Package Opening Device (e.g., Tear Strip) Patents (Class 53/412)
  • Publication number: 20120325711
    Abstract: A package assembly provides a pair of openable product packets which support consumable products. The product packets are accommodated in a housing. The housing is formed from an elongate planar housing structure having a central wall and a pair of oppositely directed foldable flaps extending from opposite edges of the central wall. A transition line extends longitudinally thereacross. The packets are supported on the central wall on opposite sides of the fold line. The transition line may include a fold line, a severing line or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: KRAFT FOODS GLOBAL BRANDS LLC
    Inventors: Nevenka Markovic, Allen Aldridge
  • Patent number: 8336782
    Abstract: A combination stored value card holder has a card backer having a planar shape. A primary stored value card container includes a sealed package having a front sheet and a rear sheet. The front sheet is laminated to the rear sheet. A stored value card is retained between the front sheet and the rear sheet of the sealed package. The sealed package is attached to the backer. A secondary stored value card container for the stored value card can be included and the secondary stored value card container can be attached to the backer. An account identifier is disposed on the stored value card. A card window is formed on the rear sheet of the sealed package, and the card window opening exposes the account identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Inventor: Timothy Clegg
  • Publication number: 20120318703
    Abstract: A naked collation package comprising a plurality of individual units laid end-to-end or side-by-side to form a unit row comprising at least one interface between a neighbouring pair of individual units in the unit row, the unit row being overwrapped with a sheet of polymeric film having a length and a width, the length of the sheet being sufficient to envelop the unit row with sufficient overlap between the ends of the sheet to provide an overlap region for providing a girth seal along at least part of the length of the unit row, the sheet being sealed to itself in that region to provide the girth seal, and the sheet being provided along its length, or part or parts of it, with a line of weakness positioned in substantial register with the interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: INNOVIA FILMS LIMITED
    Inventors: John Fell, Barry Frizell, Wolfgang Zimmerer
  • Patent number: 8335005
    Abstract: A printer system includes a server capable of communicating with a printer and a client. The server stores a plurality of theme templates for making three-dimensional paper crafts. Each theme template has a plurality of marks to provide indication to make the paper craft. The marks comprise a series of sequence numbers to fold the theme templates according to the sequence numbers, and an angle number to indicate a folding angle. The server accepts edited templates from the client and sends an instruction to the printer to print the edited templates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Qing-Hua Liu, Yong-Hui Xiao, Yi-Fang Wu
  • Patent number: 8333312
    Abstract: A method of separating opening devices supplied jointly in the form of a sheet and applied individually to respective packages of pourable food products involves feeding the sheet, which has a number of parallel rows of opening devices integral with one another, to a first station where a first row is detached from the rest of the sheet. The first row is fed to a second station where it is divided into individual opening devices, and a following second row of the sheet is fed to the first station as the preceding first row is being fed to the second station and/or is being at least partly divided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Jonas Dickner, Inge Nilsson, Stefan Bokander
  • Publication number: 20120311967
    Abstract: Provided is a tamper proof outer wrapping with a reinforced tear zone. The reinforced tear zone includes a tear tape affixed between two layers of the wrapping material. A perforated line runs parallel to the reinforced tear zone on each of the reinforced tear zone. A tab is formed at one end of the reinforced tear zone. The tab is pulled to separate the reinforced tear zone from the remaining wrapping material and open remove the outer wrapping. The wrapping can be used on packages containing smoking articles such as cigarettes or orally consumed products such as candy or pouched tobacco products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Bellamah
  • Patent number: 8316623
    Abstract: A method of forming a sealed seam between a tear-off film (12), that is provided with a tear-off strip, and a packaging member (14), the method including at least one sealing step, in which the packaging member (14) and the film 12 are compressed between a lower die (20) supporting the packaging member (14) and an upper die (22) such that an annular sealed seam (28) is formed in the peripheral portions of the film (12) and the packaging member (14), in which wherein, during a sealing step or in a subsequent non-sealing step, the sealing seam (28) is partly destroyed or weakened at is internal peripheral edge (30) in the vicinity of the tear-off strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Rainer Naroska Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Marcus Naroska
