WO2023079117A1

WO2023079117A1 - Container for vacuum preservation of a food

Info

Publication number: WO2023079117A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/080880
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hallé-Romainville SOPHIE
Original assignee: Seb S.A.
Priority date: 2021-11-04
Filing date: 2022-11-04
Publication date: 2023-05-11
Also published as: FR3128694A1; FR3128694B1

Abstract

The invention describes a container (1) for vacuum preservation of a food (200, 200') received in a receiving volume of the container (1), comprising: - a main receptacle (10) comprising a main bottom (11) and a main side wall (12); - a removable lid (40); - a valve (30) designed to allow only air to pass from the inside of the preservation container (1) to the outside when the preservation container (1) is placed under vacuum, the valve (30) being provided in the main bottom (11) of the main receptacle (10); and - a compartmentalization element (20, 20') designed to physically separate the valve (30) from any food (200) received in the receiving volume, and to ensure aeraulic communication between the valve (30) and the receiving volume.

Description

Food storage box

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a storage box designed and configured to preserve food by vacuum, to a device for placing such a storage box under vacuum, and to a method for placing under vacuum by means of such a device for placing under vacuum. empty.

STATE OF THE ART

Known vacuum devices make it possible to create a vacuum inside a food storage box, that is to say to reduce the pressure inside the storage box to reach a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure, with a view to longer preservation of the foodstuffs which are received in the preservation box.

Vacuum devices typically include a suction hose that can be connected to a suction device. The storage box includes a lid with a valve. The user connects the suction tube to the valve, then starts the vacuum. The suction device then draws in the air located inside the box via the suction pipe and the valve. Once the box has been evacuated, the user disconnects the suction pipe and puts it away. However, these vacuum devices require the valve of the storage box to be connected to the suction pipe prior to vacuuming. This complicates the vacuum and leads to a risk of poor connection of the box with the suction pipe.

Document EP 3 009 357 describes a device for vacuuming a food storage box. The box comprises a lid in which a valve is provided. The vacuum device includes a base on which the box can be placed. The vacuum device further comprises a head in which is housed a suction device. The head of the vacuum device is moved so that it connects to the valve on the lid of the box. The can can then be placed under vacuum, the air being sucked in via the suction device of the head, via the valve. Nevertheless, this vacuum device imposes constraints in terms of the dimensions of the box in order to allow its installation on the base and its connection with the head. In addition, this vacuum device is complex and expensive due to the presence of the movable head, which is necessary to connect the box to the suction device. Document WO 2017/158591 A1 describes another device for vacuuming a food storage box. The box sits on a base of the vacuum device, with a suction device housed in the base. The box includes a lid which is provided with a valve. The box also comprises an inner shell and an outer shell which together form a suction duct which connects the valve of the lid to the base, so as to bring the air taken from inside the box from the lid to the base of the vacuum device. The base further includes an orifice, which is connected by fluid communication to the suction device. Thus, the air contained in the storage box can be sucked by the suction device via the lid and the suction duct. Nevertheless, this vacuum device is technically complex to produce, and is difficult to clean.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a food storage box which has a simple design allowing it to be vacuumed easily.

Another object of the invention is to propose a method for placing a storage box under vacuum which is ergonomic for a user.

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a box designed and configured to preserve by vacuum a food received in a reception volume of the preservation box, comprising:

- a main container comprising a main bottom and a main side wall extending from the main bottom;

- a removable lid provided to cooperate with the main side wall to close the main container;

- a valve provided to allow air to pass from the inside of the storage box to the outside when the storage box is placed under vacuum, and to prevent air from passing from the outside to the interior of the storage box, the valve being provided in the main bottom of the main container; And

- A compartmentation element provided to physically separate the valve from any food received in the reception volume of the storage box, said compartmentation element further being provided to ensure airflow communication between the valve and the reception volume.

Some preferred but non-limiting features of the storage box described above are as follows, taken individually or in any possible combination: - the compartmentalization element is in the form of at least one additional container adapted to form the reception volume, the at least one additional container comprising an additional bottom and an additional side wall extending from the additional bottom, the at least one additional container being adapted to be placed inside the main container so that the additional bottom is placed opposite the main bottom and the additional side wall is placed opposite the main side wall;

- the compartmentalization element takes the form of two additional containers intended to be placed side by side inside the main container;

- the at least one additional container comprises at least one foot extending from the additional bottom and provided to rest in contact with the main bottom when the additional container is placed inside the main container, in order to create a space between the main background and additional background;

- the additional bottom of the at least one additional container is a perforated bottom; this additional bottom may advantageously have identical or different orifices which are also provided to allow fluid communication between the valve and the receiving volume.

