Apparatus and method for sealing open top containers with heat shrink film material

Abstract

The present invention discloses a system, assembly and method for heat shrink sealing open-top containers, wherein the system includes a two-part housing or shell, wherein when the cover is opened, a large portion of a bulk roll of film material is accessible. The system preferably includes a removable feed roller to improve the efficiency associated with the reloading operation. In a preferred aspect, the system includes a removable sealing unit that adapts the capping system for use with open containers of various sizes and shapes. In a more preferred aspect, the system includes a marking generating device operable to label the sealed container and a cutter for generating perforations in the film during the sealing operation.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application, which is based on a PCT national phase application with the original application date of February 22, 2018, entered into China on August 22, 2019, with application number 201880013445.X, and invention name “Apparatus and method for sealing top-opening containers with heat shrinkable film materials”. Background Art

[0002] The present application relates to apparatus and methods for heat sealing film materials to top-opening containers such as cups. Various features associated with the construction and operation of such systems are disclosed in applicant's related U.S. Patents 5,249,410; 5,993,942; 6,775,472; 7,089,718; 7,395,645; U.S. Patent Application Publications 2003 / 0015274; 2003 / 0019188; 2003 / 0021969; 2003 / 0061922; 2003 / 0200725; 2003 / 0228964; 2004 / 0020171; 2004 / 0031243; 2004 / 0035088; 2004 / 0045257; 2004 / 70068968; and various foreign patent documents associated therewith. The disclosure content of which is expressly incorporated herein.

[0003] Even in view of applicant's extensive contributions to the art, there is still a need to improve the functionality, operation, service and user interaction with such systems. In addition, there is a need to improve the efficiency with which such heat sealing devices can be manufactured, operated and maintained, and to meet the changing user needs associated with the production and presentation of the resulting sealed containers.

[0004] For example, a shortcoming associated with such prior art devices relates to the difficulty experienced by a user who is associated with continuously or sequentially presenting a film associated with a sealing material when refilling a dispenser assembly. Typically, the film material is provided as a material roll supported relative to a housing. The batch material roll typically maintains an inwardly facing wall adjacent to the housing, and one end of the roll must pass through a guide arrangement to achieve the desired translation or unwinding of the roll during use. The limited space, sometimes tortuous guide paths and limited visibility associated with positioning a batch or replacement roll of heat sealable material relative to the dispenser housing complicate the reloading process and reduce the effective use of personnel and equipment. Therefore, a film dispensing assembly that can be more effectively and conveniently reloaded is needed.

[0005] Another disadvantage associated with existing sealing devices relates to the limited ability of such systems to interact with containers of alternative shapes. That is, known sealing devices typically interact in a sealing manner with containers having only a single shape or very limited deviations associated with the size and shape of the container. There is a need for a membrane sealing device that can be quickly and easily configured for use with containers of a variety of sizes and shapes.

[0006] There is also a need for a sealing device or system in which one or more discrete subassemblies such as a membrane drive module, a membrane retraction module, an electronics module, or a frame module can be coupled with subassemblies associated with other sealing assemblies. For example, it should be understood that a sealing device configured to cooperate with various shaped containers can be configured to cooperate with already owned sealing assemblies so that previously purchased sealing assemblies can be implemented for sealing containers of other shapes and sizes without the need to replace or purchase entire alternative sealing material drive, retraction, control and / or frame assemblies. Such considerations will further improve the maintainability of such sealing systems because only the portion of the assembly that requires maintenance can be replaced and / or more conveniently shipped for maintenance.

[0007] Various advantages associated with the components of the present patent application are set forth in the following description and may be apparent from the specification or may be obtained by practicing the present invention. The advantages of the components associated with the present patent application may be realized and achieved by means of the means and combinations specifically pointed out in the appended claims and their equivalents. Summary of the invention

