Plural Covers Patents (Class 53/449)
  • Patent number: 5775056
    Abstract: A method of wrapping an object with a substantially inelastic wrapper, such as paper, while keeping the object in rotation about its upright axis. The wrapping material is wider than the height of the object. Wrapping is initiated by locking a portion of the wrapper material against the top end of the object. As the object is rotated, the wrapping material is pressed around the vertical sides of the object. After the object sides are wrapped, the remaining portion of the web material which extends above the top end of the object is pressed downwardly against the top end of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Vesme Systems Oy
    Inventors: Juhani Rauhala, Heikki Airola
  • Patent number: 5765341
    Abstract: A flexible pressure vessel 20 having an aperture 44 through one wall 30 of the vessel 20, which aperture 44 can be closed by a closure flap 50 having sufficient surface area of adhesive 52 to completely surround the aperture 44. The adhesive 52 has sufficient peel strength to prevent the vessel 20 from being reused after closure, and the vessel 20 is capable of withstanding a pressure differential of at least 75 kPa for at least thirty minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Thomas I. Insley, Kay M. McCoy, Cynthia Y. Tamaki
  • Patent number: 5763028
    Abstract: A doubly-packaged easily oxidizable article and a process for packaging the article are provided, wherein the deterioration of the easily oxidizable article during heat sterilization or storage is prevented. A hermetically sealed plastic vessel filled with an easily oxidizable article is double-packaged in a flexible packaging bag. The bag is made of a plastic layer having heat-sealing characteristics, an inorganic oxide layer and a plastic layer laminated in order from the inside to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Ajinomoto Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Shinichi Matsumoto, Norishige Matsuo, Sachiyo Ito
  • Patent number: 5755079
    Abstract: This invention relates to making paperboard and plastic composite package structures that combine an intricate thermoformed shell with a paperboard base or cover. Such structures of this type, generally, provide a lightweight package with a good printing surface on the outside of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Westvaco Corporation
    Inventor: Ralph Scott Peterson
  • Patent number: 5749204
    Abstract: A process for the final containerization of bulk cheese discharged from a vertical cheese forming tower operates with variant methods to accommodate direct filling of the final container or preliminary filling for transfer to the final container. In accordance with both methods, initial filling utilizes a false bottom container which allows the cheese section to be lowered into the container for sealing and either final closure or inversion and transfer to another final container such as a fixed bottom steel barrel. Both methods utilize a step of placing a closure over the open top of the initially filled container, and an inverting step to expose the opposite end of the container for a final closure. Common apparatus may be used in the system of the present invention to accommodate either embodiment of the containerization method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Damrow Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Bokelmann, Thomas R. Schumacher, Arvid E. Winberg
  • Patent number: 5740655
    Abstract: A method of wrapping a floral grouping, preferably an orchid, with a wrapper which may be a sheet of material, a sleeve or a preformed pot cover. The wrapper is preferably constructed from a laminated material made up of at least a waxy layer and a support layer which are superposed upon each other and connected or laminated to each other. A second waxy layer may be connected or laminated to the other surface of the support surface. The waxy layer is made from a waxy material such as waxed paper, waxed tissue or high density polyethylene. The wrapped floral grouping may also contain a shredded material for cushioning the blooms of the floral grouping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 5741566
    Abstract: An autoclavable multi-layer film formed of thermoplastic materials capable of being processed into hollow shapes and useful for packaging oxygen sensitive materials. The film includes sequential layers A--B--C--D--C--B'--A', wherein the film may optionally not include layer A or A' and the corresponding layer B or B'. A and A' are layers substantially water and water vapor resistant, wherein at least one of the layers A and A' is made of polyolefins, polyethylene terephthalates, or co-polymers of polyethylene terephthalates. B and B' are layers adhesively bonding layers A and A' with layers C. C is a layer of a moisture absorbing polymer substantially impermeable to oxygen. The polymer is selected from the group consisting of aromatic polyamides and co-polymers of aromatic polyamides. D is a layer of a polyethylene-vinyl alcohol with a molar ethylene concentration between 0% and 80%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Pharmacia & Upjohn Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Peter Hogstrom, Stefan Lundmark, Curt Lindhe, Hannu Maasola
  • Patent number: 5740656
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a cover about an article and for automatically fastening the cover to the article, and optionally for automatically placing a label on the covered article. The article may be an article such as a potted plant and the cover may be a decorative cover. The invention satisfies the need for a means for rapidly covering and fastening the cover about an article with a minimal amount of manual effort and in a location having a limited amount of available space. The apparatus comprises a platform having at least one opening sized to receive the article. The apparatus comprises a tying device for automatically applying a band or fastener about a portion of the outer surface of the covered article for fastening the cover about the article after the sheet is formed into a cover about the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, Joseph G. Straeter, Paul Fantz
