WO2005012093A2

WO2005012093A2 - Vacuum packaging appliances and methods of vacuum packaging objects

Info

Publication number: WO2005012093A2
Application number: PCT/US2004/025052
Authority: WO
Inventors: Landen Higer; Hongyu Wu
Original assignee: Tilia International, Inc.
Priority date: 2003-07-31
Filing date: 2004-07-30
Publication date: 2005-02-10
Also published as: WO2005012093A3

Abstract

Vacuum packaging appliances and methods of vacuum packaging objects are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an appliance includes a base (110) a lid (150) movably coupled to a base, a vacuum chamber portion (1222, 162) on the base and/or the lid for receiving an open end of a bag (190), and a vacuum pump operably coupled to the vacuum chamber portion for removing gas from the vacuum chamber portion. The lid includes a distal end (112), a proximal end (114) opposite the distal end, and a major dimension between the distal and proximal ends. The base can also include a distal end (112), a proximal end (114) opposite the distal end, and a major dimension between the distal and proximal ends.

Description

VACUUM PACKAGING APPLIANCES AND METHODS OF VACUUM PACKAGING OBJECTS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to vacuum packaging appliances and

methods of vacuum packaging objects. In particular, the present invention teaches

appliances with small footprints, alternative orientation configurations, and alternative

hinging systems and methods for using the same.

BACKGROUND

Vacuum packaging involves removing air or other gases from a storage

container and then sealing the container to prevent the contents from being exposed to

ambient air. Vacuum packaging is particularly useful in protecting food and other

perishables against oxidation. Oxygen is a main cause of food spoilage and

contributes to the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast. Accordingly, vacuum-packaged

food often lasts three to five times longer than food stored in ordinary containers.

Moreover, vacuum packaging is useful for storing clothes, photographs, silver, and

other items to prevent discoloration, corrosion, rust, and tarnishing. Vacuum packaging

also produces tight, strong, and compact packages, reducing the bulk of articles and

allowing for more space to store other supplies.

FIGS. 1A - 1B are schematic isometric views of a conventional appliance 1 for

vacuum packaging an object 98 (shown in broken lines) in accordance with the prior

art. The vacuum packaging appliance 1 includes a base 10, a lid 50 pivotably coupled to the base 10, a lower trough 22 in the base 10, an upper trough (not shown) in the lid

50, and a vacuum pump (not shown) operably coupled to the upper trough. The lid 50

pivots between an open position (shown in FIG. 1 B), in which a portion of a bag 90 can

be placed between the lid 50 and the base 10, and a closed position (shown in FIG.

1A), in which the bag 90 can be evacuated and thermally sealed. ..

In the closed position, the upper trough and the lower trough 22 are aligned and

form a vacuum chamber to remove gas from the interior of the bag 90. The base 10

includes a seal 24 surrounding the vacuum chamber to seal the chamber from ambient

air while gas is removed from the interior of the bag 90. The vacuum packaging

appliance 1 further includes a heating element 30 to thermally seal the bag 90 after the

gas has been evacuated. A vacuum packaging appliance of this type is disclosed in

U.S. Patent No. 4,941 ,310, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Conventional vacuum packaging bags include two panels attached together with

an open end. Typically, the panels each include two or more layers. The inner layer

can be a heat sealable material, and the outer layer can be a gas impermeable material

to provide a barrier against the influx of air. The plasticity temperature of the inner layer

is lower than the outer layer. As such, the bag can be heated to thermally bond the

inner layer of each panel together to seal the bag without melting or puncturing the

outer layer. A conventional vacuum packaging process includes depositing the object 98 in

the bag 90 and positioning an open end 92 of the bag 90 in the lower trough 22 of the

vacuum packaging appliance 1. Next, the lid 50 pivots downward to form the vacuum

chamber with the open end 92 of the bag 90 disposed within the vacuum chamber. The vacuum pump then removes gas from the vacuum chamber and the interior of the

bag 90, which is in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber. After gas has been

removed from the interior of the bag 90, the heating element 30 heats a strip of the bag

90 proximate to the open end 92 to bond the inner layer of each panel together and

thermally seal the bag 90.

