Patents by Inventor Matthew E. Zacherle

Matthew E. Zacherle 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).

  • Publication number: 20240091972
    Abstract: A paperboard converting process is disclosed, which involves feeding a continuous roll of paperboard into a die-cutting station, die-cutting the continuous roll of paperboard into a continuous web of die-cut blanks, and re-winding the continuous web of die-cut blanks into a continuous roll of die-cut blanks downstream from the die-cutting station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Publication date: March 21, 2024
    Inventors: Gregory P. Hayter, Matthew E. Zacherle, O. Larry Elliott, Bradford J. Walling
  • Patent number: 11919689
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to an article carrier (90) for packaging a plurality of articles and to a blank (10) for forming the article carrier. The article carrier comprises a plurality of primary panels (12,14,16,18) for forming a tubular structure and defining an interior thereof. The plurality of primary panels includes a first panel (12) and a second panel (14) opposing the first panel. The article carrier further comprises a partition structure for dividing the interior into two or more article-receiving cells. The carrier is formed form a blank comprising a partition-forming section (PS) which comprises a primary partition panel (22,24) and a secondary partition panel(40,44,36,46) formed from the primary partition panel and hingedly connected at one of the opposing ends thereof to the primary partition panel. The upper edge (E1) of the secondary partition panel is defined at least in part by a cutaway (R1) extending from a free end edge (E3) of the blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory P. Hayter, Matthew E. Zacherle, Andrew T. Peeler, Calvin L. Peterson, Brian D. Souza
  • Patent number: 11919694
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to an article top engaging device 90a-90d, a carrier 90a-90d for packaging one or more articles B and a blank 1 for forming the carrier. The top engaging article carrier comprises an engaging panel having upper and lower panels 12,14 secured together in face-contacting relationship. The upper panel has at least one first top-engaging opening A1 of a first diameter and the lower panel has at least one second top engaging opening A2 of a second diameter. The first diameter is greater than the second diameter. Each of the first and second top-engaging openings is defined by a substantially circular, uninterrupted perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Bradford J. Walling, Matthew E. Zacherle
  • Publication number: 20240059467
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to article carriers (90; 190; 290) for forming a package and blanks (10; 110; 210; 310) for forming the article carriers (90; 190; 290). The article carrier (90; 190; 290) comprises a first panel (12; 112; 212; 312) and a second panel (14; 114; 214; 314) hinged to the first panel (12; 112; 212; 312) and folded at an angle with respect to the first panel (12; 112; 212; 312). The article carrier (90; 190; 290) comprises an article-engaging feature (RT) formed from at least one of the first and second panels (12, 14; 112, 114; 212, 214; 312, 314). The article carrier (90; 190; 290) comprises a locking feature (L; L1, L2) including a locking tab (50; 150; 250; 350) formed from the first and second panels (12, 14; 112, 114; 212, 214; 312, 314) and a locking edge (56; 156; 256; 356) provided by one of the first and second panels (12, 14; 112, 114; 212, 214; 312, 314).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2021
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Applicant: WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Julien D. Merzeau, Matthew E. Zacherle
  • Patent number: 11891226
    Abstract: The invention provide a package system comprising: at least one secondary packaging container (95) holding at least one primary container (‘B’); and a tertiary packaging carton (57; 157) holding the at least one secondary packaging container (95). The at least one secondary packaging container (95) is of the basket carrier style having an open-topped structure and comprises a base wall (78/80); opposed first and second side walls (14, 18); opposed first and second end walls (12, 16); and a medial handle structure (20/22) connected to the first and second end walls (12, 16) and disposed between the first and second side walls (14, 18). Additionally, at least one corner structure (14a) is disposed between the first side wall (14) and the first end wall (12) of the secondary packaging container (95). At least one corner structure (43a) is also disposed between the first side wall and the first end wall of the tertiary packaging carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. James, Matthew E. Zacherle
  • Publication number: 20240034533
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a carrier for packaging one or more articles. The carrier is formed from a set of connected blanks each of which form a top engaging carrier, wherein the blanks are detachably connected together in a matrix fashion wherein each blank has a plurality of top-receiving apertures wherein a first distance (D1) between the respective centres of two adjacent ones of the apertures of a first blank is less than a second distance (D2) between the centre of a corner aperture of the first blank and the centre of the adjacent corner aperture of a second blank and wherein the first distance (D1) is less than a third distance (D3) between the centre of the corner aperture of the first blank and the centre of the adjacent corner aperture of a third blank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventor: Matthew E. ZACHERLE
  • Patent number: 11840386
