U.S. patent application number 11/329842 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-01 for table-top electric heat sealer.
This patent application is currently assigned to Welcome Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Richard Chang, Shu-Hui Chou.
Application Number | 20060113292 11/329842 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32777197 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060113292 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chou; Shu-Hui ; et
al. |
June 1, 2006 |
Table-top electric heat sealer
Abstract
An electric heat sealer including a casing having a first pair
of extensions extending outwardly therefrom, a press bar pivotally
connected to said casing, the press bar having a second pair of
extensions extending outwardly therefrom, at least one sealing
mechanism mounted in the press bar or the casing and a source of
current for energizing the heating wire. The press bar is normally
biased above the casing and the at least one sealing mechanism
includes a heating wire.
Inventors: |
Chou; Shu-Hui; (Hsi Chih
City, TW) ; Chang; Richard; (Hsi Chih City,
TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Marmaro LLP
7th Floor
1900 Avenue of the Stars
Los Angeles
CA
90067
US
|
Assignee: |
Welcome Co., Ltd.
His Chih City
TW
|
Family ID: |
32777197 |
Appl. No.: |
11/329842 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10888200 |
Jul 9, 2004 |
6998577 |
|
|
11329842 |
Jan 11, 2006 |
|
|
|
10072293 |
Feb 6, 2002 |
6770849 |
|
|
10888200 |
Jul 9, 2004 |
|
|
|
09495999 |
Feb 1, 2000 |
6335515 |
|
|
10072293 |
Feb 6, 2002 |
|
|
|
09208256 |
Dec 9, 1998 |
6326594 |
|
|
10072293 |
Feb 6, 2002 |
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|
09189359 |
Nov 9, 1998 |
6232579 |
|
|
09495999 |
|
|
|
|
08917358 |
Aug 26, 1997 |
5854466 |
|
|
09189359 |
Nov 9, 1998 |
|
|
|
09189359 |
Nov 9, 1998 |
6232579 |
|
|
09208256 |
|
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|
|
08917358 |
Aug 26, 1997 |
5854466 |
|
|
09189359 |
Nov 9, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
219/243 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29C 66/8122 20130101;
B29C 66/849 20130101; B29C 66/43121 20130101; B29C 66/83241
20130101; B29C 65/225 20130101; B29C 66/8227 20130101; B29C 66/8221
20130101; B29C 65/228 20130101; B29C 66/223 20130101; B29C 66/225
20130101; B29C 66/861 20130101; B29C 66/221 20130101; B29C 66/874
20130101; B29C 65/222 20130101; B29C 66/1122 20130101; B29C 66/8618
20130101; B29C 66/81821 20130101; B29C 66/8161 20130101; B29C
66/8614 20130101; B29C 66/8324 20130101; B29C 66/8122 20130101;
B29K 2827/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
219/243 |
International
Class: |
H05B 3/02 20060101
H05B003/02 |
Claims
1-38. (canceled)
39. An electric heat sealer comprising: (a) a casing, (b) a press
bar pivotally connected to said casing, (c) at least one sealing
mechanism mounted within one of said casing and said press bar,
said sealing mechanism having an operating surface and a heating
wire disposed on said operating surface, (d) a source of current,
and (e) a power cord jack mounted to said casing.
40. The electric heat sealer of claim 39, wherein a portion of said
heating wire that is disposed on said operating surface includes at
least two sections that are non-parallel to one another.
41. The electric heat sealer of claim 39 wherein said casing
defines a longitudinal axis, and at least one of said at least two
sections of said heating wire is oriented non-perpendicularly to
said longitudinal axis.
42. The electric heat sealer of claim 39 wherein said casing
defines a longitudinal axis, and at least one of said at least two
sections of said heating wire is oriented substantially parallel to
said longitudinal axis.
43. The electric heat sealer of claim 39 wherein said at least two
sections of said heating wire are substantially perpendicular to
one another.
44. An electric heat sealer comprising: (a) a casing, wherein said
casing includes a first pair of extensions extending outwardly
therefrom, wherein said first pair of extensions extend in opposite
directions, (b) a press bar pivotally connected to said casing,
wherein said press bar includes a second pair of extensions
extending outwardly therefrom, wherein said second extensions
extend in opposite directions, and wherein said press bar is
normally biased above said casing, (c) a sealing mechanism mounted
in said press bar, wherein said sealing mechanism includes (i) a
heat insulative base, (ii) a heating wire secured on said heat
insulative base, and (iii) a heat resistant cover sheet secured
over said heating wire, (d) a source of current for energizing said
heating wire, wherein said sealing mechanism extends into said
extensions, and (e) a power cord jack mounted to the casing.
45. The electric heat sealer of claim 44, further comprising an
actuation button extending downwardly from said press bar, wherein
said heating wire is energized when said press bar is pressed
downwardly and said actuation button is urged to electrically
connect said source of current to said heating wire.
46. An electric heat sealer comprising (a) a casing, (b) a press
bar pivotally connected to said casing, (c) at least one sealing
mechanism mounted within one of said casing and said press bar,
said sealing mechanism including a heating wire, (d) a source of
current, and (e) a power cord jack mounted to the casing.
47. The sealer of claim 46 wherein said sealing mechanism has an
operating surface, wherein a portion of said heating wire disposed
on said operating surface includes at least two sections that are
non-parallel to one another.
48. An electric heat sealer comprising (a) a casing, (b) a press
bar pivotally connected to said casing, (c) at least one sealing
mechanism mounted within one of said casing and said press bar, and
(d) a source of current, and (e) a power cord jack mounted to the
casing.
49. The sealer of claim 48, wherein said heating wire has a planar
top surface.
50. The sealer of claim 48, wherein said heating wire has a
rectangular cross-section.
Description
[0001] This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/888,200, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/072,293, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,770,849, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/495,999, filed Feb. 1, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,335,515, and
Ser. No. 09/208,256, filed Dec. 9, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No.
6,326,594, both of which are continuations-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/189,359, filed Nov. 9, 1998, now U.S. Pat.
No. 6,232,579, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 08/917,358 filed on Aug. 26, 1997, now U.S.
Pat. No. 5,854,466, the disclosures of which are incorporated in
their entireties herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an electric heat sealer,
and more particularly to an electric heat sealer which can be
controlled to break the electric circuit when the apparatus is not
in use, so as to prevent an electric connection by a false
action.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] A variety of electric heat sealers have been developed for
home use, and have appeared on the market.
[0004] Conventional electric heat sealers are functional for
sealing plastic bags and the like. However, these electric heat
sealers have no safety control means. When an electric heat sealer
is touched by an external force, the sealing mechanism may be
electrically connected to produce heat, potentially causing an
accident to occur.
