US20030140603A1 - Vacuum sealing bag apparatus - Google Patents
Vacuum sealing bag apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- US20030140603A1 US20030140603A1 US10/057,693 US5769302A US2003140603A1 US 20030140603 A1 US20030140603 A1 US 20030140603A1 US 5769302 A US5769302 A US 5769302A US 2003140603 A1 US2003140603 A1 US 2003140603A1
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- Prior art keywords
- bag
- vacuum
- frame
- receiving area
- sealing apparatus
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- 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
- B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
- B65B31/04—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied
- B65B31/046—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied the nozzles co-operating, or being combined, with a device for opening or closing the container or wrapper
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for sealing of a bag.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,941,310 discloses an apparatus for vacuum sealing plastic bags.
- the apparatus has a hood pivotably mounted on a base.
- the apparatus has a vacuum chamber and a heat sealing means.
- a problem with this type of pivoting hood apparatus is that the heat sealing means could be contacted by a user when hot; thereby posing a risk of injury to the user.
- Another problem with this type of apparatus is that it could be difficult to clean out the vacuum chamber if foodstuff or liquid exit from the bag.
- Another problem with this type of apparatus is that foodstuff or liquid could be pulled into the vacuum pump which would be very difficult to clean.
- a bag sealing apparatus including a frame having a fixed bag insertion slot into a vacuum chamber, a heat sealer connected to the frame, and a supply of vacuum connected to the vacuum chamber.
- the heat sealer is for sealing a bag located in the slot.
- a bag sealing apparatus including a frame having a bag receiving area; a bag sealer connected to the frame; and a vacuum system connected to the bag receiving area.
- the vacuum system comprises a cleanout chamber connected between the bag receiving area and the supply of vacuum for collecting food or liquid exiting an open end of a bag inserted into the bag receiving area.
- a method for heat sealing an open end of a bag comprising steps of inserting the open end of the bag into a fixed slot in a frame of a bag sealing apparatus; moving a clamp of the apparatus to clamp onto the open end, wherein the clamp is located at the fixed slot; applying a vacuum force to the open end of the bag; and heat sealing the open end of the bag.
- a method for vacuum sealing an open end of a bag comprising steps of inserting the open end of the bag into a bag receiving area of a bag sealing apparatus; applying a vacuum force to the open end of the bag at the bag receiving area; and evacuating liquid, pulled from the open end of the bag into the bag receiving area, to a liquid holding chamber separate from the bag receiving area.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bag sealing apparatus incorporating features of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is schematic cross sectional view of a portion of the bag sealing apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
- FIG. 1 there is shown a perspective view of a bag sealing apparatus 10 incorporating features of the present invention.
- the present invention will be described with reference to the single embodiment shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments.
- any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used.
- the apparatus 10 is generally adapted to vacuum seal a plastic bag 42 (see FIG. 2).
- the bag is constructed with three separate plies. One of the three plies is sandwiched between the other two plies and this one ply may be patterned.
- any suitable type of plastic or polymer bag could be used with the present invention.
- the apparatus 10 generally comprises a frame 12 , a control system 13 , a vacuum system 14 , and a bag sealer system 16 .
- the frame 12 is preferably suitably sized and shaped to be located on a kitchen counter top surface. However, in alternate embodiments, the frame 12 could be suitably sized and shaped to be located in any suitable type of location, such as mounted to the bottom surface of a kitchen cabinet.
- the frame 12 comprises a front face 18 which includes a slot or aperture 20 .
- the slot 20 in the embodiment shown, has a fixed shape. However, in an alternate embodiment, the shape of the slot 20 might be variable.
- the top of the frame 12 at the slot 20 might comprise a movable flap similar to that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,941,310.
- the frame 12 also comprises a movable access door 22 .
- the door 22 is movably attached to the rest of the frame 12 by hinges 24 .
- the movable access door 22 could be mounted to the rest of the frame 12 by any suitable type of movable connection.
- the door 22 might not be provided.
- the top of the cleanout chamber (described below) might be formed flush with the rest of the frame 12 , or the cleanout chamber might not be provided (thus, there would be no need for a movable access door).
