Apparatus and method for sealing a plastic enclosure

Abstract

To provide a method and an apparatus for hermetically sealing a plastic enclosure.SOLUTION: An apparatus includes a handle including elements rotatably coupled to each other at a first end. The apparatus also includes a heating element placed along an inner surface of the element and connected to an electric power supply, and the heating element has a lengthwise axis directed in parallel with a lengthwise axis of the element. A plastic material, including first and second plastic layers, is placed at an interface between second elements. If the first element is rotated from an open position 101 to a close position, the heating element raises the temperature at the interface to fuse the plastic material, thereby forming a seal between the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7E

Description

Background Art

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Non - Provisional Application No. 15 / 995,295, filed on June 1, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Conventional packages are available for the temporary storage of seasonings, snacks, or personal items. For example, plastic containers (e.g., Tupperware®) that can temporarily store such products are available. Also, conventional bags (e.g., Ziplock®) that can temporarily store such products are available.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Provide a technique for sealing a plastic enclosure that can be used to transport various products including seasonings, snacks, or personal items. The inventor has noticed that conventional containers used to transport such products are insufficient. For example, the inventor has recognized that conventional plastic containers (e.g., Tupperware®) have significant drawbacks such as being cumbersome to carry, requiring repeated washing, and occupying a large amount of cabinet space. Also, in another example, the inventor has recognized that conventional bags (e.g., Ziplock®) have significant drawbacks such as not being effective for safely transporting liquid products and not being of an appropriate size to fit specific products (e.g., spices) due to their fixed size.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] In the first embodiment, a device for sealing an enclosure of a plastic material is provided. The device includes a handle that includes a pair of elements pivotally connected to each other at a first end of the elements. The device further includes a heating element disposed along an inner surface of at least one of the elements and connected to a power source, and a longitudinal axis of the heating element is oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the element. When a plastic material including a first plastic layer and a second plastic layer is disposed at an interface between a pair of second elements and the pair of first elements is pivoted from an open position to a closed position, the heating element raises the temperature of the interface to melt the plastic material and form a seal between the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer.

[0005] In the second embodiment, a device for sealing an enclosure of a plastic material is provided. The device includes a pair of elements pivotally connected to each other at a first end of the elements. The device further includes a heating element disposed along an inner surface of one of the elements and connected to a power source. The device further includes a cutting element disposed on an inner surface of one of the elements and configured to move relative to the inner surface of the element to cut the plastic material along an interface adjacent to the seal. When a plastic material including a first plastic layer and a second plastic layer is disposed at an interface between the elements and the elements are pivoted from an open position to a closed position, the heating element raises the temperature of the interface to melt the plastic material and form a seal between the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer.

[0006] In a third embodiment, a method of sealing an enclosure of a plastic material is provided. The method includes placing a plastic material including a first plastic layer and a second plastic layer at an interface between a pair of elements. The method further includes pivoting the pair of elements from an open position to a closed position such that a heating element raises the temperature of the interface to melt the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer. The method further includes forming a first seal between the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer by melting the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer. The method further includes filling the enclosure of the plastic material with contents through an opening in the plastic material and placing the plastic material including the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer at the interface. The method further includes pivoting the pair of elements from an open position to a closed position such that a heating element raises the temperature of the interface to melt the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer. The method further includes forming a second seal between the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer by melting the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer, and the enclosure of the plastic material is formed between the first seal and the second seal.

[0007] Still other aspects, features, and advantages will become readily apparent from the following detailed description, which includes many specific embodiments and implementations intended to carry out the invention, including the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. Other embodiments may also have other different features and advantages, and some of the details thereof may be modified in various obvious respects without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] The embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation, and like reference numerals in the accompanying drawings refer to like elements.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0057] A method and apparatus for sealing an enclosure of a plastic material will be described. In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention.

[0058] Numerical ranges and parameters that indicate broad ranges are approximations, but the numerical values shown in specific non-limiting examples are reported as accurately as possible. However, any numerical value inherently contains certain errors that necessarily result from the standard deviation found in each test measurement at the time of writing this specification. Also, unless otherwise apparent from the context, the numerical values shown in this specification 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 broader range centered around a given value and, unless otherwise apparent from the context, means a broader range around the least significant digit, such as "about 1.1" meaning a range from 1.0 to 1.2. When the least significant digit is ambiguous, the term "about" means a factor of 2, e.g., "about X" means a value in the range from 0.5X to 2X, e.g., about 100 means a value in the range from 50 to 200. Also, all ranges disclosed in this specification should be understood to include every sub-range contained therein. For example, the range "less than 10" includes every sub-range (and including those) between a minimum value of 0 and a maximum value of 10, i.e., every sub-range having a minimum value of 0 or more and a maximum value of 10 or less, e.g., it can include from 1 to 4. Also, the term "orthogonal" is used to indicate an angle between two directions in the range of 90° ± 10° or 90° ± 20°. Further, the term "parallel" is used to indicate an angle between two directions in the range of 0° ± 10° or 0° ± 20°.

[0059] Several embodiments of the present invention are described below in the context of sealing an enclosure made of plastic material. For the purposes of this description, "enclosure" means a sealed volume (e.g., a rectangular volume) defined by a plastic material. In other embodiments, "enclosure" means a sealed volume defined by a non-plastic material such as plastic and Mylar materials. In some embodiments, the enclosure is defined by one or more seals within the plastic material, the seals being formed between layers of the plastic material and defining one or more boundaries of the enclosure. In some embodiments, the enclosure is a plastic bag defined by one or more seals of a plastic material including a first plastic layer and a second plastic layer. In other embodiments, the enclosure is defined as a sub-enclosure or sub-volume within a larger enclosure, e.g., an internal volume or sub-enclosure within a plastic bag 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 enclosure is a capsule (a small plastic container) defined by one or more seals within a plastic material that is a straw, e.g., a plastic straw. However, the present invention is not limited to this context. For the purposes of this description, "plastic material" means a material made of plastic that includes multiple layers. In some embodiments, the plastic material includes a first plastic layer and a second plastic layer sealed along both 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 in a standard handbag or the like and / or a device that can be operated while being carried by a person. In some embodiments, "portable" means that a device can be used to perform each step of a method of sealing a plastic enclosure while being carried by a person. In some embodiments, "portable" means that the device has a maximum dimension (e.g., length, width, height) of from about 6 inches (15.24 cm) to about 12 inches (30.48 cm) or less.In an embodiment, "portable" means that the device has a maximum dimension (e.g., length, width, height) of from about 4 inches (10.16 cm) to about 14 inches (35.56 cm) or less. In other embodiments, "portable" means that the device has a weight of from about 8 ounces (226.8 grams) to about 12 ounces (340.2 grams) or less. In still other embodiments, "portable" means that the device has a weight of from about 4 ounces (113.4 grams) to about 14 ounces (396.9 grams) or less.

