Patents by Inventor Kenny E. McCracken
Kenny E. McCracken 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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Patent number: 10858147Abstract: Various embodiments of the container of the type with a semi-rigid or rigid container portion and reclosable header are provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2013Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Neil J. Kozarsky, Stephen P. Belko, John A. Caporaso, Frank J. Kelly, Robert E. Hogan, Eric Plourde, Kenny E. McCracken
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Patent number: 9498928Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 2, 2012Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Kenny E. McCracken, David C. Wallace, Clifton R. Howell
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Patent number: 9242417Abstract: The disclosure relates to a security zipper and bag, or one-time closable zipper and bag, and methods of manufacture thereof, wherein the zipper includes double zipper profiles with a layer or strip of adhesive positioned between the two interlocking elements of one of the zipper profiles. Upon the one-time closing of the zipper, the adhesive secures the two double zipper profiles together and prevents a subsequent opening of the zipper or bag without leaving evidence of such opening, such as damage to the zipper or bag. Alternately, adhesive can be provided within the female profiles, with a liner over the adhesive to prevent premature activation.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2011Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Kevin P. Olechowski, Eric Plourde, Robert C. Stolmeier, Kenny E. McCracken, Lawrence Share, Owen J. McGarel, David J. Anzini, Paul Michael Jenkins, Steven Ausnit
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Patent number: 8938860Abstract: A reclosable zipper is provided having first and second opposing profiles forming at least one pair of opposing flanges. The flanges have cutouts, such as notches or apertures, disposed adjacent to side edges of the profiles so as to define at least one pair of cutouts. When the profiles are sealed to opposing inner surfaces of package panels, portions of the panels seal to each other through the at least one pair of cutouts, providing a reinforcing structure to opposing ends of the zippers, thereby preventing the zipper ends from separating upon opening the package.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2010Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Howard Suckow, Jeffry C. Mauro, Kenny E. McCracken
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Publication number: 20130277367Abstract: Various embodiments of the container of the type with a semi-rigid or rigid container portion and reclosable header are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Neil J. KOZARSKY, Stephen P. BELKO, John A. CAPORASO, Frank J. KELLY, Robert E. HOGAN, Eric PLOURDE, Kenny E. MCCRACKEN
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Patent number: 8549713Abstract: A security zipper is provided, which includes a consumer side zipper pair and a product side zipper pair, where each zipper pair is capable of secure mating. Between the zipper pairs is an intermediate flange pair which is layered with an adhesive as well as an adhesive enhancer to securely connect the intermediate flange pair. A slider is provided over the consumer side zipper pair, the product side zipper pair and the intermediate flange pair which mates the zipper pairs and connects the intermediate flanges so that the zipper is securely closed. A bag is also disclosed, which includes the security zipper and a connected product side pouch. In addition, a method for manufacturing the bag is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: David J. Anzini, Eric Plourde, Robert C. Stolmeier, Lawrence Share, Owen J. McGarel, Tilak R. Varma, Kevin P. Olechowski, Paul Michael Jenkins, Kenny E. McCracken
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Patent number: 8424171Abstract: A length of flanged zipper material for reclosable packages or bags is provided with inverted T-shape endstops wherein the zipper profiles are crushed and the flanges are fused together. The reclosable packages or bags are separated at the mid-point of the inverted T-shaped endstops thereby forming L-shaped and reversed L-shaped endstops. The zipper flanges are fused together in the lower cross elements of the endstop thereby providing an area for the slider to be placed wherein the forces from distension of the package or bag walls are unlikely to exert forces to separate the slider from the zipper. This is particularly applicable to slider zippers wherein the flanges are attached to or substantially co-planar with the exterior sidewalls of the interlocking elements of the zipper profiles.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2007Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Kenny E. McCracken, David C. Wallace, Eric P. Plourde
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Publication number: 20120240528Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2012Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Kenny E. McCracken, David C. Wallace, Clifton R. Howell
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Publication number: 20120053037Abstract: The disclosure relates to a security zipper and bag, or one-time closable zipper and bag, and methods of manufacture thereof, wherein the zipper includes double zipper profiles with a layer or strip of adhesive positioned between the two interlocking elements of one of the zipper profiles. Upon the one-time closing of the zipper, the adhesive secures the two double zipper profiles together and prevents a subsequent opening of the zipper or bag without leaving evidence of such opening, such as damage to the zipper or bag. Alternately, adhesive can be provided within the female profiles, with a liner over the adhesive to prevent premature activation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Kevin P. Olechowski, Eric Plourde, Robert C. Stolmeier, Kenny E. McCracken, Lawrence Share, Owen J. McGarel, David J. Anzini, Paul Michael Jenkins, Steven Ausnit