[0008] This patent application relates to systems, assemblies and methods for heat shrinking a film onto an open-top container. Such a capping system may include a two-part housing or shell, wherein a portion of a removable cover exposes at least one end portion of a roll of film material when the cover is opened. The system may also include a removable feed roller that improves the efficiency associated with a reload operation. Another aspect of this patent application discloses a removable sealing unit that is adapted to use the capping system with open-end containers of various sizes and shapes. Other aspects of the system may include a laser-based marking device and a fixed-position cutter that is associated with generating a mark in the sealing film, and the fixed-position cutter is configured to generate interruptions such as partial or incomplete or complete depressions, serrations and / or perforations in the film during the sealing operation, such as to accommodate subsequent passage of a straw or other utensil through the fixed-position cutter.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present patent application, a system for heat shrinking a film onto an open-top container includes a feeding mechanism, a sealing assembly near a dispensing location, and a housing having a base and a cover. The feeding mechanism is configured to convey the film material from a batch roll to the dispensing location. The sealing assembly is configured to allow contact between the film material and the open end of the container. The base of the housing is configured to support the feeding mechanism, and the cover of the housing is movably connected to the base and overlaps at least a portion of the end of the roll of film material.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present patent application, the cover of the housing and the base of the housing are pivotally connected to each other. The rotation axis between the cover and the base of the housing is located below or substantially vertically below the axis associated with the rotation of the batch roller. The handle can be attached to the cover at a position offset from the rotation axis of the cover relative to the base.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present patent application, the feeding mechanism may further include a feeding roller supported by a feeding cover. The feeding cover may be pivotally connected to the base of the housing. In addition, the sealing assembly may be movably attached to the housing. For example, the sealing assembly may be movably attached to the base of the housing.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present patent application, an apparatus for capping an open container includes: a housing configured to support a roll of film capping material; a feeding mechanism configured to convey a portion of the film capping material from the housing toward a dispensing position; and a sealing assembly attached to the housing and configured to present the film capping material for interacting with an open end of a container disposed proximate thereto. The sealing assembly is movable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position. The first position is associated with placement of an open container, and the second position is associated with establishing contact between the film of the capping material and the open end of the corresponding container. A handle can be attached to the sealing mechanism and pivotally attached to the housing to assist in transferring the sealing assembly between the first position and the second position to achieve a sealing operation.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present application, the housing includes a base and a cover. The cover can move relative to the base. When the cover is closed, most of the film material roll is arranged between the opposite walls of the cover. In addition, the feeding mechanism may include a mounting plate that supports the feed roller and is pivotally fixed to the base of the housing.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present patent application, the apparatus may include a marking system configured to generate a mark in the film. For example, the marking system may include a laser module.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present patent application, the device may include a blade oriented and movable to selectively perforate the membrane. The blade may be supported by a sealing assembly. The device may also include a bottom tray associated with the sealing assembly and a base associated with the housing. The bottom tray and / or the base may be formed by an injection molding process.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present patent application, a method of forming an open container film sealing assembly includes: providing a feed assembly supported by a base; and providing a cover that is movably engaged with the base so that the cover and the base substantially enclose the feed assembly. The feed assembly is configured to transfer film material from a film material batch roll to the sealing assembly. The cover and the base are configured to substantially enclose the batch roll when closed, and when the cover is opened relative to the base, a majority of at least one end of the batch roll is exposed to the atmosphere.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present patent application, a majority of each of the opposite ends of the bulk roll of film material can be exposed when the cover is opened. The method can include supporting a feed roll of a feed assembly with a feed cover. The feed cover can be pivotally connected to a base. The method can also include: movably connecting a sealing assembly to the base so that the sealing assembly can move in a vertical direction relative to the base.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present application, the method may include providing a cutter associated with the sealing assembly. The cutter is oriented to selectively partially or completely perforate the film material during sealing the open end of the container. The method may also include providing an engraving device configured to generate a mark in the film material. The engraving device may be a laser.

[0019] These and other aspects and purposes of the present patent application will be better understood and appreciated when considered in conjunction with the following description and accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the following description is given by way of illustration and not limitation when describing the preferred embodiments of the present patent application. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present patent application without departing from its essence, and the present invention includes all such modifications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] A clear concept of the advantages and features of the present invention, as well as the construction and operation of typical embodiments of the present invention, will become more readily apparent by reference to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification and in which like reference numerals indicate the same elements in the several views.