[0060] FIG. 1A is an image showing an example of a perspective view of a system 100 for sealing an enclosure of a plastic material in an open position 101 according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, the system 100 is portable. In one embodiment, the system 100 is portable such that it can be carried in a handbag (e.g., a women's handbag). The system 100 includes a handle 113 having a pair of first elements 102a, 102b, and the first elements 102a, 102b are pivotally connected at one end of the elements 102a, 102b. In one embodiment, the first elements 102a, 102b are pivotally connected to each other by 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.).

[0061] System 100 also includes a pair of second elements 104a, 104b, which are removably coupled to the second ends of the first elements 102a, 102b so as to have the same spread as the first elements 102a, 102b as shown in FIG. 2B. 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 coupled by a hinge 103. FIG. 1H is an image showing an example of a perspective view of a plurality of pairs of second elements 104 of different dimensions according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, a pair of second elements 104a, 104b have large dimensions for use in sealing a plastic material 136 having a larger dimension (e.g., a 6-inch-wide bag), a pair of second elements 104a', 104b' have medium dimensions for use in sealing a plastic material 136 having a medium dimension (e.g., a 3-inch-wide bag), and a pair of second elements 104a", 104b" have small dimensions for use in sealing a plastic material 136 having a small dimension (e.g., a straw).

[0062] In some embodiments, the heating element 106 is disposed along the inner surface of one of the second elements 104a, 104b. In this embodiment, a sponge material 107 (FIG. 2E) is disposed along the inner surface of the other second element 104a. In an exemplary embodiment, the sponge material 107 is a heat-resistant sponge-like material (e.g., silicone). In other embodiments, the heating element 106 is disposed along the inner surfaces of both second elements 104a, 104b. In some embodiments, the heating element 106 has a flat plane. In other embodiments, the heating element has a crimping surface that includes one or more ridges. In one embodiment, the ridges of the crimping surface form a plurality of seal interfaces with the plastic material 136 on the seal. FIG. 1F is an image showing an example of a heating element 106' that includes a crimping surface having a plurality of ridges. In some embodiments, the crimping surface is made of a ceramic-coated material. FIG. 1G is an image showing an example of a side view of the second element 104 of the system of FIG. 1F according to one embodiment. The sponge material 107 and the cutting element 111 are also shown in FIG. 1G.

[0063] The heating element 106 is connected to a power source. In some embodiments, a pair of first elements 102a, 102b includes a first connector 112 electrically connected to the power source, and a pair of second elements 104a, 104b includes a second connector 114 electrically connected to the heating element 106. In an exemplary 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 still other embodiments, connectors 112, 114 other than male / female connectors can be used to electrically connect the elements 102a, 102b to the elements 104a, 104b. When the first connector 112 is connected to the second connector 114, the heating element 116 is electrically connected to the power source.

[0064] In some embodiments, the power source is an internal power source housed within system 100. In one embodiment, the internal power source is housed within one of the first elements 102a, 102b. FIG. 1C is an image showing an example of a cross-sectional view of the first element 102b of the system 100 of FIG. 1A according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the first element 102b includes a compartment 116 that houses a power source (e.g., one or more batteries 118). In an exemplary embodiment, two AA-sized 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. FIG. 1D is an image showing an example of a perspective end view of the first element 102a of the system 100 of FIG. 1A according to one embodiment. 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), and the internal power source (or external power source) functions as the power source for the heating element 106.

[0065] System 100 also includes a cutting element 111 disposed along the inner surface of the second element 104a. FIG. 1E is an image showing an example of a top view of the second element 104a of the system of FIG. 1A according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, the second element 104a includes a slot 112 that slidably receives the cutting element. In these embodiments, the outer surface of the second element 104a includes a button 108 (having an optional button recess 109) slidably received within a recess 110, and the button 108 is connected to the cutting element 111 through the slot 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. The cutting element 111 slides along the inner surface of the second element 104a when the user slides the button 108 along the recess 110.

[0066] During operation of system 100, the first elements 102a, 102b are initially disposed in an open position 101 (FIG. 1A) having an angle between the first elements 102a, 102b. In some embodiments, the open position 101 is the default position of the first elements 102a, 102b such that the first elements 102a, 102b are in the open position 101 when no external force is applied. FIG. 2B is an image showing an example of a side view of the system 100 of FIG. 1A in the open position 101. In some embodiments, the first element 102a and the second element 104a have the same spread so as to share a common longitudinal axis 135a, and the first element 102b and the second element 104b have the same spread so as to share a common longitudinal axis 135b. Also, in other embodiments, the rotation axis 134 (perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 2B) of the first elements 102a, 102b is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes 135a, 135b.

[0067] A plastic material including a first plastic layer and a second plastic layer is initially disposed at an interface between the second elements 104a, 104b. In some embodiments, the plastic material is disposed between the heating element 106 and the sponge material 107. Next, a pair of the first elements 102a, 102b pivot about the hinge 103 to move the system 100 from the open position 101 (FIG. 1A) to the closed position 103 (FIG. 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 (FIG. 2E) that slidably receives a cutting element on an 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. FIG. 2E shows the slot 140 provided along the heating element 106, but in other embodiments, the slot 140 is spaced from the heating element 106 along the inner surface of the element 104a.

[0068] In some embodiments, system 100 is held in the user's hand (e.g., hands-on operation). In other embodiments, system 100 is used without being held by the user (e.g., hands-free operation). In these embodiments, system 100 is attached to bracket 128, and bracket 128 is attached to a flat surface (e.g., a counter). FIG. 2A is an image showing an example of a perspective view of bracket 128 attached to a horizontal surface (e.g., counter 132) according to one embodiment. Bracket 128 is attached to counter 132. In one embodiment, bracket 128 is attached to counter 132 using a pair of suction cups 130a, 130b. Each suction cup 130 includes a base portion fixed to counter 132 and a nipple portion received in a respective opening in bracket 128 (FIGS. 2C-2D). Bracket 128 includes a pair of mating keys 126a, 126b (FIG. 2A), and first element 102b includes a pair of keyholes sized to slidably receive mating keys 126a, 126b in a locking position that securely attaches first elements 102a, 102b to bracket 128. FIG. 2B shows first elements 102a, 102b and second elements 104a, 104b securely attached to bracket 128 and bracket 128 securely attached to counter 132.

