CA2279688C - Hand-held electric sealer with safety device - Google Patents

Hand-held electric sealer with safety device Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2279688C
CA2279688C CA002279688A CA2279688A CA2279688C CA 2279688 C CA2279688 C CA 2279688C CA 002279688 A CA002279688 A CA 002279688A CA 2279688 A CA2279688 A CA 2279688A CA 2279688 C CA2279688 C CA 2279688C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
heat
casing
insulative base
metal contact
heat insulative
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
CA002279688A
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
CA2279688A1 (en
Inventor
Shu-Hui Chou
Richard Chang
Mario B. Accumanno
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Welcome Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Welcome Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US09/132,687 external-priority patent/US6064038A/en
Priority claimed from US09/189,359 external-priority patent/US6232579B1/en
Priority claimed from US09/208,256 external-priority patent/US6326594B1/en
Application filed by Welcome Co Ltd filed Critical Welcome Co Ltd
Publication of CA2279688A1 publication Critical patent/CA2279688A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2279688C publication Critical patent/CA2279688C/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
    • B29C66/20—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines
    • B29C66/23—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being multiple and parallel or being in the form of tessellations
    • B29C66/232—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being multiple and parallel or being in the form of tessellations said joint lines being multiple and parallel, i.e. the joint being formed by several parallel joint lines
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/18—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tools
    • B29C65/22—Heated wire resistive ribbon, resistive band or resistive strip
    • B29C65/221—Heated wire resistive ribbon, resistive band or resistive strip characterised by the type of heated wire, resistive ribbon, band or strip
    • B29C65/222—Heated wire resistive ribbon, resistive band or resistive strip characterised by the type of heated wire, resistive ribbon, band or strip comprising at least a single heated wire
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/18—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tools
    • B29C65/22—Heated wire resistive ribbon, resistive band or resistive strip
    • B29C65/221—Heated wire resistive ribbon, resistive band or resistive strip characterised by the type of heated wire, resistive ribbon, band or strip
    • B29C65/222—Heated wire resistive ribbon, resistive band or resistive strip characterised by the type of heated wire, resistive ribbon, band or strip comprising at least a single heated wire
    • B29C65/223—Heated wire resistive ribbon, resistive band or resistive strip characterised by the type of heated wire, resistive ribbon, band or strip comprising at least a single heated wire comprising several heated wires
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
    • B29C65/18—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tools
    • B29C65/22—Heated wire resistive ribbon, resistive band or resistive strip
    • B29C65/228—Heated wire resistive ribbon, resistive band or resistive strip characterised by the means for electrically connecting the ends of said heated wire, resistive ribbon, resistive band or resistive strip
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
    • B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
    • B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
    • B29C66/11—Joint cross-sections comprising a single joint-segment, i.e. one of the parts to be joined comprising a single joint-segment in the joint cross-section
    • B29C66/112—Single lapped joints
    • B29C66/1122—Single lap to lap joints, i.e. overlap joints
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/40—General aspects of joining substantially flat articles, e.g. plates, sheets or web-like materials; Making flat seams in tubular or hollow articles; Joining single elements to substantially flat surfaces
    • B29C66/41—Joining substantially flat articles ; Making flat seams in tubular or hollow articles
    • B29C66/43—Joining a relatively small portion of the surface of said articles
    • B29C66/431—Joining the articles to themselves
    • B29C66/4312—Joining the articles to themselves for making flat seams in tubular or hollow articles, e.g. transversal seams
    • B29C66/43121—Closing the ends of tubular or hollow single articles, e.g. closing the ends of bags
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
    • B29C66/816—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the mounting of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps
    • B29C66/8161—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the mounting of the pressing elements, e.g. of the welding jaws or clamps said pressing elements being supported or backed-up by springs or by resilient material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
    • B29C66/818—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the cooling constructional aspects, or by the thermal or electrical insulating or conducting constructional aspects of the welding jaws or of the clamps ; comprising means for compensating for the thermal expansion of the welding jaws or of the clamps
    • B29C66/8187—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the cooling constructional aspects, or by the thermal or electrical insulating or conducting constructional aspects of the welding jaws or of the clamps ; comprising means for compensating for the thermal expansion of the welding jaws or of the clamps characterised by the electrical insulating constructional aspects
    • B29C66/81871—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the cooling constructional aspects, or by the thermal or electrical insulating or conducting constructional aspects of the welding jaws or of the clamps ; comprising means for compensating for the thermal expansion of the welding jaws or of the clamps characterised by the electrical insulating constructional aspects of the welding jaws
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/82—Pressure application arrangements, e.g. transmission or actuating mechanisms for joining tools or clamps
    • B29C66/822—Transmission mechanisms
    • B29C66/8221—Scissor or lever mechanisms, i.e. involving a pivot point
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/82—Pressure application arrangements, e.g. transmission or actuating mechanisms for joining tools or clamps
    • B29C66/822—Transmission mechanisms
    • B29C66/8227—Transmission mechanisms using springs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/83—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof characterised by the movement of the joining or pressing tools
    • B29C66/832—Reciprocating joining or pressing tools
    • B29C66/8324—Joining or pressing tools pivoting around one axis
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/84—Specific machine types or machines suitable for specific applications
    • B29C66/849—Packaging machines
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/84—Specific machine types or machines suitable for specific applications
    • B29C66/861—Hand-held tools
    • B29C66/8614—Tongs, pincers or scissors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/84—Specific machine types or machines suitable for specific applications
    • B29C66/861—Hand-held tools
    • B29C66/8618—Hand-held tools being battery operated
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/87—Auxiliary operations or devices
    • B29C66/874—Safety measures or devices
    • B29C66/8742—Safety measures or devices for operators
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B51/00—Devices for, or methods of, sealing or securing package folds or closures; Devices for gathering or twisting wrappers, or necks of bags
    • B65B51/10—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof
    • B65B51/14—Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof by reciprocating or oscillating members
    • B65B51/148—Hand-operated members
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
    • B29C66/80—General aspects of machine operations or constructions and parts thereof
    • B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
    • B29C66/812—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the composition, by the structure, by the intensive physical properties or by the optical properties of the material constituting the pressing elements, e.g. constituting the welding jaws or clamps
    • B29C66/8122—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the composition, by the structure, by the intensive physical properties or by the optical properties of the material constituting the pressing elements, e.g. constituting the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the composition of the material constituting the pressing elements, e.g. constituting the welding jaws or clamps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
    • B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
    • B29L2031/712—Containers; Packaging elements or accessories, Packages
    • B29L2031/7128—Bags, sacks, sachets

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Package Closures (AREA)

Abstract

A hand-held electric sealer used for sealing a plastic bag or the like, including a casing, a sealing mechanism, a press bar, and safety means. The sealing mechanism has a heating wire, which produces heat for sealing the plastic bag or the like when turned on.
The safety means controls the heating of the sealing mechanism, and stops the sealing mechanism from being triggered accidentally.

