Handle Patents (Class 53/413)
  • Patent number: 6988348
    Abstract: A protective cover for use on one or more saw blades. The cover is formed from a heat shrinking material that is shrunk on the saw blade(s) to provide a thin close fitting cover that protects teeth on the saw blade(s). A tag can be attached to the cover and/or saw blade(s). The tag has a security device that is spaced from the saw blade(s) to prevent interference. The tag can be used to hang the saw blade(s) from a display device. An insert card having indicia thereon can be positioned on the saw blade(s) to convey information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: John Curtsinger, Daniel G. Findle, Leonard R. Baublitz
  • Publication number: 20040261362
    Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, and apparatus for attaching carrying grips to containers with filled bottles. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Tilo Lechner, Ludger Pauls
  • Publication number: 20040250512
    Abstract: Knitted netting is applied to products in a machine. A chute receives products serially through a receiving end, as from a conveyor, and discharges them serially into netting preferably rucked on the chute. As each product arrives at the product receiver, voiders operate to form a rope section of the netting behind the product, at the chute's discharge end. The clipper also clips the netting, to complete the netting of the product, and clips to create the starting end of the next netted product. A netting handle former operates to loop the rope section behind the product, before clipping, to form a looped handle for a product in the rope section of the netting. The netting that is clipped behind the products is the netting formed into the loops, and thus, the clips that are put on by the clipper secure the loops in their size and condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. May, Samuel D. Griggs
  • Patent number: 6826890
    Abstract: A method for wrapping groups of products with stretch film comprises the following steps: forming groups of products having a front and a longitudinal dimension that follows a line of feed; placing a first wrapping on the group of products to form a package that holds the products together; expelling the package thus obtained along the feed line; turning the package through an angle of 90°; placing over the first wrapping a second stretch film wrapping on the package thus obtained, the second wrapping having at least one narrowed strap-like segment surrounding a part of the package. The invention also relates to an apparatus that implements this method and the package obtained using the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Aetna Group, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mauro Cereā€²
  • Publication number: 20040226265
    Abstract: A standup bag for granular products or the like and a method of manufacturing the bag. The standup bag is manufactured from an extruded heat scalable material and includes both an integral handle and a perforation to facilitate opening and pouring out the contents of the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: James I. Tankersley
  • Publication number: 20040168404
    Abstract: A combined cutting blade and heat bar for use with a vacuum packaging device having a lid for sealing over the cavity of a base is disclosed. The cutting blade and heat bar are connected to one another and movable via a single actuating mechanism mounted to the lid. In use, in one step the combined mechanism is lowered with the heat bar unheated and the cutting element cuts slits in the bag for evacuation of the air. After air evacuation, the combined mechanism is lowered with the heat bar heated, melting the bag closed behind the slitted area of the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Scott Knowlton, Timothy A. Grove
  • Publication number: 20040168405
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of enclosing material in a net and supplying a handle for ease of carrying the netted material, comprising clippers, irises, and a handle maker. A conveyor carries the material to a pair of irises. The irises gather the netting around the material, the first clipper cuts and closes the netting, and the handle maker forms a loop out of the severed netting. The second clipper attaches the loop back to the netting to form a handle. A scale can be used to weigh the material and a printer can create a label, with the weight or whatever other information is desired, for attachment to the netting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventors: Edward Kirk, Robert Pinto, Eggo Haschke
  • Patent number: 6769225
    Abstract: A method of covering a pot containing a floral grouping with a flexible sleeve having a bonding material thereon which connects the sleeve to the pot when the pot is positioned within the sleeve. In one version, the sleeve is positioned about the pot and a lower portion of the sleeve closely surrounds and encompasses the pot, an upper portion of the sleeve extending upwardly from the pot and substantially surrounding and encompassing the floral grouping contained within the pot, at least a portion of the sleeve being removable via the detaching elements, leaving a portion of the sleeve which is a decorative plant cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Publication number: 20040112784
