Free-standing Patents (Class 383/104)
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Patent number: 6244747Abstract: The present invention relates to sealed pouches, and apparatus and processes for producing the same. The pouch includes contoured first and second lateral edges, with each lateral edge having concave and convex surfaces. The concave surface of the first lateral edge is substantially opposite the convex surface of the second lateral edge and the convex surface of the first lateral edge is substantially opposite the concave surface of the second lateral edge. Accordingly, a distance between the first and second lateral edges is substantially the same for all elevations of the pouch.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1999Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.Inventor: Timothy G. Caudle
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Patent number: 6245367Abstract: Flexible packages for holding a product, e.g., dry cereal, which are arranged to be opened to form a bowl to enable the product to prepared therein and/or eaten therefrom. The packages each basically comprises a front panel, a rear panel, and a bottom panel, all formed of a flexible sheet material. The front and rear panels each include a top edge, a pair of opposed side edges, and a bottom edge. The front and rear panels are fixedly secured together along the side edges. The peripheral edge of the bottom panel is fixedly secured to the inside surface of the front and rear panels above their bottom edges to form a hollow pocket for receipt of the product. The front and rear panels of each package are sealed along their top edges to isolate the product in the pocket from the ambient atmosphere, but are separable, e.g., can be severed, adjacent their top edges to enable the front and rear panels to separate to convert the pocket into a bowl. The product can then be prepared, e.g.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1999Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: Fres-co System USA, Inc.Inventor: David E. Galomb
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Patent number: 6237841Abstract: A retainer with a bottomed retaining hole and a pair of insertion grooves so that a self-standing packaging bag in a closed state is set in the retaining hole and insertion grooves and then the bag is opened and kept opened during packaging operations. The retaining hole that is vertically formed accommodates the body portion of the self-standing packaging bag, and both side edges of the bag are inserted in the insertion grooves which are vertically installed in symmetrical positions on both sides of the retaining hole. The depth of the bottomed retaining hole and insertion grooves is set to be smaller than the length of the self-standing packaging bag, the spacing between the end portions of the insertion grooves is set to be equal to or greater than the width of an unopened self-standing packaging bag, and the angle between the inside surfaces of the retaining hole and insertion grooves is set at or about 90 degrees.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2000Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shoji Tsutsui
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Patent number: 6231237Abstract: A container is constructed from a pouch having a front sheet, a rear sheet and a bottom sheet. The bottom sheet of the pouch is folded along a midline thereof with flaps extending downward from the fold line. Each of the bottom edges of the flaps are welded to or integral with one bottom edge of either the front or the rear sheet. Lateral edges of the front and rear sheets are welded to one another with the bottom two portions of the welded edges sandwiching both lateral edges of the bottom folded sheet. To construct the container, a central portion of the bottom sheet is unfolded such that the unfolded portion has an essentially rectangular shape, thus forming said base, with central parts of the bottom edges of the bottom sheet forming the front and rear edges of the base and with peripheral portions of the bottom sheet forming two overlapping triangular portions with the bottom edges thereof defining the two side edges of the base.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1998Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Assignee: Atifon Ltd.Inventor: Avner Geller
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Patent number: 6224261Abstract: The bulk bag comprising a bottom wall, double layer end walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall, double layer side wall portions extending upwardly from the bottom wall and perpendicularly to the end walls, double layer pivotally supported side walls hingedly secured to the side wall portions, stiffening panels received between the double layers of the end walls, the side wall portions, and the pivotally supported side walls, and fasteners for securing the pivotally supported side walls in alignment with the side wall portions.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2000Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Composite Container Corp., L.L.C.Inventor: Michael George Stone
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Patent number: 6220756Abstract: A system for packaging and dispensing fluids including a flexible package having a removable margin portion and retention elements by which a tube may be held in a certain position within the package such that, when the removable margin is detached and pressure is applied to the exterior surface of the package sides, the dispensing end of the tube is indirectly pushed out from within the package inner volume and above the margin of the package for sanitarily dispensing fluid and, upon release of the pressure, the tube may slide back within the inner volume for the sanitary storage of the tube.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Inventor: Jon A. Darmstadter
