US3686822A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for skin packaging
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1970-09-14
•
Granted: 1972-08-29
•
Expires: 1990-09-14
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus and method is provided for forming a skin package particularly for food products, hardware and the like, in which said package is formed by a pressure differential applied to either an upper or lower member or both. This pressure is applied to the midportion of a film brought to a stretchable condition and held by its edges. When the film is thermoplastic this stretchable condition may be provided by holding its midportion against a heated platen until it is softened to a condition adapted for draping, sealing and forming. The product for packaging is placed on the lower covering member whose supporting face is adapted for sealing to the upper member by means of a pressure differential or air pressure and with this motion the film is stretched and brought to and is draped over the product. The air or atmosphere is used to form the package by pushing the film tightly around the product and into sealing condition with the other member. When both upper and lower members are thermoplastic film and are heated, either or both of the films after heating are urged toward each other. The chamber includes an upper and lower platen or clamping means and a mid-chamber form and may have provision for flushing the product or package with gas such as nitrogen, carbon dioxide and the like. A stretchable film may be used as one or both of the members and have an adhesive coated surface so that no heat is required but the stretchable film is pushed into sealing engagement with the other clamped member.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert O Wolfelsperger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 18:28
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65B; B65B47/00; B65B47/02; B65B31/00; B65B31/02; B65B31/021
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 24
Claim 1
Independent Claim
342 words
The method of forming a package in which there is provided an upper and lower packaging member, one of which is thermoplastic film adapted for heating to a condition for forming to a product, and in which the facing surfaces of the packaging members are adapted for sealing to each other by pressure, the method including the steps of (a) moving a lower packaging member in way of the lower facing surface of a mid-chamber form having a selectively closable large volume passageway through the wall thereof; (b) supporting the lower packaging member with a lower platen; (c) placing a product on the lower packaging member; (d) moving the lower platen toward the mid-chamber form to clamp the edges of the lower packaging member between the platen and midchamber form; (e) bringing an upper packaging member to the upper face of the mid-chamber form; (f) moving an upper platen toward the mid-chamber form to clamp the upper packaging member by its edges to the upper face of the mid-chamber form; (g) moving the upper platen and lower platen toward each other to seal the films to the mid-chamber; (h) heating inner portions of the thermoplastic film by drawing the film into contact with a localized heated mid-portion area of a platen; (i) opening the passageway through the sidewall of the mid-chamber form to a large source of vacuum to rapidly bring the mid-chamber to a condition of reduced pressure; (j) applying pressure to substantially all of the exterior surface of the heated thermoplastic film to cause this heated portion within the midchamber form to be urged toward and around the product and into sealing engagement with the other packaging member and to cause a hermetically sealed package to be formed around the product; (k) shutting off the vacuum to the mid-chamber and opening the midchamber to atmospheric pressure, and (1) moving the upper platen from the upper surface of the mid-chamber form and moving the lower platen from the mid-chamber form to permit removal of the packaged product from the mid-chamber form.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
342 words
The method of forming a package in which there is provided an upper and lower packaging member, one of which is thermoplastic film adapted for heating to a condition for forming to a product, and in which the facing surfaces of the packaging members are adapted for sealing to each other by pressure, the method including the steps of (a) moving a lower packaging member in way of the lower facing surface of a mid-chamber form having a selectively closable large volume passageway through the wall thereof; (b) supporting the lower packaging member with a lower platen; (c) placing a product on the lower packaging member; (d) moving the lower platen toward the mid-chamber form to clamp the edges of the lower packaging member between the platen and midchamber form; (e) bringing an upper packaging member to the upper face of the mid-chamber form; (f) moving an upper platen toward the mid-chamber form to clamp the upper packaging member by its edges to the upper face of the mid-chamber form; (g) moving the upper platen and lower platen toward each other to seal the films to the mid-chamber; (h) heating inner portions of the thermoplastic film by drawing the film into contact with a localized heated mid-portion area of a platen; (i) opening the passageway through the sidewall of the mid-chamber form to a large source of vacuum to rapidly bring the mid-chamber to a condition of reduced pressure; (j) applying pressure to substantially all of the exterior surface of the heated thermoplastic film to cause this heated portion within the midchamber form to be urged toward and around the product and into sealing engagement with the other packaging member and to cause a hermetically sealed package to be formed around the product; (k) shutting off the vacuum to the mid-chamber and opening the midchamber to atmospheric pressure, and (1) moving the upper platen from the upper surface of the mid-chamber form and moving the lower platen from the mid-chamber form to permit removal of the packaged product from the mid-chamber form.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
120 words
The method of forming a package as in claim 1 in which the upper packaging member is a thermoplastic film and the lower packaging member has at least an upper supporting surface of thermoplastic film, the method including the further step of opening the small communication passageways of the upper and lower platens to the source of vacuum to urge the upper and lower packaging members to the platens to warm substantially only the center portion of the members and after a determined period of warming, shutting off the vacuum to the small communication passageways and opening the passageways to atmospheric pressure to cause the upper and lower packaging members to be moved toward each other and around the product.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
