Including Means For Biasing Extension Into Closed Position Patents (Class 229/128)
  • Patent number: 12059087
    Abstract: Flexible element for forming a piece of disposable cutlery, especially a spoon, including an elongated body made from thin, bendable material including a handle and acting portions, each with a free end. A first bending line on the body extends longitudinally from the handle portion free end towards the acting portion, so the body may be bent longitudinally and in the bent position, the working position, the handle portion is V-shaped or U-shaped. The body has an elongated opening including at one side a lip, pointing from the handle portion free end towards the acting portion. A fifth bending line extends transverse to the first bending line, visually dividing the body into the handling and acting portions. The fifth bending line is positioned so when the body is folded along such, a part of the acting portion free end can be inserted into the opening, behind the lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2024
    Assignee: SKY-LIGHT A/S
    Inventor: Hans Samuelson
  • Patent number: 11434042
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a cup with an integrated lid that comprises top, center, and bottom portions. The top portion of the cup defines an opening and is attached to a plurality of integrated lid sections extending from the top portion and separated from the top portion by one or more fold lines. The plurality of integrated lid sections may be folded inward over the opening defined by the top portion to cover and at least partially seal the opening. The center portion defines a sidewall that extends between two ends that are affixed to at least each other. The bottom portion extends from the center portion and defines a base. The plurality of integrated lid sections may interlock to define a lid. The lid may be configured with a hole or spout for drinking or pouring the contents of the cup. The base, sidewall, and lid may define a frustoconical shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: SOFI PAPER PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Brandon Leeds, Jordan Leeds
  • Patent number: 11130609
    Abstract: A blank 10 for forming a disposable cup, the blank including a cardboard sheet designed to be formed into a body of a cup, the blank including an edge 12 in a form of a first arc for forming the bottom edge of the cup, and a folding line for forming the rim of the cup, wherein the folding line for forming the rim of the cup contains a first folding line 14 formed by a plurality of interconnected arc-shaped folding lines 16 each arcing to the opposite direction than the first arc, and wherein a foldable wing 18 extends form each arc-shaped folding line, the wings being configured to be folded towards the center of the formed cup to lock onto each other to form a cover over the opening of the cup. The present application also provides a disposable cup formed from the blank, and a method for preparing a disposable cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Origamicup Oy
    Inventor: Teemu Aittamaa
  • Patent number: 11008131
    Abstract: A vessel has an inner flap and an outer flap that fold across a base of the vessel to form a cover. The inner flap includes a dam tab along the outer edge of the inner flap. When the inner flap is folded down, the free edge of this tab contacts the wall of the vessel and bends upward forming a “folded edge” dam. This folded edge dam can either be one segment or be made of two or more segments divided by one or more V-shaped cuts to allow each segment to fold down and fit together seamlessly. A restrictive channel is formed by the outer and inner flaps together with the “folded edge” dam, which is present in-between the outer and inner flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: COMPLEAT LLC
    Inventors: Peter Herman, Robert J. D'Amato
  • Patent number: 10676231
    Abstract: A container comprising a wall having outer and inner sides, a closed base at one end and a curved rim at an opposite end, the rim defining a top opening of the container; a pair of arcuate crease lines formed in the wall at opposite sides of the wall below the rim that define a flap and act as a hinge allowing each flap to toggle between an open upright position in which the flap is convex and a closed lowered position in which the flap changes its shape to concave; and a closure arrangement operable to restrict at least one flap opening; the closure arrangement comprising at least one closure leaf attached to a first one of the flap so as to be movable with the first flap and to extend underneath the first flap opening when the flaps are in the closed lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: HANPAK LIMITED
