Patents by Inventor Erica Watson

Erica Watson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7357254
    Abstract: A carton for dispensing articles having a dispensing feature is adapted for restraining articles within the carton until the consumer desires to remove the endmost articles from the carton. To erect the carton, a plurality of panels are connected together to define an end of the carton. A first detachable portion at the end of the carton may be detached from the carton to define an opening for dispensing articles from an upper or lower row of articles within the carton. A second detachable portion at the end of the carton borders the first detachable portion and may also be detached from the carton to enlarge the opening in an alternative embodiment. The second detachable portion restrains articles in an upper row of articles prior to detaching the second detachable portion from the erected carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Auclair, Patrick Blin, Aaron Bates, Erica Watson
  • Patent number: 7328798
    Abstract: A carton for dispensing and retaining articles such as cans or bottles is opened by at least partially removing a first detachable portion and then by at least partially detaching a second detachable portion. Removal of the first detachable portion defines an opening for dispensing articles, and defines means for retaining articles in the carton after one or both of the detachable portions have been removed, such as a stopper wall. Removal of the first detachable portion provides access to the second detachable portion to facilitate subsequent and at least partial detachment thereof. The second detachable portion may be yieldable so as to variably and reversibly redefine or reconfigure the opening to enlarge the opening to facilitate removal of articles that are being dispensed, and to reduce the opening to retain articles in the carton that are not being dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Auclair, Patrick Blin, Aaron Bates, Erica Watson, John W. Cargile, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20060283723
    Abstract: Dispensing aids (100, 500, 1300, 2000) are provided to facilitate removing articles (B) from cartons (200, 600, 1500, 2100) having openings (O) that function as article dispensers. The dispensing aids (100, 500, 1300, 2000) engaging at least the articles (B) furthest from the opening (O) with means for engaging. The means for engaging includes an article engaging portion such as a top engaging collar (102), a bottom engaging sled (502), a side engaging crossbar (1310), or a belt (2002). The means for engaging is displaced toward the opening (O) of the carton by a means for displacing. The means for displacing may be a grip (104, 504, 1304, 2004) or strap (906). As the grip, strap, or other means for displacing the article engaging portion is pulled, the article engaging portion is drawn toward the opening (O) as are the articles that are engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Publication date: December 21, 2006
    Inventors: Aaron Bates, Erica Watson, Cynthia Parks
  • Patent number: 7073665
    Abstract: A carton for dispensing articles having a dispensing feature is adapted for restraining articles within the carton until the consumer desires to remove the endmost articles from the carton. To erect the carton, a plurality of panels are connected together to define an end of the carton. A first detachable portion at the end of the carton may be detached from the carton to define an opening for dispensing articles from an upper or lower row of articles within the carton. A second detachable portion at the end of the carton borders the first detachable portion and may also be detached from the carton to enlarge the opening in an alternative embodiment. The second detachable portion restrains articles in an upper row of articles prior to detaching the second detachable portion from the erected carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems LLC
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Auclair, Patrick Blin, Aaron Bates, Erica Watson
  • Publication number: 20050103650
    Abstract: A carton for dispensing articles having a dispensing feature is adapted for restraining articles within the carton until the consumer desires to remove the endmost articles from the carton. To erect the carton, a plurality of panels are connected together to define an end of the carton. A first detachable portion at the end of the carton may be detached from the carton to define an opening for dispensing articles from an upper or lower row of articles within the carton. A second detachable portion at the end of the carton borders the first detachable portion and may also be detached from the carton to enlarge the opening in an alternative embodiment. The second detachable portion restrains articles in an upper row of articles prior to detaching the second detachable portion from the erected carton.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Publication date: May 19, 2005
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Auclair, Patrick Blin, Aaron Bates, Erica Watson