Patents by Inventor Clifton R. Howell

Clifton R. Howell 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: 20250127268
    Abstract: A zipper assembly for a reclosable enclosure includes a first profile having a first elongated supporting element and first protruding intermeshing elements. The zipper assembly also may include a second profile having a second elongated supporting element and one or more second intermeshing elements protruding from the second elongated supporting element. The one or more first intermeshing elements may releasably interlock with the one or more second intermeshing elements to close the enclosure. Each of the first elongated supporting element and the second elongated supporting element may include a thicker portion and a thinner portion. The thicker portions of the first elongated supporting element and the second elongated supporting element may be coupled with one or more panels of the enclosure. The thicker portions of the first elongated supporting element and the second elongated supporting element may be disposed on a consumer side of the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2024
    Publication date: April 24, 2025
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Newton Akira Isawa, Jorge Scarpim, Clifton R. Howell, Jeffry Mauro
  • Patent number: 12207709
    Abstract: A zipper assembly for a reclosable enclosure includes a first profile having a first elongated supporting element and first protruding intermeshing elements. The zipper assembly also may include a second profile having a second elongated supporting element and one or more second intermeshing elements protruding from the second elongated supporting element. The one or more first intermeshing elements may releasably interlock with the one or more second intermeshing elements to close the enclosure. Each of the first elongated supporting element and the second elongated supporting element may include a thicker portion and a thinner portion. The thicker portions of the first elongated supporting element and the second elongated supporting element may be coupled with one or more panels of the enclosure. The thicker portions of the first elongated supporting element and the second elongated supporting element may be disposed on a consumer side of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2025
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Newton Akira Isawa, Jorge Scarpim, Clifton R. Howell, Jeffry Mauro
  • Publication number: 20240308746
    Abstract: Flexible enclosure includes a front sidewall and a back sidewall and also includes a resealable assembly having first and second zipper segments that are coupled with the front and back sidewalls, respectively. The first and second zipper segments are mateable with and releasable from each other. The flexible enclosure also includes a tear strip having an elongated strip body that extends along the front sidewall. The tear strip also includes a pull tab that is accessible to a user along the front sidewall. The strip body defines an integrated portion of at least one of the first and second zipper segments. The strip body breaks from the resealable assembly and tears an access opening through the front sidewall when the pull tab is pulled away from the front sidewall by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2024
    Publication date: September 19, 2024
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Jose Manuel Septien Rojas, David J. Matthews, Eric Plourde, Clifton R. Howell
  • Publication number: 20240270448
    Abstract: An anti-slip assembly is provided and may include an elongated assembly having a first side and an opposite second side. The elongated assembly may be wound onto a core of a spool for one or more of storage or transportation. The assembly also may include an alignment body that can be coupled with the first side of the elongated assembly. The alignment body may be formed of a material configured to stick with the second side of second segments of the elongated assembly while the elongated assembly is wound onto the core of the spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2024
    Publication date: August 15, 2024
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Jose Manuel Septien Rojas, Eric Plourde, Marion Johnson, Clifton R. Howell, Lars Wihlborg, Juan Piedra
  • Publication number: 20230346083
    Abstract: A zipper assembly is provided that may be coupled to a resealable enclosure. The zipper assembly may include flanges having opposite interior and exterior surfaces. The exterior surfaces of the flanges may be coupled with one or more films of the enclosure. The zipper assembly also may include locking members protruding from the flanges. The locking members may mate with each other to close the enclosure and to separate from each other to open the enclosure. The flanges and the locking members may be formed from a non-common material and a common material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Plourde, Jose Septien, Marion Johnson, Clifton R. Howell, Adrian Wenc
  • Publication number: 20230301404
    Abstract: A zipper assembly for a reclosable enclosure includes a first profile having a first elongated supporting element and first protruding intermeshing elements. The zipper assembly also may include a second profile having a second elongated supporting element and one or more second intermeshing elements protruding from the second elongated supporting element. The one or more first intermeshing elements may releasably interlock with the one or more second intermeshing elements to close the enclosure. Each of the first elongated supporting element and the second elongated supporting element may include a thicker portion and a thinner portion. The thicker portions of the first elongated supporting element and the second elongated supporting element may be coupled with one or more panels of the enclosure. The thicker portions of the first elongated supporting element and the second elongated supporting element may be disposed on a consumer side of the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2023
