Abstract: A metal crushing device includes a crush chamber having front and rear walls, side walls, a top wall and a base wall and a movable inner top wall mounted within the crush chamber and extending generally parallel with the base wall and four hydraulic cylinders mounted on the top wall and having extendable piston rods. The piston rods connect to the movable inner top wall through the top wall generally adjacent the corners thereof. Front and rear doors provide for loading and unloading of the crush chamber, and a lift device is mounted beneath the crush chamber for raising and lowering the crush chamber. An hydraulic actuator is operatively connected to the four hydraulic cylinders to extend the piston rods downwards forcing the movable inner top wall downwards to crush items within the crush chamber between the movable inner top wall and the base wall.

Abstract: A portable food dispenser includes one or more containers. A first container is capable of being only partially opened to provide access to food or a second container. The second container includes a cover that can be opened to provide access to food.

Abstract: A container for packaging a product is provided. The container includes a blank of sheet material including a first panel, and at least one tab identifier defined within the first panel and moveable with respect to the first panel. The at least one tab identifier is configured to cooperate with a flex member assembly defined at least partially within the first panel. The blank forms the container including a tray portion and a lid portion coupled along a fold line to the tray portion. The lid portion is moveable about the fold line with respect to the tray portion between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the tray portion and the lid portion define a volume for storing the product.

Abstract: A folded food carton is formed from a matable, lay flat blank for retaining, transporting and serving hot food such as pizza. The blank includes an arrangement of end panels, side panels and cover panels foldable relative to a bottom panel such that, in the erected carton, the cover panels overlap and are interlocked with the side panels by means of offset locking tabs. The end panels slant upwardly and inwardly from the bottom panel to add rigidity and save material for the carton. The side panels flare upwardly and outwardly from the bottom panel and extend above the cover panels to enhance stackability and prevent shifting of stacked cartons one on top of the other. Several methods of packaging pizza in the folded carton are disclosed.

Abstract: A closable type container for packaging items is constructed of a one piece flat sheet of carton material which is cut and scored to facilitate erection into a box like structure. The closable or clam shell type structure includes an ergonomic toggle action tab having a circular or generally oval shape and a fold line which divides the tab into two tab sections. This ergonomic toggle action tab is movable from a normal position by inward digital pressure on the fold line. Further, radius score lines each have an arc shape which causes a depressed tab section to have a slightly concave surface. An offset fold line between the two tab sections is also disclosed.

Abstract: An article carrier and a blank for forming an article carrier, for holding one or more articles, for example foodstuff or the like, including a base panel, a pair of outwardly sloping side wall panels hingedly connected to the base panel and one or more inwardly sloping end wall panels hingedly connected to the base panel.

Abstract: A stackable food container includes a lower food receptacle portion, and an upper tray forming section with one or more sides foldably coupled to the lower food receptacle portion. The upper tray forming section encloses the contents of the food container when the one or more sides are in a closed state. The upper tray forming section is configured to cooperatively deploy into a tray when the one or more sides are in an open state. The tray may include an upward-facing rim substantially surrounding the contents of the food container.

Abstract: A container is provided with a simple opening and closure mechanism which provides for easy reclosure of the container. A user may grasp a reclosable flap and move the flap between open and closed positions to effect opening and closure of the container. The reclosable flap may overlay a container lid such that the container lid is kept in a closed position when the reclosable flap overlays the container lid with the reclosable flap in its closed position. The container may be open and closed several times, and a seal may be maintained in the vicinity of the reclosable flap even after multiple uses of the container.

Abstract: A portable food dispenser includes one or more containers. A first container is capable of being only partially opened to provide access to food or a second container. The second container includes a cover that can be opened to provide access to food.

Abstract: A reclosable food container is created from a unitary blank. The container includes a bottom panel, a first lateral side panel extending from the bottom panel; a first opposing side panel extending from the bottom panel on an opposing side to the first lateral side panel; a second lateral side panel extending from the bottom panel; a second opposing side panel extending from the bottom panel on an opposing side to the second lateral side panel; a plurality of foldable gussets, each gusset hingedly connecting two adjacent side panels; a first closure panel extending from the first lateral side panel, the first closure panel comprising a first hook closure device; and a second closure panel extending from the first opposing side panel, the second closure panel comprising a second hook closure device.

