WO2001094209A1

WO2001094209A1 - Rotating vacuum packaging apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2001094209A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/018253
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stephen E. Kingeter; James R. Harte; Thomas D. Ritter; Timothy A. Grove; Michael L. Kennedy
Original assignee: Koch Equipment Llc
Priority date: 2000-06-05
Filing date: 2001-06-05
Publication date: 2001-12-13
Also published as: AU2001275282A1

Abstract

A vacuum packaging apparatus (1) includes a frame (5) having a rotatable vacuum chamber (7). The vacuum chamber may be linked to a slidable carriage (60) mounting a motorized vacuum pump (11). The apparatus is movable via a novel apparatus rotation subassembly from an operating position where the carriage and pump are positioned generally within the frame and the vacuum chamber is generally horizontal with respect to a ground surface, to a 'wash down' position where the carriage is positioned adjacent the frame, and the vacuum chamber is in a generally upright or slightly inverted position, and the vacuum compartments face away from the pump.

Description

ROTATING VACUUM PACKAGING APPARATUS Background of the Invention

A. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to packaging apparatus, and more particularly to a vacuum packaging apparatus having a novel rotatable vacuum chamber.

B. Background Art

Vacuum packaging machines for sealing foodstuffs and other products in impervious enclosures are well-known. Such machines typically comprise a supportive frame for mounting a vacuum chamber immediately adjacent to a motorized vacuum pump. For example, U.S. Patent No. 2,812,628 discloses a package grading machine having a direct driven vacuum pump built into the base of the machine.

During operation of the prior art apparatus, the products are placed into a plastic bag, which in turn is positioned within the vacuum chamber. Next, a movable lid is closed onto an open end of the bag, sealing the chamber and securing the bag's open end. The vacuum pump is then turned on, rapidly lowering the chamber pressure and causing air to exit the bag through its open end. Thus, the bag constricts tightly around the product. Finally, after a heating element closes the bag's open end, atmospheric pressure is restored, and the sealed product is removed from the apparatus.

Prior art vacuum packaging apparatus suffer several drawbacks. First, government regulations generally require washing all food processing equipment, including vacuum chambers, at least daily after use. Cleaning prior art vacuum packaging apparatus requires great care and substantial time due to the close proximity between the motorized pump and the vacuum chamber. That is, the pump and motor may be damaged by water or cleaning products. As a result, prior art devices are often cleaned with a relatively low pressure water source to avoid inadvertently splashing water or cleaners onto the pump or motor. Moreover, prior art apparatus also require substantial drying time because the vacuum chamber fills with water during cleaning. In short, cleaning prior art apparatus is difficult and time consuming.

Accessing the pump and motor is another problem with prior art apparatus. To conserve floor space, many prior art devices have been designed with the pump and motor attached to the frame immediately below the vacuum chamber. However, in these machines, it is difficult to access the pump and motor to provide maintenance.

Other prior art apparatus utilize a remote vacuum source. For example,

U.S. Patent Nos. 2,991,600 and 3,376,690 disclose such apparatus. Although these devices provide easier access to the vacuum source, they require additional piping connections between the machine and the vacuum source. Such apparatus are not easily transportable from one location to another.

Also, prior art devices having a generally horizontal vacuum chamber have not been effective for vacuum packaging liquids, or powder-like products such as grains and rice. That is, liquids and powders are unstable and prone to shifting after being inserted into the bag, or after the bag is positioned within the horizontal vacuum chamber.

A need exists for a vacuum packing apparatus having the advantages of the present invention. Summary of the Invention

The above problems are solved, and a number of technical advances are achieved in the art, by implementation of the novel vacuum packaging apparatus of the present invention.

The apparatus includes a supportive frame, a vacuum chamber, a vacuum chamber rotation subassembly, a motorized vacuum pump, a vacuum chamber lid, and a lid lift subassembly. The vacuum chamber is pivotally attached between ends of the frame, and is rotatable from a first position generally parallel to a ground surface to a second generally vertical position.

The apparatus rotation subassembly includes a carriage slidably mounted to the frame. The carriage mounts the vacuum pump and is slidable from a first, retracted position where the carriage is positioned within the frame, to a second, extended position where the carriage, with the pump attached thereto, is positioned adjacent to and outside of the frame. The carriage is dynamically linked to the vacuum chamber such that when the vacuum chamber rotates, the carriage simultaneously travels from its retracted position to its extended position, or vice versa.

