HK1195291B - Automated food storage machine - Google Patents

Description

Automated food preservation machine

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority from united states provisional patent application No. 61/498,052 filed 2011 on 6/17/c, § 119 (e). The entire contents of this U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/498,052 are incorporated herein by reference.

Background

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to food saver machines. More particularly, the present invention relates to food saver machines for dispensing, evacuating and sealing bag material (bag material).

Background

Vacuum packaging equipment that evacuates air from a container storing food for food preservation and storage is becoming increasingly popular with homes. Removing the air delays spoilage and extends the shelf life of the food product. The apparatus is typically used in conjunction with bag material that forms a container for storing food products. The bag material comprises a stack of two layers of thin and optionally transparent plastic film sealed together at the transverse edges. Lengths of bag material suitable for storing food products are cut to a desired length, for example, with a knife blade. One of the cut edges of the bag material is sealed by applying heat and pressure to the cut edge to form a storage bag. After the food is inserted into the storage bag, the storage bag is sufficiently sealed by applying heat and pressure to the remaining cut edges. Thus, the ends (i.e., the transverse ends) of the severed bag material are sealable to form a substantially sealed bag. Before the storage bag is sufficiently sealed, a vacuum may be applied to evacuate air from the storage bag.

In view of the above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that there exists a need for an improved food saver machine that controllably dispenses, evacuates and seals bag material. This invention addresses this need in the art as well as other needs, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

Disclosure of Invention

There is provided a food saver machine, substantially comprising: a film conveying mechanism, a cutting mechanism, a conditioning assembly (regulating) and a driving mechanism. The film transport mechanism has a support frame for a roll of bag material (rolofbasal) and a feed roller assembly for dispensing the bag material. The feed roller assembly is disposed adjacent the support cradle. The cutting mechanism is disposed adjacent the film transport mechanism and has a first sealing bumper and a shuttle member with a cutting portion. The shuttle member is arranged to transversely cut through the bag material dispensed from the film delivery mechanism. The conditioning assembly is pivotally disposed below the film delivery mechanism and has a heater member for sealing a portion of the bag material. The drive mechanism is operatively connected to the adjustment assembly and is configured to pivot upward to contact a first sealing bumper of the cutting mechanism and pivot downward to contact a second sealing bumper.

In another embodiment, a food saver machine is provided that basically comprises: the film cutting device comprises a film conveying mechanism, a cutting mechanism, an adjusting assembly, a shell and a detachable tray. The film transport mechanism has a support cradle for a roll of bag material and a feed roller assembly for dispensing the bag material. The feed roller assembly is disposed adjacent the support cradle. The cutting mechanism is disposed adjacent the film delivery mechanism and has a reciprocating member with a cutting portion. The shuttle member is arranged to transversely cut through bag material dispensed from the film delivery mechanism. The conditioning assembly is pivotally disposed below the film transport mechanism and has a heater member for sealing a portion of the bag material. The shell has at least one slot sized to fit the bag material and a receptacle cavity having an opening at a front side of the shell. The removable tray is slidably positioned in the receptacle cavity and configured to slide out of the receptacle cavity from the front side of the housing.

In yet another embodiment, a food saver machine is provided that basically comprises: a film conveying mechanism, a cutting mechanism, a regulating assembly, a housing and a vacuum separate assembly (vacuum movable assembly). The film transport mechanism has a support cradle for a roll of bag material and a feed roller assembly for dispensing the bag material. The feed roller assembly is disposed adjacent the support cradle. The cutting mechanism is disposed adjacent the film delivery mechanism and has a reciprocating member with a cutting portion. The shuttle member is arranged to transversely cut the bag material dispensed through the film delivery mechanism. The conditioning assembly is pivotally disposed below the film delivery mechanism and has a heater member for sealing a portion of the bag material. The housing has: at least one slot sized to fit the bag material and a split cavity (remotectity) having an opening at one front side of the housing. The vacuum split assembly has: a hose member wound in the inner cavity of the housing; a nozzle member; and an adapter member. The orifice member and the adapter member are removably disposed within the separate chamber.

These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses preferred embodiments of the present invention.

Drawings

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a food saver machine according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the food saver machine of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the food saver machine of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a film transport mechanism of a food saver machine according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a cutting mechanism of a food saver machine according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an adjustment mechanism of a food saver machine according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a heater member of the adjustment mechanism of FIG. 6 according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the drive mechanism of the food saver machine according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a removable tray of the food saver machine according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the food saver machine according to an embodiment of the invention with the adjustment assembly rotated in an upward position;

FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the food saver machine according to an embodiment of the invention with the adjustment assembly rotated in a downward position;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a vacuum-split assembly of a food saver machine according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a food saver machine according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the food saver machine of FIG. 13 with the adjustment assembly rotated to an intermediate position in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a side cross-sectional view of a food saver machine according to a second embodiment of the invention, with the adjustment assembly rotated to an upward position;

FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional view of a food saver machine according to a second embodiment of the invention, with the adjustment assembly rotated in a downward position;

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of a heater member in an upward position of a food saver machine according to a third embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of the heater member of FIG. 17 in an intermediate position according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and

fig. 19 is a front perspective view of the heater member of fig. 17 in a downward position according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

An automated food saver machine 1 is provided that dispenses and seals bag material 2 in fewer steps while providing integrated storage for rolls of bag material 1. The user has control over dispensing the bag material 2 and is less wasted. The food saver machine 1 also simplifies the vacuum sealing of the bag material 2 and improves the user's access to the dispensing, evacuation and sealing functions. The food saver machine 1 is configured to have stability on a countertop and be compact for movement or storage. Furthermore, the food saver machine 1 has an interior that is easy to maintain and clean.

