulled by a user to remove the vacuum in the container and release the lid assembly 34 from the container's opening. Vacuum cancellation is done in two steps given the two sealing stages provided by the plug 100 . A first sealing stage is performed by the sealing edge 156 of the plug 100 in contact with the lid 26 , and the second sealing stage is achieved between the sealing portion 128 of the plug 100 body 104 in contact with the lid opening 66 . Pulling on the vacuum-releasing member 154 is disconnecting the sealing edge 156 of the plug in a first time and further pulling on the vacuum-releasing member 154 is going to disengage the sealing portion 128 from the lid opening 66 .
- the cap 108 is sized and shaped to surround the lid opening 66 within the upper circular ridge 74 of the lid 42 to ensure optimal sealing of the plug 100 to the lid 42 .
- the cap 108 has a sealing edge 156 to sealingly engage the lid 42 around the lid opening 66 , and therefore form a primary seal between the plug 100 and the lid 42 .
- the body 104 and the cap 108 cooperate with the vacuum pump 14 so as to allow air removal from the container.
- the cap 108 is flexibly (hingedly) connected to the top portion 148 of the first cylindrical body 120 to permit movement of the cap 108 between an assembled configuration 160 , as seen in FIG.
- the cap 108 is hinged with respect to the top portion 148 of the first cylindrical body 120 about an annular hinge 164 .
- the cap 108 has an intermediate portion 168 located between the annular hinge 164 and the sealing edge 156 .
- the intermediate portion 168 is wider in cross section than the annular hinge 164 and smaller than the peripheral sealing edge 156 .
- the annular hinge 164 and the sealing edge 156 allow the intermediate portion 168 to move relative thereto, between the assembled configuration 160 configuration and the vacuumed configuration.
- the sealing edge 156 can include an optional annular wall 172 that is disposed downwardly towards the lid 42 .
- the pump adaptor 18 is generally hollowed and includes a lid-contacting side 176 and a pump-contacting side 180 preferably molded in a material offering some flexibility that would ensure proper seal between the lid 26 and the pump 14 .
- the lid-contacting side 176 is embodied as a lid contacting portion 184 configured to fit inside the upward circular ridge 74 and contact the lid 26 to prevent air circulation therebetween.
- the thickness and the shape of the contacting portion 184 can have different configurations to work with lid assembly 34 using design variations.
- the pump-contacting side 180 includes a pump contacting portion 188 configured to cooperate with the pump 14 with a junction thereof that prevents air circulation therebetween to create the desired vacuum in the container.
- the thickness and the shape of the pump contacting portion 188 can have different configurations to work with pumps 14 having design variations.
- the pump adaptor 18 includes a plug stopper 192 axially located at a distance 196 to slightly contact, or having a slight play with the plug 100 , to prevent the plug to be aspired by the pump 14 when the pump is actuated and air is channeled from the container to the environment through the pump 14 actuation. Openings 200 in the plug stopper 192 , that is embodied between semi-circular cross-like members 204 configured to stop the plug 100 , allow air transmission through the plug stopper 192 .
- the plug stopper 192 is housed in a cavity 208 sized and designed to encompass the plug 100 without interfering with its optimal operation.
- the lid assembly 34 and the pump adaptor 18 are illustrated in FIG. 9 in a possible operating configuration.
- a user would align the plug 100 along the axis 66 of the lid opening 66 .
- the vacuum pump 14 with the pump adapter 18 is located over the plug 100 and pressed down onto the lid 26 of the container to ensure a good seal around the plug 100 .
- a vacuum pump piston 220 is actuated along direction shown by arrow 224 , a piston head 228 moves rearwardly by the user pulling on the piston 220 relative to the cylinder 232 . This action draws the air out of the container along the exemplary pathway 236 shown by the solid arrows.
- the plug stopper 192 extending from the adapter 18 above the top portion 148 of the first cylindrical body 120 prevents the plug 100 from being displaced by the air suction.
- the cap intermediate portion 168 moves outwardly about the hinge 164 so that the sealing portion 128 sealingly engages the lid opening 66 inner sidewall and the sealing edge 156 sealingly contacts the lid 26 .