Description

HAND-HELD ELECTRIC SEALER WITH SAFETY DEVICE
BACKGROUND OF TH iNV~NTION
The present invention relates to electric sealers, and more particular to a hand-held electric sealer, and more particularly to a hand-held electric sealer with a safety device that controls the heating of the sealing mechanism, and stops the sealing mechanism from being triggered accidentally.
A variety of electric sealers have been developed, and have appeared on the market. These conventional electric sealers are designed to be energized by AC
power supply, or DC power supply. US Pat. No. 5,142,123 discloses an electric sealer energizable by internal battery set or external AC adapter.
SUMMARY OF THE PREFBRR EMBODIM NTS
It is the object of the present invention to provide an electric sealer which is hand-held, and safe to use. It is another object of the present invention to provide an electric sealer which a hand-held electric sealer which is energizable by internal battery set or external AC adapter. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a hand-held electric sealer which has means to stop the sealing mechanism from being triggered accidentally.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the hand-held electric sealer comprises a casing, a sealing mechanism, a press bar, and safety means. The sealing mechanism comprises a heat insulative base, a heating wire, and two metal locating plates.
The heat insulative base has a projecting block on the middle. The heating wire is mounted on the projecting block of the heat insulative base. The metal locating plates are fastened to the heat insulative base at two opposite sides to hold down the heating wire. A heat resistant cover sheet may be fastened to the projecting block of the heat insulative base, and covered on the heating wire. There may be more than one heating wire if desired. The heat insulative base of the sealing mechanism can be made of ceramics, Bakelite, heat insulative plastics, or any material that resists heat as high as about 200°C. The press bar has one end, namely the fixed end, pivoted to the casing, and an opposite end, namely the free end, with a heat insulative block mounted thereon. When the press bar is pressed LADOCS1251365d 1 -1-r down, the heat insulative block is lowered with the free end of the press bar and forced against the heat insulative base of the sealing mechanism to clamp the mouth of the plastic bag, enabling the mouth of the plastic bag to be sealed. The safety means controls the heating of the heating wire of the sealing mechanism, and stops the sealing mechanism from being triggered accidentally. The safety means can be a stop plate pivoted to the outside wall of the casing, and turned between a first position where the stop plate is suspended above the sealing mechanism to stop the heat insulative block of the press bar from contacting the projecting block of the heat insulative base of the sealing mechanism, and a second position where the stop plate is moved away from the sealing mechanism for enabling the heat insulative block of the press bar to be pressed against the projecting block of the heat insulative base of the sealing mechanism. In another embodiment of the present invention, the safety means includes a shaft mounted in a hole inside the casing, a stop rod and extended out of a notch on the casing and operated by hand to turn the stop rod about the shaft between a fig st position where the sealing mechanism cannot be triggered, and a second position where the sealing mechanism can be triggered. The safety means can be a safety switch, a press-button switch, or an electric connector, or a combination thereof.
When a press-button switch is used, a protective shielding means is provided for protection.
The electric circuit is closed or opened by means of operating the safety means of the safety switch, press-button switch or electric connector. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the sealing mechanism is installed in the free end of the press bar.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a hand-held electric sealer including a housing, a sealing mechanism, a heat resistant cover sheet and a press unit pivotally connected to the housing that acts against the sealing mechanism.
The sealing mechanism is mounted in the housing and includes a heat insulative base having a protrusive portion and an electric heating wire mounted on the protrusive portion of the heat insulative base. The heat resistant cover sheet covers at least a portion of the electric heating wire and is held within a frame. The frame includes retainer means that engage the protrusive portion of the heat insulative base to secure the heat resistant cover sheet to the protrusive portion and over at least the portion of the electric heating wire.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an electric sealer comprising a housing, a sealing mechanism mounted within said housing, a frame having defined therein an opening having an edge that is aligned with at least a i.nnocsvxsmsa i ' 2' portion of the sealing mechanism, and a heat resistant cover sheet aligned with at least a portion of the opening in said frame.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided an electric heat sealer comprising a casing, a sealing mechanism mounted and movable upward and downward within the casing, the sealing mechanism includes an electric heating wire through which electrical current flows, operating means for activating the sealing - mechanism, and a safety device that selectively prevents electrical current from flowing through the electric heating wire.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description.
It is to be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is an exploded view of a hand-held electric sealer according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of the first embodiment of the present invention, showing the press bar not depressed.
Figure 4 is similar to Figure 3 but showing the press bar depressed.
Figure 5 is an exploded view of a hand-held electric sealer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is an exploded view of a hand-held electric sealer according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a top plain view of the third embodiment of the present invention, showing the arrangement of the electric circuit.
Figure 8 is a sectional view of a part of the first embodiment of the present invention, showing an. AC adapter inserted into the electric connector, the second terminal disconnected from the first terminal.
i.nnocsnsmsa i _ 3 _ Figure 9 is an exploded view of a hand-held electric sealer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 is a top plain view of the fourth embodiment of the present invention, showing the arrangement of the electric circuit.
Figure 11 is an exploded view of a hand-held electric sealer according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 is an exploded view of part of Figure 1 1 .
Figure 13 is a schematic drawing showing the safety switch of the fifth embodiment of the present invention operated.
Figure 14 is an exploded view of a hand-held electric sealer according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 15 is a perspective view of the sixth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 16 is another perspective view of the sixth embodiment of the present invention when viewed from another angle.
Figure 17 is an exploded view of a hand-held electric sealer according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 18 is an exploded view of a hand-held electric sealer according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 19 is an exploded view showing the detachable arrangement of the sealing mechanism according to the present invention.
Figure 20 is a sectional view of an alternate form of the present invention, showing the sealing mechanism installed in the free end of the press bar.
Figure 21 is similar to Figure 20 but showing the press bar depressed.
Figure 22 is an exploded view of the sealing mechanism for a hand-held electrical sealer according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 23 is a schematic drawing explaining replacement of the heat resistant cover sheet in the embodiment of Figure 22.
Figure 24 shows an alternative form of the heat insulative base according to the present invention.
Figure 25 shows an alternate form of the frame and another alternate form of the heat insulative base according to the present invention.
cnnocsvzsmso i - 4 -Figure 26 shows another alternate form of the frame and its positioning on the front cover plate relative to the heat insulative base according to the present invention.
Figure 27 shows multiple electric heating wires disposed on the heat insulative base of Figure 24 according to the present invention.
Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESK'-RIPTION OF THE PREFFRRFn Ft~nanniMENTS
Referring to Figures 1 through 4, a hand-held electric sealer in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is an electric sealer energizable by an internal battery set. The sealer includes a casing 10, a spring holder 1 1, a press bar 20, a battery chamber 30, and a sealing mechanism 40.
The battery chamber 30 is defined within the casing 10, and includes a front contact holder 31 transversely disposed at a front side, a rear contact holder transversely disposed at a rear side, a pair of first metal contacts 33 and 34 bilaterally provided at the front contact holder 31, a pair of second metal contacts 35 bilaterally provided at the rear contact holder 32, and two horizontal metal contacts 331 and 341 respectively forwardly extended from the first metal contacts 33 and 34.
