US20030012920A1 - Device for heat shrinking film onto an open-topped container - Google Patents
Device for heat shrinking film onto an open-topped container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030012920A1 US20030012920A1 US08/977,374 US97737497A US2003012920A1 US 20030012920 A1 US20030012920 A1 US 20030012920A1 US 97737497 A US97737497 A US 97737497A US 2003012920 A1 US2003012920 A1 US 2003012920A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- radiant energy
- film
- container
- thin film
- energy source
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
- B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
- B65B7/162—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by feeding web material to securing means
- B65B7/167—Securing by heat-shrinking
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29B—PREPARATION OR PRETREATMENT OF THE MATERIAL TO BE SHAPED; MAKING GRANULES OR PREFORMS; RECOVERY OF PLASTICS OR OTHER CONSTITUENTS OF WASTE MATERIAL CONTAINING PLASTICS
- B29B13/00—Conditioning or physical treatment of the material to be shaped
- B29B13/02—Conditioning or physical treatment of the material to be shaped by heating
- B29B13/022—Melting the material to be shaped
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
- B29C65/14—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
- B29C65/14—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation
- B29C65/1403—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation characterised by the type of electromagnetic or particle radiation
- B29C65/1412—Infrared [IR] radiation
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
- B29C65/14—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation
- B29C65/1429—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation characterised by the way of heating the interface
- B29C65/1448—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation characterised by the way of heating the interface radiating the edges of the parts to be joined, e.g. for curing a layer of adhesive placed between two flat parts to be joined, e.g. for making CDs or DVDs
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
- B29C65/14—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation
- B29C65/1429—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation characterised by the way of heating the interface
- B29C65/1454—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation characterised by the way of heating the interface scanning at least one of the parts to be joined
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
- B29C65/14—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation
- B29C65/1429—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation characterised by the way of heating the interface
- B29C65/1464—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation characterised by the way of heating the interface making use of several radiators
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
- B29C65/14—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation
- B29C65/1477—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation making use of an absorber or impact modifier
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
- B29C65/14—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation
- B29C65/1477—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation making use of an absorber or impact modifier
- B29C65/148—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation making use of an absorber or impact modifier placed at the interface
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
- B29C65/14—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation
- B29C65/1477—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation making use of an absorber or impact modifier
- B29C65/1483—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation making use of an absorber or impact modifier coated on the article
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/66—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by liberation of internal stresses, e.g. shrinking of one of the parts to be joined
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/74—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by welding and severing, or by joining and severing, the severing being performed in the area to be joined, next to the area to be joined, in the joint area or next to the joint area
- B29C65/745—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by welding and severing, or by joining and severing, the severing being performed in the area to be joined, next to the area to be joined, in the joint area or next to the joint area using a single unit having both a severing tool and a welding tool
- B29C65/7457—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by welding and severing, or by joining and severing, the severing being performed in the area to be joined, next to the area to be joined, in the joint area or next to the joint area using a single unit having both a severing tool and a welding tool comprising a perforating tool
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/76—Making non-permanent or releasable joints
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
- B29C66/13—Single flanged joints; Fin-type joints; Single hem joints; Edge joints; Interpenetrating fingered joints; Other specific particular designs of joint cross-sections not provided for in groups B29C66/11 - B29C66/12
- B29C66/131—Single flanged joints, i.e. one of the parts to be joined being rigid and flanged in the joint area
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/10—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint cross-sections
- B29C66/13—Single flanged joints; Fin-type joints; Single hem joints; Edge joints; Interpenetrating fingered joints; Other specific particular designs of joint cross-sections not provided for in groups B29C66/11 - B29C66/12
- B29C66/135—Single hemmed joints, i.e. one of the parts to be joined being hemmed in the joint area
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/01—General aspects dealing with the joint area or with the area to be joined
- B29C66/05—Particular design of joint configurations
- B29C66/20—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines
- B29C66/24—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being closed or non-straight
- B29C66/242—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being closed or non-straight said joint lines being closed, i.e. forming closed contours
- B29C66/2422—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being closed or non-straight said joint lines being closed, i.e. forming closed contours being circular, oval or elliptical
- B29C66/24221—Particular design of joint configurations particular design of the joint lines, e.g. of the weld lines said joint lines being closed or non-straight said joint lines being closed, i.e. forming closed contours being circular, oval or elliptical being circular
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
- B29C66/51—Joining tubular articles, profiled elements or bars; Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; Joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
- B29C66/53—Joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars
- B29C66/534—Joining single elements to open ends of tubular or hollow articles or to the ends of bars
- B29C66/5346—Joining single elements to open ends of tubular or hollow articles or to the ends of bars said single elements being substantially flat
- B29C66/53461—Joining single elements to open ends of tubular or hollow articles or to the ends of bars said single elements being substantially flat joining substantially flat covers and/or substantially flat bottoms to open ends of container bodies
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/50—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles
- B29C66/65—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles with a relative motion between the article and the welding tool
- B29C66/652—General aspects of joining tubular articles; General aspects of joining long products, i.e. bars or profiled elements; General aspects of joining single elements to tubular articles, hollow articles or bars; General aspects of joining several hollow-preforms to form hollow or tubular articles with a relative motion between the article and the welding tool moving the welding tool around the fixed article
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
- B29C66/73—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
- B29C66/737—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the state of the material of the parts to be joined
- B29C66/7371—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the state of the material of the parts to be joined oriented or heat-shrinkable
- B29C66/73711—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the state of the material of the parts to be joined oriented or heat-shrinkable oriented
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29C—SHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
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- B29C66/73—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
- B29C66/737—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the state of the material of the parts to be joined
- B29C66/7371—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the state of the material of the parts to be joined oriented or heat-shrinkable
- B29C66/73711—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the state of the material of the parts to be joined oriented or heat-shrinkable oriented
- B29C66/73713—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the state of the material of the parts to be joined oriented or heat-shrinkable oriented bi-axially or multi-axially
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
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- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
- B29C66/73—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
- B29C66/737—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the state of the material of the parts to be joined
- B29C66/7371—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the state of the material of the parts to be joined oriented or heat-shrinkable
- B29C66/73715—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the state of the material of the parts to be joined oriented or heat-shrinkable heat-shrinkable
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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- B29C66/8322—Joining or pressing tools reciprocating along one axis
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- B29C66/9161—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the heat or the thermal flux, i.e. the heat flux
