METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SEALING FLEXIBLE CONTAINER

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention

The present description relates to a system for sealing a flexible container, such as a balloon, and related method of using the described system to form a sturdy but temporary seal for such flexible container.

Description of the Related Art

Latex or plastic balloons have been a staple of social gatherings or celebrations, and act as a way to show appreciation and attention to others. Recently, balloons have also become a form of artistic expression, where balloon sculptures are created by combining hundreds or thousands of balloons to form a cohesive structure.

Although tying a single balloon is a simple and easy task, tying thousands of balloons for events like a New Year's Eve balloon drop can be extremely labor-intensive without supportive systems to prepare the balloons. While systems may exist to inflate balloons with air, nitrogen, helium, water or gasses in general, the sealing of balloons becomes labor intensive on such large scales.

Once a balloon is inflated, it must be sealed to prevent its internal gas from escaping and arranged for appropriate art or decorative purposes. Traditionally, the balloon is tied with a knot to create this seal. Recently, systems have been developed to assist in the tying of balloons or clips to be applied to the neck of the balloon to prevent gas from escaping. However, especially apparent in balloon sculptures, where thousands of balloons are used for a temporary art piece and then potentially reused after the celebration has ended, insufficient tools exist to create a durable, temporary seal for balloons. Untying thousands of knots or removing clips can be tedious and can irreparably damage the balloons, especially considering when the work must be done in such scale as a balloon arch. Accordingly, there is a clear need for a simple, quick, and strain-free method to form a temporary seal for balloons or flexible containers that is durable enough to survive manipulation but temporary enough to allow for easy deflation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Described herein are various systems and methods for a balloon sealing apparatus configured to temporarily seal the neck of an inflated balloon in a way that the seal can be undone while minimizing any permanent damage done to the balloon material. According to some embodiments, a sealing apparatus can include a system to fold and tape closed a neck of a balloon in a way to prevent or substantially prevent escape of the internal contents over an extended period of time.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system configured to non-permanently seal a flexible container, the system including: a housing including two panels, the two panels being a first panel and a second panel which are substantially similar, the housing including; a tape core pathway and a sealing system, wherein the tape core pathway is configured to position a tape dispenser core holding a tape roll between the two panels, wherein the sealing system includes: one or more tape supports configured to position a dispensed portion of the tape roll proximal a sealing pathway; a wheel with one or more protrusions configured to rotate into the sealing pathway; a cutting implement positioned to be at least partially within the sealing pathway; wherein the sealing pathway ends at a pathway end configured so as the dispensed portion passes through the sealing pathway, the dispensed portion is cut by the cutting implement, and a positioning tool with a positioning portion, the positioning tool configured to manipulate a neck of a flexible container during operation of the system to form a neck portion; wherein the housing and the positioning tool are configured to seal the neck portion of the flexible container as the neck portion contacts the dispensed portion and moves through the sealing pathway.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the seal formed is substantially airtight.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the one or more protrusions of the wheel adhere the dispensed portion to the neck of the flexible container.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the neck portion is folded such that an opening and a body of the flexible container are on the same side of the housing.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the neck portion is not folded such that an opening and a body of the flexible container are on opposing sides of the housing.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the system seals two or more flexible containers simultaneously.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the two or more flexible containers form at least a partial knot and stretched to form the neck portion before inserted into the system.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the positioning tool includes a curved end, wherein the neck is positioned around the curved end to form the neck portion when the seal is being formed.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the two panels are separated by a plurality of spacers.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the plurality of spacers are approximately the same length as a width of the tape roll.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the housing further includes a tool pathway, the tool pathway positioned proximal the sealing pathway; wherein the tool pathway is sized and dimensioned to allow the positioning tool to at least partially pass through the housing; wherein the tool pathway ends at a tool pathway end proximal the pathway end, such that the neck of the flexible container is sealed as the positioning tool passes through the tool pathway to the tool pathway end.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the housing further includes a tape back assist configured to support the dispensed portion proximal the sealing pathway before sealing the flexible container.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system, wherein the tape back assist is exposed beyond a profile formed by the housing.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system configured to non-permanently seal a balloon, the system including: a housing including two panels, the two panels being a first panel and a second panel which are substantially similar, the housing including; a tape core pathway and a sealing system, wherein the tape core pathway is configured to position a tape dispenser core holding a tape roll between the two panels, wherein the sealing system includes: one or more tape supports configured to position a dispensed portion of the tape roll proximal a sealing pathway; a wheel with one or more protrusions configured to rotate into the sealing pathway; a cutting implement positioned to be at least partially within the sealing pathway; a tool pathway positioned proximal the sealing pathway, the tool pathway configured to guide a positioning tool during use of the system; wherein the sealing pathway ends at a pathway end configured so as the dispensed portion passes through the sealing pathway, the dispensed portion is cut by the cutting implement, and the positioning tool with a positioning portion, the positioning tool configured to manipulate a neck of a balloon during operation of the system to form a neck portion; wherein the housing and the positioning tool are configured to seal the neck portion of the balloon as the neck portion contacts the dispensed portion and moves through the sealing pathway; wherein the tool pathway is sized and dimensioned to allow the positioning tool to at least partially pass through the housing, and wherein the tool pathway ends at a tool pathway end proximal the pathway end, such that the neck portion of the balloon is sealed as the positioning tool passes through the tool pathway to the tool pathway end.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of non-permanently sealing a flexible container, the method including: filling a flexible container with an internal content; positioning a neck portion of the flexible container around a positioning portion of a positioning tool; positioning the neck portion and the positioning tool above a sealing pathway of a system, the system including: a housing including two panels, the two panels being a first panel and a second panel which are substantially similar, the housing including; a tape core pathway and a sealing system, wherein the tape core pathway is configured to position a tape dispenser core holding a tape roll between the two panels, wherein the sealing system includes: one or more tape supports configured to position a dispensed portion of the tape roll proximal the sealing pathway; a wheel with one or more protrusions configured to rotate into the sealing pathway; a cutting implement positioned to be at least partially within the sealing pathway; wherein the sealing pathway ends at a pathway end configured so as the dispensed portion passes through the sealing pathway, the dispensed portion is cut by the cutting implement, and wherein the positioning tool is configured to manipulate the neck portion of the flexible container during operation of the system; wherein the housing and the positioning tool are configured to seal the neck portion of the flexible container as the neck portion contacts the dispensed portion and moves through the sealing pathway; contacting the neck portion to the dispensed portion of the tape roll; sealing the neck portion by advancing the neck portion through the one or more protrusions of the wheel; cutting excess tape from the sealed neck portion by advancing the neck portion to the pathway end of the sealing pathway such that the dispensed portion is separated from the tape roll by the cutting implement; removing the neck portion from the system; and wherein the seal formed substantially prevents the internal content from exiting the flexible container.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the neck portion is folded such that an opening and a body of the flexible container are on the same side of the housing.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the neck portion is not folded such that an opening and a body of the flexible container are on opposing sides of the housing.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method of non-permanently sealing a first flexible container and a second flexible container, the method including: filling a first flexible container with a first internal content and a second flexible container with a second internal content; forming a partial knot between a neck of the first flexible container and a neck of the second flexible container to form a neck portion; positioning the neck portion of a flexible container around a positioning portion of a positioning tool; positioning the neck portion and the positioning tool above a sealing pathway of a system, the system including: a housing including two panels, the two panels being a first panel and a second panel which are substantially similar, the housing including; a tape core pathway and a sealing system, wherein the tape core pathway is configured to position a tape dispenser core holding a tape roll between the two panels, wherein the sealing system includes: one or more tape supports configured to position a dispensed portion of the tape roll proximal the sealing pathway; a wheel with one or more protrusions configured to rotate into the sealing pathway; a cutting implement positioned to be at least partially within the sealing pathway; wherein the sealing pathway ends at a pathway end configured so as the dispensed portion passes through the sealing pathway, the dispensed portion is cut by the cutting implement; wherein the positioning tool is configured to manipulate the neck portion during operation of the system; wherein the housing and the positioning tool are configured to seal the neck portion of the first flexible container and the second flexible container as the neck portion contacts the dispensed portion and moves through the sealing pathway; contacting the neck portion to the dispensed portion of the tape roll; sealing the neck portion by advancing the neck portion through the one or more protrusions of the wheel; cutting excess tape from the sealed neck portion by advancing the neck portion to the pathway end of the sealing pathway that the dispensed portion is separated from the tape roll by the cutting implement; and removing the neck portion from the system; wherein the seal formed substantially prevents the first internal content from exiting the first flexible container and the second internal content from exiting the second flexible container.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method, wherein the neck portion is folded such that a body of the first flexible container and a body of the second flexible container are on the same side of the housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present application are described with reference to drawings of certain embodiments, which are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the present inventions. It is to be understood that these drawings are for the purpose of illustrating the various concepts disclosed herein and may not be to scale.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a sealing apparatus in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 1A illustrates a sample embodiment of a flexible container, namely a balloon, that can be used with an embodiment of a sealing apparatus disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a description of a sample method of using a sealing apparatus in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a view of a sealing apparatus and positioning tools in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a description of a sample method of using a sealing apparatus in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 5A illustrates an embodiment of a positioning tool in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 5B illustrates an embodiment of a positioning tool in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 5C illustrates an embodiment of a positioning tool in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a panel for a sealing apparatus in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 7A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a sealing apparatus at a first step in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 7B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a sealing apparatus at a second step in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 7C illustrates a cross-sectional view of a sealing apparatus at a third step in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 7D illustrates a cross-sectional view of a sealing apparatus at a fourth step in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 7E illustrates a cross-sectional view of a sealing apparatus at a fifth step in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 8A illustrates a top-down view of a sealing apparatus utilizing a positioning tool in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 8B illustrates a top-down view of a sealing apparatus utilizing a positioning tool in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 8C illustrates a top-down view of a sealing apparatus utilizing a positioning tool in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 8D illustrates a top-down view of a sealing apparatus utilizing a positioning tool in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 8E illustrates a top-down view of a sealing apparatus utilizing a positioning tool in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method of using a sealing apparatus in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a method of using a sealing apparatus in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present disclosure will now be described more specifically with reference to the following embodiments. It is to be noted that the following descriptions of embodiments of this disclosure are presented herein for purpose of illustration and description only. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to be limited to the precise form disclosed.

