Abstract: Tamper-evident plastic container comprises a base portion having a sidewall and a base flange extending outwardly from at least a portion of the sidewall, and a lid portion having a lid tab joined to the base flange by a hinge, wherein the lid portion has an open position and a closed position. The lid portion is configured to lockingly engage the base portion in the closed position. One of the base flange or the lid tab has a non-linear path of weakness formed therein to define a frangible connection, wherein the frangible connection is configured to be ruptured to initially open the lid portion from the closed position. The non-linear path of weakness is spaced from the hinge to define a tamper indicator region between the non-linear path of weakness and the hinge, wherein the tamper indicator region remains joined to the hinge after the frangible connection is ruptured.

Abstract: Unitary blank for forming a container includes a base panel, a back body panel, a front body panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, and a pocket portion. The pocket portion includes a support panel, a pocket flap, a first side tab, and a second side tab. The first and second side panels are configured to be joined to the back body panel such that the front and back body panels and the first and second side panels define a container. A support panel of the pocket portion is configured to be separated from the front body panel along a front upper edge and joined to the back body panel such that the pocket portion and the back body panel define a pocket therebetween. A container and a method for forming a container from a unitary blank are also provided.

Abstract: Strawless drinking lid for a container, having a mounting portion defining an outer perimeter, and a perimeter wall disposed inwardly from the mounting portion. The perimeter wall extends upwardly relative the mounting portion and has an outer surface facing the mounting portion and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The strawless drinking lid further has a center portion extending inwardly from the inner surface of the perimeter wall and a raised drinking portion extending upwardly from the center portion. The drinking portion has a front section and a back section with an upper surface therebetween. The front section of the raised drinking portion has a front edge proximate the inner surface of the perimeter wall, and the back section of the raised drinking portion has a back surface extending upwardly from the center portion. The raised drinking portion has a closed configuration and an open configuration.

Abstract: Tamper-evident plastic container comprises a base portion having a base flange and a lid portion having a lid tab joined to the base flange by a hinge, wherein the lid portion has at least one grip tab extending outwardly beyond the base flange. The lid portion is configured to lockingly engage the base portion in a closed position. One of the base flange or the lid tab has a path of weakness formed therein to define a frangible connection, wherein the frangible connection is configured to be ruptured to initially open the lid portion from the closed position. The path of weakness is spaced from the hinge to define a tamper indicator region between the path of weakness and the hinge, wherein the tamper indicator region remains joined to the hinge after the frangible connection is ruptured. Methods of containing a product in a tamper-evident container are also disclosed.

Abstract: Mineral-filled polymer compositions and methods of forming such polymer compositions into a thermally stable article are provided. Methods of forming a polymeric article include providing a polymer composition comprising a crystallizable polymer, a mineral filler in an amount of more than about 15 wt-% based on the total weight of the polymer composition, and an impact modifier, wherein the polymer composition is at a temperature less than a crystallization temperature of the crystallizable polymer. The methods further include disposing the polymer composition in a mold, forming the polymer composition into an article within the mold, and releasing the article from the mold. The methods can include thermoforming the polymer composition in a mold, or injection molding the polymer composition in a molten form in a mold.

Abstract: Unitary blank for forming a container includes a base panel, a back body panel, a front body panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, and a pocket portion. The pocket portion includes a support panel, a pocket flap, a first side tab, and a second side tab. The first and second side panels are configured to be joined to the back body panel such that the front and back body panels and the first and second side panels define a container. A support panel of the pocket portion is configured to be separated from the front body panel along a front upper edge and joined to the back body panel such that the pocket portion and the back body panel define a pocket therebetween. A container and a method for forming a container from a unitary blank are also provided.

Abstract: Unitary blank for forming a container having a body portion with a plurality of fold lines and a cover portion. The body portion with a plurality of fold lines define a plurality of body wall portions, and each body wall portion has an upper edge. A first body wall portion includes a closure tab extending from the upper edge of the first body wall portion. The closure tab includes a closure tab flap portion and a closure tab base portion. The cover portion extends from the upper edge of a second body wall portion. The cover portion includes a cover portion flap score line extending along an upper edge of the cover portion and a release flap. A food container having a body portion and a cover portion is also provided.

