For Access Opening In Sidewall Patents (Class 383/66)
  • Publication number: 20010022867
    Abstract: A closure element incorporated into a flexible bag to reclose a bag opening includes a resilient structure which carries an adhesive strip. The closure element is secured to one wall of the bag and the resilient strip seals the one wall to the respective other wall of the bag when the walls are pressed together and the resilient structure is compressed. The resilient structure is held compressed by the adhesive strip. In one embodiment, the resilient structure includes a base portion and a wing portion which deflects to allow the adhesive strip to make contact with the other wall. In another embodiment, the base portion deflects to flatten against the wing portion, the wing portion secured to the bag wall. The base portion and the wing portion can be provided with engageable elements which snap together or interlock to provide a closing feel to the closure strip as the adhesive strip seals the bag opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: Innoflex Incorporated.
    Inventor: James W. Yeager
  • Patent number: 6273610
    Abstract: There is disclosed a package including a box body having an opening and a cover member for closing the opening of the box body. The box body is formed of a packaging material of a soft sheet having a monolayer of a resin film or a multi-layer structure having a resin film. The box body includes: a rectangular bottom face portion; four side face portions folded from the four sides of the bottom face portion; corner sealing portions formed by jointing the inner faces of the side face portions at corner portions between the adjoining side face portions; flange portions folded outward of the box body from the upper ends of the side face portions substantially at a right angle thereto and with a predetermined width size; and flange jointing portions jointing the flange portions folded from the side face portions without any clearance between each other at the upper ends of the corner portions between the adjoining side face portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Uni-Charm Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Koyama, Takeshi Bando, Yukiko Iida, Ikuya Saitou
  • Patent number: 6270257
    Abstract: A package in the form of a reclosable bag includes a bag body including front and back walls, and a profile strip fastener assembly sealingly mounted on the inside surface of the front wall. The profile strip fastener assembly includes a pair of releasably interlocking profile strips, with a secondary, peelable seal provided between the profile strips apart from their mechanically interlocked portions. By this arrangement, enhanced sealing for the package is provided, while abating the stress to which the interlocked portions of the profile strips are subjected during forming and filling of the package. The bag body preferably includes a frangible joint substantially aligned with the fastener assembly for gaining access to the assembly, with the frangible joint desirably providing tamper-evidence of opening of the package. The profile strips are sealed to the front wall of the bag body with a continuous oval shaped seal around the frangible joint. The perimeter seal is located above the peelable seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Innoflex Incorporated
    Inventor: James W. Yeager
  • Patent number: 6254519
    Abstract: In an automatic filling and closing process for flexible package in which a film is supplied while being longitudinally fused, and the respective steps of filling the longitudinally fused film with contents, laterally fusing the film and cutting the laterally fused area are performed, a slit or a hole is intermittently formed in the supplied film, at a site from unwinding of the film to the longitudinal fusing, during interruption of the supply of the film in the steps of lateral fusing and cutting, and an opening fusing tape is placed over the slit or hole to weld around the perimeter of the slit or hole, thereby obtaining a tape-sealed bag which is easily openable in an opening direction approximately parallel with the laterally fused area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Hoseki Planning, Sanwa Automatic Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Isao Toshima
  • Patent number: 6251209
    Abstract: Methods, an apparatus and a system in which reclosable bags and components thereof are formed are disclosed. The reclosable bags 2001 are made from base web material that has transversely applied fastener tape segments thereon. The web material is used in a vertical form, fill and seal bag forming method. The method includes the steps of supplying a continuous strip of tape, having male and female fasteners profiler across the web for sealing thereon. In one embodiment a continuous strip of barrier material, and a continuous strip of fastener having first and second interlocked fastener profile strips are positioned on the continuous strip of tape; and secured thereon, the barrier tape is folded to obtain a fold and two opposing barrier tape fastener strip connecting portions; and, the fold is slit to form two separate continuous strips of barrier material strips and two continuous strips of tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6244484
    Abstract: A storage bag for use to conceal items within the passenger or back floor areas of a vehicle. The storage pack includes four fabric pack side surfaces, a fabric pack bottom surface and a fabric pack top surface. The pack top surface has a straight zipper provided for access into a compartment. Each of the four fabric pack side surfaces includes two according fold collapsible vertical side edges, a curved zipper for access into the compartment, and two fabric handles each having a D-shaped portion defining a hand receiving opening. Each of the zippers includes a locking fixture that is lockable to the zipper tab with a luggage lock of the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Bruce J. Farrell
  • Patent number: 6234310
