For Plural Beverage-type Receptacles Patents (Class 206/427)
  • Patent number: 8387794
    Abstract: A container to hold gifts or beverage bottles is described. The container provides a unique and customizable gift for a recipient of the container. The container includes two or more compartments. The compartments are configured to hold gifts or a beverage bottle. Two or more panels removably engage to the container to close the compartments. The panels include a first side and a second side. The first side of at least one of the panels includes a first message and the second side of the at least one panel includes a second message. The first message is visible when the panel is engaged to the container, and the second message is concealed when the panel is engaged to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Marc Stitzlein
  • Patent number: 8387784
    Abstract: A package for holding a plurality of containers. The package has a top panel, end panels and side panels. The package has retention features in the top panel for retaining the containers. The package has handle features in the end panel for forming a handle for grasping and carrying the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ana Gonzalez, Emili Requena, Paul Bradford, Andrea Coltri-DePaula
  • Patent number: 8376213
    Abstract: A carton for carrying a plurality of articles and a blank for forming the carton generally include a top panel, a first side panel foldably connected to the top panel, a second side panel foldably connected to the top panel, a first bottom panel foldably connected to the first side panel, the first bottom panel comprising a plurality of female locking openings and having opening flaps adjacent the female locking openings. The opening flaps are foldably connected to the first bottom panel at respective first arcuate fold lines. A second bottom panel is foldably connected to the second side panel. The second bottom panel comprises a plurality of male locking projections. The male locking projections are foldably connected to the second bottom panel at respective second arcuate fold lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kirsten L. Brand
  • Publication number: 20130037435
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging, and more particularly, to a package for a beverage to be consumed by a plurality of consumers, as well as to a package assembly for making the package, and to a method of manufacturing the same. A package is adapted for packaging a beverage to be consumed from a plurality of containers by a plurality of consumers, the package having consumer-identification markers made integral with the package. More particularly, the package is made from a package assembly, including a blank made from a web of packaging material, consumer-identification markers defined in the blank by a detachment delimiter, each marker having a mounting element for mounting each of the consumer-identification markers on one of the containers, in order to associate the container with a given one of said plurality of consumers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Marc ST-LAURENT
  • Publication number: 20130020219
    Abstract: A shot caddy includes a platform with hole cutouts providing a device to carry multiple shot glasses. An inner circular wall in the hole cutouts may have a diameter that may provide that the shot glasses are carried with a center of mass at or below the platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: CHARLENE ANN YEHL
  • Patent number: 8356743
    Abstract: A carton can comprise a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton and comprises a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. A plurality of end flaps are respectively foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels and at least partially form a closed end of the carton. The plurality of end flaps can comprise a top end flap foldably connected to the top panel. A reinforcing insert can comprise a central panel, a reinforcing end flap, and a reinforcing side flap. The central panel at least partially overlaps the top panel, the reinforcing side flap is foldably connected to the central panel, and the reinforcing end flap comprises a proximal portion foldably, an intermediate portion, and a distal portion. The distal at least partially overlaps the top end flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond R. Spivey, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20130015090
    Abstract: Each of the first and second side panels of a tubular carton includes a notional longitudinal line disposed at an elevation above the bottom panel that is below the elevation of the shoulders of the bottles. At least one of the opposed ends of the tubular carton is closed by a composite end wall. The composite end wall includes pair of first and second side end closure flaps hingedly connected to the side panels of the carton along first fold lines respectively. Each of the first fold lines is interrupted by a pair of at least substantially triangular panels, each of the pairs of at least substantially triangular panels is formed such that a lowermost triangular panel of the pair is disposed below the respective notional longitudinal line and such that an uppermost triangular panel of the pair is disposed above the respective notional longitudinal line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: MEADWESTVACO PACKAGING SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron L. Bates, Bradford J. Walling, Kyle Schumaker
  • Patent number: 8353398
