Patents by Inventor James C. Pawloski

James C. Pawloski 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).

  • Publication number: 20110085747
    Abstract: A pouch has an elongate closure mechanism adapted to provide vacuum retention within an interior of the pouch over an extended period of time when sealed. The closure mechanism includes a first pair of interlocking members that resealably mate together, a second pair of interlocking members that resealably mate together, and a pair of sealing members that form an air tight seal separate from the interlocking members disposed between the first and second pairs of interlocking members. The closure members are connected with opposing panels of the pouch in a manner designed to provide differential opening and closing forces. The pouch may include a check valve and air evacuation channels to aid in evacuating air from the interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Brian C. Dais, Bryan L. Ackerman, James C. Pawloski, Robert R. Turvey, Daniel Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20110044565
    Abstract: An enhancement to a closure mechanism includes at least one flange that extends upwardly from an interlocking member of the closure mechanism. A line of transverse indentations is formed into the flange parallel to the interlocking member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: James C. Pawloski, David W. Gustafson
  • Patent number: 7886412
    Abstract: A pouch has an elongate closure mechanism adapted to provide vacuum retention within an interior of the pouch over an extended period of time when sealed. The closure mechanism includes a first pair of interlocking members that resealably mate together, a second pair of interlocking members that resealably mate together, and a pair of sealing members that form an air tight seal separate from the interlocking members disposed between the first and second pairs of interlocking members. The closure members are connected with opposing panels of the pouch in a manner designed to provide differential opening and closing forces. The pouch may include a check valve and air evacuation channels to aid in evacuating air from the interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Dais, Bryan L. Ackerman, James C. Pawloski, Robert R. Turvey, Daniel Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 7874731
    Abstract: A valve for a reclosable container comprises first and second opposing layers of a film material, wherein an overlap region of the second layer overlaps the container, and the first layer is sealed to the second layer around a portion of the second layer. The second layer is sealed to the container around a periphery of the overlap region, and opposing surfaces of the first and second layers form a substantially airtight seal therebetween upon direct contact of the layers. First and second offset apertures extend through the first and second layers, respectively. One of the first and second apertures is in fluid communication with an interior of the container and the other of the first and second apertures is in fluid communication with an exterior of the container. Vacuum pressure disposed over both of the first and second apertures causes the first layer to separate from the second layer to allow air to exhaust from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Turvey, Brian C. Dais, Bryan L. Ackerman, James C. Pawloski, Daniel P. Zimmerman, Amanda A. Jones
  • Patent number: 7857515
    Abstract: An airtight closure mechanism for a reclosable pouch includes first and second complementary closure elements, the first closure element comprising a first interlocking profile and the second closure element comprising a complementary second interlocking profile. First and second sealing sections are disposed on respective complementary sides of the first and second interlocking profiles. The first sealing section includes a first protuberance having a first distal surface, a second protuberance having a second distal surface, and a sealing flange attached to and extending between the first and second distal surfaces of the first and second protuberances, respectively. The second sealing section includes a sealing member disposed on a base of the second closure element. The sealing member is located a distance from the second interlocking profile that places a distal surface thereof between the first and second protuberances when the first and second interlocking profiles are occluded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Dais, Robert R. Turvey, James C. Pawloski, Bryan L. Ackerman, Daniel P. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 7850368
    Abstract: A reclosable pouch comprises a body portion having first and second pouch walls. A first closure mechanism is disposed on internal sides of the first and second walls. The first closure mechanism includes a first female profile having first and second spaced legs and a first male profile. A second closure mechanism is disposed on the internal sides of the first and second pouch walls. The second closure mechanism includes a second female profile having third and fourth spaced legs and a second male profile. One of the first, second, third, or fourth spaced legs is longer than the other leg of the same female profile. Further, the first and second closure mechanisms comprise differing opening and closing characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Pawloski, Douglas P. Gundlach
  • Publication number: 20100303390
    Abstract: An elongate resealable closure mechanism includes a first base member and a second base member. First and second parallel spaced apart pairs of opposing interlocking members project from opposing interior surfaces of the base members. A plurality of partial indentations is disposed along an exterior surface of the first base member between the first and second pairs of opposing interlocking members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Bryan L. Ackerman, James C. Pawloski
  • Publication number: 20100284632
    Abstract: A pouch has an airtight elongate closure mechanism adapted to provide vacuum retention within an interior of the pouch over an extended period of time when sealed. The closure mechanism includes a first pair of interlocking members that resealably mate together, a second pair of interlocking members that resealably mate together, and sealing members that form an air tight seal disposed between the first and second pairs of interlocking members. The closure elements may be connected with opposing sidewalls of the pouch in a manner designed to provide differential opening and closing forces. The pouch may also include a check valve and air evacuation channels to aid in evacuating air from the interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Brian C. Dais, Robert R. Turvey, James C. Pawloski, Bryan L. Ackerman, Daniel P. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 7784160
    Abstract: A pouch has an airtight elongate closure mechanism adapted to provide vacuum retention within an interior of the pouch over an extended period of time when sealed. The closure mechanism includes a first pair of interlocking members that resealably mate together, a second pair of interlocking members that resealably mate together, and sealing members that form an air tight seal disposed between the first and second pairs of interlocking members. The closure elements may be connected with opposing sidewalls of the pouch in a manner designed to provide differential opening and closing forces. The pouch may also include a check valve and air evacuation channels to aid in evacuating air from the interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian C. Dais, Robert R. Turvey, James C. Pawloski, Bryan L. Ackerman, Daniel P. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20100014786
    Abstract: A venting closure mechanism for a pouch includes first and second closure profiles that interlock and third and fourth closure profiles that interlock. A sealing flap extends from the first closure element between the first and third closure profiles and engages the second closure element to form a releasable gastight seal therebetween. When the first and second closure elements are occluded, a first plurality of longitudinally spaced first exhaust channels is disposed on a product-side of the sealing flap and a second plurality of longitudinally spaced second exhaust channels is disposed on a user-side of the sealing flap. A first pouch sidewall is attached to the first closure element at an exterior surface thereof between a user-side edge of the first closure element and the sealing flap. An interior surface of the first pouch sidewall is textured with a pattern that provides flow channels therealong.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: James C. Pawloski, Brian C. Dais, John O. McCree
  • Publication number: 20090265898
    Abstract: A slider actuated closure mechanism includes internal projections that extend from interior sides of closure elements and retention members that extend from exterior sides of the closure elements. A slider is disposed over the first and second closure elements and includes first and second sidewalls each including a shoulder inwardly extending from a distal end thereof. When the slider is disposed over the first and second closure elements, the first sidewall and the first closure element are minimally horizontally separated by a distance d1, the second sidewall and the second closure element are minimally horizontally separated by a distance d2, and the internal projections are horizontally separated by a distance d3. The sum of the distances d1, d2, and d3 equals a total non-zero distance, dt, that is less than a length that each of the shoulders inwardly extends from the respective first and second sidewalls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: Bryan L. Ackerman, James C. Pawloski
  • Patent number: 7585111
    Abstract: A reclosable pouch includes interlocking male and female closure elements having elongate hollow closure profiles. The male closure profile has a hollow shaft section, and the female closure profile has a channel with at least one hollow side. Alternatively, a set of hollow male closure profiles may also form one or more female closure profiles therebetween. A set of pleated grip strips may be disposed adjacent the closure elements to aid in opening a pouch. The closure elements and grip strips may be integral with pouch sidewalls, may be secured and/or separately extruded on to, for example, a polymer, directly to pouch sidewalls, or may be secured to backing strips to form a closure strip, which may subsequently be secured to pouch sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Turvey, Bryan L. Ackerman, James C. Pawloski
  • Patent number: 7574781
    Abstract: A closure assembly useable with a pouch or bag includes an elongate seal assembly and a slider. The seal assembly includes upper and lower interlocking profiles and a rib disposed between the interlocking profiles on at least one side of the seal assembly. The slider includes forward closure bars at a first end and a separator finger and lower closure bars adjacent to an opposing second end. The forward and lower closure bars occlude the upper and lower interlocking profiles. The separator finger extends between the upper interlocking profiles and presses outwardly against the rib to de-occlude the lower interlocking profiles. The lower interlocking profiles can be occluded along substantially an entire length thereof. The slider also includes a retention plate and pressing members, which operatively retain the slider on the seal assembly and may increase the opening force created by the separator finger against the rib.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan L. Ackerman, Leland J. Smith, James C. Pawloski
  • Publication number: 20090053445
    Abstract: A polymeric substrate is disclosed that comprises a plastic matrix and an inorganic filler dispersed in the plastic matrix, wherein the polymeric substrate exhibits improved OTR and WVTR. The disclosed polymeric substrate may be used in manufacturing of plastic containers, such as plastic bags for containing food products. Preferably, the improved OTR and WVTR of the polymeric substrate contribute to better storage performance of the plastic bags, eg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: John S. Trent, James C. Pawloski, Richard R. Dawkins
  • Patent number: 7494333
    Abstract: A method of extruding two or more closure elements onto a web includes extruding the closure elements through a die plate having a first aperture for a first closure element and a second aperture for a second closure element. The first aperture is spaced from and at least partially overlaps the second aperture in a lateral direction. The partial overlapping of the apertures allows the closure elements to be spaced very closely together on the web. The space between the apertures prevents extrudate streams forming the elements from bonding to each other. The closely spaced elements are extruded through the same die plate without an interconnecting portion therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc.
