US20030205032A1

US20030205032A1 - Method and tool for applying a closure lid to a flexible foil container shell

Info

Publication number: US20030205032A1
Application number: US10/137,863
Authority: US
Inventors: John Guiliano; Melvin Fuchs
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-05-02
Filing date: 2002-05-02
Publication date: 2003-11-06

Abstract

A tool for closing and sealing a lid on a flexible walled peripheral flange bearing a container by bending and crimping the container's vertical peripheral flange over the periphery of the lid supported on the container's marginal shelf. The tool has an anvil portion, star-shaped portion, a hub portion interposed between the anvil and star-shaped portions, means for maintaining said portions concentrically aligned and means for pressing and rolling the concentrically maintained portions around the container. The anvil portion and star-shaped portions have the same outer diameter and inwardly tapering surfaces mirroring each other, while the hub portion has a width sufficient to allow the ben flange/shelf/lid combination to slip between the anvil and star-shaped portions' inwardly tapered mirroring surfaces, and a diameter sufficient to prevent the bent flange/shelf/lid combination from slipping beyond the base of the arms of the star-shaped portion thereby allowing the arms of the star-shaped portion to remain in continuous contact with the flange/shelf/lid combination during the closure and sealing of the lid on the container.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and tool for sealing a closure lid across a flexible walled container and more particularly it provides an efficient closure tool for use with foil containers, in the food service industry.

Disposable containers of soft aluminum with or without a cover of plastic or paper material have become quite common. Such containers are useful for the short time transport of ready to eat foods or for transport of frozen foods or other products for a longer period of time. They are formed with a bendable rim about their perimeter capable of receiving a separable lid. The user secures the lid onto the disposable container by manually bending the rim in a repetitive action of finger pressure, thus sealing the lid beneath the rim. Having to secure the lid in repetitive operations, on successive containers, the user becomes fatigued and frequently injures himself in the form of cuts and muscle strain.

Various attempts have been made to alleviate the problems described above and numerous machines or devices have been produced. However, none of these known mechanical attempts have successfully replaced the need for manual operations, except perhaps in large industrial processing plants. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,955,401 discloses a hand tool intended to obviate such problems and alleviate the strain on the user. Such a tool is, however, difficult to use as it requires first the folding by hand of the flange and then the wedging of a continuous peripheral bead by squeezing the flange between two rigid curved pieces of metal. This makes no allowance for excess flange material formed during the folding operation, which will impede the movement of the tool around the container. Similarly, U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,459,469; 1,826,609; 2,845,765; 2,875,566; 2,933,873; 3,308,603; 3,369,342 and 4,170,862, disclose complex devices and machines used to fill and seal masses of containers in industrial applications, which are also not suitable for manual use.

Thus, for commercial food handlers, small food shops, and local vendors, no successful device capable of sealing lids on disposable containers without fatigue or possible injury has been produced.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a tool which enables the swift and sure folding of the container flange over the edge of the closure lid, and the closing and sealing of the lid on a flexible container shell, without any injury to the user.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a low cost tool that is small in size, and, therefore, highly adaptable to use in small kitchens or small workplaces and for small user operations.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a tool, which enables the temporary sealing of the lid on the container with a “butterfly” or intermittent seal and/or with a continuous peripheral seal.

Another object is to provide a closure tool that is manipulable to regulate the tightness of the seal between the container and its closure lid.

These objects as well as other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

A tool is provided for sealing a lid on a flexible container for food or other products, for temporary or even indefinite periods of time to allow transport and/or storage.

The container is conventionally formed with a peripheral shelf adapted to receive a cover or lid and terminating in a rim having a generally vertical flange. The flange is bendable over the conforming periphery of the cover or lid by manually crimping the flange in a repetitive manner about the peripheral edge of the lid. In accordance with the present invention, the tool is a device having at its forward end or head a wheel comprising an anvil portion and a star-shaped portion concentrically aligned, and interposed there between a central hub.

In one mode of use, by placing and pressing the wheel of the tool inwardly and against the flange of the container, with the star-shaped portion upward and in a plane substantially parallel to the lid and the shelf of the container, and moving the tool around the peripheral shelf, the flange is crimped over the edge of the lid in an intermittent butterfly closure. The intermittent butterfly closure is formed by the star-shaped portion of the wheel, which allows excess material formed during the closing operation, to bend upwardly between the spurs of the star shaped portion, thereby allowing a smooth operation of and without any interference to the wheel's movement. In a second mode of use, by turning the tool over and placing the anvil portion upwardly, a continuous compression of the flange against the shelf and the lid is made. Both the crimping and compression action occurs by simply causing the wheel to rotate against the periphery of the container shelf.

In one embodiment of the invention, the forward head or wheel comprises a single, unitary, integral unit having an anvil portion, star-shaped portion and a hub. The hub is interposed between the anvil portion and the star-shaped portion. The hub's width creates a space between the anvil portion and the star-shaped portion sufficient to permit the total thickness of the shelf/lid/flange combination to fit there between, and the hub's diameter prevents the edge of said combination from slipping beyond the base of the star-shaped portion's spurs, and permits the smooth operation of the wheel.

In another embodiment of the invention, the anvil portion, the star-shaped portion and the hub are all separate but concentrically aligned pieces so that containers and lids of different sizes and thicknesses may be used without change of the tool. The handle in this embodiment is in the form of a resilient tong, so that a pressurized bias is placed on the anvil and star-shaped portion to securely hold them together during manipulation.

Full details of the methods and of the structures of the tool are set forth in the following description and in the appended drawings.

IN THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim the present invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify identical elements and wherein: [0016]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container and lid preparatory to closure by one embodiment of the tool of the present invention; [0017]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment tool of the present invention; [0018]
FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the tool taken in the direction of a row [0019] 3-3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is an exploded view, partially in section, showing the tool of the first embodiment fonning a butterfly or intermittent seal; [0020]
FIG. 5 is a view similar to that of FIG. 4, wherein the tool of the first embodiment produces a continuous seal; [0021]
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the present invention; [0022]
FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the second embodiment showing the tool disassembled; [0023]
FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a third embodiment showing the tool disassembled; [0024]
FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a fourth embodiment showing the tool disassembled; [0025]
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the tool of the present invention; and [0026]
FIG. 11 is an exploded view, partially in section, showing the tool of the fifth embodiment forming a butterfly or intermittent seal.[0027]

