WO2012160558A1 - Système et procédé de stockage d'objets - Google Patents

Système et procédé de stockage d'objets Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2012160558A1
WO2012160558A1 PCT/IL2012/050180 IL2012050180W WO2012160558A1 WO 2012160558 A1 WO2012160558 A1 WO 2012160558A1 IL 2012050180 W IL2012050180 W IL 2012050180W WO 2012160558 A1 WO2012160558 A1 WO 2012160558A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
items
storage space
pliable sheet
internal space
drawer
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IL2012/050180
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Ronen AVRECH
Original Assignee
Presyst Preservation System Technologies Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Presyst Preservation System Technologies Ltd. filed Critical Presyst Preservation System Technologies Ltd.
Priority to EP12790146.0A priority Critical patent/EP2709916A4/fr
Publication of WO2012160558A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012160558A1/fr
Priority to IL229496A priority patent/IL229496A0/en
Priority to US14/084,719 priority patent/US20140075889A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
    • B65B31/04—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23B—PRESERVING, e.g. BY CANNING, MEAT, FISH, EGGS, FRUIT, VEGETABLES, EDIBLE SEEDS; CHEMICAL RIPENING OF FRUIT OR VEGETABLES; THE PRESERVED, RIPENED, OR CANNED PRODUCTS
    • A23B7/00—Preservation or chemical ripening of fruit or vegetables
    • A23B7/14—Preserving or ripening with chemicals not covered by groups A23B7/08 or A23B7/10
    • A23B7/144—Preserving or ripening with chemicals not covered by groups A23B7/08 or A23B7/10 in the form of gases, e.g. fumigation; Compositions or apparatus therefor
    • A23B7/148—Preserving or ripening with chemicals not covered by groups A23B7/08 or A23B7/10 in the form of gases, e.g. fumigation; Compositions or apparatus therefor in a controlled atmosphere, e.g. partial vacuum, comprising only CO2, N2, O2 or H2O
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
    • A23L3/00—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs
    • A23L3/34—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by treatment with chemicals
    • A23L3/3409—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by treatment with chemicals in the form of gases, e.g. fumigation; Compositions or apparatus therefor
    • A23L3/3418—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by treatment with chemicals in the form of gases, e.g. fumigation; Compositions or apparatus therefor in a controlled atmosphere, e.g. partial vacuum, comprising only CO2, N2, O2 or H2O
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D17/00—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
    • F25D17/04—Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating air, e.g. by convection
    • F25D17/042—Air treating means within refrigerated spaces
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D2317/00—Details or arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Details or arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces, not provided for in other groups of this subclass
    • F25D2317/04—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments
    • F25D2317/043—Treating air flowing to refrigeration compartments by creating a vacuum in a storage compartment

