U.S. patent application number 11/812699 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-03 for vacuum sealer apparatus and a film cartridge for a vacuum sealer and a means of operating the vacuum sealer and the film cartridge.
This patent application is currently assigned to S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc.. Invention is credited to Brian C. Dais, Robert R. Turvey.
Application Number | 20080000204 11/812699 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38875193 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080000204 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Turvey; Robert R. ; et
al. |
January 3, 2008 |
Vacuum sealer apparatus and a film cartridge for a vacuum sealer
and a means of operating the vacuum sealer and the film
cartridge
Abstract
A vacuum sealer for packaging, sealing and storing items and a
film cartridge for a vacuum sealer is disclosed. The vacuum sealer
has a means to feed, form, seal and cut film bags for storing
items. The vacuum sealer preferably includes a body, a top portion,
a base portion, a film cartridge, a drive mechanism, a sealing and
cutting mechanism and a vacuum/pump mechanism. The film cartridge
is operatively positioned in a feed opening in a top portion of the
vacuum sealer. The film cartridge houses film for forming film bags
for use in the vacuum sealer. The film cartridge may have tubular
film contained in a collapsed state or may have two film rolls
which are brought together and sealed at the edges. The vacuum
sealer may be used in a vertical orientation or optionally in a
horizontal or angled orientation.
Inventors: |
Turvey; Robert R.; (Sanford,
MI) ; Dais; Brian C.; (Saginaw, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
1525 Howe Street
Racine
WI
53403-2236
US
|
Assignee: |
S.C. Johnson Home Storage,
Inc.
Racine
WI
|
Family ID: |
38875193 |
Appl. No.: |
11/812699 |
Filed: |
June 21, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60816869 |
Jun 28, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/512 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29C 66/71 20130101;
B29C 66/4312 20130101; B29C 66/723 20130101; B29C 66/7234 20130101;
B29C 66/9161 20130101; B29C 66/91411 20130101; B29C 66/71 20130101;
B29C 66/344 20130101; B65B 2067/1272 20130101; B29C 65/18 20130101;
B29C 66/919 20130101; B65B 67/1266 20130101; B29C 66/71 20130101;
B29C 66/91445 20130101; B29C 66/1122 20130101; B29C 66/849
20130101; B29C 65/743 20130101; B29K 2023/06 20130101; B29K
2023/086 20130101; B29K 2077/00 20130101; B65B 31/024 20130101;
B29C 66/71 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
053/512 |
International
Class: |
B65B 31/04 20060101
B65B031/04 |
Claims
1. A vacuum sealer for packaging and storing items in a film bag
comprising: a body having a bottom portion and a top portion with
an opening in the top portion; a film cartridge having an opening
in a top face thereof and a film holder for holding film therein to
form a film bag, wherein the film cartridge is operatively
positioned within the opening in the top portion of the body; a
drive mechanism comprising at least two drive rollers and a
motorized drive, wherein the drive mechanism is adapted to feed the
film from the film cartridge and to advance the film through the
body to feed and form the film bag; a sealing and cutting mechanism
comprising at least one sealing and cutting member having a first
sealing element, a cutting element and a second sealing element,
wherein the cutting element is operatively positioned substantially
adjacent to and between the first sealing element and the second
sealing element, wherein the sealing and cutting member is
constructed and arranged to seal a bottom of a first film bag, and
after filling of the first film bag with predetermined contents,
the first sealing element is constructed and arranged to seal a top
of the first film bag providing a top seal therein, the second
sealing element is constructed and arranged to seal a bottom of a
subsequent film bag providing a bottom seal therein, and the
cutting element is constructed and arranged to cut the film between
the top seal on the first film bag and the bottom seal on the
subsequent film bag; a vacuum/pump mechanism comprising a motor, a
pump, a compressor and a vacuum port for inflating the film bag
with gas or vacuuming the film bag to remove gas therefrom; and a
control mechanism for controlling functioning of the vacuum
sealer.
2. The vacuum sealer of claim 1, wherein the film holder in the
film cartridge is adapted to hold tubular film and/or film
rolls.
3. The vacuum sealer of claim 1, wherein the film is present
between the drive rollers which are adapted to guide and to advance
the film from the film holder through the body in formation of the
film bag.
4. The vacuum sealer of claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism
further comprises a drive base and two vertical side members in the
motorized drive, said drive base being operatively connected to a
power source to drive the vertical side members of the motorized
drive, wherein a top of at least one of the vertical side members
is operatively connected to drive the drive rollers.
5. The vacuum sealer of claim 1, wherein the drive rollers are
substantially parallel.
6. The vacuum sealer of claim 1, wherein the first sealing element,
the cutting element and the second sealing element are
substantially parallel, in a common plane and perpendicular to a
direction of advance of the film bag.
7. The vacuum sealer of claim 1, wherein the at least one sealing
and cutting member includes a first sealing and cutting member and
a second sealing and cutting member, wherein the first sealing and
cutting member and the second sealing and cutting member have a
substantially crescent shape.
8. The vacuum sealer of claim 1, wherein the sealing and cutting
mechanism operates by thermal heating or radio frequency
bonding.
9. The vacuum sealer of claim 1, wherein the vacuum/pump mechanism
further comprises a pressure transmitter and a vacuum/pressure
solenoid valve.
10. The vacuum sealer of claim 1, wherein the pump and the
compressor work in conjunction to provide gas into the film bag
during inflation of the film bag or to remove gas from the film bag
during vacuuming of the film bag.
11. The vacuum sealer of claim 1, wherein the vacuum port is
constructed and arranged to extend into or near an opening of the
film bag so that pressure provided by the pump can inflate or
vacuum the film bag, wherein the vacuum port is operatively
positioned in an underside of a lid which is adapted to cover the
opening in the top face of the film cartridge or near at least one
end of the sealing and cutting mechanism.
12. A film cartridge for a vacuum sealer for forming a film bag for
packaging and storing items therein comprising: a top component
having a top face and an opening in the top face; at least one film
holder for holding film therein to form the film bag, wherein the
at least one film holder is operatively positioned below the top
face of the top component and adjacent the opening in the top face;
a drive mechanism comprising at least two drive rollers and a
motorized drive having two vertical side members and a base drive
connecting the side members at a bottom end thereof, wherein the
drive mechanism is adapted to feed film from the at least one film
holder and to advance the film in formation of the film bag; and
optionally, a sealing and cutting mechanism constructed and
arranged to seal a bottom of a first film bag, and after filling of
the first film bag with predetermined contents, to seal a top of
the first film bag providing a top seal therein, to seal a bottom
of a subsequent film bag providing a bottom seal therein, and to
cut the film between the top seal on the first film bag and the
bottom seal on the subsequent film bag.
13. The film cartridge of claim 12, wherein the at least one film
holder is adapted to hold tubular film and/or film rolls.
14. The film cartridge of claim 12, wherein each of the at least
two drive rollers is operatively positioned along each side of the
opening in the top face of the top component and below the top face
of the top component.
15. The film cartridge of claim 12, wherein the at least two drive
rollers are operatively positioned on each end of the top component
adjacent to the opening in the top face of the top component.
16. The film cartridge of claim 12, wherein the drive base of the
motorized drive is operatively connected to a power source to drive
the vertical side members of the motorized drive, wherein a top of
each of the vertical side members is operatively connected to drive
the at least two drive rollers.
17. The film cartridge of claim 12, wherein the drive rollers are
substantially parallel and in a common plane.
18. The film cartridge of claim 12, wherein the sealing and cutting
mechanism comprises at least one sealing and cutting member having
a first sealing element, a cutting element and a second sealing
element, wherein the cutting element is operatively positioned
substantially adjacent to and between the first sealing element and
the second sealing element on the sealing and cutting member,
wherein the sealing and cutting member is adapted to seal a bottom
of a first film bag, and after filling the first film bag with
predetermined contents, the first sealing element is adapted to
seal the top of the first film bag providing the top seal therein,
the second sealing element is adapted to seal the bottom of the
subsequent film bag providing the bottom seal therein, and the
cutting element is adapted to cut the film between the top seal on
the first film bag and the bottom seal on the subsequent film
bag.
19. The film cartridge of claim 12, wherein the first sealing
element, the cutting element and the second sealing element are
substantially parallel, in a common plane and perpendicular to a
direction of advance of the film bag.
20. The film cartridge of claim 12, wherein the sealing and cutting
mechanism operates through thermal heating or radio frequency
bonding.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/816,869 filed Jun. 28, 2006.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a vacuum sealer for
packaging, sealing and storing items and a film cartridge for a
vacuum sealer. More particularly, the invention relates to a vacuum
sealer having a center filling film cartridge. The invention also
relates to a vacuum sealer having a means to feed, form, seal and
cut film bags for storing items.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Many types of material and methods are available for
packaging, sealing and storing various items, including vacuum
packaging using plastic film bags. Vacuum packaging involves
removing air and/or gases from a storage container or bag so that
the contents thereof are not exposed to the air. Vacuum packaging
is especially useful in protecting food and other perishable items
from spoilage and the growth of bacteria or mold since air does not
come in contact with the food. Additionally, vacuum packaging is
useful for storing other items such as clothes, jewelry, fragile
items and the like. Since vacuum packaging produces tight and
compact packages, the bulk of an item is reduced thereby minimizing
the space that the item occupies.
[0004] A problem with conventional vacuum packaging methods and
apparatus is that the items must be placed horizontally into a
packaging bag such that the open end of the bag is on a side. This
creates difficulties when the items to be sealed are food items,
especially those being liquid or having a liquid content. These
types of food items often spill out of the bag or the bag may not
be completely filled in order to avoid spillage from the bag.
[0005] The art discloses various methods and apparatus and for
vacuum packaging and sealing items. One such apparatus is described
in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0022473 A1 which
describes a clamp structure for holding a bag and a removable drip
tray which are each used in a vacuum packaging appliance.
[0006] Further, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2005/0028488 A1 describes a vacuum packaging appliance for use with
a bag including a base, a lid movably coupled to the base, a vacuum
portion on the base and/or lid for receiving the open end of the
bag, and a vacuum pump operably coupled to the vacuum chamber for
removing gas from the vacuum chamber.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 6,848,234 B2 describes a sealing machine
including a main case, a first sealing member, a second sealing
member, a movable supporting part movably supporting the second
sealing member, a heater for heating and melting the pack and a
pair of grip parts.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 3,866,390 describes an apparatus for
evacuating and sealing thermoplastic bags. A foodstuff to be
preserved is placed within a bag and the open mouth of the bag is
then sleeved over an evacuation nozzle in the apparatus and held in
place by a retaining means. A vacuum pump and heater bar are then
activated to evacuate and seal the bag respectively.
[0009] U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,370,847 B1 and 6,516,588 B2 describe a
waste or diaper disposal system for packing odorous waste in
individually sealed (air-tight) packages. The system includes a
hinged base and container body with a loading area including a
tubular core for holding flexible tubing. Alternatively, a flexible
bag may be used. The bag is supported by a retaining ring. The
tubing or bags can be sealed by thermal fusing, an ultrasonic
technique, adhesives or other sealing techniques.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,928,829 describes a clamping member for
receiving and holding a bag during vacuum sealing. A vacuum
excavation nozzle is present on the clamp structure for insertion
in a bag held by the clamp.
[0011] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0022474 A1
describes a heating element and control therefore used in a vacuum
packaging appliance.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 6,256,968 B1 describes a horizontal vacuum
packaging apparatus including a sensor system including use of an
algorithmic factor for computing the time for reaching a
predetermined evacuation level.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,747,253 describes the manufacture of
non-returnable packages for e.g. milk which is frequently carried
out by the conversion of web-shaped, laminated packing material to
a tube, filling of the tube with milk and sealing and forming
filled packing containers of the desired, e.g. parallelepipedic,
shape. During the forming, which is done by means of external
forming devices, the contents are used as an internal mandrel or a
holder-up for the forming devices, so that the desired shape can be
achieved without creasing or other deformations.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,048,269 describes a vacuum sealer having
three wires that are heated to varying degrees. Two wires are used
or dedicated to sealing a plastic bag and one of the wires is used
to cut the bag after the vacuum sealing step. The vacuum sealer is
tapered downwardly, i.e., has a low profile, for a better air flow
during the vacuuming step. A turbine with curved fins is used to
increase the air flow and reduce the time to evacuate air from the
bag.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,822 describes a tapered vacuum bag
sealer that can be used to seal conventional plastic bags and to
vacuum canning jars or other food containers. The rear of the
sealer housing has a connection for a PVC tube or other flexible
tube that will extend into the jar or container being vacuumed to
remove air therefrom. This rear connection avoids the necessity of
the housing lid being opened before the vacuum procedure could be
accomplished.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 6,694,710 B2 describes a vacuum bag sealing
machine used for vacuuming and sealing plastic bags containing food
or the like therein so as to keep the food or the like fresh. The
vacuum bag sealing machine includes a main body consisting of a top
cover and a base connected pivotally with the top cover; a static
sealing unit including an upper and a lower sealing strip which are
disposed on the front portion of the main body, the lower sealing
strip being provided with a predetermined number of through holes;
a vacuum generating unit including a vacuum pump and an exhaust
tubule mounted on the base, the vacuum pump being communicated with
the predetermined number of through holes formed in the lower
sealing strip through the exhaust tubule; and a heating and
opening-sealing unit.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 6,719,194 B2 and U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2004/0134914 A1 describe a waste storage device
including an inlet aperture and a length of flexible tubing passing
through the inlet aperture from a cassette. The flexible tubing is
pinched by a pair of rollers which can have continuous surfaces or
multiple paddles. The waste product is placed into the aperture and
the rollers rotate drawing the waste product down into the device
and pinching the storage bag above it. The operation can be
manually or motor driven.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 6,772,666 B2 describes an apparatus for
storing rolls of material so that a user can create individual bags
from the rolls. The device may store vacuum bag material suitable
for filling with food and vacuum sealing. The apparatus has a
support platform, a storage unit and a base for transporting two
rolls of material simultaneously to the front of the apparatus. The
storage unit has two rollers for storing up to two rolls. The
apparatus also has a cutting mechanism for creating straight
edges.
