Apparatus for sealing open-topped containers with heat-shrinking film material
AssigneeYum Connect, LLC
InventorKimmo Vari
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for lidding an open container are provided herein. A system for lidding an open container includes a sealing assembly coupled to a housing and configured to dispense film lidding material for interaction with an open end of a container disposed proximate thereto. At least a portion of the sealing assembly is vertically translatable relative to the housing. The system includes at least one substantially vertical rail extending from the housing. The at least one substantially vertical rail is configured to guide the substantial vertical translation of the at least the portion of the sealing assembly.
Claims20
An apparatus for lidding an open container, the apparatus comprising:
- a sealing assembly coupled to a housing and configured to dispense film lidding material for interaction with an open end of a container disposed proximate thereto, at least a portion of the sealing assembly being substantially vertically translatable relative to the housing;
- and
- at least one substantially vertical rail extending from the housing and configured to guide the substantial vertical translation of the at least the portion of the sealing assembly.
An apparatus lidding an open container, comprising:
- a feed mechanism configured to cause a film lidding material to advance from a film lidding material roll to a dispense location, the feed mechanism including:
- a first feed roll movable between a use position and a loading position;
- and
- a second feed roll, wherein the first feed roll and the second feed roll cooperate in the use position to cause the film lidding material to advance to the dispense location, and the first feed roll and the second feed roll are spaced apart in the loading position to receive an end of the film lidding material therethrough as part of a loading of the film lidding material;
- and
- a sealing assembly proximate the dispense location and configured to allow contact between the film lidding material and an open end of a container.
A method, comprising:
- providing a feed mechanism configured to cause a film lidding material to advance from a film lidding material roll to a dispense location, the feed mechanism including:
- a first feed roll movable between a use position and a loading position;
- and
- a second feed roll positioned opposite the first feed roll, wherein the first feed roll and the second feed roll cooperate in the use position to cause the film lidding material to advance to the dispense location, and the first feed roll and the second feed roll are spaced apart in the loading position to receive an end of the film lidding material therethrough for loading of the film lidding material;
- and
- coupling a sealing assembly with a housing containing the feed mechanism therein, the sealing assembly positioned proximate the dispense location and configured to allow contact between the film lidding material and an open end of a container.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.