Making A Pocket In Web Material By Folding And Side Sealing (e.g., Flat Bag Making) Patents (Class 53/455)
  • Patent number: 6625956
    Abstract: A device and a method for continuously manufacturing foam cushions for packaging purposes. The device comprising a supply station and a foam dispensing station, said supply station being provided for continuously supplying to the dispensing station a web of envelope forming material positioned in a face to face relationship so as to form a folded-over edge. The dispensing station comprising a dispensing member provided for supplying a foaming substance into said envelope forming material. The device further transporting said material through said dispensing station according to a substantially horizontal direction and comprises a guiding and clamping unit provided for guiding said edge along said direction and clamping said material over a predetermined stroke extending from said edge in a direction substantially perpendicular to said direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: N.V. Soudan Patrimonium & Consulting
    Inventor: Freddy Soudan
  • Publication number: 20030172627
    Abstract: Method for packaging products being prone to decay, such as food products, more particularly vegetables and/or fruit in a synthetic foil, wherein the synthetic foil is perforated in an operation step, converted into a package and filled. The foil is thereby conveyed through a punching device, whereby perforations are punched in the synthetic foil, the perforated synthetic foil is formed as packages having the desired dimensions and these packages are filled with the products and closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Stephanus Michael Marie Backus
  • Patent number: 6598374
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for filling flexible receptacles or bags with bulk or particulate material is provided. In one aspect, an automatic sand bag filling apparatus is disclosed which includes a bulk fill channel which may be placed within the interior of each bag to be filled. The filling apparatus may have a metering device for providing the desired amount of bulk material to the fill channel. The fill channel may be moveable along a fixed path for engaging and advancing a series of interconnected bags. Articulating spreader bars may be provided to support the bag during filling. In one embodiment, the filling apparatus is mounted on a trailer assembly and includes a reservoir for storing the bulk sand. The sand may be transferred from the reservoir to the filling apparatus using augers, conveyors, etc. A preferred construction of a series of interconnected sand bags and a method of making a series of interconnected bags is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Ensor Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark E. Ensor
  • Patent number: 6574942
    Abstract: Introduction of a reinforcement strip into the folded edge area in the method for producing a bag with introduced goods to be packaged and with a suspension with suspension hole, wherein the goods to be packaged are introduced into a foil semi-hose which is supplied transverse to the transport direction, is deflected by a deflection device, and is further transported in the transport direction together with the goods to be packaged on a transport path and is then separated from the foil hose by a transverse welding unit and simultaneously welded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Hugo Beck GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Horst Heimann, Klaus Soltau
  • Patent number: 6550225
    Abstract: A method is disclosed of forming a bag having a bottom seal from a web of sealable sheet material which is formed into a tube (12) by sealing opposite longitudinal edge portions of the sheet material one to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Molins Plc
    Inventors: Michael John Cahill, David Robert Seaward
  • Patent number: 6499278
    Abstract: A packaging web is disclosed. The web is an elongate, flattened plastic tube having face and back sides delineating the faces and backs of a set of side by side bags. The tube includes an elongated top section and spaced sets of side seals each extending transversely from the bottom to a location near the top section. The side seals of each set delineate sides of adjacent bags such that the sides and bottoms delineate the perimeters of a set of open top bags. The top section is essentially a bottom open tube for providing bag support when the web is fed into a bag loading machine. The web includes superposed, spaced lines of weakness in each of the face and back sides delineating tops of the bags. Each such spaced line of weakness extends substantially across an associated bag top and terminates in spaced relationship with an associate one of the spaced lines of weakness to leave solid sections in the face and back sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Cronauer, Bernard Lerner
  • Patent number: 6477821
