A device (1) for evacuating gas from a package (50) in a packaging apparatus, the package (50) having an open end (55), the open end (55) having a terminal portion (54), a non-terminal portion (52), and an intermediate portion (53) located between the terminal portion (54) and the non-terminal portion (52) of the open end (55), the device (1) comprising a vacuum chamber (10) having an elongated opening (14) extending along a longitudinal axis of the vacuum chamber (10), an evacuation means configured for providing the vacuum chamber (10) with an internal vacuum pressure that is lower than an ambient pressure outside the vacuum chamber (10), means for moving (30) a package (50) relative to the vacuum chamber (10), and a control unit (60) programmed for controlling the means for moving (30) to relatively move a package (50) to be evacuated with respect to the vacuum chamber (10), the package (50) and the means for moving (30) each being arranged with respect to the vacuum chamber (10) so that a main movement direction (40) of packages (50) placed on the means for moving (30) and the longitudinal axis of the vacuum chamber (10) are substantially parallel to one another, the package (50) to be evacuated being positioned so that, during the relative movement of the package (50) with respect to the vacuum chamber (10), a terminal portion (54) of the open end (55) of the package (50) relatively moves within the vacuum chamber (10) and a non-terminal portion (52) of the open end (55) relatively moves outside the vacuum chamber (10), an intermediate portion (53) of the open end (55) passing through and relatively moving along the opening (14), and activating the evacuation means to provide the vacuum chamber (10) with the internal vacuum pressure. A packaging process using the gas evacuation device and a packaging apparatus including the device are also disclosed.

An electronic media case includes an electronic display device powered by a battery that includes a display screen. The electronic media case also includes a display housing that has a first flap and a first plurality of foldable tabs surrounding the electronic display device. A viewing window is cut into the first flap, exposing the display screen through the first flap. The electronic media case also includes a folding case that has a second flap to which the foldable tabs of the first plurality of foldable tabs are connected. The folding case also has a third flap connected to the second flap at a first folding interface. The electronic media case includes a media sleeve that is connected to the third flap.

The present invention is directed to a produce bag. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a completely recyclable and compostable grocery-type bag for use with produce and other goods. Ideally, the bag is a calendared single-ply paper with heat-sealed seams that is resistant to destruction from moisture. While produce is contemplated, the bag can be used to contain virtually any product. Preferably, such a bag would have a window or an opening so that produce can be viewed and readily identified.

The present invention is further directed to a process for creating and filling the above bag. Using a standard printing machine, the adhesive is printed onto the paper in register to desired locations on the paper to form the seams of the bag and, optionally border a window area to be cut out of the paper. If the bag is to include a window opening, the window opening is cut out within the area of applied heat-activated adhesive and a screen cover to the window such that the border of the screen cover is applied to overlap the heat-activated adhesive. Optionally, a recyclable and compostable patch can be placed around the window such that the patch covers the edge of the screen and the heat-activated adhesive to form a border for the window. The patch and screen cover to the window, if present, are adhesively sealed to the paper by heat activation. One method of assembling the bag includes forming the adhesive applied paper to create a tube of paper such that the heat-activated adhesive overlaps the paper, heat sealing the paper into a tube, automatedly filling the tube with product, heat sealing the bottom edge and top edge of the product-filled tube to form an enclosed bag with product therein. The forming and filling can be accomplished on already existing automated forming and filling machines manufactured for use with plastic bags and plastic lined paper bags. Thusly creating a sealed, filled paper bag that is a single ply unlined paper with a mesh covering attached to the paper without the need for reinforcement that can withstand the moisture released from the contents and is 100% recyclable and compostable.

A container includes a first blank and a second blank. The first blank includes a plurality of panels foldably connected to one another and erected about an interior space, and a plurality of top flaps foldably connected to the plurality of panels to enclose a top end of the interior space. The second blank includes a bottom panel affixed to the first blank opposite the top flaps to enclose a bottom end of the interior space. The first blank includes a line of weakness pattern configured to allow a user to break the top flaps from a closed configuration enclosing the interior space to an open configuration allowing access to the interior space.

