Patents by Inventor Kyle R. Wilcoxen

Kyle R. Wilcoxen 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).

  • Patent number: 11745461
    Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-layer film include a first layer non-continuously bonded to a second pigmented layer. The multi-layer film includes an unexpected appearance differing from the appearance of the pigmented layer. In one or more embodiments, the multi-layer film includes a metallic appearance despite the pigmented layer being devoid of metallic pigment. The multi-layer film also includes areas that are visually distinct from areas of the film with the unexpected appearance. The visually-distinct areas comprise areas in which the first layer non-continuously is in intimate contact with the second pigmented layer. The visually-distinct areas have the appearance of the pigmented layer or another appearance. One or more implementations also include methods of making multi-layer films and bags with an unexpected appearance and visually-distinct areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Kyle R Wilcoxen, Theodore J Fish, Jason R Maxwell, Kenneth E Cisek, Michael O Johnson
  • Publication number: 20220258449
    Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-layer film include a first layer non-continuously bonded to a second pigmented layer. The multi-layer film includes an unexpected appearance differing from the appearance of the pigmented layer. In one or more embodiments, the multi-layer film includes a metallic appearance despite the pigmented layer being devoid of metallic pigment. The multi-layer film also includes areas that are visually distinct from areas of the film with the unexpected appearance. The visually-distinct areas comprise areas in which the first layer non-continuously is in intimate contact with the second pigmented layer. The visually-distinct areas have the appearance of the pigmented layer or another appearance. One or more implementations also include methods of making multi-layer films and bags with an unexpected appearance and visually-distinct areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2022
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Inventors: Kyle R Wilcoxen, Theodore J Fish, Jason R Maxwell, Kenneth E Cisek, Michael O Johnson
  • Patent number: 11345118
    Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-layer film include a first layer non-continuously bonded to a second pigmented layer. The multi-layer film includes an unexpected appearance differing from the appearance of the pigmented layer. In one or more embodiments, the multi-layer film includes a metallic appearance despite the pigmented layer being devoid of metallic pigment. The multi-layer film also includes areas that are visually distinct from areas of the film with the unexpected appearance. The visually-distinct areas comprise areas in which the first layer non-continuously is in intimate contact with the second pigmented layer. The visually-distinct areas have the appearance of the pigmented layer or another appearance. One or more implementations also include methods of making multi-layer films and bags with an unexpected appearance and visually-distinct areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Kyle R. Wilcoxen, Theodore J. Fish, Jason R. Maxwell, Kenneth E. Cisek, Michael O. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20220097336
    Abstract: In one example, a plastic product such as a plastic bag includes one or more seals. One of the seals includes respective portions of first and second plastic films that are arranged one on top of the other. The respective portions are joined together and are aligned generally parallel to a direction of elongation associated with the plastic films, where the direction of elongation is a direction in which the plastic films elongate when under load. As well, the respective portions extend along a length of the joined plastic films and have a length that is greater than a length of the plastic films.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: Kyle R. Wilcoxen, Michael K. Kirk
  • Patent number: 11214034
    Abstract: In one example, a plastic product such as a plastic bag includes one or more seals. One of the seals includes respective portions of first and second plastic films that are arranged one on top of the other. The respective portions are joined together and are aligned generally parallel to a direction of elongation associated with the plastic films, where the direction of elongation is a direction in which the plastic films elongate when under load. As well, the respective portions extend along a length of the joined plastic films and have a length that is greater than a length of the plastic films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2022
    Assignee: THE GLAD PRODUCTS COMPANY
    Inventors: Kyle R. Wilcoxen, Michael K. Kirk
  • Patent number: 10994509
    Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-layer film include a first substantially un-pigmented layer non-continuously bonded to a second pigmented layer. The multi-layer film includes an unexpected appearance differing from the appearance of the pigmented layer. In one or more embodiments, the multi-layer film includes a metallic appearance despite the pigmented layer being devoid of metallic pigment. The multi-layer film also includes areas that are visually distinct from areas of the film with the unexpected appearance. The visually-distinct areas comprise areas in which the first substantially un-pigmented layer non-continuously bonded is in intimate contact with the second pigmented layer. The visually-distinct areas have the appearance of the pigmented layer. One or more implementations also include methods of making multi-layer films and bags with an unexpected appearance and visually-distinct areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Kyle R. Wilcoxen, Theodore J. Fish, Jason R. Maxwell, Kenneth E. Cisek, Michael O. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20200368995
    Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-layer film include a first layer non-continuously bonded to a second pigmented layer. The multi-layer film includes an unexpected appearance differing from the appearance of the pigmented layer. In one or more embodiments, the multi-layer film includes a metallic appearance despite the pigmented layer being devoid of metallic pigment. The multi-layer film also includes areas that are visually distinct from areas of the film with the unexpected appearance. The visually-distinct areas comprise areas in which the first layer non-continuously is in intimate contact with the second pigmented layer. The visually-distinct areas have the appearance of the pigmented layer or another appearance. One or more implementations also include methods of making multi-layer films and bags with an unexpected appearance and visually-distinct areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2020