According to this embodiment, the second metal contacts 35 are integral with each other. A
battery set can then be installed in the battery chamber 30 between the front contact holder 31 and the rear contact holder 32 to provide DC power to the sealing mechanism 40. The spring holder 11 is mounted in casing 10 between the horizontal metal contacts 331 and 341.
The sealing mechanism 40 is mounted in the casing 10, and includes a heat insulative base 41, a heating wire 42, two metal locating plates 43, a heat resistant cover sheet 44, and a compression spring 45. The heat insulative base 41 comprises a flat projecting block 41 1 on the middle. The heating wire 42 is fastened to the projecting block 41 1 of the heat insulative base 41. The locating plates 43 are fastened to the heat insulative base 41 at two opposite sides to hold the heating wire 42 in place.
The heat resistant cover sheet 44 is covered on the projecting block 411 and the heating wire 42 to protect the heating wire 42, and to provide a smooth surface. The heat resistant cover sheet 44 can be a meshed member made of teflon-coated metal wire. The heat insulative base 41 further comprises a bottom hole 412. The compression spring 45 has a bottom end mounted in the spring holder 1 1 and a top end inserted into the bottom hole 412.
Lanocs~zsnssa ~

Therefore, the sealing mechanism 40 is supported on the compression spring 45, and can be moved up and down relative to the casing 10.
The press bar 20 comprises a heat insulative block 21 at the bottom side of one end, namely the front end thereof, a heat resistant cover sheet 22 covered on the heat insulative block 21, and a pair of lugs 23 bilaterally arranged in parallel at an opposite end, namely the rear end thereof. The lugs 23 each have a pivot pin 231. The pivot pins 231 of the lugs 23 are respectively inserted into respective pivot holes 12 at the rear side of the casing 10 remote from the sealing mechanism 40. Therefore, the press bar 20 can be pivoted up and down about an axis relative to the casing 10. When the press bar 20 is pivoted downwards, the heat insulative block 21 is pressed on the projecting block 41 1 of the heat insulative base 41 of the sealing mechanism 40. The heat resistant cover sheet 22 is covered on the heat insulative block 21 to provide a smooth surface. The heat resistant cover sheet 22 can be a meshed member made of teflon-coated metal wire.
Further, a spring plate 24 is provided, having a fixed end fastened to the press bar 20 and a free end stopped at a part of the casing 10. The spring plate 24 imparts an upward pressure to the press bar 20, causing the press bar 20 to be maintained in an "opened"
position where the heat insulative block 21 is kept away from the projecting block 411 of the heat insulative base 41 of the sealing mechanism 40.
A safety stop plate 14 is pivotally connected to the front side of the casing 10. When the heat sealer is not in use, the safety stop plate 14 is pivoted upwards and forced into the gap between the heat insulative block 21 of the press bar 20 and the projecting block 411 of the heat insulative base 41 of the sealing mechanism 40 to prohibit the heat insulative block 21 of the press bar 20 from contacting the sealing mechanism 40.
When in use, the safety stop plate 14 is pivoted outwards and then downwards, enabling the heat insulative block 21 of the press bar 20 to be pressed against the projecting block 41 1 of the heat insulative base 41 of the sealing mechanism 40.
A cover 50 is covered on the casing 10 to protect the sealing mechanism 40 and the battery chamber 30. The cover 50 is comprised of a front cover plate 51, which covers the sealing mechanism 40, a battery cover plate 52, which covers the battery chamber 30, and a rear cover plate 53, which covers the rear part of the casing 10. The front cover 51 has an opening 511 through which the projecting block 41 1 of the heat insulative base 41 of the sealing mechanism 40 passes.
L.~nocs~zsmsa i _ 6 _ Further, a magnetic mounting plate 13 is fixedly provided at the back side (bottom side) of the casing 10. By means of the magnetic mounting plate 13, the hand-held electric sealer can be secured to a metal object, for example the metal wall of a refrigerator, by magnetic attraction.
The operation of the first embodiment of the present invention is outlined hereinafter with reference to Figures 3 and 4 again. As illustrated in Figure 3, when the hand-held electric sealer is not in operation, the metal locating plates 43 are kept away from the horizontal metal contacts 331 and 341, the heating wire 42 is disconnected from the DEC power supply of the battery (which is installed in the battery chamber 30), and the safety stop plate 14 is stopped between the heat insulative block 21 of the press bar 20 and the projecting block 411 of the heat insulative base 41 of the sealing mechanism 40.
Therefore, pressing the press bar 20 does not cause the sealing mechanism 40 to work.
When in use, as illustrated in Figure 4, the safety stop plate 14 is turned away from the projecting block 411, then the press bar 20 is depressed to force the heat insulative block 21 against the heat insulative base 41 of the sealing mechanism 40, causing the metal locating plates 42 to be lowered with the heat insulative base 41 into contact with the horizontal metal contacts 331 and 341, and the heating wire 42 is electrically connected to start the heat sealing operation.
When sealing the two thermoplastic flaps of an article, the thermoplastic flaps of the article are placed in between the heat insulative block 21 and the projecting block 41 1, then the press bar 20 is depressed to force the metal locating plates 43 into contact with the horizontal metal contacts 331 and 341. When the metal locating plates 43 touch the horizontal metal contacts 331 and 341, the heating wire 42 is turned on to produce heat, thereby causing the thermoplastic flaps of the article to be sealed.
After sealing, the press bar 20 is released, enabling the heat insulative base 41 and the metal locating plates 43 to be moved upwardly away from the horizontal metal contacts 331 and 341 by the compression spring 45, and therefore battery power is cut off from the heating wire 42.
Figure 5 shows a hand-held electric sealer according to a second embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is energizable by an external AC
adapter. The structure and operation procedure of this second embodiment are similar to that of the first embodiment with the exception of the arrangement of the power supply. The second embodiment comprises a power socket 70 for receiving power from an AC outlet through an AC adapter. The power socket 70 has two opposite terminals respectively connected to the Lnnocs~sme ~ _ 7 horizontal metal contacts 331 and 341 by electric wires 72 and 73. Because no battery is used, the aforesaid battery chamber can be eliminated from the casing 10.
Therefore, the size of the casing 10 can be greatly reduced. Further, the safety stop plate 14 is pivotally connected to the outside wall of the casing 10 relative to the sealing mechanism 40 for safety control.
Figures 6 through 8 illustrate a hand-held electric sealer according to a third embodiment. This third embodiment can be energized by an internal battery set or an external AC adapter as desired. The electric connector, referenced by 90, comprises a first terminal 91, a second terminal 92 and a third terminal 93 respectively connected to the left-side first metal contact 33 and the two horizontal metal contacts 331 and 341 by respective electric wires 71, 72 and 73. The left-side horizontal metal contact 331 and the left-side first metal contact 33 are separated from each other. The right-side horizontal metal contact 341 and the right-side first metal contact 34 are connected together. As illustrated in Figure 7, the first terminal 91 and the second terminal 92 are electrically connected. When an AC adapter 80 is connected to the electric connector 90, the second terminal 92 is forced away from the first terminal 91 (see Figure 81, i.e., the battery is off after installation of the AC adapter 80 in the electric connector 90.