    Abstract: A packaging system for a sterilizable item comprising a pouch having a frangible opening, the pouch defining a sterile compartment therein to hold a sterilizable item and a support element for fluid attachment to a sterilizer, the support element defining a window thereupon, the support element attached to the pouch along a perimeter of the opening. The opening may comprise a scored portion cut into the front side of the pouch. The support element may be a rigid cardboard support element defining a perforated window with a knockout piece. The system may also include a cover adhered with the window for ensuring that the knockout piece remains attached to the support element until broken. The system may also include an adhesive strip attached along a perimeter of the cover, and include a removable backing strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Richard P. Goldhaber
  • Patent number: 6224262
    Abstract: A recloseable bag includes a bag body having a first wall and a second wall connected together substantially around proximate perimeters. The bag includesa first openable joint formed as perforations through the first wall and a patch secured to the first wall over the first openable joint. The patch has a second openable joint formed as perforations in registry with the perforations of the first openable joint. The patch can be composed of a material that tears in a controlled fashion along the perforations of the second openable joint. A zipper arrangement can be sealed to the inside surface of the patch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Innoflex Incorporated
    Inventors: John F. Hogan, James W. Yeager
  • Patent number: 6217216
    Abstract: The present invention provides reclosable plastic bags that a laboratory worker wearing gloves can open safely without the use of any tool or utensil and without increasing the risk of contact between the contents of the bag and the user. The reclosable plastic bags of the present invention may be made from an extruded plastic bag film web that may be cut or otherwise formed into a bag comprising a first wall on which a first closure profile element is disposed and a second wall on which a second closure profile element is disposed. On either wall or both walls, below the closure profile element, the plastic film web may be formed into subsections having different thicknesses. One of the subsections may be thinner cross-section, formed of a thinner bag film web, thus creating a “tear zone” that may have a substantially linear, not substantially cross-linked, molecular alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Nossi Taheri
  • Patent number: 6213644
    Abstract: A multiply bag and method of forming the same in which the inner ply of the bag has a longitudinal extending tear strip assembly grippable by the user to facilitate opening of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventors: Tony Henderson, Steven G. Oliphant, John R. Allen
  • Patent number: 6196718
    Abstract: An organizer in the form of a miniature golf bag. The sidewall of the organizer is reclosable with a slide fastener which has a track that defines a bent U-shape. In an illustrated embodiment, the organizer can form a shelf-like portion when the organizer is in a hanging mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel A. DeChant
  • Patent number: 6196716
    Abstract: A tamper indicating bag is formed by cutting a perforation along a sheet which is subsequently folded over and sealed along two sides and the top edge. The fold is made so that one of the walls of the bag is longer than the other and the heat seal is applied above the perforation which in turn forms a flap in the wider sheet. Printing is applied to the flap as well as above and below the perforation and a tamper indicating adhesive is then applied to the flap. The bag can be opened by separating the perforated opening and contents placed in the bag. The flap is then folded over the opening sealing it and providing a tamper indicating seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Amko Plastics Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Geyer
  • Patent number: 6190043
    Abstract: A plastic front opening security envelope having a slot opening in the front panel and a tamper evident tape closure that seals along the slot opening after contents are placed through the slot into the envelope interior. The envelope includes an inner false or intermediate panel section secured to one or both panels above the slot which false panel extends below the slot. In the event the envelope is closed such that the slot is spread open when sealed, the tamper tape adhesive seals through the slot to the false panel instead of the rear panel. This arrangement prevents false tripping of the tamper tape by shifting contents or other outward forces exerted on the back panel relative to the front panel or tamper tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Jonathan Diplock
  • Patent number: 6186662
    Abstract: The present invention provides a simple, durable, light weight and washable bag with a weighted bottom and an elastic opening. The bag of the present invention is designed to hold gear, clothing, groceries, trash or other articles, especially under windy circumstances, and ideally suited for use in boats or other vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Steven Ray Jackson
  • Patent number: 6186701
    Abstract: An elongate flexible container, made of a textile fabric and having at least one filling opening. The container is filled with solid material, such as sand or other ground material, for the formation of a body adapted for use as a core or base of a dam, a quay, a bank reinforcement, a jetty or a breakwater, or for filling holes or trenches, or for use at the bed of a waterway, or for the packaging and storage of contaminated material. The container is provided at its upper side with at least one filling opening. The container includes stitching extending in the longitudinal direction of the container and mutually connecting facing edges of the textile fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Ten Cate Nicolon B.V.
