Folded Blank Having Positioning Means Therein Patents (Class 206/784)
  • Patent number: 7584855
    Abstract: A container for tie-less securing and transport of contents includes an inner case member positionable within an interior of an outer case member. The inner case member includes at least two side panels, a top panel, and a base panel, forming a second interior, a collapsed portion of first and second side panels being positioned adjacent each other to form a slot for engaging a portion of the contents and securing the contents therein. The container further includes a closure panel having a retaining flap configured to extend into the interior and including a securing tab and a lip portion, which erects in response to the securing tab pivoting with respect to the retaining flap, forming a barrier configured to rest against and bias the contents into the slot, when the closure panel is in a first closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Alliance Packaging, LLC
    Inventor: Lawrence L. Rutstrom
  • Patent number: 7581644
    Abstract: A carton is formed from a blank having a longitudinal length and a transverse width. The blank has a front panel with a display window, a first side panel, a back panel, a second side panel, and a display panel. The display panel has a central portion and a marginal portion that circumscribes the central portion. The marginal portion is at least partially defined by at least two spaced-apart transverse fold lines and at least two longitudinal edges extending between the fold lines. At least a portion of the display panel is positionable to face the display window in the carton formed from the blank. At least one strut is cut from the central portion of the display panel. Each strut comprises a base panel foldably connected to the display panel and an adhesive flap foldably connected to the base panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey T. Wright
  • Patent number: 7569008
    Abstract: A gum packaging design that utilizes two separate compartments, an upper compartment and a lower compartment. Each of the compartments may be formed from a separate paperboard blank. The blanks are folded to form the compartments and then the lower compartment is adhered to the upper compartment in a fashion that allows the lower compartment to be later separated therefrom by tearing along a perforation after the lower compartment is emptied. A cover flap on the upper compartment can be used to hold the package in a compact, closed position by folding the compartments to face each other and tucking an end into a receiving slot formed in the back panel of the lower compartment. Once the lower compartment is separated from the upper compartment, the same cover flap can be used to close the remaining package by tucking the same end of the cover flap into a receiving slot formed in a front panel of the upper compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Cadbury Adams USA LLC
    Inventors: Allen S. Aldridge, Paul K. Bowers, Dan Devine, Christopher J. Feltman, Frank Schiro
  • Patent number: 7565998
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a container and container blank for shipping and displaying product that are generally flat and round. In accordance with the present invention, a single sheet of foldable material is cut and scored to define a container blank. The blank includes a variety of panels, flaps and tabs, that when erected, form a container that includes an interior volume having gussets in the corners. The gusseted corners provide a contact surface for product stability within the container. Likewise, the gussets provide overall stability and increased strength to the container. The container includes top panels that close the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventor: Jack A McClure
  • Patent number: 7546924
    Abstract: A carton includes a base panel, a rear panel extending upwardly from a rear edge of the base panel, a right side panel extending forwardly from a right side edge of the rear panel, a left side panel extending forwardly from a left side edge of the rear panel, a cavity at least partially positioned between the right and left side panels for at least partially containing the article, and an at least generally forwardly facing upper panel that extends downwardly and forwardly away from an upper edge of the rear panel, and obliquely with respect to the rear panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Manuel Oliveira
  • Patent number: 7533774
    Abstract: An improved, multiple use container (20) is provided having a primary container (22), a shelf insert (24) and a tray inset (26). The preferred container (20) provides a storage area (229) sized to receive a video cassette (232) book, or other appropriately sized item, with the insert (26) adapted to hold associated items such as toys, food or the like. The container (20) has a closure assembly (38) which can be alternately oriented in a fully closed condition so that the container (20) may be used for storage, carrying or mailing purposes, or an open and secured orientation allowing access to the contents of the container without any interferences from the closure assembly (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventor: Beth Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20090050520
    Abstract: A carton includes inclined end panels that bring microwave susceptor heating materials at the carton ends into close proximity with an article accommodated within the carton. The carton is of relatively simple construction and may be stacked with other cartons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Cambay
  • Publication number: 20080272018