Abstract: A closable type container for packaging items is constructed of a one piece flat sheet of carton material which is cut and scored to facilitate erection into a box like structure. The closable or clam shell type structure includes an ergonomic toggle action tab having a circular or generally oval shape and a fold line which divides the tab into two tab sections. This ergonomic toggle action tab is movable from a normal position by inward digital pressure on the fold line. Further, radius score lines each have an arc shape which causes a depressed tab section to have a slightly concave surface. An offset fold line between the two tab sections is also disclosed.

Abstract: A reclosable food container is created from a unitary blank. The container includes a bottom panel, a pair of opposing end panels extending from the first bottom panel, a lateral side panel extending from the first bottom panel, and an opposing side panel extending from the bottom panel on an opposing side to the lateral side panel. The container also includes a plurality of foldable gussets, where each gusset hingedly connects a side panel-end panel pair. The container also includes a lid extending from the lateral side panel, where the lid includes a top panel and a tuck flap. There is a score line between at least one of the lateral side panel and the top panel, and the top panel and the tuck flap. The score line has a ratio of penetration between about 0.1 and about 0.9.

Abstract: An enhancement in disposable packaging for several types of food, made of a relatively hard laminate material, such as a plastic paper card in both sides. A series of cuts and creases form a pyramidal torso box with four upper closing brims. Two of the brims are folded over one another, with the other two likewise folded over one another. The brims comprise edges which present a crease and a tip in hook, respectively, corresponding to complete the closing of the pyramidal box. In addition, two equal triangular-shaped brims are formed in two opposite sides of the box, also assisting in completing the box configuration. In the preferred embodiment, the triangular brims comprise free edges folded by a vertical cut, so that such edges are juxtaposed when the two brims are lifted against the corresponding lateral wall of the box. At such point, each brim receives a soldering line or a thermo-soldered line along the side and upper edges thereof, creating a tight and secure closure and seal of such area.

Abstract: A floral container which is tapered from a relatively large horizontal cross-section at the upper end of the container to a relatively small horizontal cross-section at the lower end of the container. The container has a pair of forward walls, a pair of rearward walls, and a bottom wall. At least one of the forward walls has a transparent portion adjacent the upper end of the container which constitutes a viewing window for the contents of the container.

Abstract: A floral container which is tapered from a relatively large horizontal cross-section at the upper end of the container to a relatively small horizontal cross-section at the lower end of the container. The container has a pair of forward walls, a pair of rearward walls, and a bottom wall. At least one of the forward walls has a transparent portion adjacent the upper end of the container which constitutes a viewing window for the contents of the container.

Abstract: A tray composed of a unitary, continuous blank has an inner surface and an outer surface. The tray comprises a bottom wall, a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly from the bottom wall and a plurality of minor flaps. Each of the plurality of minor flaps is connected to one of the sidewalls via a fold line and has a respective outer edge. At least one of the minor flaps is connected to a sidewall via a first cut score. The first cut score extends upwardly from the bottom wall without extending to an outer edge of the minor flap. The at least one minor flap is separated from the sidewall via a knife cut. The knife cut extends from near the outer edge of the minor flap downward toward and near the first cut score. The at least one minor flap has a second cut score formed therein. The second cut score extends from near the separation means. The first and second cut scores are formed from opposing surfaces of the blank so as to form a partial web.

Abstract: A foldable open container formed of a sheet of irregularly shaped hard paper. The container comprises a main board comprising four sectors each having a substantially trapezoidal side board and substantially trapezoidal four bottom boards; and an integral inner board comprising a main portion, four side flaps, and a central hole on main portion. In use, user may insert his/her thumb into a heart-shaped opening on a side flap while holding the container by hand. Hence, for example, a waffle dish containing ice cream may be supported on the central hole. Further, a spoon may hang on an arcuate slot on the main portion.

Abstract: Packing box (2) of polygonal general shape that widens out, is made from a flat cellular plastic blank that is cut and folded. The box (2) comprises a base (4) and side walls (5, 6) which are formed from side panels of the blank and are joined together, and an outer reinforcing frame (7), used for holding the box. The frame runs around the side walls (5, 6) and comprises frame members (8, 9) joined together and fixed to the side walls (5, 6). The frame members are formed from at least four flaps extending from side panels of the blank and rolled up spiral-fashion.