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a packaging comprising the stages consisting in producing a packaging which is open at its upper end and then in sealing the upper part of the packaging along a leaktight sealing line so as to constitute a top band with the upper end of the packaging, characterized in that the method comprises a supplementary stage consisting in folding said top band down towards the bottom of the packaging and in fixing it onto the packaging so as to form a handle. The invention also proposes a packaging produced by such a method, characterized in that it has a folded-down top band forming a handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Michel Colas, Jean-Francois Marquet
  • Patent number: 6746699
    Abstract: This invention concerns an infusion bag, especially for tea, which has a top part with folded down corners and a middle part folded over it, to which a string with two free ends is attached that goes from one side of the top part through a hole in the folded down parts forming a loop on the other side of the top part and comes back, whereby the two free ends are drawn up through the loop laid over the top edge of the infusion bag and pulled to form a knot. The solution in the invention is characterized by the fact that two holes are made in the top part at a lateral distance next to one another, on the left and right of the longitudinal axis of the bag; each hole goes through a folded down corner and the middle of the top part; by the fact that the string forms a loop and one end goes through one hole and the other end through the second hole; by the fact that the loop is laid over the top edge of the infusion bag, and both ends of the string go up through the loop to form a double knot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Teepack Spezialmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wilhelm Lohrey, Stefan Lambertz, Manfred Hauers, Dieter Vits
  • Patent number: 6735925
    Abstract: A decorative cover or container for holding a flower pot, floral grouping or botanical item, and constructed from a sheet of material having a plurality of folded portions, wherein the decorative cover or container is initially constructed in a flattened condition, and having a base portion which is opened to expose an interior space into which a pot or floral grouping can be disposed, and having a bottom having bottom folds secured by a bottom fold securing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter
  • Patent number: 6729107
    Abstract: Introduction of a reinforcement strip into the folded edge area in the method for producing a bag with introduced goods to be packaged and with a suspension with suspension hole, wherein the goods to be packaged are introduced into a foil semi-hose which is supplied transverse to the transport direction, is deflected by a deflection device, and is further transported in the transport direction together with the goods to be packaged on a transport path and is then separated from the foil hose by a transverse welding unit and simultaneously welded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Hugo Beck GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Horst Heimann, Klaus Soltau
  • Patent number: 6725628
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the continuous production of beverage filter bags, especially tea bags with a hanging strip made from a carrier sheet material and with at least one pocket which consists of a filter material and is closed on all sides, contains at least one portion of a beverage substance, and is connected to the hanging strip; whereby individual beverage-substance portions are deposited in a row on a continuous web of filter paper, a sleeve is formed, at least one string of consecutive, contiguous pockets, each containing one portion of the substance, is produced by individually sealing them off with a transverse seam, said transverse seam including both the trailing seam of one pocket and the leading seam of the following pocket, with perforations between the two seams along which neighboring pockets can be separated in the course of the process; the individual pocket is separated from the string of pockets; the pocket separated from the string of pockets is connected to a hanging-st
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Teepack Spezialmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wilhelm Lohrey, Stefan Lambertz, Wolfgang Groth, Rolf Maier
  • Publication number: 20040068964
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of enclosing material in a net and supplying a handle for ease of carrying the netted material, comprising clippers, irises, and a handle maker. The irises gather the netting around the material, the first clipper cuts and closes the netting, and the handle maker forms a loop out of the severed netting. The second clipper attaches the loop back to the netting to form a handle. A scale can be used to weigh the material and a printer can create a label, with the weight or whatever other information is desired, for attachment to the netting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Edward Kirk, Robert Pinto, Eggo Haschke
  • Patent number: 6720051