Referring initially to fig. 1, a food saver machine 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The food saver machine 1 comprises: housing 4, film transport mechanism 6, cutting mechanism 8, conditioning (heater and vacuum) assembly 10, drive mechanism 12, removable tray 14, and vacuum split assembly 16.

The housing 4 is provided with: a film transport mechanism 6, a cutting mechanism 8, an adjustment assembly 10, a drive mechanism 12, a removable tray 14, and a vacuum split assembly 16. The housing 4 includes: a front housing member 18, a bottom housing member 20, a top housing member 22, a first side housing member 24, a second side housing member 26, and a rear housing member 28. The front housing member 18 is provided on a front side 30 of the automated food holding machine 1 and includes a control panel 32.

The control panel 32 is a user interface for controlling some functions of the food saver machine 1. The control panel 32 provides externally exposed buttons 34 for access by a user. Within the housing 4, the control panel 32 may include a microcomputer with operational control programs that control evacuation, cutting, sealing, and dispensing, as discussed herein. The control panel 32 may also include other conventional components such as a power supply circuit (not shown), an input interface circuit (not shown), an output interface circuit (not shown), and one or more memory devices (not shown), such as a ROM (read only memory) device and a RAM (random access memory) device. The power circuit is connected to an AC or DC power source and directs power to the motors, sensors, etc. described herein, as well as other circuits and components that provide power to the control panel 32. The input interface circuit may be electrically connected to buttons 34 for user control. For example, the output interface circuit may be electrically connected to a display (not shown). The memory device stores processing results and a control program run by the processor circuit. The control panel 32 can selectively control any of the cutting mechanism 8, the adjustment assembly 10, the drive mechanism 12, or the vacuum-split assembly 16 according to the control program. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the exact structure and algorithms used for the control panel 32 can be any combination of hardware and software that will carry out the functions of the present invention.

The front housing member 18 forms apertures of various sizes and shapes. Specifically, the front housing member 18 forms an open slot 36 (openingslots), a split cavity 38, and a receptacle (tray) cavity 40. The slot 36 is elongated to receive the width of the bag material. The remote chamber 38 is formed by a wall 42 that surrounds a portion of the vacuum remote assembly 16. The opening 44 of the cavity 38 provides access to a portion of the vacuum-split assembly 16. In the remote chamber 38, a remote platform 46 (remotesland) extends upwardly from a bottom surface 48. The remote platform 46 is configured and arranged to hold a portion of the vacuum remote assembly 16.

A receiver cavity 40 is formed below the open slot 36. The receptacle cavity 40 is sized and configured to receive the removable tray 14. A portion of the removable tray 14 slides through the receptacle cavity 40 and rests under the conditioning assembly 10 for collecting waste material (e.g., food juices or solid food particles that separate during sealing and vacuuming).

The front housing member 18, the first and second side members 24, 26 and the rear housing member 28 rest against the bottom housing member 20. The bottom housing member 20 is sized and configured to allow the food saver machine 1 to be placed on a home countertop. The bottom housing member 20 has a plurality of rubber feet (rubber feet) 50 to stabilize and grip the food saver machine 1 on the countertop.

The top housing member 22 is disposed on the top side 52 of the food saver machine 1. At least a portion of the top housing member 22 acts as a door to the interior of the food saver machine 1. Specifically, the top case member 22 includes a door portion (door) 54, and the door portion 54 is pivotably provided to provide access to the film conveying mechanism 6 for, for example, maintenance and cleaning. The door portion 54 is hingedly connected to the rear housing member 28 by a hinge 58 at a rear portion 56 of the door portion 54. The hingedly connected door portion 54 pivots to provide access to the interior of the food saver machine 1. Other linkages providing the pivoting action of door member 54 may be used. Either the top housing member 22 or the door member 54 may include a latch (not shown) to secure the closed position of the door member 54.

Referring to fig. 2, the first side housing member 24 includes an internal cavity 60 that houses a portion of the vacuum-split assembly 16. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the split cavity 38 could also be provided as part of the side housing members 24, 26 rather than the front housing member 18.

The rear housing member 28 is located at the rear side 62 of the food saver machine 1. In this embodiment, the rear housing member 28 and the side housing members 24, 26 are integrally formed with the top housing member 22 as a single unitary member. However, the rear housing member 28 and the side housing members 24, 26 may be separate members connected to each other or to the top housing member 22.

Referring to fig. 3 and 4, the film transport mechanism 6 supports the roll of bag material 2 and dispenses or retracts the bag material 2. The film conveying mechanism 6 includes: a roll compartment member 64 (rolcompartmentmember), a supply roll assembly 66 and a free roll assembly 68. The winding compartment member 64 includes a contoured support bracket 70 for the roll of bag material 2 to be placed thereon, and a bracket cover 72. The bracket cover 72 is provided at an inner face 74 of the door portion 54.