    Abstract: A package includes four outer walls and an internal wall running between two of the outer walls. The four outer walls and the internal wall define first and second cells. First and second pivot members are disposed in the first and second cells. A first pair of hinge members connects the first pivot member to two of the walls defining the first cell and a second pair of hinge members connects the second pivot member to two of the walls defining the second cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas Scott, Randall L. La Veau, Roger Scruggs
  • Patent number: 7395926
    Abstract: Packaging for protecting or for sending of plants or plant containers in which the packaging is formed from at least two parts. A lower part is connected to an upper part in such a manner that a recess is present between a wall of the lower part and an inner wall of the upper part and in which recess a plant container is secured against movement or displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Mars, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Petri
  • Publication number: 20080135430
    Abstract: A printed paperboard retainer for holding compact discs, DVDs and the like includes a front panel, a back panel, inner panels, and a spine. At least one inner panel has an alignment opening for receiving a retaining button to snap-engage a recording medium. The spine is formed by a gap disposed between the inner panels, wherein the gap can be wider or narrower according to the number of recording media the retainer is arranged to hold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Information Packaging Corporation
    Inventor: Brenda Fitzsimons
  • Publication number: 20080110796
    Abstract: A food article holding device for holding food items, such as tacos, during transport or consumption whereby the holder contains a primary opening allowing for the partial insertion of a food article, such as a taco, whereby generally half of the food article is inserted into the holder resulting in half of the article remaining outside of the holder, with the holder providing a catching device for articles of food that may spill or fall off of the food article during transport or consumption. Also, the holder contains an opening having a shape, including but not limited to, square, rectangular, triangular, substantially oval, circular, as well as specific custom shapes that my coincide with an as yet determined design or logo provided by an as yet determined company or entity, whereby the user can handle, adjust, or urge the food article directionally out of the holder as it is consumed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Deborah Ben Shah
  • Patent number: 7347326
    Abstract: A tubular container that can be bent at multiple angles to hold and protect irregular (non-straight) items. The container comprises at least one rigid, hollow straight section and at least one hollow tubular connector piece. The connector piece is configured to fit partially within the straight sections and comprises at least one V-shaped notch at which the tubular container can bend.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: James Baechle
  • Patent number: 7219797
    Abstract: A box, a blank that can be easily formed into the box via an intermediate box assembly, and methods for generating and using the box allows one to quickly and easily package flowers and accessories for shipment to a consumer without bending, bruising or otherwise damaging the flowers. The box includes an insert that extends from a side of the box and is pivotable into an interior of the box. The insert includes a divider that extends from the insert and can be attached to a side after the flowers have been placed in the interior to extend between two sides and divide the interior into two compartments. One compartment contains the flower portion of the flowers while the other compartment contains the stem portion of the flowers and the accessories. The blanks allow one to quickly and easily generate the boxes and ensure that the box generated will have an insert to protect the flowers during shipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Alliance Packaging LLC.
    Inventors: Matt Kroeze, George Jamison
  • Patent number: 7208209
    Abstract: The invention teaches a container formed from a synthetic substrate. The synthetic substrate is substantially tear resistant and includes polyethylene and inorganic minerals. The synthetic substrate is cut and scored to form a container blank of desired shapes and sizes. At least some portion of the container blank is coated with an adhesive. The container blank is folded and or otherwise manipulated so that at least some portion of the container blank is secured to another surface of the container blank to form a partially closed container with at least one opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Meadwestvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Andrew Parrotta, Robert Larry Flowers
  • Patent number: 7204369
    Abstract: A wraparound carton comprises wall panels hingedly interconnected in series, wherein the wall panels include a pair of base wall panels at the opposite end of the blank. One of the base wall panels is connected to an adjacent wall panel through a beam forming portion that includes a bracket panel hingedly connected to the one base wall panel and a pair of support panels both connected to the bracket panel and extending to the adjacent wall panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Philippe LeBras
  • Patent number: 7172779
