|
(11) | EP 2 062 823 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||
| (54) | Domestic vacuum packaging module |
| (57) The invention is a new recessed element or module for the vacuum packaging of products
(A) comprising a vacuum packaging machine (M), suitable for being partially or totally
recessed inside at least one containment structure (T1), and at least a system of
elements or guides (G) for sliding said packaging machine (M) in relation to said
containment structure (T1), wherein said vacuum packaging machine (M) can slide from
a position in which it is totally or partially extracted from said containment structure
(T1) to a position in which it is totally or partially withdrawn inside said containment
structure (T1), and vice versa.
|
[0001] The present patent relates to vacuum packaging machines and particularly concerns a new recessed element or module for domestic vacuum packaging purposes, comprising at least one vacuum packaging machine, preferably of the chamber type, fully recessed and with retractable sliding guides.
[0002] There are known vacuum packaging machines that are used particularly for the packaging of foodstuffs.
[0003] Vacuum packaging consists in extracting part of the air from inside the package containing the product, which may be a flexible bag or a rigid container.
[0004] Extracting the air from inside the package gives rise to a drastic reduction in the quantity of oxygen it contains, with the consequence that the metabolism of micro-organisms such as bacteria and mould is considerably inhibited and their proliferation is markedly delayed.
[0005] This delays the process of deterioration of the foodstuffs induced by the action of said microbes, as well as the oxidation processes that take place in the presence of oxygen.
[0006] To induce and maintain effective vacuum conditions inside the packaging, the container or bag must be properly sealed, i.e. its closure must be airtight.
[0007] Vacuum packaging considerably postpones the proliferation of mould and aerobic bacteria, which are primarily responsible for the deterioration of foodstuffs.
[0008] Foodstuffs packaged in a vacuum can consequently be preserved for longer periods of time in the refrigerator or freezer, while said packaging also guarantees optimal conditions of hygiene because any microbial activity is reduced.
[0009] Vacuum-packed foods also preserve their sensory features for longer because the oxidation process is delayed.
[0010] The vacuum packaging of foodstuffs also reduces the onset of unpleasant smells in the refrigerator or freezer, since the foods are preserved in hermetically sealed containers.
[0011] There are known vacuum packaging machines of at least two types, i.e. the so-called external vacuum sealers and the so-called chamber vacuum sealers.
[0012] External vacuum sealing machines comprise at least one air extracting pump contained inside a housing fitted with a slot in which only the open end of a bag containing the products being vacuum packed is inserted, while the product remains outside the container.
[0013] After extracting the air from inside the bag through said open end, the opening in the bag is hermetically sealed by means of a suitable device, known as a heat strip, lying alongside said slot in the housing.
[0014] Said heat strip substantially comprises an electric heating element, the heating of which makes the two sides of the bag melt and adhere to each other, and consequently seals the package.
[0015] Chamber vacuum sealing machines, on the other hand, comprise a an extractor pump and a machine body that is substantially parallelepiped, with walls designed to create an internal vacuum chamber, in which a strong negative pressure is created by the extraction of the air it contains.
[0016] Said machine also has a dome or lid for hermetically closing the vacuum chamber, that is hinged to the machine body.
[0017] The chamber vacuum packaging machine is basically used in three stages: one stage involves placing the bag containing the product inside the vacuum chamber, with the open end of the bag placed over the heat strip; then comes the stage in which the lid on the chamber is closed and the air is extracted from the chamber by means of the pump; and finally there is the stage in which the bag is sealed with the heat strip to prevent air from flowing back inside the bag when the vacuum chamber lid is opened.
[0018] Said heat strip consists substantially of at least one electric heating element for hermetically sealing the two sides of the open end of the bag.
[0019] There are also known vacuum packaging machines in which, after the air has been removed from the vacuum chamber and before the bag is sealed, there is an additional stage in which an inert gas is injected inside the bag through a nozzle inserted in the open end of the bag. In this case, we speak of a "modified atmosphere" inside the bag, which guarantees better conditions for the preservation of the foodstuffs.
[0020] Finally, to enable the vacuum chamber to be opened and the hermetically-sealed and vacuum-packed products to be removed, there is a final stage in which air is let back inside the vacuum chamber to restore the pressure inside to atmospheric pressure.