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a system and method for storing items and specifically to a system that can be used to preserve or secure items under reduced volume and optionally pressure while enabling rapid access to stored items.
  • vacuum packaging which removes air from package helps to preserve foods by eliminating some or all of the air inside the package.
  • a vacuum sealing system is the Foodsaver® system which utilizes a bag/container and sealing device to seal food items under vacuum and keep it fresh up to 5 times longer than ordinary storage devices like zipper bags, foil, plastic wrap, lid-top containers and the like.
  • US patent No. 6,148,875 and US Pat. Appln No. 20090194193 are directed to a refrigerator drawer for storing fruits and vegetables.
  • the drawer plugs into a vacuum source in a refrigerator to evacuate air from the storage compartment.
  • the drawer contains a mechanism to release the pressure in order to open the drawer and retrieve the food products.
  • the vacuum source must be re-activated in order to evacuate air from the drawer.
  • the above described vacuum systems suffer from several inherent limitations. Since the vacuum compartment is rigid, the amount of air that can be removed therefrom is typically about 10% of the air volume in the compartment (10% absolute vacuum). This is due to the fact that drawing air from a rigid compartment requires a large vacuum force and produces external forces on the compartment which can lead to collapse of the compartment.
  • drawing air out of a rigid compartment can take several minutes and requires a large capacity vacuum pump due to the buildup of negative pressure within the rigid compartment.
  • a system for storing items comprising a rigid chamber having an internal space and including a mechanism for generating a storage space within the internal space, the storage space having reduced volume and optionally pressure as compared to the internal space.
  • the mechanism includes a pliable sheet defining at least one wall of the storage space.
  • system further comprises a device for creating a pressure difference between a first and a second surface of the pliable sheet to thereby generate the storage space characterized by reduced volume and pressure as compared to the internal space.
  • the pressure difference deforms the pliable sheet.
  • the device is optionally a pump capable of drawing air out of the storage space.
  • the device is a blower capable of pressurizing a portion of the internal space not occupied by the storage space.
  • At least one wall defining the internal space of the rigid container also defines a wall of the storage space.
  • the pliable sheet is elastic.
  • the pliable sheet is fabricated from silicone or latex.
  • the pliable sheet is capable of at least partially wrapping the items stored in the storage space.
  • the rigid chamber is configured as a container having a lid.
  • the rigid chamber is configured as a drawer.
  • the drawer includes a sealing surface for sealing the rigid chamber when the drawer is closed.
  • the sealing surface is configured such that opening and closing of the drawer does not substantially generate friction on the sealing surface.
  • the sealing surface is angled with respect to an axis of movement of the drawer.
  • system further comprises a shelf for holding the items, the shelf being configured for allowing air to flow around or through the shelf.
  • the shelf includes air flow passages configured for allowing air to flow therethrough in a vertical and/or substantially horizontal direction with respect to a surface of the shelf.
  • the storage space is capable of supporting a vacuum equivalent of 0.15 Atms (85%).
  • shelf is configured as a woven grid.
  • a method of storing items comprising: (a) placing the items in a rigid chamber having an internal space and including a mechanism for generating a storage space within the internal space, the storage space being capable of supporting reduced air pressure and volume as compared to the internal space; and (b) activating the mechanism to generate the storage space around the items.
  • the mechanism includes a pliable sheet and the activating includes: (i) creating a pressure difference between a first and a second surface of the pliable sheet thereby deforming the pliable sheet and at least partially wrapping the items placed in the rigid chamber.
  • the pliable sheet is elastic.
  • the pressure difference is effected via a vacuum pump capable of drawing air out of the storage space.
  • the pressure difference is effected via a blower capable of pressurizing a portion of the internal space not occupied by the storage space.
  • the items are food items, pharmaceutical items, fragile items, electronic devices, mechanical and the like.
  • the items are fragile items and the storing is effected for securing the items.
  • the present invention successfully addresses the shortcomings of the presently known configurations by providing a vacuum storage system that can quickly establish and easily maintain a vacuum-equivalent of 80-95% in a rigid chamber without need for heavy duty vacuum pumps or robust chamber construction.
  • all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.
  • the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
  • FIGs. 1-2 are schematic side views of the present storage system in a non- deployed (FIG. 1) and deployed (FIG. 2) states.
  • FIGs. 3-4 are schematic perspective drawings of a drawer embodiment of the present system in assembled (FIG. 3) and disassembled (FIG. 4) configurations.
  • FIGs. 5-6 are schematic side views of the drawer of FIGs. 3-4 in a non-deployed (FIG. 5) and deployed (FIG. 6) states.
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective drawing of a lid top container embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGs. 8A-C illustrate a prototype drawer configuration of the present invention showing the drawer in an open position (FIG. 8A), a closed position (FIG. 8B) and deployed state (FIG. 8C). DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • the present invention is of system and method which can be used to store items in a rigid container under reduced volume and optionally pressure. Specifically, the present invention can be used to store perishable items such as food and medication as well as secure items against movement.
  • Vacuum storage systems typically utilize bags or rigid containers to store perishable items such as food.
  • Rigid vacuum chambers e.g. refrigerator vacuum compartments
  • rigid vacuum containers are limited by the extent of vacuum produced therein and by the external forces produced on the container by an established vacuum.
  • a 90% vacuum (10% air) in a rigid container 60 cm long, 15 cm deep and 30 cm high would produce an external force that can be calculated using:
  • F ⁇ X A wherein F is force, P is pressure and A is the area of one side of the container.