    Abstract: A food package for sliced food products to be maintained with a fluffed appearance, the package including a rigid base member forming a compartment for receiving the food product and a rigid lid sealed to the compartment. Advantageously, the base member includes a bottom wall and side wall portions that are configured to engage the food product to hold the slices in a fluffed arrangement thereof. Preferably, one or more tapered side wall portions hold the food product upwardly toward the lid and inwardly toward a center of the package. In preferred embodiments, the base member and lid provide a rigid-rigid construction of the food package. In preferred embodiments, the food package is also configured to stand-up in a vertical display orientation and does not require the food product be contained within a sealed pouch within the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Carolina Castellanos, Daniel Eugene Doucette
  • Patent number: 7159717
    Abstract: A gum packaging design that utilizes two separate compartments, an upper compartment and a lower compartment. Each of the compartments may be formed from a separate paperboard blank. The blanks are folded to form the compartments and then the lower compartment is adhered to the upper compartment in a fashion that allows the lower compartment to be later separated therefrom by tearing along a perforation after the lower compartment is emptied. A cover flap on the upper compartment can be used to hold the package in a compact, closed position by folding the compartments to face each other and tucking an end into a receiving slot formed in the back panel of the lower compartment. Once the lower compartment is separated from the upper compartment, the same cover flap can be used to close the remaining package by tucking the same end of the cover flap into a receiving slot formed in a front panel of the upper compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Cadbury Adams USA, LLC
    Inventors: Allen S. Aldridge, Paul K. Bowers, Dan Devine, Christopher J. Feltman, Frank Schiro
  • Patent number: 7143892
    Abstract: A hanger for jewelry includes a substrate having first and second end portions and first and second interior portions, the first end portion being foldable relative to the first interior portion, the second end portion being foldable relative to the second interior portion, the first and second interior portions being foldable relative to one another. In assembled form, a hanger comprises a substrate having first and second upstanding end portions and first and second upstanding interior portions and defining a first fold line between the first end portion and the first interior portion, a second fold line between the second end portion and the second interior portion and a third fold line between the first and second interior portions, the third fold line being disposed upwardly of the first and second fold lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: B&G Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chester Kolton, Michael Norman
  • Patent number: 7097043
    Abstract: A packaging carton is disclosed, suitable for packaging an electronic product, such as a peripheral product, a mobile phone, or a spare part. The packing carton is formed by folding a paper material and is one piece, and is fabricated by linking two clip slots. Furthermore, the packaging carton comprises two hollow buffer structures beside two sides of a storage chamber and two upper holding pieces adjacent to both sides of the storage chamber to protect an object packaged in the packaging carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Quanta Computer, Inc.
    Inventor: Feng-Ling Hsu
  • Patent number: 7025199
    Abstract: An apparatus for containing a food and beverage includes a substantially flat stock, for example, cardboard or fiberboard that includes a plurality of perimeter panels that are folded into a three-dimensional apparatus. When formed, the apparatus includes a compartment for holding a food and a beverage. A beverage retaining member attaches in any of a variety of ways where desired to any of the panels to secure various sizes of beverage containers in an upright position on top of a center panel. The outer perimeter panels are each attached on one edge thereof to the center panel and interlock with each other during assembly to prevent accidental opening of the apparatus. A notch is provided to accept a thumb of a user and a semi-spherical opening is provided to receive a napkin or utensil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: Edmond Heng Lim
  • Patent number: 6997323
    Abstract: A packaging system for a component is disclosed. The packaging system comprises a box and a compressible and shock-absorbent packing insert. The packing insert is placed in the box after nesting a component within the insert. The insert comprises a main panel, a first end tube hingedly coupled to the main panel, a second end tube hingedly coupled to the main panel opposite the first end tube, a first side tube hingedly coupled to the main panel, the first side tube being adjacent to the first end tube and a second side tube hingedly coupled to the main panel, the second side tube being adjacent to the second end tube and opposite the first side tube wherein the first and second side tube panels and the first and second side tube panels may include at one or more cutouts to enhance the flexing capability of the packing insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Edmund Maresh, Jeffrey Jay Miller, Eric Allen Stegner, Robert W. Stegner, Christopher Michael Turner
  • Patent number: 6983847
