Universal air removal port u-arp

Abstract

Improvements in a user installable air vacuum port is disclosed that allows repeated opening and resealing of the package followed by removal of air and moisture by vacuuming. User supplied package can be zip type or other re-sealable container that is pre-filled with product or filled with product by a consumer. The consumer creates a hole through the side of the package and installs a universal air removal port through the created opening. Air is removed with a vacuum pump connected to the air removal port. When the food package is in vacuum the contour of the food contents is clearly delineated through the collapsed food container. When vacuum is partially or totally lost while the food package is stored, the loss of vacuum is readily observed and air can be again removed. The universal air removal port can be transferred to other bags for reuse.

1 . An universal air removal port comprising:
 a user supplied re-closeable flexible sided container having interlocking surfaces;   creating a hole in said user supplied re-closeable flexible sided container;   placing an adhesive bonding element onto a first part of an air removal port;   inserting said first part of an air removal port and said adhesive bonding element through said hole;   securing a second part of said air removal port onto said first part, and   wherein said air removal port further includes a one-way check valve.   
     
     
         2 . The universal air removal port according to  claim 1  wherein said universal air removal port provides a sufficient closing force to maintain a vacuum of about −90 kPa and at a low temperature about −20° C. to about −60° C. 
     
     
         3 . The universal air removal port according to  claim 1  wherein said user supplied bag is selected from the group consisting of low and high density polyethylene, nylon, polyester, polyurethane, or laminate. 
     
     
         4 . The universal air removal port according to  claim 1  wherein said user supplied re-closeable flexible sided container is firmly sucked against a food content when said user supplied re-closeable flexible sided container is in a vacuumed condition. 
     
     
         5 . The universal air removal port according to  claim 1  that further includes a second adhesive bonding element placed between said users supplied re-closeable flexible sided container and said second part of said air removal port. 
     
     
         6 . The universal air removal port according to  claim 1  said first part of said air removal port has at least one opening for air to be drawn from within said user supplied re-closeable flexible sided container. 
     
     
         7 . The universal air removal port according to  claim 1  wherein said user supplied re-closeable flexible sided container is prefilled with consumable product. 
     
     
         8 . The universal air removal port according to  claim 1  wherein said one-way check valve is a compressed foam sponge or a flat valve that is held closed when a vacuum is drawn from said user supplied re-closeable flexible sided container. 
     
     
         9 . The universal air removal port according to  claim 1  wherein said adhesive bonding element eliminates surface imperfections between said users supplied re-closeable flexible sided container and said first or said second part of an air removal port. 
     
     
         10 . The universal air removal port according to  claim 1  wherein said first part and said second part of said air removal port are held together with an interference fit. 
     
     
         11 . The universal air removal port according to  claim 1  wherein said interlocking surfaces of said user supplied bag is a zippered closure. 
     
     
         12 . The universal air removal port according to  claim 1  wherein said interlocking surfaces comprises male and female interconnecting surfaces. 
     
     
         13 . The universal air removal port according to  claim 1  that further includes a hole punch. 
     
     
         14 . The universal air removal port according to  claim 1  wherein said first part and said second part of said air removal port are re-usable. 
     
     
         15 . The universal air removal port according to  claim 4  wherein a loss of vacuum is readily visible when food content within said supplied re-closeable flexible sided container is no longer clearly delineated. 
     
     
         16 . The universal air removal port according to  claim 4  wherein upon loss of said vacuumed condition, insertion of said vacuum pump into said universal air removal port enables removal of air and moisture therefrom.