    Abstract: A method for automatically making bags equipped with matching closure profiles comprising the steps of: unwinding a supply of at least a film for forming the bag walls; unwinding a supply of closure assembly comprising a W-shaped support sheet, constituting an inner U-shaped tear band provided on its inner surface opposite respectively the matching closure profiles, and the external lateral webs extending beyond the closure profiles and the U-shaped inner band, the closure assembly being further pre-equipped with a series of sliders actuating the closure profiles distributed over the length of the unwinding closure assembly; and fixing the resulting closure assembly via the external lateral webs on the film forming the bag walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Flexico-France
    Inventor: Henri Georges Bois
  • Patent number: 6467240
    Abstract: An exemplary pocket spring assembly comprises a plurality of elongate fabric tubes disposed adjacent each other. Each fabric tube has a plurality of pockets, with at least some of the pockets of adjacent fabric tubes being welded together at midpoints on the adjacent pocket. Further, a spring is disposed in each of the pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Furniture Row Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Milton Zysman
  • Patent number: 6427420
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a pack, particularly intended for undergoing preservation treatment, from at least one film (10) comprising two plastic layers, an upper (11) and a lower (12), which form the outer and inner faces of said pack, and a light-metal central layer (13) sandwiched between said upper and lower layers. According to the invention, prior to the operations to make said pack, a laser beam is applied solely to the lower layer of said film, said lower layer forming the inner face of said pack, in order to produce, virtually in the entire thickness of said lower layer, at least one perforation (14) forming at least one precut line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Unisabi
    Inventors: Alain Olivieri, Vincent Ferry, Daniel Blanchard, Jean-François Lefebvre
  • Publication number: 20020092272
    Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing fluid into pre-formed, flexible containers and enclosing the fluid within the containers includes a web of film comprising a series of pre-formed flexible containers, each of the pre-formed containers being capable of holding therein a quantity of fluid and having an opening for receiving such fluid. After fluid is placed in each pre-formed container, the opening is sealed closed to thereby enclose the fluid within the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Charles R. Sperry, Suzanne Scott
  • Patent number: 6401433
    Abstract: A protective covering for a lumber stack is constructed by providing an appropriately sized sheet of heavy duty heat shrinkable plastic material, folding the side edges of the plastic sheeting material inwardly along spaced apart longitudinally extending lines to form top and bottom layers and joining the ends of the top and bottom layer to define a top layer which is imperforate throughout its entire length and width and a bottom layer which is imperforate throughout its entire length and width except for an opening extending along the longitudinal center line of the bottom wall from one end to the other. A lumber stack is received through the opening in the bottom wall thereby forming initially outwardly extending triangularly shaped panels which are folded downwardly and secured to the ends of the lumber stack. The portions of the plastic sheeting extending adjacent the ends and the corners of the lumber stack are then heated to shrink the plastic sheeting into secure engagement with the lumber stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Olympic General Corporation
    Inventors: David Michael McCown, George M. Hall
  • Patent number: 6378272
    Abstract: The present invention is a container for storing fine particles in a sealed packaging, wherein air in the container can be evacuated through compression or vacuum without removing the fine particles. The container comprises a main body enclosing a pouch, terminating in a principal opening, a sealing mechanism attached to the pouch for sealing the pouch, at least one exit port extending through the wall of the pouch, and a porosity mechanism adjacent the exit port, wherein the porosity mechanism permits air to exit through the exit port, but prevents the fine particles from escaping through the exit port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Archibald, Rodney K. Gwiazdon, George A. Tuszkiewicz
  • Patent number: 6378274
    Abstract: A process for producing a thermoformed package comprises the steps of placing a first sheet of film over a forming die having at least one cavity, heating the film to mold the film into the at least one cavity thereby forming at least one recess in the film, placing a composition in the at least one formed recess; and sealing a second sheet of film across the at least one formed recess to produce at least one closed package. The film is heated by a heating plate having at least one concave depression which in use overlies the at least one cavity, wherein the heating step involves the step of bringing the film into intimate contact with the or each depression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Harbour