- the vacuum pump 14 is then removed from the plug 100 .
- the user applies a force on the vacuum-releasing member 154 to locally lift the sealing edge 156 such that the seals are broken and the air flows back into the container.
- the plug 100 is then removable from the lid 26 for cleaning. Once the contents of the container are removed, the container can then be re-sealed by repeating the steps described above.
Abstract
Disclosed herein is an apparatus for sealing containers of various opening sizes including a plug for use with a container having a lid with a lid opening therein. The plug includes a body having distal and proximal portions. The distal portion is sized for location through the Sid opening. The body has a sealing portion for engaging the lid opening to form a seal with it. The sealing portion is located between the distal and proximal portions. A cap is connected to the proximal portion of the body. The cap is sized and shaped to surround the lid opening. The cap has a sealing edge for sealingly engaging the lid around the lid opening. The body and the cap are cooperable usable with a vacuum pump to remove air from the container.
Description
- The present application relates to, is a non-provisional application of and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/128,728 filed Mar. 5, 2015, entitled PLUG FOR A SEALABLE CONTAINER. All this document is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
- The present invention relates to sealable containers such as Mason™ jars, and more particularly to a plug for use with a lid in a vacuum sealed container.
- Home-made pickles, preserves, jams and the like, are typically stored in sealable containers such as Mason™ jars. Mason™ jars are ideal for storing such home-made food because the food is placed in the pre-sterilized jars and then a lid with a rubber seal around the circumference is located on the jar's rim. The level of oxygen is substantially reducing when sterilizing so that the food inside the jar can be kept for a long period of time. As the interior of the jar cools, the seal becomes stronger and remains so until the jar is opened. One of the more favorable aspects of home-made jarred goods is that they typically lack chemical preservatives and therefore are considered to be healthier than store-bought jarred foods. This is particularly true for baby food when the contamination of baby food can cause gastrointestinal problems for the baby. Once the jar is opened, however, the food inside is subject to contamination from airborne pathogens such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. Storing the opened jar in a refrigerator is often the mean used to store the opened jar, but the risk of food spoilage is still high. One drawback of sterilization is that the seal has to melt in the process to tightly secure the lid on the jar. The lid, once the jar is opened after sterilization, has a damaged seal that is generally not anymore in a condition to offer a good seal with the jar.
- Thus, there is a need for an improved lid over the existing art. It is desirable the improved apparatus for sealing a container including a lid with a seal thereof that is re-usable, yet provides a quick and easy way to seal a container after it is opened or when closed for the first time during, for example, making home-made food. It is desirable to have an improved lid over the existing art that is capable of sealing jars of different opening sizes.
- Accordingly, there is a need for an improved apparatus for sealing a container that can be easily installed and economically manufactured.
- It is one aspect of the present invention to alleviate one or more of the drawbacks of the background art by addressing one or more of the existing needs in the art. Accordingly, embodiments of this invention provide an improved apparatus for sealing a container over the existing art.
- Embodiments of the invention describe means for conserving food in a container under vacuum.
- One aspect of the invention provides, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, a unique and advantageous design for a re-usable plug that provides a simple, yet effective, way of preserving food in a container that has been opened.
- It is one object of the invention provides, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, that the lid of the sealing apparatus is sized and designed to seal containers or jars of various opening diameters.
- It is one object of the invention provides, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, that the lid and the plug of the sealing apparatus are distinct and assembled to each other.
- It is one object of the invention provides, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, that the plug of the sealing apparatus has a plurality of sealing stages to ensure vacuum is going to be maintained in the container; a two sealing stages plug is embodied in the present application.
- It is one object of the invention provides, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, that the sealing apparatus be actuated with different vacuum pumps with a pump adapter.
- It is one aspect of the invention provides, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, that the lid of the sealing apparatus includes a positioning ridge to position the pump in a desired position for removing air from the container.
- It is one aspect of the invention provides, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, that the pump includes a mechanism for preventing the plug to move toward the pump when vacuuming the container.
- It is one aspect of the invention provides, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, that the lid includes an upward circular ridge and/or a downward circular ridge for respectively locating a pump adaptor and an opening of a container.
