Patents Assigned to Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
  • Carton with handle features
    Publication number: 20140123604
    Abstract: A carton for containing at least one article is described herein. The carton includes a plurality of side panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton, a handle for grasping and carrying the carton formed in at least two side panels of the plurality of side panels, and a protective feature for providing access to grasp the handle. The protective feature includes at least one protective panel arranged in the interior of the carton relative to the handle and the at least two side panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd Wagner
  • Nestable container with uniform stacking features
    Patent number: 8708148
    Abstract: Various embodiments of flanged containers that can be stacked in a nested relationship are disclosed so as to provide uniform spacing between the containers to facilitate reliable denesting thereof. The flanges and/or sidewalls of the containers may be provided with features that facilitate alignment and uniform spacing of the nested containers so that a denesting apparatus can reliably denest the containers. Other containers include sidewalls divided into two sections that serve to stabilize stacked container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Graphics Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick H. Wnek, Ronald P. Marx, James Kluz, Brian R. O'Hagan, Scott W. Middleton
  • Heat Sealable Packaging Material with Improved Hot Tack
    Publication number: 20140113790
    Abstract: A method of forming a package includes depositing polyvinylidene chloride on a substrate, wherein the substrate comprises paper, drying the polyvinylidene chloride on the substrate to form a packaging material including less than 5 wt % water, applying water to the packaging material so that the packaging material includes at least about 8 wt % water, and bringing a first portion of the polyvinylidene chloride of the packaging material into contact with a second portion of the polyvinylidene chloride of the packaging material in the presence of heat to form a seal. The at least about 8 wt % water is operative for increasing a hot tack of the seal relative to the packaging material including less than 5 wt % water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Files, Anthony Keith Webb
  • Package for beverage containers
    Patent number: 8701878
    Abstract: A package comprising a carrier at least partially holding a container. The carrier comprises a top panel, a first outer side panel foldably connected to the top panel, a first inner side panel foldably connected to the first outer side panel, a second outer side panel foldably connected to the top panel, a second inner side panel foldably connected to the second outer side panel, a first bottom panel foldably connected to the first inner side panel, and a second bottom panel foldably connected to the second inner side panel. A container-receiving portion can comprise a first retaining feature in the first inner side panel and the first outer side panel and an opposing second retaining feature in the second inner side panel and the second outer side panel. A top portion of the container can be retained by the first and second retaining features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond R. Spivey, Sr.
  • Container With Score Lines
    Publication number: 20140103038
    Abstract: A container for holding an article. The container comprises a lamination layer at least partially secured to a base layer, a bottom wall, and a side wall. The bottom wall and the side wall cooperate to at least partially define a cavity of the container with the lamination layer at least partially comprising an interior surface of the container adjacent the cavity. A plurality of score lines extend in the container for at least partially reducing buckling of the lamination layer into the cavity of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick H. Wnek
  • PACKAGE FOR CONTAINERS
    Publication number: 20140097112
    Abstract: A carrier comprising a top panel, a first side panel foldably connected to the top panel, a second side panel foldably connected to the top panel, a first bottom panel connected to the first side panel by at least one first strut, and a second bottom panel connected to the second side panel by at least one second strut. At least one container-receiving portion can comprise a first retaining feature and an opposing second retaining feature. At least a portion of the first retaining feature or the second retaining feature is disposed in the first side panel or the second side panel. A container can be retained by at least one of the first retaining feature and the second retaining feature. At least a portion of at least one of the first bottom panel and the second bottom panel is disposed between the container and the top panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: John Murdick Holley, JR.