Although various embodiments of a sealing apparatus disclosed herein have specific relevance to sealing of balloons or specific flexible containers, the features, advantages, and other characteristics disclosed herein may have direct or indirect applicability in other applications and uses, including, for example and without limitation, container sealing devices and/or the like.

Several embodiments of the inventions disclosed herein are particularly advantageous because they include one, several, or all of the following benefits: provide for an enhanced balloon sealing method without significantly damaging the neck of the balloon; provide for a system to seal a balloon without requiring excessive friction forces on a hand traditionally needed for when sealing a balloon; provide for a system to seal a plurality of balloons both to maintain their internal contents as well as together without requiring excessive friction forces on a hand traditionally needed for traditionally sealing a balloon; securing the contents of a balloon more quickly than traditional methods; providing an accessible method for securing contents of a balloon while reducing potential abrasion or strain on hands and fingers typically associated with traditional securing methods; and/or the like.

Described herein are embodiments of an apparatus to assist in securing the contents of a flexible container (e.g., a bag, a balloon, etc.) in an airtight or a substantially airtight manner without needing to form a sealing knot. The apparatus can comprise a housing of a pair of retaining walls spaced apart a sufficient distance to house a roll of tape and a cutting mechanism. The roll of tape can be disposed on a roller which can slot into a tape insert slot of the housing. The tape can be unrolled and progressed along the surface of or within the housing to at least one tape support which can support the tape as the tape unrolls from the roll of tape. The tape can then be progressed over a tape wheel (or tape sprocket, tape gear, etc.) and a tape back assist, where the tape can be temporarily attached. Between the tape wheel and the tape back assist, a tape path (e.g., guiding channel, channel, pathway, etc.) passes through at least a portion of the housing. Within this tape path, a cutting implement (e.g., razor blade, knife, etc.) protrudes into at least a portion the tape path. The tape path can be configured such that when an object enters the housing and touches the portion of the roll of tape disposed between the tape wheel and the tape back assist, the tape contacts the object. The tape can be wrapped around the object by passing the object towards the tape wheel, which by way of the tape back assist presses the tape around the profile of the object. The object can be progressed further to the cutting implement, where the portion of the tape now encircling (e.g. encompassing, or wrapping around, etc.) a neck portion of the balloon can be cut from the roll of tape. The sealed portion of the balloon can then be removed from the housing.

