Folding Patents (Class 493/162)
  • Publication number: 20030144122
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a bag provides a tube of material that is passed over a former. A portion of the tube is folded over the former to define the rim of the bag. Portions of the rim are then welded. The apparatus includes arms that move transverse to the tube. The arms carry crimping fingers that pivot to fold the tube up and in over the former.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: William E. Post, Larry L. Lanham
  • Publication number: 20030139271
    Abstract: An inflatable bag (10) for packaging and protecting an object (70) received within the bag, comprises a web of a foil material defining an elongated configuration having a first set of opposite parallel edges (33, 35). The web is folded into a four-ply assembly (12; 14; 16; 18) folded transversely relative to the edges (33, 35) and defining four foil layers of substantially identical shape, A first and a second foil layer (12; 14) of the assembly are joint to one another by a first set of joints extending substantially parallel with said edges and defining a first chamber (I). The second foil layer (14) and a third foil layer (16) of the assembly are interconnected through a first fold (20) and joint to one another by a second set of joints extending substantially parallel with the edges and defining a second chamber (II).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Erling Vangedal-Nielsen, Kim Gylle Petersen
  • Publication number: 20030119640
    Abstract: Cardboard boxes are formed starting from a stamped sheet which is vertically pushed by a descending core (13) for folding the sectors (6) that are going to form the sides and those that are going to form the front ends (7), including equipment for folding of the extensions and/or flaps (8, 10) which are folded on the front ends and/or sides. The mold is intended to shape boxes having an upper horizontal bridge (9) in the sides (6), bridges presenting flaps (10) which fold over the front ends (7), being fixed to the outer face of them, with these front ends (7) in turn presenting end extensions (8) which are folded in the inner face of the sides (6). The mold includes runners (11) adjustable in height, permitting to fold the end extensions (8) of the front ends (7), also having wedges in ramp (14) and presses (15) with an inclined plane (16), for folding the flaps (10) of the upper bridges (9) of the sides (6), these flaps (10) being folded on the front ends (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Jose Boix Jaen
  • Patent number: 6537187
    Abstract: An automatic machine for the preparation of half-packages starting from corresponding blanks preferably made of cardboard, the automatic machine comprising: a frame; at least one mould designed to receive a blank; a feed device for feeding the mould along a pre-defined path; and a plurality of devices set along the path for folding respective portions of the blank on the mould so as to form a corresponding half-package; the automatic machine being characterized in that at least one part of the plurality of devices is fixed with respect to the frame and to the feed device and in that a device is provided which is designed to maintain the faces of the mould constantly parallel to themselves at any point of the path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: MG2 S.p.A.
    Inventor: Ernesto Gamberini
  • Patent number: 6523693
    Abstract: A convertible packaging system for shipping, storing and displaying a first merchandise item and for carrying a second merchandise item. The convertible packaging system includes an open-top box with an upper perimeter and a top attached to the open-top box by a hinge. The hinge includes two or more parallel folds so that the top has at least two degrees of freedom with respect to the open-top box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: International Multifoods Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald Eggenberger, Richard Rylicki
  • Patent number: 6520404
    Abstract: The top of a carton, with opposite main panels and opposite side panels, has an inner and outer major flap hinged to opposite main panels. At each side panel, an ear has a lower portion hinged to the side panel and two upper ear-halves, one hinged to each of the major flaps. To seal the top, adhesive is applied to an outer face of the inner major flap and to the ear-halves extending from either end of one of the major flaps, usually the inner major flap. Then the inner major flap is folded down and the ear-halves extending therefrom are folded down and out. The outer major flap with extending ear-halves is folded on top in overlapping relation so that the adhesive bonds. In one aspect, each ear has a notch between the ear-halves to facilitate overlapping of the ear-halves. With the carton blank coated with an impermeable coating, the resulting carton is air tight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Somerville Packaging Systems, a division of Paperboard Industries Corporation
