Patent Publication Number: US-11655061-B2

Title: System and method for sealing a plastic enclosure

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of provisional application 62/513,614, filed Jun. 1, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional packages are available for temporary storage of condiments, snacks, or personal products. For example, plastic containers (e.g. Tupperware®) are available in which such products can be temporarily stored. Additionally, conventional bags (e.g. Ziploc®) are available in which such products can be temporarily stored. 
     SUMMARY 
     Techniques are provided for sealing a plastic enclosure that can be used to transport a range of products including condiments, snacks or personal products. The inventor noted that the conventional containers used to transport such products are deficient. For example, the inventor recognized that conventional plastic containers (e.g. Tupperware®) have notable drawbacks, including that they are cumbersome to carry around, require repeated washing and take up large amounts of cabinet space. Additionally, in another example, the inventor recognized that conventional bags (e.g. Ziploc®) have notable drawbacks, including that they are not effective at safely transporting liquid products and come in fixed sizes and thus are not properly sized to fit certain products (e.g. spices). 
     In a first embodiment, an apparatus is provided for sealing an enclosure of plastic material. The apparatus includes a handle including a pair of elements pivotally coupled together at a first end of the elements. The apparatus further includes a heating element positioned along an inner surface of at least one element and connected to a power source, where a longitudinal axis of the heating element is oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the element. Upon positioning plastic material including a first plastic layer and a second plastic layer at an interface between the pair of second elements and upon pivoting the pair of first elements from an open position to a closed position, the heating element increases a temperature at the interface to melt the plastic material and form a seal between the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer. 
     In a second embodiment, an apparatus is provided for sealing an enclosure of plastic material. The apparatus includes a pair of elements pivotally coupled together at a first end of the elements. The apparatus further includes a heating element positioned along an inner surface of one element and connected to a power source. The apparatus further includes a cutting element positioned at an inner surface of one element and is configured to move relative to the inner surface of the element to cut the plastic material along the interface adjacent the seal. Upon positioning plastic material including a first plastic layer and a second plastic layer at the interface between the elements and upon pivoting of the elements from an open position to a closed position, the heating element increases a temperature at the interface to melt the plastic material and form a seal between the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer. 
     In a third embodiment, a method is provided for sealing an enclosure of plastic material. The method includes positioning the plastic material including a first plastic layer and a second plastic layer at an interface between the pair of elements. The method further includes pivoting the pair of elements from an open position to a closed position such that the heating element increases a temperature at the interface to melt the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer. The method further includes forming a first seal between the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer based on the melting of the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer. The method further includes filling the enclosure of the plastic material with contents through an opening in the plastic material and positioning the plastic material including the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer at the interface. The method further includes pivoting the pair of elements from the open position to the closed position such that the heating element increases the temperature at the interface to melt the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer. The method further includes forming a second seal between the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer based on the melting of the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer, where the enclosure of plastic material is formed between the first seal and the second seal. 
     Still other aspects, features, and advantages are readily apparent from the following detailed description, simply by illustrating a number of particular embodiments and implementations, including the best mode contemplated for carrying out the invention. Other embodiments are also capable of other and different features and advantages, and its several details can be modified in various obvious respects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which: 
         FIG.  1 A  is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view of a system for sealing an enclosure of plastic material in an open position, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  1 B  is an image that illustrates an example of a cross sectional view taken along the line  1 B- 1 B in  FIG.  1 A , according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  1 C  is an image that illustrates an example of a sectional view of a first element of the system of  FIG.  1 A , according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  1 D  is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective end view of a first element of the system of  FIG.  1 A , according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  1 E  is an image that illustrates an example of a top view of a second element of the system of  FIG.  1 A , according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  1 F  is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view of a system for sealing an enclosure of plastic material in an open position, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  1 G  is an image that illustrates an example of a side view of the second elements of the system of  FIG.  1 F , according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  1 H  is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view of pairs of second elements of different dimension, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  2 A  is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view of a bracket mounted to a flat surface, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  2 B  is an image that illustrates an example of a side view of the system of  FIG.  1 A  mounted to the bracket of  FIG.  2 A , according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  2 C  is an image that illustrates an example of an exploded view of the system of  FIG.  1 A  and the bracket of  FIG.  2 A , according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  2 D  is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view of the system of  FIG.  1 A  and the bracket of  FIG.  2 A  mounted to a flat surface, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  2 E  is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view of the system of  FIG.  1 A  mounted to the bracket of  FIG.  2 A  in the open position, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  2 F  is an image that illustrates an example of a side view of a plurality of reels of plastic material used in the system of  FIG.  2 E , according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  2 G  is an image that illustrates an example of a top view of straw material and a plurality of capsules formed in the straw material with the system of  FIG.  2 E , according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  2 H  is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view of a plurality of reels of plastic material used in the system of  FIG.  2 E , according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  3 A  is a block diagram that illustrates an example of a perspective view of a seal formed in the plastic material by the system of  FIG.  5 A , according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  3 B  is a block diagram that illustrates an example of a perspective view of the seal of  FIG.  3 A , according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  3 C  is a block diagram that illustrates an example of a perspective view of a second seal formed in the plastic material by the system of  FIG.  5 A , according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  3 D  is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view of using the system to form the second seal of  FIG.  3 C  in the plastic material, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  3 E  is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view of using the system to form the second seal of  FIG.  3 C , according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  3 F  is an image that illustrates an example of a top view of the enclosure of the plastic material including the first seal and the second seal, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  3 G  is a block diagram that illustrates an example of a top view of the enclosure of the plastic material including interior seals between the first seal and the second seal, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  4    is a flow chart that illustrates an example of a method for sealing an enclosure of plastic material, according to an embodiment. 
         FIG.  5 A  is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view of a system for sealing an enclosure of plastic material in a closed position, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  5 B  is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view of the system of  FIG.  5 A  in an open position, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  5 C  is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view of the system of  FIG.  5 B  with the cutting element slid from a first end to a second end of a slot in one of the elements, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  5 D  is an image that illustrates an example of a side view of the system of  FIG.  5 A  on a level surface, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  5 E  is an image that illustrates an example of a side view of the system of  FIG.  5 A  in an open position, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  5 F  is an image that illustrates an example of a top perspective view of the system of  FIG.  5 A  in an open position, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  5 G  is an image that illustrates an example of a top perspective view of the system of  FIG.  5 A  in a closed position, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  5 H  is a block diagram that illustrates an example of electrical connections between the heating elements and the power source within the system of  FIG.  5 A , according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  6 A  is an image that illustrates an example of a side view of a system for sealing an enclosure of plastic material in an open position, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  6 B  is an image that illustrates an example of a side view of the system of  FIG.  6 A  in a closed position, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  6 C  is an image that illustrates an example of a plan view of an inner surface of the elements of the system of  FIG.  6 A , according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  6 D  is an image that illustrates an example of a top view of the system of  FIG.  6 A , according to an embodiment; 
         FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  are images that illustrate an example of a perspective view of using the system of  FIG.  5 A  to form a seal in the plastic material, according to an embodiment; 
         FIGS.  7 C and  7 D  are images that illustrate an example of a side view of using the system of  FIG.  5 A  to form a seal in the plastic material, according to an embodiment; 
         FIGS.  7 E and  7 F  are images that illustrate an example of a perspective view of using the system of  FIG.  5 A  to form a second seal in the plastic material, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  7 G  is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view of using the system of  FIG.  5 A  to form interior seals in the plastic material, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  8 A  is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view of a system for sealing an enclosure of plastic material in an open position, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  8 B  is an image that illustrates an example of a side view of the system of  FIG.  8 A  in a closed position, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  8 C  is an image that illustrates an example of a cross sectional view taken along the line  8 C- 8 C in  FIG.  8 B , according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  8 D  is an image that illustrates an example of a side view of the system of  FIG.  8 A  in an open position, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  8 E  is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view of the system of  FIG.  8 A  in an open position, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  8 F  is an image that illustrates an example of a side view of the system of  FIG.  8 A  in a closed position, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  8 G  is an image that illustrates an example of a partial sectional view of the system of  FIG.  8 F  in a closed position, according to an embodiment; and 
         FIG.  8 H  is an image that illustrates an example of a top view of the system of  FIG.  8 F , according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A method and apparatus are described for sealing an enclosure of plastic material. In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. 
     Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope are approximations, the numerical values set forth in specific non-limiting examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements at the time of this writing. Furthermore, unless otherwise clear from the context, a numerical value presented herein has an implied precision given by the least significant digit. Thus, a value 1.1 implies a value from 1.05 to 1.15. The term “about” is used to indicate a broader range centered on the given value, and unless otherwise clear from the context implies a broader range around the least significant digit, such as “about 1.1” implies a range from 1.0 to 1.2. If the least significant digit is unclear, then the term “about” implies a factor of two, e.g., “about X” implies a value in the range from 0.5× to 2×, for example, about 100 implies a value in a range from 50 to 200. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass any and all sub-ranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of “less than 10” can include any and all sub-ranges between (and including) the minimum value of zero and the maximum value of 10, that is, any and all sub-ranges having a minimum value of equal to or greater than zero and a maximum value of equal to or less than 10, e.g., 1 to 4. Additionally, the term “orthogonal” is used to indicate an angle between two directions in a range of 90 degrees±10 degrees or in a range of 90 degrees±20 degrees. Additionally, the term “parallel” is used to indicate an angle between two directions in a range of 0 degrees±10 degrees or in a range of 0 degrees±20 degrees. 
     Some embodiments of the invention are described below in the context of sealing an enclosure of plastic material. For purposes of this description, “enclosure” means an enclosed volume (e.g. rectangular volume) defined by plastic material. In other embodiments, “enclosure” means an enclosed volume defined by a non-plastic material, such as plastic and mylar materials. In some embodiments, the enclosure is defined by one or more seals in the plastic material, where the seals are formed between layers of the plastic material and define one or more boundaries of the enclosure. In some embodiments, the enclosure is a plastic bag defined by one or more seals in plastic material that includes a first plastic layer and a second plastic layer. In other embodiments, the enclosure is defined as a sub-enclosure or sub-volume within a larger enclosure, e.g. an interior volume or sub-enclosure within a plastic bag formed between two interior seals or between an interior seal and a seal at one end or side of the bag. In other embodiments, the enclosure is a capsule defined by one or more seals in plastic material that is a straw, e.g. plastic straw. However, the invention is not limited to this context. For purposes of this description, “plastic material” means material made of plastic that includes multiple layers. In some embodiments, the plastic material includes a first plastic layer and a second plastic layer that are sealed along opposite sides. In other embodiments, the plastic material is a plastic straw. For purposes of this description, “portable” means a device that can be carried by a person, such as in a standard handbag and/or a device that can be operated while being carried by a person. In some embodiments, “portable” means that the device can be used to perform each step of a method to seal a plastic enclosure while being carried by a person. In some embodiments, “portable” means that the device has a largest dimension (e.g. length, width, height) no greater than from about 6 inches to about 12 inches. In other embodiments, “portable” means that the device has a largest dimension (e.g. length, width, height) no greater than from about 4 inches to about 14 inches. In other embodiments, “portable” means that the device has a weight no greater than about 8 ounces to about 12 ounces. In still other embodiments, “portable” means that the device has a weight no greater than about 4 ounces to about 14 ounces. 
       FIG.  1 A  is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view of a system  100  for sealing an enclosure of plastic material in an open position  101 , according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, the system  100  is portable. In one embodiment, the system  100  is portable such that it can be carried in a handbag (e.g. woman&#39;s handbag). The system  100  includes a handle  113  with a pair of first elements  102   a ,  102   b  that are pivotally coupled at one end of the elements  102   a ,  102   b . In one embodiment, the first elements  102   a ,  102   b  are pivotally coupled together at a hinge  103 . In one embodiment, the first elements  102   a ,  102   b  are made of a plastic material. In another embodiment, the first elements  102   a ,  102   b  are made of a heat resistant or insulating substrate material (e.g. ceramic, silicone, silicone rubber, etc). 
     The system  100  also includes a pair of second elements  104   a ,  104   b  that are removably coupled to a second end of the first elements  102   a ,  102   b  so that the second elements  104   a ,  104   b  are coextensive with the first elements  102   a ,  102   b  as depicted in  FIG.  2 B . In some embodiments, the second elements  104   a ,  104   b  are made from the same material as the first elements  102   a ,  102   b . In one embodiment, the first elements  102   a ,  102   b  and second elements  104   a ,  104   b  are integrally connected as one pair of elements pivotally coupled at the hinge  103 .  FIG.  1 H  is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view of pairs of second elements  104  of different dimension, according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, the pair of second elements  104   a ,  104   b  have a larger dimension that is used to seal plastic material  136  having a larger dimension (e.g. 6″ wide bag), the pair of second elements  104   a ′,  104   b ′ have a medium dimension that is used to seal plastic material  136  having a medium dimension (e.g. 3″ wide bag) and the pair of second elements  104   a ″,  104   b ″ have a small dimension that is used to seal plastic material  136  having a small dimension (e.g. straw). 
     In some embodiments, a heating element  106  is positioned along an inner surface of one of the second elements  104   a ,  104   b . In this embodiment, a sponge material  107  ( FIG.  2 E ) is positioned along an inner surface of the other second element  104   a . In an example embodiment, the sponge material  107  is a sponge-like material (e.g. silicone) that is heat resistant. In other embodiments, the heating element  106  is positioned along the inner surface of both second elements  104   a ,  104   b . In some embodiments, the heating element  106  has a flat planar surface. In other embodiments, the heating element has a crimping surface including one or more ridges. In an embodiment, the ridges of the crimping surface form a plurality of sealing interfaces in the plastic material  136  over the seal.  FIG.  1 F  is an image that illustrates an example of a heating element  106 ′ including a crimping surface with a plurality of ridges. In some embodiments, the crimping surface is made from a ceramic coated material.  FIG.  1 G  is an image that illustrates an example of a side view of the second elements  104  of the system of  FIG.  1 F , according to an embodiment. The sponge material  107  and cutting element  111  are also depicted in  FIG.  1 G . 
