Abstract: Disposable containers include peripheral tabs which are useful for positioning and processing the containers and operate as separators. In a preferred embodiment, the tabs correspond to tabs on a paperboard blank where the tabs are useful for controlling the orientation of the blanks so that printed and shape features may be kept in registration during manufacturing of a disposable servingware container.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved pressware forming apparatus. At least one of die pairs used in the apparatus can be narrowed in a cross-direction as compared to the cross-directional width of pressware forming tools used in prior an apparatus. The present invention allows addition of at least one additional die pair in the pressware forming tool when used in a standard sized pressware forming apparatus. The present invention also provides components for use in such apparatus and methods of making pressware from the apparatus herein.

Abstract: Products and methods of increasing the Rigidity and Rim Stiffness of disposable containers are provided. The containers have an outer flange portion extending outwardly with a brim portion sloping downwardly defining a declivity angle ? with respect to a horizontal generally parallel to the bottom portion and generally include an outward turn at the periphery of the container. A preferred method of improving rigidity includes press-forming: (i) a brim transition portion adjoining the downwardly sloping brim portion of the container and (ii) an outwardly extending annular evert portion adjoining the brim transition portion extending outwardly at an eversion angle ? of at least about 25 degrees with respect to the downwardly sloping brim portion of the flange.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to lidded disposable pressed paperboard containers and more particularly to a disposable lid with an engagement profile particularly useful for paperboard containers comprising evert outer portions. The lid of the present invention provides a good fit for paperboard container bases having evert outer portions while still allowing the lid to be removed from the base without the need for excessive force. The lid profile is relatively insensitive to size variations of paperboard container bases having evert outer portions and allows for flexing of paperboard during application so as to provide an unexpectedly good seal so as to provide lidded, disposable paperboard containers.

Abstract: A pressing apparatus for producing a food service paperboard container from a paperboard blank so that the paperboard container possesses an overturned rim provided with folds includes a first die and a second die that are movable relative to one another. The first die includes a first base and a first platform that is movable with respect to the first base, with the first base having a curved surface for engaging the outer periphery of the paperboard blank. The second die is positioned in opposing relation to the first die and includes a second base and a second platform that is movable with respect to the second base. The second die is movable with respect to the first die and the second base has a curved surface for engaging the outer periphery of the paperboard blank so that the outer periphery of the paperboard blank is pressed between the curved surface of the first base and the curved surface of the second base.

Abstract: A domed lid 12 for a food container 10 is configured for ease of engagement and removal from a container base 14. The lid characteristically includes: (a) a dome portion 16 with a top wall 24 and a sidewall 26; (b) a flange portion 28 extending outwardly away from a lower portion of the sidewall; and (c) a tab portion 30 extending outwardly from the flange. The flange portion is provided with a rim 32 having a variable profile around the rim characterized in that: (i) the rim is provided with a securing undercut portion 36 extending around the majority of its periphery adapted to secure the lid to an outer border of base 14; and (ii) the rim has a pair of relatively passive engagement profile portions 42, 44 on either side of tab 30, extending to the securing undercut portion of the rim, the passive engagement profile portions are configured so that they are undercut less than the securing undercut portion of the lid, thereby facilitating engagement of the lid with, or removal of the lid from, base 14.

Abstract: A collapsible carton for containing articles such as prepared food and the like, including a plurality of side panels hingedly connected to one another by substantially parallel fold lines is disclosed. A bottom panel formed of a plurality of cooperating end panels hingedly connected to respective side panels and a closure for closing a top opening of the hexagonal carton with the closure being telescopically received within the top opening of the hexagonal carton and frictionally engaged with an inside surface of at least one of the side panels. Additionally, the closure may include a supplemental compartment formed therein for containing articles of a type different than that placed in the main body of the carton. In this case, a supplemental closure is provided which cooperates with the first closure for closing off the supplemental compartment.

Abstract: A food container which is a combination of a base portion and a lid portion made from a resilient polymeric material is disclosed. The base is a unitary component including an upwardly projecting, peripherally extending sealing rim having inner and outer sealing areas. The lid is also a unitary component including a peripherally extending sealing channel correspondingly shaped to receive the sealing rim of the base and particularly, to engage the rim at the inner and outer sealing areas. Because both the base and lid are made from resilient material, the inner and outer sealing areas are shaped to provide a self-reinforcing seal configuration wherein the initial engagement of either the inner or the outer seals urges the other seal into engagement. This feature also permits a wide tolerance to processing variations in the size of the lid and the base. The base portion of the food container of the present invention is also designed to include audible indicators as the lid becomes fully sealed with the base.