  • Patent number: 5724790
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing a sheet of material about a flower pot for providing a decorative cover to the flower pot, using a band applicator with an object opening. The sheet of material is held in place on the flower pot and the flower pot with the sheet of material held there about is inserted into the object opening of the band applicator. The band applicator applies a band about the sheet of material and the flower pot whereby the sheet of material is secured to the flower pot via the band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 5718098
    Abstract: A package for carrying fluid or powder samples and which is well adapted for application to product packaging or cards using automated equipment, and methods for forming the same. The package may be produced using a support web, a web of double coated tape, a web of transfer tape, or a release liner and a self-adhesive laminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignees: Pharmagraphics L.L.C., Midwest, Pharmagraphics L.L.C., Southeast
    Inventors: Glenn A. Grosskopf, Carl W. Treleaven, James A. Hennessey
  • Patent number: 5713184
    Abstract: A sticky element, comprising a sticky element having an insect-attracting color and an insect-attracting scent, the sticky element comprising sufficient sticky qualities to cause an insect to become permanently attached to the sticky element when any portion of the insect contacts with the sticky element, the sticky element adaptable to being disposed upon a surface. The surface may comprise a wrapping material, a flower pot cover, a flower pot, a floral arrangement, or other surface. When the sticky element is disposed on a wrapping material, the wrapping material is used to wrap a floral arrangement or decoratively cover a flower pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 5713185
    Abstract: A method of the invention enables the production of a tubular package open at both ends and comprising a double- or multi-layered film. The film layers can be of one and the same or different materials. A package is formed around a mould (10), which is easily replaceable and determines the eventual size of the package (29). The method, which can be automated, includes producing the package (29), wrapping an article (25) and placing the article (25) in the package (29). The sections of said mould (10) are withdrawn from the package and the space in between the layered film is filled (23, 24) with air or some other gas, whereby the article attaches to the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: LVC-Group Ltd. Oy
    Inventors: Christer Jean Lindstrom, Carola Maj-Len Lindstrom, Viljo Juhani Rytkonen
  • Patent number: 5713183
    Abstract: A sticky element, comprising a sticky element having an insect-attracting color and an insect-attracting scent, the sticky element comprising sufficient sticky qualities to cause an insect to become permanently attached to the sticky element when any portion of the insect contacts with the sticky element, the sticky element adaptable to being disposed upon a surface. The surface may comprise a wrapping material, a flower pot cover, a flower pot, a floral arrangement, or other surface. When the sticky element is disposed on a wrapping material, the wrapping material is used to wrap a floral arrangement or decoratively cover a flower pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 5709065
    Abstract: A method for protecting substrates used in the manufacture of semiconductors, memory products, and other electronic devices from the effects of moisture during transport and storage is disclosed. This method involves the use of a cassette or box made from polycarbonate or another material having similar hydroscopic properties, treating the cassette or box to reduce its moisture content, and surrounding the cassette or box, and the substrates held therein, with a moisture barrier. This results in a package which will keep the substrates dry and eliminates the need for a separate desiccant within the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Empak, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Krause
  • Patent number: 5709068
    Abstract: A packaging apparatus and process for producing and using the same is provided having a tubular lining material defining a hollow-space therein with the lining material being folded outwardly over itself providing a chamber in which a casing material is positioned circumferentially over an inner layer of the lining material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: PCM Packaging Concepts & Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter G. Bylenga
  • Patent number: 5706628
    Abstract: The present invention is a modular system for packaging articles for shipment. In particular, a potted plant is sorted according to a grade, placed in a decorative cover, then automatically deposited into a protective sleeve. The potted plant thus packaged is ready for containment within a shipping carton. Various components of the system may be adapted for various packaging needs and circumstances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Craig, Joseph G. Straeter, Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 5702001
