Patents Assigned to Sonoco Development, Inc.
  • Patent number: 6290119
    Abstract: A multi-ply composite container for consumer products is provided having a tubular body ply, a liner ply and a film label ply. The tubular body ply is formed of paperboard material, and the liner ply is adhered to the inner surface of the tubular body ply. The film label ply is adhered to the outer surface of the tubular body ply and is comprised of a polymeric film having inner and outer surfaces and an adhesive on at least a portion of the inner surface of the polymeric film. Graphical matter can be included on at least a portion of the inner surface of the polymeric film under the adhesive. The adhesive is for adhering the label ply to the outer surface of the tubular body ply and can be either a heat seal coating or a cold seal coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Sonoco Development Inc.
    Inventors: Barry R. Reese, Jeffrey M. Schuetz, Alan D. Williams
  • Patent number: 6286683
    Abstract: A multiple-piece corner post used for cushioning and supporting large appliances is provided. The corner post is made from two or more structural members joined together. The multiple structural members are shaped into the desired shapes and then joined together near the ends to form a generally “L” shaped corner post. Similarly shaped structural members may be nested to save space during shipping prior to assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignees: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Argriculture, Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Hunt, Yanping Qiu
  • Patent number: 6286681
    Abstract: A ventilated plastic bag particularly adapted for carrying hot food from fast food restaurants includes the following components. Front and rear wall sections are connected together to define a closed bottom area and an open top area. A handle or handles are provided in the top area and include a cut out of the front and rear wall sections creating reduced strength regions with resulting high potential for carrying around at least part of the cut out. Closely spaced micro-perforations extend through the wall sections in at least a major portion of the plastic bag other than the reduced strength regions to provide ventilation to an interior food carrying area of the plastic bag while not further weakening the reduced strength regions and increasing the potential for tearing of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Harry Wilfong, Jr., Wade Fletcher
  • Publication number: 20010019076
    Abstract: A composite can having improved “green” strength is made by pattern printing adhesive onto the exterior label or cover such that the adhesive covers less than 100 percent of the surface of the label. The total amount of adhesive applied between the label and the paperboard body wall is thereby reduced, so that less moisture is added on to the paperboard relative to conventional can-making processes in which adhesive is flooded onto the entire surface of the label. A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises an easy-open can, such as a dough can, having the adhesive applied with relatively denser coverage on the portion of the label that overlies the spiral butt joint that is formed between edges of the spirally wound paperboard body ply, and with relatively less dense coverage on other portions of the label.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Applicant: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Krishnaraju Varadarajan
  • Patent number: 6283339
    Abstract: A two-part dispenser for attachment to the bottom of a cylindrical container for dispensing a pre-calibrated amount of powdered or granular product from the container by twisting or rotating one part of the dispenser with respect to the container. The dispenser comprises a generally cup-shaped member adapted to engage the bottom of the container in fixed relationship therewith and a chambered member that fits within the cup-shaped member and can be rotated with respect to the cup-shaped member to dispense product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Mark Morrow
  • Publication number: 20010013538
    Abstract: A tubular composite container includes a paperboard body ply wrapped into a tubular shape, and a polymer film liner ply wrapped into a tubular shape and adhered to the inner surface of the body ply. The liner ply has a circumferential length when unwrapped and flat that is less than that of the body ply so that the liner ply is substantially uncompressed circumferentially. A strip of polymer film liner material is wrapped onto a mandrel and overlapping edge portions of the liner strip are heat sealed together by first preheating the liner strip to a temperature below the sealing temperature of the heat seal material on the edge portions of the liner strip, and then further heating the overlap region of the liner strip to at least the sealing temperature to cause heat sealing of the edge portions. A paperboard strip is coated on an inner surface with adhesive and is then wrapped about the liner and adhered thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Publication date: August 16, 2001
    Applicant: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Drummond, Alan Williams, Ray Adams
  • Patent number: 6270004
    Abstract: A tubular composite container includes a paperboard body ply wrapped into a tubular shape, and a polymer film liner ply wrapped into a tubular shape and adhered to the inner surface of the body ply. The liner ply has a circumferential length when unwrapped and flat that is less than that of the body ply so that the liner ply is substantially uncompressed circumferentially. A strip of polymer film liner material is wrapped onto a mandrel and overlapping edge portions of the liner strip are heat sealed together by first preheating the liner strip to a temperature below the sealing temperature of the heat seal material on the edge portions of the liner strip, and then further heating the overlap region of the liner strip to at least the sealing temperature to cause heat sealing of the edge portions. A paperboard strip is coated on an inner surface with adhesive and is then wrapped about the liner and adhered thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Mike Drummond, Alan Williams, Ray Adams