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a carton for packaging one or more articles, a blank for forming the carton and a method of packaging articles. The carton comprises a plurality of primary panels including a pair of bottom lap panels (12, 20) secured together to allow the primary panels to form walls of a tubular structure. An upper end closure structure partially closes an end of the tubular structure. The upper end closure structure comprises a lower edge that defines at least in part a window for exposing to view contents (B) of the carton. The upper end closure structure comprises a top end closure flap (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d) having a handle opening defined therein and a pair of side end closure flaps (26a, 26b, 34a, 34b). The side end closure flaps comprise an outer surface and an inner surface opposing the outer surface. The outer surface of each of the side end closure flaps comprises a glue area (G1, G2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew E. Zacherle
  • Publication number: 20230339665
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a package, an article carrier for packaging one or more articles and a blank for forming the carrier. The article carrier 90; 290 comprises a pair of spaced panels including a cover panel 18/20; 118/120; 254 and an engaging panel 12; 112; 212. A male locking tab 80; 180; 280; 380; 480; 580; 680; 580 formed from the cover panel 18/20; 118/120; 254 connects the cover panel 18/20; 118/120; 254 with the engaging panel 12; 112; 212. The locking tab 80; 180; 280; 380; 480; 580; 680; 580 is hingedly connected to the cover panel 18/20; 118/120; 254 along a fold line 81; 181; 281; 381; 481; 581. The fold line 81; 181; 281; 381; 481; 581 lies upon a notional line n-n which extends obliquely with respect to at least one of an end edge M1, M2 and a side edge 19; 119 of the cover panel 18/20; 118/120; 254.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Applicant: WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Julien D. Merzeau, Alexandre Therond, Nicolas Teillol, Arnaud Demange, Nathaniel B. Ball, Matthew E. Zacherle
  • Publication number: 20230331450
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to an article carrier (90) for packaging a plurality of articles and to a blank (10) for forming the article carrier. The article carrier comprises a plurality of primary panels (12,14,16,18) for forming a tubular structure and defining an interior thereof. The plurality of primary panels includes a first panel (12) and a second panel (14) opposing the first panel. The article carrier further comprises a partition structure for dividing the interior into two or more article-receiving cells. The carrier is formed form a blank comprising a partition-forming section (PS) which comprises a primary partition panel (22,24) and a secondary partition panel(40,44,36,46) formed from the primary partition panel and hingedly connected at one of the opposing ends thereof to the primary partition panel. The upper edge (E1) of the secondary partition panel is defined at least in part by a cutaway (R1) extending from a free end edge (E3) of the blank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Applicant: WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory P. Hayter, Matthew E. Zacherle, Andrew T. Peeler, Calvin L. Peterson, Brian D. Souza
  • Publication number: 20230322458
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a package, a carrier (90) for packaging one or more articles (B, B1, B2) and a blank (10; 110; 210; 310A, 310B) for forming the carrier. The package comprises an article carrier and one or more articles. The carrier comprises a main panel (14) having at least two article retention structures for receiving and securing the main panel to a respective article. Each of the at least two article retention structures comprises a center. The center C of the at least two article retention structures is spaced apart from the center of an adjacent one of the at least two article retention structures by a distance. The distance is greater than the maximum diameter of each of the at least two articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2021
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Applicant: WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Alex N. Barrette, Matthew E. Zacherle, Julien D. Merzeau
  • Patent number: 11780661
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a carrier for packaging one or more articles. The carrier is formed from a set of connected blanks each of which form a top engaging carrier, wherein the blanks are detachably connected together in a matrix fashion wherein each blank has a plurality of top-receiving apertures wherein a first distance (D1) between the respective centres of two adjacent ones of the apertures of a first blank is less than a second distance (D2) between the centre of a corner aperture of the first blank and the centre of the adjacent corner aperture of a second blank and wherein the first distance (D1) is less than a third distance (D3) between the centre of the corner aperture of the first blank and the centre of the adjacent corner aperture of a third blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew E. Zacherle
  • Publication number: 20230312206
    Abstract: A package (94) comprising at least one first inner carrier (92) and a second outer carrier (90), the or each of the at least one first inner carrier (92) having a first tubular structure, the second outer carrier (90) also having a tubular structure, and the second outer carrier being disposed, at least in part, on the outside of the first inner carrier such that the axes of the tubular structures are substantially perpendicular.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Applicant: WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew E. Zacherle, Gregory P. Hayter, Caleb S. Loftin, Bradford J. Walling, Patrick Blin
  • Publication number: 20230242315
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to an article carrier for packaging a plurality of articles, a blank for forming the article carrier. The article carrier comprises a plurality of primary panels for forming a tubular structure and defining an interior thereof. The plurality of primary panels includes a pair of opposed end panels. The article carrier further comprises a partition structure for dividing the interior into two or more article-receiving cells. A primary partition panel is hingedly connected to one of the pair of end panels along a first fold line, the primary partition panel comprises the partition structure. The partition structure comprises at least one lateral partition flap and a glue flap. The at least one lateral partition flap and the glue flap are coupled together by a distal end joint. The distal end joint is adjoined by a tab interrupting the first fold line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Applicant: WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew E. Zacherle, Julien D. Merzeau, Elina Blehm