- A through hole is formed substantially in the center of the main bottom, and the valve is mounted on the main bottom at the level of the through hole;

- the valve is flush with the main bottom of the main container, so that an outer wall of the main bottom is substantially smooth;

- the box further comprises a cap intended to be mounted on the main bottom of the main container, said cap being mounted to move between a storage position in which the cap covers and seals off the valve from the reception volume of the box storage, and a vacuum position in which the cap at least partially uncovers the valve. The cap is thus designed to be mounted on the main bottom (11) inside the main container (10).

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a vacuum device, comprising:

- a base comprising a plinth in which a suction mouth is formed;

- a vacuum storage box for food according to the first aspect, the storage box being intended to be placed, preferably in a removable manner, on the base so that the valve is arranged facing the suction mouth; And - a suction device mounted in the base so as to be in fluid communication with the suction mouth, the suction device being configured to suck air contained in the storage box through the valve and the suction mouth so as to evacuate said storage box.

According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a method for vacuuming a storage box using a vacuum device according to the second aspect, comprising the following steps:

- placement of the storage box on the base of the vacuum device; And

- placing the storage box under vacuum by sucking the air contained in the storage box through the suction device.

According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a box designed and configured to preserve by vacuum a food received in a receiving volume of the preservation box, comprising:

- a cap adapted to be mounted on the main bottom of the main container so as to separate the valve from the receiving volume.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Other characteristics, objects and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, given by way of non-limiting example, which will be illustrated by the following figures:

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a vacuum device according to one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic sectional and side view of a storage box according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional and side view of a storage box according to one embodiment of the invention, in which the compartmentalization element is an additional container having an additional perforated bottom.

Figure 4 is a schematic sectional and side view of a storage box according to one embodiment of the invention, in which the compartmentalization element is two additional containers arranged in the main container.

Figures 5a and 5b are schematic sectional and side views of a storage box according to one embodiment of the invention, comprising a cap which is respectively in a storage position and in a vacuum position.

Figure 5c is a schematic top view of a cap of a storage box according to one embodiment of the invention.

Identical reference signs from one figure to another designate elements that are identical or perform the same function.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A box 1 designed and configured to preserve by vacuum a food 200 received in a receiving volume of the preservation box 1 is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in Figures 2 to 5b.

Box 1 includes:

- a main container 10 comprising a main bottom 11 and a main side wall 12 extending from the main bottom 11;

- A removable lid 40 provided to cooperate with the main side wall 12 to close the main container 10;

- a valve 30 provided to allow air to pass from the inside of the storage box 1 to the outside when the storage box 1 is placed under vacuum, and to prevent the passage of air from the outside towards the inside of the storage box 1, the valve 30 being provided in the main bottom 11 of the main container 10; And

- a compartmentation element 20, 20' provided to physically separate the valve 30 from any food 200 received in the reception volume of the storage box 1, said compartmentation element 20, 20' being further provided to ensure airflow communication between the valve 30 and the receiving volume.

In the remainder of the application, the term “food” is used to designate any typically food product suitable for being eaten by a user, such as a dry, moist or delicate ingredient. These can be, for example, coffee beans, vegetables, biscuits, of cheeses. It can also be envisaged that the box according to the invention can be used to store a product which is not food, such as cosmetics or any product which in contact with air deteriorates.

The box 1 is designed and configured to preserve by vacuum a food item 200 received in a reception volume of the preservation box 1 . The term "vacuum" is used to designate a pressure well below an ambient atmospheric pressure surrounding the box 1. The vacuum can be partial or total, the pressure in the storage box 1 then being close to zero pressure. Vacuuming box 1 allows long storage of food 200 received in box 1, up to several weeks.

The compartmentalization element 20, 20' makes it possible to physically separate the valve 30 from any food 200 received in the storage box 1. A free volume is thus provided between the valve 30 and the volume for receiving the food 200. Thus , the valve 30 is not in contact with the food 200 received in the receiving volume of the box 1. The valve 30 therefore does not risk being soiled by the food 200 each time the box 1 is used. Thus, the storage box 1 is easy to clean.

