U.S. patent application number 12/025669 was filed with the patent office on 2009-08-06 for container closure system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Inline Plastics Corporation. Invention is credited to Joseph Dyke, Meeca Schroeter, Stephen H. Soracco.
Application Number | 20090193766 12/025669 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40930297 |
Filed Date | 2009-08-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090193766 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dyke; Joseph ; et
al. |
August 6, 2009 |
Container Closure System
Abstract
A system for closing tamper-resistant containers, each container
having a base portion, a sidewall extending upward from the base
portion, and a lid having a peripheral groove on an upper surface
of the lid. The system comprises a substantially planar surface
supporting the base portion of the container and a sealing
mechanism having a lower surface with a peripheral flange
configured to engage the peripheral groove of the lid of the
container and to exert a closing force on the lid in a direction
perpendicular to the planar surface to seal the container by
attaching the lid to the sidewall.
Inventors: |
Dyke; Joseph; (Stratford,
CT) ; Schroeter; Meeca; (Seymour, CT) ;
Soracco; Stephen H.; (Seymour, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EDWARDS ANGELL PALMER & DODGE LLP
P.O. BOX 55874
BOSTON
MA
02205
US
|
Assignee: |
Inline Plastics Corporation
Shelton
CT
|
Family ID: |
40930297 |
Appl. No.: |
12/025669 |
Filed: |
February 4, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/476 ;
53/138.1; 53/432 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 7/26 20130101; B65B
59/003 20190501; B65B 7/285 20130101; B65B 31/028 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/476 ;
53/138.1; 53/432 |
International
Class: |
B65B 31/02 20060101
B65B031/02; B65B 51/04 20060101 B65B051/04; B65B 31/04 20060101
B65B031/04 |
Claims
1. A system for closing tamper-resistant containers, each container
having a base portion, a sidewall extending upward from the base
portion, and a lid having a peripheral groove on an upper surface
of the lid, the system comprising: a) a substantially planar
surface supporting the base portion of the container; and b) a
sealing mechanism having a lower surface with a peripheral flange
configured to engage the peripheral groove of the lid portion and
to exert a closing force in a direction perpendicular to the planar
surface to seal the container by attaching the lid to the base.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral flange is
continuous.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the peripheral flange comprises a
plurality of discrete sections.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the sealing mechanism is movable
between a first position, wherein the sealing mechanism is remote
from the container; and a second position, wherein the peripheral
flange engages the peripheral groove and the sealing mechanism is
positioned to apply the closing force to the lid of the
container.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the sealing mechanism further
comprises a button extending downwardly from a central portion of
the lower surface of the sealing mechanism, the button configured
to engage a central portion of the lid and force air out of the
container immediately prior to the lid being sealingly attached to
the base.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the sealing mechanism further
comprises a flexible arm attached to the central portion of the
sealing mechanism, the flexible arm extending below the button such
that the flexible arm makes contact with the lid of the container
prior to the button making contact with the lid of the
container.
7. The system of claim 4, further comprising a plate positioned
parallel to the substantially planar surface and having an aperture
configured to receive and support the upper periphery of the
sidewall.
8. The system of claim 4, further comprising a handle connected to
the sealing mechanisms and pivotally mounted to the system, the
handle configured to allow a user to manually move the sealing
mechanism from the first position to the second position and to
apply the closing force.
9. The system of claim 7, wherein the substantially planar surface
has an aperture configured to receive the base portion of the
container.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the container further comprises
a peripheral lip integrated into the upper periphery of the
sidewall, and wherein the gripping mechanism comprises a pair of
opposed c-shaped supports configured to support and surround the
container under the peripheral lip while the sealing mechanism
applies the closing force.
11. A system for closing tamper-resistant containers, each
container having a base portion, a sidewall extending upward from
the base portion, and a lid having a peripheral groove on an upper
surface of the lid, the system comprising: a) a sealing mechanism
having a lower surface with a peripheral flange configured to
engage the peripheral groove of the lid portion and to exert a
closing force in a direction perpendicular to the planar surface to
seal the container by attaching the lid to the base; and b) a
gripping mechanism movable from an open position, wherein the
gripping mechanism is remote from the container, to a closed
position, wherein the gripping mechanism surrounds and supports the
sidewall of the container while the sealing mechanism exerts the
closing force.