- the control system 13 in the embodiment shown, generally comprises a controller 26 , two user actuated switches or selectors 28 , 30 , and a sensor 32 .
- the control system could comprise additional or alternative components.
- the controller 26 is preferably a printed circuit board with a microprocessor.
- any suitable type of controller could be used.
- the two user actuated switches 28 , 30 are fixedly attached to the frame 12 and are accessible to a user at the top side of the frame. However, in alternate embodiments, the user actuated switches 28 , 30 could be located at any suitable position on the frame, such as the front face 18 . In the embodiment shown, the user actuated switches 28 , 30 comprise rocker switches. However, in alternate embodiments, any suitable type of user actuated selectors could be provided, such as a push button switch, or a rotatable selector knob, or an electronic touch control pad.
- the two user actuated switches 28 , 30 are operably connected to the controller 26 .
- the first user actuated switch 28 is a power ON/OFF switch.
- the second user actuated switch 30 is a vacuum ON/OFF switch. However, in an alternate embodiment, the second user actuated switch 30 might not be provided.
- the sensor 32 comprises a microswitch. However, in alternate embodiments, any suitable type of sensor could be provided, such as an optical sensor.
- the sensor 32 is operably connected to the controller 26 .
- the sensor 32 is fixedly attached to the frame 12 inside a vacuum chamber 34 of the frame.
- the vacuum chamber 34 is located at a rear end of the slot 20 .
- the sensor 32 comprises a movable contact arm 36 .
- the movable contact arms 36 is located at the end of a bag insertion path through the slot 20 .
- the movable contact arm 36 is adapted to be moved rearward against a contact 38 of the sensor 32 by a leading edge 40 of an inserted bag 42 .
- the sensor 32 is generally provided to function as a sensor to determine when an end 41 of the bag 42 has been inserted through the slot 20 and into the vacuum chamber 34 .
- the sensor 32 might not be provided, such as when a user actuated switch is provided to initiate vacuum sealing a bag.
- the vacuum system 14 generally comprises a vacuum pump 44 (see FIG. 1) and a vacuum conduit system 46 .
- the vacuum pump 44 is operably connected to the controller 26 by a line 60 .
- the controller 26 is adapted to control the operation of the vacuum pump 44 .
- the vacuum conduit system 46 generally comprises a cleanout chamber 48 and two vacuum conduits 50 , 52 .
- the vacuum conduit system 46 could comprise additional or alternative components.
- the first vacuum conduit 50 extends from the vacuum chamber 34 to the cleanout chamber 48 .
- the first vacuum conduit 50 has a first end which is connected to a bottom side 54 of the vacuum chamber 34 .
- the opposite end of the first vacuum conduit 50 is attached to the cleanout chamber 48 proximate a bottom end 56 of the cleanout chamber.
- the second vacuum conduit 52 has a first end 58 which is attached to the cleanout chamber 48 at a top end of the cleanout chamber.
- An opposite end of the second vacuum conduit 52 is connected to the vacuum pump 40 .
- the two vacuum conduits 50 , 52 could both be attached to the top end of the cleanout chamber 48 , such as when the cleanout chamber 48 comprises a baffle extending downward from its top side between the two vacuum conduits 50 , 52 .
- the first end of the first vacuum conduit 50 is preferably located at the bottom of the vacuum chamber 34 such that the vacuum system can evacuate material, such as foodstuffs or liquid, which enter the vacuum chamber 34 from an open end of an inserted bag.
- the cleanout chamber 48 could be removably connected to the frame 12 .
- the cleanout chamber 48 might be formed as part of the frame 12 , or could be fixedly connected to the frame and not intended to be removed.
- the cleanout chamber 48 might not be provided.
- the first end of the vacuum conduit 50 might be located at the top side of the vacuum chamber 34 .
- the bag sealer system 16 generally comprises a temporary clamping system 62 and a permanent sealing system 64 .
- the clamping system 62 generally comprises a first clamp section 66 , a second clamp section 68 , and a motor 70 .
- the first clamp section 66 forms a fixed, stationary clamping member. However, in alternate embodiments, the first clamp section 66 could be movable.
- the first clamp section 66 comprises a first resilient vacuum seal member 72 .