    Inventor: Wei Lu
  • Patent number: 10661977
    Abstract: Blank (1) for assembling a device for packaging at least one windscreen wiper, said blank (1) being of elongate shape and comprising at least two adjacent longitudinal areas (2, 3) that can be articulated to one another via a longitudinal folding line (4), each longitudinal area (2, 3) being intended to form a longitudinal face of the packaging device, at least one of the longitudinal areas (2, 3) being further articulated at each of its longitudinal ends to an end area (21, 22; 31, 32), via a transverse folding line (5, 6; 7, 8), each end area (21, 22; 31, 32) being adapted to form a substantially transverse end face of the packaging device, said blank (1) being characterized in that it includes, at one of its longitudinal ends at least, longitudinal shock absorbing means (11) situated at the level of the longitudinal folding line (4) and spaced longitudinally and/or extending to a point spaced longitudinally from the transverse folding line or lines (5, 6; 7, 8) of the corresponding longitudinal end of the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Valeo Systèmes d'Essuyage
    Inventors: Jocelyn Veret, Charlotte Aube
  • Patent number: 10179692
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bottle shipment assembly that can withstand shock and impact during shipping. The assembly can accommodate a wide variety of bottles, uses very little material such as HDPE and PVC, and is easily recyclable. There are three parts to the assembly: a neck portion that locks around the bottle's neck, a base portion that snugly fits around the bottle's bottom, and an exterior box that securely and immovably houses the bottle fitted with the neck portion and base portion. The neck portion has a center portion and two wings that move from inoperable to operable position. The center portion has with a head-engagement recess that slips over the bottle's neck. In operable position, the neck portion has a square configuration, and fits snugly inside the exterior box. The base portion also has a square configuration that fits snugly inside the exterior box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: SOLUTIONS ZENPAC INC.
    Inventor: Benoit Tremblay
  • Patent number: 9216837
    Abstract: A food tray includes a front wall with a distal end and a proximal end, and a rear wall with a distal end and a proximal end. A first sidewall extends between the distal end of the front wall and the distal end of the rear wall, and a second sidewall that extends between the proximal end of the front wall and the proximal end of the rear wall. The front wall, rear wall, first sidewall, and second sidewall define an opening through which an item is placed in the food tray. The first and second sidewalls each define a slot and an extension extending above the slot. A lid member extends from a top edge of the front wall and defines a pair of tabs that engage the slots defined by the first and second sidewalls when the lid is folded over the opening. The top edge of the front wall is configured to cause the lid member to open when the first and second sidewall extensions are pulled apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: LBP Manufacturing LLC
    Inventors: James Hubbard, Matthew R. Cook, Thomas Fu
  • Patent number: 9096360
    Abstract: A merchandise storage container includes an integrated hang tab. The hang tab is connected to the outer end panel that defines a portion of the lid of the container so that the hang tab may be use to help open the container when the user has removed the container from a display hook. The hang tab can be formed from only a single layer of material. A locking tab latches into a slot defined between an inner end panel and a rear wall of the container. The hang tab includes spaced legs disposed on either side of the locking tab. This configuration of the hang tab evenly distributes the hanging forces on either side of the locking tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Wynalda Litho, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Rajter, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150097026
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container (1) comprising a wall (2) having a closed base (4) at one end and a generally circular or oval rim (5) of at an opposite end, the rim defining a top opening (6) of the container. The container (1) further comprises an arrangement of flaps (70, 80) whereby the counteracting forces between a rim of a first flap (70) and the inner face of a second flap (80) are sufficient to push the respective rim and the inner face together into a tight contact. A closure arrangement (300a, 300b) is provided to restrict flap openings (100a, 100b) formed at or below the rim (5) of the container between the flaps (70, 80) to prevent splashing and reduce the rate of spillage if the container is knocked over. The present invention thus improves the spill-resistant properties for the container (1), whilst, if required for drinking or pouring, permitting the container to allow the passage of a liquid when tilted for drinking and pouring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Hanpak Limited