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Patent number: 6213641Abstract: A reclosable thermoplastic bag having an offset fastener. The bag includes first and second sidewalls, each having a top, a bottom and two opposing side edges, the first and second sidewalls being attached together along the respective bottom and side edges; an inwardly folded top pleat positioned across the first sidewall; a reclosable fastener having at least two cooperating closure members, one closure member being positioned proximate to the top of the first sidewall above the pleat, the other closure member being positioned proximate to the top of the second sidewall, such that when the bag is filled and closed, the reclosable fastener is offset.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1997Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: S. C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc.Inventor: William D. Price
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Patent number: 6203198Abstract: A bulk bag for receiving, storing, transporting, and discharging liquids comprising four double layer side walls connected end to end to define four corners, four sleeves located at the four corners of the side walls, stiffener panels received between the double layers of the side walls, and stiffener rods received in the sleeves. The bulk bag may be provided with double layer baffles extending across the interior corners of the bulk bag and stiffeners received between the double layers of the baffles. The bulk bag may be provided with double layer dividers which extend across the interior of the bulk bag from the midpoints of the side walls and having stiffener panels therein.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: B.A.G. Corp.Inventor: Michael George Stone
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Patent number: 6200028Abstract: A convertible package and bowl type container (10) has two overlaying sheets joined along their side edges by side seals (13) and folded to form container sides (19), container ends (20), a generally square bottom (14). The container has an elongated openable seal along the top of the two sides. The sides are of a height of between one to two times that of the major side dimension of the bottom. The container is reconfigurable between a closed configuration with the top seal closed and an open, self standing configuration with a squared off open top.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1997Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Assignee: Technical Developers, Inc.Inventor: Jerry E. Buchanan
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Patent number: 6196719Abstract: A tip-over dischargeable bulk bag comprises a bottom wall and four double layer side walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall and secured end to end to form four corners which define the rectangular enclosure. Stiffeners are received between the double layers of the side walls and are secured either by sewn seams or by releaseable fasteners. Baffles extend across the corners of the bulk bag and receive stiffeners which are secured by sewn seams or by releaseable fasteners. The baffles may be provided with apertures to facilitate the complete filling of the bulk bag.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2000Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: B.A.G. Corp.Inventor: Bobby Glenn Brown
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Patent number: 6193416Abstract: A gusseted bag has inwardly-folded V-shaped folds at left and right opposing sidewalls of the bag and has sealed portions at vertical edges of the upper part of the bag. At this upper part of the bag, the distance between inside contours of the sealed portions set opposite one another in the horizontal direction is narrowed with respect to the body of the bag to form a non-sealed portion serving as a pour spout, and outside contours of the sealed portions forming the pour spout form an outer shape narrowed with respect to the body of the bag. The pour spout may be positioned eccentrically toward one side of the sidewalls. Thus, it may become possible to re-bottle the contents with ease and for sure even into narrow-necked bottle containers.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Kao CorporationInventors: Shigeyuki Kawamata, Michiaki Fujita
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Patent number: 6164822Abstract: A dispensing package formed of a flexible material, e.g., a plastic film or laminate, and having two separate compartments for holding paste-like materials therein until they are to be dispensed together from the package. The package also includes an outlet in the form of a fitment having a removable cap coupled to the two compartments. The first compartment is formed by an outer panel of the package and one section of a gusset panel which forms a first inner panel. The second compartment is formed by another outer panel of the package an another section of the gusset panel which forms a second inner panel. One outer panel and its immediately adjacent inner panel are secured together along their bottom marginal edges. The other outer panel and its immediately adjacent outer panel are welded together along their bottom marginal edges.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2000Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: Fres-co System USA, Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey Scott Beer
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Patent number: 6164825Abstract: A flexible pouch includes a flexible compartment with a bottom. A rim is formed around the bottom of the compartment and is spaced from and extends outwardly from this compartment bottom. At least three coplanar feet are provided on the rim for stabilizing the pouch when the pouch is resting on the rim. These coplanar feet can be generally flush with the rim when the pouch is in a flat, empty position. However, when the compartment of the pouch is filled, the coplanar feet will be formed as the lowermost portions of the rim. The pouch will rest on these coplanar feet when on a support to be stably held in position. This pouch design will avoid wobbling or tipping over of the pouch and therefore minimize or eliminate product spillage. Also, a method for making this pouch includes the steps of forming the pouch with the compartment, providing a rim around the bottom of the compartment, and spacing the rim from the bottom of the compartment.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1997Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: The Coca-Cola CompanyInventors: Robert G. Larkin, Mark W. Holmes, James W. Smith, Abigail L. Rodgers, Thomas E. Riley, Jr.
