Compacting Or Stretching Patents (Class 53/436)
  • Publication number: 20100108558
    Abstract: A uniformly premixed sealant is extruded into a packaging form and allowed to pressure equilibrate prior to freezing. Upon warming the sealant begins to cure. The storage of the preformed sealant formulation under cold conditions arrests the activity of cure catalysts and accelerators mixed therethrough. The sealant is readily extruded into a preform shape containing a lightweight filler. A release film is provided to avoid contact with the sealant preformed in a shape during application to a substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Jonathan D. Zook, Dewey L. Mullins, Stephane Pyrek, David W. Jordan
  • Publication number: 20100105783
    Abstract: A method and packaging machine for preparing rapidly disintegrating formulations for oral administration are disclosed. The present invention is characterized in that a powdery mixture including a pharmaceutically active ingredient and a sugar or a sugar alcohol powder is filled into a packaging material and, thereafter, the mixture, filled in the packaging material, is heated. The present invention can simply and economically prepare an oral formulation which undergoes rapid disintegration in the oral cavity and provides for high-quality administration to patients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: Hanmi Pharm. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang Hyun Lee, Jong Soo Woo, Hong Gi Yi, Kyeong Soo Kim, Ho Taek Yim
  • Publication number: 20100101186
    Abstract: A container is provided. The container includes a lid, a bottom and a compactor. The compactor is contained within the container and serves to collect, accumulate or compact any loose products within the container. The compactor and lid can mate such that rotation of the lid can transfer torque to the compactor to adjust a storage portion of the cavity of the container to collect, accumulate or compact the loose product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: J.L. CLARK, INC.
    Inventors: Edward P. Cronin, Joseph P. Valley, III
  • Publication number: 20100078444
    Abstract: Tissue products comprising an expandable dispensing carton and a compressed stack of folded tissues, such as facial tissues, can significantly reduce costs associated with shipping such low density products. Expansion of the expandable dispensing carton can be activated by the user or the retailer, thereby releasing the compression of the tissue stack and allowing the tissues to be dispensed normally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas Gerard Shannon, Benjamin Joseph Kruchoski
  • Publication number: 20100050572
    Abstract: A method for producing stacks of printed sheets, including supplying the printed sheets along a conveyor, stacking the printed sheets along the stack support in an upright position, supporting the first stack via a supporting device, transferring the first stack from the supporting device to a compression device having first and second compression carriages, compressing the first stack between the first and second compression carriages, strapping the first stack, releasing and moving the first compression carriage towards a second stack subsequently formed, and transferring support for the second stack from the supporting device to the first compression carriage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Müller Martini Holding AG
    Inventors: André ROTH, Erwin Von Aesch
  • Publication number: 20090293431
    Abstract: A method and system for packaging and shipping multiple bedding products. The method includes compressing a stack of compressed and sealed mattresses between an upper shipping support and a lower shipping support and restraining subsequent expansion of the compressed and sealed mattresses with bands enclosing the upper and lower shipping supports and the stack of compressed and sealed mattresses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: Primo International
    Inventors: Niaina Andria, George Itzkovitz
  • Publication number: 20090266031
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for packaging dry ice in a plastic film, the said device comprising: —means for dispensing and shaping a plastic film comprising a shaping sleeve over the exterior wall of which the plastic film is paid out, —a dry ice generator connected to a source of liquid carbon dioxide, the dry ice generator being positioned inside the shaping sleeve so as to leave a gap between the generator and the shaping sleeve and allow the plastic film shaped to become filled with dry ice, —and means for sealing the shaped plastic film, characterized in that the shaping sleeve is equipped with thermal insulating means and/or with heating means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: Hervé Flamant, Jacques Fouche, Philippe Gibert
  • Publication number: 20090260327
    Abstract: A method and system for packaging multiple bedding products. The method includes compressing a stack of individual compressed and sealed mattresses between an upper shipping support and a lower shipping support and restraining subsequent expansion of the individual compressed and sealed mattresses with bands enclosing the upper and lower shipping supports and the stack of compressed and sealed mattresses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: PRIMA INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Niaina Andria, George Itzkovitz
  • Publication number: 20090241471
    Abstract: There is described a process for producing multicolored solid powder wafers for use in solid beauty products, wherein the solid powder wafers so produced have a mosaic effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: INTERCOS S.p.A.