Certain features of this disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. The illustrated implementations are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the implementations. Various features of the different disclosed implementations can be combined to form further implementations, which are part of this disclosure.

For the purpose of containing air, liquid, water, gas, helium, CO2 or dry contents within a single latex balloon, the following steps and apparatus outline an example system and method to enable a friction free experience to the skin, hands and joints that could lead to early onset arthritis, severe blistering, cracked skin and dry cuticles. The tools and method described herein may allow the contents to be secured inside the balloon(s) according to the following method according to one embodiment:

Inflate a single balloon to the desired size and remove from the air source. Grip the nozzle (or balloon neck) with one hand and also brace the inflated part of the balloon with the assistance of the front of the body. With the other hand, grasp the provided straight rod tool, hooking tool, or positioning tool as described herein, which in some embodiments can be similar in thickness to a pencil. Using the positioning tool, hook and pull the neck in the opposite direction so that the balloon neck is stretched over the apparatus' tape path opening. Using both hands move the neck downward with firm, even or semi-even pressure into the path opening. The method of pulling the latex neck in conjunction with the tool can assist in increasing the quality of a seal formed, and can prevent the contents from leaking out from the balloon. Passing the balloon neck over the tape once pushed down onto the tape sprocket wraps the tape around the balloon, the tape adhering to itself to close the balloon neck. The balloon neck is then progressed following the curved path toward a small blade configured to cut the tape from the tape roll, allowing the secured inflated balloon to be detached from the tape roll and to exit from the apparatus. The tool then slips out of the neck whereby the other hand can pull to the side the now-secured inflated balloon. This process can eliminate the need for any skin to experience any friction related to the balloon tying process.

In some embodiments, the tool can assist in doubling-back the neck of the balloon to be proximal the body of the balloon. This configuration can assist in increasing the quality of the seal formed.

In some embodiments, the above method can be performed using a finger or alternative tool other than the provided straight rod tool or the hooking tool.

In some embodiments, the straight rod tool or the hooking tool can be separably or nonseparably attached to the apparatus. In some embodiments, the straight rod tool or the hooking tool can slide along some surface of the apparatus to assist in the sealing method. In some embodiments, the positioning tool can be located between the two plates forming the housing and follow a tool pathway that is substantially parallel a pathway followed by the balloon.

In some embodiments, the method of sealing a flexible container described herein can apply to other flexible containers.

For the purpose of containing air, liquid, water, gas, helium, CO2 or dry contents within a plurality of latex balloons, the following steps and apparatus outline an example system and method to enable a friction free experience to the skin, hands and joints that could lead to early onset arthritis, severe blistering, cracked skin and dry cuticles. The tools and method described herein may allow the contents to be secured inside two balloons, according to the following method according to one embodiment:

Inflate at the same time, two or more balloons to the desired size and wrap nozzles (or balloon necks) together as if to make a partial knot, such as a half of a square knot by crossing one balloon neck up and over the other balloon neck. Bring both nozzles together into one hand and with the other hand pull to the opposite side the inflated balloons to stretch the neck of the balloons. With equal pressure and keeping hands parallel, proceed to push the stretched neck of balloons down into the tape path. The tape, in conjunction with the tape sprocket, wraps around the balloon, adhering to itself as it forms a seal around the balloon necks. The balloon necks are then progressed to follow the curved path. The tape which is still connected to the balloon necks and the tape roll will then move toward a small blade which will cut the tape from the tape roll, allowing the secured inflated balloons to be detached from the tape roll and to exit from the apparatus. The balloons can be removed by releasing the nozzles of the balloon and retrieving the balloons on the inflated side.

In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system configured to non-permanently seal a flexible container. The system can include a housing with two substantially similar panels, referred to as the first panel and the second panel. The housing can include a tape core pathway and a sealing system. The tape core pathway can position a tape dispenser core holding a tape roll between the two panels. In some embodiments, the sealing system can include: (1) one or more tape supports configured to position a dispensed portion of the tape roll near a sealing pathway; (2) a wheel with one or more protrusions configured to rotate into the sealing pathway; and, (3) a cutting implement positioned at least partially within the sealing pathway. As the dispensed portion passes through the sealing pathway, it can be cut by the cutting implement at the pathway end. In some embodiments, the system can further include includes a positioning tool with a positioning portion. The positioning tool can manipulate the neck of a flexible container during operation to form a neck portion. The housing and positioning tool can seal the neck portion of the flexible container as it contacts the dispensed portion and moves through the sealing pathway.

FIG. 1 depicts a cross-sectional view of a sealing apparatus 100 (e.g., balloon sealing system, sealing system, seal tool, sealing device, taping device, taping apparatus, etc.) according to one embodiment designed to form a non-permanent seal for a flexible container. The seal applied can be of a strength sufficient to prevent or substantially prevent the internal contents of the sealed flexible container from exiting the sealed container. A sealing apparatus 100 can include a housing 102 that can be made of a front and back panel 102A, 102B, which can be separated by spacers 106 separating the front and back panel of the housing 102. The spacers 106 can be connected to the panels at a plurality of fastening points 104 dispersed substantially around the perimeter of the housing 102. In some embodiments, the spacers 106 can be approximately the same length as the width of the tape roll 124, as described herein. The housing 102 can further include a tape core pathway 108 configured to hold a tape dispenser 120 and a sealing pathway 110 configured to be used with a sealing system 150.

In some embodiments, the sealing apparatus 100 can be used to seal a flexible container, such as a balloon 200 as described herein. In some embodiments, the sealing apparatus 100 can be used to seal a flexible container that is not a balloon 200. In some embodiments, the flexible container can be sufficiently elastic to be deformed by positioning tool 300, 400, 500 described herein. In some embodiments, the flexible container is substantially inelastic.

In some embodiments, the sealing pathway 110 can include a pathway end 112 which is angled slightly relative to a path outlined by the sealing pathway 110. In some embodiments, the pathway end 112 can be positioned such that the dispensed portion 126 of the tape surrounding the flexible container that moves through the sealing pathway 110 is encouraged to contact the cutting implement 154 and be cut. In some embodiments, the sealing apparatus 100 can be substantially straight and not include a pathway end 112. In some embodiments, the sealing pathway 110 is angled toward the cutting implement 154 such that the dispensed portion 126 of the tape surrounding the flexible container that moves through the sealing pathway 110 is encouraged to contact the cutting implement 154 and be cut.

