Patents by Inventor Kevin P. Olechowski

Kevin P. Olechowski 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: 20160031608
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fold locking configuration for a reclosable package or bag wherein excess flange material which extends beyond the consumer graspable tab is reduced or eliminated. A patch covers an opening with upper and lower closure strips. After the patch is removed, a peel seal is opened to gain access to the contents of the package or bag. The package or bag is then folded over so that the upper and lower closure strips interengage or interlock so that the package is closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: February 4, 2016
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Kevin P. OLECHOWSKI, Eric PLOURDE
  • Patent number: 9242417
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 8549713
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 8202002
    Abstract: A reclosable vacuum storage bag that can be hermetically sealed by flat resealable means that extend across the full width of the bag. The flat resealable means are designed to provide a barrier to prevent ambient air from leaking into the evacuated interior volume of the bag. The storage bag is also provided with a plastic zipper. The flat resealable means can be arranged on the product side of the zipper, on the user side of the zipper, or in between two zippers installed in the storage bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. McMahon, Donald L. VanErden, Kevin P. Olechowski, Steven Ausnit, Stanley Piotrowski
  • Publication number: 20120053037
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: 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
  • Publication number: 20110283488
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: 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
  • Publication number: 20110083799
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to the attachment of polyethylene components, such as, but not limited to, zipper profiles for a reclosable package, to film made from polylactic acid. Functionalized polyolefin is laminated or co-extruded onto the polylactic acid and serves as an intermediate or tie layer for the attachment of the polyethylene components thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Eric PLOURDE, Kevin P. OLECHOWSKI, David J. ANZINI
  • Publication number: 20100166341
    Abstract: A reclosable vacuum storage bag that can be hermetically sealed by flat resealable means that extend across the full width of the bag. The flat resealable means are designed to provide a barrier to prevent ambient air from leaking into the evacuated interior volume of the bag. The storage bag is also provided with a plastic zipper. The flat resealable means can be arranged on the product side of the zipper, on the user side of the zipper, or in between two zippers installed in the storage bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. McMahon, Donald L. VanErden, Kevin P. Olechowski, Steven Ausnit, Stanley Piotrowski
  • Patent number: 7674039
    Abstract: A reclosable vacuum storage bag that can be hermetically sealed by flat resealable means that extend across the full width of the bag. The flat resealable means are designed to provide a barrier to prevent ambient air from leaking into the evacuated interior volume of the bag. The storage bag is also provided with a plastic zipper. The flat resealable means can be arranged on the product side of the zipper, on the user side of the zipper, or in between two zippers installed in the storage bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. McMahon, Donald L. VanErden, Kevin P. Olechowski, Steven Ausnit, Stanley Piotrowski
  • Patent number: 7636989
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a press-to-open zipper for reclosable packages are disclosed. In a first embodiment, extensions are formed obliquely on the consumer side the zipper profiles and are squeezed together to separate the zipper profiles and open the package. In a second embodiment, arched portions are formed on the product side of the zipper profile. These arched portions are squeezed together to separate the zipper profiles and open the package. In a third embodiment, one of the zipper profiles includes a rounded portion with a semi-circular cross section upon which interlocking elements are formed. By squeezing together the zipper profiles by the edges thereof, the profiles rotate with respect to each other about the rounded portion so as to release the interlocking of the interlocking elements and open the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Paul Plourde, Kevin P. Olechowski, Wendell T. Meeks, Thomas C. Carney
  • Patent number: 7543362
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a zipper for a reclosable package or bag and a method of forming thereof, wherein aligned apertures are cut into the zipper flanges proximate to the slider position when the package or bag is open. Portions of the front and rear walls of the package or bag extend through these apertures during the original manufacture of the bag, and are sealed to each other during the same sealing operation which seals the front and rear walls of the package or bag to the flanges of the zipper. The resulting seal between the front and rear walls, extending through the apertures in the zipper flanges, prevents the zipper profiles from opening in the portion where the slider is positioned when the reclosable package or bag is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tools Works Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin P. Olechowski
  • Patent number: 7478950
    Abstract: A reclosable slider zipper is disclosed wherein the profiles have several interlocking ribs thereby allowing the profiles to be interlocked in various alignments. A slider is provided to open and close the reclosable slider zipper. This results in increased reliability in alignment of the profiles during manufacturing processes and similarly results in increased smoothness and tactile feel for the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Eric P. Plourde, Kevin P. Olechowski
  • Publication number: 20080112652
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a zipper for a reclosable package or bag and a method of forming thereof, wherein aligned apertures are cut into the zipper flanges proximate to the slider position when the package or bag is open. Portions of the front and rear walls of the package or bag extend through these apertures during the original manufacture of the bag, and are sealed to each other during the same sealing operation which seals the front and rear walls of the package or bag to the flanges of the zipper. The resulting seal between the front and rear walls, extending through the apertures in the zipper flanges, prevents the zipper profiles from opening in the portion where the slider is positioned when the reclosable package or bag is open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Kevin P. Olechowski
  • Publication number: 20070289108
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a press-to-open zipper for reclosable packages are disclosed. In a first embodiment, extensions are formed obliquely on the consumer side the zipper profiles and are squeezed together to separate the zipper profiles and open the package. In a second embodiment, arched portions are formed on the product side of the zipper profile. These arched portions are squeezed together to separate the zipper profiles and open the package. In a third embodiment, one of the zipper profiles includes a rounded portion with a semi-circular cross section upon which interlocking elements are formed. By squeezing together the zipper profiles by the edges thereof, the profiles rotate with respect to each other about the rounded portion so as to release the interlocking of the interlocking elements and open the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Eric Paul Plourde, Kevin P. Olechowski, Wendell T. Meeks, Thomas C. Carney
  • Patent number: 7036988
    Abstract: A reclosable vacuum storage bag having a zipper that can be hermetically sealed after the zipper is closed and before the bag is evacuated. The hermetic seal can be provided by means of a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating on one of the two zipper strips or by means of a pair of cohesive coatings on confronting portions of the respective zipper strips. The coating or coatings run the entire length of the bag mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin P. Olechowski
  • Publication number: 20040161178
    Abstract: A reclosable vacuum storage bag having a zipper that can be hermetically sealed after the zipper is closed and before the bag is evacuated. The hermetic seal can be provided by means of a pressure-sensitive adhesive coating on one of the two zipper strips or by means of a pair of cohesive coatings on confronting portions of the respective zipper strips. The coating or coatings run the entire length of the bag mouth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Kevin P. Olechowski
  • Publication number: 20030101552
    Abstract: A variable alignment zipper (10) having a rib and groove interlocking means. The male interlocking profile (16) has a plurality of male ribs (26, 30, 32), each formed with a double-barbed end section. The male interlocking profile (16) is interlockable with a female interlocking profile (20), where the female interlocking profile (20) includes grooves (64, 68) formed by a plurality of male ribs (44, 48, 52). By varying the interlocking relationship of the male ribs (26, 30, 32) of the male interlocking profile (16) with the grooves (64, 68) of the female interlocking profile (20), the variable alignment zipper can align in any one of four positions for closure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: Eric P. Plourde, Kevin P. Olechowski