[0021] In the attached picture:

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a heat-sealed container closure system according to the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a feed assembly of a heat-sealing container closure system rotated relative to a housing or shell to an open or loaded orientation;

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of a feed assembly;

[0025] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a heat-sealing container closure system in a first position according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 It is located in the second position Figure 4 A perspective view of a heat-sealed container closure system;

[0027] Figure 6 and Figure 7 yes Figure 4 and Figure 5 a cross-sectional view of a container within a sealing assembly of a heat-sealed container closure system, wherein the sealing assembly is oriented in respective first and second positions relative to an open-top container associated therewith; and

[0028] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a heat-sealing container closure system according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] As embodied and generally described herein, the present patent application discloses various features of a closure system for heat shrinking a film onto an open-top container. The corresponding closure system includes a film drive or feed mechanism that is configured to dispense a film for interacting with the open-top container and allowing the film to be heat-sealed thereto.

[0030] Reference will now be made specifically to embodiments of the present patent application, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Although the following description relates to top-opening containers such as cups, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is equally applicable to other top-opening containers, including but not limited to food boxes and pharmaceutical containers.

[0031] Figure 1 A heat sealing capping device or system 40 according to one aspect of the present application is shown. According to the present application, as broadly described, the capping system 40 can include various connectable modular subassemblies such as a housing 42, a feed assembly 44 generally housed therein, and a sealing assembly 46 associated therewith.

[0032] The housing 42 includes a base 47 and a cover 48 pivotally connected to the base. The base 47 defines a chamber 50 that is configured to accommodate the feed assembly 44, at least a portion of a batch roll 52 of film material associated therewith, and the base 43. The film can be any film that will shrink in the presence of heat or radiant energy. For example, the film can be a plastic wrap film that has the ability to shrink when heated to a temperature close to the melting point of the film. These films are typically made of plastic resins such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC); polypropylene (PP); linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE); low density polyethylene (LDPE); high density polyethylene (HDPE); ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA); ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH); ionomers (e.g., SURLYN provided by EI duPont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Del. TM )); vinylidene chloride copolymers (e.g., PVDC, SARAN TM ("SARAN" is a trademark of The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Mich.); ethylene acrylic acid copolymer (EAA); polyamide (PA); polyester, polystyrene, nylon, and ethylene octene copolymer.

[0033] It should also be understood that the film can be a biaxially oriented thin shrink film having a thickness between 40 gauge and 120 gauge (1.02 mm to 3.05 mm). In another embodiment, the film can be a biaxially oriented thin shrink film having a thickness between 60 gauge and 100 gauge (1.52 mm to 2.54 mm). One film that has been used is the 75 gauge (1.91 mm) Clysar ABL polyolefin shrink film sold by Bemis Corporation (Minneapolis, Minn). Another film that has been used is the 75 gauge (1.91 mm) Clysar XLPT-1 15 polyolefin shrink film also sold by Bemis Corporation (Minneapolis, Minn). Another suitable shrink film can be made of polyvinyl chloride and sold under the trade name #2024 REYNOLON TMSold by Reynolds Metals Company (Richmond, Va). Suitable shrink films will be apparent to the skilled person. Any film recognized in the art will be suitable, such as 75 gauge (1.91 mm) Intertape Exfilm polyolefin shrink film. When used to cover food products, the film should be approved for food contact by the appropriate regulatory agency. In one embodiment, the film should have a width between about 3 inches and 12 inches. It should also be understood that the relative width associated with the desired film is customized or selected to fit the shape of the container below it is intended to be sealed to, and there is little or minimal waste associated with it. It should be understood that the examples provided above are exemplary only and do not all include suitable materials associated with the film material.

[0034] In order to ensure that the film fully shrinks when contacted by the corresponding energy signal, the film may include an energy absorbing material. Any energy absorbing material recognized in the art can be used. One or more energy absorbing materials can be used together with a single film. One or more materials can be applied to the film such as by printing, brushing, spraying, electrostatic coating, electrodeposition coating, flow coating, roller coating, dipping, or other methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art, or the material can be incorporated into the shrink film during the formation or manufacture of the shrink film. In some cases, such films may need to be specially treated to be more suitable for printing energy absorbing materials thereon, such as applying a charging electric field (called corona treatment), which is completed before printing to ensure the adhesion of the absorbing material and its carrier (if any). Other methods to promote the adhesion of the absorbing material include flame treatment or chemical primer coating. For other films, such as polyvinyl chloride shrink film, corona treatment is not necessary for acceptable printing results.