- One aspect of the invention provides, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, that the plug has a dome-like shape with a suction cup effect.
- One aspect of the invention provides, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, that the plug is easy to manufacture, using injection molding, with a material suitable to seal the lid that is easy to clean.
- One aspect of the invention provides, in accordance with at least one embodiment thereof, an apparatus for sealing a container for keeping vacuum therein, the apparatus comprising a lid including an upper portion; a lower portion opposed to the upper portion, the lower portion covering an opening of the container when used in cooperation with a container; and a lid opening therethrough allowing air circulation from the container and the environment; a plug blocking the lid opening in a vacuumed configuration when the lid assembly is used in conjunction with a container, the plug allowing air to move from the container to the environment in an air-pumping configuration and allowing air to move from the environment to the container in a vacuum-releasing configuration, the plug comprising a plurality of sealing stages for keeping vacuum in the container when in the vacuumed configuration.
- Accordingly, one aspect of the invention provided here is a plug for use with a container having a lid with a lid opening therein, the plug comprising a body having distal and proximal portions, the distal portion being sized for location through the lid opening, the body having a sealing portion for engaging the lid opening to form a seal therewith, the sealing portion being located between the distal and proximal portions; and a cap connected to the proximal portion of the body, the cap being sized and shaped to surround the lid opening, the cap having a sealing edge for sealingly engaging the lid around the lid opening, the body and the cap being usable with a vacuum pump so as to remove air from the container.
- In one example, the proximal portion is a first cylindrical body and the distal portion is a second cylindrical body, a longitudinal body axis extending through the first and second cylindrical bodies, the sealing portion being an annular sidewall inclining inwardly towards the body axis from a tower portion of the first cylindrical body to an upper portion of the second cylindrical body. A plurality of flanges is connected to a lower portion of the second cylindrical body, the plurality of flanges extending radially outwardly from the second cylindrical body. The first cylindrical body has a first diameter, the second cylindrical body has a second diameter, the first diameter being larger than the second diameter. The lid opening has a lid opening diameter. The second diameter of the second cylindrical body is smaller than the lid opening diameter to permit insertion of the second cylindrical body through the lid opening. The plurality of flanges is larger than the lid opening. The plurality of flanges is sufficiently flexible to permit the second cylindrical body to be inserted through the lid opening.
- In another example, the proximal portion is a first cylindrical body and the distal portion is a second cylindrical body, a longitudinal body axis extending through the first and second cylindrical bodies; and the cap is connected to a top portion of the first cylindrical body, the cap being dome-shaped. The cap is hingedly connected to the top portion of the first cylindrical body to permit movement of the cap between a default configuration and an operable configuration. The cap is hinged with respect to the top portion of the first cylindrical body about an annular hinge, the cap having an intermediate portion located between the annular hinge and the sealing edge, the intermediate portion being wider than the annular hinge and the sealing edge. The intermediate portion of the cap is movable relative to the annular hinge and the sealing edge between the default configuration and the operable configuration. The sealing edge includes an annular wall disposed downwardly towards the lid of the container.
- In another example, the plug is made from a resilient material capable of sustaining cleaning products and high cleaning temperature.
- Other embodiments and further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
- Additional and/or alternative advantages and salient features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, disclose preferred embodiments of the invention.
- These and other features of that described herein will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings herein:
-
FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a vacuum apparatus assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a vacuum apparatus assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 a) is an isometric view of the lid, b) is a top plan view of the lid and c) is a section view of the lid in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 a) is an isometric view of the seal, b) is a top plan view of the seal and c) is a section view of the seal in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 a) is an isometric view of the plug, b) is an isometric view of the plug, c) is a side elevation view of the plug, and d) is a bottom plan view of the plug in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 a) is an isometric view of the lid assembly, b) is an isometric view of the lid assembly, and c) is a section view of the lid assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 a) is an isometric view of the adaptor, b) is an isometric view of the adaptor, c) is a bottom plan view of adaptor, d) is a side elevation view of the adaptor, e) is a section view of the adaptor in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 8 a) is an exploded view of the adaptor and the lid assembly, and b) is a section view of the adaptor and the lid assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 9 a) is an elevation view of the adaptor and the lid assembly, and b) is a section view of the cooperating adaptor and the lid assembly in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 10 is a side elevation section view of a typical vacuum pump in which is embedded the adaptor in an operating configuration with a container in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention. - A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described bellow with reference to the drawings.
