For An Egg, Fruit, Or Vegetable (e.g., Egg Carton) Patents (Class 206/521.1)
  • Patent number: 11912494
    Abstract: A packaging unit from a moulded pulp material and a manufacturing method therefor. The packaging unit comprises a bottom part with product receiving compartments and a number of cones that are provided between the compartments, a cover part a hinge configured for hingedly connecting the bottom part with the cover part, and a lock configured for locking the cover part to the bottom part, with the lock comprising a one or more locking openings and one or more corresponding locking cams. The bottom part comprises a support member that is configured for engaging the cover part and wherein the one or more locking openings comprise and/or are circumvented by a backwards curved upper edge that is at least partially positioned in the transition region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Huhtamaki Molded Fiber Technology B.V.
    Inventors: Sandor Klaas Veenje, Jelmer Gerhard Jan Van der Meij
  • Patent number: 11884478
    Abstract: An egg carton having base and lid trays that when disposed in vertical alignment (with the lid tray on top of the base tray) form a closed egg carton. The base and lid trays each include a pair of mating handle components, such that when assembled to form a closed carton provide both enhanced strength and ease of carrying the assembled carton. The handles also facilitate handling of the base and lid trays separately during manufacture, packing and transport, and during and after filling the base with eggs. The new base, lid and carton assembly are particularly useful when adapted for holding more than a dozen eggs, for example when holding 30 or more eggs in a rectilinear array of egg cells (arranged in linear rows and transverse linear columns), such as a 5×6 array of egg cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: Tekni-Plex, Inc.
    Inventors: Babu Kuruvilla, Rafael Rivera, Roger Lichtle, Mark A. Bergeron
  • Patent number: 11738905
    Abstract: An easy to assemble and store, recyclable assembly of a produce basket with a complementary carrying sleeve, assembled from pre-formed flat components that fold into shape is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Inventors: Nicola Pacia, Thomas Latzkowski
  • Patent number: 11564375
    Abstract: A canine multi-meal kit is provided herein. The kit comprises at least two containers, each container storing one dehydrated canine meal, in aspects. Each dehydrated canine meal is sealed within a container in an airtight manner by a containment structure. Each containment structure partitions a container into a volume occupied by a canine meal and another volume that is not occupied by the canine meal, as the volume of the canine meal is less than the total volume of the corresponding container. In one aspect, items are stored at least partially within the unoccupied volume of the containers when the kit is in an enclosed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: FENRIS, LLC
    Inventors: Evan Jansen, Bret Hribar, Matthew Lerch
  • Patent number: 11459143
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a hybrid package and carrier system. The system can include a container for storing a plurality of items set at a first position, wherein the container is configured with a trapezoidal configuration. The system can also include the plurality of items set at a second position, wherein the plurality of items are positioned within the container to enable the container to store the plurality of items. Further, the system can include a cover set at a third position with a trapezoidal shape, wherein the cover is positioned over the container to protect the plurality of items stored in the container. The system can also include a handle configured to an exterior portion of the cover with the trapezoidal shape, wherein the handle is set to lift the cover along with the plurality of items stored within the container in a vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Inventor: Christopher M. Darmon
  • Patent number: 11001410
    Abstract: A pulp-molded paper container is introduced herein, which comprises a top cover body, a bottom box body and at least one pivot portion. The top cover body comprises a top sidewall having an inner surface. The bottom box body comprises a bottom sidewall having an outer surface and a recess portion. A plane-to-plane contact is constituted with occurrence of a static friction force, between the inner surface of the top sidewall and the outer surface of the bottom sidewall, by way of an elastic deformation effect of the recess portion under a manner while the bottom box body and the top cover body mutually matched in a closed manner, whereby the static friction force can make a tight retention occurring along between the top cover body and the bottom box body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: GOLDEN ARROW PRINTING TECHNOLOGY (KUNSHAN) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chien-Kuan Kuo, Chun-Huang Huang
  • Patent number: 10967291
    Abstract: Piñata apparatus and methods of assembling the same. In one embodiment, the piñata apparatus includes a lid container having a plurality of apertures disposed therein and a back container which is configured to house a plurality of divider elements, the plurality of divider elements configured to create a plurality of cavities, respective ones of the plurality of cavities being associated with respective ones of the plurality of apertures. The plurality of cavities is configured to house a plurality of chattels and a user of the piñata apparatus is able to access respective ones of the plurality of chattels by reaching through one of the plurality of apertures. Embodiments are also disclosed in which multiple piñata apparatus are attached to one another. Individual ones of the multiple piñata apparatus may contain separate classifications of chattels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Inventor: Miriam Veronica Padilla
  • Patent number: 10850916
    Abstract: Disclosed is a container for protecting baked goods during shipment that includes, among other elements, a lid and a base. The base includes a plurality of wells and interconnected posts. Each well is adapted for supporting a baked good during shipment. The interconnected posts are formed in the base and extend upwardly from a base bottom. Each post is positioned adjacent to at least one of the wells and includes a retainer shoulder that is positioned proximate an upper end of the post and adapted to positively capture baked goods in each of the adjacent wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Inline Plastics Corp.