  • Patent number: 6269983
    Abstract: A dispenser is provided for sprinkling a preset quantity of granted material, such as table salt. The dispenser comprises a granulated material reservoir, an enclosure, a metering cup, a cap, a collector and a diffuser. The reservoir has a side, a top and a bottom wall. The enclosure encases the reservoir side wall and is closed at one end by a cap adjacent to the reservoir bottom wall. The metering cup is positioned in the cap and an opening in the reservoir bottom wall communicates with and fills the metering cup. A collector is positioned adjacent to the top wall of the reservoir. A passageway formed between the reservoir sidewall and the enclosure communicates with the metering cup and collector. The diffuser is positioned adjacent to an opening in the collector and opposite the collector. When the dispenser is in the upright position, granulated material from the reservoir fills the metering cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Clint M. Jones, Victor DesRosiers, James E. Johanson, Fedor Baranov, James P. Stevens, Brian P. Couchey, Gerd Rieker, William Leidel
  • Patent number: 6264098
    Abstract: A sealed composite container for products is provided having a paperboard body ply with a liner ply adhered on the inner surface thereof. One end of the container is rolled outwardly to form a rim and exposing the inner surface of the liner ply, which comprises a heat sealable composition. A lid for the container, also having a layer of heat sealable composition, is placed adjacent to the exposed heat sealable composition of the container liner and heat sealed thereto. The heat seal has both an inner and an outer bead formed on either side of the heat sealed area, wherein the inner bead comprises a larger amount of the heat seal compositions than the outer bead. A method and apparatus for forming the heat seal is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Drummond, Alan D. Williams, Floyd H. Boatwright, Jeffrey M. Schuetz
  • Patent number: 6264157
    Abstract: A base pad for supporting an appliance during assembly and shipping is provided. The pad has a pair of endpieces, each having portions for supporting the weight of an appliance, a pair of crosspieces connected to the endpieces to form a substantially rectangular base, and wrapping substantially covering the weight supporting portions of the endpieces. In addition to providing strength, the wrapping may also help hold the crosspieces and endpieces together. The endpieces are formed of a low density material, such as expanded polystyrene and the wrapping is formed of a medium to high density material such as kraft paper. The combination of the crosspieces formed of a low density material and the medium to high density wrapping material provides an optimum combination of strength and cushioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Muyskens
  • Patent number: 6247596
    Abstract: A corner post for protecting and cushioning large products such as appliances that compresses to a stronger shape than its original shape when the corner post and product are wrapped in clear plastic film. The corner post comprises beads formed along the vertical lengths of the inner and outer walls. When wrapped in plastic film, the beads lock together to form a stable structure that resists further compression while exerting an outward force on the plastic film to insure that the plastic film stays tight during shipping and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Muyskens
  • Patent number: 6244500
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing multi-ply tubular containers for food products is provided including the steps of advancing a continuous body ply formed of paperboard towards a shaping mandrel and advancing a continuous polymeric liner ply adjacent to one surface of the paperboard body ply. The polymeric liner ply includes a moisture barrier layer and an adhesive layer defining one surface of the liner ply, wherein the adhesive layer includes a polymeric adhesive which is activated at a predetermined activation temperature. The body ply is heated to a temperature above the activation temperature of the adhesive, and the body ply and the liner ply are then passed in face-to-face contact through a nip to adhere the liner ply to the body ply. The body ply and liner ply are then wrapped around a shaping mandrel to create the tubular container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenda J. Cahill, W. Gerald Gainey
  • Patent number: 6234386
    Abstract: A sealed composite container is provided, the container including a tubular body member comprising at least one paperboard body ply. The container further comprises a liner ply adhered to the inner surface of the tubular body member, the liner ply comprising a barrier layer. At least one end of the body member and liner ply are rolled outwardly to form a rim and expose the liner ply. The rim defines a heat seal surface having a substantially planar portion. A lid is operatively positioned adjacent to the rim and heat sealed thereto, the lid also comprising a barrier layer. At least one of the lid and liner ply further comprise a seal layer comprising a heat sealable composition, the seal layer forming a heat seal between the lid and the liner ply having a substantially planar portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael T. Drummond, Alan D. Williams, Rick A. Osman, Michael Gentile, Varadarajan Krishnaraj
  • Patent number: 6234314
