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WO1991008151A1 - A bidirectional or two-way air and gas flow control device for product packaging and a method therefor - Google Patents

A bidirectional or two-way air and gas flow control device for product packaging and a method therefor Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1991008151A1
WO1991008151A1 PCT/CA1990/000406 CA9000406W WO9108151A1 WO 1991008151 A1 WO1991008151 A1 WO 1991008151A1 CA 9000406 W CA9000406 W CA 9000406W WO 9108151 A1 WO9108151 A1 WO 9108151A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
control device
container
flow control
gas flow
product
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA1990/000406
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Gilles Larose
Original Assignee
Vacu-O-Leader International S.A.L.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Vacu-O-Leader International S.A.L. filed Critical Vacu-O-Leader International S.A.L.
Publication of WO1991008151A1 publication Critical patent/WO1991008151A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/18—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
    • B65D81/20—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
    • B65D81/2007—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum
    • B65D81/2038—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum with means for establishing or improving vacuum
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D47/00—Closures with filling and discharging, or with discharging, devices
    • B65D47/04—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps
    • B65D47/06—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages
    • B65D47/08—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures
    • B65D47/0804—Closures with discharging devices other than pumps with pouring spouts or tubes; with discharge nozzles or passages having articulated or hinged closures integrally formed with the base element provided with the spout or discharge passage
    • B65D47/0833—Hinges without elastic bias
    • B65D47/0838—Hinges without elastic bias located at an edge of the base element
    • B65D47/0842—Hinges without elastic bias located at an edge of the base element consisting of a strap of flexible material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2251/00—Details relating to container closures
    • B65D2251/10—Details of hinged closures
    • B65D2251/1016—Means for locking the closure in closed position

