Patents by Inventor Deborah K. Fix
Deborah K. Fix 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: 20240262571Abstract: Thermoplastic bags with phased deformation patterns are described. In particular, one or more implementations comprise thermoplastic bags with ring rolling, SELFing, or other deformation patterns phased or aligned relative to the sides of the bags. The phased deformation patterns can allow for reducing or eliminating deformation patterns in areas of the thermoplastic bag in which side seals or other seals are formed. Additionally or alternatively, the phased deformation patterns can provide for zones that provide differing properties (e.g., functional or aesthetic). Such zones can vary aligned along a width of the thermoplastic bag and optionally also vary along a height of the thermoplastic bag. The differing zones can provide the thermoplastic bags with phased deformations that provide leak prevention, liquid containment, and other benefits.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2024Publication date: August 8, 2024Inventors: Shaun T. BROERING, Matthew W. WALDRON, Jason R. MAXWELL, Robert T. DORSEY, Michael G. BORCHARDT, Edward B. TUCKER, Jack F. MELVAN, Richard D. PALMER, Deborah K. FIX
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Publication number: 20240253864Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-film thermoplastic bag with a grab zone of contact areas positioned in a high-touch area of the bag. For example, the multi-film thermoplastic bag includes one or more regions of a first film in contact with a second film at one or more contact areas. The grab zone regions of one or more contact areas are located in visible and high-touch areas to provide visual and tactile cues of strength and durability. Moreover, the grab zone regions of one or more contact areas serve to distribute pull and lift forces across a wider area in order to avoid common failures in high-touch areas such as over stretching, punctures, tears, and rips.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2024Publication date: August 1, 2024Inventors: Sarah J. Steensblock, Matthew W. Waldron, Shaun T. Broering, Deborah K. Fix, Justin Zickus, David A. Bailey, Jason R. Maxwell, Michael G. Borchardt, Edward B. Tucker
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Patent number: 12043451Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-film thermoplastic bag with a conjoined hem channel. For example, the multi-film thermoplastic bag includes a multi-film hem channel. Bonds secure the layers of the hem channel together so as to prevent a drawtape from inverting or bunching an inner layer of the hem channel during cinching. The bonds are thus located in a hem channel of a multi-film thermoplastic bag so as to reduce an amount of mechanical engagement between the films of the multi-film thermoplastic bag and another thermoplastic film such as a drawtape. In one or more implementations, a grab zone of the multi-film thermoplastic bag also includes bonds in the form of contact areas to provide tactile and visual cues of strength in the grab zone.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2022Date of Patent: July 23, 2024Assignee: The Glad Products CompanyInventors: Sarah J Steenblock, Edward B Tucker, Matthew W Waldron, Lehai Minh Pham Vu, John Prusinski, Shaun T Broering, Deborah K Fix, Justin Zickus, David A Bailey, Jason R Maxwell, Michael G Borchardt
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Patent number: 12017836Abstract: A thermoplastic bag includes structures that direct liquid away from areas of the bag more susceptible to failure and leaking. For example, one or more implementations include seals that direct liquid introduced into the bag away from corners of the bag. Additionally, one or more implementations include an insert positioned within the bag between the liquid directing structures such that the liquid directing structures direct liquid to the insert. In one or more implementations, the insert comprises an absorbent material. Thus, the liquid directing structures can direct liquid to a liquid absorbing insert.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2019Date of Patent: June 25, 2024Assignee: The Glad Products CompanyInventors: Ranyi Zhu, Michael G. Borchardt, Robert T. Dorsey, Jason R. Maxwell, Edward B. Tucker, Shaun T. Broering, Deborah K. Fix
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Publication number: 20240166415Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-film thermoplastic bag including a zone of contact areas between adjacent films with varying lamination. The contact areas comprise areas in which at least first and second thermoplastic films of the multi-film thermoplastic bag are in intimate contact and bonded together by heat and pressure. The contact areas help reinforce the bag due to increased stiffness provided by the contact areas, as well as distribute stresses/stain over more material, and thereby, help reduce tearing or other damage by stresses/strain from grasping fingers (e.g., during a grabbing motion to lift or carry) or objects being placed inside the bag. Additionally, the increased stiffness can provide a tactile feel that connotes strength to a user grasping the grab zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2024Publication date: May 23, 2024Inventors: Sarah J. Steenblock, Matthew W. Waldron, Edward B. Tucker, Shaun T. Broering, Deborah K. Fix, David A. Bailey
