Patents Assigned to Riverwood International Corporation
  • Patent number: 6241083
    Abstract: The present invention is a wrap-around carrier for bottles that has a large opening with rounded corners in the end walls and has a sloping end panel on each end that slopes inwardly as it rises towards the top panel. This carrier may have a circular window or a rectangular window with rounded corners in each side wall. This carrier may also have a tear strip in the top panel and sloping end panels so that a substantial portion of the top panel and sloping end panels can be removed converting the carrier into a tray. This carrier may also have an elongated handle in the top panel with slits extending into the sloping end panels to dissipate the stress from carrying the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventor: Glen Ray Harrelson
  • Patent number: 6227367
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fully enclosed wrap-around carton for bottles and cans that can be tightly packaged. The carton has triangular panels between the ends of the lower side panel and each lower end flap that diverge away from the bottom panel. There are a pair of triangular panels between the sloping upper side panel and each upper end flap that diverge away from the top panel. These triangular panels tighten the carton against bottles or cans packaged therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventors: Glen Ray Harrelson, Jim Fogle, Marty Jones, Emili Requena Miret
  • Patent number: 6173889
    Abstract: A mechanical lock assembly for a wrap-around carton. The mechanical lock assembly has a primary variable lock belt, which both prevents withdrawal of a locking tab after it has been inserted into a locking opening of an associated overlapping panel flap, and enables the lock to adjust according to the size carried items. A secondary locking system prevents the primary locking system from disengaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Sutherland
  • Patent number: 6168013
    Abstract: A carrier blank (40) for making a basket-style carrier (10) for containing and carrying a plurality of articles, with the carrier blank (40) including an elongate central section (41) and first and second exterior sections (42, 43) formed alongside the elongate central section. The elongate central section has formed therein side panels (21, 22) and end panels (18, 19). The first exterior section has formed therein a plurality of handle panels (26) and partitions (38, 39). The second exterior section has formed therein first and second bottom panels (31, 32). The bottom panels (31, 32) are sized, shaped, and spaced to be nestably received in spaces adjacent bottom panels of an adjacent carrier blank. With the exception of the bottom panels (which can be nestably received with adjacent bottom panels of an adjacent carrier blank), the remainder of the carrier blank comprises a substantially rectangular shape to minimize waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventor: Jean-Manuel Gomes
  • Patent number: 6158586
    Abstract: There is provided a tightening arrangement in a paperboard wrap for articles such as bottles 11. In the region of the side/base junction there is provided a number of hinge panels 25 which remain hingedly connected to the wrap. The hinge panels 25 are folded out of alignment with the wrap such that a first part 26 lies in use against the adjacent base panel below a heel part 16 of one of the bottles 11. The hinge connection of the hinge panels 25 provides a firm area for engagement by the substantially straight, continuous edge provided by a series of engaging members 52 mounted on an endless chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventor: Rolf Muller
  • Patent number: 6131442
    Abstract: A method of determining the moisture content in wood in which a sample of the wood being tested is first frozen with liquid nitrogen, homogenized and a test sample is placed in a Karl Fischer titration system. The test sample is placed into a solvent solution and the reagent or titrant is progressively added to the solvent solution as the presence of moisture from the wood sample is detected. Once the moisture has been titrated from the solution the moisture content of the wood is determined based upon the amount of reagent dispensed into the titration solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventor: Andrew M. Krause
  • Patent number: 6112977
    Abstract: This invention relates to a carrier, said carrier comprising a top panel section, a first side panel section and an opposing second side panel section, a bottom panel section, and a divider section. The side panel sections are connected to opposing side edges of the top panel section and to opposing side edges of the bottom panel section. The divider panel section is connected to the top panel section and to the bottom panel section. The divider panel section has at least one divider panel that extends between the top panel section and the bottom panel section to form article lanes. The divider section preferably includes a handle reinforcement portion, a first divider panel, and a second divider panel. The handle reinforcement portion is attached to a handle grip portion in the top panel. Top edges of the divider panels are foldably connected to opposing side edges of said handle reinforcement portion. The divider panels have a glue flap attached to the bottom panel section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventors: Robert L. Sutherland, Glen Ray Harrelson
  • Patent number: 6109438