    Inventors: Wei Lu, Kenneth Duggan
  • Patent number: 8936188
    Abstract: A package has a sleeve and an insert that lock together. The insert has a longitudinal flange on one side that fits into a corresponding longitudinal channel in the sleeve. The sleeve includes a locking tab in line with the longitudinal channel that is foldable into the sleeve to present a deflectable contact edge across the longitudinal channel. Engagement of the locking tab contact edge with a shoulder on the longitudinal flange prevents movement of the insert in the direction of the locking tab. The insert can be locked in both a forward and a backward direction within the sleeve by providing respective locking tabs and shoulders at both ends of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: HLP Clear Packaging Products (USA), Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Mazurek
  • Patent number: 8872078
    Abstract: Various blanks are provided for forming sleeves, containers, and other constructs for heating, browning, and/or crisping of a food item in a microwave oven, and for holding and/or transporting the food item after heating. The various blanks, sleeves, containers, and other constructs may include a removable portion defined by one or more lines of disruption that enable the removable portion to be separated from the remainder of the blank, sleeve, container, or other construct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kelly R. Fitzwater
  • Patent number: 8864015
    Abstract: A frusto-conical cup (1, 20, 30, 40, 50) made from a flexible resilient material, having a circular rim (5) defining the top opening (6) of the cup. A pair of arcuate crease lines (7, 8) is formed at the opposing sides of the wall (2) of the cup below the rim defining a pair of flaps (70, 80) for closing the top opening of the cup by folding the flaps along the crease lines. Due to the resilience of the cup material, each flap can toggle between two stable positions on application of an initial external force on the flap, namely an open upright position in which the flap is convex and forms part of the wall of the cup, and a closed slanted position in which the flap changes its shape to concave. In the closed mode, the rim of one flap impinges against the inner face of the second flap and forms a spill-tight seal between the flaps. The seal is maintained due to static opposing forces acting between the flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Hanpak Limited
    Inventors: Wei Lu, Kenneth Duggan
  • Patent number: 8864016
    Abstract: A vessel composed of a sheet of flexible material, cut, rolled, and affixed to form a frusto-conically shaped base region. The sheet when rolled including an upper region having two opposing flaps, each flap delineated from a remaining portion of the sheet by a path along which the sheet is scored, so that the flaps, when folded along their respective paths, define a single elevated drinking portion having a spout formed between an extension of the base region and at least one of the two flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Compleat LLC
    Inventor: Peter Herman
  • Patent number: 8763887
    Abstract: An octagonal container for food, such as suitable for keeping or packaging tostadas, manufactured from a carton blank, is formed of eight sections or sides which includes at one end a flap with adhesion thereon that is joined to an opposite flap. The container also has edges located on top and bottom sides that are folded and joined towards the center of the container. The top part of the container is structured to form what appears to be a flower upon closure which provides a very attractive characteristic for the consumer. The container also has a practical, new, and easy closing system, so that when opening the container, it is only necessary to pull the opening flaps outward. To close the container, it is only necessary to press such flaps to the center and inwards and the container will be kept sealed. When closing the container, a “sinking” is formed in the top part of the container which acts as a cushion so that the product in the container is kept in good condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Grupo Fiesta Charra, S.A. DE C.V.