Therefore, at any one time, only battery power or AC power is exclusively provided to the sealing mechanism.
The third embodiment further comprises a safety switch 60 installed in the electric wire 72 between the second terminal 92 of the electric connector 90 and the left-side horizontal metal contact 331. When not in use, the safety switch 60 is switched to the off position to cut off the power supply. Under this condition, pressing the press bar 20 does not cause the sealing mechanism to work. Because the safety switch 60 can easily be achieved by conventional techniques, it is not described in detail.
Figures 9 and 10 illustrate a hand-held electric sealer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. According to this embodiment, the right-side horizontal metal contact 341 and the right-side first metal contact 34 are separated from each other, the first terminal 91 is connected to the left-side first metal contact 33 by one electric wire 71, the second terminal 92 is connected to the left-side horizontal metal contact 331 by one electric wire 72, the third terminal 93 is connected to the right-side horizontal metal contact 341 by one electric wire 73, and the safety switch 61 is installed in an electric wire 74, which is connected between the right-side first metal contact 34 and the right-side horizontal metal contact 341.
i.nnocs~smsa i _ g _ Figures 11 through 13 illustrate a hand-held electric sealer according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. This fifth embodiment comprises a safety switch 100. The safety switch 100 is provided at the front side of the casing 10, comprising a knob 101, an electrically insulative stop rod 102, and a shaft 103. The shaft 103 is mounted in a hole 16 inside the casing 10. The electronically insulative stop rod 102 is a substantially V-shaped rod turned about the shaft 103. The knob 101 is fixedly connected to a part of the stop rod 102, and extended out of a top notch 17 at the front side of the casing 10. Further, a spring cap 151 is covered on a spring 15 inside the casing 10, and forced upwards by the spring 15 to support the press bar 20 in the open position.
Referring to Figures 12 and 13 again, when not in use, the knob 101 is operated by hand to turn the stop rod 102 about the shaft 103 to a first position where the two opposite ends of the stop rod 102 are suspended above the horizontal metal contacts 331 and 341 to stop the metal locating plates 43 from contacting the horizontal metal contacts 331 and 341. On the contrary, when using the hand-held electric sealer, the stop rod 102 is turned about the shaft 103 to a second position where the two opposite ends of the stop rod 102 are moved away from the horizontal metal contacts 331 and 341, for enabling the metal locating plates 43 to be lowered with the sealing mechanism 30 into contact with the horizontal metal contacts 331 and 341. This safety switch 100 can be used in either of the first, second and third embodiments, or any similar electric sealer.
Figures 14 through 16 illustrate a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
According to this embodiment, the sealing mechanism is substantially immovable, i.e., the sealing mechanism cannot be moved vertically. The hand-held electric sealer of the sixth embodiment is energizable by a battery set. According to this sixth embodiment, the sealing mechanism 40 includes a heat insulative base 41, a heating wire 42, two metal locating plates 43, and a heat resistant cover sheet 14. When assembled, the sealing mechanism 40 is disposed above the front contact holder 31, and the metal locating plates 43 are maintained in contact with the horizontal metal contacts 331 and 341.
The front cover plate 51 holds the sealing mechanism 40 in place, enabling the metal locating plates 43 to be maintained in contact with the horizontal metal contacts 331 and 341.
The fifth embodiment further comprises a safety device, which can be a safety switch 75 or a press-button switch 76. Both the safety switch 75 and the press-button switch 76 may be simultaneously installed. in this case, the heating wire 42 can be turned on only when the safety switch 75 and the press-button switch 76 are both ~anocs~xsmsa i _ g _ i switched on. Referring to Figures 14 through 16 again, the left-side first metal contact 33 and the left-side horizontal metal contact 331 are separately installed, and an electric wire 721 is connected between the left-side first metal contact 33 and the left-side horizontal metal contact 331. The safety switch 75 is installed in the electric wire 721 to switch on/off the circuit. Alternatively, the right-side first metal contact 34 and the right-side horizontal metal contact 341 can be separately installed and connected by an electric wire 731, and the press-button switch'76 can be installed in the electric wire 731 and controlled to close/open the circuit. If desired, the second metal contacts 35 can be separated from each other, and connected by an electric wire in which the safety switch or press-button switch can be installed and operated to close/open the circuit. The application of the safety switch and/or press-button switch can be used in any of the above embodiments.
Referring to Figure 14 again, the sealing mechanism 40 can have a plurality of heating wires 42. The cross section of the heating wires) 42 can have a circular shape, polygonal shape, or any of a variety of shapes.
When the safety switch 75 is switched on, the two thermoplastic flaps of the article to be sealed are put in between the heat insulative block 21 of the press bar 20 and the projecting block 411 of the heat insulative base 41 of the sealing mechanism 40, then the press bar 20 is pressed down, and at the same time the press-button switch 76 is depressed, causing the heating wires) 42 to produce heat, enabling the two thermoplastic flaps of the article to be sealed. When the press-button switch 76 is released, the heating wire(s1 42 is (are) off. After use, the safety switch 75 is switched off.
Figure 17 shows a seventh embodiment of the present invention. According to this embodiment, the sealing mechanism is substantially immovable, and energizable by an AC adapter. As illustrated, a front contact holder 31, which holds two horizonal metal contacts 331 and 341, and a power socket 70 are mounted in the casing 10. The power socket 70 receives external power supply, and has two opposite terminals respectively connected to the horizonal metal contacts 331 and 341 by respective electric wires 72 and 73. The aforesaid safety switch 75 and press-button switch 76 can be selectively installed in the electric wire 72 or 73, or connected in series in the electric wire 72 or 73. Two or more safety switches or press-button switches may be installed. When a plurality of safety switches or press-button switches are installed, the sealing mechanism can be operated only when all safety switches or press-button switches are switched on. The installation and Lnnocs~zsmso i -10 -operating of the switches of the seventh embodiment may be used in the second embodiment.
Figure 18 illustrates an eighth embodiment of the present invention. The sealing mechanism according to this eighth embodiment is substantially immovable, and energizable by an internal battery set or an external AC adapter. According to this embodiment, the casing 10 comprises a battery chamber 30 for holding a battery set. The battery chamber 30 comprises a front contact holder 31 transversely disposed at a front side, a rear contact holder 32 transversely disposed at a rear side, a pair of first metal contacts, namely, the left-side first metal contact 33 and the right-side first metal contact 34 bilaterally provided at the front contact holder 31, a second metal contact 35 bilaterally provided at the rear contact holder 32, and two horizontal metal contacts namely a left-side horizontal metal contact 331 and a right-side horizontal metal contact 341 respectively disposed in contact of the first metal contacts 33 and 34. Please see also Figure 8, an electric connector 90 is mounted in the casing 10. The electric connector 90 comprises a first terminal 91, a second terminal 92, and a third terminal 93. The terminals 91, 92 and 93 are respectively connected to the left-side first metal contact 33, the left-side horizontal metal contact 331 and the right-side horizontal metal contact 341 by electric wires 71, 72 and 73. Before the installation of an AC adapter 80 in the electric connector 90, the first terminal 91 and the second terminal 92 are electrically connected. When an AC
adapter 80 is connected to the electric connector 90, the second terminal 92 is forced away from the first terminal 91, i.e., the battery is off after installation of the AC
adapter 80 in the electric connector 90. Therefore, only battery power or AC power is exclusively provided to the sealing mechanism at any one time. A safety switch and a press-button switch (not shown) can be connected in series, and installed in the electric wire 72.