    Inventor: Anton Daniel Kempers
  • Patent number: 6176394
    Abstract: A container according to a first embodiment includes a first panel bonded to all but a segment of an opposing second panel wherein the first and the second panels define an interior chamber and wherein the unbonded segments of the first panel and the second panel define a first opening having a maximum area. Present in the first opening is a two-part linear fluid impervious closure constructed of flexible material. The first part is bonded to the first panel segment of the first opening and the second part is bonded to the second panel segment of the first opening. A spout is bonded to at least the first panel to provide fluid communication between the interior chamber and the environment, and to define an orifice having an area less than the maximum area of the first opening. In a preferred embodiment, interlocking fastener strips are used as the closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Cascade Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas M. Shimko, Lee A. Getzewich
  • Patent number: 6174397
    Abstract: Methods an apparatus and a system in which reclosable bags and components thereof are formed. The reclosable bags 2001 are made from base web material that has transversely applied fastener tape segments thereon. The web material is used in a vertical form, fill and seal bag forming method. The method includes the steps of supplying a continuous strip of tape, having male and female fasteners profiler across the web for sealing thereon. In one embodiment a continuous strip of barrier material, and a continuous strip of fastener having first and second interlocked fastener profile strips are positioned on the continuous strip of tape; and secured thereon, the barrier tape is folded to obtain a fold and two opposing barrier tape fastener strip connecting portions; and, the fold is slit to form two separate continuous strips of barrier material strips and two continuous strips of tape. In another embodiment a coating is applied to the tape itself to prevent sealing of the folded slit tape to itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6164826
    Abstract: A package includes a surrounding wall enclosing a containment region and a spout. The spout is movable relative to the surrounding wall between a retracted position and a protracted position. A first resealable closure mechanism is secured to the spout for selectively opening and closing communication between the mouth of the spout and the containment region. In another embodiment, a second resealable closure mechanism is secured around an outer periphery of the spout mouth, when the spout is in the protracted position. When the spout is moved into the retracted position, the second resealable closure mechanism is along the interior of the mouth and allows the mouth to be selectively opened and closed. In another embodiment, a peelable seal is secured to the spout arrangement for providing a hermetic seal. Methods for constructing and using a package having a pour spout are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory L. Petkovsek
  • Patent number: 6126317
    Abstract: A container in which an opening is formed by tearing includes a sidewall having a primary weakened line extending a length between opposed linear ends thereof, tearing along the primary weakened line forming an opening in the sidewall; and two secondary weakened lines formed in said sidewall, each said secondary weakened line including a portion thereof disposed in spaced, partially overlapping parallel relation to a respective said linear end of said primary weakened line, said portion of each said secondary weakened line having a length substantially less than said length between said ends of said primary weakened line. The secondary weakened lines each consist of a single elongated slit. Alternatively, the secondary weakened lines are substantially U-shaped; L-shaped; T-shaped; I-shaped; C-shape; or spirally shaped and may merge with the opposed ends of the primary weakened line. A web of material for forming bags on a form fill machine includes these primary weakened lines and secondary weakened lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Pac One, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Floyd Anderson, Michael A. Bullock, Mark Steele, Robert R. Shankle
  • Patent number: 6120181
