Including Discharge Assist Means (e.g., Valve, Pour Spout, Etc.) Patents (Class 493/87)
  • Patent number: 6722102
    Abstract: A method for securing thermoplastic pour spout fitments 22 to thermoplastic-coated containers 20, wherein at least a surface of the pour spout fitment 22 is heated remotely at heating stations 42-46 to a temperature significantly below the melting point of the thermoplastic fitment. When the heated fitment surface is applied to a selected surface of an erected, thermoplastic-coated container 20, the heat energy is transferred to the latter surface to an extent capable of activating the thermoplastic coating thereon. Upon cooling, the fitment 22 and the container surface are bonded together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Elopak AG
    Inventors: Leslie Pape, Robert Edwin Rochelle
  • Patent number: 6676585
    Abstract: An arrangement for manufacturing a paper can includes processing stations arranged one behind the other along two star-shaped wheels. Packaging material from supply stores is fed to each star-shaped wheel. The two star-shaped wheels and the processing stations arranged thereto are disposed on the same machine frame. The packaging material for both star-shaped wheels are fed from a joint material supply station. Thereby, a compact construction and reduced operational procedure are achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Michael Hoerauf Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Werner Stahlecker, Berthold Mueller
  • Patent number: 6662524
    Abstract: An applicator is used for applying an associated closure to an interior surface of an associated carton in a form, fill and seal packaging machine. The associated closure has a flange that is sealed to the interior surface of the carton. The applicator includes a frame, a carriage mounted to the frame for longitudinal movement, a closure supply and an anvil mounted to the carriage for longitudinal movement with the carriage. The anvil is configured for securing the closure thereto for movement of the closure from the closure supply to the carton. The applicator further includes a longitudinal drive for longitudinally moving the anvil, a transverse drive for transversely moving the anvil and a sealing member. The closure is secured by the anvil and is transported on the anvil from the closure supply in a plane transcribed by the longitudinal and transverse drives into an interior portion of the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, SA
    Inventors: Stefan Annehed, Hisami Mitsuishi, Peter Sevcik
  • Patent number: 6526725
    Abstract: A straw application machine for automatically applying drinking straws, wrapped in protective cover, to beverage containers at very high speeds. The machine comprises a guide roller which presses each straw of a web of parallel straws into a slotted straw drum. A blade cutting drum separates the straws as it rotates in close association and synchronization with the slotted straw drum. A strip of sticky tape runs along the back of the web of parallel straws and a protective cover is removed from the tape exposing an adhesive prior to passing underneath the right side of the guide roller. After the straws are cut from the web, an ejector bar applies each straw to a beverage package where it is retained by the adhesive tape or glue. Multiple servo motors control the operating speed of the machine. Alternate embodiments for the slotted straw drum include a drum center having rubber ends with slots for holding a larger straw, and a drum center having end plates with inserts for holding straws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Shrink Packaging Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Edward F. Williams
  • Patent number: 6527688
    Abstract: In an off-line, free standing, parts-orienting and feeding device, selected parts are fed by a hopper to and oriented in a centrifugal or vibratory parts feeder unit, and then discharged to a programmed transferring arrangement. The latter includes a slide shuttle unit for alternately receiving discharged parts in a plurality or passages and aligning the part receiving passages with one or more pressurized air passages to blow the parts through selected transfer tubes to pick and placement devices which serve to place the parts continually one at a time on packaging materials being processed on one or more packaging machines. Limit devices on each transfer tube signal the slide shuttle unit to realign the parts receiving passages with the pressurized air passages to provide parts as required by each machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Elopak Systems AG
    Inventors: Mark Robert Kucera, Anthony John Lukasiewicz, Lynn Anthony Tilley
  • Patent number: 6467238
    Abstract: A form, fill and seal packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing a carton, molds a closure directly onto the carton. The machine includes a carton erection station adapted to receive a carton in a generally flat form and to erect the flat form carton into a tubular form defining an internal carton region. A direct injection molding station has an internal mold tool and an external mold tool. The internal mold tool is configured for receipt within the internal carton region and the internal mold tool and the external mold tool are configured to receive and clamp the carton therebetween. The direct injection molding station further includes a polymer injection system for injecting polymer from a location external of the carton to the internal mold tool. The closure is directly molded in place on the carton. A mold tool set, a method for carrying out the molding and a closure molded thereby are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, SA
    Inventors: John Lees, Terry Erickson, Terry Berglin, Mike Robertson, Nicholas Cook, Russell Stacy-Ryan, Jens Mogard
  • Patent number: 6464096
    Abstract: A fitment for use as a pour spout for a paper carton or flexible bag for liquids and powders has a flange which may be welded around a hole in the carton or bag. A spout projecting outward from the flange is provided with a removable membrane integral with the interior of the spout. Preferably the membrane is concave. A horizontally disposed pull ring is attached to the membrane by a connector so that pulling the ring removes the membrane by fracturing the tear line at the juncture of the outer edge of the membrane and the projection. A cap snaps over the spout and may be removed by unscrewing the complementary threads on cap and spout. Optionally, a tamper-evidencing band frangibly connected to the lower edge of the cap skirt engages the exterior of the spout so that the cap cannot be removed without breaking the frangible connection. Various means for detachably securing the fitment to a spud during delivery of the fitment from a chute to the interior of a carton are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Adams, Daniel Luch, Rodger A. Moody
  • Publication number: 20010015355
    Abstract: A fitment for use as a pour spout for a paper carton or flexible bag for liquids and powders has a flange which may be welded around a hole in the carton or bag. A spout projecting outward from the flange is provided with a removable membrane integral with the interior of the spout. Preferably the membrane is concave. A horizontally disposed pull ring is attached to the membrane by a connector so that pulling the ring removes the membrane by fracturing the tear line at the juncture of the outer edge of the membrane and the projection. A cap snaps over the spout and may be removed by unscrewing the complementary threads on cap and spout. Optionally, a tamper-evidencing band frangibly connected to the lower edge of the cap skirt engages the exterior of the spout so that the cap cannot be removed without breaking the frangible connection. Various means for detachably securing the fitment to a spud during delivery of the fitment from a chute to the interior of a carton are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Applicant: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Adams, Daniel Luch, Rodger A. Moody
  • Patent number: 6241646
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of using a laser to manufacture a container that has a tear-away spout. First, a flat card is formed by providing an outer substrate layer and then securing an inner aseptic layer to the outer substrate layer. After the flat card is formed, a cut of predetermined depth is made with a laser along a predetermined path in the outer substrate layer so that the cut does not puncture the inner aseptic layer. After the cut is made in the outer substrate layer, the flat card is folded to form a container that has a flap. The cut extends around the flap, and the flap has a tip. In order to form a spout, the tip is torn off at the cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: SIG Combibloc Inc.
    Inventor: Michael G. Tokarski
  • Patent number: 6231491
    Abstract: A fitment for use as a pour spout for a paper carton or flexible bag for liquids and powders has a flange which may be welded around a hole in the carton or bag. A spout projecting outward from the flange is provided with a removable membrane integral with the interior of the spout. Preferably the membrane is concave. A horizontally disposed pull ring is attached to the membrane by a connector so that pulling the ring removes the membrane by fracturing the tear line at the juncture of the outer edge of the membrane and the projection. A cap snaps over the spout and may be removed by unscrewing the complementary threads on cap and spout. Optionally, a tamper-evidencing band frangibly connected to the lower edge of the cap skirt engages the exterior of the spout so that the cap cannot be removed without breaking the frangible connection. Various means for detachably securing the fitment to a spud during delivery of the fitment from a chute to the interior of a carton are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Adams, Daniel Luch, Rodger A. Moody
  • Patent number: 6228011
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a bag-in-carton using a forming jig to shape a side-sealed closed portion of the inner bag in accordance with the related shape of the carton. The forming jig helps form a bag-in-carton having an inner bag formed with high precision and constant volume, thus ultimately permitting good discharge of contents in the bag-in-carton with little content in the inner bag after discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignees: Riso Kagaku Corporation, Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toru Takemura, Takeshi Morisako
  • Patent number: 6151861
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically and continuously supplying retractable spouts for cardboard boxes, which includes first and second storing devices for storing first and second spout webs and for continuously supplying said first and second spout webs from which spout elements are formed and cut and also includes feeding means for feeding said first spout web coming from said first storing device as well as end of web sensing means which actuate auxiliary feeding means for taking up the second spout web coming from the second storing device and also including a shaft supporting a first cam for operating the feeding means and the auxiliary feeding means and also including a second cam for operating a punch element for forming and shaping said spout elements, the feeding means including levers pivoted, at a respective middle portion thereof, to a support element and having an end portion thereof coupled to supports associated with the first cam wherein the web sensing means are arranged at said punch element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Giovanni Magri