    Publication date: November 26, 2020
    Inventors: Kyle R. Wilcoxen, Theodore J. Fish, Jason R. Maxwell, Kenneth E. Cisek, Michael O. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10780669
    Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-layer film include a first layer non-continuously bonded to a second pigmented layer. The multi-layer film includes an unexpected appearance differing from the appearance of the pigmented layer. In one or more embodiments, the multi-layer film includes a metallic appearance despite the pigmented layer being devoid of metallic pigment. The multi-layer film also includes areas that are visually distinct from areas of the film with the unexpected appearance. The visually-distinct areas comprise areas in which the first layer non-continuously is in intimate contact with the second pigmented layer. The visually-distinct areas have the appearance of the pigmented layer or another appearance. One or more implementations also include methods of making multi-layer films and bags with an unexpected appearance and visually-distinct areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Kyle R. Wilcoxen, Theodore J. Fish, Jason R. Maxwell, Kenneth E. Cisek, Michael O. Johnson
  • Patent number: 10538052
    Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-layer film include a first substantially un-pigmented layer non-continuously bonded to a second pigmented layer. The multi-layer film includes an unexpected appearance differing from the appearance of the pigmented layer. In one or more embodiments, the multi-layer film includes a metallic appearance despite the pigmented layer being devoid of metallic pigment. The multi-layer film also includes areas that are visually distinct from areas of the film with the unexpected appearance. The visually-distinct areas comprise areas in which the first substantially un-pigmented layer non-continuously bonded is in intimate contact with the second pigmented layer. The visually-distinct areas have the appearance of the pigmented layer. One or more implementations also include methods of making multi-layer films and bags with an unexpected appearance and visually-distinct areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Kyle R. Wilcoxen, Theodore J. Fish, Jason R. Maxwell, Kenneth E. Cisek, Michael O. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20190091966
    Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-layer film include a first substantially un-pigmented layer non-continuously bonded to a second pigmented layer. The multi-layer film includes an unexpected appearance differing from the appearance of the pigmented layer. In one or more embodiments, the multi-layer film includes a metallic appearance despite the pigmented layer being devoid of metallic pigment. The multi-layer film also includes areas that are visually distinct from areas of the film with the unexpected appearance. The visually-distinct areas comprise areas in which the first substantially un-pigmented layer non-continuously bonded is in intimate contact with the second pigmented layer. The visually-distinct areas have the appearance of the pigmented layer. One or more implementations also include methods of making multi-layer films and bags with an unexpected appearance and visually-distinct areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Kyle R. Wilcoxen, Theodore J. Fish, Jason R. Maxwell, Kenneth E. Cisek, Michael O. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20180194099
    Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-layer film include a first layer non-continuously bonded to a second pigmented layer. The multi-layer film includes an unexpected appearance differing from the appearance of the pigmented layer. In one or more embodiments, the multi-layer film includes a metallic appearance despite the pigmented layer being devoid of metallic pigment. The multi-layer film also includes areas that are visually distinct from areas of the film with the unexpected appearance. The visually-distinct areas comprise areas in which the first layer non-continuously is in intimate contact with the second pigmented layer. The visually-distinct areas have the appearance of the pigmented layer or another appearance. One or more implementations also include methods of making multi-layer films and bags with an unexpected appearance and visually-distinct areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2018
    Publication date: July 12, 2018
    Inventors: Kyle R. Wilcoxen, Theodore J. Fish, Jason R. Maxwell, Kenneth E. Cisek, Michael O. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9950489
    Abstract: The plastic bag may include flexible thermoplastic sidewalls that have a pattern imparted onto them. The wrinkle pattern may be a plurality of linear ribs formed into the sidewall that may be arranged adjacent and parallel to one another. To impart the pattern to the sidewall, a thermoplastic web used to make the sidewall may be directed between a first cylindrical roller and a second cylindrical roller, each of which may have a plurality of spaced ridges extending about their peripheries. When the web is directed between the first and second rollers, the meshing of the ridges may form ribs into the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Robert W. Fraser, Kyle R. Wilcoxen
  • Publication number: 20170305104
    Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-layer film include a first substantially un-pigmented layer non-continuously bonded to a second pigmented layer. The multi-layer film includes an unexpected appearance differing from the appearance of the pigmented layer. In one or more embodiments, the multi-layer film includes a metallic appearance despite the pigmented layer being devoid of metallic pigment. The multi-layer film also includes areas that are visually distinct from areas of the film with the unexpected appearance. The visually-distinct areas comprise areas in which the first substantially un-pigmented layer non-continuously bonded is in intimate contact with the second pigmented layer. The visually-distinct areas have the appearance of the pigmented layer. One or more implementations also include methods of making multi-layer films and bags with an unexpected appearance and visually-distinct areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2017
