U.S. patent application number 14/883468 was filed with the patent office on 2016-04-14 for vacuum sealer with adjustable head.
This patent application is currently assigned to SUNBEAM PRODUCTS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Sunbeam Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jason Harris, Gustavo Morales, Augusto A. Picozza, Enrique Plazarte.
Application Number | 20160101884 14/883468 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54329351 |
Filed Date | 2016-04-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160101884 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Picozza; Augusto A. ; et
al. |
April 14, 2016 |
Vacuum Sealer with Adjustable Head
Abstract
A vacuum sealer including a base defining a support surface and
a body extending from, the base. A suction head is supported by the
body and is moveable along the body toward and away from the
support surface. The suction head supports a suction assembly
including a suction inlet with a sealing member thereabout. A
suction pump is configured to selectively provide a suction force
to the suction inlet.
Inventors: |
Picozza; Augusto A.; (Boca
Raton, FL) ; Plazarte; Enrique; (Fort Lauderdale,
FL) ; Harris; Jason; (Boca Raton, FL) ;
Morales; Gustavo; (Pembroke Pines, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Sunbeam Products, Inc. |
Boca Raton |
FL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
SUNBEAM PRODUCTS, INC.
Boca Raton
FL
|
Family ID: |
54329351 |
Appl. No.: |
14/883468 |
Filed: |
October 14, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62063796 |
Oct 14, 2014 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/52 ;
53/79 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 31/048 20130101;
B65B 31/047 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65B 31/00 20060101
B65B031/00; B65B 57/00 20060101 B65B057/00 |
Claims
1. A vacuum sealer comprising: a base defining a support surface; a
body extending from the base; a suction head supported by the body
and moveable along the body toward and away from the support
surface, the suction head supporting a suction assembly including a
suction inlet with a sealing member thereabout; and a suction pump
configured to selectively provide a suction force to the suction
inlet.
2. The vacuum sealer of claim 1 wherein the base defines a
reference platform aligned with the suction assembly.
3. The vacuum sealer of claim 1 further comprising a
microcontroller and a motor configured to actuate the suction pump,
wherein the microcontroller is associated with at least one switch
configured to signal the microcontroller to activate the motor.
4. The vacuum sealer of claim 3 wherein the at least one switch is
a manual switch.
5. The vacuum sealer of claim 3 wherein the at least one switch is
pan automatic switch configured to signal the microcontroller when
the suction assembly is forced into the suction head by a given
distance.
6. The vacuum sealer of claim 3 further comprising a sensor
configured to sense the vacuum pressure of a container or bag
engaged by the suction assembly and the microcontroller is
configured to deactivate the motor when a given vacuum pressure is
reached.
7. The vacuum sealer of claim 1 wherein the suction assembly is
moveable relative to the suction head and the suction assembly is
biased to a position wherein the scaling member is furthest from
the suction head.
8. The vacuum sealer of claim 1 wherein a guide extends within the
body to define a linear track for the suction head.
9. The vacuum sealer of claim 8 wherein the suction head includes a
guide arm extending from a support platform of the suction head to
a guide block positioned within the body and configured from
movement along the linear track.
10. The vacuum sealer of claim 9 wherein the support platform
supports at least one brake member which is biased such that a
brake pad thereof engages a face of a body housing and locks the
position of the suction head relative to the support surface.
11. The vacuum sealer of claim 10 wherein a release button is
associated with each brake member, the button including a sloped
surface which engages a sloped surface of the brake member such
that depression of the button causes the brake member to move away
from the face thereby disengaging the brake pad and allowing
movement of the suction head relative to the body.
12. The vacuum sealer of claim 1 wherein the suction assembly
includes a vacuum chamber into which the suction inlet opens and a
suction outlet which is in fluid communication with the suction
pump.
13. The vacuum sealer of claim 12 wherein a water flow mechanism is
positioned in the suction outlet and is configured to signal a
microcontroller to deactivate the suction pump upon detection of
liquid in the vacuum chamber.