-
FIG. 1 andFIG. 2 illustrate a possible embodiment of a sealingapparatus 10 including apump 14, apump adapter 18, aseal 22 and alid 26 with alid seal 30. Thepump 14 is used to created vacuum through thelid assembly 34. Pumps available on the market, using a reciprocal mechanism for pumping air or not, could be used in the context of the present invention. The shape, the size and the precise operating principles of the pump can vary to reach the desired result and any variations thereof is considered to remain within the scope of the present invention. Generally, a suitable pump for use with the present invention is using a manual reciprocal movement of a piston equipped with a one-way valve. Such a pump can be bought by Starfrit™ (https://www.starfrit.com/en/wine-saver). Thepump 14 can use aseparate pump adapter 18, or have thepump adapter 18 embedded therein without departing from the scope of the invention. Alternatively, thepump adapter 18, or a more adjusted pump adapter (not illustrated), can be used with an electrically powered vacuum machine available on the market (not illustrated) and connects the vacuum tube (not illustrated) of the vacuum machine to thelid assembly 34 to pump air from the container. - A
lid 42, illustratively made of polymer material preferably of food-grade quality and resistant to dishwasher is depicted inFIG. 3 . Thelid 42 is used to cover the opening of the container by locating alower surface 46 thereof on the periphery of the container's opening, with an interveningseal 50 illustrated inFIG. 4 , for closing the opening of the container. Thelid 42 includes, on alower portion 54 thereof, a downwardcircular ridge 58 locating theseal 50 about thecentral axis 62 of thelid 42 and also locating thelid 42 in respect with the container opening. Alid opening 66 preferably located about thecentral axis 62 of thelid 42 allows air exchange between the interior of the container and the environment. Thelid opening 66 is also located in recess of the downwardcircular ridge 58. Theupper portion 70 of thelid 42 also includes an upwardcircular ridge 74 protruding from anupper surface 78 of thelid 42. A plug, which is going to be discussed in further details below, is going to be centered and protected by the upwardcircular ridge 74 when installed in its operating position. Thecentral surface 82 of theupper portion 70 of thelid 42 is optionally slightly curved 86 improve the seal between the plug and thelid 42, interaction that is going to be discussed with details below. The diameter of the uppercircular ridge 74 could vary depending on the plug diameter that could be adapted for a variety of container's configurations. - The intervening
seal 50 sized and designed to match thelower surface 46 of thelid 42 and the configuration of the downwardcircular ridge 58 is illustrated inFIG. 4 . The interveningseal 50 is preferably of food-grade quality and resistant to dishwasher cleaning. Theseal 50 is preferably made of a material capable of sealing two surfaces together with some pressure applied thereon. Silicon material could be an appropriate material given its flexibility, inert composition and tolerance to chemical products and high heat. The thickness of theseal 50 can vary on the actual configuration of thelid 26 and seal 50 arrangement. - Referring now to
FIG. 5 , there is illustrated generally aplug 100 for use with thelid 26 for sealing thelid opening 66. In one example, the container is a glass Mason™ jar, although one skilled in the art will understand that theplug 100 will work with any container having a sealable lid. Theplug 100 is made from a resilient material, such as a silicon base, a rubber base or the like material, which is sufficiently flexible to allow theplug 100 to be inserted into thelid opening 66, but sufficiently strong to maintain a seal once the air is removed from the container and pressure inside the container is lesser than the environment pressure. Broadly speaking, theplug 100 includes abody 104 and acap 108 that is dome-shaped in the illustrated embodiment. Thebody 104 includes aproximal portion 112 and adistal portion 116. Both the proximal anddistal portions cylindrical bodies cylindrical body 120 is larger in diameter (volume) than the secondcylindrical body 124. This diameter difference is best seen inFIG. 6 . When viewed in cross section, the diameter of the firstcylindrical body 120 is larger than the diameter of the secondcylindrical body 124. The secondcylindrical body 124 is sufficiently small for a user to locate it through thelid opening 66. A sealingportion 128 is located at the junction between the first and secondcylindrical bodies cylindrical body 124 is located in thelid opening 66 in an operable configuration (as shown inFIG. 6 ), the sealingportion 128 forms a secondary seal against the inner sidewall of thelid opening 66. Thelid opening 66 has a lid opening diameter and the diameter of the secondcylindrical body 124 is smaller than thelid opening 66 diameter, to permit insertion of the secondcylindrical body 124 through thelid opening 66. - Referring now to