Alternatively, a safety switch and a press-button switch may be connected in series, and installed in the position corresponding to the position of the safety switch 61 of the aforesaid fourth embodiment.
The operations of the sealing mechanism, the safety switch and the press-button switch are similar to the sixth and seventh embodiments.
Referring to Figure 19, the sealing mechanism can be detachable. As illustrated, the horizontal metal contacts 331 and 341 each have an upright lug 332 or 342, which has a locating hole 333 or 343. The metal locating plates 42 of the sealing mechanism 40 each have a bolt 431 at an outer side. By inserting the bolts 431 of the metal local plates 43 into the locating holes 333 and 343 of the metal contact plates 331 and 341, the sealing mechanism 40 is coupled between the horizontal metal contacts 331 and 341. Because the sealing mechanism 40 is detachable, it can be replaced with a new one when its heating wire or heat resistant cover sheet is damaged.
Referring to Figures 20 and 21, the sealing mechanism 40 can be installed in the free end of the press bar 20. As illustrated, the press bar 20 comprises two metal press plates 25 respectively connected to the sealing mechanism 40. The casing 10 comprises a heat insulative block 18 at the top corresponding to the sealing mechanism 40 at the press bar 20. A switch 19 is installed in the casing 10, and controlled to turn on/off the sealing mechanism 40. When the press bar 20 is pressed down to force the sealing mechanism 40 against the heat insulative block 18, the metal press plates 25 are simultaneously pressed on the switch 19, causing the switch 19 to be switched on, and therefore the electric circuit is closed, enabling electricity to be transmitted to the sealing mechanism 40. In Figures 20 and 21, the sealing mechanism 40 is movably provided at the free end of the press bar 20 (the sealing mechanism 40 is coupled to the free end of the press bar 20 and supported on a spring memberl. Alternatively, the sealing mechanism 40 can be fixedly secured to the free end of the press bar 20.
The design of arranging the sealing mechanism at the press bar can be used in any of a variety of hand-held electric sealers, including battery-operated electric sealers, AC
electric sealers. AC/DC dual mode electric sealers.
Referring to Figures 22-26, another embodiment of the present invention including a detachable heat resistant cover sheet is shown. In this embodiment, the sealing mechanism 40 includes a heat insulative base 302, an electric heating wire 42, a pair of metal locating plates 43, a heat resistant cover sheet 44, and a frame 304.
The heat resistant cover sheet 44 is held within the frame 304. The heat insulative base 302 includes a protrusive portion 306 in the middle, two coupling recessed portions 308 at two opposite lateral sides, and opposite bottom edges 310. The metal locating plates 43 are fastened to the heat insulative base 302 at two opposite locations. The electric heating wire 42 is mounted on the protrusive portion 306 of the heat insulative base 302, and secured in place by the metal locating plates 43. The frame 304 is mounted around the protrusive portion 306 of the heat insulative base 302 to hold down the heat resistant cover sheet 44 on the protrusive portion 306 over the electric heating wire 42. The frame 304 includes a top portion 310 having defined therein an opening 312 and a plurality of downwardly extending hooks 314. The frame 304.is secured to the heat insulative base Lanocs~zsmso ~ _ 12 i 302 by engaging the hooks 314 in the coupling recessed portions 308. It will be understood that the frame 304 can be secured to the heat insulating base 302 in a number of different ways. For example, threaded fasteners or snaps can be provided, the frame may be threaded, the frame may be hinged to the housing, the frame may be integral with the housing. Any method of securing the frame 304 to the heat insulating base is within the scope of the present invention.
The heat resistant cover sheet 44 and the frame 304 can be fastened together by directly molding the frame 304 on the heat resistant cover sheet 44 or by adhering the heat resistant cover sheet 44 to the frame 304 using an adhesive.
The frame 304 is preferably comprised of a plastic, and can be directly molded on the heat resistant cover sheet 44 by injection molding.
The electric heating wire 42 can vary in thickness. Preferably, the thickness of the electric heating wire varies within the range of 0.10 mm to 0.50 mm.
However, it will be understood that the electric heating wire 42 of the present invention can be any thickness.
Referring to Figure 23, when replacing the heat resistant cover sheet, the downwardly extending hooks 314 of the frame 304 are disengaged from the heat insulative base 302. The used heat resistant cover sheet 44 is then removed from the frame 304 and replaced with anew heat resistant cover sheet 44. The frame 304 is then fastened to the heat insulative base 302 to secure the new heat resistant cover sheet 44 to the protrusive portion 306 of the heat insulative base 302 and at least partially over the electric heating wire 42. Alternatively, when frame 304 is molded or adhered to cover sheet 44, thus forming a single unit, the entire unit can be removed and replaced with a new frame 304 and cover sheet 44.
Referring to Figures 24 to 26, alternative embodiments of the heat insulative base 302 as well as the frame 304 are also included within the scope of the present invention. In Figure 24, the heat insulative base 302 has two symmetrical pairs of coupling recessed portions 316 at two opposite sides for engagement with the downwardly extending hooks 314 of the frame 304. The heat resistant cover sheet 44 can be a meshed sheet member made from a heat resistant material, such as TEFLON~
(polytetrafluoroethylene) or the like, that provides a smooth surface and protects the electric heating wire 42. In a preferred embodiment, the heat resistant cover sheet 44 is in the range of 5.0 mm to 9.0 mm wide and 8.0 mm to 12.0 mm long. However, it will be tnnocsusiasse ~ _ 13 _ r understood that the size of the heat resistant cover sheet 44 is not a limitation. Any width and length of the heat resistant cover sheet 44 are within the scope of the present invention.
Alternatively, the heat resistant cover sheet 44 can have an adhesive thereon for adhering the heat resistant cover sheet 44 to the electric heating wire 42 and the protrusive portion 306 of the heat insulative base 302. The adhesive can be a special adhesive that will not damage the electric heating wire 42 when the heat resistant cover sheet 44 is removed, thereby allowing the heat resistant cover sheet 44 to be temporary and replaceable.
In Figure 25, the heat insulative base 302 includes two horizontal coupling grooves 318 at two opposite lateral sides. The frame 304 has two coupling flanges 320 for engaging the horizontal coupling grooves 318 of the heat insulative base 302.
In Figure 26, the frame 304 has a plurality of downwardly extending hooks 322 respectively hookad in the peripheral edge of an opening 324 on the front cover plate 51.
As shown in Figure 27, a plurality of electric heating wires 44 can be employed. The electric heating wires 44 are mounted on the protrusive portion 304 of the heat insulative base 302, and secured in place by the metal locating plates 43. Any number of electric heating wires 44 is within the scope of the invention.