14. The vacuum sealer of claim 13 wherein the suction assembly
includes a liquid receiving chamber about the vacuum chamber which
is configured to receive any liquid extracted via the suction
inlet.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 62/063,796, filed Oct. 14, 2014; and U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/101,428, filed on Jan. 9, 2015; and
U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/232,718, filed on Sep. 25,
2015, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to vacuum sealers. More particularly,
the invention relates to vacuum sealers with an adjustable head
configured to engage and seal containers and bags.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is common practice to pack perishable goods in an
evacuated bag of synthetic plastics material. There are two widely
used procedures for evacuating and then sealing a bag. In the first
procedure the packed but open bag is placed in a chamber with its
open mouth lying on an anvil. The lid of the chamber is closed and
this brings a heatable sealer bar into close proximity with the
upper face of the bag. The chamber is evacuated and hence the bag
flattens. Once the pressure in the chamber has fallen to a pre-set
pressure, the sealer bar moves down towards the anvil. The bag is
gripped between the anvil and the sealer bar and then current is
supplied to a wire running along the sealer bar to weld the two
walls of the bag together along a line adjacent the bag's mouth.
The sealer bar moves away from the bag and anvil, the pressure in
the chamber is allowed to rise to atmospheric and the lid is opened
so that the evacuated and sealed bag can be removed from the
chamber.
[0004] This procedure is initiated by pressing a start button once
the lid is closed and the procedure which follows is fully
automatic.
[0005] A disadvantage of this type of vacuum sealer is that the
entire volume of the chamber must be evacuated regardless of the
volume of the bag.
[0006] The second common method employs a vacuum sealer which has
an anvil of resilient material and a sealer bar which can be
lowered to grip the mouth region of the bag between itself and the
anvil. A vacuum pipe passes between the anvil and sealer bar and
enters the bag. Pneumatic cylinders press the sealer bar against
the anvil and the sealer bar itself presses the part of the pipe
which is between the anvil and sealer bar into the resilient
material of the anvil. The air in the bag is sucked out through the
pipe. Thereafter the pipe is withdrawn from the bag and from
between the anvil and the sealer bar. The space left by the pipe as
it withdraws is immediately closed-up by the material of the anvil
which expands resiliently to fill the space and maintain the mouth
of the bag sealed.
[0007] Power is then applied to the resistance wire of the sealer
bar to weld the two faces of the bag together and form the seal
which closes the bag.
[0008] Unless care is taken to place the inlet end of the pipe
close to the product being packed, the bag can be sucked onto the
pipe inlet end. Once the pipe inlet end is obstructed the time
taken to evacuate the bag increases and a poor vacuum is obtained,
there usually being residual air left in the bag.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In at least one embodiment, the present invention provides a
vacuum sealer including a base defining a support surface and a
body extending from the base. A suction head is supported by the
body and is moveable along the body toward and away from the
support surface. The suction head supports a suction assembly
including a suction inlet with a sealing member thereabout. A
suction pump is configured to selectively provide a suction force
to the suction inlet.
[0010] In at least one embodiment, the vacuum sealer base defines a
reference platform aligned with the suction assembly such that a
valve assembly of a container or bag is easily alignable with the
suction assembly.
[0011] In at least one embodiment, the vacuum sealer includes a
microcontroller and a motor configured to actuate the suction pump
and the microcontroller is associated with one or both of a manual
switch or an automatic switch configured to signal the
microcontroller to activate the motor. The automatic switch is
configured to signal the microcontroller when the suction assembly
is forced into the suction head by a given distance. In at least
one embodiment, the vacuum sealer includes a sensor configured to
sense the vacuum pressure of a container or bag engaged by the
suction assembly and the microcontroller is configured to
deactivate the motor when a given vacuum pressure is reached.
[0012] In at least one embodiment, the suction assembly is moveable
relative to the suction head and the suction assembly is biased to
a position wherein the sealing member is furthest from the suction
head.
