Abstract: A laminate structure includes an internal layer of foamed polymer. The foamed polymer replaces a paperboard layer used in prior laminate structures. Built upon the foamed polymer are three layers of low density polyethylene (LDPE), a layer of aluminum foil, and a tie layer. The foamed polymer may be polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene, high density polyethylene HDPE, LDPE, polystyrene, compositions comprising any of these polymers, or any other suitable foamed polymer compositions. The first LDPE layer coats a first surface of the foamed polymer, and the second LDPE layer coats a second surface of the foamed polymer. The aluminum foil layer is applied atop the second LDPE layer. The exposed surface of the aluminum foil is then coated with the tie layer, which is then topped with a third layer of LDPE. A non-polar homogeneous heat seal may be created at a temperature ranging from 250° F. to 500° F.

Abstract: A container constructed from a laminate structure that includes a layer of foamed polymer. The layer of foamed polymer replaces the paperboard layer of known laminate structures. A preferred embodiment of the laminate structure is comprised of a layer of foamed polymer, a first layer of low density polyethylene, a second layer of low density polyethylene, a layer of aluminum foil, a tie layer, and a third layer of low density polyethylene. The container has a non-polar homogeneous heat seal that may be created by conventional equipment at a temperature ranging from about 250 degrees Fahrenheit to about 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Abstract: A container constructed from a laminate structure that includes a layer of foamed polymer. The layer of foamed polymer replaces the paperboard layer of known laminate structures. A preferred embodiment of the laminate structure is comprised of a layer of foamed polymer, a first layer of low density polyethylene, a second layer of low density polyethylene, a layer of aluminum foil, a tie layer, and a third layer of low density polyethylene. The layer of foamed polymer may be comprised of polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polystyrene, compositions comprising any of these polymers, or any other suitable foamed polymer compositions that possess similar physical characteristics. The first layer of low density polyethylene coats the outer surface of the layer of foamed polymer, and the second layer of low density polyethylene coats the inner surface of the layer of foamed polymer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a package having a tear-away opening. The package comprises an outer substrate layer, an inner aseptic layer secured to the outer substrate layer, and a cut in the outer substrate layer. In order to preserve the product in the package, the cut is of a predetermined depth such that the cut does not puncture the inner aseptic layer. The cut, however, is sufficiently deep so that a predetermined portion of the package may be torn off at the cut. The present invention also includes methods for manufacturing and opening a package having a tear-away opening. The method for manufacturing a package having a tear-away opening generally includes the steps of providing an outer substrate layer, securing an inner aseptic layer to the outer substrate layer, making a cut of predetermined depth in the outer substrate layer such that the cut does not puncture the inner aseptic layer, and then forming a package.

Abstract: The present invention is a package closure apparatus. The landing extends from a base of the closure apparatus into an opening of the closure apparatus. The spring face adjoins the landing at a first junction forming a first flexible joint. The push-tab adjoins the spring face at a second junction forming a second flexible joint. The first flexible joint, the spring face, and the second flexible joint cooperate to enable the push-tab to move relative to the base of the apparatus. The air vent is adapted to facilitate a substantially even flow rate of a product through the opening of the closure apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a package having a tear-away opening. The package comprises an outer substrate layer, an inner aseptic layer secured to the outer substrate layer, and a cut in the outer substrate layer. In order to preserve the product in the package, the cut is of a predetermined depth such that the cut does not puncture the inner aseptic layer. The cut, however, is sufficiently deep so that a predetermined portion of the package may be torn off at the cut. The present invention also includes methods for manufacturing and opening a package having a tear-away opening. The method for manufacturing a package having a tear-away opening generally includes the steps of providing an outer substrate layer, securing an inner aseptic layer to the outer substrate layer, making a cut of predetermined depth in the outer substrate layer such that the cut does not puncture the inner aseptic layer, and then forming a package.

Abstract: A process for performing a laser treatment on discrete sheets of material is disclosed. The present invention provides for shingling discrete sheets of material and for tracking and contacting a laser beam on the continuously moving shingled sheets.