[0019] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0140603 A1
describes a bag sealing apparatus including a frame having a fixed
bag insertion slot extending into a vacuum chamber, a heat sealer
connected to the frame, and means forming a vacuum connected to the
vacuum chamber. The heat sealer is for sealing a bag located in the
slot.
[0020] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0231294 A1
describes a vacuum sealable storage bag and method in which a pad
of material is located within the storage bag and is positioned to
block, trap, and/or absorb fluid from a product to be stored within
the storage bag. The pad of material can include a fluid-absorbing
material, and may be positioned between an open mouth of the bag
and an interior of the bag in which the product is retained.
[0021] U.S Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0044819 A1
describes an automated sealing waste disposal apparatus using
tubular material. The waste storage or waste disposal device or
container employs tubular sealing material/flexible tubing, wherein
the sealing operation of the tube about a waste load is performed
mechanically, electrically and electro-mechanically. The waste
storage device has an automated operated sealing mechanism.
[0022] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0050855 A1
describes an appliance for storing articles within flexible and
non-flexible containers under vacuum. The appliance includes a lid
adapted to define a vacuum chamber when it is moved to a closed
position relative to a trough in the base of the appliance. The
trough is slidably removable from the base of the appliance. The
appliance is further adapted for connection to vacuum sealing
attachments for various containers whereby the containers can be
selectively evacuated. The appliance includes a thermal sealing
mechanism for sealing a flexible container as well as a cutting
mechanism for cutting the flexible container to a desired size. The
appliance includes a control panel for selectively operating the
vacuuming and sealing processes.
[0023] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0050856 A1
describes a vacuum packaging appliance for forming a hermetically
sealed evacuated container. The appliance includes a lid adapted to
define a vacuum chamber when moved to a closed position relative to
a trough in the lower portion of the appliance. The trough in the
lower portion of the appliance is removable from the lower portion
of the appliance. The appliance may include pneumatic latches that
are used to hold the lid in a substantially fixed position relative
to the lower portion of the appliance. Additionally, a single
vacuum source can be used to activate the pneumatic latches and
then evacuate the vacuum chamber. The appliance is further adapted
for connection to vacuum sealing attachments for various containers
whereby the containers can be selectively evacuated.
[0024] The vacuum sealer devices described above have various
shortcomings. These vacuum sealer devices remove air from around
food or other items and create a tight seal to keep the item fresh
and/or to make the item easier to store. However, current devices
are big, clumsy and difficult to use. Also, these devices do not
provide an easy and efficient manner of sealing and storing liquid
or partial liquid food items. These and other shortcomings of the
prior art devices are addressed by the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0025] The present invention relates to a vacuum sealer for
packaging, sealing and storing items and a film cartridge for a
vacuum sealer. More particularly, the present invention is a vacuum
sealer having a center filling film cartridge. The invention also
relates to a vacuum sealer having a means to feed, form, seal and
cut film bags for storing items.
[0026] The vacuum sealer preferably comprises a body, a top
portion, a base portion, a film cartridge, a drive mechanism, a
sealing and cutting mechanism and a vacuum/pump mechanism. The
vacuum sealer preferably has a feed opening through a top side of
and preferably in the center of the top portion. The film cartridge
is operatively positioned in the feed opening in the center of the
top portion of the vacuum sealer. The film cartridge has an opening
in a top face thereof to allow for inserting items into a formed
film bag. The top face of the film cartridge is adjacent to and
preferably in the same plane as the top side of the top portion of
the vacuum sealer.
[0027] The film cartridge houses film for forming film bags for use
in the vacuum sealer. The film cartridge may have tubular film
contained in a collapsed state in a preferably doughnut-shaped film
cartridge. The film cartridge may alternatively have two film rolls
which are brought together and sealed at the edges. The two film
rolls are preferably in the same plane and substantially parallel
to each other.
[0028] In operation, a leading edge of the film is sealed as the
film extends across and below the opening in the film cartridge.
The sealed leading edge of the film is suspended within the film
cartridge and below the opening of the film cartridge, thereby
providing a suspended film bag in the vacuum sealer, which is ready
to be filled. The film cartridge provides for the automatic feeding
and forming of the film, e.g., tubular film or film rolls, to
provide the film bag by a drive mechanism.
[0029] The drive mechanism spreads and flattens the film as the
film advances from the film cartridge or other suitable film holder
through the drive mechanism into the vacuum sealer. After forming a
film bag to a predetermined size, the film bag is then filled with
a predetermined item or items. Depending on the type of item put
into the film bag, the film may need to be cleared prior to
vacuuming/inflating or prior to sealing and cutting thereof. Film
clearing and compression can be automatically provided through use
of compressed air from a vacuum/pump mechanism to move the film bag
forward after filling to insure that no contaminated film, i.e.,
film having fill thereon, is present in the area to be sealed by a
sealing and cutting mechanism.
[0030] After the film bag is filled, and cleared if necessary, air
can inflate or draw a vacuum in the film bag by the use of a
vacuum/pump mechanism. The vacuum/pump mechanism may be a
reversible vacuum/pump mechanism. The film bag is then ready for
sealing and cutting by the sealing and cutting mechanism. Sealing
and cutting of the filled film bag may be automatically provided
upon closure of a lid of the vacuum sealer and/or upon selecting a
desired operation from a control mechanism on the vacuum sealer.
Sealing of the film bag may be achieved by any suitable means.
[0031] The film used in the vacuum sealer can be any suitable film,
including single ply or multiple-ply. The film can optionally be
pre-embossed or embossed as the film advances through the sealing
and cutting mechanism or in some other position in the vacuum
sealer. The embossments ensure a faster and complete vacuum to be
pulled on the film bag or film by creating pathways for air to be
pulled therethrough.
[0032] As detailed herein, the vacuum sealer of the invention
provides (1) feeding of film and forming a film bag; (2) movement
of a film bag through the vacuum sealer; (3) film clearing and
compression; (4) vacuuming or inflating a film bag; and (5) sealing
and cutting a film bag. Each of these functions may independently
be automatic or mechanical.
[0033] To provide feeding of film and forming a film bag in the
vacuum sealer, the film cartridge, which may have tubular film or
film rolls, is inserted into the feed opening of the vacuum sealer.
Once the film cartridge is secured in the vacuum sealer, the film
is advanced to form a film bag of a suitable size and is then
filled. Then the lid of the vacuum sealer is closed in order to
enclose the film cartridge with an air-tight seal.
[0034] The vacuum/pump mechanism is activated to create a vacuum in
the film bag or to blow air into and inflate the film bag depending
on the direction of the motion of the vacuum/pump mechanism. The
vacuum/pump mechanism has a vacuum port which is adjacent to the
opening of the film bag. The vacuum port may be operatively
positioned on an underside of the lid of the vacuum sealer or near
at least one side of the film cartridge or the vacuum sealer, such
as near the drive rollers or the sealing and cutting mechanism. The
vacuum port may also be in any other suitable position. Air passing
through the vacuum port on the lid or on the side of the vacuum
sealer or the film cartridge can either inflate the film bag or
vacuum the air from the film bag.
[0035] When the film bag is initially being formed, air may be
blown into the film bag to aid in forming the desired size of the
film bag by pushing the desired amount of film from the film
cartridge. Also, by using air to forward the film through the
vacuum sealer, the film bag is substantially fully opened for
convenient loading of the film bag by the user. Optionally, the
inside wall of the vacuum sealer may have expansion chambers and/or
may be lined with a bag opening aiding component to help keep the
film bag fully opened once the air pressure is released.
[0036] The vacuum sealer also provides film clearing and
compression thereof. Once the contents have been placed into the
film bag, some contamination from the contents, e.g., food items,
may be on the film bag around the surface of the neck of the film
bag. The film bag may then be advanced again, preferably by
selecting a film advance or film clear button on the control panel,
to make sure that all contaminated film is at a position below the
sealing and cutting mechanism.
[0037] Once the film bag has been forwarded and has passed through
the film clearing and compression step, e.g., by the means of
compressed air, the film bag may be sealed and cut. The sealing and
cutting mechanism moves into position flattening the film bag to
facilitate the sealing and cutting operation. The sealing and
cutting operation may occur in any suitable manner and with any
suitable mechanism. Preferred embodiments of the sealing and
cutting mechanism and methods of operation are described in greater
detail hereafter.
[0038] Once the filled film bag is sealed and cut, the filled film
bag is then released, either automatically or mechanically, into a
receiving area of the vacuum sealer. The next film bag is then
advanced through the vacuum sealer in the same manner. The movement
of the film and film bag through the vacuum sealer may be a
mechanical or an automatic movement or operation.
[0039] The vacuum sealer of the invention preferably provides at
least one of the following: (1) quick and convenient packaging of
items, including, but not limited to, food items, liquids, fragile
items and clothes; (2) containing items for long term storage; (3)
quick and convenient packaging and freezing of leftovers or other
items; (4) quick and convenient debulking and storing of items; (5)
space reduction; (6) air packing of items to provide protection
thereof; and (7) aesthetic design for convenient storage or display
of the vacuum sealer. Vacuum sealing using the vacuum sealer of the
invention enables a user to: extend the freshness of food (by up to
five times longer than without vacuum sealing); eliminate freezer
burn; keep moist foods from drying out; protect dry foods from
moisture or from becoming hard or stale; keep foods high in fats
and oils from spoiling; marinate meat and fish in minutes; protect
collectibles and other nonfood items from aging and corrosion;
protect items such as brittle snacks or collectibles by using the
inflate mode; provide an adjustable bag size to fit desired
contents; provide a film bag ready in the open position for
filling; reduce the cost of film bag refills for the vacuum sealer;
eliminate the need for a tool to open a film bag, e.g., such as a
knife or scissors; provide better and easier packaging of liquid or
fluid foods; eliminate spillage of liquid from food contents;
eliminate a vacuum lock on a film bag; and/or reduce the amount of
manual effort needed to use the vacuum sealer.
[0040] The vacuum sealer is designed to be aesthetically pleasing
so that the vacuum sealer may be left on a countertop or in plain
view by the user for easy access thereto. The vacuum sealer may be
made of any suitable material including plastics, metals, or any
combination thereof.
[0041] The vacuum sealer is preferably operated in a vertical
orientation. However, the vacuum sealer may be structured to change
orientation. By activating or pressing a multiple orientation
button, the vacuum sealer may be switched from a vertical position
to a horizontal position for items which may be more conveniently
vacuum sealed in a horizontal position. The vacuum sealer may also
be able to be used in an angled position, for example at a
45.degree. angle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] Referring to the drawings:
[0043] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a
vacuum sealer of the invention with a filled film bag.
[0044] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vacuum sealer of FIG. 1
with an empty film bag.
[0045] FIG. 3 is a rear partial cross-sectional view of the vacuum
sealer of FIG. 2.
[0046] FIG. 4 is a top cross-sectional view of the vacuum sealer of
FIG. 2 without a lid and showing a top of a first embodiment of a
film cartridge of the invention.
[0047] FIG. 5 is a partial cut-away side view of the vacuum sealer
of FIG. 2.
[0048] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the
film cartridge of the vacuum sealer of FIG. 4.
[0049] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a
vacuum sealer of the invention.
[0050] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the vacuum sealer of
FIG. 7 without a lid and showing a top of a film cartridge.
[0051] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a third embodiment of
a vacuum sealer of the invention with an open lid.
[0052] FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of the vacuum sealer of
FIG. 9 with an open lid and showing a film cartridge.
[0053] FIG. 11 is a top view of the vacuum sealer of FIG. 9 showing
a second embodiment of a film cartridge therein.
[0054] FIG. 12 is a top view of the vacuum sealer of FIG. 9 with
the lid closed.
[0055] FIG. 13 is a rear view of the vacuum sealer of FIG. 9.