[0021] Chamber vacuum sealers have considerable advantages over external vacuum sealers. First of all, the negative pressure that can be achieved inside the vacuum chamber is greater than the one obtainable inside a bag using an external vacuum sealer. As a result, foodstuffs packaged with a chamber vacuum sealer can be preserved for longer in optimal conditions.
[0022] Moreover, chamber sealers afford a greater freedom and flexibility of use, because liquid or semisolid foodstuffs can also be vacuum packed, whereas this demands the use of particular accessories when using external vacuum sealing machines.
[0023] On the other hand, chamber vacuum sealers also have several drawbacks, the main one of which is substantially due to the overall dimensions of the machine itself, which is larger than an external vacuum sealer.
[0024] In fact, chamber vacuum sealers generally have a depth and width of at least 400 mm and a height that is usually at least 300 mm. As a result, it is particularly troublesome for the user to leave the machine permanently on the kitchen worktop, for instance, where it takes up too much workspace.
[0025] On the other hand, because of its overall size and weight, it is a problem to have to move the machine every time it needs to be used, and it would always be necessary to place it where there is a free power point available, then disconnect it and put it away again after use.
[0026] Another drawback of the chamber vacuum sealers of the known type lies in that, due to a shortage of space in the kitchen, they are often placed in another room where there is more space, e.g. in adjacent rooms for uses other than cooking, so users have to go from one room to another to package the foodstuffs, carrying the foodstuffs with them.
[0027] To overcome all the above-mentioned drawbacks, a new type of recessed vacuum packaging machine has been studied and constructed, particularly suitable for domestic purposes, preferably involving a chamber vacuum sealer that is fully recessed and with retractable sliding guides.
[0028] The main technical aim of the present invention is to reduce the overall space occupied by the vacuum packaging machine that, when not in use, is withdrawn entirely inside a containment structure, suitable for integrating in a kitchen cupboard, for instance.
[0029] Another important object of the present invention is to make the vacuum packaging machine immediately available simply by drawing the machine out of said containment structure, by sliding it on specific retractable sliding guides, like a drawer.
[0030] Another important object of the present invention is to avoid the tedious operations for connecting/disconnecting the electric power plug to/from the mains power supply, since the machine remains connected to the power supply as of the time of its installation.
[0031] Another important object of the present invention is to make a chamber vacuum sealer readily available to the user that functions better than the external vacuum sealers, without the considerable drawbacks due to the overall size and weight typical of the former.
[0032] Another important object of the present invention is to enable the module to be installed directly in the kitchen, e.g. recessed inside a kitchen cupboard, instead of having to use spaces in other rooms, so that the user does not have to take the trouble of going from one room to another, carrying the foodstuffs to package, the bags, etc.
[0033] A further important advantage of the present invention consists in the immediacy of the machine's use, because the user simply has to pull the vacuum packaging machine out of the containment structure like a drawer, open the dome or lid, suitably place the bag containing the product to package inside the vacuum chamber, close the lid, operate the machine, remove the bag at the end of the packaging procedure, then close the lid on the machine and push it back inside the containment structure, thus avoiding the bulk of the machine taking up space in the kitchen and solving all the problems due to the machine's displacement and repositioning.
[0034] These and other direct and complementary objects are achieved by the new recessed vacuum packaging element or module with vacuum packaging machine, preferably of the chamber sealer type, entirely recessed and with retractable sliding guides.
[0035] The new recessed vacuum packaging element of module basically comprises a vacuum packaging machine of the chamber sealer type, suitable for installing inside a containment structure, and at least one system of guides for sliding said vacuum packaging machine in relation to said containment structure.
[0036] According to the invention, said vacuum packaging machine may be contained entirely inside said containment structure, which will consequently have a shape and size suitable for completely or partially containing said vacuum packaging machine.
[0037] In particular, in the preferred embodiment, said module also comprises at least one box-shaped body suitable for being integrally attached to said containment structure and having a substantially parallelepiped shape and dimensions sufficient to totally or partially contain said vacuum packaging machine, with an opening towards the front through which said packaging machine can be drawn in/out, wherein the vacuum packaging machine can slide in relation to the containment structure and to said box-shaped body in a preferably horizontal direction, i.e. in a direction substantially parallel to the bottom of the box-shaped body and the base of the vacuum packaging machine.