  • Publication number: 20020006485
    Abstract: A multi-layer, water-soluble film, a method of producing such film, and a method of packaging a chemical in such film are provided. The multi-layer film comprises a continuous layer of water-soluble material suitable for forming an outer layer of a bag, and a barrier coating affixed to discrete areas of the continuous layer, leaving a plurality of uncoated intervals occurring at repeating distances on the continuous layer. The continuous layer is of sufficient thickness and strength to provide sufficient structural integrity for use as a bag. The barrier coating, suitable for forming the inner surface of a bag, lacks sufficient structural integrity to contain the contents of the bag once the outer layer is substantially dissolved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventors: P. SCOTT BENING, ANDREW P. VERRALL, CHRISTIAN JOUFFREAU
  • Publication number: 20010042360
    Abstract: A string (12) of pocketed coil springs (14) is formed by inserting compressed springs between upper and lower plies of a folded, preferably thermally weldable fabric (16). The springs are maintained in a compressed configuration while a longitudinal seam (54) joins the free edges of the thermally welded fabric (16) together. Subsequently, the compressed springs (14) are allowed to relax into an expanded configuration after which a transverse seam (80) is formed in the fabric (16) between the adjacent springs (14) thereby encapsulating each spring (14) within a fabric pocket (86). The string (12) of pocketed coil springs (14) is advantageously formed without the need for reorienting the springs (14) after being inserted between the plies (24, 26) of the fabric (16) and thereby avoiding the disadvantages and complications associated with turning or reorienting the pocketed coil spring (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Applicant: Spuhl AG St. Gallen
    Inventors: Ugo de Santis, Roland Graf, Niels S. Mossbeck, Thomas J Wells
  • Publication number: 20010037627
    Abstract: A closure system for use in repetitively opening and closing an openable portion of a pliable container includes at least one shape memory element which is bowed and adapted to be supported adjacent the openable portion on a side wall of the pliable container for rotation about a longitudinal axis defined by the element. The element includes an elongated, generally concave surface portion and an opposing, generally convex surface portion. Upon closing of the container, the closure element is forced to rotate which functions to place an opposing side wall of the container in tension. The closure system has application to various types of pliable containers, including two-sided, multi-ply and gusseted bags. Provisions are also made for releasably locking the closure system in a container sealing condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Publication date: November 8, 2001
    Applicant: Arthur D. Little Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Hausslein
  • Patent number: 6282870
    Abstract: A process and a device for packaging products in thermoformed boxes, uses a single strip of thermoplastic or thermoformable material to produce cavities (B) and covers (A) and to fold them down (13) about the product to be packaged before thermowelding (14) their edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Mecaplastic
    Inventor: Patrick Robache
  • Publication number: 20010008064
    Abstract: A sealing mechanism for a form, fill and seal packing machine having box motion sealers suitable for forming seals in both continuously and intermittently advancing webs. The sealers are disposed on opposite sides of the web and are operable to reciprocate into and out of engagement with the web. The sealers are further supported on carriages moveable longitudinally along the web path. As a result, the sealers may be operated in the box motion in which the sealers actuate into engagement with the web as the carriages move longitudinally downstream at the web speed. The sealers remain engaged with the web for a time sufficient to form a seal in the web before retracting out of engagement. The carriages then return longitudinally upstream to initial positions. The box motion may be repeated to form a series of seals in the web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Applicant: Klockner Bartelt, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Todd, Thomas E. Brooker, Gregory A. Conn
  • Patent number: 6216424
    Abstract: The present invention provides, at low cost, a self-supporting package which is excellent in heat resistance and can be sterilized at high temperatures and the content of which is drunk through a straw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Sumitomo Bakelite Company Limited
    Inventor: You Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6216426
