System and method for sealing a plastic housing

Abstract

A method and apparatus for sealing a plastic enclosure is provided. The apparatus includes a handle comprising elements pivotally connected together at a first end. The apparatus further includes a pair of spaced-apart heating elements positioned along an inner surface of the elements and connected with a power source, wherein a longitudinal axis of the heating elements is oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elements. A plastic material comprising first and second plastic layers is positioned at an interface between the second elements. The heating elements are configured to melt the plastic material at the interface to melt the plastic material and form a pair of spaced-apart seals between the first and second plastic layers.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 16 / 803,847, filed February 27, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 812,372, filed March 1, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Standard packaging can be used for temporary storage of condiments, snacks, or personal items. For example, there are currently plastic containers (e.g.) These are used for temporary storage of such products. In addition, there are regular bags (e.g.) (This is for temporary storage of such products.) Summary of the Invention

[0004] A technique for sealing plastic casings is provided for use in transporting a range of products, including condiments, snacks, or personal items. The inventors noted that conventional heat sealers are characterized by a single heating element on both the top and bottom components of the heat sealer, which seals a relatively wide opening. The inventors of the present invention recognize that these conventional heat sealers have disadvantages, including that they are limited to sealing or resealing plastic casings, even though (e.g., after some of the contents of the casing have been consumed) there is a certain amount of empty space inside the casing. Furthermore, conventional heat sealers are limited in the heating method of the heating element (e.g., always on or always open when the heat sealer is off). Therefore, conventional heat sealers often overheat (e.g., because they are typically always on after being plugged into a power outlet). Moreover, conventional heat sealers are limited by the fact that heating elements are typically located at the top and bottom of the device. Additionally, conventional heat sealers are limited in size (e.g., relatively bulky), thus limiting their applications. Specifically, conventional heat sealers are not portable (e.g., hand-held size) but rather heavy / bulky, thus limiting their uses (e.g., use on surfaces that support the heavy / bulky heat sealer). Furthermore, because conventional heat sealers are always on (or always on when the heat sealer is off), they provide no indication to the user once a seal has been formed in the plastic material, forcing the user to guess when to open the seal and remove the plastic.

[0005] Therefore, the inventors of this invention have developed an improved system for sealing plastic casings that addresses the aforementioned drawbacks. To overcome the limited ability to seal / reseal plastic casings with empty spaces, in one embodiment, the inventors have developed an improved heat-sealing machine capable of resealing the plastic casing after some contents have been removed (e.g., some leftover potato chips), followed by trimming away excess plastic material not needed for sealing the remaining contents. This advantageously allows users not only to form the plastic casing for the contents (e.g., food such as potato chips), but also to subsequently reseal and trim away excess plastic casing after some contents have been removed / eaten. To overcome the limited methods of heating the heating element in conventional sealing machines (e.g., always on or always open when the sealing machine is off), in one embodiment, the inventors have developed an improved heat-sealing machine with one or more control devices (e.g., a lock for locking the sealing element in a closed position and / or a switch for manually pressing to activate the heating element), providing the user with greater control over the sealing of various plastic casings. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the inventors have developed an improved heat sealing machine that automatically stops heating the heating element if its temperature exceeds a temperature threshold. (Refer to 1-6 here for a general explanation of how these drawbacks are addressed). This advantageously provides safety features not found in conventional heat sealing machines (e.g., prevention of overheating of the heating element). Additionally, to overcome the disadvantages of conventional heat sealing machines with heating elements on both the top and bottom elements, in another embodiment, the inventors have developed an improved heat sealing machine that can operate with one or more heating elements on its top or bottom element, thereby saving energy and / or manufacturing costs.

[0006] Furthermore, to overcome the bulkiness of conventional heat sealers, in one embodiment, the inventors have developed an improved heat sealer that is portable / handheld (e.g., weighing below a certain weight threshold for portability / handheld use) and / or has one or more flat surfaces so that it can be used on flat surfaces (e.g., tables) when needed. Thus, the improved heat sealer not only provides portability / handheld capability but also the flexibility to use on flat surfaces (e.g., tables). Moreover, to address the problem that conventional heat sealers cannot indicate to the user when a seal has formed in the plastic material, in one embodiment, the inventors have developed an improved heat sealer that provides an indicator (e.g., an indicator light) that indicates to the user when a seal has formed in the plastic material. This advantageously simplifies the operation of the heat sealer, eliminating the need for the user to guess when a seal has formed in the plastic material.

[0007] In a first embodiment, an apparatus for sealing a plastic material housing is provided. The apparatus includes a pair of elements pivotally connected together at a first end of each element. The apparatus also includes a pair of spaced-apart heating elements positioned along the inner surface of at least one element and connected to a power source, wherein the longitudinal axis of the heating elements is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elements. The pair of spaced-apart heating elements melts the plastic material comprising a first plastic layer and a second plastic layer at the interface between the pair of elements, forming a seal between the first and second plastic layers.

[0008] In a second embodiment, an apparatus for sealing a plastic material housing is provided. The apparatus includes a pair of elements pivotally connected together at a first end of the elements. The apparatus also includes a pair of spaced-apart heating elements positioned along the inner surface of at least one element and connected to a power source. The apparatus further includes a cutting element positioned at the inner surface of one element and configured to move relative to the inner surface of the element, thereby cutting the plastic material along an interface adjacent to the seal. The pair of spaced-apart heating elements melt the plastic material comprising a first plastic layer and a second plastic layer at the interface between the pair of elements, forming a pair of spaced-apart seals between the first and second plastic layers.

[0009] In a third embodiment, a method for sealing a plastic material housing is provided. The method includes placing a plastic material comprising a first plastic layer and a second plastic layer at an interface having a first orientation between the pair of elements. The method further includes pivoting the pair of elements from an open position to a closed position and increasing the temperature of the pair of spaced-apart heating elements at the interface to melt the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer. The method further includes forming a pair of spaced-apart first seals between the first and second plastic layers based on the melting of the first and second plastic layers. The method further includes filling the plastic material housing with contents through an opening in the plastic material and positioning the plastic material comprising the first and second plastic layers at the interface having the first orientation. The method further includes pivoting the pair of elements from an open position to a closed position and increasing the temperature of the heating elements at the interface to melt the first and second plastic layers. The method further includes forming a pair of spaced-apart second seals between the first and second plastic layers based on the melting of the first and second plastic layers, wherein the plastic material housing is formed between the first and second seals.

[0010] Other aspects, features, and advantages will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of only a few specific embodiments and implementations, including the best mode for carrying out the invention. Other embodiments also possess different features and advantages, and their details can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the drawings and description should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in nature. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings by way of example and not limitation, wherein similar reference numerals refer to similar elements, and wherein:

[0012] Figure 1A This is an example of a perspective view illustrating a system for sealing a plastic material housing in an open position according to one embodiment;

[0013] Figure 1B This illustrates an embodiment of the... Figure 1A An example of a cross-sectional view taken from line 1B-1B;

[0014] Figure 1C This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 1A An example image of a cross-sectional view of the first element of the system;

[0015] Figure 1D This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 1A An example image of a perspective end view of the first element of the system;

[0016] Figure 1E This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 1A An example image of a top view of the second element of the system;

[0017] Figure 1F This is an example of a perspective view illustrating a system for sealing a plastic material housing in an open position according to one embodiment;

[0018] Figure 1G This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 1F An example image of a side view of the second element of the system;

[0019] Figure 1H The image is an example of a perspective view showing several pairs of second elements of different sizes according to one embodiment;

[0020] Figure 2A This is an example image showing a perspective view of a bracket mounted on a flat surface according to one embodiment;

[0021] Figure 2B This illustrates installation according to one embodiment. Figure 2A The bracket Figure 1A An example image of a side view of the system;

[0022] Figure 2C This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 1A The system and Figure 2A An example image of an exploded view of a scaffold;

[0023] Figure 2D This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 1A The system and its installation on a flat surface Figure 2A An example image of a 3D view of a support structure;

[0024] Figure 2E This illustrates installation according to one embodiment. Figure 2A The bracket is in the open position. Figure 1A An example image of a three-dimensional diagram of the system;

[0025] Figure 2F This illustrates an embodiment in Figure 2E An example image of a side view of the multi-roll plastic material used in the system;

[0026] Figure 2G This illustrates straw material and its use according to one embodiment. Figure 2E An example image showing a top view of the system forming multiple capsules in straw material;

[0027] Figure 2H This illustrates an embodiment in Figure 2E An example image of a stereoscopic diagram of the multi-roll plastic material used in the system;

[0028] Figure 3A This illustrates a method according to one embodiment. Figure 5A A block diagram illustrating an example of a sealed three-dimensional structure formed by a system in a plastic material;

[0029] Figure 3B Yes, it is shown according to one embodiment Figure 3A A block diagram illustrating an example of a sealed three-dimensional view;

[0030] Figure 3C This illustrates a method according to one embodiment. Figure 5A A block diagram illustrating an example of a three-dimensional view of a system forming a second seal in a plastic material;

[0031] Figure 3D This illustrates the use of a system according to one embodiment in forming a plastic material. Figure 3C An example image of the second seal in a three-dimensional view;

[0032] Figure 3E This illustrates the use of the system according to one embodiment to form Figure 3C An example image of the second seal in a three-dimensional view;

[0033] Figure 3F This is an example image showing a top view of a plastic material housing including a first seal and a second seal according to one embodiment;

[0034] Figure 3G This is a block diagram illustrating an example top view of a plastic material housing including an internal seal between a first seal and a second seal according to one embodiment.

[0035] Figure 3H-3J This is a block diagram illustrating an example top view of the plastic material casing after the contents have been removed and the casing has been resealed to remove excess plastic material, according to one embodiment.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for sealing a plastic material housing according to one embodiment;

[0037] Figure 5A This is an example image showing a perspective view of a system for sealing a plastic material housing in a closed position according to one embodiment;

[0038] Figure 5B This illustrates the open position according to one embodiment. Figure 5A An example image of a three-dimensional diagram of the system;

[0039] Figure 5C This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 5B An example image of a three-dimensional diagram of a system, wherein a cutting element slides from a first end into a slot at a second end of one of the elements;

[0040] Figure 5D This illustrates a horizontal surface according to one embodiment. Figure 5A An example image of a side view of the system;

[0041] Figure 5E This illustrates the open position according to one embodiment. Figure 5A An example image of a side view of the system;

[0042] Figure 5F This illustrates the open position according to one embodiment. Figure 5A An example image of a top-view stereoscopic view of the system;

[0043] Figure 5G This illustrates the closed position according to one embodiment. Figure 5AAn example image of a top-view stereoscopic view of the system;

[0044] Figure 5H This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 5A A block diagram illustrating an example of the electrical connection between the heating element and the power supply within the system;

[0045] Figure 6A This is an example image showing a side view of a system for sealing a plastic material housing in an open position, according to one embodiment;

[0046] Figure 6B This illustrates the closed position according to one embodiment. Figure 6A An example image of a side view of the system;

[0047] Figure 6C This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 6A An example image of a plan view of the inner surface of a component of a system;

[0048] Figure 6D This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 6A An example image of a top view of the system;

[0049] Figure 7A and 7B This illustrates the use according to one embodiment. Figure 5A An example image of a system forming a sealed stereoscopic image in a plastic material;

[0050] Figure 7C and 7D This illustrates the use according to one embodiment. Figure 5A An example image of a side view showing how a system forms a seal in a plastic material;

[0051] Figure 7E and 7F This illustrates the use according to one embodiment. Figure 5A An image illustrating an example of a three-dimensional representation of a system forming a second seal in a plastic material;

[0052] Figure 7G This illustrates the use according to one embodiment. Figure 5A An example image of a system forming a three-dimensional diagram of an internal seal within a plastic material;

[0053] Figure 8A This is an example image of a perspective view illustrating a system for sealing a plastic material housing in an open position according to one embodiment;

[0054] Figure 8B This illustrates the closed position according to one embodiment. Figure 8A An example image of a side view of the system;

[0055] Figure 8C This illustrates an embodiment of the... Figure 8B An example of a cross-sectional view taken from the 8C-8C line;

[0056] Figure 8D This illustrates the open position according to one embodiment. Figure 8A An example image of a side view of the system;

[0057] Figure 8E This illustrates the open position according to one embodiment. Figure 8A An example image of a three-dimensional diagram of the system;

[0058] Figure 8F This illustrates the closed position according to one embodiment. Figure 8A An example image of a side view of the system;

[0059] Figure 8G This illustrates the closed position according to one embodiment. Figure 8F An example image of a partial cross-sectional view of the system;

[0060] Figure 8H This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 8F An example image of a top view of the system;

[0061] Figure 9A This is an example image showing a plan view of the inner surface of an element of a system for sealing a plastic material housing according to one embodiment;

[0062] Figure 9B This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 9A An example image of the heating element of the system;

[0063] Figure 9C This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 9A An example image of a side-view stereoscopic view of the system's components;

[0064] Figure 9D This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 9C An example image of the system's buttons and cut elements;

[0065] Figure 9E-9G This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 9C An example image of a top-down view of the system;

[0066] Figure 9H This illustrates an embodiment in Figure 9E-9G A block diagram illustrating an example of the electrical connection between the heating element and the power supply within the system;

[0067] Figure 10A This is an image illustrating an example side view of a plastic material housing comprising a pair of spaced-apart first seals and a pair of spaced-apart second seals according to one embodiment;

[0068] Figure 10B This is an image showing an example of a front view of a plastic material housing including a pair of spaced-apart first seals and a pair of spaced-apart second seals according to one embodiment;

[0069] Figure 10C This is an image showing an example front plan view of a plastic material housing including a pair of spaced-apart first seals and a pair of spaced-apart second seals according to one embodiment, wherein there is a gap between the first seals and the second seals;

[0070] Figure 10D This illustrates, according to one embodiment, a liquid-containing container after the liquid inside the extruded casing. Figure 10C Example images of the intervals;

[0071] Figure 10E This is an image showing an example of a front view of a plastic material housing according to one embodiment, including a pair of spaced-apart internal seals to form a plurality of inner housings within the housing;

[0072] Figure 10F This is a block diagram illustrating an example top view of a plastic material housing including an internal seal spaced apart between a first seal and a second seal, according to one embodiment.

