WO2007049891A1

WO2007049891A1 - Vacuum packing apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2007049891A1
Application number: PCT/KR2006/004326
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joon-Young Ahn
Original assignee: Joon-Young Ahn
Priority date: 2005-10-27
Filing date: 2006-10-23
Publication date: 2007-05-03
Also published as: KR200408428Y1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vacuum packing apparatus, more particularly to a vacuum packing apparatus that is capable of being stored in an upright position. The vacuum packing apparatus according to the present invention comprises a lower part equipped with a heating element at a forward portion thereof, an upper part for covering the lower part, which is furnished with a pressing element associated with the heating element, and a base part, to which the lower part and/or the upper part is pivotably joined by hinge connection.

Description

[DESCRIPTION] [Invention Title]

VACUUM PACKING APPARATUS [Technical Field]

The present invention relates to a vacuum packing apparatus, more particularly to a vacuum packing apparatus that is capable of being stored in an upright position. [Background Art]

A conventional vacuum packing apparatus is generally composed of a base part and a cover part coupled to the base part by hinge connection. The vacuum packing apparatus is designed to operate in such a manner that a vacuum bag is arranged between the base part and the cover part, and thereafter a case is closed so as to seal the bag under vacuum.

The accompanying FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a slanted vacuum packing apparatus, which is conceived by the present inventor. (Refer to Korean Utility Model Application No. 20-2005-18805)

As shown in the FIG. 1, the slanted vacuum packing apparatus according to the prior art includes a base part (10) and a cover part (20). Provided adjacent to a front end of the base part (10) is a heating element (16) for heat-sealing a vacuum bag. The base part (10) further comprises a vacuum pump (19) built therein.

The cover part (20) is pivotably coupled to the base part (10) by a hinge adjacent to the rear end of the base part (10). Nearby the front end of the cover part (20), there is equipped with a pressing portion (26) associated with the heating element (16).

The cover part (20) is furnished with a guide portion (29) that is integrally formed at both sides thereof such that the cover part (20) is precisely and stably seated on the base part (10). An upper surface of the base part (10) is configured to downwardly slant toward the front end thereof. Namely, the profile of the base part (10) is a substantially right- angled triangle. The cover part (20) comprises an upper chamber (22), which is downwardly opened. Correspondingly, an upwardly opened lower chamber (12) is prepared on the base part (10). The lower chamber (12) is provided with a suction hole (14) adapted for aspirating air, which is in communication with a vacuum pump (not shown in the drawing) built in the base part (10). The upper chamber (22) and the lower chamber (12) are furnished with packing members (13, 23) at each open end thereof. Meanwhile, disposed inside of the upper chamber (22) is a striker wall (24) that is downwardly extended.

Moreover, a locking means (not shown in the drawing), which is disclosed in Korean Utility Model Registration Nos. 20-0380444, 20-0375528, and 20-0365095, may be incorporated into the cover part (20) and the base part (10), if necessary.

Further, the cover part (20) and the base part (10) may employ a switch (17, 18) and a switch pushing portion (27, 28), which are taught in Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-0365095, so as to automate operation of vacuuming and sealing processes. [Disclosure] [Technical Problem]

Since such a conventional vacuum packing apparatus is of the construction that the base part (10) and the cover part (20) are fabricated by a hinge, the vacuum packing apparatus should be stored in 1aid-down position when not in use. Therefore, it is disadvantageous that the conventional vacuum packing apparatus takes considerable space when stored, which results in constraining the space for other items to be stored. Moreover, there is a drawback that in case that the vacuum packing apparatus is stored in the upright position, it tends to tip over and be damaged accordingly. [Technical Solution]

The present invention aims at solving the aforementioned drawbacks of the conventional vacuum packing apparatus. Therefore, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a vacuum packing apparatus capable of being stored in an upright position when not in use, thereby saving the space of storage.

In order to accomplish the foregoing object, one embodiment of a vacuum packing apparatus according to the present invention comprises a lower part equipped with a heating element at a forward portion thereof, an upper part for covering the lower part, which is furnished with a pressing element associated with the heating element, and a base part, to which the lower part or the upper part is pivotably joined by hinge connection.

The base part is arranged adjacent to a rear end of the lower part, and is coupled to the lower part and the upper part in such a manner that both sides of the lower part and the upper part are pivotably coupled to the both sides of the base part, respectively.

Alternatively, the base part is arranged adjacent to a rear end of the lower part, and is only pivotably coupled to the lower part in such a manner that both sides of the lower part are pivotably coupled to the both sides of the base part. Subsequently, both sides of the upper part are pivotably coupled to both sides of the lower part.

Preferably, an upwardly extending lower guide wall is provided on both sides of the lower part, and the lower guide wall is configured to pivotal Iy couple with both sides of the base part.

Further, the base part comprises supporting portions formed on both sides thereof, which serve to support the upper part and the lower part. The supporting portion includes a downwardly slanted surface toward the front end of the base part .