     The heating element  106  is connected to a power source. In some embodiments, the pair of first elements  102   a ,  102   b  include a first connector  112  that is electrically connected to a power source and the pair of second elements  104   a ,  104   b  include a second connector  114  electrically connected to the heating element  106 . In an example embodiment, the first connector  112  is a male connector and the second connector  114  is a female connector. In other embodiments, the first connector  112  is a female connector and the second connector  114  is a male connector. In still other embodiments, connectors  112 ,  114  other than male/female connectors can be used to electrically connect the elements  102   a ,  102   b  with the elements  104   a ,  104   b . Upon connection of the first connector  112  with the second connector  114 , the heating element  116  is electrically connected with the power source. 
     In some embodiments, the power source is an internal power source housed within the system  100 . In one embodiment, the internal power source is housed within one of the first elements  102   a ,  102   b .  FIG.  1 C  is an image that illustrates an example of a sectional view of the first element  102   b  of the system  100  of  FIG.  1 A , according to an embodiment. In one embodiment, the first element  102   b  includes a compartment  116  to house a power source (e.g. one or more batteries  118 ). In an example embodiment, two AA rated batteries  118  are housed in the compartment  116 . In other embodiments, the power source is an external power source and one of the first elements  102   a ,  102   b  is connected to the external power source.  FIG.  1 D  is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective end view of the first element  102   a  of the system  100  of  FIG.  1 A , according to an embodiment. In one embodiment, the first element  102   a  includes an electrical inlet (e.g. USB port  122 ) for connection to an external power source. In other embodiments, the USB port  122  is used to charge the internal power source (e.g. batteries  118 ) while the internal power source (or external power source) provides serves as the power source for the heating element  106 . 
     The system  100  also includes a cutting element  111  positioned along an inner surface of the second element  104   a .  FIG.  1 E  is an image that illustrates an example of a top view of the second element  104   a  of the system of  FIG.  1 A , according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, the second element  104   a  includes a slot  112  to slidably receive the cutting element. In these embodiments, an outer surface of the second element  104   a  includes a button  108  (with an optional button recess  109 ) slidably received in a recess  110 , where the button  108  is connected to the cutting element  111  through the slot  112 . In other embodiments, the recess  110  is not provided and the button  108  is configured to slide along the outer surface of the second element  104   a . The cutting element  111  slides along the inner surface of the second element  104   a  when a user slides the button  108  along the recess  110 . 
     During operation of the system  100 , the first elements  102   a ,  102   b  are initially positioned in an open position  101  ( FIG.  1 A ) with an angle between the first elements  102   a ,  102   b . In some embodiments, the open position  101  is the default position of the first elements  102   a ,  102   b  such that the first elements  102   a ,  102   b  are in the open position  101  when no external force is applied.  FIG.  2 B  is an image that illustrates an example of a side view of the system  100  of  FIG.  1 A  in the open position  101 . In some embodiments, the first element  102   a  and second element  104   a  are coextensive such that they share a common longitudinal axis  135   a  and the first element  102   b  and second element  104   b  are coextensive such that they share a common longitudinal axis  135   b . Additionally, in other embodiments, a rotational axis  134  (orthogonal to the plane of  FIG.  2 B ) of the first elements  102   a ,  102   b  is about perpendicular to the longitudinal axes  135   a ,  135   b.    
     Plastic material including a first plastic layer and second plastic layer is initially positioned at an interface between the second elements  104   a ,  104   b . In some embodiments, the plastic material is positioned between the heat element  106  and the sponge material  107 . The pair of first elements  102   a ,  102   b  are then pivoted about the hinge  103  to move the system  100  from the open position  101  ( FIG.  1 A ) to a closed position  103  ( FIG.  1 B ). To facilitate moving the system from the open position  101  to the closed position  103 , in some embodiments the heating element  106  includes a slot  140  ( FIG.  2 E ) to slidably receive the cutting element on the inner surface of the second element  104   a . In some embodiments, in the closed position  103  the heating element  106  moves within a threshold distance of the sponge material  107 . Although  FIG.  2 E  depicts the slot  140  provided along the heating element  106 , in other embodiments the slot  140  is spaced apart from the heating element  106  along the inner surface of the element  104   a.    
     In some embodiments, the system  100  is held in a hand of the user (e.g. hands-on operation). In other embodiments, the system  100  is used without being held by the user (e.g. hands-free operation). In these embodiments, the system  100  is mounted to a bracket  128  and the bracket  128  is mounted to a flat surface (e.g. counter).  FIG.  2 A  is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view of a bracket  128  mounted to a level surface (e.g. counter  132 ), according to an embodiment. The bracket  128  is mounted to the counter  132 . In one embodiment, the bracket  128  is mounted to the counter  132  with a pair of suction cups  130   a ,  130   b . Each suction cup  130  includes a base portion that is secured to the counter  132  and a nipple portion that is received with a respective opening in the bracket  128  ( FIGS.  2 C- 2 D ). The bracket  128  includes a pair of mating keys  126   a ,  126   b  ( FIG.  2 A ) and the first element  102   b  includes a pair of key holes that are sized to slidably receive the mating keys  126   a ,  126   b  into a locked position to securely mount the first elements  102   a ,  102   b  to the bracket  128 .  FIG.  2 B  depicts the first elements  102   a ,  102   b  and second elements  104   a ,  104   b  securely mounted to the bracket  128  and the bracket  128  securely mounted to the counter  132 . 
       FIGS.  5 A- 5 G  are images that illustrate an example of different views of a system  100 ′ for sealing an enclosure of plastic material, according to an embodiment. The system  100 ′ is similar to the system  100  previously discussed, with the exception of the features discussed herein. Unlike the system  100  with a pair of first elements  102  and a pair of second elements  104  connected to the pair of first elements  102  using connectors  112 ,  114 , the system  100 ′ includes one pair of elements  105   a ,  105   b . In an embodiment, the element  105   a  integrates the element  102   a  and  104   a  and the element  105   b  integrates the element  102   b  and  104   b . Additionally, unlike the system  100  where the slot  112  and button  108  are arranged near a center of a width of the second element  104   a  ( FIG.  1 E ), in one embodiment the system  100 ′ features a slot  112 ′ and button  108  that are offset by a spacing  188  ( FIG.  6 D ) from a center  189  of a width of the element  105   a . Thus, the cutting element  111  (positioned in the slot  112 ′) is offset by the spacing  188  from the center  189  of the width of the element  105   a . In an embodiment, the spacing  188  is about ⅛″ or in a range from about 1/16″ to about ¼″ or in a range from about 1/32″ to about ½″ or in a range from about 1/64″ to about 1″. In other embodiments, the slot  112 ′ and button  108  are centered along the center  189  of the width of the element  105   a.    