- B29C66/91641—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the heat or the thermal flux, i.e. the heat flux the heat or the thermal flux being non-constant over time
- B29C66/91643—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the heat or the thermal flux, i.e. the heat flux the heat or the thermal flux being non-constant over time following a heat-time profile
- B29C66/91645—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the heat or the thermal flux, i.e. the heat flux the heat or the thermal flux being non-constant over time following a heat-time profile by steps
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B53/00—Shrinking wrappers, containers, or container covers during or after packaging
- B65B53/02—Shrinking wrappers, containers, or container covers during or after packaging by heat
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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- B29C35/02—Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould
- B29C35/08—Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould by wave energy or particle radiation
- B29C35/0805—Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould by wave energy or particle radiation using electromagnetic radiation
- B29C2035/0822—Heating or curing, e.g. crosslinking or vulcanizing during moulding, e.g. in a mould by wave energy or particle radiation using electromagnetic radiation using IR radiation
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- B29C2793/0045—Perforating
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- B29C61/00—Shaping by liberation of internal stresses; Making preforms having internal stresses; Apparatus therefor
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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- B29C65/00—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor
- B29C65/02—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure
- B29C65/14—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation
- B29C65/1403—Joining or sealing of preformed parts, e.g. welding of plastics materials; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using wave energy, i.e. electromagnetic radiation, or particle radiation characterised by the type of electromagnetic or particle radiation
- B29C65/1412—Infrared [IR] radiation
- B29C65/1416—Near-infrared radiation [NIR]
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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- B29C66/00—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts
- B29C66/70—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material
- B29C66/73—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
- B29C66/739—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset
- B29C66/7392—General aspects of processes or apparatus for joining preformed parts characterised by the composition, physical properties or the structure of the material of the parts to be joined; Joining with non-plastics material characterised by the intensive physical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the optical properties of the material of the parts to be joined, by the extensive physical properties of the parts to be joined, by the state of the material of the parts to be joined or by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of the parts to be joined being a thermoplastic or a thermoset characterised by the material of at least one of the parts being a thermoplastic
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- B29C66/81—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/812—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the composition, by the structure, by the intensive physical properties or by the optical properties of the material constituting the pressing elements, e.g. constituting the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/8126—General aspects of the pressing elements, i.e. the elements applying pressure on the parts to be joined in the area to be joined, e.g. the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the composition, by the structure, by the intensive physical properties or by the optical properties of the material constituting the pressing elements, e.g. constituting the welding jaws or clamps characterised by the intensive physical properties or by the optical properties of the material constituting the pressing elements, e.g. constituting the welding jaws or clamps
- B29C66/81266—Optical properties, e.g. transparency, reflectivity
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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- B29C66/91—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
- B29C66/914—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux
- B29C66/9141—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature
- B29C66/91431—Measuring or controlling the joining process by measuring or controlling the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature, the heat or the thermal flux by controlling or regulating the temperature the temperature being kept constant over time
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2995/00—Properties of moulding materials, reinforcements, fillers, preformed parts or moulds
- B29K2995/0018—Properties of moulding materials, reinforcements, fillers, preformed parts or moulds having particular optical properties, e.g. fluorescent or phosphorescent
- B29K2995/0025—Opaque
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29K—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
- B29K2995/00—Properties of moulding materials, reinforcements, fillers, preformed parts or moulds
- B29K2995/0037—Other properties
- B29K2995/0049—Heat shrinkable
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B29—WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/712—Containers; Packaging elements or accessories, Packages
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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- B29L—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASS B29C, RELATING TO PARTICULAR ARTICLES
- B29L2031/00—Other particular articles
- B29L2031/712—Containers; Packaging elements or accessories, Packages
- B29L2031/7132—Bowls, Cups, Glasses
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T428/00—Stock material or miscellaneous articles
- Y10T428/24—Structurally defined web or sheet [e.g., overall dimension, etc.]
Definitions
- This invention relates to a device which may be used to seal food into open-topped containers.
- this invention relates to a device suitable for heat shrinking film onto such open-topped containers to seal food or drink inside the container.
- lids are generally expensive. Further, the lids are bulky and create problems in storage and in disposal. Further, the seal formed by the lids is dependant upon the lid being placed on properly, and can leak if not properly placed. Finally, the handling of the lid is not completely hygienic.
- the present invention is directed to providing a practical device which has commercial utility.
- One aspect of the present device is to provide an energy efficient way of sealing open-topped containers which avoids any substantial build-up of heat.
- An intermittent source of radiant energy is used, and energy is directed onto an energy absorber located at the specific place where heat is required.
- heat is originated where it is needed, when it is needed and a cooler, quieter, safer and more efficient device results.
- the present invention provides a device for heat shrinking a cover onto an open-topped container, said device comprising:
- a housing adapted to receive said container; and having a strip of heat shrinkable thin film;
- a cutting means positioned against said thin film for cutting said thin film upon said thin film being urged onto said cutting means by said container;
- a hood for holding a cut piece of said film in place across said open top of said container, wherein said cut piece includes a portion extending from under said hood downwardly around an upper outer rim of said container;
- a first radiant energy source for directing energy toward said downwardly extending portion of said cut piece of film
- a switch means for intermittently energizing said first radiant energy source whereby said downwardly extending portion of said cut piece of film is shrunk onto said rim;
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device according to the present invention in use
- FIG. 2 is a front sectional view of an open-topped container according to the present invention with a heat shrunk cover in place;
- FIG. 2 a is a top view of the container of FIG. 2.
- FIG. 3 is a front view of the container of FIG. 2 having a darkened upper band
- FIG. 4 is a top view of the device of FIG. 1, with the top wall broken away to show the contents;
- FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along lines 5 - 5 of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 with the container in a raised position
- FIG. 7 is a view of a part of the device of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 8 is a view along lines 8 - 8 of FIG. 7;
- FIG. 9 is an alternate configuration for a knife element shown in FIG. 5;
- FIG. 10 is a view along lines 10 - 10 of FIG. 9 ;
- FIG. 11 is a schematic sketch of an electronic control circuit for the present invention.
- FIG. 12 is an alternate embodiment of a micro-switch system according to the present invention.
- FIG. 13 a is a view along lines 13 - 13 of FIG. 12 in a first position
- FIG. 13 b is a view along lines 13 - 13 of FIG. 12 in a second position.
- FIG. 1 shows a device 10 for heat shrinking a thin film onto an open-topped container 12 .
- the housing 10 includes an opening 14 of sufficient size to allow placement of the container 12 within the housing 10 .
- placement of the container 12 within the opening 14 is accomplished manually, illustrated by a hand 16 .
- FIG. 5 there is shown a cross-sectional schematic view of the operational components of the device 10 of FIG. 1.
- the container 12 is shown in the opening 14 .
- the opening 14 is defined by side walls 18 and 20 of the device 10 .
- Shown on the right-hand side is a roll of thin plastic film 22 on an axle 24 .
- the film 26 passes over a roller 28 across the top of the container 12 across a second roller 30 and onto a take-up axle 32 .
- Shown at 34 is a rewind motor. It will be appreciated that the rewind motor 34 can rotate the pick-up axle 32 in the direction of arrow 36 which will advance the film 26 across the top of the container 12 and cause the roll of film 22 to rotate in the direction of arrow 38 .
- the advancing of the film 26 could be accomplished manually by turning a lever or knob mounted on take-up axle 32 .
