US 11,939,095 B2
Apparatus for sealing open-topped containers with heat-shrinking film material
Kimmo Vari, Brampton (CA)
Assigned to GPCP IP Holdings LLC, Atlanta, GA (US)
Filed by GPCP IP HOLDINGS LLC, Atlanta, GA (US)
Filed on May 17, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/745,913.
Application 17/745,913 is a continuation of application No. 16/487,907, granted, now 11,358,742, previously published as PCT/IB2018/000133, filed on Feb. 22, 2018.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/463,101, filed on Feb. 24, 2017.
Prior Publication US 2022/0274726 A1, Sep. 1, 2022
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. B65B 41/16 (2006.01); B65B 7/16 (2006.01); B65B 53/06 (2006.01); B65B 59/00 (2006.01); B65B 61/02 (2006.01); B65B 61/18 (2006.01); B65B 61/26 (2006.01)
CPC B65B 41/16 (2013.01) [B65B 7/164 (2013.01); B65B 7/167 (2013.01); B65B 53/066 (2013.01); B65B 59/003 (2019.05); B65B 61/02 (2013.01); B65B 61/18 (2013.01); B65B 61/26 (2013.01)] 6 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A system for heat-shrinking film material onto an open-topped container, the system comprising:
a feed mechanism configured to cause the film material to advance from a film material roll to a dispense location, wherein the feed mechanism includes a feed cover and a feed roll, wherein the feed cover is movable between a use position and a loading position, wherein, when the feed cover is in the loading position, the feed roll is spaced apart from an opposing roll so as to enable loading of the film material therebetween, wherein, in operation, when the feed cover is in the use position, rotation of at least one of the feed roll and the opposing roll causes the film material to advance to the dispense location;
a seal assembly proximate the dispense location and configured to allow contact between the film material and an open end of the open-topped container in operation, wherein the seal assembly is configured to translate vertically toward the open end of the open-topped container prior to causing the film material to seal to the open end of the open-topped container via application of energy.