     In an embodiment, the system  100 ′ includes a U-shaped member  170  that is rotatably fixed to the element  105   b  about a pivot axis  171 . In one embodiment, the U-shaped member  170  is fixed to the element  105   b  adjacent a second end  177   b  of the element  105   b  and can rotate from a first position ( FIG.  8 F ) to clasp the elements  105   a ,  105   b  together when they are in the closed position  103  to a second position ( FIG.  5 D ) to support a second end  177   b  of the elements  105  on a level surface  180  (e.g. table) when the system  100 ′ is placed on the level surface  180 . 
     In another embodiment, the system  100 ′ includes a base  172  adjacent to a first end  177   a  of the elements  105  that is opposite from the second end  177   b . In an embodiment, the base  172  has an outer diameter  178  ( FIG.  5 D ) that is greater than an outer diameter of the elements  105  between the first and second ends  177   a ,  177   b . Additionally, in an embodiment, the base  172  includes a pair of flat surfaces  173   a ,  173   b  that are spaced apart by a width dimension (e.g. outer diameter  178 ) and a pair of arcuate surfaces  175   a ,  175   b  that are spaced apart by a length dimension that is greater than the width dimension. In an example embodiment, the width dimension is about 2″ or in a range from about 1″ to about 3″ and the length dimension is about 2.5″ or in a range from about 1.5″ to about 2.5″. In some embodiments, the length dimension is about the same as the width dimension. In an example embodiment, a height of the U-shaped member  170  is sized based on a difference between the outer diameter  178  of the base  172  and the outer diameter of the member  105   b  at the pivot axis  171 . In another embodiment, one or more dimensions (e.g. outer diameter  178 ) of the base  172  are sized so that the system  100 ′ can be vertically mounted on the level surface  180  and the system  100 ′ is relatively stable in the vertical orientation. In some embodiments, a length of the system  100 ′ (e.g. length between the ends  177   a ,  177   b ) is about 11.5″ or in a range from about 9.5″ to about 13.5″. In other embodiments, a length of the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  is about 6.5″ or in a range from about 4.5″ to about 8.5″. In still other embodiments, a length of the slots  112 ′,  140 ′ are about 6.5″ or in a range from about 4.5″ to about 8.5″. 
     In an embodiment, the system  100 ′ features one or more heat settings  174  to adjust a temperature of the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  and/or one or more electrical inlets  176  (e.g. USB port). The heat settings  174  and/or the electrical inlets  176  are advantageously positioned along a side of the system  100 ′ so to be accessible when the system  100 ′ is mounted on the base  172  in a vertical orientation on the level surface  180 . 
     As depicted in  FIG.  5 D , one or more dimensions of the base  172  (e.g. outer diameter  178 ) and one or more dimensions of the U-shaped member  170  (e.g. height) are sized so that the pair of elements  105  are supported on the level surface  180  in the closed position  101  such that the pair of elements  105  are about parallel to the level surface  180 . 
     As depicted in  FIG.  5 C , in one embodiment a plurality of heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  are provided along the inner surface of the respective elements  105   a ,  105   b . In one embodiment, the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  include longitudinal axes that are oriented parallel to the longitudinal axes  135   a ,  135   b  of the respective elements  105   a ,  105   b  ( FIG.  5 E ). In an embodiment, “longitudinal axis” of the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  is defined as an axis aligned with a length dimension (e.g. length  143  in  FIG.  2 E  for heating element  106 ) and orthogonal to a width dimension that is smaller than the length dimension of the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b . In some embodiments, only one heating element  106  is provided along the inner surface of only one of the elements  105 . In other embodiments, multiple heating elements are provided along the inner surface of each element  105 . 
     In one embodiment, the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  have a width that is about the same as a width of the elements  105   a ,  105   b . However, in other embodiments, the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  have a width that is less than a width of the elements  105   a ,  105   b .  FIG.  6 C  is an image that illustrates an example of a plan view of an inner surface of the elements  105   a ,  105   b  of the system  100 ′, according to an embodiment. In one embodiment, the slot  112 ′ that slidably receives the cutting element  111  and button  108  in the element  105   a  is spaced apart from the heating element  106   a  by a minimum spacing  186  along the inner surface of the element  105   a . Similarly, the slot  140 ′ that slidably receives the cutting element  111  as it moves along the interface  110  is spaced apart from the heating element  106   b  by the minimum spacing  186  along the inner surface of the element  105   b . In an example embodiment, the minimum spacing  186  is about ⅛″ or in a range from about 1/16″ to about ¼″ or in a range from about 1/16″ to about ½″ or in a range from about 1/32″ to about 1″. Spatial separation of the slots  112 ′,  140 ′ and the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  is adjusted to advantageously ensure that heat from the elements  106   a ,  106   b  does not melt the plastic material along a cut formed by the cutting element  111 . Thus, the minimum spacing  186  ensures that a cut formed in the plastic material by the cutting element  111  is not resealed by heat from the heating element  106   a ,  106   b . In order embodiments, a layer of heat insulation material or a silicone layer  185  ( FIG.  8 C ) is positioned within the minimum spacing  186  to provide thermal insulation between the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  and the cutting element  111 , to further ensure that the heat from the elements  106   a ,  106   b  does not melt the cut formed in the plastic material by the cutting element  111 . In some embodiments, a length of the slot  112 ′ and/or slot  140 ′ is equal to or greater than a length of the heating element  106   a  and/or heating element  106   b . This advantageously ensures that a range of movement of the cutting element  111  (e.g. length of slots  112 ′,  140 ′) encompasses a maximum width of a seal formed at the interface (e.g. length of heating elements  106   a ,  106   b ). 
     In an embodiment, the cutting element  111  of the system  100 ′ operates in a similar manner as the cutting element  111  of the system  100  (e.g. is slid across the interface  110  using the button  108  on an outer surface of the element  105   a , to cut the plastic material across the interface  110 ). However, the embodiments of the present invention include any cutting element that moves relative to the inner surface of the element  105   a  or  105   b  in order to cut the plastic material along the interface  110 . In another embodiment, the element  105   a  or element  105   b  includes a spring loaded mechanism to move the cutting mechanism  111  in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis  135   a  or  135   b  to cut the plastic material upon actuation of a button operatively coupled to the spring loaded mechanism. 