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In FIG. 1, there is seen a conventional container C comprising a bowl shaped [0028] shell 10, having along its top edge a marginal shelf 12 adapted to receive a closure lid 14. The shelf 12 terminates in a rim 16 having a generally vertical flange 18. The vertical flange 18 stands up above the shelf 12 a distance sufficient to overlap the peripheral edge of the closure lid 14 when the lid is placed on the conventional container C and the free edge of the flange 18 is bent over the peripheral edge of the lid 14.
The [0029] tool 20, as seen in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, comprises a handle 22 terminating at its forward end in a unitary, one piece composite, flange-bending head or wheel 24. The overall length of the handle is about the size of the user's hand (approximately 6-9 inches) and is adapted for easy manipulation. It is preferably made of metal, such as stainless steel or aluminum, for strength and durability. Although, it can just as well, be formed of suitably rigid plastic, wood; or any other type of material which can be size adapted for easy manipulation, strength and durability.
The composite head or [0030] wheel 24 comprises an anvil part 26, a star-shaped part 28 and a central hub 30 all integrally formed and concentrically arranged. Both the anvil part 26 and the star-shaped part 28 are of substantially the same diameter, while the central hub 30 is of a comparatively smaller diameter. The anvil and star-shaped parts (26 and 28) have inclined inner surfaces 32 mirroring each other and tapering from an opening somewhat wider (W+) than the combined thickness of the flange 18, the shelf 12, and the lid 14, before the flange 18 is bent and sealed over the periphery of the rim of the lid 14, to a thickness equal to or slightly wider than the thickness of the lid 14, the shelf 12 and the flange 18, after the flange 18 is bent and sealed over the periphery of the rim of the lid 14. Specifically, the inclined surfaces 32 are preferably about 45 degrees but may be varied approximately 10-15 degrees. The star-shaped part 28, while similar in diameter to the diameter of the anvil part 26, is formed having a plurality of uniformly spaced teeth or spurs 34 of generally triangular shape and conically formed sides 36.
The [0031] wheel 24 is attached within a clevis 38, which is integrally formed at the front end of the handle 22 by a pivot pin 40 so that the wheel 24 freely rotates. Suitable washers 42 and retainers 44 (seen in FIG. 3) may be employed for this purpose. The wheel 24 may be formed of a unitary metal or plastic block wherein the anvil part 26, the star-shaped part 28 and the central hub 30 are integrally formed as a single piece. Alternatively, the parts may be separately made and then glued, welded or otherwise fastened together.
The method for using the tool to close the container is shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. The [0032] wheel 24, with the star-shaped portion 28 facing upwardly, is placed against the container, parallel to the plane of the shelf 12, and pressed inwardly. As it is pressed inwardly, the flange 18 is folded down by the star-shaped portion 28 onto the lid on the shelf until such time as the rim of the container abuts and comes to a stop up against the hub 30, so that the hub abuts the outside of the flange 18. There is no need to pre-depress or pre-crimp the flange.
The [0033] hub 30 acts as a block to or a stop of the edge of the flange/lid/shelf combination to prevent slippage and promote the smooth rotation of the tool. Thereafter, the wheel 24 is rolled forward and/or backward (Arrow A) tangentially along the periphery of the container to form a “butterfly” closure 46 on the periphery of the container. Excess material formed during the closing operation is bent upward between the spurs of the star shaped portion, thereby allowing a smooth operation without interference to the wheel's movement. In this manner, the flange 18, as will be seen by the waving of the repetitively crimped peripheral portion 46, is folded and crimped in spaced intervals about the container. This will effectively close the lid 14 on the shelf 12, making a cohesive package, although not fully sealing the same.
To fully seal the [0034] butterfly closure 46 on the periphery of the container, the wheel 24 is flipped so that the anvil portion 26 faces upward, and placed against the container so that it abuts the edge of the flange/lid/shelf combination, parallel to the plane of the shelf. It is then lightly pressed against the flange 18, so that the flange 18, the lid and shelf 12 fit within the space between the anvil part 26 and the star-shaped part 28, immediately adjacent to the central hub 30 of the wheel. In fact, the hub 30, once more acts as the flange/lid/shelf s edge stop to prevent slippage and promote the smooth rotation of the tool. Thereafter, the wheel 24 is rolled forward and/or backward (Arrow B) once more. By resuming the back or forward motion (Arrow B), the flange 18 is fully depressed to continuously form a closed seal 48 about the periphery of the container.
The [0035] tool 20, as described above, is only one of many embodiments of the invention. In a second embodiment, shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 the tool 20 comprises a handle 22 and a head or wheel 24. The handle 22 is formed of a pair of tongs having arms 22 a and 22 b, each of which has a hole 50 at its forward end. The handle 22 is made of any material that is capable of imputing spring like qualities to the arms 22 a and 22 b that make them sprung or resiliently biased toward each other.
The [0036] head 24 is not a one piece unit. Rather it is a composite of a specially designed anvil part 26, a star-shaped part 28 and an axle 60. The anvil part 26 has an outer surface 64, a first inner surface 66, a second inner surface 68 and a substantially cylindrical shape. The generally cylindrical side of the anvil part 26, between the outer surface 64 and the first inner surface 66, is tapered inwardly at about a forty five degree angle ±10-15 degrees from the outer surface 64 toward the inner first surface 66 to form a tapered inclined inner surface 32, in such a manner that the overall diameter of the outer surface is greater than the overall diameter or outer perimeter of the first inner surface 66. The inward tapering can begin directly from the very edge of the outer surface 64, or slightly below the edge of the outer surface 64. If it begins from the very edge of the outer surface 64 , the cylindrical side of the anvil is completely replaced with an inwardly tapering side 32. On the other hand, if it begins a bit below the edge, the cylindrical side extends a bit before becoming tapered inwardly.
A short distance from its edge, the first [0037] inner surface 66 is provided with an integrally formed cylindrical projection 70, which extends or telescopes outward from and perpendicular to the first inner surface 66, has a substantially short length, and has an overall outer diameter less than the overall diameter of the first inner surface 66. The end face of the projection 70 defines the anvil portion's second inner surface 68. At its center point, the anvil portion is provided with a bore 72 which traverses the anvil part 26 in a generally horizontal direction, from the termination point of the second inner surface 68 right through to the outer surface 64,thereby effectively transforming the anvil portion 26 into an anvil wheel 26.
The star shaped [0038] portion 28 is similar in structure to the star-shaped portion 28 set forth in the first embodiment hereinabove.
The [0039] head 24 on the second embodiment, is formed by assembling the anvil wheel 26, together with the star-shaped portion 28 and the axle 60 such that (i) the second inner surface 68 of the anvil wheel faces the inner surface 72 of the star-shaped portion 28; (ii) the axle is fixed to the anvil wheel 26 at the anvil's bore and allowed to extend and project through the star shaped portion 28, allowing the star-shaped portion to be separately rotatable from the anvil around the axle; and (iii) the tapered surfaces 32 of both the anvil wheel 26 and the star shaped portion mirror each other. The head 24 is then mounted on the tool 20 by placing it between the arms 22 a and 22 b of the handle 22 such that the axle 60 extends outwardly through the holes 50 at the ends of the arms 22 a and 22 b of the handle 22. The anvil wheel 26, star-shaped portion 28 and axle 60 are held together on the end of the handle by the bias formed by the arms 22 a and 22 b of the tongs. The bias of the tongs together with the extension of the axle 60, and the tapered mirroring sides 32 of the anvil wheel 26 and the star-shaped portion 28, allow the anvil wheel 26 and the star-shaped portion 28 to be forced apart by the various container rims formed of different thickness materials, so that thicker and thinner flanges can be accommodated. In turn, the cylindrical projection 70 on the anvil wheel 26, acts as the hub 30 in the first embodiment above, i.e. as the combination flange/lid/shelf stop, to insure that only the spurs 34 of the star-shaped portion 28 continuously remain over the top of the flange/lid/shelf combination, during the closure and sealing of the lid onto the container.