    Abstract: A container having panels that contain a bag of strip material. The container is movable between a confining position enclosing the bag of strip material and a position in which the bag is relaxed so as to relax snags of looped elastic material that may have arisen during transit. During transit, the strip material has a tendency to flow from the top and over the edges of the bulk to work its way along the sides, potentially snagging with adjacent loop material. During dispensement of the strip material, these snags may give rise to tension spikes. By displacing the panels of the container out of the confining position and into a relaxed position, the confining forces become relieved and thereby the snags relax. The tension spikes otherwise arising during dispensement are thereby eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: The Moore Company
    Inventors: William E. Russell, Barrie G. Hall, Fernando Medeiros
  • Patent number: 5699652
    Abstract: The present invention is a modular system for packaging articles for shipment. In particular, a potted plant is sorted according to a grade, placed in a decorative cover, then automatically deposited into a protective sleeve. The potted plant thus packaged is ready for containment within a shipping carton. Various components of the system may be adapted for various packaging needs and circumstances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Craig, Joseph G. Straeter, Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 5697496
    Abstract: A compact disk package made from a corrugated board insert attached to a panel of a foldable die-cut sleeve. The corrugated insert defines a CD-enclosing recess for accommodating a CD and a resilient hub joined to the CD in a resiliently disengageable manner. The package may be folded and sealed to closure to provide a lightweight, secure and environmentally agreeable package. The package allows for a variety of printable surfaces, pockets for the insertion of printed media, the packaging of a plurality of CD's , and forming tear-off panels for use as reply cards. The corrugated insert may be separately manufactured and provided with printable surfaces for later attachment to the die-cut sleeve. The invention includes the method of packaging compact disks, computer diskettes, and like flat articles, and the method of making the package therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: McQueen, Inc.
    Inventor: Chris Bauer
  • Patent number: 5697202
    Abstract: A method for container packaging includes the steps of providing a plurality of square profile individual packages, each package having an empty 47 mm by 47 mm square profile, and a full profile between about 50 mm by 50 mm and 51 mm by 51 mm, a relatively rigid bottom, and a peaked gable top having a rigid, linearly disposed, upwardly extending sealing portion defined by a pair of sloped top portion walls. The method includes providing a packing storage unit for storing the individual packages. The storage unit has an inside storage dimension of between about 6.6 to 6.8 times the length of a container wall when the container is empty and 6.0 to 6.4 times the length of the container wall when the container is filled. The containers are disposed in a lower layer within the packing storage unit, and are positioned in a 6 by 6 matrix having a first set of six parallel linear arrays and a second set of six parallel linear arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Richard E. Totilo
  • Patent number: 5695090
    Abstract: A removable insulating container which grips a bottle such that the container is held snugly in place. The container uses a separate lower sleeve and an upper cap which are mounted on a medicine bottle to substantially encase the medicine bottle. The container is fabricated from a multi-layer flexible material which has an impact resistant outer layer and an inner layer which forms an internal channel that grips the side of the medicine bottle. The proximal end of the container has an optional viewing window which allows the user to estimate the amount of medicine remaining in the medicine bottle. The proximal end of the lower sleeve extends past the bottom of the bottle to prevent it from impacting a surface should it be dropped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: Geoffrey C. Burdick
  • Patent number: 5694744
    Abstract: A packaging kit for the immobilization of an article to be packaged, which kit comprises a stiff sheet of material of defined width and length, sufficient to hold the article being packaged, having a base portion, the sheet material characterized by at least one fold line, extending substantially across the base portion, which permits the base portion to be folded inwardly, to receive an article to be packaged on the base portion thereof. The sheet material has a pair of spaced apart, opposite, end portions with outside edges, and with the end portions adapted to move the fold lines between a generally flat position and a folded position to immobilize an article on the base portion. A film material of selected dimensions and length, is used to cover at least a substantial portion of the article to be immobilized on the base portion, and having a one and the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: William Charles Jones
  • Patent number: 5689938