    Inventors: Marco Lazzarini, Francesca Iacovacci
  • Publication number: 20090211199
    Abstract: A banding system for piled products with a machine frame, a band feed mechanism disposed on the machine frame for feeding band material from a supply roll, means for forming a loop with said band material around the products to be banded, welding means to close said loop, and cutting means for cutting said band material, said means for forming the loop comprising transporting means for transporting the band material around the product to be banded and vacuum means connected to the transporting means. Said means for forming the loop are movable with respect to machine frame between an operating position where the means for forming the loop are in contact with the band feed mechanism to perform the banding operation and an open position where the means for forming the loop are displaced away from the band feed mechanism to create an opening therebetween allowing a transfer of products to be banded between the band feed mechanism and the means for forming the loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: KBA-GIORI S.A.
    Inventors: Hartmut Karl Sauer, Philipp Ulrich Geringer, Gert Wilfried Otmar Lang
  • Publication number: 20090205290
    Abstract: A container insert for taking up extra space may be placed in a container intended for storage and/or shipment of material to an end user. The insert may be generally longitudinal having a helical configuration that may be expanded and constricted for taking up different volumes of space within the container respective of the amount of material stored therein. The insert may also be elastically deformable or generally pliable and may absorb impact forces for preventing or minimizing damage to the material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: LINCOLN GLOBAL, INC.
    Inventor: Paul A. Weissbrod
  • Patent number: 7549271
    Abstract: An airbag module for use in a motor vehicle is manufactured by first to third steps. In the first step, the airbag is folded into a predetermined configuration, and in the second step, an entire external surface of the airbag, in an initially folded condition obtained in the first step, is wrapped in a bag-shaped film forming member. The bag-shaped film forming member includes a plurality of resin layers formed in a layer-stack manner with regard to a film cross-sectional direction. In the third step, the initially folded airbag is housed in the airbag-housing member in a condition wherein the airbag has an airbag volume reduced to less than the airbag volume at a time of being initially folded, by a compression force applied to the bag-shaped film forming member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuya Miwa, Akira Kokeguchi, Wataru Nakazawa
  • Patent number: 7540128
    Abstract: A film dispenser for a stretch wrapping apparatus is provided. The film dispenser includes a pre-stretch assembly having a top portion mounted to and extending downwardly from a drive plate of a roll carriage frame. The pre-stretch assembly includes two pre-stretch rollers having first ends connected to the roll carriage frame and second ends connected to one another. The pre-stretch rollers may be coated. The pre-stretch assembly further includes a cantilevered idle roller mounted to the drive plate and positioned between the pre-stretch rollers. A film path is defined by the space between the pre-stretch rollers and the idle roller. The film path is easily accessible via the bottom end of the pre-stretch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Lantech.com, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick R. Lancaster, III, Richard L. Johnson, Willie Martin Hall, Jeremy D. Anderson, David Eldridge
  • Publication number: 20090084073
    Abstract: A method for packaging training pants for use in intimate absorption of body fluid to yield a single individually packaged pair of training pants for use in intimate absorption of body fluid that is compact and portable includes the steps of compressing the training pants such that a volume of the training pants is reduced by at least 30% without folding of the training pants and without rolling of the training pants and retaining the training pants in the compressed condition by hermetically sealing the training pants at a negative pressure within an interior space of a flexible material such that a pressure differential acts upon the flexible material to maintain the training pants in the compressed condition. The training pants are the only training pants located within the interior space of the flexible material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Nadia CORLETT
  • Publication number: 20090084072
    Abstract: A method of individually packaging training pants for use in intimate absorption of body fluid includes compressing training pants for use in intimate absorption of body fluid from a first condition to a second, compressed condition and retaining the training pants in the second, compressed condition with a pressure differential that acts upon a substantially flexible, substantially air impermeable material to maintain the training pants in the compressed condition. The pressure differential is created by locating the training pants in an interior space of a substantially air impermeable, substantially flexible material, creating a negative pressure within the interior space, and hermetically sealing the training pants at the negative pressure within the flexible material, wherein said training pants are the only training pants contained within the hermetically sealed substantially air impermeable, substantially flexible material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Nadia CORLETT
