Abstract: An improved pressware die set includes mechanical ejectors for removing formed product from the punch. A preferred embodiment includes rocker-style ejectors free from edges or other asperities which may tend to snag and mar the product during the production process. Most preferably, the outward surfaces of the rocker members extend beyond the perimeter of a paperboard blank positioned for forming so the paperboard blank does not encounter an obstruent outward edge during forming.

Abstract: Low-odor microwaveable polypropylene/mica food contact articles are disclosed. The articles are prepared by low temperature processing and typically include odor-suppressing basic organic or inorganic compounds. Preferably, the articles are substantially free from C8 and C9 organic ketones associated with undesirable odors. Further improvements to the articles include crack-resistant embodiments with synergistic amounts of polyethylene and titanium dioxide.

Abstract: Low-odor microwaveable mineral-filled polypropylene food contact articles are disclosed. The articles are prepared by low temperature processing and typically include odor-suppressing basic organic or inorganic compounds. Preferably, the articles are substantially free from C8 and C9 organic ketones associated with undesirable odors. Further improvements to the articles include crack-resistant embodiments with synergistic amounts of polyethylene and titanium dioxide.

Abstract: In a temperature controlled segmented die for forming pressed containers such as plates, trays, bowls or the like including a die segment with a forming surface and an outer movable annular die member there is provided a side mounted temperature probe which extends laterally around the movable annular die member and toward the forming surface of the die segment. The apparatus is particularly useful for forming pressed paperboard containers such as paper plates.

Abstract: In an apparatus for manufacturing pressware containers from container blanks there is provided a plurality of inertial blank stop pins disposed so as to position a container blank prior to press forming. The stop pins are rotatable in order to absorb the kinetic energy of the container blanks as they are fed to the apparatus and eliminate blank bounce. In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of forming plates utilizing the improved apparatus including the inertial blank stop pins.

Abstract: In a pressware die set, a segmented punch for fabricating a pressed disposable food service article having a substantially planar bottom portion, a sidewall and a rim portion. In one embodiment, the punch is mounted to reciprocate cyclically between an open position and a forming position about an axis of reciprocation and includes outer punch surfaces for forming the sidewall and rim portions of the pressed disposable food service articles, as well as a substantially planar punch surface suitably mounted and dimensioned to engage the substantially planar bottom portion of the disposable food service article. The improved punch includes a knock-out stripper ring juxtaposed with the substantially planar punch surface, defining a knock-out surface and which is reciprocally mounted with respect to the central substantially planar punch surface such that the knock-out surface is contiguous with the substantially planar punch surface when the punch is in a forming position.

Abstract: In a temperature controlled segmented die for forming pressed containers such as plates, trays, bowls or the like including a die segment with a forming surface and an outer movable annular die member there is provided a side mounted temperature probe which extends laterally around the movable annular die member and toward the forming surface of the die segment. The apparatus is particularly useful for forming pressed paperboard containers such as paper plates.

Abstract: In a temperature controlled segmented die for forming pressed containers such as plates, trays, bowls or the like including a die segment with a forming surface and an outer movable annular die member there is provided a side mounted temperature probe which extends laterally around the movable annular die member and toward the forming surface of the die segment. The apparatus is particularly useful for forming pressed paperboard containers such as paper plates.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to rigid disposable food containers provided with a relatively steep sidewall with a generally linear profile and an outwardly flared arcuate flange portion. The containers are further characterized by a flange outer vertical drop wherein the ratio of the length of the vertical drop to the characteristic diameter of the container is greater than about 0.01. By virtue of unique geometry, the containers of the invention exhibit improved rigidity and/or rim stiffness yet have favorable runnability in pressware manufacturing systems characteristic of plates of lower strength.

Abstract: Low-odor microwaveable polypropylene/mica food contact articles are disclosed. The articles are prepared by low temperature processing and typically include odor-suppressing basic organic or inorganic compounds. Preferably, the articles are substantially free from C8 and C9 organic ketones associated with undesirable odors. Further improvements to the articles include crack-resistant embodiments with synergistic amounts of polyethylene and titanium dioxide.

