Patents by Inventor Gregory Alan Lathrop

Gregory Alan Lathrop 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).

  • Patent number: 6780362
    Abstract: Modular die or mold assemblies comprise a platform, and at least one die or mold unit which is releaseably connected to the platform. The invention permits rapid changing of molds or dies, especially in the manufacture of detergent bars, such as soap bars. Surface ornamentation such as logos can be imparted to the detergent bars either directly from the stamping surface of the dies, from the stamping surface of the dies through an elastomeric lining, or from the surface of the elastomeric lining; in the latter case the indicia is imparted by a mold used to prepare the lining. The modular molds may be used where it is desired to coat the dies with elastomer, particularly where logos are imparted to the elastomeric layer, and where it may be desirable to change the logos, e.g., by changing the modular mold units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care, USA division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Ross Story, Daniel John Heinz, Pasquale Michael Buzzeo, Gregory Alan Lathrop
  • Patent number: 6464106
    Abstract: Improved bottles for dispensing liquid household products such as liquid detergents and fabric softeners. The package is comprised of a multilayer body in which the inner layer includes polyethylene made with a metallocene catalyst. The bottles have improved stress cracks resistance yet may be lighter then traditional bottles. They may be made by blow molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward John Giblin, Arnold Brown, Suzanne Benigni, Jeannine Desmond Griffiths, Gregory Alan Lathrop
  • Patent number: 6398076
    Abstract: A fitment and the combination of fitment and bottle and/or closure, particularly for dispensing household products such as heavy duty liquid detergents and fabric softeners. The fitment of the invention comprises an outer circumferential wall which extends upwardly, a connecting web extending inwardly, a downwardly extending inner circumferential wall, a floor extending inwardly from the bottom of the inner circumferential wall, and a pour spout extending upwardly from an inner end of the floor. The inner circumferential wall includes internal fasteners suitable for securing a closure to the fitment. The fitment may be secured to the container finish by complementary fasteners such as internal threads on the fitment and external threads on the finish. The fitment finds particular utility in containers wherein the bottle body is translucent or transparent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward John Giblin, Gregory Alan Lathrop
  • Publication number: 20020011498
    Abstract: A spout, especially suitable for a heavy duty liquid detergent container fitment, is made by thermoforming. Preferably the spout is part of a fitment which includes a bottom wall extending from the bottom of the spout wall, a circumscribing wall surrounding the spout and extending from the bottom of the bottom wall and a peripheral radially extending flange extending from the top of the circumscribing wall. The thermoformed spout/fitment finds special use in plastic containers having inside blown threads. The inside blown threads mate with external threads on a closure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: EDWARD JOHN GIBLIN, GREGORY ALAN LATHROP
  • Patent number: 6082588
    Abstract: A dual interlocked chamber dispenser having pumps for each chamber. An adapter which connects the chambers to the pump shell is snap fit to the chambers. The chambers may be of various desirable ergonomic shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Joseph Markey, Mark Douglas Gerhart, Gregory Alan Lathrop
  • Patent number: 5979747
    Abstract: A carrier for multiple packages. The carrier is particularly suitable for packages containing household products such as detergent bottles or cartons. The carrier includes dividing walls which in two embodiments are hinged together at the top. The dividing walls may also be hinged together at the sides. The carrier provides side walls and a bottom to hold the package in place. The carrier does not require shrink wrap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company
    Inventors: David Gnadt, Gregory Alan Lathrop
  • Patent number: 5918922
    Abstract: A scoop having good structural strength, particularly for use in powdered laundry detergents and other powdered household products. A plurality of ribs projects outwardly or inwardly from the rear sidewall and preferably extends at least 60% of the height of the sidewall. In addition, the ribs are tapered from side to side and top to bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1999
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company
    Inventors: Gregory Alan Lathrop, Edward John Giblin
  • Patent number: 5868283
    Abstract: An improved container and closure therefore. The improved container includes a finish, a body extending downwardly from the finish, a fitment fit within the finish, the fitment including a pour spout extending upwardly, and a closure. The closure includes an upper wall having a product exit, which permits egress of the product. The product exit is reclosable so that in the closed position no product can escape from the container, wherein as in the open position product can be selectively dispensed from the container without removing the entire closure from the bottle. If so desired, the consumer can leave the product exit in the closed position, unscrew the closure from the bottle and use the inverted closure as a measuring cup for the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Tracie Wilson, Gregory Alan Lathrop
  • Patent number: 5862949
    Abstract: A dual bottle formed by two separable interlocked compartments held together by a girdle The girdle includes pressure plates and straps holding it in place. The front walls of the compartments are recessed to accommodate the girdle. The chambers preferably each contain different ingredients and have product exit apertures. The product emerges from a common closure. Preferably the chambers and girdles are identical, which simplifies manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Joseph Markey, Mark Douglas Gerhart, Gregory Alan Lathrop, Frank Gonda, Karl Dallas Kirk, III, Bartoez Matthew Marzynski, James Troy Collins, III
  • Patent number: D451243
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Unilever Home & Personal Care USA, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Melissa Iva Katz, Gregory Alan Lathrop, Daniel John Heinz
  • Patent number: D380159
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Alan Lathrop, Mark Douglas Gerhart, David Frederic Gnadt, Kevin Joseph Markey, Frank Edward Gonda, David Scott Laubach
  • Patent number: D381911
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Alan Lathrop, Mark Douglas Gerhart, David Frederic Gnadt
  • Patent number: D382482
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Alan Lathrop, Mark Douglas Gerhart, David Frederic Gnadt
  • Patent number: D392561
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company
    Inventors: Kevin Joseph Markey, Mark Douglas Gerhart, Gregory Alan Lathrop, Frank Gonda, Karl Dallas Kirk, III, Bartoez Matthew Marzynski, James Troy Collins, III
  • Patent number: D401507
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company, Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Gonda, David Scott Laubach, Gregory Alan Lathrop, Joyce Lynn Kruse
  • Patent number: D408288
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company,
    Inventors: Tracie Wilson, Gregory Alan Lathrop
  • Patent number: D409903
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Lever Brothers Company
    Inventors: Kevin Joseph Markey, Mark Douglas Gerhart, Gregory Alan Lathrop