  • the force acting on a single side of the container can be solved by multiplying 0.9 Atm ( ⁇ ) by 1800 cm 2 (A - 60X30). The result is 1620 Kg of force on one side of the container. Since the container has 6 sides, 2X(60X30) + 2X(45X30) + 2X(60X45), the total area is 11700 cm 2 and the total force acting on the external surface of the container (when maintained at 90% vacuum) is 10.5 tons.
  • rigid vacuum containers typically maintain a vacuum of about 10% (90% of air remaining) depending on the type of container and vacuum pump used.
  • the present inventors set out to solve this problem and provide a rigid container that can maintain a vacuum-equivalent of 80-95% or more and yet would not be subjected to extreme external forces while enabling easy and rapid establishment and release of vacuum using an ordinary off the shelf vacuum pump.
  • the present inventors devised a system which includes a rigid chamber and a mechanism for generating a storage space within the internal space of the rigid chamber.
  • a mechanism for generating a storage space within the internal space of the rigid chamber Such a mechanism enables to reduce both air volume and optionally pressure around stored items and as a result reduce the air environment surrounding the items by as much as 90% or more.
  • the term "items” refers to perishable items such as food (raw or processed) or medication or to any item that can be stored for the purpose of conservation (electronic goods, vehicles), securement (e.g. for transport) and the like.
  • the size of the items can vary from centimeters to meters or more in length, width or height.
  • vacuum refers to reduced air pressure/volume with respect to ambient air (1 atm at sea level). Vacuum can be designated in atm in which case any value below 1 atm is a vacuum and a lower value denotes a higher vacuum force, or in %, in which case any value above 0%> is a vacuum with higher numbers denoting a higher vacuum force. A 90% vacuum denotes that 90% of the air has been removed - equivalent to a vacuum of 0.1 atm.
  • vacuum-equivalent refers to a value characterizing the storage space of the present invention.
  • a vacuum-equivalent value is identical to a corresponding absolute vacuum value in as far as the effect on stored items (e.g. preservation) but is achieved by a reduction in volume and pressure and not just pressure alone.
  • a vacuum equivalent of 91.5 % is equivalent in environmental terms (environment in which the items are placed) to an absolute vacuum of 91.5% but is achieved by a reduction of pressure of 0.15 Atm and a reduction in volume of 90%>.
  • the term "rigid" when used in context with the chamber or container of the present system refers to the ability of the chamber/container to maintain its shape under gravity.
  • the system of the present invention includes a rigid chamber having an internal space and a mechanism which is positioned within the internal space of the rigid chamber and is designed for generating a storage space therein.
  • the storage space is capable of maintaining a reduced volume and pressure (vacuum) as compared to the internal space and the air outside the chamber.
  • the mechanism is configured for accommodating the reduction of air volume and pressure in the storage space. Such accommodation prevents any appreciable ⁇ between the storage space/internal space and the environment surrounding the rigid chamber.
  • FIGS 1-2 illustrate the system of the present invention which is referred to herein as system 10.
  • System 10 includes a rigid chamber 12 which in this case is shaped as a box (shown in side - cutaway view in Figures 1-2) having side walls 14, top wall 16, bottom wall 18 and side panels 20 (not shown).
  • Rigid chamber can be configured in any shape including any number of walls surrounding an internal space of any shape and volume. Examples of chamber shapes include spherical, rectangular, trapezoid, triangular and the like.
  • Rigid chamber 12 can be fabricated using any known approaches from any material suitable for the construction of containers. Examples include wood, plastic, metal and the like.
  • the volume of the internal space of rigid chamber 12 can vary from less than a liter to thousands of liters or more depending on the items to be stored.
  • Walls 14, 16, 18 and panels 20 define an internal space 22 which is typically maintained at ambient air pressure.
  • internal surface 24 of bottom wall 18 serves as a storage platform for items 26. It will be appreciated that any other internal surface of rigid chamber 12 can also be used for storage by using shelves or item- attachment elements such as hooks and the like.
  • System 10 also includes a mechanism 28 for generating a storage space 30 within internal space 22.
  • storage space is dynamic, and as such the volume thereof is modifiable by mechanism 28.
  • Storage space 30 can include one or more storage areas. In the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2, storage space has a single storage area. However, storage space 30 can be divided into 2 or more storage areas by positioning one or more dividers (e.g. upright walls) within storage space 30.
  • mechanism 28 is designed to accommodate for a reduction in air volume/pressure within storage space 30.
  • mechanism 28 is preferably configured as a pliable sheet 32.
  • Pliable sheet can be fabricated from any opaque or transparent polymer, examples of suitable materials include, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene and the like.
  • the top of storage space 30 is defined by pliable sheet 32, while the bottom of storage space 30 is defined by bottom wall 18.
  • Pliable sheet 32 is secured (glued, stapled etc) to side walls 14 and/or side panels 20 anywhere along a height thereof (Secured at midpoint 34 in Figures 1-2).
  • pliable sheet 32 is secured to side walls 14 and/or side panels 20 above a midpoint in height. Since storage space 30 is defined at the top by pliable sheet 32 it is preferably not secured near or at the bottom of the side walls or to bottom wall 18.
  • storage space 30 is capable of maintaining reduced air pressure and volume as compared to internal space 22 or the air outside rigid chamber 12.
  • pliable sheet 32 accommodates such evacuation and moves down within internal space 22 to gradually reduce the volume of storage space 30.
  • removal of most of the air results in partial or complete wrapping of items 26 by pliable sheet 32 and generation of a storage space 30 which is characterized by reduced air volume (e.g. 80-90% reduction) and air pressure (e.g. 0.1.-0.2 Atm reduction) as compared to internal space 22.
  • pliable sheet 32 is preferably configured for increasing in surface area with gradual reduction in storage space 30 volume (during air evacuation from storage space 30).
  • the extent of surface increase desired in pliable sheet 32 will depend on the dimension of rigid chamber 12 and the position of pliable sheet 32 in internal space 22.