FIG. 1 throughoutFIG. 6 , alongitudinal body axis 62 extends through the first and secondcylindrical bodies FIG. 6 c), shows that theplug 100 is generally symmetrical about theaxis 62. The sealingportion 128 is anannular sidewall 132, which tapers inwardly towards thebody axis 62 from alower portion 136 of the firstcylindrical body 120 to anupper portion 140 of the secondcylindrical body 124. At alower portion 140 of the secondcylindrical body 124 has an increaseddiameter 144, that could also be embodied as flanges (not illustrated), which extends radially outwardly from the secondcylindrical body 124 and is generally orthogonal to thebody axis 62. The increaseddiameter 144, as best seen inFIG. 6 c), is wider than thelid opening 66 and prevents the secondcylindrical body 124 from being inadvertently dislodged from thelid opening 66 prior to and during evacuation by avacuum pump 14, while at the same time providing sufficient clearance (gap) between lid opening sidewall and the secondcylindrical body 124 so that air being drawn from the container can flow freely between the gap. The increaseddiameter 144 is sufficiently flexible to allow the user to insert the secondcylindrical body 124 through thelid opening 66 and dislodge theplug 100 from thelid opening 66 whenever desired. - Still referring to
FIG. 1 throughoutFIG. 6 , the illustrated dome-shapedcap 108 is connected to atop portion 148 of the firstcylindrical body 120. it should be noted that although the examples illustrated show a dome-shapedcap 108, one skilled in the art will recognize that the shaped of thecap 108 can be changed depending on the ease of manufacture, the application and the materials chosen for the manufacture of theplug 100. The shape of thecap 108 also depends on the type ofvacuum pump 14 being used to evacuate the container. The air from the container could be more easily extracted viaaxial slots 152 depending on the selected configuration. A vacuum-releasingmember 154 can be appreciated from the Figures. The vacuum-releasingmember 154 can be pulled by a user to remove the vacuum in the container and release thelid assembly 34 from the container's opening. Vacuum cancellation is done in two steps given the two sealing stages provided by theplug 100. A first sealing stage is performed by the sealingedge 156 of theplug 100 in contact with thelid 26, and the second sealing stage is achieved between the sealingportion 128 of theplug 100body 104 in contact with thelid opening 66. Pulling on the vacuum-releasingmember 154 is disconnecting the sealingedge 156 of the plug in a first time and further pulling on the vacuum-releasingmember 154 is going to disengage the sealingportion 128 from thelid opening 66. - The
cap 108 is sized and shaped to surround thelid opening 66 within the uppercircular ridge 74 of thelid 42 to ensure optimal sealing of theplug 100 to thelid 42. Thecap 108 has a sealingedge 156 to sealingly engage thelid 42 around thelid opening 66, and therefore form a primary seal between theplug 100 and thelid 42. Together, thebody 104 and thecap 108 cooperate with thevacuum pump 14 so as to allow air removal from the container. Thecap 108 is flexibly (hingedly) connected to thetop portion 148 of the firstcylindrical body 120 to permit movement of thecap 108 between an assembledconfiguration 160, as seen inFIG. 6 , and the vacuumed configuration when the sealingportion 128 is moved lower in contact with thelid opening 66 and the sealingedge 156 is in contact with thecentral surface 82 when the container is vacuumed and thebody 104 is pulled inside thelid opening 66. Thecap 108 is hinged with respect to thetop portion 148 of the firstcylindrical body 120 about anannular hinge 164. Thecap 108 has anintermediate portion 168 located between theannular hinge 164 and the sealingedge 156. Theintermediate portion 168 is wider in cross section than theannular hinge 164 and smaller than theperipheral sealing edge 156. Theannular hinge 164 and the sealingedge 156 allow theintermediate portion 168 to move relative thereto, between the assembledconfiguration 160 configuration and the vacuumed configuration. The sealingedge 156 can include an optionalannular wall 172 that is disposed downwardly towards thelid 42. - Moving now to
FIG. 7 illustrating apump adaptor 18. Thepump adaptor 18 is generally hollowed and includes a lid-contactingside 176 and a pump-contactingside 180 preferably molded in a material offering some flexibility that would ensure proper seal between thelid 26 and thepump 14. The lid-contactingside 176 is embodied as alid contacting portion 184 configured to fit inside the upwardcircular ridge 74 and contact thelid 26 to prevent air circulation therebetween. The thickness and the shape of the contactingportion 184 can have different configurations to work withlid assembly 34 using design variations. On the other axial side, the pump-contactingside 180 includes apump contacting portion 188 configured to cooperate with thepump 14 with a junction thereof that prevents air circulation therebetween to create the desired vacuum in the container. The thickness and the shape of thepump contacting portion 188 can have different configurations to work withpumps 14 having design variations. - Another feature in embedded in the
