EP0494559A1 - Lid adapted for the making of a sealed container for conserving products such as foodstuffs - Google Patents

Lid adapted for the making of a sealed container for conserving products such as foodstuffs Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0494559A1
EP0494559A1 EP91403453A EP91403453A EP0494559A1 EP 0494559 A1 EP0494559 A1 EP 0494559A1 EP 91403453 A EP91403453 A EP 91403453A EP 91403453 A EP91403453 A EP 91403453A EP 0494559 A1 EP0494559 A1 EP 0494559A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cover
covers
edge
orifice
coverage area
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP91403453A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0494559B1 (en
Inventor
Michel Bastien
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JANKOVIC, MILAN
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Jankovic Milan
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/18—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
    • B65D81/20—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
    • B65D81/2007—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum
    • B65D81/2038—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum with means for establishing or improving vacuum

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a cover adapted to produce a sealed enclosure between itself and an article capable of supporting or containing a product to be isolated from the ambient environment, said cover comprising means making it possible to create a vacuum in said enclosure .
  • the cover according to the invention proposes to remedy these drawbacks in a simple and effective manner, an aim which is achieved in that said cover is characterized in that its face intended to be turned towards said article, called “inner face” comprises, or is associated with, a layer of sealing material of suitable geometry forming a "cover area", said cover being adapted to be temporarily secured to said article by simple laying, as the case may be, on one side substantially flat or on the orifice of said article, to form an uninterrupted contact zone with continuous interposition of said layer of sealing material, and by creation of said depression in the space delimited between said article and said cover, the zone of covering of said layer of sealing material being such that it extends over at least 2 mm on one side of the center line of the contact zone between said cover and said article, and over at least 4 mm from the other side of the said center line.
  • the same cover can be adapted to at least two articles of the same geometry but of slightly different dimensions.
  • the inner face of the cover is substantially flat and adapted to be placed on the orifice of a container while in a second embodiment, its inner face is concave with a substantially flat free edge. suitable to be placed on a flat support.
  • a third embodiment making it possible to reduce the thickness of the cover while retaining good rigidity, it is stepped and its internal surface is adapted to be placed on the orifice of a container or even on a support. flat, if the steps create a sufficient volume between the cover and said flat support.
  • the layer of sealing material may cover the entire inner face of the cover or cover only a zone limited in width of said inner face from the free edge of said cover.
  • the cover is made of a slightly deformable material under the effect of the vacuum created inside the enclosure.
  • the means for creating the vacuum in the enclosure advantageously consist of a non-return device mounted on, or in, an orifice provided in said cover and capable of being temporarily connected to a vacuum pump.
  • the non-return device may consist of a valve formed from a sheet of relatively deformable material adapted to be applied to said orifice and to plug it, when the face of said sheet opposite to the orifice is not subjected to any effort of depression, said sheet comprising a gripping stud and at least one perforation not aligned with said orifice, but nevertheless close to the latter, means being provided for immobilizing said valve on the cover and for serving as a guide for a tip belonging to, or connected , to a suction pump, said nozzle having a diameter such that the perforation or perforations of the sheet of material per se (in) t capped (s), so that the vacuum created by the pump lifts the sheet portion that cap the tip and communicates the perforation (s) and the orifice of the cover.
  • the end of the stud opposite the sheet may provide a flat surface in alignment with the upper surface, also flat, of the means for immobilizing the valve on the cover and, once the vacuum has been established in the container, sticks an adhesive sheet on the alignment of surfaces.
  • the peeling off of the sheet exerts a pull on the nipple and, consequently, the lifting of the valve and the reestablishment of atmospheric pressure in the container.
  • the dimensions of said covers and their coverage areas being calculated such that, when the covers of said set are aligned coaxially, the straight line passing through the outer edge of the coverage area of the first cover and through the inner edge of the coverage area cover of the third cover, passes substantially in the middle of the cover area of the second cover, while the straight line passing through the outer edge of the cover area of the second cover and through the inner edge of the cover area of the possible fourth cover passes substantially in the middle of the coverage area of said third cover, and so on.
  • a set of covers will be used, each comprising at least two steps separated by a folding zone, the dimensions of said covers, their steps and their folding zones being calculated such that, when the covers of said set are aligned coaxially, each folding zone of a cover is plumb with the middle of a step belonging to the size cover immediately superior.
  • the cover 1 according to the invention is shaped (by cutting, molding or forging) in the form of a disc, smooth on both sides, in a plastic or a metal for use food; its upper face can be decorated or printed while its lower face intended to come into contact with the edge of a container 3 or 4 to close it, is provided with a layer of sealing material 2 formed of a coating of a chemically stable, odorless, flexible but very long-lasting elastomeric resin, or a glued or removable seal having the same characteristics.
  • This disc could be absolutely rigid but, preferably, it has a good elasticity which allows it, under the constraint of the vacuum, to match the possible deformations of the edge of a container.
  • This disc is pierced, advantageously in its center, with an orifice 7 allowing the adaptation of a valve V of the air chamber valve type, mounted upside down.
  • This valve V consists of a short valve body 18, threaded at its two ends and having over its length a nut-shaped bulge 16 for fixing.
  • the upper threaded end is designed to be introduced, with a certain clearance, into the housing 30 of the lower nozzle 20 of a vacuum pump 24, and to receive a plug 36 ( Figure la) as soon as the pump is removed; the lower threaded end of the body 18 allows the valve V to be fixed by means of a nut 9 bearing on a washer 8 and compressing an O-ring or flat 12 on the swollen nut-shaped part 16 of the valve body.
  • This valve body 18 is generally neckline in steel or brass and then tinned or nickel-plated and includes, inside, a replaceable valve mechanism 34 consisting of a rigid, hollowed-out static assembly 17 screwed into the valve body 18 by means of a threaded bridge 11, the seal 33 placed on the seat 15 ensuring the seal between the mechanism 34 and the valve body.
  • a non-return valve 31 with a stamped pin 10 ensures, using its seal 32, the opening and closing of the orifice of the assembly 17.
  • the valve 31 does not include a return spring on the lower end of its spindle 10 while the known valves of the same type are all provided with springs whose release pressure is generally between 1.8.105 and 5.105 Pa; in fact, the manual pump 24 presently used only allows a vacuum of approximate force of 0.9 ⁇ 10 -5 Pa and could not, therefore, actuate the valve 31 if it were provided with such springs. However, a weak spring has been tried but has brought nothing more functionally, except an additional cost and a difficulty in cleaning the valve device. On the other hand, the valve being always used vertically, the own weight of the valve 31 is sufficient for it to assume its function from the first pump strokes (being then helped by the increasing force of the vacuum).
  • valve V originally designed to bring air under pressure into an enclosure, will therefore imperatively be mounted upside down on the cover 1, since its current use is reversed.
  • This inversion has, moreover, a great advantage concerning the return to atmospheric pressure to reopen a container, insofar as it is possible to introduce a pointed object (fork tooth, nail, knife tip, etc.) between the valve body 18 and the valve 31 to make the latter limp which then lets air pass to the container 3 or 4.
  • valve system or valve, or other known non-return system of the type comprising in particular: a spring-loaded valve, with vertical lift, hinged leaf, needle, ball, membrane, or any shutter of specific shape and which it is not possible to access by means shutter so that it lets air pass
  • the cover 1 will then comprise either a hole 6 of very small diameter, located as close as possible to the valve and closable by a patch or an adhesive tab 5, or by a screw needle or other 14 whether or not provided with a sealing means 13; the reopening of the container is then obtained by simple detachment of the pellet or the tab 5 or by loosening the screw 14.
  • 1 has a usable radius over a length L of approximately 65 mm, it makes it possible to seal a good thirty circular containers whose wall thickness would be 1 mm and whose diameter would vary in steps of 2 mm. It can also be seen in this figure that the cover can close a container 4 having an oblique edge as well as a container 3 with a straight edge.
  • the pump 24 which is a manual vacuum pump is of the reverse pump bicycle pump type. It consists of a cylindrical body 23 in which moves a piston 22 provided with a lip seal 29 when it is actuated by its rod 27 folded at right angles for gripping. This rod slides in a hole 26 made in the upper end-piece 25 pierced with another hole 28 to allow the air discharged by the piston 22 and the seal 29 to escape; the lower end piece 20 of the pump 24 is also pierced with a hole 21 and its housing 30 is of diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of the end of the valve V on which it is strongly applied with its seal 19 during placing under empty container.
  • the pump can be connected to the valve V by screwing its lower nozzle 20 or connected to said valve by a hose. Any other type of vacuum pump than that described could be used, whether manual or electric.
  • the cover according to the invention is shaped in the shape of a bell (other hollow shapes being of course achievable) in a transparent material, preferably of the glass type, chemically stable material. It comprises a non-return valve valve V and it is provided with a layer of sealing material covering not entirely its lower surface, but being in the form of a recessed seal bonded 2A on its edge according to the detail of Figure 2A called to seal between the bell 1 'and any rigid or very slightly deformable food support 41 having at least one smooth surface.
  • the seal 2A could also be removable or molded on the edge of the cover 1 ′.
  • the support 41 can be a special support, but most often it will be a dish, a plate, a pie pan, belonging to the usual dishes of the user, or even, a plate of enamel oven, etc.
  • a seal 2B can be provided interposed between said cover 1 ′ and the support 41. This seal 2B can be removable or integral with the support 41. It is therefore easy to understand that, in both cases, and when the non-return valve valve V is actuated, the cover 1 ′ becomes integral with the support 41.
  • the cover 1 ′′′ according to the invention is obtained by molding or foundry. Its non-return valve V is inserted into it, and its upper face as well as its periphery can, therefore, have reinforcements 42 and 43.
  • the lower face of the cover and its sealing means 2 have characteristics similar to those previously described in connection with FIG. 1. This embodiment makes it possible to reduce the price of the cover by reducing the weight of raw material.
  • FIG. 4 shows in schematic section the same cover in three different sizes 1A, 1B, 1C.
  • the smallest 1A is molded at the same time as the body 18 of the valve V (or other non-return system) in an advantageously transparent material, with the exception of its valve 48 which is attached to it.
  • This valve 48 is a kind of head rivet 45 usually obtained by stamping or turning. It slides in the hole 50 made with clearance (to let the air pass) during the molding of the body of the non-return device V, its head 45 being housed in a countersink 46 formed with clearance and being of conical shape to ensure sealing with the orifice of the hole 50, and to facilitate the passage of a pointed object between it and the body 18 of valve V for the return to atmospheric pressure of a container.
  • a seal 51 may be provided between the head 45 and the seat against which it comes to rest.
  • the valve 48, the foot of which is also housed in a counterbore 49 has a stop means 47 such as a lug, a nut, a deformation, so that it cannot escape from the hole 50. It is advantageously shaped in a dense metal, for example tinned or silvery copper. Driven by the action of a vacuum pump not shown, in the hole 50 between the two counterbores 46 and 49 forming housings, it allows under the effect of its mass, then combined with the force of the vacuum, to open or to close the hole 50.
  • the main quality of the lid is its adaptability to all kinds of containers and it may be, for example, possible to cap a bottle with a lid that can cap a pot, the difference in dimensions between the two is really disproportionate and it goes without saying that it is preferable to be able to have a set of covers according to the invention of different cover surfaces.
  • the covers according to the invention may be provided with seals (or elastomeric coating) cut at a given pitch such that there is no loss of material.
  • the external diameter of the annular seal 2C1 will be equal to the internal diameter of the annular seal 2C3 and the external diameter of the annular seal 2C2 will be equal to the internal diameter of an annular seal 2C4, not shown, belonging to a cover 1D not shown of larger size. at 1C.
  • This will lead to a set of covers of increasing size according to a VW step.
  • the joint or the coating 2C2 has a width of 24 mm, it will probably be usable on approximately 20 mm and will be able to cover ten containers whose edges will be 2 mm thick and whose diameters will vary by 2 mm pitch, i.e.
  • the cover 1B makes it possible to cover very widely, on each side of the point Y, the quine containers would know neither by the cover A according to the dimension X nor by the cover C according to the side Z.
  • the pitch VW is for example 12 mm
  • the covers and their seals (or coatings) will have a outer diameter of: 98 mm for 1A, 122 mm for 1B, 146 mm for 1C, 170 mm for 1D (not shown); and respectively an internal diameter of: 74 mm, 98 mm, 122 mm, 146 mm. This process allows a significant saving on the price of the seal or the elastomeric coating, a strong reduction of the bulk and allows to see the interior of the receptacles when a transparent material is used to make the lids 1A-1C.
  • Figure 5 shows in schematic section the cover 1 without its valve V to facilitate understanding, closing a container 53 with a flared edge 52, said cover being deformed under the attraction of the vacuum.
  • an absolutely rigid cover can be used, it is preferable that it has a flexibility which does not exceed, of course, its elastic limit, but which can vary from zero to 15%, depending on the arrow AB, depending on the main criteria mentioned above so that, under the constraint of the vacuum, it is able to match the veil or certain small deformations of the edge of many containers (case of earthenware, stoneware utensils and pottery, cast iron cookers, etc.).
  • the percentage of acceptable temporary deformation of the cover 1 is very useful and very variable depending on the above criteria and the essential points are defined below. It is the quotient of a fraction AB CD whose numerator corresponds to arrow AB and denominator to string CD.
  • the arrow AB represents the acceptable deformation (without exceeding the elastic limit of the material of which it is composed and according to the abovementioned criteria) from the configuration at rest where the cover 1 occupies the substantially horizontal plane CAD and the concave configuration represented in FIG. 5.
  • This percentage of deformation can be equal to, or even greater than, 15%, especially if the cover is made in a shape which, at rest, is already slightly concave, not shown.
  • the cover be slightly deformable so that it can better adapt to the defects encountered on the edge of a container. This is not the only positive side of its deformability; Indeed, since the cover is curved during the conservation of the foodstuffs and that it becomes flat (or almost) when the vacuum constraint ceases, it is then easy, at a glance, to realize if , by chance, it did not "drop", an impossible finding if it is made of a completely undeformable material. In addition, and this is not negligible, it is often possible, when the edge of the lid sufficiently exceeds that of the covered container, to reopen it simply by twisting the edge of the lid which thereby allows air to enter.
  • Figure 6 shows in section a stamped or molded cover 1G, having folding zones 43, 57, helping to increase its rigidity while reducing the thickness, therefore the price; therefore its two faces are not flat, but include reliefs which will prevent the closure of containers whose opening diameter corresponds substantially to that of the folding zones. To remedy this deficiency, it will be necessary, as explained in connection with FIG. 4, to use a series of covers with intermediate folding zones.
  • the cover 1G is provided with a non-return device V ′ with a membrane 55, fixed at 56 and which, under the action of a vacuum pump, opens or closes the orifice 59 of the hole 58 formed in the cover 1G; the end of the non-return device V ′ has a countersink 69 pierced in its center and intended to receive a male end piece (not shown) of a vacuum pump whose sealing between the two connected elements can be ensured by a screwing, cone or attached.
  • a male plug (not shown) may replace the plug 36 described in relation to Figure 1A.
  • the non-return device V or V ′ always exceeds the upper face of the cover according to the invention, but when it is useful to stack the capped containers according to the invention on top of each other, the non-return device V or V ′ could be embedded in the thickness of the cover 1 or of its reinforcements 42 ( Figure 3).
  • Figure 7 shows, seen from above and very schematically, a cover 1H of rectangular shape, its non-return means V ⁇ , part of its coating or seal 2H, which extends from the edge of the cover to a selected shape area 62, here rectangular, leaving a window 63 free which allows the interior of the associated container to be seen if the material used for the cover 1H is transparent.
  • the lid 1H which is rectangular can cover and cap as well, for example, an oval container with a thin edge 60, as a rectangular container with wide edges 61 of the sardine box type for example.
  • Figure 8 which is a top view of the cover 1 of Figure 1 shows that it is capable of closing both circular containers of different diameters, 64, 66, 67, than a square container 65, or even the orifice of an enclosure or a container of any shape 68.
  • the layer of 2D sealing material is roughly annular and it is molded on the cover 1, so that its outer edge 69 is folded over the upper face of said cover 1.
  • the edge inside 70 of the 2D layer is trapped between the underside of the cover and a ring 71 welded to the cover.
  • This embodiment differs essentially from the previous ones by the structure of the valve with which it is equipped.
  • this valve V ′′′ consists of a circular base 72 from which projects a central stud 73 full.
  • the free end 74 of the stud is flat.
  • the base 72 is pierced with four perforations 75a, 75b, 75c and 75d.
  • the material of the valve is relatively deformable; it can be rubber.
  • the face of the base 72 which is applied against the cover can be smooth, or grooved, or have concentric reliefs to strengthen the seal.
  • valve V ′′′ is positioned in such a way, on the cover 1, that the stud 73 is in the axis of the orifice 7 of the cover and that the perforations 75a d are located away from this orifice.
  • the valve V ′′′ is immobilized on the cover 1 by means of a ring 76 secured to the latter by any suitable means, such as welding, riveting, bonding, clipping.
  • the ring 76 can be removable to allow the exchange of the valve V ′′′, if necessary.
  • the ring 76 leaves exposed the central part of the base 72 of the valve and offers a receiving guide to a nozzle 77 belonging to a pump body or constituting an independent member which can be combined with an appropriate suction means.
  • the free edge of this nozzle is provided with a seal 78 adapted to come to rest on the upper face of the base 72.
  • the end piece 77 covers the part of the valve in which the perforations 75a-d are formed.
  • the embodiment of Figure 12 differs from that of Figure 9 in that the layer of sealing material 2E covers the entire lower surface of the cover and is not folded over the edge thereof. This layer 2E could end at a small distance from the free edge of the cover so that its own edge is protected.
  • the cover according to the invention can be used to isolate any product from the ambient environment: for example, in watchmaking to preserve oxidizable parts; in the laboratory to stop test tubes. It can also be used to close the opening of cabinets, tanks and drums and various containers.