  • Such an increase in surface area can be accomplished by utilizing a pliable sheet 32 which is folded or rolled when in the position shown in Figure 1 and expanded when in the position shown in Figure 2.
  • pliable sheet 32 can be folded like an accordion and gradually open during air evacuation.
  • Effective wrapping of items can also be achieved by using a pliable sheet 32 which is elastic. As air is drawn out, an elastic pliable sheet 32 will stretch (elastically deform) to effectively and completely wrap items 26.
  • materials suitable for use in an elastic configuration of pliable sheet 32 include silicon rubber, latex and the like.
  • a preferred elastic elongation for pliable sheet 32 is in the range of up to 800 %.
  • Evacuation of air from storage space 30 can be effected using one of several approaches.
  • One approach can utilize a frame positioned on top of pliable sheet 32 and inside internal space 22 for pushing pliable sheet 32 (folded or elastic) downwards (arrow 34) onto items 26.
  • the frame (not shown) can be actuated downwards via a servo or motor or by manual actuation of a lever (not shown) positioned outside rigid chamber 12 and in operable communication with the frame.
  • a presently preferred approach for reducing a volume of storage space 30 utilizes a pump or blower to create a pressure differential across pliable sheet 32.
  • system 10 can include a blower 36 which is in fluid communication with internal space 22 via air hose 38 and port 40 or a vacuum pump 36 which is in communication with storage space 30 via air hose 42 and port 44.
  • a configuration of system 10 employing blower 36 increases the air pressure and volume above pliable sheet 32 to thereby push it downward and evacuate the air from storage space 30.
  • the air evacuated from storage space 30 is then pushed out through outlet port 46 (which includes a one way valve).
  • a configuration of system 10 employing vacuum pump 36 decreases the air volume and pressure under pliable sheet 32 by suctioning it out to thereby pull pliable sheet 32 downward and evacuate the air from storage space 30. It will be appreciated that a vacuum pump 36 can route the air evacuated from storage space 30 to the space above pliable sheet 32.
  • Blower 36 can be any blower capable of blowing air at a pressure of 100-600 mm H 2 0 (0.01-0.06 Atm), examples include the RYOBI BL-3500 (Ryobi Ltd. USA).
  • Vacuum pump 36 can be any vacuum pump capable of sucking air at a pressure equivalent to 300-1200 mm H 2 0 (0.03-0.12 Atm), examples include the UFESA AM4330 (BSH Electrodomesticos, Spain).
  • the internal diameters (ID) of air hoses 38 and 42 and ports 40 and 44 are preferably large enough to allow rapid air evacuation and enable evacuation of 80-90% of the air within seconds.
  • the ID of air hoses 38 and 42 can be the ID of the pump inlet or less.
  • system 10 which utilizes a blower/vacuum pump 36 further includes a rack/shelf 48 which is configured for allowing air to flow around or therethrough.
  • Rack/shelf 48 is positioned on top of and preferably some distance away from (e.g. 5-20 mm) the internal surface of bottom wall 18.
  • Rack/shelf 48 is preferably configured to enable air to flow therethrough in a direction both perpendicular to, and horizontal with a surface thereof.
  • rack/shelf 48 is configured as a screen/grid made of woven wires.
  • Such a configuration ensures that items 26 placed on rack/shelf 48 do not completely block air passages formed in the screen/grid since the woven wires form an uneven surface. This ensures that air movement out of storage space 32 is unimpeded and flows under items 26 (in between the bottom surface of items 26 and the top surface of rack/shelf 48).
  • shelf/rack 48 was configured as, for example, a perforated sheet, items 26 placed on such a perforated sheet would block air passages and impede air movement.
  • Rack/shelf 48 also prevents blocking of port 44.
  • Such unimpeded airflow can also be achieved by configuring internal surface of bottom wall 18 with finger- like projections (an example of which is shown in Figure 7).
  • System 10 can also include a screen 50 which is positioned against the internal surface of top wall 16.
  • a screen 50 serves the same purpose of providing unimpeded air flow into internal space 22 when pliable sheet is positioned as shown in Figure 1.
  • System 10 further includes a user interface for controlling actuation of storage space 30.
  • a user interface for controlling actuation of storage space 30.
  • Such a user interface can include controls for actuating, for example, vacuum pump 36 and a display for displaying to a user the air pressure, humidity and temperature within storage space 30, as well as warning messages (e.g. loss of vacuum and loss of power).
  • System 10 of the present invention can be configured as any type of openable container. Examples include, front access containers (e.g. compartments with openable panel, drawers) and top-access containers (e.g. lid-top boxes). The following describes several specific embodiments of system 10.
  • Figures 3-6 illustrate a drawer configuration of system 10 in an assembled ( Figure 3) and disassembled ( Figure 4) configurations and in side views showing a non- deployed ( Figure 5) and deployed ( Figure 6) states.
  • Drawer configuration of system 10 is referred to herein under as drawer 50.
  • Drawer 50 includes a static drawer structure 52 (e.g. cabinet) and a movable drawer structure 54 (e.g. drawer) which moves in and out of static drawer structure 52 on rails 56.
  • Drawer 50 also includes vacuum pump 58 and associated hoses and ports 60.
  • Static drawer structure 52 is an open box, wherein walls 64, 66, 68 and 70 form a front opening 72 and a back opening 74.
  • Front opening 72 is configured for receiving movable drawer structure 54.
  • Back opening 74 can be open or closed with a panel.
  • Static drawer structure 52 also includes a triangular/trapezoid subassembly 76 (shown in Figure 4) which is fitted within a top half of static drawer structure 52.
  • Subassembly 76 includes a seal 78 (rubber or silicone gasket) which is fitted to a bottom edge surface of the walls thereof (preferably into a groove or slot within this surface). Seal 78 can be glued to this surface using an appropriate adhesive or forcibly pressed into a groove in the surface (as shown in Figures 5-6). Seal 78 or a second seal (not shown) can also be fitted to, or into, the top edge surface of movable drawer structure 54.
  • An elastic pliable sheet 82 (identical in function to pliable sheet 32 described above) fabricated from latex can be attached to the top edge surface 84 or bottom edge surface 85 of the walls of static drawer structure 52 via of, for example, glue. It will be appreciated that when elastic pliable sheet 82 is attached to bottom edge surface 85 of the walls of static drawer structure 52, seal 78 is preferably attached or forcibly inserted into, a top edge surface of walls 86, 88, 90 and 92 of movable drawer structure 54.