[0056] FIG. 14 is a side view of the vacuum sealer of FIG. 9.
[0057] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the vacuum sealer of
FIG. 2 showing a first embodiment of a sealing and cutting
mechanism, a first embodiment of a control mechanism, and a first
embodiment of a drive mechanism.
[0058] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a vacuum sealer of the
invention showing a second embodiment of a sealing and cutting
mechanism, a second embodiment of a control mechanism, and a second
embodiment of a drive mechanism.
[0059] FIG. 17 is a front view of a third embodiment of a control
mechanism of a vacuum sealer of the invention.
[0060] FIG. 18 is a front view of a fourth embodiment of a control
mechanism of a vacuum sealer of the invention.
[0061] FIGS. 19-20 show top views of a sealing and cutting
mechanism of the vacuum sealer of the invention in an open position
and a closed position, respectively.
[0062] FIGS. 21-24 show perspective views of the sealing and
cutting mechanism of FIGS. 19-20 in operation in a field of
use.
[0063] FIGS. 25-26 show perspective views of a sealing and cutting
mechanism of the vacuum sealer of the invention in an open position
and a closed position, respectively.
[0064] FIGS. 27-28 show perspective views of the sealing and
cutting mechanism of FIGS. 25-26 in operation in a field of
use.
[0065] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a tubular film refill for
an embodiment of the film cartridge of the invention which uses
tubular film.
[0066] FIGS. 30-32 show a fourth embodiment of a vacuum sealer of
the invention.
[0067] FIGS. 33-35 show a fifth embodiment of a vacuum sealer of
the invention.
[0068] FIGS. 36-37 show a sixth embodiment of a vacuum sealer of
the invention.
[0069] FIGS. 38-40 show a seventh embodiment of a vacuum sealer of
the invention.
[0070] FIGS. 41-43 show an eighth embodiment of a vacuum sealer of
the invention.
[0071] FIGS. 44-45 show a ninth embodiment of a vacuum sealer of
the invention.
[0072] FIG. 46 shows a tenth embodiment of a vacuum sealer of the
invention.
[0073] FIGS. 47-48 show an eleventh embodiment of a vacuum sealer
of the invention.
[0074] FIGS. 49-50 show a twelfth embodiment of a vacuum sealer of
the invention.
[0075] FIGS. 51-52 show a thirteenth embodiment of a vacuum sealer
of the invention.
[0076] FIG. 53 shows a fourteenth embodiment of a vacuum sealer of
the invention.
[0077] FIG. 54 shows a fifteenth embodiment of a vacuum sealer of
the invention.
[0078] FIGS. 55-56 show a sixteenth embodiment of a vacuum sealer
of the invention.
[0079] FIG. 57 shows a seventeenth embodiment of a vacuum sealer of
the invention.
[0080] FIG. 58 shows an eighteenth embodiment of a vacuum sealer of
the invention.
[0081] FIG. 59 shows a first preferred embodiment of a motor
mechanism of a vacuum sealer of the invention.
[0082] FIG. 60 shows a second preferred embodiment of a pump
mechanism of a vacuum sealer of the invention.
[0083] FIG. 61 shows a thermal seal welding closure of a film bag
of the invention.
[0084] FIG. 62 shows a zipper tape lamination closure of a film bag
of the invention.
[0085] FIG. 63 shows a vacuum film zipper closure of a film bag of
the invention.
[0086] FIGS. 64-66 show a vacuum activated male/female profile
closure of a film bag of the invention.
[0087] FIG. 67 shows a first embodiment of a film useful in a
vacuum sealer of the invention.
[0088] FIG. 68 shows a second embodiment of a film useful in a
vacuum sealer of the invention.
[0089] FIG. 69 shows a third embodiment of a film useful in a
vacuum sealer of the invention.
[0090] FIG. 70 shows a fourth embodiment of a film useful in a
vacuum sealer of the invention.
[0091] FIG. 71 shows a fifth embodiment of a film useful in a
vacuum sealer of the invention.
[0092] FIGS. 72-73 show a means for forming oscillating rib vacuum
flow channels in the film of FIG. 71.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Vacuum Sealer in General
[0093] Referring to FIGS. 1-73, the present invention relates to a
vacuum sealer 100 for packaging, sealing and storing items and a
film cartridge 200 for a vacuum sealer 100. More particularly, the
present invention is a vacuum sealer 100 having a center filling
film cartridge. The invention also relates to a vacuum sealer 100
having a means to feed, form, seal and cut film bags 308 for
storing items.
[0094] The vacuum sealer 100 preferably comprises a body 102, a top
portion 104, a base portion 106, a film cartridge 200, a drive
mechanism 140, a sealing and cutting mechanism 170 and a
vacuum/pump mechanism 180. The vacuum sealer 100 preferably has a
feed opening 108 through a top side of and preferably in a center
of the top portion 104. The film cartridge 200 is operatively
positioned in the feed opening 108 in the top portion 104. The feed
opening 108 is preferably in a center of the top portion 104 of the
vacuum sealer 100. The film cartridge 200 has an opening in a top
face 202 thereof to allow for inserting items into a formed film
bag 308. The top face 202 of the film cartridge 200 is preferably
adjacent to and preferably in the same plane as the top side 110 of
the top portion 104 of the vacuum sealer 100.
[0095] The film cartridge 200 houses film 300 for forming film bags
308 for use in the vacuum sealer. In one embodiment, the film
cartridge 200 may have tubular film 302 contained in a collapsed
state in a preferably doughnut-shaped film cartridge. In an
alternative embodiment, the film cartridge 200 may have two film
rolls 304, having flat rolls of film, which are brought together
and sealed at the edges prior to filling. The two film rolls 304
are preferably in the same plane and substantially parallel to each
other. However, the film rolls may be in any suitable position.
These embodiments of the film cartridge 200 with corresponding film
300 are described in greater detail hereafter.
[0096] In operation, a leading edge 306 of the film 300 is sealed
as the film 300 extends across and below the opening 204 in the
film cartridge 200. The sealed leading edge of the film 300 is
suspended within the film cartridge 200 and below the opening 204
of the film cartridge 200, thereby providing a suspended film bag
308 in the vacuum sealer 100, as shown for example in FIG. 2. The
film cartridge 200 provides for the automatic feeding and forming
of the film 300, e.g., tubular film 302 or film rolls 304, to
provide a film bag 308 by a drive mechanism 140.
[0097] The drive mechanism 140 spreads and flattens the film as the
film advances from the film cartridge 200 or other suitable film
holder through the drive mechanism 140 into a receiving area 116 of
the vacuum sealer 100. More particularly, drive rollers of the
drive mechanism 140 may be parallel and linear or angled to spread
and flatten the film as the film 300 advances through the drive
mechanism 140. After forming a film bag 308 to a predetermined
size, the film bag 308 is then filled with a predetermined item or
items. Depending on the type of item put into the film bag 308, the
film 300 may need to be cleared prior to vacuuming/inflating or
prior to sealing and cutting thereof.
[0098] Next, film clearing and compression can be automatically
provided through use of compressed air from a vacuum/pump mechanism
180 to move the film bag 308 forward after filling to insure that
no contaminated film 300, i.e., film having fill thereon, is
present in the area to be sealed by a sealing and cutting mechanism
170.
[0099] After the film bag 308 is filled and either before or after
film clearing and compression, air can inflate or draw a vacuum in
the film bag 308 by the use of the vacuum/pump mechanism 180. The
vacuum/pump mechanism may be a reversible vacuum/pump mechanism.
The film bag 300 is then ready for sealing and cutting by the
sealing and cutting mechanism 170. Sealing and cutting of the
filled film bag 308 may be automatically provided upon closure of a
lid 112 of the vacuum sealer 100 and/or upon selecting a desired
operation from a control mechanism on the film sealer 100.
[0100] Sealing of the film bag 308 may be achieved by any suitable
means. One means is by thermal sealing the film bag 308. The
sealing and cutting mechanism 170, through the sealing element 172,
provides heat up to about 800.degree. Fahrenheit (426.7.degree.
Celsius) in about 1.5 seconds to the area of the film bag 308 to be
sealed. The area is then cooled to room temperature in about 2
seconds. Radio frequency (RF) bonding may also be used to seal the
film bag 308 rather than using heat, such as by the use of a RF
adhesive system. These and other suitable sealing and cutting
mechanisms and means are described in greater detail hereafter.
[0101] The film 300 used in the vacuum sealer 100 can be any
suitable film 300, including single layer or multiple layer film.
The film 300 can optionally be pre-embossed or embossed as the film
advances through the sealing and cutting mechanism 170 or in some
other position in the vacuum sealer 100. The embossments ensure a
faster and complete vacuum to be pulled on the film bag 308 or film
300 by creating pathways for air to be pulled therethrough.
Embossment of the film 300 is described in greater detail
hereafter.
[0102] The vacuum sealer 100 of the invention provides (1) feeding
of film 300 and forming a film bag 308; (2) movement of film 300
through the vacuum sealer 100; (3) film clearing and compression;
(4) vacuuming or inflating a film bag 308; and (5) sealing and
cutting a film bag 308. Each of these functions may independently
be automatic or mechanical.
[0103] To provide feed and form of a film bag 308 in the vacuum
sealer 100, the film cartridge 200, which may have tubular film 302
or film rolls 304, is inserted into the feed opening 108 of the
vacuum sealer 100. The feed opening 108 of the vacuum sealer 100 is
preferably cylindrical in shape. However, the feed opening 108 may
be any suitable shape. Once the film cartridge 200 is secured in
the vacuum sealer 100, the film 300 is advanced to form a film bag
308 of a suitable size and is then filled. Then a lid 112 of the
vacuum sealer 100 is closed in order to enclose the film cartridge
200 with an air-tight seal.
[0104] Then, the vacuum/pump mechanism 180 is activated to create a
vacuum in the film bag 308 or to blow air into and inflate the film
bag 308 depending on the direction of the motion of the vacuum/pump
mechanism 180. The vacuum/pump mechanism 180 has a vacuum port 182
which is near the opening of the film bag. In one embodiment, the
vacuum port 182 may be operatively positioned on an underside of
the lid 112 of the vacuum sealer 100, such as shown in FIGS. 15 and
16. In another embodiment, the vacuum port 182 is operatively
positioned on or near at least one side of the film cartridge 200
or the top portion 104 of the vacuum sealer 100, such as near the
drive rollers 142, the end drive rollers 143 and/or the sealing and
cutting mechanism 170 such as shown for example in FIGS. 21-24. The
vacuum port 182 may also be in any other suitable position. Air
passing through the vacuum port 182 in the lid 112 or on the side
of the vacuum sealer 100 or the film cartridge 200 can either
inflate the film bag 308 or vacuum the air from the film bag
308.
[0105] When the film bag 308 is initially being formed, air may be
blown into the film bag 308 to aid in forming the desired size of
the film bag 308 by pushing the desired amount of film 300 from the
film cartridge 200. Also, by using air to forward the film through
the vacuum sealer 100, the film bag 308 is substantially fully
opened for convenient loading of the film bag 308 by the user.
Optionally, the inside wall of the vacuum sealer 100 may have
expansion chambers and/or may be lined with a bag opening aiding
component to help keep the film bag fully opened once the air
pressure is released.
[0106] The vacuum sealer 100 also provides film clearing and
compression thereof. Once the contents have been placed into the
film bag 308, some contamination from the contents, e.g., food
items, may be on the film bag 308 around the surface of the neck of
the film bag 308. The film bag 308 may then be forwarded or
advanced again, preferably by selecting a film advance or film
clear button on the control panel 160, to make sure that all
contaminated film is at a position below the sealing and cutting
mechanism 170.
[0107] Once the film bag 308 has been forwarded and has passed
through the film clearing and compression step, e.g., by the means
of compressed air, the film bag 308 may be sealed and cut. The
sealing and cutting mechanism 170 moves into position flattening
the film bag 308 to facilitate the sealing and cutting operation.
The sealing and cutting operation may occur in any suitable manner
and with any suitable mechanism. Preferred embodiments of the
sealing and cutting mechanism and methods of operation are
described in greater detail hereafter.
[0108] Once the film bag 308 is filled, sealed and cut, the film
bag 308 is then released, either automatically or mechanically,
into a receiving area 116 of the vacuum sealer 100. The next film
bag is then advanced through the vacuum sealer 100 in the same
manner. The movement of the film and film bag through the vacuum
sealer 100 may be a mechanical or an automatic movement or
operation.