    Inventors: Sameh Guirguis, Victor Ivenitsky, Daniel A. Landan, Roman D'Alessandro, Steve Introne, Herb Knutson
  • Patent number: 10703559
    Abstract: A punnet for strawberries, configured by a sheet with a flat surface, from which a number of cavities extend inferiorly, to accommodate strawberries in a horizontal position, and superiorly a number of protuberances, located in correspondence with the cavities. The protuberances feature a hollow interior which defines a niche to accommodate strawberries in a vertical position. The geometry and dimensions of each of the cavities and the niches are determined by those of the strawberries to be accommodated therein. The sheet of the punnet further comprises a plurality of tear lines to enable its division into a plurality of punnets. The punnet thus defined therefore enables the accommodation of strawberries in a horizontal position in a first orientation and in a vertical position in a second orientation, opposite and alternative to the first.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: SONANA 1998, S.L.
    Inventor: Manuel Matos Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 10703558
    Abstract: Packaging units for products like eggs, and a mould and method therefore, are disclosed. According to one embodiment a packaging unit for products like eggs includes a carton made of moulded pulp with a bottom part including compartments for individual products, and a cover part including top, front and rear surfaces, and a label made of paperboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: HUHTAMAKI MOLDED FIBER TECHNOLOGY B.V.
    Inventor: Wijbe Dijkstra
  • Patent number: 10669092
    Abstract: An injection molded egg pack has a lower part, with egg holders in an interior, and a lid, integrally formed via a hinge strip and having an at least partially planar lid wall. A releasable closed position of the lid is achieved by lid-fastening means engaging in fastening means of the lower part and a periphery of the lower part engaging in a lid periphery. The lid can be swung in a reproducibly simple manner onto the lower part. This is achieved in that at least one latch-in means is integrally formed on an inner surface of the lid wall, such that it projects away in the direction of a lid plane, and at least one open hollow stub is integrally formed on the lower part, between adjacent egg holders, such that it projects away from the egg holders and a subdivision plane, out of the interior, by way of a stub-opening periphery in such a manner that, in the closed position of the lid, the stub projects out of the interior as far as the inner surface of the lid wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: FOSTAG FORMENBAU AG
    Inventor: Rolf Mühlemann
  • Patent number: 10647049
    Abstract: To guard against injury to persons engaging the trim edges of a hinged container, a protective flap extends from the lid on either end of the axial hinge. The flaps extend from the corners of the lid adjacent respective trim edges of the hinge. The flaps have a rounded bottom portion which is extended past the axial hinge line. The curved structure of the protective flaps helps to gently deflect objects, such as fingers, away from any sharply angled trim edges of the hinge, thereby guarding handlers from accidental injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Tekni-Plex, Inc.