  • Movable drawer structure 54 has a triangular/trapezoid shape and is constructed from bottom wall 86, a front wall 90 (with front panel 91), a back wall 92 and a pair of side-walls 88.
  • the top-edge of each side-wall 88 is preferably inclined, slopping downwards in the direction of back wall 92 (i.e. angled with respect to axis of movement of movable drawer structure 54).
  • movable drawer structure 54 and subassembly 76 form an internal space which is sealed by seal 78 and edges of pliable sheet 82. Since the sealing surface is sloped with respect to the axis of movement of movable drawer structure 54, opening and closing of movable drawer structure 54 does not apply any substantial friction on seal 78 or pliable sheet 82 and thus does not damage sealing capabilities over time and use.
  • Drawer 50 further includes screen 94 (identical in function to rack/shelf 48 described above) which is fitted on top of the internal surface of bottom wall 86.
  • Drawer 50 is operated by opening movable drawer structure 54 placing items onto screen 94, closing movable drawer structure 54 and activating vacuum pump 58 to remove air from the storage space formed under pliable sheet 82.
  • Figures 5-6 illustrate drawer 50 in a non-deployed ( Figure 5) and deployed ( Figure 6) states.
  • pliable sheet 82 is positioned along the top edge of movable drawer structure 54 (angling down from front to back) defining a top wall of storage space 100 (denoted by diagonal lines).
  • vacuum is activated (by for example pressing front panel button 103 or by simply closing drawer 50)
  • pliable sheet 82 is pulled downward by the vacuum force to warp items 102 placed over screen 94 and generate a storage space characterized by reduced air volume and pressure as compared to internal space 104 of drawer 50.
  • Button 103 can be activated again to release the vacuum and draw in air through port 106. Once pliable sheet 82 return to the position of Figure 5, movable drawer structure 54 can be opened. Button 103 can also be used to override automatic vacuum activation (when drawer 50 is closed) in cases where activation of vacuum is not desired.
  • Figure 7 illustrates a lid-top container embodiment of the present invention which is referred to herein as container 150.
  • Container 150 includes a container body 152 constructed from bottom wall 154 and side walls 156.
  • Container body 152 can be fabricated from opaque or transparent polymers such as polycarbonate or ABS using blow molding, vacuum-forming or casting techniques or from metal or glass.
  • Container 150 also includes a lid 158 for closing a top opening 160 of container body 152.
  • Lid 158 can be fabricated from any suitable material and can couple with container body 152 using well known approaches.
  • Container 150 also includes pliable sheet 162 (latex or silicone) which is attached to a frame 164.
  • Frame 164 and pliable sheet 162 are preferably dimensioned to fit into container body 152 in close communication with the internal surface of side walls 156.
  • Internal surface 166 of bottom wall 154 is configured with finger-like projections 168 which provide a support surface for stored items and allow unimpeded air movement from a storage space of container body 152 (volume between pliable sheet 162 and internal surface 166).
  • projections 168 function like a woven grid.
  • Container 150 also includes a vacuum port 170 positioned at the bottom of side wall 156.
  • a user simply opens lid 158 and removes frame 164 and mounted pliable sheet 162. The user then places items on top of projections 168, replaces frame 164 and attached pliable sheet 162, closes lid and connects vacuum port 170 to a vacuum source (vacuum pump). The vacuum pump can then be activated to draw pliable sheet 162 down over the items and generate a storage space characterized by reduced volume and pressure.
  • a vacuum source vacuum pump
  • drawer 50 can also include cooling and humidity control mechanism (e.g. refrigeration mechanism) as well as internal lighting (activated upon drawer opening) and the like.
  • cooling and humidity control mechanism e.g. refrigeration mechanism
  • internal lighting activated upon drawer opening
  • a prototype drawer configuration of the present system was constructed and tested for its ability to generate and maintain a vacuum over stored items.
  • a cabinet having a height of 30 cm, a width of 60 cm and a depth of 60 cm was constructed from plywood.
  • a box having a height of 20 cm, a width of 50 cm and a depth of 40 cm was constructed from 17 mm polymethylmethacrylate (Lucite) sheet. The box was halved at an 18 degree angle (sloping downward along side, front to back) and the top half was fixed to the interior top half of the cabinet. The bottom half of the box formed the movable drawer assembly and was fitted on rails fastened to the interior side of the cabinet. A sheet of latex was glued to the bottom surface of the top half of the box creating the top wall of the storage chamber.
  • the side walls and bottom wall of the movable drawer assembly define the side walls and bottom wall of the storage chamber (respectively).
  • a compressible closed-cell foam seal was glued to the top surface of the walls of the movable drawer assembly and a grid of interwoven wires was fixed to the bottom wall of the movable drawer assembly.
  • the grid also covered a portion of a side wall where a 25 mm hole was drilled to form a port for the vacuum pump.
  • UESA AM4330 An 800 W vacuum cleaner pump (UFESA AM4330) was connected via an 32 mm air hose to an electromechanical selector which was in turn connected to the vacuum port of the movable drawer assembly and the top half of the cabinet (above the pliable sheet) via two separate 32 mm air hoses.
  • the bottom hose was connected to the storage space (within movable drawer).
  • the top hose to the space above the latex sheet (within the cabinet).
  • the selector functions in directing the air between the two hoses - when the bottom hose is suctioning air from the storage space in the movable drawer, the top space (above the latex sheet) is vented to the atmosphere and vice a versa.
  • a control unit including a power unit, a programmable controller, relays and pressure sensors was connected to the vacuum pump and electromechanical switch.
  • the movable drawer assembly was fitted with a micro-switch which is activated upon closure of the movable drawer assembly.
  • the micro-switch activates the vacuum pump to suction air out of the storage chamber upon closure of the drawer.
  • the programmable controller automatically shuts off the vacuum pump. Release of the vacuum is actuated by a push button positioned on the front panel of the movable drawer.
  • Figures 8a-c illustrate the prototype drawer in an open ( Figure 8a), closed