    Abstract: A package for holding a plurality of articles. The package has panels that cooperate to at least partially form an interior of the package. The panels comprise a top panel, at least one side panel foldably connected to the top panel, and at least one end panel foldably connected to the top panel. At least one opening is in the top panel for at least partially receiving at least a portion of one of the articles. At least one retention flap is foldably connected to the top panel adjacent the at least one opening. The at least one retention flap has a free edge for engaging at least one article of the plurality of articles. The at least one retention flap is at least partially defined by at least one J-shaped cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Coltri DePaula, Robert L. Sutherland
  • Publication number: 20120321754
    Abstract: Handle design for a beverage carton allows the handle feature to lie directly next to the underlying reinforced handle feature and provides tear resistance in that there is no single layer of board being carried by either the person stocking the product, or the consumer as they handle the package. This avoids any such tearing due to the placement of the reinforcing strip relative to the handle openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: THE C.W. ZUMBIEL COMPANY
    Inventor: Steven J. Block
  • Publication number: 20120317929
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel cell tray for transporting a plurality of containers in a diagonal loading pattern and a method for handling containers. The cell tray includes a rectangular frame and a loading surface which is defined by the frame and is configured to support container bottoms in a number of bottle positions such that a number of bottle positions is arranged to accommodate a different number of containers on the tray in a loading pattern. The number of bottle positions is at least twice as large as the number of containers in the loading pattern. The bottle positions are also arranged in a matrix-like pattern, whereby a diagonal pattern can be loaded onto the tray without a specific orientation thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: K. Hartwall Oy Ab
    Inventors: Herrick Ramberg, Johan Lindström
  • Patent number: 8333275
    Abstract: A tray for holding canning jars comprising a plurality of wells arranged in a first row, second row and third row, each well comprising a bottom surface with ridges. The ridges in the first and third rows comprise an inner circle, two first opposing crescents, and two second opposing crescents. The ridges in the second row comprise a first semicircle and a second semicircle. The two first opposing crescents are situated opposite one another, and the two second opposing crescents are situated opposite one another on the bottom of the well and at a ninety-degree angle relative to the first opposing crescents. The first semicircle is situated opposite the second semicircle and is closer to the center of the bottom surface of the well than the second semicircle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Store-it-More, LLC
    Inventors: Jeri A. McFarlane, Robert J. Wright, Patrick M. Thayer
  • Patent number: 8328014
    Abstract: A consumer packaged good includes a case, a plurality of translucent vessels vertically stacked within the case, a beverage stored in each of the plurality of the vessels and a barrier sealed to each vessel for containing the beverage in the respective vessel. The case includes a base wall and at least one side wall extending upwardly from the base wall. The plurality of translucent vessels are surrounded by the sidewall. Each vessel includes an opening for drinking from the vessel and a base surface for supporting the vessel on an associated support surface. The barrier seals to each vessel for covering the opening and containing the beverage in the respective vessel. The barrier is peelable from the vessel without destroying the vessel to provide access to the beverage stored in the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Nottingham Spirk Partners LLC
    Inventors: Craig Saunders, John Evan Spirk, Jeffrey Kalman, Jens P. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8328079
    Abstract: More than one embodiment of a blank and carton are provided. In one embodiment, a blank forms a carton with an opening flap that forms a display header for the carton. The opening flap is defined along a tear line pattern in a side panel and an overlapped and adhered end flap configuration, with the overlapped portion defined along a fold line. The opening flap is foldable along the fold line to dispose interior surfaces of the overlapped end flaps in facing relationship with one another. A portion of the opening flap extends into the carton interior, and can be received into two tuck-in flaps formed in another side panel. A display header is formed of the exposed portion of the opening flap when the opening flap is oriented in a display configuration. In another embodiment, only one tuck-in flap is included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl A. Kohler
  • Publication number: 20120285854
    Abstract: A package comprising a carrier at least partially holding a container. The carrier comprises a top panel, a first outer side panel foldably connected to the top panel, a first inner side panel foldably connected to the first outer side panel, a second outer side panel foldably connected to the top panel, a second inner side panel foldably connected to the second outer side panel, a first bottom panel foldably connected to the first inner side panel, and a second bottom panel foldably connected to the second inner side panel. A container-receiving portion can comprise a first retaining feature in the first inner side panel and the first outer side panel and an opposing second retaining feature in the second inner side panel and the second outer side panel. A top portion of the container can be retained by the first and second retaining features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Raymond R. Spivey, SR.