    Inventors: Babu Kuruvilla, Mark A. Bergeron
  • Patent number: 10589668
    Abstract: Caution indicators are disclosed relating to transportation safety that include a sleeve, a primary opening and a protruding end opposite the primary opening. The sleeve may be 5 or more feet long; with the primary opening being at least as big as the protruding end. The sleeve may include both florescent material and retroreflective material. Use of such caution indicators may increase safety in the transport of long objects such as utility poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Inventor: Michael Bean
  • Patent number: 10562679
    Abstract: A combination of a closing element (28) and a receiving structure (24) is provided wherein the closing element (28) and receiving structure (24) are in an initially assembled orientation which prevents, but which can be subsequently operated to permit, communication through the receiving structure (24). The receiving structure (24) includes at least one laterally projecting shear member (40) and a spout (30) defining (A) an access passage (32). The closing element (28) has an aperture (78) for receiving a shear member (40) of the receiving structure (24). At least one frangible bridge (78) extends across a portion of the aperture (74) for being severed by the shear member (40) during relative rotation between the closing element (28) and the receiving structure (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: APTARGROUP, INC.
    Inventor: John Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 10477781
    Abstract: A horticulture tray including a plurality of growing cells each configured to accommodate a stabilized growth plug therein. A support peak of each cell is configured to protrude into a center of the stabilized growth plug and force soil of the stabilized growth plug outward and away from the support peak. A sidewall of each cell is angled to force soil of the stabilized growth plug inward and away from the sidewall. The support peak and the sidewall force soil of the stabilized growth plug together between the support peak and the sidewall to compact the soil to form a soil bridge that extends between the support peak and the sidewall, and prevents soil from passing through the growing cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Blackmore Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred N. Blackmore, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10472164
    Abstract: Tri-fold egg carton has a base and a cover each having a complementary matrix of egg receiving cells such that, when the cover is assembled on top of the base, the complementary cells encapsulate each egg in an individual cell pocket (see FIGS. 3-5). Each base cell and cover cell includes a central dome and first and second radially spaced apart circumferential hinges that surround the central dome, and lie radially inward of a lowermost standing ring, enabling the dome to move up and down above the plane of the standing ring (in the height direction of the closed carton) between multiple positions to accommodate jumbo eggs of varying dimensions (height and width) to hold them securely in their respective cell pocket. The base and cover further include full height cell posts with mating surfaces that engage in the assembled state. The carton further includes a lid which fits over the cover (of the assembled cover and base), in a secure and locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Tekni-Plex, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Bergeron, Babu Kuruvilla, Roger P. Lichtle
  • Patent number: 10407204
    Abstract: A garnish tray for whole garnish includes a plurality of wells having an opening at one end defined by sidewalls extending from a top surface to a bottom surface to define a well depth; and a plurality of channels extending between adjacent wells, wherein the plurality of channels extend from the top surface to a channel depth equal to or less than the well depth. Also disclosed are processes for serving the whole garnish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Inventor: Kevin Michael O Brien
  • Patent number: 10227157
    Abstract: A plastic egg carton having features that enable aligning and stacking of multiple cartons for transport, and providing easy-to-view print and labeling areas in multiple directions. In one embodiment, the egg carton has a unique lid including a flat diagonal stacking panel (also referred to as a diagonal lid panel) that extends between two opposing corners of the rectangular shaped carton. The top wall of the diagonal lid panel can receive labeling or printing. The diagonal lid panel also includes a sidewall extending downwardly from the top wall toward a bottom perimeter edge of the lid, the sidewall having at each of the two opposing corners at least one flat side panel that can also receive printing or labeling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: TEKNI-PLEX, INC.