12. The system of claim 11, further comprising a conveyor belt
mounted on a support table, the conveyor belt supporting the base
portion of the container and moving the container along the length
of the support table, the sealing mechanism and gripping mechanism
being mounted to the support table.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the conveyor belt forms a
substantially planar surface and wherein the gripping mechanism
moves reciprocally in a plane parallel to the substantially planar
surface of the conveyor belt.
14. The system of claim 12, further comprising a controller
interfacing with a sensor, the conveyor belt, the gripping
mechanism, and the sealing mechanism, wherein the sensor sends a
signal to the controller when the container reaches a first point
along the length of the table, wherein upon receiving the signal,
the controller stops the conveyor belt, causes the gripping
mechanism to move from the open position to the closed position,
and causes the sealing mechanism to engage the lid of the container
to and exert the closing force.
15. The system of claim 11, wherein the gripping mechanism
comprises a pair of opposed c-shaped supports, an interior portion
of each of the c-shaped supports conforming to the shape of one
half of the upper periphery of the container such that when the
gripping mechanism is in the closed position, the c-shaped supports
together form an aperture that corresponds to a perimeter shape of
the upper periphery of the container.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the substantially c-shaped
supports are removably attached to the system.
17. The system of claim 15, further comprising actuators for
reciprocally moving the c-shaped supports between the open position
and the closed position.
18. The system of claim 15, wherein the aperture formed by the
c-shaped supports when in the closed position is substantially
rectangular.
19. The system of claim 15, wherein the aperture formed by the
c-shaped supports when in the closed position is substantially
circular.
20. The system of claim 11, wherein the sealing mechanism is
removably attached to the system.
21. The system of claim 11, wherein the sealing mechanism comprises
a substantially rectangular plate.
22. The system of claim 11, wherein the sealing mechanism comprises
a substantially circular plate with a concave lower surface.
23. The system of claim 14, further comprising a reorientation
mechanism comprising a spindle and a plurality of prongs, wherein
the reorientation mechanism rotates the container 90 degrees as it
travels along the conveyor belt.
24. A method for sealing tamper-evident containers, each container
having a base portion, a sidewall extending upward from the base
portion, and a lid having a peripheral groove on the upper surface
of the lid, the method comprising: a) moving a container along the
length of a support structure using a conveyor belt; b) sensing the
presence of the container at a predetermined position along the
length of the support structure by means of a sensor, wherein the
predetermined position is directly below a sealing mechanism; c)
stopping the conveyor belt when the container reaches the
predetermined position; d) moving a pair of opposed gripping
supports in a plane parallel to an upper surface of the conveyor
belt from an open position to a closed position to surround and
support an upper periphery of the container sidewall; e) sealing
the container by press fitting the lid of the container to the
sidewall of the container to form a substantially tamper-resistant
seal by applying a closing force to the peripheral groove of the
lid by means of the sealing mechanism, the sealing mechanism having
a peripheral flange configured to mate with the peripheral
groove.
25. The method of claim 24, further comprising evacuating air from
the container prior to the sealing the container.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein the step of evacuating air from
the container is accomplished via a button and a flexible arm
attached to a central lower surface of the sealing mechanism, the
button extending below the peripheral flange and the flexible arm
extending below the button.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a closure device for
containers. More particularly, the present invention is directed to
an adjustable system for securely sealing a wide variety of tamper
evident, tamper resistant plastic containers.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Transparent, plastic containers are commonly used in the
food industry for packaging food products of all kinds. Typically,
plastic containers will include a fairly rigid lid, sidewall, and
base, although each of these structures may be subject to some
amount of flexure.
[0005] It has been shown that consumers like resealable, air-tight
containers, particularly for use with food products. The ability to
reseal the container helps protect food items from contamination
and helps keep the food items fresh longer. Consumers and retailers
have also shown a preference for transparent plastic containers
having tamper-resistant/evident features allowing a prospective
purchaser to not only visually inspect the product before purchase,
but also to readily recognize and reject a container that has been
opened or otherwise tampered with. Resealable plastic containers
with tamper-resistant/evident features are also desirable for
non-food applications. The lid of such a resealable,
tamper-resistant/evident container must be capable of properly and
effectively sealing the container by engaging the sidewall of the
container throughout its periphery.