    Abstract: A plant package includes a flower pot containing a floral grouping and a sleeve having a texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of cloth, wherein the sleeve is formed of a flexible, laminated material having a texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of cloth. The sleeve includes a lower portion, which has a base portion and a skirt portion, and an upper portion which is detachable from the lower portion. The base, skirt and/or upper portion of the sleeve may be provided with a texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of cloth. A method for wrapping a floral grouping in a sleeve having a texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of cloth includes placing a floral grouping in the sleeve and binding the sleeve about a stem portion of the floral grouping via a bonding material disposed on the sleeve having a texture and/or appearance simulating the texture and/or appearance of cloth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Publication number: 20040050018
    Abstract: Methods and means for forming and lifting parcels comprising at least two stacks of units of goods (A, B) comprising a lifting sling or a load carrying band (1) that is arranged to surround the stacks in a manner where it follows the outer contour of the stacks and where a loop of the band is arranged to protrude upwards in an intermediate space between the stacks to form an intermediate section (3) that can be served by a lifting device (2). The intermediate section (3) is arranged at a vertical level below the top of the stacks and further above the centre of gravity (G) of the parcel. The invention also relates to an apparatus for forming said parcel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Tor Kokkersvold, Borge Nilsen, Freddy Thorbjornsen, Geir Viktor Gundersen
  • Patent number: 6675553
    Abstract: This invention concerns a method and a device for stacking and packing groups of infusion bags, especially for making tea, whereby in continuous production infusion bags arranged one after another in a series in a strand are separated, their speed of movement is reduced and they are put in a position suitable for making a stack, whereby the infusion bags are arranged one after another in such a way that they at least partly overlap in their subsequent direction of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Teepack Spezialmaschinen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wilhelm Lohrey, Stefan Lambertz, Wolfgang Groth
  • Patent number: 6666001
    Abstract: A blow molded plastic beverage container, comprising neck, shoulder, body and base portions. A bulge is formed in one, or both, of the shoulder and base portions bulging to facilitate gripping and handling the container. Preferably, a respective bulge is formed in both the shoulder and base portions, forming a pair of bulges that bracket the container body. Also, preferably, grooves are formed in the shoulder and base portions of the container to facilitate formation of the bulges. The container is formed in a multi-step process from a preform that may have a conventional design. In this process, the preform is expanded into an initial container shape having a neck portion, a shoulder portion, a body portion, and a base portion. That container is filled with a beverage, and a bulge is formed in one, or both, of the shoulder and base portions of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: PepsiCo Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher J. Mero
  • Publication number: 20030230051
    Abstract: A method for the production of packs of rolls of paper, in which the rolls are collectively wrapped with a sheet of plastic film which is folded and sealed, allows a rational method of closing one front surface of packs and the simultaneous automatic production of an opening at the surface for the pack handle. An apparatus for implementing the method comprises suction plates, which move vertically in opposite directions to join end flaps of the sheet of plastic film, closing the pack. The flaps are joined with the aid of means designed to neatly arrange the material of the side surface of the sheet between the flaps inside the flaps as they are joined. Further means seal the two flaps and make a pack handle opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: T.M.C. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Paolo Tinti
  • Publication number: 20030213707
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for manufacturing snack food hanging pouches, and for combining beverage containers and snack food hanging pouches, are disclosed. A combined beverage and snack food package according to the invention can include a beverage container and a snack food hanging pouch that is suspended from the protrusion of the beverage container. A snack food hanging pouch according to the invention can include a pouch portion that is adapted to contain a snack food item, and a hanger portion that is attached to the pouch portion, having a hanging hole that is adapted to fit onto the protrusion of a beverage container. The pouch portion can be adapted to contain a loose snack food item or a packaged snack food item.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventor: Forrest Kelly Clay
  • Patent number: 6637175
    Abstract: A method and related machine for wrapping filter-bags (1) in sealed outer envelopes (S) comprises the following steps: feeding single, plane sheets (6) to a station (7) for wrapping each sheet (6) over a corresponding filter bag (1); folding the sheet (6) into a U-shape about a transversal axis (X) of the sheet (6) itself so as to form at least two opposite wings (6a, 6b) between which the filter bag (1) is placed; rolling the longitudinal edges (8a, 8b) of the U-shaped sheet (6) so as to flatten them; and, lastly, joining at least the longitudinal edges (8a, 8b) of the U-shaped sheet (6) to form a sealed outer envelope (S) around the filter bag (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.p.A.
