Patents Assigned to Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
  • Patent number: 9174789
    Abstract: A container formed from a blank comprising a base layer and a lamination layer. The container has a bottom wall, a side wall, and a rolled edge extending from the side wall. The container includes features for helping to direct moisture from an interior surface of the bottom wall of the container to the side wall. The features comprise a plurality of embossed features and linear features extending in at least a portion of the container and defining respective grooves in an interior surface of the container defined by the bottom wall and the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip E. Netzer, Terrence P. Lafferty
  • Patent number: 9174765
    Abstract: A carton may include a linter. The liner may include one or more pressure control features for automatically relieving pressure from within an area enclosed by the liner. A pressure control feature may be in the form of one or more vent passageways extending through the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Sinclair, Joseph C. Walsh
  • Patent number: 9169050
    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: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond R. Spivey, Sr.
  • Patent number: 9169037
    Abstract: A carton for containing a product. The carton comprises a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises a first end panel, a first side panel, a second end panel, and a second side panel. A plurality of end flaps is respectively foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels for closing an end of the carton. The plurality of end flaps comprises a first end flap foldably connected to the first side panel and a second end flap foldably connected to second side panel. The first end flap and the second end flap have cooperating features for interlocking engagement of the end flaps in a closed configuration of the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Felicia A. Pinkstone
  • Patent number: 9162428
    Abstract: A microwave energy interactive structure includes a first susceptor film including a first layer of microwave energy interactive material supported on a first polymer film, a moisture-containing layer joined to the first layer of microwave energy interactive material, an adjoining layer joined to the moisture-containing layer such that the moisture-containing layer is disposed between the susceptor film and the adjoining layer, and a second layer of microwave energy interactive material on a side of the adjoining layer opposite the moisture-containing layer. The adjoining layer may be joined to the moisture-containing layer by a discontinuous adhesive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence P. Lafferty, Scott W. Middleton
  • Patent number: 9156579
    Abstract: A carton for holding a product. The carton having a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels comprises a front panel, a back panel, a first side panel and a second side panel. A tear away panel in at least one of the plurality of panels, the tear away panel providing access to the interior. A hinge in at least one of the plurality of panels and at least one tear line extending at least partially across at least one of the plurality of panels. The at least one tear line dividing the carton into a first portion and a second portion. The first portion configured to be pivotable at the hinge between an open position allowing access to the interior and a closed position with the first portion at least partially overlapping the second portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Felicia A. Pinkstone
  • Patent number: 9156582
    Abstract: A package for holding a product. The package can comprise a carton comprising a plurality of panels at least partially enclosing an interior of the carton. A liner may optionally be at least partially positioned in the interior of the carton and can comprise an inner dispensing feature. A liner patch can overlap the inner dispensing feature and can be mounted on the liner for facilitating opening of the inner dispensing feature of the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Walsh, Mark Sinclair, Jeffrey T. Sloat, Norman L. Jesch
  • Patent number: 9132612
    Abstract: A composite construct comprising a side wall extending at least partially around an interior of the composite construct. At least a portion of the side wall comprises at least one laminate, and the at least one laminate comprises at least one layer of material that comprises a first renewable polymer. The composite construct can also comprise at least one injection-molded element comprising at least a second renewable polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy H. Bohrer
  • Patent number: 9132936
    Abstract: A carton for containing a plurality of articles arranged in at least a first layer and a second layer above the first layer. The carton comprises a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton and an opening feature for accessing the articles in the carton. The opening feature extends in at least one panel of the plurality of panels. A tray is disposed at least partially in the interior of the carton. At least a portion of the tray can be positioned between the first layer and the second layer. The tray can be for supporting the articles in the second layer to allow removal of the articles in the second layer after activation of the opening feature of the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl A. Kohler
  • Patent number: 9134257