[0005] Another problem with conventional electric heat sealers is
that it is often necessary to take two "swipes" at a plastic bag to
seal the bag with the sealer. For example, when sealing a bag by
swiping from the left to the right, because of the configuration of
the sealer, the left most portion of the bag is often left
unsealed. It is then necessary to seal the unsealed area by swiping
that portion from the right to the left.
[0006] A need exists for an electric heat sealer which eliminates
the aforesaid problems, and which is handy and safe in use.
SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0007] In accordance with one preferred aspect of the present
invention, there is provided an electric heat sealer comprising a
casing, a battery chamber, a spring holder, a sealing mechanism, a
press bar, and a safety device. The casing holds the battery
chamber, the spring holder, the sealing mechanism and the safety
device on the inside. The battery chamber comprises a front upright
support; a rear upright support; a first front terminal plate and a
second front terminal plate respectively mounted on the front
upright support; a pair of rear terminal plates respectively
mounted on the rear upright support; a first metal contact plate
mounted on the front upright support and connected the first front
terminal plate; and a second metal contact plate mounted on the
front upright support and spaced from the second terminal plate by
a gap. The second terminal plate is forced into contact with the
second metal contact plate when a battery set is installed in the
battery chamber. The spring holder is mounted in the casing and
spaced between the first metal contact plate and the second metal
contact plate. The sealing mechanism is mounted in the casing and
moved up and down relative to the first and second metal contact
plates.
[0008] The sealing mechanism comprises a heat insulative base; an
electric wire; two metal locating plates; and a compression spring.
The heat insulative base comprises a protrusive middle portion. The
electric heating wire is mounted on the protrusive middle portion
of the heat insulative base. The metal locating plates are fixedly
fastened to the heat insulative base at two opposite sides and
respectively connected to two opposite ends of the electric heating
wire. The compression spring is connected between the spring holder
and the protrusive middle position of the heat insulative base.
[0009] The press bar has a fixed end pivotally connected to one end
of the casing and a free and fixedly mounted with a heat insulative
press block. The heat insulative press block is forced against the
protrusive middle portion of the heat insulative base of the
sealing mechanism when the press bar is depressed.
[0010] The safety device comprises a safety switch with two
opposite terminals. The safety switch has two lead wires
respectively extended from the two opposite terminals thereof and
respectively connected to the second terminal plate and the second
metal contact plate.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the inventive electric heat
sealer further includes a protective frame pivotally connected to
the casing and pivotable between a first position and a second
position. In the first position, the protective frame is spaced
between the heat insulative base of the sealing mechanism and the
heat insulative press block of the press bar. In the second
position, the protective frame is pivoted out of the space between
the base and the press block.
[0012] Preferably, the electric heat sealing wire and the press
block are covered by heat insulative sheets, which preferably are
comprised of a heat-resistant material such as a Teflon mesh.
[0013] In another preferred embodiment, the inventive heat sealer
further includes a cover device for the casing. The cover device
has defined therein an opening through which the protrusive middle
portion of the heat insulative base of the sealing mechanism
extends out of the casing. More specifically, the cover device
includes a front cover plate disposed on a front portion of the
casing, a rear cover plate disposed on a rear portion of the
casing, and an intermediate cover plate disposed on a middle
portion of the casing over the battery chamber.
[0014] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an electric heat sealer which includes a casing;
a cover device; first and second metal contact plates; a sealing
mechanism; resilient means, such as a spring, piston or the like,
biasing the sealing mechanism in an upward direction; operating
means pivotally connected to the casing; and a safety device.
[0015] The cover device covers the casing and has an opening formed
therethrough. The first and second metal contact plates are mounted
within the casing below the opening in the cover device. The
sealing mechanism is mounted in the casing and moves up and down
relative to the first and second metal contact plates. The sealing
mechanism includes: a heat insulative base having a protrusive
middle portion; an electric heating wire mounted on the protrusive
middle portion of the heat insulative base, the electric heating
wire having two opposite ends; and two metal locating plates
mounted on the heat insulative base and respectively connected to
the opposite ends of the electric heating wire.
[0016] The resilient means biases the sealing mechanism in an
upward direction so that the protrusive middle portion of the heat
insulative base extends through the opening in the cover device.
The operating means is pivotally connected to the casing and
extends above the opening in the cover device. The operating means
is movable downwardly to engage an object to be sealed which is
supported on the protrusive middle portion of the heat insulative
base extending through the opening and urge the heat insulative
base downwardly and cause the metal locating plates to engage the
metal contact plates. This causes electrical current to flow
through and heat the electric heating wire when the metal contact
plates are connected to a source of electrical current.
[0017] The safety device selectively prevents electrical current
from flowing through the electric heating wire.
[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the inventive heat sealer is
adapted to be supplied with electrical current from at least one
current source selected from the group consisting of a DC current
source and an AC current source. Particularly, the inventive heat
sealer is adapted to be supplied with electrical current from both
a DC current source and an AC current source.
[0019] More particularly, the inventive heat sealer is adapted to
be supplied with electrical current from a DC current source which
is a battery set. In this embodiment, the casing defines a battery
chamber adapted to receive a battery set, the battery chamber
including a front upright support; a rear upright support; first
and second front terminal plates respectively mounted on the front
upright support; a pair of rear terminal plates respectively
mounted on the rear upright support; a first metal contact plate
mounted on the front upright support and connected to the first
front terminal plate; and a second metal contact plate mounted on
the front upright support and spaced from the second terminal plate
by a gap. The second terminal plate is forced into contact with the
second metal contact plate when a battery set is installed in the
battery chamber.
[0020] Preferably, the safety device includes a safety switch
having two opposite terminals and two lead wires respectively
extending from the two opposite terminals thereof and respectively
connected to the foregoing second terminal plate and the second
metal contact plate.
[0021] In accordance with a further aspect of the present
invention, there is provided an electric heat sealer comprising: a
casing having an opening formed therethrough; first and second
metal contact plates mounted within the casing below the opening; a
sealing mechanism as described above, the sealing mechanism being
mounted in the casing and moving up and down relative to the first
and second metal contact plates; resilient means biasing the
sealing mechanism in an upward direction so that the protrusive
middle portion of the heat insulative base extends through the
opening in the casing; operating means pivotally connected to the
casing and extending above the opening in the casing as described
above; and a safety device which selectively prevents electrical
current from flowing through the electric heating wire.
[0022] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention there is provided an electric heat sealer that includes a
main body having a longitudinal axis, and a sealing mechanism
having a center point. The center point of the sealing mechanism is
offset from said longitudinal axis. In a preferred embodiment, the
sealer includes an offset sealer portion, in which the sealing
mechanism is disposed, extending from the main body. In another
preferred embodiment the sealer includes a press bar. In this
embodiment, the offset sealer portion has an upper member that
extends from the press bar and a lower member, wherein said main
body includes a casing, wherein said upper member extends from said
press bar and said lower member extends from said casing, and said
sealing mechanism is disposed in said lower member.
