<p>A vacuum apparatus (200) for sealing an airtight bag (300) includes a tongue (115) in fluid communication with a vacuum chamber (107) and base members (101, 102) that close around and seal a section of the bag (300). The once closed, the apparatus (200) facilitates fluid communication between the interior of the airtight bag (301) and the vacuum chamber (107), allowing actuation of the vacuum chamber (107) to result in evacuation of air from the bag (300). The tongue (115) may take the form of a removable tube device or may be designed to puncture the bag (300). The apparatus (200) may be wholly removable after evacuation of the bag (300), or some part of the apparatus (200) may remain on the bag (300) in order to maintain the airtight seal.</p>