    Abstract: Layers of material are bonded together to include portions that yield an integral filling conduit or snout in a completed single or multiple-ply bag particularly useful in bag-in-box shipping containers. The layers are bonded to form the preferred shape of a trapezoid whose long base is parallel to and runs into the top of a rectangle, the bonds forming seams on the sides of the trapezoid and the sides and base of the rectangle. Alternatively, half the number of layers can be folded and bonded to yield the trapezoid/rectangle shape, in which case no base seal is required. The trapezoid's short base is the snout opening and, where necessary, interply bonds are formed around the opening circumference. The invention can also be formed with an evacuation enhancement system that uses an inflatable air chamber in an interply region to cause more of the bag contents to be discharged than would otherwise occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: A. R. Arena Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Wilcox
  • Patent number: 6116314
    Abstract: Methods, an apparatus and a system in which reclosable bags and components thereof are formed are disclosed. The reclosable bags are made from base web material that has transversely applied fastener tape segments thereon. The web material is used in a vertical form, fill and seal bag forming method. The method includes the steps of supplying across the web a continuous strip of tape, having male and female fastener profiles thereon, for sealing thereto. In one embodiment a continuous strip of barrier material, and a continuous strip of fastener having first and second interlocked fastener profile strips are positioned on the continuous strip of tape; and secured thereon, the barrier tape is folded to obtain a fold and two opposing barrier tape fastener strip connecting portions; and, the fold is slit to form two separate continuous strips of barrier material strips and two continuous strips of tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventor: James R. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6113271
    Abstract: A resealable label flap including a label stop that bonds with a product package to prevent removal of the label flap from the product package. The label flap includes a base layer having a first adhesive applied to its bottom face surface. The first adhesive is a removable adhesive that allows the label flap to be repeatedly pealed and reapplied to the package body. The label flap further includes a top layer applied to the top face surface of the base layer. A portion of the top layer extends past the base layer to form a label stop for the label flap. The label stop of the label flap includes a second adhesive that permanently bonds with the package body to prevent the complete removal of the label flap from the package body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Prime Label & Screen, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry M. Scott, James F. Konicke
  • Patent number: 6109787
    Abstract: A soft bag for accommodating a stack of personal-hygiene articles, especially of cosmetic cotton pads, which comprises a side wall, a bottom wall and removal mechanism, located in the bottom area of the bag, with a tear-off latch, defined by weakening lines in the bag wall. Two separate tear-off latches on two sides of the bottom area facing away from each other are provided in order to form two separate removal openings. The tear-off latches extend from the bottom wall into the side wall of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Procter & Gamble
    Inventor: Christof Karl Stary
  • Patent number: 6106153
    Abstract: In an automatic filling and closing process for flexible package in which a film is supplied while being longitudinally fused, and the respective steps of filling the longitudinally fused film with contents, laterally fusing the film and cutting the laterally fused area are performed, a slit or a hole is intermittently formed in the supplied film, at a site from unwinding of the film to the longitudinal fusing, during interruption of the supply of the film in the steps of lateral fusing and cutting, and an opening fusing tape is placed over the slit or hole to weld around the perimeter of the slit or hole, thereby obtaining a tape-sealed bag which is easily openable in an opening direction approximately parallel with the laterally fused area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Hoseki Planning, Sanwa Automatic Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Isao Toshima
  • Patent number: 6105842
    Abstract: A storage bag for a pickup truck provides a convenient way for people to use the bed of their pickup truck to store possessions. The storage bag is in the shape of the truck bed. The bag is preferably lightweight and waterproof. The bag is constructed from one piece of nylon to help eliminate seams, which aids in weatherproofing. A zipper extends around the top surface of the bag to aid in the opening, closing, and packing of the bag. There is also a zippered flap on the end so that cargo can be stored or retrieved by opening the hinged gate of the truck bed. The bag optionally has waterproof pockets for smaller items. Grommets are provided on an upper surface of the bag for securing the bag to the truck with rope, bungee cords, or the like. The storage bag stands alone and retains its shape without the aid of the truck. When the storage bag is empty, it is easily collapsed and folded for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: James F. Cesare