[0023] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention there is provided an electric heat sealer that includes a
casing that defines a longitudinal axis and has a first offset
sealer portion extending therefrom, and a sealing mechanism mounted
in the first offset sealer portion. The sealing mechanism has a
center point that is spaced from the longitudinal axis. In a
preferred embodiment, the electric heat sealer includes a second
offset sealer portion that extends from the casing in a direction
substantially opposite of the first offset sealer portion.
[0024] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention there is provided a method of sealing comprising the
steps of providing an object to be sealed and sealing the object to
be sealed using a sealer wherein an offset sealer portion follows a
main body portion.
[0025] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention there is provided a method of sealing comprising the
steps of providing an electric heat sealer having an offset sealer
portion with a heating wire, providing an object to be sealed
positioning the sealer such that the heating wire extends over an
edge of the object to be sealed, and sealing the object to be
sealed with a single swipe. In a preferred embodiment, the method
also includes the step of causing the sealer to apply an offset
force to the object to be sealed, before swiping the sealer across
the object to be sealed.
[0026] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present
invention there is provided a sealing mechanism for use with an
electric heat sealer that includes a heat insulative base. The heat
insulative base has at least one extension member extending from a
side thereof. A channel is defined between the side and the
extension member.
[0027] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention there is provided an electric heat sealer that includes a
casing, a press bar pivotally connected to the casing, at least one
sealing mechanism mounted in the press bar or the casing and a
source of current for energizing the electric heating wire of the
sealing mechanism. The casing and the press bar each include an
extension extending outwardly therefrom. Preferably, the extensions
are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis defined by the
casing.
[0028] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention
there is provided an electric heat sealer including a casing, a
press bar pivotally connected to the casing, at least one sealing
mechanism mounted within the casing or the press bar, the sealing
mechanism including a heating wire, wherein the heating wire
includes at least two sections that are non-parallel to one
another, and a source of current.
[0029] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention there is provided a sealer wall mounting mechanism that
includes a main body portion, a pair of spaced apart posts
extending outwardly from the main body portion, and a pair of
spaced apart hang members extending outwardly from the main body
portion and spaced below the pair of spaced apart posts.
[0030] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention there is provided a plastic bag sealer that includes a
sealing mechanism having a base and a heatable wire thereon. The
base has an upper surface portion upon which the wire is
positioned. The length of the wire which is adapted to contact the
bag is greater than the length of the upper surface portion of the
base.
[0031] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention there is provided an electric heat sealer including a
casing, a press bar pivotally connected to the casing, at least one
sealing mechanism mounted including a heating wire with a
resistance of greater than about 5 ohms, and a source of current.
In a preferred embodiment, the heating wire is non-circular.
[0032] In accordance with yet another aspect of the present
invention there is provided a plastic bag sealer that includes a
sealing mechanism having a base and a heatable wire thereon. The
base has a length and an upper surface portion upon which the wire
is positioned. The surface area of the wire that is adapted to
contact the bag is greater than the surface area of the wire which
would be adapted to contact the bag if the wire were linearly
disposed along the length of the upper surface portion of the
base.
[0033] Other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the
following detailed description. It is to be understood, however,
that the detailed description and specific examples, while
indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, are
given by way of illustration and not limitation. Many changes and
modifications within the scope of the present invention may be made
without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention
includes all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] The invention may be more readily understood by referring to
the accompanying drawings in which
[0035] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an electric heat sealer
according to the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 2 is another exploded view of the present
invention.
[0037] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention when
viewed from the front side.
[0038] FIG. 4 is another perspective rear side view of the present
invention when viewed from the rear side.
[0039] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the present invention before
operation.
[0040] FIG. 6 is another sectional view of the present invention,
showing the press bar pressed down.
[0041] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing a flat metal contact
plate and a front terminal plate separated by a gap.
[0042] FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing the connection of an
embodiment of a safety device of the invention (a safety switch) to
the flat metal contact plate and front terminal plate of FIG.
7.
[0043] FIG. 9 is an environment view showing a heat sealer having
an offset sealer portion sealing a plastic bag.
[0044] FIG. 10 is a front elevational view showing the heat sealer
of FIG. 9 in an open position.
[0045] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the heat sealer of FIG.
9.
[0046] FIG. 12 is a is an environment view showing a heat sealer
having an offset sealer portion similar to that of FIG. 9, but more
ergonomically designed. The sealer is shown sealing a plastic
bag.
[0047] FIG. 13 is a front elevational view showing the heat sealer
of FIG. 12 in an open position.
[0048] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the heat sealer of FIG.
12.
[0049] FIG. 15 is an environment view showing a heat sealer having
an offset sealer portion similar to that of FIG. 12, but having the
press bar pivotally connected to the casing at a neck portion. The
sealer is shown sealing a plastic bag.
[0050] FIG. 16 is a front elevational view showing the heat sealer
of FIG. 15 in an open position.
[0051] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the heat sealer of FIG.
15.
[0052] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional elevational view taken along
line 18-18 of FIG. 17, with the frame removed.
[0053] FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the spring member
and heat insulative base used in a preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0054] FIG. 20 is a plan view of a heat sealer having two offset
sealer portions, in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0055] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a heat sealer that includes
extensions for sealing a plastic bag without having to "swipe" the
sealer in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0056] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the press bar of the heat
sealer of FIG. 21 with the cover exploded away to show the
components disposed therein.
[0057] FIG. 23 is a is a perspective view of the heat sealer of
FIG. 21 held in an open position to show the spring and actuation
button.
[0058] FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the press bar of
the heat sealer of FIG. 21.
[0059] FIG. 25 is a sectional side elevation taken along line 28-28
of FIG. 21 showing the sealing mechanism and heat insulative press
block mounted in the press bar and casing, respectively.
[0060] FIG. 26 is a is a perspective view of a portion of the
sealing mechanism of the heat sealer of FIG. 21 with the heat
resistant cover sheet peeled back to show the heating wire.
[0061] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the casing of the heat
sealer of FIG. 21.
[0062] FIG. 28 is a top plan view of an electric heating wire in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0063] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the press bar of the heat
sealer of FIG. 21 with the cover in place.
[0064] FIG. 30 is a front perspective view of a sealer wall
mounting mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0065] FIG. 31 is a front elevational view of the sealer of FIG. 21
mounted in the sealer wall mounting mechanism of FIG. 30, which is
mounted on a wall.