    Publication date: September 28, 2023
    Applicant: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Newton Akira Isawa, Jorge Scarpim, Clifton R. Howell, Jeffry Mauro
  • Patent number: 9498928
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a conveyor for unfolding a flat, folded rigid or semi-rigid container blank into a container. The conveyor includes two opposing lugged chain conveyor assemblies which are separated at a sufficient distance at the entry end to receive and engage a folded blank between opposed notches in the two lugged chain conveyor assemblies. As the folded blank progresses in the machine direction, the two opposing lugged chain conveyor assemblies become closer to each other so as to unfold the blank into a container with a storage volume therewithin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Kenny E. McCracken, David C. Wallace, Clifton R. Howell
  • Publication number: 20120240528
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a conveyor for unfolding a flat, folded rigid or semi-rigid container blank into a container. The conveyor includes two opposing lugged chain conveyor assemblies which are separated at a sufficient distance at the entry end to receive and engage a folded blank between opposed notches in the two lugged chain conveyor assemblies. As the folded blank progresses in the machine direction, the two opposing lugged chain conveyor assemblies become closer to each other so as to unfold the blank into a container with a storage volume therewithin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Kenny E. McCracken, David C. Wallace, Clifton R. Howell
  • Patent number: 8117804
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for producing a high burst slider zipper which allows for bottom filling of reclosable packages, such as large bags, and further provides increased resistance to damage from the dropping or shock loading of the filled package. This is achieved by providing a peel seal or other frangible or separable connection between the zipper profiles, and by sealing a portion of one of the flanges to itself by a hard seal above the peel seal. This causes the external forces on a bag from bottom filling or shock loading to be directed toward the hard seal and further directed so as to cause a shear force against the peel seal, thereby increasing the resistance of the package to external forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Anzini, Rusty Koenigkramer, Clifton R. Howell, Steven Ausnit
  • Patent number: 7909750
    Abstract: A device is provided for feeding horizontally oriented packages or bags at a regular interval to a zipper profile attaching device. The loose packages or bags are placed onto a servo-driven lugged chain conveyor wherein the lugs are evenly spaced at the nominal desired center-to-center spacing of the packages or bags. The servo-driven lugged chain conveyor feeds the packages or bags to be captured between upper and lower secondary constant velocity conveyors. The lower secondary constant velocity conveyor includes an encoder which is used to slave the servo of the servo-driven lugged chain conveyor, with an adjustable programmable ratio. This achieves a consistent center-to-center distance of the horizontally oriented packages or bags which are then fed to a zipper profile attaching device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Clifton R. Howell, David C. Wallace, Adam N. Caplan
  • Patent number: 7882684
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for producing a high burst slider zipper which allows for bottom filling of reclosable packages, such as large bags, and further provides increased resistance to damage from the dropping or shock loading of the filled package. This is achieved by providing a peel seal or other frangible or separable connection between the zipper profiles, and by sealing a portion of one of the flanges to itself by a hard seal above the peel seal. This causes the external forces on a bag from bottom filling or shock loading to be directed toward the hard seal and further directed so as to cause a shear force against the peel seal, thereby increasing the resistance of the package to external forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Anzini, Rusty Koenigkramer, Clifton R. Howell, Steven Ausnit
  • Publication number: 20100069211
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for producing a high burst slider zipper which allows for bottom filling of reclosable packages, such as large bags, and further provides increased resistance to damage from the dropping or shock loading of the filled package. This is achieved by providing a peel seal or other frangible or separable connection between the zipper profiles, and by sealing a portion of one of the flanges to itself by a hard seal above the peel seal. This causes the external forces on a bag from bottom filling or shock loading to be directed toward the hard seal and further directed so as to cause a shear force against the peel seal, thereby increasing the resistance of the package to external forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: David J. Anzini, Rusty Koenigkramer, Clifton R. Howell, Steven Ausnit
  • Patent number: 7674220