    Inventors: Babu Kuruvilla, Roger Lichtle, Mark A. Bergeron, Robert Andrew Eberle, Oleg Berger
  • Patent number: 10117529
    Abstract: A display hutch is provided that can be made from three components adhered together to form a flat compact structure suitable for shipping. The compact structure can be positioned upright and converted into the display hutch by pushing down on support halves or by rotating inwardly side shelf panels and front shelf panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Abel
  • Patent number: 10099846
    Abstract: Plastic egg cartons having mating cell and lid posts for improved egg protection. The carton has a base tray and hinged lid, the tray including a plurality of cells for receiving individual eggs, and the tray having a plurality of cell posts each formed at an intersection of four adjacent cells as an extension of the sidewalls of the four adjacent cells. Preferable, each cell post has four generally planar ramp surfaces, one disposed respectively on each of the four sidewall extensions. The lid has a plurality of lid posts for mating with the cell posts when the lid is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Tekni-Plex, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Ramirez, Mark A. Bergeron, Roger P. Lichtle
  • Patent number: 10000332
    Abstract: A package for eggs having a bottom part, a cover part and upwardly extending retainment projections cooperating with apertures in the cover part. A pillow post may be formed between neighboring egg receiving compartments of the package. The retainment projections and corresponding apertures may be constructed so as to not be aligned after a molding process but then aligned after a subsequent drying process. The retainment projections may cooperate with apertures in the cover part including engaging a tongue located at the bottom of the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: BRØDRENE HARTMANN A/S
    Inventors: Hans Erik Roth, Nick Buckley
  • Patent number: 9937047
    Abstract: A mold for forming a prosthesis is disclosed. The mold can include a stem portion, a head portion, and a securement assembly. The stem portion and the head portion can be provided in a kit having a variety of different interior dimensions so that a user can select or customize a mold cavity size based on the dimensions of a particular implant site of a patient. While a set of stem portions and head portions can have interior dimensions of varying sizes, each of the stem portions and each of the head portions can have the same or similar exterior dimensions for attachment using a common securement structure. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Zimmer, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Holt, Michael Cordonnier, Dimitri Protopsaltis, William Daniel, Amber Lenz, Terrance Strohkirch, Philip Gilbert
  • Patent number: 9810514
    Abstract: A reusable container for storing ammunition cartridges or similar shaped products comprises a base having a plurality of recesses, a first cover portion, and a second cover portion. A first link is pivotably connected to the base and the first cover portion. A second link is pivotably connected to the base and to the second cover portion. In a closed position, a first snap releasably retains the first cover portion over the base and a second snap releasably retains the second cover portion over the base. In an open position, the top and bottom surfaces of the container are configured so that multiple containers can be nested and stacked together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: DEUFOL SUNMAN INC.
    Inventors: Dustin Hofer, Daniel Wyss
  • Patent number: 9617060
    Abstract: A container with a vented intermediate section, a base section, and a cover section. When the cover section is pivoted in the closed position a cover enclosure is formed between the intermediate section and the cover section, as are container receiving cavities. Interior vents fluidly couple the container receiving cavities with the cover enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Highland Packaging Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger Hanna
  • Patent number: 9611067
    Abstract: The system for shipping bottles is provided; the system contains a plurality of corrugated members that interleave to form a plurality of bottle holding cavities. The system utilizes an insulative pad formed of a textile pad disposed within a polymer film sleeve. The insulative pad is disposed around the bottle holding cavities. A textile pad has chopped fibers selected from the group polyester, nylon, acrylic, cotton, polypropylene, denim and combinations thereof is coupled to an interior surface being attached to the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Inventor: Chad A. Collison
  • Patent number: 9565911