579 words
The method of forming a package in which there is provided an upper and lower packaging member, one of which is a thermoplastic film adapted for heating to a condition for forming to a product, and in which the facing surfaces of the packaging members are adapted for sealing to each other by pressure, the method including the steps of: (a) moving a lower packaging member in way of the lower facing surface of a mid-chamber form having a selectively closable large volume passageway through the wall thereof; (b) supporting the lower packaging member with a lower platen; (c) placing a product on the lower packaging member; (d) moving the lower platen toward the mid-chamber form to clamp the edges of the lower packaging member between the platen and mid-chamber form; (e) bringing an upper packaging member to the upper face of the mid-chamber form; (f) moving an upper platen toward the mid-chamber form to clamp the upper packaging member by its edges to the upper face of the mid-chamber form; (g) moving the upper platen and lower platen toward each other to seal the films to the mid-chamber; (h) heating the thermoplastic film by drawing the film into contact with a localized heated area of a platen; (i) opening the passageway through the sidewall of the mid-chamber form to a large source of vacuum to rapidly bring the mid-chamber to a condition of reduced pressure; (j) applying pressure to substantially all of the exterior surface of the heated thermoplastic film to cause this heated portion within the mid-chamber form to be urged towards and around the product and into sealing engagement with the other packaging member and to cause a hermetically sealed package to be formed around the product; (k) shutting off the vacuum to the mid-chamber and opening the mid-chamber to atmospheric pressure, and (1) moving the upper platen from the upper surface of the mid-chamber form and moving the lower platen from the mid-chamber form to permit removal of the packaged product from the mid-chamber form and in which method the upper packaging member is a thermoplastic film, and the upper and lower platens each have locally heated center portions and around these center portions of the platens are small communication passageways leading from the outer surfaces of the adjacent packaging members to a vacuum source connected to the platen and communication passageway and a valve means adapted to shut off the vacuum source to the passageways, the atmosphere and the like, the method including the further step of opening the small communication passageways of the upper and lower platens to the source of vacuum to urge the upper and lower packaging members to the platens to warm the center portion of the members and after a determined period of warming, shutting off the vacuum to the small communication passageways and opening the passageways to atmospheric pressure to cause the upper and lower packaging members to be moved toward each other and around the product and wherein the lower packaging member is thermoplastic film and at least the lower platen is provided with a plurality of insulating members extending above the heated surface of the lower platen, the method including the further step of arranging the product on the lower packaging film so that the product rests on film resting on insulating members whose upper surface is a determined distance above the heated surface as and when the lower film is drawn toward the platen surface.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
579 words
The method of forming a package in which there is provided an upper and lower packaging member, one of which is a thermoplastic film adapted for heating to a condition for forming to a product, and in which the facing surfaces of the packaging members are adapted for sealing to each other by pressure, the method including the steps of: (a) moving a lower packaging member in way of the lower facing surface of a mid-chamber form having a selectively closable large volume passageway through the wall thereof; (b) supporting the lower packaging member with a lower platen; (c) placing a product on the lower packaging member; (d) moving the lower platen toward the mid-chamber form to clamp the edges of the lower packaging member between the platen and mid-chamber form; (e) bringing an upper packaging member to the upper face of the mid-chamber form; (f) moving an upper platen toward the mid-chamber form to clamp the upper packaging member by its edges to the upper face of the mid-chamber form; (g) moving the upper platen and lower platen toward each other to seal the films to the mid-chamber; (h) heating the thermoplastic film by drawing the film into contact with a localized heated area of a platen; (i) opening the passageway through the sidewall of the mid-chamber form to a large source of vacuum to rapidly bring the mid-chamber to a condition of reduced pressure; (j) applying pressure to substantially all of the exterior surface of the heated thermoplastic film to cause this heated portion within the mid-chamber form to be urged towards and around the product and into sealing engagement with the other packaging member and to cause a hermetically sealed package to be formed around the product; (k) shutting off the vacuum to the mid-chamber and opening the mid-chamber to atmospheric pressure, and (1) moving the upper platen from the upper surface of the mid-chamber form and moving the lower platen from the mid-chamber form to permit removal of the packaged product from the mid-chamber form and in which method the upper packaging member is a thermoplastic film, and the upper and lower platens each have locally heated center portions and around these center portions of the platens are small communication passageways leading from the outer surfaces of the adjacent packaging members to a vacuum source connected to the platen and communication passageway and a valve means adapted to shut off the vacuum source to the passageways, the atmosphere and the like, the method including the further step of opening the small communication passageways of the upper and lower platens to the source of vacuum to urge the upper and lower packaging members to the platens to warm the center portion of the members and after a determined period of warming, shutting off the vacuum to the small communication passageways and opening the passageways to atmospheric pressure to cause the upper and lower packaging members to be moved toward each other and around the product and wherein the lower packaging member is thermoplastic film and at least the lower platen is provided with a plurality of insulating members extending above the heated surface of the lower platen, the method including the further step of arranging the product on the lower packaging film so that the product rests on film resting on insulating members whose upper surface is a determined distance above the heated surface as and when the lower film is drawn toward the platen surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