- the film 26 is preferably a bi-axially oriented shrink film having a preferred thickness of between 60 to 100 gauge. Good results have been achieved with a 75 gauge polyvinyl chloride film purchased from Reynolds Metals Company at Richmond, Va. Other films, such as copolymers, polyolefins and the like may also be appropriate. The film, to be most useful, must be foodgrade contact-approved by the appropriate regulatory authorities. A 71 ⁇ 2′′ outer diameter roll of 75 gauge shrink film, which includes a 3′′ diameter fibre core, will yield approximately 8,000 covers according to the present invention.
- FIG. 5 the container 12 is located in a locator identified generally at 40 .
- the locator 40 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 7 and 8.
- FIG. 7 there is shown a plate 42 having a pair opposed guides 44 and 46 .
- the plate 42 also has an opening 48 located between the guides 44 , 46 .
- the guides 44 and 46 are substantially identical and therefore the following discussion in respect of guide 44 applies equally to guide 46 .
- the guide 44 comprises a rub rail 50 which contacts an outer edge of a container 12 .
- Extending from plate 42 are two posts in respect of each guide 44 , 46 .
- In respect of guide 44 there is a stop post 52 and a guide post 54 .
- a slot 56 is formed in the guide 44 and a spring 58 is housed between the guide post 54 and the end of the slot 56 .
- a pin 59 may be used to secure one end of the spring 58 .
- a washer 60 is used to retain the other end of the spring 58 within the slot 56 .
- the washer 60 is placed around the guide post 54 .
- Between the free end 55 of guide post 54 and the washer 60 is a further spring 61 .
- the spring 61 allows the guide plate 44 to articulate away from the plate 42 to facilitate removal of the container 12 from the device 10 .
- the guide 44 can move laterally in the direction of double ended arrow 62 guided by means of the stop 52 and the guide post 54 with the slot 56 . It will also be appreciated that the curved portion 64 of the rub rail 50 will provide an indication to anyone inserting a container 12 into the locator that the container is appropriately located. Appropriately in this sense means centered under the plate opening 48 .
- the container 12 can be moved in the direction of double ended arrow 64 into position beneath plate opening 48 . During this period, the guides 44 and 46 will gradually open and then close about the periphery of the container 12 . Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 8, the container 12 is free to be moved in the direction of double ended arrows 66 as will be discussed below. It will be appreciated that containers 12 of varying diameter can thus be accommodated by the instant invention, since all containers will be centered by the locator beneath the plate opening 48 . This is desirable in a food services environment where cup size selections typically include small, medium and large.
- FIG. 5 a container 12 is shown centered in locator 40 .
- a first radiant energy source 68 and a second radiant heater 70 can now be explained.
- the second radiant heater 70 is located within the top shrink hood 72 .
- the top shrink hood 72 includes a glass shield 74 and a heat transfer means 76 .
- the glass shield 74 may not be required, however, to prevent the possibility of splashes reaching the second radiant energy source 70 , it is preferred. It may not be necessary to use glass. Plastic or other transparent substances may be appropriate. Good results have been achieved when the heat transfer means 76 is made from a screen aluminum material painted a dark colour, such as black. The dark aluminum heats and cools quickly which is desirable in the circumstances.
- a pierce tool 78 is also shown extending outwardly from the heat transfer means 76 .
- the purpose of the pierce tool 78 is to make a vent opening in the thin film to allow gases such as carbon dioxide from a soft drink to escape the container.
- An alternative to pierce tool 78 is to form small opaque portions 79 in the shrink film. These opaque portions or “dots” will cause a hot point which may perforate the film as more fully explained below. If desired the hot points can be made in a specified pattern to form a sipping opening or the like, as shown in FIG. 2A. Also shown in FIG. 2 is a straw 122 with a pointed end 124 for piercing the film, shown in place as 126 . A fluid, such as a soft drink is shown at 128 .
- a drive belt 80 which connects a pulley 82 with a motor. Attached to the pulley 82 are a pair of arms 84 . The arms 84 rotate when the pulley 82 is rotated by the belt 80 . Depending from the arms 84 about pivot points 86 are pivot arms 88 . Pivot arms 88 include a roller 90 at one end and the first radiant energy source 68 at the other end. If preferred, a reflector may be provided such as 92 around the first radiant energy source 68 .
- FIG. 5 Also show in FIG. 5 is a knife or film cutting blade 94 to which is attached a heating element 96 .
- the heated blade 94 ensures a quick clean cut of the thin film, upon the thin film contacting the blade 94 .
- the blade 94 is below the top hood 72 , so the film will be cut to shape just prior to or about the same time as the container 12 contacts the hood 72 .
- Good results have been achieved when the blade is made from a two point center face steel cutting rule, and maintained at a temperature of between 275° F. to 400° F. This format appears to limit smoke and fume generation.
- the knife 94 may be circular in shape, or may be as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. It will be noted that the knife 94 in FIGS. 9 and 10 includes a rounded oblong section 95 . This will result in a similarly shaped section being formed in a cut piece of film, as described below, which can be used as a convenient pull tab for removing a cover which has been shrunk onto a container 12 .
- the thin film 26 has a width greater than the width of the knife 94 so that a trim 27 (see FIG. 5) is left after the cut is made, and the trim 27 is strong enough to allow the film 26 to be advanced by a tensile force without tearing.
- FIG. 6 the operation of an instant device can now be understood.
- the container 12 has been raised in the direction of arrow 100 . This has had the effect of pushing the film 26 upwardly into engagement with the knife heated film cutter blade 94 . This has caused a cut portion of the film shown as 102 to be draped across the top 13 of the container 12 .
- the hood 72 is holding the cut piece of film 102 generally in place.
- rollers 90 then contact a ledge 104 formed on the outer surface of the hood 72 .
- the first radiant energy source 68 is energized to cause radiant energy to be directed towards the dangling edge 103 of the cut portion 102 of the said film 26 .
- the preferred invention causes the first radiant energy source 68 to move into position closely adjacent the downward edge 103 of the cut portion 102 .
- Such movement is preferred because radiant energy obeys the inverse squared rule in which the amount of energy is proportional to an inverse of the square of the distance from the source.
- the first radiant energy source 68 is de-energized and the second radiant energy source 70 is energized by a timer 120 .
- the second radiant energy source 70 energy is directed through the glass shield 74 onto an energy absorbing body 76 . This transfer of heat causes a shrinking of the top portion across container 12 of the cut portion 102 . Thereafter, the sealed container 12 can be lowered and removed from the apparatus.
- a preferred type of energy absorbing body 76 is a darkened aluminum screen.
- the body 76 is placed very closely adjacent the top portion of the cut section 102 and may be in contact therewith.
- the darkened screen or body 76 absorbs energy and transfers it onto the top portion.
- aluminum is a suitable material because it will cool rapidly, when the energy source 70 is shut off, thereby preventing premature shrinkage of a top portion on a subsequent container upon being first introduced into the hood 20 .
- the preferred radiant energy sources are Tungsten Halogen Lamps. About 70% of the energy produced by these lamps is in the preferred wavelength range of the infrared (750 millimicrons and beyond).