Further, the base part comprises supporting portions formed on both sides thereof, which serve to support the upper part and the lower part, and provided at both sides of the lower part are stoppers that restrain rotation of the lower part within a predetermined range in cooperation with the supporting portions. [Advantageous Effects]

As evident from the foregoing description, the vacuum packing apparatus according to the present invention has advantageous effects as follows.

First, by employing a structure that the upper part or the lower part is pivotably joined to the base part, it becomes feasible to reduce necessary storage space, whereby the vacuum packing apparatus can be stored in relatively confined space.

Second, the lower guide wall not only facilitates a neat arrangement of a vacuum bag in a lower chamber, but also serves as a reinforcing rib that prevents a break or damage on a portion where the base part and the lower part are connected, which is mainly caused by stress concentration when rotating the lower part with respect to the base part.

Third, because the supporting portion is provided with the slanted surface, the lower part is inherently positioned with some inclination, by which vacuum processing can be efficiently performed without a bent of a vacuum bag.

Fourth, with the stopper, the rotation of the lower part with respect to the base part is restricted within a predetermined range of angle, so that the vacuum packing apparatus can be readily stood in an upright position. [Description of Drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional slanted vacuum packing apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a vacuum packing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which an upper part is an opened state;

FIG. 3 is a frontal perspective view of a vacuum packing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention in an upright position;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a vacuum packing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention in an upright position; and

FIG. 5 is a plane view schematically showing a connection structure between a lower part and a base part according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Best Mode]

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a vacuum packing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which an upper part is an opened state! FIG. 3 is a frontal perspective view of a vacuum packing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention in an upright position; FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of a vacuum packing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention in an upright position; and FIG. 5 is a plane view schematically showing a connection structure between a lower part and a base part according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the present invention comprises a lower part (100), an upper part (200), and a base part (300).

The lower part (100) is provided with a heating element (160) at a forward portion thereof, behind which a lower chamber (120) is disposed, both sides of the lower part (100) are pivotably coupled to both sides of the base part (300). Preferably, an upwardly extending lower guide wall(180) is provided on both sides of the lower part(lOO), and the lower guide wal 1(180) is configured to pivotal Iy couple with both sides of the base part(300).

Namely, the lower guide walls (180) are formed along both lateral edges of the lower part (100) and are designed to pivotably join with both sides of the base part (300).

By providing the lower guide wall (180), a vacuum bag can be precisely arranged in the lower chamber (120). Besides, the lower guide wall (180) can serve as a reinforcing rib that prevents break or damage on a portion where the base part (300) and the lower part (100) are interconnected. Such break is mainly caused by stress concentration when rotating the lower part (100) with respect to the base part (300).

Moreover, the lower part (100) includes a stopper (190), which is located on a side thereof. Desirably, the stopper (190) is convexly formed on an upper portion of the lower guide wall (180). With an arrangement of the stopper (190), rotation of the lower part (100) relative to the base part (300) is restricted within a predetermined range due to the interference of the stopper (190) with a supporting portion (310) of the base part (300), which will be described later. Preferably, the stopper (190) is designed to come into contact with the supporting portion (310) as the lower part (100) is in upright position of about 90 degree.

The upper part (200) is adapted for covering the lower part (100). Disposed at a forward portion of the upper part (200) is a pressing element (260) associated with the heating element (160), behind which an upper chamber (220) corresponding to the lower chamber (120) is formed.

Similar to the lower part (100), the upper part (200) is also pivotably coupled to the base part (300). Namely, upper guide walls (280) are formed along both lateral edges of the upper part (200) and are designed to pivotably join with both sides of the base part (300). Alternatively, the upper part (200) may be directly pivoted to the lower part (100), not the base part (300). Specifically, the upper part (200) is provided with the upper guide walls (280) at the lateral edges thereof, which may be pivotably coupled to both sides of the base part (300).

Preferably, the lower part (100) is interposed between the upper part (200) and the base part (300), and pivotably joined to the upper part (200) and the base part (300) .

Similar to the lower guide wall (180), it is also preferable to provide the upper guide wall (280) with a stopper. However, the stopper formed on the upper guide wall (280) is, unlike to the stopper (190) formed on the lower guide wall (180) designed to restrict rotation of the lower part (100) within 90 degree, configured to allow the upper part (200) to rotate beyond 90 degree.

As shown in FIG. 2, inside the upper chamber (220), a striker wall (280) is prepared to facilitate easy location of an entrance of a vacuum bag in the chamber.

The base part (300) is arranged adjacent to a rear end of the lower part (100), and is pivotably coupled to both sides of the lower part (100) and the upper part (200), respectively. Namely, the base part (300) is pivotably joined with the lower guide wall (180). The base part (300) comprises a supporting portions (310) formed on both sides thereof, which serve to support the upper part (200) and the lower part (100). The supporting portion (310) includes a downwardly slanted surface (315) toward the front end of the base part (300) .