  • Publication number: 20120273379
    Abstract: A carton with at least one rounded corner includes a bottom panel for supporting lower ends of substantially cylindrical articles, four side panels, at least one corner panel extending from one of the opposed side edges of a first one of the four side panels, and at least one glue strip extending from the at least one corner panel. The at least one glue strip includes at least one glue tab extending from the proximal edge of the at least one glue strip. The at least one glue tab is secured in a face contacting arrangement to a second one of the four side panels so as to connect the first one of the four side panels to the second one of the four side panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: MEADWESTVACO PACKAGING SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventor: Caleb S. Loftin
  • Patent number: 8297441
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for protecting the surfaces and labels of beverage containers are disclosed. The invention includes a beverage tray having a floor and walls extending from the floor. The beverage tray includes a plurality of dividing sections that divide the beverage tray into beverage sections. Each beverage section may hold a single beverage container. The beverage tray may include a plurality of contact strips positioned within the beverage tray and configured to contact the surface of the beverage container. The contact strips may be placed on the walls of the beverage tray or on the dividing sections of the beverage tray. The contact strips may be applied to existing beverage trays to protect the surfaces and labels of beverage bottles from being damaged by the surface of the beverage trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Pepsico, Inc.
    Inventor: Cherie Eugui
  • Publication number: 20120255497
    Abstract: A litter box includes a tray having a bottom wall and side walls extending upward from the bottom wall. At least one of the side walls has an upper portion that is moveable from a retracted position to an upright position. A plurality of bags are in the tray, each containing a layer of litter. The layers of litter are separated from one another by the bags. In another embodiment, the plurality of bags of litter are provided in an outer bag that can be placed into a tray. In use, upper portions of each bag are lifted over the side walls to expose the litter in that bag. After use, the entire layer of litter can be removed by removing the associated bag. The next layer of litter is then exposed for use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventor: David A. Simon
  • Publication number: 20120247995
    Abstract: Described herein are systems relating to packaging boxes. In some implementations, the packaging boxes include one or more trays used to support product cups, such as k-cups. The product cups, for example, can be used to hold tea, coffee, or flavoring. Some examples of flavoring include honey or other liquid flavoring a user can add to tea or coffee to adjust the flavor of the tea or coffee (e.g., honey comb and lemon grass, creamer, orange marmalade, mint peach, etc.). The packaging boxes can include a longitudinal axis parallel to the top and a long side of the box. The trays placed in the packaging boxes, for example, can have a similar longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axes of the packaging box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Lawrence Charles
  • Publication number: 20120247068
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for transporting a plurality of beverage containers. The apparatus may include first, second, third, and fourth sides, and a floor. The first, second, third, and fourth sides may be attached to the floor so that the first second, third and fourth sides can pivot with respect to the floor, and so that each can be placed in a first state in which each is parallel with respect to the floor and in a second state in which each is at a ninety degree angle with respect to the floor. At least one of the first, second, third, and fourth sides may have a bottom protrusion which can be adhered to the floor in the second state, to hold at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth sides in the second state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph N. Laurita
  • Publication number: 20120228174
    Abstract: A tray for transporting goods, in particular beverage packs, on a transport medium with a basic element with a support surface for the transport goods in which at the basic element, a foldable support for supporting the transport goods is attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Kai Wegener, Klaus Dittmaier
  • Publication number: 20120228173
    Abstract: The slender wine bottle carrying box allows an user to store a plurality of wine bottles in rows and columns. The carrying box is made of a single piece of corrugated box material that has a number of flaps, folds, tabs, and slots, which are used to assemble the carrying box from the single piece of corrugated box material. The carrying box allows for bends and indentations in the lateral surface in order to conform to the shape of the wine bottles' necks, which is aesthetically pleasing to the user. The plurality of wine bottles enters the carrying box through a top hole and are situated within a plurality of compartments, which separate the plurality of wine bottles into rows and columns. The plurality of compartments is created within the carrying box while assembling the number of flaps, folds, tabs, and slots and is held together with tapeless locks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventor: Myron Bostian
  • Patent number: 8256617
    Abstract: A carrier is for holding a plurality of containers. The carrier comprises a bottom panel comprising a plurality of bottom openings, and a first side panel and a second side panel. A first top panel is foldably connected to the first side panel and a second top panel is foldably connected to the second top panel. The first top panel and the second top panel form a top wall of the carrier. The first top panel comprises a first handle portion, the second top panel comprises a second handle portion. A handle is foldably connected to at least one of the side panels. The handle comprises the first handle portion and the second handle portion, is separable from the top wall, and pivotable between a lowered position and a raised position. A blank for forming a carrier and a method for forming a carrier are also generally disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Manuel Gomes, Charles F. Ho Fung
