Vacuum Storage Case with Button-Activated Flexible Seal

Patent & Production

At a glance

What the claims cover, in plain language

Claim 1 defines a vacuum storage case comprising a housing with a storage space, a through hole, and an air pumping hole. An air extracting device connects to the pumping hole. A flexible sealing member covers the through hole. A button slides on the housing between a first and second position. A first elastic member presses the flexible sealing member. In the first position, the button separates from the seal, and the elastic member closes the hole. In the second position, the button deforms the seal to open the hole. The housing has a main body and an assembly seat, with the button and elastic member mounted on the seat.

Claims 2-3 specify the flexible sealing member has a pressed portion covered by the seal, and the first elastic member can be a torsion spring with a spiral winding portion that abuts the seal.

Claims 4-6 describe a second elastic member fixed to the assembly seat and button, providing return force. The button has an operation part and an extension part sliding in a guide slot.

Claims 7-9 offer alternative embodiments for the first elastic member, such as an elastic piece with an arc-shaped convex surface or a bending tip that directly abuts the seal. Claim 9 notes the button has a pushing tip that deforms the seal in the second position.

Claim 10 mentions a protection piece sleeved on the housing, with hardness lower than the housing.

This is a simplified reading for orientation only. The legal scope is defined by the exact claim wording in the official Chinese document.

What this means for US production

This patent was filed in China and is currently in force. Making or selling this specific design in China requires the owner’s permission. However, the public record shows no US counterpart. Therefore, this Chinese patent alone does not restrict manufacturing or sales in the United States.

Two points to settle early:

• Other patents may exist. Vacuum packaging is a crowded field. While this specific button-spring mechanism is unique to this filing, similar “push-to-open” or “slide-to-seal” concepts might be covered by other US patents held by major packaging companies. A freedom-to-operate (FTO) review is recommended to ensure no infringement on existing US intellectual property.
• Material compatibility. The claims mention plastic housings and flexible seals. Depending on the contents (food, cosmetics, pharma), the materials must meet specific safety standards, which are independent of the patent but critical for market entry.

Customization and manufacturing

What can be customized

Things to plan for (US market)

• FDA 21 CFR - If intended for food contact, all materials touching the contents must comply with FDA regulations for food-safe plastics and elastomers.
• CPSC / ASTM F963 - If marketed as a toy or containing small parts accessible to children, safety testing for choking hazards and toxicity is required.
• Prop 65 (California) - Screening for chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm in plastics and coatings.
• ISO 11607 - If used for medical devices, packaging must meet sterility and integrity standards.

How a project runs

1. Inquiry - Define capacity, target cost, and material requirements.
2. Design - CAD modeling of the housing, seal, and button mechanism; simulation of spring forces.
3. Prototype - CNC or 3D printed samples to test button feel and seal integrity.
4. Tooling - Injection molds for housing, button, and seal; die casting or wire EDM for metal springs if needed.
5. Production - Molding, assembly, leak testing, and packaging.

Quantities & timeline

Injection molding tools for multi-part assemblies (housing, button, seal) typically take 4-8 weeks to build. Assembly is usually semi-automatic due to the small size and delicate nature of the flexible seals. Send us your capacity, material preferences, quantity and target price and we will reply with options.

Production notes

Tooling and process

The housing and button are likely produced via injection molding, given the complex geometry of the guide slots and mounting features. The flexible seal may also be injection molded using a softer elastomer or blow-molded depending on wall thickness requirements. Snap-fit or press-fit techniques are typical for assembling the internal components without screws, though the patent mentions screw fixation for some shell pieces.

Cost drivers

Wall thickness uniformity is likely critical for the seal’s performance. The number of molds and cavities directly impacts initial tooling costs, especially for the small, precise button and seal parts. Material grade affects both cost and sealing performance.

Prototyping path

We would typically start with a 3D-printed or CNC sample to verify the button travel and elastic return force. Follow up with a blow-molded trial housing or short-run injection mold to test the seal’s durability. Conduct drop and leak tests to ensure the vacuum holds under stress. Confirm the resin grade suits the items to be stored before finalizing tooling.

What we would change before tooling

We would optimize the spring rate consistency to ensure the button returns smoothly every time. Adjustments to the sealing surface and gasket compression profile might be needed to prevent leaks without making the button too hard to press. We would also check for stress whitening at corners in the plastic housing during high-force actuation.

Common failure points

Uneven wall thickness in the molded seal can lead to poor sealing. Lid not sealing is a primary risk if the elastic member loses tension. Cracking after drops is possible in rigid plastics if the design lacks sufficient ribbing or impact resistance. Thread engagement issues could arise if screw-fastened shells are stripped during assembly.

Patent drawings

Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.

Frequently asked questions

How does the vacuum seal work?

It uses a sliding button. When you push the button, it physically deforms a flexible rubber-like seal to open the pumping hole. When you let go, a spring pushes the button back, and the seal snaps shut, trapping the vacuum inside.

Do I need a special pump?

Yes, you need an external air-pumping device that connects to the designated air pumping hole. The patent describes the case itself, not the pump mechanism.

Is the seal durable?

The seal is made of a flexible material designed to withstand repeated deformation. Durability depends on the specific polymer chosen (e.g., silicone vs. TPE) and usage frequency.

Can it hold a strong vacuum?

The patent focuses on the mechanism for creating a sealed environment. The level of vacuum achieved depends on the efficiency of the external pump and the integrity of the seal, which should be confirmed in prototype testing.

What materials are safe for food?

The housing is typically plastic. For food use, you must select resins compliant with FDA 21 CFR standards. The flexible seal also needs food-grade certification.

Is it difficult to assemble?

The design includes positioning holes and columns to align parts correctly. Some versions use screws, while others may use snap-fits. Assembly is generally straightforward for automated or semi-automated lines.

Can this design be made and sold in the US?

The patent is filed in China and is in force there. The public record shows no US counterpart, so this specific Chinese patent does not restrict sales in the US. However, other US patents may exist in the vacuum packaging field, so a freedom-to-operate check is advised.

Are you affiliated with the patent owner?

No. IP2M is an independent design and manufacturing service working from the public patent document.

Request a quote

Click Request a Quote below to see our email address - copy it, or open your email app with a ready-made message. Please mention patent CN216977474U in the subject.

Helpful details to include:

• Your company and channel (cosmetics brand, food packager, pharma supplier)
• Target capacity (volume of the storage space)
• Material preferences (plastic type, seal material)
• Regulatory needs (FDA food contact, medical grade)
• Estimated quantity and target price
• Timeline - when you would like samples and the first shipment

You can also reach us at (332) 203-9997.