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a bidirectional or two-way gas flow control device for packaging any product.
  • the present invention to be hereinafter described provides an efficient product packaging bidirectional gas control device which will overcome the above described drawbacks.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a two-way or bidirectional air and gas flow control device and a method of product packaging for a container in which the surface of the control device coming in contact with the product to be packed is substantially plane and large.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a two- way or bidirectional gas flow control device and a method for product packaging capable of sustaining substantially high differential pressure.
  • Still another object of the present invention is to provide a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device and a method for product packaging ensuring satisfactory sealing.
  • Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device and a method for product packaging having locking means so as to prevent inadvertent openings once the air is withdrawn from the container and/or the gas is reinjected into the container.
  • Still another object of the present invention is to provide a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device and a method for product packaging which can be used for any air- contact perishable products and materials.
  • Yet another object of the present invention is v to provide a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device and a method for product packaging which comprises a control device capable of being secured to any flexible or rigid container.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a two- way or bidirectional gas flow control device and a method for product packaging which will be secured to any rigid container.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a two- way or bidirectional gas flow control device which can be used as a one-way or monodirectional gas flow control device.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a two- way or bidirectional gas flow control device and a method for product packaging of the general type specified previously in which the closure element allows a snap- closing without the use of excessive force.
  • first member having a main portion adapted to be affixed to the wall of the container, said main portion having a downwardly extending section being provided with a plurality of peripherical opening means therethrough, said openings extending generally downwardly and outwardly of said section, said section being provided with a substantially flat bottom surface which is to be supported by the product packed into said container;
  • said downwardly extending section further comprises peripherical filter element holding means.
  • first member having a main portion adapted to be affixed to the wall of the container, said main portion having a downwardly extending section being provided with a
  • said downwardly extending section further comprises peripherical filter element holding means; said method of protection, conservation or preservation comprising the following steps:
  • the present invention relates to a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device for product packaging in flexible " or rigid containers.
  • the device according to the present invention, comprises basically two elements, a first element to be affixed to the wall of the container and a second
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET element which will hermetically close the control device by engagement with the first element.
  • the first element can be sealed by ultra-sound, ultra-violet rays, heat, propulsion, etc... , to the walls of the container or otherwise secured to same.
  • the first element is provided with a plurality of openings disposed on the periphery of same to permit withdrawal of the air from the container.
  • a filter element can be placed into said first element to avoid suction of food, liquids or light-weight products into the air withdrawal device (not part of the invention) .
  • control device When used as a two-way or bidirectional flow control device, same allows the withdrawal of the air present into the container, then, it is possible to reinject a protection atmosphere so as to protect, preserve or conserve the product's integrity and/or to increase its shelflife.
  • the control device When the control device is used as a one-way or monodirectional, the air is removed from the container and the second element closes the first element so as to keep the vacuum inside the container. This control device is used for conservation purposes or for reduction of volume during storage.
  • Figure 1 is a sectional view of an embodiment in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a sectional view of the control device of Figure 1 in the closed position.
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET Figure 3 is a perspective ew of '"ilter element for the control device of Figure 1.
  • Figure 4 is a bottom view of the control device of Figure 1.
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG 1 With respect to figure 1, there is shown the two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device 5 for product packaging in accordance with the present invention.
  • the control device 5 comprises a first member 10 and a second member 15, said first member 10 has a main portion 25 adapted to be affixed to the wall of a container 20.
  • said container 20 being a flexible wall container.
  • the control device can be secured to a rigid container.
  • the main portion 25 comprises a downwardly extending annular section 30 having a substantially flat bottom surface 35.
  • the annular section 30 comprises at least one lip 40 designed to increase the sealing between the first element 10 and the second element 15 to be described hereinafter.