The tape dispenser 120 can interface with the housing 102 by a tape dispenser core 122 configured to rotate within the tape core pathway 108. The tape dispenser core 122 can hold a tape roll 124 between the front and back panel of the housing 102 such that the housing substantially surrounds the tape dispenser 120. In some embodiments, the tape roll 124 can at least partially protrude from the profile formed by the housing 102. The tape core pathway 108 and the tape dispenser core 122 can be configured such that the tape dispenser core 122, and thus the tape roll 124 rotates freely within the tape core pathway 108 when providing the dispensed portion 126 to the sealing system 150. A portion of the tape roll 124 can be separated from the main roll and laid across a portion of the housing 102 proximal the sealing system 150 for use in sealing a flexible container.

In some embodiments, the tape roll 124 can be positioned within the sealing apparatus 100 such that the adhesive side of a dispensed portion 126 from the tape roll 124 is presented outward such that it is on the side substantially opposite the sealing pathway 110. The dispensed portion 126 can be oriented such that when a portion of the flexible container is positioned proximal the entrance of the sealing pathway 110, the portion of the flexible container can contact the adhesive side of the tape roll 124, and the housing 102 and sealing pathway 110 entrance can contact the non-adhesive side of the tape roll 124.

The tape roll 124 can be an adhesive tape suitable for use with the material of the flexible container, and can include but not be limited to: masking tape, flooring tape, duct tape, electrical tape, strapping tape, packing tape, or painter's tape. In some embodiments, the tape roll 124 can be a tape with a width sufficient to adequately seal a flexible container. In some embodiments, the width of the tape roll 124 can be sufficiently narrow so as to not significantly damage the flexible container when the dispensed portion 126 of the tape roll 124 is removed after the contents of the flexible container are to be removed.

The sealing system 150 can be utilized during a method of sealing a flexible container as disclosed and described herein. In some embodiments, the sealing system 150 can include a wheel 152 (e.g., tape sealing wheel, tape sprocket, tape gear, etc.) with a plurality of protrusions, a cutting implement 154 positioned to protrude at least partially into the sealing pathway 110, the cutting implement 154 supported within the housing 102 by a cutter support 155. In some embodiments, the cutting implement 154 can be angled downwards to reduce the likelihood of premature cutting of the dispensed portion 126 or the portion of the flexible container passing through the sealing pathway 110.

The sealing apparatus 100 can include a plurality of tape supports 156 configured to position the dispensed portion 126 of the tape dispenser 120. In some embodiments, one of the tape supports 156 can rotate to facilitate dispensing tape from the tape roll 124 for use. The tape supports 156 can contact either the adhesive side of the dispensed portion 126 of the tape roll 124 or the non-adhesive side, as desired or required.

In some embodiments, a tape support 156 can be positioned on a side of the sealing pathway 110 substantially opposite the wheel 152. The tape support 156 can be sized and shaped to minimize the clearance between the protrusions of the wheel 152 and the tape support 156 to encourage the dispensed portion 126 to contact the neck of the flexible container during use of the sealing apparatus 100.

In some embodiments, an adhesive side of the dispensed portion 126 of the tape roll 124 can be temporarily connected, adhered to, or attached to one of the tape supports 156 such that the dispensed portion 126 is positioned substantially above the opening to the sealing pathway 110 during operation. In some embodiments, one of the tape supports 156 can extend substantially beyond the profile of the housing 102 to form a tape back assist 118 to more easily facilitate adhesion of the dispensed portion 126 of the tape dispenser 120.

FIG. 1A depicts a balloon 200 which can be sealed by a sealing apparatus 100 according to one embodiment. The balloon 200 can comprise an opening 202 (e.g., lip, bead, mouth, etc.) leading to a neck 204 and body 206 to store the internals of the balloon 200. In some embodiments, the neck 204 can be narrower than the body 206. In some embodiments, the body 206 can widen or expand as it is filled with its contents. In some embodiments, the balloon 200 can be filled with internal contents before being temporarily sealed by the sealing apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the balloon 200 can contain air, liquid, water, gas, helium, CO2, oxygen, or any other suitable material. In some embodiments, the balloon 200 can be sealed by the sealing apparatus 100 in a substantially airtight or watertight manner to substantially prevent most or all of the internal contents from exiting the balloon 200 by the opening 202. In some embodiments, the neck 204 may be folded on itself during the sealing operation such that the opening 202 is proximal the body 206. In some embodiments, the neck 204 may not be folded on itself such that the temporary seal is placed on the neck 204 and is located between the opening 202 and the body 206.

FIG. 2 depicts a method of form a non-permanent seal for two balloons 200 with a sealing apparatus 100.

At a first step, sealing apparatus 100 and the tape roll 124 can be positioned such that the tape roll 124 is oriented with the adhesive side of the tape roll 124 presented upward such that it unwinds in a counter clockwise direction. A dispensed portion 126 of the sealing apparatus 100 (e.g., a leader of tape) can be connected to a tape support 156 and rest over the sealing pathway 110.

At a next step, the two balloons 200 are inflated with an internal content as described herein from a source to a desired amount. In some embodiments, the desired amount could substantially deform the shape of the balloon 200. In some embodiments, the balloon 200 can be filled with a plurality of different fluids and/or gases.

At the next step, the two balloons 200 can be at least partially tied together at their necks to form a half knot or other knot form which is not capable of containing the internal contents of the balloons 200 by itself. Where the two balloons 200 overlap can constitute a neck portion which can receive the temporary seal from the sealing apparatus 100.

At the next step, neck portion between the opening 202 ends and the body 206 ends of the two balloons 200 can be stretched and entered into a sealing pathway 110 of the sealing apparatus 100. As the neck portion of the balloons 200 is progressed through the sealing pathway 110, it contacts the adhesive side of the dispensed portion 126 of the tape roll 124. The plurality of protrusions from the wheel 152 can press the dispensed portion 126 around the neck portion of the balloons 200 to form a seal around the balloons 200. The seal can be substantially strong enough to prevent or substantially prevent leaking of the internal contents of the balloons 200 out their openings 202.

At the next step, the neck portion of the balloons 200 can be maneuvered around the cutting implement 154 in the sealing pathway 110 such that the excess portion of the dispensed portion 126 is cut from the tape roll 124.