In addition, the compartmentation element 20, 20' is provided to ensure air communication between the valve 30 and the receiving volume. By "aeraulic", it is understood that the compartmentalization element 20, 20' allows the circulation of air between the reception volume and the valve 30, but does not allow the circulation of liquid. Thus, the food 200 in the form of liquid received in the reception volume cannot reach the valve 30. The food 200 received in the reception volume therefore does not risk being sucked up via the valve 30 during the vacuum of the storage box 1, whatever their state, solid or liquid. The valve 30 therefore does not risk being blocked by food.

The valve 30 is provided in the main bottom 11, and allows the suction of the air present in the main container 10. Thus, the storage box 1 described above can be put under vacuum simply, with a simple experience and user fluid. Indeed, the suction is carried out from inside the box 1 by the bottom of the box 1 via the valve 30 located at the level of the bottom of the box 1, and not by the cover 40 as in the prior art. The suction is therefore carried out directly, without the need for a connection pipe with the suction device 110 or a suction pipe.

Consequently, it suffices to place the box 1 on a base 101 of a vacuum device 100 in order to be able to carry out the suction. No step of connecting a hose with the valve 30, nor moving the connecting hose or the suction device 110 is not necessary. In addition, the suction can be performed regardless of the dimensions of the storage box 1, since the main bottom 11 of the main container 10 can be placed on the vacuum device 100 and the suction is performed by the down.

The storage box 1 is simple in design. It only requires the presence of a classic 30 valve in its bottom. Preferably, no valve is therefore provided for vacuuming the case at the top of the box, in particular the lid has no valve for vacuuming the case.

The lid 40 is removable, and can close the main container 10 so as to allow the box 1 to be placed under vacuum. By "removable", it is understood that the cover 40 can be moved by the user, to open or close the box 1. For example, the cover 40 can be connected to the box by one side and moved by pivoting between a position open in which it allows access to the main container 10, and a closed position in which it closes the main container 10. Alternatively, the cover 40 can be a separate element and physically separated from the box 1, which can be put in place by a user on the main side wall 12 to close the main container 10.

When the cover 40 is put in place so as to close the main container 10 of the storage box 1, the cover 40 is arranged facing the main bottom 11 of the main container 10, at a distance from the main bottom 11 . The main side wall 12 extends between the main bottom 11 and the lid 40, so as to connect the main bottom 11 and the lid 40. The terms "top" and "bottom" are used so that the lid 40 is disposed in a high position of the storage box 1, and the main bottom 11 is arranged in a low position of the storage box 1.

The main bottom 11 and the main side wall 12 form the main container 10.

The main bottom 11 can extend substantially in a horizontal plane when the storage box 1 is placed on a vacuum device 100. The main bottom 11 of the main container 10 can have any shape adapted to form with the main side wall 12 the main container 10, for example may have a substantially circular shape, rectangle, square. A center of the main bottom 11 corresponds substantially to a geometric center of the main bottom 11, for example to a center of the circle, of the rectangle or of the square of the main bottom 11 .

The main side wall 12 can extend substantially perpendicular to the main bottom 11, around a vertical axis normal to the horizontal plane. The main side wall 12 can extend over a given height, a height corresponding to a dimension along the vertical axis. The main side wall 12 may extend from a periphery of the main bottom 11, over the entire periphery. The main side wall 12 may be substantially cylindrical around a vertical axis passing through the center of the main bottom 11 .

The main container 10 can be compatible with the storage of food 200 in the ambient environment, for example in a refrigerator or in a freezer. Thus, the main container 10 can be used as a storage box 1, including in the absence of vacuuming, the food 200 then being placed in the main container 10, for example in contact with the main bottom 11 of the container. main 10. A cap can then be placed in the storage box 1 in a storage position, as described below. The cap is thus inside the main container 10.

In a first embodiment, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in Figures 2 to 4, the compartmentalization element 20, 20' is in the form of at least one additional container 20, 20' adapted to form the receiving volume, the at least one additional container 20, 20' comprising an additional bottom 21 and an additional side wall 22 extending from the additional bottom 21 .

The at least one additional container 20, 20' is adapted to be placed inside the main container 10 so that the additional bottom 21 is placed opposite the main bottom 11 and the additional side wall 22 is placed opposite of the main side wall 12.