    Abstract: A bag for packaging liquid formed using plastic in film form is disclosed. The bag includes a leaktight chamber for liquid and a pocket, adjacent to the chamber, in which a pipe for withdrawing the liquid is housed. Access is provided to the inside of said pocket. An opening is formed through part of the wall of the pocket, adjacent to the chamber, to allow the withdrawing pipe to enter the chamber in a leaktight fashion. The opening is situated at the end of a tubular element of decreasing section, at the place where the section is the smallest with the element being formed from a film of plastic forming one wall of the pocket adjacent to the chamber. The tubular element accommodates the pipe for withdrawing the liquid from the chamber and is at least equal to that of the opening, so that the tubular element forms a seal around the withdrawing pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Carapak Braintrust NV
    Inventor: Xavier De Saint-Sauveur
  • Patent number: 6212859
    Abstract: A method of continuously forming, filling and sealing of packages with a continuous web of film material is disclosed and comprises the steps of providing a continuous web of film material and folding the web to provide confronting sides joined along a bottom edge and forming a vertical seal at spaced intervals along the web. This process forms a series of horizontally disposed pouches having opposed sidewalls separated by the vertical seals with each pouch being unsealed along a top edge. The pouches are then opened by separating the opposed sidewalls and are then filled with a product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Cloud Corporation, LLC
    Inventors: Richard Bielik, Jr., Robert Czolek, Adam Dworak, Robert Anderson, August Zurawski, Charles E. Cloud
  • Patent number: 6182420
    Abstract: A method for producing cosmetic samplers that incorporates the genuine cosmetic through the use of bulk thin film application techniques such as extrusion or spray technology. The method comprises first applying a cosmetic slurry to a base substrate and then attaching a cover sheet by means of an adhesive on either wide-web offset or label equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Retail Communications Corp.
    Inventors: Michael J. Berman, William Deierlein, Michael Parrotta, Phillip Cameron, Allan Cameron, III
  • Patent number: 6170237
    Abstract: A process and device for packaging elongate products where a packaging material is drawn from a supply in a transportation direction includes sealing around the elongate products longitudinally and transversely. The packaging material is delivered in the form of a partial tube having one open longitudinal side and one closed longitudinal side, and a width between the open longitudinal side and the closed longitudinal side. A plurality of first transverse seals are made across the partial tube, extending less than the width of the partial tube, to form a plurality of transverse pockets in the tube and the elongate products are inserted into the pockets. A plurality of second transverse seals are made to form a transverse sealing seam across the full width of the tube. A seal is made on the open longitudinal side of the partial tube to form a longitudinal sealing seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: SIG Pack Systems AG
    Inventor: Alfred Wipf
  • Patent number: 6148588
    Abstract: A fill-through-the-top reclosable package includes first and second opposing body panels joined to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. The package is provided with a reclosable fastener extending along a package top disposed opposite the bottom. The fastener includes first and second opposing tracks. The first track includes a male profile, while the second track includes a female profile adapted to releasably interlock with the male profile. To provide tamper evidence, the first and second tracks may be joined to each other along an area of weakness. When making the package, the first track is first attached to the first panel, the package is filled with a product via a fill opening between the second track and the second panel, and then the second track is attached to the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Toby R. Thomas, Samuel D. Aversa, John D. Athans
  • Patent number: 6125614
    Abstract: A laminated page having a carrier sheet; two barrier plies, at least one of which is laminated to the carrier sheet; and sample material enclosed between the two barrier plies. The present invention also relates to a method of making the laminated page, including a mass manufacturing method in a single pass on a printing press.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Arcade, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon W. Jones, Hubert F. Brown, Lyudmila Feldman
  • Patent number: 6119439
    Abstract: A non-contact rotary knife apparatus which perforates a seal area between two adjacent pouches in a continuous web by using perforating blades, preferably on the minor hub, and anvils on the major hub with the anvils having elongated, spaced apart recesses for receiving but not touching the teeth of the perforating blade. Thus, a major knife hub is mounted for rotation and has perforating anvils spaced about the exterior of the major knife hub. Each of the perforating anvils has elongated, spaced-apart recesses. A minor knife hub is also mounted for rotation proximate to the major knife hub and has perforating blades spaced about the exterior of the minor knife hub. Each of the perforating blades has an edge with spaced perforating teeth disposed along the edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: R. A. Jones & Co. Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Stevie