  • Publication number: 20090078595
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a packaging system for producing a foam-in bag and method of mixing foam for the packaging of articles for shipment and storage, and in particular, to an improved, flexible, multilayered packaging system with a vented, deformable outer bag and an inner confinement structure made of paperboard box or a plastic bag with reclosable opening for optimal mixing and controlled release of the foam using preferential paths, score lines, weakness points, and/or obstacles to flow. In addition, the precursor fluids are placed in individually sealed pouches with calibrated and aptly positioned frangible seals to facilitate mixing after rupture inside of the inner confinement structure. In another embodiment, one of the precursor fluids is placed directly in the inner confinement structure, and in yet another embodiment, both sealed pouches are adhesively joined to the inner confinement structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Kerry McKinley, Thomas V. Trauscht
  • Publication number: 20090044493
    Abstract: A method of traveling with a single-use intimate feminine absorbent article on one's person includes the steps of packaging a single-use intimate feminine absorbent article such that the packaged single-use intimate feminine absorbent article is dimensioned to fit within a pocket of an article of clothing on one's person. This packaging includes locating the single-use intimate feminine absorbent article in an interior space, creating a negative pressure within the interior space, and hermetically sealing the single-use intimate feminine absorbent article at the negative pressure within the interior space. The method further includes placing said packaged single-use intimate feminine absorbent article in a pocket and traveling with said packaged single-use intimate feminine absorbent article in the pocket of the article of clothing on one's person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Nadia CORLETT
  • Publication number: 20090043274
    Abstract: A method for packaging an intimate feminine absorbent article for use in intimate absorption of body fluid to yield a single individually packaged intimate feminine absorbent article for use in intimate absorption of body fluid that is compact and portable includes the steps of compressing the single-use disposable intimate feminine absorbent article from a first condition to a second, compressed condition and retaining the single-use disposable intimate feminine absorbent article in the second, compressed condition by locating the single-use disposable intimate feminine absorbent article in an interior space defined by a substantially flexible, substantially air impermeable material, creating a negative pressure within the interior space, and hermetically sealing the single-use disposable intimate feminine absorbent article at the negative pressure within the interior space of the flexible material such that a pressure differential acts upon the flexible material to maintain the single-use disposable intimat
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Nadia CORLETT
  • Patent number: 7461496
    Abstract: A packaging assembly for insulation material has a compression chamber and a surge hopper vertically mounted above the compression chamber. An air drawing assembly positioned beneath the compression chamber draws air through the surge hopper and the compression chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Owens Corning Intellectual Capital, LLC
    Inventors: John C. Hasselbach, Michael E. Evans
  • Patent number: 7458194
    Abstract: A self-standing bag containing a generally rectangular-shaped bale of compressed loose material. The self-standing bag has a generally elongated shape with a height and a base section defined by a first side and a second side. The bag is formed from a tube of impervious flexible material defining an enclosure completely enclosing the bale. The bag comprises a flat bottom end, preferably closed by an end seal. The bottom end is normal to a longitudinal axis of the tube and enables the bag to stand upright. The self-standing bag further comprises a sealed top end. A method for producing such a self-standing bag of compressed loose material is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Premier Tech Technologies Limitee
    Inventors: Patrice Maltais, Jean-François Albert
  • Patent number: 7458193
    Abstract: A method and system for packaging multiple bedding products. The method includes compressing a stack of individual compressed and sealed mattresses between an upper shipping support and a lower shipping support and restraining subsequent expansion of the individual compressed and sealed mattresses with bands enclosing the upper and lower shipping supports and the stack of compressed and sealed mattresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Primo International
    Inventors: Niaina Andria, George Itzkovitz
  • Publication number: 20080268271
    Abstract: A method for packaging in block form a sheathed hot-melt adhesive product comprises the steps: (a) of continuously supplying a sheathed hot-melt adhesive product, (b) of immersing the sheathed hot-melt adhesive product in a liquid refrigerant, (c) of pressing the sheathed adhesive product at a portion thereof, (d) of ultrasonically welding the sheathed adhesive product at the pressed portion; and (e) of cutting the sheathed adhesive product into a block at the pressed portion. A block of sheathed hot-melt adhesive product and an installation for packaging a sheathed hot-melt adhesive product are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Bostik SA