Alternatively, the [0040] head 24 on the second embodiment, is formed by assembling the anvil wheel 26, together with the star-shaped portion 28 and the axle 60 such that (i) the second inner surface 68 of the anvil wheel faces the inner surface 72 of the star-shaped portion 28; (ii) the axle is fixed to star-shaped part 28 and allowed to extend and project through the anvil wheel 26, allowing the anvil wheel 26 to be separately rotatable from the star-shaped portion 28, around the axle; and (iii) the tapered surfaces 32 of both the anvil wheel 26 and the star shaped portion mirror each other.
In the method for using the tool of the second embodiment to close the container, the [0041] wheel 24, with the star-shaped portion 28 facing upwardly, is placed against the container, parallel to the plane of the shelf 12, and pressed inwardly. As it is pressed inwardly, the anvil wheel 26 and the star-shaped portion 28 are forced apart by the flange/lid/shelf combination. This requires the operator to apply a mild pressure on arms 22 a and 22 b of the tongs. This pressure bends and folds the flange 18 down by the star-shaped portion 28 onto the lid on the shelf until such time as the rim of the container abuts and comes to a stop up against the projection 70, thereby insuring that the edge of the shelf 12 does not go further and beyond the depth or base of the spurs 34. There is no need to pre-depress or pre-crimp the flange.
The [0042] projection 70 acts exactly as the hub 30, i.e. as a block to or a stop of the edge of the flange/lid/shelf combination to prevent slippage and promote the smooth rotation of the tool. Thereafter, the wheel 24 is rolled forward and/or backward (Arrow A) tangentially along the periphery of the container to form a “butterfly” closure 46 on the periphery of the container. Excess material formed during the closing operation is bent upward between the spurs 34 of the star-shaped portion 28, thereby allowing a smooth operation without interference to the wheel's movement. In this manner, the flange 18, as will be seen by the waving of the repetitively crimped peripheral portion 46, is folded and crimped in spaced intervals about the container. This will effectively close the lid 14 on the shelf 12, making a cohesive package, although not fully sealing the same.
To fully seal the [0043] butterfly closure 46 on the periphery of the container, the wheel 24 is flipped so that the anvil portion 26 faces upward, and placed against the container so that it abuts the edge of the flange/lid/shelf combination, parallel to the plane of the shelf. It is then lightly pressed inwardly against the flange 18. As it is pressed inwardly, the anvil wheel 26 and the star-shaped portion 28 are forced apart by the flange/lid/shelf combination. This requires the operator to apply a mild pressure on arms 22 a and 22 b of the tongs. This pressure bends and folds the flange 18 down by the anvil wheel 26 onto the lid on the shelf until such time as the rim of the container abuts and comes to a stop up against the projection 70. In fact, the projection 70 once more acts as the hub 30, i.e. the flange/lid/shelf s edge stop to prevent slippage and promote the smooth rotation of the tool. Thereafter, the wheel 24 is rolled forward and/or backward (Arrow B) tangentially along the periphery of the container once more. By resuming the back or forward motion (Arrow B), the flange 18 is fully depressed to continuously form a closed seal 48 about the periphery of the container.
In a third embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 8 the [0044] tool 20, again comprises a handle 22 and a head 24. Just like in the second embodiment described above, the handle 22 is formed of a pair of tongs having arms 22 a and 22 b, each of which has a hole 50 at its forward end. The handle 22 is made of any material that is capable of imputing springlike qualities to the arms 22 a and 22 b that make them sprung or resiliently biased toward each other.
The [0045] head 24 is a composite of a specially designed anvil portion 26, a specially designed star-shaped wheel 28 and an axle 60. The anvil portion 26 has an outer surface 64, an inner surface 66, and a substantially cylindrical shape. The generally cylindrical side of the anvil portion 26, between the outer surface 64 and the inner surface 66 is tapered inwardly at about a forty five degree angle, ±10-15 degrees from the outer surface toward the inner surface to form a tapered inclined inner surface 32, in such a manner that the overall diameter of the outer surface 64 is greater than the overall diameter or outer perimeter of the inner surface 66. The inward tapering can begin directly from the very edge of the outer surface 64, or slightly below the edge of the outer surface 64. If it begins at the very edge of the outer surface 64, the cylindrical side of the anvil is completely replaced with an inwardly tapering side 32. On the other hand, if it begins a bit below the edge, the cylindrical side extends a bit before becoming tapered inwardly. At its center point, the anvil portion is provided with a bore which traverses the anvil in a generally horizontal direction, from the inner surface 66 right through to the outer surface 64 thereby effectively transforming the anvil portion into an anvil wheel 26.
The star-shaped [0046] wheel 28 is similar in structure to the star-shaped wheel 28 described in the first embodiment hereinabove. Specifically, the star-shaped wheel 28 has an outer diameter that is the same as the outer diameter of the anvil portion 26. It has a plurality of uniformly spaced teeth or spurs 34 of generally triangular shape and conically formed sides 36. It has an outer surface 72, a first inner surface 74, a second inner surface 76 and a substantially cylindrical shape. The generally cylindrical side of the star-shaped portion 28, between the outer surface and the first inner surface, which defmes the bottom side of the spurs 34, is tapered inwardly at about a forty five degree angle ±10-15 degrees from the outer surface 72 toward the first inner surface 74 to form a tapered inclined inner surface 32, in such a manner that the overall diameter of the outer surface is greater than the overall diameter or outer perimeter of the first inner surface.
A short distance from its edge, the first [0047] inner surface 74 is provided with an integrally formed cylindrical projection 80, which extends or telescopes outward from and perpendicular to the first inner surface 74, has a substantially short length, and has an overall outer diameter less than the overall diameter of the first inner surface 74. The end face of the projection 80 defines the star shaped portion's second inner surface 76. At its center point, the star-shaped portion is provided with a bore which traverses it in a generally horizontal direction, from the edge of the second inner surface right through to the outer surface thereby effectively transforming the star shaped portion into a star shaped wheel 28.
The [0048] head 24 is formed by assembling the anvil portion, together with the star shaped wheel and the axle such that (i) the inner surface 66 of the anvil portion faces the second inner surface 76 of the star-shaped wheel; (ii) the axle is fixed to the anvil wheel 26 and allowed to extend and project through the star-shaped wheel 28, allowing the star shaped portion to be separately rotatable from the anvil around the axle; and (iii) the tapered surfaces 32 of both the anvil portion 26 and the star- shaped wheel 28 mirror each other. The head 24 is then mounted on the tool 20 by placing it between the arms 22 a and 22 b of the handle 22 such that the axle extends outwardly through the holes 50 at the ends of the arms of the handle 22. The anvil wheel 26, star-shaped portion 28 and axle 60 are held together on the end of the handle by the bias formed by the arms 22 a and 22 b of the tongs. The bias of the tongs together with the extension of the axle 60, and the tapered mirroring sides 32 of the anvil portion and the star-shaped wheel allow the anvil portion and the star shaped wheel to be forced apart by the various container rims formed of different thickness materials, so that thicker and thinner flanges can be accommodated. The projection 80 on the star shaped wheel, in turn, acts as the hub in the first embodiment above, i.e. as the combination flange/lid/shelf stop, to insure that only the spurs 34 of the star-shaped wheel 28 continuously remain over the top of the flange/lid/shelf combination, during the closure and sealing of the lid onto the container.