[0069] Figures 5A - 5G are images showing examples of different figures of a system 100' for sealing an enclosure of a plastic material according to an embodiment. System 100' is similar to system 100 described above, except for the features described here. Different from 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 a pair of 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. Also, different from system 100 where slot 112 and button 108 are disposed near the center of the width of the second element 104a (FIG. 1E), in one embodiment, system 100' features a slot 112' and a button 108 that are offset by a distance 188 (FIG. 6D) from the center 189 of the width of element 105a. Thereby, the cutting element 111 (disposed in slot 112') is offset by a distance 188 from the center 189 of the width of element 105a. In one embodiment, the distance 188 ranges from about 1 / 8 inch (3.175 mm) or about 1 / 16 inch (1.588 mm) to about 1 / 4 inch (6.35 mm) or from about 1 / 32 inch (0.794 mm) to about 1 / 2 inch (12.7 mm) or from about 1 / 64 inch (0.397 mm) to about 1 inch (25.4 mm). In other embodiments, slot 112' and button 108 are disposed centrally along the center 189 of the width of element 105a.

[0070] In one embodiment, system 100' includes a U - shaped member 170 that is rotatably fixed to element 105b about a pivot axis 171. In one embodiment, the U - shaped member 170 is fixed to element 105b adjacent to the second end 177b of element 105b and can rotate from a first position (FIG. 8F) that holds elements 105a, 105b together when elements 105a, 105b are in the closed position 103 to a second position (FIG. 5D) that supports the second end 177b of element 105 on a horizontal plane 180 (e.g., a table) when system 100' is placed on the horizontal plane 180.

[0071] In another embodiment, system 100’ includes a base 172 adjacent to the first end 177a of element 105 on the opposite side of the second end 177b. In one embodiment, base 172 has an outer diameter 178 (FIG. 5D) that is larger than the outer diameter of element 105 between the first end 177a and the second end 177b. Also, in one embodiment, 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 larger than the width dimension. In an exemplary embodiment, the width dimension ranges from about 2 inches (5.08 cm) or about 1 inch (2.54 cm) to about 3 inches (7.62 cm), and the length dimension ranges from about 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) or about 1.5 inches (3.81 cm) to about 2.5 inches (6.35 cm). In some embodiments, the length dimension is approximately the same as the width dimension. In an exemplary embodiment, the height of U-shaped member 170 is dimensioned based on the difference between the outer diameter 178 of base 172 and the outer diameter of member 105b at pivot axis 171. In another embodiment, one or more dimensions of base 172 (e.g., outer diameter 178) are dimensioned such that system 100’ is vertically mounted on horizontal plane 180 and 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) ranges from about 11.5 inches (29.21 cm) or about 9.5 inches (24.13 cm) to about 13.5 inches (34.29 cm). In other embodiments, the length of heating elements 106a, 106b ranges from about 6.5 inches (16.51 cm) or about 4.5 inches (11.43 cm) to about 8.5 inches (21.59 cm). In yet other embodiments, the length of slots 112’, 140’ ranges from about 6.5 inches (16.51 cm) or about 4.5 inches (11.43 cm) to about 8.5 inches (21.59 cm).

[0072] In one embodiment, the system 100' features one or more heating control points 174 and / or one or more electrical inlets 176 (e.g., USB ports) for adjusting the temperature of the heating elements 106a, 106b. Advantageously, the heating control points 174 and / or the electrical inlets 176 are arranged along the side of the system 100' such that they are accessible when the system 100' is attached to the base 172 in a vertical orientation at the horizontal plane 180.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 5D, one or more dimensions of the base 172 (e.g., the outer diameter 178) and one or more dimensions of the U-shaped member 170 (e.g., the height) are sized to support the pair of elements 105 on the horizontal plane 180 in the closed position 101 such that the pair of elements 105 is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane 180.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 5C, in one embodiment, a plurality of heating elements 106a, 106b are provided along the inner surfaces of the respective elements 105a, 105b. In one embodiment, the heating elements 106a, 106b include longitudinal axes oriented parallel to the longitudinal axes 135a, 135b (FIG. 5E) of the respective elements 105a, 105b. In one embodiment, the "longitudinal axis" of the heating elements 106a, 106b is defined as an axis that coincides with the length dimension (e.g., the length 143 of the heating element 106 in FIG. 2E) and is orthogonal to a width dimension that is smaller than the length dimension of the heating elements 106a, 106b. In some embodiments, only one heating element 106 is provided along the inner surface of only one of the elements 105. In other embodiments, a plurality of heating elements are provided along the inner surfaces of each element 105.

[0075] In one embodiment, the heating elements 106a, 106b have a width substantially the same as the width of the elements 105a, 105b. However, in other embodiments, the heating elements 106a, 106b have a width smaller than the width of the elements 105a, 105b. FIG. 6C is an image showing an example of a plan view of the inner surfaces of the elements 105a, 105b of the system 100' according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the slot 112' that slidably receives the cutting element 111 and the button 108 in the element 105a is spaced from the heating element 106a by a minimum distance 186 along the inner surface of the element 105a. Similarly, the slot 140' that slidably receives the cutting element 111 when the cutting element 111 moves along the interface 110 is spaced from the heating element 106b by a minimum distance 186 along the inner surface of the element 105b. In an exemplary embodiment, the minimum distance 186 ranges from about 1 / 8 inch (3.175 mm) or about 1 / 16 inch (1.588 mm) to about 1 / 4 inch (6.35 mm) or from about 1 / 16 inch (1.588 mm) to about 1 / 2 inch (12.7 mm) or from about 1 / 32 inch (0.794 mm) to about 1 inch (25.4 mm). The spatial separation of 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. Thus, the minimum distance 186 ensures that the cut formed in the plastic material by the cutting element 111 is not resealed by heat from the heating elements 106a, 106b. In other embodiments, a layer of thermal insulation or a silicone layer 185 (FIG. 8C) is disposed within the minimum distance 186 to provide thermal insulation between the heating elements 106a, 106b and the cutting element 111 and to further ensure that heat from the elements 106a, 106b does not melt the cut formed in the plastic material by the cutting element 111. In some embodiments, the length of the slot 112' and / or the slot 140' is greater than or equal to the length of the heating element 106a and / or the heating element 106b. This advantageously ensures that the movement range of the cutting element 111 (e.g., the length of the slots 112', 140') includes the maximum width of the seal formed at the interface (e.g., the length of the heating elements 106a, 106b).

