Patents by Inventor Shawn A. Oakes

Shawn A. Oakes 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: 11873139
    Abstract: A reclosable cup lid that can include an upper surface having at least one recess formed therein, that is arcuate in shape. The reclosable cup lid can also include a tab configured to fit within the recess. The tab having an arcuate shape corresponding to the arcuate shape of the recess. The reclosable cup lid can also include an opening disposed within the recess to allow fluid flow therethrough. The tab can be adapted to move within the recess from a first position to a second position so that the opening is at least partially blocked when the tab is located in the first position and the opening is at least partially unobstructed when the tab is located in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: GPCP IP Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Shawn A. Oakes
  • Patent number: 11814212
    Abstract: Reclosable cup lids are provided herein. The reclosable cup lid can have a rim portion defining an outer perimeter. A sidewall can extend upwardly from the rim portion, and an upper surface can slope from a first end thereof to a second end thereof. A cavity can be disposed within the sidewall and above the upper surface. A drink aperture can be disposed within the cavity and formed through at least a portion of the upper surface to allow fluid flow therethrough. A slideable tab can be at least partially disposed within the cavity that can have at least two opposing sides that are generally straight, providing a track for the slideable tab.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: GPCP IP Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Shawn A. Oakes
  • Patent number: 10617227
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cutlery dispenser for dispensing wrapped cutlery. The cutlery dispenser may include a case configured to expand from a compact configuration into an expanded configuration. The cutlery dispenser also may include a wrapped cutlery band disposed within the case and configured to be dispensed therefrom. The present disclosure also provides a method for dispensing wrapped cutlery. The method may include the step of providing a cutlery dispenser including a case and a wrapped cutlery band disposed within the case. The method also may include the step of expanding the case from a compact configuration into an expanded configuration. The method further may include the step of dispensing at least a portion of the wrapped cutlery band from the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: GPCP IP Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Shawn A. Oakes
  • Patent number: 10494151
    Abstract: A reclosable cup lid that can include an upper surface having at least one recess formed therein, that is arcuate in shape. The reclosable cup lid can also include a tab configured to fit within the recess. The tab having an arcuate shape corresponding to the arcuate shape of the recess. The reclosable cup lid can also include an opening disposed within the recess to allow fluid flow therethrough. The tab can be adapted to move within the recess from a first position to a second position so that the opening is at least partially blocked when the tab is located in the first position and the opening is at least partially unobstructed when the tab is located in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: GPCP IP Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Shawn A. Oakes
  • Patent number: 10327567
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cutlery dispenser for dispensing cutlery utensils. The cutlery dispenser may include a housing, a cover, a wedge protrusion, and a pair of sweeper arms. The housing may include an interior space and be configured to receive a number of cutlery utensils loaded therein. The cover may enclose a portion of the interior space and be configured to move between a closed position for dispensing the loaded cutlery utensils from the interior space and an open position for loading the cutlery utensils into the interior space. The wedge protrusion may be configured to engage a leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in the closed position and to disengage the leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: GPCP IP Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Shawn A. Oakes
  • Patent number: 10285521
    Abstract: A disposable cup lid for use with a beverage container can include a base, an annular rim, a crown, and a dispensing section having a drinking aperture. The annular rim can be disposed about the base and can be configured to engage the beverage container. The crown can extend upward from the base and can include an upper surface, one or more inner sidewalls, and one or more outer sidewalls. The dispensing section can be located within a portion of the crown and can include an upper surface, one or more inner sidewalls, and one or more outer sidewalls. The dispensing section can include at least one generally straight portion of the inner sidewall that is directly opposed to at least one generally straight portion of the outer sidewall. The drinking aperture can be formed through the upper surface of the dispensing section for allowing the passage of fluid therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: GPCP IP Holdings LLC