[0013] In at least one embodiment, a guide extends within the body
to define a linear track for the suction head and the suction head
includes a guide arm extending from a support platform of the
suction head to a guide block positioned within the body and
configured for movement along the linear track. The support
platform supports at least one brake member which is biased such
that a brake pad thereof engages a face of a body housing and locks
the position of the suction head relative to the support surface. A
release button may be associated with each brake member. The
release button includes a sloped surface which engages a sloped
surface of the brake member such that depression of the release
button causes the brake member to move away from the face thereby
disengaging the brake pad and allowing movement of the suction head
relative to the body.
[0014] In at least one embodiment, the suction assembly includes a
vacuum chamber into which the suction inlet opens and a suction
outlet which is in fluid communication with the suction pump. A
water flow mechanism may be positioned in the suction outlet and
configured to signal a microcontroller to deactivate the suction
pump upon detection of liquid in the vacuum chamber. The suction
assembly may also include a liquid receiving chamber about the
vacuum chamber which is configured to receive any liquid extracted
via the suction inlet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and
constitute part of this specification, illustrate the presently
preferred embodiments of the invention, and, together with the
general description given above and the detailed description given
below, serve to explain the features of the invention. In the
drawings:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum sealer in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention with a
container positioned for sealing.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along the line 2-2 in FIG.
1.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the vacuum sealer of FIG. 1
with the housing removed.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the head of the vacuum
sealer of FIG. 1 with a portion of the housing removed.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view in partial cross-sectional
showing a vacuum sealer in accordance with another exemplary
embodiment of the invention.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the vacuum sealer of FIG. 5
with a bag positioned for sealing.
[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a vacuum sealer in
accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0023] FIGS. 8-10 are perspective views of a vacuum sealer in
accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention
illustrating various operating positions.
[0024] FIGS. 11-13 are perspective views of a vacuum sealer in
accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention
illustrating various operating positions.
[0025] FIGS. 14-16 are perspective views of a vacuum sealer in
accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention
illustrating various operating positions.
[0026] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a vacuum sealer in
accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention in a
bag sealing configuration.
[0027] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the vacuum sealer of FIG.
17 in a container sealing configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] In the drawings, like numerals indicate like elements
throughout. Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only
and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention.
The following describes preferred embodiments of the present
invention. However, it should be understood, based on this
disclosure, that the invention is not limited by the preferred
embodiments described herein.
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a vacuum sealer 10 in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described.
The vacuum sealer 10 generally comprises a base 12 configured to
support a container 100 or bag 150 (see FIG. 5) to be sealed, a
body 20 extending generally perpendicular to the base 12 and a
suction head 40 moveable relative to the body 20 for engagement
with the container 100 or bag 150.
[0030] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the base 12 includes a
bottom plate 14 and an upper portion 24 which defines the support
surface 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper portion 24
extends from and is integral with the body 20 although other
configurations are possible. A reference platform 18 extends from
the bottom plate 14 and through the upper portion 24 such that the
reference platform 18 extends above the support surface 16. The
reference platform 18 is aligned with the suction assembly 60 of
the suction head 40 such that a valve assembly 130 of either a
container 100 or bag 150 may be easily aligned with the suction
assembly 60. In the case of a bag 150, the user positions the bag
with the valve assembly 130 positioned on the reference platform
1$. A target marking or the like (not shown) may be provided on the
reference platform 18.
[0031] With respect to a container, FIG. 2 shows an exemplary
container 100 configured for use with the reference platform 18.
The container 100 has a hollow body 102 defined by sidewalls 104
extending from a bottom surface 108 and terminating in a rim 106
about an open end 107. The bottom surface 108 has a concave central
portion 110 from which an alignment projection 109 extends. In the
current embodiment, the alignment projection 109 has a rectangular
perimeter which complements the configuration of the reference
platform 18. The reference platform 18 and alignment projection 109
may have other complimentary configurations, for example, circular,
oval, pentagon etc.