  • Publication number: 20120205273
    Abstract: The carton of this invention is capable of carrying the plurality of containers stacked upon their ends in two tiers with a unique dispenser that permits the dispensing of containers on their sides. The dispenser is formed in a top side wall and extends into the end wall with most of the end wall being torn open but leaving a portion near the bottom side wall to prevent the bottom layer of containers from rolling out. Angled projections in the dispensing end of the carton near the top panel and bottom panel prevent the top layer of containers from rolling out. A divider may be inserted between the two tiers of containers to facilitate loading the carton and preventing the containers from accidentally rolling out when the dispenser is open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Inventor: Glen R. Harrelson
  • Patent number: 8230997
    Abstract: A bottle support is shown in the form of a double bottle enclosure, a single bottle enclosure and a triple bottle enclosure. Each enclosure embodiment includes an outer box having an orthorhombic shape. A lower retainer fits within a lower portion of the outer box. The lower retainer includes a top deck with holes therein to receive lower ends of bottles spaced from walls of the outer box. An upper retainer also fits within the outer box near an upper end of the outer box. The upper retainer includes a main panel with holes therein which are sized to receive necks of bottles passing therethrough. The main panel keeps the necks of the bottles from impacting the upper end of the box and centered within the outer box. The retainers are preferably formed of planar panels of rigid material, such as corrugated paperboard, cut and folded to form the retainers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventors: Glenn P. McWilliams, Richard A. Hall
  • Patent number: 8220702
    Abstract: Cartons have dispensing features that enable containers or other articles to be selectively dispensed from the cartons while preventing inadvertent escape of the articles from the cartons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. DeBusk, Jean-Manuel Gomes, Raymond Rudolph Spivey, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8181781
    Abstract: A product configuration is provided for the packaging of non-mixed beverages and dispensing configuration for mixing of a base beverage and mix beverage into a preferred single-serve mixed drink. The product configuration, called a multi-beverage packaging configuration includes a plurality of base beverage containers, containing a first beverage which may be carbonated, with one or more mix beverage containers, containing one or more mix beverage-for separate consumption or mixing, and one or more volumetric dispensers. The volume of the mix beverage is proportionally divisible by the number of base beverage containers in the product configuration and the division of which is equal to the volume of the volumetric dispenser. The ratio of mix beverage to base beverage in the mixed drink is dependent on the number of base beverage containers in the product configuration, and on the volume of the volumetric dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Inventor: Scott D. Gold
  • Patent number: 8181782
    Abstract: The carton of this invention is capable of carrying the plurality of containers stacked upon their ends in two tiers with a unique dispenser that permits the dispensing of containers on their sides. The dispenser is formed in a top side wall and extends into the end wall with most of the end wall being torn open but leaving a portion near the bottom side wall to prevent the bottom layer of containers from rolling out. Angled projections in the dispensing end of the carton near the top panel and bottom panel prevent the top layer of containers from rolling out. A divider may be inserted between the two tiers of containers to facilitate loading the carton and preventing the containers from accidentally rolling out when the dispenser is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen R. Harrelson
  • Patent number: 8162206
    Abstract: A carton for holding a plurality of containers. The carton comprises a bottom panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, a plurality of flaps at a first end of said carton, a first side end flap at a second end of said carton, and a second side end flap at said second end of said carton. A panel dispenser flap is defined in said first side panel, said bottom panel, and in said second side panel by a first at least one tear line. A first portion of an end dispenser flap is defined in said first side panel and in said first side end flap by a second at least one tear line. A second portion of said end dispenser flap is defined in said second side panel and in said second side end flap by a third at least one tear line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen R. Harrelson
  • Patent number: 8162135
    Abstract: A package for holding a plurality of containers. The package has panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the package. The panels comprise a top panel, a bottom panel, and an intermediate panel. At least one bottom aperture in the bottom panel is for at least partially receiving a container of the plurality of containers. At least one intermediate aperture is in the intermediate panel for at least partially receiving the container. At least one retention flap foldably is attached to the intermediate panel adjacent to the at least one intermediate aperture. The at least one retention flap is for providing a retention force to the container to restrain the container from removal from the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Manuel Oliveira
  • Publication number: 20120091021
    Abstract: A carton for holding a plurality of containers. The carton comprises a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels comprising a bottom panel, a first side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, a top panel foldably connected to the first side panel, a second side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, and a reinforcement panel foldably connected to the second side panel. The top panel can at least partially overlap the reinforcement panel. A reinforcement side flap can be foldably connected to the reinforcement panel, and an inner top reinforcement flap can be foldably connected to the reinforcement panel. The reinforcement panel can at least partially overlap the inner top reinforcement flap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Brian Smalley