In FIG. 1 B, the appliance 1 is shown resting on a counter 60. As is self-evident

from FIG. 1 B, the orientation of the appliance 1 necessarily limits the usable surface

area of the counter 60 to the depth of the counter 60. As will be appreciated, the typical

commercial or residential kitchen counter has greater length than depth. When the

length of the bag 90 plus the depth of the appliance 1 exceeds the depth of the counter

60, the bag 90 will necessarily hang over the edge of the counter 60. Particularly with

heavier or unwieldy items intended for storage in the bag 90, this arrangement can

make operation of the appliance 1 difficult.

It will also be appreciated that conventional vacuum packaging appliances tend

to have relatively large footprints and require significant space on a countertop or other

surface. For example, the footprint of the appliance 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1 B is the

surface area of the bottom of the base 10.

Accordingly, there is a need for vacuum packaging appliances with smaller

footprints that operate at an orientation better suited to utilize available counter surface

area. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

PRIOR ART FIGS. 1A - 1 B are schematic isometric views of a conventional appliance

for vacuum packaging objects in accordance with the prior art.

FIG. 2A is an isometric view that illustrates certain embodiments of a pivoting vacuum

packaging appliance;

FIG. 2B is a side view of the pivoting vacuum packaging appliance of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a top plan view of the pivoting vacuum packaging appliance of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2D is a schematic isometric view of a vacuum packaging appliance for vacuum

packaging objects in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2E is a schematic isometric view of the vacuum packaging appliance of FIG. 2D

with a lid in the open position.

FIG. 2F is a schematic top plan view of the vacuum packaging appliance of FIG. 2D.

FIG. 3 is a schematic isometric view of a vacuum packaging appliance in accordance

with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic isometric view of a vacuum packaging appliance in accordance

with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5A is a schematic isometric view of a vacuum packaging appliance in accordance

with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5B is a schematic isometric view of the vacuum packaging appliance of FIG. 5A

with a lid in the open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A. Overview

The present invention is directed to vacuum packaging appliances and methods

of vacuum packaging objects. One aspect of the invention is directed to vacuum

packaging appliances for use with a bag. In one embodiment, an appliance includes a

base, a lid movably coupled to the base, a vacuum chamber portion on the base and/or

the lid for receiving an open end of the bag, and a vacuum pump operably coupled to

the vacuum chamber portion for removing gas from the vacuum chamber portion. The

lid includes a distal end, a proximal end opposite the distal end, and a major dimension

between the distal end and the proximal end. The base can also include a distal end, a

proximal end opposite the distal end, and a major dimension between the distal end

and the proximal end.

In another embodiment, a vacuum packaging appliance includes a base and a

lid movably coupled to the base. The lid is pivotable about an axis between an open

position and a closed position. When the lid is in the closed position, the lid and base

are configured to receive an open end of the bag between the lid and base with a body

of the bag projecting from the appliance in a direction generally parallel to the axis. The

base can have a length extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis.

The lid may also have a length extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the

axis.

In yet another embodiment, a vacuum packaging appliance includes a base, a lid

movably coupled to the base, a vacuum chamber portion on the base and/or the lid,

and a vacuum pump operably coupled to the vacuum chamber portion for removing gas from the vacuum chamber portion. The lid is pivotable about an axis between an open

position and a closed position. The base has a first dimension and a second dimension

less than the first dimension. The second dimension of the base extends in a direction

generally parallel to the axis. Another aspect of the invention is directed toward methods for removing at least

a portion of a gas from a bag with a vacuum packaging appliance. In one embodiment,

a method includes placing an open end of the bag on a base of the vacuum packaging

appliance, pivoting a lid of the vacuum packaging appliance about an axis from an open

position to a closed position, and at least substantially evacuating an interior region of

the bag with the open end of the bag positioned between the lid and the base and a

body of the bag projecting from the appliance in a direction generally parallel to the

axis.

