Box, Carton Patents (Class 53/458)
  • Publication number: 20110239593
    Abstract: Described is the use of an activatable adhesive composition for producing a folding-carton blank which is blocking-resistant at 25° C. with adhesive composition applied thereto. The adhesive composition has at less than or equal to 25° C. an Ig G? value of greater than or equal to 6 and at greater than or equal to 120° C. has an Ig G? value of less than or equal to 4, and comprises a copolymer having a glass transition temperature of greater than 30° C. The copolymer is formed from a first monomer and from more than 3% by weight and less than 40% by weight of a second monomer, the first monomer being selected from alkyl (meth)acrylates and vinylaromatics, and the second monomer being selected from ethylenically unsaturated monomers having acid groups and hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Dieter URBAN, Karl-Heinz Schumacher, Stefan Kirsch, Uta Holzenkamp
  • Publication number: 20110192118
    Abstract: A packaging container capable of reducing a tensile or compressive stress in the paper container caused by folding the pleat portion thereof to maintain the strength characteristics thereof, and providing a wide roof portion on one side thereof so that a large-sized spout can be fitted thereto. The packaging container including a pouring spout fitted thereto is characterized in that the top part thereof formed by folding the pleat line is formed of a surface tilted forward on the front side of the top part and a substantially flat surface adjacent to the tilted surface on the rear side of the top part and that a flap derived from the formation of the top part is allowed to abut on the container side-walls adjacent to the top part by the folding of the pleat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventor: Masamichi KANEKO
  • Publication number: 20110174810
    Abstract: A reusable packaging device for protecting an object during shipment may include at least four end caps and strap assemblies configured to selectively hold the end caps in a desired expanded position relative to one another during shipment of the object and to hold the end caps in contact with one another after the object has been received. In one embodiment the object may be clamped between two of the packaging devices for shipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventor: Randy Mesch
  • Patent number: 7976449
    Abstract: A transfer device for transferring a folding box from a magazine that accommodates flat folding boxes, to a transport device comprises a holding device which takes over the folding box, holds it during transfer, and can be moved along a cycloid path having several turning points and intermediate curved sections. The transfer device comprises a basic lever which performs a continuous steady rotary motion, a first lever pair comprising a first lever which is pivotably disposed on the basic lever via a first joint, and a second lever which is pivotably disposed on the first lever via a second joint, and a second lever pair comprising a third lever which is pivotably disposed on the basic lever via a third joint, and a fourth lever which is pivotably disposed on the third lever via a fourth joint. The holding device is mounted to a holding block which is pivotably connected to the second lever of the first lever pair via a further joint. A pivotably disposed guiding part is provided, which has a linear guidance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: IWX Verpackungstechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Stephan Klein
  • Publication number: 20110138750
    Abstract: A container for pizza formable into a smaller, space saving box useful as, for example, refrigerator containers for pizza slices. Also disclosed are easily environmentally friendly disposable pizza boxes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: William R. Walsh
  • Publication number: 20110131926
    Abstract: A carrier package is constructed to tightly secure articles within the package. During loading, pushing the containers into the package causes the side panels of the package to deform so that the height of the package decreases and the width of the package increases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Inventor: Andrea Coltri-Johnson
  • Patent number: 7954304
    Abstract: The invention relates to a blank (1), a method and a machine (11) for realising the blank (1). The blank (1) is constituted by four lengths (5) which are consecutively joined to form a structure (2) or frame (6) which can be folded around one or more flat articles (4) or tiles to be packed. The machine (11) and the method for realising the blanks (1) include supplying identical panels of cardboard which are joined to constitute a continuous strip (10) and which are subsequently cut to correspond to lengths of sides of the tiles. Each length (5) is joined to a consecutive length (5) by deposits (7a) of glue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: System S.p.A.
