Having Destructive Type Opening Utilizing Tearing Appendage Patents (Class 426/123)
  • Patent number: 6749877
    Abstract: A heat resistant and heat sealable tear tape that can be used with a plastic package. The tear tape comprises a layer of an oriented film and a layer of a polymer sealant material. The polymer sealant has a melt temperature of below approximately 220° F. A plastic package can be made having a tear tape to provide a hermetically sealed package with a tear tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Pechiney Emballage Flexible Europe
    Inventors: Jay D. Hodson, Steven Andrew Willis, Greg John Seeke
  • Patent number: 6733807
    Abstract: A flexible paper microwave package in the form of an easily expandable, nontrapping bag (18) is disclosed including a bottom wall (20) and a top wall (22) interconnected together adjacent their circular outer peripheries (20a, 22a) by first and second interconnection portions (26a, 26b). In one preferred form, the top wall (22) is formed from a first portion (22d) having an oval shaped access opening closed by an oval shaped closure portion (22e) interconnected by a seal (40) to the first portion (22d). The bottom and top walls (20, 22) expand into an opposing double domed shape as the food product is being popped, puffed, or expanded in the microwave oven. This domed shape of the bottom wall (22) keeps the food product huddled closer together and enhances the bag (18) to rock to maximize gravimetric separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Martuch, Randal J. Monforton, Marsha D. Thompson Hunt, Melissa L. Jacobs
  • Patent number: 6648163
    Abstract: A package for foodstuffs including a cup and a lid. The cup includes an opening surrounded by a flange. The flange has a sealing surface adjacent the opening and a beveled surface spaced outwardly of the sealing surface. The beveled surface extends along a periphery of the flange. The sealing surface has an inner radius R1 and an outer radius R2, the outer radius R2 defining the juncture between the sealing surface and the beveled surface. The beveled surface extends at a predetermined angle with respect to the sealing surface. The lid includes a tab extending outward of the periphery of the flange. The lid is affixed to the sealing surface thereby sealing the opening of the cup. The lid is not affixed to a substantial portion of the beveled surface. The lid and the sealing surface are adapted to release upon exertion of a predetermined pulling force on the tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Del Monte Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Porter, III, Terry L. Koberstein, David K. Cosgrove
  • Patent number: 6610338
    Abstract: A multi layered packaging material (10) comprises a first inner layer C and a second outer layer A. The inner layer has a line of weakness 34 extending there along while the second outer layer A is substantially intact along the line of weakness. In the packaging material 10, the line of weakness is formed by two pieces of material C1, C2 with their edges in substantial abutment, the abutted edges creating the line of weakness. Bags 20, 30, 40, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 130, 140, 150 may be formed from the packaging material. However, the bags so formed are not limited to having the line of weakness created by abutting edges in the inner layer C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Teckson International Limited
    Inventor: Luen Sing Tang
  • Patent number: 6544569
    Abstract: A rice ball wrapper comprises an outer film, an inner film and a sheet of food sandwiched between the two films. The inner film comprising two film pieces having opposed sides lapping over each other at an approximate widthwise midportion of the wrapper. The outer film is provided at an approximate longitudinal and widthwise central portion thereof with tabs for tearing the film from the central portion to longitudinal opposite ends thereof. The tabs are formed by an incision made in the film through the thickness thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventors: Makoto Suzuki, Eiichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6516995
    Abstract: Chocolates are wrapped individually by a method that involves feeding single wrapping sheets along a first path in a first direction spaced at a selected pitch, in such a way that the trailing edge of one wrapping sheet and the leading edge of the next are distanced one from another, and at the same time feeding a continuous ribbon in a second direction along a second path that merges with the first path at an assembling station where the ribbon is stably united with the sheets; ribbon and sheet then advance together in a third direction, along which the ribbon is divided into discrete slivers by repeated cuts, each made between the trailing edge of one sheet and the leading edge of the next and at a distance such that each sliver will present a portion projecting from the trailing edge of the wrapping sheet to which it is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Hershey Foods Corporation
    Inventor: Mario Spatafora
  • Patent number: 6467614
    Abstract: A wrapping for an object includes an opening line made up of a tear tape by which the user opens the wrapping in order to gain access to its contents. A coupon bearing markings for publicity or other reasons is attached to a face of the wrapped object. The coupon also includes an opening line allowing access to information contained on inner pages of a coupon. The opening line of the wrapping and the opening line of the coupon are juxtaposed so that the user simultaneously opens the coupon and the wrapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Philip Morris Products S.A.
