[0001] The present invention generally relates to a food preservation system and, more specifically,
to a modular food preservation system for a refrigerator.
[0002] In one aspect of the present invention, a refrigerator includes a cabinet defining
an open storage space and has a refrigerator door with an interior side adapted to
receive a modular component. The modular component has a base removably connected
to the interior side of the refrigerator door. A component door is hingedly-connected
to the base and includes a viewing area. The component door is operable between an
open position and a closed position and the base and the component door define a sealed
compartment when the component door is in the closed position. An air hose extends
from the modular component. The air hose has a proximal end and a distal end. A fastening
system is disposed on one of the component door and the base. The fastening system
is adapted to engage with the first fasteners to create a seal between the component
door and the base. A heat sealer is disposed on one of the base and the component
door.
[0003] In another aspect of the present invention, a modular component is removably attachable
to an interior compartment of a refrigerator and includes a base removably connected
to the interior compartment. A component door is hingedly-connected to the base and
has first fasteners. The component door is operable between an open position and a
closed position. The base and component door define a sealed compartment when the
component door is in the closed position. Second fasteners are disposed on the base
and adapted to detachably connect with the first fasteners on the component door.
The modular component also includes a receptacle adapted to receive and interface
with a removable modular sub-assembly. A hose is connected to the receptacle and is
in communication with the modular sub-assembly. A heat sealer is disposed on one of
the component door and the base.
[0004] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of modifying the contents
of a sealable container includes providing a refrigerator with an interior portion.
The modular component is provided with a base. The base of the modular component removably
connects the modular component to the interior portion of the refrigerator. A component
door is hingedly-connected to the base and is operable between an open position and
a closed position. The base and the component door define a sealed compartment when
the component door is in the closed position. A modular sub-assembly is inserted into
the modular component. A hose is in communication with the modular sub-assembly, and
a heat sealer is connected to one of the component door and the base.
[0005] The invention will be further described by way of examples with reference to the
appended drawings, in which:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a refrigerator incorporating one embodiment
of a food preservation system of the present invention;
[0007] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the food preservation system removed from the
refrigerator and placed on a counter;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the food preservation system of FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the food preservation system with the component
door in the closed position of FIG. 2;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the food preservation system;
[0011] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the food preservation system prior to engagement
with a modular sub-assembly;
[0012] FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the food preservation system prior to engagement
with a modular sub-assembly;
[0013] FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the food preservation system with a modular
sub-assembly inserted therein;
[0014] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the food preservation system of FIG. 6 with
the modular sub-assembly inserted therein;
[0015] FIG. 10 is a rear cross-sectional elevational view of the food preservation system;
[0016] FIG. 11 is an enlarged rear cross-sectional view of the area XI of FIG. 10;
[0017] FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of the food preservation system with the component
door in the open position;
[0018] FIG. 13 is an enlarged front partial elevational view of area XIII of FIG. 12;
[0019] FIG. 14 is an enlarged front partial perspective view of the distal end of a hose
of the food preservation system of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of the food preservation system
of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 16 is an enlarged top perspective view of a distal end of a hose of one embodiment
of the food preservation system;
[0022] FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of the food preservation system of FIG. 15 prior
to sealing a sealable bag;
[0023] FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of the food preservation system of FIG. 15 sealing
a sealable bag;
[0024] FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of the food preservation system of FIG. 15 after
sealing a sealable bag;
[0025] FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating the construction of one embodiment of a modular
sub-assembly having a vacuum system when evacuating air from a sealed compartment;
[0026] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating the construction of one embodiment of a modular
sub-assembly having a vacuum system when evacuating air from the external hose;
[0027] FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating the construction of one embodiment of a modular
sub-assembly having a modified atmosphere system and supplying air to a sealed compartment;
and
[0028] FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating the construction of one embodiment of a modular
sub-assembly having a modified atmosphere system and supplying air to an external
hose.
[0029] For purposes of description herein the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear,"
"front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention
as oriented in Fig. 1. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume
various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified
to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes
illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification
are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended
claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to
the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the
claims expressly state otherwise.