    Inventor: Andrea Toro
  • Publication number: 20110126496
    Abstract: A substantially parallelepiped packaging made of a flexible material such as cardboard, capable of serving as a display stand, including a surface serving as a lid and a surface with at least one cutout, wherein the surface serving as a lid is inserted into said cutout, making it possible to lock the packaging once the same is folded in a planar configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: BIOMERIEUX
    Inventors: Fabienne Barriere, Philippe Wandels
  • Publication number: 20110120057
    Abstract: A container assembly is provided which includes a container selectively moveable between an erect condition and a collapsed or substantially flattened condition. A packaging material for support objects is disposed within an object receiving space of the container and secured thereto so that the packaging material remains in the object receiving space of the container when the container is in either the erect condition or the collapsed or substantially flattened condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Donald E. Weder
  • Publication number: 20110108614
    Abstract: Packaging that has a small space requirement after use, is economical and practical to use, and avoids the user soiling his fingers during opening and when grasping the product comprises a lateral strip (410) having two longitudinal edges connected by two end edges and having at least one curvature and/or fold in order to form a storage space for the food product and a membrane seal having a bottom region (501) and a cover region (502), each region begin secured to a separate longitudinal edge, and a lateral border region (503) secured to the end edges of the strip so as to enclose the food product in the storage space. The membrane seal is secured in a peelable manner to the end edges, to the whole of a first longitudinal edge and to at least a part of the second longitudinal edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: BONGRAIN S.A.
    Inventors: Yves BONNIN, Sébastien Ravelet
  • Publication number: 20110030318
    Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for placing trays into sleeves is provided. The apparatus includes a conveyor system for transporting a mail tray, a sleeve blank presentment device and a robotic arm. The robotic arm is provided with an end of arm tool which retains and opens a sleeve blank. A tray induction system including a plurality of paddles configured to guide a tray into an open sleeve blank is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicants: CapStone Technologies LLC, CapStone Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Patrick Moylan, Timothy A. Mischnick, Francis J. Buglewicz, Troy Robert Power
  • Patent number: 7882953
    Abstract: A clear package for storing a packaged product and providing an easy locking mechanism to seal and secure the product. The package of the present invention has a sleeve having foldable tabs at the top and bottom, and a top and bottom opening, and a slidable insert having indents at the top and bottom, the slidable insert being slidably inserted into the sleeve through the top or bottom opening, where the tabs align with the indents to provide a locking mechanism, and where the height of the sleeve is substantially the same as the height of the slidable insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Printex Packaging Corporation
    Inventors: Joel Heller, David Heller
  • Publication number: 20110024318
    Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for an improved bottle packaging system and shipping container, and more particularly to a container wherein a plurality of inserts are employed to stabilize the bottle(s) and to provide impact resistant cushioning during shipment of liquids and the like. For a 4-bottle (quad) pack embodiment the improved insert design includes a folding bottle separator or insert to receive and secure a bottle bottom, along with a top insert to receive and restrain a bottle shoulder and neck region (bottle top). The inserts, in combination with a two-layer cardboard box may be used to provide a re-usable and recyclable shipping container or package for chemicals and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Fibercel Packaging, LLC
    Inventor: James W. Gilfert
  • Publication number: 20110023418
    Abstract: A package includes a box and a tray. The box includes a rear panel, sidewalls extending around the rear panel, and a front panel and defines a storage compartment between the rear panel and the sidewalls. An opening to the storage compartment is defined opposite the rear panel, the front panel extends over a portion of the opening to the storage compartment, and the front panel includes an aperture. The tray defines an auxiliary chamber and a substantially planar, frame portion extending around the auxiliary chamber. The tray is positioned adjacent the front panel such that the frame portion is maintained between the front panel and the storage compartment and the auxiliary chamber forwardly extends though the aperture of the front panel beyond a surface of the front panel defined opposite the frame portion. Other products, assemblies, and associated methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: TARGET BRANDS, INC.