[0073] Figure 10G This is a block diagram illustrating an example top view of a plastic material housing according to one embodiment, including seals spaced apart along a first width of the housing and seals spaced apart along a second width of the housing.

[0074] Figure 11A-11G These are example images showing various views of a system for sealing a plastic material housing according to one embodiment;

[0075] Figure 11H-11M These are example images illustrating various views of a system for sealing contents within a housing, according to one embodiment;

[0076] Figure 12A-12L These are example images showing various views of a system for sealing a plastic material housing according to one embodiment;

[0077] Figure 13A-13I These are example images showing various views of a system for sealing a plastic material housing according to one embodiment;

[0078] Figure 13J-13OThis illustrates a method for sealing the contents within a housing according to one embodiment. Figure 13A Examples of images showing various views of the system;

[0079] Figure 13P-13R This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 13A Examples of images of various views of the system, where Figure 13A The system features a retaining clip to help vacuum seal the contents inside the housing;

[0080] Figure 14A-14F This illustrates a method for sealing the contents within a bottle casing according to one embodiment. Figure 13A Examples of images of various views of the system; and

[0081] Figures 15A-15E This illustrates a method for sealing the contents within a container shell according to one embodiment. Figure 13A Examples of images showing various views of the system. Detailed Implementation

[0082] A method and apparatus for sealing a plastic material housing are described. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth for illustrative purposes to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and apparatuses are shown in block diagram form to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention.

[0083] While the numerical ranges and parameters described are approximate, the numerical values ​​presented in the specific, non-limiting examples are reported as precisely as possible. However, any numerical value inherently contains some error, which is necessarily due to the standard deviation found in their respective test measurements at the time of writing. Furthermore, unless explicitly stated in the context, the numerical values ​​presented herein have an implicit precision given by the least significant digit. Thus, the value 1.1 means a value from 1.05 to 1.15. The term “about” is used to indicate a wider range centered on a given value, meaning a wider range around the least significant digit unless explicitly stated in the context; for example, “about 1.1” means a range from 1.0 to 1.2. If the least significant digit is not specified, the term “about” means twice; for example, “about X” means a value ranging from 0.5X to 2X, and for example, about 100 means a value ranging from 50 to 200. Furthermore, all ranges disclosed herein should be understood to encompass any and all subranges contained herein. For example, the range of "less than 10" can include any and all subranges between the minimum value 0 and the maximum value 10 (and inclusive of 0 and 10), that is, any and all subranges where the minimum value is equal to or greater than 0 and the maximum value is equal to or less than 10, for example, 1-4. Furthermore, the term "orthogonal" is used to indicate that the angle between two directions is within 90 degrees ± 10 degrees or within the range of 90 degrees ± 20 degrees. Additionally, the term "parallel" is used to indicate that the angle between two directions is within the range of 0 degrees ± 10 degrees or within the range of 0 degrees ± 20 degrees.

[0084] The following describes some embodiments of the invention within the context of a sealed plastic material shell. For the purposes of this description, "shell" refers to an enclosed volume (e.g., a rectangular volume) defined by a plastic material. In other embodiments, "shell" refers to an enclosed volume defined by a non-plastic material, such as plastic and polyester film materials. In some embodiments, the shell is defined by one or more seals in the plastic material, wherein the seals are formed between layers of plastic material and define one or more boundaries of the shell. In some embodiments, the shell is a plastic bag defined by one or more seals in the plastic material, wherein the plastic material comprises a first plastic layer and a second plastic layer. In other embodiments, the shell is defined as a sub-shell or sub-volume within a larger shell, for example, an internal volume or sub-shell within a plastic bag, which is formed between two internal seals or between an internal seal and a seal at one end or side of the bag. In other embodiments, the shell is a capsule defined by one or more seals in the plastic material, the plastic material being a straw, such as a plastic straw. However, the invention is not limited to this context. For the purposes of this description, "plastic material" refers to a multi-layered material made of plastic. In some embodiments, the plastic material comprises a first plastic layer and a second plastic layer sealed along opposite sides. In other embodiments, the plastic material is a plastic straw. For the purposes of this description, "portable" means a device that can be carried by a person, such as one that can be placed in a standard handbag, and / or one that can be operated while being carried by a person. In some embodiments, "portable" means using the device while being carried by a person to perform each step of a method for sealing a plastic casing. In some embodiments, "portable" means that the maximum dimensions (e.g., length, width, height) of the device are no greater than about 6 inches to about 12 inches. In other embodiments, "portable" means that the maximum dimensions (e.g., length, width, height) of the device are no greater than about 4 inches to about 14 inches. In other embodiments, "portable" means that the weight of the device is no greater than about 8 ounces to about 12 ounces. In other embodiments, "portable" means that the weight of the device is no greater than about 4 ounces to about 14 ounces and / or no greater than about 2 ounces to about 28 ounces and / or no greater than about 2 ounces to about 56 ounces. In other embodiments, "portable" means that the device does not require an external power source and can therefore be powered by an internal power source (e.g., a rechargeable battery).

[0085] Figure 1AThis is an example image illustrating a perspective view of a system 100 for sealing a plastic material housing in an open position according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, the system 100 is portable. In one embodiment, the system 100 is portable and can therefore be placed in a handbag (e.g., a women's handbag). The system 100 includes a handle 113 having a pair of first elements 102a, 102b pivotally connected at one end of the elements 102a, 102b. In one embodiment, the first elements 102a, 102b are pivotally connected together at a hinge 103. In one embodiment, the first elements 102a, 102b are made of a plastic material. In another embodiment, the first elements 102a, 102b are made of a heat-resistant or insulating substrate material (e.g., ceramic, silicone, silicone rubber, etc.).

[0086] System 100 also includes a pair of second elements 104a, 104b, which are detachably connected to the second ends of the first elements 102a, 102b, such that the second elements 104a, 104b extend together with the first elements 102a, 102b, as... Figure 2B As shown. In some embodiments, the second elements 104a, 104b are made of the same material as the first elements 102a, 102b. In one embodiment, the first elements 102a, 102b and the second elements 104a, 104b are integrally connected as a pair of elements pivotally connected at hinge 103. Figure 1H This is an example image showing a perspective view of several pairs of second elements 104 of different sizes according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, the second element pairs 104a, 104b have a larger size for sealing larger plastic material 136 (e.g., a 6” wide bag), the second element pairs 104a', 104b' have a medium size for sealing plastic material 136 of a medium size (e.g., a 3” wide bag), and the second elements 104a”, 104b” have a small size for sealing plastic material 136 of a small size (e.g., a straw).

[0087] In some embodiments, the heating element 106 is positioned along the inner surface of one of the second elements 104a, 104b. In one embodiment, the heating element 106 is positioned only along the inner surface of one of the second elements 104a, 104b, and no heating element is positioned along the inner surface of the other second element 104a, 104b. In this embodiment, the sponge material 107 ( Figure 2EThe heating element 106 is positioned along the inner surface of another second element 104a. In an example embodiment, the sponge material 107 is a heat-resistant sponge-like material (e.g., silicone). In other embodiments, the heating element 106 is positioned along the inner surfaces of the two second elements 104a, 104b. In some embodiments, the heating element 106 has a flat planar surface. In other embodiments, the heating element has a curled surface including one or more ridges. In one embodiment, the ridges of the curled surface form multiple sealing interfaces in the plastic material 136 above the seal. Figure 1F This is an image illustrating an example of a heating element 106' including a coiled surface with multiple ridges. In some embodiments, the coiled surface is made of a ceramic-coated material. Figure 1G This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 1F An example image of a side view of the second element 104 of the system. The sponge material 107 and the cutting element 111 are also shown. Figure 1G middle.

[0088] Heating element 106 is connected to a power source. In some embodiments, the first element pair 102a, 102b includes a first connector 112 electrically connected to the power source, and the second element pair 104a, 104b includes a second connector 114 electrically connected to the heating element 106. In an example embodiment, the first connector 112 is a male connector and the second connector 114 is a female connector. In other embodiments, the first connector 112 is a female connector and the second connector 114 is a male connector. In other embodiments, connectors 112, 114 other than male / female connectors may be used to electrically connect elements 102a, 102b to elements 104a, 104b. When the first connector 112 and the second connector 114 are connected, the heating element 116 is electrically connected to the power source.

[0089] In some embodiments, the power supply is an internal power supply housed within the system 100. In one embodiment, the internal power supply is housed in one of the first elements 102a, 102b. Figure 1C This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 1A An example image of a cross-sectional view of the first element 102b of system 100. In one embodiment, the first element 102b includes a compartment 116 to house a power source (e.g., one or more battery cells 118). In an example embodiment, two AA-grade batteries 118 are housed in the compartment 116. In other embodiments, the power source is an external power source and one of the first elements 102a, 102b is connected to the external power source. Figure 1D This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 1AAn example image of a perspective end view of the first element 102a of system 100. In one embodiment, the first element 102a includes an electrical inlet (e.g., a USB port 122) for connecting to an external power source. In other embodiments, the USB port 122 is used to charge an internal power source (e.g., a battery 118), which serves as the power source for the heating element 106.

[0090] The system 100 also includes a cutting element 111 positioned along the inner surface of the second element 104a. Figure 1E This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 1A An example image of a top view of the second element 104a of the system.

[0091] In some embodiments, the second element 104a includes a groove 112 to slidably receive a cutting element. In these embodiments, the outer surface of the second element 104a includes a button 108 (with an optional button recess 109) slidably received in a recess 110, wherein the button 108 is connected to the cutting element 111 via the groove 112. In other embodiments, the recess 110 is not provided and the button 108 is configured to slide along the outer surface of the second element 104a. When a user slides the button 108 along the recess 110, the cutting element 111 slides along the inner surface of the second element 104a.

[0092] During operation of system 100, the first elements 102a and 102b are initially positioned in open position 101. Figure 1A In the first element 102a, 102b, there is an angle between them. In some embodiments, the open position 101 is the default position of the first element 102a, 102b, such that the first element 102a, 102b are in the open position 101 when no external force is applied. Figure 2B It shows that it is in the open position 101. Figure 1A An example image of a side view of system 100. In some embodiments, the first element 102a and the second element 104a extend together such that they share a common longitudinal axis 135a, and the first element 102b and the second element 104b extend together such that they share a common longitudinal axis 135b. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the rotation axis 134 of the first elements 102a and 102b (perpendicular to...) Figure 2B The plane is approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal axes 135a and 135b.

[0093] The plastic material, including the first and second plastic layers, is initially located at the interface between the second elements 104a and 104b. In some embodiments, the plastic material is located between the heating element 106 and the sponge material 107. Then, the pair of first elements 102a and 102b are pivoted about hinge 103 to move the system 100 from the open position 101. Figure 1A Move to the closed position 103 ( Figure 1B To facilitate moving the system from the open position 101 to the closed position 103, in some embodiments, the heating element 106 includes a slot 140. Figure 2E The cutting element is slidably accommodated on the inner surface of the second element 104a. In some embodiments, in the closed position 103, the heating element 106 moves within a threshold distance of the sponge material 107. Although Figure 2E A slot 140 is depicted along the heating element 106, but in other embodiments, the slot 140 is spaced apart from the heating element 106 along the inner surface of the element 104a.

[0094] In some embodiments, the user holds the system 100 in their hand (e.g., operates it manually). In other embodiments, the system 100 is used without being held by the user (e.g., hands-free operation). In these embodiments, the system 100 is mounted to a bracket 128, and the bracket 128 is mounted to a flat surface (e.g., a counter).

