Hermetically sealed storage containers

Abstract

A storage container for isolating delicate items from harsh environments has a rigid exterior forming a continuous box with an open mouth. A gasketed door is hinged to the box and is provided with catches cooperating with clasps on the box to compress the gasket and close the open mouth forming a hermetic seal. A one-way valve is mounted on the container to subject the sealed interior to a pressure differential from the atmospheric condition. A pressure gauge is mounted on the container to indicate the pressure differential existing in the container.

1 . A hermetically sealed container for temporary storage of delicate items under a pressure differential from atmospheric conditions comprising a continuous rigid box having an opening, a door pivotally connected to said box by a set of hinges, said door having a periphery of a size and shape to close said opening, said door including a sealing gasket about the periphery engaging said opening, said box having at least one clasp, said door having at least one post mounted thereon, said clasp and said post cooperating to fasten said door and box and compressing said gasket, a one-way valve mounted in said container and adapted for permitting pressurized gas to enter said container, and a pressure gauge mounted on said container to visually indicate the pressure differential in said container.  
   
   
       2 . A hermetically sealed container for temporary storage of delicate items under a pressure differential from atmospheric conditions comprising a continuous rigid box having an opening, a door pivotally connected to said box by a set of hinges, said door having a periphery of a size and shape to close said opening, said door including a sealing gasket about the periphery engaging said opening, said box having at least one clasp, said door having at least one post mounted thereon, said clasp and said post cooperating to fasten said door and box and compressing said gasket, a one-way valve mounted in said container and adapted for permitting evacuation of said container, and a pressure gauge mounted on said container to visually indicate the pressure differential in said container.  
   
   
       3 . A hermetically sealed container of  claim 1  wherein a one-way valve mounted in said container and adapted for permitting evacuation of said container, and a gauge mounted on said container to visually indicate the pressure differential in said container.  
   
   
       4 . A hermetically sealed container of  claim 1  wherein said box has a plurality of clasps, said door has a plurality of posts mounted thereon, said clasps and said posts cooperating to fasten said door and box and compressing said gasket.  
   
   
       5 . A hermetically sealed container of  claim 2  wherein said box has a plurality of clasps, said door has a plurality of posts mounted thereon, said clasps and said posts cooperating to fasten said door and box and compressing said gasket.  
   
   
       6 . A hermetically sealed container of  claim 3  wherein said one-way valve for permitting pressurized gas to enter said container and said one-way valve for permitting evacuation of said container each has a cover for closing each said valve, respectively.  
   
   
       7 . A hermetically sealed container of  claim 1  wherein said container has handles attached thereto and is light weight and portable by hand.  
   
   
       8 . A hermetically sealed container of  claim 2  wherein said container has handles attached thereto and is light weight and portable by hand.  
   
   
       9 . A hermetically sealed container of  claim 1  wherein said pressurized gas is provided by a replaceable CO2 cartridge.  
   
   
       10 . A hermetically sealed container of  claim 1  wherein said pressurized gas is provide by a manual hand pump.