  • Patent number: 8146737
    Abstract: A disposable beverage cup carrier is preferably made from molded pulp, plastic or other resilient material capable of withstanding the force of four filled beverage cups while carried by integral carrying handle and preventing collapsing of the carrier and resultant spillage of the hot or cold beverage. The beverage cup carrier has a top surface, generally square in shape, of sufficient diameter capable of accommodating a integral ergonomically carrying handle. The beverage cup carrier is capable of holding one to four cups of various sizes and shapes of beverage containers providing a safe and sturdy means during transportation preventing spillage. The integral carrying handle positioned in the center of the top surface allows the user to carry up to four beverage containers with one hand providing enhanced safety and allowing a free hand for purposes of opening the door of one's automobile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Robert J. D'Agostino
  • Publication number: 20120067755
    Abstract: A carton can comprise a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton and comprises a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. A plurality of end flaps are respectively foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels and at least partially form a closed end of the carton. The plurality of end flaps can comprise a top end flap foldably connected to the top panel. A reinforcing insert can comprise a central panel, a reinforcing end flap, and a reinforcing side flap. The central panel at least partially overlaps the top panel, the reinforcing side flap is foldably connected to the central panel, and the reinforcing end flap comprises a proximal portion foldably, an intermediate portion, and a distal portion. The distal at least partially overlaps the top end flap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: Raymond R. Spivey, SR.
  • Publication number: 20120061273
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide plant-based separators for bottles or other cylindrical objects that require separation within a pack, for example for use in storage, transport, or display. In various embodiments, plant-based separators, dividers, and containers are disclosed that may include a tray-like cradling apparatus with a first active/engaging face and a second active/engaging face. In various embodiments, both engaging faces may be provided with functional shapes that include projections that may allow the separator to operate in laydown or upright dividing engagement with items such as bottles, candles, or other substantially cylindrical articles adjacent to the separator in order to provide impact and friction protection, while maintaining separation and location of the items in multi-item configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: Western Pulp Products Company
    Inventors: Jon Taljaard, Sean O'Brien
  • Patent number: 8127924
    Abstract: The carton of this invention is capable of carrying the plurality of containers stacked upon their ends in two tiers with a unique dispenser that permits the dispensing of containers on their sides. The dispenser is formed in a top side wall and extends into the end wall with most of the end wall being torn open but leaving a portion near the bottom side wall to prevent the bottom layer of containers from rolling out. Angled projections in the dispensing end of the carton near the top panel and bottom panel prevent the top layer of containers from rolling out. A divider may be inserted between the two tiers of containers to facilitate loading the carton and preventing the containers from accidentally rolling out when the dispenser is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen R. Harrelson
  • Patent number: 8127980
    Abstract: A package comprises a carton and a divider. The carton has a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton and at least two end flaps respectively foldably attached to respective panels of the plurality of panels. The end flaps are overlapped with respect to one another and thereby at least partially form a closed end of the carton. The divider has a divider panel that at least partially divides the interior of the carton and a securing flap that is connected to the divider panel. The securing flap is positioned between the overlapping end flaps of the carton, whereby the divider is at least partially secured to the closed end of the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond R. Spivey, Sr., Jean-Manuel Gomes, Robert L. Sutherland
  • Publication number: 20120048762
    Abstract: A container for holding vials for use with automated analysis devices has a bottom and four sidewalls. The sidewalls extend perpendicularly to the bottom. Two of the sidewalls are oppositely disposed from one another and have corrugations formed by crests and troughs. The corrugations are arranged such that the crests on one sidewall align with the troughs on the opposite sidewall. Each trough has three angularly oriented panels and is sized to receive and support a vial through contact with only two of the three panels. A cover is also provided. The cover has a top and four sidewalls which extend perpendicularly to the top. Two of the top's sidewalls are oppositely disposed from one another and have corrugations which match and align with the corrugations of the container. A skirt is attached to the sidewalls of the cover and forms a perimeter which receives the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Lance Whitehead
  • Patent number: 8118212
    Abstract: A package includes an article group formed of cylindrical articles disposed on their sides in a side-by-side parallel fashion, and a carton disposed around the group. The carton includes a top wall, opposed side walls, end walls and an article dispenser. The side walls are disposed alongside the ends of the articles while one end wall is disposed adjacent to the side wall of an endmost article. The dispenser is formed from the end and top walls and includes at least one retaining panel to hold all the articles in the carton until removed by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: The C.W. Zumbiel Co.