[0032] The lid 120 of the container 100 has a skirt 124 depending
from a top surface 122. The skirt 122 extends to a lower rim 126
with a channel 128 thereabout. An elastomeric sealing member 127 is
positioned in the channel 128 and is configured to engage the rim
106 of the hollow body 102 to form a sealed connection between the
lid 120 and the hollow body 102. A valve assembly 130 extends
through the top surface 122 and is positioned such that it is
aligned with the alignment projection 109 when the lid 120 is
positioned on the hollow body 102 such that the valve assembly 130
is aligned with the reference platform 18. The valve assembly 130
includes a tubular member 132 which extends through the top surface
122 to define the passage therethrough. The tubular member 132
extends above the top surface 122 although such may not be
required. An inward shoulder 134 of the tubular member 132 defines
a seat about the through passage 135. A valve member 138 is
positioned within the tubular member 132 and includes a radially
extending shoulder 136 configured to engage the seat and seal the
through passage 135. The valve member 138 is biased toward sealing
engagement, however, upon application of a sufficient suction
force, the valve member 138 moves away from the seat and a suction
force may remove air from the hollow body 102 and create a vacuum
therein. Once the suction force is removed, the valve member 138 is
configured to automatically return to the seated position. Other
valve assemblies may be utilized in place of the described valve
assembly 130.
[0033] To supply the suction force, a suction pump 30 and
associated motor 28 are positioned within an internal chamber 26 of
the body housing 22. Tubing 32 extends between the suction pump 30
and a tee connector 37 while further tubing 34, 36 and 67 extends
between the tee connector 37 and the suction assembly 60. An
exhaust tube 38 also extends from the suction. pump 30 and is
directed to a housing exhaust port (not shown). A tube 39 also
extends from the tee connector 37 to a pressure sensor 33. While
tubing is described herein, it is understood that other mechanisms,
for example, integral piping or the like, may be utilized. The
motor 28, suction pump 30 and the pressure sensor 33 are associated
with a microcontroller 27 which is further associated with a manual
activation switch 31 in the body 20 and an automatic switch 74 in
the suction head 40. Actuation of the manual activation switch 31
by pressing button 29 or actuation of the automatic switch 74 by
positioning the suction assembly 60 against a container or bag, as
will be described hereinafter, causes the microcontroller 27 to
actuate the motor 28 which in turn causes the suction pump 30 to
generate a suction force in tube 32. The suction force is carried
through tubes 32, 34, 36 and 67 to the suction assembly 60. The
pressure sensor 33 monitors the generated suction through tube 39
and once a desired level of vacuum has been achieved in the
container or bag, the microcontroller 27 is configured to
automatically deactivate the motor 28 and thereby the suction pump
30. In a preferred embodiment, the microcontroller 27 is further
configured to automatically deactivate the motor 28 after a certain
time period as a fail-safe mechanism.
[0034] To facilitate movement of the suction head 40 up and down,
and thereby bring the suction assembly 60 into engagement with a
valve assembly 130, the body 20 includes a vertical track 25
configured to guide a slide block 48 within a vertical slot 21 (see
FIG. 3). A wiper 23 or the like may extend across the vertical slot
along the body housing 22 such that the vertical slot 21 is not
externally visible. A guide arm 46 extends between the guide block
48 and a head support platform 44. The support platform 44 supports
the suction assembly 60, the brake assemblies 80 and a liquid cup
78. A housing member 42 is positioned on the support platform 44 to
generally enclose the suction assembly 60 and the brake assemblies
80.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the brake assemblies 80 control
movement of the support platform 44, and thereby the suction head
40, relative to the body 20. Each brake assembly 80 includes a
brake body 82 with a brake pad 84 positioned adjacent to a face 19
of the body housing 22. A spring assembly including two springs 87
and a synchronizing plate 89 biases the brake pads 84 into
engagement with the face 19 which locks the vertical position of
the suction head 40 relative to the body 20. Each brake assembly 80
includes a disengagement button 81 configured to be depressed to
disengage the respective brake pad 84. Each disengagement button 81
is aligned with a notch 86 in the respective brake body 82. An
inclined surface 83 on each disengagement button 81 is configured
to engage a respective inclined surface 88 within the notch 86 such
that as the button 81 is pushed into the notch 86, the inclined
surface 83 engages the brake inclined surface 88 and pushes the
respective brake pad 84 against the biasing force of the spring
assembly and away from engagement with the face 19. With both
buttons 81 depressed, the suction head 40 may be moved vertically
relative to the body 20. Upon release of the buttons 81, the brake
pads 84 automatically engage under the bias of the spring assembly
and the vertical position of the suction head 40 is again
locked.
