Patents by Inventor Scott W. Huffer

Scott W. Huffer 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: 10926450
    Abstract: A method of manipulating thermoplastic film to create integrated features and particularly relates to an improved method of manufacturing a packaging bag that is reclosable after initial opening. Multiple sections of thermoplastic film are layered on top of themselves to form a multi-layer portion of the thermoplastic film. The multi-layer portion may then be conglomerated into a unitary thicker portion of the film that can then be shaped into a closure strip. In order to form a bag, a second such closure strip may be made. The two closure strips are then aligned and the remaining open portions of the bag are then sealed such that the closure strips form a reclosable opening that may be opened and closed repeatedly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Scott W. Huffer, Jacob Donald Prue Branyon
  • Patent number: 10597202
    Abstract: A package is defined by a rigid base member and a peripheral flange surface. A flexible lidding member is heat sealed to the flange. The lidding member includes a first layer having a perimeter portion fixed to the flange and a second layer adhered to the first layer. An adhesive layer includes a permanent adhesive central portion and a perimeter pressure sensitive adhesive portion overlapping with the flange. A central score line is provided within the first layer, surrounding the central adhesive portion. A tab portion is formed as part of the perimeter portion of the lidding member and includes an edge score line formed in the first layer directly adjacent the fixed perimeter portion of the first layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott W. Huffer
  • Publication number: 20190112109
    Abstract: A package is defined by a rigid base member and a peripheral flange surface. A flexible lidding member is heat sealed to the flange. The lidding member includes a first layer having a perimeter portion fixed to the flange and a second layer adhered to the first layer. An adhesive layer includes a permanent adhesive central portion and a perimeter pressure sensitive adhesive portion overlapping with the flange. A central score line is provided within the first layer, surrounding the central adhesive portion. A tab portion is formed as part of the perimeter portion of the lidding member and includes an edge score line formed in the first layer directly adjacent the fixed perimeter portion of the first layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Publication date: April 18, 2019
    Inventor: Scott W. Huffer
  • Patent number: 9162414
    Abstract: A method for preparing a scored flexible structure that has utility in the construction of packaging structures, including steps of: (i) providing a structure as a web of flexible material; (ii) enhancing a thickness of the structure in a discrete region thereof by applying a substantially all-solids electron-beam-curable polymer material in fluid form onto the discrete region, the discrete region occupying a minor percentage of a total surface area of the structure; (iii) curing the polymer material by irradiating the polymer material with an electron beam, thereby forming an EB-cured polymer region; and (iv) forming a score line through a thickness of the EB-cured polymer region and through the thickness of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott W. Huffer, Rod Pettis
  • Publication number: 20140069923
    Abstract: A method for preparing a scored flexible structure that has utility in the construction of packaging structures, including steps of: (i) providing a structure as a web of flexible material; (ii) enhancing a thickness of the structure in a discrete region thereof by applying a substantially all-solids electron-beam-curable polymer material in fluid form onto the discrete region, the discrete region occupying a minor percentage of a total surface area of the structure; (iii) curing the polymer material by irradiating the polymer material with an electron beam, thereby forming an EB-cured polymer region; and (iv) forming a score line through a thickness of the EB-cured polymer region and through the thickness of the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Scott W. Huffer, Rod Pettis
  • Publication number: 20140051560
    Abstract: A method of manipulating thermoplastic film to create integrated features and particularly relates to an improved method of manufacturing a packaging bag that is reclosable after initial opening. Multiple sections of thermoplastic film are layered on top of themselves to form a multi-layer portion of the thermoplastic film. The multi-layer portion may then be conglomerated into a unitary thicker portion of the film that can then be shaped into a closure strip. In order to form a bag, a second such closure strip may be made. The two closure strips are then aligned and the remaining open portions of the bag are then sealed such that the closure strips form a reclosable opening that may be opened and closed repeatedly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Scott W. HUFFER
  • Patent number: 7341643
