Arthur W Robichaud

US Patent:

6446860, Sep 10, 2002

Filed:

Mar 6, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/519508

Inventors:

Arthur W. Robichaud - Kittery ME

Assignee:

SIG Combibloc, Inc. - Columbus OH

International Classification:

B65D 554

US Classification:

229216, 229237, 229241, 229242, 493 63, 493110, 493148

Abstract:

The present invention is directed to a package having a tear-away opening. The package comprises an outer substrate layer, an inner aseptic layer secured to the outer substrate layer, and a cut in the outer substrate layer. In order to preserve the product in the package, the cut is of a predetermined depth such that the cut does not puncture the inner aseptic layer. The cut, however, is sufficiently deep so that a predetermined portion of the package may be torn off at the cut. The present invention also includes methods for manufacturing and opening a package having a tear-away opening. The method for manufacturing a package having a tear-away opening generally includes the steps of providing an outer substrate layer, securing an inner aseptic layer to the outer substrate layer, making a cut of predetermined depth in the outer substrate layer such that the cut does not puncture the inner aseptic layer, and then forming a package. After the package has been formed, a predetermined portion of the package may be torn away at the cut. The method for opening a package having a tear-away opening is initiated by extending a flap from a side of the package.

US Patent:

6911241, Jun 28, 2005

Filed:

Dec 12, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/317954

Inventors:

Warren C. Tyler - Tubac AZ, US
Steven G. Taylor - Columbus OH, US
Melvin L. Druin - Freehold NJ, US
Arthur W. Robichaud - Kittery ME, US

Assignee:

SIG Combibloc, Inc. - Columbus OH

International Classification:

B29D022/00

US Classification:

428 365, 428349, 428480, 428483

Abstract:

A container constructed from a laminate structure that includes a layer of foamed polymer. The layer of foamed polymer replaces the paperboard layer of known laminate structures. A preferred embodiment of the laminate structure is comprised of a layer of foamed polymer, a first layer of low density polyethylene, a second layer of low density polyethylene, a layer of aluminum foil, a tie layer, and a third layer of low density polyethylene. The container has a non-polar homogeneous heat seal that may be created by conventional equipment at a temperature ranging from about 250 degrees Fahrenheit to about 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

US Patent:

7276281, Oct 2, 2007

Filed:

Jun 28, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/168159

Inventors:

Warren C. Tyler - Tubac AZ, US
Steven G. Taylor - Columbus OH, US
Melvin L. Druin - Freehold NY, US
Arthur W. Robichaud - Kittery ME, US

Assignee:

SIG Combibloc, Inc. - Chester PA

International Classification:

B32B 27/08

US Classification:

4283193, 4283191, 4283197, 428349, 428480, 428483

Abstract:

A laminate structure includes an internal layer of foamed polymer. The foamed polymer replaces a paperboard layer used in prior laminate structures. Built upon the foamed polymer are three layers of low density polyethylene (LDPE), a layer of aluminum foil, and a tie layer. The foamed polymer may be polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene, high density polyethylene HDPE, LDPE, polystyrene, compositions comprising any of these polymers, or any other suitable foamed polymer compositions. The first LDPE layer coats a first surface of the foamed polymer, and the second LDPE layer coats a second surface of the foamed polymer. The aluminum foil layer is applied atop the second LDPE layer. The exposed surface of the aluminum foil is then coated with the tie layer, which is then topped with a third layer of LDPE. A non-polar homogeneous heat seal may be created at a temperature ranging from 250 F.

US Patent:

49345907, Jun 19, 1990

Filed:

May 17, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/353052

Inventors:

Arthur W. Robichaud - Worthington OH
Charles D. Miller - Rockford IL
Frank R. Wilgus - Powell OH

Assignee:

Combibloc, Inc. - Columbus OH

International Classification:

B65D 574

US Classification:

22912509

Abstract:

A closure for opening and reclosing a package includes a base attachable to the top of the package over a scored area thereof, and a lever pivotally connected to the base at a rearward portion of the base so that by pivoting the lever, a portion of the lever penetrates the scored area of the package, and eventually, another portion of the lever seats over the open area of the package to provide a pouring spout. A removable cover is provided over the seating portion of the lever so that re-opening and resealing of the package occurs by removing the cover.