The contoured support bracket 70 has an end portion that is a lower guide portion 76. The bracket cover 72 includes an end portion that is an upper guide portion 78. The lower guide portion 76 and the upper guide portion 78 are spaced apart to form a space through which the bag material 2 slides.

The feed roller assembly 66 is attached to the cutting mechanism 6. Specifically, the feed roller assembly 66 is rotatably attached to the cutting mechanism 6 and disposed adjacent to the free roller assembly 68. The feed roller assembly 66 includes: a plurality of first rollers 80, a first shaft 82, and a motor 84. The first roller 80 is generally tubular in shape with an inner diameter 86 sized to receive the first shaft 82. The first shaft 82 extends through an inner diameter 86 of the tubular first roller 80 and is attached to the bracket cover 70 at a hole 87. The first roller 80 is non-rotatable about a first axis 82. The first shaft 82 is provided at the bracket cover 72 and is rotated by a motor 84. The motor 84 is electrically connected to the control panel 32. The motor 84 selectively rotates the first shaft 82 and the first roller 80 in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction. That is, the user may control the motor 84 to dispense or retract the bag material 2 by rolling the roll of bag material and feeding the bag material 2 in either the dispensing direction or the retracting direction. In particular, one or more buttons 34 of the control panel 32 are communicatively connected to the motor 84 to control the dispensing or retraction of the bag material 2 to control the length of the dispensed bag material 2.

The free roller assembly 68 is disposed at the lower guide portion 76 and includes a plurality of second rollers 90 and a second shaft 92. The second roller 90 is generally tubular in shape with an inner diameter 94 sized to receive the second shaft 92. A second shaft 92 extends through an inner diameter 94 of the tubular second roller 90 and is attached to the support bracket 70 at a bore 95. The second roller 90 may be non-rotatable about a second shaft 92, the second shaft 92 being rotatably arranged at the lower guide portion 76. Alternatively, the second roller 90 may be rotatable about a second shaft 92, which is non-rotatably provided at the lower guide portion 76. The free roller assembly 68 is disposed substantially parallel to the feed roller assembly 66. The free roller assembly 68 is positioned adjacent the feed roller assembly 66 such that the first roller 80 may lightly contact the second roller 90, but is spaced a small distance to allow the bag material 2 to slide through the first roller 80 and the second roller 90. When the roll of bag material 2 is placed on the support cradle 70, a portion of the free end of the roll of bag material may be placed on the free roller assembly 68. The gate portion 54 is then closed, positioning the feed roller assembly 66 on top of the bag material 2, causing the first roller 80 to engage the second roller 90.

Referring to fig. 3 and 5, the cutting mechanism 8 is disposed adjacent the support bracket 70 and is arranged to cut transversely through the bag material 2 when signaled by the control panel 32. The cutting mechanism 8 includes: threaded rod 96, reciprocating member 98, motor 100, first sealing bumper 102, and cutting support member 104. The threaded rod 96 is a rotatable rod threaded through a reciprocating member 98. Threaded rod 98 is a translating screw that moves reciprocating member 98 axially along threaded rod 98 as threaded rod 96 rotates. A motor 100 rotates threaded rod 96 and is electrically connected to control panel 32. Threaded rod 96, motor 100, and first seal bumper 102 are supported by cutting support member 104.

The reciprocating member 98 includes: a threaded bore 106, a cutting portion 108, and a pilot portion 110. Threaded bore 106 includes female threads for mating with the translating screw threads of threaded rod 96. Specifically, the threaded rod 96 extends through a threaded bore 106 and rotates within the threaded bore 106 to move the reciprocating member 98. The cutting portion 108 is attached to the guide portion 110 and extends downward. The cutting portion 108 is configured to cut the bag material 2 in either direction as the reciprocating member 98 moves axially along the threaded rod 96. The cutting portion 108 includes: a first blade 112 and a second blade 114. The first blade 112 and the second blade 114 are angled with respect to each other to ensure that the bag material 2 is cut regardless of the direction of movement of the shuttle member 98. The guide portion 110 extends away from the threaded shaft 96 and the cutting portion 108. In this embodiment, the first blade 112 and the second blade 114 face in opposite directions (180 °) to allow cutting in either direction by the reciprocating member 98 moving back and forth. The guide portion 110 is configured to slidably engage the cutting support member 104. The guide portion 110 is attached to the first sealing bumper 102 and secures it in place over the adjustment assembly 10.

The cutting support member 104 includes: a first side support 116, a second side support 118, and a rail support 120. A rail support 120 is disposed between the first side support 116 and the second side support 118. The first side support 116 and the second side support 118 also support the first shaft 82 of the feed roller assembly 66. Specifically, the feed roller assembly 66 is positioned at the lower apertures 117 and 119 of the first and second side supports 116 and 118. The first side support 116 is attached to a first end portion 122 of the rail support 120 and includes a first microswitch 124 attached adjacent the first end portion 122. Threaded rod 96 is located at upper holes 121 and 123 of first side support 116 and second side support 118. The motor 100 and its connection to the threaded rod 96 is supported by a first side support 116. Second side support 118 is attached to second end portion 126 of rail support 120 and includes a second microswitch 128 attached adjacent second end portion 126. The first and second micro-switches 124 and 128 are electrically connected to the motor 100 and/or the control panel 32. The first and second microswitches 124, 128 are configured and arranged to sense the presence of the reciprocating member 98 at the first or second end portions 122, 126, respectively. A signal is then sent to motor 100 to stop rotation of threaded rod 96. One or more buttons 34 of the control panel 32 are communicatively connected to the motor 100 to control the cutting of the bag material 2. The movement of the reciprocating member 118 may be initiated by depressing the button 34 to cut the bag material 2.