    Abstract: The disclosed invention relates generally to various embodiments of holders and packaging for giving gifts. In particular, the invention relates to various gift card holders that hold a gift card and enhance the presentation and gift giving experience for recipients and gift givers alike. The holders and packing also permit a gift card disposed therein to be visible, scanned, accessed, or otherwise activated without removing the gift card from the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Gift Card Impressions, LLC
    Inventors: Brett R. Glass, Nicole E. Glass
  • Patent number: 9555946
    Abstract: A sun reflective ice chest cover that includes an open-bottomed reflective shell having a high albedo and emissivity, said reflective shell positional enclosing an existing ice chest wherein exposed surfaces of said ice chest are encloseable interior to said reflective shell and reflection of incident sunlight and radiation of heat away from said ice chest is thereby enabled, whereby the cooler interior is maintainable at lower temperatures for periods longer than temperatures maintained interior to said cooler when used absent said reflective shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventor: Gary Wayne Warman
  • Patent number: 9532470
    Abstract: A resin casing includes a resin case and a resin cover attached to the resin case. A plurality of depressions is formed respectively on an outer surface and an inner surface of a top plate of the resin cover. The depressions are alternately arranged on the outer surface and the inner surface along a predetermined direction as seen in a plan view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: KEIHIN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hirokazu Yamana
  • Patent number: 9315317
    Abstract: A container for eggs which uniformly orients eggs so that a substantial amount of surface area of the egg is uniformly presented for marking and viewing. The container has receptacles that may include one or more guidance features configured to automatically guide eggs to settle into a preferred resting orientation with the eggs uniformly centered and tilted slightly backward within their receptacles. The receptacles are designed to resist movement of the eggs from their resting orientation during marking, shipping or handling. Optionally, guidance and stabilizing features may cooperate to maintain eggs in a desired resting orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: TEN Media, LLC
    Inventors: Mitchell Barry Chait, Richard Blackburn, Marco Armand Hegyi
  • Patent number: 9308092
    Abstract: The invention relates to a package for receiving an adapter sleeve for a hip endoprosthesis, the hip endoprosthesis comprising a ball head which has to be pushed onto the adapter sleeve with a defined pushing-on force. For simplification and secure fastening of the ball head on the adapter sleeve, it is proposed according to the invention that a device for the mounting of the ball head on the adapter sleeve is integrated in the package and this device comprises indicating elements which indicate that the defined pushing-on force has been reached when the ball head is pressed onto the adapter sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: CeramTec GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Dietrich, Patricie Merkert, Roman Preuss, Paul Silberer, Heinrich Wecker
  • Patent number: 9290315
    Abstract: Egg cartons comprising an egg-opening apparatus coupled to the egg carton are provided. The egg-opening apparatus includes any shape and/or form that is capable of opening and/or cracking an egg when the egg is struck on the egg-opening apparatus. Furthermore, the egg-opening apparatus includes any material having a hardness that is capable of opening and/or cracking an egg when the egg is struck on the egg-opening apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Inventor: Nathan Hunsaker
  • Patent number: 9266665
    Abstract: A container for receiving frangible items comprises a sheet of polymer formed into a base portion having a plurality of item-receiving cavities for supporting frangible items. A cover portion has an item-covering concavity for covering the frangible items. A first hinge portion is positioned between a first longitudinal edge of the base portion and the cover portion for rotating the cover portion onto the base portion to hold the frangible items captive in the item-receiving cavities. The first hinge portion comprises a pair of longitudinal grooves formed into the first hinge portion and extending parallel to the first longitudinal edge of the base portion, with a web defined between the longitudinal grooves, and a hinge-reinforcement wall at at least one end of the longitudinal grooves. A fold line is formed in the web and in the hinge-reinforcement wall when the cover portion is rotated onto the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: PACTIV CANADA INC.