  • Patent number: 6095686
    Abstract: The invention concerns a packaging bag (3), made of plastic sheeting and with a carrying handle (1), for personal-hygiene articles, in particular nappies. The one-piece sheet (8) is closed by means of longitudinal and transverse welds (18, 19) to form a bag (3) having a front (15), a back (16), two ends (11), a bottom (14) and a top (5) with an M-shaped top fold. When full, the bag (3) assumes a parallelepipidal shape. The carrying handle (1) is designed as a flat, one-piece, x-shaped strap (2) which is slit at each end over part of its length. The slit ends of the strap (2) are each welded to the inside of the M-shaped top fold where it is drawn in to form a triangle (10) when the bag is full and hence the parallelepipidal in shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Kobusch Folien GmbH
    Inventor: Rainer Mohrmann
  • Patent number: 6090029
    Abstract: An improved bulk bag or bulk box liner and spout fitment construction for the liner discharge and/or fill openings. The liner is of liquid impervious thermoplastic multiple-ply sheet material, and the spout fitment is a rigid thermoplastic spout of either open or closed flange type. The spout tube extends through the liner fitment opening and has an external flange base adjacent the liner-interior tube end that is permanently affixed and heat sealed to the liner in a first annular heat weld zone formed between an outward facing surface of the flange base and the interior surface of the liner. A first backing piece of liquid impervious plastic sheet material overlies the inward-facing flange surface and has a marginal portion overlying the liner interior surface. A second annular heat seal is formed between this backing piece and flange base in a second annular weld zone spaced radially inwardly from the first heat weld seal zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Custom Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee LaFleur
  • Patent number: 6079878
    Abstract: A package in the form of a reclosable bag includes a bag body including front and back walls, and a profile strip fastener assembly sealingly mounted on the inside surface of the front wall. The profile strip fastener assembly includes a pair of releasably interlocking profile strips, with a secondary, peelable seal provided between the profile strips apart from their mechanically interlocked portions. By this arrangement, enhanced sealing for the package is provided, while abating the stress to which the interlocked portions of the profile strips are subjected during forming and filling of the package. The bag body preferably includes a frangible joint substantially aligned with the fastener assembly for gaining access to the assembly, with the frangible joint desirably providing tamper-evidence of opening of the package. The profile strips are sealed to the front wall of the bag body with a continuous oval shaped seal around the frangible joint. The perimeter seal is located above the peelable seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: James W. Yeager
  • Patent number: 6076967
    Abstract: A fillable, resealable, and disposable flexible liquid container which incorporates a drinking straw as a conduit for delivering fluids to a user. The container includes a pleated bottomed structure which allows it to stand upright when filled. At least one zipper closure is fitted along the upper edge of the container that permits filling of the container and prevents leaking of fluid contents in particular. The straw or tube may be built into the container and have a closure of its own, or a puncture target facilitating insertion of a straw into the container may be attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: Susan A. Beaudette
  • Patent number: 6068401
    Abstract: A stretchable bag includes an enclosed bag body made of a bag fabric. The bag body has an opening at one place thereof. The bag fabric includes an elastic layer and a surface layer adhered thereto. The elastic layer is preferably formed from foamed polybutylene gum or styrene or butadiene gum. The surface layer being preferably formed a fabric of nylon yarns or polyester yarns. The bag body has an elasticity that enables the opening to be stretched open to facilitate placement of articles into the bag body and to contract thereafter to ensure that the contents of the bag body do not fall out. At least one side of the bag fabric is provided with an ornamental layer to enhance visual effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Bridge Elite, Inc.
