Zipper bag vacuum sealer

Abstract

The disclosed hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to various aspects of the subject technology may include a cap comprising a siphon tube having a tapered surface and extending outwardly therefrom, a body portion releasably coupled to the cap, and a filter disposed between the cap and the body portion. The cap may include a first passage, wherein the siphon tube in combination with the first passage forms a first airflow path. The body portion may include a second passage forming a second airflow path, wherein the second airflow path in combination with the first airflow path forms a common airflow path when the body portion is coupled to the cap. The body portion may also include a suction assembly configured to draw air into the common airflow path, a perforated plate configured to be positioned against the filter, and an outlet for expelling the air.

1 . A hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus for use with a bag, comprising:
 a cap comprising a siphon tube having a tapered surface and extending outwardly therefrom, wherein the cap comprises a first passage, wherein the siphon tube in combination with the first passage forms a first airflow path;   a body portion releasably coupled to the cap and comprising:
 a second passage forming a second airflow path, wherein the second airflow path and the first airflow path forms a common airflow path when the body portion is coupled to the cap; 
 a suction assembly configured to draw air into the common airflow path; 
 a perforated plate; 
 an outlet for expelling the air; and 
   a filter disposed between the cap and the body portion, wherein the perforated plate is configured to be positioned against the filter,   wherein the cap further comprises an adjustable valve for controlling the airflow rate within the common airflow path, and wherein the suction assembly comprises a variable speed motor for adjusting suction power based on user preferences.   
     
     
         2 . The hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the siphon tube has a generally flat, or vesica piscis-shaped cross-section suitable for insertion into the bag to siphon the air from the bag at the last moment before sealing the bag. 
     
     
         3 . The hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the cap, in combination with the siphon tube, is shaped in the form of a narrow marquise diamond, providing a unique and ergonomic design for efficient sealing and maneuverability. 
     
     
         4 . The hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the cap, in combination with the siphon tube, comprises a lanceolate-shaped body with pointed ends that neatly fit into an edge of the bag, facilitating a tight fit around the siphon tube and enhancing user control during a sealing process. 
     
     
         5 . The hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the siphon tube is L-shaped, comprising a first portion extending radially outwards from the cap and a second portion extending perpendicularly to the first portion, substantially parallel to the body portion. 
     
     
         6 . The hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein the first portion of the L-shaped siphon tube is integrally coupled to the cap, ensuring a secure and rigid connection. 
     
     
         7 . The hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to  claim 5 , wherein the first portion of the L-shaped siphon tube is detachably coupled to the cap, allowing for customization or replacement of the siphon tube. 
     
     
         8 . The hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the filter disposed between the cap and the body portion comprises a sponge or sponge-like material for capturing moisture or food particles that may be siphoned from the bag. 
     
     
         9 . The hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the perforated plate supports and engages the filter positioned between the cap and the body portion. 
     
     
         10 . The hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the variable speed motor is electrically coupled to a battery, and wherein the variable speed motor turns a fan or turbine blade to provide suction, drawing air into the siphon tube and out through an exhaust port. 
     
     
         11 . The hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to  claim 10 , further comprising a power button or switch, selected from the group consisting of a simple on/off switch, a pulse-type switch, and a multi-speed selector, for controlling the operation of the variable speed motor. 
     
     
         12 . The hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to  claim 10 , wherein the variable speed motor and battery are isolated from the airflow path. 
     
     
         13 . The hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to  claim 10 , wherein the variable speed motor and battery are not isolated from the airflow path. 
     
     
         14 . The hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the filter comprises a plurality of perforations or narrow passageways that allow for the passage of air while impeding the flow of liquid, moisture, particles, and debris. 
     
     
         15 . The hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to  claim 14 , wherein the filter is disposed within the siphon tube or the body portion, independently or in combination with the cap. 
     
     
         16 . The hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to  claim 14 , wherein the plurality of perforations or narrow passageways in the filter are specifically designed to prevent liquid, moisture, particles, and debris from passing therethrough while facilitating the flow of air. 
     
     
         17 . The hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to  claim 14 , wherein the filter disposed within the siphon tube or the body portion is detachable for easy cleaning and replacement. 
     
     
         18 . A method for vacuum sealing a bag using a hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus, the method comprising:
 inserting a siphon tube of the hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus into a bag;   activating a suction assembly to draw air from the bag through a common airflow path formed by a first airflow path and a second airflow path;   passing the drawn air through a filter to capture moisture, food particles, and debris while allowing the passage of air; and   expelling the filtered air through an outlet to create a vacuum seal within the bag.   
     
     
         19 . The method for vacuum sealing a bag using a hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus according to  claim 18 , further comprising:
 engaging a zipper of the bag along its length, leaving a short portion of the bag unclosed; and   prior to inserting the siphon tube into the bag through the unclosed portion:
 applying pinching pressure to sandwich the siphon tube between the unclosed portion, preventing air from flowing into the bag; 
 activating a sealing component to temporarily seal the unclosed portion of the bag; and 
 aligning the siphon tube with the unclosed portion for easy insertion; and 
 ensuring proper positioning of the hand-held vacuum sealing apparatus for effective vacuum sealing. 
   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising adjusting the configuration of the siphon tube, selecting between an L-shaped configuration and a straight configuration, based on the specific bag and sealing requirements.