The additional container 20, 20' is adapted to form the reception volume, that is to say it is intended to receive the food 200 to be preserved. The additional container 20, 20' which contains the food 200, in particular the additional bottom 21, thus makes it possible to separate the valve 30, which is provided in the main bottom 11 of the main container 10, from said food 200. Thus, only the container additional 20, 20' must be cleaned each time the storage box 1 is used. Since the main container 10 is not in contact with the food 200, it can be cleaned at longer intervals, and the valve 30 does not risk be soiled or sealed each time the box is used 1 . The presence of the additional container 20, 20' therefore facilitates the cleaning of the storage box 1 .

The main container 10 forms an outer container, and the additional container 20, 20' forms an inner container, in that it is placed inside the main container 10 when the storage box 1 is placed under vacuum. The additional container 20, 20' has dimensions smaller than the dimensions of the main container 10. In particular, the additional side wall 22, respectively the additional bottom 21, has dimensions smaller than the dimensions of the main side wall 12, respectively of the main bottom 11 . Thus, the main container 10 which contains the additional container 20, 20' can be closed by the lid 40 while the additional container 20, 20' is placed inside the main container 10.

The additional side wall 22 is located at a distance from the main side wall 12, and the additional bottom 21 is located at a distance from the main bottom 11, so as to provide a space for air circulation from the volume for receiving food 200 formed through the additional container 20, 20' to the valve 30 mounted on the main bottom 11 . Thus, when the storage box 1 is placed under vacuum, the air located in the box 1 is evacuated between the main side wall 12 and the additional side wall 22, along the main side wall 12 and the additional side wall 22 from the top to the bottom of the storage box 1, then between the main bottom 11 and the additional bottom 21 along the main bottom 11 and the additional bottom 21 from its periphery towards the center of the storage box 1.

The additional bottom 21 can extend substantially in a horizontal plane when the additional container 20, 20' is placed in the main container 10. The additional bottom 21 can have any shape suitable for forming with the additional side wall 22 the reception volume of the storage box 1, for example, may have a substantially circular, rectangular or square shape.

The additional side wall 22 can extend substantially perpendicular to the additional bottom 21, around the vertical axis. A height of the additional side wall 22 is less than a height of the main side wall 12, so that the lid 40 can be closed when the additional container 20 is received in the main container 10. The height of the additional side wall 22 can be close to the height of the main side wall 12, so as to maximize the food reception volume 200 defined by the additional container 20, 20'. The user can partially or completely fill the additional container 20, 20', so that the food 200 is placed on a height less than or substantially equal to the height of the additional side wall 22.

The additional container 20, 20' can have a shape substantially corresponding to a shape of the main container 10 and be a dilation of the main container 10 of smaller dimensions than those of the main container 10. Alternatively, the additional container 20, 20' can have a shape different from a shape of the main container 10, adapted to allow it to be placed in the main container 10.

The additional container 20, 20' can be compatible with the storage of food 200 in the ambient environment, for example in a refrigerator or in a freezer. So the additional container 20, 20 'can be used independently of the storage box 1, to store food 200 in the absence of vacuum.

According to a first embodiment, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in Figures 2 and 3, the compartmentalization element 20, 20' can be in the form of a single additional container 20, 20'. The single additional container 20, 20' may have smaller dimensions but close to the dimensions of the main container 10. Thus, the single additional container 20, 20' forms a volume for receiving food 200 close to a volume of the main container , which makes it possible to store 200 foods of large size, and/or more foods.

According to a second exemplary embodiment, illustrated by way of nonlimiting example in FIG. inside the main receptacle 10. Each additional receptacle 20, 20' forms a food-receiving volume 200, which may correspond substantially to half the food-receiving volume 200 of the single additional receptacle 20, 20'. Each additional receptacle 20, 20' may comprise an additional side wall 22 having a lower height but close to the height of the main side wall 12, and an additional bottom 21 of dimensions substantially reduced by half compared to the dimensions of the additional bottom 21 of the only additional container 20, 20'.

The two additional containers 20, 20' can be identical. The two additional containers 20, 20' can be arranged on either side of the valve 30 when the two additional containers 20, 20' are received in the main container 10. A storage box 1 comprising two additional containers 20, 20 'Separate set up both in the main container 10 allows separate storage of different foods 200, for example two different foods 200 of the same meal, in the same storage box 1.