[0076] In one embodiment, the cutting element 111 of the system 100' operates in a similar manner to the cutting element 111 of the system 100 (e.g., by sliding across the interface 110 using the button 108 on the outer surface of the element 105a to cut the plastic material across the interface 110). However, embodiments of the present invention include any cutting element that moves relative to the inner surface of the element 105a or 105b to cut the plastic material along the interface 110. In another embodiment, the element 105a or the element 105b includes a spring-loading mechanism that moves the cutting mechanism 111 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 135a or 135b to cut the plastic material when the button operably coupled to the spring-loading mechanism is actuated.

[0077] In some embodiments, the heating elements 106a, 106b are securely fixed along the inner surfaces of the elements 105a, 105b. In other embodiments, one or both of the heating elements 106a, 106b are movably fixed to the inner surfaces of the elements 105a, 105b. FIG. 6A is an image showing an example of a side view of a system 100” for sealing an enclosure of a plastic material in an open position 101 according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the system 100” of FIG. 6A is similar to the system 100’ except for the features described herein. In one embodiment, unlike the system 100’, the heating element 106a’ is movably fixed to the inner surface of the element 105a. In one embodiment, the heating element 106a’ is movably attached to the element 105a such that a recess 182 is provided between the heating element 106a’ and the inner surface of the element 105a. Also, one or more springs 184a, 184b are provided that extend into the recess 182 and are operably coupled to the heating element 106a’. The cutting element 111 is provided such that the tip of the cutting element 111 is aligned with the inner surface of the heating element 106a’ when the system 100” is in the open position 101. When the system 100” is moved from the open position 101 to the closed position 103 (FIG. 6B), the heating element 106a’ engages the heating element 106b at the interface 110, whereby the heating element 106a’ moves in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 135a and enters the recess 182. The heating element 106a’ retreats relative to the cutting element 111 such that the cutting element 111 extends beyond the inner surface of the heating element 106a’ in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 135a. Since the tip of the cutting element 111 extends beyond the interface 110 of the heating elements 106a, 106b, the cutting element 111 cuts the plastic material at the interface 110 when the cutting element 111 slides across the interface 110. This configuration advantageously ensures that the cutting element 111 is not exposed since the tip of the cutting element 111 does not extend beyond the inner surface of the heating element 106a’ when the system 100” is in the open position 101.

[0078] FIG. 8A is an image showing an example of a perspective view of a system 100” for sealing an enclosure of a plastic material in an open position 101 according to an embodiment. FIG. 8B is an image showing an example of a side view of the system 100” of FIG. 8A in a closed position 103 according to an embodiment. FIG. 8C is an image showing an example of a cross-sectional view taken along line 8C-8C of FIG. 8B according to an embodiment. In one embodiment, the system 100” of FIG. 8A is similar to the system 100” of FIG. 6A except for one or more features described herein.

[0079] In one embodiment, a silicone layer 185 (e.g., a silicone rubber layer) is provided 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 insulation to the cut formed in the plastic material 136 by the cutting element 111 to prevent heat from the heating elements 106a, 106b from resealing the plastic material 136 along the cut. In one embodiment, the silicone layer 185 includes an extension that can be fixedly received in a groove along the inner surface of the element 105b'. The silicone layer 185 is affixed within the groove of the inner surface of the element 105b' using any means recognized by those skilled in the art (e.g., an adhesive). In one embodiment, the width along the interface 110 of the heating element 106 ranges from about 1 / 4 inch (6.35 mm) or about 1 / 8 inch (3.175 mm) to about 1 / 2 inch (12.7 mm) or from about 1 / 16 inch (1.588 mm) to about 3 / 4 inch (19.05 mm). In one embodiment, the width along the interface 110 of the silicone layer 185 ranges from about 0.04 inch (1 mm) or about 0.02 inch (0.5 mm) to about 0.08 inch (2 mm) or from about 0 inch (0 mm) to about 0.2 inch (5.08 mm). In still other embodiments, the width of the silicone layer 185 is based on the ratio of the width of the heating element 106, and this ratio is less than 1. In one embodiment, the height of the silicone layer 185 is dimensioned 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 from the heating element 106b within the element 105b. In an exemplary embodiment, the minimum spacing 187 ranges from about 1 mm, or from about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm. In other embodiments, the silicone layer 185 and / or the spring 184 are not present in the system 100".

[0080] In one embodiment, a pair of springs 184a, 184c are aligned with opposite sides of the heating element 106a' adjacent to the first end 177a and are operatively coupled to the heating element 106a' to accommodate the heating element 106a' that moves into the recess 182 in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 135a upon engagement between the heating element 106a' and the heating element 106b in the closed position 103. Additionally, a pair of springs 184b are aligned with opposite sides of the heating element 106a' adjacent to the second end 177b or at an incremental interval between the first end 177a and the second end 177b. In one embodiment, the button 108 is operatively connected to the cutting element 111 via a member 115 that is slidably received within the slot 112'. In one embodiment, the member 115 is oriented orthogonal to the cutting element 111.

[0081] In one embodiment, the system 100” includes a spring 183 that is used to apply a spring load to the element 105a' with the hinge 103' (FIG. 8G). In one embodiment, when the system 100” is in the closed position 103 and the U-shaped member 170 is rotated from the first position (FIG. 8G) to the second position (FIG. 5D), the spring 183 pushes the element 105a' upward and rotates the element 105a' around the hinge 103' until the system 100” reaches the open position 101. Advantageously, the system 100” is thereby automatically released to the open position 101 without effort by 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.

