Beverage Receptacle Patents (Class 220/62.12)
  • Patent number: 7922071
    Abstract: A container and method of manufacture are provided. The container includes a cup with a permanently attached sleeve overlying an exterior portion of the cup sidewall. The sleeve includes a plurality of inwardly directed protuberances providing a gap between a substantial portion of the cup sidewall and the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Huhtamaki, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Robertson, George E. Mac Ewen
  • Patent number: 7913873
    Abstract: The sidewall portion of a cup or other container for a heated beverage or other hot liquid comprises a relatively rigid outer wall and a relatively flexible inner liner. The wall and liner are attached together at respective upper and lower circumferential bands and at least an intermediate portion of the liner between the upper and lower circumferential bands is separable from the outer wall, to thereby form a sealed void between the outer wall and the inner liner which extends circumferentially along the entire comfort band and which defines a comfort band encircling at least a middle region of the cup. In one embodiment, a liner preform is placed on a tapered mandrel provided with selectively heated circumferential bands for sealing the upper and lower circumferential bands of the liner to an inner surface of the outer wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLC
    Inventor: Gerald J. Van Handel
  • Publication number: 20110062154
    Abstract: A double structure cup is disclosed, which is characterized in that a plurality of polygonal male protrusions are protruded from a bottom surface of the inner cup in a downward direction, and a plurality of concave protrusions are formed and engaged with the male protrusions on a bottom surface of the outer cup in an upward direction, so that as the male protrusions are engaged with the concave protrusions, the inner cup does not rotate along with the lid when the lid is rotated for opening and closing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventor: Jae-Woong RHEE
  • Publication number: 20110056963
    Abstract: An apparatus in an example implementation includes a vessel that includes an inner wall and an outer wall. The outer wall includes a first set of grooves configured on an interior portion of a bottom of the outer wall. The inner wall includes a second set of grooves configured on an exterior of the inner wall. The first set of grooves are configured to interface with the second set of grooves to secure the inner wall and the outer wall together. In more specific embodiments, the first set of grooves and the second set of grooves are provided as ascending steps such that a rotational force applied to one of the walls operates to engage subsequent steps in each of the first and second sets of grooves. The walls are configured such that a rotational force creates a force being applied to the lip to secure the walls together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Charles W. Andrews, Thomas G. Morris II, Jack R. Rigby
  • Patent number: 7878365
    Abstract: A mug (10) includes an outer transparent casing (40) having an open bottom end. A cup (11) is received in the casing (40). A display member (60) is positioned in a space (44) between the casing (40), and the cup (11) and images thereon can be seen through the casing (50). A threaded hub (16) is formed at the bottom of the cup (11), and a cap (64) engages the hub (16) to close the bottom of the casing (40). In this manner the cap (64) can be removed for access to the display member (60) should it be desired to change the display member (60). A timepiece (50) is carried by the casing (40) and a lid (20) may be attached to the cup (11). A cup (70) may be provided to engage the lower portion (43) of the casing (40) and to cover the cap (64).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: TimeMug LLC
    Inventor: Brian G. Meehan
  • Patent number: 7828199
    Abstract: A storage container includes a receptacle having a circumferential sidewall and a sleeve fixedly attached to the receptacle having a circumferential sidewall with a left edge, a right edge, and marginal portions adjacent the left and right edges wherein the edges meet to form a butt seam. The receptacle sidewall and the sleeve sidewall define an insulating layer therebetween. The insulating layer includes a first edge and a second edge wherein the first and second edges do not extend under the marginal portions such that the insulating layer has a smaller circumference than that of the sleeve sidewall. A method for forming a storage container is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Huhtamaki, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Robertson, William D. McKahan
  • Publication number: 20100276420
    Abstract: A method of making a beverage container from salt including cutting the salt into a block. A center portion of the block is removed to form a hollow interior portion for receiving a liquid. The block is polished to create smooth sides and rounded edges for the container. A wax coating may be applied to an exterior portion of the block. Further, an indicia may be attached to the wax coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Mary Porter McKee, John R. Tucker, JR.