    Abstract: A needle package (1), particularly for packaging needles (N), has a hold-down device (23) that is disposed in an interior space (I) and serves to secure the needles (N) in the interior space (I). The hold-down device (23) is formed, for example, by one or two resilient elements, such as clamping lips (24, 25), which extend transversely to the needles (N) through the interior space (I). The clamping lips (24, 25) are disposed on the inside of a segment of the package (1) that is moved toward the needles (N) after the package has been filled, so the clamping lips (24, 25) rest against the needles (N). The segment can be formed, for example, by a lid segment (12) that is seated to pivot on the receiving area (3) of the package (1). This package can be filled particularly simply, and is suitable for various types of needles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Groz-Beckert KG
    Inventors: Armin Fäller, Artur Hoch, Stefan Danner
  • Patent number: 6926153
    Abstract: A shipping box includes a bottom wall, a pair of opposing side walls extending from the bottom wall, a pair of top wall portions each extending from one of the side walls, a pair of top inserts each extending from one of the top wall portions, a pair of opposing end walls extending from the bottom wall, and a pair of end inserts each extending from one of the end walls. Preformed fold lines facilitate folding the side walls, the end walls, top wall portions and inserts to form a pair of interior storage chambers therebetween for containing a display board with retail product attached thereto. The box folds around the board and product with a snug fit being provided between the box and board. The top inserts fold into the box, contacting the board. Slots in the end inserts mesh with slots formed partially in the top wall portions and partially in the top inserts. Slits in the top wall portions define U-shaped handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Ashok V. Chandaria
  • Patent number: 6918488
    Abstract: A package for dispensing articles intended for one time use only, such as skin plasters or adhesive bandages, medicaments, and disposable handkerchiefs, where the articles are placed on top of each other, or on top of and side-by-side of each other, to form a layer of juxtaposed articles. The package includes an upper part and a lower part that is partially telescopically received within the upper part. The lower part of the package is generally rectangular in cross-section and is closed at its bottom and along its sides to form a pocket. The rear wall of the lower part connects with the front edge of a flat panel defining a top wall of the upper part. A tongue extends from the front edge of the upper part down between the respective rear wall and front wall of the lower part of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Cederroth International AB
    Inventor: Per Renhed
  • Patent number: 6913140
    Abstract: A box formed from a single piece of cardboard and defining in its interior a highly stable pocket into which an illustrative leaflet can be inserted during the box manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: GI.BI.EFFE S.r.l.
    Inventor: Carmelo Lo Duca
  • Patent number: 6902062
    Abstract: A dispensing package that is capable of accommodating relatively a large number of stick-like articles, of separating old and new articles and of storing remaining articles as disclosed. This dispensing package comprises a case for accommodating therein unit packages containing a plurality of stick-like articles like batteries aligned in parallel by stacking a plurality of unit packages, an opening for putting in and taking out the unit packages provided on an upper part of the case, a lid for closing the opening, and a tear-off portion for forming the extracting outlet that is provided on a side wall corresponding to the unit package in the lowest position. The extracting outlet is formed on a side wall of the case facing to one end of the stick-like articles in the unit package. A large number of articles can be effectively displayed and a specified number of articles can be taken out smoothly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Kumakura, Tadashi Ono
  • Patent number: 6899223
    Abstract: A form for a package for holding consumer articles including optically-based media. The form is a base sheet with a central section and a series of foldable adjoining flaps extending from the central section in alternate first and second directions. The flaps are adapted to be folded over the central section and then secured to the central section for mounting one or more holders, such as one or more trays for digital video disks. The invention includes the package made from the form and a method of making the form from a blank sheet of paperboard material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Bert-Co Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Hayden A. Carney, Anthony B. Joyce
  • Patent number: 6877609
    Abstract: The invention relates to a package and method of transportation for items of electrical apparatus. The items are required to be packaged for transport from the manufacturing location to a storage facility and then on to an end user. At the storage facility, preinstallation checks and procedures, also called staging, are performed on the items of apparatus including, in some instances the downloading of software and control features via electrical connection. The invention avoids the conventional need to remove the items of apparatus at the storage location for the performance of the checks and procedures by providing a package with selectively removable portions which, when removed, allow the required access to the components of the apparatus without needing to remove same from the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Pace Micro Technology Plc.