[0082] As described above, system 100’ includes one or more heating adjustment points 174 that adjust the desired temperature of heating elements 106a, 106b. FIG. 5H is a block diagram showing an example of the electrical connection between heating elements 106a, 106b in system 100’ of FIG. 5A and a power source 119 (e.g., battery 118) according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, power source 119 is an electrical outlet (electrical outlet) connected to system 100’ via one or more electrical inlets 176 (e.g., USB ports). In one embodiment, system 100’ includes a switch 125 (e.g., a power switch) that turns the system on or off. In one embodiment, switch 125 is not provided, and the electrical connection between power source 119 and the system (e.g., plugging the system into an electrical outlet) functions as a switch 125 that turns the system on or off. Also, in one embodiment, a sensor 123 (e.g., a sensor that detects the engagement of heating elements 106a, 106b) is provided to detect when elements 105a, 105b move from the open position 101 to the closed position 103. In one embodiment, the “open position” means that the angle between elements 105a, 105b is greater than an angle threshold (e.g., about 5 - 10 degrees) so as not to operate heating elements 106a, 106b in the open position, while the “closed position” means that the angle between elements 105a, 105b is less than the angle threshold so as to operate heating elements 106a, 106b. In another embodiment, the “open position” means that the angle between elements 105a, 105b exceeds the angle threshold, and the “closed position” means that the angle between elements 105a, 105b is less than the angle threshold, and the angle between elements 105a, 105b does not affect whether heating elements 106a, 106b are operated or not.

[0083] In one embodiment, system 100’ includes a controller 121 that receives one or more inputs from a heating adjustment point 174, a sensor 123, and / or a switch 125. Upon receiving these inputs, the controller 121 determines whether to send a signal to the power supply 119 to transmit power to the heating elements 106a, 106b. In one embodiment, upon receiving a signal from the switch 125 that system 100’ is on, the controller 121 sends a signal to the power supply 119 to transmit power to the heating elements 106a, 106b. In this embodiment, the sensor 123 is not provided or used, and the heating elements 106a, 106b are continuously heated as long as the switch 125 is on. In an exemplary embodiment, the switch 125 is a power switch on the outer surface of the system 100’. In another embodiment, upon receiving a signal from the switch 125 and the sensor 123 that system 100’ is on and the elements 105a, 105b are in the closed position 103, the controller 121 sends a signal to the power supply 119 to transmit power to the heating elements 106a, 106b. Thus, in this embodiment, it is required that the switch 125 be on and the elements 105a, 105b be in the closed position 103 to heat the heating elements 106a, 106b.

[0084] In one embodiment, by selecting one of the heating adjustment points 174, the temperature threshold stored in the memory of the controller 121 is adjusted. In one embodiment, a temperature sensor 127 is provided that continuously measures the temperature of the heating elements 106a, 106b when the power supply 119 raises the temperature of the heating elements 106a, 106b. The temperature sensor 127 continuously transmits data of the measured temperature to the controller 121, and the controller 121 continuously compares the received measured temperature data with the temperature threshold stored in the memory. When the measured temperature is greater than or equal to the temperature threshold, the controller 121 sends a signal to the power supply 119 to stop supplying power to the heating elements 106a, 106b. When the measured temperature is below the temperature threshold, the controller 121 sends a signal to the power supply 119 to supply power to the heating elements 106a, 106b.

[0085] In some embodiments, when the system 100’ is moved to the closed position 103, the heating elements 106a, 106b receive electrical energy from the power source 119 and heat up to a desired temperature (e.g., a temperature threshold based on the selected heating setpoint 174). In other embodiments, the heating elements 106a, 106b heat up to the desired temperature by activating one or more control devices regardless of whether the system is in the open position 101 or the closed position 103. In one embodiment, the system 100’ features one or more control devices (e.g., the heating setpoint 174) for changing the desired temperature. In an exemplary embodiment, the control device features a dial for changing the desired temperature to one of a plurality of setpoints. In an exemplary embodiment, the dial features adjustment points between two and eight for changing the desired temperature to one of two to eight different set values. In one embodiment, the desired temperature setting is adjusted based on the type of plastic material 136. In an exemplary embodiment, an enclosure made of a Mylar plastic material has a different desired temperature setting than an enclosure made of a plastic bag plastic material. In some embodiments, the desired temperature is selected based on the melting point of the plastic material. In an exemplary embodiment, the system 100’ features one or more control devices on the surface of the elements 105a, 105b that select the desired temperature. In other embodiments, the system 100’ features one or more control devices that activate the heating elements 106a, 106b in the closed position 101 such that the heating elements 106a, 106b only heat up in the closed position 101 when the control device is activated. In yet other embodiments, the control device activates the heating elements 106a, 106b regardless of the position of the system 100’. The temperature of the heating element 106 of the system 100 is controlled in a manner similar to that of the heating elements 106a, 106b of the system 100’ described herein. In some embodiments, the first element 102a features a light-emitting diode (LED) 120 (FIG. 1D) that operates in a first mode (e.g., a blinking mode or a first color) when the heating element 106 is heating up to the desired temperature and operates in a second mode different from the first mode (e.g., a static mode or a second color) when the heating element 106 reaches the desired temperature.

[0086] The heating elements 106a, 106b heat up to a desired temperature to melt a plastic material including a first plastic layer and a second plastic layer, and form a seal between the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer of the plastic material. FIG. 3A is a block diagram showing an example of a perspective view of a first seal 301 formed in a plastic material 136 by a system 100'. In some embodiments, the plastic material 136 includes side seals 302a, 302b before the plastic material 136 is heated by the heating elements 106a, 106b to form the first seal 301. In other embodiments, the plastic material 136 includes first and second plastic layers that do not include side seals 302a, 302b, and the side seals 302a, 302b are formed using the 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 period (e.g., from about 3 seconds to about 5 seconds) to form a seal. In some embodiments, the minimum period is determined by one or more parameters (e.g., thickness) of the plastic material 136. In some embodiments, after forming the first seal 301 across the heating elements 106a, 106b, the button 108 is slid along the slot 112' of the element 105a, and the cutting element 111 is slid along the cutting line 303a at the interface to cut the plastic material 136 adjacent to the first seal 301. Next, in a manner similar to forming the first seal 301, a third seal 311 is formed in the plastic material 136 using the heating elements 106a, 106b, the button 108 is slid along the slot 112', and the cutting element 111 is slid along the cutting line 303b to form an opening 305 in the plastic enclosure 310 (e.g., a bag). The third seal 311 is formed as part of a second enclosure (e.g., a second bag) separated from the plastic enclosure 310.