It is to be understood that the drawings are designed for purposes of illustration only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits and scope of the invention disclosed.
~.nnocs~zsmsa i _ 14 _

Claims (38)

1. A hand-held electric sealer comprising, (a) a housing, (b) a heating unit mounted in said housing, said heating unit comprising (i) a heat insulative base having a protrusive portion and (ii) an electric heating wire mounted on said protrusive portion of said heat insulative base, (c) a heat resistant cover sheet covering at least a portion of said electric heating wire, wherein said heat resistant cover sheet is held within a frame, said frame comprising retainer means that engage said protrusive portion of said heat insulative base to secure said heat resistant cover sheet to said protrusive portion and over at least said portion of said electric heating wire, and (d) a press unit pivotally connected to said housing and acting against said heating unit.
2. The hand-held electric sealer of claim 1 wherein said heat insulative base has defined therein a plurality of recessed portions disposed on opposite sides of said protrusive portion, and wherein said retainer means of said frame comprises a plurality of downwardly extending hooks respectively engaged in said recessed portions of said heat insulative base.
3. The hand-held electric sealer of claim 1 wherein said heat resistant cover sheet is a meshed member made from Teflon.TM. a heat-resistant material.
4. The hand-held electric sealer of claim 1 wherein said frame is comprised of plastic and is molded on said heat resistant cover sheet.
5. A hand-held electric sealer comprising:
(a) a housing, (b) a heating unit mounted within said housing, comprising (i) a heat insulative base having a top and (ii) an electric heating wire secured to said heat insulative base, (c) a frame, (d) a heat resistant cover sheet removably secured to said top of said heat insulative base by said frame, and (e) a press unit pivotally connected to said housing.
6. The hand-held electric sealer of claim 5 wherein said heat insulative base further comprises a protrusive portion on which is secured said electric heating wire.
7. The hand-held electric sealer of claim 5 wherein said frame comprises a plurality of downwardly extending hooks for removably securing said frame to said heat insulative base, whereby said heat resistant cover sheet can be removed and replaced.
8. The hand-held electric sealer of claim 5 wherein said electric heating wire ranges in thickness from 0.10 mm to 0.50 mm.
9. An electric sealer comprising (a) a housing, (b) a heating unit mounted within said housing, (c) a frame having defined therein an opening having an edge, said opening aligned with at least a portion of said heating unit, (d) a heat resistant cover sheet aligned with at least a portion of said opening in said frame, and (e) a press unit pivotally connected to said housing.
10. The sealer of claim 9 which is a hand-held electric sealer.
11. The sealer of claim 9 wherein said frame engages said heating unit.
12. The sealer of claim 11 wherein said heating unit comprises a heat insulative base having a protrusive portion, opposite sides and opposite bottom edges and wherein said frame and said protrusive portion of said heating unit engage.
13. The sealer of claim 12 wherein said frame comprises retainer means for engaging said frame with said protrusive portion of said heating unit and said heating unit has defined therein a plurality of openings within which said engaging retaining means engage.
14. The sealer of claim 13 wherein said retainer means comprise a plurality of downwardly extending hooks and said openings comprise a plurality of recessed portions defined in said opposite sides e~f said protrusive portion of said heating unit.
15. The sealer of claim 11 wherein said frame secures said heat resistant cover sheet to said heating unit.
16. The sealer of claim 9 wherein said heat resistant cover sheet is detachably affixed to said frame.
17. The sealer of claim 9 wherein said heat resistant cover sheet is permanently affixed to said frame.
18. A heat sealing kit comprising (a) the sealer of claim 9 and (b) at least one additional heat resistant cover sheet.
19. A method of servicing an electric sealer, said sealer comprising (a) a housing, (b) a heating unit mounted within said housing, (c) a frame having defined therein an opening having an edge, said opening aligned with at least a portion of said heating unit, and (d) a heat resistant cover sheet aligned with at least a portion of said opening in said frame, said method comprising the steps of (i) removing said frame from said sealer, (ii) replacing said heat resistant cover sheet with another heat resistant cover sheet, and (iii) returning said frame to said sealer.
20. A method of servicing an electric sealer comprising a heating unit and a heat resistant cover sheet secured thereto, said method. comprising the steps of (i) removing said heat resistant cover sheet from said heating unit and (ii) replacing said cover sheet so removed with another heat resistant cover sheet.
21. A frame for removably securing a heat resistant cover sheet to a heating unit of an electric sealer, said frame comprising:
(a) a top portion having an opening defined therein, said opening being adapted to align with at least a portion of sand heating unit, and (b) retainer means connected to said top portion for engaging said heating unit.
22. The frame of claim 21 wherein said retaining means comprises a plurality of downwardly extending hooks.
23. The frame of claim 21 further comprising a heat resistant cover sheet affixed to said top portion.
24. The frame of claim 21 in combination with an electric sealer.
25. An electric heat sealer comprising:
(a) a casing defining a battery chamber, said battery chamber comprising (i) a front upright support, (ii) a rear upright support, (iii) first and second front terminal plates respectively mounted on said front upright support, (iv) a pair of rear terminal plates respectively mounted on said rear upright support, (v) a first metal contact plate mounted on said front upright support and connected to said first front terminal plate, and (vi) a second metal contact plate mounted on said front upright support and spaced from said second terminal plate by a gap, said second terminal plate being forced into contact with said second metal contact plate when a battery set is installed in said battery chamber;
(b) a spring holder mounted in said casing and spaced between said first and second metal contact plates;
(c) a sealing mechanism mounted in said casing and moved up and down relative to said first and second metal contact plates, said sealing mechanism comprising (i) a heat insulative base, (ii) an electric wire, (iii) two metal locating plates, and (iv) a compression spring, said heat insulative base comprising a protrusive middle portion, said electric heating wire being mounted on said protrusive middle portion of said heat insulative base, said metal locating plates being fastened to said heat insulative base at two opposite sides thereof and respectively connected to two opposite ends of said electric heating wire, said compression spring being disposed between said spring holder and said protrusive middle portion of said heat insulative base;
(d) a press bar having a fixed end pivotally connected to one end of said casing and a free end on which is mounted a heat insulative press block, said heat insulative press block being forced against said protrusive middle portion of said heat insulative base of said sealing mechanism when said press bar is depressed; and (e) a safety device, said safety device comprising a safety switch having two opposite terminals and two lead wires respectively extended from said two opposite terminals thereof and respectively connected to said second terminal plate and said second metal contact plate; and wherein said safety device further comprises a protective frame pivotally connected to said casing on the outside and turned between a first position where said protective frame is spaced between said heat insulative base of said sealing mechanism and the heat insulative press block of said press bar, and a second position where said protective frame is moved out of said heat insulative base of said sealing mechanism.