    Inventor: Dante Ghirlandi
  • Publication number: 20030192288
    Abstract: Introduction of a reinforcement strip into the folded edge area in the method for producing a bag with introduced goods to be packaged and with a suspension with suspension hole, wherein the goods to be packaged are introduced into a foil semi-hose which is supplied transverse to the transport direction, is deflected by a deflection device, and is further transported in the transport direction together with the goods to be packaged on a transport path and is then separated from the foil hose by a transverse welding unit and simultaneously welded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Horst Heimann, Klaus Soltau
  • Publication number: 20030188514
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing packs (1) characterised in that it comprises steps according to which:
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: S2F FLEXICO
    Inventor: Georges Bois Henri
  • Publication number: 20030179957
    Abstract: A standup bag for granular products or the like and a method of manufacturing the bag. The standup bag is manufactured from an extruded heat sealable material and includes both an integral handle and a perforation to facilitate opening and pouring out the contents of the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Applicant: HB Creative, LLC
    Inventor: James I. Tankersley
  • Patent number: 6606838
    Abstract: A method for containing a botanical item and a growing medium without a pot. A tubular sleeve is provided and the growing medium and botanical item are disposed therein. The tubular sleeve is secured thereabout by using a bonding material to crimp the tubular sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 6601367
    Abstract: A floral sleeve initially having a flattened state and openable therefrom for use in covering, containing or wrapping a floral grouping, botanical item, pot, or pot having a floral grouping or botanical item therein. The sleeve has a concave lower end having an inwardly curved lower edge, and may have a detachable upper portion. The sleeve may have a non-linear or linear upper edge. When having a detachable upper portion, the sleeve has a detaching element which, when employed to detach the upper portion, leaves a linear or non-linear upper edge on the lower portion of the sleeve. The concave lower end of the sleeve may have a gusset therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, Paul Fantz
  • Patent number: 6594971
    Abstract: A packaging enclosure for receiving a flexible endoscope during a sterilization procedure and sterile storage thereafter has a portion thereof which is semi-permeable. Provision is made for hanging the packaging enclosure over a hook or peg. In one embodiment the packaging enclosure conforms to the endoscope so that its two flexible portions may hang over opposite sides of the hook. Alternatively, a hook or aperture may be provided on the packaging enclosure for hanging it over the hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Tralance Addy, Su Syin Wu, Debra Timm
  • Publication number: 20030131564
    Abstract: An apparatus for defining a loop handle in a tubular covering, such as an expanded mesh plastic covering, for a food. The apparatus of the present invention includes a frame for supporting the various assemblies that comprise the apparatus and for engaging a support surface such as a floor. The apparatus of the present invention further includes a conveyor assembly, which conveys the food product from a production line and into the slide area or chute. Positioned proximate the distal end of the chute is a voider assembly defined by a stationary set of voider gates and a moveable set of voider gates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: Acraloc Corporation
    Inventors: Harrison A. Ailey, Dennis J. May, Bradford L. Brewster, Samuel D. Griggs, Richard Scott Bruce
  • Publication number: 20030131565
    Abstract: A filter bag for containing a substance for infusion in a liquid comprises: a containment chamber with compartments for doses of the substance, sealed by top and bottom joins; a tag for picking up the bag; and a section of thread, wound around the outside of the containment chamber and extending along an outline of the chamber, one end of the thread being connected to the pick-up tag and the other to the top of the containment chamber. The section of thread is longer than the outline of the containment chamber to which it is attached. The excess length of the section of thread relative to the outline of the chamber is gathered on the outside of the containment chamber for the substance for infusion and is attached to the pick-up tag. A method for production of the filter bag is also part of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2003
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: TECNOMECCANICA S.r.L.