[0095] Figure 2A This is an example image showing a perspective view of a bracket 128 mounted to a horizontal surface (e.g., counter 132) according to one embodiment. The bracket 128 is mounted on the counter 132. In one embodiment, the bracket 128 is mounted to the counter 132 by a pair of suction cups 130a, 130b. Each suction cup 130 includes a base secured to the counter 132 and a connector portion received in a corresponding opening in the bracket 128. Figure 2C-2D The bracket 128 includes a pair of mating keys 126a and 126b. Figure 2A Furthermore, the first element 102b includes a pair of keyholes sized to slidably receive mating keys 126a, 126b into a locking position to securely mount the first element 102a, 102b onto the bracket 128. Figure 2B The image depicts first elements 102a and 102b, second elements 104a and 104b, and bracket 128, which are securely mounted to bracket 128 and counter 132.

[0096] Figure 5A-5GThese are example images illustrating different views of a system 100' for sealing a plastic material housing according to one embodiment. Apart from the features discussed herein, system 100' is similar to the system 100 discussed above. Unlike system 100, which has a pair of first elements 102 and a pair of second elements 104 connected to the pair of first elements 102 using connectors 112, 114, system 100' includes a pair of elements 105a, 105b. In one embodiment, element 105a integrates elements 102a and 104a, and element 105b integrates elements 102b and 104b. Furthermore, slot 112 and button 108 are arranged in the second element 104a (… Figure 1E Unlike the system 100 near the width center, in one embodiment, system 100' has a slot 112' and a button 108, the slot 112' and the button 108 being offset by a distance 188 from the center 189 of the width of element 105a. Figure 6D Therefore, the cutting element 111 (located in the slot 112') is offset by a gap 188 from the center 189 of the width of element 105a. In one embodiment, the gap 188 is about 1 / 8” or in the range of about 1 / 16” to about 1 / 4” or in the range of about 1 / 32” to about 1 / 2” or in the range of about 1 / 64” to about 1”. In other embodiments, the slot 112' and the button 108 are centered along the center 189 of the width of element 105a.

[0097] In one embodiment, system 100' includes a U-shaped member 170 rotatably fixed to element 105b about a pivot 171. In one embodiment, the U-shaped member 170 is fixed to element 105b adjacent to a second end 177b of element 105b and can be positioned from a first position ( Figure 8F Rotate to snap them together to the second position when elements 105a and 105b are in the closed position 103. Figure 5D The second end 177b of the element 105 is supported on the horizontal surface 180 (e.g., a table) when the system 100' is placed on the horizontal surface 180.

[0098] In another embodiment, system 100' includes a base 172 adjacent to a first end 177a of element 105, the first end 177a being opposite to a second end 177b. In one embodiment, the outer diameter 178 of the base 172 is... Figure 5DThe height of the U-shaped member 170 is greater than the outer diameter of the element 105 between the first end 177a and the second end 177b. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the base 172 includes a pair of flat surfaces 173a, 173b spaced apart by a width dimension (e.g., outer diameter 178) and a pair of arcuate surfaces 175a, 175b spaced apart by a length dimension, the length dimension being greater than the width dimension. In an example embodiment, the width dimension is about 2” or in the range of about 1” to about 3”, and the length dimension is about 2.5” or in the range of about 1.5” to about 2.5”. In some embodiments, the length dimension is substantially the same as the width dimension. In an exemplary embodiment, the height of the U-shaped member 170 is determined based on the difference between the outer diameter 178 of the base 172 and the outer diameter of the member 105b at the pivot 171. In another embodiment, one or more dimensions of the base 172 (e.g., outer diameter 178) are sized such that the system 100' can be mounted vertically on the horizontal surface 180 and the system 100' is relatively stable in the vertical direction. In some embodiments, the length of system 100' (e.g., the length between ends 177a, 177b) is about 11.5” or in the range of about 9.5” to about 13.5”. In other embodiments, the length of heating elements 106a, 106b is about 6.5” or in the range of about 4.5” to about 8.5”. In still other embodiments, the length of slots 112', 140' is about 6.5” or in the range of about 4.5” to about 8.5”.

[0099] In one embodiment, system 100' has one or more heating settings 174 to regulate the temperature of heating elements 106a, 106b and / or one or more electrical inlets 176 (e.g., USB ports). The heating settings 174 and / or electrical inlets 176 are advantageously positioned along one side of system 100' so that they are accessible when system 100' is mounted vertically on a base 172 on a horizontal surface 180.

[0100] like Figure 5D As shown, one or more dimensions of the base 172 (e.g., outer diameter 178) and one or more dimensions of the U-shaped member 170 (e.g., height) are configured such that a pair of elements 105 in the closed position 101 are supported on the horizontal surface 180, such that the pair of elements 105 are approximately parallel to the horizontal surface 180.

[0101] like Figure 5C As shown, in one embodiment, a plurality of heating elements 106a, 106b are disposed along the inner surfaces of the respective elements 105a, 105b. In one embodiment, the heating elements 106a, 106b include a longitudinal axis oriented parallel to the longitudinal axes 135a, 135b of the respective elements 105a, 105b. Figure 5EIn one embodiment, the "longitudinal axis" of heating elements 106a, 106b is defined as an axis that is perpendicular to the length dimension (e.g., Figure 2E The length 143 of the heating element 106 is aligned and orthogonal to the width dimension which is smaller than the length dimension of the heating elements 106a and 106b. In some embodiments, only one heating element 106 is disposed along the inner surface of only one element 105, so no heating element 106 is disposed along the inner surface of another element 105. In other embodiments, multiple heating elements are disposed along the inner surface of each element 105.

[0102] In one embodiment, the widths of heating elements 106a and 106b are approximately the same as the widths of elements 105a and 105b. However, in other embodiments, the widths of heating elements 106a and 106b are smaller than the widths of elements 105a and 105b. Figure 6C This is an example image showing a plan view of the inner surfaces of elements 105a, 105b of a system 100' according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, a slot 112' slidably accommodates a cutting element 111 in element 105a, and a button 108 in heating element 105a is spaced apart from heating element 106a by a minimum distance 186 along the inner surface of element 105a. Similarly, a slot 140' slidably accommodates a cutting element 111 as it moves along interface 110 is spaced apart from heating element 106b by a minimum distance 186 along the inner surface of element 105b. In an example embodiment, the minimum spacing 186 is about 1 / 8” or in the range of about 1 / 16” to about 1 / 4” or in the range of about 1 / 16” to about 1 / 2” or in the range of about 1 / 32” to about 1”. The spatial spacing between the slots 112’, 140’ and the heating elements 106a, 106b is adjusted to advantageously ensure that heat from the elements 106a, 106b does not melt the plastic material along the cut formed by the cutting element 111. Therefore, the minimum spacing 186 ensures that the cut formed by the cutting element 111 in the plastic material is not resealed by heat from the heating elements 106a, 106b. In some embodiments, the insulating material layer or silicone layer 185 ( Figure 8C Located within a minimum spacing 186, these elements provide thermal insulation between heating elements 106a, 106b and cutting element 111, further ensuring that heat from elements 106a, 106b does not melt the cut formed by cutting element 111 in the plastic material. In some embodiments, the lengths of slots 112' and / or 140' are equal to or greater than the lengths of heating elements 106a and / or 106b. This advantageously ensures that the range of motion of cutting element 111 (e.g., the lengths of slots 112', 140') encompasses the maximum width of the seal formed at the interface (e.g., the lengths of heating elements 106a, 106b).

[0103] In one embodiment, the cutting element 111 of system 100' operates in a manner similar to that of the cutting element 111 of system 100 (e.g., using a button 108 on the outer surface of element 105a to slide across interface 110 to cut plastic material on interface 110). However, embodiments of the invention include any cutting element that moves relative to the inner surface of element 105a or 105b to cut plastic material along interface 110. In another embodiment, element 105a or element 105b includes a spring-loaded mechanism to move the cutting element 111 in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 135a or 135b to cut plastic material upon actuation of a button operatively connected to the spring-loaded mechanism.

[0104] In some embodiments, heating elements 106a and 106b are securely fixed along the inner surfaces of elements 105a and 105b. In other embodiments, one or both of heating elements 106a and 106b are movably fixed to the inner surfaces of elements 105a and 105b. Figure 6A This is an example image showing a side view of a system 100 for sealing a plastic material housing in the open position 101 according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, in addition to the features discussed herein, Figure 6A System 100” is similar to system 100'. In one embodiment, unlike system 100', heating element 106a' is movably fixed to the inner surface of element 105a. In one embodiment, heating element 106a' is movably mounted to element 105a such that a groove 182 is provided between the inner surfaces of heating element 106a' and element 105a. Furthermore, one or more springs 184a, 184b are provided, extending into the groove 182 and operably connected to heating element 106a'. A cutting element 111 is provided such that when system 100” is in the open position 101, the tip of cutting element 111 is aligned with the inner surface of heating element 106a'. When system 100” moves from the open position 101 to the closed position 103… Figure 6BHeating element 106a' engages heating element 106b at interface 110, causing heating element 106a' to move in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 135a and enter groove 182. Heating element 106a' retracts relative to cutting element 111, such that cutting element 111 extends beyond the inner surface of heating element 106a' in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 135a. Since the tip of cutting element 111 extends beyond the interface 110 of heating elements 106a, 106b, cutting element 111 will cut plastic material at interface 110 as it slides across interface 110. This arrangement advantageously ensures that cutting element 111 is not exposed when system 100" is in open position 101, because the tip of cutting element 111 does not extend beyond the inner surface of heating element 106a'.

[0105] Figure 8A This is an example image of a perspective view of a system 100 for sealing a plastic material housing in the open position 101 according to one embodiment. Figure 8B This illustrates the closed position 103 according to one embodiment. Figure 8A The image shows a side view of the system 100. Figure 8C This illustrates an embodiment of the... Figure 8B An example diagram of a cross-sectional view taken from the 8C-8C line. In one embodiment, in addition to one or more features discussed herein, Figure 8A The system is similar to Figure 6A System 100.

[0106] In one embodiment, a silicone layer 185 (e.g., a silicone rubber layer) is disposed within a gap 186 between the heating elements 106a, 106b and the cutting element 111, and within the gap 186 between the heating elements 106a, 106b and the cutting element 111. In one embodiment, the silicone layer 185 is oriented perpendicular to the heating elements 106a, 106b, such that the longer dimension of the silicone layer 185 is oriented perpendicular to the longer dimension of the heating elements 106a, 106b. The silicone layer 185 (e.g., rubber silicone) advantageously provides thermal insulation for the cuts formed in the plastic material 136 by the cutting element 111, preventing heat from the heating elements 106a, 106b from resealing the plastic material 136 along the cuts. In one embodiment, the silicone layer 185 includes an extension fixedly received in a groove along the inner surface of the element 105b'. The silicone layer 185 is secured in the groove on the inner surface of the element 105b' using any method understood by those skilled in the art (e.g., adhesives). In one embodiment, the width of the heating element 106 along the interface 110 is about 1 / 4” or in the range of about 1 / 8” to about 1 / 2” or in the range of about 1 / 16” to about 3 / 4”. In one embodiment, the width of the silicone layer 185 along the interface 110 is about 0.04” (1 mm) or in the range of about 0.02” (0.5 mm) to about 0.08” (2 mm) or in the range of about 0” to about 0.2”. In other embodiments, the width of the silicone layer 185 is based on a fraction of the width of the heating element 106, wherein the fraction is less than 1. In one embodiment, the height of the silicone layer 185 is set to adjust the spacing between the inner surfaces of the elements 105a', 105b' in the closed position 103. In one embodiment, the silicone layer 185 has a minimum spacing 187 with respect to the heating element 106b in element 105b. In an example embodiment, the minimum spacing 187 is about 1 mm or in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm. In other embodiments, the silicone layer 185 and / or the spring 184 are not present in system 100".

[0107] In one embodiment, a pair of springs 184a, 184c are aligned with the opposite sides of the heating element 106a' adjacent to the first end 177a and are operably engaged with the heating element 106a' to receive it. When engaged between the heating elements 106a and 106b in the closed position 103, the heating element 106' moves into the recess 182 in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 136a. Additionally, a pair of springs 184b are aligned with the opposite sides of the heating element 106a' adjacent to the second end 177b, or are at an incremental interval between the first end 177a and the second end 177b. In one embodiment, the button 108 is operably connected to the cutting element 111 via a member 115 slidably received within a slot 112'. In one embodiment, the member 115 is oriented perpendicular to the cutting element 111.

[0108] In one embodiment, system 100" includes a spring 183 for spring-loading element 105a' at hinge 103'. Figure 8G In one embodiment, when system 100” is in closed position 103 and U-shaped member 170 is in first position ( Figure 8G Rotate to the second position ( Figure 5D When the system 100” is in the open position 101, the spring 183 presses upward against the element 105a' and causes the element 105a' to rotate about the hinge 103' until the system 100” reaches the open position 101. This advantageously causes the system 100” to automatically open to the open position 101 without any effort from the user. In other embodiments, the spring 183 is omitted and the user manually rotates the element 105a' from the closed position 103 to the open position 101.