[0038] Said module may have the standard dimensions commonly adopted for fitted units in kitchens, e.g. 450 - 600 mm in total width, 500 - 600 mm in depth and 400 - 600 mm in height.
[0039] The module is thus easy to integrate in the layout of fitted kitchens of standard type, but also in custom-made kitchens, where the global dimensions of the new module will be sufficient to enable its insertion in the space available.
[0040] Alternatively, said sliding guides for said vacuum packaging machine may be installed directly inside a kitchen cupboard or on any other supporting structure.
[0041] Said sliding guide system may be of the known type used in fitted kitchens, or another type of sliding guide system, providing it is suitable for supporting the load deriving from the self weight of the vacuum packaging machine and of its contents, as well as the weight of the guides and the mechanical strains involved in their repeated sliding in and out.
[0042] In a possible embodiment, said system of guides can comprise at least one guide element, or outer guide, e.g. a substantially linear, shaped profile integrally attached to the inside wall of the containment structure, and at least one guide element, or inner guide, e.g. a substantially linear, shaped profile integrally attached either directly or indirectly to the outer wall of the vacuum packaging machine, said inner guide being juxtaposed with said outer guide and capable of sliding in both directions thereon.
[0043] It is also possible to use known systems of sliding guides with three guides, comprising at least one outer guide integrally attached to the containment structure, at least one intermediate guide and at least one inner guide integrally attached to the packaging machine.
[0044] When the vacuum packaging machine slides in relation to said containment structure, e.g. to draw the machine out for use, said inner guide initially slides integrally with the packaging machine along a given stretch in relation to said intermediate guide, then the intermediate guide begins to slide with respect to said outer guide until the end of its stroke is reached, which coincides with the total or partial extraction of the vacuum packaging machine from inside the containment structure. Said guide system assures a better distribution of the load, effectively extending the life of said guides.
[0045] There are also known guide systems that are more sophisticated and sturdy, that can likewise be used in the present invention for sliding the vacuum packaging machine.
[0046] The characteristics of the present invention will emerge more clearly from the description that follows with reference to the drawings, which are attached as a non-limiting example.
[0047] Figure 1 schematically shows a vacuum packaging machine of the chamber sealer type (M), with guides (G2) integrally attached thereto, while figure 2 schematically shows a possible embodiment of the containment structure (T1) for said vacuum packaging machine (M), said structure (T1) substantially comprising a rectangular profile to which one or more guides (G1) are integrally attached to enable the sliding of the corresponding guides (G2) of said vacuum packaging machine (M).
[0048] In the solution shown in figure 2, moreover, at least one substantially parallelepiped, box-shaped body (T2), with at least one front opening (T25) for the insertion/extraction of said vacuum packaging machine (M) is integrally attached to said containment structure (T1).
[0049] Figure 3 schematically shows a possible embodiment of the system of guides (G1, G2, G3) for sliding the vacuum packaging machine (M) in and out of the containment structure (T1), wherein said system of guides (G1, G2, G3) comprises one or more outer guides (G1), suitable for being integrally attached to said containment structure (T1), and one or more inner guides (G2) suitable for being integrally attached, either directly or indirectly, to said vacuum packaging machine (M), e.g. by means of one or more further fixing profiles (G3).
[0050] Figure 4 shows a further embodiment, wherein said vacuum packaging machine (M) is integrally attached to at least one supporting shelf (G4) and to at least one front door (F) suitable for sliding together with the vacuum packaging machine (M), wherein said door (F) has dimensions at least as large as said front opening (T25) of the box-shaped body (T2) integrally attached to said containment structure (T1).
[0051] Figure 5 schematically shows the new module completely assembled, while figure 6 schematically shows a cross-section of the vacuum packaging machine only (M).
[0052] A new recessed vacuum packaging element or module particularly suitable for domestic uses, comprising at least one vacuum packaging machine (M), preferably of the chamber sealer type, suitable for being recessed inside at least one containment structure (T1), and at least one system of elements or guides (G) that enable said vacuum packaging machine (M) to slide in relation to said containment structure (T1).
[0053] In the solution shown in the figures, said packaging machine (M) is of the chamber vacuum sealer type, i.e. it comprises a box-shaped machine body (M1), which may be substantially parallelepiped, for instance, with walls suitable for identifying at least one inner chamber or vacuum chamber (M3), in which the products (A) to be packaged are placed, already contained inside suitable bags (B), such as those of the known type.