The at least one additional container 20, 20' may comprise at least one foot 25, 25' extending from the additional bottom 21 and provided to rest in contact with the main bottom 11 when the additional container 20, 20' is placed inside the main container 10, in order to provide a space between the main bottom 11 and the additional bottom 21 . Thus, the additional bottom 21 is arranged at a distance from the main bottom 11 . The foot 25, 25' raises the additional bottom 21 relative to the main bottom 11, to separate the additional bottom 21 from the main bottom 11, the valve 30 thus being placed at a distance from the additional bottom 21 . The foot 25, 25' thus allows the air gap to circulate underneath of the additional bottom 21 when placing the storage box 1 under vacuum. Furthermore, the feet 25, 25' make it possible to stabilize the additional container 20, 20' when it is placed on a horizontal surface such as the main bottom 11 .

For example, each additional container 20, 20' can comprise four feet 25, 25' arranged in four peripheral locations of the additional bottom 21.

Each foot 25, 25' can have a height substantially equal to a height of the other feet 25, 25'. The height of the feet 25, 25' is large enough to allow the effective passage of air between the main bottom 11 and the additional bottom 21, but small enough not to excessively reduce the height of the additional side wall 22, therefore the food intake volume 200.

As illustrated by way of non-limiting example in Figure 3, the additional bottom 21 of the at least one additional container 20, 20' can be a perforated bottom. In other words, at least one through hole 23 is formed in the additional bottom 21 of the additional container 20, 20'. This additional bottom 20, 20' can advantageously have identical or different orifices which are also provided to allow fluid communication between the valve and the receiving volume. It can be envisaged in a variant that the additional side wall of the additional container 20, 20 'is perforated. In other words, at least one through hole is formed in the side wall of the additional bottom 20, 20'.

An additional container 20, 20' comprising an additional perforated bottom 21 makes it possible to increase the volume of air flow from the volume for receiving the food 200 towards the valve 30, the air flowing towards the valve 30 not only from a top end of the additional side wall 22, but also through the through holes 23 of the additional bottom 21 .

In addition, the additional perforated bottom 21 makes it possible to minimize the contact surface between the food 200 and the additional bottom 21, which is particularly useful for fragile foods 200 likely to be degraded by contact with the additional bottom 21, such as salad.

Finally, the additional perforated bottom 21 allows the ventilation of the food 200, including once the storage box 1 has been put under vacuum, because the vacuuming does not generally make it possible to obtain a perfectly zero pressure in the storage box 1 .

The through holes 23 formed in the additional bottom 21 have small dimensions compared to the dimensions of the additional bottom 21 . The additional container 20, 20' comprising an additional perforated bottom 21 can be used as a volume for receiving solid food 200 having dimensions greater than the dimensions of the through-holes 23. Thus, the food 200 does not run the risk of flowing through the through-holes 23 formed in the additional bottom 21 .

A through hole can be formed substantially in the center of the main bottom 11 . The valve 30 is mounted on the main bottom 11 at the level of the through hole.

Thus, the valve 30 is arranged at the through hole of the main bottom 11 so as to cover all or part of the through hole of the main bottom 11 while allowing air to pass through the main bottom 11.

The valve 30 is fixed on the main bottom 11 , for example by a complementarity of shape between the valve 30 and the main bottom 11 , or by a mechanical fixing of the valve 30 on the main bottom 11 .

The valve 30 can be flush with the main bottom 11 of the main container 10, so that an outer wall of the main bottom 11 is substantially smooth. The valve 30 can substantially protrude inward from the main bottom 11 . As a variant, the valve 30 can be arranged projecting outwards, and if necessary inwards, from the main bottom 11 .

The storage box 1 may further comprise a cap 50 intended to be mounted on the main bottom 11 towards the inside of the main container 10, said cap 50 being mounted to move between a storage position in which the cap 50 covers and insulates from the valve 30 of the reception volume of the storage box in a sealed manner, and a vacuum position in which the cap 50 at least partially uncovers the valve 30.

Figure 5a illustrates a non-limiting example of a storage box 1 comprising a cap 50 in the storage position, and Figure 5b illustrates a non-limiting example of a storage box 1 comprising a cap 50 in the putting position. under a vacuum.

In the storage position, the cap 50 extends inside the storage box 1 and isolates the valve 30 from the food 200 received in the storage box 1.

The cap 50 can be used for a storage box 1 comprising a main container 10 which forms the volume for receiving food 200. The cap 50 then protects the valve 30, so that the food 200 received in the main container 10 does not clump against the valve 30. The storage box 1 can then be used to store food 200 without being placed under vacuum and without the need to use an element compartment 20, 20', such as an additional container 20, 20' placed inside the main container 10, the valve 30 being isolated from the ingredients located inside the box 1 by the cap 50.