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Publication number: 20110283488Abstract: A security zipper is provided, which includes a consumer side zipper pair and a product side zipper pair, where each zipper pair is capable of secure mating. Between the zipper pairs is an intermediate flange pair which is layered with an adhesive as well as an adhesive enhancer to securely connect the intermediate flange pair. A slider is provided over the consumer side zipper pair, the product side zipper pair and the intermediate flange pair which mates the zipper pairs and connects the intermediate flanges so that the zipper is securely closed. A bag is also disclosed, which includes the security zipper and a connected product side pouch. In addition, a method for manufacturing the bag is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2010Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: David J. ANZINI, Eric PLOURDE, Robert C. STOLMEIER, Lawrence SHARE, Owen J. MCGAREL, Tilak R. VARMA, Kevin P. OLECHOWSKI, Paul Michael JENKINS, Kenny E. MCCRACKEN
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Publication number: 20110185543Abstract: A reclosable zipper is provided having first and second opposing profiles forming at least one pair of opposing flanges. The flanges have cutouts, such as notches or apertures, disposed adjacent to side edges of the profiles so as to define at least one pair of cutouts. When the profiles are sealed to opposing inner surfaces of package panels, portions of the panels seal to each other through the at least one pair of cutouts, providing a reinforcing structure to opposing ends of the zippers, thereby preventing the zipper ends from separating upon opening the package.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2010Publication date: August 4, 2011Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Howard Suckow, Jeffry C. Mauro, Kenny E. McCracken
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Publication number: 20110185680Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus wherein extra mass is added to a profile of a slider zipper prior to the ultrasonic or thermal forming of the end stomps. This results in an end stomp of increased size and height, thereby providing a greater resistance to the slider being pulled from the ends of the zipper.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2010Publication date: August 4, 2011Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Charles Greco, David Keith, Glyn Russell, Eric P. Plourde, Kenny E. McCracken, Lars Wihlborg
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Patent number: 7635222Abstract: A package comprising: a receptacle comprising front and rear walls joined to each other at top and bottom cross seals and connected to each other along first and second sides of the receptacle, the front wall comprising a loop that projects outward and that extends across the front wall from the first side to the second side of the receptacle; and a pair of zipper strips having mutually interlocked profiles, the zipper strips being disposed inside and joined to the loop.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2005Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Eric Paul Plourde, John H. Pilarski, Rusty Koenigkramer, Kenny E. McCracken
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Publication number: 20080298726Abstract: A length of flanged zipper material for reclosable packages or bags is provided with inverted T-shape endstops wherein the zipper profiles are crushed and the flanges are fused together. The reclosable packages or bags are separated at the mid-point of the inverted T-shaped endstops thereby forming L-shaped and reversed L-shaped endstops. The zipper flanges are fused together in the lower cross elements of the endstop thereby providing an area for the slider to be placed wherein the forces from distension of the package or bag walls are unlikely to exert forces to separate the slider from the zipper. This is particularly applicable to slider zippers wherein the flanges are attached to or substantially co-planar with the exterior sidewalls of the interlocking elements of the zipper profiles.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2007Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventors: Kenny E. McCracken, David C. Wallace, Eric P. Plourde
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Publication number: 20080240625Abstract: The zipper assembly for a reclosable package or bag includes a zipper with exterior interlocking elements and flanges, and typically includes a slider. Additionally, a hinged secondary zipper formed from interior interlocking elements. A first interior interlocking element is hinged by an interior flange with respect to the first flange while the second interior interlocking element is attached to the second flange. The hinging of the secondary zipper causes forces or loads from within the reclosable package or bag to configure the secondary zipper in a shear configuration, rather than a peeling configuration, thereby increasing the interior burst strength of the package or bag.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2007Publication date: October 2, 2008Inventors: Kenny E. McCracken, Glyn Russell, Steven Ausnit
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Patent number: 7163338Abstract: A tamper-evident reclosable bag having a pull tab feature that facilitates opening of a header by a consumer. The pull tab feature is provided by an offset between the top and bottom webs (or front and rear walls) of the package. One web has a cutout while the other web has a portion that overlaps the cutout. The offset provides a simple means for the consumer to grasp only one of the webs of the package and then pull the webs apart or peel the offset web away from the cutout web. The peeled-away layer can be provided with a line of weakened tear resistance, allowing a section of the header to, at the same time, be torn off the package. After the tamper-evident seal provided by the header is broken, the consumer can open the zipper, gaining access to the contents of the package.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2003Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Kenny E. McCracken, Lewis Albert Haws
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Patent number: D712735Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2013Date of Patent: September 9, 2014Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Kenny E. McCracken, Frank J. Kelly, John A. Caporaso, Stephen P. Belko, Neil J. Kozarsky
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Patent number: D717646Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2013Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Eric Plourde, Kenny E. McCracken, Robert E. Hogan, Frank J. Kelly, John A. Caporaso, Stephen P. Belko, Neil J. Kozarsky
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Patent number: D730171Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2013Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Eric Plourde, Kenny E. McCracken, Robert E. Hogan, Frank J. Kelly, John A. Caporaso, Stephen P. Belko, Neil J. Kozarsky