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for detecting defects in susceptors of microwave food containers during production of such containers. The method comprises the steps of advancing the microwave food containers in a downstream direction along a processing path; subjecting each microwave food container as it moves along the processing path to microwave radiation sufficient to heat the susceptors of the container without destroying the susceptors of the container; obtaining an image preferably in the infrared spectrum of the heated susceptors of each container; determining if the image is indicative of a defect in the susceptors of each container; and removing from the processing path containers that are indicated to have defective susceptors. The apparatus includes a conveyor that moves containers through a first microwave absorbing cavity, a resonator cavity wherein containers are subjected to microwave energy, and a second microwave absorbing cavity wherein an image of each container is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Sloat, Paul Abbott, Scott W. Middleton, Lee M. Schneider, Fermin P. Resurreccion, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9126716
    Abstract: A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton includes a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. A handle extends in at least one panel of the plurality of panels. The handle can include a handle grip and at least one handle opening. The at least one handle opening can include a main portion extending adjacent the handle grip of the handle and an expanded portion that is for being generally aligned with a respective space at least partially defined by at least two adjacent articles of the plurality of articles. The expanded portion can allow access to the respective space via the at least one handle opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl A. Kohler, Raymond S. Kastanek
  • Patent number: 9113648
    Abstract: A package for holding a food product. The package comprises a carton comprising a plurality of panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises at least two side panels. A tear feature extends at least partially across the plurality of panels for at least partially separating the carton into an upper portion and a lower portion. The package also comprises a liner disposed in the interior of the carton. The liner comprises an expandable region proximate to the tear feature of the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley J. Burke
  • Patent number: 9114913
    Abstract: A microwave heating construct includes a first compartment and a second compartment joined to one another. The first compartment and the second compartment each include microwave energy interactive material operative for generating heat in response to microwave energy. In a first configuration, the first compartment and the second compartment are side by side, and in a second configuration, the first compartment overlies the second compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Lorin R. Cole, Scott W. Middleton
  • Patent number: 9108761
    Abstract: A carton includes a chamfered corner, and a dispenser defined in the chamfered corner. A fitment may be mounted to the chamfered corner of the carton, for use in dispensing contents from the interior of the carton by way of the dispenser. The fitment may comprise a base with a rearward receptacle that is in receipt of the chamfered corner of the carton. A passageway extends through the base, from the receptacle to a front opening of the passageway, and the contents from the interior of the carton may be dispensed outwardly through the front opening of the fitment. The fitment may include one or more inwardly protruding mounting members that may engage behind one or more edges of the carton for restricting the fitment from being pulled off of the chamfered corner of the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly R. Fitzwater, Scott Thomas Strand, Duane R. Mode, Sharon Weaver, Norman L. Jesch
  • Patent number: 9107243
    Abstract: A construct for heating, browning, and/or crisping a food item in a microwave oven includes a platform having a first surface substantially defined by a microwave energy interactive element and a pair of side members joined to the platform along respective lines of disruption. The side members extend upwardly and downwardly from the plane of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kelly R. Fitzwater
  • Patent number: 9085421
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Colin P. Ford
  • Patent number: 9079699
    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: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: John Murdick Holley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9078296
    Abstract: A tray for holding a food product includes a plurality of panels extending around an interior of the tray. The plurality of panels includes at least a central panel, at least one side panel foldably connected to the central panel, and at least one end panel foldably connected to the central panel along an arcuate fold line. The central panel forms a curved bottom surface of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kelly R. Fitzwater
  • Patent number: 9073682
    Abstract: A carton for holding a plurality of articles. The carton comprises a bottom panel, a first side panel comprising a first lower side panel and a first upper side panel, a second side panel comprising a second lower side panel and a second upper side panel, a top panel, a first end panel, and a second end panel. A dispenser pattern defines a dispenser section at least in the first upper side panel, the top panel, the second upper side panel, and one of the first end panel and the second end panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick James DeBusk, Raymond Rudolph Spivey, Sr., Robert L. Sutherland
  • Patent number: D740657
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kelly R. Fitzwater