Alternatively, the [0049] head 24 on the third embodiment, is formed by assembling the anvil wheel 26, together with the star-shaped portion 28 and the axle 60 such that (i) the inner surface 66 of the anvil wheel faces the second inner surface 76 of the star-shaped portion 28; (ii) the axle is fixed to star-shaped part 28 and allowed to extend and project through the anvil wheel 26, allowing the anvil wheel 26 to be separately rotatable from the star-shaped portion 28, around the axle; and (iii) the tapered surfaces 32 of both the anvil wheel 26 and the star shaped portion mirror each other.
In the method for using the tool of the third embodiment to close the container, the [0050] wheel 24, with the star-shaped portion 28 facing upwardly, is placed against the container, parallel to the plane of the shelf 12, and pressed inwardly. As it is pressed inwardly, the anvil wheel 26 and the star-shaped portion 28 are forced apart by the flange/lid/shelf combination. This requires the operator tb apply a mild pressure on arms 22 a and 22 b of the tongs. This pressure bends and folds the flange 18 down by the star-shaped portion 28 onto the lid on the shelf until such time as edge of the rim of the container abuts and comes to a stop up against the projection 80, thereby insuring that the edge of the shelf 12 does not go further and beyond the depth or base of the spurs 34. There is no need to pre-depress or pre-crimp the flange.
The [0051] projection 80 acts exactly as the hub 30, i.e. as a block to or a stop of the edge of the flange/lid/shelf combination to prevent slippage and promote the smooth rotation of the tool. Thereafter, the wheel 24 is rolled forward and/or backward (Arrow A) tangentially along the periphery of the container to form a “butterfly” closure 46 on the periphery of the container. Excess material formed during the closing operation to bend upward between the spurs 34 of the star-shaped portion 28, thereby allowing a smooth operation without interference to the wheel's movement. In this manner, the flange 18, as will be seen by the waving of the repetitively crimped peripheral portion 46, is folded and crimped in spaced intervals about the container. This will effectively close the lid 14 on the shelf 12, making a cohesive package, although not fully sealing the same.
To fully seal the [0052] butterfly closure 46 on the periphery of the container, the wheel 24 is flipped so that the anvil portion 26 faces upward, and placed against the container so that it abuts the edge of the flange/lid/shelf combination, parallel to the plane of the shelf. It is then lightly pressed inwardly against the flange 18. As it is pressed inwardly, the anvil wheel 26 and the star-shaped portion 28 are forced apart by the flange/lid/shelf combination. This requires the operator to apply a mild pressure on arms 22 a and 22 b of the tongs. This pressure bends and folds the flange 18 down by the anvil wheel 26 onto the lid on the shelf until such time as edge of the rim of the container abuts and comes to a stop up against the projection 80. In fact, the projection 80 once more acts as the hub 30, i.e. the flange/lid/shelf s edge stop to prevent slippage and promote the smooth rotation of the tool. Thereafter, the wheel 24 is rolled forward and/or backward (Arrow B) tangentially alongh the periphery of the container once more. By resuming the back or forward motion (Arrow B), the flange 18 is fully depressed to continuously form a closed seal 48 about the periphery of the container.
In a fourth embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 9 the [0053] tool 20, again comprises a handle 22 and a head 24. Just like in the second and the third embodiment described above, the handle 22 is formed of a pair of tongs having arms 22 a and 22 b, each of which has a hole 50 at its forward end. The handle 22 is made of any material that is capable of imputing qualities to the arms 22 a and 22 b that make them sprung or resiliently biased toward each other.
The [0054] head 24 is a composite of a specially designed anvil portion 26, a specially designed star shaped portion 28, a hub washer 84 and an axle 60. The anvil portion 26 has an outer surface 64, an inner surface 66, and a substantially cylindrical shape. The generally cylindrical side of the anvil, between the outer surface 64 and the inner surface 66 is tapered inwardly at about a forty five degree angle ±10-15 degrees from the outer surface 64 toward the inner surface 66 to form a tapered inclined inner surface 32, in such a manner that the overall diameter of the outer surface 64 is greater than the overall diameter or outer perimeter of the inner surface 66. At its center point, the anvil portion is provided with a bore which traverses the anvil portion 26 in a generally horizontal direction, from the inner surface right through to the outer surface thereby effectively transforming the anvil portion into an anvil wheel 26.
The star shaped wheel is similar in structure to the star shaped portion described in the embodiments hereinabove. Specifically, the star-shaped [0055] portion 28 has an outer diameter that is the same as the diameter of the anvil portion 26. It is formed to have a plurality of uniformly spaced teeth or spurs 34 of generally triangular shape and conically formed sides 36. It has an outer surface 72, an inner surface 74, and a substantially cylindrical star shape. The generally cylindrical side of the star shaped portion, between the outer surface and the first inner surface, which also defines one of the three sides of the spurs 34, is tapered inwardly at about a forty five degree angle ±10-15 degrees from the outer surface 72 toward the inner surface 74 to form a tapered inclined inner surface 32, in such a manner that the overall diameter of the outer surface is greater than the overall diameter or outer perimeter of the inner surface. At its center point, the star shaped portion is provided with a bore which traverses the star shaped portion in a generally horizontal direction, from the edge of the inner surface right through to the outer surface thereby effectively transforming the star shaped portion into a star shaped wheel 28.
In the fourth embodiment, the [0056] projection 80 of the star shaped wheel of the third embodiment, and the projection 70 of the anvil wheel of the second embodiment respectively, is replaced with a washer 84. The overall outer diameter of the washer is slightly less than the overall outer diameter of either the anvil portion or the star shaped portion. Specifically, the overall outer diameter of the washer must be equal to the diameter defined by the base of the spurs 34 of the star-shaped portion 28. The washer also has a bore that traverses its entire thickness and which has an outer diameter sufficient to allow the washer to both fit snugly around the axle and be freely rotatable around the axle. Finally, the thickness of the washer must be less that the thickness of the flange/lid/shelf combination.
The [0057] head 24 of the fourth embodiment is formed by assembling the anvil wheel 26, together with the star-shaped wheel 28, the hub washer 84 and the axle 60 such that (i) the inner surface 66 of the anvil portion faces the inner surface 74 of the star-shaped wheel; (ii) the hub washer 84 is located in between the anvil wheel and the star-shaped wheel; (iii) the axle is fixed to the anvil wheel 26 and allowed to extend and project through the star-shaped wheel 28 and the washer, allowing the star-shaped wheel and the hub washer to be separately rotatable from the anvil wheel around the axle; and (iv) the tapered surfaces 32 of both the anvil wheel 26 and the star-shaped wheel 28 mirror each other.
The [0058] head 24 is then mounted on the tool 20 by placing it between the arms 22 a and 22 b of the handle 22 such that the axle extends outwardly through the holes 50 at the ends of the arms of the handle 22. The anvil wheel 26, star-shaped wheel 28, the hub washer 84 and axle 60 are held together on the end of the handle by the bias formed by the arms 22 a and 22 b of the tongs. The bias of the tongs together with the extension of the axle 60, and the tapered mirroring sides 32 of the anvil wheel and the star-shaped wheel allow the anvil portion and the star shaped wheel to be forced apart by the various container rims formed of different thickness materials, so that thicker and thinner flanges can be accommodated. The hub washer 84, in turn, acts as the hub in the first embodiment above, i.e. as the combination flange/lid/shelf stop, to insure that only the spurs 34 of the star-shaped wheel 28 continuously remain over the top of the flange/lid/shelf combination, during the closure and sealing of the lid onto the container.