[0109] As previously described, system 100' includes one or more heating settings 174 to adjust the desired temperature of heating elements 106a, 106b. Figure 5H This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 5AA block diagram illustrating an example of the electrical connection between heating elements 106a, 106b and a power source 119 (e.g., battery 118) within system 100'. In some embodiments, the power source 119 is connected to an electrical outlet of system 100' via one or more electrical inlets 176 (e.g., USB ports). In one embodiment, system 100' includes a switch 125 to turn the system on or off (e.g., a power switch). In one embodiment, no switch 125 is provided, and the electrical connection between the power source 119 and the system (e.g., plugging the system into a power outlet) serves as the switch 125 to turn the system on or off. Furthermore, in one embodiment, a sensor 123 is provided to detect when elements 105a, 105b move from an open position 101 to a closed position 103 (e.g., a sensor detecting engagement of heating elements 106a, 106b). In one embodiment, an "open position" means that the angle between elements 105a and 105b is greater than an angle threshold (e.g., approximately 5-10 degrees), such that heating elements 106a and 106b are not activated in the open position, while a "closed position" means that the angle between elements 105a and 105b is less than the angle threshold, such that heating elements 106a and 106b are activated. In another embodiment, an "open position" means that the angle between elements 105a and 105b exceeds an angle threshold, and a "closed position" means that the angle between elements 105a and 105b is less than the angle threshold, wherein the angle between elements 105a and 105b does not affect whether heating elements 106a and 106b are activated.

[0110] In one embodiment, system 100' includes a controller 121 that receives one or more inputs from thermal setting 174, sensor 123, and / or switch 125. Upon receiving these inputs, controller 121 determines whether to transmit a signal to a power source to transmit power to heating elements 106a, 106b.

[0111] In one embodiment, when a signal indicating that system 100' is turned on is received from switch 125, controller 121 transmits a signal to power supply 119 to transfer power to heating elements 106a and 106b. In this embodiment, sensor 123 is not used or installed; heating elements 106a and 106b will continue to heat as long as switch 125 is on. In the example embodiment, switch 125 is a power switch on the outer surface of system 100'. In another embodiment, when a signal indicating that system 100' is turned on and elements 105a and 105b are in the closed position 103 is received from switch 125 and sensor 123, controller 121 transmits a signal to power supply 119 to transfer power to heating elements 106a and 106b. Therefore, this embodiment requires switch 125 to be turned on and elements 105a and 105b to be in the closed position 103 in order to heat heating elements 106a and 106b. As discussed in other embodiments of the system below, in some embodiments, the system has means (e.g., a switch or button system to engage a hook with a recess) for locking elements 105a, 105b in a closed position. In one example embodiment, the manual switch 125 for opening heating elements 106a, 106b is inoperable until the system is locked in the closed position. This advantageously provides a safety feature lacking in conventional heat sealers (e.g., the heating elements cannot heat when the system is in the open position).

[0112] In one embodiment, one of the heating settings 174 is selected to adjust one or more temperature thresholds stored in the memory of the controller 121. In one embodiment, a temperature sensor 127 is provided that continuously measures the temperature of the heating elements 106a and 106b as the power supply 119 raises the temperature of the heating elements 106a and 106b. The temperature sensor 127 continuously sends the measured temperature data to the controller 121, and the controller 121 continuously compares the received measured temperature data with a first temperature threshold stored in the memory (e.g., a high temperature threshold higher than when the heating elements 106a and 106b are deactivated). When the measured temperature is equal to or greater than the first temperature threshold, the controller 121 transmits a signal to the power supply 119 to stop power delivery to the heating elements 106a and 106b. In an example embodiment, this mode is a "sleep mode," in which power supply 119 cannot deliver power to heating elements 106a, 106b until one or more conditions are met (e.g., the temperature of heating elements 106a, 106b drops to a second temperature threshold or a lower temperature threshold, which is less than a first temperature threshold stored in memory). When the measured temperature is below the second temperature threshold (e.g., the lower temperature threshold), controller 121 signals power supply 119 to deliver power to heating elements 106a, 106b and / or controller 121 is able to signal power supply 119 to deliver power to heating elements 106a, 106b (e.g., if necessary conditions exist, such as the user has activated switch 125). (e.g., in cases where the elevated temperature of the heating elements may pose a fire risk). This advantageously provides a safety feature not present in conventional heat sealing machines.

[0113] In some embodiments, when system 100' moves to the closed position 103, heating elements 106a, 106b receive electrical energy from power source 119 and heat to the desired temperature (e.g., based on a temperature threshold of selected heating setting 174). In other embodiments, heating elements 106a, 106b heat to the desired temperature based on activation of one or more controls (e.g., switch 125), regardless of whether the system is in the open position 101 or the closed position 103. In one embodiment, system 100' has one or more controls (e.g., heating setting 174) to change the desired temperature based on material type (e.g., first and second temperature thresholds stored in controller memory and / or the desired temperature formed at a sealed temperature). In an exemplary embodiment, the control has a dial to change the desired temperature to one of a plurality of settings. In one embodiment, the desired temperature setting is adjusted based on the type of plastic material 136. In an example embodiment, the desired temperature setting differs for a shell made of polyester film plastic material from that for a shell made of plastic bag plastic material. In some embodiments, the desired temperature is selected based on the melting point of the plastic material. In an example embodiment, system 100' has one or more controls on the surface of elements 105a, 105b to select a desired temperature (e.g., a desired low / high temperature threshold stored in a controller memory) and / or a desired time and / or the material to be sealed. In other embodiments, system 100' has one or more controls to activate heating elements 106a, 106b in a closed position 101, such that if the controls are activated, heating elements 106a, 106b will only heat in the closed position 101. In still other embodiments, the controls activate heating elements 106a, 106b regardless of the position of system 100'. The temperature of heating element 106 of system 100 is controlled in a similar manner to that of heating elements 106a, 106b of system 100' discussed herein. In some embodiments, first element 102a has a light-emitting diode (LED) 120 ( Figure 1D When the heating element 106 is heated to the desired temperature, the LED 120 is activated in a first mode (e.g., flashing mode or first color), and when the heating element 106 reaches the temperature, the LED is activated in a second mode (e.g., static mode or second color, sleep mode), wherein the second mode is different from the first mode.

[0114] Heating elements 106a and 106b heat to the required temperature to melt the plastic material comprising a first plastic layer and a second plastic layer and form a seal between the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer in the plastic material. Figure 3AThis is a block diagram illustrating an example perspective view of a first seal 301 formed by system 100' in plastic material 136 according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, the plastic material 136 includes side seals 302a, 302b before being heated with heating elements 106a, 106b to form the first seal 301. In other embodiments, the plastic material 136 includes first and second plastic layers, excluding the side seals 302a, 302b, and the side seals 302a, 302b being formed by heating elements 106a, 106b. In some embodiments, the plastic material 136 is exposed to the heating elements 106a, 106b at a desired temperature for a minimum time period (e.g., from about 3 seconds to about 5 seconds) to form a seal. In some embodiments, the minimum time period depends on one or more parameters of the plastic material 136 (e.g., thickness). In some embodiments, after a first seal 301 is formed across heating elements 106a, 106b, button 108 slides along slot 112' of element 105a to allow cutting element 111 to slide along cut line 303a at the interface to cut plastic material 136 adjacent to the first seal 301. A third seal 311 is then formed in the plastic material 136 using heating elements 106a, 106b in a similar manner to forming the first seal 301, and button 108 slides along slot 112' to slide cutting element 111 along cut line 303b to form an opening 305 in plastic housing 310 (e.g., a bag). The third seal 311 forms part of a second housing (e.g., a second bag), which is separate and partitioned from the plastic housing 310.

[0115] Figure 3B This illustrates the use according to one embodiment. Figure 5A The system cuts the plastic material 136 off the first seal 301. Figure 3A A block diagram illustrating an example of a perspective view of the first seal 301. The first seal 301 forms the bottom of the housing 310. An opening 305 in the housing 310 is formed by sliding a cutting element 111 along a cutting line 303b. As discussed below, contents 308 (e.g., condiments, snacks, personal items) are inserted into the housing 310 of the plastic material 136 through the opening 305. Figure 3C This illustrates a method according to one embodiment. Figure 5AAn example of a perspective view of the second seal 304 formed in plastic material 136 in system 100'. After the contents 308 are inserted through opening 305, which is located at the interface between elements 105a, 105b, the second seal 304 is formed by heating elements 106a, 106b between the first and second plastic layers. A housing, i.e., a bag 310, is then provided, which includes a closed volume for receiving the contents 308, wherein the closed volume is defined by a first seal 301, a second seal 304, and side seals 302a, 302b.

[0116] Figure 3B This illustrates the use of one embodiment. Figure 5A The system cuts plastic material 136 from the first seal 301. Figure 3A A block diagram illustrating an example of a perspective view of the first seal 301. The first seal 301 forms the bottom of the housing 310. An opening 305 in the housing 310 is provided by sliding a cutting element 111 along a cutting line 303b. As discussed below, contents 308 (e.g., condiments, snacks, personal items) are inserted into the housing 310 of the plastic material 136 through the opening 305. Figure 3C This illustrates a method according to one embodiment. Figure 5A This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a perspective view of the second seal 304 formed in plastic material 136 in system 100'. After the contents 308 are inserted through opening 305, which is located at the interface between elements 105a and 105b, the second seal 304 is formed by heating elements 106a and 106b between the first and second plastic layers. A housing, i.e., a bag 310, is then provided, comprising a closed volume for receiving the contents 308, wherein the closed volume is defined by a first seal 301, a second seal 304, and side seals 302a and 302b.

[0117] In some embodiments, when forming the outer casing 310 ( Figure 3C After that, the user can open the outer casing 310 (e.g., break the seal 304) and remove or consume some of the contents 308. Figures 3H to 3J This is a block diagram illustrating an example top view of the outer casing after the contents have been removed and the casing resealed to remove excess plastic material, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, Figure 3H The outer casing 310 is depicted, in which the second seal 304 has been opened to reform the opening 305. The user then removes and / or consumes some of the contents 308, resulting in a reduction in the amount of contents 308' (e.g., potato chips in a plastic bag). Figure 3I It describes how the user wants to use the previous second seal 304 ( Figure 3CThe second seal 304' is reformed at different locations. In one embodiment, the reformed second seal 304' is positioned based on the amount of reduction in the contents 308' within the housing 310. Figure 3I As shown, an excess of plastic material 312 in the outer casing 310 is illustrated, which is not necessary for forming the second seal 304' and closing the reduced amount of contents 308'. The inventors of the present invention recognized that it would be advantageous to provide a mechanism for removing this excess plastic material 312, thereby forming a new outer casing that only closes the reduced amount of contents 308'. Figure 3J An embodiment is depicted whereby a second seal 304' is formed on the outer casing and an excess amount of plastic material 312 is removed, resulting in a new outer casing 310. As discussed in the following embodiments, the second seal 304' is formed by positioning the outer casing 310 in the system in the opposite direction to the orientation of the plastic material in the system, while removing an excess amount of dead material 312, thereby forming a new original outer casing 310.

[0118] Figure 3G This is a block diagram illustrating an example top view of a plastic material housing 310' including internal seals 309a, 309b between a first seal 301 and a second seal 304 according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, after the first seal 301 and opening 305 are formed, contents 308a are inserted through opening 305 and the internal seal 309a is formed to retain contents 308a within a sub-housing of housing 310'. Similarly, contents 308b are inserted through opening 305 and the internal seal 309b is formed to retain contents 308b within a sub-housing of housing 310'. Cutting element 111 does not slide across the interface adjacent to internal seals 309a, 309b because it is undesirable to cut the plastic material 136 adjacent to internal seals 309a, 309b. Contents 308c are inserted through opening 305, and then the second seal 304 is formed along opening 305 using elements 105a, 105b. This arrangement advantageously allows multiple sub-shells of contents 308 to be housed within a larger shell 310'. When a user wants to access contents 308c (instead of contents 308a or 308b), the user can cut the sub-shell containing contents 308c or cut the inner seal 309b and carry the sub-shell containing contents 308c until they access contents 308c. In the example embodiment, a user can form multiple sub-shells with contents 308 in each sub-shell for each day of the week, so they only need to access the sub-shells on specific days of the week.

