Abstract: A multilayer, thermoplastic stretch wrap film containing at least three polymeric film layers and comprised of a first layer and a second layer. The first and second layers may comprise a polymer of two or more monomers, wherein a first monomer is ethylene, in a major amount by weight, and a second monomer is an alpha olefin of from about 3 to about 12 carbon atoms, in a minor amount by weight. If the first and second layers are outer layers, they have a cling force to each other of at least about 140 grams/inch. The stretch wrap film also has at least one inner polymeric layer, located between the first and second layers. The inner polymeric layer comprises a low polydispersity polymer having a polydispersity of from about 1 to about 4, a melt index (I.sub.2) of from about 0.5 to about 10 g/10 min., and a melt flow ratio (I.sub.20 /I.sub.2) of from about 12 to about 22. The inner layer(s) comprise(s) from about 5 wt. % to about 40 wt.

Abstract: A polymeric multilayer film is disclosed that has improved gloss, dart drop and total energy dart drop while having structural qualities that are not significantly compromised. The film is composed of first film layer of a low polydispersity polyethylene copolymer and a second film layer of a high molecular weight high density polyethylene (HMW HDPE) polymer. The first film layer polymer has a polydispersity of from about 1 to about 4. In a preferred embodiment, this low polydispersity polymer is formed in the presence of a metallocene catalyst. The HMW HDPE polymer has a melt index of less than 0.1 and a density of at least about 0.940 g/cm.sup.3. Any of the layers of the film may be constructed of polymer blends with additional layers being contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention provides for improved polyolefin stretch wrap films having superior cling force, load retention, tear resistance and puncture resistance properties and for the methods of using those stretch wrap films. The stretch wrap films generally have a thickness of from about 0.4 to about 3 mils, a cling force onto itself of at least 140 g/inch, an F-50 dart drop strength of at least about 150 g/mil. The stretch wrap films are constructed in a multilayer fashion having at least one outside cling polyethylene copolymer layer containing a polyethylene resin preferably produced through metallocene catalyst technology.

Abstract: A polymeric multilayer film is disclosed that has improved optical qualities while having structural qualities that are not significantly compromised. The film is composed of outer film layers of a low polydispersity polymer which are placed around at least one inner film layer of a high molecular weight high density polyethylene (HDPE) polymer. The outer film layer polymer has a polydispersity of from about 1 to about 4. In a preferred embodiment this low polydispersity polymer is formed in the presence of a metallocene catalyst. The inner film layer high molecular weight HDPE polymer has a melt index of less than 0.1 and a density of at least about 0.940 g/cm.sup.3. Any of the layers of the film may be constructed of polymer blends.

Abstract: The present invention provides for improved polyolefin cling/slip stretch wrap films having superior load retention, elongation, tear resistance and puncture resistance properties and for the methods of using those stretch wrap films. The stretch wrap films are preferably constructed in a multilayer fashion having an outside cling layer, an outside slip layer, at least one inside puncture resistant layer comprising a metallocene-catalyzed polyethylene resin, and at least one inside transverse direction tear resistant layer.

Abstract: A two- or three-piece barrel container for bulk flowable products and a method of assembling the two- or three-piece barrel container. The two-piece barrel container consists of a body portion and a bottom cap. The body portion includes a plurality of side panels and a plurality of top flaps integrally attached to the top of the side panels. The top flaps are adapted to be folded relative to each other to form a top of the container. The bottom cap includes a plurality of bottom flaps hingedly attached to a bottom hub. The bottom flaps are adapted to be folded upwardly and secured to the bottom end of the container and provide structural support to the bottom end of the container. The three-piece barrel container is similar to the two-piece container except that it includes a body portion, a bottom cap and a separate top cap with a plurality of top flaps adapted to be folded inwardly to form the top of the container.

Abstract: A blowing agent for foaming polystyrene consisting essentially of at least one low permeability volatile organic compound, at least one low volatility non-volatile organic compound and, optionally, at least one high volatility non-volatile organic compound. In one embodiment, the low permeability volatile organic compound is selected from the group consisting of isopentane and isobutane, the low volatility non-volatile organic compound is acetone and the high volatility non-volatile organic compound is carbon dioxide. The blowing agent of the present invention may be used to foam a polystyrene foam structure. The blowing agent is directed to achieving low fugitive volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions.

Abstract: A plastic bag comprises first and second opposing panels, a reclosable zipper, and a slider. The first and second opposing panels are fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. The reclosable zipper extends along a mouth formed opposite the bottom. The zipper includes a first track with a first profile and a second track with a second profile. The first and second profiles are releasably engageable to each other. The slider is slidably mounted to the zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position. The first and second profiles are engaged to each other while the slider is in the closed position, and the first and second profiles are disengaged from each other in response to movement of the slider from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: A plastic bag comprises first and second panels each having a top, a bottom, and first and second opposing sides. The first and second panels are joined to each other along their respective bottoms, their respective first opposing sides, and their respective second opposing sides. The plastic bag includes a zipper having a male and female track. The male track includes a male profile and a first fin, in which the first fin is affixed to the first panel in proximity to the top of said first panel. The female track includes a female profile and a second fin, in which the second fin being is affixed to the second panel in proximity to the top of said second panel. The male and female profiles having complementary cross-sections. The inventive fins comprises a first resin and optionally a second resin which along with the fins seals are able to withstand greater forces and more adverse conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for crushing panels including a conveyor for moving the panel with respect to a compression assembly including a plurality of crushing elements which may be positioned at different heights with respect to the conveyor for incrementally crushing at least a portion of the panel.

