Patents by Inventor Edward B. Tucker
Edward B. Tucker 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: 20240140650Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a reinforced thermoplastic bag with lofted regions. In one or more embodiments, the reinforced thermoplastic bag includes a reinforced portion with lofted regions 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 reinforcing strip 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 lofted regions increase the loft of the reinforced thermoplastic bag, improve the feel of the reinforced thermoplastic bag, and/or modify a look of the reinforced thermoplastic bag.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2022Publication date: May 2, 2024Inventors: Edward B. Tucker, Sarah J. Steenblock, Matthew W. Waldron
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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: 20240092537Abstract: The present disclosure relates to strata 2-ply drawstring trash bags implementing a J-flap extended hem to provide increased top-of-bag strength. In one or more embodiments, the J-flap extended hem includes a 2-ply web folded back on itself (e.g., during a hem folding operation to enclose the drawstring within a hem channel). In one or more implementations, a hem seal secures the 2-ply web to an inside surface of the trash bag. At least one ply of the 2 -ply web fold-over extends past the hem seal and is additionally secured to the inside surface of the trash bag via one or more hem skirt seals. For reduced material consumption in certain embodiments, the J-flap extended hem of the present disclosure imparts added strength using only one ply of the 2-ply web fold-over. In some embodiments, at least one ply of the 2-ply web fold-over includes ring-rolled portions to add top-of-bag strength.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2023Publication date: March 21, 2024Inventor: Edward B Tucker
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Patent number: 11897238Abstract: A thermoplastic film which embodies a three-dimensional pattern. The thermoplastic film comprises a three-dimensional pattern including at least three sub-patterns of deformations. The shape, positioning, and pattern deformation density of the at least three sub-patterns of deformations cause the three-dimensional pattern to give the thermoplastic film a thicker appearance.Type: GrantFiled: November 11, 2019Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: The Glad Products CompanyInventors: Edward B. Tucker, Robert T. Dorsey, Zeljko Vidovic
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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: 11891215Abstract: The present disclosure relates to strata 2-ply drawstring trash bags implementing a J-flap extended hem to provide increased top-of-bag strength. In one or more embodiments, the J-flap extended hem includes a 2-ply web folded back on itself (e.g., during a hem folding operation to enclose the drawstring within a hem channel). In one or more implementations, a hem seal secures the 2-ply web to an inside surface of the trash bag. At least one ply of the 2-ply web fold-over extends past the hem seal and is additionally secured to the inside surface of the trash bag via one or more hem skirt seals. For reduced material consumption in certain embodiments, the J-flap extended hem of the present disclosure imparts added strength using only one ply of the 2-ply web fold-over. In some embodiments, at least one ply of the 2-ply web fold-over includes ring-rolled portions to add top-of-bag strength.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2022Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: The Glad Products CompanyInventor: Edward B Tucker
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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: 11891214Abstract: Thermoplastic films and bags include gradient patterns of post-formation deformations. The gradient patterns of post-formation deformations can provide a connotation of strength. Additionally, the gradient pattern of post-formation deformations can provide different areas of the films or bags with different physical characteristics such as tear resistance, puncture resistance, elasticity, etc.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2020Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: The Glad Products CompanyInventors: Edward B Tucker, Robert T Dorsey, Ranyi Zhu, Theodore Cory Fites, Zeljko Vidovic, Michael G Borchardt, Jason R Maxwell, Shaun T Broering, Daniel C Peck
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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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Publication number: 20230356887Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fiber reinforced thermoplastic bag (e.g., comprising a bag-in-bag). In one or more embodiments, the reinforced thermoplastic bag includes a plurality of fibers reinforcing a top-of-bag area where users often apply an external force to lift or carry the reinforced thermoplastic bag. In certain embodiments, the plurality of fibers is positioned across at least a portion of a grab-zone. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of fibers reinforces a hem channel region. In particular embodiments, the plurality of fibers is positioned in between bag layers. For example, the plurality of fibers is sandwiched between an inner layer and an outer layer. In certain implementations, the plurality of fibers between layers is bonded to a particular layer, but not necessarily both layers. Additionally, the plurality of fibers can impart a variety of mechanical benefits. Further, the plurality of fibers is visually identifiable through one or both layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2023Publication date: November 9, 2023Inventors: David A. Bailey, Shaun T. Broering, Edward B. Tucker
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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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Publication number: 20230312201Abstract: 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, including a continuous contact area spanning a width of the structure. In one or more implementations the multi-film thermoplastic structure comprises a thermoplastic bag and the continuous contact area forms a hem seal near a top opening of the thermoplastic bag.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2023Publication date: October 5, 2023Inventors: Sarah J. Steenblock, Matthew W. Waldron, Karen McAffry, Edward B. Tucker, Shaun T. Broering
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Publication number: 20230031779Abstract: The present disclosure relates to thermoplastic bags having a drawtape within a hem, where the drawtape includes a deformation pattern of a plurality of ribs and a plurality of web areas. The plurality of ribs can include ribs that extend across the drawtape in a non-parallel direction with respect to the width of the drawtape (e.g., at an angle). In some instances, the non-parallel direction causes each rib to point towards a hem hole of the hem that exposes a portion of the drawtape. The plurality of ribs can further be mirrored across an axis that corresponds to a length of the drawtape. In some cases, the ribs are formed via a structural elastic-like film (SELF) process, such as a phased SELF process that leaves a portion of the drawtape without ribs.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2022Publication date: February 2, 2023Inventors: Edward B. Tucker, Zeljko Vidovic
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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: 20220219890Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a thermoplastic film that includes dual fragrance odor control. For example, the thermoplastic can film include a first fragrance component, such as a neat oil applied directly thereon. The thermoplastic film can also include an encapsulated fragrance component applied thereon. The encapsulated fragrance component can include a fragrance encapsulated within a plurality of encapsulants and can be configured to delay a release of the fragrance, such as until there is a physical interaction applied to the thermoplastic film.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2022Publication date: July 14, 2022Inventors: Jeffrey S Stiglic, Dean A Ferracane, Edward B Tucker, Jacqueline E Yee, Christopher G Anderson
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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: 20220219865Abstract: The present disclosure relates to strata 2-ply drawstring trash bags implementing a J-flap extended hem to provide increased top-of-bag strength. In one or more embodiments, the J-flap extended hem includes a 2-ply web folded back on itself (e.g., during a hem folding operation to enclose the drawstring within a hem channel). In one or more implementations, a hem seal secures the 2-ply web to an inside surface of the trash bag. At least one ply of the 2-ply web fold-over extends past the hem seal and is additionally secured to the inside surface of the trash bag via one or more hem skirt seals. For reduced material consumption in certain embodiments, the J-flap extended hem of the present disclosure imparts added strength using only one ply of the 2-ply web fold-over. In some embodiments, at least one ply of the 2-ply web fold-over includes ring-rolled portions to add top-of-bag strength.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2022Publication date: July 14, 2022Inventor: Edward B. Tucker