Alternatively, the [0059] head 24 on the third embodiment, is formed by assembling the anvil wheel 26, together with the star-shaped portion 28, the axle 60 and the hub washer 84 such that (i) the inner surface 66 of the anvil wheel faces the inner surface 76 of the star-shaped portion 28; (ii) the axle 60 is fixed to star-shaped part 28 and allowed to extend and project through the anvil wheel 26 and the hub washer 84, allowing the anvil wheel 26 and the hub washer 84 to be separately rotatable from the star-shaped portion 28, around the axle; and (iii) the tapered surfaces 32 of both the anvil wheel 26 and the star shaped portion mirror each other.
In the method for using the tool of the fourth embodiment to close the container, the [0060] wheel 24, with the star-shaped portion 28 facing upwardly, is placed against the container, parallel to the plane of the shelf 12, and pressed inwardly. As it is pressed inwardly, the anvil wheel 26 and the star-shaped portion 28 are forced apart by the flange/lid/shelf combination. This requires the operator to apply a mild pressure on arms 22 a and 22 b of the tongs. This pressure bends and folds the flange 18 down by the star-shaped portion 28 onto the lid on the shelf until such time as the edge of the rim of the container abuts and comes to a stop up against the hub washer 84, thereby insuring that the edge of the shelf 12 does not go further and beyond the depth or base of the spurs 34. There is no need to pre-depress or pre-crimp the flange.
The [0061] hub washer 84 acts exactly as the hub 30, i.e. as a block to or a stop of the edge of the flange/lid/shelf combination to prevent slippage and promote the smooth rotation of the tool. Thereafter, the wheel 24 is rolled forward and/or backward tangentially along the periphery of the container to form a “butterfly” closure 46 on the periphery of the container. Excess material formed during the closing operation is bent upward between the spurs 34 of the star-shaped portion 28, thereby allowing a smooth operation without interference to the wheel's movement. In this manner, the flange 18, as will be seen by the waving of the repetitively crimped peripheral portion 46, is folded and crimped in spaced intervals about the container. This will effectively close the lid 14 on the shelf 12, making a cohesive package, although not fuily sealing the same.
To fully seal the [0062] butterfly closure 46 on the periphery of the container, the wheel 24 is flipped so that the anvil portion 26 faces upward, and placed against the container so that it abuts the edge of the flange/lid/shelf combination, parallel to the plane of the shelf. It is then lightly pressed inwardly against the flange 18. As it is pressed inwardly, the anvil wheel 26 and the star-shaped portion 28 are forced apart by the flange/lid/shelf combination. This requires the operator to apply a mild pressure on arms 22 a and 22 b of the tongs. This pressure bends and folds the flange 18 down by the anvil wheel 26 onto the lid on the shelf until such time as the rim of the container abuts and comes to a stop up against the hub washer 84. In fact; the hub washer 84 once more acts as the hub 30, i.e. the flange/lid/shelf's edge stop to prevent slippage and promote the smooth rotation of the tool. Thereafter, the wheel 24 is rolled forward and/or backward once more. By resuming the back or forward motion (Arrow B) tangentially along the periphery of the container, the flange 18 is fully depressed to continuously form a closed seal 48 about the periphery of the container.
In a fifth embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the [0063] tool 20, comprises only of a hand held head 24.
The [0064] head 24 is a composite similar to the composite head of the second embodiment described above. Alternatively, the head 24 is a composite similar to the composite head of the third embodiment described above. Or, the head 24 is a composite similar to the composite head of the fourth embodiment described above.
The [0065] head 24 of the fifth embodiment is formed by assembling the anvil wheel 26, together with the star-shaped wheel 28, the hub washer 84 (if the head is formed in accordance with the fourth embodiment) and the axle 60 such that (i) the innermost surface of the anvil wheel faces the innermost surface of the star-shaped wheel; (ii) the hub washer 84 (if the head is formed in accordance with the fourth embodiment) is located in between the anvil wheel and the star-shaped wheel; (iii) the axle is fixed to the anvil wheel 26 and allowed to extend and project through the star-shaped wheel 28 and the washer (if present), to allow the star-shaped wheel and the hub washer to be separately rotatable from the anvil wheel around the axle; and (iv) the tapered surfaces 32 of both the anvil wheel 26 and the star-shaped wheel 28 mirror each other.
The [0066] head 24 is held together with any securing means that will allow the components to stay together, remain freely rotatable and capable of allowing the anvil portion and the star shaped wheel to be forced apart by the various container rims formed of different thickness materials, so that thicker and thinner flanges can be accommodated.
In the method for using the tool of the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, to close the container, the [0067] wheel 24, with the star-shaped portion 28 facing upwardly, is placed against the container, parallel to the plane of the shelf 12, and pressed inwardly. As it is pressed inwardly, the anvil wheel 26 and the star-shaped portion 28 are forced apart by the flange/lid/shelf combination. This requires the operator to apply a mild manual pressure. This pressure bends and folds the flange 18 down by the star-shaped portion 28 onto the lid on the shelf until such time as the rim of the container abuts and comes to a stop up against the hub washer 84 or the projection, thereby insuring that the edge of the shelf 12 does not go further and beyond the depth or base of the spurs 34. There is no need to pre-depress or pre-crimp the flange.
The [0068] hub washer 84 or the projection acts exactly as the hub 30, i.e. as a block to or a stop of the edge of the flange/lid/shelf combination to prevent slippage and promote the smooth rotation of the tool. Thereafter, the wheel 24 is rolled forward and/or backward tangentially along the periphery of the container to form a “butterfly” closure 46 on the periphery of the container. Excess material formed during the closing operation is bent upward between the spurs 34 of the star-shaped portion 28, thereby allowing a smooth operation without interference to the wheel's movement. In this manner, the flange 18, as will be seen by the waving of the repetitively crimped peripheral portion 46, is folded and crimped in spaced intervals about the container. This will effectively close the lid 14 on the shelf 12, making a cohesive package, although not fully sealing the same.
To fully seal the [0069] butterfly closure 46 on the periphery of the container, the wheel 24 is flipped so that the anvil portion 26 faces upward, and placed against the container so that it abuts the edge of the flange/lid/shelf combination, parallel to the plane of the shelf. It is then lightly pressed inwardly against the flange 18. As it is pressed inwardly, the anvil wheel 26 and the star-shaped portion 28 are forced apart by the flange/lid/shelf combination. This requires the operator to manually apply a mild pressure. This pressure bends and folds the flange 18 down by the anvil wheel 26 onto the lid on the shelf until such time as the rim of the container abuts and comes to a stop up against the hub washer 84 or the projection. In fact, the hub washer 84 or the projection once more acts as the hub 30, i.e. the flange/lid/shelf's edge stop to prevent slippage and promote the smooth rotation of the tool. Thereafter, the wheel 24 is rolled forward and/or backward once more. By resuming the back or forward motion (Arrow B) tangentially along the periphery of the container, the flange 18 is fully depressed to continuously form a closed seal 48 about the periphery of the container.
The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes, which may be made to the present invention without strictly following the exemplary embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the following claims. [0070]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A tool for closing and sealing a lid on a flexible walled peripheral flange bearing container by bending and crimping the container's vertical peripheral flange over the periphery of the lid supported on the container's marginal shelf, said tool comprising

