Patents by Inventor Craig E. Cappel
Craig E. Cappel has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 7178309Abstract: The present invention relates to a process used for packaging a product in a web of material that has a zipper attached thereto. The process includes providing a web of material having first and second edges and a zipper including first and second interlocking members. The first and second interlocking members of the zipper are interlocked together. The first interlocking member of the zipper is attached to the web at an intermediate portion of the web between the first and second edges of the web. The second interlocking member has an attachment region that is facing away from the web. One edge of the web is folded away from the zipper and toward the other edge of the web. Unit operations are performed on the zipper to create zipper segments from the zipper while the zipper is exposed. Each of the zipper segments is associated with an individual food package made from the web.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Pactiv CorporationInventors: Toby R. Thomas, Alexander R. Provan, Craig E. Cappel, Larry E. Benedict, Gerald R. Winiecki
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Patent number: 7114310Abstract: The present invention relates to a process used for packaging a product in a web of material that has a zipper attached thereto. The process includes providing a web of material having first and second edges and a zipper including first and second interlocking members. The first and second interlocking members of the zipper are interlocked together. The first interlocking member of the zipper is attached to the web at an intermediate portion of the web between the first and second edges of the web. The second interlocking member has an attachment region that is facing away from the web. One edge of the web is folded away from the zipper and toward the other edge of the web. Unit operations are performed on the zipper to create zipper segments from the zipper while the zipper is exposed. Each of the zipper segments is associated with an individual food package made from the web.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2005Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Pactiv CorporationInventors: Toby R. Thomas, Alexander R. Provan, Craig E. Cappel, Larry E. Benedict, Gerald R. Winiecki
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Patent number: 7008106Abstract: A plastic bag comprises opposing body panels fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. A reclosable zipper extending along a mouth portion formed opposite the sealed bottom of the plastic bag. The zipper is preferably free of graspable upper pull flanges in order to best accommodate a slider and inhibit operation of the zipper without the slider. The slider is mounted to the zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position. The zipper is closed while the slider is in the closed position. The zipper is opened in response to movement of the slider to the open position. To inhibit tampering with the contents of the bag, the bag includes a tamper-evident feature. In one set of embodiments, the tamper-evident feature initially maintains the slider in the closed position and allows the slider to move away from the closed position toward the open position in response to removing or breaking the tamper-evident feature.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2002Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Pactiv CorporationInventor: Craig E. Cappel
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Patent number: 6918234Abstract: The present invention relates to a process used for packaging a product in a web of material that has a zipper attached thereto. The process includes providing a web of material having first and second edges and a zipper including first and second interlocking members. The first and second interlocking members of the zipper are interlocked together. The first interlocking member of the zipper is attached to the web at an intermediate portion of the web between the first and second edges of the web. The second interlocking member has an attachment region that is facing away from the web. One edge of the web is folded away from the zipper and toward the other edge of the web. Unit operations are performed on the zipper to create zipper segments from the zipper while the zipper is exposed. Each of the zipper segments is associated with an individual food package made from the web.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2003Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Assignee: Pactiv CorporationInventors: Toby R. Thomas, Alexander R. Provan, Craig E. Cappel, Larry E. Benedict, Gerald R. Winiecki
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Patent number: 6780146Abstract: Methods are provided for making slider-operated fasteners for use in reclosable plastic bags using at least a double index and dual unit operations. The methods involve forming two preseals, forming two notches within the preseals, applying two sliders into the previously formed notches, and applying two end stops proximate the previously applied sliders by having the various stations perform their respective functions, either simultaneously or at generally the same time, on different parts of the fastener spaced approximately at a double index. Also provided are methods of producing finished bags by applying the slider-operated fastener to a flat web of plastic film and conveying the web to a vertical or a horizontal form-fill-seal machine.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2002Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Pactiv CorporationInventors: Toby R. Thomas, Nathan A. Kolovich, Craig E. Cappel, Timothy W. Pistner, Alexander R. Provan
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Patent number: 6712509Abstract: A plastic bag comprises opposing body panels fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. A reclosable zipper extending along a mouth portion formed opposite the sealed bottom of the plastic bag. The zipper is preferably free of graspable upper pull flanges in order to best accommodate a slider and inhibit operation of the zipper without the slider. The slider is mounted to the zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position. The zipper is closed while the slider is in the closed position. The zipper is opened in response to movement of the slider to the open position. To inhibit tampering with the contents of the bag, the bag includes a tamper-evident feature. In one set of embodiments, the tamper-evident feature initially maintains the slider in the closed position and allows the slider to move away from the closed position toward the open position in response to removing or breaking the tamper-evident feature.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2002Date of Patent: March 30, 2004Assignee: Pactiv CorporationInventor: Craig E. Cappel