[0066] Like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several
views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0067] Referring to FIGS. 1-4 and 7, a first embodiment of an
electric heat sealer in accordance with the present invention
includes a casing 10, a spring holder 11, a press bar 20, a battery
chamber 30, a sealing mechanism 40, and a safety device 70.
[0068] It will be appreciated that terms such as "below,"
"outwardly," "downwardly," "upwardly," "leftmost," "rightmost,"
"horizontal," and "vertical" used herein are used merely for ease
of description and refer to the orientation of the components as
shown in the Figures. It should be understood that any orientation
of the various embodiments of electric heat sealers and the
components thereof described herein is within the scope of the
present invention.
[0069] The battery chamber 30 is defined within the casing 10. The
battery chamber 30 comprises a front upright support 31, a rear
upright support 32, a pair of front terminal plates 33 and a rear
terminal unit having a pair of rear terminal plates 34 respectively
mounted on the front upright support 31 and the rear upright
support 32. When battery cells (not shown) are installed in the
battery chamber 30, the positive and negative terminals of the
battery cells are respectively connected to the metal contact
plates 33, 34.
[0070] A pair of flat metal contact plates 331 are mounted on the
front upright support 31. One flat metal contact plate 331 is
directly connected to one front terminal plate 33. Alternatively,
the two plates 331 and 31 can form a single unit. The other flat
metal contact plate 331 is spaced from the other front terminal
plate 33 by a gap 332.
[0071] The spring holder 11 is mounted in the front upright support
31 between the flat metal contact plates 331.
[0072] The sealing mechanism 40 is mounted within the casing 10,
comprising a heat insulative base 41, an electric heating wire 42,
two metal locating plates 43, a heat resisting cover sheet 44, and
a compression spring 45. The heat insulative base 41 comprises a
protrusive middle portion 411. The locating plates 43 are fasted to
two opposite sides of the heat insulative base 41 to hold the
electric heating wire 42 on the protrusive middle portion 411. The
heat resisting cover sheet 44 is covered on the heat insulative
base 41 over the electric heating wire 42 to protect the electric
heating wire 42. The heat insulative cover sheet 44 preferably is a
meshed member, made from a heat-resistant material such as Teflon,
providing a smooth surface. The heat insulative base 41 has a
bottom mounting hole 412 at the bottom of the protrusive middle
portion 411. The bottom mounting hole 412 is preferably a circular
hole. The compression spring 45 has a bottom end received in the
spring holder 11, and a top end inserted into the bottom mounting
hole 412. The diameter of the compression spring 45 fits the
circular bottom mounting hole 412 of the heat insulative base 41.
Because the sealing mechanism 40 is supported on the compression
spring 45, it can be moved up and down in the casing 10 and is
biased in the upward direction.
[0073] The press bar 20 comprises a heat insulative press block 21
at one end facing the protrusive middle portion 411 of the heat
insulative base 41 of the sealing mechanism 40, a heat resisting
cover sheet 22 covered on the heat insulative press block 21, and a
pair of lugs 23 bilaterally disposed at an opposite end. The lugs
23 have a respective pivot pin 231 at an inner side respectively
inserted into two transverse pivot holes 12 at one end of the
casing 10. The heat resisting cover sheet 22 of the press bar 20
and the heat resisting cover sheet 44 of the sealing mechanism 40
are preferably made from same material, such as a Teflon mesh.
Further, a spring plate 24 is provided between the press bar 20 and
the casing 10 to impart an upward bias to the press bar 20. Because
of the arrangement of the spring plate 24, the press bar 20 is
normally maintained in an upward position to prevent direct contact
between the heat resisting cover sheet 22 at the press bar 20 and
the heat resisting cover sheet 44 at the sealing mechanism 40.
[0074] The safety device 70 is for open circuit protection. Safety
device 70 preferably includes a safety switch 71 and a protective
frame 73. In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and
4, the safety switch 71 is mounted in the casing 10 at the rear
thereof. Safety device 70 has two lead wires 72 respectively
extending from two opposed terminals thereof and respectively
connected to one front terminal plate 33 (which is not directly
connected to the corresponding flat metal contact plate 331) and
one flat metal contact plate 331 (which is not directly connected
to the corresponding front terminal plate 33). See FIG. 8.
[0075] When the electric heat sealer is in use, the safety switch
71 is switched by a user to the "on" position. When the safety
switch is in the "on" position, the gap 332 is bridged, enabling
current to flow from terminal plate 33 to metal contact plate 331
as shown in FIG. 8. When the electric heat sealer is not in use,
the safety switch 71 is switched by the user to the "off" position
to keep the lead wires 72 in an open circuit state and prevent
current from flowing from terminal plate 33 to contact plate 331 in
FIG. 8. That is, the safety switch is a safety device that is
adapted to selectively prevent electrical current from flowing
through the electric heating wire. "Selectively" denotes that a
user chooses a position which opens or closes the electric circuit
and sets the device in the chosen position. The device remains in
the selected state until the user changes the state of the device.
Safety switch 71 can be a mechanical switch, an electrical device
or any other device which permits selective prevention of
electrical current flow.
[0076] Depressing the press bar 20 against the sealing mechanism 40
does not close the electric circuit when the safety switch 71 is
set at the "off" position.
[0077] The protective frame 73 is pivotally connected to the casing
10 on the outside of the casing at the same end as the sealing
mechanism 40. When the electric heat sealer is not in use, the
protective frame 73 is pivoted upwards and retained between the
heat insulative block 21 of the press bar 20 and the protrusive
middle portion 411 of the heat insulative base 41 of the sealing
mechanism 40 to stop the heat insulative block 21 from contacting
the sealing mechanism 40. When in use, the protective frame 73 is
pivoted outwardly and downwards to a position away from the heat
insulative block 21 and the heat insulative base 41. Thus, the
protective frame, by virtue of its pivotal motion between the
foregoing two positions, is also adapted to selectively prevent
electrical current from flowing through the electric heating
wire.
[0078] Referring to FIG. 5, when the electric heat sealer is not in
use, the heat insulative base 41 is biased upward by the
compression spring 45 so that the locating plates 43 are spaced
from the flat metal contact plates 331 to electrically disconnect
the electric heating wire 42 from the battery cells. The safety
switch 71 is switched to the "off" position, and the protective
frame 73 is pivoted upward to the top side of the casing 10 and
retained between the heat insulative press block 21 and the
protrusive middle portion 411 of the heat insulative base 41 of the
sealing mechanism 40. Therefore the electric heat sealer is
deactivated and performs no work.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 6, when in use, the protective frame 73 is
pivoted outwardly and downwards from the position above the
protrusive middle portion 411 of the heat insulative base 41
preferably to the front of the casing 10, and the safety switch 71
is switched to the "on" position to electrically connect the lead
wires 72. When the press bar 20 is pressed down, the heat
insulative press block 21 is forced against the heat insulative
base 41. This causes the heat insulative base 41 to be lowered and
forces the locating plates 43 into contact with the metal contact
plates 331 to close the electrical circuit and heat the electric
heating wire 42.
[0080] When sealing a workpiece, for example, a plastic bag, the
open side of the plastic bag is placed between the protrusive
middle portion 411 of the heat insulative base 41 and the heat
insulative press block 21. Then the press bar 20 is pressed down to
force the locating plates 43 into contact with the metal contact
plates 331 respectively. This closes the electrical circuit,
thereby causing the electric heating wire 42 to be heated. The open
side of the plastic bag is thus melted and sealed by the heat
produced by the electric heating wire 42. When the press bar 20 is
released from the hand after use, the locating plates 43 are biased
upward by the compression spring 45, along with the rest of the
heat insulative base 41, from the metal contact plates 331 to open
the electric circuit and prevent electrical current from the
battery set from flowing through the electric heating wire 42.
[0081] In the foregoing embodiment, the inventive safety device
includes both safety switch 71 and protective frame 73. If desired,
either of these elements can be utilized separately.
[0082] Referring to FIG. 1 again, a cover device 50 is provided to
cover the casing 10. The cover device 50 is comprised of a front
cover plate 51, an intermediate cover plate 52, and a rear cover
plate 53. The front cover plate 51 covers on the front portion of
the casing 10 over the sealing mechanism 40. The intermediate cover
plate 52 covers the middle portion of the casing 10 over the
battery chamber 30. The rear cover plate 53 covers the rear portion
of the casing 10. The front cover plate 51 has defined therethrough
an opening 511 through which the protrusive middle portion 411 of
the heat insulative base 41 extends.
[0083] Alternatively, cover device 50 can be comprised of two
plates or can be formed from a single plate. That is, cover plates
51 and 52, 52 and 53, or 51-53 can be replaced with unitary
structures.
[0084] Referring to FIG. 1 again, a magnetic bottom plate 80 is
preferably fixedly mounted on the bottom of the casing 10. By means
of the magnetic bottom plate 80, the electric heat sealer can be
secured to a metal surface, for example a refrigerator door, by
magnetic attraction.
[0085] Alternative embodiments of the foregoing heat sealer are
also included within the scope of the present invention. In one
alternative embodiment, the rear terminal unit can be replaced with
two separate rear terminal plates 34 separated by a gap, and a
safety switch can be connected between the plates 34 (rather than
front plated 33 and 331 as described above) while the separated
front plates 33 and 331 are placed in contact or form a single
element.
[0086] In another alternative embodiment, electrical current can be
supplied to electric heating wire 42 from an AC power source rather
than a DC power source, or from both an AC power source and a DC
power source. That is, the electric heat sealer can be adapted to
be supplied with electrical current from at least one current
source selected from an DC current source and an AC current source
(including both DC and AC power sources). Exemplary alternative
power sources for an electric heat sealer that can be adapted for
use in the present invention are described, for example, in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,142,123, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by
reference. Safety switch 71 is disposed at an appropriate position
in the electrical circuit between the electric heating wire and the
DC and/or AC current source to selectively prevent current flow to
the electric heating wire. Selection of the appropriate location
for safety switch 71 in this embodiment is a matter of routine
design choice for those skilled in the art.
[0087] In another alternative embodiment, the cover device 50 can
be disposed on the bottom of the casing 10 rather than on the top
of the casing, so that, for example, a battery set can be inserted
from the bottom of the electric heat sealer. In this embodiment, if
desired a magnetic bottom plate can be affixed to the cover device
or a plate thereof if the cover device is comprised of multiple
separate plates. In this embodiment an opening through which the
protrusive middle portion 411 of the heat insulative base 41
extends is formed in an upper surface of the casing itself rather
than in the cover device.
[0088] Referring to FIGS. 9-11, an embodiment of an electric heat
sealer 500 having an offset sealer portion 510 is shown. As best
shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, sealer 500 is similar to those
embodiments described above. However, where the above described
embodiments included a sealing mechanism 40 and associated
components that are aligned with a longitudinal axis defined by
casing 10, the center point C of the sealing mechanism 40 (via the
offset sealing portion 510) of sealer 500 is offset from the
longitudinal axis A defined by casing 10.
[0089] An upper member 512 of the offset sealer portion 510 extends
from the press bar 20, and a lower member 514 of the offset sealer
portion 510 extends from the casing 10. Preferably, the offset
sealer portion 510 extends in a direction substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, however, this is not a
limitation on the present invention. The sealing mechanism 40 is
disposed in the lower member 514 and preferably extends through an
opening defined therein. It will be understood that the offset
sealer portion 510 can be any desired length. Therefore, the
components of the sealing mechanism 40, such as the heat insulative
base 41 and the protrusive middle portion 411 thereof, electric
heating wire 42 and the heat resisting cover sheet 44 can be longer
than in the above described embodiments. This creates a longer
sealing surface, and provides improved sealing capabilities. The
heat insulative block 21 (and the heat insulative cover sheet 22)
is located on the upper portion 512 and is preferably aligned with
the heat insulative base 41 and the heat resisting cover sheet 44,
such that when the press bar 20 is pressed, the heat insulative
block 21 and the heat resisting cover sheet 44 sandwich the
workpiece therebetween. The heat resisting cover sheet 44 can be
removed so that the electric heating wire 42 can be replaced.
[0090] Preferably, the sealer 500 is activated automatically when
the press bar 20 (and upper member 512) is pressed against the
sealing mechanism 40, thereby urging the heat insulative base 41
downwardly and closing the circuit as described above. The sealer
500 can also include a safety switch 71 as described above. When
the safety switch 71 is at an "off" position, the heating wire 42
cannot be activated even when the circuit is closed by urging the
locating plates 43 into contact with the contact plates 331. When
the safety switch 71 is in the "on" position, the heating wire 42
is energized when the circuit is closed by urging the locating
plates 43 into contact with the contact plates 331. In an
alternative embodiment, the electric heating wire 42 can be
energized simply by switching safety switch 71 to the "on"
position. In this embodiment, the heat insulative base 41 can be
stationary, thereby eliminating the need for a spring, locating
plates 43 or contact plates 331. Electric current can be supplied
to the electric heating wire 42 of the sealer 500 by AC or DC power
as described above.
[0091] As shown in FIG. 9, the offset portion 510 of the sealer 500
allows a bag to be sealed more easily with a single swipe. Thereby
preventing the necessity of a second swipe as described above in
the Background of the Invention.
[0092] In a preferred embodiment, the sealer 500 can also be used
to open a sealed bag. Preferably the sealer 500 includes a slicer
515 that is actuated by a button 516. The button 516 extends
through the upper portion 512 and is held in a first position by a
spring. When the button 516 is pressed downwardly, the slicer 515,
which is located on a bottom side of the upper portion 512, is
urged downwardly. The sealer can include a stop plate 522 with
which the slicer 515 comes in contact when the button 516 is
depressed. To slice a bag or the like using the slicer 515, the
user places a bag into position, as shown in FIG. 9, presses the
press bar 20 downwardly, and simultaneously presses the button 516,
thereby urging the slicer 515 downwardly and into contact with (and
slicing through) the bag. The sealer 500 is then pulled across the
bag in one motion, thereby slicing the bag open. In a preferred
embodiment, the cutting portion of the slicer is made of a ceramic
that easily cuts through a plastic bag, but that will not cut human
skin. However, the slicer 515 can be made of metal or other cutting
material.
[0093] It will be understood that other forms of slicers or cutters
can be used with the present invention. For example, a safety
cutting device such as that taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,032,371, to
Chou, filed Aug. 27, 1998, the entirety of which is incorporated
herein by reference, can be used.
[0094] FIGS. 12-17 show two more embodiments of electric heat
sealers with an offset sealer portion 515. FIGS. 12-14 show a
sealer 600 wherein the press bar 20, casing 10 and offset sealer
portion 510 are designed for comfort in the hand of a user. The
sealer 600 can be provided with a thumb depression 618 for ease of
depressing the press bar 20. The working components of the sealer
600 are similar to those of the above described embodiments.
[0095] FIGS. 15-17 show another sealer 700 having an offset sealer
portion 510. Sealer 700 has a press bar 720 and upper member 512 of
the offset sealer portion 510 that are pivotally connected via a
hinge 718 to the casing 10 at a neck portion 722 of the casing 10.
As can be seen in the figures, the casing 10 acts as a handle. The
sealer 700 can also include an LED 724 that indicates when the
circuit is opened and closed or that indicates if the battery has
power or is "dead." As will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art, the above described embodiments of electric heat sealers with
offset sealer portions are constructed substantially the same as
the sealers described above and shown in FIGS. 1-8, except that the
sealing components are offset from the longitudinal axis defined by
the main body portion.
[0096] As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the sealer 700 can also include
a protective frame 73 as described above. The protective frame 73
is pivotally connected to the lower member 514, and is pivotable
upwardly, as shown in FIG. 17. Preferably, the protective frame 73
is part of a removable frame 726 that is engaged with the lower
member 514. Frame 726 has an opening 724 defined therein through
which the protrusive portion 411 of the heat insulative base 41
extends when the frame 726 is secured on lower member 514. The
frame 726 can be secured on lower member 514 by any known method,
for example, by a friction fit, by hooks, snaps, or a screw 730 as
shown in FIG. 17. Such a frame for an electric heat sealer is
taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,064,038, to Chou, filed Aug. 12, 1998,
the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0097] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional elevational view that shows a
sealing mechanism 40 with a spring member 550 disposed in the lower
member 514 of a sealer with an offset sealer portion. FIG. 19 shows
a heat insulative base 41 and spring member 550 that can be used in
a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 19, the
heat insulative base 41 and spring member 550 are shown upside down
from their operative positions. The spring member 550 preferably
includes four resilient arms 552 that extend angularly upwardly
from a middle section 554. The middle section 554 has an opening
defined therein through which a spring 45 can extend. The middle
section 554 also has two support members 558 that extend downwardly
therefrom, as shown in FIG. 18.
[0098] The heat insulative base 41 includes four extension portions
560 that extend from the sides thereof and define channels 562
between themselves and the main body portion 41a of the heat
insulative base 41. The arms 552 of the spring member 550 are sized
such that they can be received in the four channels 562 of the heat
insulative base 41.
[0099] When assembled, the support members 558 of the spring member
550 are received in a pair of slots in the base of the lower member
514. The heat insulative base 41 rests on the spring member 550
such that the arms 552 are received in the channels 562, thereby
supporting the heat insulative base 41 in a position wherein the
locating plates 43 are spaced above the contact plates 331. In an
alternative embodiment, the spring member 550 can be omitted and a
spring 45 as described above can be used. In operation, the press
bar 20 is pressed downwardly, thereby causing heat insulating cover
sheet 22 to contact heat insulating cover sheet 44. The heat
insulative base 41 is urged downwardly (by spring member 550
flexing), thereby causing the locating plates 43 to contact the
contact plates 331 and the circuit to close.
[0100] FIG. 20 shows another embodiment of the present invention,
wherein an electric heat sealer 800, similar to those described
above, includes two offset sealer portions 510, and two sealing
mechanisms 40 and associated components. As shown in FIG. 18, both
offset sealer portions 510 are offset from the axis A defined by
the main body and casing 10 of the sealer 800.
[0101] FIGS. 21-31 show yet another embodiment of the present
invention. Referring to FIG. 21-25, in this embodiment, the heat
sealer 900 includes a pair of extensions 902 and 904 that extend
outwardly from the press bar 20 and the casing 10, respectively. In
a preferred embodiment, the extension 902 or the press bar 20
houses a sealing mechanism 40. It will be understood that the
sealing mechanism 40 can also be disposed in the casing and the
extension 904 thereof. In this embodiment, the longitudinal center
point C of the sealing mechanism 40 is aligned with the
longitudinal axis A defined by the press bar 20 and casing 10.
[0102] As shown in FIG. 23, the casing 10 includes a heat
insulative press block 21 at one end facing the sealing mechanism
40 of the press bar 20. Preferably, the heat insulative press block
21 is covered by a heat resistant cover sheet 22. As shown in FIG.
25, in a preferred embodiment, the heat insulative press block 21
is secured to a riser 909 that is disposed in the opening 904a in
the casing 10/extensions 904.
[0103] Referring to FIGS. 24-27, the sealing mechanism 40 includes
a heat insulative base 41, a heating wire 910, a heat resistant
cover sheet 44 and a pair of metal locating plates or tabs 43. In a
preferred embodiment, the sealing mechanism 40 includes a riser 909
to which the heat insulative base 41 is secured. The riser 909 is
disposed in opening 902a in the press bar 20/extensions 902. The
heating wire 910 is disposed on the bottom surface of the heat
insulative base 41, and the heat resistant cover sheet 44 covers
the heating wire 910. In another embodiment, a second heat
resistant cover sheet 44 may be placed under the heating wire 910
and on top of the heat insulative base 41, as shown in FIG. 24. In
one embodiment, the clips 43 are clipped onto the opposite ends of
the heat insulative base 41 and hold the heating wire 910 and heat
resistant cover sheet 44 in place, as shown in the figures
depicting the embodiment shown in FIG. 5. The heat insulative base
41 may include a pair of notches adjacent the ends thereof, for
receiving a portion of the clips 43. In another embodiment, as
shown in FIG. 24, the clips 43 and/or the ends of the heating wire
910 can be secured in place by metal screws 911 or other metal
elements. Electrical leads 72 can be electrically connected to the
screws 911 or other element, which are electrically connected to
the clips 43 and/or the heating wire 910. It will be understood
that any method of securing the ends of the wire 910 and the heat
resistant cover sheet 44 and including the wire 910 as part of the
circuit is within the scope of the present invention.
[0104] In this embodiment, the heating wire 910 preferably has a
shape such as that shown in FIG. 28. In this shape, the heating
wire 910 includes a plurality of substantially parallel horizontal
sections 910a and a plurality of substantially parallel vertical
sections 910b. In a preferred embodiment, the heating wire 910 (and
clips 43) is cut from a sheet of metal, the majority of which is
Ni--CR (Nickel-Chromium). Preferably the heating wire 910 is 99%
Ni--Cr and the remaining 1% is comprised of other metals. As shown
in FIG. 26, the actual heating wire 910 has a width d.sub.1; the
vertical sections define a space d.sub.2 therebetween; the overall
thickness of the heating wire configuration (from the outside edge
of one parallel horizontal section to another) has a width d.sub.3;
the heating wire configuration has an overall length d.sub.4 and a
length from the outside edge of the leftmost vertical section to
the outer edge of the rightmost vertical section of d.sub.5. It
will be understood that heating wire configuration refers to the
heating wire 910 in the shape shown in FIG. 28 including the
substantially parallel horizontal sections 910a and the
substantially parallel vertical sections 910b.
[0105] In a preferred embodiment, d.sub.1 is between approximately
0.1 mm and 0.9 mm, d.sub.2 is between approximately 0.05 mm and
0.35 mm, d.sub.3 is between approximately 0.05 mm and 0.35 mm,
d.sub.4 is between approximately 200 mm and 260 mm, and d.sub.5 is
between approximately 180 mm and 240 mm. In a more preferred
embodiment, d.sub.1 is approximately 0.5 mm, d.sub.2 is
approximately 0.2 mm, d.sub.3 is approximately 2 mm, d.sub.4 is
approximately 230 mm, and d.sub.5 is approximately 210 mm. It will
be understood that these dimensions are merely exemplary and are
not intended to be a limitation on the present invention.
[0106] With such a heating wire configuration, the entire heating
wire 910 will be longer than if the heating wire was configured in
a straight orientation across the heat insulative base 41, as in
the above described embodiments. It will be understood that the
heating wire 910 is shaped in such a configuration so that the
overall length of the heating wire 910 when straight d.sub.7 (not
shown in the figures) is greater than the length d.sub.6 of the
heat insulative base 41. In other words, for the portion of the
heating wire 910 that is disposed on the top surface 41a of the
heat insulative base 41 (the sealing portion of the heating wire
910), d.sub.7>d.sub.6. Preferably, d.sub.7 is 5 times longer
than d.sub.6. Other heat sealers, such as the embodiments described
above, have a heating wire that is straight and that runs
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis defined by the casing. Other
heat sealers, such as the embodiments described above, also have a
heating wire that wraps around the ends of the heat insulative
base, however, the sealing portion of the heating wire that is
located on the top surface of the heat insulative base is less than
or equal to the length of the heat insulative base. With the
heating wire configuration of the present embodiment, portions of
the heating wire are disposed non-perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis A defined by the casing. As shown in FIG. 24, preferably, the
vertical sections 910b of the heating wire 910 are disposed
substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A defined by the
casing 10 and the press bar 20. However, the shape shown in FIG. 24
is not a limitation on the present invention. The wire may be
shaped like a sine wave or saw-tooth wave, or may combine both. In
another embodiment, the sealer may include more than one heating
wire 910. The wire 910 can have any shape, provided that it affords
more surface area than a single, straight, extended wire.
[0107] It will also be understood that in a preferred embodiment,
the wire 910 has a non-circular cross-section. Also, the wire 910
preferable has a flat upper or contact surface. Heating wires for
heat sealers, such as those described above, typically have a
circular cross-section. However, this embodiment can also have a
circular cross section.
[0108] In a preferred embodiment, the wire 910 has a resistance of
between approximately 2 ohms and 20 ohms. In the most preferred
embodiment, the wire 910 has a resistance of approximately 5 ohms.
Because the heating wire configuration is wider than wires on prior
electric heat sealers, a higher resistance can be used. Typical
prior art heat sealers used a heating wire that had a resistance of
about 5 ohms. In a preferred embodiment, heating wire 910 has a
resistance of greater than 5 ohms. In a more preferred embodiment,
the heating wire 910 has a resistance of between about 7 and about
30 ohms, and in a most preferred embodiment, the heating wire 910
has a resistance of about 25 ohms because the wire 910 is
preferably 5 times longer (d.sub.7) than prior art heating wires.
In AC mode, the sealer is typically used with 120 V. As is well
known in the art V (voltage)=I (current).times.R (resistance) or
I=V/R. Therefore, with a higher resistance, the current is lower.
In the most preferred embodiment, 120V/25 ohms=4.8 Amps. In a
typical prior art sealer used in AC mode, 120V/5 ohms=24 Amps. The
lower amperage provides a more efficient burn.
[0109] Preferably, the extensions 902, 904 extend in a direction
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, however,
this is not a limitation on the present invention. The sealing
mechanism 40 is disposed in an opening 902a in the extension 902 of
the press bar 20, and extends through opening 916a in the cover
916. In another embodiment, the sealing mechanism 40 can be
disposed on the bottom in the case 10. In yet another embodiment,
the press bar 20 and case 10 can both include a sealing mechanism
40.
[0110] Referring to FIGS. 22, 24 and 29, the press bar 20 includes
an actuation button 914 (and associated circuitry 914a) or switch
that is biased downwardly therefrom and is housed in a switch
housing 914b. When the press bar 20 is moved downwardly the
actuation button 914 contacts the casing 10, thereby urging the
actuation button 14 upwardly and closing the circuit. In a
preferred embodiment, the button 914 contacts notch 917 and is
depressed. The actuation button 914 is preferably located toward
the center of the press bar, and extends through opening 916b in
the cover 916, as shown in FIG. 28, however this is not a
limitation on the present invention.
[0111] In a preferred embodiment, the circuitry is designed so that
the it is only actuated for a short period of time, for example, 2
seconds. This provides enough time to seal a plastic bag and
protects the user from being burned. However, this is not a
limitation on the present invention. In another embodiment, the
sealer 900 can include a second switch or dial for increasing or
decreasing the heating/actuation time.
[0112] As shown in FIG. 24, and with reference to the descriptions
of the other embodiments above, wires 72 electrically connect the
various components of the sealer, including the actuation button
914, AC power socket 920 (described below), circuitry 914a and
heating wire 910 (as well as clips 43 and/or screws 911).
[0113] The press bar 20 includes a pair of lugs 23 on the inner
surface of the housing portion 918 that are inserted into two
transverse pivot holes 12 at one end of the casing 10. As shown in
FIG. 23, the casing 10 includes a spring 915 extending upwardly
therefrom to impart an upward bias to the press bar 20. Because of
the arrangement of the spring 15, the press bar 20 is normally
maintained in an upward position to prevent direct contact between
the heat resisting cover sheet 44 of the sealing mechanism 40 and
the heat resisting cover sheet 22 of the casing 10.
[0114] When the heat sealer 900 is placed on a surface, and is at
rest, the press bar 20 rests on and is biased upwardly by the
spring 915. To close the circuit, the urging of the spring 915 must
be overcome by pressing the press bar downwardly until the
actuation button 914 contacts the casing 10. It will be understood
that if the sealing mechanism 40 is in the casing 10, the placement
of the spring 915, circuitry, actuation button 914, etc. will be
reversed from the embodiment described above.
[0115] Referring again to FIGS. 22 and 29, the press bar 20 is
preferably made of two separate pieces that are preferably formed
by a molding process, a cover 916 and a housing portion 918. The
cover 916 and the housing portion 918 can be secured together by
any known method, such as by gluing, fastening, etc. Preferably,
the cover includes clips 916c that secure the cover 916 to the
housing portion 918. The portion of the cover 916 that forms part
of the extensions 902 includes an opening 916a therein, through
which a portion of the sealing mechanism 40 extends.
[0116] The housing portion 918 of the press bar 20 houses the
electronic circuitry as shown in FIG. 22. Electric lead wires 72
extend from the circuitry to the sealing mechanism 40 to
electrically connect the opposite ends of the heating wire 910 to
the electric circuitry, thereby making the heating wire 910 a part
of the circuit.
[0117] As is shown in FIG. 29, the sealer 900 includes a socket 920
for receiving a cord 922 (shown in FIG. 31) to electrically connect
the sealer 900 with an AC power source. The cord 922 is adapted to
be plugged in to a typical wall outlet, thereby providing 120 V at
60 Hz to the sealer 900.
[0118] As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, a sealer wall mounting
mechanism 940. The mechanism 940 includes a main body portion 941,
a cord depression 942, a sealer depression 944 and a pair of
openings 946 defined transversely therethrough. The cord depression
942 includes a pair of posts 948 extending outwardly therefrom
around which the cord 922 can be wrapped for storage. The posts 948
can each include a tab 950 for preventing the cord from sliding off
the post 948. The sealer depression 944 includes a pair of hang
members 954 on which the sealer 900 can be mounted. Preferably, the
hang members 954 are spaced apart so as to allow the body of the
heat sealer 900 to fit therebetween and the extensions 902, 904 to
rest thereon, as shown in FIG. 31. The openings 946 are used for
affixing the mechanism 940 to a wall W. In a preferred embodiment,
the openings 946 have a wide section 946a and a narrow section
946b. To hang the mechanism on the wall, a pair of screws 956 are
screwed part way into the wall so that the head is not flush
against the wall; the screw heads are inserted through the wide
section 946a and the mechanism 940 is moved downwardly so that the
shank of the screw 956 is received into the narrow section 946b of
the opening 946, as shown in FIG. 31. In another embodiment, the
openings 946 can be round. It will be understood that the mechanism
940 can be affixed to a wall W or other surface in any known
manner.
[0119] It will be understood that the extensions 902 and 904 can be
any desired length. Preferably, the extensions 902 and 904 extend
outwardly far enough to be able to accept (and subsequently seal) a
standard sized plastic bag without having to "swipe" the sealer or
the bag. The sealing of a plastic bag will be described more fully
hereinbelow.
[0120] It will be further understood that certain components of the
various embodiments set forth above can be interchangeably used on
the sealer 900. For example, the heat insulative base 41 can
include a protrusive middle portion; the sealer 900 can include a
cutter for slicing open sealed plastic bags; the sealer can operate
on both AC and DC; the sealing mechanism 40 may be spring biased
such that pressing down on the sealing mechanism 40 causes the
circuit to be closed, thereby energizing the heating wire 910. The
sealing mechanism can be secured in place using a frame, such that
the heat resistant cover sheet 44 is easily replaceable.
[0121] The sealer 900 can also include an LED 724 (as shown in FIG.
21), similar to that described above, that indicates when the
circuit is opened and closed or that indicates if the battery has
power or is "dead." As will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art, the above described embodiments of electric heat sealer 900
are constructed substantially the same as the sealers described
above and shown in FIGS. 1-20, except that the casing 10 and press
bar 20 include extensions 902 and 904 and the sealing mechanism 40
and/or heat insulative press block 21 are disposed in the
extensions 902 or 904. Those skilled in the art will be able to
make numerous modifications to sealer 900 on the basis of the
description of the other embodiments described herein. All such
embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.
[0122] Preferably, the sealer 900 is activated automatically when
the press bar 20 is pressed downwardly such that the actuation
button 914 contacts the casing 10 and closes the circuit as
described above. The sealer 900 can also include a safety switch 71
as described above. When the safety switch 71 is at an "off"
position, the heating wire 910 cannot be activated even when the
circuit is closed by pressing down the press bar as described
above. When the safety switch 71 is in the "on" position, the
heating wire 910 is energized when the circuit is closed by urging
the actuation button 914 into a closed position. In an alternative
embodiment, the electric heating wire 910 can be energized simply
by switching safety switch 71 to the "on" position. In this
embodiment, actuation button 914 can be omitted. Electric current
can be supplied to the electric heating wire 910 of the sealer 900
by AC or DC power as described above.
[0123] The embodiments of the present invention recited herein are
intended to be merely exemplary and those skilled in the art will
be able to make numerous modifications to them without departing
from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the sealing
mechanism, and in particular, the electric heating wire can be
shortened to provide a longer battery life. In this alternative
embodiment, the electric heating wire can be less than 1.0'' in
length. Preferably, the electric heating wire is less than 0.75''
in length, and more preferably the electric heating wire is less
than 0.50'' in length. The shorter the electric heating wire is,
the longer the batteries will last. The electric heating wire can
be made of a non-ferrous material, such as copper or any other type
of material to improve battery life. All such modifications are
intended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined
by the claims appended hereto.
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