The threaded rod 96 is rotatably attached to the second side support 118. The track support 120 provides a sliding track for the guide portion 110 to guide or slidably support the reciprocating member 98 as the reciprocating member 98 moves between the first side support 116 and the second side support 118. First seal bumper 102 and rail support 120 are disposed substantially parallel to threaded rod 96. First seal bumper 102 is configured to inhibit movement of adjustment assembly 10 and is attached to cutting support member 104 at rail support 120. Thus, the upper portion of track support 120 faces shuttle member 98 and the lower portion of track support 120 retains first sealing bumper 102.

Referring to fig. 3 and 6, the adjustment assembly 10 includes: heater support member 130, first vacuum chamber member 132, first vacuum chamber seal 134, heater member 136, and sensor trigger member 138. Heater support member 130 is pivotably attached to heater member 136 and connected to first vacuum chamber member 132. A first vacuum chamber member 132 is attached at the lower side of the heater support member 130. A first vacuum chamber seal 134 is attached to the first vacuum chamber member 132 and seals at least a portion of the first vacuum chamber member 132. A sensor trigger member 138 is provided below the heater support member 130 and the first vacuum chamber member 132.

The heater supporting member 130 includes: a beam portion 140, a first pivot arm 142, and a second pivot arm 144. The beam portion 140 is disposed between a first pivot arm 142 and a second pivot arm 144. The first pivot arm 142 is attached to a first end 146 of the beam portion 140. The first pivot arm 142 extends perpendicularly to the beam portion 140 and includes a first pivot pin 148 and a second pivot pin 150. The first pivot pin 148 is disposed at an outer face 152 of the first pivot arm 142 adjacent the first end 146 and extends outwardly. The second pivot pin 150 is disposed at an opposite end of the first pivot arm 142 from the first pivot pin 148, on an inner face 154 of the first pivot arm 142. The second pivot pin 150 extends inwardly toward the second pivot arm 144.

The second pivot arm 144 is attached to the second end 156 of the beam portion 140. The second pivot arm 144 extends perpendicularly to the beam portion 140 and includes: a third pivot pin 158 and a fourth pivot pin 160. The third pivot pin 158 is disposed at an outer face 162 of the second pivot arm 144 adjacent the second end 156 and extends outwardly. The fourth pivot pin 160 is disposed at an end of the second pivot arm 144 opposite the third pivot pin 158 at an inner face 164 of the second pivot arm 144. The fourth pivot pin 160 extends inwardly toward the first pivot arm 142.

The first and third pivot pins 148, 158 are attached to the drive mechanism 12. The second and fourth pivot pins 150, 160 are pivotally attached to an inner frame member 165 of the housing 4. The inner frame member 165 is a fixed member that provides a base from which the adjustment assembly 10 pivots.

The first vacuum chamber component 132 includes a pressure wall 166 surrounding a vacuum chamber 168 and a top portion 170. The top portion 170 is attached to the pressure wall 166 and forms the top of the vacuum chamber 168. The first vacuum chamber seal 134 engages an edge of the pressure wall 166, the edge of the pressure wall 166 forming a lip (lip) around the vacuum chamber 168. The first vacuum chamber seal 134 surrounds a lip of the vacuum chamber 168.

Top portion 170 mates with beam portion 140 of heater support member 130. The top portion 170 includes: a vacuum port 171, a vacuum fitting 173, a first sensor 175, a second sensor 177, and a sensor upright 179. Vacuum port 171 is a vacuum opening extending into vacuum chamber 168. Vacuum fitting 173 is fluidly connected to vacuum port 171. Vacuum fitting 173 is fluidly connected to a vacuum source (not shown) via a conduit (not shown), and thus connects vacuum port 171 with the vacuum source. The first sensor 175 and the second sensor 177 are disposed adjacent the sensor upright 179 at respective opposite sides of the sensor upright 179. The sensor upright portion 179 is substantially transparent and constitutes a wing cavity 181, as described below. In this embodiment, the first sensor 175 and the second sensor 177 are infrared sensors that emit infrared beams through the sensor upright portion 179 and through the wing cavity 181. Blocking the light beam by the sensor trigger member 138 causes the first sensor 175 or the second sensor 177 to signal the control panel 32 to activate the vacuum source to begin evacuating air from the bag material 2.

Referring to fig. 3, 6 and 7, the heater member 136 is a double-sided heater bar for applying heat to the bag material 2. The heater member 136 is pivotally attached to the beam portion 140. The heater member 136 includes: a first rod portion 172, a second rod portion 174, and a plurality of strut portions 176. The first bar portion 172 is disposed substantially parallel to the second bar portion 174. The leg portion 176 is disposed between the first and second rod portions 172, 174. The leg portions 176 connect the first and second rod portions 172, 174 together to form an integral dual sided heater rod.

The first rod portion 172 includes a first band heater assembly 178 and the second rod portion 174 includes a second band heater assembly 180. First and second band heater assemblies 178, 180 are attached to the exterior of the respective first and second rod portions 174, 176 such that the first and second band heater assemblies 178, 180 face oppositely.