    Inventor: Andrea Romagnoli
  • Publication number: 20030126835
    Abstract: A floral sleeve and method of using the floral sleeve to cover a pot. The floral sleeve has an inwardly folded bottom gusset for forming a bottom in the sleeve which is concealed by the lower sidewall of the sleeve when the sleeve is opened and a pot is disposed therein. The sleeve may have a detachable upper portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, Michael R KLEMME
  • Patent number: 6574940
    Abstract: A packing machine for the packing of products in mesh bags with handle include; a tubular mesh feeder, a first set of rollers in quincunxes, a frame with a second set of rollers resting, respectively, on the first set of rollers, feeders of two bands, plates with springs disposed between both bands, parts shaping folds on the free parts of the mesh, rollers that pull the tubular mesh with its two bands welded, and means that close the bottom and cut the top of each bag, feeder rollers of a band and means for transversely cutting the band to obtain a strip, turning means that fold the strip in a “U”, and means for inserting the strip in the upper part of the bag and means for welding this set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Talleres Daumer, S.A.
    Inventor: AgustĆ­n Dauder Guardiola
  • Patent number: 6574942
    Abstract: Introduction of a reinforcement strip into the folded edge area in the method for producing a bag with introduced goods to be packaged and with a suspension with suspension hole, wherein the goods to be packaged are introduced into a foil semi-hose which is supplied transverse to the transport direction, is deflected by a deflection device, and is further transported in the transport direction together with the goods to be packaged on a transport path and is then separated from the foil hose by a transverse welding unit and simultaneously welded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Hugo Beck GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Horst Heimann, Klaus Soltau
  • Patent number: 6571537
    Abstract: A method and a device for rejecting a defective filter bag for infusion products in a manufacturing machine are disclosed. When a defect or fault in the filter bag is detected by sensors while the filter bag is being completed, the end portion of the defective filter bag is deformed out of the reach of the intermediate pick-up station by the deformer so as to prevent the defective filter bag from being picked up and transferred to the subsequent stacking station and the defective filter bag is then expelled by the expeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.p.A.
    Inventor: Dante Ghirlandi
  • Patent number: 6530193
    Abstract: A plant packaging system and method comprising a combination of a protective upper portion and a decorative lower portion having a base portion and a skirt portion for packaging a potted plant or a botanical item and a growing medium without a pot. The upper portion may be detachable from the lower portion of the sleeve. The lower portion may have a skirt portion which has a non-linear upper peripheral edge. The lower portion may be tapered and may have a gusset in the lower end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Southpac Trust Int'l., Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Publication number: 20030041567
    Abstract: A packaging bag having a body portion with opposed sides, a bottom and a top formed of a pair of synthetic sheets. The sides of the bag are formed by securing the overlying edges of the synthetic sheets together by stitching. The bottom is formed by securing bottom edges of the synthetic sheets together with a heat sealed seam and the top is formed to include a panel of a re-sealable member secured with the top edge of each of the synthetic sheets. The opposed edges of the panels are releasable engagable providing a bag which is selectively opened and closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Neal Patrick Ferris
  • Publication number: 20030041564
    Abstract: A vertical form fill seal, stand-up, bag and a method of making the same is disclosed. The bag made of a flexible and resilient material such as plastic, has hollow interior, a horizontal bottom seal located below the hollow interior and a top horizontal seal located above the hollow interior. The bag can stand, preferably on or near the bottom seal, when filled with contents. A recloseable seal, such as a finger closure zipper or a slide zipper in other embodiments, is on a perimeter of the hollow interior, and between the top and bottom seals. The recloseable seal extends in a direction other than horizontal, and may extends the entire distance, or only a part of the distance, between the top horizontal seal and the bottom horizontal seal. The recloseable seal is fixed to sealed horizontal sides, or other than the sealed horizontal sides, and may be flush with the bag or extending beyond the edges of the bag. The bag has a handle above the top horizontal seal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: CMD Corporation
    Inventor: John A. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6513657
    Abstract: A packaged good article including an article, a packaging material and a tearable tape system. The packaging material is formed about the article. The tearable tape system is secured to the packaging material and includes at least a first section and a second section. The tearable tape system can assume a number of forms. Regardless, the first section is tearable relative to the second section. With this configuration, the tearable tape system is configured to be tearable from an initial, unopened state and an opened state. In the initial, unopened state, an area of the packaging material otherwise contacting the tearable tape system is intact. Conversely, in the opened state, the tearable tape system tears an opening through the packaging material, with the second section remaining secured to the packaging material. The second section, in combination with the packaging material, provides a handle for carrying the packaged good article in the opened state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Co.