    Inventor: Ismael Palacios Nieto
  • Patent number: 8746545
    Abstract: A water-station drink cup for running races has a square cutout at a front or proximal side, and arcuate upper edges along a radius on each side from the top of the verticals of the cutout to a common point on the opposite side. Radiused perforations create fold lines that extend from the bottom of each side of the vertical to meet at that common point. This creates two flaps of a double-radiused ogive shape. The flaps are pushed down one onto the other to close the top, leaving a drink opening at the distal side, corresponding to the square cutout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Russell E. Houck
  • Publication number: 20140110466
    Abstract: Aspects of the invention are directed to a container comprising a bottom and a sidewall. The sidewall is coupled to the bottom so as to form a watertight seal therewith. In addition, the sidewall defines a lower sidewall portion and an upper sidewall portion. The upper sidewall portion is scored with a plurality of lines. These lines are arranged such that folding the upper sidewall portion along at least a portion of the plurality of lines converts the upper sidewall portion into a lid for the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: GAMIDEA, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy D. Huang
  • Publication number: 20140013716
    Abstract: A soft sided container that, when filled, is substantially cuboid in shape and has two flaps extending from upper edges of the front and rear panels. The flaps have fold lines such that, the flaps fold together. Holes cut in upper regions of the flaps form handles. Lengthwise across a top panel of the container is an elongated closure device that opens for accessing of the materials stored within and closes to seal the container. The elongated fastener continues at least partially across two triangular side flaps such that, when open, one of the triangular side flaps serves as a pouring spout. In some embodiments, a side flap retainer is connected between the side flaps to removably hold the side flaps in place against the top of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: BOLSO, LLC
    Inventor: Elliott A. Mallard
  • Patent number: 8505807
    Abstract: A vessel composed of a sheet of flexible material, cut, rolled, and affixed to form a frusto-conically shaped base region. The sheet when rolled including an upper region having two opposing flaps, each flap delineated from a remaining portion of the sheet by a path along which the sheet is scored, so that the flaps, when folded along their respective paths, define a single elevated drinking portion having a spout formed between an extension of the base region and at least one of the two flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Compleat LLC
    Inventor: Peter Herman
  • Patent number: 8459536
    Abstract: A container formed from a foldable blank into a box-like configuration for transport of a tray or container storing food items therein, such as a catering tray. The container includes a bottom portion defined by a bottom wall, front and rear walls, and spaced-apart side walls, all of which project upwardly from bottom wall. A top portion is provided which is swingably movable relative to the bottom portion to provide open and closed configurations of the container. The container provides an added insulative layer so as to maintain food items stored within the catering tray at the desired temperature, and also improves handling thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Arvco Container Corporation
    Inventor: David Matthew Hanna
  • Patent number: 8440947
    Abstract: Various blanks are provided for forming sleeves, containers, and other constructs for heating, browning, and/or crisping of a food item in a microwave oven, and for holding and/or transporting the food item after heating. The various blanks, sleeves, containers, and other constructs include a removable portion defined by one or more lines of disruption that enable the removable portion to be separated from the remainder of the blank, sleeve, container, or other construct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kelly R. Fitzwater
  • Publication number: 20130015235
    Abstract: A box having top panels that lock together to keep the box in a closed condition is disclosed. A box blank or cutout from which the box is created by folding is further disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Donn J. COSTANZO, JR.
  • Patent number: 8329268
    Abstract: A paper-based plant pot comprises a container formed from a sheet of paper-based material wrapped about an axis, opposite edge portions of the sheet being secured to each other, the container having a side wall that encircles the axis and a bottom wall formed by a plurality of bottom panels of the sheet folded inwardly from a lower edge of the side wall and engaging one another. The sheet comprises a paperboard substrate formed of natural cellulose fibers, an internal sizing composition incorporated into the paperboard substrate so as to render the paperboard substrate substantially resistant to saturation by liquid water, and a thermoplastic polymer layer on one of the major surfaces of the paperboard substrate. The thermoplastic polymer layer faces an interior of the container and forms an inner surface thereof for contact with soil or other growing medium placed in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Susan Bell, Wim van De Camp, William David Decker, Bruce A. Moon, David E. Rhodes, Tony Rummage, John Whitehead
  • Patent number: 8317082
    Abstract: A carton with locking sections comprises a male panel section and a female panel section. The male panel section has an edge with protruding wings, and edge tabs are formed along the edge portion inboard of the wings. The female section has a pair of females configured to receive and interlock with the males. For locking the sections together, the edge tabs are hooked beneath the edge of the female section and the males extend over the top of the female section and are pressed and locked into the females. With this arrangement, the two sections are securely locked together with the edge tabs preventing the sections from moving toward one another and the males and females preventing them moving away from each other. The sections thus do not tend to disengage during transport or as containers of product within the carton are sequentially removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin T. May, Kirsten L. Brand
  • Patent number: 8162205
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a polygonal container having at least five interconnected body panels and a blank for making the polygonal container. The ends of the polygonal container are provided with a plurality of pie-shaped triangular sections that can provide unique decorative experience to the user of a consumer product contained and dispensed from therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventor: Jerry Ray Stephens
  • Patent number: 8066175
    Abstract: A container for food, such as used for the storage or packaging of tostadas, manufactured as a carton, which is formed with eight sections or sides that are joined by adhesive at an edge to fold the container is disclosed. The container also has edges placed on the top and bottom ends that, when interwoven towards the center of the container, permit the formation of a kind of bow with which the container is kept closed. In order to open the container, it is only necessary to pull outwards on opening projections which are part of the bow. Likewise, and as a consequence of the interweaving of the edges, an internal pulling acts as a muffling, thereby helping the food, e.g., tostadas, to be maintained in a good state, without being broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Grupo Fiesta Charra, S.A. DE C.V.