[0030] The reference numeral 20 shown in FIG. 1 generally designates a refrigerator having
a cabinet 22 defining an open storage space 24 and including a door 26 having an interior
side 28 adapted to receive a food preservation system in the form of a modular component
30. The modular component 30 has a base 32 removably connected to the interior side
28 of the door 26. A component door 38 has a viewing area 40 and is hingedly-connected
to the base 32. The component door 38 is operable between an open position 42 (Fig.
12) and a closed position 44. The base 32 and component door 38 define a sealed compartment
46 when the component door 38 is in the closed position 44. An air hose 48 (Fig. 4)
extends from the modular component 30 and has a proximal end 50 and a distal end 52.
A fastening system 53 is disposed on one of the component door 38 and the base 32
and is adapted to seal the component door 38 against the base 32. A heat sealer 58
(FIG. 12) is disposed on one of the base 32 and the component door 38.
[0031] Referring again to FIG. 1, the refrigerator 20 may include a side-by-side door configuration
or an upper and lower door configuration that provides for both a storage space for
refrigerating food goods and a storage space for freezing food goods. It will be understood
that the food preservation system of the present invention could be incorporated into
the refrigeration storage space or the freezer storage space. A roll of bags 60 or
sealing material is disposed below the modular component 30, although it is contemplated
that the roll 60 could be positioned above the modular component 30 or elsewhere in
the refrigerator 20. The roll 60 could also be left out of the refrigerator 20 to
conserve space. As shown in FIG. 2, the modularity of the modular component 30 allows
for the complete removal of the modular component 30 from the refrigerator 20. The
modular component 30 includes all of the necessary internal devices to operate but
requires a power source 62 to function. The power source 62 can extend from the refrigerator
20 itself or from a nearby power outlet 64. It is also contemplated that the modular
component 30 could be powered by a battery source disposed in the modular component
30.
[0032] In one embodiment, a countertop support receives the modular component 30. The countertop
support includes a power cord that connects with the power source 62. The countertop
also includes a power relay connector that contacts a power port 66 (FIG. 5) thereby
providing power to the modular component 30.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 3, the food preservation system includes a grate 70 adapted
to support a bag of food goods. A base rail 72 extends across the modular component
30 adjacent the second edge 36 of the base 32. The base rail 72 helps secure a bag
of food goods on the grate 70. First and second sides 74, 76 of the base 32 include
protrusions 78 adapted to be received in the interior side 28 of the door 26 to support
the modular component 30 on the door 26. Modular component controls 80 that activate
and deactivate the modular component 30 are disposed on a top portion of the base
32 above the component door 38. The fastening system 53 on the component door 38 includes
first and second fasteners 84, 86 that are disposed on first and second sides 88,
90 of the component door 38 and allow the component door 38 to be temporarily sealed
against the base 32. The component door 38 and base 32 define a sealed compartment
46 when the component door 38 is in the closed position 44, as will be disclosed in
further detail below.
[0034] Referring again to FIGS. 4 and 5, the component door 38 includes a viewing area 40
that may be translucent or transparent. The power port 66 of the modular component
30 is designed to interface with a power relay 94 that extends from the interior side
28 of the door 26. The power port 66 engages when the modular component 30 is secured
to the interior side 28 of the door 26. A housing panel 96 is disposed below the power
port 66 and allows access to the interior of the modular component 30 if the modular
component 30 needs to be inspected internally or repaired.
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the modular component 30 includes a receptacle 100
adapted to receive and interface with a removable modular sub-assembly 102. The receptacle
100 includes a power relay system 104 and an air coupling 106 such that the modular
sub-assembly 102 can attach to an air coupling 107 on the modular sub-assembly 102
and influence the air pressure in both the sealed compartment 46 and the external
hose 48 extending from the modular component 30. Fastener apertures 108 are designed
to engage with fastener receivers 110 in the modular component 30 and receive mechanical
fasteners 112 to secure the removable modular sub-assembly 102 during insertion into
the modular component 30.