    Abstract: A packaging material, a method of making such a material, and a package made from such material, are disclosed. A substrate comprises at least one sheet of plastic material. An energy-curable coating is applied to one side of the substrate, which will be the outside of the eventual package. The energy-curable coating is cured by exposing it to an electron beam or other appropriate energy. A cold-seal cohesive coating is applied to the other side of the substrate. The package is formed by pressing together portions of the inside surface of at least one sheet of the material having the cold-seal cohesive coating on them to form a seal. Preferably, the cold-seal cohesive coating is applied only to those portions of the material that are to form seams in the eventual package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott W. Huffer, Jeffrey M. Schuetz
  • Patent number: 7279205
    Abstract: A packaging material, a method of making such a material, and a package made from such material, are disclosed. A substrate comprises at least one sheet of plastic material. An energy-curable coating is applied to one side of the substrate, which will be the outside of the eventual package. The energy-curable coating is cured by exposing it to an electron beam or other appropriate energy. A cold-seal cohesive coating is applied to the other side of the substrate. The package is formed by pressing together portions of the inside surface of at least one sheet of the material having the cold-seal cohesive coating on them to form a seal. Preferably, the cold-seal cohesive coating is applied only to those portions of the material that are to form seams in the eventual package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott W. Huffer, Jeffrey M. Schuetz
  • Patent number: 7244496
    Abstract: A tamper evident packaging material is described. The material is formed from a substrate having a weak skin layer and at least one additional layer. A pressure sensitive adhesive is applied to the weak skin layer. An electron beam cured coating having a non-migratory slip agent is disposed on the surface of the substrate opposite the weak skin layer. The weak skin layer has a lower Z tear strength than the affinity that the pressure sensitive adhesive has for itself and for the weak skin layer, such that at least part of the weak skin layer separates from the at least one additional layer when the pressure sensitive adhesive is sealed against the weak skin layer of a second substrate and the two substrates are subsequently pulled apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott W. Huffer
  • Patent number: 7131380
    Abstract: The present invention provides a printing process and a printed product in which a coating is combined with an additive that lowers the surface tension of the dried coating. The coating pattern is printed on a substrate, and is cured using electron beam (“EB”) processing. An ink is printed on top of the dried coating pattern. The ink flows away from the coating due to the difference in surface tension, forming a pattern of raised ink between the pattern and the coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott W. Huffer
  • Patent number: 6926951
    Abstract: A laminate for gum packaging is defined. The laminate includes a metal layer, a polymer layer, a paper layer, and an electron beam cured coating. The laminate provides as good or better barrier properties as a conventional laminate for gum packaging. However, the laminate has “reacted-in” slip agents in the electron beam cured coating, thereby avoiding the common problems of slip agent migration. Further, the laminate of the invention is more economical to produce than is the conventional laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott W. Huffer, Jeffrey M. Schuetz, Don McArthur
  • Publication number: 20040244907
    Abstract: A method of producing and using a preprinted label with pressure sensitive adhesive and an electron beam cured release coating is described. The label is formed from a web on which surface printing and the release coating are provided on one side. The pressure sensitive adhesive is pattern applied to the opposite side of the web. One or more processing additives in the release coating include a functional group which reacts into the electron beam cured network during cross-linking. The reacted-in additives are non-migratory and do not bloom out of the coating or adversely affect the PSA when the web is wound up in a roll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Scott W. Huffer, Jeffrey M. Schuetz
  • Publication number: 20040170773
    Abstract: A packaging material, a method of making such a material, and a package made from such material, are disclosed. A substrate comprises at least one sheet of plastic material. An energy-curable coating is applied to one side of the substrate, which will be the outside of the eventual package. The energy-curable coating is cured by exposing it to an electron beam or other appropriate energy. A cold-seal cohesive coating is applied to the other side of the substrate. The package is formed by pressing together portions of the inside surface of at least one sheet of the material having the cold-seal cohesive coating on them to form a seal. Preferably, the cold-seal cohesive coating is applied only to those portions of the material that are to form seams in the eventual package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Applicant: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott W. Huffer, Jeffrey M. Schuetz
  • Publication number: 20040094267