    Inventor: Ismael Palacios Nieto
  • Publication number: 20110084121
    Abstract: A sandwich box for enclosing a food item that is formed of a base portion and a top portion. The upper surface of the base portion is designed to support a food item. The base portion includes a base bendable structure space. The top portion including a food cavity, a top face and a top face bendable structure. The base portion and the top portion are hingedly connected together. A portion of the top face bendable structure and the base bendable structure are positioned parallel to one another when the top and bottom portions are in a closed position. A portion of the top face bendable structure and the base bendable structure are also positioned diametrically opposed to one another when the top and bottom portions are in the closed position. The upper surface of the base portion faces into the food cavity when the top and bottom portions are in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: SCOTT SANDERS
  • Patent number: 7893389
    Abstract: Various blanks are provided for forming sleeves, containers and other constructs for heating, browning, and/or crisping of a food item in a microwave oven, and for holding and/or transporting the food item after heating. The various blanks, sleeves, containers and other constructs include a removable portion defined by one or more lines of disruption that enable the removable portion to be separated from the remainder of the blank, sleeve, container, or other construct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kelly R. Fitzwater
  • Patent number: 7882953
    Abstract: A clear package for storing a packaged product and providing an easy locking mechanism to seal and secure the product. The package of the present invention has a sleeve having foldable tabs at the top and bottom, and a top and bottom opening, and a slidable insert having indents at the top and bottom, the slidable insert being slidably inserted into the sleeve through the top or bottom opening, where the tabs align with the indents to provide a locking mechanism, and where the height of the sleeve is substantially the same as the height of the slidable insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Printex Packaging Corporation
    Inventors: Joel Heller, David Heller
  • Patent number: 7874422
    Abstract: A cigarette box has a V-shaped notch (6) cut in an edge of a top wall thereof, a push-pull wall (8) forming one side wall thereof, and a fin-shaped knob (10) provided on the outer surface of the push-pull wall (8). When the push-pull wall (8) is pulled out of the cigarette box, an upper end thereof is shaped like the letter V forming a rhombic opening (12) in cooperation with the notch (6). On the other hand, when the push-pull wall (8) is pushed into the cigarette box, the upper end thereof coincides with the notch (6), forming an oppositely directed V shape and closing the opening (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Japan Tobacco Inc.
