Abstract: A carrier is provided for use with containers including handles. The container carrier comprises a flexible platform having a perimeter, a longitudinal axis, and an opening, with a portion of the platform at least partially defining the opening and adjacent the closest side of the perimeter of the platform so as to form a handle including a strap. The strap is located such that the longitudinal axis of the platform transverses the strap. Recessed portions are located in the perimeter of the platform, and the recessed portions are located on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis of the platform that transverses the strap. Each recess portion receives a container handle of the adjacent containers. The opening is sized so as to receive at least one of a user's fingers for lifting and transporting the containers.

Abstract: A flight lug is provided for releasable attachment to a conveyor belt. The lug comprises a base and first and second side walls mounted to opposite edge surfaces of the base such that the base extends between and interconnects the side walls intermediate upper and lower ends of the side walls. Flanges extend inwardly from adjacent the lower ends of the side walls. Each flange defines a slot between the flange and the lower surface of the base for receiving an edge of the belt. The first side wall is pivotally attached to the base for movement relative to the base between a first position where the flange on the lower end of the first side wall is spaced a first distance from the flange on the lower end of the second side wall for allowing the belt to fit between the flanges, and a second position where the flanges on the side walls are spaced apart a second distance which is less than the width of the belt for capturing the belt in the slots between the side walls.

Abstract: A container carrier is provided for use with a plurality of containers. The container carrier comprises a substantially planar flexible platform having a top, a bottom, an outer perimeter and an inner region including a handle and a plurality of container-engaging portions. The handle is made by forming two generally triangularly shaped openings through the sheet on opposite sides of and equally distant from the central axis of the sheet, the material between the openings comprising a strap. Two inwardly opening U-shaped openings are formed around the ends of the strap such that the central axis of the sheet is the line of symmetry of the U-shaped openings. The portion of the sheet bordered by the U-shaped openings comprises a first hinge and a second hinge integral with the first end and second end of the strap, respectively, which permit the strap to be flexed upwardly above the plane of the platform and provide access to the strap.

Abstract: A one piece foldable eating utensil having a food holding section and a handle with a pair of reduced thickness portions forming flexible hinges for folding into a packaged position for accompanying a food product and a useable position for consuming the food product.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding articles, comprising: a surface; a plurality of conveyor belts spanning the surface; a motor driving the conveyor belts for transporting the articles along the surface; a barrier bar positioned above the surface for preventing further transport of the articles along the surface; and an actuator connected to at least one of the conveyor belts. The actuator raises at least a first portion of the conveyor belt a distance above the surface and lowers the conveyor belt back to the surface. Raising the actuator propels one of the articles past the block. The article feeding apparatus can be one component of a larger article handling system.

Abstract: An apparatus for staging or pitching articles on a conveyor system. Arranged on a supporting table is a first set of belts covering approximately one-half of the length of the table travelling at a high rate of speed, and having a high function surface. Arranged on the second half of the table and traveling in the same direction are slower belts having a low friction surface. Laterally, preferably outside the first and second belts are two or more belts traveling at a slower speed, having a low friction surface and carrying projection away from the surface of the table to align articles during the transfer from high to low speed. Preferably, the table is a plenum and suction draws articles to the surface.

Abstract: A novel container having an internal pour spout is provided, the sealed container carrying a pour spout having a central platform, a first side panel connected by hinge to the platform on a first side and a second panel connected by hinge to the platform on a second side, the two side panels having a substantially triangular shape. The hinged connection of the panels to the platform permit each pour spout to be provided in a flattened configuration in which the side panels permit subsequent processing of the flattened carton stock. When the carton is folded, the panels move passively in response to the carton folding steps and assume an assembled configuration as the carton is assembled.

Abstract: A vented closure is provided in which a PTFE membrane layer comprises a vent for releasing accumulated gas pressure. The membrane is carried on a structural support which may vary from a fabric type backing to a porous plastic stem, the support permitting a variety of improved vent architecture to be utilized including vents with reduced material requirements, improved geometry, and better handling characteristics.