System and method for storing items

RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001This application is a continuation of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/IL2012/050180 having the International filing date of May 20, 2012, which claims the benefit of priority under 35 USC 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/488,173 filed May 20, 2011 and 61/542,344 filed Oct. 3, 2011, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

0002The 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.

0003One of the problems facing households and suppliers is an inability to effectively preserve perishable items such as food and medication. Oxygen and humidity in the air accelerate the chemical breakdown and microbial spoilage of many items. Insects, mites and rodents are also common causes of food spoilage, and they may also serve as carriers in transmitting diseases. Metabolic change within food items can also cause food spoilage in raw foods. For example, meat and fruit contain enzymes that will cause the breakdown of tissues.

0004Regardless of the cause of spoilage, the end result is wastage of surpluses in all steps of the food supply chain and a major economic, environmental and social concern.

0005Numerous approaches have been developed to help preserve perishable items. For example, vacuum packaging which removes air from package helps to preserve foods by eliminating some or all of the air inside the package.

0006One example of 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.

0007More complicated vacuum systems which are integrated into refrigerators and the like are also known.

0008U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,875 and U.S. Patent Application Publication 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. Notably, every time a user opens the drawer to retrieve food, the vacuum source must be re-activated in order to evacuate air from the drawer.

0009The 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.

0010In addition, 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.

0011While reducing the present invention to practice, the present inventors have devised a storage system which traverses the above described limitations of prior art devices and provides a reduced volume and/or pressure chamber which can, for example, maintain an item storage environment having a vacuum-equivalent value of 95% (equivalent to a 95% vacuum) or more and yet be activatable to establish such an environment within seconds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0012According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided 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.

0013According to further features in preferred embodiments of the invention described below, the mechanism includes a pliable sheet defining at least one wall of the storage space.

0014According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the 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.

0015According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the pressure difference deforms the pliable sheet.

0016According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the device is optionally a pump capable of drawing air out of the storage space.

0017According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the device is a blower capable of pressurizing a portion of the internal space not occupied by the storage space.

0018According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments at least one wall defining the internal space of the rigid container also defines a wall of the storage space.

0019According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the pliable sheet is elastic.

0020According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the pliable sheet is fabricated from silicone or latex.

0021According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the pliable sheet is capable of at least partially wrapping the items stored in the storage space.

0022According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the rigid chamber is configured as a container having a lid.

0023According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the rigid chamber is configured as a drawer.

0024According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the drawer includes a sealing surface for sealing the rigid chamber when the drawer is closed.

0025According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the sealing surface is configured such that opening and closing of the drawer does not substantially generate friction on the sealing surface.

0026According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the sealing surface is angled with respect to an axis of movement of the drawer.

0027According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the system further comprises a shelf for holding the items, the shelf being configured for allowing air to flow around or through the shelf.

0028According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments 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.

0029According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the storage space is capable of supporting a vacuum equivalent of 0.15 Atms (85%).

0030According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments shelf is configured as a woven grid.

0031According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided 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.

0032According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments 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.

0033According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the pliable sheet is elastic.

0034According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the pressure difference is effected via a vacuum pump capable of drawing air out of the storage space.

0035According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the pressure difference is effected via a blower capable of pressurizing a portion of the internal space not occupied by the storage space.

0036According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the items are food items, pharmaceutical items, fragile items, electronic devices, mechanical and the like.

0037According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the items are fragile items and the storing is effected for securing the items.

0038The 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.

0039Unless otherwise defined, 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. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

0040The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

0041In the drawings:

0042<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-2</figref> are schematic side views of the present storage system in a non-deployed (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>) and deployed (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>) states.

0043<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3-4</figref> are schematic perspective drawings of a drawer embodiment of the present system in assembled (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>) and disassembled (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>) configurations.

0044<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5-6</figref> are schematic side views of the drawer of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3-4</figref> in a non-deployed (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>) and deployed (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>) states.

0045<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a schematic perspective drawing of a lid top container embodiment of the present invention.

0046<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8A-C</figref> illustrate a prototype drawer configuration of the present invention showing the drawer in an open position (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8A</figref>), a closed position (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8B</figref>) and deployed state (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8C</figref>).

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

0047The 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.

0048The principles and operation of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and accompanying descriptions.

0049Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details set forth in the following description or exemplified by the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

0050Vacuum storage systems typically utilize bags or rigid containers to store perishable items such as food. Rigid vacuum chambers (e.g. refrigerator vacuum compartments) are advantageous in that they provide a protective and supportive storage space, however, 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.

0051For example, 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:

0000<br /><i>F=ΔP×A </i>

0000wherein F is force, P is pressure and A is the area of one side of the container.