  • the flat bottom surface 35 of the annular section 30 is used as a force repartition surface when the vacuum is created into the container 20. Thus, when the vacuum is created inside the container 20, the surface 35 will rest on the product (not shown) without tending to penetrate into and damaging same. However, during flush back process, the
  • Radially extending ribs 33 may be provided between main portion 25 and annular section 30 at regular intervals in order to limit the crushing of the annular section 30 in those cases where the control device will lie over a solid object.
  • the control device 5 comprises elements which are injection moulded from a substantially rigid transparent plastics material such as polyethylene or nylon, but it could be of polypropylene or other thermoplastic materials.
  • the second member 15 comprises a first cylindrical portion 45 connected conically to a first frusto-conical portion 50 connected itself to a second frusto-conical portion 55.
  • the second member ends with a domed base 60 as shown in figure 1.
  • the second member 15 is hingedly secured to the first member 10 by means of a tongue 65.
  • tongue 65 is received in a recess made (not shown) into the main portion 25 and a gripping tab 70 connected to the second element 15 and diametrically opposite to tongue 65 is also provided.
  • a second recess (not shown) is provided into main portion 25 to receive said gripping tab 70.
  • the gripping tab 70 is provided with locking means 75 to engage with recesses 80 made into main portion 25 so as to avoid unwanted openings of the second element 15 with respect to first element 10 and therefore the control device 5 when the latter is closed.
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET To increase the locking effect of the first element 10, more locking means (not shown) can be added on the periphery of the second element 15. To increase the sealing between the first 10 and the second element 15, it is possible to provide the top portion of said second element 15 with a connecting step (not shown) which will extend on the entire periphery of same.
  • This connecting step 15A will constitute a bearing surface of the second element 15 with respect to the first element 10 and can be heat-sealed or otherwise secured to the first element for permanent sealing.
  • the first element is stiffened at the sides by thin longitudinal ribs (not shown) which extend diametrically from the center of, the main portion.
  • the first or the second element can also be equipped with any form of extension or other device which would permit electronic or other censing device to search and find the proper position of the bidirectional gas flow control device onto the container moving on a line of production.
  • the annular section 30 further comprises a peripherical filter element holding means.
  • Said holding means includes a downwardly extending wall 90 to support and firmly hold the filter element 110 shown in figure 3.
  • the downwardly extending wall 90 comprises a plurality of openings 95 therethrough to allow air withdrawal and gas flush back through the control device 5. The position of the withdrawal openings 95 on both sides of wall 90 will permit easy withdrawal of air from container 20 even though the area 100 is clogged by the product inside the container 20.
  • the wall is provided with inwardly extending tongues 85 (best shown in figure 4) to further secure the filtering
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET element 110 An embodiment of the filtering element 110 is shown in figure 3. Filtering elements being well-known in the art, same will not be described in detail.
  • the control device 5 When used with a flexible container, such as container 20, the control device 5 is first heat-sealed or otherwise affixed to the wall of same, then the product, indifferently food and non-food product or domestic and industrial material, is put into the container by the opened end which is then sealed. ; The air is withdrawn from the container by means of a vacuum pump (not shown) which is connected to the control device 5 by the top portion of the first element 10.
  • a vacuum pump not shown
  • the second element is then released and automatically seals the first element and the pressure is kept inside the container.
  • the second element 15 is kept away from the first element 10, in order to permit easy withdrawal of air.
  • any other device can be used to retain the second member away from the first member during vacuuming.
  • SUBSTITUTE SHEET into the container 20.
  • the selection of gas depends on the product packaged, the storage temperature, the required shelflife, etc. This gas or gas mixture will help prevent biological degradation, bacteria, germination, oxidation and/or water losses of the product packaged and preserves flavors, colors, aroma, texture of the product.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bidirectional or two-way air and gas flow control device for product packaging into a container and more particularly, relates to a bidirectional flow control device for packaging any product such as food or industrial materials. The control device (5) comprises a first member (10) adapted to be affixed to the wall of the container (20) and a second member (15) for engaging and closing the first member. The flow control device can be used in a monodirectional manner, that is, the air is simply withdrawn from the container, so as to package the product in vacuum, or simply to reduce the volume of the package for storage purposes. Alternatively, the flow control device is used in a bidirectional manner by which the air is first withdrawn from the container and then a protective atmosphere is reinjected into the container so as to conserve the product's integrity and/or to increase its shelflife. According to the present invention, the first member of the control device comprises a large flat bottom surface to be attached to a container and provided with a plurality of openings (95) on the periphery so as to increase the air and gas flow. Filter (110) means can also be provided to prevent the withdrawal of the product during vacuuming.

