By Plunger Patents (Class 493/167)
  • Patent number: 11384210
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a 3D-formable sheet material, a process for the preparation of a 3D-formed article, the use of a cellulose material and at least one particulate inorganic filler material for the preparation of a 3D-formable sheet material and for increasing the stretchability of a 3D-formable sheet material, the use of a 3D-formable sheet material in 3D-forming processes as well as a 3D-formed article comprising the 3D-formable sheet material according.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: FiberLean Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Johannes Kritzinger, Michel Schenker, Patrick Gane, Philipp Hunziker
  • Patent number: 11053051
    Abstract: A pulp-molded paper lid for a beverage cup and a method for fabricating the same is introduced. While said pulp-molded paper lid bears an external pressure to accommodate the convex-ridge ring of the cup body therein, by preloading of an insertion force of said convex-ridge ring, a generating-elasticity device of said pulp-molded paper lid is pre-compressed to compressively deform, along inward directions respectively opposite to radial directions of said pulp-molded paper lid. By removal of said external pressure, a movable bearing wall and an outermost sidewall of said generating-elasticity device exert two reversed elastically-rebound forces by a stretched deformation occurring therebetween, for clamp-retaining two opposed sides of said convex-ridge ring. Said generating-elasticity device is released from the pre-compression to exert preloaded elastic forces along said radial directions, for strengthening the clamp-retention and avoiding the technical problems of the prior arts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: GOLDEN ARROW PRINTING TECHNOLOGY (KUNSHAN) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chien-Kuan Kuo, Chun-Huang Huang
  • Patent number: 9738406
    Abstract: A packing method and unit (26) for producing a rigid package (1) with a hollow rib (12; 13); an end portion of a blank (21) is folded about a contrasting body (36; 39) onto a panel (11?) of the blank (21) to form the hollow rib (12; 13); a fastening tab (16; 19), which forms the end part of the end portion, is glued to the panel (11?) to stabilize the hollow rib (12; 13); and the contrasting body (36; 39) is extracted from the hollow rib (12; 13) once the end portion is folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: G.D SOCIETA' PER AZIONI
    Inventors: Ivanoe Bertuzzi, Enrico Campagnoli, Marco Garganelli, Andrea Biondi
  • Patent number: 9638747
    Abstract: Placing integrated circuit devices using a perturbation is described. In one example, a testing platform has a circuit board. A socket is on the board for receiving and connecting to an integrated circuit package. The socket has an array of pins to engage connection bumps on a surface of the package and a biasing feature to guide the package into alignment with the pins of the socket. A perturbation source induces movement of the package into alignment with the pins of the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Paul J. Diglio, Nader N. Abazarnia, Christopher R. Schroeder, Rene J. Sanchez, Morten S. Jensen
  • Patent number: 9378529
    Abstract: A social networking system generates a newsfeed for a user to view when accessing the social networking system. Candidate stories associated with users of the social networking system are selected and an expected value score for each candidate story is determined. An expected value score is based on the probability of a user performing various types of interactions with a candidate story and a numerical value for each type of interaction. The numerical value for a type of interaction represents a value to the social networking system of the type of interaction. Based on the expected value scores, the candidate stories are ranked and the ranking used to select candidate stories for the newsfeed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Facebook, Inc.