At the final step, the neck portion of the balloons 200 can be removed from the sealing apparatus 100.

FIG. 3 depicts one of either the front or back panel 102A, 102B of the housing 102 of a sealing apparatus 100 according to one embodiment, along with embodiments of a positioning tool 300, 400. The panel of the housing 102 more clearly depicts the plurality of fastening points 104 used to secure the spacers 106, cutter support 155 or tape supports 156 to the housing 102. Sealing pathway 110 is also more clearly depicted as an opening passing through the entirety of the panel so as to allow the neck portion of a balloon to pass through the sealing apparatus 100 during an operation. In some embodiments, the sealing pathway 110 can include a pathway end 112 configured to allow for the cutting implement 154 to cut the dispensed portion 126 during operation. The positioning tools 300, 400 depicted here can be used to during operation of the sealing apparatus 100, as is explained herein.

FIG. 4 depicts a method of forming a non-permanent seal for a single balloon 200 with a sealing apparatus 100.

At the first step, the sealing apparatus 100 and the tape roll 124 can be positioned such that the tape roll 124 is oriented with the adhesive side of the tape roll 124 presented upward such that it unwinds in a counter clockwise direction. A dispensed portion 126 of the sealing apparatus 100 (e.g., a leader of tape) can be positioned over the sealing pathway 110.

At the next step, a balloon 200 is inflated with an internal content as described herein from a source to a desired amount. In some embodiments, the desired amount could substantially deform the shape of the balloon 200. In some embodiments, the balloon 200 can be filled with a plurality of different fluids and gasses.

At the next step, the opening 202 of the balloon 200 can be pinched and doubled back toward the body 206 of the balloon 200 such that the neck 204 forms a U-shape. A positioning tool 300, 400, 500 can be positioned within this U-shape to hook the neck 204 of the balloon 200 and distend it. This distended portion of the balloon 200 can constitute a neck portion which can receive the temporary seal from the sealing apparatus 100.

At the next step, neck portion of the balloon 200 can be stretched and entered into a sealing pathway 110 of the sealing apparatus 100. As the neck portion of the balloon 200 is progressed through the sealing pathway 110, it can contact the adhesive side of the dispensed portion 126 of the tape roll 124. The plurality of protrusions from the wheel 152 can press the dispensed portion 126 around the neck portion of the balloons 200 forming a seal around the balloon 200. The seal can be substantially strong enough to prevent or substantially prevent leaking of the internal contents of the balloons 200 out their openings 202.

At the final step, tension between the positioning tool 300, 400, 500 and the balloons 200 can be released, and the neck portion of the balloons 200 can be removed from the sealing apparatus 100.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C depict potential embodiments of a positioning tool for use with the sealing apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the positioning tool can be bodily incorporated in the housing 102 of the sealing apparatus 100, and be configured to move in a pathway that is proximal, parallel, or substantially parallel the sealing pathway 110 such that the integrated positioning tool can assist in sealing the balloon 200 or flexible container.

FIG. 5A depicts a positioning tool 300. In some embodiments, the positioning tool 300 can include a handle portion 302 for manipulating the positioning tool 300 and balloon 200 during operation of the sealing apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the positioning tool 300 can include a positioning portion 304 which contacts the balloon 200 during use of the sealing apparatus 100.

FIG. 5B depicts a positioning tool 400. In some embodiments, the positioning tool 400 can include a handle portion 402 for manipulating the 400 during operation of the sealing apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the positioning tool 400 can include a positioning portion 304 which contacts the balloon 200 during use of the sealing apparatus 100. The positioning portion 304 can optionally end with a curved end 406 which can contact the balloon 200 during use of the sealing apparatus 100.

FIG. 5C depicts a positioning tool 500. In some embodiments, the positioning tool 500 can include a handle portion 502 for manipulating the 500 during operation of the sealing apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the positioning tool 500 can include a positioning portion 504 which contacts the balloon 200 during use of the sealing apparatus 100. The positioning portion 504 can optionally end with a curved end 506 which can contact the balloon 200 during use of the sealing apparatus 100. The curved end 506 can additionally include an end slot 508 which can pinch or otherwise accept the neck 204 of the balloon 200 during use of the sealing apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the positioning tool 500 can be rotated once the neck 204 is inserted into the end slot 508 to increase the frictional force between the end slot 508 and the balloon 200.

FIG. 6 depicts one embodiment of a panel 102A, 102B of the housing 102. The panel includes a tape back assist 118 connected to the housing 102 extending from the tape support 156 proximal the sealing pathway 110. The tape back assist 118 can extend substantially beyond the profile of the housing 102 to facilitate positioning of the dispensed portion 126 proximal the sealing pathway 110. The tape back assist 118 can assist in adhesion of the dispensed portion 126 of the tape dispenser 120 to the neck portion of a flexible container. The tape back assist 118 can have additional surface area to assist in temporarily adhere the dispensed portion 126 of the tape roll 124 to the housing 102. In some embodiments, the tape back assist 118 can help guide a neck of a balloon 200 into the sealing pathway 110, which can advantageously assist in sealing multiple successive balloons or flexible containers in a relatively quick fashion. The housing 102 depicted can include a pathway end 112 that substantially deviates from the path outlined by the sealing pathway 110. This can advantageously assist in ensuring the cutting implement 154 cuts the dispensed portion 126 to form the seal 128 around the balloon 200.

In some embodiments of the housing 102, the panels of the housing 102A, 102B can further include a tool pathway 114 configured to guide the positioning tools 300, 400, 500 at least partially through the housing 102. The path of the tool pathway 114 and tool pathway end 116 can follow a profile that is substantially parallel to the sealing pathway 110 and pathway end 112. The tool pathway end 116 can be sized and dimensioned to allow the positioning tool 300, 400, 500 to pass at least partially through the housing 102. During operation, a positioning portion 404 or positioning portion 504 of a positioning tool 400 or positioning tool 500 can pass at least partially through the panels of the housing 102A, 102B. This can advantageously allow for a positioning tool 400 or positioning tool 500 to be guided as a balloon 200 or balloons 200 are sealed by the sealing apparatus 100.

FIGS. 7A through 7E depict operation of one embodiment of the sealing apparatus 100 as it forms a seal 128 on a balloon 200.