     In some embodiments, the heating elements  106   a    106   b  are securely fixed along the inner surface of the elements  105   a ,  105   b . In other embodiments, one or both of the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  are movably fixed to the inner surface of the elements  105   a ,  105   b .  FIG.  6 A  is an image that illustrates an example of a side view of a system  100 ″ for sealing an enclosure of plastic material in an open position  101 , according to an embodiment. In one embodiment, the system  100 ″ of  FIG.  6 A  is similar to the system  100 ′ with the exception of the features discussed herein. In an embodiment, unlike the system  100 ′ the heating element  106   a ′ is movably fixed to the inner surface of the element  105   a . In one embodiment, the heating element  106   a ′ is movably mounted to the element  105   a  such that a recess  182  is provided between the heating element  106   a ′ and the inner surface of the element  105   a . Additionally, one or more springs  184   a ,  184   b  are provided that extend into the recess  182  and are operatively coupled to the heating element  106   a ′. A cutting element  111  is provided such that a tip of the cutting element  111  is aligned with an inner surface of the heating element  106   a ′ when the system  100 ″ is in the open position  101 . Upon moving the system  100 ″ from the open position  101  to the closed position  103  ( FIG.  6 B ), the heating element  106   a ′ engages the heating element  106   b  at the interface  110  which causes the heating element  106   a ′ to move in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis  135   a  and into the recess  182 . The heating element  106   a ′ retracts relative to the cutting element  111  so that the cutting element  111  extends beyond the inner surface of the heating element  106   a ′ in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis  135   a . Since the tip of the cutting element  111  extends beyond an interface  110  of the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b , the cutting element  111  will cut the plastic material at the interface  110  when the cutting element  111  is slid across the interface  110 . This arrangement advantageously ensures that the cutting element  111  is not exposed when the system  100 ″ is in the open position  101  since the tip of the cutting element  111  does not extend beyond the inner surface of the heating element  106   a′.    
       FIG.  8 A  is an image that illustrates an example of a perspective view of the system  100 ″ for sealing an enclosure of plastic material in the open position  101 , according to an embodiment.  FIG.  8 B  is an image that illustrates an example of a side view of the system  100 ″ of  FIG.  8 A  in the closed position  103 , according to an embodiment.  FIG.  8 C  is an image that illustrates an example of a cross sectional view taken along the line  8 C- 8 C in  FIG.  8 B , according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the system  100 ″ of  FIG.  8 A  is similar to the system  100 ″ of  FIG.  6 A , with the exception of one or more features discussed herein. 
     In an embodiment, a silicone layer  185  (e.g. silicone rubber layer) is provided between the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  and the cutting element  111  and within the spacing  186  between the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  and the cutting element  111 . In one embodiment, the silicone layer  185  is oriented orthogonal to the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  such that a longer dimension of the silicone layer  185  is oriented orthogonal to a longer dimension of the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b . The silicone layer  185  (e.g. rubber silicone) advantageously provides thermal insulation to the cut formed in the plastic material  136  by the cutting element  111  to prevent heat from the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  from resealing the plastic material  136  along the cut. In one embodiment, the silicone layer  185  includes an extension that is fixably received in a groove along the inner surface of the element  105   b ′. The silicone layer  185  is affixed within the groove of the inner surface of the element  105   b ′ using any means appreciated by one of skill in the art (e.g. adhesive). In an embodiment, a width of the heating elements  106  along the interface  110  is about 4″ or in a range from about ⅛″ to about ½″ or in a range from about 1/16″ to about ¾″. In an embodiment, a width of the silicone layer  185  along the interface  110  is about 0.04″ (1 mm) or in a range from about 0.02″ (0.5 mm) to about 0.08″ (2 mm) or in a range from about 0″ to about 0.2″. In still other embodiments, a width of the silicone layer  185  is based on a fraction of the width of the heating element  106 , where the fraction is less than 1. In an embodiment, the height of the silicone layer  185  is sized to adjust a spacing of the inner surfaces of the elements  105   a ′,  105   b ′ in the closed position  103 . In an embodiment, the silicone layer  185  has a minimum spacing  187  from the heating element  106   b  in the element  105   b . In an example embodiment, the minimum spacing  187  is about 1 mm or in a range from about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm. In other embodiments, the silicone layer  185  and/or the springs  184  are absent from the system  100 ″. 
     In an embodiment, a pair of springs  184   a ,  184   c  are aligned with opposing sides of the heating element  106   a ′ adjacent the first end  177   a  and are operatively coupled to the heating element  106   a ′ to accommodate the heating element  106   a ′ moving into the recess  182  in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis  135   a  upon engagement between the heating element  106   a ′ and heating element  106   b  in the closed position  103 . Additionally, a pair of springs  184   b  are aligned with opposing sides of the heating element  106   a ′ adjacent the second end  177   b  or at increment spacings between the first end  177   a  and second end  177   b . In an embodiment, the button  108  is operatively connected to the cutting element  111  through a member  115  that is slidably received within the slot  112 ′. In one embodiment, the member  115  is oriented orthogonal to the cutting element  111 . 
     In an embodiment, the system  100 ″ includes a spring  183  that is used to spring load the element  105   a ′ at a hinge  103 ′ ( FIG.  8 G ). In one embodiment, when the system  100 ″ is in the closed position  103  and the U-shaped member  170  is rotated from the first position ( FIG.  8 G ) to the second position ( FIG.  5 D ), the spring  183  presses upward on the element  105   a ′ and causes the element  105   a ′ to rotate about the hinge  103 ′ until the system  100 ″ reaches the open position  101 . This advantageously causes the system  100 ″ to automatically open to the open position  101  without any effort by the user. In other embodiments, the spring  183  is omitted and the user manually rotates the element  105   a ′ from the closed position  103  to the open position  101 . 
     As previously discussed, the system  100 ′ includes one or more heat settings  174  to adjust a desired temperature of the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b .  FIG.  5 H  is a block diagram that illustrates an example of electrical connections between the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  and a power source  119  (e.g. battery  118 ) within the system  100 ′ of  FIG.  5 A , according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, the power source  119  is an electrical outlet that is connected to the system  100 ′ through one or more electrical inlet  176  (e.g. USB port). In an embodiment, the system  100 ′ includes a switch  125  to turn the system on or off (e.g. power switch). In one embodiment, no switch  125  is provided and the electrical connection between the power source  119  and the system (e.g. plugging the system into an electrical outlet) serves as the switch  125  that turns the system on or off. Additionally, in an embodiment, a sensor  123  is provided that detects when the elements  105   a ,  105   b  move from the open position  101  to the closed position  103  (e.g. sensor that detects engagement of heating elements  106   a ,  106   b ). In one embodiment, “open position” means an angle between the elements  105   a ,  105   b  greater than an angle threshold (e.g. about 5-10 degrees) such that the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  are not activated in the open position, whereas the “closed position” means an angle between the elements  105   a ,  105   b  less than the angle threshold such that the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  is activated. In another embodiment, the “open position” means an angle between the elements  105   a ,  105   b  beyond the angle threshold and the “closed position” means an angle between the elements  105   a ,  105   b  less than the angle threshold, where the angle between the elements  105   a ,  105   b  does not affect whether the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  are activated. 
     In an embodiment, the system  100 ′ includes a controller  121  that receives one or more inputs from the heat setting  174 , the sensor  123  and/or the switch  125 . Upon receiving these inputs, the controller  121  determines whether to transmit a signal to the power source  119  to transmit power to the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b . In one embodiment, upon receiving a signal from the switch  125  that the system  100 ′ is turned on, the controller  121  transmits the signal to the power source  119  to transmit power to the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b . In this embodiment, the sensor  123  is not provided or used and the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  are continuously heated as long as the switch  125  is turned on. In an example embodiment, the switch  125  is a power switch on an external surface of the system  100 ′. In another embodiment, upon receiving a signal from the switch  125  and the sensor  123  that the system  100 ′ is turned on and that the elements  105   a ,  105   b  are in the closed position  103 , the controller  121  transmits the signal to the power source  119  to transmit power to the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b . Thus this embodiment requires that the switch  125  is turned on and that the elements  105   a ,  105   b  are in the closed position  103  in order for the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  to be heated. 