Thus, the apparatus is movable from a first position where the carriage is generally within the frame and the vacuum chamber is generally horizontal, to a second or "wash down" position where the carriage is positioned adjacent the frame, and the vacuum chamber is in a generally upright, slightly inverted position. The apparatus may be stopped at any position between the first and second positions. The apparatus may be operated in the first, horizontal position, or in an "offset" configuration where the vacuum chamber forms an acute angle with the ground. An actuator may be provided to automate movement of the apparatus from the operating position to the "wash down" position, and vice versa.

The present invention overcomes many of the problems associated with the prior art. First, in the "wash down" position, the apparatus may quickly and easily be cleaned with high pressure hot water and cleaners without damaging the pump and motor. Also, in the "wash down" position the vacuum chamber will drain by gravity, greatly reducing drying time. Moreover, when the carriage is in its extended position, the pump and motor are readily open and accessible for maintenance. Further, as discussed more below, the "offset" configuration is particularly useful for packaging liquids and powders. Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description taken together with the accompanying drawings, wherein certain embodiments of the present invention are set forth by way of example. Brief Description of the Drawings

Fig. 1 is a rear perspective view of a vacuum packaging apparatus exemplifying the present invention. Fig. 2 is a front perspective view of the vacuum packaging apparatus. For illustration purposes, a vacuum chamber lid and a lid lift subassembly of the apparatus are not shown.

Fig. 3 is a partly broken away side elevational view of the vacuum packaging apparatus, showing the apparatus in an "offset" configuration.

Fig. 4 is a front perspective view of the vacuum packaging apparatus, showing the apparatus in a "wash down" configuration.

Fig. 5 is a front perspective view of a lower portion of a vacuum chamber of the vacuum packaging apparatus, showing, in an exploded view, the lid lift subassembly.

Fig. 6a is a partly broken away side elevational view of the vacuum packaging apparatus, showing the vacuum chamber lid covering a first vacuum compartment thereof.

Fig. 6b is a partly broken away end elevational view of the vacuum packaging apparatus, showing the lid at its apex.

Fig. 7 is a side elevational view of the vacuum packaging apparatus showing the apparatus in its normal operating configuration in solid lines, and in its "wash down" configuration in dashed lines.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Referring to the drawings and Fig. 1 in greater detail, the reference numeral 1 generally refers to a vacuum packaging apparatus exemplifying the present invention. The apparatus 1 includes a supportive frame 5, a vacuum chamber 7, a vacuum chamber rotation subassembly 9, a vacuum pump 11 to selectively create a vacuum in the vacuum chamber 7, a vacuum chamber lid 13, and a vacuum chamber lid lift subassembly 15. A. Frame 5.

The frame 5 supports the vacuum chamber 7 and the vacuum pump 11. Referring to Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, the frame 5 includes a pair of vertically extending ends 30 interconnected by first and second horizontal beams 32,33. Referring to Fig. 4, cross members 34 span between opposite portions of the beams 32 adjacent the ends 30. A plurality of wheels 36 mounted to respective lower surfaces of the ends 30 allow the apparatus 1 to be easily maneuvered over the ground or other surface. B. Vacuum Chamber 7.

Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. 4, the vacuum chamber 7 of the present invention is pivotally connected to and supported by the frame 5 for rotation thereabout. The vacuum chamber 7 includes a top or front surface 40, a bottom or back surface 42, opposed sides 44, and opposed ends 45. A circular opening 46 is formed in each of the ends 45. Referring to Fig. 6a, the vacuum chamber 7 also includes a central partition 47 defining first and second vacuum compartments 48,49. The compartments 48,49 include working surfaces 50,51, respectively. During operation, the working surfaces 50,51 provide support for the products being vacuum packaged. The compartments 50,51 also include respective opposed inclined shoulders 52,53, the purpose of which is discussed below.

Referring to Fig. 4, a pair of braces 54 are attached to respective inner surfaces of the vacuum chamber ends 45. A plurality of pads 55 are attached near corners of the vacuum chamber back surface 42 to provide additional support and protection to the vacuum chamber 7 during operation.

