Assembling Of Distinct Members Patents (Class 493/84)
  • Publication number: 20090039078
    Abstract: A flexible, stackable container for storing a quantity of a product may include a sealed package formed from a single sheet of film and retaining the quantity of the product disposed therein, and a lid fitment attached to a first side of the package. The first side of the package may have an outer first surface of the film and outwardly extending first corner seals formed in the film at the edges of the first side and surrounding the first side of the package. The package may also have a second side disposed opposite the first side and outwardly extending second corner seals formed in the film at the edges of the second side and surrounding the second side of the package. The lid fitment may include a base having a central opening and a lid having a complimentary shape to the base to form a seal therebetween when the lid is closed down onto the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: CLEAR LAM PACKAGING, INC.
    Inventors: John E. Sanfilippo, James J. Sanfilippo, Jeanne M. Skaggs, Roy Speer
  • Publication number: 20090042705
    Abstract: A multi-compartment microwaveable food container and, in particular, a microwaveable container having at least two compartments with different degrees of shielding to provide different energy inputs to food products contained therein while being heated in a microwave together at the same settings. At least one compartment of the container contains an in-mold label or other type of shielding with microwave-reflective areas to provide the desired shielding properties to the food product contained therein. Additionally, a lid component can also contain an in-mold label or other type of shielding to provide further shielding of the compartment. The two or more food compartments may contain various degrees of shielding provided by complete or partial in-mold labels or other types of shielding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Albert Vincent Maslowski, Leonard S. Scarola
  • Publication number: 20090036285
    Abstract: A carton blank may be formed having at least one score line therein. A second layer of material may overlay at least a portion of the first layer, including the score line, thus defining an overlaid score area. The overlaid score area may include at least a portion in which the second layer is not adhered to the first layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Walsh, Robert L. Conatser
  • Publication number: 20090026213
    Abstract: A container or cup for holding hot beverages or fluids is provided. The container consists of an integrally designed insulating portion which is structurally configured and positioned on the wall of the cup and is separated from the cup when rotated and used in conjunction with hot fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Christian McCarthy
  • Patent number: 7472474
    Abstract: The machine is designed to form pallets by assembling cardboard longitudinal beams (1) and transverse beams (2) comprising means for storage, feed and dosing of longitudinal beams (1) and with means for storage, feed and dosing of transverse beams (2), means provided at corresponding areas (4, 5) for placing the longitudinal beams (1) longitudinally edgewise and coupling transversally thereto the corresponding transverse beams (2), both being provided with complementary notches for assembling the same. The longitudinal beams (1) from the area (4) are displaced on rails (16) and are situated in the area (5) where the transverse beams (2) fall and are pushed vertically by a pusher (22) to assemble the transverse beams (2) onto the longitudinal beams (1) previously and appropriately placed in the area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Inventor: José Boix Jaen
  • Publication number: 20080314896
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the foldable part holder is comprised of a front flap, a bottom flap, a back flap, a top flap, a prong flap, a plurality of folds, a plurality of slots, and a plurality of apertures all of which are formed from a flat sheet of polymeric material. The front flap, the bottom flap, the back flap, the top flap, the prong flap, the plurality of folds, the plurality of slots, and the plurality of apertures are all arranged on the flat sheet such that when the flat sheet is folded along the plurality of folds, the embodiment forms a three-dimensional part holder. The plurality of folds are formed by the polymeric sheet such that when folded the flaps engage each other in the appropriate manner. All of the elements formed onto the flat sheet of polymeric material through any fabrication process common for polymeric materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: Chun Yu Works (U.S.A.), Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Clark Shellhorn, Steven Raymond Michaud
  • Patent number: 7462147
    Abstract: A method for forming a container having container side walls and a lid. The container side walls have end edges. The lid has a central panel, side panels attached to the central panel by score lines, and an annular crushed area conterminous with the score lines in the central panel. The liners and the corrugated material are crushed together in the crushed area. In the method the container walls are opened, the lid blank and the container walls are moved relative to each other until the end edges of the container side walls are aligned with the crushed area, the container side walls and the lid are moved relatively toward each other until the container side walls are seated in the crushed area, the lid side panels are folded onto the container side walls and fastened to the container side walls. In one embodiment the lid is of fiberboard material and the side walls of the container are aligned with the score lines of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventors: Joe Ludovissie, Charles C. Habeger, Jr., Randall T. Telling
  • Publication number: 20080296356
    Abstract: An insulated food crate comprises a generally rectangular, typically cardboard box having separable top and bottom portions with double walls providing insulative properties and also insulating inserts fitted into the top and bottom portions. The box may also have ventilation holes or slots and/or compartments for serving utensils and may be disposable. In alternate embodiments, the insulated food crate may be made from a heat-resistant composite material, such as a reinforced plastic or stainless steel, as a more permanent, durable, and reusable solution. This inexpensive, accessible catering box keeps hot foods hot and cold foods cold while allowing quick and easy access to the foods inside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: John August Hatcher, Amy Hatcher
  • Patent number: 7452316
    Abstract: A packing product and apparatus and method for manufacturing same are disclosed. The packing product includes at least one face sheet and at least one crumpled sheet pad attached to the face sheet. A package and method of packaging an article are also disclosed, the package including a container, one or more crumpled sheet pads positioned in the container, one or more face sheets positioned adjacent to the crumpled sheet pads, and an article positioned in the container in at least partial abutting relation to the one or more face sheets. The one or more face sheets may have portions that are folded to envelop the article. Also, the face sheet may include an opening having a pattern corresponding to a shape of the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Hubertus Y. M. Cals, Erwin R. J. Methorst, Koen Kuypers, Pierre H. G. Kobben
  • Publication number: 20080217464
    Abstract: A packaging device has a core that is connected to a sheet of material by a flowable material that sets or cures to harden, such as a two part expandable polyurethane foam. The sheet of material has a plurality of cells that the flowable material enters from a partition that forms the core through an aperture or apertures formed in the sheet of material. The chemistry of the flowable material may be altered to change density, rigidity and flexibility as required by package stresses. The flowable material is effective at creating a durable attachment of the core and sheet of material for forming packaging materials such as reels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Ridgeway, James M. Lee
  • Publication number: 20080200321
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dispensing container having compliance features in which the container has a bottom panel that defines at least one opening, a top panel that is secured to the bottom panel, and a moveable security member positioned between the bottom and top panels. The top panel provides a perforated access tab that is releasably secured to the bottom panel to form a stop that prevents movement of the security member. The top panel may further provide a perforated cut-out that provides an opening in the top panel to permit the dispensing of articles within the container. The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing a packaging blank capable of forming a container having indicia and compliance features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: CADMUS
    Inventors: Michael J. Bittner, Wade H. Bryant, Mark A. Duke
  • Publication number: 20080188364
    Abstract: A machine for making a reinforced, collapsible bulk bin assembly is provided. The machine includes a body blank feeding device for providing a body blank from a stack of body blanks, an erecting device for partially erecting the body blank, a folding device for partially folding a bottom blank, a bottom insertion device for inserting the partially folded bottom blank into the partially erected body blank, and first fingers for attaching major flaps of the body blank to the bottom blank. The machine also includes second fingers for attaching minor flaps of the body blank to major flaps of the body blank, wherein the erecting device collapses the partially erected body blank after the first fingers attach the major flaps to the bottom blank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas D. Graham, Amer Aganovic
  • Patent number: 7390290
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing packages, comprising a fist plurality of arms (2) which are at substantially equal mutual spacing, on symmetric distribution about a circle, radially extend about a geometric axis (X) and located in a common plane at right angles to the axis, as well as a second plurality of treatment stations (4) which are disposed a radial distance from the axis (X), as well as rotary means which are disposed to rotate the arms intermittently about the axis (X) between the treatment stations (4), the arms (2) and the treatment stations (4) being disposed in relation to one another such that the position of the arms (2) and the position of the treatment stations (4) coincide after the intermittent rotations. In a single indexing state, the apparatus (1) is configured to be disposed to rotate the arms to one distribution at a time, and in a double indexing state, to be disposed to rotate the arms (2) two distributions at a time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Per Gustafsson, Jan Lovenbrandt, Bengt Malmstrom
  • Patent number: 7381176
    Abstract: A machine for making a reinforced, collapsible bulk bin assembly is provided. The machine includes a body blank feeding device for providing a body blank from a stack of body blanks, an erecting device for partially erecting the body blank, and a bottom insertion device for inserting a partially folded bottom blank into the partially erected body blank. The machine also includes first fingers for attaching major flaps of the body blank to the bottom blank, second fingers for attaching minor flaps of the body blank to major flaps of the body blank after the body blank has been collapsed, and a strapping device for simultaneously applying a plurality of straps to an exterior surface of the body blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Smurfit-Stone Container Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Graham, Amer Aganovic, John Thomas Yoder, IV, Tesfahun Y. Mengistu
  • Publication number: 20080116088
    Abstract: The invention pertains to improved gift card carriers. More particularly, a first aspect pertains to a gift card carrier that also operates as a greeting card. In a first folded configuration, the gift card carrier presents the gift card for purchase. In a second folded configuration, the gift card carrier acts like a greeting card that encloses the gift card, and possibly supplies a greeting or message. A second aspect pertains to a gift card carrier with a depression for receiving a gift card therein. The depression may make the gift card appear as if its flush mounted within a panel of the gift card carrier. A third aspect pertains to a gift card carrier with an image of hardware device that includes a display, and a gift card that includes an image associated with the hardware device. The gift card is positioned over the display region of the hardware device image making it appear as if the gift card is the display, and the image thereon is being displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: Apple Computer, Inc.
    Inventor: Jamie Roberts
  • Publication number: 20080081754
    Abstract: The present invention provides machines, methods and apparatus for forming containers including Bliss style containers of a type in which one or more V-shaped support pillars are formed on one or both of the sidewalls of the container being formed. The machines, methods and apparatus of the present invention form support pillars on the sidewalls of containers using a novel arrangement of one or more unique discs, guides, rollers and grippers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: William Plemons, Keith Keoppel
  • Publication number: 20080041860
    Abstract: A thermally insulated container is disclosed. The container comprises an inner layer having a bottom portion with a bottom closure attached to the bottom portion. The container further comprises an outer layer wrapped around the inner layer. The container further comprises an insulating middle layer sandwiched between the inner layer and the outer layer. The container further comprises a side seam including five or less layers. At least one of the layers of the side seam is an end of the middle layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: Warren G. Wiedmeyer, David Shiltz
  • Patent number: 7331915
    Abstract: An assembly device for plate elements such as sheets of paper, cardboard, corrugated cardboard or similar material, for subsequent operation thereon in a processing machine. A feed station feeds elements to a positioning station for the plate elements. The positioning station for the plate elements includes a lower part equipped with first conveyors arranged side by side and an upper part including a second conveyor movable transversely with respect to the first conveyors. The second conveyor include grippers for the plate elements. The positioning station has a device for assembling the plate elements with respect to each other and an aligning device for longitudinally and transversely aligning the plate elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Bobst SA
    Inventors: Gérard Coullery, Sacha Bourgeois
  • Patent number: 7285082
    Abstract: A method, apparatus for practicing the method, and article manufactured by the method in which a block is cut out with side wall and end wall panels, the end wall panels attached to the side wall panels via end wall fold lines. The box includes a pour opening. Recesses are provided in at least one of the end wall panels for exposing adhesive for attaching the flexible material strip to the corresponding end wall panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Crystal B.V.
    Inventor: Stephen Walker
  • Patent number: 7243790
    Abstract: A carrier for storing a plurality of memory devices therein and a method of manufacture for the carrier are provided. The carrier includes a jacket having a plurality of interconnected panels. A hinge member is applied to a hinge edge of containers. One of the panels of the jacket is then secured to the hinge member to mount a stack of containers within the jacket. The stack may also be secured to a second panel of the jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventors: John Civitello, Thomas Michael Steffl
  • Patent number: 7241254
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a container defining an interior and an exterior provided with a first access panel and a second access panel for creating an opening for passage between the interior and the exterior, and methods for making and using such a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Walsh, Robert L. Conatser, Raymond S. Kastanek
  • Patent number: 7207934
    Abstract: A glued three piece folding basket carrier which has two partitions for dividing the carrier into six cells with each partition being constructed of a different material than used to construct the outside basket carrier. Each partition is glued to a handle panel and a divider flap on the end of the basket carrier and a to a side wall to form a bottle cell with walls that are perpendicular to the divider between the two sides of the carrier and which are also formed as part of the partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Schuster
  • Patent number: 7195805
    Abstract: A heat insulating paper cup having an improved seal. The cup can include a body member having an inside surface and an outside surface, and a bottom panel member having a upper surface and a bottom surface. The body member is coated (or in some instances partially coated) on its outside surface with a foamed low density polyethylene, and on its inside surface with an unfoamed modified low density polyethylene. The bottom panel member is coated on its upper surface with a foamed or an unfoamed low density polyethylene or foamed or unfoamed modified low density polyethylene. The body member and bottom panel member are oriented and joined to form a heat seal at an interface between a portion of the unfoamed modified low density polyethylene coated on the inside surface of the body member and a portion of unfoamed low density polyethylene or unfoamed modified low density polyethylene coated on the upper surface of the bottom panel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Dixie Consumer Products LLC
    Inventors: Michael A. Breining, William R. Pucci, David C. Brown, Richard A. Segan, Donald C. McCarthy, Walter Malakhow
  • Patent number: 7117579
    Abstract: As part of a method for producing a combination packaging container (28), which combination packaging container (28) comprises a beaker-shaped plastic inner part (15) and a casing-type outer part (14) surrounding the plastic inner part (15) and retained on the external face of the plastic inner part (15) in an interlocking arrangement, and by which method the two parts (14, 15) are pushed one in the other in an interlocking arrangement, the assembly process is improved due to the fact that the outer part (14) is retained in a holder (13) and the plastic inner part (15) is introduced into the outer part (14) retained in the holder (13) and then pushed down into the outer part (14) so as to interlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Rundpack AG
    Inventor: Walter Schellenberg
  • Patent number: 6905450
    Abstract: The clam shell container is formed by a cover formed of cardboard, chipboard or other similar material. A thermoform plastic tray is adhered to the inner surface of the cover to form the completed clam shell container. When closed, the edges of the tray move closer to the edges of the cover. The thermoform is bonded to the tray with adhesive and the container is closed to allow the adhesive to cure in the closed configuration. When opened, stress is created by the tray being fixed to the cover. To alleviate the stress, perforations between the tray sections and the spine break forming three distinct sections. In the open configuration, a small gap is created between the tray section and the spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventor: Raymond Sullivan
  • Patent number: 6805659
    Abstract: Methods of making one-piece lidded containers are described along with containers made by such methods. In one embodiment, the method entails providing a first length of thermoplastic material and a second length of thermoplastic material where a portion of the two lengths of thermoplastic material are brought into an overlapping or abutting orientation to provide a juncture of thermoplastic material. The juncture of thermoplastic material is subsequently secured. The one-piece lidded container is completed by forming a first container and a corresponding lid on the first and second lengths of thermoplastic material. Other embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Ivex Packaging Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy Bohrer
  • Patent number: 6790168
    Abstract: An automated cup making system is provided for forming a two stage cup having an upper cup disposed upon a lower cup. An upper cup making machine is provided for forming an upper cup having an upper cup sidewall and an upper cup bottom wall disposed generally transversely to the upper cup sidewall and punched out to define a bottom wall annular border extending radially inwardly from the upper cup sidewall, the upper cup sidewall having an outwardly curled top edge. A lower cup making machine is provided for forming a lower cup having a lower cup sidewall and a bottom cup wall disposed generally transversely to the lower cup sidewall, the lower cup sidewall having a curled top edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Paper Machinery Corporation
    Inventor: Dale L. Sand
  • 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: 6726611
    Abstract: A blister package having a shaped blister flange and a correspondingly shaped backing. The flange and backing are non-planar, thereby permitting the width of the blister pocket while maintaining the area of contact between the blister flange and backing. The blister package is manufactured by the general steps of (a) producing a blister with a shaped flange, (b) locating the blister in a correspondingly shaped die, (c) producing a backing with a layer of heat activated adhesive, (d) locating the backing over the blister, and (e) applying heat and pressure to the backing and blister with a correspondingly shaped heated press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Display Pack, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan C. Hansen
  • Patent number: 6703090
    Abstract: A heat insulating paper cup having an improved seal. The cup can include a body member having an inside surface and outside surface, and a bottom panel member having a upper surface and a bottom surface. The body member is coated (or in some instances partially coated) on its outside surface with a foamed low density polyethylene, and on its inside surface with an unfoamed modified low density polyethylene. The bottom panel member is coated on its upper surface with or an unfoamed low density polyethylene or foamed or unfoamed modified low polyethylene. The body member and bottom panel are oriented and joined to form a heat seal at an interface between a portion of the unfoamed modified low density polyethylene coated on the inside surface of the body member and a portion of unfoamed low density polyethylene or unfoamed modified low density polyethylene coated on the upper surface of the bottom panel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Breining, William R. Pucci, David C. Brown, Richard A. Segan, Donald C. McCarthy, Walter Malakhow
  • Patent number: 6689033
    Abstract: Disclosed is a new machine for forming containers of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,939 without the use of glue or nails. The machine utilizes a mandrel movably mounted on a path for oscillation between retracted and extended positions. As the mandrel cycles forward, it first receives two synthetic sidewalls and then a deformable body panel of the container to be formed. Then a set of moveable upper and lower rockers containing unique pressure mechanisms press tabs on the horizontally oriented portion of the wrap into corresponding locking slots on the ends of the sidewalls. When the mandrel is fully extended, pressure is applied to the tabs on the vertically oriented middle section of the wrap using a pair of hinge-mounted pressure plates fitted with unique biased brackets. The resulting container is removed from the machine, which is then ready to begin another cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventors: William E. Plemons, Richard Bowers, Ezra E. Theys, Ronald E. Heiskell
  • Patent number: 6663927
    Abstract: A heat insulating paper cup having an improved seal. The cup can include a body member having an inside surface and an outside surface, and a bottom panel member having a upper surface and a bottom surface. The body member is coated (or in some instances partially coated) on its outside surface with a foamed low density polyethylene, and on its inside surface with an unfoamed modified low density polyethylene. The bottom panel member is coated on its upper surface with a foamed or an unfoamed low density polyethylene or foamed or unfoamed modified low density polyethylene. The body member and bottom panel member are oriented and joined to form a heat seal at an interface between a portion of the unfoamed modified low density polyethylene coated on the inside surface of the body member and a portion of unfoamed low density polyethylene or unfoamed modified low density polyethylene coated on the upper surface of the bottom panel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Breining, William R. Pucci, David C. Brown, Richard A. Segan, Donald C. McCarthy, Walter Malakhow
  • Patent number: 6652435
    Abstract: An automated cup making system is provided for forming a two stage cup having an upper cup disposed upon a lower cup. An upper cup making machine is provided for forming an upper cup having an upper cup sidewall and an upper cup bottom wall disposed generally transversely to the upper cup sidewall and punched out to define a bottom wall annular border extending radially inwardly from the upper cup sidewall, the upper cup sidewall having an outwardly curled top edge. A lower cup making machine is provided for forming a lower cup having a lower cup sidewall and a bottom cup wall disposed generally transversely to the lower cup sidewall, the lower cup sidewall having a curled top edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Paper Machinery Corporation
    Inventor: Dale L. Sand
  • Publication number: 20030211924
    Abstract: A form for a package for holding consumer articles including optically-based media. The form is a base sheet with a central section and a series of foldable adjoining flaps extending from the central section in alternate first and second directions. The flaps are adapted to be folded over the central section and then secured to the central section for mounting one or more holders, such as one or more trays for digital video disks. The invention includes the package made from the form and a method of making the form from a blank sheet of paperboard material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Hayden A. Carney, Anthony B. Joyce
  • Patent number: 6620086
    Abstract: A box seaming machine assembles an oversized box including first and second box pieces. Each of the box pieces is folded to form top and bottom panels having respective proximal edges joined together at the fold and respective free edges opposite the joined edges. The free edges of the first box piece are adapted for being secured to the free edges of the second box piece to define first and second seams of the assembled box. The box seaming machine includes a pair of laterally-spaced, opposing drive roller assemblies adapted for movement between an idle position and an operative position. In the idle position, the drive roller assemblies are disengaged from the box pieces to enable alignment of the free edges prior to seaming. In the operative position, the drive roller assemblies frictionally engage the box pieces at respective folds and feed the box pieces downstream for seaming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventors: Philip G. Butler, James Zaylor
  • Patent number: 6565934
    Abstract: A heat insulating paper cup having an improved seal. The cup can include a body member having an inside surface and an outside surface, and a bottom panel member having a upper surface and a bottom surface. The body member is coated (or in some instances partially coated) on its outside surface with a foamed low density polyethylene, and on its inside surface with an unfoamed modified low density polyethylene. The bottom panel member is coated on its upper surface with a foamed or an unfoamed low density polyethylene or foamed or unfoamed modified low density polyethylene. The body member and bottom panel member are oriented and joined to form a heat seal at an interface between a portion of the unfoamed modified low density polyethylene coated on the inside surface of the body member and a portion of unfoamed low density polyethylene or unfoamed modified low density polyethylene coated on the upper surface of the bottom panel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventors: Richard E. Fredricks, Michael A. Breining, William R. Pucci, Donald C. McCarthy, David C. Brown, Richard A. Segan, Walter Malakhow
  • Patent number: 6547708
    Abstract: A tension fluctuation absorbing device used in a cardboard sheet manufacturing apparatus and equipped with a tension fluctuation detection assembly and a tension adjustment assembly. The tension fluctuation detection assembly detects fluctuations in the tension generated in a material paper. The tension adjustment assembly is installed on the upstream side of the tension fluctuation detection assembly and adjusts the tension generated in the material paper by increasing or decreasing the feed-out speed of the material paper on the basis of fluctuations in tension detected by the tension fluctuation detection assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Isowa-Hooperswift
    Inventors: Masanori Kawamura, Masanori Kunimoto
  • Patent number: 6431436
    Abstract: A stackable archive container (10) is formed from a cardboard sheet, and comprises, when in the stacked state, two side walls (14, 16), a top wall (18), a bottom wall (20) and a rear wall (12), with a closure flap (22) being hinged to the top or bottom wall. Reinforcing bars (41; 58; 64) are provided on the vertical side edges of the side walls and/or the back wall. The bars are typically extruded from aluminum, and have a U-shaped profile that extends the length of the side edges of the side and/or back walls, and embraces the side edges in a snug push fit. The reinforcing bars may have a U-, H- and/or W-configuration. The profiles enable the stacking height of the containers to be increased, and also serve to interconnect adjacent containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Johannes Albertus Antonius Evers
  • Patent number: 6416829
    Abstract: A heat insulating paper cup having an improved seal. The cup can include a body member having an inside surface and an outside surface, and a bottom panel member having a upper surface and a bottom surface. The body member is coated (or in some instances partially coated) on its outside surface with a foamed low density polyethylene, and on its inside surface with an unfoamed modified low density polyethylene. The bottom panel member is coated on its upper surface with a foamed or an unfoamed low density polyethylene or foamed or unfoamed modified low density polyethylene. The body member and bottom panel member are oriented and joined to form a heat seal at an interface between a portion of the unfoamed modified low density polyethylene coated on the inside surface of the body member and a portion of unfoamed low density polyethylene or unfoamed modified low density polyethylene coated on the upper surface of the bottom panel member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Breining, William R. Pucci, David C. Brown, Richard A. Segan, Donald C. McCarthy, Walter Malakhow
  • Patent number: 6364819
    Abstract: A fastening device includes a cylindrical shell with an opening extending over the entire length of the cylindrical shell, a gripping member formed on the periphery of the cylindrical shell by extending outward and a pair of hooks linked with the tip end of the cylindrical shell via hinges. A fastening method using the foregoing fastening device includes the steps of passing the pair of hooks through a hole for fastening of a packing box formed of an upper box and a lower box, having the pair of hooks opened outward to bring the holding members thereof into contact with the back side surface of the packing box and at the same time having the pair of hooks engaged with each other firmly. At this time, the gripping member is in contact with the front side surface of the packing box. Accordingly, both surfaces located at each respective rim of the hole for fastening are sandwiched between the pair of hooks and the gripping member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Shinno, Toshikazu Sanda, Minoru Isayama, Kazuhiro Baba, Yuko Ogawa
  • Publication number: 20020013205
    Abstract: Apparatus for assembling products including at lest one rigid thin part of a first type (in particular a compact disc tray) glued on a plane part of a second type (in particular a casing formed by a pre-cut cardboard matrix), including at least one suction belt for carrying the planar parts of the second type, at least one loader for feeding a gripping device with the parts of the first type and at least one gripping device comprising a turntable turning around a transversal axis parallel to the tray, the turntable supporting a plurality of sucker supports for gripping the parts of the first type and depositing them on the parts of the second type, characterized in that the sucker support has a configuration able to ensure displacement of the sucker corresponding to a degree of freedom in translation parallel to a single radial axis only.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Applicant: Esatec Etudes Services Automatismes Techniques S.A
    Inventor: Francis Laroche
  • Patent number: 6312369
    Abstract: Disclosed is a new machine for forming strong, durable and recyclable containers of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,939 without the use of glue or nails which are ready to be loaded, closed, stacked and shipped. The machine utilizes a mandrel movably mounted on a path between retracted and extended positions. As the mandrel cycles forward, it first receives two synthetic sidewalls of the container to be formed, which are firmly compressed against the sides of the mandrel as it moves forward. The mandrel next encounters the body panel or wrap of the container to be formed, said wrap including a plurality of tabs along the edges of its two longer sides which correspond to locking slots on the sidewalls. As the mandrel moves forward, it pushes into the middle of the wrap whereupon a set of plows and shoes bend the upper and lower portions of the wrap into a more horizontal orientation, leaving the middle of the wrap in a vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventors: William E. Plemons, Richard Bowers, Ezra E. Theys, Ronald E. Heiskell
  • Publication number: 20010036891
    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: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, William F. Straeter, Frank Craig, Michael J. King, William C. Funk
  • Patent number: 6287247
    Abstract: Composite paperboard containers formed from a first substantially planar sheet of paperboard material having a content contacting surface and a back surface, a first embossed sheet of paperboard material having a plurality of raised portions adhered to the back surface of the first planar sheet and a second embossed sheet of paperboard material having a plurality of raised portions adhered to the first embossed sheet of paperboard material. Additional planar sheets or embossed sheets may be added as desired in order to achieve the desired flexural stiffness and thermal resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome G. Dees, Kirk Kimbel
  • Publication number: 20010010845
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a laminated paperboard package having enhanced graphics and to a method of producing the same. The present invention uses metalized paper to enhance the quality of the packaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Publication date: August 2, 2001
    Inventors: Roger P. Hoffman, Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 6202846
    Abstract: A carrying case includes a panels forming an enclosure, with welting along seams between adjoining panels and along the panel free edges. The welting includes a tube of light-transmissive material. A wire is removably inserted into the tube, the wire having a decorative surface color or design visible through the wall of the tube for decorative effect. The tube also acts as a cylindrical lens to magnify the appearance of the wire. A removable cap on one end of the tube prevents the wire from sliding out of the tube. The tube might be either transparent or translucent. The wire is interchangeable with other wires of different colors or designs to vary the decorative effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Michael J. Hess
  • Patent number: 6139665
    Abstract: A heat insulating paper cup with improved insulation in areas where printed matter exists. The printed matter is applied using a water-based alkyd or epoxy ink. In one embodiment the cup can include a body member having an inside surface and an outside surface, and a bottom panel member having a upper surface and a bottom surface. The body member is coated on its outside surface with a foamed synthetic resin, and on its inside surface with an unfoamed synthetic resin. The bottom panel member is optionally coated on its upper surface with a foamed or an unfoamed synthetic resin. The body member and bottom panel member are oriented and joined to form a seal at an interface between a portion of inside surface of the body member and a portion of the upper surface of the bottom panel member. The printed matter is applied prior to foaming of the synthetic resin on the outer surface of the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventors: Michael A. Schmelzer, Diana L. Penn, Mikel A. Ingram
  • Patent number: 6089447
    Abstract: A blank for making a box contains a tab for simplifying the opening of the box once it is taped shut in the usual manner. The tab contains adhesive backing on its upper portion and a tab handle on its lower portion. When the box is taped shut, the tape covers the upper portion of the tab. To open the box, the tab is pulled up, releasing the upper portion of the tab and the accompanying tape. By further pulling, the entire tape may be removed from the box. The tab may be opened and closed a number of times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventors: Woo H. Sin, Anne K. Sin
  • 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: 6039682
    Abstract: Composite paperboard containers formed from a first substantially planar sheet of paperboard material having a content contacting surface and a back surface, a first embossed sheet of paperboard material having a plurality of raised portions adhered to the back surface of the first planar sheet and a second embossed sheet of paperboard material having a plurality of raised portions adhered to the first embossed sheet of paperboard material. Additional planar sheets or embossed sheets may be added as desired in order to achieve the desired flexural stiffness and thermal resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Fort James Corporation
    Inventors: Jerome G. Dees, Kirk Kimbel