[0054] The vacuum packaging machine (M) also comprises a top lid or dome (M2) for hermetically closing the vacuum chamber (M3).
[0055] Said bags (B) containing the products (A) must be suitably positioned inside the vacuum chamber (M3) with their open end (B1) placed over the heat strip (M4), which comprises at least one electric heating element that is heated after the air extraction phase and designed to hermetically seal the bag (B).
[0056] Spacer or filler elements (M7), on which the bag (B) is rested, are used to enable the proper positioning of the bag (B).
[0057] After positioning the bag (A), the user lowers the lid or dome (M2) onto the machine body (M1), closing the vacuum chamber (M3) hermetically by means of one or more seals (M5) integrally attached to the lid (M2) and/or to the machine body (M1), and placed along the lip of the cavity (M31) forming the vacuum chamber (M3) and/or along the edge of said lid (M2).
[0058] During the air extraction phase, a pump (not shown in the figures) is operated to extract the air from inside the vacuum chamber (M3) through at least one opening (M6) provided, for instance, on the rear wall of the machine body (M1).
[0059] Moreover, the vacuum packaging machine (M) may include one or more nozzles (not shown in the figure), located behind the heat strip (M4) and suitable for being inserted in the open end (B1) of the bag (B) to enable the injection of inert gas or gas mixtures of suitable composition and concentration inside said bag (B).
[0060] After the air has been extracted from the vacuum chamber (M3) and a certain negative pressure has been reached, the pump stops and the next phase begins, which involves the sealing of the bag (B) by means of the heating of the one or more heating elements of said heat strip (M4).
[0061] Said vacuum packaging machine may also comprise one or more internal cutting devices, such as those of the known type (not shown in the figures) suitable for cutting away the unnecessary end portion beyond the sealed edge of the bag.
[0062] Finally, to enable the lid (M2) to be opened and the now airtight bag (B) in which a vacuum has been created to be removed from the chamber, air is let back inside the vacuum chamber (M3), e.g. through the same opening (M6) on the rear of the machine (M1).
[0063] In the preferred embodiment, shown in the figures, said containment structure (T1) for the vacuum packaging machine (M) has a substantially rectangular profile and contains at least one integrally-connected box-shaped body (T2) of substantially parallelepiped shape, with a substantially parallel bottom (T22) and top (T23), a rear wall (T24), side walls (T21) and at least one opening (T25) to the front.
[0064] Said box-shaped body (T2) also has a shape and size suitable for completely containing the vacuum packaging machine (M), that can consequently be entirely withdrawn inside the box-shaped body (T2) i.e. fully retracted.
[0065] The system of guides (G1, G2. G3), schematically shown in figure 3 is used to guide the sliding displacement of said packaging machine (M) in relation to said containment structure (T1) in a preferably horizontal direction, i.e. in a direction parallel to the bottom (T22) of said box-shaped body (T2) and the base of said packaging machine (M).
[0066] Said system of guides comprises at least one outer guide (G1), i.e. at least one substantially linear, shaped profile suitable for being integrally attached to said containment structure (T1), e.g. near the bottom (T22) of said box-shaped body (T2), and at least one inner guide (G2), i.e. at least one substantially linear, shaped profile suitable for being integrally attached, either directly or indirectly - by means of one or more further profiles (G3), for instance, to the walls of the body (M1) of the vacuum packaging machine (M), in the vicinity of its base, i.e. in a position such that it lies parallel to and juxtaposed with said outer guide (G1) on the containment structure (T1) and can slide in both directions in relation to the latter.
[0067] In detail, said outer guide (G1) comprises at least one linear, substantially L-shaped profile and said inner guide (G2), integrally attached to the vacuum packaging machine (M), slides inside said L-shaped profile.
[0068] Provision can be made for said packaging machine to be integrally attached on the underside to at least one shelf (G4), to which said inner guides (G2) of the system of guides (G) are attached.
[0069] Said system of guides (G) consequently enables the vacuum packaging machine (M) to slide in a substantially horizontal direction in relation to the containment structure (T1). Said vacuum packaging machine (M), which can be completely withdrawn inside said box-shaped body (T2) integrally attached to said containment structure (T1), can thus be completely or partially extracted from the frame (T) simply by sliding it on the guides (G1, G2), like a drawer.