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for the attachment of a zipper to a reclosable package or bag, particular packages or bags of relatively larger sizes. Pinch rollers separate the flanges of the zipper so that the interior walls of the flanges are pointing upward, then hot-melt adhesive is sprayed downwardly onto the flanges. The zipper is then guided over the edge of the horizontally-oriented package or bag by a tube with a longitudinal slot. The package or bag, with the zipper attached, is engaged between a driven-belt apparatus with a nip formed between opposed belts, thereby applying consistent and even pressure to the zipper flanges and assuring that the hot-melt adhesive forms a bond which is consistent, reliable and strong.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Clifton R. Howell, David C. Wallace, Adam N. Caplan
  • Patent number: 7621105
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for producing a high burst slider zipper which allows for bottom filling of reclosable packages, such as large bags, and further provides increased resistance to damage from the dropping or shock loading of the filled package. This is achieved by providing a peel seal or other frangible or separable connection between the zipper profiles, and by sealing a portion of one of the flanges to itself by a hard seal above the peel seal. This causes the external forces on a bag from bottom filling or shock loading to be directed toward the hard seal and further directed so as to cause a shear force against the peel seal, thereby increasing the resistance of the package to external forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Anzini, Rusty Koenigkramer, Clifton R. Howell, Steven Ausnit
  • Publication number: 20090129707
    Abstract: The reclosable package or bag, typically formed by a horizontal form-fill-and-seal method wherein a single sheet of web forms a bottom wall and two side walls, includes a notched zipper so that the interlocking elements are not sealed within the side seals. Furthermore, the method to manufacture the package or bag uses a driven band, band sealer to decrease the drag induced to the film by the zipper. An encoder is used to send a signal to the stepper motors to match the film speed. Band sealers are used to seal the zipper onto a continuously moving web. The band prevents the film from sticking to the seal bars.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Clifton R. Howell
  • Publication number: 20090052812
    Abstract: Reclosable gusseted packages or bags have improved resistance to leaking or spilling through the gussets by sealing the gussets together through apertures in the gusset walls, by sealing the zipper flanges together through apertures passing through the gussets in the package or bag, by folding portions of the gussets, or by sewing the gussets shut in areas proximate to the zipper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Eric Plourde, Kevin Owen, David J. Anzini, Lars G. Wihlborg, Paul M. Jenkins, Rusty Koenigkramer, Clifton R. Howell, Daniel Sullivan, Glyn Russell, Brian Ehrhardt, Steven Ausnit
  • Publication number: 20090044492
    Abstract: A device is provided for feeding horizontally oriented packages or bags at a regular interval to a zipper profile attaching device. The loose packages or bags are placed onto a servo-driven lugged chain conveyor wherein the lugs are evenly spaced at the nominal desired center-to-center spacing of the packages or bags. The servo-driven lugged chain conveyor feeds the packages or bags to be captured between upper and lower secondary constant velocity conveyors. The lower secondary constant velocity conveyor includes an encoder which is used to slave the servo of the servo-driven lugged chain conveyor, with an adjustable programmable ratio. This achieves a consistent center-to-center distance of the horizontally oriented packages or bags which are then fed to a zipper profile attaching device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Clifton R. Howell, David C. Wallace, Adam N. Caplan
  • Publication number: 20090038161
    Abstract: The apparatus provides a cutting device, particularly adapted for cutting a moving length of zipper material in the manufacture of reclosable packages. Upper and lower opposed stationary blades are provided thereby providing opposed cutting edges. A reciprocating blade, with upper and lower cutting surfaces, reciprocates within a slot immediately adjacent to the stationary blades, thereby allowing the reciprocating blade to cut on both its upward and downward reciprocating strokes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Clifton R. Howell, David C. Wallace, Adam N. Caplan
  • Publication number: 20090042706
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for the attachment of a zipper to a reclosable package or bag, particular packages or bags of relatively larger sizes. Pinch rollers separate the flanges of the zipper so that the interior walls of the flanges are pointing upward, then hot-melt adhesive is sprayed downwardly onto the flanges. The zipper is then guided over the edge of the horizontally-oriented package or bag by a tube with a longitudinal slot. The package or bag, with the zipper attached, is engaged between a driven-belt apparatus with a nip formed between opposed belts, thereby applying consistent and even pressure to the zipper flanges and assuring that the hot-melt adhesive forms a bond which is consistent, reliable and strong.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Clifton R. Howell, David C. Wallace, Adam N. Caplan
  • Publication number: 20080267539
    Abstract: Reclosable gusseted packages or bags have improved resistance to leaking or spilling through the gussets by sealing the gussets together through apertures in the gusset walls, by sealing the zipper flanges together through apertures passing through the gussets in the package or bag, or by sewing the gussets shut in areas proximate to the zipper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Clifton R. Howell, Kevin Owen