  • Patent number: 7818866
    Abstract: A reinforced plastic foam cup including a body which defines an open top end and a closed bottom end, wherein the top end has a greater diameter than the bottom end. The body includes a reinforced tapered side wall that extends from the bottom end to the top end. A substantial portion of the reinforced tapered side wall includes a plastic foam layer, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer and a rigid material layer. Such reinforced plastic foam cup provides an improved tactile feel and enhanced insulation and rigidity properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Prairie Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Hollis, Dimitri Stamatiou
  • Patent number: 7754302
    Abstract: The present invention provides a plastic container or bottle having an inner wall surface coated with a DLC film which has the same level of oxygen barrier property as prior art DLC coated containers while at the same time preventing the coloration of the neck portion found in the containers of the prior art. The DLC film formed on the neck portion of the inventive bottle has a lower graphite mixing proportion than the DLC film formed on body portion, and the oxygen permeability of the container is less than or equal to 0.0050 ml/container (500 ml PET container)/day. The apparatus and the method of producing such a bottle are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Kirin Brewery Company, Limted
    Inventors: Teruyuki Yamasaki, Akira Shirakura, Hideyasu Ando
  • Publication number: 20100025283
    Abstract: Provided is a laminated steel sheet for a can body of a two-piece can, containing a copolyethylene terephthalate resin layer containing at least one member selected from the group consisting of isophthalic acid and cyclohexane dimethanol as a copolymer component in a proportion of 5 to 20 mol % and having a crystallization temperature of 120° C. to 140° C. on at least one side of a steel sheet; and satisfying the following relationships: r1?r, 0.1?r1/R?0.25, and 1.5?h/(R?r)?4, wherein r1 represents the minimum radius of the can body, r represents the maximum radius of the can body, h represents the height of the can body, and R represents the radius of the laminated steel sheet having a circular shape before shaping whose weight is the same as that of the can body. The laminated steel sheet is suitable for a can body of a two-piece can having a high strain level, and can provide a two-piece can body which is free from delamination and breakage of the resin layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Yasuhide Oshima, Hiroki Iwasa, Yoshihiko Yasue, Yuka Nishihara, Katsumi Kojima, Hiroshi Kubo
  • Patent number: 7618405
    Abstract: A flexible container incorporating flexible front and rear sheets and one or more container ports disposed in between the sheets are discussed. The one or more container ports each has a pliable attachment flange and an integrally molded nozzle. The pliable attachment flange has a first configuration whereby the attachment flange collapses to enable heat sealing the attachment flange to the sheets and thereafter substantially recovers its shape to provide a fluid pathway with the port. Various terminal ports, terminal caps, and rubber septums may be useable with the one or more container ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: B. Braun Medical Inc.
    Inventor: Harvey Theodore Young
  • Patent number: 7600669
    Abstract: A container blank comprises at least one substrate layer made of disposable material and at least one film layer disposed substantially over the substrate layer and having at least one portion adapted to shrink away from the substrate layer upon application of heat. The shrunk film layer portion is adapted to thermally insulate the substrate layer located substantially behind the shrunk film layer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLC
    Inventor: Gerald J. Van Handel
  • Publication number: 20090212053
    Abstract: The aerating wine glass is a beverage glass having a fluid dynamic structure formed on an inner surface thereof for generating bubbles in the beverage when the beverage is swirled therein. The aerating wine glass is preferably formed as a conventional wine glass, having a receptacle portion, a stem, and a base, with the receptacle portion having an open upper end and a closed lower end. A plurality of protruding members are formed on an inner surface of the receptacle portion so that swirling the beverage received within the receptacle portion causes the beverage to pass over the plurality of protruding members in order to aerate the beverage through the production of air bubbles. Each protruding member may be formed as a hollow tube, allowing the wine to travel both over and through the protruding member in order to generate air bubbles as the wine is swirled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Frank A. Lardino
  • Patent number: 7530468
    Abstract: A drinking apparatus. The drinking apparatus includes a fluid container for containment of liquid and also includes an attached base unit that is designed to collect any overflow of liquid from the fluid container. The top rim of the base unit is curved, having its highest point adjacent to an attached handle and the lowest point opposite the handle. Between the fluid container and the base unit is located a pair of sliding panels that are mounted within a number of grooves. After liquid has been poured but before it is to be drunk, the sliding panels are used to cover the area in between the fluid container and the base unit so that any spilled liquid that has already entered into a fluid reservoir within the base unit will not exit the fluid reservoir while the fluid within the fluid container is being drunk by an individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Patrick J. Garvey
  • Patent number: 7481356
    Abstract: Described is a stackable, heat-insulating paperboard cup having an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve with a gap there between. A rolled lip is applied to the lower end of the outer sleeve, which rolled lip is disposed on the inner sleeve. A shoulder is formed on the inner sleeve for the rolled lip of another paperboard cup to be stacked. The diameter of the inner sleeve below the shoulder is reduced discontinuously. The support of the lower rolled lip on the outer surface of the inner sleeve is arranged at the same level as, or below, the cup bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: PTM Packaging Tools Machinery PTE Ltd.