[0109] The vacuum sealer 100 of the invention preferably provides
at least one of the following: (1) quick and convenient packaging
of items, including, but not limited to, food items, liquids,
fragile items and clothes; (2) containing items for long term
storage; (3) quick and convenient packaging and freezing of
leftovers or other items; (4) quick and convenient debulking and
storing of items; (5) space reduction; (6) air packing of items to
provide protection thereof; and (7) aesthetic design for convenient
storage or display of the vacuum sealer. Vacuum sealing using the
vacuum sealer 100 of the invention enables a user to: extend the
freshness of food (by up to five times longer than without vacuum
sealing); eliminate freezer burn; keep moist foods from drying out;
protect dry foods from moisture or from becoming hard or stale;
keep foods high in fats and oils from spoiling; marinate meat and
fish in minutes; protect collectibles and other nonfood items from
aging and corrosion; protect items such as brittle snacks or
collectibles by using the inflate mode; provide an adjustable bag
size to fit desired contents; provide a film bag ready in the open
position for filling; reduce the cost of film bag refills for the
vacuum sealer; eliminate the need for a tool to open a film bag,
e.g., such as a knife or scissors; provide better and easier
packaging of liquid or fluid foods; eliminate spillage of liquid
from food contents; eliminate a vacuum lock on a film bag; and/or
reduce the amount of manual effort needed to use the vacuum
sealer.
[0110] The vacuum sealer 100 is preferably designed to be
aesthetically pleasing so that the vacuum sealer may be left on a
countertop or in plain view by the user for easy access thereto.
The vacuum sealer 100 may be made of any suitable material
including plastics, metals, or the like and any combination
thereof.
[0111] In a preferred embodiment, the film cartridge 200 is
preferably a center filling circular film cartridge which uses
tubular film 302 as described hereafter. In this embodiment, the
film cartridge 200 does not require any prefabrication of the film
bags 308, enables the film bag size to be adjusted during the
filling operation, provides hands-free operation, and enables the
vacuum intake, i.e., vacuum port 182, to be located above the film
cartridge 200 or below the top component 206 of the film cartridge
200, but above the open end of the film bag 308.
[0112] In another preferred embodiment, the film cartridge 200 is
preferably a center filling dual roll film cartridge which uses two
film rolls 304 as described hereafter. The dual roll film cartridge
provides less wrinkling of the film 300, provides a better way to
implement zippers, if desired, provides a final product which looks
like a high-quality bag, and enables the vacuum intake, i.e.,
vacuum port 182, to be located above the film cartridge 200 or
below the top component 206 of the film cartridge 200, but above
the open end of the film bag 308. The film cartridge 200 will be
described in greater detail hereafter.
[0113] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the vacuum
sealer 100 may comprise a film housing container 220 instead of a
film cartridge 200. A preferred film housing container 220 is shown
in FIGS. 36-37.
[0114] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the vacuum
sealer 100 may comprise rolls of film instead of a film cartridge
200 or a film housing container 220. This embodiment is described
in more detail hereafter.
[0115] The vacuum sealer 100 of the invention may have various
shapes and designs including, but not limited to, those embodiments
shown for example in FIGS. 1-5, 7-14, 30-39, and 41-58. These and
other embodiments are within the scope of the invention as
described herein.
Drive Mechanism
[0116] The drive mechanism 140 primarily functions to feed the film
300 and advance the film bag 308 through the vacuum sealer 100. As
shown in FIGS. 5, 15 and 16, the drive mechanism 140 preferably
comprises drive rollers 142 and/or end drive rollers 143, a drive
roller latch 144, and a motorized drive 146 having two vertical
side members 148 and a drive base 150.
[0117] The drive rollers 142 are preferably operatively positioned
downstream from the film. The drive rollers 142 may be operatively
positioned in the film cartridge 200 or in the top portion 104 or
in the body 102 of the vacuum sealer 100. The drive rollers 142 are
operatively positioned along the sides of the opening of the film
cartridge 200 or the opening of the vacuum sealer 100 lengthwise
therein. However, the drive rollers 142 may be in any other
suitable position. A drive roller latch 144 may be preferably used
to aid in installing the film 300 into the drive rollers 142 by
separating the drive rollers 142 or end drive rollers 143 by a
predetermined distance. The end of the film is placed between the
two drive rollers 142 and/or the end drive rollers 143 on each side
of the film cartridge or vacuum sealer. The drive roller latch 144
may be closed to pinch the film again once the film is fed through
the drive rollers 142 or the end drive rollers 143. The drive
roller latch 144 and the drive rollers 142 and/or the end drive
rollers 143 preferably operate similarly to an arm on a typewriter
opening rollers to feed a piece of paper in a typewriter.
[0118] As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 8-11, 15-16, 21 and 23-24, two end
drive rollers 143 are operatively positioned on each end in the top
portion 104 of the vacuum sealer 100 or in the top component 206 of
the film cartridge 200 at each end of the film cartridge 200
adjacent the opening of the film cartridge or vacuum sealer. The
leading edge of the film is placed between the end drive rollers
143 such that the side edges of the film are in contact with the
end drive rollers 143 to aid the film in advancing through the
vacuum sealer 100.
[0119] The motorized drive 146 is preferably provided for moving
the drive rollers 142 and, thus, the film 300. As shown in FIGS. 6,
15 and 16, the motorized drive 146 comprises two vertical side
members 148 which are substantially parallel and are operatively
connected to each other at a lower end by a drive base 150. A top
end of each vertical member 148 is operatively connected to drive
the drive rollers 142 and/or end drive rollers 143. The drive base
150 is also operatively connected to a motor 184 or other power
source to drive the drive mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the
motorized drive 146 is preferably an O-ring drive as shown in FIGS.
6, 15 and 16.
[0120] The drive rollers 142 may be angled in order to angle the
sealed advancement of the film and thereby eliminate wrinkles from
the film 300, thereby making the film flatter and thus easier to
handle and advance during operation.
[0121] The drive mechanism 140 is preferably a component of the
film cartridge 200. However, the drive mechanism 140 or any
component thereof may be a component of the vacuum sealer 100 and
not a component of the film cartridge 200.
Sealing and Cutting Mechanism
[0122] In the vacuum sealer 100, the sealing and cutting mechanism
170 preferably simultaneously seals the top of a filled film bag,
cuts the sealed film bag and seals the bottom of the next film bag.
The sealing and cutting mechanism 170 may preferably only be
operated when the lid 112 of the vacuum sealer 100 is closed. This
functioning provides enhanced safety to the user. The closing of
the lid 112 is preferably indicated by a lid position sensor 114,
which is preferably located on the top side 110 of the top portion
104 of the vacuum sealer 100, such as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16.
However, any suitable lid position indicator may be used in any
suitable position.
[0123] A preferred embodiment of a general orientation of a sealing
and cutting mechanism 170 of the vacuum sealer 100 is shown in
FIGS. 15 and 16 in cross-sectional views. In general, the sealing
and cutting mechanism 170 includes two sealing elements 172 being
operatively positioned substantially parallel to each other and
substantially perpendicular to the direction of the advance of the
film bag 308. A cutting element 174 is operatively positioned
substantially parallel to and between the two sealing elements 172.
The cutting element 174 and the sealing elements 172 are preferably
in the same plane.
[0124] Embodiments of the sealing elements and cutting element are
shown for example in FIGS. 15, 16, and 19-28. More particularly, a
preferred embodiment of a sealing and cutting mechanism 170 is
shown in FIGS. 19-24. FIGS. 19, 21 and 23 show this embodiment of
the sealing and cutting mechanism 170 in an open position and FIGS.
20, 22 and 24 show the sealing and cutting mechanism 170 in a
closed position. The sealing and cutting mechanism 170 preferably
includes two sealing and cutting members 171. Each sealing and
cutting member 171 includes two sealing elements 172 operatively
positioned substantially parallel to each other and a cutting
element 174 operatively positioned substantially parallel to,
between and in the same plane as the sealing elements 172. The
sealing elements 172 and cutting element 174 are preferably
operatively positioned on a first side of each sealing and cutting
member 171. The sealing and cutting members 171 from an opening
therebetween when in the open position, as shown for example in
FIGS. 19, 21 and 23. The sealing and cutting members 171 push the
film together to facilitate sealing and cutting of the film bag
308. In the closed position, the sealing and cutting members 171
are in substantially the same alignment and adjacent to each other,
such as shown for example in FIGS. 20, 22, and 24.
[0125] In this embodiment, the sealing and cutting members 171 are
preferably crescent shaped sealing and cutting members 171. The
sealing and cutting members 171 are operatively positioned such
that the crescent shape of each sealing and cutting member 171 is
in an outwardly facing position in the open position and the
outwardly extending portions of the crescent shaped bars are
substantially opposite facing one another. In order to facilitate
sealing and cutting, one sealing and cutting member 171 pivots so
that the crescent shape of the sealing and cutting members 171 are
in alignment and facing the same direction prior to being in the
closed position, such as when the sealing and cutting members 171
are moving together into the closed position, and thereby pushing
the film together. Once the sealing and cutting mechanism 170 is in
the closed position or almost in the closed position, any desired
vacuuming or inflation of air occurs by the vacuum/pump mechanism
180 via the vacuum port 182. The vacuum port may be operatively
positioned in the underside of the lid 112, such as shown in FIGS.
15 and 16, or at one or both of the ends of the sealing and cutting
members 171, such as shown in FIGS. 21-24. The vacuum port 182 and
the vacuum/pump mechanism 180 are described in greater detail
herein. The film bag 308 is then sealed and cut. After sealing and
cutting, the sealing and cutting member that pivoted will again
pivot to its initial position so that the sealing and cutting
members 171 will be in the open position. However, the sealing and
cutting members 171 may operate in any suitable manner to move from
the open position to the closed position and back to the open
position during operation of the sealing and cutting mechanism
170.
[0126] Another embodiment of the sealing and cutting mechanism 170
is shown in FIGS. 25-28. In this embodiment, the sealing and
cutting mechanism 170 preferably comprises two crescent shaped
sealing and cutting members 171, i.e., bars, each having an
outwardly extending portion facing away from each other such as
shown in FIG. 25. Each sealing and cutting member 171 has two
sealing elements 172 and a cutting element 174 operatively
positioned adjacent to and between the sealing elements 172. More
particularly, the sealing elements 172 and the cutting element 174
are preferably parallel to each other and operatively positioned
substantially adjacent to each other with the cutting element 174
operatively positioned between the sealing elements 172 in a
similar manner as detailed above. The sealing and cutting members
171 are also preferably operatively positioned substantially
perpendicular to the direction of the advance of the film 300.
[0127] In this embodiment, the sealing and cutting members 171
facilitate sealing and cutting by being moved from the open
position, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 27 to the closed position, as
shown in FIGS. 26 and 28. To facilitate closing and re-opening,
each end portion 176 of the sealing and cutting mechanism is moved
outwardly away and in an opposite direction from each other, as
indicated by the arrows in FIGS. 25 and 26, thereby straightening
the crescent shaped sealing and cutting members 171 such that each
sealing and cutting member 171 is in a linear orientation and
parallel to and in close proximity to the other sealing and cutting
member, thereby eliminating the opening therebetween, such as shown
in FIG. 26. This embodiment is preferably used with a film
cartridge 200 having tubular film 302 and with a vacuum port 182
located in the lid 112 of the vacuum sealer 100. However, this
embodiment of the sealing and cutting mechanism 170 may be used
with a film cartridge 200 having film rolls 304 or with the vacuum
sealer 100 having individual rolls of film instead of a film
cartridge 200.
[0128] In operation, this embodiment of the sealing and cutting
mechanism 170 seals and cuts the film bags 308 into separate film
bags, such as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28.
[0129] Sealing and cutting of the film bag 308 may be achieved by
thermal heating. One type of thermal heating is Athalite.TM.
technology for low voltage film bag sealing and cutting. Generally,
Athalite.TM. technology can generate temperatures over 800.degree.
Fahrenheit (426.7.degree. Celsius) in less than 2 seconds. Once the
current is released, the system returns to room temperature in less
than 2 seconds. More particularly, the sealing and cutting
mechanism may use Athalite.TM. technology in combination with a
foil strip for a heating element.
[0130] More particularly, Athalite.TM. technology is ColdHeat.TM.
technology which has several proprietary components: (1) an
unconventional resistive material named Athalite.TM., which has
physical properties that allow it to create heat from a low source
power supply, (2) innovative mechanical designs that minimize
thermal mass and increase heat flow, and (3) electronic controls
that efficiently manage the limited power source for optimal
operation. By applying this ColdHeat.TM. technology to a variety of
applications, products take on unique rapid heating, quick cooling
and low power consumption properties that make these tools easier
to use, safer and more efficient. The unique chemical and physical
properties of Athalite.TM. deliver significant heating potential.
With the ability to reach temperatures exceeding 800.degree.
Fahrenheit in mere seconds, Athalite.TM. cools down just as
quickly.
[0131] In addition, Athalite.TM. is a highly malleable material and
can be milled into multiple form factors, thus permitting the
innovative design of a broad array of products. Using Athalite.TM.
technology, the heating element is able to heat up to 800.degree.
Fahrenheit (426.7.degree. Celsius) in about 1.5 seconds and can
cool to room temperature in about 2 seconds. For example, three
strips of Athalite.TM. are in parallel arrangement, by setting the
three strips to operate at different voltages, the outer two
Athalite.TM. strips, i.e., the sealing elements 172, can be set to
achieve a sealing temperature and the middle Athalite.TM. strip,
i.e., the cutting element 174, can be set to achieve a melt through
or cutting temperature. Each sealing and cutting cycle could
effectively seal and cut off the top of a filled film bag 308 while
forming the bottom seal of the next film bag.