    Inventors: Yigal Dan Rubinstein, David Vickrey, Robert William Cathcart, Lars Seren Backstrom, Romain Jean Thibaux
  • Patent number: 8939875
    Abstract: An apparatus for making a film bag with reinforced bag seams includes a film extruder that produces a continuous tube of film. A flattener produces a continuous web of flattened film which has an upper surface and a lower surface. A fold maker has a receiving portion positioned above the web and a displacing portion is positioned below the web that moves cyclically upward to a first position to locate a portion of the web into the receiving portion, thereby forming a fold. A fold retention device prevents the fold from opening. A presser flattens the fold against the web. A sealer seals through the fold, forming a reinforced bag seam. A cutter severs a sealed portion from an unsealed portion of the web. A transport mechanism moves the film from the extruder, through the flattener, into the fold maker, beneath the presser, into the sealer and to the cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Inventors: Daniel Brian Tan, David H. G'Sell, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20140249008
    Abstract: A machine for forming a container from a blank of sheet material includes a forming station and a compression station. The forming station is configured to form a reinforcing corner assembly from first and second reinforcing panels extending from an end panel of the blank. The compression station is configured to rotate side panels and end panels of the blank to be substantially perpendicular to a bottom panel of the blank. The compression station includes a plurality of plows at least partially defining a plunger opening, and a plunger vertically movable through the plunger opening. The plurality of plows are configured to rotate the side panels and the end panels towards the interior surface of the bottom panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventors: Amer Aganovic, Thomas Dean Graham, Kenneth Charles Smith, John Hershcel Conley, Robert Bradley Teany, Gregory Scott Gulik, Paul Andrew Spurlock, Maureen Ann Armstrong
  • Patent number: 8784288
    Abstract: A forming assembly and process for forming a carton from a carton blank are herein disclosed. The finished carton can have an odd number of sides and/or an angle between two adjacent sides that is less than 90 degrees. The forming assembly includes a forming head and a forming cavity. The forming head acts as an inner die and the forming cavity acts as an outer die. In addition, the forming cavity includes at least one cavity side plate that desirably folds tabs on the carton blank to secure the tabs to one another and form the finished carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Delkor Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Mark Mate', Thomas Murdock Partridge, David Lee Belden
  • Patent number: 8734309
    Abstract: A die assembly for producing paperboard pressware includes an obliquely angled, continuous ring, and/or annular stop member between an inner die member and an outer die ring. Increased surface area of contact between stop components provides greater wear resistance, and the angled contact face maintains alignment of the die components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLC
    Inventors: Albert D. Johns, Mircea T. Sofronie
  • Patent number: 8678986
    Abstract: An apparatus for operating upon a construct. In one example, the apparatus comprises a tool, a feed path for a feed path for feeding the construct to and withdrawing the construct from the tool, and a positioning mechanism. The positioning mechanism comprises an arm positioned proximate to the tool and a guide for directing the construct toward the tool. The arm is movable between a guiding position and a withdrawn position, and the guide is mounted to the arm for moving with the arm so that the guide is at least partially disposed in the feed path when the arm is in the guiding position. A recess is defined in the tool for at least partially accommodating the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick H. Wnek
  • Patent number: 8579778
    Abstract: A machine for forming a container from a blank of sheet material is provided. The blank includes a reinforcing panel assembly for forming a reinforcing corner assembly. The machine includes a hopper station for storing the blank in a substantially flat configuration and a forming station for forming the blank into the container. The forming station includes an initial forming station that rotates a first portion of the reinforcing panel assembly with respect to a second portion of the reinforcing panel assembly, and a secondary forming station having male and female forming members with shapes corresponding to an interior shape and an exterior shape of the reinforcing corner assembly, respectively. The male and the female forming members are configured to form the reinforcing corner assembly by compressing together the first and second portions of the reinforcing panel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Rock-Tenn Shared Services, LLC
    Inventors: Amer Aganovic, Thomas Dean Graham, Kenneth Charles Smith, John Hershcel Conley, Robert Bradley Teany, Gregory Scott Gulik, Paul Andrew Spurlock
  • Patent number: 8414464
    Abstract: An improved apparatus for making pressware features a vacuum belt feeder which accelerates and decelerates a feed blank for controlled insertion into a forming die as well as retainers to limit bounce back of the blank off of forward stops. A pneumatic ejector on the forming ram facilitates product removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLC
    Inventors: Grigory I. Grischenko, Paul J. England, Thomas W. Zelinski, Alois A. Schmidtner, Albert D. Johns
  • Patent number: 8388507
    Abstract: A tray forming apparatus forms a blank into a tray having a double glued side wall construction for providing a desirable strength to the tray. A platen drives the blank through a forming rails which fold the blank into a partially formed tray having bottom, end and side walls, and inside corner supports formed about the platen. The platen is retracted prior to folding arms further extended portions of the partially formed tray. A compression plate and the folding arms are biased against adhesive portions of the tray for forming a fully formed tray having a double glued side wall construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation
    Inventor: Robert M. Herrin
  • Patent number: 8177699
    Abstract: A tray forming apparatus forms a blank into a tray having a double glued side wall construction for providing a desirable strength to the tray. A platen drives the blank through a forming rails which fold the blank into a partially formed tray having bottom, end and side walls, and inside corner supports formed about the platen. The platen is retracted prior to folding arms further extended portions of the partially formed tray. A compression plate and the folding arms are biased against adhesive portions of the tray for forming a fully formed tray having a double glued side wall construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation
    Inventor: Robert M. Herrin
  • Patent number: 8177698
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming a tray from a blank of sheet material is provided. The apparatus includes a platen configured to move along a path between a first position and a second position to drive the blank downstream from the first position and a first folding arm configured to fold an outside corner support member of the blank to form the blank into a partially formed tray including at least a portion of the outside corner support member being substantially parallel to the bottom panel. The apparatus further includes a fixed plate and a movable plate spaced from and movable with respect to the fixed plate. The fixed plate and the movable plate define a passage therebetween. The fixed plate guides the outside corner support member through the passage to a position adjacent a side panel and/or an end panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation
    Inventor: Robert M. Herrin
  • Publication number: 20120100977
    Abstract: A method of forming a container from a blank of sheet material using a machine is provided. The blank includes a bottom panel, two side panels, two end panels, and a reinforcing panel assembly extending from a first side panel. The machine includes a hopper station, a corner post forming station, and a plunger station. The method includes rotating the reinforcing panel assembly upwardly toward the first side panel as the blank is transported from the hopper station to the corner post forming station, forming a corner wall and a reinforcing end tab by folding reinforcing panels about fold lines as the blank is transported through the corner post forming station, rotating the side panels and the end panels to be substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel by directing the blank through the plunger station, and coupling the reinforcing end tab to an end panel to form the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas D. Graham, Ricki D. Anderson, Guillermo Rojas, Kenneth C. Smith
  • Patent number: 8128547
    Abstract: A machine for erecting a polygonal container from a knocked-down flat (KDF) container formed from a blank of sheet material is provided. The container includes four main side panels, at least one corner panel extending between two of the main side panels, and at least one bottom flap extending from one of the main side panels. The machine includes a body, a first erecting mechanism coupled to the body, and a second erecting mechanism coupled to the body. The first erecting mechanism receives the KDF container and erects the KDF container into a partially erected container having a substantially rectangular configuration, and the second erecting mechanism receives the partially erected container and erects the partially erected container from the substantially rectangular configuration into the polygonal container by applying a force to an exterior surface of the partially erected container to erect the polygonal container that has more than four sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Smurfit-Stone Container Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Dean Graham, Amer Aganovic, Robert Bradley Teany, Tuan Xuan Tran, John Herschel Conley
  • Patent number: 8105223
    Abstract: A method of forming a container from a blank of sheet material using a machine is provided. The blank includes a bottom panel, two side panels, two end panels, and a reinforcing panel assembly extending from a first side panel. The machine includes a hopper station, a corner post forming station, and a plunger station. The method includes rotating the reinforcing panel assembly upwardly toward the first side panel as the blank is transported from the hopper station to the corner post forming station, forming a corner wall and a reinforcing end tab by folding reinforcing panels about fold lines as the blank is transported through the corner post forming station, rotating the side panels and the end panels to be substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel by directing the blank through the plunger station, and coupling the reinforcing end tab to an end panel to form the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Smurfit-Stone Container Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Graham, Ricki D. Anderson, Guillermo Rojas, Kenneth C. Smith