[0035] Although capable of use with membranes of various sizes, shapes, configurations, and responsive to various energy signals, cover 48 includes opposing side walls 54, 56 defining a cavity 58 therebetween. Hinge 60 is secured between base 47 and cover 48 such that cover 48 can rotate relative to and be supported by base 47 to generally rotate about an axis indicated by line 62, which is generally parallel to an axis associated with movement of cover 48 relative to base 47, indicated by line 64. It should be understood that axis 62 and axis 64 may be oriented in a cross orientation relative to one another and still achieve desired exposure or access to the cavity defined by housing 42. As shown in FIG. Figure 1As shown, when the cover 48 is oriented in the open position relative to the base 47, more than a small portion and preferably a large portion of the opposite ends 66, 68 associated with the rollers 52 are generally exposed to the atmosphere to accommodate more convenient loading of the closure system 40. The cover 48 may also include a handle 61 coupled to the side wall 54, the side wall 56 and / or the top wall 55 of the cover 48. The handle 61 is offset from the rotation axis 60 and allows a user to rotate the cover 48 between the respective open and closed positions.

[0036] In one embodiment, the cover 48 includes an open end 66 that is configured to generally align with a rearwardly facing surface 68 associated with the heel seal assembly 46 when the cover 48 is oriented in a closed position relative to the base 47. Figure 2 The seal assembly 46 is preferably configured to removably engage the housing 42 associated with the base 47. The opposite side panel associated with the base 47 has been removed from the Figure 2 Components are shown removed to improve visibility of the feed assembly 44 and base 43 .

[0037] The base 43 is disposed within the base 47 of the housing 42 and provides support for the feed assembly 44 when the feed assembly 44 is disposed within the housing 42. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The base 43 is illustrated as being completely disposed within the base 47, but it is contemplated that the base 43 may extend beyond the base 47. The base 43 includes a base floor 49 and at least one base side panel 45. The base floor 49 preferably extends between the walls of the housing 42 and provides support for the feed assembly 44. Each base side panel 45 is configured to extend generally perpendicular to the base floor 49 to provide further support and alignment for components of the feed assembly 44, as further described below. In one embodiment of the present invention, the base side panels 45 and the base floor 49 may be formed as a single injection molded component. It should also be understood that the side panels 45 and the base 49 may alternatively be formed as separate components connected to one another by any of interlocking joints and / or the use of supplemental fasteners, etc. As Figure 2 As shown, each base side panel 45 may be configured to partially cover a respective end or side 66 , 68 of the batch roller 52 .

[0038] The feed assembly 44 includes a feed cover 74 that supports a feed roller 76 that is associated with conveying film material 78 from the batch roller 52 toward the sealing assembly 46 during use of the system 40. It should be understood that in Figure 2 In the orientation shown, the feed roller 76 and its associated cover 74 are oriented in a loaded position relative to the housing 42 so that a user / operator can introduce an end 80 associated with the film material 78 into the space between the feed roller 76 and an opposing roller 82 associated with the feed assembly 44.

[0039] The feed cover 74 can be rotated relative to the housing 42 and the base 43 as shown by arrow 84 to be able to Figure 2 The system 40 is shown movable between a loading position and a dispensing or use position in which the feed roller 76 is oriented proximate to the opposing roller 82 and the film material 78 and the film material is configured to cooperate therewith to effectuate feeding of the film material 78 from the system 40 to effectuate the desired sealing of the corresponding open end of the container with which it is associated. Figure 3 , the orientation of the feed cover 74 in the use orientation associated with the operation of the system 40 allows the rollers 76, 82 to interact with each other so that the film 78 can be dispensed from the batch roll 52 in a direction toward the sealing assembly 46. When the cover 48, the feed roller 76 and the feed cover 74 are oriented in the use orientation associated with the operation of the system 40, the rollers 76, 82 can interact with each other so that the film 78 can be dispensed from the batch roll 52 in a direction toward the sealing assembly 46. Figure 2 When in the open orientation shown, a user may quickly and easily associate subsequent batch rollers 52 with the system 40 for subsequent use or continued sequential operation of the system 40 for a heat sealing operation.

