Tearing Forms An Access Opening Bounded By Entire Torn Edge Patents (Class 229/242)
  • Patent number: 11655066
    Abstract: A blank for constructing a container includes a front panel, a bottom panel foldably connected to the front panel along a lower front horizontal fold line, and a side panel having a front portion and a rear portion. The side panel is foldably connected to at least one of the bottom panel or the front panel. The blank includes a top panel that is foldably connected to the side panel, and a rear panel foldably connected to the rear portion of the side panel along a rear vertical fold line. The front and rear portions of the side panel are separable from one another along a separation line such that the rear portion of the side panel and the rear panel are configured and adapted for removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: WestRock Shared Services, LLC
    Inventors: David G. Couture, Kevin M. Simpkins
  • Patent number: 11548707
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a package, a carton, and a blank for forming the carton. An aspect of the invention provides a carton comprising a plurality of primary panels defining an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises a first primary panel and a second primary panel hingedly connected to the first primary panel along a first fold line. The carton comprises a plurality of end closure panels including first and second end closure panels hingedly connected respectively to the first and second primary panels. The first end closure panel is hingedly connected to the first primary panel along a second fold line and to the second end closure panel. The second fold line is disposed obliquely to the first fold line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Nathaniel B. Ball
  • Patent number: 11186404
    Abstract: A container includes a plurality of panels connected together to enclose an interior space. At least one tear away portion is defined in the plurality of panels. An insert is adhered to the at least one tear away portion for removal from the plurality of panels together with the at least one tear away portion to provide access to the interior space. The insert can extend from a first end of the interior space to an opposite end of the interior space as a load bearing member between two opposed panels of the plurality of panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: WestRock Shared Services, LLC
    Inventor: Michael B. McLeod
  • Patent number: 9090037
    Abstract: A blank of sheet material for forming a convertible shipping container is provided. The blank includes a removable access panel, a top panel, a bottom panel, a front panel, and a rear panel. Each of top, bottom, rear, and front panels include side flaps extending from a side edge of each top, bottom, rear, and front panel. The removable access panel includes an access hole, a return hole, and relief creases to facilitate removal after the container is formed. The shipping container includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and four corner structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: Rock-Tenn Shared Services, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew Kiev Swenson
  • Patent number: 8998074
    Abstract: A container includes a first blank and a second blank. The first blank includes a first plurality of panel and a plurality flaps. The first plurality of panels includes a first side panel, a second side panel opposing the first side panel, a back panel, and a front panel of the container, the first plurality of flaps defines a bottom of the container and a first exterior portion of a top of the container. The front panel includes a first breakaway portion. The second blank includes an insert front panel and a top flap. The top flap defines a second exterior portion of the top of the container. The insert front panel includes a second breakaway portion that is attached to the first breakaway portion of the front panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Packaging Corporation of America
    Inventor: Joseph P. Schomisch
  • Publication number: 20150083625
    Abstract: An enclosed carton for housing and dispensing a plurality of containers has front and back panels, side panels, and top and bottom end panels connected to the front and back panels and the side panels to form a closed structure with the containers extending height-wise between the side panels. The containers are arranged in at least one row between the front and back panels and are stacked between the bottom and top end panels. The front panel has a plurality of access panels removably connected to the front panel and to each other such that, with said carton positioned on the bottom end panel and the containers oriented horizontally, the access panels can be removed in succession as the containers are removed from the carton to provide access to the remaining containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.