an anvil portion, a star shaped portion, a hub portion interposed between said anvil and star-shaped portions, means for maintaining said portions concentrically aligned and means for pressing and rolling the concentrically maintained portions around the container;

said anvil portion and said star shaped portion having the same outer diameter and inwardly tapering surfaces mirroring each other; and

said hub portion having a width sufficient to allow the bent flange/shelf/lid combination to slip between the anvil and star shaped portions' inwardly tapered mirroring surfaces, and a diameter sufficient to prevent the bent flange/shelf/lid combination from slipping beyond the base of the arms of the star shaped portion thereby allowing the arms of the star-shaped portion to remain in continuous contact with the flange/shelf/lid combination during the closure and sealing of the lid on the container.

2. The tool according to claim 1 wherein said means for maintaining said anvil portion, said star-shaped portion and said hub portion concentrically aligned comprises said hub portion itself, thereby converting the tool into a single, unitary, integral composite flange-bending wheel.

3. The tool according to claim 2 wherein said means for pressing and rolling said flange-bending wheel around the container is a handle having a front end.

4. The tool according to claim 3, wherein said flange bending wheel is freely rotatable about a pivot pin, supported by washers and retainers , within a clevis integrally formed at the front end of said handle.

5. The tool according to claim I wherein said means for maintaining said anvil portion, said star-shaped portion and said hub portion concentrically aligned comprises an axle fixed to said anvil portion and allowed to project through said star-shaped portion, such that said star-shaped portion is freely rotatable around said axle.

6. The tool according to claim 5 wherein said hub portion consists of a cylindrical projection fixed on and telescoping from said anvil portion, and wherein said axle is secured on said cylindrical projection.

7. The tool according to claim 5 wherein said hub portion consists of a cylindrical projection fixed on and telescoping from said star-shaped portion, and wherein said axle projects both through said star-shaped portion and through said cylindrical projection such that both said star-shaped portion and said star-shaped, fixed cylindrical projection are freely rotatable around said axle.

8. The tool according to claim 5 wherein said hub portion consists of a washer and wherein said axle projects both through said star-shaped portion and through said washer, such that both said star-shaped portion and said washer are rotatable around said axle.

9. The tool according to claim 1 wherein said means for maintaining said anvil portion, said star-shaped portion and said hub portion concentrically aligned comprises an axle fixed to said star-shaped portion and allowed to project through said anvil portion, such that said anvil portion is freely rotatable around said axle.

10. The tool according to claim 9 wherein said hub portion consists of a cylindrical projection fixed on and telescoping from said star-shaped portion, and wherein said axle is secured on said cylindrical projection.

11. The tool according to claim 9 wherein said hub portion consists of a cylindrical projection fixed on and telescoping from said anvil portion, and wherein said axle projects both through said anvil portion and through said cylindrical projection such that both said anvil portion and said anvil fixed cylindrical projection are freely rotatable around said axle.

12. The tool according to claim 9 wherein said hub portion consists of a washer and wherein said axle projects both through said anvil portion and through said washer, such that both said anvil portion and said washer are rotatable around said axle.

13. The tool according to claim 5, wherein said means for pressing and rolling the concentrically maintained portions around the container is a handle comprising two arms connected at their back end to form a pair of tongs, each of the arms having a hole at its forward end and being resiliently biased towards the other; wherein said axle extends outwardly through each of said holes; and wherein said star-shaped, anvil, and hub portions are held together by the resilient bias of said arms.