  • Publication number: 20120285122
    Abstract: An apparatus including a feeding device configured feed a profile in a longitudinal direction, a cutting device configured to cut the profile to form a cut profile section, a gripping device configured to grip and transport the cut profile section, the gripping device being displaceable between a gripping position and a position for introducing the cut profile section into a bag, the gripping device comprising, a pair of grippers to hold the cut profile section, an actuator to move the gripping device in the vertical direction from a position above the bag to a lower position for introducing the cut profile section inside the bag, a moveable guide configured to guide the cut profile section inside the bag, the moveable guide being moveable in the vertical direction between a position above the bag and a position for insertion inside the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: CONCETTI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Teodoro Concetti
  • Publication number: 20120272619
    Abstract: A device for feeding a web of a packaging material along a path and towards an application station; wherein the packaging material comprises a plurality of pre-laminated holes at which application station applies respective opening devices. The device comprises an advancing mechanism for advancing the web along a first direction parallel to path; a sensor for generating a plurality of measure signals associated to the positions of pre-laminated holes; and a first motor controllable on the basis of measure signals. The first motor is operatively connected to the advancing mechanism for moving the advancing mechanism along a second direction transversal to path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Fabrizio Tavernari, PierPaolo Algeri, Enrico Lotti, Marco Carreri, Daniele Palladino, Davide Andreotti, Marco Ricco, Luca Leonardi, Giuseppe Esposito
  • Patent number: 8294936
    Abstract: A method of designing handmade paper crafts is disclosed. The method includes accessing a server from a client and selecting a three-dimensional view of a paper craft from a database in the server. The server computes a two-dimensional view of the paper craft according to the three-dimensional view of the paper craft. The two-dimensional view of the paper craft is capable of being made to form the three-dimensional view of the paper craft. In the two-dimensional view of the paper craft, a dotted line indicates a to be cut line and a solid line indicates a to be fold line. The client adds pictures or words on the two-dimensional view of the paper craft to create a modified two-dimensional view of the paper craft, and stores the modified two-dimensional view back in the server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi-Fang Wu, Qin Wen
  • Patent number: 8266868
    Abstract: Provided is a tamper proof outer wrapping with a reinforced tear zone. The reinforced tear zone includes a tear tape affixed between two layers of the wrapping material. A perforated line runs parallel to the reinforced tear zone on each of the reinforced tear zone. A tab is formed at one end of the reinforced tear zone. The tab is pulled to separate the reinforced tear zone from the remaining wrapping material and open remove the outer wrapping. The wrapping can be used on packages containing smoking articles such as cigarettes or orally consumed products such as candy or pouched tobacco products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Phillip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Bellamah
  • Patent number: 8251585
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method to manufacture fastening assemblies (1) for bags, characterized in that, for each assembly (1), it comprises the steps of supplying interlocking profiles (11) provided with flanges (12) for attachment to a bag; mounting an actuating slider (13) on the profiles (11); forming two end stops (2) for the slider (13) in the profiles (11); forming two lumens (3) in the attachment flanges (12); each lumen (3) having a longitudinal extension (E/2); forming two lines of weakness (4) between each lumen (3) and an upper part (111) of the profiles (11). The invention also concerns a corresponding bag-forming method, a corresponding strip of assemblies, and corresponding bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: S2F Flexico
    Inventor: Isabelle Moulin
  • Publication number: 20120211459
    Abstract: Improved packages, methods for manufacturing the packages and methods for producing beverages using the packages are provided. The packages (10) include a cap (60), a container (20), and an adapter (30) positioned between and connected to the cap and container. The adapter (30) is configured to penetrate seals (28, 66) on the cap and the container by means of a spike member (50) to allow contents (p) of the cap (60) to mix with contents (d) of the container (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-daniel Ginzburg, Martinas Jurgis Kuslys