    Inventors: Herve Burriez, Paul Grover
  • Patent number: 7426815
    Abstract: There is provided a method of loading a container with a defined quantity of product which comprises the steps of a) closing off a perforation in a perforated plate; b) directing powder into said closed-off perforation by the action of a first leveller blade moveable in a sweeping path relative to the perforated plate; and c) transferring the contents of the perforation to said container, and an apparatus for achieving such method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Smithkline Beecham Corporation
    Inventors: Alan Anthony Wilson, Phillip William Farr, Marcus Edward Pike
  • Patent number: 7415923
    Abstract: An erosion control log and method for packing and handling erosion control logs. In one aspect, the erosion control logs are formed, stacked, compressed and prepared for delivery while retaining maximum decompressibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: American Excelsior Company
    Inventors: Kenneth Starrett, Rocky A. Van Gilder
  • Patent number: 7404280
    Abstract: Bagging machines may include a packing density measurement system. The packing density measurement system includes an anchor assembly and a force measurement assembly. The anchor assembly includes at least one drag member adapted to be operatively coupled to the bagging machine and to extend rearwardly beneath at least a portion of a bag to resist forward movement of the bagging machine. The force measurement assembly is operatively coupled to the anchor assembly and is adapted to measure the anchoring force applied to the bagging machine. The anchor assembly may be adjustable, either manually or automatically, to allow control over the anchoring force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: SRC Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Steven Cullen
  • Patent number: 7401451
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the conditioning of articles. According to one aspect of the invention, a conveyor conveys articles in a conveying direction along a path. A rotatable belt assembly extends adjacent to the path. The rotatable belt assembly includes a belt having a conditioning run extending generally in the conveying direction to contact articles being conveyed along the path. The belt is mounted so that it is capable of displacement to vary the spacing of the conditioning run from the conveying path. The rotatable belt assembly moves vertically and/or with a rocking movement to condition the articles contacted by the conditioning run. The speed of rotation of the rotatable belt assembly may be varied to adjust the spacing between the articles being conveyed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert Bennett
  • Patent number: 7395643
    Abstract: A rigid pack for tobacco products comprises an outer wrapper (3) furnished with a container (4) presenting an open top (5), surmounted by a lid (6) hinged to the container (4) and rotatable between a position in which the open top (5) is exposed and a position, interacting with a frame (20) anchored to the open top (5), in which the open top is closed, the tobacco products being enveloped by an inner wrapper (19). The pack (1) presents four lateral faces (16, 17, 18) arranged in two parallel pairs, also a top end face (15) and a bottom end face (11) disposed transversely to the lateral faces (16, 17, 18), which define a front, a back and two flanks. At least one of the lateral faces (16, 17, 18) presents a deformation referable to at least one bend line (21), coinciding with a crease line (3) impressed previously on the blank from which the pack is fashioned, and obtained by subjecting the flank faces (18) to compression in such a way that the bend line (21) is forced into relief.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: G.D S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alberto Franchini, Fiorenzo Draghetti
  • Patent number: 7389627
    Abstract: A shipping container is provided for transporting biologically hazardous materials. The shipping container includes a rigid gas permeable exterior enclosure and an interior positioned substantially gas impermeable flexible bag. Preferably, the exterior enclosure includes an outer cardboard box and inner foam box made of expanded polystyrene. Preferably, the inner bag is made of polyethylene and includes a conventional open top. Preferably, the bag also includes two laterally extending lines. A first line provides a visual indication to the user where air should be evacuated from the bag. A second line is provided to indicate where the bag should be sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: David Miles
  • Publication number: 20080134639
    Abstract: A packaged diaper that is compact and portable comprises a diaper that is vacuum-packaged. The packaged diaper is dimensioned to fit within the pocket of an article of clothing to be worn on one's person. The vacuum-packaged diaper includes packaging made from a substantially flexible, substantially air impermeable material; and a diaper contained within said packaging in a compressed condition. The packaging is hermetically sealed and a negative pressure exists within said packaging such that said diaper is maintained in the compressed condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Nadia Corlett