Due to contact of the slanted surface (315) and the lower guide wall (180), the lower part (100) is positioned with some inclination as the lower part (100) is down into a flat position, so that vacuum processing can be efficiently performed without a bent of a vacuum bag. Preferably, the slanted surface (315) is of concave curvature such that the upper part (200) and the lower part (100) can easily rotate along the slanted surface (315).

Referring to FIG. 5, the base part (300) is equipped with a vacuum pump (320) at the inside thereof, which is in fluid communication with a suction hole (140) formed in the lower chamber (120) via a hose (330). Particularly, the hose (330) is configured to penetrate through a hinge connection portion of the base part (300) and the lower part (100).

Preferably, the lower part (100) may be further furnished with a reed switch (not shown in drawings), and correspondingly the upper part (200) may further include a magnet (not shown in drawings). In addition, the lower part (100) or the base part (300) may include a tact switch (not shown in drawings). The reed switch is employed for turning on/off the vacuum pump (320) and the heating element (160) in cooperation with the magnet. The tact switch functions to actuate the vacuum pump (320) only.

The reed switch is composed of magnetizable and conductive reed contacts that are hermetically sealed in both ends of a glass tube. An external magnetic field (such as permanent magnet or an energized coil around the glass tube) causes the contacts to pull together, thus completing an electric circuit. The tact switch is a push-button type switch having a protruded switch element. Since such switches are described in detail in the instant inventor's Korean Utility Model application No. 20-2005-0029523, further detailed explanation on the switches are omitted.

Referring to FIG. 2, in order to prepare vacuuming process, the lower part (100) is pivoted down into a flat position and the upper part (200) pivots upwardly. Subsequently, a vacuum bag is arranged in a proper position and vacuuming process is initiated afterward.

After completion of the vacuuming process, as shown in FIGs. 3 and 4, the upper part (200) and the lower part (100) move into an upright position with respect to the base part (300) for storing when not in use. As the upper part (200) and the lower part (100) rotate on the base part (300), the stopper (190) comes into contact with the supporting portion (310), thereby the rotation of the upper part (200) and the lower part (100) is restricted within a predetermined angle, preferably about 90 degree.

It may be preferable to employ a conventional locking means between the upper part (200) and the lower part (100) so as to prevent separation of the upper part (200) and the lower part (100). The vacuum packing apparatus in the upright position may be sustained by an additional holding device (not shown in drawings) or fictional-fit of the upper part (200) and the lower part (100) against the base part (300). Consequently, it becomes feasible to reduce necessary storage space for the vacuum packing apparatus, whereby it can be stored in relatively confined space.

It should be appreciated that the present invention can be applied to not only a chamber type vacuum packing apparatus, but also a nozzle type apparatus .

In the meantime, when creating vacuum inside a container of other type, a hose (not shown in drawings) is interconnected between the suction hole (140) and the container while opening the upper part (200). Thereafter, the tact switch is depressed to actuate the vacuum pump (320) only, such that the container is readily vacuumed. Because the tact switch is configured to actuate the vacuum pump (320) only, it eliminates the risk that a user gets injured by the heating element (160) which is unintentionally actuated. [Industrial Applicability]

The vacuum packing apparatus according to present invention is not limited by the aforementioned embodiment and it should be appreciated that various modifications can be made by a person having an ordinary skilled person in the art without departing from concept or spirit of the present invention.

Claims

[CLAIMS]

[Claim 1]

A vacuum packing apparatus, comprising: a lower part equipped with a heating element at a forward portion thereof; an upper part for covering the lower part, the upper part being furnished with a pressing element associated with the heating element; and a base part, to which the lower part or the upper part is pivotably joined by hinge connection.

[Claim 2]

The vacuum packing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the base part is arranged adjacent to a rear end of the lower part, and is coupled to the lower part and the upper part in such a manner that both sides of the lower part and the upper part are pivotably coupled to both sides of the base part, respectively.

[Claim 3]

The vacuum packing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the base part is arranged adjacent to a rear end of the lower part, and is only pivotably coupled to the lower part in such a manner that both sides of the lower part are pivotably coupled to the both sides of the base part, wherein subsequently both sides of the upper part are pivotably coupled to both sides of the lower part .

[Claim 4]

The vacuum packing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein an upwardly extending lower guide wall is provided on both sides of the lower part, and the lower guide wall is configured to pivotal Iy couple with both sides of the base part.

[Claim 5]

The vacuum packing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the base part comprises supporting portions formed on both sides thereof, which serves to support the upper part and the lower part, the supporting portion including downwardly slanted surface toward the front end of the base part . [Claim 6]

The vacuum packing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the base part comprises supporting portions formed on both sides thereof, which serves to support the upper part and the lower part, wherein the lower part is provided with stoppers at both sides thereof, which restrain rotation of the lower part within a predetermined range in cooperation with the supporting portions.