- lamps are compact, durable, inexpensive and readily available. Lamps in the range of 200 to 300 watts are suitable. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other energy sources which produce sufficient infrared radiant energy may also be used.
- the radiant energy emitted by such an energy source can be turned on and off instantaneously and focused and directed to the location it is desired, without stray heat energy being produced, and the energy source does not have to be on continuously, or on standby in readiness for a container, which is the case of prior art hot air systems.
- FIG. 4 the belt 80 , pulley 82 and drive motor 99 are all shown. Also are shown two rotating arms 84 and two first radiant heaters 68 . It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that fewer or more radiant heating elements could be used according to space requirements and preference. However, when the drive motor operates at 100 rpm, two radiant heat means 68 provides good results. By varying the size of the pulley 82 , the speed of revolution of the first radiant energy source 68 can also be varied. Good results have been achieved when the pully 82 is configured to cause the first radiant energy source 68 to rotate at 100 rpm.
- the spinning first radiant energy source 68 could be replaced with a row of fixed position bulbs. However, the process would be slightly more difficult to control, since the total energy output would likely be greater, and more energy expensive. Thus, the moving first energy source 68 is preferred.
- FIG. 11 a schematic of an electrical system 150 for the instant invention is disclosed, which sets out in more detail the interaction between the container 12 and hood 72 location, and the activation of the various components described above.
- One of the characteristics of the electrical design is that it must compensate for the varying rates that the container 12 , which is moved by a human hand, enters and leaves the device 10 .
- F 1 is a fuse.
- a pilot light R lights up.
- switches S 1 and S 2 are manually turned on.
- S 1 turns on resistance heater 96 , which heat the knife 94 .
- a thermostatic control is shown at 97 .
- S 2 is turned on, it activates motor 99 and also signals timer T 1 .
- a relay TM- 1 Also shown is a relay TM- 1 .
- the timer T 1 engages motor 34 and advances the film 26 for a single “space”, which is determined by the time set on timer T 1 .
- Switch LS 1 is situated on plate 42 , (shown in ghost outline in FIG. 7) so that when guide 46 rotates outwardly on withdrawal of the container, LS 1 also signals timer T 1 which engages motor 34 and advances the film in a like manner.
- switch LS 4 closes, which activates timer T 3 which through a relay TM- 3 , activates radiant energy source 70 for a predetermined time.
- FIG. 12 shows in schematic form the microswitch interconnections.
- the belt 80 around the pulley 82 .
- a shaft 200 extends upwardly from the top hood 72 .
- a connecting rod 202 is attached to shaft 200 , and will rise and subside with the hood 72 being raised and lowered.
- a rack 204 Remote from shaft 200 there is a rack 204 connected to the rod 202 which interacts with a pinion 206 , in a manner shown by double ended arrows 208 .
- a cam shaft 210 attached to eccentric cams 212 .
- FIGS. 13A and 13B Shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B are the means of closing electrical circuits upon rotation of the cam shaft 210 by the pinion 206 .
- a secondary roller 214 is located on a pivot arm 216 .
- cam 212 When cam 212 is rotated in one direction an electrical spring clip 218 is forced into contact with an electrical contact 220 closing a circuit.
- the cam 212 Upon being rotated in an opposite direction, the cam 212 urges the pivot arm 216 up and out of the way, and does not close the circuit, as shown in FIG. 13B.
- the present invention uses radiant energy from the radiant energy sources to effect shrinkage. Radiant energy is preferred, because it travels relatively unimpeded through transparent mediums such as air or transparent film.
- the preferred radiant energy source is a Tungsten-Halogen bulb, which is described in more detail above.
- the present invention has process parameters for heating which depend upon an absorbing means for the radiant energy, and in particular, how close any absorbing means conforms to a theoretically ideal “black body”. An ideal “black body” completely absorbs all radiant energy that strikes it and thus is capable of radiating that same energy outward.
- An example of a preferred interposed absorbent body is a darkened aluminum screen 112 , which moves closely adjacent the edge 103 .
- the darkened portion of the screen will absorb energy and then radiate it, giving rise to heat. The heat will be transferred to the air adjacent to the film, then to the film which will shrink the film.
- the present invention also comprehends the use of a spring wire 110 , which trails (or leads) the revolving first radiant heat means 68 , and urges the edge 103 into contact with the container 12 just below the top 13 .
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Abstract
A device for heat shrinking thin film onto open-topped containers to form spill-resistant covers is shown. A radiant energy source is intermittently energized in association with timers to direct radiant energy towards the thin film. An energy absorbing body is associated with the thin film to absorb energy and create heat adjacent to the film which in turn causes the thin film to shrink. The energy absorbing body can be the adaptation of the thin film to be opaque to the radiant energy by either being coated with an energy absorbing coating such as printing, or being made partially opaque by means of tinting. The container can also be adapted to absorb energy by including a darkened band adjacent the upper edge of the rim. The device can also interpose an energy absorbing body, such as a darkened aluminum screen adjacent to the film to be heated to cause the thin film to shrink. The device shrinks the thin film around the rim first, then shrinks the film across the top of the container to form a spill-resistant cover. In one embodiment, printed patterns on the film can be used to create perforations.
Description
- This invention relates to a device which may be used to seal food into open-topped containers. In particular, this invention relates to a device suitable for heat shrinking film onto such open-topped containers to seal food or drink inside the container.
- Presently in the fast food drink industry it is typical to serve a drink in a paper, plastic or other disposable cup topped with a preformed plastic lid. The plastic lid fits tightly over the lip formed at the top of, for example, a paper drink cup, and may include apertures to permit straws or openings to be formed in the lid to directly drink the contents of the cup.
- Unfortunately, there are many problems associated with the use of these plastic lids. For example, the lids are generally expensive. Further, the lids are bulky and create problems in storage and in disposal. Further, the seal formed by the lids is dependant upon the lid being placed on properly, and can leak if not properly placed. Finally, the handling of the lid is not completely hygienic.
- In order to overcome these problems, various devices and methods have been proposed in which a cover is placed on an open-topped container and then heated to shrink it into sealing engagement with the top of such a container. Examples of such devices can be found in the following United States patents: U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,260,775; 3,354,604; 3,460,317 3,491,510; 3,494,098; 3,507,093; 3,621,637; 3,877,200; 3,838,550; 3,916,602; 4,035,987; 4,184,310 and 4,562,688. While the solutions proposed by these prior devices and methods are interesting, they fail to provide a sufficiently cost efficient, easy and inexpensive alternative to preformed rigid plastic lids. As a consequence, rigid plastic lids remain in widespread use. Some of the main failings of these prior devices are that they are bulky, noisy, unresponsive, and expensive. Heating systems comprising blowing air over a hot element and then onto a film require large amounts of unnecessary heat, even when in standby mode, which makes temperature control very difficult. Further, continuous elevated temperatures are expensive to maintain and may be deleterious to the immediate environment.
