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: 20160096667
    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: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Publication date: April 7, 2016
    Inventor: Scott William Huffer
  • Patent number: 9278796
    Abstract: A container is provided that has a compartment for storing an air-activated material for heating contents. The compartment is formed between a first web of material and a second web of material. The first web includes a first film layer laminated to a second film layer. A portion of the first film layer of the first web can be separated from the second film layer to reveal openings in the first film layer that allow air to enter the compartment. When the air contacts the air-activated material to activate the material, an exothermic reaction takes place that serves to produce heat, such as to heat the contents of the container. Prior to separation of the first and second film layers, the container is designed to allow ingress of oxygen into the compartment at a rate less than approximately 3 cc per 100 in2 per 24 hrs. at 23° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignees: Sonoco Development, Inc., Rechargeable Battery Corporation
    Inventors: Scott William Huffer, Adam Laubach, Darko Marquez, Christopher S. Pedicini
  • Publication number: 20160031619
    Abstract: The present invention relates to container laminate and container having a container laminate through which materials may be accessed and/or dispensed. The laminate has multiple layers that are peeled away when opened to reveal one or more openings in a layer that remains adhered to the container after opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2015
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Inventors: Howard Coker, Robert Thor Versluys, I, Scott William Huffer
  • Publication number: 20150232254
    Abstract: A container is provided that has a compartment for storing an air-activated material for heating contents. The compartment is formed between a first web of material and a second web of material. The first web includes a first film layer laminated to a second film layer. A portion of the first film layer of the first web can be separated from the second film layer to reveal openings in the first film layer that allow air to enter the compartment. When the air contacts the air-activated material to activate the material, an exothermic reaction takes place that serves to produce heat, such as to heat the contents of the container. Prior to separation of the first and second film layers, the container is designed to allow ingress of oxygen into the compartment at a rate less than approximately 3 cc per 100 in2 per 24 hrs. at 23° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2015
    Publication date: August 20, 2015
    Applicant: Rechargeable Battery Corporation Technologies
    Inventors: Scott William Huffer, Adam Laubach, Darko Marquez, Christopher S. Pedicini
  • Patent number: 9096346
    Abstract: An opening feature for a flexible laminate membrane having a metal foil layer sandwiched between first and second structures is formed by a first score line through a thickness of the first structure but not breaching the metal foil layer, and a second score line through a thickness of the second structure but not breaching the metal foil layer, the first and second score lines together encompassing a removable panel portion of the flexible membrane. A press-and-pull tab constituting part of the removable panel portion is arranged to be pressed downward to cause the metal foil layer to break in the region of the tab, and then to be grasped and pulled upward to cause the metal foil layer to break all around a periphery of the removable panel portion to enable the removable panel portion to be completely removed from the flexible membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott William Huffer, Robert Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20150158643
    Abstract: The present invention relates to container laminate and container having a container laminate through which materials may be accessed and/or dispensed. The laminate has multiple layers that are peeled away when opened to reveal one or more openings in a layer that remains adhered to the container after opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Inventors: Howard Coker, Robert Thor Versluys, Scott William Huffer
  • Patent number: 9024360
    Abstract: A container is provided for heating items, such as contents of the container. The container has a compartment for storing an air-activated material for heating those contents. The compartment is formed between a first web of material and a second web of material, where the first web includes a first film layer laminated to a second film layer via an adhesive layer. The second film layer includes a plurality of score lines that define plugs, such that when the first film layer or a portion thereof is peeled away from the second film layer, the plugs are separated and displaced from the second film layer to create openings in the second film layer that allow air to enter the compartment. When the air contacts the air-activated material to activate the material, an exothermic reaction takes place that serves to produce heat, such as to heat the contents of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignees: Sonoco Development, Inc., Rechargeable Battery Corporation Technologies
    Inventors: Scott William Huffer, Adam Laubach, Darko Marquez, Christopher S. Pedicini
  • Publication number: 20150041470
    Abstract: An opening feature for a flexible laminate membrane having a metal foil layer sandwiched between first and second structures is formed by a first score line through a thickness of the first structure but not breaching the metal foil layer, and a second score line through a thickness of the second structure but not breaching the metal foil layer, the first and second score lines together encompassing a removable panel portion of the flexible membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott William Huffer, Robert Carpenter
  • Patent number: 8944250
    Abstract: A reclosable package formed from a sheet having a layered structure formed on a first region of the outer surface proximate a top edge thereof, formed by a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) and a sealant coating covering the PSA. The sheet is folded about transverse fold lines and side seals are formed along the two side edges of the sheet, and a flap portion of the sheet overlaps the layered structure. Permanent seals are formed between the sealant coating of the layered structure and the flap portion. The first permanent seal has a higher bond strength than that between the sealant coating and the PSA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott William Huffer
  • Publication number: 20140251849
