Evacuable container having one-way valve with filter element

Abstract

A one-way valve allows air to be drawn from an air tight container using a vacuum source. When the vacuum source is removed, the one-way valve prevents air from re-entering the container. A pump evacuates air from the container including a housing cooperatively engaging the housing for filter and cap assembly of the one way valve assembly. A seal isolates the pump housing from the cap sealing housing, and a handle is provided to withdrawably evacuate the air from the container.

1 . A container comprising: a flexible air tight container having an opening for receiving an item to be stored in the container; an air-tight seal across the opening; a one way valve assembly installed in a surface of the container wherein the assembly allows air to pass out of the container but prevents air from entering the container, the assembly having a filter and cap assembly housing secured to a surface of the container, a cap sealer housing secured to the filter and cap assembly housing, a vacuum sealer valve sealing the container closed when air is removed from the container, and a support sleeve snap-on securing and retaining the vacuum sealer valve in a closed air-tight condition.  
   
   
       2 . A receiving container having a body portion, a sealing edge disposed along an opening in the body portion, and an airtight valve at a selective position on the body portion comprising: a housing for filter and cap assembly fixedly secured to the body portion; a cap sealer housing releasably secured to the housing for filter and cap assembly; a vacuum sealer valve sealing the container closed when air is removed from the container; and a support sleeve snap-on securing and retaining the vacuum sealer valve in a closed air-tight condition.  
   
   
       3 . The one way valve assembly as claimed  1  further comprising: a pump for evacuating air from the container including a housing cooperatively engaging the housing for filter and cap assembly of the one way valve assembly, sealing means sealably isolating the pump housing from the cap sealing housing, and a handle withdrawably movable to evacuate the air from the container.  
   
   
       4 . The airtight valve as claimed in  claim 2  further comprising: a pump for evacuating air from the container including a housing for the filter and cap assembly of the one way valve assembly, sealing means sealably isolating the pump housing from the cap sealing housing, and a handle withdrawably movable to evacuate the air from the container.  
   
   
       5 . The container as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the one way valve assembly is integrally formed in the surface of the container during the formation of the container.  
   
   
       6 . The container as claimed in  claim 5  wherein the surface of the container is a lid.