    Inventor: Werner Stahlecker
  • Patent number: 7475786
    Abstract: Compositions for coating food cans comprising a film-forming resin and an amine-terminated polyamide are disclosed. Food cans coated with such a coating, and methods for coating food cans, are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. McVay
  • Patent number: 7464857
    Abstract: A container blank comprises at least one substrate layer made of disposable material and at least one film layer disposed substantially over the substrate layer and having at least one portion adapted to shrink away from the substrate layer upon application of heat. The shrunk film layer portion is adapted to thermally insulate the substrate layer located substantially behind the shrunk film layer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLC
    Inventor: Gerald J. Van Handel
  • Patent number: 7464856
    Abstract: A container blank comprises at least one substrate layer made of disposable material and at least one film layer disposed substantially over the substrate layer and having at least one portion adapted to shrink away from the substrate layer upon application of heat. The shrunk film layer portion is adapted to thermally insulate the substrate layer located substantially behind the shrunk film layer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLC
    Inventor: Gerald J. Van Handel
  • Publication number: 20080302800
    Abstract: An plastic portable heat insulation cup, comprising: a) an external cup made of plastic material by means of an injection molding process, a first lip rim being formed by turning the rim portion of the external cup inside out, an annular groove with the external wall protruding outward being integrally formed at a place 3-13 mm lower than the first lip rim, the distance from the annular groove to the protrusion portion of the cup bottom being marked with h1; and b) an internal cup made of plastic material by means of an injection molding process, the outer diameter of the internal cup depending on the inclination and the inner diameter of the flank of the external cup, a plurality of corrugations being formed in the flank of the internal cup such that a heat insulation space is created between the corrugations and the flank of the external cup, a second lip rim being formed by turning the rim portion of internal cup inside out, the distance from the second lip rim to the external side of the cup bottom being
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Shin-Jai Chou
  • Patent number: 7458504
    Abstract: A container and method of manufacture are provided. The container includes a cup with a permanently attached sleeve overlying an exterior portion of the cup sidewall. The sleeve includes a plurality of inwardly directed protuberances providing a gap between a substantial portion of the cup sidewall and the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Huhtamaki Consumer Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Robertson, George E. Mac Ewen
  • Publication number: 20080272118
    Abstract: A kaleidoscopic cup includes an outer cup, an inner cup, a turning base, a waterproof gasket and plural decorative members. The inner cup is placed in the outer cup, having a multi-sided body in a lower portion, and the sides of the multi-sided body are specially treated with mirror reflection to make its inner surface reflective. The inner cup has an annular insert groove in a bottom of an upper section on the multi-sided body. The waterproof gasket is placed between the outer cup and the turning base, and the decorative members are deposited on the recess of the turning base and that of the inner cup. Then the reflective inner surfaces of the multi-sides body of the inner cup reflect the images of the decorative members to give a kaleidoscopic visual effect to a person looking at the cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: CHING YUEH WANG WU
  • Publication number: 20080121681
    Abstract: A thermally insulated container is disclosed. The container comprises an inner layer having a bottom portion with a bottom closure attached to the bottom portion. The container further comprises an outer layer wrapped around the inner layer. The container further comprises an insulating middle layer sandwiched between the inner layer and the outer layer. The middle layer has at least one aperture formed therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventor: Warren G. Wiedmeyer
  • Publication number: 20080110882
    Abstract: A magnetized active water cup is provided, which includes an opening cover opening and closing the cup, a protruding tube formed at the center of the cup, and an elongated rod-shaped permanent magnet fitted in the protruding tube. Here, magnet embedded grooves are formed at certain intervals in the wall of the cup and permanent magnet, a magnetic force blocking cover and a sealing plate are fixed in sequence into each magnet embedded groove. Accordingly, magnetic force lines generated by the magnets 2 and 3 are uniformly influenced on the water contained in the magnetized active water cup, to thus enhance a magnetic efficiency of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: In-Su Jang
