Abstract: A laminate structure includes an internal layer of foamed polymer. The foamed polymer replaces a paperboard layer used in prior laminate structures. Built upon the foamed polymer are three layers of low density polyethylene (LDPE), a layer of aluminum foil, and a tie layer. The foamed polymer may be polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene, high density polyethylene HDPE, LDPE, polystyrene, compositions comprising any of these polymers, or any other suitable foamed polymer compositions. The first LDPE layer coats a first surface of the foamed polymer, and the second LDPE layer coats a second surface of the foamed polymer. The aluminum foil layer is applied atop the second LDPE layer. The exposed surface of the aluminum foil is then coated with the tie layer, which is then topped with a third layer of LDPE. A non-polar homogeneous heat seal may be created at a temperature ranging from 250° F. to 500° F.

Abstract: A container closure apparatus having a base for attachment to the container. The base has an opening for passing the contents of the container. A lever is hinged to the base, such that an upward force on a rearward portion of the lever causes a frontward portion of the lever to depress the container material creating an opening directly beneath the opening in the base. A portion of the lever is adapted to seal the opening in the base, and thus the container, when the lever is in its closed position.

Abstract: A laminate structure includes an internal layer of foamed polymer. The foamed polymer replaces a paperboard layer used in prior laminate structures. Built upon the foamed polymer are three layers of low density polyethylene (LDPE), a layer of aluminum foil, and a tie layer. The foamed polymer may be polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene, high density polyethylene HDPE, LDPE, polystyrene, compositions comprising any of these polymers, or any other suitable foamed polymer compositions. The first LDPE layer coats a first surface of the foamed polymer, and the second LDPE layer coats a second surface of the foamed polymer. The aluminum foil layer is applied atop the second LDPE layer. The exposed surface of the aluminum foil is then coated with the tie layer, which is then topped with a third layer of LDPE. A non-polar homogeneous heat seal may be created at a temperature ranging from 250° F. to 500° F.

Abstract: A container constructed from a laminate structure that includes a layer of foamed polymer. The layer of foamed polymer replaces the paperboard layer of known laminate structures. A preferred embodiment of the laminate structure is comprised of a layer of foamed polymer, a first layer of low density polyethylene, a second layer of low density polyethylene, a layer of aluminum foil, a tie layer, and a third layer of low density polyethylene. The container has a non-polar homogeneous heat seal that may be created by conventional equipment at a temperature ranging from about 250 degrees Fahrenheit to about 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a container having a tear-away top. In general, the container comprises a substrate layer and a cut in the substrate layer. The cut is sufficiently deep so that a predetermined portion of the top may be torn away from the container at the cut. The present invention also includes a method for manufacturing a container that has a tear-away top. The method generally includes the steps of providing a substrate layer, making a cut in the substrate layer, and then forming a container. After the container has been formed, a predetermined portion of the top may be torn away from the container at the cut.

Abstract: A container closure apparatus having a base for attachment to the container. The base has an opening for passing the contents of the container. A lever is hinged to the base, such that an upward force on a rearward portion of the lever causes a frontward portion of the lever to depress the container material creating an opening directly beneath the opening in the base. A portion of the lever is adapted to seal the opening in the base, and thus the container, when the lever is in its closed position.

Abstract: A container constructed from a laminate structure that includes a layer of foamed polymer. The layer of foamed polymer replaces the paperboard layer of known laminate structures. A preferred embodiment of the laminate structure is comprised of a layer of foamed polymer, a first layer of low density polyethylene, a second layer of low density polyethylene, a layer of aluminum foil, a tie layer, and a third layer of low density polyethylene. The layer of foamed polymer may be comprised of polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polystyrene, compositions comprising any of these polymers, or any other suitable foamed polymer compositions that possess similar physical characteristics. The first layer of low density polyethylene coats the outer surface of the layer of foamed polymer, and the second layer of low density polyethylene coats the inner surface of the layer of foamed polymer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a package having a tear-away opening. The package comprises an outer substrate layer, an inner aseptic layer secured to the outer substrate layer, and a cut in the outer substrate layer. In order to preserve the product in the package, the cut is of a predetermined depth such that the cut does not puncture the inner aseptic layer. The cut, however, is sufficiently deep so that a predetermined portion of the package may be torn off at the cut. The present invention also includes methods for manufacturing and opening a package having a tear-away opening. The method for manufacturing a package having a tear-away opening generally includes the steps of providing an outer substrate layer, securing an inner aseptic layer to the outer substrate layer, making a cut of predetermined depth in the outer substrate layer such that the cut does not puncture the inner aseptic layer, and then forming a package.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a container having a tear-away top. In general, the container comprises an outer substrate layer, an inner aseptic layer secured to the outer substrate layer, and a cut in the outer substrate layer. In order to preserve the product in the container, the cut is of a predetermined depth such that the cut does not puncture the inner aseptic layer. The cut, however, is sufficiently deep so that a predetermined portion of the top may be torn away from the container at the cut. The present invention also includes a method for manufacturing a container that has a tear-away top. The method generally includes the steps of providing an outer substrate layer, securing an inner aseptic layer to the outer substrate layer, making a cut of predetermined depth in the outer substrate layer such that the cut does not puncture the inner aseptic layer, and then forming a container.

Abstract: A holder for receiving a carton of flowable material, wherein a dispenser connector is preferably provided on the holder for the attachment of a pump or other dispensing means. The holder is especially useful for housing large aseptic cartons of flowable foodstuffs, whereby the contents of the carton may be dispensed without repeated handling of the carton. The holder may be configured in various shapes and size to conform to dissimilar cartons, and the dispenser connector may be provided in various locations to properly cooperate with the particular dispensing location of the carton to be held. After placement into the holder and connection of the dispensing device, the carton may be placed on a shelf, or counter for example, where it may remain until emptied. Multiple holders may be releasably joined in a row via connectors affixed to the holder sides.

Abstract: The present invention is a package closure apparatus. The landing extends from a base of the closure apparatus into an opening of the closure apparatus. The spring face adjoins the landing at a first junction forming a first flexible joint. The push-tab adjoins the spring face at a second junction forming a second flexible joint. The first flexible joint, the spring face, and the second flexible joint cooperate to enable the push-tab to move relative to the base of the apparatus. The air vent is adapted to facilitate a substantially even flow rate of a product through the opening of the closure apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of using a laser to manufacture a container that has a tear-away spout. First, a flat card is formed by providing an outer substrate layer and then securing an inner aseptic layer to the outer substrate layer. After the flat card is formed, a cut of predetermined depth is made with a laser along a predetermined path in the outer substrate layer so that the cut does not puncture the inner aseptic layer. After the cut is made in the outer substrate layer, the flat card is folded to form a container that has a flap. The cut extends around the flap, and the flap has a tip. In order to form a spout, the tip is torn off at the cut.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a container having a tear-away top. In general, the container comprises an outer substrate layer, an inner aseptic layer secured to the outer substrate layer, and a cut in the outer substrate layer. In order to preserve the product in the container, the cut is of a predetermined depth such that the cut does not puncture the inner aseptic layer. The cut, however, is sufficiently deep so that a predetermined portion of the top may be torn away from the container at the cut. The present invention also includes a method for manufacturing a container that has a tear-away top. The method generally includes the steps of providing an outer substrate layer, securing an inner aseptic layer to the outer substrate layer, making a cut of predetermined depth in the outer substrate layer such that the cut does not puncture the inner aseptic layer, and then forming a container.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a package having a tear-away opening. The package comprises an outer substrate layer, an inner aseptic layer secured to the outer substrate layer, and a cut in the outer substrate layer. In order to preserve the product in the package, the cut is of a predetermined depth such that the cut does not puncture the inner aseptic layer. The cut, however, is sufficiently deep so that a predetermined portion of the package may be torn off at the cut. The present invention also includes methods for manufacturing and opening a package having a tear-away opening. The method for manufacturing a package having a tear-away opening generally includes the steps of providing an outer substrate layer, securing an inner aseptic layer to the outer substrate layer, making a cut of predetermined depth in the outer substrate layer such that the cut does not puncture the inner aseptic layer, and then forming a package.

Abstract: A process for performing a laser treatment on discrete sheets of material is disclosed. The present invention provides for shingling discrete sheets of material and for tracking and contacting a laser beam on the continuously moving shingled sheets.

Abstract: The present invention is a hinge for a package closure apparatus. A preferred embodiment of the hinge comprises a landing, a spring face, a push-tab, and an air vent. The landing extends from a base of the closure apparatus into an opening of the closure apparatus. The spring face adjoins the landing at a first junction forming a first flexible joint. The push-tab adjoins the spring face at a second junction forming a second flexible joint. The first flexible joint, the spring face, and the second flexible joint cooperate to enable the push-tab to move relative to the base of the apparatus. The air vent is adapted to facilitate a substantially even flow rate of a product through the opening of the closure apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is an opener for a package closure. The opener is designed to work with a push tab that has a depressable end which may pierce the package. The opener has a handle and a protrusion. The protrusion may be attached to the handle, or the protrusion may be attached to an angled portion which is attached to the handle. The protrusion is adapted to be positioned on the depressable end of the push tab. The opener may also include a prong which is adapted to fit in an air vent of the push tab. The prong may be attached to the handle, or the prong may be attached to an angled portion which is attached to the handle. The protrusion is spaced from the prong so that it is positioned on the depressable end of the push tab when the prong is positioned in the air vent. When the protrusion is positioned on the depressable end of the push tab, the user may apply sufficient downward force to the handle of the opener in order to cause the depressable end of the push tab to pierce and open the package.