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Patent number: 6164821Abstract: A flexible storage bag comprising at least one sheet of flexible sheet material assembled to form a semi-enclosed container having an opening defined by a hinged peripheral flange. The hinged flange includes a closure means for sealing the opening to convert the semi-enclosed container to a closed container. The bag includes at least one pair of opposed gussets formed in the sheet material extending in a direction normal to the opening and a substantially planar bottom extending in a direction substantially parallel to the opening. When the bottom is placed on a horizontal surface the container is self-supporting and maintains the opening in an open condition. The present invention also provides a flexible storage bag having an opening and a closure means for sealing the opening to convert the semi-enclosed container to a closed container.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1997Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventor: Catherine Jean Randall
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Patent number: 6146875Abstract: The invention is a method for using flexible packaging in connection with incubating a sample in a liquid culture medium. A flexible, gusseted bag is first presterilized by irradiation. Then, the bag is prefilled with a presterilized liquid culture medium. The bag is self-supporting and takes on the characteristics of a rigid container when filled. Prefilling and sterilizing it enables it to be shipped to a laboratory. The bag is easy to open and reseal for introduction of a culture sample at the laboratory. After introduction, the sample is incubated in the bag.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1998Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Inventor: N. Robert Ward
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Patent number: 6126315Abstract: A liquid container having a stable shape that is easy to fill and that enables the user to pour out liquid to the last drop into an intended target using one hand only and without spilling the liquid. An internal space of a container is defined by a front surface portion, a rear surface portion having the shape identical with the front surface portion, and a pair of gussets each connecting together each confronting edges of the front and rear surface portions. The gusset has a folded arrangement. If liquid is filled in the container, V-shape of the gusset expands to provide a three dimensional container. The gussets extend to a neck portion. By the expansion of the gussets, a spout has a sufficient open area capable of controlled pouring of the liquid therethrough. If the liquid amount in the container is reduced, the spout is automatically closed when the container is self-standing on a table.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1998Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Hosokawa Yoko, Mitsubishi CorporationInventors: Toru Ichikawa, Taiki Ishikawa, Raizo Kuge, Norikazu Shigeta
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Patent number: 6127168Abstract: The subject invention provides inexpensive and convenient containers for holding a variety of substances. Although the containers of the subject invention are particularly well adapted for use in cell culture procedures, the versatile nature of these containers make them advantageous in a wide variety of applications.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1998Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Inventor: Nan-Jing Ko
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Patent number: 6120183Abstract: Containers (56) are produced from a sheet of flexible sheet material (10) having a sealable inner layer (12). The material is cut to expose the sealable inner layer when the material is folded upon itself so as to form a container having side seams (58) extending past the end walls of the container to prevent breaching and internal tabs (30) to prevent capillary leakage.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1997Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Technical Developers, Inc.Inventors: Jerry E. Buchanan, Larry Sketo, Rodney A. Buchanan
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Patent number: 6105821Abstract: An ink box for a stencil duplicator comprises a flexible pouch within a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped carton and having a discharge fitment penetrating the carton and the container. The panel in which the discharge fitting is formed is substantially rectangular and is held substantially flat by two bracing seal lines which are parallel to one another and extend transversely to a longitudinal seal line in which the fitting is sealed. The opposite end of the bag has a gusset defined between short inclined seal lines. A flow inducer fitment within the pouch defines continuous flow paths from the tips of spreader arms of the flow inducer fitment to the discharge fitting.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1998Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Inventors: William C. Christine, George Alan Crockett
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Patent number: 6102569Abstract: A folding collapsible storage box, which includes a fabric box body having rectangular horizontal top and bottom sides and four rectangular vertical peripheral sides, four horizontal rods respectively fastened to the box body along the border of the rectangular horizontal top side, four vertical rods respectively fastened to the box body and arranged between each two adjacent rectangular vertical peripheral sides, and a hard bottom board mounted inside the box body at the bottom, wherein the rectangular horizontal top side of the box body is formed of a rectangular top panel and a zip fastener, the rectangular top panel having one side formed integral with the box body, and three other sides separably connected to the box body by the zip fastener; hanging straps are detachably fastened to the box body by turn-locks at the rectangular vertical peripheral sides of the box body for hanging.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1999Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Inventor: Wen-Tsan Wang
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Patent number: 6095687Abstract: An expandable plastic film gusseted bag is utilized. As in conventional bag manufacture, each front gusset panel is connected to a rear gusset panel and each of the gusset panels is foldable between the front panel and the rear panel to provide a continuous bag periphery. A bottom joins the bottom of the front panel, rear panel, two rear gusset panels and two front gusset panels at substantial right angles to the side edges of the front panel, rear panel and gusset panels to close the bottom of the bag and leave only the top open. The improvement provides each plastic bag with eight first linear folding axes, each configured adjacent the bottom and within one of the front panel, each front gusset panel, the rear panel and each rear gusset panel. These folding axes extend from a joinder of a gusset at the bottom to the side edges of the front panel or the rear panel and the front gusset panel or the rear gusset panel at an approximate 45.degree. angle.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1999Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Assignee: Bob Dematteis Co.Inventor: Robert B. Dematteis
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Patent number: 6092933Abstract: A free-standing bag made of a heat-sealable or weldable plastic material and used for receiving therein liquids and/or pastes, said bag comprising two side walls connected to each other along their longitudinal edges, a foldable bottom element, which is disposed between said side walls and which serves as a supporting base, being inserted between the bottom transverse edges, whereas in the area of the other ends of said side walls a foldable lid element, which is disposed between said side walls, is inserted, and further comprising a discharge opening. In order to improve the handling characteristics of the free-standing bag when the contents are being poured out and in order to ensure also ease of manufacture, the discharge opening is formed between the upper transverse edge of a side wall and the complementary edge of the lid element.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 1997Date of Patent: July 25, 2000Assignee: SPS Verpackungssystem GmbHInventor: Wolfgang Treu
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Patent number: 6085941Abstract: In a film tube containing a flowable substance, a fold 11 is formed in the film, which fold is so shaped that it abruptly decreases the cross-section at this location of the tube. The fold 11 may be fixed by a V-shaped weld 12. When the film tube is compressed, maximum stress is exerted on the area of the film close to the apex 13 of the V-shaped weld 12, so that the tube starts to rupture and form a dispensing opening at this location.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1997Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Thera Patent GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Helmut Pauser, Gerd Brandhorst
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Patent number: 6076967Abstract: A fillable, resealable, and disposable flexible liquid container which incorporates a drinking straw as a conduit for delivering fluids to a user. The container includes a pleated bottomed structure which allows it to stand upright when filled. At least one zipper closure is fitted along the upper edge of the container that permits filling of the container and prevents leaking of fluid contents in particular. The straw or tube may be built into the container and have a closure of its own, or a puncture target facilitating insertion of a straw into the container may be attached thereto.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1998Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Inventor: Susan A. Beaudette
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Patent number: 6076664Abstract: A pouch for holding liquids includes a pre-inserted straw within the pouch. A top end of the straw is exposed by removing a portion of the pouch. For manufacture, a web of flexible packaging material, suitable for forming a pouch or bag for storing liquids, is advanced forward in a pouch forming direction. A single straw of suitable length to fit within the confines of a resulting pouch is cut from a continuous length of straw material. The single straw is placed onto the web of packaging material in a location that will be on the inside surface of a single wall of the pouch and there it is secured in place preferably by a heat seal between one side of the straw and the inside surface of the pouch wall. The resulting pouch web material, having a plurality of straws positioned along its length provides a feedstock for forming pouches with pre-inserted straws when using a so called form and fill method of forming pouches or when making pre-made pouches.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1999Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: Innoflex IncorporatedInventor: James W. Yeager