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Publication number: 20040050017Abstract: Methods are provided for making slider-operated fasteners for use in reclosable plastic bags using at least a double index and dual unit operations. The methods involve forming two preseals, forming two notches within the preseals, applying two sliders into the previously formed notches, and applying two end stops proximate the previously applied sliders by having the various stations perform their respective functions, either simultaneously or at generally the same time, on different parts of the fastener spaced approximately at a double index. Also provided are methods of producing finished bags by applying the slider-operated fastener to a flat web of plastic film and conveying the web to a vertical or a horizontal form-fill-seal machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2002Publication date: March 18, 2004Inventors: Toby R. Thomas, Nathan A. Kolovich, Craig E. Cappel, Timothy W. Pistner, Alexander R. Provan
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Publication number: 20040026423Abstract: A reclosable package includes a tray, a top sheet, and a fastener. The tray has a well for receiving contents and a peripheral flange surrounding the well. The top sheet is attached to the peripheral flange. The fastener has two interlocking members, one attached to the peripheral flange and the other attached to the top sheet. A tamper-evident feature located on the package prevents access to the fastener and is connected thereto by one or two lines of weaknesses. In one embodiment with one or two lines of weakness in the top sheet, the fastener remains adjacent to the tray's peripheral flange, which is intact after the tamper-evident feature is removed by tearing along these lines of weakness. In a second embodiment with two lines of weakness, the tamper-evident feature, comprised of portions of the peripheral flange and the top sheet, is torn from the package along both lines of weakness.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 8, 2002Publication date: February 12, 2004Applicant: Pharmacia CorporationInventors: Craig E. Cappel, Gary E. Rehwinkel, Russell J. Talbo, Johann Natterer
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Patent number: 6663283Abstract: A plastic bag comprises opposing body panels fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. A reclosable zipper extending along a mouth portion formed opposite the sealed bottom of the plastic bag. The zipper is preferably free of graspable upper pull flanges in order to best accommodate a slider and inhibit operation of the zipper without the slider. The slider is mounted to the zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position. The zipper is closed while the slider is in the closed position. The zipper is opened in response to movement of the slider to the open position. To inhibit tampering with the contents of the bag, the bag includes a tamper-evident feature. In one set of embodiments, the tamper-evident feature initially maintains the slider in the closed position and allows the slider to move away from the closed position toward the open position in response to removing or breaking the tamper-evident feature.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2001Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Assignee: Pactiv CorporationInventor: Craig E. Cappel
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Publication number: 20030208989Abstract: The present invention relates to a process used for packaging a product in a web of material that has a zipper attached thereto. The process includes providing a web of material having first and second edges and a zipper including first and second interlocking members. The first and second interlocking members of the zipper are interlocked together. The first interlocking member of the zipper is attached to the web at an intermediate portion of the web between the first and second edges of the web. The second interlocking member has an attachment region that is facing away from the web. One edge of the web is folded away from the zipper and toward the other edge of the web. Unit operations are performed on the zipper to create zipper segments from the zipper while the zipper is exposed. Each of the zipper segments is associated with an individual food package made from the web.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2003Publication date: November 13, 2003Inventors: Toby R. Thomas, Alexander R. Provan, Craig E. Cappel, Larry E. Benedict, Gerald R. Winiecki
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Patent number: 6575625Abstract: A plastic bag comprises opposing body panels fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. A reclosable zipper extending along a mouth portion formed opposite the sealed bottom of the plastic bag. The zipper is preferably free of graspable upper pull flanges in order to best accommodate a slider and inhibit operation of the zipper without the slider. The slider is mounted to the zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position. The zipper is closed while the slider is in the closed position. The zipper is opened in response to movement of the slider to the open position. To inhibit tampering with the contents of the bag, the bag includes a tamper-evident feature. In one set of embodiments, the tamper-evident feature initially maintains the slider in the closed position and allows the slider to move away from the closed position toward the open position in response to removing or breaking the tamper-evident feature.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2001Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Pactiv CorporationInventors: Craig E. Cappel, Michael W. McManus
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Publication number: 20030063819Abstract: A plastic bag comprises opposing body panels fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. A reclosable zipper extending along a mouth portion formed opposite the sealed bottom of the plastic bag. The zipper is preferably free of graspable upper pull flanges in order to best accommodate a slider and inhibit operation of the zipper without the slider. The slider is mounted to the zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position. The zipper is closed while the slider is in the closed position. The zipper is opened in response to movement of the slider to the open position. To inhibit tampering with the contents of the bag, the bag includes a tamper-evident feature. In one set of embodiments, the tamper-evident feature initially maintains the slider in the closed position and allows the slider to move away from the closed position toward the open position in response to removing or breaking the tamper-evident feature.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2002Publication date: April 3, 2003Inventor: Craig E. Cappel
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Patent number: 6517473Abstract: A device and method for installing sliders onto fasteners for plastic bags includes a rotor having one or more slider pockets for carrying sliders and one or more notch cutting tools for cutting notches in a fastener. A slider is put into a slider pocket and the rotor is actuated to cut a notch in a fastener and position a slider in the notch. The fastener is then advanced, sliding the slider onto the fastener.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2001Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Pactiv CorporationInventor: Craig E. Cappel