    Inventors: Bernard Tallier, Jean-Pierre Fiems
  • Patent number: 6395318
    Abstract: A canister for containing a particulate-type product. The canister includes opposing face panels, opposing side panels, a bottom closure, a top closure and a seal membrane. The opposing side panels together with the opposing face panels define an upper opening and a lower opening. The bottom closure is connected to the opposing face panels so as to encompass the lower opening. The opposing face panels, the opposing side panels and the bottom closure combine to define an internal storage region. The seal membrane is secured to the top closure, and then the top closure/seal membrane combination is connected to the opposing face panels so as to encompass the upper opening. The seal membrane insures the freshness of the particulate-type product. The top closure includes a movable lid member that provides selective access to the internal storage region. Upon initial opening of the lid member, first portion of the seal membrane delaminates from a remaining air-tight seal portion of the seal membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Sumpmann, Curtis J. Deering
  • Patent number: 6395317
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to process and apparatus for forming a dual compartment package. The process includes forming an elongated rectangular U-shaped package having an inside and outside wall configured to form an open top end, and an inside and outside wall configured to form an open bottom end. The U-shaped package is filled with product. A zipper assembly having inter-locking members is separated into a first zipper component and a second zipper component. The first zipper component is attached to the inner side of the open top end walls thereby sealing the top end to the first zipper component. The open bottom end walls are placed adjacent the first zipper component, and the second zipper component is reattached to the first zipper component thereby locking the open bottom end walls between the inter-locking members of the zipper assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Mars Incorporated
    Inventors: Balbir Singh, David A. Blythe, Stephen R. Holten, Gary Willison
  • Patent number: 6342258
    Abstract: A boil-in-bag sachet is provided comprising top and bottom transverse seals, wherein the bottom transverse seal extends obliquely downwardly from at least one edge of the sachet that intersects an edge of the sachet at an angle of less than 90°, and preferably defining a bag-like or funnel-like bottom to the sachet, thereby improving drainage of water from within the sachet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: N. V. MasterFoods, S.A.
    Inventors: Kristian Berings, Frieda Jacqueline Helene Sporen
  • Patent number: 6334711
    Abstract: This leaktight container includes four superimposed sheets (1, 2, 3, 4). The sheet (1) includes a precut tab (5) welded (13) to a portion of the sheet (2). A passage (10) is formed between these sheets (2) and (3) and acts as a valve between the inside and the outside of the leaktight container formed between the sheets (1, 4). A cut (9a) in the sheets (2, 3) allows the passage (10) to be placed in communication with the inside of the container formed between the sheets (1, 4). By pulling the tab (5) the wall of the passage (10) formed by the sheet (2) is torn and this passage is placed in communication with the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Walk Pak Holding NV
    Inventors: Eric Risgalla, Xavier de Saint-Sauveur
  • Patent number: 6316036
    Abstract: A heat resistant and heat sealable tear tape that can be used with a plastic package. The tear tape comprises a layer of an oriented film and a layer of a polymer sealant material. The polymer sealant has a melt temperature of below approximately 220° F. A plastic package can be made having a tear tape to provide a hermetically sealed package with a tear tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Pechiney Emballage Flexible Europe
    Inventors: Jay D. Hodson, Steven Andrew Willis, Greg John Seeke
  • Patent number: 6306448