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Patent number: 6076968Abstract: A flexible pouch is formed from a first and second sheet which are in sealing engaged along their side edges. Two gussets are provided at the top and bottom, respectively, of the sheets. The bottom of the uppermost gusset is recessed such that a pocket is formed at one end of the pouch. A compartment is formed within the pouch by the two sheets and the two gussets. A straw or other suitable instrument can be used to puncture the uppermost gusset in order to remove the contents from the compartment of the pouch. This pocket has a wide mouth and will enable easy insertion of the straw while minimizing or eliminating product spillage.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 1996Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: The Coca-Cola CompanyInventors: James W. Smith, Abigail L. Rodgers, Thomas E. Riley, Jr., Mark W. Holmes
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Patent number: 6071011Abstract: A fill-through-the-top reclosable package includes first and second opposing body panels joined to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. The package is provided with a reclosable fastener extending along a package top disposed opposite the bottom. The fastener includes first and second opposing tracks. The first track includes a male profile, while the second track includes a female profile adapted to releasably interlock with the male profile. To provide tamper evidence, the first and second tracks may be joined to each other along an area of weakness. When making the package, the first track is first attached to the first panel, the package is filled with a product via a fill opening between the second track and the second panel, and then the second track is attached to the second panel.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1999Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Assignee: Tenneco Packaging, Inc.Inventors: Toby R. Thomas, Samuel D. Aversa, John D. Athans
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Patent number: 6065873Abstract: A soft-sided fabric container, which in an open position is parallelepiped-shaped, has opposed side walls, opposed end walls mounted to the side walls at opposed longitudinal ends of the side walls, and a bottom wall opposite an open top of the container. The side wall edges, elongate rigid members mounted thereto. Handle apertures are formed in the side walls adjacent the rigid members. Resilient stiffeners are mounted along longitudinally opposite edges of the side walls from the bottom wall to the rigid members for resiliently urging the side walls each into a generally planar shape.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1999Date of Patent: May 23, 2000Inventor: Margaret E. Fowler
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Patent number: 6060096Abstract: A microwaveable bag having stand-up wide mouth features is provided. The microwaveable bag can be used in constructions including a microwave popcorn charge therein. The preferred construction is folded from a single sheet, preferably a multi-ply construction having a microwave interactive arrangement positioned between the two plies. After popping, the arrangement forms a self supporting bag with an open mouth for ease of access to popped popcorn.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1998Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Assignee: Conagra, Inc.Inventors: Denise Ellen Hanson, Eric Craig Jackson
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Patent number: 6053635Abstract: A flexible package, and a method of forming such package, which includes two sheets of material joined together at side portions and a bottom portion, with the top edge being open. The top edge is sealed at one portion thereof to provide a reinforced portion, and the remaining portion forms a discharge spout. A handle opening is formed in the reinforced portion, and a fastening strip extends across the entire top edge to provide a openable fastening strip at the spout, and to provide a non-openable portion adjacent the handle opening to provide reinforcement thereat.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1999Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Assignee: Pac One, Inc.Inventors: Richard F. Anderson, Mark A. Steele
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Patent number: 6044877Abstract: Apparatus 100 for opening and supporting a collapsible container 101 having a wall and opening for receiving items to be disposed. Apparatus 100 comprises a sheet of high impact plastic having a thickness selected such that when the sheet is coiled to form a helical spring, and inserted into the opening of the container and released, the sheet rapidly uncoils thereby opening the container and applying a firm outward pressure to the container wall.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 1998Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Inventor: Roger Bennet
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Patent number: 6036365Abstract: A pack comprises a horizontal base and vertical side walls formed from a blank. The side walls are joined to each other in planes perpendicular to the base and form stiffening ribs. The side walls are seamlessly joined to the base and the base is seamless. The pack is produced by folding the blank and joining the side walls.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1998Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Inventor: Rodney Haydn Imer