US Patent:

49250345, May 15, 1990

Filed:

May 19, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/354365

Inventors:

Arthur R. Robichaud - Worthington OH
Frank R. Wilgus - Powell OH
Warren C. Tyler - Powell OH
Jack Holmes - Cowiche WA

Assignee:

Combibloc, Inc. - Columbus OH

International Classification:

B65D 570

US Classification:

206603

Abstract:

A fitment for a package is stamped out of polystyrene strips and then hot melt adhesive bonded to the package so that a tab portion of the fitment overlies an openable flap formed by a score line in the package. The package is opened by rotating the tab so that the forward portion of the tab pushes the openable flap into the container. Since the forward portion of the tab is adhesively bonded to the openable flap, when a frangible connection between the tab and base fractures, the openable flap and tab can be removed to thereby expose an opening in the package. Rotation of the tab is initiated by pushing downwardly on the forward portion of the tab in order to fracture the score line of the package.

US Patent:

59341599, Aug 10, 1999

Filed:

Feb 9, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/020774

Inventors:

Arthur W. Robichaud - Kittery ME

Assignee:

SIG Combibloc, Inc. - Columbus OH

International Classification:

B67B 716
B67B 700
B67B 704

US Classification:

81 336

Abstract:

The present invention is an opener for a package closure. The opener is designed to work with a push tab that has a depressable end which may pierce the package. The opener has a handle and a protrusion. The protrusion may be attached to the handle, or the protrusion may be attached to an angled portion which is attached to the handle. The protrusion is adapted to be positioned on the depressable end of the push tab. The opener may also include a prong which is adapted to fit in an air vent of the push tab. The prong may be attached to the handle, or the prong may be attached to an angled portion which is attached to the handle. The protrusion is spaced from the prong so that it is positioned on the depressable end of the push tab when the prong is positioned in the air vent. When the protrusion is positioned on the depressable end of the push tab, the user may apply sufficient downward force to the handle of the opener in order to cause the depressable end of the push tab to pierce and open the package.

US Patent:

60624701, May 16, 2000

Filed:

Apr 3, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/054795

Inventors:

Arthur W. Robichaud - Kittery ME

Assignee:

SIG Combibloc Inc. - Columbus OH

International Classification:

B65D 554

US Classification:

229216

Abstract:

The present invention is directed to a package having a tear-away opening. The package comprises an outer substrate layer, an inner aseptic layer secured to the outer substrate layer, and a cut in the outer substrate layer. In order to preserve the product in the package, the cut is of a predetermined depth such that the cut does not puncture the inner aseptic layer. The cut, however, is sufficiently deep so that a predetermined portion of the package may be torn off at the cut. The present invention also includes methods for manufacturing and opening a package having a tear-away opening. The method for manufacturing a package having a tear-away opening generally includes the steps of providing an outer substrate layer, securing an inner aseptic layer to the outer substrate layer, making a cut of predetermined depth in the outer substrate layer such that the cut does not puncture the inner aseptic layer, and then forming a package. After the package has been formed, a predetermined portion of the package may be torn away at the cut. The method for opening a package having a tear-away opening is initiated by extending a flap from a side of the package.

US Patent:

57824045, Jul 21, 1998

Filed:

Dec 31, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/775759

Inventors:

Arthur W. Robichaud - Worthington OH
Dennis W. Bender - Worthington OH

Assignee:

Combibloc, Inc. - Columbus OH

International Classification:

B65D 7728

US Classification:

2291031

Abstract:

An improved straw hole design for a drink package which allows venting to occur in air gaps around the straw while the straw is inserted in the straw hole. This invention prevents the common problem of squirting or spill-over out of the top of the straw when a drink box is squeezed or otherwise compressed. Several embodiments are disclosed in which a "C" shaped pre-cut, a "U" shaped pre-cut and "V" shaped pre-cut are incorporated into the package for later insertion of the straw.