14. The tool according to claim 6, wherein said means for pressing and rolling the concentrically maintained portions around the container is a handle comprising two arms connected at their back end to form a pair of tongs, each of the arms having a hole at its forward end and being resiliently biased towards the other; wherein said axle extends outwardly through each of said holes; and wherein said star-shaped, anvil, and hub portions are held together by the resilient bias of said arms.

15. The tool according to claim 7, wherein said means for pressing and rolling the concentrically maintained portions around the container is a handle comprising two arms connected at their back end to form a pair of tongs, each of the arms having a hole at its forward end and being resiliently biased towards the other; wherein said axle extends outwardly through each of said holes; and wherein said star-shaped, anvil, and hub portions are held together by the resilient bias of said arms.

16. The tool according to claim 8, wherein said means for pressing and rolling the concentrically maintained portions around the container is a handle comprising two arms connected at their back end to form a pair of tongs, each of the arms having a hole at its forward end and being resiliently biased towards the other; wherein said axle extends outwardly through each of said holes; and wherein said star-shaped, anvil, and hub portions are held together by the resilient bias of said arms.

17. The tool according to claim 9, wherein said means for pressing and rolling the concentrically maintained portions around the container is a handle comprising two arms connected at their back end to form a pair of tongs, each of the arms having a hole at its forward end and being resiliently biased towards the other; wherein said axle extends outwardly through each of said holes; and wherein said star-shaped, anvil, and hub portions are held together by the resilient bias of said arms.

18. The tool according to claim 10, wherein said means for pressing and rolling the concentrically maintained portions around the container is a handle comprising two arms connected at their back end to form a pair of tongs, each of the arms having a hole at its forward end and being resiliently biased towards the other; wherein said axle extends outwardly through each of said holes; and wherein said star-shaped, anvil, and hub portions are held together by the resilient bias of said arms.

19. The tool according to claim 11, wherein said means for pressing and rolling the concentrically maintained portions around the container is a handle comprising two arms connected at their back end to form a pair of tongs, each of the arms having a hole at its forward end and being resiliently biased towards the other; wherein said axle extends outwardly through each of said holes; and wherein said star-shaped, anvil, and hub portions are held together by the resilient bias of said arms.

20. The tool according to claim 12, wherein said means for pressing and rolling the concentrically maintained portions around the container is a handle comprising two arms connected at their back end to form a pair of tongs, each of the arms having a hole at its forward end and being resiliently biased towards the other; wherein said axle extends outwardly through each of said holes; and wherein said star-shaped, anvil, and hub portions are held together by the resilient bias of said arms.

21. A method for the bending, crimping and sealing of a peripheral flange of a flexible walled container marginal shelf, over the outer periphery of a lid supported on the marginal shelf comprising the steps of:

respectively providing an anvil portion and a star-shaped portion with similar diameters and inwardly tapering mirroring surfaces;

aligning said anvil portion and said star-shaped portion together with a hub portion interposed there between in a concentric manner;

providing said hub portion with a diameter equivalent to the diameter defined by the base of the arms of said concentrically aligned star-shaped portion;

maintaining said hub, said anvil and said star-shaped portions in a concentrically aligned arrangement;

using said hub portion to space said anvil portion and said star-shaped portion a distance sufficient to permit the flange bent over the lid supported on the shelf of the container to slip and fit in between said anvil and star-shaped portions' inwardly tapered mirroring surfaces;

placing said maintained, concentrically aligned hub, anvil and star-shaped portions against the container with said star-shaped portion facing upwardly, parallel to the plane of the shelf;

pressing inwardly to bend and fold the flange down onto the lid on the shelf until such time as the bent flange/lid/shelf combination slips between said inwardly tapering mirroring surfaces and the rim of the shelf of the container abuts and comes to a complete stop up against said hub portion, thereby insuring that the rim of the shelf does not extend beyond the base of the arms of said star-shaped portion;

rolling said maintained, concentrically arranged hub, anvil and star shaped portions around the periphery of the container to form a butterfly closure, by allowing excess flange material formed during the rolling to bend upward between said arms of said star-shaped portion;

flipping said maintained, concentrically arranged hub, anvil and star-shaped portions so that said anvil portion faces upward;

placing said maintained, concentrically arranged hub, anvil and star-shaped portions against the container, parallel to the plane of the shelf, and lightly pressing inwardly until the edge of the bent flange/shelf/lid butterfly closure slips between said inwardly tapering mirroring surfaces and abuts said hub portion;

thereafter rolling said maintained hub, star-shaped and anvil portions around the periphery of said butterfly closure until the flange is fully depressed to continuously form a bead about the periphery of the container.

22. The method according to claim 21, further comprising the steps of connecting said hub, said anvil and said star-shaped portions to form a single, unitary, integral composite flange-bending wheel and suspending said flange bending wheel on a pivot point supported by washers and retainers within a clevis formed at the front end of a handle.

23. The method according to claim 21, wherein the step of maintaining said hub, said anvil, and said star-shaped portions in a concentrically aligned arrangement further comprises fixing an axle onto said anvil portion and allowing said axle to project through said star-shaped portion such that said star-shaped portion is rotatable around said axle.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the step of maintaining said hub, said anvil and said star-shaped portions in a concentrically aligned arrangement further comprises fixing said hub portion on said anvil portion to form a cylindrical projection on said anvil portion, and securing said axle on said cylindrical projection.

25. The method according to claim 23, wherein the step of maintaining said hub, said anvil and said star-shaped portions in a concentrically aligned arrangement further comprises fixing said hub portion on said star-shaped portion to form a cylindrical projection on said star-shaped portion, and allowing said axle to project through both said star-shaped portion and said cylindrical projection.

26. The method according to claim 23, frtther comprising the step of providing a hub portion consisting of a washer and allowing said axle to project through both said star-shaped portion and said washer such that both said star-shaped portion and said washer are rotatable around said axle.

27. The method according to claim 21, wherein the step of maintaining said hub, said anvil, and said star-shaped portions in a concentrically aligned arrangement further comprises fixing an axle onto said star-shaped portion and allowing said axle to project through said anvil portion such that said anvil portion is rotatable around said axle.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein the step of maintaining said hub, said anvil and said star-shaped portions in a concentrically aligned arrangement further comprises fixing said hub portion on said star-shaped portion to form a cylindrical projection on said star-shaped portion, and securing said axle on said cylindrical projection.

29. The method according to claim 27, wherein the step of maintaining said hub, said anvil and said star-shaped portions in a concentrically aligned arrangement further comprises fixing said hub portion on said anvil portion to form a cylindrical projection on said anvil portion, and allowing said axle to project through both said anvil portion and said cylindrical projection.