Abstract: A method of stretch wrapping an item with a multilayer, thermoplastic stretch wrap film. The stretch wrap film containing at least three polymeric film layers and comprised of a first layer and a second layer. The first and second layers may comprise a polymer of two or more monomers, wherein a first monomer is ethylene, in a major amount by weight, and a second monomer is an alpha olefin of from about 3 to about 12 carbon atoms, in a minor amount by weight. If the first and second layers are outer layers, they have a cling force to each other of at least about 140 grams/inch. The stretch wrap film also has at least one inner polymeric layer, located between the first and second layers. The inner polymeric layer comprises a low polydispersity polymer having a polydispersity of from about 1 to about 4, a melt index (I.sub.2) of from about 0.5 to about 10 g/10 min, and a melt flow ratio (I.sub.20 /I.sub.2) of from about 12 to about 22. The inner layer(s) comprise(s) from about 5 wt. % to about 40 wt.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming three-dimensional containers from a continuous flat web of paper, coated paper, paper board, or laminated paper board ("paper") in which the paper is first scored to define the shape of the container and, thereafter, the scored stock is simultaneously cut and formed into a container. Containers so produced have improved uniformity. The apparatus is less expensive and easier to operate than conventional equipment, and it is easier to change from one style of tray to another. The apparatus also makes possible tray styles which could not be made with machines which cut and transfer paper blanks to a separate forming station.

Abstract: A forward-tilting display container with fold-out display doors which is adjustable between an enclosed position and a display position. In the enclosed position, the fold-out display doors comprise a portion of the lid of the container, with the remainder of the lid defining a pedestal-forming portion. The lid is hingedly connected to a display panel on the side of the container. The container is adjusted to the display position by folding the lid back so that the display doors overlay the display panel and the pedestal-forming portion lies underneath the container. In the display position, the display doors are opened to expose both the display panel and the display doors, with the pedestal-forming portion of the lid supporting the container in a forward-tilting position.

Abstract: A flip-top reclosable carton is comprised of an outer carton and an internal collar. The outer carton includes opposing top and bottom walls, opposing front and back walls, and opposing first and second side walls. The first and second side walls and the front wall include a continuous horizontal tear means for opening up the carton from a sealed form to form a lid hingedly connected to a base. The top wall includes first and second top minor flaps hingedly connected to upper ends of the respective first and second side walls. The internal collar is integrally formed with the first and second top minor flaps. The collar is disposed within the carton and includes a front panel and opposing first and second side panels adjacent to the respective front wall and the opposing first and second side walls of the carton.

Abstract: A paperboard container composed of a unitary, continuous blank comprises opposing top and bottom walls, a plurality of side walls bridging the top and bottom walls, and a paperboard pour spout closure. The plurality of side walls includes a first side wall, and a top major flap extends from an upper end of the first side wall and forms a portion of the top wall. A backboard is coupled to the top major flap and includes a plug. The inner surface of the backboard is adhered to the inner surface of the first side wall. A closure layer is formed in the first side wall and is adhered to the plug. The closure layer and the plug form the pour spout closure. The pour spout closure is pivotally coupled to the first side wall for movement between closed and open positions. The plug is detachably linked to a remainder of the backboard. The plug is linked to the backboard when the pour spout closure is initially in the closed position.

Abstract: A food service container comprises a tray and a lid preferably composed of a leak-resistant, absorptive moldable material such as molded fiber. The tray has a first body portion and a first rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the first body portion. The first body portion has a primary food storage compartment and at least one beverage cup holding pocket. The beverage cup holding pocket forms resilient, deflectable side wall sections allowing the pocket to firmly hold beverage cups of different sizes. The lid is hingedly mounted to the tray. The lid includes a second body portion and a second rim encompassing and projecting laterally outwardly from the second body portion. The lid is moveable between an open position and a closed position. When the lid is in the closed position, the lid covers the primary food storage compartment.

Abstract: A plastic bag comprises first and second opposing panels, a reclosable zipper, and a slider. The first and second opposing panels are fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. The reclosable zipper extends along a mouth formed opposite the bottom. The zipper includes a first track with a first profile and a second track with a second profile. The first and second profiles are releasably engageable to each other. The slider is slidably mounted to the zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position. The first and second profiles are engaged to each other while the slider is in the closed position, and the first and second profiles are disengaged from each other in response to movement of the slider from the closed position to the open position.