Patents by Inventor Toby R. Thomas
Toby R. Thomas 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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Publication number: 20020097923Abstract: A reclosable package includes a pair of opposing walls, a reclosable seal and a barrier partition. The pair of opposing wall panels are joined along a pair of opposing sides and a bottom bridges the opposing sides to create a receptacle space having a mouth end opposite the bottom. The reclosable seal extends along the mouth end and includes first and second opposing reclosable elements. The first and second reclosable elements are releasably engageable to each other. The barrier partition comprises at least a first layer that is substantially impermeable to at least one of oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. The barrier partition extends substantially across the pair of opposing wall panels in the receptacle space.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2002Publication date: July 25, 2002Inventors: David V. Dobreski, Steve P. Long, Toby R. Thomas
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Patent number: 6419391Abstract: 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 17, 2001Date of Patent: July 16, 2002Assignee: Pactiv CorporationInventor: Toby R. Thomas
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Patent number: 6409384Abstract: A reclosable plastic bag comprises first and second opposing body panels, a zipper, a slider, and a grab tab. The opposing body panels are joined to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. The zipper extends along a mouth formed opposite the bottom. The slider is slidably mounted to the zipper for movement between a closed position and an open position. Movement of the slider is effectuated using a grab tab extending upward from the slider. In one embodiment, first and second upstanding panels extend upwardly from the respective first and second body panels and form a pocket containing the zipper and the slider. The grab tab on the slider extends upwardly toward or above an upper end of the pocket so as to be easily graspable.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2000Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: Pactiv CorporationInventors: Alexander R. Provan, Thomas L. Coomber, Toby R. Thomas
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Patent number: 6389780Abstract: A machine and method for forming, filling and sealing bags includes a slitter for slitting a web of film into first and second web portions. a first folding board is included for folding the first web portion to a vertical position. a zipper track is fed adjacent to and sealed to the vertical first web portion by a first zipper sealer. a second folding board folds the second web portion to a position adjacent the first web portion and the zipper track is sealed to the second web portion by a second zipper sealer. another sealer forms side seals in the first and second web portions and the web portions are cut along the side seals to form individual bags.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2000Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Pactiv CorporationInventors: Thomas L. Coomber, Alexander R. Provan, Toby R. Thomas
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Patent number: 6347437Abstract: A zipper arrangement for use in manufacturing thermoplastic bags that includes a zipper and at least one slider. The zipper includes first and second opposing tracks. The first track has a first profile and the second track has a second profile. The first and second profiles are releasably engageable to each other. The first track has one or more spaced primary notches interrupting the first profile. At least one slider is inserted onto the first profile via a respective one of the primary notches. The slider is adapted to engage and disengage the first and second profiles in response to movement along the zipper. The second track may have one or more spaced primary notches interrupting the second profile. The spaced primary notches of the second track are generally aligned to respective ones of the primary notches of the first track. At least one slider is inserted onto the aligned pairs of primary notches via a respective one of the generally aligned notches.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2001Date of Patent: February 19, 2002Assignee: Pactiv CorporationInventors: Alexander R. Provan, Thomas L. Coomber, Ian J. Barclay, David V. Dobreski, Toby R. Thomas
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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: 6292986Abstract: An assembly of sliders for zippers for plastic bags and the like and the accumulation of the sliders for use in form, fill and seal machines is disclosed. The sliders are oriented and mechanically or adhesively joined into chains. Mechanical assembly of sliders may be accomplished by snapping sliders together or slideably mounting sliders on a strip. Sliders may be adhesively assembled together by taping, welding, gluing, or melting the sliders. Sliders and chains of sliders are accumulated in cartridges, carriers, coreless rolls, spools or trays which are then connected to form, fill and seal machines for attachment of the sliders to a zipper and attachment of the zipper with a slider to bags.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1999Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Inventors: Alexander R. Provan, Toby R. Thomas, Eric A. St. Phillips
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Patent number: 6289561Abstract: An assembly of sliders for zippers for plastic bags and the like and the accumulation of the sliders for use in form, fill and seal machines is disclosed. The sliders are oriented and mechanically or adhesively joined into chains. Mechanical assembly of sliders may be accomplished by snapping sliders together or slideably mounting sliders on a strip. Sliders may be adhesively assembled together by taping, welding, gluing, or melting the sliders. Sliders and chains of sliders are accumulated in cartridges, carriers, coreless rolls, spools or trays which are then connected to form, fill and seal machines for attachment of the sliders to a zipper and attachment of the zipper with a slider to bags.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Inventors: Alexander R. Provan, Toby R. Thomas, Eric A. St. Phillips
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Publication number: 20010021280Abstract: 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: May 17, 2001Publication date: September 13, 2001Inventor: Toby R. Thomas
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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
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Patent number: 6286189Abstract: A zipper arrangement for use in manufacturing thermoplastic bags that includes a zipper and at least one slider. The zipper includes first and second opposing tracks. The first track has a first profile and the second track has a second profile. The first and second profiles are releasably engageable to each other. The first track has one or more spaced primary notches interrupting the first profile. At least one slider is inserted onto the first profile via a respective one of the primary notches. The slider is adapted to engage and disengage the first and second profiles in response to movement along the zipper. The second track may have one or more to spaced primary notches interrupting the second profile. The spaced primary notches of the second track are generally aligned to respective ones of the primary notches of the first track. At least one slider is inserted onto the aligned pairs of primary notches via a respective one of the generally aligned notches.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Pactiv CorporationInventors: Alexander R. Provan, Thomas L. Coomber, Ian J. Barclay, David V. Dobreski, Toby R. Thomas
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Patent number: 6279298Abstract: A fill-through-the-top reclosable package includes first and second opposing body panels joined to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. The package is provided with a reclosable fastener extending along a package top disposed opposite the bottom. The fastener includes first and second opposing tracks. The first track includes a male profile, while the second track includes a female profile adapted to releasably interlock with the male profile. To provide tamper evidence, the first and second tracks may be joined to each other along an area of weakness. When making the package, the first track is first attached to the first panel, the package is filled with a product via a fill opening between the second track and the second panel, and then the second track is attached to the second panel.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Pactiv CorporationInventors: Toby R. Thomas, Samuel D. Aversa, John D. Athans
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Publication number: 20010002504Abstract: A zipper arrangement for use in manufacturing thermoplastic bags that includes a zipper and at least one slider. The zipper includes first and second opposing tracks. The first track has a first profile and the second track has a second profile. The first and second profiles are releasably engageable to each other. The first track has one or more spaced primary notches interrupting the first profile. At least one slider is inserted onto the first profile via a respective one of the primary notches. The slider is adapted to engage and disengage the first and second profiles in response to movement along the zipper. The second track may have one or more spaced primary notches interrupting the second profile. The spaced primary notches of the second track are generally aligned to respective ones of the primary notches of the first track. At least one slider is inserted onto the aligned pairs of primary notches via a respective one of the generally aligned notches.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2001Publication date: June 7, 2001Inventors: Alexander R. Provan, Thomas L. Coomber, Ian J. Barclay, David V. Dobreski, Toby R. Thomas
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Patent number: 6148588Abstract: A fill-through-the-top reclosable package includes first and second opposing body panels joined to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. The package is provided with a reclosable fastener extending along a package top disposed opposite the bottom. The fastener includes first and second opposing tracks. The first track includes a male profile, while the second track includes a female profile adapted to releasably interlock with the male profile. To provide tamper evidence, the first and second tracks may be joined to each other along an area of weakness. When making the package, the first track is first attached to the first panel, the package is filled with a product via a fill opening between the second track and the second panel, and then the second track is attached to the second panel.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1999Date of Patent: November 21, 2000Assignee: Pactiv CorporationInventors: Toby R. Thomas, Samuel D. Aversa, John D. Athans
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Patent number: 6071011Abstract: A fill-through-the-top reclosable package includes first and second opposing body panels joined to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. The package is provided with a reclosable fastener extending along a package top disposed opposite the bottom. The fastener includes first and second opposing tracks. The first track includes a male profile, while the second track includes a female profile adapted to releasably interlock with the male profile. To provide tamper evidence, the first and second tracks may be joined to each other along an area of weakness. When making the package, the first track is first attached to the first panel, the package is filled with a product via a fill opening between the second track and the second panel, and then the second track is attached to the second panel.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1999Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Assignee: Tenneco Packaging, Inc.Inventors: Toby R. Thomas, Samuel D. Aversa, John D. Athans
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Patent number: 6010244Abstract: A reclosable bag comprises a pair of opposing wall panels, a reclosable seal, and an optional tamper-evident partition. The pair of opposing wall panels are joined along a pair of opposing sides and a bottom bridging the opposing sides to create a receptacle space having a mouth end opposite the bottom. The reclosable seal extends along the mouth end, and includes first and second opposing reclosable elements and first and second fins extending downward from the respective reclosable elements. The reclosable elements are releasably engageable to each other. The first and second fins are connected to the respective opposing wall panels. The tamper-evident partition is located below the reclosable elements and forms a one-time breakable preferential area of weakness. The tamper-evident partition separates an interior of the bag from a first area bounded in cross-section by the tamper-evident partition, the fins, and the engaged reclosable elements.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1999Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignee: Tenneco Packaging Inc.Inventors: David V. Dobreski, Charles D. Keyser, Toby R. Thomas
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Patent number: 5964532Abstract: A reclosable package comprises opposing wall panels and a reclosable seal. The opposing wall panels are joined on three sides such as to create a receptacle space having a mouth at one end. The reclosable seal extends along the one end and including a first track and a second track. The first track includes a first reclosable element and a first fin portion extending downward from the first reclosable element toward the receptacle space. The first track is joined to one of the wall panels. The second track includes a second reclosable element and a second fin portion extending downward from the second reclosable element toward the receptacle space. The second track is joined to the other of the wall panels. The first and second reclosable elements are releasably engageable to each other. In one embodiment, the first and second fin portions are joined to each other along a one-time breakable preferential area of weakness to prevent tampering with the package prior to being opened.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1997Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: Tenneco Packaging Inc.Inventors: Eric A. St. Phillips, Toby R. Thomas, Alex R. Provan
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Patent number: 5938337Abstract: A bottom-fillable, bottom-gusseted bag including a bag-forming structure having first and second opposing body panels joined along a pair of opposing transverse seals and an offset bottom-gusset extending between the transverse seals. The bag-forming structure includes an open end opposite the offset gusset. The offset gusset includes first and second gusset panels foldably connected to each other and foldably connected to the respective first and second body panels. The second gusset panel extends beyond the first gusset panel to provide a protruding trim portion. A zipper is attached between the first and second body panels along the open end. A slider is slidably mounted to the zipper for opening and closing the zipper. A transverse slit is disposed proximate to a fold line foldably connecting the second gusset panel to the second body panel and provides a fill opening through which a product can be inserted into the bag-forming structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1998Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Assignee: Tenneco Packaging Inc.Inventors: Alexander R. Provan, Toby R. Thomas
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Patent number: 5911508Abstract: A reclosable bag comprises a pair of opposing wall panels, a reclosable seal, and an optional tamper-evident partition. The pair of opposing wall panels are joined along a pair of opposing sides and a bottom bridging the opposing sides to create a receptacle space having a mouth end opposite the bottom. The reclosable seal extends along the mouth end, and includes first and second opposing reclosable elements and first and second fins extending downward from the respective reclosable elements. The reclosable elements are releasably engageable to each other. The first and second fins are connected to the respective opposing wall panels. The tamper-evident partition is located below the reclosable elements and forms a one-time breakable preferential area of weakness. The tamper-evident partition separates an interior of the bag from a first area bounded in cross-section by the tamper-evident partition, the fins, and the engaged reclosable elements.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 1997Date of Patent: June 15, 1999Inventors: David V. Dobreski, Charles D. Keyser, Toby R. Thomas