    Inventor: Claudia Ho
  • Patent number: 6062732
    Abstract: A flexible intermediate bulk container having a filling spout extending outwards from one end and a discharge spout extending from the opposed end. A layer of an air-permeable diaphragm and a layer of sheet internal thereto are located at the one end, the opposed end or in wall of container. The diaphragm and sheet are adapted to have a tube therein in fluid communication into the container, through which a vacuum or air pressure may be applied to facilitate filling or discharge of contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Intertape Polymer Group
    Inventor: Ray Scott
  • Patent number: 6056438
    Abstract: An improved geotextile container of the type for maintaining fill material includes a geotextile fabric configured into a tubular shape and having stitched, multi-layer, flanged seams with the stitched flange disposed inside the container. Due to this construction, outwardly directed forces imparted by the fill material will be directed against the stitching. An embodiment with an outer layer of geotextile material has an inner liner of geotextile material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Bradley Industrial Textiles, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony S. Bradley
  • Patent number: 6042416
    Abstract: A protective enclosure for a portable electronic radio or "boom box" includes a heavy base having legs extendible from the base so that the electronic device can be supported above the ground surface. An external battery compartment is provided in the enclosure for external batteries which are connected to a connector mounted in the internal battery compartment of the electronic device. The connector takes the place of the batteries mounted in the battery compartment. This permits batteries to be manipulated as required without the necessity of removing the electronic device from the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: David C. Lopes
  • Bag
    Patent number: 6039182
    Abstract: An evacuable plastic storage bag comprises a pair of opposed walls that define, between them, an interior volume and a mouth. The bag has a Zip-locks.RTM. closure for releasably sealing the mouth closed. The wall has a hole therein which is reinforced by an annular grommet-like plastic element. The element defines an aperture which is in communication with the interior volume of the bag and which is arranged in proximity to the closure. The wall has a plug of resiliently deformable plastic material for closing the aperture by forcing the plug into releasable engagement with the aperture. The plug and the element are disposed sufficiently close to the closure so that as the closure is pulled open, the plug is withdrawn, thereby obviating the need to withdraw the plug in a separate operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Barry Light
  • Patent number: 6039474
    Abstract: An organizer in the form of a miniature golf bag. The sidewall of the organizer is reclosable with a slide fastener which has a track that defines a bent U-shape. In an illustrated embodiment, the organizer can form a shelf-like portion when the organizer is in a hanging mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Inventor: Daniel A. DeChant
  • Patent number: 6027249
    Abstract: An ice cooler jacket system including a one-piece composite material formed with an interior flexible fabric and an exterior flexible fabric and with thermal insulation material therebetween. The composite material includes a plurality of panels. A central rectangular back panel is provided with two long edges and two short edges sized to fit over the back of a cooler. A generally rectangular top panel is integrally formed with one long edge of the back panel to fit over the top of the cooler. A bottom panel is integrally formed with the other long edge of the back panel with two trapezoidal panels extending outwardly from the bottom panel with rectangular apertures adjacent to the central extent thereof for the passage of a drain tube of the cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: George H. Bielinski
  • Patent number: 6022145
    Abstract: The container closure device for attachment to a container includes a substantially planar sidewall segment having a front surface, rear surface and plurality of sides. Formed through the sidewall segment from the front surface to the rear surface is an orifice for permitting the contents of a container to pass through. The container closure device further includes a flap which extends from the top of the sidewall segment by means of a hinge or the like. The hinge permits the flap to fold upwardly to keep the orifice unobstructed, or fold downwardly to cover and obstruct the orifice. The container closure device is attached to a container by an adhesive means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventor: Robert Searfoss
  • Patent number: 6019512