    Inventors: Shawn A. Oakes, Cheryl Ann Mocadlo, Danielle Marie Sherriff
  • Publication number: 20190119022
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cutlery dispenser for dispensing wrapped cutlery. The cutlery dispenser may include a wrapped cutlery band comprising a plurality of cutlery packets separably connected to one another in a serial manner. The cutlery dispenser also may include a nozzle assembly configured to allow the cutlery packets to be dispensed therethrough. The present disclosure also provides a method for dispensing wrapped cutlery. The method may include the step of providing a cutlery dispenser comprising a nozzle assembly and a wrapped cutlery band, wherein the wrapped cutlery band comprises a plurality of cutlery packets separably connected to one another in a serial manner. The method also may include the step of dispensing the cutlery packets through the nozzle assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Inventors: Shawn A. Oakes, Abby C. Case
  • Publication number: 20190119023
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cutlery dispenser for dispensing wrapped cutlery. The cutlery dispenser may include a wrapped cutlery band comprising a plurality of cutlery packets separably connected to one another in a serial manner. The cutlery dispenser also may include a nozzle assembly configured to allow the cutlery packets to be dispensed therethrough. The present disclosure also provides a method for dispensing wrapped cutlery. The method may include the step of providing a cutlery dispenser comprising a nozzle assembly and a wrapped cutlery band, wherein the wrapped cutlery band comprises a plurality of cutlery packets separably connected to one another in a serial manner. The method also may include the step of dispensing the cutlery packets through the nozzle assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Publication date: April 25, 2019
    Inventors: Shawn A. Oakes, Abby C. Case
  • Patent number: 10220997
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cutlery dispenser for dispensing wrapped cutlery. The cutlery dispenser may include a wrapped cutlery band comprising a plurality of cutlery packets separably connected to one another in a serial manner. The cutlery dispenser also may include a nozzle assembly configured to allow the cutlery packets to be dispensed therethrough. The present disclosure also provides a method for dispensing wrapped cutlery. The method may include the step of providing a cutlery dispenser comprising a nozzle assembly and a wrapped cutlery band, wherein the wrapped cutlery band comprises a plurality of cutlery packets separably connected to one another in a serial manner. The method also may include the step of dispensing the cutlery packets through the nozzle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: GPCP IP HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventors: Shawn A. Oakes, Abby C. Case
  • Publication number: 20180289185
    Abstract: Reclosable cup lids are provided herein. The reclosable cup lid can have a rim portion defining an outer perimeter. A sidewall can extend upwardly from the rim portion, and an upper surface can slope from a first end thereof to a second end thereof. A cavity can be disposed within the sidewall and above the upper surface. A drink aperture can be disposed within the cavity and formed through at least a portion of the upper surface to allow fluid flow therethrough. A slideable tab can be at least partially disposed within the cavity that can have at least two opposing sides that are generally straight, providing a track for the slideable tab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Applicant: Dixie Consumer Products LLC
    Inventor: Shawn A. Oakes
  • Publication number: 20180192790
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cutlery dispenser for dispensing wrapped cutlery. The cutlery dispenser may include a case configured to expand from a compact configuration into an expanded configuration. The cutlery dispenser also may include a wrapped cutlery band disposed within the case and configured to be dispensed therefrom. The present disclosure also provides a method for dispensing wrapped cutlery. The method may include the step of providing a cutlery dispenser including a case and a wrapped cutlery band disposed within the case. The method also may include the step of expanding the case from a compact configuration into an expanded configuration. The method further may include the step of dispensing at least a portion of the wrapped cutlery band from the case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Inventor: Shawn A. Oakes
  • Patent number: 9943176
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cutlery dispenser for dispensing wrapped cutlery. The cutlery dispenser may include a case configured to expand from a compact configuration into an expanded configuration. The cutlery dispenser also may include a wrapped cutlery band disposed within the case and configured to be dispensed therefrom. The present disclosure also provides a method for dispensing wrapped cutlery. The method may include the step of providing a cutlery dispenser including a case and a wrapped cutlery band disposed within the case. The method also may include the step of expanding the case from a compact configuration into an expanded configuration. The method further may include the step of dispensing at least a portion of the wrapped cutlery band from the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: GPCP IP HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventor: Shawn A. Oakes
