Patents by Inventor Weston R. Wilson

Weston R. Wilson 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: 10501227
    Abstract: A carton for containing a product. The carton can comprise a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises a first end panel, a first side panel, a second end panel, and a second side panel. At least one top flap is respectively foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels. The at least one top flap at least partially forms a closed top end of the carton. A reclosable lid is positionable between an open position and a closed position. The reclosable lid comprises a central panel that is foldably connected to the at least one top flap. The reclosable lid can be downwardly folded relative to the at least one top flap in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, LLC
    Inventors: Kelly R. Fitzwater, Weston R. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20170267400
    Abstract: A carton for containing a product. The carton can comprise a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises a first end panel, a first side panel, a second end panel, and a second side panel. At least one top flap is respectively foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels. The at least one top flap at least partially forms a closed top end of the carton. A reclosable lid is positionable between an open position and a closed position. The reclosable lid comprises a central panel that is foldably connected to the at least one top flap. The reclosable lid can be downwardly folded relative to the at least one top flap in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Kelly R. Fitzwater, Weston R. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20170253368
    Abstract: A construct for holding one or more food products includes a plurality of panels and a film secured to the plurality of panels with an adhesive. The plurality of panels is for at least partially surrounding an interior of the construct and includes a bottom panel and at least one side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel. The film is thermally-activable such that upon exposure to heat, one or more compressive stresses are generated across the film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Publication date: September 7, 2017
    Inventors: Weston R. Wilson, Ryan Portrey
  • Patent number: 9701438
    Abstract: A carton for containing a product. The carton can comprise a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises a first end panel, a first side panel, a second end panel, and a second side panel. At least one top flap is respectively foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels. The at least one top flap at least partially forms a closed top end of the carton. A reclosable lid is positionable between an open position and a closed position. The reclosable lid comprises a central panel that is foldably connected to the at least one top flap. The reclosable lid can be downwardly folded relative to the at least one top flap in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelly R. Fitzwater, Weston R. Wilson
  • Patent number: 9656776
    Abstract: In general, one aspect of the disclosure is generally directed to a construct for supporting at least one article. The construct can comprise at least a panel and a plurality of stiffening features. The plurality of stiffening features can comprise a pattern of bosses formed in the panel. The pattern of bosses can be configured for at least partially reducing buckling of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Sloat, Weston R. Wilson, Kelly R. Fitzwater
  • Patent number: 9511894
    Abstract: A carton having an opening feature. The carton may include a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels may include a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. The carton may further include a dispenser having a dispenser panel that is at least partially defined by a tear line having a perforation pattern. The perforation pattern may have at least one cut having a central portion, a first distal portion extending from the central portion, and a second distal portion extending from the central portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Weston R. Wilson, Alan Fontaine, Kelly R. Fitzwater
  • Publication number: 20150197383
    Abstract: A carton having an opening feature. The carton may include a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels may include a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. The carton may further include a dispenser having a dispenser panel that is at least partially defined by a tear line having a perforation pattern. The perforation pattern may have at least one cut having a central portion, a first distal portion extending from the central portion, and a second distal portion extending from the central portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Inventors: Weston R. Wilson, Alan Fontaine, Kelly R. Fitzwater
  • Publication number: 20150164252
    Abstract: In general, one aspect of the disclosure is generally directed to a construct for supporting at least one article. The construct can comprise at least a panel and a plurality of stiffening features. The plurality of stiffening features can comprise a pattern of bosses formed in the panel. The pattern of bosses can be configured for at least partially reducing buckling of the panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Sloat, Weston R. Wilson, Kelly R. Fitzwater
  • Patent number: 8809754
    Abstract: A microwave energy interactive structure includes a susceptor film comprising microwave energy interactive material on a polymer film, a support layer joined to the microwave energy interactive material, and an adjoining layer joined to the support layer. The adjoining layer comprises a paper-based material having a machine direction and a cross direction. The adjoining layer is joined to the support layer by an adhesive region extending in the cross direction across at least a portion of the adjoining layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Conatser, Weston R. Wilson, Kelly R. Fitzwater
  • Patent number: 8686322