Abstract: A clamshell container having an improved hinge for reducing container rear wall buckling when the container is opened and closed is disclosed. The hinge includes first and second offset partial hinge portions, each extending inwardly from one side of the container for less than the full width of the container. The partial hinge portions include fold line portions near the container side walls and parallel slit portions in the central area of the rear wall. A blank for forming the subject container is also disclosed.

Abstract: A clamshell container for disposable, single-use applications comprising a reinforced positive locking closure that includes an inverted tab closure element located within the front wall of one compartment thereof, and a slot cutout located within the front wall of a corresponding compartment thereof.

Abstract: A paperboard clamshell carton having a cover member that has a distance between opposing lateral panel fold lines that is slightly longer than a distance between the top edges of opposing side walls. In addition, the height of the first and second side walls is such that the side walls extend virtually all the way from the bottom panel to the top panel of the carton. Thereby, lateral panels of the cover member are disposed on an exterior side of the side walls and the top panel rests on the top edge of the side walls, particularly when downward pressure is applied to the cover member. The invention is envisioned for use in packaging food products such as pizza, breadsticks, chicken, hamburgers, salads, and the like; however, it could be used in other applications, as well.

Abstract: A container (10) comprises a base member (11) and a lid (12) which are co-operable to form a closed box. The base member (11) has side walls (14) tapering outwardly therefrom. The lid member (12) comprises side walls (17) tapering inwardly therefrom. Crease lines (18, 19) are provided to allow some of the side walls (14, 17) to flex thereby enabling the inwardly tapering walls of the lid member to be fitted over the outwardly tapering walls of the base member.

Abstract: An open-top fold-and-glue container is provided a collapsed or knocked-down-flat configuration and can be erected into a nested stacking frusto-pyramidal configuration in which the container walls are inclined outwardly and an upper container is supported on self-erecting shoulders in a lower container in the stack. The container has a bottom integral with opposite end walls and side walls, the end and side walls each being formed of an inner panel folded downwardly against an outer panel. The shoulders are located in the inner panels of the end walls, and are self-erecting in the manner of an expanding parallelogram between upper and lower glue strips and a support strip projecting substantially vertically downwardly from the shoulder to the bottom. The attachment of the upper glue strip to the outer panel of the end wall forms a reinforcement at the rim. The ledge is disposed adjacent to and under this reinforcement, and a manual grip can be placed immediately under the ledge.

Abstract: Transporting items of bulk, i.e., stacked documents or boxed merchandise, which vary in extent from time to time, in an envelope that gives a desired favorable appearance of containing an item of bulk that is greater than the bulk of the item that is actually the content of the envelope, which motivates the recipient to open the envelope. The envelope is rectangular and at least along three sides has isosceles shaped gussets characterized by progressively diminishing clearance between the sides in the direction of the apex, so that the thickness or bulk of the item in the envelope is effectively engaged by the sides of the isosceles triangles before significant shifting, particularly of stacked documents, can occur as might diminish the perceived bulk based on the external appearance of the envelope.

Abstract: A container body formed from two substantially identical interlocking container members with each of the container members comprising a substantially planer base portion and a plurality of opposing sidewalls connected to the base portion and tab portions extending from at least one pair of the opposing sidewalls with each of the tab portions including an opening and an adjacent interference element is set forth. The interference elements of a first of the two container members is received in respective openings of a second of the two container members for securing the second container member in an inverted condition with respect to the first container member.

Abstract: Inner folds (3) are defined on the surface of material (2) made of thin paper. The surface of the material (2) is divided by the inner folds (3) between a bottom (4) corresponding to the bottom of cake and a sidewall (5) contacting the bottom (4). Inner folds (6) and outer folds (7) are defined on the surface of the sidewall (5). A container body (1) is shaped like a cup by the inner folds (3, 6) and the outer folds (7). The sidewall is divided into a plurality of bent pieces (8, 9, 10) by the folds (6, 7). A step portion (13) intersecting the inner folds (6) and outer folds (7) to form a difference in level is defined at each bent piece (8, 9, 10). When a restoring force of the material (2) is applied to the inner folds (6) and the outer folds (7), each fold (6, 7) is about to unfold. However, each fold (6, 7) is prevented from unfolding by the step portion (13) as resistance.