  • Patent number: 7364047
    Abstract: Tubular, especially can-shaped, receptacle for the accommodation of fluids, especially drinks, with a tubular body and a base and top section attached to this, wherein the top section is constructed in the shape of a shoulder and is suitable for attaching a closure device, especially a resealable one. The shoulder-shaped top section is at least partially enclosed, especially in the shape of a shoulder, by an upper edge of the tubular body and sealed with this.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Zweigniederlassung der Huhtamaki Deutschaland, GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Andreas Michalsky
  • Patent number: 7357863
    Abstract: A fluid container and method for inhibiting the growth of microbes in liquid nutrient in a container, the container having an interior surface having a metal-ion sequestering agent and antimicrobial agent for inhibiting growth of microbes in the liquid nutrient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: David L. Patton, Joseph F. Bringley, Richard W. Wien, John M. Pochan, Yannick J. F. Lerat
  • Patent number: 7306113
    Abstract: A portable drinking container is provided. The drinking container comprises a drinking vessel, a separate skirt around the drinking vessel and a foam material located in a second cavity between the skirt and the drinking vessel. The drinking vessel has a sidewall defining a drinking cavity with an opening at a proximal end of the drinking vessel. The skirt is provided around a distal end portion of the drinking vessel. Generally, the drinking vessel is made of a first material and the skirt is made of a second material distinct from the first material, and in one embodiment the drinking vessel is made of a ceramic material and the skirt is made of stainless steel. Additionally, a removable fastener may be provided to connect the skirt to the drinking vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Ignite USA, LLC
    Inventors: Sami El-Saden, Mark Edward Fastabend
  • Publication number: 20070215618
    Abstract: A thermally insulative beverage container is provided. The container has an inner cup with a side wall and a bottom portion defining a bottom closure. The container further has an insulative layer circumferentially disposed around and adhered to the side wall of the inner cup. The insulative layer is fabricated from cork. A method for insulating a beverage container using a cork material is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventors: Larry F. Wright, Joshua D. Wright
  • Patent number: 7264132
    Abstract: A box-like hollow body, particularly a container of various shapes and size, comprising at least an inner hollow body 3 and an outer hollow body 2, interpenetrating with each other so as to create an integral structure with particular characteristics of mechanical resistance and ornamental, and provided with a continuous inner surface without gaps and an outer surface patterned according to zones or sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Immanuel Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Basara
  • Patent number: 7258787
    Abstract: A fluid container and method for inhibiting the growth of microbes in liquid nutrient in a container, the container having an interior surface having a metal-ion sequestering agent for removing a designated metal ion from the liquid nutrient for inhibiting growth of microbes in the liquid nutrient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: David L. Patton, Joseph F. Bringley, Richard W. Wien, John M. Pochan, Yannick J. F. Lerat
  • Patent number: 7258786
    Abstract: A fluid container and method for inhibiting the growth of microbes in liquid nutrient in a container, the container having an interior surface having a metal-ion sequestering agent for removing a designated metal ion from the liquid nutrient for inhibiting growth of microbes in the liquid nutrient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: David L. Patton, Joseph F. Bringley, Richard W. Wien, John M. Pochan, Yannick J. F. Lerat
  • Patent number: 6989198
    Abstract: A multi-layer structure excellent in the barrier properties against alcohol gasoline, particularly hydrocarbon components, and also excellent in the interlayer adhesion, low-temperature impact resistance, heat resistance and chemical resistance is provided. The stractive is a multi-layer structure comprising two or more layers including at least a layer (a) comprising (A) nylon 11 and/or nylon 12 and a layer (b) comprising (B) a polyamide resin (nylon 9T) consisting of a dicarboxylic acid component and a-diamine component, with 60 to 100 mol % of the dicarboxylic acid component being a terephthalic acid and 60 to 100 mol % of the diamine component being a diamine component selected from 1,9-nonanediamine and 2-methyl-1,8-octanediamine, and preferably further including a layer (c) comprising (A) nylon 11 and/or nylon 12 or (C) nylon 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignees: Kuraray Co., Ltd., Ube Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruhisa Masuda, Yuji Munesawa, Koichi Warino, Tomoharu Nishioka, Yoshio Iwata, Koji Nakamura, Kozo Tamura, Tetsuya Hara