A wrap removal device includes (a) an engagement surface configured to receive a container having an outer wrapping and (b) one or more delivery elements disposed on or in the engagement surface. The one or more delivery elements are configured to generate energy that one or more of melts, cuts, or weakens the outer wrapping along a path without melting, cutting, or modifying the container. The wrap removal device can quickly remove the outer wrapping without damage to the container.

A device (1) for evacuating gas from a package (50) in a packaging apparatus, the package (50) having an open end (55), the open end (55) having a terminal portion (54), a non-terminal portion (52), and an intermediate portion (53) located between the terminal portion (54) and the non-terminal portion (52) of the open end (55), the device (1) comprising a vacuum chamber (10) having an elongated opening (14) extending along a longitudinal axis of the vacuum chamber (10), an evacuation means configured for providing the vacuum chamber (10) with an internal vacuum pressure that is lower than an ambient pressure outside the vacuum chamber (10), means for moving (30) a package (50) relative to the vacuum chamber (10), and a control unit (60) programmed for controlling the means for moving (30) to relatively move a package (50) to be evacuated with respect to the vacuum chamber (10), the package (50) and the means for moving (30) each being arranged with respect to the vacuum chamber (10) so that a main movement direction (40) of packages (50) placed on the means for moving (30) and the longitudinal axis of the vacuum chamber (10) are substantially parallel to one another, the package (50) to be evacuated being positioned so that, during the relative movement of the package (50) with respect to the vacuum chamber (10), a terminal portion (54) of the open end (55) of the package (50) relatively moves within the vacuum chamber (10) and a non-terminal portion (52) of the open end (55) relatively moves outside the vacuum chamber (10), an intermediate portion (53) of the open end (55) passing through and relatively moving along the opening (14), and activating the evacuation means to provide the vacuum chamber (10) with the internal vacuum pressure. A packaging process using the gas evacuation device and a packaging apparatus including the device are also disclosed.

A container includes a first blank and a second blank. The first blank includes a plurality of panels foldably connected to one another and erected about an interior space, and a plurality of top flaps foldably connected to the plurality of panels to enclose a top end of the interior space. The second blank includes a bottom panel affixed to the first blank opposite the top flaps to enclose a bottom end of the interior space. The first blank includes a line of weakness pattern configured to allow a user to break the top flaps from a closed configuration enclosing the interior space to an open configuration allowing access to the interior space.

A food product gathering and dispensing system is disclosed. The food product is generally a flat disc shaped article dispensed onto a consumable strip of food product conveyer material. The food product is fed to single, or series related, spools that wind up the consumable conveyer material and food product into a removable roll. The roll is placed into a dispenser pack, optionally subject to further environmental treatment, and refrigeration. The pack is then installed within a refrigerated dispenser system where the food product and consumable material are collectively unwound and separated, as the food product is fed into a processing system, i.e., a cooking device. The consumable conveyer material is collected and separately discarded.

A flexible container formed of flexible web material is provided. The container includes four panels forming: a body portion; a neck portion; a flare portion extending from the neck portion; and a tapered transition portion between the body and neck portions; wherein the neck portion has a reduced width and the flare portion has an expanded end. Also disclosed is a method of forming the aforementioned container comprising steps of: biasing the expanded end to define a circumference; moving, via a mandrel comprising a groove, the fitment within the circumference and through the expanded end to a first position in the neck; transversely cutting away the expanded end by advancing preferably v-shaped blades through the neck and into the groove preferably without rotation of the mandrel, container, or blades; moving the fitment to a second position in the neck; and sealing the neck to the fitment.

The applicator assembly delivers a cosmetic, health, or hygiene chemical composition in an active state to the user for a disposable single use. The applicator assembly includes a wrapper, and an insert. The insert holds the chemical composition, and the insert is made of a foam composition compatible with the chemical composition. The system and method for manufacturing the assembly is a web conversion process for the chemical composition and foam composition of the assembly. The system and method for manufacturing the assembly includes a first roll, wrapper material, a second roll, foam material, a foam cutter, a dispenser, a flatbed hot seal packager, a sheet cutter, and an outfeed conveyor.