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, after the modular sub-assembly 102 has been fully
inserted into the modular component 30, the modular component 30 may be used to exploit
the functionality of the modular sub-assembly 102. For example, in the event that
the modular sub-assembly 102 includes a vacuum system 113 (FIGS. 20 and 21), then
the modular component 30 may be used to activate a vacuum pump 114 to evacuate air
from a sealable bag 116 or a sealable container 118 as disclosed in further detail
below. As another example, in the event that the modular sub-assembly 102 includes
a modified atmosphere system 120 (FIGS. 22 and 23), then the modular component 30
may be used to activate the vacuum pump 114 to evacuate air from the sealable bag
116 or the sealable container 118. The modified atmosphere system 120 activates a
modified atmosphere canister 121, which supplies a predetermined air mixture to the
depressurized bag 116 or container 118. It is contemplated that the vacuum pump 114
of the modular atmosphere system 120 could be used in a similar manner to the vacuum
pump 114 in the modular sub-assembly 102 with the vacuum system 113, wherein the modular
atmosphere canister 121 is not activated. Also, it is contemplated that the modular
atmosphere canister 121 of the modular atmosphere system 120 may be used without the
pump 114. As shown in FIG. 9, the modular sub-assembly 102 fits flushly against the
rear of the modular component 30 and does not interface with the engagement of the
modular component 30 to the interior portion 28 of the door 26 of the refrigerator
20.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 10, an internal air hose 123 includes multiple portions that
connect the air hose 123 to the modular sub-assembly 102. As shown in FIG. 10, the
air hose 123 includes port lines that connect with first and second ports 122, 124
that open into the sealed compartment 46. The air hose 123 also includes a sensor
line 126 that connects to a pressure sensor 128, which measures the pressure in the
sealed compartment 46 and in the hose 48 during an air evacuation event. The internal
air hose 123 connects the vacuum pump 114 with the first and second ports 122, 124,
as well as with the external hose 48, as shown in FIG. 11. In the event the modular
sub-assembly 102 includes the modular atmosphere system 120, then the modular atmosphere
canister 121 would be tied into the internal air hose 123.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 12, the hose 48 includes a holder 132 adapted to support the hose
48 below the sealed compartment 46. In addition, a distal end 133 of the hose 48 includes
a mount 134 designed to interface with a hose end receiver 136. The hose end receiver
136, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, is designed to receive the distal end 133 and mount
134 of the hose 48. In addition, the hose end receiver 136 is designed to provide
a tight fit around the distal end 133 of the hose 48 such that little or no air is
drawn into the hose 48 when the vacuum pump 114 is activated and the distal end 133
is engaged with the hose end receiver 136.
[0039] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 12, the component door 38 of the modular component 30
includes a component door front 140 with a window 142 that defines the viewing area
40. The viewing area 40 generally includes a translucent or transparent pane of material
that allows a user to view the open end of the sealable bag 116 (FIG. 17). It is contemplated
that the window 142 could be constructed from glass, plastic, fiberglass, or any other
material that allows adequate light to pass through the window 142 and allows a user
to see into the sealed compartment 46 when the component door 38 is in the closed
position 44. First and second fasteners 84, 86 of the fastening system 53 are moveable
into and out of secure engagement with the base 32. A gasket 148 is disposed between
the component door 38 and the base 32. It is also contemplated that the fasteners
84, 86 can be magnetic fasteners. In this instance, the magnetic fasteners 84, 86
have opposite magnetic fields and are therefore attracted to one another thereby keeping
the component door 38 in the closed position 44. Alternatively, the fastener 84 may
be magnetized and the other fastener 86 may be a metal attracted to the magnetized
fastener 84. Similarly, fastener 86 may be magnetized and attracted to metallic fastener
84.