[0087] FIG. 3B is a block diagram showing an example of a perspective view of the first seal 301 of FIG. 3A after cutting the plastic material 136 from the first seal 301 using the system of FIG. 5A according to one embodiment. The first seal 301 forms the base of the enclosure 310. The opening 305 of the enclosure 310 is provided by sliding the cutter element 111 along the cutting line 303b. As described in the following method, the contents 308 (e.g., seasonings, snacks, personal care items) are placed into the enclosure 310 of the plastic material 136 through the opening 305. FIG. 3C is a block diagram showing an example of a perspective view of the second seal 304 formed in the plastic material 136 by the system 100' of FIG. 5A according to one embodiment. After placing the contents 308 through the opening 305, the opening 305 is positioned at the interface between the elements 105a, 105b, and the second seal 304 is formed between the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer by the heating elements 106a, 106b. As a result, an enclosure, i.e., a bag 310, containing a sealed volume holding the contents 308 is provided, and the sealed volume is defined by the first seal 301, the second seal 304, and the side seals 302a, 302b.

[0088] FIG. 3B is a block diagram showing an example of a perspective view of the first seal 301 of FIG. 3A after cutting the plastic material 136 from the first seal 301 using the system of FIG. 5A according to one embodiment. The first seal 301 forms the base of the enclosure 310. The opening 305 of the enclosure 310 is provided by sliding the cutter element 111 along the cutting line 303b. As will be described in the following method, the contents 308 (e.g., seasonings, snacks, personal care items) are placed into the enclosure 310 of the plastic material 136 through the opening 305. FIG. 3C is a block diagram showing an example of a perspective view of the second seal 304 formed in the plastic material 136 by the system 100' of FIG. 5A according to one embodiment. After placing the contents 308 through the opening 305, the opening 305 is positioned at the interface between the elements 105a, 105b, and the second seal 304 is formed between the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer by the heating elements 106a, 106b. As a result, an enclosure, i.e., a bag 310, containing a sealed volume holding the contents 308 is provided, and the sealed volume is defined by the first seal 301, the second seal 304, and the side seals 302a, 302b.

[0089] FIG. 3G is a block diagram showing an example of a top view of an enclosure 310' of plastic material including internal seals 309a, 309b between a first seal 301 and a second seal 304, according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, after forming the first seal 301 and the opening 305, the contents 308a are inserted through the opening 305, and the internal seal 309a is formed to hold the contents 308a within a sub-enclosure of the enclosure 310'. Similarly, the contents 308b are inserted through the opening 305, and the internal seal 309b is formed to hold the contents 308b within a sub-enclosure of the enclosure 310'. Since it is not desirable to cut the plastic material 136 adjacent to the internal seals 309a, 309b, the cutting element 111 is not slid across the interface adjacent to the internal seals 309a, 309b. The contents 308c are inserted through the opening 305, and then the second seal 304 is formed along the opening 305 using the elements 105a, 105b. This configuration advantageously allows multiple sub-enclosures of the contents 308 to be within one larger enclosure 310'. If the user wishes to access the contents 308c (not the contents 308a or 308b), the user can cut the sub-enclosure having the contents 308c or cut the internal seal 309b and hold the sub-enclosure having the contents 308c until access to the contents 308c is obtained. In an exemplary embodiment, the user can form multiple sub-enclosures having the contents 308 within each sub-enclosure on a daily basis, so that only access to the sub-enclosure for a particular day of the week is required.

[0090] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a method 200 for sealing an enclosure 310 of a plastic material 136 according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the systems 100, 100', 100" are portable so that one or more steps of the method 200 can be performed while holding the systems 100, 100', 100" in one or both hands of a user. The following method 200 can be performed using any embodiment of the aforementioned systems 100, 100', 100". In step 201, the plastic material 136 is placed at the interface between the elements 105a, 105b. FIG. 2F is a block diagram showing an example of a side view of a plurality of reels 152a, 152b of the plastic material 136 used in the system 100' of FIG. 5A according to one embodiment. Alternatively, the reel 152 is provided within a box 155 (FIG. 7A) and is supplied from an opening of the box 155. In one embodiment, the reels 152a, 152b hold plastic materials 136 of different widths. In an exemplary embodiment, the reel 152a holds a plastic material 136a of a first width (e.g., 6 inches (15.24 cm)), and the reel 152b holds a plastic material 136b of a second width smaller than the first width (e.g., 3 inches (7.62 cm)). FIG. 2H shows an embodiment in which the plastic materials 136a and 136b are supplied from a box or housing holding the reels 152a, 152b. In an exemplary embodiment, the plastic material 136 includes side seals 302a, 302b as shown in FIG. 3A. In one embodiment, in step 201, the plastic material 136 from one of the reels 152a, 152b or the reel 152 within the box 155 is supplied to the interface between the elements 105a, 105b. In step 201, the reels 152a, 152b are selected such that the width of the plastic material 136 is less than or equal to the length 143 (FIG. 2E) of the heating element 106. In some embodiments, a cutter 153 is provided on the reels 152a, 152b and is used to cut the plastic material 136 so that a length of the plastic material 136 corresponding to a desired length of the enclosure 310 is provided. In this embodiment, step 206 in the method 200 can be omitted.

[0091] In some embodiments, in step 201, the plastic material 136 is disposed at the interface of the second elements 105a, 105b such that at least a desired length 307 (FIG. 3A) of the plastic material 136 is drawn out from the reel 152. FIG. 3D shows an embodiment of step 201 of disposing the plastic material 136b at the interface of the second elements 104a, 104b of the system 100. The desired length 307 corresponds to the desired length of the enclosure 310 (e.g., a bag). In an exemplary embodiment, the desired length of the enclosure 310 ranges from about 5 inches (12.7 cm) to about 12 inches (30.48 cm).

[0092] In some embodiments, in step 201, the plastic material 136 is first moved between the elements 105a, 105b as shown in FIG. 7A. In an exemplary embodiment, in step 201, the plastic material 136 is moved between the elements 105a, 105b of FIG. 7A such that the region corresponding to the first seal 301 is first disposed between the elements 105a, 105b.