[0036] Vertical movement of the suction head 40 allows the suction
assembly 60 to be brought into engagement with a valve assembly 130
of a container 100 or bag 150 aligned with the reference platform
18. The suction assembly 60 includes a vacuum chamber 62 supported
by a moveable cup 63 which extends through the support platform 44
and is supported thereon by a radially outward rim 65. The cup 63
is axially moveable toward the head housing 42, but is biased
toward the seated position on the support platform 44 by a spring
76. The vacuum chamber 62 includes a central inlet 66 which is
surrounded by a downwardly extending scaling member 64. The sealing
member 64 has an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of
the valve tubular member 132 such that the sealing member 64 may
receive the valve tubular member 132 and seal thereabout. With the
sealing member 64 sealed about the valve tubular member 132, the
valve assembly 130 is in sealed communication with the vacuum
chamber 62.
[0037] As the suction head 40 is moved downward toward the
container 100 or bag 150, the sealing member 64 engages a surface
thereof and the vacuum chamber 62 and cup 63 are pushed into the
suction head 40. As the cup 63 moves inward, it engages the
automatic engagement switch 74, for example, a limit switch, and
the microcontroller 27 activates the motor 28. In addition to
biasing the cup 63 away from the switch 74, the spring 76 also
biases the sealing member 64 toward the valve assembly 130, thereby
maintaining a good seal between the suction assembly 60 and the
container 100 or bag 150. The vertical movement of the suction head
40 avoids the need for a user to hold the suction assembly 60
against the container or bag while vacuuming.
[0038] When the motor 28 is actuated, the suction force of the
suction pump 30 is directed to a vacuum chamber outlet 68 such that
the suction force passes through the chamber 62 and the central
inlet 66 to the valve assembly 130. A water flow mechanism 72 is
positioned in the opposite end 70 of the vacuum chamber outlet 68.
The water flow mechanism 72 is configured to signal the
microcontroller 27 to shut off the motor 28, and thereby the pump
30, if liquid enters the vacuum chamber 62. To reduce the
likelihood of liquid entering the vacuum chamber 62, a liquid
receiving chamber 78 is provided about the vacuum chamber 62. Any
extracted liquid fills in the liquid receiving chamber 78, which
can be removed and emptied after use.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a vacuum scaler 10' in
accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention will
be described. The vacuum sealer 10' is similar to the previous
embodiment any only the different features will be described
herein. In the present embodiment, the faces 19' of the body
housing 20' define a corner configuration 17 adjacent the support
surface 16' such that positioning of a bag 150 or container 100
into the corner configuration will align the valve assembly 130
with the suction assembly 60. Additionally, instead of guide track
with slot, the body 20' includes a toothed track 225 engaged by a
damper gear 226 and a torsion spring gear 227 to control the
vertical movement. A lever 224 pivotally connected to the suction
head 40' includes a projection configured to engage the toothed
track 225 to lock the vertical position of the suction head 40'
relative to the body 20'. In other respects, the vacuum sealer 10'
operates in a similar manner to that described above.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 7, a vacuum sealer 10'' in accordance with
another exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described.
The vacuum sealer 10'' is similar to the first embodiment with a
suction head 40'' vertically adjustable relative to the body 20''.