    Abstract: Reclosable bags, plastic film for making the bags, and a method and apparatus for making the bags are disclosed. The bag has a reclosable fastener (26) connected to a single wall of the bag, and the film (55) has a reclosable fastener (26) connected to one side thereof which does not require attachment to any other portion of the film (55) when making a bag. The fastener (26) has a tamper-proof member attached thereto to indicate if the bag has been previously opened. The film (55) can be wound into a roll (54) suitable for use on conventional bag making machines including form, fill, and seal machines or a chain of coilable reclosable bags can be produced therefrom since the fasteners (26) are connected to the web preferably transversely to the bags longitudinal formation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Inventor: James W. Yeager
  • Patent number: 6009995
    Abstract: A baseball equipment bag having an elongated bag portion of flexible material and a substantially planar interior shelf within the elongated bag portion. The interior shelf is permanently secured to the elongated bag portion. A removable panel is capable of being removed to substantially fully expose the interior shelf. The removable panel can be removed from the bag to facilitate the application of commercial printing thereon. The equipment bag includes a bat compartment which allows a bat to be accessed from either of two openings. The equipment bag is capable of collapsing to a substantially flat configuration when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Hillerich & Bradsby Company
    Inventor: Michael W. Speck
  • Patent number: 6004034
    Abstract: A single piece of material is cut from a roll of material, folded along fold lines and secured together along abutting short ends and mating portions to form a body bag which is stronger. The body bag includes a zipper closure that is formed when specifically sized and shaped ends of the single piece of material have one half of a zipper secured thereto and are then folded so as to be together. The abutting short ends and the mating portions of the sheet of material are secured together, as by sewing, or the like, to form a body bag having a minimum number of secured together edges or mating portions susceptible to being pulled or torn apart, and requiring less labor to complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Abdul Salam
  • Patent number: 5997177
    Abstract: An easy-open and tamper-evident beverage container and opening system for the beverage container are provided which include a container barrier wall. The barrier wall has a series of slits therein which define a pierceable straw hole. The series of slits divides the barrier wall into a hole portion and a remainder portion, with the hole portion connected to the remainder portion by attachment points provided between adjacent slits of the series. A membrane seal is located inside of the container and sealingly covers the straw hole. This membrane seal is liquid impervious and includes (a) an outer portion which is sealed to an inside surface of the front barrier wall about the straw hole, and (b) an inner portion integral with the outer portion which is not sealed to the inside surface of the barrier wall and which covers the straw hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Kraft Foods, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard H. Kaufman
  • Patent number: 5996800
    Abstract: A pair of thin, flexible, plastic panels are secured to one another at preselected peripheral edges to define a plastic bag and an auxiliary panel having an aperture formed in it is attached at its peripheral edges to an exterior side of a preselected panel of the pair of panels to form an auxiliary chamber. An aperture is also formed in the preselected panel in substantial registration with the aperture formed in the auxiliary panel and a valve head of a valve member is disposed between the apertures. In its position of repose, the valve head overlies the aperture formed in the preselected panel and underlies the aperture formed in the auxiliary panel. A valve neck is formed integrally with the valve head and is secured to the exterior side of the preselected panel so that it allows air being forced out of the bag to lift the valve head from the aperture formed in the exterior side of the preselected panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Inventor: David W. Pratt
  • Patent number: 5996797
    Abstract: A towelette product is provided usable for cleansing/make-up removal which includes a stack of folded flexible towelettes impregnated with a fluid composition, a pouch for storing the stack of towelettes and an outer container surrounding the pouch and having walls more rigid than the flexible sheet forming the pouch. A dispensing aperture is formed in a deck panel of the pouch. A seal is adhesively arranged over the dispensing aperture to minimize fluid evaporation and control foreign objects from contaminating the towelettes. The outer container is defined by top, bottom, front, rear and side walls, the top wall having an opening with left and right flanking panels, the opening of the container and dispensing aperture of the pouch being aligned to allow towelette removal. A lid is hingedly attached to the outer container which in a closed position overlies the opening and at least a portion of the flanking panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Chesebrough-Pond's USA Co. Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond Michael Flaig