    Abstract: Selecting a dimension representing the distance between a residential gas hookup, downwardly through an intended subterranean trench to a gas main typically located along a public right of way, such as a street, and selecting a plastic pipe having a predetermined length at least equal to such dimension. Then, fabricating at a manufacturing site remote from the intended site of installation, a kit including a metallic riser having an upper end formed with a coupling screw thread and a lower end. Inserting one extremity of the plastic pipe through the riser to leave an excess length projecting from such lower end, forming a joint between the plastic pipe and such upper end, coiling such excess length into a coil and securing the assembly in a package to form the kit. A selected number of the kits may then be stored in their packaged form for subsequent shipment to the installation site to be installed and connected to make a hookup between the hookup location at respective residences and such main gas line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: R. W. Lyall & Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Lyall, Jeffrey W. Lyall, Mark E. Huetinck
  • Patent number: 5689934
    Abstract: A novel method and system for wrapping a bale supported on a platform in a wrapping position with a bale wrapping apparatus including a rotating arm positioned above the bale, a downright member extending downwardly from an outward end portion of the rotating arm, and a wrap carriage movable up and down the downright, wherein the downright and the wrap carriage orbit the bale in the wrapping position as the rotating arm rotates to apply a film or wrap material about the bale. A bale stabilizer, positioned above the bale in the wrapping position, with a plate extendable into contact the bale stabilizes the bale during application of the wrap about the bale. An upender with laterally movable arms and pivoting paddles is positionable to engage and disengage the bale. The upender is movable to raise and lower the clamped bale from and back to the platform, and the paddles are pivotable to rotate the raised bale. The upender includes a carriage movable up and down relative to a base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Mima Incorporated
    Inventors: Philip G. Scherer, Werner K. Diehl, Gale W. Huson
  • Patent number: 5689935
    Abstract: A plastic packaging material which, when formed as a package having seams, will provide a predictable line of failure along a seam when the package is opened to prevent the package from tearing down the side. The predictable failure path is provided through a lamination process involving specific resins or blends of resins laminated in three (or more) layers in which an extruded inner layer forms a weak inner bond wholly within that inner layer to create the predictable line of failure and in which the process of forming the material does not inhibit processing speed, efficiency, and economics of materials used to provide this reliable openability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignees: Recot, Inc., Bryce Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Derkach, Robert E. Hawkins, Bruce Kinsman
  • Patent number: 5690215
    Abstract: A device is provided for maintaining a volume of gas dissolved in a fluid at a predetermined partial pressure. The device includes a first sealable, gas-tight pouch containing the fluid and a second sealable, gas-tight pouch encasing the first pouch and providing a space between the first and second pouches. The space may be charged with an atmosphere containing a volume of the gas dissolved in the fluid that is greater than the volume of dissolved gas, at a partial pressure that is substantially the same as the partial pressure of the dissolved gas. A method is also provided for using the device to maintain a volume of a gas dissolved in a fluid at a predetermined partial pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Optical Sensors Incorporated
    Inventors: Victor E. Kimball, Irvin T. Pierskalla, Christopher H. Porter
  • Patent number: 5682728
    Abstract: A method for integration of the institutional supply chain for medical products utilizing a nested bill of materials on a care event level of a clinical pathway for one or more medical procedures. The medical supplies appropriate for use in a care event are expressed as a bill of materials. Each item of medical supply is assigned a unique identifier which includes at least identification of the item itself, identification of the supplier of the item, and identification of the care event with which the item is to be used. At a first location a portion of the supplies are unitized and containerized. This subassembly is transported to a second and remote location where further of the supplies are unitized and containerized, using the same container. Thereafter the unitized and containerized supplies are transported to the end user thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: DeRoyal Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Autry O. V. DeBusk, Brian C. DeBusk, James M. Mabry, Steven J. Polte
  • Patent number: 5680745
    Abstract: Twin packets of cigarettes, each consisting of two half packets with respective foil wrappings and arranged side by side inside an outer wrapping, are formed on a wrapping line by feeding a single succession of half packets along the input portion of the wrapping line, and successively transferring the half packets to the output portion of the wrapping line by grouping the half packets into twos to form, at the output portion, a single succession of groups, each consisting of two side by side half packets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: G.D Societa' Per Azioni
    Inventors: Marco Brizzi, Antonio Gamberini
  • Patent number: 5679109
    Abstract: A method of making a food package including a food package tray and a food package jacket. The method involves placing a food package tray on a mandrel such that the inner surface of the tray contacts at least a portion of the mandrel. After this, the food package jacket is placed on the food package tray so that the food package jacket partially surrounds the food package tray. The food package jacket is then secured to the food package tray to make the food package. An associated apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Gics & Vermee, L.P.