The cap 50 may be a flexible cap 50, for example a cap 50 made of flexible plastic.

As illustrated by way of non-limiting example in Figure 5c, the cap 50 may comprise a clip 51 adapted to be mounted on the main bottom 11 so as to attach the cap 50 to the main bottom 11, and a covering element 52 adapted to cover and seal off the valve 30 from the receiving volume when the cap 50 is in the storage position. Thus, the cap 50 is connected to the storage box 1 by the clip 51, and the user does not risk losing the cap 50 when it is not used to isolate the valve 30.

The cover element 52 may comprise a substantially planar surface adapted to come opposite and above the valve 30, and an edge adapted to be placed on the sides of the valve 30 when the cap 50 is in the storage position. . Thus, in the storage position, the cap 50 is arranged all around the valve 30. The edge of the covering element 52 can be adapted to come into contact with the main bottom 11 when the cap 50 is in the vacuum, so as to form a tight skirt around the valve 30.

The clip 51 can be of the wire type connecting the cap 50 to the main bottom 11 .

As a variant, the fastener 51 can be of the hinge type adapted to connect the cover element 52 to the main bottom 11 via one side of the cover element 52. The cap 50 thus forms a movable flap between the storage position and vacuum position. The movable flap is pivotally mounted inside the main container 10, in contact with the main bottom 11, by the hinge. The movable flap is adapted to be moved between the storage position and the vacuum position by pivoting around a hinge pin.

Alternatively, the cover member 52 may be a screw cap comprising a thread. The clip 51 comprises a thread arranged around the valve 30 and adapted to cooperate with the thread of the screw cap. The cap can be unscrewed up to a high stop so that the unscrewed cap reveals openings, for example openings formed in the thread of the fastener 51 disposed around the valve 30, which allow suction. Thus, the cap when it is screwed protects the valve 30, and when it is unscrewed allows suction. Alternatively, the cap 50 can be a distinct and separate element of the box 1 without being connected to the main bottom 11 by a clip 51. The cap 50 can be placed by a user on the valve 30 in the storage position or removed in the vacuum position, for example by clipping above the valve 30.

According to a second embodiment, the compartmentation element 20, 20' comprises a cylindrical sleeve adapted to be arranged around the valve 30 and to extend from the main bottom 11. The main container 10 forms the volume for receiving the food 200. The cylindrical sleeve extends substantially along the vertical axis cylindrically about the vertical axis. The cylindrical sleeve extends over a certain height, so as to separate the valve 30 from food 200 received in the main container 10.

The cylindrical sleeve thus makes it possible to separate the valve 30, which is provided in the main bottom 11 of the main receptacle 10, from the food 200 received in the main receptacle 10, which facilitates the cleaning of the storage box 1 .

A diameter of the cylindrical sleeve may correspond substantially to a diameter of the valve 30, and a height of the cylindrical sleeve may be less than and close to a height of the main side wall 12, so as to maximize the food receiving volume 200 of the main container 10.

When the storage box 1 is placed under vacuum, the air located in the box 1 is evacuated between the cylindrical sleeve and the main side wall 12, along the cylindrical sleeve and the main side wall 12 from the bottom upwards. top of the storage box 1, then inside the cylindrical sleeve along the cylindrical sleeve from the top to the bottom of the storage box 1, the valve 30 being located inside the cylindrical sleeve, at the bottom of the cylindrical sleeve.

A vacuum device 100, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in FIG. 1, can comprise:

- a base 102 comprising a base 101 in which is formed a suction mouth;

- a storage box 1 under vacuum for a food 200 according to any one of the embodiments described above, the storage box 1 being intended to be placed on the base 101 so that the valve 30 is arranged opposite the suction mouth; And

- a suction device 110 mounted in the base 102 so as to be in fluid communication with the suction mouth, the suction device 110 being configured to sucking in the air contained in the storage box 1 through the valve 30 and the suction mouth so as to place the said storage box 1 under vacuum.

The device described above has advantages similar to the advantages of the storage box 1 described above.

