For Plural Beverage-type Receptacles Patents (Class 206/427)
  • Publication number: 20110215015
    Abstract: A sleeve for storing and permitting removal of containers having an outwardly extending upper flange includes a bottom panel with a pair of side edges, each connecting to a side panel, and a top panel that extends between the side panels. The bottom panel includes at least one opening spaced from the side edges. The opening is sized smaller than the flange, but large enough to permit the container to extend partially therethrough so that the bottom panel supports the flange. One or more slits can extend generally outward from the opening and are spaced from the side edges. The slits are configured to increase the size of the opening so that the flange can pass therethrough, allowing the container to be removed. The opening then at least partially returns to its initial size, so that a container subsequently received in the opening is supported by the bottom panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: KRAFT FOODS GLOBAL BRANDS LLC
    Inventor: Stephen Joseph Taglione
  • Patent number: 8011567
    Abstract: Cartons have dispenser sections that when opened, allow easy access to containers or other articles stored within the carton. The cartons can be configured to allow placement on a door shelf or other shelf within a refrigerator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick James DeBusk, Raymond Rudolph Spivey, Sr., Robert L. Sutherland
  • Publication number: 20110210028
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a glyphosate formulation with enhanced viscosity, said formulation containing a thickening composition comprising at least one nitrogen-containing surfactant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventor: Shawn Zhu
  • Publication number: 20110198393
    Abstract: A carton including a wall (216a) having a handle (220a) that includes a load bearing edge. The load bearing edge includes a first segment (170a) that is configured to support a substantially vertical load and a second segment (172a) that is configured to support a substantially horizontal load. A first handle flap (160a) is hingedly connected to the first segment, and a second handle flap (162a) that is hingedly connected to the second segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Aaron L. Bates
  • Patent number: 7987976
    Abstract: A container package that includes a structural component for holding a plurality of containers, and an opener affixed to the structural component and configured to allow a user to open one of the plurality of containers without removing the opener from the structural component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: SNR Packaging, LLC
    Inventor: Mark D. Stowers
  • Patent number: 7984806
    Abstract: A stacking unit (1) for storing bottles, cans or other articles (7) having circular cross sections comprises a strip (2) of sheet material formed along one side of the strip with at least three part circular cavities (6). The free end walls (5) of the cavities (6) at opposite ends of the strip (2) are of sufficient rigidity to retain the articles in place in the unit under the weight of other articles stacked on the row in the unit. The cavities respectively forming convex wall portions (4) on the opposite side of the strip (2). The stacking unit (1) can be seated on a first row of articles in order to stack a second row of articles on the first row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventor: Stefano Matheou
  • Publication number: 20110168594
    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: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: NOTTINGHAM SPIRK PARTNERS LLC
    Inventors: Craig Saunders, John Evan Spirk, Jeffrey Kalman, Jens P. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110162990
    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: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: Marc Stitzlein
  • Publication number: 20110155600
    Abstract: A container is provided for storing and transporting empty beverage cans and plastic bottles of similar cylindrical dimensions. The invention also relates to a cover for the container that can be sealed shut so as to secure two separate compartments in which cans and plastic bottles are stored against the entry of vermin during the time prior to transporting the cans and plastic bottles to a retail store for return of deposit. The invention further relates to a cover that can be partially integral with the top edge of one wall of the container with the cover being connected with the top edges of the other walls by an easily removable continuous seal such as a zipper or a snag-and-hook fastener.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Kirby Allen Hudson
  • Patent number: 7959062
    Abstract: A reinforced carton handle structure includes a carton wall panel (16) hinged along a first fold line (40) to a linear series of at least two reinforcing panels (26, 32, 34) hinged one to the next. Each of the carton wall panel (16) and reinforcing panels (26, 32, 34) includes an aperture or recess (54, 56) for forming a handle opening. One of the reinforcing panels (26) in the linear series is hinged to a next reinforcing panel (32) of the linear series about a second fold line (87a, 87b) that is closer to the first fold line (40) than an edge of the one reinforcing panel (26) which edge is furthest from the first fold line (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Auclair
  • Patent number: 7958997