    Inventors: Hirobumi Ishii, Tetsuya Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20100193579
    Abstract: A primary blank (10) comprises a plurality of foldably attached panels, namely, a tray rear panel (12), a tray center panel (14), a back panel (16), a tray top (18), and a glue flap (20). These panels (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) are foldably attached along fold lines (24, 26, 28, 30), respectively. The tray center panel (14) further includes end wall flap (40), foldably attached along fold lines (42), and tray end wall flaps (44). The end wall flaps (44) further includes securing apertures (52) for receiving and holding and item (A), as described. A secondary blank (100) has a plurality of foldably attached panels. Here an inner panel (102), a side panel (104), a front panel (106), another side panel (108), and an inner panel (110) are foldably connected along fold lines (112, 114, 116, 118), respectively. The inner panel (102) includes a stop tab receiving channel cutout (120) and the back panel (110) includes a stop tab keyhole (122).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Catherine Becker, John A. Gelardi
  • Publication number: 20100072267
    Abstract: A carton with locking sections comprises a male panel section and a female panel section. The male panel section has an edge with protruding wings, and edge tabs are formed along the edge portion inboard of the wings. The female section has a pair of females configured to receive and interlock with the males. For locking the sections together, the edge tabs are hooked beneath the edge of the female section and the males extend over the top of the female section and are pressed and locked into the females. With this arrangement, the two sections are securely locked together with the edge tabs preventing the sections from moving toward one another and the males and females preventing them moving away from each other. The sections thus do not tend to disengage during transport or as containers of product within the carton are sequentially removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin T. May, Kirsten L. Brand
  • Patent number: 7667167
    Abstract: Various blanks are provided for forming sleeves, containers, and other constructs for heating, browning, and/or crisping of a food item in a microwave oven, and for holding and/or transporting the food item after heating. The various blanks, sleeves, containers, and other constructs include a removable portion defined by one or more lines of disruption that enable the removable portion to be separated from the remainder of the blank, sleeve, container, or other construct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kelly R. Fitzwater
  • Patent number: 7628311
    Abstract: A folded food carton is formed from a matable, lay flat blank for retaining, transporting and serving hot food such as pizza. The blank includes an arrangement of end panels, side panels and cover panels foldable relative to a bottom panel such that, in the erected carton, the cover panels overlap and are interlocked with the side panels by means of offset locking tabs. The end panels slant upwardly and inwardly from the bottom panel to add rigidity and save material for the carton. The side panels flare upwardly and outwardly from the bottom panel and extend above the cover panels to enhance stackability and prevent shifting of stacked cartons one on top of the other. Several methods of packaging pizza in the folded carton are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: International Paper
    Inventors: Wayne H Kuhn, Frank Pizzitola
  • Patent number: 7473875
    Abstract: Various blanks are provided for forming sleeves, containers, and other constructs for heating, browning, and/or crisping of a food item in a microwave oven, and for holding and/or transporting the food item after heating. The various blanks, sleeves, containers, and other constructs include a removable portion defined by one or more lines of disruption that enable the removable portion to be separated from the remainder of the blank, sleeve, container, or other construct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kelly R. Fitzwater
  • Publication number: 20080296358
    Abstract: A container formed from a foldable blank into a box-like configuration for transport of a tray or container storing food items therein, such as a catering tray. The container includes a bottom portion defined by a bottom wall, front and rear walls, and spaced-apart side walls, all of which project upwardly from bottom wall. A top portion is provided which is swingably movable relative to the bottom portion to provide open and closed configurations of the container. The container provides an added insulative layer so as to maintain food items stored within the catering tray at the desired temperature, and also improves handling thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: David Matthew Hanna
  • Patent number: 7451909
    Abstract: A packaging arrangement for marketing products and information; the packaging arrangement including an envelope, a sleeve, and a postcard. Each of the sleeve and the postcard being positionable within a volume defined by the envelope. The postcard including a tab that is located outside of the volume of the envelope when the postcard is positioned within the envelope. The sleeve including a front floating panel and a back panel designed and arranged to create visual illusions and provide various visual effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark D. Sexton
  • Publication number: 20080197178
    Abstract: A gum packaging design that utilizes two separate compartments, an upper compartment and a lower compartment. Each of the compartments may be formed from a separate paperboard blank. The blanks are folded to form the compartments and then the lower compartment is adhered to the upper compartment in a fashion that allows the lower compartment to be later separated therefrom by tearing along a perforation after the lower compartment is emptied. A cover flap on the upper compartment can be used to hold the package in a compact, closed position by folding the compartments to face each other and tucking an end into a receiving slot formed in the back panel of the lower compartment. Once the lower compartment is separated from the upper compartment, the same cover flap can be used to close the remaining package by tucking the same end of the cover flap into a receiving slot formed in a front panel of the upper compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Allen S. Aldridge, Paul K. Bowers, Dan Devine, Christopher J. Feltman, Frank Schiro
  • Patent number: 7414230
    Abstract: Various blanks are provided for forming sleeves, containers, and other constructs for heating, browning, and/or crisping of a food item in a microwave oven, and for holding and/or transporting the food item after heating. The various blanks, sleeves, containers, and other constructs include a removable portion defined by one or more lines of disruption that enable the removable portion to be separated from the remainder of the blank, sleeve, container, or other construct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kelly R. Fitzwater
  • Patent number: 6955289
    Abstract: A container is the form of a cup which includes an integral lid hingedly connected to the wall of the cup at a position adjacent to the rim. The wall of the cup includes a groove disposed entirely below the rim of the cup with the peripheral edge of the lid captured in the groove when the lid is closed and positioned below the rim thereby accomplishing a seal of the lid to the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Lid Lock Cup Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: John Green
  • Patent number: 6863212
    Abstract: A container is provided with a simple opening and closure mechanism which provides for easy reclosure of the container. A user may grasp a reclosable flap and move the flap between open and closed positions to effect opening and closure of the container. The reclosable flap may overlay a container lid such that the container lid is kept in a closed position when the reclosable flap overlays the container lid with the reclosable flap in its closed position. The container may be open and closed several times, and a seal may be maintained in the vicinity of the reclosable flap even after multiple uses of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Caraustar Custom Packaging
    Inventors: James L. Stone, Thomas J. Brink, Scott A. Lampe
  • Publication number: 20040211823
    Abstract: The cup has a lid portion extending up from one side of the cup, configured to flip down into the body of the cup, along a first score line, going from convex to concave, so as to close the otherwise open top of the cup. Flaps extend preferably from the lid portion near its lateral intersections with the cup body outwardly from the cup, or alternatively from the cup body in the same area, but inwardly. In either case, the flaps overlie what might otherwise be a small gap between the lid and the cup body in that area. This reduces any possibility for liquid to escape via that small gap. In the case of the flaps extending outwardly from the lid, the flaps also tend to act as stops against excessive downward rotation of the lid, and provide an easy way to lift the lid to open the cup, if desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: George E. Sarson, Daryl J. Howes-Jones, Gregory John Kleynhans
  • Patent number: 6758390
    Abstract: The cup has a lid portion extending up from one side of the cup, configured to flip down into the body of the cup, along a first score line, going from convex to concave, so as to close the otherwise open top of the cup. Flaps extend preferably from the lid portion near its lateral intersections with the cup body outwardly from the cup, or alternatively from the cup body in the same area, but inwardly. In either case, the flaps overlie what might otherwise be a small gap between the lid and the cup body in that area. This reduces any possibility for liquid to escape via that small gap. In the case of the flaps extending outwardly from the lid, the flaps also tend to act as stops against excessive downward rotation of the lid, and provide an easy way to lift the lid to open the cup, if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: The Cupworks Corporation
    Inventors: George E. Sarson, Daryl J. Howes-Jones, Gregory John Kleynhans
  • Patent number: 6702179