Referring to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, a circular opening 46 is formed in each of the frame ends 45 for pivotally com ecting the vacuum chamber 7 to the frame 5. A securement assembly 56 pivotally mounts the vacuum chamber 7 to the frame 5 between the openings 46. The securement assembly 56 may comprise a bolt rotatably positioned within a spacer, or a bearing and a rod, or any other pivotal attachment mechanism. In any event, the vacuum chamber 7 is freely pivotable about the frame ends 30 in either direction as indicated by arrows A1,A2 (Fig. 3).

Referring to Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b, the vacuum chamber 7 also includes a lid

13 pivotally mounted thereupon. The lid 13 includes first and second ends 130,131. Referring to Fig. 6a, the ends 130,131 are angularly disposed or inclined with respect to the vacuum compartment working surfaces 50,51. Referring to Fig. 5, Fig. 6a, and Fig. 6b, the lid 13 is pivotally attached to the vacuum chamber 7 by first and second pairs of arms 150,151 which form a parallelogram mechanism such that the lid 13 is selectively moveable between the first and second vacuum compartments 47,48.

Referring to Fig. 5, the lid lift subassembly 15 is also provided to assist with movement of the lid 13 between the compartments 47,48. The lid lift subassembly 15 includes a pair of lever shafts 160 having opposed ends fixedly attached within the vacuum chamber 7 between the arms 150, 151. Thus, rotation of the arms 150,151 causes rotation of the shafts 160. Cam levers 162 having first and second openings 164,166 are fixedly attached at said first opening 164 to the ends of the shaft 160. Thus, the cam levers 162 also rotate with the shaft 160 as the arms 150 rotate. A pair of transmission shafts 170 having opposed bores 174 extending traversely therethrough are fixedly attached to the cam levers 162 between the openings 166.

Referring to Fig. 5, first and second opposed pairs of helical springs 180,182 having respective first and second ends 186,188 are attached at said ends between the transmission shafts 170 and the vacuum chamber ends 45. More specifically, each spring first end 186 is attached to the transmission shaft bore 170, and each spring second end is attached to the vacuum chamber end brace 54.

Referring to Fig. 5, the lid lift subassembly 15 assists the user in moving the lid 13 between the compartments 48,49. More particularly, the springs

180,182 work in tandem to selectively assist in moving the lid 13 from a first position covering the first vacuum compartment 48, to a second position covering the second vacuum compartment 49, and vice versa. More specifically, when the lid 13 covers the first vacuum compartment 48, the second springs 182 are in tension (i.e., pulling the lid 13 toward the second compartment 49), and the first springs 180 are in a relaxed or resting state. Referring to Fig. 6a, in this position the second end 131 of the lid 13 abuts the shoulder 52, maintaining the lid in static equilibrium. However, once the lid 13 is lifted slightly off of the shoulder 52, the springs 182 pull the lid 13 toward the second vacuum compartment 49. Momentum and the spring force causes the lid 13 to travel to a position covering the second compartment 49, whereupon the lid 13 comes to a resting state with the first springs 180 now in tension and the first end 130 of the lid 13, engaging the shoulder 53. The reverse motion will allow the lid 13 to be moved from the second compartment 49 back onto the first compartment 48. Thus, the lid 13 may be selectively moved back and forth between the first and second compartments 48,49 in this manner. C. Vacuum Chamber Rotation Subassembly 9. Referring to Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, the vacuum chamber rotation subassembly 9 includes a carriage 60 slidably mounted to the frame 5 between the cross members 34. The carriage comprises first and second longitudinal members 62,63, a pair of traverse members 64, and a pair of ends 66. As discussed below, a boss 68 is fixedly attached to each longitudinal member 62,63 and extends upward therefrom. Referring to Fig. 4, the pump 11 is fixedly attached to the carriage 60 at the cross members 64.

As seen in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, a pair of heavy duty, stainless steel ball bearing slides 70 having first and second slidable members 72,74 mounts the carriage 60 to the frame 5. More particularly, the first slide member 72 is fixedly mounted to an inner surface of the cross member 34, and the second slide member 74 is fixedly mounted to an outer surface of the carriage end 66 such that the carriage 60 slides back-and- forth relative to the frame 5.