[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 15, when the component door 38 is in the closed position
44, an airtight seal is formed between the component door 38, the gasket 148 and the
base 32 to form the sealed compartment 46. The versatile control panel or display
80 is disposed on the base 32 and controls the functions of the modular component
30. A magnetic sensor 152 is disposed on the base 32, which senses a magnet 154 disposed
on an upper portion of the component door 38. When the component door 38 is in the
closed position 44, the magnet 154 on the component door 38 engages the magnetic sensor
152. The magnetic sensor 152 then sends a signal to the modular component control
panel 80 indicating that power to the modular sub-assembly 102 should be made available.
If the component door 38 is open, then the magnet 154 on the component door 38 does
not contact the magnetic sensor 152 and power to the modular sub-assembly 102 is not
available.
[0041] Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, the air hose 48 is stored below the sealed compartment
46. The hose 48 is connected with the vacuum device 114 (depending on the modular
sub-assembly 102 installed in the modular component 30), via the same internal air
hose 123 that connects to the ports 122, 124. Thus depressurization of the sealed
compartment 46 and depressurization of the external hose 48 occurs simultaneously.
The external hose 48 is designed to draw air from the hard container 118 or the sealable
bag 116. It is also contemplated that a valve assembly as understood by those having
skill in the art could be used to facilitate air removal via the external hose 48
from the bag 116 or hard container 118. The external hose 48 may be extended and connected
with the sealable container 118 and pressurize or depressurize the container 118.
[0042] Referring now to FIGS. 17-19, the component door 38 is rotatable about hinges 160
on the first edge 34 of the base 32. When the component door 38 is opened, the sealable
bag 116 may be positioned within the open end between the component door 38 and the
base 32. A bottom portion of the bag 116 is positioned on the grate 70 and held in
place by the base rail 72 (FIG. 3). The component door 38 is then closed against the
base 32 and the bag 116 is either sealed or vacuumed and sealed (FIG. 18). After the
bag 116 has been vacuumed and the inside of the bag 116 has reached a predetermined
negative pressure, the heat sealer 58 is activated. The heat sealer 58 (FIG. 12) includes
a sealing plate 162 that rests against a bumper 164 when the component door 38 is
in the closed position 44. The sealing plate 162 rises in temperature and consequently
melts a portion of the bag 116 thereby melting two walls of the sealable bag 116 together.
The sealing plate 162 may be disposed on the component door 38 in which case the bumper
164 is on the base 32 opposite the sealing plate 162. Alternatively, the sealing plate
162 may be disposed on the base 32, in which case the bumper 164 is on the component
door 38 opposite the sealing plate 162. After the bag 116 has been sealed, the bag
116 is removed and the contents therein can be refrigerated or frozen. The modular
component 30 is then ready to seal another sealable bag 116.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, a modular sub-assembly 102 having a vacuum system 113
is illustrated. The hose 48 extends between the first and second ports 122, 124, which
draw air from the sealed compartment 46 when the vacuum pump 114 is activated. The
hose 48 is connected by way of the internal hose 123 to the vacuum pump 114. The hose
48 also connects to the coupling 106, which allows communication of the internal hose
123 to the external hose 48. The pressure sensor 128 is connected to the sensor line
126 and, after a predetermined minimum air pressure has been reached, the pressure
sensor 128 sends a signal to the vacuum pump 114 to deactivate. When air is being
evacuated from the vacuum ports 122, 124 and consequently the sealed compartment 46,
air is also being drawn from the external hose 48. However, no air is drawn into the
external hose 48 while the mount 134 on the distal end 133 of the hose 48 is in contact
with the hose end receiver 136. However, when the external hose 48 is removed from
the hose end receiver 136, air is allowed to flow into the distal end 133 of the hose
48. Accordingly, the distal end 133 of the hose 48 can be connected with the sealable
bag 116 or the hard container 118 for evacuation of air.