The first strip heater assembly 178 has a first insulating strip 182, a first heating strip 184, and a first heat sealing strip 186. A first insulating strip 182 is disposed between a first heating strip 184 and the first rod portion 172. The first heating strip 184 is electrically connected to the control panel 32 to selectively heat the bag material 2. A first heat seal strip 186 is provided over the first heat strip 184 to ensure easy release from the bag material 2 after heating.

The second band heater assembly 180 has a second insulating band 188, a second heating band 190, and a second heat sealing band 192. The second insulating tape 188 is disposed between the second heating tape 190 and the second rod portion 174. The second heating strip 190 is electrically connected to the control panel 32 to selectively heat the bag material 2. A second heat seal strip 192 is provided above the second heating strip 190 to ensure easy release from the bag material 2 after heating.

The first and second insulating strips 182, 188 comprise, for example, one or more strips of mica. The first and second heat seal tapes 186, 192 comprise, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene tape (PTFEtape). The teflon tape may be, for example, Acrylic (Acrylic) or silicone teflon tape.

Referring to fig. 3 and 6, the sensor trigger member 138 includes: a rod portion 196, a first partition portion 198 and a second partition portion 200. A first partition portion 198 and a second partition portion 200 are pivotally disposed in the rod portion 196. The first and second partition portions 198 and 200 extend downward from the rod portion 196 and serve to partition the interior portion of the housing 4, from which the bottom groove 36b is exposed.

The first partition 198 has a first wing 202 extending upwardly at an angle. The second partition portion 200 has a second wing 204 extending upward at an angle. First wing 202 is disposed adjacent to second wing 204. In addition, the rod portion 196 includes a wing aperture 206 through which the first wing 202 and the second wing 204 extend. Wherein the rod portion 196 is disposed within the vacuum chamber 168 and the first wing 202 and the second wing 204 extend into the wing cavity 181. Thus, when the first and second compartment portions 198, 200 are pivoted, such as by the bag material 2, the first and second wings 202, 204 move within the wing cavity 181. First and second sensors 175 and 177 detect movement of first wing 202 and/or second wing 204, signaling control panel 32 accordingly.

Referring to fig. 8, the drive mechanism 12 includes: a gear member 208 and a drive member 210. The gear member 208 is operatively connected to a drive member 210. Specifically, the drive member 210 drives the gear member 208, and the gear member 208 in turn pivots the adjustment assembly 10.

The gear member 208 includes: a torque rod 212, a first gear 214, a second gear 216, a first rotating arm 218, and a second rotating arm 220. The first gear 214 is attached to the torque rod 212 at one end and the second gear 216 is attached to the torque rod 212 at a second end opposite the first gear 214. The first gear 214 and the second gear 216 are non-rotatable with respect to the torsion bar 212.

The first gear 214 is attached to the first rotating arm 218 and the second gear 216 is attached to the second rotating arm 220. The first gear 214 includes a first fastener base 222 extending perpendicularly from an outer face 224 of the first gear 214. The first fastener base 222 is tubular in shape having a fastener hole 226 sized to receive a fastener 228. The first fastener base 222 is located offset from a central axis 230 of the first gear 214.

The second gear 216 includes a second fastener base 232 extending perpendicularly from an outer face 234 of the second gear 216. The second fastener base 232 is tubular in shape having a fastener aperture 236 sized to receive the fastener 228. The second fastener base 232 is located offset from a central axis 230 of the second gear 216.

The fastener holes 226, 236 may have internal threads and the fastener 228 may have mating male threads. Alternatively, the fastener holes 226, 236 may be sized to receive the fasteners 228 with a friction fit.

The first swivel arm 218 is attached to the first gear 214 via a first fastener base 222 and a fastener 228. The first rotation arm 218 includes a first base end portion 238 and a first connector end portion 240. The first base end portion 238 has a first base fastener opening 242 and the first connector end portion 240 has a first connector fastener opening 244. The fastener 228 inserted through the first base fastener opening 242 secures the first base end portion 242 to the first gear 214. Rotation of the first gear 214 rotates the first rotating arm 218; however, the first rotating arm 218 is not rotatable with respect to the first gear 214.

The second rotating arm 220 is attached to the second gear 216 via a second fastener base 232 and a fastener 228. The second rotation arm 220 includes a second base end portion 246 and a second connector end portion 248. The second base end portion 246 has a second base fastener opening 250 and the second connector end portion 248 has a second connector fastener opening 252. The fastener 228 inserted through the second base fastener opening 250 secures the second base end portion 246 to the second gear 216. The rotation of the second gear 216 rotates the second rotating arm 220; however, the second rotating arm 220 is not rotatable with respect to the second gear 216.

The first connector end portion 240 and the second connector end portion 248 are connected to the adjustment assembly 10. Specifically, the first pin 148 is pivotally disposed in the first link fastener opening 244 and the third pin 158 is pivotally disposed in the second link fastener opening 252.

The driving member 210 engages the first gear 214 to rotate the torque rod 212, the first gear 214, the second gear 216, the first rotating arm 218, and the second rotating arm 220. The driving member 210 includes: a drive gear 254, a drive shaft 256, a gear motor 258, and a bulk head portion 260 (bulk head). The drive gear 254 is non-rotatably attached to a drive shaft 256. The drive shaft 256 is attached to a gear motor 258. The block head portion 260 supports the drive shaft 256 and/or the gear motor 258. The gear motor 258 is electrically connected to the control panel 32.