  • Patent number: 6058681
    Abstract: A method is provided for bagging produce in sealed bags in an automated manner. The method comprises the following steps. A pair of thermoplastic sheets are advanced along a process line with the sheets being in parallel, abutting relation. A longitudinal seal line is formed between the sheets near to but spaced from the lower edges thereof to define a bag header. Transverse slits are formed in both of the sheets together, with the edges of the slits being heat sealed, as with a hot knife, to form separate bags between the slits. The slits extend across the lower edges of the sheets, but are spaced from the upper edges. Thus, the sheets remain integral despite the formation of multiple bags therein. Produce is dropped between the thermoplastic sheet upper edges into the bag. The bags then may be horizontally slit to substantially intersect the transverse slits and to separate a horizontal strip of the sheets including the upper edges, while bottom-supporting the bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Tagit Enterprises Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Recchia, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6060136
    Abstract: A multilayer film has a first outer layer, an inner layer, and a second outer layer. The first outer layer comprises a homogeneous ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer. The inner layer comprises a thermoplastic elastomer. The second outer layer comprises a second ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer. The inner layer is between the first outer layer and the second outer layer, and is chemically different from the first outer layer and the second outer layer. The multilayer film has an O.sub.2 -transmission rate of from about 500 to 50,000 cc/m.sup.2 24hr STP, and a modulus of at least 60,000 psi. The multilayer film is especially useful for the packaging of O.sub.2 -sensitive products, such as produce. The high modulus of the film enhances its performance in form-fill-and-seal operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Ray Ernest Patrick, Mendy Joyce Walden
  • Patent number: 6050061
    Abstract: Pouch filling apparatus for carrying pouches through a pouch filler. The apparatus has leading and trailing clamps which are mounted on independent endless carriers. The endless carriers are driven at the same speed, but are controlled to maintain a set lag distance between the leading and trailing clamps. The lag distance may be adjusted to thereby adapt the apparatus for pouches of various sizes. The apparatus further incorporates a single retard arm and a single advance arm for moving the leading clamp between opened and closed pouch positions, respectively. The advance arm is located upstream of the pouch filler to move the leading clamp into the open pouch position for filling. The retard arm is located downstream of the pouch filler and moves the trailing clamp to the closed pouch position for sealing. The retard and advance arms are independently servo controlled to adapt the apparatus for pouches of various sizes and for continuous and intermittent operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Klockner Bartelt, Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Todd, Thomas E. Brooker, Gregory A. Conn
  • Patent number: 6047528
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging powder material includes feeding a continuous web of V-shaped heat sealable material to a first forming station to form longitudinally spaced upright seals to provide longitudinally spaced upwardly opening pouches. The pouches are filled with powder material at a filling station and then pulled through a downwardly curving path while the bottoms of the pouches are supported. The upper portions of the pouches are heated along the downwardly curving path and then snapped shut and pressed together to form a top seal with a set of nip rollers positioned at a lower portion of the downwardly curving path. Sealed pouches are then severed from the continuous web to form separate packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Cloud Corporation
    Inventors: Claude W. Scholin, William N. Pearson, Daniel A. Czolek, Jeffrey A. Rice
  • Patent number: 6044624
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for producing bag packs each having a portion (10) of cut tobacco or the like. For the purpose of producing bag packs with portions (10) of different weights, the portions (10) are compressed in the region of a pressing chamber (14) such that the portion (10) which has to be introduced into the bag (11) is always of the same size--irrespective of the weight. During compaction, the portion (10) is simultaneously formatted so that it corresponds to the interior of the bag (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co.)
    Inventors: Heinz Focke, Thomas Hafker, Burkard Roesler
  • Patent number: 6035611
    Abstract: A process of manufacturing webs of side connected bags is disclosed. A tube of heat sealable material is flattened and spaced, transverse seals are formed from one edge of the tube toward the other to delineate bag sides. Thereafter, the seals are bisected by lines of weakness to facilitate separation of sides of adjacent bags. Longitudinal lines of weakness are formed immediately adjacent the seals to delineate the tops of bag faces and backs and a separate top or lip section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Assignee: Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Hershey Lerner
  • Patent number: 6023914
    Abstract: A vented pouch arrangement is described which comprises: first and second opposed panel sections; a base gusset member; and, a gas filter arrangement oriented in one of the panel sections. The gusset member is preferably oriented between the panel sections; along ends thereof, to form a base by which the arrangement can be stood up during use. Preferably, the arrangement is provided with a rib and trough closure arrangement extending thereacross. In this manner, opening and reclosing the bag construction, for access to material therein, is facilitated. A method for formation of such a pouch arrangement, and methods of use, are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Kapak Corporation
    Inventors: Cecil Richison, Gary M. Bell
  • Patent number: 6010724
    Abstract: A wrapper for housing chewing gum. The wrapper includes a substrate having a front and a back surface. The front surface includes a top edge, a first side edge, a bottom edge, a second side edge, and three areas of adhesive. A first area of adhesive is located along a portion of the front surface that is adjacent to the first edge and the top edge. A third area of adhesive is located along a portion of the front surface that is adjacent to the second side edge and the top edge. And a second edge of adhesive is located along a portion of the front surface that is in juxtaposition to, but not touching, the bottom edge. A stick of chewing gum and method of wrapping the stick of chewing gum are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr., Company
    Inventors: William T. Boyd, Stanley J. Kopecky, Patricia McCarren, Michael Shulski, Joseph G. Zurawski
  • Patent number: 6001397
    Abstract: A wrapper for housing chewing gum. The wrapper includes a substrate having a front and a back surface. The front surface includes a top edge, a first side edge, a bottom edge, a second side edge, and three areas of adhesive. A first area of adhesive extends along a portion of the front surface that is adjacent to the first edge. A third area of adhesive extends along a portion of the front surface that is adjacent to the second side edge. And a second edge of adhesive extends between the first and third areas of adhesive of a portion of the front surface that is in juxtaposition to, but not touching, the bottom edge. A stick of chewing gum and method of wrapping the stick of chewing gum are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: William T. Boyd, Stanley J. Kopecky, Patricia McCarren, Michael Shulski
  • Patent number: 5983598
    Abstract: The method for wrapping a steel coil applies to wrapping a coiled material, particularly sheets of steel, aluminum and other metals which have been wound into a coil, in paper or a polymeric packaging material which contains a volatile corrosion inhibitor for storage or transport. The wrapper includes a cover piece, folded and sealed along one side, leaving two open sides, and a base piece. The base piece is placed on a pallet and the coil is placed on the base with the coil's axis of rotation perpendicular to the pallet. The base is secured to the coil and the coil is secured to the pallet with straps. The cover is placed over the coil with an open side traversing the width of the coil. A first edge of the open side is secured to the coil by adhesive tape, and the second edge is wrapped around the coil to overlap the first edge and also secured by tape. The two peaked corners of the cover are folded down over the top of the cover and secured by adhesive tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: Victor Manuel Quinones
  • Patent number: 5962092
    Abstract: A multilayer film comprises: a first layer comprising a first homogeneous ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer; a second layer comprising a polyolefin; and a third layer comprising a second homogeneous ethylene/aipha-olefin copolymer. The second layer is between the first layer and the third layer, the second layer is chemically different from the first layer and the third layer, and the multilayer film has an O.sub.2 -transmission rate of from about 500 to 50,000 cc/m.sup.2 /24 hr STP. One outer layer of the film comprises an antifog agent on the outer surface thereof. Also disclosed is a package made from the film. The film is especially suitable for the packaging of oxygen-sensitive products, such as lettuce, and resists fogging up on the inside surface of the film forming the package. Preferably, the package has printing on the outside surface of the film, with the print having good adhesion to the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Betsy P. Kuo, Mendy J. Walden
  • Patent number: 5953885
    Abstract: A method for producing cosmetic samplers that incorporates the genuine cosmetic through the use of bulk thin film application techniques such as extrusion or spray technology. The method comprises first applying a cosmetic slurry to a base substrate and then attaching a cover sheet by means of an adhesive on either wide-web offset or label equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Retail Communications Corp.
    Inventors: Michael J. Berman, William Deierlein, Michael Parrotta, Phillip Cameron, Allan Cameron, III
  • Patent number: 5941052
    Abstract: A method of packaging includes unwinding a center-folded film from a roller, the center-folded film having a first web and a second web; forming a recess between the first and second film webs; feeding a plurality of products into the thus formed recess, as the film advances, the products spaced apart from each other, and the products having a first and second transverse side; sealing and severing the advancing film between each product to be packaged along each of the two transverse sides of each product so as to form a plurality of bags with one open mouth on a front side of each bag, wherein each bag encloses a respective product; and sealing or clipping each open bag mouth. An apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventor: Riccardo Evangelisti
  • Patent number: 5938337
    Abstract: A bottom-fillable, bottom-gusseted bag including a bag-forming structure having first and second opposing body panels joined along a pair of opposing transverse seals and an offset bottom-gusset extending between the transverse seals. The bag-forming structure includes an open end opposite the offset gusset. The offset gusset includes first and second gusset panels foldably connected to each other and foldably connected to the respective first and second body panels. The second gusset panel extends beyond the first gusset panel to provide a protruding trim portion. A zipper is attached between the first and second body panels along the open end. A slider is slidably mounted to the zipper for opening and closing the zipper. A transverse slit is disposed proximate to a fold line foldably connecting the second gusset panel to the second body panel and provides a fill opening through which a product can be inserted into the bag-forming structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Tenneco Packaging Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander R. Provan, Toby R. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5937617
    Abstract: A pouch for holding liquids includes a pre-inserted straw within the pouch. A top end of the straw is exposed by removing a portion of the pouch. For manufacture, a web of flexible packaging material, suitable for forming a pouch or bag for storing liquids, is advanced forward in a pouch forming direction. A single straw of suitable length to fit within the confines of a resulting pouch is cut from a continuous length of straw material. The single straw is placed onto the web of packaging material in a location that will be on the inside surface of a single wall of the pouch and there it is secured in place preferably by a heat seal between one side of the straw and the inside surface of the pouch wall. The resulting pouch web material, having a plurality of straws positioned along its length provides a feedstock for forming pouches with pre-inserted straws when using a so called form and fill method of forming pouches or when making pre-made pouches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Innoflex Incorporated
    Inventor: James W. Yeager
  • Patent number: 5927052
    Abstract: A method for flavoring tea with a granular flavoring agent includes the step of removing from a reservoir a predetermined amount of granular flavoring agent. The predetermined amount of granular flavoring agent is placed as a small heap onto a moving endless filter paper strip. Subsequently, a predetermined amount of tea is placed adjacent to or onto the small heap of flavoring agent. The tea and flavoring agent heaped onto the filter paper strip are subsequently enclosed in a tea bag made from the filter paper strip accordingly. The inventive device for performing the method includes a device for moving the endless filter paper strip in an advancing direction. A tea metering device and a metering device for a flavoring agent are positioned directly above the endless filter paper strip whereby the metering device for the flavoring agent is positioned upstream of the tea metering device in the advancing direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Teepak Spezialmaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Nippes, Michael Klein
  • Patent number: 5904028
    Abstract: A diffusing device containing a fragrance or deodorant material includes a gel of a water swellable/water absorbing resin carrying the fragrance and/or deodorant components. The fragrance or deodorant release device can be readily produced on an industrial scale, is easy for a user to handle, and employs a water swellable/water absorbing resin. The gel is produced by enclosing a water swellable/water absorbing resin in a water resistant container, such as a packet, having a water permeable portion and immersing the packet into an aqueous medium containing the fragrance and/or deodorant components whereby the resin absorbs the fragrance and/or deodorant components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Sanyo Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoji Fujiura, Yukio Zenitani
  • Patent number: 5894707
    Abstract: A flexible package includes first and second opposed panel sections, a header section having a hanghole, and a tear string. The header section is positioned adjacent the first and second panel sections and encloses a portion of the package. The tear string is enclosed and arranged in the header section to provide hanging support at the hanghole and to tear open the enclosed portion in response to a pulling force at an end of the tear string. A method and apparatus for making the flexible package are also featured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy J. May
  • Patent number: 5878549
    Abstract: An easy open tear control package, preferably a pouch, from a film of polymeric barrier material is disclosed. Methods and films for making of such packages are also disclosed. The easy open tear control feature arises from roughening portions of the outer or inner surface of the films, prior to fabricating into the package. The roughened portion is on one face or on each face of the package and is at least a full width of a seal when the film is made into the package. The roughened portion can extend the entire width of the package and can be of any desired length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: American National Can Company
    Inventors: Richard Littmann, Ulrich Weingartner, Thomas S. Wildenberg, Jerry Jesse, Deane E. Galloway
  • Patent number: 5875614
    Abstract: An apparatus (100) for making flexible packaging containers (20, 70, 84) and inserting and sealing discs (22) within the containers in one continuous operation includes a nip roll indexer (116) which intermittently advances free ends of a first web (108) and a second web (110) a distance defining at least a width of a container, a die cut press (112) for forming partially separable flaps in the first web, first and second ultrasonic welders (220, 226) which concurrently seal together the first and second webs along a first longitudinal seal line (258) and at least one transverse seal line (252) so as to create in the webs a series of disc-receiving areas (40) each defined by the first longitudinal seal lines together with two of the transverse seal lines and having an open edge adjacent second longitudinal edges (256) of the webs, a disc inserting apparatus (120) adapted to insert a disc into a disc-receiving area, a third ultrasonic welder (380) which seals the webs together along a second longitudinal seal
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Univenture Inc.
    Inventors: Ross O. Youngs, James L. Weatherford, Sr., David S. Yotive, Roger J. Gerdeman, George E. Spohn, Martin W. Smith, Todd Espenschied, Todd M. Stern
  • Patent number: 5845463
    Abstract: The technical sector of the invention is that of the domain of bag-forming by packaging such as bags and especially sachets, made from flat webs folded and sealed to form bags which are then filled with liquid, pasty or pulverulent product, and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: Claude Henri Henaux
  • Patent number: 5829230
    Abstract: Method for bagging plurality of compressible absorbent articles which are arranged in parallel, one beside the other. The bag has an approximately rectangular base, a front side, a rear side, two narrow sides, and an upper side and is closed on all sides. The bag also has a line of weakness which marks an opening for the individual removal of the articles. The height of the bag is greater than the depth of the bag, the line of weakness extends, midway along the bag, from the longitudinal center of the upper side, toward the base, about half way down the front side of the bag. The base has a downwardly directed supporting band. The absorbent articles do not exerting sufficient pressure on any of the sides of the bag filled with said articles to cause the opening to gape open. The opening can be formed by bending the bag to open the line of weakness, and it closes after removal of the product when the bag is replaced on its supporting edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventor: Wolfgang Hartz
  • Patent number: 5803256
    Abstract: A method for providing bag-like packaging units (4) for receiving absorbent disposable articles, such as incontinence guards, sanitary napkins and diapers, with bags (5) in which used articles can be kept temporarily. According to the invention, the packaging unit is provided with a pocket (7, 9) into which the bags (5) are inserted prior to filling the packaging unit with absorbent particles. The present invention also relates to a packaging unit with which the method can be carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Molnlycke AB
    Inventors: Thomas Lydhig, Arne Froidh
  • Patent number: 5761884
    Abstract: A container for liquids such as beverages and the like is formed of flexible material such as plastic and includes a body having an internal reservoir and a tubular spout extending upwardly from the body. The spout has an internal passage in fluid communication with the reservoir. A constriction in the container creates a low pressure zone in the passage downstream of the constriction as liquid flows from the reservoir into the spout. Means are also provided to inflate the spout as liquid flows along the passage. A method of forming a self-supporting liquid filled container is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Arkmount Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Stefan Tobolka