    Inventor: Laszlo Titkos
  • Patent number: 7803099
    Abstract: A device for opening pre-glued, pre-folded sleeves into cartons. The device includes a cam wheel (20) to which are connected one or more suction arms (22). The cam wheel can be controlled to rotated at different angular velocities. A first angular velocity allows sleeves comprising a certain number of panels to be opened, and a second angular velocity allows sleeves of a different number of panels to be opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin Biraud, Pascal Martini
  • Patent number: 7788884
    Abstract: A system (10) for automatically dispensing a strip of dunnage to a container (14) includes a dispenser (12) having an outlet (92) from which the dispenser can feed a length of a strip of dunnage lengthwise, a container support (36) for supporting a container (14) thereon, and a pusher device (114) at the outlet (92) for pushing, more particularly propelling, a trailing end of the strip of dunnage from the outlet (92) toward the container support (36). The outlet (92) is aligned with the container support (36). Thus the outlet (92) is positioned relative to a container (14) such that the strip will curl or fold back and forth upon itself within the confines of the container (14) as it is being fed from the outlet (92). A container closer (120, 130 and 32) automatically closes the flaps (80 and 82) of the container (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Robert C. Cheich, David V. Murphy, Harry H. Lu, Kevin W. Park, Thomas A. Bilkie, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100218463
    Abstract: A package is disclosed for containing a plurality of individual food items within a tray having an outer surrounding wrapper. The tray is configured to have enhanced rigidity in a longitudinal direction to accommodate greater applications of pressure when forming envelope seals of the outer surrounding wrapper adjacent ends of the tray.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: KRAFT FOODS GLOBAL BRANDS LLC
    Inventors: Charles Raymond White, Zino D. Grasso
  • Patent number: 7779606
    Abstract: A packaging system utilizes two sides of a loading carousel, which reduces both the height and footprint of the packaging system. Mass and inertia are also reduced, allowing higher operational speeds. The loading carousel receives opened cartons on a first side and lowers them over product groups on a second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Colin P. Ford
  • Publication number: 20100199605
    Abstract: A method of forming and filling containers (2) wherein a first step consists in forming a tubular body (3) of which a first end is joined to a rigid element (6) with an opening (7) capable by means of a relative closure element (8), and a second end or bottom (12) is sealed by a weld line (13) extending transversely to the axis (A) of the tubular body (3) and presents two flaps (15) extending from the lateral surface (4) of the tubular body (3), and a second step consists in flattening and sealing the flaps (15) against the bottom (12); the method also includes a step of injecting a sterilizing liquid into each container (2), effected between the first step and the second step, and a step of filling the container (2) subsequent to the sterilizing step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: Azionaria Costruzioni Macchine Automatiche A.C.M.A. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Fulvio Boldrini
  • Patent number: 7708678
    Abstract: A station for erecting tubular blanks in boxes, a gripping and raising unit engages a second lateral wall of the blank and subsequently raises the blank into a 90° rotation, so that the blank assumes, due to raising and rotating and because of the weight, a parallel-piped shore with a vertical axis. A first holder is operated by a first actuator in step relation with rotation of the blank and folds at least a first lateral wall of the blank adjacent to the second lateral wall, engaged by the gripping unit, to erect, the blank in a box with vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Marchesini Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
  • Patent number: 7681381
    Abstract: A substantially tubular end-loadable carton (200) comprising a top wall (212), an inwardly-extending structure (X2) foldably adjoining said top wall (212) stowable in a substantially flat-face position with an underside of said top wall (212), and a top end flap (X1) connected to said inwardly-extending structure is translated in a direction (F) and a flap deflector (310) is disposed to engage and deflect the end flap (X1a) downwardly and thereby cause the inwardly-extending structure (X2a) to pivot upwardly inside the carton (200) into substantially flat-face position with the underside of the top wall (212) of the carton (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: MeadWestvaco Packaging Systems LLC
    Inventor: Peter Pathak
  • Publication number: 20100064636
    Abstract: A flat blank carton is provided for packaging articles or products. The flat blank carton includes a base, a top, and a rear panel, hingedly connected to one another, and pairs of upper and lower side flaps hingedly attached to the top and base panels, respectively. The upper and lower side flaps include locking projections and corresponding locking recesses that are brought into mating, locking engagement as the top panel is folded over the base panel. After loading with products, the front end flaps of the cartons can be sealed to close the cartons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Colin Ford