The drive gear 254 has teeth that mesh with the teeth of the first gear 214 to transmit torque from the gear motor 258 and the drive shaft 256 to rotate the gear member 208.

Referring to fig. 9, the detachable tray 14 includes: a tray member 262, a second vacuum chamber member 264, a second vacuum chamber seal 266, a second seal buffer 268, and one or more liquid sensors 270. The tray member 262 is configured to fit within the receiver cavity 40 of the front housing member 18. A second vacuum chamber member 264 and a second sealing bumper 266 are disposed within the tray member 262. A liquid sensor 270 is provided at the second vacuum chamber member 264 and is electrically connected to the control panel 32 to signal excessive accumulation of liquid within the second vacuum chamber member 264. A second vacuum chamber seal 266 is attached to the second vacuum chamber member 264 and seals at least a portion of the second vacuum chamber member 264. A second vacuum chamber seal 266 surrounds the lip of the second vacuum chamber member 264.

The tray member 262 includes: at least one guide insert 272, finger recesses 274, and contacts 276. The guide insert 272 is disposed at a first side 278 of the tray member 262. The guide insert 272 is tab-shaped to fit within a track (not shown) of the receptacle cavity 40 to guide the tray member 262 as the tray member 262 slides into or out of the receptacle cavity 40. The finger recess 274 is an opening at the front face 280 of the tray member 262. The finger recess 274 is sized and configured to accommodate one or more fingers of a user to grasp the tray member 262 and pull it out of the receptacle cavity 40. The contact head 276 is disposed at a first side 278 of the tray member 262. The contact head 276 is positioned to contact a switch or sensor (not shown) when the tray member 262 is fully inserted into the receiver cavity 40. Upon contact, a switch or sensor signals the control panel 32 that normal operation of the food saver machine 1 can commence.

Referring to fig. 3, 10 and 11, in operation, the food saver machine 1 dispenses a roll of bag material 2 with the film transport mechanism 6 by supplying the bag material 2 between the feed roller assembly 66 and the free roller assembly 68. The feed roller assembly 66 engages the free roller assembly 68 and the bag material 2. The feed roller assembly 66, powered by the motor 84, rotates to pull the bag material 2 and also to rotate the free roller assembly 68 with the roll of bag material 2.

The feed roller assembly 66 feeds the bag material 2 into the cutting mechanism 8. A motor 100 operatively controlled by the control panel 32 moves the shuttle member 98 substantially longitudinally through the food protection machine 1, i.e., transversely through the bag material 2. The blade 112 or 114 cuts the bag material 2. The reciprocating member 98 may stop moving when the first micro-switch 124 or the second micro-switch 128 signals the presence of the reciprocating member 98 at the first end portion 122 or the second end portion 126. At substantially the same time, the conditioning assembly 10 pivots upwardly to seal the bag material 2.

The first band heater assembly 178 of the conditioning assembly 10 is heated (e.g., 160 c-200 c) to melt a portion of the bag material 2. The conditioning assembly 10 pivots to an upper position in which the first sealing bumper 102 encounters the first strip heater assembly 178. The conditioning assembly 10 applies pressure to the first sealing bumper 102 with the first strip heater assembly 178 to clasp a portion of the bag material 2. The portion of bag material 2 that is clasped between the first seal bumper 102 and the first strip heater assembly 178 is melted to form a seal. The cut and sealed bag material 2 slides out of the top slot 36 a. The drive mechanism 12 pivots the adjustment assembly 10 and may be controlled via a control panel 32.

After the cut and sealed bag material 2 is filled with food, for example, it may be inserted into the bottom groove 36 b. As the bag material 2 slides through the slot 36b, it contacts the first and/or second partition portions 198, 200 and causes one or more of the partition portions 198, 200 to pivot. Pivoting of the first and/or second partition portions 198, 200 causes the respective wing 202, 204 to move within the wing cavity 181. Movement in the wing cavity 181 is sensed by the first sensor 175 and/or the second sensor 177, and the first sensor 175 and/or the second sensor 177 then activates a suction source (not shown) to create a vacuum. The first sensor 175 and/or the second sensor 177 can trigger the drive mechanism 12 to pivot the adjustment assembly 10 downward toward the removable tray 14. In the downward pivoted position of the conditioning assembly 10, the second band heater assembly 180 contacts the second sealing bumper 268 and the first vacuum chamber seal 134 contacts the second vacuum chamber seal 266, thereby sealing the first vacuum chamber member 132 and the second vacuum chamber member 264 with a portion of the bag material 2 therebetween. Air in the layer of bag material is evacuated through the first and second vacuum chamber members 132, 264.

The second band heater assembly 180 of the conditioning assembly 10 is heated (e.g., 160-200 ℃) to melt a portion of the bag material 2. The conditioning assembly 10 pivots downward to a lower position where the second sealing bumper 268 meets the second strip heater assembly 180. The conditioning assembly 10 applies pressure to the second sealing bumper 268 with the second band heater assembly 180 to clasp a portion of the bag material 2. The portion of bag material 2 that is pinched between the second band heater assembly 180 and the second seal bumper 268 is melted to form a seal. The sealed bag material 2 can then be retracted from the bottom slot 36 b.

