DateTrack Food Storage Box

Description

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a novel solution in food storage technology, integrating a date tracker into the lid for enhanced freshness management. The invention more particularly relates to an innovative product that offers users the ability to track the expiration dates of stored food items conveniently, ensuring optimal freshness and reducing food waste. Additionally, the lid features a vacuum sealing capability, allowing users to preserve food items for longer periods by removing excess air from the container.

Description of the Related Art

Food waste is a significant global challenge, with about one-third of all food produced for human consumption ending up as waste each year. In the United States alone, it's estimated that between 30% to 40% of the food supply is wasted, with households contributing the largest portion. This wastage not only impacts the economy, with an estimated economic value of $161 billion annually, but also has severe environmental implications, including increased greenhouse gas emissions and unnecessary depletion of natural resources. Much of this waste is due to improper food storage and management, where items are forgotten or discarded before being consumed.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, approximately 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted globally each year. In the United States, food waste accounts for around 47% of total food waste, with households contributing significantly. The economic value of this wasted food is staggering, costing billions of dollars annually. Moreover, the environmental impact of food waste is immense, with wasted food accounting for about 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

In recent years, there has been a surge in innovations aimed at addressing food waste, particularly in the area of food storage. These innovations include smart storage solutions with built-in sensors to monitor food freshness, apps that help track expiration dates and suggest recipes based on available ingredients, and vacuum sealing systems to extend the shelf life of perishable items. However, many of these solutions are either expensive, complex to use, or lack comprehensive functionality. There is a growing need for more accessible, user-friendly, and cost-effective solutions to address food waste at the household level.

Consumers are increasingly seeking food storage solutions that are affordable, intuitive to use, and effective in reducing waste. They want products that simplify food management and help them make informed decisions about food consumption. Additionally, there is a rising demand for products that align with sustainability goals, with consumers seeking options that not only reduce waste but also minimize environmental impact.

By looking at prior art multiple innovations have been noted in similar field. For instance, a Food storage tracking system bearing U.S. Pat. No. 5,711,160A relates to a method and device for ensuring the consumption of perishable food items before a useful storage lifetime for the items has elapsed. A base unit is mounted near, removably attached to, or on a food storage location such as a refrigerator, and allows identification and timing of the stored food items. When an item is placed into the storage location, its name and storage lifetime are recorded and displayed on the base unit. This recording may be accomplished manually by writing directly onto the base unit or by use of handwritten or preprinted magnetic labels, or recording may be accomplished electronically. A list, prestored in memory, of the most commonly stored food items and their approximate lifetimes is provided with the list configured for at least three food storage locations: a refrigerator, a freezer and a pantry. A numeric display is provided so that the length of time an item has been stored can be readily determined and compared with the useful storage lifetime. The base unit also provides electronic warning signals for each stored item. These warning signals, either visual or audible, alert the user as to those food items that have been stored close to the end of their useful storage lifetime and those that have been stored the full length or beyond their useful storage time thus helping the consumer to know which food items should be considered first for consumption to avoid their impending spoilage.

A U.S. Pat. No. 6,148,875A relates to a vacuum food storage system. The vacuum food storage system comprises:

• • (a) a storage container open at its top or front and suitable for containing fruit, vegetables or cold cuts;
  • (b) a lid to cover the open top or front of the storage container and having an air-tight gasket surrounding its perimeter adjoining the open top or front of the storage container;
  • (c) an electrical vacuum pump for evacuating the air from the storage container to a preset pressure when fruit, vegetables or cold cuts are placed in the storage container and the lid is securely seated on the open top or front of the storage container; and
  • (d) mechanism for releasing the vacuum when it is desired to remove fruit, vegetables or cold cuts from the storage container.

A U.S. patent 20040177771A1 relates to portable vacuum food storage system. The Portable Vacuum Food Storage System with a housing that contains a vacuum pump, an on off power switch, a vacuum pressure switch and a plurality of rechargeable DC batteries. The top of the housing has a gripping member help the user to twist and fasten the housing onto a mating container lid. The housing has a bayonet type fastener at its lower center portion that mates to a receptacle located on the lid, the lid has a vacuum releasing member that can be pressed by the user to relieve the vacuum in the container. The vacuum housing is capable of resting on the lid in a stable manner so that the vacuum operation can take place unattended by the user. The vacuum lid is capable of fitting on standard Tupper Ware or Rubber Maid containers.

A U.S. Pat. No. 8,561,567B2 relates to food storage and management system. The present invention is directed toward a food storage container comprising a body with a mechanism for denoting a time in which a food item was placed in the storage container for storage. In one embodiment, the time designation mechanism comprises a plurality of rings where each ring comprises at least one marker. Time is denoted by aligning the marker with a label located proximate to said ring.

By looking at prior art multiple innovations have been seen. The current innovations aim to provide a food storage box with a built-in date tracker to address the above-discussed requirements by providing a simple yet effective solution for managing food freshness and reducing waste. By allowing users to easily monitor expiration dates and track the remaining shelf life of stored items, this innovative product promotes efficient food management. With adjustable settings for inputting and updating expiration dates, users can ensure that food items are consumed before they spoil, minimizing waste and saving money. This not only helps households reduce their environmental footprint but also promotes healthier eating habits and contributes to a more sustainable future.