0052The force acting on a single side of the container can be solved by multiplying 0.9 Atm (ΔP) by 1800 cm²(A−60×30). The result is 1620 Kg of force on one side of the container. Since the container has 6 sides, 2×(60×30)+2×(45×30)+2×(60×45), the total area is 11700 cm²and the total force acting on the external surface of the container (when maintained at 90% vacuum) is 10.5 tons.

0053Since such a force can easily crush the container, establishing an absolute vacuum of 90% or even 60% therein is impractical. As such, rigid vacuum containers typically maintain a vacuum of about 10% (90% of air remaining) depending on the type of container and vacuum pump used.

0054The 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.

0055As is further described herein, 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. 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.

0056Thus, according to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for storing items.

0057As used herein, 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.

0058As used herein, the term “vacuum” (absolute) 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.

0059As used herein, the phrase “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. For example, 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%.

0060As used herein, 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.

0061As is mentioned hereinabove, 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.

0062In order to generate and maintain reduced volume and pressure in the storage space, the mechanism is configured for accommodating the reduction of air volume and pressure in the storage space. Such accommodation prevents any appreciable ΔP between the storage space/internal space and the environment surrounding the rigid chamber.

0063<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-2</figref> illustrate the system of the present invention which is referred to herein as system <b>10</b>.

0064System <b>10</b> includes a rigid chamber <b>12</b> which in this case is shaped as a box (shown in side—cutaway view in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-2</figref>) having side walls <b>14</b>, top wall <b>16</b>, bottom wall <b>18</b> and side panels <b>20</b> (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.

0065Rigid chamber <b>12</b> 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 <b>12</b> can vary from less than a liter to thousands of liters or more depending on the items to be stored.

0066Walls <b>14</b>, <b>16</b>, <b>18</b> and panels <b>20</b> define an internal space <b>22</b> which is typically maintained at ambient air pressure. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-2</figref>, internal surface <b>24</b> of bottom wall <b>18</b> serves as a storage platform for items <b>26</b>. It will be appreciated that any other internal surface of rigid chamber <b>12</b> can also be used for storage by using shelves or item-attachment elements such as hooks and the like.

0067System <b>10</b> also includes a mechanism <b>28</b> for generating a storage space <b>30</b> within internal space <b>22</b>. Unlike internal space <b>22</b> which is static and is defined by walls <b>14</b>, <b>16</b>, <b>18</b> and panels <b>20</b>, storage space is dynamic, and as such the volume thereof is modifiable by mechanism <b>28</b>. Storage space <b>30</b> can include one or more storage areas. In the configuration shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref>, storage space has a single storage area. However, storage space <b>30</b> can be divided into 2 or more storage areas by positioning one or more dividers (e.g. upright walls) within storage space <b>30</b>.

0068In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, storage space (indicated by diagonal lines) occupies nearly all of the internal space <b>22</b> of rigid chamber <b>12</b>, while in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> it occupies less than 15% of internal space <b>22</b> (a little more that the volume of items placed in rigid chamber <b>12</b>).

0069As is mentioned hereinabove, mechanism <b>28</b> is designed to accommodate for a reduction in air volume/pressure within storage space <b>30</b>.

0070To enable such accommodation, mechanism <b>28</b> is preferably configured as a pliable sheet <b>32</b>. Pliable sheet can be fabricated from any opaque or transparent polymer, examples of suitable materials include, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene and the like.

0071In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-2</figref> the top of storage space <b>30</b> is defined by pliable sheet <b>32</b>, while the bottom of storage space <b>30</b> is defined by bottom wall <b>18</b>. Pliable sheet <b>32</b> is secured (glued, stapled etc) to side walls <b>14</b> and/or side panels <b>20</b> anywhere along a height thereof (Secured at midpoint <b>34</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-2</figref>). Preferably, pliable sheet <b>32</b> is secured to side walls <b>14</b> and/or side panels <b>20</b> above a midpoint in height. Since storage space <b>30</b> is defined at the top by pliable sheet <b>32</b> it is preferably not secured near or at the bottom of the side walls or to bottom wall <b>18</b>.

0072As is mentioned hereinabove, storage space <b>30</b> is capable of maintaining reduced air pressure and volume as compared to internal space <b>22</b> or the air outside rigid chamber <b>12</b>. As air is evacuated from storage space <b>30</b>, pliable sheet <b>32</b> accommodates such evacuation and moves down within internal space <b>22</b> to gradually reduce the volume of storage space <b>30</b>. As is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, removal of most of the air results in partial or complete wrapping of items <b>26</b> by pliable sheet <b>32</b> and generation of a storage space <b>30</b> 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 <b>22</b>.