    Abstract: A wrap-around article carrier, comprising a bottom panel having opposing side edges and further having opposing end edges, a first side panel and an opposing second side panel, and a top panel having opposing side edges. Each one of the side panels has a top edge and an opposing bottom edge that is connected to one of the side edges of the bottom panel. The side edges of the top panel are connected to one of the top edges of the side panels. The carrier further has a first end panel and an opposing second end panel. Each of the end panels has a bottom edge that is connected to one of the end edges of the bottom panel. The carrier further has an article holder connected to the top panel. The article holder contacts and secures the top of articles contained within the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Sutherland
  • Patent number: 6105854
    Abstract: An enclosed carton comprising a dispenser in one end of the carton that can be easily opened and closed without tearing the paperboard, the dispenser having a dispensing flap joined at its inner edge to the end of the bottom panel, with the dispensing flap being attached at its side to the side exiting panels of the carton by gusset straps, with the outer edge of the dispensing flap being tucked beneath the bottom edges of side exiting end flaps when the carton is closed, with the dispensing flap having a holding flap recessed in its outer edge for engaging a holding tab on the bottom edges of the side exiting flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond Rudolph Spivey, Leonard Michael Cooper
  • Patent number: 6102197
    Abstract: There is provided a basket type carrier device for a plurality of articles which comprises a lengthwise extending central wall 51, articles receiving compartments disposed on both sides of the central wall 51, and a handle portion 70. Each receiving compartment is defined by a base wall 63, a side wall 61, 62 which is substantially parallel to the central wall 51, and a pair of end walls 58, 65 and 59, 66 which extend between and are hingedly connected to the side 61, 62 and the central wall 51. The adjacent pairs of end walls 58, 65 and 59, 66 are secured together so that said adjacent end walls are coplanar and are unable to hinge relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventor: Emanuel Negelen
  • Patent number: 6073516
    Abstract: A multi-functional cam system for controlling movement of a portion of a machine performing repetitive operations. A cam has a contour designed to control at least two different sequences of motion for a mechanism driven by the cam. The desired sequence of motion is obtained by registering the cam on its shaft to the position corresponding with that sequence of motion, then locking the position of the cam relative to the shaft. The mechanism that attaches the cam to the shaft includes a two-part hub, the two parts being axially clampable, a sleeve attached to the cam, the sleeve having a portion that is clamped between the hub parts, and a radially expandable locking device operating between the first hub part and the shaft. The clocking mechanism includes a sleeve tab extending axially from the sleeve, and at least two hub tabs extending radially from the first hub part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventor: Shawn Westerlund
  • Patent number: 6065590
    Abstract: An article carrier, comprising a first side panel and an opposite second side panel connected to a top panel, a bottom panel, a first end panel, and an opposite second end panel. The top panel is comprised of a first top panel flap foldably connected to the first side panel, and a second top panel flap foldably connected to the second side panel. At least a portion of the first top panel flap overlaps and is adhered to at least a portion of the second top panel flap. Opposing first upper end panel flaps are connected by a fold line to opposite ends of the first top panel flaps, and opposing second upper end panel flaps are connected by a fold line to opposite ends of the second top panel flaps. Means for defining a handle strap is included in the first top panel flap, wherein the handle strap overlies the second top panel flap. The handle strap has opposite ends and spans across the first top panel flap. The handle strap ends are connected to the first upper end panel flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond R. Spivey
  • Patent number: 6058679
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging flat or stacked cylindrical article groups into a packaging unit such as a paperboard carton wherein at least one stream of cylindrical articles are conveyed single file in parallel lanes into a staging area where the lanes terminate, thereby directing the articles into a closest packing formation. Articles are moved in closest packing formation through the staging area over a deadplate toward one of a plurality of containers moving in a generally linear direction parallel to a carton line. An angle of approximately 60.degree. between the staging area and a container in position for receiving articles orients a row of articles in closest packing formation parallel with the open front end of that container. As articles enter the container, each row of articles rolls over the previous row, causing articles to be arranged in a rectangular array in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventors: Kelly W. Ziegler, Dennis C. Grimm, Jeffrey A. Lashyro
  • Patent number: 6050063