    Inventor: Richard L. Sheehan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6513302
    Abstract: A plant packaging method of providing a tubular sleeve having a lower portion and an upper portion detachable from the lower portion and disposing the tubular sleeve about a potted plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 6499273
    Abstract: An improved machine (1) for making filter bags (2) containing a product for infusion, with a pick-up tag (3) connected to the top (12) of the filter bag (2) by an intermediate thread (5), comprises a wheel (6) which rotates with a stepping motion about its own axis of rotation (16) and is equipped with grippers (7) which are brought into contact with a series of operating stations, comprising at least one station (9) for folding a tubular semi-finished product (20) containing the product for infusion, and at least one station (15) for knotting the thread (5). The machine (1) has thread (5) feed means (33, 34, 35) which operate on the thread (5) fed between consecutive pairs of the grippers (7) along the edge of the wheel (6) so as to prevent it from sliding backwards. The thread (5) knotting station (15) is equipped with needles (45) which have a first and second eye (51, 52) positioned at different distances from the point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.p.A.
    Inventor: Paolo Marzocchi
  • Patent number: 6481184
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the manufacture of bags and the fastening of same in groups on a hanger strip. The purpose is hereby attained according to the invention by the bag filled with the product being, after the formation of a first closing seam, subjected to a second method step such that after the advance of one bag length the second closing seam is formed, while at the same time a hanger strip is fastened on the first closing seam. Furthermore an apparatus for the manufacture of the bags and for grouping said bags on a hanger strip is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Hastamat Verpackungstechnik GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Gerhard Junker, Dieter Keim
  • Patent number: 6463718
    Abstract: A method of covering a pot containing a floral grouping with a flexible sleeve having a bonding material thereon which connects the sleeve to the pot when the pot is positioned within the sleeve. In one version, the sleeve is positioned about the pot and a lower portion of the sleeve closely surrounds and encompasses the pot, an upper portion of the sleeve extending upwardly from the pot and substantially surrounding and encompassing the floral grouping contained within the pot, at least a portion of the sleeve being removable via the detaching elements, leaving a portion of the sleeve which is a decorative plant cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Publication number: 20020139086
    Abstract: A method for rejecting a filter bag for infusion products in a manufacturing machine, basically comprising a step of feeding said filter bag (1) along a production line (A), through handling means (6) for moving the filter bag (1) to and from a plurality of work stations installed in sequence along said production line (A) where the filter bag (1) is completed by attaching a connecting string (4) and pick-up tag (5); a step of detecting and inspecting the filter bag (1) as it is being completed through corresponding sensors (7) connected to a control unit (8); a step of feeding the filter bag (1) towards an intermediate station (9) where it is picked up and transferred to a subsequent stacking station (10) for the forming of stacks of a preset plurality of filter bags (1); when a defect of fault in the filter bag (1) is detected by the sensors (7) while it is being completed, the step of feeding the defective filter bag (1) is disabled in order to prevent the filter bag (1) from being transferred to the inter
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Dante Ghirlandi
  • Publication number: 20020139087
    Abstract: A method and related machine for wrapping filter-bags (1) in sealed outer envelopes (S) comprises the following steps: feeding single, plane sheets (6) to a station (7) for wrapping each sheet (6) over a corresponding filter bag (1); folding the sheet (6) into a U-shape about a transversal axis (X) of the sheet (6) itself so as to form at least two opposite wings (6a, 6b) between which the filter bag (1) is placed; rolling the longitudinal edges (8a, 8b) of the U-shaped sheet (6) so as to flatten them; and, lastly, joining at least the longitudinal edges (8a, 8b) of the U-shaped sheet (6) to form a sealed outer envelope (S) around the filter bag (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Dante Ghirlandi
  • Patent number: 6447874
