Tray sealing machine

#This invention relates to a machine for sealing a lid on a container, and more particularly for sealing food or the like within the container.

#Food containers used by fast food establishments, grocery stores, delicatessens and the like, when filled on site, commonly employ a tray-type container integrally connected to a cover or lid. These containers are useful, but do not seal the food in or seal air out. Consequently, spillage readily occurs and retention of freshness is not possible. Another type of common container is that which has a separate lid which is snapped into place with the container. Some of this type are leak resistant, but do not completely seal the contents within the container. In large food processing establishments, containers can be completely sealed utilizing sealing machines which are presently known, but these typically are complex apparatuses, not suitable for on-site use in fast food restaurants, grocery stores, and the like. Further, persons employed at fast food establishments and the like are frequently young, relatively unskilled persons who work at a rapid pace. Turnover rate of employees is generally high, resulting in a high level of inexperience. Therefore, any mechanical devices to be used to close and seal containers at these establishments should be simple, easy and safe to use. There is needed an apparatus which meets these criteria as well as providing a leakproof or leak resistant container which also preserves freshness of the food item as well as assists in retaining heat within the food item.

#One type of known apparatus usable in grocery stores to seal a polymeric film lid onto the top rim of a container for containing and transporting food, uses a heated platen. If the tray is plastic, it can be made leakproof and airtight. If it is paperboard, it can be made leak resistant. The apparatus involves a fixed lower support serving as a tray carrier and having a well or cavity to receive and retain a container therein, and an upper heated platen pivotally mounted to shift to a closed position on the container and lid between the platen and the lower support. The heated platen is manually forced down and held down by the weight of the human operator onto the container and lid during a time period while heat is applied to seal the lid to the container.

#FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a sealing apparatus embodying the present invention with a heating platen in a sealing position;

#FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the sealing apparatus with the heating platen in a load/unload position;

#FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the sealing apparatus with the platen in the sealing position, an actuator handle in a second position, and the handle in a third position shown in phantom;

#For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIGS. 1 and 2. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

#The reference numeral 10 (FIG. 1) generally designates the novel sealing apparatus of the present invention. The sealing apparatus 10 is shown having a fixed frame structure or support frame 12 that includes a base 14 and an actuator support 16 extending upwardly from base 14. The sealing apparatus 10 also includes a container support 18 (FIG. 2) that includes a container receiver 20 therein. The sealing apparatus 10 further includes a heater platen 22 suspended above container support 18 by actuator support 16. Heater platen 22 is shiftable between a load/unload position as shown in FIG. 2, wherein a container (not shown) can be loaded into and unloaded from within container receiver 20 and an associated lid (discussed below) can be positioned over the container, and a sealing position as shown in FIG. 1, wherein heater platen 22 presses the container and the lid on container support 18. Heater platen 22 is heated via an electrical heater 56 in thermal communication therewith. Sealing apparatus 10 still further includes an actuator 24 that includes a linkage 26 and an L-shaped handle 28. Linkage 26 includes a support structure 30 pivotally attached to support frame 12 at a pivot point 32 (FIG. 3) and supporting heater platen 22 as discussed below. The L-shaped handle 28 (FIG. 3) has a first end 34, a second end 36, and a pivot point 38 located between first end 34 and second end 36. Handle 28 is pivotable between a first position as shown in FIG. 2, wherein heater platen 22 is in the load/unload position and a second position as shown in FIG. 1, wherein heater platen 22 is in the sealing position. Actuator 24 (FIG. 4) further includes two pivot arms 40 pivotally linked to second end 36 of handle 28 and pivotally linked to support structure 30 such that rotating handle 28 with respect to support frame 12 shifts heater platen 22 between the load/unload position and the sealing position.

#Support frame 12 includes side walls 42, a front wall 44 and a rear wall 46 (FIG. 5). Support frame 12 also includes a plurality of support members 48 extending between side walls 42, front wall 44 and rear wall 46, thereby structurally supporting the same. Side walls 42 each include a notched sections 50 that allow an operator of sealing apparatus 10 access to an underside of the containers when the containers are placed within container receiver 20 of container support 18.