Apparatus and method for manufacturing reinforced containers
AssigneePactiv Corporation
InventorsDimitri Stamatiou, Shawn L. Petera, Evan L. Ryan
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Various embodiments of the apparatus and methods are configured to make containers such as disposable reinforced cups using reinforcing members configured to be respectively attached to cups. The apparatus and method of various embodiments of the present disclosure sequentially heat different or selective portions of the heat activated adhesive on the reinforcing member at multiple sequential stages, steps or times to attach the reinforcing member to the container.
Claims47
A method of making a reinforced container, said method comprising:
- (a) providing a reinforcing member configured to be attached to a substantial portion of an outer surface of a side wall of a body of a container, said reinforcing member having an inner surface completely or substantially completely coated with a heat activated adhesive;
- (b) heating the adhesive at a central portion of the reinforcing member;
- (c) attaching the central portion of the reinforcing member to the outer surface of the side wall of the body of the container;
- and
- (d) thereafter,
- (i) heating the adhesive on a trailing portion of the reinforcing member and attaching the trailing portion of the reinforcing member to the outer surface of the side wall of the body of the container;
- and
- (ii) heating the adhesive on a leading portion of the reinforcing member and attaching the leading portion of the reinforcing member to the outer surface of the side wall of the body of the container.
A container reinforcing apparatus comprising:
- a container conveyor;
- and
- a reinforcing member applicator including:
- (a) a reinforcing member supply holder,
- (b) a reinforcing member mover including a plurality of reinforcing member holders, each said reinforcing member holder including a first adhesive heater, and
- (c) at least one reinforcing member attachment pad, each reinforcing member attachment pad including a second different adhesive heater.
A container reinforcing apparatus comprising:
- a container conveyor;
- and
- a reinforcing member applicator including:
- (a) a reinforcing member supply holder,
- (b) a first reinforcing member mover including a plurality of reinforcing member holders,
- (c) a first adhesive heater external to the reinforcing member holders, and
- (d) at least one reinforcing member attachment pad, each reinforcing member attachment pad including a second different adhesive heater.
A reinforced container manufactured by a process comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing a reinforcing member configured to be attached to a substantial portion of an outer surface of a side wall of a body of a container, said reinforcing member having an inner surface completely or substantially completely coated with a heat activated adhesive;
- (b) heating the adhesive at a central portion of the reinforcing member;
- (c) attaching the central portion of the reinforcing member to the outer surface of the side wall of the body of the container;
- and
- (d) thereafter,
- (i) heating the adhesive on a trailing portion of the reinforcing member and attaching the trailing portion of the reinforcing member to the outer surface of the side wall of the body of the container;
- and
- (ii) heating the adhesive on a leading portion of the reinforcing member and attaching the leading portion of the reinforcing member to the outer surface of the side wall of the body of the container.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.