Apparatus and method for a structurally resilient package

US9902517B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Frito-Lay North America, Inc. · US
• Douglas Machine Inc. · US

Inventors

• Parick Joseph Bierschenk · Dallas, US
• Frank Mathew Brenkus · معلمی نژاد, US
• Ronald Matthew Gust · Miltona, US
• Leon J. Krause · Miltona, US
• Sunitha Nair · Dallas, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 30, 2014
• Grant date: Feb 27, 2018
• Expiry date: Jul 14, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65B61/28
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method and apparatus for making a structurally resilient package having a substantially box-shaped configuration is disclosed. A pillow pouch package is received onto a flighted conveyor. The pillow pouch package has a first squared end and an angular end located opposite to the first squared end. The pillow pouch package is received so that the first squared end rests on the flighted conveyor. Thereafter the pillow pouch package is conditioned at least in part by tamping the angular end with a tamping plate. The angular end of the package is subsequently heat treated to form a second squared end. A set of cooling plates is then applied to the second squared end to set the final shape and form the structurally resilient package having a substantially box-shaped configuration.