  • Publication number: 20080134638
    Abstract: A packaged diaper that is compact and portable comprises a diaper that is vacuum-packaged. The packaged diaper is dimensioned to fit within the pocket of an article of clothing to be worn on one's person. The vacuum-packaged diaper includes packaging made from a substantially flexible, substantially air impermeable material; and a diaper contained within said packaging in a compressed condition. The packaging is hermetically sealed and a negative pressure exists within said packaging such that said diaper is maintained in the compressed condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Nadia Corlett
  • Publication number: 20080115459
    Abstract: A method of packaging textile coil includes the steps of providing a strand of loosely assembled textile fibers, feeding the strand into a collapsible container, compressing the container so as to cause the container to collapse and compress the strand to a preselected degree, and sealing the container to maintain the strand in a compressed state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: BARNHARDT MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: David J. Spinks, Michael D. Noblitt
  • Publication number: 20080086984
    Abstract: A method and system for packaging multiple bedding products. The method includes compressing a stack of individual compressed and sealed mattresses between an upper shipping support and a lower shipping support and restraining subsequent expansion of the individual compressed and sealed mattresses with bands enclosing the upper and lower shipping supports and the stack of compressed and sealed mattresses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventors: Niaina Andria, George Itzkovitz
  • Patent number: 7311199
    Abstract: A bundle (8) of rolls made from a strip of insulation of a fibrous material, comprising several rolls, arranged side by side with the axes thereof parallel in several superimposed layers with a wrapping film wrapping each layer in a compressed state in a first direction perpendicular to the axes of the rolls and a sleeve enclosing the superimposed layers in a state with the layers compressed one against the other in a second direction (F3) perpendicular to the axes of the rolls and perpendicular to the first direction and covering the first and second ends of the rolls of the bundle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Knauf Insulation SA
    Inventor: Pierre Vantilt
  • Publication number: 20070289256
    Abstract: A case sealer assembly comprises frame members which are fabricated from round tubular or rod stock. In this manner, water will tend to readily drain from such structures and not tend to accumulate upon such structures in order to prevent the harboring or growth of bacteria within such regions of the assembly. In addition, the case sealer assembly has knockdown capabilities as a result of comprising a plurality of subassemblies which are readily disassembled from one another in order to facilitate the cleaning of the various subassemblies as well as the overall case sealer assembly, and in addition, to facilitate maintenance or replacement of component parts. Various subassemblies of the case sealer assembly are also reversibly mounted upon the main tube frame subassembly so as to effectively render the case sealer assembly operative in either one of two different directions as may be preferred in accordance with particular manufacturing plant processing lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Anthony J. Sambuca, Richard E. Millon, Dennis P. Wilk
  • Publication number: 20070204566
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of packaging a innerspring mattress. Various embodiments include placing the mattress in a bag, compressing the mattress and bag, sealing the bag, then rolling the mattress and bag into a cylinder shaped roll. Other embodiments include securing the rolled mattress and bag with tape, then placing into a second bag for shipment and storage. An additional embodiment discloses a method of packaging a foam encased innerspring mattress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Publication date: September 6, 2007
    Inventor: Youn Jae Lee
  • Patent number: 7243477
    Abstract: A method of disguisedly packaging an absorbent article includes the steps of: volumetrically reducing an absorbent article such that the volume of the absorbent article is less than a nominal volume of the absorbent article; and disposing the volumetrically reduced absorbent article within a package. The package includes a deceptive size and outward appearance such that it is not visually evident that an absorbent article is disposed therein. Indeed, the size of the package is substantially smaller than the nominal size of the absorbent article, whereby the size of the package contributes to the deceptive outward appearance of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Diaperoos, LLC
    Inventor: Alan Kay Snell
  • Patent number: 7181893
    Abstract: A method of packaging a diaper for an aesthetically pleasing appearance to a consumer includes: disposing a compressible absorbent diaper within a flexible substantially air impermeable encasement; creating a vacuum state within an interior space defined by the encasement; sealing the encasement such that the interior space of the substantially air impermeable encasement is completely sealed, and such that the compressible absorbent diaper is completely enclosed within the sealed interior space; and pressing the encasement containing the diaper with a smooth surface such that the encasement includes a substantially smooth planar face. The pressing of the encasement occurs after vacuum-sealing of the diaper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Diaperoos, LLC