The storage box 1 can be placed on the base 101 by placing the box 1 on the base 101 so that the valve 30 is arranged above and opposite the suction mouth. The placement of the storage box 1 on the base 101 of the vacuum device 100 makes it possible to place the valve 30 in fluid communication with the suction device 110. More specifically, the placement of the conservation 1 with respect to the vacuum device 100 can be carried out by making the valve 30 of the box 1 coincide with the suction mouth of the base 101, if necessary by manually applying a slight pressure on the conservation box 1. Thus, the storage box 1 is easily placed on the base 101 of the vacuum device 100, in a removable manner, and this without constraints on the dimensions of the box 1 .

The base 102 can be arranged under the base 101, or behind the base 101.

The suction mouth has dimensions greater than or equal to those of the valve 30. Thus, all the air passing through the valve 30 then flows into the suction mouth.

Suction apparatus 110 may be an air pump.

The vacuum device 100 may further comprise a suction pipe 120 adapted to connect the suction mouth and an evacuation orifice when the storage box 1 is placed on the base 101 .

Thus, during the vacuum, the air pump 110 pumps the air contained in the storage box 1, so that the air contained in the box 1 circulates in the storage box 1 towards the valve 30, is sucked through the valve 30 then the suction mouth, then circulates in the suction pipe 120 until it is evacuated from the vacuum device 100 through an evacuation orifice.

The vacuum device 100 may further comprise a user interface adapted to allow a user to manually start and/or stop the suction apparatus 110 via the user interface. The suction apparatus 110 may be designed and configured to stop automatically when a predefined vacuum level is reached in the storage box 1 . A method of vacuuming a storage box 1 using a vacuum device 100 as described above, comprises the following steps:

- placing the storage box 1 on the base 101 of the vacuum device 100; And

- placing the storage box 1 under vacuum by sucking the air contained in the storage box 1 through the suction device.

The method described above has advantages similar to the advantages of the storage box 1 described above.

The vacuum process may further comprise one or more of the following steps, performed before the vacuum step:

- displacement of the cap 50 from the storage position to the vacuum position;

- placement of at least one food item 200 to be stored in the receiving volume of storage box 1;

- placement of the additional container 20, 20' in the main container 10;

- Installation of the cover 40 on the main side wall 12 so as to close the storage box 1 .

Other embodiments are possible. In particular, according to a variant, the box 1 may not include a compartmentalization element 20, 20'. Then, the box 1, designed and configured to preserve by vacuum a food 200 received in a reception volume of the preservation box 1 comprises:

- a cap 50 provided to be mounted on the main bottom 11 of the main container 10, said cap 50 being mounted to move between a storage position in which the cap 50 covers and seals off the valve 30 from the receiving volume of the box conservation, and a vacuum position in which the cap 50 at least partially uncovers the valve 30. According to this variant, the box 1 does not include a compartmentalization element 20, 20'. The cap 50 makes it possible to separate the food 200 received in the reception volume of the storage box 1 from the valve 30 authorizing vacuuming, as explained above concerning the storage box 1 comprising the compartmentation element 20, 20' and the cap 50. The cap 50 prevents the passage of air from the inside of the box 1 to the outside.

The box 1 allows a vacuum, thanks to the presence of the valve 30. Thus, the box 1 can be used for the conservation of food 200, with or without vacuum, including in the absence of elements of compartmentalization.

Each of the elements of the storage box 1 (main container 10, removable lid 40, valve 30, and/or cap 50), can be identical to the elements described above, the only difference between box 1 and box 1 described above being the absence of a compartmentation element 20, 20'. This difference has no impact on the other elements of the conservation box 1 . Thus, the storage box 1 described is simple to use, does not suppose any constraints concerning the dimensions of the main container 10 in order to be able to be put under vacuum, and is easy to wash due to the separation of the valve 30 and the food. 200 by cap 50.

In particular, the cap 50 may comprise a clip 51 adapted to be mounted on the main bottom 11 to attach 51 the cap 50 to the main bottom 11, and a covering element 52 adapted to cover and seal off the valve 30 from the volume. receiving when the cap 50 is in the storage position. The covering element 52 can comprise a substantially planar surface adapted to come opposite and above the valve 30 and an edge adapted to be placed on the sides of the valve 30 when the cap 50 is in the storage position. The edge of the covering element 52 can be adapted to come into contact with the main bottom 11 when the cap 50 is in the vacuum position, so as to form a tight skirt around the valve 30.