    Abstract: A laminate for bedding, padding upholstering and like applications by feeding an indeterminate length of a first material along a predetermined first path of travel from a source of the first material to a downstream assembly area. Feeding an indeterminate length of second material along a predetermined second path of travel from a source of the second material to the downstream assembly area. Depositing a multiplicity of substantially yieldable cushioning materials upon an upper surface of one of the first and second indeterminate lengths of material during the feeding thereof between the respective sources and the assembly area. Thereafter, sandwiching the cushioning materials between the indeterminate lengths of first and second materials to form a laminate therefrom, and rolling the laminate into a roll. The cushioning materials are foam latex and/or down and the first and second lengths of material are polyester fiber material and/or convoluted foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventors: Steven Antinori, Manuel Fernandez, William Harp
  • Publication number: 20020112446
    Abstract: A plant packaging system comprising a combination of a protective sleeve portion and a decorative cover portion having a base and skirt for packaging a potted plant. The protective sleeve can be detached from the decorative portion of the package system once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed, thereby exposing the decorative cover and allowing the skirt portion to extend angularly from the base. The protective sleeve and decorative cover components may comprise a unitary construction or may comprise separate components which are attached together by various bonding materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Publication number: 20020066689
    Abstract: A package for holding and transporting product, the package comprising a container having walls defining a void and a strap comprising a first end and a second end and having a length greater than a length of a perimeter of the product, said strap disposed within said void intermediate at least one of a plurality of said walls and the product, said first end and said second end accessible through one of said walls to remove said strap and the product from said container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: Charles Lando
  • Patent number: 6389781
    Abstract: In a two-lobed filter bag for products for infusion, the end of a thread connecting the filter bag to a pick-up label, consisting of a length of thread, is attached to the corresponding lobe, defining a loop, that is to say, a stable, extensive contact surface between the thread and the lobe, with a high degree of resistance to their separation; the base of the filter bag also has a storage zone which, in the packaging configuration, stably holds an additional portion of thread, allowing a longer length of thread to extend around the filter bag, said length of thread always being longer than the perimeter of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.p.A.
    Inventor: Dante Ghirlandi
  • Publication number: 20020053186
    Abstract: A method for containing a botanical item and a growing medium without a pot. A tubular sleeve is provided and the growing medium and botanical item are disposed therein. The tubular sleeve is secured thereabout by using a bonding material to crimp the tubular sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 6357205
    Abstract: A plant packaging system and method comprising a combination of a protective upper portion and a decorative lower portion having a base portion and a skirt portion for packaging a potted plant or a botanical item and a growing medium without a pot. The protective upper portion can be detached from the lower portion of the package system once the protective function of the upper portion has been completed. The sleeve may be provided without a detachable upper portion. The lower portion may have a skirt portion which has a non-linear upper peripheral edge. The lower portion may be tapered and may have a gusset in the lower end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Publication number: 20020023408
    Abstract: A process for packing flexible articles in a flexible bag (10) wherein said flexible bag (10) is sealed at its top panel (11) after introduction of said flexible articles leaving attached at least one flap (12) protruding from said top panel (11) of said flexible bag (10), said flap (12) comprises a grip area (14) and a grip area perimeter (15), characterized in that said flexible bag (10) is pre-made before said introduction of said flexible articles through an area corresponding to said top panel (11), a handle element (13) is shaped from said flap (12), said handle element (13) comprising a handle element perimeter (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: BRUCE KEVIN BITOWFT, HEIKO ARMIN ERNST TISCHLER, MICHAEL BECKER, HELMUT NORBERT ERBE