In FIG. 7A, a neck 204 of a balloon 200 can be positioned around the entrance of a sealing pathway 110 that has been primed with a dispensed portion 126 of a tape roll 124. A tape roll 124 is positioned on a tape dispenser core 122 designed to rotate within a tape core pathway 108. The dispensed portion 126 can be oriented such that the adhesive side of the tape is closest the neck 204. In some embodiments, a non-adhesive side of the dispensed portion 126 can contact and roll over a tape support 156 configured to rotate relative the housing 102 to facilitate dispensing the tape roll 124.

In FIG. 7B, the neck 204 of the balloon 200 is moved downward to contact the exposed adhesive side of the dispensed portion 126. As the dispensed portion 126 contacting the neck 204 enters the sealing pathway 110, the non-adhesive side of the dispensed portion 126 contacts at least one of the protrusions connected to the wheel 152. The protrusions help press the adhesive side of the dispensed portion 126 against the neck 204. In some embodiments, the neck 204 can be pressed into the gap between the protrusions from the wheel 152 to further increase the connection between the adhesive side of the dispensed portion 126 and the neck 204. Since the non-adhesive side of the tape roll 124 as presented is closer to the wheel 152, advantageously the risk of the dispensed portion 126 adhering itself to the wheel 152 is minimized.

In FIG. 7C, the wheel 152 continues to rotate as the neck 204 moves down the sealing pathway 110. The neck 204 and the dispensed portion 126 pass beyond the protrusions of the wheel 152, which presses the tape against itself to form a seal 128. As the neck 204 moves down the sealing pathway 110, the exposed adhesive portion of the dispensed portion 126 doubles back on itself after the neck 204 to form the seal around the neck 204.

In FIG. 7D, the excess tape from the seal 128 is separated from the tape roll 124 by the cutting implement 154. The seal 128 can be manipulated around a cutting implement 154 to sever the dispensed portion 126 from the tape roll 124. The neck 204 can be manipulated to the end of the sealing pathway 110 to ensure that the seal 128 and neck 204 is clear of the cutting implement 154 during cutting. Optionally, the neck 204 can be further manipulated into a pathway end 112 to increase the likelihood that the blade has cut the dispensed portion 126.

In FIG. 7E, the sealed neck 204 can be removed from the sealing pathway 110 or pathway end 112 and the neck 204 of a new balloon can be positioned above the sealing pathway 110 for sealing. The dispensed portion 126 can be positioned where it was by the prior balloon such that it is at least partially down the sealing pathway 110. Advantageously, the sealing apparatus 100 can be self-priming in this regard for use to create a seal for subsequent flexible containers. In some embodiments, the dispensed portion 126 can be reset such that it lays substantially across the sealing pathway 110 as in FIG. 7A.

Advantageously, a seal 128 formed on a balloon 200 or flexible container that had its opening and its body on the same side of the housing 102 when the seal was formed can be easily undone by moving the opening and the body in substantially opposite directions. Advantageously, this can allow for the balloons to be reused once their current purpose has been accomplished this method of sealing can also advantageously reduce the strain put on a balloon 200 or flexible container during the sealing and unsealing process compared to traditional methods of sealing a balloon 200 or flexible container.

FIGS. 8A through 8E depict how the positioning tools 300, 400, 500 can be used to assist in the positioning of a neck portion for an inflated balloon 200 or balloons 200 designed to form a non-permanent seal. FIGS. 8A through 8E depict a top-down view of the sealing apparatus 100 according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8A depicts a top-down view of a sealing apparatus 100 while it is installing a seal onto a balloon 200, with the assistance of a positioning tool 300. The body 206 is positioned on a first side of the sealing apparatus 100 and the positioning tool 300 and part of the neck 204 on a second side of the sealing apparatus 100. The neck 204 is stretched so as to fit into the sealing system 150 of the sealing apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the neck 204 can be folded or manipulated such that the opening 202 and the body 206 are on the same side of the housing 102 and that a portion of the neck 204 and the positioning tool 300 are positioned on the opposite side of the housing 102. The neck portion of the balloon 200 can be positioned immediately above the sealing pathway 110 and the wheel 152 where the dispensed portion 126 crosses over the opening leading to the sealing pathway 110. At this point, the positioning tool 300 and the body 206 can move downwards so as to push the neck portion into the sealing pathway 110 to make contact with the dispensed portion 126 of the tape roll 124. At this point, the wheel 152 can wrap the dispensed portion 126 around the neck portion to form a seal 128 on the container.

FIG. 8B depicts a top-down view of a sealing apparatus 100 while it is installing a seal onto a balloon 200, with the assistance of a positioning tool 400. The embodiment of the sealing apparatus 100 according to this figure includes a tool pathway 114 sized and dimensioned to allow the positioning portion 404 of the positioning tool 400 to pass at least partially through the housing 102. The body 206 is positioned and the positioning tool 400 are both positioned on the first side of the sealing apparatus 100, and the positioning portion 404 and part of the neck 204 are positioned on a second side of the sealing apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the neck 204 can be folded or manipulated such that the opening 202 and the body 206 are on the same side of the housing 102. The neck 204 is stretched by the curved end 406 of the positioning tool 400 so as to fit into the sealing system 150 of the sealing apparatus 100. The neck portion of the balloon 200 can be positioned immediately above the sealing pathway 110 and the wheel 152 where the dispensed portion 126 crosses over the opening leading to the sealing pathway 110, and the positioning portion 404 is positioned immediately above the tool pathway 114. At this point, the positioning tool 400 and the body 206 can move downwards so as to push the neck portion into the sealing pathway 110 to make contact with the dispensed portion 126 of the tape roll 124. At this point, the wheel 152 can wrap the dispensed portion 126 around the neck portion to form a seal 128 on the container.

FIG. 8C depicts a top-down view of a sealing apparatus 100 while it is installing a seal onto a balloon 200, with the assistance of a positioning tool 400. The body 206 is positioned on a first side of the sealing apparatus 100 and the positioning tool 400 and part of the neck 204 on a second side of the sealing apparatus 100. The neck 204 is stretched by the curved end 406 of the positioning tool 400 so as to fit into the sealing system 150 of the sealing apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the neck 204 can be folded or manipulated such that the opening 202 and the body 206 are on the same side of the housing 102 and that a portion of the neck 204 and the positioning tool 400 are positioned on the opposite side of the housing 102. The neck portion of the balloon 200 can be positioned immediately above the sealing pathway 110 and the wheel 152 where the dispensed portion 126 crosses over the opening leading to the sealing pathway 110. At this point, the positioning tool 400 and the body 206 can move downwards so as to push the neck portion into the sealing pathway 110 to make contact with the dispensed portion 126 of the tape roll 124. At this point, the wheel 152 can wrap the dispensed portion 126 around the neck portion to form a seal 128 on the container.