  • Publication number: 20110294638
    Abstract: A machine to fold a cardboard blank into an open tray, the machine including means to displace a blank from a stack of blanks to a table, means to clamp the blank in a fixed position to the table, folding means to fold up sides and ends of the blank into vertically extending walls, consolidation means to urge overlapping flaps of the sides or ends into slots in the base of the blank and, means to eject the open tray from the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Dimitri Tosevski
  • Publication number: 20110256997
    Abstract: An apparatus for making a box from a foldable blank having a central polygonal floor panel and a plurality of outwardly projecting side panels has a frame, a supply on the frame holding the blank, a folder on the frame above the supply, and a feeder having a grab engageable with the blank in the supply and movable to a position above the folder. The feeder picks up the blank with the grab, moves the picked-up blank and grab up to above the folder, and deposits the picked-up blank in the folder that folds the deposited blank into a box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Frank MICHELS
  • Publication number: 20100243722
    Abstract: A substantially crimpless and monolithic paperboard container lid and method of making same is provided. The lid comprises a single contiguous molded paperboard body configured to conformingly couple to a top periphery of a container for covering the container's opening. The body includes a sealing ring located adjacent the body's periphery. The sealing ring includes a sealing channel composed of a radiused cross-section that extends to a tangent ring terminating with a tab ring. The radiused cross-section and tangent ring assist providing a snug fit between the lid and the container. Despite being made from paperboard, the lid does not include one or more substantial crimps in the sealing ring. Having no substantial crimps, the lid fits onto the container and prevents fluid from leaking between the container's periphery and the lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Lonnie E. Hyder, Michael E. Tibbets
  • Publication number: 20090280973
    Abstract: A method of forming a container from a blank of sheet material using a machine is provided. The blank includes a bottom panel, two side panels, two end panels, and a reinforcing panel assembly extending from a first side panel. The machine includes a hopper station, a corner post forming station, and a plunger station. The method includes rotating the reinforcing panel assembly upwardly toward the first side panel as the blank is transported from the hopper station to the corner post forming station, forming a corner wall and a reinforcing end tab by folding reinforcing panels about fold lines as the blank is transported through the corner post forming station, rotating the side panels and the end panels to be substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel by directing the blank through the plunger station, and coupling the reinforcing end tab to an end panel to form the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: THOMAS D. GRAHAM, RICKI D. ANDERSON, GUILLERMO ROJAS
  • Patent number: 7559884
    Abstract: A smart mandrel for use with a container forming machine to form a Bliss style container having one or more structural columns in a side or end of the container. In the preferred embodiment, the mandrel has a frame, a female profile mechanism having a female forming tool fixedly supported by the frame, a male profile mechanism having a male forming tool slidably supported by the frame, an engaging mechanism to hold a side blank against the female forming tool and an actuating mechanism that moves the male forming tool into engagement with the female forming tool to form a column in the side blank. A mandrel carriage moves the formed side blank into engagement with a Bliss style body blank to form the desired container. The engaging mechanism comprises one or more suction cups and the actuating mechanism is a linear actuator having a pneumatic cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventor: Raymond George Montague Kisch
  • Publication number: 20090173775
    Abstract: A disposable servingware container press-formed from a generally planar paperboard blank includes: (a) a bottom panel; (b) a first annular transition portion extending upwardly and outwardly from the bottom panel defining a first radius of curvature; (c) an optional sidewall portion extending upwardly and outwardly from the first annular transition portion; (d) a second annular transition portion flaring outwardly with respect to the first annular transition portion; and (e) an outer flange portion extending outwardly with respect to the second annular transition portion. The paperboard blank is generally sized with nano starch in an amount of greater than 20 lbs per 3000 ft2 ream and preferably exhibits a starch layer concentration of greater than about 1.7 lbs/ream/mil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: Dixie Consumer Products LLC
    Inventors: Dean P. Swoboda, Greg A. Wendt
  • Patent number: 7470225