    Inventors: Lee Barker, Jenny Bravo
  • Patent number: 6854597
    Abstract: A package which demonstrates utility of two cooperating attachable pieces includes a first package portion for retaining a first piece having a first releasably connectable surface thereon, wherein the first package portion includes a reveal surface to expose part of the releasably connectable surface, a second package portion for retaining a second piece which cooperates with the first piece and has a second releasably connectable surface thereon, wherein the second package portion includes a reveal surface to expose part of the second releasably connectable surface. Further, the releasably connectable surfaces can be connected to one another through the reveal surfaces which when so connected retains the package portions adjacent one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Ali, Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Ali, Christopher Ali, Phillip Glenn Ali
  • Patent number: 6843408
    Abstract: A device at a package comprises a bottom and walls protruding upwards therefrom. The package is formed by a foldable blank and comprises an arrangement for locking the package in its erected state. The locking arrangement comprises locking tips (25, 26, 32, 33) connected to a wall, which locking tips are located inside a cavity in an adjoining wall in the erected state of the package and arranged to lock the wall first mentioned by bearing upon an upper panel portion (21, 23) of the adjoining wall from the inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Goran Agren
  • Publication number: 20040238403
    Abstract: A container for receiving a food product and folded from a blank, the container comprising a main body defining an opening for receiving the food product and a circumjacent flange (11), and the surface of the blank forming the inner surface of the container having a plastics coating such that a plastics film can be heat sealed to the flange to create a substantially airtight container for the food product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Philip Wright, Frank Mills, Neil Goldman
  • Patent number: 6793071
    Abstract: Packaging is provided for removably holding a pan and cover together. The packaging includes a sheet provided with a top and bottom panel and adapted to accommodate a cover of a pan between the top and bottom panels when expanded to form a loop. The top panel may define a first hole adapted to receive a cover handle. A portion of the sheet defines a second hole adapted to receive a handle of a pan. When the cover is inserted in the loop and the handle of a pan is inserted through the second hole, the cover is removably secured to the pan such that it can lie over an opening of the pan, yet be moved to view the inside of the pan thereby allowing a prospective buyer to inspect the interior of the pan. In the preferred embodiment, a rectangular sheet with two opposed ends secured together forms the packaging. The second hole, adapted to receive a handle of a pan, is provided adjacent the secured opposed ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: World Kitchen, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward B. Rhyne, Bradley P. Woolaway
  • Publication number: 20040178110
    Abstract: A shipping box includes a bottom wall, a pair of opposing side walls extending from the bottom wall, a pair of top wall portions each extending from one of the side walls, a pair of top inserts each extending from one of the top wall portions, a pair of opposing end walls extending from the bottom wall, and a pair of end inserts each extending from one of the end walls. Preformed fold lines facilitate folding the side walls, the end walls, top wall portions and inserts to form a pair of interior storage chambers therebetween for containing a display board with retail product attached thereto. The box folds around the board and product with a snug fit being provided between the box and board. The top inserts fold into the box, contacting the board. Slots in the end inserts mesh with slots formed partially in the top wall portions and partially in the top inserts. Slits in the top wall portions define U-shaped handles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Ashok V. Chandaria
  • Patent number: 6779666
    Abstract: An envelope, bag or other mailing device for preventing the shifting of an item located within the envelope and a method for making the same is provided. The envelope includes a front panel, a back panel and at least one protrusion. The back panel is coupled to the front panel to form an interior portion formed between opposed interior surfaces of the front and back panels. The protrusion is coupled to one of the opposed interior surfaces and extends into the interior portion of the envelope. In another embodiment, a second protrusion is coupled to the other side of opposed interior surfaces and extends into the interior portion of the envelope. The protrusions are adapted tp associate with one another to protect items contained within the envelope from external forces and prevent the item from moving around within the interior portion of the envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Winkler + Dunnebier, AG
    Inventor: Robert W. Collins
  • Publication number: 20040124236
    Abstract: A mailing or shipping container, made of corrugated cardboard, is formed from a single scored piece of corrugated cardboard that when folded provides multiple layers of support at the corners of the box providing extra strength for protection against crushing. The container is constructed so as to permit folding in such a way as to be self locking and has pressure sensitive adhesive means applied to interior surfaces for sealing the container when folded. The mailing or shipping container has added layers of cardboard at the rear corners and added layers of cardboard at the front corners to provided increased protection from crushing, depending on the aspect ratio of the final assembled container. All layers are foldably deployed and implemented from a single sheet blank of substantially rectangular corrugated cardboard, by defining suitable scores and cuts in the blank material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: David M. Howard