[0132] Sealing and cutting of the film bags 308 may also be
achieved by the use of RF bonding technology. In using RF bonding
technology, the open ends of the film bags may be sealed. One
example of RF bonding technology is a Codaco RF system which is a
combination of RF seal-generating equipment and an RF active
adhesive. In this embodiment, a small RF seal-generating system is
placed in the vacuum sealer 100 and an adhesive is placed on the
open ends of the film 300 that need to be sealed, i.e., the top of
the filled film bag and the bottom of the next film bag. The
adhesive is inserted and then treated by the RF bonding to provide
the seal, i.e., by the sealing elements 172. The cutting element
174 also substantially simultaneously cuts the film between the two
seals, i.e., between the seal of the top of the filled film bag and
the seal of the bottom of the next film bag.
[0133] While preferred embodiments of the arrangement and types of
sealing and cutting mechanisms have been detailed above, the
sealing and cutting mechanism 170 of the vacuum sealer 100 may be
any suitable sealing and cutting mechanism having any suitable
arrangement and using any suitable technology type. Additionally,
the sealing and cutting mechanism 170 may be a component of the
film cartridge 200 or a component of the vacuum sealer 100.
Film Cartridge
[0134] The film cartridge 200 has been described generally above.
More particularly, as shown for example in FIG. 6, the film
cartridge 200 includes a top component 206, a film holder 208, a
drive mechanism 140 and a sealing and cutting mechanism 170. The
novel arrangement of the film cartridge 200 described herein is
significantly advantageous in that it provides for ease of use by a
consumer since the film for forming the bags is present and the
film cartridge 200 need be simply inserted without any threading or
other insertion operation by the user. Accordingly, the film
cartridge 200 ensures correct insertion, eliminates the chances of
wrong insertion and thus, ineffective bag formation and/or
sealing.
[0135] The film cartridge 200 may optionally be a replaceable
and/or disposable component such that a new film cartridge will be
inserted into the vacuum sealer 100 whenever additional film is
needed. Also, the film cartridge 200 can be designed to be inserted
into any suitable vacuum sealers, including prior art vacuum
sealers and future designed vacuum sealers.
[0136] In order to lower manufacturing costs and/or to provide for
easier manufacturing of a replaceable and/or disposable film
cartridge 200, the film cartridge 200 may include the top component
206 and the film holder 208, while the drive mechanism 140, the
sealing and cutting mechanism 170 and/or components thereof may be
separate from the film cartridge 200 and be in the vacuum sealer
100 since the drive mechanism 140, the sealing and cutting
mechanism 170 and/or components thereof preferably have a longer
functioning life than the life of the film 300. In this embodiment,
multiple replacement film may be utilized in the vacuum sealer 100
without having to incur the costs to replace the drive mechanism
140, the sealing and cutting mechanism 170 and/or components
thereof. The novel arrangement of the film cartridge 200 and
functioning of the components in relation to each other is the same
or substantially similar whether the drive mechanism 140, the
sealing and cutting mechanism 170 and/or components thereof are in
the film cartridge 200 or structured in the body of the vacuum
sealer 100. Accordingly, the description of the functioning of
these components described herein correspond to the arrangement of
the component in either location unless specified otherwise.
[0137] Preferred embodiments of the drive mechanism 140 and the
sealing and cutting mechanism 170 have been described in detail
above. These embodiments of the drive mechanism 140 and the sealing
and cutting mechanism 170 function in the same or similar manner
and have the same or similar or corresponding components whether
they are a part of the film cartridge 200 or separate therefrom and
a part of the vacuum sealer 100.
[0138] In a preferred embodiment, the top component 206 of the film
cartridge 200 has a top face 202 with an opening 204 therethrough.
The opening 204 is preferably centrally located. The film 300 is
preferably operatively positioned below the top face 202 of the
film cartridge 200 in a film holder 208. More particularly, the
film 300 is preferably a tubular film 302 as shown for example in
FIGS. 4 and 29 in a collapsed state in a film holder 208, which is
a tubular film holder 210, as shown for example in FIGS. 4 and 15,
or two film rolls 304 as shown for example in FIGS. 21-22 and 23-24
in a film holder 208, which is a roll film holder 212, as shown for
example in FIGS. 10, 11, and 16. More particularly, a film roll 304
is operatively positioned in a roll film holder 212 on each side of
the opening 204 of the film cartridge 200 along the length of the
top component 206 and below the top face 202 of the film cartridge
200.
[0139] The film 300, e.g., the film roll 304 in each roll film
holder 212 or the tubular film 302 in the tubular film holder 208,
extends through the drive rollers 142 and/or end drive rollers 143
in the drive mechanism 140 as detailed above in the description of
the drive mechanism. The placement of the film 300 through the
drive rollers 142 and/or end drive rollers 143 is preferably
provided by aid of the manual drive roller latch 144. The motorized
drive 146 is preferably provided for moving the drive rollers 142
and/or the end drive rollers 143 and, thus, the film 300. As shown
in FIGS. 6, 15 and 16, the motorized drive 146 comprises two
vertical side members 148 which are substantially parallel and
operatively connected to each other at a lower end by a drive base
150 as described above. A top end of each vertical side member 148
is operatively connected to drive the drive rollers 142 and/or end
drive rollers 143. The drive base 150 is also operatively connected
to a motor 184 or power source to drive the drive mechanism 140. In
a preferred embodiment, the motorized drive 146 is preferably an
O-ring drive mechanism as shown in FIGS. 6, 15 and 16.
[0140] The film cartridge 200 of the vacuum sealer 100 supplies the
film 300, in either pre-made film bag form, i.e., tubular film 302,
or on separate rolls, i.e., film rolls 304, which must be sealed
along the sides prior to filling. The sides of the film rolls can
be sealed in any suitable manner and by any suitable means.
[0141] The film cartridge 200 allows for the presentation of the
film bag 308 in its open form, making it easier for the user to
fill the film bag 308 with food or other items.
[0142] The film cartridge 200 may also optionally include an
end-of-film indicator and a reclosable film means in the film
cartridge. Alternatively, the end-of-film indicator may be located
in the vacuum sealer 100 or on the film 300. The end-of-film
indicator alerts the user that the film 300 is coming to an end and
additional or replacement film 300 will need to be inserted into
the film cartridge 200 in due course. For example, the end-of-film
indicator may be a color or other symbol indicator on the film 300,
such as a color stripe on the film. Also for example, the
end-of-film indicator may be a signal indicator given off by the
vacuum sealer 100 or the film cartridge 200 such as, but not
limited to, a light or sound indicator. However, any suitable
end-of-film indicator may be used in the invention.
[0143] The film cartridge 200 or vacuum sealer 100 may also
preferably have a reclosable film means/feature in the film 300 in
the film cartridge 200.
[0144] The film cartridge 200 preferably has an asymmetrical
(non-symmetrical) shape that only permits the film cartridge 200 to
be installed into the vacuum sealer 100 in one position, thus,
automatically providing proper alignment in the vacuum sealer 100.
This geometry of the film cartridge 200 enables a user to easily
orient the film cartridge 200 in the correct position in the vacuum
sealer 100 and will align a closure of the film bag 308, e.g.,
tear-strip or zipper profile, if used, in the vacuum sealer 100.
The quality of the seal of the film bag 308 will depend on the
accuracy of the position of the closure of the film bag 308
profiles or tear-strips relative to the sealing elements 172.
[0145] FIG. 23 shows a tubular film replacement for a film
cartridge 200 having tubular film.
Control Panel
[0146] The vacuum sealer 100 also includes a control panel 160
which enables a user to control the vacuum sealer 100 by selecting
and controlling various functions including: (1) the start/stop of
the vacuum sealer 100, (2) the inflation and the degree of
inflation of the film bag 308, (3) the vacuuming and the degree of
vacuuming the film bag 308, (4) the advancing of the film bag 308
and/or clearing of the film bag 308, (5) monitoring the degree of a
vacuum or inflation of the film bag 308 until completion, (6) the
sealing and cutting of the film bag 308 and (7) any other suitable
function of the vacuum sealer 100.
[0147] The control panel 160 of the vacuum sealer 100 preferably
includes, but is not limited to, the specific control mechanisms
for operating and controlling the functions of the vacuum sealer
100. More particularly, the control panel 160 preferably includes
at least a means for initiating starting and stopping, i.e., power,
of the vacuum sealer 100; a means for initiating and controlling
vacuuming and/or inflating a filled film bag 308; a means for
initiating and controlling the advancement and/or clearing of the
film bag 308; and a means for initiating and controlling the
sealing and cutting of a filled film bag 308. For example, the
control panel 160 may include the following function controls in
the form of a button, lever, switch, scroll pad, or other suitable
control: a power control 161 which may be a start control 161a and
a stop control 161b or a combination start/stop control 161c; a
seal/cut control 162; at least one inflate control 163; and at
least one vacuum control 164. The control panel 160 may also
optionally include a film advance control 165 and/or a clear film
control 166.
[0148] The power control 161 starts and stops the vacuum sealer
100. The seal/cut control 162 initiates and controls the sealing
and cutting of the film bag 308 in either one step or multiple
steps. The seal/cut control 162 preferably does not provide any
inflation or vacuuming of the film bag 308. The inflate control 163
may be one control or multiple controls. The inflate control 163
may provide any suitable predetermined inflation percentage to the
film bag including, but not limited to, 100% and 50%, or the
inflate control 163 may provide a predetermined range of inflation
percentages. The vacuum control 164 may be one control or multiple
controls. The vacuum control 164 may provide any suitable
predetermined vacuum percentage to the film bag including, but not
limited to, 25%, 45%, 75% and 100%. In another embodiment, the
predetermined vacuum percentage of the film bag includes, but is
not limited to, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%. In another embodiment,
the vacuum control 164 may provide a predetermined range of vacuum
percentages. The film advance control 165 and/or the clear film
control 166 provides advancement or clearing of the film bag 308.
Preferred embodiments of the control panel 160 as detailed above
are shown for example in FIGS. 15 and 16.
[0149] In another preferred embodiment, such as shown for example
in FIG. 17, the control panel 160 is a combination control
including a power control 161, a film advance control 165, a
seal/cut control 162, an inflate control 163, and a vacuum control
164. This embodiment of the control panel having a combination
control mechanism has the power control 161 operatively positioned
in substantially the center of the combination control mechanism.
The power control 161 initiates and controls the starting and
stopping operation of the vacuum sealer 100. The film advance
control 165 and the cut/seal control 162 are operatively positioned
adjacent the power control 160 as a larger button surrounding the
power control 161 button. The film advance control 165 in the
combination control mechanism provides advancement of the film bag.
For example, by pressing the film advance control 165 adjacent a
first side of the power control 160 button, the film bag 308
advances continually under a user's finger pressure until the
pressure is released or until the bottom of the film bag 308
reaches a set maximum volume point. The combination control
mechanism also preferably has a scroll dial around the film advance
control 165 button and the cut/seal control 162 button. The scroll
dial includes the inflate control 163 and the vacuum control 164. A
user can scroll his/her finger around the scroll dial to set the
amount or percentage of inflation or vacuum desired for the film
bag. A user can seal and cut the film bag 308 by pressing the
seal/cut control 162 button adjacent a second side of the power
control 160 button. By pressing the seal/cut control 162, the top
of the filled film bag is sealed and cut and the bottom of the next
film bag is sealed as detailed herein.
[0150] LED lights may preferably be illuminated to indicate the
chosen inflation or vacuum percentage setting in any embodiment of
the control mechanism or control panel. The functioning of the LED
lights are described in more detail hereafter.
[0151] In another preferred embodiment, the vacuum sealer 100 may
have a combination control mechanism as shown for example in FIG.
18, which preferably includes a film advance control 165 button, a
seal/cut control 162 button, and a positive and negative air
control button which includes an inflate control 163 and a vacuum
control 164 button. The control buttons preferably form a diamond
shape. However, the control buttons may be arranged in any suitable
manner. By pressing the film advance control 165 button, the film
bag 308 continually advances until the user releases his/her finger
pressure from the film advance control 165 button or until the film
bag 308 reaches a set maximum volume point. The user then presses
and holds down the positive or negative air control button to
control the amount of air either added to or removed from the film
bag 308 after the film bag 308 has been filled with the desired
contents. Once the film bag is filled, the film advance control 165
button is pressed and the film bag 308 is advanced until the
sealing and cutting area is clean. The film bag 308 is then sealed
and cut by the user pressing the seal/cut control 162 button. The
components and functioning of sealing and cutting mechanism 170 of
the vacuum sealer 100 are described in greater detail herein.
Lid
[0152] The vacuum sealer 100 also preferably comprises a lid 112.