The clip 51 can be of the wire type connecting the cap 50 to the main bottom 11. Alternatively, the clip 51 can be of the hinge type adapted to connect the covering element 52 to the main bottom 11 by one side of the element. cover 52. The cap 50 thus forms a movable flap between the storage position and the vacuum position by pivoting around the hinge. Alternatively, the cover member 52 may be a screw cap comprising a thread. The clip 51 comprises a thread disposed around the valve 30 and adapted to cooperate with the thread of the cap. The cap is unscrewable to a high stop so that the unscrewed cap reveals openings, for example openings formed in the thread of the fastener 51 arranged around the valve 30, which allow suction. Alternatively, the cap 50 can be a distinct and separate element of the box 1 without being connected to the main bottom 11 by a clip 51. The cap 50 can be placed by a user on the valve 30 in the storage position or removed in the vacuum position, for example by clipping above the valve 30.

The valve 30 can in particular be provided in the main bottom 11 of the main container 10, with the advantages described above concerning suction from below. Alternatively, the valve 30 can be provided in the cover 40. Thus, the suction is carried out from above.

Other embodiments can be envisaged and a person skilled in the art can easily modify the embodiments or exemplary embodiments set out above or envisage others while remaining within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. Box (1) designed and configured to preserve by vacuum a food (20, 20 ') received in a receiving volume of the preservation box (1), comprising:

- a main container (10) comprising a main bottom (11) and a main side wall (12) extending from the main bottom (11);

- a removable lid (40) provided to cooperate with the main side wall (12) to close the main container (10);

- a valve (30) provided to allow air to pass from the inside of the storage box (1) to the outside when the storage box (1) is placed under vacuum, and to prevent a air passage from the outside to the inside of the storage box (1), the valve (30) being provided in the main bottom (11) of the main container (10); And

- a compartmentation element (20, 20') provided to physically separate the valve (30) from any food (200) received in the reception volume of the storage box (1), said compartmentation element (20, 20' ) being further provided to provide air communication between the valve (30) and the receiving volume.

2. Storage box (1) according to claim 1, wherein the compartmentalization element (20, 20 ') is in the form of at least one additional container (20, 20') adapted to form the volume of reception, the at least one additional container (20, 20') comprising an additional bottom (21) and an additional side wall (22) extending from the additional bottom (21), the at least one additional container (20 , 20 ') being adapted to be arranged inside the main container (10) so that the additional bottom (21) is arranged facing the main bottom (11) and that the additional side wall (22) is arranged in view of the main side wall (12).

3. Storage box (1) according to claim 2, wherein the compartmentalization element (20, 20 ') is in the form of two additional containers (20, 20') intended to be arranged side by side at the inside the main container (10).

4. Storage box (1) according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the at least one additional container (20, 20 ') comprises at least one foot (25, 25') extending from the additional bottom (21) and designed to rest in contact with the main bottom (11) when the additional container (20, 20') is arranged inside the main container (10), in order to create a space between the main bottom (11) and the additional bottom (21).

5. Storage box (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the additional bottom (21) of the at least one additional container (20, 20 ') is a perforated bottom.

6. Storage box (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a through hole is formed substantially in the center of the main bottom (11), and wherein the valve (30) is mounted on the main bottom (11) at the level of the through hole.

7. Storage box (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the valve (30) is flush with the main bottom (11) of the main container (10), so that an outer wall of the main bottom (11) is substantially smooth.

8. Storage box (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a cap (50) adapted to be mounted on the main bottom (11) inside the main container (10), said cap (50) being movably mounted between a storage position in which the cap (50) covers and seals off the valve (30) from the receiving volume of the storage box (1), and a vacuum position wherein the cap (50) at least partially uncovers the valve (30).

9. Vacuum device (100), comprising:

- a base (102) comprising a base (101) in which is formed a suction mouth

- a storage box (1) under vacuum for a food (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the storage box (1) being intended to be put in place in a removable manner on the base (101 ) so that the valve (30) is arranged facing the suction mouth; And

- a suction device (110) mounted in the base (102) so as to be in fluid communication with the suction mouth, the suction device (110) being configured to suck air contained in the storage box (1) through the valve (30) and the suction mouth so as to evacuate said storage box (1).

10. A method of vacuuming a storage box (1) using a vacuum device (100) according to claim 9, comprising the following steps:

- Installation of the storage box (1) on the base (101) of the vacuum device (100); And

- placing the storage box (1) under vacuum by sucking the air contained in the storage box (1) through the suction device (110).