Referring to fig. 1, 2 and 12, a vacuum-split assembly 16 is located at the side of the food saver machine 1. The vacuum-split assembly 16 may be removed from the housing 4 and may engage the receptacle to draw air out of the confines of the receptacle to create a vacuum. The vacuum split assembly 16 includes: a retraction member (not shown), a hose member 282, a nozzle member 284, and an adapter member 286. The retraction member is disposed in the internal cavity 60 of the housing 4. The retraction member is common in the art and will therefore not be discussed in detail herein. The hose member 282 is coiled around the retraction member and retracted by the retraction member. Thus, the hose member 282 is stored or coiled within the internal cavity 60. The hose member 282 is connected at one end to a vacuum source and at the other end to the nozzle member 284.

The orifice member 284 and the adapter member 286 are removably disposed within the split-type chamber 38. The orifice member 284 may be directly connected to the receiver or may be connected to the adapter member 286. The adapter member 286 is a tubular member and includes an inlet portion 288 and an outlet portion 290. The inlet portion 288 is disposed at a distal portion 292 of the adapter member 286 opposite the outlet portion 290. The inlet 288 may mate with the remote platform 46 in the remote cavity 38. For example, the inlet portion 288 is configured and arranged to mate with a nipple (not shown) of a receptacle or plastic bag. Specifically, for example, the inlet portion 288 may be connected to a can, container, and zipper bag (zipperbag). The adapter member 286 includes a valve 294 for pulsing the vacuum. The valve 294 aids in the curing process of the food product in cans, containers and zipper bags.

The vacuum source is electrically connected to the control panel 32. One or more buttons 34 of the control panel 32 are communicatively connected to the vacuum source. For example, one of the buttons 34 may control starting and stopping the vacuum source, while another of the buttons 34 may control starting pulsing the vacuum and stopping pulsing the vacuum.

Second embodiment

Referring now to fig. 13-16, a food saver machine 1 according to a second embodiment will now be explained. In view of the similarity between the first and second embodiments, the parts of the second embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the second embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity. The parts of the second embodiment that differ from the parts of the first embodiment will be indicated with a double prime (").

The housing 4 includes a front housing member 18 ", the front housing member 18" having a slot 36b formed therethrough. The groove 36b is used to dispense the bag material 2 and vacuum seal the bag material 2.

With respect to dispensing, the first band heater assembly 178 of the conditioning assembly 10 is heated (e.g., 160-200 ℃) to melt a portion of the bag material 2. The conditioning assembly 10 pivots until the first sealing bumper 102 encounters the first strip heater assembly 178. A portion of the bag material 2 that is fastened between the first seal bumper 102 and the first strip heater assembly 178 is melted to form a seal. The cut and sealed bag material 2 then slides down the inside of the front housing member 18 "and out of the bottom slot 36 b.

With respect to vacuum sealing, the bag material 2 is inserted into the bottom groove 36 b. As described above for the first embodiment, air is drawn out of the bag material 2 and the bag material 2 is sealed.

Third embodiment

Referring now to fig. 17-19, a heater member 136' "of a food saver machine 1 in accordance with a third embodiment will be explained. In view of the similarity between the first and third embodiments, the parts of the third embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the parts of the first embodiment. Moreover, the descriptions of the parts of the third embodiment that are identical to the parts of the first embodiment may be omitted for the sake of brevity. Parts of the third embodiment that differ from parts of the first embodiment will be indicated with a triple prime ("').

When the drive mechanism 12 pivots the support member 130, the heater member 136' "rotates approximately 180 °. The heater member 136' ″ includes: a rotation support portion 296, a rotation rod portion 298, a first guide post 300, and a second guide post 302. The rotation support portion 296 is attached to the beam portion 140 and supports the bar portion 298. The rotation bar portion 298 is rotatably attached to the rotation support portion 296. The rotating bar portion 298 engages the first and second guide posts 300, 302, and the first and second guide posts 300, 302 guide the rotating bar portion 298 as the rotating bar portion 298 rotates up and down.

The rotating bar portion 298 has the first band heater assembly 178 on a face that rotates approximately 180 °. The rotating rod portion 298 includes a first end portion 304 and a second end portion 306, the first end portion 304 and the second end portion 306 being inserted into the first guide post 300 and the second guide post 302, respectively. The first end portion 304 is non-rotatably attached to a gear 308. Second end portion 306 is non-rotatably attached to gear 310.

The first guide portion 300 includes a guide groove 312 and a gear 314. The second guide portion 302 includes a guide slot 316 and a gear 318. The first end portion 304 inserted in the guide groove 312 slides up and down in the guide groove 312. When the first end portion 304 slides in the guide slot 312, the gear 308 engages the gear 314 of the first guide portion 300. The second end portion 306 inserted in the guide groove 316 slides up and down in the guide groove 316. As the second end portion 306 slides within the guide slot 316, the gear 310 engages the gear 318 of the second guide portion 302.

As the rotating bar portion 298 slides up and down in the guide slots 312, 316, the meshing of the teeth of the gears 308, 310 and 314, 318 causes the rotating bar portion 298 to rotate. Thus, the rotating rod portion 298 is configured to rotate as the heater support member 130 and the heater member 136' ″ pivot up and down.