Abstract

The lid which is adapted for making a sealed container between itself and an article capable of supporting or of containing the product to be conserved has a free peripheral edge and comprises means (V) which make it possible to create a reduced pressure in the container. The lid, whose inner face comprises a layer of sealing material (2) of suitable geometry forming a cover zone, may be temporarily joined to the article by simple placing, in an uninterrupted contact zone, with continuous interposition of said layer of sealing material, and by means of creating the said reduced pressure in the space thus delimited between itself and the said article, the said cover zone being such that it extends over at least 2 mm of one side of the central line of the contact zone between the said lid and the said article and over at least 4 mm of the other side of the said central line. <IMAGE>

Description

La présente invention concerne un couvercle adapté à réaliser une enceinte fermée de manière étanche entre lui-même et un article susceptible de supporter ou de contenir un produit devant être isolé du milieu ambiant, ledit couvercle comportant des moyens permettant de créer une dépression dans ladite enceinte.The present invention relates to a cover adapted to produce a sealed enclosure between itself and an article capable of supporting or containing a product to be isolated from the ambient environment, said cover comprising means making it possible to create a vacuum in said enclosure .

De nombreux dispositifs permettent de conserver, éventuellement sous vide, des denrées périssables à l'air, tels que les bocaux à conserves, les boîtes hermétiques en plastique fermées par un couvercle souple sur lequel on appuie pour chasser un peu d'air, les conservateurs rigides fermés par un couvercle spécialement adapté permettant de faire le vide au moyen d'une pompe à vide, les bouchons à bouteilles standard pourvus d'une petite pompe à vide, etc. Beaucoup de ces dispositifs connus (voir par exemple US-A-4 142 645, FR-A-2 575 996 ou FR-A-2 490 592) sont techniquement valables, et tout particulièrement ceux associant une pompe à vide (électrique ou manuelle) à une armoire, un récipient, ou à un couvercle spécial destiné à la fermeture d'un récipient unique et spécifique. Cependant, leur coût ou les problèmes rencontrés lors de leur utilisation ont freiné leur vente. En effet, tous ces appareils nécessitent l'emploi d'un couvercle adapté à un récipient de type donné, de forme et volume déterminés, peu souvent en rapport avec le volume du produit à conserver. Le plus souvent, par exemple, le reste d'un repas devra obligatoirement être transvasé dans un récipient pour sa conservation, puis de nouveau dans un autre pour être réchauffé, ce qui augmente considérablement la quantité de vaisselle dont on doit disposer ainsi que la quantité de vaisselle salie.Many devices make it possible to store, possibly under vacuum, perishable goods in the air, such as preserving jars, airtight plastic boxes closed by a flexible cover on which one presses to expel some air, preservatives rigid closed by a specially adapted lid allowing vacuuming by means of a vacuum pump, standard bottle stoppers provided with a small vacuum pump, etc. Many of these known devices (see for example US-A-4 142 645, FR-A-2 575 996 or FR-A-2 490 592) are technically valid, and in particular those combining a vacuum pump (electric or manual ) to a cabinet, container, or special lid for closing a single, specific container. However, their cost or the problems encountered during their use slowed down their sale. Indeed, all these devices require the use of a lid adapted to a container of given type, of determined shape and volume, not often related to the volume of the product to be stored. Most often, for example, the rest of a meal must be transferred to a container for storage, then again to another to be reheated, which considerably increases the quantity of dishes that must be available as well as the quantity of soiled dishes.

Le couvercle selon l'invention se propose de remédier à ces inconvénients de manière simple et efficace, but qui est atteint en ce sens que ledit couvercle est caractérisé en ce que sa face destinée à être tournée vers ledit article, dite "face intérieure", comporte, ou est associée à, une couche de matériau d'étanchéité de géométrie convenable formant "zone de couverture", ledit couvercle étant adapté à être temporairement solidarisé audit article par simple pose, selon le cas, sur une face sensiblement plane ou sur l'orifice dudit article, pour former une zone de contact ininterrompue avec interposition continue de ladite couche de matériau d'étanchéité, et par création de ladite dépression dans l'espace délimité entre ledit article et ledit couvercle, la zone de couverture de ladite couche de matériau d'étanchéité étant telle qu'elle se prolonge sur au moins 2 mm d'un côté de la ligne médiane de la zone de contact entre ledit couvercle et ledit article, et sur au moins 4 mm de l'autre côté de ladite ligne médiane.The cover according to the invention proposes to remedy these drawbacks in a simple and effective manner, an aim which is achieved in that said cover is characterized in that its face intended to be turned towards said article, called "inner face" comprises, or is associated with, a layer of sealing material of suitable geometry forming a "cover area", said cover being adapted to be temporarily secured to said article by simple laying, as the case may be, on one side substantially flat or on the orifice of said article, to form an uninterrupted contact zone with continuous interposition of said layer of sealing material, and by creation of said depression in the space delimited between said article and said cover, the zone of covering of said layer of sealing material being such that it extends over at least 2 mm on one side of the center line of the contact zone between said cover and said article, and over at least 4 mm from the other side of the said center line.

Grâce à cette structure, un même couvercle est adaptable à au moins deux articles de même géométrie mais de dimensions légèrement différentes.Thanks to this structure, the same cover can be adapted to at least two articles of the same geometry but of slightly different dimensions.