0073In order to effectively warp items <b>26</b> and maximize air evacuation while minimizing the volume of resultant storage space <b>32</b> (as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>), pliable sheet <b>32</b> is preferably configured for increasing in surface area with gradual reduction in storage space <b>30</b> volume (during air evacuation from storage space <b>30</b>). The extent of surface increase desired in pliable sheet <b>32</b> will depend on the dimension of rigid chamber <b>12</b> and the position of pliable sheet <b>32</b> in internal space <b>22</b>. Such an increase in surface area can be accomplished by utilizing a pliable sheet <b>32</b> which is folded or rolled when in the position shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> and expanded when in the position shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. For example, pliable sheet <b>32</b> can be folded like an accordion and gradually open during air evacuation.

0074Effective wrapping of items can also be achieved by using a pliable sheet <b>32</b> which is elastic. As air is drawn out, an elastic pliable sheet <b>32</b> will stretch (elastically deform) to effectively and completely wrap items <b>26</b>. Examples of materials suitable for use in an elastic configuration of pliable sheet <b>32</b> include silicon rubber, latex and the like. A preferred elastic elongation for pliable sheet <b>32</b> is in the range of up to 800%.

0075Evacuation of air from storage space <b>30</b> can be effected using one of several approaches.

0076One approach can utilize a frame positioned on top of pliable sheet <b>32</b> and inside internal space <b>22</b> for pushing pliable sheet <b>32</b> (folded or elastic) downwards (arrow <b>34</b>) onto items <b>26</b>. 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 <b>12</b> and in operable communication with the frame.

0077A presently preferred approach for reducing a volume of storage space <b>30</b> utilizes a pump or blower to create a pressure differential across pliable sheet <b>32</b>.

0078In that respect, system <b>10</b> can include a blower <b>36</b> which is in fluid communication with internal space <b>22</b> via air hose <b>38</b> and port <b>40</b> or a vacuum pump <b>36</b> which is in communication with storage space <b>30</b> via air hose <b>42</b> and port <b>44</b>.

0079Although use of a vacuum pump is presently preferred, it will be appreciated that other sources of vacuum such as a water aspirator can also be used by the present invention.

0080A configuration of system <b>10</b> employing blower <b>36</b> increases the air pressure and volume above pliable sheet <b>32</b> to thereby push it downward and evacuate the air from storage space <b>30</b>. The air evacuated from storage space <b>30</b> is then pushed out through outlet port <b>46</b> (which includes a one way valve).

0081A configuration of system <b>10</b> employing vacuum pump <b>36</b> decreases the air volume and pressure under pliable sheet <b>32</b> by suctioning it out to thereby pull pliable sheet <b>32</b> downward and evacuate the air from storage space <b>30</b>.

0082It will be appreciated that a vacuum pump <b>36</b> can route the air evacuated from storage space <b>30</b> to the space above pliable sheet <b>32</b>.

0083Blower <b>36</b> can be any blower capable of blowing air at a pressure of 100-600 mm H₂O (0.01-0.06 Atm), examples include the RYOBI BL-3500 (Ryobi Ltd. USA). Vacuum pump <b>36</b> can be any vacuum pump capable of sucking air at a pressure equivalent to 300-1200 mm H₂O (0.03-0.12 Atm), examples include the UFESA AM4330 (BSH Electrodomésticos, Spain).

0084The internal diameters (ID) of air hoses <b>38</b> and <b>42</b> and ports <b>40</b> and <b>44</b> 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 <b>38</b> and <b>42</b> can be the ID of the pump inlet or less.

0085The example section which follows describes a prototype system which was constructed using a plywood cabinet and a Lucite storage chamber. As is detailed therein, such a configuration of system <b>10</b> enables near complete evacuation of air (90%) and creation of a pressure of 0.85 Atm within 3 seconds and restoration of air volume and pressure within 3 seconds.

0086In order to enhance air evacuation from storage space <b>30</b>, system <b>10</b> which utilizes a blower/vacuum pump <b>36</b> further includes a rack/shelf <b>48</b> which is configured for allowing air to flow around or therethrough. Rack/shelf <b>48</b> is positioned on top of and preferably some distance away from (e.g. 5-20 mm) the internal surface of bottom wall <b>18</b>.