  • Patent number: 5988468
    Abstract: A container for exposed film cartridges that permits swift, one-handed insertion of such cartridges while securely containing them after insertion is disclosed. A pouch with stiffened walls has a circular opening covered by overlapping flaps made of a flexible but resilient material through which cartridges may be inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Daymen Photo Marketing Ltd
    Inventors: Douglas H. Murdoch, Lily Ewing, Michael Sturm
  • Patent number: 5988882
    Abstract: A bag for carrying and exposing a food item, such as sandwich-type items sold at fast food or convenience stores. The bag includes front, back and gussetted side panels which are interconnected and form a V-shaped closed end and an open end. A pair of lines of weakness or perforations are provided, located on the front panel, extending between the open and closed ends, spaced apart a distance substantially less than the width of the front panel of the bag, which define a ripping strip. A pull tab is provided integral with the end of the ripping strip at the top end of the bag and extending therefrom to facilitate opening of the bag. Thus, the bag can be opened by grasping the pull tab and tearing the ripping strip along the lines of perforation so as to expose the bag interior and a food item therein for removal, application of condiments, and/or reuse of the bag to keep the food item warm or as a place mat to receive the food item for consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Bagcraft Packaging, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Mauro Fisher, Harold L. Benford, Larry J. Reynolds, Dustin L. Rupert, Craig L. Schnieders, Gary D. Updegraff, Ronald E. Warner
  • Patent number: 5975393
    Abstract: A fishing rod carrying backpack for holding fishing rods. The backpack includes a bottom portion having a bottom panel and a perimeter side wall. A front panel and a spaced apart pair of side panels are upwardly extended from the upper edge of the perimeter side wall. The bottom portion, the front panel and the side panels define an interior space for holding fishing rods therein. Upper and lower cover panels are coupled to one of the side panels and detachably attached to the other side panel to help hold fishing rods in the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: John N. Bellamy
  • Patent number: 5967665
    Abstract: A flexible polymer packaging bag is provided with an easy-open end seal feature for easily tearing through a fused seal. The bag has a pair of side walls, a pair of end walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall, in which the walls form an interior space. A stack of articles are contained in the interior space. A seal is in one of the walls and includes at least one seal area and at least one weakened zone. A frangible line for opening the bag is in the one wall and intersects the seal at the weakened zone, so that the frangible line can be easily tom where it intersects the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Allen MacDonald, Thomas Michael Lager, Michael Andrew Machurick, Jesse Paul Sorenson
  • Patent number: 5964399
    Abstract: A reclosable fastener having first members on a first side of the separation of an envelope, package, box or the like caused by the removal of a tear strip. In a first embodiment, a base is connected by a tether to a movable element. A similar base is placed on the other side. When the movable element is caused to engage the second base the tether acts to seal the separation. In a second embodiment, individual non-connected bases are set transverse to the separation. A series of locking members joined to form a band are connected to the other side of the separation by adhesive materials. The band is positioned across the separation to close it and the locking members are joined to the non-connected bases. As many non-connected bases and locking members as needed to close a particular separation can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventor: Philip H. Ruben
  • Patent number: 5964534
    Abstract: A bag of flexible material for packaging an edible food product and supporting the food product for eating has a closed bottom and an open top for receiving a food product. A wall of the bag is adapted to be opened between the top end and a location spaced above the bottom end of the bag, whereby a closed pouch is formed below the location by which a consumer can hold the food product and wherein the portion of the bag above the location is foldable outwardly about the pouch to provide a skirt covering the consumer's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Inventor: Theodore W. Welles
  • Patent number: 5958482
    Abstract: A flexible paper popcorn package in the form of an easily expandable, nontrapping bag (18) is disclosed including a bottom wall (20) and a top wall (22) interconnected together adjacent their circular outer peripheries (20a, 22a) by first and second interconnection portions. The top wall (22) is formed by first and second wall portions (22b, 22c) interconnected together by a peelable closure seal (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventor: Randal J. Monforton