  • Patent number: 8234840
    Abstract: A form, fill and seal system having a product fill assembly, a tube forming assembly and a fitment securing assembly. The system allows for the relative positioning of the fitment that is to be applied to the film that forms the bags, at various points along the film by having the fitment securing assembly relatively positionable with respect to the tube forming assembly. In turn, with adjustments, a fitment can be located at a number of locations on a finished bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Winpak Lane, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Griffin, Steven Davis, John Hildebrand, Todd Jahnke
  • Patent number: 8201385
    Abstract: A covering substrate which is inexpensive to manufacture and adhere to a container yet provides a hygienic environment at a top portion of the container as well as provides multiple promotional or advertising surfaces. A covering substrate capable of being bonded to a rim of a container, the container including a top wall and the rim extending beyond the top wall defining a top portion of the container, the covering providing a hygienic environment at the top portion of the container, including a substrate, a heat seal coating laminated to the substrate and disposed for bonding the substrate to the container substantially along the perimeter of the rim, and a bondable material layered in part to the substrate opposite the heat seal coating, a portion of the bondable material defining a tab therein substantially contained within the perimeter of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Selig Sealing Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Fenwick McLean
  • Publication number: 20120111761
    Abstract: A carded package includes a front card bonded to a rear card with a blister card captured therebetween. The blister card has upstanding blister compartments projecting through openings of the front card. The rear card extends over an opposite face of the blister card and is a laminate including a tear-resistant polymeric layer bonded to a paperboard layer. The polymeric layer extends adjacent the blister card and the paperboard layer of the laminate extends remote from the blister card forming an exposed surface of the rear card. The rear card includes perforations aligned behind the blister compartments. The perforations include a first set of perforations cut entirely through the paperboard and polymeric layers and a second set of perforations cut into the paperboard layer and not into or entirely through the polymeric layer. A method of assembling a carded package is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: ANDERSON PACKAGING, INC.
    Inventors: Ryen Sack, Curtis A. Knutson
  • Patent number: 8167487
    Abstract: This disclosure describes a secure access, easy opening tamper evident feature for sealable bags. The tamper evident feature provides dual zones for tamper-detection and may be sealed within a bag to form a package in such a manner that allows for the filling of product into the package and the handling of the package to be safely made, as the tamper evident feature may be positioned away from deleterious contact with the product. The package may be a combination of the tamper evident feature and a flexible bag. The package may include an easy opening end configuration for secure access inside the bag when the tamper evident feature is exposed and subsequently torn open by an end-user along the dual zones for tamper detection. The package may be formed with bags having side gussets or, alternatively, with folded-closed end. Methods for making and filling such packages are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Milprint, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Anthony Fuller
  • Patent number: 8122687
    Abstract: Horizontal form fill seal apparatus for making flexible packages with slider fastener closures is provided. Various types of fastener tracks are applied in-line with a plastic web and are bonded thereto. All package components are brought together at the point of fill. Flexible packages are provided with shrouded and unshrouded slide fastener closures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC
    Inventors: Panagiotis Kinigakis, Kenneth C. Pokusa, Kelly E. Arnold, Harold Marvin Howell, III, Kenneth Radakovits
  • Patent number: 8117804
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for producing a high burst slider zipper which allows for bottom filling of reclosable packages, such as large bags, and further provides increased resistance to damage from the dropping or shock loading of the filled package. This is achieved by providing a peel seal or other frangible or separable connection between the zipper profiles, and by sealing a portion of one of the flanges to itself by a hard seal above the peel seal. This causes the external forces on a bag from bottom filling or shock loading to be directed toward the hard seal and further directed so as to cause a shear force against the peel seal, thereby increasing the resistance of the package to external forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Anzini, Rusty Koenigkramer, Clifton R. Howell, Steven Ausnit
  • Patent number: 8117807
    Abstract: A three-piece pocket-size container for holding a consumer product such as smokeless tobacco product in an interior volume of a perimeter band which has a base locked to a lower rim portion and an openable cover on an upper rim of the perimeter band. When closed, the cover, the perimeter band and the base form a flush exterior sidewall of the container. The base and cover can be metal and the perimeter band can be transparent (clear, tinted or colored) or opaque plastic to provide a container that maintains product freshness, and is easily opened and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen J. Bellamah, William T. Griffin, Dominic J. C. Howard, Robert T. Mitten
  • Publication number: 20120000969
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a package and a method of making the package. The package comprises (a) a web material to form an enclosed package comprising a seal having two seal ends and a package side edge, and wherein the seal is a fin seal or an overlap seal; (b) a first tear initiation point located on the package side edge; and (c) a second tear initiation point, wherein the second tear initiation point is located on the seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Richard A. Rehkugler, Stanley Abernathy, Scott P. Wilkins
  • Publication number: 20110293207
    Abstract: An easy open bag and method for making the same. A film is fed into a jaw assembly comprising a first seal jaw comprising a blade gap and a second seal jaw comprising a removable insert. The removable insert comprises a blade pin. When the first and second seal jaws are mated, a notch is formed. The film also comprises a score line in the outer layer. Upon tearing the notch the tear propagates along the score line. Thus, the package can be easily opened by initiating a tear at a tear notch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: FRITO-LAY NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Eduard Edwards, Joseph Paul Sagel
  • Patent number: 8065857
    Abstract: Stackable containers that, in various embodiments, are adapted to be vertically and/or horizontally interlocked with other, like, containers to, for example, increase the stability of stacks of the containers. In one embodiment, a stackable container comprises: (A) a top surface comprising a shoulder portion that extends upwardly from the top surface and that is substantially disposed within a perimeter defined by the top surface; (B) a bottom surface defining a stacking recess; (C) a plurality of substantially vertical side surfaces that extend between the top surface and the bottom surface. In various embodiments, a recessed portion of the bottom surface adjacent the stacking recess is adapted to substantially mate with at least a portion of a shoulder portion of a like container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Consolidated Container Company LP
    Inventors: Benedict R. Rivera, Richard Longbottom
  • Patent number: 8038349
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible package (1) formed by a wrapped material having a first longitudinal joint (4) comprising two longitudinal edge portions of the wrapped material. The package (1) also has a first and a second transverse joint (5, 6), each comprising a transversal edge portion of the wrapped material. The package (1) comprises a pocket defined by said wrapped material, an openable flap (11) defined by an indication (10) and a label (12) fixed to the openable flap (11) and provided with a tab (14) for opening the package (1) along the indication (10). The package (1) is characterised by a first and a second longitudinal stiffener (3) being formed by said wrapped material and that said label (12) is adhesively fixed to at least one of said first and second longitudinal stiffeners (3). The invention also relates to a method of producing such package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Regath HB
    Inventors: Thomas Andersson, Carl-Olof Norlin
  • Patent number: 8033974
    Abstract: A package having a recloseable pour spout is disclosed, with the package including front and rear package panels which may be joined at respective side edges thereof by inwardly extending side gussets. An upper edge portion of the package is removable, including one of the side gussets, to form a pour spout for dispensing the contents of the package. A fastener strip, which can be detachably connected to itself, extends between confronting inside surfaces of the front and rear package panels, adjacent to the pour spout, whereby the pour spout can be conveniently closed after the package is initially opened. A method of forming the present package is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Innoflex Incorporated
    Inventor: James W. Yeager
  • Patent number: 8028502
    Abstract: A method of forming and filling the pouch includes the steps of forming each panel and joining two panels by sealing together the side edges and lower edge. The method also includes the steps of opening the pouch and filling the pouch with the product. The method further includes the steps of closing the filled pouch by forming a first closing seal extending along an upper edge of the pouch a predetermined length from the upper edge, such that there is no dead space inside the pouch between the product and the first closing seal, and forming a second seal between the first closing seal and the upper edge thereby trapping the product between the first closing seal and the second closing seal, and finishing the pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Pouch Pac Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: R. Charles Murray
  • Publication number: 20110204056
    Abstract: A package for a food product is provided and includes a fin seal, where the package is configured for controlled opening using an opening feature. The opening feature may include an integral flap separable from the remainder of the package to form an access opening to an interior of the package. The flap may be defined by one or more score or scribed lines that extend only partially through the package. The flap may have a portion extending into the fin seal area. Opening of the flap may expose adhesive of the fin seal area which can be utilized for attaching the flap to reclose the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: Kraft Foods R&D, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Veternik, Stefan Scheuch, Ronald H. Exner, Olav Dagestad, Paul E. Doll, Deborah A. Lyzenga
  • Patent number: 7937908
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of first and second adhesives for the attachment of zipper flanges to reclosable packages. A first adhesive is typically a reactive, cross-linkable hot melt adhesive while the second adhesive is typically non-cross-linkable hot melt adhesive, typically, but not limited to, either EVA-based or polyamide-based. Alternatively, the second adhesive can be a coextrusion layer including a resin that is typically used as a sealant layer in zipper extrusion, such as metallocene type linear low density polyethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Anzini, Rusty Koenigkramer, Glyn Russell, Ernesto L. Pitargue, Arthur A. Bucci
  • Patent number: 7926658
    Abstract: A blister package and a method of forming and filling the blister package are disclosed. The blister package includes a first member having a three-dimensional bubble, a peripheral flange having a major portion and a minor portion, and at least one area bounded by a perforation line which is capable of being broken. The major portion is folded to create at least one channel and the minor portion has a hook hole formed therethrough. A securement mechanism is formed with the minor portion. The securement mechanism includes a hinged tab and first and second cooperating attachment members. The blister package further includes a second member sized and configured to be slideably received within the at least one channel when the securement mechanism is in an open position. The second member is retained within the at least one channel when the securement mechanism is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: All About Packaging Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas P. Schein, Brent J. Grinwald
  • Publication number: 20110036057
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for applying tear tape to a wrapper by advancing the web by continuous movement in a machine direction; advancing the tear tape in a cross direction, and cutting the tear tape to provide a cut portion of the tear tape; advancing said cut portion of the tear tape in the cross direction and into alignment with a width of the web; and applying said cut portion of the tear tape to the web without stopping the web from said continuous movement in the machine direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: Michael R. Nowak, David W. Schneider
  • Patent number: 7882684
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for producing a high burst slider zipper which allows for bottom filling of reclosable packages, such as large bags, and further provides increased resistance to damage from the dropping or shock loading of the filled package. This is achieved by providing a peel seal or other frangible or separable connection between the zipper profiles, and by sealing a portion of one of the flanges to itself by a hard seal above the peel seal. This causes the external forces on a bag from bottom filling or shock loading to be directed toward the hard seal and further directed so as to cause a shear force against the peel seal, thereby increasing the resistance of the package to external forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Anzini, Rusty Koenigkramer, Clifton R. Howell, Steven Ausnit
  • Patent number: 7877963
    Abstract: A method of producing a sealed bundle containing consumer articles such as smoking articles comprises the steps of wrapping a sealable material around an outer surface of a sleeve; at least partially sealing the sealable material while being wrapped around the sleeve at its bottom and along its length; pushing a group of smoking articles through the sleeve to remove the partially sealed sealable material from the sleeve; and sealing the partially sealed sealable material at the top so as to form the sealed bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.
    Inventors: Julian Gregory Messing, Philippe Bourgoin, Pierre-Yves Gindrat
  • Patent number: 7870705
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for making a band-driven package or a band-drive component for a package, and machines for performing the methods. One method comprises feeding first and second flexible webs in a feed direction, one web being fed each side of a substrate such that the webs are in mutual face-to-face disposition ahead of and behind the substrate with respect to the feed direction; joining the face-to-face webs at a first join ahead of the substrate and at a second join behind the substrate, the joins bounding web portions that together encircle the substrate between the joins; and dividing the joined web portions from the remainder of the webs such that the joined web portions together define a band that encircles the substrate, to be slid around the substrate in use of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Duff Design Limited
    Inventors: Timothy Michael Wood, Adrian James David Howson, Ian Dunckley, Cyrille Fuellemann, Alfred Wipf, Daniel Kummer
  • Patent number: 7827765
    Abstract: A method of forming a reclosable fastener track having a slider. The process provides a reclosable fastener track, forms a slit in the fastener track, attaches a slider to the fastener track, seals the slit in the fastener track after the slider attaches, and creates a first and a second end stop on the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Bohn, Roger E. Dowler, Matthew Oswald
  • Publication number: 20100263327
    Abstract: A catheter product package and method of forming same in which the package comprises a sheet material wrapped about the catheter product to form a package for the catheter product. The catheter product extends generally longitudinally within the package, and the sheet material extends from a point beyond the proximal end to a point beyond the distal end of the catheter product. The sheet material of the package is wrapped about the catheter product in a manner defining confronting proximal end edges, confronting distal end edges, and confronting side edges. The confronting proximal end edges, distal end edges and side edges of the sheet material are joined by a seal after the sheet material is wrapped about the catheter product to define a sealed cavity. The sheet material has a tear strip affixed to it which causes the sheet material to tear along the tear strip to thereby cause the package to open along an intended opening line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: Hollister Incoporated
    Inventors: Michael Murray, Kai Jorgensen
  • Publication number: 20100213092
    Abstract: Techniques for providing cost effective and tamper evident prepaid card packaging are described. By forming a tear strip in a panel of the prepaid card packaging and aligning an activation bar code or other indicia on the card with the tear strip when mounting the card within the packaging, the security of the activation indicia can be maintained until after purchase. After purchase, access can be achieved by tearing away the tear strip and the card can be activated in a secure manner. Because the activation indicia is maintained secure until after purchase, if desired a single number, for example, a card account number can be used to identify both the card account and to activate the card.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: Oberthur Technologies of America Corp.
    Inventor: James Robert Swain
  • Patent number: 7757460
    Abstract: A vertical form fill and seal continuous pouch machine includes a forming tube having a cross section area of CA is disclosed. A film tube is continuously formed about the forming tube and fed downward. A horizontal sealing assembly includes at least one pair of opposing sealing bars that make horizontal seals on the film, thereby forming pouches. The horizontal seals are formed in a horizontal sealing zone, and the vertical distance from a lower end of the forming tube to the center of the horizontal sealing zone is a transition distance that is (in inches) preferably no more than 0.5 multiplied by the cross-section area (in sq inches).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: CMD Corporation
    Inventors: Curt Frievalt, Brian E. Kettner
  • Patent number: 7748200
    Abstract: A reclosable, tamper-proof, fillable package includes a first side panel and a second side panel joined to each other along a pair of spaced side seals. A bottom wall extends between the first and second side panels with the bottom wall and the first and second side panels defining a package interior. A tamper-evident structure having opposite sides connected to each other extends above a combined zipper closure and slider device, and is connected to the zipper closure. Only one side of the tamper-evident structure is initially connected to one of the first and second side panels so that a fill opening adapted to receive a product is created between the other side of the tamper-evident structure and the other of the first and second side panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Buchman
  • Publication number: 20100154358
    Abstract: A method of separating opening devices supplied jointly in the form of a sheet and applied individually to respective packages of pourable food products involves feeding the sheet, which has a number of parallel rows of opening devices integral with one another, to a first station where a first row is detached from the rest of the sheet. The first row is fed to a second station where it is divided into individual opening devices, and a following second row of the sheet is fed to the first station as the preceding first row is being fed to the second station and/or is being at least partly divided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventors: Jonas Dickner, Inge Nilsson, Stefan Bokander
  • Patent number: 7726098
    Abstract: Tandem, vertically-aligned vertical form, fill, and seal (VFFS) assemblies enable a method for manufacturing an ingredient package. An inner ingredient-bearing package is manufactured by a first superior VFFS assembly, which inner package is then downwardly displaced to a second inferior VFFS assembly. The inner package and a second ingredient are deposited (filled) into an open-ended outer packaging material being formed by the inferior VFFS assembly. After deposing the inner package and the second ingredient into the formed outer package, the outer package and inner package are sealed to one another at superior ends thereof to finally form an ingredient package. The finally formed package may be removed from partially formed packages in superior adjacency thereto. The finally formed package compartmentalizes the first and second ingredients for later consumer consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC
    Inventor: Paul Edward Doll
  • Publication number: 20100130954
    Abstract: Tampons are packaged in a substantially cylindrical wrapper formed of a flexible, sheet-like material that is closed with one or more attachment zones having one or more gaps crossed by a line of weakness. The wrapper is closed at both ends and has a longitudinal seam area in which overlapping portions of the flexible, sheet-like material are attached. The longitudinal seam area comprises a substantially longitudinal attachment zone with a first edge and a second edge that defines a seam area. The line of weakness has a first end disposed within the seam area at a distance from a first end of the wrapper package; extends through a gap in the substantially longitudinal attachment zone; continues generally circumferentially about the wrapper; and terminates at a second end disposed within the seam area at the second edge of the substantially longitudinal attachment zone. The line of weakness extends across the seam area, and the wrapper can be removed as a single piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Otto Handel, Stephan M. Linkel, Simone Weitz
  • Patent number: 7712288
    Abstract: Techniques for reducing non-compliance of medication use are described. The techniques involve generating and storing an identifier for a specific dosage instance of a specific patient, and creating a package that includes a mechanism for conveying the identifier. Once the package is created, a set of one or more medications that are prescribed to be taken by the specific patient at the specific dosage instance are placed in the package. The set of medications within the package in a manner that prevents the identifier from being perceived from the mechanism until the package is opened. Once opened, the identifier is perceived and communicated back to an automated compliance system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Inventors: Narayanan Ramasubramanian, Anand Subra
  • Publication number: 20100108778
    Abstract: A device for containing and releasing a volatile substance having a lower vapor barrier layer; a fluid reservoir melt bonded to the lower vapor barrier layer and a volatile substance absorbed in the fluid reservoir; and an upper vapor barrier layer peelably sealed to the lower vapor barrier layer to form a fluid tight cavity containing the fluid reservoir. The volatile substance can be a fragrance. The fluid reservoir includes a composite material formed from a fibrous component and a heat sealable thermoplastic component. Methods of making the device are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Steven J. Greenland
  • Patent number: 7695788
    Abstract: A sealed rectangular parallelepiped polypropylene conditioning package with fast tear-off opening for pasty products likely to melt into a semi-liquid state, in particular cheese, includes a first sheet (1) cut out along a suitable contour and having a rectangular shell-type shape for receiving the product and for providing a gripping corner (2) for opening the package, a cover sheet and two tear-off strips (5,6). The gripping corner (2) has a triangular projection formed on one of the sides of the first sheet cut out into an octagonal shape and the tear-off strips (5, 6) form a pointed U shape whereof the tip is located in the triangular projection, thereby making it easy and simple to open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Fromageries Bel
    Inventors: Sylvain Dal, René Blatter
  • Publication number: 20100086240
    Abstract: A package having a recloseable pour spout is disclosed, with the package including front and rear package panels which may be joined at respective side edges thereof by inwardly extending side gussets. An upper edge portion of the package is removable, including one of the side gussets, to form a pour spout for dispensing the contents of the package. A fastener strip, which can be detachably connected to itself, extends between confronting inside surfaces of the front and rear package panels, adjacent to the pour spout, whereby the pour spout can be conveniently closed after the package is initially opened. A method of forming the present package is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventor: James W. Yeager
  • Patent number: 7681732
    Abstract: A laminated lidstock includes a substrate film, a support web; a pressure sensitive adhesive disposed between the substrate and support webs, and covering the substrate film and support web except for a clear area disposed near one end of the laminated lidstock; a first die cut disposed in the substrate film; a second die cut disposed in the support web; a pull tab; and a tamper evidence device including an end portion of the support web, defined by a first end, a first side edge, and a second side edge of the package made from the laminated lidstock, and the second die cut, capable of indicating tampering of the package upon removal of the tamper evidence device from the support web; wherein at least one of the substrate film and the support web carries a registration device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Moehlenbrock, Debra C. Karam, Douglas Wilson, Chad Stephens
  • Patent number: 7681375
    Abstract: A horizontal bag-making machine having a packaging material delivery unit, a product delivery unit, and a folding, sealing, and separating unit for folding the packaging material into a tube, sealing the folded packaging material in the directions transverse and parallel to a conveying direction and for cutting the packaging material into individual bag packages also has a tear-open assistance unit located in the conveying direction between the product delivery unit and the folding, sealing, and separating unit. The tear-open assistance unit produces an overlap of material in the separation region, the overlap of material extending at least approximately transversely to the conveying direction of the packaging material, and releasably fixes the overlap of material in the separation region. The bag packages produced in this way are easy to open yet are still in accordance with stringent hygiene regulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Alfred Wipf, Thomas Reissig, Daniel Moreno Horn
  • Patent number: 7673437
    Abstract: A reclosable package having a slider-operated zipper wherein the contents of the package are accessed through the front wall of the package, not through the top of the package. The reclosable package comprises: a bag body comprising front and rear walls of bag making material; a flexible zipper joined to the front wall and not joined to the rear wall; and a slider mounted to the zipper, the slider being movable in a first direction along the zipper for opening the zipper and movable in a second direction along the zipper for closing the zipper. Alternatively, the flexible zipper is joined to the front wall along first and second zones of joinder disposed at different heights on the front wall, and is joined to the rear wall only in zones of joinder where the zipper is joined to both of the front and rear walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Schneider, Steven Ausnit
  • Publication number: 20090321292
    Abstract: A novel razor package suitable for protectively storing a razor with a cartridge and adjoining handle is disclosed. The package includes at least one container with upper and lower portions. The upper portion includes a cartridge-receiving recess and the lower portion includes a handle-receiving recess. A cover sheet covers the container's top perimeter and is sealed to the container such that a user can peel it back to open and access the razor. With two or more containers in the razor package the cover sheets may have a sheet separability line area (e.g., perforations) between them to allow for easy peeling. Additionally, these containers may be secured together via a container separability line area, allowing a user to also pull off one container from the package at a time. The container and sheet separability line areas may be aligned and may or may not be formed at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: John Prudden, JR., Kelly Daniel Bridges
  • Patent number: 7634892
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing reclosable packages having a slider-operated string zipper covered by a tamper-evident shroud that is provided with at least one opening that at least partially exposes the slider. In accordance with one method, openings are formed in a web of packaging material that is folded, placed over the slider-operated string zipper, and attached to the receptacle walls to form a shroud. Preferably, the openings are sized, shaped and situated so that they frame the slider on both sides of the shroud. In accordance with another method, a reclosable package having a slider-operated string zipper and a shroud with openings that at least partially expose the slider can be formed using a single web of packaging material that is folded and sealed to form a shroud that covers the string zipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Ausnit