The lid 112 of the vacuum sealer 100 may be operatively connected
to the top portion 104 of the vacuum sealer 100 by any suitable
means. For example, the opening of the lid 112 of the vacuum sealer
100 may be by a hinge mechanism such as shown for example in FIGS.
9-11, 15, 16, 36, 37, and 42, by a slide mechanism such as shown
for example in FIGS. 31 and 35, or by any other suitable mechanism.
The lid 112 keeps the contents of the film bag 30 from coming out
of the vacuum sealer 100 during operation. The lid 112 also
preferably allows for activation of the vacuum sealer 100 when the
lid 112 activates a lid position sensor 114 which is preferably
located on the top side 110 of the top portion 104 of the vacuum
sealer 100. The lid 112 also ensures an air-tight seal around the
opening of the film cartridge 200 and/or the opening in the top
portion 104 of the vacuum sealer 100.
Vacuum/Pump Mechanism
[0153] The vacuum/pump mechanism 180 of the vacuum sealer 100 may
be any suitable vacuum/pump mechanism. The vacuum/pump mechanism
180 preferably comprises a motor 184, a pump 186, a compressor 188,
a pressure transmitter 190, a vacuum/pressure select solenoid valve
192, and a vacuum port 182 as shown for example in FIGS. 15 and 16.
The motor 184 provides power to and drives the vacuum/pump
mechanism and the drive mechanism 140. The pump 186 and the
compressor 188 work in conjunction to provide air into the film bag
308 to inflate the film bag or to remove air from the film bag 308
to provide vacuuming to the film bag 308. The pressure transmitter
190 is operatively connected to the pump 186 and transmits and
monitors the air pressure going into the film bag 308 or being
removed from the film bag 308. The vacuum/pressure select solenoid
valve 192 is operatively connected to the pump 186 and selects and
controls the air pressure going into the film bag 308 or being
removed from the film bag 308.
[0154] A preferred embodiment of a motor mechanism 184 is shown in
FIG. 59. The motor mechanism 184 provides forward rotation at the
drive of the drive mechanism 140 so that the film 300 is advanced
from the film holder 208 through the vacuum sealer 100. The motor
mechanism 184 also drives the vacuum/pump mechanism, thereby
powering the vacuum pressure select solenoid valve 192.
[0155] A preferred embodiment of a pump mechanism 186 is shown in
FIG. 60. The pump mechanism 186 controls the air pressure going
into or being removed from the film bag 308 as determined by the
vacuum pressure select solenoid valve 192.
Vacuum Port
[0156] The vacuum port 182 is the component which extends into or
near the opening of the film bag 308 to add air thereto or remove
air therefrom. The vacuum port 182 is preferably operatively
positioned on an underside of the lid 112, such as shown for
example in FIGS. 15, 16, and 37. FIGS. 21-24 show a second
embodiment of a vacuum port 182 of the vacuum sealer 100. In this
embodiment, the vacuum port 182 is operatively positioned near at
least one end of the sealing and cutting mechanism 170. More
particularly, FIGS. 23 and 24 show a vacuum port 182 operatively
positioned at one end of the sealing and cutting mechanism 170.
FIGS. 21 and 22 show a vacuum port operatively positioned at each
end of the sealing and cutting mechanism 170. Once the desired
contents are placed into the film bag, air is removed from or put
into the film bag 308. The film bag 308 is then sealed and cut by
the sealing and cutting mechanism 170 as described herein or in any
suitable manner.
[0157] In an alternative embodiment, an external vacuum port 182a
may be located on an external side of the body 102 of the vacuum
sealer 100, such as shown in FIGS. 38-40. The external vacuum port
182a may be used in a similar manner as vacuum port 182 to remove
air from or add air to a film bag 308 or a film housing container
220 as shown for example in FIGS. 38-40.
Operation
[0158] The user may operate the vacuum sealer 100 by installing the
film cartridge 200 (or rolls of film if no film cartridge is used).
The film cartridge 200 may contain tubular film 302 or two film
rolls 304 as described above. The lid 112 is opened and the film
cartridge 300 (or the rolls of film if no film cartridge is used)
is placed into the opening 108, e.g., feed opening or filling
chute, of the vacuum sealer 100. If a film cartridge 200 is used,
the film cartridge 200 is aligned in the opening 108, preferably in
a predetermined manner.
[0159] If individual rolls of film are used, the rolls of film are
placed into film holders, such as cylindrical troughs, on either
side of the opening 108 in the top portion 104 of the film sealer
100.
[0160] In one embodiment, the film on the rolls of film may be one
continuous piece of film with a fold in the center thereof. To make
the individual rolls of film, a total length of film could be wound
on a first roller and then the free end of the film would contact
an empty core. About half of the film could then be rewound back
onto a second roller. A user could then insert the two cores of the
film into the cylindrical troughs and feed the joined piece of film
down through the drive rollers 142 and/or end drive rollers 143. In
order for the film to be open around the opening 108 in the top
side 110 of the film sealer 100, a pleated film gathering
technology may be used to allow a film bag to billow between fixed
end points to provide a wide open mouth of the film bag. The core
could have corrugation in its circumference to pre-pleat the film
during the winding operation.
[0161] In an embodiment having a film cartridge 200 having two film
rolls 304, the two film rolls 304 are preferably held in a parallel
fashion on either side of the opening 204 in and under the top face
202 of the top component 206 of the film cartridge 200. The leading
edge 306 of both film rolls 304 are inserted through the drive
rollers 142 and/or the end drive rollers 143 of the drive mechanism
140 and joined and sealed together to form the bottom of the first
film bag 308 as detailed hereafter. The side edges of the film
rolls 304 are also sealed in a suitable manner. Additionally,
adhesive may be provided along the side edges of the film 300 to
provide side seals or the side edges may be sealed by thermal
technology or any other suitable technology. A reclosable adhesive
may optionally be provided on one side of the film bag to provide a
means to open and close the film bag 308.
[0162] In an embodiment having a film cartridge 200 having tubular
film 302, the tubular film 302 is contained in a collapsed state in
the film cartridge 200. An example of tubular film 302 is shown in
FIG. 29. The tubular film 302 is then inserted through the drive
rollers 142 and/or end drive rollers 143 of the drive mechanism 140
and the leading edge 306 thereof is sealed together to form the
bottom of the first film bag 308 as detailed hereafter.
[0163] Next, the first film bag 308 is advanced from the film
cartridge 200 or from the individual rolls and is pushed downward
through the center of the film sealer 100 until the bottom of the
film bag can be seen in the receiving area 116. This may be
achieved mechanically or automatically by the user pushing a film
advance control 165 on the control panel 160 to advance the film
bag slightly to ensure that the film is locked into the
mechanism.
[0164] More particularly, to form the film bag 308, the film is fed
through the drive rollers 142 and/or end drive rollers 143. The
drive rollers 142 are operatively positioned downstream from the
film. The drive rollers 142 and/or end drive rollers 143 may be
operatively positioned in the film cartridge 200 or in the top
portion 104 or in the body 102 of the vacuum sealer 100 as detailed
above. A drive roller latch 144 may be preferably used to aid in
installing the film into the drive rollers 142 and/or end drive
rollers 143 by separating the drive rollers 142 and/or end drive
rollers 143 by a predetermined distance. The end of the film is
placed between the two drive rollers 142 and/or end drive rollers
143 on each side of the film cartridge or vacuum sealer. The drive
roller latch 144 may be closed to pinch the film again once the
film is fed through the drive rollers 142 and/or end drive rollers
143. The drive roller latch 144 and the drive rollers 142 and/or
end drive rollers 143 preferably operate similarly to an arm on a
typewriter opening rollers to feed a piece of paper in a
typewriter. In another embodiment, the edges of the film may have
profiles which can be guided into slots on the drive rollers 142 in
order to advance the film.
[0165] More particularly, as shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 8-11, 15-16, 21
and 23-24, the two end drive rollers 143 are operatively positioned
on each end in the top portion 104 of the vacuum sealer 100 or in
the top component 206 of the film cartridge 200 at each end of the
film cartridge 200 adjacent the opening of the film cartridge or
vacuum sealer. The leading edge of the film is placed between the
end drive rollers 143 such that the side edges of the film are in
contact with the end drive rollers 143 to aid the film in advancing
through the vacuum sealer 100.
[0166] The leading edge of the first film bag is then sealed as
described herein. The film advance control 165 is then operated in
order to forward the film until the desired size of the film bag
308 is reached. The position of the vacuum sealer 100 may then be
determined. While the preferred embodiment is for the vacuum sealer
100 to be in a vertical orientation, a multiple orientation control
118 may be operated in order to change the vacuum sealer 100 among
a vertical orientation, a horizontal orientation or an angled
orientation. The multiple orientation control 118 may be located in
any suitable position on the vacuum sealer 100, but is preferably
operatively positioned near the base portion 106 of the vacuum
sealer 100, such as shown for example in FIGS. 15 and 16. When the
multiple orientation control 118 is operated, the body 102 of the
vacuum sealer 100 may be adjusted between a vertical, horizontal,
or angled orientation. The vertical orientation is more convenient
for using with most storage items, especially liquid items.
However, the horizontal orientation enables packaging and sealing
of longer items or for items that are easier to load in a
horizontal orientation.
[0167] In an alternative embodiment, the vacuum sealer 100 may be
able to be positioned in an angled orientation. When the multiple
orientation control 118 is operated, the body 102 of the vacuum
sealer 100 is angled to a predetermined degree, e.g., forty-five
degrees, and set in position to provide easier filling of items
that are desired to be loaded in a horizontal orientation, but may
need to prevent any spillage thereof. This orientation may also be
achieved by pivoting the whole vacuum sealer, using a low pivot
point on the vacuum sealer, using a high pivot point on the vacuum
sealer or removing a top of the vacuum sealer.
[0168] The film bag 308 is then ready to be filled with the desired
contents. The film bag 308 is filled to a desired level. If a
larger film bag 300 is needed than what has been initially
predetermined prior to filling, the film advance control 165 may be
operated to advance the film and increase the size of the film bag
308. The film may also be advanced so that the film in the sealing
area is clear.
[0169] In one embodiment, the vacuum sealer 100 may be
preprogrammed such that the film is automatically forwarded
following the filling of the film bag 308 to prevent contamination
of the vacuum sealer equipment or the next film bag. In a preferred
embodiment, the lid 112 of the vacuum sealer 100 may not be able to
close until contaminated film has been forwarded.
[0170] Rollers may be located on the sides of the vacuum sealer to
limit contamination of the vacuum sealer and contamination of the
next film bag. The sealing and cutting mechanism 170 is also
operatively located near the top of the vacuum sealer to reduce the
amount of film used when advancing the film bag, such as shown in
FIGS. 15 and 16.
[0171] Once the film bag is filled and the film is cleared, if
necessary, the desired operation is then selected from the control
panel 160 or control mechanism. The desired operations preferably
include inflate, seal or vacuuming the film bag. While inflate,
seal and vacuum are used throughout the description, any suitable
nomenclature may be used to represent these functions. Also, any
other suitable functions may be performed by the vacuum sealer.
[0172] Vacuuming is for vacuum storage of items. Total vacuum of
the film bag 308 is possible, as well as partial vacuuming. Partial
vacuuming is useful if the contents of the film bag are fragile. To
vacuum, the vacuum control 164 having a desired predetermined
vacuum percentage is selected from the control panel 160 or control
mechanisms. For example, the predetermined vacuum percentages may
include 25%, 45%, 75% and 100%. In another example, the desired
predetermined vacuum percentages may include 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and
100%. Any suitable vacuum percentages may be predetermined.
Preferred embodiments of a control panel having vacuum control 164
are shown for example in FIGS. 15 and 16. Other control
panels/mechanisms for providing a vacuum control 164 for providing
a predetermined vacuuming percentage to the film bag 308 are shown
for example in FIGS. 17 and 18 and have been described above.
[0173] To inflate a film bag, the inflate control 163 having a
predetermined inflation percentage is selected from the control
panel 160 or control mechanism. For example, predetermined
inflation percentages may include 50% and 100%. Any suitable
predetermined inflation percentages may be predetermined. Preferred
embodiments of a control panel 160 having inflate control 163 are
shown for example in FIGS. 15 and 16. Other control
panels/mechanisms for providing an inflate control 163 for
providing a predetermined inflation percentage to the film bag 308
are shown for example in FIGS. 17 and 18. Inflating film bags is
useful, for example, for protecting the contents of the film
bag.
[0174] For packaging an item without providing vacuuming or
inflation to the film bag 308, zero percent (0%) inflation and zero
percent (0%) vacuum would be set. Then, a seal/cut control 162 may
be selected from the control panel 160. Preferred embodiments of a
control panel 160 having a seal/cut control 160 are shown for
example in FIGS. 15 and 16. Alternative embodiments of the control
panel 160 having a seal/cut control 162 are shown in FIGS. 17 and
18. In these embodiments, the air percentage would be set to zero
percent (0%) to provide sealing of the film bag 308 without
vacuuming or inflation thereof.
