Abstract: Container having a base portion defining a compartment and a lid portion moveable between an open position for access to the compartment and a closed position to cover the compartment. The base portion includes a bottom panel, a back panel extending from the bottom panel to a back panel upper edge, and back side tabs extending from the back panel and defining opposing sides of the base portion. The base portion further includes a front base panel extending upwardly from the bottom panel to a front angle panel, the front angle panel extending upwardly and inwardly from the front base panel to a free end. The lid portion is hingedly-coupled to the upper edge of the back panel. The container further includes a cutter disposed on the front angle panel. A blank and method for forming the container from a sheet of blank material is also provided.

Abstract: Method of forming a plate including providing a sheet of polyethylene terephthalate foam and thermoforming the polyethylene terephthalate foam into a plate. The plate comprising a bottom wall having an outer perimeter, an upper surface, and a lower support surface defining a horizontal reference plane. The plate further comprising a sidewall extending upwardly and outwardly from the outer perimeter at an angle “a” of between about 30° to about 35° relative to a vertical axis perpendicular to the horizontal reference plane. The plate further including a rim extending laterally outwardly from an upper edge of the sidewall and a turndown flange extending downwardly from an outer edge of the rim and terminating at a free end.

Abstract: Plate having a bottom wall having an outer perimeter, an upper surface, and a lower support surface defining a horizontal reference plane. The plate further includes a sidewall extending upwardly and outwardly from the outer perimeter at an angle “a” of between about 30° to about 35° relative to a vertical axis perpendicular to the horizontal reference plane. Extending laterally outwardly from an upper edge of the sidewall is a rim. Extending downwardly from an outer edge of the rim and terminating at a free end is a turndown flange. The plate comprises a monolithic structure of polyethylene terephthalate foam. Method of forming the plate is also provided.

Abstract: Plate having a bottom wall having an outer perimeter, an upper surface, and a lower support surface defining a horizontal reference plane. The plate further includes a sidewall extending upwardly and outwardly from the outer perimeter at an angle “a” of between about 30° to about 35° relative to a vertical axis perpendicular to the horizontal reference plane. Extending laterally outwardly from an upper edge of the sidewall is a rim. Extending downwardly from an outer edge of the rim and terminating at a free end is a turndown flange. The plate comprises a monolithic structure of polyethylene terephthalate foam. Method of forming the plate is also provided.

Abstract: Container having a base portion defining a compartment and a lid portion moveable between an open position for access to the compartment and a closed position to cover the compartment. The base portion includes a bottom panel, a back panel extending from the bottom panel to a back panel upper edge, and back side tabs extending from the back panel and defining opposing sides of the base portion. The base portion further includes a front base panel extending upwardly from the bottom panel to a front angle panel, the front angle panel extending upwardly and inwardly from the front base panel to a free end. The lid portion is hingedly-coupled to the upper edge of the back panel. The container further includes a cutter disposed on the front angle panel. A blank and method for forming the container from a sheet of blank material 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: Reclosable fastener includes a first track including a first engagement profile having a first hook portion opening in a first direction along a reference axis substantially perpendicular to a burst direction of the fastener and a second track including a second engagement profile having a second hook portion opening in a second direction opposite the first direction along the reference axis and configured to engage the first hook portion in a closed configuration. The first and second hook portions are configured to engage each other when the first and second tracks are urged toward each other along the reference axis, and the first and second hook portions are configured to disengage each other when the first and second tracks are urged away from each other along the reference axis. A reclosable bag having a reclosable fastener and a slider for a reclosable fastener are also provided.

Abstract: Cast-film process for making a fiber-reinforced film is disclosed. The process includes providing at least a first thermoplastic resin, melting the at least first thermoplastic resin, extruding the at least first thermoplastic resin through a first extension die to form a first thermoplastic film, providing at least a second thermoplastic resin, melting the at least second thermoplastic resin, extruding the at least second thermoplastic resin through a second extension die to form a second thermoplastic film, transporting the first and second thermoplastic films along respective casting rollers, and introducing a plurality of fibers between the first and second thermoplastic films so as to form a fiber-reinforced film having a thickness between about 0.2 mil to about 2.0 mils and having a first thermoplastic layer, a second thermoplastic layer, and a plurality of fibers dispersed therebetween. Cast-film process for making a fiber-reinforced bag is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bag including opposing panels, a closed bottom and a reclosable top. The bag further includes a closure assembly along the reclosable top and a handle assembly joined to one of the panels.

Abstract: Reclosable fastener includes a first track having a first engagement profile and a first retention feature extending therefrom, the first retention feature disposed substantially level with or above a bottom of the first engagement profile and having a first outward extension and a first upward extension extending upwardly from the first outward extension; a second track having a second engagement profile and a second retention feature extending therefrom, the second retention feature disposed substantially level with or above a bottom of the second engagement profile and having a second outward extension and a second upward extension extending upwardly from the second outward extension; and a slider disposed on the first and second tracks and interlocking the first and second engagement profiles together when moved from an open position toward a closed position along the first and second tracks. A method of forming a reclosable fastener is also provided.

Abstract: A blown-film process for making a fiber-reinforced film comprises providing and melting at least one thermoplastic resin. The at least one thermoplastic resin is extruded through an extension die to form a film bubble. A plurality of fibers is introduced inside of the film bubble. The fibers are distributed inside of the film bubble. The film bubble is collapsed after introducing the plurality of fibers so as to form a fiber-reinforced film. The fiber-reinforced film has a first thermoplastic layer, a second thermoplastic layer, and a plurality of fibers dispersed therebetween. The film may be formed in a bag.

Abstract: Reclosable fastener includes a first track including a first engagement profile having a first hook portion opening in a first direction along a reference axis substantially perpendicular to a burst direction of the fastener and a second track including a second engagement profile having a second hook portion opening in a second direction opposite the first direction along the reference axis and configured to engage the first hook portion in a closed configuration. The first and second hook portions are configured to engage each other when the first and second tracks are urged toward each other along the reference axis, and the first and second hook portions are configured to disengage each other when the first and second tracks are urged away from each other along the reference axis. A reclosable bag having a reclosable fastener and a slider for a reclosable fastener are also provided.