    Abstract: A reversible modular beverage can interlocking device which is adapted for forming a plurality of conventional beverage cans into a building block for use as a toy or in display applications or in building construction. The device generally comprises a plurality of thermoplastic reversible annular means for can retention, each sized and shaped for the releasable retention of either the top lipped portion of a beverage can, or the bottom non-lipped portion of a beverage can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventor: Matthew Charles Smithers
  • Patent number: 7922070
    Abstract: A carton (130) for packaging cylindrical articles, the carton (130) including a plurality of primary panels (120, 122, 124, 125) for forming the walls of the carton (130), end flaps (118a, 118b, 126a, 126b, 128a, 128b, 119a, 119b) for forming end closure structures (132, 134) of the carton (130), and handle panels (160, 162) and handle end flaps (182a, 182b, 183a, 183b) for forming a handle structure (160/162). The handle structure (160/162) and a panel (125) define a pocket that can be engaged by a user's hand (H1) to carry the carton (130). The carton (130) further including features that facilitate flexing of the handle structure (160/162) including fold lines (178) and cut lines (C2, C3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Auclair
  • Patent number: 7918385
    Abstract: A carton having a dispenser with a removable dispenser panel. The dispenser panel is configured to be easily removed and to allow access to containers in the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles F. Ho Fung, Jean-Manuel Gomes
  • Publication number: 20110073511
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pack, which includes at least two PET containers combined with each other, which are held together by a strip-like or ribbon-like strap, the strap being spun about an outer surface of the PET containers in a horizontal manner, wherein an inner surface of the strap, which lies at the outer surfaces of the PET containers, is fixed at least at one junction with one of the PET containers. The strap is fixed at the junction by a material integrated bond in the form of at least one welded joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Kurt Perl, Michael Hartl
  • Patent number: 7913837
    Abstract: One embodiment of the carrier has a central vertical support panel structure with two foldable receptacles extending outwardly from the vertical support panel structure. The outside wall of each receptacle is extended upwardly and bent over to cover the receptacle, and the top portions of those walls are joined together to form a carrying handle structure, either with or without the upper portion of the vertical support panel structure. The portions of the outside walls forming the covers can have openings to receive the necks of bottles such as wine and beer bottles to give added lateral support for the bottles. A simplified embodiment uses only one of the foldable receptacles and has two lateral side walls which extend upwardly and join together to form a handle structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: SJV Food & Beverage Carriers, Inc.
    Inventor: Angelo V. Cuomo
  • Patent number: 7913844
    Abstract: A carton for carrying a plurality of articles. The carton comprises a top panel, at least one side panel foldably connected to the top panel at a first line of weakening, and a top retainer foldably connected to the top panel and the at least one side panel. The top retainer comprises a top retention panel foldably connected to the top panel at a second line of weakening, a side retention panel foldably connected to the top retention panel at a portion of the first line of weakening, and a tuck-in panel foldably connected to the at least one side panel at a third line of weakening, the second line of weakening and the third line of weakening each comprising a cut/crease line having at least one cut portion and at least one score line portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond R. Spivey, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7909163
    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 22, 2011
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen R. Harrelson
  • Publication number: 20110048995
    Abstract: A carrier for condiment and beverage containers has an upright sidewall affixed to a horizontal bottom that cooperates with the sidewall to form a storage area to receive and hold condiment and beverage containers. A horizontal platform integral with the bottom extends outward with respect to the sidewall terminating with an outer end. An elongate dowel is affixed to the platform between the outer end of the platform and the sidewall. The elongate dowel extends upright with respect to the platform, and is to receive thereabout a paper towel roll and the platform to receive and support an end of the paper towel roll received thereabout the elongate dowel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: JAMES C. KELLER
  • Publication number: 20110031147
    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: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventor: Cherie EUGUI
  • Patent number: 7878328