26. An electric heat sealer comprising (a) a casing, (b) a cover device covering said casing, said cover device having an opening formed therethrough, (c) first and second metal contact plates mounted within said casing below said opening in said cover device, (d) a sealing mechanism mounted in said casing; and moving up and down relative to said first and second metal contact plates, said sealing mechanism comprising (i) a heat insulative base having a protrusive middle portion, (ii) an electric heating wire mounted on said protrusive middle portion of said heat insulative base, said electric heating wire having two opposite end (iii) two metal locating plates mounted on said heat insulative base and respectively connected to said opposite ends of said electric heating wire, (e) resilient means biasing said sealing mechanism in an upward direction so that said protrusive middle portion of said heat insulative base extends through said opening in said cover device, (f) operating means pivotally connected to said casing and extending above said opening in said cover device, said operating means being movable downwardly to engage an object to be sealed which is supported on said protrusive middle portion of said heat insulative base extending through said opening and urge said heat insulative base downwardly and cause said metal locating plates to engage said metal contact plates and heat said electric heating wire when said metal contact plates are connected to a source of electrical current, (g) a safety device which selectively prevents electrical current from flowing through said electric heating wire, said safety device comprising a protective frame pivotally connected to said casing on the outside thereof and pivotable between a first position in which said protective frame is disposed between said heat insulative base of said sealing mechanism and said operating means, and a second position in which said protective frame is not disposed there between, and (h) wherein said sealer is adapted to be supplied with electrical current from at least one current source selected from the group consisting of a DC
current source and an AC current source.
27. An electric heat sealer comprising (a) a casing, (b) a sealing mechanism mounted within said casing, said sealing mechanism including an electric heating wire through which electrical current flows, and (c) a safety device which selectively prevents electrical current from flowing through said electric heating wire, said safety device comprising a protective frame pivotally connected to said casing on the outside thereof and pivotable between a first position in which said protective frame is disposed above said sealing mechanism, and a second position in which said protective frame is not disposed above said sealing mechanism.
28. An electric heat sealer comprising (a) a casing, (b) a sealing mechanism mounted within said casing, said sealing mechanism including an electric heating wire through which electrical current flows, (c) a press bar, and (d) a device attached to said casing for preventing contact between said press bar and said sealing mechanism, said device comprising a protective frame pivotally connected to said casing on the outside thereof and pivotable between a first position in which said protective.
frame is disposed above said sealing mechanism, and a second position in which said protective frame is not disposed above said sealing mechanism.
29. An electric heat sealer comprising (a) a casing, (b) a cover device covering said casing, said cover device having an opening formed therethrough, (c) first and second metal contact plates mounted within said casing below said opening in said cover device, (d) a sealing mechanism mounted in said casing; and moving up and down relative to said first and second metal contact plates, said sealing mechanism comprising (i) a heat insulative base having a protrusive middle portion, (ii) an electric heating wire mounted on said protrusive middle portion of said heat insulative base, said electric heating wire having two opposite ends, (iii) two metal locating plates mounted on said heat insulative base and respectively connected to said opposite ends of said electric heating wire, (e) resilient means biasing said sealing mechanism in an upward direction so that said protrusive middle portion of said heat insulative base extends through said opening in said cover device, (f) operating means pivotally connected to said casing and extending above said opening in said cover device, said operating means being movable downwardly to engage an object to be sealed which is supported on said protrusive middle portion of said heat insulative base extending through said opening and urge said heat insulative base downwardly and cause said metal locating plates to engage said metal contact plates and heat said electric heating wire when said metal contact plates are connected to a source of electrical current, (g) wherein said electric heat sealer is adapted t:o be supplied with electrical current from a DC current source which is a battery set, and wherein said casing defines a battery chamber adapted to receive a battery set, said battery chamber comprising (i) a front upright support, (ii) a rear upright support, (iii) first and second front terminal plates respectively mounted on said front upright support, (iv) a pair of rear terminal plates respectively mounted on said rear upright support, (v) a first metal contact plate mounted on said front upright support and connected to said first front terminal plate, and (vi) a second metal contact plate mounted on said front upright support and spaced from said second terminal plate by a gap, and said second terminal plate being forced into contact with said second metal contact plate when a battery set is installed in said battery chamber, and (h) a safety device which selectively prevents electrical current from flowing through said electric heating wire, said safety device comprising a protective frame pivotally connected to said casing on the outside thereof and pivotable between a first position in which said protective frame is disposed between said heat insulative base of said sealing mechanism and said heat insulative press block of said press bar, and a second position in which said protective frame is not disposed therebetween.
30. The electric heat sealer of claim 29 wherein said safety device further comprises a safety switch having two opposite terminals and two lead wires respectively extending from said two opposite terminals thereof and respectively connected to said second terminal plate and said second metal contact plate.
31. An electric heat sealer comprising (a) a casing, (b) a cover device covering said casing, said cover device having an opening formed therethrough, (c) first and second metal contact plates mounted within said casing below said opening in said cover device, (d) a sealing mechanism mounted in said casing and moving up and down relative to said first and second metal contact plates, said sealing mechanism comprising (i) a heat insulative base having a protrusive middle portion, (ii) an electric heating wire mounted on said protrusive middle portion of said heat insulative base, said electric heating wire having two opposite ends, (iii) two metal locating plates mounted on said heat insulative base and respectively connected to said opposite ends of said electric heating wire, (e) resilient means biasing said sealing mechanism in an upward direction so that said protrusive middle portion of said heat insulative base extends through said opening in said cover device, (f) operating means pivotally connected to said casing and extending above said opening in said cover device, said operating means being movable downwardly to engage an object to be sealed which is supported on said protrusive middle portion of said heat insulative base extending through said opening and urge said heat insulative base downwardly and cause said metal locating plates to engage said metal contact plates and heat said electric heating wire when said metal contact plates are connected to a source of electrical current, (g) a safety device which selectively prevents electrical current from flowing through said electric heating wire, said safety device comprising a protective frame pivotally connected to said casing on the outside thereof and pivotable between a first position in which said protective frame is disposed between said heat insulative base of said sealing mechanism and said operating means, and a second position in which said protective frame is not disposed therebetween, and wherein said safety device further comprises a safety switch, and (h) wherein said sealer is adapted to be supplied with electrical current from an AC current source.
32. An electric heat sealer comprising (a) a casing having an opening formed therethrough, (b) first and second metal contact plates mounted within said casing below said opening, (c) a sealing mechanism mounted in said casing and moving up and down relative to said first and second metal contact plates, said sealing mechanism comprising (i) a heat insulative base having a protrusive middle portion, (ii) an electric heating wire mounted on said protrusive middle portion of said heat insulative base, said electric heating wire having two opposite ends, (iii) two metal locating plates mounted on said heat insulative base and respectively connected to said opposite ends of said electric heating wire, (d) resilient means biasing said sealing mechanism in an upward direction so that said protrusive middle portion of said heat insulative base extends through said opening in said casing, (e) operating means pivotally connected to said casing and extending above said opening in said casing, said operating means being movable downwardly to engage an object to be sealed which is supported on said protrusive middle portion of said heat insulative base extending through said opening and urge said heat insulative base downwardly and cause said metal locating plates to engage said metal contact plates and heat said electric heating wire when said metal contact plates are connected to a source of electrical current, and (f) a safety device which selectively prevents electrical current from flowing through said electric heating wire, wherein said safety device comprises a protective frame pivotally connected to said casing on the outside and turned between a first position where said protective frame is spaced between said heat insulative base of said sealing mechanism and the heat insulative press block of said press bar, and a second position where said protective frame is moved out of said heat insulative base of said sealing mechanism.