  • Patent number: 6851579
    Abstract: A collapsible bag for dispensing liquids which includes at least one sheet sealed to define an enclosure and a fitment (spout) attached to the enclosure and out through which liquid in the enclosure is dispensed. An interior surface of the one or more sheets has an integral texture to assist with withdrawal of the liquid from the enclosure when collapsed. The texture can be provided by sheet surfaces that are mechanically or ultrasonically embossed or are bubble-cushioned or which have sealed pleats or accordion folds. The bottom surface of a lower flange of the fitment may have concentric ridges (or spirals) and/or radial grooves. Also disclosed are methods of making the bag from one, two, three or four sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Scholle Corporation
    Inventors: Chester Savage, Kenneth Micnerski, Richard Carroll, Nancy Lu, Richard L. Albiani, Rocklin Verespej
  • Patent number: 6846529
    Abstract: The invention provides a low density paperboard material for use in producing an insulated container, and is especially well-suited for making cups. The paperboard material comprises a paperboard web including wood fibers and expanded microspheres, and has a relatively low density ranging from about 6 to about 10 lb/3MSF/mil, a relatively high caliper ranging from about 24 to about 35 mil, and an internal bond strength of at least about 80×10?3 ft-lbf preferably at least 100×10?3 ft-lbf. For applications such as cups the material is also coated on one or both sides with a barrier coating, preferably low density polyethylene, to limit liquid penetration into the web. The low density paperboard material of the invention is convertible for manufacture of containers, particularly cups, and the surface of the low density board may have a Sheffield smoothness of 300 SU or greater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventors: Kosaraju Krishna Mohan, Alexander A. Koukoulas, Peter Matthew Froass, David Verd Reed
  • Patent number: 6763962
    Abstract: A container with double layers includes a metallic outer layer having through holes on a surrounding portion, and a plastic inner layer formed directly over an inner side of the outer layer by means of injection molding with a mold; the mold is shaped such that three-dimensional projecting portions are formed over corresponding ones of the through holes of the outer layer to project beyond the outer layer in the injection molding, and that the edges of the three-dimensional projecting portions cover those portions of the outer layer that define the through holes; thus, the layers can't easily separate from, or move relative to, each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Duo Yeu Metal Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih Hung Wang
  • Patent number: 6739470
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an insulated container which provides a high level of safety, which can be manufactured at a low cost, and which is aesthetically attractive and appealing to enjoy a variety of changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignees: Sadao Yawata, Masaki Kato
    Inventor: Masaya Yawata
  • Patent number: 6740378
    Abstract: The coated multilayer structure comprising a polymeric base layer, a zero valent material barrier layer, and a top coat on the zero valent material barrier layer, the top coat comprising a soluble compound capable of reducing the permeability of the multilayer structure to gas or vapor. The zero valent material barrier layer can also enhance barrier to UV light. A method for enhancing the gas or vapor barrier properties or the UV light barrier properties of a multilayer polymeric/inorganic structure is also disclosed. According to one embodiment, Si coated polyethylene terephthalate containers are coated with a gas or vapor barrier enhancing top coat. A method for recycling containers coated with a zero valent material barrier layer is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Mark Rule, Yu Shi, Horst Ehrich
  • Patent number: 6729534
    Abstract: A container blank comprises at least one substrate layer made of disposable material and at least one film layer disposed substantially over the substrate layer and having at least one portion adapted to shrink away from the substrate layer upon application of heat. The shrunk film layer portion is adapted to thermally insulate the substrate layer located substantially behind the shrunk film layer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald J. Van Handel
  • Patent number: 6720052
    Abstract: The coated multilayer structure comprising a polymeric base layer, an inorganic oxide gas barrier layer on a surface of the polymeric base layer, and a top coat on the inorganic oxide gas barrier layer, the top coat comprising a soluble compound capable of reducing the permeability of the multilayer structure to gas or vapor. A method for enhancing the gas or vapor barrier properties of a multilayer polymeric/inorganic oxide structure is also disclosed. According to one embodiment, SiOx coated polyethylene terephthalate containers are coated with a gas or vapor barrier enhancing top coat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Mark Rule, Yu Shi, Thomas Gebele, Helmut Grimm, Elisabeth Budke