- Aside from the benefits of increased hygiene and reduced waste, the present invention is directed to providing a practical device which has commercial utility. One aspect of the present device is to provide an energy efficient way of sealing open-topped containers which avoids any substantial build-up of heat. An intermittent source of radiant energy is used, and energy is directed onto an energy absorber located at the specific place where heat is required. Thus, heat is originated where it is needed, when it is needed and a cooler, quieter, safer and more efficient device results.
- The present invention provides a device for heat shrinking a cover onto an open-topped container, said device comprising:
- a housing adapted to receive said container; and having a strip of heat shrinkable thin film;
- a cutting means positioned against said thin film for cutting said thin film upon said thin film being urged onto said cutting means by said container;
- a hood for holding a cut piece of said film in place across said open top of said container, wherein said cut piece includes a portion extending from under said hood downwardly around an upper outer rim of said container;
- a first radiant energy source for directing energy toward said downwardly extending portion of said cut piece of film;
- a first means to absorb radiant energy to transfer heat to said downwardly extending portion of said cut piece of film; and
- a switch means for intermittently energizing said first radiant energy source whereby said downwardly extending portion of said cut piece of film is shrunk onto said rim;
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device according to the present invention in use;
- FIG. 2 is a front sectional view of an open-topped container according to the present invention with a heat shrunk cover in place;
- FIG. 2a is a top view of the container of FIG. 2.
- FIG. 3 is a front view of the container of FIG. 2 having a darkened upper band;
- FIG. 4 is a top view of the device of FIG. 1, with the top wall broken away to show the contents;
- FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along lines5-5 of FIG. 4;
- FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 with the container in a raised position;
- FIG. 7 is a view of a part of the device of FIG. 1; and
- FIG. 8 is a view along lines8-8 of FIG. 7;
- FIG. 9 is an alternate configuration for a knife element shown in FIG. 5;
- FIG. 10 is a view along lines10-10 of FIG. 9;
- FIG. 11 is a schematic sketch of an electronic control circuit for the present invention;
- FIG. 12 is an alternate embodiment of a micro-switch system according to the present invention;
- FIG. 13a is a view along lines 13-13 of FIG. 12 in a first position; and
- FIG. 13b is a view along lines 13-13 of FIG. 12 in a second position.
- FIG. 1 shows a
device 10 for heat shrinking a thin film onto an open-topped container 12. Thehousing 10 includes an opening 14 of sufficient size to allow placement of thecontainer 12 within thehousing 10. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, placement of thecontainer 12 within the opening 14 is accomplished manually, illustrated by a hand 16. - Turning to FIG. 5, there is shown a cross-sectional schematic view of the operational components of the
device 10 of FIG. 1. Thecontainer 12 is shown in the opening 14. The opening 14 is defined byside walls 18 and 20 of thedevice 10. Shown on the right-hand side is a roll of thinplastic film 22 on an axle 24. Thefilm 26 passes over a roller 28 across the top of thecontainer 12 across asecond roller 30 and onto a take-up axle 32. Shown at 34 is a rewind motor. It will be appreciated that therewind motor 34 can rotate the pick-up axle 32 in the direction of arrow 36 which will advance thefilm 26 across the top of thecontainer 12 and cause the roll offilm 22 to rotate in the direction of arrow 38. Alternatively, the advancing of thefilm 26 could be accomplished manually by turning a lever or knob mounted on take-up axle 32. - The
film 26 is preferably a bi-axially oriented shrink film having a preferred thickness of between 60 to 100 gauge. Good results have been achieved with a 75 gauge polyvinyl chloride film purchased from Reynolds Metals Company at Richmond, Va. Other films, such as copolymers, polyolefins and the like may also be appropriate. The film, to be most useful, must be foodgrade contact-approved by the appropriate regulatory authorities. A 7½″ outer diameter roll of 75 gauge shrink film, which includes a 3″ diameter fibre core, will yield approximately 8,000 covers according to the present invention. - In FIG. 5, the
container 12 is located in a locator identified generally at 40. Thelocator 40 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 7 and 8. Turning to FIG. 7, there is shown aplate 42 having a pair opposed guides 44 and 46. Theplate 42 also has anopening 48 located between theguides guides guide 44 applies equally to guide 46. - The
guide 44 comprises arub rail 50 which contacts an outer edge of acontainer 12. Extending fromplate 42 are two posts in respect of eachguide guide 44 there is astop post 52 and a guide post 54. Aslot 56 is formed in theguide 44 and aspring 58 is housed between the guide post 54 and the end of theslot 56. Apin 59 may be used to secure one end of thespring 58. Awasher 60 is used to retain the other end of thespring 58 within theslot 56. Thewasher 60 is placed around the guide post 54. Between the free end 55 of guide post 54 and thewasher 60 is a further spring 61. The spring 61 allows theguide plate 44 to articulate away from theplate 42 to facilitate removal of thecontainer 12 from thedevice 10. - It will now be appreciated that the
guide 44 can move laterally in the direction of double endedarrow 62 guided by means of thestop 52 and the guide post 54 with theslot 56. It will also be appreciated that thecurved portion 64 of therub rail 50 will provide an indication to anyone inserting acontainer 12 into the locator that the container is appropriately located. Appropriately in this sense means centered under theplate opening 48. - Turning to FIG. 8, the
locator 40 of FIG. 7 is shown in cross-sectional view. As can be seen, theguides container 12. Theplate opening 48 is shown together with theplate 42. Thethin film 26 is also shown stretched across the top 13 of thecontainer 12. - It can now be appreciated that the
container 12 can be moved in the direction of double endedarrow 64 into position beneathplate opening 48. During this period, theguides container 12. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 8, thecontainer 12 is free to be moved in the direction of double endedarrows 66 as will be discussed below. It will be appreciated thatcontainers 12 of varying diameter can thus be accommodated by the instant invention, since all containers will be centered by the locator beneath theplate opening 48. This is desirable in a food services environment where cup size selections typically include small, medium and large. - Turning now to FIG. 5, a
container 12 is shown centered inlocator 40. A firstradiant energy source 68 and a second radiant heater 70 can now be explained. Located above the centered and locatedcontainer 12 is a top shrink hood 72. The second radiant heater 70 is located within the top shrink hood 72. The top shrink hood 72 includes a glass shield 74 and a heat transfer means 76. In some circumstances the glass shield 74 may not be required, however, to prevent the possibility of splashes reaching the second radiant energy source 70, it is preferred. It may not be necessary to use glass. Plastic or other transparent substances may be appropriate. Good results have been achieved when the heat transfer means 76 is made from a screen aluminum material painted a dark colour, such as black. The dark aluminum heats and cools quickly which is desirable in the circumstances. - A
pierce tool 78 is also shown extending outwardly from the heat transfer means 76. The purpose of thepierce tool 78 is to make a vent opening in the thin film to allow gases such as carbon dioxide from a soft drink to escape the container. - An alternative to pierce
tool 78 is to form smallopaque portions 79 in the shrink film. These opaque portions or “dots” will cause a hot point which may perforate the film as more fully explained below. If desired the hot points can be made in a specified pattern to form a sipping opening or the like, as shown in FIG. 2A. Also shown in FIG. 2 is astraw 122 with a pointed end 124 for piercing the film, shown in place as 126. A fluid, such as a soft drink is shown at 128. - Also shown in FIG. 5 is a