FIG. 8D depicts a top-down view of a sealing apparatus 100 while it is installing a seal onto a balloon 200, with the assistance of a positioning tool 500. The embodiment of the sealing apparatus 100 according to this figure includes a tool pathway 114 sized and dimensioned to allow the positioning portion 504 of the positioning tool 500 to pass at least partially through the housing 102. The body 206 is positioned and the positioning tool 500 are both positioned on the first side of the sealing apparatus 100, and the positioning portion 504 and part of the neck 204 are positioned on a second side of the sealing apparatus 100. The neck 204 is slotted into the end slot 508 on the curved end 506 of the positioning tool 500 and stretched so as to fit into the sealing system 150 of the sealing apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the neck 204 can be folded or manipulated such that the opening 202 and the body 206 are on the same side of the housing 102. The neck portion of the balloon 200 can be positioned immediately above the sealing pathway 110 and the wheel 152 where the dispensed portion 126 crosses over the opening leading to the sealing pathway 110, and the positioning portion 504 is positioned immediately above the tool pathway 114. At this point, the positioning tool 400 and the body 206 can move downwards so as to push the neck portion into the sealing pathway 110 to make contact with the dispensed portion 126 of the tape roll 124. At this point, the wheel 152 can wrap the dispensed portion 126 around the neck portion to form a seal 128 on the container.

FIG. 8E depicts a top-down view of a sealing apparatus 100 while it is installing a seal onto a balloon 200, with the assistance of a positioning tool 500. The body 206 is positioned on a first side of the sealing apparatus 100 and the positioning tool 500 and part of the neck 204 on a second side of the sealing apparatus 100. The neck 204 is slotted into the end slot 508 on the curved end 506 of the positioning tool 500 and stretched so as to fit into the sealing system 150 of the sealing apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the neck 204 can be folded or manipulated such that the opening 202 and the body 206 are on the same side of the housing 102 and that a portion of the neck 204 and the positioning tool 500 are positioned on the opposite side of the housing 102. The neck portion of the balloon 200 can be positioned immediately above the sealing pathway 110 and the wheel 152 where the dispensed portion 126 crosses over the opening leading to the sealing pathway 110. At this point, the positioning tool 500 and the body 206 can move downwards so as to push the neck portion into the sealing pathway 110 to make contact with the dispensed portion 126 of the tape roll 124. At this point, the wheel 152 can wrap the dispensed portion 126 around the neck portion to form a seal 128 on the container.

FIG. 9 depicts a method 900 for non-permanently sealing a flexible container using a sealing apparatus 100 to form a seal 128 on a neck portion of the flexible container. In some embodiments, the flexible container can be a balloon 200.

At step 902, the flexible container can be filled by its opening with an internal content. The internal content can be a gas, fluid, or other appropriate internal content as desired or required, or as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the flexible container can be filled with a gas, such as helium, oxygen, the atmosphere, or a combination of multiple gases.

At step 904, while keeping the opening to the flexible container closed to maintain the internal contents, the neck of a flexible container can be stretched around a positioning portion of a positioning tool 300, 400, 500 as described herein to form a neck portion of the flexible container which will receive the seal 128. In some embodiments, the neck can be stretched around a positioning portion 304, a curved end 406, or a curved end 506, or be slotted into an end slot 508 of the positioning tool 300, 400, 500. In some embodiments, the positioning tool 400, 500 can be substantially on the same side of the sealing apparatus 100 as the main body of the flexible container. In some embodiments, the positioning tool 300, 400, 500 can be positioned on an opposite side of the sealing apparatus 100 as the main body of the flexible container.

At step 906, the neck body of the flexible container can be positioned immediately above the opening to the sealing pathway 110 of a primed sealing apparatus 100. The sealing apparatus 100 can have a dispensed portion 126 of a tape roll 124 positioned immediately above and/or partially within the sealing pathway 110 such that it will adhere to the neck portion of the flexible container. In some embodiments, the adhesive side of the tape can be presented on the side substantially opposite the sealing pathway 110.

At step 908, the neck body of the flexible container is advanced into the sealing pathway 110 such that it contacts the presented adhesive side of the dispensed portion 126 of the tape roll 124. In some embodiments, the dispensed portion 126 can at least partially wrap around the neck of the flexible container. In some embodiments, the neck portion can contact the dispensed portion 126 that is within the sealing pathway 110.

At step 910, the adhesive portion can form a seal around the neck portion as it is advanced further into the sealing pathway 110 such that the dispensed portion 126 contacts and rotates around the protrusions on the wheel 152. Movement of the neck portion contacting the dispensed portion 126 can press the tape into the spacing between the wheel 152 such that the protrusions form the adhesive side of the tape around the neck portion.

At step 912, the neck portion and the seal 128 can be advanced further into the sealing pathway 110 around the cutting implement 154 and maneuvered such that the cutting implement 154 cuts excess tape from the neck portion. In some embodiments, this can require moving the neck portion further into the sealing pathway 110. In some embodiments, this can require moving the neck portion even further to a pathway end 112 that is at least partially offset from the path followed by a sealing pathway 110. At this point, the tape connecting the neck portion has been separated from the tape roll 124.

At step 914, the neck portion can be removed from the sealing pathway 110. At this point, the sealing apparatus 100 can already be primed for use again, as the dispensed portion 126 is now positioned within the sealing pathway 110 proximal the wheel 152. To remove the flexible container from the positioning tool 300, 400, 500, the neck can be slid off the positioning portion 304, a curved end 406, a curved end 506 or an end slot 508 of the positioning tool 300, 400, 500. In some embodiments, this can require reducing the tension between part of the neck and the remainder of the flexible container.

FIG. 10 depicts a method 1000 for non-permanently sealing two flexible containers using a sealing apparatus 100 to form a seal 128 on a neck portion of the flexible containers. In some embodiments, the flexible container can be a balloon 200.