    Publication date: October 26, 2017
    Inventors: Kyle R. Wilcoxen, Theodore J. Fish, Jason R. Maxwell, Kenneth E. Cisek, Michael O. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9790012
    Abstract: Methods of enhancing one or more physical properties of a thermoplastic film include incrementally stretching thermoplastic films in the machine direction and/or transverse direction. In one or more implementations, methods of incrementally stretching thermoplastic films include reducing the gauge of the films while maintaining or increasing a ratio of the machine direction to transverse direction resistance to tear. The methods can involve cold stretching the films and imparting rib patterns into the film. The linear ribs can have alternating thick and thin gauges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Carl L. Bergman, Kyle R. Wilcoxen, Michael G. Borchardt, Stacie A. Palmer, Robert T. Dorsey, Jason R. Maxwell
  • Patent number: 9731475
    Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-layer film include a first substantially un-pigmented layer non-continuously bonded to a second pigmented layer. The multi-layer film includes an unexpected appearance differing from the appearance of the pigmented layer. In one or more embodiments, the multi-layer film includes a metallic appearance despite the pigmented layer being devoid of metallic pigment. The multi-layer film also includes areas that are visually distinct from areas of the film with the unexpected appearance. The visually-distinct areas comprise areas in which the first substantially un-pigmented layer non-continuously bonded is in intimate contact with the second pigmented layer. The visually-distinct areas have the appearance of the pigmented layer. One or more implementations also include methods of making multi-layer films and bags with an unexpected appearance and visually-distinct areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Kyle R. Wilcoxen, Theodore J. Fish, Jason R. Maxwell, Kenneth E. Cisek, Michael O. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9682801
    Abstract: Multi-layered bags include an outer layer or bag and an inner layer or bag that is shorter than the outer layer or bag. The shortened inner layer or bag can stretch or expand to the outer layer or bag when loaded with objects or otherwise strained. Such multi-layered bags can allow for a reduction in thermoplastic material without compromising the strength of the multi-layered bag. In various implementations, the inner layer or bag may be non-continuously laminated, continuously laminated, or joined only along one or more edges to the outer layer or bag. Implementations including non-continuous bonds securing the inner layer or bag to the outer layer or bag can provide additional strength to the bag. Methods of forming multi-layered bags with a shortened inner layer including inserting an inner layer within an outer layer and then joining the layers to form a bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Michael G. Borchardt, Kyle R. Wilcoxen, Robert W. Fraser, Robert T. Dorsey, Shaun T. Broering, Jack A. MacPherson, Scott Binger, Kenneth E. Cisek, Theodore J. Fish
  • Patent number: 9637278
    Abstract: Methods for creating multi-layered bags with increased or maintained strength involve forming a ribbed pattern in one or more film layers of a multi-layered bag. The method also includes non-continuously laminating the film layers of the multi-layered bag together. In one or more implementation, a transverse direction ring rolling process forms the ribbed pattern and bonds the film layers together. In one or more additional implementations, the ribbed pattern and lamination are formed separately. Still further implementations include forming network patterns one or more film layers of a multi-layered bag. Multi-layered bags formed in accordance with one or more implementations of the present invention include one or more of increased strength or reduced basis weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Michael G. Borchardt, Kyle R. Wilcoxen, Robert W. Fraser, Robert T. Dorsey, Shaun T. Broering, Jack A. MacPherson, Scott Binger, Ken Cisek, Theodore J. Fish
  • Publication number: 20170106619
    Abstract: In one example, a plastic product such as a plastic bag includes one or more seals. One of the seals includes respective portions of first and second plastic films that are arranged one on top of the other. The respective portions are joined together and are aligned generally parallel to a direction of elongation associated with the plastic films, where the direction of elongation is a direction in which the plastic films elongate when under load. As well, the respective portions extend along a length of the joined plastic films and have a length that is greater than a length of the plastic films.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: April 20, 2017
    Inventors: Kyle R. Wilcoxen, Michael K. Kirk
  • Patent number: 9522768
    Abstract: A plastic bag may include flexible thermoplastic sidewalls that have a pattern of ribs alternating between thinner areas. The ribs may also be alternating between two types of ribs having different lengths and shapes. The bag may also include a network pattern above the pattern of ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: The Glad Products
    Inventors: Kyle R. Wilcoxen, Robert W. Fraser
  • Patent number: 9387955
    Abstract: One or more implementations of a multi-layered bag with reinforced seals include an outer layer or bag and an inner layer or bag positioned within the outer layer or bag. The multi-layered bag further includes a draw tape positioned near the opening of the multi-layered bag. The draw tape can allow a user to at least partially close the multi-layered bag by drawing the layers of the bag together. The multi-layered bag further includes one or more tape seals that bond the draw tape to layers of the bag. The tape seals can be reinforced and include at least seven plies bonded together. One or more implementations further include methods of forming multi-layered bags with reinforced seals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Shaun T. Broering, Jason R. Maxwell, Robert W. Fraser, Robert T. Dorsey, Kyle R. Wilcoxen, Michael G. Borchardt