drive belt 80 which connects apulley 82 with a motor. Attached to thepulley 82 are a pair ofarms 84. Thearms 84 rotate when thepulley 82 is rotated by thebelt 80. Depending from thearms 84 about pivot points 86 arepivot arms 88. Pivotarms 88 include a roller 90 at one end and the firstradiant energy source 68 at the other end. If preferred, a reflector may be provided such as 92 around the firstradiant energy source 68. - Also show in FIG. 5 is a knife or
film cutting blade 94 to which is attached a heating element 96. Theheated blade 94 ensures a quick clean cut of the thin film, upon the thin film contacting theblade 94. As can be seen from FIG. 5, theblade 94 is below the top hood 72, so the film will be cut to shape just prior to or about the same time as thecontainer 12 contacts the hood 72. Good results have been achieved when the blade is made from a two point center face steel cutting rule, and maintained at a temperature of between 275° F. to 400° F. This format appears to limit smoke and fume generation. - The
knife 94 may be circular in shape, or may be as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. It will be noted that theknife 94 in FIGS. 9 and 10 includes a roundedoblong section 95. This will result in a similarly shaped section being formed in a cut piece of film, as described below, which can be used as a convenient pull tab for removing a cover which has been shrunk onto acontainer 12. In the preferred embodiment thethin film 26 has a width greater than the width of theknife 94 so that a trim 27 (see FIG. 5) is left after the cut is made, and the trim 27 is strong enough to allow thefilm 26 to be advanced by a tensile force without tearing. - Turning now to FIG. 6, the operation of an instant device can now be understood. In FIG. 6 the
container 12 has been raised in the direction ofarrow 100. This has had the effect of pushing thefilm 26 upwardly into engagement with the knife heatedfilm cutter blade 94. This has caused a cut portion of the film shown as 102 to be draped across the top 13 of thecontainer 12. At this point the hood 72 is holding the cut piece offilm 102 generally in place. As thecontainer 12 is raised further, the hood 72 is also raised. Rollers 90 then contact a ledge 104 formed on the outer surface of the hood 72. Further upward movement causes the movement of the firstradiant energy source 68 about thepivot point 86 until the firstradiant energy source 68 is closely adjacent to a draped over edge ofcut portion 102 shown as 103. Contact is then made at a limit switch, as explained below in respect of FIG. 11, which energizes a motor 99 (shown in FIG. 4). Upon energization of the motor 99, thebelt 80 revolves causing the rotatingarms 84 to revolve rotating the firstradiant energy source 68 about the periphery of the top of thecontainer 13. Simultaneously with the energization of the motor 99 and the rotation of the firstradiant energy source 68, the firstradiant energy source 68 is energized to cause radiant energy to be directed towards the dangling edge 103 of thecut portion 102 of the saidfilm 26. - It will be appreciated that the preferred invention causes the first
radiant energy source 68 to move into position closely adjacent the downward edge 103 of thecut portion 102. Such movement is preferred because radiant energy obeys the inverse squared rule in which the amount of energy is proportional to an inverse of the square of the distance from the source. By locating the firstradiant energy source 68 close prior to being energized, more energy can be usefully used and focused away, for example, from an operator's hands. Also, by the pivoting action, the operator's hands are kept clear of theenergy source 68, until thecontainer 12 is in position. - After a predetermined length of time, the first
radiant energy source 68 is de-energized and the second radiant energy source 70 is energized by a timer 120. The second radiant energy source 70 energy is directed through the glass shield 74 onto an energy absorbing body 76. This transfer of heat causes a shrinking of the top portion acrosscontainer 12 of thecut portion 102. Thereafter, the sealedcontainer 12 can be lowered and removed from the apparatus. - A preferred type of energy absorbing body76 is a darkened aluminum screen. The body 76 is placed very closely adjacent the top portion of the
cut section 102 and may be in contact therewith. The darkened screen or body 76 absorbs energy and transfers it onto the top portion. It will be appreciated that aluminum is a suitable material because it will cool rapidly, when the energy source 70 is shut off, thereby preventing premature shrinkage of a top portion on a subsequent container upon being first introduced into thehood 20. - It has been found that the preferred radiant energy sources are Tungsten Halogen Lamps. About 70% of the energy produced by these lamps is in the preferred wavelength range of the infrared (750 millimicrons and beyond).
- These lamps are compact, durable, inexpensive and readily available. Lamps in the range of 200 to 300 watts are suitable. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other energy sources which produce sufficient infrared radiant energy may also be used.
- It is also to be noted that the radiant energy emitted by such an energy source can be turned on and off instantaneously and focused and directed to the location it is desired, without stray heat energy being produced, and the energy source does not have to be on continuously, or on standby in readiness for a container, which is the case of prior art hot air systems.
- Turning now to FIG. 4, the
belt 80,pulley 82 and drive motor 99 are all shown. Also are shown tworotating arms 84 and two firstradiant heaters 68. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that fewer or more radiant heating elements could be used according to space requirements and preference. However, when the drive motor operates at 100 rpm, two radiant heat means 68 provides good results. By varying the size of thepulley 82, the speed of revolution of the firstradiant energy source 68 can also be varied. Good results have been achieved when thepully 82 is configured to cause the firstradiant energy source 68 to rotate at 100 rpm. - It will also be appreciated that the spinning first
radiant energy source 68 could be replaced with a row of fixed position bulbs. However, the process would be slightly more difficult to control, since the total energy output would likely be greater, and more energy expensive. Thus, the movingfirst energy source 68 is preferred. - Turning to FIG. 11, a schematic of an
electrical system 150 for the instant invention is disclosed, which sets out in more detail the interaction between thecontainer 12 and hood 72 location, and the activation of the various components described above. - One of the characteristics of the electrical design is that it must compensate for the varying rates that the
container 12, which is moved by a human hand, enters and leaves thedevice 10. - In the preferred embodiment the raising and lowering of hood72 and the motion of
locator 40 will trigger micro-switches which engage timers as described below. Certain events must take place as hood 72 is raised and other events must take place when hood 72 is lowered. - Referring to the
wiring system 150, F1 is a fuse. When themain switch 170 is turned on, a pilot light R lights up. Then, switches S1 and S2 are manually turned on. As shown, S1 turns on resistance heater 96, which heat theknife 94. A thermostatic control is shown at 97. When S2 is turned on, it activates motor 99 and also signals timer T1. Also shown is a relay TM-1. The timer T1 engagesmotor 34 and advances thefilm 26 for a single “space”, which is determined by the time set on timer T1. Thus when the machine is activated and ready to operate by turning on switch S2, a fresh piece offilm 26 is automatically presented. Switch LS1 is situated onplate 42, (shown in ghost outline in FIG. 7) so that whenguide 46 rotates outwardly on withdrawal of the container, LS1 also signals timer T1 which engagesmotor 34 and advances the film in a like manner. - Also shown are switches LS2 and LS3 which close when hood 72 moves upward. These switches activate a second timer T2 which activates relay TM-2 which in turn activates first
radiant energy source 68. On the downward motion switch LS3 opens and thereby prevents timer T2 from activatingsource 68 again. - On the downward motion of hood72, switch LS4 closes, which activates timer T3 which through a relay TM-3, activates radiant energy source 70 for a predetermined time.