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Patent number: 6460238Abstract: An assembly and method for installing sliders and end terminations onto a reclosable zipper for plastic bags is disclosed. The assembly includes a base with a cam path. A rotor is mounted on the base and includes at least one slider installing member and at least one end termination installing member. The rotor includes a cam follower extending into the cam path and secured to one of the slider installing member and end termination installing member which is reciprocally mounted on the rotor and is reciprocated by the interaction of the cam path and cam follower. At a first point in the rotation of the rotor the slider installing member and the termination installing member are supplied with sliders and terminations. At a second point in the rotation of the rotor the slider and terminations are simultaneously installed onto a zipper.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2001Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Pactiv CorporationInventors: Jon M. LaRue, Craig E. Cappel
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Publication number: 20020097924Abstract: A plastic bag comprises opposing body panels fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. A reclosable zipper extending along a mouth portion formed opposite the sealed bottom of the plastic bag. The zipper is preferably free of graspable upper pull flanges in order to best accommodate a slider and inhibit operation of the zipper without the slider. The slider is mounted to the zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position. The zipper is closed while the slider is in the closed position. The zipper is opened in response to movement of the slider to the open position. To inhibit tampering with the contents of the bag, the bag includes a tamper-evident feature. In one set of embodiments, the tamper-evident feature initially maintains the slider in the closed position and allows the slider to move away from the closed position toward the open position in response to removing or breaking the tamper-evident feature.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2002Publication date: July 25, 2002Inventor: Craig E. Cappel
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Patent number: 6378177Abstract: A fastener for a top-filled tamper-evident reclosable plastic package is disclosed. The package includes first and second opposing panels joined along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging said sides. The fastener includes first and second opposing tracks along a top of the package. The first and second tracks include respective first and second interlocking profiles and respective first and second fins extending from the respective first and second profiles. The first and second fins are joined to each other at their respective lower ends. A preferential area of weakness is disposed along or near the juncture of the first and second fins. While the fastener is attached to the first panel, the fastener initially is at least partially unattached to the second panel so as to allow the package to be filled with a product via a fill opening between the fastener and the second panel. After filling the package with the product, the fill opening is sealed.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Pactiv CorporationInventors: John D. Athans, Craig E. Cappel, Michael W. McManus
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Patent number: 6361209Abstract: A handle bag with a slider closure includes front and back panels sealed along the sides and a gusset top and bottom. A mouth is provided in the bag and a closure that includes a slider is secured to the mouth for opening and closing the mouth. A header is on the bag and provides a platform for equipment that fills and seals the bag. Handles may be provided in the header.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2000Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: Pactiv CorporationInventors: Jon M. LaRue, Craig E. Cappel, Michael E. Marcuccilli
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Publication number: 20020009239Abstract: A plastic bag comprises opposing body panels fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. A reclosable zipper extending along a mouth portion formed opposite the sealed bottom of the plastic bag. The zipper is preferably free of graspable upper pull flanges in order to best accommodate a slider and inhibit operation of the zipper without the slider. The slider is mounted to the zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position. The zipper is closed while the slider is in the closed position. The zipper is opened in response to movement of the slider to the open position. To inhibit tampering with the contents of the bag, the bag includes a tamper-evident feature. In one set of embodiments, the tamper-evident feature initially maintains the slider in the closed position and allows the slider to move away from the closed position toward the open position in response to removing or breaking the tamper-evident feature.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2001Publication date: January 24, 2002Inventors: Craig E. Cappel, Vernon C. Catchman, David V. Dobreski, David J. Thomas, Toby R. Thomas, Michael W. McManus
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Publication number: 20010043762Abstract: A plastic bag comprises opposing body panels fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. A reclosable zipper extending along a mouth portion formed opposite the sealed bottom of the plastic bag. The zipper is preferably free of graspable upper pull flanges in order to best accommodate a slider and inhibit operation of the zipper without the slider. The slider is mounted to the zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position. The zipper is closed while the slider is in the closed position. The zipper is opened in response to movement of the slider to the open position. To inhibit tampering with the contents of the bag, the bag includes a tamper-evident feature. In one set of embodiments, the tamper-evident feature initially maintains the slider in the closed position and allows the slider to move away from the closed position toward the open position in response to removing or breaking the tamper-evident feature.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2001Publication date: November 22, 2001Inventors: Craig E. Cappel, Vernon C. Catchman, David V. Dobreski, David J. Thomas, Toby R. Thomas, Michael W. McManus
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Patent number: 6286999Abstract: A plastic bag comprises opposing body panels fixedly connected to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. A reclosable zipper extending along a mouth portion formed opposite the sealed bottom of the plastic bag. The zipper is preferably free of graspable upper pull flanges in order to best accommodate a slider and inhibit operation of the zipper without the slider. The slider is mounted to the zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position. The zipper is closed while the slider is in the closed position. The zipper is opened in response to movement of the slider to the open position. To inhibit tampering with the contents of the bag, the bag includes a tamper-evident feature. In one set of embodiments, the tamper-evident feature initially maintains the slider in the closed position and allows the slider to move away from the closed position toward the open position in response to removing or breaking the tamper-evident feature.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Pactiv CorporationInventors: Craig E. Cappel, David J. Thomas, Toby R. Thomas