Abstract: Low-odor microwaveable mineral-filled polypropylene food contact articles are disclosed. The articles are prepared by low temperature processing and typically include odor-suppressing basic organic or inorganic compounds. Preferably, the articles are substantially free from C8 and C9 organic ketones associated with undesirable odors. Further improvements to the articles include crack-resistant embodiments with synergistic amounts of polyethylene and titanium dioxide.

Abstract: In an apparatus for manufacturing pressware containers from container blanks there is provided a plurality of inertial blank stop pins disposed so as to position a container blank prior to press forming. The stop pins are rotatable in order to absorb the kinetic energy of the container blanks as they are fed to the apparatus and eliminate blank bounce. In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of forming plates utilizing the improved apparatus including the inertial blank stop pins.

Abstract: In a pressware die set, a segmented punch for fabricating a pressed disposable food service article having a substantially planar bottom portion, a sidewall and a rim portion. In one embodiment, the punch is mounted to reciprocate cyclically between an open position and a forming position about an axis of reciprocation and includes outer punch surfaces for forming the sidewall and rim portions of the pressed disposable food service articles, as well as a substantially planar punch surface suitably mounted and dimensioned to engage the substantially planar bottom portion of the disposable food service article. The improved punch includes a knock-out stripper ring juxtaposed with the substantially planar punch surface, defining a knock-out surface and which is reciprocally mounted with respect to the central substantially planar punch surface such that the knock-out surface is contiguous with the substantially planar punch surface when the punch is in a forming position.

Abstract: In a temperature controlled segmented die for forming pressed containers such as plates, trays, bowls or the like including a die segment with a forming surface and an outer movable annular die member there is provided a side mounted temperature probe which extends laterally around the movable annular die member and toward the forming surface of the die segment. The apparatus is particularly useful for forming pressed paperboard containers such as paper plates.

Abstract: A disposable plate or tray includes a substantially planar bottom portion, a sidewall and a flange. A profile extending from the center to the outer edge of the article is characterized by a plurality of direction changes having a radius of curvature to diameter ratio of at least about 0.02.

Abstract: A disposable plate or tray includes a substantially planar bottom portion, a sidewall and a flange. A profile extending from the center to the outer edge article is characterized by a plurality of direction changes having a radius of curvature to diameter ratio of at least about 0.02.

Abstract: A sealable food container includes a base serving member such as a bowl with a generally planar central portion, a sidewall and a flange. The sidewall defines an annular sealing region with an annular sealing portion, a stop ridge and a laterally extending retaining shelf. A lid is provided with a peripheral portion adapted to be retained by the annular base sealing portion and to be secured by the stop ridge. In one preferred embodiment, the lid is a planar paperboard lid provided with a tab and the annular sealing portion of the base is an undercut groove in its sidewall.

Abstract: There is provided a container having both male and female sealing regions disposed about its periphery in a pattern making it possible to seal a container with another container having substantially identical sealing regions. The male sealing regions used in the practice of the present invention may take the form of a U-shaped ridge which is undercut along at least one leg of the U. Typically, a container will be thermoformed from lightweight thermoplastic material giving the U-shaped ridge considerable flexibility. The female sealing regions used in the practice of the invention may take the form of an undercut channel adapted to receive and match the undercut U-shaped ridges found in the male portion of the container wherein the walls and base of the channel are sufficiently flexible that the undercut portions of the U-shaped ridge are urged into engagement with the undercut portions of the channel and the crest of the ridge is urged into the channel.

Abstract: A disposable plate or tray includes a substantially planar bottom portion, a sidewall and a flange. A profile extending from the center to the outer edge of the article is characterized by a plurality of direction changes having a radius of curvature to diameter ratio of at least about 0.02.

Abstract: Low-odor microwaveable mineral-filled polypropylene food contact articles are disclosed. The articles are prepared by low temperature processing and typically include odor-suppressing basic organic or inorganic compounds. Preferably, the articles are substantially free from C8 and C9 organic ketones associated with undesirable odors. Further improvements to the articles include crack-resistant embodiments with synergistic amounts of polyethylene and titanium dioxide.