Abstract: This invention relates to paperboard containers. Such structures of this type, generally, allow for the container to be formed into a self-locking, pail-like container for holding food stuffs.

Abstract: A clamshell type container is formed from a unitary blank (10) of paperboard, the top or crown of the container including two side wall panels (32) which extend slantingly downwardly and whose free edges extend beneath the upper edges of the lower container half side walls. The crown has a front wall formed of two panels (40, 48) folded together so as to define a dual layer front wall. The outer panel (40) of the dual layer front wall is provided with spaced apart perforated lines (46) to define a tear strip (44). The inner panel (48) of the dual layer front wall is provided with indicia to show the winning of a prize upon tearing off of the tear strip. Alternatively, the normally hidden inner surface of the tear strip may be provided with indicia. Either of the downwardly sloping side wall panels (32) of the crown or top may, alternatively, be provided with this tear strip and indicia construction.

Abstract: A food container formed from a foldable blank of corrugated cardboard into a box-like configuration for transport of a food product therein such as pizza. The food container includes upper and lower portions which are swingable towards and away from one another to define closed and open configurations of the box. The lower portion of the container has a generally planar bottom wall from which a pair of elongate side walls and front and rear side walls fold upwardly and angle outwardly relative thereto. The angled orientation of the side walls permits nesting of partially assembled containers one within the other in a vertically stacked configuration. The upper portion of the container includes a generally planar top wall from which a pair of side walls fold downwardly along side edges thereof. Each of these side walls includes an outwardly projecting locking tab which engages within a correspondingly located rear slot formed in the lower portion.

Abstract: A clamshell carton wherein the tray includes a partition panel integral with the upper edge of the front wall and folded to overlie the interior of the front wall and a major portion of the bottom panel. The partition panel including a partition section selectively upwardly foldable at an intermediate and preferably central portion of the tray to define two food-receiving compartments therein.

Abstract: A multi-compartment box comprising a compartment portion including two compartments with a divider therebetween, and a lid connected to the compartment portion by a hinge. The divider between the two compartments is arranged substantially normal to the hinge which connects the lid to the compartment portion of the box. The box is formed from a unitary blank of semi-rigid material.

Abstract: A self-erecting container which is collapsible into a flat storage position. The container includes a bottom member and a plurality of walls pivotally connected to the bottom member. The container further includes a biasing assembly for biasing the wall members in an erected position, for permitting the wall members to be moved to a collapsed position from the erected position by a bias overcoming force exerted on the wall members, and for drawing the wall members from the collapsed position to the erected position when the bias overcoming force is removed from the wall members.

Abstract: A blank for making a single or dual cavity container and the corresponding containers. In a dual cavity embodiment, the blank is scored to define a pair of bottom panels, two pairs of end panels, and a pair each of lateral and opposing side panels. The pair of opposing side panels are connected together along a mutual upper edge. A lid for each respective cavity extends from the first and second lateral side panels, and each lid terminates in a tuck flap for engaging at least one of the corresponding opposing side panels and the corresponding pair of end panels. Each adjacent pair of walls (e.g., end panel-lateral side panel; end panel-opposing side panel) has a gusset integrally formed therebetween. The gussets are appropriately folded and adhered to the outside of one of the adjacent walls. Because both cavities are formed from a unitary blank with no seams below the upper edges of the walls, leakage is prevented when the container is maintained in an upright orientation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging unit for storing and transporting goods, such as eggs or other fragile articles. The packaging unit comprises a bottom section (2) and a lid section (1) hinged thereto. The bottom section includes a flat bottom (15) and opposing side panels (17; 18) and an intermediate panel (16) spaced above the bottom (15). The intermediate panel (16) is hinged to a side panel (17; 18) and contains rows of openings (29) for receiving and supporting packaged goods. The lid section (1) includes a central panel (4) which forms the upper side of the lid section, and opposing side panels (5; 6).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a one piece trapezoidal carton with an inner partition for packaging an article. The one piece trapezoidal carton with an inner partition comprises a trapezoidal carton section having (a) trapezoidal front and back wall panels; (b) first and second trapezoidal side wall panels connecting the front and back wall panels; (c) a rectangular bottom panel closing the bottom of the carton; (d) a rectangular top panel including a top closing flap for closing the top of the carton; and (e) a trapezoidal glueable side panel, having a first and second side, attached to the inside of the first side wall panel. The first side of the trapezoidal glueable side panel extends from the back wall panel.