  • Patent number: 6607097
    Abstract: A collapsible bag for dispensing liquids which includes at least one sheet sealed to define an enclosure and a fitment (spout) attached to the enclosure and out through which liquid in the enclosure is dispensed. An interior surface of the one or more sheets has integral texture to assist in withdrawal of the liquid from the enclosure when collapsed. The texture can be provided by sheet surfaces that are mechanically or ultrasonically embossed or are bubble-cushioned or which have sealed pleats or accordion folds. The bottom surface of a lower flange of the fitment may have concentric ridges (or spirals) and/or radial grooves. Also disclosed are methods of making the bag from one, two, three or four sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Scholle Corporation
    Inventors: Chester Savage, Kenneth Micnerski, Richard Carroll, Nancy Lu, Richard L. Albiani, Rocklin Verespej
  • Publication number: 20030121189
    Abstract: Drink containers with a variety of shapes are disclosed. Each drink container has a shell and an image-carrying sheet molded into the shell. In some embodiments, the image-carrying sheet is a sheet of lenticular lens material. A method of manufacturing the various illustrative drink containers is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Bruce A. Williams
  • Publication number: 20030121963
    Abstract: A container blank comprises at least one substrate layer made of disposable material and at least one film layer disposed substantially over the substrate layer and having at least one portion adapted to shrink away from the substrate layer upon application of heat. The shrunk film layer portion is adapted to thermally insulate the substrate layer located substantially behind the shrunk film layer portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Gerald J. Van Handel
  • Patent number: 6536657
    Abstract: A disposable cup comprises a side wall having an outer surface, an inner surface, and at least one air pocket formed on the inner surface. The air pockets are formed by shrink film being adhered to the inner surface in at least one pattern and adapted to pull away from the inner surface in accordance with the pattern upon application of heat at a temperature range sufficient to cause the formation of air pockets. The formed air pockets thermally insulate a portion of the outer cup surface located directly behind the air pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald J. Van Handel
  • Patent number: 6505752
    Abstract: A coffee server for serving brewed coffee is insulated with a partial vacuum pulled in a void (36) between the walls of an outer vessel (20) and an inner vessel (32). The outer and inner vessels are fabricated of metal and have a top narrow neck opening (22) and (34) that are attached together with a hermetic seal (42). The partial vacuum is for minimizing heat loss conducted through the combined vessels permitting coffee placed inside to retain its useable heat content for at least six hours without additional heat being added. A pour spout neck (44) is fitted to the vessel necks and provides a liquid flow path when the server is tilted to pour coffee that is stored inside. An offset brew though stopper (52) including a hinged cover (58), is removably attached to the pour spout neck with the cover pivoted to permit coffee from a brewer to enter the server through an offset portion of the stopper during the filling process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Inventors: Patrick J. Rolfes, Douglas K. Blair
  • Publication number: 20020179615
    Abstract: An improved no-spill cup construction and valve assembly which provides an extremely secure seal against accidental liquid flow from the cup spout. The act of sucking at the cup spout creates negative pressure or a partial vacuum against a valve member near the spout having an opening therein, causing the valve member and opening to move off of a protruding member, thereby unblocking the opening in the valve. When the opening is unblocked, liquid can flow freely through the valve and spout. When not in use, the valve sits in a resting, closed position, with the opening in the valve sitting on a protruding member and pressed against the protruding member's base, sealing off the opening in the valve assembly. The closed position provides an extremely secure seal against fluid leakage, such that inadvertent spills or even deliberate attempts to force liquid outside of the cup, such as by turning the cup upside down, or shaking the cup, are ineffective.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Nouri E. Hakim
  • Patent number: 6479115