pump adaptor 18 to axially maintain theplug 100 in its operating position in respect with thelid 26. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 7 ,FIG. 8 andFIG. 9 , one can appreciate thepump adaptor 18 includes aplug stopper 192 axially located at adistance 196 to slightly contact, or having a slight play with theplug 100, to prevent the plug to be aspired by thepump 14 when the pump is actuated and air is channeled from the container to the environment through thepump 14 actuation.Openings 200 in theplug stopper 192, that is embodied between semi-circularcross-like members 204 configured to stop theplug 100, allow air transmission through theplug stopper 192. Theplug stopper 192 is housed in acavity 208 sized and designed to encompass theplug 100 without interfering with its optimal operation. Thelid assembly 34 and thepump adaptor 18 are illustrated inFIG. 9 in a possible operating configuration. - In an exemplary typical use of the apparatus for sealing a container, a user would align the
plug 100 along theaxis 66 of thelid opening 66. Once thebody 104 increaseddiameter 144 is manipulated to insert the secondcylindrical body 124 through thelid opening 66, thevacuum pump 14 with thepump adapter 18 is located over theplug 100 and pressed down onto thelid 26 of the container to ensure a good seal around theplug 100. As avacuum pump piston 220 is actuated along direction shown byarrow 224, apiston head 228 moves rearwardly by the user pulling on thepiston 220 relative to the cylinder 232. This action draws the air out of the container along theexemplary pathway 236 shown by the solid arrows. At the same time, theplug stopper 192 extending from theadapter 18 above thetop portion 148 of the firstcylindrical body 120 prevents theplug 100 from being displaced by the air suction. Once the optimal internal negative pressure is achieved inside the container, the capintermediate portion 168 moves outwardly about thehinge 164 so that the sealingportion 128 sealingly engages thelid opening 66 inner sidewall and the sealingedge 156 sealingly contacts thelid 26. Thevacuum pump 14 is then removed from theplug 100. To release theplug 100, the user applies a force on the vacuum-releasingmember 154 to locally lift the sealingedge 156 such that the seals are broken and the air flows back into the container. Theplug 100 is then removable from thelid 26 for cleaning. Once the contents of the container are removed, the container can then be re-sealed by repeating the steps described above. - While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments and elements, but, to the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications, combinations of features, equivalent arrangements, and equivalent elements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, the dimensions of features of various components that may appear on the drawings are not meant to be limiting, and the size of the components therein can vary from the size that may be portrayed in the figures herein. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of the invention, provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims (20)
1. An apparatus for sealing a container for keeping vacuum therein, the apparatus comprising:
a lid including
an upper portion;
a lower portion opposed to the upper portion, the lower portion covering an opening of the container when used in cooperation with a container; and
a lid opening therethrough allowing air circulation from the container and the environment;
a plug blocking the lid opening in a vacuumed configuration when the lid assembly is used in conjunction with a container, the plug allowing air to move from the container to the environment in an air-pumping configuration and allowing air to move from the environment to the container in a vacuum-releasing configuration, the plug comprising a plurality of sealing stages for keeping vacuum in the container when in the vacuumed configuration.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of sealing stages includes a first sealing stage provided by a first seal with the lid and a second sealing stage provided by a second seal with the lid.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the first sealing stage provided by a first seal is made with the upper portion of the lid and the second sealing stage is made with an axial engagement with the lid opening.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plug is made of a flexible polymer.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the lower portion includes a downward circular ridge.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the upper portion includes an upward circular ridge.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plug includes a suction-cup-like upper portion.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a pump adaptor for creating a vacuum in the container with a pump, the pump adaptor being disposed between the lid and the pump.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plug includes a suction-cup-like upper portion.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the lid opening is located about a central axis of the lid.