Dans une première forme d'exécution, la face intérieure du couvercle est sensiblement plane et adaptée à être posée sur l'orifice d'un récipient tandis que dans une seconde forme d'exécution, sa face intérieure est concave avec un bord libre sensiblement plan adapté à être posé sur un support plat.In a first embodiment, the inner face of the cover is substantially flat and adapted to be placed on the orifice of a container while in a second embodiment, its inner face is concave with a substantially flat free edge. suitable to be placed on a flat support.

Dans une troisième forme d'exécution permettant de diminuer l'épaisseur du couvercle tout en lui conservant une bonne rigidité, il est étagé en gradins et sa surface intérieure est adaptée à être posée sur l'orifice d'un récipient ou même sur un support plat, si les gradins créent un volume suffisant entre le couvercle et ledit support plat.In a third embodiment making it possible to reduce the thickness of the cover while retaining good rigidity, it is stepped and its internal surface is adapted to be placed on the orifice of a container or even on a support. flat, if the steps create a sufficient volume between the cover and said flat support.

La couche de matériau d'étanchéité peut recouvrir toute la face intérieure du couvercle ou ne recouvrir qu'une zone limitée en largeur de ladite face intérieure à partir du bord libre dudit couvercle.The layer of sealing material may cover the entire inner face of the cover or cover only a zone limited in width of said inner face from the free edge of said cover.

De préférence, le couvercle est constitué en un matériau légèrement déformable sous .l'effet de la dépression créée à l'intérieur de l'enceinte.Preferably, the cover is made of a slightly deformable material under the effect of the vacuum created inside the enclosure.

Les moyens permettant de créer la dépression dans l'enceinte sont avantageusement constitués d'un dispositif antiretour monté sur, ou dans, un orifice prévu dans ledit couvercle et susceptible d'être connecté temporairement à une pompe à vide.The means for creating the vacuum in the enclosure advantageously consist of a non-return device mounted on, or in, an orifice provided in said cover and capable of being temporarily connected to a vacuum pump.

Le dispositif antiretour peut être constitué d'une valve formée d'une feuille de matériau relativement déformable adaptée à être appliquée sur ledit orifice et à le boucher, lorsque la face de ladite feuille opposée à l'orifice n'est soumise à aucun effort de dépression, ladite feuille comportant un téton de préhension et au moins une perforation non alignée avec ledit orifice, mais néanmoins proche de ce dernier, des moyens étant prévus pour immobiliser ladite valve sur le couvercle et pour servir de guide à un embout appartenant, ou relié, à une pompe d'aspiration, ledit embout ayant un diamètre tel que la ou les perforations de la feuille de matériau en soi(en)t coiffée(s), de telle sorte que la dépression créée par la pompe soulève la partie de feuille que coiffe l'embout et met en communication la ou les perforations et l'orifice du couvercle.The non-return device may consist of a valve formed from a sheet of relatively deformable material adapted to be applied to said orifice and to plug it, when the face of said sheet opposite to the orifice is not subjected to any effort of depression, said sheet comprising a gripping stud and at least one perforation not aligned with said orifice, but nevertheless close to the latter, means being provided for immobilizing said valve on the cover and for serving as a guide for a tip belonging to, or connected , to a suction pump, said nozzle having a diameter such that the perforation or perforations of the sheet of material per se (in) t capped (s), so that the vacuum created by the pump lifts the sheet portion that cap the tip and communicates the perforation (s) and the orifice of the cover.

Dès que la dépression cesse, la feuille de matériau de la valve se "recolle" sur le couvercle en en obturant l'orifice de façon étanche. Pour rétablir la pression atmosphérique dans le récipient et l'ouvrir, il suffit de tirer sur le téton.As soon as the vacuum ceases, the sheet of valve material "sticks" to the cover, sealing the orifice tightly. To restore atmospheric pressure in the container and open it, simply pull on the nipple.

En variante, l'extrémité du téton opposée à la feuille peut offrir une surface plane dans l'alignement de la surface supérieure également plane des moyens d'immobilisation de la valve sur le couvercle et, une fois le vide établi dans le récipient, on colle une feuille adhésive sur l'alignement de surfaces. Le décollage de la feuille exerce une traction sur le téton et, par suite, le soulèvement de la valve et le rétablissement de la pression atmosphérique dans le récipient.As a variant, the end of the stud opposite the sheet may provide a flat surface in alignment with the upper surface, also flat, of the means for immobilizing the valve on the cover and, once the vacuum has been established in the container, sticks an adhesive sheet on the alignment of surfaces. The peeling off of the sheet exerts a pull on the nipple and, consequently, the lifting of the valve and the reestablishment of atmospheric pressure in the container.

De préférence, on aura recours, selon l'invention, à un jeu de couvercles comprenant une première série de couvercles d'ordre impair dans ledit jeu et une deuxième série de couvercles d'ordre pair dans ce même jeu,

  • . le bord externe de ladite zone de couverture du premier couvercle correspondant en configuration et dimensions au bord interne de ladite zone de couverture du troisième couvercle et le bord externe de ladite zone de couverture dudit troisième couvercle correspondant en configuration et dimensions au bord interne de ladite zone de couverture d'un éventuel cinquième couvercle, et ainsi de suite,
  • . le bord externe de ladite zone de couverture du deuxième couvercle correspondant en configuration et dimensions au bord interne de ladite zone de couverture d'un éventuel quatrième couvercle et le bord externe de ladite zone de couverture dudit quatrième couvercle correspondant en configuration et dimensions au bord interne de ladite zone de couverture d'un éventuel sixième couvercle, et ainsi de suite,
Preferably, use will be made, according to the invention, of a set of covers comprising a first series of odd-order covers in said set and a second series of even order covers in this same game,
  • . the outer edge of said cover area of the first cover corresponding in configuration and dimensions to the inner edge of said cover area of the third cover and the outer edge of said cover area of said third cover corresponding in configuration and dimensions to the inner edge of said area cover of a possible fifth cover, and so on,
  • . the outer edge of said cover area of the second cover corresponding in configuration and dimensions to the inner edge of said cover area of a possible fourth cover and the outer edge of said cover area of said fourth cover corresponding in configuration and dimensions to the inner edge of said coverage area of a possible sixth cover, and so on,

les dimensions desdits couvercles et de leurs zones de couverture étant calculées de telle sorte que, lorsque les couvercles dudit jeu sont alignés coaxialement, la droite passant par le bord externe de la zone de couverture du premier couvercle et par le bord interne de la zone de couverture du troisième couvercle, passe sensiblement au milieu de la zone de couverture du deuxième couvercle, tandis que la droite passant par le bord externe de la zone de couverture du deuxième couvercle et par le bord interne de la zone de couverture de l'éventuel quatrième couvercle passe sensiblement au milieu de la zone de couverture dudit troisième couvercle, et ainsi de suite.the dimensions of said covers and their coverage areas being calculated such that, when the covers of said set are aligned coaxially, the straight line passing through the outer edge of the coverage area of the first cover and through the inner edge of the coverage area cover of the third cover, passes substantially in the middle of the cover area of the second cover, while the straight line passing through the outer edge of the cover area of the second cover and through the inner edge of the cover area of the possible fourth cover passes substantially in the middle of the coverage area of said third cover, and so on.

Dans le cas où l'on utilise des couvercles étagés en gradins, on aura recours à un jeu de couvercles comportant chacun au moins deux gradins séparés par une zone de pliage, les dimensions desdits couvercles, de leurs gradins et de leurs zones de pliage étant calculées de telle sorte que, lorsque les couvercles dudit jeu sont alignés coaxialement, chaque zone de pliage d'un couvercle se trouve à l'aplomb du milieu d'un gradin appartenant au couvercle de taille immédiatement supérieure.In the case where covers stepped in steps are used, a set of covers will be used, each comprising at least two steps separated by a folding zone, the dimensions of said covers, their steps and their folding zones being calculated such that, when the covers of said set are aligned coaxially, each folding zone of a cover is plumb with the middle of a step belonging to the size cover immediately superior.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention ressortiront de la description qui suit, faite en référence aux dessins annexés dans lesquels :

  • la Figure 1 est une vue en coupe d'une première forme d'exécution du couvercle selon l'invention, muni de sa pompe à vide et montrant son adaptation possible à au moins deux récipients de dimensions d'ouverture différentes ;
  • la Figure la est une vue en coupe d'un bouchon adapté à venir se substituer à la pompe à vide, une fois obtenu le vide requis ;
  • la Figure 2 montre une deuxième forme d'exécution du couvercle selon l'invention ;
  • la Figure 2A est un détail à plus grande échelle de la Figure 2 ;
  • la Figure 3 représente une troisième forme d'exécution du couvercle selon l'invention ;
  • la Figure 4 montre un jeu de couvercles selon une quatrième forme d'exécution de l'invention ;
  • la Figure 5 illustre la déformation possible du couvercle selon l'invention lorsqu'il est sous la contrainte du vide ;
  • la Figure 6 présente une cinquième forme d'exécution du couvercle selon l'invention ;
  • la Figure 7 montre, vu du dessus, un couvercle selon l'invention selon une sixième forme d'exécution ;
  • la Figure 8 est une vue de dessus du couvercle selon la Figure 1, recouvrant des récipients de formes variées ;
  • la Figure 9 est une vue en coupe d'une septième forme d'exécution de l'invention ;
  • la Figure 10 est une vue en perspective de la valve utilisée dans les formes d'exécution des figures 9 et 12 ;
  • la Figure 11 est une vue de détail montrant le comportement de la valve de la Figure 10 lorsque la pompe est en phase d'aspiration ;
  • la Figure 12 est une vue en coupe d'une huitième forme d'exécution de l'invention ; et
  • La Figure 13 est une vue du dessus, partielle, de la Figure 12.
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description which follows, given with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • Figure 1 is a sectional view of a first embodiment of the cover according to the invention, provided with its vacuum pump and showing its possible adaptation to at least two containers of different opening dimensions;
  • Figure la is a sectional view of a plug adapted to replace the vacuum pump, once the required vacuum has been obtained;
  • Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the cover according to the invention;
  • Figure 2A is an enlarged detail of Figure 2;
  • Figure 3 shows a third embodiment of the cover according to the invention;
  • Figure 4 shows a set of covers according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;
  • Figure 5 illustrates the possible deformation of the cover according to the invention when it is under vacuum stress;
  • Figure 6 shows a fifth embodiment of the cover according to the invention;
  • Figure 7 shows, seen from above, a cover according to the invention according to a sixth embodiment;
  • Figure 8 is a top view of the cover according to Figure 1, covering containers of various shapes;
  • Figure 9 is a sectional view of a seventh embodiment of the invention;
  • Figure 10 is a perspective view of the valve used in the embodiments of Figures 9 and 12;
  • Figure 11 is a detail view showing the behavior of the valve of Figure 10 when the pump is in the suction phase;
  • Figure 12 is a sectional view of an eighth embodiment of the invention; and
  • Figure 13 is a partial top view of the Figure 12.