0087Rack/shelf <b>48</b> is preferably configured to enable air to flow therethrough in a direction both perpendicular to, and horizontal with a surface thereof. In that respect, rack/shelf <b>48</b> is configured as a screen/grid made of woven wires. Such a configuration ensures that items <b>26</b> placed on rack/shelf <b>48</b> 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 <b>32</b> is unimpeded and flows under items <b>26</b> (in between the bottom surface of items <b>26</b> and the top surface of rack/shelf <b>48</b>). If shelf/rack <b>48</b> was configured as, for example, a perforated sheet, items <b>26</b> placed on such a perforated sheet would block air passages and impede air movement. Rack/shelf <b>48</b> also prevents blocking of port <b>44</b>.

0088Such unimpeded airflow can also be achieved by configuring internal surface of bottom wall <b>18</b> with finger-like projections (an example of which is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>).

0089System <b>10</b> can also include a screen <b>50</b> which is positioned against the internal surface of top wall <b>16</b>. Such a screen <b>50</b> serves the same purpose of providing unimpeded air flow into internal space <b>22</b> when pliable sheet is positioned as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.

0090System <b>10</b> further includes a user interface for controlling actuation of storage space <b>30</b>. Such a user interface can include controls for actuating, for example, vacuum pump <b>36</b> and a display for displaying to a user the air pressure, humidity and temperature within storage space <b>30</b>, as well as warning messages (e.g. loss of vacuum and loss of power).

0091System <b>10</b> 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 <b>10</b>.

0092<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 3-6</figref> illustrate a drawer configuration of system <b>10</b> in an assembled (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>) and disassembled (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>) configurations and inside views showing a non-deployed (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>) and deployed (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>) states. Drawer configuration of system <b>10</b> is referred to herein under as drawer <b>50</b>.

0093Drawer <b>50</b> includes a static drawer structure <b>52</b> (e.g. cabinet) and a movable drawer structure <b>54</b> (e.g. drawer) which moves in and out of static drawer structure <b>52</b> on rails <b>56</b>. Drawer <b>50</b> also includes vacuum pump <b>58</b> and associated hoses and ports <b>60</b>.

0094Static drawer structure <b>52</b> is an open box, wherein walls <b>64</b>, <b>66</b>, <b>68</b> and <b>70</b> form a front opening <b>72</b> and a back opening <b>74</b>. Front opening <b>72</b> is configured for receiving movable drawer structure <b>54</b>. Back opening <b>74</b> can be open or closed with a panel.

0095Static drawer structure <b>52</b> also includes a triangular/trapezoid subassembly <b>76</b> (shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>) which is fitted within a top half of static drawer structure <b>52</b>. Subassembly <b>76</b> includes a seal <b>78</b> (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 <b>78</b> can be glued to this surface using an appropriate adhesive or forcibly pressed into a groove in the surface (as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5-6</figref>). Seal <b>78</b> or a second seal (not shown) can also be fitted to, or into, the top edge surface of movable drawer structure <b>54</b>.

0096An elastic pliable sheet <b>82</b> (identical in function to pliable sheet <b>32</b> described above) fabricated from latex can be attached to the top edge surface <b>84</b> or bottom edge surface <b>85</b> of the walls of static drawer structure <b>52</b> via of, for example, glue. It will be appreciated that when elastic pliable sheet <b>82</b> is attached to bottom edge surface <b>85</b> of the walls of static drawer structure <b>52</b>, seal <b>78</b> is preferably attached or forcibly inserted into, a top edge surface of walls <b>86</b>, <b>88</b>, <b>90</b> and <b>92</b> of movable drawer structure <b>54</b>.

0097Movable drawer structure <b>54</b> has a triangular/trapezoid shape and is constructed from bottom wall <b>86</b>, a front wall <b>90</b> (with front panel <b>91</b>), a back wall <b>92</b> and a pair of side-walls <b>88</b>. The top-edge of each side-wall <b>88</b> is preferably inclined, slopping downwards in the direction of back wall <b>92</b> (i.e. angled with respect to axis of movement of movable drawer structure <b>54</b>).

0098The slope of side-walls <b>88</b> complements the downward slope of the bottom edges of the side walls of subassembly <b>76</b>. Thus, in a closed state, movable drawer structure <b>54</b> and subassembly <b>76</b> form an internal space which is sealed by seal <b>78</b> and edges of pliable sheet <b>82</b>. Since the sealing surface is sloped with respect to the axis of movement of movable drawer structure <b>54</b>, opening and closing of movable drawer structure <b>54</b> does not apply any substantial friction on seal <b>78</b> or pliable sheet <b>82</b> and thus does not damage sealing capabilities over time and use.

0099Alternative approaches for sealing a movable open top drawer without creating friction on seals include inflatable seals which inflate following closing can deflate prior to opening of movable drawer structure <b>54</b>.

0100Drawer <b>50</b> further includes screen <b>94</b> (identical in function to rack/shelf <b>48</b> described above) which is fitted on top of the internal surface of bottom wall <b>86</b>.