[0006] Devices for closing and sealing plastic containers are known
in the art. To assist producers in efficiently and economically
package their food products, many different container filling and
closing systems have been developed. One such system seals
containers through the use of a heating element. Other systems have
been developed to automatically close containers having locking
mechanisms such as projections or buttons that are snapped into
mating wells. These prior art systems have not proven sufficient
for closing an air-tight, resealable, and tamper-resistant
container.
[0007] One of the reasons for this is the inability of prior art
container closing systems to apply a uniform closing force to the
entire lid of a container to form an air-tight and tamper resistant
seal. Typically, prior art systems employed to close containers
with locking elements advance the locking elements of the
containers through fastening wheels or rotating belts which force
the locking elements into engagement with each other. However, this
type of system may not apply a sufficiently uniform closing force
needed to seal an air tight, tamper-resistant container.
[0008] Similar prior art problems exist with the systems employed
to close perimeter seal containers. In these systems, belt drive
members are employed to contact the top of the container in an
attempt to force the lid downwardly into locked engagement with the
base. These systems may apply insufficient pressure to the
containers, leaving the seals open or disengaged in certain areas.
Additionally, these prior art systems may apply excess pressure,
causing the containers to buckle or deform. As a result, containers
may be left partially closed and/or crushed.
[0009] Although the prior-art container closure systems are
adjustable for use with different sizes of containers, making such
adjustments has typically been time consuming and difficult,
resulting in frustration on the part of a user and ultimately
wasted time.
[0010] Thus, there is a compelling interest in the development of
container closure systems capable of automatically and reliably
closing air-tight, resealable, tamper-evident containers. There is
also a need for container closure systems that can be quickly and
accurately adjusted to close containers of different sizes and
shapes. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to container
closure systems that meet these needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Advantages of the present invention will be set forth in and
become apparent from the description that follows. Additional
advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the
methods and systems particularly pointed out in the written
description and claims hereof, as well as from the appended
drawings.
[0012] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with
the purpose of the invention, as embodied herein, the invention
includes a system for closing tamper-resistant containers, each
container having a base portion, a sidewall extending upward from
the base portion, and a lid having a peripheral groove on an upper
surface of the lid. The system comprises a substantially planar
surface supporting the base portion of the container and a sealing
mechanism having a lower surface with a peripheral flange
configured to engage the peripheral groove of the lid of the
container and to exert a closing force on the lid in a direction
perpendicular to the planar surface to seal the container by
attaching the lid to the sidewall.
[0013] The invention also includes a system for closing
tamper-resistant containers, each container having a base portion,
a sidewall extending upward from the base portion, and a lid having
a peripheral groove on an upper surface of the lid. The system
includes a sealing mechanism having a lower surface with a
peripheral flange configured to engage the peripheral groove of the
lid portion and to exert a closing force in a direction
perpendicular to the planar surface to seal the container by
attaching the lid to the base, and a gripping mechanism movable
from an open position to a closed position. In the open position,
the gripping mechanism is remote from the container. In the closed
position, the gripping mechanism surrounds and supports the
sidewall of the container while the sealing mechanism exerts the
closing force.
[0014] The invention also includes a method for sealing
tamper-evident containers, each container having a base portion, a
sidewall extending upward from the base portion, and a lid having a
peripheral groove on the upper surface of the lid. The method
includes the steps of moving a container along the length of a
support structure using a conveyor belt, sensing the presence of
the container at a predetermined position along the length of the
support structure by means of a sensor, stopping the conveyor belt
when the container reaches the predetermined position, moving a
pair of opposed gripping supports in a plane parallel to an upper
surface of the conveyor belt from an open position to a closed
position to surround and support an upper periphery of the
container sidewall, and sealing the container by press fitting the
lid of the container to the sidewall of the container to form a
substantially tamper-resistant seal by applying a closing force to
the peripheral groove of the lid by means of a sealing mechanism
having a peripheral flange configured to mate with the peripheral
groove.
[0015] It is to be understood that the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention
claimed.
