Packaging device and method

Abstract

The present invention provides a sealing mechanism in a vertical film bagging device. The sealing mechanism comprises an instrument having a sealing and separating element, a first clamping element, a second clamping element opposed to the first clamping element, and a biasing element connected to the first clamping element and the instrument that allows at least a portion of the film to be gripped by at least a portion of the first clamping element and at least a portion of the second clamping element.

1 . A sealing mechanism for a vertical film bagging device, said sealing mechanism comprising: 
 an instrument having a sealing and separating element;    a first clamping element;    a second clamping element opposed to the first clamping element; and    a biasing element connected to the first clamping element and to the instrument that allows at least a portion of the film to be gripped by at least a portion of the first clamping element and at least a portion of the second clamping element.    
     
     
         2 . The sealing mechanism according to  claim 1 , further comprising a driving mechanism connected to said instrument and adapted to drive said instrument and said first clamping element toward said second clamping element.  
     
     
         3 . The sealing mechanism according to  claim 2 , further comprising a motor source adapted to communicate movement to at least said first clamping element.  
     
     
         4 . The sealing mechanism according to  claim 3 , wherein said driving mechanism is further connected to said second element.  
     
     
         5 . The sealing mechanism according to  claim 3 , wherein: 
 said motor source includes a motor;    said driving mechanism includes at least one motor plate connected to said motor;    at least a pair of connecting arms devices;    at least a first of said connecting arms is connected to said instrument; and    at least a second of said connecting arms is connected to said second clamping element.    
     
     
         6 . The sealing mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein said first clamping element includes at least one gripping member attached thereto.  
     
     
         7 . The sealing mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein: 
 said first clamping element defines a central portion having adjacent edges;    said instrument is positioned within said central portion; and    each of said adjacent edges includes a respective gripping member;    wherein said gripping member pinches film against said second clamping element when said first clamping element and said second clamping element are in a closed position.    
     
     
         8 . The sealing mechanism according to  claim 7 , wherein said instrument is at a recessed positioned with respect to said edges.  
     
     
         9 . The sealing mechanism according to  claim 8 , wherein said biasing element is adapted to allow said instrument to move from said recessed position closer to said edges from said recessed position.  
     
     
         10 . The sealing mechanism according to  claim 5 , further comprising: 
 a shaft connected to the motor plate; and    a belt engaged to the shaft and the motor to transmit rotational energy from the motor to the shaft.    
     
     
         11 . The sealing mechanism according to  claim 5 , further comprising an output shaft connected to the motor plate adapted to transmit rotational energy from the motor to the motor plate.  
     
     
         12 . The sealing mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein said biasing device further comprises: 
 a shaft element connected to said instrument; and    a biasing element in an engagement with the instrument and first clamping element;    wherein the shaft element is adapted to apply force against the biasing element to cause the biasing element to apply force against the instrument when the driving mechanism drives the instrument toward the second clamping element.    
     
     
         13 . The sealing mechanism according to  claim 12 , further comprising: 
 a cap portion attached to one end of the shaft element; and    a support attached to the first clamping element;    wherein the shaft element passes through the support; and    wherein the biasing element is positioned between the support and the cap portion.    
     
     
         14 . The sealing mechanism according to  claim 13 , wherein the cap portion is threadably attached to the shaft element such that tightening of the cap increases the force of the biasing element and loosening of the decreases the force of the biasing element.  
     
     
         15 . The sealing mechanism according to  claim 14 , wherein the biasing element is a spring.  
     
     
         16 . The sealing mechanism according to  claim 7 , wherein the gripping member for one of said adjacent edges is the at least the portion of the first clamping element.  
     
     
         17 . The sealing mechanism according to  claim 3 , wherein said motor source is a hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric cylinder.  
     
     
         18 . A packaging method in a vertical film packaging system, said method comprising: 
 providing an instrument connected to a first clamping element through a biasing member;    moving the instrument toward a second clamping element until said biasing member moves said first clamping element against said second clamping element to clamp film positioned therebetween; and    continuing to move said instrument toward said second clamping element until said instrument is in a position to sever and seal the film.    
     
     
         19 . The packaging method according to  claim 18 , wherein a driving mechanism performs the moving and continuing steps in one cycle.  
     
     
         20 . The packaging method according to  claim 18 , further comprising: 
 a shaft element connected to the instrument;    wherein the moving step compresses the biasing member between the portion of the shaft element and the first clamping element.    
     
     
         21 . The packaging method according to  claim 20 , further comprising: 
 a motor element;    a driving mechanism;    wherein the motor element drives the driving mechanism;    wherein the driving mechanism is attached to the instrument to move the instrument toward the second clamping element.    
     
     
         22 . The packaging method according to  claim 21 , wherein the motor element is a pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric cylinder.  
     
     
         23 . The packaging method according to  claim 21 , wherein the driving mechanism is connected to the second clamping element to drive the second clamping element toward the first clamping element.  
     
     
         24 . The method according to  claim 18 , further comprising the step of moving the instrument away from the second clamping element after the film has been severed and sealed.  
     
     
         25 . The method according to  claim 24 , wherein the step of moving the instrument away further comprises: 
 providing a support connected to the first clamping element;    moving the instrument away from the second clamping element and toward the support; and    moving the instrument against the support to move the first clamping element away from the second clamping element.    
     
     
         26 . The method according to  claim 18 , wherein said first clamping element includes at least one gripping member that allows at least a portion of film to be gripped by at least a portion of the clamping element and at least a portion of the second clamping element.  
     
     
         27 . A film packaging system comprising: 
 means for gripping film; and    means for sealing and separating film passing between said film gripping means in substantially one motion.    
     
     
         28 . The film packaging system according to  claim 26 , further comprising means for transferring movement to said sealing and separating means when said film gripping means substantially close such that said sealing and separating means is adapted to interface film.