     In an embodiment, selecting one of the heat settings  174  adjusts a temperature threshold that is stored in a memory of the controller  121 . In an embodiment, a temperature sensor  127  is provided that continuously measures the temperature of the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  as the power source  119  elevates the temperature of the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b . The temperature sensor  127  continuously transmits data of the measured temperature to the controller  121  and the controller  121  continuously compares the received measured temperature data with the temperature threshold stored in the memory. When the measured temperature is equal to or greater than the temperature threshold, the controller  121  transmits a signal to the power source  119  to stop delivering power to the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b . When the measured temperature falls below the temperature threshold, the controller  121  transmits the signal to the power source  119  to deliver power to the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b.    
     In some embodiments, when the system  100 ′ is moved to the closed position  103 , the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  receive electrical energy from the power source  119  and heat up to a desired temperature (e.g. temperature threshold based on the selected heat setting  174 ). In other embodiments, the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  heat up to the desired temperature based on activating one or more controls, regardless of whether the system is in the open position  101  or closed position  103 . In one embodiment, the system  100 ′ features one or more controls (e.g. heat setting  174 ) to vary the desired temperature. In an example embodiment, the control features a dial to vary the desired temperature to one of a plurality of settings. In an example embodiment, the dial features between two and eight settings to vary the desired temperature to one of between two and eight different settings. In one embodiment, the desired temperature setting is adjusted based on the type of plastic material  136 . In an example embodiment, enclosures made of mylar plastic material have a different desired temperature setting than enclosures made of polybag plastic material. In some embodiments, the desired temperature is selected based on a melting point of the plastic material. In an example embodiment, the system  100 ′ features one or more controls on a surface of the elements  105   a ,  105   b  to select the desired temperature. In other embodiments, the system  100 ′ features one or more controls to activate the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  in the closed position  101  such that the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  will only heat up in the closed position  101  if the control is activated. In still other embodiments, the controls activate the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  regardless of the position of the system  100 ′. The temperature of the heating element  106  of the system  100  is controlled in a similar manner as the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  of the system  100 ′ discussed herein. In some embodiments, the first element  102   a  features a light emitting diode (LED)  120  ( FIG.  1 D ) that activates in a first mode (e.g. flashing mode or a first color) when the heating element  106  is heating to the desired temperature and activates in a second mode different than the first mode (e.g. static mode or a second color) when the heating element  106  reaches the desired temperature. 
     The heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  heat up to the desired temperature to melt the plastic material including the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer and form a seal between the first plastic layer and the second plastic layer in the plastic material.  FIG.  3 A  is a block diagram that illustrates an example of a perspective view of a first seal  301  formed in the plastic material  136  by the system  100 ′, according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, the plastic material  136  includes side seals  302   a ,  302   b  before the plastic material  136  is heated with the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  to form the first seal  301 . In other embodiments, the plastic material  136  includes a first and second plastic layer that does not include the side seals  302   a ,  302   b  and the side seals  302   a ,  302   b  are formed with the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b . In some embodiments, the plastic material  136  is exposed to the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  at the desired temperature for a minimum time period (e.g. from about 3 seconds to about 5 seconds) to form the seal. In some embodiments, the minimum time period depends on one or more parameters of the plastic material  136  (e.g. thickness). In some embodiments, after forming the first seal  301  across the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b , the button  108  is slid along the slot  112 ′ of the element  105   a  to slide the cutting element  111  along a cut line  303   a  at the interface to cut the plastic material  136  adjacent to the first seal  301 . A third seal  311  is then formed in the plastic material  136  using the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  in a similar manner as to form the first seal  301  and the button  108  is slid along the slot  112 ′ to slide the cutting element  111  along a cut line  303   b  to form an opening  305  in a plastic enclosure  310  (e.g. bag). The third seal  311  is formed as part of a second enclosure (e.g. second bag) that is separate and apart from the plastic enclosure  310 . 
       FIG.  3 B  is a block diagram that illustrates an example of a perspective view of the first seal  301  of  FIG.  3 A  after cutting off the plastic material  136  from the first seal  301  using the system of  FIG.  5 A , according to an embodiment. The first seal  301  forms a base of the enclosure  310 . An opening  305  of the enclosure  310  is provided by sliding the cutter element  111  along the cut line  303   b . As discussed in the method below, contents  308  (e.g. condiments, snacks, personal products) are inserted into the enclosure  310  of plastic material  136  through the opening  305 .  FIG.  3 C  is a block diagram that illustrates an example of a perspective view of a second seal  304  formed in the plastic material  136  by the system  100 ′ of  FIG.  5 A , according to an embodiment. After inserting contents  308  through the opening  305 , the opening  305  is positioned at the interface between the elements  105   a ,  105   b  and the second seal  304  is formed by the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  between the first and second plastic layers. The enclosure, i.e. a bag  310  is then provided which includes an enclosed volume that holds the contents  308  where the enclosed volume is defined by first seal  301 , second seal  304  and side seals  302   a ,  302   b.    
       FIG.  3 B  is a block diagram that illustrates an example of a perspective view of the first seal  301  of  FIG.  3 A  after cutting off the plastic material  136  from the first seal  301  using the system of  FIG.  5 A , according to an embodiment. The first seal  301  forms a base of the enclosure  310 . An opening  305  of the enclosure  310  is provided by sliding the cutter element  111  along the cut line  303   b . As discussed in the method below, contents  308  (e.g. condiments, snacks, personal products) are inserted into the enclosure  310  of plastic material  136  through the opening  305 .  FIG.  3 C  is a block diagram that illustrates an example of a perspective view of a second seal  304  formed in the plastic material  136  by the system  100 ′ of  FIG.  5 A , according to an embodiment. After inserting contents  308  through the opening  305 , the opening  305  is positioned at the interface between the elements  105   a ,  105   b  and the second seal  304  is formed by the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  between the first and second plastic layers. The enclosure, i.e. a bag  310  is then provided which includes an enclosed volume that holds the contents  308  where the enclosed volume is defined by first seal  301 , second seal  304  and side seals  302   a ,  302   b.    