None of the previous inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Hence, the inventor of the present invention proposes to resolve and surmount existent technical difficulties to eliminate the aforementioned shortcomings of prior art.

SUMMARY

In light of the disadvantages of the prior art, the following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the present invention and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the invention can be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole.

The primary desirable object of the present invention is to provide a novel and improved form of a built-in date tracking system integrated into the lid. This innovative feature allows users to easily monitor the expiration dates of stored food items, promoting efficient food management and reducing waste. With adjustable settings for both month and day, users can conveniently input and update expiration dates as needed, ensuring that food items are consumed before they spoil. This helps users maintain a well-organized and fresh food inventory, leading to healthier eating habits and cost savings.

It is the objective of the invention to enhance food freshness management by providing a built-in date tracker in the lid, allowing users to monitor expiration dates and reduce food waste.

It is the objective of the invention to extend the shelf life of stored food items through vacuum sealing capability, preserving their quality and nutritional value for longer periods.

It is the objective of the invention to promote healthier eating habits by ensuring timely consumption of food items before they expire, thus minimizing the risk of consuming spoiled food.

It is the objective of the invention to save money by reducing the frequency of food spoilage and the need for frequent replacements, leading to cost savings for households and businesses.

It is the objective of the invention to provide convenience to users with adjustable date tracker settings, allowing for easy input and updating of expiration dates as needed.

It is the objective of the invention to improve food safety by creating an airtight seal with vacuum sealing capability, preventing the growth of bacteria and contaminants.

It is the objective of the invention to offer versatility in food storage options, suitable for various types of food items including fruits, vegetables, meats, and leftovers.

It is the objective of the invention to streamline food storage practices with an intuitive design and user-friendly features, making it accessible to users of all ages and abilities.

It is the objective of the invention to optimize space efficiency with stackable containers, allowing for organized storage in cabinets, pantries, or refrigerators.

Thus, it is the objective to promote sustainability by reducing food waste and minimizing the environmental impact of discarded food items. Other aspects, advantages and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

This Summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example embodiments, so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described features are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following Detailed Description, Figures, and Claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate embodiments of concepts that include the claimed invention, and explain various principles and advantages of those embodiments.

FIG. 1 is the top view of the date tracker food storage box incorporating the embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a complete view incorporating the embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a side view incorporating the embodiments of the invention

FIG. 4 shows the vacuum sealing of food option incorporating the embodiments of the invention.

The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The present invention provides an innovative food storage container designed to address the challenges of managing food freshness and extending shelf life with precision and efficiency. At its core is a lid equipped with a range of advanced features, including a built-in date tracker and vacuum sealing capability, revolutionizing the way users store and preserve their food items. The lid's date tracker is a key component, offering users a simple yet effective method of monitoring expiration dates and tracking the remaining shelf life of stored items. With adjustable settings for both month and day, users can easily input and update expiration dates, ensuring that food items are consumed before they spoil, thus reducing food waste.

As per its preferred embodiments, the date tracking feature is the lid's vacuum sealing capability, which provides an airtight seal to preserve the freshness and quality of stored food items. The vacuum sealing process removes excess air from the container, creating a vacuum environment that slows down the process of food spoilage and inhibits the growth of bacteria. This feature is particularly valuable for preserving perishable items such as fruits, vegetables, and meats, as it helps maintain their texture, flavor, and nutritional value for longer periods.

As per its further embodiments, to activate the vacuum sealing capability, users can utilize the included pump, conveniently placed in a designated area on the lid. By simply attaching the pump and pumping out the air from the container, users can achieve a tight seal that locks in freshness and extends shelf life. The pump's ergonomic design and ease of use make it accessible to users of all ages and abilities, ensuring that the vacuum sealing process is both efficient and user-friendly.

As per its additional embodiments, the food storage container is constructed from high-quality, food-grade materials, ensuring durability and safety for storing various types of food items. Its robust design and secure sealing mechanism provide protection against moisture, air, and other external contaminants, preserving the quality and freshness of stored food items for an extended period. This makes the container suitable for a wide range of applications, including storing leftovers, meal prepping, and preserving bulk food purchases.

As per its further embodiments, in addition to its practical functionality, the food storage container is designed with convenience in mind. Its stackable design allows for easy storage in cabinets, pantries, or refrigerators, maximizing space efficiency. The container is also dishwasher safe for easy cleaning, further enhancing its user-friendly nature. With its combination of innovative features, durable construction, and user-friendly design, the food storage container sets a new standard for food preservation, empowering users to maintain freshness, reduce waste, and save money.

While a specific embodiment has been shown and described, many variations are possible. With time, additional features may be employed. The particular shape or configuration of the platform or the interior configuration may be changed to suit the system or equipment with which it is used.

Having described the invention in detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from its spirit. Therefore, it is not intended that the scope of the invention be limited to the specific embodiment illustrated and described. Rather, it is intended that the scope of this invention be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.