  • Publication number: 20100043357
    Abstract: A system having an upstream module M for storing cardboard blanks, a central module C with a device for taking the blanks from the magazine, and a downstream packing and packaging module V having a station where the blanks are erected. The extractor arm is mounted on a carriage which is movable so as to move the blanks lengthwise and the arm is movable relative to the carriage by an actuating mechanism which enables the arm to articulate about an axis. The distance D between the exit edge of the magazine and the reference point of the station is fixed, and the carriage controls the movements of the blank extracted from the magazine in order to avert the risk of interference with the magazine and to position the blank in the station to enable it to be erected, and this for a whole range of forms of blanks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: SIDEL PARTICIPATIONS
    Inventors: Bernard Kobierzycki, Yannick Petijean
  • Patent number: 7661536
    Abstract: A gift box that includes a detachable gift support for insertion into a gift box after construction from a one-piece sheet of material. Gift restraints are provided for restraining the gift on the gift support. Preferably, the gift is in the shape of a card, such as the shape of a credit card, and is preferably what is known as a giftcard, similar to a gift certificate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventor: Denise Voswinkel
  • Patent number: 7658054
    Abstract: Cartoner machine and a method of operating same. 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: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: KHS AG
    Inventor: Scott Veix
  • Patent number: 7631474
    Abstract: A packaging system utilizes two sides of a loading carousel, which reduces both the height and footprint of the packaging system. Mass and inertia are also reduced, allowing higher operational speeds. The loading carousel receives opened cartons on a first side and lowers them over product groups on a second side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Colin P. Ford
  • Publication number: 20090294517
    Abstract: A collapsible box made of cardboard or of laminated cardboard for receiving packaging items contains an applicator (2) for handling the packaging item, which on the inside of a side wall (3) is releasably fixed to the collapsible box (1) using a pressure sensitive adhesive. The box has a window opening (4) and also a segment (5) which can be pressed in or torn away for detaching the applicator, the segment (5) and the window opening (4) being arranged on mutually opposing ends of the side wall (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: RONDO AG
    Inventors: Cecile Zimmerman, Peter Schneider
  • Patent number: 7621109
    Abstract: A system and method of loading a product into a carton includes loading the product into a carrier and then extending the carrier into the carton. The product is then restrained within the carton as the carrier is removed from the carton. The carrier may include a static carrier having a fixed volume or a dynamic carrier having moveable sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventor: Zoran Momich
  • Publication number: 20090260328
    Abstract: A packaging container for a load having a projection such as a nailing fin is made from two rigid U-boards. An inner U-board supports the weight of the window/door frame while preventing the nailing fin from having contact, directly or indirectly, with the ground or sides of the fin crate. The nailing fin provides one supporting wall for the inner U-board while a second, outer U-board provides a second supporting wall. Both walls prevent the inner U-board from spreading out or collapsing under the weight of the window/door. The inner U-board is formed as a continuous element or as discrete elements. The nailing fin is incorporated into the fin crate to form a support member and part of the packaging container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Rometty, Nancy L. Roach, Jeffrey W. O'Hara
  • Publication number: 20090255220
    Abstract: A packaging machine for packs of containers including a horizontal conveying means for the containers grouped as packs, a means for supplying flat paperboard sheets at the bottom side of the containers, wherein the containers are transported in a standing manner on the paperboard sheet, a means for folding upward front and back, in the transport direction, edge portions of the paperboard sheet, each of which extends beyond the footprint of the pack, at least two opposing lateral guide elements for folding upward lateral edges of the paperboard sheet extending laterally beyond the footprint of the grouped containers, wherein at least portions of the guide elements exert a defined pressing force on the upward-folded edges of the paperboard sheet and the side faces of the pack, and an adhesive is provided with edge portions of the lateral edges overlapping with front and/or back edges of the paperboard sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Herbert SPINDLER
  • Patent number: 7587884
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for adjusting height of a crate or box made of flexible material, having a base and at least four side walls by folding. After the base has been placed in a generally horizontal, a horizontal crease is produced on each side wall, parallel to the base and at a height substantially equal to a top of a stack of objects. At least one oblique crease is produced in each corner of the crate, with one end located at the intersection between two horizontal creases and the other end located on an upper ridge of one side wall. The upper part of each side wall is folded towards the center of the crate, at an angle substantially equal to 90°. The various flaps are folded on one another, being separated by oblique creases, bringing the upper part of side walls in a substantially horizontal plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: B Plus Development, Societe Anonyme
    Inventors: Claude Durand, Frédéric Duffes
  • Publication number: 20090223176
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for packaging of flexible bags, filled with a liquid or non-liquid, foodstuff or non-foodstuff, sterile or non-sterile product. A packaging box is fitted on an introduction tube, essentially extending the whole height of the box. A flexible bag is dispensed from a supply point for flexible bags into the box through a funnel and the introduction tube, which forms an extension. The packing box, containing the flexible bag for the introduction tube is removed. The plant for the packaging of flexible bags filled with a liquid or non-liquid, foodstuff or non-foodstuff, sterile or non-sterile product, carries out the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: SMURFIT KAPPA BAG IN BOX ANONYME
    Inventors: Thierry Minaud, Franck Trotignon, Michel Capelle, Didier Pontcharraud, Cendrine Lallement
  • Publication number: 20090199514
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cargo shipping crate having a base, four sides and a top cap, a first panel and a second panel. The first panel and the second panel form four sides of the crate. Each panel has a first, a second and a third subpanel. The first subpanel of the first panel is positioned to overlap the third subpanel of the second panel, and the second subpanel of the first and the second panel have substantially identical dimensions. The first subpanel of the first and the second panel have substantially identical dimensions, and the third subpanel of the first and the second panel have substantially identical dimensions. The top cap has four flaps, each of the four flaps are rotatable to a position superjacent a subpanel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: David P. Goodrich
  • Patent number: 7568325
    Abstract: In a device with a plurality of holding units, each holding unit has a leading prong and a rear prong resiliently kept closed for holding a box in vertical orientation. The holding units are arranged spaced out on an operating group for intermittent motion through work stations for inserting products into the boxes. The rear prong can be moved away from the leading prong by a catching pawl for introducing a box into the opened holding unit, at an inlet station, and for removing the box in a discharge station, situated downstream. This avoids rubbing between the prongs and the box walls that could damage the precious ornamental patterns applied to the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Marchesini Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
  • Patent number: 7565964
    Abstract: A machine for intended use in feeding and completing partially formed cartons is disclosed. In one embodiment, the machine includes an overhead conveyor with selectively actuated, depending lugs that engage and convey the carton in a first direction while a first flap on a lid is folded and sealed. A takeaway conveyor includes selectively actuated, upstanding lugs that convey the carton in a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction while second and third flaps are folded and sealed. The lugs on each conveyor may be closely spaced or overlapping to allow for selective actuation at a desired instant in time without the need for timing the corresponding chain or the carton feed. A diverter located at a transition between the forward and return runs of the overhead and takeaway conveyors actuates the lugs in a controlled fashion. Related methods of feeding and forming cartons are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Kliklok Corporation
    Inventors: Urs Reuteler, Charles Ray Landrum
  • Publication number: 20090152338
    Abstract: A carton for containing a dispensable material. The carton has a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises at least a first panel and a second panel foldably connected to the first panel at a fold line. A spout is at least partially formed in the first panel and the second panel. The spout is moveable between a closed position substantially preventing the removal of the dispensable material from the carton and an open position allowing removal of the dispensable material from the carton. The spout comprises a first spout panel formed from a portion of the first panel and a second spout panel formed from a portion of the second panel. The second spout panel is foldably connected to the first spout panel at at least a portion of the fold line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Todd A. Wagner, Sean Alan Moss
  • Patent number: 7516599
    Abstract: A carton formed from a unitary blank for storing food within and methods of manufacture of the carton thereform, are disclosed herein. The carton comprises a generally rectangular bottom having a pair of major bottom flaps and a pair of minor bottom flaps that are folded to form a substantially closed bottom, and a pair of major side panels, a pair of minor side panels, and a secondary side panel that are folded perpendicular to the bottom. An opening is defined by the upper ends of the major side panels and the minor side panels opposite the bottom and is generally non-rectangular.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC
    Inventors: Paul Edward Doll, Stewart Allen Armstrong
  • Publication number: 20090025343
    Abstract: An apparatus for assembling folding boxes from flat folding box shells has a gripping unit, movable in at least one direction of motion, for grasping the folding box shells and having a suction gripping device and an assembly unit for assembling the folding box shells, and a bottom flap folding tool which is pivotable relative to the assembly unit being mounted thereon, and by which the bottom flap, trailing in the direction of motion of the gripping unit, of the folding box intermediate product resulting from assembly of the folding box shell and having open bottom flaps may be folded by swiveling the pivotable bottom flap folding tool. The assembly unit includes a support element on which the gripping unit is supported, and an assembly tool which is pivotable relative to the support element mounted thereon for assembling the folding box shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: Winkler & Dunnebier Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Thomas Salm
  • Patent number: 7441388
    Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food. In one embodiment, an automated dispensing device dispenser a predetermined portion of food from a bulk storage container or food dispensing magazine. Food is dispensed from the automated dispensing device to an automated fry device that can include at least one circular fry wheel having a plurality of food containing compartments. After the food is fried it is dispensed from the fry device to an automated packaging device. The automated packaging device dispenses food to a container that may be an individual portion-sized container that is retrieved, erected and held into position for filling by an automated container handling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Restaurant Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald A. Sus, Ron Dorsten, Jenny Hong, Glenn Schackmuth, Mario G. Ceste, Curtis Clarence Pinnow, Christopher Juneau, Steven Konold, Richard Montafi, Benny Nunley, Charles E. Rose, Andrew Courier, Kevin Keough, Richard Terrazzano
  • Publication number: 20080257941
    Abstract: A method of forming a container for food or other items having a model vehicle configuration is provided that accurately depicts the contours and dimensions of the vehicle to enhance its appeal. An elongated, cardboard-like sheet is presented that is die cut to fold into a three dimensional model of the vehicle. The sheet's first end is folded along a first pair of transverse fold lines and secured in a position to present an open cabin, rear deck and tail of the vehicle, whereby the open cabin may provide the container for food and other items. The sheet's central portion is folded upwardly along a pair of longitudinal fold lines to present the sides of the vehicle, and the second end portion is folded along a second pair of transverse fold lines and secured in position to present the hood and front windshield of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: William D. Billen
  • Publication number: 20080245035
    Abstract: A packaging system utilizes two sides of a loading carousel, which reduces both the height and footprint of the packaging system. Mass and inertia are also reduced, allowing higher operational speeds. The loading carousel receives opened cartons on a first side and lowers them over product groups on a second side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Colin P. Ford
  • Publication number: 20080230406
    Abstract: One embodiment of the carrier has a central vertical support panel structure with two foldable receptacles extending outwardly from the vertical support panel structure. The outside wall of each receptacle is extended upwardly and bent over to cover the receptacle, and the top portions of those walls are joined together to form a carrying handle structure, either with or without the upper portion of the vertical support panel structure. The portions of the outside walls forming the covers can have openings to receive the necks of bottles such as wine and beer bottles to give added lateral support for the bottles. A simplified embodiment uses only one of the foldable receptacles and has two lateral side walls which extend upwardly and join together to form a handle structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Angelo V. Cuomo
  • Publication number: 20080229713
    Abstract: A packaging system utilizes two sides of a loading carousel, which reduces both the height and footprint of the packaging system. Mass and inertia are also reduced, allowing higher operational speeds. The loading carousel receives opened cartons on a first side and lowers them over product groups on a second side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Colin P. Ford
  • Publication number: 20080197179
    Abstract: An elongate, rectangular box (12, 14, 40, 60, 70, 90, 100) and method for packaging containers (C), wherein the box can be cross-stacked for stable stacking of the boxes, and optimizes utilization of pallet space. Containers (C) are placed in the box in nested, offset relationship in a parallelogram shaped arrangement, and in one embodiment interior corner panels (20, 21) extend angularly across two diagonally opposite corners of the box, defining an interior box shape closely conforming to the parallelogram-shaped arrangement of the containers. The corner panels may be cut from the side walls (18, 19) and folded inwardly and secured at a free edge (28) to an adjacent end wall (16, 17), defining openings (22, 23) in the side wall through which the containers are visible. Side wall segments (24, 25, 26) at the bottom and sides of the opening, in cooperation with the corner panels, retain the containers in place in the box. The box is especially suited for packaging four one-gallon containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Charles P. Weimer
  • Publication number: 20080184674
    Abstract: A system and method for packaging consumer products that include a number of individual pieces is provided. A pulp insert tray that includes a number of form fitting receiving locations to receive the individual pieces of the set separates and protects the individual pieces from damage resulting from uncontained packaging. A retainer may be used in association with the insert tray to provide additional support of the individual pieces, and assist in the final assembly of the packaged set. The use of pulp as the insert tray material provides significant ecological benefit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicants: GRAFCOR PACKAGING, INC., THE PACKAGE SOLUTION, LLC
    Inventors: William E. Hall, Thomas P. McQueeny
  • Patent number: 7380389
    Abstract: A bottom prefolding assembly prefolds the bottom panels of a package having a bottom wall formed with in-folded gusset tips. The prefolding assembly infolds the bottom gusset panels, leading and trailing panels of a carton and in-folds the gusset panel tips prior to forming the sealed carton bottom. The assembly includes a drive, first and second folding arms configured to contact and inwardly prefold the lead and trailing panels and a forming arm movable with the first and second folding arms. The forming arm has a pair of pivotable finger elements mounted thereto. The finger elements each having a carton engaging portion to engage the panel portions that form the gusset tips and fold the panel portions in a direction opposite of the folding of the gusset panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, SA
    Inventor: Paul J. Anderson
  • Patent number: 7356980
    Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food. In one embodiment, an automated dispensing device dispenses a predetermined portion of food from a bulk storage container or food dispensing magazine. Food is dispensed from the automated dispensing device to an automated fry device that can include at least one circular fry wheel having a plurality of food containing compartments. After the food is fried it is dispensed from the fry device to an automated packaging device. The automated packaging device dispenses food to a container that may be an individual portion-sized container that is retrieved, erected and held into position for filling by an automated container handling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Restaurant Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald A. Sus, Ron Dorsten, Jenny Hong, Glenn Schackmuth, Andrew Courier, Kevin Keough, Richard Terrazzano, Mario G. Ceste, Curtis Clarence Pinnow, Christopher Juneau, Steven Konold, Richard Montafi, Benny Nunley, Charles E. Rose
  • Patent number: 7331158
    Abstract: A process and system are provided for printing variable data on packaging material at a package printer and machine reading the variable data on a packaging facility packaging line and associating the variable data with other information in a computer database. The process and system render unnecessary the use of a printing stage at the packaging facility, thereby improving packaging efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: David A. Mantell
  • Patent number: 7328561
    Abstract: A sun wheel is centered on a sun axis between a magazine and a conveyor, a planet carrier is rotatable about the sun axis and defines a planet axis generally parallel to but offset from the sun axis, and a gripper shaft is journaled in the planet carrier at the planet axis and carries a gripper. A planet wheel carried on the gripper shaft is coupled by a toothed belt with the sun wheel. A first drive rotates the planet carrier about the sun axis and thereby rotates the gripper about the first planet axis to move the gripper through a hypocycloidal path past the magazine and the conveyor. An erecting shaft pivotal on the planet carrier carries an erecting element, and a second drive rotates the erecting shaft and its erecting element and unfolds a flattened box blank held by the gripper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Uhlmann Pac-Systeme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Fritz Fochler
  • Patent number: 7328560
    Abstract: An apparatus for packaging products in boxes provided with a supporting footing, a box feeding magazine, at least one pick-up device, at least one feeder conveyor of products to be placed in the boxes, at least one rotating carousel for receiving in a plurality of peripheral receptacles that have one open side, from the pick-up device, the boxes in a parallelepipedal configuration, and with axial pusher elements. The feeder conveyor has a loop element provided with supporting cups for the products to be placed in boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: O.A.M.-Societa' per Azioni
    Inventor: Antonio Martelli