Abstract: Unitary blank for forming a container having a body portion with a plurality of fold lines and a cover portion. The body portion with a plurality of fold lines define a plurality of body wall portions, and each body wall portion has an upper edge. A first body wall portion includes a closure tab extending from the upper edge of the first body wall portion. The closure tab includes a closure tab flap portion and a closure tab base portion. The cover portion extends from the upper edge of a second body wall portion. The cover portion includes a cover portion flap score line extending along an upper edge of the cover portion and a release flap. A food container having a body portion and a cover portion is also provided.

Abstract: Thermoformed locking assembly comprising a first web portion including locking lug having lug undercut defining a cantilevered lug ledge having lug engaging surface, second web portion including locking recess having recess undercut defining an opposing recess ledge having recess engaging surface and a lug stop opposite the recess undercut. Locking recess configured to receive locking lug and lug stop configured to position locking lug in locking recess with the lug engaging surface in engagement with the recess engaging surface when first web portion is moved towards second web portion.

Abstract: Unitary blank for forming a cup sleeve is provided having a central body portion, a first side body portion, and a second side body portion, a central flap extending from the central body portion, a first flap extending from the first side body portion, the first flap including a first tab, and a second flap extending from the second side body portion, the second flap including a second tab. In addition, at least a selected surface area of the blank has a pattern of raised features. Raised pattern areas of inner fold-over flaps can overlay corresponding raised pattern areas of sleeve outer body panels thereby increasing a size or volume of air gap pockets created between inner flaps and outer body panels. A multi-layer cup sleeve and a method for forming a cup sleeve are also provided.

Abstract: Tamper-evident plastic container comprises a base portion having a sidewall and a base flange extending outwardly from at least a portion of the sidewall, as well as a lid portion having a lid tab joined to the base flange by a hinge, wherein the lid portion has an open position and a closed position. The lid portion is configured to lockingly engage the base portion in the closed position. One of the base flange or the lid tab has a non-linear path of weakness formed therein to define a frangible connection, wherein the frangible connection is configured to be ruptured to initially open the lid portion from the closed position. The non-linear path of weakness is spaced from the hinge to define a tamper indicator region between the non-linear path of weakness and the hinge, wherein the tamper indicator region remains joined to the hinge after the frangible connection is ruptured. Methods of containing a product in a tamper-evident container are also disclosed.

Abstract: Unitary blank for forming a container having a body portion with a plurality of fold lines and a cover portion. The body portion with a plurality of fold lines define a plurality of body wall portions, and each body wall portion has an upper edge. A first body wall portion includes a closure tab extending from the upper edge of the first body wall portion. The closure tab includes a closure tab flap portion and a closure tab base portion. The cover portion extends from the upper edge of a second body wall portion. The cover portion includes a cover portion flap score line extending along an upper edge of the cover portion and a release flap. A food container having a body portion and a cover portion is also provided.

Abstract: Method of forming a container having a rolled rim, including providing a thermoformable sheet, and thermoforming the sheet to form a hollow body. The hollow body has an open first end and an opposite closed second end with a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end, and a rim structure formed at the first end of the hollow body. The rim structure includes an inner wall portion, a flange, and a skirt. The method further includes coining an upper section of the inner wall portion of the rim to form a controlled inner diameter, and rolling the rim structure to form a rigid rolled rim along an outer diameter of the open first end of the hollow body, the skirt extending toward the sidewall after being rolled.

Abstract: Unitary blank for forming a cup sleeve is provided having a central body portion, a first side body portion, and a second side body portion, a central flap extending from the central body portion, a first flap extending from the first side body portion, the first flap including a first tab, and a second flap extending from the second side body portion, the second flap including a second tab. In addition, at least a selected surface area of the blank has a pattern of raised features. Raised pattern areas of inner fold-over flaps can overlay corresponding raised pattern areas of sleeve outer body panels thereby increasing a size or volume of air gap pockets created between inner flaps and outer body panels. A multi-layer cup sleeve and a method for forming a cup sleeve are also provided.