    Abstract: A reclosable package formed from a sheet having a layered structure formed on a first region of the outer surface proximate a top edge thereof, formed by a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) and a sealant coating covering the PSA. The sheet is folded about transverse fold lines and side seals are formed along the two side edges of the sheet, and a flap portion of the sheet overlaps the layered structure. Permanent seals are formed between the sealant coating of the layered structure and the flap portion. The first permanent seal has a higher bond strength than that between the sealant coating and the PSA.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventor: Scott William Huffer
  • Patent number: 8783515
    Abstract: A dispenser for storing and dispensing product and a method of assembly is defined. The dispenser includes a tubular body having an open first end and an opposing second end. The body is formed by a sidewall surrounding a longitudinal axis and defining an internal volume. The sidewall includes an inside wall surface and a side seam sealing the sidewall. A fitment attachment member is formed separately from the body and is secured to the inside surface of the sidewall, adjacent the open end of the body. The attachment member has a linear dimension, with linear end portions of the member positioned adjacent one another in forming a ring within the tubular body. A fitment is provided having a fitment retainer pattern formed thereon. A corresponding retainer pattern is formed on the attachment member, with the retainer patterns cooperating for securing the fitment to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Jacob D. P. Branyon, Scott William Huffer
  • Publication number: 20140166682
    Abstract: A container and closure assembly is provided. A projecting rim surrounds an opening into the container and includes a rim sealing surface. The closure is provided for covering the container opening. The closure is formed from a support ring dimensioned to surround the rim of the container and a sealing membrane. The ring includes a ring sealing surface positioned concentric with the rim sealing surface. The membrane is sealed to the rim sealing surface and further sealed to the ring sealing surface. The seal of the membrane to the rim sealing surface is separable upon removal of the ring from its position surrounding the rim of the container, while the seal of the membrane to the ring remains in place upon ring removal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott William Huffer
  • Patent number: 8746490
    Abstract: A package film is provided for attaching to a base member to define a package. The package film construction includes a top layer having a top surface and a bottom surface. A removable adhesive is provided having a defined pattern applied below the bottom surface. A polyethylene (PE) emulsion layer is provide that covers at least a portion of the adhesive pattern, with the PE emulsion layer being heat sealable to the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott William Huffer, Donovan Young
  • Publication number: 20140124507
    Abstract: A package film is provided for attaching to a base member to define a package. The package film construction includes a top layer having a top surface and a bottom surface. A removable adhesive is provided having a defined pattern applied below the bottom surface. A polyethylene (PE) emulsion layer is provide that covers at least a portion of the adhesive pattern, with the PE emulsion layer being heat sealable to the base member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott William Huffer, Donovan Young
  • Publication number: 20140117056
    Abstract: A dispenser for storing and dispensing product and a method of assembly is defined. The dispenser includes a tubular body having an open first end and an opposing second end. The body is formed by a sidewall surrounding a longitudinal axis and defining an internal volume. The sidewall includes an inside wall surface and a side seam sealing the sidewall. A fitment attachment member is formed separately from the body and is secured to the inside surface of the sidewall, adjacent the open end of the body. The attachment member has a linear dimension, with linear end portions of the member positioned adjacent one another in forming a ring within the tubular body. A fitment is provided having a fitment retainer pattern formed thereon. A corresponding retainer pattern is formed on the attachment member, with the retainer patterns cooperating for securing the fitment to the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Jacob D. P. Branyon, Scott William Huffer
  • Publication number: 20130270268
    Abstract: A resealable closure for a container in which package integrity is indicated by a structure which connects the closure to a remaining portion of the container which must be broken in order to gain access to the contents of the container for a first time. The package integrity feature, in one form, includes a structure associated with the closure, wherein upon opening the closure for a first time, the structure stretches, increasing a length of the structure until the structure eventually breaks, leaving one or both residual ends of the broken structure rippled or curved upward from the remainder of the container. In one alternative form, the structure is associated with a pull tab of the sealing panel, which comprises the closure, whereby either the structure must be broken first, prior to pulling back the sealing panel, or while pulling back the sealing panel for a first time, the structure breaks, prior to gaining access to the contents therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Deborah Lyzenga, Jeffrey Thomas Weber, Scott William Huffer, Benjamin Michael Davis
  • Patent number: 8545099
    Abstract: A flexible packaging laminate formed by an outer structure joined to an inner structure. Score lines are formed in both structures to form a flap that is lifted to open the package. 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 tab having one end integrally joined to an outer edge of the flap and an opposite end anchored to a portion of the outer structure spaced from the outer edge, the tab being torn through upon initial creation of the opening through the flexible packaging laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Davis, Scott William Huffer
  • Publication number: 20120267386
    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: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Charles Hebert, Scott William Huffer, Barry Roland Reese, John A. Prizzi
  • Patent number: 8262830
    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: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Charles Hebert, Scott William Huffer, Barry Roland Reese, John A. Prizzi
  • Patent number: 8262832
    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: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Charles Hebert, Scott William Huffer, Barry Roland Reese, John A. Prizzi