Special receptacle or package – Evacuated
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-07
2001-03-20
Bui, Luan K. (Department: 3728)
Special receptacle or package
Evacuated
C220S062210
Reexamination Certificate
active
06202849
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to storage of compressible articles, and more particularly to a substantially rigid evacuatable storage unit that conveniently stores compressible articles having an uncompressed volume far exceeding the volume of the storage unit.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Compressive sealable bags have been developed to reduce the volume needed to store compressible articles such as clothing, pillows, bedding, etc. Such bags have an opening through which the articles can be placed into the bag. The opening is then temporarily or permanently sealed. Air is evacuated from the bag through a one way check valve, thus compressing the compressible articles and reducing their overall volume. Not only does compressing the stored articles save storage space in suitcases, cupboards and closets, but also the removal of excess air inhibits the growth of insects and bacteria which can damage the contents of the bag, and any buildup of moisture that could cause mildew.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,500 illustrates one such storage bag. The bag has an open end sealed by sealing fasteners, and a flat pipe one-way check valve. Once the compressible articles are placed inside the bag and the sealing fasteners are sealed together, the bag is pressed or rolled to discharge the air contained in the bag out through the check valve. The volume of the compressed articles in the bag is significantly smaller than their uncompressed volume.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,480,030 also illustrates a compressive storage bag, having a sealable opening through which to insert compressible articles, and a one-way valve in the surface of the bag. The one-way valve is compatible with the cylindrical attachment of a household vacuum cleaner, which can be used to evacuate the air out of the bag once it is sealed.
Such compressive bags have several shortcomings. Compressible articles often do not compress down into a flat shape, making it difficult to stack multiple compressive bags on top of each other without toppling over. Further, compressed bags stored over long periods of time may allow air to slowly leak back into the bags, thus resulting in a slowly expanding volume of storage space taken up by the compressed bag. Moreover, compressive bags are made from a pliable plastic film that can be punctured with rough handling or by contact with sharp objects. The plastic film material can also lose its vacuum sealing integrity as it ages. Thus, articles stored over long periods of time could expand in volume and lose the vacuum protection from the bag, possibly without being detected for some time.
There is a need for a sealable compressive container that stores compressible articles in a stackable manner, provides superior protection against accidental puncture, and will not expand even if the vacuum integrity of the container is compromised.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention solves the aforementioned problems by providing an evacuatable storage unit that draws compressible articles into a rigid container to provide superior protection and more reliable long term vacuum storage.
The evacuatable storage unit of the present invention includes a substantially rigid container having an open upper end, and a flexible air tight liner attached to an inside of the container. The liner has an upper portion that extends out beyond the open upper end of the container. The liner upper portion terminates in a first opening for inserting compressible articles into the liner. The first opening is closable to form a first air tight seal. As air inside the liner is evacuated from the liner, the liner upper portion and compressible articles stored therein collapse into the container.
In another aspect of the present invention, the evacuatable storage unit includes a substantially rigid container having an open upper end, a flexible air tight liner attached to an inside of the container, and a port installed in a surface of the liner that allows air to pass out of the liner and prevents air from entering the liner. The liner has an upper portion that extends out beyond the open upper end of the container. The liner upper portion terminates in an opening for inserting compressible articles into the liner. The opening is closable to form an air tight seal. As air inside the liner is evacuated from the liner through the port, the liner upper portion and compressible articles stored therein collapse into the container.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, the evacuatable storage unit includes a substantially rigid container having an open upper end, a flexible air tight liner having a lower portion terminating in a first opening that is attached to an inside surface of the container in an air tight manner and an upper portion that extends out beyond the open upper end of the container and terminating in a second opening for inserting compressible articles into the liner, and a port installed in a surface of at least one of the liner and the container that allows air to pass out of the liner and prevents air from entering the liner. The second opening is closable to form an air tight seal. As air inside the liner is evacuated through the port, the liner upper portion and compressible articles stored therein collapse into the container.
Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent by a review of the specification, claims and appended figures.
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Bui Luan K.
Limbach & Limbach LLP
LandOfFree
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