- the second clamp section 68 forms a movable clamping member. However, in an alternate embodiment, the second clamp section could be stationary.
- the second clamp section 68 generally comprises a second resilient vacuum seal member 74 and a drive member 76 .
- the drive member 76 is connected to the motor 70 .
- the motor 70 is operably connected to the controller 26 .
- the motor 70 is adapted to move the drive member 76 vertically up and down.
- the second seal member 74 is moved towards the first seal member 72 . This allows the two seal members 72 , 74 to clamp the end 40 , 41 of the bag 42 therebetween.
- the two seal members 72 , 74 extend along the entire length of the slot 20 .
- the two clamp sections 66 , 68 form a door to the vacuum chamber 34 .
- the two clamp sections 66 , 68 clamp the bag 42 therebetween, they close the entrance aperture into the vacuum chamber through the slot 20 .
- the two clamp sections 66 , 68 and the bag 42 thereby seal the entrance into the vacuum chamber 34 .
- With the door to the front entrance of the vacuum chamber closed by the two clamp sections, a stronger vacuum is formed inside the vacuum chamber 34 .
- the two seal members 72 , 74 are preferably sized and shaped, and their movement towards each other is such, to allow the negative pressure inside the vacuum chamber 34 to evacuate air from inside the bag 42 through the open end 41 at the leading edge 40 .
- the clamping action provided by the two clamp sections 66 , 68 does not prevent air from being evacuated from the bag 42 through the open end of the bag at the leading edge 40 .
- any suitable type of bag clamping system could be provided.
- any suitable type of system for closing the entrance into the vacuum chamber could be provided.
- a vacuum force is created in the vacuum chamber 34 while the second clamp section 68 is still moving towards its final clamping position, but before the bag 42 is completely clamped between the two seal members 72 , 74 .
- the motor 70 could be adapted to move the second clamp section 68 in a stepped progression of movement, or the movement of the second clamp section 68 might slow down as it approaches the first clamp section 66 . This would allow the vacuum force created in the vacuum chamber 34 to evacuate air from inside the bag 42 before the two clamps sections 66 , 68 might completely clamp the bag 42 therebetween.
- the bag sealer system 16 in the embodiment shown, is a heat sealing system. However, in alternate embodiments, any suitable type of sealing system could be provided, such as an ultrasonic welding system for example.
- the bag sealer system 16 generally comprises a heater 78 and a heater seal 80 .
- the heater 78 in the embodiment shown, comprises a heater wire attached to a support platform 82 .
- the support platform 82 is connected to the first clamp section 66 to form a bottom half of the door to the vacuum chamber 34 .
- the heater 78 is located at about a same height or just slightly below the top of the first seal member 72 .
- the bottom end of the heat seal 80 is located opposite the heater 78 .
- the heat seal 80 is connected to the second clamp section 68 to form a top half of the door to the vacuum chamber 34 .
- the heater seal 80 is also moved downward.
- the heater seal 80 is moved downward it presses the end 41 of the bag 42 against the heater 78 .
- the heater 78 is operably connected to the controller 26 .
- the controller 26 is adapted to activate the heater 78 .
- the heater 78 causes the plastic of the bag 42 to melt.
- the melted plastic cools the opposite sides of the bag become fixedly attached to each other forming a seal therebetween. Thus, this forms a seal of the opening through the end 41 into the bag.
- the controller 26 activates the heater 78 when vacuum force in the vacuum chamber 34 reaches a predetermined pressure.
- the controller 26 could be adapted to activate the heater 78 based upon any suitable type of predetermined conditions or events, such as the passage of time when the motor 70 starts to move the second clamp section 68 .
- the motor 70 or another motor or transmission could be adapted to move the heater seal 80 separately from the second clamp section 68 .
- the two clamps sections 66 , 68 could clamp onto the end 41 of the bag 42 , the bag 42 could then be evacuated, and the heater seal 80 could then be moved to press the bag 42 against the heater 78 to thereby seal the bag.
- the leading edge 40 contacts and moves the movable contact arm 36 to actuate the sensor 32 .
- This sends a signal to the controller 26 .