    Abstract: A paperboard box is made of a piece of paperboard with split lines and folding lines to form a shape like a boat so as to make the food or the like inside worthwhile and enhance the purchase desire of the consumer. Further, the paperboard box is easy to be disposed after using without creating a problem of contamination to the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: Shih-Jen Chang
  • Patent number: 6595410
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a paper pack for containing milk or beverages, etc. sanitary and for keeping the refrigerator cleanly preventing the smell. More particularly, it relates to a sanitary pack, which provides a method for opening and closing a paper pack without occurring any inconvenience, by sealing up the room of paper gap tightly as itself without any supplementary attachments or devices such as clip, pin, etc. this sanitary pack offer prevention of over flowing of the contents of beverage by falling over during its use after its opening and convenience of keeping the contents of beverage clean with easiness by folding the cutting section of the paper pack in the refrigerator as well. It is highly effective promoting the degree of airtight of paper pack itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventors: Seahuy Lee, Jaehwon Lee, Jaesun Lee
  • Publication number: 20030001004
    Abstract: A closing flap or clip is adapted to cap the edge of a carton in a first position and to free the access to a part of the edge in a second position. The flap passes from the first position to the second position by pivoting around a geometric axis that is perpendicular to the carton edge. The flap is formed from two panels or webs that are configured to fit on each of both sides of the edge when in the first position. First ends of the panels are crossed by the geometric axis. The flap has a hinge linking the two webs and includes means for connecting second ends of the opposing webs to their respective first ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Peder Hakan Andersson, Alf, Craig Boyd
  • Patent number: 6364200
    Abstract: A corrugated paperboard bulk box has opposed pairs of parallel side walls, and in a preferred embodiment, has interposed diagonal corner panels to form an octagonal box. The bottom of the box is closed by opposed pairs of interlocking major and minor bottom flaps, wherein one pair of flaps have notches in their free edges and the other pair of flaps have T-shaped locking tabs in their free edges. The notches form a central opening in the bottom when the flaps are folded closed, and the locking tabs are pushed through the opening to lock the flaps closed. Aligning tabs project outwardly from opposite side edges of one pair of opposed bottom flaps, and complemental slots are formed at the folding connection of another pair of bottom flaps, so that when the flaps are folded inwardly toward one another, the tabs extend into the slots to square the box and hold it square.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventors: William F. Moss, Brian K. Jambois, John Evans, Stephen R. Byrski, John R. Boutin
  • Patent number: 6312370
    Abstract: A machine for container formation by folding a die-scored paperboard structure to close flaps shaped by the scoring that serve as the top and bottom of the container. A scored paperboard sheet is loaded onto a male pedestal inner pattern such that the foldable top and bottom container portions extend beyond the pattern, whereupon armature driven semicircular outer patterns, having upper and lower fingers adapted to be driven by corresponding fluid driven pin stabilizers, close upon the sheet. While closed over the sheet, the pins are activated to move the fingers inward on the inner pattern and force fold the container along the score lines, followed by automatic retraction of the pins and outer patterns. The container is thus pre-folded in preparation for shipping as a flat paper form that is ready for folding on the crease lines thus formed. One or both flaps of the container can be folded along the crease lines to form a closure at one or both ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Gary Allmon
  • Patent number: 6276600
    Abstract: This invention relates to a modification for a round-corner flip top cigarette pack and the like. Such structures of this type, generally, relocate the inner frame in order to improve reclosability of the pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Westvaco Corporation
    Inventor: William Roger Rigby
  • Patent number: 6176420
    Abstract: The disposable cup has a bottom insert, and a substantially truncated conical body having an integral lid and a cup opening. The lid is movable between a raised position and a closed position, possibly via a semi-closed position. The lid has a free edge, with a liquid passage opening allowing liquid passage when the lid is in said closed position. The lid is foldably joined to the body along an arcuate first score line. The lid further has second score lines arranged at respective ends of the free edge, the second score lines connecting the free edge and the first score line so that, when the lid is pushed towards the cup opening, the lid flips into a position inside the cup opening, the movement of the lid being substantially aided by the folding of the lid along the second score lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Inventors: George E. Sarson, Daryl J. Howes-Jones, Gregory John Kleynhans