Patents by Inventor Scott William Huffer

Scott William 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).

  • Publication number: 20240123676
    Abstract: A flexible packaging laminate has built-in opening/reclose and tamper-evidence features by forming the laminate from an outer structure joined in face-to-face relation to an inner structure. Score lines are formed in both structures to enable an opening to be formed through the laminate by lifting a flap or the like out of the plane of the laminate. The score line through the outer structure defines a larger opening than the score line through the inner structure, such that a marginal region of the outer structure extends beyond the edge of the opening portion of the inner structure. A pressure-sensitive adhesive is used to re-adhere the marginal region to an underlying surface of the inner structure adjacent the opening through the laminate. The outer score line includes at least one tear portion that is torn through upon initial opening, thus indicating the package has been at least partially opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2023
    Publication date: April 18, 2024
    Inventors: Benjamin Davis, Scott William Huffer
  • Publication number: 20240076111
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a resealable container comprising: a polyethylene terephthalate-based container body comprising a bottom side and at least one upwardly extending sidewall, wherein the sidewall terminates in an open end of the container; a flexible film sealed to the container body, over the open end of the container, wherein the flexible film comprises: a polyethylene-based first film layer; a pressure sensitive adhesive layer adjacent a lower surface of the first film layer; a polyolefin plastomer skin layer adjacent a lower surface of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer, wherein the first layer, pressure sensitive adhesive layer, and skin layer are coextruded; and a heat seal layer printed onto a lower surface of the skin layer and heat sealed to the container body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2023
    Publication date: March 7, 2024
    Inventors: SCOTT WILLIAM HUFFER, ROD PETTIS
  • Patent number: 11912004
    Abstract: A flexible laminate, packaging structure and method comprising an outer structure, an inner structure, and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer adhesively joining the outer and inner structures to form a laminate. At least one outer line of weakness is formed in the outer structure, wherein the at least one outer line of weakness terminates in at least one tear receiving element adjacent an opening end of the laminate. A tab is defined by at least one line of weakness formed through both the outer structure and the inner structure, wherein the at least one tab line of weakness terminates in at least one tear propagating element. A second inner line of weakness is formed in the inner structure, wherein the second inner line of weakness is disposed between the at least one tear propagating element of the tab and the at least one tear receiving element of the at least one outer line of weakness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Scott William Huffer
  • Publication number: 20240051728
    Abstract: The invention comprises an ovenable packaging structure having an integral one-way valve. The laminate structure comprises an outer layer having a cut line which defines a flap that is separable from the outer layer, wherein the outer layer is adhered to an inner layer having a cut line which is offset from the outer cut line and defines a portion that is separable from the inner layer along the inner cut line and defines an opening into the packaging structure. The adhesive between the layers comprises, in an embodiment, a channel of pressure sensitive adhesive which surrounds both the outer cut line and the inner cut line, wherein the channel of pressure sensitive adhesive defines the perimeter of at least one adhesive-free valve chamber within said channel. The valve chamber comprises at least a portion of the outer cut line and the inner cut line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventor: SCOTT WILLIAM HUFFER
  • Patent number: 11858195
    Abstract: A flexible packaging laminate has built-in opening/reclose and tamper-evidence features by forming the laminate from an outer structure joined in face-to-face relation to an inner structure. Score lines are formed in both structures to enable an opening to be formed through the laminate by lifting a flap or the like out of the plane of the laminate. The score line through the outer structure defines a larger opening than the score line through the inner structure, such that a marginal region of the outer structure extends beyond the edge of the opening portion of the inner structure. A pressure-sensitive adhesive is used to re-adhere the marginal region to an underlying surface of the inner structure adjacent the opening through the laminate. The outer score line includes at least one tear portion that is torn through upon initial opening, thus indicating the package has been at least partially opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin Davis, Scott William Huffer
  • Patent number: 11851253
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite container comprising a bottom film layer and a top film layer at least partially adhered to the bottom film layer. The top film layer is scored to form at least one resealable flap and at least one pull tab which is not adhered to the bottom film layer. The bottom film layer comprises at least one cavity opening. A cardboard layer is adhered on its lower surface to the upper surface of the top film layer, wherein the cardboard layer has at least one cavity opening which is substantially aligned with the scoring of the top film layer resealable flap and the cardboard layer is perforated to define a perimeter of at least one pull tab which is substantially aligned with and adhered, on its underside, to the upper surface of the top film layer pull tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Scott William Huffer
  • Patent number: 11834250