[0040] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As further shown in FIG. 1 , the feed cover 74 may include a blade cover 75 extending from a lower surface 73 thereof. The lower surface 73 of the feed cover 74 is the surface adjacent to the membrane 78 within the feed assembly 44. In some embodiments of the present invention, a blade 77 may be disposed within the feed assembly 44 and may be disposed within the feed cover 74 when the feed cover 74 is in position. Figure 3 oriented along a vertical plane aligned with the blade cover 75 when in the orientation of use. The blade 77 is generally disposed below the film material 78 and is movable along the vertical plane to score or perforate the film material 78 to create an opening therein. It should be understood that the blade 77 may be provided in various forms and may be operable to completely penetrate or perforate the film 78, only partially penetrate the film 78, and / or form one or more serrations therein, wherein the serrations facilitate subsequent penetration of the film 78 by a straw, utensil, etc.

[0041] It is contemplated that embodiments of the present invention including blade 77 may also include blade cover 75, while embodiments of the present invention that replace blade 77 with fixed position blade 158, such as those described below with reference to Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown and described, a blade cover 75 may or may not be included. In other embodiments of the present invention, a blade 77 may be disposed above the film material 78 and may be movable along a vertical plane to score or perforate the film material 78 from above, rather than as shown in FIG. Figure 3 Shown is performed from below.

[0042] The feed cover 74 may also include a plurality of support brackets 71 extending from a lower surface 73 thereof and oriented parallel or substantially parallel to each other. Figure 2 Two (2) support brackets 71 are shown, but it is contemplated that any number of support brackets 71 may be used. Figure 2 As shown, support brackets 71 assist in supporting a feed roller 76 disposed therebetween.

[0043] It is also contemplated that the feed cover 74 and its sub-elements such as the support bracket 71 and the blade cover 75 can be a single integrated component formed by processes known in the art, such as, but not limited to, injection molding. In other embodiments of the present invention, one or more of the sub-elements of the feed cover 74 can be separable from each other and configured to be coupled to the feed cover 74.

[0044] The movability of roller 76 relative to roller 82 associated with feed assembly 44 facilitates convenient and rapid "dressing" of film material 78 relative to system 40 and the feeding mechanism associated therewith during initial dressing or reloading operations. It should also be understood that one or more of roller 76, roller 88, and / or one or more of support rollers 90, 92 associated with batch roll 52 can be powered and / or otherwise driven to achieve the desired unwinding, delivery, and / or tensioning of film material 78 relative to sealing assembly 46 for generally continuous operation of system 40 when batch roll 52 includes film material 78. It should also be understood that housing 42, feed assembly 44, and sealing assembly 46 can include one or more supplemental feed, support, guide, and / or tensioning rollers configured to achieve the desired translation of film material 78 during dispensing operations disclosed in the aforementioned prior art.

[0045] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A heat seal lidding device or system 100 according to another embodiment of the present patent application is shown. Unlike the seal assembly 46, the system 100 includes a seal assembly 101 that can translate relative to a housing or shell associated with a batch roll of heat seal material. The seal assembly 101 is coupled to a generally forward-facing surface 106 of a housing 103 that includes an entry panel 105 and a shell 108 associated therewith. In other embodiments of the present invention, the system 100 may include a housing having a selectively operable cover pivotally associated with a base, such as disclosed above with respect to the housing 42.

[0046] The sealing assembly 101 is configured to movably engage the housing 108 in a generally vertical direction indicated by arrow 110. The first rail 102 and the second rail 104 are fixed to the surface 106 of the housing 108 and are configured to allow the sealing assembly 101 to be moved in a manner associated with accommodating the placement of the open-ended container 114 relative thereto. Figure 4 106 and a second sealing application position 118 relative to the housing 108, wherein a film material associated therewith can sealingly engage the open end 116 of the container 114. In various embodiments of the present invention, more or less than two (2) rails can be secured to the surface 106.

[0047] The system 40 includes a handle 120 that allows a user to transfer the seal assembly 101 between the first position 112 and the second position 118. The handle 120 includes a plurality of arms 121, each of which has a similar shape and orientation so that they generally mirror images of each other. Each arm 121 is pivotally connected to the side-facing surface 109 of the housing 108 at a first end 122 of the arm 121. The handle 120 also includes a gripping portion 124 that extends in a generally perpendicular manner between a second, generally opposite end 123 of each arm 121. The seal assembly 101 includes a protrusion 128 that extends in an outward lateral direction relative to the axis 110 and slidably cooperates with a guide or channel 130 formed along the arm 121. The protrusion 128 and the channel 130 are shaped to accommodate generally vertical rotation of the handle 120 relative to the housing 108 (as indicated by arrow 134 ) while allowing substantially vertical translation of the seal assembly 101 along the axis 110 relative to the container 114 .