33. The electric heat sealer of claim 32 wherein said safety device further comprises a safety switch which selectively prevents electrical current from flowing through said electric heating wire.
34. A hand-held electric sealer comprising:
a casing, said casing comprising a battery chamber holding a battery chamber holding a better set, said battery chamber comprising a font contact holder, a rear contact holder, a left-sided first metal contact and a right-sided first metal contact respectively mounted in said front contact holder and separated from each other, a pair of second metal contacts mounted in said rear contact holder and connected together, a left-sided horizontal metal contact and a right-sided horizontal metal contact respectively mounted on said front contact holder corresponding to said left-sided first metal contact and said right-sided second metal contact;
a sealing mechanism fixedly mounted in said casing, said sealing mechanism comprising a heat insulative base, at least one heating wire, and two metal locating plates, said heat insulative base comprising a projecting block on the middle, said at least one heating wire being mounted on the projecting block of said heat insulative base, said metal locating plates being fastened to said heat insulative base at two opposite sides and connected to two opposite ends of each of said at least one heating wire and disposed in contact with said left-sided horizontal metal contact said right-sided horizontal metal contact respectively;
an electric connector installed in said casing for receiving an AC adapter;
a press bar having a fixed end pivoted to a rear side of said casing and a fret:
end provided with a heat insulative block, said heat insulative block being pressed on the projecting block of said heat insulative base of said sealing mechanism when said press bar is turned downwards;
safety means controlled to stop said at least one heating wire from heating;
and wherein said electric connector comprises a first terminal, a second terminal and a third terminal, said first, second and third terminals being respectively connected to said left-sided first metal contact, said left-sided horizontal metal contact and said right-sided horizontal metal contact by respective electric. wires, said first terminal and said second terminal being disposed in contact with c;ach other before the installation of an AC adapter in said electric connector, said second terminal being forced away from said first terminal upon insertion of AC: adapter into said electric connector.
35. A hand-held electric sealer comprising:
a casing, said casing comprising a battery chamber holding a battery chamber holding a better set, said battery chamber comprising a font contact holder, a rear contact holder, a left-sided first metal contact and a right-sided first metal contact respectively mounted in said front contact holder an separated from each other, a pair of second metal contacts mounted in said rear contact holder and connected together, a left-sided horizontal metal contact and a right-sided horizontal metal contact respectively mounted on said front contact holder corresponding to said left-sided first metal contact and said right-sided second metal contact;
a sealing mechanism fixedly mounted in said casing, said sealing mechanism comprising a heat insulative base, at least one heating wire, and two metal locating plates, said heat insulative base comprising a projecting block on the middle, said at least one heating wire being mounted on the projecting block of said heat insulative base, said metal locating plates being fastened to said heat insulative base at two opposite sides and connected to two opposite ends of each of said at least one heating wire and disposed in contact with said left-sided horizontal metal contact said right-sided horizontal metal contact respectively;
an electric connector installed in said casing for receiving an AC adapter;
a press bar having a fixed end pivoted to a rear side of said casing and a free end provided with a heat insulative block, said heat insulative block being pressed on the projecting block of said heat insulative base of said sealing mechanism when said press bar is turned downwards;
safety means controlled to stop said at least one heating wire from heating;
and wherein said left-sided horizontal metal contact and said right-sided horizontal metal contact each have an upright lug respectively coupled to the metal contact each have an upright lug respectively coupled to the metal locating plates of said sealing, mechanism to hold said sealing mechanism in place.
36. A hand-held electric sealer comprising:
a casing, said casing comprising a battery chamber holding a battery chamber holding a better set, said battery chamber comprising a font contact holder, a rear contact holder, a left-sided first metal contact and a right-sided first metal contact respectively mounted in said front contact holder and separated from each other, a pair of second metal contacts mounted in said rear contact holder and connected together, a left-sided horizontal metal contact and a right-sided horizontal metal contact respectively mounted on said front contact holder corresponding to said left-sided first metal contact and said right-sided second metal contact;
a sealing mechanism fixedly mounted in said casing, said sealing mechanism comprising a heat insulative base, at least one heating wire, and two metal locating plates, said heat insulative base comprising a projecting block on the middle, said a.t least one heating wire being mounted on the projecting block of said heat insulative base, said metal locating plates being fastened to said heat insulative base at two opposite sides and connected to two opposite ends of each of said at least one heating wire and disposed in contact with said left-sided horizontal metal contact said right-sided horizontal metal contact respectively;
an electric connector installed in said casing for receiving an AC adapter;
a press bar having a fixed end pivoted to a rear side of said casing and a free end provided with a heat insulative block, said heat insulative block being pressed on the projecting block of said heat insulative base of said sealing mechanism when said press bar is turned downwards;
safety means controlled to stop said at least one heating wire from heating;
and wherein said left-sided horizontal metal contact and said right-sided horizontal metal contact each have an upright lug, the upright lugs of said left-sided horizontal metal contact and said right-sided horizontal metal contact each having a coupling hole; said metal locating plates of said sealing mechanism each comprise a bolt at an outer side respectively releasably coupled to the coupling hole at the upright lugs of said left-sided horizontal metal contact and said right-sided horizontal metal contact.
37. An electric heat sealer comprising:
a housing having an opening defined therein, said opening including a pair of opposed notches, a heating unit mounted within said housing and at least partially aligned with said opening in said housing, a source of current, and circuitry connecting said heating unit and said source of current.
38. The electric heat sealer of claim 37 wherein said heating unit comprises a heat insulative base having a protrusive middle portion and an electric heating wire secured to said protrusive middle portion, and wherein said electric heating wire is substantially aligned with said opposed notches.
CA002279688A 1998-08-12 1999-08-05 Hand-held electric sealer with safety device Expired - Lifetime CA2279688C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/132,687 US6064038A (en) 1998-08-12 1998-08-12 Hand-held electric sealer with detachable heat resistant cover sheet
US09/132,687 1998-08-13
US09/189,359 US6232579B1 (en) 1997-08-26 1998-11-09 Electric heat sealer with safety device
US09/189,359 1998-11-09
US09/208,256 1998-12-09
US09/208,256 US6326594B1 (en) 1997-08-26 1998-12-09 Hand-held electric sealer with safety means

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CA2279688A1 CA2279688A1 (en) 2000-02-13
CA2279688C true CA2279688C (en) 2005-12-06

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ITRE20110086A1 (en) * 2011-10-19 2013-04-20 Luigi Quaglia THERMO-SEALING MACHINE (TERSICUT) OF TRAYS WITH SFRIDOUS CUTTING AND WITHOUT PRE-HEATED PLATE (TERSIGREEN) (TERSIND)
CN108064091A (en) * 2017-11-02 2018-05-22 刘诗锋 Sealing machine heating module

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