  • Publication number: 20230159243
    Abstract: A carrier for packaging one or more articles, includes outer walls (12, 16, 18, 22a, 22b, 24a, 24b) which define an interior of the carrier. An intermediate wall (30a, 30b) at least partially segregates the interior of the carrier in a first direction. A partition structure (50a, 52a) divides the interior of the carrier in a second transverse direction. The partition structure is struck, at least in part, from one (16) of the outer walls. The partition structure is configured and arranged to be automatically erected in the interior of the carrier in response to unfolding a flat collapsed folded blank when the carrier is erected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2022
    Publication date: May 25, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew E. ZACHERLE, Bradford J. WALLING
  • Publication number: 20230150742
    Abstract: A package, a carrier for packaging one or more articles and a blank for forming the carrier are disclosed. The carrier comprises an engaging panel with at least one article-receiving aperture disposed in engagement with a part of an article. The engaging panel has a first side edge, a first end edge, a corner defined by the first side and end edges, and a corner area. The article-receiving aperture comprises a first engaging edge across the corner area from the corner. The corner area is defined at least partially by the first engaging edge, and end portions of each of the first side and end edges extending from the corner, respectively. The corner area is folded with respect to the remainder of the engaging panel such that the end portion of the first side edge is angled with respect to an adjoining portion of the first side edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Publication date: May 18, 2023
    Inventor: Matthew E. ZACHERLE
  • Publication number: 20230121478
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to an applicator plate (10) for use in an apparatus (80) for attaching a set of frangibly adjoined top engaging clips (110) to a group of articles ‘C’. The applicator plate (10) having a generally planar body; and a plurality of apertures (16a-26f) within the body. Each aperture (16a-26f) has a series of internal walls (16i-16x) arranged such that each aperture (16a-26f) has a polygonal shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: Linh L. KOOC, Casey P. GREY, Matthew E. ZACHERLE
  • Publication number: 20230123888
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a top engaging carrier formed from a paperboard substrate having a first surface and an opposing second surface, with a polymer film laminated onto the first surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew E. ZACHERLE, Rahul BHARDWAJ, Linh L. KOOC, Bradford J. WALLING
  • Publication number: 20230101163
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to an article carrier for packaging one or more articles and a blank for forming the carrier. The article carrier (90; 290) comprises a plurality of top-engaging openings or engaging structures RT1, RT2, RTS each having an annular series of engaging teeth or tabs (16; 216) along the perimeter of that opening. The annular series of engaging tabs (16; 216) of each opening is interrupted by at most two gaps (26, 26A, 26B). A notional diametrical line z-z? passes through the center of each of the at most two gaps (26, 26A, 26B) and extends substantially perpendicular to the grain direction GR of paper material from which the article carrier (90; 290) is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Applicant: WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Jean-Michel Garnier, Matthew E. Zacherle
  • Patent number: 11608218
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to an article carrier (90) for packaging a plurality of articles and to a blank (10) for forming the article carrier. The article carrier comprises a plurality of primary panels (12,14,16,18) for forming a tubular structure and defining an interior thereof. The plurality of primary panels includes a first panel (12) and a second panel (14) opposing the first panel. The article carrier further comprises a partition structure for dividing the interior into two or more article-receiving cells. The carrier is formed form a blank comprising a partition-forming section (PS) which comprises a primary partition panel (22,24) and a secondary partition panel (40,44,36,46) formed from the primary partition panel and hingedly connected at one of the opposing ends thereof to the primary partition panel. The upper edge (E1) of the secondary partition panel is defined at least in part by a cutaway (R1) extending from a free end edge (E3) of the blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory P. Hayter, Matthew E. Zacherle, Andrew T. Peeler, Calvin L. Peterson, Brian D. Souza
  • Publication number: 20230077309
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a top engaging article carrier for packaging one or more articles and a blank for forming the carrier. The article carrier comprises an engaging panel (12A, 12B) having at least one ply and comprising; a first side edge (E1), a first end edge (E2) and a corner (BC) defined by the first side and end edges (E1, E2). The engaging panel (12A, 12B) comprises a corner area (18) extending between the corner (BC) and an article-receiving aperture (A1, A2) in the engaging panel (12A, 12B). The aperture (A1, A2) comprises a first engaging edge (E4) at a position across the corner area (18) from the corner (BC). The first engaging edge (E4) is curved. The first engaging edge (E4) has a radius of curvature (r3) greater than the radius (r1) of the corner aperture (A1, A2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Publication date: March 9, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew E. ZACHERLE, Casey P. GREY