- FIG. 12 shows in schematic form the microswitch interconnections. On the left hand side of FIG. 12 are the
belt 80 around thepulley 82. Ashaft 200 extends upwardly from the top hood 72. A connectingrod 202 is attached toshaft 200, and will rise and subside with the hood 72 being raised and lowered. Remote fromshaft 200 there is arack 204 connected to therod 202 which interacts with apinion 206, in a manner shown by double endedarrows 208. Also shown are acam shaft 210 attached toeccentric cams 212. - Shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B are the means of closing electrical circuits upon rotation of the
cam shaft 210 by thepinion 206. Asecondary roller 214 is located on apivot arm 216. Whencam 212 is rotated in one direction anelectrical spring clip 218 is forced into contact with anelectrical contact 220 closing a circuit. Upon being rotated in an opposite direction, thecam 212 urges thepivot arm 216 up and out of the way, and does not close the circuit, as shown in FIG. 13B. - It can now be appreciated that the present invention uses radiant energy from the radiant energy sources to effect shrinkage. Radiant energy is preferred, because it travels relatively unimpeded through transparent mediums such as air or transparent film. The preferred radiant energy source is a Tungsten-Halogen bulb, which is described in more detail above. The present invention has process parameters for heating which depend upon an absorbing means for the radiant energy, and in particular, how close any absorbing means conforms to a theoretically ideal “black body”. An ideal “black body” completely absorbs all radiant energy that strikes it and thus is capable of radiating that same energy outward.
- The way in which the present invention seals heat shrinkable thin film onto a container, is to employ a first means to transfer heat to the downwardly extending portion of the cut piece of thin film. In this sense, the first means can comprise adapting the thin film to absorb energy, interposing an absorbent body adjacent to thin film, or adapting the area of the container just below the rim to become energy absorbing. The thin film can be adapted to absorb energy by being made from a tinted material, or by being coated with an energy absorbent coating, for example, printing. The ability of the opaque or coated film to absorb radiant energy will vary depending upon what type of tinting or coating is used. A darker or more opaque film will absorb more energy.
- An example of a preferred interposed absorbent body is a darkened aluminum screen112, which moves closely adjacent the edge 103. The darkened portion of the screen will absorb energy and then radiate it, giving rise to heat. The heat will be transferred to the air adjacent to the film, then to the film which will shrink the film.
- The container may be adapted to absorb radiant energy, and thus produce heat in a preferred location, by including a darkened band15 in the area where heat generation is desired, such as just below the rim. For aesthetic reasons, black bands may not be acceptable, but other coloured bands will also work. With a cooler colour, the exposure to the radiant energy source may need to be slightly longer. However, the length of time of exposure to the radiant energy source can be adjusted in the present invention through adjustments made to the timer T2. A
gap 17 may be incorporated into the band 15 to permit the end user to lift the shrunken cover off the container if so desired. - In some circumstances, it may be desirable to urge the film onto the cup. Therefore, the present invention also comprehends the use of a spring wire110, which trails (or leads) the revolving first radiant heat means 68, and urges the edge 103 into contact with the
container 12 just below the top 13. - It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the foregoing description relates to a preferred embodiment and that various modifications can be made without departing from the broad scope of the appended claims. Some of these modifications have been discussed above and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Claims (35)
1. A device for heat shrinking a cover onto an open-topped container, said device comprising:
a housing adapted to receive said container; and having a strip of heat shrinkable thin film;
a cutting means positioned adjacent said thin film for cutting said thin film upon said thin film being urged onto said cutting means by said container;
a hood for holding a cut piece of said film in place across said open top of said container, wherein said cut piece includes a portion extending from under said hood downwardly around an upper outer rim of said container;
a first radiant energy source for directing energy toward said downwardly extending portion of said cut piece of film;
a first means to absorb radiant energy to transfer heat to said downwardly extending portion of said cut piece of film; and
a switch means for intermittently energizing said first radiant energy source whereby said downwardly extending portion of said cut piece of film is shrunk onto said rim;
2. A device as claimed in claim 1 further including a timer means for de-energizing said first radiant energy source after a predetermined time and for energizing a second radiant energy source located in said hood; said second radiant energy source directing energy onto a second means to absorb radiant energy, to transfer heat to the thin film across the top of the container;
whereby said cut piece of film is shrunk across the top of said container after being shrunk around the rim of said container to form a spill resistant cover.
3. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first means to transfer heat to said downwardly extending portion of said cut piece of film comprises adapting said film to absorb at least some of said radiant energy.
4. A device as claimed in claim 3 wherein said film is adapted by being made at least partially opaque to said radiant energy, and upon being exposed to said radiant energy said opaque film heats up.
5. A device according to claim 4 wherein said thin film is made at least partially opaque by being tinted.
6. A device according to claim 4 wherein said thin film is made at least partially opaque by being coated with an energy absorbing coating.
7. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first means to transfer heat to said downwardly extending portion of said cut piece of film comprises mounting an energy absorbent body adjacent to said thin film.
8. A device as claimed in claim 7 in which said energy absorbing body comprises a darkened aluminum screen.
9. A device as claimed in claim 1 in combination with a container, and wherein said first means to transfer heat to said downwardly extending portion of said cut piece of film comprises adapting said container to absorb said radiant energy adjacent said downwardly extending portion.
10. A device as claimed in claim 9 wherein said container is adapted by having an energy absorbent band located below an upper rim thereof.
11. A device as claimed in claims 3, 7 or 9 wherein said housing includes a dispensing reel and a take-up reel for a continuous strip of said thin film.
12. A device according to claim 11 wherein said thin film is a biaxial film of between 40 to 120 gauge thickness.
13. A device according to claim 12 wherein said thin film has a width greater than the width of said knife to form a trim after said cut portion is made, said trim being sufficient to allow said film to be advanced by a tensile force in said trim without tearing.
14. A device according to claims 3, 7 or 9 further including a locator which comprises at least one guide plate.
15. A device according to claim 14 wherein said locator comprises an opposed pair of guide plates, at least one of which is spring loaded.
16. A device according to claim 14 wherein said locator comprises an opposed pair of spring loaded guide plates having curved container contacting surfaces for centering the container.
17. A device according to claims 3, 7 or 9 wherein said knife means comprises a heated steel rule.
18. A device according to claim 17 wherein said knife means defines a cut piece of thin film having a symmetrical overhang around all edges of said container.
19. A device according to claim 17 wherein said knife is heated by a resistance heater to a temperature of between 275° F. and 400° F.