  • Patent number: 6619483
    Abstract: A binder (10) comprises a first panel (12) divided by a first fold line (14) from a second panel (16) which is divided by a second fold line (18) from a third panel (20), the first and second fold lines (14, 18) being intersected by three slits (22, 24, 26), the central slit (22) being longer than the first and second outer slits (24, 26), and each end of the central slit (22) being joined to an adjacent end of each of the first and second outer slits (24, 26) by a respective crease line (28a, 30a, 28b, 30b); whereby, when the third panel (20) is folded about outer parts of the first and second fold lines (14, 18) to be spaced from yet overlie the first panel (12), the material between the central slit (22) and the first outer slit (24) is folded about its associated crease lines and the inner parts of the first and second fold lines to form a first strap (32), and the material between the central slit (22) and the second outer slit (26) is folded about its associated crease lines and the inner parts of the f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Traffic Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Leslie Paine
  • Patent number: 6612482
    Abstract: A sleeve is provided which in assembled form slides over an openable carton with a protuberance to maintain the carton in its closed position. The sleeve may be assembled prior to production and stored flat or in a roll to minimize storage space and save production costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Edward Ross
  • Patent number: 6568585
    Abstract: An article carrier and a blank for an article carrier for holding an article, for example a tray, comprising a top wall, opposed side walls and a base wall hingedly connected together to form a tubular structure and wherein there further comprises an article retention structure hingedly connected to the top wall and the base panel. The article retention structure is formed by a pair of interconnected panels formed from adjacent carton walls and inwardly folded to retain the article within the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Philippe Marie
  • Patent number: 6270005
    Abstract: A packaging assembly is provided for containers such as plastic tubs with snap-on removable lids. A carton is provided to receive multiple containers co-planar arranged to form a tier. The containers are also stacked one on top of another to form multiple tiers. The carton includes minor flaps having recesses for at least partially receiving removable lids on a lower iter, to prevent lateral shifting of one container in the tier with respect to another upon application of an inward force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Neil Enciso
  • Patent number: 6186327
    Abstract: A carpet sample book is constructed from a single sheet of cardboard or other suitable material. The sheet is creased to define a number of panels. The sheet may be folded over itself to make the panels several layers thick. Cutouts are made through some or all of the layers to holding carpet samples. The creases act like hinges which allow the panels to be folded over each other so that the entire assembly can be folded into a compact book.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Interface, Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Hadden
  • Patent number: 6112893
    Abstract: A box for packaging a tubular container whose bottom is formed with a closing line, the container having a width that increases in the direction towards the closing line. The box is obtained by successively folding a blank in a single piece so as to be able to wedge the container inside the box and guide the container during its insertion into the box. To this end, the box has two V-shaped recesses disposed on either side of the object and separated by a distance smaller than the greatest width of the container, the recesses opening out in the vicinity of one of the ends of the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventors: Laurent Aubry, Philippe Benivay
  • Patent number: 6105759
    Abstract: A folding carton for an elongated object, such as a double ended electric mp is disclosed. The carton includes cut out retentions formed in the end flaps of the carton to position the elongated object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft fuer elektrische Gluehlampen mbH
    Inventors: Michael Fuchs, Herbert Roderwieser
  • Patent number: 6092664
    Abstract: The present invention is a food package comprising, in combination, a tray, a collar, and an anchor to resist slideable displacement of the collar relative to the tray. The tray has a plurality of open top food compartments, and, in plan view, is substantially rectangular with a top planar surface defining perimeter edges about the tray and borders between top openings of the compartments. Each compartment has bottom and side surfaces, the bottom surfaces lying substantially in a bottom plane parallel to the top surface of the tray, the sides of adjacent compartments being separated by predetermined spaces. The collar surrounds the tray over the top surface, about a first perimeter edge of the top surface, covering the sides and bottom surfaces of at least a portion of two adjacent compartments and about a second perimeter edge opposite to the first perimeter edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Paul Bartosek
  • Patent number: 6085907