       FIG.  3 G  is a block diagram that illustrates an example of a top view of the enclosure  310 ′ of the plastic material including interior seals  309   a ,  309   b  between the first seal  301  and the second seal  304 , according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, after forming the first seal  301  and the opening  305 , contents  308   a  are inserted through the opening  305  and an interior seal  309   a  is formed to keep contents  308   a  within a sub-enclosure of the enclosure  310 ′. Similarly, contents  308   b  are inserted through the opening  305  and an interior seal  309   b  is formed to keep contents  308   b  within a sub-enclosure of the enclosure  310 ′. The cutting element  111  is not slid across the interface adjacent to the interior seals  309   a ,  309   b  since it is not desired to cut the plastic material  136  adjacent to the interior seals  309   a ,  309   b . Contents  308   c  are inserted through the opening  305  after which the second seal  304  is formed along the opening  305  using the elements  105   a ,  105   b . This arrangement advantageously permits multiple sub-enclosures of contents  308  within one larger enclosure  310 ′. When a user wants to access contents  308   c  (but not contents  308   a  or  308   b ), the user can either cut the sub-enclosure with contents  308   c  or cut the interior seal  309   b  and carry the sub-enclosure with the contents  308   c  until they want to access the contents  308   c . In an example embodiment, the user can form multiple sub-enclosures with contents  308  in each sub-enclosure for each day of the week so they only need to access the sub-enclosure for that specific day of the week. 
       FIG.  4    is a flow chart that illustrates an example of a method  200  for sealing an enclosure  310  of plastic material  136 , according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the system  100 ,  100 ′,  100 ″ is portable such that one or more steps of the method  200  can be performed while the system  100 ,  100 ′,  100 ″ is held in one or both hands of a user. The method  200  below can be performed using any embodiment of the systems  100 ,  100 ′,  100 ″ previously discussed. In step  201 , the plastic material  136  is positioned at the interface between the elements  105   a ,  105   b .  FIG.  2 F  is a block diagram that illustrates an example of a side view of a plurality of reels  152   a ,  152   b  of plastic material  136  used in the system  100 ′ of  FIG.  5 A , according to an embodiment. Alternatively, a reel  152  is provided in a box  155  ( FIG.  7 A ) and is fed out of an opening in the box  155 . In an embodiment, the reels  152   a ,  152   b  hold plastic material  136  of different widths. In an example embodiment, the reel  152   a  holds plastic material  136   a  of a first width (e.g. 6 inches) and the reel  152   b  holds plastic material  136   b  of a second width that is less than the first width (e.g. 3 inches).  FIG.  2 H  depicts an embodiment where the plastic material  136   a  and the plastic material  136   b  are fed from a box or housing that holds the reels  152   a ,  152   b . In an example embodiment, the plastic material  136  includes side seals  302   a ,  302   b  as depicted in  FIG.  3 A . In one embodiment, in step  201 , plastic material  136  from one of the reels  152   a ,  152   b  or reel  152  in box  155  is fed to the interface between the elements  105   a ,  105   b . In step  201 , the reel  152   a ,  152   b  is selected such that the width of the plastic material  136  is equal to or less than a length  143  of the heating element  106  ( FIG.  2 E ). In some embodiments, a cutter  153  is provided at the reels  152   a ,  152   b  and is used to cut the plastic material  136  such that a length of plastic material  136  is provided that corresponds to a desired length of the enclosure  310 . In this embodiment, step  206  can be omitted in the method  200 . 
     In some embodiments, in step  201 , the plastic material  136  is positioned at the interface of the second elements  105   a ,  105   b  so that at least a desired length  307  ( FIG.  3 A ) of plastic material  136  is pulled from the reel  152 .  FIG.  3 D  depicts one embodiment of step  201 , where the plastic material  136   b  is positioned at the interface of the second elements  104   a ,  104   b  of the system  100 . The desired length  307  corresponds to a desired length of the enclosure  310  (e.g. bag). In an example embodiment, the desired length of the enclosure  310  is in a range from about 5 inches to about 12 inches. 
     In some embodiments, in step  201 , the plastic material  136  is initially moved between the elements  105   a ,  105   b  as depicted in  FIG.  7 A . In an example embodiment, in step  201  the plastic material  136  is moved between the elements  105   a ,  105   b  in  FIG.  7 A  so that the region corresponding to the first seal  301  is initially positioned between the elements  105   a ,  105   b.    
     In step  202 , after the plastic material  136  is positioned at the interface between the elements  105   a ,  105   b , the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  are pivoted from the open position  101  ( FIG.  7 A ) to the closed position  103  ( FIG.  7 B ). In some embodiments, in step  202 , in addition to pivoting the elements  105   a ,  105   b  to the closed position  103 , one or more controls are activated. The heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  then heat up to a desired temperature and increase the temperature at the interface of the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  based on the electrical connection with the power source. In an embodiment, the desired temperature exceeds a melting temperature of the plastic material  136 . 
     Additionally, in step  202 , a first seal  301  is formed ( FIG.  7 A ) in the plastic material  136  based on the heating of the interface in step  202 . In some embodiments, in step  202 , the first seal  301  is formed based on the temperature at the interface reaching the desired temperature for a minimum time period. In an example embodiment, the desired temperature is in a range from about 125 degrees to about 260 degrees. In another example embodiment, the minimum time period is in a range from about 3 seconds to about 5 seconds. In some embodiments, the user manually verifies when the minimum time period has elapsed and opens the elements  105   a ,  105   b  after that time period. In other embodiments, the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  automatically heat up to the desired temperature and remains at that temperature for the minimum time period before automatically reducing its temperature. 
     In one embodiment, in step  202 , after the first seal  301  is formed in the plastic material  136 , the cutting element  111  is slid across the interface between the elements  105   a ,  105   b  along the cut line  303   a  ( FIG.  3 A ) to cut the plastic material  136  adjacent to the first seal  301 .  FIG.  3 B  depicts one embodiment of the first seal  301  after performing step  206 , where plastic material  136  adjacent to the first seal  301  has been cut off across the cut line  303   a .  FIG.  7 A  similarly depicts the cut line  303   a  where the cutting element  111  is slid across to cut the plastic material  136  adjacent to the first seal  301 . In an embodiment, since the cutting element  111  is laterally displaced from the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  the cut along the plastic material  136  in step  202  is advantageously displaced from the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  which minimizes a risk that heat from the heating elements  106   a ,  106   b  melt the plastic material  136  together along the cut line  303   a . Additionally, in another embodiment, the silicone layer  185  ( FIG.  8 C ) provides thermal insulation to the plastic material  136  during the cutting along the line  303   a , to reduce the risk of heating and resealing of the plastic material  136  along line  303   a  after cutting. 
     In step  204 , a third seal  311  is formed between the first and second layers of the plastic material  136  based on pivoting the elements  105   a ,  105   b  from the open position  101  to the closed position  103 , in the same manner that the first seal  301  was formed in step  202 .  FIG.  7 A  depict the plastic material  136  positioned between the elements  105   a ,  105   b  before the elements  105   a ,  105   b  are moved to the closed position  103  ( FIG.  7 B ) to form the third seal  311 .  FIG.  3 A  depicts the third seal  311  formed in the plastic material  136 . 
     In step  206 , the cutting element  111  is moved at the interface  110  between the elements  105   a ,  105   b  along the cut line  303   b  to form the opening  305  in the enclosure  310 . After step  206 , the enclosure  310  as depicted in  FIG.  3 B  is obtained including the first seal  310  and the opening  305  with the side seals  302   a ,  302   b . In an embodiment, since the third seal  311  is detached from the enclosure  310  in step  206 , the third seal  311  is used to form a second enclosure after the enclosure  310 . In an example embodiment, the third seal  311  forms a similar seal in the second enclosure as the seal  301  in the enclosure  310 . 