20. A device according to claims 3, 7 or 9 wherein said hood covers said top film to prevent said top film from being directly exposed to energy from said first radiant energy source.
21. A device according to claim 2 wherein said second means to absorb radiant energy comprises means to render said film at least partially opaque to radiant energy from said second radiant energy means.
22. A device as claimed in claim 21 wherein said thin film is tinted to absorb energy from said second radiant energy source.
23. A device as claimed in claim 21 wherein said thin film is printed to absorb energy from said second radiant energy source.
24. A device according to claim 2 wherein said second means to absorb radiant energy comprises a darkened aluminum screen.
25. A device according to claim 2 further including a piercing tool to make at least one hole in said cut piece of thin film.
26. A device as claimed in claim 21 wherein said film includes a pattern of discrete opaque dots forming a predetermined pattern to cause perforations upon exposure to said second radiant energy means.
27. A device according to claim 1 further including a motor, a drive means connecting said motor to said first radiant energy source and wherein said switch means energizes said motor as well as said first radiant energy source, and said first radiant energy source is rotated around said rim.
28. A device according to claim 27 wherein said first radiant energy source is pivotally mounted on an arm, and said hood is displaceable, and on displacement of said hood, said arm is pivoted about a pivot point to cause said first radiant energy source to be positioned adjacent said downwardly extending portion of said cut piece of thin film.
29. A device according to claim 28 in which said top hood further includes a ledge, and said arm further includes a roller which rolls along said ledge upon rotation of said first radiant energy source.
30. A device according to claim 27 when said first radiant energy source rotates at about 100 rpm.
31. A device according to claim 28 wherein said arm further includes a means for urging said portion of said film into contact with said rim.
32. A device as claimed in claim 10 wherein said energy absorbent band has at least one gap formed therein, to facilitate removal of a shrunk piece of film from said container.
33. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said switch means comprises at least one contact operated limit switch.
34. A device as claimed in claim 2 wherein said timer means allows said first radiant energy source to be energized for at least one full revolution.
35. A device as claimed in claim 34 wherein said device includes at least two first radiant energy sources and said timer means allows said two first radiant energy sources to be energized for at least one half revolution.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US08/977,374 US20030012920A1 (en) | 1992-04-27 | 1997-11-24 | Device for heat shrinking film onto an open-topped container |
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US07/873,844 US5249410A (en) | 1992-04-27 | 1992-04-27 | Device for heat shrinking film onto an open-topped container |
US08/089,462 US5511360A (en) | 1992-04-27 | 1993-07-12 | Container for receiving head shrinking film and method for forming a spill-resistant cover therefor |
PCT/CA1993/000399 WO1995009766A1 (en) | 1992-04-27 | 1993-10-05 | Method and apparatus for sealing open-topped containers |
US63816096A | 1996-04-26 | 1996-04-26 | |
US08/977,374 US20030012920A1 (en) | 1992-04-27 | 1997-11-24 | Device for heat shrinking film onto an open-topped container |
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US63816096A Continuation | 1992-04-27 | 1996-04-26 |
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US07/873,844 Expired - Lifetime US5249410A (en) | 1992-04-27 | 1992-04-27 | Device for heat shrinking film onto an open-topped container |
US08/089,462 Expired - Lifetime US5511360A (en) | 1992-04-27 | 1993-07-12 | Container for receiving head shrinking film and method for forming a spill-resistant cover therefor |
US08/977,374 Abandoned US20030012920A1 (en) | 1992-04-27 | 1997-11-24 | Device for heat shrinking film onto an open-topped container |
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US07/873,844 Expired - Lifetime US5249410A (en) | 1992-04-27 | 1992-04-27 | Device for heat shrinking film onto an open-topped container |
US08/089,462 Expired - Lifetime US5511360A (en) | 1992-04-27 | 1993-07-12 | Container for receiving head shrinking film and method for forming a spill-resistant cover therefor |
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US (3) | US5249410A (en) |
EP (1) | EP0719227B1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU701133B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2094978C (en) |
DE (1) | DE69323098T2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1995009766A1 (en) |
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US20030200725A1 (en) * | 2001-06-29 | 2003-10-30 | Aloisi Robert J. | Packaging material and products comprising indicia-former which changes from a first visual condition to a second visual condition and indicates a characteristic of the package contents |
US20080005882A1 (en) * | 2006-05-08 | 2008-01-10 | Ian Kaiser | Film cutter apparatus and method of forming |
US20090090715A1 (en) * | 2007-10-04 | 2009-04-09 | Joel Goldberg | Beverage container with locking tab mechanism |
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US5249410A (en) * | 1992-04-27 | 1993-10-05 | Bakker William J | Device for heat shrinking film onto an open-topped container |
US5993942A (en) * | 1992-04-27 | 1999-11-30 | Bakker; William J. | Packaging film for forming packages |
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JP7152410B2 (en) | 2017-02-24 | 2022-10-12 | ジーピーシーピー アイピー ホールディングス エルエルシー | Apparatus and method for sealing open top containers with heat shrinkable film material |
US20210292016A1 (en) * | 2018-12-04 | 2021-09-23 | Gpcp Ip Holdings Llc | Systems and methods for sealing a container |
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- 1993-10-05 WO PCT/CA1993/000399 patent/WO1995009766A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1993-10-05 EP EP93920635A patent/EP0719227B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1993-10-05 DE DE69323098T patent/DE69323098T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1993-10-05 AU AU48137/93A patent/AU701133B2/en not_active Ceased
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Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20030200725A1 (en) * | 2001-06-29 | 2003-10-30 | Aloisi Robert J. | Packaging material and products comprising indicia-former which changes from a first visual condition to a second visual condition and indicates a characteristic of the package contents |
US20080005882A1 (en) * | 2006-05-08 | 2008-01-10 | Ian Kaiser | Film cutter apparatus and method of forming |
US20090090715A1 (en) * | 2007-10-04 | 2009-04-09 | Joel Goldberg | Beverage container with locking tab mechanism |
US11472579B2 (en) | 2018-12-04 | 2022-10-18 | Gpcp Ip Holdings Llc | Film securing apparatus and method |
US11548667B2 (en) | 2018-12-04 | 2023-01-10 | Gpcp Ip Holdings Llc | Film securing apparatus and method |
US11958652B2 (en) | 2018-12-04 | 2024-04-16 | Gpcp Ip Holdings Llc | Film securing apparatus and method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU701133B2 (en) | 1999-01-21 |
DE69323098T2 (en) | 1999-09-02 |
EP0719227B1 (en) | 1999-01-13 |
DE69323098D1 (en) | 1999-02-25 |
US5511360A (en) | 1996-04-30 |
CA2094978A1 (en) | 1993-10-28 |
WO1995009766A1 (en) | 1995-04-13 |
US5249410A (en) | 1993-10-05 |
AU4813793A (en) | 1995-05-01 |
CA2094978C (en) | 2005-03-29 |
EP0719227A1 (en) | 1996-07-03 |
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Legal Events
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