    Abstract: A flexible paper microwave package in the form of an easily expandable, nontrapping bag (18) is disclosed including a bottom wall (20) and a top wall (22) interconnected together adjacent their circular outer peripheries (20a, 22a) by first and second interconnection portions (26a, 26b). In one preferred form, the top wall (22) is formed from a first portion (22d) having an oval shaped access opening closed by an oval shaped closure portion (22e) interconnected by a seal (40) to the first portion (22d). The bottom and top walls (20, 22) expand into an opposing double domed shape as the food product is being popped, puffed, or expanded in the microwave oven. This domed shape of the bottom wall (20) keeps the food product huddled closer together and enhances the bag (18) to rock to maximize gravimetric separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J Martuch, Randal J Monforton, Marsha D Thompson Hunt, Melissa L Jacobs
  • Patent number: 6235325
    Abstract: A food product is packaged in an elongated hollow plastic shell configured to resemble an egg shell with an opening in one of its ends, the opening being sealed by a removable cover having an extending portion forming a finger tab to facilitate its removal. A quantity of edible material consisting primarily of egg white is disposed within the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Melvin A. Greitzer
  • Publication number: 20010000480
    Abstract: Plastic film packaging for containing an article. The packaging includes a continuous, tear-resistant film and a tearable tape strip. The film is formable to define an enclosed region for containing an article. The tearable tape strip is secured to the film. In this regard, the tearable tape strip is configured to controllably tear an opening through the film for accessing the enclosed region upon tearing of the tearable tape strip. By providing a continuous, tear-resistant film, the packaging is available to safely contain a wide variety of different articles, while withstanding the rigors of most shipping and handling environments. Further, the tearable tape strip allows an end user to easily open the packaging. In one preferred embodiment, a single tearable tape strip is provided and is formed as an internally tearable, reinforced strapping tape adhered to an inner surface of the film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Timothy V. Stagg, Richard L. Sheehan, Dean A. Miner
  • Patent number: 6194011
    Abstract: A food container, of the type having a quantity of food vacuum-packed within a body of the container with a closure affixed on an open end of the body of the container, is provided with a low cost improvement for facilitating removal of the closure from the body of the container in the form of a vent opening extending through a wall of the closure overlying the open end of the container and a flexible film strip, a portion of which is sealed to said wall around an area overlying said vent opening. A portion of the film strip which overlies the vent opening is designed to be released from closure wall for equalizing the pressure within the container with that external thereto by pulling up on an unsecured end portion of the film strip. Furthermore, after releasing of the vacuum in the container, the film strip is able to be re-adhered over the vent opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Lawrence F. Glaser
  • Patent number: 6190226
    Abstract: A drip collecting support for frozen confections comprising a drip collecting tray shaped body and a handle means having a removable portion comprising a figurine or a toy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Riccardo Conconi
  • Patent number: 6171623
    Abstract: A liquid feed bottle for an infant having a body made from a container portion bonded to a teat with an orifice. The body holds a liquid feed such as milk. A cap is bonded or sealed to the body and protects the teat. A cap portion is initially detachable from the body by pulling and removing a tear strip, the cap portion thus released being subsequently securable on the body by a press fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Cambridge Consultants Limited
    Inventors: Ian Michael Daines Gaylor, Christopher John Andrew Barnardo, Patrick Sweeting
  • Patent number: 6153232
    Abstract: A boil-in-bag package for the storage and cooking of food items includes an elongated rectangular shaped bag having an inside and an outside wall, a closed top end and an open bottom end. A handle section is adjacent the top end of the bag section, with the handle section having an upper and a lower portion and a first and second side. The upper portion of the handle section includes an opening sized and shaped for receiving a lifting utensil. A sealing/release mechanism is positioned on the handle section and is configured to releaseably close the open bottom end of the elongated bag section contiguous with the handle section thereby forming a U-shaped package configured to allow a through-flow of fluid between the inside walls of the U-shaped package. The sealing/release mechanism is further configured to allow for the release of the open bottom end from the handle section without contacting the elongated bag section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Uncle Ben's, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Holten, Balbir Singh, David A. Blythe, Simon R. Gainey, Edward J. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 6129938
    Abstract: The subject invention is a chocolate-coated beverage container and method for making it. A pull ribbon is affixed to the container over which a plastic inner sleeve comprised of shrink plastic with a tearable portion is positioned. The inner sleeve is heated to conform to the surface of the container so that the tearable portion is adjacent to the pull ribbon. Then, the container is coated with chocolate, keeping an end of the pull ribbon exposed, and the chocolate coating is cooled until it solidifies. Additionally, a transparent outer sleeve comprised of shrink plastic can be placed over the coated beverage container, and heated to conform to the surface of the chocolate coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Inventor: Millie Sweesy
  • Patent number: 6077551
    Abstract: An expandable microwave popcorn package which contains a charge of popcorn kernels suitable for preparation in a microwave oven. The package is formed of front and back panels preferably joined together at the top and bottom ends and at the sides by side panels. The back panel includes two or more sections which are joined along slightly overlapping edges and bonded together by a releasable adhesive, thereby forming lap seam(s). Conversion of the package into a serving vessel is made possible by the releasable nature of the adhesive which allows the lap seam(s) to be disengaged after the popping process is complete. Thus the back panel sections can be detached, and possibly removed, to expose the popcorn within the package. Ideally the heat and steam created by the popping process will diminish the bonding strength of the releasable adhesive thereby enhancing the conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Hunt-Wesson, Inc.
    Inventor: Cynthia Scrimager
  • Patent number: 6066346
    Abstract: A flexible paper popcorn package in the form of an easily expandable, nontrapping bag (18) is disclosed including a bottom wall (20) and a top wall (22) interconnected together adjacent their circular outer peripheries (20a, 22a) by first and second interconnection portions (26a, 26b). In one preferred form, the top wall (22) is formed by first and second wall portions (22b, 22c) interconnected together by a peelable closure seal (28). In another preferred form, the top wall (22) is formed from a first portion (22d) having an access opening closed by a closure portion (22e) interconnected by a seal (40) including the peelable closure seal portion (40a) to the first portion (22d). In still another preferred form, the bottom and top walls (20, 22) are interconnected together by their interconnection to gussetted side panels (50, 52), with the peelable closure seal being formed in the interconnection between the bottom and top walls (20, 22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventors: Marsha Doris Thompson Hunt, Randal J. Monforton, Michael R. Langlois
  • Patent number: 6060095
    Abstract: An expandable microwave popcorn package which contains a charge of popcorn kernels for preparation in a microwave oven. The package is formed of front and back panels preferably joined together at the top and bottom ends by an adhesive and at the sides by side panels. The back panel includes a pair of separation lines along which the package material is relatively weak such that a portion of the back panel can be torn from the remainder of the package to expose the popcorn within. Separation lines may be formed by weakening a portion of the bag substrate, by reinforcing the adjacent areas, or by a combination of the two. Side panels are folded to form gussets which allow the package to remain flat during storage, to expand to accommodate the popped kernels. A susceptor is also preferably placed on the front panel opposite the back panel to enhance the popping action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Hunt-Wesson, Inc.
    Inventor: Cynthia Scrimager
  • Patent number: 6056984
    Abstract: Shelf-stable complete pre-mixes, separated into two or more components. The components are chemically and microbially stable. At least one component is a high-water-activity liquid component having a pH greater than 4.5. The components, when combined, provide all ingredients necessary to form uncooked mixes or food and beverage products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Athula Ekanayake, Paul Ralph Bunke, Kenneth Thomas Smith
  • Patent number: 6022570
    Abstract: A dual-compartment, disposable, sanitary, individual-serving comestibles package for purveying a pair of separate and dissimilar food items. A first compartment is formed by a cup which is closed off by a first, removable closure element. A second compartment is formed by a recess within a sidewall of the cup, and is closed off by a second closure element which is preferably only partially removable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventor: Lolita Richmond
  • Patent number: 6013294
    Abstract: Shelf-stable complete pre-mixes, separated into two or more components. The components are chemically and microbially stable. At least one component is a high-water-activity liquid component. The components, when combined, provide all ingredients necessary to form uncooked mixes or food and beverage products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Paul Ralph Bunke, Athula Ekanayake, Kenneth Thomas Smith
  • Patent number: 6010724
    Abstract: A wrapper for housing chewing gum. The wrapper includes a substrate having a front and a back surface. The front surface includes a top edge, a first side edge, a bottom edge, a second side edge, and three areas of adhesive. A first area of adhesive is located along a portion of the front surface that is adjacent to the first edge and the top edge. A third area of adhesive is located along a portion of the front surface that is adjacent to the second side edge and the top edge. And a second edge of adhesive is located along a portion of the front surface that is in juxtaposition to, but not touching, the bottom edge. A stick of chewing gum and method of wrapping the stick of chewing gum are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr., Company
    Inventors: William T. Boyd, Stanley J. Kopecky, Patricia McCarren, Michael Shulski, Joseph G. Zurawski
  • Patent number: 6001397
    Abstract: A wrapper for housing chewing gum. The wrapper includes a substrate having a front and a back surface. The front surface includes a top edge, a first side edge, a bottom edge, a second side edge, and three areas of adhesive. A first area of adhesive extends along a portion of the front surface that is adjacent to the first edge. A third area of adhesive extends along a portion of the front surface that is adjacent to the second side edge. And a second edge of adhesive extends between the first and third areas of adhesive of a portion of the front surface that is in juxtaposition to, but not touching, the bottom edge. A stick of chewing gum and method of wrapping the stick of chewing gum are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: William T. Boyd, Stanley J. Kopecky, Patricia McCarren, Michael Shulski
  • Patent number: 5992674
    Abstract: A container comprises a tray-shaped bottom part (1) with an opening covered by a cover part. The cover part is sealed to the bottom part along a circumferential rim (10) thereof to form a sealed compartment. The cover part comprises a first cover sheet (2) sealed to the bottom part (1) along a portion (11) of the rim (10) thereof, and a second cover sheet (3) peelably sealed to the first cover sheet (2) and to the bottom part (1) along the remaining portion (12) of the rim (10) thereof. The resulting container is easy to open and to handle without risk of spilling the contents thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Danisco A/S
    Inventor: Werner Schulz
  • Patent number: 5979653
    Abstract: A composite film and vacuum skin package for packaging a product such as a fresh red meat is disclosed. The composite film is thermoformed and sealed under vacuum to a support member to completely enclose a product which is positioned on the support member. The composite film is a gas-permeable film weakly bonded to a gas-impermeable film, permitting the gas-impermeable film to be peeled from the package while leaving the gas-permeable film intact so that the fresh red meat product can bloom from a purplish color to a desirable red color upon exposure to oxygen. A peel initiation mechanism which is a grippable film sealed along an edge of the gas-impermeable film is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Robin Dalton Owens, Robin Hill Logan, Henry Walker Stockley, III
  • Patent number: 5975305
    Abstract: A unit dose spoon having a bowl portion, a recessed handle portion communicating with the bowl portion. An upwardly extending pedestal is mounted in the recessed handle portion and is provided with an upwardly extending cutting blade on the top surface thereof A container is integrally hinged to the free end of the handle portion and contains a unit dose of fluid such as a medicine, which is sealed in the container by a rupturable plastic cover. When the container is folded forwardly toward the handle portion and pushed downwardly toward the pedestal, the blade thereon punctures the plastic cover to allow the fluid to flow from the container into the recessed handle portion and into the bowl portion. The unit dose spoon is formed of molded plastic and is disposable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Comar, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven J. Barger
  • Patent number: 5958483
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a system for collecting and segregating particulate food debris from the whole pieces in a packaged food product, and a system to facilitate and ease the opening of the sealed plastic/cellophane/other packaging material within an outer cardboard food box, including: an inner bag; a system of small filter holes perforating the bottom of the inner bag; an outer bag adhered thereon; a system where the composite inner and outer bags are adhered to the inside and toward the top of the cardboard box, in order to maintain a food debris collection pocket at the base of the two-bag system; two gripping devices, of a style/type to include but not limited to, a pull-ring or pull-tab; and a system for affixing the gripping devices directly opposite one another on the outside and at the top of the sealed composite double-bag packaging material, to facilitate breaking the plastic packaging system's hermetic seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventors: Irving Anders, Bruce Anders
  • Patent number: 5958482
    Abstract: A flexible paper popcorn package in the form of an easily expandable, nontrapping bag (18) is disclosed including a bottom wall (20) and a top wall (22) interconnected together adjacent their circular outer peripheries (20a, 22a) by first and second interconnection portions. The top wall (22) is formed by first and second wall portions (22b, 22c) interconnected together by a peelable closure seal (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: General Mills, Inc.
    Inventor: Randal J. Monforton
  • Patent number: 5955127
    Abstract: A food container, of the type having a quantity of food vacuum-packed within a body of the container with a closure affixed on an open end of the body of the container, is provided with a low cost improvement for facilitating removal of the closure from the body of the container in the form of a vent opening extending through a wall of the closure overlying the open end of the container and a flexible film strip, a portion of which is sealed to the wall around an area overlying the vent opening. A portion of the film strip which overlies the vent opening is designed to be released from closure wall for equalizing the pressure within the container with that external thereto by pulling up on an unsecured end portion of the film strip. Furthermore, after releasing of the vacuum in the container, the film strip is able to be re-adhered over the vent opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Lawrence F. Glaser
  • Patent number: 5945145
    Abstract: A package for sliced food product comprising a bottom wall, a top wall, opposite sidewalls and opposite end walls, wherein the package includes a flap which comprises portions of the top wall and/or an adjoining sidewall of the package, and which is movable between a closed position and an open position to selectively facilitate access to the package interior. The package is preferably made of a thin, flexible plastic material. The flap is removably retained in closed position by a peelable seal extending along one or more edges of the flap, or at least along portions thereof. The package is configured so that when the flap is in open position, the sliced food product is accessible from the side, which facilitates engagement of slice edges and subsequent separation thereof, as well as removal of the slices without undue distortion. This makes the package particularly useful in conjunction with packaging of certain sliced cheeses, although the package may also be useful with other products as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Kraft Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Jo Ellen Nielsen Narsutis, John F. McDevitt, John C. Little
  • Patent number: 5939156
    Abstract: A package comprising tubular food casing strands encased in a plastic film, said film encompassing said strands, said package being provided with a tear strip secured upon the outside surface of the film; weakened areas being provided in the film along parallel edges of said tear strip so that pulling of said strip away from the package causes film between the weakened areas to be removed with the strip thus opening the package and exposing the strands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Teepak Investments, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott James Rossi, Douglas Edward Mosiman
  • Patent number: 5919501
    Abstract: A compartmentalized, plastic food package includes a container and sealed cover which have a plurality of individually sealed chambers for distinct foodstuffs. The container includes a top flange or surface which extends about the individual chambers onto which the removable cover is secured by an adhesive or heat sealing. The top flange includes a peripheral shoulder and lip which cooperates with the rear or bottom edge of certain of the chambers to facilitate substantially upright self-display of the container and contents. The sidewalls of the chambers are tapered and include notched or stepped spacers such that the containers may be controllably nested, the spacers preventing overly tight nesting and thus facilitating separation prior to filling and sealing. A plurality of distinct foodstuffs such as meat, cheese, crackers and cookies, for example, may be individually sealed in the chambers, thereby maintaining each foods flavor, aroma and desired moisture content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Thorn Apple Valley, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Rozzano
  • Patent number: 5855939
    Abstract: Nut butter and jelly food slices are provided. They preferably include a first layer of jelly and a second layer of jelly disposed in contacting relationship with the first layer of jelly. The first and second layers of jelly cooperate to define a hollow region therebetween. A volume of nut butter is placed within the hollow region, and is thereby totally encapsulated between the first and second layers of jelly. Also provided is a method and apparatus for making nut butter and jelly slices. Finally, a jelly slice dimensioned to fit on a food substrate and jelly suitable for making jelly slices or nut butter and jelly slices are provided. The jelly slices and the nut butter and jelly slices may be individually wrapped in flexible coverings and packaged in a single food container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Bogdan