    Abstract: A paper board blank is formed into a tray having a double glued side wall construction for providing a desirable strength to the tray. A platen drives the blank through forming rails which fold the blank into a partially formed tray having bottom, end and side walls, and inside corner supports formed about the platen. After the platen is retracted, a first folding arm folds a top wall portion to a position generally parallel to the bottom panel. A second folding arm then folds end fold portions of outside corner supports into a passage formed between a compression plate and a fixed guide plate, wherein the fixed guide plate provides a guiding surface. The compression plate is then biased against each of the side fold portions for compressing the side fold portions against the side panels to form the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: R&L Manufacturing
    Inventor: Robert M. Herrin
  • Patent number: 7470226
    Abstract: An apparatus automatically forms a paperboard blank into a container having a double glued side wall construction for providing an enhanced strength to the container. A platen drives the blank through mechanically powered forming rails for an initial folding of the blank into a partially formed container having a bottom, end and side walls, and inside corner supports. A compression plate and folding arms are biased against adhesive portions of the partially formed container for forming a fully formed container having a double glued side wall construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: R & L Manufacturing
    Inventor: Robert M Herrin
  • Patent number: 7445589
    Abstract: Cardboard boxes are formed starting from a stamped sheet which is vertically pushed by a descending core (13) for folding the sectors (6) that are going to form the sides and those that are going to form the front ends (7), including equipment for folding of the extensions and/or flaps (8, 10) which are folded on the front ends and/or sides. The mold is intended to shape boxes having an upper horizontal bridge (9) in the sides (6), bridges presenting flaps (10) which fold over the front ends (7), being fixed to the outer face of them, with these front ends (7) in turn presenting end extensions (8) which are folded in the inner face of the sides (6). The mold includes runners (11) adjustable in height, permitting to fold the end extensions (8) of the front ends (7), also having wedges in ramp (14) and presses (15) with an inclined plane (16), for folding the flaps (10) of the upper bridges (9) of the sides (6), these flaps (10) being folded on the front ends (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Los Pinos Finca Agricola, S.L.
    Inventor: José Boix Jaen
  • Patent number: 7244221
    Abstract: An apparatus for pressforming a paperboard sheet into an articulable pressformed container. The apparatus includes a pair of male and female, matingly engagable dies, which have interfacing forming surfaces in the shape of a container for engaging a paperboard sheet. A first one of the dies has a plurality of ridges extending from the forming surface and a second one of the dies has a plurality of grooves within the forming surface. The grooves register with the ridges when the dies matingly engage for creating creases in the paperboard sheet. The invention also includes a method for simultaneously shaping the container and forming fold creases on the container thereby making the container articulable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Rogar Capital Corporation
    Inventors: Garold W. Alexander, Benjamin K. Hoblet, Michael R. Fought, Jeffrey C. Reasinger
  • Patent number: 7144358
    Abstract: Method for manufacturing a tube-shaped package having longitudinal sides and a bottom and made of flexible material, wherein the longitudinal sides of the package are sealed prior to forming the bottom and the bottom is formed by pushing an annular portion of the flexible material inward in a U-shaped arrangement at at least on closed end of the tube-shaped package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: BP Europack S.p.A.
    Inventors: Sergio Visona′, Giorgio Trani, Marion Sterner
  • Patent number: 6932753
    Abstract: A pressing apparatus for producing a food service paperboard container from a paperboard blank so that the paperboard container possesses an overturned rim provided with folds includes a first die and a second die that are movable relative to one another. The first die includes a first base and a first platform that is movable with respect to the first base, with the first base having a curved surface for engaging the outer periphery of the paperboard blank. The second die is positioned in opposing relation to the first die and includes a second base and a second platform that is movable with respect to the second base. The second die is movable with respect to the first die and the second base has a curved surface for engaging the outer periphery of the paperboard blank so that the outer periphery of the paperboard blank is pressed between the curved surface of the first base and the curved surface of the second base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventors: Bruce R. Smith, Albert D. Johns, Mircea Sofronie, Mark B. Littlejohn, Thomas W. Zelinski
  • Patent number: 6758800
    Abstract: The machine assembles cardboard boxes of the type that comprises a main piece or sheet and two independent sheets comprising the front ends, lateral sheets that attach to some laps that form part of the main piece. As a novel characteristic, it includes some side feeders where the independent lateral sheets are stacked and some devices for conveying such lateral sheets that place them on both sides of the male forming element or mandrel, in whose descent such lateral sheets are conveyed and also the main sheet to the folding mold located underneath where the box assembly will be finally formed. This folding mold also includes some improvements that facilitate the assembly of the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Boix Maquinaria, S.A.
