Patents Assigned to Sonoco Development, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20240124206
    Abstract: A notched corner post for a package for a product having a first wall and a second wall intersecting at a vertical corner, and a top panel extends outward beyond the second wall to define an overhanging lip. The notched corner post may include a first leg extending upward from a post bottom edge to a first post top edge, and a second leg extending upward to a second post top edge that is lower than the first post top edge to define a notch of the notched corner post. When the notched corner post is installed in the package at the vertical corner, the first leg may engage the first wall with the first post top edge at least level the product top surface, and the second leg may engage the second wall with the second post top edge disposed under the lip bottom surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2022
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Applicant: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Wayne Marrow
  • Patent number: 11945174
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing a product viewing window in a container. The container has at least a body ply and a liner ply, wherein the body ply has at least one aperture therethrough. The liner ply is adhered to the inner surface of the body ply and has a portion extending across the aperture, forming a window into the container. The method involves providing a window-finishing machine that comprises at least two platens and, optionally, a machine pocket positioned between them, a heating element extending through at least one of the platens, and a pressurized air device that is adapted to release pressurized air into the container through at least one of the platens. The container is engaged between the platens in an airtight manner and, optionally, the container window is positioned adjacent the inside wall of the machine pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Kenan James Clougherty
  • Publication number: 20240092527
    Abstract: A packaging assembly for housing an appliance comprises a top cap, a carton and a spacer affixed to the top cap and carton. The top cap and carton form a basiloid lifting flange. The spacer spaces the appliance from the carton sidewall on the basiloid lifting side and enhances the structural strength of the lifting flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2022
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Applicant: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan E. Senn
  • Publication number: 20240067479
    Abstract: An expansible chuck for holding hollow cylindrical cores used for winding and unwinding sheet material. A portion of the chuck body nearest the flange is stepped up so that the diameter of the chuck near the flange is slightly larger than the diameter of the rest of the chuck. The stepped up portion centers the chuck within the core which helps the expanding elements to uniformly grip the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2023
    Publication date: February 29, 2024
    Applicant: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Markku RONNILA, Ismo KERVINEN, Andrei KLIMENKO
  • Patent number: 11912486
    Abstract: A package comprising a first panel defining a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and at least two side edges; a second panel defining a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and at least two side edges, wherein the second panel is connected to the first panel via longitudinal seams formed along respective side edges of the first and second panels; and at least one end seam formed along at least one of the first end or the second end of the first and second panels, wherein the at least one end seam comprises an outer edge; and a barrier coating disposed on an interior surface of at least one of the first and second panels, wherein the barrier coating does not extend to the side edges of the longitudinal seams or the outer edge of the at least one end seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Mary Katherine Truitt, Donald Gregory Taylor
  • Patent number: 11912004
    Abstract: A flexible laminate, packaging structure and method comprising an outer structure, an inner structure, and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer adhesively joining the outer and inner structures to form a laminate. At least one outer line of weakness is formed in the outer structure, wherein the at least one outer line of weakness terminates in at least one tear receiving element adjacent an opening end of the laminate. A tab is defined by at least one line of weakness formed through both the outer structure and the inner structure, wherein the at least one tab line of weakness terminates in at least one tear propagating element. A second inner line of weakness is formed in the inner structure, wherein the second inner line of weakness is disposed between the at least one tear propagating element of the tab and the at least one tear receiving element of the at least one outer line of weakness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Scott William Huffer
  • Patent number: 11892238
    Abstract: A packaging system for transporting a payload while maintaining the payload within an acceptable temperature range. The payload is cooled by two sets of U-shaped heat pipes within the payload compartment. A set of cold heat pipes is cooled by a layer of phase change material located above the payload, while a set of warm heat pipes is cooled by a layer of phase change material located below the payload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Iftekhar Ahmed
  • Patent number: 11884466
    Abstract: In an embodiment, the invention comprises a packaging structure comprising a cap layer which comprises post-consumer resin, at least one additional layer adjacent the first layer which comprises an alloy of: polyethylene terephthalate; a polyolefin; and at least one compatibilizer; a barrier coating adjacent the at least one additional layer and opposite the cap layer, wherein the barrier coating comprises a matrix of polyethyleneimine and polyvinyl alcohol and an overlacquer about the barrier coating. The methods of the invention may include co-extruding the cap layer and an alloy layer to form a co-extrudate; optionally, melt adhering the co-extrudate to another alloy layer to form a melt-adhered sheet; intermixing a solution of polyethyleneimine, polyvinyl alcohol, and water to form a coating; applying the coating to the outermost alloy layer opposite the cap layer; drying the applied coating; applying an overlacquer about the coating; and drying the overlacquer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Richard Schwarz
  • Patent number: 11878502
    Abstract: The invention comprises a fracture film for sealing a peelable membrane to a container comprising a first layer of high density polyethelene, a second layer of polybutene-1/ethylene-vinyl acetate, wherein the second layer is bonded to the first layer, and a third layer of ethylene-acrylic acid, wherein the third layer is bonded to the second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Allyson Smith
  • Patent number: 11858769
    Abstract: A web splice for attaching two webs, such as paper webs used in paper converting operations. The web splice comprises a non-linear butt joint. The butt joint forms an acute included angle (?) with the side edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaokai Niu, David E. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 11858195
    Abstract: A flexible packaging laminate has built-in opening/reclose and tamper-evidence features by forming the laminate from an outer structure joined in face-to-face relation to an inner structure. Score lines are formed in both structures to enable an opening to be formed through the laminate by lifting a flap or the like out of the plane of the laminate. The score line through the outer structure defines a larger opening than the score line through the inner structure, such that a marginal region of the outer structure extends beyond the edge of the opening portion of the inner structure. A pressure-sensitive adhesive is used to re-adhere the marginal region to an underlying surface of the inner structure adjacent the opening through the laminate. The outer score line includes at least one tear portion that is torn through upon initial opening, thus indicating the package has been at least partially opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin Davis, Scott William Huffer
  • Publication number: 20230416968
    Abstract: A tub support system that fits inside the top opening of a washing machine to prevent the wash tub from moving relative to the cabinet during shipping and handling. The tub support system comprises two separate components held in interlocking engagement. One component contacts the tub and the other component contacts the cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2022
    Publication date: December 28, 2023
    Applicant: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Clifton Moore
  • Patent number: 11851253
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite container comprising a bottom film layer and a top film layer at least partially adhered to the bottom film layer. The top film layer is scored to form at least one resealable flap and at least one pull tab which is not adhered to the bottom film layer. The bottom film layer comprises at least one cavity opening. A cardboard layer is adhered on its lower surface to the upper surface of the top film layer, wherein the cardboard layer has at least one cavity opening which is substantially aligned with the scoring of the top film layer resealable flap and the cardboard layer is perforated to define a perimeter of at least one pull tab which is substantially aligned with and adhered, on its underside, to the upper surface of the top film layer pull tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Scott William Huffer
  • Patent number: 11834250
    Abstract: The invention comprises an ovenable packaging structure having an integral one-way valve. The laminate structure comprises an outer layer having a cut line which defines a flap that is separable from the outer layer, wherein the outer layer is adhered to an inner layer having a cut line which is offset from the outer cut line and defines a portion that is separable from the inner layer along the inner cut line and defines an opening into the packaging structure. The adhesive between the layers comprises, in an embodiment, a channel of pressure sensitive adhesive which surrounds both the outer cut line and the inner cut line, wherein the channel of pressure sensitive adhesive defines the perimeter of at least one adhesive-free valve chamber within said channel. The valve chamber comprises at least a portion of the outer cut line and the inner cut line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Scott William Huffer
  • Patent number: 11834218
    Abstract: A system for assembling a container and closure comprising an expanding collet which has a plurality of pivoting collet segments, each configured to simultaneously pivot radially outward about a pivot point and comprising. The collet comprises a lip that is engagable with the rim of the open end of the container and an angled tip positioned radially inward from the lip and shaped to press a countersink portion of the closure against an interior wall of the container as the collet segments pivot radially outward. As the container and the chuck are brought together, the rim engages with the lips of the collet segments and causes the angled tips of the collet segments to pivot outward toward the interior wall of the container, thereby pushing the countersink portion of the closure against the interior wall of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Sonoco Development Inc.
    Inventors: Trevor Price, James J. Peoples
  • Publication number: 20230382621
    Abstract: A paper-based blister package comprising a flat card and a tray is provided. The tray comprises a bottom wall, two opposing side walls, two opposing end walls, two opposing side flanges, and two opposing end flanges. The bottom wall has a perimeter defined by two side fold lines and two end fold lines. Each side flange has at least one locking end that meets a side wall and a side flange fold line at a junction. The side flange and the side wall are contoured to define a side flange shoulder adjacent the junction. At least one end flange forms an outward projecting lip configured to engage the junction to maintain proper positioning of the side flange, the end flange, the side wall and the end wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Applicant: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Lee SCHULTZ, Bradley James LINANE
  • Patent number: 11827407
    Abstract: A system for assembling a container and closure comprising an expanding collet which has a plurality of pivoting collet segments, each configured to simultaneously pivot radially outward about a pivot point and comprising. The collet comprises a lip that is engagable with the rim of the open end of the container and an angled tip positioned radially inward from the lip and shaped to press a countersink portion of the closure against an interior wall of the container as the collet segments pivot radially outward. As the container and the chuck are brought together, the rim engages with the lips of the collet segments and causes the angled tips of the collet segments to pivot outward toward the interior wall of the container, thereby pushing the countersink portion of the closure against the interior wall of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Trevor Price, James J. Peoples
  • Patent number: 11820565
    Abstract: A sterile barrier system package comprising a tray, a lidding film and a unique printed or molded SBS Code for communicating and tracking the SBS to its specific intended usability through activating a digital experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd LaMont McDonald
  • Patent number: 11814226
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a resealable container comprising: a polyethylene terephthalate-based container body comprising a bottom side and at least one upwardly extending sidewall, wherein the sidewall terminates in an open end of the container; a flexible film sealed to the container body, over the open end of the container, wherein the flexible film comprises: a polyethylene-based first film layer; a pressure sensitive adhesive layer adjacent a lower surface of the first film layer; a polyolefin plastomer skin layer adjacent a lower surface of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer, wherein the first layer, pressure sensitive adhesive layer, and skin layer are coextruded; and a heat seal layer printed onto a lower surface of the skin layer and heat sealed to the container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Scott William Huffer, Rod Pettis
  • Patent number: 11814262
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a reusable yarn carrier tube around which yarn may be wound at high speeds (e.g., within winding machines). The yarn carrier tube may include a pick-up groove having structural features configured to better snag yarn to initiate winding of the yarn around the cylindrical body of the yarn carrier tube. The structural features may include an adaptable snagging feature that is adaptable to many different yarn types (e.g., diameter, denier, texture, material). The structural features may include projections (e.g., teeth) with incremental narrowing therebetween in the direction opposite to the rotational winding direction. The teeth may increase in sharpness (e.g., decreasing radii of curvature) as the yarn moves further into the pick-up groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Brian P. Couchey, Edmond Fratianni