  • SHIPPING AND DISPENSING CARTON
    Publication number: 20140091133
    Abstract: A combination shipping and dispensing carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton has a plurality of panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton. The carton may have various dispensing features to allow articles to be dispensed from the carton.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Coltri-Johnson, Jean-Manuel Gomes, Edward W. Jones
  • Canister style package with opening feature
    Patent number: 8684224
    Abstract: A cylindrical tubular canister package has a body and ends. A tear-away strip is formed in the body by a pair of spaced partial cuts on the outside of the body. A thin strip of tear tape is secured to the inside of the body underlying and extending along the tear-away strip. A tab is formed at one end of the tear away strip. The canister package is opened by grasping the tab and pulling away from the canister body, which causes the tear-away strip to be severed from the body to open up the canister. The strip may extend axially, circumferentially, spirally, or otherwise along the canister body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard F. House
  • Microwave heating construct with elevatable bottom
    Patent number: 8686322
    Abstract: A microwave heating construct includes a movable portion defined at least partially by lines of disruption extending between adjacent edges of the bottom panel. The movable portion is adapted to be moved towards the interior space for maintaining a food item in an elevated position within the construct. A susceptor or other microwave energy interactive element may be joined to the movable portion to enhance heating, browning, and/or crisping of the food item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Vicki Laubhan, Kelly R. Fitzwater, Weston R. Wilson
  • Carton having protective elements
    Patent number: 8684896
    Abstract: A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton has a plurality of panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels is a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. At least one of the panels has a protective coating for contact with the articles. The coating is arranged as a plurality of protective elements selectively applied to an interior surface of the at least one panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Tokarski, Raymond S. Kastanek
  • Microwavable construct with contoured heating surface
    Patent number: 8680448
    Abstract: A tray for heating, browning, and/or crisping a food item in a microwave oven includes a substantially planar base, a platform extending upwardly from the base, and a microwave energy interactive element overlying at least a portion of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick H. Wnek, Terrence P. Lafferty, Matthew Sundquist
  • Method for positioning and operating upon a construct
    Patent number: 8678986
    Abstract: An apparatus for operating upon a construct. In one example, the apparatus comprises a tool, a feed path for a feed path for feeding the construct to and withdrawing the construct from the tool, and a positioning mechanism. The positioning mechanism comprises an arm positioned proximate to the tool and a guide for directing the construct toward the tool. The arm is movable between a guiding position and a withdrawn position, and the guide is mounted to the arm for moving with the arm so that the guide is at least partially disposed in the feed path when the arm is in the guiding position. A recess is defined in the tool for at least partially accommodating the guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick H. Wnek
  • Cartons with reclosable opening features
    Patent number: 8672214
    Abstract: A carton includes a pivoting, reclosable lid that allows a top end of the carton to be accessed and subsequently closed. If a bag or other flexible vessel is accommodated within the carton, a first section of the lid can be pivoted toward a first side panel so that the vessel is pressed between the first lid section and the first side panel. The bag contents are thereby securely retained within the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Tim Manaige
  • Carton, carton blank and associated methodology
    Patent number: 8672822
    Abstract: A carton blank may be formed having at least one score line therein. A second layer of material may overlay at least a portion of the first layer, including the score line, thus defining an overlaid score area. The overlaid score area may include at least a portion in which the second layer is not adhered to the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Walsh, Robert L. Conatser
  • RECIPROCATING PLACER SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20140069328
    Abstract: A reciprocating placer system for selectively picking and placing articles includes a picking assembly that is moveable between one or more magazines in which the articles are each received and stored in a stacked configuration. The picking assembly can include a series of vacuum cups for engaging and selectively picking articles from one or more magazines and thereafter depositing the selected articles on a conveyor or within a receptacle. A drive system controls the transverse movement of the picking assembly with respect to the one or more magazines in order to control the movement of the picking assembly between the one or more magazines and for adjusting the position of the picking assembly, with a selected article engaged thereby, with respect to the conveyor or receptacle on which the article is to be deposited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Houck, Kelly Ziegler
  • Systems and Methods for Selecting and Grouping Products
    Publication number: 20140061000
    Abstract: A conveyor carries products in a first lane so that first, second and third products are aligned with one another and arranged in series. Pushers move the second and third products laterally in opposite direction from the first lane to second and third lanes, respectively. The conveyor extends downstream from the pushers for carrying the first, second and third products in the first, second and third lanes, respectively. The first product may be temporarily held back in the first lane until the second product catches up to the first product, at which time the first product is released and the conveyor carries the first, second and third products in the first, second and third lanes. The third product catches up to the first and second products to least partially form a group of the products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Colin P. Ford
  • Deep Dish Microwave Heating Construct
    Publication number: 20140054284
    Abstract: A microwave heating construct includes a base with a plurality of movable portions, where the movable portions are operative for pivoting into a substantially upright condition, and the base and plurality of movable portions comprise microwave energy interactive material that is operative for converting microwave energy into heat, so that pivoting the movable portions moves the microwave energy interactive material of the movable portions into an upright condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Lorin R. Cole
  • MATERIAL FOR CARTON, BLANK, OR SUBSTRATE
    Publication number: 20140054300
    Abstract: A material for forming a carton for containing a plurality of articles. The material can comprise a plurality of layers comprising a first layer comprising a base and a second layer comprising an insulator. The first layer can be an exterior layer, and the second layer can be a interior layer. The layers of the plurality of layers can be respectively overlapped and attached to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: William Gilpatrick, Jeffrey T. Sloat
  • Vented susceptor structure
    Patent number: 8658952
    Abstract: A microwave heating construct comprises a first panel and a second panel, each comprising a microwave energy interactive material. The panels are partially joined to one another in an opposed, facing relationship such that an unjoined area is defined between the first panel and the second panel. The unjoined area is in communication with an open peripheral edge of the construct. The first panel includes an aperture in communication with the unjoined area between the first panel and the second panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Terrence P. Lafferty
  • CARTON WITH DISPENSER
    Publication number: 20140042048
    Abstract: A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton comprises a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. At least two end flaps can be respectively foldably attached to respective panels of the plurality of panels. The at least two end flaps are at least partially overlapped with respect to one another and thereby at least partially form a closed end of the carton. The closed end of the carton can comprise a generally vertical portion extending from the bottom panel and an oblique portion extending from the top panel to the generally vertical portion. A dispenser can extend in at least the closed end of the carton.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: O'Neal Alexander, Daniel Ahem, Jean-Manuel Gomes