    Inventor: Alan Kay Snell
  • Patent number: 7181894
    Abstract: A diaper is packed by being vacuum-sealed within a vacuum chamber. The method includes: (a) disposing a compressible absorbent diaper within an interior space defined by a flexible substantially air impermeable encasement within a chamber, the chamber for creating a vacuum state and sealing the encasement disposed within the chamber; (b) creating a vacuum state within the chamber and the interior space defined by the encasement; (c) sealing the encasement within the chamber such that the interior space of the substantially air impermeable encasement is completely sealed, and such that the compressible absorbent diaper is completely enclosed within the sealed interior space; and (d) pressing at least a portion of the compressible absorbent diaper with a smooth surface to flatten a face of the diaper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Diaperoos, LLC
    Inventor: Alan Kay Snell
  • Patent number: 7178315
    Abstract: A density controller is provided for a bagging machine designed for filling or packing material such as silage, compost or the like into an elongate flexible bag or container. The adjustable density controller comprises a drag member or strap with a selectively adjustable length that is positioned beneath the bag being filled and the ground. The weight of the material in the bag on the flexible member resists the forward movement of the bagging machine away from the closed end of the bag. The density of the material being packed or bagged is varied by the surface area of the flexible member that is positioned beneath the bag being filled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: SRC Innovations, LLC
    Inventor: Steven R. Cullen
  • Patent number: 7178312
    Abstract: A method of packaging a diaper includes: disposing a compressible absorbent diaper within a flexible substantially air impermeable encasement; creating a vacuum state within an interior space defined by the encasement; sealing the encasement such that the interior space of the substantially air impermeable encasement is completely sealed, and such that the compressible absorbent diaper is completely enclosed within the sealed interior space; and pressing at least a portion of the compressible absorbent diaper with a smooth surface. Pressing may occur before vacuum-packing, after vacuum-packing, during vacuum-packing, or both before and after vacuum-packing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Diaperoos, LLC
    Inventor: Alan Kay Snell
  • Patent number: 7155884
    Abstract: A stretching device for a stretch wrap machine includes a support structure and a film support for rotatably holding a roll of stretchable film. First and second rollers are rotatably mounted to the support structure. The stretching device includes a take-off device for supporting film as it is fed from the stretching device. A power drive assembly includes a motor, and the power drive assembly is configured to rotate the first and second rollers to stretch a film between the rollers. The stretching device further includes an elongated flexible member forming a loop and having a connector adapted for securing stretchable film. A guide assembly adjacent first ends of the first and second rollers movably supports the elongated flexible member to guide stretchable film through the stretching device. A disengagable drive is operably coupled to the elongated flexible member to provide powered movement of the elongated flexible member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Cousins Packaging, inc.
    Inventors: Neil G. Cousins, Boris Radovanovic, Srbislav Davidovic
  • Patent number: 7089716
    Abstract: Flexible ducting apparatus includes a packaging station and compression station, a support trough for supporting the ducting in the packaging station and compression station, and an actuating post which is arranged to engage a leading end of a length of flexible ducting to be packed and pull the length of ducting in a first direction through the packaging station into the compression station. The apparatus includes a control device to cause movement of a stop member into an operative position in the packaging station downstream of a trailing end of the length of ducting, the control device then being operative to cause the actuating post to execute a second stroke in the opposite direction to the first stroke so that the trailing end of the length of ducting is compressed against the stop member in the packaging station whereby packaging can be placed about the compressed length of ducting in the packaging station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Westaflex (Australia) Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael William Sterling
  • Patent number: 7059101
    Abstract: A multi-component bedding assembly, including a mattress or futon, is vacuum packaged in an air impermeable bag by drawing a vacuum at the open end of the bag and applying a ram or pushing force against the bedding assembly at the closed end of the bag. The pushing force may be intermittently cycled. The packaged bedding assembly also may be wrapped in a woven polyethylene overwrap and tied with bands before it is inserted into a shipping carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Foamex L.P.