384 words
Apparatus for forming a package around a product in which there is provided an upper and a lower packaging member one of which is a thermoplastic film disposed to be heated to a stretchable condition adapted for forming to a product, and in which the facing surfaces of the packaging members are conditioned for sealing together by pressure, the apparatus including: (a) a mid-chamber form sized to surround a product of determiNed size, said form having upper and lower sealing surface ends and a selectively closeable large volume passageway through the wall of the mid-chamber form; (b) a lower support platen adapted to be moved into sealing condition with the lower surface of the mid-chamber form; (c) an upper platen adapted to mate with the upper sealing surface of the mid-chamber form; (d) upper and lower packaging members adapted to be moved into sealing condition, the lower member supporting the product and with one of the members being the thermoplastic film; (e) means for heating substantially only the midportion of one of the platens and drawing the thermoplastic film thereagainst to warm the film to a stretchable condition adapted for forming to a product, and with the facing surfaces of the packaging members conditioned for sealing together by pressure; (f) means for positioning the upper and lower packaging members adjacent the respective upper and lower ends of the mid-chamber form; (g) means for moving the lower and upper platens toward and to the mid-chamber form so as to clamp the upper and lower packaging members at their edges to the mid-chamber form to provide a sealed chamber; (h) means for selectively opening the passageway through the sidewall of the mid-chamber form to a large source of vacuum to rapidly bring the mid-chamber to a condition of reduced pressure and provide a condition of differential pressure against the outer surface of the stretchable film within the clamped edges so that this portion of the film is urged towards and around the product and into sealing engagement with the other packaging member to cause a hermetically sealed package to be formed, and (i) means for shutting off the vacuum to the mid-chamber, opening the mid-chamber to the atmosphere and removing the upper and lower platens from the mid-chamber to permit removal of the packaged product therefrom.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
384 words
Apparatus for forming a package around a product in which there is provided an upper and a lower packaging member one of which is a thermoplastic film disposed to be heated to a stretchable condition adapted for forming to a product, and in which the facing surfaces of the packaging members are conditioned for sealing together by pressure, the apparatus including: (a) a mid-chamber form sized to surround a product of determiNed size, said form having upper and lower sealing surface ends and a selectively closeable large volume passageway through the wall of the mid-chamber form; (b) a lower support platen adapted to be moved into sealing condition with the lower surface of the mid-chamber form; (c) an upper platen adapted to mate with the upper sealing surface of the mid-chamber form; (d) upper and lower packaging members adapted to be moved into sealing condition, the lower member supporting the product and with one of the members being the thermoplastic film; (e) means for heating substantially only the midportion of one of the platens and drawing the thermoplastic film thereagainst to warm the film to a stretchable condition adapted for forming to a product, and with the facing surfaces of the packaging members conditioned for sealing together by pressure; (f) means for positioning the upper and lower packaging members adjacent the respective upper and lower ends of the mid-chamber form; (g) means for moving the lower and upper platens toward and to the mid-chamber form so as to clamp the upper and lower packaging members at their edges to the mid-chamber form to provide a sealed chamber; (h) means for selectively opening the passageway through the sidewall of the mid-chamber form to a large source of vacuum to rapidly bring the mid-chamber to a condition of reduced pressure and provide a condition of differential pressure against the outer surface of the stretchable film within the clamped edges so that this portion of the film is urged towards and around the product and into sealing engagement with the other packaging member to cause a hermetically sealed package to be formed, and (i) means for shutting off the vacuum to the mid-chamber, opening the mid-chamber to the atmosphere and removing the upper and lower platens from the mid-chamber to permit removal of the packaged product therefrom.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
429 words
Apparatus for forming a package around a product in which there is provided an upper and a lower packaging member one of which is a thermoplastic film disposed to be heated to a stretchable condition adapted for forming to a product and in which the facing surfaces of the packaging members are conditioned for sealing together by pressure, the apparatus including: (a) a mid-chamber form sized to surround a product of determined size, said form having upper and lower sealing surface ends and a selectively closeable large volume passageway through the wall of the mid-chamber form; (b) a lower support platen adapted to be moved into sealing condition with the lower surface of the mid-chamber form; (c) an upper platen adapted to mate with the upper sealing surface of the mid-chamber form; (d) said upper and lower platens have locally heated center portions, small communication passageways leading from their surfaces to a vacuum source, and valve means adapted to shut off the vacuum source to the passageways and to feed to these passageways a supply of pressurized air; (e) upper and lower packaging members adapted to be moved into sealing condition with the lower member supporting the product and with one of the members being the thermoplastic film; (f) means for heating the mid-portion of one of the platens and drawing the thermoplastic film thereagainst to warm the film to a stretchable condition adapted for forming to a product, and with the facing surfaces of the packaging members conditioned for sealing together by pressure; (g) means for positioning the upper and lower packaging members adjacent the respective upper and lower ends of the mid-chamber form; (h) means for moving the lower and upper platens toward and to the mid-chamber form so as to clamp the upper and lower packaging members at their edges to the mid-chamber form to provide a sealed chamber; (i) means for selectively opening the passageway through the sidewall of the mid-chamber form to a large source of vacuum to rapidly bring the mid-chamber to a condition of reduced pressure and provide a condition of differential pressure againSt the outer surface of the stretchable film within the clamped edges so that this portion of the film is urged towards and around the product and into sealing engagement with the other packaging member to cause a hermetically sealed package to be formed; and (j) means for shutting off the vacuum to the mid-chamber, opening the mid-chamber to the atmosphere and removing the upper and lower platens from the mid-chamber to permit removal of the packaged product therefrom.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
429 words
Apparatus for forming a package around a product in which there is provided an upper and a lower packaging member one of which is a thermoplastic film disposed to be heated to a stretchable condition adapted for forming to a product and in which the facing surfaces of the packaging members are conditioned for sealing together by pressure, the apparatus including: (a) a mid-chamber form sized to surround a product of determined size, said form having upper and lower sealing surface ends and a selectively closeable large volume passageway through the wall of the mid-chamber form; (b) a lower support platen adapted to be moved into sealing condition with the lower surface of the mid-chamber form; (c) an upper platen adapted to mate with the upper sealing surface of the mid-chamber form; (d) said upper and lower platens have locally heated center portions, small communication passageways leading from their surfaces to a vacuum source, and valve means adapted to shut off the vacuum source to the passageways and to feed to these passageways a supply of pressurized air; (e) upper and lower packaging members adapted to be moved into sealing condition with the lower member supporting the product and with one of the members being the thermoplastic film; (f) means for heating the mid-portion of one of the platens and drawing the thermoplastic film thereagainst to warm the film to a stretchable condition adapted for forming to a product, and with the facing surfaces of the packaging members conditioned for sealing together by pressure; (g) means for positioning the upper and lower packaging members adjacent the respective upper and lower ends of the mid-chamber form; (h) means for moving the lower and upper platens toward and to the mid-chamber form so as to clamp the upper and lower packaging members at their edges to the mid-chamber form to provide a sealed chamber; (i) means for selectively opening the passageway through the sidewall of the mid-chamber form to a large source of vacuum to rapidly bring the mid-chamber to a condition of reduced pressure and provide a condition of differential pressure againSt the outer surface of the stretchable film within the clamped edges so that this portion of the film is urged towards and around the product and into sealing engagement with the other packaging member to cause a hermetically sealed package to be formed; and (j) means for shutting off the vacuum to the mid-chamber, opening the mid-chamber to the atmosphere and removing the upper and lower platens from the mid-chamber to permit removal of the packaged product therefrom.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
66 words
Apparatus for forming a package as in claim 4 in which the passageway through the sidewall of the mid-chamber form is also connected to a means for providing a gas flushing supply, a pressurized air supply and the like and there is provided a valve means for selectively bringing said sealed chamber into communication with at least two of these product and chamber treating supply means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
435 words
Apparatus for forming a package around a product in which there is provided an upper and a lower packaging member one of which is a thermoplastic film disposed to be heated to a stretchable condition adapted for forming to a product and in which the facing surfaces of the packaging members are conditioned for sealing together by pressure, the apparatus including: (a) a mid-chamber form sized to surround a product of determined size, said form having upper and lower sealing surface ends and a selectively closeable large volume passageway through the wall of the mid-chamber form; (b) a lower support platen adapted to be moved into sealing condition with the lower surface of the mid-chamber form; (c) an upper platen adapted to mate with the upper sealing surface of the mid-chamber form; (d) said upper heated platen having its film engaging surface formed with a slight recess in its midportion providing a rim portion around its outside and provided with a resilient gasket adapted to engage the film and to be pressed thereagainst by the clamping of the heated platen to the mid-chamber form; (e) upper and lower packaging members adapted to be moved into sealing condition with the lower member supporting the product and with one of the members being the thermoplastic film; (f) means for heating the midportion of one of the platens and drawing the thermoplastic film thereagainst to warm the film to a stretchable condition adapted for forming to a product, and with the facing surfaces of the packaging members conditioned for sealing together by pressure; (g) means for positioning the upper and lower packaging members adjacent the respective upper and lower ends of the mid-chamber form; (h) means for moving the lower and upper platens toward and to the mid-chamber form so as to clamp the upper and lower packaging members at their edges to the mid-chamber form to provide a sealed chamber; (i) means for selectively opening the passageway through the sidewall of the mid-chamber form to a large source of vacuum to rapidly bring the mid-chamber to a condition of reduced pressure and provide a condition of differential pressure against the outer surface of the stretchable film within the clamped edges so that this portion of the film is urged towards and around the product and into sealing engagement with the other packaging member to cause a hermetically sealed package to be formed, and (j) means for shutting off the vacuum to the mid-chamber, opening the mid-chamber to the atmosphere and removing the upper and lower platens from the mid-chamber to permit removal of the packaged product therefrom.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
435 words