Description

A BIDIRECTIONAL OR TWO-WAY AIR AND GAS FLOW CONTROL DEVICE FOR PRODUCT PACKAGING AND A METHOD THEREFOR
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a bidirectional or two-way gas flow control device for packaging any product.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In recent years, various vacuum processes have been used for conservation purposes of many food and non-food products, or simply t<? reduce the volume of packaging for storage o.f bulky materials during palettization, handling, storage and transport.
Moreover, a combination of a vacuum and a gas reinjection process has also been used for conservation purposes. In this process, the air is withdrawn completely or partially from the container enclosing the product, then, an inert or any other active conservation atmosphere is reinjected into the container. These gases have many properties, such as protecting and controlling the content's integrity and increasing its shelflife. Conventional vacuum packaging for food and other products have heretofore utilized a flexible container formed of plastics material. These containers are provided with a closure device which is affixed to the wall of same.
For example of such a closure adapted to a rigid container, please refer to US patent no. 3,854,618 (Beghnini) .
SUBSTITUTE SHEET One drawback of the existing closure devices used for flexible containers is that same tend to penetrate into the products to be packed when the vacuum is accomplished since the portion of the closure device provided with the gas flow openings protudes and is not properly positioned. Moreover, due to the high pressure existing in those processes, the product tends to clog the openings in the said protuded part of the closure device, thus rendering same inoperable. Finally, the existing closure devices tend to damage and deteriorate the product enclosed into the container due to the protuding shape of same and the high pressure created by the vacuum process.
The present invention to be hereinafter described provides an efficient product packaging bidirectional gas control device which will overcome the above described drawbacks.
OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a two-way or bidirectional air and gas flow control device and a method of product packaging for a container in which the surface of the control device coming in contact with the product to be packed is substantially plane and large.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a two- way or bidirectional gas flow control device and a method for product packaging capable of sustaining substantially high differential pressure.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device and a method for product packaging ensuring satisfactory sealing.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device and a method for product packaging having locking means so as to prevent inadvertent openings once the air is withdrawn from the container and/or the gas is reinjected into the container.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device and a method for product packaging which can be used for any air- contact perishable products and materials.
Yet another object of the present invention is vto provide a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device and a method for product packaging which comprises a control device capable of being secured to any flexible or rigid container.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a two- way or bidirectional gas flow control device and a method for product packaging which will be secured to any rigid container.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a two- way or bidirectional gas flow control device which can be used as a one-way or monodirectional gas flow control device.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a two- way or bidirectional gas flow control device and a method for product packaging of the general type specified previously in which the closure element allows a snap- closing without the use of excessive force.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET These and other objects of this invention will be generally obtained by means of a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device for product packaging for the purpose of closing a container from which air or gas is to be evacuated, said device, comprising:
- a first member having a main portion adapted to be affixed to the wall of the container, said main portion having a downwardly extending section being provided with a plurality of peripherical opening means therethrough, said openings extending generally downwardly and outwardly of said section, said section being provided with a substantially flat bottom surface which is to be supported by the product packed into said container;
- a second member for engaging and closing said downwardly extending section; said second member being of complimentary shape with said first member;
- gripping means secured to said second member;
wherein said downwardly extending section further comprises peripherical filter element holding means.
These and other objects of this invention will also be generally obtained by means of a method to protect, conserve and preserve a product to be packaged into a container of the type provided with a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device comprising:
- a first member having a main portion adapted to be affixed to the wall of the container, said main portion having a downwardly extending section being provided with a
SUBSTITUTE SHEET plurality of peripherical opening means therethrough, said openings extending generally downwardly and outwardly of said section, said section being provided with a substantially flat bottom surface which is to be supported by the product packed into said container;
- a second member for engaging and closing said downwardly extending section; said second member being of complimentary shape with said first member;
- gripping means secured to said second member;
wherein said downwardly extending section further comprises peripherical filter element holding means; said method of protection, conservation or preservation comprising the following steps:
- securing said control device to the wall of the container;
- exercing a negative pressure on said first element of said closure device and keeping said second element away from the first element;
- closing of said control device by means of said second element.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device for product packaging in flexible" or rigid containers. The device, according to the present invention, comprises basically two elements, a first element to be affixed to the wall of the container and a second
SUBSTITUTE SHEET element which will hermetically close the control device by engagement with the first element. The first element can be sealed by ultra-sound, ultra-violet rays, heat, propulsion, etc... , to the walls of the container or otherwise secured to same. The first element is provided with a plurality of openings disposed on the periphery of same to permit withdrawal of the air from the container. A filter element can be placed into said first element to avoid suction of food, liquids or light-weight products into the air withdrawal device (not part of the invention) . When used as a two-way or bidirectional flow control device, same allows the withdrawal of the air present into the container, then, it is possible to reinject a protection atmosphere so as to protect, preserve or conserve the product's integrity and/or to increase its shelflife. When the control device is used as a one-way or monodirectional, the air is removed from the container and the second element closes the first element so as to keep the vacuum inside the container. This control device is used for conservation purposes or for reduction of volume during storage.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Other objects, features and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the written description and drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a sectional view of an embodiment in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 2 is a sectional view of the control device of Figure 1 in the closed position.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET Figure 3 is a perspective ew of '"ilter element for the control device of Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a bottom view of the control device of Figure 1.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment in accordance with the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