    Inventor: Paul W. Gics
  • Patent number: 5678389
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing and stabilizing stacks of discrete items on pallets, such as bags of powdered or granular material, comprising a bottom member, a top member, side members securing means and an adhesive layer between one or more layers of the discrete items, where the bottom member, top member and side members are positioned so as to enclose the stack of discrete items. Preferably, flap members perpendicular to the edges of some or all of the bottom, top or side members are provided to further secure the members relative to the stack and to each other. Most preferably, the side members are provided with extended top flaps having cut lines and score lines to allow the side members to be properly sized according to the height of the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: William A. Henry
  • Patent number: 5678695
    Abstract: A packaging structure for holding an object securely against a rigid backing. The structure includes a substantially rigid panel having a pair of generally parallel fold lines which define respective folding side portions and a center portion. A flexible film material is superimposed on one surface of the center panel portion and extends onto the folding side portions. Means, such as opposed glue strips extending along the side portions, are provided for securing the film material to the rigid panel and for cooperating with the folding side portions to tighten the film against objects between the film and the center panel portion when the side portions are folded in a direction away from the film. The panel may include a fold line extending through the center panel portion for allowing the object to be inserted and secured beneath the film. The panel may also include openings into which projection on the folding side portions may be inserted to tighten the film. An associated method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation
    Inventors: Devin C. Ridgeway, Terry N. Wynn, Kevin P. Greene, Jacqueline Marshall
  • Patent number: 5667827
    Abstract: A method for packaging fresh meat in a substantially oxygen-free atmosphere, whereby the packaging provides for a prolonged shelf life of the packaged meat products so that the meat will bloom to a desired red color when the packaging is opened. The packaging includes a packing tray which is sized for receiving a piece of fresh meat of predetermined cut. The tray is overwrapped with a web of clear plastic wrapping material. The overwrapped tray is ventilated to ensure gas communication between enclosed regions of the overwrapped tray and the outside ambient without blockage due to run off juices from the meat product or shifting of the meat product within the tray during transport. A number of similarly ventilated overwrapped trays are then placed within an outer barrier bag which is first evacuated of normal atmosphere and then flushed with a preservation-enhancing gas. The outer barrier bag is then sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Transhumance
    Inventors: Dennis J. Breen, Lawrence Wilson
  • Patent number: 5660023
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are for wrapping a bale (30) in a web, such as plastic film material. In a first wrapping stage the bale is moved along a bed while the web material is wrapped around it by a dispenser moving about the path of the bale. The dispenser rotates about a first (horizontal) axis while the bale moves parallel to the first axis. In a second wrapping stage the web dispenser is rotated 90 degrees and held stationary while the bale is rotated about a second, vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Cross Wrap Oy
    Inventor: Kalle Juhani Kivela
  • Patent number: 5657609
    Abstract: In a method for forming a hard packet with a flip-up lid (2), in particular for cigarettes or the like, the package is produced by folding a preformed blank around an ordered group of cigarettes (12). During the formation of the packet a collar (3) and a message-bearing coupon (4, 4') are also fed in. The collar (3) is placed between the front face (101) of the box part (1), partly projecting beyond it, on the open side facing the lid (2). The coupon (4, 4') is removably inserted between the collar (3) and the group of cigarettes (12). In the method, the coupon (4, 4') is coupled to the collar (3) and both are then coupled, held together in the correct reciprocal position by use of suction, to the group of cigarettes (12) before the packet-forming stage, at least one aperture (503) being made in a part (403) of the collar which is inside the box part (1), the coupon (4, 4') being additionally held by use of suction via this aperture (503).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: SASIB S.p.A.
    Inventors: Valter Spada, Gianfranco Isani
  • Patent number: 5657616
    Abstract: A roll wrapping machine includes a roll infeed conveyor; a roll wrapping station having a film curtain, sealing bars and a pusher for pushing the roll into the curtain and past the bars; and a roll orienter on the infeed conveyor. The orienter receives each roll fed down the conveyor, spins the roll and releases the roll with the roll tail in a known circumferential location so that the tail of the roll is in the six o'clock position when the roll is received at the wrapping station and is not caught between the plastic curtain film during sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Elsner Engineering Works, Inc.
