Free-standing Patents (Class 383/104)
  • Patent number: 11905091
    Abstract: A packaged food that includes a sealed bag defining therein a sealed cavity containing a food, the sealed bag being formed from a flexible packaging film that includes a monoaxially oriented polymeric layer defining a preferential tear direction extending along the film; wherein the packaging film is configured to form first and second elongate tear-away portions of the sealed bag which are on opposite sides of, and adjacent to, an elongate central portion of the sealed bag, the first and second elongate tear-away portions and the elongate central portion extending along the preferential tear direction, whereby tearing away of the first and second elongate tear-away portions along the preferential tear direction to open the sealed bag leaves the elongate central portion forming a handle portion of the opened bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Frito-Lay Trading Company GmbH
    Inventor: Mike Sharpe
  • Patent number: 11760540
    Abstract: A fabric bulk bag and a method for constructing the same, the bag including a continuous sidewall, a top portion, and a bottom, all defining a bulk storage space therein; the bottom further comprising eight sides which define an octagonal shape having an enlarged footprint so that the bag wall is sewn to the bottom in less time than a round shaped bag, yet when filled stands more upright with less tendency to lean than the current square shaped bags thereby providing a safer more dependable stacking bulk bag. In the method of producing the fabric bulk bag, the bag is constructed in less time than the prior art round bottom bags, uses less wall fabric than prior art square bottomed bags and when constructed and filled, supports itself more stable on a floor or pallet because it provides substantially more base for the product to rest on. In other embodiments, the bag would be multi-sided with greater than four sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: AMERIGLOBE, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel R. Schnaars
  • Patent number: 11654648
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a volume control storage bag and methods of making same. The volume control storage bag may have first and second sidewalls, a double-locking closure mechanism with a first closure element extending along the first sidewall and a second closure element extending along the second sidewall, each closure element having a channel and an elongated member configured for interlocking with one another. A gusset is sealed along three sides of the first and second sidewalls, leaving an opening through the closure mechanism and defining an interior space having a specific volume. Corner seals may be formed at the corners of the first and second sidewalls, further reinforcing the double-locking closure mechanism for an airtight and hence waterproof seal. The volume control storage bag may be made of a food-grade polyethylene vinyl acetate blend, approximately 90% or less ethylene vinyl acetate and approximately 10% or less polyethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Rezip Co.
    Inventors: Alain Denis, Amy George
  • Patent number: 11584582
    Abstract: A convertible beverage container package having an integrated cooler compartment is provided that is sized to contain a number of cans in a box shape during transit, storage, and sale and which can be converted to a portable cooler configured to receive ice for cooling the cans contained therein. The shape of the convertible beverage container package allows a compact package for storage and transport, which can be selectively expanded to receive ice. In some cases, the received ice may surround two or more sides of the beverage cans. In one case, the shape of the convertible beverage container package may direct ice inside the package to contact the canned beverages on at least three sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: COORS BREWING COMPANY
    Inventors: Jason M. Kelly, Herbert B. Smith, Charles Ho Fung, Darin G. McKnight, II, Eric A. Haas
  • Patent number: 11286086
    Abstract: A recloseable zipper pouch includes a recloseable zipper with interlocking profiles. At least one of the profiles has a grasping flange with a free end positionable both above and below the interlocking profile, and an attachment flange below the interlocking profile and attached to the wall of the pouch at an anchored portion on the attachment flange. The grasping flange is unattached to the first wall between opposite sidewall edges of the pouch. The complementary interlocking profile is attached to the opposite pouch wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Reynolds Presto Products Inc.
    Inventor: William Bradford Hansen
  • Patent number: 11192693
    Abstract: A fabric bulk bag and a method for constructing the same, the bag including a continuous sidewall, a top portion, and a bottom, all defining a bulk storage space therein; the bottom further comprising eight sides which define an octagonal shape having an enlarged footprint so that the bag wall is sewn to the bottom in less time than a round shaped bag, yet when filled stands more upright with less tendency to lean than the current square shaped bags thereby providing a safer more dependable stacking bulk bag. In the method of producing the fabric bulk bag, the bag is constructed in less time than the prior art round bottom bags, uses less wall fabric than prior art square bottomed bags and when constructed and filled, supports itself more stable on a floor or pallet because it provides substantially more base for the product to rest on. In other embodiments, the bag would be multi-sided with greater than four sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: AMERIGLOBE, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel R. Schnaars
  • Patent number: 11155394
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a flexible container. In an embodiment, the flexible container includes (A) a front panel, a rear panel, a first gusseted side panel, and a second gusseted side panel. The gusseted side panels adjoin the front panel and the rear panel along peripheral seals to form a chamber. (B) Each peripheral seal has (i) a body seal inner edge (BSIE) with a bottom end and an opposing top end, (ii) a bottom tapered seal inner edge (b-TSIE) extending from the BSIE bottom end, and (iii) a top tapered seal inner edge (t-TSIE) extending from the BSIE top end. (C) The t-TSIE has a length that is at least 1.1 times greater than the length of the BSIE (in mm).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Marc S. Black, Simon Tage Jespersen, Chad V. Schuette, Muhammad Ali Siddiqui, Haley A. Lowry, Fabrice Digonnet, Brian W. Walther, Jeffrey E. Bonekamp
  • Patent number: 11110032
    Abstract: The invention relates to a 3D flexible pouch to be filled with a biopharmaceutical product, produced by assembling two wall elements and two gussets. At least one connection port can be provided for filling and/or emptying. A substantially parallelepipedic configuration is obtained in a filled state by unfolding the gussets and folding the flaps of the two wall elements. A welded seam is produced in a join portion formed at one end and cut out in a V shape, so as to directly connect the two wall elements. In a substantially flat configuration of the empty flexible pouch, the join portion projects axially outwards in relation to the gussets and is defined by two edges which are oblique in relation to a longitudinal axis of said pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: SARTORIUS STEDIM FMT SAS
    Inventor: Frédéric Bazin
  • Patent number: 11084627
    Abstract: The invention discloses a plastic bag comprising: at least one longitudinal end weld, wherein the end weld comprises an elongate transversely-oriented weld bounded by a first pair and a second pair of coterminous oblique welds extending along an oblique angle from the first and second ends of transversely-oriented weld, respectively, such that each pair of oblique welds forms a first and second apex, respectively, adjacent its respective end of the transversely-oriented weld, a first and second planar gusset attached to the bag along or within the first and second pair of oblique welds so as to overlie the first and second apex, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: CYTIVA SWEDEN AB
    Inventors: Ralph Stankowski, Michael Miller
  • Patent number: 10968020
    Abstract: A self-standing bag (1) is provided, including: a body portion (10) formed of a body member (10A) in a tubular shape; and a bottom portion (12) formed of a half-folded bottom member (12A), in which each of side ends of the bottom member (12A) is bonded to an inner surface of a rear surface portion (20) of the body portion (10), a lower end of the bottom member (12A) is bonded to a lower end of the body portion (10) on an entire circumference of the body portion (10), on the body portion (10) side of the bottom member (12A), an adhesive film (22) for bonding a side end of the bottom member (12A) to the body portion (10) is laminated to cover the entire bottom member (12A), both side ends of the adhesive film (22) respectively protrude from both the side ends of the bottom member (12A) in a width direction, and bonding of the side end of the bottom member (12A) to the inner surface of the body portion (10) is achieved by the adhesive film (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: HOSOKAWA YOKO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Umenaka
  • Patent number: 10934071
    Abstract: A method of producing a container for retaining fluid, the method comprises the steps of: providing a blank which, when assembled, forms a container; folding the blank along one or more fold lines across the blank's width to form a substantially rectangular side wall such that first and second ends of the substantially rectangular side wall are brought into close proximity; sealing the first and second ends of the substantially rectangular side wall to one another; deforming one or more deformable portions which span across the one or more fold lines such that the deformable portions are disposed inwardly in order to force the remainder of the side wall outwards to create an opening within the blank; and sealing a base around the circumference of a first edge of the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: HYGIENIUS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY BV.
    Inventor: Ian Webb
  • Patent number: 10926932
    Abstract: A 3-D flexible bag to be filled with a biopharmaceutical product is formed by assembling of two wall elements and two gussets. At least one connection port is provided, for filling and/or emptying. A substantially parallelepipedal configuration is obtained in a filled state thanks to the unfolding of the gussets combined with the folding of flaps of the two wall elements. A transverse weld, formed at one end, connects the two wall elements of the bag and extends continuously, keeping in a folded-flat state: an elongate edge portion of one gusset; an elongate edge portion of the other gusset. This transverse weld has a length corresponding to a determined dimension of the flexible bag in the parallelepipedal configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: SARTORIUS STEDIM FMT SAS
    Inventor: Frédéric Bazin
  • Patent number: 10793348
    Abstract: A package containing solid raw material for a beverage, wherein the raw material is packed in a water permeable filter bag (1) and the filter bag is packed in an openable protective package (2) enclosing the bag and having a front wall (2d) and a rear wall (2e) which are connected at their both vertical edges. The protective package (2) can be opened by forming an opening between the front wall and the rear wall. Both the front wall (2d) and the rear wall (2e) end at their respective supporting edges (2a, 2b) at the bottom, and said supporting edges can be brought apart to form a bottom structure to keep the bag upright. At least between the supporting edges, the package material forms a bottom that is liquid tight throughout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Spotless Tea Bag Oy
    Inventor: Matti Koskinen
  • Patent number: 10618713
    Abstract: A resealable storage and dispensing device for granular dry goods includes a shell that defines an interior space. An orifice is positioned in a respective upper corner of the shell. The orifice is configured to dispense contents from the interior space as the shell is partially inverted. A first coupler and a second coupler are coupled to a front and a back of the shell, respectively, and are positioned in the interior space adjacent to the orifice. The second coupler is complementary to the first coupler. The second coupler is positioned to selectively and sealably couple to the first coupler to close the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Inventor: Anthony Beaird
  • Patent number: 10604321
    Abstract: An apparatus is improved to successively make plastic bags each of which includes an end surface provided with a spout, by employing the general feeding way of panel material, to be simple in structure, low in cost, high in speed and to make it possible to successively make the plastic bags two by two. A first folded portion is formed in a first web of panel material 1. An aperture is formed in a second web of panel material 2. A spout is inserted into the aperture, the spout and the second web of panel material 2 being heat sealed with each other. The second web of panel material 2 is guided by a guide device 18 to be folded after being heat sealed so that a second folded portion should be formed in the second web of panel material. The spout is turned over by the second folded portion. The second folded portion and the first folded portion are heat sealed with each other while the second folded portion and the second web of panel material 2 are heat sealed with each other about the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Fuji Seal International, Inc.
    Inventors: Hideki Ohmae, Mikio Totani, Hiroshi Nagata, Masakazu Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 10589903
    Abstract: The invention relates to a package or product comprising at least one space for contents or objects, formed of at least one flexible part, which is a flexible pouch type container part, and to the at least one flexible part attached at least one stiff support part, in which the at least one stiff support part forms in opened position at least part of wall structure of the package or product. The at least one flexible part and the at least one stiff support part form the at least one space for the objects or contents, when the stiff material of the support part is bent and/or the package is opened at the stiff support part. The invention also relates to a package or product roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Koepala Packaging Oy
    Inventor: Janne Asikainen
  • Patent number: 10577161
    Abstract: An apparatus is improved to successively make plastic bags each of which includes an end surface provided with a spout, by employing the general feeding way of panel material, to be simple in structure, low in cost, high in speed and to make it possible to successively make the plastic bags two by two. A first folded portion is formed in a first web of panel material 1. An aperture is formed in a second web of panel material 2. A spout is inserted into the aperture, the spout and the second web of panel material 2 being heat sealed with each other. The second web of panel material 2 is guided by a guide device 18 to be folded after being heat sealed so that a second folded portion should be formed in the second web of panel material. The spout is turned over by the second folded portion. The second folded portion and the first folded portion are heat sealed with each other while the second folded portion and the second web of panel material 2 are heat sealed with each other about the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignees: Fuji Seal International, Inc., Totani Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Ohmae, Mikio Totani, Hiroshi Nagata, Masakazu Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 10406771
    Abstract: A gusset preheating assembly and a method of using the same. The assembly includes a heating gun assembly mounted on a frame. Spreader rods open up a gap in a bag's gusset and nozzles blow warmed air into the gap. Orthogonally arranged first and second hydraulic members are operatively engaged with heating gun assembly and are activated to move the heating gun assembly vertically or horizontally. Hot air blowing into the gap from the nozzle relaxes the gusset. Pressure is applied to the relaxed gusset, thereby reducing the thickness of the gusset region of the bag. The reduction in thickness makes it possible to increase the number of gusseted bags that are packaged in a container or on a roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Miller Weldmaster Corporation
    Inventor: Brian D. Henry
  • Patent number: 10334819
    Abstract: A flexible and collapsible liquid storage bag comprising front and back walls formed from a sheet material is described wherein a front wall and a back wall are joined along a perimeter of the bag and are also joined at a joined center portion proximate the centers of the respective front and back sheets. The bags are typically used in the storage, heat-treatment and dispensing of bovine colostrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Inventor: Richard H Dumm
  • Patent number: 9932161
    Abstract: An apparatus is improved to successively make plastic bags each of which includes an end surface provided with a spout, by employing the general feeding way of panel material, to be simple in structure, low in cost, high in speed and to make it possible to successively make the plastic bags two by two. A first folded portion is formed in a first web of panel material 1. An aperture is formed in a second web of panel material 2. A spout is inserted into the aperture, the spout and the second web of panel material 2 being heat sealed with each other. The second web of panel material 2 is guided by a guide device 18 to be folded after being heat sealed so that a second folded portion should be formed in the second web of panel material. The spout is turned over by the second folded portion. The second folded portion and the first folded portion are heat sealed with each other while the second folded portion and the second web of panel material 2 are heat sealed with each other about the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignees: Fuji Seal International, Inc., Totani Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Ohmae, Mikio Totani, Hiroshi Nagata, Masakazu Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 9914575
    Abstract: Flexible containers having with inflated elements with puckered corners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Jun You, Kenneth Stephen McGuire, Scott Kendyl Stanley
  • Patent number: 9908668
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a flexible container having four panels—a front panel, a rear panel, and opposing gusseted side panels. The front panel bottom face includes a first line defined by the inner edge of a first peripheral tapered seal and a second line defined by the inner edge of a second peripheral tapered seal. The first line intersects the second line at an apex point in a bottom seal area. The front panel bottom face has a bottom distalmost inner seal point on the inner edge and the apex point is separated from the bottom distalmost inner seal point by a distance from 0 mm to less than 8.0 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Wilkes, Marlos G. Oliveira, Marcos P. Franca
  • Patent number: 9758286
    Abstract: A detergent product including a flexible box bag and soluble unit dose detergent pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Dominique Celine Ignace Marie Geeraert, Mostafa Elmihy, Neil John Rogers
  • Patent number: 9650178
    Abstract: A watermelon pouch designed with a gusseted floor to accommodate a large watermelon slice. The pouch provides an upwardly concave interior volume to orient and stabilize a watermelon for best presentation and least damage, and sturdy sidewalls to support the pouch and contained watermelon on a flat surface. The pouch is re-closable by a zip-lock seal and includes a handle for easy carrying. The watermelon pouch includes a transparent window to allow the consumer to view the watermelon slice inside the pouch, and the transparent window is framed by a graphical element to enhance the product's visual appeal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: The Fresh Group, Ltd.
    Inventor: Sam J. Maglio, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9567139
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a flexible pouch for bottom-dispensing a liquid. A dock for holding the flexible pouch is also provided. Further disclosed herein is a system for dispensing a liquid. The system includes the pouch for placement in the dock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Timothy James, Haley A. Lowry, Jill M. Martin
  • Patent number: 9527169
    Abstract: A process and apparatus are provided for cooling an airfoil of a blade during a welding repair operation on the airfoil. At least one polymeric pouch is positioned adjacent a surface of the airfoil, and a coolant fluid is passed through the polymeric pouch during the repair operation on the airfoil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: SIEMENS ENERGY, INC.
    Inventor: James Morin
  • Patent number: 9505525
    Abstract: A storage bag includes first and second sidewalls that are directly connected without a pleat between the sidewalls at a bottom of the bag. The bag includes a plurality of shift regions at bottom portions of the sidewalls. The bag can be moved about the shift regions such that the bag is shiftable between a flat configuration with the first and second sidewalls positioned adjacent to each other and a stand-up configuration with the first and second sidewalls separated from each other. In the stand-up configuration, the bag is shifted about the shift regions such that a substantially flat base is formed for the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Dais, Jose Porchia, Andrew S. Weiss, Sanjay Dhall, Saleem Qureshi
  • Patent number: 9499307
    Abstract: A storage bag includes first and second sidewalls that are directly connected, and a plurality of shift regions at bottom portions of the sidewalls. The bag can be moved about the shift regions such that the bag is shiftable between a flat configuration with the first and second sidewalls positioned adjacent to each other and a stand-up configuration with the first and second sidewalls separated from each other. In the stand-up configuration, the bag is shifted about the shift regions such that a substantially flat base is formed for the bag. The stand-up configuration is thereby achieved without a pleat being provided between the sidewalls at a bottom of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Jose Porchia, Keegan E. Burggren, Brian C. Dais
  • Patent number: 9462815
    Abstract: An apparatus for marinating foods; the flavor dispensing system is used to improve the ease, convenience and reliability of dispensing flavorings into comestibles. The device is a flexible container with marinade or other fluid stored within the flexible container, and a dispensing needle suitable for injection dispensing. The container assembly serves to safely store the dispensing needle within the confines of the flexible container during non-use periods. The flexible container is able to be sealed to promote content longevity in store-shelf life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Inventors: Rex Adams, Edwin Wold
  • Patent number: 9334087
    Abstract: A standing pouch includes an external pack, and an internal pack which is disposed in the external pack to form a first temperature control space and a second temperature control space which are spaced from each other, to form a contents accommodating space between the first temperature control space and the second temperature control space to accommodate contents. The first temperature control space can communicate with the second temperature control space. A first temperature control member and a second temperature control member are respectively disposed in the first temperature control space and the second temperature control space, and at least one of the first temperature control space and the second temperature control space have an open upper side to put a reactant liquid reacting with the first and second temperature control members to generate an exothermic or endothermic reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: HARVEST CHARMFOODS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Byoung-Chol Cho, Byoung-Gu Cho, Byung-kwon Cho
  • Patent number: 9284096
    Abstract: Containers and methods for their manufacture are provided. Containers include first and second panels connected at first and second edges, a bottom panel connecting the first and second panels at a third edge, a panel area defined by a seal extending from the first edge and having a first aperture at a first corner of the container, and a pour feature disposed at least partially at a second corner diagonally opposite the first corner, wherein the bottom panel or the first edge comprises a gusset. Methods include forming such container and forming at least one aperture in the panel area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Printpack Illinois, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Kessler, Jr., Brenton Holloway, Mark Ronald Brogan
  • Patent number: 9162805
    Abstract: A reusable wrap for releasable securing laden goods on a pallet. One embodiment of the pallet wrap comprises a flexible wrap having a plurality of pockets adjacent its ends for receiving corresponding rods, and a plurality of hook and loop strap fasteners attached to one end of the wrap for engaging corresponding rings secured to the second end of the wrap to permit the straps to be folded back and attached to themselves to secure the wrap around the goods. Corner webbing members may be attached to the bottom of the wrap to assist in securing the wrap to the pallet itself during use. A hook and loop strap may also be attached to the top of the wrap to extend across the top of the loaded goods. Identification and/or shipping information or materials may be placed in a clear vinyl pocket for easy access and viewing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: PALLET WRAPZ, INC.
    Inventors: Peter Testa, Matt Jacobs
  • Patent number: 9162169
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a modular catch basin for implementation in a high performance bioswale are disclosed. The modular catch basin containing bio-media in bio-media filters to treat urban run-off. Method of installing and maintaining the modular catch basin are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Inventor: Guy Alan Stivers
  • Patent number: 9102442
    Abstract: A container for receiving a gift, having a reclosable presentation engaged to a surface thereof. The container includes pleated sides to accommodate different size gifts and may further include a graphics or other indicia to indicate a holiday or other gift giving occasion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Gift Card Impressions, LLC
    Inventors: Brett R. Glass, Nicole E. Glass
  • Patent number: 9079704
    Abstract: Microwave cooking packages suitable for use as microwave popcorn packages include at least one panel (e.g., first and second panels) formed of a vertically rigid material. A flexible portion is attached to the panels. The flexible portion may be formed of a polyester film material such as a biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, which may be at least partially transparent. The flexible portion (and panels) defines a bag construction configured to contain a popcorn charge and to be expandable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration when the popcorn charge is subjected to a popping operation. The microwave cooking package may include a vent assembly configured to at least partially open when the bag configuration is in an expanded configuration to vent the bag construction. The vent assembly includes a first portion a second portion of the bag construction that is configured to be folded against the first portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: ConAgra Foods RDM, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Thomas Gorman, David W. France, Clifton Lachmansingh, Paul John Warosh, Donald L. Greenwood, Joseph C. Walsh, Nicholas P. Lupfer, John Dougherty Culter
  • Publication number: 20150125097
    Abstract: A gusset bag has a spout that keeps a stable self-standing attitude, facilitating easy and complete content pouring. The gusset bag includes a film bag body and a spout attached to the bag body. The bag body includes a tubular body and a rectangular-shaped bottom surface sealed and secured to one edge of the tubular body. The tubular body includes opposing flat surfaces and side surfaces, each being sealed and secured to side edges of the flat surfaces, the bottom surface and the side surfaces being formed with foldable lines, respectively, along which the bottom surface and the side surfaces are folded inward toward inside of the bag body, forming a bottom surface gusset and side surface gussets, and an inclining edge is formed to one of the upper two corners of the bag body, the spout being attached to the inclining edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Toshikazu Kenmotsu, Kazuhiro Umenaka
  • Patent number: 8992085
    Abstract: A reclosable bag or pouch configured to store, and to easily pour, material. The reclosable bag is configured with an integral pour spout having a reclosable fastener to facilitate the pouring of material from the bag, and subsequent resealing. By locating the pour spout along an upper side of the bag, material is focused downward from the bag, and not outward, when poured. Bags configured in this manner thus provide end users with enhanced control over the dispensing rate and direction of their contents. In some embodiments, the bag is also configured as a self-supporting bag capable of resting generally upright upon its bottom end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventors: Alan D. Olin, Diana S. Olin
  • Patent number: 8991460
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the description of machine-assisted production assemblies and to the optimization thereof, said assemblies having, built therein, a patented device for folding into deep coated folds, thus making it possible to create paper packaging for fast food, said assemblies all comprising a folded element from a folded paper strip 31. Said machines are modular and all comprise, upstream, an assembly of modules 5, 6, and 7 that supply a folded paper strip 31 that is then converted in a specific finishing module 8 for making, from said lidded paper strip, a packaging for a sandwich or loose product such as fries or chicken pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventors: Gilbert Capy, Akiva Buchberg
  • Patent number: 8985854
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an adapter for use with ordinary lawn and leaf bags and a method for manufacture of such adapter. The adapter has a cavity that has four sides and four corners, and a lower portion consisting of four flaps. The use of a frame, side and/or corner fasteners create an adapter where the flaps lie inside the bag and the cavity remains outside the bag to create a large surface area for filling the bag and also prevents the mouth of the bag from closing due to wind or other forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Titan IP LLC
    Inventor: Santosh Arcot
  • Publication number: 20150071571
    Abstract: A bag formed of plastic film material has two side panels with a rear gusset and a bottom gusset extending between the first and second side panels. Margins at front and top edges of the first side panel join margins at front and top edges of the second side panel at a first join. A bottom margin of the rear gusset joins a rear margin of the bottom gusset at a second join. The rear gusset terminates at a top, rear part of the first join and the bottom gusset terminates at a bottom, front part of the first join.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventors: Brian George Hutchison, Lorne Andrew Gelz
  • Patent number: 8961013
    Abstract: A self-supporting, rigid, and collapsible reusable bag made from flexible material and having a bottom, two first sidewalls, two second sidewalls, a top opening, and rigid insert. A rigid full-wall board is embedded in each of the two first sidewalls. A rigid insert comprised of at least one pair of sidewalls and bottom with substantially similar dimensions to the second sidewalls and bottom of the bag are placed in the interior and in frictional contact with the second sidewalls and bottom of the bag. The rigid insert sidewalls are held in place with securing devices located on the interior upper corners of the sidewalls of the bag. The bag can be collapsed by moving the rigid insert away from the second sidewalls and bottom to allow the second sidewalls to fold either inward or outward. A full-wall pocket is provided for each first sidewall to receive the full-wall board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Erica Bush
  • Publication number: 20150036950
    Abstract: A non-durable flexible container can include a first film wall including a first portion comprising at least one first structural support member defined in the first film wall, and a second portion that is free of a structural support member. The container can further include a second film wall including at least one second structural support member defined in the second film wall, wherein at least a portion of the first structural support member is adjacent to at least a portion of the second structural support member to define a seam region, and a side of the seam region defines an edge of the non-durable flexible container. The container can also include a closed produce volume defined between first and second film walls; and a seam projecting outwardly from the seam region at an intersection of the first and second film walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Scott Kendyl STANLEY, Charles John BERG, JR., Kenneth Stephen McGuire, Lee Mathew Arent, Benjamin Jacob Clare, Marc Richard Bourgeois, Tadayoshi Ishihara, Joseph Craig Lester, Andrew Paul Rapach
  • Patent number: 8939642
    Abstract: A pouch includes a seamless body having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, with a substantially flat, planar base at the first end. First and second opposing walls extend upwardly from the planar base to form an elongate mouth at the second end. Each of the opposing walls includes an upper wall portion and a lower wall portion. The upper wall portions extend to the elongate mouth and the lower wall portions extend to the planar base. The first and second opposing walls have a varying thickness. An elongate closure mechanism, adjacent to the elongate mouth, provides a resealable closure for the pouch. The seamless body stands independently in an upright position upon the planar base when the body is in an expanded position. The pouch, being both flexible and collapsible, can be folded into a substantially flat condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan L. Ackerman, Anne C. Moser, Daniel Perez, Abby Sturges
  • Patent number: 8910834
    Abstract: A flexible container for containing a product includes a dispensing portion, a panel forming a first compartment for containing the product and forming a second compartment that is separate from the first compartment, and an elongated grip disposed at least in part in the second compartment. A user may grasp the grip to transport the container or to pour a product from the first compartment. The grip may also prevent the container from collapsing, allowing the container to be efficiently stored on a surface and providing a surface on the flexible container to prominently display information regarding the product. The dispensing portion may be a metered cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Method Products, PBC
    Inventors: Rudiger Becker, Francis J. Handy
  • Publication number: 20140363105
    Abstract: A bag includes a body and a floor coupled to a bottom end of the body to define an interior region therebetween. A mouth is formed in a top end of the body and is arranged to open into the interior region. The body and floor of the bag are made from plastics materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Gary M. Pelletier, Frank P. Watson, Donnel Gray, JR., Douglas E. McDonald
  • Publication number: 20140353311
    Abstract: A collapsible enclosure having two opposed side panels, opposed front and rear panels, a floor panel, and a top panel having an opening. The opposed side panels, opposed front and rear panels, and floor panel are connected to one another to form a substantially rectangular enclosure having an opening in the top panel for access to the structure. The side panels include a peripheral edging containing a looped frame. A method of collapsing the structure is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: BAJER DESIGN & MARKETING, INC.
    Inventor: KELLY C. KELLOGG
  • Publication number: 20140348446
    Abstract: A stand-up paper bag is provided with a bottom panel; two major panels joined one ends wherein one major panel includes a first fold line formed with the bottom panel; and two minor panels each joined the major panels, each minor panel including a crease. The bottom panel includes a first sub-panel adjacent to the first fold line, an extension distal the first fold line, a second sub-panel between the first sub-panel and the extension, a second fold line between the first sub-panel and the second sub-panel, a third fold line between the extension and the second sub-panel, a first triangular incision on one ends of the first and second sub-panels, and a second triangular incision on other ends of the first and second sub-panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventor: Yu-Chou Chiang
  • Patent number: 8889204
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus to ease the consumption of drink and food including a sleeve of flexible material, a perforation formed in one end of the sleeve configured to be removed and form an opening in communication with a chamber formed in the sleeve. The apparatus also includes a straw with a first end to be inserted into the chamber through the sleeve, and a second end with at least one prong to be inserted into the chamber and the food. The second end may be inserted through the opening. The invention also provides a method of consuming food and drink from an apparatus. The invention further provides a method of assembling a snack apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Matthew Conroy
  • Patent number: 8882737
    Abstract: A self standing bag having two side wall sheets and a bottom sheet. To flatten the bag, the bottom sheet is sandwiched between the two side wall sheets and symmetrically folded along a line parallel to its bottom edge, separating the bag into a four-layer part and a two-layer part. In the two-layer part, the bag includes first sloped sealing lines extending between a first two points on the top edges of the side wall sheets and spaced from the vertical side wall edges by a first distance, to a second two points spaced from the vertical edges of the side wall sheets by a second distance less than the first distance. The four-layer part includes second sloped sealing lines extending between the second two points and a third two points on the bottom edges of the side wall sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Graf, Paul Gastauer, Philippe Laffay, Francois Dumont D'Ayot, Pascal Lengrand, Bertrand Thibault
  • Patent number: 8840305
    Abstract: A flexible container includes a panel structure of flexible web material, including panels that are adjoined to define a pouch. The pouch has a top opening with a fitment, and is expandable from a collapsed, unfilled condition to an expanded, filled condition. When the pouch is in the filled condition and resting on a flat surface, the panel structure supports the pouch in an upright orientation in which the fitment opening faces upward. The panel structure also provides the pouch with a flat footprint upon which the pouch overlies the flat surface. The flat footprint is defined in part by the pouch and in part by the lower handgrip in a condition folded beneath the pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Smart Bottle Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Wilkes, Frederick W. Schuldt