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Patent number: 11970310Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-film thermoplastic bag with a grab zone of contact areas positioned in a high-touch area of the bag. For example, the multi-film thermoplastic bag includes one or more regions of a first film in contact with a second film at one or more contact areas. The grab zone regions of one or more contact areas are located in visible and high-touch areas to provide visual and tactile cues of strength and durability. Moreover, the grab zone regions of one or more contact areas serve to distribute pull and lift forces across a wider area in order to avoid common failures in high-touch areas such as over stretching, punctures, tears, and rips.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2021Date of Patent: April 30, 2024Assignee: THE GLAD PRODUCTS COMPANYInventors: Sarah J. Steenblock, Matthew W. Waldron, Shaun T. Broering, Deborah K. Fix, Justin Zickus, David A. Bailey, Jason R. Maxwell, Michael G. Borchardt, Edward B. Tucker
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Publication number: 20240124196Abstract: A thermoplastic bag includes duplicative seals. In particular, in one or more implementations, a thermoplastic bag includes a first seal and at least a second seal reinforcing the same area of the thermoplastic bag. For instance, in one or more implementations, the thermoplastic bag includes multiple seals along each side edge or along the hem. If one seal fails, the other seal(s) can remain in place to prevent leaks. Thus, the duplicative seals of the thermoplastic bag can provide reinforced strength and desired aesthetics.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2023Publication date: April 18, 2024Inventors: Jason R. MAXWELL, Robert T. DORSEY, Michael G. BORCHARDT, Edward B. TUCKER, Jack F. MELVAN, Shaun T. BROERING, Matthew W. WALDRON, Richard D. PALMER, Deborah K. FIX, Zeljko VIDOVIC
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Patent number: 11958660Abstract: Thermoplastic bags with phased deformation patterns are described. In particular, one or more implementations comprise thermoplastic bags with ring rolling, SELFing, or other deformation patterns phased or aligned relative to the sides of the bags. The phased deformation patterns can allow for reducing or eliminating deformation patterns in areas of the thermoplastic bag in which side seals or other seals are formed. Additionally or alternatively, the phased deformation patterns can provide for zones that provide differing properties (e.g., functional or aesthetic). Such zones can vary aligned along a width of the thermoplastic bag and optionally also vary along a height of the thermoplastic bag. The differing zones can provide the thermoplastic bags with phased deformations that provide leak prevention, liquid containment, and other benefits.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2020Date of Patent: April 16, 2024Assignee: THE GLAD PRODUCTS COMPANYInventors: Shaun T. Broering, Matthew W. Waldron, Jason R. Maxwell, Robert T. Dorsey, Michael G. Borchardt, Edward B. Tucker, Jack F. Melvan, Richard D. Palmer, Deborah K. Fix
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Publication number: 20240043190Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-film thermoplastic structure include a first film having a first appearance in contact with a second film having a second appearance at one or more visually-distinct contact areas arranged into a text. Wherein the one or more visually-distinct contact areas, cause the first film to take on the second appearance of the second film. In one or more implementations the multi-film thermoplastic structure comprises a thermoplastic bag and text comprises a suffocation warning.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2023Publication date: February 8, 2024Inventors: Matthew W. Waldron, Sarah J. Steenblock, Shaun T. Broering, Deborah K. Fix, Edward B. Tucker, Jeffrey S. Stiglic
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Patent number: 11891213Abstract: A thermoplastic bag includes duplicative seals. In particular, in one or more implementations, a thermoplastic bag includes a first seal and at least a second seal reinforcing the same area of the thermoplastic bag. For instance, in one or more implementations, the thermoplastic bag includes multiple seals along each side edge or along the hem. If one seal fails, the other seal(s) can remain in place to prevent leaks. Thus, the duplicative seals of the thermoplastic bag can provide reinforced strength and desired aesthetics.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2020Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: The Glad Products CompanyInventors: Jason R. Maxwell, Robert T. Dorsey, Michael G. Borchardt, Edward B. Tucker, Jack F. Melvan, Shaun T. Broering, Matthew W. Waldron, Richard D. Palmer, Deborah K. Fix, Zeljko Vidovic