In fig. 17, the first strip heater assembly 178 is positioned upwardly so as to engage the first sealing bumper 102. The end portions 304, 306 are located at the top of the guide slots 308, 310.

In fig. 18, the first strip heater assembly 178 faces forwardly toward the interior face of the front housing member 18, 18 ". The ends 304, 306 are located near the center of the guide slots 308, 310.

In fig. 19, the first strip heater assembly 178 is positioned downwardly so as to engage the second sealing bumper 268. The end portions 304, 306 are located at the bottom of the guide slots 308, 310.

General interpretation of terms

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms: "include," "have," and their derivatives. Also, the terms "part," "section," "portion," "member" or "element" when used in the singular can have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts. As used herein to describe the present invention, any directional terms such as "forward, rearward, above, downward, upward, vertical, horizontal, below and transverse" as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of an appliance equipped with the present invention when seated on a home countertop for use. Finally, terms of degree such as "substantially", "about" and "approximately" as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. For example, these terms can be construed as including a deviation of at least 5% of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the word it modifies.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the size, shape, location or orientation of the various components can be changed as needed and/or desired. Components that are shown directly connected or contacting each other may have intermediate structures disposed between them. The functions of one element may be performed by two, and vice versa. The structure and function of one embodiment may be adopted by another embodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Accordingly, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (18)

1. A food saver machine comprising:

a film transport mechanism having a support frame for a roll of bag material;

a cutting mechanism disposed adjacent the film delivery mechanism and having a reciprocating member with a cutting portion, the reciprocating member being arranged to cut transversely across the bag material dispensed from the film delivery mechanism;

a conditioning assembly having a heater member for sealing a portion of the bag material;

characterized in that said food preservation machine further comprises:

a drive mechanism operatively connected to the adjustment assembly;

the cutting mechanism also has a first sealing bumper;

the drive mechanism is configured to pivot upward to contact the first sealing bumper of the cutting mechanism and downward to contact a second sealing bumper;

said film transport mechanism further having a feed roller assembly for dispensing said bag material, said feed roller assembly being disposed adjacent said support cradle; and

the adjustment assembly is pivotably disposed below the film transport mechanism.

2. The food saver machine of claim 1, further comprising a housing containing the film delivery mechanism, the cutting mechanism, the adjustment assembly, and the drive mechanism, the housing comprising: a front housing member having a top slot for dispensing bag material from said cutting mechanism; and a bottom slot for receiving dispensed bag material.

3. The food saver machine of claim 2, wherein the top slot is substantially aligned with bag material dispensed from the roll of bag material.

4. The food saver machine of claim 1, further comprising a housing containing the film delivery mechanism, the cutting mechanism, the adjustment assembly, and the drive mechanism, the housing including a front housing member having a bottom slot formed therein.

5. The food saver machine of claim 1, wherein the film delivery mechanism includes a cradle cover for covering the roll of bag material, and the cradle cover is positioned adjacent the feed roller assembly.

6. The food saver machine of claim 2, wherein the housing includes a top housing member having a door portion, and the bracket cover is disposed on an inner side of the door portion.

7. The food saver machine of claim 1, wherein the film feed mechanism includes a free roller assembly to guide the bag material as it is dispensed from the roll of bag material.

8. The food saver machine of claim 7, wherein the free roller assembly is configured to contact the roll of bag material.

9. The food saver machine of claim 1, wherein the feed roller assembly comprises: a motor, a rod, and a plurality of rollers disposed on the rod, and the rollers are configured and arranged to rotate with the rod to dispense or retract the bag material.

10. The food saver machine of claim 9, further comprising a control panel having a plurality of buttons, at least one of the buttons communicatively connected to the motor to control dispensing or retraction of the bag material to control the length of the bag material dispensed.

11. The food saver machine of claim 1, wherein the cutting mechanism comprises: a motor, a threaded rod extending through the reciprocating member, and a cutting support member, the threaded rod being rotatably disposed at the cutting support member and the motor being connected to the threaded rod, and the threaded rod having threads that convert the reciprocating member rotary motion to axial motion.

12. The food saver machine of claim 11, wherein the axial movement of the reciprocating member moves the cutting portion transversely across the bag material.

13. The food saver machine of claim 11, further comprising a control panel with a plurality of buttons, at least one of the buttons communicatively connected to the motor to control cutting of the bag material.

14. The food saver machine of claim 13, wherein at least one of the buttons on the control panel signals the motor to begin cutting the bag material.

15. The food saver machine of claim 1, wherein the adjustment assembly comprises: a first vacuum chamber member having one or more sensors; and a sensor trigger member configured to trigger the one or more sensors when the bag material moves a portion of the sensor trigger member.

16. The food saver machine of claim 1, wherein the heater member has a first bar portion and a second bar portion disposed substantially parallel to the first bar portion, the first bar portion having a first band heater assembly and the second bar portion having a second band heater assembly.

17. The food saver machine of claim 16, wherein the first and second band heater assemblies are attached to an exterior of the respective first and second bar portions such that the first and second band heater assemblies face each other relatively.

18. The food saver machine of claim 1, wherein the heater member includes a rotating rod portion and the rotating rod portion is configured to rotate when the drive member pivots the adjustment assembly upwardly or downwardly.