  • Patent number: 6145736
    Abstract: Dispensing assembly for a carton with a dispensing opening in a side wall thereof and a separate liner therein. The pour spout is pivotably mounted to the dispensing opening between an open and closed position and includes a front panel. The liner is bonded to the front panel so that when the front panel is initially opened, that portion of the liner bonded to said front panel separates from the rest of the liner, providing access to the interior thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Kellogg Company
    Inventors: David C. Ours, James O. Robotham, David L. Bradley, Michael Borgerson
  • Patent number: 6145275
    Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a fitment to an erected carton through ultrasonic welding at an infeed to a packaging machine is disclosed herein. The apparatus has two anvils that oscillate in a horizontal plane and oscillate along a vertical plane at a carton infeed to a packaging machine. As one anvil is attaching a fitment to a carton, the other anvil picks a fitment for attachment to the next carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, SA
    Inventor: David J. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 6129228
    Abstract: A fitment for use as a pour spout for a paper carton or flexible bag for liquids and powders has a flange which may be welded around a hole in the carton or bag. A spout projecting outward from the flange is provided with a removable membrane integral with the interior of the spout. Preferably the membrane is concave. A horizontally disposed pull ring may be attached to the membrane by a connector so that pulling the ring removes the membrane by fracturing the tear line at the juncture of the outer edge of the membrane and the projection. A cap snaps over the spout and may be removed by unscrewing the complementary threads on cap and spout. Optionally, a tamper-evidencing band frangibly connected to the lower edge of the cap skirt engages the exterior of the spout so that the cap cannot be removed without breaking the frangible connection. Various means and methods for detachably securing the fitment to a spud or holder during delivery of the fitment from a chute to the interior of a carton are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Adams, Daniel Luch, Rodger A. Moody
  • Patent number: 6125610
    Abstract: A vacuum spud supports an associated closure for transport and mounting to an associated package. The closure has a spout integral with an outwardly extending flange. The spud includes a main body portion having a central region and an outer support surface for supporting the closure at the flange. The outer support surface is generally planar. The spud defines a vacuum region formed in the main body portion extending below the support surface. The vacuum region is in flow communication with a vacuum manifold formed generally centrally disposed in the main body portion and configured for connecting to an associated vacuum source for establishing a vacuum in the vacuum manifold and vacuum region. When the closure is disposed on the spud, the closure is held on the spud by the vacuum exerted on the closure at the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, SA
    Inventors: Jens Mogard, Bengt Bengtsson, Kenneth Nortman
  • Patent number: 6092351
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of applying pouring elements to flat-gabled packages filled with free-flowing products, where the pouring elements are glued to the individually conveyed and sealed packages, where a fully automatic application operation is possible, where trouble due to improper positioning and incomplete gluing of the pouring elements is reliably prevented. In addition, it is desirable to prevent packages not having the pouring elements attached to them from leaving the gluing station. This is accomplished by the following steps: horizontal conveyance of successively arranged packages standing upright, separation of the packages and introduction of the separated packages into a gluing station depending on the presence of a pouring element, applying adhesive to the pouring element and gluing and pressing the pouring element to a predetermined area of each package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: SIG Combibloc, GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Imkamp, Hans Peter Lonzen, Peter Meyer
  • Patent number: 6090029
    Abstract: An improved bulk bag or bulk box liner and spout fitment construction for the liner discharge and/or fill openings. The liner is of liquid impervious thermoplastic multiple-ply sheet material, and the spout fitment is a rigid thermoplastic spout of either open or closed flange type. The spout tube extends through the liner fitment opening and has an external flange base adjacent the liner-interior tube end that is permanently affixed and heat sealed to the liner in a first annular heat weld zone formed between an outward facing surface of the flange base and the interior surface of the liner. A first backing piece of liquid impervious plastic sheet material overlies the inward-facing flange surface and has a marginal portion overlying the liner interior surface. A second annular heat seal is formed between this backing piece and flange base in a second annular weld zone spaced radially inwardly from the first heat weld seal zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Custom Packaging Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee LaFleur
  • Patent number: 6085489
    Abstract: An applicator attaches spouts and other fitments to paperboard cartons and the like in automated packaging equipment. The applicator features a rotatable and translatable anvil housing having a plurality of radially extending lobes, each lobe having an anvil thereon, said anvil having an energy ring thereon to facilitate ultrasonic attachment of the spout to the carton. A mandrel or other engagement mechanism on each lobe engages and holds spouts for attachment to a container. The anvil inserts a spout into a container hole, and an ultrasonic sealer ultrasonically vibrates the carton wall against the energy ring of the anvil to weld the spout to the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: NIMCO Corporation
    Inventors: Jerry G. Bachner, Michael A. Kipp
  • Patent number: 6086523
    Abstract: A fitment for use as a pour spout for a paper carton or flexible bag for liquids and powders has a flange which may be welded around a hole in the carton or bag. A spout projecting outward from the flange is provided with a removable membrane integral with the interior of the spout. Preferably the membrane is concave. A horizontally disposed pull ring is attached to the membrane by a connector so that pulling the ring removes the membrane by fracturing the tear line at the juncture of the outer edge of the membrane and the projection. A cap snaps over the spout and may be removed by unscrewing the complementary threads on cap and spout. Optionally, a tamper-evidencing band frangibly connected to the lower edge of the cap skirt engages the exterior of the spout so that the cap cannot be removed without breaking the frangible connection. Various means for detachably securing the fitment to a spud during delivery of the fitment from a chute to the interior of a carton are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Adams, Daniel Luch, Rodger A. Moody
  • Patent number: 6079185
    Abstract: An induction sealing device is utilized to seal a closure to a container on a packaging machine. The induction sealing device has a recess area for receiving a spout of a closure during the application process. A current is induced in a metal medium that generates heat to melt and chemically bond a closure to a container. The metal medium may be found in either the closure or the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, SA
    Inventors: Sevugan Palaniappan, Kenneth Pokusa, Par Andersson
  • Patent number: 6066081
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching a fitment to a container and for disinfecting the container prior to sealing either end of the container. The fitment is attached to the container in a novel apparatus and then the container is fed into an existing form, fill and seal machine. The apparatus also disinfects the containers while their top and bottom flaps are open to achieve better results than existing disinfecting techniques. A method of attaching a spout to a container and a method of sterilizing a container also are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Nimco Corporation
    Inventor: Jerry G. Bachner
  • Patent number: 6062467
    Abstract: Dispensing assembly for a carton with a dispensing opening in a side wall thereof and a separate liner therein. The pour spout is pivotably mounted to the dispensing opening between an open and closed position and includes a front panel. The liner is bonded to the front panel so that when the front panel is initially opened, that portion of the liner bonded to said front panel separates from the rest of the liner, providing access to the interior thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Kellogg Company
    Inventors: David C. Ours, James O. Robotham, David L. Bradley
  • Patent number: 6007466
    Abstract: A container and closure package includes container material stock formed of a severable material defining an opening therein defining a removable confetti portion and a dispensing member molded to the material stock. The dispensing member is superimposed over the opening to substantially overlie the confetti portion. The confetti portion can be ejected from the material stock when the dispensing member is molded to the container stock and can be integrated into the closure package to form a portion thereof. The dispensing member can be a spout and can include a cover or cap integral therewith. The cap is formed with the confetti portion forming a portion of the top wall thereof. Alternately, the closure package includes a spout, such as a threaded spout which is formed extending from the container stock. The confetti portion is formed integral with the spout to establish a seal therefor. The seal can be gas-impermeable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, SA
    Inventors: Hichem Bouraoui, Jens Mogard, Antonio Rendina
  • Patent number: 5983599
    Abstract: The present invention may be utilized as a single station integrated with a standard form, fill and seal machine wherein at least two containers are conveyed along the machine simultaneously. The present invention is able to retrieve fitments from a source, apply the fitments to the containers, and seal the fitments to the container at a single station. The design of the present invention requires only minimal space on a form, fill and seal machine. In practicing the present invention, at least two anvils retrieve fitments from a source and then undergo offset rotation into the interior of two containers. The anvils, with the fitments attached, are then moved translationally to insert the fitments through incisions in the respective containers. Once the fitments are positioned therethrough the incision, sealers permanently attach the fitments to the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, S.A.
    Inventor: David Krueger
  • Patent number: 5964687
    Abstract: A four-armed pour spout fitment applicator adaptable to rotating two of the arms into open-topped cartons and applying flanged pour spout fitments outwardly through openings in a pair of adjacent carton top panels, while the other two arms are adapted to substantially receive two additional fitments transferred thereto by two air cylinders. External ultrasonic sealers have horns serving to engage the outer panel surfaces to seal the flanges of the fitments to the inner surfaces of the top panels around the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Elopak Systems AG
    Inventors: Edward M. Rogalski, Barry C. Owen, Mark R. Kucera
  • Patent number: 5957312
    Abstract: A fitment for use as a pour spout for a paper carton or flexible bag for liquids and powders has a flange which may be welded around a hole in the carton or bag. A spout projecting outward from the flange is provided with a removable membrane integral with the interior of the spout. Preferably the membrane is concave. A horizontally disposed pull ring is attached to the membrane by a connector so that pulling the ring removes the membrane by fracturing the tear line at the juncture of the outer edge of the membrane and the projection. A cap snaps over the spout and may be removed by unscrewing the complementary threads on cap and spout. Optionally, a tamper-evidencing band frangibly connected to the lower edge of the cap skirt engages the exterior of the spout so that the cap cannot be removed without breaking the frangible connection. Various means for detachably securing the fitment to a spud during delivery of the fitment from a chute to the interior of a carton are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Adams, Daniel Luch, Rodger A. Moody
  • Patent number: 5906568
    Abstract: An inner bag is adhered by an adhesive to the substantially entire region of a pouring spout attaching panel of a carton blank, and to substantially half regions of panels bordering the pouring spout attaching panel, which are on the side of a pouring spout. The inner bag is adhered to the carton at a part which is remotest from the pouring spout and is normal to a direction of movement made by the inner bag when air is drawn. The inner bag is adhered to the carton blank at the substantially entire region of the pouring spout attached panel, and four corners on the side of the panel, which enables the inner bag to be set up into a square shaft with high precision upon the setting-up of the carton blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignees: Tohoku Ricoh Co., Ltd., Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahisa Sato, Yusuke Tanno, Takehiko Bizen
  • Patent number: 5891006
    Abstract: A paper container according to the present invention includes a tab region half cut for defining a tab region of a shape whose lower part is closed and whose upper part is opened in the substantially central part of one of top folded-in side panels. A stopper is applied to an upper end of the tab region or near the upper end. The tab region is pulled from below after a pair of top folded-in side panels are separated apart, whereby a tab is formed, and the tab is pulled to split the seal between the top ribs and then the top folded-in ribs, and then the seal is opened. The tab region half cut is simply provided, and a stopper is simply provided for prohibiting breakage of the tab. The tab is not raised until the seal is opened, so that the tab does not get in the way of manufacturing the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidehiko Okamoto, Masayo Kajiura, Masataka Okushita, Takahisa Kato
  • Patent number: 5875958
    Abstract: The specification represents and describes a cuboid flat gable package, with the composite having at least one carrier layer made from paper or cardboard, a coupling layer, an oxygen barrier layer and a double-sided plastic coating made from polyethylene (PE). An opening area is provided in the package gable which which is adapted to be severed to form a pour opening pouring element is provided with a reclosable closing lid being hinged thereto in one piece and whose flange encompassing the opening area is rigidly connected to the package surface and whose closing lid is provided with a tubus corresponding to the shape of the opening area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: PKL Verpackungssysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Josef Weiteder, Matthias Dammers
  • Patent number: 5875959
    Abstract: The specification represents and describes a cuboid flat gable package made from a multi-layer composite, with the composite having at least one carrier layer made from paper or cardboard, a coupling layer, a barrier layer and a double-sided plastic coating made from polyethylene (PE), with an opening area provided in the package gable which forms the pour opening after the severing, with a pouring element provided with a reclosable closing lid whose flange encompassing the opening area is rigidly connected to the package surface, with the closing lid simultaneously representing the opening mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: PKL Verpackungssysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Josef Weiteder, Holger Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5857309
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a container having a spout assembly disposed thereon, the spout assembly comprising a cap disposed on a fitment having an interior portion for disposition toward the container interior and an exterior portion for disposition toward the container exterior. The apparatus comprises a storage bin for storing plural spout assemblies and a guide assembly for guiding the spout assemblies to an output of the guide assembly. A fitment and cap sterilizer accepts the spout assemblies from the output and applies a disinfecting solution to their interior portions. An output guide assembly guides them to a subsequent processing station such as a spout applicator that applies the spout assembly to the container. An intermediate UV station may be used between the fitment and cap sterilizer and the spout applicator. In one embodiment, the fitment and cap sterilizer comprises a track for guiding the spout assemblies along a predetermined path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, S.A.
    Inventors: John Cicha, Steven Breuer, John Kretlow
  • Patent number: 5852913
    Abstract: An orientationally sensitive closure for mounting to a container in a specific orientation includes a closure body and a flange. A spout portion extends from one side of the flange and an orienting projection extends from a side of the flange opposite of the spout. The flange and spout can be coaxial with one another, with the spout centrally disposed thereon. The projection extends from the flange in a non-coaxial relation to the spout and flange. An apparatus for orienting the closure prior to mounting to a container includes a body defining inlet and outlet regions extending along a longitudinal axis of the body. Flange and projection receiving channels extend between the inlet and outlet regions. The flange channel defines a substantially straight-through path through the apparatus, along the longitudinal axis. The projection channel defines a path having at least two bends therein defining a portion generally transverse to the longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, SA
    Inventors: Ronald F. Tuckner, Glen John Peterson
  • Patent number: 5819504
    Abstract: The present invention may be utilized as a single station integrated with a standard form, fill and seal machine. The present invention is able to retrieve fitments from a source, apply the fitments to a container and seal the fitments to the container at a single station. The design of the present invention requires only minimal space on a form, fill and seal machine. In practicing the present invention, an anvil retrieves a fitment from a source and then translationally retreats to a position for longitudinal descent into a container. The anvil, with the fitment attached, longitudinally descends into the container to a position parallel to an incision previously incised into the container wall. The anvil proceeds forward to the incision, substantially recovering the translational retreat discussed above, only at a lower level. Once the fitment is positioned therethrough the incision, a sealer permanently attaches the fitment to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, S.A.
    Inventors: Peter Giacomelli, Kosaku Itoh
  • Patent number: 5800062
    Abstract: A container for liquids such as beverages and the like is formed of flexible material such as plastic and includes a body having an internal reservoir and a tubular spout extending upwardly from the body. The spout has an internal passage in fluid communication with the reservoir. A constriction in the container creates a low pressure zone in the passage downstream of the constriction as liquid flows from the reservoir into the spout. Means are also provided to inflate the spout as liquid flows along the passage. A method of forming a self-supporting liquid filled container is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Arkmount Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Stefan Tobolka
  • Patent number: 5770009
    Abstract: As an open upper end apertured panel carton is conveyed to the fitment application stage of a filling line, a ramp raises the carton to a predetermined elevation. A rotary anvil having spuds on which fitments are applied which lowers a fitment inside the carton is indexed into precise angular position by an apertured collar fixed to the anvil sleeve, mating with a stationary pin. The sleeve on which the anvil is mounted is moved longitudinally so that the spout end of the fitment extends out through the aperture in the carton panel and a peripheral flange on the opposite end of the fitment engages the inside of the apertured panel. As a welding horn moves into position, extending fingers engage the loading and trailing sides of the carton to horizontally align the carton. Thus the aperture in the carton is vertically and horizontally aligned and the fitment is aligned with the aperture in the carton. The fitment flange is welded to the interior of the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald M. Blain, Reynaldo F. Medel
  • Patent number: 5759143
    Abstract: A fitment attachment apparatus installed at a station along a filler line is substantially completely mounted on a single casting attached to the bed of the machine. As an open upper end, apertured panel carton is conveyed to the station, a rotary anvil having spuds on which fitments are applied lowers a fitment inside the carton. The anvil is moved axially so that the spout end of the fitment extends out through the aperture in the carton panel and a peripheral flange on the opposite end of the fitment engages the inside of the aperture panel. The anvil shaft carries a driven sprocket on one end which is connected by a side-flex chain to a drive sprocket which turns in timed relation to the intermittent carton conveyor chain. The sleeve on which the anvil is mounted is indexed into precise angular position by an apertured collar fixed to the anvil sleeve mating with a stationary pen. Hence the fitment is accurately located in line with the carton despite flexing of the drive chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald M. Blain, Reynaldo F. Medel
  • Patent number: 5759319
    Abstract: A fitment comprising a pouring spout having a peripheral flange at one end and a closure at a second end is attached to a paperboard carton formed with a hole in a side panel. The carton is moved intermittently along a conveyor, such as that used in a filling machine. An arm having a spud oscillates about a horizontal axis parallel to the conveyor. The arm is pivoted to down position as the carton reaches the fitment attaching station so that the fitment enters the open end of the carton with the spud aligned with the carton hole. The arm is mounted on a first carriage which reciprocates horizontally in a first direction to project the closure through the hole until the flange abuts the inside of the carton panel. An ultrasonic welding horn is mounted on a second carriage which reciprocates in alignment with the first carriage in a second direction opposite the first direction. The horn welds the fitment flange to the inside of the carton panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodger A. Moody, Gerald M. Blain, Ronald J. Billet
  • Patent number: 5716471
    Abstract: A method for securing a pour spout fitment to a thermoplastic-coated container, wherein at least a surface of a pour spout fitment is heated remotely by a suitable heating mechanism, to a predetermined temperature. When the heated fitment surface is applied to a selected surface of an erected, thermoplastic-coated container, the heat energy is transferred to the latter surface to an extent capable of activating the thermoplastic coating thereon. Upon cooling, the fitment and the container surface are bonded together, without the need for a back-up or support mechanism, such as a mandrel or anvil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Elopak Systems AG
    Inventor: Leslie Pape
  • Patent number: 5697876
    Abstract: A spout for a container is provided with depending wings extending down from a bottom edge of the spout. The depending wings terminate in a point for piercing a container. The depending wings permit the spout to pivot ninety degrees from the container to extend from a container at a ninety degree angle therefrom. The spout has side walls with upper edges having arcs of ninety degrees. The spout is inserted into a container with a ram which drives the spout against a ramp to rock the depending wings upward with respect to the bottom edge of the spout. Thereafter, the ram drives the points into the container and the upper edges of the side walls of the spout contact the container and cam the spout back to a horizontal position to insert the ninety degree spout with the depending wings into a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Seal-Spout Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Brucker
  • Patent number: 5678732
    Abstract: A process for making a container of heat-sealable plasticized sheet material, provided with a pouring spout and formed of a pair of facing walls having two side edges connected to each other by side walls folded to create side bellows. The process comprises the steps of sealing the upper edges of the facing walls so as to define an opening, of providing a small tube of a rigid material fitted with a flange that extend wider than the opening and that defines the spout and a thin cane, of inserting the thin cane into the container through the opening till the flange meets the border of the upper sealed edges, of folding said flange on the outer faces of the facing walls to cover the edges, and of tight sealing the flange to the edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Belloli Gianpaolo
  • Patent number: 5665045
    Abstract: A spout for a container is provided with depending wings extending down from a bottom edge of the spout. The depending wings terminate in a point for piercing a container. The depending wings permit the spout to pivot ninety degrees from the container to extend from a container at a ninety degree angle therefrom. The spout has side walls with upper edges having arcs of ninety degrees. The spout is inserted into a container with a ram which drives the spout against a ramp to rock the depending wings upward with respect to the bottom edge of the spout. Thereafter, the ram drives the points into the container and the upper edges of the side walls of the spout contact the container and cam the spout back to a horizontal position to insert the ninety degree spout with the depending wings into a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Seal-Spout Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. Brucker
  • Patent number: 5653383
    Abstract: In order to make the structure of the pouring spout simple by the use of a partial covering film, cover the inner peripheral surface around the pouring hole of the laminate base material properly, and prevent the contents from infiltrating into the inner peripheral surface around the pouring hole of the laminate base material, the present invention comprises the steps of attaching the inner waterproof layer and the partial covering film on the outer waterproof layer at the portion around the pouring hole, inside the pouring hole having penetrated through the laminate base material and the outer waterproof layer, boring a pouring spout on the attached portion, and attaching a tab tape to said partial covering film in a way capable of tearing off, so to cover the pouring spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuya Adachi, Masaki Tomihari, Noriyuki Sasaki, Takahisa Hirayama, Hideki Yamamoto, Yoshiaki Take, Yoshihiro Akima
  • Patent number: 5653832
    Abstract: A fitment comprising a pouring spout having a peripheral flange at one end and a closure at a second end is attached to a paperboard carton formed with a hole in a side panel. The carton is moved intermittently along a conveyor, such as that used in a filling machine. An arm having a spud oscillates about a horizontal axis parallel to the conveyor. The arm is pivoted to down position as the carton reaches the fitment attaching station so that the fitment enters the open end of the carton with the spud aligned with the carton hole. The arm is mounted on a first carriage which reciprocates horizontally in a first direction to project the closure through the hole until the flange abuts the inside of the carton panel. An ultrasonic welding horn is mounted on a second carriage which reciprocates in alignment with the first carriage in a second direction opposite the first direction. The horn welds the fitment flange to the inside of the carton panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen C. Thompson, Reynaldo F. Medel, Edward N. Berticevitch, Rodger A. Moody
  • Patent number: 5601669
    Abstract: A fitment comprising a pouring spout having a peripheral flange at one end and a closure at a second end is attached to a paperboard carton formed with a hole in a side panel. The carton is moved intermittently along a conveyor, such as that used in a filling machine. An arm having a spud oscillates about a horizontal axis parallel to the conveyor. The arm is pivoted to down position as the carton reaches the fitment attaching station so that the fitment enters the open end of the carton with the spud aligned with the carton hole. The arm is mounted on a first carriage which reciprocates horizontally in a first direction to project the closure through the hole until the flange abuts the inside of the carton panel. An ultrasonic welding horn is mounted on a second carriage which reciprocates in alignment with the first carriage in a second direction opposite the first direction. The horn welds the fitment flange to the inside of the carton panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodger A. Moody, Gerald M. Blain, Ronald J. Billet
  • Patent number: 5498225
    Abstract: Opening device for a packaging container with an unbroken, liquid-tight pouring spout (31, 33) and a closure part (3) is disclosed. A method of manufacturing the opening device entails forming the pouring spout (21, 33) with the closure part (3) as a mold, with a heated, thermoplastic material layer being forced into the closure part through a pressure difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Ulf Nedstedt
  • Patent number: 5484374
    Abstract: An applicator and accompanying feed mechanism attaches spouts and other fitments to paperboard cartons and the like in automated packaging equipment. The applicator features a rotatable and translatable anvil having a plurality of radially extending lobes. A mandrel or other engagement mechanism on each lobe engages and holds spouts for attachment to a container. The anvil inserts a spout into a container hole, and an ultrasonic sealer ultrasonically vibrates the carton wall against the anvil to weld the spout to the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Nimco Corporation
    Inventors: Jerry G. Bachner, A. S. Worrell
  • Patent number: 5435803
    Abstract: There is disclosed herein, a container fitment applicator adaptable to applying a flanged pour spout fitment through an opening in a carton top panel while the carton is on a mandrel of a forming, filling and sealing machine. The applicator includes a rotatable shaft having a bar secured thereto, a vacuum cup or location spigot mounted on one end of the bar, and a roller mounted on the other end of the bar, with a chute and feeder coordinating the supplying of one fitment at a time to the vacuum cup. In one embodiment, the roller engages a first cam which serves to pivot the bar to position the fitment in the center portion of the mandrel to permit loading the carton onto the mandrel, with the fitment entering the panel opening as the roller leaves the cam under the force of a spring operatively connected to the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Elopak Systems A.G.
    Inventors: Barry C. Owen, Leslie Pape, Robert C. Paulin, Jack M. Neumayer
  • Patent number: 5429699
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for attaching a spout to a planar portion of an article such as a milk or juice carton, which may be integrated into conventional carton forming and filling machines, includes the steps of heating a stem of a spout, applying a bonding agent to a flange on the spout, positioning the spout in a predetermined relation to a spout applicator, positioning a carton with a hole provided in a predetermined relation to the spout applicator and attaching the spout to the carton where the heated stem is deformed to mechanically engage the carton about the hole. An apparatus to accomplish the method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Capitol Spouts, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Abrams, Joseph H. Miller
  • Patent number: RE37025
    Abstract: A fitment comprising a pouring spout having a peripheral flange at one end and a closure at a second end is attached to a paperboard carton formed with a hole in a side panel. The carton is moved intermittently along a conveyor, such as that used in a filling machine. An arm having a spud oscillates about a horizontal axis parallel to the conveyor. The arm is pivoted to down position as the carton reaches the fitment attaching station so that the fitment enters the open end of the carton with the spud aligned with the carton hole. The arm is mounted on a first carriage which reciprocates horizontally in a first direction to project the closure through the hole until the flange abuts the inside of the carton panel. An ultrasonic welding horn is mounted on a second carriage which reciprocates in alignment with the first carriage in a second direction opposite the first direction. The horn welds the fitment flange to the inside of the carton panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Portola Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Rodger A. Moody, Gerald M. Blain, Ronald J. Billet