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
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  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Nutrition Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Vacuum Packaging (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de stockage d'objets. Le système comprend une chambre rigide présentant un espace interne et comportant un mécanisme pour produire un espace de stockage dans l'espace interne, l'espace de stockage ayant un volume réduit et éventuellement une pression réduite par rapport à l'espace interne. Dans d'autres modes de réalisation, le système comprend en outre un dispositif pour créer une différence de pression entre une première et une seconde surface de la feuille pliable de manière à produire l'espace de stockage caractérisé par un volume et une pression réduits par rapport à l'espace interne.
PCT/IL2012/050180 2011-05-20 2012-05-20 Système et procédé de stockage d'objets WO2012160558A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP12790146.0A EP2709916A4 (fr) 2011-05-20 2012-05-20 Système et procédé de stockage d'objets
IL229496A IL229496A0 (en) 2011-05-20 2013-11-19 Method and system for storing products
US14/084,719 US20140075889A1 (en) 2011-05-20 2013-11-20 System and method for storing items

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201161488173P 2011-05-20 2011-05-20
US61/488,173 2011-05-20
US201161542344P 2011-10-03 2011-10-03
US61/542,344 2011-10-03

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/084,719 Continuation US20140075889A1 (en) 2011-05-20 2013-11-20 System and method for storing items