[0048] When the user pushes on the grip 124 in a generally downward direction to lower the seal assembly 101, the handle 120 rotates in a generally counterclockwise direction about the first end 122 of the arm 121 while the protrusion 128 travels from the first end 129 of the channel 130 toward the second end 131 of the channel 130. When the user interacts with the grip 124 to raise the seal assembly 101, the handle 120 is configured to rotate in a generally clockwise direction about the first end 122 of the arm 121 while the protrusion 128 travels in a direction away from the second end 131 of the channel 130 toward the first end 129 of the channel 130. It should also be understood that the system 100 may include a biasing device associated with the handle 120 such that after a sealing operation, when the downward bias associated with the user's interaction with the handle 120 is removed therefrom, the handle 120 returns to the "ready to seal" or first position 112.

[0049] Regardless of the method used to return to the "ready to seal" in connection with the user's interaction with the handle 120, the substantially vertical translation of the sealing assembly 100 ensures that the desired interaction is achieved between the underside 140 of the sealing assembly 100 and the open end 116 of the container 114 during the sealing operation. As described above, in a preferred aspect, when no pressure is applied to the handle 120, the sealing assembly 100 is biased toward the upwardly oriented "ready to seal" position 112. In another preferred aspect, a signal is provided indicating that an acceptable seal has been generated. It should be understood that such a signal can be one or more of visual, tactile and / or audible.

[0050] The generally slidable association between the sealing assembly 101 and the base or housing 108 also provides a variable distance between the underside 140 of the sealing assembly 100 and the foot or support assembly 144 associated therewith, as indicated by dimension 142. Such a configuration allows the system 100 to provide sealable interaction with containers having a variety of sizes and shapes while maintaining a desired interaction between the sealing assembly 101 and the corresponding open end 116 of the corresponding container associated therewith.

[0051] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Another aspect of the seal assembly 101 is shown. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The sealing assembly 101 preferably includes a selectively engageable but fixedly positioned blade 158 that is specifically implemented to form a weakened area and / or partially or completely score or perforate the film material 78 during the sealing operation. When configured to perforate the film material 78, the blade 158 creates an opening therein. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the vertical introduction of the sealing assembly 46 into the container 114 provides interaction between the membrane material 78, the open end of the container 114, and the energy emitting device 161 to achieve the sealing process. Figure 6 As shown, the positional association of the container 114 and the opening 150 associated with the underside 140 of the sealing assembly 100 seals the film material 78 to an upper peripheral edge 152 of the container 114 .

[0052] See also Figure 7, vertical translation of the container 114, the blade 158, and / or the sealing assembly 101 relative to a plane associated with the film material 78 allows the blade 158 to score or perforate the film material 78 associated with the container 114 to score or form perforations associated therewith. It should be understood that such scores or perforations can be shaped to accommodate the passage of tools such as straws, utensils, etc. into the space defined by the container 114. It should be understood that such openings and / or partial penetrations can have other shapes and / or be configured for use with other tools and can be provided in conjunction with various methods of forming an opening in the film 78 during the sealing operation or forming a line of weakness suitable for subsequent formation of a perforation or opening associated with access to the contents of the sealed container.

[0053] See also Figure 8 According to another aspect of the present patent application, a heat sealing lidding device or system 200 is shown and is directed to improving the multi-use characteristics associated with the formation and use of the lidding system 200. As shown therein, the system 200 preferably includes an interchangeable tray 202 that defines an opening 204 of a sealing system 206, similar to Figure 4-Figure 7 The opening 150 of the sealing system 101 is shown. Figure 8 As shown, the tray 202 may have a generally C-shaped profile, with both the top wall 203 and the bottom wall 205 overhanging at least one of the side walls 207 of the tray 202 , and with the opening 204 generally defined in the bottom wall 205 .

