Rigid container with vacuum channel walls

Abstract

A method and apparatus for a rigid container with vacuum channel walls is illustrated and described. In one embodiment, the invention is a tray for use with a vacuum appliance. The tray includes an inner wall formed of a material suitable for contact with food. The tray also includes an outer wall formed of a material suitable for contact with storage locations. The outer wall is joined to the inner wall in at least one area. The tray further includes a channel defined by the outer wall and the inner wall, with the channel including space between the inner wall and the outer wall. The tray also includes a valve through one of the inner wall and the outer wall, the valve positioned to allow communication between the channel and an external atmosphere.

1 . An apparatus for use with a vacuum appliance, comprising: 
 an inner wall formed of a material suitable for contact with food;    an outer wall formed of a material suitable for contact with storage locations, the outer wall joined to the inner wall in at least one area;    a channel defined by the outer wall and the inner wall, the channel including space between the inner wall and the outer wall; and    a valve through one of the inner wall and the outer wall, the valve positioned to allow communication between the channel and an external atmosphere.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the material of the inner wall and the material of the outer wall are the same.    
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the material of the inner wall and the material of the outer wall are different.    
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the apparatus is a cup.    
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , further comprising: 
 a lid having a lower surface and an upper surface, the lower surface formed to fit atop the cup, the lid including a valve positioned to pierce the upper surface and the lower surface.    
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the apparatus is a jar.    
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , further comprising: 
 a lid having a lower surface and an upper surface, the lower surface formed to fit atop the jar, the lid including a valve positioned to pierce the upper surface and the lower surface.    
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein: 
 the apparatus is a tray.    
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , further comprising: 
 a plastic bag, the bag sized to fit around the tray and a predetermined quantity of food collectively.    
     
     
         10 . A tray for use with a vacuum appliance, comprising: 
 an inner wall formed of a material suitable for contact with food;    an outer wall formed of a material suitable for contact with storage locations, the outer wall joined to the inner wall in at least one area;    a channel defined by the outer wall and the inner wall, the channel including space between the inner wall and the outer wall; and    a valve through one of the inner wall and the outer wall, the valve positioned to allow communication between the channel and an external atmosphere.    
     
     
         11 . The tray of  claim 10 , wherein: 
 the inner wall and the outer wall have generally rectangular bases with sides angled up from the bases.    
     
     
         12 . The tray of  claim 10 , wherein: 
 the inner wall and the outer wall have generally round bases with sides angled up from the bases.    
     
     
         13 . The tray of  claim 10 , wherein: 
 the inner wall and the outer wall have generally rectangular shapes.    
     
     
         14 . A jar for use with a vacuum appliance, comprising: 
 an inner wall formed of a material suitable for contact with food;    an outer wall formed of a material suitable for contact with storage locations, the outer wall joined to the inner wall in at least one area;    a channel defined by the outer wall and the inner wall, the channel including space between the inner wall and the outer wall; and    a valve through one of the inner wall and the outer wall, the valve positioned to allow communication between the channel and an external atmosphere.    
     
     
         15 . The jar of  claim 14 , further comprising: 
 a lid having a lower surface and an upper surface, the lower surface formed to fit atop the jar, the lid including a valve positioned to pierce the upper surface and the lower surface.    
     
     
         16 . A method of storing food in a jar, comprising: 
 placing the food in an inner chamber of the jar; and    evacuating a cavity defined by walls of the jar.    
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising: 
 sealing the jar with a lid; and    evacuating the inner chamber of the jar.    
     
     
         18 . A method of storing food, comprising: 
 placing the food in a tray;    evacuating a cavity defined by walls of the tray;    placing the tray in a plastic bag; and    evacuating the plastic bag.    
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising: 
 sealing and freezing the plastic bag with the tray and food therein.    
     
     
         20 . A method of using food, comprising: 
 placing the food in a tray;    evacuating a cavity defined by walls of the tray;    placing the tray in a plastic bag; and    evacuating the plastic bag.    
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , further comprising: 
 sealing and freezing the plastic bag;    unsealing the plastic bag; and    reheating the food in the tray.    
     
     
         22 . A method of storing food, comprising: 
 placing the food in a jar;    evacuating a cavity defined by walls of the jar;    sealing the jar with a lid; and    evacuating the jar through a valve in the lid.    
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , further comprising: 
 freezing the jar.    
     
     
         24 . An apparatus for use with a vacuum appliance, comprising: 
 means for containing food; and    means for insulating food within the means for containing.    
     
     
         25 . The apparatus of  claim 24 , further comprising: 
 means for sealing the means for containing.    
     
     
         26 . The apparatus of  claim 25 , further comprising: 
 means for evacuating the means for containing.    
     
     
         27 . A container for use in vacuum packaging, said container characterized in that said container has a wall with a sealed chamber, and a valve enabling evacuation of said sealed chamber and an inside of said container.