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2012160558A1 true WO2012160558A1 (fr) 2012-11-29

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IL2012/050180 WO2012160558A1 (fr) 2011-05-20 2012-05-20 Système et procédé de stockage d'objets

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20140075889A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP2709916A4 (fr)
WO (1) WO2012160558A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

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EP3734201A1 (fr) * 2019-05-03 2020-11-04 Germano Maina Réfrigérateur conçu pour le stockage d'aliments sous vide

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EP2403775A4 (fr) * 2009-03-03 2012-08-01 Gidi Shani Système de confinement et de conservation à ajustement de volume
EP2808628B1 (fr) * 2013-05-28 2016-07-20 LG Electronics Inc. Bac à légumes pour réfrigérateurs et réfrigérateur comprenant celui-ci
DE102014015788B4 (de) * 2014-10-24 2017-12-07 Michatek, K.S. Vakuumschublade zum Vakuumieren von Lebensmitteln mit betätigbarem Deckel
NL2014811B1 (nl) * 2015-05-16 2017-01-31 Bergwerff Frederik Werkwijze en inrichting voor het verpakken van een of meer met tabak gevulde dozen in een kunststof zak.
CN108482842B (zh) * 2018-05-18 2024-05-07 南通卓尔机电有限公司 一种铜杆无氧储藏设备
CN108895757B (zh) * 2018-08-08 2024-03-29 惠而浦（中国）股份有限公司 一种真空保鲜装置
CH716909A2 (de) * 2019-12-09 2021-06-15 Prins Intellectual Property Ag Überwachungsverfahren eines Schubladeninnenraums einer Schublade einer Vakuumschubladeneinrichtung.

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3734201A1 (fr) * 2019-05-03 2020-11-04 Germano Maina Réfrigérateur conçu pour le stockage d'aliments sous vide

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2709916A4 (fr) 2015-03-11
US20140075889A1 (en) 2014-03-20
EP2709916A1 (fr) 2014-03-26

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