As indicated in Fig. 4 and Fig. 7, the carriage 60 is slidable via the slides 70 from a retracted or collapsed configuration where the carriage 60 is positioned generally within the frame 5, to an extended configuration where the carriage 60 is located adjacent to or outside of the frame 5. The carriage 60 is linked to the vacuum chamber 7 such that, as the vacuum chamber 7 is rotated clockwise (as indicated by arrows A3,A4), the carriage 60 travels from its retracted configuration to its extended configuration, and vice versa. More specifically, referring to Fig. 4, a pair of linkage bars 80 having first and second ends 82,84 are pivotally mounted at said ends between the boss 68 and the brace 54. Thus, the linkage bars 80 cause the vacuum chamber 7 to rotate about shafts 56 to a vertical position, and also move the pump 11 away from beneath the vacuum chamber 7. A ball joint 86 or other device which allows movement about multiple axes is used to mount the first end 82 to the brace 54 to allow both angular rotation and linear movement about the ends 82.

Referring to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, and Fig. 4, an actuator, such as an extendable permanent magnet motor linear actuator 100, may be attached to the apparatus 1. The actuator 100 drives carriage 60 is a lateral direction which automatically rotates the vacuum chamber 7 through linkage bars 80. Referring to Fig. 2, the actuator 100 includes first and second ends, with the first end 102 fixedly secured to the carriage 60 by a bracket 106. Referring to Fig. 1, the second end 104 is fixedly secured to the frame 5 at the second beam 33 by a brace 108 and a pin 110. Other devices such as pneumatic or hydraulic actuating devices may also be used to automate movement of the carriage 60. D. Operation.

The vacuum chamber 7 is operably rotatable about the frame 5 from a first position wherein the vacuum chamber is substantially parallel to a ground surface to a second "wash down" position wherein the vacuum chamber is substantially vertical with respect to the ground. In the second position, the vacuum chamber 7 can form up to a 110° angle with the ground.

The vacuum chamber 7 may be secured at any position between the first and second positions, for example by tightening fasteners (not shown) at the frame ends 45, or by simply stopping the actuator 100 when the vacuum chamber 7 is at a desired position. For example, referring to Fig. 3, an "offset" configuration is shown where the vacuum chamber 7 and the vacuum chamber working surfaces 50,51 form an acute angle with the ground. The apparatus 1 is operable in this configuration up to a 45° angle. The "offset" configuration is particularly useful for vacuum packaging liquids or powders because the liquid or powder will settle evenly into the bottom of the vacuum packaging bag when the bag is positioned onto the working surfaces 50,51 adjacent an interior edge of the vacuum chamber 7. A 30° angle should preferably be used when vacuum packaging powders. As indicated above, the vacuum chamber 7 may be linked to the carriage

60 such that rotation of the vacuum chamber 7 causes linear movement of the carriage 60. Referring to Fig. 4 and Fig. 7, the linear actuator 100 may be employed to rotate the vacuum chamber 7 from its first position to its second position while simultaneously extending the carriage 60 from its retracted configuration to its extended configuration. In the second, "wash down" position, the vacuum chambers 48,49 face away from the pump 11. Moreover, in this position the carriage 60 is in its fully-extended position, with the pump 11 situated away from the vacuum chamber 7. Thus, the vacuum chamber 7 may be easily cleaned with a high pressure hot water supply and other cleansers without wetting or damaging the pump 11. Moreover, in the "wash down" position, the inverted vacuum compartments 48,49 drain by gravity, greatly reducing drying time. Of course, retraction of the linear actuator 100 causes the vacuum chamber 7 to return to its substantially horizontal position while the carriage 60 retracts within the frame 5. It is foreseen that the apparatus 1 may be embodied such that the vacuum pump is attached directly to the rotatable vacuum chamber or, alternatively, to an exterior portion of the frame. It is also foreseen that a remote vacuum pump may be utilized in connection with the rotatable vacuum chamber.

The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. The description was selected to best explain the principles of the invention and practical application of these principles to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention not be limited by the specification, but be defined by the claims set forth below.

