Abstract: Blister package having a novel pull tab construction that enables opening of each individual product cavity of the blister package. The pull tab is formed by breaking off a portion of a base substrate along a notched line that includes a series elongated severed portions extending completely through the thickness of the base substrate, separated by the unsevered (connected) portions. The notched line can be formed in the same mold that is used to form the recessed product cavity of the base substrate, thereby reducing the number of manufacturing steps and equipment, resulting in a significant cost savings during manufacture. The new notch line configuration eliminates the problems of the prior art with score depth achievement and consistency, while providing a reliable breakable line, and enable less brittle (non-PVC) polymers to be used. It also eliminates the problem with knife wear that prevented score depth achievement and consistency with non-PVC materials.

Abstract: Tri-fold egg carton has a base and a cover each having a complementary matrix of egg receiving cells such that, when the cover is assembled on top of the base, the complementary cells encapsulate each egg in an individual cell pocket (see FIGS. 3-5). Each base cell and cover cell includes a central dome and first and second radially spaced apart circumferential hinges that surround the central dome, and lie radially inward of a lowermost standing ring, enabling the dome to move up and down above the plane of the standing ring (in the height direction of the closed carton) between multiple positions to accommodate jumbo eggs of varying dimensions (height and width) to hold them securely in their respective cell pocket. The base and cover further include full height cell posts with mating surfaces that engage in the assembled state. The carton further includes a lid which fits over the cover (of the assembled cover and base), in a secure and locked position.

Abstract: Processor tray for displaying tubular meat products in an arcuate configuration, and designed to help guide the packer to mold and place curved meat products in the tray. The filled tray is wrapped in film, and the configuration of the filled tray maintains the film taut to avoid leakage. The tray includes a rectangular upper shaped cavity, and a plurality of curved recessed pockets extend below the upper cavity to define a lower cavity. The tray is designed to provide structural rigidity that resists warping and breakage, thus enabling the overwrapped tray to be handled, shipped, and displayed with minimal leakage or breakage. In some embodiments the tray includes features that facilitate de-nesting of a stack of empty trays, and is adapted to facilitate movement of the wrapped package on a moving conveyor line. The tray is easy to manufacture and provides a lightweight and cost effective packaging product.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming a hinge in a thermoformed container, such as an egg carton, and the resulting container. The hinge is formed in the mold, by severing a thermoformed container along the length of a hinge line, with the exception of plurality of spaced connecting membranes that are not severed. The alternating severed portions and connecting membranes are referred to herein as a notched hinge connection. The width, depth, and location of the connecting membranes can be adjusted so the hinge area is strong enough to withstand multiple openings during use.

Abstract: A plastic egg carton having features that enable aligning and stacking of multiple cartons for transport, and providing easy-to-view print and labeling areas in multiple directions. In one embodiment, the egg carton has a unique lid including a flat diagonal stacking panel (also referred to as a diagonal lid panel) that extends between two opposing corners of the rectangular shaped carton. The top wall of the diagonal lid panel can receive labeling or printing. The diagonal lid panel also includes a sidewall extending downwardly from the top wall toward a bottom perimeter edge of the lid, the sidewall having at each of the two opposing corners at least one flat side panel that can also receive printing or labeling.

Abstract: Plastic egg cartons having mating cell and lid posts for improved egg protection. The carton has a base tray and hinged lid, the tray including a plurality of cells for receiving individual eggs, and the tray having a plurality of cell posts each formed at an intersection of four adjacent cells as an extension of the sidewalls of the four adjacent cells. Preferable, each cell post has four generally planar ramp surfaces, one disposed respectively on each of the four sidewall extensions. The lid has a plurality of lid posts for mating with the cell posts when the lid is in a closed position.

Abstract: Packing tray for protecting fragile hollow conical objects, such as conical ice cream cones, which allows a stack of such conical objects to be held securely in a pocket of the packing tray, and which allows a plurality of stacked trays and objects to be packaged in cartons. The packing tray is a plastic foam sheet having a top wall and one or more recessed elongated pockets extending downwardly from the top wall, each pocket holding a stack of conical objects. Each pocket includes a floating bottom and flexible and fluted sidewall pleats for dissipating exterior applied forces and snugly engaging a stack of cones held in the pocket, thereby improving product protection, in a relatively low cost and lighter weight construction.

Abstract: A seal for containers is provided that allows the scent or aroma from the substance within the container to come through, while preventing leakage of the substance from within the container and/or physical contact of the substance by the consumer. More particularly, a seal is provided having at least one slit scoring fewer than all of the layers of the seal. The slit(s) will allow a consumer to sniff the scent or aroma released through the slit, while the seal remains secured to the container, extending shelf life of the substance, and preventing leakage, as well as, contamination, damage and/or reduced volume caused by consumers sampling the products.

Abstract: A tube comprising an inner layer, an outer layer and a barrier layer disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer, wherein the barrier layer is bound to the outer layer by a layer of adhesive disposed between the outer layer and the barrier layer and the barrier layer is bound to the inner layer by a layer of adhesive disposed between the inner layer and the barrier layer, wherein the inner layer comprises a polyethylene, the outer layer comprises a thermoplastic polyurethane and the barrier layer comprises a material that acts as a barrier to gas.

Abstract: Coextruded plastic capillary tube and method of manufacturing a coextruded tube for collecting a volume of liquid. The tube is disposable, inexpensive to manufacture and can reliably draw blood and other aqueous based fluids into the tube by capillary action, at a fluid uptake level comparable to glass and other commercially pre-treated plastic tubes, without requiring further interior coating.