- the controller 26 then activates the motor 70 to move the second clamp section 68 .
- the controller 26 activates the vacuum pump 44 .
- the controller 26 activates the heater 78 .
- the controller 26 deactivates the heater 78 , has the motor 70 move the second clamp section 68 back to its up position, and turns OFF the vacuum pump 44 .
- the control system 13 comprises a second user actuated switch 30 .
- the second user actuated switch 30 is operably connected to the controller 26 .
- the second user actuated switch 30 is provided to allow a user to control whether or not the controller 26 activates the vacuum pump 44 during the bag sealing process.
- the present invention can be used to both vacuum seal a bag or, alternatively, seal a bag without a vacuum process.
- the second user actuated switch 30 might not be provided.
- the apparatus 10 preferably comprises an electrical cord and plug assembly 84 .
- the plug of the assembly 84 is adapted to be connected to an electrical outlet to power the controller 26 , vacuum pump 44 , motor 70 , and heater 78 .
- apparatus 10 could be adapted to be powered by a battery power source or any other suitable type of electrical power source.
- the present invention can provide an apparatus which is adapted to evacuate a plastic storage bag and heat seal the end of the bag to protect perishables, such as foodstuffs or other products, from oxidation.
- the present invention is easier for a user to use and clean than prior bag sealing apparatus.
- a user could insert the end of the plastic bag into a slot until the bag actuates a microswitch or other sensor.
- a clamping seal could then automatically close on the bag end.
- the vacuum process could then be automatically started.
- a heater wire inside the clamp could seal the bag.
- the clamping seal could then release.
- a bypass switch could be provided to allow seal only of the bags without a vacuum force being provided.
- an apparatus in which there is no pivot in a movable hood to open and close.
- the static sealing means is not exterior to the vacuum chamber, but contained within a door that clamps and seals the vacuum area. There is no continuous elastomeric seal.
- the vacuum area would not collect liquids that spill into it. Spills would be drawn through the vacuum tube into a separate holding chamber that can be easily cleaned.
- the heat sealing means could be contained within the vacuum area; not exterior to it.
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Abstract
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for sealing of a bag.
- 2. Brief Description of Prior Developments
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,941,310 discloses an apparatus for vacuum sealing plastic bags. The apparatus has a hood pivotably mounted on a base. The apparatus has a vacuum chamber and a heat sealing means. A problem with this type of pivoting hood apparatus is that the heat sealing means could be contacted by a user when hot; thereby posing a risk of injury to the user. Another problem with this type of apparatus is that it could be difficult to clean out the vacuum chamber if foodstuff or liquid exit from the bag. Another problem with this type of apparatus is that foodstuff or liquid could be pulled into the vacuum pump which would be very difficult to clean. There is a desire to provide a bag sealing apparatus that is easier to clean and has less risk of the user contacting an exposed heating element.
- In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a bag sealing apparatus is provided including a frame having a fixed bag insertion slot into a vacuum chamber, a heat sealer connected to the frame, and a supply of vacuum connected to the vacuum chamber. The heat sealer is for sealing a bag located in the slot.
- In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a bag sealing apparatus is provided including a frame having a bag receiving area; a bag sealer connected to the frame; and a vacuum system connected to the bag receiving area. The vacuum system comprises a cleanout chamber connected between the bag receiving area and the supply of vacuum for collecting food or liquid exiting an open end of a bag inserted into the bag receiving area.
- In accordance with one method of the present invention, a method for heat sealing an open end of a bag is provided comprising steps of inserting the open end of the bag into a fixed slot in a frame of a bag sealing apparatus; moving a clamp of the apparatus to clamp onto the open end, wherein the clamp is located at the fixed slot; applying a vacuum force to the open end of the bag; and heat sealing the open end of the bag.
- In accordance with another method of the present invention, a method for vacuum sealing an open end of a bag is provided comprising steps of inserting the open end of the bag into a bag receiving area of a bag sealing apparatus; applying a vacuum force to the open end of the bag at the bag receiving area; and evacuating liquid, pulled from the open end of the bag into the bag receiving area, to a liquid holding chamber separate from the bag receiving area.