[0175] The film bag 308 may be further or optionally advanced at
this stage, if necessary or desired, by selecting the film advance
control 165 or a clear film control 166 in order to advance any
contaminated film forward before sealing and cutting.
[0176] Next, the lid 112 of the vacuum sealer is closed. A lid
closing latch 115 locks around the lid 112 to hold the lid 112 in
place and is locked in place by a lid lock 113. Latching of the lid
112 depresses a lid position sensor 114 which allows the vacuum
sealer to operate. The lid closing latch 115 is operatively
positioned on the top portion 104 of the vacuum sealer 100 and
adjacent to or near the lid 112 such as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16.
In locking the lid 112, the lid closing latch 115 ensures a good
seal of the vacuum port 182 over an open film bag 308. The lid
closing latch 115 can also be locked down to maintain the seal and
to eliminate the need for manually holding down the lid 112. In
preferred embodiments, the lid 112 must be latched for the
vacuum/pump mechanism 180 to start. If the lid closing latch 115 is
opened during the operation of the vacuum sealer 100, the lid
position sensor 114 will disengage and may shut down the vacuum
sealer 100.
[0177] The lid position sensor 114 is also preferably operatively
positioned on the top side 110 of the top portion 104 of the vacuum
sealer 100, such that the lid 112 comes in contact with the lid
position sensor 114 when the lid 112 is closed. The lid position
sensor 114 indicates that the lid 112 is locked down and enables
the vacuum sealer 100 to operate and to ensure safety of the user.
Specifically, the motor 184, the pump 186 and the compressor 188,
which may preferably be a dual head miniature diaphragm pumping
compressor, in conjunction with a vacuum/pressure select solenoid
valve 192, becomes operable to either vacuum or inflate the filled
film bag 308. Then, solenoid 130 in conjunction with solenoid 131
become operable to seal and cut the film bag at a predetermined
time. Closing the lid 112 preferably moves the sealing and closing
mechanism 170 in contact with the film bag 308.
[0178] Next, the vacuum sealer 100 is ready for operation. The
power control 161, e.g., start control 161a or the combination
start/stop control 161c, is pressed to begin the pre-selected
operation (inflate, seal or vacuum). The various components then
commence operation to pull the film bag from the film cartridge or
from the individual rolls of film. The film or rollers will run for
a predetermined time to bring all contaminated film below the
sealing and cutting mechanism 170 and then turns off. Next, the
drive base 150 moves in and tugs on the film that extends up.
[0179] In an embodiment where a vacuum control 164 is selected, the
pump 186, the motor 184 and the vacuum/pressure select solenoid
valve 192 operate to vacuum the film bag 308 to the predetermined
vacuum percentage. A light adjacent to the pre-selected vacuum
percentage vacuum control may light up and the predetermined
vacuuming percentage will commence. The light may then indicate
that the process has evacuated the predetermined amount of air from
the film bag 308.
[0180] In an alternative embodiment, as air is removed from the
film bag, a second indicator light near the first indicator light
may optionally turn on when a predetermined percentage of
vacuuming, but less than the total vacuuming desired, is achieved.
Various indicator lights may turn on and stay on as the vacuum
percentage increases until the total predetermined vacuum
percentage is reached and all of the indicator lights up to the
total predetermined vacuum percentage turn on. The purpose of each
indicator light is to indicate to the user the amount of pressure,
i.e., vacuum percentage, in the film bag 308. A user will become
familiar with the levels of vacuum necessary for their needs where
total vacuum, i.e., 100% vacuum, may be too much.
[0181] Another purpose for the indicator light array is to give the
user some sense of progress regarding the vacuuming percent of the
film bag 308. When all indicator lights are on up to the
predetermined vacuum percentage, the vacuum sealer will then
perform the sealing and cutting function. In the sealing function,
a first side solenoid 130 and a second side solenoid 131 will move
into position in preparation for sealing and cutting the film bag
308. Simultaneously, the sealing and cutting mechanism will turn on
and the sealing and cutting mechanism 170 will then come together
to preferably simultaneously seal the filled film bag 308, cut the
film bag 308, and seal the bottom of the next film bag.
[0182] On either side of the sealing and cutting mechanism 170 may
be a spring actuated tension isolating bar 178, as shown for
example in FIG. 15, which contacts the film when the lid is closed,
but when the sealing and cutting mechanism 170 is still not in
contact with the film bag 308. The spring actuated tension
isolating bars 178 need to be strong enough to hold a full film bag
308 without letting the weight of the contents in the film bag 308
affect the cutting of the film bag 308. After a predetermined time,
the sealing and cutting mechanism 170 will shut off and an operator
interface on the control panel 160 or control mechanism will light
up. Then, the base drive 150 will open up and the sealed film bag
308 will fall to the bottom of the receiving area 116 of the vacuum
sealer 100.
[0183] During vacuuming, a user may manually stop the vacuuming at
a desired point by pressing the power control 161, e.g., stop
control 161b or combination start/stop control 161c, on the control
panel 160 or control mechanism.
[0184] In an embodiment where the seal/cut control 162 is selected
on the control panel 160, an indicator light may turn on to
indicate as such. The first side solenoid 130 and the second side
solenoid 131 will move into position in preparation for sealing and
cutting the film bag 308. Preferably simultaneously, the sealing
and cutting mechanism 170 will be activated and the sealing and
cutting mechanism 170 will come together to seal the filled film
bag 308, cut the film bag 308 and seal the bottom of the next film
bag. After a predetermined time, the sealing and cutting mechanism
170 will shut off and an operator interface will indicate such on
the control panel 160 or control mechanism that the sealing and
cutting mechanism 170 has shut off, e.g., an indicator will light
up. The sealed film bag 308 will then fall to the bottom of the
receiving area 116 of the vacuum sealer 100.
[0185] In an embodiment where an inflate control 163 is selected, a
vacuum/pressure select solenoid valve 192 will cycle and change the
output of the pump 186 and compressor 188 from vacuum to inflate
and the film bag 308 will be inflated to the predetermined inflate
percentage. A light adjacent to the pre-selected inflate percentage
may light up as the inflation of the film bag 308 begins. A user
may manually stop the inflation process by pushing the power
control 161, e.g., stop control 161b or the combination start/stop
161c.
[0186] In an alternative embodiment, as air is blown into the film
bag 308, a first indicator light may optionally turn on when the
film bag 308 is 50% inflated. If the film bag 308 is to be totally
inflated (100% inflation), a second indicator light may optionally
turn on when that inflation percent is reached. When the
pre-selected inflation percentage is reached, and, if the
embodiment has indicator lights, all indicator lights are on up to
the pre-selected inflation percentage, the vacuum sealer 100 will
go into the seal/cut operation.
[0187] Once the inflation is complete, the sealing and cutting
mechanism 170 comes together to seal the filled film bag 308, cut
the filled film bag 308 and seal the bottom of the next film bag.
More particularly, the first side solenoid 130 and the second side
solenoid 131 will move in preparation for sealing and cutting the
film bag as set forth above. Preferably simultaneously, the sealing
and cutting mechanism 170 will be activated. After a predetermined
time, the sealing and cutting mechanism 170 will shut off and an
operator interface will indicate on the control panel 160 or
control mechanism that the sealing and cutting mechanism 170 has
shut off. The sealed film bag 308 will then fall to the bottom of
the receiving area 116 of the vacuum sealer 100.
[0188] In each of the embodiments described above, the vacuum
sealer 100 also has at least one pressure transmitter 190 in the
vacuum/pump mechanism 180 that functions in both vacuum and
pressure ranges. The pressure transmitter 190 is preferably a
combination high/low pressure sensor or two pressure transmitters
190 including a high pressure shut off sensor and a low pressure
shut off sensor. The pressure sensor(s) of the pressure transmitter
190 monitor the amount of pressure in the film bag 308 while
vacuuming or inflation is occurring, such as to prevent the film
bag 308 from exploding from too much pressure. The pressure shut
off sensor or combination high/low pressure sensor operates in
conjunction with the vacuum control 164 or the inflate control 163
that was selected by the user. The indicator lights on the control
panel 160, if present, may light up in different colors or
intensity, for example, in order to indicate positive pressure for
increasing levels of vacuuming or inflation and a neutral/start
position having no vacuum pressure or no inflation pressure inside
the film bag 308.
[0189] Once the filled film bag 308 is sealed and cut, the vacuum
sealer 100 is ready to have another film bag filled or ready to be
shut off. If another film bag is to be filled, the lid lock 113 and
the lid closing latch 115 are released, the lid 112 is opened and
the process may be repeated by selecting the desired operation and
filling the film bag with the desired contents and then proceeding
as detailed above. The vacuum sealer 100 of the invention may have
an automatic turn off mechanism which automatically turns the
vacuum sealer 100 off after a predetermined time of non-use.
Position of Sealer
[0190] The vacuum sealer 100 is preferably operated in a vertical
orientation such as shown for example in FIGS. 1, 2, 7-9, 13-14,
30, 32-33, 35, 36-39, 41-47, 49-51, and 53-58. However, the vacuum
sealer 100 may be able to change orientation. By activating or
pressing a multiple orientation button, the vacuum sealer 100 may
be switched from a vertical position to a horizontal position, such
as shown for example in FIGS. 10, 34 and 52, for items which may be
more conveniently vacuum sealed in a horizontal position. In the
vertical orientation, the vacuum sealing technology of the vacuum
sealer eliminates problems associated with vacuum sealing bags
containing liquid items, such as preventing spillage and preventing
the contents from being pumped into the vacuum/pump mechanism 180
or the suction lines thereof. The vacuum sealer may also be able to
be used in an angled position.
[0191] The vacuum sealer 100 is preferably operated in a vertical
orientation as described above and thus the vacuum port 182 is
positioned above the contents of the film bag 308. This structure
allows gravity to minimize the sucking up of juices or other liquid
that may be present in the film bag 308 into the vacuum port 182
and thus, the vacuum/pump mechanism 180. This vertical orientation
of the vacuum sealer 100 avoids the need for a drip tray as
required in horizontal vacuum sealers. However, in some
circumstances, it may be desired for the user to position and/or
used the vacuum sealer 100 in the horizontal orientation or in an
angled orientation.
Closures
[0192] FIGS. 61-66 show various embodiments of closures for the
film bag 308 of the invention. Other suitable closures may also be
used. Specifically, FIG. 61 shows a thermal seal welding closure of
two internal layers of the film bag 308 of a multi-layered film.
FIG. 62 shows a standard zipper tape lamination which allows air to
permeate through the zipper and into the film bag 308. FIG. 63
shows sealing of the film bag through a single male/female closure
design. With this closure, the film layers are held in such close
proximity to each other that air permeability is negligible. FIGS.
64-66 show a vacuum activated sealing of a film bag 308 showing a
predetermined male/female profile closure mechanism. Specifically,
a vacuum is used to pull together the profiles of the zipper to
form an air-tight seal. More particularly, FIG. 64 shows the
male/female profile closure mechanism in an open position, FIG. 65
shows the male/female profile closure mechanism in a partially
closed position and FIG. 66 shows the male/female profile closure
mechanism in a closed position.
[0193] Various types of other closures may be added to the film bag
308 to provide the seal thereof and/or to provide resealable film
bags 308. The film bag 308 may be closed by thermal heating as
discussed above. Other types of seals include, but are not limited
to, (1) a pinch and seal closure, (2) a pinch and seal closure with
adhesive seal technology, (3) an adhesive seal closure, (4) an
adhesive seal closure with a tear strip, (5) a slider seal closure,
(6) an adhesive embedded in an embossed pattern closure, (7) a
pinch and seal closure inside a sealed flap, (8) an adhesive
embossed pattern closure covering a top of a film bag, and (9) a
pinch and seal closure with a peelable heat seal. The seal of the
film bag 308 may also be a vacuum activated closure which uses a
vacuum to make extremely tight fitting profiles such as shown for
example in FIGS. 64 and 66 detailed above.
[0194] The pinch and seal closure is in-line or along the same axis
as the film. The bottom of the film bag 308 is formed at the same
time as the pinch and seal closure. The vacuum sealer 100 can form
both sides of the film bag adjacent to the pinch and seal closure
when film rolls 304 are used.
[0195] The pinch and seal closure with an adhesive seal is in-line
or along the same axis as the film. The bottom of the film bag 308
is formed at the same time as the pinch and seal closure. The
vacuum sealer 100 can form both sides of the film bag adjacent to
the pinch and seal closure when film rolls 304 are used. An
adhesive at, near or below the pinch and seal closure is used to
improve the seal of the film bag 308.
[0196] The adhesive seal closure and the adhesive seal closure with
a tear strip is in-line or along the same axis as the film. The
film may also have a non-air permeable tear strip, at, near or
above the adhesive seal closure for initially opening a vacuum
packed film bag 308. The tear strip could be composed of foam which
would keep the integrity of the film bag and not allow leakage, but
yet is readily torn apart by the user when desired. The tear strip
can be colored for easy user identification. The bottom of the film
bag 308 is formed at the same time as the adhesive seal closure.