With respect to figure 1, there is shown the two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device 5 for product packaging in accordance with the present invention.
The control device 5 comprises a first member 10 and a second member 15, said first member 10 has a main portion 25 adapted to be affixed to the wall of a container 20. In the present embodiment, said container 20 being a flexible wall container. However, it is to be understood that the control device can be secured to a rigid container. The main portion 25 comprises a downwardly extending annular section 30 having a substantially flat bottom surface 35.
The annular section 30 comprises at least one lip 40 designed to increase the sealing between the first element 10 and the second element 15 to be described hereinafter. The flat bottom surface 35 of the annular section 30 is used as a force repartition surface when the vacuum is created into the container 20. Thus, when the vacuum is created inside the container 20, the surface 35 will rest on the product (not shown) without tending to penetrate into and damaging same. However, during flush back process, the
SUBSTITUTE SHEET product will obviously not touch or be in contact with the flat bottom surface. Radially extending ribs 33 may be provided between main portion 25 and annular section 30 at regular intervals in order to limit the crushing of the annular section 30 in those cases where the control device will lie over a solid object.
The control device 5 comprises elements which are injection moulded from a substantially rigid transparent plastics material such as polyethylene or nylon, but it could be of polypropylene or other thermoplastic materials.
The second member 15 comprises a first cylindrical portion 45 connected conically to a first frusto-conical portion 50 connected itself to a second frusto-conical portion 55. The second member ends with a domed base 60 as shown in figure 1.
The second member 15 is hingedly secured to the first member 10 by means of a tongue 65. When the second member 15 closes or engages the first member 10, tongue 65 is received in a recess made (not shown) into the main portion 25 and a gripping tab 70 connected to the second element 15 and diametrically opposite to tongue 65 is also provided. A second recess (not shown) is provided into main portion 25 to receive said gripping tab 70.
The gripping tab 70 is provided with locking means 75 to engage with recesses 80 made into main portion 25 so as to avoid unwanted openings of the second element 15 with respect to first element 10 and therefore the control device 5 when the latter is closed.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET To increase the locking effect of the first element 10, more locking means (not shown) can be added on the periphery of the second element 15. To increase the sealing between the first 10 and the second element 15, it is possible to provide the top portion of said second element 15 with a connecting step (not shown) which will extend on the entire periphery of same. This connecting step 15A will constitute a bearing surface of the second element 15 with respect to the first element 10 and can be heat-sealed or otherwise secured to the first element for permanent sealing.
The first element is stiffened at the sides by thin longitudinal ribs (not shown) which extend diametrically from the center of, the main portion. The first or the second element can also be equipped with any form of extension or other device which would permit electronic or other censing device to search and find the proper position of the bidirectional gas flow control device onto the container moving on a line of production.
According to a preferred embodiment, the annular section 30 further comprises a peripherical filter element holding means. Said holding means includes a downwardly extending wall 90 to support and firmly hold the filter element 110 shown in figure 3. The downwardly extending wall 90 comprises a plurality of openings 95 therethrough to allow air withdrawal and gas flush back through the control device 5. The position of the withdrawal openings 95 on both sides of wall 90 will permit easy withdrawal of air from container 20 even though the area 100 is clogged by the product inside the container 20.
The wall is provided with inwardly extending tongues 85 (best shown in figure 4) to further secure the filtering
SUBSTITUTE SHEET element 110. An embodiment of the filtering element 110 is shown in figure 3. Filtering elements being well-known in the art, same will not be described in detail.
Having described the two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device in accordance with the present invention, the method to use same will now be described.
When used with a flexible container, such as container 20, the control device 5 is first heat-sealed or otherwise affixed to the wall of same, then the product, indifferently food and non-food product or domestic and industrial material, is put into the container by the opened end which is then sealed. ; The air is withdrawn from the container by means of a vacuum pump (not shown) which is connected to the control device 5 by the top portion of the first element 10. When the air has been completely or partially removed from the container 20, the second element is then released and automatically seals the first element and the pressure is kept inside the container. During the vacuum process, it goes without saying that the second element 15 is kept away from the first element 10, in order to permit easy withdrawal of air. However, it is to be understood that any other device can be used to retain the second member away from the first member during vacuuming.
To increase the sealing effect between the above described elements 10 and 15, it is possible to add further lips such as lip 40 into the main portion of the closure device 5.
However, when re-injection of gas is necessary or desirable into the container 20 once the vacuum has been accomplished in the latter, the second element 15 is kept away from the first element 10 and then the desirable gas is re-injected
SUBSTITUTE SHEET into the container 20. The selection of gas depends on the product packaged, the storage temperature, the required shelflife, etc. This gas or gas mixture will help prevent biological degradation, bacteria, germination, oxidation and/or water losses of the product packaged and preserves flavors, colors, aroma, texture of the product.
Although various forms of the invention have been described in same detail, it is to be realized that the invention is not to be limited thereto, but is to include various modifications falling within the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, by "bidirectional gas flow control device", the applicant includes also two-way gas flow control device.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET

Claims

1. A bidirectional gas flow control device for product packaging for closing a container to be evacuated, said device comprising:
- a first member having a main portion adapted to be affixed to the wall of the container, said main portion having a downwardly extending section being provided with a plurality of peripherical opening means therethrough, said openings extending generally downwardly and outwardly of said section, said section being provided with a substantially flat bottom surface;
- a second member for engaging and closing said downwardly extending section; said second member being of complimentary shape with said first member;
- gripping means secured to said second member;
wherein said downwardly extending section further comprises peripherical filter element holding means.
2. A bidirectional gas flow control device according to claim 1, wherein the downwardly extending section is annular.
3. A bidirectional gas flow control device according to claim 1, wherein said second member has a diameter substantially equal to that of said annular section, said annular section having closing member holding means, wherein said second member is hinged to said first member.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET
4. A bidirectional gas flow control device according to claim 1, wherein said second member is hingedly secured to said first member connecting means wherein said second member is frusto-conically shaped.
5. A bidirectional gas flow control device according to claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein same is made of plastics material.
6. A method to protect, conserve and preserve a product to be packed into a container of any type provided with a two-way or bidirectional gas flow control device comprising:
- a first member having a main portion adapted to be affixed to the wall of the container, said main portion having a downwardly extending section being provided with a plurality of peripherical opening means therethrough, said openings extending generally downwardly and outwardly of said section, said section being provided with a substantially flat bottom surface which is to be supported by the product packed into said container;
- a second member for engaging and closing said downwardly extending section; said second member being of complimentary shape with said first member;
- gripping means secured to said second member;
wherein said downwardly extending section further comprises peripherical filter element holding means; said method comprising the following steps:
SUBSTITUTE SHEET - securing said control device to the wall of the container;
- exercing a negative pressure on said first element of said closure device and keeping said second element away from first element;
- closing of said control device by means of said second element.
7. A bidirectional gas flow control device for product packaging according to claim 1, wherein said first and second members having one or several lips complementary to each other for added sealing capabilities.
8. A method to protect, conserve and preserve any product to be packed into any container according to claim 6 further comprising the step of introducing a protective gas once the negative vacuuming pressure has been accomplished into the container.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET
PCT/CA1990/000406 1989-11-24 1990-11-22 A bidirectional or two-way air and gas flow control device for product packaging and a method therefor WO1991008151A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA 2003892 CA2003892A1 (en) 1989-11-24 1989-11-24 Bidirectional or two-way air and gas flow control device for product packaging and a method therefor
CA2,003,892 1989-11-24

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1991008151A1 true WO1991008151A1 (en) 1991-06-13

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AU (1) AU6728090A (en)
CA (1) CA2003892A1 (en)
WO (1) WO1991008151A1 (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10060995A1 (en) * 2000-12-08 2002-06-27 Braun Gmbh pressure indicator
EP1323643A1 (en) * 2001-12-28 2003-07-02 Korea Alphaline Co. Ltd. Combined vacuum valve and vacuum indicator
US7096893B2 (en) 2000-12-08 2006-08-29 Braun Gmbh Food storage containers
US7131550B2 (en) 2000-12-08 2006-11-07 Braun Gmbh Food storage containers
US7328730B2 (en) 2000-12-08 2008-02-12 Braun Gmbh Food storage containers

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2398244A1 (en) * 1977-07-20 1979-02-16 Goglio Luigi Two-way valve for thermo-weldable food sachet - has two passages through sachet wall to twin cups on partition plate
EP0274285A1 (en) * 1987-01-09 1988-07-13 VACU-O-LEADER INTERNATIONAL S.A.L. Société de droit Libanais Valve assembly for a vacuum package

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2398244A1 (en) * 1977-07-20 1979-02-16 Goglio Luigi Two-way valve for thermo-weldable food sachet - has two passages through sachet wall to twin cups on partition plate
EP0274285A1 (en) * 1987-01-09 1988-07-13 VACU-O-LEADER INTERNATIONAL S.A.L. Société de droit Libanais Valve assembly for a vacuum package

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10060995A1 (en) * 2000-12-08 2002-06-27 Braun Gmbh pressure indicator
US7096893B2 (en) 2000-12-08 2006-08-29 Braun Gmbh Food storage containers
US7131550B2 (en) 2000-12-08 2006-11-07 Braun Gmbh Food storage containers
US7328730B2 (en) 2000-12-08 2008-02-12 Braun Gmbh Food storage containers
EP1323643A1 (en) * 2001-12-28 2003-07-02 Korea Alphaline Co. Ltd. Combined vacuum valve and vacuum indicator

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU6728090A (en) 1991-06-26
CA2003892A1 (en) 1991-05-24

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