- The foregoing aspects and other features of the present invention are explained in the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bag sealing apparatus incorporating features of the present invention; and
- FIG. 2 is schematic cross sectional view of a portion of the bag sealing apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
- Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of a
bag sealing apparatus 10 incorporating features of the present invention. Although the present invention will be described with reference to the single embodiment shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used. - The
apparatus 10 is generally adapted to vacuum seal a plastic bag 42 (see FIG. 2). In a preferred embodiment, the bag is constructed with three separate plies. One of the three plies is sandwiched between the other two plies and this one ply may be patterned. However, in alternate embodiments, any suitable type of plastic or polymer bag could be used with the present invention. - The
apparatus 10 generally comprises aframe 12, acontrol system 13, avacuum system 14, and abag sealer system 16. Theframe 12 is preferably suitably sized and shaped to be located on a kitchen counter top surface. However, in alternate embodiments, theframe 12 could be suitably sized and shaped to be located in any suitable type of location, such as mounted to the bottom surface of a kitchen cabinet. Theframe 12 comprises afront face 18 which includes a slot oraperture 20. Theslot 20, in the embodiment shown, has a fixed shape. However, in an alternate embodiment, the shape of theslot 20 might be variable. For example, in one type of alternate embodiment the top of theframe 12 at theslot 20 might comprise a movable flap similar to that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,941,310. In the embodiment shown, theframe 12 also comprises amovable access door 22. Thedoor 22 is movably attached to the rest of theframe 12 byhinges 24. However, in alternate embodiments, themovable access door 22 could be mounted to the rest of theframe 12 by any suitable type of movable connection. In another type of alternate embodiment, thedoor 22 might not be provided. For example, the top of the cleanout chamber (described below) might be formed flush with the rest of theframe 12, or the cleanout chamber might not be provided (thus, there would be no need for a movable access door). - Referring also to FIG. 2, the
control system 13, in the embodiment shown, generally comprises acontroller 26, two user actuated switches orselectors sensor 32. However, in alternate embodiments, the control system could comprise additional or alternative components. Thecontroller 26 is preferably a printed circuit board with a microprocessor. However, an alternate embodiments, any suitable type of controller could be used. - The two user actuated
switches frame 12 and are accessible to a user at the top side of the frame. However, in alternate embodiments, the user actuatedswitches front face 18. In the embodiment shown, the user actuatedswitches switches controller 26. The first user actuatedswitch 28 is a power ON/OFF switch. The second user actuatedswitch 30 is a vacuum ON/OFF switch. However, in an alternate embodiment, the second user actuatedswitch 30 might not be provided. - The
sensor 32 comprises a microswitch. However, in alternate embodiments, any suitable type of sensor could be provided, such as an optical sensor. Thesensor 32 is operably connected to thecontroller 26. Thesensor 32 is fixedly attached to theframe 12 inside avacuum chamber 34 of the frame. Thevacuum chamber 34 is located at a rear end of theslot 20. Thesensor 32 comprises amovable contact arm 36. Themovable contact arms 36 is located at the end of a bag insertion path through theslot 20. Themovable contact arm 36 is adapted to be moved rearward against acontact 38 of thesensor 32 by a leadingedge 40 of an insertedbag 42. Thesensor 32 is generally provided to function as a sensor to determine when an end 41 of thebag 42 has been inserted through theslot 20 and into thevacuum chamber 34. In an alternate embodiment, thesensor 32 might not be provided, such as when a user actuated switch is provided to initiate vacuum sealing a bag. - The