[0044] Referring now to FIGS. 22 and 23, a modular sub-assembly 102 having a modified atmosphere
system 120 is illustrated. When the modular sub-assembly 102 has the modified atmosphere
system 120 installed in the modular component 30, the modified atmosphere system 120
first evacuates air from the relative sealed bag 116 or container 118. This is done
by way of the sealed compartment 46, as explained above with reference to the vacuum
pump 114, or by way of the external hose 48. After air has been evacuated from the
sealable container 118 or sealable bag 116, and the air pressure in the container
118 or bag 116 has reached a predetermined air pressure level as determined by the
sensor 128, the sensor 128 sends a signal to the vacuum pump 114 to deactivate. After
deactivation of the vacuum pump 114, the modified atmosphere system 120 activates
the modified atmosphere canister 121, which supplies a gas mixture to the bag 116
having an open end in the sealed compartment 46 (FIG. 22), or supplies a gas mixture
through the internal hose 123 to the external hose 48 to the sealable bag 116 or sealable
hard container 118. The gas mixture from the modified atmosphere canister 121 is drawn
into the sealable bag 116 or hard container 118 by way of a negative pressure (which
is preferably less than atmospheric pressure).
[0045] The above description is considered that of the preferred embodiments only and modifications
will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention.
Therefore, it is understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described
above is for illustrative purposes and the invention is defined by the following claims.
1. A refrigerator comprising:
a cabinet defining an open storage space and including a door having an interior side
adapted to receive a modular component, the modular component including:
a base removably connected to the interior side of the door;
a component door hingedly-connected to the base and including a viewing area, wherein
the component door is operable between an open position and a closed position and
wherein the base and the component door define a sealed compartment when the component
door is in the closed position;
an air hose extending from the modular component and having a proximal end and a distal
end;
a fastening system disposed on one of the component door and the base and adapted
to engage with the first fasteners to create a seal between the component door and
the base; and
a heat sealer disposed on one of the base and the component door.
2. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the hose is connected with
a vacuum device.
3. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the hose is connected with
a modified atmosphere system.
4. The refrigerator of claim 2 or 3, wherein the distal end of the hose is removably
connected to a sealable storage container.
5. The refrigerator of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4 wherein the fastening system includes magnetic
fasteners disposed on one of the base and the component door.
6. A modular component removably attachable to an interior compartment of a refrigerator
comprising:
a base removably connected to the interior compartment;
a component door hingedly-connected to the base and having first fasteners, wherein
the component door is operable between an open position and a closed position and
wherein the base and component door define a sealed compartment when the component
door is in the closed position;
second fasteners disposed on the base and adapted to detachably connect with the first
fasteners on the component door;
a receptacle adapted to receive and interface with a removable modular sub-assembly;
a hose connected to the receptacle and in communication with the modular sub-assembly;
and
a heat sealer disposed on one of the component door and the base.
7. The modular component of claim 6, wherein the removable modular sub-assembly includes
a vacuum pump and wherein the vacuum pump may be activated to draw air from the hose
and sealed compartment.
8. The modular component of claim 7, further comprising:
a sealable bag having an open end received in the sealed compartment.
9. The modular component of claim 6, wherein the removable modular sub-assembly includes
a modified air system and wherein the modified air system may be activated to push
modified air into the hose and sealed compartment.
10. The modular component of claim 7 or 9, further comprising:
a sealable container having a sealable lid adapted to interface with a distal end
of the hose.
11. A method of modifying the contents of a sealable container, the method comprising:
providing a refrigerator having an interior portion;
providing a modular component with a base;
removably connecting the modular component to the interior portion of the refrigerator;
hingedly-connecting a component door to the base wherein the component door is operable
between an open position and a closed position and wherein the base and the component
door define a sealed compartment when the component door is in the closed position;
inserting a removable modular sub-assembly into the modular component;
providing a hose in communication with the modular sub-assembly; and
connecting a heat sealer to one of the component door and the base.
12. The method of claim 11, the method further comprising:
connecting the hose to the sealed compartment.
13. The method of claim 12, the method further comprising:
connecting the hose to an external sealable container.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of inserting a removable modular sub-assembly
further comprises:
providing a vacuum pump in the removable modular sub-assembly.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of inserting a removable modular sub-assembly
further comprises:
providing a modified atmosphere system in the removable modular sub-assembly.