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Patent number: 11814225Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-film thermoplastic structure include a first film having a first appearance in contact with a second film having a second appearance at one or more visually-distinct contact areas arranged into a text. Wherein the one or more visually-distinct contact areas, cause the first film to take on the second appearance of the second film. In one or more implementations the multi-film thermoplastic structure comprises a thermoplastic bag and text comprises a suffocation warning.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2022Date of Patent: November 14, 2023Assignee: The Glad Products CompanyInventors: Matthew W Waldron, Sarah J Steenblock, Shaun T Broering, Deborah K Fix, Edward B Tucker, Jeffrey S Stiglic
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Patent number: 11807422Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a reinforced thermoplastic bag (e.g., comprising a bag-in-bag). In one or more embodiments, the reinforced thermoplastic bag includes a reinforced portion at a top-of-bag area where users often apply an external force to lift or carry the reinforced thermoplastic bag. In these or other embodiments, a grab-zone reinforcement insert is positioned across one or both of a hem channel region and a grab-zone along an outer surface, an inner surface, or between layers of the reinforced thermoplastic bag. In one or more embodiments, the grab-zone reinforcement insert comprises multiple layers (e.g., of a non-woven material). For example, the grab-zone reinforcement insert includes a first and second layer formed by a fold. In other implementations, the grab-zone reinforcement insert includes separate, discrete layers. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the grab-zone reinforcement insert is positionally affixed via a hem seal.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2021Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: The Glad Products CompanyInventors: Edward B. Tucker, Mark D. Pszczolkowski, Abhishek Dutta, Sarah J. Steenblock, Matthew W. Waldron, Shaun T. Broering, Deborah K. Fix, David A. Bailey, Jason R. Maxwell, Michael G. Borchardt, Nancy M. Mack-Roble, Rebecca S. Reuhs, Robert T. Dorsey, Kyle T. Diehl
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Patent number: 11535002Abstract: A multiple-ply thermoplastic film which exhibits elastic-like behavior along at least one axis when stretched or elongated and then released. The thermoplastic film comprises a plurality of raised rib-like elements extending in a direction perpendicular to a main surface of the thermoplastic film. The thermoplastic film further includes a plurality of web areas positioned about the plurality of raised rib-like elements. The plurality of raised rib-like elements and plurality of web areas are arranged in a complex pattern. The complex pattern, when stretched or elongated and then released, can cause areas of billowing and delamination between plies of the multiple-ply thermoplastic film. The resulting billowed and delaminated areas form billow pockets for capturing liquids that can capture liquids when one of the plies is punctured.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2020Date of Patent: December 27, 2022Assignee: The Glad Products CompanyInventors: Edward B. Tucker, Robert T. Dorsey, Michael G. Borchardt, Ranyi Zhu, Deborah K. Fix, Zeljko Vidovic, Lehai Vu
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Publication number: 20220324616Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a reinforced thermoplastic bag (e.g., comprising a bag-in-bag). In one or more embodiments, the reinforced thermoplastic bag includes a reinforced portion at a top-of-bag area where users often apply an external force to lift or carry the reinforced thermoplastic bag. In these or other embodiments, a grab-zone reinforcement insert is positioned across one or both of a hem channel region and a grab-zone along an outer surface, an inner surface, or between layers of the reinforced thermoplastic bag. In one or more embodiments, the grab-zone reinforcement insert comprises multiple layers (e.g., of a non-woven material). For example, the grab-zone reinforcement insert includes a first and second layer formed by a fold. In other implementations, the grab-zone reinforcement insert includes separate, discrete layers. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the grab-zone reinforcement insert is positionally affixed via a hem seal.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 9, 2021Publication date: October 13, 2022Inventors: Edward B. Tucker, Mark D. Pszczolkowski, Abhishek Dutta, Sarah J. Steenblock, Matthew W. Waldron, Shaun T. Broering, Deborah K. Fix, David A. Bailey, Jason R. Maxwell, Michael G. Borchardt, Nancy M. Mack-Roble, Rebecca S. Reuhs, Robert T. Dorsey, Kyle T. Diehl
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Publication number: 20220219864Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-film thermoplastic bag with a conjoined hem channel. For example, the multi-film thermoplastic bag includes a multi-film hem channel. Bonds secure the layers of the hem channel together so as to prevent a drawtape from inverting or bunching an inner layer of the hem channel during cinching. The bonds are thus located in a hem channel of a multi-film thermoplastic bag so as to reduce an amount of mechanical engagement between the films of the multi-film thermoplastic bag and another thermoplastic film such as a drawtape. In one or more implementations, a grab zone of the multi-film thermoplastic bag also includes bonds in the form of contact areas to provide tactile and visual cues of strength in the grab zone.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2022Publication date: July 14, 2022Inventors: Sarah J. Steenblock, Edward B. Tucker, Matthew W. Waldron, Lehai Minh Pham Vu, John Prusinski, Shaun T. Broering, Deborah K. Fix, Justin Zickus, David A. Bailey, Jason R. Maxwell, Michael G. Borchardt