    Inventors: François Blanchette, Germain Archambault
  • Patent number: 9169058
    Abstract: Improvements have been made to one or more of a lid, cover, and base of a tri-fold egg carton, the improvements allowing the secure and easy loading and protection of jumbo sized eggs, in cartons that can be processed and packaged with standard equipment and in standard case sizes. Further, in one or more embodiments the improvements provide improved processability with automated labeling equipment. In one or more embodiments, the improvements allow for improved de-nesting of multiple empty cartons, prior to filling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: Tekni-Plex, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Ramirez, Mark A. Bergeron, Babu Kuruvilla, Roger P. Lichtle
  • Patent number: 8991604
    Abstract: An egg package formed of a fibrous material includes a bottom part which has egg receiving compartments which at least partially match the outer contours of an egg. A cover part has a top surface, a front surface, a back surface and two end surfaces. The Front side has a generally horizontal upper edge with restraint projections extending forwardly and downwardly from the upper edge for locking engagement with cooperating apertures in the front surface of the cover part. The front surface of the cover adjacent to the bottom part has apertures. The cover part has a plurality of longitudinal recesses extending between the top surface and the front surface of the cover part through each recess and extends from the top surface down beyond the middle of the front surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Brødrene Hartmann A/S
    Inventor: Nick Buckley
  • Publication number: 20150083633
    Abstract: The invention pertains to an egg package (2), said package being formed of a fibrous material, the package (2) comprising: a bottom part (4) comprising a plurality of egg-receiving compartments (8) having non-planar side surfaces so as to match at least partially the outer contours of an egg, the plurality of compartments (8) being arranged in at least two parallel rows, a cover part (6) comprising a top surface (10), a front surface (12), a back surface (14), and two planar end surfaces (18), the cover part (6) being permanently connected to the bottom part (4) by a hinge (16) between the back surface (14) of the cover part (6) and the bottom part (4) so as to allow the cover part (6) to move between an open position and a closed position, said cover part (6) comprising two partially ovoid portions (20) extending outwardly from each of the two end surfaces, wherein the partially ovoid portions (20) on the same end surface convexly and continuously extend into a continuous and concave middle section (32), con
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Nick Buckley, Hans Erik Roth
  • Patent number: 8871287
    Abstract: A method for arranging eggs in a container. Eggs placed in receptacles of the container come to a resting orientation, by virtue of eh contouring of the receptacle, such that a long axis of the first egg is tilted toward a rear portion of the container at nearly uniform angles slightly offset from a vertical axis, and parallel side-to-side. Using features of the container, movement of eggs from their resting orientation, as well as twisting (spinning) about their long axes is resisted during marking, shipping or handling. The orienting of eggs in the receptacles or compartments thereof may be aided by use of an egg orienter. Tilting of the eggs may be facilitated by using receptacles or compartments which are asymmetrically contoured with respect to the vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: TEN Media, LLC
    Inventors: Mitchell Barry Chait, Richard Blackburn, Marco Armand Hegyi
  • Patent number: 8863955
    Abstract: A container for frangible articles comprising a tray molded in a sheet of polymeric material having a hinge portion separating a bottom portion from a cover portion with the cover portion being pivotable into engagement with the bottom portion to conceal the frangible articles in the container. The bottom portion comprises rows of cavities with each cavity adapted to support a frangible article. The cavities have lugs projecting inwardly and from bottom to top from a main surface of the cavity to support the frangible article while maintaining air gaps between the frangible article and the main surface. Corner cavities are positioned at opposite leading corners of the bottom portion and each have a protective rib oriented toward its respective leading corner and projecting outwardly from the main surface and from bottom to top to provide structural integrity to the opposite leading corners of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Pactiv Canada Inc
    Inventor: Yves St-Onge
  • Patent number: 8844721
    Abstract: A container for receiving frangible items comprises a sheet of polymer formed into a base portion having a plurality of item-receiving cavities for supporting frangible items. The item-receiving cavities have a frustoconical portion having a generally frustoconical geometry. A cover portion has an item-covering concavity for covering the frangible items. A first hinge is between a first longitudinal edge of the base portion and the cover portion for rotating the cover portion onto the base portion to hold the frangible items captive in the item receiving cavities. A hollow bridge spans between at least two adjacent item-receiving cavities of the container, a bottom edge of the hollow bridge being lower than a midheight of the frustoconical portion of the item-receiving cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Pactiv Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Germain Archambault, François Blanchette