[0093] In step 202, after the plastic material 136 is disposed at the interface between the elements 105a, 105b, the heating elements 106a, 106b are pivoted from the open position 101 (FIG. 7A) to the closed position 103 (FIG. 7B). In some embodiments, in step 202, in addition to pivoting the elements 105a, 105b to the closed position 103, one or more control devices are activated. The heating elements 106a, 106b then become hot to a desired temperature, raising the temperature at the interface of the heating elements 106a, 106b by electrical connection to a power source. In one embodiment, the desired temperature exceeds the melting temperature of the plastic material 136.

[0094] Also, in step 202, a first seal 301 is formed on the plastic material 136 by heating the interface in step 202 (FIG. 7A). In some embodiments, in step 202, the first seal 301 is formed by the interface temperature reaching a desired temperature during a minimum period. In an exemplary embodiment, the desired temperature ranges from about 125 degrees to about 260 degrees. In another exemplary embodiment, the minimum period ranges from about 3 seconds to about 5 seconds. In some embodiments, the user manually checks when the minimum period has elapsed and opens elements 105a, 105b after that period. In other embodiments, the heating elements 106a, 106b automatically heat up to the desired temperature and stay at that temperature for the minimum period before automatically reducing the temperature.

[0095] In one embodiment, in step 202, after the first seal 301 is formed on the plastic material 136, a cutting element 111 is slid across the interface between elements 105a, 105b along a cutting line 303a (FIG. 3A) to cut the plastic material 136 adjacent to the first seal 301. FIG. 3B shows an embodiment of the first seal 301 after step 206 has been performed, where the plastic material 136 adjacent to the first seal 301 has been cut across the cutting line 303a. FIG. 7A similarly shows the cutting line 303a across which the cutting element 111 slides to cut the plastic material 136 adjacent to the first seal 301. In one embodiment, the cutting element 111 is laterally offset from the heating elements 106a, 106b, so that the cut along the plastic material 136 in step 202 is advantageously offset from the heating elements 106a, 106b, minimizing the risk of heat from the heating elements 106a, 106b melting the plastic material 136 together along the cutting line 303a. Also, in another embodiment, a silicone layer 185 (FIG. 8C) provides insulation to the plastic material 136 during cutting along the line 303a, reducing the risk of heating and re-sealing of the plastic material 136 along the line 303a after cutting.

[0096] In step 204, similar to forming the first seal 301 in step 202, the elements 105a, 105b are rotated from the open position 101 to the closed position 103 to form a third seal 311 between the first layer and the second layer of the plastic material 136. FIG. 7A shows the plastic material 136 disposed between the elements 105a, 105b before the elements 105a, 105b move to the closed position 103 (FIG. 7B) to form the third seal 311. FIG. 3A shows the third seal 311 formed within the plastic material 136.

[0097] In step 206, the cutting element 111 is moved along the cutting line 303b at the interface 110 between the elements 105a, 105b to form an opening 305 in the enclosure 310. After step 206, an enclosure 310 as shown in FIG. 3B is obtained, which includes the first seal 310 and the opening 305 together with the side seals 302a, 302b. In one embodiment, the third seal 311 is separated from the enclosure 310 in step 206, so the third seal 311 is used to form a second enclosure after the enclosure 310. In an exemplary embodiment, the third seal 311 forms a seal similar to the seal 301 of the enclosure 310 on the second enclosure.

[0098] FIG. 3B is a block diagram showing an example of a perspective view of the plastic material 136 after cutting the plastic material 136 along the cutting line 303b adjacent to the seal 311 using the cutting element 111 in step 206. The opening 305 (between the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer) is provided on the side opposite to the first seal 301 of the plastic material 136.

[0099] In step 208, contents 308 (such as seasonings, snacks, personal items) are put into the opening 305 of the plastic material 136. In one embodiment, a desired amount of the contents 308 is put into the opening 305. In some embodiments, the contents 308 are liquid contents. In other embodiments, the contents 308 are solid contents.

[0100] In step 210, after performing step 208, the opening 305 of the plastic material 136 is disposed at the interface between elements 105a and 105b. FIG. 3F shows one embodiment of step 210 of disposing the opening 305 of the plastic material 136 at the interface between elements 105a and 105b. In some embodiments, step 210 is similar to step 201 except that the opening 305 is disposed at the interface between elements 105a and 105b. Then, a step 212 similar to step 202 is performed.

[0101] In step 212, a second seal 304 is formed on the plastic material 136 by heating the interface in step 212. When step 212 is performed, an enclosure 310 (e.g., a bag) is formed between the first seal 301, the second seal 304, and the side seals 302a, 302b. FIG. 3F shows one embodiment of the enclosure 310 including the first seal 301 and the second seal 304. In other embodiments, an enclosure other than a rectangular enclosure is formed, including an arcuate enclosure or an enclosure based on any polygonal shape. FIGS. 7E and 7F show a system 100' that is held in a user's hand and is used to form the second seal 304 when the user moves the system 100' from an open position 101 (FIG. 7E) to a closed position 103 (FIG. 7F).

[0102] In some embodiments, method 200 is performed to fill an enclosure 310' (e.g., a bag) with contents 308a, 308b, 308c (FIG. 3G) within each respective sub - enclosure within the enclosure 310', and internal seals 309a, 309b are formed between a first seal 301 and a second seal 304. In these embodiments, steps 208 and 212 (omitting step 210) are repeated until the desired number of sub - enclosures within the enclosure 310' are filled with contents 308a, 308b, 308c, and step 212 includes the formation of the internal seal 309. FIG. 3G shows three sub - enclosures within the enclosure 310', but more than three or less than three sub - enclosures can be formed. After forming the desired number of sub - enclosures (e.g., repeating steps 208 and 212 the desired number of times), step 212 is performed to close the opening 305 of the enclosure 310' with the second seal 304. Also, FIG. 3G shows that the sub - enclosures and the internal seal 309 are formed in one direction and parallel to the first and second seals 301, 304, but the internal seal can be omnidirectional, such as a vertical internal seal (FIG. 7G) that forms vertical sub - enclosures 310a, 310b and is orthogonal to the first and second seals 301, 304, or a diagonal internal seal that forms diagonal sub - enclosures within the enclosure 310'.