The following disclosure describes several embodiments of vacuum packaging

appliances and methods of vacuum packaging objects. Several details describing

structures and processes that are well known and often associated with vacuum

packaging appliances are not set forth in the following description for purposes of

brevity. Moreover, although the following disclosure sets forth several embodiments of

different aspects of the invention, several other embodiments of the invention can have

different configurations or different components than those described in this section. As

such, it should be understood that the invention may have other embodiments with

additional elements or without several of the elements described below with reference

to FIGS. 2A-5B. B. Embodiments of Vacuum Packaging Appliances

Certain embodiments of the pivotable vacuum packaging appliance are like the

appliance illustrated in FIG. 2A-C. FIG. 2A is a frontal isometric view of certain

embodiments of a pivoting vacuum packaging appliance 70. The configuration of FIG.

2A allows for use of very long bags, such as^" bag 80. In this configuration, long bags

will not slip off the edge of the countertop. Such a configuration also saves countertop

space. In FIG. 2A, a movable receptacle component 76 may be pivoted up, i.e.,

flipped-up, about a pivot axis that runs the width of stationary base 72.

The alternative configuration of appliance 70 greatly improves use of counter

space. The operation of to stationary base 72 and movable receptacle component 76

will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the above description of

stationary base 102 and movable receptacle component 104. However, in the

configuration of appliance 70, control panel 78 is at the top frontal portion of movable

receptacle component 76 rather than on the stationary base 72. Control panel 78 may

include similar features as those described with respect to FIG. 1 A.

FIG. 2B is a side view of the pivoting vacuum packaging appliance 70. In FIG.

2B,-side detail 82 directs the user to use the appropriate side for positioning the storage

bag to be sealed. FIG. 2C is a top plan view of the pivoting vacuum packaging

appliance 74.

FIGS. 2D and 2E are schematic isometric views of a vacuum packaging

appliance 100 for use with a bag 190 in accordance with another embodiment of the

invention. The vacuum packaging appliance 100 includes a base 110, a lid 150, and a

hinge 170 pivotably coupling the lid 150 to the base 110. The lid 150 is pivotable about an axis A-A between a closed position (shown in FIG. 2D) and an open position

(shown in FIG. 2E). The illustrated base 110 includes a distal end 112, a proximal end

114 opposite the distal end 112, and a length L. between the distal end 112 and the

proximal end 114. As such, the length L^ or major dimension of the base 110, extends

in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis A-A. The base 110 further includes a

first side 116 between the distal and proximal ends 112 and 114, a second side 118

between the distal and proximal ends 112 and 114 and opposite the first side 116, and

a width W₁ between the first side 116 and the second side 118. The width W₁ of the

base 110 extends in a direction generally parallel to the axis A-A and is less than the

length L₁ of the base 110. For example, the ratio of the length L., to the width W_t of the

base 110 can be 2:1 , 3:1 , 4:1 , 5:1 , or other suitable proportions.

The illustrated base 110 further includes an inner surface 120, a first chamber

portion 122 extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis A-A, and a first

seal 124 surrounding the first chamber portion 122. The first seal 124 can be attached

to the inner surface 120, received in a groove in the surface 120, and/or otherwise

positioned to at least partially define the first chamber portion 122. The inner surface

120 can also have a recess to at least partially define the first chamber portion 122. In

several embodiments, the appliance 100 may further include a removable trough in the

first chamber portion 122 for receiving or catching liquid from the bag 190. FIG. 2F is a schematic top plan view of the appliance 100 of FIGS. 2D and 2E.

The illustrated lid 150 includes a distal end 152, a proximal end 154 opposite the distal

end 152, and a length l_₂ between the distal end 152 and the proximal end 154. As

such, the length L₂, or major dimension of the lid 150, extends in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis A-A. The lid 150 further includes a first side 156 between the

distal and proximal ends 152 and 154, a second side 158 between the distal and

proximal ends 152 and 154 and opposite the first side 156, and a width W₂ between the

first side 156 and the second side 158. The width W₂ of the lid 150 extends in a

direction generally parallel to the axis A-A and is less than the length L₂ of the lid 150.

