Strip, Stamp, Nonencircling Label, Or Space Filler Patents (Class 53/415)
  • Patent number: 6418701
    Abstract: An automatic bulk filling machine is provided having a container input end which includes a fill station for filling a container in accordance with weight or volume requirements followed by a lid dispensing and attachment station wherein the lids of the container are placed over the container in registry with the lip of the container and closed onto the bulk container by a piston cylinder combination having a lid pad for pressing and deforming the center of the lid onto the bulk container before press fitting the bulk container lid onto the bulk container which filled and sealed bulk container is then transferred to an optional labeling station and subsequently transferred to the output end of the conveyor to complete the automated filling, sealing and labeling operations for removal of the container from the automated bulk filling machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Inventor: Ramon Munoz Navarro
  • Patent number: 6405511
    Abstract: Chocolates are wrapped individually by a method that involves feeding single wrapping sheets along a first path in a first direction spaced at a selected pitch, in such a way that the trailing edge of one wrapping sheet and the leading edge of the next are distanced one from another, and at the same time feeding a continuous ribbon in a second direction along a second path that merges with the first path at an assembling station where the ribbon is stably united with the sheets; ribbon and sheet then advance together in a third direction, along which the ribbon is divided into discrete slivers by repeated cuts, each made between the trailing edge of one sheet and the leading edge of the next and at a distance such that each sliver will present a portion projecting from the trailing edge of the wrapping sheet to which it is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Hershey Foods Corporation
    Inventor: Mario Spatafora
  • Publication number: 20020056258
    Abstract: Succesive lowermost coupons of a stack in a magazine are withdrawn by suction heads borne by a turnable suction wheel and a pivotable arm to be advanced along one or more arcuate first guides into a second guide which directs the coupons to predetermined positions beneath discrete U-shaped collars of the type forming part of so-called hinged lid packs for confinement of plain or filter cigarettes or other smokers' products. A coupon which has assumed such predetermined position is thereupon expelled from the second guide and is confined, together with the collar and the pack, in an outer envelope of cardboard or the like. An advantage of the method and apparatus is that the collar need not be lifted during advancement of a coupon to its predetermined position to thus reduce the likelihood of misalignment of the collar and the coupon relative to each other preparatory to and during their confinement in the outer envelope of the ultimate product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventors: Reinhard Deutsch, Josef Gloesmann, Karsten Meinke, Ronald Putzke, Peter Albrecht
  • Publication number: 20020056257
    Abstract: Successive coupons of a series of coupons obtained as a result of repeatedly severing a web of coherent coupons are conveyed to an assembling station where the coupons are assembled with collars of the type employed in hinged lid cigarette packs. The thus assembled collars and coupons are thereupon confined between the inner and outer envelopes of successive hinged lid cigarette packs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventors: Reinhard Deutsch, Josef Gloesmann, Karsten Meinke, Ronald Putzke, Peter Albrecht
  • Patent number: 6370841
    Abstract: An improved automated method for dispensing bulk medications with machine-readable code. The method includes dispensing oral solid and liquid unit-of-use medications in unit dosage amounts. The medications are dispensed with machine-readable information which is generated as the medication is dispensed. The machine-readable information is patient- specific and can be customized to suit the needs of the operator. The machine-readable information can be used to monitor and control the medication from the time it is dispensed through to the time it is taken by the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: AutoMed Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane S. Chudy, Richard A. Jobus, David A. Schultz
  • Patent number: 6357208
    Abstract: In a unit for feeding collars to a continuous packing line for producing rigid packets of cigarettes, a continuous strip is cut by a knife, at a cutting station, into a succession of collars which are picked up continuously by respective pickup members, each of which is swung with the knife to grip a collar, just cut off the strip, between the knife and the respective pickup member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: G.D Societa' Per Azioni
    Inventor: Mario Spatafora
  • Publication number: 20020017079
    Abstract: The invention comprises an insert delivery system for use with an automated packaging machine. Preferably, the system is used to include coupons and the like with products being automatically packaged, such as sliced loaf bread. The system may comprise an insert delivery tray or card conveyor, a feeder mechanism, and an insert placer configured to select an insert from the tray or conveyor. Preferably, the delivery placer includes an arm having a holder which comprises a vacuum system. Additionally, the feeder mechanism may be used to feed an insert onto a scoop assembly at various points along the path of the scoop. In certain embodiments of the invention, the insert has multiple folds to allow it to be folded around the product prior to packaging. The invention also comprises methods of using the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Applicant: DSD COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Fatehali T. Dharssi, Dale Lee Klinefelter, Brian Marshall
  • Publication number: 20020014054
    Abstract: The invention comprises an insert delivery system for use with an automated packaging machine. Preferably, the system is used to include coupons and the like with products being automatically packaged, such as sliced loaf bread. The system may comprise an insert delivery tray, card conveyor, or carousel and magazine combination, a feeder mechanism, and an insert placer configured to select an insert from the tray, conveyor, or magazine. Preferably, the insert placer includes a vacuum system and moves linearly. Additionally, the feeder mechanism may be positioned either perpendicularly, or parallel, to the scoop assembly, so as to feed an insert onto the scoop assembly at various points along the path of the scoop. The invention also comprises methods of using the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Applicant: DSD Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Fatehali T. Dharssi, Dale Lee Klinefelter, Brian Marshall, Raymond E. Noel
  • Patent number: 6341471
    Abstract: A method for wrapping a wrapper about a floral grouping wherein the wrapper is a sleeve or sheet of material having a cinching tab or strip of bonding material, or both, and a detaching element such as perforations for detaching a portion of the sleeve or sheet of material. The floral grouping is placed on the sheet of material which is wrapped thereabout, or the floral grouping is disposed in the interior space of the sleeve. The wrapper may further comprise an additional strip of bonding material for bonding an informational card or label to the wrapper. After the wrapper is wrapped about the floral grouping, a portion of the wrapper may be removed by using the detaching element, thereby leaving a portion of the wrapper wrapped or bound about the floral grouping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, William F. Straeter
  • Patent number: 6308499
    Abstract: There is provided a method for manufacturing and handling a variety of fluid component packaged goods efficiently. A manufacturing/handling instructing data code containing both manufacturing information of the fluid component and handling information of the fluid component packaged goods is indicated on the package to carry out the whole manufacturing and handling steps from first to last by the data code.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Kikusui Chemical Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromichi Takada, Kazuhiko Ide
  • Publication number: 20010003890
    Abstract: Sipping straws are confined in discrete envelopes while advancing in a single file of spaced-apart straws through a wrapping station. The envelopes are obtained from a continuous strip of wrapping paper which is conveyed to the wrapping station in the direction of advancement of the file of spaced-apart straws and is draped around the straws in such a way that one of its longitudinally extending marginal portions overlies and adheres to the other marginal portion with simultaneous formation of a seam rather than an outwardly extending fin. The thus obtained tubular wrapper is thereupon severed in the gaps between successive spaced-apart straws, and the end portions of the thus obtained discrete envelopes are sealed by knurling, e.g., simultaneously with severing of the tubular wrapper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 21, 2001
    Applicant: Hauni Richmond, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter M. Preisner, Hans-Joachim Oppe
  • Patent number: 6230474
    Abstract: Method of manufacturing food packaging with a removable prize therein. Prizes are deposited at a predetermined spacing along a first sheet of plastic wrapping. The first sheet of plastic wrapping with the prizes adhered thereon is covered by a second sheet of plastic wrapping. A second surface of the first sheet, opposite the first surface, is folded over, or is covered by a third sheet of plastic wrapping, after food is placed on the second sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Inventor: Rodolfo Gerardo Murra Giacoman
  • Patent number: 6209290
    Abstract: A packet for long articles comprises a first inner wrap around a group of articles and a second outer wrap around the first wrap which, together with the inner frame, envisaged when the packet is of the rigid type with hinged lid, constitute specific packaging components of the packet. The packet is equipped with a length of magnetic strip for data storage which is applied directly to a specified part of at least one of the specific packaging components in a hidden position not visible from the outside of the packet. If the packet has a revenue stamp or an insert, constituting additional components, the length of magnetic strip may be applied to at least one of said additional components, again in a hidden position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: G.D S.p.A.
    Inventors: Silvano Boriani, Lorenzo Cocchi, Chiara Colo', Alessandro Minarelli
  • Patent number: 6195962
    Abstract: A method for wrapping a wrapper about a floral grouping wherein the wrapper is a sleeve or sheet or material having a cinching tab or strip of bonding material or both and a detaching means such as perforations for detaching a portion of the sleeve or sheet of material. The floral grouping is placed on the sheet of material which is wrapped thereabout, or the floral grouping is disposed in the interior space of the sleeve. The cinching tab is attached near one end of the sheet or sleeve. The cinching tab has a bonding material disposed thereon which, when the cinching tab is pulled tightly about the wrapper, causes the wrapper to be crimped and tightly bound about the stems of the floral grouping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, William F. Straeter
  • Patent number: 6192658
    Abstract: A case 6 is intermittently conveyed on a box transfer conveyor 8, and contains vessels 4 disposed in an array of four vessels in a longitudinal row and three vessels in a transverse row. A magazine introduction conveyor 18 is disposed to extend in a direction orthogonal to the conveyor 8, and a robot 24 is disposed adjacent to a crossing between the both conveyors. The robot has four grips 36 mounted thereon, each having suckers 66 and a retaining plate 68 which maintains a leaflet 12 declined downward. The leaflet includes a fixture 12b with an opening 12a therein and a display piece 12c which extends from the fixture. The grips hold attracted a leaflet around the opening in the fixture to remove it from a magazine 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignees: Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd., Suntory Limited
    Inventors: Akinori Yamagishi, Eizo Sasaki, Takanobu Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6185908
    Abstract: Filler strips made of a solid layer of thermal sealable material, such as separate strips of polyethylene film or other suitable thermal sealable films, are sequentially spaced on one side of a thermal sealable plastic mesh web at equal distance from one another. The pre-prepared web is used on a conventional form, fill and seal machine to form mesh bags having top and bottom fin seals with enhanced strength. The bag is primarily mesh so the product within the bag breathes easily. A thermal sealable print band may be located on the second side of the mesh. Different types of bags can be formed on different types of automatic form, fill and seal machines by modifying the specific configuration of the pre-prepared mesh web for the particular automatic form, fill and seal machine design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: C&H Packaging Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Madderom
  • Patent number: 6125612
    Abstract: A stretch wrapped and roped package for heavy loads such as cylindrical coils of metal, paper or the like that includes a skid supporting the load. A friction layer on the top of the skid and another friction layer on the bottom of the load which is covered by an overwrap of protective material such as plastic or paper. The skid is especially designed to reduce risk of damage to the stretch wrap roping that holds the skid onto the bottom of the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventor: Kenneth G. Main
  • Patent number: 6115995
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for obtaining a strip of photosensitive material totally enveloped in a light-tight way. The device comprises a light-tight box provided with two openings which allow the strip to pass therethrough; a cutting member for cutting the strip at a distance D from its end; a connecting member for solidly connecting in a light-tight way and without contact between them, the strip of length D and the rest of the strip coming from the reel using a light-tight material applied to both faces of each strip; and a linking member for linking up the material present on one face and the material present on the other face between the two strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Inventors: Yves Morin, Michel Naudin
  • Patent number: 6112500
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a cover about an article and for automatically fastening the cover to the article, and optionally for automatically placing a label on the covered article. The article may be an article such as a potted plant and the cover may be a decorative cover. The invention satisfies the need for a means for rapidly covering and fastening the cover about an article with a minimal amount of manual effort and in a location having a limited amount of available space. The apparatus comprises a platform having at least one opening sized to receive the article. The apparatus comprises a tying device for automatically applying a band or fastener about a portion of the outer surface of the covered article for fastening the cover about the article after the sheet is formed into a cover about the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, Paul Fantz
  • Patent number: 6110092
    Abstract: Pack with an outer wrapping consisting of transparent or clear packaging material and with a tear-open tape having a gripping end. For the coloured marking of the gripping end of the tear-open tape, there is applied to the latter a strip (15) which is detached from a material tape (17) and which is colour-contrasted relative to the tear-open tape and which thus marks the gripping end. In this case, the strip (15) is gripped by a holding segment (43) of a conveying roller (26) and is supplied to a film web (13) in order to bear on the latter. For the transfer of the strip (15) onto the film web (13), the holding segment (43) is moved in the radial direction, in order to overcome a clearance until it comes to bear on the film web (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co.)
    Inventors: Heinz Focke, Henry Buse
  • Patent number: 6105339
    Abstract: A method for making a suture package includes injection molding a shallow polymer tray for holding a suture. Fenestrations formed in a substantially flat floor area of the package cause the package to lay flat by interrupting material stresses set up by, e.g., differential cooling during injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Pohle, Marvin Alpern, Robert J. Cerwin
  • Patent number: 6105340
    Abstract: Unsealed packets of cigarettes emerging from a packaging machine present an outer surface that consists of an opaque wrapping material, to which a revenue stamp and a coupon are affixed as the packets are transferred directly and in an ordered succession from the packaging machine to a cellophaner; on reaching the cellophaner, each packet in turn is enveloped in a sheet of transparent overwrapping material covering the opaque wrapping material, the revenue stamp and the coupon, and the overwrapping sealed in such a way that the finished packet will remain substantially airtight
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: G.D S.p.A.
    Inventor: Fiorenzo Draghetti
  • Patent number: 6047523
    Abstract: A system for the vertical packaging of webbing rolls comprises a bottom tray, a top cap, a plurality of webbing rolls, and stretch wrap film. The bottom tray includes a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall. Likewise, the top cap includes a top wall and a plurality of side walls extending downward from the top wall. The webbing rolls are positioned between the bottom tray and the top cap with the webbing rolls resting on the bottom wall of the bottom tray and the top cap positioned atop the webbing rolls. Horizontally adjacent ones of the webbing rolls are in contact with each other. The contact between adjacent ones of the webbing rolls helps to maintain the integrity of the system during movement thereof. To reduce the amount of packaging material utilized in the system, neither the bottom tray nor the top cap includes corners joining their respective side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Tenneco Packaging Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Eyre, James R. Gavin, Keith A. Jackson, Mark W. Palzer, Matthew A. Roth
  • Patent number: 6041575
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying an article to the interior surface of a flexible package is provided which includes the application of articles to a flexible web of packaging material at a point along a web feed path which minimizes the likelihood of article separation downstream. Specifically, the present method and apparatus includes a driving system for pulling a web of material through a feed path, a tube former having an inlet positioned along the feed path for receiving the web of material and an article applicator for applying articles onto an interior package surface of the web of material at the inlet of the tube former. In this manner, the article is delivered to the web downstream of the upper edge of the tube former thereby minimizing inadvertent separation of the article from the web as experienced in conventional machines as the web passes over the upper edge of the tube former.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Exact Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Vonderhorst, William M. Berg
  • Patent number: 6023912
    Abstract: A method for wrapping a wrapper about a floral grouping wherein the wrapper is a sleeve or sheet of material having a clinching tab or strip of bonding material or both and a detaching means such as perforations for detaching a portion of the sleeve or sheet of material. The floral grouping is placed on the sheet of material which is wrapped thereabout, or the floral grouping is disposed in the interior space of the sleeve. The clinching tab is attached near one end of the sheet or sleeve. The clinching tab has a bonding material disposed thereon which, when the cinching tab is pulled tightly about the wrapper, causes the wrapper to be crimped and tightly bound about the stems of the floral grouping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, William F. Straeter
  • Patent number: 6021625
    Abstract: A process for applying a biobarrier member to a vent opening in a foil member used for medical device packaging. The process provides for cutting a biobarrier member from a roll of stock and sealing the biobarrier member about the vent opening in the foil member. The seal is tested for integrity and the biobarrier member is tested for porosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Cerwin, Robert A. Daniele, Clifford Dey, J. Mark Findlay, Konstantin Ivanov, Matthew E. Krever, Jervis P. Lynch, Robert Nunez, William R. Reinhardt, Mehmet Reyhan, David Szabo, Manfred Reiser, Rolf Grotehusmann, Manfred Hild, Bernhard Frey
  • Patent number: 6000196
    Abstract: A method and unit for feeding collars for packets of cigarettes to a continuous packing line, whereby the collars, picked up successively and in steps by a transfer device, are transferred rapidly by the transfer device to a continuously-moving supply assembly, which feeds the collars successively to the packing line after squarely folding two lateral wings of each collar; the collars being fed on to the packing line with the lateral wings crosswise to a traveling direction of the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: G.D Societa ' per Azioni
    Inventors: Fulvio Boldrini, Giorgio Vaccari
  • Patent number: 5987850
    Abstract: A cigarette pack is treated with a larger beam in the areas (6) onto which the revenue seal (7) is to be glued, in such a way that the coating of the pack is destroyed there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: H.F. & Ph. F. Reemtsma GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard A. Schoch, H.H. Detlef Friedrich
  • Patent number: 5983600
    Abstract: A label (e.g., a revenue stamp) for the application to a closed and filled hinged-lid packet for cigarettes or the like has a first part provided with an elongated weakened portion which is to overlie the abutting sloping edges of one lateral wall of the main section and the corresponding lateral panel of the lid in the closed position of the lid, and a second part overlying portions of the rear wall of the main section and of the rear panel of the lid at opposite sides of the elongated transversely extending hinge which pivotally connects the rear panel to the rear wall. The weakened portion is formed by a perforating, scoring, piercing, material removing or other suitable implement which is adjustably mounted on a support adjacent to an arcuate path for a succession of labels at the periphery of a rotary conveyor. One side of each label is coated with an adhesive subsequent to weakening and preparatory to attachment to a hinged-lid packet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Topack Verpackungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Jirko Heide, Eric Juergens
  • Patent number: 5960608
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing headers onto the ends of paper or paperboard rolls by inserting the headers into the tubular cavity formed by the overlapping rim of the roll wrapper to the roll end. The roll to be packaged is transferred to the header inserter station, a header of desired type for the roll is fetched from a header support shelf and delivered to a header inserter grabber of a header inserter assembly waiting in its delivery position. Next, the header is transferred by movement of the header inserter grabber into the tube formed by the wrapper overlap, and subsequently, the header is transferred against the end of the roll. The header is transferred into the wrapper tube by means of rotating the header inserter grabber about a shaft, which is offset from the transfer path of the roll and is aligned orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Valmet Corporation
    Inventor: Aimo Ohtonen
  • Patent number: 5939156
    Abstract: A package comprising tubular food casing strands encased in a plastic film, said film encompassing said strands, said package being provided with a tear strip secured upon the outside surface of the film; weakened areas being provided in the film along parallel edges of said tear strip so that pulling of said strip away from the package causes film between the weakened areas to be removed with the strip thus opening the package and exposing the strands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Teepak Investments, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott James Rossi, Douglas Edward Mosiman
  • Patent number: 5907944
    Abstract: Food packaging with a removable prize therein, and a related method of manufacturing the packaging. Prizes are deposited at a predetermined spacing along an adhesive-coated first surface of a first sheet of plastic wrapping. The first surface of the first sheet of plastic wrapping with the prizes adhered thereon is covered by a second sheet of plastic wrapping. A second surface of the first sheet, opposite the first surface, is covered by a third sheet of plastic wrapping, after food is placed between the first sheet and the third sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventor: Rodolfo Gerardo Murra Giacoman
  • Patent number: 5868288
    Abstract: A dispensing container comprising a molded plastic bottle and a cap. The molded plastic bottle has a top closed end, a cylindrical side wall, and a shoulder section at a dispensing end of the side wall. The shoulder has one or more indented portions which form the positioning lugs in the shoulder section. The plastic bottle also has a neck with external threads defining a mouth. The cap is selectively connected to the neck. The cap has an internally threaded cuff for interconnection with the external threads of the neck. The cap also has structure for dispensing of an enclosed material which is near the mouth. The cap is cup-shaped with a face and a cylindrical wall extending from the face to define an interior of the cap. When the cap is connected to the neck, the indented portions which form the positioning lugs in the shoulder are hidden from view within the interior of the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
    Inventors: Thomas M. Redmond, Sr., Timothy E. Fitten, Linda C. Nash, Robin Laraine Doyle
  • Patent number: 5866183
    Abstract: A packaging label includes a first portion with permanent pressure sensitive adhesive on its bottom face and a second portion substantially perpendicular to the first portion and having permanent pressure sensitive adhesive on the bottom face remote from the first portion. The second portion typically includes nutritional information and bar coding since the label is typically used with clam shell plastic packages for fruits or other food items. The first portion of the label is adhesively secured to the lid of a clam shell container and after the container is filled with food items, the lid is closed, the second portion of the label is unfolded from a compact position which facilitates stacking and transportation, and the adhesive on the second portion is secured to the bottom of the container, holding the lid closed. The bar coding is preferably on the top face of the second portion opposite the adhesive so that it can be scanned merely by dragging the bottom of the container over a scanner (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Moore Business Forms, Inc.
    Inventor: Tobby Lynn Small
  • Patent number: 5832695
    Abstract: A method for wrapping a wrapper about a floral grouping wherein the wrapper is a sleeve or sheet of material having a cinching tab or strip of bonding material or both and a detaching means such as perforations for detaching a portion of the sleeve or sheet of material. The floral grouping is placed on the sheet of material which is wrapped thereabout, or the floral grouping is disposed in the interior space of the sleeve. The cinching tab is attached near one end of the sheet or sleeve. The cinching tab has a bonding material disposed thereon which, when the cinching tab is pulled tightly about the wrapper, causes the wrapper to be crimped and tightly bound about the stems of the floral grouping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, William F. Straeter
  • Patent number: 5802809
    Abstract: A method for wrapping a wrapper about a floral grouping wherein the wrapper is a sleeve or sheet of material having a cinching tab or strip of bonding material or both and a detaching means such as perforations for detaching a portion of the sleeve or sheet of material. The floral grouping is placed on the sheet of material which is wrapped thereabout, or the floral grouping is disposed in the interior space of the sleeve. The cinching tab is attached near one end of the sheet or sleeve. The cinching tab has a bonding material disposed thereon which, when the cinching tab is pulled tightly about the wrapper, causes the wrapper to be crimped and tightly bound about the stems of the floral grouping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, William F. Straeter
  • Patent number: 5765341
    Abstract: A flexible pressure vessel 20 having an aperture 44 through one wall 30 of the vessel 20, which aperture 44 can be closed by a closure flap 50 having sufficient surface area of adhesive 52 to completely surround the aperture 44. The adhesive 52 has sufficient peel strength to prevent the vessel 20 from being reused after closure, and the vessel 20 is capable of withstanding a pressure differential of at least 75 kPa for at least thirty minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Thomas I. Insley, Kay M. McCoy, Cynthia Y. Tamaki
  • Patent number: 5761881
    Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping paper rolls as a roll handler to position a roll, a wrapping mechanism that applies a side wrapper, a header applicator that places a header against an end of the roll, and a pressure mechanism with one of a heated roller or a cooled roller that presses the outer portions of the header against the side of the roll. The heat or cooling and the pressure induce rapid bonding connection of the outer portions of the header with the side of the roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: Benjamin Wall
  • Patent number: 5755079
    Abstract: This invention relates to making paperboard and plastic composite package structures that combine an intricate thermoformed shell with a paperboard base or cover. Such structures of this type, generally, provide a lightweight package with a good printing surface on the outside of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Westvaco Corporation
    Inventor: Ralph Scott Peterson
  • Patent number: 5740656
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a cover about an article and for automatically fastening the cover to the article, and optionally for automatically placing a label on the covered article. The article may be an article such as a potted plant and the cover may be a decorative cover. The invention satisfies the need for a means for rapidly covering and fastening the cover about an article with a minimal amount of manual effort and in a location having a limited amount of available space. The apparatus comprises a platform having at least one opening sized to receive the article. The apparatus comprises a tying device for automatically applying a band or fastener about a portion of the outer surface of the covered article for fastening the cover about the article after the sheet is formed into a cover about the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, Paul Fantz
  • Patent number: 5727364
    Abstract: A packaging for a grouping of casing sticks of artificial tripe or wrappers in an overlapping alignment having a quincuncial arrangement forming a parallelepiped block has a transparent cover which is adapted to surround the parallelepiped block. The packaging has a tubular configuration where two ends of the packaging overlap on the block. The overlapping two ends define a sealing line which is located upon the middle line of one of the larger surfaces of the block. The ends of the tubular element are folded so as to fit over the ends of the sheaths. Flaps at the open sides of the packaging are folded down onto the same surface of the block on which the sealing line is located, and specifically upon the end areas of the sealing line. The transparent packaging cover is stabilized by an adhesive tape strip which is placed covering the sealing line and the folded flaps. The adhesive tape may have an adhesive free section arranged to form a manual grab tab for allowing the package to be easily opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Viscofan, Industria Navarra de Envoltras Celulosicas S.A.
    Inventor: Angel Iso Artieda
  • Patent number: 5704194
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for applying wrapped packages to each cup associated with a nested stack of cups. The stack of cups is continuously fed through a channel defined by a conveyor belt assembly and a pair of rotatable cylindrical rollers having helical continuous grooves formed therein along a fixed path without rotating the cups. The cups are partially denested by the rollers to expose a package receiving surface of each cup. A rotatable applicator assembly retrieves a wrapped packages from a holding bin and applies the package to then exposed package receiving surface of each cup. The packages are removably secured to the cups by an adhesive applied between the package and the package receiving surface of each cup prior to the application of the package to the cup. The wrapped package is urged into engagement with the package receiving surface of each cup by a package compression device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Fleming Printing Company
    Inventor: Richard J. Niehaus
  • Patent number: 5657609
    Abstract: In a method for forming a hard packet with a flip-up lid (2), in particular for cigarettes or the like, the package is produced by folding a preformed blank around an ordered group of cigarettes (12). During the formation of the packet a collar (3) and a message-bearing coupon (4, 4') are also fed in. The collar (3) is placed between the front face (101) of the box part (1), partly projecting beyond it, on the open side facing the lid (2). The coupon (4, 4') is removably inserted between the collar (3) and the group of cigarettes (12). In the method, the coupon (4, 4') is coupled to the collar (3) and both are then coupled, held together in the correct reciprocal position by use of suction, to the group of cigarettes (12) before the packet-forming stage, at least one aperture (503) being made in a part (403) of the collar which is inside the box part (1), the coupon (4, 4') being additionally held by use of suction via this aperture (503).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: SASIB S.p.A.
    Inventors: Valter Spada, Gianfranco Isani
  • Patent number: 5655353
    Abstract: A method for wrapping a wrapper about a floral grouping wherein the wrapper is a sleeve or sheet of material having a cinching tab or strip of bonding material or both and a detaching means such as perforations for detaching a portion of the sleeve or sheet of material. The floral grouping is placed on the sheet of material which is wrapped thereabout, or the floral grouping is disposed in the interior space of the sleeve. The cinching tab is attached near one end of the sheet or sleeve. The cinching tab has a bonding material disposed thereon which, when the cinching tab is pulled tightly about the wrapper, causes the wrapper to be crimped and tightly bound about the stems of the floral grouping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, William F. Straeter
  • Patent number: 5651233
    Abstract: A method for wrapping a wrapper about a floral grouping wherein the wrapper is a sleeve or sheet of material having a cinching tab or strip of bonding material or both and a detaching means such as perforations for detaching a portion of the sleeve or sheet of material. The floral grouping is placed on the sheet of material which is wrapped thereabout, or the floral grouping is disposed in the interior space of the sleeve. The cinching tab is attached near one end of the sheet or sleeve. The cinching tab has a bonding material disposed thereon which, when the cinching tab is pulled tightly about the wrapper, causes the wrapper to be crimped and tightly bound about the stems of the floral grouping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, William F. Straeter
  • Patent number: 5647188
    Abstract: A method for wrapping a wrapper about a floral grouping wherein the wrapper is a sleeve or sheet of material having a cinching tab or strip of bonding material or both and a detaching means such as perforations for detaching a portion of the sleeve or sheet of material. The floral grouping is placed on the sheet of material which is wrapped thereabout, or the floral grouping is disposed in the interior space of the sleeve. The cinching tab is attached near one end of the sheet or sleeve. The cinching tab has a bonding material disposed thereon which, when the cinching tab is pulled tightly about the wrapper, causes the wrapper to be crimped and tightly bound about the stems of the floral grouping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, William F. Straeter
  • Patent number: 5642600
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a wrapper to a paper roll, a turret mechanism has a crimper and an inside head holder on one side and an outside head applying platen on the opposite side, a drive for rotating the turret mechanism to place the crimper and inside head holder adjacent the paper roll end to place an inside head on the paper roll and crimp the wrapper over the inside head, and then rotating the turret mechanism to place the outside head applying platen adjacent the paper roll to place an outside head over the crimped wrapper all at a single station. The inside head holder has several retractable vacuum cups that can also apply positive air pressure to hold the inside head against the roll and during crimping. The vacuum cups are sequentially, independently retracted as a crimp approaches to clear the crimp as the paper roll is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Lamb-Grays Harbor Company
    Inventors: Steven C. Hooper, Jon E. Skjonsby
  • Patent number: 5609009
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a cover about an article and for automatically fastening the cover to the article, and optionally for automatically placing a label on the covered article. The article may be an article such as a potted plant and the cover may be a decorative cover. The invention satisfies the need for a means for rapidly covering and fastening the cover about an article with a minimal amount of manual effort and in a location having a limited amount of available space. The apparatus comprises a platform having at least one opening sized to receive the article. The apparatus comprises a tying device for automatically applying a band or fastener about a portion of the outer surface of the covered article for fastening the cover about the article after the sheet is formed into a cover about the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, Paul Fantz
  • Patent number: 5606846
    Abstract: A method of packaging physical objects in a container, and a container assembly so formed, advantageously utilize a container-sealer in the general form of a double faced label. The container sealer includes a flexible strip of material comprising a substrate having first and second faces, a permanent pressure sensitive adhesive with removal release liner on the first face, and a repositional adhesive on the second face. One or more physical objects are placed in the container through an openable/closeable portion of the container, at a first location the repositional adhesive of the container-sealer is placed into contact with a surface of the container and with a packing order indicating the desired contents of the container, and at a second location the container-sealer is removed from contact with the container and the packing order and the desired contents of the container are compared with the actual contents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Moore Business Forms, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Raby, Garry R. Coats
  • Patent number: 5598684
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing a vacuum package filled with granular material. A package made from a flexible film is filled with granular product. The filled package is compressed, so that the contents form a compact whole. Then the compressed package is evacuated by means of a vacuum element which is connected to a small suction opening in the wall of the package, while the rest of the package is not subjected to vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Sara Lee/De N.V.
    Inventor: Mathias L. C. Aarts