Abstract: Containers for holding particulate materials are provided. The containers may be formed from molded pulp. The containers may include molded pulp shaped or threaded features formed integrally on the container that may aid in providing closure to the device. The containers may optionally include a fitment and/or liner, or may be free of fitments and liners. The containers may optionally have inner load bearing members. The containers may be stackable.

Abstract: An inter-connecting structure is provided for connecting multiple parts of a container. The inter-connecting structure comprises a first part comprising a plurality of inter-connecting tabs and slits on an edge; a second part comprising a plurality of inter-connecting tabs and slits on an edge to be joined with the edge of the first part; wherein the inter-connecting tabs and slits share an overlapping portion and once the two parts are connected to each other, the engaged inter-connecting tabs are disposed in an internal region of the container.

Abstract: Containers for holding particulate materials are provided. The containers may be formed from molded pulp. The containers may include molded pulp shaped or threaded features formed integrally on the container that may aid in providing closure to the device. The containers may optionally include a fitment and/or liner, or may be free of fitments and liners. The containers may optionally have inner load bearing members. The containers may be stackable.

Abstract: A container includes: a skeleton shell defining a container body of the container, the skeleton shell being formed from a recycled and/or biodegradable pulp material; and, a bag or liner removably disposed within the skeleton shell. Wherein the skeleton shell includes at least one separation feature that facilitates separation of the skeleton shell from the bag or liner.

Abstract: A container includes: a skeleton shell defining a container body of the container, the skeleton shell being formed from a recycled and/or biodegradable pulp material; and, a bag or liner removably disposed within the skeleton shell. Wherein the skeleton shell includes at least one separation feature that facilitates separation of the skeleton shell from the bag or liner.

Abstract: Methods and systems for integrating multiple portions of a container are provided. The method and system are specifically designed for integrating multiple shell portions with ear lobe-shaped tabs. The method comprises: providing a first set of retention structures to be associated with a plurality of inter-connecting features formed on an edge of a first shell part, wherein the first set of retention structures comprise at least a lead-in feature and a retention feature; providing a second set of retention structures to be associated with a plurality of inter-connecting features formed on an edge of a second shell part, wherein the second set of retention structures comprise at least a deflection feature and a retention feature; and engaging the two shell parts with aid of the retention structures.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assistive mobility device convertible between a rollator mode and a transport chair mode.

Abstract: Methods and systems for integrating multiple portions of a container are provided. The method and system are specifically designed for integrating multiple shell portions with ear lobe-shaped tabs. The method comprises: providing a first set of retention structures to be associated with a plurality of inter-connecting features formed on an edge of a first shell part, wherein the first set of retention structures comprise at least a lead-in feature and a retention feature; providing a second set of retention structures to be associated with a plurality of inter-connecting features formed on an edge of a second shell part, wherein the second set of retention structures comprise at least a deflection feature and a retention feature; and engaging the two shell parts with aid of the retention structures.

Abstract: Methods and systems for integrating multiple portions of a container are provided. The method and system are specifically designed for integrating multiple shell portions with ear lobe-shaped tabs. The method comprises: providing a first set of retention structures to be associated with a plurality of inter-connecting features formed on an edge of a first shell part, wherein the first set of retention structures comprise at least a lead-in feature and a retention feature; providing a second set of retention structures to be associated with a plurality of inter-connecting features formed on an edge of a second shell part, wherein the second set of retention structures comprise at least a deflection feature and a retention feature; and engaging the two shell parts with aid of the retention structures.

Abstract: A cone filling apparatus for production of smoking articles includes: (a) a cone pallet including a plurality of cavities, each cavity for holding a respective cone; (b) a delivery chute having a load end for receiving a smokeable product from a source and an unload end downstream of the load end for unloading the smokeable product from the chute; and (c) a dosing tray disposed above the pallet. The dosing tray includes a plurality of transfer sleeves. Each sleeve has an upper sleeve end for receiving smokeable product unloaded from the unload end of the chute, and a lower sleeve end for dispensing the smokeable product into a cone held in a respective cavity aligned beneath the lower sleeve end.

Abstract: Containers for holding particulate materials are provided. The containers may be formed from molded pulp. The containers may included molded pulp shaped or threaded features formed integrally on the container that may aid in providing closure to the device. The containers may optionally include a fitment and/or liner, or may be free of fitments and liners. The containers may optionally have inner load bearing members.

