International Paper Company

International Paper

Evergreen Packaging, Inc.

Evergreen Packaging International B.v.

Richard A Tedford

Wei Li

Bruce J Thoman

Jozef Milewski

Christopher S Cleveland

Tricia Susan Reighard

Thomas Robert Christie

Craig R Puls

Thomas Christie

Ganesan Kumar

The present invention relates to articles made of a thermoformable resin comprising a biodegradable polymer having polybutylene succinate (PBS) via extrusion using an extruder which comprise: a biodegradable polymer having: (a) a Tvalue of up to about 160&#xb0; C. (e.g., in the range of from about 50&#xb0; to about 150&#xb0; C.); (b) a heat distortion index of up to about 150&#xb0; C. (for example, up to about 120&#xb0; C.); and (c) optionally, a Tin the range of from about 70&#xb0; to about 160&#xb0; C. (e.g., in the range of from about 80&#xb0; to about 150&#xb0; C.). Thermoformed article such as a food or beverage cup, lid, cutlery item, foodservice item, molded tray, food storage container, etc provide the ability to resist deformation during higher temperature conditions that may occur during storage and distribution.

Thermoformed article made from polybutylene succinate (PBS) and modified polybutylene succinate (MPBS)

The present invention is directed to a method of producing a thermoformable composite by crosslinking PHA and PLA together in the presence of an additive to produce PHA and PLA blend and resins having: (a) a Tvalue of up to about 180&#xb0; C.; and (b) a heat distortion index of up to about 160&#xb0; C. The thermoformable composite is used to make a food or beverage cup, lid, cutlery item, foodservice item, molded tray, or food storage container. The thermoformable composite comprises from about 5% to about 95% by weight of polylactic acid (PLA), from about 5% to about 95% by weight polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymer, and from about 0.01% to about 60% additives wherein the PLA and PHAs being crosslink together by intermolecular means to enhance performance and processability.

Thermoformed articles made from reactive extrusion products of biobased materials

A container according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides an inner wall and an outer wall wrapped therearound so as to define a double-wall container construction. A plurality of spacer elements are interposed between the inner and the outer walls so as to maintain a minimum thickness of an air space defined therebetween. In normal use conditions, the spacer elements do not contact the inner wall; however, the spacer elements prevent the outer wall from contacting the inner wall during non-standard use conditions.

Double wall container with internal spacer

The present invention provides articles comprising a thermoformable composite comprising: a core comprising a renewable polymer having: (a) a Tvalue of up to about 90&#xb0; C.; and (b) a heat distortion index of up to about 90&#xb0; C.; and a heat-resistant outer layer substantially surrounding the core and comprising a heat-resistant polymer having: (a) a Tof greater than about 60&#xb0; C.; and (b) a heat distortion index of greater than about 50&#xb0; C.; wherein the renewable polymer comprises at least about 60% by weight of the composite, and wherein the heat-resistant polymer has a Tvalue and heat distortion index greater than that of the renewable polymer. The present invention also provides methods for coextruding the heat-resistant polymer outer layer and renewable polymer core to provide a thermoformable composite.

Thermoformed article made from renewable polymer and heat-resistant polymer

A lid is provided for use as a cover on a beverage container or other dispensing device, wherein the lid includes a dispensing spout therein for dispensing of the container contents therefrom. A flexible connector arm extends around at least a portion of the periphery of the lid and includes a fixed end fixedly attached to the lid at a first arcuate position thereof and a free end frangibly connected to the lid by a frangible tab located at a second arcuate position of the lid. The free end of the connector arm can be detached from the lid by tearing along a tear line provided in the connector arm spaced radially outwardly from the frangible tab. In this manner, detaching of connector arm from the lid occurs by a discrete tear line propagated through the connector arm, rather than through the lid flange, thereby allowing for detachment of the connector arm from the lid without compromising the integrity of the seal between the lid and the cup. A plug may be provided near the free end of the connector arm, which such plug may be removably inserted into dispensing spout of the lid once the connector arm is detached from the lid.

Frangible attachment for thermoformed lid spout closure

A reclosable lid for use with an open-top container is disclosed. The reclosable container lid comprises a cover including an annular top wall having a channel integrally formed therein. A drinking spout in the top wall is adapted to dispense the contents of the container. The reclosable lid uses a slide lock closure feature that prevents spillage during transportation of the open-top container and easy access for opening and drinking. The slide lock closure is configured to engage with the channel to slide longitudinally along the channel between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the slide lock closure opens the drinking spout and in the second position, the slide lock closure closes the drinking spout to inhibit dispensing the contents of the container.

Reclosable container lid

A barrier laminate packaging material comprising from its outermost surface to the innermost surface contacting the contents of the container to be prepared therefrom, a first exterior layer of a low density polyethylene polymer, a paperboard substrate, a first interior layer laminate coating of nylon with a tie resin layer, a blown film layer comprising a first low density polyethylene polymer layer, a tie layer, a first interior layer of EVOH, a second tie layer, a second interior layer of EVOH, a third tie layer and a second interior layer of low density polyethylene polymer, and an innermost product contacting layer of low density polyethylene.

Barrier laminate structure for packaging beverages

Container lid

A patch, method of applying a patch, and an applicator device for application of the patch to cover the opening of a hole in a gable-top carton panel. The patch is made from a frangible laminate material and is welded to the underside of the carton panel, corresponding to the side in contact with the beverage contained therein. The welder is located outside the container and the patch is applied to the carton after bottom seal formation.

Container patch and method of formation

An opening feature for a beverage container with at least one extrusion over void area, a pull tab affixed to the package in the perimeter of the void area, and a perforation of the package film in the perimeter of the pull tab to allow for a simple low cost structure.

Growing community of inventors

Loveland, OH, United States of America

Richard A Tedford