[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate
and provide a further understanding of the method and system of the
invention. Together with the description, the drawings serve to
explain principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
an automatic container closure system of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a resealable,
tamper-resistant container with a substantially rectangular
cross-section.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a resealable,
tamper-resistant container with a substantially square
cross-section.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a resealable,
tamper-resistant container with a substantially circular
cross-section.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the container closure system
of FIG. 1, showing the sealing mechanism in a first position remote
from a container and the gripping mechanism in an open
position.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the container closure system
of FIG. 1, showing the sealing mechanism in a second position in
engagement with a container and the gripping mechanism in a closed
position.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a sealing mechanism having a
continuous flange, for use with a container closure system
according to the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a sealing mechanism having a
plurality of flanges, for use with a container closure system
according to the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of circular sealing mechanism
for use with the container closure system according to the present
invention.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a sealing mechanism that
includes a button structure and a flexible arm structure.
[0027] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of rectangular c-shaped
supports of the gripping mechanism for use with the container
closure system of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of circular c-shaped supports
of the gripping mechanism for use with the container closure system
of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a reorientation mechanism
for use in the container closure system of the present
invention.
[0030] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
manual container closure system of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
manual container closure system of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] Reference will now be made in detail to the present
preferred embodiments of the container closure system, examples of
which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
[0033] The present invention includes an automatic container
closing system including a powered conveyor featuring components
that will close all varieties of resealable and
tamper-resistant/evident containers. The unique system purges
excess air from the containers and reliably engages all primary and
secondary locks. The modular design allows quick and easy
changeover between container sizes. The automatic container closing
system is also adaptable for use with other clamshell containers as
well as other systems such as systems to apply top, bottom, side or
wrap labels to the containers. The present invention also includes
a manual container closing system that can close all varieties of
tamper evident, tamper resistant containers, as well as other types
of containers.
[0034] For purpose of explanation and illustration, and not
limitation, an exemplary embodiment of the automatic container
closure system in accordance with the present invention is shown in
FIG. 1 and is designated generally by reference numeral 20. System
20 includes a conveyor belt 22 mounted on a support structure 24.
Support structure 24 is adjustable, enabling conveyor belt 22 to be
raised or lowered to accommodate different sizes of containers
and/or to interface with other systems. Conveyor belt 22 comprises
a continuous belt on which the product containers are positioned
and advanced for secure affixation of the lid to the base. In
addition, conveyor belt 22 is preferably constructed to be driven
at variable speeds, which can be selected by an operator of system
20.
[0035] System 20 may be used to securely close a wide variety of
containers of many different shapes and sizes. System 20 is
particularly well suited for closing resealable, tamper-resistant
containers having tamper-evident features, as described in U.S.
Pat. No. 7,073,680 to Boback and U.S. Pat. No. 7,118,003 to
Sellari. Examples of such containers are illustrated in FIGS. 2
through 4. FIG. 2 illustrates a substantially rectangular container
10 including a base portion 12, a sidewall 14 extending upward from
the base portion, and a lid 16. The lid includes a peripheral
groove 18 formed in the lid near the edges of an upper surface of
the lid. FIG. 3 illustrates a substantially rectangular container
10, which also includes a base portion 12, a sidewall 14, a lid 16,
and a peripheral groove in the lid. FIG. 4 illustrates a container
10 that includes the above features with a substantially circular
cross-section.
[0036] Each of the above embodiments of container 10 may be of the
clamshell type, with a hinge connecting the lid to the sidewalls.
Alternately, containers 10 may have separate lid portions that are
not hingedly connected to the sidewall or the base portion.
[0037] In use, container 10 is filled with food or other products
that would benefit from an air-tight, tamper-resistant seal, and
the container is closed by attaching lid 16 to the sidewall 14.
Both sidewall 14 and lid 16 include structural features that
facilitate the formation of a non-permanent but tamper-resistant
engagement between lid 16 and sidewall 14. In one exemplary
embodiment, system 20 is configured to securely close containers
that are rectangular in shape. However, system 20 may be configured
for use with containers of any suitable size or shape, including a
container having a cross-section that is substantially circular,
square, polygonal, or oval.
[0038] Support structure 24 of system 20 may include a plurality of
support members 26 fastened together by screws, bolts, or any other
suitable means and positioned to support the component parts of
system 20. In one exemplary embodiment, support structure 24
includes wheels 28 that facilitate moving support structure 24 from
one place to another. Advantageously, system 20 is fully adjustable
with component parts that are easily interchangeable, allowing
system 20 to more readily be used as part of a larger production
line. Conveyor belt 22 is configured to interface with other
systems and/or apparatus. For example, system 20 may be used in
conjunction with a universal automated plastic container closing
system as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,073,308 to Dyke, and/or a
label applying apparatus as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,155,322 to
Landan. System 20 may form a part of a complete product assembly
and packaging line. For example, system 20 may be used in
conjunction with a de-nesting apparatus, a transport conveyor belt,
a labeler, a check weigher, a metal detector, and a case taper.
Such a system would allow for quick, accurate, and efficient
assembly and packaging of food products.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, system 20 includes a sealing assembly 30
movably attached to support structure 24 directly above conveyor
belt 22. Sealing assembly 30 includes an extension arm 32 with a
first end 34 and a second end 36. Extension arm 32 is connected to
an overhead support member 26 at the first end 34 and connected to
a mounting fixture 38 at second end 36. Mounting fixture 38 is
configured to removable mount a sealing mechanism 40 to second end
36 of extension arm 32.
[0040] Sealing mechanism 40 also includes a mounting section 46 on
an upper surface 48. Mounting section 46 is removably attachable to
mounting fixture 38 of extension arm 32. In one exemplary
embodiment, mounting section 46 includes a plurality of slots that
slidably engage a plurality of corresponding protrusions on
mounting fixture 38. A lever 54 forming part of mounting fixture 38
can then be adjusted to tighten mounting fixture 38 and securely
attach sealing mechanism 40 to extension arm 32. Advantageously,
this configuration allows system 20 to be used with interchangeable
sealing mechanisms 40. That is, sealing mechanisms 40 of many
different shapes and sizes can be quickly attached and secured to
extension arm 32 without the need for further adjustment of system
20.
[0041] Extension arm 32 moves reciprocally along a vertical axis
that is substantially perpendicular to an upper surface 58 of
conveyor belt 22. As container 10 moves along conveyor belt 22,
extension arm 32 moves from a first position, as shown in FIG. 5,
where sealing mechanism 40 is remote from container 10, to a second
position, as shown in FIG. 6, where sealing mechanism 40 contacts
container 10 and is positioned to apply a closing force to lid 16
of container 10.
[0042] In one exemplary embodiment, shown in FIG. 7, sealing
mechanism 40 is a plate-like structure having a bottom surface 42
with a peripheral flange 44 extending downward from the bottom
surface 42.
[0043] As extension arm 32 moves downward, peripheral flange 44 of
sealing mechanism 40 engages peripheral groove 18 of container 10,
applying the closing force to the container via the peripheral
groove. Peripheral flange 44 of sealing mechanism 40 applies the
closing force in an even and uniform manner and in a direction
perpendicular to upper surface 58 of conveyor belt 22 to securely
close container 10 by forming a non-permanent but tamper-resistant
engagement between lid portion 16 and sidewall 14. Sealing
mechanism 40 may be interchangeable and/or adjustable to
accommodate different sizes and shapes of containers 10. For
example, if container 10 is rectangular in shape, sealing mechanism
40 may be a rectangular plate having a rectangular peripheral
flange 40, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Similarly, if container 10 is
round in shape with a circular lid and a circular groove, sealing
mechanism 40 may be a circular plate, as shown in FIG. 9 having
peripheral edge or flange 44 configured to engage the circular
groove.
[0044] Peripheral flange 44 may be continuous, as shown in FIG. 7,
or it may include a plurality of discrete flanges, as shown in FIG.
8, that engage peripheral groove 18. Peripheral flange may also
include recesses 60 and/or protrusions 62 to accommodate the shape
of container lid 16 and further facilitate attaching the lid to
sidewall 14 of container 10. In the exemplary embodiment shown in
FIG. 7, sealing mechanism 40 includes a peripheral flange 44 that
is substantially rectangular in shape and has four sides, with two
recessed portions 60 located on laterally opposed sides of the
peripheral flange, and a protrusion 62 located on one of the
remaining sides of the peripheral flange. Peripheral flange 44 may
also include rounded or beveled corners, depending on the
configuration of peripheral groove 18.
[0045] Sealing mechanism 40 may include a button 64 extending
downwardly from a central portion of a lower surface of sealing
mechanism 40, as illustrated in FIG. 10. Button 64 may be of any
suitable shape and size. In one preferred embodiment, button 64
includes a cylindrical base 66 with a first diameter connected to a
cylindrical pedestal structure 68 having a second diameter that is
greater than the first diameter, as shown in FIG. 10.
[0046] The height of button 64 is preferably greater than the
height of peripheral flange 44. That is, button 64 extends from the
lower surface of sealing mechanism 40 below the height of
peripheral flange 44, such that when extension arm 32 moves from
the first position to the second position, button 64 contacts lid
16 of container 10 before peripheral flange 44 engages peripheral
groove 18 of lid 16. As peripheral flange 44 exerts a closing force
on peripheral groove 18, button 64 exerts a force on a central
portion of lid 16, which forces air out of container 10 immediately
prior to lid 16 being securely attached to container 10. In one
exemplary embodiment, button 64 is constructed of a rigid material
such as aluminum or plastic. In another exemplary embodiment,
button 64 is constructed of a resilient material that allows for a
predetermined amount of deformation of button 64 when the button
contacts lid 16.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 10, sealing mechanism 40 may also include a
flexible arm 70 attached to the central portion of the lower
surface of sealing mechanism 40. Flexible arm 70 extends below
button 64 such that the flexible arm makes contact with lid 16 of
container 10 prior to button 64 making contact with lid 10.
Flexible arm 70 functions to stabilize the lid as sealing mechanism
40 moves from the first position to the second position,
facilitating the application of a uniform closing force to lid 16.
In one exemplary embodiment, flexible arm 70 is tongue-shaped with
a curvilinear cross-section along its length and is constructed
from a thin, pliable sheet of aluminum or other suitable material.
Flexible arm 70 may include a curved section 72 and a contact
section 74. Contact section 74 may be relatively flat or it may be
a point of inflection on the curvilinear cross-section of flexible
arm 70. Contact section 74 is the first portion of flexible arm 70
to contact lid 16. As sealing mechanism 40 moves from the first
position to the second position, flexible arm 70 is deflected,
allowing button 64 to make contact with the central portion of lid
16 and peripheral flange 44 to engage peripheral groove 18.
[0048] Sealing mechanism 40 may be adjustable to accommodate
different sizes and shapes of containers, and system 20 may utilize
a plurality of interchangeable sealing mechanisms 40. The height of
extension arm 32 and/or the distance traveled between the first
position and the second position can also be adjusted depending on
the height of container 10. Button 64 and flexible arm 70 are
removably attached to sealing mechanism 40 such that button 64
and/or flexible arm 70 can easily be adjusted, replaced, or removed
altogether. Sealing mechanism 40 is usable with button structures
and flexible arm structures of all shapes and sizes.
[0049] System 20 also includes a gripping mechanism 76. Gripping
mechanism 76 is movable from an open position, as shown in FIG. 5,
with gripping mechanism 76 remote from container 10, to a closed
position, as shown in FIG. 6, with gripping mechanism 76
surrounding and supporting the sidewall 14 of container 10 while
peripheral flange 44 engages the peripheral groove 18 to exert the
closing force necessary to sealingly attach lid 16 to container
10.
[0050] In the exemplary embodiment, gripping mechanism 76 comprises
a pair of opposed c-shaped supports 78, illustrated in FIG. 11.
Supports 78 have an interior portion 80 conforming to the shape of
one half of an upper periphery of sidewall 14 of container 10 such
that when gripping mechanism 76 is in the closed position, supports
78 together form an aperture that corresponds to a perimeter shape
of the upper periphery of container 10. For example, supports 78
may form a substantially rectangular aperture, as shown in FIG. 11,
to conform to a container having a rectangular shape. Similarly,
supports 78 may form a substantially circular aperture, as shown in
FIG. 12, to conform to a container having a circular shape.
[0051] Sidewall 14 of container may include a peripheral lip 15
integrated into sidewall 14. In one exemplary embodiment, supports
78 are configured to support and completely surround container 10
under peripheral lip 15 while sealing mechanism 40 applies the
closing force to sealingly attach lid 16 to container 10.
[0052] An exemplary embodiment of a support 78 of gripping
mechanism 40 is shown in FIG. 11. In the embodiment shown, support
78 is substantially c-shaped and includes beveled edges 79 to
facilitate interaction with container 10. Support 78 also has a
series of notches 81 corresponding to the structure of container
10.
[0053] Referring again to FIG. 6, Supports 78 are removably mounted
on lateral extension arms 82. In one exemplary embodiment, supports
78 are attached to mounting plates 84 having a plurality of slots
86 formed in the mounting plates. Slots 86 formed in mounting
plates 84 slidably engage a plurality of protrustions 88 of lateral
extension arms 82. A lever 56 forming part of extension arms 82 can
then be adjusted to tighten mounting plates 84 and securely attach
supports 78 to lateral extension arms 82. This configuration allows
an operator of system 20 to easily remove and replace supports 78
to accommodate a variety of containers having a wide range of
shapes and sizes.
[0054] System 20 preferably includes a controller 90 and a sensor
92, and a plurality of actuators 94. In one exemplary embodiment,
controller 90 comprises a programmable logic controller with
multiple inputs and output arrangements interacting with the sensor
92 and the plurality of actuators 94. The structure and function of
controller 90 is well known in the art and will not be discussed in
detail. Controller 90 coordinates the movement of conveyor belt 22,
sealing mechanism 40, and gripping mechanism 76. As container 10 is
moved along the length of support structure 24 via conveyor belt
22, sensor 92 detects the presence of container 10 at a position
directly below the sealing mechanism 40. System 20 may also include
a plurality of guide rails 96 that serve to center and align
container 10 as it travels along the length of support structure
24. In one exemplary embodiment, guide rails 96 can be easily
adjusted using knobs connected to each of the guide rails 96.
[0055] In one exemplary embodiment, sensor 92 is a fiber optic
photo-eye sensor that projects a beam into the path of container 10
as it is moved along the length of support structure 24. When
container 10 interrupts the beam of sensor 92, a signal is sent to
controller 90, which in turn stops conveyor belt 22. Sensor 92 may
interact with a retractable bar 98 that protrudes across the path
of container 10 as the container moves along conveyor belt 22.
Retractable bar 98 prevents container 10 from moving further along
the conveyor belt. With conveyor belt 22 stopped, controller 90
interfaces with lateral extension arms 82 via actuators 94 to move
gripping mechanism 40 from the open position to the closed
position. In the open position, supports 78 of gripping mechanism
40 allow container 10 to pass by unimpeded. In the closed position,
supports 78 surround the sidewall 14 of container 10 to support and
align the container while lid 16 is being securely attached to the
container. Once supports 78 of gripping mechanism 76 are in the
closed position and are securely supporting container 10,
controller 90 interfaces with extension arm 32 via actuators 94 to
move sealing mechanism 40 from the first position to the second
position to seal the lid 16 to container 10 by engaging peripheral
groove 18 with peripheral flange 44 and applying the closing force
to lid 16.
[0056] When lid 16 has been securely attached to container 10,
controller 90 interfaces with actuators 94 to move sealing
mechanism 40 from the second position back to the first position
and to move gripping mechanism 76 from the closed position back to
the open position. Retractable bar 98 is then retracted, and
conveyor belt 22 starts moving again, allowing container 10 to
continue along the length of support structure 24. Retractable bar
98 then moves back into the initial position, protruding into the
path of subsequent containers 10. When the next container 10
contacts retractable bar 98, the process is repeated. System 20 is
thus able to reliably seal a large number of containers is a short
period of time while effectuating an air-tight, resealable, and
tamper-evident seal between the lid and sidewall of each
container.
[0057] As indicated above, system 20 may be used in conjunction
with a labeling device. After container 10 has been sealed by
sealing mechanism 40, it may be necessary or advantageous to change
the orientation of container 10 in preparation for applying a label
or inserting the container into a shipping case. For this reason,
system 20 may also include a reorientation mechanism 91, as
illustrated in FIG. 13. In one exemplary embodiment, reorientation
mechanism 91 includes a spindle 93 having a plurality of prongs 95.
As container 10 moves along conveyor belt 22, the container makes
contact with one or more of the prongs 95. Spindle 93 may be
configured to freely rotate in one direction (either clockwise or
counterclockwise) so that as container 10 moves forward, spindle 93
and container 10 are rotated 90 degrees.
[0058] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 13, reorientation
mechanism 91 includes a sensor 97 and a motor 99. Spindle 93 is
operatively connected to a motor 99, which interfaces with sensor
97 and a controller. Sensor 97 is positioned along conveyor belt 22
to detect when container 10 makes contact with prongs 95 of spindle
93. When container 10 reaches this position, a signal is sent from
sensor 97 to the controller, which in turn sends a signal to motor
99 and causes spindle 93 to be rotated 90 degrees. Guide rails 96
may be wider in this section of system 20 to accommodate and assist
in the rotation of the containers.
[0059] For purpose of explanation and illustration, and not
limitation, an exemplary embodiment of a manual container closure
system in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in
FIG. 14 and is designated generally by reference numeral 100.
System 100 is configured for closing a single container and
includes a support structure 102 for securing and supporting the
container. Support structure 102 includes an upper plate 104 and a
lower plate 106. In one exemplary embodiment, both upper plate 104
and lower plate 106 have apertures configured to receive the
container. As shown in FIGS. 2 through 4, the container 10 includes
a base portion 12, a sidewall 14 extending upward from the base
portion, and a lid 16 having a peripheral groove 18. Sidewall 14
may include a peripheral lip 15 integrated into the sidewall.
[0060] Upper plate 104 and lower plate 106 are positioned
substantially parallel to one another. In one exemplary embodiment,
upper plate 104 is sized to fit around an upper periphery of
sidewall 14 such that peripheral lip 15 rests on an upper surface
105 of upper plate 104. Similarly, lower plate 106 may be
configured to fit around a lower periphery of sidewall 14.
Alternatively, lower plate 106 may not have an aperture, allowing
base portion 12 of container 10 to simply rest on top of lower
plate 106.
[0061] System 100 also includes sealing mechanism 40, as described
above in regard to system 20. Sealing mechanism 40 is connected to
support structure 102 via arm 108. Arm 108 is connected to a handle
110, which allows a user to move sealing mechanism 40 from a first
position wherein sealing mechanism is remote from the container, to
a second position wherein the sealing mechanism engages the lid of
the container. While in the second position, a user applies a
downward force on handle 110, causing peripheral flange 44 to apply
a uniform closing force to peripheral groove 18 of lid 16,
effectuating a non-permanent but tamper-resistant engagement
between lid 16 and sidewall 14.
[0062] System 100 is also adjustable to accommodate containers of
different sizes and shapes. Upper plate 104, lower plate 106, and
sealing mechanism 40 are removably attached to support structure
102, allowing these components to be interchanged with other
components so that system 100 can be adjusted to accommodate
different container sizes and shapes.
[0063] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, sealing mechanism 40 of
system 100 is configured to close a container 10 having a
substantially round cross-section. However, the present disclosure
is not limited to this embodiment. It is envisioned that system 100
could be used with a wide variety of containers, including
containers with a substantially rectangular, polygonal, oval, or
square cross-section.
[0064] Another exemplary embodiment of a manual container closure
system in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in
FIG. 15 and designated by the reference numeral 101. System 101
includes features similar to both system 100 and system 20. System
101 includes a support structure 102 comprising a base 112 with a
plurality of support walls 114 extending upward from base 112. A
plate 116 is adjustably positioned between support walls 114.
Support walls 114 also include a plurality of shelves 118
configured to allow peripheral lip 15 of container 10 to rest on
shelves 118. As with previously described systems, system 101 can
be adjusted and the various components of the system changed to
accommodate a wide variety of container shapes and sizes. System
101 includes a sealing mechanism 120 connected to an arm 108 and a
handle 110. Sealing mechanism 120 that comprises a flat plate for
applying the closing force to lid 16 of container 10. However,
system 101 can also be used with sealing mechanism 40 as described
above with reference to system 100.
[0065] The methods and systems of the present invention, as
described above and shown in the drawings, provide for container
closure systems capable of automatically and reliably closing
air-tight, resealable, tamper-evident containers. It will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and
variations can be made to the systems and methods of the present
invention without departing from the scope of the invention as
outlined in the appended claims and their equivalents.
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