11. A plug for use with a container having a lid with a lid opening therein, the plug comprising:
a body having distal and proximal portions, the distal portion being sized for location through the lid opening, the body having a sealing portion for engaging the lid opening to form a seal therewith, the sealing portion being located between the distal and proximal portions; and
a cap connected to the proximal portion of the body, the cap being sized and shaped to surround the lid opening, the cap having a sealing edge for sealingly engaging the lid around the lid opening, the body and the cap being cooperable with a vacuum pump so as to remove air from the container upon actuation of the vacuum pump.
12. The plug of claim 11 , wherein the proximal portion is a first cylindrical body and the distal portion is a second cylindrical body, a longitudinal body axis extending through the first and second cylindrical bodies, the sealing portion being an annular sidewall inclining inwardly towards the body axis from a lower portion of the first cylindrical body to an upper portion of the second cylindrical body.
13. The plug of claim 12 , wherein a plurality of flanges is connected to a lower portion of the second cylindrical body, the plurality of flanges extending radially outwardly from the second cylindrical body.
14. The plug of claim 12 , wherein the first cylindrical body has a first diameter, the second cylindrical body has a second diameter, the first diameter being larger than the second diameter.
15. The plug of claim 14 , wherein the lid opening has a lid opening diameter, the second diameter of the second cylindrical body being smaller than the lid opening diameter to permit the insertion of the second cylindrical body through the lid opening.
16. The plug of claim 13 , wherein the plurality of flanges is larger than the lid opening.
17. The plug of claim 13 , wherein the plurality of flanges is sufficiently flexible to permit the second cylindrical body to be inserted through the lid opening.
18. The plug of claim 11 , wherein the proximal portion is a first cylindrical body and the distal portion is a second cylindrical body, a longitudinal body axis extending through the first and second cylindrical bodies, and the cap is connected to a top portion of the first cylindrical body, the cap being dome-shaped.
19. The plug of claim 18 , wherein the cap is hingeably connected to the top portion of the first cylindrical body to permit movement of the cap between a default configuration and an operable configuration.
20. The plug of claim 19 , wherein the cap is hinged with respect to the top portion of the first cylindrical body about an annular hinge, the cap having an intermediate portion located between the annular hinge and the sealing edge, the intermediate portion being wider than the annular hinge and the sealing edge.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/059,420 US20160257475A1 (en) | 2015-03-05 | 2016-03-03 | Plug for sealable container |
CA2922497A CA2922497A1 (en) | 2015-03-05 | 2016-03-03 | Apparatus for sealing a container and method of use thereof |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201562128728P | 2015-03-05 | 2015-03-05 | |
US15/059,420 US20160257475A1 (en) | 2015-03-05 | 2016-03-03 | Plug for sealable container |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20160257475A1 true US20160257475A1 (en) | 2016-09-08 |
Family
ID=56850605
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/059,420 Abandoned US20160257475A1 (en) | 2015-03-05 | 2016-03-03 | Plug for sealable container |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20160257475A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2922497A1 (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10905286B2 (en) | 2017-07-06 | 2021-02-02 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Food processing device, comprising a jar |
