Abstract: A thermoformed container comprising a tray having a bottom wall with a recess for storing food items, an open top for providing access to the recess and a cover sized to close the open top of the tray. The cover is hingedly connected to the tray, with both the cover and tray having cooperating structures that form a closure when the container is closed, with a vent structure provided in the container for venting the interior of the container.

Abstract: A container comprising a cover hingedly connected to a tray, with both the cover and tray having cooperating structures that form a closure when the container is closed, with a vent structure provided in the container for venting the interior of the container.

Abstract: A container having tamper evident and resistant features comprises a tray, a cover and a hinge defining a hinge axis and connecting the tray and cover for relative rotation about the hinge axis between a closed position and an opened position. The container also comprises a first tab provided on one of the cover and tray and located radially interiorly of the hinge axis and a second tab provided on the other of the cover and tray and located radially interiorly of the hinge axis, wherein the first and second tabs are spaced relative to each other such that a tier may grasp the first tab with one hand and the second tab with another hand and relatively pull the first tab and the second tab away from each other to tear the hinge and separate the cover from the tray.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically assembling a wrapper to a foam cup to form a wrapped foam cup.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a first thermoformed workpiece, such as a tab closure, to a second thermoformed workpiece, such as a lid.

Abstract: A clam-shell container comprising a cover hingedly connected to a tray, with both the cover and tray having cooperating structures that form a leak-proof seal when the clam-shell container is closed. The container and cooperating structures are formed such that the user can effect the formation of the leak-proof seal in a single step. The creation of the leak-proof seal preferably corresponds to the closing of the clam-shell container.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically assembling a wrapper to a foam cup to form a wrapped foam cup.

Abstract: A commercially viable paper wrapped foam cup comprising a taper portion that prevents the shrinkage-induced curling from interfering with the un-nesting of nested paper wrapped foam cups. The paper wrapped cup further comprises a fillet for strengthening the cup foot to retard shrinkage-induced curling of the foot. The paper wrapper has abutting to overlapping opposing ends to completely hide the foam cup to enhance the visual appearance of the cup. The overlapping portions of the paper wrapper are not bonded to each other to prevent wrinkling of the paper wrapper as the cup shrinks. A machine and corresponding method provide for automatically supplying foam cups and paper wrappers, wrapping the paper wrapped cup, and stacking the wrapped cups.

Abstract: The invention is a recloseable lid for a drinking cup comprising a cap with a dispensing aperture through which liquid can pass. A plug is movably mounted to the cap and is sized to seal the dispensing aperture when a portion of the plug is inserted into the dispensing aperture.

Abstract: A commercially viable paper wrapped foam cup comprising a taper portion that prevents the shrinkage-induced curling from interfering with the un-nesting of nested paper wrapped foam cups. The paper wrapped cup further comprises a fillet for strengthening the cup foot to retard shrinkage-induced curling of the foot. The paper wrapper has abutting to overlapping opposing ends to completely hide the foam cup to enhance the visual appearance of the cup. The overlapping portions of the paper wrapper are not bonded to each other to prevent wrinkling of the paper wrapper as the cup shrinks. A machine and corresponding method provide for automatically supplying foam cups and paper wrappers, wrapping the paper wrapped cup, and stacking the wrapped cups.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a first thermoformed workpiece, such as a tab closure, to a second thermoformed workpiece, such as a lid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a first thermoformed workpiece, such as a tab closure, to a second thermoformed workpiece, such as a lid.

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 and apparatus for assembling a first thermoformed workpiece, such as a tab closure, to a second thermoformed workpiece, such as a lid.

Abstract: A clam-shell container comprising a cover hingedly connected to a tray, with both the cover and tray having cooperating structures that form a leak-proof seal when the clam-shell container is closed. The container and cooperating structures are formed such that the user can effect the formation of the leak-proof seal in a single step. The creation of the leak-proof seal preferably corresponds to the closing of the clam-shell container.

Abstract: A commercially viable paper wrapped foam cup comprising a taper portion that prevents the shrinkage-induced curling from interfering with the un-nesting of nested paper wrapped foam cups. The paper wrapped cup further comprises a fillet for strengthening the cup foot to retard shrinkage-induced curling of the foot. The paper wrapper has abutting to overlapping opposing ends to completely hide the foam cup to enhance the visual appearance of the cup. The overlapping portions of the paper wrapper are not bonded to each other to prevent wrinkling of the paper wrapper as the cup shrinks. A machine and corresponding method provide for automatically supplying foam cups and paper wrappers, wrapping the paper wrapped cup, and stacking the wrapped cups.

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: A method and apparatus for assembling a first thermoformed workpiece, such as a tab closure, to a second thermoformed workpiece, such as a lid.