Controlled atmosphere box for memorabilia

Abstract

An atmosphere-controlled system and box for prolonged storage and display of various items, such as memorabilia. Specifically, the oxygen levels and moisture/humidity may be controlled within the box disclosed herein. This helps limit/prevent deterioration and harm to any items that are stored within the box.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An atmosphere-controlled system for storing and displaying an item, the system comprising:
 a box that includes a housing that defines an opening;   a lid removably attached over the opening on the box, where the lid includes a seal;   a vacuum valve configured to direct the flow of oxygen from the interior of the opening of the box; and   a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the interior of the opening in the box by way of the vacuum valve, wherein the vacuum pump is configured to remove oxygen from the interior of the opening of the box.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the vacuum pump is situated in-line with the opening of the box. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein vacuum pump creates a partial vacuum in the box to increase the sealing properties of the seal. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein a humidity meter is situated in the box to measure the humidity within the box. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the humidity meter is in electrical communication with the vacuum pump to control the humidity within the box. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein a vacuum meter is situated is positioned between the vacuum valve and a wall fitting of the box. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the vacuum meter measures the pressure differential in the interior of the opening of the box. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the interior of the box includes a compartment for holding a desiccant to absorb humidity in the interior of the box.