Abstract: The present invention is a hinge for a package closure apparatus. A preferred embodiment of the hinge comprises a landing, a spring face, a push-tab, and an air vent. The landing extends from a base of the closure apparatus into an opening of the closure apparatus. The spring face adjoins the landing at a first junction forming a first flexible joint. The push-tab adjoins the spring face at a second junction forming a second flexible joint. The first flexible joint, the spring face, and the second flexible joint cooperate to enable the push-tab to move relative to the base of the apparatus. The air vent is adapted to facilitate a substantially even flow rate of a product through the opening of the closure apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is an opener for a package closure. The opener is designed to work with a push tab that has a depressable end which may pierce the package. The opener has a handle and a protrusion. The protrusion may be attached to the handle, or the protrusion may be attached to an angled portion which is attached to the handle. The protrusion is adapted to be positioned on the depressable end of the push tab. The opener may also include a prong which is adapted to fit in an air vent of the push tab. The prong may be attached to the handle, or the prong may be attached to an angled portion which is attached to the handle. The protrusion is spaced from the prong so that it is positioned on the depressable end of the push tab when the prong is positioned in the air vent. When the protrusion is positioned on the depressable end of the push tab, the user may apply sufficient downward force to the handle of the opener in order to cause the depressable end of the push tab to pierce and open the package.

Abstract: Discrete sheets are shingled to acquire lower speeds of material passage through a process application zone of the system while maintaining overall system throughput rates when compared to conventional web systems.

Abstract: A process for performing a laser treatment on discrete sheets of material. The present invention provides for shingling discrete sheets of material and for tracking and contacting a laser beam on the continuously moving shingled sheets.

Abstract: A package closure apparatus is disclosed which has a push-tab connected to a base via a landing which extends into a central opening in said closure and a spring face which extends from said push-tab to connect with the landing. The connection between the landing and spring face forms a first junction about which the hinge may act. The connection between the spring face and the push-tab forms a second junction about which the hinge may act.

Abstract: An improved straw hole design for a drink package which allows venting to occur in air gaps around the straw while the straw is inserted in the straw hole. This invention prevents the common problem of squirting or spill-over out of the top of the straw when a drink box is squeezed or otherwise compressed. Several embodiments are disclosed in which a "C" shaped pre-cut, a "U" shaped pre-cut and "V" shaped pre-cut are incorporated into the package for later insertion of the straw.

Abstract: A process for performing a laser treatment on discrete sheets of material. The present invention provides for shingling discrete sheets of material and for tracking and contacting a laser beam on the continuously moving shingled sheets.

Abstract: A package closure apparatus is disclosed which has a push-tab connected to a base via a landing which extends into a central opening in the closure and a spring face which extends from the push-tab to connect with the landing. The connection between the landing and spring face forms a first junction about which the hinge may act. The connection between the spring face and the push-tab forms a second junction about which the hinge may act.

Abstract: An oxygen barrier laminate structure for producing an aseptic, oxygen barrier packaging or container comprising a substrate having an inner surface and an outer surface, a first low density polyethylene layer coated on the outer surface of the substrate, a multi-layer oxygen barrier coextrusion coated interior to the substrate and a second, thick, low density polyethylene layer coated on the multi-layer coextrusion. An optional extra low density polyethylene layer may be added on the inside surface of the substrate. A photic barrier layer may also be employed.

Abstract: A closure for opening and resealing a package includes a base attachable to the top of the package over a scored area thereof, and a push tab device pivotally connected to the base at a rearward portion of the base such that a user may depress and end of the push tab into the package thereby creating a central opening area in the package top. The push tab may be provided with a beak and a vent hole. The package top may be partially pre-cut or scored in such a way so as to open in the form of bomb bay doors when the push tab is depressed and rotated into the package. A cover is integrally hinged to the base and is provided for resealing the central opening area.

Abstract: A closure for opening and reclosing a package includes a base attachable to the top of the package over a scored area thereof, and a lever pivotally connected to the base at a rearward portion of the base so that by pivoting the lever, a portion of the lever penetrates the scored area of the package, and eventually, another portion of the lever seats over the open area of the package to provide a pouring spout. A removable cover is provided over the seating portion of the lever so that re-opening and resealing of the package occurs by removing the cover.

Abstract: A closure for opening and reclosing a package includes a base attachable to the top of the package over a scored area thereof, and a lever pivotally connected to the base at a rearward portion of the base so that by pivoting the lever, a portion of the lever penetrates the scored area of the package, and eventually, another portion of the lever seats over the open area of the package to provide a pouring spout. A removable cover is provided over the seating portion of the lever so that re-opening and resealing of the package occurs by removing the cover.