[0054] It is contemplated that the tray 202 may be provided in a variety of configurations other than the generally C-shaped profile described above. Preferably, the tray 202, one or more of the panels 208, 210, 212, 214, 216, 218 associated with the formation of the housing 220, and the base 222 are formed of injection molded plastic material. It should be appreciated that such a configuration reduces the costs associated with formation and improves the multi-purpose nature of the system 40, 100, 200 as compared to prior art appliances, wherein the system 40, 100, 200 may be quickly, efficiently, and economically constructed to provide heat sealing operations with containers having a variety of shapes and sizes. It should be noted that the side panels 214, top panel 216, and lid 221 are formed in a plurality of ways. Figure 8 220 is illustrated as transparent to improve visibility of the feeding assembly 221 and the base 222 disposed within the housing 220.

[0055] With respect to tray 202, it should also be appreciated that opening 204 may be provided in a variety of shapes and contours specific to the shape of an underlying container, such as container 114, such as Figure 4-Figure 7As shown, for the desired interaction of the corresponding container with the sealing assembly 206. Such considerations reduce the cost associated with forming the system 200 and the convenience that the discrete corresponding system 200 can be configured to accommodate and / or provide sealing interaction with containers having alternative shapes and / or sizes. For example, it should be understood that the system 200 can be provided with a plurality of trays 202, wherein each tray includes an opening 204 that is sized and shaped to cooperate with a discrete group of containers, which are sized and shaped to cooperate with the discrete openings 204 and interact with the heat sealing system 200 in the manner described above.

[0056] Although the above elements are described as being components of a particular system 40, 100, 200, it is contemplated that other embodiments of the present invention may include one or more of the discrete elements of each of the plurality of discrete heat sealing systems 40, 100, 200 described above. For example, the present invention contemplates including a heat seal having Figure 4 The sealing assembly 101 Figure 1 It should be understood that the discrete elements described above with respect to the container closure systems 40, 100, 200 are not mutually exclusive of each other.

[0057] Another aspect of the present patent application relates to providing a mark or other indicia associated with the contents of a discrete container during the sealing process. In one aspect, the film material 78 is provided to be or include a layer that is responsive to laser energy. The laser can be supported by any of the housing 42, the feed assembly 44, or the sealing assembly 46 and positioned adjacent to the film material 78 so that the laser energy can regulate or generate the desired mark in the film material. In a preferred aspect, the mark can be designed, specified, or selected by a user or operator of the system 40 and provides an indication of the contents and / or origin of the sealed container produced by the container capping system 40, 100, 200. Although the above reference Figure 1-Figure 3 The system 40 shown is described, but it should be understood that the marking forming system can also be included in Figure 4-Figure 7 The system 100 and / or Figure 8 In the system 200 shown.

[0058] Container capping systems 40, 100 and 200 provide an assembly that can be economically produced and deployed. System 40 also simplifies the capping film material loading operation compared to known systems. Systems 100 and 200 also provide a capping system that can be used with containers of various sizes, shapes and blind opening sizes, shapes and configurations associated therewith. Systems 40, 100 and 200 also provide a more economical and easier to maintain logo and perforation generation subassembly.

[0059] Other embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art by consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein.The specification and examples provided herein are intended to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the present invention are indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A system for heat shrinking a film onto an open top container, the system comprising: a feed mechanism configured to cause film material to be advanced from a film material roll to a dispensing position, wherein the feed mechanism includes a feed cover and a feed roller, wherein the feed cover supports the feed roller, the feed cover and the feed roller being movable between a use position and a loading position, wherein when in the loading position, the feed roller is spaced apart from an opposing roller to receive an end of the film material to be passed between the feed roller and the opposing roller in order to load the film material; a sealing assembly proximate the dispensing position and configured to allow contact between the film material and the open end of the container in operation, wherein the sealing assembly is configured to move in a vertical direction between a first ready position associated with an adapted placement of the container relative to the sealing assembly and a second seal application position relative to the housing in which the film material can be sealingly engaged with the open end of the container; and The housing has a base and a cover, wherein the cover of the housing is movably connected to the base and overlaps at least a portion of the end of the film material roll, wherein the feed cover is pivotally connected to the base of the housing, and wherein the feed cover is located vertically above the base in the use position.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The sealing assembly is configured to perforate the membrane, and the formed perforations are configured to allow an implement to pass through an area defined by the perforations.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The sealing assembly includes a selectively engageable but fixedly positioned blade configured to form a weakened area and / or partially or completely score or perforate the membrane material during a sealing operation.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The roll of film material is supported by one or more support rollers.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising a laser configured to print a logo on the film.

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