    Abstract: A carton opening method and assembly for a continuous motion packaging machine directs opposed carton engaging plates perpendicular to opposite side walls of a collapsed carton moving through the opening assembly. A vacuum is applied to the opposed carton side walls when the assemblies engage the carton. One or more of the opposed carton engaging assemblies are retracted to fully open the carton, which is then transferred to a conveyor that transports the carton to the next workstation of the packaging machine. The carton opening operation is accomplished while tracking the carton movement through the carton opening assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventors: Colin Ford, Jeff Disrud
  • Patent number: 6021899
    Abstract: A wrap-around article carrier, comprising a bottom panel having opposing side edges and further having opposing end edges, a first side panel and an opposing second side panel, and a top panel having opposing side edges. Each one of the side panels has a top edge and an opposing bottom edge that is connected to one of the side edges of the bottom panel. The side edges of the top panel are connected to one of the top edges of the side panels. The carrier further has a first end panel and an opposing second end panel. Each of the end panels has a bottom edge that is connected to one of the end edges of the bottom panel. The carrier further has an article holder connected to the top panel. The article holder contacts and secures the top of articles contained within the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Sutherland
  • Patent number: 6021897
    Abstract: A wrap-around article carrier, comprising a bottom panel having opposing side edges and further having opposing end edges, a first side panel and an opposing second side panel, and a top panel having opposing side edges. Each one of the side panels has a top edge and an opposing bottom edge that is connected to one of the side edges of the bottom panel. The side edges of the top panel are connected to one of the top edges of the side panels. The carrier further has a first end panel and an opposing second end panel. Each of the end panels has a bottom edge that is connected to one of the end edges of the bottom panel. The carrier further has an article holder connected to the top panel. The article holder contacts and secures the top of articles contained within the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Sutherland
  • Patent number: 6021898
    Abstract: A wrap-around article carrier, comprising a bottom panel having opposing side edges and further having opposing end edges, a first side panel and an opposing second side panel, and a top panel having opposing side edges. Each one of the side panels has a top edge and an opposing bottom edge that is connected to one of the side edges of the bottom panel. The side edges of the top panel are connected to one of the top edges of the side panels. The carrier further has a first end panel and an opposing second end panel. Each of the end panels has a bottom edge that is connected to one of the end edges of the bottom panel. The carrier further has an article holder connected to the top panel. The article holder contacts and secures the top of articles contained within the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Sutherland
  • Patent number: 6019220
    Abstract: A wrap-around article carrier, comprising a bottom panel having opposing side edges and further having opposing end edges, a first side panel and an opposing second side panel, and a top panel having opposing side edges. Each one of the side panels has a top edge and an opposing bottom edge that is connected to one of the side edges of the bottom panel. The side edges of the top panel are connected to one of the top edges of the side panels. The carrier further has a first end panel and an opposing second end panel. Each of the end panels has a bottom edge that is connected to one of the end edges of the bottom panel. The carrier further has an article holder connected to the top panel. The article holder contacts and secures the top of articles contained within the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Sutherland
  • Patent number: 6012503
    Abstract: An adjustable gluing apparatus for dispensing glue onto articles, such as flaps of cartons on a packaging machine. A glue dispensing head attached to a clamping block is moved along a bar by a rack and pinion gear arrangement. The bar has rack teeth, and the pinion gear and attached pinion shaft are supported by the clamping block, which has an aperture receiving the bar. Turning an adjustment knob connected to the pinion shaft adjusts the position of the clamping block relative to the bar. Rotation of the pinion shaft is selectively allowed or prevented by a locking knob threadably engaged with the pinion shaft. The clamping block is further secured to the bar by a screw in the clamping block which contacts the back side of the bar to provide teeth-engagement adjustment for the rack and pinion gear teeth. The screw has an adjusting knob and a locking knob similar to that on the pinion shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventor: Richard E. Balder
  • Patent number: 5992733
    Abstract: There is provided a carton having end panels 13, side panels 15, a top panel 12 and a base. A plastic strap handle 27 is adhesively secured to the two end panels between pairs of cuts 23 which extend across the hinge between the top panel 12 and the end panels 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventor: Jean-Manuel Gomes