vacuum system 14 generally comprises a vacuum pump 44 (see FIG. 1) and avacuum conduit system 46. Thevacuum pump 44 is operably connected to thecontroller 26 by aline 60. Thecontroller 26 is adapted to control the operation of thevacuum pump 44. Thevacuum conduit system 46 generally comprises acleanout chamber 48 and twovacuum conduits vacuum conduit system 46 could comprise additional or alternative components. Thefirst vacuum conduit 50 extends from thevacuum chamber 34 to thecleanout chamber 48. In the embodiment shown, thefirst vacuum conduit 50 has a first end which is connected to abottom side 54 of thevacuum chamber 34. The opposite end of thefirst vacuum conduit 50 is attached to thecleanout chamber 48 proximate abottom end 56 of the cleanout chamber. Thesecond vacuum conduit 52 has afirst end 58 which is attached to thecleanout chamber 48 at a top end of the cleanout chamber. An opposite end of thesecond vacuum conduit 52 is connected to thevacuum pump 40. - In an alternate embodiment, the two
vacuum conduits cleanout chamber 48, such as when thecleanout chamber 48 comprises a baffle extending downward from its top side between the twovacuum conduits first vacuum conduit 50 is preferably located at the bottom of thevacuum chamber 34 such that the vacuum system can evacuate material, such as foodstuffs or liquid, which enter thevacuum chamber 34 from an open end of an inserted bag. In one type of embodiment, thecleanout chamber 48 could be removably connected to theframe 12. However, in an alternate embodiment, thecleanout chamber 48 might be formed as part of theframe 12, or could be fixedly connected to the frame and not intended to be removed. In another type of alternate embodiment, thecleanout chamber 48 might not be provided. In such an alternate embodiment, the first end of thevacuum conduit 50 might be located at the top side of thevacuum chamber 34. - The
bag sealer system 16 generally comprises atemporary clamping system 62 and apermanent sealing system 64. Theclamping system 62 generally comprises afirst clamp section 66, asecond clamp section 68, and amotor 70. Thefirst clamp section 66 forms a fixed, stationary clamping member. However, in alternate embodiments, thefirst clamp section 66 could be movable. Thefirst clamp section 66 comprises a first resilientvacuum seal member 72. Thesecond clamp section 68 forms a movable clamping member. However, in an alternate embodiment, the second clamp section could be stationary. Thesecond clamp section 68 generally comprises a second resilientvacuum seal member 74 and adrive member 76. Thedrive member 76 is connected to themotor 70. Themotor 70 is operably connected to thecontroller 26. When themotor 70 is activated by thecontroller 26, themotor 70 is adapted to move thedrive member 76 vertically up and down. When themotor 70 moves thedrive member 76 in a downward direction, thesecond seal member 74 is moved towards thefirst seal member 72. This allows the twoseal members end 40, 41 of thebag 42 therebetween. - The two
seal members slot 20. The twoclamp sections vacuum chamber 34. When the twoclamp sections bag 42 therebetween, they close the entrance aperture into the vacuum chamber through theslot 20. The twoclamp sections bag 42 thereby seal the entrance into thevacuum chamber 34. With the door to the front entrance of the vacuum chamber closed by the two clamp sections, a stronger vacuum is formed inside thevacuum chamber 34. The twoseal members vacuum chamber 34 to evacuate air from inside thebag 42 through the open end 41 at theleading edge 40. In other words, in a preferred embodiment, the clamping action provided by the twoclamp sections bag 42 through the open end of the bag at theleading edge 40. In alternate embodiments, any suitable type of bag clamping system could be provided. In addition, any suitable type of system for closing the entrance into the vacuum chamber could be provided. - In one type of embodiment, a vacuum force is created in the
vacuum chamber 34 while thesecond clamp section 68 is still moving towards its final clamping position, but before thebag 42 is completely clamped between the twoseal members motor 70 could be adapted to move thesecond clamp section 68 in a stepped progression of movement, or the movement of thesecond clamp section 68 might slow down as it approaches thefirst clamp section 66. This would allow the vacuum force created in thevacuum chamber 34 to evacuate air from inside thebag 42 before the twoclamps sections bag 42 therebetween. - The
bag sealer system 16, in the embodiment shown, is a heat sealing system. However, in alternate embodiments, any suitable type of sealing system could be provided, such as an ultrasonic welding system for example. Thebag sealer system 16 generally comprises a heater 78 and aheater seal 80. The heater 78, in the embodiment shown, comprises a heater wire attached to a support platform 82. The support platform 82 is connected to thefirst clamp section 66 to form a bottom half of the door to thevacuum chamber 34. The heater 78 is located at about a same height or just slightly below the top of thefirst seal member 72. The bottom end of theheat seal 80 is located opposite the heater 78. Theheat seal 80 is connected to thesecond clamp section 68 to form a top half of the door to thevacuum chamber 34. When thesecond clamp section 68 is moved by themotor 70 towards thefirst clamp section 66, theheater seal 80 is also moved downward. When theheater seal 80 is moved downward it presses the end 41 of thebag 42 against the heater 78. The heater 78 is operably connected to thecontroller 26. - The