Referring to FIG. 2E, the illustrated lid 150 further includes an inner surface 160,

a second chamber portion 162 extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the

axis A-A, and a second seal 164 surrounding the second chamber portion 162. The

second seal 164 can be attached to the inner surface 160, received in a groove in the

inner surface 160, and/or otherwise positioned to at least partially define the second

chamber portion 162. The inner surface 160 can also include a recess to at least

partially define the second chamber portion 162. When the lid 150 is in the closed

position, the first and second chamber portions 122 and 162 are aligned and form a

vacuum chamber. In other embodiments, the vacuum packaging appliance 100 can

have other configurations. For example, the base 110 and/or the lid 150 may not

include a chamber portion and/or a seal.

The vacuum packaging appliance 100 further includes a vacuum pump 175

(shown schematically in hidden lines in FIG. 2E) operably coupled to the first and/or

second chamber portion 122 and/or 162 for removing gas from the vacuum chamber

when the lid 150 is in the closed position. The vacuum pump 175 also removes gas

from the interior of the bag 190 when an open end 192 of the bag 190 is positioned in

the vacuum chamber and a body 194 of the bag 190 projects out from the appliance

100 in a direction generally parallel to the axis A-A. Conventional vacuum packaging bags, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. Re. 34,929, which is hereby

incorporated by reference in its entirety, are configured with a plurality of inner-

communicating channels so that the interior of the bag 190 is in fluid communication

with the vacuum chamber when the lid 150 is in the closed position. Accordingly, the

vacuum pump 175 can remove gas from the vacuum chamber and the interior of the--

bag 190.

After gas is removed, the bag 190 is sealed to inhibit ambient air from flowing

into the interior of the bag 190. The illustrated bag 190 includes a reusable zipper 196

for sealing the bag 190. Zipper bags are described in U.S. Provisional Patent

Application No. 60/491 ,722, filed July 31 , 2003, which is hereby incorporated by

reference. Bags that do not include a zipper can be thermally sealed as described

below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

Referring to FIGS. 2D and 2F, the illustrated lid 150 further includes an outer

surface 166 and a control panel 180 on the outer surface 166 for manually controlling

operation of the vacuum packing appliance 100. The control panel 180 can optionally

include a vacuum button 182, an On/Off button 184, and an indicator light 186. In

embodiments in which the vacuum operation automatically starts when the lid 150 is

moved to the closed position, the vacuum button 182 can be used to extend the

vacuum time to ensure the maximum volume of gas is removed from the bag 190. In

other embodiments, the vacuum operation may not start automatically when the lid 150

moves to the closed position. In such embodiments, a user can depress the vacuum

button 182 to remove gas from the bag. The On/Off button 184 can be a fail-safe mechanism for ensuring that the

vacuum pump 175 is not unintentionally activated. For example, in embodiments in

which the vacuum operation automatically starts when the lid 150 is moved to the

closed position, the On/Off button 184 can deactivate the vacuum pump 175 so that the

pump 175 does not operate even when the lid 150 is-in -the closed position. The

indicator light 196 can signal that the appliance 100 is on or the start or completion of

various processes, such as the vacuum or sealing process. The control panel 180 may

optionally include a cancel button (not shown) for canceling a given operation in

progress. Moreover, in embodiments in which the vacuum packaging appliance

includes a heating element, such as the embodiments described below with reference

to FIGS. 3 and 4, the control panel 180 may also include an instant seal button for

activating the heating element to seal a bag and/or a sealing time adjustment knob for

controlling the heating element. If the heating element is automatically activated when

the lid 150 moves to the closed position, the instant seal button may be used to seal the

bag before a complete vacuum is created in the bag. This feature may be useful when

vacuum packaging fragile items so that the items are not crushed.