    Inventors: Peter Waldburger, Andre Odilon Bernatchez, Jamie Alan MacLean, Edwin John Fox, Leon Michael Brzezinski, Gregory Nathaniel Kimmett
  • Publication number: 20030017929
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for folding a textile strip length, in particular a strip length for a label. According to said method, the strip length (8) is first held close to an auxiliary folding edge (62) which lies in a parallel direction to the definitive folding edge (96) and a section of the strip (64) is then folded around the auxiliary folding edge (62), in a substantially perpendicular direction in relation to the plane of the strip length (8). The definitive fold (94) is then formed and the latter is smoothed out and fixed in position by being clamped between two clamping surfaces (92, 98).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: Bernhard Engesser
  • Patent number: 6505769
    Abstract: A tray composed of a unitary, continuous blank has an inner surface and an outer surface. The tray comprises a bottom wall, a plurality of sidewalls extending upwardly from the bottom wall and a plurality of minor flaps. Each of the plurality of minor flaps is connected to one of the sidewalls via a fold line and has a respective outer edge. At least one of the minor flaps is connected to a sidewall via a first cut score. The first cut score extends upwardly from the bottom wall without extending to an outer edge of the minor flap. The at least one minor flap is separated from the sidewall via a knife cut. The knife cut extends from near the outer edge of the minor flap downward toward and near the first cut score. The at least one minor flap has a second cut score formed therein. The second cut score extends from near the separation means. The first and second cut scores are formed from opposing surfaces of the blank so as to form a partial web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Caraustar Custom Packaging
    Inventor: James L. Stone
  • Patent number: 6481619
    Abstract: A produce container comprises a bottom wall, a pair of opposing side walls, a front wall, and a back wall. The front and back walls are reinforced along their tops by partial rollovers, each of which comprises two flanges—a center flange and a major flange—hingedly attached to the wall being reinforced. Each rollover is formed by first folding the center flange slightly away from the major flange and then folding the major flange downward toward the corresponding wall. Folding the major flange captures the center flange and at the same time forms doubled, indexed stacking tabs whose tops are formed along the axis about which the major flap is folded. The corners where the side walls and front and back walls join are reinforced by corner structures, with the corner structures extending along a portion of each of the joining walls so that the corners are reinforced along each wall with at least two layers of vertically-corrugated paperboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Packaging Corporation of America
    Inventor: Keith A. Jackson
  • Publication number: 20020147090
    Abstract: The present invention provides a manufacturing method and apparatus of a gusset bag, capable of coping with manufacture of various types of gusset bag and permitting improvement of productivity. A pair of flat films 12 and 12b are separated and transferred by a transfer unit 14, and a side film 15 extending in a direction perpendicular to the transfer direction of the flat films or in the same direction as the flat films and forming side surfaces 2c and 2d of the bag main body 2 is inserted between the pair of flat films 12a and 12b. The ends of the side film is folded to form an open surface 43 at least at an end of the side film and the flat films.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Applicant: HOSOKAWA YOKO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Raizo Kuge, Sho Obara
  • Patent number: 6449926
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for producing (cigarette) packs with supporting protrusions (17), formed within the pack, above a base wall (16), the supporting protrusions (17) being formed by folding webs (19). The folding webs (19) or folding tabs are pre-folded or folded definitively, during the (customary) transportation of the blanks along a blank path (25), by corresponding folding elements, in particular by a folding wheel (32) with a folding protrusion (34) which folds the folding web (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co.)
    Inventors: Heinz Focke, Henry Buse, Gisbert Engel
  • Publication number: 20020117530
    Abstract: A wound film dispenser with exterior retainer and method of assembling same are disclosed. The wound film dispenser includes a base to which a lid is hingedly attached via a fold. The interior end walls of the base include false walls which are biased into the base. The false walls include aperture through which the ends of the roll extend to at least partially receive the ends of the roll of wound film material. In so doing, the retainers are provided exterior to the roll of film. The false walls may be biased into the base using braces pushing the top edge of the false wall away from the end walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Kristopher W. Gerulski, Alan John Linder
  • Publication number: 20020117529
    Abstract: A dispenser for rolls of wound film is disclosed, as well as a method of manufacturing such a dispenser. The dispenser includes a trunk to which a lid is hingedly attached. First and second end walls of the trunk include retainers adapted to penetrate into hollow ends of a roll of wound film disposed within the trunk. The first and second retainers include multiple flaps which are locked into a penetrating position. The multiple flaps may include first and second parallel wing flaps which are pushed inwardly by a locking flap. The combined flaps may be locked into position by frictional engagement of the locking flap in notches provided in the first and second wing flaps. By penetrating the first and second ends of the roll, the roll is reliably held within the trunk, and less susceptible to being inadvertently pulled from the carton during dispensing of the film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Kristopher W. Gerulski, Alan John Linder
  • Patent number: 6440050
    Abstract: A generally rectangular blank of preferably cardboard material having a multitude of strategically positioned cut lines, fold lines, and perforated tear lines. The present invention can be formed into at least two differently shaped and sized boxes; thus, efficiently accommodating a whole pizza in its original rectangular shape, and efficiently accommodating a slice or other portion of pizza in its reduced-size, triangular shape. In addition to the typical cut and fold lines found in a common pizza box, the present invention provides, generally, eight sets of perforated tear lines strategically positioned such that a rectangularly-shaped pizza box may be torn along the perforated tear lines to form a generally triangularly-shaped, smaller dimensioned pizza box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventors: Patsy R. Capparelli, Timothy D. Davis
  • Patent number: 6390299
    Abstract: This invention relates to carrier straps for carrying prepared foods, such as rotisserie chickens, roasted turkey, roasted ham, side dishes or deserts. Such structures of this type, generally, employ a one-handed, paperboard strap which is wrapped around the plastic tray and plastic domed lid package in which the prepared food is located. The carrier strap secures the prepared food package and transports it so that the purchaser's hands do not get greasy or hot. Also, the carrier strap functions to provide a printable surface to identify flavor and brand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Westvaco Corp.
    Inventors: Mark Mellon, William Roger Rigby
  • Patent number: 6378764
    Abstract: A tray for transporting products and a method for its manufacture, the tray being formed from a sheet of cardboard which is die cut and includes fold lines defining the bottom and sides of the tray. The tray includes a hollow corner column (5) into which a reinforcing element (6) is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Videcart, S.A.
    Inventor: Pere Teixidor Casanovas
  • Patent number: 6375068
    Abstract: The present invention provides a stackable open-top container for use in shipping, storing and retail display of produce and other articles. The produce container of the present invention contains a bottom wall, two side walls, and two end walls. The concave ledges of the side walls contain curved scores. Each side wall contains two panels, each of which contains a mirrored curved score and two minor flaps. The curved scores cause the side walls to go into tension and create stacking shoulders for other containers. The minor flaps of the side walls surround the end walls to increase structural rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Packaging Corporation of America
    Inventors: Keith A. Jackson, James D. Southwell
  • Patent number: 6364821
    Abstract: There is provided, in a folder for web-fed printing machines for processing webs of material with longitudinal adhesive bonding, a longitudinal folding device including a displaceable folder former movable relative to a cylinder part of the folder, and a frame carrying former outlet rollers and spindles whereon the former outlet rollers are mounted, the frame being displaceable with the longitudinal folding device; further provided is a method of adjusting the longitudinal adjusting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Jean Mariotti, Thierry Thevenin
  • Patent number: 6354434
    Abstract: A device for carrying a compact disc having a central aperture and a method of forming the same are provided. The device comprises a blank formed from a single piece of paper board stock, with the blank including a generally rectangular portion having a plurality of fold lines dividing the blank into a plurality of sections. At least one of the sections is foldable along a fold line to a closed position in which the one section forms with an adjacent section an enclosure. A hub is formed in the one section, with the hub including a pair of members. Each member includes an outer portion sized to extend through the compact disc aperture. Each member is shiftable between an unfolded position, in which the member is disposed in the plane of the one section, to a first folded position, in which the member outer portion is folded along a first fold line and is positioned to extend through the compact disc aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: R. R. Donnelley & Sons
    Inventor: Laura A. Stamer
  • Patent number: 6305597
    Abstract: A folding carton is described that includes a hang tab that is slidable between a first position in which the hang tab is tucked behind a first carton panel, and a second position in which the hang tab extends out of the carton for hanging the carton on a display. The carton further includes a hang tab restraint for preventing the hang tab from being pulled entirely out of the carton. The hang tab is initially held in its first position by breakaway nicks that attach the hang tab to the carton. According to further aspects of the invention, the hang tab restraint comprises a yoke flap folded over the hang tab or, alternatively, a tongue member that fits into a central slot of the hang tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: IMPAC Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Barbara Vollmer Donegan, Richard Mazurek
  • Patent number: 6302323
    Abstract: The present invention provides a stackable open-top container for use in shipping, storing and retail display of produce and other articles. The produce container contains a bottom wall, two side walls and two end walls. The ledges of the side walls of the present invention contain opposed concave curved scores. The produce container is formed by folding the side walls to the outside to achieve structural rigidity. The produce container of the present invention provides for full graphical coverage on all visible surfaces by use of a one-piece blank that is color coated/printed on only one side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Packaging Corporation of America
    Inventor: James D. Southwell
  • Patent number: 6299060
    Abstract: A gift receptacle having the exterior appearance of a castle and kit for assembly is provided by the present invention. The castle-shaped gift receptacle comprises a bottom, four upright sides and a roof having a centrally disposed slot. The gift receptacle further comprises at least one corner base tower, a rectangular roof tower base, at least one roof tower, and optionally at least one tower cap. The kit comprises a flexible waterproof package, a plurality of pieces of foldable, self-supporting sheet material which are to be folded into the different component shapes of the castle-shaped gift receptacle, and printed instructions for the assembly of the gift receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Vanguard Marketing Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph F. Garran
  • Patent number: 6273847
    Abstract: An insert for a beverage carton has a floor panel, end wall panels and side wall panels. The insert is dimensioned to fit inside a beverage carton and accommodate an array of beverage containers such as bottles or cans therein. The insert is substantially waterproof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Molson Breweries
    Inventors: Chris MacLean, H. Bruce Smith
  • Patent number: 6223978
    Abstract: A quickly and easily erected octagonal package for round items such as pizza, cakes and pies includes a top and a bottom. The bottom includes a front wall, a rear wall and a pair of side walls. The side walls are foldably connected to the front and rear walls by bridging panels at corners of the package. The connection provided by the bridging panels allows the bottom and all its walls to be erected quickly and easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Packaging Corporation of America
    Inventor: Shawn P. Drager
  • Patent number: 6179204
    Abstract: A tray is assembled by automated equipment from a die cut blank. Tabs on opposing ends of side pieces are enfolded in rolled ends. A serrated edge on a distal edge of each rolled end is placed into a slit and crushed area to interlock the distal edge with the blank and form a tray with interlocked walls. The serrated edge does not penetrate the die cut blank, thus providing a leakproof, interlocked tray. Perforations define various fold lines to facilitate the use of automated equipment to form the tray. Release paper is placed on the central portion of the tray, with cake batter placed on the release paper. The batter can be baked into a cake while still in the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Blower-Dempsey Corporation
    Inventors: James F. Blower, Frank D. Andruss, Todd A. Hansen, Galdino V. Ramirez, Raul Escutia
  • Patent number: 6113525
    Abstract: The cardboard blanks for conversion into hinged-lid packets for arrays of cigarettes are dimensioned and configurated in such a way that an elongated reinforcing strip at the inner side of the front panel of the lid is longer than the front panel. Those terminal sections of the reinforcing strip which extend beyond the ends of the front panel in a blank are bent prior to or during the folding of the reinforcing strip against the inner side of the front panel so that they do not adversely affect the configuration of the lateral panels of the lid and the appearance of a finished packet because the lateral panels are not caused to bulge outwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Topack Verpackungstechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Kleine Waechter
  • Patent number: 6056840
    Abstract: A heated blade arrangement in a press is brought down on a plastic work piece of heavy corrugated plastic held on the bed of the press to compress the work piece along fold lines. The work piece may then be folded up to form a box-like structure. The arrangement includes heaters to heat surfaces of the work piece to be pressed together for adhesion. A frame is provided, about which the box-like structure may be formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Mills Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Mills, Richard Carter
  • Patent number: 6041998
    Abstract: A one-piece blank construction for a flip-lid box includes a rectangular bottom panel, rectangular top panel, panels bridging between the bottom and top, and two flip-lid panels foldably connected to one of the components of the respective side walls. The overall "footprint" of the blank is small because the blank is approximately rectangular, thus effecting the maximum saving of material. The one-piece construction is easy to set up, cuts the wastage of material, and increases strength so as to allow a smaller material thickness to be utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Leslie H. Goldberg
  • Patent number: 5988494
    Abstract: A gable top for a carton formed from a carton blank having an outer layer bonded to an intermediate layer by a first strength and an inner layer bonded to the intermediate layer by a second strength less than by a first strength and wherein the intermediate layer is of an esthetically pleasing color and formed into a gable top by sealing together facing portions of the inner layer so that when the gable top is separated to form a pour spout the inner surface of the pour spout will be aesthetically pleasing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging Corporation
    Inventor: Alan Fontaine
  • Patent number: 5934469
    Abstract: A package containing an enclosed space of a predetermined width, includes an internal panel, and external panel and an overlay panel. The internal panel has a main section with an opposing pair of internal edges spaced by at least the predetermined width. A primary closure flap is hingedly connected to the main section along a curved fold line. This curved fold line is substantially transverse to the internal edges. The curved fold line is also bowed inwardly to impart to the primary closure flap a concavo-convex shape. The external panel is hingedly connected along a longitudinal fold line to one of the internal edges of the internal panel. The external panel is folded along the longitudinal fold line to a position alongside the internal panel. The internal and the external panels are on opposite sides of the enclosed space. The overlay panel is hingedly connected along an exterior fold line to the external panel. The overlay panel is folded to a position alongside the internal panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Paul C. Gould
  • Patent number: 5875963
    Abstract: A flip-top reclosable carton is comprised of an outer carton and an internal collar. The outer carton includes opposing top and bottom walls, opposing front and back walls, and opposing first and second side walls. The first and second side walls and the front wall include a continuous horizontal tear means for opening up the carton from a sealed form to form a lid hingedly connected to a base. The top wall includes first and second top minor flaps hingedly connected to upper ends of the respective first and second side walls. The internal collar is integrally formed with the first and second top minor flaps. The collar is disposed within the carton and includes a front panel and opposing first and second side panels adjacent to the respective front wall and the opposing first and second side walls of the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Tenneco Packaging
    Inventors: James L. Stone, Thomas J. Brink
  • Patent number: 5868308
    Abstract: An interlocking paperboard carton blank (10) is disclosed. The carton blank has at least one flap (19) projecting from a side dge of a first base panel (14), the flap having a leading portion (20) which is folded about a scored waist section score line (23) back onto the remainder of the flap to double the thickness of the flap. The leading portion of the flap includes at least one, and preferably two laterally projecting portions (21). The flap is inserted folded end first into at least one correspondingly positioned opening (27) defined in a second base panel (15) of the carton blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventor: Nathalie Briand
  • Patent number: 5855315
    Abstract: A blank for making a single or dual cavity container and the corresponding containers. In a dual cavity embodiment, the blank is scored to define a pair of bottom panels, two pairs of end panels, and a pair each of lateral and opposing side panels. The pair of opposing side panels are connected together along a mutual upper edge. A lid for each respective cavity extends from the first and second lateral side panels, and each lid terminates in a tuck flap for engaging at least one of the corresponding opposing side panels and the corresponding pair of end panels. Each adjacent pair of walls (e.g., end panel-lateral side panel; end panel-opposing side panel) has a gusset integrally formed therebetween. The gussets are appropriately folded and adhered to the outside of one of the adjacent walls. Because both cavities are formed from a unitary blank with no seams below the upper edges of the walls, leakage is prevented when the container is maintained in an upright orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: MasterCraft Packaging Corporation
    Inventor: Hank Roseth
  • Patent number: 5842631
    Abstract: A compartment which is designed to be mounted on the front panel of a quick scoop carton to hold condiments. The compartment facilitates the application of condiments to food by holding condiments that are difficult to handle such as ketchup. The condiment in the compartment and the food in the carton are held by one hand, freeing the other hand to pick up and dip the food in the condiment. This design eliminates the need to squeeze out the condiment from a package and spread it over the food, making the food difficult and messy to handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Cheryl Berger
  • Patent number: 5842630
    Abstract: The present invention is a pyramid-shaped structure formed of a single sheet of foldable material, such as a sheet of paper. Two embodiments are disclosed. The first embodiment maximizes the amount of volume contained by the pyramid-shaped structure. The embodiment encloses a smaller volume than the first embodiment but maximizes structural strength, or rigidity, of the structure. Each embodiment has certain advantages. The first embodiment can be efficiently created with a minimal number of folds. It can be "collapsed" from a single sheet of pre-creased material to instantly form a structure. It is also easily opened in a single motion. The second embodiment provides an extremely strong pyramid structure that can be formed around an object for complete containment of the object. Other uses are possible such as providing a tent-like housing for a person by cutting an opening in one of the sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Inventor: Daniel J. Remer
  • Patent number: 5826408
    Abstract: A rotary flap tucker comprising a tube sector having a smaller arc length end, a larger arc length end, a longitudinal edge, and an edge which helically advances generally from the small arc length end to the large arc length end. The tube sector has end plates each with an edge contoured to avoid contact with a carton flap as the flap tucker rotates about its center axis which is aligned with the carton travel direction. The leading edge of a flap entering the flap tucker follows the helical edge of the flap tucker as it rotates without contacting the flap for a majority of the rotation. Rotation brings the flap tucker's longitudinal edge in contact with the flap along a majority of the flap's length. Continued rotation plows the majority of the length of the flap simultaneously, thereby preventing the flap from misaligning on the carton when the flap is closed. The outside surface of the rotating flap tucker runs against the closed flap of the advancing carton, preferably along the carton's center line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventor: Colin P. Ford
  • Patent number: 5752909
    Abstract: A skiving method comprises forming by milling, along an edge zone of a packaging blank comprised of a liquid-absorbent layer and at least two liquid-barrier layers thereon, a tongue, a recess inwardly of the tongue, a land inwardly of the recess, and a groove inwardly of the land, folding over the edge zone to insert the tongue into the groove, and sealing the edge zone to the remainder of the sheet material, preferably by mechanical pressure alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Elopak Systems AG
    Inventors: Ragnar Harald Sagvik, Lars Lyngaas
  • Patent number: 5716473
    Abstract: A paperboard container of generally semi-rigid construction and formed from a unitary blank of paperboard folded in the general shape of a U. The interior surface of the container is coated with a thermoplastic polymer barrier layer, the container having a manually openable, normally closed pour spout at one upper edge portion, and also having a recessed or raised bottom. The container is particularly adapted for packaging granular, dry material such as corn flakes, pretzels, and the like. Due to its construction and the thermoplastic barrier layer, the usual inner pouch which contains dry cereal is omitted, thereby effecting savings in both material and in assembly of the final package. In one embodiment, an opening is provided for carrying the package, the opening located at the top of the container. In another embodiment one side wall of the panel is provided with an extension to serve as a reclosure flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: International Paper
    Inventors: Robert L. Gordon, Katherine A. Swenson, David E. Stier, Theresa A. Bronk
  • Patent number: 5697877
    Abstract: An apparatus for periodically feeding a packaging machine with semi-finished packages formed from flat blanks (2), provided with a magazine (6) for storing such blanks (2), a feed path (11) extending in a feed plane (13) with a pair of feed dogs (16), spaced from each other at a distance corresponding to the size of the blank (B), periodically entering the feed path. In cooperation with a transfer apparatus (24-34) reciprocally moving in the feed direction (A) the pair of feed dogs (16) shapes a blank (2) withdrawn from the magazine (6) to a semi-finished package suitable for being filled, and then feeds the semi-finished package to stations in the packaging machine where it is filled and completed. To prevent faulty transfers or deposits, the blanks (2) are stored within their magazine (6) in an upright orientation such that those blank sections (B,F) first entering into the feed path (11) extend above the feed plane (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Involdes AG
    Inventor: Oscar Roth
  • Patent number: 5656006
    Abstract: A method for forming a work object including the steps of moving the work object, initially disposed in a first configuration, along a path of travel to a forming position; defining an outer boundary for the work object, disposed in a second configuration, substantially about said forming position; and expanding the work object, during moving of the work object along the path of travel, to dispose the work object in the second configuration in the forming position. An apparatus for forming a work object including a mechanism for delivering the work object, disposed in a first configuration, to a deliver position; a forming assembly adjacent to the delivery position defining a forming chamber dimensioned to receive the work object therewithin disposed in a second configuration; and a manipulating assembly operable to engage the work object in the delivery position and to transport the work object into the forming chamber to manipulate the work object from the first configuration to the second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: SWF Machinery, Inc.
    Inventors: Blaine D. East, Pete A. Montoya
  • Patent number: 5632713
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) is provided for erecting boxes from blanks (11) having sides panels (13) with three score lines (20, 22 and 24). The apparatus has a base plate (40), two side folding mechanisms (44) and two end folding mechanisms (45). The side folding mechanisms have a proximal plate (51) pivotally mounted to the base plate, an intermediary plate (53) pivotally mounted to the proximal plate, and a distal plate (55) pivotally mounted to the intermediary plate. Linkage (68) coupled to a handle (76) actuates the movement of the proximal, intermediary and distal plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Inventors: Timothy A. Canning, Andrew F. Hartman, Ken Williams, Harry R. Elliot, Quentin J. Hendricks
  • Patent number: 5626719
    Abstract: A process for increasing the resistance of the cut edges of liquid packaging board to penetration by hot hydrogen peroxide, comprising adding to an aqueous pulp slurry at a neutral to alkaline pH, either separately or in preblended form an aqueous emulsion of a cellulose-reactive size, a non-cellulose-reactive size selected from the group consisting of waxes, bis-stearamides, and fatty acid derivatives, and a thermosetting resin that is capable of covalent bonding to cellulose fibre and self-cross-linking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Hercules Incorporated
    Inventors: Anthony C. Tansley, John D. Ballantine
  • Patent number: 5599268
    Abstract: A linear drive apparatus for moving a canon in a packaging machine from a first position to a second position is set forth. The apparatus includes first and second spaced apart guide rods and an engagement assembly that is disposed between and slidably engages the first and second guide rods. The engagement assembly is adapted to engage one or more cartons for movement between the first and second positions. The apparatus further includes a drive shall onto which a drive roller is disposed for co-rotation. A first drive belt is connected to the drive roller and disposed about the drive roller in a clockwise direction at a first end thereof while a second end of the first drive belt is connected to a first portion of the engagement assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Roland J. E. Andersson, Shigehiro Kinoshita, David L. Persells, Arde Kirka
  • Patent number: 5558611
    Abstract: Blanks (13) for the production of hinge-lid packs (10) with rounded longitudinal edges (11, 12) are pre-shaped in the region of the longitudinal edges (11, 12). For this purpose, a shaping station (17) is provided, which has two shaping devices (28, 29) which each have shaping tools for pre-shaping the longitudinal edges (11, 12). The centrally supplied blanks (13) are alternately fed to the one and the other shaping device (28, 29), and discharged after shaping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co.)
    Inventor: Heinz Focke
  • Patent number: 5549537
    Abstract: In the production of hinge-lid packs with especially rounded longitudinally edges (11, 12) a blank (14) is pre-shaped in the region of a shaping station (18). To this end, the regions of the longitudinal edges (11, 12) of the blank (14) are pressed against shaping margins (23, 24) of a shaping plate (20) by shaping rollers (21, 22). To increase the performance of the shaping station (18), the shaping rollers (21, 22) are moved back into the starting position along a path of movement (29) which is located at a distance from the shaping plate (20). During this movement back into the starting position, the pre-shaped blank (14) can be discharged and a following blank can be moved into position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co.)
    Inventors: Heinz Focke, Helmut Granz
  • Patent number: 5522504
    Abstract: Corrugated box constructions suitable for packaging, storing and transporting flat rectangular objects such as books and the like. The box has a generally rectangular central panel, a pair of side panels hingedly joined to one of the opposite ends of the central panel. The side panels fold first perpendicularly and then parallel to the central panel and have a leaf-spring terminus. A top panel is hingedly joined to one of the transverse sides of the central panel. The top panel folds first perpendicularly upward, then parallel, then perpendicularly downward and under the central panel. The construction allows for packaging products of various sizes and yet provides a cushioned retention of the product without changing the carton size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Baldwin Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Hans L. Levi
  • Patent number: 5505374
    Abstract: A side-filled, flip-top reclosable carton comprises opposing top and bottom walls and opposing front and back walls where the front wall includes inner and outer panels. First and second top minor flaps extend from opposing ends of the top wall. First and second bottom minor flaps extend from opposing ends of the bottom wall. First and second back major flaps extend from opposing ends of the back wall. First and second wing flaps extend from opposing ends of the front inner panel. First and second front major flaps extend from opposing ends of the front outer panel. The first and second front major flaps and the front outer panel including a continuous horizontal tear strip for opening up the carton from a sealed form to form a lid hingedly attached to a base section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Packaging Corporation of America
    Inventor: James L. Stone
  • Patent number: 5489061
    Abstract: A carton including a bevel panel and adjacent areas comprised of multi-ply construction. The bevel panel of each ply is defined in part by spaced score lines. The score lines of each ply are spaced apart a distance greater than the spacing of the score lines of the next outer ply. This results in the plies of the bevel panel being slightly spaced from each other. An example of such bevel panels is in the type of container formed by wrapping a slotted flexible sheet about rigid end panels having corner areas which extend through the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventors: James C. Fogle, John A. Ross
  • Patent number: 5487505
    Abstract: An arrangement in a box is disclosed, the box being, in the initial position, in the form of a sheet-like blank having a bottom (2), first and second sidewalls (4, 6) which are connected to the bottom (2) via fold lines (8, 10) and are substantially parallel panels which are connected to one of the sidewalls (4, 6). The arrangement is characterized in that a flap (32) is formed at a second panel (20) which, via a second fold line (18), is connected to a first, inner panel (16) which is connected to one of the sidewalls (4, 6) via an inner fold line (14), and that a slot (34) is formed in one sidewall (6) connected to the inner panel (16), the slot engaging the flap (32) when the box is erected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignee: Bjorkebo Gaard AB
    Inventor: Bo-Arne Nilsson
  • Patent number: 5476219
    Abstract: A packing paper box with a moisture resistant band having a function to prevent a content from being leaked out of the paper box even when the paper box is partially deformed due to a careless handling during transportation or storage thereof. The moisture resistant band has a strip shape and is attached to junctions between the upper edges of vertical wall members of the paper box and the upper flap members of the paper box and between the lower edges of the vertical wall members and the lower flap members of the paper box. The moisture resistant band has a predetermined width and serves to sufficiently seal corners of the paper box upon folding the flap members. By virtue of the moisture resistant band, the packing paper box has a simple construction capable of providing both a moisture resistance and a durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Dae Young Packing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Do W. Kim