[0119] Figure 4This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method 200 for sealing a housing 310 of plastic material 136 according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the systems 100, 100', 100" are portable, so that one or more steps 200 of method 200 can be performed while the systems 100, 100', 100" are held in one or both of the user's hands. The method 200 described below can be performed using any embodiment of the systems 100, 100', 100" discussed earlier. In step 201, the plastic material 136 is located at the interface between elements 105a, 105b. Figure 2F This illustrates a method for using according to one embodiment. Figure 5A A block diagram illustrating an example of a side view of a roll 152a, 152b of multiple plastic materials 136 in system 100'. Alternatively, the roll 152 is positioned in box 155 ( Figure 7A The material is fed into and out of an opening in box 155. In one embodiment, spools 152a and 152b hold plastic material 136 of different widths. In an example embodiment, spool 152a holds plastic material 136a of a first width (e.g., 6 inches) and spool 152b holds plastic material 136b of a second width (e.g., 3 inches) smaller than the first width. Figure 2H Embodiments depicting plastic materials 136a and 136b being supplied from a box or housing holding reels 152a, 152b are described. In an exemplary embodiment, plastic material 136 includes, for example... Figure 3A The side seals 302a and 302b are shown. In one embodiment, in step 201, plastic material 136 from one of the reels 152a, 152b or 152 in the housing 155 is fed into the interface between the elements 105a and 105b. In step 201, the reels 152a and 152b are selected such that the width of the plastic material 136 is equal to or less than the length 143 of the heating element 106. Figure 2E ).

[0120] In some embodiments, the cutter 153 is disposed at the reels 152a, 152b and is used to cut the plastic material 136, thereby providing a length of plastic material 136 corresponding to the desired length of the housing 310. In this embodiment, step 206 may be omitted in method 200.

[0121] In some embodiments, in step 201, the plastic material 136 is placed at the interface of the second elements 105a, 105b, such that the plastic material 136 has a minimum required length of 307. Figure 3A Pull it out from scroll 152. Figure 3DAn embodiment of step 201 is depicted, wherein plastic material 136b is located at the interface of the second elements 104a, 104b of system 100. The desired length 307 corresponds to the desired length of the housing 310 (e.g., a bag). In the example embodiment, the desired length of the housing 310 is in the range of about 5 inches to about 12 inches.

[0122] In some embodiments, in step 201, the plastic material 136 initially moves between elements 105a, 105b, such as Figure 7A As shown. In the example embodiment, in step 201, the plastic material 136 is... Figure 7A The components 105a and 105b are moved so that the area corresponding to the first seal 301 is initially located between the components 105a and 105b.

[0123] In step 202, after the plastic material 136 is placed at the interface between elements 105a and 105b, the heating elements 106a and 106b move from the open position 101 ( Figure 7A Pivot to the closed position 103 ( Figure 7B In some embodiments, in step 202, in addition to pivoting elements 105a, 105b to the closed position 103, one or more controls are activated. Heating elements 106a, 106b are then heated to the desired temperature, and the temperature at the interface of heating elements 106a, 106b is increased based on the electrical connection to the power supply. In one embodiment, the desired temperature exceeds the melting temperature of the plastic material 136.

[0124] Furthermore, in step 202, based on the heating of the interface in step 202, a first seal 301 is formed in the plastic material 136. Figure 7A In some embodiments, in step 202, a first seal 301 is formed based on the temperature at the interface where the desired temperature is reached within a minimum time period. In an example embodiment, the desired temperature is in the range of about 125 degrees to about 260 degrees. In another example embodiment, the minimum time period is in the range of about 3 seconds to about 5 seconds. In some embodiments, the user manually verifies when the minimum time period has elapsed and opens elements 105a, 105b after that time period. In other embodiments, heating elements 106a, 106b automatically heat to the desired temperature and maintain that temperature for a minimum time period before automatically lowering it.

[0125] In one embodiment, after the first seal 301 is formed in the plastic material 136 in step 202, the cutting element 111 moves along the cutting line 303a. Figure 3A It slides across the interface between elements 105a and 105b to cut the plastic material 136 adjacent to the first seal 301. Figure 3BAn embodiment of the first seal 301 after performing step 206 is depicted, wherein the plastic material 136 adjacent to the first seal 301 has been removed across the cutting line 303a. Figure 7A Similarly, a cutting line 303a is depicted, through which the cutting element 111 slides to cut the plastic material 136 adjacent to the first seal 301. In one embodiment, the cutting along the plastic material 136 in step 202 is advantageously displaced from the heating elements 106a, 106b due to the lateral displacement of the cutting element 111 from the heating elements 106a, 106b, which minimizes the risk of heat from the heating elements 106a, 106b melting the plastic material 136 together along the cutting line 303a. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the silicone layer 185 ( Figure 8C Provide thermal insulation for the plastic material 136 during cutting along line 303a to reduce the risk of heating along line 303a and resealing the plastic material 136 after cutting.

[0126] In step 204, in the same manner as forming the first seal 301 in step 202, a third seal 311 is formed between the first and second layers of the plastic material 136 by pivoting the elements 105a and 105b from the open position 101 to the closed position 103. Figure 7A The image depicts the movement of elements 105a and 105b to the closed position 103. Figure 7B Plastic material 136 is positioned between elements 105a and 105b before forming the third seal 311. Figure 3A A third seal 311 formed in plastic material 136 is depicted.

[0127] In step 206, the cutting element 111 moves along the cutting line 303b at the interface 110 between elements 105a and 105b to form an opening 305 in the housing 310. After step 206, the result is as follows: Figure 3B The housing 310 shown includes a first seal 310 and an opening 305 having side seals 302a, 302b. In one embodiment, since the third seal 311 separates from the housing 310 in step 206, the third seal 311 serves to form a second housing after the housing 310. In an exemplary embodiment, the third seal 311 forms a similar seal in the second housing as the seal 301 is formed in the housing 310.

[0128] Figure 3B This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a perspective view of the plastic material 136 after it has been cut along a cutting line 303b near the seal 311 using the cutting element 111 in step 206. An opening 305 is provided in the plastic material 136 (between the first and second plastic layers), and the plastic material 136 is opposite to the first seal 301.

[0129] In step 208, contents 308 (e.g., condiments, snacks, personal items) are inserted through an opening 305 in the plastic material 136. In one embodiment, the desired amount of contents 308 is inserted into the opening 305. In some embodiments, contents 308 are liquid contents. In other embodiments, contents 308 are solid contents.

[0130] In step 210, after step 208, the opening 305 of the plastic material 136 is located at the interface between components 105a and 105b. Figure 3F An embodiment of step 210 is depicted, wherein the opening 305 of the plastic material 136 is located at the interface between elements 105a and 105b. In some embodiments, step 210 is similar to step 201 except that the opening 305 is located at the interface between elements 105a and 105b. Then, step 212, similar to step 202, is performed.

[0131] In step 212, a second seal 304 is formed in the plastic material 136 based on the heating of the interface in step 212. When performing step 212, a housing 310 (e.g., a bag) is formed between the first seal 301, the second seal 304, and the side seals 302a, 302b. Figure 3F One embodiment of a housing 310 is depicted, including a first seal 301 and a second seal 304. In other embodiments, the housing is formed in shapes other than a rectangular housing, including an arcuate housing or a housing based on any polygonal shape. Figure 7E and 7F It depicts when the user moves system 100' from open position 101 ( Figure 7E Move to the closed position 103 ( Figure 7F When the system 100' is held in the user's hand, it is used to form a second seal 304.

[0132] In step 213, in one embodiment, the second seal formed in step 212 has been broken and the user has removed and / or consumed the outer casing 310. Figure 3H Some of the contents 308 in the shell. In one embodiment, in step 213, the user wishes to reseal the shell containing a reduced amount of contents 308'. Figure 3H In one example embodiment, the housing is located at the interface of elements 105a, 105b, having an orientation opposite to that of the housing located at the interface during step 202 (e.g., when the first seal 301 is formed). In one example embodiment, such as Figure 3I As shown, the cutting element 111 removes the plastic material on the left side of the first seal 301 (e.g., because the housing is oriented at the interface in a first direction, see...). Figure 11IThis illustrates that the plastic material is oriented in a first direction at the interface, and the cutting element 111 removes excess plastic material 312 to the right of the second seal 304' (e.g., because the housing is oriented in a second direction opposite to the first direction at the interface). Therefore, in this exemplary embodiment, the heating elements 106a, 106b... Figure 3I The areas shown are aligned because the second seal 304' and the cutting element 111 are aligned for cutting. Figure 3I The amount of excess plastic material 312 shown is illustrated. In this exemplary embodiment, after placing the housing at the interface of elements 105a, 105b in opposite directions, elements 105a, 105b are moved to a closed position and heating elements 106a, 106b are activated to form a second seal 304' in the plastic material. In this exemplary embodiment, the second seal 304' forms a new housing around the reduced amount of contents 308', this new housing being larger than... Figure 3C The housing 310 is smaller (e.g., smaller in volume). In this exemplary embodiment, the cutting element 111 then moves across the interface to cut and trim away an amount 312 of excess plastic material.

[0133] This advantageously creates a more compact housing around the reduced amount of contents 308' and reduces the need for other accessories (such as chip clips) that are typically used to reseal the plastic housing after the contents have been consumed and / or removed.

[0134] In some embodiments, method 200 is performed to fill contents 308a, 308b, 308c into respective sub-shells within the outer shell 310'. Figure 3G ), and an inner seal 309a, 309b is formed between the first seal 301 and the second seal 304. In these embodiments, steps 208 and 212 (step 210 omitted) are repeated, wherein step 212 involves forming the inner seal 309 until the required number of sub-shells within the outer shell 310' are filled with contents 308a, 308b, 308c. Although Figure 3G Three sub-shells within the outer shell 310' are depicted, but more or fewer than three sub-shells can be formed. After forming the desired number of sub-shells (e.g., steps 208 and 212 are repeated the desired number of times), step 212 is then performed to close the opening 305 of the outer shell 310' with a second seal 304. Furthermore, although... Figure 3G The sub-shell and inner seal 309 are depicted forming in one direction and parallel to the first and second seals 301, 304, but the inner seal can also be omnidirectional, for example, perpendicular to the first and second seals 301, 304. Figure 7G The vertical internal seal forms a vertical sub-shell 310a, 310b or a diagonal internal seal to form a diagonal sub-shell within the shell 310'.

[0135] In some embodiments, straw 136' is used. Figure 2G Method 200 is performed in which a first seal 301' and a second seal 304' are formed in a straw 136' to form a shell (e.g., capsule 162) having the material of straw 136'. In an example embodiment, capsule 162 is filled with contents (e.g., seasoning) between the formation of the first seal 301' and the second seal 304'. In one embodiment, in method 200 using straw 136', a first heating element 106 having a first length 143 based on the width of plastic material 136 is replaced by a second heating element 106 having a second length 143, for example, based on the width of straw 136'.

[0136] although Figure 4 The essential steps described are carried out in a specific order for illustration purposes, but in other embodiments, one or more steps or portions thereof may be performed in a different order, or overlap in time, or in a series or parallel manner, or these one or more steps or portions thereof may be omitted, or one or more additional steps may be added, or the method may be changed in some combination.

[0137] Table 1 below lists various parameters (e.g., size, type of contents 308, etc.) of the various parts of systems 100, 100', and 100" and the seals formed with systems 100, 100', and 100"; and different types of plastic materials 136 and different types of contents 308, wherein the different types of plastic materials 136 are used in conjunction with various designs of systems 100, 100', and the different types of contents 308 are associated with each type of plastic material 136. The parameters in Table 1 are only one exemplary embodiment of the parameters used with systems 100, 100', and 100" and are not limiting. In other embodiments, parameters other than those listed in Table 1 may be used to form systems 100, 100', and 100" or the seals formed with systems 100, 100', and 100"

[0138] Table 1

[0139]

[0140] Figure 9A This is an example image showing a plan view of the inner surface of an element of a system 100”' for sealing a plastic material housing according to one embodiment. Apart from the features discussed herein, system 100” is similar to Figure 6C The system 100 includes components 105a and 105b. In one embodiment, with Figure 6CThe elements 105a and 105b are different, with individual heating elements 106a and 106b disposed along the inner surface of each respective element 105a and 105b, and each element 105a' and 105b' comprising a pair of spaced-apart heating elements. In one embodiment, the inner surface of element 105a' comprises a pair of spaced-apart heating elements 106a' with a spacing 179, and the inner surface of element 105b' comprises a pair of spaced-apart heating elements 106b' with a spacing 179. In some embodiments, only one of the elements 105a and 105b has a pair of spaced-apart heating elements along the inner surface of the element, while the other of the elements 105a and 105b does not have a pair of spaced-apart heating elements along the inner surface of the other element. In other embodiments, only one of the elements 105a and 105b has a pair of spaced-apart heating elements along the inner surface of the element, while the other of the elements 105a and 105b slidably accommodates the cutting element 111. In an exemplary embodiment, the interval 179 is approximately 1 / 4” or in the range of approximately 1 / 8” to approximately 1”. Although Figure 9A A pair of spaced-apart heating elements are depicted along the inner surface of each element; in other embodiments, two or more spaced-apart heating elements are disposed along the inner surface of each element. In some embodiments, slots 112' and 140' are not included, for example, cutting element 111 is not included.