    Abstract: A biological evidence collection apparatus provides contact-free drying, storage, identification, and protection against sample switch and contamination of collected biological samples. The apparatus may include the described forensic evidence collection kit which provides a set of tools for the collection and storage of biological evidence. The collection apparatus may also be used as part of a sexual assault evidence collection kit, or a kit for the collection of buccal swabs, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Bern
    Inventors: Manfred N. Hochmeister, Henry C. Lee
  • Patent number: 6079563
    Abstract: A container, for storing products such as automobile compressors, made from a single piece of material, preferably corrugated fiber, and assembled by folding along score lines and secured by engaging tongue and matching groove members to form a top, a bottom and sidewall members of the container. Internal product support structures are formed, from the original piece of corrugated fiber, by folding along additional score lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: Robert A. Katchmazenski
  • Patent number: 6063415
    Abstract: A food container and its method of use are disclosed. The food container includes a top panel, bottom panel and plurality of sidewalls. A movable panel is hingedly connected to one of the sidewalls, allowing a consumer to open the container. Attached to the lower edge of the movable panel is a shelf supporting a food item. A consumer can access the food item by opening the movable panel, which causes the shelf to carry the food item outside the container into a position that permits the consumer to easily manipulate it. The food item or a portion thereof can then be replaced in the container by simply closing the movable panel. The shelf may engage one or more sidewalls of the bottom panel to assist in maintaining the container in a closed position after initial opening and reclosing. The container is suitable for packaging food items that include both microwaveable and non-microwaveable ingredients. A foldable blank for manufacturing the container is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Kraft Foods, Inc.
    Inventor: Candace Mary Walters
  • Patent number: 6059113
    Abstract: A package for simultaneously protecting and displaying fragile products or items of merchandise, particularly items having the form of slender rods. The package comprises a carton having a window and containing a corrugated insert. The window permits viewing the products in the package while the corrugated insert provides separation and protection for the individual products. The carton and the insert are each folded from a single blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Shoyeido Corporation
    Inventor: Jerry Don Hodges
  • Patent number: 5927506
    Abstract: A support member formed from a single piece blank of cardboard or similar material which is creased or scored to enable it to be formed into the member having a generally boat-shaped configuration. Parallel sides extend vertically and have curved ends at the forward and aft surfaces. A primary member is hingedly secured to the sides to form a bottom and is secured to the curved ends of the side members to form curved planar surfaces which then extend inwardly to form supporting arrises, these members thus forming a hollow opening in the interior of the member. Products such as elastomeric automotive window moldings are supported on the arrises, droop inwardly into the openings, and pass under the bottom. Legs formed on lower surfaces of the sides raise the bottom member. The assembled support member and moldings may be used as a work station on the automotive assembly line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Creative Extruded Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack D. Young, John D. Troutman, Donald E. Chmiel
  • Patent number: 5915564
    Abstract: A single-piece cardboard sheet into which slots and tabs are strategically cut to permit its folding into a carton for packaging a spur. The top section of the unfolded cardboard carton contains a cutout and an elongated tab projecting upwards; the end of the tab consists of a distal foldable flap separated from the tab by two lateral indentations. The central section of the carton contains a hanging slot suitable for receiving a hook of a display rack and two lower vertical slots spaced apart a distance commensurate with the size of the spur. In addition, a partial cut in the area above and around the upper slot defines a boundary between the upper and central sections of the carton such that the hanging slot is unencumbered when the two sections are folded. Finally, a horizontal slit sized to receive the tab is cut above and between the two vertical slots, the exact position being selected to meet the tab when the upper section of the carton is folded over the central section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Eastwest International (Taiwan) Enterprises
    Inventor: Chang Hsi-Chang
  • Patent number: 5915556
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a shock absorbing component for packaging an article and for protecting the article during shipping. The component is foldable (preferably from a single sheet) for enclosing the article therein. The component comprises a first section for receiving a first surface of the article and a second section for receiving a second surface of the article. The first section having multiple nonlinear cuts or serrations such that upon placing the article between the first and second sections, the cuts allow the first section to deform and at least partially conform to the shape of the first surface of the article. The component may be disposed within and integrally formed with a shipping container having exterior protective walls. The component may further comprise spacer panels to separate the component from the exterior walls of the shipping container. Although the disclosed shipping container may have open ends, it desirably has ends completing the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Eugene D. Simpson