    Abstract: The invention comprises an ovenable packaging structure having an integral one-way valve. The laminate structure comprises an outer layer having a cut line which defines a flap that is separable from the outer layer, wherein the outer layer is adhered to an inner layer having a cut line which is offset from the outer cut line and defines a portion that is separable from the inner layer along the inner cut line and defines an opening into the packaging structure. The adhesive between the layers comprises, in an embodiment, a channel of pressure sensitive adhesive which surrounds both the outer cut line and the inner cut line, wherein the channel of pressure sensitive adhesive defines the perimeter of at least one adhesive-free valve chamber within said channel. The valve chamber comprises at least a portion of the outer cut line and the inner cut line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Scott William Huffer
  • Publication number: 20230382618
    Abstract: A paper packaging structure is provided herein. The paper packaging structure comprises a paper structure having an inner surface and an outer surface. The structure further includes a barrier layer disposed adjacent the inner surface of the paper structure. The barrier layer comprises a water-based oxygen barrier and a solvent based sealant layer, wherein the oxygen barrier is positioned adjacent the inner surface of the paper structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2023
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Scott William HUFFER, Mary Kate MIRMOW
  • Patent number: 11814226
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a resealable container comprising: a polyethylene terephthalate-based container body comprising a bottom side and at least one upwardly extending sidewall, wherein the sidewall terminates in an open end of the container; a flexible film sealed to the container body, over the open end of the container, wherein the flexible film comprises: a polyethylene-based first film layer; a pressure sensitive adhesive layer adjacent a lower surface of the first film layer; a polyolefin plastomer skin layer adjacent a lower surface of the pressure sensitive adhesive layer, wherein the first layer, pressure sensitive adhesive layer, and skin layer are coextruded; and a heat seal layer printed onto a lower surface of the skin layer and heat sealed to the container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Scott William Huffer, Rod Pettis
  • Patent number: 11807438
    Abstract: A flexible packaging laminate is formed to have a built-in opening and reclose feature by forming the laminate as a two-part structure having an outer structure joined in face-to-face relation with an inner structure. Score lines are formed in both structures to enable an opening to be formed through the laminate by lifting an opening portion (e.g., a flap or the like) of the two structures out of the plane of the laminate. The score line through the outer structure defines a larger opening than the score line through the inner structure, such that a marginal region of the outer structure extends beyond the edge of the opening portion of the inner structure. A pressure-sensitive adhesive is used to re-adhere the marginal region to an underlying surface of the inner structure adjacent the opening through the laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Charles Hebert, Scott William Huffer, Barry Roland Reese, John A. Prizzi
  • Publication number: 20230330979
    Abstract: A recyclable structure and methods of recycling are provided herein. A recyclable structure for use in packaging comprises a paper layer, and a polymeric film layer. An adhesive layer adhesively joins the paper layer and the polymeric layer. The adhesive layer comprises an acrylic or a urethane adhesive. The recyclable structure 85% by subjecting the structure to mechanical stresses and repulping. The adhesive layer has a greater affinity for the polymeric film layer than the paper layer. Upon repulping the adhesive layer is mostly separated from the fibers within the paper layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2022
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventor: Scott William Huffer
  • Publication number: 20230322461
    Abstract: A structure is described for forming a wrapper, e.g., for print media, where the structure includes lines of weakness for facilitating a user's tearing of the wrapper to access the contents. The lines of weakness may include a first line of weakness that extends along a fold line of an envelope fold forming one of the front or rear or right sides of the wrapped package, as well as a second line of weakness that extends substantially perpendicularly to the respective longitudinal fold lines and a third line of weakness that extends between the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness and is disposed at a non-zero angle with respect to each. In this way, a tear initiated near the first line of weakness and may be propagated along the other lines of weakness to create an opening for accessing the product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2023
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Scott William Huffer, Brent Bosman
  • Patent number: 11738919
    Abstract: Containers are described that allow a consumer to see inside the container and to more easily access the products. One form of the container includes a base member with a lid defining a window. A flexible laminate with a peelable flap portion is attached to the lid to provide access to the products inside. The flexible laminate includes a first film layer laminated to a second film layer. The first film layer includes a first cut line defining a peelable flap portion and the second film layer includes a second cut line offset from the first cut line that defines an opening into the container. First and second reclose surfaces defined between the cut lines on the corresponding film layers include pressure-sensitive adhesive to allow the container to be re-sealed via movement of the peelable flap portion back into engagement with the flexible laminate remaining with the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott William Huffer
  • Patent number: 11718460