[0141] Figure 9B This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 9A The image shows an example of the heating elements 106a” and 106b” of the system 100”. In one embodiment, heating element 106b” is a flat planar surface and heating element 106a” is a non-planar surface (e.g., a wire or metal chain), configured such that when the heating element 106a of the top and bottom elements 105a, 105b is moved to the closed position, a perforated seal is formed. In other embodiments, each pair of spaced-apart heating elements 106a”, 106b” includes a flat planar surface and a non-planar surface. In one embodiment, the non-planar surface is configured to form a perforation in the seal along the plastic housing, thereby accommodating manual tearing by a user of one of the seals formed by the non-planar heating elements on the two elements 105a”, 105b”.

[0142] Figure 9C According to one embodiment Figure 9AAn example image of a side perspective view of the components of system 100”'. In one embodiment, the cutting element 111 is slidably mounted to the upper element 105a’ using a button 108’ different from the button 108 of FIG. 1, because the button 108’ is along one side of the upper element 105a’. The inventors of the present invention recognize that positioning the button 108’ along the side of the upper element 105a’ conveniently allows additional internal volume within the upper element 105a’ to accommodate other components of the system, such as electronic components, such as heating elements and / or wiring of heating elements. Figure 9D This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 9C The image shows an example of a button 108' and a cutting element 111 in system 100". In one embodiment, a neck 117 connects the button 108' to the cutting element 111, and the neck 117 is slidably received within a slot 131 positioned along one side of the upper element 105a'. In an exemplary embodiment, the button 108' and the cutting element 111 are formed in an L-shape to accommodate the button 108', which is slidably received along the side of the upper element 105a'.

[0143] Figure 9E-9G This is an example image showing a top-view perspective view of a system 100”' according to one embodiment.

[0144] In one embodiment, system 100" includes elements 105a', 105b' and heating elements 106a', 106b' spaced apart along the inner surface of each element 105a', 105b'. In another embodiment, the spaced heating elements 106a', 106b' are positioned along the inner surface of one element 105b' instead of the inner surface of the other element 105a'. In yet another embodiment, system 100" further includes one or more components to provide a vacuum seal to the plastic housing simultaneously with or before the spaced seal formed by the spaced heating elements 106a', 106b'. Although the vacuum sealing features of system 100" have been discussed, these features can be used with any system discussed herein.

[0145] Figure 9H This illustrates an embodiment in Figure 9E-9G A block diagram illustrating an example of the electrical connection between heating elements 106a”, 106b” and power supply 119 within the system. In one embodiment, system 100”’ is capable of forming a vacuum seal (e.g., a pair of spaced-apart seals with heating elements 106a”, 106b” after air has been removed from the housing) or simply a conventional seal without a vacuum seal (e.g., a pair of spaced-apart heating elements 106a”, 106b”).

[0146] In one embodiment, to form a spaced seal with heating elements 106a' and 106b', the user presses switch 125a until lamp 139a flashes. This prompts the user to place plastic material between elements 105a' and 105b' and close elements 105a' and 105b', after which sensor 123 detects that elements 105a' and 105b' are in the closed position and sends a signal to controller 121, causing lamp 139a to stop flashing and remain stable. In other embodiments, another switch or button is provided (e.g., after they confirm that elements 105a' and 105b' are closed, such as after they see light 139a remain stable after the elements are closed) for the user to press to activate the heating element. This advantageously allows the user more control over the sealing process (e.g., the heating element does not automatically activate when the system is connected to a power source or after the elements have moved to the closed position). In one embodiment, controller 121 then proceeds as follows: Figure 5H The operation is similar to that described above, except that the power supply 119 heats a pair of spaced-apart heating elements 106a on the top element 105a' and a pair of spaced-apart heating elements 106b on the bottom element 105b'. This forms a pair of spaced-apart seals 301 in the plastic material. Figure 10A The spacing 179 between a pair of spaced-apart seals 301” is the same as the spacing 179 between heating elements 106a” and 106b”.

[0147] In one embodiment, to form a vacuum seal with system 100", in one embodiment, the user presses switch 125a until lamp 139b flashes. This prompts the user to place plastic material between components 105a' and 105b' (e.g., such that the opening of the plastic material is in flow communication with air pump 133) and close components 105a' and 105b'. Sensor 123 then detects that components 105a' and 105b' are in the closed position and sends a signal to controller 121, which causes lamp 139b to stop flashing and remain stable. In one embodiment, controller 121 then transmits the signal to power supply 119, which in turn transmits the signal to air pump 133 to expel air from the opening of plastic housing 138. The housing 138 is positioned in flow communication with the inlet of the air pump 133 and / or positioned between elements 105a' and 105b'. As the air pump 133 removes air from the housing 138, a pressure sensor 137 monitors the pressure within the housing 138 (or the pressure of the air drawn from the housing 138 by the pump 133), and once the pressure drops to a threshold level (e.g., between approximately 5 and 50 mbar), the pressure sensor 137 sends a signal to the controller 121, causing the power supply 119 to stop transmitting power to the air pump 133. In other embodiments, a second switch 125b is located on system 100" (e.g., on the opposite end of element 105a' and switch 125a), which the user can manually press to manually stop the evacuation of air from the housing. In an example embodiment, if a user vacuum seals the housing with liquid, the user vertically orients the housing or bag and begins the vacuum sealing process using the handheld system 100"', for example, the pump 133 begins to evacuate air from the housing. When the user visually observes that liquid begins to rise within the housing and / or visually confirms that air has been removed from areas of housing 138 not occupied by liquid, the user can manually press switch 125b to stop the pump 133 so that the system 100"' does not inadvertently continue to remove liquid from the housing. In another embodiment, any vacuum sealing technique known to those skilled in the art can be used in the system 100"' to form a vacuum seal. In one embodiment, after air is removed from the housing, the controller 121 sends a signal to the power supply 119, thereby heating the heating elements 106a"', 106b"', to form a spaced seal 301 along the plastic housing in a manner similar to the seal formation method described above in FIG. 5".

[0148] Figure 10A This is an image showing an example of a side view of a plastic material housing including a pair of spaced-apart first seals 301” and a pair of spaced-apart second seals 304” according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the contents of the housing are liquid.

[0149] In one embodiment, system 100”' is used to form a vacuum seal along the first seal 301”, wherein the housing is held vertically and the handheld system 100”' closes at the interface at the top of the housing which is open. In this embodiment, the user manually presses switch 125b when the user visually observes that liquid begins to rise after air has been removed from the housing, after which the first seal 301” is formed along the interface at the top of the housing. In another embodiment, system 100”' is used to form the first seal 301” along the interface at the top of the housing when the user holds the housing vertically without a vacuum seal.

[0150] In one embodiment, the spaced-apart seal 301” is formed by a pair of spaced-apart heating elements 106a”, 106b” along the inner surfaces of elements 105a’, 105b’ of system 100”’. For example Figure 10A As shown, a gap 179 is provided between the spaced-apart seals 301”, wherein the gap 179 is the same as the gap 179 between the spaced-apart heating elements 106a” and 106b”. The inventors of this invention recognize that the gap 179 conveniently allows a user to visually confirm that the first seals 301” are correctly formed, because no contents (e.g., liquid) are observed in the gap between the first seals 301” defined by the gap 179. In one embodiment, the inner seal 301” is the main seal and contains the contents closest to the housing. The absence of contents within the gap 179 allows the user to visually confirm that the main seal 301” is correctly formed.

[0151] Figure 10B This is an example image showing a front view of a plastic material housing including a pair of spaced-apart first seals 301” and a pair of spaced-apart second seals according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the contents of the housing are not perishable (e.g., vitamins), therefore, in one embodiment, a system 100” without vacuum sealing is used to form the first seals 301”.

[0152] Figure 10C This is an image showing an example front view of a plastic material housing according to one embodiment, comprising a pair of spaced-apart first seals 301” and a pair of spaced-apart second seals 304”, with a gap 179 between the first seals 301” and the second seals 304”. In one embodiment, a user can test the first seals 301” and / or the second seals 304” by squeezing the contents (e.g., liquid) inside the housing. Figure 10C As shown, the user is squeezing the contents (e.g., liquid) within the housing defined by the first seal 301". As previously stated, the user can advantageously confirm that the seal 301" is properly formed by the absence of contents (e.g., liquid) within the gap defined by the spacing 179. Figure 10DThis illustrates, according to one embodiment, a liquid containing liquid after the liquid in the extruded casing. Figure 10C An example image with an interval of 179. (See image below.) Figure 10D As shown, after the liquid contents in the housing are squeezed, some liquid has seeped through the first seal 301” and into the gap defined by the interval 179. In this embodiment, visual confirmation that the contents are within the gap defined by the interval 179 advantageously allows the user to pick up the handheld system 100”' to reseal the first seal 301”', thereby ensuring that the contents in one housing do not seep into adjacent housings.

[0153] Figure 10E This is an image illustrating an example of a front plan view of a plastic material housing according to one embodiment, including a pair of spaced-apart inner seals 309” to form a plurality of inner housings within a housing. The inner seals 309” are similar to the inner seals 309 discussed earlier, except that the inner seals 309” are spaced-apart seals formed by system 100”’, thus advantageously allowing the user to visually confirm that the seals are correctly positioned between adjacent housings based on the absence of contents in the gap defined by the spacing 179 between the inner seals 309”.

[0154] like Figure 10E As further shown in the diagram, in one embodiment, some housings (e.g.) Figure 10E The left side) includes non-perishable items, therefore the spaced-apart internal seal 309” and first seal 301” formed with system 100”’ may not include a vacuum seal. In other embodiments, such as Figure 10E As shown, in one embodiment, some housings (e.g. Figure 10E The right side includes perishable items (e.g., liquids), so the spaced-apart inner seal 309” and first seal 301” formed with system 100”’ can include vacuum seals such that air is removed from some of the housings defined by inner housing 309” without removing air from other housings defined by inner housing 309”.

[0155] Figure 10FThis is a block diagram illustrating an example top view of a plastic material housing including spaced-apart inner seals 309a”, 309b” according to one embodiment. The spaced-apart inner seals 309a”, 309b” are similar to the inner seals 309a, 309b of FIG. 3, but differ in that the inner seals 309a”, 309b” are spaced apart and formed together with system 100”'. In another embodiment, the internally spaced seals 309a”, 309b” are vacuum-sealed, allowing contents 308a, 308b, 308c (e.g., a single chicken breast) to be individually packaged and individually vacuum-sealed. The inventors recognize that this advantageously allows a user to individually vacuum-seal the contents by hand, after which the user can individually remove the contents 308 (e.g., a piece of chicken breast) without opening more than one housing commonly found in conventional vacuum sealers.

[0156] Figure 10G This is a block diagram illustrating an example top view of a plastic material housing according to one embodiment, the plastic material housing including spaced-apart seals 301a” along a first width of the housing and spaced-apart seals 301b” along a second width of the housing. In one embodiment, the width 502 of the housing (e.g., a bag) is greater than the length of the heating elements 106a”, 106b”, so that the heating elements 106a”, 106b” cannot form a continuous seal across the entire width of the housing. In this embodiment, a handheld system 100” is used to form spaced-apart seals 301a” (e.g., without a vacuum seal) along a first portion of the width 502 of the housing.

[0157] In this embodiment, the user then picks up system 100” and rotates it 180 degrees, such that elements 105a’, 105b’ can then close along the second portion of width 502 to form a spaced seal 301b”. In one embodiment, when the user wants to vacuum seal the housing, system 100”” is used to vacuum seal the housing while forming the spaced seal 301b”, during which the entire housing is vacuum sealed. This advantageously allows the user to vacuum seal the entire housing after the remaining portion of the housing has been sealed, while only sealing a portion of the width of the housing.

[0158] Figure 11A-11G These are example images illustrating various views of a system for sealing a plastic material housing according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, in addition to the features discussed herein, Figure 11A System 100" is similar to Figure 9E-9F The system 100”'. In one embodiment, the system 100”' has a locking mechanism 124 on the outer surface of the upper element 105a'. In an example embodiment, the locking mechanism 124 is used to lock the system 100”' in a closed position ( Figure 11AIn an example embodiment, the locking mechanism 124 is a slidable button within a slot, such that when the button is slidable within the slot, a hook (not shown) on the inner surface of the upper element 105a' engages a latch (not shown), and the engagement between the hook and the latch holds the system 100"' in the closed position. Figure 11A In the example embodiment, in order to open system 100" to the open position ( Figure 11C The button of the locking mechanism 124 slides within the slot, causing the hook to disengage from the latch, allowing the upper element 105a' to rotate relative to the lower element 105b'.