Abstract: Containers for holding particulate materials are provided. The containers may be formed from molded pulp. The containers may included molded pulp shaped or threaded features formed integrally on the container that may aid in providing closure to the device. The containers may optionally include a fitment and/or liner, or may be free of fitments and liners. The containers may optionally have inner load bearing members. The containers may be stackable.

Abstract: The invention provides for a container that may include a liquid-holding vessel and a skeleton shell supporting the liquid holding vessel. The liquid-holding vessel may comprise a flexible polymer or plastic material for preventing contact between a liquid stored in or dispensed from the container and the skeleton. The liquid-holding vessel and the closure may be formed from a minimal amount of polymer or plastic. The invention also provides for a connection of a liquid-holding vessel with a fitment to the skeleton shell using ultrasonic means. Further, a skeleton shell with mating features allowing the skeleton shell to be formed with smooth edges is provided.

Abstract: A cone closure apparatus for production of smoking articles includes: (a) a frame; and (b) at least one cone holder supported by the frame and extending along an axis. The cone holder has a lower grip surface for applying a rotational force about the axis to an outer surface of a lower filled portion of a cone received in the cone holder. The cone having an upper empty portion disposed above the lower filled portion and protruding clear of the lower grip surface to receive a counter-rotational force about the axis, in a direction opposite the rotational force. The closure apparatus further includes (c) a drive supported by the frame for applying at least one of the rotational force and the counter-rotational force to twist the upper empty portion closed when the drive is energized.

Abstract: A container includes: a skeleton shell defining a container body of the container, the skeleton shell being formed from a recycled and/or biodegradable pulp material; and, a bag or liner removably disposed within the skeleton shell. Wherein the skeleton shell includes at least one separation feature that facilitates separation of the skeleton shell from the bag or liner.

Abstract: Methods and systems for integrating multiple portions of a container are provided. The method and system are specifically designed for integrating multiple shell portions with ear lobe-shaped tabs. The method comprises: providing a first set of retention structures to be associated with a plurality of inter-connecting features formed on an edge of a first shell part, wherein the first set of retention structures comprise at least a lead-in feature and a retention feature; providing a second set of retention structures to be associated with a plurality of inter-connecting features formed on an edge of a second shell part, wherein the second set of retention structures comprise at least a deflection feature and a retention feature; and engaging the two shell parts with aid of the retention structures.

Abstract: An inter-connecting structure is provided for connecting multiple parts of a container. The inter-connecting structure comprises a first part comprising a plurality of inter-connecting tabs and slits on an edge; a second part comprising a plurality of inter-connecting tabs and slits on an edge to be joined with the edge of the first part; wherein the inter-connecting tabs and slits share an overlapping portion and once the two parts are connected to each other, the engaged inter-connecting tabs are disposed in an internal region of the container.

Abstract: The invention provides for a container that may include a liquid-holding vessel and a skeleton shell supporting the liquid holding vessel. The liquid-holding vessel may comprise a flexible polymer or plastic material for preventing contact between a liquid stored in or dispensed from the container and the skeleton. The liquid-holding vessel and the closure may be formed from a minimal amount of polymer or plastic. The invention also provides for a connection of a liquid-holding vessel with a fitment to the skeleton shell using ultrasonic means. Further, a skeleton shell with mating features allowing the skeleton shell to be formed with smooth edges is provided.

Abstract: The invention provides for a container that may include a liquid-holding vessel and a skeleton shell supporting the liquid holding vessel. The liquid-holding vessel may comprise a flexible polymer or plastic material for preventing contact between a liquid stored in or dispensed from the container and the skeleton. The liquid-holding vessel and the closure may be formed from a minimal amount of polymer or plastic. The invention also provides for a connection of a liquid-holding vessel with a fitment to the skeleton shell using ultrasonic means. Further, a skeleton shell with mating features allowing the skeleton shell to be formed with smooth edges is provided.

Abstract: A process of manual, semi-automatic and fully-automated integration of discrete components into a container that results in fast, reliable, cost-effective, and scalable production of composite containers is disclosed. The process can be embodied in manufacturing equipment that has a series of stations and may be called an assembly device. The equipment can produce containers, tubs, canisters, cartridges, etc. which are easily separated into different bio-degradable or compostable parts. Other container types are possible and are contemplated.