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Publication number: 20220144516Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-film thermoplastic structure include a first film having a first appearance in contact with a second film having a second appearance at one or more visually-distinct contact areas arranged into a text. Wherein the one or more visually-distinct contact areas, cause the first film to take on the second appearance of the second film. In one or more implementations the multi-film thermoplastic structure comprises a thermoplastic bag and text comprises a suffocation warning.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2022Publication date: May 12, 2022Inventors: Matthew W Waldron, Sarah J Steenblock, Shaun T Broering, Deborah K Fix, Edward B Tucker, Jeffrey S Stiglic
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Publication number: 20220135285Abstract: Thermoplastic bags with phased deformation patterns are described. In particular, one or more implementations comprise thermoplastic bags with ring rolling, SELFing, or other deformation patterns phased or aligned relative to the sides of the bags. The phased deformation patterns can allow for reducing or eliminating deformation patterns in areas of the thermoplastic bag in which side seals or other seals are formed. Additionally or alternatively, the phased deformation patterns can provide for zones that provide differing properties (e.g., functional or aesthetic). Such zones can vary aligned along a width of the thermoplastic bag and optionally also vary along a height of the thermoplastic bag. The differing zones can provide the thermoplastic bags with phased deformations that provide leak prevention, liquid containment, and other benefits.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2020Publication date: May 5, 2022Inventors: Shaun T. BROERING, Matthew W. WALDRON, Jason R. MAXWELL, Robert T. DORSEY, Michael G. BORCHARDT, Edward B. TUCKER, Jack F. MELVAN, Richard D. PALMER, Deborah K. FIX
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Publication number: 20220081168Abstract: A thermoplastic bag includes duplicative seals. In particular, in one or more implementations, a thermoplastic bag includes a first seal and at least a second seal reinforcing the same area of the thermoplastic bag. For instance, in one or more implementations, the thermoplastic bag includes multiple seals along each side edge or along the hem. If one seal fails, the other seal(s) can remain in place to prevent leaks. Thus, the duplicative seals of the thermoplastic bag can provide reinforced strength and desired aesthetics.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 11, 2020Publication date: March 17, 2022Inventors: Jason R. MAXWELL, Robert T. DORSEY, Michael G. BORCHARDT, Edward B. TUCKER, Jack F. MELVAN, Shaun T. BROERING, Matthew W. WALDRON, Richard D. PALMER, Deborah K. FIX, Zeljko VIDOVIC
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Publication number: 20210155379Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-film thermoplastic bag with a grab zone of contact areas positioned in a high-touch area of the bag. For example, the multi-film thermoplastic bag includes one or more regions of a first film in contact with a second film at one or more contact areas. The grab zone regions of one or more contact areas are located in visible and high-touch areas to provide visual and tactile cues of strength and durability. Moreover, the grab zone regions of one or more contact areas serve to distribute pull and lift forces across a wider area in order to avoid common failures in high-touch areas such as over stretching, punctures, tears, and rips.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2021Publication date: May 27, 2021Inventors: Sarah J. Steenblock, Matthew W. Waldron, Shaun T. Broering, Deborah K. Fix, Justin Zickus, David A. Bailey, Jason R. Maxwell, Michael G. Borchardt, Edward B. Tucker
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Publication number: 20210130070Abstract: A thermoplastic bag includes structures that direct liquid away from areas of the bag more susceptible to failure and leaking. For example, one or more implementations include seals that direct liquid introduced into the bag away from corners of the bag. Additionally, one or more implementations include an insert positioned within the bag between the liquid directing structures such that the liquid directing structures direct liquid to the insert. In one or more implementations, the insert comprises an absorbent material. Thus, the liquid directing structures can direct liquid to a liquid absorbing insert.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2019Publication date: May 6, 2021Inventors: Ranyi Zhu, Michael G. Borchardt, Robert T. Dorsey, Jason R. Maxwell, Edward B. Tucker, Shaun T. Broering, Deborah K. Fix