    Abstract: A container incorporating post-consumer recycled (“PCR”) plastic and a method of making that type of container. The container utilizes a layer of polypropylene or EVOH or a film of fluorinated polyethylene toward the interior from the recycled plastic to prevent contaminants from the latter entering the container's contents. When utilizing EVOH, the container usually has an additional layer of polyethylene or polypropylene covering the EVOH to prevent its deterioration by moisture. Making the container involves first composing a resin including the recycled plastic. Forming the various layers listed above produces a container that includes recycled plastic and a barrier to limit the migration of contaminants from the recycled material to the container's contents. This permits the use of the resulting containers for food. For a fluorinated polyethylene film, fluorination can occur either during or after the container's formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Continental Plastic Containers, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory M. Fehn
  • Patent number: 6474498
    Abstract: Containers for liquids, commonly dispensed for consumption at a temperature below ambient (such as chilled soft drinks cans) can be maintained for extended periods below ambient, after they have been dispensed from a refrigerated container, by providing a lining member formed from a plastics material having closed cells and providing insulating properties. The lining member may, for instance, have large cells and be dimensioned to fit within the shell of the container, or can be formed as a layer on the internal surface of the shell of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Gary R. Markham
  • Publication number: 20020148832
    Abstract: A heat insulating paper cup having an improved seal. The cup can include a body member having an inside surface and an outside surface, and a bottom panel member having a upper surface and a bottom surface. The body member is coated (or in some instances partially coated) on its outside surface with a foamed low density polyethylene, and on its inside surface with an unfoamed modified low density polyethylene. The bottom panel member is coated on its upper surface with a foamed or an unfoamed low density polyethylene or foamed or unfoamed modified low density polyethylene. The body member and bottom panel member are oriented and joined to form a heat seal at an interface between a portion of the unfoamed modified low density polyethylene coated on the inside surface of the body member and a portion of unfoamed low density polyethylene or unfoamed modified low density polyethylene coated on the upper surface of the bottom panel member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Applicant: James River Corporation of Virginia
    Inventors: Michael A. Breining, William R. Pucci, David C. Brown, Richard A. Segan, Donald C. McCarthy, Walter Malakhow
  • Patent number: 6364149
    Abstract: A self-insulating fluid container having a novel thermally responsive side wall is disclosed. The side wall is constituted of multiple layers that thermally respond to the presence of fluid of at least a predetermined temperature in the fluid container in a coordinated manner. In one embodiment, the coordinated thermal response either creates or increases insulating air space between an innermost and an outermost one of the layers. In another embodiment, the coordinated thermal response increases insulation of an intermediate layer between an innermost and an outermost one of the layers. In one embodiment, the self-insulating container is a cup for holding a hot beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Gregory Scott Smith
  • Patent number: 6349841
    Abstract: A box-like hollow body, particularly a container of various shapes and size, comprising at least an inner hollow body 3 and an outer hollow body 2, interpenetrating with each other so as to create an integral structure with particular characteristics of mechanical resistance and ornamental, and provided with a continuous inner surface without gaps and an outer surface patterned according to zones or sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Immanuel Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael Basara
  • Patent number: 6302290
    Abstract: The sealing structure (S) for a container (C) provided with an opening (O) comprises a sheet (F) welded around the edge of the opening, this sheet (F) consisting of at least three layers, namely a welding layer (1) pressed against and welded as a bead (4) to the edge of the opening, a barrier-forming exterior layer (2) and an intermediate adhesive layer (3); the weld between the bead (4) of the welding layer (1) and the edge of the opening has a tear strength greater than the strength of adhesion between the welding layer (1) and the adhesive layer (3) so that, at the first occasion of exposing the opening (O), the welded bead (4) remains in place around the edge of the opening and separates from the rest of the welding layer (1) and from the adhesive layer (3), which adhesive layer is thus uncovered over an area (7) and makes it possible, by pressing again against the bead (4), to seal the container (C) again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Atofina
    Inventor: Jean-Claude Engelaere