    Abstract: The invention relates to a packet (1) including: a group of articles (2) which are arranged in several rows (4, 5, 6, 7) which each contain at least two adjacent articles (2), including a first row (4) at the front end (3) of the packet (1), each article (2) having a base (9) and an opposing top (10); a side (16) which is made from a rigid or semi-rigid material, which is disposed on the articles (2) and which includes an upper panel (17) that covers the tops (10) of at least one row (5, 6, 7) of articles (2); and a film (19) which is wrapped tightly around the assembly. The aforementioned upper panel (17) of the side (16) covers the tops (10) of the articles (2) in all of the rows (5, 6, 7) with the exception of the tops (10) of the articles (2) in the first row (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Sidel Participations
    Inventors: Valérie Dubosq, François Gosset, Jean-Félix Lesueur, Cyril Touchet
  • Patent number: 7874477
    Abstract: A carton with a new dispenser that can be opened by a pull tab with this dispenser flap being placed in a corner of the top panel of the carton so that it is adjacent to the tops of the small necks of the bottles for easy opening and removal or for opening and reclosing. The dispenser flap is held in position by resistant tear lines but can be easily removed by an attached pull tab that is loosely connected to the top panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Sutherland, Raymond R. Spivey, Sr., Glen R. Harrelson
  • Patent number: 7870957
    Abstract: A package (10) includes a plurality of articles (B) that are disposed on their sides in a matrix arrangement that includes a plurality of rows (R1, R2, R3) and columns (C1, C2, C3, C4). A lower row (R1) of articles (B) defines a dispensing position (P1) for each column (C1, C2, C3, C4) and upper rows (R2, R3) of articles (B) define descending positions (P2, P3) for each column (C1, C2, C3, C4). A carton (500) encloses the articles (B) and includes a detachable portion (1115, 1315) that can be detached along a severance line (1110, 1310) to expose the articles in the dispensing positions (P1). Inserts (400, 800, 1000) are provided to facilitate dispensing the articles, to control the rate of descent of articles moving from the descending positions (P2, P3) toward the dispensing positions (P1), and/or to provide insulation between the articles as they move toward the dispensing positions (P1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: John M. Holley, Jr., Bradford J. Walling, Garrett K. Schemmel
  • Patent number: 7870993
    Abstract: A carton for packaging articles can be carried and unloaded in an upright condition. The carton is formed as an elongated tubular structure with opposed open ends. An end wall partially closes the first open end. At least one edge of the end wall is free from the tubular structure so as to define an open region therebetween that facilitates grasping the end wall for removal of the end wall to reveal the articles for dispensing. A handle formed from at least one aperture is positioned proximate to the detachable end wall to facilitate carrying of the carton in an upright condition with the dispensing end up. An end flap is hingedly connected to the tubular structure includes a second aperture that is reinforcingly aligned with the first aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Bradford J. Walling
  • Publication number: 20110005955
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a secondary packaging (4) comprising a plurality of individual primary packages (1) and at least one envelope (2) that gathers and holds the said primary packages together, characterized in that at least two adjacent individual primary packages within the envelope (2) comprise attaching means (6) so as to prevent any movement of one primary package relative to the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventor: Marc Laupie
  • Publication number: 20100326857
    Abstract: A display system for holding a plurality of bottles has a container having a side wall. A first support piece has a side edge to engage the side wall of the container. The first support piece has a center point and a plurality of openings or cut-outs spaced from the center point by a first set distance. Each opening or cut-out is adapted to receive a bottle. A second support piece has a side edge to engage the side wall of the container. The second support piece has a center point and a plurality of openings or cut-outs spaced from the center point by a second set distance which is greater than the first set distance. Each opening is adapted to receive a bottle. The positioning of the openings in the first support and the second support is such that bottles when placed in the display system are oriented non-perpendicular to the plane of the support piece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: CHALIFOUR'S FLOWERS, GIFT & GOURMET, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan D. Abood, Jeffrey R. Abood, Stuart McCandless
  • Publication number: 20100314274
    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: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: NOTTINGHAM SPIRK PARTNERS LLC
    Inventors: Craig Saunders, John Evan Spirk, Jeffrey Kalman, Jens P. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20100310105
    Abstract: Described herein is a case for holding a plurality of items arranged in an ordered fashion. The case includes a structure having a cavity, the structure having thin walls and being lightweight; a plurality of the items to be disposed in the cavity; and a flat speaker comprising a speaker frame and a speaker, the speaker frame supporting the speaker, the speaker housing being attached to a wall of the structure and extending from outside the wall into the cavity, wherein the speaker is disposed at an area of the wall that does not interfere with the arrangement of items in the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: ANIMAL MARKETING INC.