30. The method according to claim 27, further comprising the step of providing a hub portion consisting of a washer and allowing said axle to project through both said anvil portion and said washer such that both said anvil portion and said washer are rotatable around said axle.

31. The method according to claim 23 further comprising the steps of providing a handle having two arms connected at their back end to form a pair of tongs, each of the arms having a hole at its forward end and being resiliently biased towards the other; suspending and supporting said axle between said arms by allowing said axle to extend outwardly through each of said holes; and holding said hub, anvil and star-shaped portions together by the resilient bias of said arms.

32. The method according to claim 24 further comprising the steps of providing a handle having two arms connected at their back end to form a pair of tongs, each of the arms having a hole at its forward end and being resiliently biased towards the other; suspending and supporting said axle between said arms by allowing said axle to extend outwardly through each of said holes; and holding said hub, anvil and star-shaped portions together by the resilient bias of said arms.

33. The method according to claim 25 further comprising the steps of providing a handle having two arms connected at their back end to form a pair of tongs, each of the arms having a hole at its forward end and being resiliently biased towards the other; suspending and supporting said axle between said arms by allowing said axle to extend outwardly through each of said holes; and holding said hub, anvil and star-shaped portions together by the resilient bias of said arms.

34. The method according to claim 26 further comprising the steps of providing a handle having two arms connected at their back end to form a pair of tongs, each of the arms having a hole at its forward end and being resiliently biased towards the other; suspending and supporting said axle between said arms by allowing said axle to extend outwardly through each of said holes; and holding said hub, anvil and star-shaped portions together by the resilient bias of said arms.

35. The method according to claim 27 further comprising the steps of providing a handle having two arms connected at their back end to form a pair of tongs, each of the arms having a hole at its forward end and being resiliently biased towards the other; suspending and supporting said axle between said arms by allowing said axle to extend outwardly through each of said holes; and holding said hub, anvil and star-shaped portions together by the resilient bias of said arms.

36. The method according to claim 28 further comprising the steps of providing a handle having two arms connected at their back end to form a pair of tongs, each of the arms having a hole at its forward end and being resiliently biased towards the other; suspending and supporting said axle between said arms by allowing said axle to extend outwardly through each of said holes; and holding said hub, anvil and star-shaped portions together by the resilient bias of said arms.

37. The method according to claim 29 further comprising the steps of providing a handle having two arms connected at their back end to form a pair of tongs, each of the arms having a hole at its forward end and being resiliently biased towards the other; suspending and supporting said axle between said arms by allowing said axle to extend outwardly through each of said holes; and holding said hub, anvil and star-shaped portions together by the resilient bias of said arms.

38. The method according to claim 30 further comprising the steps of providing a handle having two arms connected at their back end to form a pair of tongs, each of the arms having a hole at its forward end and being resiliently biased towards the other; suspending and supporting said axle between said arms by allowing said axle to extend outwardly through each of said holes; and holding said hub, anvil and star-shaped portions together by the resilient bias of said arms.

39. A tool for closing and sealing a lid on a flexible walled container by bending and crimping the container's vertical peripheral flange over the periphery of the lid supported on the container's marginal shelf, said tool comprising

a handle having a front end; and

a single, unitary, integral composite flange bending wheel freely rotatable at the front end of said handle, said flange-bending wheel having

an anvil portion, a star shaped portion, and a hub portion interposed there between,

said anvil and star shaped portions having the same outer diameter and inwardly tapering surfaces mirroring each other,

said anvil and star shaped portions being fixed on said hub portion,

said anvil, star-shaped, and hub portion being concentrically aligned; and

40. The tool according to claim 39, wherein said freely rotatable flange bending wheel freely rotatable at said front end of said handle is rotated about a pivot pin, said pivot point being supported within a clevis by washers and retainers, said clevis being integrally formed at the front end of said handle.

41. A tool for closing and sealing a lid on a flexible walled container by bending and crimping the container's vertical peripheral flange over the periphery of the lid supported on the container's marginal shelf, said tool comprising

a handle having two arms connected at their back end to form a pair of tongs, each of the arms having a hole at its forward end and being resiliently biased towards the other;

an anvil portion, a star-shaped portion, a hub portion interposed there between, and an axle;

said anvil portion and said star-shaped portion having the same outer diameter and inwardly tapering surfaces mirroring each other;

said hub portion having a width sufficient to allow the bent flange/shelf/lid combination to slip between said anvil and star-shaped portions' inwardly tapered mirroring surfaces, and a diameter sufficient to prevent the bent flange/shelf/lid combination from extending beyond the base of the arms of said star-shaped portion thereby allowing the arms of the star-shaped portion to remain in continuous contact with the flange/shelf/lid combination during the closure and sealing of the lid on the container; and

said axle being fixed on said anvil portion, allowed to project through said star-shaped portion, and extend outwardly through each of said holes of said arms of said handle, such that the star-shaped, anvil, and hub portions are held together by the resilient bias of said arms and said star-shaped portion is rotatable around said axle.

42. The tool according to claim 41, wherein said hub portion further comprises a cylindrical projection fixed on and telescoping from said anvil portion and wherein said axle is secured on said cylindrical projection.

43. The tool according to claim 41, wherein said hub portion further comprises a cylindrical projection fixed on and telescoping from said star-shaped portion, and wherein said axle projects both through said star-shaped portion and through said cylindrical projection such that both said star-shaped portion and said star-shaped fixed cylindrical projection are rotatable around said axle.

44. The tool according to claim 41,.wherein said hub portion further comprises of a washer and wherein said axle projects both through said star-shaped portion and through said washer, such that both said sta-shaped portion and said washer are rotatable around said axle.

45. A tool for closing and sealing a lid on a flexible walled container by bending and crimping the container's vertical peripheral flange over the periphery of the lid supported on the container's marginal shelf, said tool comprising

said axle being fixed on said star-shaped portion, allowed to project through said anvil portion, and extend outwardly through each of said holes of said arms of said handle, such that the star-shaped, anvil, and hub portions are held together by the resilient bias of said arms and said anvil portion is rotatable around said axle.

46. The tool according to claim 45, wherein said hub portion firrther comprises a cylindrical projection fixed on and telescoping from said star-shaped portion and wherein said axle is secured on said cylindrical projection.

47. The tool according to claim 45, wherein said hub portion fturther comprises a cylindrical projection fixed on and telescoping from said anvil portion, and wherein said axle projects both through said anvil portion and through said cylindrical projection such that both said anvil portion and said anvil fixed cylindrical projection are rotatable about said axle.

48. The tool according to claim 45, wherein said hub portion further comprises a washer and wherein said axle projects both through said anvil portion and through said washer, such that both said anvil portion and said washer are rotatable around said axle.