  • Patent number: 9924816
    Abstract: A module of cutlery may include a plurality of utensils that include a formable material, wherein at least two of the utensils are separably coupled to one another via at least one of an adhesive and a common portion of the formable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: GPCP IP HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventor: Shawn A. Oakes
  • Publication number: 20170354270
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cutlery dispenser for dispensing cutlery utensils. The cutlery dispenser may include a housing, a cover, a wedge protrusion, and a pair of sweeper arms. The housing may include an interior space and be configured to receive a number of cutlery utensils loaded therein. The cover may enclose a portion of the interior space and be configured to move between a closed position for dispensing the loaded cutlery utensils from the interior space and an open position for loading the cutlery utensils into the interior space. The wedge protrusion may be configured to engage a leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in the closed position and to disengage the leading one of the loaded cutlery utensils when the cover is in an open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2017
    Publication date: December 14, 2017
    Inventor: Shawn A. Oakes
  • Publication number: 20170305610
    Abstract: A reclosable cup lid that can include an upper surface having at least one recess formed therein, that is arcuate in shape. The reclosable cup lid can also include a tab configured to fit within the recess. The tab having an arcuate shape corresponding to the arcuate shape of the recess. The reclosable cup lid can also include an opening disposed within the recess to allow fluid flow therethrough. The tab can be adapted to move within the recess from a first position to a second position so that the opening is at least partially blocked when the tab is located in the first position and the opening is at least partially unobstructed when the tab is located in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Applicant: Dixie Consumer Products LLC
    Inventor: Shawn A. Oakes
  • Publication number: 20170055742
    Abstract: A disposable cup lid for use with a beverage container can include a base, an annular rim, a crown, and a dispensing section having a drinking aperture. The annular rim can be disposed about the base and can be configured to engage the beverage container. The crown can extend upward from the base and can include an upper surface, one or more inner sidewalls, and one or more outer sidewalls. The dispensing section can be located within a portion of the crown and can include an upper surface, one or more inner sidewalls, and one or more outer sidewalls. The dispensing section can include at least one generally straight portion of the inner sidewall that is directly opposed to at least one generally straight portion of the outer sidewall. The drinking aperture can be formed through the upper surface of the dispensing section for allowing the passage of fluid therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Publication date: March 2, 2017
    Applicant: Dixie Consumer Products LLC
    Inventors: Shawn A. Oakes, Cheryl Ann Mocadlo, Danielle Marie Sherriff
  • Patent number: 9474420
    Abstract: A container that is a cup portion having a maximum gauge of less than 35 mils provided with a bottom panel, a sidewall and a sealing brim which defines an annular cup sealing surface; and a lid having a maximum gauge of less than 35 mils with a sealing rim defining an annular lid sealing surface; wherein the cup portion and lid portion are thermoformed such that the annular cup sealing surface and the annular lid sealing surface cooperate to form a seal extending around the assembled container and wherein the container does not leak when tested using the Leak Test Method 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: DIXIE CONSUMER PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventors: Shawn A. Oakes, Dean P. Swoboda
  • Patent number: 9439518
    Abstract: A cutlery dispenser comprising a front cover, a housing, and a pushing assembly. The front cover further includes an opening and at least stop. The at least one stop is configured to cause a utensil, such as a knife, fork, spork, or spoon, to fan through the opening for retrieval by a user. The pushing assembly urges the utensils forward in the dispenser toward the stop and toward the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: DIXIE CONSUMER PRODUCTS LLC
    Inventor: Shawn A. Oakes
  • Patent number: D827437
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: GPCP IP Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Shawn A. Oakes
  • Patent number: D855391
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: GPCP IP HOLDINGS LLC
    Inventor: Shawn A. Oakes