Apparatus for forming a package around a product in which there is provided an upper and a lower packaging member one of which is a thermoplastic film disposed to be heated to a stretchable condition adapted for forming to a product and in which the facing surfaces of the packaging members are conditioned for sealing together by pressure, the apparatus including: (a) a mid-chamber form sized to surround a product of determined size, said form having upper and lower sealing surface ends and a selectively closeable large volume passageway through the wall of the mid-chamber form; (b) a lower support platen adapted to be moved into sealing condition with the lower surface of the mid-chamber form; (c) an upper platen adapted to mate with the upper sealing surface of the mid-chamber form; (d) said upper heated platen having its film engaging surface formed with a slight recess in its midportion providing a rim portion around its outside and provided with a resilient gasket adapted to engage the film and to be pressed thereagainst by the clamping of the heated platen to the mid-chamber form; (e) upper and lower packaging members adapted to be moved into sealing condition with the lower member supporting the product and with one of the members being the thermoplastic film; (f) means for heating the midportion of one of the platens and drawing the thermoplastic film thereagainst to warm the film to a stretchable condition adapted for forming to a product, and with the facing surfaces of the packaging members conditioned for sealing together by pressure; (g) means for positioning the upper and lower packaging members adjacent the respective upper and lower ends of the mid-chamber form; (h) means for moving the lower and upper platens toward and to the mid-chamber form so as to clamp the upper and lower packaging members at their edges to the mid-chamber form to provide a sealed chamber; (i) means for selectively opening the passageway through the sidewall of the mid-chamber form to a large source of vacuum to rapidly bring the mid-chamber to a condition of reduced pressure and provide a condition of differential pressure against the outer surface of the stretchable film within the clamped edges so that this portion of the film is urged towards and around the product and into sealing engagement with the other packaging member to cause a hermetically sealed package to be formed, and (j) means for shutting off the vacuum to the mid-chamber, opening the mid-chamber to the atmosphere and removing the upper and lower platens from the mid-chamber to permit removal of the packaged product therefrom.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
417 words
Apparatus for forming a package around a product in which there is provided an upper and a lower packaging member one of which is a thermoplastic film disposed to be heated to a stretchable condition adapted for forming to a product and in which the facing surfaces of the packaging members are conditioned for sealing together by pressure, the apparatus including: (a) a mid-chamber form sized to surround a product of determined size, said form having upper and lower sealing surface ends and a selectively closeable large volumE passageway through the wall of the mid-chamber form; (b) a lower support platen adapted to be moved into sealing condition with the lower surface of the mid-chamber form; (c) an upper platen adapted to mate with the upper sealing surface of the mid-chamber form; (d) said upper heated platen having its film engaging central surface formed with a slight convex curve adapted to stretch the film and to eliminate wrinkles as the film is drawn against the platen; (e) upper and lower packaging members adapted to be moved into sealing condition with the lower member supporting the product and with one of the members being the thermoplastic film; (f) means for heating the midportion of one of the platens and drawing the thermoplastic film thereagainst to warm the film to a stretchable condition adapted for forming to a product, and with the facing surfaces of the packaging members conditioned for sealing together by pressure; (g) means for positioning the upper and lower packaging members adjacent the respective upper and lower ends of the mid-chamber form; (h) means for moving the lower and upper platens toward and to the mid-chamber form so as to clamp the upper and lower packaging members at their edges to the mid-chamber form to provide a sealed chamber; (i) means for selectively opening the passageway through the sidewall of the mid-chamber form to a large source of vacuum to rapidly bring the mid-chamber to a condition of reduced pressure and provide a condition of differential pressure against the outer surface of the stretchable film within the clamped edges so that this portion of the film is urged towards and around the product and into sealing engagement with the other packaging member to cause a hermetically sealed package to be formed, and (j) means for shutting off the vacuum to the mid-chamber, opening the mid-chamber to the atmosphere and removing the upper and lower platens from the mid-chamber to permit removal of the packaged product therefrom.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
417 words
Apparatus for forming a package around a product in which there is provided an upper and a lower packaging member one of which is a thermoplastic film disposed to be heated to a stretchable condition adapted for forming to a product and in which the facing surfaces of the packaging members are conditioned for sealing together by pressure, the apparatus including: (a) a mid-chamber form sized to surround a product of determined size, said form having upper and lower sealing surface ends and a selectively closeable large volumE passageway through the wall of the mid-chamber form; (b) a lower support platen adapted to be moved into sealing condition with the lower surface of the mid-chamber form; (c) an upper platen adapted to mate with the upper sealing surface of the mid-chamber form; (d) said upper heated platen having its film engaging central surface formed with a slight convex curve adapted to stretch the film and to eliminate wrinkles as the film is drawn against the platen; (e) upper and lower packaging members adapted to be moved into sealing condition with the lower member supporting the product and with one of the members being the thermoplastic film; (f) means for heating the midportion of one of the platens and drawing the thermoplastic film thereagainst to warm the film to a stretchable condition adapted for forming to a product, and with the facing surfaces of the packaging members conditioned for sealing together by pressure; (g) means for positioning the upper and lower packaging members adjacent the respective upper and lower ends of the mid-chamber form; (h) means for moving the lower and upper platens toward and to the mid-chamber form so as to clamp the upper and lower packaging members at their edges to the mid-chamber form to provide a sealed chamber; (i) means for selectively opening the passageway through the sidewall of the mid-chamber form to a large source of vacuum to rapidly bring the mid-chamber to a condition of reduced pressure and provide a condition of differential pressure against the outer surface of the stretchable film within the clamped edges so that this portion of the film is urged towards and around the product and into sealing engagement with the other packaging member to cause a hermetically sealed package to be formed, and (j) means for shutting off the vacuum to the mid-chamber, opening the mid-chamber to the atmosphere and removing the upper and lower platens from the mid-chamber to permit removal of the packaged product therefrom.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