controller 26 is adapted to activate the heater 78. When thebag 42 is clamped between the heater 78 and theheater seal 80, and thecontroller 26 activates the heater 78, the heater 78 causes the plastic of thebag 42 to melt. When the melted plastic cools the opposite sides of the bag become fixedly attached to each other forming a seal therebetween. Thus, this forms a seal of the opening through the end 41 into the bag. - In a preferred embodiment, the
controller 26 activates the heater 78 when vacuum force in thevacuum chamber 34 reaches a predetermined pressure. In an alternate embodiment, thecontroller 26 could be adapted to activate the heater 78 based upon any suitable type of predetermined conditions or events, such as the passage of time when themotor 70 starts to move thesecond clamp section 68. In an alternate embodiment, themotor 70 or another motor or transmission (not shown) could be adapted to move theheater seal 80 separately from thesecond clamp section 68. Thus, in this alternate embodiment, the twoclamps sections bag 42, thebag 42 could then be evacuated, and theheater seal 80 could then be moved to press thebag 42 against the heater 78 to thereby seal the bag. - With the present invention, when the user inserts the end41 of the
bag 42 into theslot 20, the leadingedge 40 contacts and moves themovable contact arm 36 to actuate thesensor 32. This sends a signal to thecontroller 26. Thecontroller 26 then activates themotor 70 to move thesecond clamp section 68. Thecontroller 26 activates thevacuum pump 44. When a predetermined vacuum is created in thevacuum chamber 34, thecontroller 26 activates the heater 78. After a predetermined amount of time, thecontroller 26 deactivates the heater 78, has themotor 70 move thesecond clamp section 68 back to its up position, and turns OFF thevacuum pump 44. - As noted above, the
control system 13 comprises a second user actuatedswitch 30. The second user actuatedswitch 30 is operably connected to thecontroller 26. The second user actuatedswitch 30 is provided to allow a user to control whether or not thecontroller 26 activates thevacuum pump 44 during the bag sealing process. Thus, the present invention can be used to both vacuum seal a bag or, alternatively, seal a bag without a vacuum process. In an alternate embodiment, the second user actuatedswitch 30 might not be provided. - As seen in FIG. 1, the
apparatus 10 preferably comprises an electrical cord and plugassembly 84. The plug of theassembly 84 is adapted to be connected to an electrical outlet to power thecontroller 26,vacuum pump 44,motor 70, and heater 78. However, in an alternate embodiment,apparatus 10 could be adapted to be powered by a battery power source or any other suitable type of electrical power source. - The present invention can provide an apparatus which is adapted to evacuate a plastic storage bag and heat seal the end of the bag to protect perishables, such as foodstuffs or other products, from oxidation. The present invention is easier for a user to use and clean than prior bag sealing apparatus. With the embodiment described above, a user could insert the end of the plastic bag into a slot until the bag actuates a microswitch or other sensor. A clamping seal could then automatically close on the bag end. The vacuum process could then be automatically started. When a desired vacuum is reached, a heater wire inside the clamp could seal the bag. Upon completion of the sealing process, the clamping seal could then release. A bypass switch could be provided to allow seal only of the bags without a vacuum force being provided.
- By using the above described invention, an apparatus can be provided in which there is no pivot in a movable hood to open and close. The static sealing means is not exterior to the vacuum chamber, but contained within a door that clamps and seals the vacuum area. There is no continuous elastomeric seal. The vacuum area would not collect liquids that spill into it. Spills would be drawn through the vacuum tube into a separate holding chamber that can be easily cleaned. The heat sealing means could be contained within the vacuum area; not exterior to it.