    Inventor: James C. Pawloski
  • Publication number: 20080310770
    Abstract: A valve for a reclosable container comprises first and second opposing layers of a film material, wherein an overlap region of the second layer overlaps the container, and the first layer is sealed to the second layer around a portion of the second layer. The second layer is sealed to the container around a periphery of the overlap region, and opposing surfaces of the first and second layers form a substantially airtight seal therebetween upon direct contact of the layers. First and second offset apertures extend through the first and second layers, respectively. One of the first and second apertures is in fluid communication with an interior of the container and the other of the first and second apertures is in fluid communication with an exterior of the container. Vacuum pressure disposed over both of the first and second apertures causes the first layer to separate from the second layer to allow air to exhaust from the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Robert R. Turvey, Brian C. Dais, Bryan L. Ackerman, James C. Pawloski, Daniel P. Zimmerman, Amanda A. Jones
  • Publication number: 20080310774
    Abstract: A pouch with a valve includes first and second pouch sidewalls sealed to one another to define an opening. A resealable closure mechanism is attached to inner surfaces of the first and second sidewalls proximate the opening to define a pouch interior opposite the opening. A channel extends from the interior to the opening between a section of the first closure element and the first sidewall. A pleated thermoplastic member is sealingly disposed in the channel and has an aperture disposed through the member. A fluid path may provide direct fluid communication between the interior and an exterior of the pouch, wherein the fluid path passes through an edge of the pouch defined by at least one of the first or second pouch sidewalls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Robert R. Turvey, Brian C. Dais, James C. Pawloski, Daniel P. Zimmerman, Kelly M. Griffioen
  • Publication number: 20080310773
    Abstract: An airtight closure mechanism for a reclosable pouch includes first and second complementary closure elements, the first closure element comprising a first interlocking profile and the second closure element comprising a complementary second interlocking profile. First and second sealing sections are disposed on respective complementary sides of the first and second interlocking profiles. The first sealing section includes a first protuberance having a first distal surface, a second protuberance having a second distal surface, and a sealing flange attached to and extending between the first and second distal surfaces of the first and second protuberances, respectively. The second sealing section includes a sealing member disposed on a base of the second closure element. The sealing member is located a distance from the second interlocking profile that places a distal surface thereof between the first and second protuberances when the first and second interlocking profiles are occluded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Brian C. Dais, Robert R. Turvey, James C. Pawloski, Bryan L. Ackerman, Daniel P. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20080310771
    Abstract: An offset resealable closure mechanism adapted to provide an airtight seal for a pouch includes a first elongate closure element and a second elongate closure element. The first elongate closure element includes a first elongate closure profile extending therefrom and a second elongate closure element includes first and second legs extending therefrom to define a channel. A sealing flange extends across the channel and includes a slit therethrough adapted to receive the first elongate closure profile. The sealing flange forms an airtight seal with the first elongate closure profile when the closure mechanism is occluded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Brian C. Dais, Robert R. Turvey, James C. Pawloski, Bryan L. Ackerman, Daniel P. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20080232722
    Abstract: A reclosable storage bag and zipper tape for use in conjunction with same is disclosed. The reclosable bag includes first and second panels which are sealed about bottom, left, and right edges leaving an open top. The closure system further includes first and second closure assemblies or zippers which can be individually or simultaneously closed to seal the contents within the bag. Even after the first and second zippers are engaged thereby closing the bag, excess air within the bag can be removed simply be manually compressing the bag and thereby forcing the air through the vent apertures provided between the zippers. A valve internal to the closure system may be provided proximate the vent apertures and open upon sufficient application of pressure thereby allowing for air to be evacuated from the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: James C. Pawloski, Bryan L. Ackerman, Michael J. Colucci