Patents by Inventor Brian P. Couchey

Brian P. Couchey 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: 11970361
    Abstract: A core for winding sheet material is proved. The core comprises a cylindrical tube having a longitudinally oriented slot formed therein, and a strip of soft material located in the slot. Because of the geometry of the slot and the strip, the strip may be softer (less compressed) in the central region but firmer where the core transitions from the relatively soft strip to the relatively hard tube. The leading edge of the sheet material imbeds itself into the soft central region of the strip as additional layers are wound around the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian P. Couchey, John Wrenn
  • Publication number: 20240043240
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a reusable yarn carrier tube around which yarn may be wound at high speeds (e.g., within winding machines). The yarn carrier tube may include a pick-up groove having structural features configured to better snag yarn to initiate winding of the yarn around the cylindrical body of the yarn carrier tube. The structural features may include an adaptable snagging feature that is adaptable to many different yarn types (e.g., diameter, denier, texture, material). The structural features may include projections (e.g., teeth) with incremental narrowing therebetween in the direction opposite to the rotational winding direction. The teeth may increase in sharpness (e.g., decreasing radii of curvature) as the yarn moves further into the pick-up groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2023
    Publication date: February 8, 2024
    Inventors: Brian P. Couchey, Edmond Fratianni
  • Patent number: 11814262
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a reusable yarn carrier tube around which yarn may be wound at high speeds (e.g., within winding machines). The yarn carrier tube may include a pick-up groove having structural features configured to better snag yarn to initiate winding of the yarn around the cylindrical body of the yarn carrier tube. The structural features may include an adaptable snagging feature that is adaptable to many different yarn types (e.g., diameter, denier, texture, material). The structural features may include projections (e.g., teeth) with incremental narrowing therebetween in the direction opposite to the rotational winding direction. The teeth may increase in sharpness (e.g., decreasing radii of curvature) as the yarn moves further into the pick-up groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, INC.
    Inventors: Brian P. Couchey, Edmond Fratianni
  • Patent number: 11661305
    Abstract: A core for winding sheet material is proved. The core comprises a cylindrical tube having a longitudinally oriented slot formed therein, and a strip of soft material located in the slot. Because of the geometry of the slot and the strip, the strip may be softer in the central region but firmer where the core transitions from the relatively soft strip to the relatively hard tube. The leading edge of the sheet material imbeds itself into the soft central region of the strip as additional layers are wound around the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian P. Couchey, John Wrenn
  • Publication number: 20230095152
    Abstract: A core for winding sheet material is proved. The core comprises a cylindrical tube having a longitudinally oriented slot formed therein, and a strip of soft material located in the slot. Because of the geometry of the slot and the strip, the strip may be softer (less compressed) in the central region but firmer where the core transitions from the relatively soft strip to the relatively hard tube. The leading edge of the sheet material imbeds itself into the soft central region of the strip as additional layers are wound around the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2022
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Applicant: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian P. Couchey, John Wrenn
  • Publication number: 20220153550
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a reusable yarn carrier tube around which yarn may be wound at high speeds (e.g., within winding machines). The yarn carrier tube may include a pick-up groove having structural features configured to better snag yarn to initiate winding of the yarn around the cylindrical body of the yarn carrier tube. The structural features may include an adaptable snagging feature that is adaptable to many different yarn types (e.g., diameter, denier, texture, material). The structural features may include projections (e.g., teeth) with incremental narrowing therebetween in the direction opposite to the rotational winding direction. The teeth may increase in sharpness (e.g., decreasing radii of curvature) as the yarn moves further into the pick-up groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2022
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Inventors: Brian P. Couchey, Edmond Fratianni
  • Patent number: 11267672
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a reusable yarn carrier tube around which yarn may be wound at high speeds (e.g., within winding machines). The yarn carrier tube may include a pick-up groove having structural features configured to better snag yarn to initiate winding of the yarn around the cylindrical body of the yarn carrier tube. The structural features may include an adaptable snagging feature that is adaptable to many different yarn types (e.g., diameter, denier, texture, material). The structural features may include projections (e.g., teeth) with incremental narrowing therebetween in the direction opposite to the rotational winding direction. The teeth may increase in sharpness (e.g., decreasing radii of curvature) as the yarn moves further into the pick-up groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: SONOCO DEVELOPMENT, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian P. Couchey, Edmond Fratianni
  • Publication number: 20220063954
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a reusable yarn carrier tube around which yarn may be wound at high speeds (e.g., within winding machines). The yarn carrier tube may include a pick-up groove having structural features configured to better snag yarn to initiate winding of the yarn around the cylindrical body of the yarn carrier tube. The structural features may include an adaptable snagging feature that is adaptable to many different yarn types (e.g., diameter, denier, texture, material). The structural features may include projections (e.g., teeth) with incremental narrowing therebetween in the direction opposite to the rotational winding direction. The teeth may increase in sharpness (e.g., decreasing radii of curvature) as the yarn moves further into the pick-up groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Brian P. Couchey, Edmond Fratianni
  • Publication number: 20210139268
    Abstract: A core for winding sheet material is proved. The core comprises a cylindrical tube having a longitudinally oriented slot formed therein, and a strip of soft material located in the slot. Because of the geometry of the slot and the strip, the strip may be softer in the central region but firmer where the core transitions from the relatively soft strip to the relatively hard tube. The leading edge of the sheet material imbeds itself into the soft central region of the strip as additional layers are wound around the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2021
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Applicant: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian P. Couchey, John Wrenn
  • Patent number: 10906769
    Abstract: A core for winding sheet material is proved. The core comprises a cylindrical tube having a longitudinally oriented slot formed therein, and a strip of soft material located in the slot. Because of the geometry of the slot and the strip, the strip may be softer in the central region but firmer where the core transitions from the relatively soft strip to the relatively hard tube. The leading edge of the sheet material imbeds itself into the soft central region of the strip as additional layers are wound around the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian P. Couchey, John Wrenn
  • Publication number: 20200039782
    Abstract: A core for winding sheet material is proved. The core comprises a cylindrical tube having a longitudinally oriented slot formed therein, and a strip of soft material located in the slot. Because of the geometry of the slot and the strip, the strip may be softer in the central region but firmer where the core transitions from the relatively soft strip to the relatively hard tube. The leading edge of the sheet material imbeds itself into the soft central region of the strip as additional layers are wound around the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Applicant: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian P. Couchey, John Wrenn
  • Patent number: 10472201
    Abstract: A core for winding sheet material is proved. The core comprises a cylindrical tube having a longitudinally oriented slot formed therein, and a strip of soft material located in the slot. Because of the geometry of the slot and the strip, the strip may be softer in the central region but firmer where the core transitions from the relatively soft strip to the relatively hard tube. The leading edge of the sheet material imbeds itself into the soft central region of the strip as additional layers are wound around the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian P. Couchey, John Wrenn
  • Patent number: 9963320
    Abstract: A mounting plate for holding a roll of wound material. The mounting plate comprises a body, a hub extending from the body for holding a core, and one or more spacers affixed to the body and extending beyond the body in the direction of the roll. Each spacer comprises an inner member which may contact the roll and one or more resiliently deformable legs extending outwardly from the inner member. The spacers can maintain contact with the ends of the roll and prevent the roll from being damaged due to telescoping or impacts with the mounting plates or other structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian P. Couchey, Chad Eric Lagace
  • Publication number: 20180099835
    Abstract: A core for winding sheet material is proved. The core comprises a cylindrical tube having a longitudinally oriented slot formed therein, and a strip of soft material located in the slot. Because of the geometry of the slot and the strip, the strip may be softer in the central region but firmer where the core transitions from the relatively soft strip to the relatively hard tube. The leading edge of the sheet material imbeds itself into the soft central region of the strip as additional layers are wound around the core.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2016
    Publication date: April 12, 2018
    Applicant: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian P. Couchey, John Wrenn
  • Publication number: 20170144857
    Abstract: A mounting plate for holding a roll of wound material. The mounting plate comprises a body, a hub extending from the body for holding a core, and one or more spacers affixed to the body and extending beyond the body in the direction of the roll. Each spacer comprises an inner member which may contact the roll and one or more resiliently deformable legs extending outwardly from the inner member. The spacers can maintain contact with the ends of the roll and prevent the roll from being damaged due to telescoping or impacts with the mounting plates or other structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2015
    Publication date: May 25, 2017
    Applicant: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian P. Couchey, Chad Eric Lagace
  • Patent number: 9284103
    Abstract: An end support for supporting a roll of material wound on a tubular core is defined by a generally rectangular plate and a projecting hub member. The hub is dimensioned for insertion into a tubular core material roll. A plurality of spaced plate ribs are provided internally within the plate with at least one rib extending inwardly from each of the plate side perpendicular to the hub member. A plurality of crossing ribs are also provided and intersect with the perpendicular plate ribs and other crossing ribs to define a generally open areas lattice pattern. A plurality of corrugation surfaces are fixed to one or more of the side members, corner members, hub member, crossing ribs and plate ribs and extend into the open areas of the lattice pattern. The corrugations surfaces are alternately formed along the front and rear faces of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian P. Couchey, Chad E. Lagace
  • Publication number: 20150122684
    Abstract: An end support for supporting a roll of material wound on a tubular core is defined by a generally rectangular plate and a projecting hub member. The hub is dimensioned for insertion into a tubular core material roll. A plurality of spaced plate ribs are provided internally within the plate with at least one rib extending inwardly from each of the plate side perpendicular to the hub member. A plurality of crossing ribs are also provided and intersect with the perpendicular plate ribs and other crossing ribs to define a generally open areas lattice pattern. A plurality of corrugation surfaces are fixed to one or more of the side members, corner members, hub member, crossing ribs and plate ribs and extend into the open areas of the lattice pattern. The corrugations surfaces are alternately formed along the front and rear faces of the plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian P. Couchey, Chad E. Lagace
  • Publication number: 20090173814
    Abstract: A yarn carrier is provided in the form of a yarn winding tube having a yarn catch insert. The yarn winding tube includes a recess through its surface for receiving the insert. The insert includes a yarn catching slot having a major opening located at one end of the slot, a minor opening adjacent the major opening and positioned in a circumferential direction of the tube, and a first step extending substantially axially between the major opening and minor opening. A catching groove, having a portion with an axial width smaller than a diameter of the yarn, is also included. When the yarn carrier is rotated and the yarn is positioned along the yarn catching slot, the yarn drops into the major opening, slides along the first step and is directed into the catching groove for winding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Ismael A. Hernandez, Brian P. Couchey
  • Publication number: 20080135440
    Abstract: A system for dispensing packages is provided. The system includes a dispensing container having a plurality of packages arranged vertically therein. The container has top and bottom panels and side panels extending upwardly between the top and bottom panels. The side panels have rear portions spaced apart from each other and converge forwardly towards a front apex. A dispensing opening is defined by an upper front portion of each of the side panels and a front portion of the top panel. Each of the packages has a height that is substantially larger than the package width and depth. The dispensing opening defines a mouth of the container sized to limit the number of packages that can be simultaneously withdrawn from the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Keith E. Antal, Chad E. Lagace, Brian P. Couchey
  • Publication number: 20080061187
    Abstract: Disclosed is a customizable reel assembly comprising a universal base spool and at least one insert adapted to be mounted on the spool. The spool has a cylindrical hub and first and second flanges projecting radially from either end of the hub. The insert is selected based on the desired application of the reel assembly and adds a structural or functional feature to the spool. The insert is selected from a group of inserts that are all mountable on the base spool with each insert of the group having various structural or functional features. Also disclosed is a method of constructing a reel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Brian P. Couchey, William E. Leidel