       FIG.  3 B  is a block diagram that illustrates an example of a perspective view of the plastic material  136  after using the cutting element  111  in step  206  to cut the plastic material  136  along the cut line  303   b  adjacent to the seal  311 . An opening  305  (between the first and second plastic layers) is provided in the plastic material  136  opposite from the first seal  301 . 
     In step  208 , contents  308  (e.g. condiments, snacks, personal products) are inserted through the opening  305  of the plastic material  136 . In one embodiment, a desired amount of contents  308  are inserted into the opening  305 . In some embodiments, the contents  308  are liquid contents. In other embodiments, the contents  308  are solid contents. 
     In step  210 , the opening  305  of the plastic material  136  is positioned at the interface between the elements  105   a ,  105   b , after performing step  208 .  FIG.  3 F  depicts one embodiment of step  210 , where the opening  305  of the plastic material  136  is positioned at the interface between the elements  105   a ,  105   b . In some embodiments, step  210  is similar to step  201  with the exception that the opening  305  is positioned at the interface of the elements  105   a ,  105   b . Step  212  is then performed which is similar to step  202 . 
     In step  212 , a second seal  304  is formed in the plastic material  136  based on the heating of the interface in step  212 . Upon performing step  212 , the enclosure  310  (e.g. bag) is formed between the first seal  301 , second seal  304  and side seals  302   a ,  302   b .  FIG.  3 F  depicts one embodiment of the enclosure  310  including the first seal  301  and second seal  304 . In other embodiments, enclosures are formed other than rectangular enclosures, including arcuate shaped enclosures or enclosures based on any polygon shape.  FIGS.  7 E and  7 F  depict the system  100 ′ being held in a hand of a user and used to form the second seal  304  as the user moves the system  100 ′ from the open position  101  ( FIG.  7 E ) to the closed position  103  ( FIG.  7 F ). 
     In some embodiments, the method  200  is performed to fill the enclosure  310 ′ (e.g. bag) with contents  308   a ,  308   b ,  308   c  ( FIG.  3 G ) in respective sub-enclosures within the enclosure  310 ′ and interior seals  309   a ,  309   b  are formed between the first seal  301  and the second seal  304 . In these embodiments, steps  208  and  212  (omitting step  210 ) are repeatedly performed where step  212  involves forming the interior seal  309 , until the desired number of sub-enclosures within the enclosure  310 ′ are filled with contents  308   a ,  308   b ,  308   c . Although  FIG.  3 G  depicts three sub-enclosures within the enclosure  310 ′, more than three or less than three sub-enclosures can be formed. After the desired number of sub-enclosures are formed (e.g. steps  208  and  212  are repeated a desired number of times), then step  212  is performed to close the opening  305  of the enclosure  310 ′ with the second seal  304 . Additionally, although  FIG.  3 G  depicts that the sub-enclosures and interior seals  309  are formed in one direction and parallel to the first and second seals  301 ,  304 , the interior seals can be omnidirectional such as vertical interior seals that are orthogonal to the first and second seals  301 ,  304  ( FIG.  7 G ) that forms vertical sub-enclosures  310   a ,  310   b  or diagonal interior seals to form diagonal sub-enclosures within the enclosure  310 ′. 
     In some embodiments, the method  200  is performed using a straw  136 ′ ( FIG.  2 G ) where the first seal  301 ′ and second seal  304 ′ are formed in the straw  136 ′ to form an enclosure (e.g. capsule  162 ) with the straw  136 ′ material. In an example embodiment, the capsule  162  is filled with contents (e.g. spices) between forming the first seal  301 ′ and second seal  304 ′. In one embodiment, in the method  200  using the straw  136 ′, a first heating element  106  with a first length  143  based on a width of the plastic material  136  is replaced a second heating element  106  with a second length  143  e.g. based on a width of the straw  136 ′. 
     Although steps are depicted in  FIG.  4    as integral steps in a particular order for purposes of illustration, in other embodiments, one or more steps, or portions thereof, are performed in a different order, or overlapping in time, in series or in parallel, or are omitted, or one or more additional steps are added, or the method is changed in some combination of ways. 
     Table 1 below lists various parameters (e.g. size, types of contents  308 , etc) of various portions of the system  100 ,  100 ′ and seal formed with the system  100 ,  100 ′,  100 ″ as well as different types of plastic material  136  that are used with various designs of the system  100 ,  100 ′,  100 ″ and different types of contents  308  associated with each type of plastic material  136 . The parameters in Table 1 are merely one example embodiment of parameters that are used with the system  100 ,  100 ′,  100 ″ and are non-limiting. In other embodiments, parameters other than those listed in Table 1 can be used to form the system  100 ′,  100 ′,  100 ″ or seal formed with the system  100 ,  100 ′,  100 ″. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Bag 
                 Bag 
               
               
                 Description 
                 Travel Size 
                 Standard Size 
                 Uses 
                 Width 
                 Thickness 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 Size 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Heating element length 
                 2.5 inches 
                 5.5 inches 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Including slide cutter 
                 3.0 inches 
                 6.0 inches 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Handle length 
                 4.0 inches 
                 4.5 inches 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Total length 
                 7.0 inches 
                 10.5 inches  
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Seal width 
                 0.25 inches on  
                 0.25 inches  
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 each side 
                 on each side 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Heating time 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Power 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Cordless-Battery type 
                 Yes 
                 Rechargable 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Wired-Plug in power 
                 Will work  
                 Yes 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 while charging 
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Heat Settings 
                 2 
                  3 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Bags 
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Medical Grade 
                 N/A 
                 Pills, liquids 
                 Prescription 
                 2″ 
                   3 ml 
               
               
                 Thick bags-polyethylene  
                 N/A 
                 Liquids (food for  
                 Food 
                 2″, 4″, 5″ 
                   7 ml 
               
               
                 with nylon 
                   
                 boiling &amp; microwave 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Thin bags 
                 liquids-thin bags 
                 liquids-thin bags 
                 Household 
                 2″, 4″, 6″ 
                   2 ml 
               
               
                 Thinnest bags 
                 Small items- 
                 Small items- 
                 Crafts 
                 2″, 4″, 6″ 
                 1.2 ml 
               
               
                   
                 thinnest bag 
                 thinnest bag 
                   
                   
                   
               
               
                 Total Bags 
                 6 
                 10 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. Throughout this specification and the claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” and its variations, such as “comprises” and “comprising,” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated item, element or step or group of items, elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other item, element or step or group of items, elements or steps. Furthermore, the indefinite article “a” or “an” is meant to indicate one or more of the item, element or step modified by the article. As used herein, unless otherwise clear from the context, a value is “about” another value if it is within a factor of two (twice or half) of the other value. While example ranges are given, unless otherwise clear from the context, any contained ranges are also intended in various embodiments. Thus, a range from 0 to 10 includes the range 1 to 4 in some embodiments.