Timothy D May

US Patent:

6450686, Sep 17, 2002

Filed:

Nov 29, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/725974

Inventors:

Timothy J. May - Greenville WI

Assignee:

Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. - Richmond VA

International Classification:

B65D 3316

US Classification:

383 64, 24416

Abstract:

A resealable, flexible package having a reinforced slider device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the flexible package includes a resealable closure mechanism, such as a recloseable zipper for selective opening and closing of the package. The zipper includes a first and second closure profile. A slider device is operably mounted on the zipper for selectively opening and closing the resealable zipper. The slider device has a top wall and first and second sidewalls depending from the top wall. The slider device includes a reinforcement structure to increase the force required to remove the slider device from the flexible package. In one embodiment, the slider device includes at least one rib member integral with and extending outwardly from the top wall and each of the sidewalls. In another embodiment, the slider device includes a first and second rib member constructed and arranged to reinforce the top wall and each of the sidewalls at separate locations. Accordingly, the rib members increase the rigidity of the slider device, thereby increasing the force required to remove the slider device from the flexible package.

US Patent:

6491432, Dec 10, 2002

Filed:

Nov 29, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/726065

Inventors:

Timothy J. May - Greenville WI

Assignee:

Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. - Richmond VA

International Classification:

B65D 3316

US Classification:

383 64, 24400, 24427

Abstract:

A slider device is disclosed for use with a resealable package. The slider device includes structure for preventing or minimizing the likelihood that the slider device can be removed from the resealable package. In one embodiment, the slider device includes a top wall and first and second sidewalls depending from the top wall. The first sidewall has a barb member extending inwardly toward the first closure profile of the resealable closure mechanism. The barb member is constructed and arranged to engage the first closure profile in response to a pulling force on the slider device away from the resealable closure mechanism. In another embodiment, the first sidewall also includes a hook construction defining a flange to slidably cover a shoulder of the first closure profile. The hook construction and flange define an offset that is constructed and arranged to engage the shoulder of the first closure profile in response to a pulling force on the slider device away from the resealable closure mechanism. In yet another embodiment, the second sidewall defines a slide channel for receiving a tongue member cantilevered from the second closure profile.

US Patent:

7743474, Jun 29, 2010

Filed:

May 8, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/382136

Inventors:

Timothy James May - Appleton WI, US

Assignee:

Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. - Richmond VA

International Classification:

B65D 33/16

US Classification:

2458512, 24DIG 50

Abstract:

A zipper closure for a polymeric package includes a plurality of profile members on a first polymeric surface, where one and not more than one of these plurality of profile members is colored differently from the remaining profile members on the same polymeric surface. The differently colored profile members provide a visual reference for properly orienting the zipper closure to the polymeric packaging during manufacture.

US Patent:

7758242, Jul 20, 2010

Filed:

May 31, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/421205

Inventors:

Timothy James May - Appleton WI, US
Greg W. Melchoir - Green Bay WI, US

Assignee:

Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. - Richmond VA

International Classification:

B65D 33/16
A44B 19/00

US Classification:

383 63, 2458512

Abstract:

A reclosable zipper having a sealant applied thereon, for use in a polymeric bag. The reclosable zipper includes a first and second closure member, with each closure member having an interior surface and an exterior surface. A first sealant is present on the exterior surface of each of the first and second closure profiles; this sealant is used to attach a polymeric film that forms a bag body. A second sealant is present on the interior surface of each of the first and second closure profiles; this sealant enhances the seal between the closure profiles at the side edges of the bag.

US Patent:

20060269169, Nov 30, 2006

Filed:

May 25, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/420259

Inventors:

Catherine Kettner - Appleton WI, US
Steven Gradl - Appleton WI, US
Michael Schreiter - Appleton WI, US
Timothy May - Appleton WI, US
Greg Melchoir - Green Bay WI, US
Chad Hendrick - DePere WI, US

International Classification:

B65D 33/14
B65D 33/16
A44B 19/00

US Classification:

383005000, 383063000, 383064000, 024585120

Abstract:

A closure has at least one channel portion adapted to receive an interlocking profile portion. The channel has at least one window permitting visual inspection of a profile interlocked therein. At least one profile is disposed for interlocking with the channel and includes a stem joined to the closure and one or more latching projections formed by a frangible connection to the stem, wherein one or more projections are adapted to cooperatively interlock with the channel portion of the closure, thereby sealing the closure. In one closure, a tamper evident structure is included in the form of a slider having a shaver to engage in shaving contact with interlocking closure members when passed along the closure in a direction opposite to the closing direction. The various closure members can include different colors. The closures can be used on bag structures.

US Patent:

20090154843, Jun 18, 2009

Filed:

Feb 20, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/389763

Inventors:

TIMOTHY JAMES MAY - Appleton WI, US

Assignee:

Reynolds Consumer Products, Inc. - Richmond VA

International Classification:

B65D 33/16
B31B 1/90
B65D 33/30

US Classification:

383 63, 493214, 493215

Abstract:

A zipper closure for a polymeric package includes a plurality of profile members on a first polymeric surface, where one and not more than one of these plurality of profile members is colored differently from the remaining profile members on the same polymeric surface. The differently colored profile members provide a visual reference for properly orienting the zipper closure to the polymeric packaging during manufacture.

US Patent:

20090190860, Jul 30, 2009

Filed:

Oct 11, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/870464

Inventors:

Catherine E. Kettner - Appleton WI, US
Timothy J. May - Appleton WI, US

International Classification:

B65D 33/00
B65D 33/16
B65B 7/02

US Classification:

383 5, 383 63, 53476

Abstract:

A reclosable package having a zipper closure that includes areas of weakness that, upon opening of the zipper closure, permanently damage at least one of the closure members that form the zipper closure. The package user can readily discern if the zipper closure has been previously opened.

US Patent:

56139349, Mar 25, 1997

Filed:

Apr 4, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/627539

Inventors:

Timothy J. May - Greenville WI

Assignee:

Reynolds Consumer Products Inc. - Appleton WI

International Classification:

B31B 190

US Classification:

493214

Abstract:

A tear guide arrangement for opening a package from a sealed form, the package having first and second opposing films, comprises first and second opposing base strips, first and second opposing tear guide strips, and sealant material. The first and second base strips are disposed between the first and second films and are adapted for attachment to the respective first and second films. The first base strip has upper and lower sides and the second base strip has upper and lower sides. The first and second base strips are composed of a first polymeric material. The first and second tear guide strips are disposed generally parallel to and co-planar with the respective first and second base strips. The first and second tear guide strips are detachably connected to the upper sides of the respective first and second base strips to form respective breakable bonds. The first and second tear guide strips are composed of a second polymeric material which is stiffer than the first polymeric material.