Abstract: A microwavable box constructed from a blank, having a box base forming area (12), two pairs of opposing side sections (14) and (16) each with a collapsible web (18) between them, flaps (26) extending from each of the three sides and a lid (28) which includes a tear-off strip (30) to enable the escape of gases from the box and the opening of the lid.

Abstract: A new fast food box tray for preventing spills when placed on a user's lap. The inventive device includes a bottom tray. A top tray is foldably secured to an upper edge of the bottom tray. A rigidifying member is extendable between the top tray and the bottom tray in an open orientation.

Abstract: An identification button construction for a paperboard clamshell carton or container. An edge of the carton lid, such as a horizontal edge, is provided with a plurality of cuts or scores which form the periphery of individual identification buttons. Such buttons are used to indicate the presence or absence of an ingredient or garnish for a hot food item such as a hamburger sandwich. The peripheral scores or lines of the button are cut about half way through the paperboard from the outer carton surface towards the carton interior. An elongated Z shaped cut, completely through the paperboard, bisects the button, at a right angle to the crown edge. The crown edge also bisects the button. While a diamond shape button is illustrated, round, oval, or other polygonal shapes may be employed.

Abstract: A thermoplastic molded or formed container has four trapezoidal walls that incline upwardly and outwardly upstanding from a bottom wall to create a top opening that is larger than the bottom wall. Each side wall has a closure flap that is connected to it at an upper edge by a living hinge. A locking handle member in the shape of a loop with locking extensions extends from an edge of one flap and engages a slot in an opposite flap. The handle member is a loop with locking projections which engage the opposite flap surface, the handle member passing through the slot for manually grasping. The container may be square or rectangular in transverse section or a combination thereof with a conical truncated section.

Abstract: A self-erecting container which is collapsible into a flat storage position. The container includes a top member with an opening into the container, a bottom member and a plurality of walls extending between the top member and bottom member. The walls pivot with respect to the top member and the bottom member. Further, each wall has upper and lower wall sections which pivot with respect to each other. A bracket is suspended within the container by a plurality of elastic members. Each elastic member extends between the inner surface of one of the walls and the bracket. The elastic members bias the container into an erected position. When an external influence overcomes the bias, the walls collapse such that the container assumes a flat position. Alternatively, the container may be biased by an elastic band connected to the inner or outer surfaces of the walls of the container.

Abstract: A paperboard container for heating products placed therein by microwave energy having a first compartment substantially shielded from microwave energy and a second compartment permeable by microwave energy. The first and second compartments each include a top panel and a bottom surface, where a single bottom panel serves as the bottom surface for both of the first and second compartments. The container further includes a plurality of side panels extending upwardly from the bottom panel and a plurality of side panels extending downwardly from the top panels. Both of the first and second compartments are formed from a unitary, single sheet of microwave permeable paperboard material, wherein the first compartment includes a layer of microwave shielding material laminated to the portion of the sheet of microwave permeable paperboard material which forms a majority of the enclosing surfaces of the first microwave shielded compartment.

Abstract: A food container consisting of a top and a bottom having obliquely angled side elements is disclosed. The container may be cut from a single blank of container material and formed into a hingedly connected top and bottom. When the top and bottom are open and substantially coplanar the obliquely angled sides permit multiple boxes or containers to be nested within one another for efficient stacking. A preferred embodiment includes tops and bottoms with eight side elements comprising one piece side elements and side elements having overlapping panels. When closed, the top side elements overlap the bottom side elements. The container also includes a locking tongue and opening which receives the tongue. A tab may be provided to assist in moving the tongue to disengage it from the opening.

Abstract: A single latch assembly integrally with the front walls of the tray and cover of a clamshell carton and positioned solely to one side of the transverse center line of the front walls in the area of maximum strength of each front wall. The latch assembly component on the tray includes an inwardly directed elongate flange and an outwardly directed tongue at the top edge of the tray front wall positioned solely between the central area of the top edge and one end thereof. The latch assembly component on the cover includes an elongate aperture defined through the cover front wall immediately adjacent the top panel of the cover.