    Inventor: EDGAR DAVIS
  • Publication number: 20100300912
    Abstract: A nestable crate or container for holding bottles. The crate has a floor portion substantially in a first plane having a plurality of bottle seating areas, with each bottle seating area being adapted to receive a lower portion of a bottle. The crate also includes a peripheral wall surrounding the floor portion and extending upward from the floor portion, a plurality of central columns extending upward from the floor portion and oriented proximate to a longitudinal centerline of the crate, and a plurality of pylons extending upward from the floor portion along the periphery of the crate. Each central column includes at least one first bottle-contacting surface and each pylori includes at least one second bottle-contacting surface. Both the first and second bottle contacting surfaces are substantially orthogonal to the first plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: ORBIS CANADA LIMITED
    Inventor: Edward L. Stahl
  • Patent number: 7832621
    Abstract: A fully enclosed paperboard carton having a top, a base, a pair of oppositely disposed sides and a pair of oppositely disposed end panels. Each end panel being substantially planar and perpendicular to the base and top. Each side having a lower portion that is substantially planar and perpendicular to the base and an upper portion that is substantially planar and tapers inwardly towards its edge connection with the top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Leslie Smalley
  • Patent number: 7823721
    Abstract: A package for holding a plurality of containers. The package has a top panel and side panels. The package has retention features for retaining the containers and handle features for grasping and lifting the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Sutherland, Colin P. Ford
  • Patent number: 7815047
    Abstract: A collapsible insulated jacket for a beverage container is formed from the same material as that of the carton in which the beverages are sold. A plurality of insulated jackets are secured together along a perforated line. The plurality of insulated jackets can be formed as a portion of the carton or as a separate item removable secured to the carton. A layer of insulating material can be added to the material of the jacket to provide additional insulating properties for the jacket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: Christopher Trimarco
  • Patent number: 7815097
    Abstract: A carton is provided for carrying a plurality of pouches which has at least one dispenser in the top panel formed between the handle and the end panel. The carton may have two dispensers, with one formed on each side of the handle between the handle and an end panel. The dispenser is sized so that only one pouch can be dispensed at a time from each row of pouches. The loaded carton can be carried by the handle after a dispenser has been opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Fogle, Raymond R. Spivey, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20100258467
    Abstract: A tray for containers, such as beverage bottles, includes a base and a plurality of interior columns extending upwardly from the base. A plurality of columns extend upwardly along at least a portion of the periphery of the tray. Side walls extend along the sides of the tray and end walls extend along the ends of the tray, the end walls connected to the side walls by corner walls. The corner walls protrude upwardly higher than the side walls and end walls and include an opening at a lower edge thereof for receiving a corner portion of an identical tray nested therebelow. In another, independent feature, dividers and/or the walls include recesses along uppermost edges to reduce the overall footprint of the tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: William P. Apps
  • Patent number: 7806257
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for blocking a bar code in a package includes a carrier with a plurality of apertures. The carrier is formed with a plastic material containing an absorbing dye and a fluorescing dye so that a bar code on each container is not readable by a bar code scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Peter L. Samaras, Joel A. Richardson, Glenn E. Ihrig, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7806314
    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. End flaps are respectively foldably attached to 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. A dispenser has a tear line and at least one dispenser section foldably attached to the carton for at least partially defining an opening in the carton for accessing the containers. A gusset connects the end flaps, wherein the gusset can be unfolded to allow relative movement between the end flaps and to allow the dispenser section to pivot outwardly to enlarge the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Sutherland
  • Patent number: 7793783
    Abstract: A nestable crate or container for holding bottles. The crate has a floor portion substantially in a first plane having a plurality of bottle seating areas, with each bottle seating area being adapted to receive a lower portion of a bottle. The crate also includes a peripheral wall surrounding the floor portion and extending upward from the floor portion, a plurality of central columns extending upward from the floor portion and oriented proximate to a longitudinal centerline of the crate, and a plurality of pylons extending upward from the floor portion along the periphery of the crate. Each central column includes at least one first bottle-contacting surface and each pylon includes at least one second bottle-contacting surface. Both the first and second bottle contacting surfaces are substantially orthogonal to the first plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Orbis Canada Limited
    Inventor: Edward L. Stahl
  • Patent number: 7793779
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond R. Spivey, Sr., Charles F. Ho Fung
  • Patent number: 7789231
    Abstract: A package is formed from a carton and containers extending through a bottom panel of the carton. The carton also includes a top panel, and an intermediate panel located between the top and bottom panels. The intermediate panel acts to stabilize the containers within the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Emili Requena