    Inventor: Charles A. Miller
  • Patent number: 8104616
    Abstract: A clamshell package is provided for holding and displaying a consumer product that comprises a bottle and a cap. The clamshell package comprises a first clamshell side and a second clamshell side, wherein at least a portion of the first and second clamshell sides are affixed together to hold the consumer product between the first and second clamshell sides. The clamshell package further comprises an aperture through which at least a portion of the cap of the consumer product extends from the clamshell package. The clamshell package is therefore able to hold and display the consumer product, while allowing a consumer to access the cap of the product in order to smell or to sample the product. A clamshell package is further provided for holding and displaying a consumer product comprising liquid composition contained in a tottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Gregory Peter Dalea, Gary Allen Wessling, Gregory Alan Walters, Kent David Johnson
  • Patent number: 8100256
    Abstract: A carton for cooperating with a packaging material to contain a plurality of articles and a package formed thereby. The carton comprises a plurality of panels comprising a central panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. The side panels are positioned relative to the central panel to at least partially form a space for receiving the articles. A handle is in at least one of the side panels. The handle is adapted for grasping and carrying the carton. A reinforcement flap is foldably attached to the at least one of the side panels. The reinforcement flap has at least one opening for receiving an article. A handle reinforcement flap is foldably attached to the at least one of the side panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond R. Spivey, Sr., Charles F. Ho Fung
  • Patent number: 8083061
    Abstract: Carton blanks are disclosed for accommodating articles therein to form packages. A packaging system for packaging articles within blanks is capable of packaging a wide variety of packaging configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Fogel, Colin P. Ford
  • Patent number: 8079471
    Abstract: A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton has a plurality of panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels is a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. At least one of the panels has a protective coating for contact with the articles. The coating is arranged as a plurality of protective elements selectively applied to an interior surface of the at least one panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Tokarski, Raymond S. Kastanek
  • Publication number: 20110290691
    Abstract: A product configuration is provided for the packaging of non-mixed beverages and dispensing configuration for mixing of a base beverage and mix beverage into a preferred single-serve mixed drink, contained in an insulated, light-shielded packaging. The product, called a “multi-beverage packaging configuration,” includes a plurality of single-serve base beverage containers, containing a first beverage which may be carbonated, with one or more multi-serve mix beverage containers, containing one or more types of beverage for separate consumption or mixing, and one or more corresponding volumetric dispensers. The volume of the mix beverage is proportionally divisible by the number of base beverages in the product configuration and by the volume of the volumetric dispenser. The ratio of mix beverage to base beverage in the mixed drink is dependent on the number of base beverages in the product configuration, and on the volume of the volumetric dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Scott D. Gold
  • Publication number: 20110284411
    Abstract: An arrangement for transporting bottles and/or a plurality of handling units combined to form multipacks made up of a plurality of bottles. The arrangement comprises a tray of rectangular shape having a top side and an underside. The top side and underside of the tray position such multipacks and allow trays to be stacked one upon the other and also allow the insertion of individual bottles. The top side of the tray has first supporting contours, which are adapted to the foot region of a plurality of multipacks arranged one beside the other and second supporting contours, which are adapted to accommodate the head region of a plurality of individual bottles inserted one beside the other. The underside of the tray has third supporting contours, support the head region of the multipacks and fourth supporting contours which accommodate the foot region of a plurality of individual bottles inserted one beside the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Klaus Delbrouck, Henrik Ludwig
  • Publication number: 20110284623
    Abstract: A carrier that is at least partially holding a plurality of containers. The carrier can include a plurality of panels comprising a bottom panel, a first side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, a second side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, a first top panel foldably connected to the first side panel, and a second top panel foldably connected to the second side panel. At least one container-receiving feature extends in at least the bottom panel. The at least one container-receiving feature can at least partially receive at least one container of the plurality of containers. At least one retention flap is foldably connected to the first top panel or the second top panel. The at least one retention flap engages at least a portion of a flange of at least one container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Edward W. Jones, Ana Gonzalez, Emili Requena, Jean-Manuel Gomes, Kevin T. May, Colin Ford, Matthew Sundquist
