Patents by Inventor Kenneth J. Zion

Kenneth J. Zion 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: 6253993
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a self-erecting container formed from the rapid deployment of flattened, partially articulated and/or pre-glued blanks into an articulated orientation, for the facilitated containment and dispensing of fluid articles. The self-erecting container comprises a bottom panel, two end panels, two side panels, and a pair of corner panels joining each end panel to each side panel. One of each pair of corner panels is affixed to one of opposed side or end panels, forming a container pocket having a substantially collapsed orientation. Upon raising of the end or side panels, respectively, the corner panels cause the respective side or end panels to be automatically be raised relative to the bottom panel, and the container pocket prompted to a substantially upright and expanded orientation. The container further comprises a fluid article holding bag attached to a nozzle, which is inserted into at least one aperture in one of the bottom, end and side panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Stone Container Corporation
    Inventors: Michael M. Lloyd, Jeffrey S. James, Kerry Donavon Wellner, Karen M. Chiera, Kenneth J. Zion
  • Patent number: 6155479
    Abstract: Self-erecting containers, for forming, from folded, flattened, partially articulated and pre-glued blanks, containers having prismatic container enclosures, are provided. Pairs of corner panels join end panels to side panels. One of each pair of corner panels is affixed to one of opposed side or end panels, so that upon raising of the end or side panels, respectively, the corner panels cause the respective side or end panels to be automatically be raised relative to the bottom panel. The containers may include one or more top panels, with top support panels associated with the end, side or top panels, for supporting and locating the one or more top panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Stone Bridge Corporation
    Inventors: Kerry Donavon Wellner, Jeffrey S. James, Karen M. Chiera, Kenneth J. Zion
  • Patent number: 4984734
    Abstract: A stackable articulated carton tray apparatus for flat food products, particularly pizza pies, capable of being stacked in multiple quantities upon one another such that the bottom panel or an upper carton apparatus forms the cover for the adjacent lower carton apparatus. The carton apparatus is further joinable in a manner so as to prevent the shifting and separation of the stacked carton apparata during transport. The carton apparatus includes an octagonal bottom panel, side walls and detachable top panel for the uppermost one of several carton trays. Emanating from the side walls are alignment and interlock flaps for aligining and releasably joining multiple ones of the carton tray apparatus in a stacked configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 15, 1991
    Assignee: Stone Container Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Zion, Allan J. Tison
  • Patent number: 4979666
    Abstract: An articulated tray apparatus for describing a shallow depth container for use on conveyor packaging lines, capable of retaining loose piece-part objects deposited therein, and constructed in a manner to permit formation of the container by automated trayformer-carton erection equipment as well as to permit facilitated closure of the apparatus after filling. At least two opposite side walls and respective top panels are joined, upon articulation of the container blank, to at least two opposite end walls and respective end panels, by connection flaps which have upper and lower portions connected to one another. The upper portion of the connection flaps each contain an articulation fold line for facilitating articulation and closure of the connection flaps, while relieving resistance upon closure and sealing of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: Stone Container Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Zion, Ronald G. Kantola
  • Patent number: 4765534
    Abstract: An octagonal carton formed from an integral prescored blank having a bottom wall with at least three side walls attached thereto. An opposite pair of the side walls include diagonal corner wall structures which are foldable with the side walls to form diagonal corner walls. The lid is attached to the third wall and is foldable over the two opposite side walls and secured to a fourth side wall attached to the bottom wall or secured by a wall on the lid edge to the bottom wall to form the fourth side wall. The lid and fourth wall structures include various securing structures to secure the carton when erected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Assignee: Stone Container Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Zion, Richard H. Johnson