Claims

C L A I M SWhat is claimed is:

1. A vacuum packaging apparatus, comprising:

(a) a frame;

(b) a vacuum chamber rotatably mounted to said frame;

(b) a vacuum pump to selectively create a vacuum in said vacuum chamber; and (c) a vacuum chamber rotation subassembly mounted on said frame and operably connected to the vacuum chamber to selectively rotate the vacuum chamber between a first position and a second position.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said vacuum chamber may be operably positioned with said vacuum chamber substantially parallel to a ground surface.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said vacuum chamber may be secured in a wash down position wherein said vacuum chamber is substantially vertical with respect to a ground surface.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said vacuum chamber may be operably positioned with said vacuum chamber forming an acute angle with a ground surface.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said acute angle measures 30°.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a carriage slidably mounted to said frame, said carriage linked to said vacuum chamber such that said vacuum chamber is selectively rotatable from a first position wherein said vacuum chamber is substantially parallel to a ground surface and said carriage is positioned within said frame, to a second position wherein said vacuum chamber is generally vertical with respect to said ground surface and said carriage is positioned adjacent said frame.

7. A vacuum packaging apparatus, comprising:

(a) a frame;

(b) a carriage slidably mounted to said frame; (c) a vacuum pump fixedly attached to said carriage;

(d) a vacuum chamber rotatably mounted to said frame; and

(e) said carriage linked to said vacuum chamber such that said vacuum chamber is selectively rotatable from a first position wherein said vacuum chamber is substantially parallel to a ground surface and said carriage is positioned within said frame, to a second position wherein said vacuum chamber is generally vertical with respect to said ground surface and said carriage is positioned adjacent said frame.

8. The vacuum packaging apparatus of claim 7, further comprising an actuator having first and second ends, said actuator attached at said first end to said frame and at said second end to said carriage, said actuator further adapted to automatically move said vacuum chamber from said first position to said second position.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said apparatus is operable in an offset configuration wherein said vacuum chamber forms an acute angle with said ground surface.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said acute angle measures 30°.

11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said vacuum chamber further comprises first and second vacuum compartments.

12. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said vacuum chamber is rotatable to an inverted position wherein said vacuum chamber forms an obtuse angle with said ground surface.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said obtuse angle measures 110°.

14. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said apparatus further comprises a plurality of wheels attached to said frame for transporting said apparatus over said ground surface.

15. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said pump is positioned within said frame when said apparatus is in said first position.

16. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said pump is positioned outside of said frame when said apparatus is- in said second position.

17. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising:

(a) first and second vacuum compartments formed in said vacuum chamber, said first vacuum compartment including a first shoulder and said second vacuum compartment including a second shoulder in opposed relation to said first shoulder;

(b) a plurality of rotatable arms having first and second ends, said arms attached at said first ends to said vacuum chamber;

(c) a lid pivotally attached to said arms at said arms second ends; said lid including first and second ends; (d) a lid lift subassembly; said lid lift subassembly including first and second springs attached between said vacuum chamber and said lid; and

(e) said lid selectively moveable from a first position covering said first vacuum compartment wherein said second springs are in tension and said lid first end engages said first compartment shoulder, to a second position covering said second vacuum compartment wherein said first springs are .in tension and said lid second end engages said second compartment shoulder.

18. A vacuum packaging apparatus, comprising:

(a) a frame;

(b) a vacuum chamber rotatably mounted to said frame;

(c) a carriage slidably mounted to said frame; (d) a vacuum pump fixedly attached to said frame;

(e) a selectively extendable actuator, said actuator having first and second ends, said actuator first end fixedly mounted to said frame and said actuator second end fixedly mounted to said carriage; and

(f) said carriage linked to said vacuum chamber such that said vacuum chamber is selectively rotatable by said actuator from a first position wherein said vacuum chamber is substantially parallel to a ground surface and said carriage is positioned within said frame, to a second position wherein said vacuum chamber is generally vertical with respect to said ground surface and said carriage is positioned adjacent said frame.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said apparatus is operable in an offset configuration wherein said vacuum chamber forms an acute angle with said ground surface.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said acute angle measure 30°.

21. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said vacuum chamber is rotatable to a position wherein said vacuum chamber is inverted and forms an obtuse angle with said ground surface.

22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein said obtuse angle measures 110°.

23. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said vacuum chamber further comprises first and second vacuum compartments.

24. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said apparatus further comprises a plurality of wheels attached to said frame for transporting said apparatus over said ground surface.

25. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said pump is positioned within said frame when said apparatus is in said first position.

26. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said pump is positioned outside of said frame when said apparatus is in said second position.