Footprint International, LLC

Michael Lembeck

Yoke Dou Chung

Yiyun Zhang

Brandon Michael Moore

Methods and apparatus for vacuum forming a beverage carrier yoke are described. The yoke comprises a number (e.g., four or six) collars interconnected by a web, and each collar exhibits dimensions—including a nominal diameter and a substantially uniform thickness—selected to improve strength and increase comfort. The yoke is produced using a slurry comprising a moisture barrier and a fiber base.

Methods and apparatus for manufacturing high-strength fiber-based beverage holders

Methods and apparatus for vacuum forming a beverage carrier yoke using a slurry. The slurry comprises: a moisture barrier comprising AKD in the range of about 4% by weight; and a fiber base comprising OCC and NP.

Methods and apparatus for manufacturing fiber-based beverage holders

Methods and apparatus for fabricating a molded fiber part are described. A system for forming a molded fiber container includes a first plate configured to receive a molded fiber part having a moisture content, and a second plate configured to compress the part against the first plate, wherein at least one of the first and second plates includes a die cutting blade.

Method for simultaneously pressing and cutting a molded fiber part

Methods and apparatus for manufacturing a molded fiber part include: immersing a wire mesh mold in a slurry bath comprising water and fiber particles; drawing a vacuum across the wire mesh mold to cause fiber particles to accumulate at the wire mesh mold surface yielding a molded fiber part; transferring the molded part from the slurry bath to a die press assembly; and drying and die cutting the molded part in the die press assembly.

Methods and apparatus for in-line die cutting of vacuum formed molded pulp containers

Methods and apparatus for fabricating a molded fiber part. The die press assembly includes: a first plate having a first mold form and a first plurality of vent holes; and a second plate having a second mold form and a second plurality of vent holes; wherein: at least one of the first and second plates comprises a blade operable to cut the part; the die press assembly is configured to compress the molded fiber part between the first and second mold forms; and the first and second pluralities of vent holes are configured to remove moisture from the part.

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San Tan Valley, AZ, United States of America

Michael Lembeck