Patents by Inventor Jerry Reaves

Jerry Reaves 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: 20080034713
    Abstract: A quick change module operable for being removably attached to and extending below a forming tube of a conventional vertical form, fill, and seal machine to produce a wide assortment of differently sized vertical stand-up pouches or gusseted flat bottom bags. The quick change module comprises at least one pair of adjustable forming plates located below the forming tube. The lateral distance between each pair of forming plates can be adjusted by shifting the position of each forming plate along a corresponding slotted bracket. A gusseting mechanism mounted to the frame of the machine can be positioned between each pair of forming plates imparting a vertical crease along the length of the bag while it is being formed and advanced down the forming tube of the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: FRITO-LAY NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Garrett Kohl, Jerry Reaves, Steven Tucker, Jeryl White
  • Publication number: 20080000200
    Abstract: A flexible package having an integrated reclose strip, and method for manufacturing same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form and fill packaging machines. The reclose strip comprises a length of tacky two-sided adhesive tape. The apparatus for applying a reclose strip is incorporated into the mechanism which supplies the continuous sheet of packaging material to the vertical form, fill, and seal machine. The invention involves producing a pillow pouch or vertical stand-up pouch having an integrated reclose strip from a single sheet of packaging film. In one aspect, the reclose strip comprises a release liner on one side after package formation. In one aspect, the reclose strip comprises no release liner and is attached along the longitudinal axis of the sheet of packaging material such that the reclose strip is disposed in a channel or recess in the fill tube. The reclose strip permits the package to be reclosed after initial opening without folding the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: Martin Dierl, Jay Gehring, Anthony Knoerzer, Garrett Kohl, Jerry Reaves, Steven Tucker, Jeryl White
  • Publication number: 20070062161
    Abstract: A flexible package having an integrated reclose strip, and method for manufacturing same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form and fill packaging machines. The reclose strip comprises a length of tacky two-sided adhesive tape. The apparatus for applying a reclose strip is incorporated into the mechanism which supplies the continuous sheet of packaging material to the vertical form, fill, and seal machine. The invention involves producing a pillow pouch or vertical stand-up pouch having an integrated reclose strip from a single sheet of packaging film.. In one aspect, the reclose strip comprises a release liner on one side after package formation. In one aspect, the reclose strip comprises no release liner and is attached along the longitudinal axis of the sheet of packaging material such that the reclose strip is disposed in a channel or recess in the fill tube. The reclose strip permits the package to be reclosed after initial opening without folding the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Publication date: March 22, 2007
    Inventors: Martin Dierl, Jay Gehring, Anthony Knoerzer, Garrett Kohl, Jerry Reaves, Steven Tucker, Jeryl White
  • Publication number: 20060107619
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for providing end seals on vertical stand up packages that prevents pleat formation and gusset variation. A clamping device is mounted below sealing jaws. A bottom end seal is made by the sealing jaws to form an open-ended tube. The open-ended tube is moved downward. The clamping device engages the tube to prevent twisting when product is placed into the tube. Product then enters an open-ended tube of flexible film packaging and the top seal is made.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Publication date: May 25, 2006
    Inventors: Jerry Reaves, Jeryl White
  • Publication number: 20050210840
    Abstract: A quick change module operable for being removably attached to and extending below a forming tube of a conventional vertical form, fill, and seal machine to produce a wide assortment of differently sized vertical stand-up pouches or gusseted flat bottom bags. The quick change module comprises at least one pair of adjustable forming plates located below the forming tube. The lateral distance between each pair of forming plates can be adjusted by shifting the position of each forming plate along a corresponding slotted bracket. A gusseting mechanism mounted to the frame of the machine can be positioned between each pair of forming plates imparting a vertical crease along the length of the bag while it is being formed and advanced down the forming tube of the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Publication date: September 29, 2005
    Inventors: Garrett Kohl, Jerry Reaves, Steven Tucker, Jeryl White
  • Patent number: 5369936
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for producing a flexible package having a banner or coupon adhered thereto attach a continuous banner stock to a continuous web of packaging film. The united web is processed through a form, fill and seal apparatus wherein the web is fed to a vertical form-fill tube, formed into a tubular package preform, and sealed as the preform exits the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Recot, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Callahan, Stephen Holten, Jerry Reaves