Methods for sealing a palletized load of produce

Abstract

A system for sealing a load with film, where the load is placed on a pallet, includes a frame and a vertically moveable platform on which the pallet is received. A clamp is mounted to the frame and is configured to engage the load independently of the pallet when the pallet is received on the platform. A rack is mounted to the frame so as to be vertically movable, and a pair of cross members are mounted to the rack so as to be horizontally movable. An engagement subsystem configured to engage sides of the film and a sealing subsystem configured to seal the film are mounted to the cross members. In operation, when the pallet is placed on the platform, the sides of the film, which in the form of a sleeve where the sides define an inner space when separated, are engaged with the engagement subsystem when the rack is in the upper position. Thereafter, the cross members move outwardly to separate the sides of film and to define the inner space. The rack is then moved to the lower position, thereby enveloping the load within the sleeve of the film. The load is then secured with the clamp and separated from the pallet. The cross members are then moved inwardly so that the sides of the film are brought together, which are then sealed with the sealing subsystem, for example, with heat. The sides of the film are disengaged, and the cross members are moved outwardly. The load may then be replaced on the pallet with the seal positioned therebetween. The film may then be sealed and cut at the top of the load, thereby forming a bag around the load.

1 . A method for sealing a load of produce, the load having a top end and a bottom end with the bottom end being placeable on a pallet, the method comprising: 
 enveloping the load within film;    separating the load from the pallet; and    sealing the film over the bottom end of the load.    
   
   
       2 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising: 
 securing the load prior to the separating step.    
   
   
       3 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising: 
 evacuating the load when the load is enveloped within the film.    
   
   
       4 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising: 
 fumigating the load when the load is enveloped within the film.    
   
   
       5 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising: 
 injecting a gas within the film when the load is enveloped within the film.    
   
   
       6 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising: 
 replacing the load on the pallet.    
   
   
       7 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising: 
 placing the pallet with the load on a platform.    
   
   
       8 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising: 
 sealing the film over the other end of the load.    
   
   
       9 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising: 
 cutting the film near the other end of the load.    
   
   
       10 . A method as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising: 
 performing the enveloping, separating, and sealing steps in a field or orchard where the produce is located.    
   
   
       11 . A method as claimed in  claim 10  further comprising: 
 providing a sealing system performing the enveloping, separating, and sealing steps.    
   
   
       12 . A method as claimed in  claim 11  further comprising: 
 installing the sealing system in the field or orchard.    
   
   
       13 . A method as claimed in  claim 12  wherein the sealing system is portable, the installing step further comprising: 
 temporarily installing the sealing system in the field or orchard.    
   
   
       14 . A method for sealing a load of produce, the load having a top end and a bottom end with the bottom end being placeable on a pallet, the method comprising: 
 providing a sealing system comprising: 
 a clamping subsystem for securing the load so that the pallet can be separated from the load; and  
 a film subsystem for enveloping at least the bottom of the load with the film when the load is secured independently of and separated from the pallet by the clamping subsystem; and  
   utilizing the sealing system to seal a load of produce.    
   
   
       15 . A method as claimed in  claim 14  further comprising: 
 installing the sealing system in the field or orchard where the produce is located.    
   
   
       16 . A method as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the providing step further comprises: 
 providing the sealing system wherein the sealing system is portable.    
   
   
       17 . A method as claimed in  claim 16  wherein the providing step further comprises: 
 temporarily installing the sealing system in the field or orchard where the produce is located.    
   
   
       18 . A method for sealing a load of produce, the load having a top end and a bottom end with the bottom end being placeable on a pallet, the method comprising: 
 providing a sealing system configured to seal a load of produce by: 
 enveloping the load within film;  
 securing the load;  
 separating the load from the pallet; and  
 sealing the film over the bottom end of the load; and  
   utilizing the sealing system to seal a load of produce.    
   
   
       19 . A method as claimed in  claim 18  wherein the providing step further comprises: 
 providing a portable sealing system that is installable in a field or orchard where the produce is located.    
   
   
       20 . A method as claimed in  claim 19  further comprising: 
 installing the sealing system in a field or orchard where the produce is located.