Abstract: A thermoplastic foam comprises a styrenic polymer and a blowing agent consisting of 100% carbon dioxide. The thermoplastic foam has no visible corrugations and an average cell size of 0.20 mm to 0.35 mm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extruding a corrugation-free polystyrene foam with 100% carbon dioxide as the blowing agent by extruding the extrudate through an annular die opening so that it contacts a choke ring inner surface. A foam made with the apparatus according to the invention will have no visible corrugations and an average cell size of less than 0.35 mm.

Abstract: A method for extruding a corrugation-free polystyrene foam with up to 100% carbon dioxide as the blowing agent by extruding the extrudate through an annular die opening so that it contacts a choke ring inner surface. A foam made with the apparatus according to the invention will have no visible corrugations and an average cell size of less than 0.35 mm.

Abstract: An apparatus for extruding a corrugation-free polystyrene foam with 100% carbon dioxide as the blowing agent by extruding the extrudate through an annular die opening so that it contacts a choke ring inner surface. A foam made with the apparatus according to the invention will have no visible corrugations and an average cell size of less than 0.35 mm.

Abstract: A container for holding food items and the like. The container comprises a base for holding the food item and a cover hingedly mounted to the base and movable between an open and closed position. The cover has a latch wipe opening that is sized to receive a tab extending from the base. The latch wipe opening has a generally rectangular shape. During the manufacturing process, the material in which the latch wipe opening is formed is pre-cooled to reduce the tendency of the latch wipe opening to deform. Further, the form against which the latch wipe opening is formed has a knurled portion that engages the container material above the latch wipe opening to further prevent the deforming of the latch wipe opening during manufacturing.

Abstract: A lid for use on a drinking cup is provided having a central horizontal cover portion which has a vent means provided therein. The vent means comprise a circular, horizontal top portion having a vent opening therethrough. The top portion has a downwardly depending first wall which has terminal end below the surface of the cover portion. An upwardly extending second wall merges with the terminal end of the first wall and extends upwardly therefrom in an outwardly spaced apart position respect thereto so as to merge with the cover portion of the lid. A plurality of spaced apart ribs connect the first wall and the second wall so as to cooperate therewith the form downwardly depending arcuate wave dampening baffle means which encircle the vent means beneath the surface of the cover portion so as to prevent accidental spillage of the cup contents through the vent means.

Abstract: An interlocking lid is provided which is adapted for interlocking engagement with an associated container having an upper peripheral rim edge portion defining an opening therein. The circular interlocking lid is provided with annular lid interlock means along the outer peripheral edge of the downwardly depending central portion thereof which are adapted to matingly engage corresponding annular container interlock means provided along the upper inner surface of the container proximate to the upper peripheral rim edge portion thereof when the lid is placed in press-fitted engagement with the container so as to effect closure thereof. Another embodiment of the interlocking lid is provided with a plurality of spaced-apart vent channels along the outer peripheral edge thereof. Upon press-fitted interlocked engagement of the lid with the container, the vent channels of the lid cooperate with the upper peripheral rim edge portion of the container to form vent openings for the closed container.

Abstract: A non-spill drink-through lid is provided with a retainer support wall defined in a chord position across the central cover portion thereof. The retainer support wall merges with the raised outer peripheral edge of the lid to define a well portion which encompasses a depressible tab portion defined by a slit provided in the central cover portion. The well portion is adapted to retain excess liquid above the slit so as to permit the excess liquid to drain back into the interior of the cup upon which the lid is mounted. Another embodiment of the invention consists of the non-spill drink-through lid having a pair of identical parallel spaced-apart cup support walls defined in the central cover portion of the lid and extending thereacross to merge at the ends thereof with the raised outer peripheral edge of the lid. Thus positioned, the cup support walls are adapted to stackably support another cup positioned thereon.

Abstract: A step-wall nestable cup provided with off-set thin sidewall portions which overlap to define an annular intermediate thickened wall portion which strengthens the cup while permitting the use of relatively thinner wall portions thereabove and therebelow. The use of off-set overlapping thin wall sidewall portions also permits the use of a lower density plastic material without increasing the stack height of the nesting cups while resulting in significant material and/or shipping cost savings without sacrificing overall sidewall strength of the resultant nestable cup or container.A modified step-wall nestable cup is provided with multiple off-set thin sidewall portions which respectively overlap to provide a plurality of annular thickened sidewall portions in the sidewall thereof.

Abstract: A non-spill drink-through lid for use on a drinking cup having a depressible tab portion defined therein which is selectively depressible to provide a drink-through opening in the lid and which is biased to return to its normally closed position within the plane of the lid upon removal of lip pressure thereagainst. A raised hollow lip-engaging buttress member is integrally formed in the tab portion. The buttress member is configured to provide increased heat dissipating surfaces thereon so as to insulatively engage the upper lip of a user drinking from the cup through the drinking opening in the lid. A downwardly depending outwardly curved elongate annular skirt portion is provided on the lid which is configured to make sealing insulative engagement with the lower lip of the user drinking therefrom so as to prevent spillage and to avoid contact of the user's lower lip with the cup itself.