  • Publication number: 20140190862
    Abstract: A container for receiving frangible items comprises a sheet of polymer formed into a base portion having a plurality of item-receiving cavities for supporting frangible items. A cover portion has an item-covering concavity for covering the frangible items. A first hinge portion is positioned between a first longitudinal edge of the base portion and the cover portion for rotating the cover portion onto the base portion to hold the frangible items captive in the item-receiving cavities. The first hinge portion comprises a pair of longitudinal grooves formed into the first hinge portion and extending parallel to the first longitudinal edge of the base portion, with a web defined between the longitudinal grooves, and a hinge-reinforcement wall at at least one end of the longitudinal grooves. A fold line is formed in the web and in the hinge-reinforcement wall when the cover portion is rotated onto the base portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventors: Francois Blanchette, Germain Archambault
  • Patent number: 8715757
    Abstract: A package of eggs is disclosed which comprises a plurality of eggs arranged in one or more rows. The eggs are arranged in the package so that a long axis of each egg in the package is tilted toward the back of the package so as to be at least slightly offset from vertical. In some embodiments, each of the eggs in the package may have information laser marked on it in substantially the same location as the other eggs in the package, and the eggs may be oriented in the package such that information marked on each egg faces substantially the same direction as the information marked on the other eggs in the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: TEN Media, LLC
    Inventors: Mitchell Barry Chait, Allan Irwin Brown, Marco Armand Hegyi, Greg Anderson
  • Patent number: 8695803
    Abstract: A container for receiving frangible items comprises a sheet of polymer formed into a base portion having a plurality of item-receiving cavities for supporting frangible items. A cover portion has an item-covering concavity for covering the frangible items. A first hinge portion is positioned between a first longitudinal edge of the base portion and the cover portion for rotating the cover portion onto the base portion to hold the frangible items captive in the item-receiving cavities. The first hinge portion comprises a pair of longitudinal grooves formed into the first hinge portion and extending parallel to the first longitudinal edge of the base portion, with a web defined between the longitudinal grooves, and a hinge-reinforcement wall at least one end of the longitudinal grooves. A fold line is formed in the web and in the hinge-reinforcement wall when the cover portion is rotated onto the base portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Pactiv Canada Inc.
    Inventors: François Blanchette, Germain Archambault
  • Patent number: 8672132
    Abstract: Packing tray for packing fruit and other fragile objects including a drainage system that channels water away from the fruit. The packing tray includes a plurality of cell pockets, each cell pocket having a lowermost sump area with at least one flap door punched out but not removed from the sump area, providing a drainage opening from the cell. Inner and outer cell pocket channels are provided on both the inner and outer surfaces of the cell pockets to direct water flow and removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Tekni-Plex, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Ramirez, Mark A. Bergeron
  • Patent number: 8640872
    Abstract: A container for receiving frangible items comprising a sheet of polymer formed into: a base portion and at least one cover portion with a hinge between the base portion and the cover portion. Abutment spacer are formed at an edge between the peripheral walls and the top wall and each comprise an abutment surface projecting into the concavity from one of the peripheral walls, and support walls relating the abutment surface to the top wall, with at least one of the support walls being in an acute angle relation with the top wall of the cover portion. Alignment channels are in at least one of the peripheral walls defining an alignment protrusion through the sheet of polymer, the alignment channel/protrusion being oriented vertically for guiding the nesting of an upper one of the cover portion descending into a lower one of the cover portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Pactiv Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Germain Archambault, François Blanchette, François St-Louis
  • Publication number: 20130264243
    Abstract: The present invention provides an egg carton having a tray having a first row of a first plurality of spaced egg compartments and a second row of a second plurality of spaced egg compartments, the first row of egg compartments being disposed in parallel spaced relationship to the second row of egg compartments; a plurality of spaced tower elements extending along a centerline of the tray and extending vertically from a plane of the tray, each tower element having four egg contacting surfaces; a plurality of spaced post elements extending along a front edge of the tray and extending vertically from a plane of the tray, each post element having two egg contacting surfaces; and a lid hingedly connected along a rear edge of the tray and movable from an open condition to a closed condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: CLEAR VIEW CARTONS, INC.