0101Drawer <b>50</b> is operated by opening movable drawer structure <b>54</b> placing items onto screen <b>94</b>, closing movable drawer structure <b>54</b> and activating vacuum pump <b>58</b> to remove air from the storage space formed under pliable sheet <b>82</b>.

0102<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5-6</figref> illustrate drawer <b>50</b> in a non-deployed (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>) and deployed (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>) states.

0103As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, prior to activation of vacuum pump <b>58</b>, pliable sheet <b>82</b> is positioned along the top edge of movable drawer structure <b>54</b> (angling down from front to back) defining a top wall of storage space <b>100</b> (denoted by diagonal lines). Once vacuum is activated (by for example pressing front panel button <b>103</b> or by simply closing drawer <b>50</b>), pliable sheet <b>82</b> is pulled downward by the vacuum force to warp items <b>102</b> placed over screen <b>94</b> and generate a storage space characterized by reduced air volume and pressure as compared to internal space <b>104</b> of drawer <b>50</b>.

0104Button <b>103</b> can be activated again to release the vacuum and draw in air through port <b>106</b>. Once pliable sheet <b>82</b> return to the position of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, movable drawer structure <b>54</b> can be opened. Button <b>103</b> can also be used to override automatic vacuum activation (when drawer <b>50</b> is closed) in cases where activation of vacuum is not desired.

0105<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> illustrates a lid-top container embodiment of the present invention which is referred to herein as container <b>150</b>.

0106Container <b>150</b> includes a container body <b>152</b> constructed from bottom wall <b>154</b> and side walls <b>156</b>. Container body <b>152</b> 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.

0107Container <b>150</b> also includes a lid <b>158</b> for closing a top opening <b>160</b> of container body <b>152</b>. Lid <b>158</b> can be fabricated from any suitable material and can couple with container body <b>152</b> using well known approaches.

0108Container <b>150</b> also includes pliable sheet <b>162</b> (latex or silicone) which is attached to a frame <b>164</b>. Frame <b>164</b> and pliable sheet <b>162</b> are preferably dimensioned to fit into container body <b>152</b> in close communication with the internal surface of side walls <b>156</b>.

0109Internal surface <b>166</b> of bottom wall <b>154</b> is configured with finger-like projections <b>168</b> which provide a support surface for stored items and allow unimpeded air movement from a storage space of container body <b>152</b> (volume between pliable sheet <b>162</b> and internal surface <b>166</b>). In that respect, projections <b>168</b> function like a woven grid.

0110Container <b>150</b> also includes a vacuum port <b>170</b> positioned at the bottom of side wall <b>156</b>. To use container <b>150</b>, a user simply opens lid <b>158</b> and removes frame <b>164</b> and mounted pliable sheet <b>162</b>. The user then places items on top of projections <b>168</b>, replaces frame <b>164</b> and attached pliable sheet <b>162</b>, closes lid and connects vacuum port <b>170</b> to a vacuum source (vacuum pump). The vacuum pump can then be activated to draw pliable sheet <b>162</b> down over the items and generate a storage space characterized by reduced volume and pressure.

0111In addition to being capable of reduced volume and pressure, drawer <b>50</b> can also include cooling and humidity control mechanism (e.g. refrigeration mechanism) as well as internal lighting (activated upon drawer opening) and the like.

0112As used herein the term “about” refers to ±10%.

0113Additional objects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention will become apparent to one ordinarily skilled in the art upon examination of the following examples, which are not intended to be limiting. Additionally, each of the various embodiments and aspects of the present invention as delineated hereinabove and as claimed in the claims section below finds experimental support in the following examples.

Examples

0114Reference is now made to the following examples, which together with the above descriptions, illustrate the invention in a non limiting fashion.

0115A prototype drawer configuration of the present system was constructed and tested for its ability to generate and maintain a vacuum over stored items.

0116A 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.

0117An 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).

0118The 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.

0119A 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. Once a predetermined pressure is reached, 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.

0120<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8</figref><i>a</i>-<i>c </i>illustrate the prototype drawer in an open (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref><i>a</i>), closed (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref><i>b</i>) and deployed states (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref><i>c</i>). As clearly seen from these images, food items placed on the grid at the bottom of the drawer are completely wrapped by the latex sheet upon activation of the vacuum pump. In fact, near complete wrapping (volume reduction of 90%, pressure reduction by 0.15 Atm) is achieved within 3 seconds using this prototype, while return to the state shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref><i>b </i>(which enables drawer opening) can be achieved within 3 seconds.

0121It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination.

0122Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.