Abstract: The present invention overcomes many of the shortcomings inherent in previous containers for packaging potato chips and/or crisps, corn based chips and/or crisps, cookies and the like. The improved implosion-resistant container of the present invention utilizes flowing geometries mechanisms which allow a hermetically sealed container to smoothly change its geometric shape thereby adjusting its internal volume in response to changes in environmental conditions. These volumetric adjustments compensate for changes in environmental conditions thereby avoiding the random buckling and deformation inherent in current packaging techniques which detracts from the commercial presentation of the container. The improved container of the present invention may also include a variety of other stress dissipating mechanisms that counteract the forces causing thermo-plastic container deformation, implosion and loss of seal integrity.

Abstract: A partially metallized packaging film and method of making is disclosed. In one aspect, at least one portion of a vaporized metal stream is shielded from contacting a sheet of packaging film during the metallization process. The shield is a rigid plate and can be shaped to provide a sharp transition from transparent film to opaque film, or it can provide a gradual transition from transparent film to opaque film. The partially metallized packaging film can be used with a form, fill and seal machine or other packaging machine to create a food package with a product viewing window. In one aspect, the barrier web comprises a bio-based film.

Abstract: A partially metallized packaging film and method of making is disclosed. In one aspect, at least one portion of a vaporized metal stream is shielded from contacting a sheet of packaging film during the metallization process. The shield is a rigid plate and can be shaped to provide a sharp transition from transparent film to opaque film, or it can provide a gradual transition from transparent film to opaque film. The partially metallized packaging film can be used with a form, fill and seal machine or other packaging machine to create a food package with a product viewing window. In one aspect, the barrier web comprises a bio-based film.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes many of the shortcomings inherent in previous containers for packaging potato chips and/or crisps, corn based chips and/or crisps, cookies and the like. The improved implosion-resistant container of the present invention utilizes flowing geometries mechanisms which allow a hermetically sealed container to smoothly change its geometric shape thereby adjusting its internal volume in response to changes in environmental conditions. These volumetric adjustments compensate for changes in environmental conditions thereby avoiding the random buckling and deformation inherent in current packaging techniques which detracts from the commercial presentation of the container. The improved container of the present invention may also include a variety of other stress dissipating mechanisms that counteract the forces causing thermo-plastic container deformation, implosion and loss of seal integrity.

Abstract: A method for making asymmetrical snack pieces that can be efficiently nested or stacked. A dough preform is mated with a mold as the preform is cooked into a snack piece. The preform takes the shape of the mold. The mold is designed such that the resultant snack piece, when resting upon a flat surface, has an apex and a base of equal height. This is achieved by making the mold such that the centroid of the snack piece lies in a plane that is parallel to a plane formed by the vertices of the snack piece. The snack pieces can then be efficiently nested or stacked.

Abstract: A method for making asymmetrical snack pieces that can be efficiently nested or stacked. A dough preform is mated with a mold as the preform is cooked into a snack piece. The preform takes the shape of the mold. The mold is designed such that the resultant snack piece, when resting upon a flat surface, has an apex and a base of equal height. This is achieved by making the mold such that the centroid of the snack piece lies in a plane that is parallel to a plane formed by the vertices of the snack piece. The snack pieces can then be efficiently nested or stacked.

Abstract: A partially metallized packaging film and method of making is disclosed. In one aspect, at least one portion of a vaporized metal stream is shielded from contacting a sheet of packaging film during the metallization process. The shield is a rigid plate and can be shaped to provide a sharp transition from transparent film to opaque film, or it can provide a gradual transition from transparent film to opaque film. The partially metallized packaging film can be used with a form, fill and seal machine or other packaging machine to create a food package with a product viewing window. In one aspect, the barrier web comprises a bio-based film.

Abstract: A method for making a multi-compartment microwavable package having one or more open or closed compartments within the package, and method and apparatus for manufacturing the same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form, fill and seal packaging machines. The invention involves producing a multi-compartment bag having an internal permeable wall between compartments from a single sheet of flexible packaging film. A food product can be placed into the first compartment and steam pack can be placed into the second compartment.

Abstract: A method for making a multi-compartment microwavable package having one or more open or closed compartments within the package, and method and apparatus for manufacturing the same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form, fill and seal packaging machines. The invention involves producing a multi-compartment bag having an internal permeable wall between compartments from a single sheet of flexible packaging film. A food product can be placed into the first compartment and steam pack can be placed into the second compartment.

Abstract: A method for making a vertical stand up package having one or more open or closed compartments within the package, and method and apparatus for manufacturing the same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form, fill and seal packaging machines. The invention involves producing a flat bottom bag that can stand upright having an internal compartment from a single sheet of flexible packaging film. A different product can be placed into the compartment. The compartment can also be used as a dipping well. In one aspect a multi-compartment package can be made.

Abstract: The combination of an injection-molded, snap-on cap and a blow-molded, plastic container are designed to act together to provide a seal that prevents a loss of freshness to the porous product stored within, regardless of variations in the manufacturing process. Instead of a rounded ridge on the container, the ridge has a flattened section on its lower half. On the inside of the snap-on cap, the ridge has two flat surfaces. A first flat surface is designed to fit snugly against the flat surface on the ridge of the container, even at the extreme range of small container/large cap. The design has been shown to dramatically reduce the absorption of moisture by an enclosed product, demonstrating that a desirable seal is formed.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes many of the shortcomings inherent in previous containers for packaging potato chips and/or crisps, corn based chips and/or crisps, cookies and the like. The improved implosion-resistant container of the present invention utilizes flowing geometries mechanisms which allow a hermetically sealed container to smoothly change its geometric shape thereby adjusting its internal volume in response to changes in environmental conditions. These volumetric adjustments compensate for changes in environmental conditions thereby avoiding the random buckling and deformation inherent in current packaging techniques which detracts from the commercial presentation of the container. The improved container of the present invention may also include a variety of other stress dissipating mechanisms that counteract the forces causing thermo-plastic container deformation, implosion and loss of seal integrity.

Abstract: An improved container for food and other perishable products comprising a simple construction and a multi-functional cap. The receptacle portion is a blow molded plastic, while a outer layer comprising a shrink-wrap graphics carrier is applied over the receptacle and cap. The multi-functional cap nests over and seals the mouth end of the container, inverts to seat on the mouth of the container as a bowl, and nests over the base of the container for storage while the container is in use.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes many of the shortcomings inherent in previous containers for packaging potato chips, corn based chips, cookies and the like. The improved implosion-resistant container of the present invention utilizes a collection of stress dissipating mechanisms that counteract the forces causing thermoplastic container deformation, implosion and loss of seal integrity. This collection of stress dissipating mechanisms, employed collectively or separately, allows a container for storing fragile food products to be fashioned as a relatively lightweight, thin-walled blow molded thermo-plastic container that is capable of adapting to changing environmental conditions while maintaining its visual aesthetic appearance.