  • Patent number: 8061587
    Abstract: A carton for a group of bottles arranged in rows is of substantially tubular structure comprising a bottom panel (18), a first side panel (16), a top panel (14), a second side wall panel (12) and end closure panels for at least partially closing the ends of the carton. The carton has an access means, integrally formed in the carton walls and is defined by a weakened line of severance (3). The access means provides a means for accessing the bottles contained within the carton while providing means for retaining the articles to prevent them from being inadvertently dislodged. The access means being formed so that the carton can be oriented to sit on either its bottom panel or the second side panel while articles are accessed via an opening in the first side wall panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick Blin
  • Publication number: 20110278187
    Abstract: A molded cup carrier of resilient material for holding cups of different shapes and sizes, the cup carrier comprising at least one cup-holding socket, at least two stabilizing posts positioned around each socket and a center cavity defined between the sockets. Each socket includes a floor within each socket having a cup-contacting surface upon which a cup can rest when inserted into the socket. One embodiment includes the stabilizing post having a thumb hold disposed on the top surface of the stabilizing post to aid in preventing a user's thumb from slipping off the top surface of the post. Each stabilizing post may also include at least one curved stabilizing wall extending inwardly and downwardly into a respective socket. The molded cup carrier may also include a peripheral rim wherein a portion of the peripheral rim is inwardly arced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Keegan Y. Yang, Donald V. Breton
  • Patent number: 8056718
    Abstract: Disclosed is a storage apparatus for storing a plurality of baby bottles. Each of the plurality of baby bottles includes a bottle body and a set of components. The storage apparatus includes a first assembly. The first assembly includes a first compartment, and at least one tray removably configured within the first compartment. The at least one tray includes a plurality of receptacles capable of receiving and retaining the bottle body of the each of the plurality of baby bottles. Further, the storage apparatus includes a second assembly. The second assembly includes a support frame detachably configured to the first assembly, and a removable second compartment slidably coupled to the support frame. The removable second compartment is capable of storing the set of components of the each of the plurality of baby bottles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Soon Howton
  • Publication number: 20110233092
    Abstract: The present invention provides a drink holder (30) including a platform (31) having a plurality of support members (38), each of which is adapted to support the platform (31) on a substantially level surface (such as a table) and each having an inner cavity which opens to the upper surface of the platform (31), each of the inner cavities of the support members being adapted to accommodate a drink container. In a preferred embodiment, the inner cavities of the support members (38) are generally cup-shaped and of appropriate size and shape to accommodate drink containers. The support members thereby form cup-shaped holders for drink containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: SLATTERY GROUP HOLDINGS PTY. LTD.
    Inventor: Luke Slattery
  • Publication number: 20110233091
    Abstract: A carton blank is assembled into a carton for beverage containers, the blank having a number of panels including a top panel, a bottom panel and a pair of side panels each joined by a fold line to an adjacent one of the panels. A number of end flaps are each joined by an end flap fold line to one of the panels and the end flaps are adapted to be folded upon selected other end flaps to form composite end panels of the carton. A carrying handle is formed in a selected one of the panels and adapted to be grasped by a user to carry the erected carton filled with the beverage containers. The blank includes a primary reinforcing panel joined to one of the panels such that the primary reinforcing panel may be folded into face to face juxtaposition with the selected one of the panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: THE C.W. ZUMBIEL COMPANY
    Inventors: Steven J. Block, Edward A. Zumbiel
  • Publication number: 20110215016
    Abstract: A package for a number of beverage or non-beverage containers includes an overlay member covering the top or bottom ends of the containers. The overlay member has a central, generally planar panel positioned on the ends of the containers and may include a number of perimeter panels each joined to and positioned on a perimeter of the central panel. Each perimeter panel is oriented generally perpendicularly relative to the central panel. A dispenser opening is in the central panel of the overlay member through which the containers may be removed from the package. An overwrap member such as a thermoplastic shrink wrap film envelops the array of containers and the overlay member to provide a robust, unitary package for transport and storage. A line of weakness in the overwrap member is aligned with the dispenser to allow a user to puncture the overwrap member in the vicinity of the line of weakness and gain access to the containers via the dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: THE C.W. ZUMBIEL COMPANY
    Inventor: Steven J. Block