Selon le premier mode de réalisation illustré aux Figures 1 et 8, le couvercle 1 selon l'invention est façonné (par découpage, moulage ou forgeage) en forme de disque, lisse sur ses deux faces, dans une matière plastique ou un métal à usage alimentaire ; sa face supérieure peut être décorée ou imprimée alors que sa face inférieure destinée à entrer en contact avec le bord d'un récipient 3 ou 4 pour le fermer, est munie d'une couche de matériau d'étanchéité 2 formée d'un revêtement en une résine élastomère chimiquement stable, inodore, souple mais de très forte rémanence, ou d'un joint collé ou amovible présentant les mêmes caractéristiques. Ce disque pourrait être absolument rigide mais, de préférence, il présente une bonne élasticité qui lui permet, sous la contrainte du vide, d'épouser les déformations possibles du bord d'un récipient. Ce disque est percé, avantageusement en son centre, d'un orifice 7 permettant l'adaptation d'une valve V du type valve de chambre à air, montée à l'envers.According to the first embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 8, the cover 1 according to the invention is shaped (by cutting, molding or forging) in the form of a disc, smooth on both sides, in a plastic or a metal for use food; its upper face can be decorated or printed while its lower face intended to come into contact with the edge of a container 3 or 4 to close it, is provided with a layer of sealing material 2 formed of a coating of a chemically stable, odorless, flexible but very long-lasting elastomeric resin, or a glued or removable seal having the same characteristics. This disc could be absolutely rigid but, preferably, it has a good elasticity which allows it, under the constraint of the vacuum, to match the possible deformations of the edge of a container. This disc is pierced, advantageously in its center, with an orifice 7 allowing the adaptation of a valve V of the air chamber valve type, mounted upside down.

Cette valve V est constituée d'un corps de valve 18 court, fileté à ses deux extrémités et présentant sur sa longueur un renflement en forme d'écrou 16 pour la fixation. Le bout fileté supérieur est prévu pour être introduit, avec un certain jeu, dans le logement 30 de l'embout inférieur 20 d'une pompe à vide 24, et pour recevoir un bouchon 36 (Figure la) dès que la pompe est retirée ; le bout fileté inférieur du corps 18 permet la fixation de la valve V au moyen d'un écrou 9 prenant appui sur une rondelle 8 et comprimant un joint torique ou plat 12 sur la partie renflée en forme d'écrou 16 du corps de valve. Ce corps de valve 18 est généralement décolleté dans de l'acier ou du laiton puis étamé ou nickelé et comporte, à l'intérieur, un mécanisme de valve remplaçable 34 constitué d'un ensemble statique rigide évidé 17 vissé dans le corps de valve 18 au moyen d'un pont fileté 11, le joint 33 placé sur le siège 15 assurant l'étanchéité entre le mécanisme 34 et le corps de valve. Mû à l'intérieur du corps creux 17 du mécanisme 34 par l'action de la pompe à vide 24, un clapet antiretour 31 à broche matricée 10 assure à l'aide de son joint 32 l'ouverture et la fermeture de l'orifice de l'ensemble 17. Le clapet 31 ne comporte pas de ressort de rappel sur l'extrémité inférieure de sa broche 10 alors que les valves connues du même type sont toutes pourvues de ressorts dont la pression de décollement se situe en général entre 1,8.10⁵ et 5.10⁵ Pa ; en effet, la pompe manuelle 24 présentement utilisée ne permet qu'une dépression de force approximative de 0,9.10⁵ Pa et ne pourrait pas, de ce fait, actionner le clapet 31 s'il était pourvu de tels ressorts. Un ressort faible a cependant été essayé mais n'a rien apporté de plus fonctionnellement, sinon un surcoût et une difficulté de nettoyage du dispositif à valve. Par contre, la valve étant toujours utilisée verticalement, le propre poids du clapet 31 suffit pour qu'il assume sa fonction dès les premiers coups de pompe (étant ensuite aidé par la force grandissante du vide). La valve V, conçue à l'origine pour faire pénétrer sous pression de l'air dans une enceinte, sera de ce fait impérativement montée à l'envers sur le couvercle 1, puisque son utilisation actuelle est inversée. Cette inversion présente, de surcroît, un grand avantage concernant la remise à la pression atmosphérique pour rouvrir un récipient, dans la mesure où il est possible d'introduire un objet pointu (dent de fourchette, clou, pointe de couteau, etc.) entre le corps de valve 18 et le clapet 31 pour faire boiter ce dernier qui laisse alors passer l'air vers le récipient 3 ou 4. Par contre, si le disque 1 est pourvu d'un autre système de valve, ou soupape, ou autre système antiretour connu du type comportant notamment : un clapet à ressort, à levée verticale, à battant articulé, à pointeau, à bille, à membrane, ou tout obturateur de forme spécifique et qu'il n'est pas possible d'accéder au moyen d'obturation pour qu'il laisse passer l'air, le couvercle 1 comportera alors soit un trou 6 de très faible diamètre, situé aussi près que possible de la valve et obturable par une pastille ou une languette adhésive 5, soit par une vis pointeau ou autre 14 pourvue ou non d'un moyen d'étanchéité 13 ; la réouverture du récipient est alors obtenue par simple décollement de la pastille ou de la languette 5 ou par desserrage de la vis 14. Quand un récipient a été fermé et que la pompe a été retirée, l'orifice fileté de la valve est bouché soit avec un bouchon standard soit avec le bouchon spécial 36 (Figure la). Ce bouchon, dont le corps 35 est avantageusement réalisé en matière plastique, comporte un trou fileté 37 et un moyen d'étanchéité 38 et il est adapté à remplacer le mécanisme de valve 34 ou à faire boiter le clapet 31. Il est muni d'un insert 40 pourvu d'un cran 39. Il ressort des Figures 1 et 8 que le couvercle 1 peut, puisque sa couche de matériau d'étancheité 2 recouvre toute sa surface inférieure, couvrir des récipients de toutes formes et épaisseurs ; ainsi, si, par exemple le couvercle de la Figure 1 a un rayon utilisable sur une longueur L d'environ 65 mm, il permet de boucher une bonne trentaine de récipients circulaires dont l'épaisseur de paroi serait de 1 mm et dont le diamètre varierait par pas de 2 mm. On voit également sur cette figure que le couvercle peut aussi bien fermer un récipient 4 ayant un bord oblique qu'un récipient 3 à bord droit.This valve V consists of a short valve body 18, threaded at its two ends and having over its length a nut-shaped bulge 16 for fixing. The upper threaded end is designed to be introduced, with a certain clearance, into the housing 30 of the lower nozzle 20 of a vacuum pump 24, and to receive a plug 36 (Figure la) as soon as the pump is removed; the lower threaded end of the body 18 allows the valve V to be fixed by means of a nut 9 bearing on a washer 8 and compressing an O-ring or flat 12 on the swollen nut-shaped part 16 of the valve body. This valve body 18 is generally neckline in steel or brass and then tinned or nickel-plated and includes, inside, a replaceable valve mechanism 34 consisting of a rigid, hollowed-out static assembly 17 screwed into the valve body 18 by means of a threaded bridge 11, the seal 33 placed on the seat 15 ensuring the seal between the mechanism 34 and the valve body. Raised inside the hollow body 17 of the mechanism 34 by the action of the vacuum pump 24, a non-return valve 31 with a stamped pin 10 ensures, using its seal 32, the opening and closing of the orifice of the assembly 17. The valve 31 does not include a return spring on the lower end of its spindle 10 while the known valves of the same type are all provided with springs whose release pressure is generally between 1.8.10⁵ and 5.10⁵ Pa; in fact, the manual pump 24 presently used only allows a vacuum of approximate force of 0.9 × 10 -5 Pa and could not, therefore, actuate the valve 31 if it were provided with such springs. However, a weak spring has been tried but has brought nothing more functionally, except an additional cost and a difficulty in cleaning the valve device. On the other hand, the valve being always used vertically, the own weight of the valve 31 is sufficient for it to assume its function from the first pump strokes (being then helped by the increasing force of the vacuum). The valve V, originally designed to bring air under pressure into an enclosure, will therefore imperatively be mounted upside down on the cover 1, since its current use is reversed. This inversion has, moreover, a great advantage concerning the return to atmospheric pressure to reopen a container, insofar as it is possible to introduce a pointed object (fork tooth, nail, knife tip, etc.) between the valve body 18 and the valve 31 to make the latter limp which then lets air pass to the container 3 or 4. On the other hand, if the disc 1 is provided with another valve system, or valve, or other known non-return system of the type comprising in particular: a spring-loaded valve, with vertical lift, hinged leaf, needle, ball, membrane, or any shutter of specific shape and which it is not possible to access by means shutter so that it lets air pass, the cover 1 will then comprise either a hole 6 of very small diameter, located as close as possible to the valve and closable by a patch or an adhesive tab 5, or by a screw needle or other 14 whether or not provided with a sealing means 13; the reopening of the container is then obtained by simple detachment of the pellet or the tab 5 or by loosening the screw 14. When a container has been closed and the pump has been removed, the threaded orifice of the valve is blocked either with a standard plug or with the special plug 36 (Figure la). This plug, the body 35 of which is advantageously made of plastic, has a threaded hole 37 and a sealing means 38 and it is suitable for replacing the valve mechanism 34 or for making the valve box 31. It is provided with an insert 40 provided with a notch 39. It appears from FIGS. 1 and 8 that the cover 1 can, since its layer of sealing material 2 covers its entire lower surface, cover containers of all shapes and thicknesses; thus, if, for example, the cover of FIG. 1 has a usable radius over a length L of approximately 65 mm, it makes it possible to seal a good thirty circular containers whose wall thickness would be 1 mm and whose diameter would vary in steps of 2 mm. It can also be seen in this figure that the cover can close a container 4 having an oblique edge as well as a container 3 with a straight edge.

La pompe 24 qui est une pompe manuelle à vide est du type pompe à bicyclette à fonctionnement inversé. Elle est constituée d'un corps cylindrique 23 dans lequel se meut un piston 22 pourvu d'un joint à lèvres 29 lorsqu'il est actionné par sa tige 27 repliée à l'équerre pour la préhension. Cette tige coulisse dans un trou 26 pratiqué dans l'embout supérieur 25 percé d'un autre trou 28 pour permettre de laisser échapper l'air refoulé par le piston 22 et le joint 29 ; l'embout inférieur 20 de la pompe 24 est aussi percé d'un trou 21 et son logement 30 est de diamètre légèrement supérieur au diamètre extérieur du bout de la valve V sur lequel il est fortement appliqué avec son joint 19 lors de la mise sous vide du récipient.The pump 24 which is a manual vacuum pump is of the reverse pump bicycle pump type. It consists of a cylindrical body 23 in which moves a piston 22 provided with a lip seal 29 when it is actuated by its rod 27 folded at right angles for gripping. This rod slides in a hole 26 made in the upper end-piece 25 pierced with another hole 28 to allow the air discharged by the piston 22 and the seal 29 to escape; the lower end piece 20 of the pump 24 is also pierced with a hole 21 and its housing 30 is of diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of the end of the valve V on which it is strongly applied with its seal 19 during placing under empty container.

En variante, la pompe peut être connectée à la valve V par vissage de son embout inférieur 20 ou raccordée à ladite valve par un flexible. Tout autre type de pompe à vide que celle décrite pourrait être utilisé, qu'elle soit manuelle ou électrique.As a variant, the pump can be connected to the valve V by screwing its lower nozzle 20 or connected to said valve by a hose. Any other type of vacuum pump than that described could be used, whether manual or electric.