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Patent number: 6033115Abstract: An expandable storage pouch includes four panels disposed integrally side by side in turn, and a plurality of hinges disposed in a row along a bottom end of a first one of the panels. Each hinge includes a proximal end joined to the first panel, an intermediate rib joined to the proximal end, and a distal end joined to the rib. The rib is severed from the first panel to permit expansion of the pouch, and rigidly separates the first panel from an opposite second panel.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1998Date of Patent: March 7, 2000Assignee: NCR CorporationInventor: George Zeiler
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Patent number: 6019244Abstract: A portable, foldable, leak-proof bowl is provided, suitable for use by hikers and campers to provide drinking water to dogs and other pets. The bowl comprises a flexible hoop capable of being twisted into at least two circles of smaller diameter, a foldable material attached to the hoop so as to define a circular bottom for the bowl, and a side also made of a foldable material, said side being preferably in the form of a cone section tapering toward the top. The bowl folds into a compact, aesthetically pleasing circular packet, and when fasteners holding it in the folded position are released, automatically opens to its ready-to-use bowl-shaped configuration.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1998Date of Patent: February 1, 2000Inventor: Paul Jones
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Patent number: 6015057Abstract: A container (1) for storage or transport of liquids comprises a flexible body (2) which is collapsible and erectable, the body having a base (18) and side walls (7, 8, 11, 12), with pockets (4) therein, and stiffining means (3) in the pockets to stiffen the flexible body (2), wherein a transverse gusset (6) is provided at each corner between adjacent side walls (7, 12, 8, 11), and a reinforcer (5) extends from the corner to the gusset, the reinforcer (5) being provided with stiffening means therein. A liner (not shown) conforms to the octogonal interior configuration of the container body. Two opposite side walls (7, 8) each have two center pockets (4c), and a central joint line (9) between the two center pockets (4c) provides a hinge line for folding of the container. Each side wall (7, 8, 11, 12), reinforcer (5) and gusset (6) may be formed of a single piece of fabric.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1998Date of Patent: January 18, 2000Assignee: Storsack Tradco LimitedInventors: Michael George Stone, Christopher Cuddy
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Patent number: 6007246Abstract: A reclosable bag-like container which is constituted of a flexible semi-rigid plastic material and which is adapted to store pourable contents, preferably, such as dry cereals, snacks, sugar, salt, cake mixes and similar types of foodstuffs or comestibles. The container includes a resealable corner dispensing spout which can be closed by interengaging slide fastener elements.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1998Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Kraft Foods Inc.Inventors: Panagiotis Kinigakis, Christie Lynn Langer
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Patent number: 6005234Abstract: The present invention involves a microwave popcorn bag adapted to contain a plurality of popcorn kernels to be heated and popped by the application of microwave energy. The microwave popcorn bag is formed from a sheet of material comprising a front panel, a back panel, and first and second gussets connected to the front and back panels along gusset edges all of which form an interior popping space. The first and second gussets are folded along a centerline forming first and second gusset panels. The bottom seal is located on a lower edge and is capable of sealing the lower edge of the bag during the popping of the popcorn kernels. A miter is located proximate the bottom seal and includes an edge strip extending from about said bottom seal along one of the gusset edges for a length corresponding to about the length of a gusset panel. The miter includes a cross strip extending for a length corresponding to about the length of a gusset panel.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1998Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: Weaver Popcorn CompanyInventors: Jennifer D. Moseley, John C. Little
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Patent number: 6000848Abstract: A closure for a self-standing pouch designed to hold fluid, which closure includes a fitment, having a base and either an integral or removable stem, which stem carries an integrated cap. The closure may also include a straw that extends downward into the fluid and above the stem or at least a mouthpiece. A straw like member in place of a straw can be integral to the fitment, or threadable or otherwise attachable thereto. The fitment aspect may be one piece or two as noted, and if two, is adapted to permit the refilling of the pouch as may be desired. The closure may be placed at various locations on a fluid containing pouch.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 1997Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Inventor: Farid El Massioui
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Patent number: 5996884Abstract: A novel hybrid beverage container having a rigid body and flexible polymer film ends is disclosed herein. The hybrid container may be folded in a closed state for storage, and erected for a filling state. The top end of the container has a recloseable access for filling and sealing the container with a beverage. The container may also have a handle device. In one preferred embodiment, the rigid body is composed of a polyethylene coated fiberboard material. In another embodiment, the rigid body is composed of a mineral filled polyolefin.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1997Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: Pepsico, Inc.Inventors: Peter Frisk, Craig Witty
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Patent number: 5996797Abstract: A towelette product is provided usable for cleansing/make-up removal which includes a stack of folded flexible towelettes impregnated with a fluid composition, a pouch for storing the stack of towelettes and an outer container surrounding the pouch and having walls more rigid than the flexible sheet forming the pouch. A dispensing aperture is formed in a deck panel of the pouch. A seal is adhesively arranged over the dispensing aperture to minimize fluid evaporation and control foreign objects from contaminating the towelettes. The outer container is defined by top, bottom, front, rear and side walls, the top wall having an opening with left and right flanking panels, the opening of the container and dispensing aperture of the pouch being aligned to allow towelette removal. A lid is hingedly attached to the outer container which in a closed position overlies the opening and at least a portion of the flanking panels.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1998Date of Patent: December 7, 1999Assignee: Chesebrough-Pond's USA Co. Division of Conopco, Inc.Inventor: Raymond Michael Flaig
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Patent number: 5971613Abstract: A bag construction includes first and second opposed panel sections. Each of the panel sections have first and second opposite side edges. The panel sections are secured to one another along at least a portion of the first and second opposite side edges by first and second side seals, to define a bag construction interior. The first and second side seals each have an inner edge portion adjacent to the bag construction interior. The first side seal inner edge portion has at least one non-linear edge section extending over a part of the first side seal inner edge portion. The non-linear edge may include an edge with a plurality of spaced inwardly directed projections, or an edge with curved portions, or an undulated edge. The seals may be used in a variety of packaging arrangements, and help to provide an arrangement which will stand upright when filled or at least partially filled with material.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 1997Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Kapak Corp.Inventor: Gary M. Bell
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Patent number: 5971188Abstract: A collapsible container having a plurality of side panels and a floor panel forming an enclosure having an open top. Each side panel comprises a flexible continuous loop frame, a web of material, and an edging material. The edging envelops the frame and is coupled to the periphery of the web. One or more handles may be attached to the container or formed within one or more of the side panels. A method of making and collapsing the container is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1998Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Bajer Design & Marketing, Inc.Inventors: Michael S. Kellogg, Dean B. Krotts
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Patent number: 5967357Abstract: A semi rigid container comprising a plurality of generally rectangular side walls and a bottom wall attached to the bottom of each side wall. A plurality of flexible supporting frames are attached to each side wall to expand the container's open top and to brace the side walls into a free standing container for handy storage, transportation or disposal of refuse or other articles. A drawstring is provided along the top of the container for easy closure. The semi rigid container is made by attaching the flexible supporting frames to one or more sheets of flexible material, layering the sheet or sheets, and sealing the open margins of the layered sheet or sheets corresponding to the container's sides and bottom. The semi rigid container can be easily collapsed into a stack of side walls, then coiled into three adjacent loops and inserted into a storing receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1998Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Inventors: Michael S. Kellogg, Dean B. Krotts
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Patent number: 5964533Abstract: A hamper and method for making and using the same: The hamper is for collection, transport, and removal for such contents as laundry. The hamper features can include a funnel or even a reversible funnel for gravity-induced filling and unfilling of the hamper, as well as a retractably collapsible tension member framework structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1996Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: LaMont LimitedInventor: Paul S. Ziglar
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Patent number: 5961034Abstract: The cloth box sleeve (110) and its method of construction are disclosed. The cloth box sleeve (110) is a single piece of fabric (10) having a top edge (971), two side edges (73), (75) and a bottom edge (70). There is a fold line (72) in the center of fabric piece (10) separating the two side edges (73), (75). The fabric piece (10) is folded along the fold line (72). Two quarter sections (77), (79) are cut adjacent both side edges (73), (75) and bottom edge (70). A half section (81) is cut along the bottom edge (70) between the side edges (73), (75) adjacent the fold line (72). There is a first seam (83) fastening the two side edges together and a second seam (85) along bottom edge (80) fastening two halves of the bottom edge together. An opening dimensioned along the top edge to receive a box. The opening has upper and lower flaps (118) and (124) along the top edge (116) with a closure (120), (126) for sealing the cloth box sleeve (110).Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1998Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Inventors: Mary deMunnik, Brian D. deMunnik
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Patent number: 5957584Abstract: A flexible package having an integral fitment and integral protective tamper-evident structure protecting said fitment until removal of said protective structure by a user, is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1996Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Inventor: Michael D. Lakey
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Patent number: 5954193Abstract: A art supply bag has two separate compartments for carrying supplies as well as a paint pallet is comprised of a generally rectangular shell member having a base, a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall extending upwardly from the base with a fourth wall connecting the first wall and the third wall. A support structure is disposed within the shell member and separates the shell member into a first upper compartment and a second lower compartment and protects the contents within the bag. A flap, which provides access to the second compartment, is attached to the base and is removably securable to the fourth wall by cooperating hook and loop material, snaps, zipper, etc. The art supply bag may have casters, or may be attached to a frame, itself having casters.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1998Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Inventor: JoAnn B. Bartee
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Patent number: 5944251Abstract: A form fit liner for a container has a bottom wall and at least one sidewall formed of at least one layer of a flexible material, at least one heat seal joining two adjacent portions of material of the sidewall and extending from the bottom wall towards the upper edge of the liner to define a reduced cross-sectional area lower portion of the liner constructed to be received within the container and an upper liner portion having a greater cross-sectional area than the lower portion constructed to extend out of the container to isolate the container from its contents as the liner is filled and emptied. The upper portion of the liner which extends above the container can surround a fill tube used to dispense a liquid product into the liner of the container to shield the container from the splashing or sloshing of the liquid product as the container is being filled.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1998Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Assignee: Custom Packaging Systems, Inc.Inventor: Lee LaFleur
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Patent number: 5941642Abstract: A system for packaging and dispensing fluids including a flexible package having a removable margin portion and retention elements by which a tube may be held in a certain position within the package such that, when the removable margin is detached and pressure is applied to the exterior surface of the package sides, the dispensing end of the tube is indirectly pushed out from within the package inner volume and above the margin of the package for sanitarily dispensing fluid and, upon release of the pressure, the tube may slide back within the inner volume for the sanitary storage of the tube.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 1998Date of Patent: August 24, 1999Inventor: Jon D. Darmstadter
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Patent number: 5937617Abstract: A pouch for holding liquids includes a pre-inserted straw within the pouch. A top end of the straw is exposed by removing a portion of the pouch. For manufacture, a web of flexible packaging material, suitable for forming a pouch or bag for storing liquids, is advanced forward in a pouch forming direction. A single straw of suitable length to fit within the confines of a resulting pouch is cut from a continuous length of straw material. The single straw is placed onto the web of packaging material in a location that will be on the inside surface of a single wall of the pouch and there it is secured in place preferably by a heat seal between one side of the straw and the inside surface of the pouch wall. The resulting pouch web material, having a plurality of straws positioned along its length provides a feedstock for forming pouches with pre-inserted straws when using a so called form and fill method of forming pouches or when making pre-made pouches.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1998Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Assignee: Innoflex IncorporatedInventor: James W. Yeager