    Inventor: José Boix Jaen
  • Patent number: 6746388
    Abstract: A standup bags made of a flexible material and methods of producing these standup bags. In particular, the standup bags have at least one substantially flat surface which is free of seams and folds. When the bag is filled with a flowable substance, the pressure exerted by the fluid upon the flat surfaces allows the bag to be self-standing. Additionally, the standup includes at least one contour structure that defines the geometry of the bag and also contributes to the standup bag's ability to be self-standing when even partially filled with a flowable substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Scholle Corporation
    Inventors: Simon P. Edwards, Benjamin A. Gianneschi, Nancy Lu, Joe Hsu
  • Patent number: 6663925
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a container press-formed of paperboard having a top surface disposed for contact with material to be contained and an opposed bottom surface, the container comprising a first functional coating material such as a latex dispersed in the paperboard without forming a barrier to moisture. The invention also encompasses a method of manufacturing the press-formed paperboard container comprising before the container is press-formed the step of applying to the bottom surface of the paperboard a moistening solution comprising latex solids in an amount selected to avoid forming a moisture barrier and to avoid blistering on the bottom surface during press forming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventor: Dean Swoboda
  • Patent number: 6602173
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically forming at least two sheets of material into an article, such as a flower pot cover, is provided. The apparatus includes a first roll of sheet material, a second roll of sheet material, a female die and a male die. A first sheet of material and a second sheet of material are automatically formed from the first and second rolls of sheet material, respectively, and the first and second sheets of material are positioned between the male die and the female die. The male and female dies are shaped such that at least a portion of the male die is receivable in the opening of the female die to form the article. The formed articles are automatically stacked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Southpac Trust Int'l. Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, William F. Straeter, Frank Craig, Michael J. King, William C. Funk
  • Patent number: 6527687
    Abstract: A die system (10) for cutting a piece of sheet stock (11) to create a blank and forming the blank to create a container includes first and second mating die halves (56, 96) and a cutting punch (68). The first and second mating die halves (56, 96) are configured to move together to form the container from the blank. The cutting punch (68) extends about the first die half (56) and is movable therewith. The cutting punch (68) is configured to cut the piece of sheet stock (11) to create the blank. Movement of the die halves (56, 96) together causes the cutting punch (68) to cut the blank from the piece of sheet stock (11) and further movement of the die halves (56, 96) together causes the first and second die halves (56, 96) to form the container from the blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Peerless Machine & Tool Corporation
    Inventors: Joe Lynn Fortney, Jeffrey Colin Reasinger, Garold W. Alexander
  • Patent number: 6510673
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing tube-shaped packages made of flexible material, characterized in that an annular portion is pushed inward in a U-shaped arrangement at at least one closed end of a tube-shaped package, said annular portion being at least partially heat-sealed to the remaining part of the package at facing portions thereof. An apparatus for carrying out the method. A package obtained with the method and the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: BP Europack S.p.A.
    Inventors: Sergio Visona′, Giorgio Trani, Marion Sterner
  • Patent number: 6471629
    Abstract: An apparatus for the formation of packaging from unitary blanks comprising a first tool having a convex end surface said convex end surface having edges that define a first center segment and a first plurality of triangular segments and a second tool having a concave end surface said concave end surface having edges that define a second center segment and a second plurality of triangular segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Aliseo Gentile
  • Patent number: 6449926
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for producing (cigarette) packs with supporting protrusions (17), formed within the pack, above a base wall (16), the supporting protrusions (17) being formed by folding webs (19). The folding webs (19) or folding tabs are pre-folded or folded definitively, during the (customary) transportation of the blanks along a blank path (25), by corresponding folding elements, in particular by a folding wheel (32) with a folding protrusion (34) which folds the folding web (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co.)