  • Patent number: 7784675
    Abstract: A carton can be placed in a dispensing configuration by separating the carton into dispenser sections. The dispenser sections may be connected by a hinge that allows the sections to stand side-by-side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Sutherland, Charles F. Ho Fung, Barry D. Biddle
  • Patent number: 7780003
    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: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen R. Harrelson
  • Patent number: 7766219
    Abstract: A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton has panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton. The panels comprise a top panel, a bottom panel and a first side panel and a second side panel. The carton has a dispenser for allowing access to the articles in the carton. The dispenser has a dispenser panel that is at least partially defined by a tear line in the carton and is for being at least partially removed for at least further opening a dispenser opening. The carton can also have a curved end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Manuel Gomes, Raymond Rudolph Spivey, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20100187144
    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 1, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventor: Glen R. Harrelson
  • Patent number: 7762397
    Abstract: A wrap-around carrier package has handle features formed in a top panel of the package. The handle features allow a user to deform and grasp the top panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Coltri-Johnson, Jean-Manuel Gomes
  • Patent number: 7762395
    Abstract: Carrier packages are constructed to tightly secure articles within the packages. The carrier packages include end webs that partially close the ends of the packages and retain articles within the carrier package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Sutherland, Colin P. Ford
  • Patent number: 7762451
    Abstract: A carton for carrying a plurality of cylindrical containers in at least three rows having a dispenser flap that is easily removed from the end of the carton to expose a dispenser which has a bottom of a sufficient height from the bottom panel to prevent containers in the bottom row from rolling out, but less than a diameter of a container in the bottom row. This carton also has a panel dispenser flap that is easily removed from a top or bottom panel of the carton to expose a dispenser which has a bottom of sufficient height from the end of the carton on which it is resting while dispensing containers to prevent the containers in the bottom row from falling out, but less than the diameter of a container in the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen R. Harrelson
  • Patent number: 7762394
    Abstract: Cartons have dispensers that allow ease of access to articles accommodated within the cartons. A carton has a back panel, a top panel, a front panel, a bottom panel, a first end panel, a second end panel, and a dispenser/stand pattern disposed in the top panel and the front panel and defining a dispenser/stand. The carton is capable of being placed in a dispensing configuration in which the dispenser/stand provides a dispenser opening and supports the carton in an inclined position. The dispenser/stand is connected to the front panel when the dispenser/stand supports the carton in an inclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Bradford, Steve Gould
  • Patent number: 7762396
    Abstract: A cup carrier for holding beverage cups within a range of shapes and sizes is provided. The carrier has a cup-holding socket that has stabilizing shoulders and stabilizing walls extending inwardly and downwardly therefrom. The stabilizing walls include an upper portion having a relatively shallow angle and lower portions having a steeper angle. This extends the stabilizing wall further into an upper region of the socket, thereby enabling the stabilizing wall to contact smaller diameter cups at a higher point in order to increase stability. The upper portion contacts larger cups inserted into the socket. Because the upper portion initially has a relatively shallow angle, it exerts a desirable gripping force on the cups when it is deflected outwardly by the cup's sidewall. The carrier also includes a stepped center cavity for increased strength and rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Huhtamaki, Inc.
    Inventors: Keegan Yang, Donald V. Breton, Robert K. Hussey
  • Patent number: 7757933
    Abstract: A carton has a multi-ply handle formed from sections of two overlapping panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Jackie W. Dunn
  • Patent number: 7748603
    Abstract: A carton has a handle that allows a user to carry the carton when closed, and that extends to allow a user to carry the carton when the carton is in an open configuration. The carton includes gusseted end panels that create a partially closed bottom receptacle in the opened carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Fogle, Jean-Manuel Gomes, Colin P. Ford
  • Patent number: 7743970
    Abstract: A reinforced handle is provided in an end wall closure of a sleeve type carton by forming a handle aperture in a top end flap, and by aligning the handle aperture with corresponding cutouts formed in respective side end flaps, each cutout being reinforced with one or more reinforcing panels that align with at least its weight bearing edge. Each reinforcing panel is hingedly attached to the respective side end flap to be foldable along the hinged connection and secured in a face contacting arrangement, whereby the reinforcing panel overlies the cutout as an overlay panel, or aligns its edge with the weight bearing edge of the cutout. In this manner, the material at the weight bearing edge of the cutout is at least two plies thick. When the carton is fully erected and sealed, the reinforced cutout is in registry with the handle aperture, thereby creating the reinforced handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron Bates, John M. Holley, Jr.