[0070] Said vacuum packaging machine (M) and/or said lower shelf (G4) also comprises at least one knob or handle suitable for being grasped by the user to extract/insert the vacuum packaging machine (M) from/in the box-shaped body (T2), by making it slide on said guides (G1, G2).
[0071] According to a possible alternative embodiment, there may be a front panel or door (F) integrally attached to said vacuum packaging machine (M) in a frontal position and orthogonally to the base of the packaging machine (M), or the shelf (G4) underneath it, wherein said front door (F) is preferably complete with a handle (F1), and is of a size suitable for covering and completely closing said front opening (T25) in said box-shaped body (T2), when the vacuum packaging machine is completely withdrawn inside said box-shaped body (T2).
[0072] When completely withdrawn, the packaging machine (M) is consequently not visible from the outside of the module and can therefore be included in any interior design solution. Said front door (F) can be made of various types of material and with different finishes, depending on the type of kitchen furniture in which the module is to be installed.
1. A recessed element or module for the vacuum packaging of products (A), characterised in that it comprises at least one vacuum packaging machine (M), suitable for being partially
or totally recessed inside a least one containment structure (T1), and at least one
system of elements or guides (G) for sliding said vacuum packaging machine (M) in
relation to said containment structure (T1), wherein said vacuum packaging machine
(M) slides from a position in which it is totally or partially extracted from said
containment structure (T1) to a position in which it is totally or partially withdrawn
inside said containment structure (T1), and vice versa.
2. A recessed element or module for the vacuum packaging of products according to claim
1, characterised in that said vacuum packaging machine (M) is of the chamber vacuum sealer type.
3. A recessed element or module for the vacuum packaging of products according to claims
1, 2, characterised in that said system of sliding guides (G) comprises at least one guide element, or outer
guide (G1), suitable for being integrally attached to said containment structure (T1),
and at least another guide element, or inner guide (G2), suitable for being integrally
attached, either directly or indirectly, to said vacuum packaging machine (M), said
inner guide (G2) being juxtaposed with the corresponding outer guide (G1) and sliding
linearly thereon in both directions.
4. A recessed element or module for the vacuum packaging of products according to claim
3, characterised in that said guides (G1, G2) are substantially linear, shaped profiles arranged in a direction
parallel to the base of said vacuum packaging machine (M), to enable the sliding of
said packaging machine (M) in a direction parallel to its base.
5. A recessed element or module for the vacuum packaging of products according to claims
1, 2, 3, 4, characterised in that it comprises at least one box-shaped body (T2), suitable for being integrally attached
to said containment structure (T1) of said vacuum packaging machine (M), wherein said
box-shaped body (T2) is of a shape and size suitable for completely or partially containing
said vacuum packaging machine (M).
6. A recessed element or module for the vacuum packaging of products according to claim
5, characterised in that said box-shaped body (T2) has a substantially parallelepiped shape with substantially
parallel bottom (T22) and top (T23), a rear wall (T24) and side walls (T21) substantially
orthogonal to said bottom (T22), and at least one opening (T25) towards the front
at least as large in the crosswise dimension as said vacuum packaging machine (M),
through which opening (T25) the vacuum packaging machine (M) is extracted and inserted.
7. A recessed element or module for the vacuum packaging of products according to claims
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, characterised in that said guide element(s), or inner guide(s) (G2) in the system of guides (G) is/are
attached to at least one supporting shelf (G4) for said packaging machine (M), that
is integrally attached to said packaging machine (M).
8. A recessed element or module for the vacuum packaging of products according to claims
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, characterised in that it comprises at least one front door (F) integrally attached to the front of said
vacuum packaging machine (M), in a position orthogonal to the bottom of said packaging
machine (M) and/or to said lower shelf (G4).
9. A recessed element or module for the vacuum packaging of products according to claim
8, characterised in that said front door (F) is at least as wide as said front opening (T25) in said containment
structure (T).
10. A recessed element or module for the vacuum packaging of products according to the
previous claims, characterised in that said front door (F) and/or said lower shelf (G4) and/or said packaging machine (M)
have one or more handles (F1) or gripping means.