    Inventors: Marvin Aardema, John Camphouse, Robert Borse, Michael Borse
  • Publication number: 20130183412
    Abstract: A tri-fold plastic egg carton for protecting jumbo eggs in both oriented and non-oriented positions. A cell base and cell cover are hingedly connected in a closed position with the cover over the base to form a complimentary 2×6 matrix of cell pockets for holding individual eggs. A lid is hingedly connected to another edge of the base for closing over the assembled cover and base. The non-hinged peripheral edges of the base, cover and lid form a trim perimeter having a turned up lip edge, the lip edges mating when the carton is in the closed position to increase the carton strength. The carton can accommodate a full range of jumbo eggs, and accept a variety of smaller size eggs, while fitting within standard cases and half-cases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: Tekni-Plex, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Ramirez, Mark A. Bergeron
  • Patent number: 8455030
    Abstract: A method for processing a package of eggs is disclosed which comprises adjusting a position of one or more of the eggs, after the eggs have been placed in the package, so that each of the eggs assumes a particular orientation within the package. In some embodiments, the method may also comprise marking information on a surface of one or more of the eggs after the position of the one or more of the eggs has been adjusted. Additionally, in some embodiments, the position of the one or more eggs may be adjusted using an egg orienter positioned above a conveyor of an egg packing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: TEN Media, LLC
    Inventors: Mitchell Barry Chait, Allan Irwin Brown, Marco Armand Hegyi, Greg Anderson
  • Patent number: 8455026
    Abstract: A package of eggs is disclosed which comprises a plurality of eggs arranged in one or more rows. The eggs are further arranged in the package so that a long axis of each egg in the package is offset no more than a particular number degrees from a long axis of each other egg in the package. Further, a package of eggs is disclosed which comprises a plurality of eggs arranged in one or more rows, wherein eggs are arranged in the package such that long axes of all of the eggs in each row of eggs in the package form approximate right angles with respect to a line intercepting bottoms of receptacles holding the eggs in such a row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: TEN Media, LLC
    Inventors: Mitchell Barry Chait, Allan Irwin Brown, Marco Armand Hegyi, Greg Anderson
  • Patent number: 8397936
    Abstract: A package has a base for holding foodstuff objects, a cover fittable downwardly over the lid and having a rim with a rear edge and a front edge parallel thereto, and a hinge interconnecting the cover and base at the rear edge for movement between an open position with the rims separated at the front edge and a closed position with the rims engaging each other at the front edge. A female formation open vertically at one of the rims toward the other of the rims has a recess with a rear side formed by a forwardly projecting counterhook and a front side defined by a flank extending vertically forward and toward the other rim. A male formation projecting vertically from the other of the rims toward the one rim is fittable into the recess and has a hook matable with the counterhook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Ovotherm International Handels GmbH
    Inventor: Walter Schleining
  • Publication number: 20130048527
    Abstract: Plastic egg cartons having mating cell and lid posts for improved egg protection. The carton has a base tray and hinged lid, the tray including a plurality of cells for receiving individual eggs, and the tray having a plurality of cell posts each formed at an intersection of four adjacent cells as an extension of the sidewalls of the four adjacent cells. Preferable, each cell post has four generally planar ramp surfaces, one disposed respectively on each of the four sidewall extensions. The lid has a plurality of lid posts for mating with the cell posts when the lid is in a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Tekni-Plex, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. RAMIREZ, Mark A. Bergeron, Roger P. Lichtle
  • Publication number: 20110226656
    Abstract: A container for receiving frangible items comprising a sheet of polymer formed into: a base portion and at least one cover portion with a hinge between the base portion and the cover portion. Abutment spacer are formed at an edge between the peripheral walls and the top wall and each comprise an abutment surface projecting into the concavity from one of the peripheral walls, and support walls relating the abutment surface to the top wall, with at least one of the support walls being in an acute angle relation with the top wall of the cover portion. Alignment channels are in at least one of the peripheral walls defining an alignment protrusion through the sheet of polymer, the alignment channel/protrusion being oriented vertically for guiding the nesting of an upper one of the cover portion descending into a lower one of the cover portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Germain Archambault, François Blanchette, François St-Louis