Abstract: A flexible laminate for a package is described that includes an integrated one-way valve that allows gas generated within the package (e.g., carbon dioxide outgas) to be released to the external environment, while at the same time preventing environmental elements from entering the package. The valve is defined by the layers that form the flexible laminate, as opposed to being a separate structure that is attached to the flexible laminate. In particular, first and second cut lines are defined in a valve area of the first and second film layers of the flexible laminate structure in an offset manner. Oil is pattern-applied to one or both film layers in the valve area, and an opposing surface of one or both of the film layers further includes a surface treatment that decreases the amount of surface energy between the film layers to allow the valve to open at the desired pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for induction sealing workpieces, in which a series of workpieces are conveyed along a path extending in a conveyance direction, and each workpiece is exposed to a first electromagnetic field generated by a first induction head and to a second electromagnetic field generated by a second induction head, each of the first and second electromagnetic fields inducing eddy currents through the entirety of each workpiece. Respective magnetic axes of the first and second induction heads are non-parallel to each other such that each workpiece is exposed to a plurality of differently oriented electromagnetic fields as the workpiece is conveyed along the path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container including a container body with a removable tray wherein the container can house at least two materials that must be kept separate until use. The container also may have upwardly extending fingers in the removable tray for securing a material.

Abstract: A clamshell package includes a base section having a triangular shape and first and second storage sections pivotally attached to the base section by first and second hinges, respectively. The storage sections have storage section flanges extending outward and terminating at storage section flange outer edges defining an outer perimeter of the clamshell package. When the storage sections are closed, the storage section flanges face and engage out to the storage section flange outer edges.

Abstract: A display hutch is provided that can be made from three components adhered together to form a flat compact structure suitable for shipping. The compact structure can be positioned upright and converted into the display hutch by pushing down on support halves or by rotating inwardly side shelf panels and front shelf panels.

Abstract: A package is provided for storing and dispensing consumable goods. The package includes a container base having a defined interior volume for retaining a quantity of consumable goods and an open top end for dispensing the goods. A lid is formed to overlap with the top end of the base. The lid defines a portion volume that is less than the retaining volume of the base. Structures are provided for retaining the lid on and releasing the lid from the top end of the base.

Abstract: A sound reducing shroud for use with an appliance or other machine is provided. The shroud comprises a body made from foam. The body has a sidewall having a discontinuous circumference, a first vertical end and an opposing second vertical end. The body can be resiliently flexible so that the body is re-configurable between an open position in which the first vertical end and the second vertical end are spread apart to accommodate installation of the shroud around the machine, and a closed position in which the first vertical end and the second vertical end mate to form a seam. Alternatively, the body can comprise a first half shell and a second half shell that fit together to make a shroud around the machine. The first half shell and the second half shell can be designed to snap fit together, or can be held together using fasteners or strapping.

Abstract: A paper-based package that can be manufactured using existing blister pack packaging equipment is provided. The package components comprise a face card and a tray blank that can be shipped flat and loaded easily into existing blister package equipment. The package may be formed in the machine just prior to the filling operation, and a paper-to-paper seal may be achieved in the same fashion as in a traditional plastic blister face card seal. Fold lines are formed in the tray blank by ablation.

Abstract: A fold open face seal package is provided. The package may comprise a one or two-piece thermoformed blister adhered to a backing card. In the one piece embodiment upper and lower portions of the blister are connected by one or more hinges. In the two-piece embodiment the blister is cut into upper and lower pieces which are adhered to the backing card. The package may be opened by folding the backing card back along a bend line and then reclosed for later use.

Abstract: A hollow cylindrical tube having an outer surface coated with one or more inks is provided, each ink encapsulated in capsules that rupture under one or more specific loading conditions to display a visually perceptible color. The tube may be used to determine the load capabilities of the tube, to optimize the tube construction and to determine load magnitudes of windable materials and/or the winding process.

Abstract: Improved packages and methods for constructing packages are provided that are designed such that the user can peel back a lidding member of the package to reveal an independently peelable portion covering one of the compartments. The independently peelable portion is a layer of the lidding member that maintains the respective compartment in an unopened (sealed) condition until the user independently peels that layer off to access the items in that compartment. The lidding member can be used to re-seal all of the compartments before and/or after the independently peelable portion is removed. The independently peelable portion may include a visual indication of a sealed condition of the compartment that serves as a tamper evidence feature. In multiple-compartment packages, peeling back the lidding member allows the user to access some of the compartments of the package, while at least one of the compartments remains sealed via the independently peelable portion.

Abstract: A laminate structure is provided for forming a package, where the laminate structure allows for access openings to be provided upon peeling of the layers. The access openings may allow air to be introduced to the contents, such as to cause an exothermic reaction for heating items, or may allow product to be dispensed from the package. The laminate structure includes a first layer laminated to a second layer via an adhesive, and score lines are formed in the second layer to define plug areas and non-plug areas. The plug areas are configured to result in a peel interface line that occurs across a constant ratio of plug areas to non-plug areas along a predefined distance of a peel area of the laminate structure. Thus, when the first layer is peeled away from the second layer, the peel force needed remains relatively uniform across the predefined distance.

Abstract: A two piece thermoformed container comprising a tray and a lid for holding a product or products is provided. The container is portable, recloseable and provides easy access to the contents. The tray includes a front wall, rear wall and opposing side walls. The lid is moveable in a sliding fashion between a fully closed position in which the lid is substantially aligned with the tray and an opened position in which the contents of the tray are accessible. The tray has a flat top wall that can be sealed with flexible film.

Abstract: A clamshell package that includes a first storage section with a first flange, a second storage section with a second flange, and a base section with first and second ends, and first and second sides. The first end includes a third flange and the second end includes a fourth flange. The first side is pivotably attached to the first storage section to enable the first storage section to pivot from an open to a closed position. When the first storage section is in the closed position, the first flange may securely connect to the second, third, and/or fourth flanges. The second side is pivotably attached to the second storage section to enable the second storage section to pivot from an open to a closed position. When the second storage section is in the closed position the second flange may securely connect to the first, third, and/or fourth flanges.

Abstract: A flexible laminate structure for making a package and methods for constructing such flexible laminate structures are described that provide a peelable portion integral to the laminate structure. An inner ink layer may be printed on the peelable portion that includes a promotional offer, such as in the form of a barcode, where the inner ink layer is not visible to a consumer without first peeling the peelable portion off the package due to the presence of one or more blocker ink layers.

Abstract: A thermally insulated pallet shipper is provided for use in any industry where temperature sensitive products are shipped, including the pharmaceutical, hospital and food industries, particularly for shipping payloads by air. The pallet shipper is made from just four individual foam molded structures: a base, a first corner structure, a second corner structure and a lid.

Abstract: A container for holding a product such as snack food, wherein the container is transformable from a cylindrical shape to a bowl shape adapted to hold and provide easy access to the product.

Abstract: A display hutch is provided that can be made from three components adhered together to form a flat compact structure suitable for shipping. The compact structure can be positioned upright and converted into the display hutch by pushing down on support halves or by rotating inwardly side shelf panels and front shelf panels.

Abstract: A container includes a metal end applied and sealed to an all-thermoplastic container body by a crimp-seaming or double-seaming operation. The metal end has an outer curl joined to a chuck wall that extends down from the curl. One or both of the inner surface of the container side wall and the outer surface of the chuck wall has/have a heat-sealable material thereon. The metal end is crimp-seamed or double-seamed to the container body and the heat-sealable material(s) are heated to soften or melt such that the interface between the chuck wall and the side wall is fused. The interface is oriented along a direction relative to internal pressure exerted on the metal end such that stress on the interface caused by the internal pressure is predominantly shear stress.

Abstract: A multiple shelf display hutch is provided that can be made from a single die cut blank. The blank comprises three or more vertical panels separated by vertical fold lines, the number of vertical panels equaling the number of sides of the hutch. The hutch may have three sides, four sides, six sides or any suitable number of sides. The layers/shelves may be vertically arranged so that their sides align vertically or may be offset from each other (rotated horizontally with respect to each other) in what may be referred to as “twisted” configuration.