US10995713B2 (en) * | 2019-02-15 | 2021-05-04 | Will MATTALIANO | Systems and methods for priming a fuel filtration housing |
US20210206549A1 (en) * | 2019-05-02 | 2021-07-08 | Neoflam Inc. | Sealing packing coupled to container lid |
US20210254892A1 (en) * | 2019-09-26 | 2021-08-19 | Burp Lids LLC | Apparatus for plants in a container with a sealed lid |
US11253892B2 (en) * | 2018-12-28 | 2022-02-22 | Bollegraaf Patents And Brands B.V. | Suction head for a waste sorting system |
US11286098B2 (en) * | 2019-12-09 | 2022-03-29 | Lenntek Corporation | Resealable container cap |
US20220106100A1 (en) * | 2020-10-02 | 2022-04-07 | Lara CLAIR | Method and apparatus for storing food |
WO2023087440A1 (en) * | 2021-11-22 | 2023-05-25 | 深圳市晶鼎包装材料有限公司 | Vacuum pump |
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US5405038A (en) * | 1993-12-02 | 1995-04-11 | Chuang; Hsiao-Cheng | Vacuum food container device |
US5941391A (en) * | 1997-09-03 | 1999-08-24 | Jury; Dan E. | Vacuum storage system |
US6675982B2 (en) * | 2001-02-23 | 2004-01-13 | Tilia International, Inc. | Lid with a pump/bellows device |
US20080135126A1 (en) * | 2003-10-01 | 2008-06-12 | Lemme Anthony R | Motorized vacuum/pressure marinating food and storage container |
US7621416B2 (en) * | 2003-12-27 | 2009-11-24 | Formaster S.A. | Cover of a container, especially of a vacuum receptacle for storage of foodstuffs |
US9949587B2 (en) * | 2012-10-08 | 2018-04-24 | Glovac Aps | Device for taking a glove on and off, and a glove |
-
2016
- 2016-03-03 CA CA2922497A patent/CA2922497A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2016-03-03 US US15/059,420 patent/US20160257475A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US5405038A (en) * | 1993-12-02 | 1995-04-11 | Chuang; Hsiao-Cheng | Vacuum food container device |
US5941391A (en) * | 1997-09-03 | 1999-08-24 | Jury; Dan E. | Vacuum storage system |
US6675982B2 (en) * | 2001-02-23 | 2004-01-13 | Tilia International, Inc. | Lid with a pump/bellows device |
US20080135126A1 (en) * | 2003-10-01 | 2008-06-12 | Lemme Anthony R | Motorized vacuum/pressure marinating food and storage container |
US7621416B2 (en) * | 2003-12-27 | 2009-11-24 | Formaster S.A. | Cover of a container, especially of a vacuum receptacle for storage of foodstuffs |
US9949587B2 (en) * | 2012-10-08 | 2018-04-24 | Glovac Aps | Device for taking a glove on and off, and a glove |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10905286B2 (en) | 2017-07-06 | 2021-02-02 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Food processing device, comprising a jar |
US11253892B2 (en) * | 2018-12-28 | 2022-02-22 | Bollegraaf Patents And Brands B.V. | Suction head for a waste sorting system |
US10995713B2 (en) * | 2019-02-15 | 2021-05-04 | Will MATTALIANO | Systems and methods for priming a fuel filtration housing |
US20210206549A1 (en) * | 2019-05-02 | 2021-07-08 | Neoflam Inc. | Sealing packing coupled to container lid |
US11655084B2 (en) * | 2019-05-02 | 2023-05-23 | Neoflam Inc. | Sealing packing coupled to container lid |
US20210254892A1 (en) * | 2019-09-26 | 2021-08-19 | Burp Lids LLC | Apparatus for plants in a container with a sealed lid |
US11286098B2 (en) * | 2019-12-09 | 2022-03-29 | Lenntek Corporation | Resealable container cap |
US20220106100A1 (en) * | 2020-10-02 | 2022-04-07 | Lara CLAIR | Method and apparatus for storing food |
US11845601B2 (en) * | 2020-10-02 | 2023-12-19 | Lara CLAIR | Method and apparatus for storing food |
WO2023087440A1 (en) * | 2021-11-22 | 2023-05-25 | 深圳市晶鼎包装材料有限公司 | Vacuum pump |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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CA2922497A1 (en) | 2016-09-05 |
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