[0159] In one embodiment, unlike Figure 9A The system 100”', in which the heating elements 106a” and 106b” are exposed along the inner surfaces of elements 105a’ and 105b’, is in Figure 11C In one embodiment, the silicon strip 129 is placed on top of two heating elements 106a”, 106b” (e.g., the heating elements 106a”, 106b” are spaced apart below the silicon strip 129). In one embodiment, Figure 11F The image depicts a silicon strip 129 mounted on a heating element base 141, the heating element base 141 comprising spaced-apart heating elements 106a” and 106b”. Although Figure 11C Silicon strip 129 is depicted, but in other embodiments, strips of any material may be used, provided that the material does not melt or burn within the temperature range of the heating elements 106a”, 106b” and is relatively soft to enhance the double seal. The inventors recognize that the silicon material of strip 129 is advantageous because it is relatively soft and improves the quality of the spaced seals on the plastic material.

[0160] Figure 11H-11M This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 11A Examples of various views of system 100”', where system 100”' is used to seal the contents within a housing. In the first step, plastic material 136 is placed between components 105a' and 105b' of system 100”' and system 100”' is moved to the closed position. Figure 11H Heating elements 106a” and 106b” form spaced seals 301” in plastic material 136. Figure 11I (For example, it forms the bottom of the next bag to be filled), and the cutting element 111 slides across the system 100”' to form an opening 305 in the current bag to be filled and sealed. Next, the contents 308 (e.g., cheese) pass through the opening 305 and into the outer shell 138' (e.g., the bag). The plastic material 136 at the opening 305 is then aligned with the heating elements 106a”, 106b” and the system 100” is moved to the closed position. Figure 11KThe user then presses switch 125a', which activates heating elements 106a”, 106b” to form spaced seals 301 along opening 305 (e.g., closing opening 305 and sealing housing 138', as shown). Figure 11M (As shown). In some embodiments, compared to conventional heat sealers, switch 125a' advantageously provides the user with more control over the sealing process (e.g., the heating element is automatically activated once the device is connected to a power source, or when an element of the device is moved to the closed position). This advantageously provides a safety feature preventing the heating element from being unintentionally activated when the system is in the open position. In one embodiment, system 100"' is used to form spaced seals 301" and is not used for vacuum sealing housing 138'. In other embodiments, system 100"' may be configured to vacuum seal housing 138' (e.g., by including an air pump 133).

[0161] Figure 12A-12L These are example images illustrating various views of a system 100"' for sealing a plastic material housing, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, in addition to the features discussed herein, Figure 12A-12L System 100" is similar to Figure 11A-11F The system 100”'. In one embodiment, the system 100”' has indicator lights 402a, 402b, and 402c on a control panel on the outer surface of the upper element 105a'. In one embodiment, the first indicator light 402a has a first color (e.g., red) and is illuminated when the system 100”' is connected to an external power source and the battery (discussed below) is charging. In one embodiment, the second indicator light 402b has a second color (e.g., blue) and flashes while the spaced-apart seal 301” is being formed, and stops flashing when the seal 301” is formed. In one embodiment, the third indicator light 402c has a third color (e.g., green) and is illuminated when the battery is fully charged and turned on. In one embodiment, Figure 12B The control panel also includes a switch 125a, which, when pressed, initiates the sealing of the plastic material (e.g., pushed after system 100” has moved to the closed position and the plastic material is located between heating elements 106a”, 106b”) and / or a switch 144 (which is used to open / close system 100”' in a manner similar to locking mechanism 124). In one embodiment, switches 125 and / or 144 advantageously provide the user with more control over the sealing process compared to conventional heat sealers (e.g., the heating elements are automatically activated when the heat sealer is connected to a power source and / or when the heat sealer has moved to the closed position).

[0162] In another embodiment, Figure 12E The image depicts the sliding of button 108' within slot 131. Figure 12DThe cutting element 111 (e.g., a blade) is actuated by [a process described in one embodiment]. Figure 12E The cutting element 111 is depicted as T-shaped, wherein the wide base of the T-shape is slidably accommodated in a slot 112' within the lower element 105b'. Figure 9A )middle.

[0163] In another embodiment, Figure 12F The base 172' of system 100" is depicted. In one embodiment, base 172' includes a port 145 (e.g., a USB port) for connection to an external power source to power heating elements 106a" and 106b" and / or charge a battery. In another embodiment, base 172' includes a toggle lock 146, which is available from a first position ( Figure 12F The system 100" is rotated to a second position (not shown), wherein in the first position, the switch is exposed outside the base 172 and the elements 105a' and 105b' are open relative to each other, while in the second position, the torsion lock 146 slides into a slot and does not extend beyond the base 172', allowing the base 172' of the system 100" to be placed upright on a flat surface (e.g., for storage). In some embodiments, the system 100" has a flat portion configured to engage a flat surface (e.g., a table), allowing the system 100" to be placed on the flat surface for operation. In another embodiment, the system 100" is portable.

[0164] In another embodiment, Figure 12G A housing for a rechargeable battery 146 is depicted, which is positioned along the inner surface of an upper element 105a' (e.g., adjacent to a base 172' and / or defined by the inner surface of the upper element 105a' between a heating element 106a' and a base 172). In one example embodiment, the housing is removable, allowing the battery 146 to be replaced and / or repaired when needed (e.g., when the battery's lifespan is nearing its end).

[0165] In another embodiment, Figure 12H The feature is that the magnet 147 is embedded within the lower element 105b' (e.g., adjacent to the base 172' and / or between the heating element 106b" and the base 172'). The inventors recognize that the magnet 147 within the lower element 105b' advantageously allows the system 100"' to be fixed to a metal surface (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 12I (Refrigerator 404 surface shown).

[0166] In another embodiment, Figure 12J-12L A system 100"' for forming spaced seals 301"" in a plastic material 136 is depicted. In one embodiment, Figure 12JThe plastic material 136 between heating elements 106a” and 106b” is depicted, after which elements 105a’ and 105b’ close and switch 125a is pressed. Figure 12K In the example embodiment, Figure 12K The image depicts indicator lights 402b and 402c illuminating, indicating that heating elements 106a” and 106b” are being heated and forming seal 301”. After indicator light 402b stops flashing, elements 105a” and 105b” are opened. Figure 12L This exposes the spaced seal 301 formed in the plastic material 136. In one embodiment, the indicator light 402b advantageously simplifies the heat sealing process compared to a conventional heat sealer (e.g., which does not provide the user with an indication of seal formation). In an example embodiment, the light 402b operates based on a timer (e.g., a duration stored in the controller's memory), causing the controller to send a signal to the power supply to deactivate the heating element after the duration has elapsed. In an example embodiment, the controller's memory includes different durations based on one or more of the thermal setting and / or material type (e.g., which the user can manually select using one or more settings on the system). In one embodiment, with Figure 11A The system 100” is the same. Figure 12A The system 100" forms a spaced-apart seal 301", but does not vacuum seal the housing 138". However, in other embodiments, Figure 12A The system 100”' can be configured (e.g., by including an air pump 133 in the system 100”') to form a vacuum seal within the housing 138'.

[0167] Figure 13A-13I These are example images illustrating various views of a system 100"' for sealing a plastic material housing according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, in addition to the features discussed herein, Figure 13A-13I System 100” and Figure 12A-12K Similar to System 100". In one embodiment, with Figure 12A-12K The system 100" is different. Figure 13A-13I The system 100” is configured to form a vacuum package (except for the spaced heat seal 301”) for the housing 138”. In another embodiment, Figure 13A-13I The system is also configured to allow it to form spaced heat seals 301 without a vacuum seal. In another embodiment, Figure 13A-13I The system 100” is powered by an external power source (e.g., using...). Figure 13A The cable 148) does not include a rechargeable battery. In another embodiment, Figure 13A-13I System 100" is a desktop and not configured for handheld use. In other embodiments, Figure 13A-13IThe system 100" is configured as a handheld device. In other embodiments, Figure 13A-13I The system 100” is configured to have a rechargeable battery, which can be similar to Figure 12A-12K The system has a 100”” rechargeable battery. In yet another embodiment, Figure 13B The system 100”” has a relatively flat base 172”, which allows the system 100”” to be positioned on and stored on a flat surface to provide more working space on the surface (e.g., as Figure 13B Vertical storage is shown to provide more countertop surface in the kitchen.

[0168] In one embodiment, Figure 13A-13I The system 100” is characterized by a control panel including multiple switches 404a, 404b, 404c and corresponding multiple indicator lights 402a, 402b, 402c. Figure 13C In another embodiment, the first switch 404a and indicator light 402a (e.g., "vacuum only") are used to form a vacuum seal without spacing of seal 301" (see below). Figure 14A -15H). In one embodiment, a second switch 404b (e.g., "Seal Only") and indicator light 402b are used to form a spaced-apart seal 301" without forming a vacuum seal. In another embodiment, a third switch 404c and indicator light (e.g., "Vacuum and Seal") 402c are used to form a spaced-apart seal 301" and a vacuum seal. In an example embodiment, a first switch 404a is used to vacuum seal a pre-sealed housing, thus eliminating the need for a spaced-apart seal 301" (e.g., a bottle, a capped plastic container, etc.).

[0169] In one embodiment, Figure 13A-13I The system 100" has a sealing ring, such as a rubber ring 149a (e.g., elliptical), which defines an opening 151 for the lower element 105b". In one embodiment, the air pump 133 has an inlet in flow communication with the opening 151 (e.g., the inlet of the air pump 133 is located within the opening 151).

[0170] The upper component 105a' also has a rubber ring 149b on the inner surface of the upper component 105a'. Figure 13E When components 105a' and 105b' are closed, the rubber ring 149b engages with the rubber ring 149a of the lower component 105b'.

[0171] This advantageously (e.g., when the system is shut down) forms a seal between rubber rings 149a, 149b to seal the flow communication between the air pump 133 and the housing 138', thereby allowing the air pump 133 (e.g., having an inlet in opening 151) (e.g., through the opening 305 of a plastic bag placed in opening 151 before the system is shut down) to draw air from the housing 138. In the example embodiment, the user presses switch 404c, causing the air pump 133 to draw air from the opening 305 of the housing 138, and then the heating elements 106a”, 106b (e.g., through silicon strip 129a) form a spaced seal 301 near the opening 305 after vacuum sealing. Figure 13J-13O These steps are described. In one embodiment, Figure 13J-13L The diagram depicts a seal 301" formed in a plastic material and a cutting element 111 used to form an opening 305 in a shell 138' (e.g., a plastic bag) to be filled. Contents 308 (e.g., cheese) are then placed into the shell 138' through the opening 305. The opening 305 of the shell 138' is then positioned such that the opening 305 overlaps with the opening 151 (…). Figure 13N Inside, the air pump 133 inlet is sealed to the housing 138'. Then, elements 105a' and 105b' are closed, and the third switch 404c (e.g., "vacuum and seal") is pressed, causing the air pump 133 to remove air from the housing 138' and subsequently heating elements 106a' and 106b' to form a spaced seal 301 at the opening 305. Figure 13O Then components 105a' and 105b' can be opened, and the vacuum-sealed housing 138' can be removed from the system.

[0172] Figure 13P-13R This illustrates a method according to one embodiment, featuring a retaining buckle to assist in vacuum sealing the contents within a housing. Figure 13A Examples of various views of the system are shown in the images. In one embodiment, one or more retaining clips are provided near the opening 151 to help align the opening 305 of the housing 138' with the opening 151 in the lower element 105b'. Figure 13P An example top perspective view of the opening 305 of the housing 138' aligned with the opening 151 is shown. Figure 13P As shown, a pair of retaining clips 157a and 157b are disposed near the opening 151. To position the opening 305 of the housing 138' to align with the opening 151 in the lower element 105b', the opening 305 is moved until it engages with the retaining clips 157a and 157b. Figure 13Q and 13RIn an example embodiment, retaining clips 157a, 157b are attached to the lower element 105b' and positioned above the opening 151, such that the opening 305 secured by the retaining clips 157a, 157b is positioned above the opening 151. In another example embodiment, the inventors of the present invention thus recognized that the retaining clips 157a, 157b not only facilitate alignment of the opening 305 of the housing 138' at the opening 151, but also help prevent displacement of the opening 305 and the housing 138' during the vacuum sealing process. The inventors of the present invention observed that, using conventional vacuum sealing machines, the housing moves laterally because the vacuum sealing process pumps air out of the housing. Therefore, the inventors of the present invention recognized that such lateral movement can lead to undesirable consequences (e.g., removing the opening 305 from the opening 151, which interrupts the vacuum seal and / or causes misalignment of the housing with the heating element after vacuum treatment).

[0173] Figure 14A-14F This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 13A The images show examples of various views of a system 100”’, which is used to seal the contents within a shell defined by a bottle 502 (e.g., a wine bottle).