Si l'on en vient à la Figure 2, on voit un mode de réalisation très différent du couvercle selon l'invention, référencé 1′ : il est façonné en forme de cloche (d'autres formes creuses étant bien sûr réalisables) dans une matière transparente, de préférence, du type verre, matière chimiquement stable. Il comporte une valve à clapet antiretour V et il est pourvu, d'une couche de matériau d'étanchéité recouvrant non pas entièrement sa surface inférieure, mais se présentant sous la forme d'un joint encastré collé 2A sur son bord suivant le détail de la Figure 2A appelé à assurer l'étanchéité entre la cloche 1′ et tout support d'aliment rigide ou très légèrement déformable 41 présentant au moins une surface lisse. Le joint 2A pourrait être également amovible ou moulé sur le bord du couvercle 1′. Le support 41 peut être un support spécial, mais le plus souvent il s'agira d'un plat, d'une assiette, d'une tourtière, appartenant à la vaisselle habituelle de l'utilisateur, ou même, d'une plaque de four émaillée, etc. En variante, au lieu d'un joint 2A équipant le couvercle 1′, on peut prévoir un joint 2B interposé entre ledit couvercle 1′ et le support 41. Ce joint 2B peut être amovible ou solidaire au support 41. Il est de ce fait aisé de comprendre que, dans les deux cas, et lorsque l'on actionne la valve à clapet antiretour V, le couvercle 1′ devient solidaire du support 41.If we come to Figure 2, we see a very different embodiment of the cover according to the invention, referenced 1 ′: it is shaped in the shape of a bell (other hollow shapes being of course achievable) in a transparent material, preferably of the glass type, chemically stable material. It comprises a non-return valve valve V and it is provided with a layer of sealing material covering not entirely its lower surface, but being in the form of a recessed seal bonded 2A on its edge according to the detail of Figure 2A called to seal between the bell 1 'and any rigid or very slightly deformable food support 41 having at least one smooth surface. The seal 2A could also be removable or molded on the edge of the cover 1 ′. The support 41 can be a special support, but most often it will be a dish, a plate, a pie pan, belonging to the usual dishes of the user, or even, a plate of enamel oven, etc. As a variant, instead of a seal 2A equipping the cover 1 ′, a seal 2B can be provided interposed between said cover 1 ′ and the support 41. This seal 2B can be removable or integral with the support 41. It is therefore easy to understand that, in both cases, and when the non-return valve valve V is actuated, the cover 1 ′ becomes integral with the support 41.

Dans la forme de réalisation de la Figure 3, le couvercle 1‴ selon l'invention est obtenu par moulage ou fonderie. Sa valve à clapet antiretour V lui est insérée, et sa face supérieure ainsi que son pourtour peuvent, de ce fait, présenter des renforts 42 et 43. La face inférieure du couvercle et son moyen d'étanchéité 2 possèdent des caractéristiques semblables à celles précédemment décrites à propos de la Figure 1. Cette réalisation permet de réduire le prix du couvercle par la diminution du poids de matière première.In the embodiment of Figure 3, the cover 1 ‴ according to the invention is obtained by molding or foundry. Its non-return valve V is inserted into it, and its upper face as well as its periphery can, therefore, have reinforcements 42 and 43. The lower face of the cover and its sealing means 2 have characteristics similar to those previously described in connection with FIG. 1. This embodiment makes it possible to reduce the price of the cover by reducing the weight of raw material.

La Figure 4 montre en coupe schématique un même couvercle en trois tailles différentes 1A, 1B, 1C. Le plus petit 1A est moulé en même temps que le corps 18 de la valve V (ou autre système antiretour) dans une matière avantageusement transparente, à l'exception de son clapet 48 qui lui est rapporté. Ce clapet 48 est une sorte de rivet à tête 45 habituellement obtenu par matriçage ou décolletage. Il coulisse dans le trou 50 pratiqué avec jeu (pour laisser passer l'air) lors du moulage du corps du dispositif antiretour V, sa tête 45 étant logée dans un lamage 46 pratiqué avec jeu et étant de forme conique pour assurer l'étanchéité avec l'orifice du trou 50, et pour faciliter le passage d'un objet pointu entre elle et le corps 18 de valve V pour la remise à la pression atmosphérique d'un récipient. En variante, il peut être prévu un joint 51 entre la tête 45 et le siège contre lequel elle vient reposer. Le clapet 48 dont le pied est logé également dans un lamage 49 présente un moyen d'arrêt 47 tel qu'un ergot, un écrou, une déformation, pour qu'il ne puisse pas s'échapper du trou 50. Il est avantageusement façonné dans un métal dense, par exemple du cuivre étamé ou argenté. Mû par l'action d'une pompe à vide non figurée, dans le trou 50 entre les deux lamages 46 et 49 formant logements, il permet sous l'effet de sa masse, conjuguée ensuite à la force du vide, d'ouvrir ou de fermer l'orifice du trou 50.Figure 4 shows in schematic section the same cover in three different sizes 1A, 1B, 1C. The smallest 1A is molded at the same time as the body 18 of the valve V (or other non-return system) in an advantageously transparent material, with the exception of its valve 48 which is attached to it. This valve 48 is a kind of head rivet 45 usually obtained by stamping or turning. It slides in the hole 50 made with clearance (to let the air pass) during the molding of the body of the non-return device V, its head 45 being housed in a countersink 46 formed with clearance and being of conical shape to ensure sealing with the orifice of the hole 50, and to facilitate the passage of a pointed object between it and the body 18 of valve V for the return to atmospheric pressure of a container. Alternatively, a seal 51 may be provided between the head 45 and the seat against which it comes to rest. The valve 48, the foot of which is also housed in a counterbore 49 has a stop means 47 such as a lug, a nut, a deformation, so that it cannot escape from the hole 50. It is advantageously shaped in a dense metal, for example tinned or silvery copper. Driven by the action of a vacuum pump not shown, in the hole 50 between the two counterbores 46 and 49 forming housings, it allows under the effect of its mass, then combined with the force of the vacuum, to open or to close the hole 50.

Bien que la principale qualité du couvercle soit son adaptabilité à toutes sortes de récipients et qu'il peut être, par exemple, possible de boucher une bouteille avec un couvercle pouvant boucher une marmite, l'écart de dimensions entre les deux est vraiment disproportionné et il va de soi qu'il est préférable de pouvoir disposer d'un jeu de couvercles selon l'invention de différentes surfaces de couverture. Par souci d'économie, les couvercles selon l'invention pourront être munis de joints (ou revêtement élastomère) découpés suivant un pas donné tel qu'il n'y ait aucune perte de matière.Although the main quality of the lid is its adaptability to all kinds of containers and it may be, for example, possible to cap a bottle with a lid that can cap a pot, the difference in dimensions between the two is really disproportionate and it goes without saying that it is preferable to be able to have a set of covers according to the invention of different cover surfaces. For the sake of economy, the covers according to the invention may be provided with seals (or elastomeric coating) cut at a given pitch such that there is no loss of material.

Pour la raison exposée plus loin, on réalisera deux séries de jeux de couvercles. Ainsi le diamètre externe du joint annulaire 2C₁ sera égal au diamètre interne du joint annulaire 2C₃ et le diamètre externe du joint annulaire 2C₂ sera égal au diamètre interne d'un joint annulaire 2C₄, non représenté, appartenant à un couvercle 1D non représenté de taille supérieure à 1C. Cela débouchera sur un jeu de couvercles de taille croissante selon un pas VW. Dans cet exemple non limitatif, si le joint ou le revêtement 2C₂ a une largeur de 24 mm, il sera vraisemblament utilisable sur environ 20 mm et pourra couvrir une dizaine de récipients dont les bords auront 2 mm d'épaisseur et dont les diamètres varieront par pas de 2 mm, soit cinq couvercles de part et d'autre de la droite XZ passant par le centre Y définissant le pas VW choisi. Si une seule série de couvercles existait : 1A, 1C et 1E (non représenté)... ou 1B et 1D, 1F (non représentés)... on se rend compte que le diamètre extérieur du joint 2C₁ coïnciderait avec le diamètre intérieur du joint 2C₃ -ce qui est recherché pour la coupe des joints- mais présenterait un inconvénient majeur, car il n'est pas possible de boucher un récipient dont le bord serait à cheval ou exactement sur le bord d'un joint : il faut prévoir environ 2 mm d'excédent de rayon. De ce fait, les récipients de diamètres proches de la cote X ou Z ne pourraient être convenablement bouchés dans la pratique ; c'est pourquoi la prévision de la série intercalaire 1B et 1D, 1F, etc... (non représentés), et dans ce cas, le couvercle 1B permet de couvrir très largement, de chaque côté du point Y, les récipients quine sauraient l'être ni par le couvercle A suivant la cote X ni par le couvercle C suivant la coté Z. Comme, dans le cas présent, le pas V-W est par exemple de 12 mm, les couvercles et leurs joints (ou revêtements) auront un diamètre extérieur de : 98 mm pour 1A, 122 mm pour 1B, 146 mm pour 1C, 170 mm pour 1D (non représenté) ; et respectivement un diamètre intérieur de : 74 mm, 98 mm, 122 mm, 146 mm. Ce procédé permet une notable économie sur le prix du joint ou de l'enduction élastomère, une forte réduction de l'encombrement et permet de voir à l'intérieur des récipients lorsqu'une matière transparente est employée pour réaliser les couvercles 1A-1C.For the reason explained below, we will realize two sets of cover sets. Thus the external diameter of the annular seal 2C₁ will be equal to the internal diameter of the annular seal 2C₃ and the external diameter of the annular seal 2C₂ will be equal to the internal diameter of an annular seal 2C₄, not shown, belonging to a cover 1D not shown of larger size. at 1C. This will lead to a set of covers of increasing size according to a VW step. In this nonlimiting example, if the joint or the coating 2C₂ has a width of 24 mm, it will probably be usable on approximately 20 mm and will be able to cover ten containers whose edges will be 2 mm thick and whose diameters will vary by 2 mm pitch, i.e. five covers on either side of the XZ line passing through the center Y defining the chosen VW pitch. If only one series of covers existed: 1A, 1C and 1E (not shown) ... or 1B and 1D, 1F (not shown) ... we realize that the outside diameter of the joint 2C₁ would coincide with the inside diameter of the 2C₃ joint - which is sought after for cutting joints - but would have a major drawback, because it is not possible to cap a container whose edge is astride or exactly on the edge of a joint: it is necessary to provide approximately 2 mm of excess radius. As a result, containers with diameters close to the X or Z dimension could not be properly closed in practice; this is why the forecast of the interlayer series 1B and 1D, 1F, etc ... (not shown), and in this case, the cover 1B makes it possible to cover very widely, on each side of the point Y, the quine containers would know neither by the cover A according to the dimension X nor by the cover C according to the side Z. As, in this case, the pitch VW is for example 12 mm, the covers and their seals (or coatings) will have a outer diameter of: 98 mm for 1A, 122 mm for 1B, 146 mm for 1C, 170 mm for 1D (not shown); and respectively an internal diameter of: 74 mm, 98 mm, 122 mm, 146 mm. This process allows a significant saving on the price of the seal or the elastomeric coating, a strong reduction of the bulk and allows to see the interior of the receptacles when a transparent material is used to make the lids 1A-1C.

La Figure 5 montre en coupe schématique le couvercle 1 sans sa valve V pour faciliter la compréhension, fermant un récipient 53 à bord évasé 52, ledit couvercle étant déformé sous l'attraction du vide.Figure 5 shows in schematic section the cover 1 without its valve V to facilitate understanding, closing a container 53 with a flared edge 52, said cover being deformed under the attraction of the vacuum.

La pompe 24 employée selon l'invention a une force de dépression d'environ 0,9.10⁵ Pa/cm² très suffisante pour de petits couvercles qui peuvent être déformés selon certains critères dont les principaux sont : l'élasticité de la matière employée, l'épaisseur du couvercle, sa surface, son diamètre ou sa portée la plus grande par rapport à deux points opposés de sa périphérie, etc. En effet, il faut savoir qu'avec cette petite pompe 24 la force dépressive qui s'exerce sur toute la surface d'un couvercle de ∅ 45 mm (cette d'un coquetier environ) est de 14.10⁵ Pa ; pour un ∅ de 100 mm (celui d'une boîte de conserve), cette dépression est de 70.10⁵ Pa ; pour un ∅ de 230 mm (celui d'une assiette), elle est de 374.10⁵ Pa et pour un ∅ de 500 mm (celui d'un gros cuiseur employé dans les collectivités ou restaurants), elle peut atteindre plus de 1770.10⁵ Pa. Il ne s'agit donc plus de vide grossier mais d'un début de vide moyen ; une dépression plus forte entraînerait de sérieux problèmes, par exemple :

  • les légumes fortement aqueux laisseraient suinter un exsudat important,
  • l'albumine d'un oeuf s'écoulerait à travers la coquille,
  • des récipients s'écraseraient ou imploseraient,
  • enfin dans les limites du vide poussé ou de l'ultravide, les couvercles ne seraient plus utilisables.
The pump 24 used according to the invention has a vacuum force of approximately 0.9.10⁵ Pa / cm² very sufficient for small covers which can be deformed according to certain criteria, the main ones of which are: the elasticity of the material used, the the thickness of the cover, its surface, its diameter or its greatest reach in relation to two opposite points of its periphery, etc. Indeed, it should be known that with this small pump 24 the depressive force which is exerted on the whole surface of a cover of ∅ 45 mm (that of an egg cup approximately) is 14.10⁵ Pa; for a ∅ of 100 mm (that of a tin can), this depression is 70.10⁵ Pa; for a ∅ of 230 mm (that of a plate), it is 374.10⁵ Pa and for a ∅ of 500 mm (that of a large cooker used in communities or restaurants), it can reach more than 1770.10⁵ Pa It is therefore no longer a gross vacuum but the beginning of an average vacuum; stronger depression would cause serious problems, for example:
  • strongly aqueous vegetables would allow a large amount of exudate to ooze,
  • the albumin of an egg would flow through the shell,
  • containers would crash or implode,
  • finally, within the limits of high vacuum or ultrahigh vacuum, the covers would no longer be usable.

Cependant, bien qu'un couvercle absolument rigide puisse être utilisé, il est préférable qu'il présente une souplesse ne dépassant pas, bien sûr, sa limite élastique, mais pouvant varier de zéro à 15 %, selon la flèche AB, en fonction des principaux critères précités de façon que, sous la contrainte du vide, il soit apte à épouser le voile ou certaines petites déformations du bord de nombreux récipients (cas des terrines en terre, des ustensiles et poteries en grès, des cuiseurs en fonte, etc.).However, although an absolutely rigid cover can be used, it is preferable that it has a flexibility which does not exceed, of course, its elastic limit, but which can vary from zero to 15%, depending on the arrow AB, depending on the main criteria mentioned above so that, under the constraint of the vacuum, it is able to match the veil or certain small deformations of the edge of many containers (case of earthenware, stoneware utensils and pottery, cast iron cookers, etc.).

Le pourcentage de déformation temporaire acceptable du couvercle 1 est très utile et très variable suivant les critères précités et on en définit ci-après les points essentiels. Il est le quotient d'une fraction AB CD

Figure imgb0001
dont le numérateur correspond à la flèche AB et le dénominateur à la corde CD. La flèche AB représente la déformation acceptable (sans dépasser la limite élastique du matériau qui le compose et suivant les critères précités) depuis la configuration au repos où le couvercle 1 occupe le plan sensiblement horizontal CAD et la configuration concave représentée à la Figure 5.The percentage of acceptable temporary deformation of the cover 1 is very useful and very variable depending on the above criteria and the essential points are defined below. It is the quotient of a fraction AB CD
Figure imgb0001
 whose numerator corresponds to arrow AB and denominator to string CD. The arrow AB represents the acceptable deformation (without exceeding the elastic limit of the material of which it is composed and according to the abovementioned criteria) from the configuration at rest where the cover 1 occupies the substantially horizontal plane CAD and the concave configuration represented in FIG. 5.

Ce pourcentage de déformation peut être égal, voire supérieur, à 15 % surtout si le couvercle est réalisé suivant une forme qui, au repos, est déjà légèrement concave, non représentée. Pour chiffrer l'exemple de la Figure 5, si AB mesure 10 mm et que CD, avant contrainte, mesure 150 mm, le pourcentage de déformation sera de 10 150

Figure imgb0002
= 6,66 %. Pour le même pourcentage, la longueur (ou hauteur) de la flèche AB passe à 20 mm si le couvercle est tel que CD mesure 300 mm : (6,66... x 300) = 20.This percentage of deformation can be equal to, or even greater than, 15%, especially if the cover is made in a shape which, at rest, is already slightly concave, not shown. To calculate the example in Figure 5, if AB measures 10 mm and CD, before stress, measures 150 mm, the percentage of deformation will be 10 150
Figure imgb0002
 = 6.66%. For the same percentage, the length (or height) of the arrow AB changes to 20 mm if the cover is such that CD measures 300 mm: (6.66 ... x 300) = 20.

Comme indiqué plus haut, il est souhaitable que le couvercle soit légèrement déformable pour qu'il puisse mieux s'adapter aux défauts rencontrés sur le bord d'un récipient. Cela ne constitue pas le seul côté positif de sa déformabilité ; en effet, vu que le couvercle est incurvé pendant la conservation des denrées et qu'il redevient plat (ou presque) lorsque la contrainte du vide cesse, il est alors aisé, d'un seul coup d'oeil, de se rendre compte si, par hasard, il n'a pas "lâché", constatation impossible s'il est réalisé en une matière complètement indéformable. De plus, et ceci n'est pas négligeable, il est souvent possible, lorsque le bord du couvercle dépasse suffisamment celui du récipient couvert, de le rouvrir simplement en tordant le bord du couvercle qui laisse de ce fait rentrer l'air.As indicated above, it is desirable that the cover be slightly deformable so that it can better adapt to the defects encountered on the edge of a container. This is not the only positive side of its deformability; Indeed, since the cover is curved during the conservation of the foodstuffs and that it becomes flat (or almost) when the vacuum constraint ceases, it is then easy, at a glance, to realize if , by chance, it did not "drop", an impossible finding if it is made of a completely undeformable material. In addition, and this is not negligible, it is often possible, when the edge of the lid sufficiently exceeds that of the covered container, to reopen it simply by twisting the edge of the lid which thereby allows air to enter.

En outre :

  • le fait que le couvercle prenne une forme incurvée lui donne, par l'effet de voûte produit, une meilleure tenue surtout si une microfuite se produit (dans la mesure où il s'est créé une sorte de "réserve de vide"),
  • sur certains grands modèles, l'incurvation, maximale en son centre, du couvercle permet à la valve V de ne pas dépasser le niveau du bord supérieur du récipient d'où il résulte un grand avantage sur le plan du rangement des récipients qui peuvent être superposés ou logés dans un endroit où cela aurait été impossible à quelques centimètres près,
  • enfin, et toujours concernant la souplesse du couvercle 1 et suivant la Figure 5, il est à remarquer que ce couvercle épouse très nettement le bord à lèvre 52 du récipient 53 et que, s'il avait été rigide, il n'aurait porté que sur l'extrémité relativement aiguë du bord de la lèvre, risquant ainsi tant de laisser passer l'air que de détériorer rapidement le revêtement ou joint 2.
In addition :
  • the fact that the cover takes a curved shape gives it, by the effect of vault, better resistance especially if a micro-leak occurs (insofar as it has created a kind of "vacuum reserve"),
  • on certain large models, the bending, maximum in its center, of the cover allows the valve V not to exceed the level of the upper edge of the container from which it results a great advantage in terms of the storage of the containers which can be superimposed or housed in a place where it would have been impossible to within a few centimeters,
  • finally, and still concerning the flexibility of the cover 1 and according to FIG. 5, it should be noted that this cover very clearly marries the lip edge 52 of the container 53 and that, if it had been rigid, it would have worn only on the relatively acute end of the edge of the lip, thus risking both the passage of air and the rapid deterioration of the coating or seal 2.

Il va de soi qu'une telle différence de dimensions et d'utilisations oblige, tant pour le couvercle que pour sa couche de matériau d'étanchéité, à l'emploi de matières ou matériaux très variés. On peut citer, à titre d'exemples, les matières plastiques chimiquement stables, en leur état naturel ou élaboré (chargées, alvéolées, lamifiées, enduites sur supports spéciaux, métallisées, etc...) qu'elles soient transparentes, translucides, opalescentes ou opaques, voire de plusieurs couleurs ; nous citerons les principales et leurs dérivés : polyéthylène, polypropylène, nylon, polyester, PVC, polystyrène, acétates, etc... et tout particulièrement le NAPRENE et le NAXOLUX (transparent), marques déposées par la société CONVERT-FRANCE ; les latex, caoutchoucs synthétiques, les silicones, le verre, l'amiante, les textiles et papiers enduits, etc.It goes without saying that such a difference in dimensions and uses obliges, both for the cover and for its layer of sealing material, to use a wide variety of materials or materials. By way of example, mention may be made of chemically stable plastics, in their natural or developed state (filled, dimpled, laminated, coated on special supports, metallized, etc.) whether they are transparent, translucent, opalescent or opaque, even of several colors; we will cite the main ones and their derivatives: polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, polyester, PVC, polystyrene, acetates, etc ... and especially NAPRENE and NAXOLUX (transparent), trademarks registered by CONVERT-FRANCE; latexes, synthetic rubbers, silicones, glass, asbestos, coated textiles and papers, etc.

La Figure 6 représente en coupe un couvercle 1G embouti ou moulé, présentant des zones de pliage 43, 57, contribuant à augmenter sa rigidité tout en diminuant l'épaisseur, donc le prix ; de ce fait ses deux faces ne sont pas plates, mais comportent des reliefs qui empêcheront la fermeture de récipients dont le diamètre d'ouverture correspond sensiblement à celui des zones de pliage. Pour remédier à cette carence, il faudra, comme expliqué à propos de la Figure 4, utiliser une série de couvercles à zones de pliage intermédiaires.Figure 6 shows in section a stamped or molded cover 1G, having folding zones 43, 57, helping to increase its rigidity while reducing the thickness, therefore the price; therefore its two faces are not flat, but include reliefs which will prevent the closure of containers whose opening diameter corresponds substantially to that of the folding zones. To remedy this deficiency, it will be necessary, as explained in connection with FIG. 4, to use a series of covers with intermediate folding zones.

Le couvercle 1G est pourvu d'un dispositif antiretour V′ à membrane 55, fixé en 56 et qui, sous l'action d'une pompe à vide, ouvre ou ferme l'orifice 59 du trou 58 ménagé dans le couvercle 1G ; l'extrémité du dispositif antiretour V′ présente un lamage 69 percé en son centre et destiné à recevoir un embout mâle (non figuré) d'une pompe à vide dont l'étanchéité entre les deux éléments connectés pourra être assurée par un vissage, cône ou joint. Un bouchon mâle (non représenté) pourra remplacer le bouchon 36 décrit en relation avec la Figure 1A. Jusqu'ici le dispositif antiretour V ou V′ dépasse toujours la face supérieure du couvercle selon l'invention, mais lorsqu'il est utile d'empiler les uns sur les autres les récipients bouchés selon l'invention, le dispositif antiretour V ou V′ pourra être noyé dans l'épaisseur du couvercle 1 ou de ses renforts 42 (Figure 3).The cover 1G is provided with a non-return device V ′ with a membrane 55, fixed at 56 and which, under the action of a vacuum pump, opens or closes the orifice 59 of the hole 58 formed in the cover 1G; the end of the non-return device V ′ has a countersink 69 pierced in its center and intended to receive a male end piece (not shown) of a vacuum pump whose sealing between the two connected elements can be ensured by a screwing, cone or attached. A male plug (not shown) may replace the plug 36 described in relation to Figure 1A. Hitherto the non-return device V or V ′ always exceeds the upper face of the cover according to the invention, but when it is useful to stack the capped containers according to the invention on top of each other, the non-return device V or V ′ Could be embedded in the thickness of the cover 1 or of its reinforcements 42 (Figure 3).

La Figure 7 montre, vu de dessus et très schématiquement, un couvercle 1H de forme rectangulaire, son moyen antiretour V˝, une partie de son revêtement ou joint 2H, lequel s'étend du bord du couvercle jusqu'à une zone de forme choisie 62, ici rectangulaire, laissant libre une fenêtre 63 qui permet de voir l'intérieur du récipient associé si la matière employée pour le couvercle 1H est transparente.Figure 7 shows, seen from above and very schematically, a cover 1H of rectangular shape, its non-return means V˝, part of its coating or seal 2H, which extends from the edge of the cover to a selected shape area 62, here rectangular, leaving a window 63 free which allows the interior of the associated container to be seen if the material used for the cover 1H is transparent.

Le couvercle 1H qui est rectangulaire peut recouvrir et boucher aussi bien, par exemple, un récipient ovale à bord fin 60, qu'un récipient rectangulaire à larges bords 61 du type boîte à sardines par exemple.The lid 1H which is rectangular can cover and cap as well, for example, an oval container with a thin edge 60, as a rectangular container with wide edges 61 of the sardine box type for example.

La Figure 8 qui est une vue de dessus du couvercle 1 de la Figure 1 montre que celui-ci est capable de fermer aussi bien des récipients circulaires de différents diamètres, 64, 66, 67, qu'un récipient carré 65, voire l'orifice d'une enceinte ou d'un récipient de forme quelconque 68.Figure 8 which is a top view of the cover 1 of Figure 1 shows that it is capable of closing both circular containers of different diameters, 64, 66, 67, than a square container 65, or even the orifice of an enclosure or a container of any shape 68.

Dans la forme d'exécution de la Figure 9, la couche de matériau d'étanchéité 2D est grossièrement annulaire et elle est moulée sur le couvercle 1, de façon que son bord extérieur 69 soit rabattu sur la face supérieure dudit couvercle 1. Le bord intérieur 70 de la couche 2D est emprisonné entre la face inférieure du couvercle et une bague 71 soudée sur le couvercle.In the embodiment of Figure 9, the layer of 2D sealing material is roughly annular and it is molded on the cover 1, so that its outer edge 69 is folded over the upper face of said cover 1. The edge inside 70 of the 2D layer is trapped between the underside of the cover and a ring 71 welded to the cover.

Cette forme d'exécution se distingue essentiellement des précédentes par la structure de la valve dont elle est équipée.This embodiment differs essentially from the previous ones by the structure of the valve with which it is equipped.

Si l'on se réfère à la figure 10, on voit que cette valve V‴ est constituée d'une base circulaire 72 d'où saillit un téton central 73 plein. L'extrémité libre 74 du téton est plane. Au voisinage de la base du téton, la base 72 est percée de quatre perforations 75a, 75b, 75c et 75d. Le matériau constitutif de la valve est relativement déformable ; il peut s'agir de caoutchouc. La face de la base 72 qui vient s'appliquer contre le couvercle peut être lisse, ou rainurée, ou présenter des reliefs concentriques pour renforcer l'étanchéité.If we refer to Figure 10, we see that this valve V ‴ consists of a circular base 72 from which projects a central stud 73 full. The free end 74 of the stud is flat. In the vicinity of the base of the stud, the base 72 is pierced with four perforations 75a, 75b, 75c and 75d. The material of the valve is relatively deformable; it can be rubber. The face of the base 72 which is applied against the cover can be smooth, or grooved, or have concentric reliefs to strengthen the seal.

Si l'on revient à la figure 9, on voit que la valve V‴ est positionnée de telle sorte, sur le couvercle 1, que le téton 73 est dans l'axe de l'orifice 7 du couvercle et que les perforations 75a-d sont situées à l'écart de cet orifice. La valve V‴ est immobilisée sur le couvercle 1 au moyen d'une bague 76 solidarisée à ce dernier par tout moyen convenable, tel que soudage, rivetage, collage, cliptage. La bague 76 peut être démontable pour permettre l'échange de la valve V‴, si besoin est. La bague 76 laisse exposée la partie centrale de la base 72 de la valve et offre un guide récepteur à un embout 77 appartenant à un corps de pompe ou constituant un organe indépendant pouvant être réuni à un moyen d'aspiration approprié. Le bord libre de cet embout est muni d'un joint 78 adapté à venir reposer sur la face supérieure de la base 72.Returning to FIG. 9, it can be seen that the valve V ‴ is positioned in such a way, on the cover 1, that the stud 73 is in the axis of the orifice 7 of the cover and that the perforations 75a d are located away from this orifice. The valve V ‴ is immobilized on the cover 1 by means of a ring 76 secured to the latter by any suitable means, such as welding, riveting, bonding, clipping. The ring 76 can be removable to allow the exchange of the valve V ‴, if necessary. The ring 76 leaves exposed the central part of the base 72 of the valve and offers a receiving guide to a nozzle 77 belonging to a pump body or constituting an independent member which can be combined with an appropriate suction means. The free edge of this nozzle is provided with a seal 78 adapted to come to rest on the upper face of the base 72.

Comme on le voit, l'embout 77 coiffe la partie de la valve dans laquelle sont ménagées les perforations 75a-d.As can be seen, the end piece 77 covers the part of the valve in which the perforations 75a-d are formed.

Lorsque la pompe est actionnée, une dépression est créée dans l'enceinte fermée 79 délimitée entre l'embout 77 et la valve V‴. Cette dépression "décolle" du couvercle la partie de la valve V‴ coiffée par l'embout, comme le montre la figure 11. L'enceinte 79 communique alors par les perforations 75a-d avec l'orifice 7 et la dépression, indiquée par la flèche à la figure 11, est transmise au récipient équipé du couvercle. Lorsque la pompe n'exerce pas de dépression, la base 72 de la valve se réapplique hermétiquement sur le couvercle en bouchant l'orifice 7. Lorsque l'on veut ouvrir le récipient, il suffit de tirer sur le téton 73 pour décoller la base 72 du couvercle 1.When the pump is activated, a vacuum is created in the closed enclosure 79 delimited between the nozzle 77 and the valve V ‴. This depression "takes off" from the cover the part of the valve V ‴ capped by the end piece, as shown in FIG. 11. The enclosure 79 then communicates through the perforations 75a-d with the orifice 7 and the depression, indicated by the arrow in FIG. 11 is transmitted to the container fitted with the cover. When the pump does not exert a vacuum, the base 72 of the valve is hermetically reapplied on the cover by closing the orifice 7. When one wants to open the container, it suffices to pull on the stud 73 to take off the base 72 of cover 1.

En variante, comme il ressort des Figures 12 et 13, on peut, en donnant la même épaisseur au téton 73 et à la bague 76, coller sur l'ensemble que déterminent les surfaces 74 et 80 ainsi alignées, une feuille adhésive 81 une fois le pompage terminé. Lorsque l'on veut ouvrir le récipient, on tire sur ladite feuille 81 selon la flèche F, avec pour résultat d'exercer une traction sur le téton 73.As a variant, as is apparent from FIGS. 12 and 13, it is possible, by giving the same thickness to the stud 73 and to the ring 76, sticking to the assembly as determined by the surfaces 74 and 80 thus aligned, an adhesive sheet 81 once pumping finished. When the container is to be opened, the sheet 81 is pulled along the arrow F, with the result of exerting traction on the stud 73.

La forme d'exécution de la Figure 12 se distingue de celle de la Figure 9 par le fait que la couche de matériau d'étanchéité 2E recouvre toute la surface inférieure du couvercle et n'est pas rabattue sur le bord de celui-ci. Cette couche 2E pourrait se terminer à une petite distance du bord libre du couvercle pour que son propre bord s'en trouve protégé.The embodiment of Figure 12 differs from that of Figure 9 in that the layer of sealing material 2E covers the entire lower surface of the cover and is not folded over the edge thereof. This layer 2E could end at a small distance from the free edge of the cover so that its own edge is protected.

Bien qu'on ne se soit référé jusqu'ici qu'à la conservation de produits alimentaires, le couvercle selon l'invention peut être utilisé pour isoler un produit quelconque du milieu ambiant : par exemple, en horlogerie pour conserver des pièces oxydables ; en laboratoire pour boucher des éprouvettes. Il peut aussi bien être utilisé pour fermer l'orifice d'armoires, citernes et fûts et conteneurs divers.Although reference has hitherto been made only to the conservation of food products, the cover according to the invention can be used to isolate any product from the ambient environment: for example, in watchmaking to preserve oxidizable parts; in the laboratory to stop test tubes. It can also be used to close the opening of cabinets, tanks and drums and various containers.

Claims (11)

1 - Couvercle (1,1′,1‴, 1A, 1C, 1G, 1H) adapté à réaliser une enceinte fermée de manière étanche entre lui-même et un article définissant une surface sensiblement plane (41) ou un volume creux (3, 4, 53, 60, 61, 64-68) débouchant à l'extérieur par un orifice, ledit article étant susceptible de supporter ou de contenir un produit devant être isolé du milieu ambiant, ledit couvercle présentant un bord libre périphérique et comportant des moyens (V, V′, V˝, V‴) permettant de créer une dépression dans ladite enceinte, caractérisé en ce que sa face destinée à être tournée vers ledit article, dite "face intérieure", comporte, ou est associée à, une couche de matériau d'étanchéité (2, 2A, 2B, 2C₁, 2C₂, 2C₃, 2H) de géométrie convenable formant zone de couverture, ledit couvercle étant adapté à être temporairement solidarisé audit article par simple pose, selon le cas, sur la face sensiblement plane ou sur l'orifice dudit article, pour former une zone de contact ininterrompue avec interposition continue de ladite couche de matériau d'étanchéité, et par création de ladite dépression dans l'espace délimité entre ledit couvercle et ledit article, la zone de couverture de ladite couche de matériau d'étanchéité étant telle qu'elle se prolonge sur au moins 2 mm d'un côté de la ligne médiane de la zone de contact entre ledit couvercle et ledit article, et sur au moins 4 mm de l'autre côté de ladite ligne médiane. 1 - Lid (1.1 ′, 1 ‴, 1A, 1C, 1G, 1H) suitable for producing an enclosure closed in leaktight manner between itself and an article defining a substantially flat surface (41) or a hollow volume (3 , 4, 53, 60, 61, 64-68) opening to the outside through an orifice, said article being capable of supporting or containing a product to be isolated from the ambient environment, said cover having a peripheral free edge and comprising means (V, V ′, V˝, V ‴) making it possible to create a depression in said enclosure, characterized in that its face intended to be turned towards said article, called "inner face", comprises, or is associated with, a layer of sealing material (2, 2A, 2B, 2C₁, 2C₂, 2C₃, 2H) of suitable geometry forming a covering area, said cover being adapted to be temporarily secured to said article by simple laying, as the case may be, on the face substantially flat or on the orifice of said article, for shape r an uninterrupted contact zone with continuous interposition of said layer of sealing material, and by creation of said depression in the space delimited between said cover and said article, the covering zone of said layer of sealing material being such that it extends over at least 2 mm on one side of the center line of the contact zone between said cover and said article, and over at least 4 mm on the other side of said center line. 2 - Couvercle selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que sa face intérieure est sensiblement plane et adaptée à être posée sur l'orifice d'un récipient (3, 4, 53, 60, 61, 64-68). 2 - Lid according to claim 1, characterized in that its inner face is substantially flat and adapted to be placed on the orifice of a container (3, 4, 53, 60, 61, 64-68). 3 - Couvercle selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que sa face intérieure est concave avec un bord libre sensiblement plan adapté à être posé sur un support plat (41). 3 - Lid according to claim 1, characterized in that its inner face is concave with a substantially planar free edge adapted to be placed on a flat support (41). 4 - Couvercle selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que sa surface intérieure est étagée en gradins et adaptée à être posée sur l'orifice d'un récipient ou sur un support plat. 4 - cover according to claim 1, characterized in that its inner surface is stepped and adapted to be placed on the orifice of a container or on a flat support. 5 - Couvercle selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que ladite couche de matériau d'étanchéité (2) recouvre toute sa face intérieure. 5 - Lid according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said layer of sealing material (2) covers its entire inner face. 6 - Couvercle selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, caractérisé en ce que la couche de matériau d'étanchéité (2A, 2B, 2C₁-2C₃, 2H) ne recouvre qu'une zone limitée en largeur de la face intérieure dudit couvercle, à partir du bord libre de ce dernier. 6 - Lid according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the layer of sealing material (2A, 2B, 2C₁-2C₃, 2H) covers only an area limited in width of the inner face of said cover, from the free edge of the latter. 7 - Couvercle selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisé en ce qu'il est constitué en un matériau légèrement déformable sous l'effet de la dépression. 7 - Lid according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it is made of a slightly deformable material under the effect of depression. 8 - Couvercle selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 7, caractérisé en ce que les moyens permettant de créer une dépression dans ladite enceinte sont constitués d'un dispositif antiretour (V, V′, V˝, V‴) monté sur ou dans un orifice (7) prévu dans ledit couvercle et susceptible d'être connecté temporairement à une pompe à vide (24). 8 - Lid according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the means for creating a vacuum in said enclosure consist of a non-return device (V, V ′, V˝, V ‴) mounted on or in an orifice (7) provided in said cover and capable of being temporarily connected to a vacuum pump (24). 9 - Couvercle selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce que le dispositif anti-retour est constitué d'une valve (V‴) formée d'une feuille (72) de matériau relativement déformable adaptée à être appliquée sur ledit orifice (7) et à le boucher, lorsque la face de ladite feuille (72) opposée à l'orifice (7) n'est soumise à aucun effort de dépression, ladite feuille (72) comportant un téton de préhension (73) et au moins une perforation (75a-d) non alignée avec ledit orifice (7), mais néanmoins proche de ce dernier, des moyens (76) étant prévus pour immobiliser ladite valve (V‴) sur le couvercle (1) et pour servir de guide à un embout (77) appartenant, ou relié, à une pompe d'aspiration, ledit embout (77) ayant un diamètre tel que la ou les perforations (75a-d) de la feuille de matériau (72) en soi(en)t coiffée(s), de telle sorte que la dépression créée par la pompe soulève la partie de feuille que coiffe l'embout et met en communication la ou les perforations (75a-d) et l'orifice (7) du couvercle (1). 9 - Lid according to claim 8, characterized in that the non-return device consists of a valve (V ‴) formed of a sheet (72) of relatively deformable material suitable for being applied to said orifice (7) and to the butcher, when the face of said sheet (72) opposite to the orifice (7) is not subjected to any vacuum force, said sheet (72) comprising a gripping stud (73) and at least one perforation ( 75a-d) not aligned with said orifice (7), but nevertheless close to the latter, means (76) being provided for immobilizing said valve (V ‴) on the cover (1) and for serving as a guide for a nozzle ( 77) belonging to, or connected to, a suction pump, said nozzle (77) having a diameter such that the perforation (s) (75a-d) of the sheet of material (72) per se (en) t capped (s ), so that the vacuum created by the pump lifts the part of the sheet that covers the nozzle and connects the perfo (s) rations (75a-d) and the opening (7) of the cover (1). 10 - Jeu de couvercles selon l'une quelconque des revendications 2, 6 à 8, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend une première série de couvercles d'ordre impair (1A, 1C, 1E,...) dans ledit jeu et une deuxième série de couvercles d'ordre pair (1B, 1D,...) dans ce même jeu, . le bord externe (X) de ladite zone de couverture du premier couvercle (1A) correspondant en configuration et dimensions au bord interne (Z) de ladite zone de couverture du troisième couvercle (1C) et le bord externe de ladite zone de couverture dudit troisième couvercle (1C) correspondant en configuration et dimensions au bord interne de ladite zone de couverture d'un éventuel cinquième couvercle (1E), et ainsi de suite, . le bord externe (W) de ladite zone de couverture du deuxième couvercle (1B) correspondant en configuration et dimensions au bord interne de ladite zone de couverture d'un éventuel quatrième couvercle (1D) et le bord externe de ladite zone de couverture dudit quatrième couvercle (1D) correspondant en configuration et dimensions au bord interne de ladite zone de couverture d'un éventuel sixième couvercle, et ainsi de suite, . les dimensions desdits couvercles et de leurs zones de couverture étant calculées de telle sorte que, lorsque les couvercles dudit jeu sont alignés coaxialement, la droits (X, Y) passant par le bord externe (X) de la zone de couverture du premier couvercle (1A) et par le bord interne (Z) de la zone de couverture du troisième couvercle (1C), passe sensiblement au milieu (Y) de la zone de couverture du deuxième couvercle (1B), tandis que la droite passant par le bord externe (W) de la zone de couverture du deuxième couvercle (1B) et par le bord interne de la zone de couverture de l'éventuel quatrième couvercle (1D) passe sensiblement au milieu de la zone de couverture dudit troisième couvercle (1C), et ainsi de suite. 10 - Set of covers according to any one of claims 2, 6 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a first series of covers of odd order (1A, 1C, 1E, ...) in said set and a second series of even order covers (1B, 1D, ...) in this same set, . the outer edge (X) of said coverage area of the first cover (1A) corresponding in configuration and dimensions to the inner edge (Z) of said coverage area of the third cover (1C) and the outer edge of said coverage area of said third cover (1C) corresponding in configuration and dimensions to the internal edge of said coverage area of a possible fifth cover (1E), and so on, . the outer edge (W) of said cover area of the second cover (1B) corresponding in configuration and dimensions to the inner edge of said cover area of a possible fourth cover (1D) and the outer edge of said cover area of said fourth cover (1D) corresponding in configuration and dimensions to the internal edge of said coverage area of a possible sixth cover, and so on, . the dimensions of said covers and their coverage areas being calculated such that, when the covers of said set are aligned coaxially, the straight (X, Y) passing through the outer edge (X) of the coverage area of the first cover ( 1A) and through the inner edge (Z) of the coverage area of the third cover (1C), passes substantially in the middle (Y) of the coverage area of the second cover (1B), while the straight line passing through the outer edge (W) of the coverage area of the second cover (1B) and through the internal edge of the coverage area of the possible fourth cover (1D) passes substantially in the middle of the coverage area of said third cover (1C), and and so on. 11 - Jeu de couvercles selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4, 5, 7 à 9, comportant chacun au moins deux gradins séparés par une zone de pliage (57), caractérisé en ce que les dimensions desdits couvercles, de leurs gradins et de leurs zones de pliage sont calculées de telle sorte que, lorsque les couvercles dudit jeu sont alignés coaxialement, chaque zone de pliage (57) d'un couvercle se trouve à l'aplomb du milieu d'un gradin appartenant au couvercle de taille immédiatement supérieure. 11 - Set of covers according to any one of claims 4, 5, 7 to 9, each comprising at least two steps separated by a folding zone (57), characterized in that the dimensions of said covers, their steps and their folding areas are calculated such that, when the covers of said set are aligned coaxially, each folding area (57) of a cover is plumb with the middle of a bleacher belonging to the next larger lid.
EP19910403453 1990-12-21 1991-12-19 Lid adapted for the making of a sealed container for conserving products such as foodstuffs Expired - Lifetime EP0494559B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9016100A FR2670753B1 (en) 1990-12-21 1990-12-21 LID SUITABLE FOR MAKING A WATERPROOF ENCLOSURE FOR THE PRESERVATION OF A PRODUCT, SUCH AS A FOOD.
FR9016100 1990-12-21

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0494559A1 true EP0494559A1 (en) 1992-07-15
EP0494559B1 EP0494559B1 (en) 1995-09-06

Family

ID=9403532

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19910403453 Expired - Lifetime EP0494559B1 (en) 1990-12-21 1991-12-19 Lid adapted for the making of a sealed container for conserving products such as foodstuffs

Country Status (4)

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EP (1) EP0494559B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69112803T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2077828T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2670753B1 (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0644128A1 (en) * 1993-09-20 1995-03-22 Heng-Te Yang Sealable can adapted to be evacuated by means of a vacuum pump
WO2003068607A2 (en) * 2002-02-18 2003-08-21 Korea Alphaline Co. Ltd. Vacuum container
WO2006107975A2 (en) * 2005-04-06 2006-10-12 Avery Dennison Corporation Valve for an evacuatable container
US7837387B2 (en) 2005-04-06 2010-11-23 Avery Dennison Corporation Evacuatable container
CN110839807A (en) * 2019-12-09 2020-02-28 九江鸿立食品有限公司 Negative pressure vacuum honey making tank

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4142645A (en) * 1978-04-12 1979-03-06 Walton Donald G Vacuum sealing closure lid for home canning operations
FR2490592A1 (en) * 1980-09-23 1982-03-26 Schroffner Pirc Ind Inc Vacuum sealing of preserve container - involves fitting sealed jointed lid under partial vacuum from pump
FR2575996A3 (en) * 1985-01-14 1986-07-18 Mariani Pietro Lid for containers intended for the vacuum packing of food products, preserves and the like

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4142645A (en) * 1978-04-12 1979-03-06 Walton Donald G Vacuum sealing closure lid for home canning operations
FR2490592A1 (en) * 1980-09-23 1982-03-26 Schroffner Pirc Ind Inc Vacuum sealing of preserve container - involves fitting sealed jointed lid under partial vacuum from pump
FR2575996A3 (en) * 1985-01-14 1986-07-18 Mariani Pietro Lid for containers intended for the vacuum packing of food products, preserves and the like

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0644128A1 (en) * 1993-09-20 1995-03-22 Heng-Te Yang Sealable can adapted to be evacuated by means of a vacuum pump
WO2003068607A2 (en) * 2002-02-18 2003-08-21 Korea Alphaline Co. Ltd. Vacuum container
WO2003068607A3 (en) * 2002-02-18 2003-11-27 Korea Alphaline Co Ltd Vacuum container
WO2006107975A2 (en) * 2005-04-06 2006-10-12 Avery Dennison Corporation Valve for an evacuatable container
WO2006107975A3 (en) * 2005-04-06 2006-12-28 Avery Dennison Corp Valve for an evacuatable container
US7837387B2 (en) 2005-04-06 2010-11-23 Avery Dennison Corporation Evacuatable container
CN110839807A (en) * 2019-12-09 2020-02-28 九江鸿立食品有限公司 Negative pressure vacuum honey making tank

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69112803D1 (en) 1995-10-12
ES2077828T3 (en) 1995-12-01
FR2670753B1 (en) 1993-04-09
DE69112803T2 (en) 1996-04-18
FR2670753A1 (en) 1992-06-26
EP0494559B1 (en) 1995-09-06

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