  • Patent number: 5833368
    Abstract: An easy-open beverage container and opening system therefor includes an opening provided in a barrier wall. Covering the opening is a tamper-evident pull tab having a holding portion and a topmost free end portion. An adhesive adheres the holding portion to an outside surface of the barrier wall so that the hole is sealed. A pair of slits is provided in the holding portion at opposite lateral edges of the holding portion adjacent the free end portion and the respective slits extend inwardly and downwardly away therefrom. The consumer grasps and pulls the non-adhered free end portion downwardly toward an opposite end of the holding portion to expose the opening. This causes a peeled part of the holding portion initially to be pulled from the barrier wall until the slits are reached; at which time the peeled part laterally separates from a remainder of the holding portion initially along the slits and then further along tear lines beginning at the lowermost ends of the slits to expose the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Kraft Foods, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Harry Kaufman
  • Patent number: 5786010
    Abstract: A bag suitable for use in microwave cooking is constructed of an elongated tube of flexible material closed at one end by a cold seal closure and having a heat seal adhesive deposit applied to the other end thereof for use in closing the bag after filling thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: American Packaging Corporation
    Inventor: Gilbert N. Yannuzzi, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5759650
    Abstract: A package that provides for the control of the atmosphere wherein its hermetically sealed walls, allowing fresh meat and poultry products to be held first in an atmosphere that retards the growth of bacteria until it is placed for sale in a retail display case. The package provides a dual layer lidding film with the inner layer being oxygen permeable and the outer layer being oxygen impermeable. At the time of display, the outer layer is removed so that oxygen can enter the package to activate the myoglobin in the meat to cause the meat to bloom to its usual red color. The lidding in part is formed by facing layers of easy peel polyethylene, LDPE treated with polybutylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Plicon
    Inventors: Charles D. Raines, Rauland Tuck Aaker
  • Patent number: 5728415
    Abstract: A container assembly for housing liquid products and a prize therein which may be distributed with non-prize bearing containers comprising: a can for containing the liquid product in an interior chamber thereof, and a prize-holding subassembly positioned within the interior chamber for retaining a prize therein. The prize holding subassembly includes a tether for supporting the prize assembly. The tether includes a hair-pin shaped spring portion defining legs, and foot portions extending from those legs. A proximal end of the tether on one of the foot portions engages a gate on the underside of the can closure, and compresses the spring portion into a cocked, position. When the closure is opened, the gate releases the proximal end of the tether so that it may pop up through the open end of the can for gripping by the consumer. A distal end of the tether on the other end of the tether supports a prize container which is manually removable from the can with the tether.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventor: Georg Troska
  • Patent number: 5718933
    Abstract: A container for storing a food product and a sauce therefor having a lower section for containing the food product and an upper section for containing the sauce. The container includes a tab which can be pulled to allow air into the upper section to release the sauce from the upper section and the food product from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: BC-USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry Fultz
  • Patent number: 5688544
    Abstract: A container for packaging a particulate product under pressure or vacuum conditions with an easy opening closure structure which allows venting prior to uncovering of the product opening. In one form, an easy peel flexible lid covers a shelf area and a product opening in the top of the can. Peeling back the lid first uncovers the vent opening, permitting the flow of gases but preventing the flow of particulate product, and then uncovers the product opening. Alternatively, the closure structure may be formed by multiple layers of a flexible material, the lower layer of which has the vent opening which is uncovered by peeling back the top layer, after which the product opening is uncovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Kraft Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Stewart L. Bolton, Michael E. Delonis
  • Patent number: 5670193
    Abstract: Sauerkraut is mixed with a predetermined quantity of edible vegetable oil to improve the flow properties of the sauerkraut during packaging in single use film type packages. The vegetable oil also facilitates the removal of the sauerkraut from the package. A method is also provided for flavoring the sauerkraut before it is packaged in single use packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Chasu Foods Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Vreugde
  • Patent number: 5631036
    Abstract: A package for a product includes a support member having a barrier film disposed thereon and supporting the product; web structure for enclosing the product and the support member, the web structure including a first web and a second web sealed to the first web for enclosing the product wherein the second web includes a non-barrier layer sealed to the first web and a peelable barrier layer; and tab structure for initiating peel of the peelable barrier layer from the non-barrier layer at a location where the non-barrier layer is sealed to the first web whereby peeling of the peelable barrier layer does not cause peeling of the barrier film disposed on the support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventor: Kent A. Davis
  • Patent number: 5582853
    Abstract: A multi-seal flexible recloseable package having a tapered product cavity formed in one of the package sidewalls has a generally wedged-shaped cavity into which a doubled-over shingled stack of the food product slices are sealed. The package has a first, peelable hermetic seal located next to an access edge of the product cavity and a second, recloseable seal positioned directly above the peelable seal. Vertical extensions of the package sidewalls are sealed together at their tops to form a third package seal which has a tamper-evident tear strip. One or more openings in the vertical package extensions allow the package to be supported on a display hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: Kraft Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd S. Marnocha, Brian P. Lawless, Gerald O. Hustad
  • Patent number: 5567455
    Abstract: The invention comprises a salad sandwich and method of making the same where the salad sandwich is made of a baked edible shell that is open at one end and contains a tear-away bag which is filled with an appropriate sandwich fill. The tear-away bag keeps the sandwich fill fresh and prevents the sandwich fill from transferring moisture to the shell. The tear-away bag has a tear-away mechanism which, just before the salad sandwich is eaten, allows the bag to be removed in one step without removing the sandwich fill from the confines of the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventor: William N. Alsbrook, Sr.
  • Patent number: RE37275
    Abstract: Nut butter and jelly food slices are provided. They preferably include a first layer of jelly and a second layer of jelly disposed in contacting relationship with the first layer of jelly. The first and second layers of jelly cooperate to define a hollow region therebetween. A volume of nut butter is placed within the hollow region, and is thereby totally encapsulated between the first and second layers of jelly. Also provided is a method and apparatus for making nut butter and jelly slices. Finally, a jelly slice dimensioned to fit on a food substrate and jelly suitable for making jelly slices or nut butter and jelly slices are provided. The jelly slices and the nut butter and jelly slices may be individually wrapped in flexible coverings and packaged in a single food container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: PJ Squares LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Bogdan
  • Patent number: RE36867
    Abstract: A compartmentalized plastic food package includes a container and sealed cover which have a plurality of individually sealed chambers for distinct foodstuffs. The container includes a top flange or surface which extends about the individual chambers onto which the removable cover is secured by an adhesive or heat sealing. The top flange includes a peripheral shoulder and lip which cooperates with the rear or bottom edge of certain of the chambers to facilitate substantially upright self-display of the container and contents. The sidewalls of the chambers are tapered and include notched or stepped spacers such that the containers may be controllably nested, the spacers preventing overly tight nesting and thus facilitating separation prior to filling and sealing. A plurality of distinct foodstuffs such as meat, cheese, crackers and cookies, for example, may be individually sealed in the chambers, thereby maintaining each foods flavor, aroma and desired moisture content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: IBP Foods, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Rozzano