One feature of the appliance 100 illustrated in FIGS. 2D-2F is that the distance

between the first side 116 and the second side 118 of the base 110 is less than the

distance between the distal end 112 and the proximal end 114. As such, the length L,,

or major dimension of the base 110, extends in a direction generally perpendicular to

the axis A-A. Because the size of the hinge 170 is reduced, the footprint of the

appliance 100 is smaller and, consequently, the appliance 100 requires less space on

the countertop or other surface. C. Additional Embodiments of Vacuum Packaging Appliances

FIG. 3 is a schematic isometric view of a vacuum packaging appliance 200 in

accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The illustrated appliance 200 is

generally similar to the appliance 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C.

For example, the appliance ^"200 includes a base 210, a lid 250 pivotably coupled to the

base 210, a first chamber portion 122 on the base 210, a first seal 124 surrounding the

first chamber portion 122, a second chamber portion 162 on the lid 250, and a second

seal 164 surrounding the second chamber portion 162. The illustrated appliance 200,

however, further includes a heating element 230 for thermally sealing a bag 290 and a

member 232 for pressing the bag 290 against the heating element 230. The heating

element 230 can be carried by the inner surface 120 of the base 210, and the member

232 can be carried by and projected from the inner surface 160 of the lid 250. The

illustrated heating element 230 is positioned between the first side 116 and the first

chamber portion 122 so that the element 230 is offset a short distance from an open

end 292 of the bag 290 when the open end 292 is received in the first chamber portion

122. The heating element 230 extends in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis

A-A over_^a length sufficient to seal a strip of the bag 290. The member 232 is aligned

with the heating element 230 so that the member 232 presses the bag 290 against the

heating element 230 when the lid 250 is in the closed position. The heating element 230 is configured to thermally seal the bag 290 after gas

has been substantially evacuated from the interior of the bag 290. Conventional

vacuum packaging bags, such as the bag 290 illustrated in FIG. 3, include panels with

a gas impermeable layer and a heat sealable layer inside the gas impermeable layer. The heating element 230 heats the bag 290 sufficiently to bond the heat sealable layer

of each panel together, and the member 232 presses the bag 290 against the heating

element 230 to ensure that a seal is formed across a strip of the bag 290. An

advantage of the illustrated appliance 200 is that the heating element 230 thermally

seals bags. Accordingly, the appliance 200 can be used with bags that do not include a

zipper or other means for sealing.

FIG. 4 is a schematic isometric view of a vacuum packaging appliance 300 in

accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The illustrated appliance 300 is

generally similar to the appliance 200 described above with reference to FIG. 3. The

illustrated appliance 300, however, includes a base 3,10 with first and second heating

elements 230a-b and a lid 350 with first and second members 232a-b for pressing a

bag against one of the heating elements 230a-b. The first heating element 230a is

positioned between the first side 116 and the first chamber portion 122, and the second

heating element 230b is positioned between the second side 118 and the first chamber

portion 122. The first member 232a is positioned between the first side 156 and the

second chamber portion 162, and the second member 232b is positioned between the

second side 158 and the second chamber portion 162. The first member 232a is

aligned with the first heating element 230a and the second member 232b is aligned

with the second heating element 230b so that one of the members 232a-b can press a

bag against one of the heating elements 230a-b.

One feature of the appliance 300 illustrated in FIG. 4 is that the first and second

heating elements 230a-b allow a user to place a bag in the appliance 300 in either one

of two positions. More specifically, the user can place the bag in the appliance 300 such that the body of the bag projects in a direction D₁ from the appliance 300, or the

body of the bag projects in a direction D₂ from the appliance 300. The appliance 300

can evacuate and thermally seal the bag in either position. An advantage of this

feature is that the user has the flexibility to position bags in the most convenient side of

the appliance 300.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic isometric views of a vacuum packaging

appliance 400 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The illustrated

appliance 400 is generally similar to the appliance 100 described above with reference

to FIGS. 2A-2C. For example, the illustrated appliance 400 includes a base 110 and a

lid 150 movably coupled to the base 110. The illustrated appliance 400, however,

includes a biaxial hinge 470 coupled to the proximal end 114 and second side 118 of

the base 110 and the proximal end 154 and second side 158 of the lid 150. The biaxial

hinge 470 allows the lid 150 to pivot about a first axis B₁-B₁ (FIG. 5A) and a second

axis B₂-B₂ (FIG. 5B) generally perpendicular to the first axis B^B.,. As such, the

appliance 400 can pivot between an open position (illustrated in FIG. 5A) and a closed

position (not shown) about the first axis B^B,, and pivot between an open position

(FIG. 5B) and a closed position (not shown) about the second axis B₂-B₂. One

advantage of the illustrated appliance 400 is that the user can pivot the lid 150 about

the first axis B₁-B₁ or the second axis B₂-B₂ depending upon whichever configuration of

the appliance 400 is more convenient.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the

invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various

modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the vacuum packaging appliances can have any combination of the

features described above with reference to FIGS. 2A-5B. Accordingly, the invention is

not limited except as by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vacuum packaging appliance for use with a bag, the appliance comprising:

a base;

a lid movably coupled to the base, the lid including a distal end, a proximal end

opposite the distal end, and a major dimension between the distal end and the proximal

end;

a vacuum chamber portion on the base and/or the lid for receiving an open end of the

bag; and

a vacuum pump operably coupled to the vacuum chamber portion for removing gas

from the vacuum chamber portion.

2. The appliance of claim 1 wherein the lid is pivotable about an axis between an

open position and a closed position, and wherein the base has a length extending in a

direction generally perpendicular to the axis.

3. The appliance of claim 1 wherein the lid further includes a first side between the

distal and proximal ends, a second side between the distal and proximal ends and

opposite the first side, and a minor dimension between the first and second sides.

4. The appliance of claim 1 wherein the base includes a distal end portion and a

proximal end portion opposite the distal end portion, and wherein the lid is coupled to

the base at least proximate to the proximal end portion of the base.

5. The appliance of claim 1 wherein the major dimension of the lid extends in a first

direction, and wherein the base has a length extending in a second direction generally

parallel to the first direction.

6. The appliance of claim 1 wherein the lid is pivotable about an axis between an

open position and a closed position, and wherein the vacuum chamber portion has a

length extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis.

7. The appliance of claim 1 wherein the lid is pivotable about an axis between an

open position and a closed position, and wherein the lid and base are configured so

that the bag projects from the appliance in a direction generally parallel to the axis

when the open end of the bag is received in the vacuum chamber portion during normal

operation of the appliance.

8. The appliance of claim 1 wherein the lid is pivotable about a first axis and a

second axis generally normal to the first axis.

9. The appliance of claim 1 , further comprising a heating element carried by the

base and/or the lid for selectively thermally sealing the bag.

10. The appliance of claim 1 wherein the vacuum chamber portion is on the base,

and wherein the appliance further comprises first and second heating elements carried

by the base and arranged so that the vacuum chamber portion is positioned between

the first and second heating elements.

11. The appliance of claim 1 wherein the lid is pivotably coupled to the base.

12. The appliance of claim 1 wherein the lid is pivotable about an axis between an

open position and a closed position, and wherein the major dimension of the lid extends

in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis.

13. A vacuum packaging appliance for removing at least a portion of the gas in a

bag, the appliance comprising a base and a lid movably coupled to the base, the lid

being pivotable about an axis between an open position and a closed position, the lid

and base being configured to receive an open end of the bag between the lid and base

with a body of the bag projecting from the appliance in a direction generally parallel to

the axis when the lid is in the closed position during normal operation of the appliance.

14. The appliance of claim 13 wherein the direction is a first direction, and wherein

the base has a length extending in a second direction generally perpendicular to the

axis.

15. The appliance of claim 13 wherein the direction is a first direction, and wherein

the lid has a length extending in a second direction generally perpendicular to the axis.

16. The appliance of claim 13 wherein the lid includes a distal end, a proximal end

opposite the distal end, and a major dimension between the distal and proximal ends.

17. The appliance of claim 13 wherein the base includes a distal end portion, a

proximal end portion opposite the distal end portion, and a major dimension between

the distal and proximal end portions.

18. The appliance of claim 13, further comprising:

a vacuum chamber portion on the base and/or the lid for receiving the open end of the

bag; and

a vacuum pump operably coupled to the vacuum chamber portion to remove gas from

the vacuum chamber portion.

19. The appliance of claim 13, further comprising a heating element carried by the

base and/or the lid for selectively thermally sealing the bag.

20. A vacuum packaging appliance, comprising:

a base;

a lid movably coupled to the base, the lid having a distal end, a proximal end opposite

the distal end, a first dimension between the distal and proximal ends, a first side

between the distal and proximal ends, a second side between the distal and proximal

ends and opposite the first side, and a second dimension between the first and second

sides, wherein the first dimension is greater than the second dimension;

a vacuum chamber portion on the base and/or the lid; and

a vacuum pump operably coupled to the vacuum chamber portion for removing gas

from the vacuum chamber portion.

21. The appliance of claim 20 wherein the lid is pivotable about an axis between an

direction generally perpendicular to the axis.

22. The appliance of claim 20 wherein the base includes a distal end portion and a

the base at least proximate to the proximal end portion of the base.

23. The appliance of claim 20 wherein the first dimension extends in a first direction,

and wherein the base has a length extending in a second direction generally parallel to

the first direction.

24. The appliance of claim 20 wherein the lid is pivotable about an axis between an

length extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis.

25. The appliance of claim 20 wherein the lid is pivotable about an axis between an

that a bag projects from the appliance in a direction generally parallel to the axis when

an open end of the bag is received in the vacuum chamber portion during normal

operation of the appliance.

26. The appliance of claim 20, further comprising a heating element attached to the

base and/or the lid for selectively thermally sealing a bag.

27. The appliance of claim 20 wherein the vacuum chamber portion is on the base,

the first and second heating elements.

28. The appliance of claim 20 wherein the lid is pivotable about an axis between an

open position and a closed position, and wherein the first dimension extends in a

direction generally perpendicular to the axis.

29. A vacuum packaging appliance, comprising:

a base having a distal end, a proximal end opposite the distal end, and a length

extending from the distal end to the proximal end;

a lid movably coupled to the base at least proximate to the proximal end, wherein the lid

is not coupled to the base proximate to the distal end;

a vacuum chamber portion on the base and/or the lid; and

a vacuum pump operably coupled to the vacuum chamber portion for removing gas

from the vacuum chamber portion.

30. The appliance of claim 29 wherein the lid has a distal end, a proximal end

opposite the distal end, and a length extending from the distal end to the proximal end.

31. The appliance of claim 29 wherein the lid is pivotable about an axis between an

open position and a closed position, and wherein the length of the base extends in a

direction generally perpendicular to the axis.

32. The appliance of claim 29 wherein the lid has a length extending in a first

direction, and wherein the length of the base extends in a second direction generally

parallel to the first direction.

33. The appliance of claim 29 wherein the lid is pivotable about an axis between an

an open end of the bag is received in the vacuum chamber portion during normal

operation of the appliance.

34. The appliance of claim 29, further comprising a heating element attached to the

base and/or the lid for selectively thermally sealing a bag.

35. The appliance of claim 29 wherein the lid is pivotable about an axis between an

open position and a closed position, and wherein the lid has a length extending in a

direction generally perpendicular to the axis.

36. A vacuum packaging appliance, comprising:

a base having a first dimension and a second dimension less than the first dimension;

a lid movably coupled to the base, the lid being pivotable about an axis between an

open position and a closed position, wherein the second dimension of the base extends

in a direction generally parallel to the axis;

a vacuum chamber portion on the base and/or the lid; and a vacuum pump operably coupled to the vacuum chamber portion for removing gas

from the vacuum chamber portion.

37. The appliance of claim 36 wherein the base includes a distal end, a proximal end

opposite the distal end, a first side between the distal and proximal ends, and a second

side between the distal and proximal ends and opposite the first side, wherein the first

dimension of the base extends between the distal and proximal ends, and wherein the

second dimension of the base extends between the first and second sides.

38. The appliance of claim 36 wherein the base includes a distal end portion and a

the base at least proximate to the proximal end portion of the base.

39. The appliance of claim 36 wherein the direction is a first direction, and wherein

the vacuum chamber portion has a length extending in a second direction generally

perpendicular to the axis.

40. The appliance of claim 36 wherein the direction is a first direction, and wherein

the lid and base are configured so that a bag projects from the appliance in a second

direction generally parallel to the axis when an open end of the bag is received in the

vacuum chamber portion during normal operation of the appliance.

41. The appliance of claim 36, further comprising a heating element attached to the

base and/or the lid for selectively thermally sealing the bag.

42. The appliance of claim 36 wherein the vacuum chamber portion is on the base,

and wherein the appliance further comprises first and second heating elements

attached to the base and arranged so that the vacuum chamber portion is positioned

between the first and second heating elements.

43. A vacuum packaging appliance, comprising:

a base;

a lid movably coupled to the base and pivotable about an axis between an open

position and a closed position;

a vacuum chamber portion on the base and/or the lid, the vacuum chamber portion

having a length extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis; and

a vacuum pump operably coupled to the vacuum chamber portion for removing gas

from the vacuum chamber portion.

44. The appliance of claim 43 wherein the lid includes a distal end, a proximal end

45. The appliance of claim 43 wherein the direction is a first direction, and wherein

the base includes a distal end, a proximal end opposite the distal end, and a length

extending from the distal end to the proximal end, and wherein the length of the base

extends in a second direction generally perpendicular to the axis.

46. The appliance of claim 43 wherein the direction is a first direction, and wherein

the lid and base are configured so that a bag projects from the appliance in a second direction generally parallel to the axis when an open end of the bag is received in the

vacuum chamber portion during normal operation of the appliance.

47. The appliance of claim 43, further comprising a heating element attached to the

base and/or the lid for selectively thermally sealing a bag.

48. A method for removing at least a portion of a gas from a bag with a vacuum

packaging appliance, the method comprising:

placing an open end of the bag on a base of the vacuum packaging appliance;

pivoting a lid of the vacuum packaging appliance about an axis from an open position to

a closed position; and

at least substantially evacuating an interior region of the bag with the open end of the

bag positioned between the lid and the base and a body of the bag projecting from the

appliance in a direction generally parallel to the axis.

49. The method of claim 48 wherein placing the open end of the bag comprises

positioning the open end of the bag in a vacuum chamber portion oriented

perpendicular to the axis.

50. The method of claim 48 wherein the direction is a first direction, and wherein

pivoting the lid comprises moving the lid with a major dimension of the lid extending in a

second direction generally perpendicular to the axis.

51. The method of claim 48 wherein the direction is a first direction, and wherein

placing the open end of the bag comprises positioning the open end of the bag on the

base with a major dimension of the base extending in a second direction generally

perpendicular to the axis.

52. The method of claim 48, further comprising thermally sealing the open end of the

bag after substantially evacuating the interior region of the bag.

53. A home vacuum packaging appliance for producing a vacuum packaged product

in an evacuated and sealed bag, said vacuum packaging appliance generally arranged

such that said appliance sits on a plane formed by a first axis and a second axis

perpendicular to said first axis, said vacuum packaging appliance having a base and a

lid pivotably coupled to said base, a vacuum chamber portion formed in the base and/or

lid for receiving linearly along said second axis an open end of the bag, said home

vacuum packaging appliance characterized in that:

said lid pivots axially around said second axis causing motion of an extreme

portion of said lid along said first and third axis.