    Inventor: John J. Schreiber, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5653089
    Abstract: A wrapper for a floral grouping comprising a first and a second sheet of material. The first sheet of material is constructed of a polymer film, metal foil, fabric, denim, cellophane or burlap. The second sheet of material is constructed of a paper. At least one of the first and the second sheets of material includes a closure bonding material on at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of such sheet of material. The second sheet of material is disposed adjacent the first sheet of material and the two sheets of material then are wrapped about the floral grouping with the closure bonding material bondingly engaging a portion of at least one of the first and the second sheets of material for cooperating to secure the first and the second sheets of material in a wrapped condition about the floral grouping to form the wrapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 5651232
    Abstract: A method of wrapping a floral grouping, preferably an orchid, with a wrapper which may be a sheet of material, a sleeve or a preformed pot cover. The wrapper is preferably constructed from a laminated material made up of at least a waxy layer and a support layer which are superposed upon each other and connected or laminated to each other. A second waxy layer may be connected or laminated to the other surface of the support surface. The waxy layer is made from a waxed paper or waxed tissue. The wrapped floral grouping may also contain a shredded material for cushioning the blooms of the floral grouping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 5651237
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for automatically feeding from a roll successive pairs of inflatable packaging bags each having a common intermediate inflation channel to present the end bag upon a base platform for receiving an item-to-be-packaged, and then to fold the other bag of the pair thereover to envelope the same; and then sealing the enveloping bags to provide a package of appropriate item size, inflating the bags through the inflation channel, and finally severing the inflated package from the roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Novus Packaging Corporation
    Inventor: Nicholas Paola De Luca
  • Patent number: 5649411
    Abstract: A stack of photographic sheets is arranged between two rectangular sheets of lighttight wrapping foil. The foil sheets are of a size larger than the stack so that their side margins project laterally exteriorly of the stack in sandwiched relation to form flaps on all sides of the stack. The flaps are initially lighttightly closed, e.g. sealed together, along their peripheral margins. The wrapped stack is lighttightly enclosed within a package having a base and a cover. The base has upstanding side walls arranged in a rectangle large enough to contain the wrapped stack and may include a solid bottom wall. The cover is light-impervious and has margins overlying the top edges of the base side walls in lighttight clamping contact therewith with inner regions of the projecting sheet flaps gripped therebetween to lighttightly close said flaps inwardly of their edges. The initial closure along the flap margins can now be removed to free edges of the flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert N.V.
    Inventor: Lieven Dirx
  • Patent number: 5647191
    Abstract: An assembly of packaged reams of paper sheets for point of purchase or distribution display has a plurality of stacked layers of the packaged reams in contacting relationship; an adhesive film between at least some contacting upper and lower packaged reams adheres the packaged reams together; the adhesive has a high strength component in a first lateral direction of the film effective to hinder relative horizontal movement of the contacting upper and lower packaged reams having the adhesive film therebetween, and a weak strength component in a second direction perpendicular to the lateral direction such that the contacting upper and lower packaged reams are readily separated by a displacing force in the second direction; a flexible protective sheet is wrapped about the stacked layers; the assembly optionally includes a tubular sleeve applied over the stacked layers at the point of purchase or distribution, after removal of the protective sheet, a removable panel in the tubular sleeve exposes the packaged ream
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Domtar Inc.
    Inventor: Alain Villemure
  • Patent number: 5647190
    Abstract: A method and machine whereby two rigid packets, traveling in a first direction parallel to the longer longitudinal axes of the packets, are transferred to the inputs of respective conveyors, one of the two packets being rotated 180.degree. about its longitudinal axis, and the other packet being rotated 180.degree. about an axis crosswise to its longitudinal axis; and the two packets are fed along the respective conveyors in a second direction crosswise to the respective longer longitudinal axes and to the crosswise axis into a position wherein the two packets present a common longitudinal axis, are oppositely oriented along the common longitudinal axis, are rotated 180.degree. in relation to each other about the common longitudinal axis, and are connectable to form a twin packet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: G.D Societa' Per Azioni
    Inventors: Alessandro Minarelli, Roberto Osti
  • Patent number: 5644900
    Abstract: A container apparatus and method of manufacture for same, in which the container includes an inner tube formed of plastics material, and an outer tube of one or more plies of material. The container is generally configured to lie flat, when in its unfilled condition. The container has a flat first end formed from flap members configured from one or more plies of the outer tube. The container is advantageously configured to enable opening of the first end of the outer tube to provide access to the inner tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Stone Container Corporation
    Inventors: Raymond George Steele, Stephen John Grace, John Frederick Robinson, Andreas Karl Haussrer, Eric John Brown, Michael John Kane, Allan Paul MacFarlane, Ian Murray Allerby