In the present embodiment, the motor, pump and microcontroller (not
shown) are positioned within the suction head 40' and move
therewith. Such a configuration eliminates the need for tubing and
the like passing from the body 20'' and the movable suction head
40''. Similar to the previous embodiment, the base 12'' includes a
support surface 16'' with a corner configuration to assist with
alignment of the bag or container with the suction assembly. In
other respects, the vacuum sealer 10'' operates in a similar manner
to that described above.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 8-10, a vacuum sealer 10''' in accordance
with another exemplary embodiment of the invention will be
described. The vacuum sealer 10''' is similar to the previous
embodiments. In the present embodiment, the base 12''' includes a
first support surface 16''' with a corner configuration 17 and a
second, raised support surface 15. Additionally, the suction head
40''' is supported relative to the body 20''' for both vertical
motion and rotational motion. A container 150 may be positioned on
the first support surface and engaged by the suction assembly 60 in
the orientation illustrated in FIG. 8. To reduce the vertical
travel of the suction head 40''' when using with a bag, the suction
head 40''' is rotated relative to the body 20''' until the suction
assembly 60 is aligned with the second, raised support surface 15
as illustrated in FIG. 9. The suction head 40''' is then moved a
shorter vertical distance as illustrated in FIG. 10. In other
respects, the vacuum sealer 10''' operates in a similar manner to
that described above.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 11-13, a vacuum sealer 10.sup.iv in
accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention will
be described. The vacuum sealer 10.sup.iv is similar to the
previous embodiments. In the present embodiment, the suction head
40.sup.iv includes a first portion 41 which is moveable relative to
the body 20.sup.iv and a second portion 43 which supports the
suction assembly 60 and which is moveable relative to the first
portion 41. A container may be positioned on the support surface
16'' of the base 12'' and engaged by the suction assembly 60 by
moving the first portion 41 relative to the body 20.sup.iv as
illustrated in FIG. 12. When using with a bag, the first portion 41
is moved relative to the body 20.sup.iv and then the second portion
43 is moved relative to the first portion 41 as illustrated in FIG.
13. In other respects, the vacuum sealer 10.sup.iv operates in a
similar manner to that described above.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 14-16, a vacuum sealer 10.sup.v in
accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention will
be described. The vacuum sealer 10.sup.v is similar to the previous
embodiments. In the present embodiment, the suction assembly
60.sup.v of the suction head 40.sup.v includes an extension tube 47
which may be extended via a slider 45. A container may be
positioned on the support surface 16'' of the base 12'' and engaged
by the suction assembly 60.sup.v by moving the extension tube 47
out from the suction head 40.sup.v via the slider 45 as illustrated
in FIG. 15. When using with a bag, the extension tube 47 is moved
out from the suction head 40.sup.v via the slider 45 and then the
suction head 40.sup.v is moved relative to the body 20.sup.v as
illustrated in FIG. 16. In other respects, the vacuum sealer
10.sup.v operates in a similar manner to that described above.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 17-18, a vacuum sealer 10.sup.vi in
accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention will
be described. The vacuum sealer 10.sup.vi includes a clamshell body
20.sup.vi including opposed body housing portions 22a and 22b
connected to one another via a body hinge 13. A. support surface
16vi is defined between the body housing portions 22a, 22b. A
suction assembly 60.sup.vi extends through body housing portion 22a
and is movable relative thereto to engage the valve 130 of a bag
150 positioned on the support surface 16.sup.vi. To utilize the
sealer 10vi with a container 100, the body housing portion 22b is
pivoted about the body hinge 13 to an orientation similar to that
shown in FIG. 18 wherein the body housing portion 22a may be
aligned with the container and the suction assembly 60.sup.vi moved
into contact with the valve assembly 130 by moving relative to the
housing portion In other respects, the vacuum sealer 10.sup.vi
operates in a similar manner to that described above.
[0045] These and other advantages of the present invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing
specification. Accordingly, it will be recognized by those skilled
in the art that changes or modifications may be made to the
above-described embodiments without departing from the broad
inventive concepts of the invention. It should therefore be
understood that this invention is not limited to the particular
embodiments described herein, but is intended to include all
changes and modifications that are within the scope and spirit of
the invention as defined in the claims.
* * * * *