    Inventors: Heinz Focke, Henry Buse, Gisbert Engel
  • Patent number: 6419617
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically forming at least two sheets of material into an article, such as a flower pot cover, is provided. The apparatus includes a first roll of sheet material, a second roll of sheet material, a female die and a male die. A first sheet of material and a second sheet of material are automatically formed from the first and second rolls of sheet material, respectively, and the first and second sheets of material are positioned between the male die and the female die. The male and female dies are shaped such that at least a portion of the male die is receivable in the opening of the female die to form the article. The formed articles are automatically stacked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, William F. Straeter, Frank Craig, Michael J. King, William C. Funk
  • Patent number: 6361485
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a dispensing end portion of a cartridge used to hold and dispense food sauce. A flat end disk is held in a transfer pocket and moved by a disk punch through a die opening smaller in diameter than the disk. The die bends the peripheral portion of the disk into a skirt. The disk punch inserts the disk into the open end of a cartridge body and against a mandrel positioned so that an end portion of the cartridge body extends beyond the skirt. Heat is applied to melt thermoplastic coatings on the disk and cartridge body. A crimping device crimps the end portion oft he cartridge into a flange which is bent against the disk and folds the skirt to form a lip doubled over on the peripheral area of the disk. Thermoplastic coatings bond to weld the flange to the disk with the lip enclosed between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Sealright Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald D. Robertson
  • Patent number: 6213926
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a sheet of material into an article, such as a flower pot cover, is provided. The apparatus includes a female die and a male die. A sheet of material is positioned between the male die and the female die. The male and female dies are shaped such that at least a portion of the male die is receivable in the opening of the female die to form the article. The apparatus further includes means for supplying a stream of air between the female die and the formed article to release the formed article from the female die and means for holding the formed article against the male die as the male die and the female die are positioned from a forming position to a discharge position whereby the formed article is removed from the female die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, William F. Straeter, Frank Craig, Michael J. King, William C. Funk
  • Patent number: 6158652
    Abstract: A container for holding produce having a floor, four sidewalls and a cover. Two of the four sidewalls are multi-layered with a core including a plurality of interlocking panels. The interlocked panels are lockingly connected in coplanar pairs through a set of complementary locking contours. Pairs of interlocked panels overlap in a back-to-back relationship to form a "dual-lock" arrangement. The coplanar, dual-lock arrangement allows the sidewalls and floor to be tightly interlocked thereby enabling the container to resist higher loads without buckling. The cover panels protect the enclosed produce while letting in air for ventilation through a plurality of ventilation holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Corporation
    Inventors: David Ruiz, Philip Weideman
  • Patent number: 6135936
    Abstract: A bottom for a paper cup is formed by advancing a punch against a paperboard web to push the web against a cutting edge which cuts out a circular cup bottom blank from the web. The punch is kept in a forward state to clamp an outer peripheral portion of the blank immovably against a surface of a sleeve. A reciprocable draw is advanced against a center portion of the blank to push the center portion into a circular opening of the sleeve while maintaining the clamping force, to cause the center portion of the blank to become stretched. The clamping force is then progressively released to permit the outer peripheral portion to enter the opening and become bent to form a lip extending at a substantially right angle. The lip is compressed within a gap formed between the draw and a surface of the opening. Because of the stretching of the blank, pleats formed in the lip are only in the form of micropleats that are flattened in a non-folded over state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventors: David C. Brown, Grigory Grishchenko, Anthony N. Curcio
  • Patent number: 6056679
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a sheet of material into an article, such as a flower pot cover, is provided. The apparatus includes a female die and a male die. A sheet of material is positioned between the male die and the female die. The male and female dies are shaped such that at least a portion of the male die is receivable in the opening of the female die to form the article. The apparatus further includes means for supplying a stream of air between the female die and the formed article to release the formed article from the female die and means for holding the formed article against the male die as the male die and the female die are positioned from a forming position to a discharge position whereby the formed article is removed from the female die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, William F. Straeter, Frank Craig, Michael J. King, William C. Funk
  • Patent number: 6053854
    Abstract: An apparatus is used to form a container from a blank which has innermost fold lines that confine a closed bottom of the container, and outer fold lines that extend outwardly from four corners of the bottom. The apparatus includes a blank forming device which defines a forming passage of polygonal cross-section and having four corners. A blank feeding device is adapted to feed the blank towards the blank forming device in a first direction substantially parallel to the cross-section of the forming passage. A punching mechanism has a punch head of polygonal cross-section and capable of passing through the forming passage in a second direction transverse to the first direction. The punch head has a forward end formed with a polygonal push pad for pushing the blank through the forming passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Shun-Yu Ynag
  • Patent number: 5944646
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a sheet of material into an article, such as a flower pot cover, is provided. The apparatus includes a female die and a male die. A sheet of material is positioned between the male die and the female die. The male and female dies are shaped such that at least a portion of the male die is receivable in the opening of the female die to form the article. The apparatus further includes means for supplying a stream of air between the female die and the formed article to release the formed article from the female die and means for holding the formed article against the male die as the male die and the female die are positioned from a forming position to a discharge position whereby the formed article is removed from the female die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G.. Straeter, William F. Straeter, Frank Craig, Michael J. King, William C. Funk
  • Patent number: 5924968
    Abstract: An apparatus for erecting flat blanks into three-dimensional box parts has a machine frame, a bin on the frame holding a stack of the blanks with a lower surface of a lowermost blank largely exposed at a base of the stack, an erecting unit on the frame spaced downstream in a transport direction from the bin, and a conveyor on the frame. The conveyor has at least two spaced endless conveyor elements having upper stretches extending horizontally underneath the bin in the direction, respective suction boxes generally level with the upper stretches, and a drive for advancing the elements in the transport direction. An extractor on the frame underneath the bin includes a vertically displaceable vacuum-operated suction head engageable with the lower surface of the lowermost blank for pulling same out of the bin and setting it on the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: OSTMA Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Heinz F. Odenthal
  • Patent number: 5904643
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming three-dimensional containers from a continuous flat web of paper, coated paper, paper board, or laminated paper board ("paper") in which the paper is first scored to define the shape of the container and, thereafter, the scored stock is simultaneously cut and formed into a container. Containers so produced have improved uniformity. The apparatus is less expensive and easier to operate than conventional equipment, and it is easier to change from one style of tray to another. The apparatus also makes possible tray styles which could not be made with machines which cut and transfer paper blanks to a separate forming station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Tenneco Packaging
    Inventors: Edward J. Seeberger, Harold H. Hayes III, Vaughn R. Bryson
  • Patent number: 5876319
    Abstract: A machine for forming a variety of different sturdy, stackable three-part fiberboard containers having a depth dimension greater than their width dimension, and which are suitable for holding bags filled with liquid. The machine includes a slidable, removable mandrel which cycles between a fiberboard hopper area and a container forming compression area. Each of two side bins provides a fiberboard end panel which comes into contact with independently slidable edge picks on the mandrel. Just before the mandrel cycles forward, the edge picks push the fiberboard end panels forward where they are bent by the action of two folding elements. Meanwhile, a fiberboard body matt is brought into position in front of the retracted mandrel from an overhead feed unit. Adhesive material is sprayed onto selected parts of the body matt as it is placed into position in front of the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Holton
  • Patent number: 5816991
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a paper protector comprises an upper mold, a lower mold, and a central mold. The lower mold includes a frame section and support surface, while the upper mold includes a peripheral rim and guide projections fitted into the lower surface of the peripheral rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Shizuo Sato