    Inventors: Paul Dextraze, Paul Haslanger
  • Patent number: 6981356
    Abstract: A compact package for a garment made from a delicate material includes a container body having a volume of less than 10 in3 (164 cm3), a delicate material garment, a cover member and a cap. The cover member is inserted into the container body atop the garment, followed by the cap. Preferably, a buffer material is arranged between the garment and the cover member within the container body to protect the garment from damage during the packing process. The package is preferably produced by directing the garment and buffer material into a pre-loading tube, followed by shifting of a plunger member to load the container body with the garment, buffer material and the cover member. Subsequently, the cap is snap-fit upon the container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Inventors: Leon Atkinson, Robert Jansen, R. Patrick Johnson, Ryan E. Park, Bruce H. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6952906
    Abstract: The present invention provides a chair having a removable outer cover. The chair has an air permeable bladder which houses compressible filler material. The compressible filler material allows the chair to be selectively compressed between various compressed states. A method for packaging the chair is provided which significantly reduces the weight and size of the chair. The method includes placing the chair in a vacuum chamber and suctioning air from the chair. The vacuum chamber may be partially open or closed during storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Lovesac Corporation
    Inventor: Shawn Nelson
  • Patent number: 6922975
    Abstract: A cosmetic material sheet which comprises a sheet substrate 1 having, on an upper surface thereof, a large number of concave portions 5 arranged in a checkered pattern, a foundation layer 6 provided at a given position on the upper surface of the sheet substrate 1 in a state of covering arbitrary concave portions 5 out of a large number of concave portions 5, and a protective cover 3 attached releaseably on the upper surface of the sheet substrate 1 in a state of covering the foundation layer 6, wherein each concave portion 5 has an oblong shape in a plan view and has a bottom part thereof formed into a curved plane of a dish shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Kanebo Cosmetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Nobuo Shiraishi, Kazuyuki Mimuro, Yohei Aonuma, Yukio Hishinuma, Norio Arai
  • Patent number: 6913142
    Abstract: A container for a compressible article is disclosed, wherein the container includes first and second opposed sides having a first length, a first pair of flaps or edge attached to an end of the first and second opposed sides defining an end of the container, third and fourth opposed sides capable of having a second shorter length; and a second pair of flaps or edges attached to the third and fourth sides, the second pair of flaps having a fold line approximately aligned with the end of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Inventor: William R. Gray
  • Patent number: 6901722
    Abstract: A multi-component bedding assembly, including a mattress or futon, is vacuum packaged in an air impermeable bag by drawing a vacuum at the open end of the bag and applying a ram or pushing force against the bedding assembly at the closed end of the bag. The pushing force may be intermittently cycled. The packaged bedding assembly also may be wrapped in a woven polyethylene overwrap and tied with bands before it is inserted into a shipping carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Foamex L.P.
    Inventors: Paul N. Dextraze, Paul A. Haslanger
  • Patent number: 6834477
    Abstract: A string (12) of pocketed coil springs (14) is formed by inserting compressed springs between upper and lower plies of a folded, preferably thermally weldable fabric (16). The springs are maintaned in a compressed configuration while a longitudinal seam (54) joins the free edges of the thermally welded fabric (16) together. Subsequently, the compressed springs (14) are allowed to relax into an expanded configuration after which a transverse seam (80) is formed in the fabric (16) between the adjacent springs (14) thereby encapsulating each spring (14) within a fabric pocket (86). The string (12) of pocketed coil springs (14) is advantageously formed without the need for reorienting the springs (14) after being inserted between the plies (24,26) of the fabric (16) and thereby avoiding the disadvantages and complications associated with turning or reorienting the pocketed coil spring (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Spuhl AG
    Inventors: Ugo De Santis, Roland Graf, Thomas J. Wells, Niels S. Mossbeck
  • Patent number: 6799412
    Abstract: A cottoner having a wadding section forming station, the station having: a carrier, a holder, and a feed mechanism mounted on a base in series. Moving means on the base reciprocate the a carrier toward and away from the feed mechanism. An operating controller on the base open and close the holder. The carrier has a gripper for gripping a length of wadding material to carry it from the holding means toward the feeding means when the carrier is moved toward the feed mechanism while the holder is open. The carrier releases the length of wadding material when moved away from the feed mechanism while the holder is closed to hold the length of wadding material. The cottoner includes an inserting station for inserting each section of wadding material formed at the wadding section forming station into a container. The cottoner also has a sensing station for sensing if the wadding material has been inserted, and inserted properly, into the container at the inserting station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: NJM/CLI Packaging Systems International
    Inventors: Luc Jalbert, Bruno Jalbert