  • Patent number: 5640832
    Abstract: A method of producing a truss plate bundle package including a plurality of bundles of interconnected truss plates begins with the step of conveying a predetermined number of truss plate bundles onto an accumulating stage in a row. Each truss plate in each bundle of the bundle package is arranged and interconnected so that each of the backing members of each of the truss plates is substantially parallel to each of the other of the backing members. The peripheries of the backing members are substantially aligned. The next step is transporting the accumulated row to a predetermined position upon a pallet. These accumulating and transporting steps are repeated to form a stacked array of truss bundles. The stacked array includes a plurality of layers, each arranged in rows. The bundles on each layer are in contact with the bundles of adjacent rows and are positioned above bundles on adjacent layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Tee-Lok Corporation
    Inventor: William H. Black, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5638660
    Abstract: A multilayer film comprises: a first layer comprising a first homogeneous ethylene/.alpha.-olefin copolymer; a second layer comprising a polyolefin; and a third layer comprising a second homogeneous ethylene/.alpha.-olefin copolymer. The second layer is between the first layer and the third layer, the second layer is chemically different from the first layer and the third layer, and the multilayer film has an oxygen transmission rate of from about 500 to 50,000 cc/m.sup.2 / 24 hr STP. Also disclosed are a process for making the film, a packaging process using the film, and a product packaged in the film. The film is especially suitable for the packaging of oxygen-sensitive products, such as lettuce, and exhibits exceptional hot tack seal strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventor: Betsy P. Kuo
  • Patent number: 5638950
    Abstract: A packaging method for unitizing or interlocking a large number of beverage multipackages together on a portable platform or pallet. The invention also comprises an assembly of unitized packages on a portable platform and includes the use of packages with upstanding handles and close slots in the bottom walls thereof which permit the handle of one package to telescope into the close slot of another of the packages. The invention also uses sheets between interlocked packages to unitize adjacent interlocked packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventor: Edward L. Benno
  • Patent number: 5636493
    Abstract: A wrapper for a floral grouping comprising a first and a second sheet of material. The first sheet of material is constructed of a polymer film, metal foil, fabric, denim, cellophane or burlap. The second sheet of material is constructed of a paper. At least one of the first and the second sheets of material includes a closure bonding material on at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of such sheet of material. The second sheet of material is disposed adjacent the first sheet of material and the two sheets of material then are wrapped about the floral grouping with the closure bonding material bondingly engaging a portion of at least one of the first and the second sheets of material for cooperating to secure the first and the second sheets of material in a wrapped condition about the floral grouping to form the wrapper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 5634558
    Abstract: A decorative plant assembly and a method for making such including a flower pot or other pot or plant container, a sheet of material having an opening formed through a portion of the sheet of material and a bonding means for holding the sheet of material in a position about the outer peripheral surface of the pot. When placed about the pot, at least a portion of the sheet of material engages a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot. At least a portion of the bottom of the pot means is exposed through the opening in the sheet of material. A portion of the sheet of material may extend away from the upper end of the pot means to form a skirt. The sheet of material when extended about the outer peripheral surface of the pot may further comprise a plurality of folds. The sheet of material may further comprise a tubular extension extending from the lower surface of the sheet of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Patent number: 5632134
    Abstract: A method of preparing a package having a product enclosed between a support member and a multiple-film lid, comprising the steps of providing a support member supporting a product; providing a multiple-film lid over the product and the support member, the multiple-film lid having a first film for enclosing the product on the support member when sealed thereto and a second film over the first film, the first film and the second film defining a first space therebetween and the first film and the support member defining a second space therebetween; evacuating the first and second spaces; and sealing the multiple-film lid to the support member so as to form a sealed package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: David C. Noel, Henry W. Stockley, III
  • Patent number: 5628164
    Abstract: A floral container having a water-impermeable external layer for a floral grouping comprising a holding material and having a water-impermeable external surface layer. The holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping, botanical item or propagule and supporting the botanical item, floral grouping or propagule. A sheet of material may be extended about a portion of the holding material and a crimped portion or bonded portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion or the bonded portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the holding material to provide a decorative cover. A bond or other tying device may also be used to bond the sheet of material to the flower pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Weder, William F. Straeter
  • Patent number: 5626003
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder