Westrock Shared Services, LLC

Westrock Packaging Systems, LLC

Rock-tenn Shared Services, LLC

John Valencia

Jesus A Padilla

Linda A Bernstein

Patrick Shields

Abagail L Bleakney

Tom J Whatling

Alyssa J Scherer

Thomas Edward Zappa

Daniel Stamp

A container forming apparatus for forming a container from a blank includes a blank transfer station including an adhesive assembly having a plurality of adhesive applicators, and a compression station downstream of the blank transfer station, the compression station including a vertically movable mandrel and a forming tool below the mandrel. The forming tool defines a cavity therein and has an inner profile complementary in shape to an outer profile of the mandrel. Hot-melt adhesive is applied to a surface of the blank as the blank is transferred through the adhesive assembly. The blank is positioned beneath the mandrel, and the mandrel drives the blank downward into the cavity of forming tool. Compression plates fold panels of the blank, and the formed container includes a fully formed top flange.

Methods and machine for forming containers having top flange with glued corners

A lidding device () includes a first panel () comprising a lid () configured to cover and seal a food container (). A second panel () is foldably connected to the first panel. A third panel () includes a bottom panel opposite the lid, wherein the second panel is foldably connected to the first panel and the third panel. A fourth panel () is foldably connected to at least one of the first panel and the third panel, wherein the fourth panel and second panel are configured to at least partially enclose a food container between the second and fourth panels.

Integral carton and tray arrangements

A tray including first and second compartment portions each having a bottom panel, a first side panel foldably connected to a first side edge of the bottom panel, a second side panel foldably connected to a second side edge of the bottom panel, a front panel foldably connected to a front edge of the bottom panel and a rear panel foldably connected to a rear edge of the bottom panel, wherein a side edge of the front panel and a front edge of the second side panel are connected to one another by a front bi-fold corner web panel and a side edge of the rear panel and a rear edge of the second side panel are connected to one another by a rear bi-fold corner web panel.

Paper tray having divided compartments with bi-fold corner webs

A tray () including a first compartment portion () having a bottom panel (), a first side panel () connected to the bottom panel, a second side panel () connected to the bottom panel, a front panel () connected to the bottom panel and a rear panel () connected to the bottom panel, and a second compartment portion () having a bottom panel (), a first side panel () connected to the bottom panel and connected to the second side panel of the first compartment portion along an adjoining fold line (), a second side panel () connected to the bottom panel, a front panel () connected to the bottom panel and a rear panel () connected to the bottom panel, wherein the front and rear panels of the second compartment portion each have a tab () for securement to the front and rear panels of the first compartment portion.

Nested paper tray having divided compartments

A blank for forming a tray, wherein the blank includes a first panel extending along a lateral axis configured to form an outer side of an erected tray and a second panel extending along the lateral axis coupled to the first panel by a fold line, the second panel being configured to form an inner side of the erected tray. Each of the first and second panels includes a base section, a first lateral section foldably coupled to the base section, a first end section foldably coupled to the first lateral section, a second lateral section foldably coupled to the base section, and a second end section foldably coupled to the second lateral section.

Blank for forming a container tray

A container formed from a blank of sheet material includes an outer tray having a bottom wall, front and rear walls, and first and second side walls. A fold-in tray is configured to nest within the outer tray. The fold-in tray is hingedly connected along an upper edge of at least one of the first side wall, the second side wall, the front wall, and the rear wall.

Container having leak-resistant fold-in tray and blank therefor

A tray formed from a blank of sheet material includes a bottom panel, a top panel, first and second side panels, and a locking band connected to the bottom panel at opposite upper and lower edges thereof. The locking band extends across the top panel and holds an underlying portion of the top panel in face-contacting relationship with the bottom panel. The tray is configured to transition from a first, substantially flat configuration into a second, erect configuration in which the top panel defines a concave surface configured to hold in place a rounded item. The tray is configured to be transitioned from the first configuration to the second configuration by sliding the top panel relative to the bottom panel.

Flat pack tray with curve on set-up and blank for forming the same

In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a package can include an octagonal side body formed of at least eight body panels and an autobottom connected to the octagonal side body and formed of a plurality of bottom panels extending from a respective body panel of the plurality of the at least eight body panels. The autobottom can connect all of the at least eight body panels together in an octagonal shape when the plurality of bottom panels are interacting with each other.

Packages having octagonal autobottoms and blanks therefor

Aspects of the invention are directed toward a carrier () for containing a product. The carrier comprises first, second and third connected side panels () which define a three-sided tubular structure having a triangular cross-section. The carrier has a substantially triangular-shaped, crash-bottom-style, bottom wall. Parts () of the bottom wall are coupled to the first, second and third side panels. The carrier has a mechanical interlocking feature (T, T, S, S); and a multi-part mechanical locking mechanism. A first top-end closure panel () comprises a first part (A) of said multi-part mechanical locking mechanism. A second top-end closure panel () and a first handle panel () coupled thereto, comprise a second part (N) of the multi-part mechanical locking mechanism; and a third top end closure panel () and a second handle panel () coupled thereto, comprise a third part (N) of said multi-part mechanical locking mechanism.

Carrier and blank therefor

Embodiments of the present invention provide a folding carton designed to accept a retractable panel. The retractable panel may contain written information that should stay with or otherwise connected to the packaging, rather than on a folded leaflet inserted inside the carton that may be displaced. The panel may be pulled from its fully inserted/retracted position (within the carton) out to an extended position, where the panel displays the information. Even in the extended position, however, the panel stays secured with the carton.

Folding carton with retractable panel

Embodiments of the present invention provide a three-panel lidding device used to seal a food container. Such devices are particularly useful for covering and sealing a plastic food container, eliminating (or diminishing) the need for an outer carton and the clear film membrane that traditionally covers a food container. The lidding device may contain all brand identifiers, product messaging, ingredient list, instructions (e.g., opening and cooking) printed directly on the device. The device may also allow for venting of the food container during cooking and may then be removed for serving. The device may further provide a foot panel that allows the food product container/lidding device to sit upright, enhancing store front and freezer display options.

Lidding device

Disclosed are reclosable and stackable food trays formed from a single blank that are capable of being folded and glued on standard machinery. Embodiments of the invention include raised gussets that extend beyond the top edge of the side panels of the formed tray and beyond the top of the formed tray. In some embodiments, the raised gussets help prevent distortion in all dimensions and facilitate the stacking of multiple trays on top of one another such that the stacked trays cannot slide off the lower tray.

Growing community of inventors

Johns Creek, GA, United States of America

John Valencia