Vacuum packing device
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a vacuum packing device. 
     Vacuum packing devices are known in the prior art, but these devices are not adaptable for use with containers, such as Tupperware containers, since they have the disadvantage of collapsing the flexible container when air is withdrawn. 
     Among the known devices which has this disadvantage are those taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,396,303,014, 477,805, 578,410, 817,208, 1,572,190, 1,621,132 and 1,631,885. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is the principal object of this invention to provide a vacuum packing device for use with a flexible container. 
     This and other objects are achieved by the preferred embodiment of the invention in which a valve assembly is inserted through an aperture in the container cover. The assembly comprises a stem having a throughbore and a valve member disposed between the ends of the stem and outside of the closed container. A vacuum apparatus draws the air from the container through the throughbore in the stem and the opened valve member. The valve is then rotated closed to prevent air from entering the container. The valve member is clamped to the cover between a fixed mounting member on the valve member and a locking nut with the valve stem projecting through the aperture in the cover. 
     To prevent the plastic container from collapsing a steel wire cage is inserted in the container. 
     Having in mind the above and other objects that will be obvious from an understanding of the disclosure, the present invention comprises a combination and arrangement of parts illustrated in the presently preferred embodiments of the invention which are hereinafter set forth in sufficient detail to enable those persons skilled in the art to clearly understand the function, operation, construction and advantages of it when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     The invention will be described in detail, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: 
     FIG. 1 is an exploded view of the preferred embodiment showing the principles of the invention; 
     FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial section of the valve assembly; 
     FIG. 3 is a plan view of the ribbed locking nut; and 
     FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4--4 in FIG. 2. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to FIGS. 1-4 of the drawing and in accordance with the principles of the invention, a vacuum packing device for use with a resiliently flexible container 10 and cover 12 is shown. The cover 12 is releasably engageable with the top of the container 10 to provide an air-tight seal therebetween and further includes a valve aperture 14 therein. A valve assembly 16 is inserted through the aperture 14 and is releasably connectable thereto. 
     The valve assembly 16 comprises an elongated valve stem 18 having a central throughbore 20. A first end portion 22 or upper end is configured to accept a hose 24 that is connected to a vacuum apparatus, not shown. A valve member 26 having a knob 27 affixed at one end is disposed adjacent to the upper and 22 pivotally mounted in a cross bore 28 perpendicular to the throughbore 20. A second portion 30 or bottom end is threaded for releasably engagement with the cover 12. 
     A valve port 32 disposed in the valve member 26 retained by a head portion 29 of the member 26 and a locking ring 31 around the stem 18 and perpendicular to the axis thereof is positioned to aligned with the throughbore 20 and is manually operable to permit the selective opening and closing of the passageway between the vacuum apparatus and the container 10 for selectively allowing or precluding fluid communication therebetween. 
     The valve stem 18 is releasably connected to the cover 12 by means of a ribbed mounting member 34 disposed between the valve member 26 and bottom end 30 and affixed to the stem 18 and is preferably integral therewith. The bottom end 30 is received through the valve aperture 14 in the cover 12 and is clamped in place with a ribbed threaded locking nut 36 engageable with the threads on the bottom end 30 of the stem 18 both the mounting member 34 and locking nut 36 are ribbed for structural strength and to provide a gripping portion for tightening and loosening the nut 36. A rubber gasket 38 is installed over the stem 18 and between the locking nut 36 and the bottom surface of the cover 12 to effect an air-tight seal between the stem 18 and cover 12. 
     To support the container 10 against collapse after it has been evacuated, a wire cage 40 configured to be closely received within the container is inserted therein prior to engaging the cover 12. 
     In use, foodstuff is put into the container 10 after the wire cage 40 has been placed therein. The cover 12 including the valve assembly 16 is placed over the container 10 and a vacuum device having hose 24 is connected to the upper end 22 of the stem 18. The valve member 26 is rotated to the open position, the container 10 is evacuated and the valve member 26 then rotated to the closed position. The hose 24 is removed from the stem 18 and the foodstuff is vacuum packed. 
     While the preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated and/or described, it will be understood that the invention is in no way limited to this embodiment.