    Abstract: A product support such as a corner post used for cushioning and supporting large appliances is provided. The support post comprises spaced substantially parallel opposing walls connected at the ends. The opposing walls have at least one area of contact spaced from the ends wherein the opposing walls are joined along at least part of the area of contact. The opposing walls may be joined by adhesive, stitching, or other suitable means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Yanping Qiu, Donald E. Widman
  • Patent number: 6230968
    Abstract: A composite can having improved “green” strength is made by pattern printing adhesive onto the exterior label or cover such that the adhesive covers less than 100 percent of the surface of the label. The total amount of adhesive applied between the label and the paperboard body wall is thereby reduced, so that less moisture is added on to the paperboard relative to conventional can-making processes in which adhesive is flooded onto the entire surface of the label. A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises an easy-open can, such as a dough can, having the adhesive applied with relatively denser coverage on the portion of the label that overlies the spiral butt joint that is formed between edges of the spirally wound paperboard body ply, and with relatively less dense coverage on other portions of the label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Krishnaraju Varadarajan
  • Patent number: 6228205
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a splice between the trailing end of an expiring web of paper or other material, and the leading end of a new web of material. The apparatus includes a clamp for engaging and stopping the advancing web, and a web severing mechanism to transversely move across and sever the stopped web. A new web holding assembly supports the leading end portion of the new web, and the holding assembly may be lowered to align the trailing and leading ends so that they may be joined by a tape or the like. The web severing mechanism includes a clamping wheel positioned to smooth the trailing end portion of the stopped web before it is severed by a following cutting wheel. Also, a hand-held tool is provided for accurately and safely positioning the leading end portion of the new web on the new web holding assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: David Earl Rhodes, Willis Augustus Usher, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6220471
    Abstract: A resealing overcap is provided for fitting over a top end of a cylindrical container and an easy-open top end closure thereon which includes an end ring having an inside circular downwardly and inwardly curved bead defining a central opening and closed by a removable membrane positioned thereon. The resealing overcap includes a circular central portion having an outer periphery and adapted to extend radially of the container when positioned thereon for covering the top end closure. The overcap further includes a downwardly depending flange integrally extending from and around the central portion outer peripheral area and adapted to extend axially of the cylindrical container when positioned thereon to provide a friction fit around the end ring of the container end closure when positioned thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: James W. Lowry
  • Patent number: 6196450
    Abstract: An easy-open composite container has a membrane-type closure and includes a laminated tubular body member of composite materials having a predetermined laminated strength. The body member includes a bodywall portion and a liner portion positioned inside the bodywall portion and forming an inside surface of the body member. An outwardly-rolled rim portion is formed at the upper area of an open upper end of the tubular body member and the liner portion forms a top surface of the body member open upper end and an outside surface of the outwardly rolled rim portion. A cut extends circumferentially around a segment of the outside surface of the rim portion and extends radially-inwardly through at least a part of the liner portion. A membrane closure covers the open upper end of the body member and has an outwardly extending tab portion positioned over the cut in the rim portion of the body member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Krishnaraju Varadarajan, Michael T. Drummond, Alan D. Williams
  • Patent number: 6192797
    Abstract: An improved cartridge for dispensing highly viscous fluids in which the nozzle is recessed for ease of packaging, shipping and storing. The cartridge comprises a hollow cylindrical body, a plunger and a dispensing fitment. The cylindrical body holds a supply of extrudable fluid contents such as lithographic ink. The plunger serves as a pneumatically activated piston within the cylindrical body to extrude the contents of the cartridge. The nozzle has an open and a closed position. In the closed position the nozzle does not protrude beyond the top of the dispensing fitment. The dispenser may also include a detachable nozzle extension which, when attached to the nozzle, extends beyond the top of the fitment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith R. Rea, James W. Lowry, James F. Kick
  • Patent number: 6193146
    Abstract: A beaded-top twist container is provided with an inner layer and an outer layer, the outer layer being concentric with the inner layer. The inner layer is joined to the outer layer at the top and bottom edges by a bead. At least one rotatable segment is formed from the outer layer by separating the outer layer into at least three segments, the separations being formed by scoring through the outer layer without destroying the integrity of the inner layer. At least one rotatable segment is formed adjacent to a top or bottom bead by forming a separation adjacent the bead between the inner and outer layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Mark Morrow, Mickey Braddock, Floyd Boatwright