[0174] In this embodiment, a cork, which acts as a one-way valve 504 (e.g., allowing air to flow out of bottle 502 but not into it), is inserted into the bottle opening. Figure 14B A plastic tube (e.g., similar to an IV tube) has a first end 506 that is connected to a pump inlet 505, which is located within an opening 151 (e.g., the inlet of an air pump 133). The second end 507 of the tube is then connected to a cork inserted into a one-way valve 504. Figure 14D The adapter 509 in the bottle 502 is connected, allowing the air pump 133 to flow in communication with the outer casing of the bottle 502. In one embodiment, the user then presses a first switch 404a (e.g., "vacuum only"), which causes the air pump 133 to evacuate air from the outer casing of the bottle 502 and stops the air pump 133 after the air has been expelled from the bottle 502 and / or when the pressure of the expelled air is below a threshold pressure. In one embodiment, a one-way valve 504 cork maintains a vacuum seal within the bottle 502, thus eliminating the need for a spaced seal 301" to vacuum seal the bottle 502. In the example embodiment, the one-way valve 504, tubing, and adapter 509 are sold by various manufacturers, such as Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA. The inventors realized that the air pump 133 of system 100”' could be advantageously used to form a vacuum seal in the bottle 502 and / or container 511 below, thus eliminating the need for an additional air pump for forming a vacuum seal in bottle 502, which is often required in the absence of system 100”'.

[0175] Figures 15A-15E This illustrates an embodiment. Figure 13A Examples of various views of a system 100”', where the system is used to seal the contents within the shell of container 511. In one embodiment, container 511 is a plastic container with a movable lid 512. In an example embodiment, lid 512 has a one-way valve 513 (e.g., a valve that allows only air to leave container 511 without entering container 511). In an example embodiment, one-way valve 513 is opened by folding upwards (…). Figure 15E This allows air to enter the opening (covered by valve 513). Therefore, (e.g., during a vacuum sealing process) the one-way valve 513 advantageously prevents air from entering container 511 and only allows air to leave container 511. Figure 14D Adapter 509 is connected to adapter 509, and adapter 509' is connected to adapter 509 because the diameter of adapter 509' (e.g., configured to insert into the one-way valve 513 of container 511) is larger than the diameter of adapter 509 (e.g., configured to insert into the cork of one-way valve 504). In other embodiments, the second end 507 of the tube is directly connected to an adapter sized to match the one-way valve 513 of container 511, thus eliminating the need for multiple adapters. Figure 15C As shown, adapter 509' connects to one-way valve 513, which forms a sealed flow communication between air pump 133 (e.g., the first end 506 of the pipe is connected to pump inlet 505) and the interior of container 511. The user then presses the first switch 404a ( Figure 15C This causes the air pump 133 to extract air from the container 511 until a vacuum seal is formed. Figure 15D The description shows that the container can be lifted off the ground while the lid 512 remains on the container, proving a vacuum seal. (For example...) Figure 15E As shown, in order to remove the vacuum seal, the one-way valve 513 is folded upward, which allows air to enter the container 511 and break the vacuum seal.

[0176] In some embodiments, the system of Figures 13-15 is a desktop vacuum sealing system designed for use on surfaces such as desktops. In the example embodiments, the system of Figures 13-15 is not designed for use in a user's hand. However, in other embodiments, the system of Figures 13-15 is a portable vacuum sealing system (e.g., handheld, requiring no external power source). In the example embodiments, the vacuum sealing system of Figures 13-15 is portable and includes ports (e.g., similar to...). Figure 12F The system includes a USB port 145 for recharging an internal power source (e.g., a battery) within the system housing. In this example embodiment, as described herein, the system is portable. In one example embodiment, the system has one or more of the following features:

[0177] Table 2

[0178] feature:

[0179] 1. Function: Vacuum sealing, sealing

[0180] 2. NTC temperature control maintains the heating temperature within the specified range.

[0181] 3. When the machine is turned off and heating begins, only the safety switch should be activated.

[0182] 4. The battery passes IEC:62133 / MSDS testing.

[0183] Product Name: Wireless Vacuum Sealing Machine

[0184] Maximum bag width: 30cm / 11.8”

[0185] Voltage: 5V, 1A; Operating noise: 3.0L / min

[0186] Sealing line width: 1.0mm; Number of cycles: 100

[0187] Battery capacity: 2000mAh; Battery type: 18650 lithium-ion battery

[0188] Charging time: 4 hours; Quantity for 20GP: 6888 pieces

[0189] However, the system is not limited to the numerical parameters in Table 2. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the values ​​of the parameters in Table 2 can vary within ±20% of the values ​​in Table 2. In still other embodiments, the system is a portable vacuum sealing system, which in a sense includes a magnet (e.g., similar to...). Figure 12H The system 100”’ has a magnet 147, which allows it to be mounted to different surfaces using a magnet (e.g., similar to how the system 100”’ is magnetically mounted to). Figure 12I (On the refrigerator in the middle).

[0190] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. However, it will be apparent that various modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the specification and drawings are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context otherwise requires, the words “comprising” and variations thereof, such as “including” and “containing,” will be understood to imply inclusion of the stated items, elements, or steps or groups of items, elements, or steps, but do not exclude the presence of any other items, elements, or steps, or groups of items, elements, or steps. Furthermore, the indefinite articles “a” or “an” are intended to indicate one or more items, elements, or steps as modified by the article. As used herein, unless the context explicitly states otherwise, a value is “about” the other value if it is within twice (or half) of another value. Although example ranges are given, any included ranges are intended to be used in various embodiments unless the context explicitly states otherwise. Thus, in some embodiments, the range from 0 to 10 includes the range 1 to 4.

Claims

1. A device for sealing a plastic housing, comprising: A pair of elements, including a first element and a second element pivotally connected at a rotation axis at a first end of the elements; and A pair of spaced-apart heating elements are placed along the inner surface of at least one element and configured to be connected to a power source, wherein the longitudinal axis of the heating element is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the at least one element, and the longitudinal axis of the at least one element is perpendicular to the axis of rotation. A cutting element is located on the inner surface of the first element of the pair of elements, wherein the cutting element is configured to move relative to the inner surface to cut plastic material along the interface between the pair of elements adjacent to the pair of spaced-apart heating elements, wherein the cutting element is offset from the center of the width of the first element; Wherein, when a plastic material comprising a first plastic layer and a second plastic layer is placed at the interface between the pair of elements, the device is configured to vacuum seal the housing defined by the plastic material, and wherein the heating element is configured to raise the temperature at the interface to form a pair of spaced-apart seals at the interface of the plastic material between the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A panel, the panel being adjacent to the first end of the first element, the panel including one or more switches to control the operation of the device; and A locking mechanism is provided adjacent to a second end of the first element opposite to the first end, and the locking mechanism is configured to lock the pair of elements together in a closed position.

3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pair of spaced-apart heating elements are disposed along the inner surface of the second element, and the cutting element is slidably positioned within a slot along the inner surface of the first element.

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cutting element is slidably received in a first slot of the first element such that the cutting element is configured to slide along the inner surface of the first element in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and wherein the inner surface of the second element of the pair of elements includes a second slot to slidably receive the cutting element along the interface when the plastic material is cut by the cutting element.

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second slot and the heating element are arranged along the inner surface of the second element, such that the second slot and the heating element are spaced apart by a minimum distance, so that the heating element will not melt the cut formed by the cutting element.

6. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A controller and a sensor, the sensor being used to detect that the pair of elements are in a closed position, wherein the sensor is configured to send a signal to the controller to indicate that the pair of elements are in a closed state, and wherein, upon receiving a signal from the sensor, the controller is configured to send a signal to a pump to vacuum seal the housing and the spaced-apart heating elements to form at least one of the pair of spaced-apart seals.

7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device includes a width dimension and a length dimension greater than the width dimension, wherein the longitudinal axis of the heating element is disposed along the length dimension, the rotation axis is disposed along the width dimension, and wherein the device has a base having a flat surface along the width dimension, such that the device can be stored vertically on the horizontal surface by placing the flat surface on the horizontal surface.

8. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cutting element and the pair of spaced-apart heating elements are spaced apart by a minimum distance along the inner surface of the first element, wherein the minimum distance is adjusted such that heat from the pair of spaced-apart heating elements does not melt the plastic material along the cut formed in the plastic material.

9. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that, Also includes: A first switch, which is connected to the controller via signal communication; The second switch is connected in signal communication with the controller. When the first switch is pressed, the first switch is configured to send a signal to the controller, such that after the controller receives the signal from the first switch and the signal from the sensor, the controller is configured to send a signal to start the pump to vacuum seal the housing, but not to send a signal to increase the temperature of the spaced-apart heating elements, thereby preventing the formation of the pair of spaced-apart seals in the plastic material; and When the second switch is pressed, the second switch is configured to send a signal to the controller, such that after the controller receives the signal from the second switch and the signal from the sensor, the controller is configured to send a signal to activate the pump to vacuum seal the housing, and is also configured to send a signal to increase the temperature of the spaced heating elements, thereby forming the pair of spaced seals in the plastic material.

10. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A pump is installed within a housing of one of the pair of elements and is in fluid communication with the interior of the housing, such that the pump is configured to draw air from the interior of the housing to vacuum seal the housing.

11. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A pump, the pump including an inlet, wherein the inner surface of the first element of the pair of elements defines an opening in flow communication with the inlet of the pump, and wherein the opening in the plastic material is positioned within the opening defined by the inner surface of the first element, such that the pump is configured to draw air from the housing through the opening in the plastic material and the opening defined by the first element.

12. The device according to claim 11, characterized in that, Also includes: A first sealing ring surrounding an opening defined by the first element and a second sealing ring on the inner surface of the second element of the pair of elements, such that when the pair of elements is moved to a closed position, the first sealing ring engages with the second sealing ring to seal the fluid communication between the pump and the housing through the interface.

13. An apparatus for sealing a plastic housing, comprising: A pair of elements, including a first element and a second element pivotally connected at a first end of the element at a rotation axis, wherein the longitudinal axis of the pair of elements is perpendicular to the rotation axis; A pair of spaced-apart heating elements are placed along the inner surface of at least one element and configured to be connected to a power source to melt a plastic material comprising a first plastic layer and a second plastic layer, and to form a pair of spaced-apart seals between the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer at the interface between the pair of elements. and A cutting element is positioned on the inner surface of the at least one element, wherein the cutting element is configured to move relative to the inner surface of the at least one element in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation to cut the plastic material and form an opening in the plastic material along the interface, wherein the cutting element is offset from the center of the width of the first element; A pump, the inlet of which is disposed adjacent to the interface and configured to draw in air through an opening in the plastic material to vacuum seal the housing defined by the plastic material.

14. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that, Also includes: An opening defined by the inner surface of the first element of the pair of elements, wherein the inlet of the pump is in fluid communication with the opening defined by the inner surface of the first element; and The opening in the plastic material is positioned within an opening defined by the inner surface of the first element, such that the pump is in fluid communication with the housing through the opening in the plastic material and the opening defined by the first element.

15. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that, Also includes: The controller is communicatively connected to the heating element and the pump; and A sensor for detecting that the pair of elements are in a closed position, wherein the sensor is configured to send a signal to the controller to indicate that the pair of elements are in a closed state; Upon receiving a signal from the sensor, the controller is configured to be at least one of the following: A signal is sent to start the pump to vacuum seal the housing by expelling air through the inlet; A signal is sent to cause the heating element to form the pair of spaced-apart seals in the plastic material of the housing.

16. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that, Also includes: A pressure sensor is used to monitor the pressure inside the housing, wherein the pump is configured to stop discharging air from the housing when the monitored pressure drops below a pressure threshold.

17. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The device is portable, such that operation of the device includes positioning the plastic material at the interface between the pair of elements, pivoting the pair of elements from an open position to a closed position, and the formation of the seal is performed when the device is held in hand.

18. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that, Also includes: A panel, the panel being adjacent to the first end of the first element, the panel including one or more switches to control the operation of the device; and A locking mechanism is provided adjacent to a second end of the first element opposite to the first end, and the locking mechanism is configured to lock the pair of elements together in a closed position.

19. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The device is further configured to vacuum seal a second housing located outside the housing of the device, wherein the second housing is different from the housing having an opening along the interface, wherein a first end of a tube is connected to the inlet of the pump and a second end of the tube is connected to the opening of the second housing, wherein the pump is configured to vacuum seal the second housing through the tube.

20. A method for sealing a plastic housing, comprising: Provide the apparatus for sealing a plastic housing as described in claim 1; The plastic material comprising the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer is placed at the interface between the pair of elements comprising the first element and the second element pivotally connected at a rotation axis, wherein the pair of spaced-apart heating elements are placed along the inner surface of at least one element, wherein the longitudinal axis of the pair of elements is not perpendicular to the rotation axis. Pivot the pair of elements from the open position to the closed position; Cutting the plastic material with a cutting element located on the inner surface of the first element includes moving the cutting element relative to the inner surface of the first element in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation to form an opening in the plastic material, wherein the cutting element is offset from the center of the width of the first element; Air is expelled by a pump to expel air through an opening in the plastic material at the interface, thereby forming a vacuum seal within the housing defined by the plastic material; and After a vacuum seal is formed in the housing, a pair of spaced-apart heating elements simultaneously form a pair of spaced-apart seals at the opening in the plastic material.

Images