[0103] In some embodiments, method 200 is performed using a straw 136' (FIG. 2G), and first seal 301' and second seal 304' are formed on the straw 136' to form an enclosure (e.g., a capsule 162) from the straw 136' material. In an exemplary embodiment, the capsule 162 is filled with contents (e.g., a spice) while forming the first seal 301' and the second seal 304'. In one embodiment, in method 200 using the straw 136', a first heating element 106 having a first length 143 based on the width of the plastic material 136 is replaced, for example, with a second heating element 106 having a second length 143 based on the width of the straw 136'.

[0104] In FIG. 4, the steps are shown as essential steps in a specific order for illustrative purposes, but in other embodiments, one or more steps or portions thereof may be performed in a different order, or temporally overlapping, in series or in parallel, omitted, one or more additional steps may be added, or the method may be changed in some combination of ways.

[0105] Table 1 below lists various parameters (e.g., size, type of contents 308, etc.) of various parts of systems 100, 100', the seals formed by systems 100, 100', 100", various types of plastic materials 136 used in various designs of systems 100, 100', 100", and various types of contents 308 associated with each type of plastic material 136. The parameters in Table 1 are merely exemplary embodiments of the parameters used in systems 100, 100', 100" and are non-limiting. In other embodiments, parameters other than those listed in Table 1 can be used to form seals formed by systems 100', 100', 100" or systems 100, 100', 100".

[0106]

Table 1

[0107] 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 without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a limiting sense. Throughout this specification and the claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", are to be interpreted as including the recited member, element or step or group of members, elements or steps but not excluding other members, elements or steps or group of members, elements or steps. Also, the indefinite article "a" or "an" means one or more of the member, element or step so modified by the article. As used herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, a value is "about" another value if it falls within a factor of two (either twice or half) of the other value. Although exemplary ranges are indicated, all ranges included are also intended in various embodiments, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, in some embodiments, the range from 0 to 10 includes the range from 1 to 4.

Claims

1. An apparatus for sealing an enclosure made of plastic material, comprising a handle including a pair of elements, a first element and a second element pivotally connected to each other at a first end of the first element and a first end of the second element, wherein both the first element and the second element are held by hand, a heating element disposed on an inner surface of at least one of the pair of elements and connected to a power source, the longitudinal axis of the heating element being oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the at least one element, a cutting element disposed on the inner surface of the first element, and a plastic material including a first plastic layer and a second plastic layer is disposed at an interface between the pair of elements, and when the pair of elements is pivoted from an open position to a closed position, the heating element is configured to raise the temperature of the interface to melt the plastic material and form a seal between the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer, the cutting element is configured to move relative to the inner surface of the first element and cut the plastic material along the interface adjacent to the seal, the cutting element is spaced from the heating element by a minimum distance to prevent heat from the heating element from sealing an opening of the plastic material formed by cutting the plastic material by the cutting element while the pair of elements remains in the closed position after the seal is formed by the heating element, the heating element includes a first heating element disposed on the inner surface of the first element and a second heating element disposed on the inner surface of the second element, and when the first element and the second element are pivoted to the closed position, the first heating element and the second heating element are configured to raise the temperature of the interface to melt the plastic material and form the seal.

2. The cutting element is slidably received in a first slot of the first element such that the cutting element is configured to slide along an inner surface of the first element, and the inner surface of the second element includes a second slot that slidably receives the cutting element along the interface when the plastic material is cut by the cutting element. The apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The second slot and the heating element are disposed along an inner surface of the second element such that the second slot is spaced from the heating element by a minimum distance. The apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The length of the second slot is greater than or equal to the length of the heating element along the inner surface of the second element. The apparatus according to claim 2.

5. The first element further includes a button on an outer surface of the first element, and the button is connected to the cutting element through the first slot such that the cutting element is configured to slide along the inner surface by movement of the button along the outer surface. The apparatus according to claim 2.

6. The cutting element is offset from the center of the width of the first element. The apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The first heating element is configured such that when the pair of elements is pivoted to the closed position, the first heating element retracts relative to the cutting element such that the cutting element extends beyond the heating element in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first element. The apparatus according to claim 1 is movable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first element.

8. At least one spring is disposed between the first heating element and the first element, the second heating element is disposed along an inner surface of the second element, and the first heating element is movable in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first element by engagement of the first heating element and the second heating element at the interface. The apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the heating element includes a plurality of heating elements arranged along the inner surface of at least one of the pair of elements.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a button operably connected to the cutting element through the slot so as to be located on the opposite side of the slot with respect to the cutting element, and both the cutting element and the button being slidable within the slot.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is portable such that while the apparatus is held in a user's hand, the operation of the apparatus including placing the plastic material at the interface between the pair of elements, pivoting the pair of elements from the open position to the closed position, and forming the seal is performed.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power source is a battery and at least one of the elements includes a compartment for housing the battery.

13. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a layer of heat insulating material disposed between the cutting element and the heating element.

14. A method of sealing an enclosure of a plastic material using the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, placing a plastic material including a first plastic layer and a second plastic layer at an interface between a pair of elements pivotally connected to each other, wherein a heating element is disposed along the inner surface of at least one of the pair of elements; pivoting the pair of elements from an open position to a closed position such that the heating element raises the temperature of the interface to melt the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer; forming a first seal between the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer by melting the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer; Filling the enclosure of the plastic material with contents through an opening in the enclosure of the plastic material; Placing the plastic material including the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer on the interface; Rotating the pair of elements from the open position to the closed position such that the heating element raises the temperature of the interface to melt the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer; Forming a second seal between the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer by melting the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer; comprising; A method in which an enclosure of the plastic material is formed between the first seal and the second seal.

15. Rotating the pair of elements from the open position to the closed position such that the heating element raises the temperature of the interface to melt the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer; Forming a third seal between the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer for use in forming a second enclosure separate from the enclosure; Moving a cutting element at the interface to cut the plastic material adjacent to the third seal to form an opening in the enclosure of the plastic material; further comprising; The method according to claim 14, wherein the second seal is formed to close the opening after the filling step.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the enclosure is a bag, both sides of the bag are sealed before performing the method, the upper and lower portions of the bag are sealed by the respective first seal and the second seal, and the length of the heating element is selected based on the width of the bag between the two sides.

17. The enclosure is a capsule, the plastic material is a straw, the upper and bottom portions of the capsule are sealed by the first seal and the second seal respectively, the length of the heating element is selected based on the width of the straw, and the thickness of the heating element is selected based on the thickness of the straw such that the temperature of the interface reaches the melting point of the straw, the method according to claim 14.

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