409 words
Apparatus for forming a package around a product in which there is provided an upper and a lower packaging member one of which is a thermoplastic film disposed to be heated to a stretchable condition adapted for forming to a product and in which the facing surfaces of the packaging members are conditioned for sealing together by pressure, the apparatus including: (a) a mid-chamber form sized to surround a product of determined size, said form having upper and lower sealing surface ends and a selectively closeable large volume passageway through the wall of the mid-chamber form; (b) a lower support platen adapted to be moved into sealing condition with the lower surface of the mid-chamber form; (c) an upper platen adapted to mate with the upper sealing surface of the mid-chamber form; (d) said upper platen having an outer adjacent portion provided with a cooling means disposed so as to cool the platen surface adjacent the clamped film; (e) upper and lower packaging members adapted to be moved into sealing condition with the lower member supporting the product and with one of the members being the thermoplastic film; (f) means for heating the midportion of one of the platens and drawing the thermoplastic film thereagainst to warm the film to a stretchable condition adapted for forming to a product, and with the facing surfaces of the packaging members conditioned for sealing together by pressure; (g) means for positioning the upper and lower packaging members adjacent the respective upper and lower ends of the mid-chamber form; (h) means for moving the lower and upper platens toward and to the mid-chamber form so as to clamp the upper and lower packaging members at their edges to the mid-chamber form to provide a sealed chamber; (i) means for selectively opening the passageway through the sidewall of the mid-chamber form to a large source of vacuum to rapidly bring the mid-chamber to a condition of reduced pressure and provide a condition of differential pressure against the outer surface of the stretchable film within the clamped edges so that this portion of the film is urged towards and around the product and into sealing engagement with the other packaging member to cause a hermetically sealed package to be formed; and (j) means for shutting off the vacuum to the mid-chamber, opening the mid-chamber to the atmosphere and removing the upper and lower platens from the mid-chamber to permit removal of the packaged product therefrom.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
409 words
Apparatus for forming a package around a product in which there is provided an upper and a lower packaging member one of which is a thermoplastic film disposed to be heated to a stretchable condition adapted for forming to a product and in which the facing surfaces of the packaging members are conditioned for sealing together by pressure, the apparatus including: (a) a mid-chamber form sized to surround a product of determined size, said form having upper and lower sealing surface ends and a selectively closeable large volume passageway through the wall of the mid-chamber form; (b) a lower support platen adapted to be moved into sealing condition with the lower surface of the mid-chamber form; (c) an upper platen adapted to mate with the upper sealing surface of the mid-chamber form; (d) said upper platen having an outer adjacent portion provided with a cooling means disposed so as to cool the platen surface adjacent the clamped film; (e) upper and lower packaging members adapted to be moved into sealing condition with the lower member supporting the product and with one of the members being the thermoplastic film; (f) means for heating the midportion of one of the platens and drawing the thermoplastic film thereagainst to warm the film to a stretchable condition adapted for forming to a product, and with the facing surfaces of the packaging members conditioned for sealing together by pressure; (g) means for positioning the upper and lower packaging members adjacent the respective upper and lower ends of the mid-chamber form; (h) means for moving the lower and upper platens toward and to the mid-chamber form so as to clamp the upper and lower packaging members at their edges to the mid-chamber form to provide a sealed chamber; (i) means for selectively opening the passageway through the sidewall of the mid-chamber form to a large source of vacuum to rapidly bring the mid-chamber to a condition of reduced pressure and provide a condition of differential pressure against the outer surface of the stretchable film within the clamped edges so that this portion of the film is urged towards and around the product and into sealing engagement with the other packaging member to cause a hermetically sealed package to be formed; and (j) means for shutting off the vacuum to the mid-chamber, opening the mid-chamber to the atmosphere and removing the upper and lower platens from the mid-chamber to permit removal of the packaged product therefrom.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
404 words
Apparatus for forming a package around a product in which there is provided an upper and a lower packaging member one of which is a thermoplastic film disposed to be heated to a stretchable condition adapted for forming to a product and in which the facing surfaces of the packaging members are conditioned for sealing together by pressure, the apparatus including: (a) a mid-chamber form sized to surround a product of determined size, said form having upper and lower sealing surface ends and a selectively closeable large volume passageway through the wall of the mid-chamber form; (b) said mid-chamber form having a contoured recess formed in one of its ends sized to receive and retain a tray; (c) a lower support platen adapted to be moved into sealing condition with the lower surface of the mid-chamber form; (d) an upper platen adapted to mate with the upper sealing surface of the mid-chamber form; (e) upper and lower packaging members adapted to be moved into sealing condition with the lower member supporting the product and with one of the members being the thermoplastic film; (f) means for heating the midportion of one of the platens and drawing the thermoplastic film thereagainst to warm the film to a stretchable condition adapted for forming to a product, and with the facing surfaces of the packaging members conditioned for sealing together by pressure; (g) means for positioning the upper and lower packaging members adjacent the respective upper and lower ends of the mid-chamber form; (h) means for moving the lower and upper platens toward and to the mid-chamber form so as to clamp the upper and lower packaging members at their edges to the mid-chamber form to provide a sealed chamber; (i) means for selectively opening the passageway through the sidewall of the mid-chamber form to a large source of vacuum to rapidly bring the mid-chamber to a condition of reduced pressure and provide a condition of differential pressure against the outer surface of the stretchable film within the clamped edges so that this portion of the film is urged towards and around the product and into sealing engagement with the other packaging member to cause a hermetically sealed package to be formed; and (j) means for shutting off the vacuum to the mid-chamber, opening the mid-chamber to the atmosphere and removing the upper and lower platens from the mid-chamber to permit removal of the packaged product therefrom.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
404 words
Apparatus for forming a package around a product in which there is provided an upper and a lower packaging member one of which is a thermoplastic film disposed to be heated to a stretchable condition adapted for forming to a product and in which the facing surfaces of the packaging members are conditioned for sealing together by pressure, the apparatus including: (a) a mid-chamber form sized to surround a product of determined size, said form having upper and lower sealing surface ends and a selectively closeable large volume passageway through the wall of the mid-chamber form; (b) said mid-chamber form having a contoured recess formed in one of its ends sized to receive and retain a tray; (c) a lower support platen adapted to be moved into sealing condition with the lower surface of the mid-chamber form; (d) an upper platen adapted to mate with the upper sealing surface of the mid-chamber form; (e) upper and lower packaging members adapted to be moved into sealing condition with the lower member supporting the product and with one of the members being the thermoplastic film; (f) means for heating the midportion of one of the platens and drawing the thermoplastic film thereagainst to warm the film to a stretchable condition adapted for forming to a product, and with the facing surfaces of the packaging members conditioned for sealing together by pressure; (g) means for positioning the upper and lower packaging members adjacent the respective upper and lower ends of the mid-chamber form; (h) means for moving the lower and upper platens toward and to the mid-chamber form so as to clamp the upper and lower packaging members at their edges to the mid-chamber form to provide a sealed chamber; (i) means for selectively opening the passageway through the sidewall of the mid-chamber form to a large source of vacuum to rapidly bring the mid-chamber to a condition of reduced pressure and provide a condition of differential pressure against the outer surface of the stretchable film within the clamped edges so that this portion of the film is urged towards and around the product and into sealing engagement with the other packaging member to cause a hermetically sealed package to be formed; and (j) means for shutting off the vacuum to the mid-chamber, opening the mid-chamber to the atmosphere and removing the upper and lower platens from the mid-chamber to permit removal of the packaged product therefrom.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
401 words
Apparatus for forming a package around a product in which there is provided an upper and a lower thermoplastic film packaging member disposed to be heated to a stretchable condition adapted for forming to a product and in which the facing surfaces of the packaging members are conditioned for sealing together by pressure, the apparatus including: (a) a mid-chamber form sized to surround a product of determined size, said form having upper and lower sealing surface ends and a selectively closeable large volume passageway through the wall of the mid-chamber form; (b) a lower support platen adapted to be heated and to move into sealing condition with the lower surface of the mid-chamber form; (c) said lower platen provided with a plurality of insulating members extending above the heated surface; (d) an upper platen adapted to be heated and to mate with the upper sealing surface of the mid-chamber form; (e) upper and lower packaging members adapted to be moved into sealing condition with the lower member supporting the product and with one of the members being the thermoplastic film; (f) means for heating the midportion of one of the platens and drawing the thermoplasTic film thereagainst to warm the film to a stretchable condition adapted for forming to a product, and with the facing surfaces of the packaging members conditioned for sealing together by pressure; (g) means for positioning the upper and lower packaging members adjacent the respective upper and lower ends of the mid-chamber form; (h) means for moving the lower and upper platens toward and to the mid-chamber form so as to clamp the upper and lower packaging members at their edges to the mid-chamber form to provide a sealed chamber; (i) means for selectively opening the passageway through the sidewall of the mid-chamber form to a large source of vacuum to rapidly bring the mid-chamber to a condition of reduced pressure and provide a condition of differential pressure against the outer surface of the stretchable film within the clamped edges so that this portion of the film is urged towards and around the product and into sealing engagement with the other packaging member to cause a hermetically sealed package to be formed, and (j) means for shutting off the vacuum to the mid-chamber, opening the mid-chamber to the atmosphere and removing the upper and lower platens from the mid-chamber to permit removal of the packaged product therefrom.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
401 words
Apparatus for forming a package around a product in which there is provided an upper and a lower thermoplastic film packaging member disposed to be heated to a stretchable condition adapted for forming to a product and in which the facing surfaces of the packaging members are conditioned for sealing together by pressure, the apparatus including: (a) a mid-chamber form sized to surround a product of determined size, said form having upper and lower sealing surface ends and a selectively closeable large volume passageway through the wall of the mid-chamber form; (b) a lower support platen adapted to be heated and to move into sealing condition with the lower surface of the mid-chamber form; (c) said lower platen provided with a plurality of insulating members extending above the heated surface; (d) an upper platen adapted to be heated and to mate with the upper sealing surface of the mid-chamber form; (e) upper and lower packaging members adapted to be moved into sealing condition with the lower member supporting the product and with one of the members being the thermoplastic film; (f) means for heating the midportion of one of the platens and drawing the thermoplasTic film thereagainst to warm the film to a stretchable condition adapted for forming to a product, and with the facing surfaces of the packaging members conditioned for sealing together by pressure; (g) means for positioning the upper and lower packaging members adjacent the respective upper and lower ends of the mid-chamber form; (h) means for moving the lower and upper platens toward and to the mid-chamber form so as to clamp the upper and lower packaging members at their edges to the mid-chamber form to provide a sealed chamber; (i) means for selectively opening the passageway through the sidewall of the mid-chamber form to a large source of vacuum to rapidly bring the mid-chamber to a condition of reduced pressure and provide a condition of differential pressure against the outer surface of the stretchable film within the clamped edges so that this portion of the film is urged towards and around the product and into sealing engagement with the other packaging member to cause a hermetically sealed package to be formed, and (j) means for shutting off the vacuum to the mid-chamber, opening the mid-chamber to the atmosphere and removing the upper and lower platens from the mid-chamber to permit removal of the packaged product therefrom.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
71 words
Apparatus for forming a package as in claim 11 in which there is provided one mid-chamber form disposed in a fixed position and in which the upper and lower platens are both movable to and from separate thermoplastic film supply means, and in which the platens are provided with means to grip the film as the platens are cycled to bring the films into clamping condition with the fixed mid-chamber form.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
395 words
Apparatus for forming a package around a product in which there is provided upper and lower packaging members of thermoplastic film each fed from a strip to the apparatus and when the package is formed at least one film is heated to a stretchable condition adapted for forming to a product and with the facing surfaces of the packaging members conditioned for sealing together by pressure, the apparatus including: a. means for supporting and advancing a lower packaging film as a product is placed thereon; b. a plurality of mid-chamber forms each sized to surround the product being packaged and having a selectively closeable large volume passageway through the wall of the form as the forms are advanced in a determined manner and array; c. an upper film strip fed to the upper surface of the advancing mid-chamber form; d. upper and lower platens disposed to be moved into engagement with the mid-chamber form to clamp the upper and lower packaging films to the upper and lower ends of the mid-chamber form to cause a sealed chamber to be formed with the chamber area formed between the upper and lower packaging members; e. said upper and lower platens having means for heating their central portions and means for cooling their outer portions; f. said upper and lower platens further each provided with a conduit leading to a selectively controlled source of vacuum and atmosphere and in which small width communication passageways extend from the inner surface of each platen to each conduit; g. means for heating at least one of the thermoplastic films to a stretchable and heat sealing condition; h. means for selectively opening the passageway through the sidewall of the mid-chamber form to a large source of vacuum to rapidly bring the mid-chamber to a condition of reduced pressure and provide a condition of differential pressure against the surface of the heated stretchable film within the clamped edges so that this film is urged towards and around the product and into sealing engagement with the lower packaging member to cause a hermetically sealed package to be formed; i. means for opening the mid-chamber form to the atmosphere; j. means for removing the upper and lower clamping means from the mid-chamber form; k. means for trimming the packaged product from the surplus films; and l. means tO accumulate the scrap trimmed from the package.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
395 words
Apparatus for forming a package around a product in which there is provided upper and lower packaging members of thermoplastic film each fed from a strip to the apparatus and when the package is formed at least one film is heated to a stretchable condition adapted for forming to a product and with the facing surfaces of the packaging members conditioned for sealing together by pressure, the apparatus including: a. means for supporting and advancing a lower packaging film as a product is placed thereon; b. a plurality of mid-chamber forms each sized to surround the product being packaged and having a selectively closeable large volume passageway through the wall of the form as the forms are advanced in a determined manner and array; c. an upper film strip fed to the upper surface of the advancing mid-chamber form; d. upper and lower platens disposed to be moved into engagement with the mid-chamber form to clamp the upper and lower packaging films to the upper and lower ends of the mid-chamber form to cause a sealed chamber to be formed with the chamber area formed between the upper and lower packaging members; e. said upper and lower platens having means for heating their central portions and means for cooling their outer portions; f. said upper and lower platens further each provided with a conduit leading to a selectively controlled source of vacuum and atmosphere and in which small width communication passageways extend from the inner surface of each platen to each conduit; g. means for heating at least one of the thermoplastic films to a stretchable and heat sealing condition; h. means for selectively opening the passageway through the sidewall of the mid-chamber form to a large source of vacuum to rapidly bring the mid-chamber to a condition of reduced pressure and provide a condition of differential pressure against the surface of the heated stretchable film within the clamped edges so that this film is urged towards and around the product and into sealing engagement with the lower packaging member to cause a hermetically sealed package to be formed; i. means for opening the mid-chamber form to the atmosphere; j. means for removing the upper and lower clamping means from the mid-chamber form; k. means for trimming the packaged product from the surplus films; and l. means tO accumulate the scrap trimmed from the package.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
64 words
Apparatus for forming a package as in claim 13, in which the mid-chamber form is made as a two-piece member, one portion being U-shaped and with the front closing portion adapted to be moved to and away from the U-shaped portion to permit the packaged product, when severed from the strip of film, to be removed sideways from the U-shaped portion of the mid-chamber.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-08-29 | 1976-02-28 | 1976-08-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-08-29 | 1980-02-28 | 1980-08-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-08-29 | 1984-02-28 | 1984-08-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |