Patents Assigned to Sonoco Development, Inc.
  • Apparatus and process for forming three-dimensional fibrous panels
    Patent number: 7074302
    Abstract: A fibrous panel is molded in two or more progressively formed mold members each comprising a porous support plate to which a plurality of rigid mold pieces are affixed. The mold pieces are truncated 3D tapered structures, and are arranged on the support plate in a regular array so that an intersecting grid or lattice of channels is defined between them. A fiber stock is poured into a first mold member and the stock is compressed and dewatered to form a panel. The panel is removed from the first mold member and placed into a second mold member having narrower and shallower channels whose side walls are more upright than those of the first mold member. The panel is further compressed and dewatered in the second mold member, and is densified in both the vertical and lateral directions by virtue of the progressive formation of the mold members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence E. Renck, Jimmy W. Cassidy
  • Modular packaging system for shipping and displaying palletized retail products
    Patent number: 7066342
    Abstract: A modular packaging system for shipping and displaying palletized products comprising vertically stacked trays for holding the products, formed tubular spacer sleeves located over openings in each tray such that their hollow interiors communicate with the openings, and support posts inserted inside the spacer sleeves and through the tray openings to lock the trays together. The system is strong enough not only to support the weight of the products on the trays and withstand the vibration and impact forces that can occur during shipping, but to withstand the weight of one or more units stacked on top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: James Baechle, Thomas H. Radford
  • Easy-opening closure for retortable container
    Patent number: 7055713
    Abstract: A retortable container and an easy-opening closure for hermetic sealing of an open end thereof. The closure includes a metal end ring adapted to be double seamed to an open end of the retortable container, an intermediate area extending radially inward and defining an opening to an interior of the container, and a folded area folded into the interior of the container. The folded area extends radially outward from the opening and substantially parallel to at least an adjacent portion of the intermediate area. A first membrane patch overlaps and is bonded to an under side of the intermediate area of the end ring such that the first membrane patch prevents contamination of contents of the container by the metal end. A second membrane patch covers the opening and is bonded to an upper side of the first membrane patch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Rea, Lawrence E. Renck
  • Support post with locking feature
    Patent number: 7048118
    Abstract: An improved open-sided package assembly 10 for protecting and cushioning a product 12 such as a large appliance, the assembly 10 comprising a molded EPS base 14 and top cap 20 and four support posts 16, 18 extending from the base 14 to the top cap 20. The support posts 16, 18 are shaped in such a way that when they are inserted into the base 14 or top cap 20 they do not fall out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: James Baechle
  • Bottom lifting see-through baseloid handling package for appliances
    Patent number: 7048119
    Abstract: A bottom lifting see-through baseloid handling package for a major home appliance or similar product is provided. The package comprises a top cap, a bottom member and corner posts that form an enclosure having open sides to allow the product to be viewed. A plastic bag can be placed over the product and inside the bottom member and top cap. Since the baseloid handling flange is integrally formed in the bottom member, the packaged product is lifted from the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: James Baechle
  • Identification device for multilayer tubular structures
    Patent number: 7038587
    Abstract: A multilayer tubular structure for products with an identification device being embedded or interposed between two of the multiple layers of the tubular structure. The identification device is responsive to radio frequencies and is able to store and transmit information about the multilayer tubular structure, the products, and processes that have been performed on same. A method is provided for manufacturing a multilayer tubular structure by embedding a radio frequency identification device between two of the multiple layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Cliff Bellum, James Lowry
  • Lap sealable laminate for retort pouch
    Publication number: 20060083875
    Abstract: Lap sealable laminates and pouches made therefrom that can withstand retort conditions, periods of storage and subsequent rethermalization are described. The laminate includes a core formed from at least one plastic strength layer of, for example, polyester, nylon, cast polypropylene or oriented polypropylene, and a barrier layer formed from ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer, Nylon-MXD6, polyvinylidene chloride, an inorganic oxide coating or an organic coating. The core includes first and second major surfaces. A heat seal layer of, for example, polypropylene or cross-linked polyethylene is laminated to each of the major surfaces with a high temperature laminating adhesive. A retortable pouch with a longitudinal lap seal can be formed from the laminate on a form-fill-seal machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Publication date: April 20, 2006
    Applicant: Sonoco Development, Inc., a corporation of South Carolina
    Inventor: Rodney Weaver
  • Tubular structure for supporting a product
    Patent number: 7028964
    Abstract: A base pad for supporting and cushioning a product such as a major home appliance. The base pad is made from a tube formed into a desired cross-sectional shape (profile) and folded into a square or rectangular frame-like configuration. V-shaped sections are cut out of the tube to facilitate the folding. The tube may have pockets located at the corners to hold vertical support posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: James Baechle
  • Washing machine base for securing a central mechanism
    Patent number: 7014160
    Abstract: A washing machine base that protects and cushions the washing machine and secures the washing machine transmission or other mechanism suspended below the washer tub during assembly and shipping, even if the appliance is tilted. The base may be formed entirely from corrugated board and comprises a load bearing tray and an insert disposed within the tray. The tray has a bottom panel for supporting the washing machine and side panels connected to and extending upward from the bottom panel. The insert is formed from a corrugated blank that, when folded in accordion fashion, assumes a substantially pyramid shape defining a centrally disposed opening raised above the bottom panel and configured to receive and secure the washing machine mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Muyskens
  • I-beam wall corner post
    Patent number: 7014046
    Abstract: An improved support post for cushioning and supporting large products is provided. The post is made from a sheet that is convolutely wound around a mandrel and shaped into a desired shape. The improvement comprises making the sheet from multiple thicknesses of paper so that, upon winding the sheet into a tube, the middle layer of the tube is thicker than the outer layers. The post has a higher axial compression strength than a conventional post, but the same amount (weight) of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaokai Niu, Michael D. Zold, Johannes Wilhelmus van de Camp, Yanping Qiu
  • Tubular core with polymer plies
    Patent number: 7007887
    Abstract: A tubular core and associated method of manufacture are provided. The tubular core includes at least one inner ply and at least two plastic plies disposed thereon. The inner ply, which can be paper or plastic, has an inner surface upon which identifying indicia are printed, for example, before the tube is formed and while the inner ply is in a flat configuration. The first and second plastic plies are disposed on the inner ply and adhered so that the second plastic ply substantially covers the inner ply and the first plastic ply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Johannes Wim van de Camp
  • Self-venting ink cartridge
    Patent number: 6994232
    Abstract: A self-venting cartridge (10) for dispensing an extrudable fluid such as ink. The cartridge (10) comprises a cylindrical body (12) for holding the fluid and a plunger (18) for forcing the fluid through a nozzle. The cylindrical body (12) is formed of a wound material and lined internally with a liner material that overlaps itself to form a raised area (34) that is slightly thicker than the surrounding area. The plunger (18) comprises a slightly convex surface (36) and a sidewall (40) that forms a snug fit with the cylindrical body (40). The plunger sidewall (40) and raised area (34) define a channel (A) through which air is automatically vented when the plunger (18) is inserted into the fluid-filled cartridge (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Rebecca Lawson, James Lowry, Wylie H. Hodge
  • High strength paperboard and method of making same
    Publication number: 20060016569
    Abstract: A method of making high strength paper or paperboard is provided, comprising the steps of adding a high modulus filler to the aqueous pulp slurry prior and forming the pulp slurry into paper or paperboard. Preferably, the filler is glass fiber that has been coated with a thermosetting resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Publication date: January 26, 2006
    Applicant: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Morin, Krishnaraju Varadarajan
  • Single use disposable pallet
    Patent number: 6973882
    Abstract: A single use disposable, recyclable paper pallet for supporting products during storage and shipping is provided. The pallet comprises a corrugated panel resting on multiple, parallel corrugated runners locked together by lateral supports. The runners are made from blanks folded into elongated open-ended box-like shapes. The folded runners have perforated tabs that extend upwards from the top surface of the runners and configured to receive the lateral supports. The lateral supports are formed from a sheet of convolutely wound, formed laminated paper and provide lateral strength so the pallet can be handled with a clamp truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: James Baechle, Stephen Brown
  • Cup for measuring and dispensing powdered product
    Patent number: 6974056
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved apparatus for measuring and dispensing powdered products. The apparatus includes a cup portion and a funnel-shaped dispenser. The cup holds the powdered material to be measured is sized to contain a desired volume of the powder when filled to its upper edge. The upper edge of the cup has a flat surface to accommodate leveling of the powdered ingredients. The funnel-shaped dispenser serves as a leveler and aids in accurately dispensing the measured powder into a mixing area. The funnel-shaped dispenser thus defines a flat edge at its receiving opening for engaging the upper edge of the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Keith Rea
  • Washing machine base for securing a central mechanism
    Publication number: 20050269476
    Abstract: A washing machine base that protects and cushions the washing machine and secures the washing machine transmission or other mechanism suspended below the washer tub during assembly and shipping, even if the appliance is tilted. The base may be formed entirely from corrugated board and comprises a load bearing tray and an insert disposed within the tray. The tray has a bottom panel for supporting the washing machine and side panels connected to and extending upward from the bottom panel. The insert is formed from a corrugated blank that, when folded in accordion fashion, assumes a substantially pyramid shape defining a centrally disposed opening raised above the bottom panel and configured to receive and secure the washing machine mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Publication date: December 8, 2005
    Applicant: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: David Muyskens
  • Pallet base packaging system
    Patent number: 6971518
    Abstract: A modular packaging system for shipping and displaying vertically stacked product containers. The system comprises a top cap, a plurality of corrugated trays with openings formed therein for receiving the bottoms of the product containers and restricting their movement, a bottom tray, a pallet, and vertical support posts that key inside the bottom tray and top cap and through the middle trays to help lock the system together. The entire assembly may be held together with banding and wrapped in a transparent plastic film to protect the product from dust and damage during shipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Lowry
  • Paperboard tube structures with one or more cut-and-folded plies
    Patent number: 6939590
    Abstract: There is provided a paperboard tube structure with an intermediate ply having cut-and-folded tabs to increase the effective thickness of the intermediate ply. The paperboard tube includes a plurality of paperboard plies wrapped one atop another about an axis with the intermediate ply positioned between an interior paperboard ply and an exterior paperboard ply. A plurality of cut-and-folded tabs are each created by a nonlinear incision in the intermediate ply that extends from a first endpoint to a second endpoint thereby creating a folding axis along a line from the first endpoint to the second endpoint. The tab is folded about the folding axis to overlie a region of the intermediate ply adjacent the folding axis. The tabs increase the effective thickness of the wall of the paperboard tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Wim van de Camp, Xiaokai Niu
  • Laminate for gum packaging
    Patent number: 6926951
    Abstract: A laminate for gum packaging is defined. The laminate includes a metal layer, a polymer layer, a paper layer, and an electron beam cured coating. The laminate provides as good or better barrier properties as a conventional laminate for gum packaging. However, the laminate has “reacted-in” slip agents in the electron beam cured coating, thereby avoiding the common problems of slip agent migration. Further, the laminate of the invention is more economical to produce than is the conventional laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott W. Huffer, Jeffrey M. Schuetz, Don McArthur
  • Textile tube with start-up feature
    Patent number: 6926222
    Abstract: A textile tube on which yarn is wound to form a pack comprises a body having a tubular body extending between opposed ends and an outer surface. At least one recessed score is defined proximate at least one end of the tube body. The recessed score has a substantially rectangular shape wherein the width of the recessed score is at least about five times the depth of the recessed score. As such, the recessed score provides more surface area for capturing yarn during a winding procedure. The recessed score also retains a substantially constant shape regardless of the moisture content of the tube, which is particularly advantageous when the tube body is formed of paperboard or other hygroscopic material. Methods of reconditioning the surface of the recessed score in order to improve the tube lifespan are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Tony F. Rummage