Abstract: A container for storage and transportation of foods which can accommodate various sizes of foods depending upon the orientation of the container is disclosed. The container includes flat surfaces separated by obliquely angled side walls thus presenting an appearance similar to an eight-sided frustrum of a cone. With the large flat portion oriented downward the container may be opened and a large food item may be stored and transported in the container. Conversely, with the smaller flat portion oriented downward a somewhat smaller food item may be stored and transported in the container. Additionally, the container is configured so that multiple containers can be nestingly stacked together for efficient shipping. Thus, the container may be configured at a manufacturing facility and shipped in a fully assembled condition thus simplifying the use of the container at a retail service facility.

Abstract: A foldable hand-held container includes a generally frusto-conical body formed from a single sheet of foldable material having two opposed inner wall members and two opposed outer wall members each having a plurality of panels defined by a plurality of diverging, equidistant fold lines. The container may be lined with a superabsorbent material to allow the container to be used as a cuspidor. A method for forming such a container is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a collapsible container for holding food products having an attached collapsible pocket for holding condiments. The container has a flat, rectangular bottom and tapered front and rear walls connected thereto. Tapered side walls are joined to the bottom and connected between the front and rear walls. The width of the tapered front and rear walls and the tapered side walls increases as they extend upwardly from the bottom to form an opening at the top of the container. The area of the opening is larger than the area of the rectangular bottom. A collapsible pocket having a rectangular bottom is secured to the outside of the front wall of the collapsible container. The pocket has a rectangular front wall spaced apart from the container by a pair of rectangular side wails and a flat, rectangular pocket bottom. The container and pocket collapse by folding flat for compact storage.

Abstract: A method for forming a corrugated paperboard and a container made therefrom is provided. The corrugated paper is formed with a first layer of flat paperboard to which a second layer of contoured paperboard is attached. The contoured layer of paperboard is further formed with a plurality of flutes, each flute including a first flute tip and a second flute tip, the flute being substantially vertical at the midpoint between the flute tips. The method of forming the corrugated paperboard container comprises placing the corrugated paperboard into a stamping dye which has a male dye portion and a female cavity shaped in the shape of which the paperboard is to be formed. The paperboard is then pressed between the dye and the cavity to apply a pressure to the paperboard. Heat is also applied to the paperboard simultaneously with the application of pressure. The dye is then removed from the cavity and the paperboard container is formed.

Abstract: A carton includes a bottom wall panel, four side wall panels, each of the side wall panels being integrally connected along a fold line to the bottom wall panel thereby defining first and second pairs of opposite side wall panels. Corner portions integrally connect adjacent side wall panels. The corner portions are secured in overlapping pairs against the second pair of opposite side wall panels. Flap members are provided with each of the flap members being integral along a flap fold line with one of the side wall panels of the first pair of opposite side wall panels. Each of the flap members includes foldable portions constructed and arranged to be folded into generally overlapping relation with a central portion of the flap member. Closure members are provided with each of the closure members being integral along a closure fold line with one of the side wall panels of the second pair of opposite side wall panels. Tab structure secures a closure member to an adjacent flap member.

Abstract: A carton including a tray having two compartments therein divided by a transverse divider wall with the bottom panel of one compartment integral with the lower edge of the divider wall and the bottom panel of the second compartment integral with the upper edge of the divider wall and sloping outwardly and downwardly therefrom to substantially a common plane with the first compartment bottom panel. The tray is surrounded by confining walls, and the carton may include a cover separately formed or integral with the tray.

Abstract: A clamshell type container is formed from a unitary blank of paperboard. The central portion of the crown of the carton is convex upwardly and the crown carries inwardly concave opposite side walls. The four corners of the crown are each provided with triangular gussets to permit slight deformation of the crown both upon stacking of the open cartons and upon closing the crown down onto the lower tray part of the carton. The tray side walls are curved or recessed downwardly so as to form line contact with a respective crown side wall, such contact defining a seal and inhibiting warm air loss when a warm foodstuff is placed in the carton.