- It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (31)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/057,693 US20030140603A1 (en) | 2002-01-25 | 2002-01-25 | Vacuum sealing bag apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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US10/057,693 US20030140603A1 (en) | 2002-01-25 | 2002-01-25 | Vacuum sealing bag apparatus |
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US20030140603A1 true US20030140603A1 (en) | 2003-07-31 |
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US10/057,693 Abandoned US20030140603A1 (en) | 2002-01-25 | 2002-01-25 | Vacuum sealing bag apparatus |
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Cited By (25)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20050022472A1 (en) * | 2003-07-31 | 2005-02-03 | David Brakes | Resealable vacuum packaging bags and methods for using and manufacturing resealable vacuum packaging bags |
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US20050029152A1 (en) * | 2003-07-24 | 2005-02-10 | David Brakes | Clamps, systems, and methods for evacuating and hermetically sealing bags |
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US20050076616A1 (en) * | 2003-10-08 | 2005-04-14 | Bassett Wade M. | Method, apparatus and system for evacuation of containers |
US20050102975A1 (en) * | 2003-11-17 | 2005-05-19 | Hughes Gary L. | Method and apparatus for vacuum sealing |
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US20100083616A1 (en) * | 2008-10-07 | 2010-04-08 | Place Randall C | Refuse disposal apparatus and methods of using same |
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-
2002
- 2002-01-25 US US10/057,693 patent/US20030140603A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US20050050855A1 (en) * | 2003-02-27 | 2005-03-10 | Baptista Alexandre A. N. | Vacuum packaging appliance with removable trough |
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US20070186516A1 (en) * | 2003-11-17 | 2007-08-16 | Vacnseal Holdings, Llc | Method and appratus for vacuum sealing |
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US20080000204A1 (en) * | 2006-06-28 | 2008-01-03 | S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. | Vacuum sealer apparatus and a film cartridge for a vacuum sealer and a means of operating the vacuum sealer and the film cartridge |
US20080223005A1 (en) * | 2007-03-12 | 2008-09-18 | Lock & Lock Co., Ltd. | Vacuum packaging apparatus |
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US20090193760A1 (en) * | 2008-02-06 | 2009-08-06 | Whirlpool Corporation | Refrigerator door vacuum preservation system |
US20090194193A1 (en) * | 2008-02-06 | 2009-08-06 | Whirlpool Corporation | Refrigerator vacuum storage system |
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US8438870B2 (en) * | 2008-02-06 | 2013-05-14 | Whirlpool Corporation | Refrigerator door vacuum preservation system |
US20090255221A1 (en) * | 2008-04-14 | 2009-10-15 | Lyman Jr Hugh Marion | Suspended Vacuum Sealer Appliance |
US20100083616A1 (en) * | 2008-10-07 | 2010-04-08 | Place Randall C | Refuse disposal apparatus and methods of using same |
WO2011037577A1 (en) * | 2009-09-25 | 2011-03-31 | Conair Corporation | Vacuum sealing appliance |
US20140150382A1 (en) * | 2011-07-20 | 2014-06-05 | Fuji Impulse Co., Ltd. | Sealing device |
US9650167B2 (en) * | 2011-07-20 | 2017-05-16 | Fuji Impulse Co., Ltd. | Sealing device |
EP2896574A1 (en) * | 2014-01-17 | 2015-07-22 | Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag | Vacuum packaging arrangement, kitchen cabinet and kitchen furniture |
WO2015106846A1 (en) * | 2014-01-17 | 2015-07-23 | Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag | Vacuum packaging arrangement, kitchen cabinet and kitchen furniture |
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US10351278B2 (en) | 2014-01-17 | 2019-07-16 | Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag | Vacuum packaging arrangement, kitchen cabinet and kitchen furniture |
KR20170008403A (en) * | 2015-07-14 | 2017-01-24 | 주식회사 대디홈 | Automatic vacuum pakaging machine |
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US20180164028A1 (en) * | 2016-12-13 | 2018-06-14 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator |
US10775096B2 (en) * | 2016-12-13 | 2020-09-15 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Refrigerator |
EP3838778A1 (en) * | 2019-12-20 | 2021-06-23 | Vestel Elektronik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. | Apparatus and method for sealing a vacuum bag |
TWI789093B (en) * | 2021-11-02 | 2023-01-01 | 健鼎科技股份有限公司 | Vacuum packaging machine |
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