Patent ID: 7067037
Filing Date: 2006-06-27
Classification: B29C,B29K,B29L,B31B,B65B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A modular reciprocating heat seal jaw assembly for sealing a series of reclosable fastener strips to a web of thermoplastic film and for sealing said web of thermoplastic film into a series of reclosable bags, said jaw assembly comprising: a first sealing jaw having a first and second lateral end; a second sealing jaw having a first and second lateral end; means for slidably mounting said first sealing jaw on a first pair of parallel shaft members, proximate to and perpendicular to said first and second lateral ends of said first sealing jaw, said shaft members being disposed in a substantially horizontal plane; means for slidably mounting said second sealing jaw on said first pair of parallel shaft members proximate to and perpendicular to said first and second lateral ends of said second sealing jaw; means for selectively effecting reciprocal movement of said first and second sealing jaws together and apart, as required; and modular frame means for supporting said first and second sealing jaws and said first pair of parallel shaft members, and for maintaining a lateral and vertical position of said first and second sealing jaws; and wherein said means for selectively effecting reciprocal movement of said first and second sealing jaws together and apart comprises a reciprocal drive mechanism; and a first drive shaft extending laterally from said reciprocal drive mechanism, said first drive shaft having a first end and a second end; and wherein said reciprocal drive mechanism comprises: a first right rotating drive arm having a midpoint, a first distal end and a second distal end, wherein said first end of said first drive shaft is fixedly attached proximate said midpoint of said first right rotating drive arm so as to allow selective rotation of said first right rotating drive arm; a first left rotating drive arm having a midpoint, a first distal end and a second distal end, wherein said second end of said first drive shaft is fixedly attached proximate said midpoint of said first left rotating drive arm so as to allow selective rotation of said first left rotating drive arm; a first right outer linear drive arm having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein said first right outer linear drive arm is pivotally connected proximate said proximal end to said first right rotating drive arm proximate said first distal end thereof, and pivotally connected proximate said distal end to said first sealing jaw proximate said first lateral end thereof; and a first left outer linear drive arm having a proximal end and a distal end wherein said first left outer linear drive arm is pivotally connected proximate said proximal end to said first left rotating drive arm proximate said first distal end thereof, and pivotally connected proximate said distal end to said first sealing jaw proximate said second lateral end thereof; whereby rotation of said first drive shaft causes said first right and left outer linear drive arms to be selectively moved in the direction of said first sealing jaw, or pulled in the direction away from said first sealing jaw, causing said first sealing jaw to slide either towards or away from said second sealing jaw on said first pair of parallel shaft members.