The vacuum sealer 100 can form both sides of the film bag adjacent
to the adhesive closure when film rolls 304 are used.
[0197] The slider seal closure is in-line or along the same axis as
the film. The bottom of the film bag 308 is formed at the same time
as the slider seal closure. The vacuum sealer 100 can form both
sides of the film bag adjacent to the slider seal closure when film
rolls 304 are used.
[0198] The adhesive embedded in an embossed pattern closure is
in-line or along the same axis as the film. The bottom of the film
bag 308 is formed at the same time as the adhesive seal closure.
The vacuum sealer 100 can form both sides of the film bag adjacent
to the adhesive seal closure when film rolls 304 are used.
[0199] The pinch and seal closure inside a sealed flap is formed by
placing the closure inside the flap of the film bag which makes the
film bag non air-permeable. The flap could have a tear strip to
expose the pinch and seal closure upon initial use. The pinch and
seal closure inside the flap is in-line or along the same axis as
the film. The bottom of the film bag is formed at the same time as
the pinch and seal closure. The vacuum sealer 100 can form both
sides of the film bag adjacent to the pinch and seal closure when
film rolls 304 are used.
[0200] The adhesive embossed pattern closure covering a top of the
film bag preferably fully covers one interior half of the film and
the closure is in-line or along the same axis as the film. The
bottom of the film bag is formed at the same time as the closure.
The vacuum sealer 100 can form both sides of the film bag adjacent
to the closure when film rolls 304 are used. It may not be
necessary to have thermoform side seals if the adhesive forms an
airtight seal.
[0201] The pinch and seal closure with a peelable heat seal is a
pinch and seal closure which is in-line or along the same axis as
the film. The film bag 308 also has a peelable heat seal at, near
or below the pinch and seal closure for the purposes of improving
the seal. The bottom of the film bag 308 is formed at the same time
as the pinch and seal closure. The vacuum sealer 100 can form both
sides of the film bag adjacent to the pinch and seal closure when
film rolls 304 are used.
[0202] Another type of closure that may be used is a leak-proof
foam tear strip. Foam tear strips do not leak fluid like serrated
tear strips. Foam tear strips can contain a vacuum for a
predetermined time unlike serrated tear strips which cannot contain
a vacuum. With foam tear strips, a user is able to open a film bag
308 easily without the aid of tools. Foam tear strips are also
beneficial especially when used with nylon film bags which are
nearly impossible to tear without using scissors, a knife or some
other sharp instrument. Also, foam tear strips rip substantially
straight every time.
[0203] Foam tear strip closures can be produced using a multiple
section die which would allow a different material to be placed in
the strip. The strip can be made of any number of resins, including
a foaming agent added to the blend. One such foaming agent used for
polyethylene is SAFOAM FPE-20, manufactured by Reedy International,
Key Port, N.J. The foaming agent needs to be added only at about
1-2% to be effective.
Film
[0204] The film 300 used in the vacuum sealer 100 of the invention
may be any suitable film. The film 300 may be a single layer or may
have two or more layers, such as shown in FIGS. 67-70, and are
described in more detail hereafter. The film preferably has at
least one layer of gas permeable film which forms the film wherein
the air permeability thereof is reduced to an acceptable level.
[0205] It is known that air permeates through low gauge
polyethylene film. It has been determined, however, that when an
air permeable film in the form of a film bag is sealed properly, it
will take the air weeks to months to equalize the pressure between
the inside and the outside of the film bag. This is accomplished by
adding a second layer and optionally putting a second vacuum (the
first vacuum being on the interior storage section of the film bag)
between the two layers. The process of equalizing pressure must
then occur first in the space between the two layers and the
outside of the film bag prior to affecting the inside of the film
bag. This slows down the rate of permeation such that the film bag
performs as well as a film bag made of higher cost gas impermeable
film.
[0206] The film may also optionally be produced with ribs or
segments that connect both layers of the film and keep the layers
in close proximity to each other. This connection serves to prevent
a loss of the vacuum between the two layers from being noticeable.
However, there should be little or no permeation through the film
bag due to the vacuum in the space between the two layers and the
connecting ribs or segments which prevent compression or expansion
of the space.
[0207] The vacuum between the two layers can be provided during
production of the film 300 prior to loading into the film cartridge
200 which will be inserted into the vacuum sealer 100 or at any
other suitable time. Producing vacuums between two or more layers
of film may be achieved by using the heat of an extruded polymer to
expand the gases between the layers and then sealing the gap prior
to allowing the plastic of the film to cool. Also, production of a
vacuum between the two layers may be achieved by any other method.
The film preferably has controlled oxygen permeability, such as a
film structure with sufficient oxygen permeability to maintain
headspace oxygen levels inside the package above 2% during food
storage. It may also be preferable to allow this amount of
permeation for better food storage.
[0208] The film used in the vacuum sealer 100 of the invention may
optionally be pre-embossed film or the film may be embossed as it
advances through the vacuum sealer 100. The film may be embossed by
enabling a vacuum to be pulled on a film bag or film, thereby
creating paths for the air to be pulled through. When the film is
embossed by the vacuum sealer 100, rollers may be provided to
emboss the film as it comes from the film cartridge 200.
[0209] Any suitable film 300 may be used in the vacuum sealer 100
of the invention. Preferred embodiments of film are shown for
example in FIGS. 67-73. More particularly, FIG. 67 shows a
two-layer film. The two layer film is preferably a nylon
polyethylene combination film.
[0210] FIG. 68 shows a four layer film, which is preferably a nylon
polyethylene combination film having alternating nylon and
polyethylene layers. The outermost nylon layer of the film is
preferably the outside of the film bag 308 and the outermost
polyethylene layer of the film is preferably the inside of the film
bag 308. However, the arrangement of layers may be reversed or in
any other suitable arrangement. The film layers are preferably
joined together by a suitable adhesive. The film preferably has a
thickness as conventional in the art, most preferably, e.g. about
30 mils. Each nylon layer most preferably ranges in thickness from
about 4 mils to about 5 mils. Each polyethylene layer most
preferably ranges in thickness from about 10 mils to about 11
mils.
[0211] FIG. 69 shows a three layer film, which is preferably a
polyethylene and ethylene vinyl alcohol combination film, having
two polyethylene layers with an ethylene vinyl alcohol layer
between the polyethylene layers. The film layers are preferably
joined together by a suitable adhesive. The film most preferably
has a thickness of about 23 mils. Each polyethylene layer most
preferably ranges in thickness from about 8 mils to about 13 mils.
The ethylene vinyl alcohol layer most preferably has a thickness of
about 2 mils. At 75% of the thickness of the nylon polyethylene
combination film, the polyethylene and ethylene vinyl alcohol
combination film provides twice the air barrier than the nylon
polyethylene combination film.
[0212] FIG. 70 shows another embodiment of a multi-layer film
construction having embossing to form vacuum channels therein.
[0213] FIG. 71 shows a film bag having oscillating rib vacuum flow
channels 350 therein. FIGS. 72-73 show a method of forming the
oscillating rib vacuum flow channels 350 in the film of FIG. 71.
Particularly, oscillating bellybands 352 of a die 354 are blown
from side to side by air pulses or are moved back and forth along
the axis of the film 300 by air blasts, thereby forming the rib
vacuum flow channels 350 in the film 300. Crisscrossing bands when
the film 300 is folded allows distribution of a vacuum across the
inside of the film bag.
[0214] Another type of film that may be used to form the film bags
308 is foam film. Foam film bags provide (1) a thermo-clarity seal,
(2) a contact clarity vacuum, (3) visually appear to be a thicker
gauge, (4) have enhanced rightability, (5) have an aluminum foil
look, (6) potentially affect air permeability, and (7) have the
ability to open manually. Potentially, foam film bags are more
flexible than other types of film bags. The pliability of the film
may have an impact on the efficiency of the vacuum sealer 100.
[0215] A film having nylon make the film bags 308 made therefrom
very stiff. In order for the end product to have a perfectly
conformed film vacuum look, the vacuum pumps for these film bags
have to be much more powerful. If a very soft and pliable film is
used, the vacuum pump can be much less powerful and still be
effective. If a small pump can be used to get the same effect,
there is less of a chance for sucking up liquid contents from the
film bag. Smaller, less powerful pumps also tend to cost less.
After the film bag is formed, the stiffness of the film works in
conjunction with the air permeability of the film to cause the film
bag to lose the vacuum therein. Less stiffness in the film equates
to a longer period where the film remains conformed to the contents
of the film bag.
[0216] Other types of film may also be used in the present
invention. In choosing a film to use with the vacuum sealer 100 of
the invention, the ability of the film 300 to maintain contact with
the contents of the film bag 308 is preferably greater than or
equal to (1) the compression resistance of the contents, plus (2)
the stiffness of the film, i.e., the force required to overcome the
memory of the film, plus (3) the air permeability of the film, plus
(4) the thickness of the film, plus (5) the delta pressure between
the atmosphere and the inside of the film bag 308.
[0217] However, any suitable means may be utilized to produce
vacuums between the two or more layers of film. It may also be
preferable to allow this amount of permeation for better food
storage results.
Film Bag Labeling
[0218] Optionally, the vacuum sealer 100 may have the capability to
manipulate, label or print on a surface of a film bag 308 in order
to provide a date of the contents therein, to identify the contents
therein and/or to inventory the contents therein. In order for a
vacuum sealer 100 to manipulate the surface of a film bag 308, the
vacuum sealer could thermo-form, indenture or emboss a pattern into
the film bag in order to date, identify and/or inventory the
contents therein. In a preferred embodiment, manipulating the
surface of a film bag may be achieved by a heat-sealing barcode
over a foamed strip in-line or along the same axis as the film.
Contacting a bar type heating element against a foam opaque strip
would cause the foam to be clear at the point of contact. This heat
manipulated portion of the foam strip would be placed into a slot
on the vacuum sealer 100 so that the pertinent information would be
on a display on the vacuum sealer and then on the film bag. The
clear bars of the foam strip can be placed over a black surface so
that the bars would appear much like a barcode seen on present-day
store packages. In another preferred embodiment, printing content
information directly on the surface of the film bag 308 may be
achieved by corona treatment of the film prior to loading the film
into the film cartridge 200.
[0219] The display on the vacuum sealer 100 could also have an
interface that allows the user to select a vacuum setting that
matches the contents of the film bag. Not only would the vacuum
sealer 100 adjust the vacuum pressure appropriately based on the
selection made on the interface, but could enter the contents into
a database for inventory control. Additionally, reminders could be
displayed on the vacuum sealer to help the user use their inventory
items, e.g., food, more wisely.
Replacement for Film Cartridge and Film
[0220] In an alternative embodiment, the vacuum sealer 100 can be
designed such that the film cartridge 200 can be replaced with a
film housing container 220, such as shown for example in FIGS.
36-37 and as described above. The film housing container 220 may be
filled with items, such as food, and then a container lid 224 is
then inserted on the top of the film housing container 220. As the
vacuum pump 186 creates a vacuum, the container lid 224 can be
drawn down tighter onto the film housing container 220 and locked
in place, such as in an indentation on the film housing container
220. Once the vacuum pump is shut off, the container lid 224 will
preferably remain locked in place.
Miscellaneous
[0221] The vacuum sealer 100 may optionally release freshness
enhancing volatile compounds into the head space of the film bag
308 after filling thereof, but prior to or during sealing thereof.
The compounds may be dispensed from a canister that is optionally
attached to or a part of the vacuum sealer 100. These compounds may
include, but are not limited to, ethanol, carbon dioxide, ethylene
blocking compounds with anti-microbial properties, and/or any other
suitable compounds.
[0222] The vacuum sealer 100 may also have additional optional
functional accessories or modular components such as, but not
limited to, an integrated scale, a perforating roller, a vibration
mode and a pleating unit. An integrated scale would weigh the
contents of the film bag 308 or film housing container 220 during
or after filling thereof. A perforating roller, which may be
removable, could perforate the film bag 308 to allow transpiration
of stored fruits and vegetables, if desired. A vibration mode would
cause the vacuum sealer 100 to vibrate while filling so that the
contents may settle in the film bag 308 or film housing container
220 in order to accommodate more contents into the film bag or film
housing container. A pleating unit, which may be removable, could
enable a user to pleat the film as the film is dispensed or
retracted so that a pleated or non-pleated film bag is
produced.
[0223] The vacuum sealer may also optionally include a sensor to
prevent bursting or tearing of the film bag during inflating and
vacuuming.
[0224] The vacuum sealer and the film cartridge may be made of any
suitable material, e.g. plastics, metals, and any combination
thereof.
[0225] The exemplary embodiments herein disclosed are not intended
to be exhaustive or to unnecessarily limit the scope of the
invention. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in
order to explain the principles of the present invention so that
others skilled in the art may practice the invention. As will be
apparent to one skilled in the art, various modifications can be
made within the scope of the aforesaid description. Such
modifications being within the ability of one skilled in the art
form a part of the present invention.
* * * * *