    Abstract: A packaging material, a method of making such a material, and a package made from such material, are disclosed. A substrate comprises at least one sheet of plastic material. An energy-curable coating is applied to one side of the substrate, which will be the outside of the eventual package. The energy-curable coating is cured by exposing it to an electron beam or other appropriate energy. A cold-seal cohesive coating is applied to the other side of the substrate. The package is formed by pressing together portions of the inside surface of at least one sheet of the material having the cold-seal cohesive coating on them to form a seal. Preferably, the cold-seal cohesive coating is applied only to those portions of the material that are to form seams in the eventual package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Applicant: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott W. Huffer, Jeffrey M. Schuetz
  • Patent number: 6701605
    Abstract: A printing process is provided in which a conductive ink is printed over a printed pattern formed by a coating having an additive that lowers surface tension. Printed electrical elements and antennae (including RFID antennae) are formed using this process. The coating with the surface tension lowering additive is printed on a substrate in a predetermined pattern. A conductive ink is then applied over the coating and, because of the difference in surface tension between the coating and the substrate, the ink flows away from the coating. The conductive ink dries between the printed coating pattern and forms the conductive element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott W. Huffer, Jeffrey M. Schuetz, James Lowry
  • Patent number: 6677019
    Abstract: A paperboard tube is rendered resistant to liquid by coating portions or all of the tube with submicron-sized particles of inorganic material that are treated to be hydrophobic and/or oleophobic. The particles can be applied directly to the paperboard, lodging in surface pores such that the particles adhere to the paperboard. Alternatively, a light coating of a tacky binder or adhesive can first be applied to the paperboard and then the particles can be applied such that they adhere to the binder. Preferably, the particles have a large surface area per gram; in one embodiment, for instance, silica particles are employed having a surface area of about 90-130 m2/g. As a result, the particles create a surface on the paperboard that is highly repellant to liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott W. Huffer
  • Publication number: 20030230604
    Abstract: A collapsible pouch for motor oil includes a bulb-shaped storage chamber and an elongated dispensing nozzle. The storage chamber and the dispensing nozzle include first and second panels of a flexible laminate material secured together along opposite sides. The pouch further includes a burstable closure seal located in the dispensing nozzle including strips of an adhesively bondable material. The strips are capable of forming a bond having sufficient strength to maintain closure of the dispensing nozzle in the absence of a predetermined pressure applied to the motor oil. The pouch may include a bottom panel secured to the first and second panels to provide for self-support of the pouch when filled. The pouch may also include a removable end portion connected to the dispensing nozzle opposite the storage chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: Scott W. Huffer
  • Publication number: 20030087072
    Abstract: The present invention provides a printing process and a printed product in which a coating is combined with an additive that lowers the surface tension of the dried coating. The coating pattern is printed on a substrate, and is cured using electron beam (“EB”) processing. An ink is printed on top of the dried coating pattern. The ink flows away from the coating due to the difference in surface tension, forming a pattern of raised ink between the pattern and the coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Scott W. Huffer
  • Patent number: 6546872
    Abstract: A method of printing and the resulting printed product is disclosed which provides a three dimensional raised look and feel without requiring expensive embossing rollers. A surface tension lowering additive is added to ink or clear resin or varnish, and the ink is printed onto a substrate in a pattern of substantially parallel lines, leaving spaces of substrate exposed between the lines of ink or clear resin or varnish. The clear resin or varnish may also be printed on a clear film and ink is then printed on the resin or varnish. The film can then be laminated to a metallized film, foil or other reflective surface. A resin coating is applied over the printed pattern. The resin collects in the areas of exposed substrate due to the differential surface tension. The result is a pattern of raised resin profile ridges oriented along the pattern of ink lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott W. Huffer, Jeffrey M. Schuetz
  • Publication number: 20030067415
    Abstract: A printing process is provided in which a conductive ink is printed over a printed pattern formed by a coating having an additive that lowers surface tension. Printed electrical elements and antennae (including RFID antennae) are formed using this process. The coating with the surface tension lowering additive is printed on a substrate in a predetermined pattern. A conductive ink is then applied over the coating and, because of the difference in surface tension between the coating and the substrate, the ink flows away from the coating. The conductive ink dries between the printed coating pattern and forms the conductive element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Publication date: April 10, 2003
    Inventors: Scott W. Huffer, Jeffrey M. Schuetz, James Lowry