    Abstract: A microwave heating construct includes a movable portion defined at least partially by lines of disruption extending between adjacent edges of the bottom panel. The movable portion is adapted to be moved towards the interior space for maintaining a food item in an elevated position within the construct. A susceptor or other microwave energy interactive element may be joined to the movable portion to enhance heating, browning, and/or crisping of the food item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Vicki Laubhan, Kelly R. Fitzwater, Weston R. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8395100
    Abstract: A microwave heating construct includes a movable portion defined at least partially by lines of disruption extending between adjacent edges of the bottom panel. The movable portion is adapted to be moved towards the interior space for maintaining a food item in an elevated position within the construct. A susceptor or other microwave energy interactive element may be joined to the movable portion to enhance heating, browning, and/or crisping of the food item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Vicki Laubhan, Kelly R. Fitzwater, Weston R. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20120118904
    Abstract: A carton for containing a product. The carton can comprise a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises a first end panel, a first side panel, a second end panel, and a second side panel. At least one top flap is respectively foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels. The at least one top flap at least partially forms a closed top end of the carton. A reclosable lid is positionable between an open position and a closed position. The reclosable lid comprises a central panel that is foldably connected to the at least one top flap. The reclosable lid can be downwardly folded relative to the at least one top flap in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Kelly R. Fitzwater, Weston R. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20110220640
    Abstract: A microwave energy interactive structure includes a susceptor film comprising microwave energy interactive material on a polymer film, a support layer joined to the microwave energy interactive material, and an adjoining layer joined to the support layer. The adjoining layer comprises a paper-based material having a machine direction and a cross direction. The adjoining layer is joined to the support layer by an adhesive region extending in the cross direction across at least a portion of the adjoining layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Robert L. Conatser, Weston R. Wilson, Kelly R. Fitzwater
  • Patent number: 7959060
    Abstract: A carton is formed from an inner blank and an outer blank. The outer blank ply of the carton includes a pivoting, reclosable lid that allows a top end of the carton to be accessed and subsequently closed. A latch feature is included in the carton to allow the lid to be securely closed over the open top of the carton. The inner blank may form a closed and/or sealed liner vessel within the outer blank ply of the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Weston R. Wilson, Robert L. Conatser, Kelly R. Fitzwater
  • Patent number: 7900816
    Abstract: A collapsible cooler pack carton includes a barrier film on the cooler pack interior capable of retaining liquids in the cooler pack. The blank used to form the cooler pack can be provided with the barrier film and shipped or displayed as a flat partially assembled cooler pack article. A consumer or other user can assemble the cooler pack from the article. After use, the user can disassemble or collapse the cooler pack back into the partially assembled or collapsed cooler pack article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond S. Kastanek, Dale F. Nicholls, Weston R. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20100038359
    Abstract: A microwave heating construct includes a movable portion defined at least partially by lines of disruption extending between adjacent edges of the bottom panel. The movable portion is adapted to be moved towards the interior space for maintaining a food item in an elevated position within the construct. A susceptor or other microwave energy interactive element may be joined to the movable portion to enhance heating, browning, and/or crisping of the food item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Vicki Laubhan, Kelly R. Fitzwater, Weston R. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7658318
    Abstract: Cartons are formed from two or more continuous webs that can individually or concurrently provided with cuts, scores, or other lines of disruption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Walsh, Robert L. Conatser, Raymond S. Kastanek, Kelly R. Fitzwater, Weston R. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20070290026
    Abstract: Cartons, carton blanks, and methods for manufacturing cartons are described herein. In one implementation, a carton formed from a carton blank includes a lower storage compartment having at least one panel. The carton also includes a lid connected to a first panel of the lower storage compartment, where the lid is configured to be pivotable with respect to the lower storage compartment. The carton further includes an upper storage compartment that is formed within the lid. The lid comprises a lower lid panel that separates the lower storage compartment from the upper storage compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Raymond S. Kastanek, Weston R. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6047881
    Abstract: A device for use in participating in a contest wherein the device has a first layer integral with and superposed over a second layer having an outer surface on which spaced apart contest indicia are illustrated and a third layer superposed over and secured to the second layer to cover the contest indicia. The third layer is provided with openable cover portions which are located so that, when opened, the contest indicia will be exposed. The device preferably comprises a closed container which may be opened and filled with an edible product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging Corporation
    Inventors: Charlie Clements, Gary Lapnow, Alicia Shelton, Deanna Dixon-Sievers, Weston R. Wilson