    Inventors: Raul M. Paredes, Douglas Laib, David J. Bohman
  • Publication number: 20150060537
    Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a carton for holding at least one product. The carton includes a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around the interior of the carton. The plurality of panels includes a front panel, a top panel, and a lid panel foldably connected to the top panel. The carton includes a lid pivotably attached to the carton. The lid includes the lid panel and the top panel and is moveable between a closed position wherein the lid panels is positioned in face-to-face contact with the front panel and an open position allowing access to the interior of the carton. The carton includes locking features for releasably attaching the reclosable lid in the closed position. The locking features include at least one male locking portion in the front panel and at least one female locking portion in the lid panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Ronald E. Hajek, Bradley J. Burke
  • Publication number: 20150060538
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a container pre-assembly and a container having a combination panel and a tear-out section, the tear-out section configured to be separated from an erected container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Jamie L. LAUGHMAN, Troy M. LITTLE
  • Patent number: 8959877
    Abstract: A packaging carton for a food product is disclosed, where the carton includes a front face, a back face, two side faces, a top face and a bottom face, where these faces define an interior storage cavity, at least the back face of the packaging carton includes a perforation defining an opening flap and the opening flap may be permanently removed by separating the opening flap from a face or faces of the carton along the perforation to define an access opening that allows access to the interior storage cavity. A method of making a packaging carton for a food product is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Quaker Oats Company
    Inventors: James J. Maki, Marcus H. Parsons, Glenn Ventrell
  • Patent number: 8955736
    Abstract: A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton comprises a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises a first top panel, a second top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. The first top panel and the second top panel are at least partially overlapped to form a top wall of the carton. A handle extends in at least the top wall. The handle can comprise at least a first handle portion of the first top panel and a second handle portion of the second top panel. The first handle portion can at least partially overlap the second handle portion at a rounded corner of the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond R. Spivey, Sr., Jean-Manuel Gomes, Mark Zammit
  • Patent number: 8911339
    Abstract: A paperboard carton doubles as a shipping container for articles such as beverage cans and a cooler for containing ice to cool the articles when the carton is opened. The top portion of the carton is breached by removing an opening strip defined by zipper rules. Once breached, the tops and side panels of the carton are opened up to form an upwardly open chimney or skirt into which ice can be placed to cool the contents of the carton. Gussets formed in the lower corners of the cartons insure that water from melting ice does not leak prematurely from the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Coltri De Paula, Jean-Manuel Gomes
  • Patent number: 8887985
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a container pre-assembly and a container having a combination panel and a tear-out section, the tear-out section configured to be separated from an erected container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: York Container Company
    Inventors: Jamie L. Laughman, Troy M. Little
  • Patent number: 8881901
    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, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen R. Harrelson
  • Patent number: 8840011
    Abstract: A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton comprises a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. At least one end flap comprises a first portion foldably connected to the one of the first side panel and the second side panel, a second portion foldably connected to the first portion, and a third portion foldably connected to the second portion. The carton has at least one reinforced corner that comprises a reinforced end panel and a reinforced portion of one of the first side panel and the second side panel. The reinforced end panel comprises the second portion and the third portion of the at least one end flap. The reinforced portion comprises the third portion of the at least one end flap and a portion of the one of the first side panel and the second side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl A. Kohler
  • Patent number: 8833638
    Abstract: A container of the present invention is designed for shipping and holding various items. The container is formed from a blank of a material, such as corrugated material, plastic, paperboard, etc. and includes side panels extending between a top portion and a bottom portion. A tear line extends around the side panels for disengaging the top portion from the container thereby exposing all of the items extending along the side panels. An improved configuration of the perforations or slits along the tear line prevents the corners defined between the side panels from being damaged and deformed and provides for smooth tearing of the tear line from the container. A second tear section is defined in the a portion of the container by a perforation line with the tear section being separable from the top portion thereby partially exposing the items contained in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Kellogg Company
    Inventor: Paul Pezzoli
  • Patent number: 8827143
    Abstract: A fully enclosed carton for carrying heavy loads with a reinforcement insert (58a, 58b) for the handle apertures (50a, 50b) located in the top end flaps (38, 40) of the carton. The paperboard reinforcing insert may be extended as a bridge across the top panel (14) of the carton to prevent tearing of the handle apertures in the top end flaps and also tearing in the top panel (14) of the carton when carrying a heavy load. The carton may have one or more dispensers (70a, 70b) in the top panel which may extend into an adjoining side panel (12, 18). Multiple tear lines may be formed for the dispenser flap in the insert that extends across the top panel to permit easy access to the containers, such as bottles, in the carton. The paperboard reinforcing insert may have a larger aperture (60a, 60b) than the handle aperture in each top end flap to adjust for any imprecision in the alignment of the paperboard insert in forming the carton sleeve from the paperboard blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Schuster
  • Patent number: 8789703
    Abstract: A shelf-ready shipper display system having a tray portion, a hood portion, and one or more zones of weakness that enable the hood portion to be separated from the tray portion so that the shipper display system can be converted from a shipping configuration to a display configuration. In certain embodiments, the shipper display system is made from a single blank. In some embodiments, the shipper display system includes a reinforcement panel that is also capable of being separated from the tray portion as the shipper display system is converted from the shipping configuration and to the display configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Rock-Tenn Shared Services, LLC
    Inventors: David G. Couture, Harry H. Roberts
  • Patent number: 8783550
    Abstract: A fully enclosed carton for carrying heavy loads with a reinforcement insert for the handle apertures located in the top end flaps of the carton. The paperboard reinforcing insert may be extended as a bridge across the top panel of the carton to prevent tearing of the handle apertures in the top end flaps and also tearing in the top panel of the carton when carrying a heavy load. The carton may have one or more dispensers in the top panel which may extend into an adjoining side panel. Multiple tear lines may be formed for the dispenser flap in the insert that extends across the top panel to permit easy access to the containers, such as bottles, in the carton. The paperboard reinforcing insert may have a larger aperture than the handle aperture in each top end flap to adjust for any imprecision in the alignment of the paperboard insert in forming the carton sleeve from the paperboard blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard L. Schuster
  • Patent number: 8740054
    Abstract: A carton includes a front wall and a back wall opposite one another, and a first side wall and a second side wall opposite one another, where the front wall and back wall are joined to the first side wall and second side wall along reinforced corner areas, each of which includes an interior reinforcing flap and an exterior reinforcing flap. The carton further includes a line of disruption extending at least partially across the front wall, first side wall, and second side wall, where the line of disruption at least partially defines a removable portion of the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Felicia A. Pinkstone
  • Publication number: 20140097122
    Abstract: An extendable display package shipping system including a display package having a slide wall able to be lowered for shipping and raised for display, a product mounted to the slide wall in the display package and able to move between a collapsed position when the slide wall is lowered and a display position when the slide is raised. Two display packages, with slide walls lowered, are placed in a shipping carton and an insert is placed over the display packages in the carton. Each slide wall includes a hand opening and the insert includes aligned hand openings. When the display packages reach a point of sale and are removed from the shipping carton, the hand openings of the slide walls and the insert are able to be gripped simultaneously, and when lifted, the slide walls first extend themselves and then the packages, already in display configurations, are removed from the carton, all in one continuous act.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: HASBRO, INC.
    Inventors: Jacqueline Patterson, Jared Lee Wade
  • Publication number: 20140091133
    Abstract: A combination shipping and dispensing carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton has a plurality of panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton. The carton may have various dispensing features to allow articles to be dispensed from the carton.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Coltri-Johnson, Jean-Manuel Gomes, Edward W. Jones
  • Patent number: 8628003
    Abstract: A product dispensing container including a plurality of walls that define an internal volume, at least one of the walls including an access door panel, a priming area and a severance line, and a plurality of products received in the internal volume, wherein the priming area is displaceable relative to the wall to form a free edge, and wherein the access door panel is at least partially defined by the free edge and the severance line when the priming area is displaced relative to the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Corporation
    Inventors: Laurel Thomas, Aaron L. Bates, John Gelardi
  • Patent number: 8622280
    Abstract: A combination shipping and dispensing carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton has a plurality of panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton. The carton may have various dispensing features to allow articles to be dispensed from the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Coltri-Johnson, Jean-Manuel Gomes, Edward W. Jones
  • Patent number: 8602292
    Abstract: A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton has a plurality of panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels include a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. At least two end flaps are respectively foldably attached to respective panels of the plurality of panels. The end flaps are overlapped with respect to one another and thereby at least partially form a closed end of the carton. The carton includes a handle in the closed end of the carton having a handle opening for grasping and carrying the carton. At least one end flap of the at least two end flaps has a main panel for at least partially closing the closed end of the carton and a reinforcement panel foldably attached to the main panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Kirsten Laura Brand
  • Patent number: 8556160
    Abstract: A carton for containing a plurality of containers. The carton comprises a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises a bottom panel, a first side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, a top panel foldably connected to the first side panel, a second side panel foldably connected to the top panel, and an expansion panel foldably connected to the bottom panel. Opposite ends of the expansion panel are respectively foldably connected to expansion flaps, and the expansion flaps are at least partially in face-to-face contact with, and mounted to, the second side panel. A dispenser is positioned in at least the second side panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond R. Spivey, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20130264378
    Abstract: An octahedral product dispenser for dispensing discrete product portions and a corresponding blank for constructing the product dispenser are described. The product dispenser includes two opposing hexagonal end panels, and six integrally connected rectangular side panels extending between the two end panels, wherein a first and a last of these six side panels are not integrally connected to each other but connected to one another with a flap portion. An opening is formed in one of the end or side panels for allowing access to product portions within the product dispenser, and these product portions can be arranged vertically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Gerald J. Keberlein, Gregory A. DiLoreto
  • Patent number: 8550332
    Abstract: A dispensing carton includes a dispenser section having a deformation pattern provided therein. The deformation pattern facilitates removal of the dispenser section during opening of the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick James DeBusk, Jean-Manuel Gomes
  • Publication number: 20130214036
    Abstract: A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton comprises a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises a first top panel, a second top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. The first top panel and the second top panel are at least partially overlapped to form a top wall of the carton. A handle extends in at least the top wall. The handle can comprise at least a first handle portion of the first top panel and a second handle portion of the second top panel. The first handle portion can at least partially overlap the second handle portion at a rounded corner of the carton.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130206828
    Abstract: A container includes a first blank and a second blank. The first blank includes a first plurality of panel and a plurality flaps. The first plurality of panels includes a first side panel, a second side panel opposing the first side panel, a back panel, and a front panel of the container, the first plurality of flaps defines a bottom of the container and a first exterior portion of a top of the container. The front panel includes a first breakaway portion. The second blank includes an insert front panel and a top flap. The top flap defines a second exterior portion of the top of the container. The insert front panel includes a second breakaway portion that is attached to the first breakaway portion of the front panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: PACKAGING CORPORATION OF AMERICA
    Inventor: Packaging Corporation of America
  • Patent number: 8474688
    Abstract: A box blank comprises serially attached top, bottom, first side, and second side panels, each having two side edges, with a side flap attached to each side edge. A first tear line extends across the top panel and side flaps attached thereto. A second tear line extends across the top or first side panel, and side flaps attached thereto. The panels and flaps are foldable to form a box with bottom formed from the bottom panel, top formed from the top panel, first side formed from the first side panel, second side formed from the second side panel, third and fourth sides formed from the side flaps. The side flaps are sized so that the third and fourth sides are partially open. The tear lines are positioned so that a top portion of the box is removable by separating it along the tear lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Retail Ready Package Inc.
    Inventor: Hugh T. Cameron
  • Patent number: 8444046
    Abstract: Cartons have dispensing features that enable containers or other articles to be selectively dispensed from the cartons while preventing inadvertent escape of the articles from the cartons. A carton can have an exiting end panel closing an interior space and a dispenser pattern defining a dispenser having a bottom door extending across the exiting end panel. The dispenser pattern can comprise a plurality of tear lines that define a removable portion comprising at least a portion of the exiting end flap, the top panel, and at least one of the first side panel and the second side panel. The dispenser pattern further comprises a pivot line in the bottom panel, a first line, and a second line that are for enabling pivoting of the bottom door about the pivot line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. DeBusk, Jean-Manuel Gomes, Raymond Rudolph Spivey, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8439254
    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: July 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Leslie Smalley
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8408392
    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 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen R. Harrelson
  • Patent number: 8342335
    Abstract: A shelf-ready shipper display system having a tray portion, a hood portion, and one or more zones of weakness that enable the hood portion to be separated from the tray portion so that the shipper display system can be converted from a shipping configuration to a display configuration. In certain embodiments, the shipper display system is made from a single blank. In some embodiments, the shipper display system includes a reinforcement panel that is also capable of being separated from the tray portion as the shipper display system is converted from the shipping configuration and to the display configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Rock-Tenn Shared Services, LLC
    Inventor: David G. Couture
  • Publication number: 20120261432
    Abstract: A carton for containing and dispensing a plurality of products is disclosed that comprises: a plurality of panels that define an internal volume; a trap door defined in at least one panel of the plurality of panels and separable from the panel along at least one weakened line to form an opening in the panel; and an insert strip positioned in the internal volume at least partially over the trap door. The insert strip retains the plurality of products within the internal volume of the carton after the trap door is separated from the panel. The products may then be dispensed through the opening by at least partially removing the insert strip from the internal volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Bradford J. WALLING
  • Patent number: 8281979
    Abstract: A dispensing carton and method for dispensing beverage cans is disclosed. The carton enables end-users to easily remove cans from the carton without the common problem of additional cans inadvertently falling out. After removing tear outs, the dispenser flap is folded upon itself and then onto the lower panel to keep cans from rolling out. Optional locking tabs can be used to keep the flap folded. Optional thumb grips and added slits can make tear out removal easier and less trouble prone. The new carton uses existing size carton blanks and requires no added components and no added cost for materials or labor. Furthermore, no changes to manufacturing equipment or manufacturing processes in making carton blanks, assembling the cartons, filling the cartons or transporting the filled cartons are needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Inventor: John Pfanstiehl
  • Patent number: 8263918
    Abstract: A microwave packaging made of a flexible, heat-sealable laminate has a grid structure made of electrically non-conductive cells that do not absorb microwaves, and an electrically conductive metal grid that separates the cells from one another. The metal grid has a layer thickness of at least 1 ?m, and the cells each have a size between 100 mm2 and 1200 mm2. The proportion of the non-conductive area formed by the cells amounts to at least 50% of the total area. A liquid-tight outer film follows a first side of the metal grid directly or by way of at least one connecting layer, and a moisture-absorbent layer follows a second side of the metal grid directly or by way of at least one intermediate layer, and has a polymer base substance and extends essentially over the entire area of the laminate. The microwave packaging is formed from the laminate by heat-sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Nordenia USA Inc.
    Inventor: Maik Hach
  • Publication number: 20120193406
    Abstract: A one-piece container blank having a plurality of side panels each having a bottom portion which accordion folds prior to folding the plurality of side panels to form the container side walls and having top flaps and bottom flaps foldable to form the container top and the container bottom with the formed container providing a removable top portion which detaches along a separation line provided by the accordion fold to provide a remainder bottom portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Putt
  • Patent number: 8186569
    Abstract: A packaging container is used to package a regulated fluid dispensing system including a regulated fluid dispensing device and a beverage container. The packaging includes carry handles, and a perforation pattern that allows a front panel of the packaging container to be removed thus exposing working parts of the dispensing device. The dispensing system may remain housed within the packaging during use that assists in stabilizing and protecting the dispensing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: MillerCoors, LLC
    Inventor: Jason Morgan Kelly
  • Patent number: 8181782
    Abstract: The carton of this invention is capable of carrying the plurality of containers stacked upon their ends in two tiers with a unique dispenser that permits the dispensing of containers on their sides. The dispenser is formed in a top side wall and extends into the end wall with most of the end wall being torn open but leaving a portion near the bottom side wall to prevent the bottom layer of containers from rolling out. Angled projections in the dispensing end of the carton near the top panel and bottom panel prevent the top layer of containers from rolling out. A divider may be inserted between the two tiers of containers to facilitate loading the carton and preventing the containers from accidentally rolling out when the dispenser is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen R. Harrelson
  • Patent number: 8167194
    Abstract: A dispensing carton includes a dispenser section having a deformation pattern provided therein. The deformation pattern facilitates removal of the dispenser section during opening of the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick James DeBusk, Jean-Manuel Gomes
  • Patent number: 8162206
    Abstract: A carton for holding a plurality of containers. The carton comprises a bottom panel, a first side panel, a second side panel, a plurality of flaps at a first end of said carton, a first side end flap at a second end of said carton, and a second side end flap at said second end of said carton. A panel dispenser flap is defined in said first side panel, said bottom panel, and in said second side panel by a first at least one tear line. A first portion of an end dispenser flap is defined in said first side panel and in said first side end flap by a second at least one tear line. A second portion of said end dispenser flap is defined in said second side panel and in said second side end flap by a third at least one tear line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen R. Harrelson
  • Patent number: 8136717
    Abstract: A paperboard carton doubles as a shipping container for articles such as beverage cans and a cooler for containing ice to cool the articles when the carton is opened. The top portion of the carton is breached by removing an opening strip defined by zipper rules. Once breached, the tops and side panels of the carton are opened up to form an upwardly open chimney or skirt into which ice can be placed to cool the contents of the carton. Gussets formed in the lower corners of the cartons insure that water from melting ice does not leak prematurely from the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrea Coltri De Paula, Jean-Manuel Gomes
  • Patent number: 8127924
    Abstract: The carton of this invention is capable of carrying the plurality of containers stacked upon their ends in two tiers with a unique dispenser that permits the dispensing of containers on their sides. The dispenser is formed in a top side wall and extends into the end wall with most of the end wall being torn open but leaving a portion near the bottom side wall to prevent the bottom layer of containers from rolling out. Angled projections in the dispensing end of the carton near the top panel and bottom panel prevent the top layer of containers from rolling out. A divider may be inserted between the two tiers of containers to facilitate loading the carton and preventing the containers from accidentally rolling out when the dispenser is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Glen R. Harrelson
  • Patent number: 8087570
    Abstract: A carton has a multi-ply configuration formed by overlying a primary blank with one or more reinforcing blanks. A separable section can formed in one or more side panels of the carton to allow for removal of articles from the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles F. Ho Fung
  • Publication number: 20110315750
    Abstract: A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton comprises a bottom panel, a first side panel foldably, and a second side panel. At least one end flap comprises a first portion foldably connected to the one of the first side panel and the second side panel, a second portion foldably connected to the first portion, and a third portion foldably connected to the second portion. The carton has at least one reinforced corner that comprises a reinforced end panel and a reinforced portion of one of the first side panel and the second side panel. The reinforced end panel comprises the second portion and the third portion of the at least one end flap. The reinforced portion comprises the third portion of the at least one end flap and a portion of the one of the first side panel and the second side panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Karl A. Kohler
  • Publication number: 20110284624
    Abstract: A carton for holding a plurality of articles. The carton comprises a bottom panel, a first side panel comprising a first lower side panel and a first upper side panel, a second side panel comprising a second lower side panel and a second upper side panel, a top panel, a first end panel, and a second end panel. A dispenser pattern defines a dispenser section at least in the first upper side panel, the top panel, the second upper side panel, and one of the first end panel and the second end panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick James DeBusk, Raymond Rudolph Spivey, SR., Robert L. Sutherland
  • Publication number: 20110284621
    Abstract: A shelf-ready shipper display system having a tray portion, a hood portion, and one or more zones of weakness that enable the hood portion to be separated from the tray portion so that the shipper display system can be converted from a shipping configuration to a display configuration. In certain embodiments, the shipper display system is made from a single blank. In some embodiments, the shipper display system includes a reinforcement panel that is also capable of being separated from the tray portion as the shipper display system is converted from the shipping configuration and to the display configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: David G. Couture
  • Patent number: 8061587
    Abstract: A carton for a group of bottles arranged in rows is of substantially tubular structure comprising a bottom panel (18), a first side panel (16), a top panel (14), a second side wall panel (12) and end closure panels for at least partially closing the ends of the carton. The carton has an access means, integrally formed in the carton walls and is defined by a weakened line of severance (3). The access means provides a means for accessing the bottles contained within the carton while providing means for retaining the articles to prevent them from being inadvertently dislodged. The access means being formed so that the carton can be oriented to sit on either its bottom panel or the second side panel while articles are accessed via an opening in the first side wall panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick Blin