At step 1002, the flexible containers can be filled by their openings with a gas, fluid, or other appropriate internal content as desired or required, or as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the flexible container can be filled with a gas, such as helium, oxygen, the atmosphere, or a combination of multiple gases. In some embodiments, the flexible containers can be filled with the same internal contents. In some embodiments, the flexible containers can be filled with different internal contents. In some embodiments, the flexible containers can be filled to different capacities.

At step 1004, a neck of a first flexible container and a neck of a second flexible can be at least partially knotted to form a neck portion while keeping the openings closed to maintain the internal contents. In some embodiments, the knot can be a partial knot or half knot using the two necks of the flexible containers.

At step 1006, the necks of the first and second flexible container can be stretched around a positioning portion of a positioning tool 300, 400, 500 as described herein to form a neck portion of the flexible containers which will receive the seal 128. In some embodiments, the necks can be stretched around a positioning portion 304, a curved end 406, or a curved end 506, or be slotted into an end slot 508 of the positioning tool 300, 400, 500. In some embodiments, the positioning tool 400, 500 can be substantially on the same side of the sealing apparatus 100 as the main bodies of the flexible containers. In some embodiments, the positioning tool 300, 400, 500 can be positioned on an opposite side of the sealing apparatus 100 as the main bodies of the flexible containers. In some embodiments, the main bodies of the balloons can be on substantially the same side of the sealing apparatus 100.

At step 1008, the neck portion can be positioned immediately above the opening to the sealing pathway 110 of a primed sealing apparatus 100. The sealing apparatus 100 can have a dispensed portion 126 of a tape roll 124 positioned immediately above and/or partially within the sealing pathway 110 such that it will adhere to the neck portion of the flexible containers. In some embodiments, the adhesive side of the tape can be presented on the side substantially opposite the sealing pathway 110 such that it can contact the neck portions.

At step 1010, the neck portion is advanced into the sealing pathway 110 such that it contacts the presented adhesive side of the dispensed portion 126 of the tape roll 124. In some embodiments, the dispensed portion 126 can at least partially wrap around the neck portions if the dispensed portion 126 is prepared to entirely cross sealing pathway 110. In some embodiments, the neck portion can contact the dispensed portion 126 that is within the sealing pathway 110.

At step 1012, the adhesive portion can form a seal around the neck portion as it is advanced further into the sealing pathway 110 such that the dispensed portion 126 contacts and rotates around the protrusions on the wheel 152. Movement of the neck portion contacting the dispensed portion 126 can press the tape into the spacing between the wheel 152 such that the protrusions form the adhesive side of the tape around the neck portion.

At step 1014, the neck portion and the seal 128 can be advanced further into the sealing pathway 110 around the cutting implement 154 and maneuvered such that the cutting implement 154 cuts excess tape from the neck portion. In some embodiments, this can require moving the neck portion further into the sealing pathway 110. In some embodiments, this can require moving the neck portion even further to a pathway end 112 that is at least partially offset from the path followed by a sealing pathway 110. At this point, the tape connecting the neck portion has been separated from the tape roll 124.

At step 1016, the neck portion can be removed from the sealing pathway 110. At this point, the sealing apparatus 100 can already be primed for use again, as the dispensed portion 126 is now positioned within the sealing pathway 110 proximal the wheel 152. To remove the flexible containers from the positioning tool 300, 400, 500, the necks can be slid off the positioning portion 304, a curved end 406, a curved end 506 or an end slot 508 of the positioning tool 300, 400, 500. In some embodiments, this can require reducing the tension between part of the neck and the remainder of the flexible container.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include these features, elements and/or states.

Any of the methods described herein to seal a flexible container can optionally be used to seal multiple flexible containers. Any method described herein described to seal two flexible containers or two balloons can similarly be used to seal more than two balloons or flexible containers. Furthermore, the method and system described herein can seal two or more flexible containers simultaneously, using a method described herein, a method similar to one described herein, or concepts taught herein.

Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z.

While the above detailed description may have shown, described, and pointed out novel features as applied to various embodiments, it may be understood that various omissions, substitutions, and/or changes in the form and details of any particular embodiment may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. As may be recognized, certain embodiments may be embodied within a form that does not provide all of the features and benefits set forth herein, as some features may be used or practiced separately from others.

Additionally, features described in connection with one embodiment can be incorporated into another of the disclosed embodiments, even if not expressly discussed herein, and embodiments having the combination of features still fall within the scope of the disclosure. For example, features described above in connection with one embodiment can be used with a different embodiment described herein and the combination still fall within the scope of the disclosure.

It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another in order to form varying modes of the embodiments of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the disclosure herein should not be limited by the particular embodiments described above. Accordingly, unless otherwise stated, or unless clearly incompatible, each embodiment of this disclosure may comprise, additional to its essential features described herein, one or more features as described herein from each other embodiment disclosed herein.

Features, materials, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment, or example are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described in this section or elsewhere in this specification unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The protection is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The protection extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Furthermore, certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such operations need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other operations that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described operations. Further, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the actual steps taken in the processes illustrated and/or disclosed may differ from those shown in the figures. Depending on the embodiment, certain of the steps described above may be removed, others may be added.

Furthermore, the features and attributes of the specific embodiments disclosed above may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

For purposes of this disclosure, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are described herein. Not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel” and “substantially parallel” refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, 0.1 degree, or otherwise.

The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited by the specific disclosures of preferred embodiments in this section or elsewhere in this specification, and may be defined by claims as presented in this section or elsewhere in this specification or as presented in the future. The language of the claims is to be interpreted broadly based on the language employed in the claims and not limited to the examples described in the present specification or during the prosecution of the application, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

Reference to any prior art in this description is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavor in any country in the world.

The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the description of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

Where, in the foregoing description, reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. In addition, where the term “substantially” or any of its variants have been used as a word of approximation adjacent to a numerical value or range, it is intended to provide sufficient flexibility in the adjacent numerical value or range that encompasses standard manufacturing tolerances and/or rounding to the next significant figure, whichever is greater.

It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. For instance, various components may be repositioned as desired. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, not all of the features, aspects and advantages are necessarily required to practice the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to be defined only by the claims.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SEALING FLEXIBLE CONTAINER

Information

Publication Number

Date Filed

Date Published

Inventors

CPC

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims

Provisional Applications (1)