    Abstract: A structure is described for forming a wrapper, e.g., for print media, where the structure includes lines of weakness for facilitating a user's tearing of the wrapper to access the contents. The lines of weakness may include a first line of weakness that extends along a fold line of an envelope fold forming one of the front or rear or right sides of the wrapped package, as well as a second line of weakness that extends substantially perpendicularly to the respective longitudinal fold lines and a third line of weakness that extends between the first line of weakness and the second line of weakness and is disposed at a non-zero angle with respect to each. In this way, a tear initiated near the first line of weakness and may be propagated along the other lines of weakness to create an opening for accessing the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Scott William Huffer, Brent Bosman
  • Publication number: 20230242307
    Abstract: The invention comprises a lid configured to close the open end of a container, wherein the lid comprises a track disposed at least partially circumferentially within a peripheral portion of the lid, at least one insertion point within the track, and at least one retention region within the track. A ring is disposed circumferentially about the container, wherein the ring comprises at least one post which is configured to be inserted into and removed from the at least one insertion point and retained within the retention region. At least one of the ring and the lid are circumferentially rotatable between a locked position, wherein the at least one post is within the at least one retention region and an unlocked position, wherein the at least one post is within the at least one insertion point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2023
    Publication date: August 3, 2023
    Inventor: Scott William Huffer
  • Publication number: 20230234765
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible packaging comprising a base layer and a film layer at least partially releasably affixed to the base layer via a pressure sensitive adhesive layer. The pressure sensitive adhesive layer comprises at least one adhesive zone and at least one adhesive-free zone extending continuously in a machine direction. The film layer is scored to form at least one pull tab which is disposed within the at least one adhesive-free zone and the base layer is scored to form at least one cavity which is disposed adjacent the at least one adhesive-free zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2023
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventor: Scott William Huffer
  • Publication number: 20230234347
    Abstract: A recyclable flexible laminate for use in a packaging structure, and method of manufacture, comprising a first structure having an inner surface and an outer surface. The first structure comprises machine-direction oriented polyethylene or biaxially oriented polyethylene. The laminate also comprises a second structure having an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the second structure is machine-direction oriented polyethylene or biaxially oriented polyethylene. The first structure and the second structure are adhesively laminated together using an adhesive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2023
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Inventors: Scott William Huffer, Donald Taylor
  • Publication number: 20230174269
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite container comprising a bottom film layer and a top film layer at least partially adhered to the bottom film layer. The top film layer is scored to form at least one resealable flap and at least one pull tab which is not adhered to the bottom film layer. The bottom film layer comprises at least one cavity opening. A cardboard layer is adhered on its lower surface to the upper surface of the top film layer, wherein the cardboard layer has at least one cavity opening which is substantially aligned with the scoring of the top film layer resealable flap and the cardboard layer is perforated to define a perimeter of at least one pull tab which is substantially aligned with and adhered, on its underside, to the upper surface of the top film layer pull tab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2023
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventor: Scott William Huffer
  • Patent number: 11649095
    Abstract: The invention comprises a lid configured to close the open end of a container, wherein the lid comprises a track disposed at least partially circumferentially within a peripheral portion of the lid, at least one insertion point within the track, and at least one retention region within the track. A ring is disposed circumferentially about the container, wherein the ring comprises at least one post which is configured to be inserted into and removed from the at least one insertion point and retained within the retention region. At least one of the ring and the lid are circumferentially rotatable between a locked position, wherein the at least one post is within the at least one retention region and an unlocked position, wherein the at least one post is within the at least one insertion point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Scott William Huffer
  • Publication number: 20230129400
    Abstract: A resealable package, and method for making is provided. The package may comprise a base member configured to receive an item, having a flange. The package may comprise a laminate having, and outer structure and an inner structure joined by an adhesive layer. The laminate defines a lidding member, including a pull tab. The lidding member is affixed to the flange by a seal. The laminate may include an outer line of weakness in the outer structure defining a separable opening portion along the outer line of weakness. The lidding member may comprise a first inner line of weakness in the inner structure, defining a separable opening portion from the inner portion. The lidding member may comprise a second inner line of weakness formed in the inner structure, wherein the second inner line of weakness is disposed between the pull tab and the inner opening portion, partially within the seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2021
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Inventor: Scott William Huffer